RTHK: Shredded Banksy canvas sells for record US$25.38m A partially shredded canvas of one of Banksy's most celebrated works sold at auction in London on Thursday for US$25.38 million, a new record for the British artist, three years after the artwork was bought for a fraction of that price. The artwork now called "Love is in the Bin" sold for nearly US$1.5 million at the same Sotheby's auction house location in October 2018, before it dramatically passed through a shredder hidden in the large Victorian-style frame moments later. The surreal prank was orchestrated by the elusive and irreverent Banksy, whose identity is said to be known to only a handful of friends, and caused a global sensation. Thursday evening's sale, which saw nine bidders battle for around 10 minutes for the work formerly called "Girl With Balloon", beats the previous record of US$22.9 million set for Banksy in March. Bidding for "Love is in the Bin" quickly climbed from the starting price of $3.42 million, with auctioneer Oliver Barker revelling in the drama. "I can't tell you how terrified I am to bring down this hammer," he said as the final bid went unchallenged. The work was reportedly sold to a private investor. "It is almost three years to the day since one of the most ingenious moments of performance art this century made auction history," Alex Branczik of Sotheby's said following the record haul. "Banksy is no stranger to making headlines and this latest chapter in his story has captured imaginations across the world we can only begin to guess what might come next." (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-10-14. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. RTHK: Property heir Durst jailed for life for murder A California judge on Thursday sentenced property heir Robert Durst to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering his best friend Susan Berman in 2000, in a long-delayed punishment for a man who mostly evaded the law over 39 years. Durst, 78 and in poor health, appeared dejected and was slumped in his wheelchair during the hearing, unshaven and disheveled in his Los Angeles County jail uniform. A much more confident and robust Durst had defiantly jousted with filmmakers in a 2015 documentary series when he seemed to inadvertently confess to murder on microphone. Durst, a multimillionaire whose grandfather founded one of New York City's premier real estate companies, was long a suspect but never charged in the disappearance of his wife Kathleen McCormack, who went missing in New York in 1982. Survivors of Berman who spoke at the hearing pleaded with Durst to reveal where he hid his wife's body, saying it might grant him a chance at some redemption. "He should let us know where Kathie's body is so her family can get some closure," said David Berman, the victim's cousin. Susan Berman's relatives expressed some remorse on her behalf, as evidence from the trial indicated Berman helped provide Durst with a false alibi in McCormack's disappearance. Prosecutors alleged that Durst killed Berman because he feared she would finally reveal what she knew to authorities. Last month a jury found Durst guilty of shooting Berman, 55, in the back of the head in her Beverly Hills home. The jury also found him guilty of the special circumstances of lying in wait and killing a witness, which carry a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. Superior Court Judge Mark Windham, who pronounced the sentence, also denied a defense request for a new trial, saying there was "overwhelming evidence of guilt" that was proven many times over. The trial came six years after Durst's apparent confession was aired in the HBO television documentary series "The Jinx," in which Durst, who was still wearing a live microphone after an interview, went into a bathroom and said to himself, "What the hell did I do? ... Killed them all, of course." (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2021-10-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Eskom, City of Johannesburg sign power MOU Eskom and the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) have entered into a memorandum of understanding which is expected to facilitate the transfer or sale of electricity distribution in certain parts of the city from Eskom to municipality's power utility, City Power. The development comes a week after the CoJ signed a power purchase agreement with private electricity supplier Kelvin Power Station to add 100MW of electricity supply sent to the city. Eskom emphasised, however, that the transaction itself has not yet been concluded with affected stakeholders also expected to participate in the decision making process. Should an agreement be reached on the discussions, the parties will seek the requisite regulatory approvals and give the affected customers an opportunity to contribute to a settlement in a public participation process. Among the regulators from whom approvals are required are the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), National Treasury, and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the power utility said. According to Eskom, the areas which are expected to be affected by the transfer or sale include parts of Soweto, Sandton, Orange Farm, Ivory Park and Diepsloot. Eskom explained that in terms of the memorandum of understanding, City Power will undertake a due diligence study of the power utilitys existing assets and infrastructure in those areas. The due diligence study will consider, among others, the state and value of the infrastructure that would eventually be sold to City Power, the outstanding debt owed by customers to Eskom, and other corporate information that will be material to an eventual agreement. City of Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Moerane said the MOU signals the beginning of the citys plan to find a long term solution to power supply challenges in the city. What remains now is for City Power and Eskom to explore, in detail, how the takeover from the national utility by our municipal entity can be best executed. Once these plans are finalised and agreed upon by all parties, we will update Johannesburg residents on progress and timelines, Moerane said. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-10-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: KZN municipalities urged to reduce unnecessary water losses KwaZulu-Natal municipalities and the provincial Water and Sanitation Department have been urged to step up measures to curb water losses. Addressing water services authorities on the second day of a working session at Olive Convention Centre in eThekwini on Thursday, Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, emphasised that the scale of water losses in the province is alarmingly high, and this is due to leaks, burst pipes, illegal connections, vandalism and ageing infrastructure. It is the right of the communities to receive water from us, it is not a favour, and it is also important to note that water is the main priority and the main supporter of life. This is a commodity that is not in abundance in the country, Mchunu said. Mchunu encouraged municipalities and the provincial department to endeavour to unearth innovative ideas of utilising rainwater. This proposal is triggered by the fact that recently, KwaZulu-Natal has been getting the highest rainfall in the country on average. Joined by his deputies, David Mahlobo and Dikeledi Magadzi, Mchunu is on a ministerial visit to KwaZulu-Natal to assess the state of water projects. The visit also includes meetings with various stakeholders to assess the status of water and sanitation security, focusing on the deficit of availability of water resources and funding required for water infrastructure, among others. Mahlobo reiterated the issue of water losses as a matter of grave concern that needs to be urgently attended to. Mahlobo noted that eThekwini Metro is losing the most amount of water in the country, with the Newcastle District Municipality losing approximately 30 million litres of water on a daily basis. This is a clear indication that the gravity of water losses in the province is extremely huge, the Deputy Minister said. Magadzi said a comprehensive strategy is required in order to recoup lost water. She stressed that wasteful utilisation of water is a thing of the past, and urged municipalities to move towards ensuring the installation of meters in order to receive revenue. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-10-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Sanef celebrates 25 years of media freedom The South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) is celebrating 25 years of championing media freedom and will hold a fundraising dinner to mark this milestone today. SANEF was born when two influential organisations united to build a formidable institution that was instrumental in the protection of media and the publics right to know about the affairs of the country. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the disaster relief organisation, Gift of the Givers, will deliver the keynote address, under the title, The role and importance of independent journalism and active citizenry in a weak State. Sooliman was this week crowned the Social Justice Champion of 2021. SANEF will also use the event to commemorate 44 years since the tragic events of 19 October 1977, when scores of journalists and black consciousness leaders were detained and banned by the apartheid regime in a desperate attempt to stop them from exposing atrocities by an oppressive regime against the people of the country. Today, the work of fearless people like Percy Qoboza, Don Mattera, Mathatha Tsedu, Joe Tlholoe and Aggrey Klaaste, to name a few, continues to inspire us that there is more to do as we seek to safeguard hard earned freedoms, like freedom of expression. We know of the current challenges faced by journalists, not only locally, but the world over. We are driven to continue doing and acceding to the organisations founding principles, said Sbu Ngalwa, Sanef chairperson. The fundraising dinner will also see the launch of a commemorative booklet marking Sanefs 25th birthday. It documents the struggles, victories and challenges ahead for defenders of freedom. As Sanef, we are thankful to all those who continue to support the work Sanef does, anchored in Article 16 of the Constitutions Bill of Rights that guarantees press freedom. We urge South Africans to continue being the first line of defence for our journalists and their work and underscoring that a free media is a critical tenet of a healthy democracy, Sanef said in a statement. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-10-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Strides made in interventions for military veterans Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele says government is going to great lengths to address the issues faced by military veterans in the country. Gungubele was leading a media briefing of the Presidential Task Team (PTT) on Military Veterans to update the public on government interventions and the comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by military veterans. This comes after 56 suspects believed to be military veterans were arrested after allegedly holding Gungubele; the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise and her Deputy Thabang Makwetla hostage in Tshwane on Thursday evening. Gungubele said as part of the PTT, Deputy President David Mabuza has been holding extensive discussions with military veterans and their associations in a bid to resolve the challenges. The engagement between government and the military associations has thus far been productive and cordial, even though discussions have been difficult. Therefore, in our view, there was no reason for this group to act in an unlawful manner as it transpired last night. The work of the PTT has proceeded well and has delivered on its commitment to continuous engagements with military veterans in a bid to resolve issues raised. We are able to confirm that our understanding is that all the parties were appreciative of the work that has been done to date, Gungubele said. According to Gungubele, some of governments interventions for military veterans to date include: A draft bill to amend the Military Veterans Act to deal with some of the discrepancies in the act such as the definition of a military veteran; provisions of healthcare benefits to the dependents of military veterans, and means tests criteria. The review of the Special Pension Act. The development of the Pension Policy. Work around the Presidential pardons and expungement of criminal records for some of the members. Social relief of distress and the housing for their members. Involvement of some of the members in socio-economic activities. Repatriation of the remains of military members and the erection of the monuments in the host countries and memorialisation of fallen heroes. Support on education of the children of the combatants. Provision of land for farming and human settlement. Other interventions still being undertaken include more socio-economic support, a verification of the military veterans database and matters related to heritage. Modise said government is still open to hear every military vet and engage their grievances. She dismissed any suggestions that their lives felt threatened during the hostage ordeal. We are willing to go to any length to hear concerns of any citizen. I am prepared to have a meeting with any military veteransincluding this grouping. We should be proud as South Africans that we can sit amongst our veteransWe did not feel in any danger, she said. However, Modise strongly condemned the incident and said she was uncomfortable with being held against her will. We were unhappy about being refused to leave when the meeting clearly had aborted. We do not think that any citizen, whether they had volunteered to fight for the liberation of this country, has any right to interfere with any individual. Every citizen, every South African, has the right to sit, to walk where they want and therefore, no legitimate demand of any citizen gives that citizen the right to deprive other citizens, she said. Modise said she will instruct her department to open an investigation into where resources meant for the benefit of military veterans have ended up. I am upfront with saying that with the amounts of resources poured into the Department of Military Veterans, our military veterans should be better off than where they are now. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-10-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: R29m waste management intervention for Mangaung Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister, Makhotso Sotyu, on Friday announced a ground-breaking R29 million waste management intervention for Mangaung Metro Municipality in the Free State province. This intervention is in response to a request for assistance from Mangaung Metro Municipality due to waste management challenges and financial budget constraints that the municipality is facing, said Sotyu. The waste management intervention for Mangaung is implemented under the auspices of the Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWP) through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), contributing towards environmental protection, conservation and sustainability, whilst creating work opportunities, and providing skills development to enable beneficiaries to secure permanent employment. The department is supporting municipalities to include environmental priorities in Local Economic Development Plans, Disaster Management Plans and Integrated Development Plans. Upon receiving the request from Mangaung, I instructed the department to draft a comprehensive plan to assist the metro to improve waste management in the municipality. The intervention, which we have prioritised and is funded by the department [to the tune of] about R29 million, is meant to improve landfill operations, revitalise the two buy-back centres and [see the] clearing of illegal dumping and street cleaning, Sotyu said at the ceremony to announce the waste management intervention. The Deputy Minister kick-started her visit to Mangaung with an oversight visit to the Pelonomi ambient air quality monitoring station. Ambient monitoring stations provide valuable information that informs the development of several tools and strategies to improve the quality of air. Mangaung has three air quality monitoring stations located in Bayswater, Kagisanong Community Centre and Penolomi. The stations fell into disrepair a few years ago, but the DFFE intervened to ensure that they are functional. The Penolomi station is now operational and reporting to South African Air Quality Information Systems (SAAQIS). Information from Pelonomi station shows that air pollution is of concern in the metro, especially particulate matter. Transport-related emissions are most intense in Mangaung and along the major road networks linking the city to surrounding provinces. Despite government efforts over the years, particulate matter and sulphur dioxide continue to be the key pollutants of concern across the country, especially in the metropolitan municipalities. As we continue to monitor the quality of air at Pelonomi station, a station we visited today, such poor air quality challenges are prevalent in the municipality. These impacts disproportionately affect the poor communities the most, as they are most vulnerable to unhealthy environments, Sotyu said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-10-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: Paul Chan attends Guangzhou forum Financial Secretary Paul Chan today met Hong Kong young people who started their businesses in the Mainland and attended a meeting of the first Pearl River International Trade Forum in Guangzhou. In the morning, Mr Chan exchanged views with young Hong Kong entrepreneurs of the Guangzhou Hongkong & Macau Youth Association and the youth entrepreneurial teams of startup service platform Gungho Space. He learnt more about their startup experience and work and life in the Mainland, as well as the challenges they faced and support they needed in starting businesses there. Mr Chan said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government encourages the citys youth to explore the opportunities in taking up employment and starting businesses in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to expand their options and room for career development. Noting the Mainlands efforts to facilitate policies and initiatives, he encouraged young people to grasp the precious opportunity, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government will support and assist them. He also attended a luncheon hosted by Guangzhou Executive Vice Mayor Zhang Yong. In the afternoon, Mr Chan took part in the Forum on International Trade & Cooperation of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In his opening remarks, he said the National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in enhancing its status as an international financial, trade and transportation centre and an international aviation hub, as well as promoting service industries for high-end and high value-added development. Mr Chan pointed out that the Outline Development Plan for the bay area announced earlier also established Hong Kongs status as an international aviation hub of the bay area. He said Hong Kong will proactively integrate into the countrys overall development and achieve co-ordinated development with fellow bay area cities under the countrys dual circulation development strategy. The plan will drive trade, aviation and logistics industries to the next level and develop the region into an international first class bay area and a world-class city cluster. Such a strategy will also sustain Hong Kongs economic development while serving the country, Mr Chan added. This story has been published on: 2021-10-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Twitter: @J_Keelerman The U.S. racing calendar is close to entering its annual lull leading up to the Breeders' Cup. But before top-class racing action goes on its brief hiatus, there are a couple of Grade 1 races to contest at Keeneland and Woodbine this week. Let's dig into the entries and settle on our selections: Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland on Saturday Ten years ago, Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien pulled off a remarkable feat with a three-year-old filly named Together. First, he shipped her to Keeneland to face older rivals in the one-mile First Lady S. (G1), where she rallied gamely to finish second. Then O'Brien kept Together at Keeneland to contest the 1 1/8-mile Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup one week later, which she promptly won in comfortable fashion. Will history repeat itself with O'Brien's sophomore filly #4 Empress Josephine in the Saturday's renewal of the Queen Elizabeth? It's certainly possible. A beautifully bred daughter of Galileo out of multiple Group 1 winner Lillie Langtry, Empress Josephine has already proven her worth against elite competition in Europe, battling to victory in the Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1) during the spring. But Empress Josephine has also displayed promising form at Keeneland. Taking a page out of Together's book, Empress Josephine contested the First Lady last week and rallied gamely to finish third, beaten only one length in a somewhat slow early/fast late race won by the pacesetter. With this encouraging stateside debut under her belt, Empress Josephine is eligible to come right back and produce a winning effort in the Queen Elizabeth. Notably, she'll add blinkers on Saturday, setting the stage for a more forwardly placed journey. For second place, we'll favor #3 Shantisara. The versatile Chad Brown trainee dominated the 1 1/8-mile Pucker Up S. (G3) at Arlington Park with a sharp rally from off the pace, then came back to nab the 1 3/8-mile Jockey Club Oaks with a pace-pressing trip, suggesting Shantisara is capable of adapting to any pace scenario under high-percentage jockey Flavien Prat. E. P. Taylor S. (G1) at Woodbine on Sunday An excellent field has assembled for the E. P. Taylor, a 1 1/4-mile turf test for fillies and mares. All ten entrants are stakes winners, and many have won at the grade or group level. There are some formidable names among the proven Woodbine campaigners. #2 Etoile, for example, won the 2020 E. P. Taylor by a hard-fought neck over #3 Court Return. Both remain in good form; Etoile enters off a runner-up effort in the 1 1/4-mile Dance Smartly S. (G2) behind #6 Mutamakina, while Court Return exits a second-place finish in the 1 1/8-mile Canadian S. (G2) behind the rapidly improving #10 La Dragontea. There are also a couple of capable European raiders in the fray. #1 Waliyak arrives fresh off a victory in the 1 1/8-mile Prix Bertrand de Tarragon (G3) in France, while #9 Keyflower enters off four consecutive top-three finishers, including a win in the Prix Occitanie. But both the locals and the internationals may be overshadowed in the E. P. Taylor by #8 Great Island. Conditioned by Chad Brown (renowned for his success training grass mares), Great Island is a talented, consistent, and improving daughter of Scat Daddy. The five-year-old mare hasn't missed the trifecta in eight starts, and her form lines this season just keep getting better. Two starts back, Great Island was deceptively impressive in the 1 1/8-mile Matchmaker S. (G3) at Monmouth Park, finishing furiously into a modest pace to prevail by half a length. And Great Island ran just as well or better in the 1 3/8-mile Flower Bowl S. (G1) at Saratoga, last month, tracking the pace before settling for second place behind probable Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) favorite War Like Goddess. Racing 1 3/8 miles in the Flower Bowl possibly stretched the limits of Great Island's stamina, but even still, she battled on gamely to edge stablemate My Sister Nat by a nose for the runner-up spot. This performance was flattered when My Sister Nat came right back to win the Waya S. (G3). Cutting back to 1 1/4 miles for the E. P. Taylor should suit Great Island just fine, so we won't get too creative here. We'll count on Great Island to take home top honors and secure her first top-level win. Now it's your turn! Who do you like in the Grade 1 stakes this weekend? ***** Want to test your handicapping skills against fellow Unlocking Winners readers? Check out the Unlocking Winners contests pagethere's a new challenge every week! (Please note: older contest entries can be found here.) J. Keeler Johnson (also known as "Keelerman") is a writer, videographer, voice actor, handicapper, and all-around horse racing enthusiast. A great fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. Teenager receives support after losing five family members to Covid-19 Dantri/Dtinews has just transferred over VND 75 million which readers sent to support a poor teenager, Nguyen Thi Mai Khanh, who lost five family members to Covid-19 in HCM City. A Dantri representative (first from right) gives the donations to Nguyen Thi Mai Khanh (second from right) at her house The money included VND 67,560,000 (USD2,937) sent by readers to the Dantri/Dtinews Charity Fund and VND 8 million scholarship from the Vietnam Study Promotion Fund. The 14-year-old girl said she was overwhelmed by the huge amount of support she had received from the public. "I want to say thank you very much for your support," she said. "Ill return to school and try to study for my future," she said. Earlier on September 28, Dantri Newspaper also presented VND 5 million to Mai Khanh after initially hearing about her story. In July, Mai Khanh had witnessed her aunt and father dying at home due to Covid-19. Then her mother, grandfather, and grandmother also died at hospitals in August when the pandemic peaked in HCM City. Her uncle Nguyen Thanh Hung said that the losses had struck his niece. "Khanh cried and stayed in bed all day and did not want to talk to anyone," he said. "She did not want to continue studying." But she has gradually returned to normal life again," the uncle said. "She has started to go out and play with her cousins and wants to return to school." The teenager is now living with her uncle's family. The uncle also expressed thanks to kind donors for helping his family during this hard time. "I will deposit the money and use it to cover Khanhs education costs," he said. Vietnam receives nearly 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine donated by Poland, RoK The Ministry of Health on October 15 received nearly 2 million doses of COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine presented by Poland and the Republic of Korea (RoK) to help Vietnam battle against the pandemic. At the handover ceremony. (Source: suckhoedoisong.vn) This time, the Government and people of Poland offered 887,700 doses of vaccine to Vietnam, which arrived in the country on October 14. Poland previously presented 501,600 AstraZeneca doses to the Southeast Asian nation. Meanwhile, the Government and people of the RoK donated 1.1 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Vietnam, which were delivered on October 13 night. At the handover ceremony, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Wojciech Gerwel said that the Government and people of Poland are thankful to the Vietnamese community in Poland for their support during the European countrys COVID-19 fight. For his part, Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Park Noh-wan said the RoK side is considering the possibility of granting an additional 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Vietnam in the coming time. Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen thanked the governments and people of Poland and the RoK for their assistance to Vietnams COVID-19 fight in particular and public health services in general. He expressed his wish to receive more support from the governments and people of Poland and the RoK in the coming time. He underlined that Vietnamese agencies are exerting efforts to speed up vaccinations to reach herd immunity as soon as possible. Xi stresses enhancing whole-process people's democracy Xinhua) 07:48, October 15, 2021 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Du Mingming) Xi sends congratulatory letter to 130th Canton Fair Xinhua) 07:50, October 15, 2021 Photo taken on Oct. 9, 2021 shows "Bee" and "Honey", mascots of the 130th session of the China Import and Export Fair, during a press conference in south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Du Mingming) China announces Shenzhou-13 crew, including first female to space station Xinhua) 07:53, October 15, 2021 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. (Xinhua/ Wang Jiangbo) 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Du Mingming) Putin says AUKUS harms regional stability Xinhua) 07:57, October 15, 2021 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Du Mingming) Chinese envoy calls on Colombian parties to advance peace process Xinhua) 08:28, October 15, 2021 UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on Colombian parties to build on the current momentum to advance the implementation of the five-year-old peace agreement. In the past five years, the peace agreement has been steadily implemented, the peace process continues to be advanced, and remarkable results have been achieved thanks to the concerted efforts of the government and all other parties, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. China welcomes the Colombian government's creation of special transitional electoral districts, which gives people in previously conflict-affected areas the opportunity to participate in national elections for the first time. This is important progress in the implementation of the peace agreement, he told the Security Council. China commends the efforts made by all Colombian parties in this connection, and looks forward to the successful holding of national elections next year, which will create an enabling environment for the follow-up implementation of the peace agreement, he said. "The implementation of the peace agreement is a complex and systematic project that requires the Colombian government and all parties to make unremitting efforts and sustained inputs, and consolidate hard-won achievements," said Geng. "We have noted that there is still a gap between the progress in the implementation of the peace agreement and the expected goals. A lot more needs to be done in some parts of the country to improve the security situation, protect the safety and security of former combatants and allocate land to them, among others." China hopes that the Colombian government and all parties will work together to maintain the current momentum, promote the implementation of the peace agreement in a balanced manner, and boost the confidence and support of all sectors of society for the peace process, he said. China supports Colombia in deepening rural and land reforms, and accelerating the reintegration of ex-combatants into society. Public services need to be further improved. The replacement of illicit crops cultivation and other projects that benefit the people need to be carried out in an all-out manner. All these efforts will create a solid economic and social foundation for the long-term peace and stability in Colombia, said Geng. The UN Verification Mission in Colombia has done a tremendous amount of work to support the implementation of the peace agreement. China supports the extension of the mission's mandate, he said. China hopes that the mission will facilitate greater dialogue and consultation between the Colombian government and former combatants to resolve differences and problems arising in the implementation of the peace agreement. At the same time, the mission should strengthen coordination with the UN country team and play a positive role in the early achievement of lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in Colombia, he said. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Du Mingming) U.S. always seeks to demonize rising China: British writer Xinhua) 08:39, October 15, 2021 Photo taken on Aug. 26, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) The United States has sought to demonize China and enlist allies against it, Fowdy wrote. MOSCOW, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United States will always find a reason to blame, attack, or demonize a rising China, said British writer Tom Fowdy in an article published by Russian broadcaster RT recently. "The blindingly obvious geopolitical reality is that America will not accept a rival power" that weakens its Pax-Americana unipolar control since 1991, Fowdy, a political and international relations analyst with a primary focus on East Asia, wrote in the op-ed piece published on Monday. "It is not a surprise, therefore, that the United States has accordingly sought to demonize China and enlist allies against it, and subsequently uses Beijing's own retaliations to this process as further cause to demonize it," said the article. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Du Mingming) China welcomes foreign astronauts to space station flights Xinhua) 08:46, October 15, 2021 JIUQUAN, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Astronauts from foreign countries will be able to participate in joint flights on board China's space station, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Thursday. China welcomes foreign astronauts to its space station to carry out international cooperation, Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA, 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. "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. Chinese astronauts once went to Russia for training. Ye Guangfu completed an underground training course organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2016, Lin said. European astronauts also participated in a sea-survival training program in China in 2017, he added. International space cooperation is an important part of building a community with a shared future for humanity. In its manned space exploration, China has cooperated with countries including Russia, Germany, France, Italy and Pakistan, and with organizations such as the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the ESA. "It is a common cause for mankind that needs full global cooperation, and China has always been committed to the peaceful use of space, and equality and mutual development in space exploration," Lin said. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Du Mingming) Canton Fair urged to further promote opening-up, trade China Daily) 08:47, October 15, 2021 Hao Bao and Hao Ni are seen in Guangzhou, Guangdong province on Oct 9, 2021. (Photo by Zheng Erqi / chinadaily.com.cn) President Xi Jinping renewed China's pledge to work with other nations in upholding true multilateralism and promoting the development of a high-level open world economy as he congratulated the opening of the 130th session of the China Import and Export Fair on Thursday. In a message sent to the fair, also known as the Canton Fair, Xi encouraged it to develop itself into a key platform for the nation to promote across-the-board opening-up and high-quality growth of international trade, and to connect domestic and international markets. He commended the fair, first held 65 years ago, for making important contributions to serving international trade, promoting domestic and international connectivity and spurring economic growth. Against a backdrop of major changes unseen in a century, a global pandemic and profound reforms regarding international trade, the fair should serve the nation's fostering of a new development paradigm, innovate its mechanisms, enrich its models and expand its functions, he said. In a keynote speech delivered at the opening of the fair in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Premier Li Keqiang called on nations to uphold openness and cooperation to jointly promote economic recovery. It is important to uphold free trade, enhance policy coordination, bolster the production and supply of bulk commodities and key components, ensure smooth international logistics and safeguard the smooth and steady functioning of global industry and supply chains, Li said. He said China is both capable and confident of achieving the goals and completing the tasks set for this year, with the nation's economic growth showing strong resilience and vitality. China's economy is on track for a sustained and stable recovery, and its major indicators are now within an appropriate range, he said, adding that the nation will continue expanding imports of high-quality products and services and maintain the consistency and stability of its foreign trade policies. Beijing will accelerate the innovative growth of the foreign trade sector and establish a group of new pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce before the end of the year, Li said. He also highlighted the need to accelerate the growth of new business models, including overseas warehouses, and to develop smart logistics platforms overseas. Beijing will work to strengthen international cooperation in digitalized trade and develop a host of leading areas for digitalized global trade in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and other regions, he added. China will further shorten the negative list for foreign investment and keep lowering the threshold for market access for the services sector, he said. Li reiterated the nation's commitment to fostering a market-oriented, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework, saying that China will always strive to make itself a top attraction to foreign investment. The government will see to it that foreign businesses can enjoy equal treatment to their domestic counterparts in terms of obtaining production elements, certifications, licensing, the drafting of standards and government procurements, he said. Foreign businesses will receive greater support for their investment in sectors including medium- and high-end manufacturing and modern services as well as to central and western regions, he said, adding that they will receive equal treatment in terms of land use and environmental impact assessment. Li pledged to strengthen antitrust efforts and crack down on infringements of intellectual property rights in a bid to ensure a level playing field for domestic and foreign businesses. This year's fair attracted over 7,800 businesses to take part in its offline exhibitions, with about 26,000 businesses and buyers taking part in exhibitions online. Harley Seyedin, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, said that he is pleased to visit the exhibition area in person this time, adding that the Canton Fair has not only been instrumental in the growth of China-US business, but has also served as an important tool for bilateral trade. Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing, said the Canton Fair, one of the most important platforms for China to propel foreign trade, has also become an important barometer of global trade activity. "The fair is of greater significance this year, as it comes when the nation needs to strengthen interaction with the rest of the world to jointly stabilize and optimize global supply chains, while pushing forward innovation to revamp domestic economic development toward a greener and more low-carbon pathway," he said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming) 4th batch of China-donated COVID-19 vaccines arrives in Iraq Xinhua) 08:54, October 15, 2021 Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Iraq Jian Fangning (left) and Iraqi health official attend the handover ceremony of the fourth batch of China-donated COVID-19 vaccines at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, on October. 14, 2021. (Xinhua photo) BAGHDAD, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Thursday received the fourth batch of COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government to boost Iraq's efforts to combat the pandemic. Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Iraq Jian Fangning and Iraqi health officials attended a handover ceremony held at Baghdad International Airport. The donation indicates the deep and good friendship between the two countries and their peoples, Jian said during the ceremony, noting that this is another example by the Chinese side to strive to make the COVID-19 vaccine a global public good. "We believe the vaccines provided by the Chinese side will help the Iraqi side facilitate the vaccination process, build the immune defense system, and eventually conquer the pandemic," he added. A worker transports China-donated syringes at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on October. 14, 2021. (Xinhua photo) Meanwhile, Riyadh Abdul-Amir, director of Public Health Department at the Iraqi Ministry of Health, praised China's solidarity with and support for Iraq since the outbreak of the pandemic, noting that the arrival of this batch of vaccines will enhance Iraq's capabilities to raise the vaccination rate among Iraqis. He also hailed China's great role in supplying the vaccines to other countries and promoting the fair distribution of vaccines around the globe. The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Thursday 2,383 new COVID-19 cases, raising the nationwide caseload to 2,030,498. Iraq received the first three batches of COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government in March, April, and August respectively. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Du Mingming) China officially designates first group of national parks 09:02, October 15, 2021 By Kou Jiangze ( People's Daily Kiangs (Equus kiang) forage and play in the Three-River-Source National Park in northwest Chinas Qinghai province. (Peoples Daily Online/Han Jiajun) Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the official designation of the countrys first group of national parks while addressing the leaders summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) via video link on Tuesday. The first group of national parks includes the Three-River-Source National Park, the Giant Panda National Park, the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, and the Wuyishan National Park, according to Xi. These national parks involve 10 provincial-level regions in the country, including Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Hainan, Fujian, and Jiangxi, according to the countrys National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA). They are all located in key areas of the countrys ecological security landscape, with the protected land area reaching 230,000 square kilometers, said an official with the NFGA, adding that these parks cover nearly 30 percent of the key terrestrial wildlife species found in China. Located in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and with a protected area of 190,700 square kilometers, the Three-River-Source National Park makes sure that the sources of the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Lancang River are well protected. Boasting rich ecosystems and complete ecological structure and functions, the national park, where glaciers, snow mountains, alpine wetlands, deserts, and alpine grasslands are widely distributed, is a good model of large-scale protection of alpine ecosystems of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which has been called the Earths third pole by scientists. Spanning the three provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu, the Giant Panda National Park, with a protected area of 22,000 square kilometers, has the greatest concentration of wild giant pandas and is the animals main habitat. More than 70 percent of the wild giant pandas in China are protected by the national park. With rich biodiversity and unique natural and cultural landscapes, the park serves as a demonstration area of biodiversity conservation, a pilot area for realizing the value of ecological products, and a world model of ecological education. The Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park straddles northeast Chinas Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces and has a protected area of 14,100 square kilometers. Chinas largest and only populations of wild Siberian tiger and Amur leopard with groups formed through reproduction are distributed in the park. With various types of plants and relatively complete ecological structure, the national park is regarded as a typical representative of temperate forest ecosystems and has become a model of cross-border cooperation in ecological protection. The Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, with a protected area of 4,269 square kilometers, has preserved the most complete and diverse island tropical rainforests in China. The park is the only habitat of Hainan gibbon, the worlds most endangered primate. It is considered a treasure house of tropical biodiversity and genetic resources, and has become a prime example of inheriting precious natural resources and protecting biodiversity for tropical rainforests on islands. The Wuyishan National Park straddles southeast Chinas Fujian province and east Chinas Jiangxi province and has a protected area of 1,280 square kilometers. With the worlds most complete and largest primary mid-subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest ecosystem among those at the same latitude, the national park is a treasure trove of flora and fauna in southeast China. Boasting unparalleled ecological and cultural resources, Wuyishan (Mount Wuyi) is a world cultural and natural heritage site, and a model of inheriting and passing on cultural and natural heritage from generation to generation and harmonious coexistence between man and nature. By building national parks, China intends to ensure good protection of areas with the most distinctive natural landscape, the best natural heritage and the richest biodiversity, so as to keep natural ecosystems intact, demonstrate their value for the world, importance to the state, and role in enhance national identity, and leave precious natural assets to future generations, according to the NFGA. (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) 1,000 USD per fake news report -- U.S. plot to discredit Chinese investments exposed by Zimbabwean daily Xinhua) 09:04, October 15, 2021 -- 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." 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." (Source: Xinhua) 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Hongyu) China, Russia hold joint naval drill in Sea of Japan, display higher level of trust, capability Global Times) 09:07, October 15, 2021 With China's advanced Type 055, a 10,000 ton-class large destroyer, for the first time joining an exercise with a foreign navy, China and Russia on Thursday kicked off a joint naval drill in the Sea of Japan, in a move that Chinese experts said not only displays the two sides' high level of strategic mutual trust, but also will enhance their capability to jointly deal with maritime security threats and safeguard regional peace and stability, at a time when Western countries are building antagonistic regional security organizations like the Quad and AUKUS. The Naval Interaction-2021 maritime military exercise started in waters near Russia's Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan on Thursday, with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) sending advanced warships including the Type 055 large destroyer Nanchang, the Type 052D destroyer Kunming, the Type 054A frigates Binzhou and Liuzhou, and the Type 903A comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu, as well as fixed wing anti-submarine warfare aircraft and vessel-borne helicopters from the Eastern, Southern and Northern Theater Commands, while Russia will deploy large anti-submarine ships, frigates and aircraft, the Global Times learned from the PLA Navy on the day. During the drill, which is a normal and annually scheduled arrangement but is also held amid many profound changes and the pandemic, the Chinese and Russian navies will practice communications, sea mine countermeasures, air defense, live-fire shooting at maritime targets, joint maneuvering and joint anti-submarine missions, according to the PLA Navy. The goal of the joint drill is to enhance the two navies' friendly, pragmatic cooperation, hone the capabilities to fight and enhance their capabilities to jointly deal with maritime security threats and safeguard regional peace and stability, Zhang Junshe, a senior research fellow at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, told the Global Times on Thursday. It will also examine the PLA Navy's far sea capabilities, including those in command, air defense, anti-ship, anti-submarine, reconnaissance, early warning, communication and navigation, Zhang said. The Chinese vessels did not conduct assembly or rehearsal and started the drill directly, which is closer to real combat and will contribute to their capabilities in safeguarding the security of far sea transport lanes and other maritime interests. As the largest maritime drill series between China and Russia, the Naval Interaction has been held nine times since 2012. This is the first time China's 10,000 ton-class large destroyer has participated in a drill abroad. Zhang said that the Type 055 large destroyer will be the command ship in the fleet during the drill, and it will display its outstanding comprehensive capabilities including long-range detection, early warning and intelligence integration. This is also the third time in 2021 the Type 055 has entered the Sea of Japan. The first time was in March, and the second time in August. This reflects that the PLA's far sea training in the region is becoming routine, as it is becoming more and more confident with its growing capabilities, Shi Hong, executive chief editor of the Chinese magazine Shipborne Weapons, told the Global Times on Thursday. Just like the J-20 stealth fighter jet, which for the first time participated in the China-Russia Zapad/Interaction-2021 joint exercise in August, the Type 055 is another one of the PLA's most powerful tools. This displays a new high of military mutual trust between the two countries, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Thursday. The Naval Interaction-2021 drill comes at a time when the US, India, Australia and Japan are holding Malabar naval drill in the Bay of Bengal, and also shortly after six countries including the US, the UK and Japan held drills in the South China Sea and surrounding areas. New regional security organizations like Quad and AUKUS are serious threats to both China and Russia, and the joint drill between the two countries will contribute to regional peace and stability, Song said. Li Shuyin, an expert at the PLA Academy of Military Sciences, told the Global Times previously that the joint drills between China and Russia have become routine and are completely normal, and if other countries see them as threats, they must have guilty consciences and want to stigmatize China and Russia. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Hongyu) Investigations underway after death of 6 Chinese nationals, 2 locals in Zimbabwe gas explosion incident Xinhua) 09:07, October 15, 2021 HARARE, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Investigations leading to the explosions that killed six Chinese nationals and two local employees last week at a mine in Zimbabwe are still underway, and findings will be made public once released by authorities. The fatal incidents, which were caused by the explosion of oxygen cylinders, occurred at a Chinese-owned mine in Mazowe, north of the capital Harare, in two separate incidents on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7. In a press update on Thursday, the operator of the mine where the incidents occurred, Labenmon Investments, said all relevant government authorities were notified and are assisting in the aftermath of the tragedy. "The investigation has been launched into the event leading up to the explosion. The company is cooperating fully with the relevant investigations," the company said in a statement read on its behalf by Willa Yu, Project Facilitator of the Harare-based China-Africa Economic and Culture Exchange and Research Center (CAECERC). The company refuted rumors circulating on social media and private press placing blame on company management regarding the causes of the explosions. "In light of this we reserve the right to challenge any malicious dissemination of information aimed at tarnishing the solid and strong friendship between Zimbabwe and China through this tragedy," said the company. Daniel Mlalazi, Public Relations Manager for Labenmon Investments, said so far the two deceased locals have been buried with full assistance from the company. He said the company is cooperating with authorities investigating the causes of the accident to prevent such tragedy in the future. Labenmon Investments was incorporated in 2006 and has interests in nickel, gold and graphite mining in the Mashonaland Central and West Provinces of Zimbabwe. The company, which also has a presence in the transport and logistics sector, has since invested about 20 million U.S. dollars in Zimbabwe. Fortune Chasi, Member of Parliament for the Mazowe South constituency where the incident occurred, said arrangements for the compensation of the bereaved families were in progress. "It's premature to try and cast blame on anybody. The authorities whom I met at the scene after the incident are still busy compiling their report, so it will be improper and indeed extremely unfair to begin to apportion blame to anybody," said Chasi. "The procedural thing to do is to wait for the outcome of the investigations and let the law take its course from there on," he said. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Hongyu) Israel's import of business services from China up gradually since 2017: report Xinhua) 09:17, October 15, 2021 JERUSALEM, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel's import of business services from China rose 13.8 percent in past three years, according to a report issued by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics on Thursday. Most of the imported business services are scientific, professional, technical, office and business administrative, and support services, the report said. Israel's export of business services to China rose 38.6 percent in the same period, it added. Israeli business service import from all countries totaled 16.2 billion dollars in 2020, while the export of these services totaled 48.2 billion dollars. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Hongyu) China ready to promote upgrade of ties with Brunei: Chinese FM Xinhua) 09:19, October 15, 2021 BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the Chinese side is willing to promote an upgrade of bilateral ties with Brunei. Wang made the remarks during his telephone conversation with Brunei's Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Haji Erywan. Noting that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Erywan said that Brunei, as the rotating chair of ASEAN, will make joint efforts with China and ASEAN countries to hold important commemorative events and leaders' meetings to push for further growth of their relations. Wang said that China attaches great importance to its relations with ASEAN, and appreciates and supports the important role played by Brunei as the rotating chair of ASEAN, adding that the Chinese side is willing to work closely with various ASEAN parties to take the 30th anniversary as an opportunity to promote an upgrade of bilateral relations and make greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability. The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar. Erywan said that he, as ASEAN's special envoy to Myanmar, will do his work via the ASEAN way and promote the implementation of the five-point consensus reached by ASEAN leaders regarding the situation in Myanmar, adding that ASEAN appreciates and expects China to continue playing an important role on the Myanmar issue. Noting that Myanmar is a member of the ASEAN family, Wang said China has always supported ASEAN to strengthen its solidarity, and stick to the ASEAN way to properly handle the Myanmar issue so as to play a constructive role in promoting Myanmar's peaceful reconciliation and political transformation process. He added that China is happy to see the ASEAN envoy go to Myanmar at an early date, and to mediate among parties and facilitate talks in an objective, pragmatic and incremental fashion. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Hongyu) Chinese vice premier stresses advancing China-Russia energy cooperation Xinhua) 09:25, October 15, 2021 Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addresses an international forum of 2021 Russian Energy Week via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng on Thursday called for promoting China-Russia energy cooperation to a new high. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when addressing an international forum of 2021 Russian Energy Week via video link. Noting that energy transition is being advanced globally, Han said that China, as a responsible major country, is resolutely committed to implementing the new development philosophy and promoting the high-quality development of energy. China will work to optimize the energy structure, deepen reforms in energy and other related sectors, accelerate the construction of a national market for trading energy use rights and carbon emission rights, and encourage the innovation of low-carbon technologies, Han said. Calling China and Russia important forces leading the energy transition in the world, Han said energy cooperation between the two sides plays a vital role in optimizing the global development and governance of energy. He urged the faithful implementation of the consensus reached by the two countries' leaders and jointly bringing energy cooperation to a new high. Han said the two countries should further advance cooperation to ensure the smooth progress of major projects, including gas and oil pipelines and nuclear power units, expand cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen energy, smart energy and energy finance, deepen cooperation in basic energy studies and key technology research and development, and jointly practice multilateralism to help forge a global energy governance pattern that is fair, just and inclusive. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Hongyu) Meet Commander Zero of Shenzhou-13 launch mission Xinhua) 09:32, October 15, 2021 Who's the Commander Zero of China's Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship launch mission? What will he do during the launch? Meet Commander Zero before the launch scheduled on Saturday. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Hongyu) Seed bank provides a safe home for wildlife species People's Daily Online) 09:33, October 15, 2021 Photo shows a glimpse of the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species in Southwest China. (Photo courtesy of the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) As the only comprehensive preservation facility for the storage of wildlife germplasm resources in China, the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species in Southwest China, a wildlife seed bank located in Kunming, capital of southwest Chinas Yunnan province, has preserved 85,046 samples of seeds of 10,601 species, accounting for 36 percent of the total number of flowering plant species found in China. Founded in 2007, the seed bank is a comprehensive national database for the collection and preservation of wildlife germplasm resources. It includes a seed pool, DNA bank, microbial bank, animal germplasm resource bank and other sectors. It has taken a great deal of effort for the researchers to collect such tiny seeds. In June 2021, the seed bank collected the seeds of extremely endangered wild plant species from several sinkholes in Mengzi city, together with the support of the local forestry and grassland bureau. Due to the complicated geographical locations of the sinkholes, the research activities were carried out with the assistance of professional climbers, with drones having also been adopted for use during the process. Eventually, the researchers discovered a new butterfly species classified as extremely endangered. They also collected the seeds of rare wild plants and recorded key information, such as the time and location of the discoveries, the longitude, latitude and altitude of the locations, the soil conditions, and details about the surrounding environment, among others. Photo shows wild plant seed specimens at the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species in Southwest China. (Photo courtesy of the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) To collect and preserve the valuable seed resources, the researchers had no choice but to cross mountains and rivers to look for the plants, requiring accurate timing to acquire seeds suitable for depositing in a seed bank. A complete seed sample contains at least 2,500 seeds, and it is ideal if there are at least 10,000 seeds in all. Moreover, no more than 20 percent of the seeds produced by any individual plants should be collected in order to make sure that the research activities have a limited impact on local seed communities. Behind each seed there is arduous work, said Zhang Ting, a seed collector working with the seed bank. Zhang and his colleagues collected 5,000 seeds of a rare plant during their June trip, and are currently in the process of cleaning, checking and storing the seeds. Photo shows wild plant seed specimens at the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species in Southwest China. (Photo courtesy of the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) The threshold for the seed entries is high. Seeds from rare, endangered and special plants as well as those plants having a high economic and ecological value, not to mention having an important value for scientific research, will be the first ones to be stored, with the storing procedure following a set of strict technical standards to ensure that the seeds are deposited in a proper and timely way. We test the status of the seeds every five to 10 years to make sure they are still full of vitality, said Cai Jie, head of the preservation department at the seed bank, who disclosed that most of the seeds can be preserved for a period of several decades or even more than 1,000 years when the temperature is kept at minus 20 degrees Celsius. (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) Eco-civilization illuminates path to sustainable future Xinhua) 09:45, October 15, 2021 A Tibetan antelope is seen at Hol Xil area of Sanjiangyuan National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province, Sept. 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Xue Yubin) KUNMING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- At a time when the world is struggling to find ways to reverse the trend of biodiversity loss, China has provided a sound solution: the harmonious co-existence between mankind and nature. "All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from nature," said Chinese President Xi Jinping while addressing the leaders' summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). "If we humanity do not fail nature, nature will not fail us. Ecological civilization represents the development trend of human civilization," he said. Xi's philosophical thinking on the relationship between mankind and nature serves as the guiding theory underpinning the country's sustainable development efforts, while shedding light on where human civilization should be headed. THEORETICAL INNOVATION Themed "Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth," the ongoing COP15 conference in southwest China's "spring city" of Kunming is seeing heated discussions on how countries can best achieve the goal of living in harmony with nature. "Ecological civilization as a philosophy has a lot of merit," said Terry Townshend, fellow of the Paulson Institute, in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the COP15. "It is the right way to move in the sense of recognizing that we are part of nature, because in today's urbanized world, it's quite easy to think that we're separate from nature or somehow in control of nature. And we're not," he said. Rooted in the traditional Chinese culture, which takes man as an integral part of nature, where all beings are equal, the idea of eco-civilization has been mentioned by Xi on various occasions. "China has pursued development under the vision of building an ecological civilization," Xi said at the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity last September. Under his leadership, the country has incorporated ecological considerations into many important policy decisions. Ecological civilization was written into the country's Constitution in 2018. "China's modernization has many important characteristics, and one of them is man-nature harmony," Xi said during a study session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee in May. Xi's Thought on Ecological Civilization consists of many principles, including ensuring harmony between mankind and nature, regarding a sound ecological environment as the most inclusive benefit to people's well-being, as well as viewing mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts as a community of life. The thought is "the oriental wisdom" contributed by the Chinese "to the transformation of human society from industrial civilization to ecological civilization," Huang Chengliang, a researcher with a think tank for eco-civilization studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The renewed remarks by Xi at the COP15 on eco-civilization came at a time when the world is at a critical moment to reverse a deteriorating trend of biodiversity loss. As a long-time researcher in animal biodiversity, Zhan Xiangjiang, deputy director of the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that he was very touched by Xi's remarks on how human civilization would involve eco-civilization in its development. "It is a forward-looking and strategic statement for biodiversity conservation on the global level," he said. CONCRETE ACTIONS It's not only about ideas. Over the years, China has taken many concrete steps on the environmental front, with the eco-civilization philosophy as the underpinning. The country is pioneering an "ecological red line" mechanism, which has given environmental-protection status to no less than 25 percent of its land area. 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. At the COP15, Xi announced fresh measures in his latest effort to champion eco-civilization. China will take the lead by investing 1.5 billion yuan (233 million U.S. dollars) in a new fund to support biodiversity protection in developing countries, Xi announced, inviting all countries to participate in it. "The new money for biodiversity conservation is very helpful, particularly when it's directed to developing countries, because developing countries have the richest biodiversity," said Townshend. While the fund would be "a move in the right direction," more money from both the public and private sectors will be needed to bridge the financing gap, he said. China also officially designated the first group of national parks on Tuesday, a move to further improve the national park system amid the country's nature conservation efforts. The national parks will not only help biodiversity conservation, but also become models of sustainable development that will benefit the people, said Shahbaz Khan, director and UNESCO representative to China, the Democatic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea. "The national parks are going to be a wonderful contribution as new models of governance," he said. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Du Mingming) Ministers vow to enhance China, Indonesia cooperation Xinhua) 10:15, October 15, 2021 Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on Thursday with Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan via video link, and the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation and bring bilateral ties to a higher level. Noting that relations between China and Indonesia have maintained a strong momentum of development, Wang said the two sides should give full play to the high-level dialogue and cooperation mechanism and move the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership forward in the direction of a community with a shared future. China welcomes Indonesia to purchase more COVID-19 vaccines from China, and supports Indonesia in building a regional vaccine production center, Wang said. "China is willing to work with Indonesia to jointly oppose the stigmatization of the epidemic and the politicization of COVID-19 origins tracing," Wang said. Wang said China is ready to deepen economic, trade and investment cooperation with Indonesia, and work together for more achievements in major Belt and Road projects, such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project. China will continue to encourage Chinese-funded enterprises to actively participate in Indonesia's industrialization process and continuously expand market access for Indonesian exports to China, Wang said. Indonesia firmly pursues a friendly policy toward China and supports the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, Luhut said. "It is expected that the two sides will continue to strengthen vaccine research and development, as well as production cooperation, and accelerate the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative," Luhut added. The two sides expressed concerns and opposition to actions that create nuclear proliferation risks and regional division, stressing that all parties should jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. The two sides also agreed to strengthen coordination on promoting regional cooperation and addressing climate change. Regarding Indonesia's presidency of the G20 in 2022, Wang said that China supports Indonesia in hosting the G20 summit. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Hongyu) Chinese show high recognition of eco-civilization: survey Xinhua) 10:17, October 15, 2021 A performance is held at the opening ceremony of 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, Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) KUNMING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The eco-civilization concept enjoys a high level of recognition among the general public in China, according to a survey released Thursday at a theme forum during the COP15 conference in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Regarding the relationship between the environment and development, around 55 percent of people polled said the process of environmental protection brings new economic opportunities and presents a promising prospect, whereas only some 10 percent said economic progress can only be achieved at the expense of environmental disruption, said the survey, which was conducted by the Research Institute for Eco-civilization, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The findings are based on the answers to 10,038 internet questionnaires, together with more than 3.5 million online posts and comments that were analyzed with big-data technology, said Zhang Yongsheng, head of the research institute. "Ecological progress has significantly improved the quality of development and people's wellbeing in China," Zhang quoted the findings as saying, adding that the general public shows continuous satisfaction with their lives even as economic growth is slowing down. Eco-civilization is spearheading a sweeping transformation of the development paradigm, which will reshape the approach to development, the business model, people's understanding of a happy life, as well as attitudes toward consumption, employment and wellbeing, said Zhang. The survey also shows that close to 90 percent of consumers polled would opt for products made by eco-friendly businesses, and would like to change their consumption habits to support environmental protection. The COP15 refers to the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Hongyu) Interview: China takes lead in supporting developing countries to combat climate change, protect biodiversity -- expert Xinhua) 10:25, October 15, 2021 DHAKA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- China has taken the lead in honoring its commitment to support the efforts of developing countries to combat climate change and protect biodiversity, an economist has said. In an interview with Xinhua on Wednesday, MS Siddiqui, former professor at Dhaka's Daffodil International University, lauded China's support for global biodiversity protection and its hosting of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Kunming, China. The expert mentioned China's latest commitments at the conference, among which include establishing the Kunming Biodiversity Fund to support preserving biodiversity in developing countries to the tune of 1.5 billion yuan (233 million U.S. dollars). The fund will bolster the efforts of developing countries to protect biodiversity, especially in countries which are climate vulnerable. The economist also spoke highly of China's commitment at the conference to support green development across the world. Earlier last month, Beijing pledged that China would not build new coal-fired power projects abroad. On Tuesday, China officially designated its first group of national parks, a move to further improve the country's national park system amid nature conservation efforts. Commending the move, Siddiqui said that China is likely to become a role model for other countries in global biodiversity protection. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Hongyu) China to further improve safety of pregnancy, childbirth Xinhua) 10:43, October 15, 2021 BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- China will strive to lower its infant mortality rate to 5.2 deaths per 1,000 births by 2025, according to an action plan to improve the safety of pregnancy and childbirth. The plan, posted on the official website of the National Health Commission on Thursday, also aims to lower the mortality rate of pregnant and postnatal women to 14.5 deaths per 100,000 people by the same year. The action plan listed five areas in which more efforts will be made, including risk prevention during pregnancy and improvements in the quality of relevant medical and healthcare services such as prenatal care. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Hongyu) More China-donated COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Cambodia as kingdom looks to reopen economy Xinhua) 13:18, October 15, 2021 An airport worker transports packages of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) -- 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. -- 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 -- With its high vaccination rate, Cambodia is considering resuming its nationwide economic activities soon including tourism, manufacturing, construction and other SMEs business. PHNOM PENH, Oct. 15 (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. An airport worker transports packages of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) 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. People come for their third dose or booster dose of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at an inoculation site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/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. A woman receives her third dose or booster dose of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at an inoculation site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) 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. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Hongyu) China cautions U.S. against irresponsible remarks on Taiwan Xinhua) 13:55, October 15, 2021 BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday opposed U.S. accusations of destabilizing the Taiwan region with intense military activities, urging the U.S. to stop making irresponsible remarks on Taiwan issues. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a press briefing. He commented on Pentagon spokesman John Kirby's remarks that criticized China for stepping up efforts to "intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities in the vicinity of Taiwan, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea." Expressing strong dissatisfaction with Kirby's remarks, Zhao said China's legitimate and reasonable measures safeguard its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and rights and interests. With the joint efforts of China and neighboring countries in the South China Sea, the situation in the region is generally stable, Zhao said. He added that the relevant U.S. remarks have seriously violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, deliberately using relevant issues to provoke relations between countries in the region and sending out wrong and irresponsible signals to the outside world. Zhao noted U.S. negative actions, saying it exposed the true face of the U.S. as a disruptor of regional peace and stability. These U.S. actions include selling weapons to Taiwan and strengthening official military ties with the island, including launching a 750 million U.S. dollar worth weapons sale to Taiwan, U.S. military planes landing on Taiwan Island, and frequent naval ships passing through the Taiwan Strait. "We urge the U.S. to take China's position and concerns seriously and strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three communiques. The U.S. should also stop making irresponsible remarks on Taiwan and maritime issues and do more to benefit China-U.S. ties and regional peace and stability," Zhao said. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Hongyu) Interview: Kunming Declaration lays down foundation for biodiversity protection targets: Australian ecologist Xinhua) 15:18, October 15, 2021 CANBERRA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Kunming Declaration following the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) has laid down a foundation for the world to reach biodiversity protection targets, said an Australian ecologist. In an interview with Xinhua, Andrew O'Meara, Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, hailed the 2030 time frame set in the declaration as a good commitment. 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". O'Meara said it is important that the commitment should be realized at local levels. "You need to start small hitting these commitments, and then let that develop slowly into something very meaningful," he said. He noted that biodiversity was quite important, taking the eastern bettong as an example, which is an animal lost from the landscape of Australia's mainland for about a century. "We only discovered after about 100 years of it not being here, that it has a critical role in the growing of trees, and the fixing of nutrients like nitrogen into the soil which is beneficial to all plants," said O'Meara. The lack of animals like eastern bettong hampered the growth of trees and flowering, and therefore affected animals relying on food from the trees. "By removing one animal from the biosystem, it can have a detrimental effect to about all other animals that live in this habitat," he said, adding that the significance of preserving biodiversity to human beings is not just in mental well-being capacity where people could go out and have a relax in the woods, but also in terms of agriculture, soil quality, etc. While recognizing China's efforts in protecting endangered species as "fantastic", O'Meara was also impressed by its commitment in the Kunming Biodiversity Fund. China is committed to taking the lead by putting in 1.5 billion yuan (233 million U.S. dollars) to establish the Kunming Biodiversity Fund to help developing countries better protect their ecology. O'Meara said that the fund is a significant amount and could be very helpful considering there were a lot of nonprofit organizations involved in biodiversity protection, which cost them millions of dollars annually. "In order to do more significant work, they require further millions of dollars to run some of the larger projects," he said. "That money needs to be utilized effectively and smartly." Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is one of the nature reserves under the Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, which protects native species such as quolls, echidnas and eastern bettongs. While his work was to teach the public about the work they do in the reserves, O'Meara stressed the importance of communication and education work on biodiversity after the COP15. "If you went out to the street and asked 100 people what the Kunming Declaration is, probably not many people would know what you were talking about," he said. "So I think more work needs to be done for science communication in terms of biodiversity." (Web editor: Shi Xi, Hongyu) Veteran's life-with-granny videos go viral (People's Daily App) 17:17, October 15, 2021 His videos of life with grandma have been warming the hearts of viewers since army veteran Tian Di returned to his hometown in Qingyang, Northwest China's Gansu Province. Chinese traditionally honor their elders during Double Ninth Festival, a Chinese holiday observed on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar, which falls today. (Source: Kwai) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Bianji) South African botanist contributes his achievements to support China's rich biodiversity resources People's Daily Online) 18:12, October 15, 2021 Mortimer sorts out research materials on his computer. (People's Daily Online/Weng Qiyu) Peter Mortimer, a South African researcher who works at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, has contributed the achievements he made over the course of the previous decade to support China's rich biodiversity resources as well as related scientific research. Mortimer first set foot in Kunming 11 years ago during a graduation trip, and from then on, decided to stay there. He did not expect that in only a decade he could develop from a young foreign scientist into an expert who now leads a research team. Mortimer is mainly engaged in fungus research. His team has discovered and published more than 1,000 new species of fungi, including a number of mushroom species with ultra-high economic value, and has done a full review of edible mushrooms from around the world. Besides, he presided over four national natural science fund projects and has devoted himself to the artificial cultivation of mushrooms with high economic value. Last year, Mortimer also received special support as a high-end foreign expert in the Yunnan provincial high-level talent introduction program. Mortimer attributes the achievements made in China to the country's rich biodiversity resources and its great efforts to protect biodiversity in recent years. "In the last five years, I've noticed a big increasing trend in the collaboration (and) in the types of funding projects available. So I've been able to apply for more international grants, joining collaboration (projects), such as (those between) China and Thailand and (those between) China and South Africa," said Mortimer. (Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji) Whether people are masters of country is true yardstick, he says at meeting President Xi Jinping has underlined further promoting whole-process democracy that enables the Chinese people to be broadly involved in national governance, saying that whether a country is democratic or not depends on whether it is truly run by the people. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark while addressing a central conference on work related to people's congresses, which was held from Wednesday to Thursday in Beijing. He called for upholding and improving the system of people's congresses, a political system fundamental to the Party's leadership, the running of the country by the people, and law-based governance. He said that such a system ensures the realization of whole-process democracy in the country. In China's political system, the people exercise State power through the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, and local people's congresses at different levels, ensuring their interests are reflected in the decision-making process. Xi called Chinese democracy "whole-process people's democracy" for the first time in November 2019 during an inspection tour of Shanghai. This enables the Chinese people to broadly and continuously participate in day-to-day political activities, including democratic elections, political consultation, decision-making and oversight. "Democracy, a shared value of humanity, is a key tenet unswervingly upheld by the CPC and the Chinese people," Xi emphasized. 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, he said. The key to a country's democracy lies in whether the people run the country, depending on if the people have the right to vote and more importantly, whether the people have the right to broad participation, he 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. Judging whether a country is democratic or not, Xi said, should also take into account what political procedures and rules are stipulated by the systems and laws. More importantly, it is also a question of whether these systems and laws are implemented well, he added. Xi said democracy is a right that all people around the world enjoy, not a privilege reserved to a small minority of countries. Whether a country is democratic or not should be judged by its own people, not by a handful of people from outside it, Xi said, adding that whether a member of the international community is democratic or not should be judged together by the international community, not by a self-righteous minority. There are many ways to achieve democracy, and there is no one-size-fits-all model, Xi pointed out. It is undemocratic in itself to use a single yardstick to measure the world's various political systems and examine the rich political civilization of mankind with a monochrome eye, he added. Whole-process people's democracy in China not only has a complete set of institutions and procedures, but also full participation, Xi said. He also called for focusing on whether the rules and procedures for the operation of power are democratic while stressing that the key issue lies in whether power is really supervised by the people. While highlighting that whole-process people's democracy in China is "the broadest, most genuine, and most effective socialist democracy" safeguarding the fundamental interests of the people, Xi called for efforts to further promote the principle of the running of the country by the people in national governance and reflect this in specific efforts to meet people's aspirations for a better life. The people's congress system has provided an important institutional guarantee for the 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. He required efforts to strengthen and improve work related to people's congresses in the new era, saying that the Constitution must be fully implemented and its sanctity and authority must be upheld. Efforts should be stepped up to improve the legal system with Chinese characteristics to ensure that lawmaking contributes to the country's development and ensures good governance, Xi said. He stressed the need to strengthen the overall leadership over legislative work by the Party, and called for expanding the people's participation in political affairs, as well as increasing legal protection for human rights to ensure that the people enjoy extensive rights and freedoms as prescribed by law. The people's right to be informed, participate and heard, and to supervise, must be guaranteed in every aspect of the work related to people's congresses, Xi said. He also said that people's congresses should properly and effectively exercise their power of supervision in accordance with the law, and deputies to people's congresses should fully exercise their duties. Chinese vessels participating in the China-Russia joint naval exercise, Joint Sea-2021, sail in formation to designated sea area on October 13, 2021. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Sun Jingang) BEIJING, Oct. 15 -- The China-Russia joint naval exercise, Joint Sea-2021, kicked off with a ceremony on the afternoon of October 14 in waters near Russia's Peter the Great Bay. This exercise will be co-chaired by Rear Admiral Bai Yaoping, deputy commander of the navy under the PLA Northern Theater Command, and the commander of the Primorsky flotilla of diverse forces of Russias Pacific Fleet, with joint command posts set onboard the commanding vessels of both sides. It is learnt that this exercise is a normal arrangement made by the Chinese and Russian navies according to the annual plan. During the exercise, the two navies will practice communications, sea mine countermeasures, air defense, live-fire shooting at maritime targets, joint maneuvering and joint anti-submarine missions, with multiple types of vessels, fixed wing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, and ship-borne helicopters involved. China's 10,000-tonne-class guided-missile destroyer, anti-submarine patrol aircraft and other combat platforms will make their debuts in this overseas exercise, and the two navies will use new armaments for live-fire drills. The joint exercise aims to consolidate and develop the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation for a new era, strengthen mutual trust, deepen friendly and pragmatic cooperation, and improve the capabilities of the two navies to jointly respond to maritime security threats and maintain regional peace and stability, said Senior Captain Liu Wensheng, spokesperson for the PLA Navy. In his first formal policy speech delivered on October 8, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to revise the national security strategy and the basic defense program, reinforce the maritime security and missile defense capabilities, and continue to promote the cooperation for a so-called free and open Indo-Pacific. Sanae Takaichi, policy chief of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said at a recent press conference that the LDP plans to increase Japans defense budget to more than 2% of GDP when making its foreign and security policies. Many signs indicate that Tokyo is trying hard to use the so-called free and open Indo-Pacific as an excuse to break through the limitations on it and play a bigger role in regional military and security affairs. Forming a quasi-military and security alliance with certain countries is an important way to achieve that goal. It is reported that Japan and Britain recently kicked off their negotiations over the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on a low profile. The agreement will further clarify the administrative and legal procedures for military personnel of the two countries to visit each other and hold joint exercises. Once the agreement comes into force, their military personnel, for the purpose of joint training, will be able to enter each others territory without check, and the formalities will be largely streamlined to clear weapons, vehicles and other equipment. Military services that participate in the joint training will also expand from the sea and air to the ground to realize all-service defense cooperation. In sum, the RAA will signify a big leap forward in defense relations between Japan and Britain. If Japan and Britain reach a consensus on the RAA, it will be another high-level defense cooperation agreement after Japan reached the agreement with Australia last November, which is second only to the Japan-US Security Treaty in terms of the depth of cooperation. Compared with the Japan-Australia agreement, the one between Japan and Britain will create more space for Japanese troops to engage in the rest of the world and further empty Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan that demands Japan take the path of peaceful development after WWII. In recent years, Japan has moved faster to amend its Constitution, strengthened the military and constantly broken through military restrictions. Britain, on the other hand, has strongly pushed its diplomatic vision of a global Britain and actively engaged in the Indo-Pacific region after Brexit. The two countries have interacted frequently in the name of preserving free trade and maritime order in the Indo-Pacific and continuously intensified their defense and military cooperation, which will only further complicate the regional geopolitical environment. On the global level, Japan and Britain are Americas staunch allies in the eastern and western hemispheres respectively. After Biden came into power, he has been bent on reshaping the global alliance system and tried hard to cement the two wings of its global strategy, with the London-centered Atlantic partnership on one side and the Tokyo and Canberra-centered Pacific alliance on the other. As far as Washington is concerned, Japans quasi-alliance with Britain and Australia connects the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans and can significantly help it consolidate its global hegemony. On the regional level, the quadrilateral security dialogue (QUAD) among the US, Japan, India and Australia is becoming a regular regime. The US, Britain and Australia have just formed the trilateral security partnership AUKUS, and the Five Eyes Alliance has a mind to bring in Japan. For the US, Japan reaching the RAA with Britain and Australia can add a vital piece to Americas Indo-Pacific jigsaw; for Japan, reaching the agreement will secure Britain and Australias endorsement for its military role, increase its strategic value to the US, and showcase its position as a major country in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the Asia Pacific today is not what it was 100 years ago when imperialist countries could run amuck. If relevant countries insist on indulging in the old dream of alliance and taking the old path of zero-sum confrontation, rather than seriously consider the regional countries common demand for stability and cooperation, they will only end up shooting themselves in the foot. (The author is a specially appointed researcher at the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies, China Institute of International Studies) Editor's note: This article is originally published on huanqiu.com, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. A 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Spanish island of La Palma overnight Thursday, officials said, the strongest recorded since the island's Cumbre Vieja volcano began erupting last month. Spain's 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 Korean parents' traditional preference for boys has been almost completely eroded as surreptitious abortions of female fetuses come to an end. Last year's gender ratio at birth stood at 104.8 boys to 100 girls, the lowest on record after peaking at 116.5 in 1990 and well within the natural average. The shift can be observed most poignantly in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, which is home to the most conservative Confucian clans in the country. The gender ratio at birth there was the highest in the country at a whopping 130.6 boys for every 100 girls in 1990. Second at the time was Daegu with 129.8 while the nationwide average was 116.5. But even in Andong things are changing. A total of 511 babies were born there in the first eight months of this year, and there were only nine more boys than girls. As recently as 2016 there were 79 more. An Andong city official speculated, "If this trend continues, the number of baby girls born this year could surpass the number of baby boys." Model-turned-actress Jung Ho-yeon has shot to global fame with Netflix's hit series "Squid Game" but says the reality has yet to sink in. Jung plays a North Korean defector who arrives in South Korea only to find her path strewn with obstacles and her family torn apart. She reluctantly signs up for the survival game to earn money to buy a house for her family back in North Korea. "I'm just so busy these days and everything happened so quickly that I think reactions haven't kept up," she said. "I'm so grateful to everyone and I'm trying not to forget this feeling of gratitude. But I'm also worried that I don't deserve so much attention." Asked how she prepared to play her feisty character, Jung said, "I focused the most on trying to understand her. Although I wasn't aware of this when I auditioned, I think the stress and anxiety peaked after I passed the audition, so in order to overcome it I tried really hard to seek the help of others. I simply did the best I could, though I'm sure there were many shortcomings." "Squid Game" is about a high-stakes survival competition in which down-on-their-luck players are taken to a mysterious location where they must compete in one children's game after another to win a prize or face death. Seoul Central District Prosecutor Lee Jung-soo told lawmakers Thursday that Minjoo Party presidential candidate and Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung is "included among the targets" of an investigation into the land development scandal. "We are trying to find out the truth," he added piously, but the way the probe is being conducted does not bear that out. Prosecutors only searched Seongnam City Hall on Friday morning, more than 20 days into the investigation, giving officials there plenty of time to shred the evidence. It is common knowledge that a speedy search often determines the success or failure of such an investigation. At the crux of the scandal is exactly who was responsible for allowing a small group of people to reap astronomical profits from the project in the Daejang-dong district of Seongnam south of Seoul. Seongnam Development Corp., wholly run by the city, came up with a preliminary plan in 2015 to have the city retrieve extra profits from the project, but that part of the plan was apparently scrapped just seven hours later. City regulations stipulate that any major gains or losses from the project must be reported to the mayor, who happened to be Lee Jae-myung. The man who was in charge of the project, Yoo Dong-gyu, has been arrested for taking massive kickbacks, but how could he possibly have unilaterally decided on the profit-sharing scheme of the biggest development project the city had ever seen? Lee was the top decision maker of the city, and must surely have been briefed and given the final go ahead. Lee told reporters as recently as last month that he "designed" the "successful" project, and before it got underway a special rule was enacted by the city government that gave the mayor the last word in all decisions related to it. Seongnam City Hall has all records and minutes of meetings related to the project, which are at the heart of this investigations, so why did prosecutors not seize them immediately? Were they deliberately dragging their heels? And at whose orders? Prosecutors were also unable to seize Yoo's mobile phone after he threw it out of a window when prosecutors came, but it took police just a day once they looked at CCTV footage. Perhaps prosecutors only pretended to look for Yoo's phone but were more worried about the harmful evidence it contains. They conducted their first search more than two weeks after suspicions surrounding the land development project were revealed. In the interim key suspects switched mobile phones and some even fled to America. They had plenty of time to discuss a game plan and try to destroy evidence. Now, because progress is so slow, the time that Yoo can be legally held on suspicion alone is running out, and once he has been sprung other leads may well go missing. The size of the bribe listed on the arrest warrant for a major shareholder of the builder involved in the project surpasses W70 billion (US$1=W1,186). That is the biggest bribe ever in Korea's history. Yet the arrest warrant failed because prosecutors had omitted any reference to the dodgy project, so the court said there was insufficient cause. The public is demanding the truth, and 73 percent of Koreans now want an independent council to take over and for the National Assembly to convene a hearing. They are not as naive as the government may think. Global business leaders envision Shanghai before IBLAC meeting opens By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-10-15 17:30 Business leaders of multinationals in China talked about the future of Shanghai in anticipation of the 33rd meeting of the International Business Leaders Advisory Council (IBLAC) opened on October 15. IBLAC was initiated in 1989 by then Shanghai Mayor Zhu Rongji, and has grown into an international think-tank for Shanghai mayors. What expectations do the entrepreneurs have for the metropolis and the Chinese market? Over the past 24 years since it entered the Chinese market, the LOreal Group has become the largest cosmetics and beauty company, and has witnessed how Shanghai has kept transforming itself into a capital of consumption. Last year, through our chairman Jean-Paul Agon during the IBLAC meeting, we addressed our recommendation for Shanghai to become a global capital of Consumption for Good, said Fabrice Megarbane, president of L'Oreal in North Asia and CEO of L'Oreal China. We've seen a lot of good things happen and one of them is obviously the Double Five Festival which has been a big festival of Shanghai for good consumption. As Fabrice Megarbane said, for this years IBLAC meeting, the LOreal Group will propose further suggestions. They have upgraded their 5Is framework (Instant, Ideal, Insightful, Innovative & Inclusive) to Instant, Ideal, Innovative, Inclusive & Intimate, to emphasize the role of consumer insights in innovation and to reflect the emotional connection Shanghai should establish with consumers. (Fabrice Megarbane) Over the years, as the Shanghai government has striven to promote innovation and the construction of a digital ecosystem, the LOreal Group launched the "Big Bang Beauty Tech Startup Challenge" by working with Fengxian District, so as to encourage startups to help promote the better development of beauty companies through technology. In the eyes of Fabrice Megarbane, the digital and beauty industries are a perfect match and it's also very important that this innovation and this digitalization should bring an overall win-win ecosystem to benefit all. It has to benefit the consumers, the brands and also all the partners that they work with. For Rajnish Sharma, associate vice president of Infosys Limited and head of delivery & operations at Infosys China, Shanghai has the ability to create an even more innovative ecosystem. Boasting extensive experience in the field of digital services and consulting, Infosys has developed a platform called LAX for its staff and engineers to enhance their innovation ability. Creating an ecosystem and platforms where we can scale the talent and we can train them in technology, that's very important for the city to become innovative, said Rajnish Sharma. (Rajnish Sharma) Another aspect, according to him, is how we enable small and medium companies by creating an ecosystem where they can become innovative. That can be a sandbox kind of environment where these companies can do their designs or experiments, and then they can scale up, added Rajnish Sharma. Julian Blissett, GM executive vice president and president of GM China, spoke of the market of Shanghai in terms of NEV and intelligent connected vehicles. The environment here is very supportive towards supporting companies to build and explore possibilities, he said. The second thing is that consumers here are very tech-savvy. This is a very high-tech, cosmopolitan and young city where consumers are very willing to try new things, new products, new services. (Julian Blissett) Woburn, MA (01801) Today Rain early. Decreasing clouds with mostly sunny skies by afternoon. High 47F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight A clear sky. Low 28F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. A TEACHING GREAT - Elementary Visual Arts teacher Amy Hussey was honored last night by the Reading School Committee for being named the Massachusetts Art Education Association Elementary Art Educator of the Year. Present for the occasion were (L-R) Director of Finance Susan Bottan, new student representative to the School Committee who was introduced at the meeting Smirtha Srinivasan, Assistant Superintendent Sarah Hardy, Superintendent of Schools Tom Milaschewski, Amy Hussey, School Com. chair Tom Wise, and School Com. members Sarah McLaughlin, Erin Gaffen, Carla Nazzaro, Shawn Brandt and Chuck Robinson. THE PROPOSED NEW LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER in the to-be-constructed Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield. OUT OF TIME - Daniel Craig in a scene from "No Time To Die." from Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. The movie has a valedictory, "let's get the band together one more time" feel. You may have heard Scott Frost is in the market for four assistants. Will one of them be solely dedicated to the "third phase" of the game? TINLEY PARK A large manhunt was sparked across state lines in connection with a shooting in Posen, Illinois, and possibly a double homicide in Hammond, police said. As of Friday at noon, one juvenile was arrested in Posen, Illinois, and there are two people who police are searching for, described as a Hispanic male and black male, according to a news release from the Tinley Park Village of Public Safety. Hammond Police Department Lt. Steve Kellogg said the vehicle driven by the suspects was a potential match with a vehicle connected to a Oct. 7 double homicide on Locust Street in Hammond. The vehicle is still in police custody in Illinois and it has not yet been determined whether it is the same vehicle, he said. Kellogg said the suspects in the double homicide have not yet been identified. Officers were called to assist Illinois State Police and Posen police late Thursday in the search for a vehicle that was occupied by suspects in the Hammond homicides and a shooting in Posen. At about 10 p.m. Thursday, a Tinley Park Police Department officer saw the vehicle and began to pursue it heading north on Ridgeland Avenue. A chase was sparked but ended with the vehicle crashing into railroad tracks at Ridgeland Avenue and Oak Forest Avenue, with the suspects abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot in different directions. One of the suspects was arrested and the other two are still at large. The identity of the juvenile arrested has not been released. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute Authorities established a perimeter to secure the area as more police responded to the scene. Tinley Park Emergency Services issued a "code red" alert in a 1.5-mile radius of Oak Forest Avenue and Ridgeland Avenues that warned residents to report suspicious individuals and to be cautious of possible danger in their area. Illinois State Police, the South Suburban Emergency Response Team and the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System Mutual Aid Response Team arrived to assist and the Cook County Sheriff's Police Hostage Barricade Unit was also called out because of the large search area. In addition, bloodhounds were brought to the scene to track the suspects down. Tinley Park officers and dozens of agencies continued to do a comprehensive search, which they said would continue until the suspects are arrested or confirmed to no longer be in the area. By 5 a.m. Friday, police called off the search, saying the felt confident the suspects were no longer in the area. The Tinley Park Police Department asked residents to check and report anything caught on their home security systems Thursday night by contacting 708-532-9111. The Hammond shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. Oct. 7 in the 700 block of Locust Street. Police found a 27-year-old man slumped over inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound in his head, Kellogg said. A second victim, a 26-year-old East Chicago man, was found dead from several gunshot wounds in a nearby yard. Kellogg said police are still seeking information on the shooting and asked anyone with information to Detective Sgt. Shawn Ford at 219-852-2998. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is recommending denial of Indiana Michigan Powers (I&Ms) request for a $104 million annual rate increase. This week, the OUCC filed its case-in-chief before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). The OUCCs testimony from 11 expert witnesses is based on the agencys three-month technical and legal review of evidence filed by I&M. After receiving base rate increases in 2018 and 2020, I&M has not made the case for this increase at this time, said Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor Bill Fine. Our analysis of the utilitys request shows I&M to be a financially sound utility that is capable of providing safe and reliable service to its Indiana customers with the revenues it currently has. In its filing, the OUCC notes the unprecedented health and financial hardships ratepayers have faced over the last 18 months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agencys filing also refers to state policy directing utilities to protect affordability when investing in necessary infrastructure, noting a lack of affordability criteria in I&Ms request. As explained in the OUCCs testimony: A revenue decrease of $6.3 million is justified based on current evidence. The monthly residential customer charge, which does not vary based on usage, should stay at its current $15.00 level. I&M is seeking to raise the charge to $20.00 in this case. Reductions in various line items throughout I&Ms request would more than offset the revenues needed for the replacement of aging infrastructure and improvements to the utilitys transmission and distribution system. The utilitys authorized return on equity should be set at 9.1 percent, rather than the 10.0 percent it is requesting. I&Ms plan to retire its life cycle management rider for projects at the Cook Nuclear Plant should be approved. The utilitys proposal to change its rate mechanism for potential future increases in federal income taxes is premature and should be denied. Pollution control equipment at Rockport Generating Station Unit 2 should be removed from rate base, since the unit will supply power only to the wholesale market after 2022. Rate recovery for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations should be denied at this time, in the absence of a state policy promoting EV charging infrastructure. The utilitys proposal would require all ratepayers to pay for stations that are unlikely to receive wide use in the near future. Employee incentive compensation plans should be funded equally by ratepayers and shareholders. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute Additional line items that should be reduced include: Long-term depreciation costs, Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployment, Staff positions that are currently vacant, Nuclear decommissioning trust fund costs since it is already fully funded, Bad debt recovery, and Various additional operating and maintenance expenses. The OUCCs testimony is posted on the agencys website. I&M has until Nov. 9, 2021 to file rebuttal testimony. A Commission order is expected in spring 2022. (IURC Cause No. 45576) INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER STATEMENT: REGARDING OUCC RESPONSE TO RATE REVIEW REQUEST Indiana Michigan Power is reviewing the response from the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) this week to I&Ms rate review request that was filed July 1, 2021. I&M respects the role of the OUCC in Indianas process of conducting utility rate reviews. The company plans to file a formal response to the OUCCs concerns by Nov. 9, as established in the rate review process. I&M stands by its request for a 6.5% rate increase to best serve our customers in a safe, reliable manner by Powering the Next with investments in reliability, customer experience and new technologies. I&M invites customers and others interested in the rate review to learn more on its Powering the Next Web page. Press Release October 15, 2021 Angara to DOLE: Targeted interventions needed to ensure no one is left behind Alarmed over the spike in the country's unemployment figures, Senator Sonny Angara called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to come up with programs targeted at all the industries and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the hearing on the 2022 budget of the DOLE, Angara commended the agency on its various programs to assist various sectors in coping with the pandemic such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP). While saying that these services provided by DOLE are valuable during these challenging times, Angara said every effort should be extended to ensure that no Filipino who needs help is left behind. "Malayo pa sa 2019 levels ang recovery ng ating mga local industries tulad ng tourism, transportation and the associated industries. We should come up with special programs that are targeted towards the heavily affected industries," Angara said. "It's a well established fact that COVID has exacerbated or made inequality worse. We're adding to the ranks of poor people if we do not develop programs on the fly," he added. The Chairman of the Committee on Finance took note of the alarming employment data, particularly the 8.1 percent unemployment rate in August 2021 as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Based on the PSA report, the 8.1 percent is equivalent to around 3.88 million jobless Filipinos and is higher than the 6.9 percent recorded in July 2021. In a briefing before the Senate last week, the Department of Trade and Industry has also indicated that over 830,000 Filipinos lost their jobs last year. "The latest employment figures are quite disturbing. We haven't reached such levels in 15 years. Underemployment was at 20 percent in July and is down to 14 percent in August. We must have strategies to address this," Angara said. Angara said DOLE should have a feedback mechanism to know precisely who lost their jobs during the pandemic, where they are situated and which sector they belong to. "The role of the DOLE is to pinpoint who have been affected. DOLE has the institutional capacity to know where they are. So it is very important that we have an information mechanism for this," Angara said. "It looks very difficult for these industries moving forward. Sana mabigyan ng special attention lahat within the very worthy programs of DOLE like TUPAD and CAMP. At least para makatawid man lang sila because I don't think these people will be included within the rolls of CCT beneficiaries for instance," Angara added. DOLE has sought for additional funding for TUPAD and CAMP in order to cover all affected workers in the formal and informal sectors and even the overseas Filipino workers. The agency also has a National Employment Recovery Strategy to help displaced workers in the tourism and other related sectors to transition to other industries where there demand for jobs is higher. Press Release October 15, 2021 De Lima pays tribute to Gascon for exemplary service, commitment in promoting human rights Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima honored the late Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Chito Gascon for his invaluable contributions in upholding, protecting and promoting human rights exemplified by his crusade to stand for the sanctity of justice and human rights even amid rising threats of repression. In filing Proposed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 932, De Lima said Gascon will always be remembered as an epitome of courage and resolve who had never cowered even in the face of threats of reprisal. "His decades-long crusade to stand and advocate for the sanctity of justice and human rights now serves as a guiding light for many more who will follow his footsteps," she said. "It is only fitting that the Senate recognize Chair Gascon's immeasurable contributions to public service and honor him for his exemplary service, dedication, and commitment in the upholding and promoting of human rights, justice and accountability," she added. Gascon, a lawyer, civil organizer and a lifelong human-rights advocate had succumbed to COVID-19 at the age of 57 last Oct. 9. De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion herself, noted that Gascon's background on human rights and political reform is rife with both wisdom and experience. Gascon has been described as a "longstanding social justice activist" who "began organizing against the Marcos dictatorship as a student leader before the 1986 nonviolent People Power Revolution." In the midst of the martial law reign and in the wake of the assassination of the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino Jr. on August 21, 1983, Gascon helped mobilize protest actions in schools demanding for justice, human rights and political change. Gascon held several key government positions such as Undersecretary for Legal, Legislative and Special Concerns at the Department of Education (DepEd) from 2002-2005, Board Member of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) from 2010-2011, and Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Office of the President from 2011-2014. He likewise became a part of the Government Delegation to the UN Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review in 2012 and a Panel Member for Peace Negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF) from 2001-2004. Further to his notable role in peace processes, De Lima noted that Gascon assisted in peace negotiations involving the conflict with Muslim rebels in Mindanao. He was a member of the Technical Working Group on Power Sharing and Alternate Panel Member in peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and with the AdHoc High-Level Working Group for the Tripartite Review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Peace Committee for Southern Philippines. As one of the critics of the rampant extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses under the current administration, De Lima said Gascon was no stranger to personal attacks hurled against him in the last five years. "When pressed by media for a reaction on tirades made by President Duterte and his allies against him, Chair Gascon would honorably remark, 'trabaho lang tayo,'" De Lima shared. "Chair Chito Gascon's tireless service to the Filipino people deserves not only our gratitude but our utmost respect. He is one of the few good men in government who served no master but the law and the Filipino people," she said. Press Release October 15, 2021 Bong Go vows to fight for welfare of HCWs in recognition of their crucial role in saving lives amid pandemic Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has pledged to push for the passage of a bill that will give continued and more inclusive allowances and benefits to healthcare workers (HCWs) while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a public health emergency. In an ambush interview during his distribution of assistance to various sectors and turnover of check to Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Go said that all HCWs should get the same allowances without any distinction, pointing out that they are all equally exposed to the virus. This prompted him to file Senate Bill No. 2398 which seeks to provide benefits and allowances to all healthcare workers who are engaged in health and health-related work in health facilities during the state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Dapat po ay walang sinasabing distinction between itong exposed at hindi exposed. Dahil 'pag pumasok ka sa hospital, eh hindi mo nakikita si COVID, expose ka na talaga," said Go. "Kaya dapat i-fix natin ito. Basta nakapag-duty ka sa hospital - ma-doctor, ma-nurse, ma-janitor o ma-utility men diyan na naglilinis po, 'pag nasa hospital, 'pag nagkasalubong po kayo, exposed ka na po. So, dapat wala na pong pili, walang pili po dapat," he added. As HCWs continue to save lives, Go believed the government owes them a debt of gratitude and should give them additional benefits. He believed people should not be forced to undergo the stress of fighting a fatal infection indefinitely without proper remuneration. "Ibigay natin 'yung mga incentives at allowances na dapat, nararapat sa ating mga health care workers. Mahirap po maging healthcare worker ngayon, mahirap po maging frontliner sa panahon ngayon," said Go. "Hindi po basta-basta ang trabaho nila. Napakaliit lang po na halaga ito para sa kanilang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Sila po ang isinabak natin sa giyerang ito. So huwag ho natin silang pabayaan," he added. Senate Bill No. 2421 takes into consideration Go's filed bill 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. The measure also provides PhilHealth coverage for direct healthcare costs of hospitalized health workers due to COVID-19. Public and private healthcare personnel who contract COVID-19 in the course of their work will also be compensated. The senator said that included in the bill is the retroactive application of allowances beginning July 1, 2021. "At ako naman po, ipaglalaban ko ang ating mga frontliners sa kahit anong paraan po, ipaglalaban ko po kayo bilang Senate Committee Chair on Health ay nandidito po ako na ipaglaban kayo. What is due sa inyo dapat po ibigay po para sa inyong lahat," said Go. He also pushed the government to spend more in the country's healthcare system, claiming that doing so would set off a chain reaction that would lead to the economy's recovery. "The more we should invest ngayon sa ating healthcare. Ito po ang problema natin ngayon. It follows na po 'yan lahat - ibig kong sabihin, 'pag naging normal po ang sitwasyon natin sa pangkalusugan ay sunud-sunod na po 'yan - ekonomiya, pagbukas ng ekonomiya, at pagbalik sa sigla ng ekonomiya, dagdag trabaho na, makabalik na po sa normal, na makapagtrabaho na po 'yung ating mga kababayan," said Go. In his visit, Go witnessed the turnover of financial assistance to Davao Regional Medical Center for the Purchase of One Lot High Pressure Oxygen Booster Equipment worth Php. 25,000,000. This will improve the hospital's existing oxygen refilling machine by giving it its own supply under its control. This will help it to not become too dependent on 3rd parties for supplies, especially when supplies run low. During the interview, Go also shared some of the health measures he has filed to improve the country's healthcare system. These include that SB 2158, which establishes the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention; SB 1803, or the e-Health System and Services Act of 2020, which aims to regulate the practice of telemedicine and e-Health, set the standards of practice and implement a mechanism for individuals and entities providing e-Health services; and SB 1529, which seeks to require the establishment of quarantine facilities in every region in the country. "Ito pong mga iba't ibang bills na makakatulong po sa pagbabalik natin sa ating normal na kabuhayan," said Go. Go expressed optimism that these legislation will acquire pace in the Senate once the Senate's current priority, the proposed 2022 budget, is passed. As the vaccine program expands, Go also hopes for a better holiday season for the country. "Hopefully, makamtan po natin 'yan. Sa ngayon, mayroon na tayong more than 88 million doses of vaccine ang dumating at mahigit 23 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated. Ang nakapag-first dose, more than 27 million na po. Tuluy-tuloy po ito, 'yung ating vaccine rollout," said Go. OCALA, Fla.Because of a reduction in the demand for COVID-19 testing, Statlab Mobile, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, will no longer offer free drive-through testing at the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park in Ocala. Testing also ended at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Oct. 11. CovidTestFL.Org, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, continues to provide extended-hours testing opportunities in Marion County. Call CovidTestFL.Org at 866-826-8430 for details. We want to thank Statlab Mobile, the Florida Horse Park and the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion for partnering with us, and helping ensure Marion County residents had multiple opportunities for testing during the pandemic, said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. Such partnerships have been invaluable in our efforts to provide Marion County residents with rapid, responsive COVID-19 testing. At First Baptist Church of Ocala, 2801 SE Maricamp Road, CovidTestFL.Org offers free drive-through testing. Testing is available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. CovidTestFL.Org, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, offers a diagnostic PCR COVID-19 test that provides results within three days via a text message or email containing a link to results on a web portal. People who do not have access to email can obtain results by Expedited test results are available for an additional fee. People who seek to be tested must enter the church parking lot entrance on SE 30th Ave. To be tested, individuals should bring a valid photo ID; minors under age 18 will only be tested if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing. Only people who are being tested should be in the vehicle, with the exception of parents, guardians, or caregivers. No pets are permitted in the vehicle during tests. Additionally, testing can be done at private labs, physicians offices, pharmacies and walk-in clinics throughout Marion County. Vaccine opportunities The department provides walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. at its main office (1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala). Appointments are also available at the main office Monday through Friday. To make a vaccination appointment go to https://tinyurl.com/MakeMarionFLVaxAppt. Walk-ins are also available. Positivity rate remains below 10% According to the most recent state report, Marion County is reporting 56,318 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of October 14. This is an increase of 313 cases from the previous week. Of Marion COVID-19 cases from Oct. 814, 5.6% tested positive. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 cases in Florida was 3.8%. Marions cases and positivity rates continue to decrease. From COVID-19 cases reported over the past seven days (cases reported Oct. 814), Marion saw: An average of 43.1 new cases per day 5.6% positivity rate. A total of 736 people vaccinated From COVID-19 cases reported over the previous seven days (cases reported Oct. 17), Marion saw: An average of 61 new cases per day 6.9% positivity rate A total of 928 people vaccinated From COVID-19 cases reported Sept. 2430, Marion saw: An average of 87.7 new cases per day 9.1% positivity rate. A total of 825 people vaccinated From COVID-19 cases reported Sept. 1823), Marion saw: An average of 148.3 new cases per day 13.3% positivity rate. A total of 1,106 people vaccinated From COVID-19 cases reported Sept. 1016, Marion saw: An average of 220.4 new cases per day 17.9% positivity rate. A total of 1,636 people vaccinated For more information, call the Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2590. Find out more Visit http://marion.floridahealth.gov,www.marionflcovid.org and www.twitter.com/flhealthmarion for the latest information on COVID-19 and vaccinations. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov and use the Vaccine Locator and Testing Sites tools to find vaccination and testing sites near you. According to information published by Global Times on October 14, 2021, The Naval Interaction-2021 maritime military exercise started in waters near Russia's Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Type 903A comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu and Type 055 large destroyer Nanchang (Picture source: Global Times) The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) sending advanced warships including the Type 055 large destroyer Nanchang, the Type 052D destroyer Kunming, the Type 054A frigates Binzhou and Liuzhou, and the Type 903A comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu, as well as fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare aircraft and vessel-borne helicopters from the Eastern, Southern and Northern Theater Commands, while Russia will deploy large anti-submarine ships, frigates, and aircraft. The Type 052D destroyer (Luyang III-class destroyer) is a class of guided-missile destroyers in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Surface Force. The Type 052D is a larger variant of the Type 052C; the Type 052D uses a canister-type, instead of revolver-type, vertical launching system (VLS) and has flat-paneled active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The new VLS is not limited to surface-to-air missiles, making the Type 052D China's first dedicated multi-role destroyer. The powerplant is a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) system with two 28-megawatt (38,000 hp) QC-280 gas turbines and two 6 MW (8,000 hp) MTU 20V 956TB92 diesel engines. The machinery drives two shafts for a maximum speed of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph). The Type 052D is equipped with Type 346A AESA and Type 518 L-band radar. The destroyer is also equipped with both variable depth (VDS) and linear towed array sonar. The VDS is deployed through a hinged opening in the transom by a hydraulic lifting mechanism. The VDS body is a streamlined fairing fitted with Y-shaped hydrodynamic vanes for towing stability. According to a press release published by Naval Group on October 14, 2021, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded Naval Group the contract for the preliminary and detailed design of the Ocean Patrol Vessel program. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Artist rendering of future Ocean Patrol Vessels (Picture source: French Ministry of Armed Forces) This award follows on from the signature of the framework agreement carried by the French Defence Procurement Agency on 23 October 2020 for the study, development, production, and initial operational maintenance of ten ocean patrol vessels for the French Navy. A first contract had been awarded to Naval Group for the design and value analysis and was approved by the French Defence Procurement Agency on 23 June 2021. The company has now been awarded a second contract for the preliminary and detailed design of the Ocean Patrol Vessels. Another contract will then be awarded to Naval Group for a ship construction monitoring service. The Ocean Patrol Vessels program aims at the renewal of the patrol vessels stationed in mainland France, namely the high seas patrol vessels (ex-avisos A69) based in Brest and Toulon, and the public service patrol vessels based in Cherbourg. The mission of these ocean patrol vessels will include support to deterrence, autonomous situation assessment in areas of sovereignty or interest, escort, evacuation of nationals, sovereignty and protection of national interests in the maritime approaches. This program is part of an innovative industrial scheme involving collaboration between civil and military entities. Naval Group, as overall project architect, is in charge of the design of these ships. The French Defence Procurement Agency will then entrust the construction to all or part of the production shipyards that were awarded the framework agreement for deliveries between 2025 and 2029. The future Ocean Patrol Vessels will be armed with the RapidFire 40mm naval gun system. The RapidFire 40mm naval gun system consists of an over-deck self-contained gyro-stabilized gun mounting armed with the CTA 40, Case Telescoped Armament System (CTAS) cannon, designed to fire 40mm telescoped ammunition. The 40 RapiFire naval gun has a firing rate of up to 200 rounds by minute using airburst ammunition. The concept of air burst ammunition came up in order to increase the efficiency of the gun systems against air-to-surface missiles, UAVs, etc. The idea is basically to create a cloud of particles that have high kinetic energy and penetration capability on the path of the threat and be able to hit targets that are very difficult to hit with the classical ammunitions. The 40mm RapidFire has an effective firing range of 4,000 meters against air targets and up to 2,500 meters against surface threats. It can fire in a fully autonomous mode and is equipped with infrared and daylight TV channels as well as a laser range finder. We are searching for an reliable pellet supplier from western or central Ukraine. Our demand is 18 tons per day or more. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Cabinet backs ban on persons involved in extremism to work as pilots and flight attendants flickr.com/ Papas Dos 15:29 15/10/2021 MOSCOW, October 15 (RAPSI) The Government Commission on Legislative Activities has approved an initiative to ban those involved in extremist activities, including those who publish posts on social networks that incite hatred and enmity, from working as pilots or flight attendants. It is proposed to supplement the Russian Air Code with provisions according to which it will be forbidden to hire citizens put on the list of persons in relation to whom there is information about their involvement in extremist activities or terrorism, on positions of aviation personnel, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Lawyers of Russia (ALR) Vladimir Gruzdev informs RAPSI. This list is formed by the Federal Financial Monitoring Service. The basis for including a person in this list is, first of all, the fact that such a person was brought to criminal responsibility under the articles of the Criminal Code, punishing terrorist or extremist crimes, Gruzdev explained. He said that this list, in particular, includes those convicted of publicly justifying terrorism or propaganda of terrorism, public calls to carry out extremist activities, public calls to take actions aimed at violating the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation. Thus, publications in social networks that violate the law, including those aimed at inciting hatred or enmity, as well as humiliation of human dignity, will make it impossible for the violator to have a career as an employee of airlines. Such a person will not be able to work either as a pilot or as a flight attendant. The initiative is aimed at implementing the requirements of the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in terms of ensuring the protection of civil aviation from acts of unlawful interference, Gruzdev said. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on October 15, 2021 2021/10/15 CCTV: The Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations said the United States is the only one of the five nuclear-weapon states that refuses to ratify the Protocols to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ) Treaty. The Kiribati President also is especially concerned about Australia developing nuclear-powered submarines, noting that his country is one of the Pacific islands and its people were victims of the nuclear tests of the UK and the US. He added "with anything to do with nuclear, we thought it would be a courtesy to raise it, to discuss it with your neighbours." Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: The concerns of Samoa and Kiribati are justified and legitimate. Facts have proved that the US-UK-Australia submarine cooperation is very unpopular and has caused alarm and rejection among regional countries and the international community. The latest move of the three countries have blatantly instigated confrontation and division in the region, accelerated arms race, and undermined regional peace and stability. It also violates the spirit of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and impairs the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ) Treaty. The practices of the three countries prove again that for geopolitical and military confrontation purposes, they will go as far as to discard the basic norms of international relations that countries, big and small, are all equals, and wantonly run against the will of regional countries and trample upon their rights and interests. Pacific island countries are highly sensitive about the nuclear issue largely because of their bitter memory of nuclear tests conducted by the US and the UK in the region. According to open resources, the US conducted 67 nuclear tests on the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958. In 1957 and 1958, the UK conducted 9 nuclear tests in its former colony of what is called Kiribati today. Between 1946 and 1982, the US, the UK and other countries dumped large amount of radioactive waste into the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. The US even shipped 130 tons of nuclear contaminated soil from nuclear testing grounds in Nevada all the way to the Marshall Islands. Australia is also a perpetrator. It once actively sought to acquire and develop nuclear weapons, and allowed the UK to conduct nuclear tests on the Montebello Islands off Western Australia, and Emu Field and Maralinga in South Australia between 1952 and 1963. These nuclear tests and waste have gravely undermined local ecological environment, harmed the safety and health of local residents, and caused severe disasters to countries and people in the region. The remarks of the Samoan representative reminds us once again that in 1996 the US signed the three protocols to South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ) Treaty, or the Treaty of Rarotonga, but has not ratified any of them, making itself the only one that has not ratified the protocols among the five nuclear-weapon states. The US should listen to the appeals of regional countries, ratify the protocols to the Treaty at an early date, earnestly fulfill its obligations under the protocols, and refrain from deploying nuclear weapons in the region or spreading nuclear weapons to regional countries. For years, the US, the UK and Australia have been calling themselves leaders of international non-proliferation efforts, but the fact is quite the opposite. China again urges the three countries to heed the call from the international community, abandon outdated zero-sum mentality and narrow-minded geopolitical concepts, revoke the wrong decision, faithfully fulfill international non-proliferation obligations and do more that benefits regional peace and stability. Hubei Media Group: The Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship will be launched in the early hours of tomorrow. Do you have any comment? What is its significance to international cooperation and exchange in manned missions? Zhao Lijian: Less than a month ago, we just welcomed the successful return of Shenzhou-12. Early tomorrow morning, we will witness the launch of Shenzhou-13 into space with excitement again. This demonstrates the spirit of China's manned space program, which features relentless hard work and dedication under extreme and arduous conditions to solve critical problems and achieve successes. It also epitomizes Chinese people's spirit of scientific exploration that features ambition, courage and perseverance in pursuing the space dreams. At yesterday's press conference on the launch of China's manned Shenzhou-13 spacecraft at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the spokesman of the China Manned Space Program gave a briefing. The Shenzhou 13 manned mission is the sixth mission in the key technology verification phase of China's space station. It will mark a decisive end of this phase and a crucial juncture for the future construction of the space station in orbit, which demonstrates China's new endeavor and contribution to humanity's manned space mission. We will continue to engage in international cooperation and exchanges at wider scope and deeper level, and make positive contributions to the exploration of the mysteries of the universe, the peaceful use of outer space and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. We noticed the differences in crew assignments between the Shenzhou-13 mission and the Shenzhou-12 mission. For example, it will be the first time that a Chinese female astronaut has visited China's space station and carried out extravehicular activities. It will be the first time that Chinese astronauts have stayed in orbit for six months. And it will be the first time that Chinese people have celebrated the Spring Festival in space. We look forward to receiving best wishes from our compatriots in space as we bid farewell to the past year on the eve of the lunar new year. Let us all wish them a successful launch of the Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship! Xinhua News Agency: We have noted that the second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference opened in Beijing yesterday. Can you give us more details? Zhao Lijian: The second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference is being held in Beijing from October 14 to 16 in an online and offline manner. President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech via videoconference at the opening ceremony, which was participated by representatives from 171 countries. The presidents of Russia, Turkmenistan, Ethiopia, Panama and other countries, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands and the UN Secretary-General addressed the ceremony via video link. As pointed out by President Xi Jinping in his remarks, transport is the artery of the economy and a bond between civilizations. Since the founding of New China, generation after generation of the Chinese people have worked in the spirit of opening roads through mountains and putting bridges over rivers, and turned China into a country with vast transport infrastructure. Today, we are redoubling our efforts to build a country with great transport strength. China has become the economy best connected to the global shipping network and with the highest volume of trade in goods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the China-Europe Railway Express and ocean-going cargo vessels have been running day and night to keep global industrial and supply chains stable, showcasing China's sense of responsibility in the global community. President Xi also announced that China will set up a Global Innovation and Knowledge Center for Sustainable Transport, as a contribution to global transport development. China will continue to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen infrastructure connectivity with other countries, develop a green Silk Road and a digital Silk Road at a faster pace, and provide concrete solutions for realizing sustainable transportation around the world. AFP: LinkedIn, the career networking platform owned by Microsoft, said yesterday that it was shutting down its professional networking service in China, citing a more challenging operating environment, and greater compliance requirements, to put it bluntly. I wonder whether China has asked LinkedIn to leave the Chinese market? Zhao Lijian: We noted that LinkedIn already made a response and I would like to refer you to that. As a principle, I want to stress that China is committed to the basic state policy of opening-up and creating a sound business environment for foreign investors. China will continue to open itself wider to the world. It will continue to welcome companies worldwide, including American ones, to invest in China and provide a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment. According to the recent report of the US-China Business Council, 95% of the American companies surveyed made a profit in China last year, and 64% saw their revenue grow in the Chinese market. China's development will continue to release huge market potential and vitality, creating greater opportunities for companies from America and other countries. TASS: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, speaking via video link at the second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference, that Russia intends to multiply cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route. "We invite all interested partners, including our Chinese friends, to more actively use the capabilities of the Northern Sea Route to build up trading operations with Europe," he added. I wonder if China has any comment on his statement? Zhao Lijian: We have noted President Putin's remarks. Due to global warming, the Arctic shipping routes are expected to become an important route for international trade. China respects the legitimate rights of Arctic states in waters under their national jurisdiction. 24kz: According to reports, exports from Kazakhstan to China have been accumulating at the ports of Khorgos and Dostyk. Data shows that around 5,000 carriages are not able to enter China, causing losses for Kazakhstan's merchants. Chinese exports to Kazakhstan often experience problems, too. The two countries established permanent comprehensive strategic partnership in 2019 and have been stressing the importance of expanding and deepening economic and trade cooperation. My question is, what is the main reasons for the above-mentioned situation? What is China's suggestion for addressing the issue on the basis of good-neighborliness and friendly relations? Zhao Lijian: As friendly neighbors and permanent comprehensive strategic partners, China and Kazakhstan have made fruitful achievements in cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Since last year, the two sides have overcome the negative impact of the epidemics and made positive progress in cooperation across the board. In particular, from January to August this year, trade between China and Kazakhstan increased to US$16.9 billion, up 28.5% year on year. Competent authorities, localities and enterprises of the two countries have maintained close contact under the framework of the China-Kazakh Cooperation Committee and the joint epidemic prevention and control mechanism, and timely resolved the issue of cargo passing at ports through consultation. China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to continuously advance high-quality BRI cooperation, and expand and deepen cooperation with concrete actions in the long term. Regarding your specific question, please refer to the competent authorities. I believe with the communication and concerted efforts of both sides, the relevant issue will be resolved. The Paper: Zimbabwe's newspaper revealed the other day that the US government, through such means as funding relevant agencies in hosting seminars, is paying private media journalists 1,000 dollars for every story they publish to discredit Chinese companies who invest in Zimbabwe. Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: We have noticed relevant reports. One thousand dollars could have been spent in funding a poor Zimbabwean student or helping Zimbabwe purchase 100 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. But the US government chose to hire paid posters to spread rumors with the money, which is vile as media outlets put it. For some time, the US has gone to great lengths, including paying for lies, to discredit China and hurt China-Africa relations. The reports you mentioned fully show that African countries and the whole international community are clear-eyed about the US flagrant dissemination of disinformation, and revolt at US despicable and unscrupulous fabrication of lies and smears. China and Zimbabwe enjoy long-standing friendship. Chinese companies' investment in Zimbabwe has played a positive role in promoting the country's economic recovery and development and improving people's livelihood. Our practical cooperation has delivered tangible benefits to the two peoples. What stands in clear contrast is that the US has long been imposing illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe, and using funds to corrupt media and fabricate negative reports on China at their behest. It is all too clear after comparison. We urge the US to stop shouting empty slogans and speaking falsehood, and do more concrete things for African people, including those in Zimbabwe, so as to play a constructive role in Africa's economic recovery and development. China Daily: At the United Nations General Assembly on October 14th, 18 countries, including the US, were elected to the Human Rights Council. US Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the US will "stand with human rights defenders and speak out against violations and abuses of human rights", and that the US initial efforts will focus on situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, Ethiopia, Syria and Yemen. What is China's comment? Zhao Lijian: We still remember that over three years ago, the US announced its withdrawal from the Human Rights Council in a high-profile manner. We hope the US can take its election to the Human Rights Council as an opportunity to practice multilateralism with real actions, engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation with all parities and play a positive role in advancing the work of the Human Rights Council. Shortly after its election, the US again pointed fingers at human rights conditions in other countries. The US should work on this old habit. If the US carries on adopting double standard, politicizing human rights issues and attacking and suppressing other countries, then it will meet strong opposition from the international community. What the US actually should do is to promptly redress its grave violation of human rights both at home and abroad and do something concrete for the international human rights cause. Bloomberg: The Times has reported that President Xi Jinping is not planning to attend the COP26 climate change summit next month in Glasgow. Can the foreign ministry confirm this? Zhao Lijian: I have no information to release at this moment. Exercising wearing virtual reality goggles, replacing spacesuit components, and getting ready for this weekend's crew departure were the main objectives for the Expedition 65 crew today. The residents aboard the International Space Station also juggled ongoing research and maintenance tasks amidst Russian filmmaking activities. Daily exercise in microgravity is vital to maintain bone and muscle health in the weightless environment of the orbiting lab. Scientists are studying whether virtual reality may add an extra dimension of pleasure and satisfaction for a crew member during an exercise session in space. Commander Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency) put on a virtual reality headset and strapped himself on to an exercise bike Wednesday morning for the Immersive Exercise study. The virtual reality sequence, including audio, is synchronized with the pedaling speed to increase the immersive sensation. Pesquet then spent the afternoon with NASA Flight Engineer Shane Kimbrough working on a U.S. spacesuit. The duo swapped components to resize the spacesuit and checked out the suit's communications gear. Kimbrough earlier swapped out fuel bottles inside the Combustion Integrated Rack before cleaning up the seven-windowed cupola. NASA Flight Engineer Megan McArthur spent her day deploying camcorders inside the Harmony module where the SpaceX Crew Dragon is docked. In the Unity module, NASA Flight Engineer Mark Vande Hei set up networking hardware and software then moved on to cargo work inside Northrop Grumman's Cygnus space freighter. Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) cleaned smoke alarms in the Kibo laboratory module then worked on botany and life science activities. Cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy is preparing for his return to Earth this weekend inside the Soyuz MS-18 crew ship. Joining him for this morning's Soyuz descent training session were Russian spaceflight participants Yulia Peresild and Klim Shipenko. Novitskiy will lead the duo aboard the Soyuz to a parachuted landing in Kazakhstan on Sunday at 12:36 a.m. EDT (10:36 a.m. Kazakh time). Veteran cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov spent Wednesday morning studying future spacecraft piloting and robotic techniques. First time space-flyer Pyotr Dubrov of Roscosmos photographed Shkaplerov during the session. The duo, including Novitskiy, then spent the afternoon on filmmaking activities with their two Russian space station guests. On-Orbit Status Report Payloads: Bio-Monitor: A crewmember disconnected the Bio-Monitor Data Unit from the Garment and doffed and hung the Headband and Garment out to dry. The crewmember then donned a spare Garment and Headband and connected the Data Unit to the spare Garment. Bio-Monitor is a Canadian onboard instrument that serves as a platform for scientific experiments on the ISS. The instrument performs on-orbit monitoring of crew member physiological parameters, with wearable sensors that only minimally interfere with crew member daily activities. Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR): A crewmember replace the CIR Manifold #2 Bottle with a new bottle containing 40% O2 and 60% N2. The Manifold #4 Bottle was also replaced with a new bottle containing 30% C3H8 and 70% N2. These bottle changes are in preparation of continued Cool Flame experiment runs. The CIR includes an optics bench, combustion chamber, fuel, and oxidizer control, and five different cameras for performing combustion investigations in microgravity. Immersive Exercise: A crewmember performed the setup for the Immersive Exercise related hardware, ran the session, completed the questionnaire, and stowed items. The Immersive Exercise project focuses on the development of a virtual reality (VR) environment for biking sessions aboard the ISS. The VR equipment is interfaced with the current bicycle exerciser aboard the ISS, Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS), located in the United States "Destiny" Laboratory Module. ISS HAM: A crewmember initiated and ISS HAM contact with Ecole Louis Armand AND Institut Universitaire de Technologie, Ca rquefou AND College Les Sables DOr, Thouare Sur Loire, France. ISS Ham Radio provides opportunities to engage and educate students, teachers, parents, and other members of the community in science, technology, engineering and math by providing a means to communicate between astronauts and the ground HAM radio units. Vascular Aging: A crewmember closed out the Vascular Aging 13-hour Blood Pressure Monitoring session and downloaded the data from the Mobil-O-Graph Unit. Emerging data point towards linkages among cardiovascular health risk, carotid artery aging, bone metabolism and blood biomarkers, insulin resistance, and radiation. Data indicate that aging-like changes are accelerated in many ISS crew members, particularly with respect to their arteries. As part of the Space Environment Causes Acceleration of Vascular Aging: Roles of Hypogravity, Nutrition, and Radiation (Vascular Aging) investigation, ultrasounds of the arteries, blood samples, oral glucose tolerance, and wearable sensors from ISS crew members are analyzed. Systems: Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Hard Upper Torso (HUT) On-Orbit Replaceable Unit (ORU) R&R and HUT Degas: Today, the crew performed a HUT swap on EMU S/N 3004. The R&R was performed to downsize the HUT from an extra-large (XL) to a medium (M) in preparation for the Expedition 66 crew. After installation, the crew degassed the newly installed HUT and performed comm checkouts. JSL 20-Port Switch Installation: Today, the crew set up two, 20-port Network Switches (S/N 1003, 1004) at NOD1D3 for the ground (PLUTO) to load the required configuration software on both switches. S/N 1003 will be loaded with a NOD3 configuration and S/N 1004 will be loaded with a Base configuration. After loading is complete, both switch units were stowed for later use. XF705 Camcorder Deploy: Today, the crew deployed the new XF705 camcorders in Node 3, Node 1, the Lab, Node 2, and the Columbus Module. These camcorders can record 4k/UHD Video and can have enough storage for approximately an hour of recording. JPM Cabin Smoke Detector Cleaning: Today, the crew cleaned the JPM Cabin Smoke Detector b (JPM Cabin SD b) by using the IVA Connector Cleaner Tool Kit and associated IVA N2 Cartridge (N2 Bottle) to supply bursts of N2 to remove particles. The smoke detectors sample the atmosphere within racks and in the open cabin for particles that might correspond to smoke from a fire. The SDs use a light sensing sampling chamber or probe and rely on forced airflow to propagate any smoke particles that may be present in the atmosphere. Completed Task List Activities: None Today's Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. Attitude Control System (ACS) Software Thruster Disable Attitude Control System (ACS) Software Thruster Enable Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Walkoff Maneuver Crew Dragon System Checkout SSRMS Direct Drive Test Look Ahead Plan Thursday, October 14 (GMT 287) Payloads: Behavioral Core Measures ROBOT test (NASA) Bio-Monitor data transfer and stow (CSA) CIR manifold 4 bottle exchange (NASA) ESA EPO TOUCHS (ESA) GLACIER desiccant swap IPU2 Camcorder connect (JAXA) POLAR desiccant swap Standard Measures Saliva, body and fecal collect and presleep question (NASA) TOILET PT tank install Systems: Clear Temperature and Humidity Control Keep Out Zone Spaceflight Participant Cupola Escort and Familiarization Cargo Ops PAO Events Setup XF305 Camcorder for real-time downlink JEM Stowage Consolidation Friday, October 15 (GMT 288) Payloads: Behavioral Core Measures test (NASA) Bio-Monitor stow (CSA) Immersive Exercise VR system charge JAXA Video Take 10 (JAXA) LSG glove port R&R (NASA) NanoRacks CubeSat-21 Deployer removal (NASA) Standard Measures Saliva collect and Cognition test (NASA) STPH5 - ICE Photo (NASA) TOILET outfit and daily use (NASA) Vascular Aging Scan (CSA) Systems: Spaceflight Participant Cupola Escort and Familiarization Airlock Closeout Panel A/L1D0 Installation Cargo Ops EVA Battery File Transfer Saturday, October 16 (GMT 289) Payloads: Off-Duty Systems: 64S Undock Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. HRF Generic MELFI Sample Retrieval and Insertion Operations HRF Generic MELFI Sample Insertion Operations Wireless VR Headset and items retrieval for Immersive Exercise Set up and run Immersive Exercise session XF705 Camcorder Deploy Hardware Gather ISS CREW/SSIPC CONFERENCE XF705 Camcorder Battery Charger Deploy XF705 Camcorder Deploy in Node 3 JPM Cabin Smoke Detector b Cleaning XF705 Camcorder Deploy in Node 1 XF705 Camcorder Deploy in LAB 20-port Network Switch setup for config installations XF705 Camcorder Deploy in Node 2 SD b Cleaning Closeout XF705 Camcorder Deploy in Columbus Vascular Aging 13-hour Blood Pressure Monitoring Conclude Polar Multiple Desiccant Swap Combustion Integrated Rack Bottle Gather Microgravity Measurement Apparatus (MMA) Parallel Adapter fix on PLT3 XF705 Camcorder Deploy of Floater Camcorders [Deferred] Combustion Integrated Rack Upper Rack Doors Open Combustion Integrated Rack Valve Timer Set Combustion Integrated Rack Manifold #2 Bottle Replacement Combustion Integrated Rack Manifold #4 Bottle Replacement Combustion Integrated Rack Upper Rack Doors Close XF305 Camcorder Setup Bag Culture shooting and close out ISS HAM Columbus Pass Kenwood Bag Culture Sample Iceberg Insert Cupola Cleanup Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) - JEM XF705 Camcorder Deploy Stow [Deferred] Food Acceptability Survey Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Hard Upper Torso (HUT) On-Orbit Replaceable Unit (ORU) Remove and Replace (R&R) Transfer Cygnus Cargo Operations Bio-Monitor Wearables Change Out Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Mobility Unit (EMU) Hard Upper Torso (HUT) Degas COL Hardware Trash Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config JEM Setup Public Affairs Office (PAO) Social Media Event Dragon/ISS Undock Crew Conference Bio-Monitor Wearables Stow Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. A team of students from the SCKCEN (Belgian nuclear research centre) located in Mol, Belgium, began their hypergravity research campaign at ESA's Large Diameter Centrifuge (LDC) at ESTEC on 27 September and successfully completed their experiment on 1 October. The LDC boasts a diameter of 8 m and is capable of generating hypergravity environments from 1 to 20g due to the centripetal forces as the centrifuge rotates. The LDC provides a scientific platform for scientists to examine relationships between varying levels of gravity and their experimental results. This can be paired with microgravity research to explore a broader spectrum of gravitational effects. The team is researching in which capacity hypergravity can be used to speed up wound healing in tissue samples that have been exposed to simulated microgravity. Over the course of the Spin Your Thesis! (SYT) programme the team learned how to design, build, and operate an experiment within an ESA facility. Furthermore, the team performed the coordination, logistics, and project management required to perform their experiment effectively. The culmination of these aspects results in an extraordinary learning experience for the students involved. The team is composed of three students, two PhD and one master's level. The team explored the effects of hypergravity on the healing of damaged fibroblast monolayers. Initially cells undergo a simulated microgravity treatment. This is done using an RPM (Random Positioning Machine) with the addition of the stress hormone cortisol to mimic stress levels in astronauts. After this the cells are exposed to hypergravity at 10g and 20g. The team hopes to find a connection between the speed of wound healing and the exposure of hypergravity to the cells. With the campaign complete, the team passed a monumental milestone and this excitement is noticeable. "It was an experience we will never forget", said a team member on the last day of the campaign. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. The data collected during the hypergravity experiment need to be analysed and documented. The employees working at the LDC and at ESA Academy enjoy working with the students and watching their projects grow from initial designs through to completion, and publication. "Every year, Spin Your Thesis! brings new students who are so eager to perform top-quality science on this centrifuge", said Nigel Savage, Programme Coordinator for university student experiments. "Their boundless enthusiasm is contagious, and we do everything to help them achieve their goals. We are confident that their first 'professional' encounter was positive for them and that they will pursue their career in gravity related research." With FORTE wrapping up their experiment over the next few months, the SYT! 2021 campaign comes to a close. Currently the call for proposals for the upcoming SYT! 2022 is open. If you have an experiment you would like to perform in hypergravity as part of a SYT campaign, click here to apply fo a chance to perform your investigations at the LDC. For other programmes that ESA Academy has to offer click here. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Vaccinated travellers are being wooed to set sail from the UAE capital on a voyage on the high seas after the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) unveiled its latest cruise offerings at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami, Florida. With its world-class infrastructure, calm waters and almost year-round sunshine, Abu Dhabi is one of the worlds premier destinations for sea cruises, reflected in the presence of leading cruise liner companies such as AIDA, Costa, MSC, Tui and more, Emirates news agency WAM reported. More than 100 cruise ships are scheduled to call at the terminals in Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island, owned and operated by AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of maritime industry and trade in the region. At the annual Seatrade conference, which took place from September 27-30, DCT Abu Dhabi representatives, in partnership with AD Ports Groups and Tourism365, outlined the latest offerings and explained why tourists should choose the emirate for their next seafaring adventure. DCT Abu Dhabi Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing Ali Hassan Al Shaiba said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming travellers to Abu Dhabi and to see the resurgence of the sea cruise industry. Over the past few years, our cruise industry has witnessed unprecedented growth, allowing us to offer seafarers unforgettable experiences when they visit the UAE capital. "This year, we look forward to welcoming a host of cruise ships to our terminals and providing guests with the opportunity to discover the attractions within our emirate and its tranquil surrounding waters." AD Ports Group Managing Director of Cruise Business Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri said: "We have the best measures in place to ensure the wellbeing of passengers and crew, in line with Abu Dhabis health and safety protocols, and are confident that we are well prepared for the resumption of regular cruise activities in the emirate." BEIJING, Oct. 15 -- "What the US said confuses right and wrong," said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday in a written statement responding to the Pentagon spokesperson's recent false remarks on Taiwan. According to media reports, the spokesperson of Pentagon recently said that the Chinese mainland has strengthen "intimidation" and "pressure" on Taiwan and the so-called "allies" and "partners" of the island, and increased military activities in the Taiwan Strait, which has undermined regional peace and stability and increased the risk of miscalculation. Meanwhile, the Pentagon claimed that it will continuously support Taiwan to maintain adequate defense capabilities. "China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to this," said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei in the statement. "There is only one China in the world. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, it is a basic fact recognized by the international community," said Tan, noting that the one-China principle is the political foundation of Sino-US relations and the core connotation of the three Sino-US Joint Communiques. The Taiwan question is purely an internal matter for China and brooks no external interference, said Tan. For a period of time, the US has stubbornly attempted to make an issue out of Taiwan so as to contain China, and continuously made negative remarks and moves on Taiwan-related issues, which has seriously damaged the bilateral ties and mil-to-mil relations between China and the US, and seriously undermined the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. "We urge the US to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, immediately correct its mistakes, stop any form of official exchanges and military contacts with Taiwan, handle the Taiwan question prudently and properly," said Tan, urging the US to take practical actions to maintain the relations between China and US as well as the two militaries, and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. "Secession aimed at 'Taiwan independence' is the greatest obstacle to national reunification and a grave danger to national rejuvenation ," Tan pointed out. "We can trace the roots of the current tension in cross-strait relations to the fact that the Taiwan DPP authorities constantly make provocations in pursuit of 'independence' in collusion with external forces." "The complete reunification of our country will be and can be realized," Tan stressed, adding that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will maintain a state of high alert and full-time combat readiness that can act at any time, resolutely thwart all external interference and separatist acts of "Taiwan independence", and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. JIUQUAN, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Saturday launched the crewed spaceship Shenzhou-13, sending three astronauts to its space station core module Tianhe for a six-month mission. The three astronauts are Zhai Zhigang, the commander and China's first spacewalker, Wang Yaping, the first Chinese female astronaut to visit China's space station and carry out extravehicular activities, and Ye Guangfu, a newcomer to space. They are expected to set a new record for China's manned space mission duration, exceeding the three months kept by the Shenzhou-12 crew from June to September this year. The spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert, according to the China Manned Space Agency. After entering orbit, the Shenzhou-13 spaceship will dock with the in-orbit combination composed of the space station core module Tianhe and the cargo crafts Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3. Get AfricaFocus Bulletin by e-mail! Format for print or mobile Africa/Global: Hardly a Dent in #VaccineApartheid AfricaFocus Bulletin October 15 , 2021 (2021-10-15) (Reposted from sources cited below) Editor's Note Millions of people remain at risk of dying from COVID-19 because high-income countries (HICs), including the US, continue to hoard excess vaccine doses, warns a new report released [on October 11] by Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). The international medical humanitarian organization is calling on governments to commit to a concrete plan to redistribute vaccine doses to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) via COVAX or regional procurement bodies by the end of October. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ New Directions for AfricaFocus Bulletin This AfricaFocus Bulletin is the first since my announcement (https://mailchi.mp/igc/new-directions?e=b9d4af328c) to readers on October 4 that AfricaFocus will be experimenting with new directions, moving away from our classic model focusing on one topic or country, with a short editor's note followed by a selection of selected excerpts on the topic plus recommended links. In the past,these bulletins have first been made available on the web and by email to subscribers. Social media, such as Facebook and twitter, have been used primarily to promote these bulletins and, and served as supplements to the bulletins, each of which required a fairly intensive research process to produce. AfricaFocus is not abandoning the basic approach of focusing on a single topic or country in each bulletin. Nor am I abandoning the practice of sending out roughly 2 bulletins each month. But the process needed to change, as communicating rapidly through social media takes on more importance in the media landscape. My conclusion was that to save time and be able to manage multiple communication channels, as well as to do more of my own original writing and other projects, I had to change the work process. To start with, I have become more active on twitter, saving time and avoiding for the most part the obnoxious twitter interface by using Tweetdeck as well as by a program to also share selected Facebook posts to twitter. For readers who like me can't tolerate twitter, I have created a page on the AfricaFocus site (http://www.africafocus.org/social-media/twitter.php) which shows the AfricaFocus twitter feed, as well as tweets from selected accounts on twitter that feature tax justice issues in particular. Then, the twitter feed can then provide much of the content for an issue such as this one. This note is getting too long. So take a look below, and watch for future changes to come as well. New Article by AfricaFocus Editor Foreign Policy in Focus, October 13, 2021 Indigenous Movements are Key to the Fight against Fossil Fuels https://fpif.org/indigenous-movements-are-key-to-the-fight-against-fossil-fuels/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ That press release from Doctors without Borders came out just weeks before the news of likely approval of a Moderna booster shot, and amid debate about the failure of Moderna to provide doses to African countries despite the fact that their vaccine was funded with public money. For coverage see: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/22/us/politics/covid-vaccine-moderna-global.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/09/business/moderna-covid-vaccine.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/07/world/africa/covid-moderna-africa.html https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/news-stories/news/us-must-stop-hoarding-excess-covid-19-vaccine-doses This was only the latest indication that, despite widespread agreement that the failure to vaccinate populations around the world is necessary to prevent the emergence of variants, the hashtag #VaccineApartheid still applies, based on the fundamental assumption by governments in rich countries that some lives are more valuable than others. See below for recent articles and for additional links taken from the AfricaFocus twitter feed. ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++ AfricaFocus Bulletin is an affiliate of the non-profit Bookshop.org. You can access the AfricaFocus Bookshop either through the AfricaFocus Portal or directly on Bookshop.org. Purchases made through these provide 10% of the list price to AfricaFocus. Income in addition to the costs of Bookshop.org go to independent bookstores around the United States. Featured Books Featured Book Lists New from US-Africa Bridge Building Project AfricaFocus Bulletin is one of the strategic allies of the project, which focuses on transnational solidarity and tax justice. In 2021, AfricaFocus editor William Minter has collaborated with the project as the principal editor for a series of web posts on transnational solidarity. To date, there are 10 posts in the series, which began in April 2021. The most recent are an orginal essay by Meredith Terretta and excerpts from a book review by Adom Gegatchew, both released at the end of September. Both focus on aspects of the rich history of the transnational Pan-Africanist movement. Lawyers Crossing Borders: From Anti-Colonialism to Anti-Apartheid by Meredith Terretta, Professor of History, University of Ottawa. In the twentieth century, as the Pan-African struggle advanced across the continent, lawyers across the diaspora and in imperial capitals found ways to join hands in solidarity across borders. Victories were limited at the height of colonialism. These long-distance solidarities were not only transnational but also transimperial. They connected people not only across territorial boundaries, but across imperial and linguistic boundaries. More ... A Fuller Freedom: The Lost Promise of Pan-Africanism by Adom Getachew, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago. Had Peter Abrahams, the South Africanborn novelist, journalist, and Pan-Africanist, not been killed tragically in his Jamaican home in January 2017, he would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. Born in 1919 on the outskirts of Johannesburg to an Ethiopian father and a colored (in the parlance of apartheid) mother, Abrahams lived his life along the winding paths of Pan-Africanism in the 20th century. More ... Global Apartheid: More than a Metaphor http://www.africafocus.org/docs01/ga0106.php Global apartheid, stated briefly, is an international system of minority rule whose attributes include: differential access to basic human rights; wealth and power structured by race and place; structural racism, embedded in global economic processes, political institutions and cultural assumptions; and the international practice of double standards that assume inferior rights to be appropriate for certain "others," defined by location, origin, race or gender. Global apartheid thus defined, we believe, is more than a metaphor. The concept captures fundamental characteristics of the current world order missed by such labels as "neoliberalism," "globalization" or even "corporate globalization." Most important, it clearly defines what is fundamentally unacceptable about the current system, strips it of the aura of inevitability and puts global justice and democracy on the agenda as the requirements for its transformation. more http://www.africafocus.org/editor/africa-race-world-2005.pdf Abstract: The failure to acknowledge race as a fundamental feature of todays unequal world order remains a striking weakness of radical as well as conventional analyses of that order. Current global and national socioeconomic hierarchies are not mere residues of a bygone era of primitive accumulation. Just as it should be inconceivable to address the past, present, and future of American society without giving central attention to the role of African American struggles, so analyzing and addressing 21st-century structures of global inequality requires giving central attention to Africa. more http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/ga2104.php The COVID-19 pandemic has both revealed and deepened structural inequalities around the world. Nearly every country has been hit by economic downturn, but the impacts are unevenly felt. Within and across countries, the people who have suffered most are those already disadvantaged by race, class, gender, or place of birth, reflecting the harsh inequality that has characterized our world for centuries. This deepening inequality haunts our global future. According to a report released by Oxfam in January 2021, Billionaire fortunes returned to their pre-pandemic highs in just nine months, while recovery for the worlds poorest people could take over a decade. more #VaccineApartheid http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/vac2104.php in AfricaFocus Bulletin Despite the vast disparity in the pace of vaccinations for Covid-19, currently at over 20% having one dose in North America, 5% in the world, and less in 1% for Africa, the United States, other rich countries, and pharmaceutical companies are still rejecting growing demands to waive patents and transfer technology. See chart below and data by country at https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations. In prepared remarks Monday [April 5] to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs ahead of meetings this week of international finance officials, according to the Washington Post, Yellen called on richer countries to step up both economic and public health assistance to poorer nations reeling from covid. She noted as many as 150 million people across the world risk falling into extreme poverty as a result of the crisis. This would be a profound economic tragedy for those countries, one we should care about. But, thats obvious. Whats less obvious but equally true is that this divergence would also be a problem for America," Yellen said. Our first task must clearly be stopping the virus by ensuring that vaccinations, testing and therapeutics are available as widely as possible." [The full speech, in which Yellen also called for international agreement on a global minimum corporate tax, is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR-2jA1gtOQ] This AfricaFocus includes several recent articles and other links documenting the potential to begin to repair this wide gap. The major barrier is political will on the part of those forces still trying to monopolize vaccinations and profits for themselves. ************************************************************ Global vaccine apartheid: it is a blot on the human race, and covax is too feeble a remedy Times of India, June 4, 2021 by Chetan Bhagat Chetan Bhagat is a bestselling author and a popular newspaper columnist. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/The-underage-optimist/global-vaccine-apartheid-it-is-a-blot-on-the-human-race-and-covax-is-too-feeble-a-remedy/ June 4, 2021. Recently, Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of UN, tweeted that the richest countries and regions are getting vaccinated more than 30 times faster than those with the lowest incomes. This vaccination gap is not just unfair; it threatens everyone. Along similar lines, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, described the ongoing vaccine crisis as a scandalous inequity where just 10 countries have received 75% of all vaccines administered so far, while 0.3% have gone to lower-income nations, with the African continent receiving just 1%. As a child, like many other children my age, I believed that United Nations is a global authority that runs the world. Sadly, I was completely wrong. With its limited powers, the UN can only plead to the world to do the right thing and vaccinate everyone. We, the human race, despite our tremendous achievements, have let ourselves down when it comes to Covid vaccinations across the globe. The only global effort we have now is WHOs Covax, a vaccine pooling programme for poorer countries. Limited in scope, it already faces shortages. Even in the best case, it would have provided vaccines to cover only 20% of a nations population, far below herd immunity levels. Instead, many countries have received zero doses. A key dependence was on Serum Institute of India, now unable to give vaccines to Covax because of Indias needs. Its a messy situation. The results are catastrophic. Vaccine deficient countries continue to face Covid outbreaks and deaths, even as the US, UK and Israel have vaccinated nearly half their population and seen cases drop over 90% from peak levels. Life is almost back to normal there. Sure, some blame lies on the individual countries for not sourcing vaccines well in time. India for instance, housing one-sixth of humanity, could have done a lot better. In 2020 itself, we could have pre-ordered the promising vaccine candidates. We didnt. We are suffering badly for it. However, when you have nearly 100 countries with no vaccines, while a handful have nearly all the supply, something seems terribly wrong at the global, all of humanity level. Ultimately, we are all members of the human race. To say some deserve to live because they have a certain passport, while others dont, speaks terribly about our species. Its vaccine apartheid. A handful of big pharma companies, along with a few proactive governments invested in research and came up with various Covid vaccines. The relatively small ecosystem of players, many of them private, now holds the key to solving this global crisis. Big pharma invented the vaccines. Full respect and credit to them for that. It is their IP. They deserve rewards for it. However, were these vaccines luxury products, made only for the rich countries? Imagine if the polio or smallpox vaccine was only given to rich nations. Would you still respect the inventors and investors as much? Of course the current vaccine supply issues cant just be blamed on big pharma companies. Many governments are guilty of red-tapism or vaccine nationalism or a failure to grasp the urgency of the situation. UN and WHO are to blame for underestimating the need; they did little to partner with vaccine candidates in 2020. Even today, their Covax programme is aid-oriented rather than targeted towards big pharma companies, which is what is needed to make them give up their patents and fix the shortages. The clear solution to this crisis is to scale up manufacture of vaccines. This requires vaccine IP holding big pharmas to release the patents. This wont happen with moral appeals, which will only waste time. Theres a need to pay the IP holders a fair price, as thats the capitalist incentive structure under which they operate. Fortunately, the world can pay this price. Given the alternative economic costs of lockdowns, distressed healthcare systems, and deaths, any country would and should be willing to pay a reasonable market price for vaccines. Together the UN, WHO, WTO and world leaders need to determine the fair compensation for patent release. This amount can then be paid for by all countries, based on their population and maybe with some consideration for per capita GDP. Once we have the patents, we can step up manufacturing in several plants all over the world, adding to vaccine supply. Is it morally wrong for big pharma to expect to make a lot of money in such times? We dont have time to discuss morality issues. We just need to get the vaccination going. In any case, the amounts involved would be no more than a few dollars a person, or a few percentage points of a nations GDP, possibly a one-time hit to the fiscal deficit. The human race needs to get its act together now, else the world would not be vaccinated for the next three years. Rich countries are fooling themselves if they feel they can ride out the pandemic by just vaccinating themselves. Variants from unvaccinated populations are a real risk, even to rich, already vaccinated countries. And WHO needs a better plan than Covax. Let it not just be a token exercise for rich countries to look good. Poor countries can also pay for the vaccine and they should. Big pharma can get paid for inventing these amazing vaccines. The world can scale up and manufacture more vaccines at more speed. The human race owes it to itself to do this right. Lets get the world vaccinated, fast. ******************************************************* 'Reckless': Doctors Without Borders Slams US for Hoarding 500 Million Vaccine Doses "The U.S. must immediately make public and concrete commitments to redistribute excess Covid-19 vaccines globally if it truly wants to end this pandemic." by Jake Johnson CommonDreams, October 11, 2021 https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/10/11/reckless-doctors-without-borders-slams-us-hoarding-500-million-vaccine-doses The humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders unveiled a new report Monday estimating that the United States is hoarding nearly 500 million excess coronavirus vaccine dosesthe most of any countryas poor nations across the globe remain without sufficient access to lifesaving shots. "The rapid redistribution of these doses to low- and middle-income countries could save nearly one million lives by mid-2022." "It's reckless and dangerous for the U.S. and other high-income countries to be sitting on excessive stocks of Covid-19 vaccines while others... are desperate to provide their most vulnerable people with even their first dose," Dr. Carrie Teicher, director of programs at Doctors Without Borders USA, said in a statement, arguing that the Biden administration's hoarding of doses calls into question "its claim to be a global leader on Covid-19." "The longer people everywhere remain unprotected, the more lives will be lost and the more likely it is that new and potentially deadlier variants will take hold," said Teicher. "The U.S. must immediately make public and concrete commitments to redistribute excess Covid-19 vaccines globally if it truly wants to end this pandemic." To date, the Biden administration has pledged to donate roughly 1.1 billion surplus coronavirus vaccine doses to low-income countries, a commitment that public health campaigners have criticized as badly inadequate to meet global needs. According to the State Department, the U.S. has shipped around 177 million vaccine donations thus far. The World Health Organization has estimated that in order to vaccinate at least 70% of the global population by next year, 11 billion dosesequitably distributedwill be necessary. Doctors Without Bordersknown internationally as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)said Monday that "even while factoring in third-dose boosters for high- risk groups, high-income countries are hoarding an estimated 870 million excess doses," including the nearly 500 million in the U.S. alone. "The rapid redistribution of these doses to low- and middle-income countries could save nearly one million lives by mid-2022," the group said. "In addition to immediately redistributing vaccine doses globally and demanding Pfizer- BioNTech and Moderna share Covid-19 mRNA vaccine technology, the U.S. must remain committed and urge all countries to support the 'TRIPS waiver' proposal at the World Trade Organization to waive intellectual property monopolies on all Covid-19 products during the pandemic." Last week, the U.S. surpassed 400 million coronavirus vaccine doses administereda milestone that the Biden White House readily touted. But as Public Citizen president Robert Weissman noted in a statement Friday, "All African countries combined have had roughly 150 million doses administered." "Africa has a population over 1.34 billion. The U.S. population is 330 million," Weissman said. "Put simply: Africa has four times the population of the U.S. but has administered about one-third the number of Covid vaccine doses... This unconscionable vaccine apartheid is not just leaving billions of people in African and other developing countries vulnerable to preventable disease, suffering, and death, it is dramatically increasing global poverty ratesas well as the death, disease, and hunger that accompanies severe poverty." In its report on Monday, Doctors Without Borders warned that "millions of doses could be tragically wasted if HICs [high-income countries] do not immediately redistribute excess doses." "The Covid-19 vaccine inequity that pharma has created by putting profits before people's health is nothing short of shameful." "G7 and E.U. countries alone could waste 241 million doses by the end of 2021," the group estimated. "Still, pharmaceutical companies continue to prioritize high-profit sales to HICs over a fairer distribution of vaccines." As the New York Times reported over the weekend, the U.S.-based pharmaceutical giant Moderna "has been supplying its shots almost exclusively to wealthy nations, keeping poorer countries waiting and earning billions in profit." Moderna's profits during the global coronavirus pandemic propelled two of its co-founders and one early investor to the Forbes 400 list of the richest people in the U.S. "After developing a breakthrough vaccine with the financial and scientific support of the U.S. government, Moderna has shipped a greater share of its doses to wealthy countries than any other vaccine manufacturer," the Times noted, citing the data firm Airfinity. "Scientists at the National Institutes of Health worked with the company to develop the vaccine. The United States kicked in $1.3 billion for clinical trials and other research. And in August 2020, the government agreed to preorder $1.5 billion of the vaccine, guaranteeing that Moderna would have a market for what was an unproven product." The Times report intensified pressure on the Biden administration to use the U.S. government's ownership of a key patent as leverage to force Moderna to share its vaccine recipe with the rest of the world. "It's not news that a pharmaceutical company puts profits first. That is what companies do," tweeted Amy Maxmen, a reporter at Nature. "The onus is on the U.S. government to put lives over profits, particularly when they give companies massive handouts." Teicher of Doctors Without Borders said Monday that "the Covid-19 vaccine inequity that pharma has created by putting profits before people's health is nothing short of shameful." "In addition to developing a concrete dose redistribution timeline by the end of October, the U.S. government must demand that Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna share mRNA vaccine technology and know-how with other manufacturers," Teicher added. "Sharing mRNA technologies will increase the global production and supply of Covid-19 vaccines, saving lives in this pandemic and in the future." ********************************************************* AfricaFocus Twitter In AfricaFocus twitter https://twitter.com/search?q=%23VaccineApartheid%20%40africa_focus&src=typed_query&f=live AfricaFocus Bulletin @africa_focus October 8 http://ift.tt/3DpmYrv #VaccineApartheid Using the understated term "vaccine inequality," UN chief Antonio Guterres branded rich nations' vaccine hogging as immoral and stupid. AfricaFocus Bulletin @africa_focus October 8 http://ift.tt/3lkEtDc #VaccineApartheid Chatham House: "Current levels of vaccine inequity indicate an almost complete indifference by rich countries to vaccinate high-risk groups in developing countries." https://qz.com/africa/2068822/?utm_term=mucp October 4, 2021 AfricaFocus Bulletin @africa_focus Sep 30 http://ift.tt/2Y4R3gp In August, the IMF created $650 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to support global coronavirus response, $400 billion to wealthy countries and $230 billion to developing countries. End #VaccineApartheid AfricaFocus Bulletin @africa_focus Sep 28 http://ift.tt/3icEOph Doubling down on #VaccineApartheid New UK rules put additional restrictions based not on the vaccine received but where it was received, including in African countries. An additional burden when Africa has only 4% of its population fully vaccinated. AfricaFocus Bulletin @africa_focus Sep 20 http://ift.tt/3CvQviU As of this week, just over 3% of people in low-income countries, many of whom are also facing devastating surges from deadly variants, have received any dose of Covid-19 vaccine." #VaccineApartheid https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/19/world/africa/africa-coronavirus-vaccines.html AfricaFocus Bulletin @africa_focus Sep 2 http://ift.tt/3gVYVrq Pressure works. One small victory against #VaccineApartheid. The [almost 20 million] shots packaged by J&Js South African partner Aspen that were already sent to Europe would be returned. http://ift.tt/3BCpF84 AfricaFocus Bulletin @africa_focus Sep 2 http://ift.tt/3jxHxL9 "As the richest countries on Earth (and the corporations domiciled within them) lock horns with some of the poorest, the ensuing standoff is taking an intensely personal toll." #VaccineApartheid #southafrica #WTO #Pharma #monopoly by Mathias Hariyadi After an investigation by the Indonesian police, the archbishop of Pontianak released a statement explaining the legality of the Church's microcredit activities. The issue arose following a legal battle between one of the cooperatives and a government-owned bank. Jakarta (AsiaNews) Archbishop Agustinus Agus of Pontianak issued a statement defending West Kalimantan credit unions after Indonesian police launched an inquiry into their operations. Police visited Gabriel Marto, head of the credit union in Pancur Kasih, accusing him of carrying out illegal financial practices, including life insurance fraud and suspicious bank transfers. All these accusations are baseless," Marto told the media. "We have extended financial help to people in remote areas where there are no financial offices, but we have not violated the law. The Catholic Church started its own microcredit business several decades ago, Archbishop Agus explained, and has helped hundreds of thousands of people over the years. The three largest credit unions today can be found in Keling Kumang, Pancur Kasih, and Lantang Tipo. In West Kalimantan, at first it was only Dayak natives who received financial aid; now members come from all of the countrys religious communities. In his statement, the archbishop stressed that the Catholic Church in West Kalimantan province set up this social economic initiative for compassion reasons to promote economic well-being among the marginalised, as endorsed by the Churchs social doctrine. For the prelate, as a group of faithful we are not perfect in many things, but the presence of several credit unions has benefitted small businesses, helping them stay open even during the pandemic. Following the statement, backed by Catholic parties, tensions in Kalimantan subsided. According to some local residents however, the Indonesian police investigation in Pancur Kasih was ordered following a court case involving a government-owned bank, Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN), and the Lantang Tipo Credit Union. The latter had invested 70 million Indonesian rupiahs (US$ 5,000) in the BTN. After transferring 40 million rupees (US$ 2,850) to another private bank, the credit union wanted to transfer the remaining 30 million (US$ 2,150) as well. By then however, half of the money had disappeared. A lawsuit was then filed to get the missing money back, but the Supreme Court defended the BTN and its employees, so the government bank never compensated the credit union for its loss. Despite the absence of clear evidence, I am personally convinced that the investigation into the administration of Pancur Kasih was due to the legal battle involving Lantang Tipo", said Fr Floris. The clergyman, who runs the credit union, hopes that the government will intervene to resolve the issue. If it didn't, we would also lose out in terms of image. People would feel mistrust towards us and it would be a disaster in West Kalimantan. by Stefano Caprio This is the message of the bishops of the region, delivered during a webinar on the mission of evangelization. Bishop Dell'Oro: the local Church has the privilege of experiencing "a totally new hope". Fr. Andrzej Madej: "Christ is risen in Turkmenistan!". Rome (AsiaNews) - Msgr Adelio Dell'Oro, bishop of Karaganda in Kazakhstan says the Catholic Church in Central Asia has the privilege of experiencing "a totally new hope". This is always secretly sought in the condition of being a minority of communities scattered across countries that are far removed from the Christian tradition. These communities have now been united in a single Episcopal Conference, which from Kazakhstan coordinates the "prudent and adventurous actions of many missionaries." These sentiments were expressed by the bishop during a webinar organized by the Pontifical Missionary Union on October 12 and 13, entitled "The Mission of Evangelization in Central Asia at the Time of Evangelii Gaudium. Context, Difficulties, Prospects." Msgr. Dell'Oro (see photo) recalled the fundamental points of Pope Francis' encyclical, recalling that "the mode of witness is joy," as the very title of the papal text recalls. The joy of the Gospel means not being afraid to "be a living presence in history, focusing on the importance of man through personal relationships in a time like ours, in which globalization suffocates the sense of God." Christ is encountered in charity, as the many speakers at the conference recalled, finding in the small groups and in the many encounters the "road of beauty", of which Dostoevsky spoke: "In Karaganda we have a beautiful cathedral and organ". The bishop explained that these very thoughts inspired his episcopal motto, "Uno locuntur omnia" (Everything points to God); without this certainty "it would be better to follow Kafka's advice, when the agent replied to the traveller seeking the way: 'Give up, give up!', turning away like those who laugh in secret". The Churches of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia and even Afghanistan, whose protagonists told their stories in first person, feel freer precisely by experiencing the "grace of being a minority" and rediscovering the "paradigm of the small flock," as the moderator of the webinar, Franciscan Fr. Dinh Ahn Nhue Nguyen, recalled. Msgr. Dell'Oro used a n effective metaphor to explain that priests and bishops must not be "ship cooks, but commanders who navigate the course," recalling the words of Pope Benedict XVI for whom "the future of the Church is in the hands of the saints." Father Giovanni Scalese, superior of the mission in Afghanistan, was moving in his testimony, recalling the evacuation of the religious from Kabul in August as "a true divine miracle". In these countries we are experiencing "an era of great change," observed Msgr. Jose Luis Mumbiela Sierra, bishop of the Holy Trinity in Almaty and president of the Episcopal Conference of Kazakhstan. However, personal change is needed. One must treasure the history of martyrs and Christians persecuted in these nations during the long decades of Soviet rule, "when we were already a true Church, not externally, but internally," as Msgr. Evgenij Zinkovskij, the recently consecrated, first bishop of Kazakh citizenship recalled. He warned that "local priests are not necessarily the best, they are often very closed in their own realities" and fail to convey the joy of the Gospel to the entire local population, "a great work of permanent formation is needed. Central Asia has a very young and growing population, but one which has also been pushed to emigrate to richer realities due to lack of work and difficult economic conditions. Thus, mission is often limited to the traditional service to Russian-speaking Catholics, due to the difficulty of the transition to local languages: a process underway in all countries amidst many contradictions. Catholics do not have the possibility of attracting people from ethnic groups other than Polish, German or Ukrainian, but "faith is a matter of contagion, not proselytism," as Fr Guido Trezzani, an Italian missionary who has been working in Siberia and Kazakhstan for 30 years, observes. As Fr. Jerzy Maculiewicz, a Franciscan in Uzbekistan, observed, "we must be the salt of the world, but we must not put too much salt, or it will spoil the taste of the dish. With bitterness, but without losing hope, Bishop Giorgio Marengo of Mongolia said that the Church in Ulan Bator "is only an umbrella for other works, a headquarters of a foreign NGO", with priests who have been waiting for a visa for over a year in Korea because "worship in the churches has been suspended due to Covid". The Church in Central Asia "is as vulnerable as our worthless internet connection," exclaimed poet Fr. Andrzej Madej, superior of the missio sui juris in Ashgabat, where there are only 150 Christians (but with a priestly vocation). Yet this did not prevent him from proclaiming forcefully, between skipped connections, that "Christ is risen in Turkmenistan!". by Nirmala Carvalho An anti-conversion law could come into force in the coming weeks. For the archbishop of Bangalore, the conversion bogey is whipping up anti-religious feelings. Instead, Let the government take the count of the educational institutions and health centres run by the Christian missionaries. Bangalore (AsiaNews) The Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department in Karnataka launched an investigation on Wednesday into Christian missionaries, both official and unofficial, operating in the state. Following a meeting by the Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Committee, the state government is looking into adopting an anti-conversion law in response to recent complaints of forced proselytising. Some committee members suggested withdrawing government benefits from those who convert to Christianity. According to Goolihatti Shekar, a member of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), available information indicates that 40 per cent of the churches in the state are not official. Shekar cited anecdotal evidence to make his point, mentioning a woman who was converted to Christianity without her knowledge by some kind of brainwashing. Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore responded to the allegations. In his view, nothing good will come out of it. The conversion bogey will only whip up anti-religious feelings. Let the government take the count of the educational institutions and health centres run by the Christian missionaries. That will give a fair idea of the service that is rendered by the Christian community to nation-building. More generally, Why is the government interested only in the religious personnel and places of worship of the Christian Community? the archbishop goes on to ask. If as alleged by some, Christians are converting indiscriminately why is the percentage of Christian population going down regularly when compared to the others? he wonders. In light of the situation, Archbishop Machado urged Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai not give in to pressure from extremist groups. All this adds to the already difficult situation that Christians experience in Karnataka, which is ruled by the BJP, said Sajan K. George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians, speaking to AsiaNews. In recent months the cases of detention, harassment and arrest of Pentecostal pastors have multiplied. Many worship services have been interrupted and the police have arrested some pastors with fabricated accusations of conversion activities. The latest case occurred last Sunday when four Pentecostal Christians were arrested on baseless charges of forced conversion. Near Falam, a Baptist church and village homes were set on fire in retaliation to an ambush by local ethnic militias. In Phruso artillery shells hit the Immaculate Conception church, the fifth Catholic church in the Diocese of Loikaw to suffer such a same fate in the past few months. Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) Churches have been targeted by the Myanmar military in two separate incidents. In the eastern Chin State, where for months fighting has pitted local ethnic militias and Myanmars ruling junta, a Baptist church was completely destroyed along with some houses in Rialti, a village a few miles from the city of Falam. According to a witness who spoke to Radio Free Asia, the attack was a reprisal after an army convoy was ambushed by Chin militias on Wednesday. When residents saw the soldiers arrive, they fled into the forest, from where they saw their homes and church burn. A junta spokesman denied the claim, saying that Its not right to blame the military every time something happens during a battle, adding that the military in Myanmar are rebuilding religious buildings that were destroyed by fire. Conversely, from India, the Chin Human Rights Organisation confirmed the incident, calling it a war crime, pointing out that other Christian churches have already ended up in the army's crosshair. On the same day, shelling hit the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Phruso, a city in the Diocese of Loikaw, in the western Kayah State, The building, which was built four years, ago, suffered damages to the roof and the walls. No one was killed or wounded. The military deliberately targeted the church since it was far from other buildings, Father Wilbert Mireh, a local Jesuit, told Radio Veritas. This is the fifth Catholic church in the Diocese of Loikaw to be shelled by the army since repression began after the 1 February coup. The settlement with Just Puppies of Maryland Inc., Just Puppies Inc. and owner Mitchell Thomson bars the stores from selling dogs in Maryland. Under the agreement, the businesses also must provide restitution to consumers who bought puppies with an illness or disorder and pay civil penalties. It is understandable that our members have questions about a policy with so little information being provided by the city. Until the city responds to our right to bargain these issues, or the courts intervene, I suggest you do nothing in regard to revealing your vaccination status as it is outlined in the citys policy, wrote Sgt. Mike Mancuso, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3, in a letter to union members Friday. The sheriffs office also says it will hold any evidence, but that [the investigators] will have unfettered access to all evidence. The independent investigators can request to transfer evidence to themselves, so long as that transfer does not hinder other HCSO investigations, the policy says. Even though the SAO constantly faces the prospect of litigation, the do not call list was not necessarily created in response to the prospect of litigation, the judges wrote. Rather, the list was created for the purpose of alerting prosecutors to the fact that a cohort of officers have questionable reputations and putting them on the witness stand to testify, or to base an investigation on a search warrant submitted by one of these officers, to cite two examples, would potentially jeopardize a prosecution. Collins, long experienced in drug policy in the U.S. and abroad, says his advice to Mosby is based on data and the experience of progressive prosecutors in other cities. One of the conclusions: Putting drug addicts through the criminal justice system does more harm than good. Overdose rates, for instance, have hit historically high levels both inside and outside of prisons. If you go to jail and go cold turkey and then you [come] out, and if you use drugs at the same rate as you were using before, thats a recipe for an overdose, Collins says. Third, exactly what is meant by the term, accountable? I raise this question since our leaders advised us that those who vandalized the Columbus statue and tossed it in the harbor in downtown Baltimore in plain view of the police, cameras and witnesses would be held accountable. I see and hear this word so much, but it appears more and more another way to get out of another uncomfortable conversation. The appropriate amount of national debt has no scientifically correct answer. Some people, perhaps influenced by the personal tragedies of losing everything in the Great Depression, believe a balanced budget is necessary. Others concur, intuitively believing that one must live within their means. Yet other people consider debt, or leverage, to be a reasonable and appropriate financial tool that enables a more efficient use of capital homeowners and businesses being prime examples. They note that this country has been in debt for almost its entire existence and has become recognized as the greatest international economic success story of the past century. Many so-called failing schools are in communities shaped by redlining and racism. Mandates from the federal government and the state education department further restrict what any individual school can do. While there may be issues with the bureaucracy of the Baltimore school system, blaming the school personnel is a red herring, a fallacy of misdirection that has severe consequences. We immediately got to work meeting with officials and leaders of Marylands top universities and, after a long stretch of meetings, finally found a willing partner in the University of Baltimore and President Kurt Schmoke. Since 2019, University of Baltimore students have been able to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Risk Management and Insurance specialization (University of Baltimore to launch degree program to boost local insurance workforce, Feb. 22, 2019). We helped the school put together an impressive advisory board of leading insurance experts and employers throughout the state, who not only advise on the program content, but act as a pipeline for employment for graduates. In fact, in the very short time the program has existed there are already a few graduates who are employed in the insurance industry. Hogan called himself one of the first leaders in the country to reject the idea of cutting police budgets amid protests last summer and derided the idea as dangerous far-left lunacy. The governor spent much of the late morning news conference lambasting Baltimore, which he called a poster child for the basic failure to stop lawlessness, and appeared to blame city leaders for high violent crime rates in the city. Cyrille Atonfack archives Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo Cyrille Serge, Head of the Communication Division at Cameroons Ministry of Defence has admitted that a gendarme shot and killed a schoolgirl in Buea in the morning of Thursday, October 14, 2021. The army spokesman said the gendarme acted in defiance of the sacrosanct principle of precaution when he fired warning shots at the vehicle that had the schoolgirl on board. Below is the entirety of the statement from the ministry of defence presented unedited. Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo wrote: The Ministry of Defence hereby informs: on the morning of Thursday, October 14, 2021, t about 8:00 a.m., an unfortunate incident led to the death of a little girl, in the Bokova neighborhood, not far from the Buea Central Market, Fako Division, South-West Region. As a matter of fact, the National Gendarmerie filtering station installed in Bokova stopped the Toyota brand vehicle, PICNIC model, with chassis registration number CH 0688122. Refusing to comply, the driver continued in his momentum by accelerating to escape towards the Molyko Omnisports Stadium, where he will be caught by the two Gendarmes launched after him. After the usual identification procedures, an inexplicable verbal brawl ensued between the two Gendarmes and the driver, who was firmly opposed to the search of his vehicle to the point of initiating a new escape manoeuvre. In an inappropriate reaction, unsuited to the circumstances and clearly disproportionate to the irreverent behaviour of the driver, one of the Gendarmes will, in defiance of the sacrosanct principle of precaution, fire warning shots in order to immobilize the vehicle. In the process, the little Caro Louisse Ndialle, a young pupil aged about 05, who was on board the said vehicle, was fatally shot in the head. In a violent fury, the crowd pounced on the gendarme who was the author of the shot, and lynched him to death. The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence deeply regrets this unfortunate incident and extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved family. The investigation immediately opened by the local administrative authorities and the Defence and Security Forces will shed more light on and establish responsibilities in this doubly fatal incident. Governor Okalia Bilai addresses irate crowd Screenshot from amateur video Okalia Bilai Bernard, Governor of the South-West Region has said some of those behind the incident that saw a gendarme kill a schoolgirl in Buea have been arrested. I want to assure you that those who did it, some are already under arrest, said Okalia Bilai. Addressing an angry crowd that mobbed his office on Thursday, October 14, 2021, the Representative of the State in the South-West region expressed shock at the atrocious incident. He promised the population that those behind the killing of the schoolgirl will pay. Hear him: This child could have been your child or my child. The innocent child was going to school. I am fighting here for children to go to school. So all of us are in shock. I want to assure you that those who did it, some are already under arrest. Are you listening to me? Because this child could have been your child, my child, an innocent child. She was going to school. I am fighting here for children to go to school. But how is it that a child on her way to school is killed? So, it is a shock. Rest assured that I, the Governor, you know me, you know that I am not a cunning man. Those who did it, no matter their grade, they will pay. They will pay! Are you listening to me? But I want us to carry the corpse of our innocent child to the mortuary. We must mourn her in peace. You say that peace. Let us be in peace no matter how painful the situation is. It is an atrocity. But let us not give room to people who will like to add to this atrocity. Are you getting me well? Please, let us now accompany the remains of our daughter to the mortuary. I am with you. Let us go. After the Governors fatherly speech, some voices in the crowd told him that some members of the defense and security forces are a thorn in the flesh of law-abiding citizens. You cannot hold your phone and walk on the streets without being harassed by the gendarmes and police, a voice said from the teeming crowd. Enough is enough, some voices chorused. Mr. Governor, we also want the military out of the city because they frighten us with their guns, especially the gendarmes, others said. As the crowd retreated from the Governors Office, they chanted No more Gendarme! No more Gendarme. The deceased schoolgirl was finally buried late on Thursday evening after the crowd had paraded the streets of Buea with the corpse. The work at Crystal Steel will supply at least three rsted projects, Skipjack Wind, a 120-megawatt offshore wind energy project under development off the coast of Ocean City as well as Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2 in New Jersey. Skipjack Wind 1, which the company expects to complete by mid-2026, will produce enough electricity to power 40,000 homes in the region. Its expected to generate $225 million in economic investment and create nearly 1,400 jobs statewide. The commission acknowledged that some of its recommendations could be better suited as a City Code change rather than a charter amendment. The group also identified grammar, obsolete language and overly long descriptions that could be edited or eliminated; and suggested the use of gender-neutral pronouns, all of which they say would make the charter a better and more effective document. While FEMA denied the States request for a major disaster declaration, the State and my team have continued to work closely to provide assistance for impacted communities, Pittman said in a statement. I want to thank Governor Hogan and his team for their continued partnership with Anne Arundel County and our agencies, to provide immediate and effective assistance for our residents and businesses affected by the storm. In a news release, the department wrote that Paul Hunter Jr. was arrested and charged with the murder of Kendall Scott, a 28-year-old who died Sept. 10 after he was found shot in the 400 block of North Montford Ave. The caretakers have been placing feed and hay in an area near the farm to try to lure the zebras and corral them. Theyve spotted them on wildlife cameras, grazing and feeding in the early morning hours. The countys animal services chief has repeatedly said theyre close to capturing them but warned it will take time. One of the students outside was Sofia Cabrera, a sophomore at Liberty High School, who said shes not only speaking about equity but also in favor of voting rights for the boards student member. She and members of Carroll Kids for Equality were wearing black shirts with the name of their group on the front. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women and is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer, according to a news release. This year, more than 280,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed, and about 43,000 women will die from the disease. In Maryland, approximately 5,470 women will be diagnosed, and 860 women will die of the disease this year. This combination of photos provided by the U.S. Army and the University of Maryland Police Department shows Richard Collins III, left, and Sean Urbanski. Urbanski, a white man serving a life sentence for stabbing Richard Collins III, a Black college student to death at a bus stop at the University of Maryland, College Park has asked the states second-highest court to throw out his murder conviction. (U.S. Army, University of Maryland Police Department via AP, File) (AP) Cruz attorney David Wheeler told Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer that he will plead guilty Wednesday to 17 counts of first-degree murder in the February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The pleas will come with no conditions and prosecutors still plan to seek the death penalty. That will be decided by a jury, with the judge hoping to start the trial in January after choosing a jury from thousands of prospects starting in November. Critical race theory is an academic approach to examining and critiquing American history, society, government and other institutions through a perspective of racial justice. It also is designed to explore whether the Civil Rights movements and key legal cases have succeeded in moving the country toward racial justice, and, if not, what needs to be done next. But all homeowners, regardless of income, can spread these costs over 40 years at $800 to $1,900 per year. Under an even better deal recently initiated by the county, all priority households can defer 50% of these payments so that annual payments for 76% of households would be reduced by one-half to only $400 to $950 a year. At the end of 40 years, or when the property is sold, the deferred portion would be due. All elderly, low-income, or permanently disabled householders may defer all payments until sale or death. Owners of vacant lots are not eligible for any of these grants or deferments. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday met with senior Taliban delegation in Ankara and talked about the importance of including people in the interim government in Afghanistan, from ethnic groups other than the Taliban. This was the first meeting of its kind since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August. "We gave advice to the Taliban administration. We once again said they should be inclusive for the unity of the country. We talked about the importance of including people in the administration from ethnic groups other than the Taliban," Cavusoglu told Anadolu Agency, as quoted by the Xinhua. He made these remarks after he met with the Taliban delegation led by Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. This statement comes as the Taliban has announced the members of its interim government, the list of which excludes women and other members of the minority communities. Cavusoglu also advocated for education for girls and employment of women, saying that "We said this is not just a demand from Western countries, but also the advice of the Islamic world." Turkey also conveyed expectations of the country and the International Civil Aviation Organization concerning security for the resumption of regular flights from Kabul, Cavusoglu noted. The visit comes after the Taliban talks with the United States, and the European Union in Qatar this week. The Taliban on Tuesday had said that western countries have remained silent in response to the request to unfreeze foreign Afghan assets in international banks. "Today, the Afghan government delegation met with representatives of the United States and about 15 European countries, including Norway, Italy, Germany, France, the UK, Sweden. We discussed well-known problems -- human rights, women's rights, the creation of a safe corridor for entry and exit from the country, as well as unfreezing Afghan foreign assets, which are the money of the people," Taliban spokesperson Mohammad Naeem told Sputnik after the meeting in Qatar with the EU delegation. "It is the right of the people to return this money. However, we have not received any answer yet, they are silent and do not give us any answer. They mention the provision of humanitarian aid for certain amounts, but that's all temporary solutions," he said. There is a difference between humanitarian and political issues, but ordinary people should not suffer from problems in politics, the spokesperson added. (ANI) Also Read: Sitharaman discusses developments in global economy, climate change, COVID-19 with G20 counterparts 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. Statewide, about 265,000 booster shots have gone into the arms of Illinois residents since Sept. 24, compared with about 143,000 first doses and about 159,000 second doses, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The first and second doses include recipients of the Moderna and Pfizer two-dose regimens, as well as the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine; all adults are eligible for these shots, and anyone aged 12 and up can receive the first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. But as soon as the server placed the bowl of pozole in front of me at Pozoleria El Mexicano in Belmont Cragin (5037 W. Diversey Ave.), I realized I still had so much more to learn about the dish. Here was a bowl of pozole with a heaping portion of what looked like a thick red salsa resting right on top. On the side werent the usual assortment of toppings, just some tostadas and a bowl of crema. On Thursday, filmmaker Spike Lee offered up his own theory about why so many people got bent out of shape after watching the trailer for "Chi-Raq." "You might get mad, but a lot of people in Chicago have an inferiority complex with New York," he said on the WLS-Channel 7 daytime talk show "Windy City Live." The interview, which was taped Tuesday, was conducted by co-hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, who asked a number of good, solid questions. The movie will hold its premiere Nov. 22 at the Chicago Theatre and opens in theaters Dec. 4. "You kept this title despite the fact that a lot of Chicagoans have a big problem with it," said Warner (who has a small role in the movie). "It was Chicagoans that came up with the title," Lee responded, dressed in all black and wearing a beret with a "Chi-Raq" patch on it. "But you never thought about changing it for those that don't want it repeated in history, for our city to be known like this?" Warner followed up. Lee paused for a moment: "This movie did not stop Tyshawn Lee from being executed." (I think he meant to say the movie did not cause Lee's murder.) "The movie had nothing to do with that. Nine-years-old, two bullets in the back of the head. The movie had nothing to do with that. We're trying to shed light on what's happening here." Warner brought up the fact that some have expressed concern because Lee himself is not from Chicago and therefore can not tell the story from the inside. "First of all, do you know what that sounds like?" Lee said, visibly infuriated. "That sounds like those redneck" Channel 7 bleeped out the next word "in the South when civil rights people come down to Mississippi or Alabama: 'These rabble rousers come down here, we know how to treat our negroes good, we don't need nobody else come up and tell us how to work with our negroes.' Same type of mentality. "And also," he added, "why hasn't a Chicago filmmaker done the film, then?" Let's stop for a moment. Chicagoan William Pierce and his collaborators on the indie TV series "Chi-Raq" might beg to differ. According to their website, only two of the planned eight episodes have been completed and it appears the series has had just one screening last spring. Clearly, one of the challenges of being a unknown filmmaker in Chicago is that one's projects are perhaps easily overlooked by Lee and others. "I have students who make feature films on their iPhones," Lee said. "So, all these people talking smack, you can make a film. You can make your own film." Later Warner asked: "So if somebody from Chicago came to Brooklyn and wanted to make a movie about Brooklyn and what's wrong with Brooklyn, you wouldn't have a problem with that?" Lee: "Why would I have a problem with that?" He also talked about the origins of the movie's premise, on which he collaborated with screenwriter Kevin Willmott. I spoke with Willmott in July during my exclusive set visit, where he talks about their satiric aspirations. Lee has yet to sit down with journalists who have seen the movie (nor has it been screened for anyone yet), but he has been carefully doling out teases. On Thursday, Indiewire's Shadow & Act blog published a first look at the film's poster, with a tagline ("No peace, no piece") that is slightly modified from an unprintable line of dialogue in the film. And a second single from the soundtrack was released this week, Nick Cannon performing "Pray 4 My City," which plays over the trailer and which you can listen to here. In an interview with Chicago magazine last month, Lee called Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel a bully, and on Thursday's show he was asked if he has talked to Emanuel since their first meeting about the movie's title last spring. "No," came the reply, but he added that he intends to invite the mayor to the premiere. "Yeah, he's going to be sitting right next to me." To watch the full interview from "Windy City Live," go here. nmetz@tribpub.com Twitter @NinaMetzNews Many will want to highlight the juicier moments of "The Brink," such as Bannon texting New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman a link to the trailer for his self-labeled propaganda film "Trump @ War," or Sam Nunberg claiming the border wall was his idea. But the most fascinating moments in "The Brink" are when the filmmaking apparatus is most apparent. Klayman often queries Bannon from offscreen, pushing back on his oft-repeated rhetoric. And there are times when the subjects become highly aware of the camera, such as when billionaire Blackwater founder Erik Prince bites his tongue while joking about Hillary Clinton, or members of the French National Rally party banish the camera while they hash out the financial details for Bannon's consulting. Even better are the moments when they're unaware, especially during a contentious interview with a Guardian reporter. I love to tell stories, even if theyre not really about me, explained Cervantes. Im like, What would I do if I was in a situation like (that)? What are some things that Id be saying to myself, or some things that I would want to say to the other party involved? So I put myself in their shoes and I really like to just navigate what they would feel like in that moment. When Wexler tries to connect with someone from OSHA, hes forced to leave a voicemail: One of the questions I wanted to ask you and OSHA is about long hours, he says into the phone, but apparently youre not afflicted by that disease because I have called you early in the morning and late in the afternoon on various days of the week and cannot get a reply. Finally, he gets the guy on the phone: As far as work hours, we dont even go there, hes told. Were concerned with on-the-job safety. We dont regulate time, thats as simple as it gets. When the rioter said through messaging that he didnt think hed done anything wrong, Riley responded, according to court papers: The only thing I can see is if you went into the building and they have proof you will be charged. You could always articulate that you had nowhere to go, but thats for court. Our teachers, social workers, clinicians, clerks and other educators do everything possible to support and nurture their students, but it is often not enough. We have school buildings in which every student and every staff member is traumatized, the union said. They dont have a chance. Its difficult to watch, and even more difficult to feel as if there is nothing more to offer. Martin Malin, a law professor emeritus at Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Biden appointee to a federal labor panel, said the FOPs plans are uncharted territory when it comes to the definition of a strike. But he cautioned that the old labor adage, obey now, grieve later, would be the wisest course of action for the FOP should they wish to avoid punishment for insubordination. Cunningham was inside a home on the 9300 block of South Wallace Avenue in the Brainerd neighborhood at about 7:10 p.m. when an unknown offender shot him in the head, according to a Chicago police media notification. If Catanzara and the FOP are allowed to continue with these extortionate demands ... the City will be faced with an unlawful and untenable Hobsons Choice: either exempt the FOP membership from complying with reasonable and necessary directives needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and thereby jeopardize the health and safety of both CPD employees and citizens with whom they interact, or be left without a police force sufficient to keep the peace and combat the pandemic of violent crime plaguing the City, the citys legal filing reads. This is playing out while COVID-19 has been the leading cause of death for first responders in the past year, with roughly 182 cops dying from the virus, according to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. Due to their heightened exposure to the public, first responders such as firefighters and cops were among the first eligible for the COVID-19 jab. Most recently, two friends from far north suburban Zion were convicted by a federal jury in 2019 of attempting to aid the terrorist group by providing cellphones to an undercover FBI agent to be used as detonators for bombs. Joseph Jones was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while his co-defendant, Edward Schimenti, received 13 years behind bars. In asking that Offerd be held without bond, prosecutors on Friday revealed new details about evidence in the high-profile case, including that Offerd allegedly used his own name to purchase a vehicle at a suburban dealership on July 28, a week before the slaying. Photographs from the dealership even show him standing next to the car, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Julien said. The actor was first charged in early 2019, when police said he orchestrated a phony hate crime on himself with the help of two brothers who are now key witnesses in the case against him. Cook County prosecutors initially charged Smollett with disorderly conduct then abruptly dropped the case about a month later, with little explanation. There hasnt been a 500 or 1,000-year precipitation event in three years, Hudson said. I say that tongue and cheek, for sure. The expectation is that were going to see more of that moving ahead, unfortunately. But the jurys still out here on what the actual drivers of the blooms are, and whether or not we can do something about it. In his last days, his friends and family have said, he expressed disappointment that Americans have not made more racial progress. But through his example and tireless appeals to intellect over resentments, Timuel Blacks century blazed a trail for new generations to use the lessons of history to prepare the way for more progress to come. In central Illinois, the map pits Miller against the four-term LaHood in a heavily Republican district. Miller has been an outspoken and controversial conservative who has aligned herself with the far right movement in the Republican Party while LaHood, who also has backed Trump, also is strongly conservative. The district leaves very little of Millers existing district while expanding much of LaHoods current territory. He nonetheless was critical of the Democratic effort. The Cook County states attorneys office said the teen was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. He appeared for a hearing in juvenile court Friday where a judge said there was probable cause and ordered he be held in custody, according to the states attorneys office. Authorities took Wilson into custody Tuesday, and he is being held in lieu of $2 million bail. In addition to murder, Wilson is also charged with unlawful use of a weapon, police said. You are here: Arts A special feast was held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, on Wednesday to celebrate the traditional Chinese Chongyang Festival, with nine of its participants being centenarians. The oldest guest was 121-year-old Zhu Zhengshi. Chongyang Festival, or the Double Ninth Festival, falls on the ninth day of the ninth Chinese lunar month. It arrived on Oct. 14 this year, and is a day to pay respect to seniors. The secret of longevity is and became a hot topic at the feast. The eldest guest still has a good appetite and laughs heartily. A balanced mental attitude and good appetite are her secrets to long life, said Guo Xiujuan, the great-granddaughter of Zhu. Yu Zeqin, one of the centenarians, wore her red Tang suit to participate in the feast. Not giving in to old age and loving fresh things are secrets of longevity for seniors, said Cai Yunen, Yu's granddaughter. 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. 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. 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. 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. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for more efforts to implement the national strategy of proactively responding to population aging and promote high-quality development of old-age programs and industries. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in an instruction to a national conference on the work concerning the aging population held on Thursday. Relevant departments ought to improve policies and working mechanisms to enhance social security, elderly care, healthcare, and other systems, so as to address the immediate needs of senior citizens, said Li. Li also called for efforts to improve the living conditions of senior citizens, fulfill their spiritual and cultural needs, and safeguard their dignity, rights, and interests. He added that governments at all levels should take up due responsibilities in these regards. Addressing the conference, Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng also stressed the need to improve the basic old-age insurance system, the quality of elderly care services, and healthcare for the elderly. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, called for more efforts to develop the industries serving the aging population and noted that the country should further create an elderly-friendly society. Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan delivered a conclusion speech at the conference, urging all departments to do their part and see to it that the elderly have a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness and security. China will strive to lower its infant mortality rate to 5.2 deaths per 1,000 births by 2025, according to an action plan to improve the safety of pregnancy and childbirth. The plan, posted on the official website of the National Health Commission on Thursday, also aims to lower the mortality rate of pregnant and postnatal women to 14.5 deaths per 100,000 people by the same year. The action plan listed five areas in which more efforts will be made, including risk prevention during pregnancy and improvements in the quality of relevant medical and healthcare services such as prenatal care. A promotional activity for projects of firms owned by overseas returnees was held Wednesday in Haidian Pioneer Park (HPP). The event displayed the firms' work in innovation and entrepreneurship and provided opportunities for investment. Nine firms participated in the event to showcase their projects to over 120 institutional investors in attendance. The event has been held monthly on every third Wednesday since April 2004. This month's activity provided a platform for firms to present themselves and raise capital, expand their financing channels, speed up their development, and boost entrepreneurship and innovation in Zhongguancun. Xia Yingqi, former deputy director of the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, praised HPP's efforts and achievements in providing a high-quality platform and fine resources for overseas returnees. At the event, HPP Director Zhao Xinliang introduced HPP's mission to serve overseas returnees, incubate high-tech firms, and foster international entrepreneurs. He also spoke on the park's measures to create an innovative environment. Five projects have received a total investment of more than 300 million yuan (about US$46 million) since their road shows in 2020. Under the guidance of the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, the activity was jointly held by the Zhongguancun Overseas Talent Pioneer Park Association, the Haidian Pioneer Park, and a number of incubator companies. When the General Assembly of the United Nations passed a resolution that recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the only legitimate representative of China on October 25, 1971, I was a middle-school student in a mountainous village in southern China. Although excited on hearing the news on the radio, I knew little about the world body. But as fate would have it, I joined the government department responsible for the country's external economic relations upon university graduation in 1978. For the third-odd years that followed, I observed in close range what the role China played in the UN and how its role evolved as the country itself was undergoing a major transformation. The resumption of China's legitimate seat at the UN has undoubtedly changed the political landscape in the world body. For the first time in the UN's history, developing countries had one of their own in the top decision-making body for world security. Prior to China's return, the Security Council of the UN was divided along the ideological line. In their consumption with getting an upper hand over the other side, both camps often ignored the concerns and aspirations of developing countries. Developing countries badly needed a champion for their cause, and they now finally found one in China. Since the fateful day when developing countries, as Chinese leaders affectionately described it, carried the country over their shoulders into the UN, China has sided with the developing world. China identifies itself with developing countries, vowing that the one vote China has would always belong to developing countries. It has worked closely with other developing countries in such alliances as the Group of 77 and China to establish a united front, and has shown its readiness to fight for their cause. Among the 29 vetoes it used over the past five decades, 19 were over the candidate from Austria as the Secretary General of the UN, who was competing against the candidate favored by developing countries. Another six were targeted at draft resolutions mostly by the U.S. and the UK against developing countries such as Burma, Zimbabwe and Syria, moves that China saw meddling into the domestic affairs of other member states. After an initial period of observing and learning, China turned into an active and indispensable participant in the UN and all its 17 specialized agencies, contributing its wisdom and resources to the missions of the organizations. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres put it, only with the support of China, was the UN better able to do its job. China accounts for over 9 percent of the budget of the UN, which makes the country the second-largest contributor to the UN coffers. And four Chinese nationals currently head UN specialized agencies. In peacekeeping, since 1989, China has taken part in 30 UN's peacekeeping operations, with over 48,000 Chinese officers and soldiers and more than 2,600 police serving in strife-stricken countries. It is ironic that while the Chinese soldiers were risking their lives for the peace and safety of the local people, U.S. troops were bringing upheavals and misery to countries such as Afghanistan and Libya. In climate change, China is a driving force for the UN's mitigation action. It was instrumental in concluding the Paris Climate Accords in 2015. It is now leading the world in its zero-carbon drive. Its pledge to reach a carbon peak by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060 is nothing but ambitious. It means that China plans to achieve zero-emission in 30 years from peaking greenhouse emission, compared with the EU's 70 years and 40 years for both the U.S. and Japan. Commentators point out that the goal requires the country to reduce carbon dioxide emission by 317 million tons a year, twice as much as the amount for the US, and 3.5 and 9 times the EU and Japan respectively. The last five decades have also seen China playing an increasingly important role in the UN's effort in promoting global development. When China was first back at the UN table, it focused on sharing its experience and technical expertise. Centers on appropriate technology such as aquaculture, small hydro and biogas were set up in the country to provide training and technical services. However, while continuing its technological transfer to other developing countries., China placed itself at the receiving end of technical assistance from the UN in 1978. I personally participated in the discussions with the UN's first China mission on projects to be funded by the United Nations Development Programme. As it developed, China became a net aid provider, and began to share more and more of its resources with other developing countries. While China's efforts at helping other countries continue to be largely channeled through bilateral programmes and other multilateral mechanisms it led in setting up such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, New Development Bank and the Belt and Road Initiative, it has boosted south-south cooperation through the UN. For example, as part of its efforts to contribute to the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, it created a special fund for south-south cooperation in 2015. And in the same year, China founded an institute associated with Peking University, a world top-ranking university, exclusively aimed at exchanging experience in national development and training high-caliber academics and government officials for other developing countries. Apparently, China in the UN over the past 50 years has proven to be an agent for change for the better for the world, as both a promoter of world peace and a contributor to global development. However, its job in the world body is far from done. To start with, the international order with the UN at the core and the fundamental rules governing international relations based on the Charter of the United Nations are now under threat. In a bid to remold the world body in its own image, the West seeks to replace them with its own rules. If such an effort were to succeed, much of the gains that developing countries have made over the past decades would be burnt in flames, and the UN would be in jeopardy. Thanks in part to the UN, a third world war has been avoided so far, but its menace has yet to disappear, and new regional wars lurk. U.S. President Joe Biden has recently declared an end to U.S. large-scale military interventions, but it is doubtful that his promise would be honored by his successor. Habits, harmful ones, in particular, die hard. There is no possibility that the U.S. could reframe from using military force in the name of democracy or human rights. At the same time, civil strife and terrorism will continue to plague parts of the world. Maintaining peace in the world is pressing as ever for the UN. Another major challenge for the UN is to address the lack of development in poor countries. Despite an exponential increase in wealth on earth, hundreds of millions of people continue to suffer from hunger and illiteracy. COVID-19 has worsened the unbalanced development globally. The UN would be in danger of missing its goal that no one is left behind if it fails to mobilize all global resources. In its drive to build a shared future for humanity, China sees the concerns of the world as its own. Going forward, China is expected to work closely with the UN in addressing the challenges that mankind faces, contributing more of its wisdom and resources to the realization of its common aspirations. China's role in the UN in the next five decades looks to be even more constructive and transformative. Let's look forward to it. Zhou Xiaoming is senior fellow at China Center for Globalization, former Deputy Permanent Representative of China's Mission to the UN Office in Geneva. Flash 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. 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 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. 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. Flash Iraq on Thursday received the fourth batch of COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government to boost Iraq's efforts to combat the pandemic. Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Iraq Jian Fangning and Iraqi health officials attended a handover ceremony held at Baghdad International Airport. The donation indicates the deep and good friendship between the two countries and their peoples, Jian said during the ceremony, noting that this is another example by the Chinese side to strive to make the COVID-19 vaccine a global public good. "We believe the vaccines provided by the Chinese side will help the Iraqi side facilitate the vaccination process, build the immune defense system, and eventually conquer the pandemic," he added. Meanwhile, Riyadh Abdul-Amir, director of Public Health Department at the Iraqi Ministry of Health, praised China's solidarity with and support for Iraq since the outbreak of the pandemic, noting that the arrival of this batch of vaccines will enhance Iraq's capabilities to raise the vaccination rate among Iraqis. He also hailed China's great role in supplying the vaccines to other countries and promoting the fair distribution of vaccines around the globe. The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Thursday 2,383 new COVID-19 cases, raising the nationwide caseload to 2,030,498. Iraq received the first three batches of COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government in March, April, and August respectively. Flash Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on Thursday with Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan via video link, and the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation and bring bilateral ties to a higher level. Noting that relations between China and Indonesia have maintained a strong momentum of development, Wang said the two sides should give full play to the high-level dialogue and cooperation mechanism and move the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership forward in the direction of a community with a shared future. China welcomes Indonesia to purchase more COVID-19 vaccines from China, and supports Indonesia in building a regional vaccine production center, Wang said. "China is willing to work with Indonesia to jointly oppose the stigmatization of the epidemic and the politicization of COVID-19 origins tracing," Wang said. Wang said China is ready to deepen economic, trade and investment cooperation with Indonesia, and work together for more achievements in major Belt and Road projects, such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project. China will continue to encourage Chinese-funded enterprises to actively participate in Indonesia's industrialization process and continuously expand market access for Indonesian exports to China, Wang said. Indonesia firmly pursues a friendly policy toward China and supports the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, Luhut said. "It is expected that the two sides will continue to strengthen vaccine research and development, as well as production cooperation, and accelerate the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative," Luhut added. The two sides expressed concerns and opposition to actions that create nuclear proliferation risks and regional division, stressing that all parties should jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. The two sides also agreed to strengthen coordination on promoting regional cooperation and addressing climate change. Regarding Indonesia's presidency of the G20 in 2022, Wang said that China supports Indonesia in hosting the G20 summit. Flash China on Thursday opposed U.S. accusations of destabilizing the Taiwan region with intense military activities, urging the U.S. to stop making irresponsible remarks on Taiwan issues. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a press briefing. He commented on Pentagon spokesman John Kirby's remarks that criticized China for stepping up efforts to "intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities in the vicinity of Taiwan, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea." Expressing strong dissatisfaction with Kirby's remarks, Zhao said China's legitimate and reasonable measures safeguard its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and rights and interests. With the joint efforts of China and neighboring countries in the South China Sea, the situation in the region is generally stable, Zhao said. He added that the relevant U.S. remarks have seriously violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, deliberately using relevant issues to provoke relations between countries in the region and sending out wrong and irresponsible signals to the outside world. Zhao noted U.S. negative actions, saying it exposed the true face of the U.S. as a disruptor of regional peace and stability. These U.S. actions include selling weapons to Taiwan and strengthening official military ties with the island, including launching a 750 million U.S. dollar worth weapons sale to Taiwan, U.S. military planes landing on Taiwan Island, and frequent naval ships passing through the Taiwan Strait. "We urge the U.S. to take China's position and concerns seriously and strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three communiques. The U.S. should also stop making irresponsible remarks on Taiwan and maritime issues and do more to benefit China-U.S. ties and regional peace and stability," Zhao said. NEWS PROVIDED BY The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights Oct. 15, 2021 NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on President Biden's nomination of Joe Donnelly for a senior ambassador post: Several Catholic news outlets, including Catholic News Service, have reported that Joseph Donnelly, President Biden's nominee to be the new U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, is a "pro-life" Democrat. They are wrong. Worse, Donnelly is not only at odds with the Catholic Church on abortion, he is pro-gay marriage, against religious liberty, and against school choice. When Donnelly served as a congressman from Indiana (2007-2013), he was pro-life, but when he became a U.S. Senator (2013-2019), he pivoted and joined the pro-abortion camp. Here's the evidence. While serving in the 111th Congress, 2009-2010, Donnelly agreed with the positions of National Right to Life 83% of the time. When he became a senator, his numbers dropped to 20% (2013-2014), 25% (2015-2016), and 28% (2017-2018). NARAL, the pro-abortion giant, gave him a 0% score in 2016, but he jumped to 84% in 2017 and 80% in 2018. Donnelly also voted for the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, in 2010, even though the bill required Catholic non-profits, such as the Little Sisters of the Poor, to pay for abortion-inducing drugs in their healthcare plans. According to Bill McGurn of the Wall Street Journal, he was not initially in favor of the bill, but a phone call from the former president of Notre Dame University, Father Theodore Hesburghdone at the behest of House Speaker Nancy Pelosiconvinced him to change his mind. It worked. Thereafter, Donnelly never voted to repeal Obamacare. Donnelly's support for Obamacare pitted him against the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In 2012, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the USCCB, wrote that the Obama administration "has refused to exempt religious institutions that serve the common goodincluding Catholic schools, charities and hospitalsfrom its sweeping new health-care mandate that requires employers to purchase contraception, including abortion-producing drugs, and sterilization coverage for their employees." In 2017, when President Trump signed a bill that would deny states the right to use Title X funds to enable abortion providers, Donnelly voted against it. In August 2015, Donnelly voted against funding Planned Parenthood, but literally four months later he voted to fund it. In 2018, he once again voted to have the taxpayers fund this abortion-clinic behemoth. On gay marriage, Donnelly went through a similar "evolution." He was initially opposed to it, which is why the Human Rights Campaign, a prominent gay organization, gave him a score of only 30% when he was in the House. But when he got to the Senate, this homosexual entity was so delighted with him that they gave him a score of 85%. In 2013, the USCCB issued a statement opposing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The bill, which was promoted as a way to protect homosexuals from being discriminated against in the workplace, was much more than that. "The bill does not distinguish," the bishops said, "between sexual inclination and sexual conduct." The bishops also criticized the bill for inadequate religious-liberty protections. Donnelly voted for it. A year later, after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its "Hobby Lobby" rulingit protected the religious rights of private business ownersthe Democrats sought to undo it. Bishop Timothy L. Doherty of the Lafayette Diocese was none too happy with Donnelly. "Two weeks after they pleaded with Congress to maintain our religious freedom, a majority of the Senateincluding our own Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indianavoted to move forward with legislation to take that freedom away." In 2015, Donnelly fought against an Indiana bill that would safeguard religious liberty. The bill, which was modeled after the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, had already been adopted by thirty states. More important, allegations that it would lead to discrimination against homosexuals were unfounded. The evidence showed that these laws did not engender a single act of discrimination against any American. In Donnelly's last term in the Senate, he voted against a school choice measure that would have allowed families to use 529 account funds to help pay for private and secondary education, including homeschooling. Thus did he stand fast against the bishops in their support for school choice initiatives that would assist Catholic schools. Joe Donnelly started out as a Catholic official who was mostly in line with the policy prescriptions of the Catholic Church. But he ended his career in government as a foe of the Church's moral teachings. Now he wants to represent the U.S. at the Vatican. There is a reason why Donnelly was co-chair of Catholics for Biden. Like our "devout Catholic" president, he turned rogue. Global Disciples Hosts Live NationsWorship 2022 Event Followers of Jesus from Africa, Asia, and the Americas to Participate in Live Worship Experience at Dove Westgate in Ephrata, PA NEWS PROVIDED BY Global Disciples Oct. 15, 2021 LANCASTER, Penn., Oct. 15, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- NationsWorship, a live worship experience with participants from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, will be held at Dove Westgate church in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, as well as live streamed across the world on November 19, 2021. Global Disciples, with partners in 62 countries, will host the worship event. Those interested in joining the celebration should register at globaldisciples/nationsworship. The worship experience features the song "Glory to the Righteous One" referencing Isaiah 24:16. It was written specifically for NationsWorship by the celebrated Rwandan duo James and Daniella and will be produced as a video with worshipers from other nations. NationsWorship is an opportunity to gather together a chorus of praise and worship from around the world. It was first held last year as a virtual event but will be presented live for the first time this year. Tim Bentch, Global Worship Specialist with Global Disciples, says the theme of the event is From the Ends of the Earth, We Hear Singing: "While the world is experiencing a relentless pandemic, political division, war and devastation, the songs of people in desperate circumstances still ring true giving praise to our God. With NationsWorship, we can take our focus off our problems that distract and divide us and, instead, worship Jesus in unity with brothers and sisters across the world. With our songs, we say, nothing will divide us, and nothing can separate us from the love of Christ." NationsWorship will include: The live worship experience at 7:30pm ET, 4:30 pm PDT, Dove Westgate Church, 1755 W. Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522 Live Streaming at 7:30 p.m. ET and 4:30 p.m. PDT Repeat broadcasts at 10:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. PDT On demand availability through January 15, 2022 In addition, churches can host a live NationsWorship event. Watch parties are also encouraged. Registration is required for both the in-person and online events. For more information, go to globaldisciples/nationsworship. Global Disciples Global Disciples assists in the development of locally-sustainable trainings in discipleship-mission, small business and leadership, which result in reproducing fellowships of believers. We equip, connect and facilitate cooperation in the global Body of Christ among clusters of churches in 62 nations focused on reaching those least-reached with the Gospel. We believe that local expressions of the Body of Christ in close proximity to least-reached people are best able to reach them so that every person has an opportunity to choose and follow Jesus Christ. For more information, go to globaldisciples.org. SOURCE Global Disciples CONTACT: Sherry Lee, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, 404-903-0380, sherry.lee@globaldisciples.org Related Links NationsWorship 2021 Promo Video Space News space history and artifacts articles Messages space history discussion forums Sightings worldwide astronaut appearances Resources selected space history documents advertisements China launches Shenzhou 13 crew for 6-month stay on space station October 15, 2021 China has launched its second crewed expedition to its new space station to continue preparing the orbital outpost for its planned expansion. Astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu lifted off on board China's Shenzhou 13 spacecraft on Friday (Oct. 15) on a six-month mission to live and work aboard the Tianhe ("Harmony of the Heavens") core module of the Tiangong ("Heavenly Palace") space station. The crew rode atop a Long March-2F rocket that was launched at 12:23 p,m. EDT (1623 GMT or 12:23 a.m. on Oct. 16 Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. "The Shenzhou 13 crewed mission is the sixth [launch] in the space station key technology verification phase and the last mission of this phase," said Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). "After a comprehensive evaluation ... we will initiate space station construction phase." After a fast track rendezvous with the space station, the Shenzhou 13 spacecraft is expected to perform an autonomous docking with the nadir, or Earth-facing port of the core module, a first for the program. The previous Shenzhou 12 crew, who left the station in mid-September after spending three months in orbit, docked and undocked from Tianhe's forward-facing port. The Shenzhou 13 docking will form a complex with the Tianhe module and two already on-orbit cargo spacecraft, Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3, launched in May and September, respectively. Update: The Shenzhou 13 spacecraft docked with the Tianhe core module at 6:56 p.m. EDT (2256 GMT or 6:56 a.m. Beijing Time) on Saturday (Oct. 16). The crew entered the space station for the first time at 9:58 p.m. EDT (0158 GMT). Zhai, Wang and Ye will spend the next six months testing station systems and the ability of the core module to support future assembly and construction, including repositioning a module using a robotic arm. The crew will also perform research and experiments in the fields of microgravity physics and space medicine, as well as collect data about their own health and take part in public outreach activities. As many as three spacewalks may be conducted, in part to install a connector to link long and short mechanical arms. Shenzhou 13 is the second spaceflight for both Zhai, 55, and Wang, 41, who flew on Shenzhou 7 and Shenzhou 10, respectively. Zhai, who in 2008 became China's first astronaut to perform a spacewalk, is commander of the Shenzhou 13 mission. "Thirteen years ago in 2008, the successful completion of the Shenzhou 7 mission marked that China became the third nation to have mastered the key technologies of extravehicular activities and I was quite proud of this. In particular, I waved the five star flag and walked in space. To this date, it is still a vivid memory," said Zhai at a pre-launch press conference on Thursday. "After 13 years, I am going to set out for outer space again. I feel excited. I feel inspired. I also feel some pressure." Wang was the second Chinese woman to fly into space. On Shenzhou 13, she will be China's first woman to enter the station and first female spacewalker. "I am very honored to be part of the construction of China's space station," she said. "This will be the first time taikonauts have celebrated the Chinese New Year in space. According to my understanding, we have a big package of gifts to find and we do not know exactly what is inside. A lot of surprises are waiting us." This the first flight for Ye, 41, who was selected with the second group of Chinese candidates in 2010. "It is a great pleasure to be a member of this crewed mission," Ye said. "For me personally, this is a great challenge, but I have every confidence to complete this mission successfully. The confidence comes from generations of astronauts and their efforts, it comes from the teamwork of all of the astronauts and it also comes from my 11 years of hard work." "I hope I have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of outer space from a new angle with a bird's [eye] view of planet Earth," he said. "I also want a bird's [eye] view of the great land of China." The work the Shenzhou 13 crew will complete will set up the next phase of the Tiangong space station. After Zhai, Wang and Ye leave to return to Earth in April 2022, six more missions including the launch of the Wentian and Mengtian laboratory modules, two cargo spacecraft and two crewed spaceships are expected to complete construction of the orbiting complex by the end of next year. The Shenzhou 13 mission is China's eighth human spaceflight since 2003. A Long March 2F rocket lifts off with the Shenzhou 13 spacecraft and astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Oct. 15, 2021. The crew will be the second to live on China's space station. (Xinhua) Shenzhou 13 crewmates (from left) Ye Guangfu, Zhai Zhigang and Wang Yaping pose together for a portrait. (China Manned Space) China's Shenzhou 13 crew mission patch. (China Manned Space) Astronauts Wang Yaping (at left), Zhai Zhigang (at center) and Ye Guangfu launch to China's space station on the Shenzhou 13 spacecraft. (CCTV) 2021 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Bharat Book Bureau Provides the Trending Market Research Report on India Automotive Plastics Market Forecast and Opportunities FY2017-FY2027 under Chemical & Materials Market Research Reports Category. The report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, competitive intelligence and Market reports. Our dedicated team of industry experts has monitored and analyzed various aspects of India Automotive Plastic Market. The team has analyzed the outlook of various segments of this market, while considering the major influencing factors such as rising demand for automotive plastic. The study includes market forecasting, which would enable our clients to take better decisions while planning their strategy to achieve sustainability in India automotive plastic market. Methodology Followed for Calculation of Market Size: Market Size by Value & Volume: Market size, in terms of value & volume, for the year FY2021 was calculated based on information collected through exhaustive secondary research and primary surveys, with various key opinion leaders/stakeholders, such as automotive plastic companies, channel partners, end-user industry experts, and other industry participants. The team interviewed more than 15-20 automotive plastic market companies, 100 120 end use industries, and 15 20 industry experts and other value chain stakeholders in India automotive plastic market to obtain the overall market size for FY2017-FY2021, which was validated by the Delphi technique. Taking standard deviation into consideration, the market size was averaged out, to arrive at the market size data for FY2017-FY2021. Respondents were asked about the current and future market growth rates, market shares by vehicle type, by type, by application, by company and by region. Removing the outlier responses, the geometric mean of growth estimates and provider wise revenue shares generated across various segments were considered, to arrive at the final revenue shares. Revenue shares generated across various segments were further triangulated from other stakeholders. Methodology Followed for Calculation of Market Shares: Market shares by vehicle type, by type, by application, by company and by region were calculated based on the responses received through primary surveys with industry experts, in which the respondents were asked about the market shares or revenue generated from various segments of automotive plastic market. The final shares were calculated by taking the geometric mean of the responses gathered from key opinion leaders after eliminating the outliers. Methodology Followed for Forecasting: TechSci Research performed periodical checks on data collected through the surveys with logic checks and analyzed the survey results in SPSS/Tableau Software. Data triangulation techniques were applied to fill the gaps and to present a more meaningful picture of the market. To forecast India automotive plastic market, TechSci Research used various forecast techniques such as: -Moving Average -Time Series Analysis -Regression Analysis -Econometric and Judgmental Analysis Browse our full report with Table of Content : https://www.bharatbook.com/report/921869/india-automotive-plastics-market-forecast-and-opportunities-fy-fy About Bharat Book Bureau: Bharat Book is Your One-Stop-Shop with an exhaustive coverage of 4,80,000 reports and insights that includes latest Market Study, Market Trends & Analysis, Forecasts Customized Intelligence, Newsletters and Online Databases. Overall a comprehensive coverage of major industries with a further segmentation of 100+ subsectors. Contact us at: Bharat Book Bureau Tel: +91 22 26810662 / 26810663 Email: poonam@bharatbook.com Website: www.bharatbook.com Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. 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 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. RELATED REPORTS Global Intracranial Hemorrhage Diagnosis & Treatment Market Research ReportForecast to 2027 Global Ear Infection Treatment Market Research ReportForecast till 2027 Compounding Chemotherapy Market Research ReportForecast till 2027 About Market Research Future: 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. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Research Report: Information By Manufacturing Process (Captive Manufacturing and Contract Manufacturing), Type of Synthesis (Synthetic and Biotech), By API Formulation (Generic API and Branded/Innovative API), Application (Cardiovascular Disease, Oncology, Neurological Disorders, Orthopedic Disorders, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Urology and others), Molecules (Large Molecule and Small Molecule) and Region - Forecast till 2028 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Market Overview Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market size is anticipated to disclose a 6.2% CAGR and touch USD 312 Billion by 2028. The active pharmaceutical ingredients share price has risen incrementally over the past few years due to medicinal properties. The drugs taken together with combined therapy have numerous active ingredients to treat a range of disorders. The various types of active pharmaceutical ingredients are prime elements in the production of drugs, and this global market is estimated to experience optimistic growth in the upcoming period. READ MORE @ https://www.medgadget.com/2019/08/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market-2019-global-industry-analysis-by-size-share-trends-growth-business-opportunities-api-formulation-molecule-and-application.html Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Studied By Top Companies Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK), Bayer AG, Novartis AG, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, are some of the prominent companies in the global active pharmaceutical ingredients market. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Trends The emergence of Highly Complex Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients The latest generation of APIs being created is highly complex, which include high potency API, peptides, sterile API and oligonucleotides. This has led to more complicated R&D as well as certification processes. Increasing Competition in the API Market The rising number of small producers that have expertise in the manufacturing of niche APIs, has resulted in a highly stiff competition within the global market. Thus, the latest trend in the form of intensifying competitive nature of the market is projected to elevate the market position in the coming years. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Segmentation The worldwide API market has been segmented on the basis of manufacturing process, type of synthesis, API formulation, application, molecule. In terms of manufacturing, the market can be fragmented into captive manufacturing and contract manufacturing. Out of these, the contract manufacturing segment can expect a profitable run during the review period at the highest growth rate, backed by the increasing trend of outsourcing of API manufacturing by the pharmaceutical companies, which lets them focus more on core competencies. Depending on the synthesis, the market is considered for synthetic and biotech, wherein the synthetic API market is set to be unbeatable with the maximum share of the global market. Meanwhile, the biotech segment has displayed a considerable growth pattern in recent years, which is expected to surge further at a relatively higher CAGR owing to the reduced side effects of biotech synthesis. Furthermore, the biotech segment is split into monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccines, and others. At present, the monoclonal antibodies segment holds the top position, whereas the recombinant proteins segment is slated to expand at the fastest rate during the appraisal period as recombinant proteins find an increasing number of applications within the pharmaceutical industry. With respect to the API formulation, the market is categorized as generic API and innovative API. Growing patent expirations have been responsible for the leading position of the generic API segment, at a projected CAGR of 4.62% during the conjectured time frame. The market, application-wise, can be broken down into cardiovascular disease, oncology, neurological disorders, orthopedic disorders, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urology, and others. Here, the oncology segment is the current holder of the biggest market share, since the occurrences of cancer has surged at a substantial pace around the world. The segment is deemed to rise at a growth rate of 5.48% in the coming years. The API market, on the basis of molecule, caters to small molecule and large molecule. Although the report identified the small molecule segment as the largest market in 2017, the large molecule segment is reckoned to cross the formers valuation at a higher CAGR in the near future. The main reasons being the increasing focus on research and development of advanced APIs, including biologics that strive to meet with the unmet needs of patients. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Regional Outlook The key markets for acitve pharmaceutical ingredients include South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is spearheading the API market growth in the Americas, which in turn is leading the global market with the largest share. The crucial factors backing the said growth include the presence of a large number of prominent companies within the region. In addition, countries like the United States (U.S.) and Canada note high occurrences of chronic as well as neurological diseases, which is believed to be a prominent driver of the regional market growth. Europe has bagged the second spot in the global API market, backed by the increasing number of initiatives within the region that support the development of generic drugs. Moreover, improving pricing, as well as reimbursement policies coupled with a huge number of manufacturing activities, is presenting multiple growth opportunities to the regional market. As the active pharmaceutical ingredients market has reached the maturity phase in the developed countries around the globe, the market focus is shifting towards the Asia Pacific. This factor has substantiated the region as the fastest-growing market globally. The presence of a humungous patient population within countries like India and China paired with the rising incidences of chronic diseases in the region is poised to benefit the market in the subsequent years. On top of that, availability of cheap labor and need for low investments in infrastructure are encouraging several renowned pharmaceutical vendors to outsource manufacturing to Asia Pacific, opening the door for further market success. Industry News April 2019 OlonS.p.A., a global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has acquired a manufacturing facility in India. The facilitys primary product will be Rifampicin, which is used for treating a variety Browse complete summary of this research report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market-1385 RELATED REPORTS Global Digestible Sensors Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027 Global Blood Glucose Test Strip Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027 Global Urology Devices Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027 About Market Research Future: 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), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Scenario Point-of-care testing allows patient diagnosis, in an ambulance, the home, the field, or in the hospital. The results of care are timely, and allow rapid treatment to the patient. Point of care technology market is growing rapidly due to the evolving healthcare industry, especially in developing nations. The major factors that propel the growth of the market are development in diagnostics, patients with chronic diseases, increasing growth in medical technology, and other uses of point of care technology. Moreover, increasing investment in research and development among the developed countries will also boost the growth of the market positively during the forecast period. Furthermore, advancement of diagnostic laboratories and adoption of automated lab systems, is likely to fuel the growth of the market. On the other hand, complexity of documentation and investment cost involved in this type of care technology, may hinder the growth of the market during the forecasted period. also read @ https://www.medgadget.com/2019/07/point-of-care-technology-market-finds-industry-will-cross-with-healthy-cagr-9-5-till-2023-by-new-upcoming-enhancement-with-abbott-techno-medicaco-ltd-siemens-ag-alere-inc-etc.html Point of Care Technology Market Competitive Analysis The global point of care technology market includes a host of key players, including Alere Inc. (U.S.), Johnson Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.), PTS Diagnostics (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Techno MedicaCo., Ltd. (Japan), Abbott (U.S.), Nova Biomedical (U.S.), Instrumentation Laboratory (U.S.), Quidel Corporation (U.S), BD (U.S.), Siemens AG (Germany), Beckman Coulter, Inc. (U.S.) Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (U.S). March 21st, 2019, according to a published journal by the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, it was ascertained that a point-of-care HbA1c test using venous blood sampled or finger stick can be leveraged upon to precisely diagnose diabetes in adults. April 9th, 2019, Chembio Diagnostics, Inc., one of the pioneering companies in point-of-care diagnostics, announced the approval from the health regulatory agency of Brazil, namely Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA), of its new DPP Zika/ Chikungunya/ Dengue System. Market Segmentation : The global Point of care diagnostics market segmentation is divided on the basis of type of products and end-users. By type of products, the market is divided into cardiac markers, HbA1c testing, glucose testing, and coagulation, and others. By end-users, the market comprises of hospital, ambulatory care, home care, clinics, and others. Regional Analysis : The regional segmentation of the point of care technology is divided into Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, and the Middle East Africa. The report by MRFR identifies the Americas to hold a majority of the share in the global market to lead the standings. The region is expected to grow and expand further due to huge investment therein and the strong economic conditions therein, one which aids the research and development activities in the healthcare sector. Increasing incidences of surgeries coupled with the growing demand for products relevant to this technology is expected to boost the market growth in this region. Europe stands out as the second largest regional market following Asia Pacific. The proliferation and the expected growth of the market depends upon the ameliorating importance of research in the healthcare industry. This, in turn, is increasing the investment pool of research and development activities in the Asia Pacific region. The Asia Pacific market is expected to showcase the fastest growth potential owing to the widespread prevalence of communicable diseases and a burgeoning demand for more diagnostics. Add to this, both India and China have also entered the market with growing investment in the research and development activities of healthcare domain. The Middle Eastern African region holds the least share in the global market due to lack of economic stability and poor development in the medical facilities. Browse Complete Report visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/point-of-care-technology-market-1164 Related Reports Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine Market Research Report- Global Forecast till 2027 Antifungal Treatment Market Research Report- Global Forecast till 2027 Human Rotavirus Vaccine Market Research Report- Forecast to 2027 About Market Research Future: 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. PARIS, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MoAt Hennessy, world leader in luxury Wines & Spirits, is pleased to support the Acole Nationale SupArieur des Beaux-Arts de Paris. A patron of this institution, MoAt Hennessy has given carte blanche to ten artists. A A "We are delighted to partner with our neighbors at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. The artists were inspired by the craftsmanship and heritage of the 25 Maisons of our group, and have also paid tribute to the painting by Jean-FranAois de Troy, Le DAjeuner d'HuAtres. Their artwork will be exhibited in our Parisian headquarters, at the intersection of art, architecture, design and gastronomy." - Philippe Schaus, President of MoAt Hennessy.A Le DAjeuner d'huAtres is an emblematic piece by the artist Jean-FranAois de Troy. This painting is the perfect illustration of the French art de vivre of the 18th century, with an abundance of details (food, wine, silverwarea). But it is the presence of a cork in the air that makes this festive scene of a meal between gentlemen in an elaborately decorated room an iconic painting. This masterpiece is the first representation of a champagne bottle in Art. Royally commissioned by Louis XV and created in 1735 to decorate the after-hunting dining room of the small apartments in the ChAteau of Versailles, today the piece is kept in the CondA museum in Chantilly. As part of this exclusive collaboration with the Beaux-Arts de Paris, students and recent graduates were invited to create artwork for MoAt Hennessy. Ten projects (pieces in ceramic, clay, wood, wax, resin, papera) were selected, then specifically created to be at home in the reception areas of MoAt Hennessy located at 142 rue du Bac and designed by the architectural firm Barbarito Bancel. "These 10 students and young graduates bring complementary flavors to these spaces. Like young wines, they have great promise. Certain will find them a little green or too vibrant, others already fine and rich or balanced, and will enjoy their aromas. But they are nevertheless fresh on the palate and strong in sensations. We are proud of the responses of these artists. The photographs, ceramics, drawings, and sculptures that they have made give a delicious image to creation of today, of its freedom and its effervescence." A - Jean de Loisy, Director of the Beaux-Arts de Paris. Such programs are the perfect opportunity for artists to face specific aesthetic, architectural, legal and temporal constraints, which Juliette Green, Shengqi Kong, Clara Mazzoleni, Juliette Minchin, Alice Nikolaeva, Lia Pradal, Wan Lin Qin, Pierre Seiter, ThAophile Stern, and AlAbAta Wolfova have successfully addressed. About MoAt Hennessy MoAt Hennessy, the Wines & Spirits division of LVMH, regroups twenty-five luxury Maisons, recognized internationally for the richness of their terroirs, and the quality and craftsmanship of their products. The LVMH group also holds renowned wine estates through "LVMH Vins d'Exception." MoAt Hennessy is furthermore a patron of the vocational program of the Beaux-Arts de Paris, "Artists and the Professions of Exhibition." About the Beaux-Arts de Paris The Beaux-Arts de Paris is both a place for education and artistic experimentation, of exhibitions and conservation of historical and contemporary collections, as well as a publishing house. Heir to the Royal Academies of Painting and Sculpture, the school, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, has as its primary vocation the training of high-level artists. It plays an essential role in the contemporary art scene. The training allows each student to understand the challenges of contemporary art and what it means to be an artist today. Anchored in economic and social reality, the Beaux-Arts de Paris also aims to build bridges between student and professional life, notably by introducing students to the world of art and by encouraging encounters with its players, but also with other fields within where artistic expression also belongs. Please drink responsibly. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660699/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_1.jpg A Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660700/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_2.jpg A Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660701/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_3.jpg A Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660702/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_4.jpg A Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/medi! a/1660703 /Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_5.jpg A Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660704/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_6.jpg A Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660705/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_7.jpg A Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660736/Moet_Hennessy_Logo2.jpg A A A A A A A A A A A A A Contacts: MoAt Hennessy Jean-Christophe Laizeau Directeur des relations extArieures MoAt Hennessy jc.laizeau@moethennessy.com A Beaux-Arts de Paris Isabelle ReyAA AttachAe de Presse Beaux-Arts de Paris isabelle.reye@beauxartsparis.fr A LONDON, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Online bingo comparison website, BingoSites.netA has found that James Bond star Daniel Craig ranks the highest in terms of actors who have appeared topless for the most screen time in Hollywood movies. The study, entitled ' Nudity in Film ', has been broken down into various segments, with 'Shirtless Scenes' revealing Craig as the number one. Craig, who has hit the headlines again for his latest James Bond movie, No Time To Die a his final film starring as 007, ranked above the likes of fellow Hollywood heavyweights, Sylvester Stallone and Matthew McConaughey. Craig, who turned 53 in March, has appeared topless for at least 1,278 seconds, which converts to 21 minutes and 18 seconds of screen time. His various Bond movies all include scenes where the actor has appeared without a shirt, which have almost become a trademark of the actor in the 007 franchise, while other notable films include 'Layer Cake' and 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. BingoSites.net co-founder & CEO;A Thomas Jones revealed in a statement: "There has always been somewhat of a draw to James Bond, especially by gambling fans, with this often playing a significant role in 007 storylines" "Our team of data analysts were shocked to find out when conducting the study that the sexy Bond actor Daniel Craig was so keen to get his kit off in front of the cameras and was actually ranked number one above the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Zac Efron & even Channing Tatum" About Us: BingoSites.netA is a UK online bingo comparison website, founded in 2012 a It provides comparison details and reviews for online gambing products including online bingo, casino and slots games. Data Source Here:A https://www.bingosites.net/nudity-in-film/#shirtless Media Contact: Thomas Jones Co-Founder / CEO Zoom Gaming LTD 07843093593 tom@zoomgaming.net A Join Edith Salas of Salas Properties & host Jenn Barlow as they visit the Coronado Shores community. The towers have amazing views including the world famous Hotel del Coronado, downtown San Diego, San Diego Bay, the City of Coronado, Point Loma, and the Pacific Ocean. The staff of the Litchfield Jazz Festival is presenting the fourth installment of their free virtual concert series for April. One of the buyers said Faison and the woman he was with, whom police believe was Hopkins, had gotten into an argument on the day of the first payment, adding that she wanted cash for the Pontiac but Faison was willing to accept drugs instead of cash, the warrant said. Mark Outlaw, 22, was charged with accessory to murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the fatal shooting that was the 24th of the citys 29 murders so far this year, already one of the most violent over the past decade with almost three months still to go. We agree with the union the only path forward is for the board of education to initiate a full investigation thats independent and objective, and Im confident that everybody will cooperate with that and Im confident that we will get to the truth. A few blocks from where Bromfield is restoring his building, Avner Krohn is constructing a 107-unit, $19 million apartment project. His architects changed a few design features of the New Britain project to omit hard-to-get materials, and for an even larger project in Bloomfield, Krohn is ordering wood for all four floors at once rather than as his crews need it. Our company not only provided these workers with training, but they also received wages and benefits. This allowed some of them to secure post-release apartments by paying security deposits, along with purchasing cars to get them to work. Many of these men are still working for our company three years later. At a time when many workers shop for the next best offer, the employees who transitioned from Cybulski are some of the most loyal and hardworking staff we have. Most parents cant afford to pay the true cost of the high quality care that every child deserves,' Warner said before introducing Biden. That has meant that women who care for children have subsidized the system by working for poverty wages. We cant charge more tuition because the cost of care is already prohibitive for many families and we arent able to raise wages for teachers and this makes recruiting [staff] really challenging. We all were thinking about how this past year, its been so hard for so many people, Kasic said. We just wanted to have a joyful moment outdoors. With the pandemic, people can always come inside and enjoy art. We want to make sure its going to be safe for everybody, that it was going to be accessible to everyone and give us an opportunity to partner with some of our more engineering and science-based initiatives across campus. We just realized it was a growing complaint we were getting. We started to see calls that were being escalated and becoming more violent, Soto said earlier. Theres a time and a place for a lot of different types of activities. I think being in the middle of a group of people is probably not the best time. I get to dance in my classroom. If I dont understand something, I can always ask Ms. Fulson. I can even disagree, as long as I am respectful, the student said. Ms. Fulson teaches my brain and my heart. She wants me to be the best I can be. Additionally, the archaeologists want to use residue found last week in a crucible shard and a scorifier, a small, shallow bowl (about 2 inches in diameter), found earlier, to analyze and identify the minerals in them. These pieces will be sent to the archaeological lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where X-ray diffraction will be used to enhance information found at the metallurgical site. He said the committee would provide opportunities for individuals impacted by racial injustice, racial disparities, and systemic racism in the city to share their stories and experiences, including relating to policies, practices, and actions by the city of Williamsburg; facilitating conversations among and between community members from various backgrounds; identifying, analyzing, and recommending to the Williamsburg City Council institutional and policy reforms meant to mend the wounds of racial injustice and combat systemic racism. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Basketball is underway throughout the Sac-Joaquin Section and we want to know what you think about this season's teams. You voted: We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Written by ACM *Strasbourg/EU Parliament/Angelo Marcopolo/- European Democracy reportedly being the Most Popular Issue in EU's Conference on Europe's Future, normaly, it Should Apply also to Citizens' Panels, vis a vis the CoFoE's Plenary. This may Concern, particularly, the Last Decision of Democracy Panels' first Session, on Sunday, which notoriously is the Election of 20 so-called "Ambassadors" due to Speak at the Conference's Plenary, with Representatives of Member States, EU Commission, or EU Parliament's, etc., afterwards, until Final Proposals are adopted for EU's Reforms from 2022. In this regard, a Young Bulgarian, just Elected Today as "Ambassador" of this Important Panel on EU Democracy, introduced to "Eurofora" by a kind Lady, Participant Citizen from Germany, appeared to have Both a Good Idea, and a quite Brave Character... - Indeed, Alexander Milisov, New "Ambassador" to CoFoE's Plenary for Democracy Issues, speaking to "Eurofora", appeared Adamant : - "I Feel the Need to Represent the Views of Not Only Some, But of All the European People !" on Democracy, he Firmly Told us, from the Outset, looking Serious enough. - "What do you mean by "All the People" ?", "Eurofora" Asked, for Clarification. - "First for the Participants in the Conference, and then, All the People Outside of the Panel" too, Alexander clearly Explained. "Eurofora" Congratulated Milisov, and Encouraged him, inter alia, Also to use a Website in order to Collect European People's relevant Wishes, Ideas and Proposals through the Internet. Naturaly, the Conference on Europe's Future Web Platform appeared, a priori, as the Most Appropriate Instrument for that purpose, But one may Always do Better than that,... (particularly with a little Help from some Friends). >>> Indeed, how could a real European "Democracy" Panel represent Only some Views of a Tiny Minority of Less than 200 Individuals, taken Radomly, if it Droped to a Waste-Basket the Legitimate Aspirations comming among some 500 Millions of EU Citizens ? Already, several EU Agents dealing with the Conference on Europe's Future, and/or "Moderators" on the Conclusions of its Panels, have repeatedly Incited Citizens, Even Panels' Members, to at least Use the CoFoE's Web "Platfom" in order to Register and Promote their Ideas for the Recommendations to make, from EU Citizens' side, to the CoFoE's Plenary, later-on. >>> But, it's also a Fact that, at least Until Now, the First so-called "Interim Reports" made by some Unknown to the People, and Apparently, sometimes Irresponsible Individuals, due to Resume the Conference's Web Platform's expressed Ideas and Projects, have, Curiously and Blantantly Failed into giving a Real and Complete, Overall Picture of, at least, the Most Important, Serious, Popular, and/or Interesting and Original relevant Proposals made and Published there by European People ! F.ex., among others, in that 1st such, so-called "Report", made on August and Unveiled Earlier this September 2021, about Participatory EU "Democracy" Ideas and Proposals, it doesN't do Anything else than, Merely, to Repeatedly "Copy and Paste" Links to Only a Few, Hasty, Superficial, and quasi-Identical Copies or Variants of the Already Pre-Existing Idea of "Citizens' Initiatives", (Notoriously created by EU's Lisbon Treaty Since 2007-2010), WithOut Even Mentioning, on the Contrary, at least a Brand New Idea and Original Proposal, Recently (the very Day of the 1st CoFoE's Plenary in Strasbourg) Published at the Conference's Web Platform, (as well as Elsewhere), by "Eurofora"'s co-Founder, and Already "Followed" by More than ...750 Registered People, some Days Ago, which is Based on Decades of Serious Legal, Political, and Journalistic Work, in great parts Checked and Validated at French University Research levels, (DEA/Master and/or PhD Thesis Research, Officialy proposed for Awards, etc), as well as Endorsed by a Strasbourg EuroMetropole's 2 Days-long Popular Conference on 2019, and Even Topicaly Backed, in its Main Concepts, by Both EU and CoE's latest Resolutions, including until this Last June and July 2021... => See, f.ex., the Proposal for "Dialogue between Citizens and Politicians Before Decisions Affecting their Lives and/or Society at large", at : https://futureu.europa.eu/processes/Democracy/f/6/proposals/32770, etc. >>> Why isN't such an Original EU Citizen's Proposal on European Democracy, already Published at the Conference's Official Platform, and Followed by more than 750 Registered People recently, at least one Among those Simply Cited in CoFoE's "Interim Report", But, on the Contrary, is Still kept practicaly "Hidden" from Interested People's Eyes and Minds, (while, on the Contrary, a Lot of Other, Superficial, Hasty and Repetitive, Banal Pseudo-"Ideas" only Copying one another, are Scandalously Spotted and Re-Published by that Controversial Pseudo-"Report" ? - Such Blatant and Scandalous Discriminations and/or Grave Blunders, Obviously, consideably Show the Pertinence and the Vital Need of Europe for Ideas and Practice as those just Expressed by Young EU Democracy Citizens Panel's "Ambassador" Alexander Milisov, (Comp. Supra) ! (../..) ("Draft-News") ------------------------------------------------- Data protection is a set of strategies you follow to keep all the data you handle safe. Businesses incur thousands of dollars of loss every year due to the negligence of data protection. Taking proper measures to maintain the data secure will save ample money, time, effort and ensure the concerned parties don't face any significant loss. Data protection is an essential aspect for every individual and business, and it is a must for everyone to follow specific steps connected with data safety. What does data protection really mean? Data protection means implementing a set of well-defined plans to keep personal and business data safe. Companies should protect vital data in a private area with limited access to essential workers. The office should have strict rules regarding who can get data, download restrictions, and file copying limitations to protect the data. Businesses should not compromise the integrity of information handled in any way by selling it to third parties. Indulging in such activities will make the customers lose trust in your business and damage the brand reputation. Individuals should protect their personal, medical, and financial data by keeping it secure using digital wallets, password managers, and the best antivirus and malware protection services. There is no single or defined solution to protect your data as technology keeps evolving. Stay updated and use the latest tools and emerging apps or devices. Data protection is a continuous process that individuals should not neglect at any cost to stay safe in this increasingly prying digital world. Significance of data protection Data protection is growing into a vital issue in the modern-day digital workspace. The tremendous rise of system dependency, cloud computing, and BYOD - bring your own device practices force organizations to worry about protecting their core data. Loss of data might result in loss of critical information, which stalls the operation or slows down the company's daily activities. On the other hand, well-protected data can be used for various analytics and create well-defined company plans. Data falling in the hands of competitors will affect businesses significantly and individuals badly by compromising their privacy. Data security and data protection are interchangeable terms used commonly and implementing them effectively is crucial for every individual as well as business. It will keep you away from third-party software vulnerabilities and data breaches. A data breach can turn into a disaster for anyone, and it can happen when individuals don't follow a proper strategy to protect the data. Taking proper methods prevents them from getting into trouble with the law and avoids non-compliance fees. Personal data often gets leaked through carelessness or lack of awareness resulting in serious identity theft and financial looting. Personal Data protection goals Individuals should set clear data protection goals which will help them safeguard their information, prevent accidental leakage and prevent theft attempts. The goals should aim to protect the individual's identity and all the private information leading to that identity. For that, people should never disclose their vital data to anybody or leave their devices unattended or unprotected. They should hide all sensitive personal information from social media and public profiles on various websites. Individuals should never share their important information like social security numbers with strangers. They should be cautious about whom they befriend online and check their identity thoroughly. One of the ways to do that is to use Nuwber - type the person's name or phone number in the search bar and analyze the details that come up. Leakage of personal data may lead to identity theft and various legal implications of the robbery. Misused personal information might enable criminals to use an innocent person's identity to commit multiple crimes and blame it on them. Always: Protect all digital documents with a password Keep all identity related digital documents in an encrypted format Mask credit card details while doing online shopping Use paid email services with extra safety to receive bank, medical and insurance emails Keep the system, laptop, and smartphone protected by using reputed security software Data safety for businesses No company wants to see their name occur on the data breach list. It severely compromises the brand's reputation among the customers and makes them choose another service provider. The frequent media coverage about enormous data breaches in huge companies like Equinox and Yahoo has created good customer awareness regarding data safety. Customers expect their banks, hospitals, and other service providers to take data protection seriously, showcase how their sensitive information is secured, and require full disclosure of data protection policies. Huge corporate companies have to yield to their customer and partner demands to invest in enterprise-grade data protection. It is a legal requirement to protect Personally Identifiable Information or PII every small business collects according to the CCPA and GDPR law requirements. It is unacceptable to hope that your business partners, employees, and other individuals are doing the right thing and taking the necessary steps to protect sensitive data. Over 50% of data breaches occur through employee carelessness or internal faults. Massive conglomerates are taking internal collaboration and training to upgrade their systems and learn about the latest strategies. They offer various training to their staff to create awareness about data protection practices. The employees work only on secured platforms and ensure each action is compliant with data security rules and regulations. Investing in data security and training is like creating a virtual shield to keep yourself safe from hackers. Conclusion Individuals should protect their data by taking such steps as using paid emails, password-protecting essential documents, and installing robust security software to safeguard the system and smartphone. Businesses should invest in the customized security solutions and train their employees to adhere to data security measures. Both small and huge corporate companies should give equal importance to safeguarding their data. Understanding data protection, the laws related to it, and taking steps to comply with them will help avoid data theft and non-compliance issues. Safe data gives you peace of mind and acts as a virtual protective net to keep all your secrets secured and invisible from hackers. Automation of weapons is proceeding at an alarming pace. One of these is Terminator Quadruped Dog Robot that is now a reality. The system will have many applications, from deploying robots to take out high-value targets or just armed watchdogs 'literally' sniping away at targets. Seeing the weaponized robot with a rifle mounted on it that can shoot a target at one kilometer away is terrifying how these systems induce a Terminator 'dystopian fear'. Removing the human from the rifle or replacing it with artificial intelligence, coupled with high-tech sensors, make it deadly and unstoppable. Rifle mounted on robot dogs to relace sniper army recruits How can a robotic quadruped for killing be stopped? Chances are it cannot. From one kilometer, it can slither away after a kill. It was made by an American firm, Ghost Robotics, that has collaborated with the SWORD Defense Systems firm that specializes in creating weapon systems that are high tech. Introducing the robot dog, a combined system whose acronym is SPUR or 'Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle' to attack targets in the field without endangering a human sniper, reported the Daily Star. One of the uses of this robot dog-mounted rifle is that it does not need the training to become an expert sniper at 1.2-kilometers, compared to training an army recruit. The mounted weapon is a 6.5mm Creedmoor sniper rifle controlled via remote operator, just like a drone. According to the firm that fabricated and designed SPUR, which uses advanced sensors for all-weather operations. Sword Defense said the Terminator 'Quadruped Dog Robot' is just the start of unmanned weapon systems (UWS) to come. Read Also: Israeli AI Robot Allegedly Assassinates Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist To Cripple Iran's Research Program Unmanned weapon system's unique features Ghost Robotics and its robot dog is no pushover and cannot be pushed down either as it avoids attacking it, cited Best World News. Ghost Robotic stated the robots are unstoppable and can recover from a slip fall. Even if there is a failure, they keep on moving with the company's developed blind-mode operation. Ensuring once unleashed, it will keep on moving to its designated target. It drew mixed reactions from people who had several opinions, which were based on films like Terminator where robots ran amuck, courtesy of Skynet that made humanity suffer a dystopia fate. One post said that in a post-apocalyptic hellscape that is the future, people would be hunted by these robots as food. The super-rich will have them harvest others as nourishment. Adding the rich has morality. People would be next on the table. Some would say this remark is way off tangent. Certain users mentioned that the videos with these mechanical dogs were fun and carefree, but the truth is they are automated weapons with legs to move around. Another remarked that they could do dances and other exciting synchronizations, but these functions turn deadly when they are released to do the job. They are murderous weapons developed to reach the target and keep moving, standing until they stop. An aghast user-made feeling very clear to the ones making these war machines. Saying these are not good for the future, selling death-dealing tools of destruction. Do you have children? Many intellectuals like Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk in 2015 sent a letter to the UN to outlaw weaponized AI. The Terminator 'Quadruped Dog Robot' is included because it can learn. Related Article: Singapore's New Robot Police Roams Streets Causing Locals To Fear Dystopian World of Robots @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The success of the "Squid Game" has seemingly caused more tension between North and South Korea. This week, North Korea state-run website Arirang Meari criticized South Korea and the hit Netflix series "Squid Game." The publication claimed that the nine-episode series became such a huge hit among viewers because it exposed the reality of the capitalist society in South Korea. In South Korea, there is allegedly extreme competition for survival and greed for the weak. Watching "Squid Game" allegedly made viewers realize just how beastly South Korean society is because human beings there are driven into extreme competition with one another. "For this reason, the audience who watched the TV drama is set in a South Korean society with severe economic inequality. It is the current South Korean society where the number of losers in fierce competition such as employment, real estate, and stocks increases dramatically. It is said that he is expressing his feelings that the reality of living in a world where people are judged only by money is a curse and a hellish fear," the publication claimed. North Korea continues to ban K-drama, K-pop According to Insider, North Korea's criticism of "Squid Game" and South Korea overlooked the tragic story of Kang Sae-byeok, a North Korean defender who eloped so that she could provide a better life for her family in South Korea. In one of the scenes, Sae-byeok shared her struggles living in North Korea with her newfound friend, Ji-yeong. As of press writing, North Korea continues to impose a strict ban on Korean dramas and K-pop music after calling the culture a vicious cancer. Read Also: Is Squid Game Season 2 Confirmed? Director Shares What The New Focus Would Be Those caught watching K-dramas and listening to K-pop music could face penalties as grave as getting jail time. However, it is also important to note that North Korean media outlets previously praised "Parasite" for exposing the reality of the rich-poor gap in South Korea. 'Squid Game' continues to top Netflix charts Despite the criticisms, "Squid Game" continues to rank first on Netflix even though it was released almost a month ago. As of press writing, the hit series already garnered 11 million views in its first month alone. There are ongoing speculations that "Squid Game" Season 2 could be in the works soon. After all, director Hwang Dong-hyuk previously revealed that he's surprised with how fans have been clamoring to see their favorite characters again. There are also several loose threads from "Squid Game" that fans want to be addressed in future episodes. For instance, fans wonder why Seong Gi-Hun didn't board the plane to visit his daughter in the United States. There are also speculations suggesting that Ali and Joon-ho might still be alive. And their lives and struggles will take center stage in "Squid Game" Season 2. Is 'Squid Game' Season 2 happening? While speaking with Variety, Dong-hyuk said that he's become more open to the idea of releasing more episodes of "Squid Game." However, he's still not rushing into anything. The director said he needs to think of a compelling storyline before announcing "Squid Game" Season 2. Related Article: 'Squid Game' Director Explains What the Hit Netflix Series Is Really About, Shares Special Connection With Gi-Hun, Sang-Woo @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The former head of the federal government's ethics department under President Barack Obama chastised White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday, a day after she dismissed queries about whether buyers of Hunter Biden's art would stay anonymous. Last week, five of the first son's prints had sold for $75,000 each, and a team of lawyers was screening those potential purchasers at a future New York show. "Did you have another question on something else? There is a lot going on in the globe," the press secretary said, cutting off further queries about the matter, as per NY Post. Hunter Biden's art sale sparks ethics concern Walter Shaub, who led the US Office of Government Ethics during Obama's second term and resigned in the summer of 2017, was enraged by the response. According to Shaub and other government ethics experts, Hunter Biden's art is likely to pique the curiosity of potential buyers looking to curry favor with his father's administration. The doubts intensified after Biden's choice for ambassador to India, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, attended the first son's Hollywood debut earlier this month. Meanwhile, during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" on Thursday, Lara Trump predicted that the truth about Hunter Biden and his artwork would be "very damaging" to the Biden White House. Trump went on to call Jen Psaki's response to a reporter's ethics inquiry "disappointing" and "dangerous," Fox News reported. Despite having no expertise, background, or status in the art world, the controversial son of President Joe Biden has been selling artwork for five and six-figure sums. This has created a legitimate set of ethical concerns about his links to the White House, which has gone to great lengths to establish "safeguards" to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Read Also: Joe Biden Urges Companies To Ease Supply Chain Bottlenecks as White House Fails To Guarantee Arrival of Christmas Presents Source claims attendees of Hunter Biden's art debut are private collectors The topic of discussion on Fox & Friends was White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki's response to a query regarding Hunter Biden's artwork being sold for $75,000 by claiming the buyer was still unknown. The prints were sold from Georges Berges Gallery in Los Angeles before the exhibition's debut on October 1, prompting the current round of concerns. It's unknown whether more paintings were sold after the LA show debuted or which replicas were sold. The majority of those authorized to buy pieces are long-term, private collectors with the gallery, individuals that Berges knows personally, a source familiar with the sale said. The transactions come as Biden's art deals are being scrutinized for their ethical implications. On Friday, Biden and his gallery manager Georges Berges entertained approximately 200 guests at the renowned Milk studios in Hollywood, including his wife Melissa and two of his daughters, Naomi Biden, 27, and Maisy Biden, 20, according to video and images acquired exclusively by DailyMail.com. Around 200 people were invited to the carefully controlled event, attended by a slew of LA's glitterati and potential buyers of Hunter's work, which ranges in price from $75,000 to $500,000. World Champion boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, Moby, Garcetti, and the artist behind Barack Obama's iconic Hope poster were among the potential buyers and celebrity guests who attended the event. Former chief White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter claims, "Biden's attendance at the show illustrates how this veil-of-secrecy idea is not happening." He says that the White House's attempt to keep buyers' identities hidden is ineffective. Related Article: Jen Psaki Dodges on Questions About Joe Biden's Honesty in Afghan Pullout; Claims President Has No Medical Issue Over Persistent Cough @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Five people ask that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un compensate them $900,000 apiece for their hardship while living in the country's relocation program. North Korea guaranteed free health care, education, jobs, and welfare to individuals who engaged in the relocation program to entice Koreans back from Japan after the Korean War. Residents of Japan, many of whom were originally from South Korea, were recruited for the program. According to the lawsuit, none of the program promises were made available to the plaintiffs. Eiko Kawasaki said the government instead sent them to physical labor in mines, forests, or farms. Five people demand North Korea to pay for their suffering The five people who were promised "paradise on Earth" say they were duped by the scheme and kidnapped by the government. According to Kenji Fukuda, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, the hearing was made possible after the Tokyo District Court decided to call Kim Jong Un to speak. They don't anticipate Kim Jong Un to show up or pay them compensation if the court mandates it. However, Fukuda believes that the case would serve as a precedent for the Japanese government to engage with North Korea in the future in order to obtain the North's responsibility and normalize diplomatic relations. The objective of Thursday's hearing was for all five plaintiffs to demonstrate how North Korea deceived them illegally and consistently and to create a legal basis before requesting the Japanese government to address the issue diplomatically. The claimants are now worried about their families who remain in the north. Kawasaki claims she hasn't heard from them since November 2019, owing to the pandemic. She cannot send them money, and all of the comfort packages she has sent have been returned. The plaintiffs' statements "made it obvious that North Korea was hell, not paradise, against the propaganda victims," Kanae Doi, Japan director of Human Rights Watch, said in a statement, as per Newsweek. She encouraged North Korea to let others return to Japan quickly, and she suggested that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida demand that Kim Jong Un do so. The Japanese government, which views Koreans as outsiders, supported the relocation initiative and arranged travel to North Korea for participants. About 93,000 Japanese ethnic Koreans and their families were deported to North Korea. Per ABC News, about 500,000 ethnic Koreans live in Japan now, and they continue to experience prejudice in school, employment, and in their everyday life. Read Also: Tech Tycoons Express Support To Xi Jinping's "Common Prosperity" Campaign North Korea remains at risk of starvation In a report issued Wednesday, a United Nations investigator said that North Koreans living under tight economic restrictions are facing a worsening food crisis, with the most vulnerable children and elderly people in the isolated Asian nation at risk of famine. North Korea's agriculture sector appears to be facing multiple challenges due to a drop in fertilizer and other agricultural imports from neighboring China, the impact of U.N. and international sanctions stemming from its nuclear program, and an outbreak of African swine fever, according to Tomas Ojea Quintana's report to the United Nations General Assembly. Since January 2020, Quintana claimed great economic hardship and increased susceptibility to human rights abuses among the general people had occurred from the "prolonged and strict pandemic measures." The measures include a complete border closure, travel restrictions between cities and regions, and a ban on non-essential imports, including humanitarian aid, as per Republic World. Related Article: Kim Jong Un's Sister Says North Korea Welcomes Plan To End Korean War But Urges To Stop Seoul, Washington's "Hostile Policies" @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Vladimir Putin tells an attractive US interviewer that she's not listening enough to vital points during an onstage interview in Moscow. The pretty female anchor asked many questions like whether gas supplies were weaponized, but she did not pay close attention to his answers. Putin explains gas and the EU situation in the interview CNBC journalist Hadley Gamble conducted the interview in Moscow where the Russian president was asked relevant questions that he answered promptly. He took the chance to clarify his views about charges with the gas fiasco, which Gamble at times just may not have given proper attention to. Putin told the good-looking US anchorwoman, she is not paying enough attention to his view about the issue of gas supplies for Europe, reported the Daily Mail. During the interview with Ms. Gamble, she asked his thoughts about allegations by EU leaders that Gazprom was stopping more gas supply at his behest are. He added that it looks like she does not hear the important messages that need to be focused on. In the exchange of words, he remarked that he might still be the leader of the Russian nation even until the 2036s. Putin debunked what some EU officials say he is shutting down the energy tap, rebuked what the others say as sabotage on Moscow's part. Any perception the pipelines are used for usual leverage is not the truth. The Kremlin leader was displeased by the west, claiming that he used gas supplies as a strategic tool for evident geo-politicking, also claimed the EU leaders were getting unhinged by their helplessness in the gas war. Putin tells an attractive US interviewer that there were other aspects to the gas problem in Europe. Read Also: The EU Should End Hostilities With Russia To Resolve Europe's Energy Crisis, Give Vladimir Putin an Olive Branch, Not Thorns In the Russian Energy Week interview, Putin baited Gamble by telling the audience that the interviewer was beautiful. He complained that she was not listening to him, each time needing to repeat the question, noted the Independent. The Russian leader got fascinated by the US anchorwoman and let out the soft putdown. But the interviewer said that she heard him and added the Russian spent some time addressing the issue about the scarce gas supplies. Putin's answer to the line of questioning is that all the gas supply to Europe is not done via pipelines, adding the interviewer was misrepresented. Furthermore, the Kremlin leader mentioned that a 10% increase was affected by Gazprom. Russia also put in 15% more. He stressed that they were adding more gas, not lessening the supply to Europe, cited Euronews. Russian media explained that he complimented Gamble Gamble took her looks like a gentle nudge to correct her, though saying that she's beautiful is a compliment from the Russian leader, says it engagingly to keep the discussion on a good note. Also, he cited that the US and other suppliers were cutting back the gas supply to the EU nations. Another point for the Russian leader is there have been increased gas flow, and give as much can be supplied to their partners. He denied doing anything to exploit the energy crisis as a way to push the Nord Stream 2 pipeline as a cause by those against it. Related Article: Vladimir Putin Says To Increase Fuel Supply to the EU if Contracts are Renegotiated With Gazprom @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A fresh $1,400 stimulus check may be on the way, according to a senior citizens' group that has been lobbying for it for those who have been left out. The next installment in the series, as well as payments from numerous other state stimulus programs, will be released on Friday. The Senior Citizens League is the lobbying group in question, and it has been urging the federal government to provide stimulus packages specifically for Social Security recipients. Stimulus payments for senior citizens One of the main reasons for this is that rising costs have taken a significant bite out of household budgets, even with the record-high cost of living boost to Social Security, as per Digital Market News. A letter from the league's members to Congress expressed their belief that a stimulus check for Social Security recipients would help to reduce the higher costs most of them would face if the COLA bumps for next year put them in a much higher tax bracket, resulting in higher tax rates on their income as well as surcharges to their Medicare Part B premiums. The letter's main point is to demand $1,400 stimulus checks for Social Security recipients. The letter would arrive the same week as the Social Security Administration announced that in 2022, benefit recipients will get a 5.9% annual cost-of-living increase. This is the most significant rise since 1982. This would also provide Social Security recipients with an estimated $92 more each month. As a result, the monthly anticipated salary for the next year would rise to $1,657. Read Also: These States Are Set To Receive New Stimulus Checks Worth $300 To $2,000 Before The Year 2021 Ends Who will receive stimulus checks coming tomorrow? Meanwhile, starting tomorrow, October 15, more than 1.2 million California citizens will get state stimulus checks totaling $890 million. On October 15, the California Franchise Tax Board will release the fourth batch, which will include 421,000 direct deposit payments totaling about $323 million, according to The Sun. These will generally arrive in bank accounts within a few days. According to the Tax Board, the batch of payments also includes around 819,000 paper checks totaling $567 million. By the end of the month, most of the direct deposit payments will have been made, just in time for Halloween. The payments, valued between $600 and $1,100, are issued to people earning less than $75,000 each year under the Golden State Stimulus II. Meanwhile, individuals who qualified for the state's initial stimulus program may be eligible for a $500 incentive. California Governor Gavin Newsom estimates that the Golden State Stimulus II will benefit around two-thirds of the state's population. The state has granted $2.33 billion in pandemic-related funding with the latest round earlier this month. Golden States' filing of tax returns deadline According to the state, roughly nine million tax returns are eligible for the stimulus, and it hopes to find many more by the October 15 deadline. The stimulus payments themselves are contingent on the recipient earning no more than $75,000 in adjusted gross income in the previous year. That fact, of course, would be spelled out in the tax file. You may visit a webpage dedicated to answering questions about the California program and learning all you need to know about eligibility by clicking here. It's also worth noting that the third tranche of California stimulus payments was just distributed last week. It also featured the first batch of mail-in paper checks, as per BGR via MSN. One of the most important conditions for receiving one of these payments is that beneficiaries must reside in California for more than half of 2020. That includes a residence requirement in California on the day the stimulus check is distributed. Related Article: Are You Qualified For Another $1,400 Stimulus Check To Be Sent in 2022? Social Security Recipients Might Also Get Theirs! @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. United States President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the number of unvaccinated residents in the country remained to be "unreasonably high" but argued that his administration's vaccine mandates were working in urging more people to get inoculated. During the Democratic president's remarks from the White House, Biden praised his administration's efforts and "progress" in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The president said that across the nation, daily cases were down 47% and hospitalizations were down 38% over the last six weeks. Biden Defends Effectivity of Vaccine Mandates The Democrat also revealed that in the last two weeks, the majority of the regions in the United States have experienced an improvement in their COVID numbers. He said that case rates were going down in 39 states and hospital rates were declining in 38 states. However, Biden said that despite his administration's success in implementing the vaccine mandates, the number of unvaccinated Americans remained "unreasonably high." He said that now was the time to keep pushing through at a time when the United States was "in a very critical period" to turn the corner on the pandemic, Fox News reported. The situation comes as Biden also announced that the vaccine mandate for the country's private sector will take effect "soon." The president said the implementation would be used to address the problem of people not willing to be vaccinated. However, Biden did not take questions from reporters for a second straight day after a major address of the nation's circumstances. The Democratic president said the government had to find a way to vaccine the 66 million unvaccinated Americans. Biden noted that the Labor Department will soon issue an emergency rule that would affect companies that had at least 100 workers. Read Also: Republicans Place 'Trump Lost' Billboard in Detroit; Anti-Trump GOP Members To Support Democrats in 2022 Elections Last month, Biden announced that many federal workers would be required to get inoculated and companies who had at least 100 employees would be required to issue mandatory shots or regular testing. A draft regulation was sent to the White House budget office by the Labor Department this week, the New York Post reported. Opposition From Other Lawmakers Amid the issue, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis opened a multimillion-dollar battle against the country's vaccine mandates. On Thursday, the Republican lawmaker took the fight against Biden's administration. DeSantis said Florida would challenge vaccine mandates in place in federal court and through legislation. The situation after Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott banned vaccine mandates in his state earlier this week. During a news conference in Fort Myers, DeSantis said that people should not allow Biden to come in and "effectively" take away people's jobs. He argued that residents have been working hard throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican governor said he was offended that a police officer could lose his job and not be able to protect residents due to a vaccine mandate. The Florida lawmaker has repeatedly challenged and opposed Biden's coronavirus response plans, including vaccine passports, mask mandates, and lockdowns. "I just think it's fundamentally wrong to be taking people's jobs away, particularly given the situations that we see ourselves facing with the economy," said the official, Politico reported. Related Article: Attorney General Josh Shapiro Announces Gubernatorial Bid in The 2022 Election; Journalist Claims There Could Be Some Repercussions @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen on Thursday committed to removing all wind turbines in her bid to end all subsidies for renewable energy if she gets elected after next year's elections. The female lawmaker is the candidate representing the Rassemblement National party in the April vote. In the 2017 election, she made it to the second round and is expected to do the same in the upcoming elections next year. However, recent polls have shown that right-wing talk-show star Eric Zemmour could beat her if she decides to run. France's Presidential Candidate In an interview, Le Pen said that wind and solar energies were not renewable and were intermittent. She promised that if she was elected next year, she would work on stopping all construction of new wind parks and will dismantle the ones that are already built under a project. Le Pen added that she would throw away the subsidies for wind and solar which cost the country up to six or seven billion euros annually. However, environment minister Barbara Pompili on Twitter dismissed the lawmaker's statement. She said that the dismantling of the country's wind turbines would remove at least 8% of the country's electricity production, Yahoo News reported. The far-right presidential candidate also showed her support for the country's nuclear industry by allowing the construction of several new reactors. She also authorized the funding of a major upgrade of France's current fleet and supported the construction of small modular reactors that President Emmanuel Macron proposed. Read Also: Attorney General Josh Shapiro Announces Gubernatorial Bid in The 2022 Election; Journalist Claims There Could Be Some Repercussions This week, a 2030 roadmap for the French economy was presented and President Macron proposed billions of euros to be used as support for electric vehicles, the nuclear industry, and green hydrogen. However, the lawmaker made little mention of renewable energy in his address. About 75% of France's power is produced from nuclear plants, which means that its electricity output has one of the lowest carbon emissions per capita of any developed country. Despite this, the region continues to lag behind Germany and other European countries when it comes to investments in wind and solar energy, Reuters reported. Fighting Against Climate Change The situation comes as a French court ordered the state to honor its commitments to fighting against climate change. The Paris administrative tribunal ruling ordered the French federal government to take all necessary actions to repair environmental damages and prevent additional carbon emission increases by the end of December 2022 at the latest. In a statement, Greenpeace France director Jean-Francois Julliard said that the country's court system was now becoming an ally in the fight against climate change. It was ruled by the court that the government must respect its commitment to reducing the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, comparing numbers it recorded in 1990. However, it did not impose any fines to enforce the ruling. Environmental activists are one of those who are using the judicial system to force their governments to take immediate action against global warming. One of the lawyers for the NGOs, Aerie Alimi, said that the government's failure to take appropriate action against climate change by the end of 2022 could result in the court following up and imposing penalties, France24 reported. Related Article: Biden Defends Effectivity of Vaccine Mandate Despite Criticism, Opposition From Several Lawmakers @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The United States regained its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday after former United States President Donald Trump's administration left the group in 2018 due to alleged hypocrisy and anti-Israel prejudice. Despite the previous allegations on the council, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has taken a far more supportive stance towards the 47-member council. The Democrat argued that American interests were better served if the country was part of the council and sought to change itself from within. US in UN Human Rights Council In a vote by the 193-member General Assembly, the United States won a three-year term for one of the council's 18 open seats. The council, which is based in Geneva, is regarded as the world's leading human rights body. It can undertake investigations that help change the global image of countries despite not having criminal enforcement or sanctioning powers. The council also has the power to exert influence on the behavior of world countries if they consider them to have poor rights records. However, the council faces many critics who argue that many of its members are abusers of human rights themselves, citing nations like China, Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela, the New York Times reported. On Thursday, Biden lauded the United States' election to the council, saying that he was grateful for the support of the nations that voted for America. The Democrat said he looked forward to the U.S. being, once again, a constructive voice that would help the council live up to its mandate and protect the values of its member nations. Read Also: Ex-Obama Ethics Chief Slams White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki's Dismissal of Public Concern Over Hunter Biden's Art In a statement, the current U.S. ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, celebrated America's reentry into the council. She noted that the country's initial efforts as part of the council will prioritize Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, Ethiopia, Syria, and Yemen. Thomas-Greenfield noted that the U.S.'s goals included supporting human rights defenders in speaking out against violations and abuses of human rights. "More broadly, we will promote respect for fundamental freedoms and women's rights, and oppose religious intolerance, racial and ethnic injustices, and violence and discrimination against members of minority groups, including LGBTQI+ persons and persons with disabilities," said Thomas-Greenfield, CNN reported. Allegations of Hypocrisy However, the former UN ambassador, Nikki Haley, on Thursday said that Biden's reentry of the United States into the UN Human Rights Council was hypocritical. The former official said that the council suffered from controversies over human rights abuses of its own members. She also called the council a "cesspool." Haley said that former President Trump distanced the United States from the council because he refused to lend the country's credibility, as the most generous country in the world, to cover for what she called the "worst tyrants and dictators." The former ambassador said Biden's actions were not just embarrassing, but dangerous for the American people. Many others have criticized the council for having a sweeping anti-Israel bias, arguing that Israel was regularly discussed and condemned by council members. They also allegedly ignored human rights violations made by other countries, including those who were a member of the council, Fox News reported. Related Article: Biden Defends Effectivity of Vaccine Mandate Despite Criticism, Opposition From Several Lawmakers @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Soviet Cold Warfighter, the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, was one of the premiere non-western jets that would bring a cringe even if the opponent is an F-15. The introduction of the Flanker was a gamechanger for the Russians, which had a multi-purpose aircraft that is still in service till today. The top dogs of the 4th generation fighters were the F-15 and F-14 Tomcat, the best heavy to medium variant in service with any air force. The Russians should curtail the supremacy of these two fighters by designing a plane that would compete on all dimensions, if not win, in most fighting aspects. Legacy of the Su-27 Flanker jet About forty years ago, the Flanker came out of necessity due to the Eagle and Tomcat of the F-series. The end product is a fighter which is a brute and bristling with arms for a fight, endowed with speed and agility, reported 19FortyFive. By today's standards, warhorse has been tried and tested, even if some mishaps have happened in air shows. The Flanker is the go-to jet for the Russian Air Force's aerobatic team, the Russian Knights, cited the Drive. It was able to perform intricate acrobatics. There were deadly Flanker accidents between 1995 and 2009 Russian Knights operations during their air shows. When the plane was in development, their mishaps were corrected because they killed several test pilots. The Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker was so capable that 30 world records for feats applicable for both payload and altitude. Read Also: Russia's Su-35 Fighter Known As the Most Advanced Aircraft May Needs to Be Modernized, Here's Why Specs that make the plane great One of the reasons for it getting built is to engage the B-52 and B-1Bones long-range bombers for a good reason. These would be carrying nukes to bomb the motherland. There were ten hardpoints for various bombs and missiles and a 30-mm cannon for taking on the F-15 in life or death dogfights missions. Automatic sights on the pilot's helmet will mark and fire Archer air to air missiles. It was a hot rod that could reach Mach 2.35, and coupled with the improved electronics that were far better than the MiG-29, it was a big plus for the Russian air force. The Su-27 is as good as it gets but has not been as tested as the F-15. Models sold from export were used in Angola and the Ethiopia-Eritrea civil war. One incident of actual air combat involved an Ethiopian Flanker versus an Eritrean MiG-29, in which the Su-27 won. No bombs are used because it affects the air-to-air combat quality of the aircraft. One version for ground strike duties is the Su-27M variant that will have better qualities at attacking ground targets, which The Air Force called Su-35 later. Another naval variant is the Su-27K flown on the problematic Admiral Kuznetsov. Rise of 5th generation fighters The Flanker is one plane that makes the F-15 gag, but stealth-capable F-35 and F-22 is an overmatch. Russia will not upgrade it to semi stealth even. It gets battered in the weapon and avionic department, but its powerful thrust-vectoring engines can get the drop if these modern American planes commit. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker is the top of its class of the 4th generation fighter with enough qualities to worry any opponent, even the F-22. Related Article: Russia Getting New Su-34 Fighter Bombers to Replace Su-24 After Turks Shot It Down @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The United Nations' deputy humanitarian chief said Yemen's economy is crumbling, its humanitarian crisis is intensifying, and the conflict in the Arab world's poorest country is becoming more brutal. Assistant Secretary-General Ramesh Rajasingham made the bleak remarks during a briefing to the United Nations Security Council. More than 20 million Yemenis, or two-thirds of the population, require humanitarian help, but relief organizations are "once again" running out of money, he added. Aid agencies faces funds shortage amid Yemen's crisis However, he warned that aid agencies do not have enough funds to continue operating at this level, and that up to 4 million individuals might have their food aid cut in the next weeks and months, and that by the end of the year, that figure could grow to 5 million people. Yemen has been torn apart by civil conflict since 2014, when Iran-backed Houthi rebels took control of the city, Sanaa, and much of the country's northern region, forcing the internationally recognized government to evacuate to the south, then to Saudi Arabia. In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition, supported by the US, entered the conflict to try to restore President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to power and backed his administration, as per PBS. Despite a never-ending air campaign and ground battles, the conflict has mostly devolved into a stalemate, resulting in the world's greatest humanitarian crisis. Since then, the United States has withdrawn from the fight. The Houthis began an attack in the largely government-controlled Marib region in early 2020, killing thousands of young people and displacing thousands of residents who live in constant dread of violence and being forced to relocate. Tribal leaders and Yemeni officials claimed on Thursday that fighting over Marib had killed at least 140 combatants on both sides in the past 24 hours. They claimed the fights were taking place in the Abdiya and al-Jubah areas, Newsweek via MSN reported. The Houthis "intensified their ruthless attack in Marib, taking more territory there and in surrounding portions of the southern province of Shabwa," Rajasingham said during the Security Council briefing. Read Also: China To Test Thousands of Wuhan Blood Samples in COVID-19 Origins Probe After Denying WHO Access Caves UN, Yemen's Security Council discuss peace restoration He also mentioned clashes between rival armed groups earlier this month in Aden, where Hadi's government set up headquarters after the Houthis drove them out of Sanaa and the north, as well as ongoing fighting, shelling, and air strikes in northwest Saada, western Hajjah, and Hodeida provinces "and along nearly 50 other front lines." The Houthis began an attack in the largely government-controlled Marib region in early 2020, killing thousands of young people and displacing thousands of residents who live in constant dread of violence and being forced to relocate. Tribal leaders and Yemeni officials claimed on Thursday that fighting over Marib had killed at least 140 combatants on both sides in the past 24 hours. They claimed the fights Rajasingham also mentioned clashes between rival armed groups earlier this month in Aden. The southern city where Hadi's government established headquarters after the Houthis drove them out of Sanaa and the north, as well as ongoing fighting, shelling, and air strikes in northwest Saada, western Hajjah, and Hodeida provinces "and along nearly 50 other front lines." According to Rajasingham, 235 civilians were killed or injured in September, the second-highest number in two years. And fighting in Marib is taking "a particularly devastating civilian toll," with over 10,000 people displaced in September, the second-highest number in two years, as per The Washington Post. Hans Grundberg, the new United Nations special envoy for Yemen, informed the Security Council that he has spoken with government and Houthi leaders, as well as key regional and international authorities, to discuss how to proceed toward a political settlement to restore peace in Yemen. While progress on pressing humanitarian and economic concerns should be achieved, urgent political negotiations without preconditions are required to reach a peace agreement, according to Grundberg. Related Article: Taliban Allows Afghan Girls Under Grade 7 To Return to Some Afghanistan Provincial Schools But Not in Kabul @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The residents of Weston Hall discover a 300-year-old drawing by decorative artist Tiepolo that has been forgotten until now. After examining the three-century-old artwork values at 250,000, worth a king's ransom. Drawn by the Italian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, the value has grown after being hidden and discovered by the residence owners close to Towcester, Northamptonshire. The Sitwells, the owner of this country house, came across the drawing when the family was clearing out the attic recently. Country house owner discovers 300-year-old drawing in attic No expected to find the three-century-old drawing in the attic, which has been close for 300 hundred years until last month, with an estimate worth 150,000 to 250,000, reported the Express UK. The work by Tiepolo came from the 17th century, which found its way to the county home and was stored unnoticed until now, brought to the light of day and delight to those familiar with the Italian artist's style. According to Henrietta Sitwell, who is the current resident in the old country house, the valuable drawing was bought by her great uncle Osbert Sitwell during the great Henry Oppenheimer sale in 1936, at Christie's, noted Jaun News. She added that it lay forgotten and left in the attic all those years after her relative bought it. If they had not been sorting the attic of the Weston country house, it would still sit there gaining dust. Sorting the attic, the residents discovered the 300-year-old drawing by decorative artist Tiepolo in bubble wrap leaning against the wall. Read Also: Ancient Roman Armory Dating Back to 100 B.C. Discovered in Son Catlar, Spain She added that the artwork was noticeable and seemed unique since Henrietta took up art history at the university. The Tiepolo drawing is only one of the eye-catching discoveries in the old attic of Weston Hall, where the work of the old master was hidden and found so it can be seen again by art lovers and connoisseurs of good art today. More details about Tiepolo's drawing The character Punchinello is drawn on paper, which is depicted with hooked noses, and humpbacked clowns inspired by the Commedia dell Arte, Brink Wire reports. Tiepolo is among the Old Masters during the period of art he was active. Some of his contemporaries are Giambattista Pittoni, Canaletto, Giovan Battista Piazzetta, Giuseppe Maria Crespi and others who became noted for their style. The clown Punchinello has captured the artists' interest throughout the Italian painter's career as depicted in the clown. Images drawn by Tiepolo depict the clown as gluttonous, setting food, eating ravenously, sipping wine, and getting so wasted and drunk. Later, the clowns would be seen as suffering from overeating. Joe Robinson, head of House Sales and Private Collections at Drewatts auctions, remarked the find of the drawing by Tiepolo is the highlight of the auction to be held. He added that it would be on the auction block for the 1st time after 80 years. Walking through the Weston attic is like a tomb in Egypt, as the dust uncovers secrets like the rare 300-year-old drawing by decorative artist Tiepolo. Related Article: The Roman Empire Conducted Previously Unheard of Genocidal Warfare Against Civilians in Southern Spain During the Punic Wars @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. His distraught mother confirmed child star Matthew Mindler killed himself with sodium nitrate he bought on Amazon during his first days at university. According to toxicology tests conducted by the Lancaster County Medical Examiner's Office on Thursday, Matthew Mindler's death was caused by sodium nitrate toxicity. The former child star purchased the substance, which is widely used to cure meats, for $15 on Amazon in August and died from severe low blood pressure and a lack of oxygen in the body. Former child star's mom reveals how he died Sodium-nitrate-related fatalities are common since the chemical is commonly used to preserve meat, but Mindler's mother claimed the overdose was purposeful based on secret information her late son had left behind. Monica Mindler, the actor's devastated mother, told TMZ, that her son's recent Internet search history revealed he was looking into methods to end his life without suffering. Although she was aware of her son's "crippling anxiety," she had no idea he had been exploring suicide. Mindler, from Hellertown, Pennsylvania, was discovered dead on August 28 in Manor Township, near Millersville University, where he was a student, four days after he went missing. The freshman was last seen on campus on Tuesday night after attending classes on Monday and Tuesday, according to Millersville University police. At about 8:11 p.m. on Tuesday, he was seen on security footage heading from the West Villages residence hall to the Centennial Driver parking lot. The student was dressed in a white Millersville University hooded sweatshirt with black stripes on the sleeve, a black face mask, dark-colored pants, and sneakers, according to a snapshot from security footage. He was wearing a black backpack on his back. After failing to return to his dorm room and skipping classes, he was reported missing the next night, Wednesday. On the following day, campus police reported a missing individual to the National Crime Information Center, as per Daily Mail. Monica informed TMZ that he had an upcoming job interview with the IT department and that he was making pals. She stated the last time they texted was on Thursday, and she promised she'd pick him up on Friday so he could rest at home for a few days. However, when she contacted him on Wednesday morning, the messages were received as text messages rather than iMessages, implying that his phone was turned off or was inaccessible. Monica told the news source that when she grew concerned about her son, she called the university for a wellness check and spoke with his roommate on Wednesday. No one had seen her kid, and people were gravely concerned. By Thursday, she had driven to campus and enlisted the help of the police in the hunt. He was discovered dead near the school on Saturday. Read Also: Princess Diana Documentary Reveals She Witnessed Father Slap Her Mother; Here's What The Royal Has Been Through Before Marrying Prince Charles Who is Matthew Mindler? As a young actor, Mindler featured in a number of television series and films, including 'As the World Turns,' 'Late Show With David Letterman,' and 'Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.' In the comedy 'Our Idiot Brother,' Mindler co-starred with Paul Rudd in the role of River. According to USA Today, his most recent job was in TV's 'Chad: An American Boy,' in which he portrayed Peter. You may reach out to the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) at any time of day or night, or chat online if you or someone you know is dealing with self-harm or suicide thoughts. When individuals in distress phone 741741, Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential help through text message 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Related Article: Comedian Fuquan Johnson, Two Others Dead Over Suspected Fentanyl-Laced Coke Overdose at LA House Party @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A federal grand jury indicted a former Boeing executive for fraud on Thursday for allegedly concealing technical issues about the 737 Max aircraft that later caused two separate crashes that killed a total of 346 people. The ex-chief technical pilot is the first Boeing employee that has been charged over the 737 Max aircraft's failures. Pilots struggled to regain control of the Max aircraft in October 2019 and were unable to prevent the plane from crashing into the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia. Indictment of Former Boeing Executive Five months after the devastating crash, another MAX aircraft crashed near Addis Ababa airport located in Ethiopia six minutes after taking off. The horrific incident killed all people on board the plane and forced regulators worldwide to ground that specific type of aircraft. The two accidents recorded a total death toll of 346. Investigators later discovered that both incidents were caused by incorrect data from a faulty sensor that caused the aircraft's MCAS to misfire. The event caused the planes to nose down by themselves repeatedly. The pilot manual did not mention the MCAS and allowed pilots to commandeer the plane without simulator training that would have cost airlines more money, ABC News reported. The federal grand jury's indictment of the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Mark Forkner, claims that he deceived the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) while the agency was first certifying the 737 MAX aircraft. The two incidents caused by the data errors resulted in the 20-month long grounding of the aircraft and cost Boeing more than $20 billion. Read Also: Ex-Obama Ethics Chief Slams White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki's Dismissal of Public Concern Over Hunter Biden's Art Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham for the Northern District of Texas said in a statement that Forkner allegedly withheld critical information from regulators in an attempt to reduce Boeing's costs. The official said that the suspect's choices misled the FAA and hampered the aviation agency's ability to protect the flying public and left pilots in a predicament. Meacham said that the Department of Justice will never tolerate fraud, especially in industries where the risks are high. Both Forkner's attorney and Boeing did not answer requests for comments regarding the indictment, CNN reported. Responsibility for Killing Hundreds Nadia Milleron said that the indictment of Forkner was not enough for what the results of the crime had done to the victims and their families. Milleron is the mother of Samya Rose Stumo, a passenger who was killed in the second fatal crash of the MAX aircraft in March 2019. The grief-stricken mother said that Forkner was just a "fall guy" and accused Boeing of being responsible for the deaths of all the people in the two separate incidents. She said that the aviation company prioritized short-term profit over general safety. Prosecutors alleged that Forkner, who was the chief technical pilot on Boeing's MAX program, discovered a crucial change to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) flight-control system in 2016. However, due to his secrecy, the FAA deleted reference to the MCAS from a technical report, which in turn, resulted in the system not being mentioned in pilot manuals, leading to the majority of MAX pilots now knowing about the system until after the first crash, Yahoo News reported. Related Article: Biden Defends Effectivity of Vaccine Mandate Despite Criticism, Opposition From Several Lawmakers @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scientists find Stone Age rock art of a bird in an Italian cave with similar paleolithic art estimated at 14,000 years old. The former cave had other art found a century earlier, until the most recent discovery there. The researchers conducted the study in the Romanelli Cave in Apulia, Italy, in 2016. But archeologists had found ancient rock art, first discovered in 1905. Paleolithic art is the first visualization of stone age man of the environment he lived in, scattered all over the globe. Centuries-old rock art discovered in Italian cave Images left by cavemen in the Romanelli cave are interesting, with pictures of birds, cows, and stylized geometric designs, remarked experts from the University of Rome, reported the Daily Mail. Archeologists say the pictographs are from an unknown artistic tradition that extends from Spain to France, leaving examples of rock art all over. Finding those in Italy will change what was previously thought; there might be more examples out there. Human ancestors recently used initial perceptions before carbon dating was the caves. The date was older; the cavemen living here might have done the images more than a millennium, noted Digital Matrox. The confirmation of the data was done through the collaboration of many disciplines. They discovered the Italian cave at 23 feet above sea level. Scientists discovered the Stone Age rock art of a bird, found by scholars in 1874, since getting decent research in the intervening decade affected the cave's condition. Read Also: Fossilized Remains of 9 Neanderthals Killed by Hyenas Found in Italian Cave The first time the cave was investigated by scientists and documenting the old cave was only in 1905. According to Dr. Dario Sigari, Universita Degli Studi di Ferrara, the rock pictographs were not studied adequately, with geometric forms like ovals, fusiform, and single bovid cited Digital Patrox. He and his group have been analyzing the cave since 2016, posting the newest data from their investigation in the journal Antiquity, where pictographs are now available for view for the first time. Discoveries in the Romanelli cave Several pictographs were seen and made by cavemen tracing shapes in the moon milk, a soft white substance seen as they build up in limestone caves. That is how the bird was made, or more like an extinct Auk. But most of the artwork has decayed over time, yet the artist's skill is still there. People used tools to create artworks that depended on the surface where the pictographs got carved on, emphasizing a 3D effect which was considered an advanced technique. The scientist associated the new forms found and the older rock art similar to the cave art in Italy, France, which extends to Spain or Azerbaijan as a common link of these rock art scatter in these places. Dr. Sigari added they are related and similar throughout Eurasia in the later Paleolithic or stone age. He then linked the same motifs that were seen in the Mediterranean basin. It is explained that North Africa and the Caucasus are also included in the worldwide mega culture. Scientists find Stone Age rock art of a bird in Romanelli that is part of this ancient phenomenon of 14,000 years old. Related Article: Denisovan Children Left Hand and Footprints on Limestone During the Neolithic Period, Created Oldest Graffiti in Prehistoric Art @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bill Clinton was rushed to the University of California, Irvine Medical Center after suffering from an infection on Thursday night. His spokesperson, Angela Urena, released a statement confirming that Clinton is on the mend and that he is also in good spirits. Urena also said that Clinton would remain at the hospital for continuous monitoring even though his white blood cell count is already trending down, and he's also responding well to antibiotics. "The California-based medical team has been in constant communication with the president's New York-based medical team, including his cardiologist. We hope to have him go home soon," the spokesperson said via Huffington Post. Bill Clinton may check out of the hospital this week CNN stressed that Clinton's recent health scare does not have anything to do with COVID-19 or his heart. Instead, he suffered from a blood infection. If the ex-POTUS continues to respond well to antibiotics, he could be released on Friday, Oct. 15. He will continue to mend his health at the comfort in the home that he shares with his wife. The publication also revealed what Clinton's doctors said about his health condition. They reportedly said that urologic infections are prevalent in older people, but they can be treated easily. Clinton's health scare began on Tuesday after attending an event. Two days later, he decided to check himself into a hospital for close monitoring and observation. Read Also: Chelsea Clinton Not Bill Clinton's Daughter? Refuses To Answer Paternity Questions Bill Clinton's history of health problems This is not the former president's first health scare. In 2004, he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery. Six years later, he had two stents inserted to open one artery. In 2005, Clinton's surgeons successfully removed fluid and scar tissue from his chest cavity. The cleaning-up complications were a result of his bypass operation six months earlier. According to NBC News, the complications that Clinton suffered at the time were considered rare. And they occurred after scar tissue developed due to the fluid buildup and inflammation, resulting in the compression and collapse of the lower lobe of Clinton's left lung. His surgeon, Dr. Joshua Sonett, said that Clinton's lungs were very healthy after the operation. Bill Clinton is a vegan Clinton's heart problems encouraged the ex-POTUS to become vegan. According to reports, he has long struggled with his love for greasy and fatty foods. Even though he jogged regularly, he would usually make a pitstop at a nearby McDonald's along the way. Following his heart bypass surgery, his wife, Hillary Clinton, asked the White House chefs to replace their French dishes with salads, according to NPR. With the advice from physician Dean Ornish, Clinton learned the importance of eating healthy. Other than his recent health scare, Clinton has also made headlines amid claims that he could run for president in the 2024 election. However, his wife didn't confirm or deny anything when she talked about the upcoming presidential elections during a recent interview. Instead, Hillary acknowledged that Donald Trump could very well be the Republicans' presidential prospect in 2024. Related Article: Bill Clinton Dying? Report Says Former US President is a 'Walking Skeleton,' Facing 'Cancer Nightmare' @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Customers on the Verizon-owned mobile carrier, Visible, received devastating news last Wednesday. The company confirmed security breaches that compromised customer data. Many hacked accounts had their money stolen, while others received spam emails. Victims of the Verizon data breach are recommended to change their Visible password immediately. Visible was formerly recognized as one of the best wireless plans available for budget-sensitive users. It is a subsidiary of Verizon, meaning it could make use of resources from one of the most established networks nationwide. This is why the Visible data breach came as a surprise to many. Visible Data Breach: Hacking Attack Confirmed According to TechRadar, many Visible registered users complained about weird activities in their accounts. Some received payment charges from the company that reflected on their PayPal and credit card statements, while others received emails saying their account address or password had recently changed. Few very unlucky customers experienced both problems consecutively. Even worse, Visible did not send out emails or texts about the situation. Most complaints went unheard. As of Wednesday, Visible released their official explanation of the situation. They confirmed a security breach, saying "threat actors were able to access username/passwords from outside sources, and exploit that information to login to Visible accounts." Our investigation indicates that threat actors were able to access username/passwords from outside sources, and exploit that information to login to Visible accounts. Visible (@Visible) October 13, 2021 The company did not provide any details of the attack, so customers had no idea of the severity of the damage. The total amount stolen and the number of accounts hacked are kept confidential by the company. Unfortunately, this move also meant there is no way of telling whether Visible has resolved the case or if their data is still being compromised by hackers. In a situation like this, users are recommended to assume the worse about their data being exploited by malicious actors. Read Also: iPhone Security Vulnerability Can Expose Users to Hackers: How to Fix Major Issue How to Secure an Affected Account: Visible Password Change Attached to their official announcement on the data breach, Visible recommended customers to change passwords immediately. Visible said the hackers might exploit victims' username and password details to other areas like their linked banks or financial accounts. Visible also reminded its customers that the company "will never call & ask for your password, secret questions or account PINs." Visible then lined up their customer support page, saying, "if you feel your account has been compromised, please reach out to us via chat." Protecting customer information -- including securing customer accounts -- is critically important to our company and our customers. If you feel your account has been compromised, please reach out to us via chat at https://t.co/Gcd1X2kGfJ. Visible (@Visible) October 13, 2021 Unfortunately, the hacked accounts were not easily resolved. According to TechRadar, users who did try to reset their password received an error message. Also, note that Visible does not support two-factor authentication (2FA), so changing passwords is the only solution to this breach. For now, victims of the Visible data breach are recommended to change passwords and pins on their other accounts. Any account that might have reused the Visible password should be updated immediately. Related Article: FluBot Malware Attacks New Victims With Voicemail Trick: Over $10,000 Stolen From Android Users The largest planet, Jupiter, has been studied by NASA for many decades. Juno and other robotic explorers have studied the Great Red Spot and its environment. However, the Jupiter Trojan asteroids surrounding this planet have not been studied closely, and Lucy will be the bridge for NASA to new discoveries. NASA Lucy Jupiter Mission As of now, we have little to no data describing the characteristics of these Trojan rocks, which defined as a group of ancient boulders. This Saturday, October 16, NASA will launch the Lucy spacecraft toward these asteroids as part of a great mission to explore our solar system's well-preserved history through these ancient materials. Lucy will be the first spacecraft that will travel through the seven Trojan asteroids, and it's first stop will be the main belt asteroid between Mars and Jupiter before travelling to both the leading and trailing swarms. NASA stated that, "no other space mission in history has been launched to as many different destinations in independent orbits around our sun," and that "Lucy will show us, for the first time, the diversity of the primordial bodies that built the planets" Lucy project scientist, Tom Statler, said via the space agency: "We're going to eight never-before-seen asteroids in 12 years with a single spacecraft; this is a fantastic opportunity for discovery as we probe into our solar system's distant past." NASA Lucy Launch Lucy will launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket having the main mission to explore Trojan asteroids. The live launch coverage will begin at 5 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT) on NASA Television, the NASA application, and NASA social media platforms. Then, NASA's Lucy launch time is scheduled at 5:34 a.m. EDT (0934 GMT). Everyone can register to virtually attend the launch to have access to selected launch resources, a behind-the-scenes look at Lucy, and the opportunity to earn a virtual guest launch passport stamp, according to NASA. Furthermore, people are also encouraged to participate in the virtual NASA Social, #LucyMission, on Facebook.This will give people an opportunity to interact with NASA team members. Read Also: NASA Hubble Telescope Captures Picture of Rare Cosmic Event: It's a Lightsaber! NASA Lucy Live Events NASA organized several virtual public events, as well as science and engineering briefings before Lucy's launch; all briefings will be livestreamed on NASA Television and social media platforms. Public questions will be allowed at some briefings. According to Space.com, the space agency held a Lucy prelaunch news conference with Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's science mission directorate; Hal Levison, Lucy principal investigator; Donya Douglas-Bradshaw, Lucy project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center; John Elbon, chief operating officer; and Omar Baez, Lucy launch director. NASA also held a Lucy rollout show on the NASA Television on Thursday, October 14. Then on Friday, October 15, NASA will hold a Science Live with Carly Howett, assistant director at the Southwest Research Institute's department of space studies; Wil Santiago, deep space exploration engineer at Lockheed Martin Space; Brittine Young, mentor for the NASA Lucy L'SPACE Academy; and Wilbert Ruperto, ambassador for the NASA Lucy L'SPACE Academy. Members of the public can send questions using #askNASA or posting a comment in the live video chat stream. What Is Lucy's Mission? Lucy has 4 main objectives in this mission: to help study the Trojan asteroids' surface geology, surface color and composition, interior and bulk properties, and the satellites and rings. Surface Geology, which include the shape, crater size, crustal structure, and layering Surface color and composition, which include the colors and tones of the rocks, mineral makeup, and regolith properties, such as loose soil composition Interiors and bulk properties, which include masses, densities, powder blankets over craters, and other important data Satellites and rings: some asteroids may have orbiting mini-asteroids and others may have Saturn-like rings composed of extremely tiny pebbles or ice substances. The Launching Off The preparation of Lucy's launching has been challenging and meticulously planned to avoid all the possible problems during its travel. Lucy will be transferred to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Vehicle Integration Facility on October 16 to create compatibility with a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Then, it will be able to leave Earth's atmosphere with the assistance of this rocket. The spacecraft will next launch from Earth to begin a 12-year mission. It will travel around the solar system three times, utilizing Earth's gravity as leverage. "Launching a spacecraft is almost like sending a child off to college," Levison stated. "You've done what you can for them to get them ready for that next big step on their own." After Lucy Travel, What Will happen? The future generations will have to choose between bringing Lucy back to Earth, recognizing it as an artifact, or they will let Jupiter, in due course, travel towards the sun or beyond our solar system. There will be no problem with that because by then, the mission of Lucy will be finished, and the additional data needed to expand our knowledge and understanding of the universe will be in our hands. Related Article: NASA Stargazing Tips: How to Spot Stars Vega and Deneb This October The price of the Xbox Series X fridge has been disclosed, as well as the pre-order release date. This year, Microsoft unveiled the Xbox Series X refrigerator, which is a rather weird accessory for the next-gen console, especially as it seemed to start with a meme. Back in October of 2020, this entire situation appeared to be an out-of-season April Fools' Joke, as a type of giveaway agreement with Snoop Dogg. How it started: How its going: (Meme) (An actual fridge) pic.twitter.com/z64cGRD0IU Mohamed Enieb (@its_menieb) October 11, 2021 The fridge's history also involved Dwayne Johnson and his energy drink. The rest of the tale of this fridge can be found in the ZOA drink post, which starts with the initial large version and progressed to an actual consumer product in 2021. And wow, a year after the initial reveal of the fridge, Microsoft is finally ready to sell the Xbox Series X mini-fridge for real. Would you look at that! @Xbox and @TheRock sent us a special Xbox Series X mini fridge to celebrate the launch of ZOA Energy drinks. It even has the little vents on top. pic.twitter.com/X1a1fY4c4w ComicBook.com (@ComicBook) March 18, 2021 Meme Fridge Comparisons between the Xbox Series X and a refrigerator were practically unavoidable for several days after the console's design was introduced. As reported by Techcrunch, Microsoft even jumped on the meme train by collaborating with Snoop Dogg on a commercial promoting the Xbox Series X fridge. At the same time, Aaron Greenberg, Microsoft's general manager of Xbox games marketing, was seen on Twitter seriously asking if gamers would be interested in buying an Xbox Series X mini-fridge if Microsoft ever decided to produce one. The Xbox Series X fridge meme all started as a joke, which was only inspired due to the close resemblance of the Xbox Series X and a full-sized refrigerator. However, the tech giant did build a six-foot refrigerator to promote the introduction of the console. Thanks to a victory in a Twitter battle of the brands, you'll be able to buy a little replica of the fridge now. Read Also: Xbox Elite Controller Hidden Feature: How to Activate RGB Lighting in Xbox Logo Where To Get An Xbox X Fridge? The moment youve all been waiting for. Pre order begins for the Xbox Series X Mini Fridge on October 19: https://t.co/XcjfXqYnpy #XboxandChill pic.twitter.com/gOl2Qf0ZSi Xbox (@Xbox) October 15, 2021 According to SlashGear, starting on October 19, you'll be able to pre-order the fridge from your preferred retailer. If all goes according to plan, it will be available in stores just in time for the holidays this year. The refrigerator will be sold at Target stores in the United States and Canada. In Europe, Toynk, Game Stop EU, and Micromania will have units, while Game will have one in the United Kingdom. The Xbox Series X fridge will also be shipped to France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland. Then, the Microsoft will be available in more regions next year. However, the exact locations and dates will be determined by governmental clearances and limits in each country. This refrigerator will hold 12 cans of (tallboy) soda or energy drink, as well as two mini shelves for snacks. It comes with a DC power converter, allowing it to be used almost anywhere, and it looks like an Xbox Series X. Xbox Series X Fridge Price The Xbox Series X mini fridge price will be valued at around $100 USD. Jokingly enough, the Xbox Series X fridge is named on the Target website as an "Xbox Series X Replica," which implies to the people who have joined in the whole saga as an it-is-happening moment. Related Article: Xbox Series X Restock: Where to Buy Microsoft Console Next, Online Trackers to Check for Updates Korea Development Bank Chairman Lee Dong-gull speaks during the National Assembly audit in Seoul, Friday. Joint Press Corps By Park Jae-hyuk Lawmakers peppered Korea Development Bank (KDB) Chairman Lee Dong-gull with questions about the validity of the state-run lender's ongoing attempts to dispose of financially vulnerable companies in key industries. During the National Assembly audit of the bank, Friday, Rep. Park Yong-jin of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) suggested KDB consider alternatives to its plan to sell Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) to Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). He proposed selling DSME shares to the public or forming a council to discuss ways to foster the country's shipbuilding industry. Lee, however, rejected the proposal, saying that KDB should prioritize selling DSME to HHI at this moment, given that DSME is still facing huge losses, despite a temporary increase in shipbuilding orders of late. The lawmaker also asked the KDB chairman to provide proof backing up his previous remarks that the DSME union protesting the acquisition deal has caused a delay in the European Union's (EU) approval of the merger of the two Korean shipbuilders. "It is difficult to say that the union's opposition is the only reason for the delay, but the atmosphere has had a negative impact on the approval," Lee answered. Rep. Bae Jin-gyo of the minor opposition Justice Party requested the Board of Audit and Inspection to investigate KDB Investment's sale of Daewoo Engineering & Construction (Daewoo E&C) to Jungheung Construction. "Jungheung, which initially offered 2.3 trillion won ($1.9 billion), asked the seller to allow lowering the bidding price, and then it was selected as the preferred bidder by offering 2.1 trillion won," the lawmaker said. "This consequently led the government to lose 200 billion won." The KDB chairman responded that the procedure was legal, saying that the KDB subsidiary guaranteed equal opportunities for all bidders. Regarding Korean Air's acquisition of Asiana Airlines, he emphasized again that the Fair Trade Commission should approve the merger of the two carriers as soon as possible, maintaining a skeptical stance about Asiana's independent survival. "All countries across the globe are bolstering the competitiveness of their aviation industries through the mergers of their air carriers," Lee said. "We have been left behind in the global competition, due to the impossibility of taking measures to enhance the competitiveness of our aviation industry." The KDB chief also said that he will discuss ways to support SsangYong Motor with representatives from the government and the carmaker's management and labor, once the preferred bidder to acquire the company is selected. South Korea plans to resume discount coupon programs aimed at boosting private spending as the country is preparing to move into a phase of "living with COVID-19" in early November, a senior government official said Friday. Except for food delivery via apps, the country suspended the coupon programs for sports, accommodations, tourism, cultural performances, and railway and bus service due to the resurgence of virus cases. The government earlier said the resumption will depend on the vaccine rollout. "The government will consider resuming the consumption coupon programs after consulting with health authorities in a bid to help boost private spending under the 'living with COVID-19' phase," First Vice Finance Minister Lee Eog-weon told a government policy meeting. The government is preparing to gradually move into the "With Corona" scheme around Nov. 9, under which COVID-19 will be treated as an infectious respiratory disease, like seasonal influenza, with eased distancing being implemented. The country has accelerated its vaccination campaign, with 40.2 million people, or 78.4 percent, of its 52 million population, receiving at least their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and 62.5 percent being fully vaccinated. South Korea aims to complete the vaccination of 70 percent of its population by the end of this month. Private spending grew 3.6 percent in the second quarter from three months earlier, accelerating from a 1.2 percent on-quarter gain in the first quarter, according to central bank data. (Yonhap) By Anna J. Park Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki joined a recent series of government actions to voice concerns about the U.S. government's move to pressure Samsung Electronics to provide sensitive information about its supply chain. During a meeting with his U.S. counterpart Janet Yellen on Thursday, local time, in Washington D.C., Hong officially conveyed the concerns voiced by Korean conglomerates about the U.S. government's request to submit internal information on supply chains. "While concerted worldwide efforts are needed to solve the disrupted global supply chain, the Korean government highly values the U.S. move to proactively solve the issue," Hong said, as he relayed the concerns of Korean companies about the recent request by the U.S. for information. "I hope the two countries could continue close consultations through a cooperative bilateral channel established in May, following the summit talks between the two countries," the minister suggested to Yellen, as an alternative to a survey the U.S. government sent to global chip makers, including Samsung. Last month, the U.S. government requested global semiconductor companies, including Samsung Electronics, to submit their internal inventory information, orders as well as sales networks, within 45 days. But global chip manufacturers are concerned about the possible leak of sensitive information. Minister Hong's move is in line with a string of similar actions by senior government officials who recently expressed concern over the U.S. government's demand. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo also relayed the conglomerate's concerns during bilateral talks with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, earlier this month. "There is an ongoing concern over the request, as the scope of the requested information by the U.S. is huge and it includes some trade secrets," Minister Yeo said during the meeting. The two met on the sidelines of a meeting by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Foreign Ministry also said earlier this month that it delivered the Korean government's concerns over the matter to the U.S., according to the ministry's spokesperson. gettyimagesbank Korea catches up fast in green campaign among OECD members By Frank Rijsberman International climate scientists agree that to keep global warming to within 1.5 degrees Celsius, and avoid climate impacts with disastrous consequences, the world needs to reach net zero by 2050. Despite having reached the most far-reaching climate accord in Paris in 2015, the international community has not made much progress towards this goal as recent U.N. reports show. Frank Rijsberman In this image captured from the website of the Center for Strategic and International Studies,Ivo Daalder, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, speaks during a webinar hosted by the Washington-based think tank, Oct. 14. The United States must reassure its allies of American commitment to help defend them against possible North Korean attacks to prevent key strategic alliances from falling apart, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO said Thursday. Ivo Daalder, currently serving as president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, an independent global affairs think tank, also argued U.S. failure to do so may encourage its allies to consider having nuclear capabilities themselves. "So one of the things that's really important is that folks in Washington need to understand that this situation requires alliance management, at least as much as focusing on deterrence," he said in a webinar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank based in Washington. "Reassuring allies that we will be there when necessary, particularly for their nuclear defense, that needs to become a focus," he added, noting that U.S. failure may encourage U.S. allies to start behaving in a way that North Korea would not see them as a threat. Daalder said such behavior may include getting rid of American military presence in allied countries, resulting in the decoupling of U.S alliances that many experts believe is one of key strategic objectives of North Korea. North Korea claims U.S. troops in South Korea represent U.S. hostility toward Pyongyang, and frequently calls for their withdrawal. On Monday (Seoul time), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un argued the U.S. claims to have no hostile intent but that its behavior says otherwise, while adding the North's nuclear weapons and missiles are not targeted at any certain country such as South Korea or the U.S. Having U.S. troops in South Korea, however, is more important than having counter nuclear capabilities, Daalder said. "The hardware piece is having American troops on the territory of the ally because it exposes the United States to the threat," he said. "The software, however, is that we bring the allies into the discussion about nuclear weapons capability, and it is really important that we have discussions about nuclear weapons issues, about extended deterrence ... because 95 percent of what we do in the nuclear weapons business, we don't do to protect the U.S. territory from attack. We do it to protect our allies from nuclear attack," he added. Daalder also noted U.S. failure to reassure its allies may lead to an arms race. "And we know that in Japan and (South) Korea, the question of nuclear capabilities by these countries is something that's always in the back of mind and it's in the back of the mind because it's uncomfortable for any country to rely for their nuclear security on another country, particularly one that's an ocean away," he said. His remarks come amid a growing call in Seoul for the U.S. to consider redeploying its tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea. Some South Koreans, including leading politicians, are also voicing a need to nuclearize their country itself. Daalder reiterated the only viable solution is for the U.S. to "reassure them that we were going to be there to protect them, including with nuclear weapons, so they didn't have to have them themselves." (Yonhap) By Kang Seung-woo The chief nuclear negotiators of South Korea, the United States and Japan are expected to discuss ways to cope with North Korea's recent bellicosity, according to Pyongyang watchers. Noh Kyu-duk / Yonhap An image of Korea University (KU) Medicine Koyoung Campus in Gangnam District, Seoul / Courtesy of KU Medicine By Bahk Eun-ji Korea University (KU) Medicine has supported the government's quarantine efforts as a large general hospital since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first university hospital in the country to send medical workers to Daegu, which was a virus hotbed in the first wave of the pandemic here, and operated three facilities in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province for treating patients with mild symptoms. Doctors and researchers at KU Medicine also participated in developing COVID-19 diagnostic kits, vaccines and plasma treatments, as well as giving policy recommendations to health authorities. These are part of KU Medicine's efforts to invest in future value rather than seeking short-term results. The university hospital is also expanding its facilities and rearranging their functions and resources to provide medical treatments and pursue research and education. In addition to three existing hospitals Anam and Guro in Seoul and Ansan in Gyeonggi Province it opened its Koyoung Campus in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, and Korea University Medi-Science Park (KUM) in Jeongneung, northeastern Seoul, earlier this month. Their opening has completed KU Medicine's "5 campus" plan for offering medical treatment, conducting research and providing education and social contributions. KU Medicine's 'new era' opens in Gangnam KU Medicine opened its Koyoung Campus, Oct. 7, with KU Medicine President and CEO Kim Young-hoon, Korea Choongang Foundation Chairman Kim Jae-ho and KU President Chung Jin-taek attending the opening ceremony. The Koyoung Campus has received a great deal of attention from the medical community as it is KU's first property to open in Gangnam in its 116-year history. The 10-story building is dedicated to creating a cutting-edge healthcare model based on customized treatments, research converging various medical fields and social contribution projects. The Medical Image Center there will be in charge of analyzing medical image data, which uses an innovative cloud-based hospital information system developed by KU. The Office of Clinical Trials will also be established there to help domestic medical device manufacturers seeking to expand overseas. The office was created in September 2019 when KU Medicine obtained an international certificate as an institution conducting clinical trials of medical devices (ISO14155) for the first time among general hospitals here. Medical device manufacturers looking to enter the European market must submit clinical data that meets ISO14155 standards in accordance with the Medical Device Regulations (MDR), and KU Medicine's clinical trials are now recognized globally. The campus also plays the role of a research base in the at-home healthcare sector, where demand is expected to increase in Korea's aging society and the spread of COVID-19. Through research and development of Korean-style at-home healthcare technology, KU Medicine said the campus aims to become a leader in healthcare services. The Koyoung Campus will have a social contribution project headquarters under the direct control of the head of KU Medicine, for more systematic and sustainable contribution projects such as medical service volunteering, international health cooperation projects, and national disaster response. "At the Koyoung Campus, we'll provide not only healthcare services with cutting-edge technology but also convergence research and various social contribution projects," said KU Medicine President and CEO Kim, who is also executive vice president for medical affairs at KU. "We will do our best to contribute to not only Korea but all of humanity based on the realization of precision medicine and patient-tailored treatment by concentrating our internal capabilities into the new campus," Kim he. An image of the Korea University Medi-Science Park in Seongbuk District, Seoul / Courtesy of KU Medicine President Moon Jae-in, left, receives a COVID-19 booster shot at a vaccination center in Seoul, Oct. 15. Yonhap President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook on Friday both received a COVID-19 booster shot, in line with a guidance from health authorities, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) began administering booster shots earlier this week for people aged 60 and older as well as medical workers, as part of the nation's strategy to ensure maximum protection for the public. Moon and Kim qualified for a third shot of COVID-19 vaccine under the guidance. A coronavirus testing center in Songpa District of Seoul is crowded with people waiting to get tested, Friday. Yonhap By Lee Hyo-jin Health experts believe that the government's latest decision to ease social distancing regulations, highlighted by a relaxed cap on group sizes at gatherings, would not lead directly to an abrupt increase in infections. On Friday, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures (CDSC) Headquarters announced the latest quarantine scheme, effective Monday for the next two weeks, as it prepares to take the first step toward adopting a "living with COVID-19" strategy next month, under which the country is expected to return gradually to normalcy. Although the current distancing levels Level 4 in Seoul and its surrounding areas and Level 3 in other regions will remain in place, the authorities have decided to ease regulations on private gatherings and the operation of multiuse facilities. Starting Monday, in regions under Level 4, private gatherings of up to eight people will be allowed, up from the current six, if the group includes four fully vaccinated individuals. "As quarantine measures are expected to be eased gradually in November, I don't think that relaxing the regulations just two weeks ahead will have a drastic influence on the number of daily infections," Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, told The Korea Times. Chon Eun-mi, a respiratory disease specialist at Ewha Womans University, said, "The eased measures are applied mostly to vaccinated people. For instance, allowing outdoor sporting events with crowds consisting only of vaccinated people seems like the introduction of a vaccine pass." A North Korean defector has been sentenced to six months in prison for breaking into a police station in Seoul and pouring flour over an officer as part of streaming online, judicial sources said Friday. The 24-year-old, whose identity was withheld, climbed over a wire fence into Gwanak Police Station in southern Seoul in June, charged toward the officer on duty and dumped flour over him, saying he would test police capability to respond to an infiltration. The defector was also charged with destroying police property worth about 1 million won ($840). Investigations found that the man committed the act to draw more viewers to his online streaming channel. In the ruling, the court said it took into consideration that the defendant confessed to his crime and has bipolar disorder from having difficulty adapting to South Korea. (Yonhap) Prosdecution investigators seize documents from an office of Seongnam City Hall in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, Oct. 15. Yonhap Prosecutors raided the offices of Seongnam City Hall on Friday, expanding an investigation into a massive development corruption scandal a day after the arrest warrant for a key suspect was rejected. During the raid, a team of 20 prosecution investigators seized documents and other materials from offices in charge of the 2015 project aimed at developing the Daejang-dong district in Seongnam, south of Seoul, into apartment complexes. Among the offices subject to the search were a city project team that had been in charge of establishing and authorizing details of the project as well as the network division containing digital data about the city's electronic decision-making process and e-mail communications. The investigation is aimed at determining how a previously little-known asset firm, Hwacheon Daeyu, and its seven affiliates reaped profits of more than 1,000 times their investments after the firm was selected as a civilian partner for the project. The raid came a day after the Seoul Central District Court rejected the prosecution's request for an arrest warrant for the firm's owner, Kim Man-bae, on bribery, breach of trust and embezzlement charges, saying there are insufficient grounds for his arrest. Kim, a 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. Yoo has already been arrested. Prosecutors are zeroing in on the city government to look into whether it was also accountable as the entity with the power to manage and supervise the city development agency. Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung, the ruling Democratic Party's presidential nominee, is projected to be ultimately subject to the probe as he was the mayor of Seongnam at that time. After analyzing the documents seized in the raid, prosecutors plan to first question city officials who oversaw the project. (Yonhap) Migrant workers and civic activists call for improvements in labor conditions, at a rally held by Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul, April 25. The event was held to mark May 1 International Workers' Day. Yonhap By Lee Hyo-jin More than half of the businesses employing foreign nationals in Busan and its surrounding South Gyeongsang Province were found to have been violating labor laws according to monitoring conducted by the government between 2018 and 2020. According to data submitted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor to independent lawmaker Rep. Yoon Mee-hyang earlier this week, 582 out of 1,121 employers of migrant workers in the area, accounting for 52 percent of the businesses surveyed, were found to be in violation of at least one point from the Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers or the Labor Standards Act. Of the violators, only three employers faced fines, while the others were merely given a warning by labor authorities. Yoon said the labor ministry has been neglecting the reports filed by foreign employees seeking help against on employers who violate their rights under relevant labor laws. Recently, two Cambodian workers at a farm in Miryang filed a report with the labor authorities for about 30 million won ($25,400) in back wages, and being forced to work at another farm. Under the Act on Employment of Foreign Workers, migrant workers who enter the country under the Employment Permit System (EPS) are only allowed to work at one workplace at a time as reported to labor authorities. But the authorities neglected the report, according to an audio file disclosed by Rep. Yoon at the National Assembly, Tuesday. In the voice recording, an official who conducted the investigation says to the employer, "Technically, forcing an employee to work somewhere else is illegal, but I'll pretend I haven't seen anything." Yoon called for effective measures to rectify the issue. "Migrant workers have been continuing to raise their voices on the human rights violations in workplaces, but such an incident shows that the government is not properly monitoring or responding to the cases," she said. Time to reconsider nuclear phase-out policy French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of nuclear power while unveiling his "France 2030" plan for reindustrialization Tuesday. The plan features, among others, investment of 8 billion euros ($9.29 billion) for the development of small module reactors (SMRs), management of nuclear waste and expansion of infrastructure for hydrogen power generation. France is also expected to scrap its earlier plan to lower its portion of nuclear power to 50 percent from 75 percent by 2035. This means a drastic policy shift for Macron who has been declaring his intention to reduce nuclear power generation ever since he took power in 2017. "We have a primary asset; it is again nuclear power," he said, adding that continuing to develop nuclear power "is absolutely key because we know that we will continue to need this technology." Earlier on Monday, economy and energy-related ministers of 10 European nations such as France and Finland published their joint statement on major media outlets in EU. They underlined that nuclear power is the best energy source for tackling climate change and Europe needs nuclear reactors. Such a move well reflects the recent global shortage of energy resources. Prompted by Russia's curtailing of the supply of natural gas, prices of heating gases in Europe soared five times over the past year. Electricity bills in the United Kingdom surged seven times due to sluggish wind generation in North Sea region. China has also been suffering a serious coal shortage amid its lingering trade dispute with Australia and the need to meet carbon neutrality rules. Many countries are rushing to return to nuclear power in droves. The United States has turned to opt for nuclear power though it had been critical of it. Japan has also decided to resume the operation of its nuclear power plants which have remained idle since the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011. Such a rush to nuclear power generation offers precious opportunities for Korean companies as they possess world-class technology in the area. For instance, the U.S. has been calling for cooperation with them to promote exports of nuclear reactors. What is regrettable is that the Moon Jae-in administration has been sticking to a nuclear phase-out policy and shows no sign of backing down from it. There has been much damage resulting from the nuclear phase-out policy on the nation's nuclear ecosystem, ranging from outflow of human resources, equipment and technology to loss of export opportunities. More worrisome is the administration with the motto of realizing carbon neutrality by 2050 without depending on nuclear power came with seemingly reckless energy policies of concentrating on renewable energies, which require tremendous costs coupled with potentially disastrous environmental destruction. It is totally improper for the government to insist on a non-nuclear policy, as it runs counter to global trends. Albeit belated, it needs to admit its mistake in sticking to the nuclear phase-out policy and roll up its sleeves to recover its nuclear industry and exports of relevant products. Huawei Board Executive Director and ICT Infrastructure Managing Board Chairman David Wang speaks at the Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2021 held in Dubai, Thursday, local time. Courtesy of Huawei Huawei executive outlines key wireless industry trends By Kim Bo-eun A Huawei executive on Thursday stated the demand will grow for green and sustainable networks, as solutions for reducing energy consumption are sought. This was one of the key wireless industry trends Huawei's Board Executive Director and ICT Infrastructure Managing Board Chairman David Wang outlined at the Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2021 held in Dubai. "As network traffic grows 100 times over the next few years, there will be an equal spike in demand for solutions that reduce energy consumption," he said. "Energy efficiency must be considered in every aspect of network design, including radio interfaces, devices and sites. This will enable the construction of these full-link and full-lifecycle green and sustainable networks." Second, Wang said mobile networks will need to support 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) for integration between the physical and digital. "In the future, digital communications will be used to expand and deepen exchanges of information between people, delivering multi-sensory experiences including hearing, sight, touch and smell. To enable these features, mobile networks will need to support 10 Gbps at millisecond latency and transmit information in ways that are more semantically organized," he said. There will also have to be one network for a 100 billion all-scenario Internet of Things (IoT) that offers different types of connection services, differentiated by speed and priority requirements, the executive said. "This means a deterministic experience with lower latency and higher reliability must be delivered and a new form of wireless IoT that features ultra-low power consumption and passive connections must be created," he said. Fourth, satellite-ground collaboration will plug the gaps in wireless ground coverage and achieve three-dimensional airspace coverage, enabling communications and control for future drones and aircrafts, Wang said. In addition, sensing and communications will be further integrated, enabling real-time replication of the physical world, he said. Sixth, Wang said wireless networks will become fully integrated with artificial intelligence technologies to enable level-5 fully autonomous driving networks, which will further support automated operation and maintenance, deliver premium experiences and minimize carbon footprints. Next, per-bit data transmission costs will be reduced as multi-antenna technologies begin to be applied to every spectrum band, he said. Eighth, Wang spoke about the enhanced need for security. "Intrinsic device security and intelligent and simplified security at the network layer will become increasingly important as network security and resilience receive the global spotlight," he said. Finally, Wang said future networks will support more diverse services, such as the Metaverse, industrial field networks and vehicle-to-everything communications. "This means that computing will need to be integrated with mobile networks to provide uninterrupted, high-quality services on demand," he said. This rendered image created by Dutch tech site LetsGoDigital shows the Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S22, featuring four cameras and an S Pen stylus. / Captured from LetsGoDigital By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Electronics is nearing the release of its 2022 premium smartphone, possibly to be called the Galaxy S22. Speculation has been brewing that the upcoming device will feature four cameras and the S Pen stylus, which was previously seen in the Galaxy Note smartphones. On Friday, a Dutch tech site LetsGoDigital unveiled a rendered image of a new Galaxy S smartphone for next year in collaboration with graphic designer Parvez Khan. The site said the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the highest-priced model of the S series smartphone, will feature four cameras for the first time ever to meet the demands of consumers who want to shoot high-quality photos and videos. The four-camera design may feature optical image stabilization (OIS) to counteract motion blur. In Samsung's previous models, the ultra-wide-angle camera was not equipped with OIS. Also, the new smartphone may be equipped with a laser autofocus sensor, it said. For the front camera of the S22 Ultra, Samsung is expected to use a 40 megapixel punch-hole selfie camera, contrary to expectations that it would use an under-display camera, which was already built into Samsung's latest foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Still, it is not clear exactly how the camera's expected design will be delivered. Previously, OnLeaks, a tipster known for leaking information about upcoming devices, showed a rendered image of the S22 Ultra featuring a quad camera on a P-shaped camera island. Another feature to expect in the new Galaxy phone is the S Pen stylus. Samsung decided not to release its Galaxy Note phablet smartphone, which always featured the stylus, this year. Instead, the company is forecast to have an S Pen to appeal to existing Galaxy Note users, the site said. "The design of the Samsung S22 Ultra will therefore match the Note line-up more than the S series. This gives the Samsung S22 Ultra a sleek, business look. Moreover, this design seems to be necessary to create sufficient space for the S Pen compartment, which is integrated at the bottom left of the device," LetsGoDigital said. Samsung has traditionally released the Galaxy S Series in February, but the S21 smartphones came out in January this year with an aim to boost phone sales after being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dutch site added it remains to be seen whether Samsung will release the new S22 smartphone in January 2022. By Kim Bo-eun POSCO Chemical said Friday that it was recognized as a "rising star" for its growth model as a materials company at the "Global Metals Awards" ceremony hosted by Standard & Poors Global Platts. This is POSCO Chemical's first global award. S&P Global Platts is the world's leading provider of benchmark prices and analytics for the energy and commodities markets. The Global Metals Awards recognizes the best individuals and companies in the metals industry across 15 categories. The rising star award honors the achievements of a startup or an existing business that has moved into a new field, on the basis of financial growth, innovation, job growth and operational excellence. POSCO Chemical said it was recognized for its expansion into the secondary battery materials and advanced chemical materials business, from its former focus on basic industrial materials. "In the last five years, POSCO Chemical has built a large, successful business in the lithium-ion battery market and forms a crucial part of POSCO Group's value chain integration for green mobility solutions," S&P Global Platts' judge panel noted. POSCO Chemical recently completed a prototype test of nickel, cobalt, manganese and aluminum (NCMA), manufactured by adding aluminum to existing nickel-rich NCM cathode materials. "In 2020, all companies struggled with COVID-19, but POSCO Chemical recorded its highest sales and made a successful paid-in capital increase," the panel said. "In 2020, the secondary battery materials business accounted for 44 percent of total sales, amounting to $476 million. In 2021, it estimated sales reaching $745 million for secondary battery materials to meet rising demand through continuous expansion of production facilities." POSCO Chemical entered the anode material business in 2011 and succeeded in localizing core battery materials. In 2019, the firm merged with cathode material affiliate POSCO ESM, becoming the only company in Korea producing both cathode and anode materials. The company is developing next-generation materials ahead of the growth of the electric vehicle market, investing in global production capacity and building smart factories, securing competitiveness and increasing market share as a result. POSCO Chemical has a 2030 target of achieving a 20-percent global market share in the secondary battery materials business with an annual turnover of $21 billion. The winners of the S&P Global Platts Award were announced and honored in London and virtually on Thursday, local time. Metal companies from six countries, spanning three continents, received honors for leadership, innovation, and exemplary performance. Baedal Minjok's food delivery scooters are parked in front of Woowa Brothers offices in Seoul on June 15. Korea Times file Lawmaker says Baemin is delivery platform with highest percentage of dissatisfied consumers By Kim Jae-heun Woowa Brothers, the company that operates the country's largest food delivery app, Baedal Minjok (Baemin), has been receiving the highest percentage of consumer dissatisfaction for its service among local food delivery apps. Baemin is undoubtedly one of the biggest beneficiaries of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as a pioneer of Korea's food delivery platform service. It owns nearly two-thirds of the market share, followed by Yogiyo and Coupang Eats. On the one hand, its top position leads Baemin to receive more overall complaints than the other two rivals, because more people use it to order food online. On the other hand, Woowa Brothers claims that the relatively higher consumer dissatisfaction rate is primarily attributable to the differences in the logistics systems used by the various operators. "Ninety percent of orders customers make on our platform are delivered by drivers hired directly by restaurants or food delivery firms. People often have the misunderstanding that Baemin drivers deliver food more slowly," a Woowa Brothers representative said. "Coupang Eats gets fewer complaints because it only delivers food with its own drivers. We also started a similar service, called Baemin One, in June, and we make fast deliveries with it too," the representative added. Baemin provides an online platform that customers use to order food and restaurant owners use to receive orders. "If there is a problem with food quality, that is the restaurant's fault. If the delivery was slow, that is the driver or food delivery company's mistake. People often think we manage all of that. We are just a platform operator," the representative said. Woowa Brothers CEO Kim Beom-joon speaks at a meeting with representatives of political parties at the National Assembly in Yeouido on Feb. 15. Korea Times file Firefighters and medical workers walk past a damaged residential building following a fire in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Oct. 14. Reuters-Yonhap Taiwanese officials set up an independent commission Friday to investigate the conditions at a run-down building in the port city of Kaohsiung where a fire killed 46 people, while authorities scoured the blackened ruins for the cause of the blaze. Prosecutor Hong Ruei-fen told reporters at the scene she would seek to determine the cause of Thursday's fire as soon as possible, before donning a hard hat and walking into the cordoned-off building in the morning. Outside, a Taoist priest in traditional robes chanted a prayer for those who died, many of whom were elderly or infirm residents unable to get out of the 13-story building after the fire broke out on the ground floor. In the capital, Taipei, lawmakers held a moment of silence during a regular session of parliament to pay tribute to the victims. Kaohsiung's city administration said the building had been required to follow fire codes and submit to inspections, but that inspectors had not been able to access the premises recently because the doors were always locked and they were unable to coordinate visits with the property owners. Mayor Chen Chi-mai announced that he had ordered his deputy to set up an independent team to investigate whether negligence contributed to the tragedy, in which another 41 people were injured. Of the 46 dead, Chen said that 21 still had not been identified. He said experts hoped to use fingerprint analysis to determine who the other 19 dead were, but for two others they would have to rely on other methods. The building had commercial facilities on lower floors, a closed movie theatre, restaurants and a karaoke bar most out of business and some 120 housing units above. The building once even boasted a skating rink in the basement and a department store, but has grown increasingly derelict in recent years as other parts of the city started developing and drew people away, local media reported. The fire broke out in the lower area at about 3 a.m. Thursday, and witnesses reported hearing a loud sound like an explosion. It took firefighters until after 7 a.m. to fully extinguish the blaze. Local media say police were questioning a female resident of the building who allegedly discarded a burning incense coil in a trash can inside an apartment where she had also stored small gas canisters. A man who carelessly discarded a cigarette outside the building and the possibility of a fire in the electrical system were also being investigated, the reports said. A Taoist priest holds a ceremony for the victims after a fire broke out in a residential building in Kaohsiung, Oct. 15. Reuters-Yonhap Position Purpose: Administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy and diagnostic testing to patients of the Department of Hyperbaric Medicine under the supervision of a hyperbaric physician. All therapeutic and diagnostic modalities will be ordered by the hyperbaric physician. Role Specific Competencies Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the mission statement of the Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, as well as Client Hospital at all times. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the policies and procedures of Hyperbaric Medicine. Perform transcutaneous oxygen monitoring testing as ordered and per departmental policy. Ascertain that the patient's diagnosis is one of the appropriate approved disorders for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Implement the physician's orders as indicated by the patient's treatment plan. Educate patient and/or patient's family as to the benefits, risks, contraindications, and safety issue of hyperbaric oxygen therapy before treatment. Perform blood glucose monitoring as ordered and indicated by patient diagnosis. Inspect the patient prior to the commencement of each Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy session to ensure all safety standards are being adhered to i.e. 100% cotton attire, no makeup, no hairspray, etc. Perform the hyperbaric treatments and monitor the patient during therapy. Perform dressing changes and/or wound care within scope of practice, as ordered and participate in clinic when HBO volumes are below par. Take serial photographs of the wound for reporting of the patient's progress. Evaluate the patient outcome and meet with the manager and the hyperbaric physician to discuss patient treatment and adjust treatment as necessary. Consult with hyperbaric physician regarding any adverse reactions. Document treatment notes and maintain patient treatment/diagnostic records. Complete the patient's treatment charges, if required. Perform quality control daily on department glucometer, or as required by policy. Clean and maintain the equipment according to infection control standards. Maintain continuous quality improvement duties and chart audits. Answer telephone inquiries and schedule patient treatment times. Perform marketing duties as needed, intra-and interdepartmental. Perform an inventory check, and maintain a record of supplies and laundry items. Maintain equipment and checks backup air and oxygen supplies on a daily basis. Perform data entry into the Wound Information Data System and collate reports as requested by the director. Orient new employees as necessary. Participate in New Patient Reviews to assess for HBO indicators. Qualifications Current state licensure (RN, LPN, Respiratory Therapist, Med/Surg Technician) Minimum of 2 years med/surg experience Wound care experience preferred Physical Requirements Concentrate on moderate to fine details for extended periods of time Must be able to hear normal sounds with some background noise Remembers scheduled, tasks to be completed, where activities left off, etc. Routinely lifts objects under 20 pounds Must frequently lift up to 125 pounds and occasionally lift or move patients 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. Vote View Results The decision of the Metropolitan Police in Britain to take no action over allegations raised in the US courts that Prince Andrew was involved in the abuse of a minor, will come as a surprise to absolutely no-one. This is the third time the Met have looked at the case and, despite interviewing the woman at the centre of the allegations, Virginia Guiffre, they have once more decided not to risk taking the case further. Given the recent scandals that have consumed the Met and its boss Cressida Dick, they clearly decided to turn a blind eye, rather than draw further attention to possible crimes by members of the British establishment. This approach has served them well when dealing with the Royals and the upper-class establishment over the years. We are, after all, talking about Her Majestys police force. The British state and rich elite always close ranks to hush up their indiscretions. In this case, the Thin Blue Line is holding back an ocean of scandal from engulfing the monarchy: a highly valuable institution to the ruling class. By contrast, thousands of working class people have been arrested by the police over the years on the slimmest, or even fabricated, grounds especially black youth. It has been almost 20 years, for example, since the wrongful life imprisonment of the so-called Cardiff Five: a group of black and mixed-race men falsely accused of murder following brutal police interrogation. One may wonder just how much evidence is needed to get the police to take action when it comes to the rich elite. Following the conviction of the police officer who raped and murdered Sarah Everard, Dick announced that no one is above the law. But the case of Prince Andrew has exposed the hollowness of these words: clearly there is one law for the rich and royalty, and another for everyone else. If this wasnt galling enough, the Queen is now allegedly paying millions to cover her sons legal fees. Apparently she is using her private funds to protect an alleged pedophile from justice private funds that are all ultimately leached off the public purse. Should Prince Andrew reach a private settlement, we may never find out how much taxpayer money will be used to hush up these allegations. Andrews excuses The scandal around Andrew has been going on for years. At the heart of this sordid affair was the close ties between the prince and convicted paedophile socialite, Jeffrey Epstein. Even after Epstein was jailed in 2008 for soliciting and procuring minors for prostitution, this friendship continued. Epstein was later re-arrested and charged with a whole raft of offences, dying in mysterious circumstances in jail in 2019. The case against Andrew centres around an alleged relationship between the prince and a then-17-year old American girl called Virginia Roberts (now Virginia Guiffre). The recent crisis involving Harry and Meghan was just the latest in a series of troubles to hit the monarchy / Image: Northern Ireland Office, Flickr She was one of a series of underage girls procured by Epstein and his then-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, for their own sick pleasure or offered up to a litany of other high society abusers. Maxwell is currently in a US jail awaiting trial over various sexual offences. A now-infamous photo shows Andrew with his arm suggestively around Ms. Roberts waist, apparently in Maxwells home, whilst the latter looks on approvingly from behind. The attempts by Andrew to disprove the damning evidence of the photo, in a car crash interview with Newsnight, would have been laughable had the subject matter not been so nauseating. First he claimed that he had no recollection of the photograph ever being taken, nor having ever visited Maxwells residence. And moreover he could not have had sex with Roberts that evening, because was at a Pizza Express in Woking with his wife (the Duchess of York) for a childrens party. He went on to suggest the photo might somehow have been fixed, which he bizarrely proved by claiming the perspirant figure in the image could not be him because of his inability to sweat! At this point, the Royal Family (aka The Firm) took the decision to take Andrew off the pitch and effectively require him to withdraw from public life. Disowned The Mets decision not to proceed with their investigation must be the only bit of good news to have come Andrews way in recent months. The US court case is pressing on, with Andrew now having to accept that he has been served papers by a US court official. This followed multiple attempts to avoid being served, with process servers repeatedly being turned away by security at his Royal Lodge doorstep. He is now putting all his hopes in a possible legal getout relating to an earlier legal agreement made between Guiffre and Epsteins lawyers. In a word, this is not exactly the behaviour one would expect of a man confident he could clear his name in court and who has nothing to hide. Rather then being just a touristic attraction, the British monarchy is a reserve weapon in the hands of the capitalist class / Image: UK Parliament, Flickr While the monarchy is bankrolling the disgraced princes legal defence, he is continuing to be frozen out by the rest of the royals. According to the Daily Mirror and others, a meeting was held last January where Charles, Anne and Edward were in agreement that their brother should never be allowed to return to public life The source said: Nine months ago Charles, Anne and Edward had a meeting, a summit, and agreed there was no way back for him. Press reports also say that Prince William the next heir to the throne after Prince Charles now considers Andrew to be a danger to the monarchy. This gets to the heart of what this is all about. The establishment couldn't care less about what Andrew has been up to or not. The rich and powerful have been up to their eyes in financial and sexual scandals for decades, while the authorities have turned a blind eye. They have relied on a combination of English deference and the old boys network to keep any hint of scandal out of the public eye. Only in recent years has this edifice started to crumble and a once-servile press been allowed to get digging. But now, the Royal Family finds its image is in freefall. The recent crisis involving Harry and Meghan Megxit as it was dubbed by the tabloids was just the latest in a series of troubles to hit the monarchy. Indeed if you dial the clock back to the scandal surrounding their treatment of Princess Diana in the 1990s, it seems that the Monarchy has been beset with one decade of doom after another. Whereas once Andrew was seen as just a figure of fun Randy Andy now he is seen as the worst example of an institution in a terminal crisis. Tool of class rule Of course, if this was just about a rich family being used to keep British tourism running, as the Windsors defenders are wont to claim, then the establishment would not be worried. They would be an expense that could be offloaded. However, as Marxists have repeatedly explained and warned the monarchy in Britain plays another, more serious role in defending the privileges and rule of the capitalist class. This June, in an article titled, The Monarchy: a serious threat to the labour movement, we explained how the monarchy has been used in the past and could be used in the future to attack the working class and its rights. As the article notes: The common belief is that the state is neutral and acts for the benefit of all, which clearly is not the case. It represents the interests of capitalism. The state, explained Engels, can be reduced to armed bodies of men in defence of private property. It is also no accident that the Queen is regarded as above politics. The monarchy is anointed with an aura of mystique, independent of classes. It supposedly represents the nation. Therefore, the armed forces swear their allegiance to the Crown, and not to parliament. Not just the armed forces, but the whole machinery of state police, courts, civil service, etc. are all ready to be mobilised by the ruling class to defend its position, if need be. As the June article reminds us, this is not an idle threat. The Queen also has a say over what Acts are passed by her government, and is not afraid to exercise that right when needed. She can also dismiss parliament if required by the establishment to do so. Trotsky put it most clearly: Royalty is weak as long as the bourgeois parliament is the instrument of bourgeois rule and as long as the bourgeoisie has no need of extra-parliamentary methods. But the bourgeoisie can if necessary use royalty as the focus of all extra-parliamentary, i.e. real forces directed against the working class. (Trotsky's Writings on Britain, Vol. 2, pp. 40-1.) The question is, with all this royal squalor bubbling to the surface, can this institution still be relied on? When William spoke of a danger to the whole monarchy, he (perhaps unconsciously) expressed a fear that it had become so unpopular that it would cease to serve its intended function as a tool of reaction in the future. Andrews victory in getting the Met Police to sit on their hands may well prove to be pyrrhic. Even if he is able to wheedle out of the US court case on a technicality, the damage is already done. Randy Andy is already disgraced, but the whole institution of the monarchy is liked little more than him, and now the Met too are sharing in the shame of a ruling-class cover up. The job is clear: throw the monarchy, alongside the House of Lords, and all the other feudal corpses into the dustbin of history. And make certain the capitalist system joins them without delay. On 7 September 2021, the self-proclaimed Interim National Unity Government (INUG) declared a state of emergency and declared a civil war against the military junta. It is not difficult to declare war online by announcing a state of emergency. It is even easier for those who are safely in exile in the United States. If you have a good internet connection, you can declare war at the stroke of a keyboard. Before INUG announced this state of emergency, there was a false hope among many people in Myanmar that all of the anti-junta militias would wage an insurrection on 'the same day' against the junta. Many also expected INUG would call for D-Day when the PDFs and guerrilla armed forces are ready to fight against the junta. After that, victory will ensue. This rumor was spread by the so-called online social influencers, who are also diehard supporters of NLD and the INUG. The latters pronouncement on 7 September, then, renewed this hope among the people. However, carrying out an armed uprising to overthrow a military dictatorship is not as simple as making an announcement online. Even a child knows this fact. Everyone knows that armed insurrection is a serious matter, and not something you can suck out of your thumb artificially at will at any moment. Yet the INUG and their supporters often wrote that the cruelty of those war demons in the fascist military is so intolerable that the people have no choice but to answer their call to take up arms. The despicable cruelty on the part of the military of course cannot be disputed. However, if it could be simply toppled by a call to the people to fight their cruelty, revolutions would occur across the whole world overnight and the world we all aspire to could have been realised long ago. An armed struggle cannot be waged based on sentimentality alone. Marx once said that insurrection is an art and it must be taken seriously. Lenin added: To be successful, insurrection must rely not upon conspiracy and not upon a party, but upon the advanced class. That is the first point. Insurrection must rely upon a revolutionary upsurge of the people. That is the second point. Insurrection must rely upon that turning-point in the history of the growing revolution when the activity of the advanced ranks of the people is at its height, and when the vacillations in the ranks of the enemy and in the ranks of the weak, half-hearted and irresolute friends of the revolution are strongest. That is the third point. (Marxism and Insurrection, Lenin, September 1917) Just one month before the 1917 October uprising, Lenin reiterated Marxs teachings that insurrection must be treated as an art and he specified the objective conditions under which an insurrection could be called for. In September 1917, Lenin urged the Bolshevik Central Committee to conclude that an armed uprising was on the order of the day, for all three objective conditions had been fulfilled. In the same letter, however, he also explained that there was no such situation on 3-4 July, and that the insurrection could not have been successful at that time. At that time: (1) We still lacked the support of the class which is the vanguard of the revolution. We still did not have a majority among the workers and soldiers of Petrograd and Moscow. Now we have a majority in both Soviets. It was created solely by the history of July and August, by the experience of the ruthless treatment meted out to the Bolsheviks, and by the experience of the Kornilov revolt. (Ibid.) That explains why in July the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin and Trotsky, tried to restrain the spontaneous uprising of the soldiers who came to them. In Petrograd, the capital city, they could have seized power. But they postponed it as they considered it premature. They adopted the tactic of patiently explaining to win over the majority of the vanguard* class of the revolution to their program. (*NB: the word vanguard was used widely during the period of the Burmese Revolution. Some groups of people used to call themselves a vanguard despite the fact that they were a handful of men. Some people described INUG as the vanguard. It is clear that they do not understand the real meaning of the concept of vanguard. Marx and Lenin firmly maintained that the vanguard class of the revolution is the working class, not the peasants, not the students - although they can be allies of the working class - and certainly not the bourgeois liberals.) Lenin continues: (2) There was no country-wide revolutionary upsurge at that time. There is now, after the Kornilov revolt; the situation in the provinces and assumption of power by the Soviets in many localities prove this. (3) At that time there was no vacillation on any serious political scale among our enemies and among the irresolute petty bourgeoisie. Now the vacillation is enormous. Our main enemy, Allied and world imperialism (for world imperialism is headed by the Allies), has begun to waver between a war to a victorious finish and a separate peace directed against Russia. Our petty-bourgeois democrats, having clearly lost their majority among the people, have begun to vacillate enormously, and have rejected a bloc, i.e., a coalition, with the Cadets. (ibid.) Are any of the objective conditions that Lenin examined present in the country today? Let us consider the situation. The working class, the vanguard class of the revolution, had fought on the front lines since early February 2021. They fought on the streets, while the middle class liberals fell for the militarys false propaganda online, which said that this was not a coup - that the military (also known as sit-tat) were just holding power for a brief period, and that the masses should stay at home so as not to provoke them. It is obvious which class is the vanguard of the revolution by just looking at this one fact. Not only that, but the general strike of the working class in all walks of life had paralysed the whole of society, bringing the rest of the oppressed people into the revolution. In February and March, the working class fought back valiantly but was unable to form a revolutionary party made up of its most advanced elements. That is what allowed liberal bourgeoisie to occupy the position of leadership. / Image: public domain This is what happened at the end of February and March. The working class fought back valiantly but was unable to form a revolutionary party made up of its most advanced elements. That is what allowed liberal bourgeoisie to occupy the position of leadership. This situation is similar to one where lions are led by donkeys, as the English saying goes. So, what is happening to the vanguard class of the revolution in the present period? They are exhausted after such a long period of strikes and street protests, after seeing all their struggles fail to remove the military, and they are forced to work for the miserly wage of 3600 kyats (equivalent to US$2), which is lower than the official minimum wage of 4800 kyats (US$3) for eight hours a day. To be successful, an insurrection must base itself on the vanguard class of the revolution. How can one expect the working class to launch this when they are in a state of exhaustion? How do you wage an armed uprising at a time when even trade unions cannot be organised? Or are we imagining here a scenario where one can simply drive the mass of urban population, and the working class in particular, into the jungle for military training to carry out an insurrection? Marx and Lenin fully understood that it is not enough to have an uprising of the advanced class alone for the revolution to be successful. That is why they emphasised, as a second point, that there must be a nationwide revolutionary upsurge of the entire people. We have to ask ourselves honestly whether there is such an upsurge in Burma. Yes, there was such a nationwide revolutionary upsurge in the last days of February and March, but not now. Does the flash mob activity of tens of people shouting for a few minutes: Accept NUG, Reject Military indicate that the revolutionary tide is on the rise? Or is it presently in deep decline? Everyone with a thinking brain knows what the answer to that question is. As to the third point, that we must base ourselves on a turning point in the history of the growing revolution, what conclusions can we draw? By assessing if the revolution is growing or has ebbed, one can clearly see that there is a lack of the third condition. The vanguard class is merely struggling for the means of subsistence so as not to die from starvation. The advanced ranks of the people are so weakened that they cannot even fight back against the daily forms of oppression in the workplaces. Is this situation a turning point in the history of a growing revolution or is it the period of suffering under the white terror of counter-revolution? It is necessary to make a sobre analysis of the current situation. Marx and Lenin would have defined calling for an insurrection in such a situation as Blanquism. For those unfamiliar with this term, it can be understood as adventurism. Adventurism is usually a result of a leadership that previously attempted opportunistic tactics and failed miserably, only to swing to the ultra-left that would also lead to failure. There are many precedents of this in history. In the 1920s, Trotsky criticised the way that the bureaucratised Comintern led the Chinese Communist Party to go from adapting to the bourgeois KMT into leading premature insurrections against it: The strength of Marxism lies in its ability to foretell. In this sense, the Opposition can point to a complete confirmation of its prognoses by experience: first, concerning the Guomindang as a whole, then concerning the Left Guomindang and the Wuhan government, and finally, concerning the deposit made on the third revolution, that is, on the Canton insurrection. What other confirmation could there be of a correct theoretical standpoint? The very same opportunist line which, by the policy of capitulation to the bourgeoisie, already brought the revolution, at its first two phases, the heaviest defeats, grew over in the third phase, into a policy of adventurous attacks upon the bourgeoisie, and made the defeat final. Not having understood why the revolution failed, there can be the tendency to blame the working class itself for the failure, instead of understanding the need to build a mass revolutionary party of the working class. This in turn, can either lead to ultra-left tendencies or opportunist tendencies, or even a combination of both. And in both cases there is no independent role for the working class, which must either hope in salvation at the hands of the armed guerrillas or the liberals and reformists. One should never play with insurrection An armed uprising is a special form of the political struggle which is subject to special laws. Marx, who said to treat the insurrection as an art, also explained the principal rules of this form of struggle, as Lenin explained: (1) Never play with insurrection, but when beginning it realise firmly that you must go all the way. (2) Concentrate a great superiority of forces at the decisive point and at the decisive moment, otherwise the enemy, who has the advantage of better preparation and organisation, will destroy the insurgents. (3) Once the insurrection has begun, you must act with the greatest determination, and by all means, without fail, take the offensive. The defensive is the death of every armed rising. (4) You must try to take the enemy by surprise and seize the moment when his forces are scattered. (5) You must strive for daily successes, however small (one might say hourly, if it is the case of one town), and at all costs retain moral superiority. (Advice of an onlooker, Lenin, October 1917) If we apply the principles of both Marx and Lenin we can only conclude that the online insurrection announced by INUG is like digging ones own grave! Conclusion The objective conditions necessary for a successful insurrection have been outlined above. None of them are present at this time. In addition, the INUGs actions reveal an extremely unserious attitude towards insurrections, contrary to what Lenin advised above. This has the danger of driving the advanced layers to adventurist methods, which in the present conditions can have very serious consequences, including the unnecessary deaths of many courageous workers and youth. They are artificially making an insurrection online. Those who are actually dying on the ground on a daily basis are the workers, the peasants and other oppressed layers who cannot flee to America as the liberals did. Therefore, the only logical conclusion of all this is that the INUG is not a revolutionary vanguard, nor is it an ally in the revolution. This layer of reactionary opportunists has merely usurped a leadership position. We must expose their treacherous role carrying out a ruthless criticism of them and find the correct revolutionary strategy and tactics. The bourgeois liberals of the INUG will never be consistent or serious in waging a war against the military, they are part of the capitalist class / Image: Mil.ru, Wikimedia Commons We have to understand that the bourgeois liberals of the INUG will never be consistent or serious in waging a war against the military. This is due to the fact that they are part of the capitalist class, and while they have their differences with the military over how to run the country, they fear the revolutionary mobilisation of the masses more than they fear the military regime. The way they declared the civil war - without any real, serious preparation on the ground - reveals this abundantly clearly. Things are, however, different when it comes to workers and youth activists who are sincere about waging an armed struggle that can lead to an insurrection and the overthrow of the regime. While we agree with their burning desire to topple the military, we must look at the present conditions objectively and see whether an insurrection is possible at this time. What we are discussing here is not whether we are for or against revolutionary methods, including insurrection, to overthrow the present regime. The discussion is about the concrete objective conditions we find ourselves in. We need to look at what kind of revolution is necessary. Is it to be a democratic revolution that preserves capitalism intact and place the bourgeois liberals back in office, or ist it to be a socialist revolution which places the working class - in alliance with the peasants - in power? If you study the works of Marx and Lenin, you will find that the Stalinist/Maoist protracted warfare strategy, which relies solely on the peasantry, is also flawed. The peasantry can be won to a genuine socialist revolution, as the Bolsheviks managed to achieve in the October Revolution, but the leading role belongs to the working class, as it did back in 1917. Where peasant guerrilla wars have succeeded, such as in China in 1949, the working class did not achieve healthy workers democracy. This also explains the present situation in China where capitalism has been restored, but that requires a more in depth analysis than can be given here. The urgent task today is to return to the basic ideas of Marx and Lenin, understand the role of the working class in society and begin the building of a Marxist cadre organisation around which a future mass revolutionary party of the working class can be formed in the future when the working class and youth rise up again. This road may seem arduous and long, but there are no shortcuts that can bring into being such a mass party. We must learn the lessons of the past, of our own past here in our country, the failed attempts at armed struggle in the 1950s and 1980/90s, and the experience of other countries as well. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Comme indique pendant la journee, le 14 octobre 2021 a ete le PRB Day pour les employes du Service Civil qui ont suivi avec attention lintervention du Premier Ministre peu avant midi sur le sujet. Cabinet has taken note of the recommendations made by the Pay Research Bureau (PRB) in its Report on the Review of Pay and Grading Structures and Conditions of Service in the Public Sector (Civil Service, Parastatal and other Statutory Bodies, Local Authorities and Rodrigues Regional Assembly) and the Private Secondary Schools. The Bureau has recommended that the implementation of the recommendations concerning emoluments be phased over two calendar years as follows: from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 the salary increases in excess of Rs1,000 be effected at a discounted rate of 75 percent. Thereafter, as from 01 January 2022, payment be effected in full. However, in a spirit of solidarity with all the employees of the public sector in these particularly difficult times, Cabinet has agreed that the new salary recommendations of the PRB be implemented in full as from 01 January 2021 itself. The yearly cost to Government would be Rs4.3 billion. The total cost to Government from 01 January 2021 to 30 June 2022 would amount to Rs6.5 billion. Arrangements would be made to pay arrears for the period January 2021 to October 2021 in November of this year. Cabinet has also taken note that the Bureau has considered, inter alia, the following in making its recommendations: (i) the prevailing economic and social conditions of the country; (ii) affordability and sustainability of the recommendations; (iii) Governments capacity to pay, particularly with the unintended consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; (iv) the key principles of compensation including equity, transparency, competitiveness and employee performance; (v) provision of a pay package based on level of responsibilities and job performance; (vi) need for fair and equitable compensation in line with market realities; (vii) social acceptability, in line with Governments minimum wage legislation and maintaining an appropriate salary ratio of the General Worker to the Permanent Secretary; (viii) erosion of purchasing power since the 2016 Pay Review; (ix) the need to put more emphasis on improved productivity in the public sector; (x) fiscal consolidation measures adopted globally and changes in work processes to ensure business continuity in the wake of the pandemic; and (xi) findings of the different surveys carried out by the Bureau. The salary ratio of General Worker to Permanent Secretary which was previously 1:7 in the 2016 PRB Report has now been set at 1:6.2 The Report is available on the following websites: (a) Pay Research Bureau https://prb.govmu.org (b) Ministry of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms https://civilservice.govmu.org Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Social enterprise Paradigm Initiative (PIN) (www.Paradigmhq.org), known for building an ICT-enabled support system and advocating digital rights to improve livelihoods for under-served youth, is premiering its second high definition short film FOCUS, a short film showcasing the state of digital rights and inclusion across Africa, at Film House Cinema, Lekki in the presence of diplomatic representatives, stakeholder, media and movie lovers. PIN works to connect underserved young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures protection of their rights. Across Africa, they work to connect African youth with improved livelihoods through their digital inclusion and digital rights programmes. Directed by Tolulope Ajayi, Focus is a short film drawn from PINs 2020 annual digital rights and inclusion report dubbed Londa. The report depicts the state of digital rights and inclusion in 20 African Countries. PIN monitors the environment, documents violations, and reports on the state of digital rights and inclusion in Africa annually. Londa is a title of Zulu origin calling for action to protect or defend. The annual report is an advocacy tool for engaging with different stakeholders in the reported countries, serves as a yardstick for measuring performance, and provides critical recommendations for improving the digital space. PIN Chief Operating Officer, Nnenna Paul- Ugochukwu said: Focus is an exploratory way used by PIN to best impact the society through storytelling while spotlighting key issues plaguing the digital rights and inclusion ecosystems. With this short film we hope to inspire change and bring about radical thinking and adjustment. Through the digital rights and inclusion community, meaningful strides in some African Countries are being taken to bridge the digital divide. The report also acknowledges the positive developments in the environment. The 2021 consolidated Londa edition analyses the state of digital rights and inclusion on the continent, examines violations and gaps, investigates the use and application of policy and legislation, highlights milestones, and proffers recommendations for improving the digital landscape in Africa. This edition captures among other issues, the digital divide worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and unearths infractions on different thematic areas such as privacy, access to information, and freedom of expression with the legislative and policy background well enunciated. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn When asked how theyd engage the Latino community in Allentown 54% of the Allentowns population is Latino both candidates invoked their Latino heritage. Tuerks grandmother is a Cuban immigrant and Ramoss parents are from Puerto Rico. Both speak fluent Spanish and would be the citys first Spanish speaking mayor if elected. Its not yet clear who will emerge as the Republican gubernatorial candidate in 2022. Former U.S. Congressman Lou Barletta may be the front runner after winning the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2018 and earning Trumps endorsement, but his loss to incumbent Bob Casey may have dimmed his star. State Sen. Doug Mastriano, another Trump ally, has discussed a possible run, but hes fallen out of favor with party leaders and may be damaged through his links to Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale and heart surgeon Nche Zama have all declared their candidacy as well. The size of the property is only part of what determines eligibility for preservation funding and the source of that funding, she said. Northampton County farmland totaling 50 or more acres is eligible for state funding, 25-49 acres for county funding and as little as 10 acres for state, county or municipal funding. Johns: We need to watch how we spend taxpayers money on farmland preservation. We need to look more closely at the 2009 comprehensive plan. We need public input, which I dont think we got in the past. Green space is very important to our residents. We need to prevent waivers on subdivisions with the land development ordinance and review each case based on what comes in. Requests need to be through the county and township planning and zoning bodies. We need to make residents more aware so they can be more involved. This is a time of grief for the family, our campus and the community, Millersville University President Daniel A. Wubah said in a statement after Mindlers death. I ask that the campus community come together to support each other, and our students, during this difficult time. The trio of former Penn State students began sharing a Ferguson Township apartment with separate private bedrooms in August 2017. Nils Knutrud gave his roommates a Blu-Ray DVD player, ostensibly as a Christmas gift. He installed the device unprompted and aimed it at their bed, Bee wrote in the lawsuit. Knutruds roommates became suspicious and found a hidden camera, microphone and storage device were installed inside the DVD player. She was told there was an incident out front and ran down to the center, where police allowed her to pick the boy up. Some parents arrived after receiving a text message telling them to pick up their children ASAP at the rear of the building. If I hadnt paid the extra postage, my ballot still should have been delivered. State elections officials and Postal Service officials say ballots are not supposed to be returned to the sender or held up in the system because of insufficient postage. [:][WCNMLGB] , 2021101416:29:57 ,443,4 APP 0 [:1 ] WCNMLGB board=Military&u=WCNMLGB [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ 1 ] : WCNMLGB (CCC), : Military : : BBS (Thu Oct 14 16:29:57 2021, ) Alex Murdaugh Arrested, Accused of Stealing $4.3M of Late Housekeeper's Insurance Settlement Alex Murdaugh was arrested in Florida as he was leaving a drug rehab facility, authorities announced KC BAKER Alex Murdaugh has been arrested and charged with misappropriating insurance settlement funds in the wrongful death suit that followed the mysterious trip and fall death of his longtime housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, authorities announced. On Thursday morning, agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement took the longtime attorney, 52, into custody as he left a drug rehabilitation facility in Orlando, Fla., SLED wrote in a release. He is charged with two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. "These charges stem from a SLED investigation into misappropriated settlement funds in the death of Gloria Satterfield," the release says. Satterfield worked as the housekeeper for the Murdaugh family for years. She died in their home in 2018, purportedly after an accident. Her sons filed a wrongful death lawsuit allegedly at Murdaugh's suggestion, the sons' attorney, Eric Bland said. But they "never saw a dime of it," Bland said. Murdaugh has been taken to Orange County Corrections where he will be held until he receives an extradition hearing. Upon extradition being granted or waived, he will be brought back to South Carolina to receive a bond hearing. In September, the sons reached a settlement with Cory Fleming, the lawyer who had represented them but whom they had accused of withholding money from them, according to Bland and his partner, Ronnie Richter. 02 In September, an agreement between the estate of Gloria Satterfield, attorney Cory Fleming, his law firm, Moss, Kuhn and Fleming and their insurance carrier was reached "in connection with the pending lawsuit," attorneys Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "Mr. Fleming and his firm agreed that the Estate will be paid back all legal fees and expenses Mr. Fleming and his law firm received from the $4,300,000 they recovered for the Estate in connection with the claims asserted against Alex Murdaugh for the death of Gloria Satterfield," Bland and Richter said. "In addition, their malpractice insurance carrier agreed to pay to the Estate their full policy limits of insurance," Bland and Richter said. RELATED: Maggie Murdaugh Saw a Divorce Lawyer 6 Weeks Before She and Her Son Were Murdered: Source "Mr. Fleming stepped forward and did the right thing by the Estate. Mr. Fleming and his law firm maintain, they like others were victims of Alex Murdaugh's fraudulent scheme. "A more comprehensive joint statement from Mr. Fleming, his firm, and the Satterfield Estate will be issued later this week." Murdaugh's lawyers, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, released a statement Thursday about their client's arrest confirming the charges and saying, " 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 Referred Housekeeper's Sons to Their Attorney, New Lawyer Says On Sept. 15, the sons filed a lawsuit against Alex Murdaugh alleging that after Satterfield died, Murdaugh referred them Michael "Tony" Satterfield and Brian Harriot to Fleming so they could file a wrongful death claim against him, the lawsuit says. For exclusive interviews and details on the Alex Murdaugh case, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up last week's issue, on newsstands now. Murdaugh had allegedly said that Satterfield died after tripping over his family's dogs, attorney Bland told PEOPLE previously. "After the funeral, he came up to the two sons and said, 'Hey, look, I'm going to recommend that you go see this attorney Cory Fleming, and he's going to represent you two in the estate and bring claims in connection with your mother's death,'" Bland said. "He doesn't tell the boys, 'Oh, by the way, this is a lawyer that was my best friend, my college roommate," Bland told PEOPLE. Though a death settlement of $505,000 was approved, Bland told PEOPLE his clients "haven't been paid one dime since this was settled in 2020." The $505,000 isn't all that Bland alleges his clients never received. After he filed the Sept. 15 lawsuit on behalf of his clients, Bland said he discovered a previously undiscovered judge's order approving a $4.3 million settlement. 02 The documents were signed by a judge, Bland says, but never filed. RELATED: Alex Murdaugh Is in Custody, Charged with Insurance Fraud and Filing a False Police Report According to the Order Approving Settlement filed in 2019 in the Hampton Court of Common Pleas, the sons were supposed to receive $2.765 million of the $4.3 million settlement. But in the Order Approving Settlement, it states that $1.435 million of the Settlement went to attorney's fees. It is unclear how much the sons would receive. Fleming and his law firm were represented by Thomas Pendarvis from the Pendarvis Law Offices, P.C. in Beaufort, S.C., and David Overstreet of Earhart Overstreet in Charleston, S.C. These attorneys and an attorney for Murdaugh did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Bland and Richter's work is not finished, they said in the statement. "The estate will continue pursuing other culpable parties who resist acceptance of responsibility for their part in this tragic matter," the attorneys wrote. Authorities Are Investigating Satterfield's Death On Sept. 15, the same day Bland filed the lawsuit, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced that it was opening an investigation into Satterfield's death. SLED officials said that a coroner had recently found inconsistencies surrounding Satterfield's death. The incident was not reported to the coroner in 2018, and there was no autopsy performed at the time. Details of Satterfield's fall have not been disclosed. It's unclear who was at the home at the time of the incident. A well-known attorney in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Alex Murdaugh came into the national spotlight after he came home on the night of June 7, 2021, to find his wife, Maggie, 52, and youngest son, Paul, 22, shot to death on the grounds of their hunting lodge. Police are still searching for their killer or killers. They're also trying to unravel the knot of alleged illegal activity, scandal and bizarre behavior centered on Alex Murdaugh that surfaced after the killings. RELATED: 'Big Family, Old Money, New Drama': Inside the Powerful S.C. Family at Center of Murder Mystery Since June, Alex Murdaugh has been fired from his job at his family's law firm, accused of embezzlement, shot in the head, gone to rehab for substance abuse and arrested and accused of hiring a hitman to help him commit suicide so his surviving son could cash in on a $10 million life insurance policy. Bland and Murdaugh's attorneys did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment. Sons' Lawyers: 'No One Is Above the Law' Calling today "a bittersweet day for the Satterfield and Harriott families," Bland and Richter said in a release that "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," they said. "These belong to the clients and the clients only. This is the sacred trust that lawyers and fiduciaries owe their clients." Since early September, they wrote, the families have been dealing "with the betrayal of trust and that their loved one's death was used as a vehicle to enrich others over the clients." They reiterated that, "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." The best of People Get celebrity and royals news plus human interest stories delivered straight to your in-box Visit PEOPLE.com -- iPhone 1.24.11 -- :WWW mitbbs.com [FROM: 2600:8807:5054:] [] [] ny26 board=Military&u=ny26 [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ 2 ] : ny26 (SWM is a SB), : Military : Re: : BBS (Thu Oct 14 16:32:32 2021, ) Michael AvenattiNike -- :WWW mitbbs.com [FROM: 64.] WCNMLGB board=Military&u=WCNMLGB [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ 3 ] : WCNMLGB (CCC), : Military : Re: : BBS (Thu Oct 14 16:33:48 2021, ) ny26 (SWM is a SB) : : : : Michael AvenattiNike -- iPhone 1.24.11 -- :WWW mitbbs.com [FROM: 2600:8807:5054:] WCNMLGB board=Military&u=WCNMLGB [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ 4 ] : WCNMLGB (CCC), : Military : Re: : BBS (Thu Oct 14 16:35:51 2021, ) -- iPhone 1.24.11 -- :WWW mitbbs.com [FROM: 2600:8807:5054:] WCNMLGB board=Military&u=WCNMLGB [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [ 5 ] : WCNMLGB (CCC), : Military : Re: : BBS (Thu Oct 14 17:24:53 2021, ) Alex Murdaugh Is a Person of Interest in June Murders of Wife and Son, His Lawyer Says Alex Murdaugh, who faces several other charges, is facing scrutiny after the murders of his wife and younger son STEVE HELLING Alex Murdaugh, the once-prominent South Carolina attorney who was arrested on Thursday for allegedly stealing more than $4 million from his late housekeeper's insurance settlement, is a person of interest in the double homicide of his wife and son. In an interview with FOX Carolina News, his attorney, Jim Griffin, confirmed Murdaugh is under scrutiny in the murder case. 02 "SLED [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division] has said from the get-go that Alex was a person of interest," Griffin told the station. Alex's wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and the couple's younger son, Paul, were fatally shot outside the family home on June 7. Alex returned to the family property shortly after 10 p.m. and called 911 to report discovering the bodies. Authorities have not identified a motive or a suspect in the killings. No one has been arrested, and authorities are giving scant information about the case except to say that Maggie and Paul were shot with two different firearms. RELATED: 'Big Family, Old Money, New Drama': Inside the Powerful S.C. Family at Center of Murder Mystery RELATED: Alex Murdaugh Is in Custody, Charged with Insurance Fraud and Filing a False Police Report Although Alex is a person of interest, his attorney insisted to Fox Carolina that his client was visiting his mother, who has dementia, at the time of the murders. "He had no motive to kill them," Griffin told the station. "You would think that if Alex was the one who did it, that SLED would have been able to establish that pretty easily that night," Griffin continued. " You would think they would have searched his house and found blood somewhere . You would think they would have found the murder weapons on the property. You would think they would come up with something to link Alex to the murders, forensically or independent evidence. To my knowledge, they have not done that." 02 RELATED: Alex Murdaugh Arrested, Accused of Stealing $4.3M of Late Housekeeper's Insurance Settlement While authorities continue to investigate Paul's and Maggie's deaths, things are still dire for Alex Murdaugh. Since the murders in June, he has been fired from his job at his family's law firm, accused of embezzlement, shot in the head, gone to rehab for substance abuse and arrested twice. Before his Thursday arrest, he had been accused of hiring a hitman to help him commit suicide so his surviving son could cash in on a $10 million life insurance policy. He was charged with insurance fraud and filing a false police report. He has not entered a plea in that case. On Thursday, he was charged with two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. Authorities allege that his insurance paid out $4.3 million in a wrongful death suit that followed the mysterious trip and fall death of his longtime housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield. Satterfield's family says they never received the money, and authorities now allege that Alex Murdaugh took it. RELATED: Maggie Murdaugh Saw a Divorce Lawyer 6 Weeks Before She and Her Son Were Murdered: Source Alex Murdaugh, who has admitted to opioid addiction and gone to rehab, has not entered a plea to the new charges. In a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday, his attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, said, "We have not seen the warrants but have been informed that he is charged with two counts of obtaining goods under false pretenses relating to the settlement proceeds from the Estate of Gloria Satterfield." "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." The best of People Get celebrity and royals news plus human interest stories delivered straight to your in-box Visit PEOPLE.com -- iPhone 1.24.11 -- :WWW mitbbs.com [FROM: 2600:8807:5054:] [:1 ] 0 [] [ ] [] The Furnace, Oct. 9. Jake Howell stands before a crowd of dozens of Missoula music fans, singing a song he wrote, Saturdays when I forget Behind him is the band, four men he trusts with his life. Their first studio album, self-titled Cosmic Sans, has just dropped, and they are celebra Foreclosure Filings Reflect End of Moratorium As was probably inevitable, foreclosure files rose significantly in the third quarter of 2021 and appeared to accelerate in the last month of that quarter. The moratorium on foreclosures which was put in place in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic expired on July 31. ATTOM, in its Q3 2021 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report says there were 45,517 foreclosure filings - default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions - during the quarter, a 34 percent increase from Q2 and 68 percent more than in the third quarter of last year. Over 19,000 of those filings occurred in September, 24 percent more than in August and slightly more than double (102 percent) the volume in 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." Filings to start the foreclosure process dominated activity at 25,209 during the quarter, up 32 percent from Q2 and 67 percent on an annual basis. It was the first quarter-over-quarter double digit increase since 2014. In September, the pace stepped up to 10,289 such filings, 23 percent more than in August and up 106 percent from September 2020. Nationwide one in every 3,019 properties had a foreclosure filing during the third quarter. The highest incidence was in Nevada, one of the states that consistently was at the top of filings throughout the 2007-2011 foreclosure crisis. During the third quarter one in 1,463 Nevada properties received a filing. Illinois was second (one in every 1,465 properties), followed by Delaware (one in every 1,515); New Jersey (one in every 1,667); and Florida (one in every 1,743). Among the 220 metropolitan statistical areas that ATTOM tracks, the highest filing rates were in were Atlantic City, Peoria, Bakersfield, Cleveland, and Las Vegas. "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." A total of 7,574 properties were foreclosed in the third quarter, a 22 percent increase from Q2 and up 46 percent from a year earlier. Sources other than ATTOM have said that many of the bank repossessions that took place after the moratorium expired were on loans that had been seriously delinquent before it was invoked. 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. State Nagaland loses two veteran leaders Lt. Kihoto Hollohon and Lt. Lhiweshelo Mero DIMAPUR, OCT 15 (NPN) | Publish Date: 10/15/2021 2:21:41 PM IST Nagaland lost two veteran leaders and former ministers-- Kihoto Hollohon and Lhiweshelo Mero. Veteran politician and former minister Kihoto Hollohon (91) born on April 15, 1930, passed away on October 15 at a private hospital in Dimapur after a prolonged illness. Hollohon, who had successfully contested seven times, is survived by three daughters, one son, three sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law, 20 grandchildren, two great-grandsons and his present wife Hozheli Hollohon. Late Kihoto married Vitoli Zhimomi in 1963 but she pre-deceased him in 1996. Funeral service would be held at Grace Home Darogapathar on October 16 at 8am, family sources said. Hollohon first contested general elections in 1977 and was successfully elected to the fourth Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) from 34 Aghunato assembly constituency and re-elected from the same constituency in 1982 and 1987. In 1989, 1993 and 2003 general assembly elections, he was elected from 3 Dimapur III A/C. In the 2008 general assembly elections, he was elected from 5 Ghaspani II A/C. He held various portfolios in the state cabinet including excise, social welfare, industries and commerce, food and civil supplies. After retiring from active politics, he served as the head GB of his ancestral Khukishe village till 2019 and head GB of Daniel village till his last breath. While studying in Shillong, he joined Naga movement (Naga National Council) sometime in 1948 and subsequently rose to the rank of brigadier. On October 20, 1962, he gave up arms along 257 other members and was appointed as an Inspector in the Nagaland Armed Police, but he resigned in 1966. Condolences: Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi and chief minister Neiphiu Rio led a host of other leaders and organisations in mourning the demise of former minister Kihoto Hollohon. In a condolence message, Prof. Mukhi said late Hollohon would be remembered for his relentless and selfless services towards the society. He was a warm hearted and cheerful human being, governor said, adding that his contribution to the people of Nagaland would be remembered for many years to come. Governor on behalf of the people of Nagaland conveyed heartfelt condolences and prayed to God to bestow the needed solace and fortitude to the family members to bear the loss at this hour of pain. CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep sadness over the passing of K Hollohon and said that his contributions in the service of the people would always be remembered. Condolences for K Hollohon In a condolence message, Rio said described late Hollohon said a bold, selfless and a strong leader, who had a big heart. I have known him for decades and we worked together as colleagues in different governments, the chief minister said, adding that the Sumi community and the Naga society as a whole have lost a senior and a valuable father figure. Even as we bid farewell, let us cherish and celebrate his life and treasure the wonderful memories he has left in our hearts, Rio said and conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. He prayed that Almighty God grant them comfort and courage to bear the irreparable loss. NLA speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed deep grief over the passing of K Hollohon and said that throughout seven-term late leader rendered remarkable services to the people of the State. In a condolence message, NLA speaker said late K Hollohon, one of the prominent Naga leaders with long years of public service behind him, had made a mark for himself in the public life of the State. The speaker also said that late leaders generosity was a rare quality that distinguished him from others. He was a tremendous asset to the Sumi community in particular and for the Naga society in general, Sharingain said and offered sincere condolences to bereaved family on behalf of the members of the 13th NLA. SH: Sumi Hoho (SH) expressed shock and grief over the demise of late Kihoto Hollohon and said that his demise has created a big vacuum in the society, which would be very hard to fill for a long time to come. In a condolence message, SH president Nikheto Jimomi and general secretary Dr. Vihuto Asumi described late Hollohon as a true patriot and a tall leader who served the Naga society with full devotion. SH said late Hollohon, who started his career as a revolutionary leader and later joined politics, became a distinguished and fatherly figure to the Sumis in particular and Nagas in general. The hoho further said that late leaders God-gifted wisdom and calibre in leading the people would always be remembered and cherished. SH prayed that the Almighty God grant solace to the bereaved family in this hour of grief and also prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace. Dy.CM: Condoling the death of Kihoto Hollohon, the deputy chief minister and BLP leader Y Patton said late Hollohon was a father figure to the downtrodden when in office and even after retirement from active public service. In a condolence message, Patton said late Hollohon would be remembered by many whose lives he had touched. The deputy chief minister, on behalf of the state BJP legislators, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God comfort them during the hour of grief. Minister Kaito: Minister agriculture & co-operation G Kaito Aye has expressed deep sadness over the passing Kihoto Hollohon and said that his demise was an irreparable loss for the Nagas. In a condolence message, Kaito said late Hollohon would be fondly remembered for his significant contribution to the betterment of the lives of the Sumi community and the welfare of the people of Nagaland in general. The minister also said that late Hollohons tireless support and involvement towards the development of the state would be cherished, adding that the state, in his demise, has lost a tall leader, a torch bearer and a pathfinder. Kaito on behalf of the Sumi Legislators conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and extend prayers for strength and comfort at this hour of grief. Neiba Kronu: In a condolence message, minister, planning & co-ordination, land revenue, Neiba Kronu said that Hollohon was a veteran statesman who had an outstanding political record for being elected from three different assembly constituencies at different times. Kronu said what was more impressive was the fact that he had never lost in all the elections he contested and it went to show what a fine gentleman and an inspiring leader he was who immensely rendered his service for the society in various capacities. The minister prayed that God would grant peace and consolation to the bereaved family at this hour of grief. MP Rajya Sabha: Expressing deep sadness over the demise of K. Hollohon, MP Rajya Sabha K.G. Kenye said that late Hollohon dedicated his whole life for the cause of Naga people in various capabilities and he was a strong Naga nationalist who rose to the rank of brigadier NNC. In his demise the people of Nagaland have lost a renowned leader and a fatherly figure whose void will be difficult to fill again Kenye said. The MP extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty would grant comfort to all his near and dear ones to endure the loss and grief. NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) expressed grief over the demise of Kihoto Hollohon and said that the Nagas, in his death, had lost a legendary figure. NDPP president Chingwang Konyak said late Hollohons concern for the Naga people was immense, and was testified by the fact that he enrolled as a co-member of the NNC when he was still a teenager in 1948 when the Naga movement was in its infancy. NDPP president said late Hollohon gracefully retired from politics after his seventh success in the electoral contests and had ever since maintained a fatherly figure for many younger aspiring politicians. Konyak said and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members on behalf of party rank and file and prayed that the Almighty give them strength and comfort during this difficult time. NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president, K. Therie has expressed deep pain at the passing away of late K Hollohon. In a condolence message, Therie said late Hollohon was a strong leader who lived life on his own terms and stood firm on his beliefs. Therie said late Hollohons commitment to protect, defend and secure the rights of the people would be long remembered in posterity. In his passing away, NPCC president said, an irreplaceable void has been created for the people have lost a tall, strong leader who always upheld their interests as the first priority. Therie on behalf of rank and file of NPCC offered their condolences and prayed that the Almighty would grant the bereaved family solace. NPP: National Peoples Party (NPP) has expressed shock at the sudden demise of Kihoto Hollohon. In a condolence message, NPP president Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema said late Hollohon had an impressive political career and was never defeated in elections. During his political career in the government of Nagaland in various capacities, Sema said late Hollohon not only brought equitable and inclusive development of Nagaland but also laid emphasis on bringing the north eastern region on the map of progress and development. With his death, Sema said Nagaland in general and the Sumi community in particular have lost a staunch supporter of human rights and dignity of the Naga People. NPP Nagaland paid respect and homage to the departed soul and conveyed profound condolences to the bereaved family members and relatives. ENPUD: Eastern Nagaland Peoples Union Dimapur (ENPUD) has expressed deep sadness at the passing away of late Kihoto Hollohon, a humble, straightforward and capable leader. In a condolence message, ENPUD said late Hollohons demise was a great loss for the Nagas in general and Sumis in particular and that the voids left behind by him would be hard to fill. Further, ENPUD has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. NGBF: Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) in a condolence message said that it was saddened to learn that K. Hollohon was no more. He was a great leader in his times, who had closely connected with his people and relationship with all classes of people in the society made him a leader of masses, the federation said. Maintaining that he would be remembered for humbleness and his joy of giving to others especially the downtrodden, NGBF said that the people had lost a great human and a charitable leader. DPON: Expressing grief over the demise of K. Hollohon, Dimasa Public Organisation Nagaland (DPON) said that he had done a lot for the people of the constituency in general and the people of Dhansiripar sub-division in particular. Dimasa Public Organisation Nagaland said that late Hollohon was known for his generosity and straight forwardness and as one of the pioneers of the state. DPON said that in his demise, Nagas have lost a fatherly figure and that the vacuum created would be difficult to fill. L Mero passes away: Earlier former minister Lhiweshelo Mero died on October 13, after a prolonged illness in Kohima. Late Lhiweshelo Mero was elected to the fourth Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) from Pfutsero constituency in 1977 and served a minister of state in-charge of Works & Housing and Jails in 1978. He was also the president of Naga Students Union Darjeeling and vice president of Chakhesang Students Union Kohima. Late Mero was also elected as the member of Regional Council, Pfutsero and joined state politics in 1977.. Condolences: Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer and deputy CM Y. Patton, among others condoled the demise of former minister Lhiweshelo Mero. Gov: In a condolence message, governor Mukhi said he was pained to learn about the demise of Lhiweshelo Mero, who passed away on October 13. He said late Mero was a visionary leader who, under the most adverse circumstances, worked untiringly and selflessly for building a peaceful and prosperous Nagaland. His contribution to the people of Nagaland in various assignments will be remembered for ever, Mukhi stated. Stating that the state has lost a tall and prominent leader, Mukhi, on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on his own behalf, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to God to grant them solace at this hour of grief and for the soul to rest in eternal peace. CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio said he was deeply pained to hear about the demise of Lhiweshelo Mero. Rio said that late Mero was a person who selflessly served the society from a young age. Apart from being a tall leader, he was a jovial and a bumble gentleman with a big heart, who cared much for the societys welfare, Rio said. In his demise, Rio said that the Chakhesang community in particular and the Naga society as a whole have lost a visionary leader, a mentor and a father figure. Rio, along with his family, conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear the irreparable loss and or the departed soul to rest in eternal peace. NLA Speaker: NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed pain to hear about the demise of Lhiweshelo Mero. Sharingain said that late Mero was a very humble and a dedicated man who worked tirelessly for the welfare and development of his constituency and for the people of Nagaland. Condolences for Lhiweshelo Mero His contributions shall always be cherished, he added. On behalf of the members of the 13th NLA and on his own behalf, Sharingain expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul. CPO: Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) expressed deep pain and mourned the demise of a patriarch Lhiweshelo Mero, ex-minister, who breathed his last on October 13, at Bethel Hospital, Kohima. In his demise, CPO president Mikha Kenye and general secretary Veduvo Rhakho said that the Chakhesang community has lost a great soul, who exhibited exemplary quality of leadership to be emulated by both young and old. CPO said his contributions towards community service and development activities were commendable which will be always remembered. CPO conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. Dy.CM: Taking to twitter, deputy CM Y. Patton expressed sadness over the demise of Lhiweshelo Mero. During this time of utmost grief, my condolences go out to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace!, Patton tweeted. Minister Kronu: Minister planning and co-ordination, land revenue, parliamentary affairs, Neiba Kronu has expressed deep sadness at the demise of Lhiweshelo Mero. Kronu described late Mero as an exceptional and distinguished figure who was respected by all. He was a mentor, a dedicated public leader and a humble God fearing person who dedicated his entire life of his community, read the message. In his demise, Kronu said Nagas had lost a noble and dynamic leader who was an inspiration to all the Nagas. He prayed that the Lord would bring much needed peace to the bereaved family members. MP Rajya Sabha: Expressing grief over the demise of Lhiweshelo Mero, MP Rajya Sabha, K.G. Kenye said that Nagaland had lost a tall leader, a prominent citizen and a fatherly figure whose void would be difficult to fill. His exemplary life and contributions towards the well-being of our people will remain a testimony for all times to come, Kenye said. The MP conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty would grant them comfort. NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie has expressed deep pain to learn the passing away L. Mero, ex-minister. Therie said late Mero was not only his friend but a brother to him and that they knew each other since school days and travelled together living in the political arena. Therie described late Mero as a good human being and a tall leader and said that in his passing away, Nagas have lost a leader who had yet much to contribute to society. Further, Therie prayed that the Almighty grant solace to the bereaved family through this painful hour of parting. Thenucho Tunyi: Former speaker NLA, Thenucho Tunyi has expressed sadness to have learnt about the passing of his dear friend and colleague, Lhiweshielo Mero. Describing Lhiweshielo as a seasoned politician who always had concern for the development of the community, Thenucho said that for those who knew him personally, Lhiweshielo was a self-contended politician who had left behind a legacy of an exemplary leader. Under his able leadership, he contributed significantly for the development of the community, particularly in Pfutsero constituency and Phek district, he further stated. Maintaining that the people had lost a seasoned politician and a good human being in his passing, Thenucho extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty would grant them comfort. Regional Phillobari school incident: Assam govt orders inquiry, AASU issues apology GUWAHATI, OCT 15 (AGENCIES) | Publish Date: 10/15/2021 2:44:31 PM IST After the shocking incident in which a teacher was made to kneel at Phillobari Senior Secondary School in Tinsukia, the Assam government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, reports The Assam Sentinel. On October 11, a female teacher was made to kneel and apologize by the students who were protesting against the fee hike after an altercation broke out between the two parties. A video of the incident which soon went viral invited sharp criticism by the general public. An inquiry was immediately ordered by the Tinsukia District Administration, and a report was asked to be submitted within 3 days. The All Assam Student Union (AASU) also issued an apology and revealed that the union has suspended a member who was present during the incident. Addressing the general mass in a video message, AASU General Secretary Sankar Jyoti Baruah said, AASU was not involved in the protest. However, one of our members was present during the protest and thats why we have suspended him immediately. We want to apologize for the incident. AASU doesnt support any humiliation to teachers. The All Assam Congress Committee (AICC) has also condemned the incident questioned the position of the Assam government pointing out that the incident had taken place in the presence of police personnel. In a press release, the AICC has asked the Assam government to investigate and punish those persons who encouraged and actively or silently participated in this shocking insult of a teacher of Assam. The press release issued by the AICC read, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee strongly condemns the shocking incident of a teacher of Philobori Senior Secondary School in Tinsukia being compelled to kneel down before students protesting against raise of school fees. What is even more shocking is that the incident happened with police personnel in the background who can be seen in the video that has gone viral on social media. Teachers are revered all over the world and to compel a teacher who had been in service of the school for 27 years to kneel and apologize publicly is a gross act of ultimate disrespect that cannot be excused. We have heard that Government has ordered an enquiry into the matter but how can such an incident take place with police personnel present in the background is a big question. Why didnt they stop it? How can people of a civilized today watch such disrespect shown to a teacher? Is this the kind of society our children will inherit where insult of teachers and elders are watched silently and given sanction by keeping quiet on the spot? Assam Government while doing the enquiry should also take to task those persons who encouraged and actively or silently participated in this shocking insult of a teacher of Assam. Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 16:20:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Sept. 27, 2021 shows paintings created by farmers in Kumkusar Township of Makit County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaocheng) 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. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-14 19:33:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Soldiers are seen at the area of clashes in the Tayouneh area in Beirut, Lebanon on Oct. 14, 2021. The Lebanese Red Cross announced on Thursday that five people were killed in armed clashes in capital Beirut and more than 30 others were injured, Elnashra news website reported. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese Red Cross announced on Thursday that five people were killed in armed clashes in capital Beirut and more than 30 others were injured, Elnashra news website reported. Beirut's southern suburb witnessed earlier in the day armed clashes during a planned protest by supporters of Hezbollah and Amal Movement against Judge Tarek Bitar who is investigating last year's Beirut port explosions. Hezbollah and Amal Movement started the protests in reaction to an arrest warrant released on Tuesday by Bitar against Lebanese parliament member Ali Hassan Khalil after he failed to attend a questioning session. The Lebanese army has been deployed in the area and authorities started probes into the events. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 02:45:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei attends the meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Foreign Ministers in Minsk, Belarus, Oct. 14, 2021. The meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Minsk on Thursday. (Photo by Zhinkov Henadz/Xinhua) MINSK, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Minsk on Thursday. The ministers at the meeting approved a joint statement on strengthening the convention on the prohibition of biological and toxin weapons. Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said that the meeting participants exchanged views on international issues and cooperation within the CIS, paying special attention to the situation in Central Asia. Makei called for strengthening the multilateral interaction of the CIS member states on the basis of the international law. The cooperation of the CIS countries has great potential in the future, he said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the participants of the meeting adopted the Regulation on the International Association (Commission) of historians and archivists of the CIS member states. On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the World War II outbreak, the work of the commission will be focused on preventing distortions of the history of this event. The meeting also approved a draft joint declaration of the heads of state-participants on the 30th anniversary of the CIS creation, as well as projects for the development of cooperation in biological security and migration. The ministers approved methodological recommendations for the development of draft international treaties concluded within the CIS. The next meeting of the Council of CIS Foreign Ministers will take place in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, in April 2022. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 06:45:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Ramesh Rajasingham (left on screen), UN assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, attends a Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen at UN headquarters in New York on Oct. 14, 2021. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to deepen as more than 20 million people, or two-thirds of the population, need assistance, said Ramesh Rajasingham on Thursday. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to deepen as more than 20 million people, or two-thirds of the population, need assistance, said Ramesh Rajasingham, UN assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, on Thursday. The most immediate cause of the worsening humanitarian situation is the ongoing war. In recent weeks, conflict has intensified. Yet a cease-fire -- and all the benefits this would bring -- remains elusive, he told the Security Council in a briefing. In parallel, Yemen's economy is collapsing, leaving millions destitute. This collapse is a direct result of the war and, more indirectly, a result of the perverse incentives the war has created, he said. Hemmed in by violence and with fewer chances to take care of themselves, millions of Yemenis are looking to humanitarian organizations for help. But aid work is about to get much harder in Yemen, mostly because agencies are, once again, starting to run out of money, he said. Yemen is growing more violent -- not less, said Rajasingham. Over the last few weeks, Houthi forces have intensified their brutal offensive in Marib, taking more territory there and in neighboring parts of Shabwah governorate. In Aden, clashes also erupted earlier this month between rival armed groups, leading to several days of violence that shut down parts of the city and raise grave concerns for the future. Fighting, shelling and airstrikes have also continued in Saada, Hajjah, Hodeidah governorates, and along nearly 50 other front lines. The impact on civilians is grim. Hostilities in September killed or injured 235 civilians across the country, he said. The fighting in Marib is taking a particularly heavy civilian toll. Last month, almost 10,000 people were displaced in Marib -- the single highest figure so far this year. Since late September, Houthi forces have encircled Al Abdiyah district in Marib, which is home to nearly 35,000 civilians, many of whom previously fled there to escape fighting in other areas, he said. While conflict and instability are endangering civilians' lives, livelihoods are also under attack, said Rajasingham. Because nearly everything must be imported in Yemen, people and businesses are extremely vulnerable to changes in global prices and, especially, exchange rates and import taxes. The Yemeni rial is now trading around 1,270 to the U.S. dollar in Aden. That is nearly six times higher than before the war, he said. At the same time, fewer essential goods are reaching key ports in the first place. In Hodeidah and Saleef, commercial food imports in September were 8 percent below last year's average. Fuel imports were an alarming 64 percent lower, he noted. There are several immediate steps that could stem Yemen's economic collapse and so help reduce the pressure on the people of Yemen and the aid agencies trying to help them. Foreign exchange injections through Yemen's Central Bank would quickly bring down prices, just as they did in the past. The government is ready to work with everyone to devise an effective program for this, said Rajasingham. It is also time to loosen constraints on economic life. That means ensuring all Yemen's ports are fully open, including lifting import restrictions on Hodeidah and Saleef. It also means paying civil servant salaries. And it means taking steps to remove other barriers to business, he said. There are workable proposals on the table to achieve all of this. The impact would be both quick and transformative. The United Nations is eager to help, he said. Aid agencies are now helping nearly 13 million people across the country. That's about 3 million more people than just a few months before. This expansion has considerably pushed back the immediate risk of large-scale famine, he said. That is a major success and a direct result of more donor funds coming in over the last few months. This generosity is making an enormous difference. But this success may prove short-lived, as aid agencies do not have enough money to keep going at the scale required. In the coming weeks and months, up to 4 million people could see their food aid reduced. By the end of the year, that number could rise to 5 million people, he warned. Funding for water delivery and hospitals will also run out by the end of November. Water, sanitation and hygiene programs have only received 12 percent of the funds they need this year; health programs have received just 15 percent. Similar gaps persist in shelter and other sectors. "We are calling on everyone to do everything possible to sustain the momentum we've built over the last several months and keep famine at bay. That means increasing support for all humanitarian sectors in Yemen right away and, crucially, working hard to ensure the level of support does not drop next year," said Rajasingham. More than everything else, Yemen needs a political solution to end the war. A nationwide cease-fire, with no pre-conditions, would be an excellent place to start, he said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 10:57:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Lawmakers leave after the House of Representatives is dissolved in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi) In Japan's postwar history, this would be the first time that a general election was scheduled after the term has expired. In addition, the period between the dissolution of the lower house and voting day would be the shortest. TOKYO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida dissolved the House of Representatives on Thursday for an upcoming general election, calling on the Japanese people for support as he seeks a public mandate for his government formed last week. The general election is slated to be held on Oct. 31 after the four-year term of lower house members expires on Oct. 21, with campaigning to begin on Oct. 19. In Japan's postwar history, this would be the first time that a general election was scheduled after the term has expired. In addition, the period between the dissolution of the lower house and voting day would be the shortest. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (1st R) attends a meeting of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi) "We need to set a new formation of the House of Representatives through the election as soon as possible and accelerate work to make our major policy items more concrete," Kishida said in a press conference in the evening. "It is an election that will determine the future of Japan," he said, stressing that the country needs to build a new economic and social system for the post-COVID era. "I would like to ask the people of Japan to choose the leader best able to make that future," he said. Lawmakers attend a meeting of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi) The newly elected Japanese prime minister won the presidential election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Sept. 29 and was elected as prime minister on Oct. 4 in parliament controlled by the LDP-led coalition. Of the 465 seats in the lower house, Kishida has said the ruling coalition is seeking to win at least 233 seats. The LDP and its coalition partner Komeito won 310 seats in the last election in October 2017. Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 17:03:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A sub-forum themed "Ecological Civilization and Ecological Security of the Tibetan Plateau" is held 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. 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 17:49:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Workers convey China-aided COVID-19 vaccines at an airport in Bujumbura, Burundi, Oct. 14, 2021. China has offered 500,000 Sinopharm doses of COVID-19 vaccines to help Burundi fight the pandemic. (Photo by Evrard Ngendakumana/Xinhua) BUJUMBURA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- China has offered 500,000 Sinopharm doses of COVID-19 vaccines to help Burundi fight the pandemic. The handover ceremony took place Thursday at the office of the Extended Vaccination Program in Mukaza district in the commercial capital Bujumbura. Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping and Burundian officials including Health Minister Thaddee Ndikumana attended the ceremony. "This donation proves the existence of traditional cooperation between Burundi and China. We had asked for a donation of COVID-19 vaccines from China. Today the donation has reached us. We are grateful," said Thaddee Ndikumana in his speech during the ceremony. "Since January 2020, China donated medical equipment for the prevention and the fight against the pandemic, mainly protective kits and the screening equipment for coronavirus," said Ndikumana. Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping said the donation testified to the friendship between the two countries. "After the outbreak of the pandemic, China and Burundi tried their best to combat the pandemic together. China was among the first countries that donated medical equipment to prevent and fight COVID-19," said Zhao. She underlined that China will remain on Burundi's side in the fight against the pandemic. Earlier this week, Ndikumana told a press conference that beneficiaries of COVID-19 vaccines will be older people, health agents, travelers and anyone who will "voluntarily" express the need to be vaccinated. Each person who will request to receive the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine will receive two doses in order to boost the immunity against the pandemic, said Ndikumana. Burundi has been battling against new cases in the Bujumbura municipality and in the northern provinces of Ngozi and Kirundo. Since Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye took office in June 2020, the government has stepped up measures against COVID-19, including the mass screening campaign and reducing the price of soap with government subsidies. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 21:55:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Ethnic Miao women learn to make handicrafts at a women's service center in Liuzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 13, 2021. A series of exchange activities were held in Liuzhou on Wednesday and Thursday for ethnic Miao women from Wuying Village. Located deep in the mountains straddling the border between Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guizhou Province, Wuying is a remote village inhabited by the Miao ethnic group where women over 40 have hardly ever attended any school. Since March 2020, local authorities have piloted a training program at Wuying Village as part of the local poverty alleviation efforts, employing college students to teach stay-at-home women Mandarin, music, dance and other skills. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 22:05:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu (C) poses for a group photo with Elizabeth Maruma Mrema (R), executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and David Cooper, deputy executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, after the closing plenary of the High-Level Segment 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, Oct. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin) KUNMING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- With a bang of the gavel, the Kunming Declaration was adopted Wednesday in the provincial capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, providing new momentum for drawing the roadmap for biodiversity conservation in the coming decade. The declaration is the main achievement of the first part of COP15, or the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and takes note of the meeting's theme of "Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth." Upon the adoption of the milestone document, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the CBD, said the declaration is "ambitious" and "points us in the right direction, with Parties committed to negotiating a post-2020 framework that is effective in bending the curve of biodiversity loss." 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 within the framework of the UN multilateral environmental agreement. "The Kunming Declaration will help us not just to generate ambition in the complex negotiations ahead but will help enormously in narrowing the action gap between climate and nature conservation," said Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and chairperson of the Washington-based Global Environment Facility. "We need a more integrated approach. COP15 and the Kunming Declaration will help us move the integration agenda," said Rodriguez, who served as Costa Rican minister for environment and energy for three terms. "Compared with previous declarations regarding biodiversity, the Kunming Declaration is more in line with the objective requirements of post-2020 biodiversity conservation, especially in strengthening the sustainable use of biodiversity for meeting the needs of people as well as benefit-sharing," said Long Chunlin, an expert in ethnobiology and professor with the Minzu University of China, who attended COP15 and witnessed the adoption of the declaration. NEW JOURNEY With political impetus for and reinforced commitment to biodiversity conservation built at the Kunming conference, the world has embarked on a new journey toward the full realization of the CBD's 2050 Vision of "Living in Harmony with Nature," which is consistent with China's proposal of building a community of all life on Earth. China set the tone of enhanced ambition for this journey by announcing the commitment of investing 1.5 billion yuan (about 233 million U.S. dollars) to establish the Kunming Biodiversity Fund in support of biodiversity protection in developing countries. "The need to really drive negotiations toward an ambitious, implementable, trackable post-2020 biodiversity framework (is) with financing behind it," said Beate Trankmann, resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in China. The journey ahead is not necessarily one compromising economic prospects. China has justified a win-win outcome between environment and development. "Particularly by integrating efforts to advance ecological progress into the poverty eradication drive, we have kept our biodiversity intact, boosted the development of local communities and helped local residents increase their incomes and eliminate poverty," said vice minister Zhao. "This goes to the original purpose of development, which is for people's wellbeing," said Zhang Yongsheng, head of the Research Institute for Eco-civilization, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Keeping biodiversity intact is inherently linked with many global issues including fulfilling the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and tackling climate change and cannot be achieved by a single country. "We must work together and ensure that every country does its part," Mrema added. Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 23:08:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China and Singapore should work jointly to address the new task of post-pandemic development. During his phone conversation with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Xi said that the current socio-economic development of both countries and the bilateral relations are standing at a new starting point in history. Both sides should set store by the well-being of the two peoples as well as the prosperity and development of the region, and jointly address the new task of post-pandemic development so as to continue offering the people satisfactory results, Xi said. As close neighbors and partners, China and Singapore understand and trust each other politically, advance with the times in cooperation, and learn from each other through exchanges, Xi said. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two sides have helped each other and taken on the challenge in solidarity, and have pushed forward bilateral cooperation against the odds, which has demonstrated the vitality and resilience of China-Singapore relations, he noted. China, he added, is ready to work with Singapore to keep high-level exchanges and strategic communication, strengthen joint prevention and control, resume personnel exchanges in a prudent and orderly manner, deepen cooperation in such fields as research and development of vaccines and drugs, and nurture new pacesetters of cooperation in digital economy and green sustainable development among other areas. China welcomes the Singaporean side to get deeply involved in China's process of fostering a new development pattern, so as to continuously lift the quality and level of bilateral cooperation, he said. Meanwhile, Xi stressed that against the backdrop of profound changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century, the international community, especially developing countries, are facing multiple challenges. China and Singapore have common ideas and shared interests on the major issue of safeguarding multilateralism and achieving common development, he noted. China, he said, is willing to work with Singapore to strengthen multilateral cooperation, build a global community of development with a shared future, and enable the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to take effect as scheduled, so as to inject impetus into regional and even global economic recovery. Noting that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he said China is ready to work with Singapore and other ASEAN countries to push forward the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. For his part, Lee extended congratulations on the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and once again on the centenary of the Communist Party of China. Despite great changes in the international situation, Singapore-China relations have always maintained a sound momentum of development, he said. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore and China have cooperated closely and supported each other, with bilateral trade growing significantly against headwinds, and Belt and Road cooperation and the construction of the new land-sea corridor making remarkable achievements, he added. Singapore, he said, hopes to work with China to maintain personnel exchanges, tap into the potential to expand practical cooperation in such fields as digital economy, green development, green finance and climate change. Singapore is ready to work with China to successfully carry out activities celebrating the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations, and advance ASEAN-China relations for more tangible outcomes, so as to bring more benefits to the people in the region, Lee added. Singapore welcomes and supports China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will contribute to regional prosperity and development, he said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-16 00:57:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) drew to an end on Friday. -- Participants have highlighted the China-proposed philosophy of ecological civilization as a guideline to achieve coexistence between human and nature. -- Facing biodiversity loss at an alarming rate, many countries are urged to translate their conservation plans into actions at COP15. KUNMING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from governments, non-governmental organizations, research institutions and private sectors worldwide have gathered in China, virtually or in person, to navigate transformative changes in biodiversity conservation. As the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) drew to an end on Friday in China's southwestern city of Kunming, participants have highlighted the China-proposed philosophy of ecological civilization as a guideline to achieve harmonious coexistence between human and nature. This philosophy has directed the overall development of China, the world's second largest economy, to greener ends. And it starts to gain recognition globally as countries are seeking solutions to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change and other crises threatening the survival of humanity. Aerial photo taken on Sept. 2, 2021 shows a rural road in Dongmiao Township of Du'an Yao Autonomous County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua) FROM DOMESTIC TO GLOBAL The philosophy of ecological civilization derives from the Chinese perception, or reflection, of the relationship between man and nature. Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his keynote speech at COP15 that "we shall take the development of ecological civilization as our guide to coordinate the relationship between man and Nature. We need to solve the problems brought by industrial civilization, keep human activities within the limits of the ecology and environment, and carry out holistic conservation and systematic governance of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts." Xi's remarks underscored the values of nature in decision-making, which resonate with other participants at COP15. Gretchen Daily, an American environmental scientist at Stanford University, quoted Confucius, a philosopher from ancient China, in her speech at the forum. Gretchen Daily, professor of Stanford University and fellow of National Academy of Sciences of the United States, 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/Chen Yehua) "There are three pathways to wisdom: The first is through contemplation, and that is the noblest. The second is through imitation, and that is the easiest. The third is through experience, and that is the bitterest," she said. She suggested following "Confucius as a guide," calling for taking the "noblest" way to reflect on exploitation of nature without restraint. "We all know that we can no longer treat nature as free," Daily said. Ecological civilization that was written into China's Constitution in 2018 has become a unique Chinese approach to green economy on top of ambitious environmental targets. On Wednesday, it was embodied into the Kunming Declaration, the first time that the Chinese philosophy was incorporated into a political document under the framework of the United Nations (UN) multilateral environmental agreement. 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) This concept "could serve as a template for guiding the global strategic direction, where we need an ecological balance with our planet," said Dechen Tsering, director of UN Environment Programme's Asia and the Pacific Office. FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE Themed "Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth," COP15 is the first global conference convened by the UN to highlight ecological civilization. It is also viewed as a version of sustainable development with Chinese characteristics, which envisages a new path for China's growth and also inspires other countries to achieve their development goals. Marco Lambertini, director-general of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International, delivers a speech via video during the opening ceremony of 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/Chen Yehua) "I think this concept is fundamental because it is deeper than sustainable development," said Marco Lambertini, director-general of the World Wide Fund for Nature International. "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 said. To practice this philosophy, China has implemented eco-environmental conservation and restoration projects. According to China's white paper on biodiversity conservation released on Oct. 8, between 2016 and 2020, China had restored 1,200 km of its coastline and 23,000 hectares of seaside wetlands; between 2000 and 2017, China had contributed about 25 percent of global vegetation growth, the biggest share among all countries. Aerial photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows a wind farm of the Daqing wind power project in Daqing, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) Meanwhile, China has been increasing its use of renewable energy. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, a Belgium-based international trade association for the wind power industry, China broke the world record for most wind power capacity installed in a single year in 2020, with 52 gigawatts of new capacity. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) "The Chinese government has continued to apply a long-term approach to halt and reverse biodiversity loss with multiple disciplinary teams that can offer evidence-based solutions to address socioeconomic complexities and can provide inclusive and accessible policy directions, including the ecological red line policy, which will enable (people) to build a resilient environment able to adapt to future impacts and shocks," said Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. FROM COMMITMENT TO ACTION Facing biodiversity loss at an alarming rate, many countries are formulating conservation plans. They are urged to translate their commitments into actions at COP15. A spoon-billed sandpiper forages at Xinyingwan mangrove nature reserve in Danzhou City, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) To promote common development of all countries, China has promised to build a green, low-carbon and circular economic system, better people's well-being, and uphold a fair and equitable international governance system. China is moving faster to establish a protected areas system with national parks as the mainstay, Xi said in his speech at COP15. "When you talk about what does 'Beautiful China' mean, in our mind, it's taking these concrete actions and then turning them into protected areas that allow humanity and nature to live together in a mutually sustaining way," said James Roth, senior vice president for Global Policy and Government Affairs at U.S. nonprofit environmental organization Conservation International. The concept of ecological civilization, Roth said, "really highlights in our view (of) humanity living in harmony with nature." At COP15, Xi also announced China's initiative to establish a Kunming Biodiversity Fund and take the lead by investing 1.5 billion yuan (233 million U.S. dollars) to support biodiversity protection in developing countries. Moreover, Xi said China will release implementation plans for peaking carbon dioxide emissions in key areas and sectors as well as a series of supporting measures, and will put in place a "1+N" policy framework for carbon peak and carbon neutrality. "President Xi is saying that we need to protect that (ecological) civilization as much as anything else. We cannot just build motorways and new towns. We need to produce a balance with nature. I think it is a great value to the world," said Stephen Perry, chairman of Britain's 48 Group Club. French writer and sinologist Lea Bessis said that the world can see China's determination on ecological environment through Xi's speech. "China will thus serve as an example," Bessis said. (Video reporters: Jiang Chao, Yang Yi, Liu Chang; video editors: Lin Lin, Yin Le) Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-16 01:21:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The crewed spaceship Shenzhou-13, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, is launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert, Oct. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang) JIUQUAN, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Saturday launched the crewed spaceship Shenzhou-13, sending three astronauts to its space station core module Tianhe for a six-month mission. The spacecraft, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 12:23 a.m. (Beijing Time), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). About 582 seconds after the launch, Shenzhou-13 separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. The crew members are in good shape and the launch is a complete success, the CMSA declared. It is the 21st flight mission since the country's manned space program was approved and initiated, and the second crewed mission for China's space station project. The three astronauts are Zhai Zhigang, the commander and China's first spacewalker, Wang Yaping, the first Chinese female astronaut to visit China's space station and carry out extravehicular activities, and Ye Guangfu, a newcomer to space. They are expected to set a new record for China's manned space mission duration, exceeding the three months kept by the Shenzhou-12 crew from June to September this year. After entering orbit, the Shenzhou-13 spaceship will conduct a fast automated rendezvous and docking with the in-orbit combination composed of the space station core module Tianhe and the cargo craft Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3. The astronauts will be stationed in the core module. They will have assignments including operating mechanical arms, performing extravehicular activities, and having module transfer tests. They will also continue to verify key technologies concerning astronauts' long-term stay in orbit, as well as recycle and life support. Tianzhou-3, carrying supplies for the Shenzhou-13 crewed mission, was launched and docked at the rear docking port of Tianhe on Sept. 20. Currently, the complex formed by Tianhe and the two cargo craft has entered an orbit for docking, ready for docking with the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft and boarding of the three astronauts. Five launch missions had been planned for this year, namely the launch of the Tianhe core module, Tianzhou-2 cargo ship, Shenzhou-12 crewed mission, Tianzhou-3 cargo ship and Shenzhou-13 crewed mission. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 10:52:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LAGOS, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian navy said on Thursday that 22 suspects were arrested with 32.9 kg of cocaine seized from a cargo ship departing from Brazil to Nigeria in a recent operation against drug trafficking. Bashir Mohammed, a Nigerian navy commander, told a news conference that the 22 suspects were arrested on a cargo ship by a joint team led by the Nigerian navy, following an intelligence report from the Interpol. "Acting on credible intelligence from Interpol, the Nigerian navy commenced tracking of the vessel suspected of attempting to smuggle narcotics into Nigeria," Mohammed said. He said the vessel entered Nigerian waters on Oct. 8. "Upon entering Nigerian waters, the vessel was intercepted ... and escorted to Nigerian Ports Authority where the vessel berthed and was taken into custody by the Nigerian navy," Mohammed said. The suspected vessel was thoroughly searched by a combined team of Nigerian navy, Interpol Nigeria, Nigerian Custom Service and Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency beginning on Saturday, said the navy officer, adding that a bag containing 32.9 kg of cocaine was found on Wednesday in the vessel's cargo compartment. He said all people involved in the nefarious act would be prosecuted according to the laws of the country. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 11:00:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ABUJA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian military on Thursday confirmed at least 250 gunmen have been killed following telecoms blackout in parts of the country's northwest region since September. Lucky Irabor, the country's defense chief, told a press briefing in Abuja that over 600 other gunmen, commonly known as bandits in Nigeria, were captured in the successful military operations facilitated by the interruption of the telephone and internet services in some northwestern states. Military operations against the bandits were intensified with a sudden shutdown of the telecoms services in the northwestern state of Zamfara early last month. It was further extended to parts of Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna states, all in the northwest region. Irabor said the shutdown has so far been helpful to the military's operations in the northwest, including the rescue of kidnapped hostages from various camps of the bandits. With the ongoing operations, the Nigerian general said the government's primary objective was to ensure the peace and wellbeing of every citizen. He said the military aims to scale up operations across the country, in view of the worrisome security situation, adding that a larger number of the bandits had been identified in the northwest. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 16:55:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUANDA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Angola is creating logistical conditions for the start of the electoral registration abroad, local authorities said Thursday. The country's Minister of Territory Administration Marcy Lopes told the press that the preparation of the electoral registration of Angolans living overseas includes training of staff from diplomatic and consular missions who will be involved in the process. "The training of these staffs begins in November this year, in person in Portugal and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and via Zoom in other countries, with the support of all citizens," he said. The official announced that the electoral registration of Angolan citizens residing abroad will take place from January to March 2022. Lopes was speaking at the end of a meeting with members of the National Electoral Commission. Angola is scheduled to hold general elections in August 2022. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 17:03:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Some government departments and agencies in Uganda have started demanding proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before allowing access to their premises. The National Medical Stores (NMS) on Thursday said all staff and visitors must show proof of full vaccination before admission to their premises. The agency said the move is in line with the government directive for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in efforts to fully reopen the economy. The NMS said for staff and visitors who are not yet vaccinated, they should provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours. The health ministry said it would soon take the same directive as the NMS to ensure that no staff members or visitors access the headquarters without showing proof of vaccination. "We have given some grace period for those not yet vaccinated to do so," Emmanuel Ainebyoona, spokesperson of the ministry, tweeted. The NMS said the country has so far received about 5.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and about 2.4 million doses have been administered nationwide. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 21:27:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WINDHOEK, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Namibia further relaxed the country's COVID-19 regulations for the next 30 days, president Hage Geingob announced on Friday. In his 35th public briefing with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, Geingob said the number of people permitted at public gatherings will be increased up to 200 from the previous 150 while the curfew time which was previously at 11:00 p.m. local time will be suspended altogether. Restrictions related to nightclubs, gambling houses, betting houses and gyms will see those entities operating at half capacity, the president said. He said the decision comes after cabinet met earlier this week and made deliberations. "With the trend of declining COVID-19 positive cases, decreasing hospitalizations and deaths in the country, the cabinet met this week to deliberate on the next dispensation of the public health regulations." "Informed by available data and consistent with the approach of evidence-based decision-making, I will today announce further relaxation of the measures in our national response," said Geingob. The new regulations will be effective from Oct. 16. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 21:37:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Health officials in Zambia on Friday confirmed an outbreak of suspected typhoid in Lusaka, the country's capital. Residents of mostly shanty compounds of the Zambian capital have of late complained of diarrhea cases, forcing the health authorities to conduct tests. Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said environmental and water analysis has revealed fecal contamination of water in some shanty compounds in the city. She said in a release that health authorities have since heightened active surveillance-reporting cases and engaged the water and sanitation firm to manage the problem. The ministry, she said, has also received 6,000 bottles of liquid chlorine from the Zambia Red Cross to be distributed to the affected areas as well intensified water quality monitoring. "We continue to urge all households to ensure that they practice safe food and water hygiene practices more so during this time of year in order to avoid diseases," she said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 21:51:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said on Friday that it has embarked on a restructuring program of its power utility in order to enhance efficiency in its operations. Minister of Energy Peter Kapala said the ministry has embarked on a turnaround strategy to improve ZESCO Limited's financial position but dismissed assertions that the firm will be privatized. "A team comprising of experts from the Ministry of Energy, the Industrial Development Corporation and ZESCO Limited has been tasked with assisting ZESCO to implement this strategy," he said in a ministerial statement in parliament. The company, he said, has faced operational inefficiencies that have affected revenue generation and collection which needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The Zambian minister said it was the government's commitment to ensuring that the company's financial sustainability was achieved. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 22:58:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Herman Asiimwe, a foreman at the brick-making yard, answers questions during an interview at Entebbe International Airport in Entebbe, Uganda, on Oct. 6, 2021. On the tarmac at Uganda's Entebbe International Airport on the shores of Lake Victoria, Chinese technicians and their Ugandan counterparts put final touches on the aprons as planes fly in and out. The 70-year-old airport, opened in 1951 by the British colonial masters, refurbished in the early 1970s and now under upgrading and expansion works financed by China, is Uganda's major gateway to the world. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping) by Ronald Ssekandi ENTEBBE, Uganda, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- On the tarmac at Uganda's Entebbe International Airport on the shores of Lake Victoria, Chinese technicians and their Ugandan counterparts put final touches on the aprons as planes fly in and out. The 70-year-old airport, opened in 1951 by the British colonial masters, refurbished in the early 1970s and now under upgrading and expansion works financed by China, is Uganda's major gateway to the world. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, construction works started in May 2016 after Uganda acquired a 200-million-U.S. dollar loan from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank). The project is scheduled to be implemented in two phases, said China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), which was contracted to design, construct and manage the project. The first phase, with three-quarters finished, involves construction of a new passenger terminal, a new cargo complex, and upgrade of two runways and their associated taxiways, rehabilitation and overlay of three aprons. "For the new cargo building, it is about 10,000 square-meters and when it is finished, it can handle 100,000 tons of cargo per year; for the new passenger terminal building, it is about 20,000 square-meters (and) can handle 3 million passengers per year," Li Qinpu, CCCC project manager told Xinhua in a recent interview. "When this airport is finished, it will become a modern airport in Uganda and East Africa. This airport will become a landmark," Li added. The airport is connected to the 49.56 km-Entebbe-Kampala expressway, which links the capital Kampala. The construction of the four-lane dual carriageway was also financed by the China EximBank. Ayub Sooma, director for airports and aviation security at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, told Xinhua that all the infrastructure development aims at fast-tracking the country's economic development. "This improvement will attract further more traffic at Entebbe International Airport and the government has deliberately brought in Uganda Airlines (national carrier). Uganda Airlines is able to bring in a lot of transit passengers through Entebbe. So this is a critical facility that is going to play a key role in our economy," Sooma said. COVID-19 PANDEMIC Shortly after COVID-19 hit the country in March 2020, government imposed a lockdown and closed the airport, suspending incoming and outgoing flights except those concerning humanitarian aid. Countries worldwide were also imposing lockdowns as they grappled to contain the pandemic, which have great impact on the manufacture and supply of materials for construction. "Generally, it slowed down the progress of work," Sooma said. He said as countries continue to ease the lockdown measures, the supply of construction materials has improved and the project is back on course. Sooma said the success of the expansion and upgrade project will not only enhance bilateral relations, but also people-to-people ties. Li said at the peak of the construction, there were over 900 local employees and 80 Chinese workers, who have a lot of skill sharing and exchanges. Mugisha Moses Atuhire, a local employee, was one of the local workers who have learnt a lot in training provided by Chinese engineers and technicians. Atuhire said being on the project has exposed him to many construction techniques that he did not know before. Herman Asiimwe joined the CCCC as a casual laborer, but he has since risen through the ranks to the level of a foreman at the brick-making yard. "When I got involved in the work, I got to learn so many things, like molding bricks, operating machines, management of other workers," Asiimwe said. "After learning, I also started teaching others ... how to operate machines," he added. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 20:43:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Britain and the European Union (EU) are expected to get back around the table in the next few weeks to find a long-term solution to their post-Brexit trade dispute with Northern Ireland at the center. They will aim at smoothing trade through technical changes but also tackle the more challenging problem, the oversight role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Northern Ireland, on which both sides are far apart. NI PROTOCOL PROBLEM As part of the Brexit deal, the Northern Ireland Protocol stipulates that Northern Ireland remains in the EU single market and customs union to avoid a hard border between the region and the Republic of Ireland. However, this leads to a new "regulatory" border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. By remaining in the EU single market, it means Northern Ireland still follows some EU rules, and goods arriving in the region from other parts of Britain will need to be checked at ports while some meat products are not allowed entry. Temporary light-touch checks are given to supermarket products under the extended grace period to reduce trade disruptions. More than nine months into implementation, both Britain and the EU recognize the protocol brings problems. The EU acknowledges the protocol is causing difficulties for some businesses and have suggested ways in which its effects can be reduced. Britain complains the rigid operation of the protocol is unacceptable because it has severely disrupted trade, affected consumers and contributed to political instability. The current situation has angered pro-Britain unionists in Northern Ireland, resulting in protests and riots raging for days in April in the region. TWO SETS OF PROPOSALS To find a long-term solution, Britain outlined proposals in a government paper in July to require "significant change" to the Northern Ireland Protocol, interpreted by observers as a renegotiation of the protocol. Britain's Brexit minister David Frost spoke about "a new legal text" in Lisbon, Portugal, earlier this week, saying the protocol is "the biggest source of mistrust" between Britain and the EU and repeated demand for "significant change" to it. In addition to technical changes, Britain hopes to fundamentally change the protocol by removing the oversight of the ECJ in Northern Ireland, with international arbitration instead of a system of EU law ultimately policed in the court of one of the parties. "The Commission have been too quick to dismiss governance as a side issue," Frost said. In response to Britain's proposals, the EU published its own package to facilitate the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, including cutting customs formalities and simplified certification and an 80 percent reduction of the checks for retail goods for Northern Ireland's consumers. It said it will guarantee uninterrupted supply of medicine to the people of Northern Ireland by changing EU rules. However, the EU has so far rejected the British offer to overhaul the protocol, stressing that respecting international legal obligations is of paramount importance. European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic repeatedly said the EU "will not agree to a renegotiation" of the protocol. MIXED REACTION "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," a British government spokesperson said. According to the BBC, Sefcovic said he wants to see a revised protocol agreement signed off "before the end of the year". But Britain's former Brexit Secretary David Davis cast doubt on hopes that deal could be done before Christmas. The proposals are a "starting point", but appear to fall "far short of the fundamental change needed", Northern Ireland's pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has said. The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium welcomed "signs of movement from both sides". However, a spokesperson said if the proposals are to work they must provide "stability, certainty, simplicity and affordability" to Northern Ireland's business community. Seamus Leheny, a representative of trade body Logistics UK, told the BBC that companies across Britain are not concerned about the ECJ's role in the Northern Ireland Protocol. "What people want is solutions to the protocol, they want the protocol to work and that is what we are interested in." "The UK and EU have listened to business on many of the technical solutions needed to protect GB-NI (Great Britain-Northern Ireland) trade. Both sides must now grasp this opportunity to get back round the table --and agree sustainable long-term solutions that work for businesses and communities in Northern Ireland," said Sean McGuire, the Europe director of the Confederation of British Industry. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-16 00:07:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VALLETTA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- More restrictions will be lifted in Malta from Monday, Health Minister Chris Fearne has announced, since the COVID-19 situation in the country remains "under control." Seated events that are currently only accessible to those who have been vaccinated will see attendance limits increase from 100 to 300, the Health Minister announced at a press conference on Friday. Meanwhile, the obligatory distance between cafe tables will be halved to one meter outside and 1.5 meters indoors. Also from Monday, children under 12 attending events with vaccinated adults, including cultural events in theatres and cinemas, will no longer need to take a PCR test beforehand. The number of people allowed per table at such events will increase from six to eight, allowing organizers who opt to limit entrance to vaccinated people only to increase attendance numbers. Meanwhile, the maximum capacity allowed on public transport, including ferries, is being increased from 65 percent to 80 percent. Fearne said these restrictions were being eased because the COVID-19 situation is under control, and the number of people hospitalized with the virus in Malta currently stands at 11. The health minister noted that following the reclassification of the Mu variant by the World Health Organisation as no longer of concern, Malta will no longer be considering the incidence of this variant in assessing which countries to limit travel from. Due to this development, many Latin American countries that are currently on the "dark red" list will be moved to the "red" list, which means that travel will be permitted with some restrictions. On the other hand, due to an increase in the number of cases in eastern European countries, these will be moved to the "dark red" list. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-16 00:24:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIGA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Latvia reasserted its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council at the Riga Conference 2021, a security and foreign policy conference which opened in the Latvian capital Friday. In his speech at the conference, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said that whether Latvia will be elected to the UN Security Council for 2026-2027 or not, green economy and digitalization will remain its international priorities. The minister said that Latvia intends to continue cooperation in these areas both with partners within the UN and on the regional level. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who addressed the Riga Conference in a video speech, said that he regarded the Baltic states as a model of multilateralism, which in the current situation is an especially important aspect of international relations as it helps combat such problems as the COVID-19 pandemic and terrorism. Riga Conference 2021, hosted by the Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO), took place in the Latvian capital on Friday and Saturday. Participants of the forum are expected to discuss a range of foreign and security policy issues, including Afghanistan's impact on international security, U.S.-China relations, the agenda of NATO 2030, the European Union's Green Deal, regional and global security, cybersecurity, etc. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-16 00:45:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- As of Oct. 16, the European Union's (EU) Digital COVID Certificate - also known as the COVID-19 Passport - will be used nationwide in Finland, the country's authorities said on Friday. "The COVID-19 Passport will serve as an alternative in situations where the event or premises in question are subject to restrictions. Such restrictions can include restrictions on opening hours or on the number of participants at events," the government said in a press release. However, "the COVID-19 passport will not serve as an alternative to restrictions in situations where the authorities have closed the premises or prohibited the public event altogether owing to the COVID-19 situation," the release noted. For example, restaurants can avoid restrictions if they require their customers to present a COVID-19 Passport. Thus, they would not have to comply with the restrictions on opening times or customer numbers. "People aged 16 and over can be required to present a COVID-19 Passport," according to the release. In general, the passport can be required at restaurants, nightclubs and public events. According to public health officials, the mandatory use of the COVID-19 Passport could motivate people to take the vaccine, especially if an eventual increase in the number of new infections forces the introduction of new restrictions. Over the past two weeks, Finland registered a 30-percent increase in the number of new infections. The incidence rate currently stands at 140 cases per 100,000 residents. On Friday alone, 723 new cases were reported by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Around 85 percent of the country's population aged 12 and over have already received one vaccine dose, and 74 percent two doses. Also on Friday, Finland updated its restrictions on entry into the country. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated passengers are now required to undergo two COVID-19 tests: one before entering the country and the other upon arrival in Finland. People arriving in Finland are now required to present proof of either full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months, or a negative test result. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 11:34:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Hu Yousong WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Government officials "now need to roll up their sleeves and agree to concrete actions" on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework for the next decade set out by the Kunming Declaration, a U.S. environmental expert has said. "There's a lot that needs to be fine-tuned regarding the global biodiversity framework to reflect the ambition of the Kunming Declaration," James Roth, senior vice president for global policy and government affairs at Conservation International, told Xinhua on Wednesday, referring to the document adopted at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). "Recognition and commitments at the ministerial level should be motivation for technical level work. Government officials now need to roll up their sleeves and agree to concrete actions that reflect the urgency and commitment expressed by ministers," said Roth, adding that all of that work will "help us ensure the next decade will be the decade of change." "The Kunming Declaration shows that countries are aware of the problem. Biodiversity loss is on par with the climate crisis but needs to be translated into action. We need to get the actual goals on paper and agreed to," he said. "The global community needs to come together to close the biodiversity funding gap. China's financing commitment will hopefully move other countries to help close the dramatic funding gap," he said, adding "moreover, the expansion of protected areas in China should be a motivator for other countries to follow." Countries have reached the consensus at the ministerial level that biodiversity loss and other disastrous trends "pose an existential threat to our society, our culture, our prosperity and our planet," he said, noting "this is a bold and alarming statement that must serve as a wake-up call." To that point, the Kunming Declaration connected biodiversity with human health and well-being, he said. "We cannot view biodiversity as something separate from our lives. If areas rich in biodiversity are degraded, all of human civilization will suffer." Noting that ministers have agreed to "commit to" reversing the current loss of biodiversity by 2030 at the latest, he added that another important commitment is "the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples by ensuring their participation in our collective efforts." Conservation International is a non-profit international organization based in the United States, with a mission to promote global biodiversity and the well-being of humanity. Enditem CIVIL servants who defied governments order to be vaccinated against COVID-19 should not report for duty starting Monday, their employer said yesterday. The civil servants will also be denied their salaries and allowances. Though it could not be immediately established how many civil servants will be affected by the order, there are fears that thousands have not been vaccinated due to logistical challenges, religion and other factors. Government, through a gazette of September 17, gave its workers until yesterday to get jabbed, failure which will result in them being barred from work, forfeiting their salaries and allowances. COVID-19 chief co-ordinator in the Presidents Office, Agnes Mahomva, said no unvaccinated civil servants would be allowed at work starting Monday until they get their doses. She said the move was not meant to punish, but to protect the general public. Everybody is following Statutory Instrument 234 of 2021 and legally, that is what is binding everyone. So, whether there are any other decisions that come later but for now, everybody is bound by the law, Mahomva said. People might appeal, talk about this and so on but within the timelines of the law, that is what is on the ground now. Its like saying someone should have a licence, but have someone saying he or she is appealing not to have one. As long as that law is there, it is the one speaking to what is on the ground. We just need to abide by the law and if the people havent, they stay home according to the law and if something changes, it will be communicated as usual. It is really genuinely trying to say, look, you have to be protected, not to say, we want people not to work as punishment. Government is taking health as a priority. Information permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana said the civil servants who refuse to be vaccinated would be subjected to disciplinary action. D-Day for civil servants (as) today is the deadline for civil servants to get vaccinated or be barred from the workplace and not get paid while so barred, Mangwana said. Those who refuse to be fully vaccinated shall be subject to disciplinary action for refusing to obey a lawful instruction, he added. But civil servants described the move as grossly unfair. Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions secretary-general David Dzatsunga described the move as victimisation. When it comes to workers, it should be a product of dialogue. Let us sit down and agree on how this can be administered so that we dont have victimisation, he said. You cannot just make pronouncements that affect people without involving them. You cannot use a counterproductive command approach on such issues. It can have a disruptive effect and is clear victimisation. Last month, government said it would force unvaccinated civil servants and teachers to resign in a bid to ramp up the uptake of COVID-19 jabs. Meanwhile, Mahomva told a Science Cafe in Harare that Zimbabwes vaccination programme has been marred by setbacks despite being viewed as one of the best in Africa. She said the challenges were mainly technical with human resources leading the toll. The vaccination programme has been doing much better but it has its own challenges, we will never lie about it. We have challenges with human resources, she said. There has been widespread criticism of the programme which started in February this year as a control measure to the deadly global pandemic that has been ravaging the world since December 2019. Douglas Mwonzora and his puppets are just a bunch of puppet clowns This is their counter to NHM pic.twitter.com/tMubLon1ut FIRST Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, is in Russia to attend the Third Eurasian Womens Forum, and had a heart-to-heart discussion with the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Madam Valentina Matviyenko where they discussed issues of mutual interest, her philanthropic work, students scholarships, Covid-19 and investment in Zimbabwe among other issues. The meeting which took place on the sidelines of the forum, was held in a warm, relaxed and friendly environment with the Federation Council Speaker showing a keen interest in exploring partnerships with the First Ladys Angel of Hope Foundation. Amai Mnangagwa was invited to the Third Eurasian Womens Forum in recognition of her philanthropic work a sign that her hard work has reached far and wide thus getting International acclaim. The Third Eurasian Womens forum an international womens platform aimed at promoting the womens agenda in line with sustainable development, was officially opened by the Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday. In the meeting, the Federation Council Speaker and the First Lady happily shook hands, embraced and had photographs taken together. Madam Matviyenko actually hugged the First Lady and jokingly remarked: I know we are all Covid-19 free before they had a woman to woman talk. Delegates attending the forum are being tested for Covid-19 daily. The Federation Council Speaker readily accepted an invitation that was extended to her by the First Lady to visit Zimbabwe and have a first hand account of the Zimbabwean experience. I would love to visit Zimbabwe and all arrangements would be made through the correct diplomatic protocols. We look forward to further cooperation and continued partnership between Zimbabwe and Russia. We are exploring other areas of assistance, she said. The speaker said more Russian companies were keen to invest in Zimbabwe and this dovetails with President Mnangagwas Zimbabwe is open for business mantra. Also on discussion was the issue of Zimbabwean students on scholarships to Russia to be increased from 65 to 80 per year. So far, nearly 300 Zimbabwean students are studying on scholarships in Russia. In her heart-warming remarks, Madam Matviyenko described Zimbabwe as a reliable partner of Russia on the African continent. 2021 marks 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In recent years our interaction has been progressing and we are interested in developing the entire range of bilateral relations. We attach great importance to the inter-parliamentary cooperation and look forward to its further development, she said. The Federation Council speaker said she was happy with the work the First Lady was doing in the country and they would discuss more about her Angel of Hope Foundation. Through her foundation, the First Lady told the speaker, she was encouraging women who failed to complete their education for various reasons to go back to school saying that was another tool which was important in empowering women. Amai Mnangagwa also told her that apart from the Covid-19 issues which Russia assisted Zimbabwe, she was also raising awareness in communities countrywide on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) urging people to undergo regular medical check-ups to allow early diagnosis and treatment of these ailments to curb avoidable deaths. I would like to thank the Russian Government for standing with Zimbabwe in this Covid-19 era where Zimbabwe received the first vaccine from Russia in away to protect Zimbabwean citizens. This shows Russias humanity and willingness to assist others who are in need, she said. The Federation Council Speaker added that Russia had filed a request for the production of Covid-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe as a major show of cooperation between the two countries. Herald A PRIVATE college teacher in Harare was yesterday arrested after a video of him brutally assaulting an 18-year-old student went viral. Police confirmed the arrest of the Harare Einstein Tuition Centre Maths teacher, Michael Freeman Chingwaru, who was caught on camera in a fit of rage assaulting a hapless student using fists, a belt and open palms. The teacher was widely condemned for his behaviour shown in the over one-minute-long video, where he was attacking the student while his peers were pleading with him to stop the attack. In the video, the student did not fight back, but could only complain that Chingwaru was hurting him while he stood in a corner, defying orders for him to sit. The ZRP confirms the arrest of Michael Freeman Chingwaru (39), a Maths teacher at Harare Einstein Tuition centre for assaulting a student (18) at the same institution, police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said. The Lower Sixth student was found in the ordinary level class watching some movies during lesson time and ordered to go to his class. Instead, he went to a Biology classroom and coincidentally met the same teacher, where a harsh exchange of words occurred, resulting in the teacher assaulting the complainant. Nyathi said school authorities should ensure that peace prevails in learning institutions at all times. Corporal punishment is outlawed in Zimbabwe and teachers are forbidden from physically attacking students as punishment for any wrong doing. There was speculation as to the reason why Chingwaru assaulted the student, with some claiming he had found the student in an uncompromising position with a female student, believed to be his relative. This was after Chingwaru posted a picture of a boy, with a girl in a compromising position, claiming that was the reason for the attack on the pupil. Another video of Chingwaru has emerged with him violently confronting a Zesa Holdings employee at the school before he was restrained. It could not be immediately established when the video was taken, but he exhibited the same violent conduct and anger as shown in his attack on the teenage student at the school. School authorities could not immediately comment on the incident, with the Primary and Secondary Education ministry saying investigations on the matter were underway. He is expected to appear in court soon. Newsday The new Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, replaced Ambassador Cain Mathema because the latter is unwell, President Mnangagwa has said. Minister Ndlovu is the former Minister of State in Vice President Chiwengas Office and is proportional representation legislator for Matabeleland South Province. Minister Mathema is now Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the President and Cabinet. President Mnangagwa said Minister Ndlovu will have to superintend the establishment of more than 3 000 schools across the country, a figure that Minister Mathema had identified as an optimum number required for pupils not to walk more than six kilometres to the next school. The President made the clarification yesterday while addressing villagers in Mutoko where he was commissioning a food and vegetable processing plant at Tabudirira Vocational Training Centre in Mutoko, Mashonaland East province. He was chronicling several Government projects that the Second Republic has embarked upon to improve the livelihoods of people in line with Vision 2030 of a prosperous upper middle income economy, anchored on the National Development Strategy1. On schools, it is unfortunate that our Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Cain Mathema is not feeling well, said President Mnangagwa. We have since replaced him with Dr Ndlovu. But Minister Mathema had done an exercise that seeks to establish how many more schools are required so that pupils do not walk for more than five to six kilometres. He did a research, which indicated that over 3 200 schools are required, so there is that programme. So Minister Ndlovu will have to implement that programme and if we complete it, we would now know that children in Zimbabwe no longer travel more than six kilometres. President Mnangagwa said there was need to modernise the education system so that it produces goods and services. He said the education system should not produce university graduates who roam from one office to another with their curriculum vitae looking for a job without the technical knowhow to produce tangible products. The Second Republic, said President Mnangagwa, was ready to support through funding graduates with a viable project. We want an education system that produces products, that produces goods and services, he said. Already, a number of tertiary institutions, even primary and secondary schools, have demonstrated that they can produce tangible goods since the outbreak of Covid-19 after they produced various personal protective equipment such as face masks and hand sanitisers. Dr Ndlovu has served as a senior civil servant before she was appointed Minister of State in Vice President Chiwengas office before her latest appointment. Cde Mathema has been a senior Government official since 1997 when he was appointed Deputy Minister of Rural Resources and Water Development. He was later appointed Ambassador to Zambia and Governor for Bulawayo in February 2004, a post he held until September 2013 when he was appointed Minister of State for Provincial Affairs responsible for Matabeleland North, a post he held until October 2017. Herald Foreign nationals will be able to travel to the U.S. if they show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel. The policy change was announced in September, but now the White House has set the date. Now, seven years later, as we know, there has been no officer fired except for Pantaleo, and there were so many involved. We thought that this trial would bring us transparency. I just think that the police officers, the ones who are going to be testifying, I dont think it would be appropriate for them just to have to roll out of bed and sit in front of a computer. In one of the incidents, investigators discovered that a chief fire marshal was supervising his brother, signing off on his timesheets and overtime requests, according to a DOI report obtained by The News. In another incident, a familial relationship between two co-workers was never disclosed. Further details on the second incident were not immediately available. The next two weekends, Saturday at 12:15 a.m. to Monday at 5 a.m., there will be no 7 service between Queensboro Plaza and 34th St.-Hudson Yards. Free shuttle buses will run in Queens between Queensboro Plaza and Vernon Blvd.-Jackson Ave., and overnight in Manhattan between Times Sq.-42nd St. and 34th St.-Hudson Yards. Special W service will run between Whitehall St-South Ferry and Astoria-Ditmars Blvd, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 42nd St. Shuttle will run overnights. Michael Benton was busted following a brief foot chase after the shooting on Second Ave. near E. 122nd St. at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, police said Friday. The unidentified man was riding along New York Ave. near Church Ave. in East Flatbush around 2 a.m. when he slammed into a wrought-iron fence and was flung onto the concrete. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating, but it was not immediately clear if the arson was the result of anti-Jewish sentiment, said a police source with knowledge of the case. Wu surrendered without incident once police arrived, calmly confessing to the crime before she was taken to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn for observation, sources said. Wu was described by friends of her ex as obsessed after Li dumped her, with accounts of stalking and at least one physical altercation in the month since their contentious split. From there, with the help of Epsteins long-time assistant Lesley Groff, Jane was was flown from Moscow to Paris on Epsteins dime, where she was taken to the multimillionaires lavish apartment and introduced to Epstein and three other young women who were staying there, the lawsuit says. She dumped a lot of gasoline around the yeshiva. You can still smell it, he said. The Fire Department came and hosed it all down. I cant believe it. An initial search under the home netted 59 baby rattlers and 22 adults in less than four hours, according to NBC News. When Sonoma County Reptile Rescue worker Al Wolf came back for a second look, he came across 11 more snakes. With the weather getting colder, he expects more rattlers to come around looking for a place to hibernate. He was admitted to the ICU for close monitoring and administered IV antibiotics and fluids. He remains at the hospital for continuous monitoring, read a joint statement from Dr. Alpesh Amin, chair of medicine at UC Irvine Medical Center, and Dr. Lisa Bardack, Clintons primary care physician. McKneely urged residents to use caution should they cross paths with any of the juvenile inmates. The officer noted two of them were wearing all orange at the time of their escape, another two were wearing all brown while one was wearing all black. The committee also discussed preliminary data from an ongoing mix-and-match study looking into the consequences of mixing different types of coronavirus vaccines. The study suggests that the roughly 15 million recipients of J&Js vaccine may have much more protection if they receive either a Pfizer or Moderna booster rather than another J&J shot. They come in many forms, but the items in this case were candy, he said in a statement. Theyre often packaged in wrappers and bags with logos and colors that look similar to traditional candy brands. While they are available in other states and online, theyre illegal in South Carolina. The chief, unfortunately this I think is a critical part of it he never allowed himself as someone not from this community to come in and earn the trust, Noriega said Thursday night, according to the Herald. Mr. Noor has shown to be a model prisoner, they wrote. He has spent his time giving back to the community he has found himself in, to the extent he is able to, given the pandemic restrictions. Mr. Noor has demonstrated that he is ready to return to normal society and will continue assisting those in need around him. Continuing to keep Mr. Noor imprisoned would be unnecessary if the goal of this Court is reformative justice. We deeply and meaningfully apologize for having benefited from selling Native-inspired designs without directly honoring Native culture or communities, Miller wrote. While Minnetonka has evolved beyond our original product set, moccasins remain a core part of our brand, and in 2020 we began to step up our commitment to the culture to which we owe so much. We are dedicated to honoring our commitment to Native American communities with our actions going forward. On Oct. 6, Netflix employee Terra Field tweeted that yesterday we launched another Chappelle special where he attacks the trans community, and the very validity of transness all while trying to pit us against other marginalized groups. Lawyers for the 23-year-old suspect said Friday that their client would take responsibility for the February 2018 massacre and move on to the penalty phase of his legal battle. A jury, which will begin its selection process in November, will decide whether Cruz receives a life sentence without parole or the death penalty. That hearing is likely to begin in early 2022. Due to my personal integrity and the leadership responsibility entrusted to me, I will not and cannot any longer fulfill the duties placed upon me as the leader of the executive, fiscal, and fiduciary entity of the SBC, Floyd wrote in his letter Thursday. Paternity leave, they call it. Trying to figure out how to breastfeed. No word on how that went, the Fox News host said on his show Thursday while referring to Buttigieg, who had recently been on paternity leave to spend time with his husband, Chasten, and their two newborn babies. Jury selection in the murder trial of the McMichaels and William Roddie Bryan, a neighbor who joined the pursuit and took the video, is scheduled to begin Monday. For many, its not just the three white defendants on trial, but rather a justice system that allowed them to remain free for weeks after they pursued and killed a Black man. I heard Mr. Scotten say, We just have one bullet. Does anyone have a sidearm? If I could have one bullet, behind my back, referring to me, citing a firearm and a bullet, Bondy said. But heres the thing, he did it to about five FBI agents. I heard them all laughing in response to his remarks. Its inappropriate. Its reprehensible. The move comes a day after a 2-1 ruling in the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals left the controversial law, which bars almost all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, in place. That ruling follows a week after a federal judge granted an emergency request from the Justice Department and temporarily blocked enforcement of the measure after finding it to be unconstitutional. I was afraid because it was plenty [of money] and so I brought it home and gave it to my aunty to keep until the owner could ask for it, Tuloe told The Associated Press from his hometown of Gbolor Dialla on the border with Ivory Coast. The death of the young girl sparked outrage across the African nation, mainly in the city of Buea. Protestors also took the girls body to the regional governors office in protest. Gunfire could also be heard in the town. A 25-year-old man has been taken into custody on a murder charge, and no other suspects were being sought, Essex Police said in a statement. The suspects name was not released, but authorities said they believe he acted alone. The mans knife was recovered, but there were no immediate details about his possible motive or the circumstances leading up to the attack. The suspects then tried to extort money from the victims by threatening to release the videos, but they failed to make any money, said Seo Sang-hyeok, of Seoul Metropolitan Police. Seo did not provide details about the investigation, and it was not immediately clear what charges the suspects were facing. In Halloween Kills, Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode healing in the hospital from her fiery battle with Michael Myers in 2018s Halloween. When she and the town of Haddonfield learn that the masked bogeyman is still out there, they resolve to hunt down and finally kill Michael. The Minutes centers around the inner workings of a city council meeting and the hypocrisy, greed and ambition that bubble to the surface when a newcomer to the small town of Big Cherry starts to ask the wrong questions, according to the outlet. They adapted a numerical model from computational fluid dynamics that simulates turbulence, modeling cough jets in breezy conditions and in calm conditions that would be typical indoors. They found that mini vortices within the turbulence of the coughs enable bigger droplets to persist in the air longer than has been typically assumed, increasing the time it takes to adequately dilute the viral load in fresh air, the researchers said. As the cough jet evolves and spreads, it interacts with the wind flowing in the same direction, and the bigger infected droplets become trapped in the jets vortices instead of falling relatively quickly to the ground under gravity. Guilt has never been in serious question, though defense lawyers have kept their trial strategy secret. There had been no official indication of plans to pursue an insanity defense, and the only other way to remove the death penalty as a possibility would be for the defense to somehow persuade jurors to convict Cruz of a lesser charge, such as second-degree murder. The decision to plead guilty came more than a week after jury selection in the assault trial provided the defense with a preview of how jurors would react to being assigned to the case. A handful burst into tears at the sight of him. An overwhelming majority had knowledge of the case, and most of them admitted they could not give him a fair trial, not even in a case that had nothing to do with the mass shooting. Elected officials are used to personal attacks. That is nothing new, said Messina, a former board member in Charlotte County in southwest Florida. What they are not used to is personal attacks that say, I know where you live, and I will get you, she said. That is the level that is alarming and unsettling. When the victim questioned Schneider about his activities, the victim said Schneider charged at him with a hammer in one hand and a knife in the other. The search for Laundrie has been difficult at the reserve due to the wetlands, but efforts may become easier as waters recede during the dry season, News Nation Now reported. This was not the first K-9 officers have been seen at the reserve, and instead is just part of the FBIs ongoing request for assistance, according to News Nation Now. This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country, House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said. In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs security and any measures to be taken, but for now, our thoughts and prayers are with Davids family, friends and colleagues. Shane, the next door neighbor, said he talked to Bagliones son afterward. The son said his father had moved from Alabama and bought the house sight unseen after discovering it in an online listing. He paid cash and didnt see it in person until after he closed the deal. Hill bristled at the notion mentioned by Rose at a candidate forum last week that the city doesnt have a plan for Parramore, citing the Parramore Comprehensive Plan approved by commissioners in 2015. She noted progress made on affordable housing, with apartments opened at Amelia Court and Parramore Oaks among others, as well as the creation of a fund to renovate 83 units in the neighborhood and an effort by the city to build single-family homes to boost homeownership. This week the city broke ground on eight more homes there. For me, the ship really has sailed. There were opportunities by the plaintiffs to bring the boat back in and discuss to do this, Weaver said. Now, with pending lawsuits, theyre asking for a meeting and I just cant in good conscious do that. Even though it has been five years, I feel that it [the VICE article] could be a positive and a healing aspect for people to know, said Joel Junior Morales, director of operations for The Center Orlando, the regions LGBTQ+ community center, who has worked with Pulse survivors since the shooting. I know there has been a lot of resentment against her. For the survivors and the families, they really were adamant that, like, she had something to do with it, even though she was acquitted. But me personally, just knowing the monster that he [Mateen] was at Pulse, I imagine everyone around him, including her, was being abused. All U.S. states including Florida have White Cane Laws designed to protect visually impaired pedestrians. According to state law, a person walking with a white or red-tipped cane (as well as anyone led by a service dog, in a wheelchair or on crutches) has right-of-way at intersections. If youre in the drivers seat, that means yielding to let them pass; failing to do so is a second-degree misdemeanor. These Wall Street firms are now on a new buying spree. One in six houses purchased in the second quarter of 2021 were snapped up by corporate investors; in some markets, the number is one in four. They have also moved in on mobile-home parks, hospitals, multifamily apartment buildings, student housing, assisted-living facilities, extended-stay hotels, commercial centers, and master-planned retirement and age-restricted communities, and they are now buying out small landlords bankrupted by the pandemic. Its up to Congress to act to grant Venezuelan exiles a path to permanent residency in America. Democrats in the House have passed a solution while Republicans including our own senators, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio have done little to support our efforts to keep our families safe in America, despite their repeated campaign promises to support a path to permanence. Rubio even said outright that he wants Venezuelans to return to Venezuela. TIKD advertises the legal services that are at the core of its business model directly to the public and thereby directly solicits drivers with legal problems, Lawson wrote in an opinion fully joined by Justices Jorge Labarga and Jamie Grosshans. When a driver engages its services, TIKD conducts a business review of his or her legal matter to determine whether it can profitably handle the case (with profitability as the only apparent criterion considered). It then either rejects the representation or sends the case to one of the lawyers it contracts with. Oswego, NY (13126) Today Becoming partly cloudy after some morning rain. Windy at times. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 41F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 32F. NW winds shifting to SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Friday granted the General Company of Food Industries of Tunisia a 20 million-dinar (6 million-euro) loan to support the production of olive oil, the European financial institution announced here Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan High State Council has urged the government to consider the demands by some officials of Cyrenaica (eastern) region for "an equitable distribution of resources" among the regions Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) - Virgin Atlantic on Friday announced Friday it would resume direct flights from Heathrow to Cape Town's International Airport much earlier than anticipated, following a surge in demand for the service The East Carolinian has created a forum that centers around topics within the community where readers can express their experiences and concerns. With November being Native American Heritage Month, do you think East Carolina University has increased its efforts to recognize and honor Native and Indigenous cultures and students, faculty and staff on campus. Survey Sorry for inconvenience! You have been redirected to this page due to the following reasons:-- Your session has expired. You have closed the browser, without logging out. If the problem persists, kindly remove all the temporary files and cookies from your browser. For IE - 1. Click on tools from the task bar of browser. 2. Click on Internet Options. 3. Click on "Delete temporary files." For Mozilla Firefox - 1. Click on tools from the task bar of browser. 2. Click on "Clear recent history." Russian hematologist granted $60k comensation for unfounded prosecution AGN Moskva, Andrey Lyubimov 13:46 15/10/2021 MOSCOW, October 15 (RAPSI) Moscows Cheremushkinsky District Court on Friday ordered Russias Finance Ministry to pay well-known hematologist Elena Misyurina 4.3 million rubles ($60,000) in compensation for damage caused by unfounded criminal prosecution against her, the courts press service told RAPSI. On March 4, the Moscow City Court overturned Misyurinas sentence. The charges filed against her were dropped due to the lack of criminal elements he was accused of. According to case papers, in 2013, Misyrina conducted a diagnostic procedure, bone marrow trephine biopsy, for a patient, who died soon afterwards. A court found the doctor guilty of violating safety regulations that led to the patients death and sentenced her to 2 years behind bars in January 2018. Misyrina denied wrongdoing and her defense insisted that the procedure was not related to the tragedy. Misyrinas case caught public attention with many medical professionals expressing support for the defendant and saying that the procedure could not cause the patients death. Thus, as the Russian Presidents Council for Human Rights stated, over 600 doctors asked the body to intervene in this case. Following that, Misyurina was released from detention under travel restrictions. In April 2018, the Moscow City Court overturned the sentence because of violations committed during the investigation and returned the case to prosecutors. In late 2020, the Second Cassation Court of General Jurisdiction invalidated the Moscow City Courts ruling. New murder-related probe launched into Krasnoyarsk businessman Bykov RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov 17:37 15/10/2021 MOSCOW, October 15 (RAPSI) Investigators have opened a new criminal case against Krasnoyarsk businessman Anatoly Bykov over incitement of murder, the Investigative Committees press service reports. According to investigators, in 1998, members of one of Bykovs gangs were induced by him to kill a 48-year local resident and acquaintance of the entrepreneur. They shot the man dead and fled the scene. In September, the Sverdlovsk District Court of Krasnoyarsk sentenced Bykov to 13 years in penal colony for double murder. Jurors found him guilty of organizing the murder of two residents of Krasnoyarsk, Kirill Voytenko and Alexander Naumov, in 1994. The jurors also considered that the businessman did not deserve leniency. The court and investigators have established that in the first half of 1994, Alexander Naumov, a 23-year old member of a criminal group headed by Bykov, had a conflict with the gang leader because of unjust, according to him, dividing of the joint criminal income. Later, Bykovs car was exploded. The businessman suspected Naumov and his friend Voytenko of the blast organization and decided to kill them. He ordered his acquaintance Vladimir Tatarenkov to organize the murder; the latter in turn involved his gang members in the crime. On July 24, 1994, Naumov and Voytenko were shot dead, investigators claimed. Bykov is also stands charged with the creation of a criminal community. Investigators allege that in the summer of 2004, Bykov ordered his acquaintance to kill a 42-year resident of Krasnoyarsk, the founder of an industrial waste utilization firm, for an award of $50,000. On January 18, 2005, the killer shot the victim dead. Currently, an investigation against Bykov is underway in the criminal cases where the businessman is accused of incitement to attempt and commit murder for hire, grave tax evasion, and leading a criminal gang. State Duma backs United Russia bill on fines to persons abandoning pets flickr.com/ Dzmitry Kamenda 12:52 15/10/2021 MOSCOW, October 15 (RAPSI) The draft law introducing fines to be paid by persons abandoning their pets, which had been developed by political party United Russia, was supported by the Committee on Ecology, Natural Resources and Environment Protection of the lower house of the Russian parliament. The respective amendments are to be introduced in the Code of Administrative Offenses, according to the Committees First Deputy Chair Vladimir Burmatov. The document introduces administrative responsibility for abandoning pets, the respective fines are to amount up to 30,000 rubles ($420 at the current exchange rate). The proposed amendments also set fines of up to 50,000 rubles ($700) for violating the rules of keeping animals in municipal shelters, up to 100,000 rubles ($1,500) for cruel treatment of animals not amounting to a crime, and up to 150,000 rubles ($2,100) for keeping and using animals put on the list of animals prohibited for keeping. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's health condition is improving, said AIIMS here on Friday. An AIIMS official told IANS that Singh's health condition was 'improving now from the infection caused by fever'. The official said: " Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is improving now. He is on IVs to address the weakness". He added that 'Singh was not on ventilator support and his health condition was recovering gradually'. Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS on Wednesday evening after he complained of fever and weakness. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited him on Thursday morning and enquired about his health in detail. The former PM is being treated by a team of doctors under the guidance of Dr Nitish Nayak. He had developed fever three days ago and was rushed to AIIMS. Singh had tested positive for Covid infection in April this year during the second Covid surge and had been admitted to the AIIMS. The lesson for all is the need for nurturing critical thinking and to question information and its veracity. In explaining the thinking behind naming the new YouTube channel as Panshu, Ven Galkande Dhammananda said that the philosophy of the WRI has always had a positive outlook and it has focused on what could be done to have better outcomes, even over time, rather than just being disappointed with existing outcomes. by Raj Gonsalkorale Social media today has linked millions of people with facts, fiction and outright fake news. It has influenced change of governments, election of Presidents, Royalty being found out and disgraced, scandals of every description doing the rounds faster than lightning, and instant messaging becoming integral to the life of millions. Most do not ascertain the veracity of information that is circulating, which can easily be done in most cases by doing a quick internet search, but simply and irresponsibly, have become fodder for social media giants in the market who have reaped millions of dollars as a consequence. It is debateable whether instant information dissemination has made the world a better place for human beings and whether their quality of life has improved. Following statistics presents a considerably bleak world. The world poverty rates (The World Bank says that in 2020, About 9.2% of the world, or 689 million people, lived in extreme poverty on less than $1.90 a day), Number of refugees (according to the UNHCR's latest report for 2020, "some 79.5 million people had been forced from their homes due to persecution, conflict, and human rights violations." That number includes 29.6 million refugees, 4.2 million asylum seekers, as well as 45.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs). Access to safe drinking water (WHO, in its 2019 report estimated that 2.2 billion people need access to safely managed drinking water, including 884 million currently without basic drinking water services) Number without basic food requirements (Action Against Hunger states that about 690 million people globally are undernourished) Access to basic health services (according to the World Bank and WHO, at least half of the world's population cannot obtain essential health services, according to a new report published in 2017) State of the worlds environment (The UN says that If current trends continue and the world fails to enact solutions that improve current patterns of production and consumption, if we fail to use natural resources sustainably, then the state of the worlds environment will continue to decline. It is essential that we understand the pace of environmental change that is upon us and that we start to work with nature instead of against it to tackle the array of environmental threats that face us) . That is the reality of the world that is interconnected before one can blink an eye lid! As of January 2021 it has been reported that there were 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide - 59.5 percent of the global population. Of this total, 92.6 percent (4.32 billion) accessed the internet via mobile devices. The power of the internet has given enormous mind changing powers to social media giants, but as mentioned at the outset here, it is highly debateable whether this power has been harnessed to improve the quality of life for people and whether instant messaging has, in effect, brought people closer to one another. A discussion on this topic could very well be both esoteric and fruitless; understood and appreciated by a few, and of not much consequence to many. It is this statement that has relevance to the effort of Venerable Galkande Dhammananda and the Walpola Rahula Institute, in introducing a fundamental tenant of what Buddha had taught more than 2500 years ago. In the inaugural program of the rebranded WRI YouTube channel Panshu, Ven Dhammananda makes an enthralling presentation based on the Chulla Haththi Padopama Sutta which hopefully will leave viewers contemplating how well an ancient truism has been contextualised to a modern setting for its relevance today. It is said that of many Suttas diversely found in the Buddhist text, Arahat Mahinda chose Chulla Haththi Padopama Sutta as the first discourse seed to feed Buddhist philosophy into King Devanampiyatissa (http://dailynews.lk/2021/06/24/features/252307/intellectual-discourse-led-new-social-foundation) It is highly relevant that today, in the age of a world so instantly linked to one another, to relive what the Buddha himself extolled, and later Ven Mahinda presented to the people of Sri Lanka during his visit more than 2000 years ago, and now, what Ven Dhammananda presents to the contemporary world. The following is adopted from Venerable Dhammanandas presentation on this inaugural Panshu program and begins with the question whether Buddhism provides a guide to evaluate a situation before arriving at better decisions after critical inquiry. The answer is: yes, it does. Quote Before we introduce the Buddhist model of decision making, let us familiarise ourselves with two general decision-making models that exist in society the Pilotika model and the Janussoniya model. One day, Pilotika and Janussoniya met on the streets. Hearing from Pilotika that he is returning from an audience with Buddha, Janussoniya inquires whether Buddha is a noble person. Pilotika replies in the affirmative. Janussoniya then questions how Pilotika decided that Buddha is noble. Pilotika's answer is quite important. He says: I decided that Buddha is noble because I saw expert debaters coming to debate with Buddha, having prepared extensively. However, upon a brief conversation, they gave up their prepared debating points, agreed with Buddha, and even became followers of Buddha. Having seen this, I decided that Buddha is noble. Having heard Pilotika's answer, Janussoniya gets down from the chariot, asks where Budda stayed and salutes in the direction of Buddha, praising his nobleness. Many of us make decisions following these two models. Pilotika's decision of Buddha's nobleness was not a result of consideration of Buddha's discourse. It was simply a decision inspired by those Pilotika deemed to be important members of society. When an actor or actress you like promotes a particular soap to become beautiful, or a sportsperson promotes a specific type of milk to make you stronger, some people believe that to be the utmost truth. This kind of thinking follows the Pilotika model. Janussoniya model involves much less evaluation than even the Pilotika model. People following the Janussoniya model make decisions purely based on someone's word. They would listen to the news telecast at night or someone's recital of newspaper headlines in the morning and accepts that with no critical evaluation. Going back to the original story, after this incidence, Janussoniya meets Buddha and describes his conversation with Pilotika. This is when Buddha rejects both Pilotika and Janussoniya models and describes the proper way of arriving at a conclusion or making critically evaluated decisions in the form of a story: A person entering a jungle observes a large footprint of an elephant. Having seen the sheer size of the impression, he decides that the print belongs to the 'King Elephant' of the jungle. However, Buddha suggests that he should look for further signs as other elephants can also have large footprints. Then the person observes broken branches, high above in the canopy suggesting the elephant's height and the reach of its trunk. However, still, this is not enough proof for a conclusion. There could be other elephants as tall. Then he observes mud streaks on branches higher up, again suggesting strong evidence of a tall elephant. Yet, there could be other tall elephants. Search further. Next, he observes damages on tree trunks made by elephant tusks. These damages suggest the height, size of the tusks and the strength of the elephant. Although this is even more substantial proof, yet it's not sufficient proof to draw a final conclusion. Lastly, he sees with his own eyes the 'King Elephant' grazing the fields. Having seen with his own eyes, having confirmed what he has seen, only then can he conclude teaches Buddha. This model demonstrates to us that you shouldn't come to a conclusion just by mere sight or mere word. You should collect further proof; you should examine further. Finally, only after coming to a concrete understanding after critical evaluation should you arrive at a final conclusion. Practically, we may not be able to achieve a concrete understanding of everything in the world. We may need to stop at the footprint stage, broken branches stage, mud streak stage or the tusk damage stage. If we are in one of these stages, then our statements cannot be conclusive. Then it is essential to be aware that our understanding is incomplete Unquote Venerable Dhammananda concludes thus You may now see that, in the Buddha model of decision making, there is zero room for blind faith; that critical evaluation is held in high regard. Now, let us reflect. Do you belong to the Pilotika model, Janussoniya model or the Buddha model? The lesson for all is the need for nurturing critical thinking and to question information and its veracity. In explaining the thinking behind naming the new YouTube channel as Panshu, Ven Dhammananda said that the philosophy of the WRI has always had a positive outlook and it has focused on what could be done to have better outcomes, even over time, rather than just being disappointed with existing outcomes. He said that on the one hand, Panshu may be considered as being basically all the elements of soil that graces the Earths surface and the final repository of everything that is material irrespective of who one is and their wealth. Ignorance of this fact, and being blinded by perceptions, unable to come to terms with reality and look at life more objectively, critically and with unconditional love to others, have left many disappointed and dissatisfied with what they currently have around them. On the other hand, one could look at Panshu or soil, as being a fertile environment to grow new thinking, new ideas, and an avenue for renewal of ethical and moral values, so that outcomes, even if it takes time for fruition, will yield a more loving, compassionate, ethical and moral world. Ven Dhammananda said the WRI, through Panshu, will be providing opportunities for experiencing, questioning, and discussing and engaging in critical thinking through a variety of programs that are being designed as a pathway for a better future. We reap what we sow, so, it is important to sow correct thinking so that we can reap a better future without just complaining about the present he said. The first program on Panshu may be accessed via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9zc7JpA3cs System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddd041e8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddd081d0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddd041e8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddd081d0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddbca1c8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddd081d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddd081d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd38b030)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fddcb3d08)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fddcb3d08)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd8cf660)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcd65fa58)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd8cf660)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcd65fa58)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd8c25e8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcd65fa58)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fcd65fa58)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd38b2f8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fdd875798)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fdd875798)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddd92460)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde7cfbb8)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddd92460)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde7cfbb8)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddd9a2d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde7cfbb8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde7cfbb8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd389c88)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fde6c0450)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fde6c0450)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddcae8f0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddc56550)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddcae8f0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddc56550)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddc8b080)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddc56550)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddc56550)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd38b298)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fc5446cc8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fc5446cc8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd85d760)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde324e38)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd85d760)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde324e38)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd86cb60)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde324e38)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fde324e38)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd38aac0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fde0adc18)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fde0adc18)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Homestead, FL (33030) Today Overcast with showers at times. Thunder possible. High near 80F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 73F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. BATC online convention This Saturday BATC CAT21 Pt2 takes place. Members have been emailed details of how to log in to the webinar. The whole day will also be streamed live on the BATC streamer at https://batc.org.uk/live/cat21 - this does not require registration and all the sessions will be available on the BATC Youtube channel after the event. https://www.youtube.com/c/BATCOnline The convention program is as follows: (all UK times) 9:30 - Welcome - G8GKQ 9:45 - Portsdown update - G8GKQ 10:45 - Coffee 11:00 - Ryde update - Tim MW0RUD 12:00 - QO100 desktop development - Micheal EA7KIR. 12:45 - Lunch - Interactive Q+A session 13:30 - EMF for microwaves and QO100 - Ian GM3SEK - organised jointly with the UK MIcrowave group offering theory and practical advice 15:00 - Coffee 15:15 - DATV Rx system gain distribution - G8GTZ 16:00 - Close The EMF talk is particularly relevant as UK stations must have Electromagnetic Field (EMF) assessments in place for operation above 110MHz from 18th November 2021. The RSGB has been developing a tool that incorporates the Ofcom EMF Calculator but extends the models to include single and multiple Yagis plus various sizes of dish antennas, and takes account of the directivity of the antenna. Ian GM3SEK, a key member of the team that developed the spreadsheet tool, will be talking about its application to Microwaves and QO100 narrow and band and DATV operation For more details and the latest updates about CAT21 please see the members forum: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=135&t=7609 French special event Francois, F8DVD, will activate the special event station TM60ANT between November 16-30th. Activity is to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Antarctic Treaty Signature (ATS). Operation will be made by from Francois QTH in Macon (JN26JH), France. Activity will be on various HF bands between 40-10 meters. The new reference for the WAP program is WAP-318. QSL via F8DVD, direct (SAE + 2 USDs) or by the Bureau. France was one of the 12 countries who signed the ATS in Washington on December 1, 1959. The treaty officially entered into force on June 23, 1961. All info on this event is on: http://www.qrz.com/db/TM60ANT OPDX Yasme Foundation Grant The Board of Directors of The Yasme Foundation announces that it has made the following grant at its recent board meeting. Seychelles Amateur Radio Association (SARA) to establish a facility for the recently formed amateur radio club. YASME FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE AWARD The Yasme Excellence Award is presented to individuals and groups who, through their own service, creativity, effort and dedication, have made a significant contribution to amateur radio. The contribution may be in recognition of technical, operating or organizational achievement, as all three are necessary for amateur radio to grow and prosper. The Yasme Excellence Award is in the form of a cash grant and an individually-engraved crystal globe. The Board of Directors of The Yasme Foundation is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the Yasme Excellence Award: Steve Babcock, VE6WZ -- Steve is recognized for his contribution to the art of lowband antennas and remote operating. Steve has made available to the amateur community countless hours of instructional videos, for free, on his YouTube channel and QRZ.COM page. The Yasme Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized to support scientific and educational projects related to amateur radio, including DXing (long distance communication) and the introduction and promotion of amateur radio in developing countries. For additional information about The Yasme Foundation, visit our website at (www.yasme.org). Ward Silver, N0AX, President, The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors: Ward Silver, N0AX, President and Director Ken Claerbout, K4ZW, Vice-President, Secretary and Director Rusty Epps, W6OAT, Treasurer and Director Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T, Director Martti Laine, OH2BH, Director Fred Laun, K3ZO, Director Robert Vallio, W6RGG, Director Marty Woll, N6VI, Director James Brooks, 9V1YC, Director OPDX Four show classes for 2020 and 2021-born suckled calves, judged by Stephen Lofthouse, of Grewelthorpe, produced a Kirklees double when Chris Bamforth, of Hey Knowle Farm, Slaithwaite, won two of them with home-breds, both, like many others on the day, achieving four-figure selling prices, His first prize 2021 Limousin-x steer made 1,060, his red rosette 2020 British Blue-x heifer 1,040. Doing better at 1,340 was the first prize 2020-born steer, a 16-month-old Limousin-x from Ribble Valley brothers Peter and Edward Fox, of Fox Farms in Withgill, the remaining show class for the best 2021-born heifer falling to Sandra Blades, of Hill Top Farm, Carnforth, with a Limousin-x away at 920, bettered at 960 by the third prize winner from the same home. The midweek bovine bounty produced a 450-strong feeding cattle entry, among them 365 store bullocks and heifers. Continental store bullocks met a straight trade, the Hall family from Gargrave selling a brace of black Limousin-x at 1,350, while a pair of Charolais-x from Nicholas Pinder of Coniston Cold, was close behind at 1,340 each. Generally, older bullocks were mainly 1,200-plus, with the strongest dairy/beef-x entries approaching 1,200 up to the mid 1,200s, the next grade of decent framed types generally 1,080 to 1,150 and long-term sorts 900-1,050. Young suckler-bred bullocks were a nice trade, many annual customers present seeking cattle to farm on. Limousin/Blue crosses with that extra spark of carcass suitable for the retail sector could make 950-1,050 at seven to ten-months-old, the next grade 800-920. Charolais bullocks attracted a good amount of interest, calves in the six to seven-month-old age range generally away in the mid to late 800s, odd ones sneaking over 900. The work of nurses and health care workers who provide direct care to Medicaid patients has been exhausting as the ongoing pandemic continues and many remain underpaid. State Rep. Peter Meredith and health care organizations hope some Medicaid expansion revenue will be used to raise compensation to a livable wage. Having to go through treatment is hard enough, and during the worst of COVID these women had to go through it alone just as I did she said. It was a lonely and hard experience, so my vision in creating Boobie Troopers was to provide real hope and help for those in my position. You know how sometimes you get baked clams and theres so much stuffing? I dont even know what it is. You cant get it down your throat. We have simple shucked clams. Simple stuffing. Sauce. Youre good to go. We have Dover sole, which you really cant find in regular markets. And you know how you get tuna and its all veiny? We dont have that. Its the best of the best. And the Branzino, also the best. A statement from Kochs office said the school district does not share student contact information with the group, and the contest entries go directly to district staff. But a website for the contest, which is open to middle and high school students, includes a phone number associated with the Church of Scientology and an email contact form that goes directly to the group. The plaintiffs first allegations were reported to the FBI, and the Brevard County Sheriffs Office investigated them and determined them to be unfounded, Martinez said in a statement. The plaintiffs have now come back with a different story, which is equally unfounded, that another young female child acted inappropriately with their child. We will vigorously defend this case in court. I will say the state of Florida is in an incredible position compared to many other states in our country, Stargel said. But we do still have some challenges before us. I find myself now working as a politician and trying to do good things for people, and its really important you get good people in public life, but this is the risk we are all taking, and so many MPs will be scared by this. 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 overall audit efforts are unlikely to yield any new revelations about President Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 election. The votes have been counted and often recounted and certified by local officials. Still, the lingering debate and legal wrangling have propelled suspicions and advanced debunked theories. On Monday, Nov. 8, Springfield visitor Stella Blackmon revealed in a post on Facebook that s Read more Global steel demand will grow by 4.5% in 2021 and reach 1,855.4 Mt after 0.1% growth in 2020, according to the World Steel Association (worldsteel). In 2022, steel demand will see a further increase of 2.2% to hit 1,896.4 Mt, stated worldsteel in its short-range outlook released by its economic committee, led by its chairman Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, also the Emirates Steel CEO, at its bi-annual meeting in Brussels, Belgium. The forecast assumes that, with the progress of vaccinations across the world, the spread of variants of the Coronavirus will be less damaging and disruptive than seen in previous waves. Commenting on the outlook, Al Remeithi said: "2021 has seen a stronger than expected recovery in steel demand, leading to upward revisions in our forecast across the board except for China. Due to this vigorous recovery, global steel demand outside China is expected to return earlier than expected to its pre-pandemic level this year." "Strong manufacturing activity bolstered by pent-up demand is the main contributor. The developed economies have outperformed our earlier expectations by a larger margin than the developing economies, reflecting the positive benefit of higher vaccination rates and government support measures," he stated. "In the emerging economies, especially in Asia, the recovery momentum was interrupted by the resurgence of infections," he added. Al Remeithi said: "While the manufacturing sectors recovery remained more resilient to the new waves of infection than expected, supply-side constraints led to a levelling off of the recovery in the second half of the year and are preventing a stronger recovery in 2021." "But with high backlog orders combined with a rebuilding of inventories and further progress in vaccinations in developing countries, we expect steel demand will continue to recover in 2022," he added. According to him, steel demand recovery in the GCC fell short of expectations on the back of reduced construction activity due to fiscal consolidation efforts. "However, in 2022, with rising oil prices and the pandemic under control, steel demand is expected to rebound more strongly. Egypt's steel demand was negatively affected by the suspension of construction licenses in overcrowded urban areas. However, the government's other mega projects have cushioned the pandemic's impact and have supported recovery in 2021," he added. There have been marked signs of deceleration in the steel using sector's activity since July, leading to a steel demand contraction of -13.3% in July and then -18.3% in August. The sharp deceleration is attributable to the slowing momentum in the real estate sector and the government cap on steel production. Real estate activity has weakened due to tough government measures on developers' financing introduced in 2020. Chinese steel demand will have negative growth for the rest of 2021. As a result, overall steel demand is expected to decline by -1.0% in 2021. No growth in steel demand is expected in 2022, said the report. On the US market, the worldsteel outlook said the demand was aided by the strong performance of the American automotive and durable goods sectors. The momentum in the construction sector is weakening with the end of a residential construction boom and sluggish non-residential sector activities. The recovery in steel demand in the EU that started in the second half is gathering pace, with all steel-using sectors exhibiting a positive recovery despite continuing waves of infection, stated the report. On the Indian scenario, the worldsteel outlook said since July, a healthy recovery has resumed for all sectors. As a result, India's steel demand suffered only a minor downward revision and will show a strong recovery in 2021. Indias steel demand will reclaim the 100 million tonnes mark this year, it added. According to worldsteel, steel demand in the developing economies excluding China continued to recover in 2021, aided by the recovery in commodity prices and international trade. However, new Covid waves combined with low vaccination levels and a slow recovery in international tourism restrained developing economies. In 2022, as vaccinations progress, conditions in the developed economies are expected to improve.-TradeArabia News Service At the invitation of President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov participated via video link in the second UN global conference on sustainable transport "Sustainable Transport, Sustainable Development" held in Beijing. Speaking at the forum, the Turkmen leader emphasized his country's commitment to broad international cooperation in the transport sector and recalled that it was at the initiative of Turkmenistan supported by the UN that the first global conference on sustainable transport was held in Ashgabat in November 2016. As the head of Turkmenistan noted, one of the main practical results of the first global conference was the launch of the Ashgabat process that opens up great opportunities for development of multilateral cooperation in the transport sector on the principles of public-private partnership. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov called for revisiting the proposal put forward by Turkmenistan earlier on development of a special UN interregional program for development of transport. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 UW, LCCC Announce Third Year of Southeast Wyoming Innovation Launchpad The University of Wyomings IMPACT 307 business incubator program, in coordination with Laramie County Community College (LCCC) and other local partners, launched the 2022 Southeast Wyoming Innovation Launchpad (SEWYIL), a regional startup challenge for residents in Albany and Laramie counties. The application period is open through midnight Monday, Nov. 15. The startup challenge model was created to give entrepreneurs the early funding needed to move their ideas forward, says Fred Schmechel, interim director of IMPACT Laramie. The goal of SEWYIL is to support the new business ideas coming out of southeast Wyoming and pave the way for more job creation and industry growth in this region. Participants will work alongside one another in preparation for the final Pitch Night event, set to be held in Cheyenne, where finalist teams will pitch their business concepts to a panel of judges. In the previous two years of the competition, 14 companies have been funded, creating approximately 25 jobs. The funded companies must use the funds for actual startup costs, and the awards will vary for each company, which have historically been between $1,000 and $20,000. Designed after similar efforts in Wyoming, SEWYIL connects entrepreneurs with business advisers and offers support in preparing for the final Pitch Night event. Participants will attend exclusive business seminars and network with startup founders and mentors, in addition to receiving practical business advising through IMPACT 307s incubator program. We take all of our entrepreneurs through a process called Lean Launchpad, which starts with identifying and exploring a problem that people are experiencing, says Minden Fox, an LCCC marketing and business instructor. This approach is great for those who are just getting started because its flexible; pivoting your idea to fit best in the marketplace is something you want to do early on. Our starting place is actually a very low bar, Schmechel adds. If you are thinking about applying, we encourage you to reach out and set up an introductory meeting with our IMPACT staff. Usually, the teams that connect with us early on have better success during the final Pitch Night event. The competition is made possible through local partnerships, including LCCC, Forward Greater Cheyenne and other local organizations working to strengthen the regional economy. The five-question SEWYIL application is available by going here. For more information or to apply to the startup challenges, visit the IMPACT 307 website at https://impact307.org/. For more information, call Schmechel at (307) 766-6399 or email fschmech@uwyo.edu. UW Lecture to Examine Negro Question and Hamitic Curse Oct. 18 The University of Wyomings Black Studies Center (UWBSC) will host Farrad Muhammad, an independent scholar, as part of its Let Freedom Ring Lecture Series Monday, Oct. 18. Muhammad will present The Negro Question and the Hamitic Curse at 6 p.m. via Zoom. To view the lecture, go to https://uwyo.zoom.us/j/96918018344. Muhammads research on the Hamitic Curse examines the use of scriptural justifications for the ubiquitous dehumanization of Black people, particularly the atrocities that transpired during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The legend of the Hamitic Curse is provoked by a shameful act perpetrated by Noahs son Ham who saw the nakedness of his father. The storys original purpose may have been to justify the subjection of the Canaanite people but, during the formation of America, the narrative found acceptance as a justification for the enslavement of Black people, says Fredrick Douglass Dixon, the UWBSC director. Mr. Muhammads research stands as a glaring reminder of the need to reexamine the fundamental pillars of white superiority and privilege that uphold Americas status quo, Dixon says. He says the UWBSC will continue its dedication to the fundamental principles of UWs diversity, equity and inclusion endeavors by reexamining the Negro Question of the first Mohonk Conference of 1890. The Negro Question asks: What should be done with the presence of the troublesome Negro for maximum exploitation? This question is the overarching theme and undergirds the UWBSCs events for this academic year, Dixon says. The next lecture of the Let Freedom Ring Lecture Series will take place Monday, Nov. 15. For more information, email Dixon at fdixon@uwyo.edu. Barry Sharpless, professor of chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute, talks with Larissa Krasnova from the Fokin Research Group at his lab in 2011. Sharpless shared the 2001 Nobel in chemistry. In August, Maria Young launched Marias Miracle, a nonprofit that aims to bring more ECMO machines and training to hospitals and connect more critical care survivors and their families with resources and financial assistance. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Bayside & St Annes Site Tender Awarded to TNG Global Foundation The Government has said it agreed the sale of the plot of land comprised of the area that was the old Bayside Comprehensive School and the old St Annes Middle School to the highest bidder. This followed an Expression of Interest process for the site which has been earmarked for redevelopment for many years now. The award has been made to the TNG Global Foundation in the sum of 21,200,000.00 (twenty one million, two hundred thousand pounds sterling). The agreed sum is considerably in excess of other bids received for the plot and reflects the long term investment objectives of the TNG Global Foundation, said the Govt. The TNG Global Foundation was recently established in Gibraltar by Mr Tuan Tran, the ultimate beneficial owner of Trusted Novus Bank. The sites in question presently house the current sites of the Bishop Fitzgerald Upper Primary School and Governors Meadow Lower Primary School. The development of the site remains subject to approval by the Development and Planning Commission and all relevant and applicable permits, environmental and aeronautical requirements etc. Vacant possession of the site will not be granted until the new Bishop Fitzgerald and the new Governors Meadow school have been re-provided in the area at Europort Avenue which has been earmarked for them. As part of the award, the TNG Global Foundation will be responsible for the development of the two new schools to the specification required by the Government. The specifications of these schools have been completed by the Department of Education in close consultation with the teaching body in each of the schools. Costs for the construction of these schools were previously submitted to the Government. TNG Global Foundation have already engaged Casais for the work on the schools. The cost of construction of the Bishop Fitzgerald and Governors Meadow schools is estimated to be 29,200,000.00 (twenty nine million, two hundred thousand pounds sterling). The Government says it will therefore be liable to pay the difference between the agreed premium of the Bayside/St Annes plot and the cost of the schools. Government have said that any savings secured in the development of the schools by the TNG Global Foundation will be disclosed, on a good faith, open book basis to the Government and will be for the account of the Government and the taxpayer to ensure the maximum benefit to Gibraltar as a whole from the building of these schools in the most efficient and cost effective manner, to the highest specification (as provided for by the Government) and in that way further demonstrate the TNG Global Foundations commitment to the Gibraltar community as whole. The contract for the completion of the new Bishop Fitzgerald and Governors Meadow schools at Europort Avenue anticipates completion in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2023. Works on the Europort Avenue new schools, which will have to be completed in a manner that does not cause disruption to St Martins School which is already operating in the area, will commence immediately. Site clearance in the Europort Avenue site is already complete and Casais mobilisation has already been agreed. Adrian Olivero, a spokesperson for the TNG Global Foundation, said: The TNG Global Foundation is delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the Gibraltar community by building two new schools for Her Majestys Government of Gibraltar. The Foundation is equally excited to embark upon the development of a vibrant, multi-use project at the site of the old Bayside and St Annes schools. Following the acquisition of Trusted Novus Bank last year, the founder of TNG Global Foundation, Mr Tuan Tran, is further cementing his relationship with Gibraltar and contributing to the community. We very much look forward to now engaging with all the stake holders in the area as we begin our consultation in the preparation of our plans for the development of this scheme and its submission to the DPC and other relevant authorising bodies. The Minister for Education, Hon Professor John Cortes MP, said: I am very pleased that work on these two news schools will now commence. The specification for these schools is identical to that of the new St Annes and Notre Dame. All our children deserve the same high standard of school environment and with the work underway on the new St Marys, Bishop Fitzgerald and Governors Meadow schools, we are well on the way to achieving that. We will have work to do on our Hebrew School and will start on that as soon as we have relocated St Marys. The Deputy Chief Minster, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia CMG MP, said: We have worked hard to ensure that we have found the best option for the taxpayer in the decisions we have made to award this plot. The site is one that has specific Obstacle Limitation Surface issues relating to the proximity of the runway and is surrounded by residential, sporting and commercial facilities. We therefore needed to ensure that we found the right fit. I believe that this is a project that works well in this area and is designed to be a good and welcome neighbour to all those around it. This is a large site and the development of it must be done sensitively to ensure that it is complimentary to the whole area and provides a positive net gain for those who live and work there. The consultation which the Development and Planning Commission process will require will also ensure that the views of those who live, work or otherwise make use of the area will be carefully considered. I am confident that this will therefore be a project that works for all whilst also delivering two new schools and renewing the whole vicinity in a very positive way. The Chief Minster, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, said: I am very pleased to see this commitment from the TNG Global Foundation to the development of the Bayside and St Annes plots. I know that their ideas for this area are to create a magnificent destination that will be a good and welcome neighbour to the residential, sporting and commercial developments which lie around it. I believe that the object will be to create a complimentary facility and to ensure that provides a mix of residential, leisure, commercial and hotel opportunities for the area. I look forward to seeing the development of those plans and to the wide consultation exercise that TNG Global will be undertaking as part of the work of the Development and Planning Commissions role in the control and nurturing of developments in Gibraltar. The premium far exceeds the sums proposed by any other interested party. We will soon see the start of work on two new school projects to relocate the schools presently temporarily re-provided on these plots. In fact, there will now be work ongoing on three schools simultaneously in a manner that does not require the Government to put up capital during this difficult period for the public finances. The award of this site and the delivery of the schools will create much needed economic activity in our economy at this time. I very much look forward to being in a position to hand vacant possession of the old Bayside / St Annes site to the TNG Global Foundation when they have handed over to us the new lower and upper primary schools at Europort Avenue. That will be another great day for the children of Gibraltar! The Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) Programme resumed live events for the first time after the Covid-19 outbreak with a National training for Tajikistan Customs, held in Dushanbe from 5 to 8 October 2021. The Tajik Customs Administration supported the WCO in the organization of the training and their representative delivered opening remarks, highlighting the importance of customs awareness in strategic trade matters. The donor of the Programme, the US Export Control and Border Security programme (EXBS) was also present and assisted the WCO experts in the organization and delivery of the training. The event was facilitated by the STCE Programme Coordinator, together with two accredited expert trainers from Georgia and Azerbaijan, who delivered part of the curriculum to a live audience again, In addition, the hosting member Administration also presented its national STCE system to the trainers on the first day. The live environment allowed the trainers to partially move away from theory and also involve the audience in some practical exercises, in order to convey the knowledge in a more efficient and comprehensive way. This event has been of great importance for the STCE Programme and for the Tajikistan Customs, on the one hand, because it had been planned to happen before the pandemic outbreak and it could be finally delivered after a few postponements, and, on the other hand, it will serve as a preparation for Operation Cosmo Central Asia, which the STCE Programme hopes to conduct in 2022. The WCO is continuing to mostly organize virtual and hybrid events for the near future, but hopes to be able to conduct more live events again soon. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit A convicted sex offender was arrested by a Franklin detective this week after he was walking through a park where he wasnt supposed to be. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 04:40:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Boxes containing Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government are seen at Nouakchott International Airport, in Nouakchott, Mauritania, March 24, 2021. Mauritania received on Wednesday the Chinese government's donation of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine and medical ventilators. (Chinese Embassy in Mauritania/Handout via Xinhua) NOUAKCHOTT, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Mauritania received on Wednesday the Chinese government's donation of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine and medical ventilators. Mauritanian Health Minister Mohamed Nedhirou Ould Hamed welcomed the donation at Nouakchott Oumtounsy International Airport, along with the Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Chinese Embassy in Mauritania, Wang Jian. On behalf of the Mauritanian government and people, Hamed thanked the Chinese government and people for the donation and supports during Mauritania's fight against COVID-19 pandemic. "This gesture of friendship and solidarity illustrates the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of health in general, and in particular, the bilateral cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic," the minister said. For his part, Wang Jian said that China's donation of COVID-19 vaccine to Mauritania implements the important consensus between the presidents of the two countries. "It also shows the longstanding affection of the Chinese people for the Mauritanian people, and opens a new page for the active cooperation of the two countries in public health," he added. Wang stressed that the Chinese side is willing to work together with the others in order to push forward international anti-epidemic cooperation and to jointly build a global community of health for all. According to the latest update of Mauritania's health ministry, the country has recorded a total of 17,690 positive cases for coronavirus, including 447 deaths and 16,947 recoveries. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 10:37:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SYDNEY, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) with Sydney as the capital city will end COVID-19 hotel quarantine requirements for people entering the state from Nov. 1. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said people would only need to test for the disease before boarding a flight and they would also need to show proof of full vaccination. "For double vaccinated people around the world, Sydney, NSW, is open for business," he told a press conference on Friday. He also announced that restrictions on the number of visitors to homes, outdoor gatherings and hospitality venues would be eased on Oct. 18 for people who had been fully vaccinated. However, travel restrictions between the capital city of Sydney and regional areas are to remain in place until Nov. 1. "We have made a decision today, and I know for many it will be unpopular, but as premier, I believe it is the right decision, and that is to defer regional travel from Greater Sydney," Perrottet said. His announcement came as NSW health authorities reported 91.4 percent of people aged 16 and over have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while 77.8 percent were fully vaccinated. The authorities also reported 399 new locally acquired cases and four deaths in the 24 hours to 8 p.m. local time Thursday. Meanwhile, the disease continues to rage throughout the state of Victoria, which recorded its second consecutive day of new cases topping 2,000. Health authorities on Friday reported 2,179 new local cases, largely around the state capital of Melbourne, meaning there are now 21,324 active cases in Victoria. There were also six related deaths, bringing the overall tally to 131 since the Victorian outbreak began about 10 weeks ago. Despite the alarming figures, Victorian leaders remain determined to ease some of the lockdown restrictions once the state's fully vaccinated rate reaches 70 percent. According to latest figures, 87.15 percent of eligible Victorians have received their first dose of vaccine, while the full vaccination rate is at 62.65 percent. At that rate, the state is expected to reach its 70 percent vaccination target on Oct. 22. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 13:33:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SUVA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's national airline Fiji Airways has operated more than 355 repatriation flights to reunite Fijians and visitors alike with their families and loved ones. Fijian Prime Minster Voreqe Bainimarama said for one full year, the Fijian government safely repatriated over 46,000 Fijians from overseas. In addition, between April 2020 and July 2021, Fiji Airways flew almost 13,000 tonnes of Fijian exports like seafood, agricultural produce, kava, turmeric, garments and other products. The Fiji Airways freighter services have flown in 285 tonnes of essential, life-saving medical supplies used by the government in the fight against COVID-19, including COVID-19 test kits, consumables, ventilators, fever tents, testing equipment, medicines and others. Bainimarama made the comments at the opening the state-of-the-art Fiji Airways Academy on Thursday evening in the Western Division of Viti Levu. In a statement released on Friday Bainimarama urged other Pacific airlines to send their would-be and current pilots and their airline and regulatory authorities to Fiji to train. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 13:55:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has lifted the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers arriving from China and over 40 other countries and regions with low number of COVID-19 infections, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday. Roque said the new rule applying to travelers from China and other countries and regions included in a green list will take effect from Saturday until Oct. 31. For fully vaccinated foreign nationals, Roque said a negative RT-PCR swab test will be required to be taken within 72 hours before departure. Upon arrival, the traveler is no longer needed to stay in a quarantine facility, but the passenger is urged to self-monitor for any symptoms until the 14th day, he said. For unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and individuals whose vaccination status cannot be independently verified, and those vaccinated but failed to comply with the test-before-travel requirements, Roque said they need to be isolated in a quarantine facility until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day. Foreign tourists are still barred from entering the Philippines as part of the border measures when the government imposed lockdown restrictions in March 2020. Only those foreigners granted special visas, including diplomats, are allowed to enter. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 14:46:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- A junior commissioned officer (JCO) of the Indian army and a trooper were killed in a fierce gunfight with militants in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said on Friday. The gunfight broke out at Dera Ki Gali in Surankote area, close to the Line of Control (LoC) in frontier Poonch district, about 185 km southwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. Army officials believe the group of militants in the area attacking troops is the same that killed five troopers including a JCO in a similar stand-off on Monday. The two new casualties have taken toll of Indian army troopers in the gunfight to seven including two JCOs since Monday. "In the ongoing gunfight in the forest area of Mendhar last evening, a JCO and a trooper were wounded. Though they were immediately evacuated to the health facility, they succumbed to their wounds during the night," an army official said. "The operation in the area is underway and reinforcements have been rushed to take on militants there." LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India- and Pakistan- controlled parts. There has been a surge in gunfights in the region since Monday and eight militants have been killed in five different gunfights. A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently in the region. Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 15:32:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Afghanistan have banned illegally cutting trees in forests to prevent deforestation, Taliban official Inamullah Samangani said. "The Council of Ministers of the Islamic Emirate has decided to ban the acts of destroying jungles and therefore cutting trees that may lead to deforestation is strictly banned, and the security personnel in all provinces would help to implement the decision," Samangani Twitted. In line with the decision, the smuggling and selling of timbers is prohibited, the official said. The decision was made amid reports on excessive cutting trees and selling timbers illegally, and smuggling them outside Afghanistan. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 16:02:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TOKYO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced an outline of COVID-19 countermeasures at a panel meeting on Friday, and the government would come up with an overall set of measures early next month, local media reported. Kishida's government said that it would seek to increase the utilization rate of hospital beds secured for COVID-19 patients, in addition to designating more beds at public hospitals for patients of respiratory disease. "We will prepare for the next surge in infections by considering the worst-case scenario," Kishida said at the meeting, adding that the government planned to present a more detailed response in November. The prime minister said that if an outbreak in COVID-19 infections expanded further, the government would ask people to follow tighter restrictions. Japan experienced a surge in infections this summer covering the period of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, hitting a nationwide daily record of 25,867 in August. Since then, the number of infections has steadily declined across the country with vaccination progress. However, people were still concerned about another surge. The government said it would prepare the medical infrastructure that could endure another wave of infections worse than the fifth one. In the outline, the government planned to have about 80 percent of hospital beds allocated for COVID-19 utilization and to require public hospitals to secure more beds under the law. Meanwhile, the government would probably have to provide sufficient support to medical facilities, as strengthening the health care system would require securing more medical workers and balancing the treatment for COVID-19 patients with those with other diseases. Kishida said that the government would seek approval of oral drugs, which were currently under clinical testing, for patients with mild symptoms by the end of this year. In addition, he also noted that the government would decide on specific measures to ease restrictions by using digital vaccine passports and a system that identifies people who have been inoculated or tested negative. The government might release information on medical infrastructure to ensure transparency, which includes the occupancy rate of hospital beds and the status of online examinations of COVID-19 patients recuperating at home. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 18:51:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people lost their lives and 32 others were injured in a blast that targeted a mosque in Kandahar city, capital of southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Friday, local media reported. The explosion targeted the Imam Barga mosque of Shiite Muslims, causing heavy casualties, Tolo news channel quoted eyewitnesses as saying. Spokesman for the Interior Ministry Qari Sayed Khosti has confirmed the blast without giving details. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 19:08:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Friday highly appreciated Cambodia's commitment to strengthen urban heritage preservation. "Urban heritage, including its tangible and intangible components, constitutes a key resource in enhancing the liveability and resilience of urban areas, and fosters economic development and social cohesion in a changing environment," UNESCO said in a press release. The commendation came after Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Tuesday issued a circular on preventing the demolition and destruction of heritage buildings in the kingdom, aiming at promoting heritage conservation and sustainable development. In line with the Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage promulgated in 1996, the circular was designed to preserve urban heritage buildings, including religious, public and private buildings, habitats and ancient houses. It also set out recommendations to prevent destruction and any form of modification, alternation or damage to the appearance of urban heritage buildings. "Cambodia has a long-standing record for its efforts on cultural conservation, and this circular will further strengthen the balance between urban growth and sustainable development, and reaffirm Cambodia's commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11, highlighting the importance of cultural and natural heritage for making safe and resilient cities," the UN agency said. "The circular will also promote the universal respect for cultural rights for all through the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage," it added. The Southeast Asian nation has rich cultural heritage with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Angkor Archeological Park, the Temple of Preah Vihear, and the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk. UNESCO said it has been working closely with Cambodia's relevant authorities to promote the conservation of these sites, and it will continue to provide technical assistance to the government and stakeholders for the preservation of cultural and urban heritage. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-15 23:44:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close YANGON, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Another batch of four million doses of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines, purchased by Myanmar, arrived in Yangon on Friday, according to a release from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. China has supplied 26.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar as of Friday, of which 5.9 million doses were donated by China, the release said. According to the Ministry of Health's figures on Friday, the number of COVID-19 infections has risen to 485,646 in Myanmar after 1,329 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours. With 42 new deaths, the death toll was recorded at 18,297, the ministry said. The daily test positivity was registered at 7.6 percent on Friday and over 4.59 million samples have been tested for COVID-19 so far. A total of 437,855 recovered patients have been discharged from hospitals as of Friday. Myanmar detected its first two COVID-19 positive cases on March 23 last year. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-16 00:51:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Oct. 15, 2021 shows the site of an explosion at a mosque in Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan. In the explosion, which targeted Imam Barga Fatimia, a Shiite mosque in Kandahar city, 16 worshippers were killed and 32 others injured, local media reports said. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam /Xinhua) KABUL, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from suicide explosions inside a mosque in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, has risen to 32, while 68 others were wounded, the state-run news agency said on Friday. According to local media Bakhtar News Agency, the explosions occurred inside a Shiite Muslim mosque building at midday when hundreds of worshippers were offering Friday prayers. At least four assailants were reportedly involved in the deadly attacks. The number of deaths may further rise as many of the wounded were in critical condition. No group has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombings yet. The security situation has remained generally calm but uncertain across Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover in mid-August. However, a spate of bomb attacks was launched by the Islamic State (IS) affiliated militants in recent weeks. On Thursday, a Taliban district police chief was killed and 11 people were wounded when a bomb hit a Taliban vehicle in eastern Kunar province. Enditem Maputo Mozambique's Tax Authority (AT) has claimed that domestic tax collection now accounts for about 85 per cent of the State revenues, which finance social and economic development programmes. The AT chairperson, Amelia Muendane, addressing a meeting in Maputo on Wednesday, declared that natural operations in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado will contribute to bridge the financial gap, currently standing at between 15 and 20 per cent. This imposes a great need for an even more efficient tax collection system, she said. "There is a beacon of hope brought by the exploration of oil and gas, following the discovery of nearly 180 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Rovuma Basin, which will definitely leverage the country's capacity to mobilise revenues," Muendane said. Oil and gas exploration, she stressed, will catapult the country into the group of major producers, at a global level, posing additional challenges to Mozambique's tax system which has to be robust for the correct management of tax collection. She added that the AT has set up an Extractive Industry Tax Unit tasked with the analysis of contract risks, tax control and capacity building for the auditing experts for the oil and gas sector. But there are lingering challenges on institutional coordination and the promotion of an even greater capacity to collect taxes. Over the last five years, the extractive industry, she added, has contributed about seven per cent of total revenues and just 2.4 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). She also declared that in the estimates for a minimal fiscal risk scenario, revenues from the oil and gas sector would amount to 31.2 per cent of total revenue and about 10.7 per cent of GDP. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. This optimistic view completely ignores the impact of terrorism in Cabo Delgado. The construction of the onshore gas liquefaction facilities on the Afungi Peninsula in Palma district came to a complete standstill with the terrorist raid against Palma town on 24 March. The French oil and gas company Total Energies, which heads the consortium building these facilities, withdrew all its staff from Afungi after the attack. Total says it has not abandoned the project, but even if the current Mozambican/Rwandan counteroffensive against the terrorist groups is completely successful, it will be many months before work at Afungi resumes. The only gas project that is certain to go ahead is the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) platform, currently under construction in a Korean shipyard. It should be towed to the Mozambique Channel and installed off the Cabo Delgado coast next year. editorial One of the most important developments in HIV in the last decade is the discovery that taking a pill combining two antiretroviral medicines every day can prevent HIV infection. This pill is finally becoming widely available in South Africa's public healthcare system, but uptake is still relatively low. One drawback with a pill that you have to take every day is, of course, that you have to take it every day. This requires not only remembering to take it but also staying motivated to take it. Some people may also not like those they live with to know about the pills. Now imagine you can take an injection that protects you against HIV infection for six months. Imagine what a difference such an injection can make, especially in the lives of young women in South Africa - a group with stubbornly high HIV rates, even in 2021. While research is still being done on such a six-monthly injection (containing the ARV lenacapavir) and there is no guarantee that it will work, we already have a two-monthly injection (containing the long-acting ARV cabotegravir - CAB LA) that has been shown to work very well. In principle, we don't like using terms like "game-changer", but in this case, we might really have a game-changer on our hands if we play our cards right. Findings from two landmark phase III studies showing that CAB LA injections every second month are highly effective at preventing HIV infection were made public in 2020. A year later, the product is not yet on the market. This is not unexpected - in pre-COVID-19 times, such long waits from trial completion to regulatory approval and products in clinics were often much longer. But, if processes can be speeded up for COVID-19 vaccines, surely it can also be done for critically important new forms of HIV prevention? As Catherine Tomlinson last week reported in Spotlight, experts expect CAB LA to only become available in our public healthcare system late in 2022 or early in 2023. The World Health Organization hasn't yet recommended the use of CAB LA and, while the manufacturer ViiV Healthcare has filed for registration in the United States, they haven't yet filed for registration with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Even once filed with SAHPRA, it is not guaranteed that CAB LA will receive the kind of priority attention given to COVID-19 vaccines. Tomlinson also reported that the Department of Health is already thinking about the potential rollout of CAB LA and that they will learn lessons from the rollout of HIV prevention pills - a rollout that started very late, but that seems to have picked up speed over the last two years. That it is on the department's radar is a good sign - but that they haven't stressed the need to move much faster than with HIV prevention pills doesn't bode well. READ: What will it take to bring #HIV prevention injections to SA's #clinics? @SECTION27news @TAC @PlhivSector @SA_AIDSCOUNCIL @CsfSanac @RitshidzeSA @ygpillay @CHAI_health @SAHIVSoc @ezintsha @DTHF_SA @LindaGailBekker @UNAIDS_ZAF @Winnie_Byanyima https://t.co/tXWKxBSOWb - Spotlight (@SpotlightNSP) September 1, 2021 One important lesson to learn both from the COVID-19 vaccine and HIV prevention pills rollouts is that making the CAB LA injection available at clinics will only be one part of the solution. We will also need a massive awareness campaign that will empower people, especially young women, with accurate information about the injection. Thought will also have to be given to how to provide the injection to healthy young people who do not visit public sector clinics. It might even have to be offered at schools in areas with high HIV rates. There has been much rhetoric about how HIV requires the same attention, investment, and urgency that we've seen for COVID-19. This is good, but it is not always clear exactly where such a revived HIV response should start and what it means to give HIV the same urgency as COVID-19. We think a good starting place would be to ensure that CAB LA reaches clinics in the first half of 2022 rather than six months, a year, or 18 months later. Meeting such a target will require ViiV Healthcare to speed up their regulatory filings and production plans - and if production or price is a bottleneck, generic producers will have to be licenced to help out. Governments, multinational agencies, and donors can already commit to buy certain volumes of the drug at pre-set prices, should regulators approve the drug. And while regulators should not lower their standards, they should fast-track their processes as much as possible. Once CAB LA has been approved, should it be approved, the National Department of Health, provincial health departments, and entities such as the National Essential Medicines List Committee should make sure the rollout is not delayed by bureaucratic inertia and a lack of coordination. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines AIDS Coronavirus South Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It is, of course, easy to think of regulatory, production, and planning reasons why CAB LA will not be available in the first half of 2022. It is unfortunately also easy to imagine the rhetoric of a more urgent HIV response co-existing with a shrug of the shoulders and a meek acceptance of these reasons. Yet, if COVID-19 taught us one thing, it is that apparently immovable obstacles can in fact often be moved without compromising safety or due process - it just depends on how much people care. Social media was instrumental to the organisation and spread of the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria in October 2020. analysis With the right strategic thinking, social media can help cultivate the kind of pan-African solidarity that would've excited the likes of Nkrumah. On 4 June 2021, Nigeria's government announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter in the country. Over the following few days, it directed internet service providers to block access to the social media site and ordered media houses to de-install their accounts. While many Nigerians ignored, protested, and/or circumvented this arbitrary, and arguably, unconstitutional policy, others complied immediately. The incident that triggered the government's ban was Twitter's deletion of a tweet by Muhammadu Buhari in which the president cited the 1967-70 civil war and threatened to treat "those misbehaving today" in "the language they will understand". Twitter deemed this to have violated its policies. However, the Nigerian government's grievances with the social media giant go much deeper as revealed when the Information Minister accused Twitter of being a threat to Nigeria's "corporate existence" and declared its founder Jack Dorsey to be liable for damage to public property during the October 2020 #EndSARS protests. Clearly, the Nigerian government was concerned by more than the deletion of a single tweet. It was worried about the opportunities Twitter presents as a space for organising collective action. It has good reason to be worried. The widespread #EndSARS protests, which began by demanding the abolition of an abusive police unit but evolved into demands for broader political change, offered authorities a glimpse into the future of social movements. In those protests, #EndSARS organisers used technologies like Twitter to decide protest locations, share health and safety tips, raise funds for catering and transportation, and organise legal and healthcare volunteers. This resourceful coordination had dazed law enforcement authorities and initially thwarted their usual tactics used for breaking up protests. Social media also helped to internationalise #EndSARS as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook users far beyond Nigeria raised awareness of the movement and the problems it sought to address. At the same time, Nigerians eagerly engaged with trends from other countries such as #EndAnglophoneCrisis in Cameroon, #AmINext in South Africa, #FreeSenegal, #ShutItAllDown in Namibia, and #ZimbabweanLivesMatter. These engagements are significant because, while African leaders have always had venues for cross-continental conversations, ordinary Africans have rarely had such opportunities. Interactions on social media may yet be unstructured, but the transnational - almost pan-African - solidarity that we saw among ordinary people around #EndSARS and other protests would have excited the likes of Kwame Nkrumah. Remarkable as this development is, however, it is not enough. If activism across Africa is to result in actual transformation, this nascent solidarity must evolve into strategic collective action. This process will require activists to increase social consciousness, identify continent-wide systemic challenges, and locate pressure points. Raising social consciousness Activism is not merely about advocating for change but sharing knowledge and appropriate theoretical frameworks for making sense of struggles. This process requires a shared conceptual language - such as through notions of "constitutionalism", "social justice" or "pan-Africanism". Having such a shared language can allow geographically and thematically diverse movements to identify areas of intersection and recognise the common factors underlying seemingly disparate issues. Social media offers activists the opportunity to not just engage in this kind of public education at a pan-African level but do so in a way that fosters a sense of collective African identity. Done effectively, it is possible to imagine a continent-wide protest using one hashtag, presenting similar but contextual demands, in a show of unity that would be impossible for governments to ignore. Many of Africa's challenges are much more than individual nation's weaknesses and, with the appropriate theoretical understanding, activists can share similar experiences in a way that emphasises patterns and their common systemic underpinnings. Particularly relevant areas for collective examination might include things such as the legacy of colonialism in today's governance and authoritarian institutions, the emergence and dominance of an elite class, and deepening inequalities. If undertaken as a deliberate social media project by activists across the continent - and a few people have already begun to do this - social media platforms such as Twitter can be used to share common narratives from different countries. What may first seem like peculiar local or national problems can come to be understood as systemic continent-wide issues that demand systemic continent-wide action. The next step after this would be to identify pressure points. The power of movements is still limited by the contexts in which they arise and the extent to which the governments or other organisations they target are likely to be responsive. This means it will be necessary for activists across Africa to be strategic and work out where attention and resources would best be concentrated, both in terms of the wider effect of such a campaign and its chances of success. In practice, this might involve targeting more democratic governments with diplomatic influence, relatively more socially responsible corporations, intergovernmental organisations, and even social media platforms themselves. In theory, a movement that encompasses activists from across Africa has a wider range of potential pressure points and greater flexibility in choosing its targets. Social media allows people from different contexts to share important information and mobilise on behalf of one another. For instance, a pan-African movement recognising that one particular community's plight was inter-connected with many others could stand in solidarity not just by amplifying that group's protests, but also by pressuring neighbouring governments, regional blocs, multinationals and other influential bodies as well as by sharing relevant lessons, resources and experiences. Towards the future The future of radical activism in Africa will partly depend on the ability of activists to harness and amplify solidarity via social media. Many governments will attempt to restrict this same space, and there will always be questions doubting the authenticity and legitimacy of online activism. However, there is a lot to be hopeful about. Social media has created a unique kind of space that is not subject to the physical control of the military or police. This is not to suggest that social media is a panacea. In many ways, it has given rise to more problems and has facilitated the spread of discrimination, misinformation, and intimidation. These issues will have to be addressed. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Yet the fact remains that, in a continent where opportunities for international engagement between everyday people is severely limited, social media provides a space - for increasingly numbers of Africans though far from all - to connect, to redefine African values, to recognise shared inequities and ambitions, and to stand up against authoritarianism, racism, patriarchy, injustice, and other daily discriminations. If African activists can utilise this space effectively, they can play a major part in shaping African society for the next generation. Radical Activism in Africa is a special series about how people across the continent are responding to injustice, imagining alternative futures, and mobilising in transformative ways. The series brings together leading writers, activists and thinkers from across the continent. It is guest-edited by Stella Nyanzi with James Wan. An online panel event will discuss the themes of the series on the evening of 18 October 2021, in collaboration with Africa Writes. Ayo Sogunro is an author and human rights lawyer who contributes to African socio-political commentary through his writings, advocacy and community educational events. His books include the short stories: The Wonderful Life of Senator Boniface and other Sorry Tales and the collection of essays: Everything in Nigeria is Going to Kill You. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. This article is part of the Radical Activism in Africa special series, guest edited by Stella Nyanzi. The surrendered terrorists comprise 3,243 males, 3,868 females and 6,234 children. 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) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has confirmed the killing of Leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Musab Al-Barnawi. Daily Trust had exclusively reported how Al-Barnawi was killed in the last week of August. General Irabor spoke on Thursday during the ministerial briefing organised by the presidential communications team at the Presidential Villa , Abuja. "I can authoritatively confirm to you that Abu Musab is dead. As simple as that. He is dead and remains dead," said the CDS. Al-Barnawi was the son of Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf who was also killed by security forces in 2009 when he launched a war against the Nigerian state. More than one thousand people died during the uprising. In 2016, the Islamic State (IS) militant group announced Al-Barnawi as the leader of its West African affiliate, Boko Haram, which was hitherto led by Abubakar Shekau. Shekau took over as the group's leader after the death of Mohammed Yusuf. Before his dethronement, Shekau had sworn allegiance to IS in March 2015 and had killed thousands of people and destroyed countless communities during his reign of terror that extended up to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). His dislodgement in 2016 heralded the rise of the relatively young Al-Barnawi as ISWAP leader and at the same time, the split of the terrorist group into two factions. It was reported that ISIS partly chose Al-Barnawi as leader in the Lake Chad region in order to punish Shekau who reportedly "violated all known norms" and to also retain the confidence of Boko Haram fighters who were loyal to his father, Yusuf, amid threats from other factional groups. Al-Barnawi was also said to have been trained by ISIS for years ahead of his ascension to power. Shekau, who was declared wanted by the United States with a price on his head, had led the Boko Haram faction with solid footing around the Sambisa forest and part of the Mandara Mountains bordering the Cameroon Republic. On the other hand, Al-Barnawi sustained vicious attacks especially on military facilities and troops in the Lake Chad region while at the same time strategising on how to subdue Shekau. He controlled large swathes of territory in Northern Borno, imposed taxes on the local population and earned serious income from fishing asides from the financial and material support he got from ISIS. Al-Barnawi's fighters had also destroyed many military super camps in Dikwa, Monguno, Abadam and Marte in Borno; and other military facilities around Geidam in Yobe State. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He equally established many cells on the Lake Chad islands and surrounding villages from where his fighters launched attacks on Nigeria, Niger and Chad. His death in August, after that of Shekau in May 2021, was seen as a turning point in the war against terror even as security experts had called for sustained offensive towards decimating the two rival groups to have a lasting peace after twelve years of uncertainty and carnage. They said despite the massive surrender by Boko Haram fighters, nothing should be taken for a ride because there are many fighters who still believe in the course they are pursuing and could recover lost grounds if they get the slightest opportunity. Daily Trust reports that Al-Barnawi fell less than two months after he consolidated his grip following the death of Shekau. He had in an audio released in Kanuri language confirmed the death of Shekau and the triumph of his faction. Over 40 bandits have been gunned down in the North West, according to the military authorities. Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, Acting Director, Defence Media Operation, who disclosed this, said troops carried out operation in forests within Sokoto and Kaduna States. He spoke at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, while giving updates on the activities of troops across all theatres of operations between October 1 and October 13. The senior military officer, who also revealed how several structures which served as bandits' logistics bases were destroyed, explained that the operations became imperative in order to ensure that impending security threats are forestalled across the country. According to him, within the two weeks under review, using a force package of NAF platforms, multiple air strikes were executed on bandits' enclaves in successive passes in different locations. He said, "In the same vein, several armed bandits were neutralised and their hideouts destroyed during air interdiction missions executed at some other locations. The success of the air interdictions was confirmed by battle damage assessment carried out on these locations." Also speaking on the recently launched military exercises running concurrently in the South West, South-South, South East and North Central Zones of the country, Onyeuko said the military high command has resolved to checkmate all forms of security vices as the yuletide season approaches. Daily Trust reports that the exercises were flagged off by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, October 4, 2021, at three different exercises of the Nigerian Army at Ovie-Emene in Enugu East LGA of Enugu State. The exercises codenamed GOLDEN DAWN, ENDURING PEACE and STILL WATER are running concurrently precisely in the 2 Division, 6 Division, 81 Division and 82 Division of the Nigerian Army. Fans of Big Brother Naija season 6 second runner up, Pere Egbi, have asked people to pray for him. In a video captioned 'Pray for General', the fans solicited for Pere, who is currently in the hospital. Pere, who landed in the hospital a few days after White Money, was seen in bed receiving intravenous drips while taking a nap. The top six housemates from the show have been on media rounds ever since the 2021 season ended on October 4, 2021. Shortly after the news of Pere's hospitalisation broke, his Instagram account got disabled. Both him and his team are yet to make a statement in regarding that. The e-Customs project has been embroiled in litigation since 2018. 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 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. 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 country's 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. Police authorities in Lagos, Abuja and other states have been issuing threats against the #EndSARS anniversary protest, asking the organisers to halt the plan. 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 People's 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 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 government says public and private channels should comply. The Federal Government says it will direct the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to compel public and private television stations to feature sign language interpreters during their major news presentations. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the 2021 Annual Lecture of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the lecture with the topic "The Imperative of Disability Inclusion in National Transformation" was organised by the FRCN in conjunction with the Albino Foundation and the European Union (EU). NAN reports that the decision by the minister was sequel to a complaint by a participant at the event, Monsurat Abdulwasiu, that the deaf had been excluded by the media. Ms Abdulwasiu, a former leader of the Abuja Association of the Deaf, Women's Wing, who spoke through a sign interpreter, said that they suffered exclusion because they just stared at pictures during news hour without knowing what they were saying. "Only the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) has a sign language interpreter during one of its news hours. "In the other media platforms, there are no sign language interpreters even in the healthcare sector, no sign language in Nigerian hospitals. "So, what happens to deaf people when they are reading news and when they are sick and go to hospital. "Does it mean that we are not entitled to information and healthcare? The government needs to look into this," she said. Responding, Mr Mohammed said: "I am very touched by the contribution of the young lady who said there is need for sign interpreters during the network news and other major news belts. "I am going to ask the NBC to direct all our television stations to ensure that there are sign interpreters in all television stations during their major news hours. "This will not apply to only the Nigeria Television Authority, whether public or private television stations, they must comply with the directive. "This directive will work both ways, it means the complaint of exclusion will be tackled and the persons with disability of hearing will also be included in programmes and policies of government. Earlier, the Director-General of FRCN, Mansur Liman said the discrimination being suffered by more than 29 million population of Persons Living with Disabilities in the country was unacceptable. He said his organisation believed in inclusion and dignity of Persons Living with Disabilities which informed the theme of the lecture, to proffer solutions by experts. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Media By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Samuela Isopi, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the Federal Government for the passage of the Disability Rights Act. Mrs Isopi who was represented by, Olaolu Olawumi, the programme director, said the EU was a strong partner in Nigeria's efforts at disability inclusion. "We are working with key stakeholders to promote access to justice, political participation, as well as social services. "The community of PWDs is very dear to us and we have sought to prioritise their welfare," she said. The founder of the Albino Foundation, Jake Epele, said the time has come for the PWDs to take the space with the openings given to them by the Federal Government. He said a lot more was needed to be done and he dreamt to see the day when a PWD would become the President of the country, state governors and hold other key political offices in the country. (NAN) At least 80 heavily armed bandit gangs are operating in Nigerias northwest, and the chaos they have caused has triggered a humanitarian emergency. The CDS says the bandits were neutralised and captured in Zamfara and parts of Niger, Sokoto and Kaduna States. 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "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. Music channel Trace East Africa on Thursday postponed a scheduled Trace Twitter Space discussion between Kenya's Gengetone and South Africa's Ampiano. A promo from the outlet suggested that while Amapiano was soaring beyond the boundaries of Mzansi, Kenya's Gengetone rested on its deathbed. The TV outlet had planned a Twitter discussion to debate the factors that contribute to the rise of a music genre/sub-genre to the national and international stage. "Two genres rose from the streets in different countries. As one soars to international levels, the other rests on its death bed," Trace Eastern Africa tweeted the promo. Following the backlash, the outlet deleted the Tweet, and issued a statement, saying all are invited to join the discussion on 'how best to propel sub-genres such as Gengetone to international heights' The outlet also claimed to have reached out to Gengetone artists with a view of having them represented on the space. "We've heard you and absolutely agree with you that Gengetone should be well represented in the space. Thank you for your recommendations as well. We are currently in communication with them," the outlet Tweeted. "Thank you for sharing your sentiments with us. We'd like to clarify that Trace loves and supports Gengetone. Our intention for this space is to bring together creatives, industry players and music lovers to exchange ideas around rising music genres within Africa and key learnings." Among those invited for the discussion were Blinky Bill, Eric Wainaina, Brian Muluvu and Charllote Bwana. Kenyans were quick to note that none of the Kenyan Gengetone artists had been invited. Gengetone evolved from Genge-rap, a musical style incredibly popular in the 2000s in Kenya. It blends rap with reggaeton and dancehall infusions resulting in a high-energy and dance-ready sound. The music is also characterized by its explicit lyrics and commentary that reflect the current lifestyle of the 'hood' experience, usually rapped or sung in "sheng". A version of Swahili slang, "sheng" is a constantly evolving language and the subliminal meanings behind some of the words used in Gengetone songs give these artists more notoriety in the streets. US President Joe Biden on Thursday asked Kenya to play a central role in securing the Horn region, even as he pledged to donate a further 17 million doses of J&J Covid-19 jabs to the African Union. At a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta at the White House, Biden said Kenya, a traditional ally of Washington was going to play a significant role, especially now that the region is facing various crises. "Our nations share a deep commitment of fairness to respect and equity and I am committed to elevating further our ties with Kenya and the nations across Africa as a whole, but Kenya is key," Biden said. Biden had listed financial transparency, peace and security in the Horn of Africa as well as climate change as crucial areas both countries will cooperate on. He also listed economic growth, but did not specify on trade issues that had stalled between Kenya and the US, as part of areas the two leaders would discuss "based on principles of mutual respect and equality." A trade agreement under negotiation during Donald Trump's years has since stalled. President Uhuru Kenyatta became the first African head to meet with Biden since he took over in January. President Kenyatta, on his fourth visit to the White House under three different American Presidents, said he welcomes US support to end crises in the region, as well as develop trade. US return to Paris Agreement "During this very difficult time, the United States has done its best to step up, by not only helping Kenya but the African continent in general in terms of vaccine access. As a continent, we are lagging way behind the rest of the world in terms of being able to vaccinate our people," President Kenyatta said, referring to vaccine shortage in Africa where just about 5 percent of the population is vaccinated. "Any additional support as the President has just mentioned is greatly welcomed and we look forward to that kind of partnership." Other bigger problems, however, such as climate change, and the conflicts in the region were top on the agenda. President Kenyatta said he welcomes US return to the Paris Agreement, indicating it will help the US to focus more on its obligation to reduce dangerous emissions. "We are glad to see the United States has now rejoined (the Paris Agreement [on Climate Change) and we look forward to working together on that particular agenda which as you know our continent is the least in terms of emitting but pays the highest price." Ahead of the meeting, President Kenyatta, who is the current President of the UN Security Council, had said climate change is now related or causing most of the conflicts on the continent. He asked leaders to prioritise further targeted proposals on climate change when dealing with conflicts. In eyes of the US, Kenya could also be handy in dealing with the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, where the UN now says at least 900,000 people are living in "famine-like" conditions after humanitarian corridors were blocked. The US had earlier threatened sanctions on those hindering aid delivery or refusing dialogue, but Kenya cautioned against sanctions, indicating Ethiopians needed encouragement, not threats. The US has also pressured Ethiopia to start dialogue with the Tigray People's Liberation Front, a one-time ruling party now proscribed in Ethiopia. Fight against corruption On Wednesday Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a further $26 million worth of humanitarian aid to Tigray, but called on Ethiopia to allow independent investigators into atrocities committed by both sides. This meeting had been, however, preceded with a call by a US Senator for Biden to prioritise the fight against corruption, political violence and rising debt, indicating this was more of bilateral issues on Kenya's governance. Idaho's Republican Senator Jim Risch, a ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee said on Wednesday the meeting between the two should focus on endemic problems Kenya is facing, as well as the security concerns in neighbouring Ethiopia. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya East Africa U.S., Canada and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The Senate said that Kenya, being a strategic partner in East Africa should be supported to enhance regional security, especially in the fight against terrorism. "I remain concerned, however, about deep government corruption, ongoing incidents of intercommunal violence in several parts of the country, and increasing debt to China," he said. "Kenya is also preparing for a contentious election with a potentially violent ethnic dimension in 2022." The meeting came as Kenya presides over the UN Security Council for the month of October. But it also comes as Kenya faces violence in Laikipia which police say is fueled by bandits. Kenya is also preparing for General Election next year with uncertainties surrounding the security situation after the vote. The previous two General Election were followed by sporadic incidents of violence. document Oval Office 3:13 P.M. EDT PRESIDENT BIDEN: Im happy to have the President of Kenya here, President Kenyatta. Its an honor to welcome you to the White House, to the Oval Office. Good to see you again. And, you know, the U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership is essential we both, I think, believe is essential to addressing key regional and global challenges. And I want to thank Kenya for your thank you for your leadership in defending the peace, security, and democratic instincts of the region and your country. Youre doing a heck of a job. And now you are you know, Kenya is currently the President of the U.N. Security Council. PRESIDENT KENYATTA: Thats right. Thats right. PRESIDENT BIDEN: I mean, thanks for letting us stay in. PRESIDENT KENYATTA: (Laughs.) PRESIDENT BIDEN: But all kidding aside, thank you. Thank you very much. And were continuing our shared fight against COVID. The United States has donated 2.8 million doses of vaccine to Kenya as part of the 50 million doses weve donated to the African Union. And Im proud to announce that today, that were making an additional historic one-time donation of 17 more million doses of J&J vaccine to the AU, and were going to be sending some more of these by the end of the year to Kenya. And today were going to discuss what more Kenya and the United States can do together on the Horn of Africa to advance peace and security. And were also going to talk about strengthening the financial transparency and accelerating economic growth. Youve spoken to that, Mr. President; I want to talk to you about that. And the fight against climate change. So, our nations share a deep commitment to fairness and to respect and equity. And Im committed to further elevating our ties with Kenya and nations across Africa as a whole. But Kenya is key to this. So, welcome, Mr. President. And Im delighted to have you here. PRESIDENT KENYATTA: Thank you very much, Mr. President. And let me once again say its a great pleasure to see you once again. I dont know whether many will recall, but President Biden, in a former life, visited Kenya where we had an opportunity to meet when he was Vice President, when hed come over again, on issues related to strengthening the partnership and the relationship between our two countries. And its really a great pleasure and honor to see you again. Let me also take this opportunity, through you, to thank your government and the people of the United States. During this very difficult time, the United States has done its best to step up in terms of not only helping Kenya, but the African continent in general, with regard to access to vaccines. Im happy to hear your new announcement of that increase, because as many of you will know, as a continent, we are lagging well behind the rest of the world in terms of being able to vaccinate our people. So, any additional support, like the President has just mentioned, is greatly welcomed, and we look forward to that continued partnership. Were also very closely partnering, especially in regard to the fight against terrorism globally. The United States has been a very strong partner to Kenya in that particular fight. And this is an area, again, Im hoping to have an opportunity to further discuss with the President. We are also keenly very grateful with his strong position, especially with regard to climate change. This is an area where Kenya has made tremendous progress in her own right and where we are firmly committed to the Paris Agreement, and were glad to see the United States has now rejoined. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines U.S., Canada and Africa Kenya By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. And we look forward to working very closely together on that particular agenda, which, as you know, our country, our continent is the least in terms of emitting but pays the highest price. So, we welcome your leadership in this area, and I look forward to having the opportunity to discuss that further with you. Keenly also wanting to engage, as we have been already, with the President on the issue of trade and investment between our two countries. This, I believe, is vital not only in terms of further entrenching American interests on the continent, but also in helping us also achieve our social-economic agenda. So thats another agenda that we are also going to be engaged in. So, Mr. President, let me just say its wonderful to see you again. Its wonderful to be back here. And I look forward to fruitful deliberations as we move forward. PRESIDENT BIDEN: So do I. Thank you. Thank you all. 3:19 P.M. EDT VICE Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum, Upstream, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Young Progressives Party, YPP, Anambra South has said that the immediate release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will end the spate of insecurity in the South East geo political zone of the country. Senator Ubah who is the candidate Candidate of YPP in the November 6, 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial election, urged the Federal government to critically examine the issues surrounding the arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu. Ubah, who spoke during his engagements with Ndi Anambra businessmen at the Alaba International Market in Lagos, said that the team had robust discussions and exchanges of ideas on the various issues surrounding the development of the South East. In a statement in Abuja by Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah Campaign Organisation, Hon. Kamen Chuks Ogbonna read, "The Campaign train of the Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah Campaign Organisation (SDPIUCO) yesterday morning in continuation of its sensitization and engagements with Ndi Anambra in Lagos, visited Alaba international market and was welcomed by the leadership of the market led by the president . The team had robust discussions and exchange of ideas on the various issues surrounding the South East development especially with regard to the upcoming elections in Anambra State. "The market executives who described the Distinguished Senator as one of tbeir own thanked him for donating a brand new hilux to the market some years back and expressed their total support for his aspiration while assuring him that the dominant feeling amongst bussiness men plying their trades in Lagos is that they will all relocate back to the State next month and play their roles in ensuring that the vision for a new commercial Anambra is achieved . "In the course of the conversation, some youth leaders used the opportunity of the visit to express their sadness to the Senator over the raging issue of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's detention and pleaded with him to intervene on the matter . "The Senator in his response assured them that there are ongoing efforts behind the scene at finding a political solution to the problem and also promised to relay their message to the federal government with regards to the need to treat the issue as vital especially since some opposition party players has cashed in on that to create artificial insecurity in Anambra State and trigger voter apathy in the process as a cover for writing results illegally. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The youths later peacefully escorted the Senator (who they kept referring to as the :king of boys" and the "street general " ) and his team on their way out of the market with songs of freedom for Mazi Kanu as the euphoria over their just concluded meeting and the assurances received subsists. "It is our firm belief that this burning issue should not in any way be politicised but rather it be given the due attention that it requires. "Injustice to one amounts to injustice to all and as the Senator has said on several fora including a recent BBC interview , there is need for the federal government to address the issues surrounding the arrest of Mr Kanu especially in the face of reports that he was carrying the passport of another country at the point of arrest during his visit to another foreign country. "The Senator at this juncture pleads that the federal government finds a political solution to this. It is our firm belief that if this is done , the present insecurity in Anambra State will come to an abrupt end as the politically sponsored bandits killing people under this guise will have no further excuse at their disposal. . "The Lagos town hall meetings were rounded up last night with a dinner party hosted for the Senator by some selected stakeholders and members of the Anambra bussiness Community including some market leaders , executives of some social clubs and some members of the Anambra progressives and development Union." Adebowale defeated the incumbent acting vice-chancellor, Adebola Ekanola, and 14 others in a keenly contested process that took almost one year to resolve. 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 university's 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 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 "I can authoritatively confirm to you that Abu Musab is dead. As simple as that. He is dead and remains dead." The leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Musab al-Barnawi, is dead, Nigeria's 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "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 can't 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. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked government officials in President Muhammadu Buhari's administration to withdraw their children from foreign universities and enroll them in Nigeria. It also called on the National Assembly to initiate a law that makes it compulsory for the public office holders to send their wards to public schools in the country, saying such a step would let the officials know the decay in the public universities. ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, gave this charge in Abuja at the reconvened meeting with the federal Government, being conciliated by the Minister of Labour and Employment. Speaking before the meeting went into a closed-door, Osodeke said, "We hope that the government will make it mandatory that if you accept a government appointment, your children must attend universities in the country. "The National Assembly must formulate a law that if you take an appointment, your children must study here. If you know that your children cannot be here, don't take government appointments. "When you hear those in the government who send their children to schools abroad say that ASUU goes on strike, they should know that strike is not the problem. The problem is the issues afflicting the universities; nobody is interested in tackling them. "Look at the budget we have seen recently, it is exactly the same thing we have been seeing. Nothing has changed. And this country is paying the high price for neglecting education - the banditry you see, the kidnapping and what have you, is because people are not being taken care of. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "That is why ASUU has been struggling, so that Nigerian universities will be revamped, so that as our children go outside for learning, other children from other countries will come here too and pay to this country in hard currency." Earlier in his remarks, Ngige assured that the Federal Government would not abandon the public universities in spite of dwindling resources and reiterated the government's readiness to work with ASUU and others interested in revamping the educational system. "ASUU is not asking for things that are impossible. They are not asking that we give them our head or blood. They are interested in getting good working conditions for their members and for the public university system to be conducive for teaching and research," the minister said. The meeting is still ongoing as at when filing this report. The chief of defence staff, Lucky Irabor, Thursday confirmed the death of the leader of the Islamic State in West Africa Province, ISWAP, Abu Musad Al-Barnawi. Irabor disclosed this while fielding questions from state house correspondents. According to him: "I can authoritatively confirm to you that Al-Barnawi is dead. He is dead, and he remains dead." However, Irabor also said that the perception of discriminatory military engagement against the people of the southeast was not correct. The CDS assertion was against the background of accusations against the military over its alleged harsh treatment of the people of the southeast. Gen. Irabor also debunks the report credited to the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere that terrorists have infiltrated the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, and the neighboring cities. The Chief of Defense Staff stated these at the ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Communications team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Gen.Irabor, who was responding to a question while negotiations were done with bandits in the northwest and repentant Boko Haram members being rehabilitated while military operations are scaled up in the southeast, however, noted that insecurity varies from region to region. According to him, what you find in the southeast is different from what is obtainable in the north. Mentioning Sheikh Ahmad Gumi by name, he said the Muslim cleric who had been leading negotiations with bandits, does not work for the military and that the military would not prevent anyone from playing his part in the fight against insecurity. He said what was not acceptable to the military was when such persons work at cross purposes with security agencies' objectives. analysis Despite unease on both sides, each country could gain from the ruling if they were willing to restore relations. The International Court of Justice's (ICJ) decision on 12 October regarding the maritime boundary between Kenya and Somalia is unlikely to please either party. After seven years of growing resentment over the issue, the ICJ ruled that there was no de facto maritime boundary, effectively rejecting most of Kenya's claims. To placate both parties, the court drew a new boundary that kept most of the disputed area under Kenyan jurisdiction but still awarded a sizeable chunk to Somalia. The dispute was triggered mainly by the desire for ownership over ocean zones where lucrative oil blocks can be created to auction off for exploration. Both countries referred to the zones in terms of territory and sovereignty. This inflamed the debate and made resolution difficult as both felt threatened by the prospect of the other gaining at their expense. Each state could benefit from the ICJ's jurisdiction award as it effectively gives them the title deeds to all resources in their parts of the ocean. But the fallout from the dispute is unlikely to result in any immediate benefits for either country. Somalia said the maritime boundary should follow the trajectory of the land boundary as it crosses the coastline and projects out to sea in a straight line. By the time this line terminates at 200 nautical miles out, about 370 km, the total area over which it could exercise exclusive economic resource ownership rights would be huge. The ICJ ruled that there was no de facto maritime boundary, effectively rejecting most of Kenya's claims Kenya countered that the boundary ran along the parallel of latitude according to its laws and proclamations. It argued that Somalia had given its tacit consent because it never seriously objected to these proclamations and thus acquiesced to the Kenyan claim. The ICJ unanimously rejected the notion that a border already existed, pointing out that Somalia had never clearly and consistently accepted Kenya's 'parallel of latitude' boundary. The court decision is therefore more favourable for Somalia because the boundary was de facto still in dispute. Given climate change and the need to move away from fossil fuels, the value of developing oil and gas resources in this maritime area is debatable. If these resources are to be extracted, it will make more sense to consider the potential benefits for both states and their people, rather than just one country, with a winner-takes-all mentality. There are possible solutions, such as creating joint development zones, which could allow both countries to benefit from marine resources. Down the line, this would create regional prosperity and economic integration between Somalia and Kenya. Many maritime security issues, such as illegal fishing and smuggling, are transnational and require the two countries to work together or support international institutions designed to enhance maritime security. So even with the ICJ ruling, there are some potential positives to the situation, provided both countries are willing to build trust, restore relations and explore the possibilities. This won't be easy considering that Kenya - anticipating an unfavourable decision - indicated it would have serious objections to the outcome even before it was made. Possible solutions include creating joint development zones that could enable both countries to benefit But there are several examples of countries that opposed ICJ decisions or those of other tribunals such as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, ultimately accepting and binding themselves to the court's judgment. Some examples from other parts of Africa include conflicts between Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, and Nigeria and Cameroon. In both instances, the parties accepted the ruling and subsequently engaged with each other to the benefit of all. Most maritime disputes can also ultimately be resolved through good offices, arbitration and mediation. For both Kenya and Somalia, compliance with the ruling is more important than trying to exert control over each other. The international community may pressure Kenya, perhaps behind closed doors, to accept the verdict and avoid undermining key institutions and principles anchoring the law of the sea. Given its foreign policy of strengthening global ocean governance, it would be costly for Kenya diplomatically to dispute the decision. It hosted a successful global Blue Economy summit in 2018, and President Uhuru Kenyatta is a vital member of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean. And Kenya is co-hosting the 2022 UN Ocean Conference with Portugal. The country has earned significant credentials as a global ocean governance leader - a status it might not want to jeopardise. Most maritime disputes can ultimately be resolved through good offices, arbitration and mediation Kenya also currently holds the rotational presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of October, during which it chaired a high-level open debate on diversity, state building and peace. It may take a while to repair Kenya and Somalia's diplomatic relations, which had been undergoing a rapprochement of sorts after years of disagreements. It's unfortunate that despite their strong cultural and economic ties - which bind them more closely than any other countries in the region - the two ended up in a bitter maritime dispute and an ICJ ruling. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya East Africa Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The ICJ should be the last mechanism states turn to after exhausting other diplomatic avenues. Both countries tried to reach an accord over the past few decades, but the 2014 request by Somalia to have the ICJ decide indicated it had lost confidence in the bilateral process. The African Union (AU) has a border programme and a new boundary resolution strategy that should have assisted before the issue got as far as it did. A salutary lesson is that countries should first try to agree among themselves, or get help from regional structures and organisations such as the AU. But the border programme needs to be better capacitated to be effective. Most contests over boundaries in Africa exist on land, which means resources, funding and training have gone towards land boundary resolution. The Kenya-Somalia dispute should alert African states and the AU to the need to catalogue maritime disputes and identify ways to resolve them without destabilising countries and regions. Timothy Walker, Maritime Project Leader, ISS Pretoria and Mohamed Husein Gaas, Senior Researcher, Horn of Africa Security and Analysis, ISS Addis Ababa The president of Algeria said that the return of its ambassador to France is dependent on "full respect." Relations between the two countries are strained over visas and comments made by the French president. Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said on Sunday that the return of his country's ambassador to France would be dependent on "full respect" for Algeria. Speaking to members of the country's national press, Tebboune said: "We forget that it (Algeria) was once a French colony... History should not be falsified." In reference to French colonial past, Tebboune said: "We can't act like nothing happened." Why are relations strained? Last weekend, diplomatic relations between the two sides took a downward turn when Algiers recalled its diplomat from Paris. Algeria also closed its airspace to French military aircraft involved in operations against Islamist militants in the Sahel region. That was in response to comments French President Emmanuel Macron had made to descendants of the 1954-1962 Algerian War of Independence. Both French and Algerian media reported that Macron had said Algeria's "politico-military system" had given another version of history premised on "a hatred for France." Paris had also slashed the number of visas issued to Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, a move which further fuelled tensions between the two countries. Macron's hope for talks Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Algeria Europe and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The office of the Algerian presidency said that there had been no denial that the comments had been made and considered them to be interference in Algerian affairs. Last week, Macron had expressed hope for dialogue, saying it was "better to talk and make progress," while describing a "truly cordial" relationship with Tebboune. Macron has during his presidency made attempts to address France's colonial legacy. In September, Macron asked for forgiveness from families of Algerians who fought alongside French forces and were then abandoned after the country's war for independence. In 2020, Macron tasked a historian to delve into France's colonial legacy in Algeria, but it has been criticized for being a one-sided narrative. The report compiled by historian Benjamin Stora also made no recommendation for an apology or for reparations to be paid. (AFP, Reuters) Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo said that 100 people were being monitored after a 3-year-old boy died from the disease this week. The World Health Organization (WHO) said early Saturday that it was working with health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate a new Ebola case. The Congolese Health Ministry reported late Friday that a 3-year-old boy, who had been hospitalized with the disease, died on October 6. The boy had tested positive near the eastern city of Beni, in North Kivu province. Beni was one of the epicenters of the deadly 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak. "North Kivu has been battered by Ebola outbreaks during the past few years," said WHO's regional director for Africa, Matshidiso MoetiMoeti, "but this has built up local expertise and community awareness, paving the way for a fast-moving response." What else do we know about the new case? Health Minister Jean Jacques Mbungani on Friday said that following the child's death earlier this week, about 100 people who may have been exposed to the virus had been identified. He added they were being monitored by authorities to see if they developed any Ebola symptoms. "Thanks to the experience acquired in managing the Ebola virus disease during previous epidemics, we are confident that the response teams ... will manage to control this outbreak as soon as possible," Mbungani said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Congo-Kinshasa International Organisations Ebola By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. An internal report from Congo's biomedical laboratory said that three of the toddler's neighbors had also presented symptoms consistent with Ebola last month. They died as well, but hadn't been tested for the disease. Last outbreak declared over in May The most recent Ebola outbreak in North Kivu ended five months ago. It is not unusual for sporadic cases to occur following a major outbreak, health experts say. Congo has recorded 12 Ebola outbreaks since it was first discovered near the Ebola river in 1976. The disease spreads through contact with body fluids, and its symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea. The 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak killed more than 2,200 people. It was the second deadliest outbreak of the disease on record. Ebola typically kills about half of those it infects, though advances in medical treatments, including highly effective vaccines, can significantly reduce death rates when detected early. (Reuters, AP, dpa) The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that a contested maritime border between Somalia and Kenya should be adjusted in a way that grants Somalia rights over most of an oil-rich chunk of the Indian Ocean. Somalia appears to have benefited most from an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on a contested maritime boundary with Kenya. In a lengthy judgment made in The Hague on Tuesday, judges at the top UN court ruled that there was "no agreed maritime boundary" in force, and drew a new border line close to the one previously proposed by Somalia. Judges rejected the line Kenya proposed extending from its coast, saying it would have had a "severe cut-off effect" for Somalia. The court's line adjusted Somalia's proposal slightly, saying Kenya was at risk of its having maritime rights squeezed between Tanzania to the south and Somalia to the north. ICJ President Joan Donoghue reading a summary of the judgment, said the court was "satisfied" that the adjusted line "achieves an equitable solution." The court found that Kenya had failed to prove there was an established sea boundary between the countries, which would have given it a greater piece of the contested territory. Although the ICJ decision cannot be appealed and is legally binding, it has no mechanism to enforce rulings. However, states can turn to the UN Security Council if another country fails to obey a ruling. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said his government "rejects in totality and does not recognize the findings in the decision." Nairobi had already made it clear last week that it would no longer acknowledge the court's jurisdiction, calling the ICJ "biased." What is the dispute about? Somalia opened the case against Kenya in 2014 over contested parts of the Indian Ocean believed to have rich natural oil and gas reserves. The claim involves 100,000 square kilometers (nearly 40,000 square miles) of seafloor which both countries lay claim to. The core contention is the direction in the which the joint maritime boundary lies. Somalia believes that the boundary should follow its land border and head out in a southeasterly direction. Kenya believes that the line runs in a straight easterly direction of its coastline, essentially granting it rights to the portion of sea in question. According to the court's decision, Somalia now has control of most of the contested territory, while Kenya got a smaller piece. How did Somalia respond? Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed described the court's decision as an historic victory. "The rule of law has succeeded, this victory belongs to the Somali people. I thank the World Justice Court who supported the rule of law," Mohamed said. The Somali president also called on Kenya to "respect the international rule of law," adding that it "should instead see the decision of the court as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship of the two countries." Somalian Information Minister Osman Dubbe took to Twitter to express his satisfaction with the court's decision and said: "Finally we made it. Thanks to all great lawyers who represented Somalia on the International Court of Justice." But Kenyan President Kenyatta said that the ruling amounted to "a zero-sum game, which will strain the relations between the two countries." "It will also reverse the social, political and economic gains; and potentially aggravate the peace and security situation in the fragile Horn of Africa Region," he added. Can the ruling be enforced? The judgment has raised some questions among Kenyan commentators. Peter Kagwanja, a diplomatic specialist in Kenya, told DW that Somalia disputed Kenya's claim in 2014 as part of an "expansionist agenda" to "encroach on Kenya's territory." "The ICJ is an arbitration court. It is not a court of justice. You cannot arbitrate between two neighbors who have not talked at all. What are you arbitrating?" he said. Kelvin Mogeni, who is president of the Kenyan chapter of the ICJ, told DW that it remained to be seen whether the ruling could be acted upon. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Somalia Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "That decision remains a good decision only when it can be implemented. Implementation on international law is a question of determining how powerful that country can be to implement it, and if the other one refuses, then you have to use force," Mogeni said. What will happen next? Kenya made the decision to revoke recognition of the court's jurisdiction just days ahead of the ruling. The matter has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. "The delivery of the judgment will be the culmination of a flawed judicial process that Kenya has had reservations with, and withdrawn from, on account of obvious and inherent bias," Kenya's Foreign Ministry said. In March, Nairobi skipped public hearings in The Hague and had already granted oil exploration rights to Italian energy company ENI. However, in this regard, the court also found no compelling evidence that Kenya should pay any reparations for maritime activity conducted in the area, because of the uncertain status of the boundary line. (AFP, AP, Reuters) At least six migrants have been killed after guards opened fire at an overcrowded detention facility. It is the latest violence against migrants following recent mass arrests. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said Friday that guards at detention center in the Libyan capital Tripoli had shot dead at least six migrants. Thousands of migrants have been rounded up in the last week and sent to detention centers despite having legal documents to live in the country, according to the IOM. Federico Soda, head of the Libyan mission of the IOM, said he couldn't exactly say what led to the shooting, but it was "related to overcrowding and the terrible, very tense situation" at the detention facility. Several other migrants were wounded and lots more escaped the facility. Soda told AFP news agency that guards had fired into the air to control previous incidents of chaos at a detention facility during the week. Tense build-up at detention centers over the week The shooting came a week after Libyan security forces carried out raids on houses and temporary shelters in Gargaresh, a poor suburb of Tripoli. The area is heavily populated by migrants and asylum-seekers. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said the raids last week had left at least one person dead and several others injured. It added the agency was "extremely concerned" about reports of killing and "excessive use of force against migrants" in the area. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Libya Migration By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Doctors without Border (MSF) said that at least 5,000 migrants had been "detained during violent mass arrests across the city since October 1." "We are seeing security forces take extreme measures to arbitrarily detain more vulnerable people in inhumane conditions in severely overcrowded facilities," Ellen van der Velden, MSF's operations manager for Libya, said in a statement. Velden added that entire families had been captured and transported to various detention centers and the process had split families and hurt several members. Libyan authorities have refuted claims of excessive force, saying the wave of detentions was part of anti-drug raids on houses and makeshift shelters in Gargaresh. There are hundreds of thousands of migrants in Libya, some seeking to travel onwards to Europeand others looking for work in the major oil-producing country. (Reuters, AFP) analysis Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has replaced two key ministers days after being sworn in for a new term. The country's leadership faces growing pressure from the West to resolve the Tigray crisis. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has named a new defense minister and peace minister in a Cabinet shake-up that comes just days after he took the oath of office as prime minister for a new five-year term. The Cabinet was approved on Wednesday by parliament, where Abiy's Prosperity Party has an overwhelming majority after winning June's elections. The new defense minister, Abraham Belay, was previously the head of the federally appointed interim administration in the Tigray region, where fighting between government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has been raging for 11 months. Abraham is said to be very close to Abiy, with both having done stints at Ethiopia's cyberespionage agency. In addition, Abraham was previously minister of innovation and technology, a position Abiy has also held. Abraham is Tigrayan, one of dozens of ethnic groups in Ethiopia. It is "symbolically interesting" to see a Tigrayan appointed as defense minister, Kjetil Tronvoll, a professor of peace and conflict studies at Norway's Bjorknes University College who closely follows Ethiopia's politics, told DW over the phone from Oslo. "But I don't think it will be looked upon from the Tigrayan constituency as a kind of an olive branch," Tronvoll said. Tronvoll said many Tigrayans saw Abraham as having "sold out" when he assumed the position as interim administrator of Tigray earlier this year after Ethiopia's Parliament declared the regional leadership illegal. New peace minster The Peace Ministry, which oversees civilian security agencies such as the police, also has a new chief. Benalf Andualem, the head of the Prosperity Party's secretariat, is viewed as one of Ethiopia's most powerful figures after Abiy. In Benalf's appointment, Ethiopia analyst Tronvoll sees Abiy bringing in a "much stronger, possibly more hard-line, more loyalist figure close to his orbit." "It might appear in the sense that Abiy is bunkering down and circling the wagons, putting even more loyalists into these very prominent ministries [Defense and Peace]," Tronvoll said. Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mokonnen, as expected, has held on to both his posts. Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry stoked outrage last week after announcing the expulsion of seven UN officials -- a decision set to be discussed by the UN Security Council on Wednesday. Abiy's office touted the fact that three new Cabinet members hail from opposition parties, saying on Twitter that this reflected a "commitment to inclusivity". Yonas Aday, who researches peace and security expert at Addis Ababa University, told DW that the new Cabinet is something to "congratulate" Ethiopia's government on. "The way it's been established was very much inclusive," Yonas said. "It is a groundbreaking start to Ethiopian political culture." Humanitarian crisis in Tigray Abiy's new Cabinet will be closely watched for signs of a changing approach to the conflict in Tigray amid mounting pressure from the West to resolve the crisis and outrage over the expulsion of the UN officials. The prime minister's office, which blames the TPLF for starting the war, has said certain conciliatory measures such as declassifying the TPLF as a terrorist group can only happen after the new government has formed. But analysts don't believe that the new ministers will initially do much to soften Abiy's hard-line approach. "It is commendable that some opposition party members are included in his Cabinet selection. However, in my opinion, it is very unlikely that someone from his own Cabinet will come up and challenge Abiy," said Mohammed Girma, an Ethiopian academic who researches social harmony as a visiting lecturer at the University of Roehampton in London. "The possibilities are that he would select Cabinet members who would defend his position rather than those who would confront him when they think he is wrong," Girma said. Horn of Africa analyst Cameron Hudson offered similar sentiments. "If anything, Abiy was at his most vulnerable leading up to the elections and leading up to his inauguration," Hudson, a former diplomat in the Horn of Africa region and now a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, a US think tank, told DW. "With that behind him, I think he's going to be even more empowered and emboldened to continue to pursue this course of action [in Tigray]," Hudson said. International pressure Ethiopia faces growing international condemnation over its handling of the conflict in Tigray, home to 6 million people. The United States and several European countries, including Britain and France, were behind calls for Wednesday's scheduled UN Security Council meeting about Ethiopia's expulsion of the UN officials for "meddling." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Governance Europe and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The expulsion came after the officials raised concerns about the government's stopping medicine, food and fuel from entering Tigray, where hundreds of thousands of people face faminelike conditions. Only about 11% of the trucks needed to transport life-saving food have entered the region since mid-July, the UN said last week. The United States has also threatened sanctions if humanitarian access to Tigray isn't granted soon. Resolute in the face of criticism Hudson believes that Abiy will remain defiant even in the face of further international pressure. Ethiopia enjoys the support of permanent UN Security Council members China and Russia, who have both made clear that they see the Tigray conflict as an internal affair for Ethiopia, Hudson said. On top of this, Hudson said, despite "the threat of really comprehensive and biting US sanctions hanging over him," Abiy expelled the UN officials in what "many Security Council members are calling the most brazen act of defiance against the UN in decades." "If that's how he responds in the face of all of this pressure, all of this criticism, the threat of sanctions ... then it's hard to imagine that further threats are going to do much," Hudson said. analysis The West African bloc and the African Union are suffering from a credibility problem, but they are not irredeemable. Despite Guinea and Mali both experiencing coups in recent months, it would be wrong to herald the dawn of a new trend of military overthrows in West Africa. Reoccurring instability is contained to a handful of states. What is a real and worrying trend, however, is the region's consistent failure to address the conditions that spark coups in the first place. Following the overthrow of President Alpha Conde in Guinea, the West Africa bloc ECOWAS swung into action. It called for elections to be held within six months and insisted that the junta leaders should not be eligible to stand. It demanded Conde's immediate release from custody. It threatened economic sanctions against the putschists. Apart from the fact that Guinea might need closer to twelve months rather that six to prepare for a meaningful transition, these demands are wise. And ECOWAS along with the African Union (AU) are two of few bodies that hold some leverage over Guinea. But this makes it all the more frustrating that their condemnations and recommendations were reserved for after the country blew up and not when it was boiling. On coming to office following a period of brutal military dictatorship in 2010, Conde had initially been a force for positive change. But over the years, his rule came to be marked by growing corruption and authoritarianism. All the elections since he took office were disputed as he eroded checks and balances on state power. By 2018, Conde had effectively banned street protests as he embarked on a blatant act of constitutional chicanery to allow him to run for a third term. In October 2020, Conde's administration staged a patently fraudulent election that saw him officially re-elected with 59.5%. Despite the poll's lack of integrity and inclusivity, ECOWAS and the AU deemed it "lawful" and said it was conducted "in transparency". For many Guineans, this was the final straw. Although the military was hardly blameless during the latter stages of Conde's reign, often using live rounds on protesters, it was unsurprising that the junta's arrival in the capital Conakry last month was greeted by jubilant crowds. What now? It should perhaps be no surprise that an organisation that includes leaders like President Alassane Ouattara, who similarly extended his reign in Cote d'Ivoire, would be silent on Conde's actions. But ECOWAS' flaws are also systemic, and internal reforms are needed so the organisation can sound the alarm when assaults on democracy occur. Guinea has its own vibrant civil society, and ECOWAS and the AU need to be far more proactive in defending these groups' rights and freedoms so that we never reach this crisis stage again. These African regional bodies suffer from a severe credibility problem, but they are not irredeemable. For now, ECOWAS and the AU should establish a monitoring committee based in Guinea to scrutinise the transition and periodically report on its progress. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya has already announced intentions to form an inclusive government and embark on consultations with political, business and religious leaders along with diplomats, civil society and other stakeholders. The drafting of a new constitution is vital, but it needs the input of all Guinean society and it needs to be done right. An ECOWAS and AU monitoring committee would send a strong message of solidarity and bolster a sense of security for Guinea's civil society in this process. With this kind of international support, civil society groups could also forge and announce a realistic roadmap for reform developed democratically and organically, rather than being imposed arbitrarily from the outside. The military leadership would be compelled to listen to these recommendations in a timely fashion, and the regional monitoring group could immediately raise concerns at the highest levels in case of deviations or delays. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines West Africa Governance Guinea By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. During this fragile transition, Guinea's authorities could also prioritise issues that leaders tend to kick into the long grass such as press freedom, access to public information, anti-corruption mechanisms, and sexual and gender-based violence. The country's current leadership of course lacks a mandate, but committees drawn from a range of backgrounds and communities could be tasked with drawing up propositions and bills for these crucial issues. Having failed to act when Conde was undermining civil society and people's rights and freedoms, regional powerbrokers now have the opportunity to support these groups and issues during the transition. They must be careful not to give any undue recognition to the junta yet must also take some of the blame in enabling its rise. Mathias Hounkpe is the head of the political governance programme at the Open Society Foundation in West Africa. In Somalia, water infrastructure projects are building climate resilience and reducing emissions by using solar panels to provide energy (file photo). analysis Today's global energy inequities are staggering. Video gamers in California consume more electricity than entire nations. The average Tanzanian used only one-sixth the electricity consumed by a typical American refrigerator in 2014. Globally, the top 10% of countries consume 20 times more energy than the bottom 10%. And 1.1 billion sub-Saharan Africans share the same amount of power generation capacity as Germany's 83 million people. At least half have no access to electricity at all. These stark energy inequalities are fueling thorny debates around financing Africa's energy future as world leaders and their negotiators prepare for COP26, the United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, in November. One increasingly common theme from wealthy countries - including those responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions over time - is a vow that they will cease public funding for all (or nearly all) fossil fuel projects in less developed countries, even as they continue financing, and in many cases heavily subsidizing, fossil fuels in their own. It is generally easier for countries that offer overseas development finance for energy projects to make low-carbon rules for others, rather than for themselves. For example, China, Japan and South Korea - some of the world's highest coal-consuming nations - have each recently pledged to stop funding coal projects overseas and increase investments in renewables. But they have made no equivalent commitments at home. The U.S. Treasury and the United Kingdom's development finance institution, CDC Group, have taken a more nuanced approach. They are limiting all coal and oil-based power generation projects and leaving a narrow window available for natural gas projects in poor countries that pass a rigorous screening process. This is roughly similar to the approach of the World Bank. As experienced clean energy policy researchers, we believe the blunt exclusion of all nonrenewable energy projects from development finance is an inequitable and ineffective climate strategy that gaslights over 1 billion Africans. Tiny climate gains, major development losses Focusing on limiting the emissions of the world's poorest countries while emissions continue to rise in industrialized countries is clearly misdirected in our view. Given stark inequalities in energy use and emissions, this could instead entrench poverty and widen inequality induced by worsening climate change, while simultaneously accomplishing very little to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Together, the U.S., U.K., European Union, Japan and Russia have almost the same population - 1.1 billion people - as sub-Saharan Africa, but 35 times more gas-fired power plants in operation or under development, and 52 times more coal plants. When it comes to carbon dioxide emissions, sub-Saharan Africa is collectively responsible for barely half a percent of all global emissions over time, while the U.S., U.K., E.U., Japan and Russia are responsible for more than 100 times that amount, or about 57%. The upper bound for Africa's future growth in power sector emissions is also negligible. If the region's electricity demand hypothetically tripled tomorrow, rather than doubling by 2040 as the International Energy Agency recently forecast, and if only natural gas was used to meet the new demand, annual global emissions would increase by only 0.62%, according to one estimate. That's equivalent to the state of Louisiana's annual emissions today. What's more, the share of renewable power in many sub-Saharan African national grids is already higher than for nearly all the big greenhouse gas emitters. In at least six countries - Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique and Uganda - renewables make up more than 50% of their annual generation. In 2018, hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind made up about 20% of the continent's total power generated. Most of the region will find renewable power to be the fastest and cheapest way to expand their generation capacity, but some areas may still need to rely on some fossil fuels in various sectors of the economy as they develop. It has been clear for decades that the world needs to rapidly and aggressively cut its greenhouse gas emissions to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Many regions in Africa, including the Sahel and Mozambique, are already facing the effects of climate change, including worsening droughts, food insecurity and severe storms. Adapting to climate change and building resilience requires the very energy, economic development and infrastructure currently lacking in some of the most affected regions and those least prepared to adapt. Climate colonialism and legacies of colonization Other experts agree that this direction of climate policy is not just ineffective, it's rooted in the historic inequities of colonialism. The philosopher Olufemi O. Taiwo defines climate colonialism as the "deepening or expansion of foreign domination through climate initiatives that exploits poorer nations' resources or otherwise compromises their sovereignty." Colonialism's legacy is a contributing factor to a wide range of issues, from conflict to corruption, and to the poor state of electricity access across much of Africa today. While industrializing nations in the 1900s were building electricity grids through massive public spending campaigns, like Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal in the United States and the Electricity Supply Act of 1926 in the U.K., most of Africa was being actively pilfered of its rich natural resources. Much of the infrastructure built in colonial Africa during that time was built only to facilitate resource extraction operations, such as mined commodities, oil, timber, rubber, tea, coffee and spices. In 1992, a coalition of low-income nations successfully advocated for the U.N.'s climate mitigation pathways to include their right to development, and a "common but differentiated responsibility" to address the dual problems of development and climate change. This language has long been the basis of equity considerations in climate policy, including in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which expects deeper emissions cuts from developed countries based on their "respective capabilities". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Climate Energy By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. A transition from what? Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo recently described "energy transition" as "a curious term" when applied universally, given the energy shortfalls in countries like Nigeria. He has argued for an energy transition in which Africa can develop quickly and grow. Increasing electricity in industrializing regions of sub-Saharan Africa would first power income-generating activities and public services, both drivers of economic growth. Equitable and effective climate negotiations will require nuanced policy considerations that balance the priorities of alleviating energy poverty with urgent climate change mitigation and adaptation. A just energy transition would leave African governments to make and implement policies and deliver on their own national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement rather than shouldering the West's. [Over 115,000 readers rely on The Conversation's newsletter to understand the world. Sign up today.] Benjamin Attia, Non-Resident Fellow, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines and Morgan Bazilian, Professor of Public Policy and Director, Payne Institute, Colorado School of Mines The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 has said that civil servants would be required to present proof of vaccination or negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests conducted within 72 hours to enable access to government offices from December 1, 2021. This is even as the PSC said South Africa, Turkey and Brazil have been removed from restriction list for travellers. The chairman, PSC on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, stated this during the presidential press briefing on COVID-19 on Wednesday in Abuja. Mustapha said, "statistics generated over the last four weeks on testing have shown that the trend of infection is going down in some states while in others, the trajectory is upward. The combined total for testing by PCR and RDT now stands at about 3,141,795 million persons. "The Aviation authorities in collaboration with the diplomatic sector have made reasonable progress in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions are still on-going with the UAE Authorities to resolve the impasse. "The Hon Minister of Aviation today, 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 number. "Over several months, four countries were placed on high level restriction for travelers 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. "As you are aware, the UK has eased restrictions on fully vaccinated travelers from Nigeria to the UK with effect from Oct. 11. Nigeria welcomes this development and assures that the PSC shall continue to review Nigeria's protocols based on global developments, science and national experience. A revised protocol will be issued in the next 24 hours. "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. An appropriate service wide advisory/circular will be issued to guide the process." Recall that the PSC had earlier placed a restriction on Turkey, Brazil and South Africa due to the upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases. Abuja Some of the journalists covering the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are in for a tough period following the refusal of the party to pay the N12.9 million debt to some media houses. The refusal of the party to pay the advert debt has led to the sack of one of the reporters covering the party, while the salaries of others have been stopped since January. The salaries of the affected journalists have been stopped as part of measures to offset the advert debt of the ruling party. The said advert, it was gathered, was placed by the former National Working Committee (NWC) of the party led by Adams Oshiomhole in the build up to the Edo state governorship election last year. The party placed the advert which contained the credentials of Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to justify the reasons why he was denied the party's second term ticket. Following the sack of the Oshiomhole-led NWC, the National Caretaker Committee-led by the Governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni came on board, but all entreaties to ensure that the party pays the debt proved abortive. While the Media and Publicity department of the party has raised a memo for the money to be paid, the process was allegedly thwarted by some staff of the party. One of the affected journalists who pleaded anonymity said, with his salary stopped by his organisation, he finds it difficult making ends meet due to the present harsh economic realities. He said: "Because of the refusal of the APC to pay the advert debt, my office thought I wasn't pushing hard for the money to be paid. It was as a result of that they stopped my salary. I have not been paid since January and you know the implication of that on a man that has a family to look after." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It was further gathered that when the Media and Publicity Department of the APC appeared powerless to ensure the money was paid, the affected journalists started pushing for the payment through the National Secretary of the party, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, who had on three different occasions signed the memo raised and forwarded it to Buni. Though, nothing was heard of the memo until recently when the Secretary minuted Buni about it, advising that the money be paid in two tranches. In spite of his effort to get the money paid, it was gathered that one of Buni's Personal Assistants, said that the money was now a bad debt and as such could not be paid by the party. It was further gathered that the Personal Assistant who is regarded as the most powerful person in Buni's 'kichen cabinet' was reminded by the affected journalists that the Caretaker committee also met advert debt of lawyers representing the party at various courts, running to millions of naira which was later paid by the Buni-led committee. Another journalist affected by the advert debt said, "We don't even know if we are making headway or not. Buni's Personal Assistant has made sure that the money is not paid. He insisted that the money was a bad debt. The reason why he has refused to allow the file to get to Buni was because of his personal interest. He is the major stumbling block stopping the payment." The reporter, however, added that while economic hardship was taking its toll on the affected reporters, they were still not sure when the party would pay the advert debt it incurred. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said 13,243 Boko Haram Terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai operating in the North-East zone. The acting director, Defence Media Operations, Brig Gen Benard Onyeuko, revealed this during the update on the Armed Forces of Nigeria operations in the last two weeks. He said the troops in their offensives killed 29 terrorists and arrested 13 terrorist informants/collaborators and logistics suppliers. The troops recovered 38 assorted weapons and 968 rounds of assorted ammunition as well as 48 rustled livestock among several other items. He said among those who surrendered are 3,243 adult males, 3,868 adult females and 6,234 children. "So far, a total of 13,243 terrorists and their families comprising 3,243 adult males, 3,868 adult females and 6,234 children, have surrendered to own troops at different locations in the North-East," he said. In the North-West, he said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji rescued several kidnap victims, killed 40 armed bandits and destroyed several hideouts. He said the troops arrested some notorious armed bandits' collaborators who have been on the watch-list of security agencies namely; Mamuda Aliyu Dangulbi, Rilwan Sani Dangulbi, Yusuf Adamu Dangulbi and Yakubu Umar Maihuja at Dangulbi village in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. Troops Repel Attack, Eliminate Several Bandits In Sokoto(Opens in a new browser tab) In the North-Central zone, troops arrested 41 criminals and impounded 570 parcels and seven wraps of cannabis sativa worth N17,100,000:00. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The security forces also rescued 11 kidnapped civilians and recovered 11 assorted arms including AK-57 rifles, locally fabricated rifles, pistols and SMG as well as 446 assorted ammunitions and 267 livestock. In the war against economic saboteurs, he said troops discovered and deactivated 51 illegal refining sites. According to the DHQ spokesperson, the sites contained 76 ovens, 52 cooking pots/boilers, 22 cooling systems, 102 reservoirs, 16 large dugout pits and 513 storage tanks as well as drums and sacks laden with illegally refined oil products. The security forces also arrested 23 criminal elements and recovered 73 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five cartridges, two AK-47 rifles, one double-barrel gun, one pump action gun and three locally-made pistols, among others. He said the troops recovered 317,450 litres of illegally refined AGO, 8,000 litres of DPK and 159,000 litres of stolen crude. They also impounded several other vehicles and boats loaded with sacks/polythene bags and jerry cans of illegally refined oil products and equipment used for illegal oil production as well as illicit drugs. General Onyeuko added that, though the operational efforts of the military and other security agencies have considerably reduced the spate of criminal activities across the theatres, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will not relent nor rest on its oars in the fight against criminalities in all parts of the country. analysis Military attacks are once again punctuating the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia. But government officials have not acknowledged a fresh offensive, which Tigray forces say began last week. An air-and-ground offensive in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region is intensifying, according to Tigrayan forces, with the Ethiopian government pressing a fresh attack . The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) says the fighting began with airstrikes launched by the federal government last week. However, the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has not acknowledged the offensive. The office released a statement stating that the government had "a responsibility to protect its citizens in all parts of the country from any acts of terrorism." Government officials have not responded to DW's requests for further comment. The offensive reportedly began just days after Abiy was sworn in for a new five-year term. He is facing growing pressure from the international community to swiftly resolve the Tigray crisis, with the fighting raising fears that the conflict could further destabilize the Horn of Africa nation and plunge the region deeper into famine. Fighting on all fronts With the region closed to journalists and most phone connections down, attempts to independently verify the situation and confirm casualty numbers have proved difficult. Hailemariam Ambaye, the Northern Wollo Zone administration head in Amhara province, was reachable on Wednesday. "The government forces continue their assault to retake the occupied territories," he told DW. "It has brought a lot of force to the fight. ... At the moment, the offense has started on all fronts, and we will give more details soon." According to Reuters, TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda denied claims that the rebels had used heavy weapons against civilians but did confirm fresh hostilities in the Afar region. "Enemy forces are crumbling and in disarray in parts of Afar," he said. Seyoum Getu / Deutsche Welle Dozen of armed people on a tank in an unidentified area of Ethiopia. The TPLF pushed into the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions in July, which it said was intended to stop government forces from regrouping and break what it calls a humanitarian siege of Tigray. Last month, the government said it had "suffered great losses" and was "routed" from Afar, while the TPLF said it had withdrawn troops from the area. Afar currently hosts the only land route through which humanitarian aid can enter Tigray. "We do not target civilians, and the alleged artillery attack is yet another [fictitious] accusation to tarnish our forces' reputation," Reda said. He added that the TPLF's current military objective is to "push back the offensive and go as far as it takes to break the siege on the people of Tigray." He said the number of casualties was "staggering." Humanitarian crisis deepens Humanitarian sources have also reported signs of a government offensive that could potentially mark a new phase of the almost-yearlong Tigray War. Gahas Mohammed, the chairperson of the Afar Human Rights Organization, told DW how one of the latest attacks unfolded. "[It] happened on two villages," Mohammed said. "The first was on Lewa, the district is located at the border area between Woldeya in the Amhara region and Harra in Afar. In the last two days six people were killed and more than 20 injured." "We have said that the war is going on in the Afar region," Mohammed said. "As per their own ratified constitution, crossing a regional border means violating the constitution. But they are committing the offense. They do not care about civilians." Observers are closely watching Abiy's new Cabinet for signs of a different approach to the conflict, as the government faces growing international condemnation for its handling of the war and the recent expulsion of seven senior UN officials. Seyoum Getu / Deutsche Welle Ethiopian army special forces and militia fighting in the Afar region. The prime minister's office, which blames theTPLF for starting the war, has said certain conciliatory measures, such as declassifying the TPLF as a terrorist group, can only happen after the new government has formed. Western nations call for ceasefire Fighting broke out in November 2020 in the Tigray region after Abiy sent troops to topple the TPLF, which dominated national politics before he took office in 2018. Abiy, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate said that came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps. Government forces swiftly drove the TPLF from Tigray's cities and towns, but the rebels retook most of the region, including its capital, Mekele, by late June. The war has soured relations between Ethiopia and Western powers, including the United States, long a critical ally. A US State Department spokesperson told AFP this week that Washington was "considering the full range of tools at our disposal to address the worsening crisis in northern Ethiopia." These measures include: "Targeted economic sanctions to hold accountable those responsible for, or complicit in, prolonging the conflict, obstructing humanitarian access or preventing a ceasefire, while mitigating unintended effects on the people of Ethiopia and the wider region." US global trade representative Katherine Tai on Thursday said Washington would "soon" make a decision on Ethiopia's status under the African Growth and Opportunty Act (AGOA) which currently gives it duty-free access to the US. "Reports coming back to us through official channels and civil society are not encouraging," she said. "What is happening in Ethiopia is a humanitarian crisis." On Tuesday the US, the EU, France, Germany and the UK called on all parties "to immediately end abuses and enter into negotiations toward a ceasefire." Alemnew Mekonnen and Mantegaftot Sileshi contributed to this report. Nairobi Masten Wanjala, a 20-year-old man, who captured the attention of the nation after confessing to a series of child disappearances culminating in the murder of at least ten children, is dead. Wanjala is reported to have been murdered by an irate mob in Bungoma days after he escaped from police custody in Nairobi ahead of his arraignment in court. Bungoma Assistant County Commissioner Cornelius Nyaribai confirmed his death on Friday. Police had launched a manhunt for Wanjala who is considered to be a threat to the public, especially children, who was arrested some time in July but had been in custody since after investigators, on at least two occasions, asked for his plea taking to be deferred to allow them time to conclude investigations. Soon after his arrest, he took police to at least six murder scenes in Nairobi's Shauri Moyo and in Western Kenya where he had dumped the bodies and was taken to court days later. In Shauri Moyo, Nairobi, police said he led detectives to scenes where he confessed to killing and dumping two minors. Another body was recovered in Westlands. Wanjala also led the detectives to Kabete during the search where they recovered two more victims' bodies from a river believed have been killed by the suspect. The suspect is said to have committed other murders in Machakos, Bungoma. "At the last court appearance, the ODPP made an application for Wanjala to undergo a mental assessment at Mathari Hospital for purposes of presenting him to the High Court to face murder charges," the public prosecutor said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Children By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Police were initially allowed at least 30 days to detain him so as to complete investigations but kept asking for extensions as the suspect claimed he was yet to take detectives to more murder scenes. He was detained at the Jogoo Road Police Station and was due in court on October 13, but officers said they discovered him missing while verifying names of listed suspects who were also due in court for various crimes. "We found him missing and no one knows how he escaped," one senior police officer told Capital FM News, "he must have escaped on Tuesday." Three police officers on duty during the time of his escape were arraigned in court on Thursday but they did not take a plea after investigators asked fro more time to interrogate them. Police described Wanjala as a "bloodthirsty vampire," saying he killed his victims, "in the most callous manner, sometimes through sucking blood from their veins before executing them." The murders, targeting 12- and 13-year-olds, stretch back five years and the bodies of several children feared to have died in his hands have yet to be found. Malakal, South Sudan 'Thinking along ethnic lines is not helpful. If we want to feed our families, we need to stay together.' More than 18 months into a power-sharing government between South Sudan's rival leaders, local conflicts still simmer, undermining a fragile peace accord. But in the northern flashpoint town of Malakal, a group of women peacemakers is trying to reverse that narrative by healing ethnic divisions to head off another bout of violence. The gateway to the country's largest oil fields, Malakal, once a thriving cosmopolitan centre, is now an empty shell, its deserted streets strewn with abandoned cars, rusted bedsteads, chairs, zinc sheeting - the detritus of three years of fighting. Situated on the eastern bank of the White Nile, the town changed hands 12 times between 2013 and 2016 in a three-way conflict between the forces of President Salva Kiir; his archrival and now vice president, Riek Machar; and a Shilluk Agwelek militia led by General Johnson Olony - whose community considers Malakal to be part of an ancient Shilluk kingdom that straddles both banks of the river. When the fighting stopped, Malakal - the capital of Upper Nile state - was in the hands of the government army, supported by a militia drawn from the Padang Dinka, a rival ethnic group that had expanded into Shilluk territory with Kiir's backing. A so-called Protection of Civilians (PoC) camp guarded by UN peacekeepers - home to 34,000 people and a 15-minute drive from the town - is the last significant Shilluk presence on the "ethnically cleansed" eastern bank of the river. Shilluk here still hold out hope of being able to return to their former homes. But most of their houses in Malakal have been destroyed or are occupied by Dinka - a deliberate pattern of "population engineering", say scholars, and a deep-seated grievance for people in the PoC. Yet there is a memory of life before the war, when Dinka, Shilluk, and Nuer - the ethnic group most closely linked to Machar's rebel SPLA-IO movement - lived together in what was once South Sudan's second-largest town. Make money not war Rebecca Anyiel wants to revive the interdependence that historically existed. A Dinka, she is part of the Women's Union, a local self-help group whose membership cuts across ethnic divides - around one third of the women in her group are Shilluk from the PoC. "There is a reason for the mistrust between both communities," she told The New Humanitarian. But by "speaking honestly" to one another, "asking for forgiveness", and atoning for wrongs, those "fears will diminish slowly over time". Like Anyiel, most of her group's members are market traders and meet regularly around a wooden table in an old building near Malakal market. These gatherings - to discuss how to strengthen their businesses and promote women's rights - have helped forge real friendships between the women in Malakal town and those in the PoC. "You can find women from the PoC and the town working together," said Anyiel. "They are selling fish and vegetables in the market. This contributes to peace and encourages people to stay together." Business is getting better in Malakal, but tensions remain. People in the UN-protected Protection of Civilians (PoC) camp have better facilities than those in Malakal town, but the increased trade is benefiting both communities. (Natalia Ojewska/TNH) "You can find women from the PoC and the town working together," said Anyiel. "They are selling fish and vegetables in the market. This contributes to peace and encourages people to stay together." Angelina William is part of a "commuter population" that leaves the PoC by day to trade in the town - or to farm and fish - but who make sure they return to the security of the camp by nightfall. She sells tea from a stall in the market - more cost-effective than trading in the camp - and makes enough to send her children to school in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. "What is motivating both communities to improve the relationship is the need to provide for our families," she told The New Humanitarian. "Thinking along ethnic lines is not helpful. If we want to feed our families, we need to stay together." A shaky peace Malakal is volatile. Earlier this year, Kiir blocked Olony - the Agwelek commander - from being appointed as Upper Nile governor. Instead, he supported Budhok Ayang Kur, a candidate without a military power base who is unlikely to push back against the marginalisation of Shilluk on the eastern bank. When Kur arrived at Malakal's tiny airport in March, people from the PoC turned out to greet him, and to escort him to the governor's office in town. Some wore traditional warrior attire of cheetah skin and held shields and spears. They sang songs of war and mourning, but there were also plenty of banners calling for peace. "Let us work for stability. No war. No tribalism", one said. "Yes, for Unity of People from Upper Nile", read another - a reminder of the region's shared history. But what the Shilluk felt was a celebration of their culture was viewed by some Dinka as provocation. As the throng reached the market, some youths attacked - beating people with sticks and shooting. Three people were killed in the mayhem. The violence was a setback for local groups like the Women's Union and the UN-sponsored workshops held in the PoC that try to foster better relations between the communities. However, there were also glimpses that day that such peacemaking efforts are beginning to have an impact. Anyiel was making her way to the market when the shooting started. About to turn back, she spotted a group of Shilluk women running for cover. She called out to them to follow her home, and together they waited out the violence. "I was not afraid to give them shelter," Anyiel said. "Trust-building between both communities is incredibly important." And she was not the only one who helped. As the women sat nervously together, she called the Dinka paramount chief in Malakal to find out what was happening. He told her he too was sheltering Shilluk escaping the trouble in town. A new dynamic Malakal's conflict has been frozen in place for years: a consequence of the Padang Dinka's influence in Juba, which is partly due to their success in keeping Upper Nile's oil fields - one of the government's few foreign exchange earners - running. But a split within Machar's SPLA-IO in August has upset the power-sharing equation on which the 2018 peace settlement was based, and Malakal is suddenly back on the political agenda. SPLA-IO commanders led by generals Simon Gatwech and Olony - the veteran Agwelek warlord - no longer recognise Machar's leadership, and there has been fighting between both sides in the Magenis area of Upper Nile, as well as in neighbouring Jonglei State to the south. Gatwech and Olony accuse Machar of abandoning his men in the bush, and of complicity in government delays in implementing steps outlined in the 2018 peace deal, especially the creation of a new national defence force - one of the agreement's key provisions. Throwing a wrench into the political process, they have called for the transfer of all the seats allotted to Machar under the unity agreement to their faction. Eager to see Machar weakened, Kiir has begun negotiations with the group in Khartoum. Olony is also demanding greater protections for his Shilluk community in Upper Nile. Were he to be brought into government - as a placatory step - it could signal Kiir's willingness to renegotiate his alliance with the Padang Dinka, South Sudan watchers say. "For the Shilluk, it would likely represent a move towards greater control over Malakal," said Alan Boswell, senior South Sudan analyst for the International Crisis Group. For the Padang Dinka, who describe Olony as a "warmonger", they fear he could take revenge. The political dynamics already seem to be changing: Last week, the Upper Nile government set a November deadline for all "illegal occupants" of IDP-owned homes in Malakal to vacate them - a potential first step to recognising Shilluk land claims. "It's too early to tell what this [announcement] means: whether it turns into a significant policy, or it's just testing the water to see how it's received," Mark Millar, a conflict analyst with the Norwegian Refugee Council, told The New Humanitarian. "But it does play into the discussions with Olony, and may demonstrate [Kiir's] good faith, that he might be prepared to do something on Malakal." Whose land? Land remains the key stumbling block to reconciliation. For the Shilluk in the PoC, a peace process must include restitution of the homes and farms they lost as a result of the war. It's also one of the few points of contention between members of the Women's Union. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Women Conflict South Sudan By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "We have to tell people [occupying] other people's houses to leave, to give a chance for [our] resettlement," said Jospina James Lah, head of the Peace Committee - a PoC-based counterpart to the Women's Union. Not all Dinka support the new settlers occupying Shilluk homes, many of whom are Dinka from the distant Equatoria region who were resettled in Malakal during the war. "Those [Dinka] who used to live in Malakal before the 2013 war are critical of the status quo [in which the Shilluk have been forced from their homes]," said Adam Ajak Gong, the Shilluk paramount chief of Malakal County. "They say we need to coexist with Shilluk." Nyapach Aruach Denk is not yet ready to take that risk. She's more than aware of the many reports of Shilluk being killed as they follow up on their land claims in and around Malakal. "I will not [go back] unless the government evacuates those staying there and gives me a document showing that I am legally authorised to stay - the Dinka have guns," she told The New Humanitarian. For Millar, the conflict analyst, the issue goes beyond land to include access to state services and reparations. "People don't just need their houses back but need to feel they have secure futures in them," he explained. The hyper-local peace initiatives represented by the Women's Union and the Peace Committee are a step towards creating the conditions for reconciliation. "The workshops and meetings have borne some fruit, even if it's still very little," said Gong, the Shilluk chief. But valuable though local engagement is, it takes time to heal divisions that run as deep as those in Malakal. And the conflict here goes beyond maps and state boundaries - it has become a zero-sum competition between communities over access to resources and political power. For Boswell, the ICG analyst, "Malakal requires a political solution. No amount of trust-building can cross that bridge on its own." The New Humanitarian used transportation provided by the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS. Edited by Obi Anyadike. 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. 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 university's 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 university's 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 university's 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 Ekanola's 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 university's 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. 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 university's 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 university's 13th substantive vice-chancellor. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The 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 university's chapters of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union. President Muhammadu Buhari, in his speech at the institution's convocation ceremony recently, condemned the controversies surrounding the selection process and threatened consequences against anyone found guilty of manipulating the process. Pastor Andy, who has backtracked on his criticism of Mr Udom Emmanuel, took to his Facebook page to solicit support for the governor's succession plan. The senior pastor of a popular metropolitan church in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nyeneime Andy, has backtracked on his criticism of the state governor's succession plan. Mr Andy had previously been very outspoken against the alleged plan by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, to foist a successor on the oil-rich state in 2023. "In 2023, it will be a government of the people, for the people and by the people. We will not allow one person to choose a governor for a state of over 6 million people," the pastor said in a recent press briefing. The Akwa Ibom State Government later in August marked his church, Holy Ghost Ambassadors Ministry International, for demolition, claiming that the building did not meet the planning standards for approval. The two-storey building, which was started in 2012, has been serving as a worship centre for many years. The government, through its agent, Uyo Capital City Development Authority, gave the church a seven day ultimatum "to remove the said illegal development and reinstate the land to its original state". The church has not been demolished, even though the ultimatum had expired. Volte-face? Mr Andy has now backtracked on his criticism of Governor Emmanuel. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Religion Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The pastor on October 8 took to his Facebook page to solicit support for the governor's succession plan. "I call on the entire youth structures and the Sons of Faith to Support the Completion Agenda of Deacon Udom Emmanuel. This is our state and we don't have another," the pastor said. He called on the people to pray for the governor and his administration "for (the) wisdom to lead the state to an enviable position". "Contribute your wisdom, potentials and gifts to the advancement of our state. As much as it is in your power, maintain peace," he added. Mr Andy declined a request for interview when our reporter contacted him, Thursday, on the phone. Succession plan Mr Emmanuel's loyalists in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have set up an organisation, Maintain Peace Movement, to help the governor to actualise his succession plan. The organisation is headed by the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Emmanuel Enoidem. The group, which was recently inaugurated across all the local government areas in the state, is expected to lead the campaign for whoever emerges as the PDP governorship flagbearer in the state for 2023 election. Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga has accused Deputy President William Ruto of hypocrisy by criticising a government in which he serves. Speaking in Turkana county, where he took his "Azimio la Umoja" (Declaration of Unity) campaign yesterday, the former Prime Minister said the DP lacks the moral authority to speak about corruption in the Jubilee administration yet he cannot explain the source of his "monstrous" wealth. Mr Odinga said Dr Ruto donates about Sh100 million in harambees every month from an income of Sh3 million as he questioned the source of the funds. "Some people are hypocrites. They are opposing this government... He brings a bus to a school in Turkana. He goes to church, gives the bishop a car; then donates between Sh2 million to Sh5 million to women group," the ODM leader said. "From Turkana, he goes to West Pokot, Nandi, Kakamega, Meru, Murang'a and Kilifi counties, giving out Sh100 million to harambees." Mr Odinga vowed to deal firmly with corruption, if elected president, by sealing loopholes to channel funds to rural development programmes. Theft of public funds "The biggest problem facing our country is corruption, more so mismanagement of public funds. We will seal all the routes being used to steal public money," Mr Odinga said. He was accompanied by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Mining Cabinet Secretary John Munyes, MPs Jeremiah Lomorukai (Loima), Kanini Kega (Kieni), Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Raphael Wanjala (Budalang'i), Stanley Muthama (Lamu West) and Geoffrey Osotsi (Nominated). Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In a region that has always voted for him overwhelmingly since 2007, Mr Odinga said his administration would solve matters of land, insecurity, water and oil exploration in Turkana. "There is vast land with no title deeds in Turkana. It should be surveyed," he said. On banditry, Mr Odinga pledged to deploy enough security personnel to handle the menace once and for all. He also promised to explore the Lotikipi Basin Aquifer with the aim of solving the perennial water shortages and enhance food security. Oil exploration "There is a lot of underground water in Turkana that can feed our country for more than 70 years. We must construct dams and collect water. Let's use technology in treating the underground water," he said. Mr Odinga pledged to elevate Lodwar County Referral to a Level VI Hospital and construct Level V hospitals in all the six sub-counties. On oil exploration in Lokichar, which has stalled for almost two years after Tullow Company left the scene, the ODM boss said his government would build a refinery to serve the country and South Sudan. "We'll build a refinery and even South Sudan will use it. This will create more jobs for our youth," he said. He defended his welfare pledge of Sh6,000 monthly stipend for the youth, saying it has been interrogated by experts and given the green light. "Instead of issuing relief food in Turkana, we'll give people money. This happens in Europe and the US," said Mr Odinga. The core capital of the Moshi-based Kilimanjaro Co-operative Bank Limited (KCBL) has increased by almost 45 per cent in less than a year. The capital grew from 1.8bn/- last year to 2.6bn/- to date. The KCBL General Manager, Mr Godfrey Ng'urah, said when addressing the members of the business community in the Kilimanjaro together with the bank officials that the lender capital raised alongside the increase the number of customers and deposits. "In parallel, the number of customers of the bank has increased to more than 12,000, whereby deposits' worth has increased to more than 5.0bn/-. "These achievements are important steps as far as our institution's operations are concerned especially considering the fact that we need 15bn/-to get a license which will raise our status to that of the national co-operative bank and allowed to operate countrywide," Mr Ng'urah said. The General Manager also invited investors to buy the bank's shares to further raise its capital. "KCBL is in the process of becoming a national co-operative bank owned by co-operatives. The aim is to reach various groups by providing integrated financial services to the youth, women, all co-operatives, and others," he said. The Kilimanjaro New Co-operative Initiative Joint Venture Enterprise, Manager, Mr Gabriel Ollomi, said the bank's growth would create a new hope for its clients, especially those who are engaged in the coffee crop cultivation and trade. KCBL is the only co-operative bank in the country and owned by co-operatives and private business entities. The lender is ambitiously reorganizing its business model and implementing growth strategy to widen nationwide outreach and network expansion to support co-operative movement agenda and mass market financial inclusion. KAGERA region has recorded impressive performance on Covid-19 vaccination by administering 100 per cent of the doses which were distributed to the region. Kagera Regional Commissioner (RC), Major Gen Charles Mbuge explained that the region launched the vaccination campaign on August 4, this year. "We are happy to announce that the region received a total of 45,000 doses of Covid-19 and until October 10, this year all the 45,000 doses had already been administered. We are now waiting for the next phase," he said. He assured people that the vaccinations were safe while at same time boost immunity and combat the development of severe infections across the country. He denounced the few "prophets of doom" who spread unfounded rumours against the vaccinations calling on the people to disregard them. CONSTRUCTION of Nata bus stand at a cost of 432m/- has kicked off with the residents praising the move that will easy their movement. The budget for the project will also involve designing and expansion of the nearby Nyanguge to reduce traffic congestion. The project is being supervised by the Tanzania Roads Agency (TANROADS). The agency's Regional Manager, Engineer Vedastus Maribe clarified that the project is being executed by KASCO Company at a cost of 130m/- and the work is expected to be completed by end of this month. "Despite some challenges, including high water table, major engineering activities have been done and we expect the work will be completed in time," he said. Equally, TANROADS has assigned the road designer to start looking at the possibility of having a four-lane road of 33 km from NATA to Nyanguge in Magu district, to facilitate movement of people and goods. The work will be carried out by the Mhandisi Engineering Company, which has already received over 302m/-. Designing activities are expected to be completed in April next year, he said, adding that: "The project has been full funded by the government and all our contractors are working together to ensure that they complete their work on time," said Eng Maribe.. Various citizens in the Nata area expressed hope following the commencement of the project in particular reduction of traffic jam. Nata Street resident Ms Mariam Juma said they are congratulating the government through TANROADS for starting the construction of a motor vehicle station as the situation will alleviate the dangers of the existing vehicle jam at the area. SPECIAL seat Member of Parliament for Mara region Ms Ghati Chomete, has promised to advocate for girls education to inspire majority of them to get education. "I will be an ambassodor in ensuring that girls get education ... we want many women who are professors," the youthful MP from the ruling CCM said in Tarime on Wednesday. Ms Ghati made the promise during a Form Four graduation ceremony at Nyanungu Secondary School in Tarime District. The ward public secondary is located at rural village of Manchuga and it accommodates female and male students some of them from families that still undermine girls education. She encouraged the students to study hard and aspire for impressive marks in their final form four national examinations. But on the other hands Ms Ghati urged the communities to support education development for girls instead of becoming an obstacle. She also donated a photocopy and printer machines worth 2.5m/- for the rural school.She further pledged to address other challenges facing the school. The Nyanunugu Ward Councilor, Mr Tiboche Richard expressed gratitude to the MP describing her as a role model leader in the region. "Indeed, Ghati is truly MP who like taking actions , she loves development by actions and we have so great that she has come and assisted our school," Mr Richard said. Shortage of toilets was also reported as one of the pressing issues facing the school. Other problems included shortage of toilets and teachers' houses, In a related development Ms Ghati recently donated 1.5m/- to support purchase of a school bus at Kitenga girl's Secondary School in the region. "First we thank the MP for coming to speak to our students, indeed she inspired our school girls and they know that everything is possible ", the school headmistress Sr Maria Faustina told the 'Daily News' shortly after the occasion. Sir Maria also expressed gratitude to the MP for the donation which she said will be directed to purchases of a school bus. "We are happy to welcome other development stakeholder's to help us make purchases of the school bus possible," Sr Maria appealed. BUKOBA District Commissioner (DC), Moses Machali has challenged petty traders to focus on capital integration and expansion of their businesses in order to qualify for loans. Equally, he tasked the leaders to convene regular meetings and give feedback to their members in order to reduce complaints among the petty traders. Mr Machali made the remarks while addressing about 300 petty traders during a meeting he convened in Bukoba Municipal Council on Wednesday to get their views and know the challenges facing them. "President Samia Suluhu Hassan is keen to ensure that petty traders conduct their business in conducive environment. You should cooperate and elect trustful leaders who will be giving you feedback," he said. However, he warned the petty traders to avoid causing chaos by resolving challenges facing them amicably. Elaborating, he said the Bukoba Municipal Council would relocate them and tasked them to avoid being used as scapegoats. Chairman of Bukoba Municipal Council Petty Traders' Association (BMTA), Hamidu Abdulnuru, commended the government for enabling Machinga to conduct business and earn a decent living. "On behalf of the petty traders I thank President SamiaSuluhu for her bold steps to promote the economy. The region's economic infrastructure has been tremendously improved and strategic investments are being made for further improvements. Roads are also in good condition and are easily passable in all seasons," he said. Kagera region is strategically located, bordering four countries-Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Kenya across Lake Victoria, which make it potential for cross-border trade, he remarked. Pro-democracy protests by Eswatini schoolchildren intensified this week, with reports emerging that learners were shot at by the military and police. The latest disturbances by primary and high school students boycotting classes have entered the third week and started two months after the anti-King Mswati rioting that rocked the country and resulted in at least 27 deaths. The Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) says over 80 schools have been shut down while the Swaziland National Association of Teachers says the rioting happened in more than 100 schools. The learners are said to be "demanding quality learning equipment, free education along with the abolishing of school fees, improved learning conditions including availability of teachers". They also want the "release of all political prisoners", including two parliamentarians who were arrested earlier this year. Stoning trucks Video footage posted by CPS showed students in school uniforms stoning trucks said to belong to King Mswati III, while denouncing the ruler of Africa's last absolute monarchy. Child rights lobby Save the Children has raised concern, saying reports of children being directly targeted by lethal force were worrying and should not be tolerated. "Whilst we acknowledge efforts from various parties to resolve the crisis and return children to school, the situation on the ground is unfortunately getting worse. Schools have become military and police zones. Teargas and shootings have become the order of the day. Social media is abuzz with videos and images of children running frantically from armed men," Save the Children Executive Director in Eswatini, Dumisani Minsi, said. "We are particularly concerned about reports that children are being directly targeted by lethal force. Violence against children must never be tolerated and children must be protected, regardless of where they are or what they are doing." The spokesman of the pro-democracy Swaziland Solidarity Network, Lucky Lukhele, said the military was deployed to "intimidate" the students. Injured students Images have emerged of injured students, and in one instance, a school neck tie being used as a bandage on a gunshot wound. Another image shows a wounded schoolgirl being carried by fellow students to a car ready to ferry her to the hospital. A video clip shows a schoolgirl said to have passed out from teargas smoke receiving improvised first aid, including pouring water on her body. The exact number of injured schoolchildren has not been established. But AFP reported Lukhele saying 17 learners, including a seven-year-old, were arrested while CPS put the number at 10. CPS went on to claim some students were "tortured" by the soldiers. The party claims police stormed dormitories at some colleges and that teargas was also fired inside classrooms. Release arrested peers Also intensifying the protests this week is the demand by the schoolchildren for the release of their arrested peers. Army spokeswoman Tengetile Khumalo said the military is "not an enemy of the people" and that their presence "doesn't mean there is war but just (assisting) the other forces to maintain order". Mbongwa Dlamini, president of the teachers' association, disputed the army's version, saying the military is "using excessive force" on learners. "We have a very serious crisis here in Eswatini. We have been complaining about the lack of democracy. We have challenges in the way the country has been governed, in such a way that the situation is worse for every citizen," said Mr Dlamini on eNCA. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Swaziland Legal Affairs Children By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Over 100 schools "The situation has even forced students to join protests demanding democracy. What we have observed is that these children have been rioting at a number of schools and now I think the numbers are beyond 100 schools around the country." Elsewhere in Eswatini, a man (age not given) was shot dead by police in Malkerns, 20km west of the country's largest city Manzini, during protests demanding political reforms. Pockets of protesters joining schoolchildren in solidarity have been witnessed in what threatens to spark nationwide rioting. Police Commissioner-General William Tsintsibala Dlamini confirmed the fatal shooting of the man. "Officers came with guns and tried to reason with them, but they retaliated by throwing stones at them and that is when one of them was shot dead," he said. The government has confirmed the Huduma Namba will not be used to identify voters at the 2022 polls. Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna attributed the decision to delays in the process, with more than half of Kenyans yet to access the crucial identification document. "While it would have been the most preferred document, there was a delay in the Huduma Namba process after the court issued an injunction in May 2019," explained Oguna. "The injunction was lifted months later, but on condition regulations on the management of data be developed. This was completed, and the process resumed but the delay had an impact on the process." According to Oguna, 11.2 million Huduma cards have been processed, but only 6.5 million have been collected. "The process of issuance of Huduma Card is going on well. As of today, 11.2 million cards have been processed, and 6.5 have been collected. Kenyans whose cards are ready are urged to collect them." To check the card's status, one can log onto www.confirmation.hudumanamba.go.ke by using their ID card number. Three officers who were on duty when a suspected serial killer Masten Millimo Wanjala escaped from a city police station have been detained. Police Inspector Philip Mbithi, Police Constables Boniface Mutuma, and Precious Mwende all attached to Jogoo Police Station, are in custody for allegedly aiding the escape of the self-confessed serial killer. The three who were on duty when Wanjala allegedly escaped were arrested by their colleagues from the Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations Office and will likely be produced in court on Thursday. They will be charged with aiding escape from lawful custody and neglect of official duty contrary to sections 124 and 128 of the Penal code respectively. On Wednesday, police were unable to explain how the man who confessed to murdering 13 minors after sexually molesting them and drinking their blood managed to escape from custody just hours before he was to be charged in court. He was being held at Jogoo Road Police Station in Nairobi. At least 20 people were questioned over the escape of Wanjala including some of the suspects who were in custody and police officers. Buruburu Sub-County Police Commander Francis Kamau said Wanjala escaped in unclear circumstances on Tuesday night with reports indicating that he could have escaped during dinner time or thereafter as there was a power blackout at the station between 3pm and 8pm. Following his arrest in July, the suspect led detectives to two murder scenes in Machakos county, five in Nairobi and two in Kajiado. Last month, detectives confirmed that Wanjala had killed four more minors in Bungoma, bringing the number of his victims to 13. Investigations revealed that Wanjala single-handedly massacred his victims in the most callous manner, sometimes through sucking blood from their veins before executing them. Police said the suspect was barely 16 years old when he executed his first victim, a 12-year-old girl who was kidnapped in Machakos in 2016. Detectives established that all the murder victims were stupefied using a white substance in powder and liquid form, before being executed. The electoral commission is under pressure to investigate bribery, intimidation, illegal transfer of voters and actions to suppress listing that have rocked the ongoing voter registration that targets six million new voters. Other underhand tactics politicians are using are threats to deny public services to those without a voter's card, with one MP linking issuance of constituency bursaries to only students who prove their parents are registered as voters. South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro has defended this additional requirement for one to benefit from constituency fund bursary allocation, saying it would motivate people to register. Although the electoral commission has recorded a low turnout one week after the exercise began -- listing only 202, 518 against a target of 1.5 million -- the irregularities suggest the scale would be bigger if the commission were to meet its targets. With the poor turnout, politicians could equally resort to more unorthodox means to get the numbers that are crucial ahead of next year's elections. Electoral laws allow transfer of voters but with certain conditions, including a voter having been resident of a place for a specific time. But the electoral commission acknowledges it has challenges enforcing this rule and politicians exploit the gaps to 'import' voters to swell numbers in their strongholds. Voter Registration Regulations provide that one must have been a resident of the area they want to transfer to for at least six months. According to the Elections Act, the voter is then required to apply to the commission for the transfer with authorisation from the local chief to confirm they have been resident in the area for the stipulated time. Voter transfers IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said enforcing the provision is difficult as he reminded the House committee on Justice and Legal Affairs that it's MPs who passed the regulations. "How else can a voter registration clerk determine that an individual has stayed in an area for six months?" Mr Chebukati posed. "That is how the idea of the chief came in. But is there another way?" he asked. "It is one of the provisions in the regulations that we have cited for amendment to make it in synch with the Constitution," he said. Prof Abdi Guliye, an IEBC commissioner, said politicians have flouted the rules during voter transfers. "During such voter registration drives, voter transfers instigated by politicians is possible because of political interests. However, there is a requirement that for such transfers to be effected, the voter must have lived in that political unit for not less than six months. Enforcing this is a challenge and the commission needs to be supported," Prof Guliye said. There have been claims that some politicians are offering Sh1,000 bribe for each voter transferred to their preferred polling station. An aspirant for Webuye West parliamentary seat Kelly Walubengo claimed that he had received reports that some voters are being offered Sh1,000 to change their polling stations. "I have received damning reports that there are people who are being transferred from polling stations in Webuye West to Webuye East," Mr Walubengo said. Some residents of Webuye West were being moved to Mumias East constituency to register as voters. Dishing out goodies "How can you claim your benefits in Mumias East if you come from Webuye West? If they find out you are from a different constituency yet you voted in another constituency you won't be assisted even to get bursary for your children," he warned. IEBC chairman Chebukati said the commission had not formally received the complaints. "We have not received the complaint/information referred to. The commission is following the law as regards transfer of voters. The law applicable is Section 7 of the Elections Act and regulation 13C of the registration of voters' regulations," Mr Chebukati said. In Nyanza, politicians are enticing voters with goodies like a bottle of soda, cash handouts, free seeds and a packet of unga for each newly registered voter. In Luo Nyanza, strategies to boost voter registration featured during the Nyanza leaders' dialogue forum at the Sikri Three. Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga is issuing free seeds to those who register. "We have to entice our people and that is why I promised that I will be dishing out maize flour to those who register as new voters. It is also the planting season and I am also going to issue free seeds to them as a way of motivation," he said. He is also working on some 'rewards' to the best performing ODM party officials who shall have registered the highest number of voters. In Kisumu, Kondele ward rep Joachim Swagga Oketch is dishing out maize flour to newly registered voters. His campaign dubbed 'Chukua Kura, Beba unga' was launched last week. Handout culture "We want as many people as possible to register as voters," he said. In Migori County, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita organised a mass voter registration exercise in Central Kanyamkago ward where those who participated were given 'a token of appreciation'. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. At the venue, all who turned out to register as voters were issued with 'transport reimbursement'. Speaking at a funeral on Sunday, Mr Nyamita threatened to withhold key services to those without identification and voters cards. Nominated MCA Florence Oile said leaders will only dish handouts to those who present the vital documents. "Our people are used to the handout culture. This time round you have to show the two documents before asking for favours," she said at the weekend. In Kisii, Dagoretti MP Simba Arati, who is eyeing the Kisii governor's seat, has promised a bottle of soda for each new voter and handouts to only those with a voter's card. Borabu MP Ben Momanyi said voter registration in huge numbers is the surest way to support Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i get to the presidency, warning those without a voter's card will not get food. "We need numbers for him to sit at the negotiating table," said Mr Momanyi. Reporting by Onyango K'Onyango, Brian Ojamaa, Ruth Mbula, Rushdie Oudia, Ian Byron and Benson Ayienda "I have no doubt that Nigeria has the competence and capacity to deeply (organise) electronic transmission of result," Mr Jega says. 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 Parliament's 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "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) The interfaith peace dialogue was organised by Community of Sant'Egidio in partnership with Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna and that of Kafanchan. No fewer than 300 leaders of youth and women groups, as well as traditional rulers and clerics met on Thursday in Kachia, to dialogue on peace building in Southern Kaduna. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the interfaith peace dialogue was organised by Community of Sant'Egidio in partnership with Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna and that of Kafanchan. The theme of the interfaith peace dailogue is, "Peace is the Future". NAN also report that the 300 stakeholders and leaders were drawn from Kajuru, Kachia and Jema'a local government areas of Kaduna State. The National Coordinator, Community of Sant'Egidio, Henry Ezike, said violence never solved problems, as such it was important for the people to continuosly work to build a Southern Kaduna without violence and killings. "This is why we want to say once more, no more violence, no more killings." He described as tragic, "that most people in the area regard violence as a means for resolving disputes". "Tragically for many of our people in Kaduna state, they believe that violence and killing is one possible means of resolving disputes. "But today, we want to say that violence is the mother of poverty and has never solved any problem, rather it worsens the problems and create wounds," Mr Ezike added. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Nigeria Conflict By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He appealed to government officials, religious and traditional leaders, the youth and security personnel to reject the language of division and work together to create a new architecture of peace. "All of us need to forgive and be forgiven. The injustices of the world and of history are not healed by hatred and revenge, but by dialogue and forgiveness," he said. Also, the Archbishop of Kaduna, Mathew Ndagoso, said peace must start from the grassroots. Mr Ndagoso who was represented by Daniel Kyom, said in his 18 years as Bishop from Maiduguri to Kaduna, he had realised that the grassroots remained the foundation for peace. "Anywhere i go, i meet with traditional, religious and political leaders at the grassroots, because i do believe that if you are looking for true peace, this is where it is, at the grassroots." Also, the Deputy Chief Imam, Kafanchan Central Mosque, Muhammad Kassim, called on religious leaders to educate their followers against negative preaching, practices and behaviour. Mr Kassim said dialogue, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and understanding should be actively embraced by all adherents of Islam and Christianity. NAN reports that the event was also attended by security agencies. (NAN).(www.nannews.ng). TJ/MZA "As of now, security is on the exclusive list. Even If the FG is ready to allow us procure some arms, we have to sign MOu with the Nigerian Airforce." Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has hinted that the National Security Adviser (NSA) played a role in delaying states' eligibility to procure drones in the fight against insecurity. Mr Fayemi, who spoke on Thursday at the Ekiti Economic and Investment Summit, where the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, was in attendance, stressed the need for multi-level security in the country. He advocated the empowerment of states to have their police, noting that the demand had become inevitable in the face of current security challenges. "This request does not mean abrogation of the central police," said Mr Fayemi. "If you have problem of security in Kaduna, Governor El-Rufai can easily take charge. "My recent experience and many of our governors were not even palatable where we wanted to procure drones and Mr President was with us on the issue, but the NSA refused us End User Certificate, though we got it one year after. "As of now, security is on the exclusive list. Even If the FG is ready to allow us procure some arms, we have to sign MOu with the Nigerian Airforce. We have to work together collaboratively, because investors consider security as number one in any state." Mr Fayemi was not alone in the call for the decentralisation of the police, as the governors of Lagos, Kaduna and Edo also lamented that preventing governors of the respective states from taking charge of security was affecting investments, development and wellbeing of the people adversely. The Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, said police should be removed from the exclusive list for state chief executives to be in firm control. "If you have businesses , you have to protect them and you must have the apparatuses," he said. "Security is on the exclusive list and we are looking up to the federal government to remove it for states to take charge. "We must provide facilities for the police to be able to train our local vigillantes, because in Edo State that was what we did. We raised a vigillante group to police our villages from kidnappers and other criminals." In the same mode, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks at the summit, underscored the importance of security to encouraging investments. "When you have investments, you would have to protect them and take also responsibility for whatever happens," he said. "The investors will rely on the governors for protection and it is sad that we are not in charge. " This is the area where the federal government must look into the issue of state police." Also the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said security has become a big problem that every Nigerian should be concerned about. He also called for the decentralisation of the nation's police force. "We have 150,000 personnel in the Nigerian army. Police was 400,000 by the time this government came on board ,but has gone down to 300,000 now. We need multi level police. Policing is local just like a unitary environment like Britain," said Mr El-Rufai. "Kaduna State is about 46,000sqkms in size . Boko Haram has been chased from Northeast by ISWAP and now occupying the Northwest. But if they are dislodged here, where would they go? This is why we should all be concerned." The Kaduna governor added that the country must decentralise the power of National Judicial Council to determine the number of judges a state can have. However, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, appealed to the governors to start making huge investments in areas where they have comparative advantages to shore up their internally generated revenues and stop sole reliance on federal allocations for survival. The Vice President , who was one of the panelists, stated that time has come for the chief executives of the states of the country to start thinking about how to grow the economy like a nation, by investing in most appropriate ways in areas of their economic strength. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Legal Affairs Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The attractiveness of investments to any state should be radical, because that is the revenue hub and determinant of how happy the people of any state will be in terms of economic development in relation to their standard of living," he said. "But while trying to grow investments, we must be cautious of multiple taxation, it weighs down businesses. Ekiti is a business -friendly environment. Ekiti has also excelled in the aspect of ease of doing business. You have vast arable lands for agriculture. Also of recent the Government of Ekiti divested 76 percent of shares in the Ikun Dairy farm for Promasidor for the production of 80,000 litres of milk daily. "Let me say that Ekiti has a bigger economy than many Africa nations. The question we should ask ourselves is that if I were the landlord of this nation, how do we survive? During my time as a Commissioner in Lagos, we started with N600 million monthly Internally Generated Revenue in 1999. "The seizure of Lagos funds by President Olusegun Obasanjo made us to think like a sovereign state. Today Lagos is making over N45 billion monthly." Tanzania President Samia Suluhu has made an official visit to her predecessor John Magufuli's home and laid a wreath at his grave. A statement released by President Suluhu's media team indicated that she was had visited Chato District on official duty. A photo posted on Ikulu Tanzania (State House, Tanzania) shows President Suluhu laying a wreath at the grave while flanked by her security detail. "President Samia Suluhu visited the grave of former president John Magufuli and laid a wreath on the grave," the statement reads in part. Magufuli died suddenly in March after disappearing from the public scene for close to three weeks. The government announced he had suffered a heart attack. He will be remembered for his abrasive approach to leadership and controversially disputing the existence of Covid-19 in the East African country. "We decided to pray to God to save us from COVID-19. He has answered our prayers. Tanzania is safe, which is evident by the many airlines that are bringing in tourists. There is no Covid-19 here," he declared soon after the pandemic had hit the world. Suluhu worked as Magufuli's deputy for six years and took over as Head of State following his demise as per the country's constitution. ? El presidente @PedroCastilloTe participo de manera virtual en la Feria de Canton de China y destaco la importancia de este pais asiatico como socio estrategico del Peru en el Asia Pacifico, en comercio exterior e inversiones. ?? Ver nota: https://t.co/kT1LP1bnPV ???????? pic.twitter.com/GZvdH2fhQw In statements to TV Peru on Thursday, the government official mentioned that this new batch complements the shipment of 702,000 Pfizer doses that the country received last Monday. "We are receiving this new batch of 328,743 Pfizer doses, which will be added to 702,000 doses, that is, the one million doses a week target for this month []," he said. The deputy minister indicated that, although there is a delay in the data entry process, so far, it has been reported that 35,000 people aged 18 are being vaccinated every day. In this regard, he commented that said enthusiasm should be conveyed to their relatives and friends so as to close the existing vaccination gap. Likewise, Rosell reported that the start date of the vaccination drive aimed at people aged 12-17 is still unknown. However, it is expected to take place in November. For the moment, the protocol has already been approved. "This new batch of the Pfizer vaccine, which is arriving, will serve to administer the third dose to health care workers and to this group of teenagers who are already waiting in line to receive their jab," he added. (END) JCC/JCR/RMB A new batch of 328,743 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Peru, which will make it possible to continue the immunization process carried out by the Government, Deputy Public Health Minister Gustavo Rosell has reported.Published: 10/15/2021 Ahora | El presidente @PedroCastilloTe, junto con el titular del @MininterPeru y el comandante general de la @PoliciaPeru, participa en la ceremonia de clausura del curso de Capacitacion en Proteccion y Seguridad de Personalidades. ?? En vivo: https://t.co/CwwTo0ETUW YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The Paris City Council adopted unanimously a decision on October 14 to name one of the central parts of the city the part located between the Pont de l'Alma and the Pont des Invalides bridges, near the Seine River, after Armenia. The part of the city was named Esplanade d'Armenie, the French Embassy in Armenia said in a statement. An important decision, once again reaffirming the true friendship between Paris and Armenia and the firmness of the Armenian-French unique relations. The Esplanade d'Armenie will be included in the official register of the Paris addresses and will involve in its large space also the Komitas monument which opened in back in 2004 and the Yerevan Park opened in 2009. We would like to thank the Paris City Council led by Mayor Anne Hidalgo for this important initiative and the decision adopted, as well as deputy mayor Arnaud Ngatcha for authoring the draft decision, the Embassys statement says. The Armenian Ambassador to France also attended the session of the City Council dedicated to the adoption of this decision. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan says its possible to change the current situation in the region in case of a political will by achieving stability and peace. In his remarks during todays online session of the CIS Council of Heads of State, Pashinyan stated that thanks to Russias efforts the military operations stopped in Nagorno Karabakh on November 9, 2020. He stated that according to the trilateral statement signed on November 9, Russian peacekeepers were deployed in Nagorno Karabakh, ensuring security. Russia and Vladimir Putin personally played a vital role in the stop of the 44-day war. Today as well they play a vital role in the maintenance of peace in the region. We thank them for all these efforts, Pashinyan said. The Armenian PM said that the region is on the verge of transformations and in case of a political will the current picture can change, bringing peace and stability. We are ready for those changes. Moreover, it is in accordance with the vision of our government. One of the goals of the government is to open an era of peace. There are factors which question the process of achieving peace in our region. Despite all political efforts, people continue to be killed in Nagorno Karabakh, on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. On this occasion I propose to strengthen the trilateral mechanisms for investigating the incidents and observing the ceasefire regime. Many not only do not believe, but also they do not want peace and stability in our country, and in such circumstances its very hard to move forward the peace agenda. We are determined and will do everything for the establishment of peace and stability in our region. We have a clear vision how to achieve this goal, that is the dialogue and the gradual overcoming of the hostile environment, which, unfortunately, exists in our region, and then the unblocking of transportation and economic communications, this is the only way that will lead to that goal, Nikol Pashinyan said. In this context he emphasized the importance of the implementation of all those agreements reached by the 2020 November 9 and the 2021 January 11 trilateral statements. Pashinyan also informed the session participants that works are underway within the Russian-Armenia-Azerbaijan deputy prime ministerial working group on the re-opening of all transportation communications. He expressed hope to achieve concrete results in the nearest future, which, he added, means that Armenia will have an automobile and railway communication with Russia, a railway communication with Iran, and Azerbaijan will have a railway communication with Nakhijevan via the territory of Armenia. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan again noted that Azerbaijan hasnt yet implemented the terms of the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh ceasefire agreement on returning POWs. This is a purely humanitarian issue and we express hope that the issue will be solved swiftly. In this context wed like to assure that Armenia is ready to complete the process of providing the minefield maps to Azerbaijan, which are located behind Azerbaijani military lines and pose humanitarian danger, Pashinyan said in his speech at the CIS summit. He noted that there are some other factors which negatively impact the already tense situation in the region. The Armenian PM reminded the CIS leaders about the so-called military-trophy park which Azerbaijan opened in Baku. They had the practice where the visitors would admire the mannequins depicting captured, killed Armenian soldiers. Theyd organize trips for school children, who would then post their selfies with the mannequins in social media, PM Pashinyan said. He stressed that Armenia is ready to start the delimitation and demarcation process with Azerbaijan, which is needed to achieve sustainable peace in the region. Pashinyan said Armenia expects support from Russia and other partners in this process. It is difficult to imagine the delimitation and demarcation works at the borders which Azerbaijan violated recently, where shootings happen regularly. Particularly, I am talking about the part of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan which passes in the Sotk-Khoznavar section. Weve numerously proposed to implement a [reciprocal] pullback of military units, given that the borderline between Armenia and Azerbaijan is de jure substantiated and defined under Soviet maps. Russian border guards or international observers can be deployed at this part of the border. This plan has Russias support, and we await the resumption of works in this direction. Dear partners, of course the main issue remains the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. For this we attach importance to the restoration of the negotiations process within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the Armenian PM said, adding that the co-chairs have recently stressed on many occasions the necessity for restoring negotiations aimed at the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Pashinyan said the upcoming visit of the Co-Chairs to the region, including to Artsakh, will be an important step. Id like to underscore once more that Armenia is ready to work in all directions I just mentioned. We are sure that the implementation of all these issues will ensure significant progress for regional peace. And Id like to note that the start of dialogue with Turkey aimed at normalization of relations is another factor which could play the role of a catalyst. In this context I will note that the Russian Federation has expressed willingness to fully support this process, Prime Minister Pashinyan said. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei in Minsk on October 15 on the sidelines of the session of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers. The Armenian foreign ministry reported that the two ministers discussed the Armenian-Belarusian cooperation agenda both at bilateral, multilateral formats and within the CSTO, EAEU and CIS. In the context of further developing the relations, both sides highlighted conducting mutual visits at the highest level. The ministers praised the results of the recent political consultations held between the two foreign ministries in Minsk. The Armenian and Belarusian FMs emphasized the necessity of actions aimed at expanding the economic ties and trade turnover volumes, and in this context they attached importance to the role of the Armenian-Belarusian inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation. They highlighted high and information technologies, agriculture, food industry as areas of interest. The meeting touched upon also the international and regional affairs. Touching upon the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the Armenian FM emphasized the importance of the lasting and comprehensive settlement of the conflict under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh security forces have released surveillance video showing how an Azerbaijani serviceman is breaching the ceasefire and opening gunfire at Armenian positions. The National Security Service of Artsakh said in a statement that the Azerbaijani military began committing provocative actions and intentional ceasefire violations from the beginning of October of 2021. The video shows an Azeri soldier firing an AK-74 assault rifle at the Armenian positions while another Azeri soldier is hiding behind the DFP. After firing several rounds, the shooter can be seen laughing before resuming the shooting. The Azeri provocations began when the Azeri forces shot and killed a farmer in Martuni, and then continued ceasefire violations in other parts of the line of contact. The NSS said that the Azeri soldiers are now explicitly aiming to kill in the ceasefire breaches, whereas previously theyd shoot as a warning. Yesterday, Azerbaijani troops deployed in a position near the Nor Shen community of Martuni region shelled an Armenian position nearby deployed with the purpose of protecting the village population. The nearly point-blank range shots were fired so explicitly that the surveillance cameras of the Armenian side caught it on video, the NSS said, stressing that the images prove that the Artsakh Defense Army adhere to the ceasefire agreement, whereas the Azeri side is intentionally violating it. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Russian peacekeepers stand as guarantors of the ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), reports TASS. The Russian peacekeepers stand as guarantors of the established ceasefire. We are providing assistance by delivering humanitarian cargo and carrying out mine clearance, and, I want to emphasize, [we are helping] both sides. In Azerbaijan, as well as in Armenia, life support systems are being restored, medical assistance is being provided to the population, tens of thousands of refugees, over 52,000 people, have returned to their homes, Putin noted. The Russian president pointed out that the CIS countries sometimes face disagreements and contradictions. And it is bad when these contradictions result in sharp conflicts between CIS member states as it, unfortunately, happened last year in Nagorno Karabakh, he stated. Putin also expressed gratitude to his CIS colleagues for appreciating Russias contribution to resolving the conflict. Commenting on the remarks of the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders during todays session relating to the situation in Karabakh and the work of the Russian peacekeepers, Putin stated that this once again affirms our Russian wisdom that even a bad peace is better than a good war. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani military opened fire at the village of Yeraskh in the province of Ararat, Armenia. The shooting occurred around 15:00, October 15, the Armenian Ministry of Defense said. An Armenian military position located nearby was also targeted in the shooting. The Ministry of Defense said that the villagers were unharmed. Armenian servicemen on-duty weren't injured either. The only damage was inflicted to a farmers barn and grass piles, which were set ablaze from the shooting. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The Offic eof the Human Rights Defender of Armenia issued a statement about Yeraskh village of Armenias Ararat Province, which is under regular shootings of the Azerbaijani armed forces. ARMENPRESS reports, the statement runsa s follows, Yeraskh village of Ararat province is subjected to regular shootings by the Azerbaijani armed forces, both during the day and night. Today, on October 15, 2021, the village has been subjected to shelling again. The unruliness of the Azerbaijani servicemen has reached such a level that they set fire through intentional shootings to 8000 stacks of grass belonging to a resident of Yeraskh community. The entire winter stockpile, which the citizen had collected to feed his livestock, has been destroyed. Moreover, the fire spread destroying the roof of the barn belonging to the citizen. The fire was extinguished only by the timely intervention of the firefighters, saving the remaining part of the roof. These facts were studied and confirmed by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia through the alarming-calls addressed to the Defender, the collected subjective evidence, and verified data from various sources. The fact of the Azerbaijani shootings in the direction of the positions of the Armenian Armed Forces protecting the population of Armenia was also confirmed by The Ministry of Defense of Armenia. Taking into consideration that the Azerbaijani positions are located in the immediate vicinity of the village, it is evident to the Azerbaijani servicemen know that their actions are harming the residents of the village, destroying their property, violating their rights to life and property, and are disturbing their life and peace. The process of creating a demilitarized security zone around the borders of Armenia with Azerbaijan and the removal of the Azerbaijani armed servicemen form the vicinity of the villages and from the roads between the communities of Armenia should start immediately. The proposal of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has already been included in an international instrument- in Resolution 2391 (2021) of September 27, 2021 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The Human Rights Defender will send relevant reports about this situation to international organizations, to the State bodies of Armenia, and to civil society organizations. It is evident that the basis of these criminal harassments and the gross violations of human rights is the same: The policy of Armenophobia and enmity, and of ethnic cleansing and genocide of the Azerbaijani authorities. This policy has institutional bases, and until the perpetrators are punished, the violations will not end, and the security of the people will not be guaranteed. On October 15, around 09:00, the Azerbaijani military opened fire at a medical ambulance of the Artsakh Defense Army in the north-eastern direction. October 15, 2021, 12:06 Azerbaijani forces open fire at Artsakh military ambulance STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 15, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh were notified. The Defense Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh is announcing that it continues to adhere to the ceasefire regime and is calling on the Azerbaijani side to refrain from de-stabilizing actions, the Defense Ministry said. THanks to the efforts of the Hayastan All Armenian Funds US partner, Armenia Fund Inc, $1 million was raised and transferred to the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia to meet the urgent social needs of the Armenian community and support Armenian educational institutions in Lebanon. The fundraising was organized in September upon the appeal of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia to Armenians around the world, informs the Hayastan All Armenian Fund. October 15, 2021, 17:30 $1 million to Lebanese Armenian Community STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 15, ARTSAKHPRESS: Committed to its mission of supporting worldwide Armenian communities, the Fund stands firm with the Armenian community and schools in Lebanon. The Fund began its support to our compatriots at the onset of the economic crisis in December 2019 followed by an extensive campaign immediately after the 2020 Beirut explosion as well as additional financial support to Armenian educational institutions in April 2021 resulting in a total financial support of $600,000. The Hayastan All Armenian Fund expresses its sincere gratitude to all donors, the Funds entire network, as well as its US partner, Armenia Fund Inc for immediately responding to the urgent needs of the Lebanese-Armenian community and swiftly organizing this fundraising campaign. The Hayastan All Armenian Fund continues its support to the Armenian community, an intrinsic part of Lebanese society, with the hope that stability and prosperity will soon be restored in the country. *** The mission of the HAAF is to create a global Armenian network with the sole purpose of ensuring the proportional and sustainable development of Armenia, Artsakh as well as worldwide Armenian communities, based on common identity. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces today fired at Yeraskh village of Ararat Province of Armenia, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia reported. October 15, 2021, 17:43 Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan fires at Yeraskh STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 15, ARTSAKHPRESS: An Armenian military position located nearby was also targeted in the shooting, as a result of which a fire broke out in the yard of one of the houses. Grass piles set ablaze from the shooting. There are no casualties among the villagers and the Armenian servicemen. Every Friday, The Citizen features a pet available for adoption from the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York. This week, we spotlight Reese. BREED: Beagle AGE: 5-6 years old COMMENTS: Sweet Reese came to the shelter about two weeks ago. She settled in very nicely, but really wants her new family to find her sooner rather than later. So do we. She is a very nice little girl and she enjoys lounging on her big pillow in her kennel. But once she is outside, her beagle nose kicks in and she wants to go! Doesn't matter where, she just wants to go. Reese can certainly use daily walks, and a lot of running in a safely enclosed area would make her very happy. Reese is fully vaccinated (rabies, distemper, kennel cough). She has been tested for heartworm disease, is negative and is on monthly preventives. Reese was recently spayed and microchipped. Reese is the perfect package, and is ready to go home with her perfect family. Q. Who is your best friend? A. Well, last week my good buddy Midnight happened to mention that I was one of his two BFFs. I will return the favor! Midnight is one of my BFFs, and then there is Eddie (affectionately known as Eduardo). I love him too. I'm hoping that next week you can meet Eddie right here. You will fall in love. Q. If you could visit any place in the world where would that be? A. Well, first let me state that the origin of my breed is not really known. However, it is assumed that a ton of circumstances led to my breed's development in England. A number of breeds were brought together and resulted in the beagle! So, having said all of that, I think I might like to make my first trip to Great Britain, but not to London. I would prefer a nice countryside setting with lots of amazing scents to scout out. Q. Do you have an interesting fact to share today? A. There are so many interesting facts about beagles that it's hard to pick only one. But here goes. Unlike humans, who have only about 5 million scent receptors, we beagles have about 220 million. We are sometimes referred to as "a nose with feet" because our noses tend to lead the way to whatever is picked up. Our noses are so perceptive at differentiating between scents that we can actually be trained to recognize as many as 50 different smells. Not to brag, but we are pretty amazing! Q. How would you describe yourself? A. How much time do you have? Just kidding! So, I am a pretty girl, I am on the smaller side and I am somewhat compact. So that's a brief physical description. I am smart and learn quickly. I can also be determined when I am after something. I am friendly, and my people think I would get along well with another dog. I am very people-friendly and would make an awesome family dog. I do like to talk. I am your all-round perfect beagle, and if beagles are your thing, stop by to check me out! Q. If you could have a job, what would that be? A. With the amazing nose that I have, I might apply for a job with the Department of Homeland Security! You know, one of those security jobs where the interview consists of sniffing and alerting all kinds of odd things. Q: Do you have any advice for our Citizen readers? A. I do! My shelter peeps and the good people at St. Luke's United Church of Christ will host a Blessing of the Animals tomorrow, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. until noon. It will be held in the church parking lot on Seminary Avenue, and all of God's creatures are invited to come. Dogs must be leashed and cats and other pets must be properly crated. My shelter peeps will be there with lots of good information, and if I'm lucky I might get to go too. If not, you know where to find me! Thank you and much love and many licks, Reese and friends. The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York is a New York state-registered shelter/rescue, registration No. RR-181. Pursuant to Article 26-A, Section 408 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, the registrant is authorized to operate as a registered pet rescue, in compliance with such law. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A Cayuga County woman has died of COVID-19, the second virus-related fatality in October and the 105th since the pandemic began in March 2020. The woman was in her 70s and tested positive for COVID-19 prior to her death, according to the Cayuga County Health Department. No other information, including whether she was vaccinated, was released. It is the 15th COVID-related death amid the recent surge in cases. Since Aug. 1, the county has reported 2,223 confirmed COVID-19 cases. While there has been an uptick in hospitalizations, the death toll has been low compared to the wave last winter when there were 4,000 cases over a two-month period and 74 residents died. One reason this wave hasn't been as deadly is the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 53% of Cayuga County residents are fully vaccinated and 56.1% have received at least one vaccine dose. The vaccination rate is higher among adults ages 65 and older (77.1% are fully vaccinated). The three vaccines Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer are highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death. But there have been cases involving fully vaccinated people who are either hospitalized with severe symptoms or die due to COVID-19. These individuals typically have underlying health conditions. Nearly 92% of New York's 45,045 confirmed COVID-19 fatalities had at least one comorbidity. The health department reported that 23 residents are hospitalized with COVID-19. Sixteen of the patients are vaccinated. Nineteen are age 60 or older. The youngest patient is in their 40s. Three are in their 50s. Hospitalizations haven't changed over the past three days. After a brief decline nearly two weeks ago, more residents entered area hospitals to seek treatment for COVID-19. There were 29 new cases on Thursday, 16 of which were unvaccinated. Cayuga County has 248 active cases, up from 246 on Wednesday. Active cases also began to dip early this month but have increased again over the last week. Vaccination clinic news: The health department will hold a vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Fingerlakes Mall. To get your shot, you must register for an appointment at cayugacounty.us/health. A second clinic has been scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 23, at Fingerlakes Mall. An appointment is required and residents can register on the department's website. Both clinics will be held in the former Jo-Ann Fabric store in the mall. To enter the clinic, use the outside door. Signs will be posted to the left of Bass Pro Shop. The three vaccines will be offered at the clinic. Children ages 12 to 17 may receive the Pfizer vaccine. Any child who gets vaccinated will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. The incentive is part of the state's #VaxtoSchool campaign. Anyone who needs assistance registering online for vaccination clinics should contact the Cayuga Community Health Network at (315) 252-4212. The network can assist residents with scheduling appointments. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A program on The History Channel recently featured a professor from Cayuga Community College. Professor Sheila Myers was shown talking about Thomas Durant, a historic railroad magnate, in an episode of the The Engineering That Built the World," a news release from CCC said. Myers has written three novels on Durant, his family and their involvement with creating the Transcontinental Railroad. She was in an episode called Race for the Railroad," which premiered Oct. 10 and is set to re-air 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17. The Engineering That Built the World" show provides a look at famous engineering accomplishments and structures around the world, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the Panama Canal, the release said, and the people and their rivals involved in finishing the structures. "The 'Race for the Railroad' episode featuring Myers focuses on the Transcontinental Railroad and tells the story of Thomas Durant and the Union Pacific Railroad and Charles Crocker of the Central Pacific Railroad," the news release said. Myers has researched the Durants for years. At first, she was drawn to the family due to their connections to the Adirondacks before "expanding her focus to include their role in the growth of the railroad industry," the release said. This was an exciting opportunity to speak with the History Channel and be a small part of this series and discuss Thomas Durant and the Transcontinental Railroad, Myers said in the news release. I think this is an entertaining, informative way to learn more about someone who had personal and professional shortcomings but was an important figure in that era of American history. Imaginary Brightness, the first novel in Myers' trilogy on Durant, was published in 2015. That was followed by Castles in the Air in 2016, and the trilogy was capped off with "The Night is Done" in 2017. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The candidates seeking to represent the northeastern section of Auburn on Cayuga County's policymaking body both can claim county government experience, which they each cited in making their cases to voters during a debate. After two weeks of forums featuring candidates running for Cayuga County Legislature seats outside Auburn, the first of three involving city districts took place Thursday. The candidates running for District 11, incumbent Democrat Elane Daly and Republican challenger Mario Campanello, both have long work histories in county government. Daly successfully ran for the seat four years ago after retiring as Cayuga County's health and human services director. Campanello is planning to retire as training coordinator at the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office at the end of this year, and he's hoping to start 2022 as a new county legislator. The candidates spoke about how their work histories prepared them to be effective legislators. Campanello referred to his nearly 29 years in the sheriff's office in citing public safety as one of his priorities. "When elected I'd like to get together with other like-minded legislators from other counties and push back on New York state with some of this bail reform," he said. "It has some pros and cons, but mostly cons. It's not a matter of if or when somebody gets hurt, because as a matter of fact, people are already getting hurt, even right here in our county." Daly spoke about her work in public health as being helpful with the county's work in that area. She's served as chair of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee. "I think I have been able to bring a lot of experience and background in very complicated issues," she said. "I have insight in both areas and that's only beneficial." On many issues, Campanello and Daly agreed. Both said they believe Aileen McNabb-Coleman, the Legislature's chairperson, has done great work leading county government the past two years in the absence of a full-time administrator. Both believe improving water quality must be a continued priority for the county, and both praised the Cayuga County Health Department's efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. They disagreed on the state mandate ordered by Gov. Kathy Hochul that required health care facility workers become vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to keep their job, with Daly supporting it as an important protection for patients and Campanello considering it government overreach. One issue that brought out a slight difference between the two candidates is the future structure of Cayuga County government. Campanello supports the county moving toward an elected executive model, a process that would take multiple years because the county would need to adopt a charter that would require voter approval before the executive office could be created. He said the county's experience with an administrator appointed by the 15-person Legislature was a "disaster." "Let the people decide who's going to do what, instead of leaving it up to 15 people to decide who's going to do run day-to-day business with the county," he said. Daly was less enthusiastic about the idea. She said if it's the only way to bring stability to county government, she would support it, but she pointed out that a discussion about an elected executive has not progressed beyond talk for the past two years. "There is no guarantee that someone who is elected countywide would have the professional skills and leadership to run a $152 million county operation, so we would likely be building a team around that person anyway." Daly said. "I do believe we do need ... some form of stable county professional management." The District 11 race is one of eight Legislature races for two-year terms. Early voting begins on Oct. 23 and runs through Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. Jeremy Boyer can be reached at (315) 282-2231 or jeremy.boyer@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @CitizenBoyer Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 1 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. After reaching settlements totaling $1.5 billion with opioid manufacturers and distributors, New York Attorney General Letitia James is on a statewide victory lap to distribute the cash. Central New York's share of the funds will be up to $36.8 million, including between $780,722 to $1.3 million for Cayuga County. Onondaga County will get up to $13.1 million, with a portion of the money going to the city of Syracuse. New York has been allocated at least $200 million from a $4.5 billion settlement from the Sackler family, which owns Purdue Pharma. A separate settlement with Amerisource Bergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson will bring $1 billion to the state. The other settlements were with Endo ($50 million) and Johnson & Johnson ($230 million). James is in the midst of a "HealNY" tour to announce the funding for combating the opioid epidemic. She visited Syracuse on Tuesday and stopped in Rochester on Thursday. She is scheduled to continue her tour in Buffalo on Friday. "These funds will be crucial in turning the tide on the opioid crisis as we invest in critical prevention, treatment, and recovery programs," James said. "While no amount of money will ever make up for all that we have lost, we can take every action possible to prevent future loss." According to the attorney general's office, all funds from the settlements will be allocated for "abatement efforts in communities devastated by the opioid epidemic and will not go towards the state's general fund." Central New York leaders welcomed the millions in funding to support efforts to combat the opioid crisis and improve access to treatment. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon reiterated his stance that fighting the opioid epidemic is a top priority. "Holding the various manufacturers and distributors responsible for this crisis accountable is a critical piece to helping communities, like ours, across the state start to heal," McMahon said. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Stars and Stripes Gala honors all who have served as well as celebrating the 75th and 45th anniversaries of the end of WWII and the Vietna For the second consecutive day in Cayuga County, there were more vaccinated individuals testing positive for COVID-19 than infections among unvaccinated residents. The Cayuga County Health Department reported 58 new cases on Tuesday, 33 of which were fully vaccinated. The remaining 25 cases were unvaccinated. "Breakthrough" cases vaccinated residents contracting COVID-19 do happen since the vaccine, like other vaccines, is not 100% effective at preventing infection. Since Oct. 1, there have been 368 new cases in Cayuga County, nearly 48% of which were vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long acknowledged that "some people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will still get sick," according to its website. However, the agency adds, data shows that "vaccination may make symptoms less severe in people who are vaccinated but still get COVID-19." In New York, the state Department of Health says there have been 106,308 confirmed COVID-19 cases among vaccinated individuals less than 1% of the more than 12 million New Yorkers who are fully vaccinated. Among that population, 7,091 people who are fully vaccinated have been hospitalized with COVID-19. This has been observed in Cayuga County. The health department's latest update reveals that 23 residents are hospitalized with COVID-19, 16 of whom are vaccinated. Most of the patients are age 60 or older a demographic that has the highest vaccination rates in the county. Nearly 79% of county residents ages 65 and older are fully vaccinated, according to the state's vaccine tracker. The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines has been on display during the recent COVID-19 surge in Cayuga County. In August and September, there were 1,826 new cases, including 206 people who are ages 65 and older. Two-thirds of these cases (141 of 206) were fully vaccinated. But even as cases spiked, there weren't high levels of hospitalizations or deaths. During the county's first surge over the winter, 74 people all of whom were age 60 or older died. Auburn Community Hospital reached a peak of 46 virus-related patients in mid-January. That count doesn't include any county residents hospitalized elsewhere. It's likely the number of hospitalized residents was much higher. In August and September, the highest number of hospitalizations was 25. The total was based on reports from Auburn and three Syracuse hospitals. Thirteen Cayuga County residents died of COVID-19. Two were under age 60. The health department does not release an individual's vaccination status when it announces a COVID-19 death. What the health department does share is the vaccination status of hospitalized patients. The total number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 over the past two months is unknown, but there have been multiple days when vaccinated people outnumber the unvaccinated in area hospitals. On Tuesday, there were 23 patients with COVID-19 in four central New York hospitals. Sixteen are vaccinated. Yet, the death toll has been low compared to what it was nearly a year ago. In December and January, there were nearly six times as many deaths as the two-month period during the recent wave. The CDC says vaccines are effective. It recommends everyone who is eligible people ages 12 and older to get vaccinated. But Cayuga County lags behind the national and statewide vaccination rates. So far, 56.6% of Americans and 64.7% of New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. In Cayuga County, the vaccination rate is 52.9%. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has big and bold plans to make its presence felt in the US automotive market and has confirmed that it will organize the world debut of VF e35 and VF e36 at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show which starts from November 17. Similar Cars Reports suggest that both VinFast models are electric crossovers with the VF e36 likely to be an SUV of large proportions. What could give both models a competitive streak is that these will come equipped with cutting-edge, tech-based features such as virtual assistant, voice recognition, summon feature and fully-automated parking. Not much is known as yet about the battery pack and, therefore, about the per-charge range. But if the VinFast models have to compete against the likes of Tesla, expect a keen eye on ensuring that the range of both models is a comparatively big figure. (Also read: Vietnam's VinFast reports customer to police over 'untrue' YouTube complaint) Vingroup Vice Chairwoman Le Thi Thu Thuy has confirmed that pre-launch bookings for both electric vehicles will start in the first half of 2022 and that she is confident of making a very noticeable foray into the growing world of EVs in the US market. VinFast was founded by Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam's richest man. The company has previously outlined its plans of being a major EV player across the world and apart from the US, also has plans of entering the European market. Currently, VinFast has a manufacturing facility in Vietnam with a capacity of producing 2,50,000 cars every year. The carmaker clocked annual sales of around 30,000 units in 2020 in its home country and is aiming to sell more than 45,000 units this year. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- For the first three quarters of 2021, Ford Motor Company saw its China sales jump 11% year on year to 456,826 units, the automaker announced on Friday. Ford Motor's third-quarter sales in Greater China exceeded 150,100 units, representing a year-over-year decline of 8.7%, due to continued challenges related to the global semiconductor shortage, Central China floods in July and pandemic-related restrictions in parts of the country. The year-to-date deliveries of Ford-branded passenger vehicles reached 164,903 units, remaining flat over the year-ago period thanks to the stable growth in the demands of SUV models and high-end sedan models. For the first three quarters, Ford brand's SUV sales amounted to 89,826 units, up 8.3%. The year-to-date sales of the Ford Edge and Espace exceeded 21,800 units and 24,000 units respectively, rising 24.4% and 2.8%. Meanwhile, the sales of the locally-made Ford Explorer topped 20,500 units. Lincoln's China sales in first three quarters stood at 66,036 units, surging 68.7% year-over-year. Notably, the premium car brand achieved best-ever monthly sales of 8,637 units in September. The sales of Ford and JMC brands' commercial vehicles totaled 204,095 units in the Jan.-Sept. period, climbing 9.4%. The year-to-date sales of the Ford Transit exceeded 38,100 units, up 13.3%. Beijing (Gasgoo)- BAIC BJEVs production and sales volume saw an increase in September, compared to the previous year, according to its parent company, BAIC Bluepark. The T; photo credit: ARCFOX In September, BAIC BJEV produced 609 vehicles, up 44% from Augusts 423 vehicles, and almost tripled (by 175.57%) from a year ago. However, the cumulative production volume for the first nine months this year is still relatively low, at 3,539 vehicles, more than halved year on year. With 2,450 vehicles sold, the automakers September sales volume inched up 9% comparing to last year but dropped 40% month on month. During the first three quarters, the company saw a year-on-year decline of 19.5% in total sales volume, at 16,974 vehicles. The companys premium EV brand, ARCFOX, was the star of the month. The brand sold 614 vehicles in September, increasing 53% from August, and maintained a consecutive growth in sales for six months. Its delivery volume of the third quarter this year surged 183% from the previous quarter. The companys other brand, BEIJING, plans on seizing market share by facilitating programs like taxi fleets. In addition, the brand will be accelerating its business layout in less-developed cities in China. Are you lost in the wild? Sorry, but the page you're looking for has not been found Try checking the URL for errors, goto home or try to search below. Addressing the housing crisis, implementing an alternative response model, and providing financial support to small businesses and local service agencies were among the Flagstaff City Councils priorities as it discussed federal COVID-19 relief funding. Council on Tuesday night hosted a second discussion giving city budgeters input on how more than $13 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding should be spent, coming to a consensus on the budget by the end of the meeting. The budget includes $1.9 million toward housing; $2.5 million to alternate response services and a care center; $1.5 toward cyber security and other government infrastructure; $1.4 million to nonprofit support; $635,000 toward small business recovery; and $600,000 to Pre-K and STEAM education. The federal funding was allocated to the city from the State and Local Recovery Funds, which is a subset of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act and sets aside $350 million intended to support state and local governments. How that money is spent is subject to requirements and guidelines set forth federally -- which city budgeters said they will work to ensure are met. Available uses include financial support for essential workers, revenue replacement for government services, COVID-19 economic impact mitigation, and investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Of the $13,252,816 that the city was allocated, the ARPA budget looks to reserve about $4 million to reimburse the city for revenue lost during the pandemic. That means the rest of the remaining sum will be spread out amongst various programs. It is unclear when the money will be made available to Flagstaff, but city staff said they are working with the U.S Department of the Treasury to procure the funding. City management analyst Rick Tadder said Flagstaffs usage of the funding is twofold: to address pandemic-related impacts the city government has faced internally, and also to provide outward relief to other parts of the community that have been impacted. Council was first presented with a proposed budget in September, and city budgeters have since tweaked and workshopped funding allocations based on the councils recommendations. Major changes from this weeks meeting include more than doubling the amount of money addressing housing concerns in the city from the previous $500,000 proposed budget. City staff have also eliminated $500,000 in the initial budget put towards developing a vaccine incentive program at the council's request. Council on Tuesday agreed to allocate an additional $400,000 to housing, bringing the budgeted sum up from $1.5 million to $1.9 million. It also agreed to create a new fund of $300,000 toward domestic violence and victim-service nonprofits. To budget for the increases, the council decided on a $50,000 reduction in nonprofit food services, $200,000 to government services and nixing a $10,000 vaccine incentive program, among other changes. The largest reduction was made to $600,000 of proposed funding to small business grants and job training assistance, getting brought down to $350,000. Proposed funding for tourism industry relief was reduced from $350,00 to $150,000. The ARPA allocation largely represents one-time funding opportunities, City Manager Greg Clifton said. In other words, the money is targeted toward addressing immediate needs related to pandemic recovery. Clifton said although the city has seemingly emerged from a period of economic recession brought by the pandemic, global health concerns continue to impact the economy. That impact has been profound, he said, especially to local business and service organizations. I think everything we are discussing and everything council will discuss tonight is very in-line with that, Clifton said. He added: The other consideration, is of course, the very intent of the ARPA funding, which is to provide financial assistance within our community in an effort to help entities, nonprofit organizations, service organizations, businesses and so forth rebound from what they have endured throughout this pandemic. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ross Altenbaugh, director of Flagstaff Shelter Services, noted that she is happy to see an increase in money put toward the housing crisis, but questioned the larger sum spent on an alternate response model. She was asked by city council to provide input on a day center that funding set aside for the alternate response model would support. The solution to homelessness is housing, Altenbaugh said. So Id put $2.4 million [allocated to an alternate response services] under housing and let your excellent housing department rank proposals that then could make room if a standalone day center is needed. Although council did not reduce the alternate response funding, by the end of the meeting the housing fund had substantially increased. "We are helping a lot of people through this process. I know it is hard to do these priorities," Mayor Paul Deasy said. "But I am thankful to have the opportunity to do so." Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 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. I did something on his leg and I scarred him up a little bit. I kind of got discouraged, Nava said. On his second try on the man's other leg, he managed to complete a portrait. Until his release, Nava had both a steady income and a release that didn't involve drugs. By the time he was paroled in 2013, Nava was confident enough in his skills to start looking for work as a tattoo artist. He left prison and headed to Las Vegas, where he had family. His history in Billings, he told the Gazette, was still to recent and he wanted to start fresh. His first job was flipping burgers at a casino restaurant. Through connections with his family and friends, he managed to gain his first bit of professional experience in working in the tattoo industry. He landed a position at a shop, his talent allowing him to skirt an $8,000 apprentice fee. His time in Las Vegas came to an end when he was again arrested on drug charges. I had been out almost three years. I ended up doing somebody a favor. My buddy called me and he asked me to make a delivery for him. Me still having that criminal mindset, I delivered it. That one time messed up life again and it set me back five more years, he said. Providing the best possible care in challenging times continues to be our focus as we deal with another COVID-19 surge. I know our care teams balance the concerns that we all have for our families, friends, and community. I am so proud of our teams and their ongoing dedication to providing the high level of care people come to trust from us. We all hope and pray this pandemic ends soon, and until it does, we are all in this together," she said. Alderfer and her husband have three children. She takes over local leadership after CEO Steve Loveless resigned earlier this year. The hospitals Chief Operating Officer Michael Skehan has been serving as interim president. Loveless moved to the hospital from Arkansas in 2012 and was named CEO upon the departure of Jason Barker in 2014. In September, SCL Health, the nonprofit Catholic-based health care company that owns St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, announced it would merge with the Utah-based Intermountain Healthcare. The merger is expected to change little of how St. Vincent operates, said Skehan in September. SCL, or the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, has existed since 1858 and is a Catholic charitable organization. Under the merger, the SCL hospitals and clinics with Catholic ties will retain their Catholic identities and values. Love 8 Funny 1 Wow 2 Sad 2 Angry 3 Montana's Department of Justice has offered to place $2 million in ARPA funding in Billings to support a "law enforcement surge" as the city deals with a growing crime rate. The funding isn't a grant, and the state has required Billings and Yellowstone County to offer $1 million each in order to trigger the state to spend its $2 million. The combined $4 million will be spent in each entities' jurisdictions, all of it focused on battling crime in Billings. "Each of us staying in our lanes," said city administrator Chris Kukulski. The state's $2 million will go to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and other state programs that operate in Billings and support law enforcement efforts there. The state may possibly work with the county and its $1 million to reduce the inmate population at Yellowstone County Detention Center, which is usually at or near capacity. ZooMontana has received a $200,000 grant to complete the zoo's new Foster Waterfowl Refuge. The grant, from the Sunderland Foundation of Overland Park Kansas, nearly completes a year-long, $1.1 million campaign for the refuge. A unique concept designed by Billings based Land Design, the new habitat is designed to be a native fish refuge and a natural fly-through for migrating waterfowl, creating a much-needed urban escape for wildlife. The Foster Waterfowl Refuge is the largest project taken on by the zoo since 2008. Kickstarted by a gift from Billings resident Cynthia Foster as a memorial to her late husband Paul Milan Foster, the project quickly garnered support from Ducks Unlimited, Phillips 66, First Interstate Bank, The State of Montana, several foundations, and local residents. The excitement behind this project was incredible said Jeff Ewelt, executive director of ZooMontana, in a press release. Before we knew it, we were just shy of our goal. A few days later, we received the unbelievable news from the Sunderland Foundation that they were going to help us wrap up the campaign. Its a great feeling moving into a project with 100% of the funding in place. Were so thankful to all involved, helping us turn the ugliest area of the zoo into one of the most beautiful. 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, Wyoming Game and Fish has been actively reminding hunters of its CWD protocols. Coal production is increasing in Montana and Wyoming as demand in the Asia Pacific ratchets up. Coming off a volatile year in 2020, which saw mine closures and furloughs, Montanas mining industry has turned out 20.3 million tons of coal in the first nine months of 2021. Thats a 2% increase of 524,000 tons over 2020, when the state had two more mines operating than it does currently. Production numbers through Oct. 2 are reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Wyoming production is up 11.8 million tons compared to the first nine months of 2020, a 7% increase. Exports have been a main driver in Montana coal production, explained Steve Read, who manages coal sales for Signal Peak. Exports are the mines bread and butter. If theres coal on a train from Signal Peak, its on its way to British Columbia for shipping and most likely bound for Japan. We have spent years developing the Japanese market and that is our most reliable market. It is the highest valued market for our product, Read said. 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. d. Response time of the fire department to a fire call does not meet the standard. The response time from the time a call is received until the time the firemen arrive is critical. Insurance rates are often based on this response time. This involves the number of fire stations we have and where they are located. We do quite well in Billings; on average, the first unit arrives in 4 minutes and the full complement arrives in 12.5 minutes. I think that is amazing. However, the standard is 4 minutes for the first responder and 8 minutes for the full complement. While 57% of the responses in Billings meet the four-minute standard, 43% do not. In Billings, the first unit arrives in 7.1 minutes in 90% of the time and the full complement arrives in 12.5% minutes. The full complement fails to meet the standard over 62% of the time. This should be a serious concern. October is here, leaves are falling, and perhaps Montanans should not be surprised that the Montana Democrats on the Districting and Apportionment Commission are carving up our state like a pumpkin. While they claim they want to create a competitive district, their maps go far beyond that. So far in fact, that they fail to meet the mandatory criteria in the Montana Constitution, that the districts be as equal in population as is practicable, be contiguous, and be compact. Democrats often lament gerrymandering; however, a quick view illustrates that is their current intent. Do Kalispell and Libby belong with Sidney and Ekalaka in eastern Montana? Or would they be more accurately situated with Missoula and Helena in western Montana? You may be surprised at the difference of opinion. Various measures of competitiveness are found on the publicly accessible map drawing software options that Montanans used in unprecedented numbers to draw suggested maps. Most of those were some version of an east-west split which has been our historical precedent and which was supported by the last Democrat to represent the Western District, Pat Williams. But those software models all suffer from a common weakness in that they use the big Trump presidential victories in Montana in 2016 and 2020 as a proxy for average Republican voting strength. That is a bad proxy and here is why. Montana-Dakota Utilities customers who use natural gas to heat their homes could end up paying on average $170 more than usual this winter due to rising natural gas prices, according to a projection from the company. Gas prices have increased globally in recent months, and the three members of the North Dakota Public Service Commission expect the trend will have a noticeable impact in the coming months on the heating bills of North Dakotans with gas furnaces. "Consumers need to prepare," Commissioner Brian Kroshus said. "It's going to potentially be a tough heating season." The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 40% of North Dakota homes have gas heat. MDU provides natural gas to about 115,000 customers in the state, including to homes in Bismarck and Mandan. North Dakota utilities such as MDU cannot profit on the cost of gas itself. They pass the price they pay for gas through to customers, and that cost is reflected on households' monthly statements in addition to a service charge and the volume of gas used. MDU says the gas supply has grown since 2020 but it has not met the demand, particularly from other countries seeking exports of liquefied natural gas from the United States. Drilling to bolster gas production has not kept pace with increased prices. That's playing out in natural gas-rich states such as Pennsylvania and Texas, and also in western North Dakota where gas is produced alongside oil in the Bakken. Oil prices are at a seven-year high, yet drilling is lagging for a number of reasons, including a shortage of frack crews, maintenance-related outages at processing plants and a focus by major producers on developing the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. MDU draws a significant amount of gas from an underground storage field in Baker, Montana, and from another site straddling the Montana-Wyoming border. Those sources account for about half the utility's gas needs in winter, MDU representatives told the PSC earlier this year. Such a setup helps the utility mitigate higher prices, MDU spokesman Mark Hanson said. Much of MDU's gas supply is locked in at certain prices through contracts, but sometimes the company has to purchase gas on the daily market when demand soars. The utility's projection that the typical customer will pay $170 more over the five-month heating season due to higher gas prices assumes that it will be an average winter. "Stretches of colder than normal weather would drive up customer bills," Hanson said. The National Weather Service's long-term forecast shows an equal chance of above-average and below-average temperatures over the next three months in North Dakota. Meteorologists are keeping tabs on a La Nina watch issued by the weather service. If the climate pattern emerges this year, it could mean colder than normal temperatures for North Dakota, said Meteorologist James Telken with the weather service's Bismarck office. Gas bills tend to increase significantly in winter as North Dakotans crank up their thermostats when temperatures plunge. High gas prices come on the heels of two other factors that could also drive up bills for MDU customers relative to last winter. The PSC authorized an MDU gas rate increase in May to pay for replacing aging pipelines. The average MDU residential customer was expected to see a $4.21 per month bill increase as a result. The utility also incurred a huge cost obtaining enough gas to meet demand when prices spiked during this past February's cold snap that plagued the central United States. It's spreading out that cost on customers' bills over the course of 16 months, with the typical household expected to pay another $4 to $5 per month during the period. Others on the PSC also expressed concerns about the gas situation at a meeting last week. Commissioner Randy Christmann said a rise in gas-fired power plants is competing with home heating needs. More gas-fired power is accompanying the shift toward wind and solar, as it can act as a backup to renewable sources when they are not producing electricity, he said. "The prices are going to go up as we continue to shift toward these ... sources until we have good battery storage," he said. Assistance available North Dakotans seeking financial assistance with heating this winter have several options. The state Department of Commerce has received more than $7.5 million in federal funding for weatherization and furnace and cooling repair programs. That's a 32% increase in funding from last year. The program contributed funding to more than 2,000 weatherization, heating and cooling jobs over the past year. "Low-income homes spend a much higher percentage of their income on energy," Commerce Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Commissioner Shawn Kessel said in a statement. "Weatherizing and repairs to heating and cooling systems will allow saved dollars to be used for other necessities." The program is available to homeowners and renters, including people who live in apartments. People must meet income-related criteria to qualify. Applications are available at www.ndwap.com. North Dakotans who need help paying their winter heating bills can apply for assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program through May 31, 2022. The program is available for homeowners and renters, though people living in subsidized housing with heat included in their rent are ineligible. The program provided about 12,800 North Dakota households over the past year with an average of $890. Applications can be made online at www.applyforhelp.nd.gov or in person at a human service zone office or by mail. Reach Amy R. Sisk at 701-250-8252 or amy.sisk@bismarcktribune.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A unique partnership was formed in 2017 when a 3-year-old service dog chose a New Salem Army veteran to be his human. JJ, a black Labrador, was the eighth Service Dogs of America candidate to greet Jared Bollom. JJs brother was the seventh, but he mostly just wanted Bolloms attention. JJ almost immediately went to work, paying attention to the surroundings and letting Bollom know about anything out of the ordinary. The bond doesnt take long, Bollom said. Nor did the formation of a partnership. Bollom, 43, and JJ were recently recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing campaign for service to their community and country. The program honors veterans who continue to serve after the military, and in September -- National Service Dog month -- it focuses on those who give back in tandem with a canine. Bollom, a Wisconsin native, spent 15 years in the U.S. Army and served two tours overseas. Years later, after struggling with isolation and making attempts on his own life, he learned hed suffered traumatic brain injuries and was diagnosed with post- and continuous traumatic stress disorder. Family, doctors, fellow veterans and JJ helped him get back to a normal life. Today hes a school counselor in Glen Ullin and is part of the American School Counseling Association. He's active with veterans groups, volunteers with Support Dogs of America, and advocates for veterans before the state Legislature. JJ is with him at all times. I probably wouldnt have been able to do those things without his support, the support of my family and the VA, he said, referring to the federal Veterans Affairs agency. Service dogs are trained in several areas, such as alerting people to impending seizures and aiding people with mobility needs. JJs job is to help Bollom be more relaxed and not anxious. He lets his master know either things are OK or I need to pay attention to whats going on, Bollom said. The dogs alerts are subtle, nearly unnoticeable unless an observer knows them. Bolloms wife, for example, can tell how her husband is doing based on what the dog is doing. Hes really an assistance tool for me, not a pet so much, Bollom said. But the two are together constantly. JJ is part of the family, part of the school, part of the staff right along with me, Bollom said. The dog has a fan base in Glen Ullin but the students are respectful of his role. They understand hes working and hes there for me, Bollom said. As a service dog, JJ is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. He and Bollom certify every two years with an international agency to assure compliance on commands and behavior and knowledge of laws. Bollom was honored after the VFW put out a call for stories of vets with dogs and the ways they continue to serve. He submitted a few paragraphs because it was for the VFW, of which hes a lifetime member. The recognition definitely was not the intent, he said. Usually with that stuff I like to stay kind of in the background, he said. But its nice to be able to help others realize that theres things you can do to keep moving and not give up in life. Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The latest North Dakota coronavirus news: school aid, artists aid and more. Education aid State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced a new grant program to fund learning opportunities outside of school for students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. School districts and other organizations, including for-profit companies, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and higher education institutions, as well as regional education associations and city and county government agencies, are eligible to apply for Out of School Time grants. Federally funded three-year grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with up to $2 million available. Grant applications must address students academic, social, emotional and mental health needs, and provide learning opportunities outside of school, along with activities to complement students regular academic programs during the school day. Grant recipients will be required to collaborate with schools that serve students who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1. Potential applicants with questions should contact program administrator Becky Eberhardt at raeberhardt@nd.gov, or 701-328-2295. The grants will offer enriched educational opportunities to students before and after school, on weekends, and in the summer to counter the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their instruction, Baesler said. Aid for the arts The North Dakota Council on the Arts recently awarded $214,750 in federal American Rescue Plan pandemic assistance to individual artists and $127,580 to arts organizations. An additional $117,515 has been designated to North Dakota arts organizations through a regional partnership with Arts Midwest, funded through the National Endowment for the Arts. The aid opportunity drew a lot of interest -- there were 155 applications totaling nearly $1.8 million. There will be a second round of funding. The application deadline is today. For more information, go to https://www.arts.nd.gov/grants/american-rescue-plan. Testing and vaccines A comprehensive list of free COVID-19 testing offered by local public health units in North Dakota can be found at health.nd.gov/covidtesting. In Bismarck, PCR and rapid antigen tests are administered Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the strip mall at 2805 Morrison Ave., Suite A. PCR tests also are administered Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Northland Health Centers, 914 S. 12th St., Suite 101. People who have registered for COVID-19 testing through TestReg.nd.gov now can access results for tests completed after June 10 through a state service called the Citizen Portal. Instructions can be found at https://bit.ly/3jqiudf. People can go to https://www.ndvax.org or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available near them. Custer Health in Mandan is offering vaccine to the general public. Morton County residents should go to https://www.ndvax.org and search for "Custer Health" or call 701-667-3370 to register. Custer Health has a vaccination clinic at 1100 32nd Ave. SE in Units D and E, off Memorial Highway. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 No charges will be filed against a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper involved in the early September shooting death of a Montana man on Interstate 94 west of Mandan, an incident the man's father says showed his otherwise good son's "bad side" amid increased drinking following a divorce. Trooper Steven Mayer was justified in discharging his firearm in defense of self and others, Assistant Morton County States Attorney Gabrielle Goter said in a letter to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. BCI handled the probe and turned the case over to the state's attorney's office for consideration of charges. The patrol released video Oct. 5 of the incident, along with reports from the BCI, Highway Patrol and Morton County Sheriffs Office and the letter from the states attorney's office. Mayer "acted within department policy in the incident," the patrol said. Mayer was assisting Morton County sheriffs deputies who attempted to stop Craig Knutson, 45, of Billings, after receiving a call of a reckless driver on Sept. 7. Knutson continued east at highway speeds and slowed after authorities deflated the front left tire of his van with a spike strip. A dispatcher can be heard in Highway Patrol video telling officers that Knutson was threatening to shoot himself in the heart. Knutson confirmed to the dispatcher that he had a gun. He also can be heard saying he had no intention of harming any law officers. Knutson during the conversation with the dispatcher says he knows he's "not going to dig out of this," and that he "wants a last smoke." The dispatcher asks Knutson several times to pull over and talk to the officers. Knutson at one point said "it's come to the end for me," and tells the dispatcher "you've done everything you could." The dispatcher tries again to get Knutson to pull over and let one officer approach the van. Knutson says he doesn't trust them and the dispatcher assures him there are "really great guys out there." "I know, but the end is still the same," Knutson says. He later told the dispatcher that he planned to take an exit ramp and stop, but Mayer shortly after used his patrol vehicle to push the van into a skid and parked in front of it. Authorities did not want Mayer taking the exit because of homes in that area, according to the BCI report. Knutson just before the shots are fired can be heard saying on the video, "They didn't listen." After the van was stopped, Knutson waved the revolver and pointed it at Mayer, according to an account from the trooper detailed in the BCI report. Mayer got out of his squad car and pulled his handgun but did not shoot because he felt the deputies would be in the line of fire. He moved to the side of Knutson's vehicle and attempted to open the driver door but it was locked. The trooper realized he "had made a mistake and backed away from the vehicle," the report states. Mayer and deputies can be heard more than half a dozen times telling Knutson to show his hands. Mayer as he moved from his squad car told deputies that Knutson had a gun. Knutson was smoking a cigarette with his left hand. Mayer fired when he saw Knutson's right hand come up with the revolver in it, and at about the same time as Deputy Jonathan Moll fired a less-than-lethal round at the van's driver-side window, according to the report. Mayer was unsure after the shots if he had shot Knutson, if Knutson had shot himself, or if Knutson had shot at Mayer and Moll, the report said. Moll said in a separate report that the shot that killed Knutson came "immediately after" Moll fired his beanbag round. The BCI report also indicates that Mayer shot second. Another deputy at the scene, Angel Beltran, said in his report that he also saw Knutson's hand moving up right before Knutson was shot, though Beltran didn't indicate if Knutson held a gun. Officers said they found a loaded revolver and a cellphone in or near Knutson's lap. During a search of the van they also found additional ammunition, along with other items including "various" prescription medication and a partially empty vodka bottle, according to the BCI report, which also noted that the interior of the van had an odor of alcohol. The report does not say if authorities determined whether Knutson was under the influence. The patrol said it did not have the toxicology report on Knutston and referred the Tribune to the state's attorney's office. Goter told the Tribune that the results will not be available from the North Dakota Medical Examiners Office until the autopsy report is finalized. Knutson's father, Jerry Knutson, also of Billings, told the Tribune that his son was "a good man, a good father, a good son," and that what people saw in September was the "bad side of Craig." Craig Knutson had been divorced about two years ago, had his 17-year-old son living with him, was under a lot of pressure, and his drinking had intensified within the last year, his father said. Jerry Knutson said he had no issues with Mayer being cleared because "he did what he had to do." He also said he was thankful his son did not get into a wreck on the highway or shoot an officer. He said there are law officers in the family. "Why he would think to not stop, I don't understand," he said of his son. Craig Knutson was in Bismarck for work for his father's company, West-Tech Supply and Services, which does underground storage and compliance out of Billings, according to Jerry Knutson. Mayer is a patrol veteran of more than 15 years, with no disciplinary history, according to patrol spokesman Sgt. Wade Kadrmas. Mayer is a K9 handler with two bloodhounds assigned to him. He also has taught Active Threat Response at the Law Enforcement Training Academy, according to the BCI report. He had been on administrative leave since the shooting, and on Tuesday was given clearance to return to full duty, Kadrmas said. Investigation reports indicate Mayer underwent a drug test following the incident, but they do not include the test outcome. Kadrmas declined to provide the Tribune with results, saying any toxicology reports for Mayer would be confidential under state law. (Online Producer Jason Heupel contributed to this story.) Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. TRAVIS SVIHOVEC Crime and Courts Reporter Follow TRAVIS SVIHOVEC 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 "We haven't done it before. It's really the building of the airplane and flying it at the same time. But as Captain Smith of the Titanic said when told about icebergs ahead, he said, 'Full speed ahead.'" -- Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, on legislative efforts to determine how best to spend $1 billion in federal coronavirus aid. q q q "I'm an only child. My parents are never going to get to do this again. I have no photos with my parents. I'd never seen my dad get emotional. It's just stuff you can't get back." -- Crystal Brunner-Thompson, whose wedding photos were taken by Glasser Images, which abruptly closed and told customers they would not get their pending photos or refunds. q q q "When you look at hospitals across the state, intensive care units across the state, we see a lot of strain on our health system from our major hospitals to critical access hospitals." -- Sanford Health Bismarck incoming President and CEO Todd Schaffer, on the cumulative impact of the COVID-19 surge, staffing shortages and people catching up on delayed medical procedures. q q q "With more than 672,000 lost passenger trips from Canada to date, our recovery is lagging in the nation." -- North Dakota Tourism Director Sara Otte Coleman on tourism-generated revenue that is down 12% in North Dakota in part due to travel restrictions across the U.S.-Canada border. Nationally, the average is a drop of 5% from 2019, according to U.S. Travel. q q q "It's October -- it comes with the territory." -- National Weather Service Meteorologist Nathan Heinert, on a sudden switch from record-breaking heat to cool fall temperatures and snow. q q q "Consumers need to prepare. It's going to potentially be a tough heating season." -- North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Brian Kroshus, on the prospect of gas heating bills soaring this winter. q q q The bond doesnt take long. -- New Salem Army veteran Jared Bollom, talking about his service dog JJ, a black Labrador. Bollom and JJ recently were recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing campaign for service to their community and country. q q q "I got a caller from California, and he's all fired up to fly up here with his wife." -- Randy Kraft, owner and founder of Scuba One, a Mandan-based diving outfit, on the widespread interest in the sunken steamboat Abner O'Neal on the Missouri River near Wilton. The wreckage is visible during times of low river levels. q q q "Water is a great passion of mine and I am honored to continue serving North Dakota, working with the dedicated staff at the Department of Water Resources, and collaborating with the Governors Office, Legislature, and the water community." -- John Paczkowski, after being named North Dakota's new state engineer. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 VMware Custom Site Today, it is crucial to have an infrastructure that is both on-premises and in the cloud to be successful. VMware provides a platform for the hybrid cloud approach that is able to support both traditional and modern apps. Click into this custom site to find all the VMware content you wont want to miss, including informational videos, deep dives into VMware cloud products and services, and more. Cellular Connectivity for Location-Based Applications in Vehicles Todays vehicle fleets in industries such as public transit and public safety often leverage technologies to improve efficiency and safety but are rendered ineffective once the accuracy of location data is compromised. Download this white paper to learn about 3 key benefits of LTE and 5G for in-vehicle location tracking. The Viability of a Wireless WAN for Business This independent report by Nemertes, based on detailed customer interviews, found that wireless wide-area network (WWAN) technology has clear and dramatic benefits without sacrificing performance or reliability or driving up network costs. Read on to learn more. 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But effective, reliable connectivity is only available to organizations with exceptional networks. Read this solution brief to dive deeper into common networking challenges and learn how LTE and 5G wireless solutions could address them. Optimizing Wi-Fi as WAN and LTE for Mobile Stations in Healthcare Facilities Telehealth, mobile workstations, and medication carts have put EHR and patient care on wheels changing the way they deliver services. However, the technologies are only as reliable as the wireless connectivity available at each location. Download this brief to learn how a cellular-enabled hybrid WAN solution can benefit mobile healthcare carts. Why Retail Stores Rely on LTE & 5G First In brick-and-mortar stores, wired connectivity isnt agile enough to accommodate retail technology trends. Todays retailers are embracing a cellular-driven approach to maximize connection reliability and flexibility. View this infographic to discover how the wireless WAN branch helps these retailers puts LTE and 5G first. T-Mobile Retail Stores Prevent Downtime with Cellular-Based Automatic Failover With 5,000+ retail stores that depend on connected devices and business-critical applications including Point-of-Sale (POS) systems and digital signs 100% uptime is essential for daily operations at T-Mobile. Read this case study to learn about a failover solution that helps them maintain this uptime as well as reliable in-store connectivity. ON24 File Export Retail to Email Retail has been undergoing a transformation over the last few years, an evolution accelerated by the pandemic. In this webinar, join Cradlepoints Robin Manke-Cassidy (Director of Solution Marketing) and Bill Hunt (Senior Solutions Architect), for a discussion around these changes and what it takes to bring retail to modern customers. ON24 File Export Restaurant Watch this webinar to learn how restaurants that rely on wireless WAN for network agility can employ a cellular edge networking solution to enable the flexibility they need to innovate for today and the future. Find Your 5G:Spectrum and Uses for Business The value of 5G for business hinges on understanding how use cases vary depending on types of spectrum and network availability. Using this knowledge, you can expand your organizations presence, usher in new technologies and improve operations along with customer service. View this infographic to get a crash course in 5G for business. The 5G for Business Guidebook Besides being able to download Netflix movies faster, should you really care about 5G? Download this e-guide to learn about the basics of 5G, how it differs from 4G, why you should care and how to find the best 5G fit for your organization. The ROI of Cellular Broadband for Enterprise Remote Working Technology The number of employers saying the shift to remote work has been successful for their company rose from 73% to 83% within about 6 months during 2020, according to PwC. Learn about the best practices for supporting employees with the hybrid work-from-home model and the implications of providing wireless LTE and 5G routers for remote workers. 5G in Vehicles: What You Need to Know In this webinar, network experts discuss Cradlepoints newest router for 5G-connected vehicles, which is designed to handle high performance 5G connectivity and edge computing. Tune in for everything you need to know about 5G and 5G in vehicles. Canon Singapore Uses LTE to Provide Reliable Access Control Data in Facilities Canon Singapores Facial Access Control Temperature System is a valuable technology for a variety of businesses and facilities that need to remotely track the health and wellness of employees and visitors. In this case study, learn how Canon Singapore was able to use LTE to provide reliable access control data with the help of Cradlepoint. Students Use School Districts Private Cellular Network for Better Distance Learning Experience The Murray City School District in Utah was facing a common but critical pandemic-related challenge: With children and parents stuck at home for remote work and distance learning, high-bandwidth technologies were becoming unreliable. In this case study, learn how the school district was able to leverage CBRS to address this challenge. Maritime Logistics Company Uses LTE To Make Nearshore Connectivity More Cost-Effective In the maritime industry, logistics companies are continuously seeking technologies that can provide secure, flexible and scalable mobile network solutions. In this case study, learn why one maritime logistics company decided to deploy Cradlepoint to enable cost efficient nearshore connectivity. 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In this white paper, uncover 5 key strategies for Wireless WAN deployments. Thermal Imaging Cameras, AI & LTE Enable Safer Screenings as Employees Return to Offices Organizations utilize IntelliSites robust imaging technology and AI-driven software platform to help identify people who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. But managing connectivity and information security across thousands of disparate sites was a real challenge. Read this case study to learn how IntelliSite gained greater visibility. 5G for Business Helps Construction Company Begin Rollout of Next-Gen Technologies Taylor Construction researched and prepared innovative technologies that required the performance of 5G, including holographic building visualization, wide-area safety scanning, IoT structural sensing, real-time design display and large-site failover. Watch this video to learn how CradlePoint was able to turn research into reality. Visio Health Instantly Isolates IoT Data on Diagnostic Telemedicine Carts Visio Health is a telemedicine company that creates technology such as conferencing carts and software that communicates with smart medical devices. To support their carts, Visio Health needed reliable, secure networking, and for devices, they needed automated IoT monitoring. See this case study to learn how CradlePoint was able to help. What You Need to Know About the Pathway to 5G in Retail The evolution of wireless broadband is helping retailers keep technologies connected at all times. From Internet access in stores to vital uptime in pop-up locations and kiosks, LTE and 5G have roles to play in almost every retail business. In this webinar, learn how 5G will help enable retailers to leverage cloud opportunities with confidence. By the time Lai appears in court on Dec. 28 to face treason charges, he will have spent almost a year in prison, during which time his three companies have been folded and six of his senior-ranking colleagues have all been arrested. [] Jimmy Lai, a 73-year-old Hong Kong media mogul, outspoken critic of China, pro-democracy activist, and recipient of the Acton Institutes 2020 Faith and Freedom Award, will approach a year behind bars as his national security case is transferred to Hong Kongs High Court and postponed to Dec. 28. Lai was remanded on National Security Law (NSL) charges on New Years Eve 2020 after his appeal for bail was rejected. Lais new court date will make him three days shy of spending an entire year behind bars. Lai, along with six former Apple Daily and Next Digital employees, who are also charged under the wide-sweeping NSL, appeared at the West Kowloon Magistrates Court on Oct. 12. This is the first time Lai, founder of the Apple Daily newspaper and its parent company, Next Digital Media Company, was seen alongside former staff members of his two companies. The six defendants are former CEO of Next Digital Cheung Kim-hung, Apple Dailys former editor-in-chief Ryan Law, former associate publisher Chan Pui-man, former executive editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, former editor-in-chief of Apple Dailys English news section Fung Wai-kwong, and former editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee. Defendants entered the court as a public gallery of supporters waved and offered encouragement, shouting, Mr. Lai, hang in there, according to the Hong Kong Free Press. The court session began 40 minutes after its scheduled start time. The three companies, Next Digital, Apple Daily, and Apple Daily Limited, spearheaded by Lai in response to Hong Kongs anti-democratic policies, were not present at the hearing. Lai has a litany of charges against him under the ever-restrictive NSL, including collusion with foreign forces, endangering national security, conspiracy with foreign forces and through a series of actions allegedly intended to pervert the course of justice, and unauthorized assembly. His former coworkers, much like Lai, did not escape the Hong Kong governments tightening grip under the NSL, put into effect June 2020. Cheung and Law, along with the three companies, stand accused of conspiring with Lai to collude with foreign powers. Chan, Lam, Fung, and Yeung also fell victim to NSL charges, accused of conspiring with Cheung, Law, Lai, and the three companies by asking external forces to impose sanctions on mainland China or Hong Kong officials and governments. With Chief Magistrate Peter Law presiding, the prosecution will continue its efforts to push for all cases to be transferred to the Court of First Instance, where committal proceedings will be handled. The highest penalty carried out by cases tried at the High Court is a life sentence. Once the defendants court proceedings were dealt with on the Oct. 12 court date, they were dismissed by Magistrate Law, and the court began to address the absences of representatives from the three accused companies. The three companies, although not providing any representatives, were said to still exist by the prosecution and thus will be asked to attend another court date, also set for Dec 28. Apple Daily shut its doors after 500 Hong Kong police officers raided its headquarters and froze its assets on June 17. Last month, Apple Dailys parent company, Next Digital Media Company, was forcibly liquidated after its board of directors and executives either were arrested for violating the NSL or quit amid pressure from and fear of it. Authorities continue to deny any erosion of human rights in Hong Kong and instead defend the arrests, saying articles from Apple Daily crossed a line and endangered national security, although never specifying which ones or how they did so. In the time Jimmy Lai has spent in prison, over 150 people have been arrested under the National Security Law and both of his media companies were folded. In addition, the Hong Kong government has further abandoned the One Country, Two Systems principle laid out in 1997, which was intended to maintain the countrys relative economic and administrative independence from China. The Beijing-imposed NSL is proving to play an integral role in the governments pursuit of absolute control over its citizenry. While the latest election marks a decisive symbolic victory against communism and progressivism, its but one development in a larger realignment marked by a mix of populism and centrism. [] Since 1925, the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia has had a seat at the table in Czech parliaments. While momentarily sidelined by the Nazi occupation during World War II, the party managed to centralize power rather quickly thereafter, working with Moscow to crush dissent and impose totalitarian control from 1948 until the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Now, more than three decades after the countrys transition to democracy, its aging remnants are finally fading into the distance. In last weeks election, the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) lost its last seats in parliament, registering only 3.62% of the total vote. It is a highly symbolic moment for Czech democracy since the KSCM has never rejected the legacy of the Czechoslovak communist dictatorship and never apologized for the communist regimes crimes, says Filip Kostelka, a political science professor at the University of Essex. There is reason to expect that the party will never return to parliament. For Jiri Gruntorad, a Czech dissident who was jailed from 1981 to 1985 under the partys forbear, its a welcome achievement, but one thats taken far too long. It pleases me, it pleases me a lot, he said in an interview with Reuters. But its coming too late. It was one of the last communist parties in the world apart from the Chinese and Cuban ones that held on to its name. The others have at least renamed themselves and started behaving a little differently. The election also struck a blow to another leftist party, the Czech Social Democratic Party (CSSD), which failed to win representation for the first time since Czechoslovakias founding in 1918. Both parties had worked closely with Prime Minister Andrej Babis, whose party also lost the popular vote. While the news marks a decisive symbolic victory against communism and progressivism, its but one development in a larger realignment marked by a mix of populism and centrism. As well as a defeat for Babis, this weekends election was also grim for the countrys non-centrist parties, writes David Hutt at Euronews. Support for the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) dropped a percentage point and it lost two of its seats in parliament. The libertarian Pirates Party, the third-largest party going into the ballot, only picked up four seats as part of its alliance with STAN [Mayors and Independents party]. Time will tell whether rising generations are truly turning away from leftist ideology or simply rejecting an aging, outmoded party. According to a 2019 Pew Research survey that assessed European opinions on the fall of communismnow 30 years in the rearview mirrorattitudes in the Czech Republic remain largely favorable toward free markets, with some exceptions. Alas, a sizable number still disapprove of the shift to democratic capitalism, with 17% saying the economic situation for most people today is worse than it was under communism, and 16% disapproving of the shift altogether. Fortunately, among rising generations, the trend seems to be moving steadily in favor of freedom, not just in the Czech Republic but across all former East bloc countries. Young people in general are keener on the movement away from a state-controlled economy in many of the countries surveyed, the report concludes. For example, in Slovakia, 84% of 18-to-34-year-olds are in favor of this change, compared with 49% of those ages 60 and older. Double-digit age gaps also appear in Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia and Lithuania. In the Czech Republic, the gap between young and old is somewhere around 9%, with the young trending more in favor of capitalism. In 1990, months after the Velvet Revolution and just two months into his presidency, the late Vaclav Havel reflected on the challenges of moving past communism, hoping that a free and full-bodied democracy was somewhere on the countrys horizon. We are still under the sway of the destructive and thoroughly vain belief that man is the pinnacle of creation and not just a part of it, and that therefore everything is permitted to him, he said. In other words, we still dont know how to put morality ahead of politics, science, and economics. We are still incapable of understanding that the only genuine core of all our actionsif they are to be moralis responsibility. When it comes to political solutions, Havel continued, the salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human power to reflect, in human modesty, and in human responsibility. In the struggle against communism, plenty of fight still remains. But as the latest election indicates, the Czechs are far closer to that horizon of human freedom, and theyre still bringing plenty of heart. A few years ago the following quote from Christopher Columbus started making the rounds: For one woman they give a hundred castellanos, as for a farm; and this sort of trading is very common, and there are already a great number of merchants who go in search of girls; there are at this moment some nine or ten on sale; they fetch a good price, let their age be what it will. Sounds pretty damning. Christopher Columbus did, indeed, write that. However, having taken the time to read it in context today (you can find the letter of Columbus this quote is from here), in this case I think someone owes the man an apology. The quote looks quite a bit different in context. This is from a letter Columbus wrote to Juana de la Torres. (Note: a good way to tell someone hasnt actually looked it up is whether it is just cited as a letter he wrote to a friend.) Columbus wrote this as part of an extended complaint to de la Torres about the conduct of other settlers than himself. It would be well to send people from Spain, and only to send such as are well known, that the country may be peopled with honest men. I had agreed with these settlers that they should pay the third of the gold and of the tithes; and this they not only assented to, but were very grateful to their Highnesses. I reproached them when I heard they had afterward refused it; they expected, however, to deal with me on the same terms as with the commander, but I would not consent to it. He meanwhile irritated them against me, saying that I wished to deprive them of that which their Highnesses had given them; and strove to make me appear their enemy, in which he succeeded to the full. He continues a bit further to say, and here we come to the quote in question: Now that so much gold is found, these people [the above-mentioned settlers] stop to consider whether they can obtain the greatest quantity of it by theft, or by going to the mines. For one woman they give a hundred castellanos, as for a farm; and this sort of trading is very common, and there are already a great number of merchants who go in search of girls; there are at this moment some nine or ten on sale; they fetch a good price, let their age be what it will. Thus, in context this is not Columbus pointing out how lucrative the sex trade is, but him pointing out how greedy and reprehensible these settlers are for engaging in it. There is an elementary moral point here that, of course, not all markets are moral. Ive also read elsewhere that Columbus had native sex slaves of his own. Whether this is true or not, I do not know, but it does not seem to be the case. Again, in his own words: In Cariay and the neighboring country there are great enchanters of a very fearful character. They would have given the world to prevent my remaining there an hour. When I arrived they sent me immediately two girls very showily dressed; the eldest could not be more than eleven years of age, and the other seven, and both exhibited so much immodesty that more could not be expected from public women; they carried concealed about them a magic powder; when they came I gave them some articles to dress themselves out with, and directly sent them back to the shore. Perhaps he just turned these young girls away because of their connection to those he calls great enchanters, but still. He not only turned them away but saw to it that they were dressed more modestly before sending them back to the shore. None of this is to say that, therefore, colonialism wasnt so bad, or even that Columbus didnt do anything that might detract from the merits of having a Columbus Day. Indeed, in a letter to Luis de Santangel, he wrote, In conclusion, and to speak only of what I have performed: this voyage so hastily dispatched will, as their Highnesses may see, enable any desirable quantity of gold to be obtained by a very small assistance afforded me on their part. At present there are within reach: spices and cotton to as great an amount as they can desire; aloe, in a great abundance; and equal store of mastic, a production nowhere else found except in Greece and the island of Scio, where it is sold at such a price as the possessors choose. To these may be added slaves, as numerous as may be wished for. Besides, I have, as I think, discovered rhubarb and cinnamon, and expect countless other things of value will be found by the men whom I left there. (emphasis added) Here Columbus lists slaves, as numerous as may be wished for in a long litany of commodities, such as spices and cotton and rhubarb and cinnamon. So my point isnt to paint Columbus as a saint, but rather just to give a more accurate portrayal, so long as, each year, his legacy will again be debated and his words quoted by people who havent taken the time to read them in context. If there is someplace in which the worst accusations against him are more clearly evidenced, Id be interested to know. Until then, Ill continue wondering why anyone cares so much about Columbus Day in the first place. Get ready for a blast from the past. The last announcement on brendanfraser.com is from 2005, and most of its updates happened around 2001. The flash website contains the actor's writing and photos including a mirror selfie by Fraser with a film camera over a puke-green backdrop. The website it a relic of a different internet. The "curiosities" section features a hand-written welcome note ("Greetings Netizens!") and the "bookmarks" section has Brendan's favorite places on the web. Few of the links still work, though the link to Google, included "just because" does. The "photo" section contains a few dozen original photos that open in a new tab when clicked. Some pictures are from a 2001 trip to Vietnam, another album is "Quiet American," and yet another album documents Fraser's 1998 trip to Morocco. One Morocco photo shows a young Rachel Weisz. Moving along, the "work" section yields an scrollable timeline of Fraser's acting credits between 1998 and 2001, and "about" has yet another mirror selfie and a personal introduction. The writing is split into four acts but really three, because Act IV is "coming soon." Any day now! Here's an excerpt of Act 1: Along the way, Brendan developed insatiable curiosities for creating imagery (he has become an accomplished amateur photographer), going to new places (he is an ardent world traveler who recently needed extra pages added to his passport) and keeping current with new forms of artistic expression (his limited free time is frequently spent in Museums, Theatres and Galleries, or, yeponline.) brendanfraser.com Perhaps Fraser keeps it up to hold onto the domain name or maybe he really is going to add to finish Act IV. Real estate heir Robert Durst, famous for inadvertantly confessing to murder while being interviewed for a documentary, was sentenced to life in prison. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark Windham handed down that punishment one month after jurors convicted Durst, 78, of first-degree murder for the Dec. 23, 2000, death of Susan Berman. Berman was shot at point-blank range in the back of the head inside her Benedict Canyon home. Durst was long-suspected of the killing (itself preventing Berman from talking to police about the suspicious death of his wife) but it took a long time to nail him. in a 2015 HBO documentary series, "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst," Durst appeared to confess to the slayings. He went to the bathroom while still wearing a hot microphone, which recorded him whispering to himself: "You're caught! What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course." After killing Berman, Durst vanished and "disgused himself as a woman" in Galveston, Texas, for some time, and later killed another person and dismembered their body. In that case, he was acquitted on grounds of self-defence. In some apperances (such as the cover of The Jinx embedded above) Durst appears to be wearing fast-fashion or scleral contact lenses with large dark pupils, commonly associated with anime cosplay and edgy music videos and such. The speculation is that he believes it makes him look innocent and doe-eyed, but in the context of his face they have quite the opposite effect. Once Rissman understood the scam, she unlinked her phone number. Google offers a help page that walks users through claiming the number in use with another account. The scams not new, but its hot The Google Voice authentication scam isnt new, says Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. But it accounted for nearly half (49%) of the calls the center got in August, more than nine times the volume received in July. As of early October, the pace has not slowed, and there have been more than 2,000 calls to the ITRC about it since midsummer. Commerce sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist arent the only ones where criminals fish for verification codes. Its been done on dating sites and even in response to notices about lost pets. The common thread: Someone wants you to prove you are a real person by receiving and sending back a code. The volume of complaints indicates criminals have a new cache of Google Voice numbers and its likely some will be used in online ads in coming weeks. Extra caution is warranted. How to keep safe State Park Police on Thursday said officials have located a male body in the lower Niagara River on the fourth day of a search after a teenager who was fishing with his father in the area slipped into the swift current and disappeared. Police said they hoped they had located the body of a missing boy, who was identified earlier Thursday as 15-year-old Kameron Stenzel, though they were still awaiting confirmation. A statement from the park police said officials hoped the remains are that of Stenzel, "so that his family may find a small piece of closure." Police said the body was located around 2 p.m. in the water near Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Investigators are sharing information with the Ontario Forensic Pathology Center, the agency that has taken the lead on the Canadian side of the border. The discovery followed days of searching, first with the hope of a rescue, and as minutes and hours passed into days, for that of a recovery of the boy's body. Buffalo Bills stadium lease negotiations a decade ago were largely private affairs between the state, Erie County administration and the team. The county Legislature had no input on the deal before approving it and neither did the public. This time around, multiple legislators contend, they won't be so willing to approve a stadium lease agreement within a few hours of the giant stadium contract being dropped on them and with no public hearing. That's especially true when the deal may come with a $1.4 billion price tag. "We, the direct representatives of the people in Erie County, have an obligation to make sure those people feel that there is a public forum where they can be heard," said Minority Leader Joseph Lorigo, C-West Seneca, at Thursday's Finance and Management Committee. County budget proposes $5 million to maintain Highmark Stadium Under County Executive Mark Poloncarz's 2022 budget proposal, Highmark Stadium would see an investment of $5.3 million, which includes $2.2 million in county borrowing. The rest of the money would come from the state and other sources. A resolution sponsored by the Republican-supported minority caucus would require a 90-day period for the Legislature to discuss the proposal after it is submitted by the County Executive's Office. The resolution also calls for three public hearings and advance notice for members of the public to offer their comments and feedback. The matter was tabled on Thursday, but Lorigo vowed to have it discharged from committee and voted on by the Legislature at its regular session next week. "Mr. Pope's very remorseful for the acts that took place," Magavern said. "He's learned his lesson." Edward Patton said in an interview after the court proceeding that he's glad he and his wife haven't had to clean up any debris from their lawn since the day Pope was arrested. "It was a real relief," Edward Patton said. The Pattons say they found scores of used coffee cups, often with a cigarette butt inside, on their Versailles Road front lawn over the past few years. Edward Patton invested in security cameras and high-powered binoculars, and even waited out in the cold, to try to catch the trash-tosser in the act. With the help of neighbors and Hamburg police, they say they figured out the litterbug was Pope, a disgruntled former colleague of Cheryl Patton. The odd crime struck a nerve with readers. "I know it went to Australia," said Edward Patton, who was interviewed by National Public Radio for a segment on the "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" weekly current events quiz show. "It was all over the country." But Canadians arriving in the U.S. as of Nov. 8 will simply be asked if they are vaccinated. They will only be asked for proof of vaccination if they are referred to secondary inspection, said congressional sources who have been briefed on the border reopening. The Reuters news service first reported the Nov. 8 reopening date early Friday morning, three days after The Buffalo News broke the news that the U.S. side of the border will reopen in early November. The reopening of the Canadian and Mexican land borders on Nov. 8 is part of a larger move to open the U.S. to vaccinated foreign travelers arriving by air. "This policy is guided by public health, stringent and consistent," White House spokesman Kevin Munoz said on Twitter. The U.S., Canada and Mexico agreed to close their land borders to nonessential travel on March 21, 2020, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many international air travelers faced similar restrictions. But the White House said Friday that it would open air travel to vaccinated visitors from 33 countries as of Nov. 8. Those nations include China, India, Brazil and most European nations. The amendment freezes at the current level of 63 the number of State Senate districts. Republicans, when they were in control of the Senate, maintained their power, in part, by growing the number of districts as a way to try to blunt the increasingly blue politics of New York. The proposal also requires that district maps redrawn every 10 years based on the census count all people living in a congressional or state legislative district, regardless of their citizenship status. It would also enshrine in the constitution a provision that a state prison inmates address, for the purpose of drawing political districts, is his or her last place of residence, not the correctional facility where they are locked up. New York Common Cause said the plan makes common sense changes to redistricting language. The New York League of Women Voters, though, say the proposal would disempower minority party members of the Independent Redistricting Commission as well as minority Republican state lawmakers. If, for instance, the Legislature is controlled by one political party, like it is now by Democrats, the commission's redistricting plan could be approved by the Legislature by a simple majority vote of the two houses, instead of the current two-thirds vote required. Also, it would be easier for the Legislature to block map plans that the commission finalizes a route most Albany observers believe is one of the more likely scenarios by lawmakers in the majority who want to draw their own district lines. Proposal 3: Same-day registration. Hidden behind the word reform, this proposal would decrease election security and integrity by overwhelming our local boards of election. All New Yorkers share the goal of increasing access to our democratic process. But we must also ensure that access is only extended to those who are legally eligible to vote. If approved, this amendment would overwhelm local boards and weaken the integrity of our elections. That is why I encourage voters to vote no on Proposal 3. Proposal 4: No-excuse absentee voting. This measure is purportedly designed to increase voter participation, but it simultaneously opens the door to delays in determining election outcomes and once again decreases election security. Absentee voting is a necessary tool for those away from home on Election Day, the sick or disabled, or those unable to make it to their polling place. Expanding vote-by-mail to everyone, regardless of ability to vote in person, is a dramatic and disturbing shift in our political process. First done by executive order in 2020 to contend with Covid-19, no-excuse absentee voting resulted in contentious lawsuits, serious concerns of ballot harvesting, and monthslong delayed outcomes. That is why I encourage voters to vote no on Proposal 4. If you are a Hamburg resident, we would like you to consider voting for Randy Hoak for Hamburg Town Supervisor. We got to know Hoak shortly after he graduated from college and started working at the Hamburg Village Senior Center in the mid 1990s. Joyces dad, George Morrison, was living with us at the time and we were searching for the right fit for him. There we met Hoak. He was engaging and compassionate with Pop as we called him. We continued to bring Pop back and he really enjoyed being there. We have gotten to know Hoak over the years in his roles with the Erie County Department of Senior Services and AARP. He has always been friendly, engaging and highly professional. Given his dad, Patrick Hoak was a honorable and dedicated public servant we were surprised that Hoak didnt run for an elected office. Recently, when we heard he was running for Hamburg Town Supervisor, we were pleased and we have enthusiastically supported his candidacy. We believe that Hoak will bring competence, integrity and new ideas to the office. We want Hamburg to be inclusive, welcoming, progressive, and positioned to have a bright future. In November, consider a vote for Randy Hoak, you wont be disappointed. The League of Women Voters of Buffalo/Niagara regrets that we must cancel the Candidates Forum for Oct. 18, for candidates running in the November election for offices that serve North Tonawanda. In accordance with our Empty Chair Policy, the League of Women Voters cannot hold a forum when there is only one candidate present for any contest. We have received acceptance from only one candidate for any of the contests. We thank the candidates who were endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families parties who responded and planned to participate. The League of Women Voters of Buffalo/Niagara is deeply disappointed that residents of North Tonawanda will not be able to hear from all the candidates for city and county offices. A Candidates Forum is a unique opportunity for voters to learn about candidates on their ballots. So when candidates decide not to attend or participate, it is a lost opportunity for all voters. Declining to participate to discuss the issues that matter most to voters is contrary to the public interest and it is the voters who are harmed. We consider a Candidates Forum as a job interview. After all, the winners of the election will be working for all of us. While remote working can be beneficial, some have reported how it is difficult to switch off from their duties, especially if computers, papers and other office ephemera are on view. Photo: Getty The COVID-19 pandemic has forced legions of workers to move from offices to kitchen tables. In theory, less time spent commuting and chit-chatting in communal areas has given workers more free time and improved their work-life balance. In reality, though, many remote workers have found themselves spending even longer than normal at their desks. Remote working is often maligned by employers. Earlier this year, City chief executive Andrew Monk claimed remote workers in financial services were less productive and allowed people to do part-time work on full-time salaries". In February, Goldman Sachs boss David Solomon labelled remote working an aberration. However, research suggests this isnt necessarily true. In April, the Office for National Statistics published data that compared working from home in the UK between 2011 and 2020. It found that those who completed any work from home did six hours of unpaid overtime on average per week last year, compared with 3.6 hours for those that never work from home. Additionally, homeworkers were more likely to work in the evenings compared to those who worked away from home. Remote workers took fewer sick days than their in-house peers too. Other recent surveys have told a similar story. A poll of 8,301 professionals and employers conducted by the recruitment firm Hays found that 52% reported working longer hours when working remotely than before the pandemic. Of these, a quarter reported working more than 10 extra hours a week, while another 41% said they put in between five and 10 extra hours a week. Read more: Is there any point to offices after COVID-19? But why are remote workers putting in longer hours and does this make them more productive or is it fuelling high rates of burnout? The aim of flexible working is to make life and work connect in a smoother way, whether that be via a change in working hours or working at home, says Alan Price, CEO of BrightHR. It can, however, come with a perception that those who work flexibly are less committed to their job than those who dont and so can find themselves working more hours to compensate. Story continues Working from home can sometimes blur the lines between work and home life, and homeworkers may find themselves unable to cut off from work when the office is within the family home, he adds. Theyll just finish something off, normally rationalising it by using the time that they would normally have spent commuting. For home-workers, it is more difficult to stick to your normal working hours. If you can see your laptop and your work in a pile on the kitchen table or in the lounge, it will always be at the back of your mind as you try to switch off after work. Its far more tempting to check your work messages or to fire off a quick email to a client after hours, rather than properly disconnect from it. Studies have shown the shift to remote working has altered our attitudes towards work. In an analysis of more than 7,000 hybrid workers from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Poland and the United Arab Emirates, more than half (58%) said the increase in remote working has meant they are unable to relax or switch off from work. And with rising rates of redundancy during the pandemic, many people have felt under pressure to work longer and harder to prove their worth to their employers. Read more: Are watercooler moments really so important in the workplace? Whether these longer hours lead to increased productivity is a complex issue, however. Many studies have found remote working has boosted workers effectiveness, with a Stanford study of 16,000 workers suggesting that home-working increased productivity by 13%. According to the researchers, this increase in performance could be attributed to more minutes per shift and a quieter, more convenient working environment, with fewer sick days. Yet other studies have found that stress and burnout as a result of these longer hours along with social isolation may have reduced productivity. Whether or not workers thrive at home depends on their individual circumstances, including their home environment, ability to adapt to changing circumstances and their capacity to overcome interruptions. Its clear that overworking can be detrimental to both productivity and health. So what can employers do to encourage people to take regular breaks and switch off when they need to? A clear line on working hours and expectations for any extra hours is needed, says Price. Regular check-ins on employees to discuss workload are useful and a right to disconnect policy, though not legally required, can really drive home an employers stance on making sure employees are getting the downtime they need. Katiekk2 / Getty Images If you think America's tax rates are ridiculously high, you might be surprised to learn that by certain measures, the U.S. actually has among the lowest taxes in the world. Related: What You Actually Take Home From a $200K Salary in Every State Read: States Where Youre Most and Least Likely To Live Paycheck to Paycheck GOBankingRates compiled a list of the best and worst countries for taxes so that you can see where you compare. The countries on this list were ranked solely based on tax revenue as a percentage of gross domestic product, as reported by the World Bank. Note that certain countries were excluded from the list, such as those from war-torn areas, those with a minimal population -- which skew results -- or those with data older than 2016. See the best and worst countries for taxes, starting with the least tax-friendly countries. Last updated: Oct. 15, 2021 LaMiaFotografia / Shutterstock.com 10 Least Tax-Friendly Countries America's top tax rate of 37% might seem high, but when it comes to tax revenue as a percentage of a country's GDP, there are plenty of other countries with a higher tax burden than the United States. Check Out: The Best and Worst States for Taxes Ranked katiafonti / Getty Images/iStockphoto 10. Greece The land of ancient philosophers, the birthplace of democracy, the home of the Parthenon and the fabled Greek Islands -- to many, Greece seems like paradise. Some residents may disagree, however, as tax rates are high. In spite of the tourist dollars pouring into the country, Greece still tags its citizens with a whopping 44% top personal tax rate. Indirect and employee social security tax rates are also high, at 24% and 15.75%, respectively. All taxes combined make up 25.54% of Greece's total GDP. Take a Look: The Tax Burden on the Richest 1% in Every State In Green / Shutterstock.com 9. Malta Malta is overlooked by many Americans, but that is a shame. The island nation offers some of the world's best diving in addition to historic temples, UNESCO world heritage sites and colorful fiestas. For residents, however, taxes are a burden. Individual income tax rates top out at 35%, while tax revenue as a percentage of overall GDP reaches 25.97%. Story continues Find Out: Most Popular Things To Do With Your Tax Refund and How To Do It Smarter Ben1183 / Getty Images/iStockphoto 8. South Africa South Africa isn't often mentioned as one of the most tax-unfriendly nations in the world, but perhaps it's being overlooked. Located at the very bottom of Africa's continent, this country known for its safaris, minerals and beautiful landscapes taxes its citizens 45% on the high end, although there are no employee social security taxes. Overall, taxes contribute 26.45% to South Africa's GDP. Stay Safe: How To Protect Your Tax Refund From Being Stolen waldomiguez / Pixabay 7. Luxembourg Luxembourg is one of the smallest nations in the world, but its citizens pay an outsized tax bite. Individual income tax rates are among the highest in world, with the top bracket reaching 45.78%. This is on top of a 12.75% employee social security tax. rate. Still, Luxembourg remains the wealthiest country in the European Union on a per-capita basis, even though taxes comprise 26.5% of the country's GDP. benedek / Getty Images 6. Jamaica Jamaica is a paradise for some, but not necessarily for its residents -- at least when it comes to taxes. The home of reggae, beautiful beaches and an amazing culture nets 26.81% of its GDP from taxes. Rather than relying solely on tourist revenue, Jamaica's personal rates hit 25%. Martin Wahlborg / Getty Images/iStockphoto 5. Sweden Like its fellow Scandinavian country Denmark, Sweden has a society built on high social taxes and extensive government benefits. Although most Swedes are happy with this arrangement, these benefits do come at a cost. Sweden's top personal tax rate is not as high as some suspect, reaching just 32.28%, but indirect taxes of 25% help push the country into the upper echelon when it comes to global tax rates. Overall, World Bank data indicates that taxes comprise 27.91% of GDP in Sweden -- one of the highest rates in the world. FernandoQuevedo / Getty Images/iStockphoto 4. Namibia Namibia is another African nation that has a host of natural attractions but doesn't fare as well when it comes to its national tax situation. Namibians contribute 29.26% to the country's GDP in the form of taxes, in part due to the 37% personal income tax. As Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth, each individual taxpayer plays a big role in sustaining the country's tax revenues, which include 15% in indirect taxes. Sean3810 / Getty Images/iStockphoto 3. Macao Macao is a dynamic city-state with a fascinating history and modern towers of gold. This former Portuguese colony was turned over to mainland China in 1999 and has since experienced an incredible boom in casinos and resorts. Many Americans consider Las Vegas to be the gambling capital of the world, but in terms of revenue, Vegas can't hold a candle to Macao. The country generated over $36 billion in gaming revenue in 2019, making it the largest casino gambling jurisdiction in the world. In 2019, combined Strip and Downtown revenues in Las Vegas barely topped $7 billion. Residents of Macao benefit from the taxes on these enormous gaming revenues, as personal income tax rates top out at just 12% and there are no indirect or employee social security taxes. However, overall tax revenue amounts to 30.45% of total GDP in Macao. Prepare for Tax Time: Take Advantage of These 15 Commonly Missed Tax Deductions Vera Shestak / Getty Images/iStockphoto 2. Lesotho Lesotho is a landlocked African country that flies under the radar of many tourists, even though it's surrounded by perennial tourist heavyweight South Africa. Perhaps because it lacks a significant influx of tourist dollars, Lesotho is one of the most highly taxed countries on Earth. Although the World Bank doesn't provide data on personal income tax rates in the country, the overall contribution of taxes to the country's GDP stands at a staggering 31.57%. SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto 1. Denmark Denmark, along with its Scandinavian brethren, has the reputation of being a high-tax region, thanks in no small part to its social programs. In this case, the reputation proves accurate. In addition to beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and happy society, there's no denying that Denmark has high taxes. In fact, according to the World Bank data, Denmark's taxes contribute the highest percentage to GDP of any country, at 32.27%. Personal tax rates peak at a whopping 55.89%, with indirect taxes reaching an additional 25%. Mesam / Shutterstock.com 10 Most Tax-Friendly Countries It may be hard to believe for American taxpayers, but the U.S. lands on the list of most tax-friendly countries. According to data from the World Bank, the U.S. is actually one of the nations paying the smallest proportion of its GDP in taxes. Here's a look at America's colleagues on the list of countries with the lowest taxes when analyzed as a percentage of GDP. Read: Find Out If You Can Really Write Off That Holiday Donation Dudarev Mikhail / Shutterstock.com 10. Madagascar The tiny island nation of Madagascar also has one of the smallest tax burdens in the world. Although the World Bank doesn't offer any data on individual income tax rates, the net contribution of taxes to Madagascar's GDP is a scant 10.52%. This leaves its residents with more money in their pockets to explore the country's beautiful landscapes and exotic wildlife. Maryna Patzen / Getty Images/iStockphoto 9. Switzerland The mere name of Switzerland likely conjures up many images in the minds of most Americans, such as chocolate, the Alps, neutrality and bank accounts. And, as far as its reputation as being a tax haven, the rumors aren't too far from the truth. Yes, individual income tax rates can go as high as 40%, and the country does have indirect taxes of 7.7% and an employee social security tax rate of 6%. However, as a percentage of GDP, tax revenue in Switzerland only reaches 10.17%. Don Mammoser / Shutterstock.com 8. Paraguay Paraguay has taken a hit in 2020 thanks to the global pandemic, like many other countries, but it is holding up rather well. The World Bank credits the country's solid macroeconomic base, financial system and poverty reduction policies with limiting the country's economic decline in 2020 to just 1.2%, with recovery predicted in 2021. The tax burden on Paraguay's residents amounts to only 10.04% of the country's GDP. Shutterstock.com 7. The United States of America Would you believe that the good ol' United States of America is one of the least-taxed countries in the world when it comes to tax revenue as a percentage of GDP? Perhaps this is a little misleading, as the U.S. is by far the largest economy in the world in terms of GDP. The passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, however, has also contributed to a lower American tax rate. The top bracket now reaches 37% for individuals, with the overall contribution of taxes to GDP at just 10.02%. mtcurado / iStock.com 6. Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea is the only former Spanish colony in sub-Saharan Africa. The country is blessed with an abundance of arable land and valuable minerals and commodities, ranging from diamonds and gold to oil and uranium. Over the past decade, the country has been one of the fastest-growing in Africa. Its residents have benefited on the tax front, as tax revenue as a percentage of GDP sits at a very low 9.59%. Shutterstock.com 5. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the world with no personal income tax, although it does have a 10% social security tax and indirect taxes of 15%. Yet, even this oil-rich country has struggled in 2020. Falling oil revenues forced the nation to implement a 5% value-added tax in 2018, and the economic upheaval triggered by the coronavirus pandemic triggered a tripling of that tax in 2020, to 15%. If things continue to get worse, the Kingdom may see its tax revenue rise to more than the current 8.93% of GDP. mihtiander / Getty Images/iStockphoto 4. Argentina Argentina has a top personal income tax rate of 35%, with indirect taxes standing at a high 21%. Taxes as a percentage of GDP, however, sit at a low 8.04%. Argentina has one of the biggest economies in Latin America, relying on vast energy and agriculture resources as primary contributors. However, the economy is currently struggling to pull out of crisis mode. After struggling for two years with strong economic weakness, the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt another blow. In the second quarter of 2020, Argentina's GDP shrank by an astonishing 16.2%, the biggest retraction in the nation's history. See: Here's the Average IRS Tax Refund Amount benedek / Getty Images 3. Ethiopia Ethiopia has a 35% top personal income tax rate, but overall tax revenues comprise just 6.66% of GDP. Although Ethiopia is regularly mentioned as one of the world's most impoverished nations -- which it still remains -- the country has some of the highest income equality in the world. Ethiopian poverty is also making major strides, with the poverty rate falling from 44% in 2000 to 24% by 2016. The Ethiopian economy has also been growing sharply for years. The state is actively engaged in Ethiopia's economy, pumping money into it via infrastructure and other projects. Learn: What Are Itemized Deductions and How Do They Work? MartinM303 / Getty Images/iStockphoto 2. Myanmar For a low-tax country, Myanmar has a relatively high top personal tax rate of 25%. However, employee social security tax rates are just 2%, and tax revenue as a percentage of GDP is a meager 5.81%. Formerly known as Burma, the country is still struggling to free itself of its authoritarian past, with its first free elections only held in 2015. The coronavirus pandemic has hit the country hard, but prior to the outbreak the country was expected to post economic growth of 6.3% over fiscal year 2019-20. Katiekk2 / Getty Images 1. United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates is at the top of this list for one good reason: The country enforces neither a personal nor a corporate income tax. This is due in no small part to the immense oil and gas revenues generated by the country. The country did enact a 5% value-added tax in 2018 for the first time, which generated Dh 25 billion, equivalent to about $7.3 billion USD at today's exchange rates. Overall, tax revenues accounted for just 0.96% of the UAE economy. Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto Countries With Lowest Taxes Like all statistics, the results can vary based on how you interpret them. Some of the countries on this list, like the United Arab Emirates, have low taxes across the board, with neither personal nor income taxes. Others may have high individual tax rates but still have low tax revenues as a percentage of their GDP, in part due to the size of their economies. While Americans paying the top 37% tax rate may find it high, it's not near the highest rate in the world, and rates on lower-earning taxpayers are significantly lower. However you slice it, the bottom line is that many more countries in the world are more tax-unfriendly than the United States. More From GOBankingRates Joel Anderson contributed to the reporting for this article. Methodology: GOBankingRates ranked the most and least tax-friendly countries using the most recent available data from The World Bank on tax revenue as a percentage of GDP. The most tax-friendly countries are those with the lowest tax revenue compared to GDP and the least tax-friendly are those with the highest. Countries for which the most recent available data was from 2017 or earlier, countries with a population of less than 500,000, and countries which are currently experiencing civil unrest or war which could interfere with reporting were excluded from the list. For supplemental data, GOBankingRates also provided the highest 2020 tax rate in each country for individual income tax, indirect tax, and employee social security contributions tax from KPMG. All data was gathered on and up to date as of Jan. 5, 2021. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here Are the Most and Least Tax-Friendly Countries Chippewa County Public Health Director Angela Weideman said the number of COVID-19 tests performed in recent weeks has declined, and shes worried about the drop. Only 685 tests were conducted last week, with 305 of those testing positive, for an alarmingly high 44.5% positivity rate. A week ago, 421 people had tested positive out of 904 tests given (46.5% positivity rate.) Weideman said shes concerned that not enough children are getting tested for the virus. In the past week, shes seen a spike in new cases in the Cornell School District, but a notable drop in the Chippewa Falls School District. Shes fearful that the districts new policy a voluntary quarantine system, which allows children who were in close contact with a COVID-19-positive person to remain in school if no symptoms develop means children who should be getting tested simply arent going in for a test. According to Chippewa Falls School District data, last Friday, 38 students were infected with COVID-19, and another 193 students were in isolation or quarantine. However, the number of students in quarantine or isolation had dropped by 104 students in one week: 77 fewer in the middle school, 32 fewer in the high school, but five more isolated in the six elementary schools. A week ago, the Chippewa Falls School District had 335 students in quarantine. Two weeks ago, the number was 559. However, Weideman is fearful the decline in cases and quarantined students is because of the lack of testing, not because students in the district arent getting sick. Weideman said the county currently has 588 active COVID-19 cases, including 177 (30.2%) who are 18 and under. That is nearly identical to last week, when 30.4% of active cases were among children, and down from two weeks ago, when it was 33.7%. A year ago, the county had minimal infections among children. The numbers we are seeing for positive cases among children this October in comparison to October 2020 are extremely worrisome, Weideman said Thursday during her weekly COVID-19 press conference. Cases for this October are likely to surpass the cases for all of October 20202 but in about half the time. There are currently 11 Chippewa County residents hospitalized with virus-related symptoms; all of them are above the age of 18. A minor who was hospitalized last week has improved and is recovering at home, she said. Roughly 87% of hospital beds in northwestern Wisconsin are now in use, including 94% of ICU beds. Also, 15% of ventilators are in use. In the past week, the county gave 418 vaccine doses, which now includes people who are getting a third booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine. That is down slightly from the 434 doses given last week, and down from 509 two weeks ago and 748 doses given three weeks ago. Because of the high number of new cases in the county in recent weeks, Chippewa County remains at a severe risk level, with a recommendation of limiting indoor gatherings to 15 people and outdoor gatherings to 50 people. Shown is the plaque of the St. John The Baptiste Society of Chippewa Falls. This plaque originally was on the brick building at 515 N. Bridge Street. The building was constructed in 1888 for the St. John the Baptiste Society. The society was organized in 1870 as the first benevolent society at Notre Dame parish for the benefit of the Canadian and other French people of the area. Many locally recognizable names were members through the years, with Jean Brunet being elected as the first president. The St. John The Baptiste Society disbanded in 1946, with many of its members becoming members of the Knights of Columbus. The building was sold to the Knights of Columbus and was a gathering place for the Knights of Columbus as well as many weddings and other special occasions. In 1977, Henry Anderson purchased the building. Mr. Anderson, who owned the building next door at 521 N. Bridge St., took the building down and consolidated his auto dealership by making the site into an auto lot. Today a carwash, owned by the Super America Station, stands on the site. When tearing down the building in 1977, the intention was to save the plaque and place it in the new KC Hall. However, the strap lowering the plaque broke causing the plaque to break into many pieces. Leo Blanchard and Don Nadreau saved the pieces with the intent to restore it. These many years later, the plaque is being restored by the Knights of Columbus and soon this piece of local history will again be available for viewing. Each Saturday, the Chippewa Area History Center showcases a piece of local history in the Herald. The Area History Center at 123 Allen Street, Chippewa Falls, has multiple rooms of displays about Chippewa County history and genealogy. Visit www.ChippewaAreaHistoryCenter.org to learn more about the future Chippewa Area History Center, currently being constructed on Bridgewater Avenue, and how you can help support local history preservation and education. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 How do you tell history through objects that people can relate to in terms of their body? shares Filipino artist Pio Abad, elucidating how grand historical events seemingly determine the way we live relating to his and Frances Wadsworth Jones approach in their installation The Collection of Jane Ryan and William Saunders (2019). The 24-piece collection was recently acquired by Tate Gallery, United Kingdom, with funds provided by its Asia-Pacific Acquisitions Committee. Theres something ergonomic about moving the historical away from this grand entity to things that relate to the body, says Abad. In The Collection of Jane Ryan and William Saunders, Abad and Wadsworth Jones retell an elaborated history of corruption during late dictator and kleptocrat Ferdinand Marcos regime, through all-too-familiar jewelry. Similarly, in Abads 2017 iteration of his work at Art Basel Hong Kong, Not a Shield, but a Weapon, he explored Margaret Thatchers problematic legacy through 180 reproductions of bespoke black handbags which he draws connection with trade liberalization in Marikina City, Philippines. Abad describes his body of work as manifestations of domestic accessories. He describes these domestic accessories as compelling but overlooked, referring to often forgotten histories and embedded narratives. For the Collection, the names Jane Ryan and William Saunders were aliases used by former Philippine dictators Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos Swiss bank account in 1968, one of the few testaments of the stolen $10 billion from the Philippines making this their own personal wealth. In this interview, Abad, together with his wife, Wadsworth Jones, talk about their ruminations on their process and product vis-a-vis their collaborative work The Collection of Jane Ryan and William Saunders (2019) which started as a research project in 2014. Frances Wadsworth Jones (left) and Pio Abad (right) started The Collection of Jane Ryan and William Saunders as a research project in 2014. Photo courtesy of the artists I viewed some of your recent exhibition shows, and Im curious about the materiality of narratives through your body of work and intersections in domesticity of power, political histories, concept of value, among others. How do you describe this in relation to your artistic process and The Collection of Jane Ryan and William Saunders?? Also considering translation of these into objects through a myriad of strategies also working with Frances. Pio Abad: The idea of an inventory is central to how I approach making work and collaborating. An inventory is an account of how people live, it can be made precious and referred to as a collection and it can also function as a body of proof of how history has unfolded. And so, thats a key structure, the inventory in the sense of it being a collection of things that people have valued or people have lived with and the inventory in the sense of it being a body of evidence. Correct me if Im wrong, but Ive read that there are 413 pieces of jewelry. How did you come up with selecting at least 24 for the 2019 iteration? Frances Wadsworth Jones: The piece was originally commissioned by the Honolulu Biennial and so we focused on the jewelery that Imelda and Ferdinand brought with them when they fled to Hawaii, which is legally referred to as the Hawaii Collection. Pio Abad: There is also the Roumeliotes Collection, which, if Im not mistaken, is also in the Bangko Sentral vaults alongside the Hawaii Collection. I think the 24 out of 413 is also proof of how little pictorial evidence we have of their plunder. This is part of the Hawaii collection, which is why we chose them, but theyre also the only hi-res images that we could work with. As much as there is an element of speculation in the way we reconstructed these objects, weve had to base them on existing imagery. Frances Wadsworth Jones: We only had images of 24 of the pieces, and not having the rights to the photos of the jewelery led us to reconstructing them as 3D printed sculptures. The process basically involved me working with photos and reconstructing the best that I could without making up any information of parts that I couldnt see, like the backs are blank, the scales may not be quite right, its all very speculative but its still rooted on as much visual evidence as we could gather. Pio Abad: And I think in terms of the strategy of working, the role of collaboration particularly with this project is important. The project started in 2014 at UP Vargas Museum, and family has always been a big part of telling this story, family history has shaped (this) and the values behind the need to tell the story, but in this instance, family also extends into process, and this wouldnt be possible without Frances expertise. Shes been a jewelry designer and educator for ten years. Weve been married for 12, together for 16, and so in some ways, weve lived through the political challenges of the last decades. But the actual intricacies of creating this jewelry from thin air is really Frances work. I always say that in this project Im in charge of political trauma and Frances oversees production. When we showed these in Hawaii, people assumed that we just really scanned the jewelry, that we got access to them, we 3D scanned them, I dont know, with an iPhone, and then just 3D printed them out. But actually, these works were painstakingly reconstructed, every facet of every gem has been reimagined digitally. I think theres one tiara which has like, how many? Frances Wadsworth Jones: I think I went a bit ridiculously into detail, and it has about 22 million surfaces. Pio Abad: We killed a few computers along the way. A reproduction of a specific jewelry from the confiscated items which has value equivalent to support for 310 indigenous family beneficiaries. Photo courtesy of the artists Thats fascinating. Im also curious what was your initial reaction to the acquisition by Tate? Were you surprised at all? Pio Abad: It was amazing to be finally able to share the news and to get so much support and encouragement. Museum acquisition processes are often very lengthy. In this case, it was a yearlong process. When we finally got the official letter saying that it has been acquired, we were so thrilled. Having lived in London for the past 11 years, well, in Frances case, she was born here, it is incredibly validating. I think we both have very vivid memories of the first time we stepped into Tate Modern. It also validates the history that we talk about. Despite the massive effort at revisionism, the plunder of the Marcoses and the physical loss and trauma that it has brought does not belong to the past. It very much speaks of the urgencies of the present. Its very heartening to have the Tate recognize that and to commit to telling that story. While you were answering the second question, I was thinking about how accessibility still plays an important role when we do artistic and creative work. Now, youve described the Collection as both effigy and evidence. Can you elaborate on this? Frances Wadsworth Jones: Well, evidence is obvious. With these pieces were trying to bring something to light that had been hidden for a long time and we havent seen ourselves. In creating this body of evidence, people can finally visualise this act of plunder that has been rendered abstract by time. We also wanted the pieces to be ghostly. Pio Abad: And you know, weve had some comments when we were making the work, When are you going to color it? We're not going to color it in. They do look like jewelry, but we want them to appear as specters, like ghosts that you can and can't catch and there's something about the 3D printed material that has an elusive quality. It suggests ivory, bone or even sugar. Frances Wadsworth Jones: We wanted them to be beautiful, obviously, but we didnt want people to be too seduced by that beauty and that sparkle. We wanted them to be able to take a step back and see it in a slightly different way. Pio Abad: And just to elaborate on their function as evidence, theres a textual element to the work as well. Its installed as you would see jewelry installed in a museum but instead of labels describing what the jewelry is, the text that accompanies it is the equivalent value of each piece of jewelry according to national development that we lost as result of Marcos plunder. For instance, theres a pink diamond that is equivalent to the costs of building two domestic airports or a tiara that can fund 2,000 college students. Frances Wadsworth Jones: These pieces were also meant to be sold at auction in 2016 and the proceeds intended for national development, but the change in government put an end to those plans. So, the photographs that we saw were taken by Christies for the auction that never actually happened, and the installation is also the ghost of an unrealized exhibition. Pio Abad: When we first showed it in Honolulu in 2019, this woman came up to us at the opening and she said, Ive been looking for these for thirty years. The woman was Sherrie Broder, the human rights lawyer who successfully filed a class suit against the Marcoses for two billion dollars on behalf of the human rights victims during the dictatorship. I think the most interesting and gratifying [thing] about this project is how it enters the realm of politics and legal history as well. There is an element of restitution, at least imagined restitution. A reproduction of a specific jewelry from the confiscated items which has value equivalent to full immunization for 20,000 children. Photo courtesy of the artists. Photo courtesy of the artists Youve mentioned in an interview with the British Council that Jeremy Deller, Cornelia Parker, and Cathy Wilkes have been influential to your practice. Subsequently, you also help oversee the management of Pacita Abad Art Estate. How have these been shaping your practice, trajectories, and process or specifically with the Collection? Pio Abad: I think all three artists are invested in telling stories and we mentioned how accessibility comes into play. For me being generous with narrative is very important and therefore the works are materially seductive as a way to engage the viewer into the polemic. My aunt Pacita has always been a huge influence. Having an artist in the family makes choosing that life an easier proposition. Pacita was also the one who told me to check out the Glasgow School of Art, where I met Frances. Family history and how its entwined with politics, social issues, and with art history is at the center of my art, our collaboration, and my role in curating Pacitas body of work. If I may just share my first encounter with Pacitas artwork, it was part of a corporate collection that I used to manage. When were doing collections management, I froze for a moment just to look at the textile. I could not believe it was literally in front of me as I was just reading about them in books. Frances Wadsworth Jones: And you really must experience them physically. You don't understand them until they're there in front of you, and they mean something very different. Pio Abad: Theyre very visceral. Going back to family and art, there are three of us in Tate, Pacita, me, and Frances. Alongside David Medalla, we represent Philippine art in the collection. I have also just come back from Dubai where I co-curated an exhibition of Pacitas work at Jameel Arts Centre, who also showed the jewelery in 2019. Theres something beautiful about the entwining of the personal, the political, the cultural, how family, friendships and these working relationships are all woven into each other. I saw the show at MCAD Manila, it was actually very nice. You are co-curator for that show, Pio, right? Pio Abad: Yeah, I did it with Joselina Cruz. Thats the show that started the rediscovery of Pacitas work. Now shes still breaking boundaries. The show in Dubai is the first exhibition devoted to a Filipino artist by a museum in the Gulf. When you think about how many decades of Filipinos working in the Gulf and building the Gulf, this is the first time that they're committing to a Filipino story. For me I really felt the enormity of that when I was putting together the show at Jameel and relating it to how we feel about being in the Tate, its a real honor to be able to have certain narratives present within museums spaces and to make sure that Filipino stories are visible in these big institutions. I believe that they have a strong role in knowledge circulation and production. Pio Abad: And we always talk about museums as universal places but theyre also specific places, and the moment that you see your story, your struggle represented within these institutions, it validates what youre going through, where you want to be, and how youve told your story. Another iteration of The Collection of Jane Ryan and William Saunders is an augmented reality restitution and intervention for the jewelries. Photo courtesy of the artists I understand that youve started your research for the Collection in London and mounted the first iteration of the show in 2014 (starting from postcards and eventually reproductions at Jameel Art Centre and Kiss the Hands You Cannot Bite at KADIST San Francisco in 2019). How do you approach both process and product? Do you have a specific criteria or considerations for such iterations? How do these iterations alter/modify certain factors like materiality and contexts, perhaps your relationship with the work working with Frances, among many other things? Pio Abad: I started the research in 2011, when I was doing my MA at the Royal Academy in London. The first iteration was a joint exhibition in Manila and London in 2014: at the Vargas Museum with Patrick Flores and at Gasworks which is an organization that Ive been very much involved in here in London. Since then, the project has traveled pretty extensively, as youve mentioned. In terms of process, it always has to be in service of storytelling, like say transforming the Imeldas collection of old master paintings into postcards, for instance, that seemed a succinct way to democratize the collection, to share that work. And that element of generosity but also that element of seducing the viewer really informs both how I make things and what they become in the end. The language of museum display has also deeply informed how the project has developed. I see it as a traveling museum for a history that needs to be revisited and made present. As it has traveled, finding ways to engage with the audience has also been central. I like how you mentioned audiences and say integral, because it always affects the process and the product. You mentioned that you intend to bring the collection to the Philippines next year (2022), specifically at Ateneo Art Gallery. Can you share with us how the project is going along? What shall we expect in this iteration? Pio Abad: Im still hoping that the pandemic will allow the project to happen in 2022. We're still planning like its going as planned. But for me it was always important that the entire project comes back home. By the entire project I mean the postcards, the jewelry, there's a whole section of the project that talks about the Marcoses use of mythology, specifically the legend of Malakas and Maganda, for propagandistic ends. There is also a whole section to do with the Samuels collection, where Imelda bought the entire contents of a Manhattan mansion in the 80s as the Philippine economy was dying, thanks to her spending habits. I've always envisioned the entire project to return to Ateneo because thats where my parents met as labor organizers, thats they were held under campus arrest in 1981, and thats also where my mom taught. So again, it goes back to family, and it goes back to how embedded the trauma of the dictatorship and the costs of fighting for what you believe in, how it has shaped me, and my family and my relationship to art and history. And it shaped you (Frances) as trauma by osmosis, and I think that its always important that it comes back to the Philippines, and specifically to Ateneo. So that happens in April 2022, a couple weeks shy of the election. I think I now also need to find a way of incorporating the color pink into the exhibition. *** Another iteration of The Collection of Jane Ryan and William Saunders is an augmented reality restitution and intervention for the jewelries. This iteration is part-commissioned by Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and 21AM led by Marian Pastor-Roces. The virtual exhibition of the Collection and augmented reality restitution is accessible through this website. More details on this can be found on their Instagram account. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) The country received another batch of nearly one million COVID-19 vaccines made by US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer. The National Task Force Against COVID-19 said two batches of Pfizer's coronavirus shots arrived in the country Thursday evening. At 9:35 p.m., 862,290 doses landed in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Also delivered to Cebu at 6:35 p.m. were 76,050 doses. These were government-procured vaccines, state media reported. The new batch brings the country's total number of received vaccines to over 88 million. More doses are expected in the next two days, including another 1,081,080 on Friday and 271,440 on Saturday, the task force added. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) The country received on Friday nearly two million COVID-19 vaccine doses. A total of 844,800 doses made by British-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City Friday afternoon. The latest AstraZeneca shipment is a donation from the German government via the COVAX facility. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said more than 400,000 Filipinos will benefit from the vaccines, which will be delivered to regions outside Metro Manila. Galvez added that the arrival of the AstraZeneca shots are only half of the over 1.6 million doses being donated by Germany. The country also received a fresh shipment of 1,068,210 Pfizer doses Friday night. This is the second batch Pfizer shots procured by the national government after the initial 862,290 doses arrived on Thursday. Inter-Agency Task Force special adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa said these will be used for the vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 with comorbidities. RELATED: DOH: Over 1,000 children with comorbidities get COVID-19 shots on first day of pilot run Another 271,440 Pfizer doses will be delivered to the country on Saturday. As of Oct. 15, over 90.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have arrived in the country according to the National Task Force Against COVID-19. Around 51.4 million have been administered - with 23.9 million Filipinos already fully vaccinated while 27.5 million are partially immunized. (CNN) There was a moment last year, as Covid-19 brought the entire planet to a standstill, when the chef and owner of one of the world's most renowned and expensive restaurants thought he might lose everything. Daniel Humm's restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, has three Michelin stars and had recently topped the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. But like so many other less famous restaurants during the pandemic, it had to lay off all its employees, was struggling to pay its vendors and was facing the once-unthinkable prospect of filing for bankruptcy. "At times I thought, well, if we're going bankrupt with Eleven Madison Park, maybe that's the end of a chapter," Humm told CNN in an interview in August. "I actually got to the place where I was comfortable with that idea. I mean, you have to." Humm came to find the idea liberating, he said. Like many others before him he had previously concluded the food system required less meat consumption to be sustainable long-term. So if he might lose the restaurant anyway, why not take a chance? That thinking laid the groundwork for a decision that shocked the food world: In early May, Humm announced that when Eleven Madison park reopened the following month it would go completely plant-based. (The only exception, he said at the time, would be cow's milk as an add-on for coffee or tea.) The menu which includes items like a vegan caviar service made from tonburi, roasted eggplant with coriander and sesame tofu with squash is all served with the signature flair and detail that Eleven Madison Park is known for. But the move comes with significant risks. By going meatless, Humm is potentially shrinking his customer base to a smaller niche of diners. And those diners currently have cheaper options among other vegan or vegan-friendly fine-dining establishments in New York. Amanda Cohen of Dirt Candy, for example, has been creating plant-based fine dining since 2008, with a tasting menu that runs for $130 per person including wine. Daniel Boulud opened his "vegetable-forward and seafood centric" restaurant Le Pavillon earlier this year, and a six-course vegetarian tasting menu is $155. Humm, however, didn't cut the price when cutting the meat. EMP's prix-fixe menu is still $335 per person more if you add wine to the tab. Reputation matters a lot for a restaurant like EMP, which is in a tier that relies on staying buzzy. In a pre-Covid-19 world, it was the kind of restaurant people traveled thousands of miles for after working hard to cinch a notoriously difficult reservation. Since the reopening diners have largely been New Yorkers, but that is unlikely to be the case long-term once travel picks up again. The question is whether the new menu can keep up the appeal and the hype that's critical to EMP's survival. The reviews so far including a scathing piece from the New York Times' Pete Wells The early reviews of the new EMP have largely not been positive. Some have even been downright scathing. "This $1,000 dinner for two is not going to change the world. It is not a redefining of luxury, or anything close to it," Eater's Ryan Sutton wrote in September. "Omnivores have long been seeking out accessible yet ambitious vegetarian and vegan fare, and Humm, based on a mid-August meal, doesn't yet appear to fully possess the palate, acumen, or cultural awareness to successfully manipulate vegetables or, when necessary, to let them speak for themselves." New York Times critic Pete Wells' review last month went viral for its withering lines, including one about an EMP beet tasting like "a cross between lemon Pledge and a burning joint." Beyond his problems with the food itself, Wells also pointed out that people who have environmental concerns about meat may not have much reason to celebrate EMP's move. "People tend to think of factory farms and feedlots when they hear about meat and sustainability. But Eleven Madison Park didn't buy industrial pork for its compressed brick of suckling pig. As the servers were always reminding you in the old days, the pork, eggs, cheese and other animal products came from small, independent regional farms...If every restaurant that supports sustainable local agriculture followed Mr. Humm's new path, those small farms would be in deep trouble," he wrote. And, importantly, he noted that through the end of this year, EMP still offers a meat option for customers who book a private dining room, a "metaphor for Manhattan, where there's always a higher level of luxury, a secret room where the rich eat roasted tenderloin while everybody else gets an eggplant canoe." Wells did note that EMP has a history of correcting itself, however: "Each time the restaurant has overhauled itself the cryptic grid menu, the magic tricks at the table, the themed New York City menu it has gone overboard, then pulled back to a less extreme place," he said, adding that "its talent for overcoming its own missteps was one reason I gave it four stars in its last review in The New York Times, in 2015." A spokesperson for EMP would not comment on Wells' and Sutton's critiques, noting it is restaurant policy to not comment on reviews. The spokesperson confirmed the restaurant's decision to offer meat in the private room in a statement. "It is an incredible undertaking to reopen a restaurant, especially in the midst of a rapidly evolving pandemic, and it took the entirety of our staff's focus and efforts to execute this at the level Eleven Madison Park operates," the statement said. "Our intention was always to transition the private dining room to be fully plant-based as well. In early September, we made the decision to remove the last remaining animal products from the private dining room menus by January 1, 2022." Taking a cue from Tesla Others say Humm deserves some credit for his decision to go meatless. "The problem is [Humm's] going plant-based creates a narrative of novelty and freshness and vision on his part when there have already been chefs going in this direction who haven't gotten this attention," Alicia Kennedy, a writer who has written extensively about vegan and vegetarian food, told CNN. Still, Humm's move has significance because of his place in the industry similar to how a top luxury fashion designer refusing to use leather or fur still has meaning even now, Kennedy said. "If Daniel Humm making this choice has influence on chefs who look up to him ... then it is serving a really good purpose," Kennedy said. If it trickles down even further, to neighborhood suburban spots, that's even better, she said. As for Humm, he said he felt EMP could do with food what Tesla accomplished with cars. "It was only really until Tesla created an electric luxury car that they made it sexy," he said. "They made it luxurious. They made it beautiful. And so it took that for the whole world to change. And I thought of having this similar responsibility of this restaurant that we actually were in a very unique position. Most restaurants don't have the luxury to make that kind of risky move." That doesn't address the question of whether a meatless menu will keep people coming through EMP's doors in the long run. But Humm said in August that the wait list was massive, with "15,000 table requests at one time." Reservations for Eleven Madison Park have continued to sell out the morning they are released, a spokesperson said. Since it reopened, the restaurant has been serving roughly the same number of tables as it did prior to the pandemic, but in total, it's serving far fewer people: It's now open for dinner only six nights a week, and before, it served dinner nightly and lunch three times a week. When asked to elaborate on other metrics like sales and profitability, the spokesperson said EMP does not share financial information. Humm, as ever, is focused on the food. And he has remained optimistic that a vegan EMP can be successful. "I think it's the best cooking we've ever done," Humm said. "By a long shot." This story was first published on CNN.com, "This world-famous restaurant ditched meat, but it's still charging $335 a person. Will people pay?" Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is now looking into the mass gatherings attended by some presidential aspirants in Batangas for possible health protocol violations. Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano did not name names in his remarks at GoNegosyo's Let's Go Bakuna Town Hall on Friday. But presidential aspirants Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Senator Manny Pacquiao had visited Batangas this week. The DILG chief flagged the mass gatherings in the province as potential COVID-19 superspreader events. "I have a report in Batangas just recently that a running politician for a national position went to Batangas and there was a sort of a violation on the provisions of mass gathering so I will be looking into that," Ano said. Moreno led a gathering of local leaders at the Claro M. Recto Event Center in Lipa City Friday morning. The event was hosted by one of the province's well-known politicians, Senator Ralph Recto, who pledged to deliver votes to Moreno from vote-rich Batangas. However, mass gatherings are still prohibited in Batangas since it is under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions until October 31. Meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) and social events in venue establishments are also not allowed until further notice. Responding to Ano's remarks, Moreno said: "They are entitled to do what they have to do. As far as Batangas is concerned, Senator Ralph Recto and the group and the leadership of the city government of Lipa, they have followed all the procedures." "All the health protocols as you can see in the spacing and so on and so forth," he added. As for Pacquiao, he visited Lipa City and Balayan town on Thursday, where he handed out cash and grocery items. A video he posted on Friday also showed people gathering at a market in Lipa City without physical distancing. The presidential aspirant has yet to issue a statement on the matter. The Department of Health is reminding local governments and politicians to follow health protocols during events. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said it is their responsibility to make sure election related activities do not become superspreader events. "Naiintindihan natin na this is something that our (politicians) nagkakampanya na kailangan gawin pero kailangan po meron din tayong responsibilidad para sumunod tayo sa mga pamantayan para 'di mapagmulan ng impeksyon ang mga ginagawang activities," Vergeire said. [Translation: We understand that politicians need to campaign, but they also have a responsibility to follow protocols so that these activities will not become a source of infections.] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) Health Secretary Francisco Duque was not around when the Inter-Agency Task Force, which he chairs, discussed the policy on skipping quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers from low-risk countries, so he was unaware of it, a Health official said on Friday. READ: PH drops quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers coming from green countries Ang sabi niya po hindi niya alam na napagusapan ito dahil siya ay nasa Senate budget briefing ng mga panahong na iyon, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media briefing. [Translation: He said he was not aware this was discussed because he was in a Senate budget at the time of the discussion.] Nevertheless, hindi naman po ibig sabihin na hindi alam ng Secretary ang dinedesisyon natin sa IATF. We are part of the IATF. Our vote in IATF is very important, she added. [Translation: Nevertheless, this does not mean the Secretary does not know the matters being discussed in the IATF.] During a television interview on Thursday, Duque said if it were up to him, he would have wanted the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers from green countries or territories to stay. As far as I'm concerned, I have always supported a facility quarantine, he said. The only thing that can be done for now is to strictly monitor this change in border control policy, the Health chief added. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) As various political groups revealed their senatorial lineups on Friday, the ruling PDP-Laban party said their Senate slate is not yet final or complete, and substitutions can be expected. Honestly, hindi pa po talaga kumpleto at tapos (Honestly, its really not complete and final yet), said Melvin Matibag, secretary general of the faction that fielded candidates under PDP-Laban. Kasi that one I can certainly admit to you na meron po kaming mga nakahanda na pwede pong i-substitute pa until November 15, he added. [Translation: Because that one I can certainly admit to you that we have prepared candidates who can still substitute until November 15.] On October 8, the last day of filing of certificates of candidacy, eight aspirants formalized their Senate bids under PDP-Laban. They are: Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Greco Belgica Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones DICT Secretary Gringo Honasan Broadcaster Rey Langit House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta Actor Robin Padilla Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo Public Works Secretary Mark Villar Matibag did not say who among them may withdraw. Under the Omnibus Election Code, a party mate can replace a candidate who dies, withdraws, or is disqualified. Comelec set the substitution period until November 15. Meanwhile, Matibag maintained that their standard-bearers Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa for President and Senator Christopher Bong Go for Vice President are currently set in stone, although he did not rule out the possibility of substitution. They will meet with some 250 members of PDP-Laban in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte on Saturday, in an event that will be graced by their party chairman, President Rodrigo Duterte. Matibag said its part of efforts to solidify support for the Ba-Go tandem. Dela Rosa has publicly admitted he would give way to presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte if she changes her mind and seeks the presidency instead of reelection. Matibag recalled that the party sent feelers to the mayor several weeks ago, but the alliance did not materialize for reasons not immediately known. He said there are no hard feelings. We respect kung ano man po yung desisyon, at anong dahilan kung bakit hindi nakapag-usap at hindi nagkakaroon ng alliance at kung ayaw man pong sumama talaga ni Mayor Sara sa PDP, okay po 'yun. We respect that, he said. [Translation: We respect whatever decision and whatever reason why there were no talks or alliance, and if Mayor Sara really did not want to join PDP, thats okay. We respect that.] Meanwhile, Matibag revealed ongoing talks with Villars Nacionalista Party and two other political parties for alliances. On Friday, several tandems announced their senatorial lineups, including Senator Manny Pacquiao and House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, and Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) Beginning next week, minors with comorbidities will be allowed to take their initial COVID-19 dose in select hospitals, even without prior registration. This was confirmed by an official of the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, the first day of the program's pilot rollout in Metro Manila. "Yes," Dr. Gloria Balboa, director for the DOH-National Capital Region (NCR), said when asked whether walk-ins will be accepted in public hospitals. At least one additional hospital per local government will also be opened for pediatric vaccination. "Meron ding private hospitals na nag-volunteer, [....] but just the same, [sa may] comorbidities din po ito," Balboa said. [Translation: Some private hospitals also volunteered for the program, but just the same, these will be exclusive to those with comorbidities.] Currently, there are eight participating hospitals, including the National Children's Hospital, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, Philippine Children's Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, Pasig City Children's Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, Makati Medical Center, and St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig. Only pre-registered vaccine recipients are accommodated. They should present their valid ID, medical certificate detailing their comorbidity, and clearance for vaccination. A comorbidity is a pre-existing medical condition of a patient or the presence of one or more medical conditions. Parents or companions, meanwhile, must show any valid ID and proof of their relationship with the child. The government earlier announced it is carrying out the vaccinations by age group, with those aged 15 to 17 first, followed by those who are 12 to 14 years old. It allocated 60 million Pfizer and Moderna doses, which are approved for use on adolescents, for around 26 to 29 million individuals. What happens, though, if these minors experience side effects from these vaccines? "Since nandu'n naman sa ospital (they are already at the hospital), they will be treated properly," Balboa assured. "We have all the emergency medicines, specialists, and equipment we need there, so they will be provided with the appropriate treatment," she said in Filipino. When will minors without comorbidities get their COVID-19 shots? Asked when the vaccinations of "healthy" minors will commence, the DOH official said the government still needs to assess the result of the two-week pilot vaccinations. "Tingnan po natin (We'll see) as we go along," Balboa said, noting the shortfall in COVID-19 vaccines. She added that the program will initially be expanded to regions that have inoculated at least 50% of their A2 population or senior citizens. Among them are the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and CARAGA. It was in September when President Rodrigo Duterte approved the inoculation of minors. The rollout, however, could not be immediately started due to the limited vaccine supply. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) The Philippines will receive 1.96 million additional doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines from Japan. The donated coronavirus shots are expected to arrive this month. "The delivery of this second vaccine provision from Japan is expected to be dispatched to Manila in some batches within this month," the Japanese Embassy said in a statement Friday. Just this July, Japan fulfilled its promise to provide 1.12 million AztraZeneca doses to the Philippines. RELATED: Over 1M AstraZeneca vaccines from Japan arrive in PH "Also outside of the COVAX facility, this latest provision makes Japan's total bilateral contribution to the country's vaccine stockpile reach more than three million doses, as of date," the embassy said. "Throughout the pandemic, Japan consistently finds ways to expand its contribution to the Philippines' COVID-19 response measures in order to ease the plight of Filipino citizens and frontliners," it added. Data from the National Task Force against COVID-19 showed, as of Oct. 11, the total doses received by the Philippines already reached 87,690,960. As of October 8, the country already administered more than 49 million doses. About 23 million Filipinos are now fully protected against COVID-19. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) More than two months since the restoration of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), senior military leaders of the Philippines and United States are optimistic about a "very good opportunity to push forward" much-improved defense ties, which was under strain by President Rodrigo Duterte's public criticisms of U.S. security policies in the past five years. "The alliance is stronger today than it has ever been," Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said in a media briefing on Wednesday, shortly after meeting with General Jose Faustino, Jr., chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Aquilino and Faustino led their respective contingents for the 2021 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting held at Camp Aguinaldo. "We now look at a very good opportunitynow that we have go signal to push forward with the VFA," said Faustino. The militaries of both countries hold the annual forum, alternately either in Manila or in a U.S. territory, to coordinate defense and security cooperation plans for the coming years, including the conduct of an average of 300 activities every year. "We will go full scale with Balikatan (exercises) next year," Faustino said. For several instances within the current administration, the joint drills with U.S. had to be scaled down upon the orders of Duterte, who insisted on pushing for the Philippines' independent foreign policy while trying to rebuild tensed relations with China over the maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea. Aside from significantly reducing the number of participating troopsaveraging to hundreds and even thousandsseveral training activities were either downgraded or canceled altogether. The COVID-19 pandemic further crippled the conduct of exercises, forcing organizers to scrap face-to-face interactions and instead hold these virtually due to health protocols. After Duterte withdrew his decision to terminate the VFA in late July, and with just several months before he steps down from office, the two long-time defense allies can now see a return to holding large-scale war games. "We now look at a very good opportunitynow that we have go signal to push forward with the VFA," said Faustino, pointing out that there are plans "to involve" other "like-minded countries" in the war games. "We are trying to look at expanding it some more to other allies that we have in the region," he added. Aside from Australia and Japan, which have been deploying small contingents of troops to bilateral exercises, the Philippines is also eyeing at troops from the United Kingdom to take part during next year's Balikatan. But like Japan, which does not have a defense treaty with the Philippines, U.K. can only participate as observers. U.S. and U.K. joined Australia in September to set up a trilateral security alliance dubbed as AUKUS to form a closer defense partnership in Asia amid the South China Sea dispute. The Philippine government has been sending mixed signals on its stance about the newly formed alliance, while most nations in Southeast Asia are seemingly divided on their views about the agreement, with some expressing alarm over the presence of nuclear submarines in regional waters. "We acknowledge those rights, just as they acknowledge ours. The key word here is rules-based international order. So we will benefit from that," Faustino said, voicing his support for the AUKUS agreement. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) The Philippines is still among the countries in East Asia and the Pacific with the weakest rule of law, ranking 13 out of 15 nations in the region, according to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2021. "Regionally, East Asia and Pacifics top performer in the Index is New Zealand (7th out of 139 countries globally), followed by Australia and Japan. The three countries with the lowest scores in the region were the Philippines, Myanmar, and Cambodia (138th out of 139 countries globally)," said the WJP, an independent and multidisciplinary organization. Globally, the Philippines fell three positions and placed 102nd out of 139 countries with an overall score of 0.46, down from 0.47 in 2020. The score is based on a scale of 0 to 1, where 1 indicates strongest adherence to the rule of law. The country's overall score in the index has also steadily declined from 0.53 in 2015, 0.51 in 2016, and 0.47 from 2017 to 2020. The Philippines also slipped to the 18th place out of the 35 lower middle-income countries. This is five notches down compared to its 13th ranking in 2020. Here are the countrys scores in the following aspects: Constraints on government powers: 85/139 (0.48) Absence of corruption: 77/139 (0.44) Open government: 71/139 (0.50) Fundamental rights: 123/139 (0.39) Order and security: 110/139 (0.63) Regulatory enforcement: 82/139 (0.48) Civil justice: 101/139 (0.45) Criminal justice: 120/139 (0.31) WJP also noted that significant trends in the Philippines included "deterioration in the factor measuring Order and Security." "In a year dominated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, 74.2% of countries covered experienced declines in rule of law performance, while 25.8% improved. The 74.2% of countries that experienced declines this year account for 84.7% of the worlds population, or approximately 6.5 billion people," the WJP added. The Philippine government is under scrutiny as the International Criminal Court looks into the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019, as well as in Davao City between Nov. 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016. The international court earlier said it found evidence of "crimes against humanity" in the period. The WJP covered 139 countries in its 2021 index based on national surveys of more than 138,000 households and 42,000 legal practitioners and experts on rule of law around the world. (CNN) Former US President Bill Clinton was admitted to the University of California Irvine Medical Center's intensive care unit for a urinary tract infection that spread to his bloodstream, his doctors told CNN on Thursday. "He was admitted to the ICU for close monitoring and administered IV antibiotics and fluids. He remains at the hospital for continuous monitoring," according to a joint statement Thursday evening from Dr. Alpesh Amin, chair of medicine at UC Irvine Medical Center, and Dr. Lisa Bardack, Clinton's personal primary physician. They said that Clinton was in the ICU for privacy and safety, not because he needs intensive care. Clinton is in good spirits, talking to family and staff, and has been up and walking, according to both his doctors and his staff. "After two days of treatment, his white blood cell count is trending down and he is responding to antibiotics well," the doctors said. "We hope to have him go home soon." Clinton, who was in California for a private event for his foundation, had been feeling fatigued on Tuesday and was admitted to the hospital after testing, according to his office. The former President's doctors said urologic infections are very common in older people, and they are easily treated, although they can quickly spread to the bloodstream. Clinton will be given intravenous antibiotics until Friday, when he will likely be switched to oral antibiotics. His vital measurements are all stable, the doctors said. Clinton, 75, had quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2004 and had two stents inserted to open one artery in 2010. But his doctors stressed his hospitalization is not heart or Covid-19 related. Clinton spokesman Angel Urena said the former President is "on the mend" and "in good spirits." "On Tuesday evening, President Clinton was admitted to UCI Medical Center to receive treatment for a non-Covid-related infection. He is on the mend, in good spirits, and is incredibly thankful to the doctors, nurses, and staff providing him with excellent care," Urena said. (CNN) -- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced Thursday that it was suspending flights to Afghanistan due to what it described as unworkable conditions imposed by the Taliban. The airline said conditions had worsened since the Taliban formed a new Afghan government last month and that "PIA and its staff position in Kabul were dealt with very heavy-handedly by the new [Taliban] commanders." PIA said commanders had been "changing regulations and flight permissions at the last moments or deciding at a whim rather than meeting international regulations." The statement also claimed that PIA's country representative was "held up at gun point for hours when he left the Pakistan embassy compound" on the Taliban's "suspicion of aiding and abetting" people seeking to flee Afghanistan. PIA also accused Afghanistan's aviation ministry of slashing half the number of passengers from one flight this week that was already in the process of checking in. "This resulted in 176 people, fleeing for their lives, being sent back home by the airline officials, causing nearly half a million-dollar loss to the airline due to higher insurance costs," the airline said. PIA resumed some charter flights into Kabul on September 13, almost a month after the Taliban swept into the capital and seized control of Afghanistan. PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan told CNN on Thursday that the decision to resume flying into Kabul "was taken on purely humanitarian grounds, and on the strong insistence of friendly organizations." Khan said the insurance premium on these flights is "so high" that it is "simply impossible to operate scheduled flights to Kabul, as it is still considered a war zone by aircraft insurance companies." Khan also said that "it is very frustrating that the regulations keep on changing for each flight and the authorities always confuse charter permissions with schedule permissions." Khan said PIA would reevaluate its decision to suspend flights "if the situation on ground improves and [becomes] more conducive for international operations." This story was first published on CNN.com "Pakistani airline suspends Afghanistan flights due to Taliban 'heavy-handedness'". (CNN) British lawmaker David Amess, a member of Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative Party, has died after being stabbed several times at a constituency meeting east of London. Amess, 69, a Member of Parliament who represented Southend West in Essex, was attacked at around midday Thursday by a man who walked into a meeting with voters from his electoral district being held in a Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea. "He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene," Essex police said. "A 25-year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered." The UK's Counter Terrorism Command will lead the investigation into the murder, police said later Friday. "It will be for investigators to determine whether or not this is a terrorist incident. But as always, they will keep an open mind," Ben-Julian Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex Police, told reporters. Aerial footage showed multiple police officers outside the church and an air ambulance at the scene. A large cordon extended down Eastwood Road, where the church is located, with members of the public gathering behind it and multiple side streets closed off. The killing was another grim moment in Britain's political history. It marks the second murder of a sitting British lawmaker in five years, after Labour MP Jo Cox was killed in her constituency in 2016, and has reignited discussions about the safety of the UK's elected officials. Boris Johnson was joined by all of his living predecessors in expressing shock, and lawmakers from every corner of the political spectrum spoke of their sadness, their concern, and their anger after another of their colleagues was killed while meeting with his constituents. 'A terrible day for democracy' Amess' stabbing was met with shock across Britain's political divide. In a statement from Downing Street, Boris Johnson said from Downing Street the MP "was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics." "David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future," Johnson said. "We lost today a fine public servant." The leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, wrote on Twitter: "Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff." Former Prime Minister David Cameron said Amess was "a kind and thoroughly decent man" and "the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet." "Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to David's family," Cameron said. Cameron's successor Theresa May added the news was "heartbreaking" and "a tragic day for our democracy." She described Amess as "a decent man and respected parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties." And former Labour leader Tony Blair said in a statement to PA Media: "David and I came into Parliament together in 1983. Though on opposite political sides I always found him a courteous, decent and thoroughly likeable colleague who was respected across the House." "This is a terrible and sad day for our democracy," Blair said. Flags outside Parliament were lowered to half staff after his death. Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan called Amess "a great public servant" who "loved being an MP." Sajid Javid, the UK's Health Secretary, called him "a great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role." Amess entered Parliament in 1983, initially representing the Basildon constituency. He served continuously in the House of Commons since then, making him one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the chamber. Amess was knighted in 2015 for his political service. He supported Britain's departure from the European Union, and his main areas of expertise were animal welfare and pro-life issues, according to a biography on his website. In March, Amess asked a question in Parliament about how to stop "senseless murders" with knives, after a teenager in his constituency was killed in a knife attack. He was married and had five children. Britain's second murdered lawmaker in five years Within Britain's political bubble and beyond, the murder dredged up painful memories of the shocking killing of Jo Cox five years ago. That incident rattled the nation and led to calls for lawmakers to receive personal protection when in public -- a sentiment that re-emerged Friday following Amess' death. "All elected representatives must be able to go about their work without the fear of physical or verbal attacks," Amess' colleague, Conservative MP Eleanor Laing, said in a tweet on Friday following the stabbing. "What has happened to Sir David Amess in Essex today is unforgivable." Amess was not considered a controversial politician, and despite the length of his tenure, he was not a widely known political figure in the UK. In a book he wrote last year about being an MP, Amess said Cox's murder was "totally unexpected" and the event had changed the way MPs interact with members of the public, particularly in relation to constituency surgeries. "These increasing attacks have rather spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting their elected politicians," he wrote. "I myself have over the years experienced nuisance from the odd member of the general public at my own property. We regularly check our locks," Amess added. MPs in Britain typically meet with residents in their constituencies face to face during "surgeries," and it is uncommon for them to have a security detail. Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted Friday questions were "being rightly asked" about the safety of lawmakers, adding she "will provide updates in due course." "This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country," the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle said in a statement sent to CNN. "In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs' security and any measures to be taken, but for now, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family, friends and colleagues." In 2010, Stephen Timms was stabbed during a constituency meeting by a 21-year-old student, who was angry over Timms' previous support of the Iraq War. Timms survived the attack and is still a lawmaker. And in 2000, a Liberal Democrat councilor was murdered at the office of MP Nigel Jones. Cox's widower, Brendan Cox, wrote the news "brings everything back." "My thoughts and love are with David's family. They are all that matter now. This brings everything back. The pain, the loss, but also how much love the public gave us following the loss of Jo I hope we can do the same for David now," he said on Twitter. Cox was killed by a man with extreme right-wing views, just days before the UK's heated referendum on leaving the European Union. That campaign and its fallout raised the temperature of political discourse in the country, and several politicians have since spoken about receiving abuse in person and online. "This angry, violent behaviour cannot be tolerated in politics or any other walk of life," Iain Duncan Smith, a former leader of Amess' Conservative Party, said after his stabbing. This story was first published on CNN.com, "British lawmaker David Amess stabbed to death at constituency meeting." " " A 3-D printed heart made from human tissue is processed at Tel Aviv University, Israel in 2019. Israeli scientists have, for the first time, created an entire heart with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers using a 3-D printer. Amir Levy/Getty Images Not too long ago, the idea of 3-D printing creating three-dimensional objects using machines that add layers of material on top of one another seemed novel. If you say you're going to print something from your computer, most people still think of two-dimensional printing, putting toner or ink on a piece of paper. Now, although many people may not have experienced 3-D printing themselves, they may very well know what you're talking about. And 3-D printers have become affordable enough to start showing up in homes, makerspaces and classrooms. 3-D printing uses a family of manufacturing technology called additive manufacturing (AM). AM is the means of creating an object by adding material to the object layer by layer. AM is the current terminology established by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) [source: Gibson, et, al.]. Throughout its history, additive manufacturing in general has gone by various names: stereolithography, 3-D layering and 3-D printing. This article uses the term 3-D printing because it's more well known. Advertisement You can see some of the basic principles behind AM in caves; over thousands of years, dripping water creates layers and layers of mineral deposits, which accumulate to form stalagmites and stalactites. Unlike these natural formations, though, 3-D printing is much faster and follows a predetermined plan provided by computer software. The computer directs the 3-D printer to add each new layer as a precise cross-section of the final object. Additive manufacturing and 3-D printing specifically, continues to grow. Technology that started out as a way to build fast prototypes is now a means of creating products for the medical, dental, aerospace and automotive industries. 3-D printing is also crossing over into toy and furniture manufacturing, art and fashion. This article looks at the broad scope of 3-D printing, from its history and technologies to its wide range of uses, including printing your own 3-D models at home. First, let's take a look at how 3-D printing got its start and how it is developing today. Source: AdobeStock/Nataliya Pokrovska The vast majority of all Russian and Ukrainian crypto transactions are sent to overseas platforms and tokens are ending up in Western Europe, East Asia and North America, a new report has found. These were the findings of the latest Geography of Cryptocurrency Report published by the New York-based blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis. The data shows that some 86% of all cryptocurrencies sent from addresses in Russia and 87% of cryptocurrencies sent from Ukraine ended up at overseas addresses in the period July 2020 to June 2021. Only Turkey-based crypto investors sent more crypto to overseas addresses with 92% of their crypto transfers made to non-Turkish addresses. In May 2021 alone, almost USD 8bn worth of crypto was transferred out of Eastern Europe to Western European countries, with over half that amount also ending up in North America, East Asia, and the Central and Southern Asia region. Chainalysis wrote that both Russia and Ukraine appear to send a much larger than average share of cryptocurrency to other countries. It also hinted that the nations may have experienced crypto-powered capital flight this year, explaining: Its impossible to say for sure how much cryptocurrency-based capital flight is happening in any given country, but the data suggests it may be happening in Eastern Europe generally and Russia and Ukraine specifically. The analysts claimed that a widespread distrust of institutions was evidenced, and could possibly explain why Russians and Ukrainians were so keen to ensure their crypto was located elsewhere in the world pointing to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer. The latter found that Russians confidence in companies, banks, government, and the like was the lowest of all surveyed countries. In addition, Chainalysis added that tax avoidance may also be part of the cryptocurrency adoption story in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine, as both countries make it difficult for citizens to send large sums of money abroad. Furthermore, scammers may play a part in the equation: The firm noted that Ukraine accounted for most of such activity, as it sends more web traffic to scam websites than any other country, more than doubling the total web visits of the second-ranked country. However, there was also a suggestion that Russians may be looking to move their money out of the country because they have simply seen the writing on the wall. A number of larger Russian crypto exchanges have relocated overseas in recent years. Alexander Vasiliev, the Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at the global payments network Mercuryo, told Cryptonews.com that the huge outflow of cryptocurrencies from Russia and Ukraine to other regions particularly Western Europe can be attributed to many factors. And chief among these, he noted, may be the need to wade off tax obligations. He explained: For instance, in Russia, the dominant tax laws stipulate that cryptocurrencies must be treated as personal assets subject to a mandatory declaration with the Russian tax authorities. Many crypto holders will rather push the funds to other regions with more friendly tax laws. The Mercuryo co-founder noted that the fact that European market authorities have green-lighted a number of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may have encouraged investments from both local and international investors. The crypto capital flight from Russia and Ukraine may also be attributed to these products, as well as other investment products in the crypto ecosystem that are being operated out of the region, Vasiliev said. Just this week, Russias Ministry of Finance has hinted that crypto exchanges may have to leave the country, although the ministry (unlike the staunchly anti-crypto Central Bank) says it is not opposed to citizens trading crypto on overseas trading platforms. As such, despite a drop in peer-to-peer crypto activity, the Chainalysis report authors noted that Russia and Ukraine exhibit high transaction volumes on centralized cryptocurrency platforms, both overall and for transactions at the retail level specifically. As relatively few of these larger centralized cryptocurrency platforms now operate on Russian soil, it is possible that Russians are buying tokens which they then send to more reputable and larger exchanges and wallets located in international locations. ____ Learn more: - Putin Says Crypto Is Not Worthless and Has the Right to Exist - No Crypto Crackdown in Russia but Keep Coins off Russian Soil, Official Warns - Bitcoin & Crypto Mining Costs Might Increase in Russia As Regions Complain - Russian Blockchain Experts Are Offered Almost x5 the National Average Salary - Ukraine to Bring Crypto into Legal Sphere after Legalization Bill Passes - Ukraine Might Allow Indirect Crypto Pay, Will Regulate Exchanges ___ (Updated at 14:01 UTC with a comment from Alexander Vasiliev.) Its an unassuming ranch house in a development in Upper Allen Township; nothing on the exterior indicates what it was used for. But until recently, it was a lifeline for disabled residents who face increasingly difficult circumstances. On Thursday, advocates with the Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties gathered at the house one of several group homes that the agency has been forced to close in recent months due to lack of staff to call on legislators to provide financial relief to disability service providers. There is something fundamentally wrong with our society when we pay people more money to handle packages than we do people who literally have someones life in their hands, said Anne Couldridge, CPARC executive director. Without the staffing we cant give them what they need. Its been really, really hard, said Laquasha Link, who supervises one of CPARCs still-operating group homes. Weve been working a lot of hours because theres just not staff to cover it. Link is expecting a baby, and said shed considered not taking her full maternity leave because she feared there wouldnt be enough staff without her. If Im there, I know theyre getting the care they need. Its hard, Link said. The problem is common among most social services providers. Earlier this year, the countys mental health and drug and alcohol divisions warned of a similar crisis. The common thread is Medicaid, the joint state and federal program that covers many of the people who receive care from providers like CPARC. Base rates for Medicaid are persistently low and go years with no adjustment, which squeezes the bank accounts of provider agencies and limits how much they can pay front-line caregivers. The ability of her agency and others like it to attract and retain staff is bound by the Medicaid reimbursement rates that are set by the state of Pennsylvania, Couldridge said. We are beholden to those rates. The state sets those rates, we have no control over them, Couldridge said. Theyre flat funded year after year and the cost of business goes up every year. Yes, were a nonprofit, but we have to pay for gas, health insurance for employees, liability insurance. Every year that climbs. This leaves essentially zero headroom to raise employee pay or offer recruitment or retention bonuses, and subsequently an exodus toward jobs with higher pay and less stress. Industry estimates put average wages for direct-support workers in Pennsylvania at $13.20 per hour, said Holly Turner, director of advocacy at CPARC. The vacancy rate in Pennsylvania for such positions is around 30%, and turnover is 60%, Turner said. The issue existed long before COVID-19, but the tight labor market resulting from the pandemic has amplified the problem, which is itself having further negative effects on employment, Turner said. Parents have left jobs or lost jobs because their adult childs program closed, Turner said. Medicaid payments for many disability services, including CPARCs facilities, comes from a waiver program under which the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services waives its requirements for institutional care and allows Pennsylvania to dedicate a portion of funding to an individuals care within their community. But waiver programs are not entitlements in the same way direct-payment Medicaid programs are, resulting in a waitlist thousands of people long in Pennsylvania, with hundreds in Cumberland and Perry counties alone, Turner said. Advocates are asking for $540 million in state COVID-19 relief funds, a figure provided by Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability and based on surveys of providers decline in capacity and subsequent lost revenue, according to Mark Davis, the organizations president and CEO. From there, providers would also need a commitment from the state in future budget years to increase Medicaid reimbursements on a consistent basis in order to retain the staff theyve hired. Pennsylvania has the cash on hand, having received $7.3 billion from the last round of federal COVID-19 stimulus, and having stocked away $2.5 billion into the states rainy day fund. Advocates say theres no reason theyre aware of that the state couldnt dedicate a portion of that money to raising wages for Medicaid-dependent providers of disability services. Unless we have immediate relief and then long term investment into the adult system, we will have a collapse of the system, Turner said. The storm is already here. Disabled people already feel the pressure. Bryan Reynolds lives in one of CPARCs group homes, where he described a good life for himself and his fellow residents. But amid the staffing shortages and waiver delays, Reynolds said he feared those services may suddenly become unavailable. That uncertainty is often manifested in the behavior of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Link said. Since weve been dealing with a staffing crisis, a lot of homes are just running through multiple different staffs, and they wonder why these individuals behaviors are skyrocketing. Its because they dont know these people, Link said. Having consistency is very, very important. After years of waiting, Dave Simonic said a waiver had been approved and funded for his disabled adult son to move into a group home, but with space unavailable, it looks like we may be waiting endlessly for this opportunity to happen. Its unfortunate that we now have consolidated residential facilities instead of expanding and increasing the number of facilities out there, Simonic said. Its unfortunate that we cannot pay staff basically a living wage to help support those people in need. As capacity decreases, the stream of people in need has not. One of the most difficult pieces is when a disabled person gets old enough to be out of the school system. When they become adults and leave school, they fall off a cliff into adult services, Turner said. The transition is well-known among the families of the disabled, and is only going to get more stressful for them unless funding is fixed, Simonic said. Its the reality check of when that yellow bus stops coming, he said. Email Zack at zhoopes@cumberlink.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 3 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The state Department of Health reported 143 new cases of COVID-19 and one death for Cumberland County Friday. The county has now reported 29 deaths in October, the highest total since 36 in February. The county totaled 21 deaths in September. The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 decreased to 111 in Friday's report, one less than Thursday. There are 21 adults in intensive care (one less than Thursday) and 14 on ventilators (the same as Thursday). Nine adult ICU beds remain open of the 109 currently staffed across the county, and 35 of 95 ventilators in the county are in use. Friday's report included 280 test results, with 66 probable cases. Comparing just the number of negative tests (137) and confirmed positive tests (77), the county saw 35.9% of its tests come back positive. The countys seven-day average of cases now sits at 104.86. Its 14-day per capita rate sits at 652.01. The southcentral region reported 1,066 cases and 20 deaths Friday, with 256 cases in York County, 152 cases in Dauphin County, and 126 cases in Franklin County. Franklin County reports 93 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Friday (two more than Thursday), with four of 30 currently staffed ICU beds available in the county and 19 of 35 available ventilators in use. There are 19 adults in intensive care and 13 on ventilators. Dauphin County reports 124 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Friday (three more than Thursday), with 23 of 196 currently staffed ICU beds available in the county and 74 of 177 available ventilators in use. There are 33 adults in intensive care and 20 on ventilators. School-age children In its weekly update for the seventh week of the school year, the department reported another 118 cases among children aged 5-18 in Cumberland County during the week of Oct. 5-12, a decrease of 58 from the previous week. That brings the total number of cases in Cumberland County for this school year to 1,070. Statewide, the number of cases among 5- to 18-year-olds decreased for the third week in a row with 6,433 cases reported. The state said the total number of cases in that age group for the school year thus far is 48,617. 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. 15) 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. Friday's update shows 114 total cases (109 adults, 5 pediatrics) in the health system's four hospitals 25 are fully vaccinated (21.9%) with three in an ICU and one on a ventilator, 72 are nonvaccinated (63.2%) with 27 adults in an ICU and 11 adults on a ventilator, and 17 are unknown status patients. All five children hospitalized are unvaccinated, with no one in an ICU and no one on a ventilator. Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill has 28 COVID patients. Twelve are fully vaccinated adults (one in ICU and one on a ventilator) and 16 unvaccinated adults (three in an ICU and one on a ventilator). Hampden Medical Center has 10 COVID patients. Eight 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 Thursday evening, the CDC says Cumberland County has seen 61.3% of its total population of 253,370 become fully vaccinated. For the county's vaccine eligible population of people ages 12 and older, 70.8% have been fully vaccinated. County numbers in the southcentral region (for Oct. 15): Adams County (pop. 103,009): 57 new cases; 12,709 total cases (10,438 confirmed, 2,271 probable); 43,554 negatives; 211 deaths (+1); 48.9% of county population vaccinated 57 new cases; 12,709 total cases (10,438 confirmed, 2,271 probable); 43,554 negatives; 211 deaths (+1); 48.9% of county population vaccinated Bedford County (pop. 47,888): 37 new cases; 6,481 total cases (4,395 confirmed, 2,086 probable); 12,217 negatives; 160 deaths (+2); 34.1% of county population vaccinated 37 new cases; 6,481 total cases (4,395 confirmed, 2,086 probable); 12,217 negatives; 160 deaths (+2); 34.1% of county population vaccinated Blair County (pop. 121,829): 86 new cases; 16,487 total cases (12,980 confirmed, 3,507 probable); 46,370 negatives; 369 deaths (+1); 45.4% of county population vaccinated 86 new cases; 16,487 total cases (12,980 confirmed, 3,507 probable); 46,370 negatives; 369 deaths (+1); 45.4% of county population vaccinated Cumberland County (pop. 253,370): 143 new cases; 27,042 total cases (21,317 confirmed, 5,725 probable); 99,465 negatives; 596 deaths (+1); 61.3% of county population vaccinated 143 new cases; 27,042 total cases (21,317 confirmed, 5,725 probable); 99,465 negatives; 596 deaths (+1); 61.3% of county population vaccinated Dauphin County (pop. 278,299): 152 new cases; 33,580 total cases (28,860 confirmed, 4,720 probable); 125,853 negatives; 623 deaths (+2); 57.3% of county population vaccinated 152 new cases; 33,580 total cases (28,860 confirmed, 4,720 probable); 125,853 negatives; 623 deaths (+2); 57.3% of county population vaccinated Franklin County (pop. 155,027): 126 new cases; 21,028 total cases (17,285 confirmed, 3,743 probable); 63,534 negatives; 432 deaths (+1); 44.3% of county population vaccinated 126 new cases; 21,028 total cases (17,285 confirmed, 3,743 probable); 63,534 negatives; 432 deaths (+1); 44.3% of county population vaccinated Fulton County (pop. 14,530): 12 new cases; 2,108 total cases (1,062 confirmed, 1,046 probable); 4,908 negatives; 26 deaths; 30.1% of county population vaccinated 12 new cases; 2,108 total cases (1,062 confirmed, 1,046 probable); 4,908 negatives; 26 deaths; 30.1% of county population vaccinated Huntingdon County (pop. 45,144): 32 new cases; 6,594 total cases (5,444 confirmed, 1,150 probable); 19,869 negatives; 152 deaths (+1); 45.6% of county population vaccinated 32 new cases; 6,594 total cases (5,444 confirmed, 1,150 probable); 19,869 negatives; 152 deaths (+1); 45.6% of county population vaccinated Juniata County (pop. 24,763): 17 new cases; 2,770 total cases (2,515 confirmed, 255 probable); 6,514 negatives; 114 deaths (+2); 39.1% of county population vaccinated 17 new cases; 2,770 total cases (2,515 confirmed, 255 probable); 6,514 negatives; 114 deaths (+2); 39.1% of county population vaccinated Lebanon County (pop. 141,793): 69 new cases; 19,963 total cases (17,089 confirmed, 2,874 probable); 61,989 negatives; 324 deaths (+2); 49.7% of county population vaccinated 69 new cases; 19,963 total cases (17,089 confirmed, 2,874 probable); 61,989 negatives; 324 deaths (+2); 49.7% of county population vaccinated Mifflin County (pop. 46,138): 51 new cases; 6,898 total cases (6,512 confirmed, 386 probable); 17,295 negatives; 187 deaths; 47.6% of county population vaccinated 51 new cases; 6,898 total cases (6,512 confirmed, 386 probable); 17,295 negatives; 187 deaths; 47.6% of county population vaccinated Perry County (pop. 46,272): 28 new cases; 5,096 total cases (3,938 confirmed, 1,158 probable); 12,962 negatives; 116 deaths (+1); 45.9% of county population vaccinated 28 new cases; 5,096 total cases (3,938 confirmed, 1,158 probable); 12,962 negatives; 116 deaths (+1); 45.9% of county population vaccinated York County (pop. 449,058): 256 new cases; 59,671 total cases (48,638 confirmed; 11,033 probable); 190,948 negatives; 940 deaths (+6); 54% of county population vaccinated ZIP code-level counts (updated Oct. 15): 17013: 3,294 positives, 15,291 negatives - +97 since Oct. 8 17015: 1,952 positives, 7,533 negatives - +44 since Oct. 8 17050: 3,098 positives, 15,687 negatives - +66 since Oct. 8 17055: 3,479 positives, 17,908 negatives - +97 since Oct. 8 17011: 3,232 positives, 14,980 negatives - +74 since Oct. 8 17007: 469 positives, 1,905 negatives - +7 since Oct. 8 17065: 339 positives, 1,328 negatives - +6 since Oct. 8 17324: 365 positives, 1,398 negatives - +11 since Oct. 8 17241: 882 positives, 3,378 negatives - +27 since Oct. 8 17257: 2,262 positives, 7,646 negatives - +41 since Oct. 8 17240: 212 positives, 679 negatives - +6 since Oct. 8 17025: 1,482 positives, 6,076 negatives - +44 since Oct. 8 17070: 1,374 positives, 5,794 negatives - +31 since Oct. 8 17043: 474 positives, 2,189 negatives - +14 since Oct. 8 17019: 1,616 positives, 5,938 negatives - +46 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. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Fifty-four skids of items were moved into the Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church building Wednesday night as Operation Wildcat prepares for its lone fundraiser an indoor community yard sale featuring thousands of items. The nonprofit, organized through the Mechanicsburg Area School District, will hold its 17th annual yard sale this weekend at the church, located at 1050 S. York St., in Upper Allen Township. Items include hundreds of books, DVDs, housewares, games, and toys along with racks of jewelry. Yard sale hours run 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, and organizers said lines start forming for entry around 6:30 a.m. Friday. Food trucks will be available on site both days, and students from Mechanicsburg High Schools Life Skills class will provide baked goods for sale. All proceeds from the nonprofits lone fundraiser benefit students and families in need in the Mechanicsburg Area School District. We were given a huge donation of beautiful handbags from another charity, said Maureen Ross, Operation Wildcat vice president and chairperson of the yard sale committee. Ross co-founded the nonprofit in 2006 with current president Leslie Collins. You name it, we got it ... everything imaginable under one roof. Our mission is to pool the resources of the community. With the funds we raise, we can do tons of projects. Using a storage site at the Mechanicsburg Middle School, OW collects donated goods throughout the year. Those donated items are either given directly to needy students or families or are sold at the spring and fall yard sales. Since 2007, the organization has raised over $191,000 to support a variety of programs listed on its website at www.operationwildcat.org. We get referrals through district guidance counselors and social workers, Ross said. Upcoming OW projects include an annual distribution of Thanksgiving dinner baskets to families along with Project Gift Box where Christmas gifts are given to needy students. There is also Project Legacy where sponsors adopt a family. As for COVID-19 protocols for the yard sale, Ross said masks are optional. The aisles are far enough apart to keep everyone distant. We have masks and hand sanitizer available. We are doing the best we can to keep everybody safe. Starting Friday at noon, there will be a $2 Fill a Bag of Books sale. All items will be 50% off starting at 5 p.m. Friday. From 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, there will be a $1 Fill a Bag sale. To participate, patrons must purchase bags from Operation Wildcat. No personal tote bags, carts or backpacks will be allowed. Larger items will be priced to sell. Email Joseph Cress at jcress@cumberlink.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Since then, Dominion has been working to secure land disturbance, sediment and erosion control permits and begun construction work, according to Dominion External Affairs Manager, Sarah Marshall. In August, nearby property owners were notified that construction on the project had begun. It said, in part, As a long-standing partner with Orange County, we want to make sure you are aware of the project and our plans to move forward This project is important to meeting the Commonwealths and Dominion Energys customer-focused clean energy goals and it will have a positive effect on Orange Countys economy as we rely on locally-based suppliers and labor as much possible. Ultimately, the power produced will be used by Northrop Grumman to match 100% of its Virginia manufacturing and office operations electricity use. We look forward to working with Orange County and local neighbors as we move forward with this important project. Marshall said the project largely had remained dormant since approval in 2017. The community meeting next week is an effort to engage with local residents and let them know the project is alive and well. She said since Dominion has owned the project, it hasnt met with members of the community. Like many of the students attending PVCC today, Jim began his educational journey as a community college student while working two part-time jobs, she said. Stultz said she and her husband also see her father in PVCC students. My dad spent over 60 years as an upstanding and energetic member of the Charlottesville community, she said. Jim and I see this same determination and hard work in the students that we meet at PVCC. We hope our gift can inspire others to recognize that an investment in PVCC is an investment in the community and it is one that will pay dividends for all of us. Friedman said he appreciates the Stultzes contribution and hopes other will also step up to support the school. I look forward to working together with our friends, alumni, and supporters to ensure the college has the resources necessary to connect our students and community with their full potential, he said. Friedman said that growing public support of PVCC programs has helped the college provide new initiatives. And so on. Every possible point of compromise or consensus was rejected by one side or the other. When Harris and two other Democratic commissioners walked out Oct. 8, commissioners had not even agreed to ask for a 14-day extension to finish work on the legislative districts. This is not what voters had in mind last November when they overwhelmingly voted for the constitutional amendment setting up the redistricting commission instead of relying on partisan gerrymandering by the majority, as was always done in the past. To be fair, commissioners were faced with the extremely difficult task of reconciling not only the placement of minority voters based on seemingly contradictory court orders that prohibit both packing and cracking, but also creating compact and contiguous districts that do not separate communities of interest. All while following statutory standards and criteria that prohibit unduly favoring or disfavoring any political party and keeping the population of each new district relatively equal. Fay Sallee of Lebanon and her husband Sherman were inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame on Thursday, Oct. 14 for their lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H. Sherman passed away in March. Honored by Oregon State University and the Oregon 4-H Youth Development Program, the Sallees were among 16 people inducted during the ceremony held in Washington D.C. Honorees were presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and memory book during the ceremony. The Sallees might be the only volunteers so committed to 4-H programs that they designed their home to include large rooms allowing not one, but two 4-H meetings with at least 15 in attendance at each simultaneously, and hosting project meetings at least three days a week, according to a 4-H press release. We are proud to recognize the 2020 National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees for the passion, dedication, vision, and leadership they have shown toward young people during their many years of service to 4-H, said Jeannette Rea Keywood, National 4-H Hall of Fame Committee Chair. In the combined 85 years of leadership they taught children and grandchildren who have been fortunate to experience their enthusiasm and leadership. They have touched thousands of lives in multiple states by mentoring youth and adults with a passion, devotion, energy that is unparalleled, and an infectious enthusiasm when it comes to educating youth about various topics in natural sciences. After 10 years of Oregon 4-H membership, involvement in numerous projects, contests and leadership activities locally and statewide, Fay was selected as a National 4-H Club Congress delegate in 1960. Selected as a 1965 International Farm Youth Exchange delegate, she then headed to Nepal, where living with 12 different families over a six-month period. She shared her knowledge with Oregonians across the state upon returning from her travels. After completing her IFYE responsibilities, Fay married the love of her life, Sherm Sallee. She re-entered the 4-H program in Kentucky as a volunteer and convinced Sherm to join her in the 4-H world. While following Sherms military career in the Air Force (1966-1985) they were volunteers for 4-H programs in Alabama, Delaware, Ohio and Florida. Fay is in her 50th year volunteering and is just as enthusiastic as ever. In 1985, the Sallees moved to Linn County and started the Clever Clover 4-H Club. Their 45-acre tree farm provided an array of outdoor educational opportunities. Hundreds of youth have been proud members of the Clever Clovers. Members have represented Oregon at National 4-H Congress and other out-of-state opportunities. The Sallees have also been strong supporters of international programs and hosted numerous delegates from around the world. The Sallees are seen as leaders for general science, forestry, entomology, geology, computer science, cooking, art and photography projects. Members of the Oregon 4-H Natural Science Committee for more than 20 years, they helped build a strong natural resource program, one that has been shared regionally and nationally. Fay is a contributing author on numerous publications related to entomology and forestry that have been used in other states. Their hard work led to the Sallees being named Linn County 4-H Leader of the Year a number of times. In 2005, they were inducted into the Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame. They are the only two-time recipients of the Oregon State University Extension Association Cooperator Awards, which recognizes individuals with significant contributions to Extension programming. They were recognized in 1995 for their contributions and they were again recognized in 2010 along with Bert & Betty Udell Fay's parents. Fays mother was a 4-H leader, their two children were in 4-H and the Sallees two grandchildren are 4-H members today. They also received a National Tree Farmer Award and Oregon Small Woodlands Association Award for Outstanding Service. The Sallees efforts didnt end with 4-H. They share their zest for life with another local group, OSWA. Their decades-long involvement and dedication helped create a robust Linn County chapter. Sherm and Fay served in many capacities over the years, including publishing The Quarterly Bark, the newsletter Sherm edited for nearly 20 years, and conducting the annual Tree Seedling Sale, which the couple envisioned and launched nearly 25 years ago. Their vision for the Tree Seedling Sale united volunteers from the two organizations they love and serve, 4-H and OSWA, in an effort to promote public awareness, encourage member involvement, provide service opportunities for 4-H youth and raise funds for youth education. The sale provides for four $1,000 college scholarships to students studying forestry or a related field, and $1,600 for 4-H forestry awards every year. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald. 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 1 Angry 3 The other day I found myself looking at a startling image of my Northern California home, the daylight dampened by an eerie orange glow as wildfire smoke blocked the sun. It looked exactly as it had on Sept. 9, 2020, when the entire San Francisco Bay Area was shrouded in orange smoke a scary scene I hoped I'd never see again. But this time the disturbing sight was generated by a new website with the help of artificial intelligence. The goal: to draw attention to the perils of our changing environment, and inspire people to take action against it, by showing how climate disasters would look in our own backyards. On ThisClimateDoesNotExist.com you can look up any address your house, landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Times Square in New York or San Francisco's "Painted Ladies" homes and get a surprisingly realistic sense of what it could look like if that place was struck by flood, wildfires or smog. The website, which does this by using AI trained on images of such scenes to re-imagine pictures from Google Street View, was created by researchers at Mila, an AI research institute in Montreal. The website, which was unveiled Thursday, has been in the works for two years. It began with the realization that while we have tools to face climate change, an enormous obstacle to dealing with it is public awareness and political will, said Yoshua Bengio, a professor at the University of Montreal and founder of Mila, who also led the research team for the project. Bengio, a Turing Award winner, said the researchers wanted to create images that felt personal, which led to the idea of using AI to show what your house might look like during an environmental catastrophe. "Citizens in the past have been hearing about climate change coming from scientists, reports, and graphs," Bengio said. "And there is a cognitive aspect, which is, something doesn't scare us so much if it's not right in front of our eyes." Climate scientists reported in August the world is already around 1.2 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels. Temperatures should stay below 1.5 degrees, they say a critical threshold to avoid the most severe impacts of the climate crisis. With every fraction of a degree of warming, the consequences of climate change worsen. Even limiting warming to 1.5 degrees, scientists say the kinds of extreme weather the world experienced this summer, including flash floods and more devastating hurricanes, will become more severe and more frequent. ThisClimateDoesNotExist can show you such images that make your home or, say, the Leaning Tower of Pisa appear to be truly flooded or covered in smoke or smog. But creating these visuals isn't as simple as placing an image of water in front of a building or adding a diaphanous filter. There aren't many pairs of images out there showing homes before and after a flood the kind of data that would be helpful for training an AI system on the relationship between the image it's being fed and what it should turn it into. To compensate for this, researchers started by building a computerized virtual world. This world, the equivalent of several blocks of a city, let them control flooding and other elements so they could create synthetic images of places "before" and "after" a climate catastrophe, said Sasha Luccioni, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Montreal and Mila and a lead researcher on the project. This synthetic data, along with real images showing flooded houses and pictures of smokey orange skies and smog, was used to train an AI system to take any given image from Google Street View and make it look like a climate catastrophe was at hand. To do this, the system needed to first learn where, for instance, water should go in a given image, and then essentially paint water in a realistic-looking way, including reflections of objects poking out of the water and considerations for the lighting of the image. After a user types in an address and ThisClimateDoesNotExist generates images, the website encourages the user to share them with others and presents resources to learn more about climate change and fight it. "I think what we want is to channel that initial, like, 'Oh man, my house is underwater,' into climate action," Luccioni said. CNN's Rachel Ramirez contributed to this report. *** Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Kaiser Permanente union health care workers and their supporters rally outside of the Capitol building Thursday night, protesting what they described as the company's chronic understaffing. You are the owner of this article. Telefonica, one of the largest telecommunications service providers in the world, has announced the sale of its El Salvadorean unit. The companys subsidiary, Telefonica Centroamerica Inversiones, a company owned, directly and indirectly, 60 percent by Telefonica and 40 percent by Corporacion Multi Inversiones, has reached an agreement with General International Telecom Limited for the sale of all the capital stock of Telefonica Moviles el Salvador, of which it is the owner. According to website Cinco Dias, General International Telecom Limited is comprised of a group of Salvadorean investors, who are backed by the Atlantida bank. The price of the transaction is $144 million, said to be approximately seven times the units operating income before depreciation and amortisation in 2020. The transaction will not be formally closed until a number of conditions, including regulatory approvals, are met. While this is often a formality, readers will be aware that in late 2020 America Movil cancelled an agreement to acquire 99.3 per cent of Telefonica units in El Salvador, blaming the collapse on regulatory demands. As Reuters points out, the sale is part of a wider Telefonica plan to reduce its debt by selling assets. Its also part of Telefonica's strategy to reduce its exposure to risk in Latin America. We reported in late 2019 that four core markets the UK, Spain, Germany and Brazil were to be prioritised by Telefonica. At the time it was announced that the Latin American businesses (except Brazil) were to be spun off into a single unit or sold. Oracle has opened a data centre in Israel which it claims is able to withstand rocket attacks to ensure continued resilience in the troubled state, according to local news reports. The Jerusalem facility, the first of two planned public cloud facilities in the country is about 50 metres below one of the city's technology parks, was designed to host some of the nations most sensitive IT infrastructure. The multi-tenant data center, which reportedly offers a total of 460,000 square feet of floor space, was built by the Israeli IT service provider Bynet Data Communications. According to reports, nine floors underground, the server farm is designed to keep running with its own power generators during the regions' periodic fighting, ensuring users can retain their data on a local cloud rather than outside Israel. This is an important step toward the upcoming opening of the Oracle Israel East Cloud region, Uzi Navon, Oracles Israel country leader, said in a statement quoted by The Jerusalem Post. With the new Cloud region in the capital city of Israel, Oracle is once again proving its commitment to the State of Israel and to Israeli customers and ensures a second-generation cloud infrastructure with the strongest performance at the highest level of security. Oracle's Israel investment is part of a move to open 14 cloud regions with new locations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Israel will be Oracles second cloud region in the Middle East. The company launched its first cloud data centers in the region last year, in Dubai. Orange Polska (Orange Poland), a Polish telecommunications provider, has launched a new data centre, the Warsaw Data Hub. The European telcos new Warsaw Data Hub facility contains four 400 sq m (4,305 sq ft) data halls that will host both the telcos network infrastructure as well as hosting services for customers. For years, we have been consistently investing significant amounts in the development of our network and services in order to meet the growing needs of our clients, said Julien Ducarroz, president of Orange Polska. Polish companies are increasingly willing to digitize, more and more often they choose cloud solutions. Warsaw Data Hub will significantly increase our collocation potential, and we can also expand this facility if necessary. Construction on the new facility began last year with local firm Warbud as the general contractor. The facility uses a precision air-conditioning system in the N + 1 redundant system with independent chilled water lines, a gas extinguishing system, and early smoke detection systems for fuel tanks and power generators, as well as a semi-solid heavy foam installation. The site uses laser and biometric technologies for security. The Warsaw Data Hub for Orange Polska is one of the most innovative facilities of this type in Poland, both in terms of the technologies used, security standards, and pro-ecological solutions, said Grzegorz Chudzik, member of the management board of Warbud SA. Warbud designed and executed the facility in a flash of 14 months. The Warsaw Data Hub, which after the transfer of the most important Orange Polska systems will become one of the key nodes of the operator's network, will also allow Orange to offer business customers modern, safe and ecological facilities in the form of data center and collocation services according to their needs. In this context, the location of WDH near Warsaw is very important, because it is in the capital that the demand for this type of service is growing the fastest. According to the PMR Report "Data center market in Poland 2020 - Market analysis and development forecasts for 2020-2025", the net space in data centers and commercial server rooms in Poland will grow by an average of 7.9% annually in the coming years, to the end of 2025 exceed 90000 m. Statement by An Taoiseach at UNSC Open Debate on Climate and Security Statement Let me begin by expressing my thanks to the Secretary-General for his leadership on climate change and for his important statement this morning. I also wish to thank Ms. Ilwad Elman for her testimony today, and her contribution to ensuring that the international community can understand better the insecurities climate change is creating in vulnerable communities. Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation. The recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change laid out, in stark terms, what is happening to our planet, and what the future may hold should we fail to act. It is essential that we act now to prevent further warming by reaching net zero emissions as quickly as possible and we must redouble our efforts to ensure a successful outcome at COP26 in Glasgow later this year. A concerted multilateral response to climate change involving all the organs of the United Nations is urgently needed. That response must include this Council. The impact of climate change is global and our collective security is at risk. We have seen how climate change is already contributing to conflict in many parts of the world. Indeed this Council has already acknowledged this, by addressing the adverse effects of climate change in the mandates of many peacekeeping operations. From the Sahel to Iraq, this Council has recognised that climate change is one of the factors driving conflict and fragility. Around Lake Chad, the combination of conflict and the impact of climate change has led to violence between communities. In the Horn of Africa, repeated droughts are undermining coping capacities among communities and disrupting livelihoods. Armed groups have been able to exploit these precarious conditions for recruitment purposes. The need for action is clear. 80% of UN peacekeepers are deployed in countries that are the most exposed to climate change. Our peacekeepers and civilian staff are already dealing with climate related security risks in their activities. If they are to be effective and deliver on the mandates that this Council has given to them, we must also give them the necessary supports and tools to operate in these challenging environments. Friends, The instability which is being driven by the adverse effects of climate change is being felt across the globe; in Europe, in Africa, in Latin America and the Caribbean, in the Middle East, in South Asia and in many of the worlds Small Island Developing States. The link between climate and instability has been recognised by the African Union, the European Union and the Pacific Islands Forum. Sea level rise, displacement, and competition over resources are contributing to tensions. This mornings briefings give us a clear message. If the Security Council is to meet its responsibility to maintain international peace and security, it must have the information and tools to analyse and address climate related security risks. Friends, An Informal Expert Group of Members of the Security Council has convened since 2020 to support the Councils work on climate and security. Ireland is proud to serve, together with Niger, as co-chair of this Group. This Group provides a platform for members of the Security Council to hear how we can integrate climate related security risks into our conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and post-conflict stabilisation work. The Group provides data and evidence to inform future action by the Council. Ireland is also an active member of the wider Group of Friends on climate and security. With a membership now of almost 60 countries from around the world, this further illustrates the priority placed on this issue by the UN membership. Friends, The mandate of this Council is to consider threats to international peace and security. We must move past theoretical debates and respond to the reality that climate change is exacerbating conflict globally. This Council can and must do more. It has the mandate and it has the tools. A failure to use them is an abdication of our responsibility. I know there are differing perspectives around this table. But I also believe the time has come for this Council to work together to identify how we can most appropriately integrate climate related security risks into the work we do to prevent conflict and to build peace. We must better understand the interplay between climate change, and the country and regional situations on the Councils agenda. To help us do so, we should invite the Secretary-General to submit a periodic report to the Security Council on how climate change is threatening the maintenance of international peace and security. The appointment by the Secretary General of a Special Representative for climate-related security risks could also build awareness and promote greater coherence. These actions are just the beginning of what is necessary for the Council to begin to fulfil its obligations. To take these proposals forward, Ireland will convene discussions on a thematic resolution on Climate and Security in the coming days. I ask today that all members of the Council engage constructively on this Resolution. People affected by climate change-driven conflict depend on this Council for leadership. The international community is looking to us for guidance. By working together, in a spirit of common purpose, I hope that we can reach a shared understanding of how the Security Council can meet this challenge. Now is the moment for the Council to act. I look forward to hearing from you all today. Thank you. Previous Item | Next Item Statement by Ambassador Byrne Nason at the UNSC Briefing on the Situation in Colombia Statement Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to start by warmly welcoming among us Vice President and Foreign Minister, Marta Lucia Ramirez today. It is good to have you with us again Your Excellency, you are very welcome. I also would like to thank our Special Representative, Special Representative Ruiz Massieu, Carlos, for your briefing and for the continued work of the UN Verification Mission. Senora Soto and Senora Penaranda thank you both very much for your powerful briefings on the distinct experiences of indigenous and Afro-Colombian women. We truly appreciated hearing from you today. Mr. President, Today, we are reflecting on five years since the signing of the Colombian Peace Accord. That is five years of peace, reconciliation and progress that really has served as an example of what can be achieved when peace is prioritised and protected, in other words when peace is given a chance. Ireland extends our warm congratulations to the people of Colombia on this anniversary. While it was the signatories who put pen to paper, this accord and its dividends belong to every Colombian. We welcome and encourage the continued commitment by the Government and signatories to its comprehensive implementation. Mr. President, Todays milestone marks only one third of the timeframe projected to implement the accord. Much remains to be done. It is more important than ever that the international community support Colombia in realising fully the promise of peace, in the face of multifaceted challenges. Ireland will continue to keep the faith and stand by your side. In Ireland, we know the delivery of the provisions of a negotiated agreement comes with challenges. But we also know that peace cannot be secured by turning back. All parties must remain committed and look ahead. Mr. President, I wish to highlight three areas where sustained efforts are particularly necessary. We welcome warmly the Governments enactment of the transitional electoral districts for peace. The inclusion of victims voices from conflict-affected regions in parliament is a powerful moment for political reintegration efforts. However, threats and intimidation of candidates, across the political spectrum, are worrying. Efforts must continue to ensure the safe and meaningful participation of women and youth in the political process. We remain deeply concerned at the continued targeting of ex-combatants. We encourage the Government to reinforce protection guarantees for ex-combatants and to adopt a gender-sensitive approach to ensure the provision of equal and adequate protections to women, within the scheme. We are also concerned at reports of violence against Human Rights Defenders, who deserve to work in all communities without fear. I wish to reiterate again our concern about the heavy toll of violence, forced displacements and confinements on indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations as well as on other community and social leaders, I want to highlight in particular the impact on women and youth leaders. We encourage all efforts to support these communities, expand the state presence in these municipalities, dismantle armed groups and bring perpetrators to justice. Mr. President, Continued and committed dialogue in Colombia is essential. We welcome the engagement by all parties with CSIVI [SEE-SEE-VEE], and we appreciate the UN Missions work to help overcome difficulties and operationalise this valuable platform. As Colombia approaches elections, spaces for dialogue about implementing the agreement are more important than ever and need to be preserved. Mr. President, Truth and reconciliation processes have the power to unlock grievances and help put all citizens on a shared path to progress. Colombias peace accord has been truly innovative, including in putting victims of the conflict at the centre. Ireland welcomes the extension of the Truth Commissions mandate. We also reiterate our support for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. Its investigations of conflict-related sexual violence and the forced recruitment and use of children in conflict are critically important. These heinous crimes have caused some of the deepest wounds. Justice for survivors, even after decades, will facilitate healing. In conclusion, Mr. President, On this landmark anniversary, it is important to celebrate the progress made. At a time when so many conflicts around the world appear intractable, the Colombian accord stands as an example of what we can achieve. Like any peace process, it has required courage, patience and trust. There have been challenges and setbacks, and there is still a long path ahead. But looking forward, today we should be emboldened by the gains of the process. All parties should redouble their efforts to protect this hard won peace by ensuring full implementation of the agreement. Ireland, and this Council, will continue to support you and the Colombian people as you continue on this journey. Thank you, Mr President. Previous Item | Next Item Moscow, ID (83843) Today Rain early...then a period of light snow in the afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. SSE winds shifting to W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 100%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies. Low 31F. W winds shifting to SE at 10 to 15 mph. This time, the Taliban control almost all of the country, but still struggle to establish order. There have been multiple instances of direct fighting between the Taliban and IS-K jihadists. The Taliban is an enemy for the IS-K, which wants to establish a foothold in Afghanistan exploiting its sectarian wounds and security vacuum. While both groups have used tactics of terror, the IS-K is a pan-Islamist jihadist outfit, while the Taliban are largely a Pashtun nationalist militancy. The rise of the IS-K poses multiple challenges to the Talibans rule over Afghanistan, which many in Afghanistan and Pakistan saw as a solution to the countrys security woes. On one side, their promise to provide security looks hollow. Afghanistans cities under the Taliban remain as insecure as they were under the previous Islamic Republic. On the other hand, even if the Taliban, under pressure from Afghanistans donors and the public, want to make some concessions on the many restrictions already imposed, they would come under pressure from the more extremist IS-K, which says the Taliban are not Islamic enough. For the people of Afghanistan, who are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea, the war that started 40 years ago continues, no matter who is in power in Kabul. The Lo Te - Rach Soi Expressway that links Can Tho City and Kien Giang Province, October 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Huy Phong Seven delta localities will cooperate to prevent Covid-19, protect people's health and develop production and business. Authorities in Can Tho City and six provinces of An Giang, Kien Giang, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau are expected to join an online meeting on Oct. 19 to decide the specific action plan. In the meantime, they will choose six key areas for cooperation: healthcare, agriculture, trade and services, information and communication, transportation, and employment. The seven localities will agree on a plan to classify Covid-19 patients and treatment facilities, support areas with high rates of infections, share vaccines and medical-biological products. They will also discuss measures to prevent and control the pandemic in the production and transport of agricultural products, connect manufacturers and suppliers with trade promotion units and put agricultural products on e-commerce platforms. In addition, they will create a priority flow for means of transport carrying medical equipment, goods and personnel to serve the pandemic prevention and control task, as well as those that transport agricultural - aquatic products, and construction materials and equipment. At the same time, they will focus on cooperation and development of different types of passenger and goods transport, as well as logistics services. Lying to the south of Hau River, a branch of the Mekong, the seven localities span more than 22,100 square kilometers, hosting 9.2 million residents. The Mekong Delta is the country's rice basket and a major supplier of its seafood and fruit exports. So far in the fourth Covid-19 wave that hit Vietnam in late April, they have recorded almost 25,000 infections and 367 deaths. For now, the outbreak remains basically under control in those localities. CARSON CITY (AP) Nevadas top election official is challenging the status of two ballot measures that the states largest teachers union promised to withdraw after successfully using them as bargaining chips and pressuring legislators to boost education funding. In a Sept. 7 letter first published by the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Monday, Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske wrote that state law required she include measures that propose raising taxes on sales and gambling on the 2022 ballot. Neither Democrats nor Nevadas powerful resort industry want the tax measures to appear before voters next year, both have said. Democrats worry their inclusion could allow Republicans to frame the election around taxes. And resorts and casinos do not want to risk a hike that could deter tourists from visiting Las Vegas. The initiatives originated almost a year ago, when the Clark County Education Association submitted the tens of thousands of signatures necessary to qualify the two proposals for the 2022 ballot. The first measure proposes raising the portion of sales taxes dedicated to school funding from 2.6% to 4.1%, pushing sales taxes in Las Vegas to nearly 9.9%. The second proposes increasing the gambling tax rate from 6.75% to 9.75%, with tax revenue directed to the states general fund for unrestricted spending. John Vellardita, the teachers unions executive director, told the Associated Press in March that the measures were designed to start a conversation about education funding and said theyd remain on the ballot unless lawmakers increased education funding before adjourning in June. Lawmakers increased taxes on the mining industry and tucked a new statute into an unrelated bill about mail-in ballots to give petitioners more flexibility to withdraw initiatives. On the final day of the legislative session, Vellardita credited his strategy for the passage of the taxes and said he intended to withdraw the initiatives from the ballot as promised. In a July letter sent amid discussion about Cegavske thwarting Democrats plans and keeping initiatives on the ballot, lawyers in Attorney General Aaron Fords office wrote to Gov. Steve Sisolaks general counsel that the initiatives could legally be withdrawn, citing legislative intent and the absence of an explicit prohibition. In her subsequent letter to the Attorney General, Cegavske writes that Fords legal opinion fails to address the constitutional imperative and compels the Secretary to act in a certain manner. Cegavske argues that if the Legislature doesnt take up the petitions, the constitution says the Secretary of State, upon receiving them necessary signatures, shall submit the question of approval or disapproval of such statute or amendment to a statute to a vote of the voters at the next succeeding general election. The former Republican state Senator says the Legislature has repeatedly interpreted shall as imposing a requirement, not an option. The Secretary of State oversees elections and ballot initiatives in Nevada. But the clash will likely prompt legal battles over whether to include the tax measures before November 2022. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 2 CARLIN Justice of the Peace Teri Feasel will be retiring Jan. 2 after 14 years as the JP and municipal judge in Carlin, but until that time she is working with the other justices in Elko County to prepare for a new law shortening the time for bail hearings on top of her usual duties. The statute requires bail hearings to be held within 48 hours of an individuals arrest, rather than 72 hours, which means the justices of the peace sometimes will have to hold bail hearings on weekends. We are all on call all the time, such as for search warrants, but the JPs are now trying to figure out how to handle bail hearings, probably using video, Feasel said. They also are looking at rotating weekend duty, she said. The new law also will require justices of the peace to set bail when a suspect is a potential danger to the community or individuals, but if there isnt danger, then the justices are required to release the suspects on their own recognizance. Feasel said there any many people who cannot afford bail, which is a key reason for the law change. The Carlin JP will be retired when the new bail law takes effect at the beginning of 2022, but until then she is on the bench. Every case is different, so I am always learning things, Feasel said, commenting that what she does is not rubber stamp stuff. Justices of the peace in Elko County are not required to be lawyers because of the countys population, but she said they are required to obtain educational credits every year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nevada Supreme has held conferences by Zoom, and justices also take classes through the Judicial College in Reno. When a justice of the peace is first elected, they are required to attend a two-week ethics course upfront, Feasel said. She said she has 52 volumes of Nevada statutes in her office. Elko County Commissioner accepted Feasels resignation, and they will be looking to appoint her successor. Commissioner Cliff Eklund of Carlin said Feasel has been a great addition to the bench in Carlin, and she has been involved with the community for many years. Feasel said she is in the middle of a six-year term, but depending on whether the Nevada Legislature changes the filing dates for judicial offices, this could impact whether the replacement would need to run for election in 2022. She sent a letter of support for one of her clerks, Dee Primeaux, to be appointed as her successor. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all of you for the opportunity and the privilege of serving as Justice of the Peace since September 2007. It has been a remarkable experience; I have learned so much, Feasel said in a letter to commissioners and Elko County Manager Amanda Osborne. Feasel said she has lived in Carlin since about 1965, when she came to town as a child, recalling that was about the time Newmont Corp. began mining north of Carlin. She worked for Southern Pacific Railroad in Carlin, where the company had a terminal and even a hotel for train crews. Feasel said when she knew the railroad was leaving, she started a Chem-Dry carpet cleaning business in Elko County and had a Winnemucca franchise, too. She sold the business in 2000. Feasel started working for the City of Carlin in 2002, and when Justice of the Peace Barbara Nethery retired, county commissioners appointed her in 2007 as justice of the peace to fill out Netherys term. Feasel ran for office in the next election and was last elected in 2018. Once she retires, Feasel said she doesnt have any concrete plans, but plans to enjoy life, catch up with friends and spend time at her place in Tuscarora. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ELKO An Elko woman was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her adult daughter more than a year ago. Jurors in the trial of Judith Zavala returned the verdict on Thursday before Elko District Judge Al Kacin. She was charged with one count of open murder. April Zavala, 24, died on June 14, 2020 from strangulation, according to an autopsy conducted by the Washoe County Medical Examiners office. In an interview with police after Aprils death, Judith explained her daughter was a high-functioning autistic, but changes in Aprils behavior and incontinence in previous months prompted Judith to give round-the-clock care. Public defender Kelsey Angeley told jurors in opening statements on Oct. 7 that Judith had not left her home in two years and broke on the day of Aprils death after years of exhaustion and months of desperation being her daughters sole caregiver and attending to her special needs without support. Judith, 62, told police April had declined and was unable to communicate. On the day in question, she was helping April get dressed in their bedroom when April became agitated and insisted on dressing herself. At that point Judith said she snapped and strangled her daughter until she stopped breathing. Elko County Deputy District Attorney Justin Barainca asked jurors to find Judith guilty of first-degree murder. A sentencing date is pending. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 24 Angry 3 ELKO Critics of Gov. Steve Sisolaks executive order creating a Nevada Habitat Conservation Framework say there already are plans and programs in place covering what he ordered, and they question the need for the Nevada Department of Wildlife to set up the framework. Elko County Commissioners are sending a letter to the governor outlining their concerns and urging Sisolak to rescind the order and instead work to make sure the agencies currently in charge of managing the sagebrush habitat are fully staffed and funded so the positive changes we are all anxious to see can start taking effect. Along with pointing out that the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council is carrying out the habitat plan for restoring sagebrush, the letter opposes the governors order to create a statewide connectivity plan and outlines concerns about declining mule deer numbers. The countys natural resources director, Curtis Moore, said parts of the order are very broad, and there are policies in place now for conserving sagebrush habitat for sage grouse, wildlife concerns and grazing issues, so the framework will create more confusion. Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi said he thought it was odd there is this duplicity effort being made. Rachel Buzzetti, secretary of the Nevada Outfitters and Guides, said she thought the framework order was a huge slap in the face from the governor after the many hours of time and travel put in by the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council. Moore said he would include mention of the countless hours spent by the sagebrush council in the final county letter. Gerald Dixon, the U.S. Bureau of Land Managements Elko district manager, said the BLM will be lobbying for a seat at the table for the framework, and he also said there already are so many committees and subcommittees. We cant keep up with so many groups with the same goals. Sisolaks order calls for NDOW to collaboratively establish the framework for habitat conservation, restoration, rehabilitation and protection in a coordinated and inclusive manner across landownerships and in partnership with federal land management agencies, other relevant state and local agencies, stakeholders, and local entities. The order says that the framework must be approved by the Nevada Wildlife Commission. The order also says that NDOW will develop a comprehensive Sagebrush Habitat Plan to be available on the NDOW website by Dec. 31, 2023. The plan will be developed in collaboration with the Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Program that has regulatory authority over greater sage-grouse mitigation in Nevada and has created sage grouse conservation planning documents, tools and guidance that can offer support in this effort, the order issued Aug. 23 states. NDOW regional Game Division Supervising Biologist Tom Donham said that these wont be independent/unrelated efforts when it comes to sage-grouse habitat but will be a united effort in order to ensure that any habitat conservation or improvement efforts related to the order will not conflict with what is being done for sage-grouse. He also said via email that the order wont affect what Elko County is now doing. In a nutshell, it probably wont change what we are doing too much because the issues that need addressed wont be changing any time soon, but it could actually be helpful in focusing our efforts more effectively, Donham said. He said, however, it could change things a bit due to the fact it will ultimately increase the level of collaboration and coordination with counties, federal and state agencies and stakeholders. Stakeholders will include organizations or individuals representing sportsmens groups, conservation and environmental protection, farming and ranching, private landowners, rural communities, native tribal communities, outdoor recreation, real estate developers, transportation, mineral and renewal energy developers and linear infrastructure entities, Donham said. By increasing the level of collaboration, particularly with counties and local stakeholders, there may be ways to improve what we are currently doing, he said. The current state plan is the 2014 Nevada Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan. The Sagebrush Ecosystem Council and the Sagebrush Ecosystem Technical Team were formed in response to an executive order by then-Gov. Brian Sandoval. Elko County Commissioners on Oct. 6 also voted to support a letter Lincoln County Commissioners sent to Sisolak on Sept. 7 urging him to rescind the framework order, and the Elko County letter says commissioners echo those concerns. I dont think Lincoln County is out of place writing the letter to the governor, Buzzetti said in public comment, reporting that Lincoln County still hasnt heard back from Sisolak. Lincoln County Commissioners stated that they were concerned over the executive order that gives direction and power to NDOW and is troublesome to use and in direct conflict with current Nevada law. Lincoln Countys commissioners wrote that the direction to establish the Nevada Habitat Conservation Framework flies directly in the face of the statute that creates, empowers and directs the Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Program to do this work (which is already done but the state has neglected to fund to any adequate degree.) We have endorsed and supported the efforts of the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council and the work of the program to benefit sagebrush obligate species. The Elko County letter also urges predator control for sage grouse conservation. Commissioner Cliff Eklund told commissioners there is nothing said in the order about predator control. Ravens are the biggest predators to sage grouse, and the coyote population used to be kept under control, Eklund said. The Elko County letter states that NDOW would better serve the people of Nevada by helping study and prevent observed problems like raven predation on sage grouse nests. Raven density is widely recognized as one of the key factors in the decline of the sage grouse. Other initiatives like the conservation credit system need to be given time to work without the meddling of agencies working outside their statutory authority. In addition, the letter states that we would like to point out that NDOWs efforts to conserve Nevadas game species have a real and lasting impact on rural economies, and the letter includes a graph that shows an alarming decline in hunter success, attributed to the decline in Nevadas mule deer herd. Elko Countys letter cites a 2019 University of Nevada, Reno report showing that more than $500,000 was added to the countys economy through hunting and fishing, and a hunters success is one factor in a hunters decision of how much they are willing to pay to pursue game in a particular area. So, the decline of hunter success in a remote county like Elko is particularly concerning, the letter states. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 2 ELKO Beginning on Christmas Elkos fire chief will be Jack Snyder, the current deputy chief under Matt Griego, who is retiring on Dec. 24 after 29 years in firefighting and 10 years as Elko chief. Im excited to take the position as fire chief of Elko, Snyder said. I am looking forward to the future, and I want to be the best as I can be and provide the best service to the community. Elko City Council appointed Snyder as chief after city staff negotiated with him to take the position. Griego had recommended Snyder for the position that oversees 18 career firefighters, 18 volunteer firefighters and a fire marshal. He will also be over a deputy chief when that spot is filled. I know you have worked hard to get where you are, and I am confident you will do a good job for the department, Mayor Reece Keener told Snyder. Councilman Chip Stone said Snyder is a great person inside and out. Snyder said he plans to continue the momentum the chief started in advances in technology and equipment, and he wants to be sure the Elko Fire Department is transparent to the public in all it does. He said he is still interested in pursuing paramedic-level services with city leadership. The Elko City Council decided in late April to keep the department at the advanced medical technician level. The department would need to be certified for paramedic services. The biggest impact would be to allow them to do advance life-saving measures, Snyder said. Elko Ambulance Service provides the bulk of medical services in the city and county, and is certified for paramedic services. Chief Griego said in August when his retirement was announced that the fire department has grown from 1,000 to 3,000 calls a year, and everyone but one a new hire was an emergency medical technician or paramedic. The incoming fire chief said his background is with the military and civilian firefighting that included air crashes and getting shot at, but no one incident sticks out. He did a tour of Afghanistan. Snyder took the job of deputy chief in Elko five years ago after five years as a firefighter with Vacaville, Calif., after leaving the U.S. Air Force. He spent 11 years on active duty as a firefighter in the military and has been with the reserves and then the Air National Guard for nine years combined. Im at 20 years now, he said of his military service. He is a senior master sergeant with the Air National Guard. While on active duty he was stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, Travis Air Force Base in California, and Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany, as well as Afghanistan. Snyder is married to Elizabeth, and he describes her as his biggest supporter. They have eight children ranging in age from 3 months old to 15 years old. Love 4 Funny 1 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 0 ELKO School officials are discussing their next step after Tuesdays board meeting was adjourned when several parents refused to wear face masks. For those who just came in, please put on a mask or you cannot stay in the meeting, acting board president Teresa Dastrup said at the start of the live feed provided for virtual viewers. In a video posted by Battle Born Media Network, Dastrup asks a school resource officer five minutes earlier to escort these people out please until they are willing to wear a mask. Some audience members could be heard complaining that the board did not strictly enforce mask wearing at previous meetings. In video of the boards previous meeting on Sept. 28, the public was not asked to wear masks and no one who could be seen in the audience was wearing one. On Tuesday, some audience members retrieved masks at Dastrups request but only pulled them over their neck or chin. She then requested them to have the masks on appropriately, and when they did not comply she recessed the meeting for five minutes. Battle Born Media Network continued filming during the interim, and a school resource officer could be seen talking on his cellphone. He then told the audience that he spoke with the police chief and you guys are going to be trespassed if you dont put masks on. If you refuse to leave, Im going to have to issue citations. But no citations were issued. Minutes later the two school board members returned to the room and looked at the audience. Seeing people still not wearing masks, Dastrup said, I see that we have some people that are not going to comply, so we will reconvene this meeting at a later date. Gov. Steve Sisolaks Emergency Directive 048 says face coverings are required in county school district, charter school and private school settings. Superintendent Jeff Zander, who was not at the meeting, told the Elko Daily on Wednesday that there was a breakdown in communication at the Sept. 28 when members of the public were allowed to enter without a face covering. He said the mandate would be enforced at future meetings. Zander said school resource officers were not ordered to cite members of the public for trespassing in the past, and did not plan to do so on Tuesday. The Elko County School District has not trespassed anyone at board meetings and had no intention to trespass anyone last night, Zander said Wednesday. But it could be a tool utilized to remove people at upcoming meetings, he added. Police Chief Ty Trouten told the Elko Daily that his officers will cite trespassers at the request of a business or entity regardless of whether their complaint is related to the governors mask mandate. The school district did not make that request on Tuesday, Trouten added. Instead of choosing to have people removed who had been noncompliant, they just canceled the meeting, he said. The school resource officer who spoke to the public at the meeting is employed through the Elko Police Department, but the SROs have their own leader who is employed through the Elko County Sheriffs Office. Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza has publicly stated that he will not enforce the mask mandate. While some people in Tuesdays audience said an executive order is not the same as a law, Dastrup stated that the district must follow these mandates because they carry the weight of law whether people like it or not. Dastrup and board member Ira Wines were scheduled Tuesday to appoint five new school board trustees following the resignations of five members in August. The school district had not announced plans to reschedule the meeting as of Wednesday evening. Love 0 Funny 6 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 1 LONDON (AP) A work by British street artist Banksy that sensationally self-shredded just after it sold at auction three years ago fetched 18.5 million pounds ($25.4 million) on Thursday, a record for the artist. "Love is in the Bin" was offered by Sotheby's in London, with a presale estimate of 4 million pounds to 6 million pounds ($5.5 million to $8.2 million). The sale price was three timed the high estimate. The piece consists of a half-shredded canvas in an ornate frame bearing a spray-painted image of a girl reaching for a heart-shaped red balloon. When it last sold at Sotheby's in October 2018, the piece was known as "Girl With Balloon." Just as an anonymous European buyer made the winning bid, a hidden shredder embedded in the frame by Banksy whirred to life, leaving half the canvas hanging from the frame in strips. Sotheby's had described the work created in the stunt as "the ultimate Banksy artwork." Banksy, who has never confirmed his full identity, began his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, and has become one of the world's best-known artists. His mischievous and often satirical images include two male police officers kissing, armed riot police with yellow smiley faces and a chimpanzee with a sign bearing the words, "Laugh now, but one day I'll be in charge." Several of his works have sold for multiple millions at auction. In March, a Banksy mural honoring Britain's health workers, first painted on a hospital wall, sold for 16.8 million pounds ($23.2 million) at a Christie's auction, a record for the artist. "Girl With Balloon" was originally stenciled on a wall in east London and has been endlessly reproduced, becoming one of Banksy's best-known images. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Washington Post recently ran a story outlining how the very rich around the world hide their money so their governments couldnt take away huge chunks of it. The Post, of course, was sympathetic to the governments. When I first saw the story, I was not. On reflection, I wondered why. Why did I automatically side with the rich against their own governments? A lot of the very rich people were, in fact, corrupt officers of their governments. That is how they got very rich in the first place. However, other than taking your money out in the back yard and burning it, there are few ways to waste it more than by giving it to a government. Modern governments are so wasteful that few bother to take notice. The federal government employs 9.1 million workers with an additional 5.3 million contract workers. They are paid more for less work than non-government workers. If you were a median employee, and got hired by the government, you would get a 17% increase in pay for 12% less work (equivalent to an extra day off every two weeks). It would also be almost impossible to lose your job. In fact, you would be 45 times less likely to get fired. What a deal! The Post article went on to inform us that Americas super rich dont seem to be hiding their money from the government because, it seems, the uber-rich tend to pay such low tax rates that they have less incentive to seek offshore havens. What! High tax rates cause people to hide their money from the government? Who would have thought? Does Biden know about this? There is something called the Laffer Curve. It outlines a profit/price relationship. If the government tax rate was zero, it would bring in no income from taxes. If the government tax rate was 100%, the government would again gain no income from the tax. Consequently, as the tax goes up, government income increases, up to a point. At that point the total tax revenues to a government begins to decline as the tax rate continues to climb. This is one of the reasons that Margaret Thatcher famously said, The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money. The American Left made fun of the Laffer Curve, even though there is abundant evidence for it, because it didnt fit their ideology. The utopians have always had problems with real life. Recently, Biden has suggested that spending 3,500 billion dollars will cost us zero. No one in the real world is sure of how this works, but never fear, the rich will come to Bidens aid by paying their fair share. A little bit of history, a course in economics, and a dash of psychology will show that this is a fantasy unrelated to reality. The rich are rich because they know what to do with money. The poor are poor and will stay poor in the magic utopia. The middleclass will pay every cent of the three and a half thousand billion. Gasoline and milk are produced in the real world. Have you purchased any lately? Dennis Clayson is an Elko County native and retired professor of business. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Eleven years ago, Nova Simpson was a UNR graduate student. For two years, she stayed several weeks in Wells as she did research. The first wildlife crossing, called Ten Mile Summit, had been completed on U.S. Hwy 93 north of Wells. Nova went out each day checking for mule deer carcasses to see if they were still being hit by traffic. She also changed batteries and memory cards in trail cameras and she raked sand. Fine, white sand had been spread at the entrances to the overpass and two underpasses making up the wildlife crossing. She checked deer tracks to get an idea how many were using the crossing. At that time, we talked about her research for a Nature Notes column. Today, Nova works for the Nevada Department of Transportation, with the impressive title of Northern Nevada Biological Supervisor & Large Mammal Mitigation Specialist. She has worked on wildlife crossing construction projects across Nevada. In 2019, NDOT received an award, the Federal Highway Administration 2019 Environmental Excellence Award, for this work. Last month, Nova Simpson received the ICOET 2021 Leadership (Catalyst) Award from the International Conference On Ecology and Transportation. This was for her work on helping save the lives of wildlife and protecting drivers and vehicles through wildlife crossings. I recently spoke with Nova following this 11-year gap. She told me that although Nevada was not the first state to build wildlife crossings, we have become a nationally recognized leader in their construction. Each overpass and underpass is a huge undertaking requiring all sections of NDOT to work together. She was quick to point out especially the funding of these projects. We reviewed the crossings constructed in Elko County since that first one at Ten Mile. U.S. Hwy 93 now has two overpasses and four underpasses to help mule deer cross this busy highway during their spring and fall migrations. They summer in the Jarbidge Mountains area and winter mostly in the Pequop Mountains. Before the wildlife crossings were built, deer were routinely hit as they crossed the highway, resulting in damaged vehicles and injured drivers. A source of many vehicle-deer collisions has been I-80 as it crosses the Pequop Mountains. The summit now has two wildlife overpasses on the East and West sides. NDOT has added fencing to direct deer through two other existing underpasses and two livestock underpasses. Deer had used these underpasses in the past to cross the freeway but now fencing directs more deer through them. Farther East, Silver Zone Pass has one overpass and fencing has been added to two railroad underpasses, (part of the mule deer migration crosses I-80 there). Since that first wildlife crossing system on Ten Mile, 22 wildlife crossings have been constructed across Nevada. An underpass now crosses U.S. Hwy 50 in the Dayton area, along with two underpasses on the USA Parkway south of I-80. Collisions with wild horses have long been a big problem in these spots. As part of the I-580 between Reno and Carson City, four underpasses allow mule deer to cross safely. Farther south, as part of the construction of the Boulder City Bypass, vehicles now cross four long bridges with open expanses beneath them to facilitate desert bighorn sheep travel. Near Hoover Dam on US Hwy 93, an overpass was added, along with fencing to funnel bighorns through existing underpasses. In 2020, an underpass was built along SR 160 between Las Vegas and Pahrump to prevent collisions with mule deer, elk and desert bighorn sheep. Other areas of concern that may become future projects are around Reno and Tahoe, where collisions occur between vehicles and horses, elk and deer. NDOT is also doing research on driver warning systems. The technology is good enough now that it can detect wildlife on roadways and alert passing drivers using lights and signs. When asked what is needed to facilitate future projects, Nova said NDOT has no set fund for wildlife crossings. Money for projects comes from other funds within NDOT, along with Federal Highway Administration monies, NDOW contributions and grants. Public support of these projects is what helps find the money, people supporting this work of protecting wildlife and drivers. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. At the reception (Photo: HNMO) At the end of 2020, the two countries officially signed the UK Vietnam bilateral free trade agreement (UKVFTA), creating conditions for cooperation to be raised to a new height in the near future. Within the framework of cooperation programs with Hanoi, Ambassador Gareth Ward emphasized the positive results achieved in the fields of health and education, especially the dual degree education program being implemented in high schools in the city. Ambassador Gareth Ward hoped that in the coming time, the two sides would continue to promote cooperation in areas where Britain has strengths such as finance, banking, education, climate change response and environment protection. For his part, Secretary Dung said that Hanoi had controlled the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first shot of vaccine given to 98% of the population of 18 years old or more. I hope that the UK will continue to help Vietnam have access to vaccines and share experience in pandemic prevention, he added. In the field of environmental protection, Hanoi advocates gradually dealing with congestion by expanding the transport network to the suburbs, planning the construction of ring roads 4 and 5, and promoting network planning traffic, thereby reducing air and noise pollution in the central area. In addition, the city's focus is on clearing the river system and treating water pollution. According to Secretary of the City Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung, UKVFTA will help strengthen the investment cooperation relationship between the two countries, thereby promoting cooperation between Hanoi and localities and partners of the UK. Secretary Dung expressed his hope that in the coming time, Ambassador Gareth Ward will continue to act as a bridge to make the bilateral relationship deeper, more effective and practical. Hanoi also wishes to learn and exchange experiences in areas where Britain has strengths./. While enjoying benefits and conveniences brought by technological progress, we have fallen into a crisis over the relationship between mankind and nature. At present, the world is facing severe challenges such as accelerated species extinction, biodiversity losse and ecosystem degradation. All these facts warn mankind that we must reflect deeply on the relationship between man and nature. The Xi Jinping thought on ecological civilization draws on traditional Chinese culture and these aphorisms:Man is an integral part of nature; and Dao follows the laws of nature. It put forward the groundbreaking idea that there is no welfare or public product more universally beneficial and equitable than a sound natural environment. The thought, highly consistent with the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN SDGs, contributes Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to global ecological environmental governance. Since the 18th Communist Party of China National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has accelerated the development of top-level design and a system of institutions for an ecological civilization, including ecological conservation red lines (ECRLs), an important institutional innovation in Chinas land use planning and biodiversity protection reform. In this process, we have created a PA framework with a focus on national parks, and launched a series of projects for the integrated conservation and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes, and grasslands. As a result, remarkable institutional guarantees have been established for the restoration of biodiversity. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, the society has a more profound understanding of biodiversity conservation. The whole party and society cherish the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. More and more people have turned their role from users to protectors, making a living on ecological protection as guards for wild animals or forests. Since 2016, Tibet and Qinghai have provided more than 900,000 ecological jobs for local residents, and increased the income of farmers and herdsmen by nearly 8 billion yuan accumulatively. Second, basic research on biodiversity has been comprehensively improved. A number of major biodiversity surveys, scientific investigations, and scientific research projects have been initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Forestry and Grass Administration and other ministries and commissions and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. These research projects have strengthened the strategic biological resource platform and field research station network construction. As a result, domestic biodiversity research kept pace with international ones, with researches on omics-based origin, evolution and maintenance mechanisms of biodiversity and conservation biology of endangered species leading the world. Third, the largest eco-environmental conservation and restoration campaign has been launched scientifically. China has implemented key ecosystem-related projects including conservation and restoration of natural forests, sandstorm source control in Beijing and Tianjin, stony desertification control, the Three-North (i.e., Northeast China, North China and Northwest China) Shelterbelt Forest Program and other key forest programs, programs turning marginal farmland into forests and grasslands, programs returning grazing lands to grasslands, conservation and restoration of lakes, rivers and inland wetlands, and conservation and restoration of mangrove forests and coastal wetlands. China has launched 25 pilot projects and 10 integrated projects for the conservation and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes, grasslands, and deserts. China brings essential ecological functional areas for biodiversity conservation and various ecological conservation regions under the ECRLs. Between 2000 and 2017, China contributed about 25 percent of global vegetation growth, the biggest share among all countries. Finally, construction of the natural reserve system and protection of wild animals and plants have reached a new level. Since 1956, when the first nature reserve was set up, China has established close to 10,000 PAs of all types and at all levels, accounting for about 18 percent of its total land area achieving the 17% target set in the Aichi Biodiversity Targets ahead of schedule. The well-planned PA system has brought 90 percent of terrestrial ecosystem types and 71 percent of key state-protected wildlife species under effective protection. Well-planned campaigns have been launched to save endangered species, helping to restore and downgrade many species of endangered wildlife, with the most successful case exemplified by world renowned giant pandas. Generally speaking, the biodiversity system of terrestrial ecosystem has been well protected. However, due to multiple threats such as land use and climate changes, pollution, and invasion of alien species, biodiversity has continued to decline, facing many challenges especially in marine biodiversity protection, an important part of biodiversity conservation. Studies have shown that Chinas coral reef ecosystem has been seriously damaged. In recent years, the coverage of live reef corals in some areas has decreased to less than 10%. General Secretary Xi attached great importance to the construction of marine ecological civilization. Xi has proposed building a maritime community with a shared future by strengthening prevention and control of marine pollution and biodiversity, and developing ordered utilization of marine resources for the blue sea and sky for future generations. We will strengthen the planning of marine national parks and protected areas to strengthen the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity, especially that of coral reefs. The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) kicked off Monday in China's southwestern city Kunming to set the post-2020 biodiversity framework, and expectations are high for a blueprint on preserving global biodiversity in the coming decade. As the host country and president-designate of COP15, China is actively organizing discussions and consultations on the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, striving to achieve an ambitious and pragmatic landmark framework that balance three goals of the CBD and addressing concerns of developing countries, which will inject new impetus into global biodiversity governance. At present, China has come into a new stage of biodiversity conservation and biological research. We will tap into COP15 to embark on a new journey of scientific China's biodiversity conservation so as to realize the worldwide vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Contributed by Wei Fuwen, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Executive Deputy Director of the Endangered Species Science Committee, PRC Translated by Wu You Editor: WXY An elder plays a game at a university for senior citizens of Zhongshan District in Liupanshui, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Oct. 14, 2021. Various activities are carried out in the district to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival or the Chongyang Festival for the elders. The festival, celebrated throughout China on the ninth day of the ninth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, is an occasion to care for and send blessings to the elderly. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) 6 1 Editor: JYZ 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) Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's, GMW.cn makes no representations as to accuracy, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information. Students of Hefei Technology School are practicing for the coming professional skills contests in the training room at school in Feidong County, Hefei City, east Chinas Anhui Province, October 14, 2021. The county has been encouraging companies and 5 vocational schools to develop specialized talents through oriented training over recent years. (Ruan Xuefeng/Guangming Picture) Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's, GMW.cn makes no representations as to accuracy, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information. BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Since ancient times, the philosophical concept of harmony has been put forward and interpreted, and the Chinese nation has pursued it as a vital value. In an increasingly connected world fraught with grave challenges, the wisdom of harmony sheds light on how humanity can create a prosperous and peaceful future in a sustainable, environmentally friendly and cooperative way. Many ancient Chinese idioms and stories contain the central concept of harmony, or "He" in Chinese, between man and nature, people and countries alike. These enlightening expressions and anecdotes have been passed on generation by generation. A Chinese saying from the great thinker Xunzi more than 2,000 years ago teaches, "All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from nature." Another Chinese idiom, "He Shi Sheng Wu," was advanced by the grand astrologer and thinker Shibo, who lived much earlier than Xunzi, and contained a similar notion -- harmony begets new things. In this idea, different things complement each other and beget new things when they coexist in harmony. It is necessary to preserve the particular features of different people and things, and allow them to flourish. Another ancient concept, "Jie Ze Er Yu," presents the philosophy in another way. The concept, which literally means "draining the lake to fish," came from a proposal a minister made to his emperor in ancient China. Stressing long-term interests, the minister explained to the emperor that if people drain a pond to fish, they will get fish, but the next year, they will get no fish, and if people burn the forests to hunt, they will get the animals, but the next year they will get no animals. As China makes significant headway in ecological progress, the notion of harmony has been widely reflected in policies and practices. A 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River, for example, came into force at the start of this year to preserve the fishery resources and ecology of China's longest waterway, dubbed the "mother river" of the Chinese nation. Yang Yourong, a fisherman in central China's Hunan Province, went ashore last year and now runs a grocery store for a living. "I feel deeply for the river. If we overexploit nature, these resources will run out one day. I fully support the fishing ban that benefits future generations," Yang said. "Dao Fa Zi Ran" is also a well-known Chinese saying with a meaning similar to those above. Dao originally refers to the way or path taken by people, but it was extended by ancient philosophers to mean the general laws followed by all things and beings. The notion calls on people to follow the natural requirements of general laws. Another example of harmony with nature is the journey taken by a herd of wild Asian elephants in southwest China's Yunnan Province earlier this year, which caught global attention. More than 150,000 people were evacuated from their homes to avoid conflict between them and the elephant herd, with 180 tonnes of food provided to the animals. The herd of wild elephants returned safely to their usual habitat after a northward journey which even brought them close to the provincial capital city of Kunming, the host of the first part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). Some villagers in Yuxi who had their crops eaten by the elephants said that they did not mind, as the crops would still grow next year, but that if the elephants were harmed, they would not return. "There is a mutual relationship between human beings and animals. As long as the elephants are treated well, they won't hurt us," said local Zhao Jinqing, 57. "The practice of fine traditional Chinese values has indicated that a harmonious society can be achieved," said Wang Zhongwu, a sociology professor at Shandong University. Editor: WPY COPENHAGEN, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Wednesday's bow-and-arrow attack in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg appeared to be "an act of terrorism," Norway's intelligence service PST said Thursday. The PST said in a press release that the attack, which has claimed five lives and injured two others, "appears at the moment as an act of terrorism." The PST said the threat level in Norway is still considered moderate, but added that the intelligent service is investigating whether the attack may inspire others to commit serious acts of violence. "PST still considered it possible that extreme Islamists and right-wing extremists will try to carry out terrorist attacks in Norway," it said in the press release. According to police, the apprehended suspect, who was identified as a 37-year-old with Danish citizenship, recently converted to Islam and acted as a sole perpetrator. The assailant was already known to police "on the basis of concerns related to radicalization," said Ole Bredrup Saeverud, police chief in the South-East Police District. Saeverud also said all the victims were aged between 50 to 70 years old and none of them were known to the assailant. Editor: WPY An airport worker transports packages of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) -- 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. -- 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 -- With its high vaccination rate, Cambodia is considering resuming its nationwide economic activities soon including tourism, manufacturing, construction and other SMEs business. PHNOM PENH, Oct. 15 (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. An airport worker transports packages of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) 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. People come for their third dose or booster dose of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at an inoculation site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/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. A woman receives her third dose or booster dose of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at an inoculation site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 14, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) 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. Editor: WPY JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia this year will provide production of 12.7-12.8 billion cubic meters (bcm) of marketable gas, while the annual consumption by the population directly and through heating companies is about 13.4-13.6 billion cubic meters, head of the Naftogaz Ukrainy board Yuriy Vitrenko has said. "Ukrgazvydobuvannia is no longer producing 14 billion cubic meters, if to talk about commercial gas. Now it is about 12.7-12.8 billion cubic meters. The population, even if we conservatively count, consumes about 13.4-13.6 billion cubic meters, depending on the temperature," he said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency. According to him, another 1-2 billion cubic meters of gas will need to be provided for budgetary and religious organizations, but the missing volumes will be covered by Naftogaz gas imports and purchases from Ukrnafta. "Now there are almost 19 billion cubic meters of gas in storage facilities. We understand that 10-15% of these volumes belong to non-residents and they can be exported to Europe. Or they can be sold here, if prices on our market are not lower than European ones. But even without these volumes, there should be enough gas for the normal passage of the heating season - precisely due to the fact that Naftogaz imported gas," Vitrenko assured. NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy simulates different scenarios for the heating season of 2021/2022, head of the company board Yuriy Vitrenko said. "We simulate different scenarios: how much gas is in the UGS, when it can be raised, and when there is limited capacity for taking; what production we have, what are the limitations, how much gas can be taken directly from the pipe, how much to supply, etc. ... We plan how to get through this heating season, in particular, to meet the gas needs for all our customers," Vitrenko said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. According to him, the company also keeps in mind the worst scenario for the country: if the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline starts working and the Russian Federation decides to completely stop the physical transit of natural gas through the Ukrainian gas transportation system. Vitrenko recalled that Gazprom still refuses to sell gas to European companies on the Ukraine-Russian border, effectively blocking access to transit to Europe through the Ukrainian gas transportation system. "We insist that European companies should be able to buy this gas on the Russian-Ukrainian border. Then they themselves will be able to book the capacities of the Ukrainian GTS, which reduces the risk of interruption of transit. Thus, Gazprom would show the German regulator, which is considering the certification of the Nord Stream 2 operator, that Russia is ready to comply with European legislation and perceives gas as a commodity, and not a weapon or a tool of blackmail," he said. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has visited the national armed forces' frontline positions during a working trip to Donbas, his press service said on Thursday. The president was briefed on the operative-tactical situation in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone and shown the specifics of using an anti-drone weapon, the service said. Zelensky also talked to the military and inspected their service conditions. In addition, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief thanked the Ukrainian defenders and presented them with gifts. The ambassadors of the G7 countries on Thursday, October 14, discussed with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky the priorities and progress in the field of reforms. "We welcomed the president's commitment to comprehensive judicial reform, and reiterated the responsibility of all stakeholders to form the High Council of Justice Ethics Council without delay," the G7 ambassadors said on Twitter. The president also discussed with the ambassadors plans to bring corporate governance in state-owned enterprises in line with OECD guidelines, the democratic development of Ukraine, the strengthening of independent anti-corruption institutions, legislation on screening foreign investment and the conflict in Donbas. As reported, the president met with the G7 ambassadors within his working trip to Zaporizhia. The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine condemns the conduct of a population census by Russia on the territory of the annexed Crimea and declares its right to use retaliation, the press service of the ministry reported. "Ukraine condemns the conduct by the Russian Federation of the All-Russian population census in the territory of the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Conducting a census in the temporarily occupied territory is an unfriendly act in relation to our state, and we reserve the right to use retaliation," the diplomatic department emphasized. The Foreign Ministry noted that such actions of the Russian Federation are directed against the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and are a continuation of attempts to legitimize the attempt to annex the annexed Crimea, spreading the effect of Russian legislation to its territory. "We emphasize that in accordance with the provisions of UN General Assembly resolution 68/262, the so-called "referendum" in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, held by the Russian occupation administration on March 16, 2014, has no legal force and cannot become the basis for any changes in the status of the Crimean peninsula, in particular serving as a basis for reflecting the results of the population census in the occupied Crimea as part of the all-Russian census," the diplomatic department stressed. It is also noted that the participants in the international Crimea Platform in the Joint Declaration once again confirmed the non-recognition of any change in the status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol and are ready to resolutely oppose any unilateral attempts to change the international order based on the rule of law. At the same time, the ministry noted that the basis for assessing the situation in Crimea can only be impartial and objective monitoring by international organizations, as well as human rights non-governmental organizations. "We call on the international community to condemn the All-Russian population census carried out by Russia in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, not to recognize and not use its results," the ministry's press service summed up. The State Commission on Manmade Disaster, Emergency Response at an extraordinary meeting on Friday from 00:00 on October 18 established the "red" level of the epidemic danger of the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus infection in Zaporizhia, Odesa, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oleh Nemchinov said. "Based on the results [of the meeting], the state commission decided ... to also apply on the territory of Zaporizhia, Odesa, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions restrictive anti-epidemic measures provided for the "red" level of epidemic danger," Nemchinov wrote on Telegram. Verizon says majority of U.S. employees must be vaccinated A man stands next to the logo of Verizon at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, (Photo : REUTERS/Sergio Perez/File Photo) Verizon Communications Inc said on Thursday the majority of its U.S. workforce must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 under President Joe Biden's federal contractor executive order. Verizon said thousands of non-union U.S. employees must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8 under the executive order. Advertisement Verizon, a federal contractor, said it was in discussions with its unions about vaccination requirements for 30,000 U.S. unionized employees. The company said retail employees and some other workers must be vaccinated by Feb. 1. Contractors, vendors, visitors and new hires who enter Verizon U.S. facilities must be fully vaccinated by Jan. 1. The vast majority of Verizon's 130,000 employees worldwide are in the United States. The vaccine mandates will apply to nearly all its non-union employees. Some "home-based" Verizon Consumer Group and others are excluded, the telecommunications company said. "While we respect that within our workforce there are people with different beliefs and perspectives related to COVID-19 and the vaccine, we must comply with the government's requirements, including those for federal contractors," Verizon said. A growing number of federal contractors are complying with the Dec. 8 deadline. Union Pacific Corp, the top U.S. railroad operator, said on Wednesday it will require its 31,000 U.S. employees to be vaccinated. Last month, U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak said it will require nearly all of its 18,000 employees be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22. Boeing Co, another federal contractor, said on Tuesday it will require COVID-19 vaccination for its 125,000 U.S. employees. Major U.S. airlines also have said they will also meet the deadline imposed on federal contractors, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines Co, JetBlue Airways Corp and Alaska Airlines, as has aircraft parts manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems. The White House announced the Dec. 8 deadline for employees of federal contractors last month after Reuters reported it. The requirement is expected to cover millions of workers. International Business Machines Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp have also said they will require all U.S. employees to be vaccinated. The Federal Reserve building is set against a blue sky in Washington, U.S (Photo : REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo) The U.S. Federal Reserve's regional bank presidents responded to criticism of their ethics rules by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren with a joint letter welcoming a review of the matter by the Fed's Board of Governors and pledging to make any changes that result from that process. "Recently, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has directed Board of Governors staff to conduct a comprehensive review of the ethics rules regarding permissible financial holdings and activities by senior Federal Reserve officials," the presidents said, according to a copy of the letter viewed by Reuters. "We welcome this important review and will apply any resulting changes to each Federal Reserve Banks' Code of Conduct." Advertisement The brief letter, dated Sept. 20, was written by St. Louis Fed President James Bullard on behalf of all the banks and signed by each of the bank presidents. Earlier in September, Warren wrote to the banks asking them to tighten their ethics rules including a ban on the ownership and trading of individual stocks by senior Fed officials. The letter in response made no mention of a ban on such trading within 60 days as she had requested. Warren's letter followed a furor over the trading activities of Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan and Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren, who made controversial investments last year as the central bank undertook a rescue of the economy. Both announced last month they would depart their positions despite their trades being cleared by the Fed's ethics officers. Powell has since ordered a sweeping review of ethics rules governing financial holdings and dealings at the central bank. He has also asked the Fed's office of the inspector general to look into the trading done by certain senior officials. That has done little to appease Warren, a member of the Senate Banking Committee which will consider Powell if President Joe Biden renominates him as Fed Chair. Powell's current term expires in February. Two weeks ago she said she opposed his renomination, calling him a "dangerous man" who has voted repeatedly to deregulate Wall Street and chastised his leadership over the apparent ethics issues at the central bank. On Thursday, Warren made it clear in a response to the letter from the regional Fed chiefs that she expected them to hew to stringent ethics guidelines. "Every Fed official should know that there is no room for even the appearance of self-dealing," she said in an email to Reuters. In the remainder of Powell's term, she added, "he should put tough ethics rules, modeled after my Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act, in place." An Egyptian criminal court sentenced on Tuesday a man to 15 years and two others to life in absentia for raping a woman in a resort on the North Coast in 2015. 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. During his visit to the port, El-Sisi will inspect the multi-purpose logistics station at the port, the sea docks and modern storage warehouses Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi will inspect on Tuesday the Alexandria Port in northern the country to follow up on the development work at its facilities, a presidential statement read. During his visit to the port, El-Sisi will inspect the multi-purpose logistics station at the port, the sea docks and modern storage warehouses, the presidency added. Search Keywords: Short link: These new roads serve tens of thousands of vehicles round the clock and significantly reduce traffic congestion and cut daily travel time around the Greater Cairo region Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi inspected on Friday the ongoing work to expand the Greater Cairo Ring Road's eastern archway sector, which is part of a larger plan to expand and upgrade road infrastructure nationwide. The eastern archway sector, which carries thousands of vehicles every day, will link the Gehan El-Sadat Road with the Shubra-Benha Road. The president also inspected the project to connect Al-Asmarat district to El-Shaheed Road and Shinzo Abe Road, according to a statement by presidencys spokesman Bassam Rady. These new roads serve tens of thousands of vehicles around the clock and significantly reduce traffic congestion and cut daily travel time around the Greater Cairo region, Rady said. The new roads will facilitate smooth and fast transportation, reduce rates of car accidents and cut fuel costs, Rady added. The development work on the eastern archway involves expanding its lanes to eight in each direction. During the inspection tour, El-Sisi called for the strict application of measures to protect the health and safety of the workers, according to Rady. Over the past few years, the state has implemented numerous road projects in different governorates worth hundreds of billions Egyptian pounds, including the construction of new bridges and the widening of major roads. In 2014, El-Sisi launched the National Road Project to develop and expand the countrys 23,500km road network. The construction of new roads and the upgrading of existing ones have contributed to a significant drop in road accidents in recent years. The number of road accidents in Egypt fell by around 30 percent in 2019 to 9,992, down from 14,403 in 2014, according to a report by Egypts statistical news agency CAPMAS in June 2020. Moreover, Egypts rank in terms of the quality of its road infrastructure in the World Economic Forums Global Competition Report recently rose from 118 to 28. The state plans to implement 1,769 projects in road infrastructure by 2024 at a total cost of EGP 464 billion. Search Keywords: Short link: Senior Taliban officials and US representatives are to hold talks Saturday and Sunday about containing extremist groups in Afghanistan and easing the evacuation of foreign citizens and Afghans from the country, officials from both sides said. It's the first such meeting since U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan in late August, ending a 20-year military presence there, and the Taliban's rise to power in the nation. The talks are to take place in Doha, the capital of the Persian Gulf state of Qatar. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen, who is based in Doha, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the talks will also revisit the peace agreement the Taliban signed with Washington in 2020. The agreement had paved the way for the final U..S. withdrawal. ``Yes there is a meeting . . . about bilateral relations and implementation of the Doha agreement,'' said Shaheen. ``It covers various topics.'' Terrorism will also feature in the talks, said a second official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. Since the Taliban took power, Islamic State extremists have ramped up attacks on the militant group, as well as ethnic and religious minorities. On Friday, an IS suicide bomber killed at least 46 minority Shiite Muslims and wounded dozens in the deadliest attack since the U.S. departure. IS has carried out relentless assaults on the country's Shiite Muslims since emerging in eastern Afghanistan in 2014. IS is also seen as the greatest threat to the United States. The U.S.-Taliban agreement of 2020, which was negotiated by the Trump administration, demanded the Taliban break ties with terrorist groups and guarantee Afghanistan would not again harbor terrorists who could attack the United States and its allies. It seems certain the two sides will discuss in the weekend talks how to tackle the growing threat. The Taliban have said they do not want U.S. anti-terrorism assistance and have warned Washington against any so-called ``over-the -horizon'' strikes on Afghan territory from outside the country's borders. The United States, meanwhile, would seek to hold Taliban leaders to commitments that they would allow Americans and other foreign nationals to leave Afghanistan, along with Afghans who once worked for the U.S. military or government and other Afghan allies, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak by name about the meetings. The Biden administration has fielded questions and complaints about the slow pace of U.S.-facilitated evacuations from Taliban-ruled Afghanistan since the U.S. withdrawal. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Thursday that 105 U.S. citizens and 95 green card holders had left since then on flights facilitated by the U.S. That number had not changed for more than a week. U.S. veterans and other individuals have helped others leave the country on charter flights, and some Americans and others have gotten out across land borders. Hundreds of other foreign nationals and Afghans have also left on recent flights. Dozens of American citizens are still seeking to get out, according to the State Department, along with thousands of green-card holders and Afghans and family members believed eligible for U.S. visas. U.S. officials have cited the difficulty of verifying flight manifests without any American officials on the ground in Afghanistan to help, along with other hold-ups. Americans also intend to press the Taliban to observe the rights of women and girls, many of whom the Taliban are reportedly blocking from returning to jobs and classrooms, and of Afghans at large, and to form an inclusive government, the official said. U.S. officials will also encourage Taliban officials to give humanitarian agencies free access to areas in need amid the economic upheaval following the U.S. departure and Taliban takeover. The official stressed the session did not imply the U.S. was recognizing the Taliban as legitimate governors of the country. Search Keywords: Short link: Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that battle-hardened militants from Iraq and Syria are "actively" entering Afghanistan. "The situation in Afghanistan is not easy," Putin said during a video conference with security service chiefs of ex-Soviet states. "Militants from Iraq, Syria with experience in military operations are actively being drawn there," he said. "It is possible that terrorists may try to destabilise the situation in neighbouring states," he added, warning that they could even try "direct expansion". Putin has repeatedly warned about members of extremist groups exploiting political turmoil in Afghanistan to cross into neighbouring ex-Soviet countries as refugees. While Moscow has been cautiously optimistic about the new Taliban leadership in Kabul, the Kremlin is concerned about instability spilling over into Central Asia where it houses military bases. In the wake of the Taliban takeover, Russia held military drills with ex-Soviet Tajikistan -- where it operates a military base -- and in Uzbekistan. Both countries share a border with Afghanistan. Tajikistan's national security chief, Saimumin Yatimov, for his part told the video conference that he had registered an "intensification" of attempts to "smuggle drugs, weapons, ammunition" from Afghanistan into his country. Afghanistan has long been the world's largest producer of opium and heroin, with profits from the illicit trade helping fund the Taliban. Earlier Wednesday French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Tajikistan's leader Emomali Rakhmon in Paris, vowing to help the Central Asian state maintain stability. While the Taliban has said it does not pose a threat to Central Asian countries, the ex-Soviet republics in the region have previously been targeted by attacks attributed to allies of Afghan Islamists. Last week the Kremlin's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said Russia will invite the Taliban to Moscow for international talks on Afghanistan scheduled for October 20. Search Keywords: Short link: Iran on Friday sharply criticised the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency for keeping its eyes trained on the Islamic republic while ignoring its arch-enemy Israel's suspected nuclear programme. Israel is widely believed to be the Middle East's sole nuclear arms possessor with up to 300 warheads, but it has long refused to confirm or deny it has such weapons and unlike Iran is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. "Silence and negligence about Israel's nuclear programme sends a negative message to the NPT members," Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's ambassador to the UN agency, tweeted. Being an NPT signatory meant "accepting the robust verifications", while being outside it meant being "free from any obligation and criticism, and even (getting) rewarded", he wrote. "What is the advantage of being both a NPT member and fully implementing the agency's safeguards? Gharibabadi was reacting to an interview given by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to Energy Intelligence earlier this month. Asked why the IAEA is so focused on Iran's nuclear programme but not Israel's, he responded: "Our relation with Israel is based on the one that you have with a country which is not a party to the NPT." Iran has been a signatory to the NPT since 1970, the year it came into force, and has always denied it has any ambitions to acquire or manufacture an atomic bomb. Israel, which has never signed up to the treaty, has repeatedly warned that it will do whatever it takes to prevent Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. The NPT calls on nations "to achieve the cessation of the nuclear arms race and to undertake measures in the direction of nuclear disarmament". Search Keywords: Short link: The trial of four Egyptian security officers in Rome for the brutal killing of Italian student Giulio Regeni five years ago was thrown out by judges Thursday. The judges ruled that the four could not be tried in absentia because prosecutors had been unable to officially inform them of the judicial process against them, a court-appointed defence lawyer told AFP. The officers stand accused of kidnapping, conspiracy to murder and grievous bodily harm in the case, which sparked outrage in Italy and has strained diplomatic relations with Egypt. Regeni's parents and sister had been present at the hearing in the bunker room of Rebibbia prison, often the stage for mafia trials. The 28-year-old was doing research for a doctorate at Cambridge University when he was abducted in Cairo in January 2016. His body, bearing extensive signs of torture, was eventually found dumped on the outskirts of Cairo ten days later, naked from the waist down. The Italian government joined the proceedings with a civil suit for damages, in a symbolic show of support. But before the trial could begin, the court had first to rule on whether the four suspects, members of Egypt's National Security Apparatus (NSA), were aware of the proceedings against them. Egypt has repeatedly refused to provide their contact details. Since the death of Regeni, the Egyptian prosecution has been conducting an investigation into the case for years while cooperating with its Italian counterpart, but has eventually stated that so far the perpetrators have not been identified. In January, Egypts Public Prosecution said it handed documents to the Italian side that refute alleged involvement of Egyptian officers in the disappearance and murder of Regeni amid the ongoing trial at the time in Rome against the suspected security members. Earlier in December, the Egyptian prosecution said it will temporarily not pursue a criminal lawsuit in the case due to the lack of knowledge of the perpetrator of the crime. It also announced at the time that it was ruling out from the case the accusations raised by Italy's prosecutor-general against the police officers in Egypts NSA of involvement in the murder. Egypts and Italys prosecutions have published a joint statement on 30 November to give their final findings on the case. Egypt's public prosecution said the perpetrator of the murder of the Italian student is still unknown, and it accordingly will temporarily close its investigation, while instructing investigative authorities to continue taking all necessary measures to reach the perpetrator of the crime. At a preliminary hearing in May, an Italian judge ruled that media coverage meant news of the trial would have reached them. But the court overturned that ruling on Thursday, effectively sending the prosecution back to square one. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of the US Senates Foreign Relations Committee, stated Thursday that Egypt 'is the pillar for security and stability' in the Middle East and the Arab world, and 'a key partner' for the United States in the region. Senator Menendezs remarks came during his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo that was also attended by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Head of Egyptian General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel and the US Ambassador to Cairo Jonathan Cohen. Menendez also expressed deep appreciation for Egypt's successful role in combating terrorism and extremist ideology, and in establishing noble concepts and values of freedom of belief and tolerance as well as the culture of acceptance of others, a presidential statement said. From his side, El-Sisi highlighted Egypt's keenness to strengthen the decades-old strategic relations with the US, especially in light of the turbulent regional reality and its escalating challenges, chief of which is the growing threat of terrorism. The president also pointed out the importance of communication with US Congressional leaders on various issues, the presidential statement said. In this regard, Menendez stressed the great importance the US attaches to its relations with Egypt, praising at the same time the distinguished level of cooperation between the two countries. GERD talk resumption El-Sisi and Menendez also discussed the developments of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue in light of the existing and continuous coordination between the two countries in this regard, the statement said. The Egyptian president stressed during their meeting the importance of the commitment to implement what was stated in the UN Security Councils (UNSC) presidential statement, which was issued in September. El-Sisi added that according to the UNSCs presidential statement all parties should work towards reaching a legal, fair and binding agreement within a short period that guarantees clear rules for the process of filling and operating the GERD and achieves the common interests of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. Rounds of African Union-sponsored talks to resolve the decade-long dispute between Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan have been deadlocked since April. Driven by the presidential statement from the UNSC, the talks are soon to be resumed under the sponsorship of the AU at an undisclosed date. 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. Peace process The Chairman of the US Senates Foreign Relations Committee reiterated the US administration's appreciation for the Egyptian efforts towards calming the Gaza Strip and containing the latest escalation, the presidential statement noted. In May, Egypt sponsored a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian factions within the Gaza Strip to end an 11-day episode of Israeli military aggression on Gaza, during which more than 250 Palestinians, including 66 children, were killed. El-Sisi affirmed to Menendez Egypt's support for various efforts aimed at revitalizing the peace process and resuming negotiations, the statement said. He also stressed Egypt's firm stance in this regard to reach a just and comprehensive resolution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of their independent state in accordance with international resolutions, in a way that opens up prospects for peaceful coexistence among all the peoples of the region. Earlier the same day, Menendez held a separate meeting in Cairo with Shoukry where they discussed the latest developments concerning regional and international issues, a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry said. Search Keywords: Short link: National flag carrier EgyptAir will operate a weekly air service from Sharm El-Sheikh to Luxor starting 27 October, with seats available at the fixed price of EGP 1,800 ($121) per round trip. Minister of Tourism Khaled El-Enani and Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Manar made the remarks in a meeting on Thursday. The ministers agreed in principle that the new air service, halted since 2015, will include one weekly flight, a statement by the Ministry of Civil Aviation read. The authorities will determine the best timing for the new services weekly flight based on the visitors tourist programs and in a way that enables them to enjoy Luxor, according to the statement. The new service will allow visitors to tour Luxor, visit its museums and archaeological sites, ride horse-drawn carriages, make Nile cruises, enjoy the citys charming atmosphere, and visit traditional markets offering heritage products and handicrafts. The new service is part of efforts to integrate leisure and cultural tourism and allow visitors to enjoy several tourist attractions during their visit to Egypt, the statement read. This comes through linking the Nile Valley cities with other coastal tourist cities via domestic flight services, the statement said. The air service between the two cities will be launched as per the request of the private tourism sector, the Egyptian Tourism Federation, and the Egyptian Travel Agents Association. The meeting also discussed operating other flights connecting airports in all tourist governorates, according to the statement. The ministers also coordinated to increase the number of flights on 21 October due to demand to visit Aswans Abu Simbel temple to watch the solar alignment. Egypt also plans over the coming years to establish a high-speed railway line connecting the Red Seas Hurghada and Safaga with Upper Egypts Qena and Luxor. Another line will link the Sixth of October City in Giza with Luxor and Aswan. 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. In June 2020, Egypt resumed international flights after a three-month-suspension due to pandemic, opening its major tourist attractions amid strict coronavirus measures. The country announced earlier this year that it had vaccinated all workers in the tourism sector in its Red Sea resorts, with vaccination efforts for tourism workers in Luxor and Aswan ongoing. Search Keywords: Short link: Russia will lift COVID-related restrictions on flights from its airports to the Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada starting 9 November, TASS cited a representative of the federal coronavirus prevention headquarters as saying on Thursday. The decision includes regular and charter flights, the official told reporters. [It was decided] to lift restrictions on regular and charter flights from Russian airports, from which international flights have been resumed, to destinations in Egypt - the cities of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, the official said. The Russian decision also includes lifting restrictions on air traffic with the UAE,Austria, Switzerland and Finland. This comes three months after Moscow canceled the 2015 decree banning Russian airlines from flying to the two Egyptian Red Sea resorts, ending six years of suspension after a deadly Russian plane crash in Sinai in 2015. Egypt has since upgraded its safety and security measures at all airports nationwide. In April 2018, Russia resumed flights to Cairo International Airport, but the Russian ban on its flights to Egypt's Red Sea destinations was only lifted in July, as per a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada received their first direct flights from Moscow on 9 August. Russian travellers are a major contributor to the country's tourism industry, a key source of hard currency. Russian tourists in Egypt surpassed 3.1 million in 2014, representing 33 percent of all tourists that year, but they have dropped to average 100,000 tourists per year since the airliner crash in 2015. Search Keywords: Short link: The number of young children admitted to hospital suffering for severe malnutrition in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region has doubled this year over 2020, the UN said Thursday, as escalating fighting threatens to further hamper the aid response. "Some 18,600 children under the age of five in Tigray have been admitted for treatment for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) from February to August this year compared to 8,900 in 2020, a 100 per cent increase, according to UNICEF," the UN's humanitarian coordination office said in its weekly situation report for the 11-month-old conflict in northern Ethiopia. Malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women also "continues to be very high at about 63 per cent", the report said, while noting that only 897 aid trucks have reached the region of roughly 6 million people since mid-July -- about 14 percent of the estimated need. Tigray erupted in conflict last November after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The 2019 Nobel Peace laureate said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps and promised a swift victory. But by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including the regional capital Mekele. Since then the region has been under a de facto humanitarian blockade, according to the UN, which estimates that hundreds of thousands face famine-like conditions. The US has largely blamed Ethiopian government policies for the blockade, while the government has blamed TPLF incursions into neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar. In addition to food, the region is desperately short of medicines and medical equipment, something the UN has noted in several recent reports. Thursday's edition said nine trucks carrying medicines remained stuck awaiting government approval in Afar, currently home to the only functioning land route into Tigray. Polio vaccines are needed for 887,000 children and measles vaccines are needed for 790,000 children, the report said, adding that failure to administer the shots "will result in an outbreak". The dire warnings over the humanitarian situation came one week after humanitarian and rebel sources first cited signs of a fresh government offensive against the TPLF, including air and ground strikes. The government has not officially confirmed the offensive. The UN said Thursday that reinforcements "by parties to the conflict" had been reported and that "areas along the border between Tigray and Amhara and Afar have seen clashes during the past week." Search Keywords: Short link: A ship's captain who rescued a group of 101 migrants from the Mediterranean sea before handing them over to the Libyan coastguard has been given a one-year jail term, in the first such case heard by Italy's courts. Giuseppe Sotgiu was convicted of violating international laws that forbid the forced return of people to countries where they are at risk, according to a copy of the ruling dated October 13, seen by AFP on Friday. Rights groups hailed the judgement, with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) calling it "an important first step" and urging a radical change in Italian and European policies to stop forced returns. But some experts were surprised at the verdict, first reported in the Avvenire newspaper on Thursday, as Italy and the EU have financed and trained Libya's coastguard specifically to help halt the flow of migrants -- a deal severely criticised by activists. Libya is not considered a port of safety under international law and earlier this week the UN Refugee Agency said it was "extremely worried" about continued suffering faced by migrants there. Prosecutors 'broadly' validated Sotgiu picked up the migrants -- including five pregnant women and five minors -- near an oil and gas rig in international waters and handed them over to the Libyan coastguard at the port of Tripoli, according to prosecutors. Naples chief prosecutor Giovanni Melillo told AFP in an email that the verdict "broadly" validated what his office had presented to the court even though the sentence was shorter than the 21 months they had demanded. The captain can appeal against the conviction and even if it is upheld he is unlikely to go to prison, as short sentences often do not lead to jail time. Sotgiu was piloting the ship Asso 28 owned by Augusta Offshore at the time of the rescue on July 30, 2018. The migrants were picked up from an unseaworthy dinghy near a platform operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas, a consortium of Libya's National Oil Corporation and Italy's ENI. Augusta Offshore, which works as a contractor for Mellitah, said at the time that the rescue had been coordinated by a Libyan coastguard officer and the Marine department of Sabratha, a city on the Libyan coast. ENI said it had been coordinated by the Libyan coastguard. Italian prosecutors said they could find no trace of a marine department in Sabratha nor evidence that maritime rescue coordination offices in Italy or Libya had been alerted. Search Keywords: Short link: Russia on Friday launched a population census delayed several times by the coronavirus pandemic that has exacerbated the country's worsening demographic crisis. Russia's population has been in near constant decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, due to a low birth rate, an under-resourced healthcare system and emigration. Related Russia hits new virus death record as autumn surge persists The coronavirus pandemic, which has killed at least 400,000 people in Russia according to the national statistic agency Rosstat, has seriously aggravated the problem. In 2020, the population shrank by 510,000 people -- the sharpest decline in 15 years, Rosstat calculated. It found that the population, which numbered 146.2 million as of January 1, declined by another 595,000 people by the end of August. Russia has also seen its birth rate stagnate as the mortality rate spikes, Rosstat data shows. The country is seeing falling birth rates because the generation becoming parents now were born in the 1990s, when the birthrate fell drastically due to economic uncertainties. President Vladimir Putin, who has pointed to poverty as a key factor in limiting family size, has over the years announced a litany of financial incentives to encourage Russians to have more children to boost the population. The census comes as Russia is seeing a surge in coronavirus infections. This week the country set a pandemic high for both cases and deaths as Russia's jab drive stalls and a lack of strict restrictions allow the virus to spread unchecked. To help limit the spread, much of the census will be conducted online, while workers will be regularly tested for the virus, Rosstat said. Russia has conducted two previous census counts since the fall of the Soviet Union, in 2010 and 2002. One of the only times Russia's population has grown in the years since the Soviet collapse was in 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine, adding more than 2.5 million people. The census will run until November 14 and preliminary population figures are expected in April. Search Keywords: Short link: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said hundreds of fighters loyal to the Islamic State militant group were massing in northern Afghanistan, as Moscow prepares to host international talks on the country next week. The United States, China and Pakistan will join talks on the Taliban takeover on Tuesday, the Kremlin's envoy to Afghanistan said. A day later, the Taliban and other regional players will talk to Russian officials on how to rally international assistance to stave off a humanitarian crisis. "According to our intelligence, the number of (IS) members alone in northern Afghanistan is about 2,000 people," Putin said during a video conference meeting with leaders of other ex-Soviet states. He said they had plans to move between ex-Soviet Central Asian countries disguised as refugees. Earlier this week, Putin warned of the threat of veteran fighters from Iraq and Syria with IS links crossing into Afghanistan, while Russia's foreign ministry said it expected the Taliban, which recently gained control of the country, to deal with the threat. On Friday, Putin said IS leaders in Afghanistan were seeking to project the group's influence across former Soviet states in Central Asia -- which Moscow sees as its backyard -- to stir up religious and ethnic discord. 'We need to interact' "Terrorists are seeking to infiltrate the Commonwealth's territory, including under the guise of refugees," Putin said, referring to a group of ex-Soviet countries -- some of which border Afghanistan. The Taliban, which seized control of Kabul from a pro-Western government in mid-August, are seeking international recognition and aid. Putin's special envoy to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said on Friday that Tuesday's talks would focus on trying "to work out a common position on the changing situation in Afghanistan". As for the talks the next day, Kabulov said Moscow did not expect any "breakthrough solutions" but would "openly state our complaints to the Afghan delegation". The Kremlin has reached out to the Taliban and hosted its representatives in Moscow several times in recent years. While Moscow has been cautiously optimistic about the new leadership in Kabul, the Kremlin is concerned about instability spilling over into Central Asia where it has military bases. Putin on Friday said there was no need to rush with official recognition of the Taliban but noted that "we understand that we need to interact with them". In the 1980s, Moscow fought a disastrous decade-long war in Afghanistan that killed up to two million Afghans, forced seven million more from their homes and led to the deaths of more than 14,000 Soviet troops. Search Keywords: Short link: The International Space Station was briefly destabilised Friday during tests of a Russian-made Soyuz rocket, but the crew and the orbital station were not in danger, Moscow said. Russia's Roscosmos space agency said the incident happened during tests of the engines of the Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft set to return a Russian actress and filmmaker aboard the ISS to Earth on Sunday. "As a result, the International Space Station temporarily changed its position," Roscosmos said in a statement. "The station and the crew are not in danger." Russian actress Yulia Peresild and film director Klim Shipenko travelled to the ISS earlier this month to make the first movie in orbit ahead of the United States. Peresild and Shipenko are set to go back to Earth with cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky, who has been on the space station for the past six months. The Russian segment of the ISS has experienced a number of problems in recent months. In July, the space station tilted out of orbit after the thrusters of the Nauka module reignited several hours after docking. Search Keywords: Short link: U.S. real estate scion Robert Durst was sentenced Thursday to life in prison with no possibility of parole for the killing of his best friend. Durst, a multi-millionaire who was the subject of an explosive HBO documentary entitled "The Jinx," has always denied charges that he shot that friend, Susan Berman, in the back of the head in 2000 at her Beverly Hills home to keep her from talking to police about the disappearance of his wife two decades earlier. New York real estate scion Robert Durst answers questions from defense attorney Dick DeGuerin, while testifying in his murder trial at the Inglewood Courthouse in Inglewood, Calif., Aug. 9, 2021. [File Photo: Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool] But last month, a jury in Los Angeles took just eight hours to find the 78-year-old guilty of the execution-style slaying of Berman. "This crime was a witness killing," Judge Mark Windham said before reading out the life sentence. "That circumstance... tremendously aggravated this awful, disturbing crime." Windham rejected the defense's request for a new trial, saying, "There is sufficient, in fact, overwhelming evidence of guilt." The court also heard from Sareb Kaufman, a son of Berman who said he has wondered what his life would have been like had Durst not killed his mother. "Every plan was completely swept away," a crying Kaufman said. "You also murdered me, the person I was." Durst sat motionless in a wheelchair during Thursday's court session. Prosecutors say he murdered crime writer Berman to prevent her from being questioned by New York police over the disappearance of his wife Kathleen. Berman, the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster, had acted as a spokeswoman for Durst after he became a suspect in the wife's disappearance. - 'Killed them all' - Durst, an estranged member of one of New York's wealthiest and most powerful real estate dynasties, was never charged in his wife's case. He was arrested in March 2015 in a New Orleans hotel room in connection with Berman's murder, hours before the final episode aired in the HBO documentary "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst." In its stunning finale, Durst is heard muttering to himself, "There it is, you're caught" and "Killed them all, of course" -- apparently unaware that a microphone he was wearing during the recording of that episode remained switched on while he used the restroom during a break in the session. In Thursday's proceedings, Berman's relatives urged him to say where his wife's body is. The docuseries also delved into the 2001 death of Durst's neighbor in Texas, Morris Black, who was found dismembered. Durst admitted to the dismemberment but claimed the killing was self-defense. He was acquitted. He repeatedly denied any involvement in Berman's death, but acknowledged he had written an anonymous letter to police telling them that her body lay in her Beverly Hills home. Last month, prosecutor John Lewin told the jury there was a "mountain of evidence" that Durst had killed all three people with whose deaths he had been connected. He said a friend of Durst had testified that the real estate magnate had told him of Berman, "It was her or me. I had no choice." "He has never been held accountable for his domestic abuse of (wife) Kathie. He was never held accountable for her death. The last 20 years, he's gotten away with murdering Susan," Lewin told the jury. "For the last 20 years, he's avoided responsibility for Morris Black. Durst is not jinxed. He's a three-time killer who has managed to escape accountability until this very moment." KYODO NEWS - Oct 15, 2021 - 14:14 | World, All Myanmar's military government has said it could not approve a special ASEAN envoy's insistence on meeting with "some specific individuals" in the country, indicating it has effectively rejected his visit because of the request to meet civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and some other opposition leaders. The Foreign Ministry under the military government issued a statement on Thursday saying "some requests which go beyond the permission of existing laws will be difficult to be accommodated," regarding the request by Erywan Yusof, ASEAN's special envoy on Myanmar and Brunei's second foreign minister. The special envoy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, who was appointed in August, is supposed to mediate dialogue between all sides in Myanmar's political turmoil as part of his mandate. He had planned to visit the country from Monday to Thursday. While the statement did not explicitly mention that the ministry had refused Erywan's visit, a spokesman of the Myanmar military told Radio Free Asia on Thursday that the special envoy's visit was postponed from his side due to his "bargaining attempts." Related coverage: ASEAN mulls downgrading Myanmar representation at summit ASEAN envoy to Myanmar calls for 4-month cease-fire to deliver aid Japan, ASEAN envoy to Myanmar vow to cooperate on resolving crisis In the statement, the ministry also said it hopes Erywan will avoid any actions that are aimed at putting politically motivated pressure on Myanmar. On Friday, ASEAN foreign ministers will hold an emergency online meeting to discuss Myanmar, including not letting the country's military leader attend a summit meeting late this month, according to ASEAN sources. Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia proposed at a high-level ASEAN meeting on Friday last week that Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led a coup in February that ousted the elected government under Suu Kyi, not be allowed to participate in the summit, the sources said. ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. KYODO NEWS - Oct 15, 2021 - 22:41 | All, Coronavirus, Japan Japan's government said Friday it will boost the country's medical system to allow 20 percent more COVID-19 patients to be admitted to hospitals compared with this summer's fifth wave of infections when many people were forced to recuperate at home. In an outline of countermeasures presented at a panel meeting, the government of new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said it will seek to increase the utilization rate of hospital beds secured for COVID-19 patients, in addition to designating more beds at public hospitals for exclusive use by sufferers of the respiratory disease. The announcement came amid concerns about a potential sixth wave of the virus in winter. Measures to prevent such a development are a key issue for the Oct. 31 general election. "We will prepare for the next surge in infections by considering the worst-case scenario," Kishida said at the meeting. The government plans to present a more detailed response to the pandemic in November, he added. Kishida also said he might ask people to follow strict restrictions on their activities if the country sees a large spike in coronavirus infections. Japan saw a surge in infections this summer when it held the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, logging a nationwide daily record of 25,867 on Aug. 20. Since then, the country has seen a steady decline in cases, but concerns remain over another surge. On Friday, the nationwide tally stood at 531 cases, according to reports by local governments. Tokyo on Friday confirmed 57 cases of infections, compared with 138 a week ago. The number of patients being hospitalized or recuperating at home is declining, according to the metropolitan government. In the outline, the government said it will prepare the medical infrastructure so it can endure another wave of infections worse than the fifth wave. It said that it plans to have about 80 percent of hospital beds allocated for COVID-19 utilized and require public hospitals to secure more beds under the law. However, strengthening the health care system poses a challenge, as it will require securing more medical workers and balancing the treatment for COVID patients and those with other diseases. The government will, therefore, likely be required to provide sufficient support to medical facilities. To ensure transparency, the government is also considering releasing information about the country's medical infrastructure, including the occupancy rate of hospital beds and the status of online examinations of COVID patients recuperating at home. KYODO NEWS - Oct 15, 2021 - 22:35 | All, World, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged South Korean President Moon Jae In Friday to take the initiative to resolve a bilateral spat over wartime compensation. Speaking to reporters after their first phone talks since Kishida took office last week, the Japanese leader said he "strongly urged South Korea to take appropriate action" and that bilateral relations are in an "extremely difficult situation." Moon told Kishida that it is "desirable to look for diplomatic solutions between the two countries" as the issue is "a problem over differences in legal interpretation" of how much is covered by a 1965 bilateral agreement that sought to settle issues related to property and claims stemming from the 1910-1945 Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, according to Moon's office. In the roughly 35-minute talks, Kishida said he and Moon agreed to cooperate along with mutual ally the United States to deal with North Korea, which recently resumed ballistic missile tests. It was the first conversation between the leaders of Japan and South Korea since Moon briefly spoke with Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit in June in Britain. Kishida also said he asked Moon for South Korea's support in Japan's efforts to retrieve nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. Kishida said there are currently no plans for an in-person meeting between the two. Tokyo-Seoul relations deteriorated sharply in late 2018 after South Korea's top court ordered a Japanese company to pay damages for forced labor during Japan's colonial rule. Japan maintains the issue of compensation was settled "completely and finally" by the 1965 bilateral agreement, which provided South Korea with financial assistance, and has called on the Moon administration to resolve the issue. The countries are also at odds over the issue of "comfort women," a euphemism for women from the peninsula and elsewhere that worked in Japan's military brothels. KYODO NEWS - Oct 15, 2021 - 21:12 | All, Japan Some NTT Docomo Inc. mobile phone customers were still facing disruptions to voice and data communications Friday, a day after Japan's largest mobile carrier reported a nationwide system outage. A system issue occurred around 5 p.m. Thursday during work on the carrier's network, leaving 2 million people without voice and data services at one point. It said the system was restored three hours later but connections remained unstable for some users due to network congestion. On Friday, the wireless carrier with some 80 million contracts limited data traffic following the network congestion. Major 4G and next-generation 5G networks returned to normal at 5:05 a.m. But the 3G network used by older pre-smartphone devices was yet to be fixed. "We apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused to many people," Hozumi Tamura, senior executive vice president of NTT Docomo, said at a press conference. He did not indicate when the network will be fully restored. Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Yasushi Kaneko said Friday the ministry has asked NTT Docomo to investigate the cause of the massive service disruption and report the scope of users affected. "It is very regrettable that the (system) failure occurred to significantly affect the mobile phone service, important infrastructure for people's lives," Kaneko told reporters. The ministry intends to confirm whether the problem falls under "a serious incident" stipulated in the law on telecommunications business based on the carrier's report, he said. If it does, the carrier may be instructed to improve its operational response and ensure that a similar issue does not recur. Low-cost carriers using NTT Docomo's network also suffered problems, such as phones showing no service and people not being able to use SMS. NTT Docomo said its system responded in an unexpected way during the work. Data that had backed up during the outage overwhelmed the system when the company tried to restore services, it added. In January 2019, the communications ministry instructed SoftBank Corp., Japan's third-largest carrier by user base, to improve its response to a similar issue after faulty software provided by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson caused an outage that affected around 30.6 million subscriber accounts for about four and a half hours. KYODO NEWS - Oct 16, 2021 - 01:31 | All, World, Coronavirus The United States will require coronavirus vaccination for foreign nationals traveling to the country starting Nov. 8, the White House said Friday, ending entry restrictions against non-U.S. citizens from China, Europe and some other countries that were introduced in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz tweeted that the new policy will apply to both international air travel and land travel. Last month, the White House had said the vaccination requirements slated to begin in early November would affect air travelers. Vaccinated air travelers will not be required to quarantine upon entry into the United States. As the pandemic accelerated early last year, the United States essentially barred the entry of non-U.S. citizens if they had been in certain countries within the previous 14 days. The countries were Brazil, Britain, China, India, Iran, Ireland, South Africa and a group of European countries with open-border agreements, such as France, Germany and Italy. All air passengers entering the United States have also been required to get a virus test within three days prior to boarding U.S.-bound flights and provide written documentation of their laboratory test results to airlines. European countries have been increasingly frustrated with the U.S. travel ban, which has remained in place even as more people have received shots. The U.S. government said last month that, under the new rules, foreign nationals boarding U.S.-bound airplanes must show proof that they are fully vaccinated in addition to the existing requirement of testing negative for the novel coronavirus within three days prior to departure. KYODO NEWS - Oct 16, 2021 - 04:44 | World, All ASEAN foreign ministers arranged on Friday to exclude the military leadership of Myanmar from the regional group's summit meeting later this month in favor of a non-political representative, an ASEAN source said. The decision to exclude Myanmar's military leader marks a historic shift for ASEAN from its principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member countries. At an emergency online meeting, the ministers arranged not to invite Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led a coup in February that ousted Myanmar's elected government under civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the source added. Brunei, this year's chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is expected to issue a statement Saturday on the emergency meeting, according to ASEAN sources. ASEAN has been facing pressure from the United States to take a tougher stance on the issue. Some member countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, proposed that Myanmar's military leader not be allowed to participate in the summit over a lack of cooperation from the military government, including its failure to accept a special ASEAN envoy. The ministers held the emergency meeting to discuss whether the Myanmar military leader should be allowed to attend the summit, scheduled for Oct. 26 to 28, after the government failed to cooperate with Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, appointed special envoy for Myanmar in August, on a proposed visit to the country on ASEAN's terms requesting full access to the parties in conflict. "Different views were shared among ASEAN, however, the majority preferred a non-political figure to represent Myanmar at the summit while one or two said that it should be foreign ministers level at most," said the ASEAN source. The foreign minister of one member country suggested during the meeting that as a face-saving measure, the Myanmar military leader should send a letter to ASEAN through his foreign minister to say he is too busy to attend the summit, the source said. Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi tweeted that she proposed the participation of Myanmar at the summit "should not be represented at the political level until Myanmar restore its democracy through an inclusive process." At the emergency meeting, the ministers also tasked the envoy with visiting Myanmar as soon as possible ahead of the summit. However, the date for such a trip has not been fixed, as the envoy still needs to "work out with Myanmar the program such as whom to meet," said the source, adding that Myanmar's foreign minister reiterated the difficulty of allowing the envoy to meet Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and others who were ousted by the military. Efforts to negotiate with the junta for the visit on ASEAN's terms ended unsuccessfully earlier this week. The military government said in a statement on Thursday that the special envoy had "proposed a list of names of individuals with whom he wishes to meet and other actions required from Myanmar for his visit." But it said that "some requests which go beyond the permission of existing laws will be difficult to accommodate." ASEAN seems divided on how to deal with Myanmar, with some countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines calling for a tougher stance, while others prefer a softer approach. Thailand's foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday that "Thailand views Myanmar as a member of the ASEAN family" and expressed hope that the visit by the special envoy will happen soon. New Delhi: NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumaras tweet against Congressa minimum income promise has landed him in trouble. The Election Commission has reportedly slapped a notice and demanded an explanation from Kumar over his social media posts. On March 25, the day Congress chief Rahul Gandhi announced the scheme, Kumar took to Twitter and slammed the Grand Old Party of India for making false promises to win elections. aTrue to its past record of promising the moon to win elections, Congress President announces a scheme that will burst fiscal discipline, create strong incentives against work and which will never be implemented,a Kumar said in a series of tweets. A True to its past record of promising the moon to win elections, Congress President announces a scheme that will burst fiscal discipline, create strong incentives against work and which will never be implemented. (1/2)#MinimumIncomeGuarantee @PMOIndia @FinMinIndia a Rajiv Kumar YY (@RajivKumar1) March 25, 2019 Complete with the Tricolour and a blue tick, Kumaras Twitter bio reads, aVice Chairman @NITIAayog | Founder @PahleIndia | Senior Fellow @CPR_India | Economist, Author, Columnist who loves travel, sufi music and sahaja yoga meditationa. And this is what has drawn the Election Commissionas ire that how can a current member of an official agency talk like a politician. According to PTI, sources in the poll panel said, since Kumar is part of "bureaucratic executive", such remarks may be violative of the model code. "It is not a case of one politician attacking the other or one party attacking the other," said a functionary. He had also tweeted, saying "The proposed income guarantee scheme fails the economics test, fiscal discipline test and execution test". In another tweet, Kumar had claimed that, "true to its past record of promising the moon to win elections, Congress President announces a scheme that will bust fiscal discipline, create strong incentives against work and which will never be implemented." Kumar is reported to made similar remarks in an interview also. At a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, Rahul Gandhi announced that 20 per cent families belonging to the poorest category will be given Rs 72,000 each annually as minimum income if Congress comes to power. A A aCongress party promises that India's 20%,most poor families will get yearly 72,000 rupees in their bank accounts under minimum basic income guarantee scheme. 5 crore families and 25 crore people will directly benefit from this scheme. All calculations have been done. There is no such scheme anywhere else in the world,a Gandhi said during a party press conference in Delhi.This was sort of a formal announcement of partyas mega poll promise. Earlier, in a rally in Dehradun, Gandhi had spoken extensively about his plan to provide dignity to the poor of the country. The announcement comes at a time when Narendra Modi government launched ambitious aPM-KISAN schemea during its last Budget. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) was announced in the interim Budget 2019-20 on February 1, 2019. Under the Scheme, Rs 6,000 will be given per year to small and marginal farmer families having combined land holding/ownership of up to 2 hectares. The amount will be given in three installments of Rs 2000 each. New Delhi: A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged on Tuesday the Pentagons plan to divert US dollar 1 billion to support President Donald Trumps plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border. Earlier, the Pentagon has notified the US Congress that it has authorised the transfer of $1 billion for Donald trump's border wall along Mexico. The funds have been diverted from the US army corpus to build the 58 miles fence, the Daily Beast report said. I have decided to undertake Yuma sector projects 1 and 2 and El Paso sector project 1 by constructing 57 miles of 18-foot-high pedestrian fencing, constructing and improving roads, and installing lighting as described in your February 25, 2019 request, acting defence secretary Patrick Shanahan said in a letter to homeland security secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. It was the newest challenge to Trumps February 15 declaration of a national emergency at the border in order to obtain more than USD 5 billion to build a frontier wall to keep out illegal immigrants and drug smugglers, after Congress denied him the funds. The Defence Department is attempting to circumvent Congress and the American peoples opposition to using taxpayer money for the construction of an unnecessary wall, and the military is paying the cost, said committee chairman Adam Smith. This needs to stop.... The Administration should stop using our service members as a political tool and instead focus on building military capabilities and readiness and areas where we should focus our defence resources. Congress will act as necessary to defend its Constitutional prerogatives, Smith warned in a statement. Late Monday Shanahan said he had authorized the move of the funds to help the Homeland Security Department build 57 miles (92 kilometres) of 18-foot (5.5-meter) fencing, to construct and improve roads, and install lighting to support Trumps emergency declaration. Addressing concerns that the US military was straying out of its mission into domestic civilian operations, Shanahan cited US law that authorizes the military to support the counterdrug activities of other federal agencies. For two years Trump has battled Congress for as much as USD 25 billion in funds to fortify the Mexico border with a massive wall. After Congress voted earlier this month to nullify the emergency declaration, Trump vetoed it, allowing the Pentagon to reallocate billions of dollars to the border emergency. Smith said some limited amount of reprogramming of Pentagon funds for emergency needs without congressional approval is normally allowed. But the shift of USD 1 billion, he said, is a violation of that trust. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said that she will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if the Congress wants her to but she has not decided yet. "I've not decided yet. If my party asks me to contest, I will definitely contest. My wish is to work for the party," she said. Ahead of the Congress announcing its candidates in Uttar Pradesh, speculations were rife that Priyanka may feature in the list of party candidates for the general election. But the first list of canidates features Rahul and Sonia Gandhi who will contest from Amethi and Rae Bareli respectively. Earlier, party workers speculated that Priyanka Gandhi, who continues the Gandhi family's legacy of active politics, may contest the polls from her mother Sonia Gandhi's constituency Rae Bareli Piyanka's appointment is seen as an attempt by the Congress to gain some importance in the state as it was in a "bad shape" after being left out of the SP-BSP alliance. Party workers feel that Priyanka's personality would woo voters, especially the youth. However, the BJP claims that the entry of Priyanka Gandhi into active politics will not have any impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the politically crucial state. Priyanka Gandhi, who arrived in Amethi to hold a dialogue with the booth level presidents as part of the party's 'humara booth, humara gaurav' campaign, also congratulated the DRDO scientists for the "Mission Shakti" in which India demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite. She, however, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing politics over scientists' achievements following his address to the nation announcing successful test of an anti-satellite missile. She also hit back at UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who had alleged that Priyanka and Rahul only visited temples during election time. Yogi's remarks came on Priyanka's scheduled visit to Ayodhya on Friday. "How does he know where I go and when? How does he know I don't go during non-election time?" she said. Earlier in the day, Priyanka asked party workers to reach out to the villages and expose what she called was the BJP's "jumlebazi" or empty rhetoric. The Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern districts said people and Amethi have suffered a lot because of demonetisation, stray cattle menace, stopping MNREGS and snatching of a food park and the Indian Institute of Information Technology. She said it was during the Congress' rule the country achieved expertise in manufacturing matchboxes to missiles, whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi was merely undertaking foreign trips even as farmers faced immense problems and were not even getting proper return for their produce. She accused Modi of not fulfilling his "promise" of depositing Rs 15 lakh each into every Indian's account. She said the Congress party does what it says, pointing out that farm loans were waived soon after the Rajasthan government was formed. The Congress leader said her party had promised to give Rs 72,000 yearly to poor families and will show how the scheme works. In April this year, Rahul appointed Priyanka as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, which also comprises Lok Sabha seats of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Long known as a natural in politics who inherited her grandmother Indira Gandhi's charisma, Priyanka Gandhi was earlier actively involved in key decision making in the party along with her mother and brother, including the selection of new chief ministers for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh recently. Washington: A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines made an emergency landing Tuesday after experiencing an engine problem as it was being ferried from Florida to California, the US Federal Aviation Agency said. "The aircraft returned and landed safely in Orlando," the FAA said in a statement, adding that no passengers were on board the aircraft, which was being transferred to Victorville, California for storage. "The FAA is investigating," added the agency, which grounded the Boeing 737 MAX on March 13 following two deadly accidents involving Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air but continues to allow the planes to be ferried from airport to airport. Southwest said the plane experienced an engine problem "shortly after takeoff." "The crew followed protocol and safely landed back at the airport" around 3:00 pm (1900 GMT), spokesman Chris Mainz said. "The Boeing 737 MAX 8 will be moved to our Orlando maintenance facility for a review." It was the latest setback for Boeing's flagship narrow-body plane following October's Lion Air crash and the Ethiopian Airlines accident earlier this month, which together killed 346 people. The accidents, which shared similarities, led authorities across the world to ground the aircraft. Boeing has since conducted test flights of its 737 MAX to evaluate a fix for the MCAS stall prevention system targeted as a potential cause for the deadly crashes, two sources familiar with the matter said. The system has been criticized since it can malfunction and make it difficult for pilots to control the aircraft. Both of the recent crashes occurred moments after takeoff. A Senate Commerce Committee panel will hold a hearing Wednesday to question FAA Acting Administration Daniel Elwell and Transportation Department Inspector General Calvin Scovel The officials are expected to face questions from lawmakers on the FAA's certification of the 737 MAX and whether regulators have become too cozy with the company, and fast-tracked some approvals. The session is expected to be followed by a second hearing at a later date with Boeing, airline pilots and other stakeholders, the committee said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: Boys with obesity, or excess belly fat, enter puberty at an earlier age than average, scientists have found. Researchers from the University of Chile conducted the study on 527 Chilean boys ages four to seven years. They found that both total body obesity and central obesity, or excess belly fat, were associated with greater odds of starting puberty before age nine. "With the increase in childhood obesity worldwide, there has been an advance in the age at which puberty begins in girls," said Maria Veronica Mericq, the lead investigator of the study. "However, in boys the evidence has been controversial," said Mericq. Some studies have found that obesity delayed puberty, whereas another study showed that only overweight but not obesity-induced earlier puberty in boys. Early puberty -- called precocious puberty -- is linked to possible problems including stunted growth and emotional-social problems, researchers said. The team found that the prevalence of total obesity increased with age, from 22 per cent of boys ages 6 to 7 years to 28.6 per cent at 11.4 years, the average age at onset of puberty for this group. Central obesity also increased in that timeframe, from 11.8 per cent to 17.4 per cent. Precocious puberty reportedly occurred in 45 boys, or nine per cent. Total obesity and central obesity from ages four to seven raised the odds of early puberty compared with having a healthy weight. For instance, among boys age five or six, those with obesity had nearly 2.7 times the odds of starting puberty early, and those with central obesity had almost 6.4 higher odds of puberty before age nine, Mericq said. She explained that central obesity more closely relates to fat mass, because a higher BMI may reflect increased muscle, especially in athletes. "Early puberty might increase the risk of behaviour problems and in boys could be related to a higher incidence of testicular cancer in adulthood," Mericq said. "Our results suggest that controlling the obesity epidemic in children could be useful in decreasing these risks," he said. For all the Latest Lifestyle News, Others News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Toronto: Playing games in virtual reality (VR) may help treat people with neurological disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, a study claims. The technology, described in the journal Scientific Reports, could help the patients shift their perceptions of time, which their conditions lead them to perceive differently. "The ability to estimate the passage of time with precision is fundamental to our ability to interact with the world," said Seamas Weech, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Waterloo in Canada. "For some individuals, however, the internal clock is maladjusted, causing timing deficiencies that affect perception and action," Weech said in a statement. The study will help researchers to understand how these deficiencies might be acquired, and how to recalibrate time perception in the brain. It involved 18 females and 13 males with normal vision and no sensory, musculoskeletal or neurological disorders. The researchers used a virtual reality game, Robo Recall, to create a natural setting in which to encourage re-calibration of time perception. The researchers coupled the speed and duration of visual events to the participant's body movements. They measured participants' time perception abilities before and after they were exposed to the dynamic VR task. Some participants also completed non-VR time-perception tasks, such as throwing a ball, to use as a control comparison. The team measured the actual and perceived durations of a moving probe in the time perception tasks. The researchers found that virtual reality manipulation was associated with significant reductions in the participants' estimates of time, by around 15 percent. "This study adds valuable proof that the perception of time is flexible, and that VR offers a potentially valuable tool for recalibrating time in the brain," said Weech. "It offers a compelling application for rehabilitation initiatives that focus on how time perception breaks down in certain populations," he said. Weech said that while the effects were strong during the current study, more research is needed to find out how long the effects last, and whether these signals are observable in the brain. "For developing clinical applications, we need to know whether these effects are stable for minutes, days, or weeks afterward. A longitudinal study would provide the answer to this question," he said. Mumbai: In a major step to partly recover outstanding dues from Vijay Mallya, a PMLA court Tuesday rejected United Breweries Holdings' plea to stay the proposed sale of shares worth around Rs 1,000 crore of its erstwhile subsidiary United Breweries (UBL) by a court-appointed liquidator. Special judge MS Azmi rejected their plea on the ground that the court may not have the powers to grant a stay on the proposed sale. This is the first sale of Mallya's confiscated assets by the authorities since he left the country in March 2016. United Breweries shares closed over 2 per cent up on the BSE at Rs 1,347.90 Tuesday and the sale of 74,04,932 shares at this price would fetch around Rs 999 crore. Beer major Heineken is the largest shareholder of UBL with a 44 per cent stake. Earlier this month, it approached SBI to sell them, following which the bank moved the Karnataka High Court seeking rights over a 2.8 per cent stake in UBL on March 18. The shares are currently held by a court-appointed liquidator and was previously owned by UBHL, the erstwhile holding company of all firms owned by Mallya. UBHL is currently owned by the world's largest liquor company Diageo of England. Earlier this month, the Debt Recovery Tribunal transferred the shares (about 7.4 million) to a court-appointed liquidator. These shares were earlier attached by the ED, which is investigating allegations of money laundering against Mallya. UBHL last Friday moved the special PMLA court to stop the sale of 74,04,932 shares of UBL scheduled for Wednesday. These shares were pledged as collateral by the then owner Mallya through one of his companies UBL. Mallya was declared as a fugitive economic offender by domestic courts earlier this year. Mallya-promoted Kingfisher Airlines, which ceased operations in December 2012, owes over Rs 9,000 crore to a clutch of lenders led by State Bank of India. UBHL had sought a stay on the share sale pointing out that these shares along with other properties are already attached by the ED and have multiple claimants including the ED, the banks and DRT. They also claimed DRT and banks ignored the order passed by the Karnataka High Court stating that the sale of the shares would be subject matter of the special PMLA court. The Bengaluru bench of the DRT had on March 11 issued a notice to sell these shares. The DRT had stated that shares were being sold to partly recover the secured debt of Rs 6,203.35 crore towards the loan taken by Kingfisher Airlines. Along with interest and penalties banks are demanding Rs 9,000 crore from Mallya. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Ashita, the celebrated Malayalam poet and writer, has died. She was 63. Undergoing treatment for cancer, Ashita breathed her last at a private hospital in Keralaas Thrissur. According to an Indian Express report, the hospital confirmed the news at 12:55 am. The literary giant was especially known for her short stories and had more than 20 books under her name. aVismaya Chhihnangal,a aApoorna Viramangal,a aAshithayude Kathakala aMazhameghangal,a are some of her noted works. She was conferred with prestigious Edaserri Award (1986) and the Lalithambika Antharjanam Award (1994) and the Kerala Sahithya Akademi award. Ashita is survived by husband KV Ramankutty and daughter Uma Praseeda. A Day starts horribly. Ashita no more. Sad beyond words. a N.S. Madhavan UU. U. UUUU (@NSMlive) March 27, 2019 Malayalam writer NS Madhavan took to Twitter to express his grief. aDay starts horribly. Ashita no more. Sad beyond words,a he said on micro-blogging site. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Karachi: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday announced the complete opening of Pakistans airspace, with the national carrier resuming its flights across the country. Pakistan closed its airspace on February 27 following escalating tensions with India. On Tuesday, two-way flights from Lahore to Islamabad and flights from Karachi to Multan departed as per schedule, said a statement issued by the national carrier - Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) - on Tuesday. Flights have also been resumed for Bahawalpur, Raheem Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan. Flights from Sialkot will resume from March 28, after necessary repairs are carried out on the Sialkot airport runway, it said. Earlier in February, the CAA partially opened the countrys airspace after keeping it closed for several hours following a rare aerial dogfight between Indian and Pakistani jets. The CAA had also declared an aerial emergency, saying Pakistani airspace is closed until further notice. All local and international commercial flights were suspended following escalating tension between India and Pakistan. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Telangana Board students who have appeared for TS Inter 2019 examination can brace themselves as the Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education is likely to announce TS Inter First Year and Second Year result in the second week of April 2019. The candidates are asked to keep all the details ready for the fast and easy access to the result. Soon after the formal declaration of the result, the scorecards will be available on the official website of the board. Last year, the TS Board result was declared on April 13, 2018. For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can check the results: Visit the official websites of the board i.e. bie.telangana.gov.in, results.cgg.gov.in. The students will be required to click on the link and then a new page will appear. On that page, the students will have to submit the hall ticket number and the relevant captcha. In this way, the candidates can see their results. According to the sources, the TS Board will announce the result for various streams. So, on the same date, the result will be released for the 1st year General, 1st year Vocational, 2nd year general and also the 2nd year Vocational stream. As per the reports, this year, around 4,36,621 candidates have taken part in the Inter first year exams. The number of students of Inter second year is almost the same. The exams of Inter 1st year were held from February 27 to March 16, 2019. The first and the last exams were 2nd Language Paper-1 and Modern Langauge Paper-1/ Geography Paper-1 respectively. For Inter second year, the board conducted the first exam on February 28, 2019. The first exam was for 2nd Language Paper-2. Around 19 days, the exams got over. The exams were finished on March 18, 2019. The last exam was for Modern Langauge Paper-2/ Geography Paper-2. New Delhi: Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said she would lift the ban on Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) if voted to power. Banning organisations, like the JKLF and the JeI, would have far reaching consequences and such measures would increase the alienation and frustration of the people, she said. Following the Pulwama attack, the Central government declared the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in Jammu and Kashmir as an 'unlawful association' under Section 3 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for alleged anti-national and subversive activities. The ban was ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after a high-level meeting on national security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On February 14, at least 42 CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 30 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district that also left many critically wounded. More than 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Latoomode in Awantipora in south Kashmir. "In a democracy, ideas are allowed to flourish and not choked. By taking such undemocratic, unconstitutional and unnatural measures, the government is trying to show its electorate how tough it is against the Muslims and against Jammu and Kashmir. "If our party is voted to power, we will make efforts to undo the BJP's wrongs and lift the ban imposed on the JeI and the JKLF," Mehbooba Mufti said. On February 22, the state police detained over 100 of Jamaat's cadres, including its chief Abdul Hamid Fayaz. Detainees include Advocate Zahid Ali (spokesperson), Ghulam Qadir Lone (former secretary general), Abdur Rouf (Ameer Zila Islamabad), Mudasir Ahmad (Ameer Tehsil Pahalgam), Abdul Salam, Bakhtawar Ahmad, Mohammad Hayat (Tral), Bilal Ahmad, Ghulam Mohammad Dar, and others. New Delhi: Three terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Keller area of Jammu and Kashmirs Shopian district. CRPF, Army and Jammu and Kashmir police had launched a joint operation in the area. The terrorists have been identified as Sajad Khanday, Aqib Ahmad Dar and Basharat Ahmad Mir, all residents of Pulwama. It was a combined group of terror outfits Hizbul Mujahideen and LeT, Jammu and Kashmir Police said. On Wednesday, terrorists shot dead a civilian in Kachdoora village of Jammu and Kashmirs Shopian district. He was identified as Tanveer Ahmed (24) from Bemnipora, Shopian. Police have registered case has been registered and an investigation has been started. Security forces have cordoned the area to nab the attacker. On Monday, a terrorist hideout was busted in Jammu and Kashmirs Shermal Shopian. Incriminating material and other items have been recovered from the site, an official said. Hideout has been blasted so that terrorist can't use the hideout in future, he said. Jammu and Kashmir police has filed a FIR has and further investigation is going on, he added. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday arrested three terrorists affiliated to the proscribed terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) near a check-point at Narabal on the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway based on a credible input. Incriminating material, including ammunition and live rounds, were recovered. The police have registered a case. "Three car-borne terrorists affiliated with proscribed terror outfit JeM (were) arrested by police and security forces at Lawaypora (on Srinagar-Baramulla road) (based) on a credible input today," a police spokesperson said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: An artist from Bengaluru found an innovate way to paid tribute to the Wing Commander Abhinandan for his heroic feat. He has created a black and white portrait using a typewriter.A The artists named AC Gurumurthy said ANI, "He is the real hero, he brought real laurels for our country, this is what inspired me." The artwork was done on March 01, when Abhinandan has returned to India from being held captive in Pakistan via Wagah-Attari border. The photos went viral and the social media was all praises for the initiative. Bengaluru: Artist creates a portrait of Wing Commander Abhinandan using a manual typewriter. AC Gurumurthy, artist says, "He is the real hero, he brought real laurels for our country, this is what inspired me." #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/PFQC2E2gMu a ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2019 A Artist Gurumurthy typed out numbers, alphabets, symbols and special characters that are available on a regular typewriter in a fashion that the IAF pilot's picture is visible. The portrait is complete with Abhinandanas gunslinger moustache which recently caught the fancy of thousands of people.A Ever since Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured by Pakistani Army on February 27 and released on March 1, his courage and confidence have been celebrated with many gestures across the country. Thousands of Indians celebrated the brave pilotas return by bursting crackers, writing poems, distributing sweets, and even naming newborns after his first name. Last week, a chef carved the IAF pilotas face on a watermelon at the 14th Culinary Art of India event in Delhi.A In the thoughtful gesture, Singh, who has served PM #NarendraModi and former PM #ManmohanSingh, carved out #Abhinandan's distinct and "iconic" moustache, on the watermelon, along with "#JaiHind" in Devanagari script and a couple of army men. Video: IANS pic.twitter.com/REIRduk17v a IANS Tweets (@ians_india) March 12, 2019 A Gurumurthy a former employee with Bank of Baroda is one of the first type artists in India. It took him two hours to complete the portrait using the typewriter. He has earlier made portraits of APJ Abdul Kalam, Barack Obama and other eminent personalities. For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Two people were killed and two were injured in a shooting Wednesday in Lake City, the Seattle Police Department said. Shots broke out at about 4 pm near NE 120th and Sand Point Way NE when a man attempted to carjack a 57-year-old woman's vehicle. Police said he shot and critically injured her, then walked onto the street and fired at a Route 75 Metro bus. The woman was treated at the scene and transported to Harborview Medical Center. The driver was shot and then hit an emergency alarm. He was able to turn the bus around, away from the suspect, police said. The driver was later treated and transported to Harborview. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Come April 1, alcoholic beverages will have a statutory health warning much like the macabre looking prints on cigarette packages that will say Drinking Is injurious to health. This health warning which was carried from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)in 2018 issued that all liquor bottles will carry cautionary messages on their labels will now come to effect from April 1. As per the food regulator's specifications, alcoholic beverage bottles of up to 200 ml should carry the labeled warning message with capital letters no less than 1.5 mm high while the bottles larger than 200 ml will have letters 3mm tall. "Alcoholic beverages are also regulated under the food safety Act. However, there were no labelling regulations created under the Act so far because of which the manufacturers used to follow the excise laws and standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Now that we have created regulations, these will have to be adhered to," Pawan Aggarwal, chief executive officer, FSSAI told Hindustan Times. The new regulation called the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages Standards) Regulation, 2018 will apply on all distilled alcoholic beverages including brandy, country liquor, gin, rum, vodka and whisky, liqueur or alcoholic cordial, wines and beer. In addition to the statutory warning, alcoholic beverages containing more than 0.5% alcohol also carry a label declaration about the alcohol content, no nutritional data, no health claim, will not have any nutritional data, health claim and will steer away from words like non-toxicating or the likewise. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the nation where he announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. "In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today," he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media. Soon after the announcement, opposition leaders across the party took to twitter and congratulated DRDO and ISRO scientists for successfully conducting the test. They however, took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the credit. Well done DRDO, extremely proud of your work. I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day. a Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 27, 2019 Congress president Rahul Gandhi in his sarcastic tweet wished PM Modi on aWorld Treaters Daya. aWell done DRDO, extremely proud of your work. I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day,a he tweeted. Todayas announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of election. This is a gross violation of Model Code of Conduct. 3/4 a Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 27, 2019 Research, space management & development are a continuous process over the years. Modi, as usual, likes to take the credit for everything. Credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists & researchers. 2/4 a Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 27, 2019 Indiaas Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India , other research & space organisations. 1/4 a Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 27, 2019 West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in a series of tweet congratulated DRDO scientists for the successful accomplishment of Mission Shakti but also slammed PM Modi for doing limitless drama and publicity mongering. Today @narendramodi got himself an hour of free TV & divert nation's attention away from issues on ground a #Unemployment #RuralCrisis & #WomensSecurity aA by pointing at the sky. Congratulations @drdo_india & @isro a this success belongs to you. Thank you for making India safer. a Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) March 27, 2019 aToday @narendramodi got himself an hour of free TV & divert nation's attention away from issues on ground a #Unemployment #RuralCrisis & #WomensSecurity a by pointing at the sky. Congratulations @drdo_india & @isro a this success belongs to you. Thank you for making India safer,a Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted. What announcement will fit within the code of conduct guidelines of the election commission of India? a Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 27, 2019 What announcement will fit within the code of conduct guidelines of the election commission of India?, tweets Omar Abdullah. Congratulate scientists of #ISRO and DRDO on successfully demonstrating ability of anti-satellite weapon A-SAT, as part of #MissionShakti. The scientific feat will significantly bolster countryas security in space. a Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) March 27, 2019 Congratulate scientists of #ISRO and DRDO on successfully demonstrating ability ofA anti-satellite weapon A-SAT, as part of #MissionShakti. The scientific feat will significantly bolster countryas security in space. A proud moment for India as we enter our name as an elite space power today.a Our scientists have achieved a great feat by carrying out #MissionShakti in under three minutes. Congratulating @isro and @DRDO_India for this remarkable accomplishment. a N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) March 27, 2019 A proud moment for India as we enter our name as an elite space power today. Our scientists have achieved a great feat by carrying out #MissionShakti in under three minutes. Congratulating @isro and @DRDO_India for this remarkable accomplishment, tweets Chandrababu Naidu.A BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing politics over India's anti-satellite missile capability.A "Congratulations to Indian defence scientists for the successful experiment of shooting down a satellite in the space. But the prime minister playing politics under its garb for electoral gains is most condemnable," she said in her tweet in Hindi. Her remarks came a few hours after Modi announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite. "The honourable election commission should definitely take cognizance of this," Mayawati said in her tweet.A For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has condemned the incidents of attacks on temples and idols of deities on the Navratri festival in Bangladesh and demanded action against jihadists. The VHP has said that the Bangladesh government should protect Hindus. VHP Union General Secretary Milind Parande said on Thursday that rumours of a conspiracy to insult the Quran were spread in The Komila area of the Chittagong division in the dark of the night. The attackers then attacked Durga Puja pandals at several places, ransacking temples. Hindu society is saddened by this incident. There are reports that there is a series of brutal atrocities and persecution of Hindu minorities. Milind Parande further said that 2 Hindus have been reported killed in the attack on temples. While 500 people have been injured. There have been incidents of insults to divine idols during Durga Puja celebrations in many other places in Bangladesh. He further said that the situation there is likely to worsen as there could be more attacks on Hindus after alleged appeals by local terrorist organizations to carry out such attacks. He said this has made the minority community of Bangladesh even more afraid. The Bangladesh government should rein in radical jihadists, ensuring the safety of its minority Hindus. At the same time, the deceased Hindus and Hindus whose property has been damaged or injured should get compensation. Nitin Gadkari's big statement: Petrol-Diesel to be stopped soon... Kalam Saheb still alive in hearts, PM Modi paid tribute like this If governments don't reduce fuel prices, they will launch protests: CPI's stern warning New Delhi: China and Bhutan were at loggerheads over the border in Doklam near Sikkim. Bhutan had opposed the road being constructed by China, which India had also openly supported. The dispute between Bhutan and China also led to tensions between India and the Dragon. Bhutan and China have now signed an agreement to resolve the dispute. Bhutan and China have signed a three-phase roadmap to expedite talks to resolve the border dispute. It may be recalled that the Armies of India and China had been facing each other for 73 days at the Doklam tri-junction. At that time, India supported Bhutan's claim. Bhutan had accused China of expanding a road in the region that is its territory. According to media reports, India has now responded balancedly to the signing between China and Bhutan. Replying to a question, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said talks have been going on since 1984 to resolve the border dispute between Bhutan and China. India is similarly negotiating the border with China. However, Arindam Bagchi did not respond to a question of whether the Bhutanese government had informed India about the deal. He must have said that agreements have been reached between the two countries in many places over the ongoing standoff with China in Leh Ladakh. Earlier, Bhutan's Foreign Ministry had issued a statement saying that Foreign Minister El Tandy Dorji and China's Deputy Foreign Minister had signed an agreement on a three-phase roadmap for border talks on Thursday. Aryan cried bitterly after talking to Shah Rukh-Gauri on a video call! U.S, India to reinvigorate action against terrorism-financing, money laundering VIDEO: MP Navneet Rana played Garba violating corona rules JEE Advanced Result 2021: Result and Answer-Key Released, Do Check So New Delhi: The External Affairs Ministry has said that India has received an invitation to join the Moscow format for discussions on Afghanistan and will attend the talks on October 20. This will be the first Moscow format conference since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We have received an invitation for the Moscow format on Afghanistan to be held on October 20. We will join it.'' Arindam Bagchi added, 'I can't confirm who will be involved in the discussions, but it's likely that a Joint Secretary level official will participate.' Russia has been conducting the Moscow format on Afghanistan issues since 2017. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin's special representative on Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said Moscow had invited Taliban representatives for international discussions on Afghanistan on October 20. The Taliban, who were in power in Afghanistan two months ago, has also been called in for discussions. This will make them face-to-face with India. After changing power there, India had called its diplomatic staff from Afghanistan. Doklam Dispute: India reacted to key agreement between China and Bhutan Aryan cried bitterly after talking to Shah Rukh-Gauri on a video call! U.S, India to reinvigorate action against terrorism-financing, money laundering Home Just In Dashain Tika/Vijaya Dashami, the main day of Badadashain, being celebrated across Nepal Kathmandu, October 14 The 10th day of the 15-day Badadashain festival, Vijaya Dashami, is being observed across the country on Friday. This day is considered the most important part of the festival, which is the biggest cultural event for Nepalis every year. Today, on the occasion, people receive red (or white) tika (uncooked rice grains mixed with curd and vermilion powder) on their foreheads and jamara (barley seedlings) on their heads from seniors in the family as blessings from Navaradurga, who are considered sources of power. In many places of the country, people travel to their relatives places in the next five days, until the full moon day (Kojagrat Purnima) to receive tika, and jamara. Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti, the government body responsible for finalising festival dates as per astrological calculations, says the most auspicious time to receive tika and jamara today is 10:02 am. Meanwhile, state officials such as President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur have extended their greetings for Vijaya Dashami to the public. In their wishes, the officials have also reminded people of the coronavirus infection fears, urging them to maintain needful safety measures while following the rituals. As in the last year, the Covid-19 pandemic is certain to have an impact on the celebrations this year also. However, the infection rate is gradually on the decline, people are more likely to travel to their relatives including senior citizens than in the past year although many are planning to celebrate their Dashain indoors. Home Just In The white Dashain: Why some communities in Nepal wear white tika For many, Dashain is synonymous with putting and receiving red tika (uncooked rice grains mixed with curd and vermilion powder) on their foreheads with jamara (barley seedlings) kept behind their ears or on their heads. However, there are many communities that do not receive red tika. They, instead, receive white tika. But, what are those communities? Why do they put white tika? Lets find out here. White was everyones colour in the past Cultural expert Dr Jagaman Gurung says people from all the castes and creeds used to wear white tika, consisting of rice grains and curd only, in the past. Obviously, the red vermilion power was not available easily in the market, then. It was neither produced in Nepal nor imported from India or elsewhere. Apparently, even today, vermilion powder is not produced here in a significant amount. Therefore, it is mostly imported from India. When people started cultivating paddy, when they learned the technique of removing the husk of the rice kernel and began its consumption, they also started the practice of wearing white tika, Gurung describes. When people started offering rice grains used for meals to gods and goddesses too, it became akshata, meaning something that can never be destroyed. Because rice grants life to people as a great source of food and energy, the term akshata holds truth as it saves life from loss, explains Gurung. Likewise, dahi (curd) is used to make a paste for tika as it is considered a sagun (something that brings good luck). Then, industrialisation came in Photo: Unsplash/ kabita Darlami After years, people started the production of vermilion powder and the transportation facility and the market facility became easy. Consequently, people began using vermilion powder in the white tika, hence making it a red one, he adds. Coming to this date, only Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu, and Tharu communities receive white tika on their foreheads, along with jamara. However, there are also some exceptions as some families belonging to these communities also wear red tika. Jagagman Gurung himself follows the red tika culture. According to Gurung, the Newa community is responsible for popularising the red tika culture. As the traders of different places, they began selling vermilion powder and also using it in tika. Then, this culture was adopted by the Thakuris including Shahs, and Ranas living in the Kathmandu valley. From them, it was imitated by the Brahmins related to royals. Colours and their meanings Photo: Pixabay/ frankspandl On the other hand, Dr Basudev Krishna Shastri, an expert on Hindu religion and culture, says people receive different types of tika: white, red, yellow, green and black because they mean differently. For example, white, yellow, black and green are the colours of Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Laxmi, Goddess Kali and nature respectively. Shastri explains a community that wishes peace, knowledge, holiness, and good feeling puts and receives white tika. Those worshipping Goddess Mahakali, Kali and Kal Bhairav receive black tika. Usually, on the day of Ashtami, a black tika is worn, according to Shastri. Similarly, the people and communities that ask for valour, might, masculinity and good luck, put/receive red tika. Besides, yellow tika, which resembles spirituality, is usually worn by yogis, gurus and sanyasi, says Shastri. Adding to this, Gurung informs, Some Brahmins of Dullu, Dailekh, wear yellow tika, mixing rice grains, dahi and turmeric powder, during Dashain even today. And, the green tika, which is made by mixing rice grains with the paste of leaves or herbs, is the symbol of creativity and a tribute to nature, says Shastri. " " Cast members of the '90s "Friends" are shown in the episode "The One Where They All Turn Thirty." The show has been off the air for decades but the cast still earns millions in residuals. Warner Bros. Television/Getty Images Most of us assume that between "starving actor" and "celebrity," there has to be a sweet spot where thespians can find modest work and still make a respectable income. But what happens when a show is canceled? Can an actor who played a small part on a modestly successful show move to the Caribbean and live off the television royalties forever? Maybe. Most television actors don't live like royalty off their royalties but some make a decent living. Royalties are referred to as "residuals" in the television world. A residual is a payment an actor is due when a show plays in reruns or is sold to syndication, released on DVD or streamed online. Calculating residuals is a tricky business, one that the TV industry leaves to its trade union, Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Much like BMI or American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers in the music world, SAG-AFTRA collects and pays out any residuals that are due to members. Advertisement SAG-AFTRA calculates residuals based on formulas that consider an actor's contract, time spent on the production, the production type and the market where the show appears. The amount paid out decreases after each rerun so by the 13th rerun, the amount has decreased to 5 percent of the original fee the actor was paid for her appearance in an episode. This 5 percent will be paid every time an episode is run forever. In general, only "principal performers" receive residuals [source: Andres]. Background actors or "extras" (random storm troopers on "The Mandalorian," for instance) do not usually receive residuals. According to one rough calculation, if each of the stars of the hit '90s sitcom "Friends" received residuals at the normal SAG-AFTRA rates, they would get around $10,000 in residuals for each episode of the show in syndication [source: Andres]. With 236 episodes in reruns, that would add up to a handsome residual check of $2,360,000 per actor. In actuality, the "Friends" cast negotiated even higher residuals, with one estimate earning them closer to $20 million a year in syndication [source: Farrow]. Getting a big residual depends a lot on what the stars of the show negotiated during their time on the series. In 2016, Dawn Wells, star of '60s hit and perennial rerun "Gilligan's Island" said that a "misconception is that we must be wealthy, rolling in the dough, because we got residuals. We didn't really get a dime. Sherwood Schwartz, our producer, reportedly made $90 million on the reruns alone" [source: Farrow]. Actors who play bit roles, or even leading actors whose shows are less successful, also receive residual income, but the amounts are often small sometimes laughably so. The mega-rich rapper Drake started off as a teen actor with a starring role on "Degrassi: The Next Generation" from 2001 to 2007. In 2016, he posted a pic on Instagram of a check for $8.25 (Canadian dollars or U.S. $6.58) that he claimed was a residual check from the show [source: Chin]. "Degrassi money still coming in don't sleep..." posted Drake sarcastically. Actor Jeff Cohen, who appeared in one episode of the 1980s sitcom "The Facts of Life," wrote an article for Backstage magazine describing how he spent a $0.67 residual check. He took it to Maeve's Re$iduals, a pub that once traded a free drink for any SAG-AFTRA check of $1 or less. Maybe actors who can't live off their royalties can at least drink off their royalties forever? Advertisement Originally Published: Jun 18, 2015 By Emma Rumney JOHANNESBURG, Oct 15 (Reuters) - South African banks say they have to keep funding at least some coal projects for now because an immediate halt would put huge political and economic strains on a nation that relies on the most polluting of fossil fuels. The top four banks have started to withdraw financing, with Nedbank and FirstRand setting deadlines of 2025 and 2026 respectively to end funding for new thermal coal mines. Both have stopped lending to new coal-fired power plants. But the banks still finance existing coal mines and power stations. Absa and Standard Bank, South Africa's other two leading lenders, have left the door open to funding some new coal mining or power projects. Although coal-related lending makes up a small portion of their loan portfolios, the financing is vital for keeping the lights on and tens of thousands of people employed in Africa's most industrialised economy. The state-run power company Eskom relies mainly on ailing coal-fired power stations to supply 90% of South Africa's electricity. More than 90,000 people were employed in coal mines in 2020. "The profits we make on fossil fuels are miniscule," FirstRand Chief Executive Alan Pullinger told Reuters. "The easiest thing would be to say 'we're out'," he said, but he added that such a step would force the already heavily indebted government to step in to prop up the sector. Ending funding for coal is in the spotlight ahead of a U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland in November. The fuel is a major driver of climate-warming emissions, but also a relatively cheap form of power generation relied upon by many emerging economies. LOCAL CONTEXT South African banks say local conditions demand they still support the industry but they face growing pressure from international investors in the push to cut emissions and fewer insurers are now ready to share the risks linked to coal assets. South Africa was the 12th largest emitter of climate-warming gases globally in 2019, with Eskom accounting for more than 40%. Story continues "We are dependent on Eskom, so we can't stop funding Eskom, because we'll shut down our entire economy," an executive at one of South Africa's top lenders said. Eskom's largest coal suppler is miner Exxaro. As a result, the executive said: "Right now, from an economic perspective, we can't shut off Exxaro." Nedbank said efforts to address climate change had to consider the local context. Absa said coal finance would be reduced but it had to balance macroeconomic and social issues with climate needs. Wendy Dobson, head of group corporate citizenship at Standard Bank, said the bank planned to set boundaries for its exposure to climate risk, which would lead to limits on the amount of lending for coal and other fossil fuels. Taking too hard a line with governments reliant on fossil fuels could prove counterproductive, she added. Banks were highly unlikely to extend new financing to coal projects and should be more explicit about this, said Emma Schuster, climate risk analyst at activist shareholder group JustShare said. (Reporting by Emma Rumney; Editing by Edmund Blair) Company recognized for inclusive leave and wellness policies, benefits, childcare and more BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) has been named to the list of Best Companies for Dads. The award celebrates organizations that lead in the areas of paid parental leave, benefits and flexible work schedules. This year's selection process included criteria for how companies helped parents and caretakers during the COVID-19 crisis. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts "The past year has demonstrated a need for greater flexibility and support for all our working parents," said Stephanie Browne, vice president of talent acquisition and chief diversity officer at Blue Cross. "I am thrilled our efforts to ensure working dads have the tools they need to be their best at work and at home have earned us this distinction." The 2021 Seramount (formerly Working Mother Media) Best Companies for Dads application includes more than 400 questions related to leave policies, benefits, childcare, flexibility, employee resource groups and more. It surveys the availability and usage of these programs, as well as the accountability of the many managers who oversee them. "Dads continue to be outspoken about wanting to be equal partners when it comes to parenting responsibilities and needing the flexibility from their employer in order to do so," says Subha V. Barry, president of Seramount. "Our Best Companies for Dads are listening to their employees. They've made their leave policies more inclusive and have increased the support offered to families during a time when parents and caregivers are constantly juggling home and work life." Blue Cross' family-friendly initiatives include: Paid parental leave, telecommuting, and flexible work arrangements Backup child and elder care at subsidized rates, and, through the pandemic, crisis care reimbursement of up to $100 per day for working parents who receive childcare from a friend, parent, or neighbor An adoption assistance program that covers certain adoption expenses such as agency, placement, and medical fees Changing "sick days" to "wellness days" and additional emotional well-being support such as monthly mental health chats with clinical experts Family support resources accessible through an employee assistance program and an associate meal program Support and collaboration with colleagues on issues facing parents through the Working Parents Network employee resource group About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, equitable and affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Story continues Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-massachusetts-named-a-best-company-for-dads-301401444.html SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today until Friday 15 October the Shanghai Postal Museum hosts the second edition of Smart City Expo Shanghai (SCES), the leading event on urban innovation on the Asian continent, focusing on the role of technology used by cities. The event, organised by Fira de Barcelona and INTEX, will offer more than 20 conferences with the participation of more than 70 regional and international speakers. The doors of Smart City Expo Shanghai 2021 open today Under the slogan "The Smart is Rising", the event aims to be a spearhead of innovation applied to cities for the benefit of their inhabitants. The main focus will be the conference part that will revolve around four main themes: digital transformation, energy and environment, governance and smart mobility. Among the more than 70 participating speakers, Jeff Merritt, the Head of IoT at the World Economic Forum, will take part in a conference on new models of urban governance through smart management solutions, along with Kevin Johnson, UN-Habitat Overseas Advisor, who will talk about the potential of big data as a national strategy. As regards the CEO of the DeepBlue Technology Group, Chen Hai Bo, he will provide further information on the cooperation in digital transformation between the cities of Barcelona and Shanghai, while the Vice President of China Unicom Smart City Research Institute, Xia Junjie, will address the new models of urban mobility and discuss how urban planning must be adapted. As for the exhibition, leading companies such as Huawei, China Mobile Limited and Cloudwalk Technology will participate in the exhibition area of the show offering cutting-edge solutions in the field of intelligence and urban innovation. The event will also host the start of the Barcelona-Shanghai Bridge, an initiative organised by Barcelona City Council in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai City Council to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the twinning of the two capitals with various business meetings, seminars and exhibitions. The programme will kick off with a conference by the First Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council, Jaume Collboni. Story continues The SCES is part of the internationalisation strategy of Smart City Expo World Congress, the leading international summit on smart cities and urban solutions organised by Fira de Barcelona which will hold its 11th edition from 16 to 18 November 2021. Fira de Barcelona Logo Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1659955/SCES.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/659718/Fira_Barcelona_Logo.jpg SOURCE Fira de Barcelona Missouri governor Mike Parson is facing a monumental backlash after threatening to prosecute a journalist for responsibly reporting a serious security lapse in the states website. Earlier this week, St. Louis Post-Dispatch journalist Josh Renaud reported that the website for the states Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) was exposing over 100,000 teachers Social Security numbers. These SSNs were discovered by viewing the HTML source code of the site's web pages, allowing anyone with an internet connection to find the sensitive information by right-clicking the page and hitting "view page source." For many, viewing a web page's source code is as simple as hitting F12 on your keyboard. The Post-Dispatch reported the vulnerability to state authorities to patch the website, and delayed publishing a story about the problem to give the state enough time to fix the problem. The DESE has since confirmed that the "educator certification search tool was disabled immediately" and that the vulnerability is now fixed. That should have been the end of it. While any other official might have thanked the newspaper for uncovering the flaw and for giving a heads-up before going public, Missouris Republican Governor Mike Parson described the journalist who uncovered the vulnerability as a hacker, and said the newspaper uncovered the flaw in "an attempt to embarrass the state". A hacker is someone who gains unauthorized access to information or content. This individual did not have permission to do what they did, he said during a press conference on Thursday. This individual is not a victim. They were acting against a state agency to compromise teachers personal information in an attempt to embarrass the state and sell headlines to their news outlet. Read more on TechCrunch The state is committed to bring to justice anyone who hacked our system and anyone who aided and abetted them to do so," said Parson. The governor has also referred the case to county prosecutors. Unsurprisingly, the governors response to the Post-Dispatch report and his clearly confused understanding of the term "hacker" has sparked criticism, even from within his own party. Republican lawmaker Tony Lovasco wrote on Twitter that it was "clear the governor's office has a fundamental misunderstanding of both web technology and industry-standard procedures for reporting security vulnerabilities, adding that journalists responsibly sounding an alarm on data privacy is not criminal hacking. Story continues U.S. Senator Ron Wyden also called out Parson's remarks, tweeting: Journalism isn't a crime. Cybersecurity research isn't either. Real leaders don't unleash their attack dogs on the press when they expose government failures, they roll up their sleeves and fix the problem." Naturally, those within the cybersecurity industry have also been quick to weigh in on Parson's comments. Rachel Tobac, a hacker and CEO of SocialProof Security, tweeted: If your code leaks personal data via public development tools that any person can see by simply pressing F12 on a keyboard then you have a huge data leak issue, not a hacking situation, on your hands. The Post-Dispatch is also taking Parsons response with a pinch of salt, and is standing by Renaud. The paper said its journalist did the responsible thing by reporting his findings to DESE so that the state could act to prevent disclosure and misuse." A hacker is someone who subverts computer security with malicious or criminal intent. Here, there was no breach of any firewall or security and certainly no malicious intent," it added in a statement. "For DESE to deflect its failures by referring to this as hacking is unfounded." Of course, while Parson is vowing to hold the Post-Dispatch "accountable" for the supposed crime of helping the state find and fix a security vulnerability, the chances of Renaud facing an eventual conviction are likely slim, given a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Van Buren v. United States, which ruled that a person violates the law when they access files or other information that they would otherwise be unable to. But should the state take action, a prosecution could have a chilling effect on journalism and security research, further amplifying the problem of researchers facing legal threats and attacks after discovering and reporting security flaws to their owners. LOS ANGELES, October 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado captioned McCleod v. InnovAge Holding, Inc., et al. (Case No. 21-cv-2770) on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired InnovAge Holding Corp. ("InnovAge" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: INNV) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with the Companys March 2021 initial public offering ("IPO" or the "Offering"). Plaintiff pursues claims under Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). Investors are hereby notified that they have 60 days from this notice to move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff in this action. If you suffered a loss on your InnovAge investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at https://www.glancylaw.com/cases/innovage-holding-corp/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights. In March 2021, InnovAge completed its IPO, selling approximately 18,995,901 shares of common stock at a price of $21.00 per share. On September 21, 2021, after the market closed, InnovAge revealed that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") had "determined to freeze new enrollments at [the Companys] Sacramento center based on deficiencies detected in [a recent] audit." It stated that these "deficiencies relate to failures to provide covered services, provide accessible and adequate services, manage participants medical situations, and oversee use of specialists, among others." Story continues On this news, the Companys stock price fell $2.90 per share, or 25%, to close at $8.75 per share on September 22, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. By the commencement of this action, the Companys stock was trading as low as $6.61 per share, a nearly 69% decline from the $21 per share IPO price. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that certain of InnovAges facilities failed to provide covered services, provide accessible and adequate services, manage participants medical situations, and oversee use of specialists; (2) that, as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to be subject to regulatory scrutiny, including by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; (3) that, as a result, there as a significant risk that CMS would suspend new enrollments pending an audit of the Companys services; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. If you purchased or otherwise acquired InnovAge common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO, you may move the Court no later than 60 days from this notice to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006168/en/ Contacts Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, Los Angeles Charles H. Linehan, 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100 Los Angeles, CA 90067 www.glancylaw.com shareholders@glancylaw.com VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - MANTARO SILVER CORP. (TSXV: MSLV) (OTCQB: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Luis Fernando Kinn Cortez as a director of the Company. Mantaro Silver Corp logo (CNW Group/Mantaro Silver Corp.) Dr. Christopher Wilson, CEO of the Company stated, "We are pleased to welcome Luis Kinn as a member of our Board of Directors. Luis has an excellent understanding of the Bolivian Shield as well as the regulatory environment in Bolivia. This is a significant value add to our board as we explore and develop the Golden Hill Property and carry out strategic acquisitions in the orogenic Bolivian Shield." Mr. Cortez is the principal and manager of Minera Golden Hill S.R.L., an entity that owns the Golden Hill Property and which the Company has optioned to acquire up to an 80% interest therein. With Minera Golden Hill S.R.L., Mr. Kinn optimized operations through technological advancements and has been heavily involved with labour relations, government permitting and community engagement. From 2015 to 2019, Mr. Kinn worked for an oil and gas exploration company based in Bolivia. In his capacity, Mr. Cortez utilized his geophysics specialty in interpretation, modeling and designing 2D and 3D seismic. In 2019, he became the technical manager for an oil Subandean project in Bolivia. Mr. Kinn attended university in France. About Mantaro Silver Corp. Mantaro Silver Corp. is a British Columbia company that holds a diversified portfolio of gold and silver focused mineral properties in Bolivia and Peru. The Company's holds an option to acquire up to an 80% interest in the advanced Golden Hill Property ("Golden Hill"), located in the underexplored, orogenic Bolivia Shield, Bolivia. The Company also has an 100% interest in high-grade Santas Gloria Silver Property as well as a 100% interest in the San Jose, La Purisima, Cerro Luque and Huaranay Properties (the "Silver Properties"). The Silver Properties are all located in Peru. Story continues Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Resulting Issuer undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mantaro-silver-corp-appoints-luis-fernando-kinn-cortez-as-a-director-301401042.html SOURCE Mantaro Silver Corp. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2021/15/c5973.html FILE PHOTO: The logo of Mexico's Coca-Cola FEMSA, the world's biggest Coke bottler, is pictured at its headquarters in Monterrey MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican bottler and retailer Femsa said on Friday that it has chosen a successor for Chief Executive Edurardo Padilla, who will retire in January. Daniel Rodriguez, who currently leads the Femsa Comercio division including the vast chain of Oxxo convenience stores, is slated to take the helm after joining the company in 2015. Femsa said in a statement that Rodriguez will focus on "growth and innovation along with sustainability, inclusion, and diversity." Padilla, who will step down on Jan. 1, had worked for close to 25 years at Femsa, including as its chief executive since 2018. (Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon) Middlefield Canadian Income PCC Net Asset Value Middlefield Canadian Income PCC Middlefield Canadian Income - GBP PC (a protected cell company incorporated in Jersey with registration number 93546) Legal Entity Identifier: 2138007ENW3JEJXC8658 Net Asset Value As at the close of business on 14 October 2021 the estimated unaudited Net Asset Value per share was 133.62 pence (including accrued income, which excludes an amount of 1.275 pence per share in respect of the quarterly dividend to be paid on 29 October 2021). Investments in the Companys portfolio have been valued on a closing price basis. Enquiries: JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited 01534 700 000 MMV-TSX-V MNRLF-OTCQB M8M:FRANKFURT VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Mineral Mountain Resources Ltd. ("Mineral Mountain" or the "Company") (TSXV: MMV) (OTCQX: MNRLF) (FRANKFURT: M8M) announces that its Board of Directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan (the "Shareholder Rights Plan") to help ensure the fair treatment of all Mineral Mountain shareholders in connection with any take-over bid for the outstanding common shares of the Company. Mineral Mountain Resources Ltd. Logo (CNW Group/Mineral Mountain Resources Ltd.) The Shareholder Rights Plan is effective immediately but is subject to ratification by shareholders of the Company at its 2021 annual general meeting scheduled for December 8, 2021. If ratified, the Shareholder Rights Plan would have a term of three years. The Shareholder Rights Plan is similar to rights plans adopted by other Canadian companies and ratified by their shareholders. It was not adopted in response to any specific proposal or intention to acquire control of the Company). The Board of Directors considered a number of factors in adopting the Shareholder Rights Plan. The Board of Directors believes that the Shareholder Rights Plan benefits shareholders by providing a substantially greater opportunity to protect the interests of all shareholders in the event that the Company is put in play through a hostile take-over bid. The Shareholder Rights Plan is subject to customary stock exchange approval and execution of a definitive agreement with the Company's transfer agent. A copy of the Shareholder Rights Plan will be available once executed with the transfer agent under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors MINERAL MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD. "Nelson W. Baker", President and CEO Forward looking information This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, constitute forward looking- information. Forward looking information consists of statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions, such information does not constitute guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward- looking information. Factors that cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking information include gold prices, results of exploration and development activities, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of materials and equipment, timeliness of government approvals, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The Company cautions the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on the Company's forward-looking information should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information. Story continues SOURCE Mineral Mountain Resources Ltd. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2021/15/c9615.html PARIS, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Moet Hennessy, world leader in luxury Wines & Spirits, is pleased to support the Ecole Nationale Superieur des Beaux-Arts de Paris. A patron of this institution, Moet Hennessy has given carte blanche to ten artists. Cocktail Inauguration. Siege Moet Hennessy. Paris. david atlan (PRNewsfoto/Beaux-Arts de Paris,Moet Hennessy) "We are delighted to partner with our neighbors at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. The artists were inspired by the craftsmanship and heritage of the 25 Maisons of our group, and have also paid tribute to the painting by Jean-Francois de Troy, Le Dejeuner d'Huitres. Their artwork will be exhibited in our Parisian headquarters, at the intersection of art, architecture, design and gastronomy." - Philippe Schaus, President of Moet Hennessy. Le Dejeuner d'huitres is an emblematic piece by the artist Jean-Francois de Troy. This painting is the perfect illustration of the French art de vivre of the 18th century, with an abundance of details (food, wine, silverware). But it is the presence of a cork in the air that makes this festive scene of a meal between gentlemen in an elaborately decorated room an iconic painting. This masterpiece is the first representation of a champagne bottle in Art. Royally commissioned by Louis XV and created in 1735 to decorate the after-hunting dining room of the small apartments in the Chateau of Versailles, today the piece is kept in the Conde museum in Chantilly. As part of this exclusive collaboration with the Beaux-Arts de Paris, students and recent graduates were invited to create artwork for Moet Hennessy. Ten projects (pieces in ceramic, clay, wood, wax, resin, paper) were selected, then specifically created to be at home in the reception areas of Moet Hennessy located at 142 rue du Bac and designed by the architectural firm Barbarito Bancel. "These 10 students and young graduates bring complementary flavors to these spaces. Like young wines, they have great promise. Certain will find them a little green or too vibrant, others already fine and rich or balanced, and will enjoy their aromas. But they are nevertheless fresh on the palate and strong in sensations. We are proud of the responses of these artists. The photographs, ceramics, drawings, and sculptures that they have made give a delicious image to creation of today, of its freedom and its effervescence." - Jean de Loisy, Director of the Beaux-Arts de Paris. Story continues Such programs are the perfect opportunity for artists to face specific aesthetic, architectural, legal and temporal constraints, which Juliette Green, Shengqi Kong, Clara Mazzoleni, Juliette Minchin, Alice Nikolaeva, Lia Pradal, Wan Lin Qin, Pierre Seiter, Theophile Stern, and Alzbeta Wolfova have successfully addressed. About Moet Hennessy Moet Hennessy, the Wines & Spirits division of LVMH, regroups twenty-five luxury Maisons, recognized internationally for the richness of their terroirs, and the quality and craftsmanship of their products. The LVMH group also holds renowned wine estates through "LVMH Vins d'Exception." Moet Hennessy is furthermore a patron of the vocational program of the Beaux-Arts de Paris, "Artists and the Professions of Exhibition." About the Beaux-Arts de Paris The Beaux-Arts de Paris is both a place for education and artistic experimentation, of exhibitions and conservation of historical and contemporary collections, as well as a publishing house. Heir to the Royal Academies of Painting and Sculpture, the school, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, has as its primary vocation the training of high-level artists. It plays an essential role in the contemporary art scene. The training allows each student to understand the challenges of contemporary art and what it means to be an artist today. Anchored in economic and social reality, the Beaux-Arts de Paris also aims to build bridges between student and professional life, notably by introducing students to the world of art and by encouraging encounters with its players, but also with other fields within where artistic expression also belongs. Please drink responsibly. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660699/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660700/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660701/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_3.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660702/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660703/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_5.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660704/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_6.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660705/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_7.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660736/Moet_Hennessy_Logo2.jpg Contacts: Moet Hennessy Jean-Christophe Laizeau Directeur des relations exterieures Moet Hennessy jc.laizeau@moethennessy.com Beaux-Arts de Paris Isabelle Reye Attachee de Presse Beaux-Arts de Paris isabelle.reye@beauxartsparis.fr Cocktail Inauguration. Siege Moet Hennessy. Paris. Alzabeta WOLfOVA. Juliette MINCHIN. Juliette GREEN. david atlan (PRNewsfoto/Beaux-Arts de Paris,Moet Hennessy) Cocktail Inauguration Siege Moet Hennessy. Paris. Alisa NIKOLAEVA. david atlan (PRNewsfoto/Beaux-Arts de Paris,Moet Hennessy) Cocktail Inauguration Siege Moet Hennessy. Paris. Alzabeta WOLfOVA. david atlan (PRNewsfoto/Beaux-Arts de Paris,Moet Hennessy) Cocktail Inauguration Siege Moet Hennessy. Paris. Juliete MINCHIN. david atlan (PRNewsfoto/Beaux-Arts de Paris,Moet Hennessy) Cocktail Inauguration Siege Moet Hennessy. Paris. Arnaud LEMAIRE. Jean-Christophe LAIZEAU.. david atlan (PRNewsfoto/Beaux-Arts de Paris,Moet Hennessy) Cocktail Inauguration Siege Moet Hennessy. Paris. Felix FARRINGTON. Nathalie GEORGES. Didier LUDOT. david atlan (PRNewsfoto/Beaux-Arts de Paris,Moet Hennessy) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moet-hennessy-invites-ten-artists-recent-graduates-of-the-beaux-arts-de-paris-to-its-new-paris-headquarters-301401211.html SOURCE Moet Hennessy; Beaux-Arts de Paris NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / Pathfinder Ventures Inc. (TSXV:RV) (formerly Discovery One Investment Corp.) (DOIT.P) (the "Corporation" or "RV") is pleased to announce that effective October 14, 2021 it has completed its qualifying transaction (the "Transaction") pursuant to Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") which consisted of a business combination by way of the amalgamation of PFI and 1231986 BC Ltd. ("Newco"), whereby the Corporation acquired all the common shares of Pacific Frontier Investments Inc. ("PFI") in exchange for common shares of the Corporation and the business of PFI became the business of the Corporation in accordance with the Amalgamation Agreement dated March 9, 2021, as amended. Prior to closing, shares of the Corporation were consolidated on a 2.3:1 basis with shareholders of PFI receiving 0.452398 post-consolidated common share of the Corporation (the "Transaction Shares") for every common share of PFI previously held. Convertible securities of PFI will also be adjusted based on the foregoing exchange ratio. Prior to closing, the name of the Corporation was changed to "Pathfinder Ventures Inc.". After the consolidation, the Corporation had 8,723,629 common shares outstanding and PFI had 104,139,954 common shares outstanding. As a result of the Transaction, the Corporation has issued 47,112,695 Transaction Shares to PFI's current shareholders, and the Corporation now has 55,836,324 shares outstanding. Following completion of the Transaction, the board of directors of the Corporation has been reconstituted to consist of Joe Bleackley, Mike Iverson and Leonard Brownlie, and management of the Corporation has been reconstituted to consist of Joe Bleackley as Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Secretary, Stan Duckworth as Chief Operating Officer and Darren Prins as Chief Financial Officer. Story continues Pathfinder Ventures Inc. will continue the business of PFI, which is to develop a network of premier branded, upscale, and family-friendly RV parks and campgrounds under the "Pathfinder Camp Resorts" name. The Corporation currently has three camp resorts located in B.C. and is focused on growing its network through both acquisitions and new construction. The Corporation is taking advantage of the rapidly growing market of Canadians who want to experience the great outdoors in an RV. The Corporation has received conditional approval from the TSXV for the listing and posting for trading of its common shares on the TSXV and the Corporation's common shares are expected to commence trading on the TSXV on or about October 20th, 2021 under the symbol "RV". The Transaction is subject to the final acceptance of the TSXV. For further additional information about Pathfinder Ventures Inc. and the Transaction, please refer to the filing statement dated September 28, 2021 which has been filed under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement 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. On behalf of the board of directors of the Corporation: Joe Bleackley Chief Executive Officer, Founder and Director Pathfinder Ventures Inc. For further information, please contact: Joe Bleackley- Chief Executive Officer, and Director Phone: (604) 914 2575 Email: ir@PathfinderVentures.ca Website: PathfinderVentures.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the timing and completion of the Transaction, the future operations of the Corporation and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation's expectations include risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Corporation with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Corporation. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any forward-looking statements that are contained or incorporated in this press release. In the case of PFI, this news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are particular to PFI and are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe PFI's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that PFI or its 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 PFI, PFI provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, PFI's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, its projected revenues and earnings, and anticipated future growth in new markets. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the ability of the PFI to successfully implement its development strategy and whether this will yield the expected benefits; competitive factors in PFI's industry sector; the success or failure of product development programs; currently existing applicable laws and regulations or future applicable laws and regulations that may affect PFI' s business; decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; Covid-19 related risks, availability of properties; the economic circumstances surrounding PFI's business, including general economic conditions in Canada, the US and worldwide; changes in exchange rates; changes in the equity market; inflation; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; and those other risks disclosed in the filing statement or other disclosure document prepared in connection with the Transaction. Although PFI believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. PFI disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. SOURCE: Discovery One Investments Corp. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/668396/Pathfinder-Ventures-Inc-formerly-Discovery-One-Investment-Corp-and-Pacific-Frontier-Investments-Inc-Announce-Closing-of-Qualifying-Transaction Works by Katherine Takpannie, Ottawa; Curtiss Randolph, Toronto, Noah Friebel, Vancouver/Berlin; Chris Donovan, Saint John; Dainesha Nugent-Palache, Brampton; and Dustin Brons, Vancouver on view until December 5, 2021. Founded by the National Gallery of Canada in partnership with Scotiabank, the award recognizes outstanding work by Canadians 35 and under specializing in lens-based art. OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Lens-based artworks by the Scotiabank New Generation Photography Award 2020 and 2021 winners Katherine Takpannie, Curtiss Randolph, Noah Friebel, Chris Donovan, Dainesha Nugent-Palache, and Dustin Brons are featured in an exhibition now open and on view at the National Gallery of Canada until December 5, 2021. These artists were recognized as Canada's brightest young photographers by the National Gallery of Canada and Scotiabank. The Scotiabank New Generation Photography Award is the only prize recognizing Canadian lens-based artists aged 35 and under. The exhibition is organized by the National Gallery of Canada and supported by the Scotiabank Photography Program and the National Gallery of Canada Foundation. Logo: National Gallery of Canada (CNW Group/National Gallery of Canada) The artists, who received $10,000 each, were selected by an acclaimed jury made up of photography experts, artists, and leaders in the visual arts community. The winners' works are also on view in an exterior exhibition on the campus of Ryerson University in downtown Toronto, as part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival until November 14, 2021. The Scotiabank New Generation Photography Award exhibitions are curated by Andrea Kunard, Senior Curator of Photographs at the National Gallery of Canada. Quotes: "I would like to congratulate the winning artists of the 2020 and 2021 Scotiabank New Generation Photography Award. Their work illustrates the dynamism, innovation and creativity of Canadian lens-based artists and we are proud to honour their work at the National Gallery of Canada. We are also pleased to have Scotiabank as a valuable partner for this program and exhibition. Their commitment to photography and to fostering the careers of Canada's most promising lens-based artists is admirable."Dr. Sasha Suda, Director and CEO, National Gallery of Canada Story continues "The combined 2020 and 2021 Exhibition attests to photography's broad expressive capacity. In some cases, straight documentary approaches convey issues of social urgency. Other works mix photography's descriptive capacities with narrative strategies to present personal journeys. The medium's privileged relationship to conceptual art is also explored as well as its ability to depict issues of identity and culture."Andrea Kunard, Senior Curator, Photographs, National Gallery of Canada, and curator of the New Generation Photography Award exhibitions. "Scotiabank is proud to play a role in celebrating the creative vision and accomplishments of our country's most promising new lens-based artists. We have a deep passion for supporting the arts, which includes helping young artists grow through unique opportunities such as the Scotiabank New Generation Photography Award."Laura Curtis Ferrera, Chief Marketing Officer, Scotiabank. About the 2021 winners Chris Donovan is a lens-based artist working in Toronto and New Brunswick. Hailing from the industrial city of Saint John, his practice focuses on the intersection of community and industry. His work has been awarded by Pictures of the Year International (U of Missouri), The Alexia Foundation (Syracuse University), The New Brunswick Arts Board, The Toronto Arts Council, and exhibited across Canada at photography festivals including CONTACT (Toronto), Capture (Vancouver), Exposure (Calgary), Flash (Winnipeg), and Zoom (Saguenay). He is a member of Boreal collective and currently pursuing an MFA in Documentary Media at Ryerson University as a Graduate Fellow. Toronto-based artist Dainesha Nugent-Palache has participated in numerous exhibitions nationally and internationally. A founding member of the plumb, an ad hoc collective of artists, writers and curators and art venue in Toronto, she has also curated for the feminist music festival and concert series Venus Fest, and Blindspots, an art exhibition and film screening where queer artists explore LGBTQ experience through a diasporic lens. Graduate and recipient of major awards, her artwork is found in The Wedge Collection, and private collections. Her experiences as an artist have also been spotlighted in CBC COVID residencies series. Vancouver-based artist Dustin Brons, MFA (UC San Diego), BFA (UBC), and recent participant in the Whitney Independent Study Program works with the recontextualization of existing materials across photographs, videos, and text. His work incorporates visual forms from Western art history as tools to process contemporary sources. Still life and landscape painting, gestural abstraction, linguistic conceptualism, and photographic devices from pictorialism to appropriation are reconfigured in representations of climate change and gentrification, emphasizing the ways that visual forms contribute to shaping social and political understandings of these intangible yet totalizing processes. About the 2020 winners Toronto-born Curtiss Randolph constructs scenes as either tableau or staged documentary narratives. Having grown up in a theatre family, the elements of stage production crept into his working process at an early stage. Mixing realism, surrealism, and gonzo journalism, Randolph challenges viewers' preconceived notion of documentary style as a way to question ideas of fact and fiction in the photographic medium. Katherine Takpannie is an Ottawa-based Inuk artist, writer and graduate of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) program. Her photographs set performative and political gestures against both natural and built environments, including intimate portraits of women. Her work is held in the City of Ottawa's art collection and has appeared in Getting Under Our Skin exhibition at the Art Gallery of Guelph and They Forgot We Were Seeds exhibition at the Carleton University Art Gallery. Vancouver/Berlin based Noah Friebel focuses on the fabricated aspect of the photograph, using elements of sculpture and installation to examine our relationship to images, each other, and the narrowing space in between. Since graduating from Emily Carr University with a BFA in 2018, Friebel has been part of several group shows: notably Green Glass Door at Trapp Projects and The Lind Prize 2018 at Polygon Gallery. He hosted a solo show at Republic Gallery in April 2020. About the National Gallery of Canada The National Gallery of Canada is home to the largest contemporary Indigenous art collection in the world, as well as the most important collection of historical and contemporary Canadian and European Art from the 14th to 21st centuries. Founded in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada has played a key role in Canadian culture for well over a century. Among its principal missions is to increase access to art for all Canadians. For more information, visit gallery.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. About the National Gallery of Canada Foundation The National Gallery of Canada Foundation is dedicated to supporting the National Gallery of Canada in fulfilling its mandate. By fostering strong philanthropic partnerships, the Foundation provides the Gallery with the additional financial support required to lead Canada's visual arts community locally, nationally and internationally. The blend of public support and private philanthropy empowers the Gallery to preserve and interpret Canada's visual arts heritage. The Foundation welcomes present and deferred gifts for special projects and endowments. To learn more about the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, visit ngcfoundation.ca and follow us on Twitter @NGC_Foundation Useful links: SOURCE National Gallery of Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2021/15/c5269.html MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Starwood Capital Group ("Starwood Capital"), a leading global private investment firm, announced the closing of its latest opportunistic real estate fund, Starwood Distressed Opportunity Fund XII (SOF XII), with capital commitments exceeding $10 billion, surpassing the $7.6 billion raised for its predecessor vehicle, SOF XI. Together with existing commitments to other private real estate investment vehicles, Starwood Property Trust, Inc., Starwood Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. and Starwood Energy Partners, Starwood Capital's assets under management now total over $95 billion. (PRNewsfoto/Starwood Real Estate Income Tru) Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital, said, "We are grateful to our new and longtime partners for the trust they continue to place in us as we complete the largest fundraise in Starwood Capital's history. Our sourcing capabilities continue to yield a robust pipeline of investment opportunities, and our market expertise around the globe continues to generate attractive returns for investors. SOF XII is off to an excellent start and we are confident it will continue our tradition of finding valuable investments with over 35% of the fund deployed in closed and approved transactions." "We are thrilled to have reached the fund's hard cap even as we've raised capital for SOF XII during a global pandemic," said Michael Lefton, Managing Director and Global Head of Capital Raising and Investor Relations at Starwood Capital. "We are privileged to work with a diverse and sophisticated investor base, including pensions, sovereign wealth funds, foundations, endowments, wealth managers, family offices and high net worth investors from more than 30 countries." Starwood Capital affiliates have already closed or committed to 25 transactions in SOF XII, requiring over $3.5 billion of equity. These investments are in Australia, England, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United States. Noteworthy investments in SOF XII to date include: a U.S. single family rental home platform that has acquired more than 4,500 homes; the privatization of Extended Stay America, a leading owner and operator of economy extended-stay hotels; the privatization of RDI REIT, a UK listed company with a large real estate portfolio anchored by high-quality industrial and logistics assets in Europe; and a portfolio of well-located office properties in Tokyo acquired on an off-market basis during Covid uncertainty. Story continues About Starwood Capital Group Starwood Capital Group is a private investment firm with a core focus on global real estate, energy infrastructure and oil & gas. The Firm and its affiliates maintain 16 offices in seven countries around the world, and currently have approximately 4,000 employees. Since its inception in 1991, Starwood Capital Group has raised over $65 billion of capital, and currently has over $95 billion of assets under management. Through a series of comingled opportunity funds and Starwood Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (SREIT), a non-listed REIT, the Firm has invested in virtually every category of real estate on a global basis, opportunistically shifting asset classes, geographies and positions in the capital stack as it perceives risk/reward dynamics to be evolving. Starwood Capital also manages Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: STWD), the largest commercial mortgage real estate investment trust in the United States, which has successfully deployed over $72 billion of capital since inception and manages a portfolio of over $19 billion across debt and equity investments. Over the past 30 years, Starwood Capital Group and its affiliates have successfully executed an investment strategy that involves building enterprises in both the private and public markets. Additional information can be found at starwoodcapital.com. Media Contacts: Tom Johnson / Dan Scorpio Abernathy MacGregor Group (212) 371-5999 tbj@abmac.com / dps@abmac.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starwood-capital-group-closes-opportunistic-real-estate-fund-at-10-billion-301401087.html SOURCE Starwood Capital Group Carson City, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Las Vegas, Nevada-based Talisman Casualty Insurance Company is ready to work with new clients who require the attention of a specialist in cell captive insurance. As many businesses are considered to be far too risky for insurers to cover, cell captive insurance effectively enables a business to cover themselves by creating a company that acts as a vehicle insurance provider. While this is not an overly complicated process, Talisman explains, it is vital for any business attempting it to avoid certain pitfalls to ensure success. Learn more here: Talisman Casualty Claims. It is fortunate that businesses that wish to explore cell captive insurance can approach the Talisman Casualty Insurance Company for assistance. Talisman has a great deal of experience in this industry and has already helped many clients navigate the various risks involved as they develop a stable business model. For instance, the company shares that it is a common misconception that a business that attempts to insure themselves will inevitably see failure as they will still have to cover their losses. However, cell captive insurance utilizes certain options to avoid this. A cell captive arrangement gives businesses the ability to purchase a class of preference shares from a registered user. The Talisman Casualty Insurance Company is one such user, and businesses can trust their representatives as their policies and bonds are duly licensed, regulated, and authorized insurance transactions governed by the laws of the state of Nevada. With their help, a cell can be created. As is to be expected, there are certain legalities to take into account when doing this to ensure that the business and its partners remain within ethical boundaries. For instance, each cell is encompassed in what is known as a ring-fenced structure, negating the possibility of any cross-subsidization taking place. Notably, each cell also has to be both sound and solvent to function in this manner. One of the major advantages a business can take from this process is that the failure of a single cell would not be shared by other cells. This in turn means that creditors will not be able to pursue any assets that belong to the other cells, only the one that failed. Learn more here: Talisman Casualty Lawsuit. Story continues Crucially, businesses are able to lean on the Talisman Casualty Insurance Company only as much as they need or prefer. Cell captive insurance offers a great deal of flexibility, and the company understands that certain businesses will only want a partner who can get them started or provide feedback only on certain occasions. Conversely, some businesses may find themselves unable to navigate the field without the companys ongoing and active presence. The team at the Talisman Casualty Insurance Company is always ready to accommodate whatever needs a client may have. Those who choose to work with the Talisman Casualty Insurance Company will also have access to international reinsurance markets. In return for a share of the premiums they acquire, a business that participates in reinsurance can share their risk with other interested entities via the Talisman Casualty Insurance Companys help. The immense scope of the Talisman Casualty Insurance Companys reach and their relationships with businesses far and wide means that their clients have a great deal of flexibility in the choices they make in this regard. The company explains here that, Our Talisman Casualty claims administration is as efficient and responsive as possible, and our underwriting is done in ways that build relationships, thanks to personal attention. Many clients and consumers look at the modern insurance world and start wondering where all the great services went. We at Talisman Casualty try to keep the old traditions of service alive and well, where we have tremendous experience in connecting with many different insured parties. That means that we have spent a lot of time already not just learning various businesses, but learning how to understand a business as well. As a result, each client receives a highly personalized service that caters to their specific needs. Talisman does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Those who wish to explore the myriad opportunities cell captive insurance has to offer their business are welcome to contact the representatives of the Talisman Casualty Insurance Company at their earliest convenience. Further details regarding their work and the field, in general, can be found on the companys official website. ### For more information about Talisman Casualty Insurance Company, contact the company here: Talisman Casualty Insurance Company 800-318-5317 info@talismancasualty.com 7881 W. Charleston Blvd, Suite 210 Las Vegas, NV 89117 WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - The United States is providing more than $20 million in additional humanitarian aid for nearly 700,000 asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in Central America and Mexico, the State Department said on Friday. In total, the United States has provided more than $331 million in such aid in fiscal year 2021, the department said in a statement. (Reporting by Chris Gallagher; editing by Susan Heavey) Smart physical rehabilitation connects patients with physicians enabling better clinical outcomes, reduced costs, and increased patient compliance. HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WizeCare, a health technology company that establishes a new paradigm of physical rehabilitation, is helping patients achieve optimal results in their recovery for orthopedic, neurological, and movement disorders. The cloud-based solution is an interactive patient application that delivers AI video sessions while using MoveAI technology to detect movement and receive real-time feedback from clinicians. WizeCare logo Given the technology's excellent results, Essen Health Care, a health system utilizing the WizeCare platform, partnered and invested in the company earlier this year as part of its Series A $6 million round funding. "WizeCare's technology has proven to have a tremendous impact on our patients' adherence to their rehabilitation goals. On average, recovery times from post-surgical treatment were shortened by 25% and patients were 80 percent more compliant in their treatment, compared to the traditional 10 percent," stated Dr. Sumir Sahgal, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Essen Health Care. CareCentrix, NYU Langone, Accessible Home Health, and Sweeten Health are some of the other notable health entities also using the technology. Dr. Sahgal added, "We chose to partner with WizeCare based on their mission to advance the health ecosystem. The technology is not limited to just treating musculoskeletal conditions. We find the true value in how it helps patients of all ages and conditions." WizeCare will be attending the HLTH Conference, located BCEC Hall B, Booth 1147-8, taking place on October 17-20 to further discuss the partnership and how the platform's intuitive and engaging rehabilitation experience is using predictive analytics to support KPIs and goals for healthcare organizations. CEO of WizeCare, Roy Shteren, a practicing physical therapist for more than 15 years and who will be attending HLTH stated, "Our success in the delivery of care is attributed to the healthcare specialists, clinicians, business analytics, and technology experts that share a belief in shifting to a value-based care model. Based on the three clinical studies WizeCare has successfully concluded, we can proudly say that the model enables patients to reach better clinical outcomes and shorter recovery time, using WizeCare's platform, at the comfort of their homes. Story continues To learn more about WizeCare, visit www.WizeCare.com . About WizeCare: WizeCare is a team built of healthcare specialists, innovative clinicians, business analysts, and technology experts to deliver the world the leading platform that is changing the way physical therapy and rehabilitation are delivered and utilized. Since its launch as a company in 2012, they've grown from an innovative clinic to a digital health startup, aiming to disrupt home physical therapy care, delivering value-based healthcare, and providing customers the knowledge and technology found to be cost-effective. Since the discovery that better patient compliance resulted from personalized videos, WizeCare increased the platform to now include a combination of remote care, patient management, monitoring, AI analysis and communication capabilities. To learn more, visit WizeCare.com. About Essen Health Care: Essen Health Care is the largest privately held multi-specialty health system, based in the Bronx with six integrated clinical divisions, offering Urgent Care, Primary Care, and Specialty Services, as well as House Calls, Care Management, and Nursing Home Staffing. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Sumir Sahgal and guided by a population health model of care, Essen Health Care is a growing community healthcare network and group practice with over 150 Primary Care and Specialty Care Physicians and over 100 advanced clinicians providing high quality, compassionate, and accessible medical care to over 100,000 of the most vulnerable and under-served residents of New York State. Essen Health Care is dedicated to ensuring the quality of care for all patients and has been designated a 'Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home' by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wizecare-partners-with-essen-health-care-to-advance-value-based-care-through-personalized-all-in-one-telerehabilitation-platform-301401304.html SOURCE WizeCare (Adds Ukraine transit operator comments, updates oil price) * Chinese firms in talks with U.S. LNG suppliers - sources * Coal prices hit record high in in China amid shortages * Poland, Germany take steps to support consumers * Oil prices hit fresh three-year high * EU summit next week to discuss emergency measures * By Chen Aizhu, Jessica Jaganathan and Scott DiSavino Oct 15 (Reuters) - China's energy crisis deepened on Friday with coal prices hitting a record high https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2021-10-15/china-coal-prices-hit-record-highs-early-winter-chill-adds-to-energy-woes#:~:text=The%20most-active%20January%20Zhengzhou,than%20200%25%20year%20to%20date as cold weather sweeps in and soaring gas prices prompting major energy companies to seek https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/exclusive-china-looks-lock-us-lng-energy-crunch-raises-concerns-sources-2021-10-15/#:~:text=The%20discussions%20could%20lead%20to,briefly%20came%20to%20a%20standstill long-term deals with U.S. suppliers, sources told Reuters. Energy security has shot to the top of government agendas in Asia and Europe as shortages of coal and rocketing gas prices have triggered power outages and choked up factories supplying big name brands such as Apple, just as the global economy reawakens from coronavirus restrictions. To shield consumers from soaring prices as winter approaches, European Union leaders look set to greenlight emergency measures https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-leaders-press-ahead-with-emergency-relief-energy-prices-2021-10-15 by member states including price caps and subsidies, at a summit next week. China, the world's top exporter, has been particularly hard hit and major energy companies such as Sinopec Corp and China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) are in advanced talks about long-term contracts with U.S. exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), sources told Reuters. The discussions could lead to deals worth tens of billions of dollars that would ramp up China's LNG imports from the United States in coming years. In contrast, at the height of Sino-U.S. trade tensions in 2019, gas trade between the two countries briefly came to a standstill. Story continues "As state-owned enterprises, companies are all under pressure to keep security of supply and the recent price trend has deeply changed the image of long-term supplies in the mind of leadership," said a Beijing-based trader. In a blow to the fight against global warming, China and other countries have turned to coal in the short term. Beijing has also taken a slew of measures to contain price rises, including raising domestic coal output and cutting supply to power-hungry industries. The most-active January Zhengzhou thermal coal futures contract CZCc1 hit a record high of 1,669.40 yuan ($259.42) per tonne early on Friday, having risen more than 200% year to date. China has assured consumers that energy supplies will be secured for the winter heating season. OIL KEEPS CLIMBING President Vladimir Putin told Europe this week that Russia, the regions largest gas supplier, could provide more gas if asked, to help ease the surge in prices it blames in part on the Europe's reluctance to sign up to long term contracts. Some European politicians have said Russia is using a spike in gas prices as leverage to kickstart flows through the Gazprom-backed Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which bypasses Ukraine - an allegation Russia denies. Ukraine's state-run gas transit operator said on Friday the volume of Russian gas pumped through Ukraine to Europe has fallen below their current transit contract. "This behaviour of Gazprom deserves the special attention of Europe, because despite the significant shortage of gas in the EU and maximum prices, Gazprom does not even use the capacity that has already been paid for," said Sergiy Makogon, the head of the operator, referring to Russia's state gas exporter. Gazprom did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Oil prices hit a fresh three-year high on Friday, climbing above $85 a barrel on forecasts of a supply deficit over the next few months as rocketing gas and coal prices stoke a switch to oil products. Poland's climate minister said on Friday the government will provide an additional 1.5 billion zlotys ($380 million) in subsidies for consumers to ease the pain as retail prices climb. Germany too confirmed it was slashing a green energy surcharge on consumers' bills to help with soaring utility bills. European wholesale natural gas prices are unlikely to return to "normal" levels before 2023, warned Dutch bank ABN Amro. Norway, Europe's second biggest gas supplier, has been among the winners of the energy crisis, reporting a record trade surplus up 28% to 53.7 billion Norwegian crowns ($6.37 billion)last month thanks to soaring revenues from selling gas, official data showed. (Reporting by Chen Aizhu, Jessica Jaganathan in Singapore and Scott Disavino in New York, Shivani Singh in Beijing and Beijing newsroom; Writing by Elaine Hardcastle: Editing by Carmel Crimmins) VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Zacatecas Silver Corp. ("Zacatecas Silver" or the "Company", (TSXV: ZAC) (OTC Markets: ZCTSF) (Frankfurt: 7TV) is pleased to provide an update on its diamond drilling program at Panuco deposit located within the Zacatecas Property. Highlights: Completed 4 angled drill holes at the eastern edge of the Panuco Central vein for a total of 1088 metres. All intercepted visible quartz-sulphide vein hosted mineralization at, or close to, target depths. Two angled diamond holes have been completed and third ongoing at The Tres Cruces vein system. Approximately 600 metres of drilling has been completed at Tres Cruces. The core from six drill holes has now been logged and sampled. Samples have been submitted to the ALS. Rig will be moved to the San Gill breccia where several exploratory holes will be drilled, while awaiting drill core assay results from Panuco. Dr. Wilson, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Zacatecas comments, "Drilling is proceeding efficiently and core recovery is excellent. Visible inspection of core indicates that quartz-calcite-sulphide veins and breccias with strong argillic alteration were intercepted at expected target depths confirming continuity of structures hosting veins. By moving the drill rog to San Gill, Zacatecas will be able to test this large north-south trending breccia zones, while waiting for preliminary assay results for the Panuco holes drilled to date." Zacatecas has submitted all mineralized intercepts from the first 6 holes for sample preparation at ALS in Zacatecas. The company implements a robust QAQC program and submits samples in batches of 20 comprising 17 drill core samples, one Geostats certified reference material (a "standard"), and one staged duplicate. Silver, gold, and base metal mineralization at the Panuco deposit is hosted in breccia veins, banded, crustiform and colloform quartz-calcite veins, and quartz vein stockwork within zones of strong argillic alteration as is typical of the intermediate sulphidation veins throughout the Zacatecas region. Story continues The Panuco deposit has an historic inferred mineral resource of 19,472,901 ounces Ag Eq. (cut-off 100 g/t Ag Eq.) from 3,954,729 tonnes at 153.2 g/t Ag Eq (136 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Au, 0.012% Pb, 0.11% Zn). Mineralization at the Panuco remains open along strike and down dip. See "Historical Resource Estimate Information" set forth below. Figure 1: Map of Panuco showing historical drill traces and vein outcrop. The seven angles diamond drill holes completed by Zacatecas are shown green. (CNW Group/Zacatecas Silver Corp.) San Gill Zacatecas plans to carry out exploratory diamond core drilling at the San Gill Breccia located with the Zacatecas Property. The San Gill Breccia is located in the southern part of the main Zacatecas concessions and is approximately 2 kilometres to the southwest of the Veta Grande vein. It is a zone of intense brecciation and quartz veining with an abundant matrix of iron oxides after sulphides. Veins are multiphase as evidenced by breccias, quartz vein stockworks, and crustiform and collaform banding. The San Gill Breccia is a robust exploration target that has not been effectively drill tested even though it is 800 metres long and up to 40 metres wide. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Dr. Chris Wilson, B.Sc (Hons), PhD, FAusIMM (CP), FSEG. Chief Operating Officer and Director of Zacatecas Silver, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. On behalf of the Company Bryan Slusarchuk Chief Executive Officer and Director Historical Mineral Resource Estimate Information In 2019 Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. completed an updated historical resource estimate as set forth in the technical report titled "Technical Report Veta Grande Project, Zacatecas State, Mexico" dated 20th of August 2019. The report was prepared by Van Phu Bui, P. Geo and Michael O'Brien, P. Geo, and filed on www.sedar.com ("2019 Panuco Historical Resource"). The 2019 Panuco Historical Resource reported 3,954,729 tonnes at 153 g/t Ag Eq. (136 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Au, 0.012 % Pb, 0.11% Zn) for a total of 19,472,901 ounces Ag Eq. (cut-off 100 g/t Ag Eq.). The 2019 Panuco Historical Resource used "inferred mineral resources", which is a category set forth under CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves adopted on May 10, 2014. The 2019 Panuco Historical Resource was calculating using 75 drill collars, 866 down hole surveys and 2,607 assayed samples. A surface trench database totalling 183 trenches with 1,813 samples was used. Resource blocks were defined using with dimensions of 20 m along strike and down dip, and 1 m across strike. Grades for gold, silver, lead and zinc were interpolated into blocks using the following estimation algorithms: central ordinary kriging and NW and Tres Cruces inverse distance squared. Assumptions used in the 2019 Panuco Historical Resource include the following metal prices: gold price of US $1,350/oz, silver price of US $16/oz, lead price of US $0.90/lb and zinc price of US $1.10/lb. The 2019 Panuco Historical Resource assumed recovering similar to the Veta Grande System being: gold at 52.2%, silver at 62.1%, lead at 87.9% and zinc at 78.6%. The Company considers the 2019 Panuco Historical Resource relevant due to its identification and modelling of the Panuco deposit. The Company has not done sufficient work to classify the 2019 Panuco Historical Resource as a current mineral resource or mineral reserves, and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Although the historical resource estimate is considered reliable, 8% of the drill core intervals used in the resource calculations was re-sampled and submitted these to ALS for independent assay. Further, additional data verification including resurveying of select diamond drill holes collars; review of graphic drill core logs, comparison of these logs with remaining half-cut core, and a cross-check of select geological logs agonist database entries; and a check of original ALS assay certificates against the assays and drill hole database. Remodelling of the current Panuco resource is ongoing pending receipt of check sample assays. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zacatecas Silver cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zacatecas Silver's limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on is Zacatecas Properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zacatecas Silver does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Zacatecas Silver Logo (CNW Group/Zacatecas Silver Corp.) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zacatecas-silver-provides-update-on-drilling-activities-at-panuco-301401064.html SOURCE Zacatecas Silver Corp. Heres a prediction with guaranteed accuracy: Voters in King George Countys Shiloh District will elect the experienced candidate as their next representative on the Board of Supervisors. The question is: will they pick Cedell Brooks Jr., who retired from the board in 2017 after 26 years of servicethe longest stint in county historyor Cathy Binder, who replaced him four years ago and has thrown herself into learning as much as she can about county government, particularly the complicated issues involved with the King George Service Authority? Candidate profile: Cedell Brooks Jr. Cedell Brooks Jr., who served as supervisor for 26 years then retired, is seeking to return to office in Shiloh District of King George County. Brooks, 59, said serving on the board was a great honor. People asked me why would you want to run again after 26 years? Well, I missed what I was doing, I missed serving the people, so if I had the opportunity to get back in there, I want to serve the people one more time. Candidate profile: Cathy Binder Cathy Binder has served as the Shiloh District supervisor for four years and says her work is not done. Binder, 52, said finding solutions for the issues that face not just the rural district of Shiloh but the entire county, speaks to her lifelong love of learning. If you want to have a conversation, lets have a conversation, and Ill probably bore you because Ill talk about any issue for a while, she said. I love learning, as my colleagues on the board can tell you, I do a lot of research. I want to find the answers and how we can be out-of-the box thinkers. Name: Darrell English Birthplace: Stafford Date of birth: June 20, 1962 Family: Married, two children. Background: Stafford County Sheriffs Office for over 40 years; retired in 2017, but returned in 2018 to serve in the county court system. Also works part-time at Covenant Funeral Home. Member of county Planning Commission, life member of Stafford Rescue Squad and member of Mount Ararat Baptist Church. Served on the Law Enforcement Torch Run board of directors and am currently serving on Area 11 Special Olympics board of directors. Graduate of Stafford High School. Top three campaign issues: Public Safety: Ive been with the Stafford Sheriffs Office for over 40 years, so public safety is an issue deeply important to me. As our county continues to grow, the Board of Supervisors must work with Sheriff [David] Decatur to increase funding for training, equipment and salaries to ensure there is adequate staffing and resources to mitigate problems within our community. A Stafford County man who was the central figure in an eight-hour standoff in 2018 during which he fired multiple shots was convicted of three offenses Friday. Brandon John Hunt, 39, was convicted in Stafford Circuit Court of attempted malicious wounding of a law-enforcement officer and two counts of assault on a law-enforcement officer. Hunt entered Alford pleas to the charges, meaning he doesnt admit guilt but acknowledges that there is sufficient evidence for a conviction. In exchanges for Hunts pleas, prosecutors Ed Lustig and Sarah Watkins reduced or dropped other charges, including attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer. As part of his deal, Hunt will receive an active sentence of no more than 10 years when he is sentenced by Judge Victoria Willis on Feb. 11. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} According to the evidence, Hunts wife called 911 about 7 p.m. Nov. 30, 2018, after hearing her husband fire a shot inside the home on Empress Alexander Place in the Hartwood area. The woman, their two children and another child were in the home and the wife feared that her husband had committed suicide. The woman was instructed to leave and park away from the home. Deputies arrived and began surrounding the home. In a Facebook post, he explained his familys choice for homeschooling for their children, including for his youngest, who started kindergarten this year. Without going into all the details, he wrote, it was pretty clear that wearing masks would negatively influence their learning in a significant way, so we did what was best for them. As for masks, Niemi said wearing them in school is a state mandate and she would not want to defy the state. She said she prefers local control, based on benchmarks from the local health district that determine how the county is doing in terms of COVID-19 transmission. She said she does not believe a vaccine mandate for children is appropriate because the vaccine is so new, but supported partnering with the Virginia Department of Health to hold local vaccine clinics so those interested could get their shots in King George without having to drive to Fredericksburg. Asked to name their greatest concerns about King George schools, the candidates zeroed in on communication between the School Board and members of the Board of Supervisors, as well as with teachers and parents. Other concerns were topics straight from stories making headlines across the state and nation. There is so much more we could have done for the kids, she said. The public health message could have been different and the kids are suffering needlessly. Halstead said she will be an advocate for parent choice and against mandatory vaccination for COVID-19. She said decisions should be made by parents in consultation with health providers. I see too much strong-arming coming down, she said. I would like for parents to have their rights restored. On overcrowding, Halstead said the School Board and Board of Supervisors need to look together at a growth plan for the county and that shed like to see the boards communicate outside of meetings. I ran a lot of executive-level tabletop exercises and I would love to see that come to Stafford County, she said. Id like to go a little more non-traditional and informal moving forward. Halstead said she wants to closely examine the school divisions budget to ensure that funds are being spent in a way that supports teachers and other staff, such as bus drivers. We need to strip this down, she said. This onion needs to peeled. 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. 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. 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 Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Lori Potter is a hall of famer. During her 35-year career with the Kearney Hub, Lori has been one of Nebraskas most respected agriculture and natural resources journalists. Lori recently joined an elite group of women honored for their careers in journalism. On Oct. 9, she was inducted into the Marian Andersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame in Grand Island. I watched as Lori humbly accepted her award. Shes a soft-spoken person who seems to prefer being behind the camera. She was often the first person to jump up and take a photo of someone else getting an award and the last to sit and enjoy a meal. Seeing Lori reminds me of another Hall of Fame. Or actually, a Hall of Faith. We find this impressive list of Gods faithful people in Chapter 11 in the New Testament book of Hebrews. The chapter begins by describing what faith looks like. It states: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Who has this kind of faith? The writer of Hebrews gives us a list of people who continue to serve as examples today. They include Noah, who when warned about things not seen, built an ark to save his family. Abraham obeyed God and went to a place hed later receive as an inheritance even though the man didnt know where he was going at the time. His wife, Sarah, who was past childbearing age, trusted Gods promise and had a baby. And from Abraham, who was 100 years old, and 90-year-old Sarah, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Moses is listed in the Hall of Faith, too. Rescued as a baby when other Hebrew boys were being killed, Moses is described as someone who later refused to be known as the son of the Pharaohs daughter. Instead, he chose to be mistreated along with the people of God. The people of Israel get a Hall of Faith nod along with Moses, because by faith they passed through the Red Sea on dry land. When their Egyptian pursuers tried to do so, they were drowned. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after the army of Israelites marched around them for seven days. And by faith, the prostitute Rahab because she welcomed the Israelite spies wasnt killed with those who were disobedient. It doesnt say this in the Hall of Faith list, but Rahab formerly of Jericho became an ancestor of Jesus. After listing these and other notables, the writer of Hebrews uses words to paint one of the most beautiful pictures of faith ever. And what more shall I say? the writer continues. I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning, they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. Who were some of these people? When it comes to shutting the mouths of lions, I think of Daniel. An angel not Daniel actually shut those big cats mouths, but his faith in God had an incredible impact on the pagan king, whod unwittingly sent him to that lions den. I think Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego the three men sent to a fiery furnace were those referenced when talking about someone quenching the fury of the flames. These men didnt keep themselves from being burned. Our Lord did that. And I believe God gave them the fire-proof faith thats inspired people for generations. When it comes to raising someone from the dead, we can look to the stories of Elijah and Elisha. God used both prophets. Each was involved in raising a child from the dead and returning that boy to his mom. The writer of Hebrews tells how all these list-makers were commended for their faith. But none of them received what was promised. Why? The writer said its because God had planned something better for them so theyd be made perfect with us. Ive had to think about this. I think the writer is saying these heroes of faith didnt live to see Jesus, the promised Messiah, on this earth. They lived long before he died on the cross to save us from our sins so if we repent of them and trust Christ as our Savior, we can go to heaven. Yet since Christs work on the cross, we can along with these Hall of Famers have a blessed inheritance in heaven. We can enjoy the everlasting life that Jesus died to give us. It can take a lot of faith just to get through life today. I cant imagine what some of Gods faithful, but persecuted saints endured. And Ive wondered if Id be able to pass some of the trials that might come my way. But recently, I started thinking about something. When we send our kids to school and its cold outside, we bundle them up in coats, hats, gloves and boots. Sometimes, we drive them to school. Sometimes, they walk. But we prepare them for the snow. If imperfect parents and grandparents (who sometimes mess up) work to prepare our loved ones for cold times, how much more will our loving God prepare us for the trials we face? Best of all, hes the 24/7 God whos with us no matter what situation we encounter. Im glad I went to the Nebraska Press Women Fall Conference. Im happy I got to see Lori, whos now retired and freelancing, and Mary Jane Skala of the Kearney Hub (whos been a journalist for 50 years), and meet Jill Claflin, former executive editor of the North Platte Telegraph. At the same time, I learned about other impressive Nebraska journalists such as the late Rheta Childe Dorr, whose work included covering the Russian Revolution and getting as close as possible to the front lines in World War I. And there was the late Mary Blythe Packwood, who was born in 1907, and at age 19 became the youngest owner, publisher and editor in the United States when she bought the Weekly Courier newspaper from her father. Its great to learn about the lives of Nebraskas women journalists, past and present. And its wonderful to be reminded of the people listed in the Bibles Hall of Faith. If theyre anything like Lori, Ill bet theyre really humble people, too. Tammy Real-McKeighan is news editor of the Fremont Tribune. She writes a weekly faith-based column. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Dear Reader, Welcome to Gandhara's weekly newsletter. This briefing brings you the best of our reporting from Afghanistan and Pakistan. If youre new to the newsletter or havent subscribed yet, you can do so here Afghan war enters a new phase Two months after the Taliban takeover, the outline of a new phase of the war in Afghanistan is emerging with the ultraradical Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) challenging the Talibans embryonic rule by attacking its members and fomenting chaos through large-scale attacks targeting civilians. Death, destruction, and displacement will likely afflict tens of thousands of Afghans in the coming months and years if IS-K is not kept in check, Andrew Mines, a research fellow tracking extremist groups at George Washington University, told me. Afghan civilians are bracing for the worst. Daesh poses a serious threat to the future of our country, said Ahmad, a resident of Faryab, referring to IS-K by its Arabic name. They disturb the peace and threaten our future stability. The Taliban seems in denial about the true extent of the IS-K threat, and its leaders have refused to work with the United States to contain the threat posed by the group. While the violence allegedly fomented by IS-K continues to target the Taliban, Afghan civilians pay the price for escalating fighting between the two Sunni jihadist organizations. Afghanistans neighbors are also reacting to what they sense is a gathering terrorist threat. In an exclusive report, Reid Standish takes us to a secret Chinese base in Tajikistans Pamir Mountains that aims to guard Beijings land border with Afghanistan. Afghanistan now has the potential to become a magnet and safe haven for jihadi groups of all stripes, Daniel Markey, a senior adviser on South Asia at the U.S. Institute of Peace, told him. The Taliban is apparently in no mood to compromise with adversaries, which leaves it with only one option -- violence. Choosing this tactic over resolution, the Taliban failed to show up at peace talks brokered by Dushanbe and Islamabad with resistance leader Ahmad Masud. Taliban revenge in full swing Mounting evidence from across Afghanistan suggests the Talibans hard-line government is reneging on its general amnesty for members of the former Afghan security forces, who are frequently killed or forcefully disappeared. He surrendered to the Taliban, but his fate is still unknown, Helmand resident Gula Jan said of his nephew, a former Afghan Army soldier. Women who were members of the army are being threatened by the Taliban, said Zahra, a former decorated military officer, adding that the Taliban visited her father and told him that it was a shame for him to have let his daughter serve in the army. Desperation at the border In a video report, we take you to the remote Ishkashim region of Badakhshan where the Taliban has forcefully prevented many from seeking asylum in neighboring Tajikistan. Many of the families were threatened with death by the Taliban and left Ishkashim as their fate hangs in the balance, one of the asylum seekers told us. Now we want to take our problems to the United Nations. Across Afghanistan, the economic collapse is prompting many to switch professions in order to survive. I had to return to my village and do the job that my father and grandfather used to do, said Gul Ahmad Almas, who gave up his career in journalism to collect brush to sell as fuel in Ghor. Watch the video here. Even drug users are not immune from the economic downturn and the Talibans heavy-handedness. We take you to Nimroz, where the closure of three drug rehab centers has pushed recovering addicts to fend for themselves as those in Kabul face Taliban beatings. When they see us, they beat the breath out of us, one man told us in Kabul. It seems like they are beating animals, not humans. Womens rights Most of the international community has made it clear that the Talibans restrictions on the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are a deal breaker in the groups bid for acceptance. The issue of womens rights featured heavily in the groups talks this week with officials from the United States and the European Union in Doha. The European Parliament acknowledged the battle waged against Afghan women by shortlisting a group of 12 women in Afghanistan among its final three candidates for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. While international support is welcome, the situation on the ground is deteriorating as many women face an uncertain future with no permitted role in society. In Radio Azadis call-in show this week, we hear from a female judge exiled in London about how her colleagues face threats and intimidation. Marzia Babakarkhil says the Taliban refuses to acknowledge women in the role of judge and that many have left the country or gone into hiding. The Taliban, in violation of human rights laws, freed from jails all those who were involved in criminal activities and in war crimes on a national and international level, she says. This created a serious issue for women judges, who do not feel safe anymore. Khan faces Pashtun blowback I write about why Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is facing a backlash from his countrys Pashtun minority after repeatedly claiming its members are sympathetic to the Taliban. Imran Khans comments have added insult to injury for Pashtuns, Afrasiab Khattak, a former Pashtun lawmaker who survived a Taliban suicide attack in 2008, told me. Calling himself a Pathan or Pashtun is a marketing gimmick that Imran Khan has used for a very long time, said Ayesha Siddiqa, a Pakistan expert at the University of London, while explaining why Khan frequently brandishes his Pashtun heritage. Turkmen and Uzbek outreach Even after the Taliban takeover, Afghanistans Turkic neighbors, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, continue to follow a policy focused on tapping into their southern neighbors potential as a trade and energy transport route to South Asia. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are the only two Central Asian countries that do not border Russia or China. Both have long looked to the south for connectivity to the wider world, notes Bruce Pannier in his assessment of a summit between the presidents of the two countries, who are engaging with the Taliban because of huge potential profits for their countries. Taliban censors music Groups offering music-less songs are thriving amid a Taliban ban on singing and musical instruments that comprise Afghanistans rich musical tradition. There are six of us in this group and we have various [Taliban-approved] programs at weddings -- including recitations from the Holy Koran, said Rahim Farahmand, who established the Islamic Peace Group in Herat. Founded by the Taliban, such groups are flourishing across Afghanistan while other musicians struggle to find new livelihoods. I hope you found this weeks newsletter useful, and I encourage you to forward it to your colleagues. If you havent subscribed yet, you can do so here. I encourage you to visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Yours, Abubakar Siddique Twitter: @sid_abu P.S.: You can always reach us at gandhara@rferl.org. Taliban representatives have confirmed they will attend next week's talks on Afghanistan due to be held in Moscow next week, a senior Russian official said October 15. Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin's special representative on Afghanistan, said in comments to Russian news agencies that the group had confirmed it will take part in the meeting scheduled for October 20 but had yet to announce the composition of its delegation. Russia hosted an international conference on Afghanistan in March at which Russia, the United States, China, and Pakistan released a joint statement calling on the then-warring Afghan sides to reach a peace deal and curb violence. Since then, U.S.-led forces have withdrawn from the war-torn country after two decades of war and the Taliban took over following a blitz offensive that toppled the internationally recognized government. After the Taliban takeover, Moscow has voiced concern about the possibility of Islamist militants infiltrating the former Soviet republics of Central Asia and has held military exercises in Tajikistan, beefing up equipment at its military base there. With reporting by TASS and Reuters The Colorado Springs of today is far removed from its 1990s self, when Ormao Dance Company first appeared on the scene. The appetite for art was very different, said Ormao founder Jan Johnson. Johnson was hungry to create a wellspring of modern dance, for the public and the performers. I wanted the community to see we have dancers who lived here who were wonderful, said the executive and artistic director. There were few opportunities for them to perform. Though it was slow going at first, both population growth and new residents over the last decade, who arrived looking for more arts and culture opportunities, have been a boon to Ormaos growth. To help celebrate its 30th anniversary season, the company will present All at Once on Friday and Saturday at its black box theater. It marks a return to indoor performances, after outdoor shows over the last 18 months of the pandemic. IF YOU GO What: "All at Once" by Ormao Dance Company When: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Ormao Black Box Theater, 10 S. Spruce St. Price: $25 adults; $20 66 and older, students, 12 and younger, masks required; ormaodance.org Its a good, balanced repertoire show, which is what we are, Johnson said. Were always looking at the human condition. To honor those three decades of dance, Johnson has brought in new and former choreographers to create 12-to 25-minute pieces for the dancers. Mollie Wolf, a former Ormao student, will present her piece, Entering Wilderness: Location Unknown. The anxiety-provoking work features audible texts of commands we can hear during a day Notice your surroundings, Dont make eye contact, Do make eye contact accompanied by an ambient music track with driving beats. Ila Conoleys Six, featuring six dancers, including Johnson, was created by having each dancer journal their thoughts on topics related to their bodies, such as choosing a body part and writing a conversation from that part to its owner. In Johnsons piece, Liquid Mind, three dancers intertwine their bodies with a piece of white silk that reminds Johnson of water: Its the idea of the underlying subconscious, and that we are all from one place. And as we grow and become older, we reveal ourselves in different ways. Choreographers Alice Klock and Florian Lochner, known as Flock, will present their piece Memory Cue, about family dynamics. Kailani Dobsons multimedia installation, Promisi.Austi, will inhabit the small studio inside Ormao, and be available before and after the show. Its (modern dance) a language of its own, but its a universal language that everyone can understand, Johnson said. Through the lens of your life and experiences, you may see something different than the person sitting next to you, but modern dance allows for that space. Its like an abstract painting. We see different things. Contact the writer: 636-0270 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. A Colorado Springs coffee shop was among stops by Gov. Jared Polis on Friday during a tour highlighting the state's economic relief efforts throughout the pandemic. Polis stopped at various businesses and organizations throughout Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Trinidad, including Loyal Coffee, a Springs coffee company run and owned by six of the shop's baristas. Polis met with one of the store's owners, Eric Nicol, to discuss the impact that relief efforts such as tax cuts, grants and loans had on the store. "Any excess cash has been extremely helpful for retaining employees as much as we can, paying rent, lots of different things like that," Nicol said. "The tax break ... was very helpful." During three months over the summer, restaurants and bars retained their portions of the state's sales tax. That brought $40 million to $50 million in sales tax relief to small restaurants and bars across the state, Polis' administration said. The tax reprieve, plus various small business loans and grants, created a path for Loyal Coffee to navigate its way out of the hardships that began when the pandemic and resulting restrictions to slow the virus struck in 2020. By summer 2021, Loyal Coffee surpassed its 2019 sales. "Loyal is about collaboration and community and we love the Springs and love this community and want to keep seeing it grow," Nicol said. "So we're excited that it feels like it's growing right now." Despite the boost in sales, Loyal, like many other restaurants and industries, struggled to hire employees. The coffee company managed to survive the pandemic without laying off employees, but as the shop experienced "normal" turnover, it has tried to play "catch-up" with training and hiring over the past six months. "There's pressures on the labor market, which is good for workers, (but) tough on businesses sometimes to fill all the openings they have," Polis said. Polis stopped earlier in the day at Another Life Foundation in Colorado Springs to discuss a new child tax credit designed to save families money. His scheduled tour also included Colorado State University's 23-acre solar array in Pueblo, to promote his goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040, and the Fox West Theater in Trinidad, to advocate for community revitalization. "A lot of small businesses are doing even better than they were pre-pandemic," Polis said. "It's really about building back that consumer confidence." The judge in Barry Morphew's murder case will release the entire case file likely by the end of this week. District Judge Patrick Murphy told attorneys on both sides Wednesday to go through their motions before he gives the word to the court clerk staff to make the files public on the 11th Judicial District's website. Debra Wynn is a community leader and retired educator; Noreen Landis-Tyson is the President and CEO of CPCD; Cory Tweden is the Store Leader of SCHEELS in Colorado Springs; all three are founding board members of Friends of the Children Colorado Springs. COVID-19 infections continued to rise in Colorado as rates in other states fell, putting the state in the 14th spot in the U.S. for the highest seven-day incidence rate of infections as of Thursday. While the state appears to have seen a decrease in cases so far this week over last week, there are still a few days of data yet to collect. State epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said in a news conference Friday that officials want to see several weeks of declines in COVID cases before they feel confident saying they are decreasing. We're certainly not there yet, even if we see a slight improvement as this week goes on, Herlihy said. The state's seven-day rate was 268 cases per 100,000 people Thursday, up from 166 on Oct. 1, which at that time ranked Colorado at 41st highest among the states. Colorado had 982 coronavirus hospitalizations Thursday, which state health officials said is the highest number so far in 2021. Seventy-eight percent of those patients 765 are unvaccinated, the state health departments COVID-19 incident commander Scott Bookman said. He said 89.9% of Colorados ICU beds were occupied between COVID and non-COVID patients. Herlihy and Bookman called the difficulty reaching a sustained drop in case numbers a stubborn plateau. But Herlihy acknowledged she doesnt know with certainty whether Colorados current trend represents the top of a plateau or the beginning of a new surge like the one seen last winter. This is one of those times where my crystal ball isn't very clear, she said. She added she hopes Colorado will follow the rest of the country in seeing cases drop, but that its counterintuitive to knowledge that respiratory viruses tend to spread most in the fall and winter. Herlihy said she also isnt sure why Colorados cases have been rising when other states COVID infections have been decreasing. Southeastern states may have had earlier spikes than Colorado associated as warmer temperatures drove people to stay inside, while the opposite may be true in Colorado, she said, but acknowledged other cold, Northern states arent having uniform experiences with their COVID numbers. I think there's a lot we still don't know about the temporal nature of these waves of illness and how they occur with delta. So I think, really, lots more for us to learn and try and understand and at this point. COVID-19 case rates continue to be highest among the 6-to-11 age group, followed by 12 to 17-year-olds, then adults. Children ages 0 to 5 continue to have the lowest rates, Herlihy said. Counties on Colorados Eastern Plains showed particularly high case rates, including in Cheyenne, Kiowa, Bent, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Otero and Yuma counties. In El Paso County, transmission was higher than the state as a whole, with 314 cases per 100,000 over the last seven days or about 2274 new cases, public health statistics show. The county has no public health mandates in place to slow the spread. The county's hospitals remained strained with 189 people receiving care for COVID-19 or related symptoms. UCHealth reported Friday that it was caring for 298 patients across its system, the highest since late December, of those in need of ventilators 89% were not vaccinated, spokeswoman Cary Vogrin said. Herlihy and Bookman once again urged people to get vaccinated. In order to be fully inoculated by Thanksgiving on Nov. 25, Thursday was the final day for getting a first shot of the Moderna vaccine. Oct. 21 is the final day to get a first shot of the Pfizer vaccine to be fully vaccinated by Thanksgiving, Bookman said. People getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get the shot by Nov. 11. [We] really want to make sure that people are thinking about the safest way to celebrate our holidays this year, he said. Findings from a large study of 600,000 COVID-19 cases released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found those who were unvaccinated as the Delta variant surged in early summer were over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die, the Associated Press reported. Herlihy encouraged other measures to decrease risk of COVID transmission associated with gatherings, such as testing before attending an event, keeping gatherings small and limiting them to people who have been vaccinated. Bookman urged people to get a flu vaccine as well, to keep hospitalizations down. Colorado had an unusually mild flu season last fall and winter, influenced by COVID-19 measures such as masking, social distancing, and remote learning for schools. State health officials also pushed flu vaccinations in an effort to reduce hospitalizations in the face of surging COVID cases. But health officials told The Denver Gazette earlier this week they expect this flu season to look more like typical, non-pandemic years. Taken together, COVID and flu vaccines really do have the opportunity to protect your hospital capacity as we go into our winter months, Bookman said. Gazette reporter Mary Shinn contributed to this report. NYC tests transit airflow to prepare for hazmat accidents or attacks New York City is conducting an above- and below-ground air sampling study to help it prepare for and respond to incidents involving hazardous biological and chemical materials. As part of the Department of Homeland Securitys Science and Technology Directorates (S&T) Urban Threat Dispersion (UTD) program, testing will occur on five separate days between Oct. 18 and 29. For the tests, the team will release small quantities of non-toxic materials at more than 120 subway stations and aboveground locations throughout the five boroughs to collect data for concentration and dispersal analysis. S&T will sample the air for the harmless particulates and measure how far they have traveled and what their concentration is when found. The test data will help validate airflow and transport models as well as the relationship between the subway and street-level environments, S&T officials said. With that data, officials can better plan responses to a release of hazardous materials. Scientists from MIT Lincoln Laboratory and several Department of Energy National Laboratories will be working with a number of city departments as well as Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, National Guard Bureau Civil Support Teams, New Jersey Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. The participating national labs -- Argonne, Brookhaven, Los Alamos, Lawrence Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore -- have developed an airflow and dispersion model for outdoor spaces, subways and public indoor spaces. The labs models are being integrated into a single model to show how a plume would travel, for example, from the subway to the streets and into buildings. The new model will help inform where to install sensors, S&T officials said in a February article about the project. UTD is a follow-on to a smaller 2106 airflow study that helped officials understand the movement of biological particles in the subway, but which raised questions about the relationship between materials released in the subway and the aboveground urban environment. The goal of these tests is to deliver actionable information to emergency preparedness planning authorities for potential wide-area release of dangerous chemicals or biological materials, said Kathryn Coulter Mitchell, the DHS senior official performing the duties of the under secretary for S&T. Lessons learned now will help refine and verify airflow and dispersion models that will inform response protocols and keep our citizens, critical infrastructure including hospitals, police and fire stations, and our transit systems safe. Across Iowa, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been back on the rise over the last several months -- and it's taking a toll on local health care providers. Last month, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, its critical care unit needed to expand its capacity from its usual 18 beds to 22. On Friday, the hospital shared a video offering an inside look at what caring for COVID-19 patients in the unit has looked like. The demoralizing thing for us is there is still a fair amount of people in the community that dont think this is real, said Dr. Doug Summerfield with MercyOnes critical care unit. Unfortunately for anyone on the street, you dont see whats going on in the hospital. Dr. Sam Congello, cardiologist at MercyOne North Iowa, also commented on the impact COVID-19 cases are having on other health care. An unexpected part of all of these COVID cases is that it takes up resources from other procedures that have to be done. Cardiac patients who need lifesaving procedures need to be postponed because there is no place to put them in the ICU or in the hospital, Congello said. As of Wednesday, the hospital had 38 COVID-19-positive patients, MercyOne Communications Lead Angie Anstine shared via press release on Friday. Weve gotten good at treating the people we can save, but we have lost around 200 patients, Summerfield said. I think our staff would want to tell the public this is real. Make your own decisions as to what to do about that, but this is happening. "MercyOne encourages all who are able to take every preventative measure possible," Anstine said. "The best way to prevent the spread is to raise the number of vaccinated individuals in north Iowa. If you are not able to receive a vaccine to protect yourself and others, we ask you to remember the basic precautions: Wear a mask, especially when attending indoor events. Avoid large gatherings. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently." Melanie Mergen is Local News Editor for the Globe Gazette. You can reach her at melanie.mergen@globegazette.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. In a 1918 editorial, W.E.B. Du Bois advised African Americans to stop agitating for equality and to proclaim their solidarity with White Americans for the duration of the First World War. The editorial surprised many African Americans who viewed Du Bois as an uncompromising African American leader and a chief opponent of the accommodationist tactics urged by Booker T.Washington. In fact, however, Du Bois often shifted positions along the continuum between Washington and confrontationists such as William Trotter. In 1895, when Washington called on African Americans to concentrate on improving their communities instead of opposing discrimination and agitating for political rights, Du Bois praised Washingtons speech. In 1903, however, Du Bois aligned himself with Trotter, Washingtons militant opponent, less for ideological reasons than because Trotter had described to him Washingtons efforts to silence those in the African American press who opposed Washingtons positions. Du Bois's wartime position thus reflected not a change in his long-term goals but rather a pragmatic response in the face of social pressure: government officials had threatened African American journalists with censorship if they continued to voice grievances. Furthermore, Du Bois believed that African Americans contributions to past war efforts had brought them some legal and political advances. Du Boiss accommodationism did not last, however. Upon learning of systematic discrimination experienced by African Americans in the military, he called on them to return fighting from the war. Show Spoiler C 1. The passage is primarily concerned with Show Spoiler B 2. The passage indicates which of the following about Du Bois's attitude toward Washington ? Show Spoiler C 3. The passage suggests which of the following about the contributions of African Americans to the United States war effort during the First World War ? Show Spoiler D 4. The author of the passage refers to Washington's call to African Americans in 1895 primarily in order to Show Spoiler E 5. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the strategy that Du Bois's 1918 editorial urged African Americans to adopt during the First World War ? A. identifying historical circumstances that led Du Bois to alter his long-term goals.B. defining accommodationism and showing how Du Bois used this strategy to achieve certain goalsC. accounting for a particular position adopted by Du Bois during the First World War.D. contesting the view that Du Bois was significantly influenced by either Washington or TrotterE. assessing the effectiveness of a strategy that Du Bois urged African Americans to adoptA. It underwent a shift during the First World War as Du Bois became more sympathetic with Trotter's views.B. It underwent a shift in 1903 for reasons other than Du Bois's disagreement with Washington's accommodationist views.C. It underwent a shift as Du Bois made a long-term commitment to the strategy of accommodation.D. It remained consistently positive even though Du Bois disagreed with Washington's efforts to control the African American press.E. It was shaped primarily by Du Bois's appreciation of Washington's pragmatic approach to the advancement of the interests of African Americans.A. The contributions were made largely in response to Du Bois's 1918 editorial.B. The contributions had much the same effect as African Americans' contributions to previous wars.C. The contributions did not end discrimination against African Americans in the military.D. The contributions were made in protest against Trotter's confrontationist tactics.E. The contributions were made primarily by civil rights activists who returned to activism after the war.A. identify Du Bois's characteristic position on the continuum between accommodationism and confrontationismB. explain why Du Bois was sympathetic with Washington's views in 1895C. clarify how Trotter's views differed from those of Washington in 1895D. support an assertion about Du Bois's tendency to shift his political positionsE. dismiss the claim that Du Bois's position in his 1918 editorial was consistent with his previous viewsA. It was a strategy that Du Bois had consistently rejected in the past.B. It represented a compromise between Du Bois's own views and those of Trotter.C. It represented a significant redefinition of the long-term goals Du Bois held prior to the war.D. It was advocated by Du Bois in response to his recognition of the discrimination faced by African Americans during the war.E. It was advocated by Du Bois in part because of his historical knowledge of gains African Americans had made during past wars. Danville leaders will dedicate a state historical highway marker for city native Camilla Williams the first African American woman to perform in a major American opera house in a ceremony Monday. The marker was approved in June 2020, but the dedication was delayed because of the pandemic. Mondays ceremony open to the public will begin at 10 a.m. across from 238 West End Ave. in Danville, the city reported. Williams, who became the first Black artist to receive a contract from New York City Opera, was born in Danville in 1919 and died in Bloomington, Indiana, in January 2012. The markers approval was a result of Gov. Ralph Northams Black History Month K-12 Historical Marker Contest last year. It invited students, teachers and families to learn more about African Americans who have contributed to Virginias history. The submission for a Williams highway marker did not come from a student in the Danville Public Schools system. Instead, it came from a student at Edward E. Drew Middle School in Stafford County, according to Jennifer Loux, highway marker program manager with the state department. A resident of Tiffanie's Manor, an assisted living facility in downtown Richmond, has been charged in a stabbing that wounded one female resident of the home and killed another. The stabbing is the second at the facility in 3 1/2 months. Detectives charged Quincy Adams Rawlings, 53, with one count each of malicious wounding and stabbing in the commission of felony in connection with the stabbing of the 60-year-old woman who survived. Additional charges are pending in the homicide of the woman killed, identified by police as Natalie Simmons-Price, 60. Richmond police were called at 12:52 p.m. Oct. 8 to the facility at 115 N. Jefferson Street for a report of a stabbing. Arriving officers found two woman inside suffering from stab wounds. Both were taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Simmons later died. Police said Rawlings is a resident of the facility. Detectives have not released information on Rawlings' relationship to the victims or a possible motive. 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. On the Move Sylvia Munoz has been named assistant dean of students and director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE) at Elon University, after serving as the interim leader for the department twice during the past five years. Previously Munoz was the associate director of the CREDE and director of El Centro. New principals are joining the Guilford County Schools team, and several existing principals will serve in new locations. Bennie Bradley will become the new principal at Oak View Elementary School, replacing Deanna Daniel, who is moving to Rankin Elementary School. Bradley is the current principal at Guilford Preparatory Academy. Melanee Friday will join the district as principal at Frazier Elementary School, whose current principal, Nicole Hill Avery, will become a principal on special assignment. Leslie Kinard will return to Ferndale Middle School as its new principal, replacing LaToya Caesar, who will transfer to Greensboro College Middle College. Cheri Keels will become principal at the STEM Early College at N.C. A&T. Keels has been with GCS since 2002 and currently serves as principal at Greensboro College Middle College. Fredrick Sellars will move to SCALE-Greensboro. Sellars currently serves as an assistant principal at Dudley High School. Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page highlighted the possibility that advances in technology may help investigators with forensic clues they couldn't obtain two decades back. "The purpose of restarting the multi-jurisdictional task force investigation into the Short Family murders is to review the entire case from the beginning, bringing in fresh eyes to the investigation and to bring a new generation of investigators up to speed on the case,'' Page said in a Friday email. "(Investigators) will also be looking for possible new technologies that are available now and might be utilized that maybe weren't available in the past. Criminal forensics have come a long way,'' Page said. "I would like to thank Sheriff Lane Perry for his efforts in bringing the task force back together and the public for their support as we continue to move forward in this investigation,'' said Page, whose office has asked for help from the media in gathering archived coverage of the case for review by the task force. CHARLOTTE Love means never having to say youre guilty. In Michael Moores case, a Charlotte jury took care of that late Wednesday. After a two-day trial, the 39-year-old Liberian national was convicted of three federal crimes linked to his role in an online romance conspiracy that scammed at least 30 elderly female victims out of $1.5 million. Moore and the ring of love fraudsters trolled Facebook, dating websites and other platforms to court older victims from around the country. They often claimed to be working overseas and in need of money to buy plane tickets or cover other courtship expenses. The scamming and expressions of true love only stopped when the money ran out. Elder fraud has become a multibillion-dollar industry victimizing millions of Americans. Romance scams are becoming increasingly common as predators exploit loneliness and the desire for companionship. In Moores ring, according to prosecutors, he served as the bag man, an appropriate role seeing that he was originally stopped by federal authorities trying to fly out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport with a brown paper bag carrying $75,000 in cash, the U.S. Attorneys Office says. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Helena airplane wins at AirVenture event Every year, well over half a million aviation enthusiasts make their annual pilgrimage to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to attend the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture event. AirVenture is the worlds largest aviation event, having an estimated 608,000 in attendance this year, and more than 10,000 aircraft flew in for the event. For Pilot Don Hendrickson of Hendrickson Aviation and Helena Air-tours, this was his fourth time in Oshkosh but his first time showing his Helena-based aircraft. Don and Julie Hendricksons 1970 Citabria 7KCAB won its category - Vintage Contemporary Outstanding Champion Outstanding in class. There were 3,176 show planes this year, with a record 1,420 vintage aircraft registered. Following the AirVenture event, this aircraft also won the Peoples Choice award Saturday, Aug. 7 at the Three Forks Airport where the Montana Antique Airplane Association hosted its annual fly-in. This event is free of charge, and a great family event. Along with viewing beautiful airplanes, there are childrens events such as a ping pong drop, flying events such as flour bombing competition, and a spot landing event. LWV to learn about Montana and the 2020 Census Montana and the 2020 Census is the topic of the next Helena League of Women Voters meeting at noon Tuesday, Oct. 19. Mary Craigle, the Research and Information Services Bureau Chief and Census Manager of the Census & Economic Information Center, will present census findings and answer questions. The public is welcome to join this online meeting. For an agenda and a link to join the meeting via Zoom, email LWV.Helena@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Plans were announced Thursday for the Western Legacy Center, a tourism-based facility in Whitehall aimed at sparking the economy in Jefferson County, as well as celebrating Montanas cowboy, cowgirl, Native American and rodeo heritage. The center at 3 Whitehall Road is adjacent to Interstate 90 and is the creation of the Jefferson Local Development Corp., in conjunction with Jefferson County officials and the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame, which will be housed within the building. It will feature other historical themes including railroad, mining, mountain men, and Native American culture. It is expected to be open by May and tap into the tourist season. It will also include a retail area where local and statewide businesses can sell unique "Made in Montana" products onsite. It will include an e-commerce component to drive year-round sales and increase visitation. Tom Harrington, project officer with Jefferson Local Development Corp., said organizers are in the process of forming a nonprofit board to oversee the facility, consisting of existing partners and community members. Jay Linderman, executive director of the center and also affiliated with the Rodeo Hall of Fame, said he could feel the excitement for the new facility at Thursdays announcement. He said organizers are optimistic about receiving a $2 million Economic Development Administration grant, and a media group they have hired expects to raise another $1.5 million. They are now seeking donors and sponsors. He said the center will open with 800 square feet of retail space and 3,000 square feet for for rodeo exhibits. He said it will then expand to 8,000 square feet. Its a good project, he said. Its good for Whitehall and good for Jefferson County. Linderman said the project has been in the works for nearly two years and that Jefferson County approached the rodeo association and asked them to join. He said the current Rodeo Wall of Fame will stay in Billings. He said there are nearly 4,000 cars a day that drive by Whitehall on Interstate 90, and it is estimated about 50,000 people a year will stop at the Western Legacy Center. He said most of them will be tourists and the centers job will be to teach them about rodeo, its legacy and Montana. A University of Montana report found that 11.1 million out-of-state visitors contributed nearly $3.15 billion in travel-related spending to Montanas economy during 2020, which was down by about 12% from the previous year due to COVID-19 concerns. The center will have hands-on displays and exhibits employing state-of-the-art technology. These are expected to include: A mining exhibition with a "pan for gold" opportunity and simulators that let visitors "drive" mining equipment. Animated displays focused on Native American culture and Montanas role in the evolution of the West. Integration of a 3-D Visual Center that features virtual participation in rodeo events. Jefferson County Commissioner Leonard Wortman said in a news release the center will offer a "one of a kind visitor experience. Its the perfect time and place for an exciting, inclusive visitor experience that will showcase the dynamic appeal of the Treasure State, he said. Harrington said he was excited about the center. I think its a great project, he said, adding it will be a benefit to the community and allow local entrepreneurs to capture high traffic from the interstate. Linderman said the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center was approached about joining in the Whitehall endeavor, but did not participate. Christy Stensland, its executive director, said a presentation was made to the board, but they decided to go with its plan for the Charles M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, where they now have an area set up. She said that partnership was more favorable to the boards vision. The Cowboy Hall of Fame has been unsuccessful in finding a permanent location after failed attempts in Wolf Point and Big Timber. Efforts to set up shop in Big Timber were halted after five years of work and more than $800,000 invested. Stensland said they hope for success for the Western Legacy Center. We wish them nothing but the best of luck, she said. There is room for all in the state of Montana. Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. State wildlife officials are attempting to trap two small grizzly bears in the Paradise Valley that accessed garbage at an unsecured county-operated solid waste collection site and then raided a private chicken coop near Emigrant. A spokesperson for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said Thursday it is not clear whether the bears will be relocated or euthanized. That decision will ultimately be made by federal officials. The bears had not gotten into any conflicts before reports came in the last few days that they entered the dumpsite operated by Park County through an open gate near Chico Hot Springs. The dumpsters inside the site have screens, but the screens were not closed and the bears freely accessed garbage inside. On Monday night, local filmmaker and grizzly advocate Brad Orsted attempted to haze the bears from the site by flashing his lights and honking his trucks horn. He posted several videos of the incident on social media showing the bears feeding in the dumpsters. They were literally walking right in and right up into the dumpsters, Orsted said in an interview at the site Wednesday, estimating the bears weighed about 140 pounds each. FWP posted signs and and began setting culvert traps Tuesday. On Thursday morning, an Emigrant woman posted photos of bears believed to be the same ones from the dump in her backyard raiding a chicken coop. As of Friday, the bears had not been captured. FWP spokesperson Morgan Jacobsen said there was not a solid timeline of how long the bears had been in the area or what officials would do with the bears if captured. Its something were evaluating day-to-day, he said. Its been multiple nights now that theyve gotten food rewards, so its unclear at this point whether well relocate them once we capture them or not. On Friday, Morgan received a report that someone had sprayed caution tape closing the dump with bear pepper spray. He cautioned that the spray is designed to be used as an irritant to spray at a bear at close range, not as a deterrent sprayed in the area. Spraying in the area may actually attract bears to the scent, he said. Orsted is a photographer and filmmaker, directing the short film The Orphans of Grizzly Valley. The film follows two cubs orphaned after their mother was killed by a hunter. Despite their young age, the cubs survived the winter and became well-known residents of the valley north of Yellowstone National Park. The bears were later trapped and euthanized after reported conflicts, leaving local grizzly advocates outraged that they had not been relocated, Orsted said. He is concerned the bears accessing the dumpster could meet a similar fate. When I heard these bears were sub-adults I just knew it wouldnt end well, he said. Thats why I came out here Monday and started blasting the social media stuff out. Both Orsted and other grizzly advocates gathered Wednesday said there was some history of bears at the site. Moreover, they believed the county should have taken steps to make the site bear resistant simply for its proximity to prime habitat. What I dont understand is why they arent proactive about this stuff, Orsted said. Its like were in the Southeast and a hurricane comes and everyone is surprised. Then the next year a hurricane comes and everyone is surprised again. Hello, this is the heart of grizzly country. It really is amazing that no one has gotten hurt. Maybe next time it wont be a little 150-pound bear but its a 500-pound sow that comes barreling out of that dumpster. Doug Peacock with the group Save the Yellowstone Grizzly also visited the dump Wednesday and believes that with major declines in the grizzly-favorite whitebark pine and impacts from climate change, the bears will increasingly seek out the lowlands in search of food. The history of bear activity at the site is not entirely clear. Orsted and others said it was well-known locally that bears had been seen at the dump at times in recent years. Park County Public Works Director Matt Whitman said in an interview Wednesday it was the first recorded incident of a bear at the site. I think with the lack of rain this summer and lack of forage, its the first year weve had a bear, Whitman said. Unlike some areas of the state where those using a dumpsite can manually open and shut the screen on the dumpster, Park County did not have that type of equipment at the site near Emigrant. The gate was also not closed at night, Whitman said, citing cost issues. In response to the grizzly incident, Whitman said the county has been working with FWP and will install electric wire along the top of the fence and an automatic gate to prevent future incidents. The county plans to move forward with the project in the next few weeks but completion of the work depends on availability of contractors, he said. On Wednesday evening, several of the dumpsters had been emptied and their screen lids closed. Jacobsen also reported that the local game warden did not believe the agency had previously responded to the site near Emigrant. There had been conflicts with bears at other dump sites in Paradise Valley, Jacobsen said, but credited the county with addressing issues as theyve come up. We have seen conflicts in the valley at similar sites but the county has been good to work with as weve come in with our consulting role, he said. Jacobsen asked that those using the dumpsite be cautious and to stay clear of the area while traps are set in the evening and at night. Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 4 Angry 5 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Thumbs up Montana Citys primary access to the South Hills Trail System will be forever preserved for public use, thanks to a generous donation from the new owners of the land. Although a portion of the popular Eddye McClure East trail was built on the private property at least a decade ago, the trail has long been vulnerable to closure without an official agreement guaranteeing public access. However, Mike Dowling, his two daughters and their husbands donated a permanent easement for the trail after purchasing the property over the summer. We are grateful to the new landowners and everyone else involved in making this happen, including Prickly Pear Land Trust, Montana Conservation Corps and Phat Trak Trail Co. Many of us chose to live here because of the abundance of public land, and it's good to know future generations will be able to enjoy it as much as we do. Thumbs up Sometimes wishes do come true. This was certainly the case for a 5-year-old Townsend boy with a brain tumor, who ended up getting even more than he wanted from Make-A-Wish of South Dakota and Montana. Ezekiel initially wished for an outdoor play set and sandbox. Make-A-Wish representatives granted both wishes and even arranged for the sandbox to be filled by a dump truck during a party held in his honor, because they know how much Ezekiel loves big trucks. Thank you to this great organization for bringing such joy to children who need it most. Thumbs up Nonprofit organizations might provide our best chance at addressing homelessness in Helena, and Family Promise of Greater Helena is taking that role seriously. Through a new program that focuses on preventing homelessness, the organization is working to help those who are close to being evicted. The services offered include landlord mediation, financial literacy, child care, employment training and rental assistance. We have no doubt that this will help keep more of our friends and neighbors in their homes, which is a much better solution than trying to find somewhere else for them to stay. This is the opinion of the Independent Record editorial board. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MOLINE Mike Dahl woke up Thursday morning and headed to work at the John Deere Parts Distribution Plant in Milan, Illinois. But he stopped at the entrance. Dahl, and more than 20 of his union brothers and sisters in the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, joined a picket line formed at both entrances to the facility. Just before midnight, the union had called a strike in its quest for a contract with better wages and benefits. On a chilly, drizzly first morning, those on the picket line clustered around a barrel fire and pile of firewood to keep warm. Passing cars honked to express solidarity. During his shift on the picket line, Dahl had to leave several times he has a child in preschool to drop off and pick up. The lack of flexibility with his work schedule is hard on his family and one of his reasons for striking. The picketers, joined by friends and family and retirees of Deere, held signs reading UAW on strike and UAW on strike for improved benefits." Recommended for you Dahl said other local unions, radio stations, and organizations delivered food, water, and clothing to the picket lines at Deere facilities. The support from the community helped keep workers spirits high, he said. We feel really good about what we're doing and why we're doing it, Dahl said. Just as a union we just feel really solidified with what we're trying to accomplish. Members of the UAW Local 281 took to the picket lines by the dozens after the union and Deere failed to reach an agreement by Thursday. After overwhelmingly voting down a contract Sunday night, the UAW recalled its bargaining committee, effectively ending negotiations, and set a hard strike deadline of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. The strike affects about 10,000 workers at factories in Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. Each Deere plant covered by the contract organized its own picket lines, and plan to continue for 24 hours a day, seven days a week until an agreement is reached, union leaders have said. This is obviously going to be a life adjustment, Dahl said. But I'll go on as long as I need to. The six-year offer from Deere would have raised wages by 20% over the life of the contract. The deal also limited retirement benefits for workers hired after the contract was ratified. Deere workers have faced forced overtime and poor treatment from managers and other company leaders, multiple employees said on the condition of anonymity, fearing retribution. They said the last contract offer was unacceptable, especially considering the companys record-high profits over the past year. For the 2020 fiscal year, Deere & Co. net income totaled $2.751 billion, according to the company. 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 in a statement. We stay committed to bargaining until our members' goals are achieved. In a statement, Brad Morris, Deere's vice president of labor relations, said the company is determined to reach an agreement with 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. Another worker picketing at Milan said he has no interest in comparing Deeres salary and benefits to other manufacturers. They said most other companies are not having record profits, nor do they produce as much as Deere. If you're wanting to come out and look like they were the shining star in all this, they would have come out and made an offer that was unbelievable to us and kept us working, the worker said. We never would have had to shut down. According to three union members, negotiations between Deere and UAW leaders have halted, with no indication of when they will resume. In a statement released Thursday, Deere said they have activated the Customer Service Continuation Plan salaried employees covering the manufacturing line to keep 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," the statement said. Union workers said they hear rumblings from disgruntled salary employees who have been reassigned to that duty. We were told your old job is second fiddle. Your job will now be showing up at the factory, said one salaried employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media. On the picket line, workers discussed how to remain financially stable if the strike continues for weeks, or even months. Strike pay will be available according to 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. The impact depends on how long the strike continues. Deere stock closed at $329.65 on Thursday, up from $327.65 on Thursday morning, when Deere workers went on strike. Deeres stock has dropped since Monday, after UAW members overwhelmingly voted down Deeres contract offer. On Monday, Deeres stock price was $343.02. The Milan worker said union employees are ready for the long-haul. We are standing out here, showing our display that we were willing to fight for what we feel we deserve, the worker said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MOLINE Earlier this week, DeWitt, Illlinois, farmer Joe Dierickx ordered a new cornhead tip. He'd noticed the part was bent, and while it was still operational, it needed to be fixed. Usually Dierickx would have the part two or three days after ordering it. However, with pandemic-caused supply shortages and a Deere & Co. strike starting this week, he couldn't even get an estimate on when it will arrive. "I'm kind of caught in the middle of it," Dierickx said. UAW workers in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas took the picket line early Thursday after the 10,000-strong union and Deere & Co., better known as John Deere, failed to reach an agreement by Thursday. The strike, depending on how long it lasts, will hurt already struggling supply chains. October is harvest season and the busiest time of year for John Deere Dealer Sloan Implement in Fulton, Illinois, store manager Eric Maloney said. Sloan Implement has dealt with delays on orders without knowing when they'll arrive throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and parts from all across the board have been hard to stock. Recommended for you The most important thing is keeping machines working through harvest, about six weeks. The dealer has been relying more than usual on repairing parts rather than replacing them, and that practice will continue. "We're going to just keep right on forging ahead as best we can," Maloney said. Deere has been sending out communications to the dealers, Maloney said, and what he's heard indicates that the company is working to continue production of parts. Deere is still accepting orders, and has other employees filling in for the union workers. Right now he isn't sure how much the strike will affect supply, but availability of parts will be the most immediate impact. "The ideal situation is for the UAW to be able to work out an agreement, and get it signed as soon as possible, get everything running back to normal," Maloney said. Visiting local dealerships, Dierickx said it's apparent they don't have the stock they usually would. There aren't as many tractors, combines and other pieces of equipment sitting out for sale, and the shelves don't carry parts they usually have in abundance. "This strike is just compounding kind of a bad situation," Dierickx said. He hopes that a deal is struck before he and other farmers start ordering parts in February for planting in the spring. Once harvest is finished crop farmers won't have to worry about much until late winter, but livestock farmers may need equipment throughout the colder months, he said. Robb Ewoldt, a soybean and livestock farmer outside of Davenport, Iowa, said he's been lucky so far in not having issues with getting parts he needs. 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 only have 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. "If they don't keep having that [availability of parts], it'll be a concern for all of us," he said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DECATUR The Macon County Health Department will be offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics as well as booster shots in Decatur. The first dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be offered to those 12 and older at two locations: Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18. Must return on Friday, Nov. 8, to receive a second dose. Macon County Health Department, 1221 E. Condit St., Decatur, 1 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20. Must return on Wednesday, Nov. 10, to receive a second dose. The first dose of the Moderna vaccine and the single dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be offered to those 18 and older at one location: Macon County Health Department, 1221 E. Condit St., Decatur, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20. Individuals who received the Moderna vaccine must return on Wednesday, Nov. 10, to receive a second dose. Recommended for you Do not attend if you are pregnant or nursing unless you have a doctor's note, or if you have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine of any kind. Bring insurance card and photo ID if possible. Minors must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. If someone other than a parent of legal guardian is planning to bring a child, the permission/proxy form will need to be filled out and signed beforehand. The Pfizer vaccine booster will be available at the health department to those who received their second dose between the dates of April 18 to April 24 or any time prior. The boosters are approved for those who are 65 and older as well as those 18 and older who are either at a high risk of contracting the virus or have jobs or living situation that put them at high risk. Boosters for the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccine are not being offered by the health department at this time in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone looking for a third dose of the Moderna vaccine must visit a local pharmacy or contact their primary care physician to see if they are eligible. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DECATUR Montessori Academy of Peace is a little chaotic as the Extended Day program gets rolling after school. One group of kids has dinner while another group has free play time. Then the second group eats while the first has play time. On a rainy day, they can't go outside, so the adults find fun for them indoors. And Alexis Newbon, site coordinator, laughs about how crazy it can get. We really try to push for making it as fun as we can for the kids as well as providing that academic piece as well, she said. Right now, I am one of the later starting schools, so my biggest chunk is in the morning. I have from 6 (a.m.) to 8:55 full of kids. I usually get from 50 to 70 kids in the morning. The program is at 13 buildings in the district and began on Sept. 7. The idea, said Ashley Grayned, executive director of innovative programs and strategic planning, was to provide academic support for kids who are still catching up after more than a year of remote learning, enrichment in areas like art and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and recreation. Recommended for you It was to bridge two gaps, Grayned said. The academic focus is on trying to have our students have academic support and the enrichment piece of exposing them to arts and different clubs, and fill the gap of a child care resource that we've heard from many families is needed. Parents who have to be at work earlier than the start of school, or later than school lets out, have had difficulty finding other child care options due to staffing shortages that have hit day care centers and many other businesses. The extended day program answers that need and is free for families. This is my child's first year at Montessori, said parent Suzi Rots, whose daughter Avarie Crutcher is in the Pre-K-3 class. We were looking for something after school and thought it was huge that it was free, and I know they have structured programs, and I'm happy for her to be in the same school with the same group of kids that she's learning with all day. Avarie hasn't cried once all year, Rotz said, and in fact is excited to go to school early and play with her friends before the school day starts. It also helps that Avarie's teacher is one of the after-school staff, so she has a consistent and trusted adult nearby all day. Families sign their children up for the program and indicate no later than 5 p.m. the previous Thursday how many days the kids will be in the program. They can choose morning, afternoon or both, and kids can attend every day, one day a week, or whatever suits the family's schedule. Staff includes certified teachers, paraprofessionals, college and high school students, and the hope is that by spring, kids can also enjoy field trips and chances to be part of Scouts, visits from Children's Museum of Illinois personnel, and other enrichment activities. The program is paid for by COVID relief funds. The district received $71 million to pay for equipment and programs to help combat learning loss and other issues related to the pandemic. We felt like this was a good use of those funds and trying to catch them up and get back to normal post-pandemic, Grayned said We're always making changes and improvements, and we're serving 500 students a week, from Pre-K to eighth grade. Addison Daily, a fifth-grader at the Montessori school, attends every day. I like it, she said. It means I get to spend more time with my friends. And there's enough fun to keep it from feeling like a really long school day, added Neriah Boey, a fourth-grader. The adults make sure of that. "We're rocking and rolling," Grayned said. IF YOU GO WHAT: Extended Day program at Decatur Public Schools WHEN: As early as 6 a.m. and late as 5:30 p.m., before and after school COST: Free to DPS families MORE INFORMATION: dps61.org/extendedday Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DECATUR Over the protests of Democrats, the Macon County Board has voted to approve a Republican-backed redistricting plan that will reduce the size of the board from seven districts with 21 seats to five districts with 15 seats. The plan passed 13-6 on Thursday with all Republicans voting in favor, arguing that fewer members are needed due to population loss. But Democrats opposed the plan, accusing the majority Republicans of disenfranchising Black voters by failing to maintain an existing majority-minority district in a county that's nearly one-fifth Black. Republicans sought to appease such concerns. They backed off an initial draft that would have diluted the county's Black population across all five districts. A new proposal, which emerged Thursday afternoon and was later adopted via amendment, establishes a district where Black people comprise 46% of the population. No other district would feature more than a 14% Black population, according to data from the Macon County Clerk's office. Recommended for you In the initial draft, the Black population of each district ranged from 15% to 22%, a dilution that likely would have resulted in a lawsuit under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Macon County Democratic Party Chairman Karl Coleman "felt like there wasn't a district that was really dedicated for the black community, so we looked at it (and redrew it)," said Macon County Board Chairman Kevin Greenfield. "Didn't necessarily agree with him, but we thought in good faith, we will try to fix it as well as we could." About three-dozen protestors demonstrated outside the county building ahead of the meeting, urging board members not to reduce Black voting power. Republican board members were given copies of the new proposed district boundaries at their caucus meeting 30 minutes prior to the start of the board meeting. Though the initial proposal would have maximized Republican partisan advantage, the party opted to move forward with the amended map featuring the minority plurality district, deeming it the less risky option. Jerry Stocks, an attorney for the Macon County Republican Party, told members that the amended map put the board in "a better legal defense position" by avoiding the cracking of minority voting power. "The plurality is so strong in terms of minority percentage that it will be a minority district if they run minority candidates," Stocks said of the new District 1, which includes much of the core urban areas of Decatur. Both the original Republican proposal and amended proposal were largely drafted by Stocks and Macon County Republican Party chair Bruce Pillsbury, confirmed Macon County Clerk Josh Tanner. "I think that from a Republican standpoint, we'll start 0-3 right out of the gate because I don't believe a Republican could win in that district," Greenfield added. According to U.S. Census data, Macon County's population dropped from 110,768 in 2010 to 103,998 in 2020. During that same period, the county's African American population increased from 16.3% to 18.3%. There is one minority-majority district, which is about 55% African American, under the current map. Three of the board's five African American members represent the district. Even with the changes, all three members from that minority-majority district expressed opposition to the new plan, with board member Bill Oliver, D-2, calling it "vindictive." "It's grossly unfair to a lot of people, especially those in the middle of town," Oliver said. "And you can see what they had to do to gerrymander it around to get it to fit how they want it to be." Though an improvement from the initial proposal, Coleman said a minority-plurality district was not enough to protect the county from lawsuits, arguing that the minority-majority district was protected under the Voting Rights Act and could not be eliminated. He also questioned Republicans' assumption that a minority candidate would win all three seats in the district, noting that the voting-age minority population is likely lower than that actual population. "If anything, it's just sheer political gamesmanship and power grabbing," Coleman said. "This proposal is clearly going to threaten the viability of an African American trying to get on the board, but really any Democrat with how (large these districts) are." Democrats backed a map drawn by Republican County Clerk Josh Tanner, which would have maintained seven three-member districts, including one Black-majority district. Tanner, however, said he was "not advocating" for his map, but drew it up as a last resort of sorts in case the board did not draft one on its own. Coleman moved to adopt Tanner's map Thursday evening, an effort easily defeated by the Republican majority. An attempt to table the ordinance so that more public awareness could be raised also failed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 OTTAWA Jelani Day's family attorney has responded after toxicology testing results were announced Thursday amid the investigation of his death. Caffeine and evidence of nicotine and cannabis use were found during the testing, but the amounts were considered not toxicologically significant, the report said. "The toxicology report was exactly what we expected it to be and unfortunately provides no answers as to what happened to Jelani," said Hallie Bezner, the family's attorney. LaSalle County Coroner Rich Ploch declined to comment on the report due to the ongoing investigation." Results were received Wednesday. The Pantagraph obtained the report prepared by Horsham, Pennsylvania-based NMS Labs under the Freedom of Information Act. Tissue samples were taken from the liver, kidney and brain on Sept. 8. Recommended for you A cause of death for Day has not been released by law enforcement. Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. Recommended for you 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ABINGDON, Va. A North Dakota man has been charged with assaulting his pregnant girlfriend at an Abingdon motel. On Oct. 10, the Washington County Sheriffs Office responded to the Budget Inn on Porterfield Highway on the report of a domestic assault, according to a news release. Deputies found a woman, who has not been identified, with a swollen face and large amounts of blood on her face and clothes, the release states. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The victim informed deputies that Jaron Guerro, 29, kicked her in the face and punched her in the stomach several times after an argument. The deputies learned that the woman was five months pregnant with the mans child, but could no longer feel the baby moving. Guerro was arrested later in the day in Bristol, Virginia, on a charge of attempted killing of an unborn fetus and malicious wounding, the release states. He is currently being held without bail at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail. Sheriff Blake Andis said additional charges are pending. He added that the condition of the woman and her unborn child are not known. A commercial truck driver from southern Ohio has been ordered to serve 22 years in a Virginia prison following his guilty plea in a fatal wrong-way crash earlier this year in Wise County. Travis Lee Tolliver, 31, appeared in Wise County Circuit Court on Thursday. He previously pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated vehicular manslaughter, felony maiming of another in the commission of driving a vehicle while intoxicated with reckless disregard and driving a vehicle while intoxicated. The judge ordered him to serve 22 years of prison time, followed by five years of supervised probation. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} On Feb. 24, Tolliver was involved in a wrong-way crash on U.S. Highway 23, according to Wise County Commonwealths Attorney Chuck Slemp. Authorities learned a 2017 Chevrolet Cruz, driven by Amanda Gail Pearson, 20, was in the southbound lane when it was hit head on by a 1997 International Truck, driven by Tolliver. Pearson was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries and her passenger, Perry Shea Owens, 22, died at the scene, Slemp said. Slemp said Tolliver admitted to driving his truck on the wrong side of the road when he hit the Chevrolet. An analysis of his blood revealed he was under the influence of methamphetamine, fentanyl and amphetamines, according to Slemp. 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. A new report gives the clearest account yet of the extent to which former President Donald Trump attempted to subvert the Justice Department to overthrow a legitimate election. The report makes clear that a handful of top administration officials heroically averted this attempted coup by threatening mass resignations if Trump carried out his scheme. As more and more of these details emerge, Republicans who continue to support Trumps false and toxic claims of electoral victory should think hard about how history will view him and them. The interim report by the Senate Judiciary Committee shows how Trumps Jan. 6 incitement of a mob of his supporters to attack the Capitol was only his most publicly visible attempt to overturn an election he clearly lost. In the days prior, Trump was maneuvering behind the scenes, trying to weaponize his Justice Department to validate his already-disproven claims of election fraud. Dairy farmers are well aware of the importance of feeding colostrum, but getting colostrum into calves is only part of the story. The successful transfer of passive immunity is what creates the happy ending. At the recent American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) annual conference, Patrick Crannell, a student at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, discussed the impact good and more specifically, not so good transfer of passive immunity can have on animal health. Due to the thickness of a cows placenta, immunoglobulins do not transfer from the dam to the fetus. Instead, immunoglobulins must be acquired through colostrum. If a calf does not receive enough immunoglobulins, that is considered a failure to transfer passive immunity. Crannell said a long-time industry standard used 5.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL) as the cutoff for successful transfer of passive immunity. More recently, though, industry professionals proposed a four-point scale to evaluate the exchange of immunity. The new scale includes the categories of excellent, good, fair, and poor. In a retrospective observational study involving one 3,500-head dairy in Michigan, Crannell said they looked at serum total protein levels in calves between 2 and 7 days of age. There were 1,729 calves that fell into the excellent category, 1,456 that were classified as good, 905 were fair, and 246 calves were considered to have poor transfer of passive immunity. As one part of the study, they looked at morbidity and mortality rates in these calves. For diarrhea, calves in the poor category were 1.49 times more likely to get sick than calves in the excellent category. Those in the fair category were 1.42 times more likely to get diarrhea, and calves classified with good transfer of passive immunity were 1.14 times more likely experience this illness. Crannell pointed out that most of the diarrhea cases were happening prior to 2 weeks of age. It is not surprising that an animal with a higher serum total protein did better at protecting itself against diarrhea because, while the calf develops its own immunity, it needs to rely on passive transfer of immunity, he noted. With pneumonia, calves in the poor group were 1.39 times more likely to get sick than calves that were in the excellent category. No differences were observed for calves that fell into the good and fair categories. As transfer of passive immunity wanes, an animal becomes more susceptible to other pathogens, commented Crannell. He said it showed in this herd, where the calves with poor transfer of passive immunity were more susceptible to pneumonia. Higher serum total protein provides an animal with greater protection, Crannell stated. An animal with a reduced immunoglobulin load is more susceptible to any disease, and then they are more likely to acquire a secondary disease. He reiterated that until a calf develops its own indigenous humoral immunity response to pathogens on the farm, it relies on serum total protein, emphasizing the importance of a successful transfer of passive immunity. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021 October 14, 2021 Companies buying cyber insurance will have to prove their use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and undergo detailed security audits, as the fledgling industry fights back against ransomware-driven losses that have pushed it to the brink. The cyber insurance premium pool which, according to US National Association of Insurance Commissioners figures, comprised around $4.3b ($US3.2b) of direct written premiums has steadily increased as a growing number of companies bundle cyber coverage with their other business policies. A recent US Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis noted that 47 per cent of insurance clients had added cyber insurance policies in 2020 up from 26 per cent in 2016. Yet with ransomware demands spiralling into the nine and ten figures, cyber insurers last year paid out 73 per cent of the premiums they collected up from just 34 per cent in 2018. That growth is threatening the industrys viability, with industry analyst firm Fitch Ratings warning that a higher propensity of cyber incidents, particularly ransomware attacks, are likely to hinder industry growth that would be hit by significant premium rate increases and tighter coverage terms. Recognising ransomwares existential threat, providers have this year overhauled their policy settings. A new US Cyber Insurance Market Outlook report from Risk Placement Services (RPS), for example, notes that insurance providers are winding back coverage amounts from, say, $5 million to $3 million or even $1 million and boosting premiums by as much as 300 per cent, even for existing customers. Over the past year, weve seen the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing frequency and severity of ransomware attacks put pressure on the US cyber liability market, RPS national cyber practice leader Steve Robinson said, blaming unprecedented claim losses on a growing mismatch between exposures and underwriting. Claimed losses for ransomware attacks and supply chain interruptions were leaving many general insurers unable to resell their cyber risk to larger reinsurers, Robinson said: they found themselves in a situation where the shelves were empty and there was no reinsurance left to buy. Can better insight save Australias market? With ransomware exploding recent Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) figures noted nearly 500 reported ransomware attacks in Australia alone last year, up by 15 per cent on the previous year local companies have been leaning on insurers to cover their losses. Closely watching the experience of more-mature US markets, Australian regulators have moved to reduce insurers ransomware exposure with policies such as a mooted ban on insurers paying ransoms, and a newly released Ransomware Action Plan that will criminalise cyber extortion and force large companies to report ransomware attacks. The payment of ransoms by insurers is helping drive the illicit ransomware trade, CSCRC CEO Rachael Falk said. What is vital when it comes to ransomware and cyber insurance is that we start to starve out the cyber criminals and break the payment chain by stopping insurers paying the ransom. CSCRC recommendations include preventing insurers from paying ransom or extortion payments; clarifying what is and is not covered by cyber insurance; developing guides to help SMEs benefit from cyber insurance; and increasing bundling that combines cyber insurance with other business policies. Evaluating these policy changes will, however, require better visibility in a sector that the CSCRC said is suffering a lack of transparency. This is expected next year, after the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) mandates reporting of cyber insurance and management liability data in the National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD). Improved reporting, APRA says, will assist insurers in quantifying this risk so as to develop adaptive pricing models and products to support this strategic response. Onus on the insured Even as the market works to prevent a financial washout, insurers are becoming far more savvy about the cybersecurity controls they expect companies to use. Just like a car insurer would expect you to wear a seatbelt and never drive after drinking, companies applying for cyber insurance can expect to have to demonstrate use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a minimum. Replacing what used to be cursory questionnaires, insurers are now demanding supplemental application forms documenting a range of cybersecurity practices. Expect to produce policies around data privacy, backup, segregation, testing, and recovery; biometric data storage where fingerprint scans are used; IT vendor vetting processes; employee cybersecurity training; use of vulnerable remote desktop protocol (RDP); use of endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools; email security; and log-in security and user authentication. Insurance companies are setting IT infrastructure minimums, said RPS area vice president Nick Carozza. What has been a challenge for many companies is that these controls went into effect so quickly. Many companies were caught in a situation where they didnt have the time or the funds to implement these controls before their policy renewal date. Increasingly, insurers are likely to lean on security measurement metrics like SecurityScoreCard, which evaluate and rank companies online security exposure. Although they cant see everything, said SANS Institute director of emerging security trends John Pescatore during a recent webinar, the scores have turned out to be a pretty strong leading indicator of the likelihood of attack. A couple of years collecting data in this scoring industry was enough to show the cyber insurance industry that they can use it for something like that as well. If they are, say, making calls to known [malware] command and control centres or are having vulnerabilities, this means they are more likely than everybody else to be compromised. No. 3 Vacant buildings on Concord Parkway. The Gate convenience store at the corner of Pitts School Road and Concord Parkway recently closed. Were told the company was at the end of its lease and the landlord wanted to increase the rent significantly. Gate was willing to pay more, but not as much as the owner wanted. There is a lot of competition in that area with an Exxon and BP across the street and a Murphys less than a block away (in front of Walmart Neighborhood Market). I wonder if 7Eleven might be interested in the site. They seem to be adding a lot of locations in the area. Up next is Food Lion. The grocery stores lease comes to an end soon and there is concern that an increased rent demand might drive Food Lion out. Well have to wait and see what happens. Anybody remember the Rite Aid drug store in that shopping center? Its been empty for more than five years. The last time I was in that store was before I became editor. I went in for a flu shot and also wound up getting pneumonia and shingles shots that day. I am pro-vax. I dont like being sick when it is not necessary. No. 4 SPRINGFIELD Gov. J.B. Pritzkers campaign released summary documents of his 2020 tax returns Friday, which showed the first family reporting $5.14 million in adjusted gross income, all from taxable interest and dividends. The campaign released seven pages summarizing the governors and first lady MK Pritzkers returns, which were prepared by Deloitte Tax LLP. It did not release tax returns from trusts benefitting Illinois first family, stating in an email only the amount the trusts paid in taxes. According to the information provided by the trustees, in 2020, trusts benefitting J.B. Pritzker paid $16.3 million in Illinois taxes and $69.6 million in federal taxes, the campaign said in an email. The Pritzkers claimed $2.86 million in standard and itemized deductions, according to their federal 1040 form, although the campaign did not release the Schedule A form outlining the breakdown of those deductions. The campaign did say in an email the Pritzkers made $2.8 million in personal charitable donations last year. Other deductions that can be claimed on a Schedule A form include medical and dental expenses, state and local real estate and personal property taxes, mortgage interest paid, casualty and theft losses and more. A campaign spokesperson said it would not be releasing the full Schedule A form or any information other than the summaries but did not give a reason why. The spokesperson said the summaries are what the governor has always released since he launched his first-term candidacy. The Pritzkers also claimed $83,681 in qualified business income deductions, although the campaign did not release the full 8995 form which outlines those deductions. The tax return summary document also showed the Pritzkers claimed a $142,046 foreign tax credit, although it did not include any corresponding documentation. That made for a federal taxable income of $2.2 million, on which the Pritzkers paid $529,104 in total federal taxes, according to the partial returns. The Pritzkers paid $230,643 in Illinois taxes at the states flat 4.95 percent rate. That was after a $21,702 deduction for income taxes paid in another state. Forbes estimates Pritzker, who is heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, to have a net worth of $3.6 billion. The $5.14 million in total income is up from the previous year, but far below the Pritzkers 2017 reported pre-governorship income of approximately $55 million, as reported by the Associated Press at the time. In 2019, the Pritzkers reported $2.57 million in total income and $1.42 million in taxable income federally. In 2018, the family reported more than $6 million in adjusted gross income and $5.5 million in federal taxable income. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ID for body found on Blue Ridge Parkway Authorities on Thursday identified a man whose body was found Oct. 9 near an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The victim is Josue Calderon, 33, of Rhode Island, the National Park Service said in a statement. Calderons death is being investigated as a homicide, the park service said. The N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has completed an autopsy on Calderons body, but the park service didnt release Calderons cause of death. This case isnt related to any other investigation, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety, the park service said. Dispatchers with the National Park Service received a report on Oct. 9 about a body near an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the park service said. Law enforcement rangers then went to the scene and found Calderons body below the Yadkin Valley Overlook at milepost 289.8. John Hinton Authorities searching for missing teen The N.C. Center for Missing Persons has issued a Silver Alert for a missing Forsyth County teenager. ONeill told the court that Evans refused to name his attackers following the June 5 assault, WGHP reported. Byers told the court that was because they just tried to kill him. ONeill and Byers convened a joint press conference following the court hearing. The statute is pretty clear that there are certain factors that a judge can consider when making a decision on bond, including flight risk, danger to the community and the nature and circumstances of the case, ONeill told reporters. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Anytime you are dealing with school violence, we have to send a message to the community that it wont be tolerated, the criminal justice system takes these cases very seriously, and of course the prosecutors office takes a zero-tolerance on these sorts of things. Byers said that Evans and his family are disappointed that Evans didnt win the chance to post bond, and that while a low bond amount in a murder case is rare, it would be justified by the circumstances of this case. He is 15 years old and has health issues from almost being killed, Byers said. I felt like my arguments were reasonable. Last week, Dr. Matt Maslonka had to watch as a woman in the hospital sick with COVID-19 was wheeled into her husband's room to say goodbye before he succumbed to the disease. "They were married for 21 years, she told me, and asked, 'How can I go on without my rock by my side?' There wasnt an answer. I again expressed my condolences while holding back my own emotions, and thinking this didnt have to happen," Maslonka wrote in a letter to the Journal Star. The doctor, who is one of a handful of Lincoln pulmonologists treating all of the COVID-19 patients in local hospitals, said later in an interview that he is frustrated and heartbroken by all the people who are needlessly dying of COVID-19 at Bryan Health and CHI St. Elizabeth. The woman recovered, but Maslonka said he's seen plenty of other cases where multiple family members have died. He spoke of a father and son who died in the same hospital, as well as siblings who died within 24 hours of each other. Those deaths not only take a toll on the families but also on the people trying to help them the doctors, nurses and other health professionals who spend weeks treating severely ill patients only to then watch helplessly as they die. 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." She thought she might be in a studio, with the familiar faces of the "Today" show cast. But instead, she was outside, being interviewed in front of a crowd at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, sharing her story to the women and young girls who gathered there. A story of survival, of discrimination, of striving for an education. Of learning a new language one word at a time her dad told her to memorize 10 new words a day when they moved to the United States. How she stumbled upon Yousafzai's 2013 autobiography "I Am Malala" and found, for the first time, a story she could relate to. "I started reading that, I had no idea what it was about," she said. "I saw someone familiar, who looked like me." It's what helped inspire her to get involved with the Malala Fund, where she's helped shine a light on issues girls face today, especially in the wake of COVID-19 domestic violence, child marriages, lack of access to education. After Monday's show aired, the staff at North Star, including counselor Lori Ludwig, received a link to Basitkey's segment. They were excited, to say the least. To ensure that everyone who ventures into ShakesFear will get a scare or two, the 15-minute journey begins in groups of 10 that are soon cut down to five. We want to avoid that conga-line thing that happens at most haunted houses where the first person gets scared and the rest know whats coming, Park said. With the smaller group, we can ensure that everyone gets it." The journey takes place in the Temple Buildings Studio Theatre, which has been been filled with a haunted set created by designer Jill Hibbard that utilizes props, animatronics and pneumatic devices to create the environment for the masked actors to by scary. I think people are going to be very surprised by the production value of this thing, Park said. The scares come one after another, an experience so intense that at least one of those who attended a preview this week couldnt finish the journey. It doesnt let up until youre at the end, Park said. Its perfect for the new generation, which is used to engaging with experiences, whether it's virtual reality or video games. 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. 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. 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. BURLINGTON The future of Burlingtons beloved but troubled Echo Lake could become clearer when a new study is released next month. City officials have issued a statement indicating that the consulting firm of Ayres Associates Inc. is scheduled to present options for the lake and its dam at the Nov. 16 meeting of the Burlington City Council. Ayres is studying whether the city should make improvements to the dam or remove the dam and allow the lake to drain into the White River. Officials say the City Council is expected to make a final decision on the issue in February. A recently released preliminary report from the consulting firm found no feasible dam improvement alternatives that would meet the safety standards set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. However, work has continued on the study, and officials separately are hoping to persuade the DNR to accept a different level of safety standard so as to avoid draining Echo Lake. The preliminary report, dated Aug. 18, mentions the possibility of building two 16-foot-wide floodgates. No cost estimate has been provided for this approach, which also would not meet DNR standards. A statement posted on the citys website states that the presentation scheduled for Nov. 16 is to include several options, with cost estimates, to help determine the future of Echo Lake. This is a very important project for the community, and it was critical we only presented options that are viable, realistic and able to achieve compliance, the city stated. State regulators at the DNR notified Burlington in 2015 that the estimated 50-year-old dam was not adequate to meet state requirements that it remain capable of containing a 500-year flood event. The state gave Burlington up to 10 years until 2025 to rectify the situation. Engineers at Ayres have since reported that meeting the states standards is physically impossible, given the geography of the landscape surrounding Echo Lake. The consultants also calculated that dredging sediment from the lake bottom to improve water depth and quality would cost $2.5 million. No cost estimates have been released for removing the city-owned dam and draining the lake. Echo Lake, which has been a part of Burlington for more than 100 years, is located near the center of town and has been a popular spot for fishing, boating and other recreational activities. But water quality has deteriorated in recent years, and some community leaders have spoken out in favor of draining the 70-acre lake and allowing it to vanish into the history books. Another group has created a Facebook page called Save Echo Lake & Dam to advocate for keeping the lake. The group has outlined a strategy of investing in needed upgrades to the dam, and raising money through fundraisers and boat rentals. According to the citys new statement, release of the Ayres consulting report on Nov. 16 will be followed by open houses and stakeholder meetings to consider options. No dates have been announced for the open houses or meetings. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The former marketing director of Janesville-based Mercyhealth pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud and tax evasion, part of a five-year, multimillion-dollar scheme with an alleged accomplice to defraud the health care provider using kickbacks from inflated invoices for marketing services. Barbara Bortner, 57, of Milton, who was Mercyhealths vice president of marketing and public relations, faces up to 25 years in prison when she is sentenced on Feb. 17 by U.S. District Judge William Conley. Advisory federal sentencing guidelines make a sentence approaching that length extremely unlikely. Under a plea agreement, federal prosecutors agreed to recommend credit for acceptance of responsibility but made no specific sentencing recommendation. The plea agreement states the loss to Mercyhealth was more than $3.1 million, and the tax loss to the federal government for 2018, the year covering the tax fraud count that was charged against Bortner, was $263,846. In all, Bortner agreed she owes the Internal Revenue Service $777,803 in restitution for underpaid taxes for all of the years that the scheme was ongoing, the agreement states. An additional restitution figure covering the amount Bortner will have to repay to Mercyhealth will be set when she is sentenced. Bortners alleged accomplice, Ryan Weckerly, 46, of Sycamore, Illinois, is charged with wire fraud and fraud by making false statements. He has agreed to plead guilty to those charges at a hearing scheduled on Nov. 4. According to a charging document filed on Sept. 1, Bortner conspired with Weckerly, who owned two marketing agencies in Sycamore, Illinois, to bilk Mercyhealth. One of Weckerlys marketing agencies did business as Invironments, a general lifestyle magazine. Starting in February 2015, the document states, and lasting until June 2020, Weckerly inflated invoices sent to Bortner for marketing work he did for Mercyhealth. The two agreed, the document states, that Weckerly would provide kickbacks to Bortner for the money he received from Mercyhealth through the inflated invoices. In return, Bortner agreed to continue using Weckerlys firm, Morningstar Media Group, as the primary marketing agency for Mercyhealth. As part of the scheme, Bortner created WeInspire LLC, which was used to disguise the source of kickback payments from Weckerly, and Weckerly created another marketing business called Blank Slate Media LLC. Weckerly submitted the inflated marketing invoices to Bortner at Mercyhealth from both Morningstar Media Group and Blank Slate Media. Weckerly transferred some of the money he received from the inflated invoices to a business checking account he created for Invironments magazine. He wrote 103 checks from that account to WeInspire totaling just over $2 million. Bortner deposited most of those checks into an account she created for WeInspire LLC at the Bank of Milton. One check, singled out in one of the charges, was for $70,000. Weckerly also withdrew cash from his accounts and paid it directly to Bortner, the charging document states. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MADISON, Wis. A man who was shot in the arm by Kyle Rittenhouse during a protest last year against police brutality in Wisconsin has filed a federal lawsuit alleging police enabled the violence by allowing an armed militia to have free run of the streets during the demonstration. Rittenhouse shot Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber and Gaige Grosskreutz with an AR-style semiautomatic rifle during the protest in Kenosha on Aug. 25, 2020, after an officer shot Jacob Blake two days earlier. Rosenbaum and Huber died. Grosskreutz was wounded in the arm but survived. Prosecutors have charged Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, with multiple counts, including homicide. He has argued he fired in self-defense after Rosenbaum and Huber attacked him and Grosskreutz ran up to him armed with a handgun. Rittenhouse's trial is slated to begin next month. Grosskreutz's lawsuit filed Thursday alleges that Rittenhouse, who lives in Antioch, Illinois, had joined white supremacist militia members who had answered a call on social media to travel to Kenosha and protect businesses during the protest. Rittenhouse and Grosskreutz are white; so were Rosenbaum and Huber. The filing maintains police knew the militia was there to hurt people, pointing to social media responses such as "Counter protest? Nah. I fully plan to kill looters and rioters tonight" and "Armed and ready. Shoot to kill tonight." The identities of the posters weren't given in the lawsuit. Regardless, police welcomed them, allowing them to patrol the streets with their guns after curfew. One officer told the militia "we appreciate you guys," according to the lawsuit. Police later funneled protestors toward the militia, telling members they could take care of them, the lawsuit alleges. Numerous officers saw Rittenhouse before and after the shootings but never asked him for identification, detained him or disarmed him, and let him walk past them even though people were yelling that he had shot people and he still had his rifle slung over his chest, according to the lawsuit. "If a Black person had approached police with an assault rifle, offering to patrol the streets with the police, he most likely would have been shot dead," the lawsuit said. "If a Black child had shot three citizens with an assault rifle and was seen walking away from the scene of the shooting with the assault rifle in hand, while other citizens yelled he was an active shooter, he would have been shot dead." The lawsuit alleges Kenosha police, the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department and the city committed multiple constitutional violations, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, equal protection and free speech violations, and failure to intervene. The filing seeks unspecified damages. Attorney Sam Hall, who represents Kenosha County and Sheriff David Beth, said Friday the allegations are false. He said the lawsuit fails to acknowledge that Grosskreutz was armed when he was shot by Rittenhouse, and he noted that Grosskreutz hasn't sued Rittenhouse. Hall said he will request dismissal of the case. City officials didn't immediately return messages Friday. Huber's family filed a similar federal lawsuit in August alleging police facilitated the shootings. That case is pending. The protests began after a white Kenosha officer shot Blake, who is Black, in the back during a domestic disturbance. Blake was wanted on a felony warrant and resisted arrest. Officer Rusten Sheskey shot him after he turned toward him holding a knife, according to investigators. The shooting left Blake paralyzed from the waist down. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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 View Results The Suchslands have talked for years about getting Nevaeh a service dog, but they placed their focus on getting her abdominal surgery done first, hoping it would decrease her fainting. With it only worsening since going to college, they knew it was time to take the steps to obtain a dog for Nevaeh. A service dog would help provide balance for Nevaeh when she walks, and they can be scent trained to alert her when she is about to pass out or if she needs to sit down, Nevaeh said. The dogs also can be trained to apply deep pressure on their person when they pass out. So if she is passed out, they can lay on her legs to get the blood flow back to her head. It can help with some of that stuff. There have been some amazing things out there with dogs for kids with POTS, Christine explained. The dog would have a harness that would contain all of Nevaehs information so bystanders would know how to help her. A service dog also can help with mental health and anxiety. Christine has called more than 50 agencies to find dogs that are trained to help people with POTS, and she has whittled it down to three to four places. The waiting list ranges from 12 months to five years, and the price tag is around $30,000. The family has to put $9,000 as a deposit to begin the process of obtaining a dog. KEARNEY Law enforcement officers safeguard lives and property across Buffalo County, and so the residents of the county are planning a week of activities to say thanks and to get acquainted with the men and women behind the badges. These acts of kindness and appreciation provide needed encouragement and support to law enforcement officers and their family members, said Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse about the special salute thats in store next week. Organized by the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, and Cosmos and Sertoma service clubs, Law Enforcement Appreciation Week is Oct. 18-23. Among the activities to show appreciation for law enforcement will be a banquet at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds with Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson speaking. The event will be 4-7 p.m. and feature an assortment of free activities: K-9, obstacle course, motorcycle and drone demonstrations. There also will be bouncy houses, a dunk tank and laser tag. According to organizers, the goal of the week is to provide opportunities for citizens of all ages to interact and socialize with law enforcement officers. Proceeds from the week will fund scholarships for students seeking degrees in law enforcement or similar fields. 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. Richling faced allegations of his own from his time at Christ the King Catholic Church in Omaha and at a church in Genoa, Nebraska. In 2020, the archdiocese said an investigation of Richling "led to the substantiation of multiple instances of sexual misconduct with minors." Both charges Gutgsell is facing are felonies punishable by up to three years in prison. He is expected to face charges in Sarpy County as well. Gutgsell was scheduled to appear Friday afternoon in Douglas County Court. Deacon Tim McNeill, the current chancellor of the archdiocese, has said Gutgsell "wrote loans to himself" which weren't authorized during his time at St. Joseph. McNeill said the archdiocese recently completed its investigation into the financial records of both St. Joseph in Springfield and St. Cecilia in Omaha two of the parishes Gutgsell served after serving as chancellor. Officials found no evidence of financial wrongdoing at St. Cecilia, according to McNeill. At St. Joseph, McNeill said, it's not clear how many checks Gutgsell was able to write to himself or how he was able to bypass typical safeguards requiring a second set of eyes on church transactions. The archdiocese is continuing to investigate those matters, McNeill said. Four months later, on a cold, wet, windy Saturday before Christmas Eve, Gail sprinkled some of James' ashes into a grave at Freewater Cemetery southwest of Wilcox as we laid Mom to rest. Months later, Gail found a notebook in which James wrote that he also wanted a marker at the cemetery and some ashes scattered at the farm. She ordered two identical markers, one for Freewater and the other to be next to her someday at an Omaha cemetery. The flat gray marker has James' name, dates of birth and death, the outline of a Civil War era cannon and Nebraska State Historian. The Freewater marker was set in place in April 2020 next to our parents and west of our farmer brother Glen, who died in July 2012, days before his 65th birthday. Because of COVID-19, Gail wasn't able to come to the Wilcox area until Sept. 18, 2021. She and I drove to the cemetery from Kearney. Lisa came from North Platte and we were joined by Glen's wife, Lois, who lives at the farmstead, and their oldest daughter Shelly and her two girls from Hildreth. After scattering ashes at Freewater on a perfect mid-September morning, Gail, Lisa and I drove the eight miles southeast to the farm. It's where Dad was born. The Vernon County Department of Human Services will be assisting individuals with completing their Power of Attorney for Healthcare document. Staff will be available on the first Thursday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County starting Nov. 4. The ADRC is located at 402 Courthouse Square in Viroqua. In Wisconsin, a Power of Attorney for Healthcare document is a legal document that allows you assign a person to make health care decisions for you, if you were ever determined unable to make your own healthcare decisions. To schedule an appointment, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County at 608-637-5201 or 1-888-637-1323. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 According to the criminal complaint, the assaults were reported after one of the alleged victims punched a girl who called him "gay." When a family member asked the boy why he lashed out, he said it was because Hanson sexually assaulted him on two occasions from 2014-16 while Hanson was in contact with the boy's family in La Crosse. The family member then asked the boy's younger brother if Hanson had also assaulted him. The boy replied that Hanson assaulted him once. Nick Hazzard describes his brother, Cameron, as an energetic, helpful and hard-working father who is the sole support for his fiancee and his young two daughters. Cameron Hazzard now finds himself needing the help of others. Hazzard, who lives in South Haven, Minnesota, sustained severe injuries after colliding with a wrong-way vehicle Oct. 3 on Interstate 94 north of Tomah. The crash left him with a shattered pelvis, and his family is raising funds through a gofundme page. My brother Cameron is a one-of-a-kind person, Nick Hazzard said. He will lay everything on the line to pursue his dreams and provide for his family. The man never stops moving; hes always working on something. Cameron Hazzard was hauling heavy equipment when a van traveling westbound in the eastbound lane collided with Hazzards truck and caused it to flip over. Despite being scared and disoriented, Hazzard removed his seat belt, located his small chihuahua Luna, who acts his travel companion, and crawled to safety with a shattered hip. Once he was a safe distance from the truck, he laid in the ditch and waved his phone in the air for almost 15 minutes before someone was able to come to his aid. Paramedics transported Hazzard to Tomah Health. He was then transferred to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where he could receive specialized care. Doctors needed more than six hours of surgery to remove bone fragments and repair what remained of his hip socket. As a result of the crash, Hazzard struggles with everyday tasks that most take for granted. The family also faces financial hardship after the loss of his commercial vehicle and inability to work. He and his fiancee only recently launched their first company together, Innovation Transportation Solutions. The gofundme page has raised nearly $5,000 of a $20,000 goal. I know that hell pick up the pieces and build himself back up, but that doesnt mean I cant help him like he has helped so many others, Nick Hazzard said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Liquor license fees for facilities in La Crosse will move towards pre-pandemic prices next year after the La Crosse Common Council voted Thursday to find a compromise. The fees will only revert back halfway to the original pricing after they were slashed to give relief to local businesses amid the pandemic. A resolution before the Common Council intended to restore the original fees in full, but some council members thought it was too drastic of a jump. We are still in a pandemic, said council member Chris Kahlow, who introduced the amendment that stopped fees from coming back in full, saying people are still not returning to life like they used to, which was having an impact on businesses. Under the approved amendment, the alcohol beverage operators license will be maintained at $25, instead of its full $50, while a liquor license will be $250, a jump from the $50 it was slashed to, but only half of its full $500. A fermented malt beverage license will now cost $50, up from the $10 it was cut to and half of its full $100. Kahlow said the issue was personal for her after she sold her cafe of 27 years, Jules Coffee, last year amid the pandemic. It did not make it through COVID, she said, while also noting that the citys original fees are the highest amount the state allows. The liquor and alcohol license fees have been identified as a way to help bolster the 2022 Operating Budget, which needed to be trimmed in order to avoid a major hike in property taxes. The cuts that were made to fees the last two years were expected to cost the city around $155,000 in revenue, but finance staff did not know what impact these slightly higher fees would have. I think a year ago I would have been very much in support of that, said council president Barb Janssen of the amended prices. At this point though, I believe that we need to bring the licensing fees back to where they used to be. There wasnt anyone that came and offered any input that said, No, we shouldnt do this. I havent received any emails or phone calls. I have seen lots of students walking to the bars, and I think were kind of singling out one group when there are many people that are still having impacts from COVID as far as their businesses go. Council member Doug Happel was hesitant to adjust the fees, cautioning that it would have a ripple effect on the budget. Kahlow suggested the city consider using American Rescue Plan Act dollars to supplement any lost revenue from the fee change. Staff said that would be calculated into a sum at the end of the year to be paid off, and that ARPA funds couldnt be used on line-item losses. The amendment to adjust the fees passed on a 10-3 vote, with Janssen, Happel and council member Jennifer Trost voting in opposition. The full resolution then passed unanimously. The adjusted fees will go into effect Jan. 1, 2022. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. According to guidance from the U.S. Treasury, eligible broadband projects are expected to serve homes and businesses with no or little access, favor fiber-optic cable where feasible, provide upload and download speeds of at least 100 Mbps where practical and prioritize affordability. The funds were not supposed to go to projects in areas where there are agreements to build reliable 100/20 Mbps service by 2025. According to a 2021 report from the Federal Communications Commission, roughly 394,900 people in Wisconsin lack access to quality broadband service, though private studies have estimated the actual number could be higher than 600,000. In rural areas, Wisconsin ranks 36th in the nation for broadband access, with 21.8% being unserved or underserved. The PSC has estimated it would cost between $740 million and $1.4 billion to bring 25/3 Mbps speed internet the FCC definition of broadband to all residents. Broadband experts say the market has served most of the densely populated areas where theres a good return on investment. But in rural areas especially the rugged Driftless Area and remote North Woods there just arent enough customers to cover the cost of installing cable or building wireless towers. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. THE ISSUE: The Pennsylvania Dutch Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which covers Lancaster and Lebanon counties, would pay $1.05 million into a trust to help compensate tens of thousands of Scouts nationwide who were sexually abused, including 86 in Lancaster and Lebanon counties in past decades, a recent court filing shows, Tim Mekeel reported in an article for the Oct. 10 Sunday LNP | LancasterOnline. That proposed cash payment would be a minuscule part of the trusts total funding approximately $2 billion that would go to 82,000 former Scouts across the country who say they were molested. It remains to be seen if the proposed financial terms are approved by the survivors of abuse, creditors and the court. The horrific magnitude of the child sexual abuse claims against the Boys Scouts of America across the United States is difficult to comprehend. The alleged incidents in tens of thousands of abuse claims span the second half of the 20th century. Children found themselves victims of an organization that was founded on the idea of fostering leadership and personal growth in their lives. So many of those lives 82,000 were shattered. Its humiliating, kids dont tell, they carry the secret into adulthood, their coping strategy is not to tell anyone, Tim Kosnoff, an attorney working on behalf of the victims, told The Washington Post in 2019. Many of these men have indicated that they have suffered and struggled their entire lives with this burden. There is no real way to compensate for the anguish caused by sexual abuse. Financial settlements through the courts, some decades after the fact, have been a path toward some measure of closure for victims in these kinds of awful cases. And, if not closure, then at least the settlements can help to provide victims with the resources to seek therapy for the trauma theyve suffered. While fully acknowledging that enduring trauma, we also recognize that Boy Scouts of America and the Pennsylvania Dutch Council of the Boy Scouts of America are doing the right thing by attempting to move forward on a settlement in federal bankruptcy court with those who say they were molested. Bob Pontz, a Lancaster bankruptcy attorney and member of the Pennsylvania Dutch Councils executive board, told LNP | LancasterOnlines Mekeel that the goals of the settlement are to achieve a positive ending, which is somehow resolving ... a terrible wrong that has happened over the years, in a way that allows a very important organization for our young people to continue. We believe the Scouting movement has great value, and we would be sorry to see it hindered to the point of being unable to continue as an organization. But the primary emphasis here must be on the victims, and ensuring that the organization does not further harm children. And we wouldnt call any settlement that is eventually reached a positive ending. Mekeel reported that last months bankruptcy filing provided details that had not previously been known about abuse claims involving the Pennsylvania Dutch Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Of the 86 local victims, 78 say all their abuse occurred while a Scout in the Pennsylvania Dutch Council, Mekeel wrote. The remainder say they were abused both during their time as a Scout in the local council and during their time when they were a Scout in at least one other council. The majority of the claims involve those who were in Scouting during the 1960s and 1970s. Pontz and Matt Adams, the Pennsylvania Dutch Councils CEO and executive director, told Mekeel that protocols put in place in recent decades have made Scouts safer from potential abuse. The protocols include criminal background checks and thorough training of adult volunteers. The steps include always having two adult leaders present never just one when there are interactions with a Scout or Scouts, Mekeel reported. Many other youth-serving organizations have modeled their youth-protection guidelines off of what the Boy Scouts have established because theyve been so successful, Adams told LNP | LancasterOnline. That institutional reform has been necessary. But weve heard the same model guidelines claim made by the Roman Catholic Church. And not all are convinced that the Boy Scouts of America is doing all it can, even now, to protect Scouts. This week, Michael Johnson, the former youth protection director for the Boy Scouts of America, said in a speech at the National Press Club that the organization "is not safe for kids. It is safer, but it is not safe for kids, The Associated Press reported. As one example, Johnson said more than half of reported sexual abuse incidents in the Boy Scouts were perpetrated by other youth, which he blamed on lack of adult supervision and the large age range at many events, the AP wrote. Note Johnsons former title with the Boy Scouts of America. We should heed the alarm hes sounding. Boy Scouts of America must address Johnsons concerns and understand that the work of making its meetings and activities safe for children is never done. And it must be committed and transparent about the further safety protocols it institutes. Those additional measures clearly are imperative. Meanwhile, the Boy Scouts of Americas reorganization plan cleared its latest hurdle Sept. 30 when U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein approved the disclosure statement it had prepared, Mekeel reported. That document explains the reorganization and proposed settlement to those who will vote on whether to approve it including the survivors. The statement and balloting materials are being sent to the parties who are eligible to vote on the plan, a group that includes abuse victims and other creditors. The voting deadline is Dec. 14, Mekeel reported. If those groups vote to accept the plan, Silverstein will be asked to do the same at a Jan. 24 hearing. Under the proposed settlement, survivors could receive between $3,500 and $2.7 million apiece, depending on the nature of their abuse claims and whether additional evaluation of the claim is undertaken. The approximately 82,000 survivors will have an opportunity in the coming weeks to cast their vote on the proposed settlement. This is a chance for their voices to be heard by the judge, a chance for what they say to matter. That is what many survivors of child sexual abuse have often said is more important than any monetary compensation. All survivors deserve for their voices to be heard. Harold came to Furdunkins veterinary clinic with a skin infection, a less-than-ideal home life and a caretaker who didnt have the will or the means to keep him. So, the staff found the purebred pit bull a new home with a loving family. Most people would have thrown that dog out. He wouldnt have gotten a chance. And now this dog is living its best life, says Kristy Bledsoe, co-owner of Furdunkin with her wife, Jennifer Hufnagle. Those are the kinds of animals that end up at rescues. Its really just about finding the right fit with the right family. There are millions of Harolds across the country in need of the right fit. October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the perfect time to highlight the benefits of choosing a rescue animal and putting an end to puppy mills, Bledsoe says. Many people mistakenly assume shelter dogs are broken animals with behavioral or genetic issues. Or they think a puppy will be better for their children. However, most shelter animals are temperament tested and many are great with kids. Shelter animals give the best love out there, Bledsoe says. Theyve been through more. Many have been abandoned or forfeited. They are eager to please. They just develop a special bond with those who adopt them, which is why they make such great pets. They often make healthier pets, too, since many are mixed breeds that dont have the same risk of cancer and genetic disorders that come with breeding for a specific type of animal, she says. While there are reputable breeders, Lancaster County has many puppy mills that breed generations of animals with genetic issues, often in abusive environments where dogs spend their lives in 3-by-5 cages with the sole purpose of churning out one litter after another. For those who have their heart set on a specific purebred dog, Bledsoe offers these tips to help ensure the breeder is reputable and not a puppy mill: - Ask the breeder to see the lineage for mother and father. - Insist on your own inspection, and ask to see the animals living conditions. - Ask how many litters of puppies the female has had and how often she is bred. - Ensure a licensed veterinarian has administered the age-appropriate vaccinations and given the puppy a thorough exam. - Avoid puppy brokers those online storefronts that typically get a cut of the sale for featuring a breeder on their website. Theyll often have you make the purchase at a secondary location, so you never get to see the dogs actual living conditions. Even with the best of caution, puppy mill breeders will go out of their way to deceive buyers, Bledsoe says, offering one final tip: Skip the breeder and find that purebred pup at one of the many breed-specific rescues across the country. Stopping the abuse found at puppy mills has to be a collaborative effort, she says. Everybody plays a role in ending the puppy mill industry, from breeders to puppy mill brokers to the potential buyer of these pets to the veterinary industry, she says. For its part, Furdunkin will not crop ears, dock tails, serve puppy mill breeders, do assisted reproductive therapy or offer any other services that would directly or indirectly aid the puppy mill industry. Instead, the practice works to find homes for dogs like Harold, while also aiding local rescues by offering hefty discounts and donating medicines. This month, Furdunkin will also launch Ridin for Rescue, selling doggy ice cream and Nitro cold brew coffee from a custom vending bike known as the Icicle Tricycle. Proceeds will benefit a variety of rescues, where future best friends are just waiting to be adopted, Bledsoe says. There are so many out there, the right fit is right around the corner. For more information about Furdunkin, please visit Furdunkin.com. Record numbers of Brazilians have been arrested at the United States southern border this year. Police believe the investigation into one man has led them to one of the smuggling operations that moves migrants north. In early June, Brazilian federal police arrested Chelbe Moraes. He is a Brazilian businessman who is suspected of illegally taking his daughter to Paraguay after a dispute with her mother. During the investigation into the charges, police listened to the phone calls of Moraes' business partners. The officers began to suspect Moraes was an experienced people smuggler, or coyote. On June 25, a police report was sent to a federal judge and seen by Reuters. It asked that several criminal charges be filed against Moraes, including illegally moving a child, human smuggling and agreeing to perform an illegal act. Police accuse him of charging Brazilians around $20,000 each to illegally enter the United States via Mexico without legal visas. Court documents say Moraes built an international network that includes corrupt police officers and officials, and U.S.-based family members. Moraes said he is innocent. He told Reuters he runs a lawful agency that informs people on how to get asylum in the United States. He said he has helped up to 200 people over 20 years. He charges those who meet U.S. rules on asylum up to $18,086 to help them migrate. Moraes said his information is costly, because I know American laws. Migrant wave U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, say during the first 11 months of the 2021 financial year, 46,280 Brazilians were arrested by officials at the southern U.S. border, making them sixth among nationalities arrested at the border in 2021. More than 550,000 Mexicans have been arrested. It is part of a wave of Latin American migrants leaving countries whose economies have been damaged by COVID-19. Southern border arrests have jumped to their highest levels in 20 years. As of now, Moraes remains free in Brazil after saying he was not guilty of illegally taking his child to Paraguay. No charges have been placed in connection to a possible smuggling operation. This permits police to continue their investigation of Moraes. Two people who knew of his suspected actions, a former customer and a former partner, talked with Reuters. They said Moraes tells his customers to act like tourists when they arrive in Mexico. They also said Moraes sometimes helps his customers by paying Mexican immigration officials. Suspected actions The two people said Moraes transports the Brazilians north. They either jump the border with the help of paid Mexican coyotes, or they ask for asylum by using false papers and stories Moraes has prepared. People who can prove they face mistreatment at home because of their race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinions may meet the requirements for U.S. asylum. Those who enter the U.S. may remain for years in the states while their cases are processed because of the number of cases courts have. Moraes said those who claim he ran a smuggling operation were induced to do so by police or did not like him due to his success. But he recognized he has gained from Brazils problems. He said, "The worse the government here gets, the better for me. Im Gregory Stachel. Gabriel Stargardter reported this story for Reuters. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story smuggle v. to move (someone or something) from one country into another illegally and secretly network n. a group of people or organizations that are closely connected and that work with each other customer n. someone who buys goods or services from a business tourist n. a person who travels to a place for pleasure induce v. to cause (someone or something) to do something We present the short story "Doctor Heidegger's Experiment" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Here is Barbara Klein with the story. That very unusual man, old Doctor Heidegger, once invited four friends to meet him in his office. There were three white-bearded gentlemen, Mister Medbourne, Colonel Killigrew, and Mister Gascoigne. And, there was a thin old lady whose husband had died, so she was called the Widow Wycherly. They were all sad old creatures who had been unfortunate in life. As a young man, Mister Medbourne had lost all his money in a badly planned business deal. Colonel Killigrew had wasted his best years and health enjoying the pleasures of women and drink. Mister Gascoigne was a ruined politician with an evil past. As for the Widow Wycherly, tradition tells us that she was once a great beauty. But shocking stories about her past had led the people of the town to reject her. So, she lived very much alone. It is worth stating that each of these three men were early lovers of the Widow Wycherly. And they had once been on the point of killing each other over her. "My dear old friends," said Doctor Heidegger, "I would like your help in one of my little experiments." He motioned for them to sit down. Doctor Heidegger's office was a very strange place. The dark room was filled with books, cobwebs, and dust. An old mirror hanging between two bookcases was said to show the ghosts of all the doctor's dead patients. On another wall hung a painting of the young woman Doctor Heidegger was to have married long ago. But she died the night before their wedding after drinking one of the doctor's medicines. The most mysterious object in the room was a large book covered in black leather. It was said to be a book of magic. On the summer afternoon of our story, a black table stood in the middle of the room. On it was a beautiful cut-glass vase. Four glasses were also on the table. Doctor Heidegger was known for his unusual experiments. But his four guests did not expect anything very interesting. The doctor picked up his black leather book of magic. From its pages he removed a dried-up old rose. "This rose," said the doctor, "was given to me fifty-five years ago by Sylvia Ward, whose painting hangs on this wall. I was to wear it at our wedding. Would you think it possible that this ancient rose could ever bloom again?" "Nonsense!" said the Widow Wycherly with a toss of her head. "You might as well ask if an old woman's lined face could ever bloom again." "See!" answered Doctor Heidegger. He reached for the vase and threw the dried rose into the water it contained. Soon, a change began to appear. The crushed and dried petals moved and slowly turned from brown to red. And there was the rose of half a century looking as fresh as when Sylvia Ward had first given it to her lover. "That is a very pretty trick," said the doctor's friends. "What is the secret?" "Did you ever hear of the Fountain of Youth?" asked Doctor Heidegger. "The Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon went in search of it centuries ago. But he was not looking in the right place. If I am rightly informed, the famous Fountain of Youth is in southern Florida. A friend of mine has sent me the water you see in the vase." The doctor filled the four glasses with water from the Fountain of Youth. The liquid produced little bubbles that rose up to the silvery surface. The old guests agreed to drink the water, although they did not believe in its power. "Before you drink, my friends," the doctor said, "you should draw up a few general rules as guidance before you pass a second time through the dangers of youth. You have had a lifetime of experience to direct you. Think what a shame it would be if the wisdom of your experiences did not act as a guide and teacher." The doctor's four friends answered him with a laugh. The idea that they would ever repeat the mistakes of their youth was very funny. "Drink, then," said the doctor. "I am happy that I have so well chosen the subjects of my experiment." They raised the glasses to their lips. If the liquid really was magical, it could not have been given to four human beings who needed it more. They seemed as though they had never known youth or pleasure. They looked like they had always been the weak, unhappy creatures who were bent over the doctor's table. They drank the water. There was an almost immediate improvement among the guests. A cheerful glow like sunshine brightened their faces. They looked at one another imagining that some magic power had really started to smooth the lines on their faces. "Quick! Give us more of this wondrous water!" they cried. "We are younger, but we are still too old!" "Patience!" said Doctor Heidegger who watched the experiment with scientific coolness. "You have been a long time growing old. Surely you could wait half an hour to grow young!" Again he filled their glasses. The four guests drank the liquid in one swallow. As the liquid passed down their throats it seemed to change their whole systems. Their eyes grew clear and bright. Their hair turned from silver to darker shades. "My dear widow, you are lovely!" cried Colonel Killigrew, who watched as the signs of age disappeared from her face. The widow ran to the mirror. The three men started to behave in such a way that proved the magic of the Fountain of Youth's water. Mister Gascoigne's mind turned to political topics. He talked about nationalism and the rights of the people. He also told secrets softly to himself. All this time Colonel Killigrew had been shouting out happy drinking songs while his eyes turned towards the curvy body of the Widow Wycherly. Mister Medbourne was adding dollars and cents to pay for a proposed project. It would supply the East Indies with ice by linking a team of whales to the polar icebergs. As for the Widow Wycherly, she stood in front of the mirror greeting her image as a friend she loved better than anything in the world. "My dear old doctor," she cried, "please give me another glass!" The doctor had already filled the glasses again. It was now near sunset and the room was darker than ever. But a moon-like light shined from within the vase. The doctor sat in his chair watching. As the four guests drank their third glass of water, they were silenced by the expression on the doctor's mysterious face. The next moment, the exciting rush of young life shot through their blood. They were now at the happy height of youth. The endless cares, sadness, and diseases of age were remembered only as a troubled dream from which they had awoken. "We are young!" they cried. The guests were a group of happy youngsters almost crazy with energy. They laughed at the old-fashioned clothing they wore. They shouted happily and jumped around the room. The Widow Wycherly - if such a young lady could be called a widow - ran to the doctor's chair and asked him to dance. "Please excuse me," answered the doctor quietly. "My dancing days were over long ago. But these three young men would be happy to have such a lovely partner." The men began to argue violently about who would dance with her. They gathered around the widow, each grabbing for her. Yet, by a strange trick owing to the darkness of the room, the tall mirror is said to have reflected the forms of three old, gray men competing for a faded, old woman. As the three fought for the woman's favor, they reached violently for each other's throats. In their struggle, they turned over the table. The vase broke into a thousand pieces. The Water of Youth flowed in a bright stream across the floor. The guests stood still. A strange coldness was slowly stealing over them all. They looked at Doctor Heidegger who was holding his treasured rose. The flower was fading and drying up once more. The guests looked at each other and saw their looks changing back. "Are we grown old again so soon?" they cried. In truth they had. The Water of Youth had powers that were only temporary. "Yes, friends, you are old again," the doctor said. "And the Water of Youth lies wasted on the ground. But even if it flowed in a river at my door, I still would not drink it. This is the lesson you have taught me!" But the doctor's four friends had learned no such lesson. They decided at that moment to travel to Florida and drink morning, noon, and night from the Fountain of Youth. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Do you think people should look for a Fountain of Youth? Have you ever seen an older person who is trying to act younger than they really are? Write to us in the comments section. ______________________________________________________________ For Teachers This lesson plan, based on the CALLA Approach, teaches the strategy of prediction to help students understand the story. Quiz Try this Listening Quiz to check your understanding. Quiz - Doctor Heidegger's Experiment Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story vase - n. a container that is used for holding flowers or for decoration Fountain of Youth - n. 1. in stories and legends: a fountain with magic water or a source of the kind of energy or health that young people usually have wondrous - adj. causing wonder or amazement : very beautiful or impressive magic - adj. having the power to make impossible things happen; having supernatural power nationalism - n. a feeling that people have of being loyal to and proud of their country often with the belief that it is better and more important than other countries temporary - adj. continuing for a limited amount of time; not permanent South Korea has established a special group to debate methods for living with COVID-19 in the long-term. The country is making plans to reduce coronavirus restrictions and reopen the economy as vaccination levels rise. Under the strategy, the government aims to remove some coronavirus restrictions for citizens who can prove they have been fully vaccinated. It also aims to urge people who have mild COVID-19 symptoms and are under the age of 70 to recover at home, the health ministry said last week. The government will also pay greater attention to the number of hospitalizations and deaths instead of new daily infections. It is considering not publishing information on daily infection rates, South Koreas Yonhap news agency has reported. "We will turn COVID-19 into a controlled infectious disease and no longer a fear of the unknown, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum told the groups first committee meeting on Wednesday. South Korea never put in place a full lockdown. But it has been under its most widespread social distancing measures since July. These restrictions include limited operating hours for food and drink places and indoor exercise areas. The limits have hit self-employed people and small businesses especially hard. The country also has a limit on gatherings of more than two people after 6 at night in and around the capital, Seoul. In September, the government announced plans to speed up a step-by-step return to normalcy starting in November. At that time, 70 percent of its 52 million people are expected to be fully vaccinated. Currently, the country has given at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose to 78.1 percent of its population. Currently, over 60 percent are fully vaccinated. South Korea has kept hospitalizations and deaths at a fairly low rate. It had 359 severe cases of COVID-19 and a death rate of 0.78 percent as of Tuesday, October 12, official data showed. The country reported 1,584 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. It has recorded a total of 335,742 infections and 2,605 deaths. Im Ashley Thompson. Reuters news agency reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor. ______________________________________________________ Words in This Story strategy - n. a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time symptom - n. a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present Lewiston, ID (83501) Today Cloudy. Some light rain is likely. High 43F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds late. Low 33F. Winds light and variable. WASHINGTON Democrats brushed aside monthslong divisions and approached House passage of their expansive social and environment bill early today, as President Joe Biden and his party neared a defining win in their drive to use their control of government to funnel its resources toward their 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. Dennis Beaver Practices law in Bakersfield and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. Stephen P. Halbrook (Independent Institute) has posted The Second Amendment Was Adopted to Protect Liberty, Not Slavery: A Reply to Professors Bogus and Anderson on SSRN. Here is the abstract: Was the Second Amendment right of the people to bear arms adopted to protect liberty or to perpetrate slavery? The latter was the thesis first published by Professor Carl Bogus in a 1998 law review article The Hidden History of the Second Amendment. His basic argument is that the Amendment was adopted so that the Southern states could maintain militias to suppress slave rebellions. New life was given to the thesis by Professor Carol Anderson in her 2021 book The Second, which asserts that the Amendment was not some hallowed ground but rather a bribe, paid again with Black bodies. As Bogus concedes, no direct evidence supports the thesis. Instead, historical fact refutes it. The predecessor of the Amendment was the English Declaration of Rights of 1689, which protected the right of Protestants to have arms. England had no domestic slave population. Beginning in 1776, some states adopted bills of rights that recognized the right to bear arms. Three of them were Northern states that abolished slavery. When the federal Constitution was proposed in 1787, it was criticized for lack of a bill of rights. Demands for recognition of the right to bear arms emanated from antifederalists, including abolitionists, in the Northern states, while several Southern states ratified without demanding amendments at all. New Hampshire, whose bill of rights was read to abolish slavery, was the first state to ratify the Constitution and demand a prohibition on the disarming of citizens. The Virginia ratifying convention followed. While some supported an amendment that the states could maintain militias if Congress neglected the same, support for the militia was largely tied to rejection of a standing army, not maintenance of slavery. The right to bear arms was proposed in a declaration of rights that had nothing to do with slavery. New York ratified next, also proposing recognition of the arms right. James Madison introduced what became the Second Amendment in the first federal Congress, and it worked its way through both Houses without any hint of concern for the interests of slavery. Congress rejected the separate structural amendments that included a proposal for more state powers over the militia. Rhode Island, the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the Constitution, demanded both recognition of the right to bear arms and abolition of the slave trade. Vermont was then admitted as a state it had abolished slavery and recognized the right to bear arms in its 1777 Constitution and it now ratified the Second Amendment. Contrary to Bogus, no secret conspiracy was afoot to make the right of the people to bear arms an instrument of slavery. Instead, the abolitionists, and then the framers of the Fourteenth Amendment, would use those words to show that the people meant just that. African Americans were people and were thus entitled to all of the rights of Americans. The failure at the Founding was not that the rights of citizens were accorded to whites, but that these rights were not accorded to all persons without regard to race. By its very terms, the Second is a bulwark for the protection of the fundamental rights of all of the people. Hundreds of students at Madison schools walked out of class Friday morning demanding school and district officials offer specific trainings and clear policies regarding sexual assault. We need help on where to go, we need support for our students, East High School senior TaMaya Travis said. We need to feel safe in our school, and we dont feel safe. At East, it was the second rally focused on the subject of sexual assault this week. Wednesday, hundreds walked out to show support for the victim of an alleged sexual assault at a party following the homecoming dance last weekend. On Friday, students focused on broader policy demands. Students began planning the rally after an assembly last week in which they said principal Sean Leavy did not address their questions on sexual assault and the Behavior Education Plan clearly. Thats when the principal said something entirely inappropriate, and thats when this whole thing erupted, East senior and student council president Gordon Allen said. Leavy apologized for the assembly in an email to the school community Wednesday morning, hours before the walkout in support of the victim in the weekend incident. My response was too technical and did not meet the needs of our students and staff, Leavy wrote. Our team would like to thank the students who lifted their voices to challenge me to clarify my response. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to engage figures of authority and I am extremely proud of our students who have shown so much resolve in stating their concerns. Students at each of the four comprehensive high schools walked out Friday, and a group of La Follette students is planning a weeklong focus on the issue of sexual assault later this month. At East, students chanted, No justice, no peace; no rapists at East and hey hey, ho ho, sexual violence has got to go as they listened to their peers talk about the importance of better policies from the district. The district did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but put out a statement on Thursday morning following Wednesdays walkout. We would like to thank MMSD School students who continue to lift their voices this week and over the years on sexual violence policies and protocols, the statement said. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to engage adults in positions of authority, and we are extremely proud of our students who, through their advocacy and resolve, made their voices heard. Leavy was in the crowd of students Friday, as well, though he and other high school principals around the district sent emails encouraging parents to tell their children not to participate in the walkouts. Each email was nearly identical and noted that the event was not school-sponsored. Honoring students' perspectives is something we value at East, the East version, signed by Leavy, states. Hearing the voices of our scholars provides an important opportunity for growth as we continue to refine policies and protocols. While we commend our students who continue to lift their voices on dismantling cultures of sexual violence, we ask you to encourage your student to stay in school during the school day on Friday so they do not negatively impact their instructional time. Students who organized the East event were disappointed in the message from the principals. Our voices should not be silenced especially on something that's happening on campus, said East senior Lilyian Jenkins. It's important that we were able to be here today, and we're just grateful that Mr. Leavy hasn't shut us down yet, if I'm being honest. TaMaya did not appreciate Leavys presence at the rally Friday, either, suggesting that he should instead focus on how to better support the students when they come to him with concerns or allegations. Gordon said Leavy can be out here all he wants. But I hope hes listening, Gordon said. I hope hes actually taking heed to what were saying and that after this he actually decides to hold himself accountable and start taking action on our demands. Speakers at the event included State Sen. Melissa Agard, who praised the students efforts. You all are changing the narrative and you are saving lives, Agard said. You are supporting one another in a way that the adults in the building need to be hearing. Do not stop until change occurs. Students make demands Students at the East rally had a list of demands they shared on Instagram and during the event: Education for staff and students on sexual misconduct Clear protocols given to everybody on how to report and what will happen after reporting School district to commit to holding perpetrators accountable and to allow for suspensions of more than five days prior to expulsion District commits to supporting victims. This means providing resources and allowing students to research resources like the Rape Crisis Center on their MMSD issued Chromebooks. State law allows for suspensions only up to five days unless an expulsion hearing has been set. MMSDs Behavior Education Plan for high school students includes a provision that states Consequences may apply to behavior that occur outside the school day and off school property only if that conduct endangers the property, health or safety of others at school or under the supervision of a school authority or endangers the property, health or safety of any employee or school board member of the District. Under the BEP, engaging in non-consensual sexual intercourse is a Level 5 offense, which results in a student being recommended for expulsion from school. Those who spoke with the media said the next communication from the district needed to include concrete steps. I dont want to hear anything besides what theyre going to do to meet our demands, Gordon said. What action steps are they going to take to address sexual assault cases, current and previous ones, and what theyre going to do to make sure all staff members and students understand the importance of consent as well as how to go about reporting sexual assault. Senior Whitman Bottari said the Gender Equity Club, of which shes president, has been working on trainings on sexual assault for students and staff for over a year. She said last year, part of their training for teachers was cut because the school didnt want us to admit that sexual assaults had happened. Students at East need to know what sexual assault, harassment are and we need to have open and clear discussions about them, Whitman said. We need to stop silencing kids who speak up. Action needs to be taken. Every student at East needs to know exactly how to report and the steps that will happen after they report. Support around the district Students at other schools around the Madison Metropolitan School District joined in the walkout Friday morning to show support for the East groups demands. TaMaya said organizers heard about multiple elementary and middle school walkouts in addition to those at the high schools. I am in awe of the support that we have gotten (from others), TaMaya said. Originally this was just supposed to be an East walkout, and then other schools picked it up and were like, We need to stand with them because not only has (East) failed them, but La Follette has failed their students, Memorial has failed their students, West has failed their students. Madison Teachers Inc. president Michael Jones issued a statement in support of the advocacy of East students, families and staff to seriously address the events of the past week. While the last seven days have been particularly painful for our children and staff because of recent actions and words, we must also recognize that this pain is deeply ingrained in our societys historical mindset to ignore the misogyny inherent in our social systems, our education systems inability to discuss sexual violence and consent in a thorough way, and our systemic tendencies to be reactive to sexual assault instead of being proactive, the statement said. Make no mistake about it, what has surfaced at East is part of a societal mindset that impacts the cultures and climates in all of our MMSD schools and community spaces. MTIs statement acknowledged the districts efforts to partner with the Rape Crisis Center to support students and advocated that partnership include significant training for all staff around trauma-informed practices, rebuilding with students, staff, and community members a district-wide culture that emphasizes positive consent and body autonomy, as well as a more transparent, culturally-relevant, and robust process when sexual harm has occurred, both on school property and outside of school property. We also call on MMSD and East High School leadership to take all student and staff-recommended steps to repair the most recent harm, the statement said. Amira Pierotti and Awa Phatty, who helped organize the event at Memorial, said a couple hundred students attended the walk out there and they were really engaged, with many sharing that they learned something. I was really just touched by the amount of students that came out because it really does make school feel more comfortable and knowing that there's all these students out here who understand what you're going through and are willing to listen, Awa said. The support from our student body was amazing because it does make everybody feel more comfortable going to school here. Awa said that the starting point for their event was the situation at East, but that sexual misconduct cases happen everywhere. Amira said they hope first and foremost to see improved transparency from the district on its policies regarding sexual misconduct. We need to stop perpetuating the idea that sexual assault only happens when we hear about it or when we hear about it in the quote-unquote right context, which often dismisses survivors stories if they dont go to the police, Amira said. Just remembering that this is just one drop in the bucket and we need to make sure that we are supporting everyone, including those who remain anonymous. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. The haphazard nature of the review reflects its amateurism and, accordingly, its results should not be trusted, said University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor Barry Burden, an expert on election administration, and former Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson, a Republican and the states former top election official. Burden and Grayson in June published a report that evaluated the election review in Maricopa County, Arizona, spearheaded by the Florida-based Cyber Ninjas. Many of their criticisms of the Arizona review which once again reaffirmed President Joe Bidens victory in the state also apply to the review in Wisconsin, they said. The two spoke separately to the Cap Times this week. Deficiencies in the Wisconsin election review include a lack of transparency about how and why Gableman was selected to lead the effort; a lack of transparency about the review itself; a lack of impartiality on behalf of the reviewers; the significant delay between the election and the start of the review; inconsistent procedures in the review; unfounded allegations made by Gableman; and insufficient security, including use of unsecured Gmail accounts, according to the two experts. "But, it's something that some people have mentioned as a possible concern not only in Wisconsin, but other states, the idea of a legislature overturning the popular vote," Bayatpour continued. "If, hypothetically, that were to become a bill and ended up on your desk today, what do you say you would do with that bill?" "Let's begin I'm just gonna say you're talking about an idea that I have never heard discussed among legislators, or even the folks I'm talking to across the state," slick Rebecca replied again. "And so for me to try and comment on future bill language that hasn't even been drafted, I think would be awfully premature and kind of irresponsible." Really? Kleefisch has been at the forefront of pushing Donald Trump's claim that the 2020 election was stolen, including here in Wisconsin. And either she's deaf or is simply lying that she hasn't heard several of her Republican allies insisting that the election laws in Wisconsin need to be changed before the next presidential contest. 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. Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. TWIN FALLS Candidates running for City Council met community members Thursday at the College of Southern Idaho to chat about their concerns about the citys future. The event, billed as Candidate Speed Dating, was an opportunity for the public to meet the candidates, said CSI political science Associate Professor Perri Gardner, who organized the event. The most frequently asked question at the event concerned the staggering growth of Twin Falls in recent years and the subsequent need for affordable housing in the city. Craig Kelley, vice chairman of the city Planning and Zoning Commission, said he fears the scales that balance the areas agricultural base with its natural resources have already tipped toward the inability to sustain such growth. Kelley, a merchandiser of dry edible beans and rice with Trinidad Benham Corp., is running for Seat 1 on the City Council against Tara Rueda, Jason Brown, Patrick Patterson and James Piersol. Spencer Cutler, who is running for Seat 5 against Mike Allred, Liyah Babayan and Hannah Cameron, agrees with Kelley. Natives here are concerned about housing, developers and the growth of the city, Cutler told the Times-News. Theyre concerned about the availability and cost of housing and the costs of (city) services. Piersol, a military veteran and self-described Christian, says the city is too involved in what he called family responsibilities and he wants to see the City Council stick to basic city services such as police and fire departments. But he also says the city needs to do something to stop abortion. Id say there were two main things that prompted my interest in running for city council, Piersol wrote on his campaign Facebook page, those being how we as a city handled the lockdown last year and also how we as a city refused to end Abortion when an ordinance to protect our unborn neighbors was shut down and the city council decided to not move it to a vote. Babayan addressed the importance of preserving the towns historic buildings. The buildings are our stories, she said. If theyre destroyed, we cant bring them back. Cameron, a geography teacher at Jerome Middle School, told the Times-News she sees a need for strong leadership in the city government. My heart is set on making good public policy and to bring in more opportunities to promote economic development, she said. Cameron said many had asked about how she feels about the COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates. Although she thinks the question is not pertinent to the City Council, she had no problem answering, saying she believes people have a right to know how a candidate feels about certain things. I think (masks and vaccines are) a personal choice, she said. Election Day is Nov. 2. Sample ballots are available at twinfallscounty.org/election/sample_ballots. Voters should note that uncontested seats will not appear on the ballot. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 AMMON Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin on Thursday held a news conference at an elementary school alongside attorney general candidate Art Macomber to set the record straight regarding the litigation in which the Lt. Governors office has recently been engaged, according to a news release. McGeachin spoke at Ammon Elementary School in East Idaho at 3 p.m., where she discussed her court loss to the Idaho Press Club over public records related to her task force on supposed indoctrination in Idaho public schools. A judge ruled in August that McGeachin had to release unredacted copies of responses to a Google Form soliciting feedback for the task force. McGeachin did not release the records until early October, after the Press Club asked Ada County 4th District Judge Steven Hippler to hold McGeachin in contempt of court for failing to produce the public records. During her press conference, McGeachin, a Republican, blamed the Idaho Attorney Generals Office and said she acted on their advice in her initial denial of the records. McGeachin held up a sheet of paper she claimed was proof of the legal counsel she received. She also blamed the media for its reporting on the lawsuit and the $50,000 in taxpayer money she requested to pay for the legal costs. She maintained that she would have released the public comments without identities. (A copy of the records that was supplied to Idaho Capital Sun reporter Audrey Dutton on June 3 redacted names, contact information and the feedback those individuals had submitted.) My goal was never to withhold public comments from the press but to protect Idahoans from the media, McGeachin said. Macomber, who is running for attorney general in the GOP primary, also blamed the result of the lawsuit on the AGs office, saying it gave McGeachin bad advice and then refused to represent her. He said Republican AG Lawrence Wasdens office should pay for nearly $30,000 in attorney fees and said McGeachin could lose 60% of her offices budget. In an emailed statement, Attorney Generals Office spokesperson Scott Graf said the AG offered its final legal counsel to McGeachin on June 7, about six weeks before the Idaho Press Club first brought its lawsuit. Graf said McGeachin made an independent decision to seek outside representation prior to the lawsuit. Attorney client privilege precludes us from discussing the specifics of our counsel at this point. However, the lawsuit, the lieutenant governors loss in court and the subsequent financial burden Idaho taxpayers now face all resulted from independent decisions made by the lieutenant governor in consultation with her chosen attorney after June 7, Graf said. This entire matter is an excellent demonstration of why government should seek legal counsel that it needs to hear instead of what it wants to hear, he added. In a statement Thursday evening, the Idaho Press Club said Judge Hippler made it quite clear why McGeachin was ordered to release the public records. The organization also said it requested McGeachin pay fees and costs through Aug. 26, the date when Hippler initially ruled in the Press Clubs favor. No fees, costs or fines would have been incurred had the lieutenant governor simply released the records when requested, as the law requires, the statement said. During the Thursday news conference, Macomber brought up his campaign for the state office and said his advice would be dependable. As your attorney general, our conservative elected officials will finally have a true defender in office, he said. IdahoEdNews reporter Devin Bodkin said in a tweet Thursday afternoon that, according to Bonneville Joint School District superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme, no one from McGeachins office contacted the district or Ammon Elementary principal to discuss the use of the school for McGeachins event. In an email to Bodkin that the reporter shared online, Woolstenhulme said a parent asked the schools principal for use of the auditorium for a meeting, but did not disclose the purpose of the meeting. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2 BOISE U.S. officials and a sheep industry group have dropped their appeals of a court ruling preventing sheep grazing in western Montana and eastern Idaho by a sheep research facility long targeted by environmental groups concerned about potential harm to grizzly bears and other wildlife. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month granted a request by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station and Colorado-based American Sheep Industry Association to drop the appeals filed earlier this year. They had sought to overturn a ruling in April by Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald E. Bush that the government hadnt adequately examined all of the impacts with its 2017 environmental review allowing the grazing. U.S. officials opted to drop their appeals first and were followed shortly after by the association. The U.S. Department of Justice, which represents federal agencies in lawsuits, didnt respond to a request for comment sent through its online portal. Were very disappointed that the feds dropped their appeal on this, said Chase Adams, senior director with the association. Thats the only facility dedicated to full-time sheep industry research, and the impacts to that facility are huge not just for the U.S. sheep industry, but in other areas of the world that have similar climate and elevation and terrain. 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. He said the government must review the project again in line with environmental laws, and until that review is complete, sheep grazing isnt allowed in those areas. That means redoing the environmental impact statement, a process likely to take at least two years. Were hopeful that the government will come up with a new strategy and new use for the sheep station, said Andrea Zaccardi, senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Grazing domestic sheep in the Centennials just does not make sense for the wildlife that live there. The Agriculture Department has said that the sheep station conducts research on lands ranging from about 5,000 feet to nearly 10,000 feet in elevation. The Sheep Experiment Station, based near Dubois, Idaho, has not only been targeted by environmental groups but has also been on the federal budget chopping block under the administrations of both President Barrack Obama and President Donald Trump. Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, who represents the area, has played a crucial role in restoring funding. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BOISE Just like influenza, the virus that causes COVID-19 is here to stay. An official from one of Idahos largest hospitals on Tuesday said that COVID-19 is shifting from pandemic to endemic, meaning it will continue to circulate. Last year, Dr. Steven Nemerson, chief clinical officer for Saint Alphonsus Health System, thought the day that Idahos COVID-19 vaccine rollout began last December would be the D-Day in the battle against the coronavirus, he said during a media briefing Tuesday. Sadly, Im here to tell you that weve lost the war, that COVID is here to stay. And the reason it is here is because we cannot vaccinate enough people to fully eradicate the disease and, absent being able to do that and accomplish herd immunity, we now need to move into the phase of recognizing that COVID can be a disease to be managed for the long-term future. What does that mean? Does it mean that surges will continue to roll through Idaho? Nemerson and Idahos chief epidemiologist said theyre not sure, but they can make some educated guesses. What we dont know is what strains will emerge, as people continue to be unvaccinated and the disease continues to spread, Nemerson said. What we do know is that we expect to see surges periodically and hopefully they wont be as severe, because at least 50% of the public will be fully vaccinated. About 42.5% of Idahos population is fully vaccinated, as of Oct. 13, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is out of Idahos total population, which includes children who cannot yet be vaccinated. Among those who can be vaccinated Idahoans age 12 and up the rate is about 53.4%, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. At least 3,157 Idahoans have died from COVID-19, and more than 11,000 have been hospitalized, according to the state health department. There have been at least 270,601 cases of COVID-19 in Idaho so far widely believed to be an undercount. The question still unanswered is whether new variants or new strains will be more contagious, more severe, more deadly. Medical history suggests that, like with the flu, the more severe surges like were experiencing right now (will become) much, much less common, Nemerson said. But, nevertheless, there are episodes, at least on an annual basis, that well have to deal with. State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said she hopes that, like other viruses have, the COVID-19 virus will become milder or better tolerated over time, like some of the other seasonal coronaviruses are. Whether it will continue to strain Idahos health care system or push it beyond capacity will depend on many things, Hahn and Nemerson said. If COVID-19 becomes a seasonal virus that peaks in the winter, she said, it will stack on top of existing winter respiratory viruses influenza and RSV that already send adults and children to the hospital each year. Idaho remains in a statewide hospital crisis declaration, Idaho Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen said during the Tuesday briefing. The crisis may have begun to abate in the Treasure Valley. Local hospital officials report that the rapidly escalated fourth surge of COVID-19 may be softening. However, as with previous surges, there are hot spots around the state as the virus pinballs around unvaccinated communities. For the first time in three months, weve finally seen a small decline in COVID spread in our communities. This is not universal across Idaho, and while we are seeing this and it creates significant hope that we may finally have reached a peak, there is no guarantee that weve reached that point, yet, Nemerson said. Sadly, we continue to see a steady increase in ICU admissions and deaths, the vast majority of these, as we all know, are entirely preventable if only patients would become vaccinated. Nemerson said the health system has ramped up its efforts to help frontline staff deal with seeing preventable deaths on every shift, and help them stay resilient as their patients and patients families question their motives or threaten them. His advice to the public: Keep following public health recommendations, including getting a vaccine when its offered. But his advice on living in an Idaho with endemic COVID-19 was, essentially, for people to change how they live. Be careful who you choose to socialize with, Nemerson said. They should have the same belief that you do in protecting themselves. Establish social pause with those friends who trust. Socialize outside rather than indoors. Frequent businesses that are COVID safe. Dont attend concerts and large events, whether theyre indoors or outdoors, particularly those events where the enforcement of vaccination and masking is not present. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 For the sake of argument, lets just say that Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin knows exactly what shes doing. To the untrained eye, it looks as if leading an inquisition against Idaho schools because theyre supposedly indoctrinating impressionable youngsters with critical race theory, socialism, communism and Marxism would turn a lot of people off. So, you might think, would be thumbing her nose at the notion of conducting the publics business in public and then billing the taxpayers to cover her legal bills when a judge called her on it. Undermining even the most modest steps toward containing Idahos raging COVID-19 pandemic as acting governor while Gov. Brad Little is out of state made a lot of Idahoans cringe especially when they heard Stephen Colbert and John Oliver use their home as a punch line. But in her battle to claim the GOP gubernatorial nomination over Little in next springs Republican primary, McGeachin is betting her antics play to a far-right base that has been energized during this era of Donald Trump. Its that base that votes in the closed Republican primary election. What worries mainstream Republicans is McGeachins popularity with the extreme right, wrote Keith Ridler of the Associated Press. Neither Little nor McGeachin can claim overwhelming popularity within the primary electorate. Last time out, each won a narrow victory. In his three-way contest in 2018 against former Congressman Raul Labrador and businessman Tommy Ahlquist, Little squeezed out a 37.3 percent win. Among a five-way split for lieutenant governor, McGeachin won with a 28.9 percent plurality. And a field of more than a half-dozen competitors, including insurrectionist Ammon Bundy and Idaho GOP regional Chairman Ed Humphreys, could split the vote into even thinner slices. Anything can happen. Should McGeachin win the GOP nomination, she would become Idahos next governor by default unless the states beleaguered Democratic Party seizes what would be not only a historic opportunity but an obligation to provide voters with an alternative. Whats happening on that front? The only announced Democratic candidate is Melissa Sue Robinson, a transgender woman and advocate, who ran unsuccessfully three times for mayor of Nampa and once for the Idaho Senate. Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad, a Lewiston native, is exploring a campaign and has filed preliminary paperwork with the Idaho secretary of states office. But he has made no formal announcement of his candidacy. No one from the Democratic bench of local and legislative officials from the states population centers has emerged. And its getting late. The general election is about a year away. The primary election is seven months off. And the legislative session, which kicks off the political season, opens in January. Youll get a file full of reasons explaining Democratic reticence. The last Democrat to win the governors office was Cecil Andrus in 1990. Since then, the GOP has moved from a majority party to a monopoly. It controls the congressional delegation, all of the statewide offices and about 80 percent of the legislative seats. With few exceptions, the Democratic brand in Idaho is toxic. Whoever runs next year will be tethered to President Joe Biden. Idaho Democrats can expect scant financial support from the national party, which leaves them terribly outgunned by the well-stocked GOP arsenal. Who would sign up for that especially at a time when politics have become so polarized and so personal? Nonetheless, McGeachin would present any Democrat with the best opportunity for an upset since Gov. Don Samuelson opened the door to Andrus in 1970. Her narrow base would leave a great deal of terrain from the left to the center-right for a Democrat to exploit. Possessed of the right talent and timing, an outsider can win. Just ask former Sen. and Congressman Steve Symms. And there are signs that the kind of Idaho voter who shows up in November is getting tired of the chaos whether it meant tossing out the punitive anti-teacher Luna laws in 2012 or passing Medicaid expansion over the Legislatures fierce objection six years later. If a political party does nothing else, it has a duty to recruit and promote candidates who then give voters a choice. But to do that, Idaho Democrats need a pulse. M.T. Love 4 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Idaho made headlines across the country when wanna-be governor Janice McGeachin signed an executive order on October 5 to prohibit mandatory Covid-19 testing in our schools. Although nobody was advocating such mandatory tests, McGeachin could not resist the opportunity to try to score some political points by usurping gubernatorial power. She claimed she has the right to rule our State whenever Governor Little steps across the state line. It just aint so. The Idaho Constitution could be more explicit on the issue, but common sense tells us the Governor does not lose the power to govern every time his foot crosses the border. The Constitution says that the Lt. Governor can take over if the Governor dies, resigns, gets impeached, is convicted of treason, felony, or other infamous crime, or in case of his absence from the state. At first glance, a court would wonder how such a trivial matter as leaving the state for a short period of time could equate with the other serious conditions that would switch governmental control to the second chair. The Constitution then says that power goes back to the Governor when the disability shall cease. The constitutional framers back in 1889 obviously meant that absence from the state would have to be coupled with a disability to govern before the second banana could take over. That interpretation makes sense when you think of the framers experience at the time they were drafting the Constitution. During the twenty-seven years that Idaho was a territory, sixteen men were appointed as Territorial Governor by the President. Four of them never took office, six stayed for less than a year, only eight served for more than a year. One grabbed forty-one thousand dollars from the treasury and skedaddled to Hong Kong and Paris. Even if a Territorial Governor actually stayed around to perform the job, an absence to conduct business in Washington could take them out of state for weeks and, because of poor communications, they would have been unable to govern. That is likely why the framers coupled an inability to govern with the conditions that would place governmental power in the Lt. Governors hands. With instantaneous communications today, our Governor could even run the State from Elon Musks rocket ship. Governor Little says that McGreachin did not have the authority to issue her pointless ban on Covid testing, or her earlier and equally-meaningless order prohibiting mandatory masking, because he was not effectively absent from the State. That is, he was physically outside of Idaho but was not in any way disabled from governing. The Missouri Supreme Court has interpreted a clause similar to Idahos to require a Governors effective absence from the state before the Lt. Governor can run amok. It is clearly the most legally sound interpretation of the language. Attorney General Lawrence Wasden recently released a scholarly analysis of the issue, pointing out the arguments on both sides. As usual, Lawrence approached the question in a dispassionate manner, like competent lawyers must do. He concluded that a reviewing court could determine that Governor Littles position is correct. It is not likely that the issue will be litigated in Idaho because the Governor can simply undo whatever McGeachin does while hes gone, much like a patient parent disciplining an impetuous child upon returning home from work. Should McGeachin do something that cannot easily be undone, like appointing one of her radical supporters to a public office or spending public funds for an unauthorized purpose, the issue will be brought to court. She can rest assured of that. It is more than likely that she will conclusively lose the argument in a court of law. Jim Jones is a Vietnam combat veteran, who served 8 years as Idaho Attorney General (1983-1991) and 12 years as Idaho Supreme Court Justice (2005-2017). His columns can be found at JJCommonTater.com. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 All of her work is unique, because of her harmonies and her ability to take a melody, and sometimes her own melodies, and sometimes hymns that are well known, and write them for bells. Its not easy to do, said Sandra Ford, who has taken lessons from Dobrinski and sang with her in the First Presbyterian choir. As both a bell ringer from an early age and a bell conductor for many years, I have always enjoyed playing and directing the works of Cynthia Dobrinski, said Pam Randall. Handbells have a wide variety of techniques that can be used to create music. Cynthia was a master at weaving those various techniques through her music while simultaneously asking ringers to modulate through several key changes. This deft composing and arranging brings the pieces to life and keeps the ringers on their toes. When I select music for handbell groups, her pieces always come to mind first. While she is probably best known for her arrangements of well-known pieces, she also composed several original works. Her music is accessible by most handbell groups, entertaining for the audience and engaging to play. 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. 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. Theres a drug war on TV. It has nothing to do with cocaine or heroin but does involve an addiction the pharmaceutical industrys compulsion to charge Americans an average 3.4 times more for brand-name drugs than people in other countries pay. Step 1 in the rehab program is to let Medicare negotiate prescription drug prices. The drug makers, represented by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, the main industry lobbying group, are running scare ads where seniors fret that theyd be denied lifesaving drugs if Congress applies brakes on what they can charge Medicare. In opposition, the leading interest group for older Americans is sponsoring ads in support of price negotiations. The AARP insists its elderly members would still get the drugs they need, pay lower premiums and get new benefits. The AARP is right. Most Democrats agree, and so did Donald Trump when he first ran for president. We are not allowed to negotiate drug prices. Can you believe it? candidate Trump said in 2016. We pay about $300 billion more than we are supposed to, than if we negotiated the price. So theres $300 billion on Day One we solve. With apologies to Neil Sedaka, Calendar Girl. A 'pastafarian' idiot was allowed to wear a colander in an official DMV photo in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bring on the hoodies, the sombreros, the ski masks . . . . Story here. Does this have anything to do with the decline of the West? Something. It is just another little indication of the abdication of those in positions of authority. A driver's license is an important document. The authorities should not allow its being mocked by a dumbass with a piece of kitchenware on her head. But Massachusetts is lousy with liberals, so what do you expect? A liberal will tolerate anything except common sense and good judgment. A penne for her thoughts as she strains to find something to believe in. If only she would use her noodle. A Marion man faces drug charges after a task force searched his home, authorities said. On Friday morning, officers, armed with a search warrant, raided a house at 57 West Seagle St. in Marion. Investigators with the Narcotics Task Force (comprised of McDowell County Sheriffs Office, Marion Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations), found illegal narcotics, a firearm and an undisclosed amount of money inside the home, according to information from the Marion Police Department. Task force members said they would like to thank the local residents for their information of illegal narcotics sales taking place at this residence. "All of the agencies are happy to see this investigation come to an end," read the news release. Yusef Shakuur, 51, who is currently on post release from the North Carolina Department of Correction, was arrested and charged with the following crimes: Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine Felony possession of methamphetamine Misdemeanor possession of Schedule II substance Possession with intent to sell and deliver Oxycotin A traveler points to his luggage as he arrives at a quarantine hotel in Sydney, Australia, on May 20, 2021. New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, has announced it will end hotel quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated international travelers from Nov. 1, 2021 in a major relaxation in pandemic restrictions. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker Sydney will end hotel quarantine for vaccinated passengers when scheduled international flights restart in Australia within two weeks, officials said on Friday, while maintaining some restrictions on foreigners entering the country. Vaccinated travelers who test negative for COVID-19 before flying to Australia's largest city would be spared 14 days in hotel quarantine from Nov. 1, New South Wales state Premier Dominic Perrottet said. The major relaxation of the state's pandemic restrictions, which makes entering Australia easier for some travelers, was announced four days after Sydney came out of a 106-day lockdown. "We can't live here in a hermit kingdom. We've got to open up and this decision today is a big one, but it is the right one to get New South Wales connected globally," Perrottet said. "It's going to be great for our tourism industry, it's going to be great for tourist operators," he added. Sydney's is the first Australian international airport to reopen because News South Wales has the highest vaccination rate of any state. Prime Minister Scott Morrison approved the Nov. 1 travel resumption, but has yet to say when foreign tourists will be welcomed back in Australia. He has ruled out this year. Australian permanent residents and citizens will be free to travel next month for the first time since the nation's border was closed in March last year by some of the toughest travel restrictions in the democratic world. Skilled migrants and students would be given priority in coming to Australia over international tourists. International travelers are met by Australian military personnel as they arrive at a quarantine hotel in Sydney, Australia on May 20, 2021. New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, has announced it will end hotel quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated international travelers from Nov. 1, 2021 in a major relaxation in pandemic restrictions. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker Morrison said on Friday that parents of Australians would be reclassified as immediate family, enabling foreign nationals to visit grandchildren born in Australia during the pandemic. Grandparents previously had to wait until tourists were allowed back to reunite with families. But restrictions on foreigners entering Australia would otherwise not change, Morrison said. Qantas Airways responded to the news by bringing forward scheduled international flights by two weeks to Nov. 1. The first flights will operate between Sydney and Los Angeles and Sydney and London. Limits on hotel rooms available for quarantine have been a major barrier for Australians who want to come home. It is unclear whether returning Australians will be able to avoid hotel quarantine in other states by landing in Sydney then catching domestic flights across state lines. The government of Victoria state, which has overtaken neighboring New South Wales as Australia's COVID-19 hotspot, is keen to see details of the quarantine changes. An Australian military person carries luggage for international travelers on their arrival at a quarantine hotel in Sydney, Australia on May 20, 2021. New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, has announced it will end hotel quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated international travelers from Nov. 1, 2021 in a major relaxation in pandemic restrictions. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker Peppered by journalists' questions about the two states' conflicting quarantine policies, Victoria Health Minister Martin Foley replied: "Everyone just needs to take a chill pill." "We are not aware of the full details of a media release hot off the printer from the New South Wales government," Foley said. Queensland state, which has remained virtually free of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic through tight state border controls, has hinted it would open to vaccinated interstate travelers by Christmas. "There's just been an enormous change this morning that I haven't been able to get my head around so I need to work out what that change means," Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said. Health professionals have accused Perrottet of putting economic priorities ahead of health since he replaced his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian last week. But Australian Tourism Export Council, which represents the nation's tourism export sector, welcomed the end of hotel quarantine. New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. Perrottet says the most populous state would end hotel quarantine for vaccinated international travelers as the government accelerates the wind back of pandemic restrictions. Credit: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi "Australia's tourism industry has borne the brunt of international border closures with many businesses suffering with no income since March 2020," the council's managing director Peter Shelley said. "This announcement not only gives tourism businesses their income back, but also lets the world know they are welcome back in Australia," he added. 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. (HealthDay)The National Health Service Corps will receive $100 million to help tackle the U.S. health care worker shortage, the White House announced Thursday. That's a five-fold increase in funding from previous years for a program that helps find primary care doctors for communities that struggle to recruit and keep them, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NBC News reported. In exchange for a number of years of providing care in areas that lack health care providers, doctors are offered loan repayments and scholarships. "COVID has basically caused a laser focus on the glaring gaps and dysfunction across the American health care system," Tener Veenema, a scholar focused on workforce issues at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Health Security, told NBC News. "Making investments to redistribute health care providers into rural areas, low-resourced areas, is so important because we know how much they are suffering from a lack of access to good health care." The latest statistics bear that out: The United States lost 17,500 health care workers in September, and 524,000 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Whether you're in rural America, or in a low-income part of America, that shouldn't be a reason why you can't access good quality health care," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told NBC News. "And so we want to help states that are going to try to do what they can to keep that public health workforce in those rural communities, those low-income communities, they're where people need them." States will be able to apply for grants until April and the HHS predicts it will grant up to 50 awards as high as $1 million per year over the course of four years. "With these funds, states can design programs that optimize the selection of disciplines and service locations, and tailor the length of service commitments to address the areas of greatest need in their communities," Diana Espinosa, acting administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, which oversees the program, told NBC News. "This investment will make a tremendous impact on access to primary care and addressing health disparities at a critical time." The project doesn't launch until September 2022, so it won't have an immediate effect on the health worker shortage, but will help in the long run, NBC News reported. Explore further US mandates COVID-19 shots for federal health care workers More information: Visit the American Association of Medical Colleges for more on the Visit the American Association of Medical Colleges for more on the nursing shortage Copyright 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Transmission electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, isolated from a patient. Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID Northwestern Medicine scientists have shown for the first time that coronavirus vaccines and prior coronavirus infections can provide broad immunity against other, similar coronaviruses. The findings build a rationale for universal coronavirus vaccines that could prove useful in the face of future epidemics. "Until our study, what hasn't been clear is if you get exposed to one coronavirus, could you have cross-protection across other coronaviruses? And we showed that is the case," said lead author Pablo Penaloza-MacMaster, assistant professor of microbiology-immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. A breakdown of coronavirus families The three main families of coronaviruses that cause human disease are Sarbecovirus, which includes the SARS-CoV-1 strain that was responsible for the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), as well as SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for COVID-19; Embecovirus, which includes OC43, which is often responsible for the common cold; and Merbecovirus, which is the virus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), first reported in 2012. Vaccines demonstrated cross-protective immunity Plasma from humans who had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 produced antibodies that were cross-reactive (provided protection) against SARS-CoV-1 and the common cold coronavirus (OC43), the study found. The study also found mice immunized with a SARS-CoV-1 vaccine developed in 2004 generated immune responses that protected them from intranasal exposure by SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, the study found prior coronavirus infections can protect against subsequent infections with other coronaviruses. Mice that had been immunized with COVID-19 vaccines and later were exposed to the common cold coronavirus (HCoV-OC43, which is different from a SARS strain) were partially protected against the common cold, but the protection was much less robust, the study found. The reason, the scientists explain, is because both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 are genetically similarlike cousins of one another while the common cold coronavirus is more divergent from SARS-CoV-2. "As long as the coronavirus is greater than 70% related, the mice were protected," Penaloza-MacMaster said. "If they were exposed to a very different family of coronaviruses, the vaccines might confer less protection." Will there ever be one universal coronavirus vaccine? Given how different each coronavirus family is, that answer is "likely no," said the study authors. But there may be a path forward for developing a vaccine for each coronavirus family (Sarbecovirus, Embecovirus and Merbecovirus), they said. "Our study helps us re-evaluate the concept of a universal coronavirus vaccine," Penaloza-MacMaster said. "It's likely there isn't one, but we might end up with a generic vaccine for each of the main families of coronaviruses, for example a universal Sarbecovirus vaccine for SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 and other SARS-related coronaviruses; or a universal Embecovirus for HCoV-OC43 and HKU1 that cause common colds." In the study, Penaloza-MacMaster collaborated with Northwestern Medicine physician Dr. Igor Koralnik, chief of neuro-infectious disease and global neurology at Feinberg, and Lavanya Visvabharathy, a postdoctoral research associate in neurological manifestations of COVID-19 at Feinberg, to evaluate immune responses in humans who received SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, as well as in COVID-19 patients admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "We found that these individuals developed antibody responses that neutralized a common cold coronavirus, HCoV-OC43," Penaloza-MacMaster said. "We are now measuring how long this cross-protection lasts." Years of HIV research led the team to this discovery Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Penaloza-MacMaster had studied HIV vaccines for a decade. His knowledge about how the HIV virus mutates led him to question cross-reactivity within coronavirus vaccines. "A reason we don't have an effective HIV vaccine is because it's hard to develop cross-reactive antibodies," Penaloza-MacMaster said. "So, we thought, 'What if we tackle the problem of coronavirus variability (which is critical for developing universal coronavirus vaccines) the same way we're tackling HIV vaccine development?'" More information: Tanushree Dangi et al, Cross-protective immunity following coronavirus vaccination and coronavirus infection, Journal of Clinical Investigation (2021). Journal information: Journal of Clinical Investigation Tanushree Dangi et al, Cross-protective immunity following coronavirus vaccination and coronavirus infection,(2021). DOI: 10.1172/JCI151969 In this March 3, 2021 file photo, a vial of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is displayed at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, N.Y. U.S. health advisers are meeting Friday, Oct. 15, to tackle who needs boosters of Johnson & Johnson's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine and when. Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration also will examine data suggesting that booster of a competing brand might provide better protection. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File U.S. health advisers endorsed a booster of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine Friday, citing concern that Americans who got the single-dose shot aren't as protected as those given two-dose brands. J&J told the Food and Drug Administration that an extra dose adds important protection as early as two months after initial vaccinationbut that it might work better if people wait until six months later. Unable to settle the best timing, the FDA's advisory panel voted unanimously that the booster should be offered at least two months after people got their earlier shot. "I think this frankly was always a two-dose vaccine," said FDA adviser Dr. Paul Offit of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "It would be hard to recommend this as a single-dose vaccine at this point." The FDA isn't bound by the recommendation as it makes a final decisionand adding to the debate's complexity, new research also suggests that J&J recipients might have a stronger immune response if their booster dose is from a competing brand. Preliminary results from an ongoing study of different ways to "mix and match" different shots showed that a booster of any sort revved up people's levels of virus-fighting antibodiesat least for a few weeks. And the most dramatic jump came from giving a Pfizer or Moderna shot after the single-dose J&J vaccination. FDA's advisers didn't vote on whether that should be recommended but told the government to allow flexibility with boosters, saying there were no safety red flags even if it's not yet clear just how much difference, if any, mixing and matching may make in long-term protection. "In the real world all these kind of combinations are already happening so I think it's a matter of some urgency for the FDA to help sort out what is admittedly a complicated and challenging scenario," said Dr. Ofer Levy of Boston Children's Hospital. The government says all three U.S. vaccines continue to offer strong protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19, and that the priority is getting first shots to the 66 million eligible but unvaccinated Americans who are most at risk. But with the spread of the extra-contagious delta variant and signs of waning immunity against milder infections, the nation is moving toward a broader booster campaign. Last month Pfizer boosters started being offered to seniors and younger adults at high risk from COVID-19 because of poor health, jobs or living conditionsat least six months after their initial vaccination. Thursday, the FDA advisory panel recommended the same approach for half-dose Moderna boosters. But J&J's vaccine has consistently shown lower effectiveness levels across a series of studiesand the FDA panel ultimately settled on another shot for any recipient 18 or older at least two months after their first vaccination. "This is reallywith the second dosebringing it, I think, on par with those other vaccines in terms of effectiveness," said Dr. Archana Chatterjee of Rosalind Franklin University. The FDA will use its advisers' recommendations to decide whether to authorize boosters for both J&J and Moderna. Next, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would rule on who should roll up their sleeves. The vast majority of the 188 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&J recipients account for only about 15 million. J&J's vaccine is made with a different technology and on Friday, the company pitched its booster as a way to strengthen a robust vaccine that they said has retained its protective power over eight months. But FDA scientists pointedly challenged that assertion. "There are data that suggest the effectiveness of this vaccine is actually less robust than the company's presentation here," said Dr. Peter Marks, FDA's top vaccines official. "And that is a finding of concern particularly because that's been seen in minority communities potentially and others." As for its booster, J&J presented results from a large study that found giving a second dose just two months after the first bumped protection against symptomatic COVID-19 to 94% from 70% in U.S. recipients. Giving that booster six months later instead prompted an even bigger jump in virus-fighting antibodies. But in their own review, FDA scientists noted only a tiny portion of cases involved the delta variant, by far the dominant strain in the U.S. And while FDA's reviewers found no new safety concerns about a second J&J dose, they noted other shortcomings. J&J followed booster recipients for little more than a month, making it hard to draw conclusions about the durability of protection. Also, FDA scientists stressed they hadn't had time to independently confirm J&J's data, which were submitted shortly before the meeting. That's highly unusual and drew serious concern from the advisory panel. The J&J vaccine was highly anticipated for its one-and-done formulation. But its rollout earlier this year was hurt by a series of troubles including manufacturing problems and some rare but serious side effects including a blood clot disorder and a neurological reaction called Guillain-Barre syndrome. In both cases, regulators decided the shot's benefits outweighed those risks. 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In this March 3, 2021 file photo, a vial of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is displayed at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, N.Y. U.S. health advisers are meeting Friday, Oct. 15, to tackle who needs boosters of Johnson & Johnson's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine and when. Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration also will examine data suggesting that booster of a competing brand might provide better protection. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File U.S. health advisers on Friday tackled who should get boosters of Johnson & Johnson's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine and whenand whether using a competing brand for the second dose might provide better protection. The push for boosters kicked off last month after the Food and Drug Administration authorized third doses of the Pfizer vaccine for seniors and younger adults with health problems, jobs or living conditions that place them at higher risk from the coronavirus. On Thursday, an FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended a half-dose booster of the similar Moderna vaccine for the same groups. Friday, the same panel discussed a booster of J&J's vaccinebut the decision is more complex. Moderna and Pfizer asked the FDA to OK boosters at least six months after immunization, but J&J proposed a sliding schedule with an extra dose as early as two months later. Adding another twist, the experts also will discuss preliminary data from a government "mix-and-match" study that suggested J&J recipients may have a far stronger immune response if they get either a Moderna or Pfizer booster rather than a second J&J dose. The FDA will use its advisers' recommendations to decide whether to authorize boosters for both J&J and Moderna, likely next week, after which another government agency will rule on who should roll up their sleeves. All three vaccines in the U.S. still offer strong protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19and the nation's priority remains getting first doses to 66 million eligible but unvaccinated Americans who are most at risk as the extra-contagious delta variant continues to circulate. But experts continue to debate whether there's value in using boosters to head off milder infections in most vaccinated adults, an approach proposed by the Biden administration. FDA scientists recently flagged shortcomings in the data J&J submitted in applying for a booster dose, including little data on the strength of protection in people who got a six-month booster. A review released earlier this week said a study of the two-month boost suggests "there may be a benefit." J&J's single-shot vaccine has consistently shown lower effectiveness than the two-shot mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, a point FDA reviewers noted in their review. That gap in protection is likely to play a key role as panelists weigh the need and scope of boosters. The J&J vaccine was highly anticipated for its one-and-done formulation, and it is made with a different technology than its Pfizer and Moderna competitors. But its rollout was hurt by a series of troubles including manufacturing problems and some rare but serious side effects including a blood clot disorder and a neurological reaction called Guillain-Barre syndrome. In both cases, regulators decided the shot's benefits outweighed those risks. The vast majority of the 188 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&J recipients account for only about 15 million. Explore further More questions for J&J vaccine boosters ahead of FDA review 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A research team at Georgia State University has identified how the brain changes when artists are in a state of "flow" and found that simply imagining improvised performances elicits the same flow-like brain states as when musicians are singing. In the new study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers recruited 21 advanced jazz musicians, who were prompted to vocalize or imagine one of the four scores from the Bebop era of jazz based on a standard 12-bar blues chordal progression while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The multidisciplinary research teamwhich includes experts in mathematics, physics, music, neuroscience and computer sciencethen used the fMRI data to identify how a musician's brain reconfigures connectivity depending on the degree of creativity required during jazz performances, focusing on two major brain networks: the default mode network and the executive control network. "We estimated static functional network connectivity as jazz musicians were vocalizing, imagining, improvising or performing pre-learned, memorized scores," said principal investigator Victor M. Vergara. Martin Norgaard, associate professor in the School of Music and co-author of the study, says the work provides new insight into the minds of expert jazz musicians at work. "What's so fascinating is that we saw very similar brain patterns and activity whether they were actually scat singing or just imagining an improvised performance," said Norgaard. The study builds on previous research demonstrating that subjects' brains show lower functional connectivity during musical improvisation. The new findings reveal that improvisation is associated with a state of weak connectivity to the brain's executive control network and to a feeling of "flow," which allows unhindered musical creation. "The executive control network is typically active in many tasks, including solving problems. The default mode network seems to be more active when a subject is in the resting state," said Norgaard. "We saw that when expert musicians are improvising, the brain is interfering less with their creativity." The study was conducted in collaboration with the Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), which is supported by Georgia State, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. Vince Calhoun, founding director of TReNDS and a Distinguished University Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience, said the new study allowed researchers to observe widespread and richer effects of connectivity. It is the first analysis of whole brain connectivity during vocalized and imagined real-time production of creative output. "The brain is highly dynamic, so mapping how brain function changes over time is a much more natural way to analyze the data and capture functional patterns linked to either behavioral conditions or to resting," said Calhoun. As part of the team at TReNDS center, Vergara and his colleagues were able to extract signals from the brain using a non-invasive method to reduce any interference in the creative process. The team created a custom algorithm to identify the resting state networks. "Brain imaging produces vast amounts of time-varying measurements that are difficult to parse. Pattern recognition algorithms were necessary to pinpoint the relevant brain areas involved in the creative process," said Vergara. "We then compared the different patterns to understand the differences between performing improvisation and pre-rehearsed music." The study's paradigm allows for the inclusion of expert jazz performers with many different instrument specializations, which suggests the results may be broadly applicable to all improvising musicians. Future research could adapt the same paradigm to other activities where creation happens in real timelike in performing freestyle rap or spoken-word poetry and even playing sportspotentially identifying common threads in the creative process inside the human brain. "Now there are more specific questions we can consider, like what changes are happening in the brain while someone improvises or which different networks are involved," said Norgaard. "That's called dynamic connectivity, and that's what we're hoping to research next." The research team includes Robyn Miller, assistant professor of Computer Science, Mukesh Dhamala associate professor of Physics and Astronomy, as well as collaborators at Pennsylvania State University and Harvard Medical School. Explore further Professor studies how jazz improvisation affects the brain More information: Victor M. Vergara et al, Functional network connectivity during Jazz improvisation, Scientific Reports (2021). Journal information: Scientific Reports Victor M. Vergara et al, Functional network connectivity during Jazz improvisation,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98332-x Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain For the detection of community transmission of COVID-19, New Zealand currently relies on contact tracing, testing of self-selected people with symptoms and those with permission to travel between different alert levels, and surveillance testing of staff at businesses permitted to operate in higher alert levels. Surveillance testing has picked up cases before they knew they were contacts of another infected person. But people who are only tested after they feel unwell may have already passed the virus on to several others. Others who have COVID-19 may not display symptoms. As a supplement to current testing, we suggest a sound, properly designed random sampling regime of certain areas or workplaces to provide a cost-effective way to determine, with known probability, if there is any COVID-19 in a specified area or group. The critical point is that such COVID Clearance Check surveys must be random. Continued wastewater testing, contact tracing and community testing stations remain critically important. But they don't provide any measures of accuracy because currently they don't incorporate formal sampling designs. Probability theory behind random sampling A statistically designed random sampling scheme, based on as few as 100 people or households from key sub-populations, would give a very high probability of detecting if there are any COVID-19 cases. However, to determine this probability, it is critical the sampling is random. Geographical locations could include certain neighborhoods and wastewater catchment areas. Workplace sampling could focus on large businesses, rest homes, hospitals and prisons. COVID Clearance Checks based on random sampling could shorten lockdowns, lessen social impact, save money and support businesses. Once Aotearoa's borders reopen, they would provide critical information of known accuracy about infection hotspots. The formal sampling scheme is based on probability theory, which provides the mathematical connection between COVID prevalence (p), sample size (n) and the probability of detecting the virus in the subpopulation (p). Unless a subpopulation is very small, its size has little effect on the sample size required. For a simple random sample, which selects people or households essentially independently and with equal probability, the probability of detecting COVID is: p = 1-(1-p) For example, for a 3% prevalence of COVID and a random sample of 100, the chance of detecting the virus is over 95%. A larger sample would be required to detect COVID at lower prevalence, for clustered random sampling schemes, or for higher levels of detection probability. Instead of simple random sampling of households, systematic sampling (which selects households at a fixed interval in a list or along a route) could be used to simplify fieldwork without loss of accuracy. Survey design and structured fieldwork would provide the mechanism for implementing the random selection of people and safe work conditions for the sampling team. For random sampling, this is now feasible because saliva tests have recently been approved by the Ministry of Health. Using self-administered saliva tests would reduce close contact between field staff and household members, minimizing the risk of spread. How it would work Examples where a COVID Clearance Check survey would be useful include towns or city suburbs, and households in catchment areas with positive wastewater results. Sampling areas around MIQ facilities, but not including them, would provide information on possible community transmission. As a first step, the Ministry of Health would identify particular areas or groups of interest, and then randomly select a sample within it, using statistically sound methods, to ensure every person had a known non-zero chance of being included. For area sampling, having pre-notified residents, field staff would drop off saliva tests at each sampled household. Household tests would then be collected, either for separate individuals or combined, using set safety protocols. Any selected households which do not return test results would be contacted again to reduce non-response bias. Any detected cases would bring other current control mechanisms into play. Detecting all cases in an area is different and more difficult than detecting whether there are any cases. Cases detected by COVID Clearance Check sampling provide a searchlight rather than fully illuminating the situation. Finding all cases would require much larger sample sizes, which is why such checks supplement rather than replace current surveillance methods. Using well-designed and implemented random sampling schemes can be an effective, rapid and low-cost way of assessing whether there are any community cases, without testing thousands of people who are not necessarily those of greatest interest. When useful, such surveys can be repeated, using another sample from the same area or group. As we are now all realizing, keeping COVID-19 out of Aotearoa cannot be a long-term plan. Once vaccination rates are high and borders begin to reopen, COVID Clearance Checks using random sampling to monitor possible hotspots will become increasingly useful, even necessary, for surveillance. Explore further Study on coordinated sampling helps in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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. Credit: AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky Russia's daily tolls of coronavirus infections and deaths surged to another record on Friday, a quickly mounting figure that has put a severe strain on the country's health care system. The government's coronavirus task force reported 32,196 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 999 deaths in the past 24 hours. The record for daily COVID-19 deaths in Russia has been broken repeatedly over the past few weeks, as fatalities steadily approach 1,000 in a single day. It comes amid increasing infections and a reluctance by authorities to toughen restrictions that would further cripple the economy. The government said this week that about 43 million Russians, or just about 29% of the country's nearly 146 million people, are fully vaccinated. Authorities have tried to speed up the pace of vaccination with lotteries, bonuses and other incentives, but widespread vaccine skepticism and conflicting signals from officials stymied the efforts. Despite the mounting toll, the Kremlin has also ruled out a new nationwide lockdown like the one early on in the pandemic that badly hurt the economy, eroding President Vladimir Putin's popularity. Instead, it has delegated the power to enforce coronavirus restrictions to regional authorities. 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. Credit: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko 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. Credit: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko A medical worker helps a patient suspected of having coronavirus to leave an ambulance 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. Credit: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko 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. Credit: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko Medical workers stand near their ambulance as they deliver a patient 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. Credit: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that local officials could toughen restrictions if a region's health care system gets close to being overwhelmed with patients. Some of Russia's 85 regions already have restricted attendance at large public events and limited access to theaters, restaurants and other places. However, life remains largely normal in Moscow, St. Petersburg and many other Russian cities, with businesses operating as usual and mask mandates loosely enforced. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko acknowledged Thursday that Russia's medical facilities have come under growing strain and said that authorities have offered retired medics who were vaccinated to return to work. Overall, Russia's coronavirus task force has registered over 7.9 million confirmed cases and 221,313 deathsEurope's highest death toll. 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 wasn't considered the main cause, has reported a much higher toll of pandemic deathsabout 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, ahead of Mexico. Explore further Russia sets another daily COVID-19 deaths record 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In this Aug. 6, 2020, file photo provided by Russian Direct Investment Fund, an employee works with a coronavirus vaccine at the Nikolai Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow, Russia. Millions in developing nations from Latin America to the Middle East also are waiting for more doses of Sputnik V after manufacturing woes and other issues have created huge gaps in vaccination campaigns. Credit: Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Russian Direct Investment Fund via AP, File Esperita Garcia de Perez got her first vaccination against COVID-19 in May. That, along with her Catholic faith, made her feel better protected against the virus, and she had hoped to get her second shot of the Russian-developed Sputnik V vaccine a few weeks later. But the 88-year-old is still waiting. She was infected with the virus last month, and now her hopes for survival are pinned on the host of medications and home care she is receiving. Millions in developing nations from Latin America to the Middle East also are waiting for more doses of Sputnik V after manufacturing woes and other issues have created huge gaps in vaccination campaigns. One firm estimates that Russia has only exported 4.8% of the roughly 1 billion doses it promised. The head of the Russian state-controlled fund that invested in the vaccine insisted Wednesday the supply problems have been resolved. Venezuela, which designated Sputnik for those over 50, ordered 10 million doses in December 2020 but has gotten slightly less than 4 million. Argentina, the first country in the Western Hemisphere to administer Sputnik, got its first shipment Dec. 25 but it is still waiting for many of the 20 million it purchased. "I had a long time now, many months, anguished because (the vaccine) was going to arrive, then it was not going to arrive, then I was going to have to wait, then I was not going to have to wait," Garcia de Perez said, adding that "you want the certainty and hope that the thing is going to come." In this Oct. 1, 2021, file photo, Esperita Garcia de Perez, 88, stands outside at her daughter's house in Caracas, Venezuela. She got her first vaccination against COVID-19 in May and she had hoped to get her second shot of the Russian-developed Sputnik V vaccine a few weeks later. But the 88-year-old is still waiting. Credit: AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File Launched in August 2020 and proudly named after the world's first satellite to symbolize Russia's scientific prowess, Sputnik V has been approved in some 70 countries. Russian state media earlier this year broadcast triumphant reports about it "conquering the world" as Moscow aggressively marketed it after wealthy nations kept supplies of Western-developed vaccines for themselves. For a while it was "the only game in town," said Judy Twigg, a professor specializing in global health at Virginia Commonwealth University, but adds that Russia's window of opportunity "to really stake a claim as the savior" in the pandemic is gone. Unlike other COVID-19 vaccines, Sputnik's first and second shots are different and not interchangeable. Manufacturing in Russia has been marred by reports of production difficulties, particularly in making its second component. Experts have pointed to limited production capacity as well as the fact that the process is very complicated. In this April 15, 2021, file photo, a nurse prepares a dose of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine at Tecnopolis Park which has been repurposed as a vaccination center, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Millions in developing nations from Latin America to the Middle East also are waiting for more doses of Sputnik V after manufacturing woes and other issues have created huge gaps in vaccination campaigns. Credit: AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano, File Sputnik is a viral vector vaccine, which uses a harmless virus that carries genetic material to stimulate the immune system. Manufacturers can't guarantee stable output because working with biological ingredients involves a lot of variables in terms of the quality of the finished product. Airfinity, a life science data analytics firm, estimates that 62 countries have supply agreements for about 1 billion doses of Sputnik V, with only 48 million doses exported so far. It said it isn't clear whether these doses are supposed to be delivered in 2021 or over a longer period. The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolls and markets the vaccine abroad and has production contracts with 25 manufacturing sites in 14 countries, says it "is in full compliance of the Sputnik V supply contracts, including of the second component, after a successful production ramp-up in August and September." In this May 17, 2021, file photo, a health worker prepares to administer the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to a man in Hyderabad, India. India was promised 125 million two-dose sets of Sputnik but had administered fewer than 1 million by Oct. 6. Credit: AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A., File The fund's CEO, Kirill Dmitriev, said in an interview with The Associated Press that all supply issues "have been fully resolved. All the issues with the second component are resolved in all of the countries." "There is not one vaccine manufacturer in the world that didn't have vaccine delivery issues," he said. Although the West largely relied on vaccines made in the U.S. and Europe, such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca, many developing nations have sought easier-to-get vaccines from China and Russia. The World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency have not yet approved Sputnik V for use. In Argentina, the delays in shipments of Sputnik and a virus surge in March led to public pressure on the government to speed up negotiations with other pharmaceutical companies. In this Sept. 16, 2021, file photo, residents stand behind a strip of tape serving as a barrier as they gather outside a vaccination center looking to be inoculated with a second dose of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, in Caracas, Venezuela. Millions from Latin America to the Middle East are waiting for promised doses of the Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine due to manufacturing problems and other issues. Credit: AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File An initial agreement was for 20 million doses, of which the country had received about 14.2 million as of Tuesday. A later agreement was signed for a local laboratory to produce the vaccine with the active ingredient shipped from Russia. It has produced about 1.2 million first doses and some 3.6 million second doses. This month, Argentinian officials said the fund's requested the return of 1.3 million doses for packaging reasons. The doses have been replaced. Virus-battered Iran on Thursday received a 14th batch of Sputnik vaccines, bringing the number of doses to 1.77 million out of 60 million it had been promised. The Iranian news agency IRNA quoted the country's ambassador to Russia as saying in April that the doses were expected to be shipped between May and November. There are indications that Iran also has struggled with a shortage of Sputnik's second component. Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi last month urged those who received the first dose to get a second shot of AstraZeneca, citing the "uncertainty" of when Russia will come through. In this Sept. 16, 2021, file photo, a healthcare worker takes the names of residents gathered outside a vaccination center hoping to be inoculated with a second dose of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, in Caracas, Venezuela. Millions from Latin America to the Middle East are waiting for promised doses of the Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine due to manufacturing problems and other issues. Venezuela ordered 10 million doses in December 2020 but has only gotten slightly over 3 million. Credit: AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File A similar problem appears to have prevented Turkey from rolling out Sputnik altogether. Officials announced a deal to get 50 million doses in April, with news reports saying the vaccines would be delivered within six months. As of June, only 400,000 had arrived. "Russia squandered that opportunity," said Twigg, the VCU professor. "I think in some cases, it's actually left Russia's reputation in Iran, Guatemala, Argentina, maybe Mexico, perhaps even a little worse off than it would have been if it had done nothing, or if it had waited and made more fulfillable promises from the very beginning, because people are disappointed." Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said in August that Turkey has not been able to roll out Sputnik because it didn't have the second doses in hand. Koca later said Turkey was "engaged in an effort" to obtain both the first and second doses. A Health Ministry official would not comment on whether Turkey still hopes to receive the second doses or if it has simply abandoned the rollout. In this Feb. 4, 2021, file photo released by Imam Khomeini Airport City, Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines are unloaded at the Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport. Millions from Latin America to the Middle East are waiting for promised doses of the Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine due to manufacturing problems and other issues. Virus-battered Iran has received only about 1.3 million doses from Russia out of 60 million doses it had been promised. Credit: Saeed Kaari/IKAC via AP, File In this July 26, 2021, file photo, protesters block a street outside a vaccination center to demand a second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19 in La Paz, Bolivia. Millions in developing nations from Latin America to the Middle East also are waiting for more doses of Sputnik V after manufacturing woes and other issues have created huge gaps in vaccination campaigns. Credit: AP Photo/Juan Karita, File In this July 20, 2021, file photo, a healthcare worker inoculates a woman with the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine during a campaign vaccine for people over age 18, in La Paz, Bolivia. Millions in developing nations from Latin America to the Middle East also are waiting for more doses of Sputnik V after manufacturing woes and other issues have created huge gaps in vaccination campaigns. Credit: AP Photo/Juan Karita, File In this Sept 16, 2021, file photo, residents gather outside a vaccination center looking to be inoculated with a second dose of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, in Caracas, Venezuela. Millions from Latin America to the Middle East are waiting for promised doses of the Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine due to manufacturing problems and other issues. Venezuela ordered 10 million doses in December 2020 but has only gotten slightly over 3 million. Credit: AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File In this Sept. 17, 2021, file photo, residents wait at dawn outside a vaccination center in hopes of getting a second shot of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in Caracas, Venezuela. Millions from Latin America to the Middle East are waiting for promised doses of the Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine due to manufacturing problems and other issues. Credit: AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File "The whole process is a black box. There is no transparency," opposition lawmaker Murat Emir said last month in questioning Koca about the fate of the Sputnik rollout, including whether Turkey would get a refund for the 400,000 unused doses. India was promised 125 million two-dose sets of Sputnik but had administered fewer than 1 million by Oct. 6. The Sputnik delays in Argentina and Venezuela have prompted some people to get a different vaccine for their second dose, even though scientists are still studying the effects of such mixing and matching. Dr. Chris Beyrer, public health and human rights professor at Johns Hopkins University, noted that the early purchases of highly effective vaccines by wealthiest nations has made it harder for developing countries to protect their populations. "One dose is better than no dose. So, I think, for countries that have already started with Sputnik, it does make sense to go for the second dose, even if there's been a delay," he said. "But if they're not getting that vaccine at all, then they absolutely should be looking at other vaccines." Explore further Argentina starts distributing local Sputnik vaccine 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain South Africa will begin vaccinating children as young as 12 next week and also offer COVID-19 boosters against certain immune disorders, the health minister announced Friday. With a large youth population and the world's biggest HIV caseload, the announcement affects millions of people and marks a significant scaling up of South Africa's pandemic response. "We ready to open up vaccination for children between 12-17 years of age, and a majority of this cohort are in the secondary or high school level," Health Minister Joe Phaahla told a news conference. Under South African law, children aged 12 and up can give their own consent for medical treatment, meaning they don't need parental permission to get the vaccine. Starting Wednesday, children can receive a single Pfizer dose, with a second shot delayed to allow for further study on a rare side effect, the minister added. More than one third of all adults in South Africa have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the minister added. The country has launched a digital vaccine certificate scheme. Proof of vaccination is required to enter larger gatherings such as sporting events. For the immune compromised, Phaahla said they can begin receiving boosters, but only on advice from their doctor. Explore further South Africa launches drive to vaccinate 500,000 in 2 days 2021 AFP (HealthDay)A shot at winning $1 million did nothing to budge the number of people who got the COVID-19 jab. According to a new study, lotteries in 19 states designed to encourage people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 did not alter the rate of those who got the shot. In fact, vaccination rates were the same in lottery and non-lottery states. "It's possible that the group that you're trying to convince to get vaccinated is not convinced that they want the vaccine at all," said researcher Andrew Friedson, an associate professor of economics at the University of Colorado in Denver. "Maybe they've been subject to some incorrect information with regard to the dangers of vaccines or with regard to the benefits of vaccines, and then unless you're able to adjust their beliefs, no incentive is going to make a difference," he said. For the study, Friedson and his colleagues looked at the number of COVID-19 vaccinations given per 1,000 people before and after the lotteries were announced. The researchers compared that data to the number of COVID-19 vaccines given in states that did not offer prize incentives. The investigators found little to no association between having a lottery and vaccination rates. There was essentially "zero difference" in vaccination rates in states that had a lottery versus those that didn't, Friedson said. "If you believe something is dangerous, a lottery ticket is not going to convince you to do it," he noted. Friedson thinks the only approach that might work to reach those who refuse to get vaccinated is some sort of education program that would convince people the vaccines are safe and effective. "I'm willing to try anything within reason," he said. "So we've tried lotteries, they seem like they're not working, and now it's time to move on and try something new." But changing minds is difficult, Friedson said, and there may be a hardcore group that won't get vaccinated, no matter what you do. "I hope not," he said. "But that is certainly a possibility. We're definitely getting into a group that's far more difficult to convince, and I do not know what it's going to take." The report was published online Oct. 15 in JAMA Health Forum. Dr. Kevin Schulman, a professor of medicine at Stanford University's Clinical Excellence Research Center in Palo Alto, Calif., thinks lotteries were worth trying. "Lotteries were important tactics to try and increase vaccination at a state level. Many of the states implementing lotteries were 'red' states, so I'm grateful that the Republican leadership began to get engaged in vaccination efforts. In the end, a tactic is not a communication strategy," Schulman said. Communication tactics should be tested and evaluated to see if they are effective, Schulman added. "However, if a tactic fails, you need to implement other approaches to vaccine communication. In many cases, the lottery was a single effort and when it didn't have the intended effect, we didn't see follow-up with other programs," he said. Another expert isn't surprised that offering money to people to go against their beliefs doesn't work. "Most people make health choices weighing the risks, costs and benefits. In the case of vaccines, many chose to get vaccinated, as they value leading a long, healthful life," said Iwan Barankay. He is an associate professor of business economics and public policy at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, in Philadelphia "Those who did not get vaccinated were not swayed by those precious health benefits, so it seems illogical that a few dollars in expected payouts could convince them otherwise. The result that small incentives do not affect health outcomes has been replicably shown in multiple recent clinical trials," he explained. Also, a recent randomized field experiment in Philadelphia that varied incentives to get vaccinated also showed no effect on vaccination rates, Barankay said. "There are, however, real socioeconomic and cultural barriers which lead people to avoid vaccines based on their preferences or experiencesbut again, small dollar amounts won't be able to address these," he added. It is the experience of seeing friends, family and colleagues becoming sick, and the gains vaccine mandates bring in vaccination rates that make a difference, Barankay said. "It is important to continue the effort to show people real data from their communities on the hospitalization rates of vaccinated versus unvaccinated people, and how mandates inside companies reduce COVID case numbers due to an increase in vaccination rates," he said. More information: For more on COVID-19 vaccines, head to the For more on COVID-19 vaccines, head to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Copyright 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved. In this June 6, 2021 file photo, a youth receives a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the central Israeli city of Rishon LeZion. The pharmaceuticals Pfizer and BioNTech say they have requested that their coronavirus vaccine be licensed for children aged 5 to 11 across the European Union. If authorized, it would be the first opportunity for younger children in Europe to be get immunized against COVID-19. Credit: AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner U.S. health officials are setting the stage for a national COVID-19 vaccination campaign for younger children, inviting state officials to order doses before the shots are authorized. Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is currently being given to people as young as 12 in the U.S. In the next three weeks, federal officials plan to discuss making smaller-dose versions available to the nation's 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 11. To help states and cities prepare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week sent out a seven-page document with guidance on how to set up expanded vaccination programs. For example, it notes pharmacies in every state can give COVID-19 shots to children, but it clarifies that only doses prepared and packaged specifically for children are to be used for those under 12. It doesn't speak to some thornier questions, however, such as how much school-based clinics should be relied on or whether kids should be required to get then shots as a condition of school attendance. Those questions will have to be worked out in each state and city. The guidance comes as communities are gearing up for a new phase in the 10-month-old effort to vaccinate as many people as possible against a virus that has killed more than 720,000 in the U.S. The disease has been most dangerous to older adults, who have higher rates of death and hospitalization than children. But some kids are at risk for severe illness, and more than 540 U.S. children have died from COVID-19, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Just as important, health officials believe that vaccinating children will reduce virus spread to vulnerable adults. Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech are furthest along in researching use of their vaccine in younger children. They say a two-dose vaccine seriesone-third as potent as the version giving to people over 12 years oldis safe and effective in 5- to 11-year-olds. An independent expert panel that advises the Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to publicly debate the evidence at a meeting in late October. If the FDA authorizes the kid-size doses, a different expert panel advising the CDC would take up the matter in early November, and then offer a recommendation to the CDC. It's not yet clear how many people will get shots for their younger kids right away, said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. "We're going to have potentially a very busy, and perhaps modestly chaotic time" initially, he said. But there probably will not be the kind of heavy demand seen when shots first became available for adults, he added. The new CDC guidance calls for shots to be given at the offices of pediatricians and family-practice doctors, and at pharmacies, rural health clinics and federally-qualified health centers. The CDC discussed the option of vaccination clinics at schools, but stopped short of endorsing that as a primary way to get kids vaccinated. School clinics are logistically appealing, but many parents may not be comfortable with the idea, Plescia said. The guidance also warns health care providers to only use doses that have been prepared especially for kids, and not try to fraction adult doses, Plescia noted. CDC guidance said immunization program managers can start ordering doses Wednesday, though vials wouldn't be delivered until the FDA and CDC sign off. When the coronavirus vaccines were first authorized in December, the U.S. government prioritized having hospitals and pharmacies administer them. Some office-based physicians felt left out. Dr. Jesse Hackell registered early with New York state to be able to administer the shots to teens. He said his office, located 25 miles north of New York City, didn't receive doses for that until May. But Hackell said the CDC has reassured pediatricians that once authorization happens for 5- to-11-year-olds, the process will go more smoothly and pediatricians' offices will be able to get shipments quickly. Dr. Richard Besser called on the government to do more to address racial and economic disparities that might emerge in the push to vaccinate younger kids. For example, kids may not get shots if parents can't get time off from work to bring them in. "It's really important that we recognize the barriers to vaccinations," said Besser, chief executive of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the CDC. Explore further What to expect as US weighs COVID shots for younger kids 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Black women physicians in the United States face hurdles and inequities that contribute toward their underrepresentation in medicine, argues an essay in The Lancet by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) physician Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, MBA, and two colleagues. The essay, titled "Superhuman, But Never Enough: Black Women in Medicine," gives voice to "the frustrations I deal with and that I talk about with my Black women physician colleagues," says Stanford, an obesity medicine physician-scientist at MGH. Black Americans make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, but just 2.8 percent of physicians in this country are Black women. Those Black women who choose a career in medicine encounter often-disheartening paradoxes such as the one described in the essay's title. "We obtain additional degrees and training, earn various accolades, and yet that's still never quite enough for whomever is evaluating us," says Stanford. "I have five degrees. I've done two residencies and two fellowships. My CV is over 140 pages. Yet I've been told: 'We don't know if you're quite qualified'. How is that possible?" Black women physicians earn less than their colleagues and have a harder time getting promoted. "Why is that if we have the same training and expertise as our colleagues?" asks Stanford. Black women also hold relatively few leadership positions in academic medicine, which limits role models for Black female medical students. Likewise, the low number of Black female physicians in the United States reduces the options for Black women who prefer to be seen by a clinician of their race and gender. Stanford treats women patients who wait months for appointments. She understands why, since she's a patient, too, and prefers Black women physicians. "I feel like I'm being heard in a different way, like my medical concerns are being taken at face value, instead of undervalued or brushed under the rug," says Stanford. But she worries that delaying care can lead to worse outcomes, especially in a patient population at risk for chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease. The Lancet essay, coauthored by MGH research fellows Simar Singh Bajaj and Lucy Tu, notes that Black women have long faced discrimination in the United States, even within the early 20th century's women's suffrage movement and at historically Black universities and colleges. "You can't escape history," says Bajaj. "Black women are still seen as lesser than men. That's why we have these disparities." The authors of "Superhuman, But Never Enough" note programs currently in place within academic medicine that are designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion are promising, but Stanford says it remains to be seen whether these efforts can be sustained and make a long-term difference. However, she hopes the essay will help start a conversation about the inequities experienced by Black women in medicine and sees glimmers of hope that cultural transformation is possible in the faces of her coauthors Bajaj and Tu, who are of Indian and Chinese heritage, respectively. "Seeing people who don't look like me doing this work gives me significant joy," says Stanford, "because I feel like times are changing." Explore further Proportion of Black physicians in US has changed little in 120 years Credit: CC0 Public Domain Autoimmune diseasesi.e. diseases where our own immune system damages the bodyare growing, but we know little about what triggers them. Researchers are now a step closer to finding an explanation. With the help of a new technique, researchers from Aarhus University have succeeded in identifying the particles in the blood that determine the development of autoimmune diseases. They have discovered that patients with the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (also called SLE or Lupus), form a previously unknown type of protein particle in the blood and that this particle is so large it finds its way into the vascular wall where it causes damage. The disease is potentially life-threatening and can e.g. cause blood clots and inflammation of the joints and organs. Particles measured in nanometres "We can see that the patients have an elevated proportion of the large particles in the blood. Because of their size, these are distributed right at the edge of the blood vessel, where they can potentially end up in the vessel wall and create inflammation," explains Postdoc Kristian Juul-Madsen from the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University. He is the lead author of a recently published study which describes how the researchers were able to utilize a new technique enabling them to follow specific protein particles in the patient's blood sample and measure their size in nanometres. By doing this, it becomes clear that the scope and structure of the particles are crucial for the development of the disease. "We connect the protein particles with small metal particles, which fluoresce strongly when illuminated by a laser. We can follow the process on a screen and this has led us to discover that the Lupus patients have a much higher concentration of the very large particles," explains Kristian Juul-Madsen. "The technique makes it possible to identify something rare but absolutely crucial for the development of the disease in patients with Lupus. We imagine that there is a critical level that you must remain below in order to avoid the disease," he says. Early diagnosis of the disease is important because treatment can reduce symptoms and prevent organ damage. Therefore, it is also extremely interesting in a clinical context for researchers to be able to take a blood sample and already five minutes later have an answer as to whether the patient is on the way to developing Lupus or is already ill. Blood samples already collected The study of Lupus patients has been established in collaboration with the Department of Rheumatology at Aarhus University Hospital, where Leading Registrar Anne Margrethe Troldborg, who is also an assistant professor at the Department of Biomedicine, has gathered one of the most extensive Lupus cohorts in Denmark. Her work with Lupus patients has given the researchers a head start, as blood samples from patients and control groups had already been collectedwork which would otherwise take several years. Expectations are for the new technique to be available as a diagnostic tool in the clinic at Aarhus University Hospital within 5-10 years. Patented technology The discovery of the pathogenic particles provides a better understanding of why the disease occurs. In the longer term, it will hopefully help to prevent the development of Lupus and improve the researchers' knowledge of hereditary and other factors. Together with Professor Thomas Vorup-Jensen, Kristian Juul Madsen has patented the technology, which they call NIP-Q (Nanoscale Immunoactive Protein Quantification). Initially, the patent only applies to analyses of the protein that occurs in patients with Lupus, but the research team has an expectation that the technique can also be used to detect other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. "In the research community, there is focus on how inflammatory diseases lead to the release of DNA in the blood, and that the process can to a certain extent activate the immune system. But we have gained a completely new insight by producing a size analysis of the blood's components. It's deeply fascinating to see how we can utilize the new technique to find a correlation between particle size and the immune response " says Thomas Vorup-Jensen. He explains that it is often difficult for medical doctors to make a precise diagnosis and monitor the development of an autoimmune disease. This can make decisions about medication and measuring its effect difficult. "Nevertheless, the costs of autoimmune diseases continue to increase, both as a result of their increasing incidence and in step with the development of new expensive medicines. Better measurement methods are therefore necessary in order to be able to regulate treatments in a way that is responsible both in terms of healthcare and health economics," says Thomas Vorup-Jensen. The research resultsmore information: Credit: Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand The color pink has become ubiquitous with the fight against breast cancer, raising awareness for the most deadly nonskin cancer for females in the United States. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) activities are important to encourage screenings and tell the stories of patients who have battled breast cancer, but Annie Brown, MD, said the abundance of pink might make people not realize that efforts often focus solely on female patients that are cisgender. "That campaign and that gender-specific message is doing a bit of a disservice to our transgender patients," Brown said. "Breast cancer also affects nonbinary patients, and there's been criticism anyway about BCAM campaigns sexualizing breast cancer." Brown, assistant professor of radiology in the College of Medicine and a UC Health breast radiologist, said it is important to include transgender patients in discussions about breast cancer prevention and screening. Risks and data Brown said transgender-specific breast cancer statistics are "pretty lousy," as there is significant work to do for most health data sets regarding trans patients. "It's largely because, for intake in health care settings, we do a bad job of identifying patients on the basis of gender identity," she explained. Like with most other cancers, transgender patients' risk factors for breast cancer vary depending on family history, a patient's biological sex at birth, other lifestyle factors and exposure to certain hormones. Brown said with the limited data available, it appears transgender women undergoing hormone therapy are at an increased risk for breast cancer compared to cisgender men. Trans men are at a higher baseline risk than both trans women and cisgender men due to exposure to estrogen from birth prior to potential estrogen suppression treatment, she said. "The general male population has a breast cancer risk of maybe 1% to 2%, but just being born female increases your risk to 12% for the general female population in the United States," Brown said. In general, Brown said the transgender population has historically had a difficult time accessing medical care due to discrimination, a lack of access to health insurance or even a lack of providers with the knowledge to care for their needs. "As a result, this population tends to suffer from psychological issues, low economic status, some substance abuse, so there are other issues that actually do increase their risk of developing cancer, including breast cancer; that is a tougher thing to address," Brown said. Recommended screenings Brown helped take existing best practices to put together transgender breast cancer screening recommendations for the American College of Radiology. Since the transgender population is diverse and varied, she said there are many nuances involved in what will be best for each individual. For transgender women who are not undergoing hormone therapy, Brown said there is no indication of a need for breast cancer screenings through mammography. She said the general recommendation for trans women who have been undergoing estrogen therapy for five or more years and who are 40 and over is similar to cisgender women: an annual or biennial mammogram. Recommendations for trans men vary depending on the types of gender-affirming surgeries they have had, Brown said. Trans men who have had top surgery still have a remnant of breast tissue and are at a higher risk than a patient who has had a full mastectomy, but mammograms may be uncomfortable or not helpful for these patients. "If that's the case then we focus on educating patients that there is still breast tissue present and that self exams and clinical exams are still important, especially focusing on those areas like the underarm and region behind the nipple," Brown said. For trans men who have not had top surgery or have only undergone a breast reduction, Brown said yearly or biennial mammograms are generally recommended for patients at least 40 and over. Patients with significant family history may also need additional screening with an MRI, Brown said. Inclusive care Improving research and data collection that translates into recommendations for transgender patients is important, but improved screening suggestions won't make much of an impact if trans patients are not going to get screened. Brown said it is crucial to make all clinical settings, but particularly those where mammograms are offered, welcoming and inclusive for all patients. "Some patients avoid certain medical settings because they are afraid of being misgendered or because they think they'll be uncomfortable," Brown said. "And so I think it's important to have a safe pathway for patients." Creating an inclusive environment can be as simple as toning down on the pink and feminine imagery used and being less gender-specific when talking about breast and chest cancer, Brown said, noting cisgender men with certain genetic factors have an increased risk as well. Locating mammography services in more general health settings may also help transgender patients feel more comfortable compared to having to go to a dedicated women's health center for screening, she said. A transgender patient's primary care physician could escort the patient to a screening mammography after a regular checkup while they are still in-house or refer their patient to a mobile mammography unit to avoid the discomfort of a waiting room. Brown said health care providers, from doctors to schedulers, should also work to improve their use of gender-neutral language, focusing on how they are addressing patients. Calling a patient "Ms." or "Mr." can be replaced by just using their first name after asking their preferred name and pronouns. "The more it gets normalized that we should be providing equal care and inclusive care to transgender patients then perhaps we can change things eventually," she said. Explore further Study shows increased risk of breast cancer in transgender women DeLores Engen, mother to Missoula Mayor John Engen, passed away Wednesday evening at the age of 92. Since December 2020, DeLores had been living with Mayor Engen after contracting COVID-19. Her son has acted as her caretaker since then, and the two had an incredibly strong bond. She was remarkably supportive, Engen said, adding that she consistently encouraged him in any interests or endeavors of his. She was especially adept at recognizing the talents he and his brother had, he added. Prior to living with the mayor, DeLores spent about a decade at the Clark Fork Riverside assisted living facility, where she made a host of friends and had a great community. Engen described his mom as an immensely kind person who was always thinking of and helping others. DeLores worked as a nurse in North Dakota but moved to Missoula in 1962 with her husband. She stayed home and raised the mayor and his brother. Engen remembered when DeLores decided she couldnt drive anymore and donated her car to the Poverello Center, where it ended up with a single mom who needed reliable transportation. He fondly recalled how in his childhood years, DeLores built a reputation for herself as being a caretaker for the older women in their neighborhood. This stretched beyond their neighborhood DeLores was someone always looking out for others. Mom was the person you called if you needed help with something, Engen said. She is survived by her two sons the mayor and his older brother, Michael and two grandchildren. Her husband, Roy Engen, passed away in 2010 at the age of 88. Since the mayor was DeLores' primary caretaker, it will be an adjustment not to have her in his home and to look after anymore, he said. Its a tough loss, Engen said. It feels like a gift to spend the time with her that I did. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 9 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 8 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. About 150 students rallied in front of Main Hall on Friday afternoon and called for the University of Montana to fire computer science professor Rob Smith or for him to resign. The outrage on campus was fueled by reporting from the Montana Kaimin that brought troubling statements on Smiths blog to light and ultimately led to the university launching an investigation into the matter. Smith is on paid leave pending the conclusion of the investigation. Several speakers addressed the crowd at Fridays demonstration, including a computer science student, leaders with the universitys student government, and representatives of the Student Advocacy Resource Center and the UM Womens Resource Center. I cant even express to you how much this means to me that youre all here today, said Esther Lyon Delsordo, a senior in the computer science program. Before this all came out in the Kaimin I thought I was a little crazy, I was like, maybe Rob isnt that bad. But now, seeing all of your reactions, it just validates my experience and that is so valuable. Lyon Delsordo worked for Smith in the summer of 2020 at Prime Labs, where he is CEO. The bulk of Lyon Delsordos speech was focused on what students can do at this time to aid the universitys investigation into Smith. She detailed the type of behaviors or experiences that students have either witnessed or personally experienced and how to report them to the Title IX office. Those in attendance held signs with slogans of fire Rob Smith, queer and proud, Rob Smith robbed UM, and when will justice be served? The voices of the students chanting, Hey hey, ho ho, Rob Smith has got to go at the conclusion of the rally reverberated through the Oval. The moment this malicious, hateful, inexcusable blog was discovered, immediate and extensive evaluations should have followed," said Jenny Rokosch, a senior on campus studying environmental science. "The vetting system failed, and our students are suffering the consequences and at the same time are the ones who have to pick up the pieces. On Monday, UM President Seth Bodnar called Smiths views homophobic and misogynistic and said he was personally disgusted following the reporting by the Kaimin. Bodnar was unable to attend Fridays rally due to a long-scheduled meeting in Butte, but provided a message that was read aloud. As I mentioned in a message to campus earlier this week, I find personally abhorrent the recently discovered misogynistic and homophobic content published by a faculty member, Bodnar said in his message. Such views do not represent our institutions values, and we are addressing this matter through appropriate processes. I encourage all to counter hateful speech with better speech. That is what you are doing today. The controversy surrounding Smiths blog isnt the only issue roiling the campus. Theres a history here of student-driven change, but I dont want the progress of this institution to rely on student-driven change, said Noah Durnell, the president of the Associated Students of the University of Montana. I want our university administration to hold itself accountable and stop relying on the labor of marginalized students to tell them whats right and wrong. In early August four women who have all worked at UM accused the university of sex-based discrimination in a Title IX suit and specifically called out Bodnar of taking the reins in UMs unequal treatment of women. Later that same month 18 more women joined the lawsuit, requesting class certification. By October, tensions were rising at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law after the Daily Montanan reported that women from the program were discouraged by the dean and associate dean from reporting allegations of sexual harassment and assault to the universitys Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. Students organized a walkout and called for Dean Paul Kirgis and Associate Dean Sally Weaver to resign, saying the administrators had failed students and created a toxic environment. Kirgis resigned as dean later that week and Weaver is expected to step down as well. Despite the controversial start to her first semester at the university, freshman Sofia Beers does not regret her decision to attend UM, she said. She grew up touring the campus and coming to the state science fair. It doesnt discourage me, it disappoints me. It doesnt discourage me because I know, or would like to believe, that the university has my best interest at heart as a student and as long as they make an effort to keep their promise I wont regret my decision, Beers said. Beers attended the rally with some friends and said it was important to attend because she wants to help hold the university accountable. To have a professor who is known to hold these beliefs and still keep him employed is not fair to us as students, its not fair to the university and its not fair to incoming freshmen, Beers said. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 5 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A Fort Peck tribal board member and U.S. Army veteran will serve as part of an advisory committee for the VA as it extends its outreach into Indian Country. Jestin Dupree, who served for 16 years as an infantryman, will be one of 15 people on the recently launched VA Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs. The committee will act as a direct line of communication between VA Secretary Denis McDonough and the roughly 160,000 American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian veterans in the United States. Since this is the first time the VA has had a tribal advisory committee, Im quite sure a lot of the tribes will have plenty to share. It will be nice to sit and hear what other issues theyre facing, said Dupree, who also serves as a member of the Tribal Executive Board for the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes. The documented military service of Indigenous people stretches back to the years before the foundation of the United States, and incomplete ethnic data on U.S. veterans has made it difficult to determine just how many of the nations first peoples served. However, estimates consistently place Indigenous men and women as having the highest per-capita involvement in the military out of any other ethnic group. Native Americans enlisted by the thousands to serve in World War I, according to the National Museum of the American Indian, when a third of all Indigenous men and women in the country had yet to be recognized as citizens. During World War II, about 44,000 Native Americans served, and nearly that many volunteered to join the military during the Vietnam War. Going into the 21st century, more than 24,000 Native American men and women have served in the global war on terror. Among them was Dupree, who in 2003 was flying in helicopters out of the Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan during one of his five deployments. Now that Im in my 40s, my bodys starting to hurt more, Dupree said. The VA Tribal Advisory Committee Act, which was introduced in part by Montana Sen. Jon Tester in 2019, was signed into law earlier this year. McDonough approved the committees charter in April, and also personally approved of its members. The committee is expected to submit recommendations to the VA secretary and to Congress at least once a year. Its annual operating cost is estimated to be $400,000. The committee will also have two staff members for support from the VA's Office of Tribal Government Relations. Office Director Stephanie Birdwell said she expects the committee to have its initial meeting via Zoom within the next 3 to 4 months. With the 15-member committee slated to meet with McDonough twice every year, Birdwell said it will give Native American veterans more immediate access to the VA's top officials to comment on the administration's policies and programs. The formation of the committee was a groundbreaking moment for Native American veterans living in Montana and across the nation, Tester said in a statement from his office. He said he looks forward to working with the Dupree and the rest of the committee. Tester serves on both Senate Indian Affairs and Veterans Affairs Committees. Dupree, who lives in Poplar, has needed to make trips to medical appointments as far away as Helena and Billings. The lack of local and immediate care for veterans is one problem he plans to share with the committee. He will represent the Billings area for a two- to three-year term. Just the lack of assistance you get living in a rural area, its frustrating I think the VA can do more in providing access, especially in a state as big as Montana, he said. As of 2018, of the 92,000 veterans living in Montana reported by the VA, 5,000 were American Indian and Alaskan Natives. Dupree said any Native American veteran living in Montana can bring their concerns directly to him by calling 406-768-7813, or by emailing jdupree@fortpecktribes.net. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 2 Republican legislators in North Carolina are pushing to inspect the voting machines used in Durham County during the 2020 presidential election, in search of the invisible voter fraud that they insist exists, any proof of which has consistently eluded Republican officials across the country. Its a project that will be popular in Trump circles, but in the larger picture, accomplishes nothing but to damage our states reputation and keep a popular lie in circulation. Rep. Jeff McNeely, a North Carolina Republican and member of the Freedom Caucus, said he and other Republicans want to inspect the voting machines because of many, many millions of accusations of machine tampering and votes being switched because of modems. This, despite the fact that North Carolinas voting machines dont have modems and cant be connected to the internet. Theyre designed so by law. McNeely says he and other members of his group selected Durham County randomly, drawing the name from a hat. Which is quite a coincidence, considering that the vast majority of Durham Countys votes went to Joe Biden in 2020 and considering Republican legislators fruitless examination of Durham Countys ballots in 2016, which affirmed a preference for Gov. Roy Cooper over incumbent Pat McCrory. State and federal environmental officials promised to be transparent and forthcoming as more analysis is done on a groundwater plume of toxic chemicals discovered 12 years ago underneath Butte High School. They also told Butte-Silver Bow commissioners theyre confident the chemicals commonly used in dry cleaning have not contaminated drinking water in the area and said the human health risks at least those indicated initially in 2009 are quite low. If you exposed the whole population of Montana, which rounded up is about one-and-a-half million, and they were exposed to the level of chemicals in the groundwater in a home situation, in a resident situation over about a 20-year period, you would only see probably between two to six additional cancers across that whole one-and-a-half million population," said Charlie Partridge, a toxicologist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You would probably have a higher risk of cancer from eating a chili-cheese dog once a week for that same time period, he said. Still, commissioners told officials with the EPA and Montana Department of Environmental Quality they felt frustrated and blindsided by recent news of the plume 12 years after it was discovered and peppered them with questions Wednesday night about its source and risks. I definitely appreciate what you guys are doing (but) find out where it came from and help us fix this please, Commissioner Josh ONeill told the environmental regulators, all of them appearing remotely via computer. The DEQ first detected the solvent plume in 2009 and the EPA contracted a preliminary investigation of the site over a decade later. The report was completed this past summer, and shared with Butte-Silver Bow officials this week. It found the site posed a potential risk to human health and recommended a thorough inspection be completed in order to find out for sure. Partridge said last week the chemical concentrations found in 2009 present a fairly low risk to people, as does the potential exposure pathway. But no monitoring of the site has been conducted since 2009, and current concentrations are unknown. The EPA now plans to complete that inspection and test the air of Butte High and other buildings in the vicinity for contaminants, including any solvents that have vaporized and accumulated in indoor structures. Much of the information presented Wednesday night was shared with Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher, other county officials and The Montana Standard last week. The Standard published an extensive story about the plume on Oct. 7. The contaminated groundwater was first discovered during excavation for the bleachers at Butte Highs Naranche Stadium in 2009. It contained tetrachloroethylene (PCE) that was more than double the states standards. The highest concentration was 12 micrograms per liter and the standard is 5 micrograms per liter. The contamination was over 20 feet deep. PCE is commonly used in dry cleaning solvents, adhesives and degreasing aerosols like brake cleaner. The chemical can cause neurological, kidney and liver damage, and is a probable carcinogen. Also detected was trichloroethylene (TCE), another chemical used in a variety of industrial products and by commercial dry cleaners for spot removal. According to the National Cancer Institute, TCE can cause kidney cancer and may be associated with increased risk to other cancers as well. The DEQ said the closed Unique Dry Cleaners facility on South Main Street near the high school was a likely source for the contaminants. ONeill pressed for more certainty on that, but didnt get it. I know were not looking to point the finger here we have to make sure this gets cleaned up but where did this come from? Whose fault is this? ONeill said. Kevin Stone, a public information specialist with the DEQ, said Unique Cleaners was a potential source of the contamination but not the only one. I think weve learned over the years that there additionally, at one time, was another dry-cleaning facility in the general area as well as other businesses that could have been using solvents in degreaser, Stone said. We never identified a clear responsible party. I think at this stage everyones focus is really on confirming the assumptions that there are not human health risks and kind of moving forward, he said. Like Gallagher did last week, commissioners questioned why additional testing and possible remediation wasnt done over the past decade. DEQ officials say the plume was considered low-risk when first discovered because there wasnt a pathway to drinking water, and for several years they couldnt find funding streams to pursue further analysis. Federal policy changes in 2017 opened the door for EPA funding and investigation of vapor intrusions from chemicals like PCE, and two years ago, the EPA contracted for the report completed this year. Stone said the public and local officials would have heard more from the DEQ had the site been considered high risk, and the agency is pleased it finally found the avenue for additional assessments. But, he said, As we reflect on this milestone and reflect on the process, we acknowledge that there could have been more done as far as communication over the years and thats something thats an ever-increasing focus of our agency. The officials planned a public virtual meeting on the plume Thursday night and plan to brief the Butte School Board about it Monday. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 6 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Courthouse vandalized The Butte-Silver Bow County Courthouse was vandalized early Thursday morning. It was discovered at around 5 a.m. that a person or persons had spray painted over the historic marker in the front of the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse. According to the police report, a window was also broken, an expletive was painted on one side of the stone wall near the front door, and on the landing just outside the courthouse the letters KKK had also been spray painted. False name Early Tuesday morning, police were dispatched to the 3800 block of South Wyoming Street to investigate a recent stolen vehicle. Walking in the area was Isadore Bo Sorrell, 36, homeless, who police stopped to ask questions. He gave the officers a fictitious name, but they were able to confirm his real name. While Sorrell had nothing to do with the stolen vehicle, he was jailed for a felony parole violation and misdemeanor offense of obstructing a police officer. Wrong place Sunday night, an officer was at Walmart when he saw William Robert Pentland, 50, of Butte walking out of the store. The officer knew Pentland had warrants out for his arrest and took him to jail. Last Saturday afternoon police were called to Walmart to investigate a disturbance. A woman told officers that she had just been assaulted by her boyfriend, Kail Alexander Saylor, 20, of Butte. Officers found Saylor inside the Dollar Tree and arrested him for misdemeanor partner or family member assault. Not returned A woman living in the 1800 block of Gaylord lent her 2002 Chevy Impala to a friend a month ago. The friend has yet to return the car. She reported it stolen Wednesday afternoon. Mail taken It was reported Wednesday that mail was taken from residences in the 1500 block of Schley and 1700 block of Longfellow. Car scratched Late Wednesday afternoon, a Walmart shopper came out to his car to find a large scratch on the passengers side. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 12 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Gov. Greg Gianforte has repeatedly encouraged personal responsibility in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination. I am flummoxed as to the resistance of the Montana adults who still refuse to be vaccinated against this virus. Why would adults refuse vaccination when it will help Main Street recover economically, keep kids in school where they belong, and parents at work? Why would a state that has a Legislature so friendly to business and economic concerns eschew evidence that supports public health measures intended to protect people so that life can get back to normal, with businesses open and fully staffed on a consistent basis? Please do your part to encourage economic recovery get vaccinated. As of 10/6/21, 53% of Montanas eligible population was vaccinated and Yellowstone County matched that percentage. 47% of adults are not fully vaccinated. And 65.5% of eligible children are not. Yet how many of those same people are vaccinated against polio, smallpox, measles, or other vaccine-preventable diseases? The medical evidence supporting the safety of the COVIDd-19 vaccine becomes stronger every day as more people get vaccinated and those vaccinated people are not those succumbing to severe COVID-19, the Delta variant, and needing to be in intensive care and on ventilators. The evidence is clear that vaccination blunts the severity of the viral infection. Lets take a lesson from President and General George Washington with smallpox, who in 1776 instituted a system where new recruits would be inoculated with smallpox immediately upon enlistment. As a result, soldiers would contract the milder form of the disease at the same time that they were being outfitted with uniforms and weapons. Soldiers would consequently be completely healed, inoculated, and supplied by the time they left to join the army. (https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/smallpox) Lets also take a purely business lens to the cost of being non-vaccinated against COVID-19 when the Delta variant (and others that can be generated with continued viral replication) is putting people in the hospital and causing high levels of morbidity and mortality. Research published in August by the Annals of Internal Medicine, notes the average cost to hospitalize a Medicare beneficiary with Covid-19 is $21,752 for an average stay of 9.2 days; families therefore incur medical bills approximately 145 times the cost of vaccinating a Medicare beneficiary. Are we as a state really ready and willing to help bear that financial cost just so people can make weak arguments based on mis-information and not getting vaccinated how is this pro-business? We must also consider when someone is sick, families are affected beyond the medical bills as caregivers miss work and school. How is HB 702 helping our state recover from the financial impact of this virus? National trends are looking good, but not so in Montana. If a local hospital is functioning at 175% ICU capacity due to Covid patients, that means there is not much room for unpredictable emergencies that occur. I implore all civic leaders in our Legislature, our governors office, cities, and counties to combat the misinformation and the freedom/liberty rationales generated to obfuscate the simple existence of a nasty virus that has no political will but does have the indiscriminate ability to infect and sicken our citizensespecially those who are unvaccinated. Please do your part. Be personally responsible to help stop the spread of the virus and keep Main Street open and productive. Claire Oakley, PhD, is a retired public health staffer and a former biology professor. She lives in Billings. Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 As Americans try to feed their families on a budget, many have surely noticed the high price of beef in grocery stores. However, most shoppers probably dont see the struggles faced by families who have worked hard for generations to raise the worlds best beef. Those high beef prices obscure the true story of U.S. cattle ranchers going out of business by the thousands each year. We ranchers are selling our herds, our land, our legacies, and our grandchildrens future in alarming numbers, all because of unfair, unlawful practices in todays marketplace. Since 1980, 40% of U.S. cattle producers have gone out of business according to the USDA. With almost half of ranching operations being erased even as demand for beef remains strong a host of questions arise. Why are ranchers going out of business with cattle numbers at an all-time low, beef prices so high, and so many Americans eating beef? And what are the costs to us all when our grasslands and pastures turn into parking lots and shopping malls? Imagine if all those ranches were still in business. How much stronger might rural America be today if we retained all the wealth extracted during the last forty years? Consumers and cattle producers are both struggling, especially in our rural communities, so where did that wealth go? Two words explain this crisis: captive supply. The supply of beef is monopolized by just four multinational meatpacking corporations that control roughly 85% of the market. These conglomerates own or have controlling interests in every aspect of the supply chain, allowing them to use cartel-like tactics to artificially deflate prices during the selling season. This unlawful activity creates a dynamic where independent ranchers get rock-bottom prices for high quality cattle sold to these corporations. Shortly thereafter, the resulting beef sells for exorbitant profits. In recent years, these corporate monopolies have paid more than $400 million in price-fixing lawsuit settlements, but even that is a tiny fraction of the damages inflicted on ranchers. These fines essentially become a paltry crime tax paid for the right to break the law. Its like being fined one dollar for stealing $100. So, whats the solution to keeping ranchers in business and rural communities thriving? We can look to the 1921 Packers and Stockyard Act, which was created to address this issue exactly 100 years ago. The law was designed to ensure transparency in pricing and prevent the monopoly behavior that was keeping the corporate packers fat and happy while starving ranchers. Todays problems are just as bad if not worse. First and foremost, we have to modernize this law to address the rigged marketplace in its current form. We also need to aggressively enforce all existing laws the corporate meatpackers are breaking today. As a family rancher, I am encouraged by some of the Biden administrations recent efforts. The USDA has been tasked to strengthen and enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act. Forthcoming rulemaking sessions to update the law provide an opportunity to restore integrity and competition to the livestock industry. For these reforms to have a meaningful impact, they must dismantle the secretive, negotiated price system used by the big meatpackers to fix prices. Rulemaking must ensure all cattle bids occur within an open, public market with all prices reported to achieve a genuinely transparent system. This is the only way to prevent meatpackers from continuing to corrupt the marketplace. With properly restored market competition, ranchers can earn a secure livelihood and consumers can expect fair prices. The USDA has to get this right for ranches like mine to remain viable. Rural communities are here to support these necessary reforms, because we know this opportunity cannot be squandered. If we continue to discard U.S. ranchers in favor of multinational corporations, the high price of grocery store beef will pale in comparison to the devastating costs levied on rural America. Jeanie Alderson is a fourth generation cattle rancher in Birney and the Board Chair of Northern Plains Resource Council, a grassroots conservation and family agriculture organization. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 2 Angry 1 IRS snooping There is an ongoing battle regarding the $3.5 trillion reconciliation plan proposed by the Biden Administration, which includes a provision that would require financial institutions, such as our credit unions, to report to the IRS transactional data for any account with at least $600 of inflows or outflows annually. This unlimited access to consumers financial data should raise alarms for anyone with a bank or credit union account. First and foremost, this plan violates consumers privacy by requiring information that does not reflect taxable activity. No evidence has shown that the proposed requirements would substantially aid the IRSs efforts to close the tax gap beyond the information already at the IRSs disposal. In addition, the plan would impose significant compliance costs on financial institutions. The strain credit unions would suffer to meet these requirements will directly impact members. This is especially true for smaller financial institutions located in rural or low-income communities. Lastly, the government relies on outdated data systems to store and secure IRS information meaning that your personal data is in jeopardy. The IRS experiences an astounding 1.4 billion cyberattacks annually, along with multiple data breaches. We should not give the IRS further sensitive data to manage. Montanas Credit Unions are strongly against the IRS provision within the proposed reconciliation plan, and you should be too. We urge you all to contact your congressional leadership today to oppose this immense violation of your privacy. Tracie Kenyon, President & CEO of Montanas Credit Unions Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 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. According to the narrative of the incident, Scotton reported Maynard and Reid had been arguing on the phone right before the crash and just prior to the crash Maynard allegedly said he had insurance on the vehicle. Phone records obtained during the investigation confirmed Maynard and Reid had been arguing on the day of and immediately prior to the crash and that Maynard was angry with Reid. The investigation also determined that Maynard intensely disliked Scotton. In an email to the Muscatine Journal, Scotton claims when Maynard topped the hill, the car was sideways doing a three point turn. He alleges Maynard stomped on the gas and hit us broadside. According to the email, the car was pushed 25 yards and there were no skid marks on the scene. At the time of the collision, Reids vehicle was slowly turning in the roadway perpendicular to the direction the U-Haul was traveling, the report said. It also says data recovered from the U-Hauls ancillary translator module revealed the U-Haul trucks accelerator pedal was fully depressed immediately prior to impact and no manual braking was applied. The U-Haul struck the car broadside in the driver-side door at approximately 30 mph. If convicted of second-degree murder Maynard could face up to 50 years in prison. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 MUSCATINE Sunnybrook Assisted Living will follow up its summer Street Market with another new event its staff and residents hope could become an annual tradition. On Thursday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., the assisted living facility will hold Sunnybrook Fall Festival. We had some of our vendors from the (Sunnybrook) Street Market reach out to us and ask if we could do a fall market. ... Last year we had that really successful Trunk or Treat with hundreds of kids, so we figured that we would combine both of them and make a whole fall event out of it, marketing director Jordan Lloyd said. The festival will include Trunk or Treating, crafters and small-business vendor booths, a bouncy house, and live music provided by a local brass band. One of our residents son-in-law is in it, and we wanted to keep having our residents play a part in our event, Lloyd said. Sunnybrook residents will make crafts and decorations, available to purchase during the festival, just as they did with last summers Street Fair. Food will be provided by Lloyds Longbranch Food Truck from Reynolds, Illinois. Desserts will be available at Sunnybrook's bake sale. The South African government is ready to begin vaccinating children between 12 and 18 years old from 20 October 2021, health minister Joe Phaahla has announced. Phaahla said that the Ministerial Advisory Committee on vaccines recommended that children be given one dose of the Comirnaty vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech. Covid-19 vaccinations have been open to all adults older than 18 who reside in South Africa since 20 August. During an online media briefing on Friday, Phaahla said that the number of new Covid19 infections in South Africa continues to decline when looking at the weekly average data. However, there are still 5,000 people who are hospitalised due to Covid19 across the country. Phaahla said that the total doses of Covid19 vaccines administered by Thursday afternoon were around 19 million. By the end of Friday, 15 October 2021, he expects more than 20 million doses will have been administered. He said that Covid19 deaths have dropped by 16% over the last seven days. Ultimately, all of us are looking forward to a day when there will be zero deaths from this virus, said Phaahla. Regarding the newly-launched vaccine certificates, Phaahla said they are pleased with the enthusiasm with which South Africans have embraced the vaccination certificates. As of Thursday, 14 October 2021, more than 1.5 million Covid19 vaccine certificates had been downloaded in South Africa. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases reported last night that 947 new Covid19 cases were identified in South Africa, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 2,914,827. This increase represents a 2.7% positivity rate. As per the National Department of Health, a further 40 Covid19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 88,506 to date, the NICD stated. The days of La Bamba are long gone. Where once stood a derelict Soscol Avenue bar, a new four-story hotel has risen, one that offers an upscale but approachable overnight experience. After a four-year construction period, the Cambria Hotel Napa Valley is now open for business. Its a fantastic sigh of relief, to finally open, said David Wood of Stratus Development. Its just great. Its been a long time coming but we made it, said hotel General Manager Travis Lott. Totaling 90 rooms, the Cambria Hotel Napa Valley offers features resort-style accommodations with upscale amenities, including a full-service restaurant and bar, outdoor patio, fireplace and spa, said a news release. The hotel is located at 320 Soscol Ave. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 6 months! Wednesday afternoon Cambria Napa Valley hosted an official opening ceremony. It was developed by Stratus Development of Newport Beach, is managed by Azul Hospitality Group and operates under the Choice Hotels International brand. A hotel has been planned for the former La Bamba property for more than a decade. Former owners, which included members of Napas Altamura family, originally announced plans for such an operation. In 2017, those owners sold the land to Stratus Development. Stratus Development originally said the hotel would cost at least $30 million and take about 14 months to complete. It took four years. We had a few obstacles, said Andrew Wood, co-developer. The developers faced delays due to wildfires, one season of heavy rains, the COVID-19 pandemic, and then labor and supply chain issues, said David Wood, co-developer. An archaeological survey found significant Native American artifacts which had to be reviewed and then properly replaced at the site. At one point work on the hotel shut down completely. As the pandemic dragged on, a new investor was brought in to help bring the project to the finish line. David Wood said that thanks to the reputation of the Napa Valley lodging industry, that new investor, "knew Napa would come back. They saw long term what a great market Napa is. The Wood brothers kept their eye on the goal and its really amazing seeing how close it is to the original vision, said Lott. They didnt want to compromise, the GM said. They wanted to make sure the quality was there and we werent cutting any corners. Thats apparent when you walk into the building, Lott said, describing the vibe as upscale but approachable. Cambria, a relatively newer hotel brand for California, is an unknown name in the Napa Valley hotel market, he acknowledged. Yet, I like the idea of being the underdog in the market and being able to surprise people with the quality of the product, said Lott. Former property owner George Altamura attended the Cambria opening ceremony on Wednesday. He was thrilled with the final result, Altamura said. Im happy, he said. Its beautiful like a high-end hotel. Now that hes seen the final result did he wish hed held onto the property and built the hotel like he originally planned? Oh, not me, Altamura said. I never look back, he said. Hes about to turn 90, said Altamura. I dont have that time. Visitor Caleb Starkey, traveling from the Washington D.C. area, said he was happy so far with his stay at the Cambria hotel. Its nicely appointed, its clean, its got a decent amount of amenities for the price, Starkey said. Its a good value, considering its location in Napa Valley. The hotel made a hard push to be open by BottleRock weekend, said Lott. Were just down the street, its a perfect location, for both BottleRock ticket holders and staffers. Some people might think the Napa experience is out of their reach, Lott said. However, were here to provide that opportunity, to offer the distinctive experience that people think of when they think of Napa." Rates at the Cambria currently range from the mid $200s during the week and over $400 on the weekends when demand is higher, said Lott. Demand has been strong, said the GM. Its been amazing how well the hotel has performed so soon after opening. Im just kind of blown away at the market. Lott said occupancy has been in the 70% range, which is great for a brand new hotel. Another Cambria opened in Rohnert Park last August, albeit during one lockdown period, and that Cambria took quite a bit longer to get up to higher occupancy numbers, he said. The Rohnert Park Cambria is also owned by Stratus Development. According to data from STR, Napa County hotel occupancy year-to-date has averaged 57%. Year-to-date, the average Napa County hotel room daily room rate is $368. Lott had this to say about how Cambria fits in the Napa County hotel industry. My take on it is weve got some strong competition, he said. There are a lot of really great options for people visiting the Napa Valley. That tells me weve got to be on top of things, everything from service to cleanliness to having a really good food and beverage program thats going to be competitive. To that end, the hotel features Mary Elizabeth's restaurant and bar. Its named after the Woods grandmother. I knew from the very beginning wed have to execute that very well to be competitive in this market, said Lott. We definitely arent going to be if we let that slide. We want to match what peoples expectations are when they come to Napa. Weve got to be on it in order to be competitive and I think that we are. Many Napa employers are reporting difficulties in hiring enough, and trained staff. That was a thing I was most nervous about when we were first opening, he admitted. Because the project was on hold for a time, it was hard to plan the hiring. When got the green light, we had to get the whole team hired, very quickly, he said. But we really tried to leverage the fact that we are brand new to generate some excitement and buzz. So far, hes been able to hire the staff needed. And what about the beavers who were known to live in the creek just south of the hotel? Lott has heard of them, he said. So far I havent seen any in the creek, but its also really low right now, without having any rain. Instead of beavers, What I see the most out here is deer. You can reach reporter Jennifer Huffman at 256-2218 or jhuffman@napanews.com Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Following two stages of homeless encampment cleanups, the city of Napa is planning to clean up city property most affected by homelessness with greater regularity. City cleanup crews went to the Kennedy Park homeless encampment, located at the southern tip of the park, last week and disposed of trash and safety hazards. The cleanup was held in the same style of a collaborative cleanup at the encampment in August, said Molly Rattigan, the citys point person on homelessness, at a Napa City Council meeting last week. And another two cleanups last week were held at a city property on the Silverado Trail and under the Jefferson Street Bridge, Rattigan said. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 6 months! The primary purpose was to remove excess trash and to start removing some of the fire and life safety hazards were seeing in the encampments, particularly on city-owned property, Rattigan said. Our plan is to keep regular maintenance going. In total, the cleanup crews removed over 80 cubic yards of trash and 20 yards of lumber from the three locations. That included about nine propane tanks, more than 20 tires and hundreds of used batteries that were properly disposed of, Rattigan said. Thats in addition to the over 100 yards of material removed including about 60 propane tanks and roughly six dumpsters of garbage as a result of the first Kennedy Park cleanup in August. These recent cleanup efforts dont involve disrupting homeless residents living in the area or doing anything to disturb dwellings, Rattigan said. The city gives at least a 72 hour courtesy notice that the cleanup crews will be working in the area. In August, the signs posted at the Kennedy Park encampment informed residents of the community clean-up day and asked them to pile up items theyd like to see removed. If we ever got to a place where we were removing a camp, the notice would look a little different and definitely have to be 72-hours notice, unless it was a critical life and safety issue, Rattigan said. Rattigan also said a tremendous amount of effort goes into the citys cleanup efforts. Even though a contractor Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction Inc. handles much of the actual trash removal, the cleanup process effort involves members of the citys parks, public works and police departments, she said. The cleanups are beneficial in several important ways, she said. For one, the cleanups help the residents living in the encampments and limits environmental pollution. (Removing trash from the Kennedy Park encampment, for example, limits the potential for it to end up in the Napa River.) And the cleanups help keep the sites safe for hundreds of police or fire department calls for service each year, Rattigan said. About 8% of calls for service carried out by the Napa Fire Department are related to homelessness. And about 5% of calls responded to by the Napa Police Department are related to homelessness though that number is likely higher, and should trend upward as the city works to refine dispatch codes, according to Rattigan. The city is in the process of figuring out the total cost of police and fire department homelessness-related responses each year, she added. Rattigan also said the city sometimes receives complaints about local properties owned by CalTrans the California Department of Transportation which the city isnt responsible for. Though the city is in regular communication with CalTrans, she said, the local CalTrans district covers all Bay Area counties and has prioritized other cleanup projects outside of Napa, CalTrans did recently intensify efforts to clean up highways, roads and other public spaces sometimes affected by homelessness e through the $1.2 billion Clean California program, launched by Gov. Gavin Newsom in July. But the city of Napa hasnt had luck bringing CalTrans cleanups into the area because the city doesnt present the same high level of challenge as other properties in the Bay Area, Rattigan said. Its our understanding that they have a ranking system of sorts and a prioritization system as to what constitutes a cleanup, Rattigan said. Typically its major public health issues, or size, or its blocking some sort of access for Caltrans or for the general public to use those properties. So far this year, Rattigan said, local governments and agencies have served a total of 555 individuals through homeless services programs. Thats on track with the 742 served in 2020, she said, and a bit less than the 906 served in 2019. But, she said, the citys response to homelessness is challenged by financial and legal barriers, and a need to operate in tandem with other agencies taking on the homelessness crisis. Homeless services in the city of Napa are just one piece of the puzzle, Rattigan said. Editor's Note: This item has been amended to correct which entities served the 555 clients through homelessness programs. You can reach Edward Booth at (707) 256-2213. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. California's battered job market has yet to fully heal from its coronavirus-induced afflictions, as sketched out by a federal report released Thursday that shows unemployment claims remain abnormally high. Workers in California filed 67,200 initial claims for unemployment benefits during the week that ended on Oct. 9, an increase of 3,200 from the 64,000 claims they filed in the week ending on Oct. 2, the U.S. Labor Department reported Thursday. Even worse, unemployment claims in California last week remained at a far higher level than normal for a statewide economy that was healthy before being hobbled by business shutdowns that government officials imposed to combat the coronavirus. In January 2020 and February 2020, the final two months before state and local government agencies ordered the lockdowns to curb the spread of the deadly bug, unemployment claims averaged 44,800 a week in California. The 67,200 jobless claims that were filed in California last week are a whopping 50% higher than the average for early 2020. Nationwide, workers filed 293,000 first-time unemployment claims last week, a decrease of 36,000 from the 329,000 claims that were filed in the United States the prior week, the Labor Department reported. The most recent report for unemployment claims in California raises questions about why the statewide job market is taking so long to recuperate from its coronavirus-spawned ailments. Experts had predicted California's job market would rebound after the statewide economy was reopened. Analysts also prognosticated that the employment sector would rally after the end of a federal $300 weekly benefits supplement. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 6 months! Neither of those predicted surges for jobs materialized to any consistent or dramatic degree. California's job market remains mired far below the employment gains needed to wipe out the mammoth layoffs that occurred in March and April of 2020, the first two months of the business shutdowns. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Napa County court ruling deals a blow to right-to-die advocates seeking to end a policy at the Yountville Veterans Home that they say infringes on residents' rights. A tentative ruling issued Wednesday by Judge Monique Langhorne of Napa County Superior Court would deny the push by Jim and Jensena Thomas, a couple living at the Yountville home, to force the state Department of Veterans Affairs to make use of the End of Life Option Act. The act, passed by the legislature in 2015 as Senate Bill 128 and signed the following year by then-Gov. Jerry Brown, permits adult Californians to request a life-ending drug from a physician if they have an illness that leaves them with less than six months to live. CalVet, however, has required residents at its eight Veterans Homes to give up their lodgings before accepting and using end-of-life medication a policy critics have said effectively threatens eviction to veterans trying to exercise the same right as other seniors elsewhere. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 6 months! Since first filing suit against CalVet in 2018, plaintiffs have argued that threatening Veterans Home residents with virtual eviction for seeking to end their lives violates the agencys duty to provide them with a home. But during a nearly two-hour hearing Wednesday morning, Langhorne sided with CalVet lawyers who warned that allowing assisted death on state property risks losing some $83 million a year in federal funding for its retirement homes money that covers about a quarter of their expenses. This is an emotionally and morally charged issue, but I have to set that aside and focus on the law, on something that is actionable, Langhorne told Matthew Vafidis, an attorney for the Thomases. Langhornes tentative order is likely to become final within days, Vafidis, of the San Francisco firm Holland & Knight LLP, said in a telephone interview Thursday. Despite Californias passage of its aid-in-dying law a policy shared by nine other states and the District of Columbia a 1997 federal law prohibits the use of federal money to cause or assist in causing death such as by suicide, euthanasia or mercy killing. In response to the state law, CalVet in 2016 created an emergency rule blocking death assistance in state facilities or with help from state employees, then affirmed the ban in a permanent rule that took effect in January 2017. Activist fights state restrictions on assisted death for Veterans Home residents in Yountville Right-to-die advocates scored one of their biggest victories two years ago, when California allowed patients to end their lives with doctors However, Vafidis, speaking by videoconference during the Wednesday hearing, decried that policy as unlawfully blocking veterans access to an end-of-life option open to others. As a man in my mid-60s, I can consider my life to be still stretching out in front of me, but it is a fundamental right of Californians that we all appreciate as we get older, Vafidis told Langhorne in Napa. That right is denied to residents of the Veterans Home by this regulation That is, in our opinion, morally reprehensible; there is no justification why I as a Californian should enjoy rights that are denied to residents of the California Veterans Home. But Deputy Attorney General Mona Taylor pushed back against forcing Veterans Homes to host death assistance on their grounds, pointing to the California laws clause allowing hospitals and medical centers to refuse to provide aid-in-dying drugs or help on religious or other grounds. No facility or doctor can be required to provide that service; that is in the law itself, she told Langhorne during the hearing. There is not a right for anyone to receive medical aid in dying in any particular place. No provider or facility can be made to participate; it is entirely voluntary. To get around the federal funding ban, lawyers for the Veterans Home plaintiffs suggested ensuring only non-federal money and staff be used to conduct life-ending activities at the state facilities, possibly by creating a new state fund devoted solely to life-ending assistance. But Langhorne sided with CalVets counter that federal and state funds are so thoroughly blended into the homes budgets as to make such separation impossible, putting the state at risk of having its federal support cut off. In practice, to demonstrate that no federal funds were supporting indirect care expenses for (aid in dying) would require the creation and maintenance of a separate operational and financial system-within-a-system, paid for solely by non-federal funds, and dedicated solely to (aid-in-dying) care, state attorneys wrote in an August brief. Building an entirely new isolated infrastructure is not a feasible, realistic or reasonable option. At some veterans homes, aid-in-dying is not an option California voters passed a law two years ago that allows terminally ill people to take lethal drugs to end their lives, but controversy is gro The complaint against CalVet also alleged the state did not give Veterans Home residents enough advance notice of the ban on receiving on-site life-ending aid. In particular, Vafidis criticized leaders at the veterans agency for not meeting with residents to explain the new regulation and it would affect their ability to take advantage of the aid-in-dying law an omission he said showed a lack of respect. When the Yountville plaintiffs met with lawyers before filing suit, he recalled Thursday, their biggest concern was they had never been given actual notice of the regulations, that there were never any meetings at the home before the regulations were implemented. It came as a big surprise to them when the regulation was issued. They felt CalVet should have held meetings in the home. It seemed to petitioners that this was an opportunity missed. But Taylor, in earlier briefs and again Wednesday, replied that state law does not mandate mailing notices of a policy change to each individual resident of a group home, that notices were sent to the administrators of all eight Veterans Homes to share with their residents, and that it met all requirements in announcing an October 2016 public hearing in Sacramento to discuss whether the then-temporary ban should become permanent. Vafidis said Thursday no decision had been made on a possible appeal should the ruling against the Yountville home residents be confirmed. One possible next step, he added, would be to bypass the courts and directly petition the state to remove one aspect of CalVets ban on aid-in-dying activity the requirement for a veterans spouse to also leave a military home when a veteran chooses to end ones life. The other plaintiffs in the case include Yountville home resident James Musson and the facility's Allied Council representing residents. Another resident at the Yountville campus, Bob Sloan, was an original plaintiff but died in 2019, according to Vafidis. Im not going to be a vegetable; Im not going to end up living in so much pain its unbearable, Sloan, who suffered from congestive heart failure, told Kaiser Health News in 2018 about his intention to make sure of the California end-of-life law if able to. Across California, 677 patients received prescriptions for life-ending drugs in 2020 under the End of Life Option Act, according to a July report from the state Department of Public Health. Doctors reported that 401 of those patients died after ingesting such drugs, while 112 died from underlying diseases or other causes. Complete information was not yet available for the remaining patients, of whom 83 have died and the status of 81 others was not yet known. (Thirty-four people also ingested life-ending drugs in 2020 using prescriptions from previous years.) Cancer patients accounted for more than 70% of the assisted deaths, while 10.8% of patients had neurological conditions such as Parkinsons disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrigs disease). Nearly 87% also were in hospice or palliative care at the time of death. You can reach Howard Yune at 530-763-2266 or hyune@napanews.com Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Would creating six roundabouts along Highway 29 through American Canyon make for safer intersections and smoother traffic flow or the commute version of a white-knuckle thrill ride? People have the chance to opine on this and other options under consideration. The Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) has posted an online map where people can leave their comments. Go to nvta.ca.gov/SR29AmCan and look for the social pinpoint" to participate. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 6 months! The NVTA, Caltrans and American Canyon are working on potential solutions to Highway 29 congestion and safety woes in American Canyon. The goal is to have a project ready for construction within a few years, though nothing could be built unless funding is found. This two-mile stretch of Highway 29 past the shopping centers and vacant lots of American Canyon can be a rush-hour crawl. Transportation officials said fatal and injury collisions there are twice the statewide average. Total collisions are 84% higher than the statewide average. Options under consideration are: Retain four lanes, but shrink each lane to 11-foot width. Allow for part-time bus use on widened shoulders. Improve intersections. Build a sidewalk/bikeway in both directions. Build a pedestrian undercrossing. Mostly the same as option one, but replace signals with roundabouts at six intersections. Some roundabouts would be six lanes, three lanes in each direction. The highway would return to four lanes outside of the roundabouts. Mostly the same as option one, but make Highway 29 six lanes through American Canyon, three in each direction. Intersections would remain signalized, without roundabouts. People got a chance to comment verbally during an Oct. 4 Zoom meeting. I guess I have standard roundabout anxiety in general and six (roundabout) lanes kind of worries me, American Canyon Vice Mayor Mark Joseph said. Some speakers noted that children cross Highway 29 to get to school. Resident Chris James wondered if drivers in those six lanes of roundabout traffic would yield to pedestrians. Im having a hard time visualizing how a pedestrian gets through a roundabout intersection, Mayor Leon Garcia said. Consultant Lindsey Van Parys said roundabouts have pedestrian refuge islands, creating shorter crossing distances. They would have pedestrian signals or beacons. Vehicles at most would go through the roundabouts at 30 mph. Carlotta Sainato of the Napa County Bicycle Coalition wants more than lip service for efforts to make cyclists and pedestrians feel safe along Highway 29. Its not just meeting safety standards she said. It has to be comfortable to use. Otherwise, people will still want to drive. Van Parys agreed. The simple, If you build it they, will come, doesnt work if you build it and it's high-stress, she said. In some parts of California, highways have been rerouted to bypass the main sections of cities, with their traffic signals and store driveways. NVTA Executive Director Kate Miller said a bypass in this case already effectively exists. People can take Highway 12 through Jameson Canyon to Interstate 80 to avoid American Canyon. Sometimes when there is congestion in American Canyon, thats a better way to go, she said. Of course, Highway 12 has its own congestion problems, with eastbound evening rush-hour backups that can reach two miles. But Caltrans is widening the onramp to I-80 to alleviate this bottleneck. The Highway 29/American Canyon options will be part of an environmental impact report on the project. The report will have a preferred alternative. Miller sees the six-lane widening option as being at a disadvantage in competing for funds. State policies in light of climate change dont favor capacity projects that increase vehicle miles traveled. Also, Caltrans doesnt want to maintain additional resources, she said. The six roundabouts option wouldn't face the same funding hurdles. Preliminary costs for the Highway 29 options place the roundabouts option at $61.1 million to $78.1 million, compared to $46.8 million to $61.1 million for the six lanes. But that can be misleading. Miller said right-of-way acquisitions are not included and doing so would likely make the six-lane option more expensive than the six roundabouts. Still, costs for any of the three options are in league with the planned, $64 million Soscol Junction project that has taken years to put together. That raises the question of whether American Canyon improvements can start in a few years or are simply a long-range dream. Miller ticked off a number of potential funding sources that could be reason for optimism. She also noted Napa County is a small county that must compete for funds with larger counties. Its a lot of unknowns at this point, she told the Napa Valley Register. You can reach Barry Eberling at 256-2253 or beberling@napanews.com. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Vallejo Police Chief Shawny K. Williams says his department is investigating an incident involving members of the Richmond and Oakland police departments that has seen Richmond police chief Bisa French be put on leave. "As the chief of police, when an incident occurs in Vallejo which involves police officers employed by another department, it is my responsibility to contact the employing department to inform them of accusations involving one of their members, so the employing agency can launch an internal affairs investigation," said Williams in a press release on Thursday. "All communications with the Richmond and Oakland police departments were conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures," Williams continued. "Since this is an ongoing investigation, no further details can be provided at this time." French is on leave after she and her husband, an Oakland police sergeant, were accused of abuse by a family member who they claim is being manipulated by her pimp. This follows several incidents involving the close family member, an 18-year-old woman, who has accused French and police Sgt. Lee French of attacking her and threatening to kill her and the man she insists is her partner. The partner, 34-year-old Napa resident Joe Goldman, was charged Wednesday with pimping the French's family member. Lee French is also on personal leave from the Oakland Police Department. Meanwhile, police in Vallejo are investigating an incident involving French and her husband at Goldman's mother's home. And Oakland's internal affairs department has launched an investigation after Williams tipped off Oakland police chief LeRonne Armstrong about the incident. Court records and interviews with authorities give differing accounts of the incidents involving the Frenchs, their family member, and Goldman. In a restraining order request, the family member claims that during an altercation at their home on Sep. 21, Bisa and Lee French used "police holds" to pin the family member down during an argument, and made repeated death threats against her and Goldman. "I am worried (Bisa and Lee French) will go through with the killings," the family member wrote in her restraining order request. She added that the Frenchs both repeatedly threatened to kill Goldman and members of his family, and that she felt she "would not leave their house alive" if she didn't comply with their demands to leave Goldman. The family member wrote she left the encounter with a "swollen and bleeding" right hand and "minor scratches." Meanwhile, an attorney for Bisa French said the couple "wanted nothing other than to get (their family member) back and get her away from this despicable human being and have made lawful efforts to achieve that." Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 6 months! A Contra Costa Superior Court judge has temporarily denied the restraining order pending the outcome of an Oct. 25 hearing, writing in court records that the allegations, "while serious, appear to involve complex issues that require a hearing." Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 As reported a while ago by the Defense Army (DA), on the evening of October 14, the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on a military outpost of the DA located on the eastern border of the Artsakh Republic (AR), as a result of which six servicemen received a gunshot wound, Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan noted on Facebook. "There are no other wounded or casualties other than the six noted. There were six servicemen at the given outpost at the time, and all were wounded. And three people were out of the outpost and did not get any injuries. Together with the Minister of Health, I visited Stepanakert Military Hospital and the Republican Medical Center, followed the medical service work. I'm still there. After some research, doctors assure that the condition of the two is assessed as severe and, fortunately, no one's life is in danger. The DA informed that incidents of shooting were reported in some points of the line of contact [with Azerbaijan], but there were no other consequences. Now the situation has stabilized along the entire line of contact. The political and military leadership of the AR is taking urgent steps to stabilize the situation by making the necessary decisions and communicating with the relevant parties," Beglaryan added, in particular. The situation is generally calm. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Foreign Minister David Babayan told this to Armenian News-NEWS.amand referring to the situation on the frontline after the ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani armed forces. "Our [wounded soldier] boys' lives are not in danger. The doctors operatively did what is possible, and we must pray for their health. One of the main goals of Azerbaijans goals is to intimidate us. This is a provocation by Azerbaijan, and it will happen again, we must be ready for it. It should be understood that a large-scale war is not possible as long as the Russian peacekeeping forces are in Artsakh. But with such provocations they pursue various goals: they try to intimidate us and strike at the Russian peacekeeping mission. This is a direct blow to Russia as well. With this, they try to put down that mission, show Russia as a country that is unable to defend. We contribute to it with our panic. Nothing extraordinary has happened for the Azerbaijani side to take such a step. We need to understand that this is their style. They realize that their plans are failing at the moment, they see that the situation in the region is getting complicated: Iran's attitude towards Azerbaijan shows that Azerbaijan is already a hostile country for them, it [i.e., Azerbaijan] sees that the peacekeepers are carrying out their mission and they do not allow a war to happen and it cannot happen. This also irritates them [i.e., Azerbaijan], and in that case Azerbaijan resorts to such steps, too" the Artsakh FM said. Several hours ago, a trilateral meeting of the FM of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan took place in the Belarusian capital Minskand with the mediation of the Russian side, a few hours after which the Azerbaijani side destabilized the situation on the line of contact with Artsakh. David Babayan noted that this is impossible to understand it within the framework of common sense. "The foreign ministers are meeting, before that the religious leaders met, they [i.e., Azerbaijan] should have been more restrained, before and after the meetings, it seems that Azerbaijan should not have taken such abnormal steps. This is by common sense, whereas there is a sick statein terms of Azerbaijanthat resorts to incomprehensible steps. According to the Artsakh FM, there is an opportunity to resume the negotiation process in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. "There is such an opportunity, and this, too, may be a reason for such provocations by Azerbaijan, whereby an attempt is being made to obstruct it. We [i.e., the Armenian side] not only see an opportunity to resume the negotiation process, but also do not see an alternative to it," Babayan stressed. Armenia parliament majority faction: Border delimitation preparation process will start from point zero PM: Armenia exports to other EEU countries increased by 27.8% Armenias Pashinyan: Azerbaijan provocations are aimed at disrupting arrangements reached by trilateral statements California Armenian couple accused of fraud flee leaving their 3 children behind 799 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Katherine Clark: Azerbaijan must acknowledge and respect Armenian sovereignty Eurasian Intergovernmental Council enlarged meeting underway in Yerevan Russia peacekeepers patrol along Karabakh border delimitation line MOD: According to current data Armenia has 6 military casualties as result of Tuesdays attack by Azerbaijan 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 Almost immediately after the end of the 44-day war in 2020, Azerbaijan launched two major road construction projects in the occupied territories of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), and aimed at creating highways and infrastructure leading to Shushi city, writes monumentwatch.org which monitors Artsakh's cultural heritage. It added as follows: The first of these roads also has an ideological meaning for the Azerbaijani side. It is not accidental that it has been called "Victory Road" because, according to the Azerbaijani side, it repeats the road paved by the Azerbaijani army, special forces to "liberate" Shushi. On the way, this name was given by Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev, and it groundbreaking was held on November 16, 2020. It will be a new road directly connecting Baku with Shushi, and which, according to the Azerbaijani side, will bypass the territories under the control of Russian peacekeepers and Armenians (lenta.ru). According to the information spread by the Azerbaijani news websites, "Victory Road" shall connect the Fizuli region with Shushi, the regional capital of Fizuli. Its length will be 101.5 km. It will pass through 20 settlements, including Togh, Mets Tagher, Avetaranots, Sghnakh, and Karin Tak, the names of which are simply mentioned in the news videos about the road. Simultaneously with the construction of this road, the Azerbaijani side is constructing another large Fizuli-Shushi road which in some places will intersect with "Victory Road." The first road will have two lanes and the second will have six lanes. The construction of these roads is carried out by Azerbaijani and Turkish road construction companies, of which the Azerbaijani ones operate under the Azerbaijani state bodies, and the Turkish ones have extensive experience in complex road construction. Such are Azvirt, "KOLIN" Insaat Turizm San. and some other organizations. These two road construction projects pose a great danger to the monuments in the Azerbaijani-occupied territories of Artsakh, as the Azerbaijani side is carrying out enormous land changes and, in particular, changes in the surrounding landscape and reliefand based on the plan of the roads to be built. In particular, a large number of trees are being cut down, large-scale leveling and widening works as well as blasts are being carried out, and all buildings and structures obstructing the road are being demolished or there is a danger to them. It should be noted here that all the monuments around or near which the Azerbaijani side carries out road construction or other works are in such danger. The Tukhnakal mansion not far from the village of Moshkhmhat, the sanctuary of Sister Heghine, the St. Astvatsatsin Church and the cemetery of Madatashen village, as well as the old bridge of Avetaranots village, and the Tahis built on the Ishkhanaget river bridge near Mets Tagher village, etc. are endangered in this way. The Azokh village memorial to the victims of the Great Patriotic War, the Armenian Genocide, and the Artsakh liberation war was also destroyed. Large underground tunnels are being built in the Sghnakh village section. The destruction of the cemetery of Sghnakh village is a fresh result of the elimination of such a "barrier" to road construction. The areas of the large northwestern cemetery of Mets Tagher village and "Makun" Bridge have been destroyed and leveled. According to Azerbaijani official sources, "Victory Road" will be the first to be put into operationand this will be in the fall. The first PAUL in Armenia will be located at 8 Abovyan street, combining architecture of the old Yerevan and the culture of French bakery. After about one year break Galaxy Group of Companies and PAUL International are finalizing this development project. In the next few years 5 cafe-restaurants of famous PAUL bakery will be opened in Armenia with the opportunity to create about 200 new highly-paid jobs. PAUL is one of the beautiful examples of the Armenian-French friendship and the first international prestigious brand entering Armenia after the war of 2020. This fact is both honour and responsibility for us. We are happy to state that after overcoming the difficulties of war and pandemics, we are restarting the development projects and involve international investments in our projects again which, surely, will have its economic and social impact on Armenia. Our agenda is including also the opening of PAUL in the regions of Armenia which will surely promote community development, said Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Galaxy Group of Companies, PAUL Project Manager Artyom Khachatryan. The French Panetude design studio, which jointly with the Armenian Electric Architects, monitors compliance with the requirements of the French brand, works for the foundation of the first Armenian PAUL preserving the building of Armenian historical significance. As a result, PAUL will be located in the house constructed in Yerevan in 1884 for a member of the City Duma, public figure and merchant Barsegh Yeghiazaryan. Upon the initiative of Galaxy Group of Companies, research and design works as well as study of the national archive and international surveys have been carried out for the preservation of the building. The founders of Galaxy highlighted the complete preservation of the historic and cultural monuments of Yerevan and their revival in the light of identity, history, as well as for the tourism sector development. It is worth to mention that PAUL was founded in 1889 on the basis of the best traditions of family business. Initially operating as a French bakery, it was thereafter expanded into a cafe-restaurant. Currently PAUL International is managed by the 4th and 5th generations of the founder of PAUL Francis Holder, who personally monitor the whole process starting from the grain selection to customer service. PAUL is an important addition to the Armenian market with its bakery, pastry, coffee and restaurant ingredients. At present, the Chef, Bakery and Confectionery Chefs chosen for PAUL Armenia, are preparing for a three-months training in PAUL France and after its completion they will be ready for the opening of PAUL to, jointly with French partners, satisfy Yerevan customers. It should be noted that for already one decade, Galaxy Group of Companies has been introduced in the hotel and restaurant industry where, represented by its brands, it introduces innovations changing and improving market rules. The industry portfolio of Galaxy includes Yerevan Santafe cafe and Pahest33 conceptual bar-restaurant, Courtyard by Marriott hotel, which is in the stage of completion. The introduction of PAUL in Armenia was welcomed by the Armenian-French trade-industrial partnerships, diplomatic representatives and others. STEPANAKERT. Late Thursday night, the Prosecutor General and the Deputy Prosecutor General of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) left for the scene of the incident in Nor Shen village of the Martuni region, and they met with the head of this community, Gevorg Harutyunyan, and the military, Armenian News- NEWS.am has learned from the Artsakh Prosecutor General's Office. The latter added as follows, in particular: As a result of the discussions on the spot, it turned out that the provocative actions from the Azerbaijani military outpost located only 400 meters away from the Armenian combat position had actually started on Wednesday. For a long time on the day of this incident, the military positions of Artsakh were openly and directly targeted by Azerbaijan. On Thursday, the Azerbaijani side targeted the tent of the Armenian servicemenand with a larger caliber weapon, as a result of which there are six wounded Armenian soldiers, and doctors say two of them are in severe condition. The lives of these wounded were saved thanks to the unprecedented operative work of the mayor of Nor Shen and the military. Criminal and legal actions are being taken by law enforcement agencies to find out the circumstances behind this incident. Also, provocative actionsin the form of shooting from small-caliber weaponswere carried out from the Azerbaijani military positions located near the Harav and Myurishen villages of the Martuni region. Immediately after the incident, the Russian peacekeepers went to the sources of tension, after which these shootings stopped. Recent events show that the Azerbaijani side triesby the provocative actions in the Artsakh-Azerbaijani contact areasto create panic among the Artsakh civilian population, and Aram Tepnants, who was carrying out agricultural work in Martakert city, was also killed for the implementation of this. On October 14, Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on the bases of the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh, as a result of which 6 servicemen were wounded. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) human rights ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan has noted this in a statement he issued Friday. The statement continues as follows: Two of the servicemen were in critical condition as assessed by the doctors In the morning, the Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan visited the Stepanakert Military Hospital and the Republican Medical Center and got acquainted with their situation Their lives are not in danger after the operations. On October 15, the Azerbaijani side also targeted the ambulance of the Artsakh Defense Army, with no casualties. In connection with this incident, it should be noted that the Azerbaijani side not only once again grossly violated the ceasefire, but also clearly targeted an object carrying out a humanitarian function, which is under special protection under international law. The recorded incidents once again prove the aggressive, impudent behavior of the Azerbaijani side, its intention to use force, by all means, to disrupt the normal life in Artsakh, evict the Armenians, and ethnically cleanse the Armenians of Artsakh. Its noteworthy that the Azerbaijani armed forces directly targeted those positions of the Defense Army of Artsakh which are located a few meters away from the civil settlements of Nor Shen. This proves that Armenian servicemen carry out exclusively the function of protecting the right to life and health of the civilian population while the Azerbaijani military positions located near our peaceful settlements are a direct threat due to their aggressive behavior. Their immediate removal is indispensable for protecting the rights of the civilian population, particularly the right to life. At the same time, the Russian Peacekeeping Forces deployed in Artsakh and international mediators should not have the function of post-factum recording the incidents but, should carry out the authority and responsibility for proper investigating the incidents and preventing their recurrence On that account, from the point of view of real peacekeeping, the permanent presence of the Russian peacekeepers in all the bordering communities of Artsakh is crucial. Recorded incidents are another proof of the fact that Azerbaijani theses on peaceful coexistence are false, lack of real goals in that direction, aimed at pulling the wool over the eyes of the international community and the parties interested in the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijani statements on peaceful coexistence are nothing but hollow words covering the Azerbaijani anti-Armenian, genocidal-fascist agenda. International organizations, individual states should look with open eyes at the current situation, the real goals, and actions of the parties not giving in to Azerbaijani manipulations. Their indifference finally shatters the international agenda of human rights protection, jeopardizes its practical significance, turning it into a beautiful bunch of words without real desire and determination to protect it. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces today fired at Yeraskh village of Ararat Province of Armenia. The news was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia. The Armenian MOD also reported that the barn and a few haystacks of one of the residents are burning, adding that the situation is relatively calm for the time being. A little while ago, a video was disseminated on the Internet showing Azerbaijani Armed Forces firing in the direction of Yeraskh village of Ararat Province, as a result of which a fire broke out in the yard of one of the houses. Armenian News-NEWS.am contacted head of the village Radik Oghikyan, who refuted news according to which the adversary [Azerbaijan] had fired in the direction of Yeraskh. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the online sitting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS, which was also attended by the leaders of the CIS countries. The Prime Minister delivered a speech, referring to the cooperation within the CIS, the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the processes taking place in our region. In his speech, Nikol Pashinyan particularly noted, Dear colleagues, In this jubilee year of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the presidency is held by Belarus, which, despite a number of epidemiological constraints, has made every effort to promote cooperation. The 30th anniversary is a good opportunity to exchange views on the results of the work done, to outline the ways of further development of the organization. The role and capacity of the organization have been viewed differently at different stages. We support the Statement on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the CIS. It not only assesses the activity of the organization, but also outlines the directions of its further development. The ways of cooperation are outlined, including in the fields of "green" economy, digitalization, industrial cooperation, innovative technologies, efficient use of natural and economic resources, support for SMEs. One of the strong sides of the CIS has always been cooperation on humanitarian issues, which, among other things, provides a link between the past and the future. A proof of this is, for example, the annual youth contest "100 ideas for the CIS countries", which was recently held in the regional center of Syunik Province of Armenia, in the city of Kapan. We are pleased to support the decision to declare the Moldovan city of Comrat the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth in 2023. We also support the statements on citizens' biological security, migration and protection of family rights, and guarantees for electoral sovereignty of the Commonwealth countries. Dear Colleagues, Taking this opportunity, I would like to share with you my assessments of the situation in our region after last year's war and present to you my views on its future. As you all know, due to the mediation efforts of the Russian Federation, it was possible to achieve a cessation of hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh on November 9, 2020. According to the trilateral declaration signed as a result of Moscow's mediation efforts, Russian peacekeepers have been deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh to ensure its security. The Russian Federation and personally President Putin played a key role in putting an end to the 44-day war. Today, they continue to play an important role in maintaining peace in the region. We express gratitude for those efforts and fully share the philosophy on which they are based. Our region today is on the threshold of very important transformations. In the presence of political will and prudency, they can change the current picture and lead to real peace and stability. We are ready for such changes. Moreover, they coincide with our vision for the future. In its Action Plan, the Armenian Government has defined a goal to open "a new era of peaceful development for our country and our region." And we received the mandate to achieve this fundamental goal by winning the early parliamentary elections in June this year. However, there are many factors that call into question the possibility of peace in our region. Despite all the political efforts and despite the trilateral declaration, people continue to die on the in Nagorno Karabakh and on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. In this regard, I propose strengthening the trilateral mechanisms of investigating incidents and adhering to the cessarion of all kinds of military operations. The rhetoric of enmity, hatred, constant threats and provocations have become commonplace for us. Many not only do not believe, but do not want peace and stability in our region. And in these conditions, it is very difficult to advance the peace agenda. But we are determined and we will do our best to achieve peace and stability in our region, we have a clear idea of how to achieve this goal. Dialogue, the gradual overcoming of the atmosphere of hostility that unfortunately exists in our region, the unblocking of all regional transport and economic communications is the only way, which, in our opinion, can lead this goal. In this context, it is very important to fulfill the agreements reached in the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021. I would like to inform you that within the framework of the trilateral working group co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Ministers of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, we are working in the direction of opening all transport communications and hope to achieve concrete results in the near future. This means that Armenia will get a railway and road connection with Russia, a railway connection with Iran through the territory of Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan will get a railway and road connection with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the territory of Armenia. It is very important to note that we support the scenarios of the opening of transport communication, which will become not a method or symbol of isolation and enmity, but of establishment of peace. Dear colleagues, For achieving any progress on economic or political issues, the atmosphere in which they are discussed is crucial. I have to state here with regret that despite the 8th point of the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020, Azerbaijan has not yet returned all Armenian prisoners of war, hostages or other detainees. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this statement refers not only to prisoners of war, but also to hostages and other detainees. This is a purely humanitarian issue, and we hope to solve it as soon as possible. In this context, I would like to assure you that Armenia is ready to complete the transfer of maps of minefields to Azerbaijan, which are located behind the Azerbaijani armed forces, that is, pose a humanitarian threat. There are other factors that negatively affect the already tense situation in our region. In particular, I would like to draw your attention to the existence of the so-called trophy park in the capital of Azerbaijan. There was such a practice: Visitors could "admire the mannequins" depicting captured, killed or bleeding Armenian soldiers. It is even more disappointing that excursions for Azerbaijani schoolchildren are organized there, who proudly take selfies and post them on social networks. Recently, we learned that the mannequins and helmets of our dead soldiers were taken out of the park, and at least, this is not bad. Another important issue for achieving lasting peace is the demarcation and delimitation of the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We are ready to start this process, and we expect the support of Russia and our other international partners in this matter. I should mention here that a favorable atmosphere is very important for overcoming the existing obstacles. However, it is difficult to imagine demarcation and delimitation work of the borders that have recently been violated by Azerbaijan, where shootings are heard almost regularly. In particular, I mean the Sotk-Khoznavar section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. We have repeatedly proposed to carry out a simultaneous withdrawal of armed units in that area, taking into account the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which is legally defined and registered on the maps of the USSR. Russian border guards and / or international observers may be deployed along this border. This mechanism has received the support of the Russian Federation, and we are waiting for the resumption of work in this direction. Dear colleagues, Of course, the main issue is the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. To this end, we consider it important to resume the negotiation process within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. In recent months, the Co-Chairs have repeatedly stated in their statements the need to resume the peace process for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In the context of the Co-Chairs' activities, we note with satisfaction the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, which took place in New York within the framework of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. We welcome and note with satisfaction yesterday's meeting of the Foreign Ministers, which took place in Minsk through the mediation of the Russian Foreign Minister. The upcoming visit of the Co-Chairs to the region and Nagorno Karabakh will be an important step. I would like to emphasize once again that Armenia is ready to work in all the directions I have mentioned. We are confident that resolving all these issues will ensure a significant progress in building lasting peace in our region. And I must say that the starting of talks to normalize our relations with Turkey is another factor that can play a catalytic role in this issue. In this regard, I must say that the Russian Federation has expressed readiness to fully support this process. Dear friends, I do not think this platform is a convenient place to analyze our shared history. Let me inform you that Armenia and Azerbaijan have filed lawsuits to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where the process has now begun. I think that in the context of that process, all the accusations that Armenia has can be voiced. In any case, we are going to do it to substantiate our position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I can not bypass the statement on drug trafficking, which, as it was mentioned, is "organized" by Armenia and Iran. I would like to note that we work very closely with the Iranian law enforcement agencies, we very effectivley fight against drug trafficking. I can present figures that show that the number of arrests in drug trafficking cases and the volume of confiscated drugs have increased three-fold, four-fold or even more. This shows that the law enforcement agencies of Armenia and Iran are cooperating very closely and effectively against drug trafficking. Dear colleagues, In conclusion, taking into account the transfer of the presidency from Minsk to Nur-Sultan, I would like to wish Kazakhstan a successful presidency, to which, I am sure, both the member states and the CIS Executive Committee headed by the Honorable Sergey Lebedev are ready to contribute. Thanks for attention". Azerbaijani soldiers have become so unrestrained that they deliberately set on fire 8,000 ha of grass of a resident of Yeraskh village with gunshots, destroying all the stocks that the citizen had worked hard to gather all year to feed his cattle during the winter. This is stated in the statement that Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan issued today. Yeraskh village of Ararat Province of Armenia is shelled by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces from time to time, in the afternoon and at night. It was shelled again today in the afternoon as well. Azerbaijani soldiers have become so unrestrained that they deliberately set on fire 8,000 ha of grass of a resident of Yeraskh village with gunshots, destroying all the stocks that the citizen had worked hard to gather all year to feed his cattle during the winter. Moreover, the fire spread and set the roof of the citizens barn on fire. It was possible to put out the fire and make sure it didnt burn the other part of the roof only when firefighters arrived at the scene on time. These data were verified and confirmed through alerts sent to the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, objective evidence and data verified through several sources. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia also confirmed the gunshots fired by Azerbaijan at the military posts of the Armed Forces protecting Yeraskh village and the population. Taking into consideration the fact that the Azerbaijani military posts are located directly next to the village, it is clear for the Azerbaijani soldiers that they are causing damage to villagers, destroying their properties, violating their right to life and right of ownership and undermining peace and security. It is necessary to immediately start the process of creating a demilitarized buffer zone around the borders of Armenia with Azerbaijan and immediately removing Azerbaijani armed officers from the area near Armenias villages and the roads in-between villages. This proposal of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has already been included in a specific international document, that is, the Resolution 2391 (2021) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) of September 27, 2021. The Human Rights Defender will also send relevant reports to international organizations and Armenias state bodies and civil society organizations. It is clear that the basis for these criminal encroachments and gross violations of human rights and the source is the Azerbaijani authorities Armenophobic, hostile and genocidal policy of ethnic cleansing. This policy has institutional grounds, and the violations wont be eliminated and the peoples security wont be ensured so long as the perpetrators of the crime havent been punished, Tatoyan wrote. The opposition Armenia faction of the National Assembly of Armenia today hosted a meeting with the leaders of the Justice, Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun and Democratic Party of Artsakh factions of the National Assembly of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), the press release of the opposition Armenia alliance reads. Greeting the counterparts, leader of the Armenia faction of the National Assembly Seyran Ohanyan attached importance to the cooperation of the parliamentary factions and expressed his concern about the fact that the security system is neglected in the post-war period. The leader of the faction stated that the relations of the opposition factions are very important since there hasnt been a real evaluation of the situation and all the problems and uncertainties after the war. The leaders of the parliamentary factions of Artsakh expressed gratitude for the meeting, presented the key domestic and international issues and attached importance to the ensuring of close and high-level cooperation between the parliaments of the two Armenian states. In their turn, the members of the Armenia faction assured that the issues of Artsakh are always in their focus and that they use all their leverages to solve them. The parties attached importance to the need for the creation of the Armenia-Artsakh Interparliamentary Committee and touched upon the process of international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh, emphasizing that the incumbent authorities policy and irresponsible behavior are essentially hurting and disturbing the efforts, the press release also reads. Throughout the day, the situation on the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact was stable, not counting the provocation made in the northeastern direction in the morning. This is what Spokesperson of the President of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Lusine Avanesyan said during a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am. Based on my reports, today the situation on the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact was stable, not counting the provocation made in the northeastern direction in the morning, but please address the Defense Army for more detailed information, she said. Armenian News-NEWS.am was unable to contact the Defense Army for information. This morning, the Defense Army of Artsakh reported that on October 15 at around 9 a.m. the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired at a sanitary vehicle of the unit of the Defense Army located in the northeastern direction of Artsakh and that there were no victims from the Armenian side. The command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh was informed about the incident. The Ministry of Defense of Artsakh declares that it continues to stay committed to maintaining the ceasefire regime and calls on the Azerbaijani side to refrain from carrying out actions that will destabilize the situation, the Defense Army of Artsakh reported. On the evening of October 14, according to one of yesterdays reports of the Defense Army, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of a military base of the Defense Army located in the eastern border zone of Artsakh, as a result of which six servicemen received gunshot injuries, but their lives arent at risk. According to the Defense Army, the Armenian side didnt suffer losses in terms of positions and territories. Hours before this, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan had disseminated reports stating that the troops of the Defense Army had fired gunshots at an Azerbaijani motorcade and that an Azerbaijani soldier had allegedly been killed from a gunshot fired from the Armenian side. In its press releases that were issued later, the Defense Army of Artsakh refuted the news spread by the Azerbaijani side, reporting that the news is disinformation and stressing that the Armenian side stays committed to the ceasefire regime. In an interview with Armenian Public Television, Armenian businessman, social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Ruben Vardanyan touched upon the question whether he is involved in politics and informed that the war in Artsakh in 2020 became the red line which, after being crossed, made him become convinced that he needs to show more active participation in the public and political life in Armenia. The problem is that being involved in politics in Armenia means coming to power or being Prime Minister or President. I dont want that. There was a red line for me, and that was the issue of Artsakh. When we Armenians lost Artsakh (we almost lost it, we still havent lost it, but are close to it), I had two options. I could continue as a benefactor and live in Moscow or London and not have anything to do with Armenia, but the crisis didnt allow me to participate in the solution to the major political and social issues, that is, understand what Armenia we are building and how the future of our nation will be. People in Armenia want to find a savior, a person who has the answers to all questions. I say that we all need to be responsible for our future. I am not politically affiliated and dont have a political party, but I am certain that I will support the political parties that are united around ideas, not around one person, Vardanyan stated. The Armenian businessman touched upon the comments that a person who has done business abroad, particularly in Russia and has decided to get involved in political activities, will be under foreign influence, noting that he has worked in many countries. When I say I have crossed the red line, it means I am ready to lose everything in Russia and Armenia and am ready to go to jail, if the political struggle is not lawful. I am ready to be discredited and to read the worst things about me. I have made a very important decision for myself. I realized that this means I might have major problems in Russia and Armenia. Yes, I understand this. Of course, there are influences on everyone in different directions, but this is determined by the type of person, not his or her passport, Vardanyan stated. About 40 minutes ago, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired a few gunshots in the area near Harav village of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), but there were no shootings, only gunshots were recorded. This is what Human Rights Defender of Artsakh Gegham Stepanyan said during a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am. There was fog in the village at that moment and nobody could see from which side the adversary had fired the gunshots, but there were no gunshots fired in the direction of the village; they were most probably fired in the direction of the military posts located next to the village, Stepanyan stated. Stepanyan also informed that the servicemen who were injured as a result of Azerbaijans attack yesterday are still in the same health condition, that is, their lives arent at risk. When I visited the injured servicemen this morning, their health condition was stable. Today four of them had to be transferred to Yerevan due to the procedure for further examinations, not because of the worsening of their health condition, Stepanyan mentioned. The news being spread on social networks according to which the military posts near Harav village of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are being shelled, dont correspond to reality. This is stated in the press release issued by the Defense Army of Artsakh. This morning, the Defense Army of Artsakh reported that on October 15 at around 9 a.m. the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired at a sanitary vehicle of the unit of the Defense Army located in the northeastern direction of Artsakh and that there were no victims from the Armenian side. The command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh was informed about the incident. The Ministry of Defense of Artsakh declares that it continues to stay committed to maintaining the ceasefire regime and calls on the Azerbaijani side to refrain from carrying out actions that will destabilize the situation, the Defense Army of Artsakh reported. On the evening of October 14, according to one of yesterdays reports of the Defense Army, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of a military base of the Defense Army located in the eastern border zone of Artsakh, as a result of which six servicemen received gunshot injuries, but their lives arent at risk. According to the Defense Army, the Armenian side didnt suffer losses in terms of positions and territories. Hours before this, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan had disseminated reports stating that the troops of the Defense Army had fired gunshots at an Azerbaijani motorcade and that an Azerbaijani soldier had allegedly been killed from a gunshot fired from the Armenian side. In its press releases that were issued later, the Defense Army of Artsakh refuted the news spread by the Azerbaijani side, reporting that the news is disinformation and stressing that the Armenian side stays committed to the ceasefire regime. Armenia parliament majority faction: Border delimitation preparation process will start from point zero PM: Armenia exports to other EEU countries increased by 27.8% Armenias Pashinyan: Azerbaijan provocations are aimed at disrupting arrangements reached by trilateral statements Adele presents new song from her album California Armenian couple accused of fraud flee leaving their 3 children behind Yerevan mobile vaccination teams 2-day work schedule is announced 799 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Katherine Clark: Azerbaijan must acknowledge and respect Armenian sovereignty Eurasian Intergovernmental Council enlarged meeting underway in Yerevan Russia peacekeepers patrol along Karabakh border delimitation line MOD: According to current data Armenia has 6 military casualties as result of Tuesdays attack by Azerbaijan Turkish Islamic preachers organization denies reports of his death Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson are officially dating 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 Several Russia clubs want to acquire Mkhitaryan 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 Tallinn Trophy 2021: Armenias Slavik Hayrapetyan comes in 3rd 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 European Team Chess Championship: Armenia women's chess team defeated by Ukraine Kim Kardashian helps 30 female footballers of Afghanistan leave Pakistan for London Ex-ruling party official: Armenia authorities found reason for MOD's resignation after his visit to Karabakh 23rd European Team Chess Championship 2021: Armenia and Azerbaijan tie match 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 ATP Finals: Zverev makes it to semi-final, to compete with Djokovic 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 Agent: FC Barcelona are interested in Arsen Zakharyan's services High-tech industry minister receives Chinese recipient of Armenia State Prize for global contributions to IT sector Eurasian Intergovernmental Council's narrow-format session kicks off in Yerevan Pashinyan views Eurasian integration as one of Armenia's priorities Two Armenian citizens found in Afghanistan Armenian health ministry gets $ 2.5 million to fight COVID-19 Tata Steel India: Armenias Aronian scored 1 point after three rounds on the second day OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has telephone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov Rust writer thinks Baldwin shot deliberately on set Deceased Armenian soldier Taron Sahakyan's brother refutes news that he was captured and tortured to death Armenia seeks to develop cooperation in food safety within EEU Armenia Ombudsman, UNICEF Representative discuss problems with right of children of borderline villages to education How risky is taking immunosuppressants for COVID-19? Armenia allocates AMD 462 mln for 4 subvention programs ahead of local self-government elections Major incidents not recorded in Armenia's border zones as of 2 p.m., operative situation is under army's control Armenia parliament approves several legislative amendments PMs discuss prospects for development of Armenia-Kyrgyzstan collaboration Turkish Nationalist Movement Party gifts Erdogan a map of Turkic World, with a part of Russia 'seized' Man, 49, found dead inside truck near Armenia village sand mine Armenia emergency ministry uses off-road vehicles to provide for needs of Syunik Province border villages, says minister Britney Spears demands to put her mother in jail There is investment activeness in Syunik Province, says Armenia economy minister Russia PM arrives in Yerevan Minister on Armenia economic growth: We are from optimistic realist to optimist Armenia President, Singapore deputy PM discuss avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation Healthcare Policy (Programs) Scientific Research Center to open at Yerevan State Medical University Milan to sign new deal with Ibrahimovic Ombudsman: Armenophobia, propaganda of enmity have reached extremist fascism in Azerbaijan (VIDEO) Philip Margo dies aged 79 Russia peacekeepers carry out round-the-clock monitoring of ceasefire in Karabakh 1 more person dies of coronavirus in Artsakh Armenia premier: There is no Syunik Province settlement that is under blockade Office of Armenia commissioner for diaspora, SADA Global Delivery Center sign memorandum of cooperation Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not come to the Queen for Christmas Armenia government approves 2021-2026 action plan US develops new vaccine against COVID-19 Armenia PM: Russia MOD made proposals on preparatory phase of border delimitation with Azerbaijan 1,019 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Senator calls for end to US military aid to Azerbaijan Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Timothee Chalamet and Jennifer Lawrence in the new Don't Look Up trailer Armenia is elected to UNESCO Executive Board Whose body is brought from Baku to Yerevan by Russian Southern Military District deputy commander? Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan opened random fire at some directions of Tavush Province late Wednesday evening World oil prices still dropping Rapper Young Dolph killed at Memphis bakery shooting WTA Finals: Garbine Muguruza wins first title What are health risks of mandarin? Newspaper: Armenia has set task to change its foreign policy vector, Russia analysts say Newspaper: Coronavirus death statistics in Armenia are incomplete Armenian immigrant couple in California sentenced to prison for $20M fraud Santos: Ronaldo trusts me completely EEU countries PMs to arrive in Yerevan for intergovernmental council meeting Brazil president: Holding World Cup every 2 years is good idea Armenian army commander: Azerbaijan wants corridor, leader of Armenia gave consent to that, but refused later Armenia FM holds phone conversations with Russian counterpart, Karen Donfried and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office MTS launches inspection of its 'daughter' operations in Armenia upon request of U.S. Armenia MOD: Defense minister receives Rustam Muradov, who brought body of deceased Armenian soldier to Yerevan When Cubans took to the streets of several cities last July 11 protesting the government and asking for basic human rights, their shouts of Libertad were heard worldwide. The images of those mass demonstrations flooded social media thanks to the internetwhich also allowed civic groups from Havana to Oriente Province to pass on the word about the upcoming demonstrations. In retaliation, the Cuban government quickly curtailed access to the internet. Usage of the Web on the island and the increase of discourse around legal issues are two of the themes that will be explored during the fourth New Directions Conference, sponsored by the Cuban Heritage Collection of the University of Miami Libraries. As in previous years, we received a great number of interesting submissions, said Elizabeth Cerejido, Esperanza Bravo de Varona Chair and director of the Cuban Heritage Collection. What is fascinating about this year is the number of proposals that address topics that are relevant to what is happening on the island today: the role of social media, the emergence of new subjectivities, the concept of virality, etc. In addition to panels that will explore these issues current to Cuba, there are several presentations that will also address topics from prerevolutionary Cuba. And these are revisited through a contemporary, interdisciplinary lens, offering continuities with the past as much as providing a critical perspective and insight about the present, Cerejido noted. Finally, we had a significant number of entries that focus on film and media studies, which signals a growing interest among emerging scholars. Together they reveal what is trending in the field, which is the main goal of the conference, Cerejido added. The three-day conference will take place via Zoom from Oct. 27 through Oct. 29. This year, the symposium has partnered with Harvard Universitys Cuba Studies Program, headed by Alejandro de la Fuente. This association reinforces the importance of this conference and the role it has in advancing innovative scholarship on Cuba and its global diaspora, according to Cerejido. Michael Bustamante, the Emilio Bacardi Moreau Chair in Cuban and Cuban American Studies and associate professor, said the New Directions Conference is unique because it provides an opportunity to hear rising voices in the field. Together with the Goizueta Fellowshipsmany of whose recipients return to participate in this conferenceit also helps position the University of Miami as an incubator of cutting-edge research on Cuba and the Cuban diaspora." Drawing more than 25 scholars from institutions such as the University of Louisville, Barnard College, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, the conference has become one of the premier meeting places for top Cuban scholarship. Cerejido noted that the conference topics, which come from the papers submitted by scholars, serve as a bellwether of what areas are relevant to the Cuban scholarship community. It helps us prioritize our strategy to collect material for the collection, she said. It is also an opportunity in keeping the collection relevant and up to date and helps us stay in touch with the actors in the field who are advancing these ideas. The panel Legal Cultures/Legal Citizenship will give a historical perspective on the law in countries that have undergone revolutions and also delve into the growing interest of legality within the Cuban populace, she said. The recent unprecedented protests at a massive scale in Cuba reveal not only that Cubans are no longer afraid of voicing their grievances or demand social change, but that they have rights as citizens, said Cerejido. Social change is not so elusive or abstract anymore. Ada Ferrer, Julius Silver Professor of History and Latin American and Caribbean History at New York University, will give the keynote speech. In her lecture, she will talk about her book Cuba: An American History, an epic account of the history of Cuba and its complex ties to the United States. Other panels will cover migration, the arts, and the role of race in the dissident movement on the island. View a complete list of events and register for the online conference. Veterans Hospital in Tulsa celebrates historic groundbreaking Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu Leaders from across government, academia, health care and philanthropy came together Friday to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Veterans Hospital in downtown Tulsa. The new hospital, which will be housed on the expanded OSU Medical Center Campus, will convert the existing Kerr-Edmondson buildings into a modern 275,000 square-foot, 58-bed medical-surgical hospital for veterans. The project, Veterans Hospital in Tulsa (VHiT), is a collaboration between the federal government, state of Oklahoma, Tulsa County, city of Tulsa, private philanthropy and Oklahoma State University. The new Veterans Hospital in Tulsa will be transformative in many ways, and Oklahoma State University is proud to be a part of this visionary project. All of the partners involved in the new hospital owe a debt of gratitude to Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford for their commitment to see this project funded at the federal level, as well as other state, city and county leaders who have provided resources to ensure that this modern health care facility for our veterans could become a reality, said OSU President Kayse Shrum. Expanding the OSU Medicine academic health care campus is a win for our medical school and our veterans in northeast Oklahoma by providing them the best care possible in an exceptional medical facility. We appreciate the tireless support and effort of The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation for their leadership on this project from the very beginning." - OSU President Kayse Shrum VHiT is a unique opportunity to secure a large and important veteran resource, operated by the VA, but developed by and for the local community. The proximity to OSUs academic healthcare facilities will support a number of opportunities for collaboration, joint physician appointments, increased medical residencies and shared services, all of which will improve ease and efficiency for veterans. After many years of hard work, and thanks to the leadership from our congressional delegation, federal partners at the VA, city, county and state leaders and, of course, private philanthropists, we are bringing a new veterans hospital to Tulsa to provide the best in patient care to Oklahoma veterans. The VA partnership with OSU Medicine means our students and residents will benefit from the training they will receive caring for those who have provided devoted service to our country. After todays ceremony, we look forward to the beginning of construction, said Dr. Johnny Stephens, OSU Center for Health Sciences president. More than two-thirds of the 47,000 veterans who receive services at the current Jack C. Montgomery Medical Center in Muskogee come from the Tulsa metro area. Of the 115,400-plus veterans in the Eastern Oklahoma VA area, approximately 68 percent are closer to Tulsa than to Muskogee, leading planners to estimate the new hospital could serve up to 14,000 more veterans annually. Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System Director Mark E. Morgan said by expanding services in Tulsa the VAs health care system in eastern Oklahoma will be strategically positioned to provide the highest level of care to veterans for decades to come. The new VA hospital in Tulsa is a historic victory that will offer long lasting and far-reaching benefits for our veterans, the VA, and our community, Morgan said. The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System has begun planning and analysis to convert the Jack C. Montgomery Medical Center in Muskogee. These efforts include consideration of expanding behavioral health, rehabilitation and long-term care for veterans in Oklahoma and surrounding states. The total estimated construction cost is $130 million, funded by the $120 million appropriation and $10 million in philanthropic support; the overall Oklahoma State Medical Campus expansion includes a total of more than $73 million in support including contributions from The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Morningcrest Healthcare Foundation, Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, The Helmerich Trust, Ruth Nelson, The H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust, Sarah and John Graves, Common Bond Foundation, William S. Smith Charitable Trust, city of Tulsa, Tulsa County and the state of Oklahoma. Construction is slated to be completed and turned over to the VA for outfitting by late 2023 and open to patients in late 2024. US rejoins UN Human Rights Council The United Nations General Assembly has elected 18 new members of the UN's top rights body. File photo: AFP The United States returned to the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday, three-and-a-half years after its dramatic walk-out. The United Nations General Assembly elected 18 new members of the UN's top rights body, with countries kicking off their three-year council term from January 1. Though member states were chosen in a secret ballot, the election was a non-contest, with 18 candidate countries standing for 18 seats. Beyond the United States, the other states elected are: Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia and the United Arab Emirates. The council is tasked with promoting and protecting human rights worldwide, addressing violations and making recommendations, but the election of Eritrea again raises the issue of having authoritarian regimes on the body. Under former president Donald Trump, the United States quit the council in 2018, accusing it of hypocrisy and obsession with haranguing Israel. The council in Geneva is made up of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly in New York. A third of the council is elected every year, and countries can only serve for two consecutive three-year terms. The membership is split proportionally by geographic regions. Eritrea's election has especially raised eyebrows. In June, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, the new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council. There was no sign of improvement, he said, pointing to arbitrary and incommunicado detention, inhumane prison conditions, lack of basic freedoms, and indefinite military service, where conscripts are subjected to forced labour and sexual violence. (AFP) 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, [] Firefighters are making progress on the Alisal fire, with containment up to 41%. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Crews reopened a stretch of the 101 Freeway days after the Alisal fire in Santa Barbara County shut it down as firefighters made significant progress on the blaze ahead of dangerous weather conditions. Containment of the fire burning in the Santa Ynez Mountains rose to 41% by Friday morning up from just 5% the previous day. The blaze, which ignited Monday afternoon, has burned 16,901 acres, growing only about 100 acres in the last 24 hours. Officials project the fire will be fully contained by Oct. 25, according to the latest incident report. Rancho del Cielo, President Reagan's former vacation home, appeared secure after being encircled by flames Thursday, said Kristen Allison, a spokesperson for the fire. Despite the gains, forward progress has not been entirely stopped, and evacuations remain in place as more than 1,700 firefighters combat the flames. Authorities confirmed the blaze has destroyed three homes and two outbuildings, while roughly 100 residences remain threatened. Firefighters on Friday were working to secure the eastern edge of the blaze along the 2016 Sherpa fire burn scar, as well as focusing on the western portion near the Canada San Onofre, officials said in a report. Aircraft will assist in firefighting efforts when conditions allow, officials said. Winds, which have spurred the fire since it ignited near Alisal Reservoir, were calmer than had been expected Thursday, allowing firefighters to use both aerial and ground attacks on the blaze, officials said. But fierce Santa Ana winds forecast to blast Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Friday and Saturday could encroach on the fire area, spurring more growth, Allison said. On Thursday evening, crews reopened a roughly 20-mile stretch of the 101 Freeway and parallel rail lines that been shuttered since shortly after the fire began. Hwy 101 is open! The CHP appreciates your understanding and patience with the roadway closure the past few days as emergency crews fight the Alisal Fire. The Alisal Fire remains active, we are asking the motoring public to remain vigilant of emergency crews working along the Hwy pic.twitter.com/Plug8LaShG CHP Santa Barbara (@CHP_SantaBarb) October 15, 2021 The temporary closures allowed "resources to really be able to get in there and find all the heat, get [it] out and then get rid of all the hazards, so that they could open that up," Allison said. Story continues The Santa Barbara division of the California Highway Patrol asked motorists in a tweet "to remain vigilant of emergency crews," who will continue to battle the active fire near the major thoroughfare. Much of the progress Thursday was made on the northern and southern ends of the fire, Allison said. Firefighters began "mopping up" the fire around Camino Cielo, Refugio Canyon and the 101 Freeway, which entails extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines, officials said. Steep, challenging terrain in the Los Padres National Forest has made it difficult to access some pockets along the western and eastern flanks, she added. Alisal is the first major fire to hit Southern California this year, and officials fear more blazes will follow as seasonal Santa Ana and sundowner winds collide with historically dry fuels. Weather officials this week warned that the next few days will bring a chance of elevated fire weather, including a spike in temperatures, fearsome winds and bone-dry humidity. A red flag warning on the critical conditions went into effect 6 a.m. Friday and is slated to last through 8 p.m. Saturday for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The Santa Anas are expected to bring 30 to 45 mph gusts across a range of areas, including the Malibu Coast, the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, along with some isolated gusts as strong as 55 mph. Peak gusts are expected Friday morning into the early afternoon. Humidity will likely plunge into the single digits or low teens, while temperatures surge between 80 and 90 degrees across coastal and valley areas, according to the National Weather Service. It's the kind of weather fire officials fear most when a single spark can quickly become a wildfire that grows out of control. The region's record-hot summer and worsening drought only helped to bake the state's vegetation and prime it to ignite. Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said "everybody's on high alert" as winds gained strength Friday morning. "We've seen it happen before with wildfires during Santa Ana events," Sirard said. "If any fire breaks out, it could bring extremely dangerous conditions with rapid spread and very intense activity." Los Angeles County fire personnel were preemptively dispatched at 9 a.m. to strategic locations where fire risk was high. As of 9:00 am, this morning, 2 LACoFD strike teams are being pre-deployed to strategic locations in Los Angeles County that are experiencing increased fire weather threat during this weekends Red Flag wind event.#LACoFD pic.twitter.com/0LWsTMJ3sT L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) October 15, 2021 Times staff writer Hayley Smith contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Yannis Sfetkos / iStock.com The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a number of changes it will be making to expand the number eligible student loan forgiveness recipients. The largest number of people who will now be eligible under the new rules will be federal government employees. See: 5 Signs of Predatory Student Lending and How To Avoid It Find: 3 Ways To Prepare For When Student Loan Forbearance Ends President Joe Biden has also stated he supports a $10,000 portion of forgiveness for each student, but feels that larger amounts should be decided by Congress. If you are one of the thousands that will be affected by these new changes, here are a couple of strategies you can start utilizing once your loan is forgiven and you have a little extra cash. 1. Forgiveness Letter The first thing you should do is get written confirmation of your forgiveness from your loan operator. The process might take several months and it is best to ensure that as soon as your loans are forgiven, you put the request in. More: 50 College Student Discounts for 2021 2. High-Yield Savings Account Instead of now having extra discretionary income on your hands, think about putting the money you would have been putting toward your loan into an interest-bearing high-yield savings account. These types of accounts allow for a higher return than a simple savings account, and are even offered online by many institutions in some cases, your credit card company could even be one of them. 3. Low-Limit Credit Card If you already have a savings fund but were unable to build up your credit before due to loan payments, now is the time to start building up a credit score. The best thing to do is apply for a low-limit credit card to get your start. Try to not make the limit any higher than your monthly payment was in order to budget appropriately for amounts you know you can handle. If a card company offers you a $1,000 limit for example, you can call them and have it lowered to whatever amount your loan payment used to be. Story continues Student Loans: Financial Aid Tips & Advice Find: A Look at Americans Student Loan Debt by State 4. Retirement Funds If having student loans prevented you from contributing to a 401(k) or other retirement accounts, now is the time to start. The longer you are invested in these types of accounts, the more it will pay off in the future. You can start small by investing whatever your loan amount was into a monthly contribution to a 401(k) or IRA. 5. Side Hustle If saving in traditional accounts is not your thing, try investing in your own business. Alternative ways of making income became very popular during the pandemic, and a lot of people have figured out new ways to make money while they sleep. Whether its creating your own digital files to be redistributed online through platforms like Etsy and Amazon, or figuring out how to help others complete tasks on sites like Fiverr and Upwork, you can use extra cash or skills you already have to earn extra money on the side. More From GOBankingRates Last updated: Oct. 15, 2021 This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Financial Moves To Make After Your Student Loan Is Forgiven Alex Murdaugh will be headed back to South Carolina for a bond hearing next week on two felony charges connected to the missing $4.3 million in insurance money owed to the heirs of Gloria Satterfields estate. Murdaughs bond hearing will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Richland County Courthouse, according to a news release from the state Attorney Generals Office, which is prosecuting the case. Murdaugh waived his extradition from a Florida jail Friday, and according to the waiver of extradition from the Orange County Corrections, he agreed to waive the issuance and service (warrant) and all other procedures incidental to extradition proceedings, and remain in custody without bail. The suspended Hampton County attorney was taken into custody by Florida and South Carolina law enforcement Thursday. He was staying at a drug rehabilitation facility in Orlando, Florida. Once in South Carolina, hell face two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. This story will be updated. An angry mob killed a police officer who fatally shot a 5-year-old girl at a checkpoint in the Cameroon capital city on Thursday. The death of the young girl sparked outrage across the African nation, mainly in the city of Buea. Protestors also took the girls body to the regional governors office in protest. Gunfire could also be heard in the town. The police-involved shooting stemmed from an emerging civil conflict in Cameroon, with secessionists becoming irate at the inequalities between the nations French-speaking population and the English-speaking population that makes up two main regions, CNN reported. Tensions have remained high for the last five years and secessionists are continuing to campaign for a new state called Ambazonia. Over 3,000 people were have been killed in the conflict since it erupted. In the case of the girls death, Cameroon government officials said that the driver inside the vehicle did not stop at the traffic checkpoint and attempted to evade the officers who demanded him to stop. In an inappropriate reaction, unsuited to the circumstances and clearly disproportionate to the irreverent behavior of the driver, one of the gendarmes ... fired warning shots in order to immobilize the vehicle, a statement from the government said. In the process, the little Caro Louise Ndialle, a young pupil aged about 5, who was on board the said vehicle, was fatally shot in the head. Angry with the incident, a crowd gathered around the officer and killed him. The areas regional governor promised accountability. How is it that a child on her way to school is killed? Governor Bernard Okala Bilai said. Rest assured that those who did it will pay. It is an atrocity. By Renju Jose and Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday he would attend the U.N. COP26 climate summit in Glasgow as his conservative government faces global pressure to take further action to cut carbon emissions. Morrison had said he was unsure whether he would travel to the summit on Oct. 31-Nov. 12 because of the situation with COVID-19, but those concerns are easing as Sydney ends its quarantine requirements on Nov. 1. World leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden are scheduled to attend the meeting in Scotland. "I confirmed my attendance at the Glasgow summit which I'm looking forward to attending," Morrison told a media conference in Sydney. "The government will be finalising its position to take to the summit. We're working through those issues." While many countries have pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, Australia - one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases on a per capita basis - has declined to firm up its targets. Morrison has said Australia wanted to achieve net zero "as soon as possible and preferably by 2050" and it expects to beat its pledge to cut carbon emissions by 26% to 28% from 2005 levels by 2030. Morrison is engaged in negotiations with the junior partner in his coalition government, the rural-based National party, about strengthening climate targets. The National party, which is concerned about the impact of carbon targets on farming and coal mining, will meet on Sunday to discuss Morrison's plan. Morrison must face a general election by May 2022 and he needs to appease moderates in his Liberal Party pressing for climate action, while at the same time retaining support of the National party. (Reporting by Renju Jose; Editing by Tom Hogue, Robert Birsel) By Allison Lampert and Rajesh Kumar Singh LAS VEGAS/CHICAGO (Reuters) - Global shipping and supply chain disruptions are making it harder for corporate planemakers and suppliers to meet resurgent demand for parts, according to industry executives and analysts. Disruptions, which are also hitting commercial aviation, are beginning to drive up costs and risk slowing down the aerospace industry's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. With private aviation traffic surpassing 2019 levels this year, some corporate planemakers and suppliers at a flagship business jet show in Las Vegas this week flagged warning signs about supply chain and labor hiccups. Their comments added to recent concerns expressed by Airbus Chief Executive Guillaume Faury about mounting pressure on commercial aerospace's supply chain. Aerospace has, so far, avoided the scale of supply woes faced by auto makers and machinery companies as planemakers Boeing Co and Airbus are producing fewer jets than before the pandemic. But supply chain strains are increasingly becoming visible for the production of narrow-body jets, which have seen a pick-up in demand due to a recovery in short-haul trips, said Eric Bernardini, global co-head of aerospace, defense and aviation at consultants AlixPartners. Easing travel restrictions and the lure of private flights have led to an unexpected surge in business jet traffic, filling seats for private operators and expanding order backlogs for planemakers, but straining supply of jets, parts and pilots. Planes produced by Cessna business jet producer Textron Inc are flying around 20% more than in 2019, putting pressure on suppliers to keep up with the need to deliver replacement parts. "We're in a healthier position compared to what it could be, but we are starting to see some issues," said Ron Draper, chief executive of Textron Aviation. Draper said Textron is managing the hiccups, but is still "seeing some suppliers pop up with capacity constraints." Story continues Stirling Macfarlane, a segment manager in aerospace with PPG Industries, said at the show that the maker of aircraft coatings and transparencies has faced some delays in receiving needed components. Aerospace companies are experiencing shortages of semiconductor chip and plastics, and paying far more for raw materials like steel and aluminum, Bernardini said. The input costs are going up at a time when the pricing power in commercial aerospace industry is constrained because of overall weak demand, making it harder for equipment makers and their suppliers to pass along the increased costs to customers. The aviation industry on average paid 27% to 44% more for raw materials in the first half of this year compared to last year, according to data from AlixPartners. Protecting profit margins is the "number one worry" for the industry, Bernardini said. Companies are also struggling to find enough skilled workers to ramp up production and are battling shipping delays. Adequate staffing levels are needed to meet anticipated production increases in 2022 and 2023, said Robert Martin, chief executive of lessor BOC Aviation at a CAPA Centre for Aviation event on Wednesday. Embraer SA is keeping more parts available in its warehouses for customers, despite higher carrying costs, said Marsha Woelber, head of customer relations and aftermarket sales for the Brazilian planemaker. "We've staged more inventory at local warehouses around the world because we know there is disruption when you look at international cargo flights or shipping containers," she said. Some U.S. states are taking steps to help ease the bottlenecks. Oklahoma, for example, created a portal earlier this year that helps connect local suppliers with manufacturers, such as ones in aerospace that are looking to diversify their supply chain to help fill in the gaps. Draper said the challenge would be greater if production by commercial airlines returns to the levels of 2019, which could be a year or two away. "If Boeing and Airbus get back to the arms race they were in and absorbing a lot of capacity, we could face capacity constraints." (Reporting By Allison Lampert in Las Vegas and Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago, additional reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney, editing by Richard Pullin) den-belitsky / iStock.com Everyone wants to find cheap flights so they can save more money on their vacation, but searching discount travel sites can be a hassle. Find Out: Explore the Cost of Education in the United States Follow Along: 31 Days of Living Richer To save you time and help you get the most bang for your buck, GOBankingRates set out to find the best and worst airlines for cheap flights. In this study, GOBankingRates compared the cheapest available round-trip flights for one person from Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK or LaGuardia). Read on to see which airlines have the lowest fees and which are the least affordable. Last updated: Oct. 15, 2021 Shutterstock.com Most Expensive Airline: Southwest Cost of Round-Trip Flight: Starting at $508.96 Southwest Airlines boasts cheap airfares, but was actually one of the more expensive airlines. Their cheapest ticket comes out to $508.96 round-trip going from LAX to LaGuardia, with no refund available. However, passengers will receive travel credits if you cancel your flight. Passengers also get a personal item, a carry-on and two checked bags for no cost. Southwest also offers a range of airline perks -- such as complimentary beverages, free music and no change fee -- so its very possible to pay nothing beyond your ticket price. Southwest has an open seating policy, but can purchase EarlyBird Check-In, starting at $15 each way to get to the front of the line. Making Bank: 25 Companies Making the Most Money From Coronavirus Leonard Zhukovsky / shutterstock.com Less Expensive Airline: United Airlines Cost of Round-Trip Flight: $237 Passengers on United flights can have one free personal item and are able to pick their seat for no extra fee. Find Out: 6 Simple Ways To Cut Costs on Your RV Trip Tupungato / shutterstock.com Less Expensive Airline: American Airlines Cost of Round-Trip Flight: $173 It'll cost you $173 to fly American but one bonus: you're able to choose your seat. Passengers can also bring on one free personal item and one free carry-on and pay $30 for a checked bag, though some customers like those in the military, are eligible for free checked bags. Story continues Related: How To Budget and Plan for a Vacation in 2021 Digital Media Pro / shutterstock.com Less Expensive Airline: Delta Cost of Round-Trip Flight: $175 Delta allows you to bring one personal item and one carry-on item, but you will not be able to choose your seat. Checked bags cost $30 each. Shutterstock.com Cheapest Airline: JetBlue Cost of Round-Trip Flight: Starting at $137 Flying JetBlue gets you from LA to NYC and back for just over $100. With a JetBlue Basic ticket, you can select your seat for an extra fee, but you are not allowed a carry-on bag, and your first checked bag costs $60. Carlos Yudica / shutterstock.com Cheapest Airline: Alaska Airlines Cost of Round-Trip Flight: Starting at $137 Tied for the cheapest airline, the Alaska Saver Fare really does save you some serious cash. With a Saver Fare ticket, you're assigned a seat and allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free, but checking a bag will cost you $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second and $100 for every bag after that. More From GOBankingRates Laura Woods contributed to the reporting for this article. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Best and Worst Airlines for Cheap Flights The Biden administration is attempting to restore the Remain in Mexico policy on the southern border next month, although the restoration would require Mexicos approval. A U.S. District Court in Texas ruled that the administrations attempt to nix the Remain in Mexico policy violated the Administrative Procedure Act, requiring that the administration reinstate it. Formally known as the Migrant Protection Protocols and instituted by the Trump administration, the policy requires asylum-seekers who cross the southern border illegally to wait in Mexico before appearing in immigration court. The Department of Homeland Security is taking necessary steps to comply with the court order, which requires us to reimplement MPP in good faith, the agency said in a statement on Thursday. Mexico is a sovereign nation that must make an independent decision to accept the return of individuals without status in Mexico as part of any reimplementation of MPP, the agency said. Discussions with the Government of Mexico concerning when and how MPP will be reimplemented are ongoing. Mexico wants asylum cases to conclude within six months and to give asylum-seekers subject to the policy better access to legal representation and information on their cases, according to a Justice Department court filing on Thursday. Thursdays announcement by the DHS comes after the department said in September that it would again attempt to end the Remain in Mexico policy. DHS said that any new attempt to end the policy will not take effect until the current injunction is lifted by court order. Border Patrol agents encountered 212,672 migrants crossing the southern border in July and 208,887 migrants in August, marking the first time in two decades that monthly border crossings topped 200,000. More from National Review "Sprinklegate" is about a UK bakery that says it can no longer use its US-imported sprinkles (not pictured). NewFabrika/Shutterstock UK bakery Get Baked says it can't use US sprinkles because of an ingredient they contain. In a situation dubbed "Spriklegate," bakery owner Rich Myers is refusing to use "shit" UK sprinkles. Myers said he's now unable to make his bakery's best-selling desserts. In a situation dubbed "Sprinklegate," UK-based bakery Get Baked is sharing its story of no longer being able to use sprinkles it imported from the US. Rich Myers, owner of Get Baked bakery, has been sharing updates on the situation, saying he has been told to stop using the sprinkles immediately and is now on "sprinkle strike." Myers says he has stopped using sprinkles after he was reported to the Trading Standards agency In a Facebook post, Myers wrote from the bakery's account that the Trading Standards, a British agency that responds to customer complaints and concerns related to business practices, visited to test Get Baked's sprinkles. Myers said he doesn't know who reported the bakery, but that Trading Standards said they "must cease use of our sprinkles with immediate effect." The "illegal sprinkles" in question are banned in the UK for containing E127, a type of food coloring that's "only approved for use in the U.K. and the E.U. in cocktail and candied cherries," according to a statement the agency gave the BBC. The baker says he's going to change his menu until he finds a better solution because UK sprinkles are 'shit' Not all sprinkles are created equally. CathyRL/Shutterstock Writing from the bakery's Facebook page, Myers said he is "extremely passionate" about sprinkles, and has called the situation a "truly horrendous ordeal." Myers said this change has impacted his best-selling desserts, such as the Birthday Bruce and Raspberry Glazed Donut Cookies. "It is HIGHLY unlikely that we will find any legal sprinkles that we will use as a replacement. British sprinkles just aren't the same, they're totally shit and I hate them," Myers wrote on Facebook from the bakery's account. Story continues He said the bakery will go on "sprinkle strike" and "won't use any" sprinkles if it can't use the ones from the US. He wrote that the sprinkles you can find in the UK "are totally shit" and don't look right or bake properly. Get Baked didn't immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider David Amess. Anthony Devlin / Getty Images Sir David Amess was stabbed on Friday. He has since died at the scene. He was meeting constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, when the attack happened. The Essex Police said one man had been arrested, and that "we're not looking for anyone else." Sir David Amess, a British Conservative lawmaker, has died after being stabbed multiple times while meeting with constituents on Friday. Amess, 69, was attacked at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where the MP was holding a constituency surgery, Sky News reported. The Essex Police said it took place shortly after 12 p.m. "He was stabbed several times," Local councillor John Lamb told Reuters. A medical helicopter arrived at the scene following the attack. Police said a man - identified by reports as Amess - was treated by emergency services but died at the scene. The Essex Police said a 25-year-old man was arrested following the attack. "We're not looking for anyone else," the force tweeted. The man is currently in custody. Insider has contacted Amess' office in Westminster for comment. UK leaders denounced the attack Politicians from across the spectrum decried the violence - the fourth such attack against a British politician since 2000. "I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted. Former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron shared: "This is the most devastating, horrific & tragic news. David Amess was a kind & thoroughly decent man - & he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet. Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to David's family." Brendan Cox, whose wife Jo Cox was murdered by a far-right extremist while meeting with constituents in 2016, also condemned the attack. Story continues "This brings everything back. The pain, the loss, but also how much love the public gave us following the loss of Jo. I hope we can do the same for David now," he tweeted. Amess had been an MP since 1983, representing Southend West in Essex for the Conservative Party since 1997. He has never held ministerial office. His website describes his main interests as "animal welfare and pro-life issues." He was made a knight in 2015 for services to public and political life. In 2021, Amess wrote in a memoir of how he received a death threat from the IRA, and the warnings given by the police to MPs about the dangers of constituency surgeries. "Now advice has been given to be more careful when accepting appointments," he wrote. "We are advised to never see people alone, we must be extra careful when opening post and we must ensure that our offices are properly safe and secure." "In short, these increasing attacks have rather spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting their elected politicians." Read the original article on Business Insider LONDON British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death Friday while holding a regular meeting with constituents, police said, in a killing that has shaken the nation and been declared a terrorist incident. Police said they have arrested a man, aged 25, on suspicion of murder and recovered a knife. Officers from the United Kingdom's specialist counterterrorism command unit are leading the investigation and announced they had formally declared the incident an act of terrorism. "The early investigation has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement released early Saturday morning local time. Amess, 69, was stabbed repeatedly while holding meetings with voters at a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea, a coastal town about 30 miles east of London, according to police. Amess, who is survived by his wife, Julia Arnold, and their five children, was praised as a committed public servant and "one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement later Friday. "David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future, and we've lost today a fine public servant and much loved friend and colleague," Johnson said. The incident carried echoes of the 2016 murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox by a far-right extremist. Cox was shot and stabbed in the street in Birstall, a village in north England, where she had been due to hold meetings with constituents. On Friday, emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing at the Methodist church just after midday local time (7 a.m. ET) and arrived within minutes, Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington told a press conference later Friday. "When they arrived they found Sir David Amess MP, who had suffered multiple injuries," he said, using the full title of the lawmaker, who was knighted in 2015. Paramedics "worked extremely hard to save Sir David. Tragically he died at the scene." Story continues The suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder "immediately" and remains in custody, the chief constable said. Metropolitan Police believe he acted alone and are not seeking any other suspects, but say the investigation is ongoing. Photographs from the scene showed police holding automatic rifles and wearing body armor guarding the door of the church, which was behind police tape. At least two police cars and two ambulances were at the scene. Essex Police have appealed for anyone to contact them who may have captured the incident on doorbell cameras or dash-cams. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum reacted in horror. Health Secretary Sajid Javid posted he was "devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder." Michael Gove, a senior member of Prime Minister Johnson's government, described the news as "heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news." He described Amess as "a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness." Carrie Johnson, the prime minister's wife, tweeted that Amess "was hugely kind and good." "Absolutely devastating news," she wrote, calling him "an enormous animal lover and a true gent." Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said in a statement that it was "a dark and shocking day. The whole country will feel it acutely, perhaps the more so because we have, heartbreakingly, been here before." David Amess MP Stabbed During Constituency Surgery (John Keeble / Getty Images) Brendan Cox, the husband of the Labour lawmaker murdered in 2016, wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts and love are with Davids family. They are all that matter now. This brings everything back." The speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, said that following Amess' death he would be launching a review into lawmakers' safety and security. "This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country," he said in a statement. Flags across the parliamentary estate would be lowered to half-staff, he added. In the years since Cox's murder and the highly divisive Brexit referendum, British lawmakers have reported receiving a rising number of death threats, particularly on social media. But there have been attacks on political figures before the murder of Cox. In 2010, Labour lawmaker Stephen Timms survived a stabbing in his constituency office. Andy Pennington, personal assistant to Liberal Democrat lawmaker Nigel Jones, was killed in 2000 as he tried to protect Jones from an attacker who broke into his constituency office wielding a sword. Though none shook British politics like Cox's murder. Amess wrote a book, "Ayes & Ears: A Survivor's Guide to Westminster," published last year, in which he described how Cox's death had affected his day-to-day life. Most lawmakers "have modified or changed the way they interact with the general public," he wrote. He described how he and colleagues regularly check their locks, and some have security cameras installed. But the biggest change, Amess said, was how they have approached the regular meetings with constituents, known as "surgeries," the type of meeting where he was killed Friday. "The British tradition has always been that members of Parliament always make themselves available for constituents to meet them face-to-face at their surgeries," he wrote. "Now advice has been given to be more careful when accepting appointments. We are advised never to see people alone, we must be careful when opening post and we must ensure that our offices are properly safe and secure." Amess became a member of Parliament in 1983 and has represented the constituency of Southend West since 1997. He was given a knighthood in 2015 for political and public service. Amess was a staunch supporter of the Brexit campaign that saw Britain exit the European Union. A Roman Catholic, Amess supported animal welfare issues and was anti-abortion. This March, he asked Parliament to do more to combat knife crime after one of his constituents, aged 18, was stabbed to death. Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said Amess had supported the British charity "for decades" and was "committed to our cause and to his public service." By Moira Warburton (Reuters) - The Canadian city of Iqaluit in the country's northern territory said lab results confirmed that fuel had entered its water supply, officials announced on Friday. Analysis of samples from one of the city's water tanks found "exceedingly high levels of various fuel components," Amy Elgersma, Iqaluit's chief administrative officer, said, adding it was likely diesel or kerosene. Residents in Iqaluit, the capital of Canada's northernmost territory Nunavut, which borders Greenland, reported fuel odors in the water over the weekend, but the source was not clear. The city declared a state of emergency on Tuesday night, telling residents to stop using city water for drinking and cooking. The water would not be safe even after boiling, the city said. Officials suspect the fuel entered the tank from soil or ground water contamination, and are emptying water from the tank to conduct further investigations. Meanwhile water will be routed around the tank, and Elgersma said Iqaluit's roughly 7,000 residents will receive instructions from the city on when they should flush their pipes. "The best evidence that we have right now indicates that the risk of long term health effects (for those who drank the water) is not a concern at this point," Dr. Michael Patterson, Nunavut's chief medical officer, said. He added that there was "no evidence" of carcinogenic chemicals officials had worried about, including benzene and toluene, both of which can be found in fuel. However he cautioned that it could be the middle or end of next week before the city lifted the do not consume order. Although Canada has 20% of the world's fresh water within its borders, 45 indigenous communities across the country currently have boil-water advisories. Nunavut's population is 86% indigenous. Canada's indigenous people experience the country's highest rates of poverty, with 25% estimated to be living in poverty, according to the Canadian Poverty Institute. Water is a contentious issue for Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was first elected in 2015 with a promise to end all boil-water advisories within five years. (Reporting by Moira Warburton in Vancouver; Editing by Sandra Maler) Washington A Capitol Police officer has been arrested and charged with obstructing the investigation into the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the building he had sworn an oath to protect. According to a grand jury indictment unsealed Friday, Michael Angelo Riley, a 25-year veteran of the force and K-9 unit officer, initiated contact with an individual he didn't know on Facebook on January 7, a day after the assault on the Capitol. The unnamed Facebook user had allegedly posted photos, videos, and "other commentary" on Facebook that revealed he had been present inside the Capitol during the insurrection. "Hey," Riley allegedly wrote to the individual, "I'm a capitol police officer who agrees with your political stance. Take down the part about being in the building they are currently investigating and everyone who was in the building is going to charged. Just looking out!" Riley and the unidentified rioter then exchanged messages over multiple days, court documents reveal, including exchanges about what charges prosecutors might bring against this person and and others accused of taking part in the melee. "They're arresting dozens of people a day," Riley told his Facebook friend in one exchange, "Its behind you now...lesson learned! Just ask your attorney whats next," he recommended in another. Riley, who wasn't among the officers inside the Capitol during the attack, also had a 23-minute-long phone conversation with the rioter. On July 21, 2021, Riley is said to have written to the unidentified individual, attempting to distance himself from the rioter's alleged actions after he had purportedly discussed the case with a friend. "I tried to defend you," Riley wrote, "but then he showed me a video of you in the Capitol smoking weed and acting like a moron. I have to say, i was shocked and dumfounded...I will no longer be conversing with you." Story continues The indicted officer then deleted his messages with the unidentified rioter and stopped all communications. "Obstruction of Justice is a very serious allegation. The Department was notified about this investigation several weeks ago. Upon his arrest, the officer was placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the case," said Chief Tom Manger, U.S. Capitol Police, "The USCP's Office of Professional Responsibility will then open an administrative investigation." Riley appeared in court Friday afternoon with his attorney and has been released under certain conditions pending trial. Nikole Killion contributed to this report. Retired FBI boss finds new career driving a school bus Wreckage of legendary military ship found Justice Department to ask Supreme Court to block Texas abortion law By Judicael Yongo BANGUI (Reuters) - Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera on Friday declared a unilateral cessation of fighting against armed groups, saying he hoped it would lead to peaceful dialogue. The country has seen recurrent rounds of rebel violence since former president Francois Bozize was ousted in 2013. Armed groups control large swathes of territory and about one-quarter of the nearly 5 million population has been displaced. The spokesman for the main rebel alliance, the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), told Reuters he welcomed the initiative and the CPC would respect the ceasefire if the government did. Past peace accords have quickly fallen apart. Touadera said on television that he believed the ceasefire would help protect civilians from violence and allow them to access humanitarian aid and basic services. "It is to give peace a chance that I am here to announce to you this evening the end of military operations and all armed action on the whole of the national territory," said Touadera, stating that the move would take effect at midnight. The latest fighting between the CPC rebels and the army was sparked by a court decision to bar former President Bozize from running in last year's presidential election, in which President Faustin-Archange Touadera won a second term. Touadera announced he would hold a national dialogue with his opponents shortly after being sworn in, but the talks have not yet materialized. The authorities blame the CPC for frequent attacks on civilians, including one which killed 20 people last week. CPC spokesman Abakar Sabone said the group also wants peace but is fighting in self-defence. "A ceasefire is a good thing ... but we are waiting now to see how it is executed on the ground," he told Reuters. (Reporting by Judicael Yongo; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Giles Elgood) Heather New The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County in a news release on Thursday announced it is beginning the process for hiring a new president and chief executive officer. Heather Brothers New, who has served in those capacities since 2011, plans to step down in June 2022 to run for mayor of Gadsden. She announced her entry into that race last month. The Chambers board president, Morgan Lavender of Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, said the organizations executive committee has given a lot of thought to the best process for a seamless transition. Mrs. New has been forthright with the board for some time about her intention to pursue this new endeavor," she added, which has afforded us time to ensure continuity of vision and leadership of the organization. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Oct. 29, and are to be emailed to president@etowahchamber.org. A cover letter, professional resume, three professional references and salary expectation are required. The job description can be found at https://bit.ly/3FPOTmk. The goal, according to Lavender, is to have a successor in place by early January, who will train with New until her departure. The organization has transformed over the last 10 years under Heathers leadership, she added. Were fiscally sound, were providing more programming than ever, were invested in the strategies that making a difference in our community and we want to ensure that there is no gap in our ability to continue, and perhaps even take it to the next level. New said the transition will be emotional, but she understands that the board will care for the organization and its staff to the utmost of its ability. The Chamber is strong because its governance is strong, she said. The executive committee has taken great pains and gone to great lengths to make sure we get this transition right, and Im grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I will always deeply love The Chamber and its mission and members. Im not leaving next year because Im unhappy; I just see where my skill set can be more beneficial to the community in another place of service. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Chamber starts search for new leader LONDON (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the COP26 climate summit in person, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been told, The Times newspaper reported. Britain, which hosts the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP26, in Glasgow on Oct. 31-Nov 12, is seeking to get big power support for a more radical plan to tackle climate change. "It is now pretty clear that Xi is not going to turn up and the PM has been told that," The Times quoted an unidentified British source as saying. "What we dont know is what stance the Chinese are going to take." The Times said British organisers fear that Xi's decision to stay away could be a prelude to China refusing to set new climate change goals amid an energy crunch. The Chinese embassy in London could not be reached for immediate comment. Xi, Chinas most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, has not left the People's Republic since the beginning of the novel coronavirus pandemic. He has joined video calls with global leaders. China is the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter so Xi's absence from discussions - either in person or via video calls - would mark a setback for Johnson's hopes of getting world leaders to agree a significant climate deal. Xi, 68, who has served as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party since 2012, attended the 2015 Paris climate conference. Britain's Queen Elizabeth has been overheard saying that she was irritated by world leaders who talk about climate change but then do very little or nothing to address the crisis. "Extraordinary isnt it. Ive been hearing all about COP," the 95-year-old monarch told Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the wife of her son, Charles, Prince of Wales and the presiding officer of the Welsh assembly. "Still dont know who is coming..." "It's really irritating when they talk, but they don't do," Elizabeth said in a conversation picked up by a microphone. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Kate Holton and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Oct. 15Derek Sparks has shared two iPhone photos. One depicts an IV needle piercing his left forearm with white bandage tape keeping the sharp metal pin in place. The other shows Sparks' right arm. A white hospital bracelet and brown adhesive bandage tape are wrapped around his wrist and the inside of his forearm is covered with deep purple bruises that represent old puncture marks. The images demonstrate the pain Sparks has endured rather, a small fraction of it since the former Washington State running back was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in August, creating a considerable hurdle for someone who's already spent much of the past 45 years running through life's biggest obstacles. His best chances to overcome cancer lie with intense chemotherapy sessions, daily treatment at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the adrenalectomy procedure Sparks underwent on Wednesday to remove the adrenal glands above his kidneys. But the former blue-chip recruit, WSU tailback, motivational speaker, college football assistant, philanthropist, author, mentor, father and husband has found an even stronger antidote to the cancer-induced ailments he's experienced over the past two months. Hope. The photos may point to his struggle, but a two-minute video from an ultrasound room in Texas reveals the strength, courage and optimism of someone who's prepared to push for every yard and knock down every barrier in the biggest fight of his life. "I'm starting an ultrasound, getting an ultrasound. I don't have any blood clots in my legs, so they wanted to make sure that there was no clots," a visibly exasperated Sparks says in the video. "They're going to wheel me back to my room." After a short pause, Sparks mutters "... and the games continue." "Trying to get this done so I can start my treatment. So I can get better," he says. "But I'm extremely exhausted, mentally fatigued like an athlete. Holy smokes. Talking about fourth-and-1. We need this one. We've got to have it. Never in as many years I thought I'd be in this predicament, but you know the enemy is always rampant, trying to pull you down. Story continues "But we're going to get this, we're going to claim it. Claim the victory. God don't make mistakes." The sterile confines of a hospital room more than 2,300 miles from home can make a person feel isolated, but Sparks doesn't feel alone in this setting. Nor should he. It's common for him to wake up to more than 100 text messages and while replying to each one can be exhausting given his current condition, Sparks doesn't mind the busy work, reasoning, "(It) keeps my mind working, so I don't become a cancer patient." When asked for a few contacts who could speak on his behalf, Sparks begins to send phone numbers in mass ... and doesn't stop. His support circle is big and it's only growing. Sparks has kept in touch with dozens of his former teammates and coaches from WSU, including Mike Price, who was among the troupe of coaches to recruit him at Southern California's Mater Dei in the early 1990s. "If anybody can make it through, it's going to be him and he'll persevere. He'll get off the mat," Price said. "If he gets knocked down, he'll get right back up. If it takes him, it's going to be a real battle." Most important, it's a battle Sparks is up for. 'A different mentality' Thirty years ago, Sparks was the equivalent of a five-star prospect in an era when such rankings didn't exist. During a time when high school transfers weren't so prevalent, the running back's prep career became a subject of public scrutiny as he transferred from Banning High School to Montclair Prep and finally Mater Dei after relocating to California from rough conditions in his hometown of Wharton, Texas, where he was raised by a single mother. Sparks covers his upbringing and the controversy surrounding his recruitment in a 1999 paperback book, "Lessons of the Game: The betrayal of an All-American football star." "He came in and we thought, 'Oh ... this guy's a hotshot and sometimes they're a little difficult to work with,' but he was never that way and we expected a lot out of him and he expected a lot out of himself," Price said. "When he didn't get it, he didn't point fingers and he didn't bitch about it. If we moved him out and put somebody else in there, no problem. He just wanted to help Washington State win. "He was just a real team guy, not an individual. Sometimes those running backs can be like that, a little bit hard to work with. And that was kind of the rap he had coming out of high school. I think it was more from the high school coaches' dissension than it was from him. He's a pretty honest kid, upfront kind of guy." Chris Jackson, the former WSU wideout who's now an assistant receivers coach for the Chicago Bears, attended Mater Dei with Sparks before accepting a scholarship with the Cougars. At a predominantly white high school, many of the Black athletes found themselves in the same circle. Jackson, just a basketball player at the time, recalls attending his first Mater Dei game and watching in awe when Sparks spotted a hole in the defense and took his first carry 75 yards for a touchdown. Eventually, Jackson got to know the gifted running back on a personal level and Sparks grew to be something of a mentor to Jackson and WSU's younger players. "Derek's mind was always on business. ... I think once he realized what football provided for him, he realized football was going to come and go at some point," Jackson said. "But he realized, this is something I'm going to build on and my story's unique and I'm going to start sharing it. So the book and all that stuff really started with his mentality back in the mid-'90s, so really just kind of sharing the stories and taking to us about, this can't just be about football because the university for lack of a better word is just going to use you. You're going to play your time here and then after this it's all said and done. ... He was on a different mentality." Injuries prevented Sparks from having the distinguished NFL career many thought he was capable of, but unlike many of his peers who had futures in football derailed by unforeseen circumstances, Sparks was able to pivot and find success in other ventures. Some have been in the football space, but Sparks has been just as effective outside of his comfort zone. Public speaking had always been an intimidating concept until a WSU alum, Mary Clift, invited Sparks to speak to her class at Bordeaux Elementary School in Shelton, Washington. "I never set out to be a motivational speaker. In fact, it's frightening to get up in front of people to talk and be vulnerable," he said. "... Needless to say, I agreed and when I arrived at Bordeaux, it was the entire school in the gym, not just her classroom. A speaker was born." Sparks has also worked at Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, Washington, as director of equity and inclusion, serving an especially important role for the private school last year as racial tensions boiled in the wake of George Floyd's death, especially in the Seattle area. Sparks was set to become a Dean of Students at Kennedy Catholic before his diagnosis. "He has demonstrated to me he's been here now a little over five years he's really just demonstrated an ability to connect with our students, in particular our students of color," said Matt Mohs, principal/president of Kennedy Catholic. "Our students of color make up a little bit over half of our student population. So, issues related to equity are important for our school to thrive and for our students to thrive and Derek had taken on a key leadership role around it, both bringing forward student voices as well as faculty voices. "We're definitely missing him this year as he's dealing with his fight." 'Claim the victory' There isn't a playbook for this chapter of Sparks' life, but it's also not the first time he's been deeply involved in a battle against cancer. In 2018, Sparks' daughter, Ze'Lee, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of cancer that compromises the blood and bone marrow and is most commonly found in children. Mainstream thinking would suggest it's the parents' role to impart knowledge on their children. In this situation, however, Sparks is drawing from the strength, courage and wisdom Ze'Lee used to push through her own cancer battle. "I recall sitting across from her hospital bed, having small talk. And she blurted out, 'Dad, you know I'm going to beat this!' " Sparks said. "She said, 'I'm claiming it. And if I don't, I'm going to glory to be with the Lord.' I obviously wasn't ready to hear that. So, I switched the focus to 'Claim it!' And it stuck." Sparks described Ze'Lee's diagnosis as something "that rocked our family to the core." "Why us, we asked?" he said. "We didn't hang our head long." Ze'Lee claimed her victory, spawning the most impactful philanthropic idea Sparks has had to date: Cleats vs. Cancer. As his daughter fought leukemia, Derek organized a high school all-star showcase in Seattle to raise funds for children battling cancer. Approaching its fourth iteration, the event also doubles as a recruiting opportunity for under-the-radar high school prospects and has attracted top players from Washington and surrounding states. The 2019 event drew so many entries, Sparks has had to split Cleats vs. Cancer into two games. "It's become a thing where, it used to be, 'OK, who wants to play in it?' " said Ian Furness, a radio host and TV anchor who's done emcee work at each of the past three Cleats vs. Cancer events. "Now kids want to play in it and you really have to earn your way into it, which is cool." The annual fundraiser can be a confluence of Cougars and Huskies, but Apple Cup allegiances are ignored in the name of raising money for pediatric cancer research. "Derek makes a phone call and you want to help and be there," said former Washington quarterback Damon Huard, who noted Sparks had a special impact on his son Sam, a former Kennedy Catholic player and current UW signal-caller who was one of the nation's top-rated high school QBs last year. "This year at my son's graduation, Derek's up there on the stage as an administrator of the school this last spring and my son's up there getting his diploma and we're trying to take pictures and there's Derek right up there taking the picture and sending it to us from close view. "That's just him, he's just always thinking of others. What he has meant to my son just as a role model, someone who puts the community first." Former WSU and Seattle Seahawk center Robbie Tobeck has volunteered a hand to his old teammate and friend at Cleats vs. Cancer. "Guys aren't taking time out of their Saturday mornings and standing out in the rain for just anybody," Tobeck said. "For Derek, guys were willing to do that." 'He's such a fighter' Last week in a narrow win over Lewis & Clark College, Pacific Lutheran football players all wore pink socks stamped with a "Sparks Strong" logo. The socks also depicted the outline of a running back wearing No. 5 Sparks' number at WSU throwing a stiff-arm. At Kennedy Catholic's home football game on Saturday, attendees will participate in a pink out with the same Sparks logo and a message, "We have your back!" screen-printed on custom T-shirts. Two months into his battle, Sparks is still trying to stiff-arm cancer so he can get back to the places where he's made the biggest impact. "This is the only thing that could've pulled him away," said PLU coach Brant McAdams, who initially hired Sparks to coach his running backs and got more than he bargained for when players began to lean on their assistant for advice off the field. "I've actually tried to fill that void as best I could. I've stepped in and coached the running backs and we've kind of divvied up some of the travel and I can personally speak to the fact it's exhausting. He sets such a fun, competitive, honest, energetic demeanor and that's the personality he brings every day and again the service-oriented service mindset." PLU's running backs still communicate with Sparks in a group text message chat and his wife recently sent McAdams a photo of his co-worker sleeping in a hospital bed with a laptop still resting on his legs. Sparks was watching game film when he dozed off. McAdams said the coaching staff has had to phase Sparks out of certain group chats to ensure he gets the rest he needs. "He can't not try to plug in from time to time when it fits this new schedule," McAdams said. "That's him." Five years ago, Sparks launched the "House of Champions" after learning one of his Garfield High football players was standing in front of the Washington Department of Social and Health Services holding just a suitcase. The house offers shelter for homeless high school athletes and provides an in-house "coach" to ensure rules are met. "It's so needed, so it's nice to see somebody give back the way he's doing," said former WSU and NFL kicker Rian Lindell, who worked with Sparks on Garfield's coaching staff. "He was this huge recruit, went to all these top schools. Then for him to kind of recognize and, 'Hey, some of these kids need a little pick me up here.' They need a helping hand to get going, so it's cool that he is able to do that." Many know Jason Brown as the popular, controversial, polarizing coach from the viral Netflix series, "Last Chance U," but Sparks knows him as a longtime friend and the former QB at Compton College, where Sparks first got his feet wet as a football coach. Brown, who resides in Southern California, flew to Seattle to conduct the pregame coin toss and speak at Cleats vs. Cancer a few years back, and describes his friend as "one of the true chameleons, so to speak," elaborating "(he) can go and walk into any business, any CEO, COO it doesn't matter, any race, creed or color, people love Derek." Brown, whose father died from the same form of cancer that's now ailing Sparks, has encouraged his friend to treat his battle like "a marathon ... not a sprint." "This is the battle of his life and he's got his babies to come back home to and I know he's not ready to give this life up yet," Brown said, "So I told him it's going to be a struggle, it's going to take all his will and might, but he's the guy that can do it if anyone can." The man residing in a southeastern Texas hospital room may not have firm answers when it comes to his future, but as a former running back Sparks knows stamina and patience can go a long way. "There is no 'if,' " he said. Last month, Sparks needed his blood potassium level to increase from 2.8 to 3.5 millimoles per liter so doctors could perform a biopsy that would allow them to see if his tumors were malignant. On a bathroom mirror, Sparks used a black dry erase marker to sketch out a traditional football play correlating with his target of 3.5. The play was called "35 blast." Underlined and written in capital letters, Sparks scribbled the word "GOAL" on the mirror with an arrow pointing to a power right formation where, naturally, No. 5 is in the backfield ready to explode through a hole. "I think this could be one of his toughest runs he's ever had to make, but there's a lot of people that are in his corner," said Jim Zeches, a former WSU linebackers coach who was Sparks' lead recruiter. "He's got it in him," Adams said. "He's such a fighter." "It's going to take all his will and might," Brown added, "but he's the guy that can do it if anyone can." "He had all the skills, catching it, running it, strong, powerful," former WSU running backs coach Buzz Preston said. "It went as far as it went. It's probably what's made him fight the fight he's fighting now and that's what you're proud of." It's hard to know how far to run when you're not sure where the end zone is, but Sparks knows to claim the biggest victory, he'll first need to collect a handful of smaller ones. Every yard counts. Two days before his adrenalectomy, Sparks conveyed his emotions in a short, candid text message. "Gametime," he said. "Claim the victory." As of this week, Sparks is no longer eligible to receive paid leave at Kennedy Catholic. He's seeking help to cover medical expenses and monthly bills while he's unable to work. Donations can be made to the GoFundMe page created for Sparks by his high school friend, Claudia Hudson. The UN Climate Summit in Glasgow is less than 20 days away, and diplomats have entered a crucial period when expectations are raised or lowered to guard against any blowback that might come from a particular outcome. Driving the news: Officials in the U.S. and abroad are sending clear signals that the odds that COP26 will meet some of its most important goals are diminishing, for a variety of reasons both macro and micro in scale. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The latest: U.S. special climate envoy John Kerry raised eyebrows in an AP interview published Thursday when he said there will be "gaps" between the emissions pledges secured at COP26 and the cuts needed to meet the Paris Agreements most ambitious temperature target. This target would limit global warming to 1.5C (2.7F) above pre-industrial levels by 2100 a threshold for avoiding some of the greatest harms. But meeting it would require a 45% global cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 a staggering turnabout from current trends What they're saying: It would be wonderful if everybody came and everybody hit the 1.5 degrees mark now, Kerry told the AP. That would be terrific. But some countries just dont have the energy mix yet that allows them to do that. It's one of several such warnings he's provided recently. Kerry also blamed the Democrats' failure to pass robust climate legislation for slowing momentum and hurting U.S. credibility going into Glasgow. White House press secretary Jen Psaki later said the president's climate agenda does not start or finish with COP26 and played down the ramifications for the summit of climate legislation. Meanwhile... UN officials and UK leaders, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have also been saying that some of the summits goals are in doubt. Johnson recently estimated there's a 60% chance of meeting a promised $100 billion annual commitment from industrialized countries to help developing nations cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts. Story continues Yes, but: Tina Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall Islands, a low-lying island nation, told Axios there is still momentum heading into Glasgow, "with positions still evolving." "The RMI and our close partners across vulnerable regions remain deeply committed to seeing 1.5-[degree] aligned plans... If there are gaps, then we need to address those head on," she said. Be smart: Getting every nation to agree on a slate of policies is tough enough in the best of times. But there has never been a COP held amid the level of geopolitical strife and disruption present today, one veteran of international climate negotiations dating back to the 1990s tells Axios. The response to COVID-19 widened the gap between rich and poor nations and generated distrust. Theres also a deepening energy crisis, and hostility between the U.S. and China, the top two greenhouse gas emitters. These geopolitical factors alone argue against major breakthroughs at COP26, the source said, adding there's also a lack of clear deliverables to guide diplomats toward when entering the talks. In Paris in 2015, for example, there was the Paris Agreement text for leaders to flesh out. What were watching: New emissions reduction commitments and climate finance pledges just ahead of the summit. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. Crypto meme lords have ignited a run on tungsten cubes. A two-day-old Twitter joke Crypto Traders to Blame for Global Tungsten Shortage is trending toward reality at least if that reality is limited to desk tchotchkes. Its also forcing the Illinois manufacturer behind tungsten.com to grapple with an unexpected retail buying spree and consider new payment options. Midwest Tungsten Services stock of tungsten cubes on Amazon is now fully depleted, Director of Ecommerce Sean Murray told CoinDesk in a phone call. He said he plans to restock. Why not? Retail cube sales are up over 300% this week, Murray said. Midwest is even considering accepting bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in homage to the Crypto Twitterdriven sales surge. Murray said hed immediately convert it to fiat, however. Its a quantifiable sales jump for a behind-the-scenes company that gets the bulk of its business from industrial customers. Most of Midwests clientele seek tungsten symbol W on the periodic table as a radiation-shielding, ballast-distributing, specialty metal. But the crypto traders arent welding alloys. Theyre aping into a meme. Deceivingly heavy tungsten cubes are the new it toy among Twitters crypto crowd. Since at least Tuesday, influential accounts, shitposting whales and day traders have been preaching and buying tungsten cubes. Pure unsolicited obsession with the density drove CMS Holdings Dan Matuszewski to tungsten cubes, the trader said over Twitter DMs. Hes already bought a four-inch cube that weighs 41 pounds from Midwest Tungsten. It cost $3,000. On Wednesday, he emailed Murray asking if Midwest Tungsten could make a bigger cube. Trying to see if we can get a 7incher, Matuszewski told CoinDesk. He told Midwests Murray via email that anything larger is probably too heavy to manage. Story continues Meme goes IRL I think my first inkling [of the meme] was somebody left a voicemail on one of my colleagues phones on Tuesday, Murray said. That caller mentioned two things: Twitter and crypto. Or was it bitcoin? Murray couldnt be sure. It didnt matter. A phony Bloomberg post tweeted by Coin Centers Neeraj Agrawal seemingly warned of impending tungsten shortages that day. The meme quickly went viral. I will take credit a little bit for the recent surge, Agrawal, one of Crypto Twitters most visible personalities, told CoinDesk in a call. I think it triggered to the rest of Crypto Twitter that, like, Alright, were doing something now. Were doing a thing. Were all buying these cubes. Crypto has had its tungsten moments before, however. Castle Island Ventures Nic Carter, who has hawked the metal on Twitter for years, is the original tungsten man, Agrawal said, noting Carters tungsten post went viral long before his. Matuszewski agreed: Carter is tungstens patient 0. Carters affection with tungsten runs so deep that he gives cubes out as Christmas presents, he told CoinDesk. People love it because its so surprisingly heavy, he added. He loves it because it is a sophisticated yet simple status symbol far better than a watch. Tungsten has about the same density as gold, he pointed out. If my new tungsten cube is covertly filled with equivalently dense gold Im going to have a fit nic carter (@nic__carter) October 14, 2021 Tangible tungsten cubes also provide a respite from the metaverse. Focusing on metals is funny because, like, were dealing with synthetic stuff all day, right? So, like, why not just recenter on some analog physical goods every now and again. Thats the joke, he said. Booming business Midwest Tungsten Service is going to keep the cubes coming. It has plenty of tungsten to spare, Murray said. Hes preparing a new cube shipment for the Amazon warehouse. Were just kind of trying to stay in our lane, being tungsten manufacturers, and trying to make sure that we are providing good service with this definitely larger number of fulfillments that were trying to send out, he said. There might even be a special edition 14-inch cube that would weigh over 1,700 pounds. It would be the single-largest tungsten piece Midwest has ever made, Murray said. One of the issues preventing that plan is questions over how to ship something so small yet so heavy. I dont have a cube, I dont really know how good the feeling really is, Agrawal admitted. Hes considering buying one. But he has no interest in the one-inchers. Im not going to get a cube and then have someone else have a bigger cube. Minutes after his interview with CoinDesk, Agrawal gave in. I just bought a cube, he wrote in an email, screw it. Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed during a meeting with constituents. (Reuters/UK Parliament) Conservative MP Sir David Amess, 69, has died after being stabbed multiple times during a constituency surgery. Sir David was one of the longest-serving MPs in parliament, and had represented Southend West, Essex, since 1997. His colleagues responded with horror to the news, describing him as one of "the kindest men in politics". A father-of-five, Sir David was also a well-known animal lover. Two weeks ago he announced that he and his beloved three-year-old French Bulldog Vivienne were running in the Westminster Dog of the Year Show. Watch: Tributes paid to true gent and friend to everyone He was known for his long-running campaign to make Southend a city. In December 2019, he secured an adjournment debate in the Commons specifically on the campaign and told MPs: I am not messing around. We have got it from the prime minister that Southend is going to become a city and it will become a city. As a strident supporter of the British monarchy, Sir David asked for a new statue of the Queen for Southend insisting the Queen deserved one for being a great monarch. He previously represented the constituency of Basildon for 14 years. Sir David Amess (L) took part in the annual parliamentary pancake race on Shrove Tuesday in central London in 2014. His colleagues have paid tribute to him, describing him as one of the kindest men in politics. (Carl Court/AFP via Getty Images) One of his most significant achievements in Parliament was the Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act (1988), which came about as a result of his long-standing concern for animal welfare. He also sponsored the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act (2000) which required the secretary of state to "publish and implement a strategy for reducing fuel poverty". This Act was widely credited with a significant change in both attitude and policy towards fuel poverty within the UK. In March 2018 Sir David launched an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis with the aim of raising awareness of the condition, and to investigate how those who suffer from endometriosis can get the support that they need. Sir David Amess is pictured during Prime Minister's Questions in January 2020. Sir David has died after a stabbing attack at a constituency surgery. (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor) Read more from Yahoo News UK: Helpline inundated by thousands 'terrified of losing their homes' Story continues More than 500 complaints over interview where Nick Robinson said 'stop talking' to PM Police hunt female gang after passengers attacked with bottles on busy train He has raised the plight of women with endometriosis in many debates and a number of times in Parliament, most recently to highlight the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on endometriosis care and to draw attention to the APPG's report that was launched in October 2020. Following news of the his death, tributes to "the kindest and nicest man in politics" flooded Twitter. Sir David Amess has been an MP since 1984 (PA) David Warburton MP said on Friday that Sir David is the kindest and nicest man in politics (Twitter) Greg Smith MP joined the outpouring of tributes to 'genuine, warm, welcoming' Sir David Amess (Twitter) Health secretary Sajid Javid wrote: "Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder. "A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role. My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. "Let us remember him and what he did with his life." Twitter was flooded with tributes by politicians from all parties (Twitter) Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: "Awful, tragic news about David. A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career. "My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time." And Labour MP Lucy Powell wrote: "This is totally heart-breaking. Tragic. "Such a lovely, decent man who has served his constituents and the country so well for so long. "I only last met with him a few weeks ago about building and fire safety issues on which hes tirelessly campaigned for years. "What a loss." Carrie Johnson, wife of the prime minister, said: "Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. "He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. "This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children." Touring Delta Air Lines' new terminal at LaGuardia Airport. Thomas Pallini/Insider Delta Air Lines is launching three new routes and one additional frequency to Panama City, Panama this winter. The expansion will mark Delta's highest number of flights to the country since it started service there in 1998. Delta's flight from Orlando will be the carrier's only international route out of the central Florida city. Delta Air Lines is focusing on Panama City, Panama in its latest network expansion, announcing three all-new nonstop routes to the Central American country on Friday. Delta is launching three new routes to Panama City in December from Los Angeles, Orlando, and New York, expanding its operation in the country to 13 weekly flights, which is an 80% increase in capacity since 2019, according to the airline. In addition to new routes, the airline is also adding a second Saturday-only frequency from its hub in Atlanta, set to begin on December 18. According to Delta, this winter will mark the highest number of flights to Panama since beginning service there in 1998. "From its breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture to its competitive economy in Latin America, Panama is a highly sought destination for business and leisure travelers alike," said Luciano Macagno, Delta's managing director - Latin America, Caribbean, and South Florida. "With our new direct flights from our L.A. and JFK hubs that offer significant U.S. connectivity, as well as the demand from the local Orlando community, we're looking forward to introducing Delta's signature hospitality and exceptional onboard experience to more customers planning their next trip." The launch of these routes indicates Delta sees strong business and leisure demand to the country, which has had a good recovery since the pandemic. According to Cirium data for October, airlines are operating 83% of the flights offered to Panama during the same time in 2019. Tourism in Panama spiked over the summer, with over 50,000 visitors in June 2021, according to CEIC data, compared to the 30,000 in May. However, this is still well below 2019 levels which saw over 120,000 tourists. Story continues Delta will face strong competition from Panama's national carrier Copa Airlines, which has its "Hub of the Americas" in Panama City. Last month, the airline joined the government in promoting tourism in the country, including launching its "Panama Stopover" and "Panama Irresistible" programs, according to Spanish aviation media outlet Aviaci Online. The stopover initiative, which was done with the support of the Tourism Promotion Fund, known as PROMTUR, offers travelers the option to add a multi-day stop in Panama City to their reservation at no additional cost. "One of the main objectives of PROMTUR Panama is to generate demand for international travelers through strategic alliances, and programs such as the Panama Stopover, align our efforts to position the country as a tourist destination in an attractive way for the thousands of tourists who travel through Copa Airlines," said PROMTUR's general director Fernando Fondevila. Meanwhile, the company's "Panama Irresistible" program offers discounts to Panama from dozens of cities in its network, including Los Angeles and Orlando, according to Aviaci Online. Here's a closer look at Delta's new routes to Panama. Between Orlando and Panama City, Panama Orlando, Florida John Greim/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Delta will launch Saturday-only flights between Orlando and Panama City on December 18 using a Boeing 737-900 aircraft, which can carry 180 passengers. The outbound will depart Orlando at 10:30 a.m. and land in Panama City at 1:50 p.m., with the return leaving at 3:20 p.m. and arriving at 6:40 p.m. The route will be the airline's only international flight out of Orlando and will face competition from Copa Airlines. Between Los Angeles and Panama City, Panama Los Angeles, California Getty Images/TheCrimsonRibbon Delta will launch once-daily flights between Los Angeles and Panama City on December 18 using a Boeing 757 aircraft, which can carry 199 passengers. The outbound flight will operate on Saturdays and depart Los Angeles at 8:50 p.m. and land in Panama City at 5:45 a.m. the next day. The return will operate on Sundays and leave at 8:05 a.m. and arrive at 11:15 a.m. Delta will compete with Copa Airlines on the route. Between New York's JFK International Airport and Panama City, Panama New York City, New York Joey Hadden/Insider Delta will launch thrice-weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between New York-JFK and Panama City on December 20 using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which can carry 160 passengers. Frequencies will increase to four times weekly on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in March 2022. The outbound will depart New York in the morning and the return will leave Panama City in the afternoon. Copa Airlines will be Delta's only competitor. Read the original article on Business Insider In The Know by Yahoo Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. In case you didnt know, this year Walt Disney World is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To celebrate the special occasion, Disney is going all out with limited-edition products and even special collaborations. Most recently, shopDisney teamed up with a diverse set of artists whove reimagined Mickey Mouse on graphic hoodies, sweatshirts and tees. The new Mickey Mouse merch is so cool even people who dont consider themselves Disney diehards will love it. Four artists had the opportunity to give Mickey a mini makeover: Rafael Faria, Deborah Salles, Nanako Kanemitsu and Bret Iwan. Each put their own unique spin on the classic Disney character, and the resulting designs are nothing short of spectacular. As with many things associated with Disneys 50th anniversary this year, theres a good chance the limited-edition Mickey Mouse merch will be extra popular this holiday season. If you see a style you like, best to buy it now while its still in stock in your size. Mickey Mouse Hooded Pullover for Adults by Rafael Faria, $64.99 Buy Now The streetwear take on this Mickey Mouse hoodie makes it really special. Pair it with black jeans and leggings, and you can live in it all season long. Mickey Mouse Fleece Pullover for Adults by Deborah Salles, $64.99 Buy Now This retro-inspired Mickey Mouse sweatshirt is sure to be a collector's item in years to come. Mickey Mouse T-Shirt for Adults by Nanako Kanemitsu, $39.99 Buy Now How fun and playful is this Mickey Mouse T-Shirt? Make no mistake about it; you'll definitely get lots of compliments on this one. Mickey Mouse T-Shirt for Women by Rafael Faria, $39.99 Buy Now This black tee is so groovy, right? The Mickey Mouse rendering is unlike anything we've seen Disney do before. Story continues Mickey Mouse Top for Adults by Bret Iwan, $39.99 Buy Now If you prefer a subtler style, go with this subdued Mickey Mouse Top in perfectly worn gray. Mickey Mouse ''Oh Boy'' T-Shirt for Adults by Nanako Kanemitsu, $39.99 Buy Now Show you Mickey Mouse pride in this sweet ''Oh Boy'' T-Shirt by artist Nanako Kanemitsu. More from In The Know: Be the first to shop limited-edition BaubleBar x Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary collection now shopDisney just unveiled even more Disney World 50th anniversary merchandise you have to see it Disney just unveiled 'Alice in Wonderland' dinnerware, and you have to see how pretty it is Cute, cuddly plush toys are BOGO $5 at shopDisney this week score Baby Yoda, Groot and more The post Disney teamed up with artists on a new collection of Mickey Mouse merch, and its so cool appeared first on In The Know. BERLIN, El Salvador (AP) At a geothermal power plant near El Salvadors Tecapa volcano, 300 computers whir inside a trailer as they make complex mathematical calculations day and night verifying transactions for the cryptocurrency bitcoin. The pilot project has inspired a rash of volcano emojis from President Nayib Bukele, who made bitcoin legal tender in September, and promises of cheap, renewable energy for so-called bitcoin mining. Such operations, including ones industrial in scale, have been harshly criticized elsewhere in the world for the massive amounts of electricity they use and the resulting carbon footprint. Bukele and others say El Salvadors geothermal resources generating electricity from high-pressure steam produced by the volcanos subterranean heat could be a solution. But the picture in the tiny Central American country is more complicated. We dont spend resources that contaminate the environment, we dont depend on oil, we dont depend on natural gas, on any resource that isnt renewable, Daniel Alvarez, president of the Rio Lempa Hydroelectric Executive Commission, which oversees the plant, said during a tour Friday. Cheap power and a supportive government are the two critical factors for attracting bitcoin mining operations, said Brandon Arvanaghi, a bitcoin mining consultant. Two years ago, China provided about three-quarters of all the electricity used for crypto mining, with operations flocking to take advantage of its cheap hydroelectric power. But the government began restricting mining and in September declared all transactions involving bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies illegal. That has led to a scramble to set up mining operations in other countries. It would appear to be fortuitous for Bukele, who shocked the nation and many around the world with his announcement last summer that bitcoin would become legal tender beside the U.S. dollar in El Salvador. The president sold the plan in part as a way for Salvadorans living overseas mostly in the U.S. to send money home to their families more cheaply. It also made him a darling of the bitcoin world. Story continues But the launch has been rocky. The digital wallet Salvadorans were expected to use to perform basic transactions had a glitchy rollout. Some users said they just wanted the $30 the government offered as an incentive. There continue to be concerns that the digital currency, which touts being controlled by no government, will invite criminal activity. So far, the United States has been a big winner in attracting more bitcoin mining operations, especially the state of Texas, which has bountiful renewable energy and a de-regulated market. Bitcoin mining in El Salvador would appear to have a supportive government in Bukele, but cheap electricity is so far just a promise. El Salvador imports about one-fifth to one-quarter of its electricity. The rest of production is divided among hydroelectric, geothermal and plants fired by fossil fuels. Geothermal accounts for about a quarter of the countrys energy. El Salvador has 23 volcanoes. When you add these renewable sources like these vast abundant areas, a ton of renewable sources and a friendly regime it can be very attractive and El Salvador may very well fit that model, Arvanaghi said. Right now, El Salvadors electricity is not considered particularly cheap. The website GlobalPetrolPrices.com, which publishes retail energy prices around the world, puts electric costs to households and businesses in El Salvador well above the global average. Arvanaghi said that bitcoin mining incentivizes the expansion of renewable energy production by providing high demand for cheap power and that miners have shown themselves to be willing to pause a portion of their machines at times when there is less power available from the grid. Bukeles promise of cheap power for bitcoin mining then would have to involve a subsidy, at least until renewable capacity expanded and rates declined. Luis Gonzalez, public policy director at the nongovernmental organization Salvadoran Ecological Unit (UNES), said if El Salvador can manage to provide cheaper, renewable power it should go to the countrys families, not cryptocurrency mining operations. The ideal would be that the cheapest, cleanest, most national energy would be for the people, Gonzalez said. He also warned that advertising geothermal as clean has caveats. It is cleaner than burning fossil fuels, he said, but comes with its own impacts. The sites where wells are dug to tap into the subterranean heat impact the local habitat. He also expressed concerns that aquifers could become contaminated at geothermal sites. Were the country with the least access to water in Central America, he said, noting that was the main reason El Salvador banned metals mining four years ago. Many bitcoin mining operations have concentrated in cooler climates too, because beyond the electricity to power the machines more is the need to keep them cool, Gonzalez said. El Salvador has a tropical climate. At the Berlin Geothermal plant, two hours drive east of the capital, Gustavo Cuellar, special projects adviser for the Rio Lempa Hydroelectric Executive Commission, is overseeing the mining operation. He said the specialized mining machines on the site are using 1.5 megawatts of the 102 megawatts the plant produces. El Salvadors other geothermal plant in Ahuachapan produces another 95 megawatts. Together the plants provide power to 1.5 million of El Salvadors 6.5 million citizens. Alvarez said that the project will grow over time because we have the renewable energy resource, we have a lot of potential to continue producing energy to mine. __ Sherman reported from Mexico City. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House on Friday will lift COVID-19 travel restrictions for fully vaccinated international visitors starting Nov. 8, ending historic restrictions that had barred much of the world from entering the United States for as long as 21 months. The unprecedented travel restrictions kept millions of visitors out of the United States from China, Canada, Mexico, India, Brazil, much of Europe and elsewhere; shrunk U.S. tourism; and hurt border community economies. They prevented many loved ones and foreign workers from reuniting with families. "Oh how I've missed Christmas in NY," Alexandros Koronakis, an executive with AT&T Inc in Brussels, wrote on Twitter. U.S. allies had heavily lobbied the Biden administration to lift the rules. Many praised Friday's announcement, including Sweden's ambassador to the United States Karin Olofsdotter, who called it "very welcoming news." White House spokesman Kevin Munoz confirmed the Nov. 8 date https://twitter.com/KMunoz46/status/1448994395957641241?s=20 on Twitter, adding the policy "is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent." Restrictions on non-U.S. citizens were first imposed on air travelers from China in January 2020 by then-President Donald Trump and then extended to dozens of other countries, without any clear metrics for how and when to lift them. Curbs on non-essential travelers at land borders with Mexico and Canada have been in place since March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Reuters first reported Friday's announcement of the Nov. 8 starting date earlier in the day. U.S. airline, hotel and cruise industry stocks rose on the news, including American Airlines, up 2.8%; Marriott International Inc, up 3.7%; and Carnival Corp, up 0.9%. U.S. international air passenger traffic was down 43% in August and overall passenger air traffic was down 21% over pre-pandemic levels, the U.S. Transportation Department said Friday. Story continues Airlines have seen an increase in international ticket sales in recent weeks after the White House announced plans to lift the restrictions, Nick Calio, chief executive of the Airlines for America industry trade group, said in a statement. Calio said the "full reopening of international travel is also critical to reviving economies around the globe, reinvigorating communities and supporting millions of jobs in the U.S. and abroad." The United States had lagged many other countries in lifting such restrictions. In January, Trump issued an order to lift travel restrictions on people in Europe and Brazil. But the order was reversed https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/biden-block-trumps-plan-lift-covid-19-european-travel-restrictions-2021-01-18 by President Joe Biden before it took effect. The Biden administration, which repeatedly has said it does endorse so-called "vaccine passports," grappled for months over whether to mandate vaccinations as a condition of lifting https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-us-developing-plan-require-foreign-visitors-be-vaccinated-official-2021-08-04 country-specific restrictions, officials told Reuters. On Tuesday, the White House announced it would lift restrictions at its land borders and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated foreign nationals in early November. They are similar but not identical to requirements announced last month for international air travelers. Unvaccinated visitors will still be barred from entering the United States from Canada or Mexico at land borders. Canada on Aug. 9 began allowing https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-usa-canada-idCNL1N2OV1MH fully vaccinated U.S. visitors for non-essential travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told Reuters last week the United States will accept the use by international visitors of COVID-19 vaccines authorized by U.S. regulators or the World Health Organization. The White House, which held a meeting late Thursday to finalize the Nov. 8 date, faces some remaining questions, including how and what exemptions the Biden administration will grant to the vaccine requirements. Children under 18, for example, are largely expected to be exempt from the requirements, an official said. U.S. Travel Association Chief Executive Roger Dow said declines in international visits since the pandemic started resulted in more than $250 billion in lost income. Dow said in a statement that the Nov. 8 date "is critically important for planning - for airlines, for travel-supported businesses, and for millions of travelers worldwide who will now advance plans to visit the United States once again." The White House announced on Sept. 20 that the United States would lift restrictions on air travelers https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/us-relax-travel-restrictions-passengers-uk-eu-november-source-2021-09-20 from 33 countries in early November. It did not specify the date at the time. Starting Nov. 8, the United States will admit fully vaccinated foreign air travelers from the 26 so-called Schengen countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece, as well as Britain, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil. The unprecedented U.S. restrictions have barred non-U.S. citizens who were in those countries within the past 14 days. The United States has allowed foreign air travelers from more than 150 countries throughout the pandemic, a policy that critics said made little sense because some countries with high infection rates were not on the restricted list, while some on the list had the pandemic more under control. The White House said last month it would apply vaccine requirements to foreign nationals traveling from all other countries. Non-U.S. air travelers will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding a flight, and will need to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. Foreign visitors crossing a land border will not need to show proof of a recent negative test. The new rules do not require foreign visitors or Americans entering the country to go into quarantine. Americans traveling overseas must still show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test, and unvaccinated Americans will face stricter testing requirements. They will also be subject to restrictions in countries they plan to visit, which may include quarantines. The CDC plans to issue new rules soon on contact tracing for international air travelers. (Reporting by David Shepardson; additional reporting by Tyler Clifford; Editing by Jonathan Oatis;) BERLIN (Reuters) - At the start of exploratory coalition talks, Germany's two kingmaker parties - the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) and the Greens - were far apart on issues ranging from the fight against climate change to a general speed limit. In a draft agreement that will form the starting point for any formal coalition talks presented on Friday, however, the two parties, along with the Social Democrats, laid out the compromises they have been hammering out since the start of the month. CLIMATE CHANGE In what could be seen as a win for the Greens and their co-leader Annalena Baerbock, who want to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions within 20 years, the draft agreement foresees an exit from coal-fired power stations by 2030, more solar panels on roofs and more onshore and offshore wind energy. The FDP had wanted Germany to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, while the SPD could have waited until 2045. However, the Greens have scrapped their plans for a universal speed limit on Germany's 'no limits' motorways, an idea that had little popularity among the FDP led by Christian Lindner. The two had also disagree on whether combustion-powered cars should be banned in the medium term. In Friday's agreement, the parties advocated for new registrations only of e-fuel-powered vehicles. TAXES The parties said they would not hike income taxes, corporate taxes, or value added tax. Instead, "super write-offs" for investments in climate protection and digitalisation will boost the economy. The agreement did not say whether any taxes could be cut, though. The FDP had sought to cut taxes for everyone, while the Greens wanted to lower the threshold for the top tax bracket and introduce a new tax bracket for ultra-high earners. The SPD had wanted to help those on low and medium incomes and raise taxes for the top 5%. FOREIGN POLICY The parties agreed that Germany's foreign policy should be focused on strengthening Europe, including through cooperation with France and Poland, as well as multilateral relations with partners that share Germany's democratic values. Story continues The transatlantic alliance between the United States and its European partners is a central pillar of global cooperation, and NATO is an indispensable part of Germany's security, they said. They also highlighted the importance of Israel's security. They did not say, though, whether Germany would increase its military spending to NATO's target of 2% of economic output, a move that the Greens had opposed. INVESTMENTS The parties said huge investments would be needed to fight the effects of climate change and make progress on digitalisation, education, research and infrastructure. They aim to cut down on red tape for public and private investment projects, with an aim to at least halve the time it takes to realize them. However, they aim to stick to Germany's debt brake, which limits new borrowing to a tiny fraction of economic output. The Greens had called for a reform of the debt brake to promote public investment. Instead, the government should do away with any subsidies and spending that are unnecessary, ineffective, or harmful to the environment and step up the fight against tax evasion, tax avoidance and money laundering. It would also continue to push for the introduction of a global minimum corporate tax. SOCIAL ISSUES The FDP has also dropped its opposition to the minimum wage increase, which would be raised to 12 euros ($14) an hour in the first year under the new coalition government. The parties also aligned on their aim to build 400,000 new apartments a year to fight a housing crisis, lower the voting age to 16 and create a points-based immigration system to draw in qualified workers. Also promised were adaptations to laws on transgender, family and reproductive rights, in line with the wishes of the younger voter base who turned out behind the FDP and Greens. All three seem to have stuck to their promise to allow dual citizenship - a huge change for thousands of ethnic Turks, many of whom remain foreign nationals after decades in Germany. (Reporting by Miranda Murray and Maria Sheahan; Editing by Giles Elgood) ATHENS, Greece (AP) Six female former lawmakers and judges from Afghanistan were received Friday by Greeces prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, after fleeing their homeland in the wake of the Taliban takeover. The three former lawmakers and three former judges arrived in September, assisted by Greek and international charities, and are expected to be resettled in other European countries. They met with Greeces first female president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, earlier this week. Afghanistans twin-chamber parliament was effectively dissolved after the Taliban seized control of the country in August. The future of the national assembly and the question of whether women will be allowed to hold any positions of authority remain uncertain. The Greek government has taken a tough line on illegal immigration, and recently announced plans to hire more border guards in an effort to deter Afghan migrants from reaching the European Union. In Washington Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked Greece for sheltering the former lawmakers. He made the remarks after a meeting with visiting Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias. Among the former parliament members present Friday was Shagufa Noorzai from Afghanistans southern Helmand province. Speaking at an event in Athens to promote democracy earlier this month, she vowed to try to continue helping Afghan women. We struggled for 20 years, but this all, I think, went to zero. We lost. They killed our thoughts, our freedom of expression, she said. Our country has darkened. BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold virtual farewell talks on Monday with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and will also receive European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a German government spokesperson said on Friday. Merkel and Li will discuss bilateral and international relations, economic issues, climate change and preparations for the G20 summit, the spokesperson told a regular government news conference. The announcement follows a report in Britain's The Times newspaper that Chinese President Xi Jinping will not travel to Scotland next month to attend the COP26 climate summit in person. Asked if Merkel and Li would discuss China's contribution to the global fight against climate change, the spokesperson said the topic was certainly going to come up. "The German government assumes that the Chinese side will make a decisive contribution to climate protection by reducing the risks of climate change," she said. The meeting with von der Leyen, a former German defence minister in Merkel's government, will focus on current political issues, the spokesperson said. After 16 years of leading Germany, Merkel plans to step down after a new government has been formed following last month's federal election, in which her conservatives came second after the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). (Reporting by Christian Kraemer; Writing by Zuzanna Szymanska; Editing by Maria Sheahan and Gareth Jones) Northampton, MA --News Direct-- CNH Industrial Amy Hess and her family, USA CNH Industrial brand New Holland Agriculture is celebrating the United Nations International Day of Rural Women. The day recognizes the social and economic achievements of women and girls in rural areas and their contribution to the worlds food systems. This years theme is Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All. New Holland Agriculture is celebrating by highlighting the great achievements of female farmers around the world farmers like Amy Hess, owner and operator of Bow Creek Farm - Red Angus Beef & Cattle in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. In 2018, she quietly opened her on-farm Beef Shop and in January 2019, an e-commerce operation just in time to for a once-in-a-century pandemic. Although Amy and her partner Rob had to scramble to meet high demand, they were well prepared. While retail sales soared, their wholesale sales sputtered, allowing them to divert existing animal inventory to the store. As well as farmers like Rachel Chirgwin, Owner of RIC Farming and a customer in Australia. She started out completing her Bachelor of Agriculture and Advanced Diploma in Rural Business Management and is now the owner of three business entities under RIC Farming, specializing in stud and grain trading. International Day of Rural Women not only recognizes womens labor, but is also a call to action for womens empowerment and equal opportunities. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/new-holland-agriculture-celebrates-international-rural-womens-day-116543784 HONG KONG (Reuters) -Hong Kong's audit regulator said on Friday it was investigating China Evergrande Group's 2020 accounts and their audit by PwC because it had concerns about the adequacy of reporting on whether it could continue operating as a going concern. Cash-strapped Evergrande has been scrambling to divest some assets to repay creditors knocking on its doors. With more than $300 billion in liabilities, it has already missed three rounds of interest payments on its international bonds. The Financial Reporting Council said it had launched an inquiry into Evergrande's accounts for the full year of 2020 and the first half of 2021, and an investigation of PwC's audit of Evergrande's 2020 accounts. The FRC said Evergrande as of end 2020 reported cash and cash equivalents of 159 billion yuan ($24.73 billion), which did not cover its current liabilities of 1.5 trillion yuan, and had further borrowings of 167 billion yuan maturing in 2022. However, the accounts made no explicit statement about whether material going concern uncertainties existed before or after the effects of implementing plans Evergrande said it had to mitigate potential impacts on cash flow, it said. PwC expressed an unmodified audit opinion in its auditors report on the 2020 annual accounts, but made no reference to material uncertainties regarding whether Evergrande was a going concern, the FRC said. Evergrande and PwC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. ($1 = 6.4290 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Alun John; Editing by Jason Neely and Jan Harvey) Hundreds of Amazon and Google employees signed an anonymous letter Tuesday condemning a deal made between the corporations and Israel that they argue will harm Palestinians. The letter, signed "internally" by 300 employees from Amazon and 90 others from Google, was published in the Guardian on Tuesday but with no names attached. The employees said they chose to be anonymous out of fear of retaliation but wanted to voice their opposition to the Project Nimbus contract that provides cloud services to the Israeli military and government agencies. PLAYERS DESPERATELY TRY TO IMPERSONATE JEFF BEZOS, DODGE CENSORS IN AMAZON STUDIOS VIDEO GAME "We are writing as Google and Amazon employees of conscience from diverse backgrounds. We believe that the technology we build should work to serve and uplift people everywhere, including all of our users," the letter said. "We cannot look the other way, as the products we build are used to deny Palestinians their basic rights, force Palestinians out of their homes and attack Palestinians in the Gaza Strip actions that have prompted war crime investigations by the international criminal court." Amazon and Google won the Project Nimbus contract for $1.2 billion, beating out Microsoft and others in April. Amazon also signed a $50 million contract with the Department of Defense to identify unrecognizable objects from its drones and aerial footage. The letter called those agreements examples of "disturbing patterns of militarization, lack of transparency and the avoidance of oversight." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The letter asked the tech giants to break the contract with Israel and avoid future ones with the country's government and military "that will harm our users." An Amazon spokesperson told the Washington Examiner in an email that the company remains "focused on making the benefits of our world-leading cloud technology available to all our customers, wherever they are located. Story continues The Washington Examiner also reached out to Google but did not hear back at the time of publishing. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Amazon, Google, Israel, Palestinians, Big Tech, Technology, Science and Technology Original Author: Misty Severi Original Location: Hundreds of Amazon and Google employees sign anonymous letter opposing deal with Israel Demonstrators have been holding climate change protests outside the White House since Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 11, 2021. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Indigenous leaders and more than 50 protesters occupied the lobby of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Police arrested 185 demonstrators at the White House and Bureau of Indian Affairs on Thursday. This demonstration follows a week of environmental action protests in DC from indigenous groups. Environmental and indigenous activists protested in front of the White House and in the Bureau of Indian Affairs on Thursday. More than 185 people were arrested between both locations, bringing the total arrested this week to over 530. The group has been demonstrating in a week-long action known as People vs. Fossil Fuels that began on Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday. They're demanding an end to the use of fossil fuels and for President Joe Biden to declare a climate emergency. -People vs. Fossil Fuels (@FightFossils) October 14, 2021 The Bureau of Indian Affairs, housed within the Department of the Interior, is assigned with managing the US government's relations with American Indian and Alaska Native people offering federal support to tribal nations' governments. Jen Falcon, who was one of the demonstrators present, said the group has been working hard all week to make their voices heard. "This has been a historic week of action for indigenous peoples," Falcon told Insider. "They were demanding Biden honor the treaties and stop Line 3." -Resist Line 3 (@ResistLine3) October 14, 2021 Falcon was referring to the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline, which a group of activists fought the expansion through the state of Minnesota over the summer and into the fall. The pipeline carries crude oil from Canada's oil sands region to Lake Superior's western tip, and the oil began flowing on October 1. The group of activists in DC on Thursday initially tried to enter Interior Secretary Deb Haaland's office, but Falcon said they encountered a heavy police presence that kettled them into the lobby of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Story continues -Resist Line 3 (@ResistLine3) October 14, 2021 This is the first time indigenous leaders have led such a demonstration into the Bureau of Indian Affairs since 1972. -People vs. Fossil Fuels (@FightFossils) October 14, 2021 The Bureau of Indian Affairs didn't respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's exports likely grew at the slowest pace in seven months in September while core consumer prices turned positive for the first time since early last year, a Reuters poll showed, in a sign of the evolving economic impact of the COVID-19 health crisis. The mixed batch of data will likely highlight pressures Japan's export-reliant economy faces from a surge in global raw material prices as well as coronavirus-linked output and supply chain disruptions, which are clouding the overseas demand outlook. Exports likely maintained double-digit growth, jumping 11.0% in September from a year earlier, according to analysts polled by Reuters, but that would mark the slowest pace of year-on-year growth since February. "Export growth is slowing down due to cuts in automobile production stemming from supply constraints," economists at Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute said. Imports likely surged 34.4% in September from a year earlier, largely thanks to rising energy and raw material costs, the poll showed. Mainly reflecting higher energy and fuel costs, Japan's core consumer prices likely rose 0.1% year-on-year in September, their first rise since the country was in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, according to the poll. "As for the outlook, prices compared to the previous year are likely to keep increasing due to the rise in energy prices and taxes on tobacco, though cellphone fee cuts are likely to have a major impact," said Junpei Fujita, an economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting. The government will release the trade data at 8:50 a.m. on Oct. 20 (2350GMT, Oct. 19). The consumer price data is due out 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 22 (2330GMT, Oct. 21). (Reporting by Daniel Leussink; Editing by Kim Coghill) In an aerial view, container ships and shipping containers are seen at the Port of Los Angeles on September 20, 2021 near Los Angeles, California. Mario Tama/Getty Images LONG BEACH, California Crane operators who belong to a powerful union and earn up to $250,000 a year transferring containers from ships to trucks are worsening the supply chain crisis that threatens Christmas by goofing off on the job, frustrated truckers told the Washington Examiner. The finger-pointing at the busy Los Angeles County ports comes as scores of container ships are anchored off the California coast, waiting in some cases for weeks to unload their freight. The Biden administration has scrambled to get shipping executives, port officials, and labor to tackle the problem. While the reasons for the burgeoning backlog are complex, truck drivers say not everyone seems to be working together. In 15 years of doing this job, Ive never seen them work slower, said Antonio, who has spent hours waiting at Los Angeles County ports for cargo to be loaded. The crane operators take their time, like three to four hours to get just one container. You cant say anything to them, or they will just go [help] someone else. BIDENS 24/7 PORT SCHEDULE MORE LIKE 24/4 The Washington Examiner spoke to six truck drivers near the Long Beach/Terminal Island entry route, and each described crane operators as lazy, prone to long lunches, and quick to retaliate against complaints. The allegations were backed up by a labor consultant who has worked on the waterfront for 40 years. None of the truckers interviewed for this story wanted to provide a last name because they fear reprisals at the ports. The crane operators are part of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which also represents longshoremen. Veteran operators who have a set schedule make approximately $250,000 a year, while others who receive daily work assignments make $200,000, said labor consultant Jim Tessier, who represents longshoremen in disputes against the union. Story continues A Hong Kong cargo ship is unloaded in Long Beach harbor. Tori Richards What you are talking about is perfectly described behavior, Tessier said of the crane operators. This is all a reflection of the management they have down there, the inmates run the asylum. The managers are all afraid to say anything because the operators are so powerful they get management fired if they dont like them. Most truckers are independent contractors who are paid per container delivery and make a fraction of a crane operator's salary. They only arrive at the docks after receiving notification that the cargo is ready for pickup. Waiting hours for shipping containers to be loaded onto their trucks is frustrating, and those who have complained were swiftly dealt with, they say. Theyll go get the police and kick you out and tell you to leave, said trucker Chris. Then, you get banned from coming back in there. Or sometimes, the crane operator will mete out punishment by skipping the trucker and working on someone else, exacerbating the wait. While three-hour waits are common, some truckers have been at the port for days. They will wait there all day and then come back the next day, Chris said. I know someone who kept coming back, and eventually, [the terminal] will charge you a storage fee if you dont get the container out of there. Truckers unlucky enough to be waiting around lunchtime will watch as the entire crane crew stops work, instead of staggering their hours. They leave for two hours, and you are stuck with no one there, trucker Brian said. Jennifer Sargent Bokaie, Communications Director of ILWU CLD told the Washington Examiner: "ILWU dockworkers have been busy moving cargo at historic rates. "The Port of Los Angeles broke two Western Hemisphere cargo volume records one in May when it processed over 1 million TEUs representing the ports busiest month in its 114 year history, and the other for moving over 10 million TEUs in a single year. "In addition to the work taking place at the Port of Los Angeles, the Ports of Long Beach, Oakland, and the Northwest Seaport have also broken records throughout the summer and continue today to move cargo as quickly as the off-port supply chain will allow. As you can imagine, ILWU dockworkers are extremely proud of these accomplishments and their contributions to keeping our economy strong and nation moving forward." As of Wednesday, 59 ships were at a berth unloading cargo at one of the three Los Angeles ports. Another 88 are anchored off the coast stretching along Orange County and around Catalina Island, according to the Marine Exchange, which coordinates the ship traffic. The wait time to come into port can be weeks, including one ship that has been in a holding pattern miles offshore since Sept. 9. A cargo terminal in Long Beach harbor. Tori Richards The backlog, stretching 20 miles along the coast, has forced many large retailers to circumvent the bottleneck and charter their own ships so products can be on shelves before the Christmas shopping season. Reuters reported that incoming cargo is up 30%, which is also part of the problem. A secondary issue leading to the crunch is a lack of available chassis at the ports to place the cargo containers onto before they're hauled away by the truckers. While the truckers say they are making the same number of trips as previous years, for some reason, chassis are in short supply for those who don't own one, and they wait for returns to come in. In an effort to clear the logjam, President Joe Biden negotiated a 24-hour port operation. One of Long Beachs terminals has already been working around the clock. The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach account for roughly 40% of all U.S. imports. But the round-the-clock schedule probably wont matter much because the crane operators work slower at night, said a trucker identified as Oscar. Compared to all the other years, they are definitely [working] slower now. I wait at least three hours every single day, he said. Oscar makes two trips to the ports a day to pick up shipping containers full of electronics, which are dropped off in the greater Los Angeles area a 10-hour process. Oscar said each terminal has two massive cranes to load cargo and hes never seen both of them operating at once. A survey of two dozen cranes in Long Beach by the Washington Examiner found at least half of them nonoperational. However, one terminal in Long Beach has started using automated cranes, and truckers rejoice when they are summoned to pick up cargo there. It is efficient and quick. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER They have to hire extra men to work the cranes and dont want to do it, Tessier said. There are a lot of things [terminal operators] could do but dont do because it costs extra money. Shows how concerned they are about their customers. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Supply chain, California, Transportation Original Author: Tori Richards Original Location: Lazy crane operators making $250,000 a year exacerbating port crisis, truckers say CAIRO (Reuters) - The Lebanese Judges Association again rejected on Friday calls to dismiss the judge heading a probe into last year's massive blast in Beirut and defended the judiciary as the "last bastion of the idea of the state", state news agency NNA reported. The association called for the perpetrators of Thursday's shootings in Beirut, in which six Shi'ites were killed, to be quickly identified and punished, NNA added. (Reporting by Yasmin Hussein; Writing by Yomna Ehab; Editing by Catherine Evans) Brexit minister Lord Frost leaves the stage after delivering Tory party conference speech - TOBY MELVILLE/REUTERS The EU must agree to significant change of the European Court of Justices role in Northern Ireland, Lord Frost has said, ahead of the talks over a revised Brexit agreement. In a bid to break the deadlock over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Brexit minister has travelled to Brussels for discussions with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commission vice-president, to kickstart a period of intensive negotiations in the coming weeks. The EU has tabled proposals to dramatically cut the number of customs checks on trade between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland under the protocol, which ties the province to EU rules to avoid a hard border, but they ignored British demands to scrap the powers of European judges in policing the measures. In a warning shot to his European counterpart ahead of the talks, Lord Frost said the compromise is ultimately unacceptable and the UK will require a concession on the role of the ECJ before a deal can be struck. They will need to if we are to find a solution, there needs to be significant change if we are to get an agreed solution, he said. 'Long way to go' However, ministers have given the EU proposals, which were published on Wednesday, a cautious but positive welcome ahead of the talks. The detail is important, but we are studying them constructively, Lord Frost told the Politico news website. Clearly they have proposed some changes, we do need to understand that detail and weve begun that conversation, but theres quite a long way to go. Sources in London said ministers were surprised by how far the EU had gone to end disruption caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol, which Lord Frost believes has had a chilling effect on trade in the province. A government spokesman said it was clear that Mr Sefcovic had made a considerable effort to address the issues. He added: Nevertheless it is clear there is still a substantial gap between our two positions. Accordingly there is much work to do. 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." A Loudoun County, Virginia, school board member who allegedly colluded with other school board members to push critical race theory has resigned following a parent-led recall petition seeking her removal. Beth Barts announced on Friday that she would be stepping down, effective Nov. 2. LOUDOUN COUNTY HAS BEEN COVERING UP ASSAULTS IN SCHOOLS FOR YEARS "This was not an easy decision or a decision made in haste," Barts wrote on Facebook. "After much thought and careful consideration, it is the right decision for me and my family." Ian Prior, executive director of Fight for Schools, applauded her decision but emphasized that the problems in Loudoun run deeper than one school board member. "This could not have been an easy decision for Ms. Barts," Prior said in a statement. "We have made known our displeasure with her actions as a school board member over the past several months, but today she has done the right thing. Her former colleagues should take notice." "We will continue to shine a light on Loudoun County Public Schools and will keep fighting until we have a school board of common sense, non-partisan members and a superintendent who is accountable to parents and tells the truth, he continued. Barts assumed office in 2020 and expected to serve a four-year term. Earlier this month, a circuit judge decided against dismissing an effort to recall her. Prior cited her alleged involvement in a private Facebook group with other board members dedicated to pushing CRT into the curriculum, which allegedly violated Virginia's open meeting laws. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER That Facebook group decided they were going to plot against parents that were opposed to curriculum in schools and how things were being taught and how parents were trying to open schools, and it created a rift in the community that we see today," Prior said. Barts was previously reprimanded by the board for unauthorized disclosure of confidential, attorney-client-privileged information from a closed session. Story continues Loudoun County has become the center of a nationwide conflict over issues such as CRT, which is an academic framework centered on the idea that racism is systematic in the United States, mask mandates, and transgender students that has erupted between parents and school administrations. The embattled school system was accused this week of covering up the rape of a student by a boy wearing a skirt who entered the girls' restroom. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Critical Race Theory, Virginia, Education Original Author: Virginia Aabram Original Location: Loudoun County School Board member facing recall resigns WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) Colby College is banning discrimination based on caste, a system of inherited social class, becoming one of the nation's earliest colleges to do so. The private liberal arts college revised its nondiscrimination policy to add caste to its list of protections for the campus community. The efforts were led by a professor who took an interest in caste discrimination across the country and realized the college needed to recognize it as a form of discrimination, the Bangor Daily News reported. "You have to first name what it is to say: This exists, we name it, we stand against it, said Sonja Thomas, associate professor and department chair of womens, gender and sexuality studies at Colby. While caste is often associated with South Asia, such class-based systems come into play across religions, cultures and countries, and even in technology industries and academia, Thomas said. Colby doesn't have a large student population from South Asia, but it's increasing the diversity of its student population, so it's important that we take a step back, reflect on on the polices that we call upon to promote inclusivity and safeguard members of the community, said Tayo Clyburn, dean of diversity, equity and inclusion. Colby Colleges updated policy, announced this week, follows one at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, which declared in late 2019 that it would prohibit caste discrimination on its campus. A woman with her face in her hands. (PHOTO: Getty Images) SINGAPORE A man saw his girlfriends female friend lying inebriated on a bed, and felt the urge to do something to her her as she appeared defenceless. Kee Zhen Yuan, 24, proceeded to sexually assault the woman while his girlfriend was in the toilet. He was jailed for six years and nine months on Friday (15 October) after pleading guilty to one charge of sexual assault by digital penetration, with one count of molest considered for his sentencing. He was also sentenced to four strokes of the cane. The victim cannot be named due to a gag order. Celebrating victim's birthday, group drank well past midnight On 22 August last year, Kee, his girlfriend, and two of her female friends - which included the victim - went to Hotel Supreme to celebrate the victims birthday. The group drank well past midnight. Kees girlfriend and the other woman went to the toilet, while the victim lay on a bed with a blanket partially covering her. According to the prosecution, Kee observed she was defenceless and felt the urge to do something to her. He asked his girlfriend to close the toilet door, under the pretext that the air-conditioning was not cold enough. He then touched the victims cheek, her breast, and sexually assaulted her through the opening of her shorts. The victim felt afraid, but did not know what to do or how to resist Kee, as she was impaired by her intoxication. Victim sought advice before confronting man A while later, the two women came out from the toilet, and saw Kee standing next to the bed the victim was on. They went to sleep, with Kee and his girlfriend sharing a bed. When the victim woke in the morning, she went to the toilet with her female friend and confided what Kee had done. The group later checked out of the hotel and went on their pre-planned trip to the zoo. While the victim did not want to go initially, she obliged as the others wanted to go. After leaving the zoo in the afternoon, the victim sought another friends advice. A meeting was requested with Kees girlfriend, who brought Kee along. Story continues Kee apologised to the victim, lying that he had mistaken her for his girlfriend. He had lied as he was afraid that the group might not forgive him. On 25 August 2020, the victim saw blood in her panties and went to Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital for a check-up. Although the medical examination did not reveal that the blood was related to the sexual assault, the victim was advised to lodge a police report. The victim did so, and Kee was arrested a day later. During the course of the investigations, the accused admitted in his statements to the police to have digitally penetrated the victim. He further admitted that he had the urge to do it to the victim as she was defenceless, said Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Regina Lim. Targeted vulnerable victim who trusted him: DPP DPP Nicholas Wuan sought seven to eight years jail along with four strokes of the cane. He pointed out that Kee had targeted a vulnerable victim due to her state of intoxication, and that the victim had stayed in the same room as him even after her two female friends had left for the toilet, hence showing a level of trust. Kees lawyer Joshua Tong said that his clients offending conduct was fleeting, as it had lasted two seconds. Kee then stopped as he felt bad. Tong then said that there was limited or no breach of trust in Kees case, as he was not in a position of responsibility, such as in a doctor-patient or familial relationship. Tong described his client as young and immature, although his parents and girlfriend had submitted letters and testimonials to the court attesting to his responsibility and kind-heartedness to others. Kee had sacrificed his chance for education in order to earn money for his brother to go to university. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Oct. 14MANCHESTER Police are investigating an arson that happened early Wednesday and are seeking help from the public. Police said an unidentified person broke into a Manchester residence and poured gasoline and lighter fluid throughout the first floor. The suspect then started a fire while three occupants were still inside the home, including a toddler and a teenager. Police said the suspect used a yellow 5-quart Pennzoil container to pour the gasoline and lighter fluid. They believe the person filled this container at a nearby gas station and are seeking anyone with information on the fire or who saw the person filling the container. Those with information can contact lead investigator Detective Claire Hearn at 860-645-5549. Ben covers Coventry and Tolland for the Journal Inquirer. A Lexington County elementary school teacher was arrested after a student allegedly pulled a pack of marijuana edibles from a reward box the teacher kept for her students, sheriffs deputies said. Victoria Farish Weiss, 27, who is a teacher at Rock Creek Elementary School, was charged with possession of a schedule 1 drug. She turned herself in to Lexington County deputies Friday morning. An edible is a food product like a candy or a baked good that contains marijuana or the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, THC. Edibles are illegal in South Carolina. On Sept. 23, deputies were told about a student pulling the candy edibles from a reward box Weiss used for her students, according to a sheriffs department statement. Weiss allegedly took the edibles away from the child and told him to choose something else from the box. When the child went to pick another treat, he allegedly grabbed another pack of edibles, according to the release. No children ate any of the marijuana edibles. Weiss was placed on administrative leave after deputies notified the school, according to a statement from the Lexington One School District. The next day, Lexington County deputies searched Weiss home and found packs of edibles similar to those picked by the students, according to the statement. Weiss was fired Wednesday, according to the school district. The safety of our students is our top priority, Superintendent Greg Little said in a statement. It is unacceptable for a staff member to potentially threaten the wellbeing of a child. We will continue to work to ensure all of our children have a safe environment to learn and grow. Weiss is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. Mayor Quinton Lucas on Friday filed a complaint against the Kansas City police officer who allegedly conducted an unauthorized search of his home address in a database, The Star has learned. Lucas made the report to the Office of Community Complaints, saying he understands from law enforcement members and a prosecutor that the search was a violation of the Kansas City Police Departments rules as well as a possible legal infraction. I was not informed of the infraction by the department, but instead by the office of the prosecuting attorney in their report four months later, Lucas wrote in part of the complaint, which was obtained by The Star through a Missouri Sunshine Law request. Because of that, Lucas wrote, he did not know if action was taken. The office where Lucas made his complaint investigates allegations of misconduct against police officers. If disciplinary action is warranted, it sends a report to the police chief. Critics have said the office is ineffective. Prosecutors review The Jackson County Prosecutors Office last week said it is reviewing the officers actions for potential criminal charges. Mike Mansur, a spokesman for the prosecutors office, said Friday there were no updates regarding the status of the review. Lucas was alerted Sept. 8 to the officers search when Dion Sankar, an assistant Jackson County prosecutor, sent him an email. Sankars email, which was obtained last week by The Star, did not specify what information the officer searched for or why. The officer who was not named in the email or Lucas complaint allegedly used a criminal justice information system, which can be used to check if a person has a criminal history, among other things. A law enforcement source previously told The Star that the officer looked up Lucas home address. In his complaint, Lucas said he could not share the officers name because of confidentiality involved in the discipline process and prosecutors review. Story continues Asked on the complaint form if he wanted to participate in mediation or investigation, Lucas wrote investigation. Mayor Quinton Lucas complaint with the Office of Community Complaints. KCPD response Last week, Sgt. Jake Becchina, a police spokesman, said the force was made aware in May of the incident in which the officer, who was assigned to patrol, conducted an unauthorized computer check of Mayor Lucas. Another officer reported to their chain of command the potential violation and it was investigated, Becchina said. The investigation has concluded. Becchina has said the Missouri Sunshine Law prohibited him from saying if the officer was disciplined. He also declined to identify the officer or provide details of what the officer searched for. Capt. Leslie Foreman, a department spokeswoman, said in an email to The Star on Friday that the office is in place to receive and review complaints from all citizens of Kansas City. We trust the process that is in place and know this will be handled professionally and objectively, just like any other complaint, Foreman said. Police department policy states that using the information system, known as CJIS, is prohibited for personal use. It warns that using it in a careless or unethical manner is unprofessional and could result in discipline or legal sanctions. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will meet U.S. climate adviser John Kerry on Monday near Mexico's southern border with Guatemala, where the two men are expected to discuss a major tree planting program championed by the Mexican leader. Kerry will visit part of the reforestation project in the state of Tabasco, Lopez Obrador said on Friday. The Planting Life project is seen by the government as both a way to capture carbon to tackle climate change and as a social program. The meeting comes ahead of the United Nations' COP26 conference in Glasgow, Scotland, which neither Lopez Obrador nor his foreign minister is expected to attend. Pushing back at critics who accuse his government of backsliding on climate action, Lopez Obrador also defended a major electricity reform bill he proposed earlier this month. The reform prioritizes electricity from the state-run utility, the Comision Federal de Electricidad, or CFE, which mostly generates fossil fuel power. It would also cancel or otherwise restrict power transmission from private electricity plants, including some new renewable energy facilities. However, speaking on Friday at his regular morning news conference, Lopez Obrador emphasized that the legislation also envisions a significant increase in the CFE's hydroelectric capacity plus the construction of a massive new solar power project in northern Mexico. Under President Joe Biden and chief international climate adviser Kerry, the United States has stressed the need for more aggressive action to address global warming. (Reporting by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Jonathan Oatis) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico is slated to impose visa requirements for Brazilian visitors amid efforts to slow a wave of U.S.-bound migration from Brazil, according to a document from Mexico's interior ministry. Mexico has not required visas for Brazilians since 2004, giving migrants an easier path to enter the country and proceed north to the United States, where they have been arrested at the southern border in record numbers this year. Reuters reported this week https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazilians-flock-us-border-an-alleged-smuggler-cashes-2021-10-12 that the Biden administration since July has asked Mexico to impose visa requirements on Brazilians to make the route through the neighboring country less attractive. A draft for the new visa policy, drawn up by Mexico's interior ministry and published by the National Commission for Regulatory Improvement, noted that a change was needed because more Brazilians were entering the country for reasons other than tourism, transit and business. Officials at migration checkpoints have found "a significant number of people who intend to use the visa waiver improperly," the document said. Mexico's foreign ministry said the new regulations will be published in Mexico's official gazette in about 30 days. According to the draft document, the policy would go into effect 15 days later - putting the start date around late November or early December. Brazil's foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Mexico's foreign ministry has informed the Brazilian government of the decision, the document said. (Reporting by Gabriel Stargardter in Rio de Janeiro and Daina Beth Solomon in Mexico City; Editing by Sandra Maler and Kenneth Maxwell) As Donald Trump tweeted through November and into December that the rigged 2020 election was far from over, Vice President Mike Pences top advisers were sketching out a deliberate and strategic blueprint for the post-vice presidency. It would keep the conservative stalwart front and center in the Republican consciousness over the next couple of years. It would prime the pump for a campaign for the GOP nomination for president from Pences planned home base and political headquarters Indiana when the time was right. Job one would be to stand up a political nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(4), that includes as advisers Trumpworld insiders and is adroitly constructed to promote Pence without getting him crossways with the 45th president or the legion of loyalists clamoring for the return of their king. Advancing American Freedom launched in April 2021, ahead of Pences first trip to South Carolina as an exvice president. The groups advisory board included a cross section of Republicans, including, as planned all along, some key Trump administration veterans, such as former chief White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow and former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, plus all-around Trump cheerleader Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House of Representatives. As the calendar flips from 2021 to 2022, phase II of the Pence post-election plan is likely to take shape in the form of a resurgent Great America Committee, the political action committee the former vice president unveiled soon after he and Trump were sworn into office in 2017. Through this overtly political vehicle, Pence planned to raise money and campaign for Republicans up and down the ballot gubernatorial candidates, congressional candidates, even those running for office at the state and local levels. Party efforts to recapture a narrowly divided U.S. Senate after a brief, two-year interregnum, and reclaim the House of Representatives after four years out of power, are going to be a magnet for 2024 Republicans. Even in Trumps shadow, the jockeying will be fierce, but Pence begins with a head start: Hes already a known quantity. Early in Trumps presidency, the president was generally uninterested in mundane party-building activities outside of playing host of his traveling rally roadshow; his vice president filled the void with gusto. Whether Trump mounts a third White House bid in 2024 or not, Pence had a plan to put himself in position to pull the trigger on a presidential campaign, and he was executing. Story continues The Trump toady is a unique political species that mushroomed throughout the Republican Party and, really, the broader conservative ecosphere during the latter half of the 2010s. For four of those years, Pence delivered an Oscar-worthy performance as the quintessential idolator. But underneath the aw-shucks, dear-leader routine Pence played so well for public consumption was an assertive, shrewd politician who maximized his relationship with a president who knew a whole lot less about how to run a government and party politics than his vice president. Rather than mark the 1990s by climbing the political ladder to stake his claim as the next Ronald Reagan, Pence spent the decade wandering the wilderness. For a young, aspiring politician talked about in Republican circles as a rising star, the experience was humbling. It matured him. By the time Pence sought the House of Representatives a third time, the politician in a hurry, motivated by ambition, had been replaced by a methodical plotter driven by faith in God and a desire to serve. There were still stars in his eyes. Pence fashioned himself the leader of a conservative insurgency at a time when Republicans controlled most of Washington and a pragmatic party establishment reigned virtually unmolested by outside forces in the media and grassroots circles. In 2010, a U.S. Senate seat opened up in Indiana unexpectedly when Democrat Evan Bayh announced he would forgo reelection and retire. The party faithful wanted Pence to run. But Pence had made a commitment. Just a couple of months before Bayh announced his retirement, the future vice president had accepted John Boehners invitation to run for House Republican Conference chairman. He had asked colleagues to support his candidacy for leadership. He did not feel comfortable walking away. Six years later, embroiled in an uncertain race for reelection as governor, Pence wouldnt be so cautious about an opportunity to advance when Trump came calling. This time, he was ready to maneuver. Mike Pence never lost faith in himself or Trump. It was a Thursday in the middle of July 2020, four months before his career as vice president would be cut short in a particularly pointed rebuke of Trump. In public and private polling, the Republican ticket was in a world of hurt. The pandemic was raging early that summer as the coronavirus ravaged states that had survived the initial spring wave relatively unscathed. The economy was still cratering, as businesses big and small reeled from government-enforced lockdowns intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. Civil unrest tore apart communities across the United States, as Americans protested racial injustice, and criminals looted and rioted, in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. But Mike Pence was serene, confident, and very optimistic. That much became clear to me as I trailed the vice president across central Pennsylvania, toward Philadelphia, while on assignment for the Washington Examiner. Earlier that year, before the pandemic froze regular political activity, Pences political team got wind of a couple of plush, armor-plated touring buses manufactured for the federal government during the Obama administration but that had spent the Trump years mothballed. Taken with the idea of hitting the 2020 campaign trail in a couple of billboards on wheels, Team Pence had the vehicles mechanically prepped, painted blue, and emblazoned with the slogan Trump-Pence, Keep America Great, 2020 alongside smiling pictures of the president and vice president. After months of delay due to the pandemic, Pence kicked off his first bus tour of the reelection campaign in Pennsylvania, the commonwealth that mattered most. As Pence wound his way through rural Lancaster Countys two-lane roads, the bus stopped at one point, and the vice president exited to greet supporters who were lining nearly every inch of road with official and homemade Trump-Pence campaign signs. After pocketing an easy $1 million for the campaign at an outdoor fundraiser on the grounds of a local farm owned by a wealthy Republican donor, Pence sped off to a roundtable at a technology firm. He ended the day in Philadelphia with a scorcher of a speech (by Pence standards, at least) to police officers and their family members at a Fraternal Order of Police lodge in which he accused Joe Biden of turning his back on law enforcement and siding with the anarchist mobs ravaging American cities. Afterward, I boarded the bus for a chat with Pence as we made our way to the airport for the ride back to Washington on Air Force Two. The vice president was giddy; he was energized. The support he witnessed along the back roads of central Pennsylvania, and the response from the audience at each stop, had him absolutely convinced there was only one way the reelection campaign would end. And Biden being declared president-elect once a sufficient number of votes had been counted did not figure into that equation. I dont put a lot of stock in the polls, he told me, as chief of staff Marc Short, press secretary Katie Miller, and top political adviser Marty Obst looked on. I sense people are more enthusiastic today than they were four years ago. The evolution of the vice presidency is due in no small part to enterprising politicians uninterested in spending four, or eight, years as a withering houseplant that its owners neglect to water. They demanded a seat at the table as a condition for joining the ticket. And with Trump, the table was practically barren as he readied to take the oath of office, and for several months afterward. He was a rookie politician with few Washington allies and virtually no idea how government worked. The 48th vice president filled the void. In fact, Pence assumed so much power and influence it was just sitting there for the vacuuming that Trumpworld insiders who watched events unfold say he took on the role of de facto prime minister. Pence initially served as a West Wing gatekeeper for corporate and political interests with business before the administration, a dynamic that receded but never really faded, even as Trump gained a firmer grasp on governing and developed close personal relationships with Republicans on Capitol Hill. That was in part due to the fact that professional Washington was familiar with the vice president and his team. In turn, Pence and his lieutenants understood the political pressures and limitations Republicans faced as members of Congress that were often lost on Trump. My rule of thumb when I was governor, in particular, was, if I agreed with the president, I said it. If I had a problem with him, I called Mike Pence, Scott Walker, former Wisconsin governor, told me. Meanwhile, the vice president stood up a distinctly separate political operation inside the White House and launched a political action committee that only he controlled. Pence is a devout Christian and often speaks publicly (and privately) of politics and his political future being in Gods hands a belief that is heartfelt. But underneath, Pence is an interested political tactician with a keen eye for strategy who is an active member of his political teams decision-making process. So, immediately following the 2016 campaign, Pence convened with Nick Ayers and Obst to develop a blueprint for his political operation as vice president, what to focus on and how to deploy himself. The first decision Pence made was to bypass the White House political shop headed by Bill Stepien, who would emerge as one of the presidents most trusted aides and, in July 2020, manager of his reelection campaign. His second big move was greenlighting GAC Great America Committee. The group was a standard, hard-dollar political action committee, the sort of leadership PAC popular with members of Congress. According to federal guidelines, these kinds of PACs can accept contributions of only $5,000 annually from individual donors. It was unusual for a vice president to raise his own pot of money. Normally, the No. 2 executive operates through the auspices of the national party committee. Pence wanted to avoid interference from the Republican National Committee and, frankly, anyone else. Great America Committee offered an efficient way to finance expensive travel on gas-guzzling Air Force Two, which, incidentally, saved the RNC money, and by extension, saved Trump money. But the key to understanding Pences decision to form his own political action committee was that he wanted control. Having served in the House of Representatives for a dozen years, in the minority and majority, under Democratic and Republican presidents, he knew what awaited Trump, and the GOP, in the 2018 midterm elections. Pence wanted to chart a course to resist the blue wave he feared might build over the next two years unfettered from meddlers inside the party: where he traveled, where he raised his money from, who he campaigned for. Among his first moves was to put together a joint fundraising committee tying Great America Committee to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Being able to promote his connection with the vice president helped the California Republican raise money for his colleagues. It also promoted the vice president (but more on that in a moment). Great America Committee raised $20 million that election cycle, giving most of it away in direct donations to House Republicans and spending the rest on the vice presidents extensive campaign travel. This unorthodox setup put Pence on the front lines of Republican politics at a time when Trump had little interest in party-building activities, and the GOP establishment, from elected officials to donors to grassroots activists, hardly knew the president personally and was still coming to terms with his surprising victory. On the outside, while it appeared to some as though Pence was building a wall to keep out crazy, he was prepping for his political future. None of the rules of conduct Pence had established for himself over the past four-plus years were applicable to the events of Jan. 6, 2021. This was a choice for the vice president to make and an action for the vice president to take. There was no way to keep a disagreement with Trump private. Under the Constitution, the vice presidents job is to preside over the joint session of Congress and count state-certified Electoral College votes in his capacity as president of the U.S. Senate. As long as there are not competing, certified slates of electors from the same state, or slates of electors submitted that have not been certified, there is nothing else for the vice president to do. Trump, instigated by a cast of advisers-cum-conspiracy theorists, had other ideas. If the Congress could be persuaded to block ascertainment of legal, state-certified Electoral College votes, Pence, so one of their theories went, could unilaterally send the rejected slates from so-called problem states back home. There, friendly, majority-Republican legislatures would use their so-called authority to reverse the initial vote, and Trump wins. Or: By unilaterally throwing out supposedly objectionable state-certified electoral votes, Pence could force a vote of the House of Representatives to decide the election. In such a case, each states House delegation gets one vote. Since Republicans control a majority of state delegations, Trump wins. All Pence had to do, Trump seemed convinced, was locate the intestinal fortitude to seize for himself this extraordinary constitutional power to decide the outcome of the election, over the will of American voters, that had been hiding in plain sight since the founding of the republic. But Pence is a constitutionalist. Every single legal challenge to Bidens victories in more than half a dozen states brought by the Trump campaign and its allies failed in court for one reason or another. Recounts in almost as many states failed to make a dent in Bidens tally of 306 electoral votes. The Electoral College met, it voted, and in every single state plus D.C., the results were legally certified. By Republican officials, too. Also a critical metric that influenced Pence: No state submitted competing slates of certified electors. Especially after all of that but not only because of all of that, the notion the conspiratorial theory that the vice president was invested by the framers of the U.S. Constitution with the power to dictate presidential elections and held in his hands the authority to do so all these years struck Pence as plainly preposterous. He told Trump as much, informed and armed by reams of information on history and constitutional precedent researched and compiled by his general counsel, Gregory Jacob, a Justice Department veteran and longtime Washington attorney recruited to the vice presidents office from white-shoe law firm O'Melveny & Myers. We researched all of those, and I think very fastidiously wanted to be respectful of new perspectives that we were brought, but always felt strongly that no limited-government conservative would ever advocate that one person could unilaterally choose what electors to accept or reject and would ever be given that sort of power by our founders. Nor would we ever want anyone to have that power, Short said. In one particular meeting, on Jan. 4, the conversation grew heated. Pence had been campaigning in Georgia that day in advance of a pair of Senate runoff elections on tap for the following day when a call came in to Air Force Two asking him to return to the White House. When he arrived, Trump was being briefed in the Oval Office by John Eastman, a prominent conservative law professor then at Chapman University in Southern California. Hes a respected constitutional attorney, you should hear him out, Trump said. In fact, Eastman was very well respected in conservative circles and well known. He wasnt some kraken crackpot. That Eastman was advising Trump of Pences apparently extraordinary until-then-unknown powers left Pence and his team flabbergasted. In that Jan. 4 meeting, the vice president listened courteously, as was his habit. But he held firm, as was also his habit, reiterating his position on the matter that he had relayed to the president, unwavering, so many times before in several cordial meetings that had gone unreported, maybe because none had erupted in a shouting match. Facilitated by White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Trump in the weeks leading up to Jan. 6 was increasingly surrounded by people telling him what he wanted to hear: that Pence was empowered to reject electoral votes. All that was required was the political will to act. As the day of the joint session of Congress drew nearer and Trump latched himself tighter to this cockamamie theory, Pence began to fret that the 45th president wouldnt be the last losing chief executive to be tempted by it. A future vice president, he thought, might not share his view of the Constitution and his conclusion that his role in the congressional certification of electoral votes was purely mechanical. So, Pence instructed Jacob to research the matter extensively and prepare documentation, in the form of a Dear Colleague letter that he would make public. It was such a boneheaded analysis, and so we wanted to have our record make that clear, too, Short said, emphasizing the significance of the letter for posterity. The vice presidents goals were twofold: Control the narrative in a stormy news environment and, more importantly, place a constitutional vise on his successors, and on Trumps, that like a precedent established in a Supreme Court decision would hamstring them from traveling down this road for time immemorial. It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, Pence wrote in the letter, issued just before the opening of the joint session on Jan. 6. At that moment, Trump was addressing a massive crowd of grassroots supporters who had gathered near the White House for a #StoptheSteal rally aimed at pressuring Congress and the vice president to reject certification of the Nov. 3 election. If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election, Trump told the adoring sea of supporters. He has the absolute right to do it. Trumps speech on that Jan. 6 morning was really no different from any other Trump speech. The media are fake; my presidency is beyond reproach; the election was stolen. The usual, but with a caveat. More than a half-dozen times in 70 minutes, the 45th president turned his attention to the 48th vice president, assuring the crowd, without reservation, that he possessed constitutional authority to deliver his administration a second term. I hope Mike has the courage to do what he has to do, Trump said, despite already being fully aware of the vice presidents decision on that matter. I hope he doesnt listen to RINOs [Republicans in Name Only] and the stupid people hes listening to. Within a couple of hours of those remarks, Pence would be in hiding in an undisclosed location at the U.S. Capitol. The building was under siege by a violent mob of grassroots Trump supporters, many of whom walked from one end of Pennsylvania Avenue to the other intent on using force to prevent the Congress from certifying that Biden would be inaugurated the 46th president two weeks hence. The rioters were chanting, Hang Mike Pence. In the middle of this shocking insurrection that was playing out as Americans all over the country watched on their television screens, Trump essentially called Pence a coward, expressing unhappiness that the vice president had done exactly what he told the president he was going to do when the counting of the electoral votes commenced. Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, Trump tweeted. Much has been learned since then about how Pence conducted himself in those hours; much was witnessed. The vice president refused to leave the Capitol, wouldnt even wait out the mayhem in his secure automobile, as the Secret Service suggested, because he didnt trust that the agents wouldnt put their foot on the gas and speed him to safer confines. With Trump taking little action to quell the violence, instead tweeting out oddly encouraging messages to the mob (that included the obligatory, though totally weak, admonishments to disperse), Pence filled the gap. He led. The vice president conferred with top Pentagon officials to accelerate deployment of security forces to the Capitol and kept in constant contact with Democratic and Republican leaders in the House and Senate: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. What did Congress need, he wanted to know, so that the joint session could resume that very day, a prospect that in the middle of the siege seemed very much unlikely. Pence was determined to climb back onto the rostrum of the House of Representatives that day and finish certifying a presidential election, the results of which would oust him from office after one term. When order was finally restored and lawmakers were returning to their respective chambers to finish debating the objection to Arizonas electoral votes and get on with the rest of the process, Pence asked McConnell if he could first say a few words from the dais about what had happened. The majority leader agreed. As we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy, Pence said in remarks that lasted two and a half minutes. Now, lets get back to work. Republicans, in Washington and around the country, took notice. Pence awoke the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, possibly the least formidable heir apparent vice president to a president in a very long time. Pence had two strikes against him wholly of his own making, and they created unique difficulties. First, he had never actually run for president. His public relationship with Trump was the other problem. The 45th president demanded that subordinates bend the knee. Pence tended to comply, both out of a sense of duty to the job and a matter of self-interested strategy. Stroking Trumps id enabled Pence to wield power and maneuver independently. None of that was apparent to Republican insiders who were not otherwise predisposed to back a Pence 2024 campaign. They saw a toady missing the stuff leaders are made of. Ditto grassroots conservatives. On Jan. 6, 2021, Pence flipped the script. As Pence openly defied Trump, refusing to be bullied into an unconstitutional power grab, as Pence took command, practically in the middle of a war zone, while his boss shirked responsibility, doubts harbored by institutional leaders in the Republican Party, and by some in the broader conservative movement, melted. In the days after Jan. 6, the telephone in the office of another Pence ally started ringing. Republican donors; county GOP chairmen, conservative activists, about two dozen in all, they all wanted to send word that Trumps treatment of Pence on that day, especially after four years of loyal service, was appalling, and that if he runs for president in 2024, count them in. Every vice president who has ever run for president in the shadow of the president who made them has been faced with a dilemma: charting an independent course and promising change while simultaneously campaigning to maintain course and block the change promised by the opposition party. Pence was always going to have to untether himself from Trump, eventually. Jan. 6 accomplished that. There is another crucial aspect of the long-term political impact of Jan. 6 that could be serendipitous for Pence. Boy, does he have a story to tell, said his ally who fielded calls of support for the vice president in the immediate aftermath of the insurrection. How he chooses to tell that story will tell you a little bit about what he might want to do. And thats the big question for Pence, really: What story does he want to tell? Excerpted from IN TRUMPS SHADOW: The Battle for 2024 and the Future of the GOP. 2021 David Drucker and reprinted by permission from Twelve Books/Hachette Book Group. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: Mike Pence, Donald Trump, White House, Books, January 6, 2020 Elections, January 6 Commission, Congress, U.S. Capitol Building, U.S. Capitol Police Original Author: David M. Drucker Original Location: Mike Pence's moment of truth Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced Friday that he'll put the Minnesota National Guard on alert to help ease staffing shortages at hospitals and care facilities due to the rise in COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated residents in the state. Driving the news: Over 400 Minnesota patients are currently waiting for beds to open up at other care centers as hospitals across the state have reported that they're at or close to reaching capacity, AP reports. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. There are nearly 1,000 COVID-19 patients in the state's hospitals and only 5% of intensive care beds were open on Thursday, the Star Tribune reports. The Minnesota Department of Public Health announced Friday that the state had an additional 3,352 COVID-19 cases and 28 more deaths. Walz said it's unclear how many members of the National Guard will be deployed. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The Minnesota National Guard will assist long-term care facilities that are short staffed, under a plan announced Friday by Gov. Tim Walz. Walz said the Guard has been alerted to prepare for the mission, but details about when and how many members will be deployed were yet to be determined. The state also will expand an emergency staffing pool that nursing homes and assisted living facilities can use when they have COVID-19 outbreaks, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services will free up capacity at its facilities. Walz was scheduled to speak Friday morning at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale, where he was also expected to announce that the National Guard will be activated to start a new community rapid testing program. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Health announced on Friday another 3,352 new COVID cases along with 28 more deaths, bringing the pandemic totals to 755,401 infections and 8,407 fatalities. Walz's action comes in the wake of Thursday's report of 999 COVID patients in the state's hospitals. Only 5% of intensive care beds were open due to the surge of COVID patients as well as trauma and other medical cases. Hospitals have had a difficult time transferring their patients into nursing facilities and transitional care units. Many have stopped admitting new residents due to a lack of health care workers. "This surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations has been overwhelming our transitional care units, causing significant backups," said Dr. Kevin Croston, CEO at North Memorial Health. "We are hopeful that today's announcement will provide much needed relief." Free rapid testing will begin next week at sites in Stillwater, Hutchinson, and Crookston. Three additional sites will open the following week. Sixteen local public health agencies will launch rapid testing programs. Some will be done in partnership with the community sites, while others will be targeted testing efforts. Story continues Eight of the COVID deaths announced Friday were residents of long-term care facilities, while one person was in the 30- to 34-year age range. Four of the deaths occurred between December and May. The Health Department does not include a death in its COVID fatality count until it receives confirmation, usually through a test, that the death was related to the coronavirus. A total of 47,375 COVID test results were reported to the Health Department Thursday. Testing has increased significantly since the recent COVID surge began in July. About 38,000 tests were reported each day on average for the past week, compared to a daily average of about 24,000 two months ago. The state's testing positivity rate is 8.4%, a number that has not been seen since last December. Nearly 70% of Minnesota's vaccine eligible population has completed the COVID vaccination series. About 219,000 residents have received either a booster shot or a third dose given to those who are immunocompromised. This is a developing story. Check startribune.com for updates. Want more fall fashion, shopper-approved buys and the hottest trends? Sign up for Yahoo Lifestyle Canadas newsletter! Kut From The Kloth Jasmine Top - Nordstrom, $41 (originally $68) If you're looking to dress up a pair of jeans before you head into work, all you need is a fun patterned blouse. One of the standout items from Nordstrom's sale selection this week is Kut From The Kloth's Jasmine Top, on sale for 40 per cent off right now. With so many sale picks, it can be a bit overwhelming to search through page after page. Luckily, were constantly on the lookout for the best discounts and have spent some time combing through the latest Nordstrom sale section additions, so you dont have to. Kut From The Kloth's Jasmine Top - Nordstrom, $41 (originally $68) SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $41 (originally $68) Kut From The Kloth's Jasmine Top is a shopper-favourite, designed with an ultrafeminine vibe. This chiffon blouse features a split collar and sleeves with buttoned wrists that you can fold up with a tab at the elbow. Throw a blazer on top of this cute blouse and wear it to work or dress it up with some jewellery and a high-waisted skirt for a night out. Promising reviews This top has earned a 4.4-star rating with more than 260 reviews from Nordstrom shoppers who have called it their "favourite new shirt." "Loved the colours in this top. Fabric light and breezy. Great for casual wear or to dress up," said a reviewer. "Been looking to freshen up the closet and this was the perfect solution. Pretty prints, nice cut," added another shopper. "Dress this top up for work, or casual jeans or legging," said another customer. "Great length to wear with leggings." Looking for more Nordstrom sale section finds? Check out more of our favourite deals of the week below. Levi's Wedgie Icon Fit High Waist Nonstretch Straight Leg Jeans - Nordstrom, $59 (originally $98) These non-stretch jeans are inspired by vintage Levi's and have a high waist that will show off your curves. SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $59 (originally $98) Story continues Calvin Klein Eco Modern Unlined Triangle Bralette - Nordstrom, $17 (originally $34) This gorgeous coloured triangle bralette has an eco-friendly design by using upcycled lyocell with stretch cotton. SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $17 (originally $34) Click here to sign up for Yahoo Canada's lifestyle newsletter. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo - Nordstrom, $33 (originally 42) This unique shampoo infuses Binchotan charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp and hair follicle to provide the foundation for optimal scalp health. SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $33 (originally $42) Bernardo Hooded Quilted Water Repellent Jacket - Nordstrom, $100 (originally $180) Smooth stretch panels create a sleek, flattering fit in this water-resistant hooded jacket with a zip-off bib and quilted channels of light, sustainable fill. SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $100 (originally $180) Free People Perfect Catch Bodysuit - Nordstrom, $47 (originally $78) Flocked dots pattern the sleeves of a blouson-style bodysuit in an easy lightly crinkled cotton. SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $47 (originally $78) PMD Clean Facial Cleansing Device - Nordstrom, $69 (originally $99) A powerful facial cleansing device with gentle silicone bristles and four customizable modes. SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $69 (originally $99) Juicy Couture Classic Logo Velour Hoodie - Nordstrom, $55 (originally $89) Bring back those Y2K Paris Hilton vibes with this velour hoodie that comes in many different colours. SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $55 (originally $89) Juicy Couture Classic Logo Velour Track Pants - Nordstrom, $55 (originally $89) You'll want to add these velour joggers to your vintage vibes outfit. SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $55 (originally $89) Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter. POlice have released CCTV images of girls they are looking for in connection with two serious assaults on board a busy train. (SWNS) Police are hunting a gang of girls who bottled two women and a man in separate attacks on a busy train. All three victims were left injured after the attacks which took place on a train as it travelled between Kent and central London on a Saturday evening. British Transport Police said the girls were among a rowdy group of around six men and women who started shouting at each other after boarding the train at Slade Green station in south east London just before 6pm on 11 September. A woman who was also travelling on the train asked the group to "quieten down a little", sparking an attack. First one of the group barged into her and as the woman tried to flee to another carriage, the gang followed her and launched an attack on her, kicking her in the head and hitting her with glass bottles. The gang boarded the train at Slade Green station in south east London, British Transport Police said. (Google Maps) The woman managed to get off the train at Erith, south east London, with other passengers who gave her first aid before she was taken to hospital, British Transport Police said. The group stayed on the London-bound train and were seen on the same service more than an hour later travelling back to Dartford just before 7pm. Read more: 20 COVID hotspots as UK records second highest infections in the world The gang started verbally abusing a couple on the train, then a girl from the group attacked the woman with a wine bottle before the rest attacked both her and the man. Both victims were pulled to safety by other passengers who were also assaulted by the group, police said. The victims got off the train at Belvedere station and were treated for face and head injuries at hospital, while the gang stayed on the train. Police are now looking for the gang and have released CCTV images of people they are looking for in connection with the incident. A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "Do you recognise these people? Officers investigating two serious assaults on-board trains travelling between Kent and London are today releasing images in connection [with the assaults]. Story continues "Officers believe those in the images may have information which could help their investigation." Watch: Who are Extinction Rebellion and what do they want? Pennsylvanias pre-pandemic rainy day fund would have covered less than three days of government spending, according to a new report, ranking it the second smallest reserve account in the nation. Second only to Illinois which would theoretically burn through its own rainy day funds in just a few hours Pennsylvanias $243 million reserve account covered just 2.7% of overall annual state spending. Pew Charitable Trusts published the analysis this week that found half of states had at least 29 days worth of spending socked away in rainy day funds in 2020. While some states relied on these reserves when the pandemic swept across the country that spring, many more relied on federal stimulus and disaster aid. States also boosted their reserves with tax revenues that bounced back stronger than anticipated after months of pandemic-related economic and travel restrictions. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers socked away $2.5 billion in sales tax profits and more than $5 billion in American Rescue Plan stimulus in preparation for an $8 billion projected fiscal cliff. This decision doesnt sit well with legislative Democrats, who have remained persistent in their criticism of Republican leaders unwillingness to dole out the money to schools, front line workers and hard-hit small businesses. The federal government gave us billions of your tax dollars to help PA recover from COVID-19, and some folks are just like nah, said Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, via Twitter on Thursday. It's sitting in a rainy day fund while it continues to pour on businesses, students, parents, and frontline workers. In June, Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, said the prudent savings plan will prevent taxpayers from reaching into their pockets to fill a $7 billion deficit projected in just two years. Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it, he said. We do not want to empty the piggy bank and place the financial security of the commonwealth at risk when federal stimulus dries up. Story continues Brownes comments reference money given to the state during the Great Recession that legislators poured into public education. In 2011, the General Assembly faced a choice raise taxes to cover more than $800 million in education funding financed by depleted stimulus or make cuts to shrink a $4 billion deficit and avoid massive hikes. The situation, Browne said, has impacted students and the states financial well-being for the past decade. He said this year shows an unbelievable amount of similarity to where we were 10 years ago. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Pennsylvania, State Original Author: Christen Smith | The Center Square Original Location: Pre-pandemic Pennsylvania rainy day fund second smallest in the nation: Report Thomas Dodd was a former FBI agent and a lawyer who prosecuted Nazis at Nuremberg and went on to serve in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. But in 1967, Dodd was censured by the Senate for diverting for personal use funds raised at political testimonial dinners. Four years later, he was dead, having been rejected by both his party and the voters. His son, Chris Dodd, who also served in the House and the Senate, has undertaken a lifelong quest to restore his fathers honor. That effort will receive a high-profile boost today, when President Joe Biden comes to Storrs for the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights at the University of Connecticut. Hes been gone 52 years,' Chris Dodd said of his father. To remember him at all, youd have to be a fairly senior person. In the early 1990s, the younger Dodd came across a trove of letters his father wrote from Nuremburg. In the correspondence with his wife, Grace Dodd, Thomas Dodd expressed three hopes: that someday the world would recognize how important the trial was, that he would never do any thing as important and that my children will be proud of what I did and will cite the law and the precedent we set here,' Chris Dodd recalled. In addition to burnishing his fathers reputation, todays ceremony also represents a chance for the younger Dodd to reclaim his own legacy. Chris Dodd represented Connecticut in the Senate from 1981 to 2011, making him the longest serving senator in the states history. He was a liberal lion who forged friendships with Republican colleagues and became a respected expert in foreign policy. He helped shepherd through landmark legislation, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Dodd-Frank consumer protection and financial oversight act and the bill establishing Obamacare. But Chris Dodds career ended in abruptly when he announced he would not seek reelection in 2010. The decision came after a series of political miscalculations moving his family to Iowa during his long-shot presidential run and controversies involving a real estate deal in Ireland and a VIP mortgage. Story continues Chris Dodd and his father, they have a legacy which is a mixture of great success and disappointment, just like any other politician,' said Chris Healy, the former chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party. Healy was a relentless critic of Chris Dodd when he served in the Senate, but has nothing but warm words for him and his father now. Chris Dodd believed in what he did, Healy said, which is a rarity in politics nowadays, when everything is so transactional. Healy called Tom Dodd a great senator. The elder Dodd, he added, was actually what we would call a conservative Democrat and he supported the Vietnam War when it wasnt popular, but he stuck to his guns. Todays visit by Biden, a longtime friend of Chris Dodds, brings new attention to one of the states most prominent political families. The Dodds have an iconic role in Connecticut,' said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from New Haven whose friendship with Chris Dodd goes back more than 40 years. Rep. John Larson compared the Dodd legacy in Connecticut to Kennedy dynasty. Nobody had the gift like John Kennedy,' Larson said, but Chris comes awful darn close. Thomas and Chris Dodd are very much a part of our history in Connecticut,' said former congresswoman Barbara Kennelly, who is the daughter of Hartford Democratic boss John Bailey and has known Chris Dodd and his family for decades. The senior Sen. Dodd had a marvelous reputation until he had some difficulty. Sometimes life doesnt work out like you want it to. The monument to the Dodd family at UConn will focus on human rights. Prior to the name change, the center had been known as the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center since its opening in 1995. The initial dedication exactly 26 years ago today also brought a president to Storrs: Bill Clinton opened his speech by saying he wanted to pay public tribute to the Dodd family, their devotion to each other and their devotion to freedom and liberty and democracy. It has deeply moved all of us and we thank you for [your] example. The ceremony focused on Thomas Dodds commitment to human rights as a prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials and later, as an advocate for civil rights and an outspoken critic of the totalitarian leaders who ruled in Europe behind the Iron Curtain. He was also an early proponent of gun control. Few in the crowd spoke of Dodds 1967 censure for misuse of campaign funds or the loss of his Senate seat in 1970, just six months before his death. In a 1989 interview, Chris Dodd said he thought his father was treated unjustly and hurt irreparably by the censure. It was very painful to say the least, he said. He lost his next election and died six months later. It was a hell of a blow. Thomas Dodd was censured for improperly but not illegally using $116,083 in campaign funds to pay personal expenses. According to transcripts, Dodd said he was deeply in debt because the state Democratic Party did not provide adequate financial support for his campaigns. It was one of the first political ethics scandals of the modern era, pre-dating Watergate by five years, said Logan M. Dancey, a professor of government at Wesleyan University. Looking at the Thomas Dodd scandal, we get a sense as to how much the congressional ethics landscape has changed over the last several decades, from a much more lax system to one where theres many more rules and regulations in place that govern members of Congress behavior,' Dancey said. With those rules and regulations, there are more opportunities for scandals to be uncovered. Thomas Dodds transgressions look less consequential now than they did at the time, Healy said. Considering what now goes for errors in judgment, what he did wouldnt even get him a parking ticket today,' Healy said. While Thomas Dodds scandal has been largely lost to history, Chris Dodds missteps remain fresh, said Ben Proto, chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party. Dodds decision to move to Iowahe even enrolled his two daughters in school thereduring his ill-fated presidential run played a big role in his political undoing, Proto said. People didnt forget that, Proto said. That was the beginning of the end for Chris Dodd in Connecticut.' Proto said he understands Dodds drive to preserve his fathers legacy. As a son, you always want to protect your dad,' he said. Thats been part of Dodds mission since he arrived in Washington four years after his fathers death. In the Senate, he sat behind his fathers desk and kept his fathers barrel- back, wood-and-leather chair in his office. The late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, who served in the Senate with both Dodds, said restoring Thomas Dodds honor was a driving force of his sons political career. Sometimes, Inouye told the Courant in 1995, I think almost everything Chris Dodd does down here is meant to vindicate his father. Prince William and Robert Irwin talked about Steve Irwin ahead of the inaugural Earthshot Prize Awards. Australia Zoo / Lisa Maree Williams / Stringer / Getty Images / REUTERS / Peter Nicholls Prince William's inaugural Earthshot Prize Awards are on Sunday. He spoke to Earthshot Advocate Robert Irwin ahead of the event. "He'd be very proud of you," the prince told Robert of Steve Irwin, according to People. Prince William told Robert Irwin that his father would be "very proud" of him, according to People. The Duke of Cambridge and Steve Irwin's son spoke ahead of William's inaugural Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on Sunday, which will give five 1 million prizes to people creating solutions to help the environment. Robert, 17, is an Earthshot Advocate, discussing the impact of climate change on wildlife for the organization and now interviewing Prince William about why he created the Earthshot Prize. William, 39, told Robert he founded the Prize because he "felt that a bit of optimism and hope is what we needed," as People reported. Prince William and Kate Middleton attend a Generation Earthshot Event at Kew Gardens on October 13, 2021. WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images "Showing people that there are solutions. That there is a way forward what was going to be needed, and so that's how the Earthshot Prize sort of spun out from there," William said to Robert, according to People. But during their conversation, William also brought up Robert's late father, Steve Irwin, who was a champion of protecting animals during his life. "Honestly, I was a big fan of your dad, and I am so sorry," the Duke of Cambridge said to Robert, according to People. Steve died in 2006 from a stingray barb injury to the heart. Robert was just 2 years old at the time. Steve Irwin died in 2006. Handout/Getty Images "It's no surprise that you're a fan of crocodiles as well," William went on to say to Robert, as reported by People. "The family trait has continued into the next generation I am sure." "He'd be very proud of you Robert," the prince added. "And what you continued. Your passion is only second to his." Robert has been carrying on his father's legacy, working at the Australia Zoo alongside his mom, Terri, and his sister, Bindi. He also won a Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award in 2021 for a picture he took of a raging bushfire. He also became an uncle this year. Bindi welcomed her daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell in March, choosing middle names that honored her dad. Read the original article on Insider Russian President Vladimir Putin with the CNBC reporter Hadley Gamble. Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images Putin told a crowd that a US journalist was too "beautiful" to understand a point he made. CNBC journalist Hadley Gamble was asking Putin about Russia's standoff with Europe over gas supplies. Gamble was interviewing Putin during the Russian Energy Week in Moscow on Wednesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested to an American journalist that she was too "beautiful" to understand his explanation of Russia's standoff with Europe over gas supplies. The CNBC journalist Hadley Gamble, who spoke to the president before a live audience at the Russian Energy Week in Moscow, was addressing the recent accusations that Russia was withholding gas supplies to Europe in an effort to drive up prices. Her questions seemed to irritate Putin, who at one point turned to the audience and said in Russian: "Beautiful woman, pretty, I'm telling her one thing. She instantly tells me the opposite as if she didn't hear what I said," The Hill reported. Watch the full interview here. This particular exchange can be found at the five-minute, 43-second mark: Gamble appeared to raise her eyebrows at his response, and told Putin she "heard" what he said and that she wanted to know why Russia had taken its time to increase energy supplies, The Hill reported. "Listen, you've just said: 'You don't supply gas to Europe through pipelines.' You are being misled. We are increasing supplies to Europe ... We are increasing, not decreasing supplies," Putin said, according to The Hill. "Did I really say something so hard to understand?" he added. Western officials have recently accused Putin of seeking to exploit the rising gas prices in the US and Europe. Russia supplies about half of the EU's natural gas imports, the BBC reported. The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which is to run from Russia to Germany, was completed last month but is still awaiting clearance from Germany's energy regulator to start operations. Story continues After the interview with Putin, Gamble posted a photograph of a leading Russian newspaper's front page that showed her extended leg while on stage with Putin. "My best angle #feminism #Russia," Gamble wrote in her caption. Read the original article on Business Insider Jacob Chansley, also known as the QAnon Shaman, inside the Capitol on January 6. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images The "QAnon Shaman's" lawyer is requesting letters of support on behalf of his infamous client. Jacob Chansley has thrice been denied pre-trial and pre-sentencing release since his January arrest. Chansley pled guilty to one felony last month and heads to sentencing on November 17. The lawyer representing "QAnon Shaman" Jacob Chansley, is making a fourth bid at securing freedom for his infamous Capitol riot client after his three previous attempts to win his release over the last nine months failed. Attorney Albert Watkins in a Thursday press release announced he is soliciting "letters of support" on behalf of Chansley, who pleaded guilty last month to a felony charge of obstructing Congress. Adorned with horns, a headdress, and face paint, Chansley became one of the most recognizable faces at the Capitol on January 6. He was photographed walking with his bullhorn and flagpole throughout the building that day and was arrested three days later in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, where he was charged with two felonies and four misdemeanors. In the months since the attack, Chansley's notoriety has only grown with the help of a jailhouse interview, specific accommodation requests, and frequent updates from Watkins. Since Chansley was arrested in January, US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth has thrice denied his requests for pre-trial and pre-sentencing release, citing a continued risk that Chansley might flee. Prosecutors have previously alleged that Chansley's standing in the QAnon community posed a concern that his fellow conspirators could help him raise money to flee - a possibility Lamberth also cited in his most recent September decision. But last month, Watkins said Chansley had "repudiated the moniker Q" and rejected the tenets of the conspiracy group. Now, Watkins is making yet another bid for Chansley's freedom, this time, ahead of his final sentencing date. The defendant is set to be sentenced next month, and Watkins is encouraging "the nation" to "weigh in" with support that Chansley be released at the hearing. Story continues "This case is now solely about Mr. Chansley," Watkins said. "Appropriately, this case is no longer about the words and actions of a former President, the impeachment proceedings, the continued political divide in our country, but rather, it is about a young man established to have a longstanding professionally diagnosed mental health vulnerability." In his previous motions, Watkins has cited Chansley's deteriorating mental health as reason for his release. The attorney has said that Chansley spends up to 23 hours a day in solitary confinement, despite not being violent. "More importantly, this is not a case which involves a question of guilt, it is a question now of culpability and whether nine months of solitary confinement for a young, peaceful, smart, caring young man with mental health issues is sufficient to warrant release," Watkins said. Chansley heads to sentencing on November 17, where sentencing guidelines suggest he could face 41 to 51 months in prison. Read the original article on Business Insider When you're the queen, you answer to no one except, apparently, your team of physicians. Queen Elizabeth II's doctors have advised her to stop drinking alcohol in the lead-up to the celebration of her Platinum Jubilee on February 6, 2022 the event marking her 70th anniversary as Queen of the United Kingdom according to Vanity Fair, which cited two first-person sources. "The alcohol has gone," one source stated, "her doctors want to make sure she is as fit and healthy as possible." Despite not being much of a public drinker, the Queen has long been known to enjoy alcoholic beverages, though reports on the extent of her consumption have varied wildly including a supposedly misreported story in 2017 that she drank four cocktails every day. Queen Elizabeth II Getty Images For its part, Vanity Fair writes that, up until the recent medical advice, the Queen had a drink "most evenings" typically a glass of sweet wine with dinner and then often a dry martini in the evenings, as well as the occasional glass of wine before bed. It's also been regularly reported that the Queen is a fan of Dubonnet and gin. "The Queen has been told to give up her evening drink which is usually a martini," a family friend told the magazine. "It's not really a big deal for her, she is not a big drinker but it seems a trifle unfair that at this stage in her life she's having to give up one of very few pleasures." But even without drinking, alcohol is still part of royal life: The Queen has two different gins produced by her residences: Both Buckingham Palace and Sandringham House have their own official take on the spirit. The Queen has also given her blessing to official sparkling wines and beer. Plus, even speculation on the Queen's alcohol consumption can grab headlines in a world fascinated with British royally: Earlier this week, the simple unconfirmed suggestion that an underground tunnel exists from the former royal residence St. James's Palace to a posh martini bar was deemed newsworthy. As for the Queen's doctor-imposed Dry October-January, until the monarch's medical guidelines are loosened, we'll be happy to raise a glass on her behalf. Race Against Injustice Now and Shutdown Etowah will lead a protest Saturday to call for prison and jail reform, according to Shunbrica Dozier, president of R.A.I.N. The protest is slated to start at 5 p.m. The community is invited to participate, Dozier said. Participants will meet at the R.A.I.N. Center at 914 Forrest Ave., Gadsden. Masks are encouraged and social distance checks will occur through the afternoon, she said. Dozier said the collective R.A.I.N. has joined affiliate chapters across the state in protesting jail/prison conditions. She said pastors, deacons and activists from Gadsden are surrounding areas will attend Saturday, "to demonstrate to city leaders the broad support for Rain Against Injustice Now and our fight against injustice in our community." "R.A.I.N is fighting for reforms that protect incarcerated people," she said, from overcrowded, violent and inhumane jails, and prisons that do not provide treatment, education or rehabilitation. Dozier said prison populations surged across the nation in the 1990s, and conditions began to deteriorate. At the same time, she said, lawmakers made it harder for those incarcerated to file and win civil rights lawsuits in federal court. She said they largely eliminated court oversight of prisons and jails. We dont need more police, we need more social service support that supports people that are poor, Dozier said. More than half of all Americans in prison or jail have a mental illness, McKenzie Clark, vice-president of R.A.I.N., said. "Prison officials often fail to provide appropriate treatment for people whose behavior is difficult to manage, instead resorting to physical force and solitary confinement, which can aggravate mental health problems. Dozier and Clark say corruption and abuse of power among correctional staff runs rampant because prison officials are not held accountable for failing to protect incarcerated people. Understaffing is a serious issue in the ECDC, Dozier said. She cited U.S. Department of Justice reports, and said Alabama's prisons and jails are the most violent in the nation, with routine violations of the constitutional rights of those imprisoned. Story continues Despite growing bipartisan support for criminal justice reform, she said, the private prison industry continues to block meaningful proposals. Systemic classification failures, official misconduct and corruption leave thousands vulnerable to abuse, assaults and uncontrolled violence, she claimed, while prison officials are not held accountable. Contact Gadsden Times reporter Donna Thornton at 256-393-3284 or donna.thornton@gadsdentimes.com. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: R.A.I.N./Shutdown Etowah plan prison/jail condition protest Payments tied to ransomware attacks in 2021 are already exceeding 2020s total, the U.S. governments financial crimes watchdog said Friday. Exchanges and other financial institutions reported more than $590 million in payments tied to ransomware attacks, including cryptocurrency payments, to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the first half of 2021, outstripping a 2020 total of just $416 million. It was not immediately clear what amount of this total was comprised specifically of cryptocurrency transactions, versus more traditional payment methods. A Treasury Department press release said attackers are increasingly requesting payments in Anonymity-Enhanced Cryptocurrencies such as monero. Attackers are also using mixers, decentralized exchanges, fresh wallet addresses and hopping between chains more as an effort to evade law enforcement officials, the release said. Crypto SARs FinCEN tied the reported amounts, which came through Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), to a total of $5.2 billion in transactions that may be potentially tied to ransomware payments, according to Treasury Department official Todd Conklin. Last year, former FinCEN Director Kenneth Blanco told CoinDesk that less than 1% of SARs filed to the agency mentioned crypto, though he did not share any monetary figures tied to these reports. Conklin, counselor to Deputy Treasury Secretary Adewale Adeyemo, told TRM Labs Ari Redbord that the announcement is part of the Treasury Departments broader push against ransomware. Ransomware, where an attacker encrypts a victims computer or network until the victim pays a ransom for a decryption key, has been employed in several high-profile attacks in 2021, disrupting critical supply-chain vendors like a gas transport firm and a meat processing plant. Read more: Heres What We Know About Suex, the First Crypto Firm Sanctioned by US Last month, the Treasury Department added an over-the-counter crypto trading platform to a global blacklist for the first time in its ongoing fight to tamp down on ransomware attacks and payments. Story continues We have seen an aggressive sustained effort on ransomware the last few weeks from the administration that started even before the Suex designation, Redbord, a former Treasury official, told CoinDesk in a statement. We are rightfully seeing the most focus on hardening cyber defenses, and when it comes to crypto, we are seeing Treasury, DOJ and others target the illicit parts of the crypto ecosystem rather than the overwhelmingly compliant industry itself. Remaining compliant In addition to the FinCEN findings, the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) published a sanctions compliance guidance brochure for crypto businesses, detailing the requirements for U.S. persons and entities that come into contact with blocked cryptocurrencies. Once a U.S. person determines that they hold virtual currency that is required to be blocked pursuant to OFACs regulations, the U.S. person must deny all parties access to that virtual currency, ensure that they comply with OFAC regulations related to the holding and reporting of blocked assets, and implement controls that align with a risk-based approach, the brochure said. The document includes recommended best practices and controls that crypto industry businesses can implement to remain in compliance with federal law. We are going to continue to target the illicit parts of the crypto ecosystem while also ensuring we are helping to bolster compliance regimes across the entire ecosystem, Conklin said. Fundamentally, though, we see ransomware as a cybersecurity issue. It gets framed in many areas as a crypto currency issue, but just attacking the crypto ecosystem is not going to fix the core problem, which is cyber vulnerabilities across multiple sectors. Heightened focus OFAC said in a press release that cryptocurrencies are being increasingly used for ransomware payments, though it also did not specify a breakdown between fiat transactions and cryptocurrency transactions. The Treasury Department is recommending that industry participants consider incorporating the elements and controls detailed in the brochure. Ransomware actors are criminals who are enabled by gaps in compliance regimes across the global virtual currency ecosystem, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. Treasury is helping to stop ransomware attacks by making it difficult for criminals to profit from their crimes, but we need partners in the private sector to help prevent this illicit activity. A group of Republican officials is launching an anti-Trump campaign to call for an end to vote audits. Twitter/ AccountableGOP A Republican group is putting up billboards to remind former President Trump that he lost the 2020 election. The first billboard is up in Times Square, and reads "Trump lost. No more 'audits.'" The group plans to run these billboards in states where Trump is calling for vote audits. A group of Republicans is putting up billboards across America to remind former President Donald Trump that he lost last year's election, starting with a gigantic display in Times Square. The Republicans for Voting Rights group tweeted a photo of the New York City billboard on October 14, which read: "TRUMP LOST. NO MORE 'AUDITS.'" There are currently 36 "Trump Lost" billboards across nine states according to a map posted on the Republicans for Voting Rights website, -The Republican Accountability Project (@AccountableGOP) October 13, 2021 "Republicans for Voting Rights is launching a quarter-million-dollar billboard campaign across the country to call on state lawmakers to reject frivolous audits of the 2020 election results," read a statement by the group. According to its website, RVR is a group of eight Republicans, including Olivia Troye, a former aide to Mike Pence, and Michael Steele, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee. "The billboard will run in major markets in states where there's discussion about an audit of the 2020 election, including Georgia, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Arizona, as well as New York City's Times Square," added the group in its statement. There have been calls for vote audits even in Florida and Texas, states that Trump won. Most recently, the GOP-led audit of the vote count in Maricopa County confirmed President Joe Biden won the election and resulted in Trump losing 261 votes. However, Trump has continued to falsely claim the GOP audit uncovered "undeniable evidence" of fraud. Story continues This billboard campaign appears to be the latest salvo fired by anti-Trump Republicans in a bid to loosen the former president's hold on power over the GOP. Just this week, GOP officials penned an op-ed in The New York Times urging Republican voters to back Democrats in the 2022 midterm elections to save the Republican party from 'pro-Trump extremists.' The Times op-ed was written by Miles Taylor, a Trump-era Department of Homeland Security chief of staff, and Christine Todd Whitman, a former Republican governor of New Jersey. In 2020, Taylor revealed himself to be the anonymous author behind a 2018 op-ed article in The Times describing a "resistance" of Trump administration officials working to quell what he called the former president's "worst inclinations." Taylor continues to pursue the cause to weaken Trump's influence on the GOP. This week, the Renew America Movement (RAM), a group that Taylor co-founded, endorsed 21 Democrats and prominent Republicans running in risky midterm races. The candidates included Democrat Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Maine Rep. Jared Golden, and known anti-Trump GOP Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. Read the original article on Business Insider Portland Press Herald / Contributor / Getty Images The bus driver shortage has interrupted schools across the nation, prompting wage hikes. After watching the shortage impact his own community, a former FBI agent decided to apply for the job. He said bus drivers are "transporting the future of America," and deserve more credit for their work. Michael Mason was number four on the FBI's food chain, overseeing the agency's criminal branch as the executive assistant director. To this day, he remains one of the most highly ranked Black special agents in the history of the FBI. Now, he's a school bus driver for special education students - a job he says he is not "overqualified" for, as some have claimed. "I am somebody in the community who cares about the future of this country, who cares about the future of our children," Mason told Insider. "And that's why I wanted to do this job ... we're transporting the future of America." Mason decided to apply to become a school bus driver after seeing the national driver shortage impact his own community in Chesterfield, Virginia. The district's "huge deficit" of school bus drivers led to delays and long pick-up and drop-off lines, burdening parents, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. In August, the shortage prompted a $3 wage hike, increasing drivers' hourly pay to $20.21, according to the report. The salary increase, along with the potential for a $3,000 bonus, has helped Chesterfield public schools receive 600 new driver applicants as of Tuesday. As a recent retiree, Mason said he didn't become a bus driver for the money - but he said the stress of the job does not align with the salary. "This job has truly expanded my capacity for empathy and understanding," he told Insider. "I have kids who sometimes are as placid as a beautiful lake, and sometimes are as chaotic as a storm." He said that despite stress caused by traffic and student safety, the vast majority of bus drivers he's met reference the children they drive as their own students and are incredibly "dedicated to their craft." Story continues "They take the job very seriously," he said. "But you know in America, we poo poo some jobs and we elevate others." Mason added that he hopes the shortage has demonstrated how important the job of a bus driver really is. "With some jobs, you only notice the importance of it when something fails," he told Insider. "I think the manner in which we characterize this job will help drive some people to consider it. I'm hoping maybe some retirees like me, say, 'I got more to offer.'" Expanded Coverage Module: what-is-the-labor-shortage-and-how-long-will-it-last Read the original article on Business Insider Robert Durst was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole at his sentencing hearing Thursday. A jury found the 78-year-old heir to a New York commercial real estate empire guilty of murder in the first degree in September for the execution-style killing of his friend Susan Berman in 2000. Berman's family was at the hearing, where Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark Windham dealt the sentence. Durst did not speak. Four victim statements were given, two from Berman's cousins. One cousin, Deni Marcus, said, "I was robbed, and my beautiful son was robbed, of an absolutely extraordinary, brilliant person whose life was savagely taken." Dave Berman, Susan's other cousin, told her justice had been done and that she could rest in peace, according to The New York Times. ROBERT DURST FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER Durst, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted of killing 55-year-old Berman on Dec. 23, 2000. The jury in Los Angeles found the prosecution proved special circumstances that he had acted with the belief that Berman, who was a journalist acting as his media liaison, had discovered information connecting him to his wife's disappearance and was willing to reveal it. Authorities found Berman shot in the back of the head in her home on the outskirts of Beverly Hills on Christmas Eve. Durst repeatedly denied the claims against him. On Sept. 1, Durst said he did not know who killed Berman. But in a 2015 HBO documentary series, The Jinx, he appeared at one point to admit to several murders. During the program's production, Durst was caught on film saying, "What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course." One day before the show's final episode, Durst was arrested in Louisiana, where authorities found him with a map of Cuba, money, and a gun. After a 14-month recess due to the coronavirus pandemic, prosecutors reconvened this month to show the jury a latex mask that authorities found when they arrested the real estate heir in New Orleans. Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian said Durst wore the mask as a disguise to evade capture from authorities in 2015. Story continues CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER "At trial, prosecutors said the defendant murdered his friend because she knew details about what happened to Dursts wife, Kathie, who disappeared on Jan. 31, 1982, while the couple lived in New York. She has never been found," according to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon's office. Durst has never been charged in connection with his wife's disappearance and has denied killing her. He admitted to killing and dismembering his Texas neighbor Morris Black in 2001 but was acquitted of murder after making a self-defense argument. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Real Estate, California, Crime, New York Original Author: Misty Severi Original Location: Robert Durst sentenced to life in prison for murder of friend MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin's special representative on Afghanistan said on Friday he did not expect any major breakthrough at talks with the Taliban next week in Moscow. The official, Zamir Kabulov, said in comments published by Russian news agencies that the Taliban had confirmed their attendance at the talks next Wednesday but had yet to announce the members of their delegation. "We do not expect any breakthroughs," RIA news agency cited Kabulov as saying. "We understand that this is a long process." Kabulov added that a officials from Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan would meet separately in Moscow on Tuesday to come up with a united position on the changing situation in Afghanistan, RIA said. Moscow hosted an international conference on Afghanistan in March at which Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan released a joint statement calling on the then-warring Afghan sides to reach a peace deal and curb violence. Since then, the United States and its allies have withdrawn their troops after 20 years on the ground, the Taliban seized power and the previous government collapsed. Russia is now worried about the potential for fallout in the wider region and the possibility of Islamist militants infiltrating the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, which Moscow views as its southern defensive buffer. Since the Taliban takeover, Moscow has held military exercises in Tajikistan and bolstered hardware at its military base there. (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Peter Graff) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -An attempted robbery turned into a shootout close to Mexico City's international airport on Friday morning in which an alleged attacker was killed and two men were injured, according to security officials. Mexico City Police said they believed that at least one gunman on a motorcycle opened fire on a vehicle carrying two passengers, one of whom - a bodyguard - fired shots in return, fatally wounding the alleged robber. Flights and other operations were not affected by the incident, according to the airport's media office. Images published by outlet Telediario showed a black SUV with bullet holes in the windshield and a crumpled motorcycle in front of it, just a short distance from a traffic circle where passengers arrive at and leave the airport's Terminal 2. The shootout began outside the sprawling airport property, according to officials. It was not immediately clear if any shots were fired within the airport perimeter. Police Chief Omar Garcia Harfuch said in a post on Twitter that the two injured men were "out of danger." Violent incidents are not common at Mexico City's airport, the country's biggest. However, in 2007, the severed heads of two men who worked for a private customs firm were found nearby. This week, authorities seized 24 kilograms of cocaine in a area of the airport used by Mexico's postal service. (Reporting by Diego Ore, Lizbeth Diaz and David Alire Garcia; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel, Giles Elgood and Raissa Kasolowsky) Oct. 15NORTH MANKATO While running one of the 30 marathons he has finished throughout his 61 years, Joe Broze knew the first 20 miles were only a precursor to the last 6.2. The body can handle 20 miles, he says. The mind can handle 20 miles. But the last half-dozen determine whether you will successfully complete the race or underperform or, worse, drop out before the finish line. "However long it's gonna take you after two hours is gonna be rough. You either wanna run another one, or you never wanna run," Broze said. The former Loyola Catholic School and Mankato West cross country coach has been running for almost half a century, he said, since he was 12. He set a longstanding school record for the 10,000-meter run while he was an All American at the University of St. Thomas, finishing in just over 30 minutes. (It was finally broken this spring, having stood for 39 years.) He ran his fastest marathon in January 1984, crossing the line in 2 hours and 18 minutes, a pace of 5:17 per mile. The run qualified Broze for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials four months later, where he finished 80th of 172 runners. And he has been a local staple at the Mankato Marathon 5K race since its origin, beating every other contender several times in the past decade. His best time came in 2012, when Broze, then 52, closed the race five seconds before the 17-minute mark. He will run again today. But after a life-threatening incident, the storied runner says his main goal is merely to finish. 'Scary, scary gray' Broze had felt unusual pressure in his chest for several weeks before he saw himself in the oblong mirror in his daughter's room the morning of Feb. 8. His sweat-covered skin was a spectral shade of gray. The chest pain first worried him last fall, when he ran the virtual 5K race because the in-person event was canceled. "I was kind of wondering why I felt so rotten," Broze said in his North Mankato home Monday. Story continues "The speed just wasn't there. And I thought OK, I'm 60. I thought this was gonna be really fun, this new age group. So I ran the race and just never felt real good about it. It was work." He continued training with his son, Ben, also an avid runner who won 2019's Mankato 5K, throughout the winter. But the tightness continued. He downplayed the symptom at the time, thinking perhaps he was just aging or had strained himself shoveling snow. Often he would stop and tell Ben to go on without him, breaking from his philosophy to always finish a run. By Feb. 8, Ben, 24, had been living and working in his father's home for nearly a year. He used his dad's room as a workspace because the Wi-Fi connection was strongest there. That morning, Broze left his room and went to nap on the living room couch. When he woke up a couple of hours later, his shirt was drenched in sweat. His son told him he looked ill and should call a doctor, but Broze dismissed his worries. As a physically fit long-distance runner, with toned legs and a muscular chest to this day, he figured he never could get severely sick. He sent Ben to the store to buy aspirin and Pedialyte and moved to his daughter's room to nap it off. "I woke up an hour later I was so gray, so white," Broze said. "It was scary, scary gray. And (Ben) said, 'Oh my God, Dad, we need to take you to see (the) doctor." Within 10 minutes of his arrival, 10 doctors crowded the foot of his bed. Having taught for two decades at Dakota Meadows Middle School, Broze recognized the cardiologist who would deliver his diagnosis as the father of two brilliant girls who had gone through his class. "He said, 'Joe,'" he recalled. Broze paused, his voice choking. "This was hard. He said, 'You're having a heart attack.'" Blood flow in three of his coronary arteries was severely restricted. Although Broze never hit the floor and even showered before heading to the emergency room, according to his son, he soon learned one was 100% blocked and the other two were 70% restricted. Doctors put stents in to allow for blood flow and told Broze he would need triple bypass surgery, scheduled for March 5 at a Mayo Clinic hospital in Rochester. Ben Broze doesn't quite believe in fate, he said, but he feels fortunate not only to have landed a job in North Mankato but to have been working from home while living with his father. His dad said if Ben had not been there to urge him to the hospital, he might have lay back down and never risen. After doctors called Ben to tell him his father had suffered a heart attack, he went to the hospital. There he locked eyes with his running coach, friend and father. He saw deep fear. Fear that he could die, but also that he would leave behind his students, athletes, friends and family. "That's what hit me a few days later, was that he could have he could have been gone," Ben said. "And that was so hard to make that realization." People couldn't believe it when Broze told them in later months that he had experienced a heart attack. But you're so healthy, they'd say. What does that mean for us? The cause of his ailment was genetic, however. He had grandparents who died from heart attacks. His mother had one at age 60 the same age as Broze in February but survived. His only hope was that his fitness might lend itself to a speedy recovery. "When I turned 60, I wasn't thinking about having a heart attack. I thought all this running might keep me from that. But it didn't." Stay in motion As a runner and a former coach, Joe Broze knows one thing to be true about racing: It's easy to start walking, but once you do, you're done. "I've always told my kids that: If you don't have to, don't walk, because then in the next race you're gonna wanna walk. And don't drop out. Cause if you drop out of one race, then the next race when the pain comes you're going, 'Oh, I could end this pretty quickly by just stopping.'" After doctors split his chest open March 5, his drive to persist while running evolved into an aim to make it one more hour. If he could endure the tear-jerking pain of recovery until 11 o'clock, he thought while in his hospital bed, then he could make it to noon. A triple bypass surgery is a life-saving but brutal, hourslong operation. Broze remembers the breathing tube of a ventilator in his throat. While he was under anesthesia, a surgeon sawed through his breastbone and spread open his ribcage to expose his heart. Lifting up his shirt Monday, he revealed a foot-long, light pink scar that begins near his collarbone and runs down to the middle of his torso. "I can't even feel what I'm touching right now," he said as he ran his finger along the scar's nerve-damaged length. After Broze's chest had been wired shut and he had risen from his hospital bed to walk around, another emergency happened. His heart rate jumped above 200 beats per minute, triggering a code blue. He was again loaded onto a gurney and wheeled to the operating room several floors down from his hospital unit. Though his brain was murky, he was conscious of his surroundings even when his oxygen source depleted and nurses hurried to get a replacement. "I'm laying there going, this is not good. I thought I was gonna die," he said, quieting for a moment. "Next thing you know, it's two days later and I wake up." The bypass grafts and stents were fine, doctors told him. They reckon a blood clot must have passed through and caused a spike in his heart rate. From the hospital he went to his living room couch, planting himself there for most of the following eight weeks. A yearlong full recovery loomed ahead. Initially Broze would lie down on the couch but struggle to lift or move his body. He rang a bell when he needed Ben's help sitting up; any sharp exhalations, such as raising his voice or coughing or sneezing, overwhelmed him with pain. His son remembers sleeping with his head turned toward the hallway so he would hear the signal. He and Ben would go for walks outside. The long-distance runner had gone from pounding through dozens of miles to leaning on his son while they hobbled the length of Broze's home. "Ben would hold on to me, we'd go for a walk outside, and I'd be in tears because it just sucked," Broze said. It was not only painful but demoralizing. He was scared. "You reevaluate some things, that's for sure." But Broze is an endurance runner, his son noted. Don't stop moving or you'll never want to start again, the coach would tell student-athletes. Whatever you do, stay in motion. "Knowing the timing of when the surgery was gonna happen and how long they estimated his recovery," Ben said, "I had no doubt in my mind that he was gonna run (the 5K)." Fitness means faster recovery In a video taken April 19, six weeks after his surgery, Broze takes small strides on a treadmill for the first time. Judging from his uncertain gait, a hybrid between speed walking and jogging, a viewer wouldn't think they were watching a stellar long-distance runner. Just five weeks later, in a May 28 video, he's back on a treadmill, but his gait and pace have improved markedly. Broze's arms swing widely and his strides have lengthened, gaining his body the great momentum it possesses during one of his runs. That day, Broze graduated early from cardiac rehabilitation. Having worn a heart monitor for 100 days post-surgery and receiving the OK from his cardiologist, he soon began training for the 3.1-mile run happening today. He has done four miles of walking and jogging every day in the leadup to the race. But he has yet to run the entire distance of a 5K without slowing to a walk. "I'm still scared to do that. I'm scared to do a 5K without stopping." The bulk of his training has happened in North Mankato's Benson Park around a quarter-mile paved loop that circles a small pond. Running there Monday, he held a good pace for the first half of a lap. But his confident strides soon gave way to a half-minute of walking. He finished the lap running solid but laborious steps. "You know what, it's interesting feeling" he stopped talking, breathing heavily for a few seconds "It's the lungs. I can tell when I've done too much." In his back, he can feel where his ribs were pulled apart toward his partially deflated lungs during surgery. Whereas before he might have pushed through it, now he takes it as a sign to slow down. And having coached for 34 total years, serving as head and assistant coach of wrestling and running at multiple schools, he decided in May it was time to walk away from his role at Mankato West. "That was really hard. That was really hard. Because I love the kids, but there's stress involved for sure," he said. Broze also left his three-decade career as a teacher last fall, with two of those happening at Dakota Meadows. Throughout his early years coaching at Mankato West, Broze ran alongside top high-school athletes during practice. As Ben progressed through his dad's program, he said Broze's pace still kept him in line with the team's junior varsity runners. Broze couldn't bear the thought of riding the bike to pace his top runners instead of striding along with them. "So I thought, 'I think I need to just wrap it up,'" he said. "Coach one guy: That's myself. Get myself better." Race day looms Broze finds himself at a sort of mile 20 in the marathon of recovery. Seven months ago he thought he might die. In a matter of hours he will run 3.1 miles among a crowd of hundreds, including his son, as he has done for years. "I'm gonna start it and I'm gonna finish it, because seven months ago I couldn't even get out of the car," he said. Finishing 4 miles these days takes Broze about 45 minutes, meaning his pace for 3.1 is more than twice his personal best in the Mankato 5K. He said it doesn't bother him that on this occasion he won't be leading the pack. "To get to this point my main goal is just to finish. I'm not even worried about my time." His mission, in other words, is to keep moving. He has no intention to leave the race course today without having crossed the finish line. When the gun goes off, is Broze worried the rush of the race day will compel him to push himself and run the whole distance? "Oh, I'm hoping it does." Watch: Billy Connolly talks to Lorraine about Parkinson's Sir Billy Connolly has said he cant complain because the good days outnumber the bad days as he continues to deal with Parkinsons. The Scottish comedian, 78, was diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition in 2013 and later confirmed that he would not be returning to stand-up. Updating his fans during an interview on ITVs Lorraine, he revealed he still has plenty of good times. Read more: Billy Connolly says best way to deal with death is to 'laugh in its face' Theres good days and theres bad days, and the good days outnumber the bad days, so Ive got nothing to complain about, he said. The star was diagnosed with Parkinson's eight years ago. (Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) Somebody once told me any time youre not feeling very well, think of the kids in the cancer wards and that straightens me out, rapid. However, the star shared that one thing that has changed is his address, because his wife Pamela made them move to Florida so that he could benefit from the warmer weather. Love love love this fabulous man. Coming up 9am my exclusive blether with Sir Billy - we laughed. A lot! @lorraine pic.twitter.com/jsW9363y3I Lorraine (@reallorraine) October 15, 2021 I was living in New York, and with the Parkinsons, I was out of balance a lot of the time, he told host Lorraine Kelly. In the winter I was sliding and falling on my backside all the time. So Pamela did it. She just told me we were moving. It wasnt a choice of mine. She just said, Right, heres the new address, learn it! Sir Billy also told Kelly that he had no complaints about his career, which he said had been fabulous. Story continues Jammed theatres with people roaring with laughter - thats all I wanted and thats what I got, he said. Read more: Billy Connolly says he's 'started to drool' in Parkinson's disease update I love it. "I have no intention of doing the comedy thing again but I might do something here and there. Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV and ITV Hub. Watch: Sir Billy Connolly: PM is 'a big, silly toff' Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images A soldier was arrested last week and charged in connection to the Capitol riot. James Mault enlisted in May, months after the FBI began investigating his involvement in the riot. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced plans in April to address extremism in the military. A man who was arrested last week in connection to the Capitol riot enlisted in the military in May, months after the FBI began investigating photos and videos that the agency says show him assaulting police officers. James Mault of Brockport, New York, has been charged on multiple counts, including assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon or inflicting bodily injury. According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Mault sprayed chemical agents at police officers while they tried to keep the pro-Trump mob from overtaking the Capitol on Jan. 6. About a week after the riot, agents began investigating Mault after receiving several tips. Mault, 29, was able to enlist in the military in May, while the investigation was ongoing, Fort Bragg spokesman Joe Buccino told The Washington Post. Photo from a criminal complaint that the FBI says shows soldier James Mault spraying a chemical agent at law enforcement during the Capitol riot. Department of Justice Rooting out extremism from the military is a stated goal of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who in April announced plans to establish a countering extremism working group after some veterans participated in the Jan. 6 attack. The group will assess the scope of the issue and combat extremist ideologies in the military and among veterans. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said at the time that the "vast majority" of servicemen and women were not extremists, but that the small group who are has a "corrosive effect." In a briefing last week, defense officials also said they had taken steps to continuously vet all service members for security concerns, replacing a more periodic and selective vetting process. Mault had also served in the active-duty army prior to his May enlistment, The Post reported, from 2012 to 2016, in a stint that included a deployment to Kuwait. Story continues According to the criminal complaint, when first interviewed by the FBI in January, Mault told agents he was at the Capitol on Jan. 6 but that he was pushed forward by the crowd and had no choice but to approach the building. He denied entering the building or assaulting anyone. Photo from a criminal complaint that the FBI says shows soldier James Mault spraying a chemical agent at law enforcement during the Capitol riot. Department of Justice But the FBI says the photos and video stills included in the complaint show Mault spraying a chemical agent directly at a group of law enforcement officers who attempted to block the mob from breaching the Capitol. Mault, who is pictured at the Capitol wearing a hard hat, told the agents he wore his hard hat from work as protection against members of antifa, who he had heard were attacking Trump supporters after rallies. At least six people have been arrested in connection to the riot while actively serving in the military, according to The Post. Read the original article on Business Insider FILE - In this May 10, 2012, file photo, the "America's Got Talent" logo appears at a press event in New York. "America's Got Talent" was the No. 1 show last week, according to Nielsen company figures out Tuesday, while CBS was the most-watched broadcast network and Fox News was the most-viewed cable channel. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File) Associated Press A stuntman on "America's Got Talent" was injured after a rehearsal performance went horribly wrong. Jonathan Goodwin was crushed between two cars that caught fire, all while being suspended 70 feet in the air, TMZ said. He is currently hospitalized, though his condition is unknown. A stuntman on "America's Got Talent: Extreme" suffered injuries after a stunt he performed during a rehersal went wrong, a show spokesperson confirmed to Insider. Jonathan Goodwin was suspended 70 feet in the air in a straitjacket between two cars that were also airborne and swinging back and forth, TMZ reported. He was supposed to free himself and land on an air mattress while avoiding being hit by the swinging cars, according to TMZ. Instead, the cars reportedly crashed into each other, bursting into flames and crushing Goodwin. Goodwin then fell to the ground, TMZ reported. A spokesperson for "America's Got Talent" told Insider that Goodwin was "responsive" following the accident and was "immediately taken to the hospital where he is continuing to receive medical care." His condition is unknown. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family as we await further updates on his condition," the show spokesperson said. Read the original article on Insider A Texas school administrator instructed teachers during a training session to give students books with an "opposing" view, including when teaching about subjects such as the Holocaust. Gina Peddy, executive director with the Carroll Independent School District, was secretly recorded by a staff member encouraging educators to offer opposing views on books about the Holocaust, NBC News reported on Thursday. "Make sure that if, if you have a book on the Holocaust, that you have one that has an opposing, that has other perspectives," Peddy can be heard saying on the recording, referring to Texas House Bill 3979, which requires educators in the state to present other opposing views when it comes to discussing controversial issues and topics in the classroom. THREATENING MESSAGES REPORTEDLY DIRECTED AT RHODE ISLAND TEACHER WHO OPPOSES CRITICAL RACE THEORY During the meeting, Peddy addressed concerns from educators regarding fears that they might have to get rid of books pertaining to the topic of race. "We are in the middle of a political mess," Peddy starts. "You're gonna do what you do best, and that's to teach kids." "You are professionals. We hired you as professionals. We trust you with our children, so if you think the book is OK, then let's go with it," Peddy added, advising the staff to remember the principles of HB 3979. "How do you oppose the Holocaust? What?" a teacher can be heard asking in the recording. "Believe me," Peddy said in response to the teacher. "That's come up." "So, Number the Stars?" a teacher asked. NEW: 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/vS0IjlROMu pic.twitter.com/yPtM1ncjgV NBC News (@NBCNews) October 14, 2021 Stephanie Williams, a candidate for Place 7 on the school board and former teacher, expressed concern over the administrator's comments regarding the Holocaust, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Story continues "I am concerned that we are misinterpreting the law and that we're reading it too narrowly and not allowing teachers who are trained educators to use their judgement," she said. Texas House Bill 3979, which became effective on Sept. 1 after Gov. Greg Abbott signed it, states that teachers who wish "to discuss current events or widely debated and currently controversial issues" should try to teach as best they can while offering students "diverse and contending perspectives" without trying to lean to one side versus the other. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The Washington Examiner reached out to the Carroll Independent School District for a statement but did not receive a response. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Texas, Holocaust, Education, Schools Original Author: Elizabeth Faddis Original Location: Texas school administrator told teachers to use books with 'opposing' views of Holocaust President Bidens economic agenda is shrinking fastalong with Bidens own reputation. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told fellow Democrats recently that the guidance I am receiving from members is to do fewer things well. This sounds like a setback to liberal Democrats who want a social-welfare revolution, but theres another way of looking at it: What took so long? Pelosi is referring to the giant social-welfare and green-energy bill that would include virtually every Democratic wish-list item and cost $3.5 trillion over a decade. Some moderate Democrats in the 50-50 Senatein which every Democratic vote is required to pass a partisan billhave been signaling all year they wont support such a huge bill or the tax hikes needed to finance some of it. But Democratic leaders have lumbered along as if unaware of this fatal divide among liberals and moderates in their own party. After the embarrassing ability to pass anything by their own deadlines in late September, Democrats set some new deadlinesstarting at the end of Octoberand began to recalibrate. The outcome now coming into view is less spending, fewer new entitlements, a smaller safety-net expansion than liberals wantand a better likelihood something might pass. The Democrats so-called reconciliation billwhich would be able to pass the Senate with a simple majority vote, bypassing the filibusterhas several components: enhanced education benefits, child care assistance, paid family leave, clean-energy investments, and better IRS enforcement, among others. One big problem with the package is theres no overarching theme voters can latch onto. Biden calls it his build back better plan, but that doesnt mean anything. What Americans do seem to know is that it would be very expensive. President Joe Biden speaks during a visit to the Capitol Child Development Center, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) A recent CBS News poll, for instance, found that 59% of respondents know about the $3.5 trillion price tag, and 58% know it would include higher taxes on the wealthy. But only 10% said they know a lot about the specifics of the bill. One-third said they have a general idea what the plan would do, while 57% said they know little or nothing about the details. For all the public attention paid to Bidens plan, its a glaring failure when most Americans dont really know what it would entail. Story continues That matters politically because it eases the pressure on members of Congressespecially the fence-sittersto enact legislation voters desperately want. Voters arent demanding Congress pass Bidens agenda because theyre not sure whether it would help them or not. Liberal Democrats such as Bernie Sanders blame moderate colleagues such as Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona for refusing to sign off on such a large spending bill. But Sanders et al. are missing the mark. Theyre the ones who have failed to rally a majority of enthused voters to the Biden agenda. So, by the way, has Biden. Will streamlining the plan help sell it? It depends. If it remains a grab bag of policy items, just less ambitious than before, that still wont give voters a concrete theme to get behind. But Democrats could also focus on whats likely to be most popular, and most effective, while scrapping the rest. That would give Demstypically inept at messaginga better chance to label and promote the package as something voters can rally around. Analysis by the Penn Wharton Budget Model suggests education programs such as universal preschool and free community college provide strong return on investment. Childcare subsidies could help bring more parents into the labor force, where theyre badly needed. Its not clear if clean-energy investments would yield a powerful economic return, yet theres a strong argument in favor of cleaner energy given disruptions caused by global warming. Less effective: transfer payments such as the expanded child tax credit, even if theyre popular. The New York Times recently asked policy experts to prioritize four broad social-welfare policies in the Democratic legislation, as a guide to what to preserve and what to curtail. The most-favored programs was universal preschool, with the child tax credit second, subsidized child care third and paid family leave fourth. So single ranking scheme is uniquely authoritative. The broader point is there are many ways to trim the Biden plan and still produce meaningful policy improvements. The so-called bipartisan infrastructure bill is differentand that ought to be an easy win for Democrats. The Senate already passed it, and all House Democrats have to do is approve the same bill on what ought to be a no-brainer, party-line vote. That would be a big win for Biden, who takes pride in his friendly relationships with many Republicans. But feisty liberal Democrats dont want to give Biden a win just yet, and theyre boycotting an infrastructure vote while demanding trillions in extra social spending theyre not going to get. These will be the last holdouts to accept the inevitable shrinkage of the reconciliation bill, and they could end up so blinded by progressive zeal that they torpedo both bills. Biden has probably known all along hed be lucky to get half his agenda. But hes letting his fellow Democrats hack through the political jungle to arrive at the same destination on their own. If Biden gets both billsthe bipartisan infrastructure plan and a shrunken reconciliation bill of around $2 trillionhell look shrewd. But hell seem inept if the whole thing collapses from Democratic intransigence. For Biden, smaller is better, big his own allies might decide bigger, or bust. Rick Newman is the author of four books, including "Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman. You can also send confidential tips, and click here to get Ricks stories by email. All Markets Summit Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Flipboard, and LinkedIn By Orhan Coskun ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is preparing for possible further military action against a U.S.-backed Kurdish militia in northern Syria if talks on the issue with the United States and Russia fail, two Turkish officials said. President Tayyip Erdogan said this week Ankara was determined to eliminate threats originating in northern Syria and that a Kurdish YPG militia attack that killed two Turkish police officers was "the final straw". Turkey said the police in Syria's Azaz region were hit in a guided missile attack on Sunday launched from Tel Rifaat by the YPG, which Ankara considers a terrorist group closely linked to militants fighting a decades-old insurgency in southeast Turkey. "It is essential that the areas, notably the Tel Rifaat region from which attacks are constantly carried out against us, are cleansed," one senior official told Reuters. Turkish forces have launched three incursions in the last five years, seizing hundreds of kilometres of border strip and pushing around 30 km (20 miles) into northern Syria. Russian jets, Iran-backed fighters, Turkish-supported insurgents, jihadists, U.S. troops and Syrian government forces also operate across the patchwork of territories in northern Syria, as well as the Kurdish YPG. The United States views the YPG as a key ally in the fight against Islamic State in northeast Syria. Russia has forces in the area to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. TIMING UNCLEAR The time and nature of any further Turkish military action was unclear. The official said the military and national intelligence agency MIT were making preparations. "The decision for this has been taken and the necessary coordination will be done with particular countries. This subject will be discussed with Russia and the United States," he added. The officials said Erdogan would discuss the issue with U.S. President Joe Biden at a G20 summit of the world's major economies in Rome at the end of October. Story continues Another official said the YPG must be pushed back at least 30 km, noting Russia was completely in control of the areas from which recent attacks had come, along with some Iranian elements. Erdogan will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the talks with Biden, he said. "If there is no outcome from diplomacy and the PYD does not leave these areas, an operation appears unavoidable," he said, using the abbreviation for the YPG's political wing and referring to Tel Rifaat and "several other locations". On Monday, shells believed to have been fired from a YPG-controlled area east of Tel Rifaat exploded in the Turkish town of Karkamis, across the border from Syria's Jarablus, causing slight damage, Turkey said. Azaz and Jarablus have been under the control of rebels backed by Turkey since Ankara's first incursion into Syria in 2016 - an operation that aimed to drive Islamic State militants and the YPG away from the border. Since then Ankara has launched two other operations in Syria against the YPG, one targeting the northwest Afrin region and one further east. (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Dominic Evans) ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkey has sealed a three-year, 11 billion cubic metres (bcm) natural gas accord with Azerbaijan and is making "significant" progress in securing additional natural gas supply, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Friday. Turkey's record demand for natural gas this year is forcing it to step up purchases on a surging spot market as it scrambles to renew long-term contracts expiring this winter. Donmez said the deal was for delivery of 11 bcm of gas via the Baku-Tiflis-Erzurum pipeline until end-2024, dismissing what he said were efforts to create the perception that Turkey was facing an energy problem amid a global energy bottleneck. "As winter approaches, continuing talks on meeting the probable increase in natural gas demand are progressing positively," he said in a written statement. "Authorities in countries from which we procure gas have declared that they will increase the gas delivered to Turkey," he said, citing the deal with Azerbaijan. One of the largest gas importers in Europe, Turkey depends on pipeline gas from Russia and Iran, as well as Azerbaijan, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Nigeria, Algeria and spot markets. It had four long-term import contracts expiring this year totalling 16 bcm annually. Azerbaijan's energy minister Parviz Shahbazov told Reuters on Thursday that Azerbaijan had signed a new deal with Turkey to supply gas from its giant offshore Shah Deniz I field. Azerbaijan halted gas supplies from Shah Deniz I to Turkey in April after the contract expired. Donmez rejected what he said where claims that Turkey was buying gas at expensive rates and he also denied reports that state energy companies Turkiye Petrolleri and BOTAS will be sold off. (Reporting by Can Sezer;Writing by Daren Butler;Editing by Jonathan Spicer) (Reuters) - A panel of advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday voted to recommend the authorization of a second dose of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 18 and older at least two months after the first dose. (Reporting by Manojna Maddipatla in Bengaluru, Editing by Franklin Paul) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior U.S. House Democrat who oversaw a massive investigation into the Boeing 737 MAX said on Friday the indictment of a former chief technical pilot should not be the end of the accountability in the two fatal crashes that killed 346 people. "Senior leaders throughout Boeing are responsible for the culture of concealment that ultimately led to the 737 MAX crashes and the death of 346 innocent people," said Representative Peter DeFazio, who chairs the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mark Forkner, 49, was set to be arraigned after being 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 the plane maker. "Mark Forkners indictment should not be the end of the accountability for this colossal and tragic failure," DeFazio said. Boeing did not immediately comment. A lawyer for Forkner did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Congress approved legislation to reform how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifies new airplanes and DeFazio said the agency "must work urgently to implement the bipartisan legislation." DeFazio's September 2020 report said the MAX crashes "were the horrific culmination of a series of faulty technical assumptions by Boeings engineers, a lack of transparency on the part of Boeings management, and grossly insufficient oversight by the FAA." The 737 MAX was grounded in March 2019 after the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 which killed all 157 aboard. Robert Clifford, a lawyer representing families of relatives killed in the Ethiopian crash, said the Forkner indictment "is a corporate whitewash... This inexcusable type of corporate greed goes far beyond (Forkner) at the company that haphazardly made these aircraft in an effort to increase profits." In January, Boeing agreed to pay 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. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio) (Reuters) -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday said it would investigate the Texas air regulator over allegations of racial bias in rulings involving pollution in Black neighborhoods by a refinery waste recycler. The agency accepted a complaint against the state over its oversight of Port Arthur, Texas-based Oxbow Calcining, which produces petroleum coke from oil refinery byproducts. An environmental advocacy group has alleged the state's air quality regulator violated residents' civil rights by allowing the plant to operate without a scrubber to capture sulfur dioxide. Between 2016 and 2019, the plant released about 22 million pounds per year of sulfur dioxide, an eye and lung irritant, over predominantly low-income and Black areas. A spokesperson for regulator Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said it was reviewing the complaint. I am encouraged by the response of the EPA to investigate our concerns," said John Beard, a former Port Arthur city councilor and founder of advocacy group Port Arthur Community Action Network. The plant is part of William Koch's Oxbow Corp, one of the largest recyclers of oil refinery and natural gas byproducts. The company was not immediately available for comment. Within a three mile radius of the Port Arthur plant, the population is 98% people of color and 62% lower income, the group said. EPA said it would pursue alternative dispute and informal resolution processes to settle the complaint and, if unable to reach an agreement, would look to deliver preliminary findings within 180 days of launching the investigation. (Reporting by Gary McWilliams; Editing by David Gregorio and Chris Reese) (Photo: David Amess) British lawmaker Sir David Amess, of the Conservative Party, died Friday after being stabbed several times in his Southend West constituency. Amess, the member of parliament for Southend West, was meeting with voters at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday. Just after 3 p.m. local time, Essex police issued a statement in which it confirmed that a man had died at the scene of the stabbing. A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea, the force said. We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12:05 p.m. today [Friday 15 October]. We attended and found a man injured. He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene. A 25 year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered. He is currently in custody. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. Tributes poured in for Amess, who was first elected to parliament in 1983, as the MP for Basildon, before becoming the MP for Southend West in 1997. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said all our hearts are filled with shock and sadness as he reacted to the death. The prime minister said Amess was killed after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom. He added: The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics. He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable. Johnson was due to hold a meeting of his cabinet in southwest England today, but planned media appearances by the prime minister have been canceled. Brendan Cox, the husband of the late Labour Party MP Jo Cox who was stabbed and shot to death in her Batley constituency in 2016, said: This brings everything back. My thoughts and love are with Davids family, he tweeted. They are all that matter now. This brings everything back. The pain, the loss, but also how much love the public gave us following the loss of Jo. I hope we can do the same for David now. Story continues Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron said: This is the most devastating, horrific and tragic news. David Amess was a kind & thoroughly decent man and he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet. Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to Davids family. Amess, married with five children, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his public service in 2015. He never served in a ministerial or shadow ministerial role, focussing his efforts on local constituency matters. He was popular with politicians and known for his active contributions to debates often about issues relating to his Essex constituency or animal rights. Opposition Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff. Carrie Johnson, the prime ministers wife, tweeted: Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children. His death is the latest attack on MPs in their constituencies. The country was rocked when the 41-year-old Labour MP for Batley and Spen was shot and stabbed in her constituency by a far-right supporter on June 16, 2016. In May 2010, East Ham MP Stephen Timms was stabbed twice in the abdomen by Roshonara Choudhry, an Islamic extremist who claimed she had wanted to get revenge for the people of Iraq. Timms suffered serious injuries and according to police was extremely fortunate not to have been killed. He remains an MP. Nigel Jones, then MP for Cheltenham, was severely injured in January 2000 when he was attacked in his offices by a man with a sword. Andrew Pennington, a Gloucestershire county councillor, was killed in the same attack while trying to defend the then-MP. He was posthumously awarded the George Medal for bravery. The attacker, Robert Ashman, had been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and was deemed unfit to stand trial and was ordered to be detained indefinitely in a secure hospital. Last year, Amess wrote in his book Ayes & Ears: A Survivors Guide to Westminster about Coxs murder and how it had rather spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting their elected politicians. He said he had experienced nuisance from members of the public at his home, and would regularly check his locks. Communities Secretary Michael Gove said Amess was a good and gentle man. He showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab tweeted: Heartbroken that we have lost Sir David Amess MP. A great common sense politician and a formidable campaigner with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirit including towards those he disagreed with. RIP my friend. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tweeted: Shocked to hear of the attack on Sir David Amess. Praying for him, his loved ones and his staff. Our elected representatives must be able to live and work without fear of violence or intimidation if we are to maintain our democracy. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today. In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no-one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. A truly despicable and horrifying act. My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: This is tragic and horrible news. My thoughts are with Davids wife and children, the wider family, friends and Davids community. A truly terrible day for British politics but most importantly of all our prayers are with all the people who loved David. Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away. He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful. My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with Davids loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief. This story has been updated throughout. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's Brexit minister David Frost said on Friday the European Union had made encouraging moves towards resolving a dispute over Northern Irish trade, part of the Brexit divorce settlement, but said it still needed to do more. The EU on Wednesday offered London a package of measures to ease the transit of goods to the British-ruled province after complaints from businesses that the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol was hampering its trade with the rest of the United Kingdom. "I think the EU has definitely made an effort in pushing beyond where they typically go in these areas and we're quite encouraged by that," Frost said ahead of a meeting with the European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic in Brussels. "But obviously there is still quite a big gap. And that's what we've got to work through today and in the future." The protocol effectively kept Northern Ireland in the EU's customs union and single market for goods after Brexit. Its aim was to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, which all sides fear could lead to a return to the violence which was largely ended by a 1998 peace accord. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed up to the protocol as part of his Brexit agreement in 2020, but has since argued that it was agreed in haste and was no longer working for the people of Northern Ireland. Frost has for months called for it to be re-written, something the EU is unwilling to do. 'SIGNIFICANT CHANGE' In an earlier interview with Politico, Frost made clear the EUs latest proposals as they stood were ultimately unacceptable as London wanted a major concession from Brussels on the role of European Court of Justice oversight in Northern Ireland. "... there needs to be significant change if we are to get an agreed solution," Frost told Politico. "All I can say is the governance issue needs to be addressed seriously and if the EU are willing to have a conversation about that on which they move off existing positions obviously we will be happy to have that conversation," he said. The EU says it has made major concessions towards finding a solution to the problem. A German government spokesperson said on Friday the protocol could not be renegotiated. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden in London and Christian Kraemer in Berlin, Editing by Paul Sandle and Gareth Jones) WASHINGTON (AP) The United States and its closest partners are stepping up pressure on Iran to return to stalled nuclear negotiations, warning that it will face greater international isolation, new economic penalties and possibly military action if it forges ahead with its atomic program. In a series of high-level diplomatic meetings this week in Washington, U.S.. European, Israeli and Arab officials agreed on the need to make clear to Iran that its continued resistance to rejoining the talks in Vienna will not be ignored or left unpunished. The consensus comes amid growing concerns that Tehran is not serious about returning to the negotiations aimed at bringing both Iran and the United States back into compliance with the languishing landmark 2015 nuclear deal that former President Donald Trump withdrew from three years later. It also comes as the Biden administration, which had made rejoining the accord a priority in its first months in office, and others become increasingly pessimistic about the prospects for such negotiations even if they do resume. Iran was at the top of the agenda in all the meetings that brought together top diplomats from the European Union, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to officials who participated, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed. The U.S. special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, is continuing the Iran conversation with Gulf Arab states this weekend, while the head of the United Nations' atomic watchdog, Rafael Grossi, will be in Washington next week for further discussions. Iran has hinted its ready to return to indirect negotiations with the U.S. but has not yet committed to a date. The EU, which has been charged with organizing the talks, has reported that Iran may not be willing to do so anytime soon and wants to meet with Borrell and others in Brussels before returning to Vienna. Story continues As the new Iranian government led by hardline President Ebrahim Raisi delays, it has continued to blow through limits on it nuclear activities that had been constrained by the deal, including enriching uranium to higher levels. This has alarmed U.S. officials who fear that if such activity continues, a return to the 2015 deal may be pointless. Borrell, whose top aide just returned from a visit to Tehran to gauge the position of the government, said he is willing to meet with Iranians ahead of a resumption in the Vienna talks. But he said enough time had already passed for Raisi and his team, which took office in August, to prepare. Im ready to do that if they want to come to Brussels. But time is pressing, Borrell told reporters Friday. I understand that the new government requires time to study the file, to instruct the negotiation team, but this time has already passed. Its time to go back to the negotiations. Asked about the possibility of a failure in negotiations and what might follow something often referred to as Plan B Borrell replied: I dont want to think about Plan Bs. No Plan B that I could imagine would be a good one. Were in a very dangerous place, Prince Faisal, the Saudi foreign minister, told reporters at a separate news conference Friday, noting Iran's accelerating nuclear work. I think we need to focus on a quick resumption of talks (and) suspension of these activities by Iran." After meeting Lapid on Wednesday, Blinken offered a bleak assessment of the situation. In a rare acknowledgment by the U.S. that it is looking at what to do in the event diplomacy with Iran fails, he said the window for Iran to return to the talks is closing but declined to give a date at which it would be too late. Time is running short, he said. We are prepared to turn to other options if Iran doesnt change course, and these consultations with our allies and partners are part of it. We will look at every option to deal with the challenge posed by Iran. Lapid was more blunt, raising anew Israels 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, Lapid said. If a terror regime is going to acquire a nuclear weapon we must act. We must make clear that the civilized world wont allow it. If the Iranians dont believe the world is serious about stopping them, they will race to the bomb. A senior Israeli official who participated in the talks told reporters that Lapids visit to Washington, which also included meetings with Vice President Kamala Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, was a very intimate discussion about what should be done if Iran refuses to engage or engage seriously. The official said Israel was pleased that the Biden administration was hardening its position and said Israel believes it is important to give (Iran) the feeling of encirclement. Speaking ahead of his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Malley, the U.S. envoy, said the Biden administration's preferred approach remains a diplomatic one. He stressed that consultations are picking up on other options. We will be prepared to adjust to a different reality in which we have to deal with all options to address Irans nuclear program if its not prepared to come back, he said. There is every possibility that Iran will choose a different path, and we need to coordinate with Israel and other partners in the region. The United States will lift pandemic-era border restrictions for fully vaccinated international travelers starting Nov. 8, the White House announced Friday. International traveling restrictions have been renewed monthly since the pandemic began in March 2020, but the White House previously signaled its intent to lift restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers on an unspecified date. "The US new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8. This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent," White House assistant press secretary Kevin Munoz tweeted Friday. Foreign visitors are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof of vaccination before boarding a plane bound for the U.S. A negative test must also be provided no more than 72 hours before flying. WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES NEW SYSTEM ALLOWING FULLY VACCINATED FOREIGN NATIONALS TO FLY TO US The US new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8. This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent. https://t.co/uaDiVrjtqi Kevin Munoz (@KMunoz46) October 15, 2021 When foreshadowing the protocol shift last month, President Joe Biden's administration stressed the importance of international travel. "International travel is critical to connecting families and friends to fueling small and large businesses to promoting the open exchange ideas and culture," Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus coordinator, said in a Sept. 20 statement. The U.S. has been slower to lift travel restrictions on foreign nationals compared to other countries. The European Union lifted restrictions on vaccinated U.S. citizens traveling to Europe early in the summer, and Canada followed suit to open its borders on Aug. 9. Story continues CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER On Thursday, when White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked by a reporter whether the U.S. would implement any measures to require domestic travelers to be vaccinated ahead of the holiday season, she said, "I dont have anything to preview on that at this point in time." The U.S. has had more than 44 million cases of COVID-19, and 66.4% of people ages 12 and up are at least partially vaccinated against the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, United States, Canada, Mexico, Travel, Aviation Original Author: Kaelan Deese Original Location: US to allow fully vaccinated international travelers starting Nov. 8 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley defended his recent onstage appearance with former President Donald Trump, who has continued using the same election rhetoric Grassley previously criticized as "extreme, aggressive and irresponsible." "He's a private citizen," Grassley told reporters following an event in Des Moines. "He can say anything he wants to. I'm looking to the 2022 election and presenting my case to the people." Grassley was among the opening speakers at Trump's rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds last week, and he appeared alongside to accept the former president's formal endorsement in his 2022 reelection campaign. The appearance an apparent embrace of Trump surprised some political observers, who pointed to Grassley's rebuke of the former president following the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots. "President Trump continued to argue that the election had been stolen even though the courts didnt back up his claims," Grassley said in a Feb. 13 statement, following the Senates acquittal of Trump. "He belittled and harassed elected officials across the country to get his way. He encouraged his own, loyal vice president, Mike Pence, to take extraordinary and unconstitutional actions during the Electoral College count," Grassley said. "Theres no doubt in my mind that President Trumps language was extreme, aggressive, and irresponsible." The rally was Trump's first visit to Iowa since he lost the election and was impeached a second time. He continued to lie about the outcome of the election, claiming without evidence that it was rigged against him. At one point, the crowd began to chant "Trump won! Trump won!" Grassley said he wanted to take advantage of the large crowd of Iowans and share his views on policy. "I took advantage of what I do with most presidents, whether Republican or Democrat. I don't look at the individual president do I like him or not like him. I look at their policies. So I had five minutes to point out the bad policies of this president." Story continues But Grassley would not say outright whether he agrees with Trump's continued false claims of fraud. "I spoke to that on December the 13th when the electoral votes were cast, and I said 'President Biden's president of the United States,'" he said. Grassley, 88, announced in September he would run for an eighth term in the U.S. Senate. A recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows him with a clear lead over Democrat Abby Finkenauer. But that same poll showed Trump is viewed favorably by a greater share of Iowa Republicans. Iowa Poll: Chuck Grassley leads Abby Finkenauer in test of possible US Senate matchup According to the poll, 81% of Iowa Republicans view Grassley favorably, while 91% view Trump favorably. Grassley acknowledged as much when he accepted Trump's endorsement at the rally. "I was born at night, but not last night," he said from the stage. "So if I didnt accept the endorsement of a person thats got 91% of the Republican voters in Iowa, I wouldnt be too smart. Im smart enough to accept that endorsement." Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Chuck Grassley defends appearance with Donald Trump, looks to 2022 NEW YORK (AP) The Democrat who will likely become New York City's next mayor says he does not intend to get rid of the city's program for gifted and talented students, nipping plans that outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio just announced. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said in an interview on CNN on Friday that de Blasio can't get rid of the program in the nation's largest school district until next year, when a new mayor is in place. Adams said he would preserve the program and expand opportunities for advanced learning. In response, the city's department of education noted that Adams' plans to expand accelerated learning in schools matches the goals of de Blasio's plan to replace the gifted and talented program. De Blasio, in a radio interview Friday, again defended his plan but was not directly asked about Adams' comments. De Blasio, also a Democrat, announced a week ago that he was starting a process that would begin next year to phase out the program, which critics say favors white and Asian American students, while enrolling disproportionately few Black and Latino children. De Blasio said the district, with about 1 million students, would next year stop administering a screening test to 4-year-olds that's used to identify gifted and talented students. Instead, he said the public school system would work to offer accelerated learning to all kindergarteners, in which students use more advanced skills such as robotics, computer coding, community organizing or advocacy on projects while staying in their regular classrooms. The mayor said he planned to hold community discussions over the coming months and roll out the full program right before he leaves office. He cant get rid of it until next year. Theres nothing to put back in place, Adams said Friday. Adams said the next mayor of the heavily Democratic city must evaluate the program, and said he would expand opportunities for accelerated learning and for children who have barriers to learning. Story continues Curtis Sliwa, the Republican mayoral candidate, has also said he would immediately reimplement the program. Although New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the country, its public schools have long been criticized as being among the most heavily segregated, particularly within the gifted and talented program. About 75% of the program's 16,000 students are white or of Asian descent, though Black and Latino students make up about two-thirds of students. Some Asian American activists have pushed back against plans to dismantle the program, saying it has given their children a path out poor-performing schools and, eventually, out of poverty. Zelda Williams. LILLY LAWRENCE/AFP via Getty Images Zelda Williams told fans on Twitter to stop sending her a viral video of an actor playing her dad. Actor Jamie Costa published a video earlier this week of him impersonating Robin Williams. Zelda Williams said it was "weird" that she was sent videos of her dad "on one of his saddest days." Zelda Williams asked fans on Twitter to stop sending her videos of an impersonator of her father, Robin Williams. Earlier this week, actor Jamie Costa published a five-minute video entitled "ROBIN Test Footage Scene" where he plays the late comedian receiving news of the death of his friend, John Belushi. The scene replicates Williams on March 5, 1982, when his "Mork & Mindy" co-star, Pam Dawber (portrayed in the video by Sarah Murphree) tells him the news of Belushi overdosing. Belushi's overdose occurred hours after he was hanging out with Williams. Costa's clip has since gone viral, receiving almost 5 million views on YouTube at the time of writing. On Tuesday, when the video was first published, Zelda Williams had to plead with fans to stop sending the video to her. "Guys, I'm only saying this because I don't think it'll stop until I acknowledge it," she wrote. "Please, stop sending me the 'test footage'. I've seen it. Jamie is SUPER talented, this isn't against him, but y'all spamming me an impression of my late Dad on one of his saddest days is weird." One fan responded with: "Maybe it's not meant to be cruel or rude. Or promote sadness. A lot of us regular people loved your Dad, for many, many, reasons. If that clip stops one person from doing drugs, I say it's a win/win. Love and light to you." To this, the "Dead of Summer" star replied: "I said nothing about cruel or rude. The clip made me uncomfy so I was asking kindly for folks to stop sending it to me over and over." Story continues "Your love for Dad doesn't mean I have to tolerate being bombarded in silence, and being projected upon can be pretty exhausting some days," she added. Costa's video now has fans calling for a full biopic about the beloved comedian. Robin Williams committed suicide in 2014 after suffering from Lewy body dementia. Zelda Williams, who is also an actor, is one of Williams' three children and has paid tribute to her dad on numerous occasions, including sharing touching photos of him on social media that she had unearthed last year. Her brother, Zak Williams, also bonded with Prince Harry earlier this year over their "shared experience" with public grief. Read the original article on Insider In the wake of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the Charlottesville and Albemarle County area is preparing to welcome at least 250 Afghan refugees over the next month. At a press conference at IX Art Park on Tuesday, local officials spoke about what must be done to welcome these families. The [International Rescue Committee] is used to dealing with much larger numbers [of refugees) but never in this kind of compressed timeframe. So this is a huge challenge, said Russ Linden, Task Force Chair with Welcoming Greater Charlottesville, a local organization that aims to support immigrants and refugees. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on Aug. 15 following the collapse of the government. This was two weeks before the U.S. was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a two-decade war. The militant group ran Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, until U.S. troops descended upon the country following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Taliban were known for their oppressive laws that took away almost all rights from women. Women were barred from attending school or working outside the home. They had to wear the all-covering burqa and be accompanied by a male relative whenever they went outside. The Taliban banned music, cut off the hands of thieves and stoned adulterers. Princess Mako's boyfriend Kei Komuro will meet her parents on Monday ahead of their marriage scheduled for later this month, the Imperial Household Agency said Friday, with an unresolved financial dispute involving his mother clouding the celebratory mood. The announcement came as Komuro, 30, arrived in Japan last month from the United States, where he works at a law firm, to prepare for the marriage that was imperiled by the dispute between his mother and her former fiance. He completed a two-week coronavirus quarantine period earlier this week. During a meeting at the Akasaka Estate, Komuro is expected to explain to Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko the trouble between his mother and her former fiance over 4 million yen ($35,000), including money spent on his education. The couple will meet each other for the first time in about three years, as he left for New York in August 2018 to study at Fordham University's law school, from which he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in May this year. His return to Japan caused a media frenzy last month, with his new ponytail hairdo and demeanor, such as keeping silent in front of the press, making headlines. An official at the Imperial Household Agency will submit legal papers to register the couple's marriage on Oct. 26 on behalf of Princess Mako and Komuro, the agency said. The two are scheduled to hold a press conference afterward at a hotel in Tokyo, in the afternoon on the same day. A Japanese government panel Friday advised culture minister Shinsuke Suematsu to register a traditional way of making sake using koji, a type of fungus, as an intangible cultural asset under a new system. The Agency for Cultural Affairs, under the education and culture ministry, also recommended a traditional technique for the shodo art of Japanese calligraphy for registration under the new system for intangible cultural assets. The government will announce the registrations in its official gazette soon, making them official. It will be the first time for items related to the culture of everyday life to be recognized as intangible cultural assets in Japan. Koji is also used to make shochu and awamori distilled spirits, as well as mirin cooking wine. The sake brewing method subjected to registration involves the use of traditional yellow koji and other types from rice or wheat. The technique was first established in the Muromachi Period between the 14th and 16th centuries. While mechanization took hold in Japan during the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the traditional way of making sake by hand has been passed down from generation to generation. The council concluded that the method has historical significance in the culture of Japans way of life. The new registration system was introduced in June this year in order to protect a wider range of intangible cultural assets, as Japan previously had only a designation system for performing arts and craft techniques. One of the happiest words you can hear in Japan is hodai. It basically translates to all you can, and youll find it in such joy-inducing offers as tabehodai/all-you-can-eat and nomihodai/all-you-can-drink deals at bars and restaurants. Not theres a new hodai to smile about, the Peach-hodai. No, its not an all-you-can-eat produce plan, but a special pass that gives you unlimited flights on Japanese airline Peach. The Peach-hodai Pass allows holders to fly anywhere they want on Peachs 33 domestic routes in Japan, and as often as theyd like, during the month of November. And since Peach is a low-cost carrier, the passes are amazingly affordable, starting at just 19,800 yen. Now, domestic air travel in Japan always begs the question, Would it be cheaper to take the bullet train? and in this case the answer is almost certainly no, since a single Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka is about 14,000 yen. Another advantage is that Peach flies all across the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Two versions of the Peach-hodai Pass will be available. The Light pass covers just your airfare, while the Standard pass adds the perks of one free checked bag and no fee for selecting your seat within the aircraft (the normal charges for which start at 1,800 and 590 yen, respectively), so if you have trouble packing light or absolutely need an aisle seat, the Standard could be the better economical choice for you. Pricing is slightly complex, with the Light starting at 19,800 yen and the Standard at 29,800. However, those are the prices for the first 30 total passes sold. After that, both prices rise by 10,000 yen to 29,800 for the Light and 39,800 for the Standard, which are still incredible bargains for all the travel opportunities they provide. Japan marked "Railway Day" on Thursday, the anniversary of the opening of the country's first railway on October 14, 1872, between Shimbashi Station in Tokyo and Yokohama. Wakayama Electric Railway in western Japan set up a clock with the image of a cat's face on a platform at the Kishigawa Line's Wakayama Station to celebrate the occasion. A calico cat, Nitama, uncovered the clock in the opening ceremony on Thursday. She has been working as a stationmaster at another station on the line. The clock, measuring 70 centimeters in diameter, has black and brown ears and three white whiskers on both sides. Nitama is the second cat to serve as the stationmaster, after the first cat, Tama, passed away in 2015. Officials at the railway company say Tama has helped to revitalize tourism in Wakayama Prefecture. The company plans to introduce sightseeing trains in December to revive tourism as the coronavirus pandemic subsides. Wakayama Electric Railway President Kojima Mitsunobu said the coronavirus has brought a sense of stagnation to the country, but he hopes people will visit the station to see the clock. The 14-kilometer long Kishigawa Line runs through rural areas between Wakayama Station and Kishi Station in neighboring Kinokawa City. Dhaka [Bangladesh]: A day after reports emerged about multiple attacks on temples during Durga Puja celebrations, Bangaldesh security officials on Thursday evening recovered 18 crude bombs from the gate of a Hindu temple in Khulna district. The live bombs were found at around 5:30 pm and safely recovered by a bomb disposal unit at around 7 pm, Dhaka Tribune reported. The bombs were later neutralized in a safe environment, according to Rapid Action Battalion 6 (RAB) Director Lt Col Mostak Ahmed. According to the report, the incident took place at the gate of Rupsa Maha Shashan, which also houses a Kali temple. Following the reports of the attacks on Hindu temples, the Bangladesh government has beefed up security to facilitate Durga Puja celebrations in the country. The security situation has also prompted the authorities to deploy paramilitary forces and contingents of police across the country. Local media said that the situation remained grim in Chandpur, Coxs Bazar, Bandarban, Sylhet, Chittagong and Gazipur after attacks and clashes. The Bangladesh government has assured the countrys Hindu community of improved security and said that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) troopers were deployed in 22 districts to maintain security. BGB personnel had been deployed at the request of the deputy commissioners concerned and on instructions from the Home Ministry, said Lt Colonel Faizur Rahman, BGB director of operations. Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said several people involved in the Cumilla incident has been identified and some suspected instigators have also been detained. We will hunt down those involved in the incident, he said. Stating that the authorities would inform the media about the details after investigation, the home minister said: It appears that it was a motivated move planned by a vested group. 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 Several incidents of vandalism at Durga Puja pandals were reported on Thursday. 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 the Nanua Dighirpar area over reports of demeaning the Holy Quran at a Puja Mandap, reported Daily Star. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a tough warning, saying anyone involved in the attacks on Hindu temples and Durga Puja venues in Cumilla will not be spared. New York Citys Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has awarded development contracts to Monadnock, Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation, and The Master Group to construct a new 100-percent affordable housing property in Stapleton, Staten Island. The development will create 360 new affordable homes with more than half designated for the formerly homeless, extremely low, and very low-income households. Additional facilities will include a new medical space for Richmond University Medical Center and a counseling center for the YMCA of Staten Island. ArchCare will facilitate on-site health and social programming for seniors. Staten Island is one step closer to realizing the full vision of the Stapleton Waterfront, said NYC EDC president and CEO Rachel Loeb. For years, we have worked with our city, elected, and community partners to transform the former 35-acre U.S. Navy Homeport into a walkable, diverse, and resilient community. This development plan will add much-needed affordable housing and healthcare uses to an area that will soon include 12 acres of public open space and a bicycle-and-pedestrian connection to the St. George Ferry Terminal. Bernheimer Architecture served as architect of record and embraced a resilient design strategy to help protect the building from storm damage, rising tides, and increasing precipitation. This includes thoughtfully placed building entrances that decrease the need for deployable flood barriers and a sloped landscape that directs storm water into runoff diversion channels. To improve the buildings energy performance, the roof of the structure includes a solar array. Bernheimer Architecture is thrilled to be part of the design team for the Stapleton project and to participate in the continuing revitalization of the Staten Island waterfront, said Andrew Bernheimer, founder and principal of Bernheimer Architecture. The building is conceived as a focal point of both the local neighborhood and the broader waterscape of New York Harbor; it will be a resilient, healthy, and active structure supporting a diverse community. Stapleton Site A, the official name of the waterfront project site, measures 108,000 square feet and is currently vacant. The project aims to further the goals of the Bay Street Corridor Neighborhood Plan, a city-led initiative to generate new opportunities for affordable and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing, retail developments, public spaces, and infrastructure improvements. Through a series of zoning map and text amendments, the plan is expected to create approximately 1,800 new residential units, 275,000 square feet of commercial space, and 45,000 square feet of community facility space. Through the Bay Street Corridor Neighborhood Plan, we planned for and committed to a more affordable, resilient, and vibrant North Shore of Staten Island, said Department of City Planning director Anita Laremont. This next phase of development along the Stapleton waterfront is an example of promises kept, giving all New Yorkers an opportunity to join this growing community and to access the waterfront while also being protected from the impacts of climate change. Its another wonderful example of our work towards a more equitable city for all. Subscribe to YIMBYs daily e-mail Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates Like YIMBY on Facebook Follow YIMBYs Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews Peters said he didnt know much about the process until his wife became involved in Omaha. He said it should be an open subject, but he needed to learn more about it. The school board should be choosing them, Tripp said but added he wanted to learn more, too. I want to learn as much as I can, he said. The negotiating team and committees should be open to board-appointed members, Myers said. If we stick in our old ways, change isnt going to happen, she said. Myers added that teachers should be given contracts in time to read and evaluate them before negotiations. Daniels echoed the others remarks about training. Any training I can get can only make me better, she said. Pellant asked candidates if they believed unions should have to recertify in order to negotiate a new contract, as law currently requires. This means to take a new vote on whether the union should continue to have a unit in the district. Tripp said he didnt know enough about it to give a firm answer. He said it might be OK, unless its too burdensome. For the 2020 fiscal year, Deere & Co. net income totaled $2.751 billion, according to the company. What were asking for is that it really wouldnt have taken very much for John Deere to have done it right, said a union employee picketing outside Davenport Works, which makes construction and forestry equipment. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} 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 in a press release. We stay committed to bargaining until our members goals are achieved. In a statement, Brad Morris, Deeres vice president of labor relations, said the company is determined to reach an agreement with 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. Another worker picketing at Milan said he has no interest in comparing Deeres salary and benefits to other manufacturers. They said most other companies are not having record profits, nor do they produce as much as Deere. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will look internally to fill the role of executive vice chancellor after Elizabeth Spiller stepped down from the position earlier this week. Chancellor Ronnie Green on Friday said the flagship campus would open up applications for the chief academic officer on Wednesday. Green also appointed a 10-member committee led by Sherri Jones, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, and Steve Kolbe, Faculty Senate president and associate professor in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. UNL will work quickly to fill the position in time for the spring semester, Green said in a news release, foregoing a national search that could last months. "The executive vice chancellor is a key senior leadership position for our campus," Green said. "Due to the pandemic and other factors, it is not an ideal time for a national search," he added. "I'm highly confident that we will have multiple, outstanding internal candidates who will excel in this role." Green created the executive vice chancellor position after assuming leadership of UNL in 2016. Previously, the position was known as the senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. A new statewide initiative known as Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems aims to strengthen six greater Nebraska communities. The three-year community-building experience will work to bolster entrepreneurial ecosystems in Valley County, Holt County, Keith County, Sidney, Red Cloud and McCook through training, education and peer learning opportunities. Through the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Nebraska Community Foundation, NetWork Kansas and Valley County Economic Development worked closely to design and launch the Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, or E3, program. While six communities form the initial E3 cohort, participating local leaders and entrepreneurs will each be asked to reach out to neighboring towns to join the effort, resulting in a total of 20 greater Nebraska communities that will forge new connections to resources, training and peer networking and ultimately boost local prosperity, according to a press release from the Nebraska Community Foundation. PORTAGE A local man was awakened by his wife early Thursday after she heard someone in their home. He grabbed a gun and searched the home to discover a naked female neighbor in his shower, police said. The resident of the 300 block of Jacobs Place said he ordered the female at gunpoint to leave his home, and she walked out with a cardboard box that was later found to contain his belongings, according to Portage police. Police arrived about 1:20 a.m. and said they found 42-year-old Debra Jarvis standing outside the home, nude and mumbling. Police said they smelled alcohol emanating from the woman and noticed other signs of intoxication. "I asked Debra why she had been in the residence," police said. "Debra then looked back at (the home in question), pointed at the trailer and said 'shower.'" Police found a shirt and had Jarvis put it on, reports state. The male resident said Jarvis lives in the mobile home park, but he had never spoken to her prior to the incident. Neither he nor his wife have ever given her permission to enter their home, a police incident report states. It's not clear if any complaints have been filed against any health professionals for prescribing the medications. In Nebraska, the state Board of Health can recommend discipline of a physician or other health professional, but the Attorney General has the final say. The two drugs have been touted by some health professionals but more often by politicians and celebrities as potential cures of or prevention against COVID-19 infections. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug that can be prescribed for humans but is more commonly used in animals. Hydroxychloroquine is commonly used to treat malaria, but it also is used in the treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The Food and Drug Administration had at one point last year given emergency use authorization for the use of hydroxychloroquine in some limited cases in hospitalized patients after the drug showed initial promise as a treatment for the disease, but it later revoked that authorization after a large clinical trial "showed no benefit for decreasing the likelihood of death or speeding recovery." Likewise, recent clinical studies of ivermectin have found it to have little or no clinical benefit in COVID-19 treatment, although it is on a National Institutes of Health list as an approved or under-evaluation antiviral treatment. Seal and Leni Klum shared a cute father-daughter moment at the premiere of Netflix's The Harder They Fall in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. The singer, 58, walked the red carpet with his model daughter (whom he shares with ex-wife Heidi Klum) in a black three-quarter length coat, black jeans, a crisp white shirt and a printed tie. Seal worked on the soundtrack of the Jeymes Samuel-directed Western film along with with Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Lauryn Hill, James Lassiter and more. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Leni sparkled in a black Dolce & Gabbana mini dress with a tasseled hem and black sandals. She wore her long blonde hair pin straight and sported a natural makeup look. RELATED: Leni Klum Walks Runway for Dolce & Gabbana and Grins When She Sees Mom Heidi in the Crowd (Watch) leni klum, seal Steve Granitz/WireImage The rare red carpet appearance comes one month after the model opened up about her cover shoot for Rollacoaster Magazine and revealed that she actually wanted to model a lot sooner than she did during an interview with Extra. leni klum, seal CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images "I had grown up going to work with my mom," Leni explained of her natural interest in modeling. "Ever since 11 or 12 years old I've been begging her and then finally I turned 16 and she said that I could finally start modeling." As she now follows in her mother's footsteps, the teenager told the outlet that she's constantly getting tips about navigating the industry. "She's always telling me I need to have fun She's always like 'Bounce around, have fun, be energetic, be excited.'" RELATED: Leni Klum, 16, Lands First Solo Magazine Cover with Glamour Germany 20 Years After Mom Heidi However, even with Heidi's feedback, Leni is learning how to define her own career, adding that she's "definitely opposite" of her mom, specifically when it comes to her sense of style. "She calls it grungy, I call it oversized I guess You'll never catch me in super tight jeans because I don't like wearing things that are uncomfortable baggy and big," Leni told Extra. Over the past year, Leni's career has taken off, landing the covers of Vogue Germany (alongside her supermodel mom) and Glamour Germany (for a solo shot). She also opened Berlin Fashion Week earlier this year and walked in the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show in August. Thank you for Reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. U.S. Department of Labor Sues Luxury Car Dealer for Firing Employee for Raising Concerns over COVID-19 Hi Tech Motorcars LLC terminated employee for warning managers and coworkers. The U.S. Department of Labor filed suit against an Austin luxury car dealer for firing an employee who warned managers and other co-workers about potential COVID-19 hazards in the workplace. An OSHA investigation found Hi Tech Motorcars LLC, Hi Tech Imports LLC and Hi Tech Luxury Imports LLC violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act when it retaliated against the worker in December 2020. After learning a co-worker had tested positive for coronavirus, the employee requested that management notify other employees immediately of their exposure. When management did not take action, the employee sent an email to all company employees about the potential hazards. Less than an hour later, the employee was fired. OSHA found the employee exercised their legal rights under section 11(c) of the OSH Act and that the termination was illegal. According to a press release, its filing in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, the department seeks reinstatement, lost wages and benefits resulting from the termination, reimbursement for costs and expenses, compensatory damages and exemplary or punitive damages. No worker should ever fear losing their job for raising workplace safety and health concerns, said OSHA Regional Administrator Eric S. Harbin in Dallas. OSHAs investigation and U.S. Department of Labors action in this case show we will enforce these protections vigorously. This employee acted out of real concern for their safety and that of their coworkers, and their actions are protected under federal law, said Regional Solicitor of Labor John Rainwater in Dallas. The law also protects whistleblowers from retaliation by their employer and holds employers accountable when they do. OSHAs Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of 25 whistleblower statutes protecting employees from retaliation for reporting violations of various workplace safety and health, airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, securities, tax, criminal antitrust and anti-money laundering laws. For more information on whistleblower protections, visit OSHAs Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage. Four (and a Half) New ANSI Fall Protection Standards: What You Need to Know Before Buying Equipment To keep up with the evolving technologies and related equipment in the fall protection industry, the ANSI/ASSP Z359 standardsor Fall Protection Codeare continuously advancing to provide organizations with best practices. During this webinar, attendees will learn how recent changes to four Z359 standards and the introduction of the new Z459.1 standard on rope access systems impact an organization's fall protection program. The presentersthe Chair and Vice Chair of the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Committeewill provide an overview of the standards, key changes in the updated documents, and recommended ways to implement this new information. Safety professionals can use this overview to determine the best strategy for applying the new information to reduce risk for workers at heights. Register below for this free webinar! DATE: December 2, 2021 TIME: 2:00PM ET - 1:00PM CT - 11:00AM PT Speakers: Thomas Kramer, P.E., C.S.P. Principal, LJB Inc. Mr. Kramer is a safety consultant and structural engineer with 25 years of experience. As a dually registered professional engineer and certified safety professional, he has spent much of his career consulting with clients to reduce risk for workers at heights. He specializes in the assessment and design of fall protection systems, as well as fall protection program development and training. Mr. Kramer is Chair of the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Full Committee that develops fall protection consensus standards, and he chairs the ANSI Z359.1 subcommittee. He also serves as the president of the International Society for Fall Protection. He is widely considered to be a thought leader in the fall protection industry, having given more than 250 technical sessions and workshops on the topic. Dan Henn VP of Operations, Reliance Fall Protection Since 2003, Dan has been manufacturing, developing and testing fall protection products. As a result of this experience, utilization of the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code and interactions with end-user clients, Dan has developed a strong understanding of fall protection subject matter. He has been a member of the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Full Committee since 2011 and is currently serving as the Vice-Chair of Committee. He also chairs the Z359.14 and Z359.17 subgroups. Sponsors: Kee Safety, Inc. Whether it's up on the roof for railings, lifelines, walkways, and anchors, or getting in on the ground floor with safety barriers, railing kits, self-closing gates, and machine guards, Kee Safety provides a wide range of OSHA-compliant safety solutions to separate your workers from occupational hazards. www.keesafety.com Safety Rail Company is the premier manufacturer of free-standing, fall protection safety railings for flat roofs and other fall from height hazard areas. Our #1 priority at Safety Rail Company is creating an environment for workers that is safe, secure and productive by eliminating their exposure to fall hazards. Each of our safety products are third-party tested and certified to meet all applicable OSHA standards for fall protection namely 1910.29, 1926.500-503. www.safetyrailcompany.com Gorbel has been providing solutions to keep workers safe since 1977. Our Tether Track Rigid Rail Fall Arrest Systems provide a reliable, cost-effective solution to reduce the risk of injury in elevated work environments. Gorbels Road Ranger Mobile Anchor provides fall protection where you need it, indoors or out, and is rated for towing up to 65 MPH. www.gorbel.com Honeywell Designed for comfort. At Honeywell PPE, safety is in our DNA. Every single day, hundreds of millions of people work in hazardous environments, and rely on their safety equipment to get them home every night. For over a century, Honeywell has been protecting workers with head-to-toe safety offerings, rooted in our industry experience and relentless drive to innovate. Today, our safety solutions protect the future of 500 million workers. In this future, safety solutions adapt to changing needs and environments. They increase productivity and efficiency, instead of getting in the way. And above all, they dont stop working until the last worker clocks out and gets home safely. https://sps.honeywell.com/us/en/products/safety Time: 2:00 PM ET Duration: 1 Hour In this new energy era where fossil fuels are regaining their status as a vital energy source, there are plenty of North American stocks that are also benefiting The influence and importance of Russia in intimately linked to its role as a major energy provider, a role that has become increasingly important during the current energy shortage It appears in 2021 that Russia has regained a lot of the power and influence that it lost following the Crimean invasion and resultant U.S. sanctions seven years ago Lets imagine that a few years ago in early 2014 that Vladimir Putin had tossed a coin in a wishing well and asked for a more supportive market for Russian oil and gas, their chief source of foreign currency. A mere seven years ago, after the Russian invasion and takeover of Crimea, the country was a pariah on the world stage. U.S. sanctions intended to cripple the Russian economy, combined with low oil prices following the Saudi decision to take back market share held by upstart American shale, were delivering just the results intended. The Russian economy was soon in tatters, and the Ruble had fallen to post-Soviet lows. And then, slowly, the tide began to turn. If Putin had indeed tossed a coin into the well in 2014, he could hardly have dreamed up a more complete delivery of this wish than the world in which we now live as 2021 nears its close. A number of decisions by Western (American and European primarily) policymakers over the years favoring Green Energy sources over traditional petroleum, have effectively handed Putin the trump card in negotiations involving Europes energy security. When you combine these now questionable decisions with the alliance Russia has formed with OPEC (now generally referred to as OPEC+), you have a world in which the Russian president must delight. In this article, we will summarize the state of the global energy environment. In particular, we will focus on how one decision - the U.S. dropping sanctions on the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline - has put Russia squarely in command of negotiations that will have a direct impact on Europes energy security this winter. Energy in 2021 For much of the past five years, American shale has dominated the marginal balance of global oil and gas supply increases. A relentless push toward growth at any cost drove American production to all-time highs as recently as 2020. The pandemic, combined with a new administrations push to accelerate the transition to green energy sources, dropped oil prices into the cellar in April of 2020. Many energy producers brought to near-bankruptcy before prices began to rise again restrained development of new wells, preferring to reward long-suffering shareholders with increased dividends and share buybacks. I discussed this trend in an Oilprice article back in June. American production dropped precipitously as a result before stabilizing just above 11-mm BOPD. The associated gas that had been produced fell as well. At the same time, exports of American gas as LNG to European and Asian markets took off to new highs. The net effect of the reduced drilling and rise in exports was to lower the amount of oil and gas in storage, some 30% below inventories just the year before. Related: The U.S. Shale Industry Desperately Needs To Drill The EU is the leader in the green energy transition, and companies headquartered in member states have gotten a clear message to reduce their Scope I, II, and III carbon footprints. Shell (NYSE:RDS.A, RDS.B) is the most striking example of this emphasis, with the Dutch court finding against them. I discussed the ramifications of this order in an Oilprice article in September. As part of this energy transition, the EU has disincentivized new gas drilling and chosen to use gas as an emergency backup to wind and solar sources on the spot market, as opposed to signing long-term contracts for storage. As I noted in the linked article, this has brought EU supplies to dangerously low levels, at a time when the wind farms offshore have under-produced expected supplies of electricity due to a relatively calm wind environment. Add in a ramp-up of the global economy as the Covid impacts begin to recede, a renewed Asian demand for winter heating, and OPECs decision to stick to the moderate increases in output, and you have a good snapshot of the energy situation the world, and particularly the EU, faces going into the winter of 2021-2. You also have one very, very happy Vladimir Putin as he begins to negotiate increased gas shipments to the EU in conjunction with final approvals for the newly completed Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline. Nord Stream-2 negotiations The Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline was vigorously opposed by the two prior American administrations. There were geopolitical and energy security reasons for this opposition and American sanctions had largely stymied its completion over the final critical phase. In May, the Biden administration withdrew these objections ostensibly to repair frayed relations with Germany and allowed progress to continue. Nord Stream-2 is now complete with gas flows expected to start as soon as final approvals from Germany whose territory it crosses are received. In a recent Wall Street Journal article an energy expert summarized the leverage Putin now possesses over EU energy security: The European gas crisis has shown the extreme leverage that Russia has over Europe and beyond, said Thierry Bros, an energy expert and professor at Sciences Po Paris. Putin is the only one who could prevent blackouts in Europe because Russia has spare capacity. This is a position of power. WSJ The article notes that in contrast to the West, Russia has become an energy Super-Store with surging volumes of gas, oil, and even coal. The article estimates that Russia now controls 25% of global gas and LNG shipments, and 13.3% of oil shipments, outpacing even Saudi Arabia with 12.6%. It is also supplying coal to China in the absence of Australian imports, which China has chosen to ban for diplomatic reasons. In negotiations with the EU about increased gas for the winter, Russia appears to be using this leverage and taking a fairly hard line. Nothing can be delivered beyond the [existing] contracts, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday. Any extra deliveries are a matter of negotiating. WSJ It remains to be seen as to how firmly Russia will hold to this position as the winter progresses. A couple of things are certain though. Firstly, the low-cost energy environment that has persisted for the last several years is probably giving way to the one we are just now beginning to appreciate. Higher prices and concerns about supplies will dominate both global policymakers and consumers thoughts as we go forward. Secondly, the new prominence of Russia on the energy market and on the global stage of world affairs is set to grow. Putin has outlasted sanctions from the Crimea event, which you rarely hear much about these days as the news cycle has moved on, and now casts a larger shadow than ever in geopolitical circles. How to invest in this new era The prices of energy stocks in the U.S. and Canada have surged in recent months as the full potential impact of this new era has settled upon the market. In the space of a year, independent companies like Devon Energy, (NYSE:DVN) have quadrupled as low prices encouraged market consolidation. Even oil majors like ConocoPhillips, (NYSE:COP) have surged to pre-pandemic highs and made strategic acquisitions as I noted in an Oilprice article earlier this month. We think these companies remain investible in this environment, and renewed realization of the true importance of petroleum energy sources could assist in propelling their valuations still higher. Related: The Facts Behind Saudi Arabias Outrageous Oil Claims Nowhere is this more true than for the major energy service companies. Halliburton, (NYSE:HAL) and Schlumberger, (NYSE:SLB) remain our favorites, and their current valuations are not reflective of the potential demand for their services in the coming quarters. We should also mention the incredible values seen in Canadian companies, many of which weve highlighted in past articles. Tourmaline Oil Corp, (OTC-TRMLF) the largest gas producer in Canada, still sells at a single-digit earnings multiple, which is sure to change as winter approaches. Another company we particularly like is Canadian Natural Resources, (NYSE:CNQ). CNQs long-life, low decline heavy oil production ensures high net backs driving profits higher as demand increases for oil in transportation, industrial, and as a substitute for gas in the case of high gas prices, for electricity generation. CNQs stock is up 60% this year, and we think it has further to run and pays nice dividends to shareholders. The need for brevity prevents other suggestions in particular companies. The energy sector has been challenged in recent years and has only recently come back into favor. As noted, we think investors can still find bargains in the new energy price era that has just settled on the global energy market. We would leave the reader with this generalized comment that we view the entire North American energy complex above and below the 49th parallel, as a target-rich environment, with few bad choices in todays market. The reader is encouraged to do their own due diligence and consult an investment advisor before making any investing decisions. By David Messler for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Climate activists clashed with police as protesters against fossil fuels tried to occupy a building of the U.S. Department of the Interior on Thursdaya stunt that sent at least one security officer in hospital. Dozens of environmentalists managed to enter the Stewart Lee Udall Main Interior Building on Thursday. Those who could not clashed with police outside the building, The Washington Post reports. Security personnel at the building sustained multiple injuries and one officer was taken to hospital, agency spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz told the Post. The police made multiple arrests during the sit-in and the clashes, the Associated Press reported. The climate campaigners demanded to speak with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who was out of Washington D.C. at the time. The protesters had descended on D.C. as part of the People vs. Fossil Fuels campaign, which was urging activists that From October 11 to 15, thousands of people will take action at the White House, participate in civil disobedience, and demand that President Biden choose a side: People vs. Fossil Fuels. Join us! The Center for Biological Diversity, a non-profit conservation organization, said on Tuesday that many indigenous, climate, and conservation groups would join People vs Fossil Fuels actions at the White House this week, and would call on President Biden to keep his promise to end federal fossil fuel leasing, drilling and mining on public lands and oceans. The federal fossil fuels programs are responsible for more than one quarter of U.S. climate emissions. Interior Department leadership believes strongly in respecting and upholding the right to free speech and peaceful protest, department spokeswoman Schwartz said in a statement as carried by the Washington Post. It is also our obligation to keep everyone safe. We will continue to do everything we can to de-escalate the situation while honoring first amendment rights, she added. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russias gas giant Gazprom could increase production capacity if it sees higher demand for volumes under long-term supply contracts from Europe, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Friday. Speaking about Gazproms production facilities and deliveries to Europe in September, Novak told Russian news outlet Business FM that production capacity cant just be magically raised. Of course, if Russias European partners increase orders and if the volumes in long-term contracts grow, I think that Gazprom will surely develop its production capacity, Novak told Business FM in an interview on the sidelines of the Russian Energy Week. Europes energy crisis is the result of very low gas inventories and policy mistakes, not low supply from Russia, said Novak, joining other Russian officials including President Vladimir Putin, who mocked on Thursday the suggestion that Russia was using gas as an economic weapon. In the interview with Business FM, Novak also dismissed suggestions that Russia has been withholding supply to Europe to force the EU into accepting that the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is and will be needed. Some analysts and Members of the European Parliament have suggested that Russia has been deliberately withholding gas supply to the European market in recent weeks, exacerbating the gas crisis and pushing prices higher, possibly with the ultimate goal of pushing the European Union into admitting that it needs Nord Stream 2 to avoid a more severe crisis when the winter comes. More than 40 members of the European Parliament from all political groups have reportedly urged the European Commission to launch an investigation into Gazprom over alleged market manipulation that could have contributed to the record-high natural gas prices in Europe. The European Commission is looking into complaints from some European Union (EU) member states that Russia isnt sending more gas on top of the long-term contracted volumes, European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson told Reuters last week. The European Commission presented on Wednesday a toolbox for a coordinated approach to protect those most at risk in the immediate term, including by investigating possible anti-competitive behaviour in the energy market. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A group of House Republicans has in a letter to President Biden slammed him for what they have called "anti-American energy policies", including the president's appeal to OPEC+ to raise oil production, Fox News reported, saying that the signatories to the letter included more than 100 lawmakers. "It is not in America's interest to rely on these nations for energy," the letter said. Its authors include West Virginia Representative Carol Miller, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Minority Whip Steve Scalise. "Instead, eliminating barriers to American-produced oil and natural gas and its infrastructure will increase American economic and job growth, enhance national and energy security, and lower energy prices for American families." The authors of the letter also noted the Biden administration's cancellation of the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline and the moratorium on oil and gas drilling on federal lands, which, according to them, were all parts of a pattern of policy initiatives that had negatively affected U.S. energy independence and contributed to the current crisis. While the Republican representatives acknowledged the Biden administration's attempts to boost crude oil supply as "valid", they went on to note that "Unfortunately, your recent request of OPEC+ is consistent with a number of anti-American energy policies that your Administration and congressional Democrats are pushing." Earlier this week, media reported that President Biden had met with executives from the U.S. oil industry, likely in the latest attempt to rein in prices at the pump, which in parts of the U.S. have topped $4 per gallon. Last week, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm was quoted as saying that one way of getting prices under control was releasing crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Later in the week, however, Granholm walked back on that statement, saying there were no plans to tap the SPR "at this time". By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The libretto was well suited for the new interpretation, Darrah said. A few pronouns were changed, but the rest of the text is intact. When the love affair is revealed, the people are shocked, and Juliets father feels shame, which, Darrah said, resonates in 2021. There are many queer people who have come out and have had that experience, he said. In addition to telling an LGBTQ story, the new production also portrays strong women. Romeo (played by Cecelia Hall) is portrayed as a political leader and fierce warrior. That feminist view, said Darrah, is great to see. This interpretation of The Capulets and the Montagues came about organically when Darrah and Opera Omaha staffers were discussing how to present it at the ONE Festival, and everyone was excited about the possibilities. Then they put it on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a way, the pandemic ensured that their vision for the show would move forward, said Roger Weitz, Opera Omahas general director. The pandemic has been an awful tragedy, but it also has made new experiments possible, he said. It hastened good ideas, and were being more innovative (and) risky. Neither of the drugs are authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, although both have other approved uses. The National Institutes of Health in February said there was insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of ivermectin to treat COVID. The agency further noted that results from adequately powered, well-designed, and well-conducted clinical trials are needed to provide more specific, evidence-based guidance on the role of ivermectin in the treatment of COVID-19. In late August, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory noting a marked increase in prescribing of ivermectin and in calls to poison control centers for exposure to ivermectin. Some were associated with people using products purchased without prescriptions, including veterinary products. The drug is used in people to treat certain infections caused by internal and external parasites. Bloomberg Businessweek recently reported that those advisories have not discouraged millions of Americans from getting prescriptions from physicians on telemedicine sites. Outpatient prescriptions have shot up more than 24-fold from pre-pandemic levels, to 88,000 a week in the seven days that ended on Aug. 13, the news service reported. For the most part at Zorinsky, the encroachments go only 1 to 3 feet inside the park, Jolley said. But in a few areas, where the perimeter fence sits 6 to 30 feet inside the park, its much more, including part of a driveway and some large retaining walls and sprinkler systems. David Sobczyk, operations manager at the corps, said he feels for those who are upset. We know there are some people who disagree with what we are doing, he said. But small encroachments can become big ones, and were trying to avoid that. Among the trees to be removed in this next phase are those behind Mia Nagys home. Unlike the parkland behind Watts street, there already is a cleared corridor behind her home. She points to the existing roughly 15-foot-wide grassy corridor and asks why it has to be doubled and mature trees removed. Her main concern, she said, is the loss of habitat. There are owls that nest in these trees, she said, and deer take shelter there. Gutgsell told investigators that he met the man in May 2013 when Gutgsell was a priest at St. Cecilia Cathedral in midtown Omaha. Gutgsell said the church often had homeless people approach in search of help. This man was no different. Gutgsell said he decided to assist the man by giving him something (with which) to carry his stuff. Gutgsell said he helped the man for three months and then the man disappeared for three months. Gutgsell advised that when the man reappeared he began asking him for money. Gutgsell said he gave the man only cash and always met him in the front seat of (Gutgsells) vehicle, normally in a parking lot of the Salvation Army, about a block or two from St. Cecilias. The man isnt a member of St. Cecilias, and hes not Catholic. Gutgsell said he took meticulous notes of his donations and knew that he had given approximately $700,000 (between) May 2013 to July 2021. Gutgsell advised that he had given (the man) approximately $250,000 of his own personal monies by draining his personal accounts, life savings, insurance and his retirement account. That driver picked up the woman and took her to the address entered, but it was clearly not her residence. The driver was unable to stir the woman to get her exact address. He then took her to a closed gas station at 96th and Q Streets and called another Lyft driver to transport the woman. Enter Komlanvi Jules Avitso. The Lyft driver, 41, picked her up and drove her around for more than two hours. About 2 a.m., they ended up in the parking lot of a deserted business at 119th and P Streets. Cellphone records pinpoint the womans phone as being at that place for 42 minutes. At his trial earlier this year, Avitso testified that he was trying to figure out her destination. Prosecutors said he was raping her. Eventually, Avitso unlocked the womans phone, figured out her actual address and dropped her off. The next morning, the woman pieced together some factors that led her to believe that she had been sexually assaulted: vague recollections of pushing a man away, the driver asking if it was her time of the month, her fingernails hurting, as if she had clawed someone. A handful of Omaha-area businesses are requiring employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. But more are stopping at strongly encouraging employees to get vaccinated. Union Pacific and Gallup both federal contractors said employees will be required to have the COVID-19 vaccine. President Joe Biden announced last month that workers at private companies with more than 100 employees would have to get vaccinated or tested regularly. A mandate also applies to federal contractors and employees at health care facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements. Union Pacific will require all employees to report their vaccination status or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by the federally mandated deadline, spokeswoman Robynn Tysver said. As an incentive, U.P. management employees will receive a vacation incentive and unionized employees will be offered incentive pay. Employees are encouraged to receive vaccinations outside of work hours. Gallup also will adhere to the executive order requiring vaccinations, Justin McCarthy, an official with the organization, said in an email. LINCOLN Seventeen Nebraska lawmakers sent a letter to Kellogg Co. CEO Steven Cahillane Thursday to show unwavering solidarity with the companys striking workers. The letter offered support for members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco and Grain Millers Union, which has been at impasse with the company for more than a year over a new contract. The union went on strike Oct. 5. Issues at stake include health care, holiday pay and vacation time, as well as the companys two-tier wage system. Under the system, new employees start at a lower wage scale than longer-term ones. In the letter, the senators called for Kellogg to continue working in good faith with the workers, pointing to the companys 80-year history in Omaha and the sacrifices that workers made during the pandemic to keep producing the companys ready-to-eat cereals. They also highlighted the Legislatures passage of a new business tax incentive program to help companies. We are committed to helping you continue to produce affordable, and nutritious food for the whole world from your Omaha facility, of which we are very proud, the letter said. During public discussion of the proposal on Friday, the executive director and members of the board denied that the idea was intended to slow or block renewable energy development or that it was inspired by state senators who oppose wind farms. One board member, Dennis Grennan of Columbus, said the proposal grew out of his concern over a repeat of the polar vortex that struck in February and led to rolling blackouts in Nebraska because of power generation disruption in Texas and Oklahoma. The power industry has changed, Grennan and others said, and utilities have shifted to obtaining new energy via power purchase agreements, instead of building new power plants, to capture federal tax credits granted to private wind farms. OPPD and other public utilities dont qualify for the credits. What happened in Texas was catastrophic, Grennan said. Grennan said it made him question whether the Power Review Board needs a role in deciding if the states utilities were providing adequate, reliable and resilient power. Dejkas reporting showed that all-or-nothing approaches sent culture warriors on both sides to their corners, which they never left. This is one of the major problems with American politics today: Insisting on purity entrenches polarization and squelches compromise. Those shocked by some elements of the proposed standards and anyone who didnt expect fervent opposition to teaching seventh-graders about anal sex is disconnected from reality felt dismissed. Unfortunately, the politically correct thinkers were on the final committee and basically ignored the input of any who didnt agree with them, said a nurse who was part of the writing team. So the standards were killed, at least for now, but the important issues they raise havent gone away. Opponents of school sex ed argue, as they have since at least the 1950s, that its the job of parents to convey the needed information. In theory, sure. But many parents lack the knowledge, resources, nerve or inclination to address the range of complex issues from which they cannot hide their children. Some wont talk to their children at all about sex. 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 Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. BLOOMINGTON An amendment to a contract with a jail inmate telecommunications company that would have allowed McLean County to profit from inmates use of tablets in jail was denied Thursday by 12 McLean County Board members. The proposal, which was approved Oct. 5 by the McLean County Justice Committee, is an amendment to the countys contract with Inmate Calling Solutions to include the use of tablets in the McLean County Detention Facility for benefit of the inmates. People incarcerated at the county jail would have been charged 5 cents per minute while using a tablet and 25 cents per inbound email. McLean County was lined up under the proposal to receive 25% of those service fees collected by Inmate Calling Solutions. The board agreed to table the proposal to a different meeting to re-negotiate the amendment. Board member Laurie Wollrab, D-District 6, said she would like to remove the countys profit and also lower the fees for inmates. McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said at the Oct. 5 justice committee meeting that inmates have been using tablets for a couple weeks. Sandage said at the time that charging inmates would save taxpayers money. Board member Sharon Chung, D-District 7, moved to remove the item from the consent agenda for discussion. Truthfully, I think that if youre relying on profiting off those that are incarcerated to meet your bottom line, then perhaps theres something wrong with the system as a whole, Chung said. Sandage, however, said the money all goes back to the inmates, for food and uniforms. The board members who voted to table the proposal emphasized that they only disagree with the county charging inmates and making a profit from it. They are in favor of allowing inmates to use tablets because it provides an opportunity to receive educational credits and take classes at no cost immediately upon obtaining a tablet, as well as to communicate virtually with family. Thats a huge step forward for our criminal justice system, both here at the county and at the state, said Jim Rogal, D-District 4, who formerly worked as a legislative liaison for the Illinois Department of Corrections. So, while Im all for that, I just dont think we should be profiting off that. Bloomington-Normal Enterprise Zone incentive package In other business, the McLean County Board approved an amendment to the Bloomington-Normal Enterprise Zone revamping a uniform economic incentive package that aims to lure businesses to the zone, which includes portions of Bloomington, Normal, Gibson City and other areas of McLean and Ford counties. Thursdays approval was the last one needed to advance the plan, as the other government bodies approved the deal in recent months. The Bloomington-Normal Enterprise Zone was created in 2016 after it gained approval by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The zone has since grown to accommodate expansions at Ferrero USA, Rivian Automotive, Destihl Brewing and Brandt Industries. The incentive plan includes property tax abatements for up to five years depending on the type of business. Significant impact businesses a non-retail project that is either in the agribusiness, warehousing, technology or insurance industries or derives 65% of its revenue from foreign exports are eligible for 100% property tax abatement for five years. Retail projects restaurants and bars, hotels, or any business that makes at least half of its revenue from retail sales will be eligible for three years of property tax abatement. The first year would be 100% abatement, while the second year would be 75% and the third year would drop to 50% abatement. Non-retail projects would be eligible for a five-year property tax abatement. Those rates would start at 100% abatement for the first year and drop by 20% each year after. Non-retailers could also receive additional incentive payments from its local government if they meet one of four requirements. The four requirements include: Hiring 80% of construction workers from a business in McLean or Ford counties, hiring 80% of new workers who live locally, hiring 120% above the industry average for women or minority employees and creating an apprenticeship program with Heartland Community College or local high schools. The incentive package does not apply to 13 types of businesses, including convenience stores and gas stations, liquor stores, cannabis businesses and wind or solar projects. Thursdays approval of the enterprise zone amendment also created the Bloomington-Normal Enterprise Zone Advisory Board, which will establish procedures for the operation and management of the incentives under the amended section. The enterprise zone advisory board will consist of each director of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, the Ford County Board chair and Gibson City mayor. Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. OTTAWA Jelani Day's family attorney has responded after toxicology testing results were announced Thursday amid the investigation of his death. Caffeine and evidence of nicotine and cannabis use were found during the testing, but the amounts were considered not toxicologically significant, the report said. "The toxicology report was exactly what we expected it to be and unfortunately provides no answers as to what happened to Jelani," said Hallie Bezner, the family's attorney. LaSalle County Coroner Rich Ploch declined to comment on the report due to the ongoing investigation." Results were received Wednesday. The Pantagraph obtained the report prepared by Horsham, Pennsylvania-based NMS Labs under the Freedom of Information Act. Tissue samples were taken from the liver, kidney and brain on Sept. 8. A cause of death for Day has not been released by law enforcement. Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. 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 Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The girls mother told police that she saw a man get out of a small silver sedan, walk up to the doors of the high school, and fire shots at her daughter and a man in his 40s around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the report said. SPRINGFIELD In 2019, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri opened an 18,000-square foot clinic on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. The expanded Fairview Heights facility, which replaced a smaller clinic not equipped to provide surgical abortions, was built as a strategic location as we started to see the writing on the wall, said Bonyen Lee-Gilmore, the organizations vice president of strategy and communications. That writing included the dramatic erosion of abortion access in the state of Missouri, driven by a series of laws enacted by state legislative Republicans restricting the procedure. A 2019 law that would go even further banning all abortions at or after eight weeks has been blocked pending the decision of a federal appeals court. Already, the vast majority of Missourians leave their home state to access an abortion, Lee-Gilmore said, estimating that about 90% of Missouri women who call the clinic for the procedure chose to have it done across the river. And Illinois is kind of the beacon right now in this region in protecting access. Indeed, Illinois has provided a stark contrast in the Midwest, enacting some of the most liberal abortion laws in the country even as surrounding states move to restrict the procedure. And with advocates on both sides of the abortion debate viewing the striking down or significant gutting of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court as increasingly likely, Illinois could see a flood of patients from surrounding states seeking abortion services that they may not be able to receive at home. Our perspective is that Illinois is quickly becoming ground zero for the abortion debate here in America, said Amy Gehrke, executive director of Illinois Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization. 'Nothing's going to change in our state' A total of 46,517 abortions were performed in Illinois in 2019, the most recent year data is available, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. This is a nearly 10% increase from 2018. This included 7,534 women who traveled from out of state to receive the procedure, an increase of nearly 2,000 from 2018 and more than double the patients from 2014. These numbers could rise significantly. The reality is that we are now looking at a situation where Texas has all but banned abortion in its state, and we are starting to see the ripple effects of that here in Southern Illinois, Lee-Gilmore said. As Texas patients are displaced from Texas, they're moving to the closest state to access abortion. For many, the journey may lead to Illinois. Lee-Gilmore said that in the month after Texas enacted its six-week abortion ban, the clinic saw a 47% increase in patients from outside its service area. And Planned Parenthood's predictive models project that an additional 14,000 women from Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee would likely travel to southern Illinois for abortion care if Roe v. Wade is overturned. The states reproductive health laws have long been among the most liberal in the country. It is among 15 plus Washington, D.C., that have laws on the books protecting abortion rights in the event that Roe is overturned, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion-rights research organization. The states abortion-rights position was codified with Gov. J.B. Pritzkers signing of the Reproductive Health Act in 2019. The law enshrined reproductive health care including abortion access as a fundamental right in Illinois. Among other things, the law requires that all public and private insurance plans include abortion if they cover other pregnancy-related services. And it repeals laws viewed as antiquated, such as a wife needing her husbands consent to terminate a pregnancy. In the short term, the law was seen as a response to the passage of laws restricting abortion access in mostly Republican-controlled states, such as Missouri. In the long term, it was viewed as a backstop in case an increasingly-conservative Supreme Court decided to break with long-established precedent and either strike down or significantly gut Roe v. Wade. The court will hear oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which deals with the constitutionality of a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks. It is viewed as a direct challenge to Roe. "When and if Roe v. Wade is overturned, nothing's going to change in our state as far as abortion law goes," said Gehrke. "The Reproductive Health Act basically enshrined abortion into Illinois law." Gehrke said it took a long time for the abortion rights side to notch major victories in the state. By the same token, it may take time for the anti-abortion side to make some headway. Facing an abortion rights legislature and governor, Gehrke said her group will focus on educating the public about Illinois' laws. 'Made the issue important again' Even with the gains they have made in recent years, abortion rights advocates are still on offense. There is a possibility that legislation repealing the Parental Notification Act, which requires an abortion provider give an adult family member at least 48 hours notice before a procedure is performed on someone 17 years old or younger, may be considered. Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, the bill's sponsor, did not return a request for comment asking if action would be taken on the bill in the legislature's fall session, which begins next week. However, Pritzker expressed support for the measure at a news conference earlier this week. "I'm in favor of a woman's right to choose, I'm in favor of repealing PNA," Pritzker said. "I don't know whether the legislature will bring this up over the two weeks of veto session, but I have stood in favor of it since I was elected in fact, long before that when my mother had me marching in favor of a woman's right to choose, back in the 1970s." Another bill, sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, would allow any Illinois resident to sue any person who causes an unwanted pregnancy and receive a $10,000 award. Dubbed "The EXpanding Abortion Services Act, or TExAS Act, it follows the model of Texas' abortion bill, which allows residents to sue and collect $10,000 bounties from those who perform or aid in abortion after six weeks. Chris Mooney, a professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said the concept of "policy diffusion," which states that policymaking in one government affects policymaking in other governments, plays a marginal role in Illinois' recent legislative record on abortion. "I don't think the fact that Texas is going to ban abortion is going to change policy in Illinois," Mooney said. "But what it's done is made the issue important again and allowed pro-choice advocates to say 'look, here's a demonstrable threat to something you hold dear; we should get busy on the legislative front to make sure we protect that.'" Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPRINGFIELD Illinois lawmakers released the first draft of new congressional maps Friday, the latest step in a process that occurs every 10 years after the U.S. Census and could impact the balance of power in the U.S. Congress. The new maps are only a draft and will be subject to legislative changes as lawmakers return to the Capitol next week for their fall veto session. The congressional maps will be one of the top agenda items as lawmakers return. The new draft maps include 17 congressional districts, down from the current 18 due to the states population loss recorded in the 2020 census. Several of the districts wind through various parts of the state on thin strips of land. That includes the 13th District, which runs from Champaign to the north to Belleville in the south, making its way westward and including several downstate population centers along the way. Thats the district currently represented by Republican Congressman Rodney Davis, who has expressed an interest in running for governor and has said the decision would depend on how Illinois Democrats would choose to draw his current district. Davis hometown of Taylorville is instead included in the redrawn 15th District, which is one of the largest districts landwise, going from Freeport in the north to Vandalia in the south, an approximately 275-mile drive. It includes a big chunk of several counties south of Springfield, runs up the eastern part of the state, and grabs land from several central Illinois counties on its way up to Stephenson County near the states northern border. Illinois is an important state for Democrats nationally as they look to maintain control of the U.S. House in the 2022 mid-term elections. Currently Democrats have a 224-214 advantage in the chamber. The states primary elections are scheduled for June 28. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Fellow police officers and community members alike gathered Thursday to celebrate and offer well wishes as Officer Carlos Yanez was released from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, more than two months after the Chicago police officer was shot four times while on duty. Yanez was shot in the head and seriously wounded Aug. 7 while conducting a traffic stop of three people in a vehicle in West Englewood around 9 p.m. His partner, Ella French, was shot and killed. 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. After months of recovery, Carlos Yanez Jr. was greeted Thursday at the entrance of the rehabilitation center with a long round of applause and mariachi music as he sat in his wheelchair and was swarmed by the crowd. Hes a real hero, one person can be heard saying in a video of the event posted to the Fraternal Order of Polices Facebook page. According to the elder Yanez, his son suffered four gunshot wounds. He was shot in his eye, cheek, brain and back and doctors were unable to remove all four bullets. Yanez is unable to move the left side of his body because of the bullet wound to the right side of his brain. He is slowly regaining strength in his left arm and can move his fingers. But that left-side paralysis means Yanez must now remain in a wheelchair, his father said, and he has been moved out of his second-floor, walk-up apartment. His discharge from the rehab center will allow Carlos Yanez Jr. to once again sleep in the same residence as his wife and son. He was able to hug his son again, very few times he has been able to do that, and hold him, said Carlos Yanez Sr. While the officers dreams may have shifted due to his new circumstances, he has many plans for the future. Carlos Yanez Jr. wants to work more with kids, his father said, in youth centers in the Englewood area. I told him, the elder Yanez said, youre just challenged more on some things, so just get stronger on another thing. Thats all. The Yanez family set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay for the wounded officers recovery, which exceeded its goal of raising $350,000. Carlos Yanez Sr. said the support his family has received from the community has been astronomical. Its been overwhelming and beautiful and thank you, everybody, he said. I want to communicate from my family, from the bottom of my heart, just thank all the people out there just praying for him. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, expressing his condolences to the family of Mr Joseph Kofi Adda, said the former Aviation Minister and Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central will be remembered for his diligence and forthrightness. Mr Adda, 65, died in Accra on Wednesday, October 13, at a hospital in Accra, where he was receiving treatment for a sudden illness, his family told the Ghana News Agency. "I am shocked and very saddened by the news of the sudden death of my friend, the former Minister for Aviation and former Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Hon. Kofi Adda," President Akufo-Addo said in a Facebook post. "I extend my deepest condolences to his wife and family for their loss, and pray for Gods strength for them in these difficult times. "Kofi Adda will be missed, and will be remembered for his diligence and forthrightness. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen." Mr Adda, a financial economist and a management consultant, served as a Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central and also the Minister for Aviation until January 2021. He first entered Parliament in 2003 after winning a by-election after the death of the incumbent, Mr John Achuliwor. He retained his seat in the 2004 elections and was appointed the Manpower Development and Employment Minister by President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2005 before being reshuffled to head the Ministry of Energy in 2006. Although, the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2008 elections, Mr Adda retained his seat. He, however, lost the seat in 2012 to the then NDC parliamentary candidate, Mr Mark Woyongo. The MP reclaimed the seat from the NDC in 2016 and was appointed Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, in 2017. He was later moved to the Aviation Ministry before the end of President Akufo-Addos first term as President. The astute politician contested the 2020 NPP Parliamentary Primary again but was beaten by Ms Tangoba Abayage, the then Upper East Regional Minister. Mr Adda, born on April 22, 1956, was from Navron-Pungu Wusunyu, Navrongo. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Queens, A women's group in the Ashanti Region together with other voluntary groups have honoured and responded to the concerns of the market women in Ashanti Region. During the birthday celebration of Hon. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen which generated a spontaneous attention across the entire country at the Kumasi Race Course Market, the leadership of the market women association made a passionate appeal to the Trades and Industry Minister through Queens to help them with bags of cement for their civil works at the market. The leader and president of Queens, Madam Afia Korankyewaa together with other well meaning individuals have mobilized 200 bags of cement and two trips of quarry gravels to honor the market women's request. During the presentation, Madam Afia Korankyewaa reiterated her appreciation to the market women for their continuous support and dedication towards the economic transformation in the country and thanked the market women for the trust they've reposed in the NPP government. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Race Course Market Women, Maame Kakyire Badu the secretary of the association expressed her profound gratitude to the Hon. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and thank the women group for the kind gesture and prayed God to bless and refill every barn that contributed to this generous feat. Source: Atiemo Emmanuel/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector-General of Police(IGP), has held a meeting with officials of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Association of Bankers to discuss issues related to banking sector security. A news brief from the Police said the Police Administration was reviewing its strategy on the movement of cash across the country, following attacks on some cash-in-transit operations. It said the meeting was in recognition of the critical role played by stakeholders and the need to establish stronger partnerships with them. The brief said the dialogue highlighted new strategies being mapped out by the Police Service to counter cash-in-transit robbery attacks and the challenges that were being encountered. All areas of collaboration between the Police and the banks were examined, the brief said. In attendance were members of the Police Management Board; the Governor of BoG and his Deputies; the President, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other executive members of the Association of Bankers. Also, present were the CEOs of most of the major banks in the country. The brief assured players within the banking sector and members of the public that it was committed to ensuring a safe and secure atmosphere for the banking industry and guarantee the safety of all persons in the country. It also assured all Police officers that their safety was paramount and the Service would go to all lengths to provide them with the needed protection to enable them to serve the society in peace. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video William Ato Essien, founder of defunct Capital Bank, has prayed an Accra High Court (Commercial Division) for some time to take advantage of reparation and restitution under Section 35 of the Courts Act. Essien, together with Fitsgerald Odonkor, the then Managing Director of the Bank and Tettey Nettey, the Managing Director of MC Management Services, a company said to be owned by Essien, have been charged for stealing depositors funds, leading to the collapse of Capital Bank. Accused persons have denied the accusation of conniving and stealing GHS620 million liquidity support offered by the Bank of Ghana to the defunct Capital Bank. Essien, who was not court due to ill health, through his counsel, Mr Baffour Gyawu Ashia Bonsu, indicated to the Court presided over by Justice Eric Kyei Baffour that he had started discussion with the prosecution, but the said discussion suffered some delay or a temporal halt. We have sent a letter to the prosecution requesting that discussion should resume, and we have received response from the prosecution indicating their willingness to afford us the opportunity. It is our humble prayer that this court afford us the opportunity. Considering the back and forth of the discussion we asked for four weeks, Mr Bonsu said. Chief State Attorney, Marina Appiah Opare in her response, admitted that indeed the state had received the request from Essien through his counsel for resumption of discussion in respect of their desire to take advantage of Section 35 of the Courts Act and make restitution. Mrs Appiah Opare said, We are open to resuming such discussion and have duly informed Essiens counsel. We are saying that the discussion should not take more than two weeks. If the Court is minded taking an adjournment, it should be two weeks. Mr Addo Atuah who presented Nettey said one month sought by Essiens Counsel should be reasonable for the discussion to be completed. He also apologized for the absence of his client in court saying Netteys mother has passed away and was at the Mortuary. The trial Judge, who is a Court of Appeal Judge sitting with additional responsibility as a high Court Judge, adjourned the matter to November 4 saying if the accused is able to conclude with the discussion on restitution, the terms should be filed at the court. I have carefully considered the plea and have also balanced it against the need not to needlessly hold in abeyance the trial which he is suppose to open his defense after prosecution has called 17 witnesses and closed its case. Weighing these two competing interest and balancing same, I am of the view that not more than 20 days adjournment to enable parties conclude negotiation would be an apt time. If that is not achieved, no injustice at all would be occasioned by Essien. The Court said it would however proceed with the trial on the next adjourned date even if no agreement was reached. Capital bank was one of the first banks that collapsed after massive clean-up of financial institution by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) starting in 2017. The accused persons were variously charged with stealing, money laundering and conspiracy to steal. The three accused persons have pleaded not guilty to charges preferred against them. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The teacher standing trial for allegedly sodomising 19 pupils of the Kulpi Junior High School (JHS) in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region has pleaded guilty to all the charges preferred against him after investigations by the police. The accused, Mr. Natomah Otabel, a Social Studies teacher of the school, pleaded guilty to defilement and unnatural carnal knowledge when he appeared before the Tamale Circuit Court yesterday (October 14). The court, presided over by Mr. Justice Alexander Oworee, remanded the accused person in police custody to reappear on October 21, 2021 for judgement. Re-arrested The accused was earlier discharged by the Salaga Magistrate Court in the Savannah Region last Wednesday (October 13) because it did not have the jurisdiction to try the case. However, he was re-arrested by the police immediately he was discharged and put before the Tamale High Court. Facts of the case The facts of the case are that the suspect is a Social Studies teacher at Kulpi Roman Catholic (R/C) JHS in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region. On Thursday, September 23, 2021, five of the victims confided in a female teacher of the school that their Social Studies teacher Natomah Yamousah Otabel had been harassing them sexually by allegedly having unnatural carnal knowledge with them at the teachers quarters through the anus without using a condom, after he had lured them to his residence under the pretest of sending them. The female teacher, on hearing this, informed the headmaster and the assistant headmaster of the school. The headmaster invited the victims to his office and after questioning, they indicated that several others had also been sexually harassed by the accused person. The accused was later invited and when asked, he admitted to the allegations. Medical examination report The costs of medical examination of the victims at the Tamale Teaching Hospital were paid by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Salaga South, Hajia Zuweira Ibrahimah, and Developing Kids Ghana, a non- governmental organisation. The medical report is yet to be submitted to the police. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, is calling on the members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to join the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for a prayer session for President Akufo-Addo. According to him, the intercession prayer is aimed at pleading to God to change President Akufo-Addo from his extravagant lifestyle which is eating deep into the public purse that he swore to protect during his first inaugural speech. "I will plead with the NPP to join us to go on our knees and pray for God to change the extravagant lifestyle of our President so that he will use the existing Presidential Jet for us to cut down cost. You claim you dont have money due to Covid-19 but see what you are doing. Is it fair? he quizzed. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Edudzi Tamakloe bemoaned that President Akufo-Addo is subjecting Ghanaians to unfair treatment by renting a private jet at a cost of 10 million Ghana Cedis for foreign travels when the same amount could have been used to buy incubators for hospitals, a project being championed by renowned Broadcaster, Kwami Sefa-Kayis 'Kokrokoo Charity Foundation'. The only thing the President has done is that he is wasting the taxpayers money. Why will it take a private initiator to buy incubators for hospitals when we have 10 million Ghana Cedis to spend on presidential travels? he bemoaned. He chided that President Akufo-Addo at his age should not be thinking of renting a private jet or buying a new jet but rather concentrate on making a good name for himself. Lawyer Edudzi insisted that the current presidential jet is in a good shape to perform the same functions that the rented private jet does; wondering why President Akufo-Addo has decided to misappropriate the taxpayers money to satisfy himself. He maintained that some of the foreign travels of President Akufo-Addo for which he rented a private jet did not yield any result for the country. Watch video below Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has asked the New Patriotic Party (NPP) faithful to be disciplined and united to break the 'Eight-year' change of governance and political administration. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr Fred Oware, a former First Vice-Chair of the Party, at the NPP Greater Accra Regional Annual Delegates Conference, he charged the members to show commitment in their work to enable the Party to maintain power in the 2024 general election. He said the NPP had the vision, capacity and good programmes to manage the economy to provide better standards of living for every Ghanaian, hence the need for every member to work towards breaking the 8. Dr Bawumia supported the regional conference with GHS20,000 and GHS2,000 each for the constituencies conferences. Mr Lord Oblitey Commey, the Director of Operations at the Presidency, who addressed the delegates on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo, said the NPP was holding on to power forever. We have tasted power and tasted opposition, myself and Mr John Boadu and if you know what it is to stay in opposition and to have power, we will stop joking and work to hold on to the power, he added. He advised the delegates to stop complaining about not being treated fairly and keep sacrificing for the party to enable it to reach higher heights. Mr Divine Otoo Agorhom, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman, NPP, said the NPP had learned from its mistakes that led to the loss of seats in the 2020 Parliamentary election and was going to make amends. He said the Party would employ hard work, dedication and ensure there was unity to recapture power in all constituencies lost to the opposition National Democratic Congress. If we allow party structures to work and do not interfere in the work of the leadership and empower them to work hard, then we can propagate development. We are one big elephant and must work together to regain power and victory, he added. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 election, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has extended his nationwide Thank you Tour to Prestea in the Prestea Huni-Valley Constituency of the Western Region. The one-day tour was to express his appreciation to members of the NDC and his supporters for the votes he obtained in the December 7, 2020, polls. The former President who was accompanied by Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the vice-presidential candidate, Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, General Secretary of the NDC, national, regional and constituency executives, first paid a courtesy call on the Divisional Chief of Prestea-Himan Traditional Area, Nana Nteboah Pra IV. The team later interacted with some religious leaders and ended with a mini rally in Prestea. Addressing the Divisional Chief of Prestea-Himan and his elders, former President Mahama said "We began our visit in the Northern region and continued to the Bono, Ashanti and Ahafo Regions. In those Regions we had our programmes at the various regional capitals, but in the Western Region we decided to have it in Prestea because of the massive votes the NDC had here". He said "The support we had from residents of Prestea helped us to win the parliamentary seat back from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as our votes increased by almost 20,000. We added four more seats in the Western Region". According to the former President "In 2016 election, NDC had 106 seats as against 169 for NPP. During the 2020 polls NDC increased its seats to 137 and NPP also secured 137 seats" He explained further that "For Presidential our votes increased from over four million in 2016 to about six million in 2020 election. We give thanks to all those who have worked hard to bring the NDC this far. We have learnt a lot from the previous election and hope to avoid those mistakes". Nana Nteboah Pra IV thanked the former president and his entourage for the visit, stressed that "our leaders should try and manage our resources effectively so as to reduce the rate at which we seek foreign aids". Touching on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI ), "I believe human rights activists have been given too much space to influence certain decisions. There have been different views on this issue based on both religious, traditional believes and values," he stated. The Divisional Chief emphasized that "As traditional authorities we will continue to let them know that our culture does not allow such deviant behaviours". Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video " " For thousands of people today, Aleister Crowley is best known as the father of Thelema. Hulton Archive/Getty Images/HowStuffWorks A self-proclaimed beast, a pop culture touchstone, the "wickedest man in the world," a devoted practitioner of the occult and "magick" we'll get to that "k" in a bit the late Aleister Crowley was, first and last, a sharp poke in the eye of the conventional and dogmatic. Back at the turn of the 20th century, Crowley was a purposely out-there fellow, someone who so delighted in shocking his contemporaries and thumbing his nose at high-necked society that he eventually became, to some, a counterculture icon. Years after his death, he famously appeared on the psychedelic cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the Beatles' 1967 album. Ozzy Osbourne sang a song about him. (Mister Crowley/What went down in your head?/Oh, Mister Crowley/Did you talk to the dead?) A counter-religion, Thelema, sprung from his writings. Yet Crowley remains, to many, more than the odd headline. To them, he is a true prophet, a man of exceptional intelligence and vision. To others, he never was anything more than a misogynistic, drug-addled, sex-maniacal, self-involved, self-promoting pig. That dazzling dichotomy might be just how Crowley preferred things. "He tended to be very polarizing," says Western New York state resident Norman Fleck, who has counted himself among the followers of Crowley's teachings for decades. "He didn't treat people very well. He threw people under the bus all the time. And unfortunately, that's what a lot of people focus on. "Our outlook is on his magical works, primarily and not his disgusting behavior. I can tell you right now, if I met Crowley on the street, I probably wouldn't like him. But in terms of the magical world, there's nobody in the same league that he is." Advertisement The Start of an Enigma Aleister Crowley was born into wealth in 1875, in England, and died poor, in England, in 1947. In between ... well, in between he was a very busy man who took a very different path through life. The son to the heir of a brewing fortune, Crowley was well-educated as a young man but quickly rebelled against his father's strict Christian outlook. At Cambridge University, he became (among his many obsessions) a nearly preternatural chess player, a published poet and a skilled mountain climber. He also traveled extensively. He became voraciously sexually active (and, biographers say, had his first homosexual relationship). He may have, some say, been recruited into being a spy for the British government. And this is the big one Crowley dove deeply into the occult. By the time he was 25, Crowley had become a member of a secret society known as the Golden Dawn, where he practiced ceremonial magic, the ritual use of drugs, and what was known as sexual magick. Often. That didn't please a lot of people, even those sometimes especially those that he knew. "A lot of what he did was designed to be shocking. Especially the sexual license that he took," Phil Stevens, a cultural anthropologist at the University at Buffalo, says. "Crowley knew very well that he was riling people. He did that intentionally. He was intentionally amoral. "He was taking a lot of risks with his sexual variations. But it was all part of his ego." The drugging and sexing and secret magical ceremonies, Stevens reminds us, were undertaken at a time when all of that was scandalous in almost all of the world and outright illegal in many parts. That didn't stop Crowley. It may have emboldened him. "I always felt that Crowley could have done better had he not engaged in some of those activities," Fleck says. "But that's my opinion." Advertisement Birth of a Religion For thousands of people today, Crowley is best known as the father of Thelema, whose guiding ideology some consider Thelema as much philosophy as religion is condensed into a simple phrase: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." It's often shortened to "Do What Thou Wilt." The phrase that accompanies it is, "Love is the law, love under will." If that sounds a lot like the 1960s mantra of "do your own thing," or an entreaty to find your purpose in life and pursue it, that's probably not far off. The idea which carries an implication that you can do your own thing as long as it harms no one else came to Crowley in the early 1900s while on a trip to Egypt with his wife, Rose. There, he reported, he heard a voice that dictated to him, over the course of three days, what would become perhaps his most famous written work, on which Thelema is based: The Book of the Law. (An excerpt: "This book explains the Universe.") Crowley became involved in other religious organizations, too, notably an ancient order known as Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), which he eventually injected with the philosophies of Thelema (and which Ordo Templi Orientis still follows today). Still, more than the religion he founded, Crowley probably is best known for how he practiced Thelema and other anti-mainstream doctrines that he dabbled in throughout his life. That is, through all that sex and magic. " " Aleister Crowley liked to be known as the "Great Beast" and the "wickedest man alive." Hulton Deutsch/Corbis via Getty Images Advertisement Crowley's 'Magick' "I have said that the word magic is one of the most semantically loaded terms in the English language. Witchcraft is almost as complex," Stevens says. "These are complicated words." When Stevens and others speak of magic in the context of these belief systems, strike David Copperfield from your mind. This is something else entirely. Crowley who stuck the "k" on the end of the word to differentiate it from the three-card monte and disappearing elephant kind of magic defined magick, in Magick: Book 4, as "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." Magick often is performed in a ritual group setting think spooky Hollywood here but it can be done alone. Fleck explains further: "I do a formal magic ceremony for about 45 minutes a day, based on some of my work, based on some of Crowley's work. It's done primarily through what we call an astral projection ... I close my eyes and sit in a manner that allows [me] to focus [my] inner energy on a specific goal. It's very much like an Eastern meditation, done by monks. They're putting themselves into a different state of consciousness. "It's a focus of psychic energy," says Fleck, who has been at this some 50 years. "You can look at that any way you want. Your skeptic would say, 'Those people are deluding themselves.' Having been there and having done it for many, many years ... I don't believe that I'm deluding myself. It's all in the work. We're not trying to pull rabbits out of a hat. Magick with a 'k' is not sleight of hand. Magick with a 'k' is directing energy according with a person's will." Advertisement Crowley ... and Sex Some of Crowley's magick sex rituals incorporated this is where Crowley lost a lot of people and gained the reputation for being one out-there fellow the ritual digestion of, ahem, sexual fluids. That practice, of course, made Crowley a pariah among the conventional religious masses and led to wild charges that he sacrificed and even ate children. (The OTO refutes and explains those rumors here.) For that reason, and others, Crowley was dubbed "the wickedest man in the world" by the English press. The British weekly John Bull titled a 1923 piece, "A Man We'd Like to Hang." Crowley was said to be a devil worshipper, too, and a Satanist, which is kind of true but misses the larger picture. Again, from the OTO: "Aleister Crowley was a systematic and scientific explorer of religious practices, techniques and doctrines. As such, he performed devotional exercises to Satan as well as to Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, to various deities from the Egyptian and Hindu pantheons, to Jehovah as well as to Allah, and to the divine personifications that are unique to the system of Thelema." It certainly didn't help Crowley's reputation that, on a personal level, he sometimes tended toward abusive. Said one of Crowley's biographers, Lawrence Sutin: "Whatever one thinks of Crowley's sexual mores and Crowley could be lustful and crude and, at times, even vicious toward his partners sexuality as a means to gnosis [defined as a knowledge of spiritual mysteries] became, from the middle decades of his life, a guiding reality for him." Advertisement Crowley Today Throughout his life, Crowley maintained his voracious appetite for not only sex, magic and the search for spiritual knowledge, but also for drugs, including heroin, hashish, cocaine and many others. He often wrote of his experiences with mind-altering substances. His first published novel was "The Diary of a Drug Fiend." Crowley died at age 72, in 1947 many believe drug addiction was as a contributing factor but his writings and his outrageously against-the-grain lifestyle continue to inspire rebels and spark wild rumor. One totally unfounded suggestion that's popped up within the last few years is that Crowley, during one of his sex rituals, fathered a future first lady of the United States. A 13th century Scottish estate that he stayed in for some time, the Boleskine House, is being restored and promises to become a pilgrimage of sorts for Thelemites and other Crowley faithful. The place was owned at one time by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, too. (Page is a Crowley fan. The first pressing of Led Zeppelin III, the band's 1970 studio album, reportedly had engravings that included, "Do what thou Wilt.") Like the man himself, Crowley's legacy is complicated. Among those that Crowley influenced in one way or another, Stevens says, are Gerald Gardner, who's responsible for bringing the Pagan religion known as Wicca into modern prominence; American Anton LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan; and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Other than the occasional weird tie-in (like the rumor concerning the first lady), we haven't heard much of Crowley lately, though there are said to be a few thousand Thelemites around the world, people like Fleck who continue to practice. Still, the Beast Crowley's tongue-in-cheek name for himself, and one that several biographers say was first stuck on him by his exasperated mother is never far from the headlines. "I have a feeling that a new wave of occultism will rise again. There's always an occult fringe, a weird fringe ... they will move into the mainstream from time to time. Various bits of Crowley's wisdom will re-emerge," Stevens says. "He's not dead. He will emerge again." Now That's Interesting Perhaps the most famous photo of Crowley is the cut-out used on the Sgt. Pepper's album cover (top row, second from left), where his head is clean-shaven and he is peering intently into the camera looking a bit like Uncle Fester of the Addams Family. It's not clear which one of the Beatles requested Crowley's likeness to be included, but it's widely believed to have been John Lennon, who was regarded as a bit of a rebel himself. " " As a young man, Confucius gained a reputation for his mastery of the traditional rituals and ceremonies associated with the once-flourishing Zhou culture. Hulton Archive/Getty Images The man we call Confucius was actually named Kong fuzi or "Master Kong" and the impact of his teachings on ethical and moral philosophy in short, the best way to live and treat others have echoed across the millennia. Confucius was born in 551 B.C.E. to the concubine of a man of moderate social status in the kingdom of Lu (now the Shandong Peninsula of China). Confucius' father, an important aide in a more powerful house, died when Confucius was just 3 years old, leaving his family in poverty. The turmoil of Confucius' personal life was mirrored in the political and cultural changes in Lu, where the age-old traditions and norms of the ruling class were being torn down by power-hungry warlords. As a young man, Confucius gained a reputation for his mastery of the traditional rituals and ceremonies associated with the once-flourishing Zhou culture. He began tutoring aristocratic young men in the importance of li, the ritual institutions of the Zhou that included everything from religious rites and court ceremonies, to personal etiquette and ethical behavior. It was only through li that a man could become a junzi, a truly benevolent and capable person, or a "gentleman." Confucius became an adviser to the Duke of Lu, but the leader failed to live up to Confucius' high ethical standards, so Confucius and his small clutch of disciples left Lu in search of an incorruptible ruler. For 15 years, Confucius traveled from state to state counseling different leaders, each of whom proved a disappointment, but provided ample opportunities for Confucius to further hone his ethical worldview. Confucius eventually returned to Lu, where he gathered more disciples and edited the classics of Zhou culture, including texts on ritual, music, history and poetry that became the bedrock of later Confucianism. Soon after Confucius' death in 479 B.C.E, his followers committed his most cherished sayings to print in a series of dialogues called the Analects. We spoke with Mark Csikszentmihalyi and Bryan Van Norden, two scholars of Chinese philosophy, to better understand the depth and resonance of Confucius' philosophy as recorded in the Analects. Here are five famous quotes to think about. Advertisement 1. "That which you do not desire, do not do to others." Zigong [a disciple] asked, "Is there a single saying that one may put into practice all one's life?" The Master [Confucius] said, "That would be 'reciprocity': That which you do not desire, do not do to others." Western readers will recognize Confucius' statement as a version of the "Golden Rule," which Confucius expresses elsewhere in the Analects as "Do not do to others what you would not wish done to you." When asked to choose a single maxim by which to live one's life, Confucius answered with the Chinese word Shu, which can be translated as "reciprocity" but also as "understanding," "empathy," and "loving kindness." But Csikszentmihalyi warns against reducing Confucian philosophy to a single rule. "Confucius wasn't a rule-based philosopher; he was a virtue and ethics philosopher like Aristotle," says Csikszentmihalyi, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley and author of "Readings in Han Chinese Thought." "Aristotle talked about magnanimity and bravery, while Confucius talks about benevolence, righteousness, and ritual and filial piety. The idea is to develop these character traits and not consult a rule." For Confucians, Shu is the basic requirement for developing Ren, which means "benevolence," "humaneness" or "goodness" the hallmarks of a virtuous life. The Golden Rule, in this case, is a way of approaching the world that opens doors to the other virtues. "To be compassionate to someone, you have to see them as similar to you," says Csikszentmihalyi. "When you want to be cruel to another person or group, you call them animals, you demean them and say, 'You're not the same as we are.' You have to understand, though, that benevolence only applies in certain situations, while in other situations ritual propriety is called for. Instead of obeying rules, Confucians must continually ask themselves, 'What would Confucius do?'" Advertisement 2. "You do not yet understand life how could you possibly understand death?" Zilu [another disciple] asked about serving ghosts and spirits. The Master said, "You are not yet able to serve people how could you be able to serve ghosts and spirits?" "May I inquire about death?" "You do not yet understand life how could you possibly understand death?" Most Western and Eastern religions are deeply concerned with the fate of the soul after death, whether it's rewarded with eternal bliss, punished with eternal damnation or reborn in countless incarnations. But Confucianism, says Van Norden, is decidedly earthbound. "Many philosophical and religious thinkers view the ideal life as transcending the physical body and its attachments, whereas Confucius advocates making the most of your life here on Earth with other people," says Van Norden, a professor at both Vassar College and Wuhan University (China), and the creator of a wildly popular TED-Ed video about Confucius. "I like the Confucian idea that we can aspire to be better people than we are now, and that the goal is to have a life rich in healthy relationships with other people." Advertisement 3. "Guide [people] with virtue...and [they] will have a sense of shame and fulfill their roles." Full quote: "Guide them with policies and align them with punishments and the people will evade them and have no shame. Guide them with virtue and align them with li and the people will have a sense of shame and fulfill their roles." This sage piece of advice relates to the best way to rule a people. In an early passage, Confucius says that a person who rules by virtue is "like the North Star" which stays in one place while all other stars "pay reverence to it." Here he re-emphasizes the value of leading by example through virtue and ritual propriety. Csikszentmihalyi says that centuries after Confucius, a "legalist" mindset pervaded China where the people were kept in line with harsh punishments in order to create what Chinese leaders thought was a well-ordered society. "Confucius rejects that approach," says Csikszentmihalyi. "If you lead the people with this charismatic ritual authority, then they'll develop their own sense of 'shame.' You don't want people obeying the rules because they're afraid of being punished. What you really want is for individuals to develop their own moral compasses." Advertisement 4. "Both keeping past teachings alive and understanding the present someone able to do this is worthy of being a teacher." When Confucius began teaching young noblemen in Lu, the classic texts of the former Zhou culture were collecting dust on the shelves. Confucius believed that these texts held the secrets to bringing order back to the world. Two of the most important classical Zhou subjects for Confucius were history and poetry. "Confucius thought that history teaches us how we should and shouldn't behave by studying the great sages and villains of the past," says Van Norden. "And he thought that poetry could help to train our emotions by teaching us what healthy and decadent forms of love are, and what real courage is." Confucius dedicated much of his later life to editing and organizing the Zhou classics, which together with his own writings became the foundations of Confucianism. A central tenet of Confucianism is the importance of traditional ritual and etiquette, both of which help to shape our attitudes about others. "Confucius thought that we could have a more kind and human and respectful society if we revived social conventions about how we address one another and how we show respect or deference for others," says Van Norden. "Confucius would look at contemporary society, in which there's been a breakdown in mutual respect, and say that one way of reestablishing mutual respect is through reminding ourselves about proper etiquette for talking to other people and addressing our differences." Advertisement 5. "Wealth and high rank obtained by unrighteous means are like the floating clouds." Full Quote: To eat coarse greens, drink water, and crook ones elbow for a pillow joy also lies therein. Wealth and high rank obtained by unrighteous means are to me like the floating clouds. Csikszentmihalyi says that there's a real suspicion of wealth that runs through the Analects as well as a strong anti-corruption message in passages like this. Perhaps Confucius foresaw the rampant corruption that plagues modern China. As China has shifted away from strict Communist ideology toward more liberal economic policies, it's left a "spiritual" gap, says Van Norden, that Chinese leaders like Xi Jinping are trying to fill with Confucianism, a religion once violently opposed by Communists during the Cultural Revolution. "I think Xi recognizes that many people have lost faith in Communism and China now is Communist in name only," says Van Norden. "Xi hopes that people will fill the spiritual void with Confucianism and this will promote both good behavior on the part of citizens while being consistent with Chinese nationalism, because Confucianism is a native Chinese movement." HowStuffWorks earns a small affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. Now That's Cool Confucius is far from the only sage to be quoted in fortune cookies. According to Jennifer 8 Lee, author of "The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food," fortune cookie writers ran out of ancient Chinese material in the 1960s and started pulling tidbits of wisdom from "Poor Richard's Almanac," popular song lyrics and even Yoda. " " Mitsuye Endo participated in a landmark Supreme Court case challenging the right of the U.S. government to hold Japanese citizens in internment camps. Utah State Historical Society It's an unthinkable scenario, but it's happened time and time again: People born in the United States are treated as national security threats. In late 2018, for example, The Washington Post reported on the story of Peter Sean Brown, a Philadelphia-born citizen who says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) held him for deportation to Jamaica. The same article cited a 2013 Syracuse University study that determined ICE had placed detainers on 834 U.S. citizens over just a four-year period. And while ICE-related incidents have made headlines in our post-9/11 society, the issue at heart has recurred throughout the country's history. Case in point: the incarceration of Mitsuye Endo. Born in Sacramento, California, in 1920, Endo was one of four children born to Japanese immigrants. In her early 20s, Endo worked as a secretary for the state's Department of Employment. Advertisement Post-Pearl Harbor But life as Endo knew it changed dramatically on Dec. 7, 1941 the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Within a few months, the U.S. dismissed all Japanese-American state employees, including Endo. Of the hundreds of employees affected, 63 banded together to challenge the firings. Backed by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), Endo and her peers hired attorney James C. Purcell to defend their rights. But fighting against the prevailing authoritative rule wasn't easy, and as Purcell took on the case, circumstances continued to worsen for Japanese Americans. In fact, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and incarcerated. Along with her family, Endo was sent first to the Sacramento Assembly Center and then to the Tule Lake, California internment camp. "I wish people knew more about Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi and her lawyer, James Purcell," says University of California Berkeley School of Law professor, Amanda L. Tyler. "They are both extraordinary figures." Tyler has written extensively about Endo, both in her book, "Habeas Corpus in Wartime: From the Tower of London to Guantanamo Bay," and in a 2016 op-ed for The Sacramento Bee titled, "Unsung WWII hero deserves the Medal of Freedom." "Ms. Endo was summarily fired from her job as a California State employee, forced to leave her home, sent to two different internment camps, eventually separated from her parents, and all the while her brother was serving in the United States military," Tyler says. " " Mitsuye Endo was eventually incarcerated with her family at Tule Lake Relocation Center Center in Newell, California. Pete O'Crotty/Farm Security Administration/Library of Congress Advertisement Executive Order 9066 Roosevelt's extreme measure is known as Executive Order 9066, a World War II policy that prescribed "regulations for the conduct and control of alien enemies." As Purcell built a case against the government's actions, he began searching for a plaintiff to challenge the incarceration through a habeas corpus petition. Dating back to 1215, habeas corpus is a court order that empowers individuals (and/or those representing them) to dispute the legality of their imprisonment. Purcell decided Endo was an ideal candidate not only was she a Methodist citizen with a brother in the U.S. Army, but she'd never even been to Japan. While she initially hesitated to act as plaintiff, Endo eventually agreed, and Purcell filed the petition on July 12, 1942, in a San Francisco federal district court. "During the course of her case, the government realized that it posed a serious challenge to all the policies directed at persons of Japanese ancestry that the military instituted under the auspices of Executive Order 9066," Tyler explains. "So the government offered her release in order to make her case effectively go away." The circumstances weren't sufficient for Endo, however, who didn't feel her own freedom was the ideal outcome in a much larger societal issue. "She resisted, in her words, because '[t]he fact that I wanted to prove that we of Japanese ancestry were not guilty of any crime and that we were loyal American citizens kept me from abandoning the suit,'" Tyler says. Advertisement The Supreme Court Endo remained in confinement for months as her case progressed. When it eventually reached the Supreme Court in April 1944, the Court unanimously ruled in favor of Endo, stating that "the government cannot detain a citizen without charge when the government itself concedes she is loyal to the United States." While Endo's unwavering commitment to the larger cause was certainly central to the eventual outcome, Tyler credits Purcell for his tireless efforts. "He recognized the serious constitutional problems with what the government was doing and he felt compelled to use his skills to give a voice to a community that was unfairly targeted and unconstitutionally treated during the war," she says. "I have heard many survivors of the camps refer to Mr. Purcell as 'the man who set us free.'" According to Tyler, the case has left more of a cultural legacy than a legal one. "Endo's case is not so significant for the precedent that it set, because it was decided very narrowly on non-constitutional grounds, but it is instead enormously significant for being the driving force behind the closing of the Japanese-American internment camps," she says. "In the lead up to the decision coming down, President Roosevelt had resisted pressure from advisers to close the camps. After the 1944 election and upon purportedly being tipped off that the Supreme Court was going to decide in favor of Endo's claim that she could not be detained in the camps as a concededly loyal citizen, the administration changed course and proclaimed that it would begin closing the camps. The day after making that announcement, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Ex parte Endo." Advertisement How It Applies Today "The larger relevance of all the Japanese American cases that went before the Supreme Court during World War II, to my mind, is that they show how dangerous deference to the executive in wartime can be," Tyler says, referring to the ongoing argument over whether the judiciary branch of government (the Supreme Court and other federal courts) should yield all decisions about national security to the executive branch (the president, vice president and cabinet). In a 2018 USA Today op-ed, Tyler referred to Japanese American internment as a "cautionary tale" for President Trump's proposed travel ban. "This connects to modern day because it means that the Court should be hesitant to defer to the executive with respect to assertions about the needs of national security as a blanket matter." To underscore her point, Tyler refers to the Supreme Court's decision last year to overturn the 1944 ruling in the case of Korematsu v. United States, in which American citizen Fred Korematsu refused to leave the West Coast following President Roosevelt's executive order and was subsequently convicted of disobeying a military order. While the ruling was technically overruled in "dicta," meaning it may hold more symbolic value than actionable impact, Tyler says it's still a meaningful move. "Had the Court in Korematsu, among other cases, actually asked to see a factual basis supporting the need for the policies that were put in place by the military under Executive Order 9066, the government could not have provided any evidence," she says. "This fact and the Court's recent overruling of Korematsu albeit in dicta should give pause to any court inclined to take the executive at its word when individual rights are at stake." While the U.S. continues to face complex issues around national security, immigration, citizenship and ingrained institutional prejudices, many continue to look to Endo and Turcell as trailblazers. Following the landmark case, Purcell went on to work on a number of Japanese immigration lawsuits and practiced law into his 80s. Although she kept a low profile for the remainder of her life (apparently her own daughter didn't know about her historic impact until she was in her 20s), Endo continues to be an important figure in the continued fight for fair and equal rights. Now That's Interesting After her release, Endo moved to Chicago where she took a position as a secretary for the Mayor's Committee on Race Relations and married Kenneth Tsutsumi, who she'd met in camp. The couple had three children together. FILE PHOTO: Filipino soldiers participate in the Amphibious Landing training as part of the 2018 Balikatan Exercises between the Philippines and the United States in Zambales Province, the Philippines, on May 9, 2018. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali via Getty Images) By Andreo Calonzo The US and the Philippines are planning to return to full-scale military drills in 2022 after two years and will invite Australia and the UK as observers, in another sign of the Biden administrations push to deepen ties in the Indo-Pacific and counter Chinas assertiveness. America wants to increase the complexity and scope of its military exercises with the Philippines, and plans to invite new partners to join the drills, Admiral John Aquilino, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief, said at a briefing in Manila. The UK, Australia and Japan are among the like-minded countries that could rejoin the drills as observers, Philippine military chief Jose Faustino said at the same briefing. China doesnt oppose other nations military drills, but hopes they will not target any third party, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Thursday at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Ramp-Up The ramp-up in military engagement comes after the US, UK and Australia unveiled a security partnership last month that allows Canberra to acquire nuclear-powered submarine technology. While some nations in Southeast Asia were concerned that the pact would drive a regional arms race, the Philippines was broadly supportive of the move but said that Manila wanted good defense relations with all countries in the Indo-Pacific. Earlier in his term, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to end military exercises with the US, as he sought to build ties with China. The drills were canceled in 2020 and scaled down this year due to the pandemic. In recent months, however, the Philippines has been moving back towards its long-time alliance with the US, amid tensions with Beijing over the South China Sea. Aquilino also repeated Americas commitment that it will stand with the Philippines against threats. The US has also allocated $12.5 million to implement a deal that allows American projects in Philippine military bases, he said. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A study involving some 11,000 dogs carried out at the University of Helsinki demonstrated that the gender, age an d breed of the dog, as well as any behavioral problems and certain environmental factors, are connected to hyperactive and impulsive behavior and inattention (ADHD). "Our findings can help to better identify, understand and treat canine hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Moreover, they indicated similarity with human ADHD, consolidating the role of dogs in ADHD-related research," says Professor Hannes Lohi, head of a canine gene research group at the University of Helsinki. "Dogs share many similarities with humans, including physiological traits and the same environment. In addition, ADHD-like behavior naturally occurs in dogs. This makes dogs an interesting model for investigating ADHD in humans," says doctoral researcher Sini Sulkama. Professor Lohi's research group collected data on more than 11,000 dogs by conducting an extensive behavioral survey. Hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention were examined using questions based on a survey utilized in human ADHD research. The goal of the study was to identify environmental factors underlying canine ADHD-like behavior and potential links to other behavioral traits. The dog's age and gender as well as the owner's experience of dogs make a difference "We found that hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention were more common in young dogs and male dogs. Corresponding observations relating to age and gender in connection with ADHD have been made in humans too," says Jenni Puurunen, Ph.D. Dogs who spent more time alone at home daily were more hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive than dogs who spent less time on their own. "As social animals, dogs can get frustrated and stressed when they are alone, which can be released as hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. It may be that dogs who spend longer periods in solitude also get less exercise and attention from their owners," Sulkama muses. The researchers discovered a new link between hyperactivity and impulsivity, and the owner's experience with dogs, as the two traits were more common in dogs who were not their owners' first dogs. The causality of this phenomenon remains unclear. "People may pick as their first dog a less active individual that better matches the idea of a pet dog, whereas more active and challenging dogs can be chosen after gaining more experience with dogs," explains Sulkama. Significant differences between breeds Breeding has had a significant effect on the breed-specific behavior of different dog breeds. Differences between breeds can also indicate genes underlying the relevant traits. "Hyperactivity and impulsivity on the one hand, and good concentration on the other, are common in breeds bred for work, such as the German Shepherd and Border Collie. In contrast, a more calm disposition is considered a benefit in breeds that are popular as pets or show dogs, such as the Chihuahua, Long-Haired Collie and Poodle, making them easier companions in everyday life. Then again, the ability to concentrate has not been considered as important a trait in these breeds as in working breeds, which is why inattention can be more common among pet dogs," Professor Lohi says. Link to other behavioral problems The study confirmed previously observed interesting links between hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention, and obsessive-compulsive behavior, aggressiveness and fearfulness. ADHD is also often associated with other mental disorders and illnesses. For example, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often occurs in conjunction with ADHD. In dogs, OCD-like obsessive-compulsive behavior can appear as, among other things, tail chasing, continuous licking of surfaces or themselves, or staring at 'nothing'. "The findings suggest that the same brain regions and neurobiological pathways regulate activity, impulsivity and concentration in both humans and dogs. This strengthens the promise that dogs show as a model species in the study of ADHD. In other words, the results can both make it easier to identify and treat canine impulsivity and inattention as well as promote ADHD research," Sulkama sums up. The research was published in Translational Psychiatry. Explore further Dogs' aggressive behavior towards humans is often caused by fear More information: Sini Sulkama et al, Canine hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention share similar demographic risk factors and behavioural comorbidities with human ADHD, Translational Psychiatry (2021). Journal information: Translational Psychiatry Sini Sulkama et al, Canine hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention share similar demographic risk factors and behavioural comorbidities with human ADHD,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01626-x In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the crewed spaceship Shenzhou-13, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, is launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert, Oct. 16, 2021. Credit: Li Gang/Xinhua via AP China on Saturday sent three astronauts to its space station for a record-setting six-month stay as the country moves toward completing the new orbiting outpost The Shenzhou-13 spacecraft carrying the three astronauts was launched by a Long March-2F rocket at 12:25 a.m. Saturday. The two men and one woman are the second crew to move into the space station, which was launched last April. The first crew stayed three months. The new crew includes two veterans of space travel. Zhai Zhigang, 55, and Wang Yaping, 41, and Ye Guangfu, 41, who is making his first trip to space. The crew was seen off by a military band and supporters singing "Ode to the Motherland," underscoring the weight of national pride invested in the China's space program that has advanced rapidly in recent years. They will do three spacewalks to install equipment in preparation for expanding the station, assess living conditions in the Tianhe module and conduct experiments in space medicine and other fields. China's military-run space program plans to send multiple crews to the station over the next two years to make it fully functional. When completed with the addition of two more sectionsnamed 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. From left, Chinese astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu, wave before leaving for the Shenzhou-13 crewed space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Oct. 15, 2021. Shortly ahead of sending a new three-person crew to its space station, China on Friday renewed its commitment to international cooperation in the peaceful use of space. (Chinatopix Via AP) CHINA OUT The two additional Chinese modules are due to be launched before the end of next year during the stay of the yet-to-be-named Shenzhou-14 crew. China's Foreign Ministry on Friday renewed its commitment to cooperation with other nations in the peaceful use of space. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said sending humans into space was a "common cause of mankind," and China would "continue to extend the depth and breadth of international cooperation and exchanges" in crewed spaceflight and "make positive contributions to the exploration of the mysteries of the universe." 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, prompting it to launch 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. Chinese officials have said they look forward to hosting astronauts from other countries aboard the space station once it becomes fully functional. 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. China has also 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 Chinese space programs call for collecting soil from an asteroid and bringing 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 With latest mission, China renews space cooperation vow 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In this artists conception, trapped electrons spiral about magnetic field lines in Earths magnetosphere. Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Brian Monroe Whistler mode chorus waves are electromagnetic emissions common in planetary magnetospheres. Among other impacts, their scattering of magnetospheric electrons is one driver for the formation of auroras. An important attribute of these waves is frequency chirping, in which the frequency of the emission rises or falls nearly monotonically with time. The existence of chorus wave frequency chirping has been known since the dawn of spaceflight, but to date, no consensus mechanism for it has emerged. Instead, the literature contains a number of mechanisms explaining both its existence and the rate of chirping. For instance, one model relates the chirping rate to inhomogeneities in the background magnetic field, an idea that has been subsequently supported by observations. Another connects the rate to the amplitude of chorus waves; this hypothesis has also received observational support. Tao et al. propose a new model, called Trap-Release-Amplify (TaRA), that aims to unify these seemingly discordant hypotheses, and they conduct computer simulations to evaluate its implications. As in other models, TaRA describes electrons that encounter a chorus wave packet, align their phase with the packet, and then emit new chorus emissions. The electrons propagate opposite to the motion of the wave packet, meaning each interaction progresses through several distinct regions with different physical properties. The authors demonstrate that TaRA can encompass both the background magnetic field inhomogeneity and wave amplitude hypotheses of frequency chirping. In their model, these mechanisms represent two separate stages of interaction between an electron and the wave packet. Thus, it is reasonable that both of these mechanisms can provide different estimates of the chirping rate and simultaneously agree with physical observations. Those observations, they argue, are simply measuring different stages in the chorus generation process. Explore further Recreating a heavenly chorus of plasma waves on Earth More information: Xin Tao et al, A "TrapReleaseAmplify" Model of Chorus Waves, Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics (2021). Xin Tao et al, A "TrapReleaseAmplify" Model of Chorus Waves,(2021). DOI: 10.1029/2021JA029585 This story is republished courtesy of Eos, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original story here. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Joshua trees, the tall, twisty succulents that mark the Mojave Desert, are survivors. Unlike coast redwoods or giant sequoias, they largely escaped harvesting and habitat losses when Europeans colonized their home. They flourished, in fact, until the last decades of the 20th century brought sprawling development and a changing climate. Three weeks ago, a federal court ruled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service underestimated these threats in a 2019 assessment, and must reconsider Joshua trees for protection under the Endangered Species Act. That protection would be a first step toward securing the trees' future, but only a first step. Today, Joshua trees are ensnared in a tangle of interlocking threats. Models of future climates show that 90% or more of the trees' current habitat will be unsuitable by the end of this century. In the hotter, drier parts of the Mojave, seedling Joshua trees are already a rare sight. More mobile animal and plant species have already begun to shift to cooler and wetter portions of their ranges, but not only are Joshua trees rooted in the ground, their seeds are also inefficiently dispersed by desert rodents. Given that the trees take decades to grow to reproductive age, and their capacity for movement is at most a few hundred yards a generation, they cannot hope to outpace climate change. There are Joshua tree stands where climates could stay suitable even 80 years from now"climate refugia," they're called. Unfortunately, not all refugia are on protected lands, and even a climate refuge inside a national park is not secure against the increasing frequency of wildfire across the Mojave. The cooler conditions that define refugia are also more suitable for certain grasses, which create a carpet of vegetation to fuel fires, and droughts supercharged by climate change ensure that this vegetation carpet is tinder-dry. There are refugia in the higher elevations of Joshua Tree National Park, but up to half of them have burned in recent decades. Another likely refuge was decimated by last year's Cima Dome fire in the Mojave National Preserve, which incinerated as many as a million Joshua trees. Restoring populations after these losses will take decades. Joshua trees are also threatened by expanding urban areasthe Antelope Valley cities of Lancaster, Palmdale and Victorville have quintupled in population since 1980and by the development that comes with mining and with wind and solar power generation. The Bureau of Land Management is considering a proposal for mining exploration near Conglomerate Mesa, a possible climate refuge with extensive Joshua tree woodlands. The Mojave is also slated for intensive solar energy development to address the wider threat of climate change. The federal government's Desert Renewable Energy and Conservation Plan designated 600 square miles of the Mojave for energy development, and by one estimate, the state of California would need to fill most of that space with solar farms to achieve its planned carbon emission reductions. Many of these farms can be built without compromising pristine Joshua tree habitat, but there is no doubt that the scale of development needed to bring climate change under control will be enormous. Ironically, building the renewable energy capacity we desperately need to avert more severe climate change may be, in some cases, in direct conflict with Joshua trees' capacity to survive climate change. With climate catastrophe now a fact of daily life, we must act urgently to find and protect the Joshua tree populations best equipped to survive. Fighting to save every last Joshua tree will not only be futile; it also risks wasting time, resources, invaluable social capital and political goodwill. Our best hope is to focus on protecting places where Joshua trees still have a fighting chancebut we do not yet have the data we need to identify those places with confidence. To decide which Joshua trees need focused protections, we must dramatically improve our collection of on-the-ground information about the health of Joshua tree populations across the Mojave: which ones are successfully growing new seedlings and which are faltering. We also need genetic data of a quality that has rarely been gathered in other threatened species, to pinpoint gene variants that allow Joshua trees to weather the harshest conditions. Populations that already harbor those variants may become high priority for protection. We could also replant burned areas in climate refugia with seeds genetically calibrated to survive warmer, drier conditions, or even supplement failing populations with seeds transplanted from their more robust kin. The people who live in and enjoy the wild landscapes of the Mojave must be partners in this effort, from data collection to decision-making. The tribal, state and local governments that oversee much of the private land in the region must be included in the development of any plans to steward its most distinctive tree, and those plans will be far more successful with the input and support of the people who call the desert home. None of this will be easy. It would be far simpler to declare every tree sacred and be done. That approach, however, would fail to harness the resilience that lies within Joshua tree populationsand it could jeopardize the broader fight against climate change. Joshua trees are a case study in the tangle of trade-offs we must make to protect biodiversity on a warming planet. With care and perspective, they could become a model for how we solve these dilemmas. Explore further Conservationists seek protection of California Joshua trees 2021 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. When the pandemic sent many students home, University of Arizona researchers and Tucson teachers quickly adapted to the challenges of teaching science without a lab or classroom. A new paper, published in the journal The American Biology Teacher, outlines an at-home science lesson developed at UArizona to teach high schoolers about bioinformatics and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The lesson plan is available for interested high school teachers across the country. Since the lesson plan was created before new COVID-19 variants became prevalent, the paper's authors included an addendum that recommended students and teachers explore emerging variants using the activity. As the pandemic continues, new lessons and concepts can be taught based on the techniques outlined in the paper, the researchers say. "This past school year was challenging for those of us in education. However, lessons concerning SARS-CoV-2 were a natural direction for virtual instruction since it combines the relevance of COVID with at-home computer use for genetic data analysis," said lead study author Nadja Anderson, an assistant professor of practice in the UArizona Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and director of the department's BIOTECH Project. Since 1996, the BIOTECH Project has provided Arizona teachers with materials, equipment and training to conduct molecular genetics experiments with high school students. A subset of the high school students who participate in the BIOTECH Project also take college-level courses in molecular and cellular biology, are enrolled at the university, earn university credit and are exposed to university laboratory research. The paper describes a lesson plan that was created before COVID-19 vaccines were introduced. At least three Tucson-area high schools used the plan to study proteins of all seven coronaviruses: the four that cause the common cold, and the SARS, MERS and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The goal was to investigate whether the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein would be a good candidate for a vaccine. "We had the students looking at the protein sequences of the spike proteinthe protein on the outside of the virus that makes it a prime candidate for your immune system to target and create immune response," Anderson said. Students learned how different vaccines work and conducted a detailed comparison of protein sequences. By looking at the uniqueness of spike proteins, the students were able to see the evolutionary relatedness of the seven coronaviruses from their computer at home. In the end, students compared spike protein sequences of different versions of SARS-CoV-2 to each other and saw that the sequence similarity within the spike proteins make them good vaccine candidates. All the work was done before COVID-19 variants started to spread widely. "The paper doesn't talk about this, but students can use this exercise to analyze some of the variant spike proteins as another exercise, as well," Anderson said. Ultimately, she said she hopes students gained an understanding about viruses and vaccines and how they work. "Education is one of those things where the more you know, the more you can weed your way through all the info out there, and there's a lot out there that's incorrect," Anderson said. "If they understand how vaccines work and are made, then they can critically analyze information and hopefully they can weed their way through all of the misinformation." In addition to providing online lessons during the pandemic, Anderson developed hands-on kits to help students conduct science at home. Over 1,000 kits to build electrophoresis boxesequipment used in molecular biology laboratories to separate and analyze DNAwere sent to students throughout Tucson. Students used their electrophoresis box to analyze DNA from a variety of lessons provided by the BIOTECH Project, including mock crime scene activities and simulated genetic testing. "Even some kids' families got involved in the at-home experiments," Anderson said. "The students became advocates for safety at home, and subsequently the need for vaccinations. The work from the BIOTECH Project not only enhanced the education of these students, but also of our community." Explore further New web app to help demystify why COVID mutations have the effects they do More information: Nadja Anderson et al, Online Instruction Bioinformatics Lesson for a COVID-19 Vaccine, The American Biology Teacher (2021). Nadja Anderson et al, Online Instruction Bioinformatics Lesson for a COVID-19 Vaccine,(2021). DOI: 10.1525/abt.2021.83.7.464 Credit: CC0 Public Domain While vaccination queues have become commonplace across Australia, the sight of hundreds of koalas lining up for a life-saving jab over coming months is still expected to turn some heads. USC is leading a Phase 3 rollout of a koala chlamydia vaccine that has been developed collaboratively over many years with many partners, including the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital where the vaccine will be trialed in about 400 koalas from today (15 October). USC Professor of Microbiology Peter Timms said the vaccine could play a significant role in the longer-term survival of koalas, especially in South East Queensland and NSW where chlamydia affects 50 percent or more of the koala population. "The vaccine has now passed Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing that has established that it is completely safe and produces a good immune response and a good level of protection," he said. "The vaccine has been evaluated in more than 200 koalas in eight smaller trials so far, both in captive and wild koalas entering wildlife hospitals and in koala populations in the wild. "We are now at the exciting stage of being ready to roll out the vaccine as part of large Phase 3 trials." Professor Timms said as well as the initial rollout trial at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, other trials were planned soon for Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre, RSPCA Wildlife Hospital and in several wild populations, including in the Moreton Bay region. He said hundreds of koalas admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital would receive the single dose vaccine via an injection after they have undergone routine hospital care and just prior to their release back into the wild. "While this vaccination will directly benefit each of the animals, the trial will also have a focus on the protection provided by vaccination," he said. "All koalas will be microchipped and the hospital will record any animals that return for any reason over the following 12 months. Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Wildlife Veterinarian and Coordinator of Research Dr. Amber Gillett said chlamydia was one of the most significant threats to koala populations, and was the most common reason for koala admissions to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. "It is a cruel disease that causes debilitating conjunctivitis, bladder infections and at times, infertility," said Dr. Gillett, who has been involved in the vaccine project since its beginning. "Although many koalas with chlamydia can be treated using traditional antibiotics, some animals cannot be saved due to the severity of their infection. "Having a vaccine that can help prevent both infection and the severity of the disease is a critical element in the species' conservation management." In addition to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital's involvement, community and koala care groups will be invited to help monitor the koalas that are returned to the wild in their areas. Professor Timms said in parallel to the rollout trials, the vaccine was progressing through government registration with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, a process he described as detailed, highly regulated, long and expensive. "The vaccine team based at USC is already well advanced with this stage, including a pre-application with the APVMA, conversion of the research vaccine into a highly quality-controlled version and partnering with a vaccine manufacturer," he said. "Efforts are also now focused on raising the funds to support this critical stage." Explore further Treating koalas for chlamydia alters gut microbes Provided by University of the Sunshine Coast A birch polypore mushroom, a bracket fungi, found on a trail during a spring nature walk at the UWMadison Arboretum in 2018. Credit: Jeff Miller Few things alive on Earth occupy as little of our brain space as fungi. The vast majority of these organismsneither plant nor animalare invisibly small or perpetually hidden underneath our feet. Only when mushrooms breach the soil can we even see them. Yet the impact of fungi is pervasive. They recycle essential nutrients into the soil and brew our beer. They devastate crops, threaten species, rot our food and infect our lungs. When eaten, some are delicious, others deadly, and some even alter our perception of reality. Scores of scientists across the University of WisconsinMadison campus study the various ways fungi interact with us. Those explorations are the highlight of the 2021 Wisconsin Science Festival, taking place throughout the state Oct. 2124. Like fungi themselves, sometimes fungal scientists fly beneath the radar. But don't let that fool you, says Anne Pringle, a professor of botany who studies the ecology and evolution of fungi, including the deadly death cap mushrooms and the stunning Amanitas. "There are very few places on the globe where you have the collection of expertise with fungi that we have at UWMadison," she says. Friend or foe? Fungi have a mixed reputation. On one hand, they can be beautifuland delicious. They can even be transformative. The so-called magic mushrooms, long recognized for their hallucinogenic properties, are now serious contenders for the next advanced treatment for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The School of Pharmacy's new Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances is studying the mushrooms' active ingredient, psilocybin, in clinical trials to treat these disorders. But fungi have a dark side as well. Some mushrooms, like the death cap, are deadly when eaten, which makes foraging for wild mushrooms notoriously tricky. Other species can infect people, especially those with compromised immune systems. But it might be fungal attacks on crops that do the most damage worldwide. "Roughly 70% of all plant diseases are caused by fungi," says professor Amanda Gevens, chair of the Department of Plant Pathology. "They're costly in terms of reduction of yield and the quality of that yield, in both field production and in the post-harvest phase." The department commits a lot of resources to tamping down fungal diseases by researching individual pathogens in the lab and developing new means of attack. Many faculty also hold appointments in the Division of Extension, where they provide farmers with recommendations for preventing or treating crop-threatening diseases on their fields. But even a department named for pathogens has discovered a more nuanced approach to fungi as the field has expanded to consider the entire microbial ecosystem. "As technology has advanced and we've better understood communities of microbes in natural and agricultural ecosystems, we have a renewed admiration for fungi," says Gevens. "There are fungi that engage with plants in very positive ways that enhance their health and that enhance the way they acquire and utilize resources, and some fungi that directly compete with plant pathogens to indirectly benefit plants. Our discipline increasingly recognizes the good that fungi provide." Unwilling to be put in a single box, fungi really are friend and foe alike. Reaching out "There are a lot of separate bubbles of mycology on campus," says Megan McKeon, a graduate student in Christina Hull's lab, a fungal-pathogen research group. McKeon and her peers are working to bring those bubbles closer together. Mycologythe scientific name for the study of fungihas no single home on campus. Instead, fungal researchers are spread across nearly every college and school. Although this organization extends the reach of fungal science, it makes community building more challenging. Enter the Budding Mycologists, a new graduate student group formed in the last year. The group, a pun on the way yeasts reproduce by budding, brings together students from across campus to chat about lab work and unwind with likeminded scientists. A former graduate student in the Hull lab started the group when the pandemic shuttered typical opportunities for socializing. McKeon and fellow graduate student Anna Frerichs took over organizing the group when the founder graduated. In some ways it mirrors the Fungal Biology Supergroup, a seminar series that organizes meetings among most of the fungal labs spread across campus. But Budding Mycologists is focused on the unique needs and interests of researchers just starting their fungal studies. Scientists often wear different hats, says Frerichs. There's a hat for your field, your department, your lab or the organism you study. By identifying a common fascination with fungi, the student group helps add to that wardrobe. Budding Mycologists "is trying to build that community by saying we also have a little mycologist hat," Frerichs says. Collect 'em all Years ago, before a renovation of the herbarium in Birge Hall, one collection sat all alone in a dark corner of the basement. You guessed it: the fungi. "They were just stashed away completely obscure and unknown," says Ken Cameron, a professor of botany and the director of the Wisconsin State Herbarium. Though originally named for the plants they collectand UWMadison harbors more than one million plant samplesherbaria gather and study all kinds of vital specimens, fungi among them. But just like those in the wild, the preserved samples of fungi in herbaria are often overlooked. "The collection is definitely underutilized," says Cameron, who also studies the strange way that orchids use fungi for food. Fortunately, a recent grant helped them digitize the fungal collection, making it easier than ever to search from anywhere in the world. "Now people are becoming aware of what we have." The UWMadison collection focuses on microfungi, so called because they are often visible as tiny specks on the plants they infect. But the herbarium also includes the world's largest collection of lichens, organisms that are a bizarre symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae. UWMadison botany researcher Thomas Nash even reported recently on yet another layer of complexityfungi that infect lichens. The Wisconsin herbarium has 1,000 such samples. One recent development favors the once-obscure fungal collection. The rise of easy DNA sequencing has helped researchers glean never-before-dreamed information from preserved herbarium samples. The genetic sequences can tell scientists how organisms evolved or even help them study extinct species in richer detail than ever before. Lichens and microfungi are the focus of UWMadison's collection today in part because of a strange decision half a century ago. In the 1960s, the herbarium gave away its entire collection of macrofungi, better known as mushrooms, to the Field Museum in Chicago. Cameron says the real reason for this donation is lost to time but may have been influenced by the difficulty in preserving mushrooms and because the department lacked a mycologist at the time. "Now that there's a growing interest in fungi, I definitely see (the collection's) potential being used again in the future," says Cameron. Explore further New norms needed to name never-seen fungi Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The FBI has joined the investigation into the oil spill that dumped thousands of gallons of crude off the coast of Orange County to determine whether any criminal violations occurred, the agency announced Thursday. The FBI joins a plethora of state and federal investigative agencies already examining the leak into the waters off Huntington Beach nearly two weeks ago. Officials initially estimated as much as 144,000 gallons of oil was spilled into the ocean but later revised that number to between 24,696 and 131,000 gallons. Officials have not yet served any search warrants in connection with the investigation, Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokeswoman, said. The U.S. Coast Guard's criminal investigative unit, the California attorney general's office and the Orange County district attorney's office are all already conducting a criminal probe. The FBI is now assisting with the criminal investigation, which among other things, is examining whether there was a negligent discharge of oil into navigable waters. An oil sheen was first spotted the evening of Oct. 2 by a vessel 4 1/2 miles off Huntington Beach and then detected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A federal agency that oversees pipelines has already initiated a probe and requested documentation from Amplify Energy, the parent company of Beta Offshore, which operates the pipeline linked to platforms off the coast. But so far, no investigative agency has acknowledged serving search warrants or subpoenas on the oil company or any shipping company. At least two vessels that were near the pipeline on Oct. 2 have been boarded by Coast Guard investigators to determine whether they could have been involved. Both have since been cleared. In addition, the Coast Guard began an investigation with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board. The agencies believe an anchor drag from a large vessel broke the pipe's concrete casing sometime in the last year and shifted the pipe more than 100 feet. The previous damage eventually caused a 13-inch crack to emerge in the pipeline. Amplify Energy Chief Executive Martyn Willsher has been evasive about the crucial hours before the company formally reported finding oil in the water Oct. 3, offering information that conflicts with state and federal records and providing vague responses to questions at news conferences. For Amplify, the first sign of trouble seems to have occurred at 2:30 a.m. Pacific time on Oct. 3, when control room employees received a low-pressure alarm on the 15-mile pipeline that funnels crude oil to land, according to a letter from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which oversees oil pipelines. The pipeline was operating at about 30% of its maximum pressure, the agency said. An Oct. 4 letter that instructed Amplify not to restart the San Pedro Bay pipeline until it was proved safe says that the alarm indicated "a possible failure" and that the operating company shut down the pipeline 3 1/2 hours later, at 6:01 a.m. The 2:30 alert also appears as an incident time on both federal and state reports from the company's risk management firm's call to federal authorities. Willsher has said the company first saw oil in the water at 8:09 a.m. Oct. 3 and reported it within the hour. Darius Kirkwood, a spokesman for the federal pipeline oversight agency, said in a statement that the pipeline owner must keep the line closed until a comprehensive review of records is completed and a determination of whether deteriorating conditions exist elsewhere on the line is made. In addition to the rig operator's actions, investigators are looking into whether unprecedented gridlock at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach played a role in the spill. The leak has escalated the national focus on the pandemic-induced logjam of cargo vessels outside the ports, which handle one-third of the nation's imports. leading President Joe Biden to broker a deal this week for the facilities to operate 24 hours a day. Investigators are probing possible issues with the way ships are anchoring or drifting off the coast as they wait to dock. The offshore traffic jams have forced ships to wait well beyond their usual times, dropping their enormous anchors near oil platforms and an undersea infrastructure of oil lines. The Coast Guard and NTSB are focusing on a period early this year when heavy winds may have pushed large vessels over the pipeline. They are examining which vessels were in the vicinity on Jan. 24 and 25 and are gathering data on every vessel traveling near the pipeline since last October. In the coming weeks, investigators expect to board several foreign ships that may have been anchored near the pipeline in the last year. An initial ship strike may have moved the pipeline, which was last inspected in October 2020, without breaking it. Another collision, or possibly a geological event, could have either "increased the fracture or caused the whole thing," U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jason Neubauer said. The probes could lead to criminal charges and civil penalties and be used in several class-action lawsuits against Amplify Energy, legal experts say. Investigators plan to remove the cracked section of the pipeline and bring it to a lab so NTSB metallurgy experts can determine when it was damaged and when it began leaking. Explore further California oil pipeline could have been leaking a year: investigators 2021 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. In this July 1, 2013, file photo, a puffin prepares to land with a bill full of fish on Eastern Egg Rock off the Maine coast. This year's warm summer was bad for Maine's beloved puffins. Far fewer chicks fledged than need to to stabilize the population. Credit: AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File Maine's beloved puffins suffered one of their worst years for reproduction in decades this summer due to a lack of the small fish they eat. Puffins are seabirds with colorful beaks that nest on four small islands off the coast of Maine. There are about 1,500 breeding pairs in the state and they are dependent on fish such as herring and sand lance to be able to feed their young. Only about a quarter of the birds were able to raise chicks this summer, said Don Lyons, director of conservation science for the National Audubon Society's Seabird Institute in Bremen, Maine. About two-thirds of the birds succeed in a normal year, he said. The puffin colonies have suffered only one or two less productive years in the four decades since their populations were restored in Maine, Lyons said. The birds had a poor year because of warm ocean temperatures this summer that reduced the availability of the fish the chicks need to survive, he said. "There were fewer fish for puffins to catch, and the ones they were able to were not ideal for chicks," Lyons said. "It's a severe warning this year." The islands where puffins nest are located in the Gulf of Maine, a body of water that is warming faster than the vast majority of the world's oceans. Researchers have not seen much mortality of adult puffins, but the population will suffer if the birds continue to have difficulty raising chicks, Lyons said. In this July 19, 2019, file photo, research assistant Andreinna Alvarez, of Ecuador, holds a puffin chick before weighing and banding the bird on Eastern Egg Rock, a small island off the coast of Maine. This year's warm summer was bad for Maine's beloved puffins. Far fewer chicks fledged than need to to stabilize the population. Credit: AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File The discouraging news comes after positive signs in recent years despite the challenging environmental conditions. The population of the birds, which are on Maine's state threatened species list, has been stable in recent years. The birds had one of their most productive seasons for mating pairs in years in 2019. Scientists including Stephen Kress, who has studied the birds for decades, said at the time that birds seemed to be doing well because the Gulf of Maine had a cool year that led to an abundance of food. The puffins are Atlantic puffins that also live in Canada and the other side of the ocean. Internationally, they're listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Explore further Scientists: Puffins might spend the winter off New Jersey 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: CC0 Public Domain When Hurricane Ida roared to shore in Louisiana last month, a system of flood gates, levees, and pumps largely kept the water out of New Orleans. Natural barriers such as wetlands, islands, and even oyster reefs also played a role by acting as "speed bumps" that damped the storm's impact. While both natural and man-made systems have their limits, gray infrastructureseawalls, jetties, leveescomes with high maintenance costs, can increase erosion, or may even unintentionally retain water. Incorporating green infrastructurebeaches, dunes, islands, wetlandsinto flood protection plans alongside gray infrastructure can shield communities, reduce maintenance, and provide additional social and environmental benefits. "Natural barriers offer another line of defense that can help protect infrastructure," said Katie Arkema, an Earth scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). But how do you put a price tag on the value of avoiding flood risk through wetland restoration, or gage the economic benefits of increased biodiversity from restoring a reef? Until now, there hasn't been comprehensive, international guidance on how to compare the costs and benefits of gray versus green infrastructure. To address this challenge, Arkema recently co-authored a 1,000-page report outlining guidelines for natural and nature-based features for flood risk management, an international effort spearheaded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Seawalls or seagrasswhich is cheaper? It depends. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina left New Orleans underwater, the city upgraded its levees, flood gates and pump system, at a cost of $14.5 billion. When Ida came ashore exactly 16 years later, the new system worked. The United States has more than 30,000 miles of levees that avert billions of dollars of damage annually. But they also come with a hefty price tag. At 60 years old on average, many levees require expensive ongoing maintenance. They also provide a false sense of security that a levee will protect against a severe storm's impact, known as a "levee effect." And then there's the loss of habitat from building them in the first place. "The goal is to use nature-based approaches when possible, and we don't want to destroy wetlands to build more seawalls. In fact, natural systems can actually help protect our gray infrastructure investments," said Arkema. For example, research from the Gulf of Mexico shows that green infrastructure can avert 40% of coastal risk associated with climate change, land subsidence, and coastal development. And in terms of damage avoided from flooding, wetlands and local levees offer roughly the same amount of protection. Yet, restoration costs roughly one-tenth of what a local levee does. Plus, the benefits go beyond physical protectionwetlands also absorb atmospheric carbon or provide nursery grounds for young salmon. Stacked with gray infrastructure, those are pretty good odds. "It still takes resources to restore ecosystems. But there aren't the same maintenance costs as traditional gray infrastructure often requires," said Arkema. "Natural systems also provide benefits, including economic value, through things like increased fisheries, property value, tourism, or recreation." A case for going green After Superstorm Sandy slammed into New York and devastated Staten Island, the state allocated $60 million for the Living Breakwaters project to restore oyster reefs that once protected the area. Reefs dampen wave energy while providing habitat for marine life. From an economic standpoint, oyster reef restoration prevents twice the damage from storms, yet costs five times less than elevating homesa common approach in the Gulf and the Atlantic seaboard. That doesn't even account for benefits that are tough to put a price tag on, like biodiversity or societal well-being. "People don't just want to be protected from flooding, they also want catch fish, walk on the beach, or enjoy a great view. These are benefits we may not get from gray infrastructure," said Arkema. Examples like the Living Breakwaters project are happening across the country: Louisiana alone is spending $1 billion on coastal restoration. Weighing trade-offs There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for flood protection, and strategies depend on project cost, how urgently it is needed, the number of people at risk, and whether things like biodiversity or tourism are a priority. "If we build new infrastructure to protect communities from flooding, do we go green or do we go gray? Or do we do some combination of both?" said Arkema. "Those are the questions facing many communities right now." Maintenance costs for gray infrastructure may be higher, but the trade-off is that natural systems often need more time to be fully functional. With 40% of the U.S. population living in coastal areas and climate-change-related extreme events expected to increase, engineers and planners will continue to grapple with the balance of green and gray. Explore further Corps of Engineers considers nature-based flood control Space flight participant Yusaku Maezawa attends a training session ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP A forthcoming flight to space by a Japanese billionaire will allow the public to have a closer look at life on board the International Space Station, the president of Space Adventures, a company that organized the flight, said Friday. Fashion tycoon Yusaku Maezawa is set to rocket to space on Dec. 8 on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft together with producer Yozo Hirano, who will film his mission, and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin. Tom Shelley, the president of Space Adventures, said Maezawa compiled a list of 100 things to do in space during a 12-day mission after asking the public for ideas. "His intention is to try to share the experience of what it means to be in space with the general public," Shelley said in an interview with The Associated Press, adding it will include "simple things about daily life to maybe some some other fun activities, to more serious questions as well." Maezawa has made his fortune in fashion retail, launching Japan's largest online fashion mall, Zozotown. His net worth is currently estimated at $2 billion by Forbes magazine. "I'm so curious, 'What's life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world," Maezawa said in a statement earlier this year. He and his film producer will be the first self-paying tourists to visit the space station since 2009. The price of the trip hasn't been disclosed. Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, center, and space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, left, and Yozo Hirano pose for a picture during a training session ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Space Adventures, a Virginia-based company, has previously sent seven other tourists to the space station, from 2001 to 2009. Maezawa has also booked a flyby around the moon aboard Elon Musk's Starship that is tentatively scheduled for 2023. He'll be joined by eight contest winners. Maezawa, who has been preparing for the flight at Russian space facilities together with his crewmates, said during Thursday's news conference that he was particularly thrilled by training that imitated zero gravity in orbit. He said that training in spacesuits for emergencies on the station was physically very strenuous but interesting. Maezawa noted that his list of 100 things to do during his time on board the International Space Station would include playing badminton in orbit with his Russian crewmate Misurkin. Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, left, space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, center, and Yozo Hirano attend a training session ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Currently on the station, Russian actor Yulia Peresild and film director Klim Shipenko are making the world's first movie in orbit, a project the Kremlin said will help burnish the nation's space glory. Peresild and Shipenko rocketed to orbit in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft on Oct. 5 for a 12-day stint on the station to film segments of the movie titled "Challenge," in which a surgeon played by Peresild rushes to the space station to save a crew member who needs an urgent operation in orbit. Peresild and Shipenko are scheduled to return to Earth on Sunday with another Russian cosmonaut, Oleg Novitskiy, who will also star as the ailing cosmonaut in the movie. In another potential first, Shelley said that Space Adventures has an arrangement with Russian partners for two private customers to perform a flight to the station in late 2023 or early 2024, during which one of them will conduct a spacewalk. Space flight participant Yusaku Maezawa attends a training session ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, center, space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, left, and Yozo Hirano attend a training session ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, center, space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, left, and Yozo Hirano attend a training session ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, right, space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, center, and Yozo Hirano attend a news conference ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Tom Shelley, the president of Space Adventures gestures while speaking during his interview with the Associated Press in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. Shelley said a forthcoming flight to space by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa will allow the public to have a closer look at life on board the orbiting outpost. Credit: AP Photo/Vladimir Kondrashov Space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, left, and Yozo Hirano attend a training ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, left, and Yozo Hirano attend a training ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Space flight participant Yusaku Maezawa, foreground, attends a training ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station, at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, left, and Yozo Hirano attend a training ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Space flight participant Yusaku Maezawa attends a news conference ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, left, space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, center, and Yozo Hirano attend a training ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa and Yozo Hirano attend a training ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, center, and space flight participants Yusaku Maezawa, left, and Yozo Hirano pose for a picture during a training session ahead of the expedition to the International Space Station at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Center in Star City outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. A Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Yusaku Maezawa announced that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Credit: Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP He said that the company is currently in discussions with a number of potential customers and hopes to confirm that mission in the next few months. "That's never been completed before," Shelley told the AP. "It's something we've been very excited about for a number of years to do that." Explore further First Russian film in space an 'experiment': director 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A wetter-than-average forecast for late October could dampen wildfires burning in Northern California and help ease drought conditions, according to the National Weather Service. The latest weather outlook for the latter part of this month calls for above-normal precipitation in California, with possible high-elevation heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades. There is also potential for an atmospheric river between Oct. 21 and Oct. 27, forecasters said. The increase in moisture is anticipated to quell ongoing wildfire activity and help to improve drought conditions, said the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center. There is a moderate risk of heavy precipitation from southern Oregon to Central California. Although the outlook, issued Wednesday, peers fairly far into the future in weather terms, the models have been consistent in recent days about development of this weather pattern over the northeastern Pacific, according to forecasters. "We are monitoring this, and it looks like it could be something above normal, but nothing earth-shattering," said David King, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Bay Area office in Monterey. King pointed out that October is not normally a very wet month, so it wouldn't take a lot to lift it above normal. Climate scientist Daniel Swain tweeted Tuesday that there are strengthening signs that a wet pattern may develop in about 10 days and encouraged his Twitter followers to "stay tuned." The pattern change would follow a week of dry, windy conditions with high wildfire risk continuing throughout California. It also follows an October outlook that showed California with equal chances of above-average, near-average or below-average precipitation and temperatures. The eight- to 12-day temperature outlook issued Wednesday shows most of California with a probability of normal or slightly below-normal readings. The conditions would come as a welcome change after California was one of several Western states that endured their hottest summers on record in 2021. Explore further Forecast for spring: Nasty drought worsens for much of US 2021 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A new study examining the narratives and motivations of men and women in rural Alabama who used methamphetamine (meth) is forthcoming in Criminology, a publication of the American Society of Criminology. It is the first photo-ethnography to be published in the journal. The study was led by researchers Heith Copes (University of Alabama at Birmingham [UAB]), Fiona Brookman (University of South Wales), Jared Ragland (Utah State University), and Blake Beaton (Sam Houston State University). The aim of this 18-month project was to understand how people who used meth made sense of their lives and navigated their drug use within the context of economic marginalization and rural life. Photo-ethnographythe use of photography to encourage responses and insights from participantswas critical in "unravelling the motives people expressed for questionable behavior, such as drug use, and gives us insights into cultural expectations and personal identities," explains Copes, professor of criminal justice at UAB, who led the study. In addition to these unique insights, using photographs helped the researchers connect and build rapport with participants; it also allowed participants to introduce ideas they found important and to visually represent themselves, evoking more emotional, multilayered responses than traditional interviews. "We believe the use of photographs in published research can help remove some of the stigma surrounding marginalized groups," says Ragland, the project photographer and professor of photography. "Photographs not only provide context to participants' stories, but they can also draw readers into their lives, elicit empathy, and shrink the social distance among participants, researchers, and their audience." The ethnography consisted of formal and photo-elicitation interviews (with 28 women and 24 men, most of whom were White), field observations, and photography. Since the study was limited to a small group from a single county in rural Alabama, the authors caution against generalizing their findings to other groups. Participants' narratives about why they used meth differed considerably by gender, but these narratives shaped how they interacted with others, the study found. "The way participants talked about their motives for drug use became a way for them to create desired identities based on broader cultural beliefs, but motive talk can be more than a way to explain behavior; it can also be important for guiding future behavior," Copes says. Men spoke of meth as a "sex drug" that enhanced sexual performance and pleasure. Men's stories shaped how they interacted with women, often leading them to use violence and coercion to control when, where, and with whom their sexual partners used meth and often explaining their patriarchal behavior through narratives of protectiveness. Women were less likely to say that enhanced sexual feelings were their primary motive for using meth, but like the men, they said that how they sought to control their relationships and interactions and found ways to resist coercive control were intertwined with their gendered narratives of drug use. Women drew on traditional gendered themes of femininity when explaining their drug use. By emphasizing their role as caretakers, women said they often needed the energy from meth to carry out their household duties. "Our findings provide important insights into understanding how narratives guide behavior and shape harm, especially among already-vulnerable groups," concludes Brookman, professor of criminology and coauthor of the study. "Accessing and unpacking narratives from those who engage in crime or drug use, as well as from victims of crime, affords a deeper understanding of how sociodemographic and cultural norms are reproduced and resisted within particular communities." Provided by American Society of Criminology Credit: CC0 Public Domain RABI's Big Farming Survey results have revealed that despite the farming community facing significant mental and physical health challenges, more than 50% remain optimistic about the future of their farm businesses. The results, which are based on over 15,000 survey responses, were launched on 14 October, to 70 influential representatives from the agricultural sector at a launch event in Birmingham. In response to the findings, RABI has outlined five core themes informed by the hardest-hitting statistics and called on the sector to help drive an effective response to the challenges identified. Following a welcome address by Chief Executive, Alicia Chivers, the University of Exeter's Centre for Rural Policy Research Team, Dr. Rebecca Wheeler and Professor Matt Lobley, presented their ground-breaking results. This was followed by RABI corporate partnership manager, Suzy Deeley, who shared further insight on five key stats that the industry must respond to: 36% of the farming community are probably or possibly depressed. Over one-half of women (58%) experience mild, moderate or severe anxiety. An average of six factors cause stress across the farming community. The most commonly reported sources of stress are; regulation, compliance and inspection, COVID-19, bad/unpredictable weather, loss of subsides/future trade deals. Over half (52%) of the farming community experience pain and discomfort, one in four have mobility problems and 21% have problems in undertaking usual tasks due to health issues. 59% of respondents believe their business is viable over the next five years. Ms Deeley highlighted some of the positive outtakes within the data, which illustrates the importance of building on the farming community's strengths. "This survey of a generation has revealed that despite the many challenges facing our community, farming people continue to be incredibly resilient and this is something we should focus on. We owe it to every farming person to use this evidence to take action to improve farmer wellbeing," says Ms Deeley. "We believe that farming people and the sector more widely must collaborate to develop solutions to the issues identified. Therefore, RABI will use the results to inform the evolution of our services and welcome others to participate in shaping future farming support," Ms Deeley continues. In response to the Big Farming Survey research, Ms Deeley explained that RABI will soon be launching pilots of three new support schemes. These include an accredited, bespoke farming mental health first aid training service, access to in-person mental health support, and further trials of RABI's Community Pillars initiative. "There is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes at RABI to initiate a targeted and appropriate response in partnership with key partner organizations, and we look forward to being able to share more on these developments soon. The introduction of the pilot schemes will be in addition to the long-standing, traditional support services that RABI is so well known for, and to complement the online wellbeing platform, Qwell, that we launched last year," Ms Deeley adds. "We're hugely grateful to all the delegates who attended the launch and for their valuable contribution to these important discussions. We have demonstrated that there is a real appetite to work together to address the challenges facing farmers." Commenting on the research, Matt Lobley, Professor of Rural Resource Management at the University of Exeter and research lead explains; "The Big Farming Survey has delivered an unprecedented evidence base that has given far greater insight into the realities of life on farm. There is now a unique opportunity to build on the findings which have been presented. Our recommendations are very much aligned to how RABI is evolving its services during this period of agricultural transition." Explore further Stress and tiredness are key factors in farming accidents A new study explored how prosecutors think about race in criminal justice, providing ideas of how to break the color-blind approach to prosecution that can entrench racial disparities. The study found that prosecutors broadly argue that race should not be considered when processing cases. Conducted by a researcher at Florida International University (FIU), the study is forthcoming in the American Society of Criminology's journal Criminology. "Color-blindness is one piece of a very strong and cohesive prosecutorial culture," says Rebecca Dunlea, an assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at FIU and the author of the study. "Getting prosecutors to see themselves as part of the solution to racial disparities will require changing their views on how to approach race, but it will probably also require that they reevaluate other core beliefs about how they do their work and achieve justice." Color-blindness does not address racial disparities, and may even worsen them by maintaining policies and practices that are facially race-neutral but disproportionately harm people of color. Some scholars argue that colorblindness in criminal justice has done more harm than good. Based on interviews with 47 prosecutors from Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida, in 2018, the study found that they widely embraced a color-blind approach to processing cases. Interviewees consistently said they believed that the best way to handle these disparities was to not consider the race of defendants, victims, or witnesses when making case decisions. Support for the color-blind approach was informal and widespread, the study found, with prosecutors saying they worked to appear race-neutral, denying the possibility of discrimination in their offices. Prosecutors of color appeared to support the color-blind approach as much as their White counterparts. This color-blind approach is reinforced by other scripts deeply embedded in prosecutorial culture, such as "every case is unique," "poverty and culture cause crime," and "we only prosecute what the police bring to us," the study found. All these seemingly race-neutral scripts are used by prosecutors to justify the rejection of their role in reforms that target racial disparities in criminal justice. Explore further Researchers unveil first of four reports on racial disparities in prosecutor behavior More information: No Idea Whether He's Black, White, or Purple": Colorblindness and Cultural Scripting in Prosecution, Criminology (2021). Journal information: Criminology No Idea Whether He's Black, White, or Purple": Colorblindness and Cultural Scripting in Prosecution,(2021). Provided by American Society of Criminology Credit: Shutterstock Rising seas are already making storm damage more costly, adding to the impact on about 700 million people who live in low-lying coastal areas at risk of flooding. Scientists expect sea-level rise will exacerbate the damage from storm surges and coastal floods during the coming decades. But predicting just how much and how fast the seas will rise this century is difficult, mainly because of uncertainties about how Antarctica's ice sheet will behave. The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections of Antarctica's contribution to sea-level rise show considerable overlap between low and high-emissions scenarios. But in our new research, we show the widespread collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is avoidable if we can keep global warming below the Paris target of 2. In West Antarctica, the interior of the ice sheet sits atop bedrock that lies well below sea level. As the Southern Ocean warms, scientists are concerned the ice sheet will continue to retreat, potentially raising sea level by several meters. When and how quickly this process could happen depends on a number of factors that are still uncertain. Our research better quantifies these uncertainties and shows the full impact of different emissions trajectories on Antarctica may not become clear until after 2100. But the consequences of decisions we make this decade will be felt for centuries. A new approach to projecting change in Antarctica Scientists have used numerical ice-sheet models for decades to understand how ice sheets evolve under different climate states. These models are based on mathematical equations that represent how ice sheets flow. But despite advances in mapping the bed topography beneath the ice, significant uncertainty remains in terms of the internal ice structure and conditions of the bedrock and sediment below. Both affect ice flow. This makes prediction difficult, because the models have to rely on a series of assumptions, which affect how sensitive a modeled ice sheet is to a changing climate. Given the number and complexity of the equations, running ice-sheet models can be time consuming, and it may be impossible to fully account for all of the uncertainty. To overcome this limitation, researchers around the world are now frequently using statistical "emulators." These mathematical models can be trained using results from more complex ice-sheet models and then used to run thousands of alternative scenarios. Using hundreds of ice-sheet model simulations as training data, we developed such an emulator to project Antarctica's sea-level contribution under a wide range of emissions scenarios. We then ran tens of thousands of statistical emulations to better quantify the uncertainties in the ice sheet's response to warming. These maps of Antarctica show the projected change in ice thickness between the present and the year 2300, for a low-emissions scenario (left) and a high-emissions scenario (right), with red indicating ice loss and blue showing ice gain. Author provided Low emissions prevent ice shelf thinning To ensure our projections are realistic, we discounted any simulation that did not fit with satellite observations of Antarctic ice loss over the last four decades. We considered a low-emissions scenario, in which global carbon emissions were reduced quickly over the next few decades, and a high-emissions scenario, in which emissions kept increasing to the end of the century. Under both scenarios, we observed continued ice loss in areas already losing ice mass, such as the Amundsen Sea region of West Antarctica. For the ice sheet as a whole, we found no statistically significant difference between the ranges of plausible contributions to sea-level rise in the two emissions scenarios until the year 2116. However, the rate of sea-level rise towards the end of this century under high emissions was double that of the low-emissions scenario. By 2300, under high emissions, the Antarctic ice sheet contributed more than 1.5m more to global sea level than in the low-emissions scenario. This is because the West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapses. The earliest warning sign of a future with a multi-meter Antarctic contribution to sea-level rise is widespread thinning of Antarctica's two largest floating ice shelves, the Ross and Ronne-Filchner. These massive ice shelves hold back land-based ice, but as they thin and break off, this resistance weakens. The land-based ice flows more easily into the ocean, raising sea level. In the high-emissions scenario, this widespread ice-shelf thinning happens within the next few decades. But importantly, these ice shelves show no thinning in a low-emissions scenariomost of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet remains intact. Planning our future The goal of the Paris Agreement is to keep warming well below 2. But current global government pledges commit us to 2.9 by 2100. Based on our emulator projections, we believe these pledges would lead to a 50% higher (70cm) Antarctic contribution to sea-level rise by the year 2300 than if warming remains at or under 2. But even if we meet the Paris target, we are already committed to sea-level rise from the Antarctic ice sheet, as well as from Greenland and mountain glaciers around the world for centuries or millennia to come. Continued warming will also raise sea levels because warmer ocean water expands and the amount of water stored on land (in soil, aquifers, wetlands, lakes, and reservoirs) changes. To avoid the worst impacts on coastal communities around the world, planners and policymakers will need to develop meaningful adaptation strategies and mitigation options for the continued threat of sea-level rise. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. GLENS FALLS The Glens Falls man accused of illegally entering the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection has admitted his role in the incident in a plea deal that may include no prison time. James Bonet pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia on Oct. 7 to the single count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, court documents show. Bonet was among a group of supporters of former President Donald Trump who stormed the Capitol in an effort to stop the certification of incoming President Joe Biden. Bonet posted videos of himself in the Capitol to his Facebook page saying were taking it back and a photo of him smoking what authorities say was a marijuana cigarette. Prosecutors have recommended a sentence of no more than 6 months in prison and the possibility of no prison time, based upon his criminal history. Bonet was convicted in Glens Falls in 2014 for possession of marijuana and sentenced to 3 years of probation, court records show. Prosecutors are also asking the judge to impose of fine in the range of $500 to $9,500. He also must pay restitution of $500 to the government. The U.S. Capitol had nearly $1.5 million in damage as a result of the riot, according to court documents. Bonet had also been charged with multiple counts including violent entry and disorderly conduct in the Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol building, but those charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement. Final sentencing is up to the judge. Bonet is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 10. The plea agreement also contains more details about what Bonet did that day. Bonet entered the building through the Senate Wing door at around 3:09 p.m. As he approached the entrance, he said (W)e made it in the building bitches! Were taking it back! We are taking it back, we made it in the building, court documents showed. While inside, he walked into the office of U.S. Sen Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, and smoked a marijuana cigarette. Video shows him saying at the Capitol Building, smoking with all my people. He then left the office and continued into the circular room located below the Rotunda known as the Crypt before returning to the hallway back to the Senate Wing door. He exited the building at around 3:26 p.m., court documents showed. Bonet could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. Michael Goot covers politics, crime and courts, Warren County, education and business. Reach him at 518-742-3320 or mgoot@poststar.com. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. QUEENSBURY Glens Falls 2nd Ward Supervisor Peter McDevitt got in the face of Queensbury resident Travis Whitehead on Friday, yelling at him to stop harassing his family. Both men were separated before the incident escalated. Whitehead said he was pushed, but not hurt. The incident occurred during the public comment section at the end of the three-hour Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting. Whitehead took the opportunity to criticize Brent McDevitt, who is Peter McDevitts son and the sole Democratic candidate for Queensbury at-large supervisor. Whitehead said Brent McDevitt has refused to release information about his criminal past, which includes convictions for driving while intoxicated and for providing false information on a real estate license. Whitehead said he needs McDevitts signature to authorize release of his records from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Whitehead said McDevitt has not responded to his request. He would not even acknowledge his presence when he raised the subject directly to Brent McDevitt, who was also in attendance at the meeting. I believe anyone who wants to represent us ought to be free and open about their past. I know that some records are sealed. Im not asking for any records to be unsealed, Whitehead said. Peter McDevitt interrupted Whitehead, saying Madam chairwoman, are you going to permit this? Board of Supervisor Chairwoman Rachel Seeber asked him to state his objection. McDevitt accused Whitehead of disrupting the meeting. You are permitting character assassination on the part of an angry old man, he said. It is not relevant to anything to be discussed. Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Mike Wild raised a point of order. Seeber asked him what rule he thinks was being broken. I dont know what the actual rule is. Im not sure this is appropriate for this forum. Its a political discussion, he said. Seeber said she did not consider Wilds point to be well taken. She believes the public has the right to speak. All year, the public has spoken up at meetings and they were not interrupted, she said. It has been the custom and of our board to hear from our public regardless of what they have to say, she said. Johnsburg Supervisor Andrea Hogan abruptly made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded. It passed with Seeber voting in opposition. After the meeting wrapped, Brent McDevitt told Whitehead to stop bothering him and said he has harassed him four times. Peter McDevitt then got involved. I was attacked, Whitehead said. Whitehead said he is not sure if he would file a complaint with the county. You shouldnt feel like youre at risk of being attacked when you stand up there at the podium, he said. Whitehead said the records are relevant because Brent McDevitt is running for the position of supervisor. Brent McDevitt was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Moreau in 2005 and in Glens Falls in 2006. He was sentenced to probation for those incidents. However, he violated the terms of his probation by testing positive for three drugs that he did not have permission to take. He was sentenced in 2011 to 2-2/3 to 8 years in prison after violating the terms of his probation. That sentence was lengthened to 4 to 12 years after he was later charged with writing on a real estate license application that he had not been convicted of a crime. He was released in 2013. Brent McDevitt said afterward that Whitehead walked by him waving a clipboard in his face asking him to sign for the release of confidential medical records that he has no right to see. McDevitt called the incident a black eye on the Democratic process in Queensbury. What we witnessed today in the hallowed chamber of the Warren County Board of Supervisors is an absolute disgrace that Chairwoman Seeber allowed Mr. Whitehead the podium to character assassinate me the way he did. She should be ashamed of herself, McDevitt said. He thanked Hogan for the motion to end the meeting. Brent McDevitt did not have a comment on his fathers actions, but said that as a father he was likely similarly disgusted by Whiteheads behavior. Peter McDevitt did not return a message seeking follow-up comment. Michael Goot covers politics, crime and courts, Warren County, education and business. Reach him at 518-742-3320 or mgoot@poststar.com. Love 6 Funny 34 Wow 6 Sad 6 Angry 7 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Five New York residents have been indicted on charges of trying to steal more than $1.1 million from five Atlantic City casinos in August, acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck said Friday. Bruck said the alleged thefts, which involved the passing of fraudulent checks at the casinos, were part of a sophisticated financial scheme. Three men and two women were indicted, although only one has been detained. The targets were Caesars Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, each of which reported $284,000 in thefts, and Ocean Casino Resort and Golden Nugget Atlantic City, each of which reported $134,000 in bad checks. An Atlantic County grand jury issued an 11-count indictment Wednesday alleging second-degree conspiracy and various counts of second-degree theft by deception and attempted theft by deception. Charged were: Xiuhuan Zhang, 65, of Flushing Qingtao Zhang, 53, of Flushing Shuai Liu, 30, of College Point Peng Cai, 33, of Brooklyn Sen Ge, 29, of Flushing LOWER TOWNSHIP On an unseasonably warm October Friday, passengers boarding and departing at the Cape May-Lewes ferry terminal were given reusable shopping bags. The act was part of an education campaign preparing New Jersey residents and visitors for a law banning businesses from selling or providing single-use plastic carryout bags. The law, which Gov. Phil Murphy signed last November, goes into effect May 4, 2022. Some believe New Jersey is behind the curve when it comes to the banning of single-use plastics. Diana Delgrosso Kensington, of Maryland, said her state has charged a nickel for use of bags for years. Once they implemented the bag tax, it really reduced the waste, said Delgrosso, who was on her way back from an anniversary trip to Cape May with her husband. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Yogurt containers can be recycled again, ACUA says Atlantic County residents can once again recycle their yogurt cups, and more. Locally, some municipalities have already taken action to deter the use of single-use bags. In 2018, Ventnor passed an ordinance that placed a 5-cent fee on single-use plastic bags. Other coastal communities like Brigantine and Stone Harbor banned single-use plastic bags completely and fine businesses that violate the ordinances, which went into effect in 2019. Somers Point, home to two major grocery stores and soon a Target, also has a bag ban in place. ATLANTIC CITY Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli on Thursday pledged to focus on vocational training amid labor shortages in the state, as he spoke to county workers on the final day of the three-day New Jersey Association of Counties annual conference at Caesars Atlantic City. I do believe strongly we need to get back to basics in our public school systems; in teaching critical life skills and more emphasis on vocational training not all kids want or need to go to college, the candidate said. As a parent of four, Ive got three who are college graduates and the bills to show it, but one of them went into the trades and he is doing extremely well as a licensed diesel mechanic. Its the right thing to do for industry, said the former state assemblyman, who is challenging Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. If youre campaigning around this state, as Ive been for the past 22 months, everywhere you go, I cant find CDLs. I cant find welders. Last years conference was held virtually due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This years event saw a similar number of in-person attendance as 2019, which, according to NJAC Executive Director John Donnadio, was their best year ever. The privilege, a New York court wrote in 1894, was founded upon a wise public policy, adopted and pursued for the purpose of encouraging to the utmost that mutual confidence which is the strongest guaranty of a happy marriage. In other words, the rule protects our natural impulse to confide in the person we most love and trust. Makes sense. But we live in a time when that person may not be a spouse. Over the years, many observers have argued that the privilege for confidential communications should be extended for example, to those who cohabit. Some states grant the same protection to those in civil unions or common-law marriages, but thus far even judges who express sympathy for the claim have mostly refused to extend the privilege to the unmarried. (One case refuses to grant the privilege to an unmarried couple who merely have children in common. Merely?!) Its easy to see the challenge. Marriage is a bright line, a fact thats true or false; the privilege exists or it doesnt. Extending the reach of the protection might be asking too much of judges. The legal scholar Edward Stein, in a thoughtful 2012 paper, proposes that the law protect all those in serious relationships who are in fact likely to communicate openly and provide each other with a refuge. "I've always had so much respect since then for the Salvation Army," he said. "They helped us so much. And it wasn't easy in those days, because being a union leader you couldn't win. "Half the time, members of the union were mad at you and, half the time, the company was mad at you. "There were a lot of people who stepped up, though; gave food to the soup kitchens and stuff. It was hard on a lot of people." When he told Hesse that some of the younger picketers hadn't heard of a soup kitchen, she replied: "They're lucky not to." But Unterschiedt said he's afraid their luck is about to run out unless Deere and the UAW can agree on a contract. "I try to tell the young people to put a few dollars away," he said. "I remember finding out how the other half lives. With no income coming in, you change your ways." Hesse said she'll be there for the union for the long haul. "If it keeps going, they'll need help," she said. "I want to do something for third shift, too not leave them out. I'll go out after closing and take them something. I have a strong suspicion that our 2022 teacher of the year is that teacher for a long list of people, Reynolds said. The gym was packed with students and the noise of that many teenagers was a rumbling accompaniment to the band playing on the court. When they realized it was Russell getting the award, many of them began chanting her name. After the speeches were done, a group of students clustered around the stage where Russell still stood, and she took several moments to speak with them. When her students leave her classroom for the last time, she hopes they leave with the ability to think critically and connect what they learn in her class with what they learn elsewhere. She wants them to be ready to be productive citizens. Russells lessons incorporate student-centered, hands-on activities, the Iowa Department of Education's news release states. Though she gives direct instruction in her classes, Russell said she tries as much as possible to be a guide on the side with her students, helping them as needed, but otherwise letting them work through the material on their own. The naming is a tremendous opportunity for Russell, Pleasant Valley Superintendent Brian Strusz said. Case in point: At one stall this weekend, they were selling the beat-up remnants of a 1970s KerPlunk game for $8. Remember KerPlunk? Once upon a time, in the days before X-Box and Playstation, the height of gaming was pulling plastic straws from a transparent tube in hopes of not dislodging the pile of marbles atop them. If you pulled the wrong straw, marbles would drop to the bottom of the tube, making a noise that sounded nothing like "ker-plunk." It was, and still is, great fun. But this particular eight-dollar vintage KerPlunk game only had one remaining straw. Spoiler alert, but that's not going to stop too many marbles. That's okay, though, because the marbles were missing, too. Basically this guy was selling a plastic tube and a single piece of straw for eight bucks. Here's another spoiler alert: They still make KerPlunk. You can buy a brand new model at Walmart for $14.95. I bet it has all the marbles, all the straws, and doesn't smell like it's been in someone's attic since 1963. But again, I won't knock antiques sellers. Maybe there's someone out there getting ready to open a board game-themed microbrewery in need of a kitschy KerPlunk wall sconce. (If you're out there, hit me up; I can cut you a deal on Broken Broken Hungry Hungry Hippo that's somewhere in my closet.) 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. Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons. Lightfoot declared in August that all city workers must be vaccinated against the coronavirus by Oct. 15. But the FOP has repeatedly criticized the mandate, with Catanzara likening it to Nazi Germany before apologizing. Last Friday, Lightfoot announced that if employees fail to report their vaccination status before midnight Friday night, they will be placed in a nondisciplinary no-pay status. She also said those who failed to meet the deadline to get vaccinated can opt for semiweekly COVID-19 testing at their own expense. Catanzara responded by encouraging rank-and-file officers to not report their vaccine status to a city portal and instead to fill out forms citing conscientious objection to the vaccine mandate. He advised them to report to work Friday with the assumption they would be sent home and said he would also forgo pay. Catanzara estimated that the citys police force will operate at a capacity of 50% or less this weekend because of the actions. And the call for officers not to report vaccine status presses the city to take a position formally on conscientious objection, he said, so the FOP can take class action. 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Delta Air Lines confirmed Friday the Delta Connection flight between Rapid City Regional Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport will be suspended after Nov. 1. The once-daily departure route is operated by SkyWest Airlines on behalf of Delta Connection using a 69-seat Canadair Regional Jet 700, with a return flight to Rapid City later in same the day. The flights between Rapid City and Salt Lake City were once a permanent nonstop route and not considered a seasonal offering by the airline. Drake Castaneda, corporate communications representative with Delta Air Lines, told the Journal on Friday that the carrier expects the suspension to be temporary. "This is a seasonal suspension. We do expect to resume service again for the spring season in 2022 using SkyWest as the Delta Connection carrier," Castaneda said. "As always, Delta continues to monitor and adjust our flight schedules and service levels based on customer demand." Delta will maintain three daily flights from Rapid City to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport during the winter months, Castaneda said, before the busier spring and summer travel seasons begin. Delta is expected to resume flights at that time from Rapid City to Atlanta and Detroit as well. Other airlines have also reduced their daily flights servicing Rapid City during the winter. American Airlines, operating as American Eagle, is maintaining three daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. However, the seasonal, once-daily route to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will also be suspended after Nov. 1. Rapid City Regional Airport Deputy Director Toni Broom said the American Eagle seasonal flight to Phoenix is one that receives a financial incentive from the airport for the route. She said the incentive will pause until the flight resumes, which is expected later in 2022. United Airlines is continuing one daily departure using a mainline jet to Denver International Airport, and two daily flights each to Denver and Chicago O'Hare International Airport under their United Express partnership. Allegiant Air operates two weekly flights each to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas during the winter months and is expected to resume its route to Punta Gorda Airport in March. During the 2021 summer travel season, Rapid City Regional Airport offered 25 nonstop routes to 24 different destinations. Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 4 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Rapid City Journal and its parent company, Lee Enterprises, have retained an attorney to seek information on why documents in a criminal case involving state Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack, R-Union Center, were sealed from the public. Cammack was arrested Jan. 18, 2020, in Meade County on counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding. He was charged Jan. 21, 2020, with driving under the influence in Meade County District Court with Pennington County Deputy State's Attorney Alexandra Weiss prosecuting the case. Cammack pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge, a class one misdemeanor, on Feb. 4, 2020. The DUI charge was dismissed over a year later on June 29 with a reduced charge of careless driving filed instead. Cammack pleaded guilty to the careless driving and speeding charges, both class two misdemeanors. He received a suspended imposition of sentence and upon the filing of the dismissal of charges and completion of sentencing conditions, which may have included completion of a diversion program. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $431.50 for the careless driving charge and $39 fine for the speeding ticket, in addition to $222 in court costs. However, Cammack's court record was sealed after it was publicized Oct. 5 on a political blog by Corey Heidelberger. He told the Journal that he first saw the document on Oct. 4 when doing a random check of court records. The reasoning behind the court sealing the case is unknown. A court case may be sealed if the court is concerned that case records may lead to excessive pretrial publicity and jeopardize fairness for both the defendant and prosecution. However, since the court records were sealed after Cammack's conviction on the lesser charges, the Journal has retained attorney Jon E. Arneson to seek information on why the action was taken. "The Journal is taking this legal action because we believe the public has a right to see these documents," Journal Editor Kent Bush said Friday. "We believe how and why this case was sealed is important information, especially since the defendant is an elected official. There is no compelling legal reason to hide these records from the public." Arneson wrote a letter Friday to Pennington County State's Attorney Mark Vargo, Weiss and Cammack's attorney, Nathaniel Nelson. In the letter, Arneson is inquiring about the process that led to sealing Cammack's case. Arneson contends the decision to seal the case may violate South Dakota's law on general access rules for court documents. He also contends that it violates appropriate requests to prohibit public access to information in court records. "I think my client and the public have a right to see the sealing motion. In the first place, access to that information is consistent with the purpose of [the general access rule]," Arneson wrote in the letter. "At the barest minimum, the public, even if denied access to the sealed documents, themselves, has good reason to know the basis or grounds for the sealing. "Beyond that, as for the actual access to the sealed documents, my client and the public have ample cause to ask that the court reopen the sealing procedure to allow their involvement and input. Considering the circumstances, it is indisputable that the public has not just a legitimate interest, but a compelling interest under [requests to prohibit public access to information in court records] that has been ignored." Arneson is requesting Vargo, Weiss and Nelson to allow the Journal to examine the order to see if there was merit in the sealing and to examine the relevance of the arguments to seal the court records. The Journal has not yet received a response from the letter to the prosecutors or to Cammack's attorney. No lawsuit has yet been filed on behalf of the Journal's request. Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Another area where the state fails Noem's transparency pledge is when it comes to how much state tax money goes to fly the governor around to campaign events and fundraisers across the country. When the Rapid City Journal and other news agencies sought to release those records to the public, her office hid behind the curtain of her security. The only thing transparent about that is how easy it is to see through that excuse. Of course, most states make this information available as a public record because people have a right to know how their money is spent. No security issues have arisen in any of these states based on releasing the cost of executive branch travel. Surveillance video from inside the Waffle House just before the shooting showed people arguing, with some appearing to use hand gestures toward each other. One person in particular appeared to be instigating the confrontation, according to the affidavit. Video images of the Waffle House customers were sent to Dinwiddie sheriffs detectives, and they identified one of them as Poarch. Information from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles was obtained for Poarch and he was positively identified as one of the men inside the Waffle House, the affidavit says. Due to Poarchs actions that could be viewed inside the Waffle House, along with the large volume of gunfire that occurred outside, investigators obtained a warrant against Poarch for conspiring to incite a riot. Details on Bouldins alleged involvement were not available. It is disappointing that some of these cases are not moving forward at this time, however it is not uncommon for victims and or witnesses that were initially cooperative to decide against it once it is time for trial, said Colonial Heights Police Capt. Robert Ruxer. We have an excellent working relationship with our Commonwealth Attorneys Office and rely on their expertise to determine if it is prudent to take a case to trial. That being said, I believe that our investigators did an outstanding job collecting evidence and locating the individuals suspected of committing these crimes, he added. A resident of Tiffanies Manor, an assisted living facility in downtown Richmond, has been charged in a stabbing that wounded one female resident of the home and killed another. The stabbing is the second at the facility in 3 months. Detectives charged Quincy Adams Rawlings, 53, with one count each of malicious wounding and stabbing in the commission of a felony in connection with the stabbing of the 60-year-old woman who survived. Additional charges are pending in the homicide of the woman killed, identified by police as Natalie Simmons-Price, 60. Richmond police were called at 12:52 p.m. Oct. 8 to the facility at 115 N. Jefferson St. for a report of a stabbing. Arriving officers found two women inside suffering from stab wounds. Both were taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Simmons-Price later died. Police said Rawlings is a resident of the facility. Detectives have not released information on Rawlings relationship to the victims or a possible motive. Taking into account all of those circumstances, the Sept. 23 letter from the ACHP explains, the Corps may have treated Brown Grove as a static resource. That means it looked at the communitys significance as associated only with past events rather than ongoing cultural use, values and connections. However, Brown Grove is inextricably linked to the communitys living, ongoing experience of the historic district and their sense of place, through activities at the church, family gatherings, community celebrations ... and day-to-day interactions among community members whose families have been in the community for generations, the ACHP letter said. It stated that Brown Grove was noted by consultants working with that community that the historic district may be one of only two historic districts focused on communities developed by Free Blacks in Virginia. It said the loss of historic properties is typically of great concern to those who ascribe significance to them and they cannot be replaced, whether by compensatory mitigation or otherwise, and that focusing solely on documentation of the resource does not address the potential for degradation of the historic districts dynamic connection to the community. In an aggravating coda to Donald Trump seeing very fine people, on both sides at a white supremacist rally, some right-wing educators and parents see no evil in the annals of history. Teachers in a suburban Dallas school district are being instructed to offer students opposing perspectives on the Holocaust, according to NBC News. What could possibly be the fair and balanced take on the horrors of Holocaust, you ask? That the prisoners of Nazi Germanys concentration camps were as content as enslaved Black people in America? Yes, Virginia textbooks, into the 1970s, taught that bogus Lost Cause narrative of enslavement. The denial and revisionism of the moment are nothing new. Theyre hard to extract from public education, even in our moment of racial reckoning or perhaps because of it. In Queen Annes County, Md., a Black school superintendents attempt to spark a dialogue on racism culminated in a groundswell of resistance that effectively chased her from her post in the high-achieving, majority-white school district. However, just as it would not be fair to the taxpayers for our public safety department or sheriffs office to work this kind of event without being compensated by the promoter, it would not be appropriate for me to spend nearly 60 hours helping to manage a private event without Pittsylvania County recouping those costs. For Smithermans time, the county billed $8,775 representing $150 per hour for 58 hours, according to the invoice. In all, more than $150,000 in employee income was part of the charges, officials said. Mr. Smitherman came to the festival site because of the issues that were being reported about the inadequacy of the operational management of the festival, Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor said in a statement. On the morning when the county took over outside operations, Smitherman called a meeting with promoters and the contractors. The Virginia State Police, along with myself and many other agencies, were in attendance to address unacceptable issues with the festivals operations, Taylor said. Jonathan Slye spoke to the fact that some of his contractors had just simply walked away from their responsibilities or failed in the duties to the event. Earlier this year, senators tabled a bill to reinstate parole while the Virginia State Crime Commission studies the issue. Morrissey said its challenging to explain to the public and even lawmakers that parole eligibility does not mean someone walks out the door it only means a panel of experts can evaluate people to decide who should qualify for release. Matthieu Belanger, a 2020 graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law who helps people in prison schedule appointments with the parole board, said the public doesnt get to see the details. Many people in prison committed crimes when they were young after growing up exposed to drug use and violent crime. After years of therapy and rehabilitation in prison, a lot of them express a great deal of remorse for what they did, and an understanding that theyre never going to be able to fully make it right because they cant bring that person back. If theyre released on supervision, many want to mentor teens or find ways to help prevent crime, he said. The next governor will help determine whether the commonwealth is prepared for the next pandemic and whether Virginia remains committed to protecting jobs, supporting strong public health and fostering life sciences industry growth. With our states physical and fiscal health on the line, it is vital that whoever is elected enacts policies that foster innovation, not harm it. The next governor should continue funding and improving existing incentives for the life sciences and biotechnological industries, including the Angel Investor Tax Credit, the Refundable R&D Expenses Tax Credit and the grant funds for translational research. Incentives such as these help unleash the potential of life science companies to bring innovative products and services to market. They also help keep Virginia competitive with other states that are passing their own tax incentives to lure life sciences companies. St. Louis Post-Dispatch ****** We all know gerrymandering is baked into our politics, but when that process goes so far that it begins to undermine basic principles of fair representation, we need to take notice and speak up. That moment has come in the Texas redistricting process. The proposed congressional and state house maps now being debated in Austin fail on any number of basic principles from keeping districts geographically compact to maintaining existing political subdivisions to preserving communities of interest by not splitting up suburbs to lump them in with rural communities. It also must be said that these maps raise serious questions about the racial and ethnic makeup of new districts in a state where 95% of population growth in the last decade has been from people of color. The letter of the law may permit a party in power to protect its incumbents by drawing maps around voters party preferences. But the spirit of the law and the greater good of democracy do not appear to be served by the maps that Republican legislators have crafted. The Dallas Morning News ****** I was in eighth grade in the 1970s. That was a hard time, Mancini said. Frankly, Richmond was a hard place to be a gay 14-year-old. Mancini, who attended A.M. Davis Elementary School, Providence Middle School and St. Christophers School, didnt come out in high school. I dont know if I was fully out to myself, he said. But he did come out in Hollywood as one of the first openly gay writers in the slasher film genre, along with Clive Barker. It got to a point where it was bothersome not to talk about it anymore, Mancini said. He had started introducing gay characters in movies like The Bride of Chucky. When I was doing press for Bride of Chucky, I started talking about it then. I was happy to be able to do that and to work in an industry thats hospitable. Im really glad that the world is at a point where we can have a 14-year-old lead character in a major network show be gay. Bullying is a major theme in the new Chucky series, an issue that Mancini said he also experienced in high school. He said that he is addressing that issue, in a small way, with this show. It is a beautiful structure. An idea born in COVID to help us weather the pandemic, it has become another wonderful venue and operations space that helps us maximize the potential of our property as we sort out our path forward, now and for years to come, Executive Director Cabell Youell said of the pavilion. We are now better prepared to serve our partners and continue our operations no matter what the future holds. The pavilion is home to puppy classes, training classes, volunteer orientations, interviews where people are meeting their service dogs for the first time, and partner classes where teams can brush up on their commands or learn new commands as health needs change. This gift follows closely on the heels of a previous major contribution from Draper. In 2020 she provided significant support to underwrite the costs of producing Saint Francis main program, the Training Program, for two years. Through the Training Program, dogs are prepared to assist their partners in the tasks of daily living and partners are trained how to get the most out of their relationship with their dogs for an eight-to 10-year partnership. Although the training costs thousands of dollars per team, Saint Francis provides services at no cost because of contributions. ROCKY MOUNT Tyler Lee was only 28 years old when he won election to town council in 2020. He would love it if more people his age would try their own hand at running for office. You know, all this stuff is fun, Lee said. You always get to meet new people, you always get to brainstorm the next feature thing inside of a locality. Theres no better spot than being in a leadership spot to try to hit the gas pedal on initiatives that you come up with. Though its unclear whether Lee is the youngest council member in the towns history, hes definitely the youngest in recent years. I dont remember anybody younger, said Linda Stanley, managing director of the Franklin County Historical Society. Going back to her days as a reporter who covered Rocky Mount Town Council meetings, I remember lots of old people, she said, but young people didnt want to get in it. They were out making a living, doing other stuff. It was a thankless job even back in the 60s and 70s, she said. I just have to share how excited I am about the new Texas abortion law. You might think that I care deeply about abortion. I don't. It is the broader potential opened up by the Texas law which really excites me. As has been widely reported, the law prohibits most abortions. But the state will not enforce this. Instead, concerned citizens are asked to step up to the plate. They can sue for "damages" and reap an award of $10,000. The old-fashioned requirement of having suffered actual damages seems to have been waived. This creates a marvelous precedent. As we all know, the law is aloof from single issue politics, so there can obviously be nothing unique about abortion. This gives me the confidence that we can count on our Republican friends to remove legal technicalities and bureaucratic obstructions which have for so long stood between model citizenship and its just rewards. Watchful citizens could help combat undesirable behavior on a broad scale, with little or no expenditure of government resources. Off the top of my head, just a few examples come to mind. 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. Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. Chris Villarruel is a member of the Ajumawi band of the Pit River Nation. He is an Indigenous forester and forest hydrology student at Humboldt State University. He has mostly worked with the Yurok, Hoopa and Ojibwe tribes in cultural burning, forestry and hydrology. " " This aerial view shows the difference in size between the current Large Hadron Collider and the new Future Circular Collider proposed by physicists at CERN. CERN When the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) went online in 2008, it became the most powerful and complex machine humans had ever created. The LHC is a 16-mile-long (25.7-mile-long) underground ring, located in Geneva, Switzerland, and physicists use it to collide protons at nearly the speed of light in hopes of answering age-old questions on extremely complex issues like dark matter and the origins of the universe. Now, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which runs the LHC, has announced that it plans to build an even larger collider in an attempt to answer the legion of questions that still remain about the universe. Advertisement The Future Circular Collider (FCC) as it's been dubbed would have a circumference of 62 miles (100 kilometers), dwarfing the existing LHC by 35 miles (56 kilometers). It would also have 10 times the atom-smashing power. CERN released its conceptual design and report in January 2019. Researchers hope to have the accelerator online by 2050 at a cost of more than $22 billion. Construction would involve digging a new tunnel under CERN and then installing the hardware, including behemoth magnets that would allow particles to collide with one another. According to CERN, the FCC's main task will be to plumb the depths of the universe by smashing atoms into one another at unimaginable speeds far faster than the LHC. Scientists will then study those collisions to see what new particles may emerge. The idea is to explore more deeply the kinds of matter that helped create the universe soon after the Big Bang. In 2012, scientists working at the LHC confirmed the discovery of the Higgs boson, the so-called "God Particle," that gives matter its mass. Physicists hope the proposed high-energy atom smasher will reveal new particles undiscovered by the LHC that will tell us how the universe works. All of these queries are intriguing considering that galaxies are rotating faster than they should and the universe itself is rapidly expanding. What is fueling these changes is a mystery, which theoretically speaking, means that some particles have yet to be discovered. Still, some physicists are skeptical that a new particle accelerator is even necessary. Since the discovery of the Higgs boson, tests at the LHC haven't turned up any new particles or signs of major breakthroughs. Sabine Hossenfelder, a research fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, penned an OpEd for The New York Times questioning its necessity, saying among other things, that the $10 billion price tag alone makes it questionable. She went on to say that theoretical physics is about making predictions and to date the only prediction to come true out of the LHC has been the discovery of the Higgs boson. And to suggest a new, larger collider, will find more particles that will give us answers about the origins of our universe just isn't true. Editor's note: Since the original publication of this story, a physicist from CERN contacted us to dispute several of the claims made by Sabine Hossendfelder in her New York Times OpEd. Specifically he maintains that new hadrons and other rare processes have in fact been observed using the LHC. Now That's Interesting One of the jobs of atom-smashers is to figure out how dark matter works. Dark matter is tough to spot because it does not interact with electromagnetism. Some scientists theorize that dark matter would escape the detectors of a particle accelerator, but its existence could be inferred by the amount of energy and momentum that was "missing" after particles smash into one another. Advertisement Originally Published: Jan 25, 2019 " " This photo of Nikola Tesla's Wardenclyffe Tower was taken in 1904 and bears a striking resemblance to Viziv's wireless tower built in 2018. Marc Seifer Archives/Wikimedia Commons Late in 2018, Viziv Technologies (formerly Texzon) completed a tower off of I-35 near Milford, Texas. With its lattice-style structural supports and bulbous top, it bears a distinct resemblance to Nikola Tesla's Wardenclyffe Tower (or Tesla Tower), an ill-fated power project envisioned by the famous physicist-engineer in the early 20th century. The tower was meant to provide free energy all over Earth using wireless technology, but instead wound up scrapped by creditors after Tesla couldn't pay the mortgage on the property. Viziv's vision statement, rendered in all-caps on its website, is to "POWER THE PLANET AND BRING LIGHT TO THE WORLD," indicating that its primary goal is indeed power-related, offering up electricity without traditional infrastructure, as part of a partnership with Baylor University. If it's anything like Tesla's system, it could also offer new ways to send signals for radio communications and global positioning systems. And it could bring electricity to the 1.3 billion people worldwide who don't have it and don't have the infrastructure to get it. Advertisement According to company literature, the endeavor relies heavily on what are called Zenneck surface waves. These waves, named for Jonathan Zenneck (a 20th century physicist and electrical engineer), are electromagnetic waves that harness Earth's surface as a sort of "waveguide" or conduit for electricity and communications signals, so powerful that they envelop the entire planet without the need for wires. Unlike so many types of other transmissions, Zenneck waves don't suffer degradation from challenges like solar flares, lightning or even electromagnetic pulses, the kind you might see in the event of, say, a nuclear bomb blast. Sounds like a fairly straightforward corporate experiment so far, right? Set up power transmitters in one location and then the receivers in another. Tweak the variables a bit and then determine if you can make your theories work in real-world conditions. The thing is, when it comes to Nikola Tesla's legacy, nothing is simple. His legend is fertile ground not only for real, modern science, but also for conspiracy theories of all kinds. Down the rabbit hole we go. Let's review: In 1943, Tesla, a brilliant, possibly mentally-ill scientist died at his hotel. U.S. officials immediately seized the scientist's research, partly in hopes of finding plans for a secret "death ray" particle beam weapon (and of course, also to prevent Axis spies from getting their hands on any useful scientific revelations). Hundreds of pages of those documents were subsequently classified and went "missing." It wasn't until 2016 that a Freedom of Information Act forced authorities to unveil some of those papers. It's possible that Tesla's Wardenclyffe Tower had potential applications in some sort of particle ray weapon. Hence, the classified files. Some have even taken to calling the device a "peace ray," a kind of defense system that the war-hating Tesla created to prevent countries from attacking each other a powerful, invisible "wall of force" that would keep enemies at bay without resorting to the violence of bullets and bombs. Flash forward to modern times. Conspiracists pounced on the fact that two of Viziv Technologies' top leaders are ex-military types with histories in ballistic missile defense. This, at a time when the U.S. commander-in-chief is speaking about a space-based missile defense system. Milford, Texas residents wondered about the tower's purpose. We arent really sure. Were thinking were going to walk around with tinfoil on our heads, resident Lauren Gray told TV station KXXV in October 2018. Michael Taylor, vice president of communications at Viziv Technologies, explained in an email what the purpose of the tower was. The tower at our facility in Milford will allow us to advance the engineering of our surface wave structures at a much larger scale than we have to date, Taylor said. Our testing will soon be underway and we hope to have results to share with the world in the next 12 to 18 months. Showing a signal was sent and received globally, utilizing the Zenneck wave, is our primary goal at this time. Taylor noted that Viziv was working to commercialize its wireless surface wave technology, which he said would have long-term benefits for industries including communications, energy delivery and global positioning. He acknowledged that the Viziv tower did look similar to the Wardenclyffe structure and that both Tesla and Viziv were involved in wireless electricity. As with all scientific advancement, our work would not be possible without the pioneering efforts of the scientists and engineers that came before us. While its flattering to be compared to a visionary like Tesla, Vizivs engineering team has the advantage of modern computer modeling, more precise instrumentation, and a hundred years of scientific advancement. We are just blessed to possess the right tools at the right time for this particular breakthrough, Taylor said. This story was updated to include comments from Michael Taylor at Viziv Technologies provided after original publication. Now That's Very Interesting When Tesla died in 1943, U.S. authorities snapped up his research. Then, they called in a well-regarded electrical engineer from MIT to sift through the papers and note anything useful. That engineer's name? It was Dr. John G. Trump, uncle to President Donald Trump. After evaluating Tesla's work, John Trump scoffed at many of the genius's ideas as "speculative." But why then were these documents classified for so long? And is it just a coincidence that Viziv's tower was constructed after a Trump family member was elected to office? Conspiracy theorists want to know. Advertisement Originally Published: Jan 31, 2019 " " This artist conception shows what the James Webb Space Telescope will look like when it's launched in space. NASA GSFC/CIL/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez Our knowledge of the universe is bound by the scope of our senses, but our minds know no such limits. When a campfire's glow blinds us to the source of a twig-snap in the wooded darkness, we imagine all sorts of dire prospects. But step out a few paces, set the fire to our backs, and we see more deeply and clearly. Imagination meets information, and we suddenly know what we are dealing with. But it takes more than a good set of eyes and some distance from city lights to comprehend the cosmos; it requires instruments capable of expanding our senses beyond our evolutionary limits, our atmosphere or even our planetary orbit. Astronomy and cosmology are both compelled and limited by the quality of these instruments. Advertisement Around 400 years ago, the telescope revealed unsuspected moons, planets and sunspots, sparking a succession of new cosmic theories and better tools to test them, revealing billowing nebulae and congregating stars along the way. In the mid-20th century, radio telescopes showed that galaxies far from static blobs were in fact active and bursting with energy. Before the Kepler Space Telescope, we thought exoplanets were rare in the universe; now we suspect they might outnumber stars. More than three decades of the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope helped pierce the veil of time, photograph stellar nurseries and prove that galaxies collide. Now, the James Webb Space Telescope stands poised to place its back to the sunlight, step away from Earth and make the keen, delicate observations possible only in the cold, dark spaces beyond the moon. Slated for a Dec. 18, 2021, launch date from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, Webb was built by an international collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and is charged with answering some very ambitious questions. It also will take astronomers closer than ever to the beginning of time, granting glimpses of sights long hypothesized but never before seen, from the birth of galaxies to light from the very first stars. " " The James Webb telescope's 18-segmented mirror is specially designed to capture infrared light from the first galaxies that formed in the early universe, and will help the telescope peer inside dust clouds where stars and planetary systems are still forming. NASA 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. 150th church anniversary St Paul United Methodist Church, 2003 A St., South Sioux City, will be celebrating its 150th anniversary. On Oct. 16, there will be a pork chop dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the church. Adults $12 and children under eight are $5. Carryout available. Then on Sunday, Oct. 17, there will be a service at 11 a.m. with a balloon launch and special guests including the Matney Sisters. MOORHEAD, Iowa -- On a secluded ridge surrounded by trees and corn lies a unique piece of Monona County history that few seem to know exists. Fewer know the story behind the South Jordan Cemetery, and even those who have spent years researching the tiny plot, where members of a small group of African-Americans who settled in this area after the Civil War are buried, have numerous questions. Local history buffs hope the placement of the cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year will lead to more publicity about the site and help them unearth answers to questions people like Judy Ehlers have pondered for years. "It's important to me because there isn't anyplace like this," said Ehlers, who grew up three miles down the road and lives in nearby Soldier. "There's just not a lot of Black cemeteries in Iowa." Chairwoman of the Monona County Historic Preservation Commission, Ehlers worked on the application for the National Register, a designation she thinks could help lead to grant funding to erect signage to raise awareness of the site and direct visitors to the remote location. Those signs could attract more visitors, and maybe one of them will show up with information key to solving some of history's mysteries about this scenic site in the middle of the Loess Hills. Any story in the media leads to a few new inquiries and comments, said Sharon Holverson, of Moorhead, a historic commission member with Ehlers. At some point, she believes, the publicity will lead to a descendant of these long-ago settlers coming forward. It's certainly piqued the curiosity of the locals, she said. "We were surprised people felt as strongly as they did about this place," Holverson said of the reaction after the cemetery achieved National Register status. Established in 1882, the cemetery lies between Moorhead, Turin and Soldier and is maintained by the Jordan Township Board of Trustees. Located at the intersection of 260th Street and Peach Avenue in rural Moorhead and tucked in among the trees, it's a peaceful spot where few passing vehicles disturb the gentle sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. Not much is known about the 60-90 Black settlers who called this area home. Ehlers said Adam Miers, a white man from Ohio, settled here in 1856 and later brought many of the settlers here, employing some of them on his farm. Historians know the settlers, believed to be freed slaves, arrived sometime after the Civil War. No remnants remain of the settlement, which according to various stories consisted of dugouts into the hills, sod houses and more conventional dwellings. Ehlers said it's unknown why the settlers left. She suspects they went to more populated areas seeking better jobs. Most were gone by 1910. While they were here, Miers deeded land for the cemetery, which has been known through the years as the Black Cemetery or Negro Cemetery. It's believed that 20 people are buried here, two of them in 1884, according to the only two gravestones on which the date of death is visible. Two white women who lived nearby were buried here much more recently, one in 1988, the other earlier this year. Ehlers hopes more research of cemetery records will reveal the exact number of graves in the cemetery, but even if she can find that information, locating the graves will remain a challenge. Less than half have markers, and most of those are broken off or the names on them can't be read anymore. Depressions in the ground indicate other possible graves. Ehlers and Holvorson said some of the mystery may have roots in racial prejudice. They've heard stories of interracial marriages between Black and white settlers. Through the years, some white families didn't want to admit the relationships and may have removed gravestones in order to keep them secret. This is where getting the cemetery placed on the National Register might pay off. If it can lead to an influx of grant money, local historians would like to hire someone to locate the graves. Repairing and replacing damaged gravestones is also on the wish list. With the historic designation now in place, Ehlers no longer frets that the cemetery and the people buried in it will be forgotten. "It's something that's unique and I didn't want it to be lost, and I worried that in another 50 years it wouldn't be here," she said. A number of people stepped up to ensure the cemetery and its history will endure. Hopefully, more of that history comes to light so the mysteries and unanswered questions don't endure along with it. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SIOUX CITY -- A Bronson, Iowa, man accused of using homemade chloroform to abduct his ex-girlfriend has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Zack Smith, 21, entered his plea Oct. 8 in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to charges of kidnapping and interstate violation of a protection order. Smith was arrested and charged with hiding for three hours in the South Sioux City woman's vehicle on June 3. When she got in and after she had dropped a friend off at school, Smith threatened her with an Airsoft pistol and forced her into his vehicle, where he blindfolded her, bound her with zip ties and duct tape, and rendered her unconscious with homemade chloroform. The victim told investigators that she awakened alone in a shed at Smith's home in rural Bronson and was able remove rope and duct tape from her ankles and escape. She was found at a rural Woodbury County intersection by a family member who was looking for her. Investigators found Smith in possession of a backpack containing condoms, lubrication, ropes, ties and duct tape. Smith told investigators he had used items in the backpack during the abduction and had been planning the kidnapping for more than two weeks. He said he planned to keep her for a week, but did not know what he would do with her after that. Smith was initially charged in Woodbury County District Court, but those charges were dismissed after he was indicted in federal court. District Associate Judge Todd Hensley had issued a no contact order against Smith on May 12 after Smith was arrested and charged in Woodbury County with two misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment for an incident in which Smith lured his ex-girlfriend to an apartment. When she arrived with a friend, Smith locked the door and would not let them leave. Smith pleaded guilty to the two charges on Oct. 4. According to court documents, he will be sentenced to 75 days in jail and credited for time he's spent in custody since his June arrest. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Word is accused of shooting a man who was attempting to break up an attack on his sister during a Sept. 24 altercation in the 200 block of Nebraska Street. According to court documents, Word was among people in a car with Miracle Walls and Joy Scott following another woman with whom they had an ongoing feud. They blocked her path on an access road, and Scott and Walls opened the woman's car door and assaulted her. Before the woman was stopped, she had called her brother, who arrived on the scene and tried to break up the fight before he was shot. SIOUX CITY -- Four candidates vying for three seats on the Sioux City Council squared off Thursday night on topics ranging from homelessness to fireworks to the availability of affordable housing at a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters. First-time candidates Ike Rayford and Matthew O'Kane are facing off against incumbents Dan Moore and Alex Watters in the Nov. 2 general election. The top-three vote getters will win four-year terms that start in January. A couple dozen people attended the two-hour forum, which was held at City Hall and moderated by league member David Halaas. During the first portion of the forum, panelists asked each candidate a different question, which they had one minute to respond to. The second portion consisted of questions from members of the audience, which were read by the moderator. Moore was asked how he would address recent concerns about homelessness. The 68-year-old Sioux City attorney who currently serves as the council's Mayor Pro Tem, noted that the city is working to find homes for the homeless and that there are "all kinds of programs," but he said those programs need to be coordinated to avoid duplication. Watters, a 35-year-old who works as director of talent and community engagement at Morningside University, said his position on fireworks is, "I wish people would be able to follow the ordinance." He said he thinks that the current ordinance, which allows fireworks to be discharged only from 1 to 11 p.m. on July 3 and 4, and from 1 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, "strikes a balance," but that residents have shown an inability to follow it and that a ban is "something that we need to look into." O'Kane, a 34-year-old K-12 art teacher, was asked about his financial experience and how he would manage the city's budget. "I don't have the financial background. I'm a teacher," he said. "I'm willing to learn. I'm willing to rollup my sleeves, read through it and figure out how a city operates." Rayford, a 49-year-old corporate audio visual technician who owns a corporate training and facilitation business and serves as Sioux City NAACP chapter president, was asked what in the city's budget he would consider cutting and what would be off limits. "We never want to lose city staff," said Rayford, who said he wants to get all of the information that he needs, sit down with that information, think about it and, then, make decisions regarding the budget. Moore was asked about a recent shooting at a downtown after-hours club. He said that the city needs to look at and enforce ordinances, including zoning ordinances. "We have to confront it. We have to deal with it. We have to come up with some solutions," he said. O'Kane told the panel that the city's priorities are his priorities when asked what changes he would make to city operations. "My job is to stay out of the way of progress," he said, before adding that if city staff and the council "stay on the same page" and be open with the public, "the better off we will be." On the issue of affordable housing, Watters said, "It feels like we can't do enough." He said the city needs to "lean in" to supply and demand. "Flooding the market or increasing supply, certainly that demand is going to go down," he said. Rayford said he's "very happy" with and "proud of" Sioux City's downtown. When asked what he would do to capitalize on the growth of downtown, Rayford said he will do what he can to encourage entrepreneurship. "There are small businesses and entrepreneurs that want a chance. Let's give them a chance," he said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SIOUX CITY -- Over the years, Ike Rayford said he has worked very hard to bring change to Sioux City. Now, the audio visual technician, who owns a corporate training and facilitation business, feels the timing is right to continue those efforts as a member of the City Council. "A lot of people have asked me and suggested that I run. After prayer and much thought and deliberation, I said, 'You know what? I think it's time,'" Rayford recalled during a recent interview at The Sioux City Journal. The 49-year-old, who also serves as president of the Sioux City Chapter of the NAACP, is vying for one of three seats on the council in the Nov. 2 general election, along with fellow first-time candidate Matthew O'Kane and incumbents Dan Moore and Alex Watters. Rayford said he would bring a wealth of experience in leadership training, conflict resolution and communication to public office. He noted that he understands how a big city works and said his diverse background, which allows him to connect with a variety of people, is something that sets him apart from the other candidates. Rayford was among 14 Iowa officials named as members of the Law Enforcement Vision for Equality Task Force, which was started as a reaction to the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd, a Black Minneapolis man who died while in police custody. Rayford also worked with city leaders on the formation of the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee, which provides guidance to the City Council on matters relating to diversity, inclusion and equity. "I've worked with a lot of people across the board, across the spectrum; and I've learned how to build relationships. I think, unlike anyone we've ever had run or elected. I bring a level of togetherness and unity to that position and can and will," he said. Rayford doesn't have any specific criticisms of the current council, since he said he "doesn't always know what all the situations and all the details are" concerning an issue. "What I will say is that, far too often, politicians tend to do it their way and not always listen to everybody -- listen to the different opinions and thoughts. So, that's what I want to bring to the council -- someone who listens to the greater good and listens to the community as a whole," he said. Sioux City's fireworks ordinance, for example, is one of those hot-button issues that Rayford wants to talk to people about. Mayor Bob Scott has said he's ready to vote on an all-out ban on fireworks within city limits, after ordinance changes that penalize property owners who permit fireworks violations and a public service campaign failed to curb illegal fireworks discharge, according to some residents. "I don't know what the right decision is at this point. But, I want to continue to talk to people on both sides of that situation," Rayford said. "Whatever seems to be the best for the greater good of people, that's the decision that I'll make and that's the vote that I'll vote." If he is elected to the council, Rayford said his top priorities will be economic development and working with public safety officials. "I've built a relationship with law enforcement. I'm currently serving on the Iowa law enforcement task force, and we're working on some things to really get Iowa on one page," he said. "I want to work on economic development. I truly believe we can do some things in this city that can help keep some of our talent, some of our kids." Rayford said he wants to explore where students of local colleges go after they graduate and why many don't remain in Sioux City. "One of the issues that I think as a whole Iowa has, but Sioux City, in particular, is a population issue. We have jobs. We don't have the workforce to be able to do those jobs," he said. "I want to try to work on some things to continue to keep people here, but bring high-paying jobs here. I will look real closely at the economic development department and see if there's things that we can do to just be a more competitive place to be. Especially when you think of Omaha and Sioux Falls, how do we compete with those places and keep our people here in Sioux City and Siouxland?" Rayford addressed voters who might be concerned about his past criminal convictions, by saying, "I'm thankful for second chances," and, "That is not the person that I am today." In 1999, a jury found Rayford guilty of neglect of a dependent person, a felony, and domestic abuse assault, an aggravated misdemeanor. According to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in Woodbury County District Court, Rayford was involved in a disturbance with the mother of his son, as well as a police pursuit. Rayford's then-3-year-old son was a passenger in the vehicle he was driving, which rammed a police vehicle. In 2014, Rayford pleaded guilty in Woodbury County District Court to felon in possession of a firearm and an aggravated misdemeanor charge of reckless use of a firearm. The charges stemmed from a fight with Rayford's adult son. According to police, the son pushed his father, who pointed a gun at him, and the weapon went off unintentionally. No one was hurt. Iowas constitution says convicted of a felony permanently loses the right to vote or hold public office unless the governor restores those rights. Rayford said his voting rights were restored after he applied to Gov. Kim Reynolds' office. "I've made some bad choices and decisions in my life, but I've come to realize that those choices don't define who I am today," Rayford said. "I have a lot of people who have shown support, because it's not a secret. I don't run from my past. I don't like it. If I could change it, I would. But, I accept it for what it is, and I'm more than happy to talk to anyone who would have some concerns." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Social Security numbers of school teachers, administrators and counselors across Missouri were vulnerable to public exposure due to flaws on a website maintained by the states Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Post-Dispatch discovered the vulnerability in a web application that allowed the public to search teacher certifications and credentials. The department removed the affected pages from its website Tuesday after being notified of the problem by the Post-Dispatch. Based on state pay records and other data, more than 100,000 Social Security numbers were vulnerable. The newspaper delayed publishing this report to give the department time to take steps to protect teachers private information, and to allow the state to ensure no other agencies web applications contained similar vulnerabilities. We have worked with our data team and the Office of Administration Information Technology Services Division to get that search tool pulled down immediately, so we can dig in to the situation and learn more about what has happened, department spokeswoman Mallory McGowin said Tuesday. It wasnt immediately clear how long the Social Security numbers and other sensitive information had been vulnerable on the DESE website, nor was it known if anyone had exploited the flaw. 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. Unfortunately, these types of flaws and poor design choices are more common than wed like, Khan wrote. Local and state governments across the country are often still using applications developed many years ago and potentially containing serious security flaws. The state auditors office has previously sounded warning bells about education-related data collection practices, with audits of DESE in 2015 and of school districts in 2016. The 2015 audit found that DESE was unnecessarily storing students Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information in its Missouri Student Information System. The audit urged the department to stop that practice and to create a comprehensive policy for responding to data breaches, among other recommendations. The department complied, but clearly at least one other system contained an undetected vulnerability. The public has a right to see certain kinds of data about teachers because they are public employees, Clemens said. But he wants his members private information to be protected. We think certificated teachers deserve the same privacy rights as anybody else, he said. 100,000 at risk McGowin said Tuesday that the department would discuss its findings with the newspaper by Wednesday evening. However, around 3 p.m., the departments chief counsel, Sarah Madden, told the Post-Dispatch that the department would communicate no further on the matter. And by Wednesday evening, the department had sent out a letter to teachers and posted a press release on its website. In both, the department minimized impact, and then blamed the Post-Dispatch for discovering the vulnerability. In the letter to teachers, Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven said an individual took the records of at least three educators, unencrypted the source code from the webpage, and viewed the social security number (SSN) of those specific educators. In reality, the Post-Dispatch discovered the vulnerability and confirmed that the nine-digit numbers were indeed Social Security numbers. The paper then told the department that it had confirmed the vulnerability with three educators and a cybersecurity expert. But in the press release, DESE called the person who discovered the vulnerability a hacker and said that individual took the records of at least three educators instead of acknowledging that more than 100,000 numbers had been at risk, and that they had been available to anyone through DESEs own search engine. For those educators determined to be impacted by this vulnerability, the state will make every effort to contact you directly as soon as possible to share information about the next steps, Vandeven said in her letter. Post-Dispatch attorney Joseph Martineau, of Lewis Rice, responded to DESEs statements late Wednesday: The reporter did the responsible thing by reporting his findings to DESE so that the state could act to prevent disclosure and misuse, Martineau said in a written statement. A hacker is someone who subverts computer security with malicious or criminal intent. Here, there was no breach of any firewall or security and certainly no malicious intent. For DESE to deflect its failures by referring to this as hacking is unfounded. Thankfully, these failures were discovered. Josh Renaud 314-340-8162 @kirkman on Twitter jrenaud@post-dispatch.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 EAST LANSING, Mich. Principals at East Lansing's elementary schools are canceling Halloween and Valentine's Day celebrations over equity and inclusion concerns raised by parents. East Lansing Public Schools elementary principals sent a joint letter to families Wednesday announcing there would no longer be Halloween or Valentine's Day celebrations in the classroom due to potential distractions and an increasing number of uncomfortable families. "Each year, along with the fun of Halloween parties and parades, we also have students whose families do not celebrate or feel comfortable with their children participating in Halloween festivities," the elementary principals wrote. "We have young children who become overwhelmed and sometimes frightened of the costumes and others who come to school with no costume at all." In recent years, some families have kept their children home from school or picked them up early on Halloween, according to the letter. The costumes, parades and parties can also make it difficult for children to concentrate and for teachers to teach, the principals wrote. Valentine's Day brings its own set of "unintended consequences," the principals wrote. Some students bring valentines to exchange at school while others do not, leading to "drama and teasing" in upper elementary classrooms. Meanwhile, some families and students "do not feel comfortable with the idea of boys and girls exchanging valentines or participating in a celebration that focuses on 'love,' " the principals wrote. "While this may be a disappointment and/or an adjustment for some of our students/families at first, we promise to continue to offer alternative days throughout the school year that are full of fun and learning, for everyone," the elementary principals wrote. Parents took to social media to mourn the past. "Some day when the world is gray and beige and there is no joy to be had anywhere... people will look back in envy of the times when children could be kids and people were allowed grace and forgiveness," one parent wrote. "Robbing childhood memories they should have, as well as the parents should have!! I am so glad I had those memories with my kids," another parent commented. "People are over thinking things and ruining good times." In terms of costumes being too scary or too expensive, one commenter suggested the schools start a donation of old costumes or to require students wear costumes that are based on book characters. "The kids have been through so much these past few years. Change the way it is celebrated vs taking it away," the commenter continued. "I understand some folks don't celebrate these events and respect that 100% but there are ways include a fun time for all." Or, as one one commenter suggested, keep it simple: if you don't like it, don't participate. "So those who don't want to participate don't, it's simple. Keep your child home that day or pick them up early but why does everyone else have to be punished to accommodate your fears? Parents these days are So ridiculous!!" *** Contact Mark Johnson at 517-377-1026 or at majohnson2@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByMarkJohnson. 2021 www.freep.com. Visit freep.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Stephen Roszel was preparing for his dream job teaching Advanced Placement government and social studies at Monacan High School near Richmond, Virginia, this year when the Chesterfield School Board adopted a mask mandate, a move recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, then required by the state. Roszel declined on principle. He joined parents in filing open records requests for the science behind the mandate, which is designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, communicated his reasoning to the administration and never stepped foot in the school. This week, he was fired. He joins a growing number of teachers around the country who are losing their jobs or being reprimanded for refusing to comply with public health rules they say infringe on personal choice. Roszel said his issue isnt with the mask itself, but with the state mandate. Im opposed to the mandate. If you want to wear a mask, wear a mask; if you dont, dont. If Im hanging out with you and youre more comfortable with me wearing a mask, or were having a cup of coffee and you want me to wear a mask, I will wear a mask. Its not an issue, he said. I felt it was unconstitutional if the state were to mandate masks for all K-12 school settings both private and public: Thats something a state legislature needs to take up, not an executive branch agency, Roszel added. 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. Roszels appeal of his termination was denied in an anonymous vote by the School Board on Tuesday night, he said. During the appeal process, Roszel said he provided information showing masks are not effective. He said the school system did not provide any studies proving they were. Masks, according to the CDC, are simple barriers to help prevent a persons respiratory droplets from reaching others. Wearing a mask over the nose and mouth reduces the spray of droplets from things such as sneezing, breathing and talking. The agency began recommending their use in public spaces in April 2020, and state and local health agencies amplified the message. Oliver, who oversees the Virginia Department of Health, had the authority under law to adopt rules promoting public health and the state has a compelling interest in protecting the health of children, Salomone said. Roszel spoke about his situation during a public comment session Tuesday. I will wear a mask if I voluntarily choose to do so. I will neither comply with a mandate nor impose mandates on my students as some sort of enforcer. It is immoral, he said. In a later interview he said he hoped his choices wouldnt encourage bad behavior. I urge everyone to approach these situations with kindness, he said. While Roszel is vaccinated, some teachers have pushed back on getting the shot. In Maryland, a teacher filed a federal lawsuit against Montgomery County Public Schools, where the shot is enforced, citing a religious exemption. Originally, the school district allowed only medical exemptions, but in recent days has included religious exemptions. Chicago Public Schools walked backed its vaccine mandate for staff, initially saying teachers would be ineligible to teach if they were not vaccinated by Oct. 15 . Now, unvaccinated teachers must undergo weekly testing. Last school year, Roszel voluntarily was vaccinated and fully cooperated with the districts COVID-19 mitigation strategies, which included wearing both a mask and a face shield. I fully cooperated and, in fact, was very proactive to assist other teachers in getting their classrooms set up effectively [for social distancing], Roszel said. On Tuesday night, Roszel said he complied with last years strategies because as he understood we were dealing with a novel virus outbreak and needed protected safeguards in place. Roszel previously worked in sales and began his teaching career with Chesterfield County in January 2020 when he was hired to be a long-term substitute history teacher at Robious Middle. When schools closed two months later because of the virus, Roszels position was eliminated. For the 2020-2021 school year, Roszel was offered a full-time teaching position back at Robious teaching eighth-grade civics and economics. For now, hes creating a private education tutoring company where he plans to offer test prep and work with home schooling co-ops. As of Thursday, Roszel had not received any official notice of his employment status from the school system. A schools spokesman did not answer questions regarding Roszels termination. More than a dozen Nebraska law enforcement agencies still aren't compliant with new national standards for collecting and reporting data on crime in their jurisdictions. Among the 16 noncompliant agencies in Nebraska is the police department tracking data for the state's most populous city, said Mike Fargen, the director of the Nebraska Crime Commission's Systems and Research division. Speaking at a Crime Commission meeting in Lincoln on Friday, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said the agency's size is the exact reason the department hasn't yet made the switch to the National Incident-Based Reporting System the only data-reporting standard accepted by the FBI as of January 2021. The system was developed as a part of a collaborative effort to ensure consistent, detailed and reliable data is reported across every law enforcement jurisdiction in the country. "Noncompliant is not really the term I like to hear because it shows a little resistance," Schmaderer told the commission, of which he is a member. "There's no resistance from Omaha. We've been working very hard this is just a size matter. Cities our size across the country are not to where we're at in this process. "We've reached that point where I do see light at the end of the tunnel here. So bear with us." Fargen said five agencies indicated ahead of the commission's last quarterly meeting in August that while they hadn't yet reached compliance in their data reporting, they would in the next one or two months. Three months later, Fargen said, four of those agencies including OPD remain noncompliant. Don Arp Jr., executive director of the Crime Commission, said the state's largest police department is "very close" to compliance, having met thresholds for data integrity. The hang-up stems from minor details, Arp said, pointing to minute details like nondescript quantity measurements listed alongside drug seizures. "They've jumped the major hurdle," Arp said. The same can't be said for at least 11 of the 16 noncompliant agencies, including the Seward Police Department. That agency forecast an 11-month delay in gaining data reporting compliance, Fargen said, a timeline "clearly outside" the commission's Jan. 8 target deadline. One agency, the Blaine County Sheriff's Office, has been completely unresponsive to the Nebraska Crime Commission's requests for the office to shift to new national standards, Fargen said. And one county sheriff threatened to quit if the commission implemented any further new requirements, though commission members weren't sure if that sheriff hails from Blaine County or elsewhere. Even as the commission works to ensure eventual compliance from every law enforcement agency in the state, Fargen conceded some agencies will simply remain noncompliant an issue the commission hasn't yet decided how to address. Fargen suggested the commission begin levying fines toward counties where law enforcement agencies haven't yet complied, though Arp indicated the group would opt for a wait-and-see approach. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, who serves as the chairperson of the commission, pointed to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office as a noncompliant agency with "no excuse." "The reality in Nebraska is some of these law enforcement agencies are one-person shops," Peterson told the Journal Star. "And so when we get noncompliances, ... I want to focus on the bigger communities, because then that will give us a much better picture of what's going on with regards to law enforcement efforts in the state." Still, the attorney general said small counties like Blaine, population 477, will "not be allowed just to ignore" compliance standards. Peterson said once data is standardized across the state and collected by the commission, he ultimately doesn't expect the body to use data trends to direct policy changes for the state's law enforcement agencies. That role, he said, would largely be left up to the Legislature. Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com. On Twitter @andrewwegley. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 OMAHA -- As expected, a priest who served as chancellor of the Archdiocese of Omaha has been arrested and charged with two felonies after allegations emerged that he embezzled from a parish in Springfield and from a retired Omaha priest. The Rev. Michael Gutgsell, who served as chancellor of the Omaha archdiocese from 1994 to 2003 and has served as a parish priest since then, turned himself in Friday morning. After a hearing Friday afternoon, a judge ordered the 73-year-old to be released from the Douglas County Jail on his own recognizance. Prosecutors did not object. According to court documents, Gutgsell admitted to taking $106,000 from St. Josephs Catholic Church in Springfield, where he has spent the past few years. The Archdiocese of Omaha since has removed him from his duties at the parish. Gutgsell also admitted to taking $180,000 from the bank accounts of retired Omaha priest Theodore Richling, according to the court documents. Gutgsell told investigators he had planned to pay the money back. Gutgsell is charged in Douglas County with attempted theft and abuse of a vulnerable adult. The latter charge stemmed from accusations that Gutgsell stole money from Richling while Richling was suffering from Alzheimer's and was largely incapacitated. Richling died in December 2019. Richling faced allegations of his own from his time at Christ the King Catholic Church in Omaha and at a church in Genoa, Nebraska. In 2020, the archdiocese said an investigation of Richling "led to the substantiation of multiple instances of sexual misconduct with minors." Both charges Gutgsell is facing are felonies punishable by up to three years in prison. He is expected to face charges in Sarpy County as well. Gutgsell was scheduled to appear Friday afternoon in Douglas County Court. Deacon Tim McNeill, the current chancellor of the archdiocese, has said Gutgsell "wrote loans to himself" which weren't authorized during his time at St. Joseph. McNeill said the archdiocese recently completed its investigation into the financial records of both St. Joseph in Springfield and St. Cecilia in Omaha two of the parishes Gutgsell served after serving as chancellor. Officials found no evidence of financial wrongdoing at St. Cecilia, according to McNeill. At St. Joseph, McNeill said, it's not clear how many checks Gutgsell was able to write to himself or how he was able to bypass typical safeguards requiring a second set of eyes on church transactions. The archdiocese is continuing to investigate those matters, McNeill said. Friday, McNeill issued a statement saying that the archdiocese would not have further comment while Gutgsells criminal case is pending. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. But the executive director/general counsel of the Power Review Board said the proposal is only a preliminary draft intended to begin a discussion on whether the board needs to have a greater role in determining whether Nebraska has adequate power resources, and resilient sources of power, to avoid blackouts such as the one caused by a polar vortex in February. Tim Texel said he drafted the proposal at the direction of his board members, who wondered if the Power Review Board should take a greater role in preventing situations like what happened in Texas and Oklahoma, where power plants and natural gas supplies shut down because they werent adequately protected against extreme cold. My board just wanted to be sure we dont have what they had down in Texas, Texel said. We really dont do this often, but we wanted to have a discussion, and we wanted to do it in public. He rejected characterizations of the proposal as a power grab or anti-wind. In recent years, Nebraska utilities have moved away from construction of new power plants which the Power Review Board currently has authority to approve or deny and instead used power purchase agreements to obtain additional electricity, mostly from new wind farms. Such power purchase agreements are currently exempt under state law from review by the Power Review Board, and Texel said that his board wondered if that ought to change given the changes in the power industry. Ken Winston, an organizer with the Nebraska chapter of the Sierra Club, said hes suspicious of the boards proposal because it doesnt specifically address winter blackouts. Instead, Winston said it would interfere with local decisions related to renewable energy and retiring coal plants. This proposal is another example of misguided bureaucratic overreach attempting to block responsible decisions by local public power districts, he said. It also would take a significant increase in staff at the Power Review Board, Winston added. John Hansen of the Nebraska Farmers Union, which has championed wind energy development, said the Power Review Board has traditionally been notoriously neutral on changes in legislation. Its proposal to gain more authority over power districts is quite a departure, he said. An official with NPPD said Wednesday that the utility looked forward to discussing the issue with the Power Review Board, but felt that current state law was adequate. A statement from OPPD indicated that the Omaha-based utility also was aware of the proposal. Two members of the Power Review Board, Frank Reida of Omaha and Dennis Grennan of Columbus, declined to comment Wednesday and instead referred questions to Texel. Texel said that the Power Review Board has a role to play in ensuring, statewide, that Nebraska has adequate power resources that can withstand harsh weather. That, he said, is why his board directed him to draft a proposal for discussion. If the reaction is negative, Texel said the board will abandon plans to draft any legislation. The reaction has not been positive, he said. But thats why you have a discussion on these issues. While the proposal is labeled as a draft and for discussion only, opponents want more discussion of such a major change before any proposed legislation is presented to the Nebraska Legislature, which reconvenes in less than three months. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson has issued an opinion saying that doctors won't be disciplined for prescribing unproven or controversial treatments for COVID-19, as long as they have the informed consent of patients. The opinion, which was issued Friday, specifically covers ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, but it's likely it would apply to other potential "off-label" treatments for the disease. The 48-page opinion, signed by Peterson and two staff members, mentions "significant controversy and suspect information about COVID-19 treatments." It cites as an example an article last year in The Lancet, a British medical journal, that found no benefit from hydroxychloroquine that was later retracted because of alleged fraud by the principal authors. Because of conflicting data on the treatments, "We find that the available data does not justify filing disciplinary actions against physicians simply because they prescribe ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine to prevent or treat COVID-19," the opinion said. The opinion was sought by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, although it's not exactly clear why. The department declined to comment on the reason it sought the opinion, saying in a statement that it, "appreciates the AGs office delivering an opinion on this matter. The document is posted and available to medical providers as they determine appropriate course of treatment for their patients." It's not clear if any complaints have been filed against any health professionals for prescribing the medications. In Nebraska, the state Board of Health can recommend discipline of a physician or other health professional, but the Attorney General has the final say. The two drugs have been touted by some health professionals but more often by politicians and celebrities as potential cures of or prevention against COVID-19 infections. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug that can be prescribed for humans but is more commonly used in animals. Hydroxychloroquine is commonly used to treat malaria, but it also is used in the treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The Food and Drug Administration had at one point last year given emergency use authorization for the use of hydroxychloroquine in some limited cases in hospitalized patients after the drug showed initial promise as a treatment for the disease, but it later revoked that authorization after a large clinical trial "showed no benefit for decreasing the likelihood of death or speeding recovery." Likewise, recent clinical studies of ivermectin have found it to have little or no clinical benefit in COVID-19 treatment, although it is on a National Institutes of Health list as an approved or under-evaluation antiviral treatment. Dr. Les Spry, a Lincoln kidney specialist who is on the Lancaster County Medical Society board, said he has heard there are local doctors prescribing one or both drugs to patients. The Medical Society discussed the issue recently and expressed concern about the possible use of the drugs. "A lot of the concern was that this was going to reflect poorly on the community," said Spry, who served eight years on the state Board of Health in the early 2000s. However, he said he was not aware of any formal complaints being lodged against any doctors or other health professionals for prescribing the drugs. Off-label use of drugs means using them for a purpose they are not FDA-approved for. It is a common practice and something Spry said he does several times a week. But he said that in his opinion, the clinical evidence available does not support prescribing either ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19. "There's not enough evidence of efficacy or safety for either of these drugs," he said. The Attorney General's office seems to disagree, however. "Allowing physicians to consider these early treatments will free them to evaluate additional tools that could save lives, keep patients out of the hospital and provide relief for our already strained health care system," the opinion said. Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz. On Sept. 26, New York Times media columnist Ben Smith broke a big story. In a column headlined Goldman Sachs, Ozy Media and a $40 Million Conference Call Gone Wrong, Smith wrote about the little-read, loftily valued digital outlet Ozy, whose leaders allegedly engaged in fabulism in their efforts to attract financing, promote an online talk show starring CEO Carlos Watson, and generally leave the impression that they were running a thriving media business. In his column, Smith deftly laid out the absurd lengths to which Watson and COO Samir Rao went to pull off this illusion. At one point, on a conference call with potential financiers from Goldman Sachs, Rao impersonated a YouTube executive in order to claim that Ozy was seeing huge success on the video platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The column was a blockbuster, and for perhaps the first time in its existence Ozy became the most-talked-about property in digital media. The negative buzz increased over the next week, when, in a series of follow-up articlessome written with the Times Katie RobertsonSmith unearthed more tales of Ozys alleged deceptions. By Oct. 1, Ozy had announced that it would shut down (it has since walked back the decision), and Smith was soon eulogizing the company in his column. Now the investors and advertisers who found validation in Ozy are leaving empty-handed. The employees are no longer getting paid, Smith wrote. It was an abrupt fall from a dream, promoted as recently as June to investors, according to a deck shared with me, that the company would be valued at $5 billion in 2025. It was also a huge journalistic accomplishment for Ben Smith. His reporting on Ozy had measurable impact. Advertisement But there was a hitch to Smiths burial of Ozy, one thats been a problem for the columnists reporting for as long as hes had the media columnist gig: Before joining the Times in 2020, Smith was the editor in chief of BuzzFeed News, and he holds BuzzFeed stock options dating from his employment there. (Its unclear how many of these Smith has.) In this particular case, Smith had intersected with Watson and Ozy in both his executive and editorial capacities at BuzzFeedBuzzFeed had not only run a 2017 investigation into Ozys traffic numbers, but it had explored an acquisition of Ozy during Smiths tenure. Watson knew this, which Smith dutifully acknowledged in an extended parenthetical in his original Ozy piece: Advertisement Advertisement (I was editor in chief of BuzzFeed News at the time of that [2017] article. Later, I met Mr. Watson when I was peripherally involved in acquisition talks between the companies. Mr. Watson told The Times he believed that it was unethical for me to write this column. Under New York Times policy, I cant write about BuzzFeed extensively until I divest stock options in the company, which I left last year.) Advertisement Amid the ensuing furor over Ozy, this aside hardly counted as a big story in itself. But while Watson couldnt convincingly rebut Smiths reporting, he was right that the countrys most prominent media columnist has a real conflictand Smith and the Times have already pushed back the timeline for resolving it. That Smith has had to disclose his BuzzFeed stake and policy of not reporting on BuzzFeed a half-dozen times since April 2020usually in the course of relating something about BuzzFeedshows how persistent this issue is. Advertisement The problem cuts a few ways. As a columnist for the countrys most prominent newspaper, Smith has the industrys most visible platform for media coverage and analysis. When the Times breaks a big story, it has immediate and wide-ranging consequences. But Smith also has options to buy shares in a competitor of both his own employer and of every company he writes about. Its even possible that as other media companies get dinged, BuzzFeeds value rises. It doesnt really matter whether we know this for certain. The fact that the possibility exists is enough to give readers reason to wonder not only whether Smiths coverage is in any way complicated by financial self-interest, but whether the Times media columnist is free to cover every important story that comes his way. Right now, should a scandal befall BuzzFeed (hypothetically!), it would go unexamined by one significant perch. Plenty of journalists have conflicts that limit what they can cover. But the shadow cast by BuzzFeed a company that helped terraform todays digital media landscapelooms large over Smiths beat, and its not easy to get out from under it. Advertisement Advertisement The shadow cast by BuzzFeed a company that helped terraform todays digital media landscapelooms large over Smiths beat, and its not easy to get out from under it. Smiths former editorship of BuzzFeed is not as much of a concern as is his financial interest in the company. The fact that Smith helped lead an influential newsroom that he now must (or will eventually) cover doesnt actually bother me all that much. Many media reporters even write about their own institutions, including Smith at the Times. Its all fine, as long as Smith is upfront and precise with any disclosures. Advertisement In fact, Smiths successful tenure at BuzzFeed is surely one big reason why he was qualified for the Times media columnist job in the first place. At BuzzFeed, Smith didnt just preside over one of digital medias most ambitious operations; he also gained firsthand insight into the decisions both digital and legacy media companies must make now. This experience is actually a boon to readers. In the year-and-a-half hes been at the Times, his scoopy, playful columns have become must-reads for anyone interested in the culture and business of media. He is a sharp reporter whose career on the leading edge of new media gives him direct knowledge of and extensive connections within the world he covers. Advertisement Advertisement But the experience that may have helped Smith break a story like the Ozy sagahe was in a good position to know if Ozys pitch didnt add upalso stands to potentially undermine readers trust in his work. Again, this isnt because he and Watson may have once rubbed elbows, but because BuzzFeed theoretically benefits from bad news about other digital media properties. This particular situation has the potential to present not just an editorial conflict of interest, but a material one. (I suppose this is a good place to drop my own disclaimer: My wife works for the New York Times. As such, I am personally invested in the continued existence of the New York Times, and it would be a bad thing for me if, for some weird reason, this article set in motion a chain of events that somehow led the Times to shut down.) Advertisement So, why hasnt Smith unloaded his options yet? Neither he nor the Times would tell me, but the answer appears to involve the kind of high-stakes digital media maneuvering I sure would love to read a Ben Smith column about. Advertisement In June, BuzzFeed announced its plans to become a publicly traded company via a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, with an initial valuation of $1.5 billion. At some point after this happens, Smith stands to personally profit by the opportunity to exercise his options. I do not mean to suggest that Smith set out to get Ozy in order to improve BuzzFeeds, and his, financial position; Im quite confident he didnt. But it does present a problem that Smiths current disclaimer doesnt go quite far enough to address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since he first started at the Times in March 2020, Smith has been transparent about his conflict. In an early column headlined How a New Breed of Union Activists Is Changing the Rules (and Newsrooms), Smith acknowledged that he and the Times had decided he wouldnt write much about BuzzFeed because I retain stock options in the company, which could bring me into conflict with The Timess ethics standards. I also agreed to divest those options as quickly as I could, and certainly by the end of the year. Smith included a similar disclaimer two weeks later, in a column titled Is Ronan Farrow Too Good to Be True? Noting that he first became skeptical of Farrows work while he was editor in chief of BuzzFeed News, Smith wrote that I dont cover BuzzFeed extensively in this column because I retain stock options in the company, which I left in February. Ive agreed to divest those options by the end of the year. Those are pretty good disclaimers. They clearly establish the conflict of interest and both the interim and eventual resolutions of that conflict. By setting forth a clear timeline for divestment, Smith rendered the conflict more of a short-term annoyance than a long-term problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, however, that timeline disappeared. In his next published disclaimer, in a June 2020 column, Smith once again acknowledged that I should disclose again that I dont extensively cover BuzzFeed, which I left in February, in this column because I have yet to divest my stock options in the company, as required by The Times. As far as I can tell, Smith has not mentioned a specific target date for divesting since. I asked Smith why he had stopped saying when he would sell his options. In an email responding to my questions, Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha told me that the newspaper had extended Bens deadline to divest the stock options to February 2022. In the interim, Ben is not covering BuzzFeed extensively and he is disclosing that he retains options whenever he mentions BuzzFeed in a column. Neither Smith nor Rhoades Ha responded to separate questions about why, exactly, the Times extended Smiths divestment deadline, or whether the shifting deadline had anything to do with BuzzFeeds plans to go public. But an SEC filing from July pertaining to BuzzFeeds proposed SPAC mergerand an amended filing dated Oct. 1describes a 180-day post-merger lockup period during which certain stockholders and options holders are prohibited from transferring their shares. Advertisement Advertisement While its unclear whether Smiths options are subject to the restrictions pursuant to the pending merger, its nevertheless fair to speculate that Smiths extended divestment timeline is in some way related to BuzzFeeds public offering. And while its a good thing that Smith is open about his ongoing conflict of interest, its also fair to wonder why the Times tolerates this lengthy, ongoing conflict in the first place. Not only is it bad for readers to have a media columnist whose motives they cannot absolutely trust to be disinterestedits aggravating to have to read a media columnist who either cant write or probably shouldnt be writing about such a broad swath of digital media. Advertisement Advertisement I do think that too much is made sometimes about perceived bias in journalism. It was a mistake for journalists to ever pretend that it was valuable or even possible to suppress their own beliefs, knowledge, and perspectives in pursuit of absolute neutrality in every story they ever report. (Funnily enough, Smiths most recent column was about the ongoing debate over the doctrine of journalistic objectivity.) In my opinion, readers are better served when journalists are open and honest about their predispositions. Advertisement But theres a difference between trumped-up claims of political bias in journalism and legitimate concerns over financial conflicts of interest. A mere disclaimer mentioning the existence of his stock options in BuzzFeed is an insufficient reckoning both with the fact that Smith still holds them, almost two years after the Times announced his hiring, and that their fluctuating value might reasonably lead readers to think twice about whether to absolutely trust the premise and intent of his reporting on other media companies. Smiths columns on Ozy were great pieces. He unearthed a real story, backed his assertions up with reporting, and kept on reporting until the world was forced to take notice. But that doesnt make it an unmitigated success for the Times, and it certainly doesnt mean that Times readers should be satisfied with an opaque, evolving disclaimer that has come to raise more questions than it answers. Rachel Fletcher knew things were getting weird when people started showing up with their threadbare armchairs on her doorstep, unannounced, late at night or on the weekend, desperate for her services. Dont you do it, too. Fletcher, an upholsterer in Knoxville, Tennessee, closed her calendar last Friday. Another upholsterer recently compared the frenzy outside his own door to The Night of the Living Dead: Despite a locked door and a sign, they still came dragging their chairs and ottomans behind them, rattling the door and peering with haunted eyes through the glass behind the sign. Advertisement The furniture supply chain is in tatters, and it is the best and worst of times for the nations upholsterers, who are so busy fixing up used chairs and sofas that they can barely tell foam from horsehair. For her part, Fletcher is working 50 to 60 hours a week, up from 35 to 40 before the pandemic. Im overbooked, overworked, stressed, she said. And thats across the board with reputable upholsterers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is mostly welcome news for the beleaguered practitioners of a trade that belongs more to the world of Charles Dickens than that of Mark Zuckerberg. Upholstery endures, and Facebook is where Fletcher is the admin of the 3,300-strong Professional Upholsterers Network, where virtually everyone agrees they have never seen anything like this. Advertisement Its a perfect storm. First, people spent a year at home, staring at and wearing out their furniture. People sat around thinking, Whats to reupholster? Whats to change? figures Marian Gorzelany, a co-owner of Johns Upholstery in Chicago, which has a 20-person waitlist for work and has told some clients big jobs may take four to five months to complete. Advertisement Advertisement Second, the pandemic snarled supply chains. Upholsterers arent immune to the problems on the floating traffic jam of container ships in San Pedro Bay, south of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, but they are more nimble in their search for fabric and other materials than furniture retailers who depend on finished products coming out of China and Vietnam. As my colleague Aaron Mak wrote in July, fast furniture isnt so fast at the moment. In Chicago, Crate and Barrel offers 259 sofas, but just 11 are in stock and available for delivery. For chaise sectionals, there are 208 items in the catalog, but just two ready to ship. Many buyers have been told they can expect to wait until next year for the perfect couch. Advertisement Advertisement Third, this all comes on top of the high season for chair repair. We would have been busy anyway, because this is when we prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas, said Dale Forbes, a co-owner of Chicago Upholstery and Drapery. Thats doubly so this year, since many Americans postponed traditional holiday gatherings in 2020. Never in 22 years have we said No, he continued. Now Im turning people away. We said, Put your name in a queue and when we come back in Q1 well take care of you. My business partner said, Theyll go away. Now Q1 is full and were at Easter. Its quite a turnaround for Forbes, who mothballed the business last year to manufacture face masks and hospital gowns. Advertisement Advertisement The current crush of business is a good problem to have. The number of upholsterers has fallen by 30 percent since 2000, as brands like Ikea sling whole couchesstapled, softwood, assembly-line produced in Southeast Asiathat cost less than the locally managed bill of repair for a dowelled sofa with dovetailed joints and eight-way, hand-tied springs. Its a throwaway, disposable society today, says Frank T. Destro, the author of Professional Upholstering: All the Trade Secrets. People have the mentality, Oh, Ill buy that cheaper, I can buy the whole thing and have it delivered for less than what youre going to charge. Destro retired last year after 42 years of business in Cleveland. Now, he says, his old friends are trying to lure him back to work. Advertisement After the runs on used cars and secondhand clothing, perhaps it is used furnitures turn. The founders of Chairish, a venture-funded used furniture marketplace, pitch used pieces as a more ethical, sustainable, cooler, and cheaper alternative to new-bought stuff from overseas. The company has sold more than half a million items since it was founded in 2013, and sales rose 60 percent in 2020. Eighty percent of home furnishings wind up in the landfill, CEO Gregg Brockway told me. But sustainability is becoming a more valued characteristic. Advertisement It is not quite as if America is abandoning its love affair with cheaply made imported furniture. On the contrary, the whole reason the supply chain is messed up is because home furnishing imports are way up, with 35 percent more orders this September compared with the same month in 2019. It is the constraints imposed by overwhelming demand, not changing preferences, that have gotten Americans interested in repair and reuse. Advertisement But perhaps it could be the start of something great. If upholsterers are navigating the supply chain challenges better than most, they are all in agreement about the other big post-pandemic adjustment, the labor shortage. It is impossible to find help. In Knoxville, Fletcher is also the president of the National Upholstery Association, which she founded two years ago with colleagues concerned about the impact of fast furniture on their profession. We formed NUA to get the word out that this is a viable craft, she said. Mission accomplished. Youll have better luck getting a job in upholstery, right now, than getting your couch fixed. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. Dear Care and Feeding, I am the mother of an almost-2-year-old. When I was young, I used to cry really easily at very minor criticisms and disappointments. Ive gotten better as an adult (because obviously you cant go around crying all the time), but its still very much my default reaction in certain situations. Now Im wondering whether my daughter might have the same tendency. Ive noticed that a few times when Ive said something that was inadvertently a little sharp/dismissive, her whole face just crumbles. Were talking about very minor corrections here (No, the dog doesnt want your lunch). When we tell her she cant do something, she responds to that with typical toddler behavior (whining, insisting, etc.)thats not what Im asking about. Its more that she seems to take minor corrections as a really big deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I should also say that neither of us ever yell at her, Ive never cried in front of her, and shes had a very stable life so far (despite the pandemic), so I dont think shes reacting to external stressors. Am I reading too much into this because of my own tendencies? If Im not, is there anything I can do to help her deal with her feelings? I was always just told this isnt worth crying over, which I dont consider helpful at all. Unsure Dear Unsure, I dont think your daughter is showing you a big red flag with her inability to handle minor corrections. But you do have the opportunity now to look back at how those this isnt worth crying over reactions to your own tears made you feel and to come up with a better way to address her sensitivities. She is your child, and it is entirely possible that she does have the same proclivity toward weeping or outsize emotional reactions that you have always had. Dont beat yourself up about that. Think about what might have helped you to feel better when you had done something wrong and the potential for critique or disappointment was on the table. Advertisement Advertisement My Mom and Dad Are Fighting co-host Elizabeth has a chart with faces that represent a spectrum of emotions from happy to sad, and when her children are feeling upset, they refer to the chart to identify just how much. At times, they realize that they are displaying OMG Im devastatedlevel emotions while feeling something more along the lines of this is a bummer, and the chart reminds them to act on what is really in their hearts instead of putting on a show. A tool like this may be very useful, and you can make one yourself quite easily, either with hand-drawn faces or pictures clipped from magazines and newspapers. Advertisement Also, crying is not the worst thing in the world. Some people need to cry when their feelings are hurt. But there is a difference between shedding a few tears in the face of hurt and feeling completely demoralized by it. Emphasize the fact that minor behavioral corrections are not a referendum on how good she is, nor how loved, while allowing her to express her sadness too. Hopefully, some of the tears will dry over time as she matures and finds other ways to communicate and cope with her feelings. Best of luck to you. Advertisement Advertisement Slate Plus members get more Care and Feeding from Jamilah each week. Sign up today! From this weeks letter, My 16-Year-Old Showed Me His Texts. I Am Speechless: He said it was an inside joke with some of his friends. Dear Care and Feeding, Me, my husband, and our two kids recently moved to a new town. We know exactly one regular babysitter here: a high school student who really just comes over after weve put the kids to bed. She has a friend that sometimes subs in for her when shes busy. I just found out that our sitters parents are fairly vocal anti-maskers. Theyve been involved in protests that consist of refusing to wear masks in stores, and I believe theyre anti-vaccine too. Advertisement Id never asked her if she was vaccinated due to her age, but I dont want her coming over anymore. She doesnt interact much with the kids, but Im pregnant and have young children so am fairly COVID-cautious. The whole thing just makes me uncomfortable. Do I owe her an explanation, or do I just stop calling? Is it awkward to just call the friend instead? Whatever her view on it, it worries me that she lives with two people who are, as a political stand, not taking COVID precautions. Advertisement Advertisement Want to Ghost the Babysitter Dear Ghost the Babysitter, Its unkind to ghost in most situations, and a young girl doesnt deserve that sort of treatment. It is unfortunate for herand youthat her parents stance on masks (and possibly the vaccine) has ruined what was a good situation for all parties, but it is best that she knows exactly why she wont be called to babysit anymore. Politely explain to her that you are aware of her parents views about COVID precautions and, as you are choosing to operate your household otherwise, you will have to find another caregiver. Do some recon on the friends parents before you decide to lock her in as a more permanent solution. Advertisement P.S. Though it may seem inappropriate to ask a child about her vaccination status, most high school students are old enough to have been inoculated, and I dont think there is anything wrong with you inquiring after such a thing of someone whom you intend to employ at home caring for your kids. That is a fair question of any future babysitter; the downside is that teens do not always have decision-making powers as it relates to vaccines, and you may come across one who would have been vaccinated if theyd been able to choose. That sucks for them (and you), but this wont be the last time their parents views on science will get in their way. Best of luck to you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you missed Thursdays Care and Feeding column, read it here. Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group! Dear Care and Feeding, I just read one of your answers regarding pronouns. Explain to me, an older person, just how this is supposed to work. If introduced to a female who is nonbinary, how are you supposed to address or refer to this person? You evidently cannot say she or he, but supposedly are supposed to say they/them, etc. This makes no sense to me since these are plural pronouns. Advertisement Confused Dear Confused, So youve inadvertently asked a trick question. If you are introduced to a nonbinary person, you were not introduced to a female. The National Center for Transgender Equality offers a simple explanation: Some societieslike ourstend to recognize just two genders, male and female. The idea that there are only two genders is sometimes called a gender binary, because binary means having two parts (male and female). Therefore, non-binary is one term people use to describe genders that dont fall into one of these two categories, male or female. Advertisement People who are nonbinary may appear, to an observer, to belong to one gender based on stereotypical physical features or how they dress. However, when someone has identified themselves to you as nonbinary, it is your job to respect that, to relinquish your assumptions about who you may have thought them to be, and to allow them to express themselves as they see fit. As far as those confusing plural pronouns, its worth remembering that in English, they and them are used to refer to single individuals all the time. Here are a few examples: Advertisement Teacher: I dont know which one of you broke the pencil sharpener, but when I find them, they are in trouble. Boss: When I hire a new employee, it takes about three months to train them. Advertisement We refer to people without assigning them genders frequently, and there are people who simply live outside of the seemingly tidy categorization of male versus female. Some of them feel as though they see themselves within both groups to an extentbut not to the point of choosing one over the otherwhile others find that neither group holds any significant relevance to their identity. This may seem confusing or lofty, but it really isnt. The task before those of us who are not nonbinary should be quite simple: All we have to do is honor how nonbinary folks ask us to engage them as it relates to gender. That means exclusively using pronouns that they have requested, avoiding any temptation to try and group them with the binary gender you may wish to associate them with, and remembering that being a member of a binary gender does not give one the right to decide what is or is not valid gender identity for anyone else. Hope this was helpful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more of Slates parenting coverage, listen to Mom and Dad Are Fighting Dear Care and Feeding, I waited until my 50s to have kids; now, Im at retirement age, and I have two teenagers who seem to think that I am their servant. The only official chore they have is cleaning the kitchen between meals. It is a constant struggle to get them to do even this simple task. They are both reasonably good students, active in sports, but they spend hours a day on social media, playing computer games, and watching television. My son is a bit passive-aggressive and has always done the absolute minimum. My daughter throws a screaming fit and slams doors (ruining three to the point where they had to be replaced) whenever she is interrupted with a request to do her chore. Advertisement I was recently in a very serious car accident, which broke both arms, putting me out of work, and putting me in an extraordinary amount of pain throughout a slow recovery. I am also still recovering from two heart attacks that I had three years ago. Before we have the cleaners come to the house, I always have to spend a minimum of two hours picking up after the kids so that surfaces can actually be cleaned. At times I have knelt on the floor weeping because the pain in my arms got so bad. (Its slowly getting better but lifting things is still quite painful.) Advertisement My wife works full time as a music teacher and has health problems of her own. I cant seem to get the kids to carry their own weight, which is very frustrating to me because I have been cleaning up after myself and cooking for myself since I was 13. After those health problems, I am ready to retire, but of course I will now be required to pay huge sums of money for them to go to college, money that I may very well need if I need to go into long-term care. I know my kids love me, but they just dont get that I dont want to spend the last few years of my life being their servant. Do you have any advice? Advertisement Advertisement Tired and More Tired Dear Tired, What, if any, are the consequences for your childrens failure to perform their singular chore? And why have you allowed them to go on for so long with so little responsibility around the house? Its time for some major course corrections. Your kids need to understand the physical and emotional toll that their lack of assistance puts on you and your wife. While it isnt their job to be housekeepers themselves, they are absolutely old enough to pick up after themselves and play a regular role in the maintenance of their home. Advertisement Advertisement Talk to them openly about your feelings, as well as what you two are dealing with health-wise. Let them know that it is a privilege to have house cleaners come in, and that a lot of kids their age would be on the hook to do what those professionals are paid to do, and not for an allowance either. Create rules regarding the chores (plural!) that they are to be expected to complete, and enforce them; kids who dont clean the kitchen do not get to relax in front of the TV or text the night away, for example. Advertisement Also, as far as paying for them to go to college is this something you promised them? There are other ways to fund an education, either entirely or in part, and if you are concerned about your ability to care for yourself and your wife in your golden years, then you should take that into consideration when deciding how much of a contribution you can or wish to make to their studies. You can pay for everything, but that isnt your responsibility; its a choice. Wishing you the best. Jamilah More Advice From Slate I cant believe Im asking this question, but Ive become super-duper anxious all of a sudden. I was invited to a wedding of a longtime, but not close, friend. I was given a plus one, which just says guest. I want to bring a friend, one whom the couple has met a few times. The couple has no idea whether Im dating anyone, they dont know my orientation, and they gave me a plus one anyway. The internet seems dead set against bringing anyone other than a date, but I cant imagine that these people, who are queer-friendly, are super into conventional, couple-centric etiquette. So, can I bring my friend? Should I calm down? This story was reported by The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence in America. From his desk, Ryan Busse could hear his boss ranting that the countrys largest gun manufacturer, Smith and Wesson, had betrayed its peers in the industry. Just a year after the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado, Smith and Wesson had reached a settlement with the White House agreeing to a slew of safety measures, including trigger locks on all its new guns. Now other gun makers including Kimber America, which employed Busse would surely be pressured to do the same. Advertisement The National Rifle Associations Institute for Legislative Action accused Smith and Wesson of craven self-interest for striking a deal that would drive up manufacturing costs for everyone in an attempt to get itself out of a perilous lawsuit. After consulting with his boss, Busse, a young firearms salesperson, set to work calling and faxing his contacts at gun dealers across the country and asking them to boycott Smith and Wesson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didnt need to be told. We just rushed to sign up for battle, Busse, now 52, wrote in Gunfight, a memoir about his years in the gun industry set for release Oct. 19. By the end of the day, Busse had convinced at least 50 major dealers to stop doing business with Smith and Wesson. Advertisement His loyalty was soon noticed by gun industry leaders. Seemingly all of a sudden, I became a prominent player in the gun industry, he wrote in the book. Busse grew up on a cattle ranch in northwestern Kansas, and as a young boy had a lever-action rifle that he used to shoot rabbits and tin cans. His father, a stern but kind-hearted man who cared for their livestock from the predawn hours until he fell into his chair at the supper table, had little time to play with his three children. But pheasant hunting was an exception. Busse remembers the thrill of cleaning the guns together in the basement the night before, eating french toast in the predawn hours, and talking afterward about who had made a good shot and who had missed an easy one. Advertisement Busses grandfather was the son of homesteaders who got their first piece of land free from the government in the 1800s. He considered himself a New Deal Democrat, and Busses father spoke little of politics. But in the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan was elected and conservative talk radio became popular, Busse and many of his peers drifted toward the Republican party. I was a go-along-to-get-along Republican like most people in farm flyover country, Busse said. It wasnt a huge part of my identity. Advertisement If politics werent a big part of Busses life, guns were. From boyhood, he had dreamed of working in the gun industry. When he was just a few years over the drinking age, , he packed everything he owned in the back of a Chevy pickup and drove to Kalispell, Montana, to work for a tiny startup called Kimber America. Kimber guns were well-made and expensive the kind that parents who hunt buy for their children for special occasions, and that serious hunters hold up as showpieces. Busse loved the guns, and he quickly became a master at convincing others to buy them. Early in his tenure he sold Kimber 1911 pistols to the LAPD SWAT team. He also sold scores of Kimber pistols and rifles to the NRA Foundation, which in turn auctioned and raffled them off at more than 1200 fundraising banquets each year. When he was hired, only a few dozen major gun dealers carried Kimber guns. Ten years later, more than 2000 did. Advertisement Advertisement Busses sales numbers were impressive, but it was his role in the Smith and Wesson boycott less than 10 years into his career that secured his place as a gun industry loyalist and true believer. Richard Blumenthal, then the attorney general of Connecticut, and Eliot Spitzer, then the attorney general of New York, named Kimber in an antitrust lawsuit charging that it and other gun companies colluded to punish Smith and Wesson for trying to implement safety measures. Busse was deposed for five hours, but the suit was dropped a year later. A few years after that, he was nominated for the Shooting Industry Magazine Academy of Excellence Award, a prize that in other years was awarded to actor and NRA President Charleton Heston and firearms designer William Ruger. Advertisement Advertisement Behind closed doors, Busse was starting to question some of the political positions hed accepted all his life. His wife, Sara, who also came from a Kansas hunting family, challenged Busse to think deeply about whether the Republican party really stood for his values. With every school shooting, things became more and more fraught, she told The Trace. When two teenagers killed a dozen of their classmates at Columbine, Sara called her husband at work to ask if he felt complicit in the tragedy. Whispering into the phone, Busse protested that Kimber rifles were usually too expensive to be used as crime guns. But Sara balked. Thats what you have to say for yourself? Busse remembers her asking. That they didnt use your guns? Advertisement She was asking me some pretty hard questions, and I didnt have awesome answers for her, he said. And that sort of started the evolution and opened my eyes. Several scary workplace incidents also caused him to question unregulated gun ownership. Once, Busse writes, a Kimber employee accidentally fired his gun in his office. Another time, an employee who was going through an emotional crisis fired his gun at his dog outside the office, leading employees to be ordered to stay away from the windows. Advertisement Advertisement Guns are inherently dangerous, and just because were gun experts doesnt mean that were immune from the bad things that guns can do, Busse said. Like if you take a thousand people and give them all cars, eventually theres going to be a car accident. Advertisement The moment that really sealed Busses turn away from the conservative movement was when the Bush administration announced its intention to allow drilling for gas and oil in the Badger Two Medicine area near Glacier National Park in 2003. The breathtaking public lands were deeply important to Busse, who had always thought of conservation as inextricably linked to gun rights and hunting. Without thinking twice, he agreed to speak against the Republican presidents proposal at the National Press Club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NRA and the industry praised conservation and wild spaces and hunters and tradition, but if any of those things were contradictory to their right-wing politics, they were easily sacrificed, Busse told The Trace. And to me, thats supposed to be pretty foundational. If thats the way its going to go, everything can be sacrificed. Busses public turn against a Republican administration caused industry insiders to look at him with distrust. But perhaps because his position did not take on gun rights directly after an initial hubbub at work, things quieted down. He continued to find himself criticized on message boards and teased half-heartedly at staff meetings. But in the years that followed, he became more outspoken when he saw Kimber and others in the industry taking stands he did not believe in. When Barack Obama was running for president, Busse decided to vote for him, since he felt Obama was more likely to protect public lands from development than his Republican opponent. He told his stunned coworkers as much. He began raising concerns to friends in the NRA and gun industry about racism and fearmongering at the NRAs annual convention. He told industry leaders that he backed legislation that would have strengthened background checks on private gun sales after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. It failed. Six years later, after another school shooting, this time at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, Saras anger boiled over. She posted on Facebook that she hoped people would back their prayers for Florida with action: The ONLY way this will EVER change is if the NRA goes up in FLAMES! The post quickly spread through the gun community, and someone in the Kimber marketing department asked Busse to tell his wife to take it down. He refused, but within a few hours she removed it anyway. She wanted her husband to leave his job on his own terms, not get fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I lost my ever-loving mind, Sara Busse told The Trace. If the NRA had not lobbied against what she considered basic gun safety legislation, she believed it would have passed . The NRA could have been the saviors here, and instead they continued to be the devil. Jesse Deubel, executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and a friend of Busses, said he had empathy for Busse as industry insiders began to turn against him. Deubel took a public stand against a New Mexico coyote killing contest in 2019 because he believes it is unethical to kill a living thing needlessly. I got branded as an anti-hunter, whod infiltrated this hunting organization, he said. Ryan called and said, Dont ever let public pressure and social norms cause you to stop doing the right thing. Advertisement In 2020, when Busse announced he was resigning from Kimber, Deubel gave Busse the same speech. For a long time, Busse felt called to be the voice of the safe and responsible gun owner a voice he felt had been all but silenced in the increasingly polarized world. But as he told his story, he has found himself warmly embraced by liberal leaders, while moderates have mostly fallen silent. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and Moms Demand Action Founder Shannon Watts wrote blurbs for his book, while people connected to the gun industry, including former NRA employees whom Busse once counted as friends, declined comment or did not return calls from the Trace asking about Busse. A spokesperson for Kimber America also declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview on the Kifarucast podcast, Donald Trump Jr. criticized Busse as a hypocrite. You did it [sold guns] for 25 years, he told the host . You didnt seem to have a problem with it until you found a way to capitalize on it Advertisement Oh! Someone willing to talk bad about the gun industry. Hes a useful idiot to them, Trump said. In the summer of 2020, Busse accepted a position as an adviser to Joe Bidens presidential campaign, and last summer he was hired as a senior advisor to the gun violence prevention group Giffords. He wrote the book, he said, because Americans deserve to know how the country got so polarized, and to encourage the ocean of silent moderates that he believes are out there to find their voices. Busse says hes not sure what his life will be like when the book comes out. He worries about his two sons, ages 13 and 16, who are growing up in a community where guns and conservative and sometimes extreme politics are commonplace. I worry that weve allowed them on this journey too much with us, Sara Busse said. I worry for their safety. But Busse also said guns hold a special place in his boys lives, and its important to him to stand up for that, while keeping it apart from the far right ideology that they have become enmeshed with. For a certain part of the population, guns are symbols, Busse said. I think a lot of people dont understand that. They are symbols of things that you wish were true, things that once were true and things you want to be true again. This story was reported by The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence in America. Three zebras have been frolicking through the lush, grassy knolls of Prince Georges County, Maryland, since the end of August. Theyve become internet sensations, local celebrity sightings, and, due to their deft evasion of the Prince Georges Animal Services Division, a meme of freedom. Theyve also been a welcome reprieve from the horrible events that often dominate the news cycle. So, in my new role as Slates Zebra Correspondent, Ive decided to put everything we know about these beautiful creatures in one place. Advertisement Lets get into it. Why are there zebras running around Maryland? On Aug. 31 three zebras somehow escaped from an 80-acre farm owned by Jerry Holly in Upper Marlboro, a city that is about 21 miles from the White House. These three were a part of a zeal of 30 zebras. At first it was believed that five zebras escapeda trio and a duobut that turned out to be wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hang on. A group of zebras is called a zeal? Yes. Or a dazzle. But zeal of zebras sounds best. OK, so: People can own zebras in Maryland? Is the states climate and landscape even hospitable to them? Yes and yes! Under Maryland and PG County law, you can own wild animals if you have the proper permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Daniel Rubenstein, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton University, told DCist that the zebras will be alright in Marylands environment. Theyll do just fine, certainly during the summer, spring, and fall, in the sense that theyre grazers, he said. Theres plenty of grass in Prince Georges County They should be able to survive because all the conditions are out there in terms of food and water, and theres no lions or hyenas to eat them, and what wolves or foxes there are probably wont harm the adults. There is, however, a chance that theyll migrate South to avoid heavy snow. Im not sure how far. Interesting. So the zebras broke free in late August and none have been caught? Advertisement Actually, only two zebras remain at-large. As I noted above, it was at first misreported that five zebras escaped from the farm. It was only three. And then, on Sept. 16, one of the three was killed in a snare trap. (The Washington Post just reported this yesterday, which is why there is renewed attention on the zebras.) An investigation into the zebras death is ongoing since snare traps are illegal in seven Maryland counties, including Prince Georges. Lauren Moses, a spokeswoman for the states Natural Resources Police, told the Washington Post the agency believes the zebra was frolicking and got caught. So no foul play. Advertisement Advertisement But the real kicker here is that the property where the dead zebra was found is owned by the Girl Scouts, according to Washington Post reporter Katie Mettler. Advertisement Thats a lot. I cant imagine the internet has been quiet about this. I am so happy weve pivoted to The Discourse. There are a few impersonation accounts on Twitter, the funniest one being @MarylandZebras. The zebras have also inspired t-shirts and Halloween costumes. One user posted a video of what appears to be a zebra inside someones house. I cant confirm that this is one of our zebras, but the reaction to it speaks to the zeal this zeal of zebras is generating online. Advertisement Advertisement Offline is just as interesting. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.s delegate to Congress, sent out a press release denying that she freed the zebras as a way to make another pitch for D.C. statehood. And people are apparently real life zebra hunting with their children. (Please do not get anywhere near the zebras. While its most likely that theyll just run away from you, thats not a good bet to placeespecially since zebras bite or kick when they feel threatened.) So how will the authorities go about catching the zebras? They have to be lured with food, corralled, fenced in, and then put on a truck. You cant chase them because their fight-or-flight response kicks on and theyll flee. Or, theyll kick and bite if corneredas we discussed earlier. When do authorities expect to finally capture the zebras? In early September, Rodney Taylor, chief of the Prince Georges animal services division, told the Washington Post it could take as long as a week. Now its Oct. 15. So, honestly, who knows? This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech. On Thursday, LinkedIn announced it plans to eliminate the Chinese version of its platform, removing one of the most prominent U.S.-operated social media bridges between China and the outside world. When LinkedIn revealed in 2014 that it would provide services in China, the company acknowledged that it would have to implement government restrictions on content. It was a bold and controversial decision that reflected optimism about doing business in China, as well as a willingness to weigh plusses and minuses. On the one hand there was a billion-population potential revenue stream and the real promise of connectivity between Chinese and international professionals. On the other was the noxious work of censoring political speech and the criticism it would certainly attract. Now, it appears, the minuses have outweighed the plusses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company, acquired by Microsoft in 2016, is not giving up on Chinas professional networking sector. LinkedIn said it would replace its China operation with a freestanding job search site called InJobs that will not include a social feed or the ability to share posts or articles. That indicates a much decreased censorship load and a step back from managing the data protection burdens of moving Chinese user data across bordersa task set to get more complicated when the new Personal Information Protection Law goes into effect in November. Right now, LinkedIn provides a rare conduit in which users in China can interact directly with people in other countries, without the Chinese user having to turn to a virtual private network or another Great Firewall dodge. The Chinese-run app WeChat can be used across borders, and people can enjoy (censored and surveilled) social feeds or subscribe to regulated public accountsbut WeChat is not really built for discovering people you dont already know. Beijing-based ByteDance runs TikTok, but its not actually available in China, where people use its domestic equivalent Douyin. The Chinese government blocks its citizens from accessing global giants like Facebook and Twitter, and it generally blocks new platforms as soon as they attract the attention of censors. Thats what happened earlier this year after the audio-based social network Clubhouse drew round-the-clock crowds for its open discussions of subjects usually censored in China. All in all, there just arent many spaces for Chinese and others to meet online at scale. Advertisement Advertisement LinkedIn went into China at a time when U.S. platforms knew operating there meant implementing censorship and navigating shifting compliance burdens. In many ways, the launch of LinkedIn China was the inverse of Googles 2010 decision to shut down its censorship-compliant search engine Google.cn. For Google, some combination of reluctance to collaborate with censorship, anger at apparent Chinese incursions targeting user data, and stubbornly low market share led to the decision to exit Chinas search market. While the departure allowed executives to stick up for the important human right of freedom of expression, there were still significant downsides for Chinese users, who lost access to Googles useful services, one by one, as their government blocked them. It was a decision that at least some Google executives apparently came to regret: The company later launched a tightly held effort known as Project Dragonfly to re-enter Chinese search, only to be abandoned under employee and outside pressure after its existence became public. Advertisement Advertisement While it is tempting to compare LinkedIns present departure to Googles earlier exit, the details are complicated. With its domestic replacement platform, LinkedIn could still face difficult decisions about how to handle Chinese government demands for user data, and it will still have to navigate a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape governing data privacy, algorithms, and market behavior online. The new service will still face skepticism in China over its foreign ownership, and it may see retaliation under the new laws if Chinese authorities deem U.S. actions against Chinese companies to be discriminatory. Though user content will be more limited, it will still need to make sure no one enters their job title as death to the Communist Party. Most directly, while Microsoft is washing its hands of the challenge of censoring a cross-border social network, it still operates a censored version of its search engine Bing. Advertisement Advertisement The demise of LinkedIns China effort appears to have a lot to do with its home country, the United States. Not only was LinkedIn under increased Chinese government pressure to tighten censorship there, but in doing so it caught the attention of critics in Washington. A series of scholars and journalists were recently informed their profiles would be blocked from view in China due to political content, leading to questions from members of Congress. This particular form of censorship, as well as the practice of informing affected users, has been longstanding and contested. The ethical questions around a U.S. company providing a censored service have not fundamentally changed since Google shut down its search engine, or since LinkedIn set up its operationeven if the days geopolitics have. LinkedIn helped enforce the widespread political censorship experienced on all platforms in Chinas digital economy, a job any champion of free expression would loathe. Its efforts touched international users, who were selectively blocked from view, denying them an equal voice on the platform and giving Chinese users a distorted window into international discourse. Nonetheless, Chinese users have enjoyed a rare avenue to reach international colleagues and explore social networks abroad, albeit with limits imposed at the behest of their government. And LinkedIns international users could contact or learn from the profiles of Chinese users without joining a China-only platform. In any case, LinkedIns departure from China does nothing to decrease online censorship there. LinkedIn might have several good reasons to tear down its bridge into China: disgust with censorship, regulatory impasses, lagging business performance. But while it is easy, and perhaps righteous, to celebrate a U.S. company partly abandoning the censorship business, we should also mourn the loss of a truly rare connection amid a deepening U.S.-China divide. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. ARCHIVED - Onion days return to Spain this autumn The fall season in Spain is characterised by cold mornings giving way to warmer afternoons As Spain settles into autumn after a scorching summer, there is a noticeable drop in the temperatures which will gradually begin to increase the chances of rain, storms and windy weather. For now, though, the country is still basking in the balmy lull before the onset of winter, a temporary weather condition creatively described as onion days by spokesperson for the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), Ruben del Campo. On his Twitter account, Mr del Campo explained that these autumnal days are characterised by cooler temperatures in the early morning, leading onto warmer afternoons, with a difference of more than 20 degrees in some areas. His jaunty term was coined by the fact that, at this time of year, people can leave the house in the cold mornings wrapped up in several layers like an onion only to shed clothes as the day goes on. Vuelven los #DiasDeLaCebolla: ambiente fresco de madrugada y templado por la tarde (mas de 20 C de diferencia en algunas zonas). Tendremos que salir de casa con varias capas de ropa (como las cebollas) de las que poco a poco nos iremos desprendiendo. Mapa: @crballesteros pic.twitter.com/Nri468RQcD Ruben del Campo (@Rub_dc) October 11, 2021 Image: Archive ARCHIVED - Spain Covid update October 14: intensive care occupancy drops below 5 per cent Almost 90% of the target population in Spain has now been fully vaccinated The coronavirus pandemic in Spain appears to be beating a steady retreat as the week closes with several positive figures, including declining hospital and intensive care pressure. According to the latest data published by the Ministry of Health on Thursday October 15, there were 1,932 Covid cases reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,982,138. Cumulative incidence rate The 14-day incidence rate has once again fallen to 40.52 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, a decrease of more than eight points in just a week. By autonomous communities, Catalonia now has the highest cumulative incidence, with 63.83 cases, but this is still a decrease of 5 points since yesterday. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Galicia has now come out on top with the lowest rate of infections, at 15.73 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Fatalities The Ministry of Health has registered 48 Covid-related fatalities on Thursday, a considerable increase on the 23 deaths reported on the same day last week. Across the country, Asturias is the community that has registered the most deaths overall with 2.9%, while the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and the north African enclave of Melilla all have a 1% death rate. Cantabria, Ceuta and La Rioja have not registered any fatalities this week, while Madrid and Andalucia have both reported 16 deaths in the past seven days. These figures bring the total death toll since the beginning of the pandemic to 86,917. Hospitalisations A vital statistic is that of hospital pressure, and the latest data show that the occupancy rate of ICU beds has at last dropped below 5%, with 454 patients currently being treated in intensive care in Spain. The Basque Country has the most patients in the ICU at 2.93%, surpassing Madrid (2.69%) although the capital is the region that has registered the most patients overall, at 107, followed by Catalonia (98) and Andalucia (54). Now sitting at 4.98%, the number of ICU beds occupied by coronavirus patients in Spain has fallen by 0.35% in the past 24 hours. Vaccination data Spain continues to make headway with its vaccination campaign, and 87.8% of the population, or 36,994,918 people, are now fully vaccinated. In addition, 37,846,897 people, representing 89.9% of the target group, have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Asturias and Galicia are leading the vaccination race with more than 90% of their populations double jabbed, an unsurprising fact given that these communities have the two lowest cumulative incidence rates in the country. Every other region in Spain, with the exception of Melilla, has vaccinated more than 80% of its population. Image: Ayuntamiento de Torre Pacheco But there won't be an ice rink in Hviezdoslavovo Square this year. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Citizens and visitors of Bratislava can look forward to the city's popular Christmas markets this year. Both the Bratislava city council and the Old Town borough have confirmed that they are working on the markets to make them safe for all participants. However, the markets will be held in a restricted format and under valid anti-pandemic measures. The main Christmas market, organised by the city council on the Main and Franciscan Squares between November 26 and December 22, will be adapted to the epidemic situation, including a limit on the number of visitors. The market will be defined as a mass event with controlled entrance and will be subject to the regulations valid during the time of its duration. Of course, if the situation is very critical, the city council will consider the possibility of not holding the event, said Katarina Rajcanova, spokesperson of Bratislava, as cited by the TAS newswire. However, we are currently taking all the steps to prepare it. The registration for stands has been closed and successful applicants have been announced. In the coming days, applicants will sign lease agreements. Registration for stands for non-profit organisations for symbolic rent is also underway, noted Rajcanova. Related article Related article How artery-clogging Slovak Christmas delicacies brought an American back to life Read more The Old Town borough will hold the market on Hviezdoslavovo Square like usual; however, this year, there will not be an ice rink or podium for cultural performances in the square. But there will certainly be a Christmas tree, and a second one may even be placed on the Razusove Embankment. Stands will be arranged differently in Hviezdoslavovo Square than during the pre-pandemic years. Instead of the usual two lines of stands with space for visitors between them, the backs of the stands will be turned towards each other, creating more space for visitors to keep their distance. Restaurants lining the square should also get an opportunity to offer their products to visitors of the Christmas market. https://sputniknews.com/20211015/belarus-designates-telegram-channel-of-opposition-leader-tikhanovskaya-as-extremist-1089958239.html Belarus Designates Telegram Channel of Opposition Leader Tikhanovskaya as 'Extremist' Belarus Designates Telegram Channel of Opposition Leader Tikhanovskaya as 'Extremist' MINSK (Sputnik) - An acccourt in Minsk recognized the Telegram channel of the Belarus opposition leader and ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya as... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T21:15+0000 2021-10-15T21:15+0000 2021-10-15T21:15+0000 belarus opposition extremist content telegram /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/105496/79/1054967975_0:128:3001:1816_1920x0_80_0_0_5949a12bb2d285cf0a9187a1aded9034.jpg "According to the materials of the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption [GUBOPiK] of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Telegram channel 'Svetlana Tikhanovskaya' was recognized as extremist material by the Minsk Central District Court," the statement said.As noted by the Directorate on Telegram, the storage of extremist materials, as well as subscription to the Telegram channels recognized as extremist, entails criminal liability.On Thursday, the Belarusian government adopted a decree empowering the interior ministry to hunt down organizations and individuals involved in what are deemed extremist activities. The document went into effect on Friday.As the representative of the GUBOPiK explained in a video commentary, the document gives a start to the work of law enforcement officers on the legal recognition of groups of citizens carrying out activities considered extremist on social media as "extremist formations."Belarus has been in a prolonged political crisis since incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured his sixth term in office in the August 2020 election. The opposition has not recognized the results, claiming that Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was the real winner. The dispute resulted in mass protests across the country, which declined by February.Minsk has opened criminal cases against several opposition leaders and others on charges linked to anti-government rallies. Tikhanovskaya was included in the list of people involved in terrorist activities. She fled to Lithuania. Minsk is seeking her extradition, but Vilnius refuses. Tikhanovskaya runs an office in Lithuania and has initiated the creation of the opposition's Coordination Council in Belarus. https://sputniknews.com/20211014/belarus-has-legal-framework-to-designate-social-media-activity-as-extremist--authorities-1089933570.html belarus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 belarus, opposition, extremist content, telegram https://sputniknews.com/20211015/biden-commission-split-on-expanding-supreme-court-but-says-justices-tenure-merits-consideration-1089941055.html Biden Commission Split on Expanding Supreme Court But Says Justices Tenure 'Merits Consideration Biden Commission Split on Expanding Supreme Court But Says Justices Tenure 'Merits Consideration US President Joe Biden signed an executive order on 9 April to set up a bipartisan commission tasked with studying US Supreme Court reform, including examining... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T07:35+0000 2021-10-15T07:35+0000 2021-10-15T07:39+0000 joe biden supreme court news us congress amy coney barrett /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/07/01/1083285915_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_872bd27a8e4fc0a8e18bf2681975de75.jpg The Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States on Thursday released its initial findings, revealing that members of the 30-odd group were divided on the politically-charged issue of expanding the number of justices.The bipartisan commission, created by President Joe Biden in April and entrusted with presenting a final report to the POTUS by mid-November, while laying out arguments around reforming the Supreme Court, stopped short of making any recommendations.It agreed that Congress possesses the legal power to pack the nine-member Supreme Court with more justices, but displayed no consensus on whether lawmakers should do so.Some of the commissioners agreed with pro-expansion arguments at least in part. Others in the group, co-chaired by former White House counsel Bob Bauer and former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Cristina Rodriguez, and comprising legal and other scholars, as well as former federal judges, said that court expansion could "undermine, rather than enhance, the Supreme Courts legitimacy and its role in the constitutional system.It was added that recent polls suggested a majority of the public did not support court expansion.And as even some supporters of court expansion acknowledged during the commissions public hearings, the reform - at least if it were done in the near term and all at once - would be perceived by many as a partisan manoeuvre, concluded the documents.The commission, which was originally never mandated to produce actual recommendations, also laid out various potential scenarios for increasing the size of the court, such as gradually or in one stroke. It also addressed other proposed ideas, such as the length of service and turnover of justices and having them associated with political parties.The team was closer to a consensus on the issue of imposing term limits on the justices.It added that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Breyer and Elena Kagan noted the potential benefits of term limits. The commission is meeting this Friday to discuss the draft discussion materials and begin work on a draft report, to be considered at a separate meeting. The initial response to the released findings has been split, as progressive groups voiced frustration. This was not even close to being worth the wait. The paralysis-by-analysis reflected here is exactly what you would expect from a commission made up mostly of academics, including several die-hard conservatives who are fully content with the status quo, Brian Fallon, the executive director of Demand Justice advocacy group, was cited as saying by The New York Times. The released initial findings of the commission were slammed by conservative groups. The commission is meeting this Friday to discuss the draft discussion materials and begin work on a draft report, to be considered at a separate meeting.Supreme Court DebateDemocrat Joe Biden set up the commission in April, following through on his campaign pledge as then-presidential candidate running against Republican Donald Trump. The group of 36 experts was to examine the the genesis of the reform debate; the Court's role in the Constitutional system; the length of service and turnover of justices on the Court; the Court's case selection, rules, and practices; the membership and size of the Court.While the US Constitution does not specify how many justices should be on the Supreme Court that number has remained at nine since 1869.Biden had been pressured by liberals to add justices as former US President Donald Trump appointed three conservative judges to the US Supreme Court's nine-member bench: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. Left-leaning politicians and pundits advocated increasing the number of justices to neutralise what some suggest is a "conservative" bias as this term the Supreme Court is set to deliver rulings in cases rooted in politically polarising issues, such as abortion and guns.Amid accusations by Republicans that he would pack the court with liberal justices if elected, the-then candidate to the Oval Office stated in an October 2020 appearance on CBS 60 Minutes:The commissions findings are released as the nation's highest court faces all-time low Gallup poll approval ratings, down from 49% in July to 40%. The poll was conducted shortly after the Supreme Court declined to block the controversial Texas abortion law. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko joe biden, supreme court, news, us, congress, amy coney barrett https://sputniknews.com/20211015/brexit-minister-says-eu-proposal-on-ni-protocol-ultimately-unacceptable-without-change-in-ecj-role-1089942790.html Brexit Minister Says EU Proposal on NI Protocol Ultimately Unacceptable Without Change in ECJ Role Brexit Minister Says EU Proposal on NI Protocol Ultimately Unacceptable Without Change in ECJ Role Responding to Londons arguments that the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the Brexit Withdrawal agreement was not working, European Commission Vice... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T09:51+0000 2021-10-15T09:51+0000 2021-10-15T09:51+0000 northern ireland european court of justice europe maros sefcovic brexit eu uk david frost northern ireland protocol /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107833/79/1078337954_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_f836dcde1b14472325231d40abcdbc18.jpg The EU package of concessions pertaining to the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol as they stand have been branded as ultimately unacceptable by David Frost.Londons Brexit minister told Politico in an interview that the British government recognized the effort made by Brussels , but theirs is not the only proposal on the table and our command paper and the legal text that we sent the Commission this week are where we need to end up and we need to begin that conversation. According to Frost, the European Union needs to make significant change on the contentious governance issue if a solution is to be hammered out regarding the Northern Irish part of the Brexit divorce deal. The minister, who has for months urged the EU to allow changes to the protocol to ease trade in some goods between Britain and Northern Ireland, said that London was studying the package of proposals constructively, but there was still quite a long way to go. The UK had been waiting for the European Commission to offer a response to its Command Paper on the Northern Ireland Protocol since July, added David Frost. If it had come sooner that would have been even better, he added succinctly. Frost dismissed criticism from some quarters that he was arguing for tearing up the very Brexit deal he signed just last year, insisting that some of its elements were intended to be left open for the discussions in 2020 and afterwards.Britains Brexit negotiator is scheduled to travel to Brussels on Friday to meet with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic, who was cited as saying he would be very happy if we could start the new year with a new agreement in place. Sefcovic was quoted by Reuters as saying the Commission proposals were really ticking all the boxes. Responding to Londons threat to trigger the protocols Article 16 safeguard measure if solutions were not found, Sefcovic said the EUs potential courses of response were all set out in the Brexit divorce deal and the trade agreement signed in December 2020. EU Package of Concessions The European Commission outlined proposed changes in four main areas of the Northern Ireland Protocol on Wednesday, pertaining to customs checks, food safety and phytosanitary rules, medicines and governance. The 27-member bloc touted them as offering "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 slashed by 80%. Customs paperwork will ostensibly be cut by 50%, in line with the new offer. The EU is also prepared to broaden the definition of what products arriving from Britain will be designated as not at risk of entering the wider single market from Northern Ireland to include a wider group of businesses and products. The proposal opens up the possibility of free flow of medicines between Great Britain and Northern Ireland via amended EU laws. Mechanisms will be altered to allow for participation of Northern Ireland politicians and communities in implementation of the NI protocol. The British side is expected to ensure properly functioning border inspection posts, with Brussels granted access to real-time data to monitor "every link in the supply chain". However, the EU proposals do not address the final arbiter role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ in alleged breaches of the NI protocol. Senior EU figures dismissed the UK demand to remove this oversight as an impossibility" on Thursday Following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, as a result of Brexit negotiations an effective Irish Sea border was created 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 certain EU rules to allow goods to move freely into the Republic and the rest of the EU. The UK and EU had sought to protect the Northern Ireland peace deal (the Good Friday agreement) by ensuring that the land border between the Republic of Ireland (remaining in the EU) and Northern Ireland (in the UK) remain open. David Frost, one of the original architects of the deal, had emphasised that the protocol was not working on the ground in Northern Ireland, and was threatening to jeopardise the 1998 Belfast agreement, potentially unleashing a fresh spate of sectarian violence. northern ireland Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko northern ireland, european court of justice, europe, maros sefcovic, brexit, eu, uk, david frost, northern ireland protocol https://sputniknews.com/20211015/china-engaging-in-major-construction-at-airbases-near-taiwan-satellite-snaps-appear-to-show-1089956459.html China Engaging in Major Construction at Airbases Near Taiwan, Satellite Snaps Appear to Show China Engaging in Major Construction at Airbases Near Taiwan, Satellite Snaps Appear to Show The Peoples Republic considers Taiwan an integral part of China, and has set a course for the islands eventual peaceful reunification with Beijing. Recent... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T18:57+0000 2021-10-15T18:57+0000 2021-10-15T19:19+0000 china tensions taiwan military base /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/105603/88/1056038821_0:140:4000:2390_1920x0_80_0_0_75721cb399b3e336c169f86d43a1dd77.jpg The Peoples Liberation Army is overseeing major upgrades to three of its airbases near Taiwan, satellite snaps taken by private Earth imaging company Planet Labs and analyzed by US media suggest.The images, first published by The Drive, appear to show that the airbases in Longtian, Huian and Zhangzhou all of them originally built during the Cold War, have witnessed major construction starting in early 2020.Huian Airbase, meanwhile, has seen construction including minor runway extensions, an expansion of runway aprons, storage bunkers and four bombproof aircraft shelters.Finally, the Zhangzhou Airbase appears to be getting its third dedicated surface-to-air (SAM) missile site to assure air defence.In spite of the upgrades, the aircraft being operated at the three bases appear to be the same as before, consisting of fighters, fighter-bombers, bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. China is known to have deployed aircraft operating from these and other bases regularly in its flights near Taiwan, including through the islands so-called air defence identification zone (ADIZ), which covers Taiwan itself plus part of the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangxi. The Peoples Republic does not recognize the legitimacy of the ADIZ and flies its aircraft into and out of the area at will despite protests from Taipei.Taiwan TensionsThe new information regarding the apparent scale of the Chinese militarys upgrades of bases near Taiwan comes amid a fresh round of tensions between Beijing, Taipei and its Washington allies following last week's revelations that two dozen US troops have been secretly stationed in Taiwan to train local forces an activity thats potentially illegal under agreements and informal understandings reached between China and the United States on the Taiwan issue.Chinas Global Times newspaper dared the US to deploy ten times more troops than the number revealed to be present to see whether the PLA will launch a targeted air strike to eliminate those US invaders!Earlier this month, Taiwanese Defence Minister Chiu Kuo Cheng warned that tensions between Taipei and Beijing had reached highs unseen in decades, and claimed that the mainland could launch an all-out invasion by 2025. The US State Department has stressed Washingtons rock solid commitment to Taiwan, and accused the PRC of provocative military activity in areas surrounding the island.Beijing has long maintained that it expects reunification to be peaceful. Last Friday, President Xi Jinping, who has made the Taiwan issue a key plank of his agenda, pledged that reunification would definitely be implemented. To achieve the reunification of the motherland by peaceful means is most in line with the overall interests of the Chinese nation, including our compatriots in Taiwan, he stressed.The escalation of tensions in the region comes despite an apparent commitment by President Joe Biden to Xi in a phone call last month not to alter Washingtons commitment to the One-China Policy under which the US formally recognizes the PRC as the one true China.Since coming to power in 2016, Taiwans current government, led by Tsai Ing-wen and the liberal left Democratic Progressive Party, has regularly sparked Beijing's wrath thanks to its staunchly pro-independence, anti-reunification stance, and attempts to shore up relations with the US via arms deals and a range of diplomatic offensives.Taiwan, which officially calls itself the Republic of China, broke off relations with the Peoples Republic in 1949, following the defeat of nationalist forces by the communists in the Chinese Civil War. The two Chinas spent several decades claiming that they were the sole true China, with the United Nations recognizing the PRC as the one and only legal China in 1971. The United States agreed to recognized the Peoples Republic as such in 1979, when formal diplomatic relations between Beijing and Washington were established. In the 1980s and 1990s, Taiwans longtime ruling party the nationalist Kuomintang, moved to improve relations with the PRC, with economic ties strengthened and informal diplomatic links forged. Unlike the Democratic Progressives, the Kuomintang generally agrees to the idea of eventual peaceful reunification with the mainland under the One Country, Two Systems applied to Hong Kong following its 1997 handover to Chinese jurisdiction by the UK. https://sputniknews.com/20211007/chinese-journo-denounces-us-invaders-amid-news-of-secret-special-forces-training-on-taiwan-1089749963.html https://sputniknews.com/20211009/chinas-reunification-with-taiwan-will-definitely-be-fulfilled-xi-jinping-says-as-tensions-grow-1089788152.html Byd0nz Wow. Constructing a military base in its own country, how dare they, when they should follow the lead of the greatest nation on earth and put bases all around the world tut tut. 7 Barros US is foaming by the mouth. 6 9 china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov china, tensions, taiwan, military base https://sputniknews.com/20211015/dental-discoveries-study-of-ancient-teeth-debunks-belief-first-americans-came-from-japan-1089957310.html Dental Discoveries: Study of Ancient Teeth Debunks Belief First Americans Came From Japan Dental Discoveries: Study of Ancient Teeth Debunks Belief First Americans Came From Japan A study published in PaleoAmerica dismisses the archeologically-based theory that the first people to populate the Americas were of Jomon ancestry. The Jomon... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T19:57+0000 2021-10-15T19:57+0000 2021-10-15T19:55+0000 anthropology study teeth /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/1c/1083014108_390:0:3611:1812_1920x0_80_0_0_6de23772307d04a1fe085721074551da.jpg The study utilized biological anthropology by comparing DNA and tooth samples from early Americans and the Jomon people. The results indicate that the first people of the Americas are not direct descendants of the Jomon, a theory that had gained credibility in recent years due to the archeological similarities of the two groups.Teeth have been found to be a fantastic way to chronicle human population migrations. They are shown to have a strong hereditary genetic link. By studying the shape and roots of an individuals teeth, researchers can pinpoint how closely related two people are.The research team found that the samples of Jomon teeth and the samples of early American teeth only shared a 7% similarity. What the biological anthropology indicates is that a still-unidentified group of people are the likely ancestors of the first Americans.The Jomon people were hypothesized to be the ancestors of the first Americans because of a similarity between their stone tools. However, unrelated groups of people have developed the same technologies independently, and cultural and technological exchange without genetic exchange has been known to occur.The authors of the study did acknowledge that the teeth samples they had of the Jomon dated to around 9,000 years ago, while the Americas were first being populated at least 15,000 years ago. However, the researchers dont believe any large-scale genetic changes occurred over that period.The team of researchers do not believe this challenges the notion that a Northeast maritime population and culture, similar to the Jomon, are the likely ancestors of the first Americans. It simply suggests that an unrecognized group of people who lived in Beringia, largely isolated from other populations, were the first people to take up permanently in the Americas. vot tak Interesting article. Thanks. 1 Question All Check your teeth, your ancestry may be the missing link to your herpes 1 3 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Nevin Brown Nevin Brown News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Nevin Brown anthropology, study, teeth https://sputniknews.com/20211015/eu-reportedly-threatens-robust-response-such-as-blocking-uk-energy-supplies-amid-ni-protocol-row-1089951538.html EU Reportedly Threatens Robust Response Such as Blocking UK Energy Supplies Amid NI Protocol Row EU Reportedly Threatens Robust Response Such as Blocking UK Energy Supplies Amid NI Protocol Row UK Brexit Minister David Frost has claimed that EU proposals offering "a type of express lane to ease movement of goods across the Irish Sea aren't enough. In... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T14:22+0000 2021-10-15T14:22+0000 2021-10-15T14:22+0000 european court of justice news europe maros sefcovic brexit european union (eu) post-brexit uk david frost /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/09/1089785347_0:161:3066:1886_1920x0_80_0_0_6d847d84929d9e566a66b0caf4c047fc.jpg As UK Brexit minister David Frost arrived in Brussels today for a showdown with his EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic, the 27-member bloc is preparing to retaliate by blocking cross-Channel energy supplies if London rejects the proposed deal on the Northern Ireland protocol, according to the Financial Times.Representatives from five member states, led by France, Germany, and the Netherlands, with Italy and Spain in tow, are said to have demanded a legally sound, proportionate and robust response be prepared if Britain follows through on its earlier threat to trigger the Article 16 safeguard measure, incorporated in the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland Brexit Withdrawal.They are reported to have met with Sefcovic to demand he ready a contingency plan for a possible trade war, according to diplomats cited by the outlet. The measures floated purportedly include curbing the UK's access to energy supplies, imposing tariffs, or, as an extreme measure, terminating the trade agreement. While the majority of the UKs domestic natural gas has come from the North Sea and Irish Sea since the early 1960s, the same proportion (close to 40 percent) is from European imports via pipelines. This comes as the UK cabinet minister meets with European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic to seek a breakthrough on the contentious issue of the Northern Ireland Protocol. As a result of Brexit negotiations, an effective Irish Sea border was created to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland and protect the Northern Ireland peace deal (the Good Friday agreement). This ensured that the land border between the Republic of Ireland (still part of the EU) and Northern Ireland (in the UK) remain open. 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 certain EU rules to allow goods to move freely into the republic and the rest of the EU. One of the architects of the divorce deal, David Frost, argued that the protocol was not working on the ground in Northern Ireland, and was threatening to jeopardise the 1998 Belfast agreement. He has also argued that some elements of the Brexit deal signed last year were intended to be left open for the discussions in 2020 and afterwards. In response, the EU tabled a range of proposals aimed at slashing red tape on moving goods from the British mainland to Northern Ireland. However, the plan, unveiled on Wednesday, while offering to slash checks on the transport of certain foods, plants, and items of animal origin by 80 percent, ostensibly cutting paperwork by 50 percent, failed to address the final arbiter oversight role of the ECJ in alleged breaches of the NI protocol. Ahead of his Brussels visit, Lord Frost told Politico that the UK was studying the EU proposals constructively.Sefcovic, however, told BBC Northern Ireland's The View programme: I believe that we could be in the home stretch with our proposals on the table, and, as I said, let's try to solve all these issues before Christmas. Regarding the role of the ICJ, he added:The reported sabre-rattling from the EU comes amid growing energy demand triggered by an economic recovery from months of COVID-19 lockdowns and a limited supply. European Union natural gas prices have surged in recent months.Th peak price of gas futures in Europe exceeded $1,900 per 1,000 cubic metres in early October. Against this backdrop, Europes withdrawal of gas from its underground storages facilities on 13 October for the first time since April significantly exceeded injection, according to data published by Gas Infrastructure Europe.On this day, the reserves of blue fuel were replenished by 806 GWh/d and the withdrawal amounted to 1363 GWh/d. The day before, the injection was also less and amounted to 1202.25 GWh/d, as Germany, France, Austria, and the Czech Republic began withdrawal from the reserve storage facilities. Hampar Tokatlian Show the British that a signed deal is a deal and there is a price to pay for being treaty averse as their bastard - the Americunts. 2 Youssef K UK wants the advantages of not being a EU members and those of being one --' 1 2 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko european court of justice, news, europe, maros sefcovic, brexit, european union (eu), post-brexit, uk, david frost https://sputniknews.com/20211015/explosion-occurs-near-shia-mosque-in-afghanistans-kandahar-province-multiple-fatalities-feared-1089943193.html At Least 32 Killed, About 53 Injured in Shia Mosque Blast in Afghanistan's Kandahar, Source Says At Least 32 Killed, About 53 Injured in Shia Mosque Blast in Afghanistan's Kandahar, Source Says Earlier, at least 46 people were killed and 143 others injured as a result of an explosion in a Shia mosque in Afghanistans northern province of Kunduz. 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T09:05+0000 2021-10-15T09:05+0000 2021-10-15T12:28+0000 afghanistan kandahar asia & pacific explosion /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0f/1089948709_0:124:3071:1851_1920x0_80_0_0_07ad0049f220bcec68aedbd7e2190194.jpg A blast in a Shia mosque in Afghanistans Kandahar killed at least 32 people and injured at least 53 others on Friday, a source in a local hospital told Sputnik.The Kandahar mosque blast was staged by four people; three of them were suicide attackers, a source said.Earlier in the day, the source said that the explosion caused by the suicide attack killed 28 people."We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in a mosque of the Shiite brotherhood in the first district of Kandahar city in which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded. Special forces of the Islamic Emirate have arrived in the area to determine the nature of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice," Taliban* official Qari Sayed Khosti tweeted.The blast occurred at the Imam Bargah mosque, according to reports. The Imam Bargah mosque with the capacity of 4,000 worshipers is among the biggest mosques in Kandahar.There was no immediate claim of responsibility.The blast came a week after an explosion at another Shiite mosque in Afghanistan's province of Kunduz. At least 46 people were killed and 143 others injured in the blast; the terrorist group Daesh* has claimed responsibility.*A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries. Ahson piece of shit sunni wahabbi always get bought out by the CIA. It never fails. Time and again.......Iran should cut relations with all sunni bastards. 1 2007harleydavidsonsg Any number known Jewish western recognized gulf states fund these covert murderious acts. What better cover under 'suicide jihad' ? 1 4 afghanistan kandahar Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 afghanistan, kandahar, asia & pacific, explosion https://sputniknews.com/20211015/fighting-erupts-in-beirut-is-this-the-beginning-of-a-lebanese-civil-war-1089926820.html Fighting Erupts in Beirut; Is This the Beginning of a Lebanese Civil War? Fighting Erupts in Beirut; Is This the Beginning of a Lebanese Civil War? On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about Kyrie Irvings refusal to get a vaccine and what this could mean for his... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T09:44+0000 2021-10-15T09:44+0000 2021-10-15T09:54+0000 hezbollah joe biden beirut donald trump democrat transgender us lebanon afghanistan coup /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0e/1089926511_56:0:1300:700_1920x0_80_0_0_f24ec4a8cee6dd2b62eb3d5d75c6307b.png Fighting Erupts in Beirut; Is This The Beginning Of A Lebanese Civil War? On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about Kyrie Irvings refusal to get a vaccine and what this could mean for his career and the NBA, the sudden fighting in Beirut that could erupt into a civil war, subpoenas coming from the January 6th committee, and the record low approval of Biden from Black Americans. Guests:Austin Pelli - Producer of Fault Lines | Kyrie Irvings Refusal to Get VaccinatedCordell Woodland - Producer of Fault Lines | Kyrie Irvings Refusal to Get VaccinatedDaniel Lazar - Independent journalist and author | Fighting in Beirut and More January 6th RepercussionsMargaret Kimberly - Senior columnist and editor for Black Agenda Report | Biden Polling Among Blacks PlummetsIn the first hour, Austin Pelli and Cordell Woodland joined the show to talk about Stephen A. Smith slamming Kyrie Irving for opposing the vaccine mandate for seemingly no reason. We also had a conversation on Dave Chappelles new special The Closer and why the trans community is so outraged at it.In the second hour, Fault Lines was joined by Daniel Lazare for a discussion on the borderline civil war that is erupting in Lebanon right now. How has the fragmented past and recent events caused this conflict to erupt in the country? Daniel also discussed the committee looking into January 6th making large leaps to convict high-ranking Trump administration members.In the third hour, Margaret Kimberly joined the conversation to talk about the approval rating of Joe Biden plummeting. Margaret also talked about the Trump vs Biden publicity in the modern sphere and how this might affect the next election.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.com beirut lebanon afghanistan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Shane Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/07/1082560782_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_c5b74c177011dbd114ddab0b2a2e1ab5.jpg Shane Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/07/1082560782_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_c5b74c177011dbd114ddab0b2a2e1ab5.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Shane Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/07/1082560782_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_c5b74c177011dbd114ddab0b2a2e1ab5.jpg hezbollah, joe biden, beirut, donald trump, democrat, transgender, us, lebanon, afghanistan, coup, vaccine, republican, steve bannon, fault lines, davechappelle, aoc, , radio https://sputniknews.com/20211015/imf-warns-pandemics-continued-grip-could-widen-gap-in-rich-poor-nations-recovery-1089957738.html IMF Warns Pandemics Continued Grip Could Widen Gap in Rich, Poor Nations Recovery IMF Warns Pandemics Continued Grip Could Widen Gap in Rich, Poor Nations Recovery The International Monetary Fund (IMF), a Washington, DC-based international bank, projected a grim future global economic trajectory, warning that persistence... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T20:45+0000 2021-10-15T20:45+0000 2021-10-15T20:43+0000 international monetary fund world health organization (who) economic recovery vaccines covid-19 /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0f/1089957567_0:0:3247:1827_1920x0_80_0_0_716646d42d006a295f950b521039edd0.jpg Speaking Tuesday at a press briefing on the world economic outlook, IMF Chief Economist Gina Gopinath laid out some of the major problems facing the global economy, including reaffirming the banks projection that global growth in 2022 will be about 20% slower than in 2021 due to the continued grip of the pandemic on global society.The IMF slightly revised its projected growth for this year downward by 0.1% to 5.9%, but also said that next years growth is still projected to be just 4.9%.However, she also noted it included more difficult nearterm prospects for richer nations as well, driven in part by supply disruptions like those presently rocking the United States.The Great Vaccine DivideGopinath warned of a dangerous divergence in economic prospects between rich and poor countries, noting that in the next year, the worlds richest countries, which the IMF calls the advanced economy group, are expected to return to their pre-pandemic trend path and exceed it by 0.9% in 2024. By contrast, for middle-income and poor nations - with the important exception of China - aggregate output is expected to be 5.5% below their pre-pandemic forecast even by 2024, which the chief economist noted would result in a larger setback to improvements in their living standards.Gopinath said accomplishing this goal would require high-income countries to follow through on their pledges to donate vaccines to both other governments and to the World Health Organizations (WHO) COVAX program, to close a $20 billion funding gap for testing, therapeutics, and genomic surveillance that tracks new variants of SARS-CoV-2. She also notably said rich nations must remove trade restrictions on the flow of vaccines and their inputs.IMF Withheld COVID Relief LoansIronically, the IMF itself has stood directly in the way of this by withholding a $5 billion loan for Venezuela via the banks Rapid Financing Instrument, a special mechanism for distributing COVID-19-related relief funds, for 18 months. The DC-based IMF has claimed there is no clarity on international recognition of the Venezuelan government, because roughly 50 western and Latin American nations have continued to recognize former opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido as the countrys interim president.Guaido, who has no domestic support in Venezuela and never ran for president, has enjoyed US backing since 2019, when he declared himself the countrys rightful ruler and denounced Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as illegitimate, immediately receiving US backing for his coup.The US similarly blocked a $5 billion IMF loan for Iran, which it has also targeted with maximum pressure sanctions, despite Iran being the second country to experience a major COVID-19 outbreak after China and being extremely hard-hit by the virus.Ignoring a Whole ContinentGopinaths words were echoed by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday, who issued a fresh denunciation of COVID-19 booster shots. While the WHO has recommended third booster shots for immunocompromised people, the global health agency has said they should largely wait until most of the globe has gotten its regular vaccinations first.Tedros told CNN that western nations giving out third booster shots to residents - intended to fortify their immunization against the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 - while other nations havent even given their populations the regular vaccine schedule is "immoral, unfair and unjust and it has to stop.Tedros was speaking of Africa, where about 7% of the population has gotten at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.By contrast, about 50% of residents on every other populated continent have gotten at least one shot, while up to 86% of UK residents have received both shots. In the US, that number is 56.8%, notably dragging behind most of the industrialized world. This includes the much poorer Peoples Republic of China, which has fully vaccinated 80% of its massive 1.4 billion-strong population, which is about 17% of humanity.In the US, where the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved last month, about 2.8% of the population has been given a third shot. Pfizer has banked much of its future profits on the sales of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines as the virus becomes endemic, and its CEO, Albert Bourla, has pushed annual booster shots of the vaccine as the United States only path back to normal life. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Morgan Artyukhina https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/17/1082703728_0:0:800:800_100x100_80_0_0_0b6ce8daa7411284d60c8a0b6d84186d.jpg Morgan Artyukhina https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/17/1082703728_0:0:800:800_100x100_80_0_0_0b6ce8daa7411284d60c8a0b6d84186d.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Morgan Artyukhina https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/17/1082703728_0:0:800:800_100x100_80_0_0_0b6ce8daa7411284d60c8a0b6d84186d.jpg international monetary fund, world health organization (who), economic recovery, vaccines, covid-19 https://sputniknews.com/20211015/iran-asks-why-israel-allowed-to-run-amok-with-nukes-with-no-international-oversight-1089949977.html Iran Asks Why Israel Allowed to Run Amok With Nukes With No International Oversight Iran Asks Why Israel Allowed to Run Amok With Nukes With No International Oversight Israel has long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, and lobbied the US to pull out of a landmark treaty on the issue. The Islamic Republic has dismissed... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T12:55+0000 2021-10-15T12:55+0000 2021-10-15T13:22+0000 international atomic energy agency (iaea) weapons israel iran nuclear nuclear non-proliferation treaty (npt) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/105565/61/1055656195_0:266:4783:2956_1920x0_80_0_0_b7cc777965e1f92ab1f237dbb2706a17.jpg A senior Iranian diplomat has called out International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director Rafael Grossi over his recent comments in an interview about why the nuclear watchdog obsessively monitors Tehrans nuclear activities while ignoring those of the Israelis.How could one see the IAEA as a serious, professional and impartial partner when it does not pursue evenly and justly the implementation of the safeguards regime for all of its members? the diplomat added.Gharib Abadi accompanied the tweet with a screenshot of an excerpt from Grossis 8 October interview with Energy Intelligence, in which he was asked why the IAEA spends so much time focusing on Irans nuclear programme while effectively ignoring Israels.Grossi explained that there was a very clear reason for this: Israel is not a party to the NPT.Im not judging if this is good or bad. I hope they would [join the agreement], because I believe in the universality of this treaty, but instead they have a decision not to do that. But when you have a country that doesnt do that, the degree of inspection that we have is limited to whatever they declare, the nuclear watchdog agency chief said. In the case of Iran, Iran, like most countries in the world, is a party to the NPT, and from that legal status you will derive a number of obligations that they have, Grossi added.The Iranian diplomats tenure as ambassador UN organizations in Vienna wraps up on Friday.Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasised that Israels suspected nukes, and not Irans supposed nuclear weapons ambitions, are the real danger to the Middle East, and have blamed Tel Aviv and Washington for preventing the realisation of an Iranian-proposed treaty on a nuclear weapons-free Middle East.On Tuesday, Heidar Ali Balouji, Irans envoy to the UN General Assemblys first committee on disarmament, accused Israel of defying all international regimes governing weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, while spreading false and fabricated accusations against Iran on its supposed nuclear programme.Also Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called on the UN Security Council to take action against Iran over its alleged ambitions to build nukes.Israel has spent well over a decade accusing Iran of secretly working on nuclear weapons, and has been accused of carrying out assassination attacks targeting Iranian nuclear scientists, and sabotage attacks against the Islamic Republics nuclear facilities. Israel typically neither confirms nor denies its involvement in these crimes. Tel Aviv has also threatened to target any Middle Eastern nation it believes may be pursuing nukes, with this policy known as the Begin Doctrine, and named after former Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin.Tehran has repeatedly denied that it has any intentions to build nuclear weapons, pointing to its commitments under the NPT and the IAEA safeguards regimes, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear treaty (which Washington unilaterally pulled out of in 2018) as well as prohibitions against the creation of such arms by its supreme leaders on religious grounds.While threatening to make sure that its neighbours dont create nukes, Israel itself is suspected to have between 90 and 400 nuclear warheads of its own, with these weapons deliverable by submarines, aircraft and ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles. Israel neither confirms nor denies its nuclear capabilities in a policy known as deliberate ambiguity. https://sputniknews.com/20211013/tehran-accuses-tel-aviv-of-spreading-false-fabricated-claims-about-iran-while-stockpiling-nukes-1089885660.html Emris Rex It's a fair question? Except we all know the answer, cos Israel controls the "Woke states of America" 11 Question All Iran, leave the treaty. If the US can leave non-proliferation treaties, not subscribe to the ICC, the bioweapons treaties, do as they please, then follow their lead 8 10 israel iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov international atomic energy agency (iaea), weapons, israel, iran, nuclear, nuclear non-proliferation treaty (npt) https://sputniknews.com/20211015/karabakh-authorities-say-azerbaijani-forces-opened-fire-at-its-army-ambulance-1089949335.html Karabakh Authorities Say Azerbaijani Forces Opened Fire at Its Army Ambulance Karabakh Authorities Say Azerbaijani Forces Opened Fire at Its Army Ambulance YEREVAN (Sputnik) - The Defense Ministry of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic said on Friday that Azerbaijani soldiers opened fire at an ambulance... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T12:37+0000 2021-10-15T12:37+0000 2021-10-15T12:37+0000 azerbaijan nagorno-karabakh world /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/0c/1c/1081584873_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_2efd8dfecbb9f2176c80c711c1379414.jpg "On October 15th, at about 09:00 [05:00 GMT], units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on the ambulance of the defence army unit stationed in the northeastern area of the contact line. There are no casualties on the Armenian side. The command of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation has been informed about the incident," the statement said.The ministry stressed that it continued to adhere to the ceasefire regime and called on the Azerbaijani side to also refrain from actions destabilizing the situation.The decades-long conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh flared up on 27 September 2020, leading to military and civilian casualties on both sides. The clashes ended with the signing of a ceasefire deal by Yerevan and Baku, which was mediated by Moscow, on 9 November.The deal resulted in a significant loss of territories controlled by Nagorno-Karabakh and the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to the region to monitor the truce. azerbaijan nagorno-karabakh Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 azerbaijan, nagorno-karabakh, world https://sputniknews.com/20211015/meteorite-crashes-through-roof-and-lands-in-womans-bed---photo-1089943395.html Meteorite Crashes Through Roof and Lands in Woman's Bed - Photo Meteorite Crashes Through Roof and Lands in Woman's Bed - Photo Experts say that if the woman decides to sell the meteorite, she could command quite a generous sum for it. 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T12:06+0000 2021-10-15T12:06+0000 2021-10-15T12:06+0000 news meteorite space roof /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/104840/79/1048407999_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_a436678048fa8a1a0ee9059a5c622890.jpg An elderly woman in Canada's British Columbia recently had a rude awakening when a large meteorite crashed through her roof and landed in her bed, missing her head by inches. The woman added that she had never been so scared in her life. She called 911 and when a police officer arrived, he first thought that the rock was from a construction site nearby."He called the [construction site] and they said they hadn't done a blast but that they had seen an explosion in the sky and, right then and there, we realised it was a meteorite," Hamilton said, as quoted by the Canadian Press.Photos of the space rock were shared online. The chances of a meteorite crashing through a roof and hitting a bed are about one in 100 billion a year, Professor Peter Brown, the Canada Research Chair in planetary small bodies at Western University, said in an interview with the National Public Radio. After the incident, Hamilton handed the meteorite over to scientists to study. Experts say that the space rock could be sold for a hefty price. However, the woman told the media that she would like to keep it as a talisman. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Sofia Chegodaeva Sofia Chegodaeva News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sofia Chegodaeva news, meteorite, space, roof https://sputniknews.com/20211015/norwegian-bow-shooter-reportedly-handed-over-to-health-services-1089940954.html Norwegian Bow Shooter Reportedly Handed Over to Health Services Norwegian Bow Shooter Reportedly Handed Over to Health Services Earlier it was reported that the suspect in Norway's deadly recent bow and arrow attack had violated a restraining order from a relative in 2020. 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T07:07+0000 2021-10-15T07:07+0000 2021-10-15T07:52+0000 europe norway attack /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0f/1089941326_0:194:3072:1922_1920x0_80_0_0_66f8fcd2f06340c23f3783b516cffd43.jpg The suspect in Norway's bow and arrow attack was handed over to health services, AFP reports, citing the prosecutor's office.The shooter, a 37-year-old Dane living in Kongsberg, was arrested by police after launching arrows at several people. At a press conference on Thursday, the police said the suspect was a convert to Islam.Five people were killed in the attack and three were wounded. The police are still looking into the motives of the suspect and whether his behaviour might prompt others to do the same, the Chief of Norwegian Police Security Service (NPSS) said. Earlier, Norwegian media reported that the attacker's family had had a restraining order against him, and the police spoke to the suspect in 2020.According to the police, they consider the attack to be terrorist act, but will not change the general threat assessment of the country from the current moderate level. Hess Can you imagine the outrage if he is a Muslim? 2 Brit26 He is a Muslim. Try to keep up. 0 2 norway Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 europe, norway, attack https://sputniknews.com/20211015/norwegian-police-first-let-kongsberg-archer-escape-despite-being-armed-1089938664.html Norwegian Police First Let Kongsberg Archer Escape, Despite Being Armed Norwegian Police First Let Kongsberg Archer Escape, Despite Being Armed Despite the massive manhunt that involved a sizeable police force of 22 patrols, elite units, the military and even helicopters, Muslim convert Espen Andersen... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T05:44+0000 2021-10-15T05:44+0000 2021-10-15T05:44+0000 news europe norway terrorism islam scandinavia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0e/1089913348_0:67:3071:1794_1920x0_80_0_0_893b4b55fa6a6ec952ae2a334eeb2a9d.jpg The Norwegian police were armed when they first got in touch with 37-year-old archer Espen Andersen Brathen at the very start of his shooting spree in the town of Kongsberg on Wednesday evening. Nevertheless, the Muslim convert managed to escape several officers, and in the ensuing half an hour killed five people and wounded three others, TV2 reported.In the aftermath of the Kongsberg shooting spree, the bloodiest on Norwegian soil since Anders Breivik's attack in 2011 which left 77 dead, the Norwegian police pledged an in-depth investigation of how Brathen managed to dodge the police for over half an hour.According to the police, they first tried to apprehend him at a Coop store, just five minutes after receiving the first reports of an armed man running around. There, Espen Andersen Brathen fired several arrows at the officers, who failed to respond, Police Chief Ole Bredrup Sverud said.The police subsequently lost contact with Brathen, who is a Danish citizen. In the ensuing 34 minutes, Brathen went on to kill four women and a man as well as wound three others with a bow and arrow and another weapon, which the police have yet to describe further.During the massive manhunt that involved a sizeable police force of 22 patrols, elite units, the military and even helicopters, Brathen managed to enter homes to kill people.As a rule, police officers in Norway don't carry firearms. Instead, the weapons are locked inside the police cars, and the officers must have a special permit to use them. After the attack in Kongsberg, however, it has was immediately decided that the Norwegian police must be temporarily armed.The Norwegian Security Service PST and the police are both treating the shooting spree as a terrorist attack, describing it as typical of Islamic fundamentalists.Remarkably, people from his close circle tipped law enforcement off about Brathen back in 2017, with a close friend describing him as a ticking bomb. Police chief Ole Bredrup Sverud admitted that the Dane had prompted radicalisation concerns.Brathen was also reported as visiting a local mosque. Oussama Tlili, board chair at the Kongsberg Islamic Cultural Centre, told NRK that the man made a confusing impression and that the mosque had considered reporting him to the police.Brathen had previous convictions. In 2012, he was sentenced to 60 days in prison for theft and possession of drugs, and in July 2020, he was issued a six-month ban on visiting his family in Kongsberg following death threats against his father.Norwegian media described Brathen as a troubled individual, plagued by major mental challenges throughout his adult life. According to the newspaper Verdens Gang, he has been jobless and has lived alone in an apartment in Kongsberg for a number of years, enjoying a limited circle of friends.Espen Andersen Brathen confessed to the killings and was said to collaborate with the police. https://sputniknews.com/20211014/muslim-convert-behind-oslo-bow-and-arrow-shooting-spree-made-threats-before-attack-1089928140.html vot tak As I thought, that first encounter with the shooter show the norwegian cops employing the same sort of incompetence they showed when breivik ran amok. Defund. Investigate. Prosecute. Hang, imprison as appropriate. 1 1 norway scandinavia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Igor Kuznetsov Igor Kuznetsov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Igor Kuznetsov news, europe, norway, terrorism, islam, scandinavia https://sputniknews.com/20211015/trump-to-testify-monday-in-lawsuit-over-incident-between-his-guards-protesters---reports-1089935995.html Trump to Testify Monday in Lawsuit Over Incident Between His Guards, Protesters - Reports Trump to Testify Monday in Lawsuit Over Incident Between His Guards, Protesters - Reports WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Former US President Donald Trump will testify on Monday as part of a lawsuit filed by protesters regarding a physical confrontation with... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T00:50+0000 2021-10-15T00:50+0000 2021-10-15T00:50+0000 donald trump testimony lawsuit deposition /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0a/1089812953_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_2ee22de23b82fbf07d24258a4fff2ba5.jpg The report said Bronx Supreme Court Justice Doris Gonzalez ordered the deposition be held at Trump Tower on Monday. Video of Trump's deposition will be shown to the jury during the trial.The legal proceeding came about in 2015, about a week after a group of demonstrators say security guards led by Trump's longtime bodyguard - Keith Schiller - had allegedly physically assaulted them. Aside from torn signs, it's also alleged that the encounter saw one of the protesters punched and momentarily choked. The lawsuit notes that the group believes Trump to be liable for his bodyguard's actions because he had reportedly instructed his bodyguards to use force when on the job, as Schiller had previously detailed in his testimony.At the time, the incident unfolded as the group of demonstrators were protesting what they considered were Trump's derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants. The demonstration was being held outside of Trump Tower in New York City.Lawyers for Trump had earlier attempted to dismiss the case in 2015 to no avail. An argument that Trump could not be held liable for his bodyguards' action was previously thrown out. vot tak A "great" leader who disavows what he ordered his hirelings to do and refuses to take responsibility for their actions under his orders and watch. Hey, zionistas, you got yourself an ideal quisling with your trump doll. 2 vot tak He reflects your total lack of morality and decency exactly. 2 4 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 donald trump, testimony, lawsuit, deposition https://sputniknews.com/20211015/union-jack-at-half-mast-over-downing-street-as-tributes-flood-in-for-murdered-conservative-mp-1089953761.html Union Jack At Half Mast Over Downing Street As Boris Johnson Leads Tributes To Murdered Tory MP Union Jack At Half Mast Over Downing Street As Boris Johnson Leads Tributes To Murdered Tory MP The Conservative MP for Southend West, Sir David Amess, has died after being stabbed at a constituency surgery in a church. Sir David had been an MP since... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T15:44+0000 2021-10-15T15:44+0000 2021-10-15T16:19+0000 boris johnson conservative party murder mp news uk /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0f/1089953714_0:209:3035:1916_1920x0_80_0_0_0cad57a79c92d9adbac74958fe0077d8.jpg The Prime Minister has led tributes for a Conservative MP who was murdered in broad daylight as he tended to constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, 30 miles east of London.Boris Johnson said people's hearts were full of "shock and sadness" following the death of Sir David Amess, 69, and he said: "David was a man who believed in his country and in its future. We have lost a fine public servant." Sir David had been MP for Southend West in Essex since 1997 and before that had represented nearby Basildon since 1983.Essex Police arrested a 25-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of murder and recovered a knife.The Union flag above Downing Street was lowered to half mast when the news emerged that Sir David had passed away.The attack brought back chilling memories of 2016 when Labour MP Jo Cox was killed shortly before the referendum on leaving the European Union.Cox and Amess had been on opposite sides of the debate, with the Tory MP a keen supporter of Brexit.But Coxs widower, Brendan, said: Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets."Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said it was terrible news and added: He was a lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian. My thoughts are with all his family and friends."The deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, Angela Rayner, who has been criticised on social media for calling the Conservative government scum said: Im horrified by the reports regarding David Amess and an incident at his constituency surgery today.The Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab, tweeted: Heartbroken that we have lost Sir David Amess MP. A great common sense politician and a formidable campaigner with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirit - including towards those he disagreed with. RIP my friend."Prime Minister Boris Johnsons wife Carrie tweeted: Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children."Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: This is awful beyond words. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David's family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.The former prime minister, David Cameron, said: This is the most devastating, horrific & tragic news. David Amess was a kind and thoroughly decent man - & he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet. Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to David's family."The Irish foreign minister, Simon Coveney said: What a shocking and tragic incident. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with family, friends and political colleagues of Sir David Amess MP."Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he was devastated and added: A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role. My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Chris Summers Chris Summers News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Chris Summers boris johnson, conservative party, murder, mp, news, uk https://sputniknews.com/20211015/us-asks-russia-to-do-more-for-eus-energy-security-after-spending-years-sabotaging-nord-stream-2-1089948366.html US Asks Russia to Do More for EUs Energy Security After Spending Years Sabotaging Nord Stream 2 US Asks Russia to Do More for EUs Energy Security After Spending Years Sabotaging Nord Stream 2 On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin brushed off US claims that Moscow was responsible for Europes energy crisis, pointing out that Moscow has... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T11:52+0000 2021-10-15T11:52+0000 2021-10-15T12:03+0000 europe russia united states gas prices supplies /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/06/1089711317_0:100:800:550_1920x0_80_0_0_ac635fc3c5e90478b59272b50350b66c.jpg US undersecretary of state Wendy Sherman has called on Russia to step up its efforts to ensure Europes energy security ahead of winter.Deputy Secretary Sherman called on Russia to do more to ensure European energy security while also echoing [US climate] Secretary [John] Kerrys call for it to submit a strengthened nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement by the time COP 26 meets on October 31, the State Department said in a press release.The statement followed a meeting between Sherman, undersecretary of state for economic affairs Jose Fernandez and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Overchuk on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations between Russia and the US.Shermans request comes after years of efforts by Washington to suffocate the recently completed Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline via sanctions, pressure on regional allies, and environmentalism-based machinations to try to sabotage the project.The pipeline, which is expected to become technically ready for operation in the coming days, pending German and European Union regulatory approval, promises to deliver up to an additional 55 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to a hub in Germany each year, thereby doubling the capacity of the Nord Stream network, and complementing supplies sent through existing ground-based pipelines running through Belarus and Ukraine.Shermans comments follow weeks of claims by US officials that Russia was somehow responsible for the gas shortages and the corresponding spike in energy prices facing Europe. Late last month, Amos Hochstein, a senior advisor to the State Department on energy security issues, said that the US was concerned about Europe running out of gas for heating and power this winter, and blamed Russias alleged inexplicably low deliveries of gas compared to previous years, especially deliveries through Ukraine.US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan echoed the State Departments allegations, accusing Moscow of using its energy resources as a weapon. Russian officials vocally denied the allegations, with the Kremlin saying that all of Russias European energy partners have conceded that Moscow is fully implementing its supply obligations, willing to ramp up supplies further if asked at a moments notice.Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called Sullivans claims shameless, telling the BBC last week that Russia has been and remains the most reliable and safe supplier of natural resources to Europe, and is ready to cooperate with regional nations to stabilize prices.President Vladimir Putin commented on the issue on Wednesday, stressing that systemic flaws in Europes energy sector, not Russia, were to blame for the current supply crisis, and that it wasnt worth trying to lay ones own fault at someone elses door.Moscow, Putin pointed out, has increased its gas sales by 15 percent this year, even as the US, which has blamed Moscow for the crunch, has reduced their LNG deliveries to Europe. Putin stressed that Russian energy producers were interested in stable, long-term prices, not short-term profits, since high prices would inevitably cause negative consequences for everyone, including producers, over the long term if industries and utilities were forced to reduce consumption or shut down altogether. On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Gazprom was ready to further grow its gas production capacity if Europe increased its volume of long-term contracts with the Russian gas giant.Europes gas supply crunch has a number of objective factors, including a new-found preference for short-term contracts with suppliers, depleted gas reserves caused by an unusually cold winter of 2020-2021 and the failure to refill them sufficiently ahead of the new heating season, market speculation, intense competition for supplies with Asia, and a poorer than expected payoff on investments into alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power.Russia accounts for up to half of Europes gas supplies. Norway, Algeria and Qatar contribute more than a quarter of the rest. https://sputniknews.com/20211006/russian-deputy-prime-minister-says-nord-stream-2s-completion-will-help-cool-situation-on-gas-market-1089716832.html https://sputniknews.com/20211006/cold-winter-drained-europes-gas-reserves-helping-to-create-current-crisis-putin-says-1089709034.html TOS-1 American govt officials are like teenagers high on crack and entitled self importance, never mind the pathetic ignorance. 13 Mychal Man, americans are stupid! Oh, ya, "we make our own reality" really? You wanted to lose in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq? Man you are some morons! 12 20 russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov europe, russia, united states, gas, prices, supplies https://sputniknews.com/20211015/us-attorney-alex-murdaugh-charged-with-stealing-insurance-money-from-dead-housekeepers-children--1089935785.html US Attorney Alex Murdaugh Charged With Stealing Insurance Money From Dead Housekeeper's Children US Attorney Alex Murdaugh Charged With Stealing Insurance Money From Dead Housekeeper's Children Alex Murdaugh, a prominent South Carolina attorney, is currently the subject of six South Carolina state investigations, including one probe into the deaths of... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T02:07+0000 2021-10-15T02:07+0000 2021-10-15T02:05+0000 south carolina murder insurance prison fraud /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/106203/61/1062036146_0:180:1920:1260_1920x0_80_0_0_abfae73c42adbdb57ff6ee22e20da175.jpg Murdaugh was arrested at an Orlando-area rehab facility on Thursday and formally charged with stealing life insurance settlements intended for the sons of his late housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield. Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement took Murdaugh into custody on two felony counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses, according to an October 14 news release from the SLED. "They will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of those who were victimized by Alex Murdaugh and others," Keel added." 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 remain at Orange County Corrections in Florida until an extradition hearing takes place.The new charges come as part of the division's probe into the misappropriation of funds following the 2018 death of Satterfield, who was for decades employed as Murdaugh's housekeeper. According to the Murdaugh family, Satterfield tripped over their family dog and died weeks later from related complications. However, the Hampton County coroner was never contacted to review the so-called accidental death. Satterfield's sons say that Murdaugh approached them at their mother's funeral and promised to take care of them via insurance settlements associated with the late housekeeper's death. The lawsuit filed by the sons of the deceased housekeeper alleges the lawyer collected over $4 million in settlements from insurers, but only told the late housekeeper's sons about a $500,000 settlement, which was never delivered. Murdaugh placed the siphoned funds in a fraudulent account with a name similar to that of a legal consulting firm that handles such settlements, according to the suit. The once-prominent lawyer was, last month, charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and filing a false police report. The charges came shortly after a botched suicide attempt, and months after the deaths of his wife, 52-year-old Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh. south carolina Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Evan Craighead Evan Craighead News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Evan Craighead south carolina, murder, insurance, prison, fraud https://sputniknews.com/20211015/us-capitol-police-officer-indicted-for-aiding-self-identified-rioter-obstructing-january-6-probe-1089959742.html US Capitol Police Officer Indicted for Aiding Self-Identified Rioter, Obstructing January 6 Probe US Capitol Police Officer Indicted for Aiding Self-Identified Rioter, Obstructing January 6 Probe US Capitol Police (USCP) announced last month that disciplinary action had been recommended for six law enforcement officers due to misconduct during the... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T22:58+0000 2021-10-15T22:58+0000 2021-10-15T22:56+0000 washington dc us capitol police (uscp) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/08/02/1083511667_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_d8fa9ffab299d4b1d15cc280e2588d38.jpg US Capitol Police Officer Michael A. Riley has been indicted on obstruction of justice charges after he allegedly assisted in hiding the evidence of a US Capitol rioter's involvement in the deadly January 6 incident. The officer, 50, appeared virtually in a federal court on Friday and was released on several conditions, including one requiring him to surrender all weapons, the Associated Press reported. According to court documents recently made public, Riley - an officer with more than 25 years of experience - first established Facebook contact with a US Capitol rioter via Facebook on January 7. The rioter had proudly admitted to participating in the incident, and even posted "'selfie'-style photographs, videos and other commentary on Facebook admitting his presence and conduct inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021," the indictment noted.Shortly after, Riley initiated his first conversation with the rioter, warning him about posting such incriminating content. The court document details that Riley and the rioter continued to exchange messages during the month of January. The man who willfully participated in the January 6 storming of the US Capitol also sent a number of videos of himself to the Capitol Police officer. He was seen both inside and outside the government building. "I get it ... it was a total sh*t show!! Just wanted 10 give you a heads up," Riley said, likely referring to the ongoing investigations to hold rioters accountable. "Im glad you got out of there unscathed We had over 50 officers hurt, some pretty bad." The rioter went on to assert his innocence, proclaiming that he didn't do anything wrong. Riley added that the man should not "sweat it" because the Federal Bureau of Investigation "might choose to only charge certain people and not everyone."The Capitol Police officer continued to look out for his new friend, and even instructed the individual to "get off of social media" after someone messaged Riley about the rioter's livestream videos. One video showed the rioter smoking an unknown substance out of a hand-rolled cigarette while inside the US Capitol building. When the rioter replied with confusion about whether he had been charged with a crime, Riley gave the man his phone number and instructed him to call it. The phone call lasted 23 minutes, according to court documents. The rioter was arrested on January 19 on charges that he unlawfully trespassed in the US Capitol on January 6. During his interview with federal agents, the man revealed his contact with Riley. Riley deleted all of his Facebook messages from the rioters that same day. Soon after, the Capitol Police officer sent the rioter another message, saying that he could no longer support him after a friend showed a video of him "smoking weed and acting like a moron" in the Capitol building. "I feel like a moron for believing you," Riley claimed. "I was so mad last night I deleted all your post, but i wanted to text you this morning and let you know that I will no longer be conversing with you." The officer is said to have ceased communications with the rioter after this message. News of Riley's indictment comes a month after the USCP announced that disciplinary action was recommended for six officers for their respective roles in the January 6 storming of the US Capitol. vot tak Defund. Investigate. Prosecute. Hang, imprison, as appropriate. 0 1 washington dc Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Evan Craighead Evan Craighead News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Evan Craighead washington dc, us capitol police (uscp) https://sputniknews.com/20211015/us-marine-officer-who-critiqued-pentagon-top-brass-over-afghan-exit-pleads-guilty-to-several-1089938316.html US Marine Officer Who Critiqued Pentagon Top Brass Over Afghan Exit Pleads Guilty to Several Charges US Marine Officer Who Critiqued Pentagon Top Brass Over Afghan Exit Pleads Guilty to Several Charges Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller rose to infamy after videos posted to Facebook and LinkedIn showed the decorated Marine officer demanding accountability... 15.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-15T04:14+0000 2021-10-15T04:14+0000 2021-10-15T04:13+0000 afghanistan afghanistan pentagon accountability /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/08/1d/1083744109_0:98:1276:816_1920x0_80_0_0_f5b57b7e08f6688b9caca4829bf337dd.jpg Scheller, appearing Thursday at a court-martial hearing at Martin Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, pleaded guilty to a total of six misdemeanor charges: contempt toward officers, willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer, failure to obey lawful general orders, dereliction in the performance of duties and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.The agreement with prosecutors called for Scheller to forfeit $5,000 per month for six months and resign his commission. Prosecutors also called for the decorated Marine to receive a punitive letter of reprimand, and an honorable discharge or general under honorable conditions. According to the MarineTimes, Scheller has managed to raise more than $2.5 million via disgraced ex-Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher's "Pipe Hitter" Foundation. Scheller's calls for accountability continued in his prepared testimony for Thursday. "I am standing here pleading guilty. This is me accepting accountability. But it deeply pains me that my senior leaders are incapable of being as courageous," Scheller said, adding that he hoped his admission of guilt inspires the top Pentagon brass to do the same. WhatTheFishIsThis Lawyers must be crying over the $2.5m lost opportunity ROFL 0 1 afghanistan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Evan Craighead Evan Craighead News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Evan Craighead afghanistan, pentagon, accountability The title of being the nations fastest male freshman of 2021 now belongs to Beach Glass thanks to the 1:51.1 smokeshow he produced Thursday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The son of Somebeachsomewhere-Im With Her was 2-for-2 coming into the $16,000 conditioned event and he was the lone two-year-old in the group. But that didnt stop him from thrashing the competition again for driver Paul MacDonell and trainer Brent MacGrath. Sent off as the 1-9 favourite, Beach Glass was keen to step forward when the starting gate sped away and he checked in at the quarter pole as the leader in :27.1. He briefly took a backseat to Take A Gamble in the backstretch, but MacDonell was quick to reclaim the top spot with the heavily-favoured youngster. Beach Glass then marched the field through middle fractions of :56 and 1:24.1 before storming home in :27 to win by 9-1/4 lengths over Fear The Shadow. The Schooner II Stables homebred has racked up $23,500 in his first three assignments. But with the Breeders Crown on the horizon, one of the sports most talked about youngsters in recent weeks will be looking to pad that bank account. To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results Woodbine Mohawk Park. The Googoo Gaagaa sophomore gelding Givem The Goo took his fourth straight race on Thursday afternoon at Harrahs Philadelphia, handling a step-up to $14,400 company and still winning the feature easily in 1:56.2. Driver Russell Foster got the favoured three-year-old to the lead, then let Lepanto got to the front just after a :28.3 quarter. Ake Svanstedt, the driver of Lepanto, is known for backing off the second quarter after making the lead, and thus the half was reached in :59.4, with the price of trotting increasing to a 1:27.2 three-quarters as World Bank led the two-wide charge down the backstretch and through the turn. Foster waited until the stretch then moved Givem The Goo to the passing lane, where he wore down Levanto by 1-1/4 lengths to record his fifth win in eight seasonal starts after not racing at two. Kerry Welty trains the talented trotter for owner Brian Emerson. The $11,200 fast-class trot went to a pocket sitter who charged through on the inside to win, but there the resemblances between the features end right there. This two-holer who went on to victory was the Break The Bank K gelding Bank Box Treasure, and he certainly increased the bank account of his few backers in paying $180.60 to win for longshot specialist driver Troy Beyer, whose total of six winners at $50+ here (all in the last three months) is double that of his nearest rivals. Beyer sent Bank Box Treasure to the lead, yielded to Lucy Mae Hanover going to the :27 quarter, then kept the hole filled as the leader parked Evs Girl to and past a :56.1 half. A host of sweepers led by Gold Medal Swan came on down the backstretch to reach contention by the 1:25.2 three-quarters, but Foster and his horse held their position, then went by Gold Medal Swan for a head victory in 1:55.3 for trainer Gilbert Garcia-Owen and owner/father Gilbert Garcia-Hererra. Younger horses predominate on the Friday card at Philly, and the favourite in the featured $14,400 pace is Literl Lad Hanover, a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes winner earlier this year, who is slated to be handled by George Napolitano Jr. who made more progress to the $100,000,000 Club here on Thursday, and with his figure of $99,988,046 after the days races, may get the milestone check on the Friday card. Post time for the card is 12:25 p.m. (PHHA / Harrahs Philadelphia) A prolific performer since landing in North America earlier this year, The Bird Dance N took flight once again on Thursday afternoon in the $25,000 Winners-Over Handicap pacing feature at Plainridge Park and came out victorious for the seventh time this year. Ron Cushing left from post eight and settled in third as Real Peace (Kevin Switzer, Jr.) cut the quarter in :26.3. But The Bird Dance N was soon on the move and grabbed the lead in front of the stands and then controlled the race from there. As the group moved by the half, Cigars And Port (Wally Watson) pulled from third and applied pressure to the leader while they sped through three-quarters in 1:22.4, making things interesting for the rest of the mile. Around the final turn The Bird Dance N shook off that challenge and opened up a 1-1/2 length lead as they headed into the stretch. But the pesky Cigars And Port found a second wind and started to close in again. However it wasn't enough at the end as The Bird Dance N threw in a swift :28 last panel and held strong under a line drive to win by a length in 1:50.4. It was the third win in the last four starts for The Bird Dance N ($4.80) and owner Phillip Scott McKenzie. Heidi Gibbs trains the six-year-old A Rocknroll Dance gelding. There was an upset in the co-featured $22,500 upper level conditioned pace when Highrthananeagle A (Jay Randall) shipped in from Tioga Downs and tripped-out at 14-1. After taking the early lead, Highrthananeagle A relented that position to fellow newcomer Chatelroll (Nick Graffam) who set the fractions from just past the quarter until the top of the stretch. It was there that Randall tipped Highrthananeagle A from the pocket and out-stepped the leader to the wire to win by a neck in a career best tying time of 1:50.3. Highrthananeagle A ($31.00) garnered his sixth win of the year for owners Lightning 5 Racing Stable, Joel Kahan, Lawrence Kittenplan and Winners Circle Racing. Rob Harmon trains the winner. Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday (Oct. 15) with post time at 2 p.m. (Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts) Alfie Carroll turned a two-hole trip into a speedy score with I Wish You Well in Thursdays $13,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred 2 at Flamboro Downs. The Anita Ouellette trainee got away second for Carroll while Saulsbrook Jessie shot to the front and did all of the heavy lifting. The race favourite sliced out splits of :28, :56.4 and 1:25 before giving way to I Wish You Well in the closing strides. She drew clear to win by a length over Saulsbrook Jessie in 1:53.1. Third prize went to So Long Darling. I Wish You Well, a daughter of Well Said-Precious Shopper, , won for the fifth time this season and for the 23rd time in her career. The homebred has banked over $290,000 to date. Esquire marched to the top and didnt look back en route to a 1:56.3 triumph in the $13,000 Preferred 2 for trotters. Colin Kelly hustled the Mark Goddard trainee to the lead from Post 6, and after whacking out fractions of :28, :57.3 and 1:26.4 the gelding kicked home in :29.4 to win by a length over I Got The Looks. Taking home the show dough in the eight-horse affair was Bastiano. Sent off at odds of 6-1, the eight-year-old son of Kadabra-Earl Of My Dreams won for the fourth time this season for owner Brandon Guerra of Brantford, Ont. The 21-time winner has banked just shy of $220,000 in his career. To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results Flamboro Downs. The Ohio Harness Horsemens Association is hosting a photo contest for the cover of the 2022 Ohio Standardbred Stallion Directory & OHHA Membership Directory. The OHHA is looking for pictures of foals by a registered Ohio stallion. Please submit all photos to [email protected]. The deadline to submit your pictures is November 15, 2021. There is a limit of three pictures per photographer. Please include the following information when submitting your photographs. Name of Photographer Foals Name Sires and Dam information Photo should have a portrait orientation and high resolution. All photographs will be considered. The photographer of the winning picture will receive a $250 gift card. The staff of the Ohio Harness Horsemens Association will select the photograph to be used on the cover. Any photographs submitted that are selected as a winner may be used throughout the stallion directory. For information about placing a pedigree page for your stallion in the 2022 directory or for information about advertising your farm, product, or service, please contact Frank Fraas at [email protected]. (OHHA) Driven by a battery-operated pulse generator implanted in the chest, the leads fire their own trains of electrical pulses in the appropriate spot, countering the errant outbursts that cause Parkinsons symptoms. With standard DBS, the stimulator-driven pulse train flows steadily, changing only when the physician adjusts the patterns, on a trial-and-error basis, to maximize tremor inhibition and gait improvement without triggering side effects such as slurred speech, sensory disturbances, involuntary muscle contractions or balance problems. In 2013, the FDA approved, for experimental purposes, a version of the implanted pulse generator that not only sends electrical bursts to the brain but also can record how the brain neurons are firing. Researchers could now accumulate data on brain-signaling patterns in the vicinity of the implanted electrodes while the patient was walking, speaking, sitting, sleeping or engaging in other activities. In June 2020, the FDA approved the commercial implantation of this listening device, making it much easier for physicians to make therapeutically useful setting adjustments because they can read brain signals from the device instead of inferring them from a patients motion, posture and comments. Bronte-Stewart intends to further optimize and personalize this feedback. She is the principal investigator on a global trial of an advanced version of DBS called adaptive DBS. The goal is to transmute the accumulated data of years of research into an algorithm that lets the pulse generator do the reading in real time and, in response to what the brain is doing, directly alter its signaling pattern. DBS was first approved in 1991 for essential tremor, a movement disorder thats more common than Parkinsons disease. Its also approved for some types of dystonia, a movement disorder in which a persons muscles contract uncontrollably; for epilepsy; and, in certain cases, for obsessive-compulsive disorder. DBS is also being tested in a clinical trial led by Jaimie Henderson, MD, professor of neurosurgery, to treat reduced consciousness induced by brain trauma. DBS device implantations have been performed on about 200,000 patients worldwide, close to 1,500 of them at Stanford. For more information on deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinsons disease, see stan.md/DBS. Restoring movement for stroke patients through stem cell transplant Neurosurgeries with stem cells have demonstrated just how resilient and adaptable the brain can be. In multiple studies, Gary Steinberg, MD, PhD, has used stem cells in stroke and traumatic brain injury patients to restore their ability to walk, speak and return to some of their normal activities. Steinberg published results from a landmark trial in 2016 in the journal Stroke in which he injected bone marrow-derived stem cells into an injured area of the brains of 18 patients. Three-quarters of the patients had clinically meaningful recoveries, meaning their daily lives were changed for the better. The others had slightly less improvement or remained the same. The recovery of some of the patients was dramatic they were able to run and speak again after having been trapped in their injured bodies. Those circuits that we thought were dead in stroke patients were not irreversibly damaged, said Steinberg, the Bernard and Ronni Lacroute-William Randolph Hearst Professor in Neurosurgery and Neurosciences. They were repressed and could be resurrected. Steinberg has since been examining the underlying mechanisms of these recoveries. In MRI images of patients taken after the procedures, he observed a transient signal near the injured area a bright spot that correlated with how well the patients fared over the longer term. He speculated that this signal might indicate a beneficial inflammatory response, which his recent lab studies have borne out. Those circuits that we thought were dead in stroke patients were not irreversibly damaged. They were repressed and could be resurrected. He found that the stem cells were not creating new neurons, as he initially thought, but were releasing dozens, if not hundreds, of different healing molecules. These molecules include growth factors that build new nerve fibers and proteins that help create blood vessels, as well as a number of immune system cells that can enhance brain repair. It turns out that the beneficial inflammatory response is present not just where the lesion is but is more widespread throughout the brain, he said. It probably stimulates circuits very widely throughout the brain. Steinberg has tested the same stem cells as part of a multi-center trial involving patients who suffered traumatic brain injuries at least a year before the treatment. As in the stroke study, after six months, the treated patients showed significant improvement in their ability to move and walk, compared with control patients. The researchers reported the results in the journal Neurology in January 2021. The most common side effect was headaches, likely related to the surgical procedure, the scientists reported. Steinberg is embarking on a study of a different kind of stem cell neural stem cells derived from human embryonic tissue, known as NR1 cells. These stem cells, which he developed 20 years ago, have advantages: They are easier to grow than bone marrow-derived cells, can be manufactured in large quantities and are not genetically altered. He plans to begin testing them this year in a Stanford-sponsored, first human trial in about 20 chronic stroke patients with partial paralysis. The procedure involves transplanting the cells directly into the brain near the area of the injury. Steinberg is the only investigator in North America using direct brain transplantation of stem cells for stroke. We expect that if this strategy works, we will be extending it to other indications like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and, hopefully, even neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsons, ALS or, ultimately, Alzheimers, though thats quite a bit in the future, he said. For more information on participating in the trial, email stemcellstudy@stanford.edu. A high-tech glove could enable stroke patients to rehab at home Another new approach to treating patients whove suffered strokes could come from the wearable technology field. By 2030, nearly 4% of American adults will have had a stroke, according to the American Heart Association, and as many as 80% of those who survive will end up with weakness and loss of sensation in their arms and hands. Having the use of two hands is absolutely essential for normal functioning. But currently there arent many effective interventions that can help people get that function back following a stroke, said Caitlyn Seim, PhD, a research fellow at the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford. Most health insurers cover a limited amount of exercise-based stroke rehabilitation, and half of stroke survivors dont have the mobility to even access these programs. To close this gap, Seim engineered a high-tech glove that she and her collaborators hope will one day let stroke survivors recover lost function in the comfort of their homes. The gloves use haptic technology originally developed for the video game industry to simulate interacting with objects and other sensory experiences to stimulate patients hands with programmed patterns of vibration. Researchers have hypothesized that applying vibration to specific muscle and sensory receptors in the hands could trigger a long-term rewiring of the brain, allowing people to regain control of their weakened limbs. More immediately, the vibrations could also help relieve involuntary muscle contractions which distort patients limbs and constrict movement. A vibrating glove that improves hand function after stroke would be a breakthrough in the field of stroke rehabilitation. This idea has not been tested outside of limited laboratory studies, but that will change with Seims new wearable technology, which she is designing for real-world use in collaboration with Stanford Medicine stroke expert Maarten Lansberg, MD, PhD, a professor of neurology, and haptics expert Allison Okamura, PhD, a professor of mechanical engineering. A vibrating glove that improves hand function after stroke would be a breakthrough in the field of stroke rehabilitation, said Lansberg. Dr. Okamura and I are very excited about this technology, which can be easily used by people in almost any environment. The research team has designed the gloves to be easy to use in a home setting by patients who suffer a wide variety of stroke-related symptoms. Patients need to be able to put them on themselves and wear them comfortably at home, whether they have really tight fingers or really weak fingers, said Seim, whose work is supported by grants from the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research. The team has enrolled 20 patients in a clinical trial to test how well the gloves work in a home setting. Patients will use the gloves for two months, then researchers will monitor hand function for up to six months. A second trial is underway to determine how haptic stimulation affects communication between hand and brain. So far, everyone whos finished with the device says they miss it, they want it back, they love it, Seim said. And this is after we made them wear the glove for 160 hours. So I think thats a promising sign. Lansberg and neurology and neurosurgery professor Marion Buckwalter, MD, PhD, who direct the Stanford Stroke Recovery Program, are also adapting gaming technology to help patients recover hand function. A study published in March in the rehab-focused journal PM&R found that patients who used a virtual reality rehabilitation gaming device for eight weeks at home showed marked improvement of hand function and were highly satisfied with the device. The team is testing this approach in a larger, randomized controlled clinical trial. More about efforts to improve mobility and other functions after stroke is on the Stanford Stroke Recovery Program website at stan.md/strokerehab. New ways to see Restoring sight to the blind with a retinal implant After more than 15 years of research, Daniel Palanker, PhD, and his collaborators have produced and successfully tested a first-generation retinal implant that can restore vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. The eye disease leads to a gradual loss of sight in the center of the visual field because of damage to light-sensing nerve cells in the retina, called photoreceptors. Palankers lab has developed a technology that does the job of photoreceptors a photovoltaic implant that converts incident light into electric current and transmits the visual information to the remaining, intact inner retinal cells. We are just replacing one layer of cells that has been lost with photovoltaic pixels, said Palanker, a professor of ophthalmology. We use the rest of the retina to process the electronic visual input and thereby help restore sight. McMillen was working with producers Debra Lord Cooke and Elissa Piszel, also the movies leading actresses, to find the perfect location for the films main characters in the pinnacle scene, the viewing of the Great American Eclipse. How could I say no? said Betz-Marquez. With Dome Rock and the South Bluff as a backdrop, Valley View Farm offered the perfect site. With only two days to prepare, Betz-Marquez also agreed to include the cast and crew in the communal meals. An actress herself, Betz-Marquez was offered the bit part of a Nebraska farmer offering directions to the main characters when lost on the back roads. Chief Gray Sage and his companions also were added to the film. The scene that featured Betz-Marquez fell to the cutting room floor after the Maine Film Festival requested the film be shortened but she was pleased to earn an actors listing on the IMDB database for film professionals. The kids are super excited about it, she said. We do sneak peeks throughout the week, and so theyre kind of guessing (what it would be). It took about two days to get all the decorations put up and in place, with the final night before being when the majority of the work was done. Last night (Tuesday night) if you were here after school, everybody was here, Gass said. It was a huge team effort of putting things up and you get your stuff done and then you run down the hall and you help somebody else get their stuff up. Both Gass and Morris said its a lot of work, but its worth it. Its exhausting to get this put together, but when the kids come in, its almost like a renewal, Morris said. Gass said, I emailed Angela (Morris), and Im like, I dont know if I got it me for another year. And then I came last night and Im like, Oh, we got to do this Theyre (the students) so cute because theyre like, Oh, were not going to learn anything. Its just a fun day. Its a day we come to school and have fun, and Im like, Mm-hmm, OK. But they do. Theyre learning all the time in here, and the whole thing behind it is, its a great day to get our kids to want to come to school. SCOTTSBLUFF The West Nebraska Arts Center, located at 106 E. 18th St., recently received a grant from the Union Pacific Foundation for its arts education programming. The focus of this years grant is to make scholarships available to minority and or low-income students in grades 1-12. WNAC has three scholarships in each age group for the After School Art Program on Mondays, 4-5:30 (grades 1-3), Tuesdays, 4-5:30 (grades 4-6) and the Ed Wards Project for middle and high school students held on Wednesdays from 4-5:30. The goal of West Nebraska Arts Centers educational programs is to offer visual arts education to grades 1-6 using the Nebraska State Standards for Fine Arts Education as a guide. Students will create, present, respond to, and connect with art. Through exploration of media painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture, applied design and technology children will create a portfolio of their work throughout the program and have an opportunity to participate in a gallery exhibit during the month of April. The Ed Wards program is open to all skill levels in grades 7 12. The program will run through April 21. They will then have an opportunity to participate in a gallery exhibit during the month of March & April. This is a drop-in class every Wednesday of each month. 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. 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. While many on the left are still using the mantra follow the science, it appears to be a mantra that has no meaning. President Joe Biden made a speech in Illinois last week in a push to get employers to require COVID-19 vaccinations of their employees. Yet during the speech, he spread misinformation when he claimed that vaccinated people (he was referring to health care workers) could not spread the virus. We know that this is not true; vaccinated people can get the virus without showing any symptoms, and they can then spread the virus to others. Science also tells us that if you have had COVID-19 and survived, your body has created antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19. A person who has already had the disease is less likely to get it again than is someone who had not. But in a push to get employers to require the vaccine, Biden ignored this science. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court Jim Mixson was recognized at the N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court for his efforts during COVID-19. Mixson received the Boots on the Ground award for his perseverance, dedication to the cause and grit. He was recognized for his efforts to during COVID-19 to keep training available to the clerks. Mixson is chair of the Training Committee. Chief Justice Paul Newby also administered the oath of office to Mixson as treasurer of the conference. The conference recently held is 2021 Summer Educational Conference in Carteret County at The Beaufort Hotel. This conference held an evening banquet where the 2021-22 executive officers, including Mixson, were sworn in by Newby along with Administrative Office of the Courts Director Judge Andrew Heath, who also helped present awards. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Raymond Matukso, Currituck County Clerk of Superior Court, was installed as the new president of the N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court for 2021-22. Matusko has been active in the conference and NCAOC since his tenure as clerk of Superior Court began in 2010. He has seen technological improvements throughout the court system and is eager to serve as president for the first year of the eCourts implementation with Tyler Technologies in North Carolina. The following is a list of those booked at the Iredell County Detention Center on felony and driving while impaired charges from Oct. 7-13. Listed information, including addresses, has been gathered from reports publicly available at local law enforcement agencies. All individuals listed are innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Oct. 7 Jerele Christopher Lindsey, 31, of Cornelius, failure to appear, $5,000 bond, Mooresville Police Department. Roland Thomas Simmons Jr., 39, of Cornelius Road, Mooresville, habitual misdemeanor assault, $25,000 bond, Iredell County Sheriffs Office. Jarmarkus Devaughn Shuford, 23, of Charlotte, three counts each of sell or deliver Schedule VI, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for sale of controlled substance and possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver Schedule VI, $25,000 bond, Iredell County Sheriffs Office. Mariah Cynthia Katherine Coley, 24, of Sunningdale Lane, Statesville, two counts of bond surrender and one count each of probation violation and failure to appear, $105,000 bond, Statesville Police Department and bail bonding agency. October is National Audiology Awareness Month and Piedmont HealthCare Ear, Nose and Throat is urging the public to be aware of the importance of good hearing health. The National Institutes of Healths National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that approximately 28.8 million Americans could benefit from the use of hearing aids. While age is often cited as a factor, there are growing numbers of younger people reporting hearing difficulties. A study published by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care cited nine risk factors for dementia. Midlife, untreated hearing loss is listed as one of those risk factors. The report also stated that dementia typically starts many years before it is recognized. Untreated hearing loss can impact the brain and cognitive health. There is also a link between untreated hearing loss and falls. According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, an increase in hearing loss in an individual, for instance going from normal hearing to an untreated mild hearing loss, is associated with a three-fold increase in fall risk. Internal opposition to president Erdogan continues to harden. Earlier this summer members of his own ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party) openly complained about Erdogans Presidential System. Well over half of Turkeys voters believe it has failed and done nothing more than enhance Erdogans personal power. Erdogans AKP critics contend Erdogans strong presidency has weakened parliament (it has) and the stature of members of parliament. They didnt sign on for that. Erdogan is undoubtedly more personally powerful, but he is now held personally responsible for all domestic and international failures. Turkeys next presidential elections are scheduled for 2023. But there are signs that opposition leaders are preparing to challenge Erdogan. A snap election is not impossible. Erdogan has been in power for 19 years. October 13, 2021: In northern Syria (western Aleppo and northern Raqqa provinces) Turkish airstrikes hit several U.S. backed SDF (Syrian Kurd militia). While mainly Kurdish, SDF also includes Syrian Arabs and Turkmen and was a major reason for the defeat of the Islamic State in eastern Syria, leading the offensive to drive ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) out of their capital, Raqqa. The SDF continues to provide security in eastern Syria against the remaining ISIL factions that hide in the mountains and deserts and carry out occasional attacks. The U.S. provides air support for these SDF counterterror operations. Russia has generally stayed out of this war between Turkey and the SDF but recently the SDF warned its senior leaders and other key personnel to avoid travelling. The SDA believes Russia has agreed to target these personnel with attacks using airstrikes. This new policy would also improve relations between Turkey and Russia. October 9, 2021: Turkey indicated that Kurdish opposition political leader Selahattin Demirtas may be released from prison on probation in early November. European nations have been pressuring Turkey to release Demirtas. October 8, 2021: Egypt said they are seeing progress in talks to restore full relations between Egypt and Turkey. October 7, 2021: In an interview with U.S. media, president Erdogan said that Washingtons refusal to sell Turkey F-35 fighter jets and Patriot missiles meant Turkey had to buy the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile system. Turkey wants the U.S. to return its $1.4 billion initial payment to participate in the F-35 consortium. October 6, 2021: Turkey wants to buy 40 F-16 fighters and up to 80 F-16 modernization kits from the U.S. and is encountering some resistance from the Americans. Turkey wants the planes and kits to modernize its air force since it cannot acquire F-35s. Turkey had planned to buy 100 F-35s. October 5, 2021: China has become a major customer of Russias natural gas and that is threatening other major customers like Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus and Western Europe. Currently the largest customer is Western Europe, especially Germany. China will eventually become the largest customer and is already acting like it is. This is already a major problem because Russia does not have enough natural gas to supply all the export demands. Natural gas sales contracts specify a minimum amount to be delivered each year. Beyond that it is a matter of who can pay the most or has the least current disagreements with Russia. October 3, 2021: Officially Turkey has 182,000 registered Afghan migrants. It is believed there are another 125,000 unregistered Afghan migrants in Turkey. This is in addition to an estimated 3.7 million Syrian refugees already there. October 2, 2021: New political parties continue to appear in Turkey. The proliferation of new parties likely reflects public dissatisfaction with Erdogan. There are 116 recognized political parties in Turkey, with 13 new ones formed in the first nine months of 2021. Thats compared to 27 formed in 2020. Many of the factions are small and include former members of the AKP. There is already talk of left-right alliances to oppose Erdogan and other coalition arrangements. The Republican Peoples Party (CHP) is reportedly talking to the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) about resolving policy differences. The CHP is Turkeys Kemalist party, founded by Kemal Ataturk a century ago to lead his effort to separate church and state in Moslem majority Turkey. Key issues in the election will be Kurdish rights and a revival of the parliamentary system. In other words this is a rejection of Erdogans strong presidency. October 1, 2021: Turkeys Energy Ministry reported that by 2027 a new Black Sea natural gas field will supply over one-third of Turkeys domestic requirements. The Sakarya field will be producing 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas by the end of 2023. That could translate into a $750 billion boost to Turkeys economy. The field has an estimated recoverable natural gas reserve of some 550 billion cubic meters. September 30, 2021: In northwest Syria (Aleppo province) Syrian Kurdish separatists of the YPG (Peoples Protection Units) fired a guided missile into Turkey, killing two policemen. Turkey said it would retaliate because the YPG had done this before and were warned that a repeat would have consequences. Turkey considers the YPG a component of the Turkish PKK (Turkish Kurdish separatists). The U.S disagrees with Turkey about YPG/PKK cooperation and has found the YPG an effective and reliable component of the SDF that controls much of northeast Syria (mainly Kurd majority Hasaka province). SDF forces have clashed with Turkish troops and their Syrian mercenaries in Syria frequently, usually in response to a Turkish attack or attempt to gain control of more territory occupied by the SDF. One thing Turkey and the U.S. do agree on is that the YPG is the most unpredictable faction of the SDF. September 29, 2021: President Erdogan and Russian leader Putin met at the Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi to discuss subjects of mutual interest. In the week prior to the meeting Erdogan accused the U.S. of supporting terrorist organizations, specifically the Syrian Kurd YPG in northern Syria. Turkey contends the YPG is an affiliate Turkish Kurds PKK. Cyprus foreign ministry accused president Erdogan of militarizing Turkish foreign policy and attempting to create a new Ottoman empire in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. September 28, 2021: The new American governments nominee for ambassador to Turkey, former Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, criticized president Erdogan for authorizing Turkeys purchase and testing of Russian S-400 missile defense systems. Flake said that acquisition of any additional Russian weaponry would lead to additional U.S. sanctions on Turkey. Erdogan recently indicated that he was open to purchasing more Russian missile systems. September 27, 2021: The EU (European Union) and UN revealed a joint project that will clear 80,000 land mines along Turkeys border with Iran. The project will begin with demining a 400-hectare (1000-acre) area. September 17, 2021: In the northwest Syria (Latakia and Idlib provinces) there has been another round of Russian airstrikes on Islamic terrorist rebels trapped in Idlib and ignoring the 2020 ceasefire agreement with Turkey, Russia and Syria that only worked if everyone stopped attacking each other and not enter territory they did not already control. The key weapon of reprisal for Syria has been Russian airpower. This time some of the Russian airstrikes were on rebels who were very close to Turkish positions, risking Turkish casualties. Russia blames all this on Turkeys more accommodating attitude towards Islamic terror groups that were willing to work with Sunni Moslem governments, which Russia is not. Everyone in Syria agrees that ISIL is bad and most everyone is hostile towards Iran. While Turkey and Russia try to maintain something resembling a military alliance, the two governments still have fundamental differences about how to handle Islamic terrorism. Increasingly those differences get Turkish forces killed or wounded by Russian airstrikes and artillery fire. This weekend, Stageworks Northwest Theatre will showcase the talents of independent filmmakers with connections to the Lower Columbia region. The program includes a sneak peek at the new movie Found, filmed in Longview last year by Reena Dutt of Los Angeles and co-produced by Vincent Hoai Pham of Portland and Michalyn Steiner-Killian of Longview. It tells the story of Tabitha (Steiner-Killian), a Korean adoptee raised by a white family. When the artistic director of her theater company tokenizes her for his Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative, Tabitha must face her reality of living in two skins one biologically Korean, the other culturally white. Pham is a Vietnamese-American media and film producer. Growing up in Portland, he realized even among friends, he felt different because his parents didnt come from the same place as everyone elses. The idea of being in good company, but still feeling alone, is an Asian-American and BIPOC story Im honored to help Reena tell. Steiner-Killian is a choreographer and dancer who has worked in Florida, California, Oregon, Washington, and on cruise ships and in the Bahamas. She said she is thrilled to bring the Longview community together through this partially autobiographical story that needs to be told, now. The Local Filmmakers Exposition will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15-16, at Stageworks, 1433 Commerce Ave., Longview. The event begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Donations will support future film showcases. Masks and proof of vaccination are required. Here are the filmmakers and the short films that will be shown. Drake Dalgleish, writer/director A graduate of R.A. Long High School, where he was an actor and playwright with Mainstage Theatre, Drake Dalgleish graduated in 2020 from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. In Another Found Footage Film (2021), two high school journalists (Ethan Feider and Dalgleish) break into the basement of their school one night to investigate a rumor. What they find is something worse than could have ever imagined. Heather de Michele, producer/director Heather de Micheles favorite film projects include As Good As You (feature film/First Run Features), Sati, Lacuna and The Real Girls Guide to Everything Else. She is the executive director of Live Wire Radio. She dedicates this (and all screenings of Last Seen) to the memory of its brilliant writer, Mariah Gretchen Robinson. Last Seen (2019) is a web series that follows podcaster Bonnie Chen as she investigates a 30-year-old cold case of three missing girls in rural Pennsylvania. Reena Dutt, writer/director Reena Dutt is the founder of Painted Tree Productions and co-founder of Off-Chance Productions. She is an independent producer and an alumna of the San Francisco Film Society/Kenneth Rainin Producing Fellowship, Trans Atlantic Partners, and Film Independents Project Involve. Found (2021, see description above). Too Many Bodies (2019) is a music video born from a passionate group of filmmakers, musicians and dancers joining together to illustrate the need for common-sense gun laws. Brendan Reardon, writer/director/animator Brendon Reardon, of Kalama, studied digital technology at Washington State University-Vancouver and has worked with Wide Angle Studios. He is an animator/video editor at Autodesk. Reardon contributed a series of animated shorts: And Action!, Beach Bum and Space Adventures. Jacob Rohrbach, writer/director Jacob Rohrbach is the owner/writer/director of Dark Fire Productions, an independent film company he founded in 2008. He has filmed numerous shorts in the Longview area, including the Creepypasta Episodes web series. While Rohrbach is known primarily for making short horror content on a low budget, Liminally, Yours is a departure from the usual and instead goes for a slow, emotionally driven piece that was conceived and filmed (safely) during the global pandemic. In Liminally, Yours (2021), the last person on Earth revisits memories while wandering the lonely world. Johnny Winningham, writer/director Johnny Winningham is a senior producer at Wide Angle Studios, a film and media company in Vancouver. He formerly was a television producer in Los Angeles. He has been involved with Stageworks Northwest for many years as a stage director and actor. He also is the producer of the Local Filmmakers Expo. David Alonzo, producer/film editor/cinematographer David Alonzo is the owner and founder of Wide Angle Studios, and is an instructor in the creative media and digital culture program at Washington State University-Vancouver. His films have been shown in festivals around the world, from Hollywood to Rome. In Wired Monkeys (2014), the music of Lincolns Beard (an alternative folk/rock band from Vancouver) comes to life in a quirky tale of a stressed-out monkeys escape from a world of chaos to a place of peace. Our Urban Wilderness (2013) is a comedic look at a national icon: the American shopping cart if the cart were a living, wild creature. Has Been Hero (2019), filmed primarily in Longview, chronicles a self-styled vigilantes mission to pummel his arch-nemesis before he can be thwarted by his own decline. Fighting crime was easy, but growing old is hard. Featuring Bob Burgoyne, Joseph LeBard, Michael McElliott, Michael Cheney and K.C. Andrew. Eric J. Wright, writer/director/producer Eric Wright is a self-taught animator. Using a little modeling clay and a four-dollar App on his phone, Eric practiced stop-motion animation at his desk during his lunch breaks while working as analyst. After a family vacation scheduled months in advance was canceled last minute by his corporate job, Eric was inspired to create Sisyphus during the week his family was away. Eric and his wife, Julisa, moved to her hometown of Longview, where they own Storyboard Delights and spend infinitely more time together. Sisyphus (2017) explores the common challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, as shown through the eyes of Sisyphus. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A COVID-19 vaccine requirement for volunteers with Washingtons Adopt-a-Highway program is raising some eyebrows. The Washington State Department of Transportation began alerting volunteer groups in September that they needed plans to enforce a vaccine requirement. A letter sent in early October said the highway cleanup groups were covered by Gov. Jay Inslees proclamations in August requiring COVID vaccines for employees at many state agencies. Barbara LaBoe, communications manager for the WSDOT maintenance department, said the cleanup agreement between the volunteer groups and her agency qualifies them as contractors. The highways are considered premises of the Department of Transportation, which places them in the category of contractors who are covered by the vaccine mandate because of the length of time they spend on state property. Because there is an extended amount of time theyre picking up equipment from state employees or out on the state right-of-way, they do fall under the proclamation, LaBoe said. The letter asks the leader of each Adopt-a-Highway cleanup group to develop a vaccination verification plan for their volunteers. The verification plan involves getting a copy or visually observed proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for all volunteers without an exemption for disabilities or religious beliefs. The timeline for volunteers to be vaccinated is not the same as the Oct. 18 deadline for state employees. LaBoe said the department needs groups to submit that information at least three weeks before the next scheduled cleanup, though they hope to get the information sooner. State Sen. Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) raised his concern with the requirement on Facebook earlier this week after seeing the requirement letter. Wilson is not part of any Adopt-a-Highway group, but goes out on his own to pick up trash from along roadsides throughout Cowlitz County. Wilson said volunteers were likely more at risk from the needles and trash they pick up than by working along the road unvaccinated. He also questioned how far the requirement went in affecting unpaid volunteers trying to improve their community. We need to keep them safe and protected, I get that, but for us to do that through a state agency is a continued overreach of the governors mandates, Wilson said. Groups that do highway cleanups without following the vaccine verification paperwork could lose their status as official Adopt-a-Highway groups. LaBoe said it was too soon to tell how groups were reacting to the new requirement, as many do not start tackling cleanup projects until the spring. Love 2 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Had the chip shortage not been around, you could have gone into a Reliance Jio store and bought yourself a JioPhone Next. Jios first smartphone for India was initially supposed go on sale back in September but the manufacturing constraints led Jio to host the first sale just before Diwali. With the festival lights just weeks away now, it is time to refresh ourselves on the JioPhone Next smartphone. Designed in collaboration with Google, the JioPhone Next is primarily a budget smartphone meant for first-time smartphone buyers at a very low price. It runs on a special version of Googles Android OS and will bring in optimised versions of several Google features, including voice search, cameras, and promise of timely software updates. If you are curious about Jios new affordable JioPhone Next smartphone, heres all you need to know. JioPhone Next expected price JioPhone Next (Google) Jio has not yet disclosed prices for the JioPhone Next. However, several rumours have suggested that the JioPhone Next will arrive with a low price of 3,499. This is likely to make one of the cheapest Android phones one can buy in India. JioPhone Next Specs and Features Similar to its price, Jio is yet to disclose the detailed specifications sheet. Based on the launch event at the RIL AGM 2021, we know that Jio has developed the JioPhone Next in collaboration with Google. The JioPhone Next has a compact display with thick bezels around it, which is likely to measure 5.5-inches. Since it is a low-cost phone, JioPhone Next is also expected to use the Qualcomm QM215 chipset, which is meant for entry-level Android Go phones. The OS is likely to be Android 11 Go edition. Rumours have also suggested that it will be serviced by a 2500mAh battery and come with 2GB and 3GB RAM options. Jio has said so far that the JioPhone Next will have a single rear camera and will have Snapchat Lenses baked in. There will be the Google Assistant on board for all the voice command-based features. And, as expected, the JioPhone Next will come preloaded with all of Jios apps, including the MyJio app, JioSaavn, Jio Cinema, and others. Space has been fascinating stargazers for centuries. And while the space agencies, such as NASA, have made it easier for interested people to get all the latest updates and explore space, the solar system, Earth and worlds beyond with ease, getting the latest information isnt as simple as clicking a button. To simplify this process, NASA has an app for smartphones, tablets and digital media players. The app called the NASA App showcases a huge collection of the latest NASA content, including over 18,000 images, videos on-demand, NASA Television, Solar System Exploration feature, podcasts, news and feature stories, ISS sighting opportunities and tracking, mission information, Third Rock Radio and much more from the US space agency. What information does the NASA App give? The NASA App comes loaded with features and it gives access to tons of interesting content. Interested people can watch the latest NASA events unfold in real-time on NASA TV, checkout the educational content in the featured section and explore a simulated view of our Solar System, watch a live view of the earth from the International Space Station, view the latest NASA photos, videos and feature stories, rate photos and explore all of the highest-rated ones, and choose their own favourite NASA images and make them easy to find using the favourites feature. They can also share everything that they discover with friends on social media, save images to their mobile device, listen to the latest NASA podcasts, get information about all of NASA's current missions, latest launch and landing information and list of upcoming ISS sighting opportunities for their location, track the location of the International Space Station and other NASA Earth orbiting satellites in real-time, view all the NASA Tweets from around the agency in one place, view the Earth as Art image collection and interactive map, cast content to their Apple TV, Chromecast and Fire TV devices. People who are using the app on their iPhones or iPads also get Augmented Reality (AR) 3D models of 31 NASA orbiters and missions, which brings together 3D models from across the agency, and provides the most complete one-stop shop for NASA AR models; and Augmented reality SkyView feature that shows a view of the night sky so users can identify objects and find/track International Space Station visible passes. Availability of the NASA App The NASA App is available on a wide variety of platforms. Interested people can download it from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, the Amazon Appstore for Fire TV devices and on Roku. A new vivo smartphone was revealed by TEENA last week with the model number vivo V2130A. Today, a new live video reveals the smartphone as the vivo S10e which will sport a triple camera setup. According to the source, the vivo S10e will come with a 64MP camera as the main sensor, an ultrawide angle lens, and a depth sensor. Through the live video leak, it comes with a regular power key which we assume will be having a 6.44-inch OLED FHD+ display with an under-display fingerprint sensor and a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset which is expected to be more powerful than the density 1100 and 1200 chipset. Battery-wise, it will be having a 4000mAh battery with 33W of fast charging. The phone will be in OriginOS 1.0 for China market but if it arriving at global markets, then will be coming in with FuntouchOS 12 on top of Android 11. As of now, theres still no official confirmation if the phone will be in global markets or not, so do take this with a pinch of salt and stay tuned for more tech news updates on TechNave.com In this Sept. 28, 2021 file photo, people wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus try out the latest iPhone 13 handsets at an Apple Store in Beijing. Amazon's audiobook service Audible and phone apps for reading the holy books of Islam and Christianity have disappeared from the Apple store in mainland China, in the latest examples of the country's tightening rules for internet firms. Audible said in a statement Friday, Oct. 15, that it removed its app from the Apple store in mainland China last month "due to permit requirements." Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong Amazon's audiobook service Audible and phone apps for reading the holy books of Islam and Christianity have disappeared from the Apple store in mainland China, the latest examples of the impact of the country's tightened rules for internet firms. Audible said Friday that it removed its app from the Apple store in mainland China last month "due to permit requirements." The makers of apps for reading and listening to the Quran and Bible say their apps have also been removed from Apple's China-based store at the government's request. Apple didn't return requests for comment Friday. A spokesperson for China's embassy in the U.S. declined to speak about specific app removals but said the Chinese government has "always encouraged and supported the development of the Internet." "At the same time, the development of the Internet in China must also comply with Chinese laws and regulations," said an emailed statement from Liu Pengyu. China's government has long sought to control the flow of information online, but is increasingly stepping up its enforcement of the internet sector in other ways, making it hard to determine the causes for a particular app's removal. Chinese regulators this year have sought to strengthen data privacy restrictions and limit how much time children can play video games. They are also exerting greater control over the algorithms used by tech firms to personalize and recommend content. The popular U.S. language-learning app Duolingo disappeared from Apple's China store over the summer, as have many video game apps. What appears to link Audible with the religious apps is that all were recently notified of permit requirements for published content. Pakistan Data Management Services, which makes the Quran Majeed app, said it is awaiting more information from China's internet authority about how it can be restored. The app has nearly 1 million users in China and about 40 million worldwide, said the Karachi-based company. Those who had already downloaded the app can still use it, said Hasan Shafiq Ahmed, the company's head of growth and relationships. "We are looking to figure out what documentation is needed to get approval from Chinese authorities so the app can be restored," he said in an email. The maker of a Bible app said it removed it from the Apple store in China after learning from Apple's App Store review process that it needed special permission to distribute an app with "book or magazine content." Olive Tree Bible Software, based in Spokane, Washington, said it's now reviewing the requirements to obtain the necessary permit "with the hope that we can restore our app to China's App Store and continue to distribute the Bible worldwide." The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Apple's actions, saying the company was enabling China's religious persecution of Muslims and others. "This decision must be reversed," said a statement from CAIR's national deputy director, Edward Ahmed Mitchell. "If American corporations don't grow a spine and stand up to China right now, they risk spending the next century subservient to the whims of a fascist superpower." The removals were first detected this week by watchdog website AppleCensorship, which monitors Apple's app store to detect when apps have been blocked, especially in China and other countries with authoritarian governments. This week, Microsoft said that it would shut down its main LinkedIn service in China later this year, citing a "significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China." Unlike LinkedIn, which has been offering a specialized Chinese service since 2014, Amazon-owned Audible said it does not have a dedicated service for customers in China. Explore further Microsoft shutting down LinkedIn app in China amid scrutiny 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: CC0 Public Domain French cloud computing group OVHcloud made its debut on the Paris stock market Friday, turning its Polish-born founder, Octave Klaba, into Europe's newest tech billionaire. The shares traded at slightly above their introduction price of 18.5 euros on Friday, valuing the group at around 3.5 billion euros ($4.1 billion). The flotation signals a major step for the group and Klaba, who arrived in France as a teenager and founded the firm in 1999 in his deprived hometown of Roubaix in northeast France. The move was also hailed by the French government, which sees OVHcloud as a national and European champion that can take on the American giants Amazon and Google in cloud computing. "A great day for French Tech!" French Digital Affairs Minister Cedric O wrote on Twitter. "A story of immigration, entrepreneurship, risk, determination, territory... and success!" Klaba said the initial public offering was "to honour all those who have the same dream as us: building a cloud supplier that respects European values and operates all around the world." The 46-year-old and his family members retain 69.6 percent of the group, which is worth more than 2.4 billion euros at Friday's prices. OVHcloud is currently dwarfed by its American rivals, but it pitches itself as a safe European alternative which guarantees that data are stored in accordance with EU laws. It has suffered several setbacks this year, however. In March, a fire destroyed one of its facilities in eastern France, causing outages for 12,000 to 16,000 clients. And on Wednesday, on the eve of the IPO, it had to issue an apology to clients after an outage caused by "human error" caused its servers to crash. Cloud computing groups provide space on their servers for other companies to store their data and run their IT systems. The IPO is the third major public share offering by a French tech company this year, following the flotation of music streaming company Believe in June and cybersecurity specialist Exclusive Networks in September. OVHcloud employs 2,400 people and reported annual sales of 632 million euros for last year. Explore further IT outage hits one of Europe's biggest cloud computing groups 2021 AFP A former Boeing chief test pilot provided the Federal Aviation Administration with "materially false, inaccurate, and incomplete information" about the 737 MAX flight handling system, according to the US Justice Department. A US federal grand jury on Thursday charged a former Boeing chief test pilot with misleading aviation regulators during the certification process for the 737 MAX, which was involved in two fatal crashes. Mark Forkner, 49, was the lead contact between the aviation giant and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over how pilots should be trained to fly the planes. Forkner "provided the agency with materially false, inaccurate, and incomplete information about a new part of the flight controls for the Boeing 737 MAX" flight handling system, called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), the Justice Department said in a statement. The MCAS, which is blamed for the crashes in 2018 and 2019, was supposed to prevent the plane from going into a dive, but instead malfunctioned. According to court documents, Forkner had discovered information in 2016 about a major change made to the MCAS that was supposed to prevent stalling, but deliberately chose not to share the details with the FAA. As a result, the FAA did not include a reference to the MCAS in training manuals for pilots. Boeing has acknowledged its responsibility in misleading regulators and agreed to pay more than $2.5 billion dollars to settle lawsuits. The aviation giant has also admitted that two of its employees misled the FAA. Forkner is the first individual to be prosecuted in this case. Simulator issues In a message to a colleague revealed in 2019, Forkner said that the MCAS made the aircraft difficult to fly in a simulator. But he deliberately chose not to share that information with the FAA, which led to the regulator not requiring specific pilot training for or including any reference to the MCAS in training materials. Forkner bragged to his colleague that he had lied to the regulator. According to documents published in early 2020, he also boasted that he could deceive his FAA contacts to obtain certification for the MCAS. Forkner is also accused of conspiring against Boeing customers who purchased 737 MAX aircraft by withholding critical information. High stakes The 737 MAX was formally certified in March 2017 and made its first commercial flight a few weeks later. But in October 2018, a Lion Air plane crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff, killing all 189 people on board. In March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crashed, killing 157 people. In both cases, the MCAS had run amok based on faulty information transmitted by one of the aircraft's two sensors. It wasn't until October 2018, after the first crash, that the FAA learned key details about the MCAS. All 737 MAX planes were then grounded worldwide for 20 months. The MAX was allowed to fly again at the end of 2020, once the MCAS software was modified. Forkner was formally indicted Thursday by a grand jury in Texas on two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts and four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he could face up to 100 years in prison. "Forkner allegedly withheld critical information from regulators," said Texas federal prosecutor Chad Meacham. "The Department of Justice will not tolerate fraudespecially in industries where the stakes are so high." When contacted by AFP, Boeing declined to comment. 2021 AFP In this May 15, 2017, file photo, employees watch electronic boards monitoring possible ransomware cyberattacks at the Korea Internet and Security Agency in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea said Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, it's asked Interpol for help to arrest two foreigners, including a Ukrainian, over their alleged involvement in cyberattacks and extortion that targeted South Korean and U.S. companies. Credit: Yun Dong-jin/Yonhap via AP, File South Korea said Friday it's asked Interpol for help to arrest two foreigners it alleges played a leading role in cyberattacks and large-scale extortion that targeted South Korean and U.S. companies. The Korean Police Agency said it has received domestic arrest warrants and requested Interpol to issue a "red notice" for the two suspects in an effort to bring them to South Korea. South Korean authorities did not publicly release the name or further information on the two suspects for whom they requested the Interpol noticeexcept that one is a Ukrainian national. The suspect who is a Ukrainian national was among six people detained by Ukrainian police in June, when South Korean and U.S. authorities joined in raids on the homes of suspects affiliated with the Clop ransomware syndicate in Kyiv and elsewhere. The police operations targeted alleged associates of a Russian-speaking ransomware gang blamed for a half billion dollars in damages in cyberattacks that scramble data and can only be stopped with a software key obtained by paying the criminals. The most potent ransomware gangs operate with Kremlin tolerance, based out of reach of Western law enforcement. Russian authorities neither prosecute nor extradite them. A South Korea police statement said the suspects detained in Ukraine in June allegedly collaborated with a hacking organization and laundered the virtual currency they obtained through the ransomware and converted them for cash. Earlier this month, South Korean police decided to take steps to have three of those earlier detained in Ukraine, and another person whose nationality they refuse to disclose, charged with violating South Korea's laws on communication networks and information protection, extortion and concealing criminal proceeds. South Korea is now looking to extradite what it says are the two suspects of that group who played a leading role in the cyberattacks, said Choi Jongsang, chief of cybercrime investigation division at the Korea police agency. Bringing them to South Korea still may not be easy. A Ukraine law doesn't allow local criminal suspects to be extradited to a foreign country and the legal status and whereabout of one of the suspects isn't known, Choi said. He said three companies and a university in South Korea were hit by the ransomware attacks in 2019 and that they were extorted to pay a Bitcoin ransom equivalent to 4.5 billion won ($3.8 million) in cash in total. An earlier Ukraine police statement said the gang also targeted U.S. universities, including Stanford Medical School and the University of Maryland. South Korean police said they'll continue an investigation to the get to the bottom of the hacking group responsible for the cyberattacks. Police didn't identify where that organization is based and where its hackers are from. Explore further Ukraine police seize cash in raids on major ransomware gang 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The impact of chip shortages hitting companies the size of Apple represents the enormity of the issues facing companies across the world, according to a leading academic. Dr. Florian Lucker, senior lecturer in supply chain management at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), says the ongoing problem is showing no signs of ending, following the news that Apple are considering cutting the number of new-release iPhone 13s this year by up to 10 million because of a computer ship shortage. Apple conceded this week that its manufacturers must be prepared for fewer units, because of its suppliers' failures to deliver components. The tech giant had previously warned of a possible impact on phones, with the lack of chips already impacting the saleability of Macs and iPads. "Chip shortages have been occurring for a couple of months and a quick solution is not in sight. The production slash of iPhone 13 is particularly concerning because companies like Apple have market power to access their supply. The innovative smartphones are sold with healthy margins to consumers and, as a result, Apple would be willing to pay higher prices for chips if they were available." Apple would pay more, but can't Dr. Lucker said Apple's troubles would normally not be so great as other companies, with the supply chain of the phone supposedly allowing for flexibility. As a result, comparisons between their tribulations and others also affected by the worldwide shortage, which continues to impact numerous industries following the pandemic, should not be drawn. "The supply chain of the iPhone 13 is supposed to allow for some flexibility to deal with supply or demand glitches. However, given that the chip shortage crisis has been lasting for a longer time, even the flexible supply chain from Apple is facing issues. "The cause of iPhone 13 shortages is different from the cause of supply shortages of commodity products such as toys, beers or petroleum that have occurred in the UK recently. Supply chains for commodity products lack flexibility to deal with supply and demand glitches. Commodity supply chains are not designed to deal with unexpected jumps in supply or demand. As a result, even small variations of supply or demand can cause shortages of commodity products." Manufacturers may have to re-create old chips In the U.S., the White House has stepped in, warning that items that may usually be available will not be for "a relatively short period of time." However, its claims that some goods may be substitutable will be of no consolation to Apple, whose advanced technology for the latest models mean this option is not open to them. Dr. Lucker has advised manufacturers to be creative in a bid to remain sustainable in the meantime. "Given that setting up new chip production sites takes time, there is little hope that the number of chips being produced can increase significantly in the short-term. "Manufacturers can attempt to find some creative solutions such as redesigning the product to use older chips- though this will probably not be possible for the latest smartphones as users typically expected the highest product quality." Explore further Apple cuts iPhone 13 output forecast on chip shortage: report Permanent waterholes in arid Australia are sustained by groundwater. Credit: linders University Australia's future growth is closely aligned to good resources management, and water is top of the list. This is underpinning a growing shortage of groundwater scientists and engineers. The demand is rising, with the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) reporting a recent spike in organizations across Australia reporting difficulties in recruiting groundwater scientists and engineers. This skills shortage for hydrogeologists has been identified in the Australian Government's June 2021 Skills Priority List. "The concern is that the current shortage and ongoing demand for hydrogeologists occurs at the same time as an apparent drop in students studying this important subject," says Flinders University Professor Peter Cook of the NCGRT, adding anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of students studying hydrogeology is less than half of what it was 10 years ago. Stuart Richardson, managing director and principal hydrogeologist at international engineering company CDM Smith, says: "Companies like ours work on numerous projects right across Australia that involve groundwater, both for government and for industry. We employ university graduates as well as more experienced staff, but it has never been so hard finding qualified hydrogeologists," Mr Richardson says. Australia's reserves of groundwater contribute an estimated $34 billion per year to the Australian economy by supporting industries including agriculture and mining (2013 Deloitte Access Economics report). As demand increases, the increase in competition for water could threaten economic development unless groundwater supplies are carefully managed. There is already competition for water between upper and lower catchments, between surface water and groundwater users, competition between urban water needs and agriculture and mining, and competition between people and the environment. Water issues in the Murray Darling Basin are well known, but the demand for groundwater resources is occurring in all States and Territories. On top of this, climate change will mean less surface water available over much of Australia, and hence an increase in groundwater demand. The job of a hydrogeologist is to determine how much groundwater is available to support irrigation and town water supplies; to predict and monitor impacts of groundwater pumping on rivers and vegetation; to identify potential sources of groundwater contamination before it is too late; and to locate groundwater supplies for mining developments in remote areas. Anastasia Rastorgueva, who graduated from RMIT's environmental engineering program in 2018, says: "Since graduating and entering the industry, I have worked on a variety of groundwater related projects across Australia; ranging from legislation, emergency drought relief, remediation and water supply. "I'm continuously amazed by the scale of impact we have as hydrogeologists and the role of groundwater in managing scarce resources in Australia." "Hydrogeology combines sophisticated computer modeling and field data collection to predict future changes in water supplies," says Dr. Sarah Bourke of the University of Western Australia. "To understand and manage our groundwater resources, we need people with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, maths, engineering, ecology, biology and geology, as well as traditional groundwater training," Dr. Harald Hofmann, Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences at the University of Queensland explains. "We are currently not able to meet the country's need for hydrogeologists to understand and manage our groundwater resources sustainably," says Associate Professor Matt Currell of RMIT University. "Many of the current postgraduate students are already in the workplace. They are looking to increase their skill levels, and this is greatly needed. But they are not new people, and so will not address the shortage." Environmental issues are increasingly on the national and international agenda, and there is increased interest in these issues. "Careers in science and engineering are the backbone of protecting the environment. Water scientists and engineers are critical for enabling mining and agricultural developments while simultaneously protecting our important ecosystems and Australia's biodiversity. We need students who are passionate about the environment to become our future groundwater scientists and managers," says Associate Professor Martin Andersen at UNSW. Students that have graduated within the past few years are already making a difference. "It is good to be able to make an impact and influence government policy," says Temitope Adebowale, who graduated with an environmental engineering degree at RMIT University in 2017 and is now working for the Environment Protection Authority Victoria. "You really can change the environment for the better." Explore further Unlined waste disposal pits endanger groundwater in San Joaquin Valley Microsoft arrived in China in 1992 and now employs around 6,200 in the region. Microsoft, which will close its career-oriented social network LinkedIn in China, is one of the few US tech titans that have managed some success in the country. The software giant has kept its business alive in China largely by complying with strict local laws, despite the communist nation's wide-reaching censorship. Here are some key points about the technology and gaming group's operations in the world's second-biggest economy. A pioneer Microsoft arrived in China in 1992 and opened its largest research and development centre outside the United States. It employs around 6,200 people in China. The Windows operating system is used in the vast majority of computers in Chinadespite Beijing promising in recent years to develop its own operating system. The company's success has a downside, however, as its software is widely pirated. The important Chinese market, which is very restrictive for foreign firms, represents a drop in the ocean of Microsoft's business, accounting for barely 1.8 percent of its turnover, president Brad Smith said at the beginning of last year. Microsoft's Bing is one of the few foreign search engines operating in Chinaalthough it is far behind local competitors Baidu and Sogou, which dominate the market. Microsoft founder Bill Gates is pictured with China's President Xi Jinping during a conference on the southern Chinese resort island of Hainan on April 8, 2013. Bill Gates Microsoft founder Bill Gates has long embodied a model of success in the eyes of many Chinese people and his books are bestsellers in the country. President Xi Jinping visited the company's headquarters on a state visit to the US in 2015, where he met Gates and his wife. Today, as the head of his humanitarian Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the 65-year-old has the prestige of a head of state in Beijing. In February 2020, Xi wrote Gates a letter thanking him for his support during the coronavirus epidemic. Censorship and control China censors all subjects considered politically sensitive in the name of stability, and internet giants are urged to block unwanted content online. Refusing to comply with Beijing's strict demands, American giants Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, as well as Wikipedia and several other foreign media, are blocked by China's "great firewall". It has not been all smooth sailing for the company, with Bing temporarily taken offline in 2019prompting speculation the search engine had been blocked by censors. After Beijing lifted its ban on console sales, Microsoft was the first foreign firm to break into the video games market in China with its Xbox One console in 2014. Microsoft operated its professional LinkedIn network in the country for years by complying with censorship rules through a local joint venture. But on Thursday it announced it would close LinkedIn in China, citing an increasingly "challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements". In March the group already said it had halted new member sign-ups while reviewing compliance with local laws. LinkedIn has been criticised in the country for pulling the professional accounts of dissidentswhich it later said was in errorand scratching politically sensitive content from its pages. Skype and TeamsMicrosoft's two other big platformsremain available. Video games In 2000 Beijing halted the sale of all games consoles because of their alleged negative effects on the "mental health" of young users, although they remained available illegally. After the ban was lifted, Microsoft in 2014 was the first foreign firm to break into the video games market in China with its Xbox One console. Also in 2014, the Chinese competition authorities opened an anti-monopoly investigation against Microsoft and its Windows software. Around 100 inspectors raided the group's offices in four Chinese cities, confiscating files and questioning employees. 2021 AFP 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. FIX, DON'T NIX, 'GIFTED AND TALENTED': Mayor de Blasio's belated attempt to phase out the city's gifted-and-talented program, despite likely successor Eric Adams's call to expand it, is opposed by the United Federation of Teachers. Union President Michael Mulgrew said that if Mr. Adams can cut through the school bureaucracy, 'Every Teacher knows that there are children in their building who are learning at an accelerated rate, and it doesn't matter what background they come from.' Interns provide staff support, and we have a small staff here at Booker T. Washington National Monument, said Haynes. These interns can provide new information through research and skill sets that can be used in current park operations. We are also providing them with an opportunity to volunteer with the National Park Service to gain skills and network for various careers. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Researching is what Wimbush loves. He spent days researching in the regions libraries and historical centers. Ive done research on Booker T. Washington and his relationship with prominent African American activists, and I have also done some research on the plantation and trying to find other plantations in the area along with slaves, how many slaves there were in Franklin County. He is currently working on a project that he will turn into a scholarly paper which he will leave to Ferrum College and Booker T. Washington National Monument to use. The hope of the project is to draw the relation of the African Americans population in slavery to the population of the African Americans now, Wimbush said. Im trying to plot the plantations and the slave owners by using the census to show every decade in relations to the African American population in Franklin County. Williams said he has been encouraged to run for office before, but when I got back from Wisconsin, it got really loud, he said. Everybody I talked to said I needed to run for House of Delegates. One of the first things Williams did after winning the Republican primary was issue a pledge stating he intends to introduce legislation banning the teaching of critical race theory statewide. Obviously my individuals in my district, they hate CRT and theyd love for me to pass something that bans it, he said. As for needs specific to the 9th District, hed like to see an infrastructure alliance between the districts counties and neighboring communities to bring more broadband to all the rural areas that need it. I dont want to step on anybodys toes or get in the way of what people are doing, I just want to help them. Hes also looking into what it would take to reestablish a hospital with an emergency room in Patrick County. At the moment, anyone in the county with a dire health emergency faces a 30 to 45 minute ambulance ride, he said. As interim senior aerospace/unidentified flying object correspondent for this award-winning publication, I often receive first-person close-encounter stories from readers. Well, maybe not often, but I did this week in the form of an email with the subject line UFO. When I get an email with the subject line UFO, I immediately open it, unlike emails with the subject lines Action Required or Past Due Notice or Dear Lying Liberal News Media Scum. The following are some excerpts from that email as well as my expert analysis of its contents. Well call the reader Robert, since that is the name he listed, but I wont reveal his last name because if the tale is true, he may be whisked away by some shadowy government entity because he knows too much. Come to think of it, after reading it, I may know too much so Im not going to use my last name either. And if you continue reading, you may know too much so lets all just not use any last names so shadowy government entities cant find us and whisk us away. Roberts story begins. How would you like to look up and see this UFO hovering about 50 feet above your head? The site is a garage being used as an auto body shop. Nabity said the building is not in the best shape. Theyre looking at a fairly simple facade improvement, one that will improve that entire corner and that entire block substantially, he said. It will be the second such facade improvement to be done on Fourth Street, Nabity noted. I would certainly like to see more facade improvement applications come from the Fourth Street area, he said. Theyve made a huge difference on Third Street, and I think it could on Fourth, as well. CRA board member Jim Truell had to abstain from voting due to a business relationship with Oberg. Because this left the board without a quorum, the application will be reviewed at a special CRA meeting next week. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Left Click Properties of Grand Island requested $59,783 for 313 W. Second St. The site was formerly the office of CPA Ronald Trampe. Doug Cramer with Left Click said it will have extensive remodeling done inside. Grand Island Public Schools is again taking a few more school days off of the district calendar, but this time with more notice. Classes on Friday, Sept. 24, were canceled in a late move to alleviate stress of faculty and staff members. The media was officially informed of the calendar change via email Sept. 22. This time, the school days getting axed are Monday, Nov. 22, and Tuesday, Nov. 23, thereby adding two days to Fall Break. The decision to do so was made final at Thursday nights GIPS Board of Education regular meeting. In her presentation to the board, GIPS Associate Superintendent Robin Dexter made note this action is similar to Thanksgiving Break 2020. We did this last year, and we just felt like it was a good time to let staff again, rest and refresh. This year, youre still working with the sub shortage, Dexter said. Our staff are just burning the candle at both ends and taking care of each other. We would like to honor the need for mental health for staff and students so we were asking for the 22nd and 23rd (off). Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The board voted in favor of the schedule change unanimously with board member Dan Brosz absent. Grand Island Public Schools Fall Break now will be Nov. 2226, 2021. This school year Oakley was added to the roster. Oakley is handled and cared for by physical education, health and technology teacher Kelley Ward who has worked with service dogs for 20 years. Before GICC, Oakley and Ward worked at Grand Island Public Schools Barr Middle School. Shire and Oakley are both trained in not only obedience, but to tolerate different types of touch, crowds, loud noises and separation from handlers, but its what they do best that makes the biggest difference: just be dogs. Oakleys just there kind of for emotional support, Ward explained. She walks around the room and finds a kid to lay down next to. Its usually a random kid. She just seems to find somebody that maybe needs somebody to give her a scratch and give her a pet. It is a dogs way of knowing that can help the fact that a teacher isnt always aware of what is going on in a students life, Glunz said. With all schools, we have no idea what theyre walking into the school building with in the burdens that they have or what their night has been like or (if they) have a rough morning. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} They just provide that sense of calm peace and serenity, Glunz said. Some of my students have said, We need a therapy dog in every classroom. County Court Driving during revocation/impoundment Santiago Guerrero, Lincoln, fined $500 and ordered to six months probation. Driving under the influence, .15+ -- Sabrina Willuweit, Marquette, fined $500, sentenced to two days jail, given credit for one day already served, ordered to nine months probation, drivers license revoked one year. Driving during revocation/impoundment Robert E. Kaczmarek, Omaha, fined $500 and ordered to six months probation. Possession of controlled substance Adam Williams, preliminary hearing waived, bound over to District Court. Driving under the influence, second offense Matthew Huston, York, fined $500, sentenced to 120 days jail, given credit for 41 days already served, drivers license revoked 18 months. Theft by shoplifting, $0-$500, four counts Conner A. Barr, Henderson, ordered to 12 months probation and ordered to pay $134.61 restitution. Theft by unlawful taking, $0-$500 Robert P. Allen, York, sentenced to five days jail and given credit for five days already served. YORK A change of plea took place this past week in York County District Court in a case involving criminal impersonation, possession of more than a pound of marijuana and delivery of a controlled substance. In October, a bench warrant was issued for Tayjuan McMullen, 27, of Lincoln who failed to show up for a status hearing in the matter. This past week, Judge James Stecker accepted his changes of plea and sentencing was scheduled. According to court documents, the case began when a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol was on regular duty on Interstate 80, in York County, when he said he saw a speeding vehicle that was also moving back and forth between driving lanes. A traffic stop was initiated. McMullen was a back seat passenger in the vehicle, the trooper says in his affidavit yet, the person presented a Nebraska identification card that said his name was Donshay Reed and he was 36 years old. Throughout the conversation, several factors of criminal activity were observed, the trooper wrote in his affidavit for the court. He said he requested consent to search and was denied. YORK Klara Domena, 41, of New Brighton, Penn., has changed her plea in a case that began with six felonies after being caught with 25 pounds of high grade marijuana on a country road in York County. Court documents indicate a ruse checkpoint was being conducted at the Bradshaw exit on Interstate 80 when a deputy with the York County Sheriffs Department saw an eastbound Florida vehicle suddenly exit and turn right onto County Road H without first signaling. A traffic stop was initiated. The deputy says Domena was alone in the rental vehicle. The deputys affidavit says he asked if everything was alright and Domena responded that her GPS had quit working so she decided to exit the interstate. The deputy became suspicious when Domena told him she was coming from Illinois and heading to Iowa plus she never mentioned any locations west of that point (as she had been traveling eastbound). She also gave him a Pennsylvania drivers license. I pointed out that both Iowa and Illinois are in the direction in which she was traveling, the deputy says in his affidavit. Vernecelyn Allen may not consider herself a trailblazer, but trying to find a better term to describe the Southern Illinois University Carbondale aviation graduate is futile. Allen, who completed majors in aviation management and aviation flight in May and August, just earned her flight instructors certification. She has been navigating to new heights, pushing her own limits and helping others achieve since she enrolled at SIU as a freshman. Ive never thought of myself as a trailblazer. I am more of a unicorn they are few and far between, she explained. I dont know the exact statistic, but out of some 170,000 airline pilots in the country, there are only about 150 who are African American women. The 22-year-old is unique because of what she does and what she has accomplished since coming to SIU on a Chancellors Scholarship a highly competitive financial award that covers tuition, fees and housing for four years. She has excelled in the classroom, in the flight program and in the air. Allen and co-pilot Abby Lee finished ninth overall and third among college teams in this summers Air Race Classic, the only womens air race in the nation. She was instrumental in establishing a local chapter of the Black Aerospace Professionals organization and has worked to help in recruiting students from all backgrounds into the universitys aviation programs. I guess Ive done my best to show up as a leader in my program over the past four years, she said. My goal is to get as many people on board with the mission as possible; that is, to increase the number of underrepresented individuals in our industry. I believe that diversity makes us all thrive. She even was able to take an SIU plane to an aviation student recruitment event in her hometown of Memphis as an ambassador. Weve talked to hundreds of students about aviation, she said, adding, It is neat because a majority of our aviation student are from the Chicago area, its nice to try to get more racial and geographic diversity of students in our program. It has been a role she has relished. I think that the visibility for black women is very important, especially in aviation, she said. Additionally, this is one of the best programs in the nation and I want to help bring in more students and more opportunities. Allen said she has not been singled out in her program because she is an African American woman although she admits to sometimes pressuring herself. There have been times Ive wondered what if I messed up? What if I do something that causes others to look at me differently or differently and people who look like me? I guess I do feel like I have something to prove, she said. Unfortunately, sometimes people do equate our successes to the fact that we are women or black or whatever. Allen is now considering what is next. She has applied to be a flight instructor at SIU. I am already familiar with the program and how everything works; plus, Id like to give back some more, she said. But she also is looking at the universitys new partnership with Delta Air Lines as a career path and she has long had an interest in returning to Memphis, perhaps to fly cargo for FedEx. Regardless where she lands, Allen wants to continue flying. Flying feels like freedom to me. Thats what I like about it. It is very humbling to me, she said. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BLOOMINGTON GOP Congressman Adam Kinzinger on Friday said he's "reviewing all of the options, including those outside the House" after Democrats released their proposed Congressional map, which carves his district into pieces. This redistricting process has been anything but transparent, which comes as no surprise to anyone. I believe the people of Illinois deserve better," he said in a statement. The map puts Kinzinger of Channahon and Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Newman of La Grange in the same district. Republican U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis of Taylorville and Mike Bost of Murphysboro are being put into their own districts. Kinzinger has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. He previously said he isnt ruling out a bid for a U.S. Senate seat or a campaign for governor. Democrats unveiled the maps Friday. The state lost a U.S. House seat because of population declines. Said Kinzinger: I have proudly served six terms in the U.S. House and it has been an honor to do so. Following the release of the new congressional maps for Illinois, my team and I will spend some time looking them over and reviewing all of the options, including those outside the House." READ MORE HERE Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Illinois Democrats on Friday unveiled their first draft of proposed new congressional boundaries, a plan aimed at increasing their advantage over Republicans in a downsized delegation. The proposed map draws 17 congressional districts, down from 18 due to population shifts in the 2020 federal census. Census results showed that for the first time ever, Illinois lost population statewide. The current congressional delegation is made up of 13 Democrats and five Republicans. With the House currently split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, Democrats including the partys national campaign committee had pressed Illinois party leader to draw a map that offered the best opportunity to pick up seats. Though more progressive Democrats argued for a map that could elect 15 Democrats and leave only two Republicans, Democratic leaders said privately they sided on a plan to ensure a more likely outcome of 14 Democrats and three Republicans. The map would put Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Channahon, an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and his continued leadership of the national GOP, and first-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Newman of La Grange into the same district, one with a heavily Democratic tilt. Kinzinger has said he intends to seek reelection to Congress rather than run for another office. Several potential GOP primary challengers who have pledged their allegiance to Trump have surfaced. The map also pits freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Oakland against four-term GOP U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria in a heavily Republican district. Miller has been an outspoken and controversial conservative who has aligned herself with the far right movement in the Republican Party. LaHood, who also has backed Trump, also is strongly conservative. The map would put Republican U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis of Taylorville and Mike Bost of Murphysboro into their own districts, though Davis district would lean Democratic. Davis, a five-term congressman, has said his political future would depend on the map they produced by Democrats. Davis has been exploring a potential run for the Republican nomination for governor to challenge first-term Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker if he believed his new district was unwinnable. Despite calls from Latino voting rights activists for a second Latino-majority district, the plan keeps only one. Democrats are expected to adopt a new congressional map during their scheduled six-day fall session that begins on Tuesday. Democrats control the Illinois House and Senate as well as the governors office and can dictate the new map without any Republican input. The party did this earlier this year with the adoption of new state legislative boundaries. But it is also likely the congressional map could undergo some slight changes before it is finally approved. Regardless, redistricting and reapportionment maps, part of the once-every-decade process of drawing new political boundaries following the federal census, traditionally are subject to legal challenges over federal and state voting rights laws and issues of ethnic and racial fairness. Such is the case with the states legislative maps, which are under a federal court challenge from the states Republicans as well as the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Illinois House Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, a Cicero Democrat who chairs the chambers redistricting panel, called the plan an excellent first draft that amplifies diverse voices and gives every person in our state a say in government. Illinois state Sen. Elgie Sims of Chicago, the Democrat who chairs that chambers remap panel, said the proposed map is an effort to ensure every community across our state receives fair and equal representation in Washington. Each chambers redistricting panels has scheduled a Wednesday hearing on the new map with other hearings planned before a final vote, likely at the end of the legislatures six-day session. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office A 26-year-old Orangeburg man collapsed following an assault in his apartment around 11 p.m. Thursday, according to a sheriffs office incident report. A deputy described the mans injuries as, serious and potentially life threatening. The incident took place at Roosevelt Gardens apartments, located on Representative Circle, where the injured man lives. The incident started as the man was sitting in a chair in his apartment, which he shares with a woman and her boyfriend. A male guest was also present. The mans mother claims the male guest attacked and brutally beat her son. The woman and her boyfriend immediately fled the apartment, leaving the injured man alone, according to the report. The injured man, with a towel wrapped around his head, exited the apartment and stumbled near another unit before he collapsed on the pavement, a deputy wrote. A neighbor notified the injured mans mother and transported him to the Regional Medical Center in a personal vehicle. Deputies attempted to gather information from the injured man while he was at RMC, but he wasnt able to speak clearly. Deputies dont yet know what weapon was used against the man, but it is assumed that it was some kind of blunt object, the report states. Medics transported the injured man to a Columbia-area trauma hospital. In other reports: Someone bit off part of a Cordova mans ear during an altercation just before 2 a.m. Friday. A deputy found the piece of ear in the front yard, the report states. The injured man said that a female and two males came into his Joree Drive yard. He claimed one of the males punched the female in her face and almost knocked her onto the porch. The Cordova man then went down the stairs to assist the female. He claims the two men assaulted him and one of them bit off a large piece of his left ear, the report states. The injured man said the assault stemmed from a false allegation another female made about him and the woman who was in his yard. Orangeburg County EMS transported the injured man to RMC. Someone broke into a Holly Hill business and stole money from a safe. The operations manager of Converse Logistics Group, located at 1949 Gardner Boulevard, reported the theft just before 7 a.m. Thursday. Someone stole a Tractor Supply Co. 5-foot-by-8-foot trailer along with a tri-ball trailer hitch from a Columbia Road residence in Orangeburg. The owner reported the theft on Thursday. The trailer and hitch are valued at $950. The following firearms were stolen from a Foliage Street residence in Bowman at some point during the past five weeks: a 9mm KeltecP11 pistol, a .380-caliber Bernadelli Interarms pistol and a Stevens shotgun. The homeowner reported the theft on Thursday night. The value of the firearms is $800. Contact the writer: mbrown@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5545. Follow on Twitter: @MRBrownTandD Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 4 Sad 0 Angry 3 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The nation continues to track progress in finding out exactly how things went so badly in Afghanistan and what is still happening. President Joe Bidens discredited statement that the mission in Afghanistan was an extraordinary success summed up what has taken shape as the administrations final position. He was speaking only of the evacuation, but his administration has seemingly taken that statement as guidance as to how to address the inconvenient Afghanistan issue in the future. We have learned a few things of late. We heard the unequivocal answer to the central question surrounding the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. Did the senior military leaders agree with the president on leaving no forces on the ground from a date certain? We heard the answer repeatedly in Senate and House hearings that included Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Army Gen. Mark Milley, and Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie on September 28 and 29, respectively. Its clear Biden was not truthful on any level with respect to leaving Afghanistan during his interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC August 18. All recommended leaving a residual force of about 2,500. The transcript reads as follows: STEPHANOPOULOS: So no one told your military advisers did not tell you, No, we should just keep 2,500 troops. Its been a stable situation for the last several years. We can do that. We can continue to do that? BIDEN: No. No one said that to me that I can recall. His answer could have been that he heard the advice given yet decided to go another way. He chose instead to create a fiction that all involved senior military advisors were on board with his vision. They were not. None of them were. We also learned Bidens claim that Al-Qaeda is no longer in Afghanistan is just not true. According to CNN, which is clearly sympathetic to the administration, Bidens claim that al Qaeda is gone from Afghanistan is false. Equally clear is that the president is ready to move on. Administration officials seem actively dedicated to that cause and appear in resist mode against attempts by lawmakers of both political parties to get answers to basic questions. CNN reported days just before the Austin, Milley, McKenzie hearings (m)ultiple lawmakers angrily stormed out of a classified briefing with members of the Biden administration, due to unacceptable answers to their questions. The Afghanistan story is not all in the past for the U.S. or its allies. At the Senate hearing both Austin and McKenzie were asked, curiously briefly, and without elaboration, about the plight of women and girls, something highlighted by the four administrations that oversaw the war. There were numerous occasions for extolling U.S./Allied forces helping women emerge from Taliban mistreatment and achieving strides in education during the 20-year conflict. Their responses were Washington-speak non-answers. Both muttered nonsensical responses, saying only that we must now use economic levers, to help ensure gains made. It is obvious that whatever advancements were made are lost. Now protests to allow girls into school are being harshly put down in some places. We can expect that measures to squash future protests will be met with stronger and stronger responses. Its doubtful many Afghan women take any comfort from the U.S. pledge that it will continue to support Afghan women and girls. Turning to Afghan evacuees, they are spread throughout U.S. communities, U.S. military bases and overseas U.S. bases. As of Sept. 30, (m)ore than 2,600 Afghan evacuees have resettled in the United States while about 53,000 await processing at military bases in the United States(and)(a)n additional 14,000 evacuees at overseas staging bases are still awaiting flights to the U.S The most contentious issue remains how many U.S. citizens are still stranded in Afghanistan. The vague number of about 100 continues as evacuations continue. It is not obvious that U.S. officials really know. The Afghanistan story is not over no matter how much Biden wants it to be. James Hutton is a former assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 This subscription will allow existing subscribers of The World to access all of our online content, including the E-Editions area. NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please email us at admin@countrymedia.net or call us at 1-541 266 6047. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Here BEIRUT At least seven people were killed and dozens wounded on Thursday when violence erupted during a protest staged in front of the Justice Palace in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. The rally was organized by the Amal Movement and Hezbollah to demand that Tarek Bitar, the judge leading the investigation into last years monster blast at the Beirut port, be removed. The ensuing street violence was reminiscent of the 197590 Civil War, which involved several of the same players. Who exactly was involved in Thursdays flare-up? Amal Movement The Shiite movement that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has headed since 1980 is a political party but it also has a militia that was a major player in the Civil War and was the most visible armed force on Thursday. Hundreds of Amal fighters poured into the streets of its Chiyah bastion, firing assault rifles and RPGs toward the Christian stronghold of Ain al-Rummaneh. Among the most senior officials summoned by Bitar as part of his probe into the Aug. 4, 2020, explosion are two former Amal ministers. At least three of those killed on Thursday were Amal members. Hezbollah The Shiite group is a political party with significant representation in Parliament as well as a powerful militia backed by Iran, which has used it as a proxy for external operations across the region. Often described as a state within the state, it was the only group to keep its arsenal after the war, arguing that it was the best rampart against Israel, a premise that now divides the political class. Hassan Nasrallah, the movement's leader since 1992, unleashed a strident attack against Bitar on Monday, accusing him of political bias and demanding he be replaced. Hezbollah fighters were seen on the streets taking part in the fighting on Thursday, albeit in smaller numbers than Amal. Lebanese Forces The Christian group headed by Samir Geagea since 1986 was a key player in the Civil War. It morphed into a political party, and its leader is the only one who served jail time after the war, but it has retained a militia in its strongholds in suburban Beirut and the north of the country. Hezbollah accused the Lebanese Forces, which supports the port investigation, of being responsible for deadly sniper fire against anti-Bitar protesters that ignited Thursdays chaos. The LF issued a statement strenuously denying the accusation, and no Christian militiamen were seen on the streets during the violence. Lebanese Army The army deployed heavily when the violence broke out, blocking the streets around the flashpoint area of Tayyouneh. It did nothing to disarm or push back the militiamen who deployed en masse, with RPG and rifle fire zipping above its patrols. The army conducted searches in Ain al-Rummaneh buildings to track down snipers and announced nine arrests late Thursday, but the identity of the first shooter remains a mystery. GILLETTE A federal jury in Cheyenne returned guilty verdicts against three men related to a stock fraud involving NuTech Energy Resources Inc., a company that claimed to operate coalbed-methane wells in Wyoming. Justin Herman, 50, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and Charles Chuck Winters Jr., 61, of Bradenton, Florida, were convicted of fraud and identity theft crimes, said Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray. Attorney Ian Horn, 67, of Brandon, Florida, was acquitted of the charged fraud crimes but convicted of making a false statement to the grand jury. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Herman and Winters conspired with Robert Bob Mitchell, who pleaded guilty earlier this year, to pump and dump NuTech stock. A pump and dump is a form of securities fraud where the conspirators manipulate demand for a stock and the stocks price, and then sell their worthless shares of the stock to the public at the artificially high price. In this case, the conspirators bought control of a publicly traded shell company called EcoEmissions Solutions Inc. and changed the companys name to NuTech Energy Resources, whose stock was sold under the ticker symbol NERG, according to Murray. The conspirators released information online to create a false image for NuTech as a company located in Gillette that was operating gas wells in Wyoming using a patented technology. In reality, NuTech had no business, no revenue, and no paid employees in Wyoming or elsewhere. As part of the conspiracy, Herman and Winters used altered, backdated and forged documents to acquire 13 billion free-trading shares of NuTech common stock. The conspirators then artificially inflated the market price of NuTech common stock by manipulative trading and by releasing to the public false and misleading information about NuTechs business prospect, Murray said. When the market price increased based on that false information, the conspirators turned around and sold their worthless NuTech shares to unwitting investors in the public market, including investors in Wyoming and around the world. Ian Horn is a Florida-licensed attorney. As part of the investigation, Horn was subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury in January 2019 because his name appeared on documents related to NuTech and because the money used by Mitchell and Herman to buy control of EcoEmissions was transferred through Horns bank accounts, Murray said. The jury found that Horn lied during his grand jury testimony about NuTech-related email communications that he falsely claimed he had lost and could not access even though he still had access to his email and was forwarding relevant email messages to Herman in December 2018. Herman and Winters were each found guilty of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and multiple counts of aggravated identity theft. Herman faces a mandatory two-year prison sentence and could be sentenced to a maximum of 53 years in prison. Winters also faces a mandatory two-year prison sentence and could be sentenced to a maximum of 49 years in prison. Horn was found guilty of making a false statement to the grand jury and could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson in Cheyenne on Jan. 5. Bob Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced by Johnson on Oct. 15. Mitchell could be sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in prison. These convictions are the direct result of a diligent investigation by a hardworking postal inspector and our partners at the Department of Interior Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Wyoming, said Ruth Mendonca, inspector in charge of the Denver Division, which includes Wyoming. Working together, their perseverance unraveled the defendants complex scheme to defraud over 2,300 victims and delivered the justice that each victim deserved, Mendoca said. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Interiors Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Heimann and Thomas Szott prosecuted the defendants. The Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority assisted in the investigation and prosecution. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 University of Wyoming administrators have published the latest recommendations for restructuring the states sole public four-year university, amended with input from faculty and college deans. The reorganization, combined with layoffs and across-the-board cuts elsewhere are meant to save the university more than $13 million as plans for future spending come into focus. Administrators have frequently said the university cannot continue with status quo budget cuts and no other changes if it hopes to grow as an organization and assist with economic development statewide. The universitys new provost, Kevin Carman, has led the efforts since joining the institution early this summer. He worked with 11 review committees, plus five additional committees led by college deans to author the latest plan, he explained in a Tuesday memo to President Ed Seidel. This has been a difficult and unsettling process for the university and many of our stakeholders, but the feedback and discussions have been extremely valuable to arrive at the best possible plan for UW, Carman said in a separate release issued Wednesday. He hopes to have final recommendations to the university trustees by Nov. 1, and for a vote to be held at that bodys subsequent meeting, Nov. 17-19. Implementation of most of the proposed reorganizations will require substantial additional thought and planning and we anticipate establishing several ad hoc committees to flesh out implementation plans, Carman wrote in the memo to Seidel. The new recommendations outline a similar but slightly altered plan for reorganizing the university. The restructuring would go as follows; the College of Engineering and Applied Science would become the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. It would absorb some departments from the current College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources would become the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, absorbing several departments from Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences would become the College of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, bringing UW in line with the way many universities organize those disciplines, the university release states. Previously, departments of chemical engineering and chemistry would have been merged, but are now suggested to remain separate departments within a new college focused on Engineering and Physical Sciences. The Department of Agriculture and applied economics would not be moved into the College of Business, but instead will live in the new College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Departments in computer science and electrical and computer engineering, which previously would have been eliminated, would instead be consolidated as one department. The Department of Geology and Geophysics, too, will remain its own department in the Physical Sciences college. It was previously suggested for downsizing. Some specific degree programs that had been on a list for elimination would be saved under the new recommendations. Those include bachelors degrees in German and French, and in Spanish, German and French secondary education. Masters degrees in political science, international studies and architectural engineering would also remain, as would graduate degrees in entomology. Beyond the proposed cuts and changes, trustees have green lit proposals to launch, among other things, an innovation network and a new school of computing. Seidel has acknowledged the university will need outside investments, namely from corporate partners, to make those plans a reality. For now, the institution is using American Rescue Plan Act dollars to get those initiatives off the ground. The changes, which could see up to 75 employees laid off, combined with across-the-board academic and non-academic cuts would save the university just over $13.6 million. (Details on where exactly that money will come from are outlined in a frequently asked questions page on the universitys website.) Carman in his Tuesday memo acknowledges that the reorganization itself will not account for the bulk of the needed cuts. It is important to remember that while the proposed reorganizations were catalyzed by the necessity of implementing further budget reductions, the proposed reorganizations will not yield substantial budget reductions per se, the memo reads. Rather, the proposed reorganizations are intended to position UW for a strong future as it fulfills its tripartite land-grant mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. The memo continues to outline recommendations from the previously mentioned committees, and then Carmans recommendations in light of the committee work. Carman, who joined the university in June, does not always honor suggestions from those committees in his final recommendations. The memos tone often jumps from appreciation of committees whose work aligns with the initial plan, to frustration with those that do not. For example, in response to recommendations from a committee reviewing agricultural and economics programs in the College of Business, Carman wrote that he disagreed with the committee but, a well-organized propaganda campaign successfully created confusion and misunderstanding among a broad range of external stakeholders. It became obvious that the benefits of a consolidation would be more than offset by the angst it would create. (That full memo, as well as the complete list of programs and departments recommended for changes or elimination is available to download from the online version of this article.) The university has added pages on its website dedicated to information on the restructuring process. They include procedural outlines, specifics on administrative regulations, admissions data for programs being discontinued, budget summaries and a detailed frequently asked questions page. The public, faculty staff and anyone else with an opinion on the recommendations can respond to an online survey posted to the Academic Affairs web page. The survey is set to expire Oct. 27. The public can also send questions about the process to progrevw@uwyo.edu. Follow health and education reporter Morgan Hughes on Twitter @m0rgan_hughes Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. 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? In 1910, Julia Lowell uses the room to satisfy the men of Bisbee, which is not by her choice. She is being held in the room and forced to service the men in town. In 2010, Addison Moore, seeking to heal from the recent passing of her grandmother, checks into Room 315 and is haunted by Julias ghost, which roams the room and recounts her brutal existence at the hotel and her violent death. The story, which has some disturbing scenes of violence although they are tame by todays Hollywood standards and some sexual innuendo, is one of redemption, connection and friendship. All of the action takes place in Room 315, which Pineiro created in the 5,500-square-foot Black Box theater. The goal, she said, was to maintain the dramatic and theatrical feel in the film version. We never wanted to lose sight that we were taking a theatrical approach to the film, said the Puerto Rico-based Manich, a veteran opera stage director who has dabbled in film shorts but had never made a feature film before The Copper Queen. In the film we actually ended up using some theatrical devices that we would have done on stage. The Copper Queen is not the first opera to be made into a movie. That credit goes to Italian-American opera composer Gian Carlo Menotti, whose 1951 film The Medium was the first known feature-length movie based on an opera. Did you notice? Yes, the days are getting shorter, the nights longer and the temperature is dipping. Just in time comes a simple recipe for classic French pot roast to enjoy on a chilly night. Like our American pot roast, this dish differs in a specific way. Whats the difference? Usually, water or broth is used instead of wine to slowly braise the meat, and often root vegetables are cooked with the classic Yankee pot roast. In this recipe, wine is used as the braising liquid. As with any slowly braised dish, this pot roast will benefit greatly in flavor if left to cool, refrigerated overnight, and gently reheated before serving. This also makes it easier to remove any excess fat. While you can cook it over the stove, I prefer to cook it in the oven to regulate the heat and evenly cook it. While this is traditionally prepared with boneless beef chuck or the bottom round, I use brisket because I find it gives the most tender and flavorful result. The wine, vinegar and dried mushrooms help to develop an aromatic savory sauce. Similar to the French Daube, this meltingly tender roast can be accompanied by some egg noodles tossed with defrosted petit pois, a little butter and some fresh chives. Or try it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed spinach. The goal post set today will continue to be moved in a direction away from personal liberties, Leach said in a news release. This is very disconcerting; I support all challenges to overturn these unacceptable federal mandates. The United Campus Workers of Arizona, a union that formed last year in the wake of COVID-19-related furloughs, however, was pleased with Fridays news. The union, which has an active local chapter at the UA, has advocated for stronger COVID-19 protections including vaccine and testing mandates for students and workers, hazard pay and more flexible working conditions since the campus in Tucson reopened at full capacity this semester for the first time since the pandemic began. The UA, as well as NAU and ASU, found a loophole in the states ban on mask mandates back in the summer, and all three campuses require masks be worn indoors when social distancing is not possible. Maricopa County election officials produced a report that disputed the findings and explained the apparent discrepancies, saying that Cyber Ninjas, which has never done an audit before, clearly did not understand Arizona election laws. All that is relevant here, the judge said, as voters attempt to reach their own conclusions. The public has a right to know the basis for these conclusions and findings and to challenge and scrutinize those findings, Kemp said. The public has a right to know how the audit was done, who paid for it and how much was paid, he continued. The public also has a right to know the identity of any political organizations who financed the audit. That is relevant because even Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan acknowledged that the $150,000 Senate contract did not begin to cover his costs. He released a list of organizations that provided another $5.8 million, most of them with ties to Trump or his allies. But Logan would not detail who contributed to those organizations. The clubs attorney Thomas Basile does not dispute that the Arizona Constitution allows voters to decide for themselves whether they do or do not like what their elected lawmakers approved. All they need do is gather the requisite number of signatures within 90 days currently 118,823 to block enforcement until the next general election. But Basile said that right does not extend to measures for the support and maintenance of the department of state government and state institutions. And since these measures involve taxes, he contends, they are beyond the reach of voters to put on the ballot. Gaona said theres a big flaw in that argument. He said nothing in the referendum actually impairs the ability of the state to operate or denies it the revenues needed. In fact, Gaona said, the reverse is true: If the referendum succeeds, it actually will leave the state with more money than it needs. That means that anything the petition drive seeks to delay and eventually get voters to reject would not impair the ability of the state to support and maintain state government and state institutions, he told the judge. That fact, he argues, is what makes this case different from one cited by Basile. A cosmetic and not a medication, Vellas pleasure serum is being sold online nationwide at high-end retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. It also is available in various OB-GYN clinician offices across the country and in stores in New York, Chicago and Beverly Hills. She is working to land an outlet in Tulsa (the closest venue to date is Cos Bar in Dallas). Not many women are going to walk into a store and tell a sales rep, Hey, I have a hard time trying to have an orgasm, said Wheeler, whose companys headquarters is downtown. Thats not a conversation thats going to take place. So, online makes sense. But that said, they do want to bring it into their stores. They are trying to figure it out. Vella had a bicoastal genesis. Padma-Nathan said he was at medical conference in Los Angeles in 2018 when he first met Wheeler friend Nial DeMena and Michael Frid, who were CEO and chief scientific officer, respectively, at Manna Molecular Science, a Boston-based cannabis biotech for which Wheeler worked remotely in Tulsa. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has vacated the convictions and life prison sentence of a Tulsa man who was convicted of six counts of child abuse by injury after he challenged the states jurisdiction to prosecute him. The appellate court ruled Thursday that Oklahoma did not have jurisdiction when it prosecuted Robert Taylor Bragg, 35, in connection with the 2014 abuse of an infant relative. The appellate court said its decision will become final in 20 days to give state officials time to challenge the ruling and/or for federal officials to consider filing charges of their own. As of Friday, no federal charges had been filed against Bragg. However, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office issued a brief statement after the ruling. The U.S. Attorneys Office is aware of Mr. Braggs case and of todays ruling by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, the spokeswoman said. The U.S. Attorneys Office typically doesnt comment on cases until a federal indictment or charge has been made public. At one point in the day, Boll and the woman left to go to a store. While they were gone, witnesses say (Velasco) showed up to Bolls house and attempted to break in the front door with an ax, according to court documents. Boll reportedly fired two gunshots into the air as a warning during one of the disturbances. Velasco reportedly told Boll he was going to get his and left the scene, according to court records. When Velasco returned about 6 p.m. that day, he reportedly argued with the woman in the backyard over a bike, and a physical struggle over it ensued. Boll fired several shots at the man, striking him multiple times. Boll maintained later that he had a right to defend himself and the woman, but admitted to defending himself unlawfully. Prosecutors urged a prison sentence of five years, followed by three years of supervised release, recalling a quote from one grand jury witness who said Boll distributed methamphetamine to half the hood. A state appellate court on Thursday rejected the appeal of a death-row inmate convicted in a 2005 Owasso triple murder. At a Tulsa County trial in 2008, Clarence Rozell Goode Jr. had received three death sentences for the shooting deaths of Kayla Burchett, 10, a Collinsville fifth-grader; her mother, Tara Burchett-Thompson, 25; and Burchett-Thompsons husband, Mitch Thompson, 28. Their bodies were found Aug. 26, 2005, at the slain couples Owasso home. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed Goodes third subsequent application for post-conviction relief, finding that it did not qualify for relief under its interpretation of the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt ruling dealing with state criminal jurisdiction over Native Americans. Goode claimed in his appeal that Oklahoma did not have jurisdiction to prosecute him under the McGirt ruling because he is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. But the appellate court rejected his application, citing its prior ruling in another case that McGirt would not be retroactively applied to void a state conviction that was already final when the landmark decision was announced in July 2020. Bells Amusement Park closed in 2006. It was on this day that year that the parks lease at the fairgrounds was not renewed by the Tulsa Count Please log in to keep reading. Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Squirrel reportedly told investigators that Rose picked him up in Claremore on the night of Oct. 8 and that they they then picked up Weaver and drove to Lindsays house. When they got there, either late Oct. 8 or early Oct. 9, Rose and Weaver told Squirrel to stay in the car because they had to handle business, according to the affidavit. Squirrel told investigators he watched from the car as the two men got out of the vehicle and Weaver started to choke Lindsay from behind while Rose started to strike him, the document says. Rose and Weaver changed clothes before getting back into the vehicle, where they told Squirrel that if he said anything to anyone, they would kill him and his whole family, the affidavit alleges. Squirrel told investigators they went to Lindsays house because Lindsay owed Rose money for an ounce of ICE, a common term for methamphetamine, and Rose intended to get his money, according to the affidavit. Weaver and Squirrel were booked into the Tulsa County jail on Tuesday and remain there on a hold for the FBI, according to jail records. OKLAHOMA CITY Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a video released Thursday that President Joe Bidens executive order mandating COVID-19 vaccinations is unconstitutional. Biden in September outlined rules that employers with 100 or more workers must require coronavirus vaccinations for their employees or institute weekly virus testing. Under Bidens order, the millions who work as employees of the executive branch and contractors who do business with the federal government wont have the option to get tested instead of taking the vaccine. The order also requires large companies to provide paid time off for vaccination. Stitt said Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnor is ready to respond with court action once the rules go into effect. I dont believe it is the governments job to dictate polices to private companies, Stitt said in the video. No rules currently require employers to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for employees, OConnor said in a statement released just after Stitts video. What is particularly concerning is a shrinking number of people remember what governing looked like before the 1990s. And a growing chunk of the electorate millennial and Gen Z voters has never known anything but the combative political struggles we toil under now. This type of blueprint for achieving power informs the decisions todays leaders make. Rather than run a conventional campaign in 2016, Trump chose the path of the disrupter. His tactics were decidedly and wildly different than his GOP rivals. Plenty of people were repulsed by his campaign, but many others took notes, especially after Trump knocked off every challenger. Fault Trump if you will, but his style produced energy not seen in his competitors campaigns, and energy is what ambitious politicians covet. That carried over into governing; comity was out, combat was in. Before Trump, there was Ted Cruz. The Texas senator vaulted himself into prominence not by feat of legislative prowess, but by using debt ceiling votes once a matter of technocratic routine to force government shutdowns. The shutdowns themselves achieved nothing, but everyone knows who Cruz is now. Notoriety, rather than accomplishment, became the trophy, even if it flirted with economic brinksmanship. The anti-higher education leanings are shown in complaints about too many degrees in areas they dont like or understand, like art, European studies or philosophy. Too many think only engineering, business, agriculture, law and medical fields are worthy of further study. Or, they start bashing what they think is going on in college classrooms, like critical race theory, without actually going into one. In the 1980s, Oklahoma paid about 40% of the budgets for its two flagship universities, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Now, its at less than 10%. In 1985, OU and OSU ranked as one of the 10 lowest in tuition and fees in the nation, at about $19.30 per credit hour and $22.60 per credit hour for upper-division courses. That year, OU students paid an average of $858 a semester for 15 credit hours of undergraduate tuition and fees. It was $828 at OSU. Today, in-state OU students pay about $6,605.75 per semester in tuition and fees, and OSU averages to about $6,960 per semester, according to their websites. Thats about a 700% increase. Those do not include housing, books or meal plans, which make up the bigger portion of a students cost. Oklahoma State Universitys Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa has become a hub to eliminate gaps in health outcomes for members of tribal nations. A $1 million federal grant to create the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity is the latest measure to address the health disparities in Indigenous people. This comes a year after OSU-CHS opened a teaching hospital in Tahlequah with the Cherokee Nation for the first medical school in the U.S. affiliated with a native tribe. The university also houses the Center for Indigenous Health and Research Policy. American Indian and Alaska Native people have higher rates of chronic diseases leading to early death. The leading causes of death are heart disease, cancer, diabetes and unintentional injuries, according to the Indian Health Service. Their life expectancy is 5.5 years less than those of other races. Some disparities are vast. Diabetes affects about 20.8 people out of 100,000 living in the U.S., compared to a rate of 66 for Indigenous people. Chronic liver disease affects 9.4 out of 100,000 U.S. residents, compared to a rate of 42.9 for citizens of tribal nations. A 19-year-old man in Vietnam has been sentenced to death for murdering and robbing his own mother last year. The Peoples Court of south-central Phu Yen Province on Thursday conducted the trial of Nguyen Lam, 19, and D.P.C., 15, both charged with murder and robbery. The indictment showed that Lam needed money to pay his rent so he planned on murdering his mother 55-year-old T.T.T.L. to take her money. At around 6:00 am on October 12, 2020, Lam and C. visited his mothers house. After seeing Lam, his mother scolded him for leaving her and then went into the bathroom to brush her teeth. Lam followed his mother into the bathroom and used a knife to stab her several times. He and C. then used a rope to strangle the victim to death. The two took her cash, mobile phone, and a pair of gold earrings worth a total of nearly VND3.8 million (US$167). Lam and C. sold the earrings and used the money to pay rent and buy some items. They were arrested in Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province at 6:00 pm the same day. At the trial, Lam pled guilty, asking the court to spare him the death penalty so that he could take care of his father. However, the jury agreed that Lam had murder his mother in cold blood, adding that the action was barbaric, cruel, and inhumane. Lam was thus sentenced to death for murder along with a five-year jail term for robbery. C. was sentenced to 10 years in prison for murder and two years behind bars for robbery as the defendant was only 14 years old when he committed the crime. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams central hub Da Nang City has decided to resume most businesses given COVID-19 adaptation, except beauty and recreational activities, after two weeks of no new community coronavirus infections. Such resumption will be announced in a decision expected to be issued by local authorities on Friday, going in tandem with the central governments guidance on safe adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic in new normal conditions, or living safely with the coronavirus. The new loosening, which is scheduled to take effect from Saturday, follows the previous easing having been applied by the city since September 30, from which the city has recorded no new COVID-19 cases. From October 16, the city will resume almost all operations, except those of beauty salons, discos, massage parlors, bars, pubs, karaoke shops, and some others, said Ngo Thi Kim Yen, deputy chairwoman of the Da Nang administration. Upon reopening, all establishments, including dine-in restaurants, are required to put in place a specific plan for epidemic prevention and control while complying with the Ministry of Healths relevant regulations. They must also meet such strict requirements as operating at less than 50 percent of capacity or gathering no more than 40 people, Yen said. All 56 wards and communes of Da Nang have become 'green zones,' meaning areas with no known community COVID-19 cases, the local administration reported. One of the localities with the highest vaccination rates in the country, Da Nang has targeted to administer a COVID-19 vaccine dose to all residents aged 18 and older by October 25, according to the Vietnam Government Portal. The coastal city will strive to complete the coverage of second shots for all people in this age group by the end of this year, the citys Party chief Nguyen Van Quang said at a conference on Tuesday. As one of the first three localities selected by the health ministry for immunization of children aged 12 to 17, Da Nang will effectively organize the assigned vaccination drive according to the ministrys guidance, Quang said. The city, whose population is nearly 1.2 million, had administered some 821,000 first shots and more than 121,000 second jabs to its residents aged 18 and older by Thursday, according to the national COVID-19 vaccination portal. Since the pandemic hit the country in early 2020, Da Nang has documented 5,434 COVID-19 cases, including 104 deaths, the ministrys data shows. Nationwide, 853,842 infections have so far been recorded, including 788,005 recoveries and 20,950 fatalities, in 62 out of the countrys 63 cities and provinces, except Cao Bang. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ho Chi Minh City may not be able to bring life back to a 'new normal' by November despite the recent optimistic signs in COVID-19 control efforts, according to chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Phan Van Mai. The central government has issued Resolution 128 on flexible and safe adaptation to COVID-19 as well as effective control over the pandemic, chairman Mai told the press on Thursday morning. Ho Chi Minh City will set up a working group consisting of officials and experts to access the pandemic situation in the metropolis. A meeting will also be organized to review pandemic prevention and control efforts as well as implement plans on socio-economic recovery in accordance with Resolution 128. The city must first evaluate its risk level based on the governments guidance and determine activities allowed to resume in the coming time, the chairman continued. Competent authorities will then make necessary adjustments to the operation criteria for each sector. From the experience of many countries, COVID-19 developments are almost unpredictable, Mai stated. Although the city has recently achieved positive results in the fight against COVID-19, it is still unsure whether these results are sustainable. We cannot predict exactly when the city will return to a 'new normal' as this depends largely on the local pandemic control efforts, the official remarked. Even if the pandemic situation progresses in a favorable direction, Ho Chi Minh City may not be able to completely return to the 'new normal' by November. The operations of local businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and many other sectors have yet to make a full recovery, he elaborated. The chairman added that the municipal authorities may resume dine-in service on a trial basis at some venues that meet all safety conditions. We must make cautious steps, as a wrong move can erase all the achievements obtained, he said. Ho Chi Minh City has been the hardest-hit locality in the country since the fourth outbreak began on April 27 with over 414,744 local infections and over 16,000 fatalities. The city had imposed social distancing measures at various levels since May 31 before loosening multiple restrictions on October 1, as the majority of its adult population had been vaccinated with at least one dose. Daily infections have plummeted in recent times, with 909 cases recorded on Thursday compared to 4,372 patients reported on September 30, according to the Ministry of Health's data. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Japan has decided to donate to Vietnam an additional 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses, which are expected to be delivered when preparations are complete. The latest assistance was announced by Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi during a press conference on Friday morning. The 500,000 doses will bring Japans total vaccine donation to Vietnam to 4.08 million shots, according to the Embassy of Japan in Hanoi. The diplomatic agency praised Vietnams efforts in COVID-19 prevention and control, adding that Japan is one of the countries that donate the most vaccine doses to the Southeast Asian country. A shipment of 400,000 AstraZeneca jabs previously arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on September 25, it added. Japan is currently the third-largest vaccine donor in the world. During a virtual conference on COVID-19 response organized by the U.S. on September 22, former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged an additional 30 million vaccine doses to aid other countries, bringing Tokyos total vaccine donation to 60 million doses. Vietnam had documented 853,842 COVID-19 cases as of Friday afternoon, with 788,005 recoveries and 20,950 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. Over 57.4 million vaccine doses have been administered since inoculation was rolled out on March 8. More than 16.8 million people have been fully vaccinated. Health authorities target to inoculate at least two-thirds of a population of nearly 98 million people against COVID-19 by the first quarter of next year. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A fifth grader died after his phone exploded while connected to a charger during an online class in Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam on Thursday, Le Trung Son, a senior education official, confirmed later the same day. Son said local education officials visited and sent condolences to the family of the victim in Nghe Ans Nam Dan District following the accident. While N.V.Q., a fifth grader at Nam Anh Elementary School, was attending an online class from his home at around 4:00 pm on Thursday, the phone he was using for the class exploded and set fire to his clothes. The brand of the phone remains unreported. The phone was plugged in for charging at the time of the blast. Following the incident, Q.s neighbors ran to his house and rushed him to the hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Q.s was the second boy born to his poverty-stricken family. Police are investigating the case. Students in Nam Dan District returned to school three weeks ago but still attend online lessons once a week as the COVID-19 pandemic in the area has been put under control, according to Son. In Nghe An, fully online classes are only offered in Cua Lo Town and Vinh City, while the other 19 districts and towns have resumed in-person schooling. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Construction authorities in the southern Vietnamese province of Soc Trang have proposed the local administration allow the building of an electric crematorium for handling dead bodies of COVID-19 patients. The proposal came amid the increasing coronavirus infections following the throngs of people leaving virus-hit localities for their hometowns in Soc Trang since October 1, when the government began loosening restrictions to reactivate economic activities under 'new normal conditions,' a source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) on Thursday. The crematorium will be built at An Vien Thien Duong Cemetery in Chau Thanh District at a cost of some VND14.9 billion (US$656,000) for handling corpses of COVID-19 victims according to the heath sectors regulations, the proposal said. The crematory, which will be constructed with U.S. technology, will comprise a funeral service hall, a site for reception of dead bodies and delivery of ashes, an incinerator and auxiliary works, and employee rooms, among other facilities. Qualified and experienced contractors will be chosen to build and complete the crematorium within 60 days after approval by the Soc Trang administration, the provincial Department of Construction said in its proposal. The expenditure for the facility will come from the provinces budget, the agency added. Among the 40,000 people who have recently returned to Soc Trang, many have been found infected with COVID-19, local health authorities reported. The Mekong Delta province has taken measures to curb the coronavirus spread, but new infections have sharply increased in recent days. On October 13 alone, the province recorded 207 cases, of which 20 were detected through community screening. Currently, the province has 2,751 COVID-19 patients, of whom 1,506 are being treated at medical facilities, according to local health authorities. On October 9, the local administration approved a project to urgently transform the Ho Nuoc Ngot (Fresh Water Lake) Exhibition Center in the provincial capital of Soc Trang into a facility for centralized quarantine and treatment of COVID-19 patients. This facility will offer 500 beds upon completion and is expected to complete within 25 days at a cost of VND19.2 billion ($845,300) from the provincial coffers. Since the pandemic erupted in the country in early 2020, Soc Trang has documented 2,560 COVID-19 cases, including 23 deaths, the Ministry of Heath reported. Nationwide, the total patient number has reached 853,842, comprising 788,005 recoveries and 20,950 fatalities. The coronavirus has spread to 62 out of the countrys 63 cities and provinces, except for Cao Bang, where measures to prevent virus penetration have been strictly applied. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Ministry of Health recorded 3,797 new COVID-19 cases throughout Vietnam on Friday, together with 918 recoveries and 93 fatalities. The latest cases, including eight imported and 3,789 local infections, were logged in 47 provinces and cities, the Ministry of Health said, elucidating that 1,475 patients were detected in the community. Ho Chi Minh City registered 1,131 of the locally-infected cases, Dong Nai Province 586, Binh Duong Province 533, Soc Trang Province 414, An Giang Province 170, Ca Mau Province 168, Can Tho City 43, Khanh Hoa Province 28, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province 12, and Hanoi one. Vietnam had reported 4,147 domestically-acquired infections on Thursday. The country has confirmed 852,986 community transmissions in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth virus wave emerged on April 27. Ho Chi Minh City tops the table with 415,875 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 224,492, Dong Nai Province with 57,708, Long An Province with 33,541, Tien Giang Province with 14,844, Dong Thap Province with 9,015, Khanh Hoa Province with 8,399, Da Nang with 4,932, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province with 4,376, and Hanoi with 4,305. Vietnam recorded only 1,570 locally-transmitted infections in total in the previous three waves. The health ministry logged 918 recoveries on Friday, elevating the total to 788,923. The toll has increased to 21,043 deaths after the ministry documented 93 fatalities on the same day, including 61 in Ho Chi Minh City and 18 in Binh Duong Province. Vietnam has reported 857,639 patients since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it early last year. Health workers have administered over 59 million vaccine doses, including 1,311,040 shots on Thursday, since inoculation was rolled out on March 8. More than 17 million people have been fully vaccinated. Health authorities target to inoculate at least two-thirds of a population of nearly 98 million people against COVID-19 by the first quarter of next year. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! SBS has been recognised as one of Australia and New Zealands Most Innovative Companies, by the Australian Financial Review and Boss Magazine. Ranked third on the Media and Marketing list, SBS was the only media company to make the list (the rest were all Marketing), recognised for its multilingual digital services. SBS provides multiplatform services in more than 60 languages, becoming the first media service in Australia to offer in-language login and navigation on its streaming platform, SBS On Demand. A growing collection of SBS dramas, documentaries and current affairs offer subtitles in six languages. In 2020, SBS also launched the SBS Multilingual Coronavirus Portal to provide Australians with access to news, critical updates and information in 64 languages. Earlier this year, SBS also launched a dedicated Chinese-language digital service SBS (SBS Chinese). SBS Managing Director, James Taylor, said, As the most multilingual broadcaster in the world, including delivering news and content in more than 60 languages, the depth and breadth of SBSs services are unmatched, and were proud to be recognised as a leading industry innovator the only media organisation to be recognised in this way. Innovation is built into everything we do at SBS, from how we make, deliver and market our content, to how we build products, to the ways in which we engage with diverse audiences across our multiplatform offering. Today, through SBS, people can read the news in their own language, listen to podcasts and stream audio in their language, watch subtitled documentaries, dramas, current affairs as well as login to SBSs digital services in their language, all delivered in a way which considers the media habits and content preferences of different language communities. As digital consumption and linguistic diversity increase in Australia, SBSs distinctive role and unique services are more relevant than ever, and we will continue to deliver dedicated content and find innovative solutions to meet our audiences specific needs. The full 2021 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies Media and Marketing List can be viewed here. Queen Of The Hill: Texas Shooter Becomes First Woman To Win Two Mile Shoot By Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski,D.Min,MHSH For many people, the name of Taize evokes thoughts of music or a style of prayer. After all, the songs of the Taize community, founded by Brother Roger, are known for their simplicity and contemplative quality. This ecumenical movement spread far and wide from eastern France. The University of Dayton hosted aTaize experience over Memorial Day Weekend in 1992. Several thousand youth from across the United States and around the world flocked to campus. The event was coordinated by Dr. Mary Brown, from the Office of the Provost. Frericks Field House turned into a beautiful prayer space for five days. Walking around our UD campus, observing youth groups huddled over the scriptures in prayer and dialogue, created a comprehensive campus wide spiritual ambience. Something extraordinary permeated every inch of UDs atmosphere each day. During those days, I was fortunate, along with a few others, to encounter the spiritual wisdom, one on one, with Brother Roger. Ten years later, while teaching in Lyon, France, I decided to spend time with the Taize Community. The weeklong experience in silence, contemplative prayer, along with walks through the Taize French countryside, and encountering the Brothers deepened my appreciation for Taize prayer. Today, listening to Taize music enables me to distance myself from the days distractions, center myself, opening myself to a deeper communion with God. You too can experience Taize for beginning, or, advancing your spiritual journey. Sister Angela Ann is the Director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives and the VLCFF online, which offers three week($40) and five week($50) classes year-round. Go to VLCFF.UDayton.edu and click calendar to see the next start date. Fellowship Program Recognizes Members with Exceptional Contributions to Field The American Physical Society has elected associate professor of physics Claudia Ratti as one of its 2021 APS Fellows. This year, 155 fellows were selected. In her work, Ratti connects experimental data to her numerical simulations. She was chosen as Fellow for this and her outstanding contributions to understanding the thermodynamic properties of quantum chromodynamics matter. The organization recognizes its members who have made exceptional contributions to physics through research, important applications, leadership or service, or significant contributions to physics education. Its an incredible honor for me, because less than half of a percent of the APS population gets selected in a given year, said Ratti, faculty at the University of Houstons College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Its really something I was hoping to get, but I wasnt really expecting it. This was the first time I was nominated. I feel very grateful to the people who nominated me and chose me. Ratti was specifically chosen for her, outstanding contributions to understanding the thermodynamic properties of quantum chromodynamics matter and subsequent connecting lattice results with experimental data. One of Rattis collaborators, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor of physics Krishna Rajagopal, said there is no doubt Ratti is fully and richly deserving of the honor. I could easily give half a dozen examples of ways in which she has pulled together quantitative lattice QCD calculations, judiciously chosen model analyses, insights from experiments, and in some cases, quantitative connection to experimental data, to yield new understanding of the thermodynamic properties of QCD matter, Rajagopal said. She is essentially unique in this combination. Her approach is built upon scientific judgment, breadth of perspective, and judicious choices, as well as calculational power. She is also making a strong contribution to our field via her mentoring of students. Rattis combination of research accolades and dedication to mentoring also garnered the praise of UH Department of Physics Chair Kevin Bassler. He said the department was delighted to attract a young scientist of Rattis caliber to their faculty in 2014. She had already received numerous awards in Europe, including the Best Italian Physicist under 35. (Ratti) has exceeded all of our hopes, he said. Her research accomplishments continue to mount, and she has proven to be an excellent teacher, communicator, and mentor She communicates exceptionally well and consistently has among the highest student evaluations in our department Professor Ratti is very worthy of becoming a fellow of the American Physical Society. In 2019, Ratti became associate chair of the department. Bridging Experimental Data with Numerical Simulations Ratti researches the strong force, which is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. Specifically, she studies the phase transition to the quark-gluon plasma, which physicists believe made up the early universe, from hadrons such as protons and neutrons. The theory which describes the strong force is called quantum chromodynamics, said Ratti. What I do is solve the theory through numerical simulations on what we call a lattice. It is like a discretized version of space and time. Instead of having space and time on a continuum, you have discrete cells where the quarks and gluons live. By solving the theory numerically, she said, she brings out the thermodynamic properties of the theory. She then connects her lattice results to experimental data. For example, the research that experimental physics groups conduct is to collide energetic nuclei to recreate the temperature and density of the early universes quark-gluon plasma. There is the experimental data on one side, and there are my predictions and my quantities on the other, said Ratti. A large part of my activity is to build a bridge between the two, trying to find a way to compare what the experiment produces to what I calculated. She has published more than 80 papers that have received 8500+ citations. Regarding her mentorship work, Ratti simply says that it is just her style. She spends at least an hour a week with her graduate students individually, then two hours a week as a group. She also advises undergraduate students. I see their progress in the research, she said. Im really excited for them to achieve and publish. I want them to be as well-prepared as possible. For me, part of mentoring is to give them all the tools to really succeed and try to make them feel confident about themselves. - Rebeca Trejo, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Coronavirus infections are rising in children aged five to 17, according to new research. (Getty) Coronavirus cases rose exponentially among five to 17-year-olds in September following the return to schools, according to new research. The React-1 study, conducted by Imperial College London and Ipsos Mori between September 9 and September 27, showed that the infection rate is growing among the under-18s, and falling among those aged 18 to 54. But despite that, relatively few schoolchildren aged five to 17 have been vaccinated in the UK, though single doses are now being offered to those aged 12 years and over. The research comes amid warnings that vaccinations among children and young people are still too low. Dr Zubaida Haque, a member of Independent Sage, tweeted: "It has been *1 month* since Prof Chris Whitty, CMO, said that children aged 12-15 in Britain should get a first dose of #Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (over-riding JCVI's controversial decision to not recommend it), yet ONLY 12% of 12-15yos in England have been vaccinated. Why??" Read more: Driver charged with death of pedestrian he knocked down after he died from COVID in hospital She added: "Between Jan-April, we were vaccinating ~1million adults per week (much higher later on), but we appear to be significantly behind with teenagers. "In Scotland, they have vaxxed ~40% of teenagers already. The current rate of infections among teenagers in England is unacceptable." This is depressing. At a time when were should be trying to accelerate coverage of 12-15 year olds we are actually slowing down. https://t.co/y9TV1Mi2fz Kit Yates (@Kit_Yates_Maths) October 13, 2021 Kit Yates, Mathematical Biologist at the University of Bath, shared a graph showing that vaccination rates of young people had slowed down, writing: "This is depressing. At a time when were should be trying to accelerate coverage of 12-15 year olds we are actually slowing down." Story continues Earlier this week, ministers urged parents to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 amid concerns about the vaccination programme in secondary schools. It came after the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showed that around one in 15 children in school years seven to 11 in England are estimated to have had coronavirus in the week to October 2. Provisional data from the Governments coronavirus dashboard suggests that 11.7% of 12- to 15-year-olds in England have been vaccinated as of October 10, compared to 38.9% of 12- to 15-year-olds in Scotland. Researchers say it is important the vaccination programme maintains high coverage and reaches children and unvaccinated, or partially vaccinated adults, to reduce transmission and associated disruptions to work and education. Watch: COVID-19 cases surge among children after schools reopen Professor Paul Elliott, director of the React programme from Imperials 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. Concerns have also been raised over the risks of Long COVID in young people, with a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in September finding that as many as one in seven (14%) may still have symptoms 15 weeks later. The React-1 study, which involved more than 100,000 volunteers, also supports the need for vaccine boosters, with a higher prevalence of double jabbed people testing positive within three to six months of their vaccination. Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: These data demonstrate that while our vaccination programme continues to make a huge difference, the pandemic is not over. As we move towards winter, it is as important as ever that we continue to act responsibly in order to avoid transmission. Watch: Could astrologers have predicted the pandemic? Conservative MP Sir David Amess, who was stabbed to death on Friday, has been described as the kindest and nicest man in politics (AFP/Parliament UK) The killing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess is the latest of a number of attacks on MPs in their constituencies. His death has sparked renewed calls for a review of MPs security amid concern about the level of hostility towards politicians in the country. Although MPs and their staff have significant police protection while physically in Parliament, their constituency offices are often on high streets or in community centres and much less well protected. In June 2016, the country was rocked when 41-year-old Labour MP for Batley and Spen Jo Cox was killed in her constituency by a far-right supporter. Thomas Mair repeatedly shot and stabbed the mother-of-two as she headed into a constituency surgery. He shouted: This is for Britain, keep Britain independent, and Britain first, as he attacked her. Kim Leadbeater, Cox's sister who is now the MP for the same constituency, said after the shocking attack on Sir David that she felt frightened. Ms Leadbeater said: Totally shocked by what has happened to think that something so horrific could happen again to another MP, to another family. And scared and frightened a real rollercoaster of emotions." Vigils were held across the country after Labour MP Jo Cox was killed by a constituent in 2016 (PA) Despite Cox's tragic death, the past two years have seen multiple incidents involving MPs on the receiving end of physical and verbal abuse. In 2019, Labour MP Jess Phillips was subjected to death threats, while the then Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson said threats towards had been made towards her children. The former MP Anna Soubry was targeted by pro-Brexit campaigner James Goddard, who hurled abuse at the remain-supporting politician as she entered and left Parliament, calling her a Nazi and a traitor. In November the same year, a man was jailed after sending Soubry a letter saying he would murder her like Jo Cox. In May 2019, neo-Nazi activist Jack Renshaw was jailed for plotting to kill Labour MP Rosie Cooper. Labour's Lloyd Russell-Moyle was attacked in Brighton, again over Brexit,the same year. Story continues More recently, Rosie Duffield said she had to steer clear of the Labour Party conference following threats of violence from trans rights activists online. The constant tide of abuse and death threats was detailed by a former parliamentary assistant following the killing of Sir David. Jade Botterill, who worked for Labour MP Yvette Cooper between 2013 and 2019, said dealing with abuse directed towards her boss had left her suffering frequent nightmares and forced her to quit politics. Yvette Cooper. (EMPICS) She said: I would get in and all I would do is go on Facebook and report death threats and delete them. I reckon I reported over 1,000 death threats. I couldnt sleep. I would have these nightmares that I would be in the office with Yvette and someone would come up to her and kill her. Other serious incidents include one in January 2000 when Nigel Jones, then MP for Cheltenham, was severely injured when he was attacked in his offices by a man with a sword. Andrew Pennington, a Gloucestershire county councillor, was killed while trying to defend the then-MP. He was posthumously awarded the George Medal for bravery. The attacker, Robert Ashman, had been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and was deemed unfit to stand trial and was ordered to be detained indefinitely in a secure hospital. Liberal Democrat MP Nigel Jones was the victim of a sword attack in his constituency surgery in Cheltenham in 2000 (Barry Batchelor - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) Labour MP Stephen Timms was stabbed at his constituency office in east London in 2010 (REUTERS/Stephen Hird/Files) In May 2010, East Ham MP Stephen Timms was stabbed twice in the abdomen by Roshonara Choudhry, an Islamic extremist who claimed she had wanted to get revenge for the people of Iraq. Timms suffered serious injuries and according to police was extremely fortunate not to have been killed. He remains an MP. On Friday the Speaker of the House of Commons called for a review into MPs security in reaction to the death of Sir David. Paying tribute to the Tory MP for Southend West as a lovely man who built a reputation for kindness and generosity", Sir Lindsay Hoyle said discussions would take place on measures to better protect parliamentarians. I am shocked and deeply distressed by the killing of Sir David Amess, he said. David was a lovely man, devoted to his family, to Parliament and his Southend West constituency. He was well-liked by Members and the staff alike, and during his almost four decades here, built a reputation for kindness and generosity. This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country. In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs security and any measures to be taken, but for now, our thoughts and prayers are with Davids family, friends and colleagues. Watch: David Amess - Tributes paid to MP who was 'true gent' and 'friend to everyone' After just seven hours of play on Day 3 of Event #25: $5,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em, the official final table of six players has been reached. Leading the way into the final day of competition is Eric Tsai who bagged up a whopping 8,040,000 chips. Tsai was a bit of an unknown coming into the 2021 World Series of Poker, playing in the first series of his career. In the past few years, the majority of Tsai's tournament cashes have come in his home country of Taiwan. Tsai has already racked up two cashes at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino this fall, collecting payouts in Event #8: $600 Deepstack along with Event #13: $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em. Tsai mentioned after Day 3 that he has mostly been playing cards online over the past couple of years but what a moment it would be for him to capture his first WSOP gold bracelet in his very first appearance in Las Vegas. It won't be easy for the young lad as he will have five well-rounded players hot on his heels who have plenty of experience. Scott Ball finished the day second in chips with 7,820,000 after a massive cooler late in the day. Ball cracked Craig Mason's pocket aces with his own pocket queens when he spiked a queen on the flop. Mason was left with just five big blinds after the hand and was eliminated just moments later, bringing the field down to just six players. Ball will also be looking to add his first WSOP bracelet to his list of recent accomplishments. Jonathan Jaffe had a red-hot start to the day, quickly jumping out to the chip lead and holding on throughout. However, a downward spiral in the last level saw Jaffe close out Day 3 in third place with a stack of 6,170,000. Bin Weng (3,980,000), Galen Hall (2,245,000), and John Racener (1,950,000) round out the rest of the field. Hall and Racener already know the feeling of winning a WSOP bracelet and they will be looking to reach the top of the podium once again. Final Table Seating Assignments Seat Player Chip Count Country Big Blinds 1 Scott Ball United States 7,820,000 98 2 Galen Hall United States 2,245,000 28 3 Jonathan Jaffe United States 6,170,000 77 4 Bin Weng United States 3,980,000 50 5 Eric Tsai Taiwan 8,040,000 101 6 John Racener United States 1,950,000 24 There were 31 players that returned to the felt for Day 3 and the eliminations came fast and furious to kick things off. Some of the early bustouts included Matthew Wantman, Nacho Barbero, George Wolff, and Daniel Negreanu. Negreanu came into the day in the middle of the pack but struggled to win a pot in the early going. His exit came when he shoved with ace-eight and was called by Tsai's king-jack. A king on the turn left Negreanu drawing slim and the river sealed his fate. Other players to make their way to the payout desk before the final table included Ben Yu (20th place), Justin Liberto (16th place), Nick Petrangelo (13th place), and Vicent Bosca (9th place). The final six players will return to their seats at 4 p.m. local time on the main stage inside the Amazon Room where they will compete for the first-place prize of $562,667 and a World Series of Poker gold bracelet. They will be live-streamed on PokerGO on a slight delay. There will be just over 30 minutes left in level 26 with the blinds at 40,000/80,000 and a big blind ante of 80,000. Here's a look at the payouts for the final six positions: Place Payout 1 $562,667 2 $347,757 3 $234,781 4 $161,756 5 $113,775 6 $81,736 The PokerNews live reporting team will be on the tournament floor to bring you all of the updates on the way to crowning another WSOP champion. Dalibor Dula bested Cole Ferraro heads up to take down Event #22: $1,000 Freezeout No-Limit Holdem for $199,227 and his first WSOP bracelet as well as the biggest score of his career. It hasnt set in for me yet. I think in a week or so I will feel happy, right now I just feel shocked. Dula, who hails from the Czech Republic, had been playing poker for five years but came to his first WSOP this year and started with a cash in Event #4: $500 The Reunion for $1,540. With his win here today, he vaults himself into the top 100 all-time Czech Republic earners. The final table was a star-studded affair, with WSOP Circuit ring leader Maurice Hawkins and high stakes regular Maxx Coleman, but in the end it was the two relatively new faces battling heads up for the bracelet. Dula was all-in and at risk many times throughout the final table and during heads up. I was just so focused, " He said. "I did not really think about the flips. Once you are all in, it is out of your hands, you cant do anything to win that all in or lose it. The Czech Republic pro said that he would be playing the rest of the series as well as the World Series of Poker Europe, hoping to make deep runs in some more events. The tournament brought out 1,358 entrants to generate a prizepool of $1,208,620 and paid out 204 places. Action lasted two days with 38 total levels being played until a champion was crowned. Place Player Country Prize 1 Dalibor Dula Czech Republic $199,227 2 Cole Ferraro United States $123,142 3 Edward Welch United States $89,875 4 Guowei Zhang United States $66,335 5 Maxx Coleman United States $49,519 6 Anthony Askey United States $37,393 7 Nicolo Audannio United States $28,565 8 Levi Klump United States $22,080 9 Maurice Hawkins United States $17,270 Final Table Recap The first casualty at the final table came when John Roh tried to bluff all-in against Guowei Zhangs flopped set of sevens. Zhang called him and John Roh was eliminated in 10th place ($13,672). Next to go were 14-time WSOP circuit ring winner Maurice Hawkins in 9th place ($17,270) and start of day chip leader Levi Klump in 8th place ($22,080) when Hawkins jacks and Klumps ace-queen could not win against Maxx Colemans king-jack. Nicolo Audannio was next to go when his all-in got called by the final table chip leader Cole Ferraro. The ace-eight could not find improvement against the pocket jacks and Audannio was eliminated in 7th place ($28,565). 14-time WSOP ring winner Maurice Hawkins remains empty-handed when it comes to bracelets. Play slowed down significantly six-handed, with Cole Ferraro pulling away with the lead and the other stacks jockeying for middle position, but ultimately it was Anthony Askey whos pocket queens were cracked by Edward Welchs king-jack to leave him very short. He busted shortly after when his last chips got in with king ten-suited only to have the river end him when Ferraro rivered a pair of queens. Askey was eliminated in 6th place ($37,393). High-stakes regular Maxx Coleman got into a race with the chip leader Ferraro and his king-ten suited could not hold up against Ferraros queen jack suited when it turned a flush. Coleman exited in 5th place ($49,519) and Ferraro had put considerable distance between himself and the rest of the field. Guowei Zhang and Dalibor Dula got into many all-ins with each other at this point. Both of them trading stacks and having the other at risk for their tournaments at least once, but Dulas ace-queen managed to beat Zhangs pocket threes and sent him out the door in 4th place ($66,335). Edward Welch started the day with the second shortest stack out of 38 remaining players and managed to double up many times, get to the final table, and end the tournament with a podium finish in 3rd place ($89,875). His ace-two suited could not improve enough against Ferraros ace-ten and he found himself leaving with Dula and Ferraro to play heads up. Cole Ferraro Heads-Up Play The match between Dalibor Dula and Cole Ferraro lasted roughly four levels. Ferraro began with the chip lead, but the gap narrowed significantly to when Dula won a few key pots to keep himself neck and neck with Ferraro. A key moment had happened when Dula was ahead by a few pots and had put Ferraro all in for his tournament life when Dula had pocket tens in his hand and Ferraro had flopped three eights on an eight-high board. Dula was unable to improve and Ferarro pulled into the chip lead by a significant margin. It seemed all but over for Dula, who had a roughly 9/1 chip deficit, as he called an all-in for his tournament life with ace-five suited against the pocket kings of Cole Ferraro. An ace on the river kept his tournament hopes alive and from that moment forward the momentum was on Dulas side. Play lasted 40-minutes more after the fortuitous ace on the river, as Dula continued to apply pressure and took the chip lead. It all came to an end when Dalibor Dula went all in from the button with king-three suited and Ferraro called it off with jack-eight suited and found no improvement on the board, giving Dula the victory and eliminating Ferraro in 2nd place ($123,142). Congratulations to Dalibor Dula on his victory in Event #26: $1,000 Freezeout No-Limit Hold'em! Stay tuned to PokerNews.com for more updates on all bracelet events for the duration of the World Series of Poker at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. Moscow has categorically stated that it will not accept a US military presence in the Central Asian region. This reiteration has come at the level of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who told TASS that Afghanistan had been discussed at a meeting with Victoria Nuland, the visiting US Undersecretary of State, in Moscow on Tuesday, Asia Times writes. Ryabkov added: We emphasized the unacceptability of a US military presence in Central Asian countries in any form whatever. Prima facie, Ryabkov has squashed the disinformation media campaign by Washington that at the Russia-US summit in Geneva in June, President Vladimir Putin had offered to President Joe Biden that the Pentagon could use Russian bases in the Central Asian region for conducting future (out-of-the-horizon) operations in Afghanistan. The Wall Street Journal had earlier referred to its sources that Russia and the US had allegedly discussed the possibility of the US military using Russian bases in Central Asia at the level of General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with General Valery Gerasimov, the Russian chief of General Staff, at a meeting in Helsinki on September 24 at the request of President Bidens National Security Council staff. Washingtons ploy appeared to have been to create misconceptions among the Central Asian states regarding Russias intentions. To be sure, just before the Helsinki meeting of the two generals, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also took a meeting of the so-called C5+1 Ministerial on September 22 to discuss coordination on Afghanistan with his Central Asian counterparts. As a follow-up, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman appeared in the steppes just 10 days later to meet with the leadership in Tashkent, presumably to fathom whether Uzbekistan might be open to the Pentagon having some basing facilities in that country. Apparently, she drew a blank. Ryabkov underscored that there is no scope at all for the US to have a military presence in any form whatever in the Central Asian steppes. Conceivably, Ryabkov voiced a consensus opinion among regional states, including China and Iran. From such a perspective, a regional consensus is steadily evolving in regard to the Afghan situation. Tehran disclosed this week that it will soon be hosting the second foreign-minister-level meeting of Afghanistans neighbors and has sought an enlargement of the format as a special case to include Russia as well. That is to say, the format will now comprise Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China and Russia. (India stands excluded.) Ryabkovs remark comes after a meeting between Taliban* officials and a US delegation led by the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency in Doha last weekend where the Taliban* ruled out any form of unilateral military operations by the US on Afghan soil under whatever pretext. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also categorically refused to facilitate any US operations directed against Afghanistan. Although India is increasingly acting as a junior partner of the US on regional security issues, it is unlikely that Prime Minister Narendra Modis government will want to provoke the Taliban* government, either. That is to say, the Pentagons much-touted plan for staging out-of-horizon operations in Afghanistan turns out to be a pipe dream. Apart from outer space, perhaps, such operations will have to be staged from the Pentagon bases in West Asia, and their efficacy is in serious doubt. Ryabkovs remark testifies to extreme wariness in Moscow about the US military or intelligence presence in or around Central Asia where Russia has profound security concerns. Given the United States clandestine links with ISIS** and its history of using terror groups as geopolitical tools, Russia has to be extra-cautious. So too will China and Iran. The Central Asian states are also mindful of the US strategy to incite color revolutions to bring about regime change in the ex-Soviet republics. The US-government-funded media organs are waging a sustained information war to discredit the Central Asian leaderships. Broadly, a schism is appearing in the international community as regards the way forward in Afghanistan. The regional states refuse to follow Washingtons lead. India is probably the solitary exception, but here too, New Delhis animus against Pakistan and China could be the real leitmotif. Significantly, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not participate in the Group of Twenty extraordinary leaders meeting on Afghanistan on Tuesday under Italys presidency. The Italian initiative had aimed at mobilizing support for the US leadership. The unspoken core issue is of course the international recognition of the Taliban* government. The US expects that no country should recognize the Taliban* government until Washington is ready. The document summarizing the outcome of the G20 meeting deftly sidesteps the issue of recognition. Instead, it de facto gives a green light for a comprehensive engagement with the Taliban* government. The summary states: Solutions must be identified to guarantee the provision of basic services in particular in education and health that go beyond delivering emergency aid, provided those services are open to all. The functioning of the payment system and the overall financial stability should also be addressed. G20 countries will cooperate with the international organizations, international financial institutions, including multilateral development banks and humanitarian actors in this field. G20 countries invite the World Bank to explore possible ways to redirect support to international agencies with a presence in the country for humanitarian efforts. The big question is about the diplomatic recognition of the Taliban* government by the regional states. Pakistan is keen that the regional states should evolve a collective decision. Indeed, the deputy minister of information and culture in the Taliban* government, Zabihullah Mujahid, told TASS on Monday: We are negotiating with Russia, mainly on the recognition of our government and the resumption of the work of the embassies. Resolving these issues will pave the way for further cooperation. We may expect some regional initiative before long on recognition. The criterion for recognition is usually a governments effective control of the entire country. After the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan, when the victorious mujahideen warlords grabbed power in Kabul in April 1992, no one from the West or East demanded that Burhanuddin Rabbani form an inclusive government or accommodate Afghan women. *Taliban movement prohibited in Russia **ISIS movement prohibited in Russia Turkeys request from the United States for 40 F-16 fighter jets and 80 modernization kits for its existing aircraft caught many by surprise last week, coming amid a lingering crisis between the two NATO allies over Ankaras purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems and its apparent intention to advance military cooperation with Russia. As Al-Monitor writes, news of the requested purchase, estimated at some $7 billion, broke days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Sochi on Sept 29. Security analysts point out that Turkeys aerial warfare capacity faces a major techno-generational challenge in the next decade or two. Neither Turkeys TF-X indigenous jet project nor its locally made armed drones, which have attracted much international attention recently, are likely to close that techno-generational gap by the 2030s. But can Turkey overcome political hurdles? Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the jets, is a very powerful actor in the US defense industry and might lobby on Ankaras behalf. To get around US sanctions against the Defense Industries Presidency, Turkeys main procurement agency, Ankara could use the Defense Ministry to lead the request. Yet, anti-Turkey sentiment is rife on both sides of the aisle in the US Congress. Turkey tested its S-400s on F-16 jets during trials in November 2019, activating the radars of the Russian-made systems. The use of F-16s in such tests only aggravated congressional opposition to a large military sale to Turkey. Sources in Ankara told Al-Monitor that the Turkish government sees the request as one last test of confidence with the Joe Biden administration, stressing that the administration could convince Congress to approve the sale. The request is seen as a sort of a junction, with Ankara bracing for a new strategy, depending on Washingtons response. Consequently, could Ankara turn to Moscow for a fifth-generation warplane such as the Sukhoi Su-35 should the United States turn down its request? Many in Turkey now wonder whether Ankara made the F-16 request only to have it rejected, in a calculated move to lay the ground for warplane negotiations with Russia. Buying Russian warplanes would be a very costly option for Turkey, as it would require a thorough revision of its existing weapons, logistics and training systems. The Su-35 jet, for instance, would require radical changes in training programs, simulators, other infrastructure, the pilot pool and even doctrine. Moreover, such a move would almost certainly trigger harsher US sanctions against Turkey. The city of Termez on Uzbekistans border with Afghanistan is turning into a staging post for supplies of humanitarian aid to the stricken country, where millions of people are in urgent need of assistance. Granting access to facilities in Termez is a gesture of goodwill on Tashkents part as it promotes engagement with the Taliban* government, while stopping short of formal recognition, Eurasianet writes. Consignments will be airlifted to Termez, Uzbekistan, and subsequently trucked through the Hairatan border point into Mazar-i-Sharif, Babar Baloch, a spokesman for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), said on October 12. Shipments began earlier this month with a transfer from the UN's World Food Program. We unloaded 34 [railway] carriages of foodstuffs and supplied it to Afghanistan on 85 trucks, said Nodir Djalilov, the director of the Termez Cargo Center, a logistics hub on the border with Afghanistan that was set up in 2016 to boost trade between the two countries. The first air cargo will arrive this week. The first flight will be brought to Termez on October 15. There will be 35 tons of humanitarian cargo on board, Djalilov told Eurasianet. The World Food Program said last month that would establish a 5,000-square-meter logistics hub at Termez as it moved to preposition food and other stocks at strategic border points in Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Djalilov added that Uzbekistan had itself supplied 1,400 metric tons of food aid, mainly flour products, to its neighbor in September through the Termez Cargo Center. The UNHCR says the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is getting worse and is calling on the international community to find $606 million in emergency aid for 20 million people in need. Afghanistans economy is now at a breaking point, Baloch said. One Afghan citizen in Uzbekistan told Eurasianet that his family in Mazar-i-Sharif, the largest city in the north, had yet to receive any humanitarian assistance. My mother and brother remain in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. I am in contact with them, and no humanitarian aid has reached them yet, Bismilloh Mahmudiy said. Will the Taliban* be able to organize the supply and distribution of this aid? I very much doubt it. Last year was tough for Afghan farmers because of drought that hit the wheat, vegetable, and fruit harvests, he added. As a result, many families have already been short of food for more than a year. *Taliban movement prohibited in Russia Exactly a year ago, on September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan's Patriotic War began. On that day, Armenia's occupying forces subjected the positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the front line and the adjacent populated areas in Azerbaijan to intensive fire with the use of large-calibre weapons, artillery and mortars. Baku decided to launch a counter-offensive operation to ensure the safety of the civilian population. Vestnik Kavkaza offers its readers to follow the events of the 44 days of Azerbaijan's Patriotic War as they were covered a year ago. On the night of the nineteenth day of the war, October 15, Armenia's occupation forces tried to re-seize the lands liberated from them and shelled the front-line peaceful settlements of Azerbaijan, two local residents were injured in Birinji Baharli settlement of Aghdam region. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told France 24 TV channel that Baku does not seek help from either mercenaries or Turkish army personnel. He also demanded that the OSCE Minsk Group be absolutely neutral in mediation work. At about noon in Terter, Armenia's occupying forces were firing at Azerbaijani civilians at the Terter cemetery, four people were killed,. The artillery attack on the cemetery was condemned by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. At the same time, the Armenian Defense Ministry recognized the death of 604 invaders on the battlefield. In the afternoon, Russian and European diplomats called for the observance of the October 10 ceasefire. The Kremlin, in turn, stressed that Russian peacekeepers could be deployed in Karabakh only with the consent of Azerbaijan, later Ilham Aliyev drew attention to this in an interview with NTV. After 15:00, the fake news about the downed Su-25 of the Azerbaijani Air Force was denied: these aircraft were not used in battles. Later, fake news about the cruel treatment of prisoners of war were refuted. In the evening, Yerevan's puppet regime restricted the movement of separatists and illegal settlers in the occupation zone. Almost at the same time, it was announced that six villages of the Jebrail, Fizuli and Khojavend regions were liberated from the occupation. In an interview with Russia Today, Ilham Aliyev stressed that under no circumstances would Baku agree to violate the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and told the Russians about the essence of the ongoing hostilities. The internally displaced persons from the Khojavend region held a march in honor of the liberation of their native land from occupation. The U.S. State Department reiterated its opinion that the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia can only be resolved by peaceful negotiations. At about 21:00, official information appeared about the preparation of terrorist acts by Armenia in the cities of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Yerevan doesn't want any peace negotiations, as it continues to fire at non-military targets on Azerbaijani territory. Thus, on the nineteenth day of the war, the liberation of the settlements of Khojavend, Fizuli and Jabrayil regions and preparations for the liberation of Fizuli continued. Armenia was shelling the Azerbaijani settlements. Units of the Azerbaijani army continue to dispose of the out-of-date ammunition that is no longer being used, at the Seyfeli training ground in Ganja city, according to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The ministry urged the population not to panic in connection with the explosions (part of the disposal process), as there's no reason for concern. The Karabakh conflict was left behind, Azerbaijan resolved the conflict by military-political means, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his speech at a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States, held in the format of a video conference. The head of state noted that the negotiation process, which had lasted for many years, remained without result. Therefore, Azerbaijan resolved the conflict by military-political means. The head of state emphasized the role of Russian President Vladimir Putin in achieving an end to hostilities. "I would like to once again note the special role of the President of Russia, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, in the cessation of hostilities, which made it possible to avoid thousands of casualties on both sides," Ilham Aliyev said. He stressed that in accordance with the trilateral statement, Armenia withdrew its occupation forces from the occupied parts of the Agdam, Lachin and Kalbajar regions of Azerbaijan. "Prior to that, the armed forces of Azerbaijan liberated more than 300 cities and villages on the battlefield. Thus, the conflict was resolved, as already noted, by military-political means. Also, in accordance with the trilateral statement, Russian peacekeepers were brought into the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. To resolve issues with the opening of transport communications, a working group was created under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia," President Aliyev said. The Azerbaijani leader stressed that city of Agdam is called Hiroshima of the Caucasus. After the war, over 150 Azerbaijani citizens either died or were seriously injured as a result of exploding mines, President Aliyev said. He stressed that Armenia refuses to hand over complete maps of minefields, noting that the small number of such maps that were transferred to Azerbaijan have an accuracy of about 25%. "In the liberated territories, almost all buildings and historical monuments have been destroyed in thirty years. Some 65 of the 67 mosques in the liberated territories have been completely destroyed," the head of state said, stressing that the Armenians kept pigs and cows in the remaining two mosques, deliberately insulting the feelings of Muslims. According to him, Armenia destroyed 16 out of 17 mosques that existed in Shusha before the occupation. President Aliyev noted that one mosque was left to demonstrate "tolerance" and with the complicity of the so-called specialists from Iran there was an attempt to present it as a Persian mosque. "There was also a huge damage to nature, about 60,000 hectares of forests were cut down, sawn, and sold to Armenia and Iran," the head of state said. Ilham Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan is ready to start negotiations with Armenia on border delimitation, under the condition of mutual recognition of territorial integrity, and Azerbaijan is also ready to start negotiations on a peace agreement with Armenia. Members of the illegal Armenian armed formation tried to carry out another provocation against units of the Azerbaijani army in the Aghdara direction, using a car ambulance in the morning of October 15, according to Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry. According to the ministry, thanks to the vigilance of the Azerbaijani servicemen and adopted by the measures, this attempt was suppressed, and the militants who were in the car were forced to turn back. The ministry stressed that the use of ambulances for military purposes is absolutely unacceptable. This is characteristic for terrorists and means a gross violation of the norms of international humanitarian law. Once again we warn that any activity of a terrorist and provocative nature will be crossed immediately and decisively," added the ministry. Top Iranian nuclear negotiator, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani said there are serious doubts about the real will of the U.S .to fulfill its obligations under the Iran nuclear deal. Speaking at the meeting with the European Union coordinator of nuclear talks Enrique Mora in Tehran, Bagheri also criticized the inaction of the European parties in fulfilling their obligations under the Iran nuclear deal and stressed the need for them to act responsibly. He emphasized that Iran has always proved to be a responsible player in the international arena, while the behavior of the other side shows that it is far from being a responsible player. Bagheri added that the side showing more responsibility is closer to the negotiating table. IFP reported. Referring to the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna, Bagheri noted that achieving tangible results is important for Iran. He said Tehran is always ready for serious negotiations that result in a practical agreement and not merely a paper agreement. Enrique Mora also explained his task as the EU Coordinator, announcing his readiness to cooperate with Iran and other parties in order to continue negotiations to achieve a result acceptable to all parties. In the end, the two sides agreed that the consultations between them on issues of mutual interest would continue in the coming days in Brussels. Bilateral relations, regional issues, including developments in Afghanistan and Yemen, as well as talks on lifting sanctions on Iran, were also discussed in the meeting between the Iranian and EU officials. Russia will continue to coordinate joint efforts with Israel as part of the UN platform to counter any attempts to revise the events of World War II and distort the widely recognized international legal outcomes, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday in an article for the Israeli Newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth dedicated to the 30th Anniversary of the Renewal of Diplomatic Relations Between Russia and Israel. "Most vigorous rejection of the attempts of historical revisionism, combatting the distortion of the genesis, course and generally recognized international legal outcomes of the World War II have always united Russia and Israel," the Russian top diplomat noted. "We will continue to coordinate our efforts, and specifically at the UN, to counter this shameful phenomenon." Lavrov also mentioned that millions of Russian-speaking compatriots were living in Israel, including immigrants from the former Republics of the USSR and Russia. "Veterans of the Great Patriotic War, survivors of the siege, former prisoners of concentration camps are among them. The fate of these people is of major interest to us," the foreign minister said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to pay a working visit to Turkey on October 16 upon the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to a statement from Turkey's Communication Directorate, the talks in Istanbul will focus on the bilateral relations between Turkey and Germany. Available steps to enhance the cooperation between the countries will also be evaluated. "On the agenda of the talks, besides bilateral relations, Turkey-European Union relations, regional and international issues especially in Libya, Syria and Afghanistan, will also be included," it added. Outgoing Merkel's visit has been dubbed a "farewell visit". Since the beginning of her tenure, Merkel has based Germany's relations with Turkey on rational foundations, and the two leaders have established close cooperation and dialogue based on balanced decisions, Daily Sabah reported. The chancellor, who has been ruling Germany since 2005, is preparing to hand over her post, most likely to the leader of center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) Olaf Scholz. So far, she has paid similar visits to the U.S. and Russia, meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Merkel also held farewell meetings with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Pope Francis. Another session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission under the U.S.-Russia New START Treaty was held , according to the statement posted on the U.S. State Department's website. "The Nineteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission under the U.S.-Russia New START Treaty was held in Geneva October 5-14, 2021," the statement reads. It was noted that the U.S. and Russian delegations continued the discussion of practical issues related to the implementation of the treaty. The Taliban (outlawed in Russia - TASS) previously combated drugs in Afghanistan but it will be difficult for them to give up this revenue source in the current environment, Russian President Vladimir Putin said online at the CIS summit. "Despite promises to combat the production of drugs, in reality I do not know whether the Taliban manages to do so, whether they want to deal with that or not," the Russian leader said. "They did so, and performed successfully" during their prior reign in Afghanistan, Putin said. "It will be challenging at present to drop such a source of revenue, especially in the crisis in the Afghan economy," TASS cited the President as saying. The problem of drug production in Afghanistan and smuggling from the country is acute, Putin noted. "Afghanistan remains the largest supplier of opiates globally, up to 90% of the worldwide market volume," the Russian leader added. Russia is already holding consultations with Germany on concluding a new contract for gas transit with Ukraine after 2024, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters on the sidelines of the Russian Energy Week. "We are meeting with [Georg Graf] Waldersee, Germanys representative [on gas transit through Ukraine]. We are already consulting on this situation," he said in response to a question on when negotiations on a new gas transit contract through Ukraine after 2024 will be held. Novak did not comment on the issues he discussed with Waldersee during a meeting on the sidelines of the forum the day before, on October 14. "I dont think that it is necessary to make our negotiations public. We are holding consultations," the Deputy Prime Minister said. The agreement on the supply and transit of gas, which Russia and Ukraine signed in 2019, expires in 2024. Kiev made it clear that they said they would like to conclude a contract for the transit of gas through Ukraine immediately, without waiting for 2024, when the current contract with Gazprom ends. Ukraine believes that this will be a guarantee that transit will continue. Russias foreign minister spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart on Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers and bilateral relations between the two countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry said late Thursday. Sergey Lavrov discussed the situation surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear program with Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the ministry said in a statement. "At the meeting, it was confirmed that the restoration of the nuclear agreement to its original balanced configuration is the only correct way to ensure the rights and interests of all parties involved, the statement noted, stressing the importance of the deal. Mutual interest was expressed in the issue of resuming negotiations on the agreement in Vienna as soon as possible," it said. The statement, which recalled that Lavrov and Amir-Abdollahian met in Moscow on Oct. 6, noted that the two sides also discussed issues related to bilateral relations between their countries. The trilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia took place in Minsk on October 14 with Russias mediation. According to the press service of the Azerbaijan ministry, during the meeting Bayramov expressed the position of Azerbaijan regarding the post-conflict situation in the region and the normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan. The minister stressed the importance of the full implementation of the trilateral statements signed on November 10, 2020 and on January 11, 2021. He also expressed the readiness of the Azerbaijani side to normalize relations with Armenia on the basis of respect for the principles of international law, in particular, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of the borders of states. In this context, he noted the importance of the start of negotiations on the process of delimitation of the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Besides, Bayramov emphasized the importance of the implementation of agreements on the opening of all transport communications in the region. Reminding the danger of landmines in the Azerbaijani territories liberated from Armenian occupation [in the Second Karabakh War], which poses a direct threat to people's lives, he stressed the need of providing exact maps of minefields by the Armenian side. The minister also spoke about the restoration work carried out in the liberated territories. Russian peacekeepers stand as guarantors of the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). "The Russian peacekeepers stand as guarantors of the established ceasefire. We are providing assistance by delivering humanitarian cargo and carrying out mine clearance, and, I want to emphasize, [we are helping] both sides. In Azerbaijan, as well as in Armenia, life support systems are being restored, medical assistance is being provided to the population, tens of thousands of refugees, over 52,000 people, have returned to their homes," Putin noted. The Russian president pointed out that the CIS countries sometimes face disagreements and contradictions. "And it is bad when these contradictions result in sharp conflicts between CIS member states as it, unfortunately, happened last year in Nagorno-Karabakh," he stated. Putin also expressed gratitude to his CIS colleagues for appreciating Russia's contribution to resolving the conflict. Furthermore, Putin said that Russia upheld the draft statement, prepared on Belarus initiative amid the 30th anniversary of the CIS, which took stock of the main results of the organization's activities and defined some long-term tasks for its further development. "Indeed, over three decades, the CIS has come a long way, establishing itself as an authoritative regional integration association, where the member states strive to build relations on the principles of good-neighborliness, partnership, mutual benefit and consideration of each others interests," the Russian leader stressed. The president commented on the situation around Karabakh with the saying "a bad peace is better than a good war". However, according to the president, the crucial thing is that the member states "have managed to preserve, and in some ways, to enhance the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian ties, which have been accumulated over many years of living in a single state," Putin concluded. An Azerbaijani soldier Asker Gamzoev was killed yesterday in the Fizuli region of Azerbaijan - the shooter located in the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers opened sniper fire at him. A day earlier, a military convoy en route to the Kelbajar region was fired upon from the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers. According to the November Statement of the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian leaders,Armenia must withdraw all its troops from Azerbaijan, this process was supposed to take place in parallel with the deployment of the Russian peacekeeping mission - however, this commitment was never fulfilled by Yerevan. Armenian citizens still remain in the Azerbaijani cities of Khankendi, Khojavend, Agdere and the adjacent lands with weapons in their hands. Moreover, the Armenian authorities regularly transport soldiers there through the Lachin corridor disguised as civilians. Armenia is trying to compensate for its own surrender and the defeat of its occupying forces, demonstrating that in fact it does not want peace with Azerbaijan, but only wants revenge, even if its officials say otherwise. Thus, Yerevan is destroying Russia's efforts to peacefully settle Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and endangering Russian peacekeepers, in fact, perceiving them as a new type of military fortifications, using which Armenian illegal armed groups can now revive hostilities in Karabakh. The murder of Asker Gamzoyev and the shelling of the convoy show how far Yerevan has gone in the belief that now they can unaccountably attack Azerbaijani citizens. All businesses have to struggle hard to survive the pandemic. However, they are keeping calm and optimistic, because the alluvium will come after the floods. Tran Tien Phat and his workers in 2019 (Photo: Datalogic) Having worked for Datalogic Vietnam, an Italian invested enterprise, for 13 years, CEO Tran Tien Phat said the last four months have been the most stressful time for businesses as they have faced unprecedented problems. One of the problems is how to ensure safety and maintain production for 500 workers. Phat said running production under the three on-the-site model costs a lot of money. Workers have to be paid higher for overtime work. They also need special care to ensure the best health conditions. The enterprise has to pay for periodic health examinations for workers. The policy puts the task of ensuring workers health as the top priority, above business efficiency, which helps the enterprise retain hundreds of workers who, together with the enterprise, experienced tough social distancing days. Every day, we listened to workers complaints about their difficulties when working under the three on-the-site mode. We would satisfy workers requests and explain to them if the requests were unreasonable, he said. Behave towards workers with your heart, they will reply with their heart, he said. Dai Phuc Lands CEO Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong said one of the biggest concerns of the enterprise during the pandemic is ensuring pay and welfare for workers. In the first two months of lockdowns, workers still had 100 percent of their salaries and in the next two months, the salaries slightly decreased. Though employees worked from home, the company maintained the same policy so that workers felt secure. The pandemic upset the enterprises business plan. While revenue dropped dramatically, the business still had to pay money to preserve the workforce and the achievements it gained over the last 10 years. The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) reported that 85,500 businesses had to leave the market in the first eight months of the year, an increase of 24.2 percent over the same period in 2020. This is a historic upheaval, not only for Vietnam, but other countries as well. This requires businesses to keep calm when coping with the pandemic and find flexible solutions, she said. Floods bring alluvium In mid-July, when material prices and production costs increased because of lockdowns, some poultry egg companies incurred losses. The HCM City Department of Industry and Trade then allowed egg suppliers to increase the prices. However, Pham Thi Huan, General Director of Ba Huan, did not raise the selling prices. She said enterprises needed to help stabilize the market. If they raised prices in the difficult period, the move would cause serious fluctuations and the price stabilization program would lose its humanitarian purpose. Huan twice refused the departments suggestion to raise egg prices. The enterprise continued to sell eggs at below production costs, accepting losses. You do business throughout your life, not just at this moment. Human life is the most precious thing. If we can survive the pandemic, we will gradually recover the economy, she said. She went on to say that the pandemic has had great impact on all businesses and businesspeople. But alluvium will follow the floods. Meanwhile, Nguyen Hoai Thanh, the owner of Dong Tay Barber Shop chain, helped people by sending his staff to quarantine zones and field hospitals to give free haircuts to physicians, medical workers and people who had the demand. Forty five units in HCM City with 20,000 people have received the service since July 20. Thanh said his staff understood that being present at hospitals means facing high risks, but they still continued the work, preparing for the worst to come becoming infected, or staying in quarantine zones. The long lockdown in HCM City has caused shocks to many businesses. But they have overcome difficulties, while maintaining operation and contributing to society in their own ways. Huong said she would choose the word adaptation to describe the business circle in the Covid epicenters of HCM City and southern provinces because of their resilience and flexible adaptation to the pandemic and market developments. Tran Kim Nga of MM Mega Market said she believes that nothing is impossible, and with solidarity and resilience, Vietnams businesses will regain their strength and develop strongly in the future. Tran Chung PM says Gov't to stand with businesses during pandemic Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated and sent his best regards to all Vietnamese entrepreneurs to mark Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day (October 13) during a meeting in Hanoi yesterday. Real estate firms are looking forward to a new document to settling legal bottlenecks which have caused the property market to come to a standstill for the last two years. The Government in early September asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) to join forces with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and other relevant ministries to prepare necessary documents to ask for an amendment of the Investment Law in order to untie the real estate market. The amendment is believed to be extremely urgent to rescue the real estate market, one of the key business fields of the economy. The tardiness in law amendment and business reform, even just for one day, will cause the economy in the post-pandemic period to suffer. The legal bottleneck stipulates that only investors with residential land-use rights are recognized as the owners of commercial housing projects. Most land that investors have is agricultural land, non-agricultural land, and production/business land. According to MPI, in Hanoi and HCM City alone, more than 200 commercial housing projects are stuck because of the unreasonable provision. As a result, the real estate market has fallen into a crisis caused by short supply, which has pushed prices up and indirectly deprived people of the opportunity to own houses. Also, the unreasonable regulation has caused a big loss of revenue to the State budget. According to the HCM City Real Estate Association (HOREA), if each commercial housing project in HCM City has investment capital of VND1 trillion, the total investment capital of all projects will be VND126 trillion. This means that the State fails to collect VND18 trillion in taxes from the projects because the projects cannot be implemented. The figure could be triple if counting projects nationwide (HCM City is estimated to account for one-third of the countrys real estate market). MPI pointed out that the controversy among legal documents is the major reason why the real estate market has been strangled. Therefore, it has proposed an amendment to the law recognizing enterprises as investors of commercial housing projects if they "have the rights to use residential land, or other types of land that come in line with land use planning approved by competent agencies in accordance with the land laws". The Ministry of Construction (MOC) and Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MONRE) have also agreed on the amendment of the article. MONRE believes that the amendment comes in line with the Points d and e, Clause 1 of Article 57, Article 52, 58, 61 and 62 of the Land Law and the Clause 4, Article 29 of the Investment Law. Experts say that the agreement of ministries on the amendment of the Investment Law will remove legal barriers to clear the way for enterprises to operate in the new normal. This is significant if noting that Vietnam has reported a minus growth rate in Q3. Only when enterprises are saved will the national economy recover, an expert said. Everyone is waiting for an opinion from MOJ. Some experts suggested that investors not br required to have residential land from the beginning, but obtain approval from appropriate agencies on converting the land they have into residential land. But the suggestion has not been well received. A realtor said if Point c, Clause 1, Article 75 is amended and replaced with the suggested regulation, enterprises would have their hands untied, but their feet would be bound. This is just a like a new kind of sub-license which will put a new burden on enterprises, he said, adding that it will take enterprises a long time to follow administrative procedures to switch non-residential land into residential land. He went on to say that it will be confusing if investors dont get approval for land allocation and investment, but have to follow procedures for land use purpose shifting. This is the story about the chicken or the egg, he said. Replacing one unreasonable regulation with another unreasonable regulation." Hai Hung Real estate market waits for amended Investment Law The amended 2020 Investment Law is expected to expand housing supply. Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and the Lao capital of Vientiane on October 15 held talks and witnessed the signing if a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two authorities for 2021 2025. Scene of the virtual meeting captured in HCM City (Photo: VNA) Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and the Lao capital of Vientiane on October 15 held talks and witnessed the signing if a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two authorities for 2021 2025. At the talks, Nguyen Van Nen, Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee, said the MoU helps identify the centres of the sides cooperation in the time to come. HCM City will offer more scholarships and vocational training for personnel and people from Vientiane studying in the city, he said, adding that assistance for the Lao city in e-government building and trade-investment promotion will also continue. Nen stated HCM City will do its best to foster its friendship with Vientiane in contribution to protecting the Vietnam Laos special relations as well as developing the citys ties with Lao localities. For his part, Anouphap Tounalom, Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee and Chairman of the Vientiane People's Council, said the talks contribute to strengthening the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and people in general and between the two cities in particular. He appreciated HCM Citys support for Vientiane to combat the COVID-19 fight in the past time. He said he believes under the leadership of Vietnamese Party and Government as well as the citys authorities, HCM City will soon overcome its current pandemic-induced hardship. The Lao official recommended the sides pay attention to raise awareness of young people on the nations close and faithful ties; promote comprehensive collaboration in accordance with the countries special political relations; and strengthen economic, cultural, educational and scientific cooperation in a practical and breakthrough manner. At the talks, the MoU was signed by Chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee Phan Van Mai and Vientiane Governor Atsaphangthong Siphandone, who reviewed the cities sound cooperation during 2016-2020. Under the MoU, in the 2012-2025 period, the two cities step up the exchange of delegations, trade, economy, culture, and education; as well as the implementation of their investment-trade projects, including the establishment of a HCM City centre for commerce and tourism in Vientiane and vice versa. HCM City will consider an assistance worth 500,000 USD for Vientianes project on reforming its budget collection system. On the occasion, the HCM City-based Saigontourist Holding Company presented five scholarships worth 1.5 billion VND (65,898 USD) to Vientiane./. Source: VNA The topic "Strengthening infrastructure development: The governments role in digital transformation" was discussed by ministers and experts at the ITU Ministerial Roundtables discussion. This is one of the activities of ITU Digital World 2021, organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications and the ITU. Digital future accelerated by Covid-19 pandemic This session was attended by Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung and ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao, and chaired by ITUs Radiocommunication Bureau Director Mario Maniewicz. Hassel Larry Bacchus, Minister of Digital Transformation of Trinidad and Tobago, said that after 18 months, the world has witnessed a shift which boosts the need for digital transformation. The digital future has been pushed forward much more rapidly than what was envisioned before the pandemic. He said that the success of the digital transformation process and broadband development will play an important role in global socio-economic development, especially in developing countries. This process also exacerbates the digital divide that exists in countries. In that context, the governments role must be promoted, creating a favorable environment through effective frameworks and legislative policies. Over time, the remarkable change is that the governments digital transformation is not simply about improving, but fundamentally changing what is to be done, how to do it, and by accepting that many activities must be carried out at the same time, said Mr. Hassel Larry Bacchus. Ecuador's Minister of Telecommunications and Information Society Vianna Maino said that it is necessary to rethink the role of the state and its institutions in the digital age. In Ecuador, this is the task of the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society. This ministry works with the Ministry of National Planning to link these strategies with national development plans because it is important to harmonize digitalization with longer-term development goals. She also said that broadband infrastructure helps reduce unemployment and creates many new jobs. A 1% increase in broadband usage reduces the unemployment rate by 0.105%, she said. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Petr Ocko said that digital infrastructure and digital services are the key to boosting the economy and society, accelerating post-pandemic recovery and helping to strengthen connectivity of digital economies. Recognizing that the role of the government is changing due to new trends with open sharing platforms, Petr Ocko said that it is time to discuss the sustainable development of digital technology and digital services, which take people as the center. We also need to support the development of new standards, and promote creativity for people to participate in the development of digital infrastructure, he said. Ecuador's Minister of Telecommunications and Information Society Vianna Maino. Photo: Manh Hung Minette Li Libom Li Likeng, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of Cameroon, said that today, opportunities for broadband development in developing countries are open. However, in order to keep pace with the development of wired and wireless infrastructure to build a digital ecosystem, countries need digital solutions that spread across all sectors of the economy. She said that the Cameroonian government has attracted the private sector to invest in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to improve quality for end users. Integrating new algorithms into the new business model is also important. This can be achieved through active policies and institutions, comprehensive cooperation with the government, and removal of barriers, she said. From the perspective of a global technology corporation, Melissa Schoeb, representative of Nokia, emphasized that new technology is helping reduce global challenges. Without investing in 5G and optic fiber, the speed of digital transformation may have slowed, she said. The representative of Vietnamese technology enterprises, VNPT General Director Huynh Quang Liem, said that countries with leading connectivity infrastructure can reduce the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy by 50%. In Vietnam, the Government has identified digital infrastructure as one of the pillars of the digital economy. Mobile networks cover 99.8% of the Vietnamese population. However, Internet access in rural areas is still limited. Many villages still do not have mobile broadband, and over 30% of households do not have a fixed broadband connection. Mr. Liem emphasized the importance of 5G networks on promoting digital transformation. However, mobile network operators face risks when developing broadband infrastructure in rural areas and encounter difficulties in the early stages of 5G development. Therefore, the role of Governments in leading, guiding and supporting is crucial to promote 5G implementation. PV Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung has met with Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Houlin Zhao, who is attending the ITU Digital World 2021 hosted by Vietnam. Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung on October 13 met with Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Houlin Zhao. At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung expressed his pleasure meeting Mr. Houlin Zhao again in Hanoi. He praised Mr. Houlin Zhao's role as ITU Secretary General for nearly two terms, and thanked him for giving Vietnam the honor of hosting the ITU Digital World twice in a row. Minister Hung said that in the last two years, telecommunications has been combined with information and digital technology. This convergence has created a revolution and now it is not just a matter of technology, but a matter of policy and institutions to promote the development of the digital environment. Therefore, ITU needs a change in the direction of refreshing policy and institutional issues, in order to further accept the digital environment. According to Minister Hung, digital technology has created very fundamental changes. Because the impacts are strong, the world is looking forward to ITU's stronger participation in non-technological issues, for example, national sovereignty in digital space; responsibilities of large technology companies, and the issue of legal compliance and trans-border services. During the meeting, Minister Hung proposed a number of initiatives to the ITU Secretary General: each ITU member country takes an initiative of its own or at the suggestion of the ITU and implements that initiative with its own resources. When it is successful, ITU will spread that initiative globally. Thus, ITU will mobilize resources of 193 countries. If 193 member countries have one successful initiative each year, then ITU will have 193 great initiatives. I think it is a very big change, said Minister Hung. Another initiative proposed by the Vietnamese Minister is the schedule to abandon 2G services by 2023. It is estimated that by early 2023, the number of customers using 2G handsets will be less than 5%. Accordingly, the Government and mobile network operators will buy 4G devices to replace the 2G devices used by 5% of the population. Another proposal raised by Minister Nguyen Manh Hung is to change the name of the ITU to the International Digital Union (IDU). Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung presents a gift to Mr. Zhao Houlin. Photo: Trong Dat Vietnam: role model ITU General Secretary Houlin Zhao said that Vietnam's internet access index is now higher and has quickly surpassed that of the Philippines. He also praised Vietnams improved awareness of the importance of ICT, citing the Vietnamese Prime Minister's attendance at the ITU conference as an example. He said that Vietnam's achievements have spread beyond Southeast Asia and can be compared with other countries as Vietnamese corporations like Viettel have reached out to more than 10 foreign markets. According to the ITU official, Vietnam also has chosen the right path when it comes to technology autonomy. Vietnam has reached out to foreign markets, used Made-in-Vietnam technological equipment. This is what I want other ITU members to learn from Vietnam, because you are not only successful in investing overseas, said the ITU Secretary General. Vietnam is currently implementing new strategies and has just added a new pillar to it - the Digital Society. We will work together to be able to deploy all three pillars, he said. He praised the initiatives proposed by Minister Nguyen Manh Hung. Regarding the proposal to change the name of the ITU, he said that this issue can be discussed among member countries. Sharing the same vision with Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, Mr. Houlin Zhao said that the role of Big Tech and their shared responsibility is also a matter of concern of ITU. In practice, he said, governments can hardly ask Big Tech to use profits for reinvestment. We are preparing a report on the Financial System for the 21st Century that contains suggestions on how to help regulate Big Tech companies. After two consecutive years hosting the ITU Digital World, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung once again expressed the wish to organize the event next year. PV Vietnam plans to receive 34 million vaccine doses in October and more by the end of the year. It is creating a master vaccination plan for 2022, including vaccinations for children. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu at the meeting The Governments taskforce on vaccine diplomacy on October 13 convened its regular meeting to review the implementation of tasks assigned by the Prime Minister. Under the Government and Prime Ministers instructions on focusing on campaigning for vaccines, and with the spirit the best vaccine is the one given to you at the earliest, more and more vaccine doses have arrived. As of October 13, Vietnam had received 90 million vaccine doses, and it expects to receive 34 million doses more in October. The figure will further increase by the end of the year. The taskforce gave advice and proposed that the Government step up cooperation in vaccine production manufacturing and support the process of producing and testing home-grown vaccines, as well as importing some kinds of drugs for Covid-19 treatment. Some Vietnam companies are cooperating with US, Russian and Japanese companies to get technology transfer, try and produce new-technology mRNA vaccines, and bottle Russian Sputnik V vaccines. Vietnams Nanogen Company has reached an agreement with India on experimenting and cooperating to produce vaccines. Vietnam has received a large amount of medical equipment worth tens of millions of dollars donated by partners, international organizations and overseas Vietnamese. This has helped improve treatment capability, thus easing pressure on the healthcare system. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu stressed that the sharp increase in vaccine arrivals recently is the outcome of the mobilization carried out by the Party, State, National Assembly and Government leaders. The mobilization was conducted through bilateral visits, contacts, phone calls and exchange of letters with countries, international organizations and manufacturers. Partners have increased their support and sped up the fulfillment of their commitments on providing vaccines to Vietnam. According to Nguyen Nam Lien from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Vietnam has given the first shot to 54 percent of people aged above 18 and fully vaccinated 22 percent of the population. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said the success of vaccine diplomacy has laid an important foundation for the country to shift to the new period adapting safely to the new circumstances, resuming production and business activities. The most important task of the taskforce from now to the end of the year is continuing to mobilize, supervise and speed up partners to be sure that they deliver vaccines as committed. The taskforce will continue giving advice to the Government in building a master plan on vaccine demand for 2022, including vaccines for children aged 5-12 and 12-18, and vaccines for booster shots. Thanh Nam 35 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to be distributed in October Up to 35 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine will be allocated to provinces throughout the country from now until the end of October. The Ministry of Health has asked local authorities to speed up vaccinations. Dickson said officers were able to work with Instagram and request emergency records showing the name, email address and phone number used to register the account. The phone number was linked to Webers father, he said. Officers determined Weber was not at school at the time of the threat, Dickson said. The school has a procedure that they do whenever they receive a threat like this, Dickson said. It can be anywhere from extra monitoring of the premises and it could go to a full lockdown, but that is the schools policy. He said no weapons or explosives were found at the time of Webers arrest. During an interview with officers, Weber said he sent the threat because he did not want to go to school and was hoping classes would be canceled, police reported. Weber remains jailed under bonds totaling $15,000. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. But Atlee, who published an article on the site in the June 15, 2013, issue of the Archaeological Journal of the Texas Prairie-Savannah, now believes the petroglyphs are much older. Archaeologically it is believed they are quite old, he said. There are no historic clues such as a bow and arrow or horses. Becky Shelton, regional archaeologist for the Texas Historical Commission, will be among the speakers at Saturdays event. She said it is an open question whether the markings are hundreds or thousands of years old. Shelton said new techniques such as three-dimensional imaging could help shed some light on that question. So could further comparative study among petroglyph and pictograph sites. Its going to be inherently difficult to date, but there has been an advance in the inventory (of sites), she said. We may be able to do more comparative analysis, looking at symbols and comparing them to other rock art throughout the region. Shelton said the Tonk Creek site is a treasure, and complimented the work by the Central Texas Archeological Society in mapping, photographing and preserving the petroglyphs. I know Koreans who have lived in the United States for decades and speak no English and have no need to. All their wants are met in Korean, from banking to television to shopping. I also know U.S.-born Salvadorans who talk about El Salvador as my country. The wheels have come off assimilation. The receiving countries deserve some blame for those who remain alien. The prevailing identity politics doesnt meld a nation. The woke reverence for every culture except its native culture and language is destructive. The immigrants who flooded the United States in the 19th century and the first half of the last century came to assimilate, refusing to teach their children their native tongues. Now immigrants think and feel as though they are the citizens of other countries. It is easy to do, and multiculturalism is the facilitator. American hearts go out to those who are living in hell on the southern border: Frightened, in need of food, in need of places to sleep and to defecate, often sick, preyed on by criminals in their own number, and believing myths especially the myth that when Donald Trump lost the presidential election, they would be welcome in the United States. We are reviewing all guidance issued on the vaccine and are aware of the recent order by Governor Abbott, Southwest Airlines said on Tuesday. According to the presidents executive order, federal action supersedes any state mandate or law, and we would be expected to comply with the presidents 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 Houses good graces. Seven other carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, 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 arent the only things informing some companies responses to Abbott. They also have the health and safety of their employees and customers to worry about. If we would not justify the intentional taking of an innocent, human life, already born, for convenience, economic, or social reasons, how can we justify taking a human life inside the womb for similar reasons? Finally, we should note that though abortion and infant abandonment were common, even legal, in ancient Roman and Greek cultures, Jewish law forbade such actions. Additionally, early, first-century Christians were forbidden to practice abortion in the clear teachings of the Didache, one of the first published statements of Christian ethical concerns. Christian history and Christian Scripture both come down on the side of protecting innocent, human life from conception through natural death. This shows respect for the imago Dei the image of God in each human soul. Warren Fain, Waco No on bond In Sundays Waco Trib there was an article about the upcoming $355 million WISD bond vote. Part of the money is for building a new Waco High School. YUTAN The Class C-2 No. 6 Yutan volleyball team is playing some of its best volleyball towards the end of the regular season, going perfect last week. They defeated Ashland-Greenwood, Louisville and Fort Calhoun in home matches. In a triangular with Nebraska Capitol Conference foes Louisville and Fort Calhoun, the Chieftains were able to make light work of both squads. During Yutans first match against Louisville, the Chieftains were able to gain big leads and kept their foot on the pedal. As a result, they defeated the Lions 25-8 and 25-15. Leading Yutan with six kills and one block in the match was Maura Tichota. Haley Bedlan had five kills, 18 digs and one ace and Kaitlyn Bisaillon had five kills, five digs,and one ace. Earning four kills and seven digs was Ellie Lloyd and Brennan Jacobs had three kills and one block. Pacing the team defensively was Heidi Krajicek with 18 assists and 11 digs, while Christina Kerkman had 11 digs and one ace. In match two of the night for Yutan, something that rarely happens in volleyball occurred. The Chieftains didnt give up a single point to the Pioneers as they won set one 25-0. They continued their dominant performance in the second, where they picked a 25-14 set win. WATERLOO Prosecutors said a Waterloo police officer acted reasonably when he shot and wounded a Waterloo man wielding an air gun, paralyzing him from the waist down. In a review issued Friday, Black Hawk County Attorney Brian Williams said Officer C.J. Nichols was justifdied when he fired at Marcelino Alvarez-Victoriano, who was allegedly chasing Black Hawk County Sheriffs Deputies with a Red Ryder BB gun April 7. The videos show that Mr. Alvarez-Victoriano was pursuing Deputy Blake Dodd with an apparent firearm. No reasonable officer would have been able to determine that the weapon was an air rifle. Any objective person in Officer Nichols position would feel the need to use deadly force, Williams wrote in his conclusion. In the review, Williams wrote that Iowa law allows reasonable force when a person reasonably believes it is needed to defend oneself or another from any actual or imminent use of unlawful force. A person who reasonably believes that a forcible felony is being or will imminently be perpetrated is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, he wrote. Agents with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation issued charges of two counts of misdemeanor assault on a peace officer against Alvarez shortly after the shooting, but he has yet to be served with an arrest warrant. In September, Alvarez, 44, filed a suit against the city of Waterloo and an unidentified officer alleging negligence in connection with the shooting. Alvarez was struck in the hand and torso, and one of the bullets remains inside his body because removing it would involve too much risk, friends said. According to Williams review, a resident called 911 around 12:50 a.m. to report a person walking on Commercial Street toward downtown with what appeared to be a rifle or shotgun. Black Hawk Sheriffs Deputy Blake Dodd was in the area and began looking for the man, finding him at West Sixth and Commercial streets. Alvarez was standing next to a wall, facing away from the deputy, manipulating something at his waist. Dodd activated his squad cars top lights and exited his vehicle. Alvarez picked up something and began walking toward the deputy, and Dodd yelled for him to drop the weapon and retreated behind his car for cover, according to Williams review. Alvarez was talking, but Dodd wasnt able to understand him, and the deputy described Alvarezs actions as aggressive and radioed that Alvarez had a gun. Alvarez walked toward the squad car with the weapon. At this point, Deputy Matt Isley pulled up and noticed Alvarez approaching with both hands on the weapon at hip level pointed toward Dodd as if preparing to fire. Isley attempted to hit him with his squad car, but only clipped him with a side-view mirror. Isley told investigators that he looked in his rear-view mirror as he passed and noticed Alvarez had now pointed the weapon in his direction. He hopped out of his vehicle, drew his pistol and yelled for Alvarez to drop the weapon. Nichols, who had been at a nearby rollover crash when he heard the call, arrived at the scene and saw Dodd moving around his parked vehicle and crouching. Officer Nichols approached Sixth Street and could see another individual with a long dark object in his hand. The individual was carrying it at waist level. It appeared to him to be a shotgun. At this point he believed that he and other officers were going to be engaged in a gun fight, Williams wrote in his review. It was apparent to him that the individual had been following Deputy Dodd around the vehicle with the firearm. Officer Nichols approached closer to Deputy Dodds vehicle and saw that he had brought the weapon up and had it pointed towards Deputy Dodd, Williams wrote. Nichols, still in his squad car, raised his AR-15 patrol rifle and fired a single shot through his windshield. Alvarez fell to the ground. Dodd ran over and kicked the weapon away from Alvarez, and it was at that point they determined it was a BB gun. Nichols body and dashboard cameras were working and recorded the incident, according to the report. Waterloo police have declined to release footage from the encounter. Williams said the videos will be released at the conclusion of Alvarezs case. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WATERLOO A Waterloo man who was shot in the face in 2020 has pleaded guilty to federal gun charges. Tony Terrell Campbell, 37, pleaded to one count of felon in possession of a firearm during a Wednesday hearing in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids. Sentencing will be at a later date, and Campbell faces up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for Iowas Northern District said Campbell exchanged gunfire with others in the 900 block of West Fifth Street on July 31, 2020. He allegedly possessed a 9 mm Taurus G2C pistol during the incident, and court records indicate he suffered a gunshot wound to the face. Campbell is prohibited from possessing guns because of prior felony convictions for burglary and lottery ticket theft, according to prosecutors. Robert Lee Williams Jr. has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Campbell. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WATERLOO A Waterloo woman has been arrested after she allegedly threw a chair at police during an early morning raid at her home. Megan Lee Palmer, 18, of 1000 Grant Ave., was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver while armed with a firearm, interference causing bodily injury and assault on a peace officer. According to court records, police were executing a search warrant at her home at about 6 a.m. Thursday in connection with a narcotics and firearm investigation. Officers found marijuana and a 9 mm Smith and Wesson handgun at the home. When police began to arrest Palmer, she picked up a small chair and hurled it at a police officer, records state. Love 0 Funny 6 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WATERLOO The candidates sparred over leadership abilities, city budgets, economic development, dilapidated housing and the police department. But the morale of the citys police officers quickly became a focal point of Thursdays debate between those vying for the job of Waterloo mayor in the Nov. 2 election. Mayor Quentin Hart, who is seeking re-election, faced off against challengers Margaret Klein, a City Council member, and Sophia Mays. The event was part of an evening of debates that also included candidates for the Wards 1, 3, 5 and at-large seats on the council. Held in the City Hall council chambers, it was moderated by Jayme Renfro, a University of Northern Iowa associate professor, and Courier reporter Amie Rivers. Sponsors were the Northern Iowa Student Government, Women of Action, Cedar Valley Activate and the American Association of University Women. Klein waded into the topic of morale on a question about what the city is doing to attract people to its public safety departments. We could correct the low morale, she said of the police force. Our department is in a state of chaos. Klein added that what she wants more than anything is to bring peace back to that department. As mayor, I will let (police officers) come and have a respectful conversation about the morale. Mays advanced a false claim about Hart, saying I thought I read somewhere that he stood with those who want to defund the police. Hart pointed to factors like COVID-19 and the national backlash after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis for any morale issues among Waterloo police. But he pushed back against the idea that his administration isnt taking steps to address the problem or that he wants to defund the police. We have seen an incredible number of policy changes within our department, said Hart. In addition, he said the police budget has grown over 23% during his three terms in office, officers have been issued the latest body cameras and new uniforms, and mental health counselors have begun assisting law enforcement on the streets. Thats a great start to increasing morale, said Hart. Harts reference to the body cameras prompted Klein to note that she voted against purchasing them over cost objections. I thought at half the price the program offered by Black Hawk County and Cedar Falls was just as good, she said. Klein also cast a vote against the uniforms and claimed it was related to the griffin the former police department symbol some objected to as racist. Hart said it had nothing to do with that, the vote was simply for officers regular uniform allocation. That led to a discussion about the effort to remove and replace the long-time symbol, a divisive process that encountered resistance among police officers. We are where we are because of a lack of leadership, said Klein. A good leader would have prepared the way among officers for that change. I would have first addressed their union, she explained. Knowing the importance (to officers), I would have tread very carefully. Hart said the matter was brought to the police department as the process began and noted Klein was part of a unanimous council vote last year that started it. Klein said that preceded any decision to no longer use a griffin symbol in any form. The talk about the griffin being removed, that went on for too long, said Mays. Were still talking about it now when theres more important issues. Klein also butted heads with the mayor over the pace at which dilapidated homes are being torn down and how economic development efforts are going. I think we need to overhaul our development agreements, said Klein. She pointed to the citys failed agreement with a past developer to renovate the Waterloo Convention Center and another developers perennially delayed construction of the All-In Grocers store. Im going to support economic development, said Hart, who suggested that the process has been successful and defended the projects. The grocery store is moving forward, he said. On the convention center, there was an exit clause. The city of Waterloo didnt spend any money in this agreement. Mays questioned when people would see construction advance on the grocery store and said community improvements should be happening faster. Waterloo is going in a slow progression toward doing better, she said. To me, it shouldnt take this long. Ward 5 Incumbent council member Ray Feuss said the city needs to cut back on agreements that roll back its tax base in order to attract development. Waterloo doesnt have to do the giveaways, Feuss said. We need to look at our development agreements and make sure were not giving away all of our tax base. We need to get some more money in city coffers instead of giving away the farm. Challenger Dawn Henry said her biggest concerns for the Ward are parks and sewer problems. The sewer concerns should have been fixed a long time ago. People regularly have water in their basements, Henry said. Henry said city leaders need to listen to the rank and file at the Waterloo Police Department to address morale on the force. She said policies that discourage patrol officers from coming to the station place them at risk. Feuss proposed undertaking a survey to develop a plan to address the issues. Not everything an administrator or a chief does is wrong. But I also want that opportunity to nurture the people that are doing the work to make sure they are heard, Feuss said. Ward 3 Ward 3 candidate Todd Maxson said when it comes to attracting new residents to the city, officials should focus on the basics like snow removal, street repair and litter. I think we just got away from what people actually pay taxes for, said Maxson. Lets take pride in our city again, lets clean things up. Lets make it look pretty. If elected, Maxson said he would consult a list of 15 people from different walks of life when it comes to making important decisions. If theres a tough vote that comes up, Im going to make phone calls to every one of those people, and Im going to vote the majority of those phone calls, he said. Nia Wilder said the city needs to support its small businesses and established businesses in order to attract new residents. In order to get people to move to Waterloo and make Waterloo their home, we need to show them we have a sense of community and that when trouble arises, we can find solutions without tearing us apart, Wilder said. Wilder said the upcoming election is a way for the underserved to have their voices heard. There have been a lot of decisions that we havent been in on. Now is the time to use our voices as our ballot and do what we can to make sure we are a part of the change and the transparency. Ward 1 Candidates for Ward 1 differed in ways for the city to meet its budget with Micki McCracken proposing to cut taxes. I think we need to take a deeper dive into the budget and see if there is anywhere we can cut to lower property taxes, McCracken said. She proposed working with city leaders and getting advice from community members who have finance experience. John Chiles said he wouldnt cut taxes because there isnt any place to cut the budget. I dont believe a deep dive will help us find any money, Chiles said. We do not have the room in our budget to cut the essential services provided by our city He said the city needs to take steps to raise property values building homes and bringing in new businesses to raise revenue that will pay for city services. At-Large Rob Nichols said housing is his top priority. We really see some of our neighborhoods that have been left behind. I think there is an opportunity to make our neighborhoods look better, an opportunity to build some pride in the people in the community, an opportunity to build wealth. Dennis Halverson said cutting taxes is toward the top of his agenda. We have some of the highest taxes. There is room, we need to find out where our tax revenues are not coming from and find out why. Maybe we need an audit right away to find out whats going on, why is Waterloo of all places not making that much money? Why are we so strapped? Halverson said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Andrew Wind Education Reporter I cover local schools and higher education for The Courier, where Ive been a reporter for the past two decades. Im a Minnesota native and have previously worked for newspapers there and in Illinois. Follow Andrew Wind 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 CEDAR RAPIDS Redrawing Iowas political boundaries is the No. 1 priority when legislators meet in a second special session Oct. 28, Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday. One day earlier, the governor said lawmakers might take up a bill prohibiting workplace COVID-19 vaccine mandates during the special session. But top GOP legislators said Thursday the issue 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 The Gazettes Iowa Ideas conference, said conversations about vaccine requirements are ongoing but wont distract from redistricting. 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. She credited efforts to keep Iowans working and to reopen businesses ahead of many other states with creating a $1.24 billion surplus and $800 million in reserves for state government. 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 pandemic, which peaked in Iowa last November. But we were in uncharted territory. There wasnt a playbook, 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 next year, 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 Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WATERLOO Because of a staffing shortage, the Salvation Army of Waterloo/Cedar Falls will temporarily suspend its noon meal program effective Nov. 1. The final noon meal before the program is suspended will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 29. The program provides free meals to the community on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The organization has been recruiting for a part-time food program manager after the previous manager resigned in September. Currently, the meal program is being overseen by other Salvation Army staff, but as the agency begins its busy holiday season there is not enough manpower, officials said in a news release. It is sad that we had to make this decision. Many organizations are struggling to hire right now and given the vulnerability of the population we serve this has been very difficult, said Corps Officer Maj. Shannon Thies. We will continue to search diligently for proper staff and reopen the program as soon as possible. During this staffing transition, if there are any food service individuals willing to volunteer their time, I ask they contact our volunteer coordinator. With their help, we may be able to keep the program operating. In recent months, the Salvation Army has made significant strides to address staffing needs, including wage increases and sign-on bonuses for all part-time positions. Additionally, the organization offers competitive benefits. The pantry food box giveaway from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays will remain operational at this time. Those with food service experience are encouraged to apply for the food program manager position through www.indeed.com. For more information, contact The Salvation army at (319) 235-9358. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 2 Angry 0 A man told an Indiana judge last month he ended up dragging two police officers with an SUV last year because one of the officers didn't fully explain why he was being arrested. A body camera video released Thursday by the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff's Department shows Ernest L. Hoover Jr. heard at least some of the officer's communications with a dispatcher, because Hoover said, "I don't have a warrant" and "I'm not wanted." Hoover denied during a sentencing hearing Sept. 30 that he could hear any of the officer's communication with dispatch, which can be clearly heard on the officer's body camera video. Hoover was wanted for failure to appear in court in 2011 in a misdemeanor traffic-related case. Lake Criminal Court Judge Natalie Bokota told Hoover during the sentencing his actions were completely unreasonable and inappropriate. Hoover, 40, of Chicago, had 41 contacts with law enforcement in his background, including nine felony convictions and two misdemeanor convictions, she said. "You don't need to know at that moment when the officer puts handcuffs on you. That can all get worked out later," Bokota said. "You should know that because of your criminal history." She sentenced Hoover to six years, with four to be served in the Lake County Community Corrections alternative-placement program and two on probation. "Until you understand authority means something, you're not going to live the life you want," Bokota said. The video shows Lake County Sheriff's Officers Alex Gallegos and Michael Maggi, who had arrived to back up Gallegos, struggled with Hoover as he got back into an idling Cadillac SUV early Nov. 23, 2020 in the driveway of a home in the 15000 block of West 103rd Avenue in Dyer. Hoover put the SUV in reverse and dragged the officers for several feet before they both fell off. Hoover ran over Gallegos' right foot, and the officer fell and hit his head on concrete. Maggi testified he suffered injuries to both knees when he fell and was unable to work for more than a month. He still suffers pain in his knees at times, he said. Hoover's attorney, Michael Woods, said he appreciated police officers for their service, but Gallegos and Maggi put themselves in Hoover's car. "There was a better way for this to go all around," Woods said. Hoover pleaded guilty in July to two counts of resisting law enforcement, a level 5 felony. He could have faced up to eight years in prison under his plea agreement. As Hoover asked the judge for leniency, he said he felt he'd paid his debts to society and worked hard to get his life on track. If he had known he had a warrant at the time, he would have taken care of it, he said. In the video, Hoover appeared to think he was at the home of a friend and repeatedly told Gallegos he needed to retrieve a coat from inside. But the couple inside the home didn't know Hoover, according to court records. They called police after Hoover woke them about 5:10 a.m. by repeatedly ringing their doorbell and returned about 6:15 a.m., again ringing the doorbell and walking back and forth from their porch to the SUV in the driveway. After dragging Gallegos and Maggi, Hoover sped off. He later was found and arrested behind a business at 93rd Avenue and U.S. 41 in St. John, where he was attempting to change a flat tire on the SUV. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 "I remember looking around and thinking, Holy shit, this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Are we really doing this?" That's Julianne Aiello, a nature-loving yogi, looking back on her very first silent disco yoga class on Baker Beach in 2015. Now, the 33-year-old is a household name in the San Francisco yoga community, where she's created her own unique style of practice through Outdoor Yoga SF. "I've always been in love with nature, and there's a way to use all of the elementsthe ocean, the sand, the breeze, and the musicto help people feel present," she says. "We're all looking at our phones to feel engaged, but the answers aren't there. When we tune into nature, we feel a whole other level of presence and connection to whatever it is we're looking for." Aiello connects the community with nature during Outdoor Yoga SF classes. (Outdoor Yoga SF) Outdoor Yoga SF began as so many San Francisco success stories do: as a side hustle. When Aiello moved to SF from New York, she had recently completed teacher trainings there and in Bali, but didn't yet have full-time work. So she started teaching yoga outside to her friends. They played music and grooved through class, and the group started to grow. "People loved it. We did and we started to build a little community." To turn the gig into a business required a four-letter word: work. She knew she wanted to teach on the beach, but obtaining permits to bring a large gathering and play loud music on federally protected landOcean and Baker beaches are both part of the National Parks Conservancyproved challenging. "There was no way I was going to get permission to lead a yoga class on the beach with live music," she recalls. It was time to get creative. "I went to Google. I started searching different ways to listen to music, and eventually researched everything about headphones. And that's when I came across silent disco rentals. I went all in." Aiello hosted the first few classes with the help of a silent disco rental company. She eventually invested most of what she had to buy the proper noise-cancelling headphones and gear needed to run things herself. She applied for a permit and created a Facebook event. "I reached out to anyone and everyone and said, 'Hey, I'm doing this thing, it's going to be awesome, you should come.'" People did come50 of them. It was a sell out; the first of many over the past four years. To date, the Outdoor Yoga SF crew has taught more than 35,000 yogis, now hosting about four silent disco beach yoga classes each week, often with a live DJ. Aiello also leads classes as corporate team building experiences for the likes of LinkedIn, Airbnb, and Athleta. When Aiello's not at the beach, she's leading group retreats in other beautiful places like Sonoma, Tahoe, and Hawaii. In January 2022, she's leading a yoga and surf retreat to Costa Rica. When Aiello is home, you can find her teaching Friday night and Sunday morning classesher favorite way to end and start the week. "There's just something so celebratory about Friday evenings. Everyone is relaxed, peaceful and playful. It's really special." This writer can vouch. I experienced my first Friday night soul flow class on Baker Beach a few years ago. The Facebook event promised groovy beats, stunning views, and a post-yoga dance party in the Pacific. It was all of thatplus the absurdly picturesque scene of dolphins playing in the waves as the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge while I laughed and danced with strangers to a remix of "Sexual Healing." "That's the sweetest thing about this job," Aiello said, when I shared that memory with her. "When people come up to me after class and say, 'I'm so relaxed, I feel so peaceful,' that's when I know I'm doing the work I came here to do." // Outdoor Yoga SF offers classes in San Francisco, Marin, and the East Bay; go to outdooryogasf.com. Outdoor Yoga SF hosts sunset classes near the Golden Gate Bridge on Baker Beach. (Outdoor Yoga SF) This editorial feature is the final in a series celebrating women entrepreneurs. See our latest post on Kendal Sager, a former DreamWorks animator who teaches kids and adults around the Bay Area about beekeeping. Six years ago, a nine-by-six block area below Market Street was christened SoMa Pilipinas, San Francisco's Filipino Cultural Heritage District. The neighborhood is not the first in SF that Filipinos and their descendants have claimed as their own. For more than 50 years, Manilatown, a 10-block radius around Kearny, Bush, and Jackson Streetspulsing with Filipino culture, business and daily lifethrived downtown. But when urban redevelopment displaced thousands of its residents in the 1970s, many relocated to the then gritty-but-affordable area between 2nd and 11th streets south of Market. When gentrification came for SoMa in the 2010s, the FIlipino community did what they couldn't 50 years before. They fought back. "Filipinos stood up and were like you're not going to displace us again, you've already displaced us once, this is our home," says Gina Mariko Rosales, founder of Pinayista, a nonprofit connecting Filipina entrepreneurs and doers. She is also a cofounder of Undiscovered SF, a creative night market in SoMa Pilipinas, and an event-planner extraordinaire through Make it Mariko. "So in 2016, the City of San Francisco officially recognized SoMa Pilipinas as the Filipino Cultural Heritage District, and it was one of the first cultural districts designated by the California Arts Council as a state designation." Rosales didn't start out as a warrior for the Filipino community. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she took pride in her Filipino and Japanese heritage but didn't see a place for herself among the activists and cultural promoters. "I was that person that would walk by the Filipino table. I wasn't necessarily involved in Filipino activities," she says. But everything changed in 2011 when Rosales' cousin, just three months her junior, took his life. "It was just such an unexpected blow," she remembers. "I made a pact to myself that I wanted to spend my life doing things I was proud of." She had a top-notch job at Google but, after seven years with the company, she had come to the realization that her corporate work was not what she wanted people to remember at her funeral. Against the advice of her parents, Rosales left the tech giant and launched Make it Mariko, an event planning company staffed entirely by women of color. Not long after, the newly minted entrepreneur attended a meeting about the development of the SoMa Pilipinas Cultural District and saw an opportunity to use her skills. "Why don't you let me throw a launch party so everyone else can feel the pride that I'm feeling that we have our own cultural district," she suggested. And there it was, the place in the community she didn't know she'd been looking for. With nonprofit Kultivate Labs, Rosales cofounded a new venture, Undiscovered SF, to jumpstart public awareness of SoMa Pilipinas and generate new economic and cultural opportunities for community members. "Undiscovered SF is our love letter to FIlipino culture and community but also through the lens of hip hop and pop culture." Gina Mariko Rosales (center) and other Pinays at the 2020 Pinayista Summit. (Come Plum) Her first year, 2017, Rosales didn't know many Filipino entrepreneurs in the Bay Area and the least visible among them were Pinays (pronounced pih-nais), women of Filipina heritage. "I knew three other women of color who owned businesses at the time I started Make it Mariko. I didn't see entrepreneurship as a space that was welcoming me. I didn't have anyone to look up to," she explains. "So I got together with a few of the Pinays I knew and said, let's put together a list. We could only come up with 50 people." They tossed around the idea of a happy hour to bring them all together but Rosales' inner event planner spoke up. They organized a conference, instead. That day, at the first Pinayista Summit, 130 Pinays showed up. The event was hugely transformative, propelled by the concept of Pinayism, a "radical Pinay sisterhood" developed by SF State professor Dr. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales that connects Filipina women and provides mentorship and support. Four years on, Pinayista has become a full-fledged nonprofit community collective with a mission to "build sisterhood in the hustle." At this October's Summit, 364 Filipina women attended three days of presentations, panels, and group activities virtually and in person. "In other spaces we are not allowed to be our real selves," says Rosales. "Pinayista is our space to be real. We had community panels, we had more than 20 breakouts where people could choose their own adventure, and lightning talks by eight powerful and inspiring Pinays that came to tell honest stories." The 2021 Pinayista Summit (Melissa de Mata) They even did a sound bath guided by queer Pinay duo AstraLogik. "We know how intense and traumatic the past 18 months have been and how much all the Pinays are holding. We needed to create a space for us to heal and be held," Rosales explains. It was a powerful experience. "The sound bath from Astralogik gave me messages from my ancestors that I needed to hear," commented one attendee, Arlene Daus-Magbual. While the year's biggest Pinayista event is now in the rearview, Undiscovered SF's is just about to get started. On Saturday, October 16th, their fifth annual event takes place in the SoMa Pilipinas Cultural District. With Covid still in the air, instead of doing a single large-scale event this year, the group has organized a Culture Crawl at 10 outdoor and indoor spaces for shopping, dining, dancing, and connecting with Filipino culture. There will be live music at Mint Plaza, community booths and karaoke at Jessie West, and vendors set up in front of the Westfield SF Centre. It's a long way to come in just a handful of years but, Rosales says, "we've really just begun. So many people out there, people of color, we're born into this society that we're told we're less than. But the only way that we can find power is to believe in our ideas and support each other. That's really the power of community coming together." // Undiscovered SF Culture Crawl 2021 takes place from noon to 6pm on October 16th in the SoMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural District, undiscoveredsf.com. En espanol | Caregiving for a family member can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. It can be financially draining, too. About 48 million Americans provide care without pay to an adult family member or friend, and they do so for an average of nearly 24 hours per week, according to the "Caregiving in the U.S. 2020" report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC). Another AARP study issued in June 2021 found that 78 percent of family caregivers regularly incur out-of-pocket costs caring for a loved one, with the average annual expenditure topping $7,200. That unpaid and often expensive commitment can make it hard for caregivers to make ends meet. Twenty-eight percent say they have stopped saving money, and 23 percent have taken on more debt, the AARP/NAC study found. Growing awareness of this financial burden has fueled a national conversation around issues like paid leave and even outright payment for family caregivers. Your chances of getting paid to be a family caregiver are best if you are caring for a U.S. military veteran or for someone eligible for Medicaid, but other possibilities exist. For Medicaid recipients All 50 states and the District of Columbia offer self-directed Medicaid services for long-term care. These programs let states grant waivers that allow qualified individuals to manage their own long-term home-care services, as an alternative to the traditional model where services are managed by an agency. In some states, that can include hiring a family member to provide care. Benefits, coverage, eligibility and rules differ from state to state. Some programs pay family caregivers but exclude spouses and legal guardians. Others will pay care providers only if they do not live in the same house as the care recipient. Program names also vary. What is called Consumer Directed Care in one state might be called Participant-Directed Services, In-Home Supportive Services or Cash and Counseling in another. Contact your state Medicaid program to ask about its options or to start the sign-up process. Enrolling in self-directed care involves the following steps: Assessment. Your loved one with assistance if desired or needed is assessed for capacities, need, preferences, risks and strength as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires. Planning. Your family member and any chosen representatives create a written service plan detailing the daily living assistance required. Areas may include bathing, dressing, feeding, helping with light housekeeping and laundry, managing medications, moving from bed to wheelchair, preparing meals, shopping, supervising activities and transporting to appointments. Contingency plans should be available for coverage when the care provider is off and instructions for fill-in caregivers should address risks. Budgeting. If the assessment shows need, a budget for goods and services will be provided. Selection. When the care plan is set, the care recipient, or a surrogate if needed, chooses a caregiver. For military veterans Veterans have four plans that they may qualify for. Similar to self-directed care under Medicaid, this Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program allows qualified former service members to manage their own long-term services and supports. It is available in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico for veterans of all ages who are enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration health care system and need the level of care a nursing facility provides but want to live at home or the home of a loved one. A flexible monthly budget, based on a VA assessment of the veteran's needs, enables participants to choose the goods and services they find most useful, including a caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, cooking, feeding, dressing, using the bathroom and adjusting prosthetic devices. The veteran chooses the caregiver and may pick any physically and mentally capable family member including a child, grandchild, sibling or spouse. VA medical centers determine eligibility and make referrals. Find and contact your nearest center for more information on the program. This program supplements a military pension to help cover the cost of a caregiver, who may be a family member. A&A benefits are available to veterans who qualify for VA pensions and meet at least one of the following criteria. The vet: Requires help from another person to perform everyday personal functions such as bathing, dressing and eating. Is confined to bed because of disability. Is in a nursing home because of physical or mental incapacity. Has very limited eyesight, less than 5/200 acuity in both eyes, even with corrective lenses, or a significantly contracted visual field. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans also may be eligible for this benefit. To apply, complete the A&A application form. Explain why a caregiver is needed, ideally including an attending doctor's report. Be specific about the disease or injury that caused physical or mental impairment, and explain on the form your typical day, noting how well you get around, any loss of coordination or any inability to manage basic daily needs without assistance. You can mail the form to the pension management center that serves your state or file in person at your regional VA benefits office. Veterans who receive a military pension and are substantially confined to their immediate premises because of permanent disability can apply for a monthly pension supplement. The application process is the same as for A&A benefits, but you cannot receive both housebound and A&A benefits at the same time. This program provides a monthly stipend to family members who serve as caregivers for veterans who need assistance with everyday activities because of a serious injury or illness sustained in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975, or on or after Sept. 11, 2001. (Benefits will be extended in October 2022 to veterans who suffered a service-related disability between those dates.) The veteran must be enrolled in VA health services, have a disability rating (individual or combined) of 70 percent or higher, and need either personal care related to everyday activities or supervision or protection because of their condition. The caregiver must be 18 or older and a child, parent, spouse, stepfamily member, extended family member or full-time housemate of the veteran. The stipends are based on federal pay rates for the region where an eligible veteran lives. The caregiver receives 62.5 percent or 100 percent of the pay rate, depending on the level of supervision and help with daily activities the veteran needs. A family caregiver in Dallas, for example, would receive $1,752 or $2,803 a month, according to a VA fact sheet on the program. Other caregiver benefits through the program include these: Access to health insurance and mental health services, including counseling Comprehensive training Lodging and travel expenses incurred when accompanying vets going through care Up to 30 days of respite care per year. For more information on help for military caregivers, visit the VA Caregiver Support page or call its hotline at 855-260-3274. Getting paid by a family member If the person needing assistance is mentally sound and has sufficient financial resources, that person can choose to compensate a family member for the same services a professional home health care worker would provide. If you and your loved one are exploring this route, try these steps to establish a proactive employer-employee approach, which can minimize stress and family tension. Put aside any awkward feelings about discussing what you both need. Talk about wages and paydays, health risks, scheduling, and how respite care and caregiver sick days will be handled. Draw up a personal care agreement that will serve as a contract between the caregiver and the care recipient. It should spell out wages, what services will be provided and when, and the length of the agreement, among other terms. Consider involving other members of the immediate family in working out terms so they are not surprised later. Consult an elder care lawyer to review your contract to make sure it meets tax requirements and deals with inheritances. All other interested parties, such as siblings, need to approve it. Beware of emotional pitfalls. If family members seem uncomfortable with the arrangement or disagree with the plan, consider a session with a neutral party, such as a family therapist or family mediator who specializes in elder care. Keep professional records. Specify services performed, dates of work and the amount paid. This paperwork is essential if your family member later applies for Medicaid. During the qualification process, a caseworker will examine records for the past five years. Report income. As with any paid job, caregivers are legally required to report wages as taxable income. If at a later date your family member becomes eligible for Medicaid but your taxes have not been paid, Medicaid will consider the money a gift not an expense. This could prevent your loved one from qualifying for Medicaid. On the other hand, the Internal Revenue Service is clear: When services are provided, all money received is a wage, not a gift. Long-term care insurance If your loved one has long-term care insurance, it probably covers some costs for home health care and personal care services. However, not all policies extend that coverage to paying spouses or other family members living in the home. Ask your loved one's insurance agent or insurance company for specifics and request a written confirmation of benefits. Editor's note: This article was originally published in October 2016. It has been updated with more recent information and the AARP Top Tips video. Older people are at higher risk for COVID-19. So are people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and respiratory illness. Both groups are heavily represented among the nation's 1.3 million nursing home residents. That concentration is a key reason why almost a third of U.S. deaths from COVID-19 have occurred among residents and staff at long-term care facilities, according to tracking by the Kaiser Family Foundation. But it's not the only one. A number of conditions at nursing homes can exacerbate the spread of the disease: frequent physical contact between residents and staff understaffing employees who work in multiple facilities, increasing chances for exposure residents sharing rooms transfers of residents from hospitals and other settings shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gowns lagging COVID-19 vaccination rates These factors make nursing homes potential breeding grounds for viral and bacterial diseases, especially given chronic problems with infection control that predate the pandemic. A May 2020 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that 4 in 5 nursing homes surveyed between 2013 and 2017 were cited for deficiencies in infection prevention and control, leading the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to announce tougher rules for infection-control inspections and enforcement. What's being done about it? As the scale of COVID-19s toll on nursing homes became clear early in the pandemic, heightened infection-control protocols such as testing, masking, social distancing, hand hygiene and proper use of PPE were mandated in facilities. Nursing homes essentially shut their doors in an effort to curb coronavirus entry and spread, instituting strict limits on visitation and suspending communal dining and other resident activities. Residents and staff at nursing homes were in the first priority group to get vaccinated when America started rolling out its COVID-19 vaccines in late 2020. As vaccinations have increased throughout 2021, restrictions have loosened, particularly those regarding visitation. But COVID-19 is still a threat to nursing home residents and staff, particularly given the recent rise of the delta variant. Hundreds of residents continue to die from the virus each month, so some infection control practices still remain. AARP and many others in the long-term care community are now also working toward major long-term care industry reforms to ensure another crisis like COVID-19 is avoided. How are nursing home residents and staff getting COVID-19 vaccines and boosters? In late 2020 and early 2021, the federal government contracted with CVS, Walgreens and some regional pharmacies to vaccinate residents and staff at most of the nations nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The program, which provided each participating facility with three on-site vaccination clinics, wrapped up in late March. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for those who live and work in long-term care settings, are now being allocated to pharmacies partnered with long-term care facilities, with facilities responsible for administering them. Facilities that dont have a pharmacy partner are encouraged to work with local or state health departments or the federal government, if need be to provide vaccinations. A federal mandate now requires most nursing homes workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, however, some state governments and nursing home companies have adopted staff vaccination requirements that are already in effect. Nursing homes are also required to offer all residents and staff COVID-19 vaccines and to publicly report their vaccination rates. You can find vaccination rates of both residents and staff at any facility and compare them with state and national averages on Medicare.govs Care Compare website. For example, The Life Care Center of Kirkland reported zero cumulative COVID-19 cases in the first [federal] submission, despite a March 2020 CDC investigation identifying 81 COVID-19 cases and 23 COVID-19 deaths among residents, the studys authors wrote. The Kirkland facility was the site of the first U.S. COVID-19 outbreak last year. The missing fatalities add up to 14 percent of what the authors of the study estimate to be the true COVID-19 death toll among nursing home residents in 2020. More than 68,000 COVID-19 cases among residents also went unreported during those early months, accounting for almost 12 percent of total cases among nursing home residents in 2020. If added to the governments official count, the studys estimates would bring the total number of COVID-19 deaths among nursing home residents to more than 151,000. Total cases would increase to almost 750,000. We felt compelled to make sure that, just because the federal government wasn't requiring any reporting of deaths that happened early in the pandemic, that those deaths were counted somehow, says Karen Shen, study co-author. Theres essentially no record of 4 out of 10 deaths from this period that is just huge, says Shen, who just finished her Ph.D. in economics at Harvard University. And while its perhaps not surprising, it feels right that they dont go unnoticed. Neglected Northeast The majority of deaths and cases omitted from the federal count occurred in the Northeast, the study found, which was hit hardest by the coronavirus during the spring 2020 surge, when the federal government wasnt yet requiring COVID-19 data from nursing homes. In Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island, state data reported much higher cases and deaths than the federal data. The federal data implied that similar numbers of nursing home residents died in New York and California in 2020 5.0 deaths per 100 beds in New York and 4.8 deaths per 100 beds in California. But after accounting for unreported deaths, the study found that nursing homes in New York saw 8.1 deaths per 100 beds, compared to Californias 5.5 deaths per 100 beds. AARP advocated for the collection and publication of up-to-date COVID-19 data on nursing homes in the early stages of the pandemic, so the viruss spread could be better tracked, and resources could be better distributed to the homes in need. Weve known since very early on that there was a big gap here, says Ari Houser, senior methods advisor for the AARP Public Policy Institute. So, while its nice to see that we now have numbers with some more rigor and confidence, its really confirming what we knew all along, which is that significant deaths occurred in March, April and May of last year that are not being counted by the government. The studys authors published their findings in the hope that others can actually start to understand what sort of early response measures were effective at the facility level during those early days, Shen says. COVID-19 infections have started increasing again after dramatic drops at the beginning of 2021, a recent AARP analysis of federal nursing home data showed. President Joe Biden has announced that all nursing home workers in facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare funds will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Only 63 percent of workers nationwide were fully inoculated as of Aug. 29. Alamy Stock Photo En espanol The recent rise in prices triggered the Social Security Administration (SSA) to hike its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) by 5.9 percent, meaning retired military and disabled veterans can expect the largest boost to their benefit checks since 1983. The decision affects approximately 70 million Americans, including Social Security recipients and other federal retirees. Payment jumps by the numbers Starting in 2022, retired military members can expect a $59 increase for every $1,000 they receive per month. Those who are enrolled in the CSB/Redux retirement plan will collect a 4.9 percent increase, or an additional $49 per $1,000 payment. Pay raises for those who receive disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can expect an additional $8.50 a month at a 10 percent disability rating, up to $185.64 more a month if they carry a 100 percent rating. (These figures are estimates until officially announced.) Other VA payouts subject to COLA include compensation for dependents, surviving spouses and children, and clothing allowances. How the Social Security COLA is calculated The annual Social Security COLA is based on the change in prices of a market basket of goods. To measure these changes, SSA uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). For the 2022 COLA, SSA measured the change in the average CPI-W index from July, August and September of 2020 to the average CPI-W index for the same three-month span in 2021. The percentage change between the two quarterly averages is the COLA starting in January 2022. The 2022 COLA was so large because prices of goods and services have significantly increased in the past year, due in part to extreme weather and COVID-19 outbreaks, which have driven up energy prices and strained the worlds supply chains. Since Congress initiated automatic annual COLAs in 1975, there have been three years in which benefits didn't increase at all: 2010, 2011 and 2016. The single biggest increase, 14.3 percent, went into effect in January 1981. When he was growing up Chinese American, most of the films Paul Jew would watch presented stereotypical or comical versions of Chinese people. They always had non-Asian actors in the lead roles and making up an accent, he says. Those were the kind of portrayals that were typical of Hollywood films and TV. Thats why Jew has stepped up to run the Albuquerque Chinese American Film Festival, which is in its fifth year. This years event will take place in person on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Grace Church, 6901 San Antonio NE. The event is free and open to the public, although a donation of $10 per person is suggested. Eight films will be screened during the one-day festival. There will also be a panel discussion. Jew says he continues the festival for people who are Asian American. We want to give them a sense of pride when it comes to film, he says. The Chinese American story is often not told. Its not in history books. It gives them a perspective into who they are and how far theyve come. One of the films to be screened is Far East Deep South. The documentary follows Charles Chiu and his family including his son, producer Baldwin Chiu, and daughter-in-law, director Larissa Lam as they travel from California to Mississippi to find answers about Charles father, K.C. Lou. A retired Air Force reservist, Charles Chiu was reluctant to discuss his familys complicated past with his sons, Baldwin and Edwin. The family members emotional journey to a place theyve never seen leads to stunning revelations and a crash course on the surprising history of Chinese immigrants in the segregated South. Through encounters with local residents who remember K.C., as well as interviews with historians, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and others, the familys trip becomes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for discovery and healing. Filmmaker Larissa Lams journey in making Far East Deep South came about while doing family research. Lam was along for the ride when her husband, Baldwin Chiu, and his relatives began chronicling their familys history in the Deep South. We were making our first trip down there, and this series of events began to unfold, Lam says. We went to Mississippi, and what I captured was a short film. With a big response to that, we decided to make it feature film. Jew says the film festival will be in person and hopes that the audience will enjoy the programming. The last festival we had, we saw over 100 attendees, he says. Were hoping to pull in more people for the event as we are getting noticed more. Editors note: Venue Plus continues In Case You Didnt Know, a weekly feature with fun tidbits about New Mexicans and their projects. Its been nearly 20 years since Sam Quinn and Connor McLean met as theater students at the Santa Fe University of Art & Design. Fifteen years later, they met for coffee in Los Angeles to discuss concepts for a horror film. The result is the short film Stay Calm, which will screen at 8:40 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, as part of the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival. The filmmakers reunited after overcoming a dark past battling drug addiction and have come out stronger, forging a tight bond. In their film, all of humanity has been infected with a rage-zombie virus that lies dormant until triggered by adrenaline spikes in its host. A love triangle consisting of a husband and wife and their best friend have escaped the city and taken refuge in an isolated desert home. The trio must control their emotions and most primal instincts to keep from turning into monsters. Stay Calm explores the idea of living a mindful life in a chaotic world. The characters are faced with betrayal, terror, lust and envy, but their survival rests in how they deal with the emotions. They must learn to face every emotion with a deep breath or risk turning into monsters. I love that stakes are raised so much, McLean says. We worked really well together. Quinn says McLean brought the concept to him about adrenaline spikes. I thought there had to be some way the characters can combat that, Quinn says. Im into mindfulness, and thats one way we can take control over emotions and train our brain to do so. Its about figuring out how to control your emotions. The filmmakers want to take the short film and create a series of films surrounding the universe. Its an idea that can have more than one film, Quinn says. While it took more than a decade to reconnect, the filmmakers share some fun facts about the making of Stay Calm. Three local breweries are teaming up to help women battling breast cancer with their Dash & Drink for Pink fundraiser. Canteen Brewhouse, High and Dry Brewing and Steel Bender Brewyard will host a virtual 5K on Sunday, Oct. 17. The run will cost $30, and the proceeds will be donated to Pink Warrior House Foundation. The fee gets participants one pint at each participating brewery through November. A $15 registration fee is available for those under 21 or anyone wanting to skip the pints. Pink Warrior House was started by Allison Hendricks-Smith after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. Hendricks-Smiths treatment was successful, but there was something lacking. Canteen General Manager Jamie Schwebach, who is also a close friend of Hendricks-Smiths, said she noticed there were not a lot of supports for women being treated for breast cancer. Hendricks-Smith set out to create one-stop shopping for women that included services women with breast cancer might need, including yoga classes, meditation, a support group, art therapy, a wig exchange and a connection with a veteran breast cancer survivor. With the support of friends including Schwebach, Pink Warrior House was born. Through October, each brewery will also donate $1 from the sale of a designated beer to the nonprofit Pink Warrior House. We want to support our community, Schwebach said. We dont want donation dollars to go out of state. We want them to stay here. Canteen has brewed a special Pink Warrior wheat beer with strawberry and vanilla notes and a hint of rhubarb. Steelbender will donate proceeds from its Raspberry Dynamite and High 7 Dry will donate from proceeds from a fruited sour. The day of the virtual 5K also happens to be Hendricks-Smiths birthday Schwebach said. The three breweries will continue their fundraising efforts in November to raise awareness about mental health. The brewers at each taproom are collaborating on a beer, and a portion of the sales with go to the AGORA Crises Center. Visit Steel Benders Instagram page to find a link for the 5K registration or look for the Dash & Drink for Pink event on Facebook. The Isotopes and Safe House Distillery have collaborated to release the ready-to-drink Watermelon Walk-Off canned cocktail. The beverage blends Teller Genuine Vodka with the flavors of watermelon and lemonade. The drink is available at Isotopes Park, Safe House Distilling and select retailers. Isotopes will donate one reserved-level ticket to local nonprofit for each can sold. This part of the teams Take You Out to the Ball Game program. This is an awesome new venture that were embarking on, and its a great way to enjoy the Isotopes brand year-round, said Isotopes General Manager John Traub said in a news release. To have our community partners benefit from people purchasing the product is a very exciting bonus to this launch. Twenty-two feature-length films. Sixty-six short films shown in 10 shorts programs. The 19th Annual Way Out West Film Fest will showcase 88 films during its 10-day run as it remains virtual for the second year. We were ready to have a hybrid festival, says Roberto Appicciafoco, festival director. Then we made the decision to have a virtual film festival due to the ongoing pandemic. For nearly two decades, the Way Out West Film Fest has celebrated the diversity of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer experience. The 10-day festival features films, documentaries, short programs and special events. Appicciafoco says this years lineup of films features a lot of Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest films. It all comes down to diversity, he says. Its about good storytelling, good production values. Of course, there has to be queer content. Prev 1 of 6 Next Appicciafoco and his screening committee viewed more than 350 films over several months to select the 88 that are screening at the festival. I always look for a balance in everything, he says. Its, like, we want to have a good show of drama and comedies and films that are topical to the LGBTQ community. The festival will open on Friday, Oct. 15, with two films Fanny: The Right to Rock and Jump, Darling. Appicciafoco says Fanny: The Right to Rock tells the story of the rock band Fanny. The band including at various times the self-taught sisters June and Jean Millington, along with Brie Howard Darling, Nickey Barclay, Alice de Buhr, and Patti Quatro kicked down the door for the likes of The Runaways and The Go-Gos by being the first all-female rock band to release an album with a major record company in the 70s. Theyve been overlooked by the entire industry, Appicciafoco says. Theyre trying to do a reunion and make their mark in their 70s. Appicciafoco says Jump, Darling is a special film because it is the final movie with Cloris Leachman. It tells the story of baby drag queen Russell who has burned some bridges, getting dumped by his boyfriend and blacklisted by a Toronto drag bar. He escapes to the country to get an old car from his cheeky but loving grandmother, played by Leachman, and drives off to a new start. But life intervenes, and he ends up caring for her by day and performing as Fishy Falters at a local dive by night. As he settles into his double life, he begins to unearth long-held secrets about his familys tragic past. Appicciafoco wanted to spotlight the documentary Keep the Cameras Rolling: The Pedro Zamora Story, which is available to view through Oct. 24. This follows the life of Pedro Zamora, who was the first openly gay man on reality TV while on The Real World: San Francisco, he says. I was in my early 20s and remember that he was an advocate for queer people. The closing night films will be Sweetheart and Mascarpone. Appicciafoco says that with the festival being virtual and open to viewers in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and Arizona, there will be more opportunity for the festival to be known. He says each of the films will be available to view through Oct. 24. The films all drop on the same day, he says. Were trying to give an opportunity for a lot of people to view these films with important messages. The short film blocks are full of diverse stories. This is a film festival for all because the stories are universal. Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Bernalillo County deputies called to check on a North Valley mobile home in September 2020 found the front door ajar and Raymond Lovato shot to death on the couch inside. More than a year later, detectives say they have caught the man responsible. Jesus Javier Torres Jr., 32, was charged last month with an open count of murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm in the killing of Lovato. Torres was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on Sept. 29 after a confrontation with a fugitive task force outside Route 66 Casino. Deputies cornered Torres and a woman in the parking lot when the woman began to ram law enforcement vehicles, according to court records. Eventually, the pair gave up and the law enforcement officers found cocaine, fentanyl and Suboxone in the vehicle. Torres was charged with aggravated battery upon a peace officer, possession and resisting evading or obstructing an officer stemming from his arrest. Second Judicial District Judge Cindy Leos granted a motion to keep Torres behind bars until trial, citing multiple past probation violations and writing that the evidence against him in Lovatos death was strong. According to an arrest warrant filed in Metropolitan Court: On Sept. 25, 2020, deputies were called around 11 a.m. to do a welfare check at a mobile home near Paseo del Norte and Second NW after gunshots had been heard the night before. They found Lovato shot to death on a couch inside the home. A woman told deputies she had been with Lovato when a man he knew walked into the mobile home. She said that the man had his hand near his waistband and that she interpreted his body language as wanting her to leave. The woman told deputies she went into another room, heard gunshots and climbed onto the roof. Lovatos ex-girlfriend told deputies he had become upset with her after she went to California with Torres. Deputies found calls and messages from Torres to Lovatos phone in the hours leading to his death. They were able to track Torres cellphone as being at Lovatos house for two minutes at the time of the slaying. Deputies also found a jail call, after Lovatos death, between Torres and an acquaintance in which Torres said of Lovato: I promise you he aint going to be running his mouth about (it) no more. The detective concluded that the brief amount of time Torres was at Lovatos indicated he went there for one specific reason: to kill Lovato. Torres has a criminal history that stretches back to 2009 and includes multiple arrests for stolen vehicles, battery and possession. Most recently, Torres was sentenced in 2018 to 2 years probation after pleading guilty to receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle. Torres eventually served out his sentence at MDC after violating probation. Since being on probation, Torres has continued to use drugs, abscond from probation and surround himself with people who are detrimental to his supervision, a probation officer wrote in a 2019 violation report. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Workers at one of the nations premier nuclear weapons laboratories face a deadline Friday be vaccinated or prepare to be fired. A total of 114 workers at Los Alamos National Laboratory the birthplace of the atomic bomb are suing over the mandate, saying exemptions have been unduly denied and their constitutional rights are being violated by Triad National Security LLC, the contractor that runs the lab for the U.S. Department of Energy. It will be up to a state district judge whether to grant an injunction to prevent employees from being fired while the merits of the case are decided. A hearing was underway Thursday. The lawsuit alleges that lab management has been harassing employees and has created a hostile work environment. The complaint outlines the experiences of many of the workers, including one who was screamed at for not being vaccinated and was told by a fellow crew member that he and his family deserved to die. The lab has declined to comment on the lawsuit and has not answered questions about the current vaccination rate among employees, whether any exemptions have been approved or what will happen to employees who refuse to be inoculated when Friday rolls around. The plaintiffs include scientists, nuclear engineers, project managers, research technicians and others who have some of the highest security clearances in the nation for the work they do. Some employees said many of those who could lose their jobs are specialists in their fields and would be difficult to replace in the short term. Some of the employees who are part of the lawsuit have worked for Los Alamos lab for decades, while others are newer hires who have relocated to New Mexico from other states and countries. Thirty-four of them are named in the lawsuit and 80 have opted to remain anonymous, citing fears of retaliation. While the lab said last week that more than 96% of workers had at least one shot, its not known yet how many have received a second dose. Some workers have estimated that the percentage of those fully vaccinated by Friday will be lower. Some employees have estimated the lab could lose anywhere from 4% to 10% of the workforce because of the mandate. In any organization there are people, not always recognized, who quietly make the work of others possible. Lose them, and you are in trouble, said Greg Mello of the Los Alamos Study Group, a watchdog group that has been monitoring lab activities for years. The lab currently employs nearly 14,000 and is among the largest employers in New Mexico. Its also located in a county that is among the most affluent in the U.S. because of its high population of Ph.Ds. Attorney Jonathan Diener, who is representing the workers in their lawsuit, said the case includes a wealth of scientific information to consider, but he was hopeful the judge would make a decision soon because peoples lives stand to be upended. The lawsuit cites statements made over the last year by top officials in the U.S. and with the World Health Organization in which they noted that there is more to be learned about how the vaccines reduce infection and how effective they are when it comes to preventing infected people from passing it on. The fact that the vaccines have only been shown to reduce symptoms of the recipient and not prevent infection or transmission is a fact extremely important to plaintiffs claims, the lawsuit states. Since the labs vaccination rate already is thought to be high, Mello said forcing the few holdouts to get shots would make no epidemiological difference. If LANL doesnt have herd immunity at this point, there is no basis for the mandate. LANL is not being scientific, he said. Some of the workers have raised similar arguments, saying the high degree of scrutiny that is required of them when working with nuclear weapons or other high-level projects is not being applied on the vaccine front despite the labs extensive modeling work for the state on spread and other COVID-19 related trends. Lab Director Thomas Mason has said the pandemic has had a serious impact on the lab, citing higher numbers of COVID-19 cases in unvaccinated employees. However, employees who are pushing back said the cases among the unvaccinated would naturally be higher because the lab had removed vaccinated employees from its regular testing pool. At Sandia National Laboratories, based in Albuquerque, all employees and subcontractors must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8 or file for an exemption by Friday. Lab managers made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for new hires on Sept. 13. So far, more than 88% of Sandia employees, interns, post-doctoral staffers and contractors at sites in New Mexico and California are fully vaccinated. In New Mexico, nearly 72% of people 18 and over are fully vaccinated. That percentage hasnt moved much in recent weeks as more people are pushing back against the vaccines. Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Jordan Nunezs childhood was marked by severe abuse and nearly a dozen temporary homes that led ultimately to a house in Nambe where he helped torture and kill a 13-year-old boy in 2017, witnesses testified at his sentencing hearing Thursday. Nunez, 23, faces 14 to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty in March 2020 to charges connected to the beating death of Jeremiah Valencia. Dr. Jeffrey Rowe, a psychiatrist, testified that he interviewed babysitters who reported that they often found the infant Nunez and his sister hungry, filthy and with severe diaper rash. The children really had a rough time that first six years of life, said Rowe, a child psychiatrist hired by Nunezs attorneys. Abuse and neglect prompted the state to remove the children from their biological parents. By age 11, Nunez had lived in 11 different placements, including foster homes, shelters and psychiatric facilities, Rowe testified. He was getting shifted all over the place, Rowe said. Mental health experts consider six or more placements to be a serious risk factor for mental health problems, particularly in the ability to form a secure relationship. His biological father, Thomas Ferguson, fathered five children with Nunezs mother, but only Nunez and one sister lived in Fergusons household for a significant length of time. Ferguson killed himself in the Santa Fe County Jail in April 2018 while awaiting trial in connection with Jeremiahs killing. Prosecutors allege that Nunez participated in Jeremiahs abuse and delivered the final blow that killed the boy around Nov. 25, 2017, by repeatedly flipping a dog crate in which the boy was confined. Nunez pleaded guilty to one count of recklessly permitting child abuse resulting in death and two counts of tampering with evidence for helping bury the body. Jeremiah was confined in the 2639-inch dog kennel following a beating from Ferguson that was so severe it broke the boys jaw in two places, causing the bone to break through the boys gums. The methamphetamine-fueled abuse that Ferguson meted out for weeks to Jeremiah evoked painful memories for Nunez of his own childhood abuse by the same man, Rowe testified. In 2008, when Nunez was about 10, he and his four sisters were adopted by their grandparents and lived with the family in Hereford, Texas. But, when Nunez turned 18, he abruptly moved to New Mexico to live first with his mother in Clovis, then with Ferguson in Nambe about June 2017. Rowe said the move was motivated by a desperate need to form a relationship with his biological father. Jordan (Nunez) has been looking for somebody who is going to be a father figure, and a mother figure, for many years, he testified. But life with Ferguson worsened in fall 2017 as Fergusons use of methamphetamine became increasingly heavy and his abuse of Jeremiah more severe. Prosecutors said the abuse included beatings, attaching a shock collar around the boys thigh, dropping a heavy hammer on his hands and throwing a homemade spear that injured the boy in several places. Attorneys for Nunez argue that he was too intimidated by Ferguson to stand up for the boy. But prosecutors allege that Nunez had opportunities to alert authorities to the worsening abuse, but did nothing, and even helped bury the body. Dr. David Salsberg, a child psychologist who testified for the prosecution, said Nunez had access to a phone, used Facebook frequently and could leave the house. Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal With recreational cannabis sales starting next year, the workforce development arm of New Mexicos largest community college is offering a program designed to train and certify workers looking to enter the industry. CNM Ingenuity, the enterprise arm of Central New Mexico Community College, on Thursday announced a partnership with the New Mexico-based cannabis curriculum provider SeedCrest to offer a 40-hour online training program for up to 100 students this fall. Students will get a detailed overview of the cannabis industry, from safety and security protocols to the history of cultivation, and will receive a certification that sets them up to work in a variety of positions. Mary Gallivan, senior director for program management at CNM Ingenuity, said she hopes the program can help build a pipeline of qualified employees that can support the soon-to-launch recreational cannabis market. As new industries emerge, there are new training opportunities to support those workforces, Gallivan said. The Cannabis Regulation Act, signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this spring, requires that rules be in place to allow New Mexicos first recreational sales to begin no later than April 1, 2022. SeedCrest founder Shanon Jaramillo said current projections show the industry creating around 11,000 new jobs, as new license-holders start operating and existing companies scale up to meet the new demand. Jaramillo said she expects there will be more jobs open ranging from farming to working in a dispensary than there are trained New Mexicans to fill them, which could hamper the industrys growth or force companies to hire out-of-state workers if they cant create a pipeline. Were really working hard to make sure that New Mexico and New Mexicans get access to education and training,Jaramillo said. SeedCrest, which launched in July 2020, offers a range of online trainings through its website, but Jaramillo said partnering with New Mexico colleges allows SeedCrest to reach students where they are, including rural areas of the state. The organization worked with Northern New Mexico College on a similar pilot program that ended in August, and Jaramillo said shes had discussions with other schools around the state. The course through CNM Ingenuity costs $979 and is slated to begin Nov. 1. Gallivan said students will have six weeks to complete the 40 hours of work, with an orientation and scheduled check-ins with advisers to give the course more structure. We find it sets people up for success when theres a start date and an end date, and a series of check-ins, she said. Students must be over the age of 18 to take the course, but Gallivan said they do not need to be on a degree track at CNM to apply. The class aligns with existing state requirements for the industry and graduates receive a certificate of completion from CNM and SeedCrest. Students have until Oct. 25 to apply. Visit www.cnmingenuity.org/program/cannabis-technician for information. The community was rattled in August when 13-year-old Bennie Hargrove was killed by a peer at Washington Middle School while he was trying to de-escalate a violent situation. Hargrove has since been hailed a hero, not only by local police and his classmates, but by adults in the community. One of them is Len Romano, the owner of Ripe Inc. and a board member for the West Downtown Business Group, an organization of local companies whose storefronts are located within blocks of the school. Romano, with other members of the community, wanted to find a way to help the school. So they came up with three ideas. The first was a T-shirt for all the students and staff that says: Washington Middle School Strong. The shirts were designed by Romanos shop, which does graphic design. Next, the West Downtown Business group raised enough funds to have Garcias Kitchen cater lunches for teachers and staff. The principal (Modesta Hernandez) said that morale was really low and that the staff would appreciate the community letting them know that they are thinking of them, and how could we do that? Romano asked. We could send some lunches to them every month until the end of the year. Hernandez said the lunches brought unity to the staff following the tragic incident. We were lost and fallen, Hernandez said. We were struggling. It gave us a place to gather and to smile again. Board member Rudy Garcia says together the groups came up with a third idea: to build a tree sanctuary at the school where kids can spend time outside, express themselves and begin to heal. The project is scheduled to break ground in the spring. Kids will work with science faculty to help design the space. KKOB news radio will air this story Friday as part of its Good News Files. The Good News Files is a collaboration between the Albuquerque Journal, 96.3 News Radio KKOB and KOAT-TV. The stories highlight good news stories in the community. Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A judge sentenced Jordan Nunez to 21 years in prison Friday in the beating death of a 13-year-old boy following weeks of torture and confinements. Nunez, 23, pleaded guilty in 2020 to one count of recklessly permitting child abuse resulting in death and two counts of tampering with evidence in the November 2017 death of Jeremiah Valencia at a house in Nambe. The judge accepted the prosecution argument that Nunez had been an active participant in weeks of beatings and confinement that led to Jeremiahs death. Nunez had seen Jeremiah hobbling on a cane with severe injuries, 1st Judicial District Judge Matthew Wilson said before passing sentence. Nunez also witnessed a severe beating in the hours before the boys death, and watched the boy confined to a dog crate, Wilson noted. Despite all of this, the defendant did nothing to stop the abuse, Wilson said Friday following a four-day sentencing hearing. The question of Nunezs involvement in the severe abuse meted out to Jeremiah in the weeks leading to his death has dominated much of the hearing. Both defense and prosecution attorneys agree that Nunezs father, Thomas Ferguson, gave the boy increasingly severe beatings and punishments that resulted in the boys death around Nov. 25, 2017. Ferguson killed himself in the Santa Fe County jail in 2018 and was never tried in connection with Jeremiahs death. Tracy Ann Pena, Jeremiahs mother and Fergusons girlfriend, earlier pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death. Fergusons worsening abuse of Jeremiah coincided with his increased use of methamphetamine in fall 2017, witnesses testified this week. Nunez himself referenced his father in a statement to the court prior to his sentencing. I hoped that moving down here to get to know my father and forgiving him would help me to get to know myself and help me fix what felt broken inside, a sobbing Nunez said as members of Jeremiahs family listened. I want you to know I am truly sorry for my failure to call 911, he said. Thats a fact Im going to have to live with for the rest of my life. Jeremiahs aunt, Celine Miera, rejected Nunezs apology Friday, saying it sounded rehearsed and insincere. Theres no way to apologize for the things that happened, Miera said. Im happy with the outcome. I feel justice has been served today. Nunez received 18 years for the first count of recklessly permitting child abuse resulting in death. Wilson ruled the crime is a serious violent offense, which requires that Nunez serve at least 85% of the sentence before he is eligible for parole. Nunez had faced up to 24 years in prison, but Wilson merged two counts of tampering with evidence into a single count, essentially reducing the sentence by three years. Both tampering counts resulted from efforts to stuff the boys body in a plastic container and bury it in a shallow grave. Prosecutors argued that Nunez had the means and opportunity to alert police to the abuse taking place in the Nambe home. Defense attorneys countered that then-19-year-old Nunez himself had been severely abused by Ferguson as a boy and feared for his life if he challenged his fathers actions. Fergusons behavior became increasingly violent and irrational as his use of meth increased, Nunezs attorney, Theresa Duncan, said in her closing argument. Ferguson used fear and intimidation to rope that family into his horrendous, horrendous crimes, Duncan said. Everyone in that house was too scared to intervene. Fergusons abuse of Jeremiah caused flashbacks for Nunez, who himself had been severely abused by Ferguson in his first years of life, she said. A child psychiatrist who testified for the defense this week diagnosed Nunez with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of that early abuse, hindering Nunezs ability to stand up to his intimidating father. The impact of his early abuse was still operating on (Nunez), Duncan said. But a child psychologist for the prosecution rejected the PTSD diagnosis and testified Friday that Nunez had the opportunity and the capacity to alert police to Jeremiahs abuse. Prosecutors also argued that Nunez dealt the final blow that killed Jeremiah by flipping the dog crate in which the boy was confined following a severe beating from Ferguson. The beating, which immediately preceded Jeremiahs death, broke his jaw in two places, causing the bone to protrude through the gums. Nunez has acknowledged that he knocked on or shook the crate, but denied he flipped it, his attorney said in closing statements. Shaking of the dog crate was undeniably reckless behavior, but it was not done to harm Jeremiah, Duncan said. District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies argued Friday that Nunez had enough command over his actions to seek help for Jeremiah. She noted that at age 18, Nunez had left the supportive home of his adoptive family in Texas and sought out his biological father, whom he knew to be violent and abusive. Nunez had the opportunity to leave Fergusons house, had access to a phone, and routinely used Facebook, but chose not to contact police, she said. These opportunities were available to Jordan (Nunez), Carmack-Altwies said. He didnt do anything to protect Jeremiah. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. A New Mexico judge on Friday denied a request by dozens of scientists and others at Los Alamos National Laboratory to block a vaccine mandate, meaning workers risk being fired if they dont comply with the labs afternoon deadline. The case comes as New Mexico extends a mask mandate for indoor spaces across the state, citing persistently high levels of community spread. While the vaccination rate among adults in New Mexico continues to hover below 72%, the lab confirmed Friday that 96% of employees are fully vaccinated. Its not known how many workers have requested exemptions or how many could end up being fired for declining the shots. The legal challenge was backed by 114 scientists, nuclear engineers, research technicians, designers, project managers and other workers at the lab. Some are specialists and have high security clearance for the work they do, which ranges from national defense to infrastructure improvements and COVID-19 research. The workers claim the mandate is a violation of their constitutional rights and that lab management has created a hostile work environment. Attorneys for the lab argued in court Thursday that being vaccinated was a condition of working at Los Alamos. Lab management had announced the vaccine requirement in August. State District Judge Jason Lidyard agreed, saying unvaccinated employees will have to find work elsewhere. Lab spokeswoman Jennifer Talhelm said in a statement Friday that the decision to mandate the vaccine was made only after considerable thought. The safety and health of our employees remains our top priority as we fulfill our national security mission, and as a result our vaccine mandate remains in effect, she said. For those granted religious exemptions, they will be placed on leave without pay or have to use vacation time. Those who have yet to receive their second dose will be placed on unpaid leave or have to use up vacation time until fully vaccinated. With such a high percentage of vaccinated workers, critics have argued that forcing the remaining holdouts to get shots would make no epidemiological difference. Jonathan Diener, an attorney representing the workers, said the plaintiffs are considering an appeal. Arbitration also is possible pending court proceeding on the merits of the case. The workers have requested a jury trial. The main thing is we wanted to stop people from being thrown out of work, said Diener, expressing disappointment with the judges decision. The workers backing the lawsuit have argued that the high degree of scrutiny required of them when working with nuclear weapons or other high-level projects has not been applied on the vaccine front, despite the labs extensive modeling work for the state on spread and other COVID-19 related trends. The lawsuit cited statements made over the last year by top officials in the U.S. and with the World Health Organization in which they noted that there is more to be learned about how the vaccines reduce infection and how effective they are when it comes to preventing infected people from passing it on. Los Alamos lab on its website touts the breadth of its scientific capabilities, saying it has been helping to answer questions about the pandemic. That includes tracking the virus evolution, predicting spread through modeling, developing reopening strategies for schools and future vaccine development. In extending the mask mandate, state health officials said Friday that the goal was to reduce pressure on the health care system. It is not time to abandon basic precautions, said Dr. David Scrase, head of the state Health and Human Services departments. Our hospital and health care partners remain incredibly, incredibly concerned about the serious illnesses they are dealing with. A separate public health order requiring health care workers to be vaccinated remains in place. School workers also are required to be vaccinated or undergo regular testing. Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Michael David Garcia was charged earlier this month in the death of his 2-year-old daughter after she was found to have bruises and burns covering her body at the mobile home he shares with his mother. On Friday, police arrested Garcias mother after a sibling detailed her involvement in the alleged abuse and doctors discovered two other children in her care had unexplained broken bones. Diana Garcia, 53, who also goes by Cantu, is charged with child abuse resulting in death in the Oct. 1 death of Diana McGrory. Her 32-year-old son was arrested on the same charge on Oct. 2. They are both being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Garcias three remaining children, between the ages of 4 and 5, are in the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. Court records and police reports detail a lengthy and messy custody battle between Garcia and the mother of the children, leading up to him gaining full custody. Megan Mitsunaga, Michael Garcias attorney, said her client maintains his innocence in Dianas death and will be vigorously defending against the allegations. It is unclear if his mother has an attorney. Police responded around 2 p.m. to the mobile home in the 7400 block of San Pedro NE, north of San Antonio, after paramedics were unable to revive Diana. The child was found to be emaciated and had bruising and burns covering her body. Michael Garcia was arrested after his explanations of the injuries did not satisfy investigators. Diana Garcia told police her son was not an angry or violent person but did seem frustrated not knowing how to handle his childrens autism. She said the children had been living with her since late July and neither she nor her son spanked the children. Garcias 5-year-old son told police a different story: his father and grandmother beat the kids with belts and their hands when the children dont listen. The boy told police when his 2-year-old sister was bad she was punished and hurt by Michael and Diana Garcia. The boy said they spanked Diana with a belt and their hands on a lot of days and she had a lot of Band-Aids on her face. A maternal aunt who cared for the children after their fathers arrest told police the two 4-year-old boys had been eating excessively at her home. The aunt brought the boys in for an exam on Oct. 4. The doctor found multiple unexplained fractures to both boys, including a broken foot, ankle and clavicle as well as significant bruising to the abdomen and back. This presentation is indicative of physical abuse, an officer wrote in the complaint. A manufacturer in the renewable energy industry is setting up shop near New Mexicos southern border, and plans to create more than 300 jobs in the region. State and county officials gathered in Chamberino Friday to welcome WTEC Energy Corp., a New Jersey-based company that manufactures wire cable designed to power solar projects and wind turbines, to the rural Dona Ana County community. With support from the state and county, WTEC purchased an unoccupied 68,000-square-foot warehouse that once housed a pet food processing plant as its base of operations in New Mexico. State and local leaders expect the project to create 315 manufacturing jobs and have an economic impact of more than $400 million over the next decade. Its a project that has so much positive impact for rural New Mexico, and thats what excites me the most, said Davin Lopez, president and CEO of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, during a news conference Friday morning. A handful of manufacturers have added operations in Dona Ana County recently, including Admiral Cable and Cymmetrik. Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes said during the press conference that the area has been a target for manufacturers looking to expand or add operations on the United States side of the border. Were seeing a huge amount of manufacturing companies looking to the United States, and specifically to this region, Keyes said. However, many of those projects have taken place in or near Santa Teresa rather than more rural parts of the county like Chamberino, about 12 miles north. Dona Ana County Commissioner Manuel Sanchez said the investment will help keep locals in the community, and encourage those who have left to move back. Success here will mean success for 300-plus families, Sanchez during the conference. The project will be supported by $2 million from the states Local Economic Development Act job-creation fund, along with $100,000 from the El Paso Electric New Mexico Economic Development fund, which is administered by MVEDA and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. Kevin Bate, executive vice president of WTEC, said the funding was a key reason the company looked to locate the facility in New Mexico rather than Texas. Its a huge vote of confidence in our project, Bate said. Additionally, Bate said New Mexicos western location played a part in the companys decision to locate there. He said the companys cable line development is concentrated in Florida, but most of its customers in the wind and solar energy industries are located in the West. Bate said the company plans to begin installation early next year. As we look to the future, thats very much what we want to become is an integral part of the community, he said. Warner Bros. Movie The 'Ocean's Eleven' actor agrees that the 1997 Caped Crusader movie was not a good movie and bans his wife and kids from watching the DC superhero film. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - George Clooney agrees with criticism of his turn as The Caped Crusader in 1997 movie "Batman & Robin". The actor spoke at a Q&A after a screening of "The Tender Bar", which he directed, and was asked about acting in big-budget blockbuster movies, according to People. Reflecting on his late '90s flop, the star quipped, "I did one superhero movie and I f**ked it up so bad they won't let me near the set." Despite following in the celebrated footsteps of Michael Keaton and Val Kilmer, "Batman & Robin" was a critical and commercial failure and halted the franchise for several years. One of the biggest criticisms of the movie was the costume, but Clooney refused to discuss "all the bat nipples" - a talking point of the outfit - during the appearance. "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," he insisted. Clooney recently revealed he won't even let his children, four-year-old twins Alexander and Ella, or his wife Amal, watch "Batman & Robin", but 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," he said. "Now, I wasn't just an actor getting a role, I was being held responsible for the film itself." WENN/Instagram/FayesVision Celebrity The 'Succession' actor blames Covid-19 pandemic for not being able to meet little nephew Dakota, whom Macaulay Culkin welcomed with girlfriend Brenda Song in April this year. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Kieran Culkin has yet to meet his six-month-old nephew Dakota. The actor attended the premiere of season three of his show "Succession" in New York on Tuesday night (12Oct21), where he opened up about the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on his personal life. Admitting he's been unable to get back to California to meet Dakota - who Macaulay and girlfriend Brenda Song welcomed in April - Kieran explained, "I haven't actually met his son yet because he lives in California and there's been work and a pandemic and all that stuff." Life has also been busy for Kieran, who became a dad for the second time just eight weeks ago when his wife Jazz Charton gave birth to a baby boy. They are also parents to two-year-old daughter Kinsey, but the actor hasn't been giving much advice to Macaulay as he didn't find other people's comments useful when he became a dad himself. "The best advice that someone gave me when I became a new parent was don't take anyone's advice, you'll figure it out," he added. Kieran previously backed his brother' claims about their estranged father Kit Culkin. "He wasn't a good person and, yeah, probably not a good parent," he admitted. "He didn't really bathe. He just reeked. I remember thinking, 'I guess all dads smell awful.' " "I never looked at him as dad. He didn't really belong here, and when he was finally gone for good, it made the most sense." HBO Celebrity The eccentric real estate scion millionaire is ordered to spend the rest of his days behind bars after he was convicted of killing his longtime confidante, who was found dead inside her Beverly Hills home, over 20 years ago. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Robert Durst will spend the rest of his life in a California prison for murdering his longtime confidante Susan Berman. On Thursday, October 14, the eccentric real estate scion was sentenced to life behind bars. The sentencing was effectively set after a jury convicted him of first-degree murder in September. The court judge also upheld the allegation that the 78-year-old New York real estate heir shot his friend in order to cover up the killing of his wife, Kathleen, in New York in 1982. Under California law, defendants convicted of special circumstances murder can only be sentenced to life without parole or execution. The Los Angeles County district attorney's office also chose not to seek the death penalty against Robert. The judge dropped Robert's sentence after a five-month trial. Over 100 people testified during the trial, including Robert's estranged brother, Douglas, HBO's "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" filmmakers Marc Smerling and Andrew Jarecki as well as Susan's comedian friend Laraine Newman. Robert also testified from a wheelchair and spent 15 days on the stand. "When Bob Durst killed Kathie, he killed Susan and Morris as well because once that happened, once he did that, there was no turning back," Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney John Lewin told jurors during the first week of trial. "Bob Durst is a person who is going to protect and take care of Bob Durst." Susan's body was found in the bedroom of her Beverly Hills home in December 2000, after a neighbor reported her dogs were loose. She had been fatally shot in the back of the head. Officers determined there was no forced entry or sign of ransacking or a struggle. Her purse, with her ID and her cash inside, was sitting on the kitchen counter. For decades, Robert denied he was in Los Angeles around the time of Susan's death. But later, his attorney, Dick DeGuerin, admitted that Robert was in Los Angeles and had plans to spend the holidays with Susan when he found her dead. "When Bob showed up and found her dead he panicked," Dick claimed. "He wrote the anonymous [cadaver] letter so her body would be found, and he ran. He ran away all of his life." After Robert was found guilty of murdering Susan as she knew too much about the disappearance of Kathleen, Kathleen's family reacted to his conviction in a statement that read, "Not a single day goes by that we do not think about our beautiful, smart, and kind sister, Kathleen." The statement continued, "Today, more than ever before, it is clear that she was murdered by Robert Durst in Westchester County, New York on January 31, 1982. The evidence is overwhelming." "Although Durst has now been rightly convicted of killing Susan Berman, who helped him conceal the truth about Kathie's death, the McCormack family is still waiting for justice," the statement added. "Kathie is still waiting for justice." WENN/Instagram/FayesVision Celebrity Varunie Vongsvirates, who dated the 'Marmaduke' star for 5 years before they split in 2018, says the actor has not had any contact with their daughter Lyla, though he maintains relationships with his two elder sons. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Owen Wilson's daughter Lyla recently turned 3 years old, but he has never met her even for once, so claimed the child's mother. The actor's former girlfriend Varunie Vongsvirates has slammed the 52-year-old for allegedly being an absent father to their child. Varunie, who dated Owen for about five years before they broke up in 2018, told DailyMail.com that the "Wedding Crashers" star has never had any contact with Lyla, though he maintains relationships with his two elder sons. "He has never met her, unfortunately," she told the news outlet, several days after she posted a birthday tribute to her daughter on Instagram. In the image shared on Saturday, October 9, Lyla wore a straw hat and sported long blonde hair. Varunie captioned the snap, "Happy 3rd birthday to my wild child! I love you so much!!!!" Previously in 2019, Varunie claimed she has begged her ex to get involved in their daughter's life several times, but he apparently has no intention to do so. She said that the brother of Luke Wilson is "not involved at all" with their little girl. The 37-year-old added that Owen only helped them financially, but nothing more. "He helps financially but it's never been about that," so she said at the time. She explained, "Lyla needs a father. It's ironic how [Owen] keeps getting these father roles, he's playing a father in his new movie, and he's never met his own daughter." Varunie gave birth to her daughter Lyla on October 9, 2018 without Owen by her side. In the same year, the Academy Award-nominated actor took a paternity test that confirmed he's the father of the little girl. A source told Us Weekly a month later that Owen "refuses to meet his daughter." The source added, "He even checked the no visitation box in court in June He does not want to visit [and does not] want any custody of her." Owen is also a father to 10-year-old Robert, who is named after the "Wonder" actor's father. He welcomed his eldest son with his then-girlfriend Jade Duell, from whom he reportedly split up in 2011. He shares his second child, 7-year-old Fin, with fitness trainer Caroline Lindqvist, whom he has struck up another romance with as of late. WENN Celebrity 32-year-old Zelda takes to her social media account to ask fans to stop sending her a now-viral video of actor Jamie Costa impersonating her late dad, who died by suicide back in 2014. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Robin Williams' daughter Zelda Williams has one request for people. The 32-year-old took to her social media account to ask fans to stop sending her a now-viral video of actor Jamie Costa impersonating her dad. "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,' " Zelda wrote on the blue bird app on October 12. Zelda, however, explained in a separate tweet that she doesn't have bad feelings for for Jamie. "Jamie is SUPER talented, this isn't against him," Zelda clarified, "but y'all spamming me an impression of my late Dad on one of his saddest days is weird." Zelda Williams asked fans to stop spamming her with impersonation video. By "test footage," Zelda was referring to the viral clip which was titled "ROBIN Test Footage Scene". In the video Jamie and co-star Sarah Murphree, who plays Robin's "York & Mindy" co-star Pam Dawber, acting out a real life moment in 1982 in which Sarah told Jamie in his dressing room that John Belushi has died. Robin was one of the last people to see John alive at the "Saturday Night Live" alum's bungalow at Chateau Marmont as the 33-year-old star before he was found dead of a drug overdose. The video was uploaded on October 11, the clip has since gone viral. It has amassed more than 4 million views. The video also prompted fans to call for a biopic starring Jamie as the late comedy icon. Robin died by suicide in 2014 when Zelda was 25. She took a break from social media following his dad's death as it negatively impacted her mental health. "I don't think your skin ever gets any thicker," she told PEOPLE in 2017. "I've never stopped letting people in, sometimes to my detriment. I'm an actress, and I think if I grew a thick skin and kept the world out, I wouldn't be very good at my job. I've just grown a different sense of humor. Trolling and bullying, especially when it comes to online, can be damaging, but it also has as much power as you give it." Instagram Celebrity The 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star also takes to her social media account to pokes fun at rumors suggesting that her actor husband 'beats his women.' Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Lisa Rinna isn't bothered with rumors surrounding Harry Hamlin. After fans brought up speculations that her husband had a "gay lover," "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star took to social media to poke fun at the gossip. The 58-year-old reality star addressed the rumors via Instagram Story on Wednesday, October 13. At that time, she posted a screenshot of Bravoaholics' Instagram post that read, "How come the Harry Hamlin cheating rumors at his place in Muskoka, Canada never gets brought up?" The post didn't go unnoticed by Lisa. She shared a screenshot of the post and wrote, "He's too busy living with his gay lover in the valley while he's cheating in Canada with Trish." Not stopping there, the mother of Amelia Hamlin also laughed off rumors about Harry's abusive behavior. "Recently read he alledgedly beats his women, and also suspected he is gay/woman hater," so read a comment from one user, to which she replied, "Oh damn he's freaking busy." Lisa Rinna addressed rumors surrounding Harry Hamlin. This was not the first time Lisa poked fun at rumors about Harry's infidelity. In September 2020, she reacted to a since-deleted tweet that read, "My girlfriend f**ked Harry Hamlin in muskoka [Canada] for an entire summer in 2018 - you wanna talk about that @LisaRinna??? Or do you want to talk about his affair with Patricia? #RHOBH." In response, the "Days of Our Lives" actress shared her spouse's 1987 "Sexiest Man Alive" PEOPLE cover on Instagram. She captioned it, "#Fbf Appreciation Post to my very busy Husband who apparently doesn't live with us, is having a lot of affairs, and is gay. Go Harry F**king Hamlin." Lisa tied the knot with Harry in 1997. Together, they share two daughters, 20-year-old Amelia and 23-year-old Delilah Belle Hamlin. As for the actor, he is also a father to 41-year-old son Dimitri Hamlin, whom he shares with ex Ursula Andress. WENN/Joseph Marzullo Celebrity After his former co-star became the oldest man in history to travel into space, the 'Star Trek' actor rips him off by stating that the former is 'not the fittest specimen of 90 years old.' Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - George Takei has blasted former "Star Trek" co-star William Shatner as "unfit" for space travel after his mission aboard Amazon boss Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket on Wednesday, October 13. The two actors have been feuding for decades and Takei didn't hesitate to shade Shatner over the highly-publicized blast-off event, during which Shatner became the oldest man in history to travel into space. "He's boldly going where other people have gone before," Takei said to Page Six, riffing on the famous line from the opening of the original "Star Trek" TV series. "He's a guinea pig, 90 years old...," Takei said, calling TV's Captain Kirk "not the fittest specimen of 90 years old." In the past, Takei has accused Shatner of ignoring him on the set of "Star Trek" and of changing the script for 1989's "Star Trek V", so his character, Hikaru Kato Sulu, would never become a spaceship commander. In return, the "T.J. Hooker" star has said, "There's a psychosis there... There must be something else inside George that is festering, and it makes him unhappy that he takes it out on me... Why would he go out of his way to denigrate me? It's sad, I feel nothing but pity for him." In 2015, Takei told the The New York Times Magazine he had just invited Shatner to his new Broadway play and that the feud was being kept up by his old castmate. "Whenever he needs a little publicity for a project, he pumps up the so-called controversy between us," Takei said. At the time, he mentioned Shatner's outburst against him in 2008, following Takei's wedding to husband Brad, saying it was all to draw attention to a new show. "Two months after my wedding, he went on YouTube and ranted and raved about our not sending him an invitation. We had. If he had an issue, he could have easily just phoned us before the wedding, simple as that. But he didn't. And the reason he raised that fuss two months later is because he was premiering his new talk show, 'Raw Nerve'." WENN/Nicky Nelson Celebrity The 'America's Got Talent' judge reveals he had dehydration after undergoing a colonoscopy, which was exacerbated by coffee, that led to his recent medical scare. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Howie Mandel has once again addressed his recent hospitalization. Kicking off the Thursday, October 14 episode of his podcast "Howie Mandel Does Stuff", the comedian detailed what went down that led to his collapse at Starbucks. Joined by his daughter Jackelyn Schulz, who said she was "freaking out" when her mother told her Howie was taken to the hospital, the Canadian star quipped, "First of all, what has this world come to where you can't pass out in a Starbucks privately anymore?" He then revealed that he "was dehydrated." "I had a colonoscopy a few days ago," he explained to his concerned daughter. "They empty you out. You take a drink, and you empty out - I had consensual diarrhea for, you know, an entire night essentially." Howie said he immediately began working after his colonoscopy. "From the moment I woke up from the colonoscopy I went and I worked," he shared. "All I kind of lived on was coffee and caffeine, which also exacerbates dehydration, I was told." It also didn't help that he doesn't "drink water" as he enthused, "apparently, when you do that you will pass out at Starbucks" The 65-year-old jokingly added, "It was also the cost of the caramel macchiato venti that just threw me over the edge." The "America's Got Talent" judge said he felt dizzy and was sweating a lot at the time, but he never really lost consciousness. "I just passed out and I got really dizzy and couldn't stand up, but I don't think I ever lost consciousness," he recalled. "And I got totally soaked with sweat. For somebody who is dehydrated, I had a lot of sweat in me, so that even exacerbated the dehydration." Howie then thanked the first responders and the medical team. "I want to thank first responders, and everybody at the hospital, at West Hills Hospital, thank you so much for taking care of me," he said. "Here I am, back on my podcast, healthy, hydrated and moist!" he assured and promised, "I'm going to moisturize and hydrate from now on." Howie and her daughter also talked about a firefighter who was mistakenly identified as the funnyman in a picture released by TMZ. "It's like a really buff, young, bald firefighter - a healthy-looking guy - and they said that was you. I was like, well I'm not so concerned because that guy looks good!" Jackelyn joked. Her father chimed in, "I didn't know it until you called! That's the firefighter with the red arrow. He's sitting up with his sunglasses on, ready to go to the hospital!" Howie was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday morning after passing out at a Starbucks coffee house in Woodland Hills, California. He was hanging out with his wife and some friends when he collapsed. Paramedics were called to the scene and the TV personality was taken to a hospital in Tarzana via an ambulance. Hours after the incident, he updated his Twitter page to inform his fans that he was okay. "I am home and doing better," he wrote. "I was dehydrated and had low blood sugar." He went on assuring, "Thank you to everyone who reached out but I am doing ok!" Music In addition to the 'Only Murders in the Building' actress, the British rock band's ninth album features vocals from Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's son, Moses. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Coldplay has finally dropped their "Music of the Spheres" album. Along with its arrival on Friday, October 15, the British rock band unleashed a lyric video for "Let Somebody Go" featuring Selena Gomez. In the breakup ballad, vocalist Chris Martin and the "Only Murders in the Building" actress lament the pain of bidding farewell to those they love. "All the storms we weathered/ Everything that we went through/ Now without you, what on earth am I to do?" she first sings in her verse. "When I called the mathematicians and I asked them to explain/ They said love is only equal to the pain," the ex-boyfriend of Justin Bieber continues, before Chris harmonizes, "And when everything was going wrong/ You could turn my sorrow into song." "Let Somebody Go" is co-written by Chris and Gwyneth Paltrow's 17-year-old daughter, Apple. The exes' son Moses, meanwhile, is featured on the chorus of "Humankind". The 15-year-old boy sings along with his dad, "I say I know I know I know We're only human/ I know I know I know/ How we're designed, yeah/ I know I know I know/ We're only human/ But from another planet/ Still they call us Humankind." "Music of the Spheres" is Coldplay's ninth album. Aside from the two tracks, it consists of "People of the Pride," "Human Heart," "Infinity Sign" and "My Universe" featuring BTS (Bangtan Boys). One day prior to the album release, Coldplay announced that the band will be going on an environmentally sustainable world tour next year. They plan to cut emissions by 50 percent compared to their previous live shows. "We're very conscious that the planet is facing a climate crisis. So we've spent the last two years consulting with environmental experts to make this tour as sustainable as possible, and, just as importantly, to harness the tour's potential to push things forward," band members said in a statement. "We won't get everything right, but we're committed to doing everything we can and sharing what we learn. It's a work in progress and we're really grateful for the help we've had so far," they added. "If you'd like to come to a show and sing with us, we're so excited to see you." Instagram/WENN/Dennis Van Tine Celebrity In response to the lawsuit by actress Lili Bernard, the disgraced comedian's representative Andrew Wyatt believes that 'this is just another attempt to abuse the legal process.' Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Bill Cosby faces a new lawsuit months after being released from jail. Lili Bernard, "The Cosby Show" guest star and alleged mentee, sued the comedian of sexual assault, accusing him of raping and drugging her back in 1990. In her lawsuit that was filed in New Jersey on Thursday, October 14, Bernard claimed that the incident occured when Cosby held a mentoring session for her in his suite at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. She said that after drinking the non-alcoholic beverage that Cosby offered to her, she "began to feel symptoms of dizziness, an urge to vomit, and weakness." While she was in and out of consciousness, Bernard recalled seeing "Mr. Cosby naked atop her" and that made her tell "no." The next morning, Cosby allegedly gave her money and provided her with transportation to go back to New York. In the court documents, Bernard shared Cosby took her under his wing and promised to help her acting career following their meeting on the set of "The Cosby Show". According to the lawsuit, Cosby "looked upon Ms. Bernard as if she were his daughter" and also allowed her to call him "daddy." Additionally, he allegedly "warned her of the sexual pressures of Hollywood." Bernard said in a statement, "I have waited a long time to be able to pursue my case in court and I look forward to being heard and to hold Cosby accountable for what he did to me. Although it occurred long ago, I still live with the fear, pain and shame every day of my life." In response to the lawsuit, Cosby's representative Andrew Wyatt said, "These look back provisions are unconstitutional and they are a sheer violation of an individual's constitutional rights and denies that individual of their due process." Wyatt believed that "this is just another attempt to abuse the legal process, by opening up the floodgates for people who never presented an ounce of evidence, proof, truth and/or facts, in order to substantiate their alleged allegations." Concluding his statement, Wyatt added, "Mr. Cosby continues to maintain steadfast in his innocence and will vigorously fight any alleged allegations waged against him and is willing and able to take this fight to the highest court in these United States of America." WENN/Sheri Determan Celebrity When appearing in a new episode of 'The Dr. Oz Show', the actress portraying Dionne Davenport in 'Clueless' reveals that she first tried drugs when she was 8 years old. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Stacey Dash has gotten candid about her past drug addiction. Revealing that she used to take "18 to 20 pills a day," the Dionne Davenport depicter in "Clueless" claimed she lost "everything." The 54-year-old shared her story in the Thursday, October 14th episode of "The Dr. Oz Show". "I was taking 18-20 pills a day," she said, to which Dr. Mehmett Oz replied, "18-20 Vicodin a day, that's expensive." To his statement, the actress confessed, "Yeah, I lost everything." "That's what stopped me. I almost died," she recalled. "My kidneys were so infected that my blood was septic, and my organs were shutting down. So, I got rushed to the hospital and I had to have a full blood transfusion and I was in there for three weeks. And by the grace and mercy of god, I lived." Though so, the incident didn't stop Dash to stop abusing drugs. "That again was when I thought, 'OK, Stacey, then give up. You can't do this life.' And I almost did something stupid. I didn't," she explained. "I called my sister and I told her 'Come over right now.' " "And then I called my attorney and I said, 'I need help.' And she sent me away," the mother of two continued. "Within eight hours there was an intervention guy at my house and I was on a plane to Utah to go to rehab... It wasn't until the last 10 days that I said, 'Oh, snap. I'm an addict.' " During the interview, the "Single Ladies" alum disclosed that she first tried drugs when she was 8 years old. She went on to spill that her mother gave her her first line of cocaine when the actress was still 16 years old. Luckily, Dash has been sober for five years. "I just celebrated five years of sobriety," she said. "I'm clean, five years. And in this five years, my blessing - the greatest blessing is that not only have I been able to be honest with myself and become a better person, I've been able to understand my parents and that they did love me and that they were doing the best they could and they were just sick. They were addicted." Instagram Celebrity The Blink-182 bassist is giving fans an update on his health on his social media platform two weeks after revealing that his stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cancer is in remission. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Mark Hoppus is offering his fans and followers an update on his health condition. The Blink-182 bassist revealed that he has undergone surgery to remove his chemo port two weeks after announcing that he is cancer-free. On Thursday, October 14, the 49-year-old rocker shared a photo on his Instagram Story that saw him wearing a face mask while waiting for the surgery. "Surgery to remove my chemo port," he wrote over the snap. In the following Stories, Mark shared pictures from the procedures. The frontman of the rock band included an image of his arm before going under the knife, a snap of a small device attached to his vein that helps deliver drugs used in chemotherapy and a snap of his arm post-surgery. Mark Hoppus shared photos from his chemo port removal procedure. Mark announced that he is cancer-free on September 29. "Just saw my oncologist and I'm cancer free!!" he wrote at the time. Continuing to express his gratitude, he added, "Thank you God and universe and friends and family and everyone who sent support and kindness and love." Mark shared that he still has to get scanned every six months, but he's feeling grateful to get rid of the disease. He added, "Still have to get scanned every six months and it'll take me until the end of the year to get back to normal but today is an amazing day and I feel so blessed." He concluded his post as saying, "Can I get a W in the chat?" The relieving news came just two weeks after he shared that he had finished his chemotherapy. "Today I'm grateful to not be going in for chemotherapy. It's been three weeks since my last treatment," he shared on September 15. "Normally I'd be going in today. 'Normally.' Damn. Getting pumped full of poison every three weeks is my normal." Mark first unveiled his cancer diagnosis in June, noting that he had already undergone three months of chemotherapy. "It sucks and I'm scared and at the same time I'm blessed with incredible doctors and family and friends to get me through this," the musician shared at the time. In the following month, Mark stressed that the disease was trying to "kill" him. "My cancer's not bone-related, it's blood-related," he further explained his diagnosis. "My classification is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma Stage 4-A, which means, as I understand it, it's entered four different parts of my body." Instagram Celebrity The 38-year-old Trinidadian femcee is reported to have hired lawyer Judd Burstein, who once represented boxer Oscar De La Hoya, to beat up Jennifer Hough in court. Oct 15, 2021 AceShowbiz - Nicki Minaj's legal battle against Kenneth Petty's sexual assault victim is getting nastier. It was reported that the "Anaconda" hitmaker has hired a powerhouse lawyer to win the $20 lawsuit against Jennifer Hough. According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, Nicki has brought Judd Burstein to represent her in the case. Judd was the Oscar De La Hoya's attorney when the boxer fought against a Scores stripper and former ESPN vice president Keith Clinkscales in his Erin Andrews scandal. The report arrived just days after Jennifer filed a $15 million default judgment against Nicki and Kenneth. Jennifer took the move because the couple allegedly ignore her lawsuit. In a request to Douglas Palmer of U.S. District Court - Eastern District of New York, Jennifer's lawyer, Tyrone A Blackburn, asks to "please enter the default of defendants Onika Tanya Maraj, and Kenneth Petty, AKA Zoo, pursuant to Rule 55(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for failure to plead or otherwise defend this action as fully appears from the court file herein and from the attached affirmation of Tyrone A. Blackburn, Esq." Jennifer filed her lawsuit against the pair in August as she accused them of intentional infliction of emotional distress, harassment as well as witness intimidation. She claimed the femcee sent her lawyers to her home to pressure her into withdrawing her rape allegations. Prior to that, the "Bang Bang" hitmaker reportedly tried to bribe Jennifer's brother through her assistants. The attempts, however, didn't work. Kenneth was convicted and placed on a sex offender list, but Nicki has always maintained her husband and Jennifer were dating at the time of the incident. However, the victim already denied the star's claims, telling Garcelle Beauvais and Adrienne Bailon on "The Real", "We both were 16, we were never in a relationship. I just felt woman to woman that was wrong of her." Instagram Celebrity The lead vocalist of the 'Screaming for Vengeance' band has his entire prostate gland removed amid his secret battle with cancer last year during Covid-19 lockdown. Oct 16, 2021 AceShowbiz - Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford secretly battled prostate cancer during the COVID lockdown. The rocker has revealed in a new interview he's in remission after winning his fight with cancer in 2020. "That happened while we were all locked down, so things happen for a reason as far as time sequence of events," he tells Consequence. "I have nothing but gratitude to be at this point in my life, still doing what I love the most." He has detailed his cancer battle in a new chapter added to the updated paperback edition of his 2020 memoir, "Confess", revealing he was both surprised and relieved by his diagnosis. "I felt a combination of shock, horror, and oddly, relief - at least now I know... 'Am I going to die?' " he writes. "It was all I could think of. I know blokes who've died of prostate cancer: 'No, you're not going to die, Rob,' said Dr. Ali." He underwent a prostatectomy, during which doctors removed his entire prostate gland and some of the infected tissue around it. Halford reveals more cancer was found earlier this year (21) and he underwent radiation treatments in April and May and an appendectomy after a tumor was discovered on his appendix before getting the all-clear in June. "It's been a draining year, I can't deny it, but I'm delighted to have come through it," Halford wrote in the book, according to Consequence, revealing a commercial for the Phoenix Children's hospital gave him the strength to fight cancer. "It showed kids with cancer," he said. "Some only babies. They were lying there, with tubes coming out of them, fighting for their lives. They didn't know what was going on... It made me feel totally ashamed of myself: 'Rob, how dare you be so selfish?' And from that second, I changed my entire mental attitude towards my disease." The news of Rob's cancer battle comes just weeks after the band was forced to scrap the remainder of its 2021 dates following guitarist Richie Faulkner's onstage acute cardiac aortic dissection during the band's performance at the Louder Than Life festival in Kentucky. Faulkner was rushed to the hospital after the band's set and surgeons spent 10 hours saving his life. PALERMO, Calif. The Community Action Agency (CAA) will distribute food to the public at a Tailgate Produce Distribution event on Friday. It will be held at the Palermo Grange, located at 7600 Irwin Ave. in Palermo. The giveaway will be held from 10 a.m. to noon or until supplies of food run out, the CAA said in a news release. The CAA North State Food Bank will give away boxes of healthy, shelf-stable and perishable food. The boxes will be weighing between 12 and 17 pounds. Food boxes will be put into the vehicles for people who drive through the line at the event. The drive-through method is intended to provide maximum protection to members of the public. SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - A mother and her kid were reunited after her vehicle was stolen with the kid inside the vehicle on Friday morning, according to the Shasta County Sheriffs Office. Sheriff deputies were notified about a stolen vehicle that happened in the area of the 12100 block of Cinder Rd. in Redding at about 6:35 a.m. California Highway Patrol told deputies there was a 3-year-old in the vehicle when it was stolen. Deputies said the child was left in the vehicle when the mother went inside to change clothes and when she came out, she saw the car driving down the street. An investigation began when officials arrived at the scene. A report at 7:09 a.m. came into SHASCOM about a kid unattended in a vehicle that matched the stolen vehicles description. The vehicle was located at Leona Ave. and Pine Grove Ave. and the kid was safe and in good health, deputies said. Deputies searched the area for more information about the suspect. The integration is ongoing and the kid was reunited with the parent. THERMALITO, Calif. - Thermalito School District parents are outraged with the vaccine mandate. Parents are now considering other education options for their children if the vaccine mandate is approved by the school district. The Thermalito School Board meeting was moved from its original location to Plumas Ave. Elementary as parents piled in, frustrated about the student vaccine mandate. "Your guy's job. You guys can say no we're not going to do this anymore. We're going to make a choice. We need choice," said a frustrated mother. "It is your responsibility to protect these children and I want to know where your line is," another woman said. "As a school board your one and only responsibility to health if anything at all is only to the health of a child, and even at that, the child's health is still the primary responsibility of the parents or guardians," said Matthew Palmquist. Parents brought signs and pamphlets to the board meeting Thursday, all in an effort to have the Thermalito school board reject the state's vaccine mandate. If the school district does not decide to follow the mandate, there can be legal repercussions. "As it stands right now legislation allows an exemption. It allows a religious belief exemption, so right now, you would have the opportunity to opt-out of the vaccine mandate," said Cody Walker, Assistant Superintendent. Students that walk from the outside to on school campus, are met with a sign to ensure all students wear a mask before entering the campus. Dan Strang is a parent of two in Thermalito, and he understands the mask mandate but doesn't want his children to receive the vaccine. "I don't agree with it at all, I don't want my kids to be a part of it," he said. "I'm not willing to do that, my son is 12 he's about to be 13, and I will not get the vaccine. I'm looking for an alternative other than the school that he does to." The board is expected to have a meeting on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. to discuss the vaccine mandate enforcement in their schools, and could possibly make a decision then. The California student vaccine mandate will go into effect on Jan. 1 or July 1 pending full FDA approval of the vaccine for children. LOS ANGELES (AP) New York real estate heir Robert Durst has been sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole for the murder of his best friend more that two decades ago. He was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court last month of first-degree murder for shooting Susan Berman point-blank in the back of the head at her home in December 2000. Prosecutors said Durst silenced Berman to prevent her from incriminating him in the reopened investigation of his wife's 1982 disappearance in New York. Durst's lawyer said they plan to appeal. BSC Women, a spin-off of popular mens grooming brand Bombay Shaving Company, has entered into an audacious partnership with one of Bollywoods hottest new sensations, Alaya F. This represents BSC Women's commitment to reimagine hair removal solutions for women in the country - which has been a stronghold of traditional, established players and the informal services sector. The announcement comes with the launch of a brand film and campaign curiously named SmoothAF'; living up to the brands promise of delivering innovative, exciting and highly experiential hair removal products for the bold, progressive and uncompromising young women of today. Alaya F confirmed this sentiment by saying; I was a part of the BSC women tribe even before signing the contract. I have been a regular user of their hair removal products for some time, and can personally say they are fab. Im so enthusiastic about what the brand is trying to achieve, because I see so much of myself in it. Im thrilled that this vibe has come through in the film as well. The Hyundai i20 N Line became the first sponsor of Discover Weekly, one of Spotifys most loved playlists. In an industry-first innovation, Hyundai sponsored Spotifys popular playlist Discover Weekly to drive awareness for the launch of the Hyundai i20 N Line. This is also the first time that this flagship playlist is being sponsored in India. A fitting partnership since the launch of the Hyundai i20 N Line in India. It also marks the introduction of Hyundais globally popular N Line series in India. With instantly recognizable looks and great handling agility, Hyundai N Line makes each drive a sporty experience. The motorsports-inspired design sets N Line cars apart from everything else and creates a fun-to-drive experience. Hyundai is an innovative brand and our prime focus has always been to create unique curated content and engage the new-age customers. We firmly believe that our association with Spotify for an industry-first activation of Discover Weekly algorithmic playlist will place Hyundai brand at the center of music culture and will further strengthen our brand connect with smart and trend-setters and music lovers said Mr Tarun Garg, Director (Sales, Marketing & Service) Hyundai India. Discover Weekly is an algorithmically-curated playlist that is personalised and delivered to Spotify listeners across the world every Monday. For a vast majority of these listeners 36% of whom are in the 25 to 34 age range its something they look forward to as they begin their week and to discover new music specially tailored to their tastes and musical preferences. Because of its highly personalised experience, Discover Weekly users stream more than 2x as long as non-Discover Weekly users. These listeners tend to be smart, savvy, early adopters and trend-setters who define culture and are eager to embrace the next big thing. To tap into this influential audience and reach them when they are at their most engaged in an environment that is personal and authentic, Hyundai partnered with Spotify India to sponsor Discover Weekly locally. By placing a brand message at the center of music and popular culture, Hyundai demonstrated to its audience that the Hyundai i20 N Line is the best fit for consumers life and lifestyle. Using mobile overlay and Spotify Indias Audio Everywhere solution, Hyundai was able to tap into the discovery mindset of listeners with customised in-playlist messaging, thus driving action to know more about the car and to experience it. We're excited that Hyundai is Indias first brand to sponsor Discover Weekly, a powerful personalisation experience that Spotify uniquely offers our fans. This partnership uses the intimacy of audio, backed by our streaming intelligence, and supercharges discovery for Hyundais audience, said Arjun Ravi Kolady, Head of Sales at Spotify India. Creative: The customised in-playlist messaging consisted of audio spots that were curated to pique the users interest on what it would be like to drive the Hyundai i20 N Line and look at the world as their playground. With the sporty roaring exhaust note sound, engine revving, and the car powering through a road, the creatives exemplified that Its time to play, and made listeners feel the sporty fit that the Hyundai i20 N Line is. Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Bern, 15.10.2021 - On 15 October, President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), welcomed Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili at the Lohn Manor. This was the first official visit by a Georgian president to Switzerland. The talks focused on further developing their bilateral relations, which are dominated by close cooperation and expanding economic ties as well as Switzerland's good offices and long-standing engagement in the South Caucasus. Both sides noted the strengthening of political, economic and cultural ties in recent years. Bilateral economic relations have advanced, despite the pandemic, and there is still much potential for growth. The volume of trade last year was CHF 131 million. Switzerland and Georgia are already close partners in the fight against climate change, and this cooperation will be further consolidated through a bilateral agreement concluded under the Paris Climate Agreement. The delegations also explored areas in which relations could be expanded. They discussed a planned energy dialogue as well as increased cooperation in migration through the signing of a comprehensive bilateral migration partnership. Switzerland's objectives for international cooperation in the South Caucasus in the coming years were also discussed. The cooperation strategy planned for 2022 to 2025 acknowledges the region's high political and economic relevance for Switzerland. The proposed contribution for Georgia remains unchanged at approximately CHF 34 million. This programme aims to promote sustainable economic growth and thereby help alleviate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. Switzerland's activities in the region continue to focus on peacebuilding, and particularly on improving the living conditions of the population affected by the conflict. Since 2009, Switzerland has represented Georgia's diplomatic interests in Moscow and Russia's interests in Tbilisi within the framework of its protecting power mandate. The Swiss delegation expressed their gratitude for the trust that Georgia has placed in Switzerland in this regard. Other topics on the agenda included the situation in the South Caucasus and Eastern Europe, the important role of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the security architecture, and cooperation between Switzerland and Georgia on the international scene. Address for enquiries GS-EAER Communication Tel. +41 58 462 20 07 info@gs-wbf.admin.ch Publisher Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research http://www.wbf.admin.ch Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Please remember to pre-order your copy of Robert Kennedy's new book The Real Anthony Fauci: In my new book, I show that Dr. Fauci has done little to earn the sobriquet "Americas Doctor. Instead, he has survived 50 years as the J. Edgar Hoover of public health by consistently prioritizing Big Pharma profits over the welfare of his countrymen, and through mercenary homage to the chemical and agricultural industry, the military industrial complex, the intelligence apparatus and all the other pushers of pills, potions, powders, poisons, pricks and the police state. Robert Kennedy, Jr. From Children's Health Defense: White House Tells Governors to Get Ready to Vaccinate Young Kids, Even Though FDA Hasnt Approved It. Pediatrician Says, Not so Fast. The White House on Tuesday told states to prepare to vaccinate children as young as 5 by early November, even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasnt yet authorized Pfizers COVID vaccine for children under 12, and despite safety concerns expressed by scientists and pediatricians. In a private phone call Tuesday with the nations governors, the White House told states to prepare to vaccinate children as young as 5 by early November. A White House official said the call was made in anticipation of Pfizers COVID vaccine being cleared for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the coming weeks for children ages 5 to 11. According to NBC News, the Biden administration purchased 65 million pediatric doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine enough to vaccinate an estimated 28 million children who would be eligible should the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve Pfizers request to vaccinate the younger age group. In anticipation of a green light from the FDA, the administration began planning vaccination efforts with states, pharmacies and medical groups. The administration told providers in a planning document last week the vaccine for children will be delivered to thousands of sites within one week of FDA authorization. The pediatric Pfizer vaccine will be distributed in 100-dose packs. Each dose is one-third of what is given to adults, and will be free through sites enrolled in a federal program that guarantees the shots are provided at no cost. Some states are planning to provide the vaccine through schools. Read more at Children's Health Defense. Since the end of September and into the first couple weeks of October, spring wheat nearby futures prices for Minneapolis have slowly and steadily climbed. As of Oct. 12, futures were at $9.45 and that put cash prices around the region anywhere from $8.70 to $9.15. We did see a bit of strength in the market after the Sept. 30 USDA report, and also producer selling has slowed a bit because producers are now harvesting late-season crops, said Erica Olson, market development and research manager for the North Dakota Wheat Commission. A quick look at the Sept. 30 USDA report shows that U.S. spring wheat acreage did change, going down some overall, but there were also some big shifts in individual states. For instance, wheat acreage in Montana increased from 2.6 million acres up to 2.9 million, while in North Dakota wheat acreage decreased by 450,000, down to 5.5 million. Expected harvested acres also went down in the report. Nationwide abandonment is 11 percent. In Montana, abandonment is as high as 25 percent, while in South Dakota its 18 percent. The biggest shock in the report was that abandonment in North Dakota was just 5 percent. I think it should have been quite a bit higher than that. Well see if they ever adjust that number or not, she said, adding that in Minnesota, producers werent expecting to abandon much and that number came in at 4 percent. As expected, yield projections came in 2 bushels per acre higher than the previous report at 32.6 bushels per acre, but thats still historically low. Dozens of members of the UAW's Local 281 took to the picket lines outside John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline Thursday morning after the union and Deere failed to reach a contract agreement. Picket lines also are active in Moline, Milan and Davenport. Jim Humphreys favorite part of being a livestock specialist is working with producers and helping them be successful. A University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist based in Andrew County, Humphrey says each day at work can look very different. For me, it probably depends a little bit on the time of year, he says. Humphrey raises cattle himself, and he knows many producers in his northwest Missouri region have diversified farms, with row crops and livestock. During busy planting and harvest seasons, he tends to focus more on planning and office work. When planting season and harvest season is going on, Im probably working on things three months, six months out, and probably more time in the office, working on reports and that kind of things, he says. Some things are consistent items on the calendar things to prepare and plan for each year like grazing school events for producers and FFA field days at MUs Hundley-Whaley and Graves-Chapple research centers. But other times, major events like droughts pop up and require special events to talk with producers and try and get through the challenge. In 2018, 2012, July, August and September was just crazy dealing with drought issues, Humphrey says. Things like that definitely impact what I do seasonally. He also talks with area school children about farm safety and brings in animals for the kids to learn about. Education is a goal, whether it is youth or experienced livestock producers interested in trying something new. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. After Attorney General Merrick Garland sicced the FBI on unruly parents protesting Critical Race Theory (CRT) at school board meetings, it came to light that Garland had a dog in the fight. That dog is son-in-law Xan Tanner, co-founder of Panorama Education, a leading distributor of CRT materials. Among the materials Panorama has recommended for educators is an essay by terrorist emeritus and Obama pal Bill Ayers. Titled "I Shall Create! Teaching Toward Freedom," Ayers's essay is the first in a 2019 collection by left-wing activist Lisa Delpit. If nothing else, Ayers has been consistent. He has been pumping out frenetic anti-white cant long before it was cool, let alone mandatory. Writes Ayers in this recent essay, "We must face reality and courageously confront history, tell the truth, and then destroy the entire edifice of white supremacy: metaphorically speaking it means burning down the plantation." The problem now is that Ayers is no longer an outlier. The same FBI that hounded him and his fellow bombers is now hounding parents who protest his subversive nonsense. What Ayers thinks would matter less were it not for his outsized influence on the educational philosophy of former president Barack Obama. Were Obama merely a former president, his thinking would not matter much, either. But Obama may be more than that. Even Tucker Carlson has openly speculated that Obama is the guy running the show at the White House. What seems clear is that Joe Biden is not. Equally clear is the mind meld between Ayers and Obama on educational issues. In Obama's 1995 memoir Dreams From My Father, the thoughts on educational reform are channeled through the soulful voices of two older African-Americans. One goes by the name "Asante Moran," likely an homage to the Afrocentric educator Molefi Kete Asante, whom Ayers knew. In Dreams, Moran lectures Obama and his pal "Johnnie" on the nature of public education: "The first thing you have to realize," he said, looking at Johnnie and me in turn, "is that the public school system is not about educating black children. Never has been. Inner-city schools are about social control. Period." "Social control" is an Ayers obsession. "The message to Black people was that at any moment and for any reason whatsoever your life or the lives of your loved ones could be randomly snuffed out," he writes in his 2001 memoir Fugitive Days. "The intention was social control through random intimidation and unpredictable violence." In Dreams, Moran elaborates on the fate of the black student: "From day one, what's he learning about? Someone else's history. Someone else's culture. Not only that, this culture he's supposed to learn is the same culture that's systematically rejected him, denied his humanity." Precociously Afrocentric, especially for a white guy, Ayers has been making the same case since he first got involved in education. In 1968, as the 23-year-old director of an alternative school in Ann Arbor, he told the Toledo Blade: "The public schools' idea of integration is racist. They put Negro children into school and demand that they give up their Negro culture. Negro children are forced to speak, behave, and react according to middle-class standards." In 1994, Ayers co-authored an article whose title befits a former merchant seaman: "Navigating a restless sea: The continuing struggle to achieve a decent education for African American youngsters in Chicago." In "Navigating," Ayers echoes the apocryphal Moran, claiming that students who do not meet the idealized "white, working-class, well-fed, able-bodied, English-speaking" model are "met with indifference or even hostility and are deemed 'unteachable.'" In his 1993 book, To Teach, Ayers makes a sharp distinction between education and training. "Education is for self-activating explorers of life, for those who would challenge fate, for doers and activists, for citizens," he writes. "Training," on the other hand, "is for slaves, for loyal subjects, for tractable employees, for willing consumers, for obedient soldiers." Adds Ayers, "What we call education is usually no more than training. We are so busy operating schools that we have lost sight of learning." In Dreams, published two years after To Teach, these exact sentiments find colloquial expression in the person of Obama's second educational mentor, Frank Marshall Davis, or "Frank," as he is known. "Understand something, boy," Frank tells the college-bound Obama. "You're not going to college to get educated. You're going there to get trained." Frank shares Ayers's ideological contempt for training. "They'll train you to forget what it is that you already know," Frank tells Obama. "They'll train you so good, you'll start believing what they tell you about equal opportunity and the American way and all that s---." In the mid-1990s, I believe that Ayers's passion for educational reform inspired him to engineer Obama's rise. As an African-American, Obama could help Ayers chart a course he could not do on his own. In "Navigating," Ayers and white co-author Mike Klonsky lay out a detailed analysis of the Chicago school system almost identical to Obama's analysis in Dreams. Dreams tells us that Chicago's schools "remained in a state of perpetual crisis." "Navigating" describes the situation as a "perpetual state of conflict, paralysis, and stagnation." Dreams describes a "bloated bureaucracy" as one source of the problem and "a teachers' union that went out on strike at least once every two years" as another. "Navigating" affirms that the "bureaucracy has grown steadily in the past decade" and confirms Dreams' math, citing a "ninth walkout in 18 years." "Self-interest" is at the heart of the bureaucratic mess described in Dreams. "Navigating" clarifies that "survivalist bureaucracies" struggle for power "to protect their narrow, self-interested positions against any common, public purpose." In Dreams, educators "defend the status quo" and blame problems on "impossible" children and their "bad parents." In "Navigating," an educator serves as "apologist for the status quo" and "place[s] the blame for school failure on children and families." Another challenge cited in Dreams is "an indifferent state legislature." Ayers cites an "unwillingness on [the legislature's] part to adequately fund Chicago schools." In Dreams, "school reform" is the only solution that Obama envisions. In "Navigating," Ayers has no greater passion than "reforming Chicago's schools." "Navigating" and Dreams were written largely in the same year, 1994. Ayers was the dominant author of "Navigating" and almost assuredly the muse behind Dreams. Either Ayers helped Obama with Dreams or Obama lifted Ayers's ideas almost verbatim. Celebrity biographer Christopher Andersen argues for the former in Barack and Michelle: Portrait of an American Marriage, a flattering bestseller about the first couple published in 2009. Andersen, in fact, zeroes in on the education connection. "What did interest Barack were Ayers's proven abilities as a writer," observes Andersen. "Ayers had written and co-written scores of articles and treatises, as well as several nonfiction books beginning with Education: An American Problem in 1968. But it was the tone Ayers had set in his latest book To Teach (1993) that Barack hoped to emulate." Andersen makes a strong case for Ayers's active involvement in the crafting of Dreams. "To flesh out his family history, Barack had also taped interviews with Toot, Gramps, Ann, Maya, and his Kenyan relatives," Andersen writes. "These oral histories, along with his partial manuscript and a trunkload of notes, were given to Ayers." Having been involved in many such projects myself, I find Andersen's description of the handoff of material entirely credible. Although Andersen did not consult with me on the book, he told me afterwards that he relied on two sources in Obama's Hyde Park neighborhood. Understandably, he would not reveal who those sources were. Andersen's book was widely reviewed he even appeared on Hardball with Chris Matthews but no one wanted to touch the six pages he spent on the writing of Dreams. A dozen years later, no one in major media wants to even acknowledge that Critical Race Theory has infected American publication, let alone that Marxist terrorists like Ayers helped engineer the virus and a beholden American president helped spread it. Jack Cashill's latest book, Barack Obama's Promised Land: Deplorables Need Not Apply, is now widely available. See www.cashill.com for more information. Image: The Brainwaves Video Anthology via YouTube. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. One of the great senators of the modern era was William Roth, by whose vision and persistence the Roth IRA was established in 1997, giving average Americans, especially those without a pension, the opportunity to build their financial independence without fear of rising tax rates. The Roth could be funded either with after-tax dollars or by converting money from a conventional IRA. The original law said that: (1) the taxpayer could invest in a wider range of investments than with other tax-advantaged plans, (2) both the growth of and withdrawal from the account would be tax-free and (3) upon death, the account could pass to non-spousal beneficiaries who could let the funds grow tax-free during their lifetime. The Roth was a superb financial planning vehicle for people with some assets, but who could not afford the elaborate trusts of the super-rich. I quickly saw the advantages of the Roth, and gradually started converting my pre-tax IRA accounts in 2004. For every dollar converted, I had to report it as income on my tax return and pay tax at my highest marginal rate. Eventually, I converted all of my pre-tax IRAs to Roths, having paid huge amounts in taxes in order to fulfill my part of the deal that the government offered with the 1997 law. Then in 2019, Congress changed the law by enacting the deceptively titled SECURE Act, which actually stands for Screw Every Citizen Using Roth Equity. It reduces the lifetime growth of inherited Roths for non-spouse beneficiaries to only ten years, short-circuiting the compounding that was the intent of the original law. This was the first step in devaluing the Roth. The SECURE Act passed without any objections by people who should have known better. But SECURE was just a prelude to what is now being proposed as part of the duplicitously named Build Back Better Act. There are at least seven major changes that seriously affect Roth (as well as pre-tax IRA) savers, but for brevity, we will discuss three which are likely to affect more people: Prohibits the use of Roth funds for investments that require accredited investor status; Prohibits the use of Roth funds for investments where the Roth owner has more than a 10% interest (vs. 50%) in the investment or where the Roth owner is an officer; Both of these types of investments that exist in Roths at the time of enactment would be required to be divested from the Roth by December 31, 2023. One of the advantages of the original Roth law is that it allows accredited investors to invest in private companies, real estate, and funds that provide early-stage companies with needed capital. There are over 15 million households in the U.S. that meet the definition of accredited investor, whose freedom to invest as they choose will be taken away. The first change forces Roth investors to concentrate all of their retirement assets in the public stock market, rather than diversifying their assets as they see fit. Ironically, the people who have proposed this change are the same people who vehemently argued against partially privatizing social security because they didnt want peoples retirement savings to be invested in the risky public stock market. But they have no problem coercing investors into putting all of their retirement assets in that same risky market. This is another step in devaluing the Roth. Let me give you a personal example of how this will affect investors. Several years ago, I invested in an Angel fund that provides startup companies with capital, using Roth money for this investment. I also invested in one of the companies in the fund, using Roth money. Its a great little company with a wonderful life-saving product. These investments have increased the diversity of my retirement assets which I would not have been able to do if I was prohibited from tapping my Roth. The second change prohibits most founders and all officers from using Roth money. Why should that be the case? Roth money has already been taxed once. The original law said, pay the tax upfront, and you can keep whatever gain you earn from your investment. Founders and officers of startup companies, who are taking great risks to begin with, should be allowed the freedom to use whatever funds they possess for their investment. Now, because one notable person (Peter Thiel) has won the Roth lottery, Congress is using that as an excuse to control outcomes by taking away every investors choices. The third change is the most serious because it retroactively penalizes investors who have made a legal, permissible investment with their after-tax Roth dollars. Investments in private companies or funds, by their very nature, do not have a marketplace of buyers and sellers and oftentimes are long-term investments. To arbitrarily require divesting all such assets within two years guarantees that the investor will (1) incur a loss and (2) lose the opportunity to make whatever profit they would have made if the government hadnt interfered with their commerce. I am frankly astonished at the audacity of this provision. Who are these people? Where did they get these ideas? Do they really have the power to strip us of our property rights? Is this constitutional? Personally, I stand to lose about 20% of my retirement money if this proposal passes. Their ultimate goal is to devalue the worth of existing Roth dollars and to drive a stake through the heart of the Roth investment vehicle. Not content with having obtained tax revenue up-front, they just cant stand the idea that the Roth allows people to make a profit without having it taxed again. These proposals, if they become law, will be followed by another round, in which we will see the entire Roth framework destroyed. Ask yourself why no one in the erudite financial press is up in arms about these proposals. You will only find a few obscure articles using curiously identical language to minimize and mischaracterize their harmful effect. This is the same kid-glove treatment that accompanied the SECURE Act prior to its passage. There are no major players to defend the Roth. The insurers, the brokerage firms, and the banks could not care less. The Republicans are their usual timid selves, and the Democrats are tenaciously focused on removing yet another of our freedoms. Not allowing Roth money for private investments will have serious consequences on investors and small businesses by restricting an investors right to diversify retirement funds and invest in small businesses, start-up companies, and real estate, as well as support their own community at the same time. Image: Investment Zen To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. First and foremost, heres a shout out, a tip of the hat. and a thumbs up to Stephen B. Young, who wrote Refutation of the 1619 Project is right there in the creation of the Continental Congress for American Thinker. It has been good to see my fellow Americans and historical scholars challenge the validity of The 1619 Project, doing everything from 1776 Unites to the newly released book, Debunking the 1619 Project by Mary Grabar, Ph.D. (Prof. Grabar also wrote Debunking Howard Zinn.) We need to make sure these two books are part of a balanced approach to teaching the whole truth about American history. These efforts are the commendable and patriotic response of those who clearly discern Americas unique place in human history. How American history has been taught, and consequently viewed, will remain a matter of controversy. It will be our perpetual responsibility to examine closely our history and discern the lessons learned so they are not repeated. With that goal in mind, and to support Debunking the 1619 Project, lets review some events in Americas history, mostly in Pennsylvania, that the 1619 Project ignores. Did you know? - 1671: George Fox, generally called the founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), when he speaks against slavery on his visit to North America, influences agitation among Quakers against Society members holding slaves. - 1676: Slavery is prohibited in West New Jersey, a Quaker settlement in current-day South New Jersey. - 1688: In Germantown (now Philadelphia, PA.), Quakers and Mennonites protest against slavery. - 1688: The Pennsylvania Quakers pass the first formal antislavery resolution. - 1693: An Exhortation & Caution to Friends Concerning the Buying or Keeping of Negroes by the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting is published in Philadelphia. - 1754: John Woolman (b. New Jersey 1720; d. York, England 1772) addresses his fellow Quakers in Some Consideration of the Keeping of Negroes and exerts great influence in leading the Society of Friends to recognize that slavery is evil. Philadelphia Yearly Meeting appoints a committee in 1758 to visit those Friends still holding slaves. At the Yearly Meeting in London in 1772, Woolman presents an anti-slavery certificate from Philadelphia. The London Yearly Meeting also issues a statement condemning slavery in its Epistle for the first time in 1754. - 1758: Pennsylvania Quakers forbid their members from owning slaves or participating in the slave trade. - 1759: Publication in Germantown (PA) of Anthony Benezets pamphlet, Observations on the Inslaving [sic], Importing and Purchasing of Negroes, the first of many anti-slavery works by the most influential antislavery writer of 18th century America. - 1774: Journals of the Continental Congress The Articles of Association contains the second article: We will neither import nor purchase, any slave imported after the first day of December next; after which time, we will wholly discontinue the slave trade, and will neither be concerned in it ourselves, nor will we hire our vessels, nor sell our commodities or manufactures to those who are concerned in it. - 1775: Founding of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery (PAS), the worlds first antislavery society and the first Quaker anti-slavery society. Its original name was the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage. Benjamin Franklin becomes Honorary President of the Society in 1787. - 1775: Thomas Paine speaks out against slavery and joins PAS with Benjamin Rush (Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush signed the Declaration of Independence). - 1786: Publication in London of An Essay on the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species, Particularly the African, by Thomas Clarkson. Quickly reprinted in the United States, it is the single most influential antislavery work of the late 18th century. - 1787: Philadelphia free blacks establish the Free African Society in Philadelphia, the first independent black organization and mutual aid society. - 1793: Hoping to build sympathy for their citizenship rights, Philadelphia free blacks rally to minister to the sick and maintain order during the yellow fever epidemic. Many blacks fall victim to the disease. - 1800: Absalom Jones and other Philadelphia blacks petition Congress against the slave trade and against the fugitive slave act of 1793. - 1808: The United States outlaws American participation in the African Slave Trade. January 1st becomes an instant black American holiday, commemorated with sermons and celebrations. These sermons are the first distinctive and sizable genre of black writing in America. - 1813: Philadelphia black businessman and community leader James Forten publishes his pamphlet, A Series of Letters by a Man of Color, to protest a proposed law requiring blacks coming into the state to register. - 1816: Several new independent black denominations are established within the African Methodist Episcopal Church under first bishop Richard Allen. - 1822: Segregated public schools for blacks open in Philadelphia. - 1827: Sarah Mapps Douglass, a black educator and contributor to The Anglo African, an early black paper, establishes a school for black children in Philadelphia. - 1829: David Walker of Boston publishes his fiery denunciation of slavery and racism, Walkers Appeal in Four Articles. Walkers Appeal, arguably the most radical of all anti-slavery documents, causes a great stir with its call for slaves to revolt against their masters and its protest against colonization. - 1830: The first National Negro Convention convenes in Philadelphia. You can find much more here, and its not all confined to Pennsylvania. The point is not to rationalize or to justify the institutional slavery that existed in the United States, for which innumerable and unmentionable atrocities were committed, or the persistent evil that resulted in over 500,000 lives lost in the Civil War (more than in any other war). It is my belief the Southern States suffered their due judgment in death and destruction, including the complete destruction of the wealth the South had accrued from slavery. The point is to highlight what many other, much more studied, credentialed, and prominent historians have pointed out: the 1619 Project is not an honest study of history. It presents a grossly inaccurate, incomplete, and biased history. As one can see from the dates and events listed above, the abolitionist movement in the United States began with the Quakers over 100 years before the Declaration of Independence and Abolitionists signed the Declaration. Furthermore, free men and women of African descent were active and fought during the Revolutionary War. In the years following, they advocated for abolition and provided for the needs of their communities. Our American history, like all recorded human history, is complex and must be understood in the context of the times. Evil is everywhere and has an inertia all its own, which is why we must so repeatedly confront it, in all its forms. We do much better to remember the whole truth of our history, and to learn it well, to ensure those evils we acknowledgewith appropriate shameare never allowed to repeat. How shall we view America? What is the America that we shall preserve and leave for our children? For all our faults, America is still the last, best hope for mankind. When America is no longer Freedoms refuge and a beacon of hope for the world, there is no other place to go. Jeff M. Lewis is a Christian, a husband and father, a Veteran, and a small business owner in South Texas. Image: Josiah Wedgwoods abolition image, ca. 1787, cropped from an 1837 publication of John Greenleaf Whittiers antislavery poem, Our Countrymen in Chains. Library of Congress. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Many conservatives have talked recently about the need for a national divorce due to irreconcilable differences with the progressive left. We should be clear about what were talking about, though, when we suggest the prospect of a national divorce. We are talking about secession. And secession, in America, is anything but a civil or amicable process, and its useless to imagine it would be otherwise. Its only truly been attempted once, after all, and it led to the bloodiest war in our history. Certainly, there are practical differences between secession and civil war. But in America, these are distinctions without meaning, because with secession comes civil war, if one chooses, as we have, to characterize the American conflict of 1861-1865 that way. Perspective matters when it comes to defining these circumstances. The American colonials sought independence in 1776, for example, and would have gladly done so peacefully. In their eyes, the cause for independence from Britain was a righteous assertion of a natural right, and their war was a defensive one. In the eyes of the British, however, the colonials were treasonous rebels to be subjugated with ruthless force. Such was the state of opinions in 1861, in a remarkably similar set of circumstances. However, there was a difference. In 1861, the seceding states believed not only that their cause was righteous, but that they had asserted not only a natural right but the legal right to achieve independence via legislative self-determination. And they certainly sought a peaceful separation. As Jefferson Davis openly declared, the newly formed Confederate States of America in 1861 sought no conquest, no aggrandizement, no concession of any kind from the States with which we were formerly confederated; all we ask is to be let alone. Neither the declaration of the desire for a peaceful separation nor this presumed legal right to legislative self-determination by the seceding states made any difference, as we know. The attempt was militarily thwarted with ruthless force by the Union armies in order to subjugate the treasonous rebels who sought independence. Here is whats most important for us to know today. The war in 1861 was not because the seceding states desired war, or, contrary to popular fiction, because of the moral crime of their having practiced slavery. The war was because there was a bedrock, nation-defining question around the legitimacy of state secession that had yet to be answered. That answer to that question was finally settled in 1865. It would certainly be convenient if we could accomplish an amicable national divorce, but that would require, at the very least, a nationally understood belief that states are willing participants in a voluntary union of American states. Unfortunately, progressives certainly dont believe that, and neither do most conservatives. Herein lies the conflict of visions that once led us from the potential for peaceable secession of the states to violent reunification of a nation through open war in 1861. The question of whether our republic is a voluntary or perpetual union has long been a subject of debate. In the Articles of Confederation which preceded the Constitution, the provisions therein were stipulated to be inviolably observed by every state, and the Union shall be perpetual. Inconvenient for those arguing in favor of the legal legitimacy of a perpetual union, however, is that the musings of Articles of Confederation are abrogated by the Constitution, and the latter is entirely silent on the matter of secession. Any who have given even mild study to the diligence and care with which the Constitution explicitly enumerates the powers of the federal government should have difficulty explaining the absence of an explicitly defined federal mandate to militarily enforce a perpetual union if the Framers intention was to establish one. This leaves arguers in favor of our nations design as a perpetual union reliant on pure postulation. Abraham Lincoln was one who unconvincingly argued in his First Inaugural Address that: I hold, that in contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all national governments. It is safe to assert that no government proper, ever had a provision in its own organic law for its own termination. Here, we see Lincoln, one of the most gifted orators and debaters in American history, is eliding the real point. He freely concedes that the Constitution may not express that the Union is perpetual, but that in the penumbra, one might say, of all foundational law of national governments is the implied suggestion that the government is designed to exist in perpetuity. After all, he suggests, if national governments were not meant to perpetually exist, then they would have surely scribed into law a mechanism to destroy themselves. The suggestion that a righteous mandate to forcibly maintain a perpetual union on the strength of implied rather than expressed power of the government is an extraordinarily weak justification for his treating the prospect of secession as rebellion. Furthermore, secession is not tantamount to termination of government. If two states secede from the Union, for example, the government would not cease to exist or be terminated -- it would just exist with fewer states, just as the addition of two states to the Union does not alter the Unions state of existence, but only means that its form in that it will now be composed of two more states. Theres also an element of hypocrisy here that cuts against the argument Lincoln made in 1861. He had spoken very favorably of the Texian revolution against the national government of Mexico, which must have also been, according to his logic in 1861, designedly perpetual in nature: Any people, anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up, and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable -- a most sacred right -- a right, which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world Interestingly, the reason that Lincoln held this view in 1848 leads us to the most important argument in favor of the United States having been formed as a voluntary Union of states, rather than a perpetual one. And that is the Declaration of Independence. Unlike the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration was not nullified by the Constitution. It does not stand as a substitute for the Constitution but as the reason for its very existence. In short, the Constitution is the how of the United States, and the Declaration is the why. It was from this fount that Lincoln undoubtedly drew in 1848, as is evident by the language. Jefferson wrote in 1776: [W]hen a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. What does any of this mean today? It means that state secession is, indeed convincingly, entirely consistent with the foundational principles of our republic. But that simple truth no longer matters because the question as to whether we are a voluntary union (thereby allowing for civil separation) or perpetual one (thereby requiring ruthless force to maintain) has been precedentially settled through violence. We are taught in our schools that the ruthless and forcible preservation of that union is righteous and well within the powers of the federal government. And the vast majority of Americans, left and right, simply accept all of this as fact. Couple with this the fact that states wishing to secede would necessarily be deficient in federal power, and we should have every reason to believe that the powerful federal government would see any effort by a subordinate state to leave the United States as an act of rebellion. I maintain that secession and civil war dont appear to be on the immediate horizon, given that the balance of power in government is such that neither side is hopeless to express its own regional autonomy, to some extent, or to exercise representative power at the federal level. But the simple fact is that any talk of a civil or amicable national divorce is nothing but a fantasy -- and not a very helpful one, at that. Graphic credit: Curved Bracket CC BY-SA 4.0 license To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Many Conservative Americans have been supportive of our men and women in blue, in response to Leftist attacks of systemic racism and the murder of innocent black men (and women); Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Alton Sterling, Brianna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and more recently George Floyd. Policing is difficult. It is significantly more difficult when confronted by persons who are seemingly willing to go to any length to avoid prison, or resist arrest. Racism and its CRT-inspired catch-all systemic racism is often cited as the root cause of these incidences, notwithstanding that no proof of racism has been adjudicated (except through the press), only that the perpetrators were black and the officers were white. In Michael Browns case, the Eric Holder-led Justice Department launched an exhaustive hate crime investigation which ultimately bore no fruit and was quietly shelved. Justice and the rule of law are paramount principles of our Founding and the cornerstone of our society. If rules/laws are established and applied equally to all persons within society, peace and tranquility will ensue. Police are asked to protect and defend these principles, to keep order, for without order there is chaos. The interactions listed above, while tragic, were efforts by police to enforce the laws and to keep order. All that being said, if rules/laws are established and enforced which are designed to advance a particular political ideology, and/or are unequally applied, then chaos and anarchy are destined to result. These past couple of summers, we watched Antifa and BLM break countless laws, incite violence among the citizenry, and destroy dozens of inner cities across America, with almost zero legal ramifications. When arrests were made, leftist judges, activists, and politicians bailed out those committing these serious offenses. This past month, we saw a school shooting perpetrated by a black youth handled as though it were a jaywalking offense. Today, it comes to light that the incident of domestic terrorism that prompted the Loudoun County School District to request the involvement of Merrick Garland, the Department of Justice, and subsequently the FBI, was the parent of a teenage girl who had been raped by a transgender student, attempting to voice his opposition to the districts attempt to handle the matter internally rather than involve the police. The local police who dragged this man from the podium while he was attempting to exercise his right to free speech may have just been following orders, but one has to wonder what authority a school district has in determining who does and doesnt have the right to speak in an open forum. This district silenced this man because his views ran contrary to their political agenda. These officers (wittingly or unwittingly) provided the muscle to enforce the advance of said agenda, and should (in retrospect) be ashamed of themselves. Authoritarianism is the advance of power, not justice. Police officers have a choice -- serve the law, or serve those in power. Image: PxFuel To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. When a Roman magistrate investigated a crime, he asked, Cui bono who benefits? It turns out that when it comes to COVID-19, lots of people and institutions benefit. Perhaps the most startling aspect of the COVID story is that the National Institutes of Health financed research to genetically engineer coronaviruses at China's Wuhan Institute of Virology. The research was aimed at making the viruses more infectious in humans. The NIH used the Eco-Health Alliance, headed by Peter Daszak, as a cut-out to disguise its involvement. If this research was legitimate, why wasn't it done at a secure lab in the United States? This runaround has obvious potential for abuse. An unscrupulous researcher could invest in an appropriate vaccine-maker, release the Franken-virus, and go home with a fantastic profit. We saw something like this type of motivation with the 2001 anthrax mailings, where the perpetrator seems to have been an anthrax researcher with patents and vested interests. Vaccine-making is an astonishingly profitable field to be in these days. The COVID vaccines created nine new billionaires, including Moderna's Stephan Bancel, who is worth $4.3 billion. Even China got three COVID billionaires. There was also money to be had in keeping China from being held responsible. The most extensively researched account of COVID's origin is by Catherine Eban in Vanity Fair. Eban shows that, in the first instance, the lab leak theory wasn't some "fringe" right theory, as Democrats alleged. It was, instead, the first thought of scientists with a variety of backgrounds when they heard that there was a coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, including Wuhan researcher and "bat lady" Shi Zhengli. Wuhan is in central China but novel diseases, including SARS and new strains of flu, tend to originate in southern China. What Wuhan has, though, is the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which specializes in coronavirus research. At first, those trying to steer attention away from the Virology Institute focused suspicion on a wild animal sold at the city's Huanan Seafood market. Several cases of COVID, however, predate the infections associated with this market. In any case, this market is not known to sell wild animals. A letter published by the medical journal The Lancet on February 19, 2020 effectively ruled out of bounds any discussion about a non-natural origin for COVID, at least as far as the medical community was concerned. "We stand together to strongly condemn conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin," the letter said. It was later revealed that Daszak originated this letter. On January 31, 2020, Kristian Andersen, who was researching this issue for a story in Nature Medicine, sent an email to Anthony Fauci, head of the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a key player in the coronavirus story, stating that "[o]ne has to look really closely at all the sequences to see that some of the features (potentially) look engineered." Andersen made a startling turnaround four days later, denouncing the genetic engineering theory as "crackpot." What happened in the meantime? He had a conference call with Fauci and received a research grant worth millions. A lab leak certainly isn't the only possibility. The latest research on COVID's origin focuses on Enshi, a town that is a six-hour drive west of Wuhan. Once it had six wet markets and 290 wildlife farms. These were suddenly closed on December 23, 2019, a week before news of the COVID outbreak appeared in the international press. The caves nearby are home to at least seven types of horseshoe bat, the kind of bat thought to be the natural reserve for both SARS and COVID. But back to the Wuhan Institute why is it there? Wuhan, formerly known as Hankow, was a treaty port, or international city, from 1886 to 1943. It has long been France's window on China, with 40 percent of French Chinese investment. The French provided designs and technical assistance for the lab. They expected that French companies would get lucrative contracts and that fifty French researchers would be employed. China went with a domestic contractor instead. Once the Chinese got the technical and design assistance they were looking for, they no longer wanted to hear the French bother them about safety and other issues. All France got out of the deal was a large, framed picture of President Jacques Chirac on an inside wall at the lab. The lab opened in January 2018, without the more meticulous safety protocols common in the West. The COVID outbreak began a little more than a year later. There's money in these labs. A total of 59 biosafety Level 4 labs, similar to the Wuhan lab, are being built in various countries. Saudi Arabia, Gabon, and the Ivory Coast are all getting virus labs of their own. Whether or not COVID came from a lab leak or was driven by a profit motive, the problem of lab leaks will become increasingly serious as time goes on. Peter Kauffner lives in Sequim, Washington. Correction: Anthony Fauci is the head of the NIAID, not the NIH. We regret the error. Image: Researcher. Public domain. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. With the advent of the Wuhan virus in early 2020, the country has been severely disrupted, metaphorically turned upside-down. We've gone from ubiquitous mask-wearing to locking down the economy to the release of untested vaccines to now harsh vaccine mandates. All through this torturous process, freedoms that were once taken for granted in the U.S. have been steadily chipped away. We even witnessed the 2020 presidential election being stolen by increasing mail-in voting, extended time for voting, and overriding state election laws by a number of governors and attorneys general. Containing the Wuhan virus was the pretext for this, and it made extensive cheating possible. Looking back at what has transpired, a question must be asked: is this whole COVID mess the result of a series of random accidents and bad decisions by those in authority? Or is it a subterfuge that was planned out in advance? The latter point brings us to conspiracy theory territory. Conspiracy theories are a mixed bag. Many are outright crazy, colorfully so. However, some others have substance. Today, what is often labeled a conspiracy theory is nothing more than something the ruling class finds uncomfortable being discussed. Using their wealth and influence, the elite direct government agencies and their media stooges to ridicule and lambaste any debate that puts them in a bad light. That's the reality we live in. Consider this. A number of conspiracy theories have been floating around from, say, the 1960s. Each, in turn, has been debunked many times over by official government sources and the corporate media. Fine. But given what is now known about the clandestine war waged against President Trump by elements in the federal government, even some in his own administration, and the corporate media, should the idea of any conspiracies be dismissed out of hand? Here's a recent example to make the point. Remember the "straight-shooting conservative" Bill Barr? He said that after a "thorough" investigation, his Justice Department determined that Jeffrey Epstein "definitely" committed suicide in his heavily guarded cell at Rikers Island in 2019. The media accepted that as the "official" version, and now to refute it labels you a conspiracy theorist. I ask you, is there room to doubt here? Going back in time, Franklin Delano Roosevelt said: "If anything happens in politics, you can bet it was planned that way." FDR was in a position to know. He was elected four times to the presidency. Who could possibly be behind a COVID conspiracy? Playing devil's advocate, I suggest the globalists or, if you will, the Davos crowd and their lackeys. And what does this elite of the elite desire? According to their public statements, some of which they've consistently repeated for decades, they call for one or more of the following: 1. Strengthening international organizations, 2. moving toward global government and erasing national boundaries, 3. creating complacent populations, 4. reducing world population through infertility and other means, 5. slowing economies to prevent global warming, which they feel is a threat, 6. transferring wealth from the middle class to themselves, 7. empowering technocrats, and 8. eliminating representative democracy to create situations like the European Union, where bureaucrats in Brussels run the show. I submit to you that each of these globalist goals has been moved forward to one degree or another with COVID. Donald Trump was an obstacle to the globalist agenda. Without a doubt, the overreaction to COVID played a significant role in removing him from office. So is this all happenstance...or were things planned this way? I leave it up to you to decide. But before you do, realize that the ruling class has both the motive and the means to pull this off. And who would blow the whistle on these people? The media? Government agencies? To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. As if wokester madness has yet to peak, leftists have come up with new idiocy: declaring intact two-parent intact families "racism": Get a load of this from Kendall Quall, writing at The Federalist: A leftist group is pushing the theory that the two-parent home represents 'family privilege' and creates barriers to equal opportunity, when in reality such families are proven to be better for kids. Despite its name, the National Council on Family Relations is looking to destroy American families. It claims that the nuclear family consisting of father, mother, and children is merely an extension of white supremacy. NCFR has joined with critical race theorists and Black Lives Matter in this outright attack on the foundational values and norms of American culture. It's lunacy. For years, the left has been trying to say one form of "family" is just as good for kids as another. Now they seem to be acknowledging that they've lost that argument and are declaring the inevitable output of a fatherless home a form of racism, with the predictable term "family privilege." You've heard of white skin privilege, right? Now there's "family privilege," and it's been declared just as pernicious. The left seems to finally recognize that children in intact families, no matter what their color, do better. Children in two-parent families have less poverty, less abuse, fewer social problems, and fewer disciplinary and behavioral problems than children without that blessing. The presence of a father to look up to is a blessing and a gift for kids, even the father is less than perfect. And yes, it's a sliding scale. While two-parent families are best for meeting the needs of children, even a one-parent family is better than many alternatives. For a child, the presence of a mother alone, even if she is a total mess alkie, junkie, or hooker is also better for kids than state foster care, which is basically a school-to-prison pipeline with an 80% failure rate, according to studies from the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, led by Richard Wexler. A large majority of people in prisons are products of that system or other kinds of acting-out trouble. This girl here is Exhibit A. Rather than encourage two-parent families as the best of the best for underprivileged black children and other children in poverty, this idiot group condemns the children who have this blessing as hopeless racists. Apparently, they'd like to level all kids down to the lowest common denominator and let the state take over. Quall points out that these aren't just the lunatic ravings of some marginal leftist losers, but the stance of an influential organization: The group's lamentable views on marriage will influence hundreds of marriage and family therapists and researchers across the nation. NCFR's members come from more than 35 countries and all 50 states, and work as teachers, program developers, and counselors, according to the organization's website. It has thousands of active members, who participate in focus groups, discussion, and networking. NCFR has 10 state and regional-level affiliates and 26 student chapters at universities. NCFR also produces research for lawmakers. In its most recent 2020 annual report, NCFR lists as its first "program highlight" its "racial justice resources." This is why it needs to be protested and ultimately stopped from being foisted on the public. Citizens must put pressure on lawmakers and family groups to stop this outrageous teaching. Children deserve two-parent families. They don't deserve name-calling for getting the spiritual and emotional nutrition they need from maladjusted, race-obsessed, leveling leftists whose only objective is total state power. Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. I am from Illinois and on my vacation, I went through Indiana, Ohio, PA, NY, RI, Maine, NH, and Vermont. I rarely had to wear a mask indoors, unlike in Illinois. Not once did I feel threatened as to whether people around me were vaccinated or not or wearing a mask. I have never thought that I needed to ask anyone if they were vaccinated or tell them they needed to be. There seemed to be little plexiglass pretending to protect us. In Illinois, our governor says the reason cases are going down is because of his dictatorial edicts on masks and other things. Maybe it is time to let Fauci, Newsom, Pritzker, Biden, and most supposed journalists that cases are going down almost everywhere, whether or not they required the mask and whether they have higher vaccination rates. For the last couple of months, there were constant stories about how DeSantis wanted people to get sick and die because he wouldnt follow the dictatorial edicts to require masks. Those stories have disappeared, and we know why. Cases in Florida are dropping faster than almost everywhere, and the media cant allow the public to see the truth, or else people wouldnt submit. Florida August 21 23,314 7-day average October 13th, 2,870 7 day average. Down 87% Illinois August 20: 3,541 7-day average October 13: 2,434 7 day average. Down 31% What is increasingly clear is that most of the media and other Democrats havent cared about the truth for a long time, whether they are reporting on the climate, COVID, taxes, or anything else. All they care about is power for leftists and their agenda. The greatest threat to our democracy, freedom, and prosperity is if the leftist agenda gets passed and America is destroyed. It is certainly not making elections more secure, enforcing border laws, capitalism, unvaccinated people, cops, low tax rates, or parents chewing out school boards. Photo credit: DoD photo by Army Staff Sgt. Nicole Mejia (cropped) CC BY 2.0 license To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. COVID has taught us what all of us knew but have too often forgotten: if you give petty bureaucrats a taste of unrestricted power, there's a good chance that they will become morally corrupt and abusive. Exhibit A for today is what happened to Lynn Savage. Her disabled, non-verbal daughter was frightened and near death after brain surgery and the hospital had Ms. Savage arrested for insisting on staying with her child. Lynn Savage is a retired deputy sheriff whose daughter was hospitalized at the University of Florida Health North hospital in Jacksonville. Her daughter, Amber, had suffered a massive stroke some years before, becoming partially paralyzed and non-verbal. Ms. Savage is her caretaker. Amber had several surgeries to help deal with fallout from the stroke. She was in the hospital for yet another surgery, and Ms. Savage, who is 70 years old, had been at the hospital since 6:30 A.M., helping her daughter communicate. After the surgery, Amber was terrified, and a doctor asked Ms. Savage to go into the ICU to see if she could calm her and indeed, she could. However, at 7 P.M., a nurse told Ms. Savage that, thanks to COVID regulations, all visitors had to leave. Ms. Savage refused, pointing out that she was essential to her daughter's care. Nurse Ratched (because we don't know her real name) called security on Ms. Savage, and someone eventually called the Jacksonville sheriff. The arresting officer apologized profusely but arrested her anyway. Have you ever seen anything sadder than this booking photo from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office? Ms. Savage's night in jail was horrifying not because she was treated badly, but because she was worried that her daughter would die, alone and afraid. Tucker Carlson had Ms. Savage on, and it's just wrenching to hear what she has to say: Ms. Savage's night in the jail was horrifying, not because she was treated badly but because she was worried that her daughter would die, alone and afraid. Tucker Carlson had Ms. Savage on and it's just wrenching to hear what she has to say: https://t.co/dKWyEYJmB8 Bookwormroom (@Bookwormroom) October 15, 2021 I am not calling anyone at the hospital a Nazi for what that institution's employees did to Ms. Savage. Nevertheless, I want to discuss an important conclusion Hannah Arendt reached after witnessing Adolf Eichmann's trial in 1961. What Arendt realized is that, for the most part, evil people aren't the Hitlers and Charles Mansons of the world. They are petty bureaucrats, ostensibly normal people, who got power and justified their unutterably immoral actions as "doing their job" or "following orders." In this context, Arendt coined the phrase "the banality of evil." We have been seeing a lot of that lately. Mostly, the mindless pettiness of power-crazed bureaucrats is an inconvenience (masks, social distancing, etc.). At least last year, everyone had the excuse of ignorance about COVID. This year, though, Biden seems to have greenlighted an escalation. Even as we have both affordable and expensive treatments for COVID, and even though we know it's not a high-risk disease for most people, the establishment, from the president down to Nurse Ratched in Jacksonville, Florida, is becoming evil in its demands. Take the vaccine even if might kill you, or is unnecessary, or offends your deeply held beliefs and you'd better ignore the fact that the vaccine doesn't do much good and carries great risks. And if you don't take the vaccine, you will lose your job, your insurance, your benefits, and even your unemployment payments. By the way, your children, none of whom are at risk any more than the sad few who inevitably succumb to the annual flu, must wear masks and be socially isolated. And in California, if you want to send them away to school, they'd better take an unnecessary and, especially for them, dangerous shot. And of course, we're going to continue to make sure that your loved ones suffer and die alone. If you fight back, our banal, petty, evil little bureaucrats will destroy you. I've never seen the movie Network, but I have seen the "mad as Hell" scene, which seems especially pertinent during an era of masks and lockdowns: We Americans are mostly nice, agreeable people. We'll follow rules and want to stay out of trouble. But it's time for us to get mad as Hell but please, do a lot more than just yell. We're not going to be like leftists, who burn cities, loot stores, and beat and kill people. But we're going to say, "Stop." We're going to be the Southwest pilots and Lynn Savage, and the parents at the Loudoun School Board meetings. We need to be mad as Hell and stop taking this anymore. Image: Lynn Savage and Tucker Carlson. Fox News screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Pets hold a special place in our hearts. For a flat rate of $50 along with a photo, celebrate their life and a special message through placing a Pet Obituary today. Pet Obits are published once a week in the Anchorage Press and on AnchoragePress.com. Our customer service team will contact you directly if there are any questions during our regular business hours. Thank you and please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. Click here to submit After the rollout of the October 2021 security update for the carrier-locked and unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 series, the latest security update is now live for the Galaxy S20 carrier-locked units. The October 2021 security update is currently live for the carrier-locked Galaxy S20 units in the US. Notably, the unlocked units have also recently started receiving the latest security patch. Samsung introduced the Galaxy S20 series back in 2020. It came with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a premium flagship device. Advertisement On the software side, it came with Android 10 out of the box, and later go upgraded with Android 11 with One UI 3.0. The Samsung Galaxy S20 series will soon join the Android 12 One UI 4.0 beta bandwagon. Talking about the update, all the three devices in the Galaxy S20 series, i.e. the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are receiving the latest security update. Due to the unavailability of an official changelog, we couldnt say for sure if there are any new features involved with this update. However, judging from past security updates, it would also be an incremental update. Advertisement Galaxy S20 carrier-locked units of Comcast, Sprint and Xfinity Mobile networks are receiving the update This means that the latest October 2021 security update simply bumps the security patch level to the latest month. Besides, the usual improvement in system performance and stability are a part of the parcel of new updates. Notably, this new October security update fixes over 60 vulnerabilities related to data and privacy. If you wish to know more about this update, you can head over to the official Samsung Security Bulletin. According to SamMobile, Samsung Galaxy S20 carrier-locked units of Comcast, Sprint, and Xfinity mobile networks are reportedly receiving the update. The update bears firmware version G98xUSQS2DUI5. Advertisement Sadly, the size of the update is not known at the moment. We advise you to download the update over a stable mobile data or Wi-Fi connection to avoid any errors. The update is rolling out via OTA in batches. So, it would take some time to be live for all devices on all networks. The good thing is you could manually check for it if you have an eligible Galaxy S20 device receiving the update. Simply head over to the Settings menu on your phone. Then navigate to System Update and hit the Download and Install button. If the update is live for your device, then you can tap on the notification to begin the download on your phone. Sometimes, there can be a big buzz around a tiny addition or feature. A new addition to the Google search app is a prime example of this. In a recent blog post, Google announced that the search app will be using continuous scrolling from now on. Google says that continuous scrolling will help make the search process easier Without a doubt, this news isnt as big as the upcoming Pixel 6 series of phones, but its still something. Previously, when you would search up an item, you would scroll down a certain amount of search results before you reach the end of the page. From that point, youll see a See more button that will load more results for you. Now, when you scroll down, the results will flow in a seamless stream. To be honest, this isnt exactly a revolution in search engine technology. Obviously, in the blog post, Google did what it could to paint this as a helpful innovation. However, even the company didnt have much to say on the matter. Advertisement If you feel that continuous Google search scrolling is what your life has been missing, the company says that the feature is out now. Make sure your Google app is up to date if you dont see it. If you still dont see it, then you might have to wait just a bit until it makes it to your region. In other Google news: The Pixel 6 is just days away! Continuous scrolling in Google search is great and all, but Google has something else in store for us. The next iteration in its Pixel line of smartphones, the Pixel 6/6 Pro, will be officially launching in just a few days. These phones will flip the script in terms of design. Everyone has been talking about the weird-looking camera visor on the back, but a neat feature is the under-display fingerprint scanner on the front. Along with that, there will be a punch-hole up top. Advertisement The Pixel 6 will have a 6.4-inch display, 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, a 4,616mAh battery, and a dual-camera setup. As for the Pro model, it will have a 6.7-inch display, 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, a 5,000mAh battery, and a triple camera setup. The most important spec is the SoC thats powering the phones. Google has broken away from Qualcomm to make its own chip called the Tensor chip. Were all excited to see how this chip stands up to the competition from Qualcomm and Samsung. These phones will be launching on October 19th, so theres not much time to wait. Posted on: October 15, 2021 5:52 PM The Archbishop of Canterbury, in an article for the Lambeth Conference, has shared updates and hopes for the 15th Lambeth Conference. The Archbishop of Canterbury, in an article for the Lambeth Conference website, has shared updates and hopes for the 15th Lambeth Conference. In the article, he has said that the journey to the Lambeth Conference has started with listening. During 2021, Bishops from around the Anglican Communion have been meeting online to consider how to be Gods Church for Gods world in the 21st century. He explains that the second phase of the journey will be during the conference in 2022, which will start on 27 July and finish on 7 August. This second phase will focus on walking together. A third phase will be witnessing together and will involve online follow-up work for the following two years. Archbishop Welby said: Next years event will be the first Lambeth Conference since 2008. The normal ten-year cycle would have seen a conference held in 2018, but it was recognised, after extensive consultation, that to hold a conference then would be premature. The deep divisions that have existed for many years go far wider than simply the issues of sexuality and derive in many ways from the structure of the Anglican Communion and the need for a continued journey towards a postcolonial model of global church. These required more work and preparation. As a result, the conference was rescheduled for 2020. Then, in 2020, the Lambeth Conference was postponed again to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, we continue to plan for an in-person event to be held in Canterbury in 2022, with relevant COVID-19 health and safety measures in place. It is our hope and prayer that as many people that can, will join us. Meeting in person will be the most fruitful way to build relationships and discuss important themes in our life as the Anglican Communion. Given the ongoing changes in travel and quarantine requirements, or the challenges of equitable vaccine distribution around the world, it might still be difficult for some bishops to travel to the UK next year. So the conference planning team are also working to enable some parts of the event to be available online. Every effort is being made to bring people together and hear all voices equally. In terms of his hopes for the conference, Archbishop Welby notes that bringing together bishops and spouses from around the world is to gather those who know the cost of the call to episcopal ministry and carry the burden of servant leadership. He hopes that all will receive fresh resilience, new vision, refreshment and joy as they encounter the God who meets us in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. To read the full article, please click here. It is also available in French, Spanish and Portuguese. PLEASE NOTE: ALL ONLINE PURCHASES ARE AUTOMATIC RENEWALS UNLESS YOU EMAIL JPAYNE@ANNISTONSTAR.COM OR CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICE @ 256-235-9253.... Purchase an online subscription to our website for $7.99 a month with automatic renewal. Each online subscription gives you full access to all of our newspaper websites and mobile applications. To cancel you may contact Customer Service @ 256-235-9253 or email JPAYNE@ANNISTONSTAR.COM *NEW SUBSCRIBERS ONLY join with a NEW ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION is just $59.99 for the first year. Existing customers do not qualify for the specials! AMEX is not accepted through this site. After the first year, well automatically renew your subscription to continue your access at the regular price of $69.99 per year. Please note *Your Subscription will Automatically Renew unless you contact Customer Service To Cancel* ROME - Another hearing that will decide the fate of the trial on the murder of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni will be held by January. The judge will then have to make every possible effort, beginning with another rogatory letter to Egypt, to ensure that the defendants effectively are aware of the trial and not just presumed to be so. Thus, it will not be known prior to the end of the year what will happen to the four Egyptian security officials accused by the Rome prosecutor's office of kidnapping, torturing, and killing Regeni in early 2016. After the Court of Assizes decided on Thursday to suspend the indictment of the four - Gen. Sabir Tariq, Col. Usham Helmi and Col. Athar Kamel Mohamed Ibrahim, and Magdi Ibrahim Abdelal Sharif -it will now once again be up to the preliminary hearing judge who in May indicted the four and said that had avoided standing trial on purpose. VALLETTA - Some 32 asylum seekers have filed a complaint against the Maltese government for human rights violations. In the spring of 2020, Malta decided to leave them on two tourism boats anchored 13 miles from the coast - and therefore beyond Maltese territorial waters - for weeks. The decision by the Maltese government was at the time justified with a ban on entering the archipelago as part of measures to counter the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April and June of last year, over 400 migrants and refugees rescued in the Maltese search and rescue area (SAR) were - instead of being identified and taken to reception centers on land - restricted to two large boats normally used for tourist day-cruises, and thus without any cabins. An initial group of 57 people were recovered from the Dar al-Salaam fishing boat, which was officially flying a Libyan flag but which was managed by a Maltese captain answering to the Valletta government that had previously been involved in a pushback towards Libya in 2019. The 57 people were not allowed to disembark on the island and were instead taken to the boat anchored offshore. Hundreds of others were taken to the same in the following weeks. The 32 people who filed the complaint for human rights violations were fleeing from countries including Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Liberia, and Bangladesh. In that period, the Maltese government rented three large boats made available by the Captain Morgan and Supreme Cruises companies. The asylum seekers were finally authorised to disembark in June after the migrants were left at sea for three days in poor weather conditions. "The asylum seekers," the complaint presented by their lawyers stated, "were never informed of their rights and a detention order was never issued. It should be noted that the captain simply asked them to which European Union country they wanted to be relocated since this was the only plan by the Maltese government." 4 dead and 21 missing after boat goes down off Spain Three survivors say 28 people had been onboard (ANSAmed) - MADRID, OCTOBER 15 - At least four people died after a boat used by migrants sunk on Thursday evening near the coast of Cadiz in southern Spain. EFE and AFP reported the news, quoting sources from the Spanish sea rescue services. Rescue workers said that they had managed to save three people, who said that at least 21 people are still missing. A search and rescue operation continues. (ANSAmed). Egypt keeps mum on Regeni murder trial kick-off Officials not replying to questions (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, OCTOBER 15 - There has been no reaction by Egyptian institutions to the outcome of the first hearing in a trial on the torture and killing of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni, nor on the possibility that more rogatory letters will be sent to Egypt to ensure that the four defendants are aware of the proceedings against them. The president's office, the foreign and justice ministries, the government press office, and the general prosecutor's office did not respond to a request for comments made by ANSA. As announced by the Cairo general prosecutor's office on December 30, the theory that Egyptian investigators had claimed was that Regeni had only been monitored, not kidnapped nor much less killed, by Egyptian secrete services - who, they said, lost interest in him when they understood that his behaviour, even if it was not "in line with research", was not a risk to state security. Those that Italy has put on trial are, thus, in the eyes of Egypt, simply men who followed Regeni and not any9one who should answer for their actions in a court of law, as a statement issued by the prosecutor's office said. (ANSAmed). Funeral of Lebanon clash victims today, high tension National mourning and bulked up military presence in Beirut (ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, OCT 15 - A national day of mourning is being held Friday in Lebanon amid tension the day after he most violent sectarian clashes in Beirut in recent years. While the burial of the victims was being prepared (seven were killed and dozens injured), there was a heavy military presence in the streets of the Lebanese capital. The violence that broke out amid a protest of Shias calling for the removal of a judge investigating a devastating explosion at the Beirut port last year. The Amal and Hezbollah movements, which had organised the protest in front of the Palace of Justice, have accused the Christian party the Lebanese Forces of having organised by having snipers shoot at the protestors. Today, the front page of the daily Al-Akhbar, close to Hezbollah, was a portrait of LF leader Samir Geagea wearing the uniform of Adolf Hitler and accusations that he was "the first to know what happened yesterday, because he had planned, prepared and carried out a serious crime". The Christian party denied any involvement, underscoring instead that Hezbollah had "invaded" areas of the city it should not have entered. (ANSAmed). NGO sends Sisi petition on researcher Zaki's detention Asking for Constitutional Court involvement (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, OCT 15 - The case of the researcher Patrick Zaki has "sparked" a petition sent to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Al Sisi to get the Constitutional Court involved on the controversial issue of the lengthy pre-trial detention. As noted by the "Patrick Libero" Facebook page, the Egyptian NGO for which Zaki was working when he was arrested has asked the "President of the Egyptian Republic to request the Constitutional Court for the judicial articles regulating the pre-trial detention period". An "official letter" to this end was deposited Tuesday by Hoda Nasrallah, legal director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), as well as the head of six lawyers defending the researcher. Sisi's intervention on the Constitutional Court issue via the justice ministry is asked for "in his role as head of the Supreme Council of Judicial Bodies" in Egypt. The request is an interpretation of Articles 143, 151, and 380 of the Criminal Code, which regulate the periods of pre-trial detention, and the petition "was sparked by the decision" last month made by the "State Security Court for Minor Crimes" of Mansoura to continue the Zaki's detention for another 70 days despite his having already spent 19 months in jail, the group of activists said. "The decision to continue the detention did not take into consideration the maximum period of pre-trail detention as established by Article 143," it was stated. EIPR "is trying to unify the practical judicial application of these articles" interpreted in different manners by different courts in contrast with Article 54 of the Constitution, Nasrallah argued in the latter reported by the Patrick Libero account. (ANSAmed). Protests,strikes as Green Pass comes into force in workplace Disruption at 3 of 6 major ports, demos block Rome traffic (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 15 - There were widespread protests and strikes in Italy Friday as the Green Pass health pass came into force in all Italian workplaces. There was disruption at three of Italy's six main ports. The Green Pass shows that a person is vaccinated for COVID-19, has recovered from it or has tested negative in the last few days. In Trieste, some 2,000 dockers protested against the pass in a port expected to be brought to a standstill by the demonstrations. But Friuli Governor Massimiliano Fedriga said the port was "working regularly". In Genoa, dockers halted operations at a major loading point but lorries headed for other points and a long tailback was eased. In Ancona, access to the port was blocked by a workers' sit-in. But dockers worked normally in Venice, Naples and Palermo. Meanwhile dozens of anti-pass protesters tried to block traffic in Rome, with varying degrees of success. Many of them were stopped by police. Strikes hit several major firms including Electrolux, San Benedetto and Zoppas. The Green Pass is the strictest vaccine mandate to be issued by any country. Protests against it turned ugly in Rome last Saturday with a neofascist-led mob ransacking the headquarters of Italy's largest and most leftwing trade union. (ANSA). ANSAmed - Weekly diary from October 18 to October 24 (ANSAmed) - ROME, OCTOBER 15 - The following are the main events scheduled in the EuroMediterranean area from October 18 and October 24: MONDAY OCTOBER 18 TIPAZA (Algeria) - Verdict expected in an appeal trial against Karim Tabbou, a historic figure in HIRAK. LUXEMBOURG - Meeting of EU foreign ministers. STRASBOURG (France) - Plenary session of the European parliament. VATICAN CITY - Visit by French prime minister Jean Castex for the centenary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between France and the Vatican. TUESDAY OCTOBER 19 BEIRUT - Parliament starts new session. LISBON - The national Pantheon will be paying homage to Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who saved thousands of refugees fleeing Occupied France in 1940. RABAT (Morocco) - Muslims will be celebrating Mawlid, commemoration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed. WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 20 ALGIERS - Appeals trial against Islamic scholar Said Djabelkhir, who is accused of offending the precepts and rituals of Islam. AL MUSSANAH (Oman) - Sailing week begins (until 5/11). BRUSSELS - Press conference by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg prior to a defence ministers meeting. THURSDAY OCTOBER 21 DUBAI - Inauguration of the largest panoramic wheel in the world, the Ain Dubai. BRUSSELS - European Council summit (also 22/10) BRUSSELS - NATO defence ministers meeting. FRIDAY OCTOBER 22 No major events scheduled SATURDAY OCTOBER 23 PALERMO - Former Italian Interior minister, Matteo Salvini, goes on trial over detention of migrants at sea. RIYADH - Saudi Green Initiative Forum and Youth Green Summit (to October 24). SUNDAY OCTOBER 24 No major events scheduled (ANSAmed). Joint anti-migrant patrols on Serbia-Hungary border Interior ministers pay visit, share views (ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, OCT 15 - The interior ministers of Serbia and Hungary, Aleksandar Vulin and Sandor Pinter, on Friday morning inspected joint Serbian-Hungarian border patrols at the Horgos-Razske crossing. The patrols started this morning to bulk up border control and step up the fight against illegal immigration. Both the ministers agreed that neither Serbia nor Hungary were responsible for the migration crisis and that they were teaming up to curb the consequences that this crisis entails at the social, humanitarian, and security levels. "We will not allow life in our country to be changed in any way" due to migrants, Vulin said in agreement with the positions taken by his Serbia counterpart. "For this reason, collaboration with the Hungarian police is very important," the Serbian president said, thanking the Hungarian government for its police patrols, including on the southern border, between Serbia and Northern Macedonia. Pinter underscored that Hungary and Serbia have the same position on illegal immigration and added that he hoped that other EU countries would follow suit. Relations between Budapest and Belgrade have been strengthened over the years, in part thanks to the friendship and close personal relations between Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic and Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban. (ANSAmed). A Cambridge college is to return a looted bronze cockerel statue to representatives from Nigeria in a ceremony this month. Jesus College set up its Legacy of Slavery Working Party in 2019 to explore the historical, legal and moral status of the colleges ownership of the Bronze. It followed a campaign by students for the items return. The group concluded that the statue, which was looted by British colonial forces in 1897 and given to the college in 1905 by the father of a student, belongs with the current Oba at the Court of Benin. The Oba of Benin is head of the historic Eweka dynasty of the Benin Empire, centred on Benin City in modern-day Nigeria. Jesus College said in a statement that it became the first institution in the world to announce its decision to return a Benin Bronze in 2019. The statue had been removed from display at the college in 2016. It will be returned to Nigerias National Commission for Museums and Monuments in a ceremony at Jesus College, attended by delegates from the commission and Benin, on October 27. Archivist Robert Athol with the bronze statue (Joe Giddens/PA) His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Omo NOba NEdo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II said: We are indeed very pleased and commend Jesus College for taking this lead in making restitution for the plunder that occurred in Benin in 1897. We truly hope that others will expedite the return of our artworks which in many cases are of religious importance to us. We wish to thank our President Buhari and our National Commission for Museums and Monuments for their renewed efforts in securing the release of our artefacts on our behalf. Finally, we wish to thank the student body of Cambridge University for bringing to light the historical significance of this revered piece of the Royal Court of Benin. It is worthy of note that our father attended Cambridge University but was then Prince Solomon Akenzua. He later ascended the throne of our forefathers as Omo NOba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin. Master of Jesus College Sonita Alleyne described it as a historic moment, adding: This is the right thing to do out of respect for the unique heritage and history of this artefact. She went on: Since we took the decision to return the Bronze following the colleges Legacy of Slavery Working Partys (LSWP) extensive research, many organisations have followed in our footsteps. I would like to thank the LSWP for its diligent and careful investigation into the provenance of the Bronze, to the Fellows for their keen support for its restitution, and to our students who pioneered early calls for this. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Nigerias Minister of Information and Culture, said: We thank Jesus College for being a trailblazer and we look forward to a similar return of our artefacts by other institutions that are in possession of them. Professor Abba Isa Tijani, director-general of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria, said: This return offers new hope for amicable resolution in cultural property ownership disputes. We hope that it will set a precedent for others around the world who are still doubtful of this new evolving approach whereby nations and institutions agree with source nations on return without rancour. On our part, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments is receiving this antiquity for the benefit of the Benin people and the people of Nigeria. Young climate activists who are walking a 1,200-mile route from Cornwall to Cop26 in Glasgow have crossed the border into Scotland. The Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) Relay to Cop26 began in June, with the activists setting out from Carbis Bay in the far south west of England. By Friday they had walked in stages over the months to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and crossed the border as they headed to Eyemouth in Berwickshire. They were met by a welcome party including piper Keith Montgomery. Piper Keith Montgomery welcomes the campaigners (Jane Barlow/PA) Working with local churches and religious organisations, they aim to highlight the effects of climate change on the worlds poorest communities. During their journey they have visited cities across England, with plans to stop off in Edinburgh before arriving in Glasgow on October 30, the day before the Cop26 climate conference begins. Jen Morris, a member of the YCCN, said: Many of the worlds poorest countries are facing the double threat of a global pandemic and the ongoing effects of climate change. YCCN is calling on the UK to use its pivotal role as the host of Cop26, as an opportunity to push for an inclusive, green, and just economic recovery for all countries not just rich ones. The UK Government must put pressure on rich countries to meet and exceed the decade-old promise of 100 billion dollars of climate finance. No country should be pushed into debt fighting the effects of climate change, especially the countries who have contributed least to global emissions but are being affected the most by climate change. The young campaigners have been supported on their journey by the Church of Scotland and Christian Aid. Very Rev Susan Brown, who is convener of the Church of Scotlands Faith Impact Forum, said: On behalf of the Church of Scotland, we are delighted to welcome those taking part in the YCCNs Relay to the COP26 as they cross the border into Scotland. Reports tell us that eight out of ten young people are seriously concerned about the future of the planet and that for more than half of those, this is leading to sleepless nights. As communities and even more so as a Church, we need to take responsibility for the care and wellbeing of the natural world with which we have been entrusted. Too many have been guilty of taking it for granted for too long. Now is the time to stand and say: this is a gift from God, for all in this world, to be cherished, protected and enjoyed. Fiona Buchanan, campaigns and advocacy coordinator at Christian Aid Scotland, said: We are so inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the YCCN volunteers, as this mammoth relay arrives in Scotland and gets closer to Glasgow. She added that their journey was driven by faith, justice and a strong desire to make the Cop26 climate summit count for all but especially for our global neighbours who have done the least to contribute to this crisis. Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered an immediate review of MPs security following the killing of Sir David Amess while meeting constituents. Ms Patel met police and representatives of the security and intelligence agencies after the 69-year-old MP was fatally stabbed as he held a surgery in his Southend West constituency. A spokesman for the Home Secretary said that she had also spoken to the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our country's elected representatives and I will provide updates in due course. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends. Priti Patel (@pritipatel) October 15, 2021 The Home Secretary has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs with immediate effect and will provide updates in due course, the spokesman said. Earlier, Ms Patel said she was devastated by the loss of Sir David in what she described as an attack on democracy itself. That he was killed while going about his constituency duties is heartbreaking beyond words. It represents a senseless attack on democracy itself, she said in a series of tweets. Questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our countrys elected representatives and I will provide updates in due course. The attack on Sir David death came just five-and-a-half years after Labour MP Jo Cox was killed by a far right extremist in her Batley and Spen constituency in West Yorkshire. Forensic officers at Belfairs Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea, where Sir David Amess was fatally stabbed (Yui Mok/PA) Sir Lindsay said that while it was right that security was reviewed following the latest incident, it was important to avoid knee-jerk reactions. He said MPs needed to be able to carry on meeting their constituents which was an essential part of the democratic process. I am doing my surgery tonight. I recognise some MPs are not doing theirs. What we cant do is give in to these people, people who dont believe in our values, dont believe in what we do, he told BBC Radio 4s PM programme. I believe the electorate needs to be able to communicate with the people who have been elected. It is part of our democratic process. We dont want knee-jerk reaction. What we want to do is make sure MPs can carry out their duties. We have got to make sure MPs are safe. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said it is important can continue to meet their constituents (House of Commons/PA) What we cant have is people trying to stop MPs carrying out their duties. We will not and must not tolerate intimidation, threat, violence and at worst somebody being murdered again. His sentiments were echoed by the the Father of the House the longest-serving sitting MP Sir Peter Bottomley. I predict all over the country this weekend, next weekend and in the months to come MPs will hold advice sessions. That is what we do, he told the PA news agency. There is no perfect security for anybody. My view has always been that in many other walks of life you are at far greater risk than a Member of Parliament. MPs may get exceptional publicity. We are not exceptional people. Were ordinary people trying to an ordinary job as well as we. We accept the risks. The question is should MPs stop meeting their constituents face-to-face. The answer is we will go on meeting our constituents face-to-face. Often were are the last people who can help them when they are facing desperate troubles. Their needs, their interests come first. As well as the killing of Ms Cox in June 2016 in the days before the Brexit referendum, the attack on Sir David carried echoes of two earlier incidents when MPs were attacked in their constituencies. In May 2010, East Ham MP Stephen Timms was stabbed twice in the abdomen by Roshonara Choudhry, an Islamic extremist who claimed she had wanted to get revenge for the people of Iraq. Mr Timms suffered serious injuries and according to police was extremely fortunate not to have been killed. He remains an MP. Nigel Jones, then MP for Cheltenham, was severely injured in January 2000 when he was attacked in his offices by a man with a sword. Andrew Pennington, a Gloucestershire county councillor, was killed in the same attack while trying to defend him. A man has pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of a pensioner who was found dead in her home. Jason Graham, 30, appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, where he admitted to assaulting and killing Esther Brown. The court heard Graham then purchased a packet of cigarettes using the deceaseds bank card following the murder. The 67-year-olds body was found at her address in West Princes Street in Woodlands, Glasgow, on Tuesday June 1 after she had been missing for four days. A week after the last sighting of her, officers arrested and charged Graham over her death. The court heard the accused had a previous conviction for attacking and raping an older woman in 2013 and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He was released in 2018 before his licence expired in 2020 and he has been a registered sex offender since. Ms Brown has been described as a much loved and active member of the community and was devoted to St Silas Church. In a statement read out in court, friends described her life as full and rewarding and dedicated to helping others. Addressing Graham in court, judge Lord Armstrong said: You now stand convicted of the gravest of crimes involving the most depraved actions on your part, characterised by utter brutality, extreme and sustained violence against a defenceless woman in her own home. Defence lawyer Brian McConnachie QC told the court Graham had no recollection of the attack, but has insight into the impact Ms Browns death has had on the community. He said the accused is on medication for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in relation to a traumatic childhood event, and that he had consumed a substantial amount of alcohol on the night he broke into Ms Browns property. Police stood guard outside Esther Browns home after her body was found (Douglas Barrie/PA) Mr McConnachie said: It seems to be clear that the combination of the drugs and alcohol have contributed to the offences. After drinking in a nearby pub, Graham accessed Ms Browns property through an open door into the buildings stairwell before knocking on her door. The court heard the two were not known to each other. Following the murder, Graham returned to a relatives property and told his cousin he had done something bad and said they are coming for me, the court heard. People in the community known to Ms Brown grew concerned for her welfare after she failed to show up to an organised walk and her regular church service. Friends visited her home, but called the police before entering the property as they sensed something was wrong. Ms Brown was found dead with multiple lacerations and bruises to her body. Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC said a postmortem examination showed signs that Ms Brown was fighting for her life during the attack and had injuries consistent with sexual assault. He said the victim suffered sustained beating from pieces of wood from a broken chair that was damaged during the incident. Jason Graham was previously jailed for seven years for rape in 2013 (Police Scotland/PA) Lord Armstrong deferred sentence on Graham until November 12 at the High Court in Edinburgh for reports, including on his psychiatric history. Graham, who appeared in court wearing a blue jumper and blue jeans, remains subject to Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. Police Scotland welcomed the conviction and paid tribute to the local community for their support during the murder investigation. Detective Superintendent Suzie Chow, of Police Scotlands Major Investigation Teams, said: Jason Graham will now have to face the consequences of his actions. This was a brutal attack and one that left Esthers family and the community absolutely devastated. It has been a harrowing ordeal for Esthers family, her friends and those who knew her and my thoughts are with them as they continue to come to terms with her death. She said the response from the local community in the aftermath of Ms Browns murder demonstrated how loved and respected she was and thanked them for their support in their inquiries. Dr Annie Gemmill, a friend of Ms Brown, paid tribute to her ahead of Fridays hearing. She said Ms Brown was a single lady but she had a great love, adding no ones life should ever be ended as hers was, and we miss her so much. Sir David Amess has been remembered as Mr Southend at a vigil held in his memory. Born in east London, the 69-year-old had been Southend West MP since 1997 and was a keen advocate of the towns bid for city status. A service at Saint Peters Church in Eastwood Lane, close to where Sir David was killed, was held on Friday evening to remember him where he was described by a priest as Mr Southend. People attend a Catholic mass at St Peters church in Eastwood (Nick Ansell/PA) The church fell silent as Father Jeffrey Woolnaugh paid tribute to the Conservative MP and invited his constituents to remember him. He placed a photograph of Sir David at the front of the church, and said: This liturgy is one I was not expecting to lead today. The whole world grieves. In this Mass we pray for the repose of the soul of dear David. Have you ever known Sir David Amess without that happy smile on his face? Because the greeting he would always give you was that happy smile. He carried that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level theyre at. Not all politicians, I would say, are good at that. A photograph of Sir David Amess in St Peters church in Eastwood (Nick Ansell/PA) Around 80 people attended the service and listened as Father Woolnough recounted his own memories of Sir David. He said: When you can speak to your MP and you can talk and get on like a house on fire, thats when you can talk to them later about things that are important to your area. What can we say? He died doing the thing he loved, meeting his constituents, his local people. Father Woolnough added that his constituents could count on Sir David, and said: He was always available. We dont have the words tonight. Dear Sir David, rest well. Those who attended the vigil were invited to light a candle and share their own memories of Sir David. A lone candle placed outside the church burned as the Tory MPs constituents remembered him. More than a third of care home residents in England were paying for some or all of the care before the coronavirus pandemic, figures show. Some 36.7% of care home residents were self-funding their care between 2019-20, according to experimental statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This equates to 143,774 residents contributing to, or funding entirely, their care, while 63.3% (248,153 residents) were state-funded. It is the first time the ONS has published figures on self-funders in care homes, and will provide a pre-pandemic baseline for research. (PA Graphics) It analysed data from care homes collected by the Care Quality Commission covering the period August 2019 and March 2020. People classed as self-funders were either paying for their own care privately or had their care provided by a charity, while some may also have been receiving some NHS-funded care. During this period, 84.7% of care home beds (391,927 of 462,460) were occupied in England. Care homes in the most deprived areas, smaller care homes and care homes for younger adults had the lowest percentage of residents self-funding their care. (PA Graphics) Homes in the most deprived parts of England had a smaller proportion of self-funders 21.6% compared to 53.8% in the least deprived areas. The South East was the region with the highest proportion (45.4%), while the North East had the lowest proportion at 24.6%. Care homes with less than 20 beds had the lowest percentage of self-funders (15.1%) compared to care homes of all other sizes. The highest percentage of self-funded care home residents was in the South East (45.4%), while the lowest was in the North East (24.6%) https://t.co/5MEWSOH9h7 pic.twitter.com/QPvvnXWYOb Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) October 15, 2021 And 49.6% of residents in care homes for people aged 65 and over were self-funding their care, compared to 4.8% of those in homes for younger residents. Julie Stanborough, deputy director of health and life events at the ONS, said: Todays findings from experimental research show that in England, around 37% of care home residents paid towards the cost of their care, compared with 63% who were state funded. However, we saw geographic differences, with more residents self-funding their care in the South East. Pete Davies, senior organiser at the GMB union, said: The under-funding and exploitation of our care system has weighed heavy on those who find themselves having to pay for their own care. Many people are paying far above the rate that a local authority would pay for the same service. Ultimately, they are paying over the odds and often being plunged into debt to prop up a broken system one that relies on gross injustice to generate bloated profits for shadowy private companies. Relatives of a grandmother in her 50s left brain-damaged and paralysed from the neck down after contracting Covid-19 have mounted a challenge after a judge ruled that she be allowed to die. Specialists treating the woman, who cannot speak and is on a ventilator, at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge said life-support treatment should end. The womans relatives disagreed and said she should be given more time. Mr Justice Hayden considered evidence at a recent trial in the Court of Protection, where judges oversee hearings centred on adults who lack the mental capacity to make decisions, in London, and concluded that life-support treatment should stop by the end of October. Members of her family have now asked Court of Appeal judges to consider the case. Court officials say an appeal hearing is due to take place in early November. Lawyers say life-support treatment will continue until appeal judges have made a decision. Specialists had told Mr Justice Hayden that the woman was the most complicated Covid-19 patient in the world. Doctors said there was nothing they could do to make any aspect of her condition better and said life-support treatment was causing her distress and adding to her burden. They thought that her life expectancy could be measured in months and said moving her to a palliative care regime would enable her to die peacefully and without distress. Mr Justice Hayden said it was the first time a judge had considered an end-of-life case as a result of Covid-19. He heard how the woman, who was overweight and had underlying health problems, went into hospital with symptoms of Covid-19 late in 2020. Barrister Katie Gollop QC, who represented hospital bosses, said the womans case appeared to be unique. She said the woman was almost entirely paralysed and had severe cognitive impairment. One specialist said the woman had complications not described in the UK before. Mr Justice Hayden ruled that the woman could not be identified in media reports. Sir David Amess, the Southend West MP who has died after a stabbing attack, regarded his main interests and areas of expertise as animal welfare and pro-life issues. The long-serving Conservative MP described himself as a great animal lover on his website, something that was reflected in his record in parliament. Sir David, 69, was responsible for introducing the Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act in 1988, campaigned to stop the testing of domestic products on animals, tackled the illegal wildlife trade and fought for an end to puppy farming, according to his website. He opposed the culling of badgers and was one of the few Tory MPs in favour of a foxhunting ban. Sir David Amess was passionate about animal welfare (John Stillwell/PA) In his most recent Commons intervention, on September 23, he called for a debate on animal welfare generally, cruelty to animals and the welfare of farmyard animals to mark World Animal Day on October 4. The Tory veteran was a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation and won the Dods Animal Welfare and Environment Award in 2011 for his work on the issue. Many of the tributes pouring in for Sir David following his death refer to his passion for animal rights, including from Carrie Johnson, the Prime Ministers wife, who described him in a tweet as an enormous animal lover. Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children. Carrie Johnson (@carrielbjohnson) October 15, 2021 Sir David and his three-year-old French bulldog Vivienne were running in the forthcoming Westminster Dog of the Year Show, which promotes responsible dog ownership. Every time I walk into the room Vivienne throws herself at me, lies on their back with her legs in the air to be tickled. But before that she always brings a toy so she is of a generous, giving nature, he told the Echo news website. He also regularly judged at local dog shows and supported various local animal charities. Channel 4s Countdown mathematician Rachel Riley, who attended Southend High for Girls, called his death senseless and said he had supported her mother Celia Rileys work with the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society. David Amess has helped support my Mums local charity work on many occasions, this is senseless. Thinking of him and his family and friends today. https://t.co/3Mj5V6T9Kl Rachel Riley (@RachelRileyRR) October 15, 2021 The charity tweeted: We at Essex Horse and Pony are shocked and saddened by the murder of local MP and animal advocate Sir David Amess. He was a supporter of the Sanctuary and attended events. Aside from animal welfare, Sir David also championed better maternity services. The MP, who chaired the all-party parliamentary group on maternity, was helping organise an event on maternity safety in parliament next month, according to the Royal College of Midwives, which said it was shocked and saddened by his death. Sir David, a devout Catholic, was also an anti-abortion activist and patron of the Right To Life charity. The organisation described him as a pro-life champion who used his position as an MP to stand up for the vulnerable, including championing initiatives to introduce more protections for unborn babies and more support for women facing crisis pregnancies. Flowers at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea (Yui Mok/PA) Friends and colleagues have described Sir David, who was married with four daughters and a son, as a tireless campaigner for the issues he cared about. Local councillor John Lamb said he was always trying to help people and especially refugees hes tried to help. Sir David described as heart-breaking a visit to a refugee camp in Malatya in Turkey in 2019, where some 10,000 Syrian refugees were living. In a tribute to Sir David, the British Red Cross said he visited British Red Cross volunteers and supported us in our work. Sir David Amess has been described as a true parliamentarian and a true gent as a former Prime Minister reflected on a tragic day for our democracy. The 69-year-old Tory veteran, who had been an MP since 1983, was stabbed several times during a very distressing incident at a constituency surgery in Essex. A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Sir David Amess (Ian West/PA) Former Conservative prime minister Theresa May tweeted: Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties. A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with Davids family. Former prime minister Sir John Major said: This is truly heartbreaking news of a good and decent man who for over 30 years was a dedicated public servant. My heart goes out to his family. Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children. Carrie Johnson (@carrielbjohnson) October 15, 2021 Carrie Johnson, the Prime Ministers wife, tweeted: Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children. Heartbroken. I could write reams on how Sir David was one of the kindest, most compassionate, well liked colleagues in Parliament. But I can't. I feel sick. I am lost. Rest in Peace. A little light went out in Parliament today. We will miss you. #SirDavidAmess Tracey Crouch (@tracey_crouch) October 15, 2021 Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab tweeted: Heartbroken that we have lost Sir David Amess MP. A great common sense politician and a formidable campaigner with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirit including towards those he disagreed with. RIP my friend. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tweeted: Shocked to hear of the attack on Sir David Amess. Praying for him, his loved ones and his staff. Shocked to hear of the attack on Sir David Amess. Praying for him, his loved ones and his staff. Our elected representatives must be able to live and work without fear of violence or intimidation if we are to maintain our democracy. Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) October 15, 2021 Our elected representatives must be able to live and work without fear of violence or intimidation if we are to maintain our democracy. Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps described Sir David Amess as a true parliamentarian. He tweeted: Awful, tragic news about David. Awful, tragic news about David. A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) October 15, 2021 A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role. My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today. In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no-one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents. Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role. My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life. Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) October 15, 2021 Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford Tracey Crouch tweeted: Heartbroken. I could write reams on how Sir David was one of the kindest, most compassionate, well liked colleagues in Parliament. But I cant. I feel sick. I am lost. Rest in Peace. A little light went out in Parliament today. We will miss you. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis described Sir David Amess as one of lifes truly nice people. He tweeted: I knew David both from my days as a councillor in Essex and as a fellow MP. I knew David both from my days as a councillor in Essex and as a fellow MP. One of lifes truly nice people, a gentleman, who was always ready to give his help to anyone who needed it. So shocked and saddened by this awful news. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) October 15, 2021 One of lifes truly nice people, a gentleman, who was always ready to give his help to anyone who needed it. So shocked and saddened by this awful news. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor, who was Sir David Amesss predecessor as MP for Basildon in Essex, paid tribute to him and called for security for MPs to be reviewed. Mr Proctor told the PA news agency: The news that my friend David Amess has been attacked and died in his constituency is horrible. David took over my Basildon constituency in 1983. My thoughts and best wishes go to his wife Julia and their children and his family. Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. A truly despicable and horrifying act. My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time. Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) October 15, 2021 He supported me in good times and in bad. He was a wonderful Member of Parliament for Basildon and Southend-on-Sea West. Its now time to consider again the security of MPs, especially when they are present at fixed events and times such as constituency surgeries. Our parliamentary democracy is under threat and Parliament must respond. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. A truly despicable and horrifying act. My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time. Communities Secretary Michael Gove tweeted: David Amesss passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news. David Amesss passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news. He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, hIs every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family Michael Gove (@michaelgove) October 15, 2021 He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: This is tragic and horrible news. My thoughts are with Davids wife and children, the wider family, friends and Davids community. A truly terrible day for British politics but most importantly of all our prayers are with all the people who loved David. Conservative MP and former Cabinet minister David Davis tweeted: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and staff of Sir David Amess. He was a thoroughly kind and decent man who above all else cared strongly for his constituents and worked hard for them over his distinguished career. We have all lost a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and staff of Sir David Amess. He was a thoroughly kind and decent man who above all else cared strongly for his constituents and worked hard for them over his distinguished career. We have all lost a good friend. David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) October 15, 2021 Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted: Devastated to hear the terrible news about Sir David Amess MP. He was a lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian. My thoughts are with all his family and friends. Devastated to hear the terrible news about Sir David Amess MP. He was a lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian. My thoughts are with all his family and friends. Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 15, 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: The worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity. It steals joy from the world and can take from us that which we love the most. Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir Davids loved ones. The worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity. It steals joy from the world and can take from us that which we love the most. Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir Davids loved ones. Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 15, 2021 Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith tweeted: Shocked to hear my long time good friend/colleague has died as a result of a desperate attack in his surgery doing what all MPs have a duty to do: looking out for their constituents often as a last hope when all else has failed. My prayers go out to his family RIP #SirDavidAmess. Shocked to hear my long time good friend/colleague has died as a result of a desperate attack in his surgery doing what all MPs have a duty to do: looking out for their constituents often as a last hope when all else has failed. My prayers go out to his family RIP #SirDavidAmess pic.twitter.com/pJzWZ4qaln Iain Duncan Smith MP (@MPIainDS) October 15, 2021 Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away. He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful. My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with Davids loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief. I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away. He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful. My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with David's loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 15, 2021 Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale tweeted: David and I entered the House together in 1983 and I regard him as a dear friend and a brave & compassionate MP. The loss to his family, who David always put first, and to the House is appalling. But David died doing what David always did looking after his constituents. DALLAS (AP) A former Boeing pilot was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury on charges of deceiving safety regulators about the 737 Max jetliner, which was later involved in two deadly crashes. The indictment charges Mark A. Forkner with giving the Federal Aviation Administration false and incomplete information about an automated flight-control system that played a role in the crashes, which killed 346 people. Prosecutors said that because of Forkner's alleged deception, the system was not mentioned in pilot manuals or training materials. An attorney for Forkner did not immediately respond for comment. Boeing and the FAA declined to comment. Forkner, 49, was charged with two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate commerce and four counts of wire fraud. Federal prosecutors said he is expected to make his first appearance in court on Friday in Fort Worth, Texas. If convicted on all counts, he could face a sentence of up to 100 years in prison. The indictment charges that he hid information about a flight-control system that activated erroneously and pushed down the noses of Max jets that crashed in 2018 in Indonesia, and 2019 in Ethiopia. The pilots tried unsuccessfully to regain control, but both planes went into nosedives minutes after taking off. Forkner was Boeing's chief technical pilot on the Max program. Prosecutors said that Forkner learned about an important change to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System flight-control system in 2016, but withheld the information from the FAA. That led the agency to delete reference to MCAS from a technical report and, in turn, it didnt appear in pilot manuals. Most pilots didnt know about MCAS until after the first crash. Prosecutors suggested that Forkner downplayed the power of the system to avoid a requirement that pilots undergo extensive and expensive retraining, which would increase training costs for airlines. Congressional investigators suggested additional training would have added $1 million to the price of each plane. In an attempt to save Boeing money, Forkner allegedly withheld critical information from regulators, said Chad Meacham, acting U.S. attorney for the northern district of Texas. His callous choice to mislead the FAA hampered the agencys ability to protect the flying public and left pilots in the lurch, lacking information about certain 737 MAX flight controls." Forkner told another Boeing employee in 2016 that MCAS was egregious and running rampant when he tested it in a flight simulator, but he didn't tell that to the FAA. So I basically lied to the regulators (unknowingly), Forkner wrote in a message that became public in 2019. Forkner, who lives in a Fort Worth suburb, joined Southwest Airlines after leaving Boeing, but left the airline about a year ago. Chicago-based Boeing agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement to end a Justice Department investigation into the company's actions. The government agreed to drop a criminal charge of conspiracy against Boeing after three years if the company carries out terms of the January 2020 settlement. The settlement included a $243.6 million fine, nearly $1.8 billion for airlines that bought the plane and $500 million for a fund to compensate families of the passengers who were killed. Dozens of families of passengers are suing Boeing in federal court in Chicago. Crash investigations highlighted the role of MCAS but also pointed to mistakes by the airlines and pilots. Max jets were grounded worldwide for more than a year and a half. The FAA approved the plane for flying again late last year after Boeing made changes to MCAS. ___ David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter With negotiations on his domestic agenda continuing in Congress, President Biden took to the road Friday to pitch the importance of improving government-funded child care programs in the U.S. "When you give working families a break, were not just raising their quality of life, were positioning our country to compete in the future," he said in remarks delivered at a child care center in Hartford, Conn. An outlier among wealthy nations when it comes to government child care spending on toddlers, the U.S. trails first-place Norway by nearly $30,000 spent per child annually. Biden and the White House have been citing rankings from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that place the U.S. 35th out of 37 countries in the amount of public investment in early childhood education and care. The president opened his remarks on Friday by discussing his own experience as a single father following the death of his wife and young daughter shortly after he became a senator, saying, "A lot of people are in desperate need of a facility like this and child care. He said he hadn't appreciated the importance of it as a young county councilman but that things changed following the accident soon after he was first elected to the Senate in 1972. President Biden on a visit to the Capitol Child Development Center in Hartford, Conn., on Friday. (Evan Vucci/AP) I was making a decent salary as a U.S. senator, $42,000 a year and that was a decent salary, and I could not afford child care, Biden continued. Everybody wonders why I commuted every day, 265 miles a day, to be back and forth with my children. I could afford the train. It was cheaper to be able to take every day so I could kiss my boys." The high cost of such programs has caused some parents to leave the workforce to care for their children, yet child care workers often do not make a living wage. Democrats have proposed lowering child care costs for parents while increasing pay for providers. Similarly, Bidens new plan would create a universal pre-K program for children ages 3 and 4, increasing the number of years of public education. Additionally, Democrats are hoping to extend the expanded child tax credit, which was passed in March as part of the American Rescue Plan. If an extension is passed, most Americans would receive up to $300 per month per child under the age of 17. Because the credit is fully refundable, even the lowest-income families who make too little to pay taxes would receive the full benefit. In August, the Center on Poverty & Social Policy at Columbia University found that the addition of the child tax credit payments paid in July pulled 3 million children out of poverty. Because not everyone who is eligible for the credit is receiving it an issue the Internal Revenue Service and local groups are working to address the analysis estimated that the credit would reduce child poverty even further, adding that the greatest gains [would] be realized for Black and Latino children." If the credit is not extended in the budget deal, the new features of the program larger payments delivered monthly to more Americans will expire. A child holds a banner welcoming the president to the child care center in Hartford on Friday. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) In order for the budget deal to pass in the Senate, all 50 members who caucus with the Democrats must be in agreement over its provisions. Biden has repeatedly stated that he has 48 senators on board with the agenda, but centrist Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona remain holdouts. Manchin has said he doesnt want to promote an entitlement culture and would like to tie any extension of the tax credits to work or education requirements. He has also stated he is in favor of limiting the number of Americans eligible for the credits. Axios reported last week that Manchin told his colleagues to pick just one of the three Biden proposals the expanded child tax credit, subsidies for child care or paid family medical leave to put into the bill. During Thursdays briefing, White House press secretary Jen Psaki underscored that the president remains ardent in his wish to have comprehensive child care support as part of his infrastructure agenda. Psaki wouldnt say, however, that child care provisions represent a red line for the president in terms of budget negotiations. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hinted in a Monday letter to colleagues that she was hesitant to acquiesce to moderates like Manchin who wish to slash Bidens agenda via the budget deal. So far, however, the size of the package has already shrunk by $1 trillion from the White Houses initial $3.5 trillion top-line figure. Overwhelmingly, the guidance I am receiving from Members is to do fewer things well so that we can still have a transformative impact on families in the workplace and responsibly address the climate crisis: a Build Back Better agenda for jobs and the planet For The Children, Pelosi wrote. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday at her weekly news conference. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images) On Tuesday, Pelosi said her caucus was committed to keeping universal pre-K, tuition-free community college and the child tax credit in the final framework. We have some important decisions to make in the next few days so that we can proceed. I'm very disappointed that we're not going with the original $3.5 trillion, which was very transformative, but whatever we do, we will make decisions that will continue to be transformative about women in the workplace, Pelosi said Friday. Biden acknowledged in his remarks Friday that he would be forced to make budget concessions. To be honest with you, were probably not going to get 3.5 trillion, he said. Were going to get something less than that. In recent days, the White House has grown frustrated with Congresss inability to pass the presidents infrastructure package, according to multiple reports. Psaki indicated Thursday that Biden is eager to deliver on his promises. With the presidents approval ratings having fallen in recent weeks, Democrats are increasingly worried about the midterm elections next year and are growing more anxious about the need to notch a legislative win for the administration. Budget Committee Chairman and key progressive negotiator Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has grown publicly frustrated with the dwindling timeline to salvage a budget compromise. "The time is now," Sanders said during a press call Tuesday. "This to me is not negotiable, this is what the American people want." Biden at the Hartford child care center. (Evan Vucci/AP) ____ Read more from Yahoo News: U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley defended his recent onstage appearance with former President Donald Trump, who has continued using the same election rhetoric Grassley previously criticized as "extreme, aggressive and irresponsible." "He's a private citizen," Grassley told reporters following an event in Des Moines. "He can say anything he wants to. I'm looking to the 2022 election and presenting my case to the people." Grassley was among the opening speakers at Trump's rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds last week, and he appeared alongside to accept the former president's formal endorsement in his 2022 reelection campaign. The appearance an apparent embrace of Trump surprised some political observers, who pointed to Grassley's rebuke of the former president following the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots. "President Trump continued to argue that the election had been stolen even though the courts didnt back up his claims," Grassley said in a Feb. 13 statement, following the Senates acquittal of Trump. "He belittled and harassed elected officials across the country to get his way. He encouraged his own, loyal vice president, Mike Pence, to take extraordinary and unconstitutional actions during the Electoral College count," Grassley said. "Theres no doubt in my mind that President Trumps language was extreme, aggressive, and irresponsible." The rally was Trump's first visit to Iowa since he lost the election and was impeached a second time. He continued to lie about the outcome of the election, claiming without evidence that it was rigged against him. At one point, the crowd began to chant "Trump won! Trump won!" Grassley said he wanted to take advantage of the large crowd of Iowans and share his views on policy. "I took advantage of what I do with most presidents, whether Republican or Democrat. I don't look at the individual president do I like him or not like him. I look at their policies. So I had five minutes to point out the bad policies of this president." But Grassley would not say outright whether he agrees with Trump's continued false claims of fraud. "I spoke to that on December the 13th when the electoral votes were cast, and I said 'President Biden's president of the United States,'" he said. Grassley, 88, announced in September he would run for an eighth term in the U.S. Senate. A recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows him with a clear lead over Democrat Abby Finkenauer. But that same poll showed Trump is viewed favorably by a greater share of Iowa Republicans. Iowa Poll: Chuck Grassley leads Abby Finkenauer in test of possible US Senate matchup According to the poll, 81% of Iowa Republicans view Grassley favorably, while 91% view Trump favorably. Grassley acknowledged as much when he accepted Trump's endorsement at the rally. "I was born at night, but not last night," he said from the stage. "So if I didnt accept the endorsement of a person thats got 91% of the Republican voters in Iowa, I wouldnt be too smart. Im smart enough to accept that endorsement." Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Chuck Grassley defends appearance with Donald Trump, looks to 2022 Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week signed an executive order that bars businesses in the state from imposing vaccine mandates for employees though major companies like American Airlines (AAL) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) have vowed to flout the rule. The executive order sets the state on course for a clash with the Biden Administration, which as soon as next week could finalize its mandate for large companies to vaccinate or regularly test employees, NBC News reported. In a new interview, former general Stanley McChrystal who led coalition forces in Afghanistan for two years and now heads a consulting firm called the McChrystal Group weighed in on the political fight over vaccine requirements with support for a nationwide mandate, calling it an "entirely appropriate" policy in "a war against COVID." "We have certain mandates," he says. "You must pay your taxes. You must serve in the military, if the nation is threatened." "There are things we do as part of a covenant of being a citizen in the United States of America," adds McChrystal, who recently co-authored a book entitled, "Risk: A User's Guide. "There are responsibilities that go with rights." McChrystal, whose consulting firm helped government agencies respond to the COVID-19 outbreak in Missouri and Boston, Massachusetts, sharply criticized U.S. leadership and messaging from the outset of the pandemic. "We didn't communicate clearly," he says. "We sent mixed messages. We had a narrative that was undermined at times by counter narratives, first within official circles." The call from McChrystal for a nationwide vaccine mandate extends well beyond the requirements currently put forward by the Biden administration, which has called for millions of government contractors to be vaccinated by Dec. 8. Indonesia, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan are among the few countries that have made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for all adults. McChrystal, who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1976, served a 34-year military career that included a stint as the commander of U.S. special forces and ultimately, a two-year tenure as the head of coalition forces in Afghanistan that ended in 2010. Then-president Barack Obama accepted McChrystal's resignation days after a Rolling Stone article in which McChrystal and aides criticized senior administration officials. UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 4: Hattie Pierce, 75, receives a Pfizer covid-19 vaccine booster shot from Dr. Tiffany Taliaferro at the Safeway on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Monday, October 4, 2021. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Speaking to Yahoo Finance, McChrystal characterized the U.S. as a country at battle with the disease that should take the necessary measures to defeat it. "This is a nation at war," he says. "Common defense doesn't mean just common defense against the British at Lexington. It means common defense against those things which harm our nation." "This is not just something that harms individual Americans it economically weakens us," he adds. Read more: Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. Not at all. It just seems like a lot of back-and-forth talk. Yes. I'm growing very worried over what might happen. If it keeps up, I might be a little more concerned. I think there are much larger things to concern us as a country. It's hard to tell; I can't take the leader of either country seriously. Vote View Results Theres something to be said for doing things that give you joy or doing things that you have been putting off that now pop up occasionally to remind you that you havent done them. Read more Feature Your News Online $25.00 / for 30 days Highlight your business' news for just $25! We'll feature your content on our News From Local Business section & our Marketplace front page to give it maximum exposure for the next 30 days. Online Access for Print Subscribers. Do you have a print subscription with the Argus-Press? If yes, then click here to enjoy complimentary access to our Online Content! STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The life of the servicemen of Artsakh wounded from the Azerbaijani shooting are not in danger, State Minister of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan said on Facebook. I have just arrived from the Stepanakert military hospital and the republican medical center where three wounded servicemen have undergone a surgery. They all have undergone a successful surgery, and none of the wounded soldiers is under danger. I would like to thank our doctors for conducting their mission with high dedication and skills, Artak Beglaryan said. Earlier the Defense Army of Artsakh reported that in the evening of October 14 the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire at the Defense Armys military positions located in the eastern section of the border, as a result of which 6 servicemen received a gunshot wound. They all were in serious condition. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory letter to new Chancellor of Austria Alexander Schallenberg on appointment, Pashinyans Office said. Your Excellency, please, accept my warmest congratulations on your appointment as the Federal Chancellor of Austria. Armenia highly appreciates the deepening and development of the friendly relations with Austria. I am sure that with joint efforts we will further raise the mutual beneficial partnership between Armenia and Austria and will deepen our multilateral cooperation, which will at best contribute to the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. I wish you good health and all the success to your important mission, the letter reads. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan In his speech, the defence minister also provided a brief overview of the role being played by women in the Indian armed forces The defence minister said the SCO has rejected terrorism in all its manifestations, noting that women have been and will remain equal contributors in the fight against the menace. (PTI) New Delhi: Terrorism has been employed as a weapon of choice by non-state actors and irresponsible states to advance their political objectives in the region, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday in a thinly-veiled attack on Pakistan. In an address at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) seminar on the role of women in the armed forces, Singh said the concept of security is undergoing a "paradigm shift" and the member states of the grouping will have to deal with challenges like terrorism collectively. "The concept of security is undergoing a paradigm shift. The changing character of war is bringing threats from our borders to within our society and amongst the people. Terrorism is just the most obvious and diabolical manifestation of this reality," he said. "It has been employed as a weapon of choice by non-state actors and irresponsible states alike for the furtherance of their political objectives," Singh said at the virtual event. The defence minister said the SCO has rejected terrorism in all its manifestations, noting that women have been and will remain equal contributors in the fight against the menace. "The SCO as an organisation has unequivocally rejected terrorism in all its manifestations and forms. The reality further reinforces the role of all citizens of the SCO in this fight against the common threat that is challenging us," he said. "This fight cannot be won by half the population of our region or a country. Women have been and will remain equal contributors in this fight, both within the armed forces and beyond," he said. In his speech, the defence minister also provided a brief overview of the role being played by women in the Indian armed forces. "Our future is in our hands. It is for the SCO nations to ensure regional stability, promote peace, ensure gender equality and work towards the betterment of the entire region. We look forward to much greater participation and a bigger role of women in various tasks of the armed forces," he said. In his address, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said the character of a war has evolved from a predominantly conventional one to a hybrid and grey-zone warfare, adding that cyberspace and outer space are the new revolutionary domains of war fighting. "In consequence, the distinction between the roles of men and women in modern day war fighting is getting blurred by the day. The notion of gender gap is passe," he said. The Chief of Defence Staff said women have proved their mettle in demanding combat roles such as fighter pilots, paratroopers, submariners and the like, and their abilities in the cognitive and information domains are unmatched. "Indeed, across the globe, countries are gaining valuable experience in the contribution of women warriors and the views shared today will help chart the course for the growing role of women in the emerging combat environment," he said. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Reenat Sandhu said the past decades have opened up new vistas for women in the Indian armed forces and the women military officers have created a niche for themselves at the global level in UN peacekeeping missions. She said India created history in 2007 by deploying the first ever all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) for UN Peacekeeping in Liberia. "Due to their dedication, professionalism and motivation, the all-female Formed Police Unit proved to be a strong, visible role-model, gaining worldwide attention and illustrating the significant contribution that women can make towards global peace and security," Sandhu said. Representatives from almost all the SCO countries participated at the online conference organised by India. 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. Patricia Bukur, interim director of the nonprofit Aspen Homeless Shelter, and Monica Brutout, the organizations program director, sit in front of Pitkin Countys human services building recently. They are in the process of reorganizing the day shelters office and client space inside the building following the retirement of longtime director Vince Savage. Graveside services for James "Jimmy" Gary Hope 67, of Athens, are scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday November 20, 2021, Union Cemetery in Crossroads, TX. Pastor Jeff Jackson will be officiating. Jimmy passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, October 24, 2021. Jimmy was born on July 3, 1954 The pandemic has altered the trajectory and long-term plans for many companies across the U.S. Allstate has been headquartered in Northbrook (Northfield Township), IL, since 1967. That is all about to change as the insurance company is selling the campus on Sanders Road. "Allstate's employees have more choice about where they work and many are choosing to work from home," Allstate spokesperson Mallory Vasquez told Patch. "As a result, we will sell our office in Northbrook but plan to maintain our significant presence in the Chicago area." According to Vasquez, 95% of Allstate's workforce is currently working remotely. The company has invested $14 million in equipment for employees to work from home. Allstate employs nearly 8,000 employees in Illinois, according to its website. Allstate is not releasing the sale cost of the property or any of its future plans in terms of finding new headquarters at this time. Bloomberg reported Oct. 15 a buyer is already in place. Vasquez said an internal announcement was made Oct. 15, but didn't provide Patch with any specific details. Earlier in October, Allstate sold Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York to Wilton Re for $400 million. The sale closed Oct. 1. This transaction, along with the previously announced agreement to sell Allstate Life Insurance Company and certain affiliates to entities managed by Blackstone, will complete Allstate's exit from the life and annuity businesses. We thank Patch for reprint permission. Spied by a member of the IntegraForums.com in headache-inducing camouflage, the compact-sized liftback sedan doesnt appear to be a Type R based on the rather tame styling. In other words, Acura may be cooking up a luxed-up Civic Si with the 1.5-liter turbo and a six-speed manual box.Recently teased with a row-your-own transmission and a four-cylinder turbo, the Integra should crank out in excess of 200 horsepower. The previous generation of the Civic Si, for example, makes 205 horsepower at 5,700 revolutions and 192 pound-feet (260 Nm) from 2,100 to 5,000 revs.Those are pretty good numbers for a 1.5er, but its not enough to keep the Volkswagen Jetta GLI on its toes. Heck, even the Hyundai Elantra N can do better thanks to more displacement from its Smartstream G2.0 T-GDi.But numbers on a piece of paper arent everything. Handling matters the most in a drivers car, and chances are that Acura will emphasize handling as the Integras piece de resistance. Loosely inspired by the larger TLX, the sloping roofline and slim taillamps help the Integra stand out in the crowd.To be revealed next spring, the compact sedan will replace the ILX in the automakers lineup. Based on the ninth-generation Civic, the current model goes for $26,500 excluding taxes for the base specification. Every single trim level comes with a 2.4-liter powerplant and a dual-clutch transmission that incorporates a torque converter for smoother launches from a red light.Considering that sport utility vehicles reign supreme these days, the Integra may be a very rare sight on U.S. roads from the 2023 model year onward. ASC SUV FWD AWD The third-generation RDX debuted in 2018 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Since then, not much has changed in terms of design.Acura has announced the pricing for the 2022 RDXm, and it offers a new sporty and dynamic exterior design inspired by the companys MDX flagship SUV In the RDX A-Spec featuring the Advance Package, the SUX features extensive refinement updates, including an enhanced Active Sound Control () system, reduced road noise, and increased cabin quietness for all RDX models.The package also includes new tech features such as standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and available Qi-compatible Wireless Charging. Acura IconicDrive, which comes as part of the Technology Package, offers 27 unique interior lighting color combinations, including 24 inspired by iconic driving destinations from around the world.The RDX also includes an updated Integrated Dynamics System that delivers a more distinct driving feel between its four driving modes. In addition, a retuned Adaptive Damper System provides more response in Sport mode, more comfort in Comfort mode.Acura added a flat-bottom sport steering wheel fitted as standard on the RDX A-Spec models.For the RDX PMC Edition, the vehicle features Long Beach Blue Pearl paint from the NSX Type S. It sports an Orchid interior. It also provides exclusivity, thanks to its limited production to just 200 units.Featuring refined styling, a dramatically quieter cabin, more standard technology, and a retuned suspension, the 2022 Acura RDX is the most dynamic, comfortable, and refined 5-passengeryet from Acura.The base model RDX comes in at $40,345 for theonly version, and the top of the line RDX PMC Edition - which features anconfiguration - has an MSRP of $55,295.Acura says the various iterations of the 2022 RDX will begin arriving at its dealers on November 2nd, but it is available for pre-order now at Acura.com/RDX We need some of the worlds greatest brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Prince William suggests entrepreneurs should focus on saving Earth rather than engaging in space tourismhttps://t.co/P7czJarr7z pic.twitter.com/NeVLxY9QPq BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) October 14, 2021 The Duke of Cambridge has warned that people could be "robbing from our children's future" if the climate crisis is not tackled in time. In an interview with the BBC, Prince William said it would be a 'disaster' if his children were still calling for change in 30 years time. pic.twitter.com/vMwdwntBai The Royal Family Channel (@RoyalFamilyITNP) October 14, 2021 Of course, being part of the Royal Family (and the second in line to the throne), HRH the Duke of Cambridge does not name any names. He does, however, talk about the so-called space race, and thats hint enough that hes referring to the three billionaire and their efforts of launching private rockets into space with paying customers, in a bid to kick off the new age of space tourism.Prince William sat down for a one-on-one interview with the BBC ahead of the launch of The Earthshot Prize. The organization will pick five winners each year whose projects mark big steps toward a more sustainable future, and award an estimated $70 million to such projects over the next decade.As Prince William puts it, if concrete action isnt taken today to reduce the effects of climate change, our planet will be past the point of saving within three decades. All this time, instead of focusing on measures that must be taken here on Earth, billionaires like Bezos , Branson, and Musk are blasting themselves off into space. Musk is the only exception to that since hes yet to fly himself, but he does plan a colony on Mars, with the end goal of having a plan B when Earth goes kaput.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, Prince William says. Understandably, because of this, he has no interest in becoming a space tourist himself. The second reason he wont even consider it is that hes not much of a fan of big heights, even though hes a trained pilot.Prince William and, before him, his father Prince Charles, as well as brother Prince Harry, are all deeply involved in a variety of charities and non-profits for a more sustainable future. The billionaires he elegantly calls out are doing their own charitable work but, at the same time, theyve also cited as motivation for space tourism the need to find solutions for our problems here on Earth. They never mentioned how commercial travel to space would lead to these solutions. kW EV These products are characterized by the color red, used as a hallmark externally on the bodywork, logos, mirror caps and wheels. You get more of the same inside, with red being used on the dashboard, floor mats and even the seats, which are made using Seaqual yarn (derived from plastics recovered from the oceans).Each member of the (500) RED family comes with its very own welcome kit, which includes a hand sanitizer dispenser and a special key cover. All new (500) RED buyers will also receive an e-mail signed by Olivier Francois and Bono.Of course, the most eco-friendly thing you can do as far as this range is concerned is to purchase the all-electric new (500) RED, which features an even more special interior where only the drivers seat is red, while the other three passenger seats are black. If thats too quirky for you, know that you can have all the seats in black (with contrasting red logos) for a more traditional touch.Another unique feature is the accelerator pedal in red anodized aluminum, which you can get in combination with the black passenger seats and the red drivers seat.The new (500) RED is available both as a hatchback and as a soft-top convertible, offering you the choice of two battery options: a 70(95 hp) e-motor with a range of up to 118 miles (190 km), or an 87 kW (118 hp) motor with a range of up to 199 miles (320 km). Prices for thisvariant start from 25,495.Meanwhile, the previously mentioned (500) RED mild hybrid version is based on the Dolcevita spec, meaning you get chrome-plated design cues for the front grille and door handles, as well as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Finally, the (500X) RED, which is based on the Cross specification and is available as both a hatchback and as an open-air variant with a black Dolcevita soft top. Pricing for this model starts from 24,125. Waze, for instance, relies on crowdsourcing, a concept that involves the entire user community and therefore allows drivers themselves to flag certain road-related information, such as traffic jams, accidents, speed traps, and broken traffic lights, on the map, therefore letting others know about them in advance as they approach their location.But the Colorado Department of Transportation thinks it can do even better, so their recently-launched COTrip Planner app comes with something no other traffic app currently has: real-time traffic information provided by the local authorities themselves.The feature lineup includes all kinds of new-gen features, including real-time weather conditions, road maintenance information, camera images, live streaming audio, and even a truck mode.Google Maps power the mapping data, but on the other hand, Colorado officials explain that their app is currently lacking step-by-step navigation. But this isnt necessarily a problem, as such functionality is already in the works, and it could appear in a future update.The good news is the COtrip app has been designed as an all-in-one solution for drivers, so it also includes layers displaying Waze reports, traffic incidents, the location of electronic signs, weather stations and warnings (as well as a radar too!), mile point locations, and even toll locations and information on use and pricing.The app is available for both iPhone and Android , and right now, it doesnt seem to come with support for Android Auto and CarPlay. As you could easily guess, it only covers routes and state highways in Colorado, so no information is displayed for county roads or city streets. At least, not for the time being, though Colorado officials seem to be very optimistic about the future of their app. The Lockheed machine is considered to have been the worlds first operational stealth aircraft. Believe it or not, its been close to four decades since its introduction, and during that time it flew its share of combat missions, sadly becoming famous for one of them being shot down over Yugoslavia back in 1999. And that despite the fact it was the only one of 59 made for active duty to suffer this fate.Officially, the plane is retired from active duty, having been out of service for combat operations since 2008. But the U.S. Air Force (USAF) still uses it, given how as of this year its being flown for training purposes.We get a glimpse of how the plane looks now, when we have far fancier things flying about, in this photo released recently by the USAF . And the short answer is weird.Were looking at an F-117 coming in for a landing at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport in California after having conducted a training mission with the local Air National Guard in late September. As per the info provided, the stealth aircraft had been flying in mock combat scenarios against F-15s.As for the planes capabilities, theyre well known. Powered by two General Electric turbofan engines, the F-117 can fly just under the speed of sound and at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet (14,000 meters).Technically, the plane has unlimited range, as long as it has access to aerial refueling, and holds the record for the longest non-stop flight for a single-seat fighter, covering the distance between the Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico and Kuwait (over 7,800 miles/12,500 km) in a single outing. The change was just approved by the FIA and goes into effect for the 2022 Formula E season. In past seasons, Formula E has tried many different formats to improve fan engagement. However, teams didn't like the current system that saw leading teams qualify before the rest of the field.As qualifying unfolds, the track typically gets faster as more rubber is deposited on its surface. Now, two sets of 11 cars each will run for 10 minutes. The added car total and amount of time on the track should make for more parity in the results. During this stage, cars will make 295 horsepower Once the initial qualifying sessions are complete, the top four drivers in each group move on. Next, the bottom eight drivers in each group will be placed on the grid according to their fastest lap times.For the drivers that move on, motors will now output 335 horsepower. They will then compete against each other to see who comes out of the group of four. Then the top two drivers, one from each group, will race head to head for the pole position.The FIA expects this new qualifying system to be a big hit with teams and fans. In its press release, it said, "A new qualifying format divided into groups and followed by head-to-head duels has been approved to maximize excitement for fans and encourage the emergence of the best drivers and teams."This marks just the latest case of Formula E shaking things up in an effort to gather more fans. We're big fans of unconventional thinking in motorsport, and this is just one more example of that. It's a fun, innovative way of creating a new competition within the larger race and creating a more even playing field at the same time. In addition to the banner that users see when launching Android Auto for phones on a mobile device where the app has already been discontinued (worth knowing is the app is still working for some people, as the transition apparently happens in waves), Google has also placed a big yellow warning on the official Android Auto support page to inform users about the change.In other words, Google wants everybody to know that Android Auto for phones is being retired , so the migration to the new driving mode would go as smoothly as possible.If youve been using the Android Auto app on your phone screen, youll need to switch to Google Assistants driving mode, a new integrated driving experience. If your car is compatible with Android Auto, you can still connect directly to your cars display. Learn about other ways Google is ready to make your drive better, this message published by Google reads.The Google Maps driving mode is clearly inspired by Android Auto for phones in the first place, but this doesnt necessarily mean everybody is a big fan of the change.Some users will still resist the migration, but given the mobile version of Android Auto is being retired completely and the app would just stop working, embracing the driving mode seems to be pretty much the only way to get a car-optimized experience when getting behind the wheel.Of course, theres always the option of switching to the fully-featured Android Auto, but this one requires a compatible head unit in the car. NATOs biggest autonomous war game, REPMUS, is bringing together more than 70 unmanned systems, 11 ships, and hundreds of military personnel. During one of the exercises that recently took place in Portugal, the Royal Navy marked a significant achievement: its autonomous vessel Madfox was deployed overseas for the first time and successfully completed its greatest challenge yet.NavyX, a British Royal Navy department in charge of innovative technology, began testing Madfox earlier this year. Now, the crewless boat was at the center of a surveillance training operation. First, USNS Carson City launched a Puma drone, which gathered data about a potential target (another autonomous boat), and sent it to the land-based control center. Then, the coordinates were sent to Madfox, which successfully launched a missile to counteract the threat.But that wasnt all. The exercise then continued with amphibious operations at nighttime, when the Royal Navys autonomous ship tested its surveillance skills. It successfully monitored a target while remaining undetected and sent live footage to the control center. At the same time, drones were providing additional data to the assault forces. Using the coordinated information, operators in the control center then ordered an attack.Madfox accomplished two main goals. On the one hand, in a historic first for the Royal Navy, an uncrewed surface vessel proved that it could carry out a lethal attack. On the other hand, the NATO operations showed that autonomous ships can work together with drones and a remote control center for unprecedented situational awareness. And this is just the beginning. SUV Toyota officially presented the fourth-generation premiumduring a world premiere event held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. U.S. fans, meanwhile, had to settle for an online reveal. But thats virtually all we need.After all, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Tundra J300 sibling was eagerly expected as the only SUV to continue the extensive line of legendary off-roaders in North America. And, until first deliveries commence (without delays, hopefully), its time for the 2022 LX 600 to start making the rounds with the automotive worlds eager pixel masters.After first seeing the luxury SUV virtually transplant its front fascia on the 2022 Tundra to become the highly improbable America-enticing TX pickup truck, now its time for an elegant transformation. And, oddly enough, just a few subtle changes later, and the 2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury doesn't look as if the designers stole a vertical barbeque grill from a party anymore.OEM automotive designers seem to have a propensity for radiator grille-related polemics. After all, Lexus probably doesnt want to be left out of the controversial spotlight by those pesky German competitors, right? So, the 2022 LX 600 features a humongous, odd grille design for its newly introduced Ultra Luxury grade.Frankly, although completely unofficial, the virtual take from Nikita Chuicko, the pixel master behind the kelsonik account on social media, is a lot better. Or, at least, a lot subtler. Besides, the LX 600 also looks cooler than stock via the CGI experts signature Shadow Line transformations , which include blacking out the chrome trim along with the grille.And then, its just something entirely mesmerizing about hulking frame-based SUVs going for a lowered , street car appearance... Or is the illusion so enticing because of the nicer, larger aftermarket wheels? Interestingly enough, according to company CEO, Alain Visser, Lynk & Co could become profitable in Europe within one or two years, as reported by Autonews Europe We could be profitable in a surprisingly short time, one to two years, said Visser earlier this week, while attending a car conference in Nuertingen, near Stuttgart. Before his arrival at Lynk & Co, Visser worked for GM, Ford and Volvo, having plenty of experience within the industry.Now, you might think the Chinese-Swedish brand is making more money from selling cars rather than renting them out, but apparently thats not accurate. Its main measure of success is those monthly memberships, which totaled 25,000 just last month.There is a conflict of interest between sharing cars and selling cars, Visser added. Lynk & Co does not need to sell cars.It will cost you 500 ($580) to rent the Lynk & Co 01 on a monthly basis. If you go over 1,250 km (776 miles), youll end up paying 0.15 euros ($0.17) per extra km (0.62 miles). Whats great about this system is that it doesnt require a long-term commitment from you. Another interesting aspect is that you can then rent the vehicle out to other Lynk & Co members, thus allowing you to begin earning some money back. You can even set your own rates when renting the car out.While no release date has been set, we do know that the brands next model will be fully electric, which should convince even more people to sign up for the monthly subscription plan. The Cannonball has been called the worlds toughest antique motorcycle endurance run, and Dave Currier rode the 3,700-mile, 16-day route from norther Michigan to South Padre Island, Texas, on his classic refurbished bike.The route saw riders roll south, then east to the Carolina coast and then angled back toward Texas. The race crossed 11 states.The Cannonball has typically been held every second year, but the 2020 event was delayed until 2021 due to COVID concerns.The modern Motorcycle Cannonball began when Lonnie Isam, Jr. first started considering a plan to cruise the back roads of America with his antique motorcycle riding buddies. It turned into a challenge to motivate antique motorcycle owners to pull their bikes out of museums and garages and ride them again.Isam says he wanted to pay homage to the forefather of competitive motorcycle distance riding, Erwin Cannonball Baker, and other figures from history who shared Bakers obsession. Those early riders stormed across the country in the early 1900s, and his dream was to have modern riders on those classic machines do the same.The Motorcycle Cannonball riders will begin their approximately two-week journey across the United States on motorcycles built before 1930, and many of them were exactly the sort of rides you might expect: Harley-Davidsons , Indians, BSAs , and BMWs.The competition involves accurately navigating the route using a set of Course Instructions laid out for each day. The bikes are separated out in classes, and the winner for each class is the motorcycle and rider who covers the most on-route mileage over the 16-day run. Part of the challenge is that each day includes a specified time schedule and requires compliance with the Event Regulations.In 2010 Isam assembled a group of riders willing to share miles with him along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and 45 intrepid riders took off from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, for a transcontinental journey which would ultimately end at the shores of the Pacific Ocean.Curriers bike featured the original engine and also included the cylinder, crankcase, and the carburetor. Curriers father, Dick Currier, was a dealer of Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles in the 1940s and 1950s. The elder Currier also raced motorcycles. Son Dave dedicated the Sept. 10-26 ride to the memory of his father.[The bike] is very tall, and I have short legs so I cant touch the ground, Currier told WDAY TV of Fargo. You have to pedal it to start it. Its a belt-drive the only way to move it forward is you pull the level which tensions the belt, and then you move forward.This years event was supported by a long list of motorcycle industry sponsors and attracted 88 competitors. Before expanding human exploration on the moon and Mars, we need to learn more about the sun. The edge of the heliosphere (the space that surrounds the sun), known as the magnetic bubble, ensures protection against strong radiation and could have contributed greatly to the existence of living beings in the solar system. NASA wants to study the solar wind the charged particles inside this bubble, which will be essential for future exploration on other planets, and will also help with forecasting potentially harming weather events, such as solar flares. In order to do that, it has created Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), the newest mission in NASAs program for solar study.Through this new collaboration between NASA and the UK Space Agency, Imperial College London will be in charge of designing and building a magnetometer, one of the ten instruments deployed by IMAP. The British institution will also provide personnel and ground support for the instrument.The spacecraft itself is being built at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, which will also operate the mission for NASA. IMAP will be led by David McComas of Princeton University, together with a large team of 24 international institutions.The IMAP spacecraft, equipped with the British-made magnetometer and other cutting-edge instruments, will travel one million miles away from Earth. When it reaches the magnetic bubble, its role will be to monitor and measure how the solar wind interacts with the space that surrounds it.The U.S.-led IMAP mission is set to launch in 2025. Its only been three months since that achievement, which is possibly the first of many records the RC 8C is poised to break on tracks around the world, and KTM has already produced the first batch. In fact, the company announced it even had the first 25 of them delivered at the Spanish circuit in Jerez, during a big event that included the buyers, KTM Motorsport members, and professional riders Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio.The gathering of KTM enthusiasts at Jerez took place last week, but its only now that the bike maker remembered to tell us about it, and share a bunch of snippets from the event (check video and gallery for more), including instances of the many two-wheelers of the same kind racing each other.The delivery of the first examples means we will soon get to see the amazing motorcycle in action. Bred for the track, it uses the same LC8c engine from the KTM 890 DUKE R, only this time inside a dedicated tubular steel frame that keeps the weight of the entire machine down to 140 kg dry (309 pounds).The engine is backed by all sorts of racing-prepped hardware, including Akrapovic titanium muffler, WP APEX PRO fork and rear shock, Brembo brakes, and aluminum Dymag wheels.All these high-tech bits do not come cheap, of course. KTM asked $38,999 for each and every one of the 100 units that are to be made, but that, as said, did not stop people from going nuts and getting them all.As a side note, theres still a chance for those that failed to get one back then to have their dream come true. As usual, theres a waiting list in place in case anyone changes their minds, and entries are still being accepted. Who says that a business jet has to look formal and serious? Airbus has probably created one of the coolest private jets ever, combining a dazzling splash of color with luxury design and top performance by teaming up with a renowned urban artist. 8 photos For all intents and purposes, out of the three major private space companies now fighting for supremacy (the two weve already mentioned, plus SpaceX), its probably Virgin that will remain in history as the first one to have taken civilians to space. The companys founder, alongside a small crew, flew to the edge of space back in early July, just before Blue Origin did the same. That was, in essence, flight 22 of the VSS Unity spaceship.Flight 23 was announced shortly after as the first commercial research mission. It was supposed to carry three paying crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council.The mission was in doubt for a while, as the FAA started investigating some issues during flight 22, but was cleared at the end of September. Although an exact launch date for the mission was not announced, it now looks like the Italians will have to wait some more.In a statement released this week, Virgin says it will begin its planned enhancement program for VMS Eve and VSS Unity. The updates target improvements in vehicles performance and flight rate capability, but the prep work for them revealed something a bit worrying.According to the company, tests conducted on the spaceship found a possible reduction in the strength margins of certain materials used to modify specific joints. No other details are provided, but Virgin claims this new lab test data has had no impact on the vehicles.Even so, further physical inspection will be conducted, and pairing that with the enhancement program means flight 23 will have to wait some more. Again, no details on when that will happen have been given.After the Italians make it to space during what is still considered a flight test, Virgin might finally begin commercial operations. Pennsylvania and Rhode Island were among the thirteen states that signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, at the Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Still, if the two had the same principles back then, there are some differences nowadays, and the way these states deal with abandoned cars is entirely different.Out of 50 states, Pennsylvania was the first to list its website on its license plates. In Pittsburg, they opened the first automobile service station in 1913. I bet they had even worse roads than today, so stop complaining. In 1958, at the State College Area High School, people started to teach driver education. But I bet they didn't tell students not to abandon their cars on the side of the road, as some are doing it nowadays.That led us to find out what is an abandoned car in PA. Authorities consider that if a vehicle is left unattended on private property for more than 24 hours, lacking some essential parts, or vandalized, it is one. But if it is parked on public property, then that time extends to 48 hours, as long as it doesn't impend traffic or put anyone else in danger. In that situation, a towing service will remove the junk immediately, with police blessing.With laws allowing landowners to take abandoned vehicles in their possession, there is no wonder there is a mega stockpile of rare cars in Pennsylvania. But firstly, those who want to claim ownership of an abandoned vehicle must go through some steps.They might start by doing a title search on DMV.PA.gov to find the owner of the relic that sits on their lawn. Then, the petitioner has to send a notification by certified mail with a return receipt request. The letter must contain the vehicle's description, including VIN, make, model, and color. It also must be specified where they filed the petition for a court order.Suppose the return receipt came back with an "Unclaimed" answer. In that case, the petitioner must publish at least one announcement in the legal county journal(s), and at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in the area where the registered owner (or a person who might claim interest) resides, and in the county where the vehicle is located . If these two counties are different, then notices will be posted in both areas. Only after these steps are followed, the petition might go forward and reach the final round at the court. If the judge approves it, the petitioner must pay all the taxes and fees and comply with any other procedures of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation to receive the Certificate of Title for said vehicle.Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. We all know that. Here, at Ocean State, they banned race racing on the highway. Even though it is just 37 miles (59.5 km) wide and 48 miles (77.3 km) long, it does have highways where police found abandoned cars from time to time, and they are not happy with that. Here, the government has a strict policy about these situations.In Rhode Island, a vehicle is considered abandoned if it is older than eight years , inoperable, missing essential parts, and left on public property for more than 48 hours. If it is in someone's yard, though, they can wait up to three days. So, remember, folks, if you encounter some problem with your car, watch where you leave it. Although, entering private property without the owner's consent is never a good idea.In Rhode Island, police have the authority to take possession of an abandoned vehicle found on private or public property. Moreover, the owner of that land cannot interfere with police entering the property to tow the car away. At least, after picking the relic, police might auction it either as junk or as a vehicle, to be restored. The good news is that the car will come with a clean title, free from any liens applied before. Some of you might be asking though, where is the Fortuner GR Sport? Worry not as TMP is also set to launch the modified SUV as well. But just how much will it cost? Yesterday, we learned that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is gearing up for the local launch of the Hilux GR Sport . Unlike the standard models, the modified pick-up gets a wide array of Gazoo Racing goodies that include a sportier front fascia, leather-suede seats, GR-branded accessories, and even unique 18-inch alloy wheels. According to an anonymous source, the Fortuner GR Sport will sell for PHP 2.509 million. Compared to the Fortuner LTD 4x4 which already retails for PHP 2.440 million, the GR Sport version will be PHP 69,000 more expensive. If this is true, it will be the most expensive 7-seater pick-up-based platform vehicle (PPV) in the market. So what can you expect to get from a Fortuner that costs over PHP 2.5 million? Well, that depends on which GR Sport version of the SUV we'll be getting. If we get the one from Thailand, the SUV comes with an aggressive makeover. It gets a revised black grille, a new front bumper, a sporty-looking spoiler, and massive 20-inch alloy wheels. The cabin, meanwhile, gets a black and red finish that is similar to other Gazoo Racing models. It also gets new leather-suede sport seats, GR-branded headrests and push-button start, aluminum pedals, and special GR Sport carpets. Should we get the one from Indonesia, the Fortuner receives a more modest upgrade. It features a dark chrome grille and a new front bumper. Unlike the Thai version which rolls on 20-inch wheels, the Indonesian version comes with smaller 18-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior upgrades present include GR Sport emblems on the tailgate, and GR Sport stickers on the doors. When it comes to the powertrain, it will likely be powered by the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine that makes 204 PS with 500 Nm of torque. The sole transmission option will likely be a six-speed automatic that comes with 4WD as standard. If given the choice, would you pay PHP over 2.5 million for a dressed-up Fortuner? Let us know in the comments. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. There are no signs that the Biden administration intends to roll back the Trump administrations recognition of Western Sahara as part of Morocco anytime soon. Why it matters: Trumps move on Western Sahara was a dramatic shift in U.S. policy. Undoing it would damage relations with Morocco and could cause Rabat to reverse its promise to resume diplomatic relations with Israel, made as part of the deal with Trump. The big picture: Western Sahara is a sparsely populated, disputed territory that borders Morocco on the northwest corner of Africa. It was formerly controlled by Spain and is now claimed by Morocco despite international opposition and resistance from the indigenous population. The state of play: The Western Sahara decision is among several Trump policies that are under review at the State Department. But current and former U.S. officials tell me the administration seems to be in no rush to deal with the issue. Driving the news: A bipartisan group of 27 senators led by Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) signed a letter last week urging Biden to roll back the Western Sahara decision. In the letter, they claimed: The abrupt decision by the previous administration was short-sighted, undermined decades of consistent U.S. policy, and alienated a significant number of African nations. We respectfully urge you to reverse this misguided decision and recommit the United States to the pursuit of a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara." The latest: State Department spokesperson Ned Price said he had no updates on the matter when asked in Monday's press briefing, Italy began enforcing one of the world's strictest workplace vaccination policies on Friday, risking protests and worker strikes, the Washington Post reports. Driving the news: The policy requires all employees in both public and private sectors to have a "Green Pass," which shows workers have proof of vaccination, a negative test or have recently recovered from COVID-19, per AP. Workers that choose to get tested will need a new one every 48 hours. Without a green pass, employees can be suspended without pay, per AP. The big picture: The scale of the resistance has surprised Italian authorities, the Post reports. Last weekend, about 10,000 people demonstrated against the rules in Rome's Piazza del Popolo, including an extremist group that stormed the headquarters of a major union. The policies sparked anti-vaccination protests in some of Italy's major cities on Friday. Police were out in force and schools planned to end classes early to limit violence, per AP. Between the lines: Employers and union leaders are worried that the new policy will lead to increased absences, complicating schedules and production, per the Post. What they're saying: Freedom is something very important in a democracy, [but] the limit of freedom is when you damage other people," said Roberto Burioni, a professor of microbiology and virology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, according to the Washington Post. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Friday that his government will repeal the country's farming laws that were introduced in September 2020. Why it matters: The laws to deregulate agriculture sparked months of massive protests, led by thousands of farmers who said the legislation threatened their businesses and livelihoods. A U.S. military judge on Thursday accepted the guilty plea of a Marine who publicly criticized the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The latest: Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller faces the possibility of a letter of reprimand and forfeiture of two-thirds of one months pay for a year, according to The Washington Post. In a legal document accepted by the judge Thursday, Scheller acknowledged that he had disrespected his superiors and called his actions "wrongful," per Task & Purpose. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, according to U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sam Stephenson. Pre-sentencing arguments were heard Thursday at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Catch up quick: Scheller's five charges include disrespect toward superior commissioned officers, willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer, and dereliction in the performance of duties, Stephenson said. Scheller gained notoriety at the end of August after he posted a video to social media lambasting the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan after news broke of a Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 American service members and dozens of Afghans, per the Post. Scheller was ordered to stop posting criticism on social media but went on to share more videos. As part of his guilty plea, Scheller acknowledged "service members do not have the same freedom of speech to criticize senior U.S. officials as civilians," the Post reported. He also levied criticisms against some Republicans, including former President Donald Trump. Editor's note: This story has been updated with details throughout. It has also been corrected to show Scheller faced five charges, not six. Deputy Health Minister Gevorg Simonian said the Armenian Ministry of Health is considering taking the harsh measure as part of its efforts to boost the very slow pace of coronavirus vaccinations in the country of about 3 million. According to the ministry, just over 344,000 people received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine and only 170,212 of them were fully vaccinated as of October 10. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian deplored these very bad numbers last week and said relevant authorities must rely on their administrative levers more heavily to speed up the vaccination process. The authorities had already obligated all public and private sector employees to get inoculated or take coronavirus tests twice a month at their own expense, a requirement effective from October 1. Health Minister Anahit Avanesian revealed on Monday they could also introduce a mandatory coronavirus health pass for entry to cultural and leisure venues. Thanks to government funding, Armenias hospitals have treated all COVID-19 patients free of charge since the start of the pandemic. The government claims to have spent over $80 million for that purpose. Simonian said that forcing infected anti-vaxxers to cover their hospital expenses, worth an estimated 800,000 drams ($1,660) per person, would enable the government to cut the funding and spend more on subsidizing treatment of other serious illnesses. Davit Melik-Nubarian, an independent health expert, spoke out against the possible measure, saying that it would result in fewer hospitalizations and more deaths. He said the government should instead do more to explain the benefits of vaccination to skeptical people. Melik-Nubarian cited a recent opinion indicating that only 7 percent of Armenians categorically refuse to take vaccines. Others are ready to change, in one way or another, their attitudes if they get answers to their questions, he told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Coronavirus infections in Armenia have steadily grown since June not least because of the authorities lax enforcement of mandatory mask wearing in indoor public spaces and other sanitary rules. According to the Ministry of Health, 1,589 people tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, the largest single-day number of cases recorded this year. The ministry also reported on Thursday morning 29 deaths caused by COVID-19 in the past day. Officials warned that Armenian hospitals are running out of vacant beds for COVID-19 patients. They also held separate talks with Lavrov before the trilateral meeting held on the sidelines of a gathering in Belaruss capital Minsk of top diplomats from a dozen ex-Soviet states. The Russian Foreign Ministry publicized Lavrovs comments made at the start of his conversations with Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov. We spoke at length in Moscow recently but can today look at some additional issues of both bilateral character and of course the region, Lavrov told the Armenian minister. Karabakh must always receive our attention. Speaking with Bayramov, he cited unspecified issues that need to be resolved. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that at their ensuing trilateral meeting the ministers reviewed the implementation of a Russian-brokered agreement that stopped the six-week war in Karabakh last November. They concluded that most provisions of that Statement are being successfully implemented. They agreed to intensify work on the remaining issues, it said without elaborating. Mirzoyan was cited by his press office as saying that Baku is continuing to hold dozens of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives in breach of the truce accord. He also reaffirmed Yerevans stated commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh advanced by the U.S., Russian and French co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The three mediators took part in Mirzoyans first meeting with Bayramov held in New York on September 24. In a joint statement, they said they proposed specific focused measures to deescalate the situation and possible next steps. They did not disclose those proposals. The mediators are expected to visit Armenia, Azerbaijan and Karabakh soon. It will be their first tour of the conflict zone since the 2020 war. The Karabakh issue also featured large during Russian President Vladimir Putins latest meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian held in Moscow on Tuesday. Pashinian described the meeting as very productive but did not give its details. A lawyer representing Armenia, 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. Yerevan specifically wants the court to order Baku to release dozens of Armenian prisoners, shut down an anti-Armenian park of trophies in the Azerbaijani capital and stop destroying Armenian cultural and religious monuments in parts of Karabakh captured by it during the war. Kirakosian said Armenia is not 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." Azerbaijan captured, arbitrarily detained and tortured many Armenian servicemen and civilians and is now continuing to destroy Armenian cultural heritage and religious sites or deny their being Armenian, he said. Lawyers representing Azerbaijan addressed the court later on Thursday. One of them, Peter Goldsmith, urged the UN tribunal to reject the injunctions sought by Yerevan, saying that Baku has fully complied with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that stopped the hostilities last November. He also claimed that the several dozen Armenians remaining in Azerbaijani captivity are guilty of grave crimes. Kirakosian dismissed such claims when he spoke with RFE/RLs Armenian Service from the Dutch city. It is crystal clear that all Armenians held by Azerbaijan are protected by international humanitarian law, he said. Azerbaijan 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. But 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. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said that the soldier was killed by Armenian sniper fire. The Karabakh Armenian army denied any responsibility for his death. It reported later in the evening that six of its soldiers manning an outpost in Karabakhs east were wounded after coming under Azerbaijani fire. A statement by the Defense Army added that Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in Karabakh were immediately alerted about the truce violation denied by the Azerbaijani side. Citing the army, Karabakhs state minister, Artak Beglarian, said shortly after midnight that shootouts also broke out at several other sections of the line of contact around Karabakh but stopped shortly afterwards. The situation has now stabilized along the entire line of contact, Beglarian wrote on Facebook. The military and political leadership of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is taking urgent steps to further stabilize the situation, making necessary decisions and communicating with relevant parties. The official also said that although two of the wounded Karabakh soldiers are in a serious condition their lives are not at risk. The skirmishes were one of the most serious violations of a ceasefire agreement which Russia brokered last November to stop the Armenian-Azerbaijani war over the disputed territory. Davtian refused to answer any questions from an RFE/RL correspondent who visited her home in Ushi, a village 30 kilometers northwest of Yerevan. Her brother laughed off her de jure connection to the company, telling the journalist to look for its real owners elsewhere. The company called Euroasphalt-1 is one of at least two businesses run by Armenian parliament speaker Alen Simonians brother Karlen. The other one, Euroasphalt, had an authorized capital of just over $100 when it was founded by two little-known individuals in March 2018. Karlen Simonian became its executive director early this year. Euroasphalt won recently two government contracts for rural road construction worth a combined $1.4 million, raising suspicions of a conflict of interest and even corruption. Deputy Prime Minister Suren Papikian assured RFE/RLs Armenian Service late last month that this was the result of transparent and fair tenders, rather than government connections. Alen Simonian, who is a figure close to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, condemned media outlets for questioning the integrity of those deals when he spoke with journalists earlier this week. I dont answer questions from the yellow press, the speaker said when asked to comment on his brothers entrepreneurial activities. Euroasphalt won one of the contracts worth about 400 million drams ($830,000) after bidding just 50,000 drams ($103) less than another construction company. Speaking with RFE/RLs Armenian Service, senior executives of the defeated firms avoided criticizing the outcome of the contest. They hinted that they do not want to antagonize the government because they hope to win similar tenders in the future. Vahe Sarukhanian, an investigative journalist who has also written about Karlen Simonians involvement in business, described the tiny margin of Euroasphalts victory in the bidding as suspicious. In the past, the [former ruling] Republican Partys government was widely criticized for the fact that the organizers of tenders would inform their cronies firms that a particular company is bidding a particular amount of money and that they must bid slightly less to win and then sort other things out with them, explained Sarukhanian. I dont know what happened in this case, he said. I have no evidence to voice accusations. But logical suspicions definitely arise and corruption risks cannot be excluded. As an outspoken opposition parliamentarian, Pashinian had for years alleged corrupt practices in tenders won by individuals linked to Armenias former governments. He claimed to have eliminated systemic corruption in the country after coming to power in 2018. Neither Karlen Simonian nor other Euroasphalt representatives could be reached for comment. It emerged on Thursday one of the companys two officially registered addresses is the same as that of a Yerevan apartment where Simonians mother currently lives. The other address could not be located. The speakers brother is also the deputy director of the TS Construction company, a concrete producer and supplier. An Armenian civic group revealed recently that it donated over $10,000 to Pashinians Civil Contract party during this years parliamentary election campaign. After restoring its 130-kilometer border with Iran, which was under Armenian control for 30 years, Azerbaijan stopped the illegal trafficking of narcotics from Iran to Armenia and on to Europe through Azerbaijans Jebrail district, Aliyev said during a virtual summit of former Soviet republics. Armenia and Iran conspired to use Azerbaijans occupied territories to traffic drugs to Europe, he charged without producing any proof of his allegations. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian denied the allegations when he addressed the summit from Yerevan. I want to point out that we have been very closely cooperating with Irans law-enforcement bodies and very productively fighting against drug trafficking, said Pashinian. Iran rejected Aliyevs astonishing claims in stronger terms. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said that they serve Israels geopolitical interests and will further damage Azerbaijani-Iranian relations. In written comments released by the ministry, Khatibzadeh said that Baku is sticking to baseless statements despite privately sending positive messages to Tehran. The Islamic Republic will respond to that accordingly, he said. Azerbaijani-Iranian relations deteriorated significantly after Azerbaijani authorities imposed on September 12 heavy duties on Iranian trucks transporting goods to Armenia. Iran held large-scale military exercises along its border with Azerbaijan earlier this month. Senior Iranian officials have since repeatedly accused Baku of harboring Sunni Muslim militants and Israeli security personnel near that frontier. Aliyev again rejected the Iranian accusations in a newspaper interview published on Wednesday. The Iranian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers spoke by phone on Tuesday in a bid to defuse the tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian reportedly told his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov that Tehran expects a solution to the problem of cargo transit. Armenian and Iranian leaders have also discussed the problem in recent weeks. Yerevan has pledged to complete before the end of this year the reconstruction of an alternative Armenian road that will allow Iranian trucks to bypass Azerbaijani-controlled territory. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) Gov. Doug Ducey is hoping to give small businesses a boost with more money. He announced on Thursday the state is providing an additional $5 million to the "Back To Work" program that helps small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and weather disasters, like flooding and wildfires. The program was started in August and a total of $10 million has been invested into the program, according to the Governor's Office. The first round of funding to small businesses has already started and Ducey said in a statement that Thursday's additional money will fulfill outstanding requests from applicants. "I'm optimistic today's additional investment will help small businesses around the state bounce back from the countless challenges of this past year and build for the future. I thank the small business community for their resilience and their continued efforts to help Arizona emerge out of the pandemic stronger than ever," said Gov. Ducey. The program will fund up to $10,000 for hiring and signing bonuses, relocation funds for new employees and retention bonuses for Arizona small businesses, Ducey said. One of the businesses to get money from the "Back To Work" program is the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It helps people live independent lives and learn skills to go to work, school and actively participate in society. "Our team is thrilled to receive funding that will help us continue to support and empower Arizonans experiencing vision loss," Steve Tepper, executive director of the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and member of the Governor's Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment, said in a statement. "Visually impaired individuals and their loved ones deserve to have access to effective resources and programs and our incredible staff makes sure they get the help they need. Small businesses in Arizona are struggling to find employees Some places aren't getting any applicants. Others receive applications, then get blown off when its time for a follow up or interview. Arizona businesses that are looking to get cash from the "Back To Work" program have to meet certain conditions. For more information, click/tap here. Bluefield, WV (24701) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 39F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 27F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. International Business Machines Corp., American Airlines Group Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. will follow President Joe Bidens mandate requiring that employees be vaccinated against Covid-19, defying an order from the Texas governor blocking such actions. The decisions Tuesday set up an immediate challenge to Republican Governor Greg Abbott by three of the states largest employers. Companies with business operations in Texas have been caught between Abbotts decree and a White House measure that says federal contractors must require the shots. IBM is a federal contractor and must comply with federal requirements, which direct employees of federal contractors to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by December 8th or obtain a medical or religious accommodation, a spokesperson for the New York-based company said. We will continue to protect the health and safety of IBM employees and clients, and we will continue to follow federal requirements. IBM has more than 6,000 people in its Austin-area workforce alone, according to the local chamber of commerce, and the two airlines have an even bigger footprint in the state. American, the largest U.S. carrier, is based in Fort Worth, and No. 4 Southwest has its headquarters in Dallas. Both airlines have contracts with the federal government for transporting employees and goods. We believe the federal vaccine mandate supersedes any conflicting state laws, and this does not change anything for American, American said of the Texas ban. Southwest echoed that statement. We would be expected to comply with the presidents order to remain compliant as a federal contractor, the company said. The Texas governors office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The states effort to blunt the impact of Bidens order was criticized by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who accused Abbott of putting politics ahead of health. Its not based on what is in the interest of the people you are governing, she told reporters at a briefing in Washington. Were going to continue to implement the law -- which the president of the United States has the ability, the authority, the legal authority to do -- and we are going to continue to work to get more people vaccinated, to get out of this pandemic. The corporate blowback to Abbotts order came a day after the vaccine issue surfaced as Southwest worked to get operations back on track after canceling 3,100 flights over four days. As customer outrage grew over long waits, some politicians linked the disruptions to employee objections to the required shots. Southwest executives and its pilots union denied that work slowdowns or sickouts were responsible. American set a deadline of Nov. 24 for all workers to be fully vaccinated or face possible job loss. Southwest, which carries the most domestic passengers of U.S. airlines, set a Dec. 8 deadline. Both have said they would consider exemptions on a case-by-case basis. Abbotts move to counter the White House action came amid a national debate over vaccine mandates, which has engulfed corporate America as it tries to placate customers, employers and regulators. Some large oil and gas companies with operations in Texas, such as Royal Dutch Shell Plc, said they were still evaluating the ban and others, including Valero Energy Corp., declined to comment. No entity in Texas can compel receipt of a Covid-19 vaccination by any individual, including an employee or consumer, Abbott said in his executive order Monday. He plans to put his ban before a special session of the state House and Senate, which would let the Republican-controlled legislature enshrine his executive order into law. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. It was Britains enterprising nature and quest for food that led to colonizationand effectively changed global cuisine, suggests Lizzie Collingham in The Hungry Empire. Theres no question the spice trade made a permanent impact on the way we eat, one of the largest being the discovery of black pepper. Native to the Malabar Coast of India (present day Kerala), black pepper, or Piper nigrum, is a flowering vine that is cultivated for its fruit, the peppercorn. Regarded as the worlds most traded spice, black pepper gets its spicy warmth from a compound called piperine. Now considered a commonplace ingredient in the pantry (right after salt, and often ground into dust and left to sit on supermarket shelves for long before its used to season food), black peppers treatment in many kitchens can only be described as unfortunate. We seem to have forgotten about its glorious early yearsand its contribution to myriad styles of cuisine. Despite a Sunday protest and continued calls for him to stay, it appears Cristo Rey founder Rev. Luis Urriza will still return to Spain. The news follows a march put on by parishioners and other supporters held outside of the cathedral of the Diocese of Beaumont on Sunday. As recently reported by The Enterprise, the parishioners were given short notice that the founder of Cristo Rey, Rev. Luis Urriza, must return Sunday to his native Spain to live and work with his religious order, the Order of St. Augustine, according Bishop David Toups. We cant stand by and watch what is happening, we need to be heard, Cristo Rey Church parishioner Patty Chael said in a video of the protest. In addition to the protest, Chael confirmed a group of concerned parishioners met with bishop on Monday. Related: Beaumont parishioners plan demonstration of support for departing priest Toups said he reached out to the Provincial in Spain and the Vicar of the order in the Dominican Republic to see if Urriza could stay in a local Augustinian house there is one in Port Arthur and another in San Antonio. He said he made that request on behalf of those people who love him in earnest. But on Thursday afternoon, officials confirmed to him that Urriza must still return. He said he talked with Urriza, who Toups said feels he understands the complexities of the decision and is at peace with it. Toups said Urriza told him, Im a religious. This is what we do. I recognize how hard it is when someone has been a father and a grandfather to them for as long as he has, Toups said. But ultimately, he said, he is an Augustinian of the Spanish order, and that is his home, and I understand hes been a part of this community for many years, but this is the Augustinians' decision. Toups read The Enterprise part of a letter he received from the order, which he plans to read to the congregants at Sundays farewell mass. Please know that Fr. Luis is one of our priests, and we will take the best of care of him, and we thank them (his parishioners) for the love they have had for him for all these years. During Sundays protest, Urrizas supporters asked for more time with the priest, who she said has support in the community. Chael asked someone to at least acknowledge that they were listening to their concerns. You are taking our priest, she said. Related: Por Dios siempre Chael described Urriza as an inspiration and motivation to Catholics in and outside of the parish. She said he is still sharp, continues to speak two languages and has capacity to do so on his own. We are not here to stop anything from moving forward, Chael said. We are asking for a little bit more consideration. Our Spanish-speaking community needs to be included the same way Father Luis kept us in mind and gave his first masses in Spanish years ago. One of the youth members who attended Sundays gathering reflected on memories with the priest who has been there since she was a child. While holding a yellow poster that read, His Home is Here! Let him stay! she asked that he be given the same patience and understanding he has given to each of his parishioners. The protest also was expressed in Spanish, including from some members began to cry during their message, while changing Viva Cristo Rey and Viva Father Luis. Father Luis is the heart of Cristo Rey, the teen said. Viva Cristo Rey! Toups noted that he understands Urrizas deep ties to the local Latino community, and he hopes the change wont hurt the dioceses relationship with community members. Cristo Rey was one of my first stops, even before I was ordained as a Bishop, and it was my first Spanish speaking mass since coming here. I so reverence and love the Spanish speaking community of this Church, and I so pray this doesnt hurt our relationship and that we continue moving forward. The group remains concerned about how the situation was handled and who initiated the conversation. Related: Father Luis to leave Diocese of Beaumont Jacqueline Hernandez, who has been a parishioner at the church since she was 5 years old and also is a Sunday School teacher, said the biggest concern was where the request came from. The bishop gave an announcement that the request came from his superiors. Usually, some form of communication that can be documented is sent out such a letter or email. Even if the request is made over the phone, it is followed up with some type of email or documentation, Hernandez said. But the parishioners have yet to see any documentation, which has contributed to concerns, Hernandez said. She said the parishioners felt the order for the final decision, announced on Oct. 2, did not leave enough time to give parishioners the answers she feel they deserve. We have seen priests go through this before in other parishes, so we have an idea of what the protocol is, Hernandez said. We understand that Father Luis is not Diocesan priest; he is a religious priest we understand that. But even then, there is still some sort of order with how these things are carried out. We just have not seen that usual order carried out. That is why there is so much questioning. meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/megzmagpie The U.S. Department of Justices Federal Bureau of Prisons has released new information about a senior inmate who died at a Beaumont prison earlier this year. The department sent out a news release late Tuesday evening regarding the death of Armando Ramirez, 71, who was serving his sentence at a low security Federal Correctional Institution. According to the release, Ramirez had tested positive for the novel coronavirus on December 17, 2020. The department reported that he was immediately placed in medical isolation. Following the completion of his isolation, the department said Ramirez showed no symptoms and his status was changed to recovered on Dec. 28. The release said the decision was in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Ramirez was later evaluated on March 27 by the prisons medical staff after reporting shortness of breath. The release said he became unresponsive. Responding staff immediately initiated life-saving measures, the release said. Staff requested emergency medical services (EMS) and life-saving efforts continued. The release said Ramirez was taken by EMS to a local hospital where he died the same day. Ramirez had pre-existing medical conditions, which the CDC lists as risk factors for developing more severe COVID-19 disease, according to the release.. Ramirez was sentenced in the Northern and Southern Districts of Texas to an aggregate 384-month sentence for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Internal Revenue and Income Tax Evasion, and Escape from Federal Custody. He had been in custody at the Federal Correctional Complex Beaumont since December 28, 2007. The facility currently houses 1,486 male offenders, Tuesdays news release said. The Bureau of Prisons will continue to provide daily updates and information on actions related to COVID-19 at www.bop.gov/coronavirus/index.jsp. Additional information about the Bureau of Prisons can be found at www.bop.gov. meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/megzmagpie Courtesy of US Development Group / Courtesy of US Development Group/ A rail-yard near Motiva Enterprises complex in southwest Port Arthur has spilled at least 1,000 gallons of crude oil. Port Arthur Terminal, owned by Pasadena-based USD Group, first reported the leak from a rail car around 7:30 p.m. Monday, though engineer estimates suggest the leak could have started in the early morning hours. Related: Company plans $150 million terminal for Canadian crude In a report to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality filed Monday night, the company estimated that the event could have lasted around 44 hours, which allowed oil to leak into a wastewater pond. USD Group reported that product recovery operations were still continuing at the time of the report. The Enterprise has reached out to the company for more information. A representative with TCEQ said the Beaumont regional office was informed of the spill Tuesday and conducted an on-site investigation. Compliance documentation will be submitted to the TCEQ for review once the remediation is completed, the representative wrote in an email to the Enterprise. The terminal site started operating earlier this year after the company announced in December that it would move ahead with the 320-acre facility. Related: Shell to refurbish Deer Park rail terminal The terminal was designed to have three units that could hold 120 train cars each and three storage tanks, with capabilities to mix products to pipeline grade for transport. The facility has long been a part of USD Groups plans to bring Canadian crude to the Gulf Coast and was highlighted in its partnership with Gibson Energy to create a facility in Alberta, Canada. When the company announced its Canadian project, it also disclosed an agreement with ConocoPhillips Canada to process 50,000 barrels per day of inlet bitumen blend that will be shipped to the Port Arthur terminal. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism Julia Wallace/Laredo Morning Times A woman was arrested after she tried smuggling her stepdaughter via the International Bridge 2, according to an arrest affidavit. Edmee Mabel Dark along with a minor female arrived in a private vehicle at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge at about 6:07 p.m. Oct. 8. Dark told U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers that the child was her goddaughter and presented a U.S. birth certificate on her behalf. It's not every day you see someone directly express their displeasure to Gov. Greg Abbott's face. A TikTok video posted over the weekend shows the governor greeting and then being castigated by a man outside Harper's Restaurant in Dallas, Texas. The footage shows a grinning Abbott stopping outside the restaurant to shake hands with a man. The San Antonio Express reports that the man behind the camera is named Eric Katzenberger, who deployed a bit of charm before flipping the encounter on its ear. "Oh my God, are you the governor?" Katzenberger asks. Abbott replies in the affirmative, and the situation quickly changes tenor. "Why would you sign a law telling women whether they can have an abortion or not? That makes you a d*******g." The video cuts Abbott's response short, and the clip ends with the politician still smiling WARNING: Video contains NSFW language The video has accumulated nearly 7 million views on TikTok since being posted Saturday. Katzenberger told the San Antonio Express News on Monday he was working at his business across the street when he saw the governor and decided to make his anger known. He first shared the video with his friends, and after receiving positive feedback, decided to create an account on TikTok just for sharing the moment. Katzenberger's encounter with the governor has also garnered attention on Twitter, where one user wrote "Seeing other people live out my dreams." His face-to-face berating has also drawn criticism from some TikTok users, leading Katzenberger to make another video addressing his detractors in plain, unapologetic terms. "Nobody is sitting around on a Monday morning thinking wow' an abortion sounds like fun," he said in response to one comment praising the governor. "If someone is considering an abortion they're in a difficult situation. Passing a bunch of laws to make that situation more difficult makes you a d*******g." Satellite images courtesy of NESDIS Satellite Services Division (NOAA) As Mexico's Pacific coast readies for Hurricane Pamela, parts of Texas are predicted to see rain and potentially severe weather as the storm moves inland. It's expected to make landfall on the central west coast of Mexico as a major hurricane early Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. After landfall, the storm will quickly devolve and turn into a depression by Wednesday evening before it reaches the Rio Grande. As the storm weakens and moves north, the majority of Central Texas will remain under threat of flash and urban flooding. The city of Rocksprings, roughly 100 miles west of San Antonio, could see up to six inches of rain between Tuesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service outpost in Austin. Muslim protesters throw stones as they clash with Bangladesh police in Dhaka over the alleged defamation of the Quran at a Hindu festival site, Oct. 15, 2021. Rock-throwing protesters and police clashed in Bangladeshs capital as thousands of Muslims took to the streets after Friday prayers to express anger over an online video showing the alleged desecration of the Quran at a Hindu festival site, during a third day of inter-communal violence in the country. In other developments on Friday, a Hindu man was killed in an attack by a Muslim mob in southeastern Bangladesh as venues hosting the annual Durga Puja festival were vandalized throughout the nation in response to the alleged desecration. At least five police officers and scores of people were also reported injured in violence on Friday a day after four people were shot and killed during related protests. Over 2,000 Muslim devotees brought out a procession after Jummah prayers at Baitul Mukarram, the national mosque, Sazzadur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told BenarNews. The Durga Puja festival, the biggest event on Hinduisms calendar, ended Friday evening. The Hindu man, a 42-year-old follower of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) also known as Hare Krishnas was killed in an attack in Noakhali district in southeastern Bangladesh, authorities said. Jatan Kumar was injured and later died at a hospital, police sub-inspector Enamul Haque said, adding that nearly 150 police, including the local station chief, were injured in the clashes. Several hundred Muslim devotees carried out an attack on the houses, shops and temples after Jummah prayers at Chowmuhani town, Enamul told BenarNews. We need time to assess the damage and the actual number of injured persons. Papu Saha, member secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), confirmed the death, saying another severely injured man was struggling to survive. Several hundred Hindus were injured. The attackers vandalized at least 12 temples, 30 shops and about 100 houses of our people, he told BenarNews. The attackers set fire to temples and destroyed them. They torched three cars and six motorbikes, he said. Hindus make up about 10 percent of the more than 160 million people in the Muslim-majority country. In the capital Dhaka, police arrested five people linked to the rally, Sazzadur said. BenarNews reporters at the scene reported that the protest turned violent after demonstrators started hurling sandals and bricks at the police who then fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them. In southeastern Bangladesh, a mob attacked a puja venue in Chittagong but fled after security forces charged them with batons, Palash Kanti Dey, executive secretary-general of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, told BenarNews. Police detained 50 people following the Chittagong attack, police deputy commissioner Bijoy Kumar Boshak told reporters. Authorities said that more than 100 people had been arrested across Bangladesh since mob violence against Hindu temples began on Wednesday. Border Guard Bangladesh troops were also deployed in 30 of the nations 64 districts. The massive attacks on the Puja temples in different parts of the country is nothing new but a consequence of regular attacks on the minority group, said Golam Kuddus, president of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, an organization of cultural activists. There is a group taking advantage of attacks on religious minorities, he alleged. There is a communal evil group in Bangladesh. They are doing such incidents at different times to make the country unstable, he added. On Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina promised to thoroughly investigate the case, saying the culprits will be hunted down and punished. She also said that Hindu-majority India should remain vigilant against an escalation of any communal violence. Her comment came after a politician asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express concern with Bangladesh officials over vandalizing and desecration of Hindu idols and temples, calling the incidents painful and shameful. Suvendu Adhikari, a West Bengal politician with the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said in a letter to Modi that notorious vandals are targeting the Hindu minority community, creating miserable living conditions. Sayantan Basu, West Bengal BJPs general secretary, said attacks on Hindu people in Bangladesh occur regularly. As a result, now the Hindu population in Bangladesh is 8 percent when it once was 24 percent. India should create pressure on Bangladesh over the issue, he told BenarNews. Police with batons charge protesters in Dhaka, Oct. 15, 2021. [BenarNews] In Dhaka on Friday, protesters chanted anti-India slogans and accused Hasina of being too close to Delhi. Bangladeshs constitution designates Islam as the state religion but upholds the principle of secularism and prohibits religious discrimination. Despite that, communal attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh are on the rise, the U.S. State Department said in its 2020 Report on International Religious Freedom, released in May, listing incidents of violence against Hindus, their properties and temples. A crowd of several hundred looted, vandalized and set fire to Hindu family homes in Cumilla after rumors spread that local Hindus supported French satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdos publication in France of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed, initially published in 2015 and reprinted in September 2020, the report said. Paritosh Paul in Kolkata contributed to this report. Demonstrators call for democracy in Myanmar as they take part in a rally outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations secretariat building in Jakarta, 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, 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 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 to 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. Tria Dianti in Jakarta and Noah Lee in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. Myanmars junta leader and armed forces chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (right) waves during the inauguration of a new military coastguard in Yangon, Myanmar, Oct. 6, 2021. Updated at 6:25 p.m. ET on 2021-10-15 Southeast Asian foreign ministers decided on Friday not to allow the Burmese junta chief to attend an upcoming ASEAN summit, an Indonesian diplomat said about a rare move by the regional bloc, which has been criticized for its collective dithering in response to post-coup Myanmar. The top diplomats of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations took the decision at an emergency virtual meeting, after Myanmars military government this week backtracked on allowing ASEANs special envoy to meet with all parties in the country, including jailed opposition leaders. After Fridays meeting, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that ASEAN member Myanmar had made no progress in implementing the blocs five-point roadmap to putting the country back on a path to peace and democracy. Indonesia proposed [that] the participation of Myanmar at the summits should not be represented at the political level until Myanmar restores its democracy through an inclusive process, Retno said in a message posted on Twitter. BenarNews asked Ade Padmo Sarwono, Indonesias envoy to ASEAN, whether the blocs members had decided against inviting Senior Gen, Min Aung Hlaing the Burmese junta chief to the Oct. 26-28 summit. Read Retnos tweet, he replied. BenarNews asked him whether other ASEAN members had the same position as Retnos. Yes, he answered. In the hours before the regions top diplomats huddled for their emergency meeting, Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah warned that Kuala Lumpur would press to have Min Aung Hlaing excluded from the summit, if needed. Malaysias stand is clear and I will repeat that if there is no significant progress in the implementation of the five-point consensus, the junta chief helming the nation should not be invited to the ASEAN summit, he told reporters. The junta leader had agreed to the consensus at an April meeting in Jakarta that was called to discuss the situation in Myanmar after he led the military in a Feb. 1 coup that toppled an elected government. Min Aung Hlaing has tested other ASEAN members patience since leading the coup and throwing Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of the National League for Democracy government in jail. During the more than eight months since, Burmese security forces have killed close to 1,180 people, mostly anti-coup protesters. ASEAN was finally pushed to deliver its sharpest response to the Myanmar junta. The 10-member bloc did not immediately issue a statement after the Friday meeting, but one was expected on Saturday. Several news sites on Friday, citing unnamed sources, corroborated what the Indonesian diplomat Ade said. Some media outlets said that Wunna Maung Lwin, the junta-appointed foreign minister, attended Fridays meeting. Some news agencies, also citing unnamed sources, said ASEAN would invite a non-political figure to represent Myanmar at the meeting. The emergency meeting of foreign ministers was called by Brunei, which currently holds the blocs revolving chairmanship. Until now, Myanmar military-appointed officials have participated in all ASEAN sub-meetings since the coup. The junta has also splashed photographs of these virtual ASEAN gatherings on state media and social media, all in an attempt to gain legitimacy. Political analysts and rights groups had said that was tantamount to recognizing the military government. Credibility gap For this reason and for its legendary delays in arriving at decisions, ASEAN was on the verge of losing credibility. This was the cost of its dithering and indecision on the complex and fast-evolving geopolitical environment, former Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa recently told The Jakarta Post. The regional bloc works by consensus, which is why critics have called it ineffective. Some diplomats in the region had said that Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand were blocking taking stern action against the Myanmar junta. It took the bloc more than a hundred days to agree on who would be special envoy to Myanmar. During that time, ASEAN also watered down a United Nations resolution calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. Throughout this period of indecision, Burmese security forces continued to shoot at and kill anti-coup protesters. On Thursday, two analysts told BenarNews that they did not think ASEAN member-states would agree to block Min Aung Hlaing from the summit or at least not agree on this at the emergency meeting. Still, it was clear during the past two weeks that Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines were against allowing the leader of the Myanmar coup into the summit because he was not cooperating with ASEAN envoy to Myanmar Erywan Yusof. Meanwhile, a host of countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, on Friday issued a Joint Statement of Support for the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar. They said they are committed to supporting his efforts to facilitate Myanmars full and urgent implementation of the five-point consensus, as decided by ASEAN leaders and the Commander in Chief of the Myanmar military. We emphasize support for the objectives of Dato Erywans visit, including his intention to meet all parties in line with the Five-Point Consensus, and call on the regime to facilitate his access. We reiterate our support for the Special Envoy role going forward, and stand ready to support ASEANs efforts across Chairs, the statement said. ASEANs decisive move, after months, to deliver its sharpest rebuke to the Myanmar junta won plaudits from some analysts and on social media. Simon Adams, president of the Center for Victims of Torture, an organization that treats torture survivors and does human rights advocacy, called it a good decision by ASEAN to not allow the junta chief into the summit. A junta that is responsible for shooting down protesters, mass arrests and overseeing the torture of detainees should not be allowed to pretend that it has diplomatic credibility, Adams told BenarNews. Myanmars generals belong in handcuffs not at ASEAN meetings. Its time for ASEAN to give the 5-point consensus some teeth. Mizanur Rahman, commissioner of the Bangladesh Securities & Exchange Commission, said on Twitter: ASEAN seems to have exceeded my expectations." The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by professionals in Myanmar, thanked ASEAN. You made the right decision not to invite treasoner-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing. He committed treason against the country and he is a terrorist, the group said in a tweet. He doesnt deserve to be sitting at the ASEAN meeting. Hadi Azmi in Kuala Lumpur and Tria Dianti in Jakarta contributed to this report. China has welcomed what it called Russias deep friendship after President Vladimir Putin called for disputes in the South China Sea to be resolved by countries in the region without interference from non-regional powers. The Russian leader did not name any particular powers in his comments at a conference in Moscow on Wednesday but appeared to be alluding to the United States. China on Thursday described Putins remarks as positive. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a news briefing in Beijing that the deep friendship between President Xi (Jinping) and President Putin is built on a high degree of mutual trust. China believes that no matter how the international situations evolve, China-Russia relations will stay on the right course, Zhao said. Speaking at the Russian Energy Week conference in Moscow, Putin also commented about the tensions between China and Taiwan, saying China did not need to use force. On the South China Sea, the Russian president said that there are oppositely directed interests but Russias position is that we need to allow all regional countries, without interference from non-regional powers, to resolve all emerging disputable issues calmly through negotiations, based on fundamental norms of the international law. In my opinion, theres a potential for that, but its not been played out yet, he said. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam contest Chinas claim to almost the entire South China Sea. China says it has historic rights to the region, a position unsupported by international law. While Indonesia does not regard itself as party to the South China Sea dispute, Beijing claims historic rights to parts of that sea overlapping Indonesia's exclusive economic zone as well. For its part, China has been criticizing the U.S. involvement in the region, including the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, which has seen Washington and key allies step up their naval presence in the South China Sea. China has also been critical of the recent announcement of the three-nation defense pact AUKUS among Australia, the U.S. and the United Kingdom, saying it would destabilize and stoke an arms race in the Indo-Pacific. Neutral position Russia has been maintaining a neutral position in the matters related to the South China Sea, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of the Russia in Global Affairs journal. Russia doesnt want to be involved in the South China Sea disputes and tries to keep distance, Lukyanov said. Ian Storey, senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, warned that while Moscow has been broadly supportive of Chinas position, Beijings jurisdictional claims threaten Russias lucrative energy interests in Southeast Asia. Three Russian state-owned energy companies Zarubezhneft, Gazprom and Rosneft have been involved in oil and gas projects in the South China Sea. Their operations reportedly have come under pressure from Beijing. Rosnefts and Zarubezhnefts drilling activities have been obstructed by Chinese ships. Most recently, two appraisal wells drilled by Zarubezhneft and its partner Harbour Energy in Indonesias Natuna Sea have been encircled by Chinese Coast Guard ships accompanying the survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 10. Storey said China has also been pushing two provisions into the draft text of a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea that Beijing is negotiating with the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, which potentially will cut Russia out of energy projects in the region. One of them stipulates that only energy companies from China and Southeast Asia should undertake joint offshore energy development in the South China Sea; the other asks that none of the 11 parties to the COC should undertake military exercises with a foreign navy in the South China Sea without the prior consent of all parties. I dont think Southeast Asian countries will agree to either of these provisions though, Storey said. Still, until now Russias stance remains the less engagement in South China Sea disputes, the safer (the) future for Russian economic interests, according to Lukyanov. And it is yet to be seen whether those disputes will reach the boiling point that forces Kremlin to take action. Taiwan reunification At the same session, Putin commented on Chinese leader Xis recent remark that reunification with Taiwan must be fulfilled, and by peaceful means. China regards the democratic island as a breakaway province and vows to bring it under Beijings control. Taiwan however sees itself as a sovereign state. Cross-strait tensions have heightened in recent weeks, with China sending a record number of military jets into Taiwans air defense identification zone (ADIZ) ahead of the islands national day on Oct. 10. Taiwanese President Tsai Ying-wen responded by saying her government would seek to bolster the islands military capabilities in order to defend ourselves. Speaking about Taiwan, Putin said China does not need to use force. This year, Russia and China celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2001 Treaty of Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russias stance, that just like the overwhelming majority of other countries, Russia views Taiwan as part of the Peoples Republic of China. Putin suggested that Taiwan poses no threat to China. China is a great, powerful economy and in terms of purchasing power, China has become the number one economy in the world, ahead of the United States, he said at the Energy Week in Moscow. Building up this economic potential, China is capable to achieve its national objectives. I dont see any threat here, he said. Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, a 2022 candidate for president, holds a news conference in Manila to announce the slate of senate candidates who will support her in the election, Oct. 15, 2021. A jailed Philippine lawmaker who is an arch critic of the Duterte administrations war on illegal drugs will headline the oppositions Senate slate in the 2022 elections, Vice President Leni Robredo announced Friday. Sen. Leila de Lima has been in prison for four years on what she says are trumped-up charges that she had profited from drug trafficking. In her former role as head of the Commission on Human Rights, she angered Rodrigo Duterte before he was elected president in 2016 by investigating reports of extrajudicial killings by a death squad that he had allegedly set up while serving as mayor of Davao City. The only reason why she is in jail is because she was the first, and the bravest, who stood up against the killings, Robredo, who is running for the Philippine presidency next year as an opposition candidate, said of de Lima. She spoke, and continues to speak the truth. She is fighting for the rights of Filipinos and she will continue this fight in the Senate. It is my honor to count Sen. de Lima among our ranks, Robredo said. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately and can come from rival parties or partisan factions, as is the case with the respective incumbents, Duterte and Robredo. Joining de Lima on the slate of Senate candidates teaming up Robredo for the election are incumbent Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Antonio Trillanes IV, a former senator. The latter two are also among leading critics of the Duterte administrations drug war. Robredo paid tribute to Trillanes and Hontiveros for fighting corruption and speaking out against Dutertes position on the contested South China Sea. Trillanes, a former navy officer, holed himself up in the Senate in 2018 after Duterte tried to have him arrested on rebellion charges, for which Trillanes had previously been pardoned. Other members of Robredos senate slate are former Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Dick Gordon, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, Sen. Joel Villanueva, Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero, former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. and lawyers Chel Diokno and Alex Lacson. A 12th spot on the slate is open in advance of the May 2022 election when Filipinos will vote for one-third of the nations 36 senators. Robredo said the Senate candidates she is backing were among the first to respond to her call for unity. That even if they went through so many disagreements in the past I never regarded them as my enemies even if there were conflicts in the paths they took before, their willingness to unite, thats such an important thing. What we are sharing now is our aspirations for our country, she said. Senator targeted De Lima was elected to the Senate in the same year Duterte won the presidency by a landslide on a populist platform and a promise to rid the country of corruption and illegal drugs. Duterte wasted no time in going after de Lima. He publicly humiliated her as she moved to mount a Senate inquiry into killings linked to his drug war. Two witnesses who testified in the Senate probe a self-described member of hit squad and a police officer would later file a case against Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Last month, the ICC granted a prosecutors request to pursue a probe against Duterte, whose immunity from prosecution expires next year at the end of his six-year term. Although the government claims that about 8,000 have been killed in the drug war, ICC noted information supplied by human rights advocates and drug-war survivors indicate that as many as 30,000 people may have victims of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. De Lima, who filed her reelection bid from prison last week, said she had unfinished business to hold Duterte accountable for the killings over the past five years. We must make sure that the Duterte government is made accountable for the complete mess it made out of our economy and our peoples security, for the mass murders, treason and many other sins against the people, she said in a statement after filing her papers on Oct. 8. The Senate, she said, has been awakened to the criminal nature of the Duterte administration. Spokesmen for the president did not immediately respond to a BenarNews request for comment. The country of 110 million will hold a general election in May 2022 to choose a successor to Duterte and Robredo, as well as fill the 12 Senate seats, all 316 House seats and about 18,000 official positions ranging from governors to mayors and town councilors. Jeoffrey Maitem in Cotabato, Philippines, and Dennis Jay Santos in Davao, Philippines, contributed to this report. Officials secure the bagged body of Sufian Yusof, a slain insurgent suspect, ahead of an autopsy at Yi-Ngo Hospital in Narathiwat province in southern Thailand, Oct. 13, 2021. Military personnel have successfully ended a 17-day operation to flush out suspected separatist insurgents from a 35-acre swamp in Thailands Deep South, officials said Friday. The operation led to the deaths of four government security personnel and six suspects, officials said, even as residents around the marshland in Narathiwat province praised the dead alleged insurgents as martyrs to the separatist cause. A joint force of soldiers and police ended the search operation in the area in and around Hutaelueyo, a village in Bacho district, after they found no more threats, said Col. Kiatisak Neewong, spokesman for the militarys regional command (ISOC-4), said Officials have already cleared the area, there are no more suspected insurgents or anything else there, Kiatisak told BenarNews on Friday. They returned the area to locals so that they can live a normal life. The security operation began Sept. 28, after suspects holed up in and around the Hutaelueyo swamp. Days of gun-battles followed, as government forces tried to clear the swamp and suspects fired at them, officials said. They also said the six suspects killed were all from Bacho district, and they were slain in four gun-battles between Sept. 28 and Oct. 13. Ismail, a young man who lives in the area, said he and many other residents did not see the security operation as a victory for state forces. Many villagers view the operation as a clear defeat for the officials and laud the dead as Patani Warriors, Ismail, who wanted to be identified by just one name for fear of state reprisal, told BenarNews on Friday. No forces can suppress them because there would be new men to replace them. Patani Warriors refers to the forces of what was once the Sultanate of Patani, which comprised the present day provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, and four districts of Songkhla province. These areas are collectively referred to now as the Deep South, where a separatist insurgency has simmered for decades. Ismail said some fighters fearlessly joined the funerals of the martyrs, held in two separate cemeteries. Videos on social media showed hundreds of mourners shouting God is Great, in praise of the so-called martyrs. On Oct. 8, ISOC-4 spokesman Kiatisak had said that separatist rebels had incited villagers by giving them wrong information. He also claimed that officials had brought together suspects relatives and religious leaders to convince the rebels to surrender, to no avail. Meanwhile, one Hutaelueyo villager said many locals feared there would be more violence. Villagers are paranoid because we dont know if officials will come to arrest anyone else again, or if they kept a watchful eye on anyone who had joined the funerals, the villager, wanted to be identified as Gaya, told BenarNews. This latest spate of violence came after a Sept. 6 message linked to Barisan Revolusi Nasional (the National Revolutionary Front or BRN), the largest and most powerful rebel groups in the majority-Muslim, Malay-speaking Deep South provinces. The message appeared to urge combatants to resume self-defense operations because, Siams security forces set up raids and conducted summary executions despite COVID difficulties. A combatant and analysts confirmed that the page was linked to the rebels, but at that time Kiatisak questioned whether the page represented the militant group. In April 2020, the BRN declared a unilateral ceasefire to allow Thai health workers to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceasefire was announced a month after face-to-face peace talks between the Thai government and BRN leaders stalled because of the pandemic. But both sides said they continued to meet online through technical-level panels, with neighboring Malaysia serving as facilitator. The last virtual meeting occurred in February, Abdul Rahim Noor, the Malaysian broker of the talks, confirmed to BenarNews at the time. Since the decades-old insurgency reignited in January 2004, more than 7,000 people have been killed in the region along the Thai-Malaysia frontier, according to Deep South Watch, a think-tank based in Pattani province. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Light snow this morning will give way to mostly cloudy conditions this afternoon. High 41F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80%.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 24F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Bennington, VT (05201) Today A few snow showers around this morning, otherwise mostly cloudy. High around 40F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 23F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Its a hodgepodge, this business of how we deal with a vaccine. And it shouldnt be. When its a matter of public health, people have to make community choice, not personal choice. Accused drug trafficker appeals bail An accused narcotics trafficker tied to an illicit firearm has asked a Superior Court judge to release him on his own personal recognizance while his case remains pending in the courts. Drug trafficking suspect in a coma after he allegedly tried to swallow a 'large baggie' of cocaine Three men were arrested Thursday, after authorities busted a "base of operations" for a heroin- and cocaine-distribution operation on First Street, along with its Orchard Street stash house in Pittsfield. PITTSFIELD A judge has reduced bail for one of three men arrested in a narcotics investigation late last month. Mark J. Jessamy initially had been ordered held on $25,000 bail after his arrest Sept. 30 in Pittsfield. Judge Jennifer Tyne cited Jessamys family ties in the New York City borough of the Bronx, his financial resources and the nature of the offenses that prosecutors brought against him, as well as the potential penalties they carry. But, in an Oct. 6 hearing in Berkshire Superior Court to appeal that bail, defense attorney David Pixley argued that Jessamy has no history of missing court dates, has family in Pittsfield, has lived here for a decade and has a new baby. Pixley also noted that Jessamy did not try to run when police moved to detain him. The next day, Judge John Agostini reduced the bail amount to $2,500; Jessamy posted bail Friday. Jessamy, 30, of 53 Orchard St., Apt. 1 in Pittsfield, allegedly was carrying 294 wax baggies containing heroin and more than 32 grams of cocaine when he was arrested at the Alltown gas station and convenience store at Tyler and First streets, according to court documents. {div id=tncms-region-article_instory_middle class=tncms-region hidden-print}After executing a warrant at Jessamys home, police allegedly found a firearm tucked in a couch, according to prosecutors. An assistant district attorney said last week that he expects prosecutors will seek a grand jury indictment against Jessamy, which would move the case to Superior Court. Prosecutors had not sought bail in the case against Jessamy or Michael Williams, the 28-year-old man who fled when officers executed another search warrant at 241 First St., Apt. 1, which was believed to have served as a base of operations for drug sales.{/div} Williams was released on his own personal recognizance; a third defendant, Donald Jennings, was placed in a medically induced coma after police said he tried to swallow cocaine. He has been summonsed to appear in Central Berkshire District Court on Oct. 29. Cops and Courts Reporter Amanda Burke is Cops and Courts Reporter for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. Last week the City Council signed off on the creation of several important city positions, okaying six figure salaries for the future head of the office of diversity, equity and inclusion and city manager of American Rescue Plan money. This week many of the city councilors will hit the debate stage. PITTSFIELD During last winters COVID-19 outbreak at Springside Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, call lights went unanswered for long periods and residents with bedsores were left in their waste for up to eight hours at a time. That was among the findings of an investigation that revealed neglect and abuse amid depleted staffing levels. Fines for the violations totaled $27,739 for the 115-bed facility owned by BaneCare. In a report released Feb. 5, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, based on records and interviews with regulators regarding two out of six residents, said Springside failed to protect residents from abuse, emotional and physical harm and mental anguish. Quote You can have horribly low staffing and still get into the high group because youre higher than everybody else, but youre still inadequate. Charlene Harrington, a professor at the University of California-San Francisco The report says the facilitys neglect resulted in residents becoming angry, upset and crying after being left in soiled briefs and unable to obtain assistance from staff for extended periods of time. More than 100 cases of COVID-19, including at least 37 staffers, were reported during a January outbreak at the nursing home, prompting the state to send in a National Guard medical corps and an epidemiologist. The staff cases and resulting quarantines exacerbated personnel shortages, which, documents show, long had predated the coronavirus pandemic. The Feb. 5, 2021 Springside report on CMS The seven-page report details abuse and anguish suffered by residents in Jan. 2021 in the COVID-19 unit, where there was sometimes only one st The report also says there werent enough licensed staff, and no registered nurses, supervising residents in the COVID-19 unit to prevent falls and to routinely reposition all residents to prevent bedsores. At times, there was only one certified nursing assistant per 53 residents, and one employee said low staffing prevented vital sign monitoring every four hours in a wing of acutely sick residents. Nurse #2 said staff kept asking Administration for staffing assistance, but no additional staff arrived in a timely manner, the report says. During an interview the Acting Director of Nursing said the Facility did not have an acuity tool to identify the resident acuity. Most days from Jan. 11 to Jan. 21 had two or fewer CNAs. On one day, two shifts had four CNAs. Springsides own policy says nurses and certified nurse aides are to be available 24 hours a day to help residents directly. BaneCare, a for-profit company, has 12 centers across the state, including two in Dalton Sugar Hill Assisted Living Community, and the Craneville Place Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Craneville also has had low staffing levels and has racked up more than $65,000 in government fines since 2019 for violations that include failing to protect residents from sexual abuse and rape by a male resident, and not reporting it to state officials right away. A BaneCare spokesperson said Springside currently has 93 residents and 119 employees, including eight RNs and 13 licensed practical nurses, and is working hard to make sure staffing levels are solid. Recruitment, retention, and recognition are an ongoing focus, wrote Emily Sugrue, BaneCares director of marketing and communications. The company aggressively is recruiting for its open nursing and direct care positions locally and on Indeed, and offering $5,000 sign-up bonuses and other benefits. Springside also is working to train more people in the area to become certified nursing assistants, and giving them job guarantees. Springsides posts on Indeed, an online employment site, list wages at $13.50 to $39 per hour, depending on the job and experience. Since March 2020, COVID at Springside has resulted in the deaths of 16 residents who tested positive for the virus, according to ProPublica. It also decimated staff levels. In January, more than 109 residents and staff tested positive, and Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer urged the facility to get help from the state Department of Public Health, and complained that the facility was not forthcoming with the city about data. Mayor Linda Tyer: Springside officials ghosted city on nursing home's COVID-19 outbreak PITTSFIELD A data point moved in the right direction Thursday in Pittsfields COVID-19 battle. The number of deaths attributed to the corona Still inadequate Adequate staffing by RNs and other licensed caregivers has been a problem at Springside since at least 2016, when residents complained that they werent always getting their weekly showers and frequently were waiting 45 minutes to an hour to have their call bells answered. Low staffing is a problem across the U.S., where 75 percent of nursing facilities dont have adequate levels, according to Charlene Harrington, a professor at the University of California-San Francisco who has co-authored research establishing hours-per-resident-per-day nursing and care minimums that are crucial to meeting federal quality standards. How much nursing time? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website says nursing homes are bound by federal law to provide enough staff, but there is no federal standard for the best staffing levels. A 2001 study by the CMS determined that the time per patient level for registered nurses should be at least 0.75. Springsides hours-per-resident-per-day staffing levels are at 0.23 hours for RNs, according to the CMS. The national level is 0.46 and the Massachusetts average is 0.49. The federal five-star grading system on the Medicare websites nursing home compare does not give a true picture of staffing and other issues, Harrington said. Theyre graded on a curve, she said. You can have horribly low staffing and still get into the high group because youre higher than everybody else, but youre still inadequate. Harrington said the sicker the resident, the more Medicare pays, but this doesnt mean the company then will hire more employees for a facility. They dont deliver the staffing for what they get paid for because they dont have to under Medicare, she said. Massachusetts residents have two ways to share their thoughts on the proposed Statehouse maps the Legislature released Tuesday. At 1 p.m. Friday, a virtual hearing will allow members of the public to voice their opinions. Those who wish to testify can sign up to do so at tinyurl.com/2u4nbnkk. Also, residents can submit written comments until 5 p.m. Monday through malegislature.gov/Redistricting/Contact. Presenting the Legislatures proposals Tuesday, House Assistant Majority Leader Michael Moran, D-Brighton assured residents that this process is not over. If you have any reasonable suggestions on how we can maybe make them stronger or better, I will be more than happy to take yours into consideration, Moran said. The House proposal would cut Berkshire Countys four House seats to three, although county lawmakers expressed contentment Tuesday with the three districts that would remain. They see the lost seat as a mathematical necessity because of continued population loss but expressed confidence in their ability to represent the redrawn districts. The county likely will avoid a battle between incumbents, since state Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru, is expected to run for the state Senate seat to be vacated by Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, who is running for lieutenant governor. Statewide, the maps have garnered praise for increasing majority-minority House districts from 20 to 33 and majority-minority Senate districts from three to five, although some observers have voiced concerns with the Senate districts further east. Beyond Berkshire County, Western Massachusetts lawmakers largely have celebrated the maps especially the Senate proposal, which keeps six Senate seats based in the states four western counties. Senators say they were shown an early proposal that would have cut the Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden seat, dividing its territory between Sens. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and John Velis, D-Westfield. We joined together pretty unequivocally to advocate for keeping that seat, Comerford said. Comerford credited state Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, a vice chair on the redistricting committee, for conveying lawmakers wishes to the committee, and she said Senate President Pro Tempore William Brownsberger, D-Belmont, who co-chairs the committee, was exceedingly receptive to their input. Gobi will see about 40 percent of her district change, with other Western Massachusetts districts pushing eastward, but she said it was very important to the six of us that we speak in a unified voice, that we did not want to lose any representation. Brownsberger, she said, visited each district with its senator. State Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, also gave credit to Mark for promoting the census when Mark co-chaired the redistricting committee, and the 2020 census numbers exceeded previous estimates for Western Massachusetts. Lesser said the better-than-expected population numbers helped lawmakers case for keeping the six seats based in the four western counties. Lesser said that he viewed the loss of one of those seats as a real risk, and that senators set aside maybe individual priorities in order to maximize the regions voice. On the House side, state Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland, said that despite the changes, she expects the region's House lawmakers to continue to work united together to ensure that our voices are heard on Beacon Hill and that our needs are met. The House proposal would split the city of Greenfield, which is currently in Marks district, between Blais and state Rep. Susannah Whipps, I-Athol. While Greenfield Mayor Roxann Wedegartner criticized the proposal and said all of Greenfield should fall in a single district, Blais and Whipps have yet to comment publicly about the Legislatures plan for the city. There are likely more issues that remain to be resolved further east. For example, the Senate proposal split the 67,787-resident city of Haverhill into two Senate districts, an arrangement that some lawmakers and local officials have sought to amend. Western Massachusetts lawmakers also are looking beyond the current redistricting process. In order to avoid further population loss that leads to a similar situation in a decade, they are seeking to make headway on regional priorities such as transportation, job creation and broadband access. NORTH ADAMS Charter Communications, Spectrums parent company, had 30 days to install fiber between two points in the city and Northern Berkshire Community Televisions studio. And 903 days later, it hadnt been done, according to a letter Mayor Tom Bernard wrote to Charter Communications in September 2018. That letter notified the company that it was violating its contract with the city, and it led to a settlement of $23,000, finalized in December. All the money went to Northern Berkshire Community Television as the injured party, Bernard said. The organizations executive director could not be reached for comment. It is a small win, but it is a win, Bernard told the City Council on Tuesday night, announcing the agreement. It doesnt address issues of quality of service, responsiveness, or cost. However, the payment addressed and corrected those areas where clear violations of contract had occurred. Why did Bernard make the announcement now? It was just one of those cleanup things, he told The Eagle. I was going through catch-up items. I just wanted to put it out on the table. In September 2018, the city sent Charter Communications a letter notifying the company it was violating its contract. North Adams readies violation of contract complaint against Charter NORTH ADAMS The city is close to taking formal action against Charter Communications, the parent company of the Spectrum cable company. Attorneys representing the city are working to finalize The lack of fiber installation between Northern Berkshire Community Televisions studio and City Hall and Drury High School was one issue, according to the letter. Among the countless lost opportunities for the community as a result of this failure are those connected with the North Adams Public Schools, including live educational programming that went both unaired and, if cablecast, the signal and programming was of significantly diminished quality, the letter reads. It adds that programming from City Hall was also of significantly diminished quality. The second issue: When Charter moved public, educational and government access channel locations, it did not notify Northern Berkshire Community Television and gave the city less than 30 days notice, according to Bernards letter. Charter Communications has demonstrated a pattern of neglect and non-responsiveness to the issuing authority, its designees, the City, the access corporation, and subscribers, the 2018 letter from Bernard to Charter Communications reads. The licensee unfortunately and repeatedly taken a dismissive attitude toward its contractual obligations. A spokesperson for Charter Communications declined to comment. The agreement was signed in December 2020. The settlement addresses the two main issues intended in the breach notice regarding notification when they moved local channels, including the one that those watching at home are watching now, Bernard said at Tuesdays City Council meeting, as well as the cost of the fiber line provided in the contract that they need to make good on. Suni Reid, a Black trans actor who was a cast member in Hamiltons touring show, is filing a federal complaint against the production alleging they lost her role after requesting a gender-neutral dressing room. Reid, who is nonbinary and goes by pronouns they/them, filed a complaint on Wednesday (October 13) with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Los Angeles alleging discrimination and retaliation over questioning the supposed 'wokeness' of the company" behind Hamilton. In a statement to USA Today, Lawrence Pearson, one of Reids lawyers, said that Hamilton has been a public beacon of diversity with a commitment to social injustice 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," Pearson said in the statement. In response, Shane Marshall Brown, a Hamilton spokesman, told the newspaper in a statement that Reid was "a valued cast member" for more than three years, but denied Reid's accusations. "We offered them a contract to return to 'Hamilton' with terms responsive to their requests," Brown's statement said. "We deny the allegations in the (complaint). We have not discriminated or retaliated against Suni. Since the shutdown, our organization has taken care of our community. We have treated Suni with the same respect and consideration as all the company members of 'Hamilton.' The statement added: "Specifically, we have given Suni direct financial support, paid for their health insurance, and paid for their housing. We wish Suni well in their future endeavors. Pearson said Reid will likely file a federal lawsuit seeking unspecified "economic damages for financial harm and emotional distress," if the EEOC gives the go-ahead, in an email to USA Today. Pearson added that his client wants accountability and to address complaints of cast members "with greater respect and a less adversarial approach in the future." The city of Boston settled for $1.3 million with a man who had a stroke, but was instead arrested without police, EMT or hospital staff giving him aid. Its one of the largest settlements of its type, according to Boston public radio station WBUR. Al Copeland, 62, was driving in Boston one night in April 2019, when he started to feel nauseous and pulled over in front of the Berklee College of Music. Police found him slumped over his steering wheel and arrested him, even writing in the report they smelled alcohol. Copeland says he hasnt had a drink since 1995. Copeland was taken to the police station and could barely stand. Police left him to use the bathroom in a holding cell, but in the throes of a stroke, he fell to the floor, bangind his head on the wall as he tumbled. Police records show officers left him alone in the cell to sleep it off." Only after Copeland began to vomit five hours after police first arrested that an ambulance was summoned. Copeland was taken from that cell to Tufts Medical Center. Police records show that medical personnel also assumed he was drunk. They left him languishing in the emergency room for seven more hours. His wife Valerie finally managed to track down her husband. Only then did doctors confirm he had no drugs or alcohol in his system, instead hed suffered a stroke. She believes her husband was neglected because he is Black. Copeland remained hospitalized for weeks before moving to rehab. He had to leave his job. Today he has difficulty walking or even eating. Tufts apologized for its part in what happened to Copeland, but told WBUR it couldnt comment on his care or any legal dealings with his case. Since this incident, they added social workers to assist patients who cant communicate and formed a center for diversity, equity and inclusion to reduce disparities in care. The Boston Police Department investigated once the familys attorney contacted the city. Investigators faulted two officers and a sergeant for neglect of duty- not for claiming to have found Copeland drunk driving and dumping him unattended in a cell. They were cited for not responding fast enough after Copeland fell and hit his head. A family is seeking justice after a member of their family was shot seven times in Stockton, Calif., in what is believed to be a hate crime. ABC News reports that Bobby Gayle, a 45-year-old Black man and father of five, was seriously injured during an unprovoked attack last Friday (October 8). His brother, Marlon Gayle, said Bobby had just finished a construction job at a restaurant when the shooting occured. "This big truck came by and almost hit them. So my brother says, 'Hey, slow down,'" Marlon Gayle told ABC News. "According to my brother and the guy who was with him, his friend, the guy gets out of the truck, the white guy, and he has a gun, and he starts saying the n-word over and over again and started shooting my brother." Bobby Gayle was shot seven times, including in his face. He is in stable condition, according to his family. Right after the shooting Gayle left his brother a voicemail saying he had been shot and asked him to pray. "It was a miracle. God answers prayer and we're just so thankful," Marlon Gayle said. "He's just so happy to be alive, and blessed to be with his family and his children." The shooter is described as a white male in his 30s, wearing a dark-colored jacket and jeans. The Stockton Police Department describe his vehicle as a late-model Chevrolet Silverado extended cab truck with after-model, chrome-colored wheels. A $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Additionally, police say they are investigating the shooting as a potential hate crime. Marlon Gayle says the assailant needs a higher power in his life. "His heart is not right, the hatred that's inside of him," he said. "Yes, it was a hate crime and that person needs Jesus, that person needs prayer, that person needs to be brought to justice." Labor organizer and civil rights activist Timuel Black Jr. died on Oct. 13 at 102 years old. According to USA Today, he died in hospice care at his South Side Chicago home. His wife, Zenobia Johnson-Black, told the outlet, I hope to celebrate his life every day of my life. He was trying to make this world a better place. And that's what he urged others to do. So that's how I hope he'll be remembered." Former President Barack Obama released a statement, which read, "Tim spent decades chronicling and lifting up Black Chicago history. But he also made plenty of history himself. He continued, "Over his 102 years, Tim was many things: a veteran, historian, author, educator, civil rights leader, and humanitarian. 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." Black attended Barack Obamas inauguration in 2009. Born December 7, 1918, in Mobile, Alabama and raised in Chicago, Black served in World War II, attended Roosevelt University in Chicago and received a degree in sociology in 1952. Additionally, he earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1954 and would eventually teach at the City Colleges of Chicago. After seeing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preach on television in December 1955 about the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, he joined the civil rights movement. He soon began working alongside Dr. King. His advocacy continued, helping to elect Chicago's first Black mayor, Harold Washington in 1983. Spearfish, SD (57783) Today Considerable cloudiness. High 52F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies early followed by a mixture of light rain and snow overnight. Low 34F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 50%. Who Is the Angel of the Lord? In the Old Testament, the Bible uses the phrase angel of the Lord or the angel of God. If you read these scriptures in context, you will find clear evidence that when the angel of the Lord is speaking, it is also indicated that God Himself is speaking, leading us to conclude that these are appearances of the pre-incarnate Christ (known as a Christophany) or God Himself appearing (a Theophany). The angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar, and she called Him El Roi, the God who sees (Genesis 16:13). He appeared to Abraham, calling out to him just in time to prevent the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:11-15). He appeared to Jacob, urging him to leave Laban and return to his family home (Genesis 31:11-13). It was this same man who wrestled with Jacob and injured his hip on the night he renamed him Israel (Genesis 32:30); Jacob said he had seen God face to face. The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and it is revealed it is God speaking to Him (Exodus 3:2). He met Balaam and was recognized first by the donkey (Numbers 22:32-35). The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon (Judges 6:11-24), and to Samsons parents before his birth (Judges 13). Does Everyone Have a Guardian Angel? The idea that God has assigned specific angels to watch over us is not a biblical concept. The idea likely comes from Jesus words in Matthew 18:10, where he warns the disciples about preventing children from coming to Him. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven. There is no indication that a specific angel is assigned to a specific child. The angels attention is on the face of the Father, which should lead us to conclude that it is God Himself who is aware of every moment in our lives, and that if and when we need supernatural help or protection, He only has to indicate that by a look to one of His angels, and they are immediately dispatched to carry out His will. David reminds us that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them (Psalm 34:7). Again, the angel of the Lord most always refers to Jesus. We are reassured that it is God who directs the angels in Psalm 91:11, where the psalmist says, for He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. I believe the Bible teaches that angels were, and still are, actively involved in the lives of Gods children both those who have believed, and those who will believe. In the context of teaching that Jesus is far above and far better than angels, the author of Hebrews tells us their value to Gods kingdom purposes. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? Photo credit: Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang BOISE - Idaho Governor Brad Little has formally proclaimed the week of October 18-22, 2021 to be Idaho Forest Products Week and a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the industry in Idaho. The Idaho Forest Products Industry plays an essential part of the states history, culture, environment and economy, said Governor Little. It also plays an essential role as a fundamental industry to the State of Idaho, providing for the production of wood and paper products from Idaho forests. Idaho has 21.5 million acres of forest land spanning from the Canadian border to the southern edge of the state. Over 40% of Idaho is covered in trees. Idahos forest sector is one of Idahos leading trade sectors, contributing more than $2.4 billion to the states gross and state product, providing 31,000 jobs, and generating more than $3 billion in sales and $25 million in tax revenue. Sustainable forest management under the Idaho Forest Practices Act provides countless benefits, including clean air and water, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, scenic beauty, local renewable energy, forest products used by Idahoans every day, and employment and tax revenue for local communities, counties and the state of Idaho, said Little. Wood is widely recognized as renewable, recyclable, durable, versatile and energy efficient green building materials. Products from sustainably managed forests play a critical role in combating climate change due to natural process of photosynthesis where trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, release oxygen into the atmosphere and capture carbon, which is stored in wood products for the life of the product. Manage. Harvest. Plant. Repeat. The carbon solution is in the proven, sustainable cycle. Healthy forests, healthy Idaho! To learn more about the forest products industry in Idaho and sustainably managed forests or to obtain informational resources and teaching materials visit: www.idahoforests.org. President Biden addresses the country as the economy stalls, crime forces Walgreens to get out of San Francisco, Mayor De Blasio boots Thomas Jefferson from New York City hall, and a school cancels Halloween because of woke stuff. Plus, Bill previews his interview with President Donald Trump. Namdeb, a joint venture between the Namibian government and Anglo American's diamond business De Beers Group, has extended its land-based mines' life by 20 years to 2042, thanks in part to a mineral royalty discount. Life of mine extended Under the previous business plan, the land-based Namdeb mines would have come to the end of their life in 2022.As part of the deal, Namibia offered Namdeb royalty relief from 2021 to 2025, with the royalty rate cut to five percent from 10%.De Beers CEO, Bruce Cleaver, said at a press conference in Windhoek that maintaining viable and profitable operations was becoming difficult under the existing fiscal arrangements, given the age of the mines.Namdeb will now be able to invest its profits to extend its mining operations, he said, and the new plan will enable eight million additional carats of Namibian diamonds to be produced.An estimate value of the additional carats could not be immediately ascertained.The life of mine extension will create 600 new jobs, in addition to Namdeb's existing 2,100 employees.Namdeb CEO Riaan Burger said production will be ramped up over the next 2-1/2 years to approximately 160% of the current capacity, requiring a capital investment of around 1.8bn Namibian dollars ($122m) and a "significant" increase in operational cost.Namibia's mines minister Tom Alweendo said the closure of Namdeb's mines would have been devastating."This decision benefits the sustainability of the life of mines, the national economy as well as preserving employment for our people and the livelihoods of families that depend on it," he said.De Beers also mines diamonds offshore Namibia through its Debmarine Namibia unit.($1 = 14.7530 Namibian dollars) Moe Kekana, senior art director at The Odd Number 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. When you heard about being selected as a judge, how did you celebrate the news? What does this mean to you, personally? Beyond the privilege, being considered for a judging spot validates the time and energy Ive put into my career. To me it means maybe, just maybe, Im doing something right. Which category will you be judging? What do you expect to experience as a judge? What specific criteria will you be looking for when judging You have some major experience in the creative industry. Could you comment on the impact of Covid-19 on the industry? There wasnt that same need for a brand new thingamabob, or whatchamacallit, financed over however many months, finished off with a disclaimer two sizes too small under a logo three sizes too big. Any predictions of trends that are likely to stand out at Loeries 2021? What do you believe SA creatives bring to the Loeries judging mix? Lastly, what are you most looking forward to from Loeries 2021? What does #FightTheGoodFight mean to you? Its incredibly humbling, to the point of being uncomfortable. Especially knowing the talent that exists, the number of experienced individuals, and the level of expertise in the industry. To then be selected from this pool, and be counted among a group of people who both inspire and infuriate based on the amazing work they do; is an honour.For me, the judges selection process is somewhat of a mystery, a black box, the contents of which are known by a select few. I can only assume that over the years I have contributed to the industry in ways that are meaningful and are of some value. Those contributions may have come in the form of my work, perhaps one of my guest lectures, a bit of mentoring, my points of view in a Q&A or on previous judging panels. Ultimately, I believe (or hope) that these contributions were consequential, and seeing that someone of consequence quietly dropped my name into this black box. In doing so, they have given me and all other judges the opportunity to continue contributing in ways that are meaningful.I poured a stiff whisky and gave myself an extra scoop of ice cream.We all have voices and opinions, both of which are accompanied by a high degree of subjectivity. Being invited to offer my voice and my opinions on a judging panel is a recognition of these very personal things.I will be judging the Print category, as well as the Print Crafts.After seeing who my fellow judges are, I expect to learn a lot from them. We have all been brought together to apply our experience and expertise to select work that is worthy of an award. Because of this, I really feel that being on a judging panel is a real masterclass in creativity. There are eleven other people who are experienced in ways that I am not and are experts on subjects that I may never fully grasp.Its not scientific, but Im just looking to be surprised. Thats what I love about print. The gut level, instantaneous reaction to a piece.When Covid hit, the world stood still in more ways than one. Many campaigns and communications that were in the pipeline came to a grinding halt as they were checked and rechecked for relevance, substance, and sincerity. Overnight, we took on a different role. Brands took on a different role.If we were to say anything to anyone, if we were to invite ourselves into peoples homes, browsers, and social feeds there had to be a really good reason for us to be there. And so, there was a level of care we took in what we said and how we said it. This was not there before, not in the same way. Brands and agencies had to prove, in ways that we never had to, what our value was to each other and the public. I hope we never lose that.I stopped trying to predict anything after I was caught off guard, twice, by the wordsIt sounds clieche, but, diversity. Not just in terms of culture, but the background, upbringing, geography, and personal stance on whether or not boerewors belongs on pizza. I am always amazed by the conversations. You cant help but be exposed to new exciting points of view and see work that you may have dismissed in a completely new light. And at the end of it all, with conflicting biographies, come to a consensus on whats truly great and truly South African.Seeing where we are as an industry. There is much that has been warped and obscured by uncertainty, separation, and survival. So, where are we now? I look forward to seeing what we as an industry have chosen to make through it all. What we choose to award and say Thats our new standard and this is what we want to see more of going forward. What about us have we decided to keep, and what (no matter how inconvenient) do we as an industry have to let go of. I think all of this will be represented in the work, the people whove created it, the conversations on every judging panel, the ceremony, and the celebrations thereafter. This is going to say a lot about us all, and Im excited to see what that is.To me, #FightTheGoodFight means the desire for self-actualization. More coffee than is medically advisable. All in the hopes that we might dust off our shiny shoes and walk them on stage. And doing all the above in a way that pushes the industry forward. Last night, the 2021 D&AD Shift with Google in London five-month night school programme culminated in a showcase event that saw 19 aspiring creatives present their responses to industry set briefs to top creative professionals in an in-person event at D&AD. The event saw leading industry professionals come together to view the work and meet with this year's cohort. The Shift London class of 2021 Aaron Hettey, Ashley De Guzman, Aurelie Kutcha Bouzin, Ben German-Hamilton, Chibuikem Akata, Csaba Domboroczki, Ebika Pinneh, Ellen Walpole, Lucy Aa, Kims Mihailovs, Luke Patrick James McCabe, Maria Paula Dominguez Diez, Peggy Pollard, Phoebe Langley Gussin, Renaldo Otoo, Runako Bedeau, Safiya Abdinasir Farah, Sukyella Randle-Caprez, Tarrine Khanom. Since 1980, D&AD New Bloods goal has been to stimulate creative excellence by nurturing emerging talent. Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, Shift aims to uncover, support and ultimately help secure jobs for a rich mix of creatives. The programme delivers a vital opportunity for emerging talent without degree-level education to come together to hone their skills, build a network and develop their portfolios. Consisting of industry set briefs, talks and mentorship, Shift provides a supportive learning environment for creatives who face barriers to both education and employment.At a time when the industry must prioritise diversity and inclusivity in the workforce, Shift provides creative organisations access to an exceptional pool of fresh talent, outside of the university system, with the aim of working towards a more stimulating and equitable future for the industry. In 2019, over half the graduates from the Shift programme went on to secure placements in leading creative companies such as Droga5, The Mill and McCann.Due to continued Covid-19 precautions, the 2021 London Showcase was a small in-person event, which took place on 14 October at D&AD in London. All 19 participants had the opportunity to present their responses to the three-set briefs with select industry professionals.The Showcase event will be followed by both in-person and virtual 1-2-1 portfolio sessions, allowing Shifters the opportunity to network with industry professionals face-to-face, to discuss their work and get in front of prospective employers. For those unable to attend the Showcase the Shift cohorts work is viewable in person at D&AD from 18 - 29 October, to book a slot register here Paul Drake, Foundation Director at D&AD, said, We are an industry that thrives on diverse voices and divergent thinking and yet by recruiting from narrow pools of talent we have squeezed differences out and often the work is poorer for it. Shift remains vital for the sector to prioritise more diverse voices to ensure our industry is as relevant and reflective of the society we live in.Shift Select, new for 2021, is an optional continuation of the main Shift programme kicking off in November. Leading agencies have committed to extending the learning experience through in-agency placements focusing on a particular discipline. A number of London based agencies have signed up to offer paid placements allowing Shifters to double-down on a particular discipline including Superunion (Design), Engine Mischief (PR), and Iris (Advertising).To find out more about this years participants and see their work, go here Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is declining to enforce the countys wide-ranging vaccine mandate, accusing the countys Democrat leaders of a political stunt in trying to force every Los Angele County employee to receive a jab. This is so politicized, I cannot in good conscience impose a mandate like that, he also told Fox News over the weekend. Im not going to be part of that. Villanueva pointed to the countys vaccine mandate as poorly executed and poorly thought through when speaking with Laura Ingraham. The Democrat Sheriff has become increasingly critical of Los Angeles far-left county government, citing failure to provide essential public services on crime and Californias many ailments. Villanueva has accused Los Angeles Countys board of supervisors of slamming a hiring freeze onto his department as retaliation for his criticism of the county government. Hes warned that his agency is short almost 1,000 employees, with Los Angeles continuing to browbeat the sheriff over investigations which exonerated cops of wrongdoing. Villanueva had earlier refused to enforce a county mask mandate over the summer, flatly rejecting the ridiculous notion that deputy sheriffs were going to compel unmasked residents of Los Angeles to put on face diapers. Sheriff Villanueva has emphasized that hes vaccinated, and encourages members of the community to take the shot as well- just that hes not willing to force it on his employees. "Walmart has launched a critical race theory training program that denounces the United States as a 'white supremacy system' and teaches white hourly-wage workers that they are guilty of 'white supremacy thinking' and 'internalized racial superiority,'" Christopher Rufo reports. From City Journal, "Walmart vs. Whiteness": According to a cache of internal documents I have obtained from a whistleblower, Walmart launched the program in 2018 in partnership with the Racial Equity Institute, a Greensboro, North Carolina, consulting firm that has worked extensively with universities, government agencies, and private corporations. The program is based on the core principles of critical race theory, including "intersectionality," "internalized racial oppression," "internalized racial inferiority," and "white anti-racist development." Since the program's launch, Walmart has trained more than 1,000 employees and made the program mandatory for executives and recommended for hourly wage workers in Walmart stores. When reached for comment, Walmart confirmed that the company has "engaged REI for a number of training sessions since 2018" and has "found these sessions to be thought provoking and constructive." The program begins with the claim that the United States is a "white supremacy system," designed by white Europeans "for the purpose of assigning and maintaining white skin access to power and privilege." American history is presented as a long sequence of oppressions, from the "construction of a 'white race'" by colonists in 1680 to President Obama's stimulus legislation in 2009, "another race neutral act that has disproportionately benefited white people." Consequently, the Walmart program argues, white Americans have been subjected to "racist conditioning" that indoctrinates them into "white supremacy," or the view "that white people and the ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and actions of white people are superior to People of Color and their ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and actions." Following the principle that "diagnosis determines treatment," the Walmart program seeks to create a psychological profile of whiteness that can then be treated through "white anti-racist development." Whites, according to the trainers, are inherently guilty of "white privilege" and "internalized racial superiority," the belief that "one's comfort, wealth, privilege and success has been earned by merits and hard work" rather than through the benefits of systemic racism. Walmart's program argues that this oppressive "white supremacy culture" can be summarized in a list of qualities including "individualism," "objectivity," "paternalism," "defensiveness," "power hoarding," "right to comfort," and "worship of the written word" -- which all "promote white supremacy thinking" and "are damaging to both people of color and to white people." The training program recommends that "discussions about racist conditioning" should be conducted in racially segregated "affinity groups," because "people of color and white people have their own work to do in understanding and addressing racism." Walmart employees who are racial minorities, in the framework of the training program, suffer from "constructed racist oppression" and "internalized racial inferiority." Their internal psychology is considered shattered and broken, dominated by internal messages such as "we believe there is something wrong with being a person of color," "we have lowered self-esteem," "we have lowered expectations," "we have very limited choices," and "we have a sense of limited possibility." Minorities thus begin to believe the "myths promoted by the racist system," develop feelings of "self-hate," "anger," "rage," and "ethnocentrism," and are forced to "forget," "lie," and "stop feeling" in order to secure basic survival. The solution, according to Walmart's program, is to encourage whites to participate in "white anti-racist development"a psychological conditioning program that reorients white consciousness toward "anti-racism." The training program teaches white employees that ideas such as "I'm normal," "we're all the same," and "I am not the problem" are racist constructs, driven by internalized racial superiority. The program encourages whites to accept their "guilt and shame," adopt the idea that "white is not right," acknowledge their complicity in racism, and, finally, move toward "collective action" whereby "white can do right." The goal is for whites to climb the "ladder of empowerment for white people" and recreate themselves with a new "anti-racist identity." Walmart is the largest company by revenue in the entire world. This is the ideology they and the rest of the companies that comprise the Fortune 500 are pushing. Coca-Cola is training their white employees to "be less white" and Walmart is training them that "white is not right." If America is a "white supremacist system," why are our top companies training their white employees to hate themselves and have white guilt? Why are "our" schools training white students to hate themselves and have white guilt and why is "our" Attorney General siccing the FBI on parents for speaking out against this anti-white critical race theory propaganda at local school board meetings? [Header image by Mike Mozart via Flickr] Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds, Parler and Telegram. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 814-368-3173 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. Manitobas backlog for various surgeries and procedures has jumped to around 130,000 cases, according to a new report released by Doctors Manitoba Thursday. Advertisement Advertise With Us MIKAELA MACKENZIE/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS/FILE File photo of Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Kristjan Thompson. Manitobas backlog for various surgeries and procedures has jumped to around 130,000 cases, according to a new report released by Doctors Manitoba Thursday. This marks a significant increase from the roughly 110,000 cases that the non-profit organization registered back on June 17, when hospitals across the province were still grappling with the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that Manitoba is in the middle of its fourth wave, Doctors Manitoba president Kristjan Thompson told reporters on Thursday afternoon that the provincial government has done very little to stem the tide of surgeries that have been delayed due to the disruption of COVID-19. "We need a concrete mandate that would give clear directions to health system leaders and health-care providers on appropriate steps and actions needed to tackle this growing problem," Dr. Thompson said during a Zoom meeting with the press. Thursdays report from Doctors Manitoba broke these roughly 130,000 delayed procedures into the following categories: surgeries (cataract, hip and knee, and cardiac procedures), diagnostic (MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound and myocardial perfusion tests) and other procedures (mammograms, diagnostic endoscopies and allergy tests). In terms of surgeries, the non-profit believes that the backlog currently sits at around 52,000 cases, which represents a 33 per cent increase from the 39,000 cases the group recorded in May. Meanwhile, the pandemic backlog for "other procedures" has jumped to 35,885 cases, with the case-load sitting at around 32,591 back in May. However, Thursdays report did reveal that the provinces diagnostic testing backlog (41,584 cases) has actually decreased by six per cent since April, with delayed CT scans being eliminated entirely. "The overall wait times, though, are still increasing and are higher than before the pandemic," Thompson said. Doctors Manitoba arrived at these figures by cobbling together data from Manitoba Health reports to federal bodies, Shared Healths public statements and estimates from physicians who make referrals. The non-profit represents more than 4,000 physicians and medical learners across the province, which gives them the ability to survey health-care workers about how the pandemic is impacting their day-to-day operations. However, Thompson insists that the province needs to provide its own figures on this surgical backlog in order to properly address the problem. "We need transparent, monthly reporting so that we not only understand the scope of the problem today, but so that we can see how progress is being made and know if our interventions are actually having the desired effects," he said. Thompson also expressed frustration with the provinces slow response to the recommendations Doctors Manitoba laid out in their original report back in June. Outside of not providing monthly updates, the Doctors Manitoba president also noted that the government hasnt committed to fixing this surgical backlog by a specific date. However, some preliminary steps have been taken to fulfil the non-profits last recommendation, which is to create a task force designed to oversee surgery and diagnostic recovery. "Doctors Manitoba has been approached and weve been asked to suggest physician names to join an advisory group," Thompson said. "We have submitted our suggestions, but to our knowledge the advisory group has not yet met and no task force has been put in place for the group to report to." This progress report from Doctors Manitoba was released two days after the NDP Manitoba publicly questioned the Progressive Conservative governments commitment to combat surgical wait times. While the PCs announced back in March that their government would allocate at least $50 million to reduce long wait times for surgery, a freedom of information and protection of privacy (FIPPA) request filed by the NDP revealed that only $2,460,669 of those funds had been spent as of Aug. 31. "Were halfway through the [fiscal] year and theyve spent less than five per cent of what they announced," NDP leader Wab Kinew told the Brandon Sun in a phone interview on Tuesday. "When you get past whatever press conferences and press releases the government put out, were not getting anywhere near close [to] the amount of action needed to help people waiting for surgeries." To add fuel to that fire, Thursdays report from Doctors Manitoba also mentioned the underlying cause of this current surgical backlog cant be solely attributed to the pandemic. Instead, this prolonged disruption is also due to a shortage of nurses and limited ICU capacity, which were all present in Manitobas health care system before COVID-19 cases began to emerge. "Additional capacity will be needed to address the backlog and unfortunately our two major tertiary care centres, Health Sciences and St. Boniface, are still struggling to get back to even their normal surgical capacity," Thompson said. Anyone interested in reading Doctors Manitobas latest report in full should visit doctorsmanitoba.ca/news-events/news. kdarbyson@brandonsun.com Twitter:@KyleDarbyson MONTREAL - Quebec's decision to delay its vaccine mandate deadline for health-care workers is a sign of the tough choices other provinces will face as they attempt to implement similar policies, experts and advocates say. Advertisement Advertise With Us People wear face masks as they walk by a COVID-19 vaccination sign in Montreal, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Canada and around the world. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes MONTREAL - Quebec's decision to delay its vaccine mandate deadline for health-care workers is a sign of the tough choices other provinces will face as they attempt to implement similar policies, experts and advocates say. On Wednesday, Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube postponed by a month a requirement for health-care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, saying it would have been "irresponsible" to suspend thousands of unvaccinated workers at a time when the health-care system is already fragile. Premiers and health ministers across Canada will face similar dilemmas, says John Church, a professor at the University of Alberta who studies health policy. "I think that every health-care system in Canada is in a similar situation to what Quebec is in, because of the system actually operating far above its normal capacity at this point in time," he said in an interview Thursday. In Alberta, employees of the province's single health authority must be fully immunized against COVID-19 by the end of the month. Like in Quebec, where only four per cent of health-care workers are not fully vaccinated, even a small reduction in the number of health-care workers in Alberta would have a big impact, Church said. "Under normal circumstances, the system would be able to adjust to that, but we are in extraordinary circumstances," he said, adding that military nurses have been deployed in the western province, where intensive care units are at nearly double their normal capacity. "Every single health-care worker, under these circumstances, matters." Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and British Columbia have also announced vaccine mandates for health-care workers, some of which have already come into effect. In Ontario, individual health authorities and hospitals have implemented similar requirements. Dr. Katharine Smart, president of the Canadian Medical Association, said the difficult situation Quebec found itself in is the result of larger systemic problems that predate the pandemic. "What's happened in Quebec is really highlighting the legacy of underfunding and under-planning in the system that has left them with no wiggle room," she said in an interview Thursday. Canada faced a shortage of nurses and other health-care professionals before the pandemic, she said, which has only grown worse. Still, Smart said she hopes governments in other provinces that have said they will introduce vaccine mandates will not delay, adding that she sees vaccination as the path out of the pandemic. "We strongly support them keeping the mandate," she said. "We've been calling for mandatory vaccines for health-care workers now since August. We feel that it's our moral and ethical responsibilities as health-care professionals to be vaccinated." Kim Lavoie, chair of behavioural medicine at Universite du Quebec a Montreal, says provinces shouldn't set deadlines they can't meet. "Going back on what you said was going to be the consequence really undermines credibility, and it creates frustration for those who are following the rules," she said in an interview Thursday. Vaccine mandates and educational campaigns may encourage some hesitant people, Lavoie said. But there are others, such as people who are anti-vaccine or who believe in conspiracy theories, who can't be convinced, she added. "There are going to be a number of people that will choose personal choice over their job and that might lead to service disruption in many provinces, at least for a period of time," she said, adding that the disruptions will impact the public. "It's not the government itself that's going to suffer, it's all of us." Even though the vaccine mandate was pushed back, Lavoie said it has had some success: the number of unvaccinated health-care workers in Quebec has dropped by half since the mandate was announced in late August. Meanwhile, Quebec reported 644 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday and two more deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus. COVID-19-related hospitalizations remained unchanged from the day before, at 298, and 76 people were in intensive care, a rise of one. Quebec's public health institute said 90 per cent of residents 12 and up have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 86.8 per cent are considered adequately vaccinated. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2021. This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship. They have legitimate reasons for not wanting to take the vaccination. Many had COVID. They believe their natural immunities are stronger than the vaccinations. To not have any other options but vaccinate, get tested, or get out, thats irresponsible when it comes to our patients. I dont want patients to suffer so weve got to come up with other solutions. "They have legitimate reasons for not wanting to take the vaccination. Many had COVID. They believe their natural immunities are stronger than the vaccinations. To not have any other options but vaccinate, get tested, or get out, thats irresponsible when it comes to our patients. I dont want patients to suffer so weve got to come up with other solutions." Shelly Glover, Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba leadership candidate About a month ago, Manitobas chief provincial public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, announced that changes to quarantine regulations regarding COVID-19 were coming; changes that would allow an exemption to self-isolation for close contacts if they are fully vaccinated, are asymptomatic and participating in a regular rapid-testing program, or who had a diagnosed case of COVID-19 in the past six months. According to a news report back in September, public health had begun exempting individuals identified as contacts from self-isolating if they had been infected in the past three months from the time of the most recent exposure. At the time, Dr. Roussin said the province would be making the change shortly. "Were confident now that immunity from natural infection will provide that protection for up to six months, so were extending that period," Dr. Roussin was quoted as saying in the Sept. 14 Discover Westman report. Dr. Roussin did not go into detail about why he was so confident, but its noteworthy that in that same week, the results of a Michigan Medicine study, published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum, suggested that "people who have mild COVID-19 illnesses and produce antibodies are protected from reinfection for up to [six] months" afterward. The study, which included 653 participants, also suggested that the antibodies people produce in this situation are stable for those six months as well. But as the New York Times noted in a report on Oct. 12, similar studies have drawn contradictory conclusions, and all of them suffer from the same flaw they are assessing repsonses of only those who have survived COVID-19. Snapshots of the Manitoba governments website back in early September show the province had not mentioned anything in the listed isolation exemptions for close contacts of COVID-19-infected individuals regarding those who had been previously infected. However, screenshots of the same government page from Oct. 5 do include the exemption for those previously infected within the last six months. Interestingly, the province seems to have very quietly noted the change only this week, having buried it in a wall of text in the Oct. 12 COVID-19 bulletin. Why is this all important? To be fair, the province isnt suggesting that those who have had COVID-19 should not also get vaccinated, but it does seem to be equating the strength of double vaccinations with that of the protection given to individuals who have already been infected with the virus at least for the six-month period after infection. Unfortunately, this is the kind of messaging that members of the anti-vax crowd will likely latch onto in arguing that they dont need to get vaccinated, particularly those in the Southern Health region who mistrust governments and pharmaceutical companies, and who are more likely to put their faith in God (and natural immunity). Lead author of the Michigan Medicine study, Dr. Charles Schuler, warned against citing the study as a reason not to be vaccinated "for those never previously infected." "Achieving natural immunity by deferring vaccination in favour of infection is not worth going through the discomfort, risk to yourself and risk to others," he said. But its conceivable that someone might use this information as an excuse to get infected as a means to avoid being vaccinated like those who foolishly attended a COVID-19 party in Edson, Alta., earlier this year. At the same time, any hint of deference to so-called natural immunity by the province serves to undermine the provinces vaccination mandates for health professionals, teachers and government staff orders that have come under fire by those who are vaccine-hesitant, followers of the Peoples Party of Canada, and by Shelly Glover, who seeks to become leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba and this provinces first woman premier. At the very least, this chips away at the integrity of those orders, particularly for those who refuse vaccinations because theyve "already had COVID." And yet, other provinces such as Saskatchewan and Ontario dont seem to have similar isolation exemptions. Nor have Health Canada, the Centers for Disease Control in the United States or the World Health Organization suggested this data is strong or valid enough to base COVID-19 policy upon. We suggest Dr. Roussin should clarify the provinces position on natural immunity, particularly as Manitoba continues its vaccination outreach programs. At best, such loose language sows confusion. At worst, it puts Manitobans in unnecessary danger. Table Rock Quilts of Honor will be presenting veterans with special quilts at several different area locations in the next few weeks. Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts and Pats is the place to do it. BIG DEAL New miniseries, Tuesday, 8.30pm, ABC Christiaan Van Vuuren of Bondi Hipsters fame is not a political animal. Before embarking on Big Deal, a two-part analysis of Australias political donations system directed by Craig Reucassel, he wore his ignorance as a badge of honour. Christiaan Van Vuuren in Big Deal: woke up to the power of politics. Credit: His rude awakening to the monetary machinations of the halls of power and their effects on our democracy, captured during revealing interviews with politicians, lobbyists and journalists, should rouse the similarly complacent. I thought my cynicism and my disengagement from politics was empowering that it was a choice that allowed me to feel better about myself, says the comedian. I learnt that it was the opposite that in fact by disengaging with the system, youre only empowering the people who benefit from it. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size It was the NASA scientist James Hansen who introduced the wider world to the threat of climate change. His testimony before a US Senate committee in 1988 shook Washington and became a driving force of the global movement to address the threat. That same year, the United Nations formed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It was to provide the world with detailed assessments of the science of climate change, to chart the risks and lay out possible responses. Its assessments of global warming were to become the largest scientific peer review process in history. Based on the IPCCs advice, the world negotiated the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was launched in Rio in 1992. Today, the UNFCCC has 195 national signatories, whose representatives normally gather annually at what is now known as the COP, or Conference of the Parties. COP1 was held in Berlin in 1995. This year COP26 will be held in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12, the event delayed for a year due to the pandemic. The meetings are usually attended by around 10,000 diplomats and negotiators, scientists, activists and people from civil society groups. The particularly significant COPs such as those held in 1997, 2009, 2015 and this year those at which key commitments are to be renegotiated generally attract world leaders as well. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced he will be going to Glasgow. James Hansen in 2018, 30 years after his historic warning on global warming. Credit:AP This years meeting will resemble something like a UN General Assembly crossed with the Davos meeting of the World Economic Forum. The COP has not yet said which leaders have confirmed their attendance, but organisers expect more than 100 will be there, along with members of the British royal family, corporate heavyweights and celebrities. To many observers, COP26 is the most crucial yet because it will test whether the framework for co-operative emissions reductions agreed to in Paris can, in fact, curb climate change. According to the IPCC, the world has warmed more than 1 degree over pre-industrial levels. Under the Paris Agreement, the parties to the COP undertook to hold warming to under 2 degrees. The same assessment says that to limit warming to 2 degrees we must achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and around 50 per cent by 2030. Thirty years on from Hansens famous testimony in Washington, The New Yorker magazine asked him if he had a message for the next generation. His response was blunt. The simple thing is, Im sorry were leaving such a f---ing mess. Advertisement So, how did we get here? And what needs to be achieved at Glasgow? How did we get here? The first major climate treaty was thrashed out at the second Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 the meeting at which the Conference of the Parties was also created. The central aim of the UNFCCC was to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system. While this aim has not been realised so far, the COPs were the forums to try to make it happen. The first agreement made under the auspices of the UNFCCC was the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, in which 36 developed nations agreed to reduce greenhouse gases during a set period (2008 to 2012) by 5 per cent compared to 1990 levels. Acknowledging that developed nations had already benefited from the process of industrialisation, it allowed for poorer nations to continue to build their carbon-intensive economies. As a result, while signatories to Kyoto managed to reduce their emissions in keeping with the agreement, global greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise, jumping by 32 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to a 2019 IPCC report. A new approach was needed. Advertisement Have other COPs succeeded? By the most crucial measure the rate at which the world is warming the process has not yet worked, but it has seen the world agree on the scale of the problem and a course of action. Some meetings, such as the gathering in Copenhagen in 2009, have been standout failures. There, divisions between developed and developing nations became even more entrenched, with the former declining to set concrete reduction levels by 2020 and the latter insisting on their right to carbon-intensive growth. In the dying hours of two weeks of negotiations, the US delegation couldnt even find key players from the major developing nations bloc, let alone negotiate with them. At the last moment US president Barack Obama, still as much a global superstar as politician after his election victory the year before, flew in, hoping to force a useful outcome. In her memoir, then secretary of state Hillary Clinton recounts discovering that China was hosting a secret meeting attended by leaders of high-emitting emerging economies including India, Brazil and South Africa. She and Obama decided to crash it. She recounts racing down long corridors with Obama, their staff in tow, before ducking into the meeting room as White House press secretary Robert Gibbs tangled himself up with Chinese security guards at the door. Those inside were stunned. Despite her breezy description of diplomatic derring-do, all that came of the Copenhagen COP was a political statement affirming the need to keep warming to 2 degrees, with no attendant commitments as to how that might be done. Advertisement After Copenhagen, crucial years were lost as emissions continued to rise. COP meetings rolled on and something like a consensus formed that the replacement for the expiring Kyoto Protocol would be negotiated in Paris in 2015. Then French president Francois Hollande, centre, shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as then US president Barack Obama looks on at COP21 in Paris in 2015. Credit:AP What was agreed in Paris (and whats the ratchet effect)? Two principles were made central to the talks in Paris, both designed to help overcome the critical gulf between richer and poorer nations: all nations would commit to voluntary emissions cuts, but wealthier countries would help pay for the developing world to meet their targets and adapt to a warmer world. Developed nations agreed to make their emissions peak as soon as possible, and then decline to net zero by 2050. To achieve the goal, all nations would set ambitious reductions targets that would be updated and increased over time. This is often described as the agreements ratchet effect. The president of this years COP, British cabinet minister Alok Sharma, has noted that the Paris summit put the world on track for a rise of global temperatures of just under 4 degrees. Commitments made since, should they be met, have put us on course to 2.4 degrees. President of COP26, Alok Sharma, during a press conference at UNESCO headquarters in Paris in October. Credit:AP Advertisement This level of warming would be catastrophic, and to critics it is evidence of a failure of the process. But the decline is the point. Loose language in the Paris agreement has also prompted criticism. The financial commitment of the developed nations was absolutely crucial to any agreement being secured at all. But the language of the Paris accord was deliberately muddy. Under the agreement, rich nations would create a Green Climate Fund to mobilise $100 billion for mitigation and adaptation projects by poorer ones. But what did mobilise mean? And which countries would be donors and which recipients? In order to secure agreement, negotiators were not clear on these points. Mobilise, one of Australias former top climate diplomats Howard Bamsey has said, is one of those UN verbs, so you have to parse it very carefully. Even the goalposts set by the IPCC shifted in Paris. Tony deBrum, a former president of the Marshall Islands (halfway between Australia and Hawaii), believed that while a 2-degree goal might be tolerable in some parts of the world, it would lead to the complete destruction of many small island nations. He quietly set about forming a bloc of nations that eventually became known as the High Ambition Coalition, which appeared as if out of nowhere moments before the talks final session. Advertisement They allege: After further inquiries it was established that the organisation takes photos of children from the streets, when fetching water in [the] river and upload[s] these images in their website with no regard for safeguarding their identity. It is the assumption of this office that these images are being used by the said organisation to mobilise resources, the correspondence sent on July 29 to the embassy reports. Project Rescue Childrens Adam Whittington posted a video on Facebook responding to allegations against the charity Credit:Facebook Documents obtained by The Age allege a Project Rescue Children (PRC) co-ordinator based in Kisumu provided images of a nine-year-old girl and her sister, which were later posted on the PRC website. PRC claimed that the child had been recovered from child marriage, which was a lie, since she is only nine-years-old and in grade two, according to official documents. The investigation also cast doubt over the role PRC initially claimed to play in the rescue of 96 children in August 2020. A Facebook post on September 1, 2020, by Project Rescue Children said the charity was unable to discuss or show the rescue of 96 trafficked girls for legal reasons, but thanked Kenyan and Ugandan authorities for their involvement in the mission. The charity claimed it was unable to divulge too much information online as we are in the middle of more sensitive operations. However, that post was edited last week, on October 6 the same day that PRC was contacted for comment by The Age. To confirm PRC did not rescue these 96 girls. There seems to be a witch-hunt by certain individuals determined to undermine PRCs good work. This rescue was carried out involving our amazing partners CHTEA (Counter Human Trafficking Trust East Africa). Our post was to convey their story and the great work they do, the revised Facebook post stated. Mr Whittington, who lives in Sweden but also spends time in Russia, did not respond to questions from The Age. However, he made a series of posts and released a video on PRCs social media accounts, alleging the charity was the victim of endemic corruption in Kenya. In places like Kenya, you can pay police officers anything to get anything you want, Mr Whittington said on the 28-minute video posted to Facebook. Part of the post on the Facebook page of childrens charity Project Rescue Children in September last year. Credit:Facebook Mr Whittington alleged on Twitter that the investigation into Project Rescue Children was instigated by a police officer involved in a sexual relationship with a senior figure at a rival charity in Kenya, but provided no evidence to substantiate that claim. He also defended his charitys financial disclosure records to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC), which revealed it received just $2731 in the financial year ending June 2020, but is yet to declare any donations from up to a dozen GoFundMe accounts it set up. Project Rescue Children has been the subject of several formal complaints to the ACNC since 2017, including concerns about the charitys claim it is run on a 100 per cent volunteer basis. In court documents recently presented to a Swedish court, Mr Whittington declared he earned an annual income of 60,000 krona ($9500) which was derived from a foreign-registered charity. The Attunda District Court, north of Stockholm, in March this year convicted Mr Whittington of assaulting two teenage boys, but acquitted him of threatening a childcare centre employee. In the video posted on the Project Rescue Children Facebook page on October 9, Mr Whittington insisted he had not received any money from the charity, but claimed to live off the proceeds of his company Child Abduction Recovery International. Whittingtons child recovery business claims on its website to specialise in the safe recovery of abducted children around the globe. In April 2016, a 60 Minutes crew, including senior journalist Tara Brown, was arrested in Beirut following a botched kidnap recovery operation aimed at reuniting two children with their mother, Sally Faulkner. The operation was orchestrated by Whittington on behalf of the TV program. The four-person 60 Minutes team was released after spending two weeks in prison following negotiations by Nine, the owner of this masthead, that allowed the crew to return to Australia without facing charges. Australias charity regulator did not answer several questions from The Age regarding the allegations made by Kenyan police against Project Rescue Children. Due to secrecy provisions in the ACNC Act, we are unable to confirm or comment on ACNC compliance activity unless it is already in the public domain, or if we take certain action against a charity, an Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission spokeswoman said. A large international study has found key structural differences in the brain are shared among thousands of people who have attempted suicide, giving a vital clue into a potential biological basis for the behaviour. The group of 60 scientists, led by researchers from QIMR Berghofer in Brisbane, examined a huge data set of almost 19,000 people, including 694 people who had attempted suicide. The major global study found three key regions of the brain were structurally different in people who had attempted suicide. Credit:Michele Mossop The data also included 6448 people who were diagnosed with depression but had not attempted suicide, and 12,477 without depression as a control group. Senior researcher Miguel Renteria said they found differences in the structures of three key areas of the brain in people who had attempted suicide which were not found in those who had not, even if they also had clinical depression. Loading Byrne and others paid the membership fees of people (stackees are mostly from ethnic communities) who were just numbers for Somyurek and the faction, doing what they were told (or being chased up if they didnt). Byrne admitted he even agreed to employ a couple of staff who just undertook factional work, and indeed didnt turn up in the office at all (despite being paid by the taxpayer). There are deeply disturbing consequences of having a party stacked with what are, in essence, phoney members who hand over their party ballot papers to factional chiefs or blindly mark them as ordered. Its a means by which corrupt factional chiefs can control who gets elected to the partys conferences and committees, and who gets preselection. The factional heavies can also potentially exercise malevolent power over MPs. Federal Labor MP Anthony Byrne in parliament in 2018. Credit:Alex Eddinghausen Byrne was aware of what was good, or potentially bad, for his political career. He went along with the staff arrangement because to do otherwise would not have been healthy for my long-term future, he said. More broadly, the branch-stacking issue goes indirectly to how Labor chooses leaders. The ALP rank and file have a 50 per cent say in the election of the federal leader. But given that relatively few people (and many of them zealots) want to join political parties and the perennial difficulty of preventing branch stacking, the wisdom of according party members this degree of power in the name of democracy may be questionable. Factions have become endemic in modern parties. Their presence is not all bad. Indeed, they can sometimes be useful for getting positive things done (as they were during the Hawke government). But they have become too stifling, even when their wranglers are perfectly respectable. They narrow the gene pool of parliamentary candidates, leading to former political staffers and the like being over-represented in parliament, and the tight control they exercise puts off many people whod make good MPs. When faction chiefs are corrupt, with their power built on corrupt practices and the ability to press MPs, by implied threats, into participating in such activities as branch stacking, the parliamentary system is debased. The position of Byrne, who has been in federal parliament since 1999, is complicated, given hes admitted to misbehaviour but also called it out publicly. Byrne has never been a high-flyer but has won respect, including from the Liberals, for his measured role on the parliamentary committee on intelligence and security. On Thursday he resigned from that committee, of which he was deputy chair. Within the factional play in Victorian Labor, he was hand-in-glove with Somyurek for many years even if, as he indicated, he felt uncomfortable and somewhat compromised until they fell out in recent times and he turned whistleblower. Footage shot in his office led to the expose by Nine. After Byrnes IBAC evidence this week Commissioner Robert Redlich commended him for the assistance hed given the commission. IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich commended Byrne for giving evidence against your interests. Byrne had, Redlich said, provided a great deal of evidence against your interests. You have acknowledged wrongdoing, you have acknowledged breaches of a range of party rules. As whistleblower, it might be argued Byrne should not pay a penalty. But allowing that latitude would send the wrong message to the Labor Party, MPs and the public. The correct message is that a member of parliament, and anyone who aspires to parliament, should stand up to corrupt pressures from the get-go. Albanese is campaigning relentlessly against the government on a range of integrity issues. Hes attacked Liberal branch stacking. For him not to act decisively against Byrne smacks of double standards and a failure of leadership. Loading He has played for time in the Byrne affair, although he has shortened the time frame. Initially, he said he wouldnt pre-empt the IBAC processes. On Thursday he said well wait while the hearings are going on. Albanese has also pointed to what he did when the Somyurek scandal broke into public view. After the initial revelations, he (and Premier Daniel Andrews) secured federal intervention in the Victorian ALP. Administrators are still in place and federal candidates including Byrne have been endorsed under this arrangement. But Albaneses arguments dont cut it as a defence for his reluctance to act immediately on Byrne. Its no good him saying he has moved against corruption in Victoria if the subsequent, presumably clean, process has re-endorsed an MP with Byrnes self-admitted record of misbehaviour. Its also unacceptable and politically counterproductive for Albanese to delay his judgment on Byrne. The MPs confessions were cut and dried. After this weeks evidence Albanese should have had Byrnes endorsement for the 2022 election withdrawn. Indeed, he should have gone further and insisted he go to the crossbench. The signals suggest Byrne will at some stage declare he wont run for another term. He said in evidence hed previously thought of retiring last time round but was prevailed on to stay. If Byrne announces his retirement, or Albanese finally takes some stand, it will be too late for the Labor leader to claim moral authority. Time will have watered down the message. Michelle Grattan is professorial fellow at the University of Canberra. This article was first published on The Conversation. Mining giant BHP is accelerating its push into critical minerals projects in regional Australia to drive the shift to a clean economy as the Nationals seek guarantees from their Liberal colleagues that the bush will prosper under more ambitious climate targets. BHP chairman Ken MacKenzie told the mining giants annual shareholder meeting in London on Thursday night the Big Australian was investing billions in so-called future-facing commodities such as copper and nickel needed for the global transition to net-zero emissions. BHP chairman Ken MacKenzie told the mining giants annual shareholder meeting in London on Thursday night the Big Australian was investing billions in so-called future-facing commodities. Credit:Peter Braig Production of these minerals, used for electric batteries, power lines and cars, involves major investments in several projects across regional Australia. The Nationals will meet on Sunday to decide whether to back a commitment for Australia to reach net zero emissions by 2050. They argue emissions reduction policy cannot damage regional economies or jobs in fossil fuel export industries that are mostly located in their electorates. Defence Minister Peter Dutton has backed a climate target of net zero emissions by 2050 in a sign of majority cabinet support for the goal as the federal government waits on the Nationals to decide their stance this Sunday. Mr Dutton said he wanted to see more electric vehicles and more renewable energy to help Australia cuts its emissions in a way that did not damage industry, but he also said the Nationals should be given time to discuss whether they could accept the goal. Peter Dutton, the Liberal Partys most senior Queensland cabinet minister, said he backs a target of net zero emissions by 2050. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen From my perspective, I want net zero by 2050, but I want to do it particularly from a state perspective like mine where we can have certainty for those communities, Mr Dutton, the Liberal Partys most senior Queensland cabinet minister, told the Nine Network on Friday morning. The comments came as Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce sent another warning about his concern in a Facebook post that said the party was exceptionally cautious but did not say whether it could accept the net zero target or not. Cox was also attending a surgery when she was shot and stabbed to death. Late last year, Amess wrote that most MPs had modified or changed the way they interacted with the general public after Coxs death and that it had spoilt the British tradition. The British tradition has always been that Members of Parliament regularly make themselves available for constituents to meet them face-to-face at their surgeries, he wrote in December 2020. Now advice has been given to be more careful when accepting appointments. A woman speaks to police before laying flowers at the scene of the attack. Credit: PA MPs now believe that greater police protection may be required in light of the pairs deaths. Loading Home Secretary Priti Patel ordered police forces to review security arrangements for MPs with immediate effect, her spokesman said. Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said that MPs were targets and said police may need to start screening voters attending Friday meetings. I think the police will need to put someone outside surgeries now to make sure that people arent armed but apart from that I dont see what else you could do, he said. We are targets if were really honest about it because were very easy to find. Its much more difficult to get to ministers because they have cars but the one area you always know where well be is the surgery, so if you advertise the surgery people know where to find us. He said he hoped MPs would not be scared from doing their jobs, but said that the murder of his friend and colleague had made him think twice about being attacked by protesters while walking to the Conservative Party conference earlier this month in Manchester. He was hit in the back of a head with a traffic cone. Police arrested three men and two women. Today reminded me that it could quite easily have been something else he slammed into my back, he said. I dont scare easily, and I dont think like that, but it does make you think about what do you do about it. In the light of this, I think I should have backtracked and gone and got the police. Angus MacNeil, a member of the Commons for the Scottish National Party, said that while MPs wouldnt want police protection while going about their jobs, it may be required. Iain Duncan Smith. Credit:AP I think surgeries are obvious points of vulnerability, MacNeil said. This is the fourth MP attacked with a knife in my 16 years and the second murdered. Certainly, it may be that many MPs may need police close by at surgeries, but many wont want that obviously, he said. Douglas Alexander, a former Scottish Labour MP, blamed a lethal culture of contempt towards politicians. David, like Jo, was just doing his job, like hed done on countless Fridays, Alexander said in a tweet. A job which really matters and is about serving local people. With festive fervour fueling demand for consumer items, the new-age logistics expect multi-fold growth in shipments and are fully geared to meet the challenge with measures such as capacity expansion and additional hiring, according to industry executives. With aggressive demands during festive seasons over the last few years, COVID-19 has further accelerated e-commerce adoption in all segments, be it business-to-consumer (B2C), direct-to-consumer (D2C) or business-to-business (B2B), according to end-to-end logistics provider Xpressbees. Xpressbees Chief Business Officer for B2C Harsha Bhoi said the overall volume in the festive season goes to two-three times for the overall e-commerce markets. "This year, we are expecting even more higher peaks considering the economy getting (back) on track. Moreover, increased adoption in tier 2 and 3 cities as well as in remote cities and COVID-19 further accelerate the overall adoption for e-commerce deliveries," he added. Bhoi added that the company expects a peak of up to 1.5 million shipments for Xpressbees on peak days during the festive rush. Another logistics start-up Pickkr, which plans to hire 200 employees across multiple verticals during the festive season, including data science, operations and customer service, also anticipate a three-fold rise in demand during the period. "As the pandemic takes a back seat, the pent-up demand from consumers will add to the festive rush, which will translate into high order volumes for us. "At Pickrr, we have already started gearing up to help e-commerce sellers (especially small & medium enterprises and D2C brands) manage the increase in their sales and orders in the next 2-3 months," said Rhitiman Majumdar, co-founder of Pickkr. He expects D2C to witness a spike during this festive season. Last year, Diwali was subdued to the pandemic, he said, adding that "this year, we have already started witnessing huge upswings in order volume". He said the company expects its monthly order volume to be upwards of three million for the last quarter of 2021. "We use advanced technology and algorithms to bring efficiency in logistics operations and reduce return-to-origin (RTO) by 2-3 per cent, which has a significant positive impact on the bottomlines (profit)," he added. The start-up's intelligent warehousing solution Pickrr Plus allows sellers to leverage its network of fulfilment centers to deliver their customers' orders pan-India quickly. Its artificial intelligence-driven load analysis system utilises previous sales data to predict the inventory stock levels required at each warehouse accurately, he said. This effectively prevents inventory understocking/ overstocking during peak sales, Majumdar said. He added that besides Pickrr Plus, its courier recommendation engine helps brands fast-track their shipping by automatically optimising for the quickest delivery at the most cost-effective price. Shiprocket co-founder and CEO Saahil Goel said, "We are predicting a 70 per cent increase in orders and are all set to support our sellers to deliver a seamless customer experience. We have strengthened our workforce by 30 per cent to be ready for the festive season." Sellers can opt for their fulfilment services to manage these spikes to ensure one-day and two-day deliveries, he said. Shipsy founder and CEO Soham Chokshi said, "A smart logistics management platform can empower such businesses to optimise resource (driver and vehicle) utilisation and quickly scale deliveries by onboarding part-time and freelance delivery executives intelligently." He said about two million shipments are delivered per day using Shipsy's platform. "Given the festive season, the number is only expected to increase."He added that there is a rise in online ordering since the pandemic struck. "So, we are expecting close to 30 per cent increase in shipments as compared to last year with segments such as retail, e-commerce and QSR (quick service restaurant), hyperlocal/ grocery/ on-demand, CEP (courier, express and parcel), performing well during this time," he said. He added that the company is expecting a surge in grocery and food deliveries. "We can also see more customers ordering high-value and big-box items," Chokshi added. Expressbees' Bhoi said that during the festive season, the peak on certain days goes as high as three times of average shipments at a base of million shipments, he said. He said the company gradually ramps up the hiring, 1-2 weeks in advance based upon sales events so that staff are trained well before the peak days. "There is weekly hiring planning which is monitored closely to make adjustments based upon market conditions." Xpressbees expects apparels, ashiofn, mobile, electronics devices to experience unprecedented surge in demand (during this festive season), he added. Kapil Makhija, chief executive officer of Unicommerce, said this year is even more special with life returning back to normal after the severe impact of COVID-19. In spite of the pandemic, last year's festive season reported a 50-70 per cent increase in order volume across multiple segments, said Makhija. Unicommerce is an e-commerce-focussed SaaS (software-as-a-service) platform. "We expect a similar trend this year. During the festive season of 2020, the top three categories were beauty and personal care, fashion and accessories, and electronic and home appliances and they are expected to continue to drive e-commerce growth even this year," he said. In the last one year, a lot of have adopted omnichannel solutions to streamline their operation and offer a seamless shopping experience to consumers, Makjija said. He adding, "We expect to witness a steep rise in the increasing number of orders being fulfilled from brand offline stores, which will help in ensuring faster delivery and clearing in-store inventory. (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.) Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor The culture of (WFH) has gained acceptance in the and has a positive impact on society by including more new mothers and the differently-abled in the workforce, according to John M Thomas, the CEO of IT parks in He said the would operate in a hybrid fashion and not shrink the workforce. "The WFH has gained more acceptance and it is here to stay. This trend will have a net positive impact on the IT industry and society, including workforce expansion to include segments like new mothers, differently-abled etc., reduced traffic congestion in cities and a decentralised IT workforce that is not just clustered around major cities," Thomas said in a press release on Friday. The industry is making a comeback and employees are gradually returning to their offices after spending more than 18 months on the model. With the easing of Covid-19 regulations, exemption of restrictions and complete vaccination of employees, firms across the State are planning to resume work from office by the beginning of next year, said the release. It said majority of the IT would prefer a hybrid working model with a mix of employees working from home and office simultaneously. The parks have maintained their efficiency quotient high even in the Covid times by adding many to their catalogue. InfoPark has welcomed more than 75 new businesses, the release said. Techtaliya, Hexawhale, Invenics Software Services-India, Airpay, Cavalier, Mitsogo and Orthofx are some of the companies which have begun operations in various IT parks of the State. Along with these fully operational companies, several others such as Experion, Zellis HR-India and Inspired Software Development have expanded their workspace in the parks. The Infopark-Kochi has launched app-based bike services on campus to have healthy travel around the park's extensive walkways. Officials said the functioning of the parks would be based on the Covid regulations. IT parks expect the return of the employees would help revive the local economy with the increase in demand for rented housing facilities and daily wage labourers. (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.) : Congress MP on Friday said he was hoping for the best after the took over the operation and management of the Thiruvananthapuram international Airport. The Thiruvananthapuram MP said people would extend support if the group works keeping in mind the development of the capital city of Kerala and its surroundings. Noting that developments cannot be implemented through strikes, he said for the progress of Thiruvananthapuram, a neat and tidy airport with equipment of the highest standard is required besides increasing the number of flights and airlines operating from there. "I go forward hoping for the best,'' Tharoor, known for his views supporting privatisation of airports, told reporters here. A day after the Group announced taking over the management of the international airport, the Congress leader said the private player would get the support of the people if it rises up to their expectations. While the ruling LDF and the opposition Congress-led UDF opposed the handing over of the airport to the Adani group, Tharoor stuck to his stand that privatisation would help development of the city and its surrounding areas. Unfazed by criticism over his stand, he had said privatisation would help tap potential and attract investors. The Congress MP has been drawing flak not only from the Left parties but even from his own party for his stand. Actor-turned politician and Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi too welcomed the privatisation of the airport. "It is a positive move", Gopi said. Denying the allegations of the airport having been sold to the Group, he said only the administration of the airport was handed over to it. When the airport-users are satisfied with the service provided there, such criticisms would end, Gopi told reporters. Last year, the State Assembly unanimously passed a resolution protesting the privatisation of the airport with the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticising its takeover by the Vijayan said such a takeover was not for development but to protect the interest of monopolies. The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the first of the four airports in the State to be established. It was set up in 1932, was owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Towns situated close to canals in India witnessed faster but not industrialisation, according to a paper by researchers at the Development Data Lab, a non-profit research organisation. Construction of canals led to an increase in population in the areas they serviced, due to a combination of migration and natural growth. However, there was no increase in the non-farm jobs in these new towns, even more than 100 years after canal construction, the paper--which studied data for the period 1901 to 2011--found. The availability of water allowed farmers in these canal-irrigated towns to grow more crops, even in the winter. Landowners benefitted the most, reporting higher consumption and more years of schooling than their landless neighbours and the residents of nearby towns not supplied by canals, the paper said. Cities have historically grown along rivers, and their growth has almost always been accompanied by industrialisation, with workers moving from agriculture to manufacturing. However, this has not been the case in India, according to Reetika Khera, a development economist at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, as we explain later. Canals extend the area that benefits from a river through an artificial network of streams. More than 24% of India's irrigated land is serviced by canals, which are the second-largest source of irrigation in the country after groundwater, as per statistics from the statistics and programme implementation ministry. Agriculture remains biggest employer in canal towns The occupation profile of the new towns did not change after the construction of the canals, the study found. Based on the Industrial Classification Code, the researchers determined that canals did not lead to an increase in the availability of non-farm jobs in the towns they irrigated, not even in related industries such as agro-processing. In many other parts of the world, has been accompanied by industrialisation, with the residents of new towns moving from working on farms to skilled jobs in factories and offices, in a process called structural transformation. "The historically observed pattern is a move from agriculture to manufacturing and then to services. Manufacturing was typically an urban activity, so both grew together. India, however, has been an aberration, and the secondary sector was bypassed in favour of services," explained Khera. Services like banking and insurance typically employ skilled labour and are highly productive, which is a possible explanation for the low requirement of labour in these industries. Agriculture was the biggest employer in rural India in 2019-20, with 61.5% of the workforce engaged in agriculture according to government data. A 2017 paper by Ramesh Chand, a member of the NITI Aayog, found that industrial output was increasing in rural areas but not employment. "Growth of industry in rural India is generating few jobs. PLFS [Periodic Labour Force Survey] data indicate a shift in work force from farm to non-farm sectors in the country," Chand explained in an email to IndiaSpend. "To the extent that the manufacturing sector has grown, it has been very capital intensive, with relatively low job creation potential," Khera said. Increased contractualisation and preference for capital over labour has resulted in shrinking of employment in manufacturing, as IndiaSpend reported in April 2021. "Infrastructure investments in villages may improve well-being and may motivate in- and out-migration, but are unlikely to cause substantial changes in manufacturing opportunities in those villages," the researchers explain in the paper. Yields up, more rice and sugarcane farming Winter yields were 7.4% higher in the towns situated below the canals than those situated above them, found the study. The towns also had 17% more area under irrigation than their counterparts above the canals, leading to more area being cultivated in these towns. (Elevation determines the flow of surface water bodies to places situated below them due to gravity.) Yields were measured using a satellite imagery-based measure of vegetation. Using census data, the researchers found that the canal-fed towns were more likely to grow water-intensive crops such as cotton, sugarcane and paddy. More households in below-canal towns owned farm equipment, implying that there were higher returns to complementary investments in agriculture. However, the benefits were limited to the winter months. "Canals improve water access to a second cropping season but generate no significant differences during the summer (kharif) growing season, when monsoon rains provide sufficient water," the paper noted. Migration to towns and villages increased after canal construction occurred faster in towns after canals were built there, according to the paper. Using census data on population growth for 30 years before and after a canal's construction there, the researchers found that towns grew more quickly in the 30 years following canal construction than in the years before. Towns situated below canals had 13.1% more people per square kilometer than those situated above. However, there was no significant difference in the share of workers employed across the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors between the above- and below-canal towns. "The main effect of canals is to draw in additional labour to treated locations, with little effect on the magnitude of the non-farm sector," the paper explained. This is consistent with the nature of structural transformation around the world that involved moving people from farms to cities, it added. Irrigation projects benefitted landowners Although migration allowed more people to experience productivity gains in towns, the researchers found that lifestyle differences between the landowners and the landless persisted decades after canal construction. In addition, there was a decline in the share of landowners in the above-canal towns with the average land size being smaller in these towns, implying that the proportion of landless households increased in these areas. With higher productivity gains in these towns, landowners enjoyed a higher standard of living compared to the landless. Landowners in canal-fed towns had 1.9% higher consumption compared to the landless households. They also had the highest education gains among the residents of a town. The higher incomes of landowners, along with the growth of towns nearby, caused villages to demand more non-agricultural goods, including schooling, in the canal-fed towns and villages. The share of the adult population that had completed primary, middle school and secondary education in below-canal towns was greater than that in above-canal towns by 1%. "One potential explanation for the higher educational attainment in these towns is that richer landowners have higher demand for schooling because they can afford to educate their kids, and if they demanded more schools, then both landowners and landless might benefit from those schools," explained Paul Novosad, one of the authors of the paper. Sri Lanka is vaccinating 18- and 19-year-olds against the as it expands the shots to students. After beginning with older people, Sri Lanka has now vaccinated 57% of its 22 million population. Vaccinations with the Pfizer shot began Friday for about 24,000 people in the 18-19 age group in the capital Colombo and suburbs. Officials say inoculations in Colombo will be completed within 21 days and they'll start giving doses in other parts of the country next week. Sri Lanka lifted a six-week lockdown on Oct. 1 after COVID-19 cases and deaths declined. But schools remain closed, unessential trips outside the home are restricted, public gatherings are banned and there are restrictions on transport. At the peak, Sri Lanka was counting 3,000 daily infections and more than 200 deaths. Daily cases are now below 1,000 and deaths under 100. The Indian Ocean island nation has reported more than 529,000 cases and 13,408 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.) Esperita Garca de Perez got her first vaccination against COVID-19 in May. That, along with her Catholic faith, made her feel better protected against the virus, and she had hoped to get her second shot of the Russian-developed Sputnik V vaccine a few weeks later. But the 88-year-old is still waiting. She was infected with the virus last month, and now her hopes for survival are pinned on the host of medications and home care she is receiving. Millions in developing nations from Latin America to the Middle East also are waiting for more doses of Sputnik V after manufacturing woes and other issues have created huge gaps in vaccination campaigns. One firm estimates that Russia has only exported 4.8% of the roughly 1 billion doses it promised. The head of the Russian state-controlled fund that invested in the vaccine insisted Wednesday the supply problems have been resolved. Venezuela, which designated Sputnik for those over 50, ordered 10 million doses in December 2020 but has gotten slightly less than 4 million. Argentina, the first country in the Western Hemisphere to administer Sputnik, got its first shipment Dec. 25 but it is still waiting for many of the 20 million it purchased. I had a long time now, many months, anguished because (the vaccine) was going to arrive, then it was not going to arrive, then I was going to have to wait, then I was not going to have to wait, Garca de Perez said, adding that you want the certainty and hope that the thing is going to come. Launched in August 2020 and proudly named after the world's first satellite to symbolise Russia's scientific prowess, Sputnik V has been approved in some 70 countries. Russian state media earlier this year broadcast triumphant reports about it conquering the world as Moscow aggressively marketed it after wealthy nations kept supplies of Western-developed vaccines for themselves. For a while it was the only game in town, said Judy Twigg, a professor specializing in global health at Virginia Commonwealth University, but adds that Russia's window of opportunity to really stake a claim as the savior" in the pandemic is gone. Unlike other COVID-19 vaccines, Sputnik's first and second shots are different and not interchangeable. Manufacturing in Russia has been marred by reports of production difficulties, particularly in making its second component. Experts have pointed to limited production capacity as well as the fact that the process is very complicated. Sputnik is a viral vector vaccine, which uses a harmless virus that carries genetic material to stimulate the immune system. Manufacturers can't guarantee stable output because working with biological ingredients involves a lot of variables in terms of the quality of the finished product. Airfinity, a life science data analytics firm, estimates that 62 countries have supply agreements for about 1 billion doses of Sputnik V, with only 48 million doses exported so far. It said it isn't clear whether these doses are supposed to be delivered in 2021 or over a longer period. The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolls and markets the vaccine abroad and has production contracts with 25 manufacturing sites in 14 countries, says it is in full compliance of the Sputnik V supply contracts, including of the second component, after a successful production ramp-up in August and September. The fund's CEO, Kirill Dmitriev, said in an interview with The Associated Press that all supply issues have been fully resolved. All the issues with the second component are resolved in all of the countries. There is not one vaccine manufacturer in the world that didn't have vaccine delivery issues, he said. Although the West largely relied on vaccines made in the U.S. and Europe, such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca, many developing nations have sought easier-to-get vaccines from China and Russia. The World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency have not yet approved Sputnik V for use. In Argentina, the delays in shipments of Sputnik and a virus surge in March led to public pressure on the government to speed up negotiations with other pharmaceutical companies. An initial agreement was for 20 million doses, of which the country had received about 14.2 million as of Tuesday. A later agreement was signed for a local laboratory to produce the vaccine with the active ingredient shipped from Russia. It has produced about 1.2 million first doses and some 3.6 million second doses. This month, Argentinian officials said the fund's requested the return of 1.3 million doses for packaging reasons. The doses have been replaced. Virus-battered Iran has received only about 1.3 million doses from Russia out of 60 million doses it had been promised. The Iranian news agency IRNA quoted the country's ambassador to Russia as saying in April that the doses were expected to be shipped between May and November. There are indications that Iran also has struggled with a shortage of Sputnik's second component. Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi last month urged those who received the first dose to get a second shot of AstraZeneca, citing the uncertainty of when Russia will come through. A similar problem appears to have prevented Turkey from rolling out Sputnik altogether. Officials announced a deal to get 50 million doses in April, with news reports saying the vaccines would be delivered within six months. As of June, only 400,000 had arrived. Russia squandered that opportunity," said Twigg, the VCU professor. "I think in some cases, it's actually left Russia's reputation in Iran, Guatemala, Argentina, maybe Mexico, perhaps even a little worse off than it would have been if it had done nothing, or if it had waited and made more fulfillable promises from the very beginning, because people are disappointed. Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said in August that Turkey has not been able to roll out Sputnik because it didn't have the second doses in hand. It's unclear if Turkey still hopes to receive the second doses or if it has simply abandoned the rollout. The whole process is a black box. There is no transparency, opposition lawmaker Murat Emir said last month in questioning Koca about the fate of the Sputnik rollout, including whether Turkey would get a refund for the 400,000 unused doses. India was promised 125 million two-dose sets of Sputnik but had administered fewer than 1 million by Oct. 6. The Sputnik delays in Argentina and Venezuela have prompted some people to get a different vaccine for their second dose, even though scientists are still studying the effects of such mixing and matching. Dr. Chris Beyrer, public health and human rights professor at Johns Hopkins University, noted that the early purchases of highly effective vaccines by wealthiest nations has made it harder for developing countries to protect their populations. One dose is better than no dose. So, I think, for countries that have already started with Sputnik, it does make sense to go for the second dose, even if there's been a delay, he said. But if they're not getting that vaccine at all, then they absolutely should be looking at other vaccines. (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.) Safe and secure seas cannot be preserved without a strong maritime force, Chief of US Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday said on Friday while describing ties between navies of India and the US as "unwavering". The top American naval commander made the remarks at an event during a visit to the Western Naval Command in Mumbai. In his address, Admiral Gilday stressed on the need for both the navies to continue working together "hand-in-hand" to make the Indo-Pacific a "beacon of hope for today and tomorrow". He said the "price of peace and prosperity" is maintaining a vigilant watch on, under and above the sea, according to the "Safe and secure seas cannot be preserved without a strong maritime force," Admiral Gilday said. The visit to Mumbai is the last stop of Gilday's five-day trip to India. "Our relationship is unwavering. The is committed to maintaining a steady course of naval cooperation and growing the connections between our two navies. I am committed to that. Without a doubt, our greatest strength lies in unity," he said. The American commander held talks with Vice Admiral Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, during which they discussed areas for mutual cooperation and reaffirmed the growing level of naval collaboration and partnership between the two nations. At the event, Admiral Gilday said both sides are achieving high-end interoperability across all facets of naval operations, not only with each other but also with other like-minded partners. "Our steady presence greases the gears of global commerce...assuring maritime traffic moves freely...and prevents disruption of our digital infrastructure under the sea," he said. On Thursday, Admiral Michael Gilday hosted Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and 11 other senior Indian military officials aboard nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson in the Bay of Bengal. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is part of the deployment by the in the second phase of the ongoing Malabar exercise featuring the navies of all four Quad countries -- India, the US, Australia and Japan. The four-day exercise concluded on Friday. (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 and the US will kickstart a 15-day mega military exercise in Alaska from Friday to further deepen bilateral military cooperation. The 17th edition of the exercise "Yudh Abhyas" will be conducted at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in Alaska from October 15 to 29, the said on Thursday. The Indian contingent at the exercise will comprise 350 personnel of an infantry battalion group of the The previous edition of the exercise took place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner in February. "This exercise is another step in the growing military cooperation between the two countries. The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between two armies," the Army said. It said the 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". The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. In June 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner". The two countries have also signed key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation. The two sides also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 that provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India. In October last year, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. (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 body of a man with a chopped hand was found near the Haryana-Delhi Singhu border on Friday morning, local police sources confirmed. According to images that have surfaced on social media, the semi-naked body was seen hanging from a barricade. Reportedly, the body was found at the same place where farmers have protesting against the three contentious farm laws for the past one year. It is being alleged that the man was caught while desecrating the Sikh religious holy book, however, an official confirmation about this is still awaited. As per the images, it is possible that the man was tortured before he was killed. This incident of brutal killing of the man has sent shockwaves around every corner. As per the latest reports, a police team reached the spot and recovered the body. "The body has been sent to a nearby Civil hospital and further investigation is going on," the sources said. The police from both Haryana and Delhi can be seen on both sides of the border. Notably, the farmers' protest has also been in the past taken violent turns. On October 3, Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a vehicle-ramming attack and mob lynching incident during the farmers' protest. In the incident, four farmers were killed apart from five others. Farmer organisations claimed that so far 630 farmers have died protesting against the three farm laws for the past year. --IANS uj/ksk/ (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 man was lynched, his hand chopped off and the body bearing over 10 wounds caused by sharp-edged weapons tied to a barricade at a farmers' protest site at Kundli near the Delhi-Haryana border, a gruesome incident being blamed on a group of Nihangs. In a video clip on social media, some Nihangs are seen standing around the injured man with his severed left hand close to his head. The group is heard accusing him of desecrating a Sikh holy book. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions, said a group of Nihangs has claimed responsibility for the brutal killing after the man allegedly tried to desecrate the Sarbloh Granth. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar told PTI that the group was not part of the SKM's protests and urged strict action against the culprits. He claimed that the man was staying with the same Nihang group for some time. The victim, Lakhbir Singh, a labourer from Cheema Khurd village in Punjab's Tarn Taran and aged around 35 years, police said. ALSO READ: Video purportedly shows minister's vehicle mowing down farmers in Lakhimpur His body was found tied to an overturned police barricade near a dais put up by the farmers protesting there for several months over the Centre agri-marketing laws. A Haryana police spokesperson said in Chandigarh that when Sonipat police reached the spot the man had died. Singh was found wearing only a pair of shorts. His hand was cut off at the wrist and a foot bore deep injuries. Altogether, there were over 10 injury marks inflicted by sharp-edged weapons. He was allegedly dragged by his assailants for a few metres before he was tied with ropes to the barricade. He is said to have bled to death. "We have registered a case and further investigations are on," Additional Director General of Police, Rohtak Range, Sandeep Khirwar told PTI over the phone. We have the names of some suspects and the investigations are on. I am hopeful that we should be able to make headway very soon, as we have some leads in the case, he said. In a statement, the SKM said it wanted to make it clear that both the parties to the incident, the Nihang group and the deceased person, have no relation with the Morcha. The peaceful and democratic movement of the farmers is opposed to violence in any form, it added. The SKM said it is against the desecration of any religious text or symbol, but that does not give anyone the right to take the law into their own hands. "A Nihang group at the scene has claimed responsibility, saying the incident took place because of the deceased's attempt to commit sacrilege with regard to the Sarbloh Granth," the farmers' body said. It demanded that the culprits be punished in accordance with law after investigating the allegation of murder and conspiracy behind sacrilege. "As always, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha will cooperate with the police and the administration in any lawful action," it added. Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at three border points of Delhi -- Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur -- for months, demanding a repeal of the three farm laws enacted by the Centre in September last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Expressing concern over the "population imbalance" in the country, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief on Friday said that nation's population policy should be reconsidered. In his annual Vijaya Dashami address, the RSS chief said, "While reimagining the country's development, one predicament comes to the fore which appears to concern many. The rapid growth of the country's population may give rise to many problems in the near future." "Therefore, this challenge must be duly considered. A resolution was passed on this issue during the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (All India Executive Committee) meeting of Sangh held at Ranchi in the year 2015." "In the present circumstances, news of persecution of native Hindus, growing criminalisation and mounting pressure on them to escape their areas where imbalanced population growth has surfaced. The violence that broke out following the elections of West Bengal and the pitiable condition of the Hindu people there can also be attributed to the appeasement of barbarous elements by the government and population imbalance. Therefore, a policy that is applicable to all groups in the same fashion is imperative. All of us need to inculcate the habit of considering the collective interest above everything while coming out of attractive cobweb of milking the parochial group interests," he added. The Vijaya Dashami address of the RSS chief is considered the most important event for the organisation as it is during this address, future plans and vision are put forth for all to follow. It is from this stage that RSS stand on many issues of importance is known. Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, according to the Hindu calendar is celebrated on the 10th day after the nine days of Navratri festivities in the month of Ashvina. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the occasion of Dussehra, Delhi Chief Minister on Friday said that he prays to to free humanity from 'Corona Ravan' amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. His remarks came after performing 'Ravan Dahan' at 'Lav Kush Ramlila' at Red Fort ground here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, "This festival signifies the victory of good over evil spirits. Due to the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, large scale gatherings in the city have been restricted. I pray to free us from 'Corona Ravan'. I hope that all the families here live a happy, healthy and prosperous life." The day is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the king of Lanka, Ravana. is marked with religious enthusiasm across the country. Ramlila, the dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of is staged for 10 days and concludes on Effigies of the ten-headed demon king Raavan, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghanada, also known as Indrajit are burnt with fireworks to signify the destruction of evil. Also, after celebrations for Navratri, it is time to bid adieu to Goddess Durga on the occasion of Vijay Dashami today, a day that marks the triumph of good over evil. According to mythology, on this day Goddess Durga annihilated the demon god Mahishasura after a fierce battle that lasted for nine days. This day also marks Durga Visarjan or immersion of Durga idols signifying the journey of the Goddess back to Mount Kailash after ten days of stay at her parent's house on earth. Annually, Goddess Durga visits her paternal house with her four children in tow--Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya and Ganesha. (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.) President Ram Nath Kovind, who is on a visit to Ladakh and to celebrate Dussehra with troops, interacted with the jawans and officials of all ranks along with their families at the Northern Command in Udhampur on Thursday. "Jammu and Kashmir: President yesterday interacted with the jawans and officials of all ranks along with their families at the Northern Command, Udhampur," tweeted Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Kovind also performed Sindhu Darshan puja at Sindhu Ghat, Leh yesterday. The President was welcomed by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh RK Mathur on his arrival in the Union Territory on Thursday for celebrating Dussehra with troops in Drass. Today, on the occasion of Dussehra, the President will pay tributes at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass and interact with officers and Jawans. (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.) Goa will receive charter flights from and the United Kingdom from November as India opens the door to While agents from Goa said TUI Airways flights from the UK are expected from the first week of November, the airline said operations will start from December 13. Were operating to Goa from December 13. However, this is still under review pending government advice, a TUI spokesperson said in an email response. Flights from are expected to start from mid-November. is the biggest source market for Goa tourism and in pre-Covid times the state would receive four to five daily flights from Russia during the winter months. So far only Rossiya has received permission from the Russian government for two weekly flights to Goa. Other companies have made applications, too. The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is yet to approve the Rossiya flights and the schedule will be finalised once approvals are in place, said Abida Kumar, vice-president (operations) of Minar Travels, which handles groups from Russia. Goa airport director Gagan Malik said local representatives of charter companies are in touch with the airport but no applications have been made for slots as yet. According to the Union home ministry, leisure tourists will be allowed to on charter flights from October 15. Tourists will be allowed on normal flights from November 15. Only single entry 30-day tourist visas will be issued. TOUR DIARY Home ministry decides to allow to visit India on charter flights from October 15 Health ministry guidelines on quarantine and Covid-19 need to be adhered to Russia and the UK are top source markets for Goa tourism TUI Airways and Rossiya planning flights to Goa Between October 2018 and May 2019 Goa received 813 charter flights and 218,776 foreign tourists In respect of quarantine and all other health/Covid-19 related matters, extant guidelines of the ministry of health and family welfare shall be strictly adhered to, the home ministry said in its office memorandum last week. While all travellers coming to India need a negative RT-PCR test report 72 hours before departure, those from the UK need to be tested on arrival and have to undergo seven days of home quarantine according to February 17 guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. We need more clarity on health and quarantine regulations, said Nilesh Shah, president of the and Tourism Association of Goa. We are expecting good numbers this season. Free visas will help offset some of the extra costs associated with RT-PCR testing, said Ernest Dias, chief operating officer of Sita Travels. The state is a popular destination for Europeans and each winter thousands arrive on charter flights, especially from the UK and Russia. The charter season begins in October and runs till May each year. Between October 2018 and May 2019, Goa received 813 charter flights and 218,776 Over 90,000 tourists came from Russia in 292 flights followed by the UK and Ukraine, according to Goa tourism department data. Goa received the highest number of charter flights in 2013-14. In that year, the state received 1,128 flights carrying 261,452 foreign tourists. The number of foreign charter flights dropped to 798 in 2015-16 but climbed again to 988 in the subsequent year. Chief Minister has urged his counterparts in Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan and Haryana to lift the blanket ban on the sale of firecrackers, amplifying the voice of an industry reeling from a severe financial stress owing to Covid-19 and environmental norms. Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district of is the firecracker hub of the nation. According to the Indian Fireworks Manufacturers Association (TIFMA), the ban would wipe out sales of around Rs 600 crore during the upcoming Deepavali season. In a letter to the four CMs, Stalin said, It has been brought to my notice that your government has imposed a ban on the sale of during this festival season ( 2021). I wish to draw your attention to the fact that the Supreme Court has already banned certain categories of polluting and now, green crackers with significantly less emissions are being manufactured. Therefore, a blanket ban on is not reasonable. Sivakasi contributes to almost 90 per cent of the fireworks made in the country, providing jobs to around 300,000 people directly and another 500,000 indirectly. The industrys size has halved to Rs 1,500 crore compared to Rs 3,000 crore before the pandemic. Such a ban is not prevalent in other countries. Moreover, such a ban, if imposed by other states also, would lead to the closure of the entire industry, jeopardizing the livelihood of around 800,000 persons. You would also appreciate that bursting of firecrackers is an integral part of Indian festivals, especially A balanced approach that gives due regard to environment, livelihood and public health is possible and necessary, Stalin added. The rise in the prices of raw material like aluminium by 30 per cent, sulphur by 100 per cent and paper and paper products by 40-60 per cent has also affected the operating cost of Sivakasi businesses. According to industry bodies, over 200 fireworks manufacturing units were shut down in the region in the last one year. There is no logical reason behind such a ban. These four states contribute to around Rs 600 crore of our business. Moreover, the governments should understand that is part of our culture and a ban on crackers will affect that tradition, said T Kannan, general secretary of TIFMA. In December 2020, the Green Tribunal had banned the sale and use of all firecrackers in around 122 cities across the country based on the air-quality index in that region. In July this year, the Supreme Court had dismissed a challenge by the industry against this order. Kannan pointed out that it would be wrong to say that crackers are the reason for the in cities like Delhi, citing a study by the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur. According to the report, road dust, industrial stack, vehicles, concrete batching, domestic fuel burning, hotels, construction and municipal solid waste burning are the major reasons for pollution in the city. The number of stubble-burning events in Punjab, Haryana and the eight NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh has come down significantly this year, with a total of 1,795 such incidents reported this month as against 4,854 in the same period last year, a fall of 63 per cent, the Centres air quality commission said on Friday. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas said according to a report based on the protocol framed by the ISRO, paddy residue-burning events have been reduced by 69.49 per cent in Punjab, 18.28 per cent in Haryana and 47.61 per cent in the eight NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh during a one-month period, as compared to the corresponding period last year. Active paddy residue-burning events in Punjab, Haryana and eight NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh have come down significantly this year, fewer fire counts reported in 2021 as compared to last year. Total 1,795 fire counts reported for the one-month period till October 14 as against 4,854 instances reported in the corresponding period during 2020. Enforcement agencies have so far inspected 663 of the total reported sites in Punjab, Haryana and NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh, the commission said. It said of the 1,795 sites from where was reported in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, 663 fields have been inspected by the enforcement agencies and the officials concerned of the respective states and that an environmental compensation (EC) has been imposed in 252 cases. During the said period in the current year, 1,286 stubble-burning events were reported in Punjab as against 4,216 for the same period last year. Haryana reported 487 such incidents as against 596 for the corresponding year last year. The total number of stubble-burning incidents reported from the eight NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh during this period was 22 as against 42 for the corresponding period last year. No stubble-burning incident was reported from Delhi and the two NCR districts of Rajasthan. The first paddy residue-burning event was reported on September 16 in Punjab, on September 18 in the NCR area of Uttar Pradesh and on September 28 in Haryana. In a statement, the CAQM said crop harvesting will be at its peak in the next few weeks and the state governments are taking steps in accordance with the plan of action to improve the efficacy of enforcement and implementation to effectively tackle the problem of To curb and abate during the ongoing harvest season, the CAQM has been actively monitoring paddy residue-burning events since September 15 in Punjab, Haryana and the eight NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh. It has been regularly holding meetings with officials, including deputy commissioners, from Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. A protocol has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the CAQM to monitor fire counts, in coordination with major stakeholders, including ICAR-IARI. The commission is also monitoring the implementation of the action plan formulated by the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, based on a framework developed by it for prevention and control of The hotspots of paddy residue-burning in Punjab are Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Patiala and Ludhiana. These four districts account for 72 per cent of the stubble-burning events in the state, the commission said. Similarly, the hotspots in Haryana are Karnal, Kaithal and Kurukshetra. These three districts account for 80 per cent of the stubble-burning events in the state. The CAQM has also held a series of meetings with government officials, including district collectors and district Magistrates, of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US health regulator is delaying its decision on authorizing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents to check if the shot could increase the risk of a rare inflammatory heart condition, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Moderna shares fell nearly 4% to $319.50 in afternoon trading. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been inspecting the risk of the condition, myocarditis, among younger men vaccinated with Moderna's shot, especially versus Pfizer's vaccine, after certain Nordic countries limited use of the shot, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. The agency has not yet determined whether there is heightened risk, and the delay could be several weeks, though the timing was unclear, the report said. The FDA and Moderna did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In June, Moderna filed for U.S. authorization of its vaccine among adolescents aged 12 through 17. The FDA authorized rival Pfizer's vaccine for use in children as young as 12 in May. Europe's drug regulator found in July that such inflammatory conditions could occur in very rare cases following vaccination with Moderna's vaccine or Pfizer and partner BioNTech's shot, more often in younger men after the second dose. However, the regulator stressed that the benefits of the shots outweighed any risks. Earlier this month, Finland, Sweden and Denmark paused the use of Moderna's shot for younger males due to reports of myocarditis, though the Danish Health Agency later said the vaccine was available to under-18s. Moderna's two-shot vaccine is authorized in teens in Canada, UK and Europe. It has U.S. authorization for emergency use in people aged 18 and above. The FDA in June added a warning to the literature accompanying Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 shots to indicate the rare risk of heart inflammation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The White House on Friday announced it will lift travel restrictions for fully vaccinated foreign nationals effective November 8, at land borders and for air travel. Curbs on non-essential travellers at land borders have been in place since March 2020 to address the Covid-19 pandemic. The White House announced on September 20 that the would lift restrictions on air travelers from 33 countries in early November. It did not disclose the precise date at the time. Starting November 8, the US will admit fully vaccinated foreign air travelers from the 26 so-called Schengen countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece, as well as Britain, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil. Restrictions on non-US citizens were first imposed on air travellers from China in January 2020 by then-President Donald Trump and then extended to dozens of other countries, without any clear metrics for how and when to lift them. The US had lagged many other countries in lifting such restrictions, and allies welcomed the move. The US restrictions have barred travellers from most of the world, including tens of thousands of foreign nationals with relatives or business links in the US. The White House on Tuesday announced it would lift restrictions at its land borders and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated foreign nationals in early November. They are similar but not identical to requirements announced last month for international air travelers. Unvaccinated visitors will still be barred from entering the from Canada or Mexico at land borders. There was no power outage in on Thursday and peak further declined to 4,160 MW from 4,382 MW on Wednesday, the Union said on Friday. The maximum power demand in the National Capital was 89 million units (MU) (4,160 MW) on 14th October which was fully met, according to the ministry. "As per the information received from DISCOMs, there was no outage on account of power shortage, as the required amount of power was supplied to them," a fact sheet on power supply stated on Friday. Delhi DISCOMs have also been allocated of 756 MW from Dadri Stage-I and have been offered 9.5 MU on 14th October 2021. However, "NIL (zero) power was drawn by the DISCOMs (from addition allocation)", the fact sheet stated. The data also showed the peak power demand or the highest supply in a day was 4,707MW on Tuesday and 4,382MW on Wednesday. Thus the data shows that the power demand has been moderating with the onset of autumn. The fact sheet showed that there was no energy deficit in the city from September 29 to October 14. Power distribution companies last week had warned their customers that they could face power outage due to short coal supplies to thermal energy plants supplying power to Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his intervention in making adequate arrangements of coal and gas to generation plants supplying electricity to the city. However, the Union rejected claims of short power supply to Delhi with Union minister R K Singh asserting that the Capital would not face any shortage. The had also warned distribution companies of strict action for regulating power supply in Delhi. As per the fact sheet, on October 14, in Delhi, 89 million units (MU) electricity was available against the requirement of 89 MU. On October 13, 95.4 MU electricity was available against the requirement of 95.4 MU. The energy requirement and availability was same in Delhi from September 29 to October 14. On Monday, energy availability was higher than the requirement. The discoms in Delhi had drawn less power than made available to them, as per the data. It showed that NTPC (coal) offered 18.96 MU to Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (DDL) against the allocated 12.73 MU. But the Tata Power DDL had drawn 12.30 MU. Similarly, power made available by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and NTPC (gas) to the discoms in Delhi was more than drawn by these utilities. The other two discoms that supply power in Delhi are BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd and BSES Yamuna Power Ltd. (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.) Private equity investment in rose 24 per cent year-on-year to USD 477 million (about Rs 3,500 crore) during the July-September 2021 period but fell 45 per cent as compared with the previous quarter, according to Savills India. PE inflows in had stood at USD 385 million in the year-ago period and around USD 900 million in the previous quarter. In its latest report 'India Investment Market Watch', Savills India attributed the temporary slowdown in investment activity to delayed decision-making by investors in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report, data centres garnered the highest share of about 34 per cent in total private equity investments in the third quarter of calendar year 2021. "Data centres have proven to be resilient to the impact of the current pandemic in India. With the growing need for digital connectivity leading to a sharp rise in data usage, the demand for data centres, too, has soared," the report said. The consultant said the investment inflow amounted to USD 3.3 billion (Rs 23,300 crore) during January-September 2021, equivalent to almost half (49 per cent) of the total investment inflows that the sector witnessed in the entire 2020. In the calendar year, the in stood at USD 6.6 billion as against USD 6.7 billion in 2019, USD 6 billion in 2018, USD 7.7 billion in 2017 and USD 5.7 billion in the 2016 calendar year. "As the vaccine programme has picked up speed, we will see business confidence gaining momentum. In spite of the pandemic, the year 2021 has continued to witness some marque deals across real estate segments," said Diwakar Rana, managing director, capital markets, Savills India. The September 2021 quarter also witnessed India's maiden investment by a global pension fund in life science R&D asset, where Ivanho Cambridge and Lighthouse Canton jointly invested USD 100 million (Rs 740 crore) in life science R&D facilities in Genome Valley, Hyderabad. Savills expects India to further cement its position in the global life science arena in the post-pandemic world, thereby presenting a lucrative opportunity for private equity investors focusing on life science R&D (research and development) real estate. Savills Plc is a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange. Savills India is a group company of Savills Plc and is a premier professional international property consulting firm. Started in India in 2016, the company employs over 400 professionals. Recently, property consultant JLL India came out with a report suggesting that the institutional investment (which includes PE and other inflows) in real estate increased 17 per cent year-on-year to USD 721 million in the July-September 2021 period. During the January-September 2021 period, the institutional investment rose to USD 2,977 million from USD 1,534 million in the year-ago period, the JLL data showed. Institutional flow of funds includes investments by family offices, foreign corporate groups, foreign banks, proprietary books, pension funds, private equity, real estate fund-cum-developers, foreign-funded NBFCs and sovereign wealth funds. It also includes anchor investors in real estate investment trusts (REITs). (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indias journey from independence (swadheenta) to self-model of governance (swatantrata) has been undermined by instruments like and over-the- top (OTT) platforms, and the government must regulate these at once. This was the message of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief in his annual Vijayadashami address from Nagpur. Bhagwat said had the potential to destabilise economies across the globe including the Indian economy, and that platforms enabled unregulated broadcasts of varied material for everyones indiscriminate consumption. The absence of prudence and a regulatory framework, Bhagwat said, made it hard to predict the extent of damage, especially to children. This is the first reference by the chief to the two issues, which the government is trying to deal with. The ban on was overturned by the Supreme Court. And guidelines are in the making even as affiliates agitate for stricter regulatory oversight. ALSO READ: World looks up to India for firm belief in sustainable development: Bhagwat In his address, Bhagwat also repeated an earlier resolution passed by the in 2015 on a population policy, suggesting the Sangh was still wedded to its commitment to a national population register. He asked the Centre to devise a national population policy at the earliest. Vast differences in growth rates of different religious groups, infiltration, and conversion resulting in religious imbalance of the population ratio, especially in border areas, may emerge as a threat to the unity, integrity and cultural identity of the country, Bhagwat warned, adding that the rise in Muslim population, both through immigration and higher fertility rates, was a threat to Indias unity. The share of the population of religions of Bharatiya origin, which was 88 per cent, has come down to 83.8 per cent, while the Muslim population, which was 9.8 percent, has increased to 14.23 per cent during the period 1951-2011, Bhagwat said. He said the violence that broke out following the elections of West Bengal and the pitiable condition of the Hindu people there can also be attributed to the appeasement of barbarous elements by the government and population imbalance. ALSO READ: Mohan Bhagwat calls for population policy, says there's 'imbalance' Bhagwat said the second wave of Covid-19 had caused devastation but it appears that neither the government nor the society is of the mindset to restrict day-to-day activities due to the looming threat of Covid. In mere two waves of Covid, the lockdowns have marred the economy considerably. We have the challenge of covering up for previous losses while making financial strides even faster before us. He said ayurveda had proved beneficial in building resistance and immunity to the infection and should be promoted. Bhagwat touched on the sensitive issue of the way Hindu temples were run not just their administration but also the policies to prevent some Hindus from accessing these seats of worship. It is also necessary and only reasonable that the operating rights of Hindu temples be handed over to Hindu devotees and the wealth of Hindu temples is utilised for the worship of the deities and the welfare of the Hindu community only, he said. However, he did not spell out how Hindu temples should be governed: whether by the state or other forces. He referred to the turbulence in Afghanistan and the formation of a Taliban government. Even as Indias official policy is to wait and watch, Bhagwat said: While keeping the channels for dialogue open and without negating the possibility of a heart-change, we must be prepared for all possibilities. He made a special reference to Guru Teg Bahadur, whose 400th birth anniversary celebrations are on. Adopting the Sikh guru into the Hindu pantheon, Bhagwat said: He was martyred for standing up against religious bigotry that was much in prevalence in Bharat then. Bhagwat's speech was a call to all Indians to create an India that is insulated from regionalism and united in honouring all nationalists. Seven new public sector undertakings, carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), were on Friday dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of a major reform initiative to boost India's production. Minister said the government will provide support to the companies initially through financial and non-financial interventions if required. The defence ministry said the companies commenced work on October 1. The event to launch the new companies was organised on a day the country celebrated 'Vijayadashami'. The Union Cabinet on June 16 had approved a long-pending proposal to restructure the over 200-year-old Ordnance Factory Board that operated 41 ammunition and military equipment production facilities into seven state-owned corporate entities to improve its accountability, efficiency and competitiveness. The OFB was dissolved on October 1 and its assets, employees and management were transferred to the seven companies. In his address, Modi said the seven new companies would form a strong base for the military strength of the country in the times to come. The seven new defence companies 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). In his video address, Modi noted the auspicious occasion of 'Vijayadashami' and the tradition of worshipping arms and ammunition on the day. "He said, in India, we see power as a medium of creation. He remarked that with the same spirit, the nation is moving towards strength," a government release said. Describing the decision to convert the OFB into seven defence companies as "historic", Defence Minister Singh said the move reflects the government's resolve of achieving self-reliance in defence production. Noting that the new companies will have full potential for growth, Singh said, if required, the government will provide support initially through financial and non-financial interventions. He said the reform measure will provide autonomy to these companies and improve accountability and efficiency. "The objective of this restructuring is to transform ordnance factories into productive, and profitable assets, improve expertise in the product range, increase competitiveness, improve quality, enhance cost-efficiency and ensure self-reliance in defence preparedness," he said. Singh hoped that in the times of come, these new companies would not only play an important role in the defence manufacturing ecosystem but would also be engines of growth for the Indian economy. He added that restructuring is a continuing process, not an end in itself. The defence minister stated that all employees of the erstwhile OFB (Group A, B and C) belonging to production units will be transferred to the corporate entities on deemed deputation for a period of two years without any change in their service conditions as central government staff. "The country's defence sector has scaled greater heights due to the reforms taken by the government in the past few years. We have created a conducive ecosystem for exports and FDI," he said. Singh added that the Ministry of Defence has set a target of achieving a turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in aerospace and defence goods and services by 2024, including exports of Rs 35,000 crore. Jayant Patil, President of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDN) welcomed the setting up of the seven companies. "Defence Industry of our country is aspiring to become a global brand. As envisioned by the prime minister, the industry can leverage mutual strengths to enhance India's competitiveness with global quality, reliability backed by research and development and innovation to be a force to reckon with in the global stage," 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 biggest US tech would face new constraints under two Bills announced on Thursday after a month of revelations from a whistle-blower sparked fresh calls to rein in an industry that has largely escaped regulation so far. A measure from Energy and Commerce Chair Frank Pallone and other leading House Democrats would revoke legal liability protections for platforms that use algorithms to spread harmful information, arguing that should be held responsible for how their technology disseminates content. Social media platforms like continue to actively amplify content that endangers our families, promotes conspiracy theories, and incites extremism to generate more clicks and ad dollars, Pallone of New Jersey said. Designing personalized algorithms that promote extremism, disinformation and harmful content is a conscious choice, and platforms should have to answer for it. The other Bill is an antitrust measure from a bipartisan group of senators that would prevent the biggest US tech giants like com and from giving an advantage to their own products over those of competitors. climbed above $85 a barrel in London for the first time since 2018, the latest milestone in a global energy crisis that has seen prices soar. The global benchmark crude passed the key level in intraday trading on Friday, while US crude futures also advanced. The shortage of gas and coal is triggering extra demand for oil products from the power market, and some banks expect the switch to boost prices further during winter in the northern hemisphere. Its also starting to deplete stockpiles: the biggest US storage hub at Cushing recorded this week an unusually large supply decline for this time of year. Meanwhile, the US said it will open its borders to vaccinated foreign travelers next month, further signaling the potential for even stronger demand as economies rebound from the pandemic. More signs of energy supply tightness around the globe going into winter is supporting prices, said Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at Price Futures Group Inc. Brent is set for a sixth straight weekly gain in the wake of robust demand and limited supply. China also issued a long-awaited new batch of quotas for its private refiners to buy more crude, further pushing up consumption. Yet, Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman reiterated this week the need for OPEC and its allies to take a gradual, phased approach to restoring output. China's President warned against government over-promising on social welfare amid a push to achieve "common prosperity" by mid-century, while demanding progress on a long-awaited that could help reduce wealth gaps. China, still an avowedly socialist country, has vowed to reduce inequality after years of breakneck growth while stressing that people should still work hard to create wealth. In an essay in the ruling Communist Party journal Qiushi, published by the official Xinhua news agency on Friday, Xi also called for to "vigorously and steadily advance" legislation for a has mulled such a tax for over a decade but faced resistance from stakeholders including local governments themselves, who fear it would erode property values or trigger a market sell-off. Such a tax could curb rampant speculation in the housing market, which is currently under intense global scrutiny as developer Evergrande Group (3333.HK) struggles with a debt crisis. Xi also warned against government over-promising on social welfare amid a push to achieve what he called "common prosperity" by mid-century. "Common prosperity" is a broad policy drive to narrow the gap between rich and poor. It has involved a wave of regulatory crackdowns on excesses in industries including technology and private tuit ion. China became an economic powerhouse after reforms unleashed last century under a hybrid policy of "socialism with Chinese characteristics", but it also deepened inequality, especially between urban and rural areas, a divide that threatens social stability. The gap between people's income and consumption should be narrowed to a "reasonable range" by mid-century, Xi said. But Xi also said that the government should not make promises it could not deliver on and avoid the "trap" of "welfarism" and helping the lazy. "The government cannot take care of everything," he said. While the "ossification" of social classes should be prevented, so should "lying flat", said Xi, referring to a trend among China's youth to embrace passivity and step back from intense competition in the world's second largest "Some developed countries...due to their social systems, have not resolved the problem of common prosperity, and the disparity between the rich and the poor has become more and more serious," he said. Xi also said that salaries of grassroots-level civil servants and workers at state-owned enterprises should be increased. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Developed countries must take measures and legislate for net-zero emissions by the current decade itself, India demanded on Friday. India made the demand while cautioning the World Bank against the climate change agenda of countries that are outside the scope of their Nationally Determined Contributions. A key pillar of the historic Paris Agreement, countries under Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs have set their own loan goals in this global fight against climate change. For instance, under its NDC, India has made four commitments, including reducing the greenhouse gas emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. India's developmental imperatives are eradication of poverty, provision of basic needs for all citizens and access to energy for all, in the context of sustainable development, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her address to the Development Committee of the World Bank. It remains paramount that the World Bank maintains and enhances its support for these. While we broadly support the Green Resilient and Inclusive Development (GRID) strategy, we would like to caution that this strategy should be consistent with the NDCs of the client countries, Sitharaman said. WBG should neither promote interventions that are outside the scope of the said NDCs nor lose its razor-sharp focus on its twin goals, she added. The multilateral climate change regime is based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibility and respective capacities (CBDR-RC), in the light of national circumstances, she said. It is not appropriate to compare the stringency of GHG mitigation policies across developed and developing countries given their diversity both in terms of the level of development and the responsibility they owe due to past emissions. India's share of global cumulative emissions (1850-2018) is only 4.37 per cent and its current per capita emissions are at 1.96 tons CO2 per capita. For Europe, the respective numbers are 33 per cent and 7.9 tons CO2 per capita and for the USA, these numbers are 25 per cent and 17.6 tons CO2 per capita, Sitharaman said. The emission by the developed countries has led to a huge carbon stock in the atmosphere, taking away the carbon space required by the developing countries to grow, the Union Finance minister said. Some of the developed countries peaked in 1979 but still aim to reach net-zero by only 2050 while they expect the same transition to be performed much more swiftly by the developing countries, many of whom have yet to reach their peak, she told the community. What is most onerous is that this great transition is expected without clear and substantial financial support or technology transfer," she said. It is important that the focus of the discussion on climate finance for developing countries should be on providing adequate resources -- both financial (predominantly grant/grant equivalent) and technology transfer to facilitate the developing countries to transition to a low carbon growth pathway, she added. Hence, net-zero emissions can be a global aspirational goal and historical responsibility demands that developed countries should take measures and legislate for net-zero emissions by the current decade itself, Sitharaman said. For commensurate climate actions in developing countries like India, it is required to ensure adequate support from developed to developing countries in the form of finance, technology and in capacity building, Sitharaman asserted. The past performance of both finance and technology flow from the developed to the developing countries falls way short of the requirements, she added. In her address, Sitharaman said India's NDC envisages 40 per cent of its electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Therefore, universalization of access to energy requires that both renewable energy investments and cleaner coal investments must grow, she said. Coal, as mentioned in India's NDC, will continue to be a driving force behind electrification through 2040 and will continue to play an important role in the energy security of the country. We have noted that the background document mentions that just transitions have to be discussed in line with national objectives and we welcome such an approach, she said. While India is supportive of the overall GRID strategy, Sitharaman said, she is constrained to note that over-reliance on GRID could result in losing sight of the long-term development agenda of the World Bank Group. It is therefore paramount that response to crises focus on restoring the loss in human capital and making sure that the SDG targets are not lost sight of, she added. We would also like to reiterate that the GRID strategy for client countries should be aligned with their NDCs and GRID should not be used as a tool to promote interventions outside the scope of the NDCs, she 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.) Chinese state-owned Yuexiu Property has pulled out of a proposed $1.7 billion deal to buy Groups headquarters building over worries about the developer's dire financial situation, two sources said. The collapse of the talks for the landmark buildings sale is another setback for cash-strapped Yuexiu, based in Guangzhou, was close to sealing a deal in August to acquire the 26-storey Centre in Hong Kongs Wan Chai that serves as Evergrandes local headquarters, said the sources. But the deal faltered after Yuexius board opposed it over worries that Evergrandes indebtedness would lead to further complications. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A hospital official says at least seven people were killed and 13 wounded in an explosion during Friday prayers at a Shiite mosque in southern The official spoke on condition of anonymity and said the death toll will likely increase. The blast came a week after a bombing at a Shiite mosque in northern carried out by a local Islamic State affiliate that killed 46 people. The extremist group, which is opposed to the ruling Taliban, views Shiite Muslims as apostates deserving of death. (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.) Britains Queen Elizabeth (pictured) said she was irritated by world leaders who talk about climate change but do nothing to address global warming, and added it was still unclear who would turn up at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. The queens rare public foray into big power climate politics came as worries grew that Chinese President Xi Jinping, leader of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter, would not attend the October 31-November 12 summit. Western leaders such as US President Joe Biden and British PM Boris Johnson have repeatedly warned that the world must change to slow climate change, but many environmental activists say leaders talk too much and do too little. The queen, who is due to attend the 26th United Nations climate change conference, COP26, in Glasgow, appeared to agree in a conversation that was picked up by a microphone while visiting the Welsh assembly in Cardiff. Extraordinary isnt it. Ive been hearing all about COP, the 95-year-old monarch told Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the wife of her son, Charles, Prince of Wales. Still dont know who is coming... We only know about people who are not coming... Its really irritating when they talk, but they don't do, Elizabeth said. By Mike Spector and Dan Levine (Reuters) -Johnson & Johnson on Thursday put into bankruptcy tens of thousands of legal claims alleging its Baby Powder and other talc-based products caused cancer, offloading the potential liabilities into a newly created subsidiary. J&J put the talc claims into an entity called LTL Management LLC, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Thursday in North Carolina, according to the company and court records. J&J and its affiliates were not part of the bankruptcy filing. Tens of thousands of plaintiffs have alleged J&J's Baby Powder and other talc products contained asbestos and caused cancer, which the company denies. The plaintiffs include women suffering from ovarian cancer and others battling mesothelioma. J&J executed Thursday's corporate reshuffling through a contentious legal maneuver known as a Texas two-step bankruptcy, a strategy other facing asbestos litigation have used. In that process, a J&J business split in two through a so-called divisional merger under Texas law. That transaction created LTL, the new entity saddled with J&J's talc liabilities, according to court papers filed Thursday. J&J, with a market value exceeding $400 billion, said the talc cases would be halted while LTL navigates bankruptcy proceedings. The company's costs defending nearly 40,000 cases have approached $1 billion, according to bankruptcy-court filings Thursday. Settlements and verdicts have cost J&J about $3.5 billion more. "We are taking these actions to bring certainty to all parties involved in the cosmetic talc cases," J&J General Counsel Michael Ullmann said in a statement. "While we continue to stand firmly behind the safety of our cosmetic talc products, we believe resolving this matter as quickly and efficiently as possible is in the best interests of the (company) and all stakeholders," Ullmann added. Plaintiffs' lawyers decried the bankruptcy filing. J&J's "bankruptcy gimmick is as despicable as it is brazen" and "an unconscionable abuse of the legal system," said Linda Lipsen, chief executive of the American Association for Justice, a trial lawyers' group, in a statement. J&J said it would fund LTL's legal costs for talc cases in an amount later determined by a bankruptcy judge, with an initial advance of $2 billion. LTL has also received certain royalty revenue streams with a present value of more than $350 million to contribute to potential legal costs, J&J said. HIGH-STAKES LITIGATION Reuters first reported in July that J&J was exploring offloading its talc liabilities and placing them into bankruptcy. Thursday's move shifted high-stakes litigation over the safety of J&J's talc from courtrooms across the United States to one legal proceeding before a federal bankruptcy judge who could potentially force a settlement among the blue-chip company and plaintiffs. During earlier settlement discussions, a J&J attorney told plaintiffs' lawyers that the company could pursue the bankruptcy plan, which might result in lower payouts for cases that do not settle beforehand, Reuters previously reported. In the weeks leading up to Thursday's bankruptcy filing, lawyers representing women with cancer claims asked multiple judges to forbid J&J from executing such a maneuver, only to be turned down. The company maintained in statements and in court proceedings over the summer that it had not decided whether to pursue the maneuver. A 2018 Reuters investigation found J&J knew for decades that asbestos, a known carcinogen, lurked in its Baby Powder and other cosmetic talc products. The company stopped selling Baby Powder in the United States and Canada in May 2020, in part due to what it called "misinformation" and "unfounded allegations" about the talc-based product. J&J maintains its consumer talc products are safe and confirmed through thousands of tests to be asbestos-free. In bankruptcy-court papers, lawyers for the newly created J&J subsidiary said the Chapter 11 filing was "necessitated by an unrelenting assault by the plaintiff trial bar, premised on the false allegations that the ... talc products contain asbestos and cause cancer." In June, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear J&J's appeal of a Missouri court ruling that resulted in $2 billion of damages awarded to women alleging the company's talc caused their ovarian cancer. J&J has prevailed in other recent talc cases. (Reporting by Mike Spector in New York and Dan Levine in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Amruta Khandekar and Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Peter Cooney and Cynthia Osterman) (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After cancelled the national carrier's flights between Islamabad and Kabul, a key route out of Taliban-controlled was cut off on Thursday. Airlines (PIA), the national carrier of Pakistan, has accused the authorities of interfering with the flight operations by repeatedly changing regulations muddling permissions and limiting the number of people allowed on each flight, Washington Post reported. The PIA on Thursday said it has immediately suspended its operation in citing "security reasons". Abdullah Khan, the national carrier's spokesperson, confirmed the development, saying that operations of PIA will remain suspended until further notice, Dawn reported. The spokesperson emphasised the fact that the PIA had kept flying in and out of under "difficult circumstances" when others had ceased their operations. The suspension comes weeks after the promised to allow freedom of movement of all Afghans and restore regular flights in and out of Kabul. The took control of Kabul on August 15. The PIA was one of two carriers that had kept their operations open at Kabul airport. The other is Kam Air, a private Afghan airline with multiple flights a week to Islamabad. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways also operates occasional flights between Kabul and Doha, Washington Post reported. Khan said the decision to keep flying into Kabul had been a purely humanitarian one made "against all odds." He also said the high insurance rates required to land in Kabul made it difficult to keep the flights viable without increasing ticket prices. Earlier on Thursday, The Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) called on PIA and Kam Air airlines to bring down the fares of Kabul-Islamabad flights back to the pre-August 15 rates, Tolo News reported. The ACAA also threatened to stop flights between Kabul and Islamabad if the airlines do not comply, Tolo News reported. The disagreement between and the Taliban over the flights also reflects the limitations of Pakistan's influence over the group, said Mosharraf Zaidi, a senior fellow at Islamabad-based think tank Tabadlab. "At the end of the day, the ability of Pakistan to guide or direct the Taliban has a half-life that is very short and is diminishing fast," Zaidi 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.) is preparing for the launch of its Lucy mission -- the first to explore distant and oigins of the solar system on Saturday. The Lucy mission will complete a 12-year journey to eight different asteroids: exploring one asteroid in the solar system's Main Belt asteroid and seven Trojans, the remnants of our early solar system trapped in stable orbits, and following Jupiter in its path around the Sun. Lucy is scheduled to launch atop the ULA Atlas V 401 rocket at 5.34 a.m. on Saturday, (3.04 p.m. Indian time), from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Force Station in Florida. "It's #CountdownToLaunch for our #LucyMission, set to launch October 16 and begin its voyage to the Trojan -- leftovers of planet formation that share an orbit with Jupiter. We'll discover secrets of the early solar system from these planetary fossils," wrote on Twitter. Lucy will be the first mission to study the Trojans. The mission takes its name from the fossilised human ancestor (called "Lucy" by her discoverers) whose skeleton provided unique insight into humanity's evolution. Likewise, the Lucy mission will revolutionise our knowledge of planetary origins and the formation of the solar system, said. Time capsules from the birth of our Solar System more than 4 billion years ago, the swarms of Trojan associated with Jupiter are thought to be remnants of the primordial material that formed the outer planets. The Trojans orbit the Sun in two loose groups, with one group leading ahead of Jupiter in its path, the other trailing behind. Clustered around the two Lagrange points equidistant from the Sun and Jupiter, the Trojans are stabilised by the Sun and its largest planet in a gravitational balancing act. These primitive bodies hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system. All of the Trojans are thought to be abundant in dark carbon compounds. Below an insulating blanket of dust, they are probably rich in water and other volatile substances. No other space mission in history has been launched to as many different destinations in independent orbits around our sun. Lucy will show us, for the first time, the diversity of the primordial bodies that built the planets. --IANS rvt/ksk/ (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.) Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Technology announced new rules on Thursday that will empower the telecom regulator to block any website or platform on the directives of court and federal government or under any law, reported local media. Under the new rules titled the 'Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021', the companies will have to register with the Telecommunication Authority (PTA) within three months, and establish offices in the country "as and when feasible", according to Dawn. As per the fresh rules, not only the companies but also the service providers are responsible to deploy, through Online Information Systems, mechanisms to ensure immediate blocking of live streaming of content relating to terrorism, hate speech, pornography, and anti-national security matter on receiving intimation from PTA, said Dawn. "PTA can give 48 hours to the service provider, social media company, significant social media company or user to comply with the directives of PTA for removing or blocking access to the content," said the Dawn report. While in emergency cases, the body can give only 12 hours to the relevant user or social media company to remove or block access to online content. But the body will have to specify reasons for the "emergency" in writing. As per the rules, social media companies could be fined up to Rs 500 million for various violations. The fresh rules also state that the social media companies will have to appoint an authorised compliance officer and grievance officer based in In November 2020, the first version of the social media rules was notified, which had resulted in serious backlash from several quarters, including civil society activists, media and social media companies and even the internet service providers. (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.) Olaf Scholz reached a milestone in his bid to succeed Angela Merkel as German chancellor by getting his potential partners close enough to enter formal negotiations for a coalition government. After less than four hours of talks on Friday, his Social Democratic party, the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats agreed on the basic principles for a ruling alliance. The accord came remarkably quickly by German standards, with joint talks starting just a week ago. The agreement includes a plan to exit coal in 2030, eight years earlier than planned, as well as an action plan for climate protection. The SPD and the Greens also accepted the FDPs demands to leave constitutional debt limits intact and not impose new taxes. Details will be hammered out in formal talks in the coming weeks. The three-way combination, while messy, is Germanys most viable governing alliance, and the parties have been under pressure to bridge significant differences on issues from spending and taxes to climate protection and social policy. While disputes are still possible, proceeding to coalition negotiations is a critical step in Germanys complex process of transferring power. It shows the parties see enough common ground and makes it more likely that a Scholz-led government can start running Europes largest economy before the end of the year. After the Social Democrats narrowly defeated Merkels conservatives in the Sept. 26 election, hes moved quickly to find common ground with the Greens and the FDP, an unprecedented alliance at the federal level in The challenge has been to reconcile differences. The FDP campaigned for fiscal prudence, while the SPD and Green sought to open Germanys coffers for investment to upgrade infrastructure, protect the environment, and expand digital technologies. Formal coalition negotiations are a more comprehensive format that involves policy teams, all-night negotiating sessions and political posturing. There are significant hurdles that have yet to be overcome, with financing a particularly thorny issue. Once a preliminary agreement to form a government is reached, party organizations must sign off. The Greens have said they would put the decision to a party conference. If approval is given, the parties will enter comprehensive talks that entail smaller groups working out policy compromises, which are compiled in a lengthy coalition agreement. Union Finance Minister and her American counterpart on Thursday discussed among other issues fighting illicit finance, money laundering and combating terrorism financing. The two dignitaries had a wide-ranging discussion during the eighth India-USA Economic and Financial Partnership meeting. The importance of fighting illicit finance and the need for continued cooperation in tackling money laundering and combating the terror funding was underpinned by Sitharaman and Yellen, the Finance Ministry said in a tweet, as the two countries issued a detailed joint statement after the meeting. We continue to strengthen our cooperation in tackling money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism through increased information sharing and coordination, said the joint statement. Both sides agree on the importance of fighting financial crimes and on the effective implementation of the Financial Action Task Force standards to protect our financial systems from abuse, it added. During the first India-US Economic and Financial Partnership meeting since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries also agreed on further engagements on emerging financial sectors such as cross-border payments, payment systems and the development of an Financial Services Centre. Sitharaman and Yellen were also joined by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das, during the meeting. Sitharaman and Yellen affirmed their commitment to continue engagement both bilaterally and multilaterally to address global economic issues. During the ministerial meeting, we took stock of the extensive efforts that have already been undertaken by both sides to deepen mutual understanding and highlighted new elements of the vital bilateral relationship, the joint statement said. We had productive discussions on a range of subjects, including the macroeconomic outlook and recovery from the pandemic, financial regulatory and technical collaboration, multilateral engagement, climate finance, and anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), it said The two leaders acknowledged the unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 crisis has had on lives and livelihoods. We also addressed the importance of maintaining supportive policies until a strong and inclusive recovery is firmly entrenched, it said. According to the Joint Statement, the meeting featured the Economic and Financial Partnership's first session dedicated to climate finance, reflecting their respective commitments to driving urgent progress in combating climate change and the critical role of climate finance in achieving this shared global goal. We shared views on the re-energized global efforts to increase climate ambition as well as our respective domestic efforts to meet our publicly expressed climate goals, the statement said. We agreed that public finance, when paired with enabling policies, can promote private finance, it added. The two countries reaffirmed the collective developed country goal to mobilise USD100 billion annually for developing countries from public and private sources, in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation. We intend to engage further on addressing climate change between our two ministries, as well as through the Finance Mobilization pillar of the recently launched Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD) under the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership, it said. Reemphasizing their commitment to the central role of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges, both sides affirmed their commitment to debt sustainability and transparency in bilateral lending. Acknowledging the importance of working through multilateral development banks to help India access and mobilise available funds to support development objectives, including for climate, the two leaders welcomed the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework political agreement on October 8 as representing a significant accomplishment for updating the tax architecture to reflect the modern economy and establish an tax system that is more stable, fairer, and fit for purpose for the 21st century. We take note of the progress made in sharing financial account information between the two countries under the Inter-Governmental Agreement under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), it said. The two sides should continue to engage in discussions on the full reciprocal arrangement on FATCA. The two sides look forward to continued collaboration for increased cooperation in sharing of information for tackling offshore tax evasion, the statement added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South African police said Friday they have arrested 56 people who will likely face charges of kidnapping after two government Cabinet ministers and a deputy minister were held hostage for three hours when a meeting with military veterans of the fight against apartheid ended in disagreement. Police were called to a hotel in the Centurion area near the capital Pretoria on Thursday night to rescue Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise, her deputy minister Thabang Makwetla, and Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, who had been meeting with veterans of various groups that were part of the armed struggle which started in the 1960s against the apartheid regime in The meeting broke down quickly and the three government officials were prevented from leaving the room by some of the veterans, Gungubele said. Police tried to negotiate with the hostage-takers and when that failed they resorted to a tactical approach and successfully rescued the hostages, the South African Police Services said. Police said no shots were fired in the operation, denying allegations by some veterans that they were shot at. Three of the people who were arrested were sent for medical checkups, police said. Of the 56 arrested, seven were women. Gungubele said the meeting was an attempt to address the grievances of the veterans' groups, who want, among other things, cash payouts and housing and medical benefits for their service during the fight for democracy in more than 25 years ago. The veterans' latest demand is that they should each be paid the equivalent of $270,000 and receive other benefits. The meeting was called off almost as soon as it started, Gungubele said. As we were leaving the meeting, proceeding to the doors, they (the veterans) closed the doors, he said. "It is at that point when we realised that we're held hostage. It's a situation that was averted by the security forces, very effectively and successfully. In a statement, the South African government conceded its discussions with the veterans' groups had been difficult but there was no reason for this group to act in an unlawful manner. The military veterans' groups say they've been ignored by the ruling African National Congress party in despite their role in helping to overthrow the apartheid government and end white minority rule, paving the way for the ANC to win the first democratic elections in 1994. The ANC has been in government since then. But the veterans' groups have faced criticism themselves, for allegedly being infiltrated by some who were not involved in the fight for democracy and for demanding rewards not available to ordinary South Africans who also fought against apartheid. Numerous callers to a radio talk show on Friday said that it was popular uprisings like the Sharpeville protests of 1960 and the Soweto student demonstrations of 1976 that focused the world's attention on the brutalities of the apartheid system and helped end it. They said it was often ordinary men, women and even children who defied security forces and put themselves in deadly danger to protest. (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 delegation of the will take part in the Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan, which is being hosted by Russia on October 20, reported Sputnik. The delegation will be headed by Abdul Salam Hanafi, deputy prime minister of the interim Afghan government, Afghan Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, wrote on Twitter. According to his statement, the plan to hold negotiations with representatives of different countries on issues of mutual interest during their visit to The format meeting is due on October 20. The format was introduced in 2017 on the basis of the six-party mechanism for consultations between special representatives from Russia, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Iran, and India, the Russian news agency reported. Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Moscow was expecting the arrival of a large delegation for consultations on next week. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that preparations for contacts on were underway, TASS reported. India's participation is likely at the level of joint secretary. Meanwhile, India has also confirmed its participation in the talks. The Ministry of External Affairs yesterday said India has received an invitation to the Moscow Format Meeting on on October 20 and will be participating in it. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The has warned the Pakistan Airlines (PIA) and Afghanistan's Kam Air to reduce the fares of Kabul to Islamabad flights or they would be banned from landing in Afghanistan, local media reported on Friday. "Pakistan's PIA and Afghanistan's Kam Air will be banned to conduct flights from Kabul to Islamabad if they do not charge the same price as they did prior to their takeover," Khaama Press reported citing Afghanistan's Civil Aviation Administration statement. The statement said: "Airlines will be fined and punished if they violate the rules." The Islamic Emirate of warned the Airlines after PIA started charging up to USD 2,500 for each ticket from Kabul to Islamabad, the publication reported. The statement has also asked people to cooperate with the administration in reporting violation of the new rules. They have asked people to report the documented violation to them, Khaama Press reported. Meanwhile, it has been almost two months since the captured Kabul after an aggressive and rapid advance against government forces after the US military drawdown. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister on Friday visited the cell where Hindu Mahasabha leader Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was imprisoned at Cellular Jail in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Under the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', he earlier today paid floral tributes to freedom fighters at the cellular jail of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. At the venue, the Union Minister paid tributes to Veer Savarkar. Shah is on a three-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands from October 15-October 17. Tomorrow, Shah will carry out an aerial survey of Rani Laxmibai Island, Shaheed Dweep Eco-tourism project, Swaraj Dweep water aerodrome and other development projects. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. On October 17, Shah will attend review meetings on the security and development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Today, I visited the cell of Sachin Sanyal and garlanded his portrait. It was an emotional moment for a person like me. Perhaps he was the only one among all these freedom fighters who was sent twice to 'Kala Paani': Home Ministe at Cellular Jail in Port Blair pic.twitter.com/Z68MWanyLi ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 (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.) "Veer" Savarkar's patriotism and valour cannot be questioned, Union Home Minister asserted on Friday, as he hit back at those doubting the freedom fighter's commitment to India and its freedom struggle, and asked them to have "some shame". Shah's comments came against the backdrop of a massive row over Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent remark that V D Savarkar, a venerated Hindutva ideologue, had filed mercy petitions before the British at the advice of Mahatma Gandhi. "How can you doubt the life, the credentials of a man who was sentenced to two life imprisonments, made to sweat like a plodder bullock (kolhu ka bail) to extract oil at this prison. Have some shame," he told a gathering after garlanding the portrait of at the cellular prison here where hundreds of freedom fighters were incarcerated during India's long freedom struggle. Shah said had everything that he needed for a good life, but he chose the tough path, which indicated his unwavering commitment to the motherland. "There cannot be a greater pilgrimage than this cellular jail. This place is a 'mahatirth' where experienced inhuman torture for 10 years but did not lose his courage, his bravery," Shah said, addressing an event as part of 75 years of India's Independence which the government is celebrating as "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav". The minister said the sobriquet "veer" was bestowed on Savarkar not by any government but by the people of the country in endorsement of his indomitable spirit and courage. "This title fondly given to him by 130 crore people of India cannot be snatched away," he said. Shah also laid a wreath at a memorial to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. He said most people in today's India were born after Independence and so did not get an opportunity to "die for the country". "I urge the youth of today to live for this great nation," he said. A big row had recently erupted after Rajnath Singh targeted the critics of Savarkar, saying the freedom fighter was being defamed over the mercy petitions. "Time and again, it was said that he filed mercy petitions before the British government seeking his release from jail...The truth is, he didn't file mercy petitions to get himself released. It is a regular practice for a [jailed] person to file mercy petitions. It was Mahatma Gandhi who asked him to file mercy petitions," Singh had said, drawing criticism from BJP's opponents who called it an "attempt to rewrite history". (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.) Finance Minister on Friday met the Director General of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala here in the US amidst India's proposal for a temporary waiver of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines and medicines worldwide. The meeting between Sitharaman and Iweala took place on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF annual meetings. Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman interacts with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala @NOIweala, Director General @ on the sidelines of @WorldBank-@IMFNews Annual Meetings 2021 in Washington D.C., today, the Ministry of Finance said on Twitter. The meeting assumes significance as India along with South Africa has been pushing for a temporary waiver of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines and medicines globally. India in June suggested to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) members to begin text-based negotiations on the temporary TRIPs waiver proposal to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, India and South Africa had submitted the first proposal, suggesting a waiver for all members on the implementation of certain provisions of the TRIPs Agreement in relation to the prevention, containment or treatment of COVID-19. In May this year, a revised proposal was submitted by 62 co-sponsors, including India, South Africa and Indonesia. The agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights or TRIPs came into effect in January 1995. It is a multilateral agreement on Intellectual Property (IP) rights such as copyright, industrial designs, patents and protection of undisclosed information or trade secrets. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Diane Bartz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Mobile phone companies advertise high-speed 5G service with U.S. maps splashed with pink or blue to suggest widespread coverage, but the latest generation wireless technology is actually only available less than a third of the time in the best served states, new data shows. was designed to be faster than 4G wireless, with so little latency to help make things like driverless cars possible. 5G running on low band spectrum is the slowest, but it has the advantage of considerable range while mid-band can't travel as far, but is faster. High band spectrum, which is sparsely available, may travel only a mile but is by far the fastest. An analysis done by OpenSignal released on Thursday found that their testers connected with T-Mobile 5G just 34.7% of the time, AT&T 16.4% of the time and Verizon just 9.7%. And that's generally not for the fastest 5G many expect. For a graphic, click here https://graphics.reuters.com/USA-5G/jnpweyldnpw/index.html The numbers are in stark contrast to what the carriers promise about 5G in their advertisements, showing how much they are banking on 5G as a selling point in the hotly-contested market for cellular service. T-Mobile advertises that it has "America's largest, fastest, and most reliable 5G network" with a map covered almost completely in pink, suggesting broad coverage. The map does not distinguish what type of 5G a customer will get, but the fine print states its a mix of lower-performing versions. Top-performing "ultra capacity" 5G coverage, meanwhile, is only available in "hundreds of cities and (for) millions of people" instead of most of the country. AT&T says it has the "most reliable 5G network," citing a test done for AT&T by Global Wireless Solutions, which evaluates mobile networks. The company notes, however, that its high speed 5G+ is "available in select high-speed zones and venues in over 20 states across the U.S." Asked about what appears to be a disparity between advertising and coverage, T-Mobile's Grant Castle, a vice president in network engineering, said that he thought the company is doing well. "Is our network as big and broad as I would like it to be? No, we're still working on it," said Castle. Andre Fuetsch, chief technical officer, Network Services at AT&T, said in an emailed statement that 5G "is still early in its lifecycle and is being evolved and enhanced through ongoing investment and innovation." The BBB National Programs' National Advertising Division has criticized claims made about 5G by all three of the companies, including one in August that prompted Verizon to change its claim about it being the "most reliable" to indicate that it did not specifically refer to 5G service. "5G right now is (in) the fake it until you make it stage," said Harold Feld, of advocacy group Public Knowledge which promotes affordable communication, adding that when new technology is developed, advertising often gets ahead of actual deployment. Low income neighborhoods, and to some extent rural areas, are generally the last to get new technology, said Christopher Mitchell of the advocacy group Institute for Local Self Reliance. Mitchell said that what is touted as 5G in rural areas is often just "incrementally faster 4G." "We're not expecting to see the super fast 5G in many rural areas. T-Mobile has been better about that," he said. "I feel like there's been a lot of dishonesty in the advertising." Internationally, the story is similar. South Korea tops the list of best 5G availability at 28.1% of the time, with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Hong Kong all above 25%, according to an OpenSignal report from early September. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Chris Sanders, Edward Tobin and Daniel Wallis) (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.) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 15 (ANI/PRNewswire): The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), India's leading industry association for ESDM (Electronics System Design and Manufacturing) sector, has announced its flagship event, Vision Summit 2021, from October 18 - 21, 2021. The 16th edition of this annual event will feature a power packed line-up of global leaders, experts, strategists, and policy makers. The summit will act as the platform where the industry leaders & policy makers will share their perspectives on the defining decade of growth of the electronics and semiconductor industry by exploring & leveraging megatrends. This year's Vision Summit 2021 #VS2021 theme is 'India's Accelerated ESDM Growth: The Defining Decade.' The four-day summit will focus on critical topics like strengthening the fabless design ecosystem; semiconductors supply chain challenges & opportunities; India's ESDM roadmap for next decade; nurturing the start-up and MSME ecosystem and focusing on contributions by women leaders of the ESDM sector. The Vision Summit 2021 will be inaugurated by the Honourable Finance Minister of India Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman along with few of the senior most policymakers from the Central and State Ministry and electronics leaders from across the globe. K Krishna Moorthy, President and CEO , IESA, said, "The annual flagship event - the IESA Vision Summit is round the corner. IESA is India's ESDM Leadership & Knowledge Partner, and we in IESA believe that this is the defining decade for India's accelerated ESDM growth which will contribute to about 10% of the country's GDP by the turn of this decade. The event has already assumed the marquee status with top policymakers and global thought leaders partaking as speakers over the years. With the pandemic making live conferences almost impossible, we are putting our best foot forward to bring a virtual/hybrid summit this year. We are working closely with the Government of India in many of its initiatives like PLI, CHIMS, and NFSM. IESA is also the ESDM knowledge partner for many states and our 3 reports - the ESDM market and opportunity report, the readiness of the states to drive ESDM growth, and the Semiconductor manufacturing supply chain opportunities for India will be the highlight of this year's summit." Rajeev Khushu, Chairman of IESA, added, "The ESDM industry in the country has been moving at an accelerated pace driven by the 'Make in India' for the world spirit. Electronic production is currently contributing 3.3% to the economy with a potential to reach US$410 Bn by 2025. At IESA, we are committed to growing the fabless start-up ecosystem and create 10 lakh jobs over the next five years. It's our endeavour to support the creation of IP in India and support manufacturing to make the country the next destination for a vibrant design-led manufacturing hub. While we work closely towards India realizing the vision of a robust FAB ecosystem locally, we are also exploring the huge opportunity for India to start supplying processed raw materials to global fabs and ATMP's and thereby expanding opportunities for equipment spares, services, materials & minerals industry in India." The speaker line-up comprises Indian and international industry leaders & Policy makers who will share their thoughts on promoting India's next phase of ESDM growth. The distinguished group of speakers who have been invited at Vision Summit 2021 #VS2021, includes: Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister of India Basavaraj Bommai, Chief Minister of Karnataka Piyush Goel, Minister for Industries and Commerce Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics & IT Government of India Rajeev Chandrashekar, Minister of State for Electronics & IT K.T. Rama Rao, Hon. Minister for IT, Govt. of Telangana Gautam Reddy, Minister for Industries, Government of Andhra Pradesh Ajay Kumar Sawhney, Secretary, Minister for Electronics & IT Government of India Saurabh Gaur, Joint Secretary, Minister for Electronics & IT Government of India Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, IT Rajasthan Manoj Mishra, IT Secretary, Govt. of Odisha V.K. Saraswat, Member, Niti Aayog Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary IT, Govt. of Telangana Ajai Chowdhry, Founder HCL, Chairman, Board of Governors IIT Patna, Chairman of the Board ESSCI Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO, Micron Ron Lee, Vice President, Samsung Omkar Rai, Director General, STPI Imberman Erez, Vice President, Tower Semiconductor Rangesh Raghavan, CVP & GM, Lam Research Suket Singhal, Group CEO, Secure Meters Ltd. Swapna Gupta, Director, Qualcomm Ventures Sumedha Limaye, Sr. Director, Intel Jaya Singh, Director, Texas Instruments Daisy Chitillapilliy, President, Cisco Rituparna Mandal, GM, MediaTek Atul Lall, Managing Director, Dixon John Chambers, Founder and CEO, jc2 Ventures Raghib Hussain, President, Marvell Ron Martino, Executive Vice President and General Manager - Edge Processing Semiconductors Lip Bu Tan, CEO of Cadence Design Systems and Chairman of Walden International Raja Manickam, CEO - OSAT, Tata Electronics Krishna Bodanapu Reddy, MD & CEO, Cyient Technologies Ritu Favre, EVP & GM, National Instruments Santosh Kumar, Managing Director, Texas Instruments Vivek Sharma, Vice President, STMicro Anasua Bhowmik, AMD Fellow Supria Dhanda, Country Head, Western Digital Panelists Additionally, during the Summit, the Women Leader in the ESDM industry will be celebrated and the industry as whole will recognize the contributions made by them. For more information about the Vision Summit 2021, please visit (https://iesavisionsummit.com) This story is provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pictured to the left is the True North gas station. To the right is the property True North would like to obtain for their new station in Manton. In the center is a sign indicating the fundraising progress for the citys new library. St. Johnsbury, VT (05819) Today Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 38F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low around 25F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Ensure unrestricted access to all digital content and features. Read the weekly Herald edition before it's printed! For Digital Users - Ensure unrestricted access to all digital content and features. Read the weekly Herald edition before it's printed! 1-Year Digital Subscription: You will receive a 365-day pass for news articles, as well as all other online content and features. 1-Week Digital Subscription: You will receive a 7-day pass for news articles, as well as all other online content and features. Note: Subscription constitutes acceptance of our website Terms of Use. All sales final; no rescheduling; no refunds. To ensure ongoing delivery/access, select the renewal option. Subscriptions will be renewed at the rate in effect at the time of renewal. Robinson says hes not resigning, says his comments were twisted As it rolls Disney+ out worldwide, the Walt Disney Company is increasingly turning to Asian content to fuel subscriptions. That includes anime. At its Asia-Pacific upfront presentation on Thursday, Disney unveiled 27 new shows out of Asia. Four of these are animated, all of which are from Japan. They are: Black Rock Shooter Dawn Fall, a spin-off from media franchise Black Rock Shooter, starring an armed girl with black hair and blue eyes (directed by Tensho, written by Makoto Fukami) Summer Time Rendering, an adaptation of the popular manga series of the same name (directed by Ayumu Watanabe) Tatami Time Machine Blues, a sequel to Masaaki Yuasas cult series The Tatami Galaxy (directed by Shingo Natsume, produced by Science Saru) Twisted Wonderland, an adaptation of the hit mobile game created by Walt Disney Japan and Aniplex Disney said it will stream the series on Disney+ in Japan. It will also release Black Rock Shooter Dawn Fall, Summer Time Rendering, and Tatami Time Machine Blues worldwide, though whether on Disney+ or other services is unclear. Italys View Conference has finalized its program ahead of its 22nd edition, which starts on Sunday. Disneys Encanto will be the subject of a virtual presentation on October 22, the last day of the conference. Director Byron Howard, production designer Ian Gooding, and assistant production designer Lorelay Bove will talk about the Colombia-set musical, which is due to come out in theaters on November 24. This year sees the long-running animation, vfx, and computer graphics conference hold its first hybrid edition, following last years all-virtual event. The bulk of the talks and presentations will be online, but some will be held onsite in Turin. Access is free for registrants but for livestreams only (on-demand access costs extra). Photo: Contributed Kelowna-Lake Country MP Tracy Gray Each day that Kelowna International Airport (YLW) remains closed to international flights, our local economy pays the price. From sorely needed tourism dollars spent at struggling small businesses to higher costs for leisure and business travellers, the federal government still has Kelowna-Lake Country closed for international travel business. In addition to the impact this has locally on residents and businesses, the airport director stated the extended closure has cost the airport itself an estimated $2.5 million since the spring of 2020. Since YLW is a municipally-owned airport, this hit directly impacts the City of Kelowna. Quebec Citys airport and a second Toronto airport recently re-opened to international travellers, despite having smaller passenger numbers than YLW. The fact that Kelowna is the only airport on the list of the top 10 busiest Canadian airports that remains closed is completely unacceptable. YLW has been a leader in preparing for the resumption of international travel. In March 2021, they put in place a fully certified lab to conduct Covid-19 testing on-site and have the capacity to conduct pandemic surveillance. These are reasons why I wrote to the federal transport minister back in July for answers as to why YLW remains closed to international travel, the metrics used to justify the closure and a timeline for re-opening. I have not received a response. I followed up earlier this month to ask for the full re-opening of YLW, and once again questioned what metrics were used to justify the international travel closure and what the timeline is for re-opening. That would allow small businesses and the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as airlines and airport staff to plan for the futurestability that is sorely needed in these industries. Again, as of the writing of this report, I still have not received a response. But its not just me. I know that the airport itself has corresponded with various government agencies, asking the same questions and it has not received any clarity. Local business leaders are also speaking out. Dan Rogers, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce executive director, recently stated: Kelowna International Airport is a major hub in B.C. and has a massive impact on the economy in the region and province, and we need to see the federal government take immediate steps to help YLW rejoin the international community, Michael J. Ballingall of Big White Ski Resort told CBC: We want to kick-start the economic recovery, adding the lack of transparency is creating uncertainty. There's a large thirst for people to come up here, he said. Millions of dollars in revenue and our local economic recovery are put at risk each day YLW remains closed. This disadvantages us compared to other airports that have had their international designation status returned. I will continue to advocate on behalf of our community to have our airport re-opened safely to international travel, and the economic benefits and certainty that come with it. As always, please be sure to reach out if you have any thoughts, ideas, or concerns on this or anything else, or if you need any assistance with federal services.If youd like to stay up to date on my work in both Ottawa and Kelowna-Lake Country, visit tracygraymp.ca to join my newsletter or send a note to [email protected]. As rising COVID-19 hospitalizations in northern B.C. have forced critically ill people to be flown to hospitals hundreds of kilometres away, more restrictions have been put in place in the region to help slow transmission of the virus. During a press conference Thursday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the Delta variant of the virus has been putting younger people in hospital in recent months. We are in a very different situation than we were in even a few months ago. The Delta variant that we are seeing across the province, almost 100 per cent, is way more transmissible; it spreads faster and it spreads with a small amount of exposure in a different way than what we have seen in previous strains of the virus, Dr. Henry said. And we are seeing it cause more severe illness in younger people ... Unvaccinated people in their teens but primarily in their 20s, in their 30s, in their 40s are ending up in critical care, ending up in hospital. We are seeing hospitals and ICUs filling up with young, otherwise healthy individuals struggling to breathe with COVID-19. And many people, even if they have mild illness, are now having long-term effects. She added that a Northern Health resident in their 20s died from COVID-19 Thursday. You can imagine how their family is grieving, Dix said. Due to what Health Minister Adrian Dix called an enormous challenge in the province's north, Dr. Henry announced a new public health order Thursday that requires indoor and outdoor personal gatherings in the north to be limited only to vaccinated people. Indoor gatherings must be limited to five people, while outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people. This means unvaccinated people are not allowed to visit others' homes in the province's north. Organized events in the north like weddings are required to have a COVID safety plan, and attendees must all be vaccinated. Indoor events are capped at 50 people, while outdoor events are limited to 100. Additionally, the new order prohibits in-person worship services, and services must once again be done virtually. Single-person services, where you can have quiet reflection in a religious service, remain allowed. Restaurants in the north have been restricted to selling alcohol until 10 p.m., and nightclub settings will be required to close in the north. Some Northern communities where vaccination rates are higher are exempt from the new orders. These include communities west of Kitiwanga, like Terrace, Kitimat, Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, Stikine, Snow Country and the Nisga'a area. The order takes effect at midnight and will remain in place until at least Nov. 19. Dr. Henry also encouraged people in the north not to travel for non-essential reasons. Both Dr. Henry and Health Minister Dix continued to urge British Columbians to get vaccinated for COVID-19, to help slow transmission and reduce hospitalizations. There is a path here. This is the frustrating thing for healthcare professionals, is that many of the cases we see in critical care today in B.C., in our hospitals, people struggling to breathe, are preventable by vaccination, Dix said. Dix said that 58 people have been recently flown from ICUs in the north to hospitals on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland, primarily due to overcrowding from unvaccinated COVID-positive people. When you think about the impact of that, of going from your family, say in Dawson Creek, 900 kilometres to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital or Victoria Royal Jubilee Hospital ... something we would not wish on anybody, Dix said. They are sick, desperately ill. Photo: Marissa Baecker The Kelowna Rockets solved two problems with one move Thursday. The Rockets released 20-year-old netminder Cole Schwebius after he went unclaimed when placed on waivers earlier in the day. The move brings the Rockets down to the league maximum of three overage players on the roster, and also reduces the logjam in the crease. Prior to the move, the Rockets had three netminders on the active roster. Schwebius is now free to join any team in any junior league in the country. "This was a very tough decision for us to make," said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. "Cole is a very special person, I want to wish him all the best going forward. He's truly one of the good guys in our game." Schwebius was acquired in a draft-day deal with Seattle prior to the start of the 2019-2020 season that also saw the Rockets pick up forward Dillon Hamaliuk and Jake Lee. Lee, fellow defenceman Tyson Feist and forward Mark Liwiski will serve as the Rockets overage players. Schwebius appeared in 48 games split between the Rockets and Seattle. He finished with a 17-23-2-0 record with a 3.67 goals against average and .890 save percentage. The Rockets will go with a goaltending tandem of newly acquired Colby Knights and Cole Tisdale. After splitting their opening two games in Victoria last weekend, the Rockets will host Kamloops in their home opener Friday at Prospera Place. Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - In this Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, file photo, New York real estate scion Robert Durst, 78, answers questions from defense attorney Dick DeGuerin, while testifying in his murder trial at the Inglewood Courthouse in Inglewood, Calif. The sentencing of Durst will be comparatively brief compared to his murder trial that stretched over the better part of two years. The New York real estate heir faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole Thursday, Oct. 14 for the first-degree murder of his best friend, Susan Berman. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool, File) New York real estate heir Robert Durst was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without chance of parole for the murder of his best friend more that two decades ago. Durst, 78, was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court last month of first-degree murder for shooting Susan Berman point-blank in the back of the head at her home in December 2000. The sentencing came after Berman's family members addressed the court describing her as a warm person who's been deeply missed. It has been a daily, soul consuming and crushing experience," Sareb Kaufman said of her murder. Kaufman's father was Susan Bermans boyfriend and he considered himself her son. Durst silenced Berman to prevent her from incriminating him in the reopened investigation of his wifes 1982 disappearance in New York, prosecutors said. Berman provided a phony alibi for Durst when Kathie Durst vanished, prosecutors said. Durst testified that he didnt kill either woman, but said on cross-examination that he would lie if he had. Prosecutors also presented evidence that he intentionally killed a neighbor in Galveston, Texas, in 2001, though he had been acquitted of murder in that case after testifying that he shot the man in self-defense. Durst is the grandson of Joseph Durst, who founded the Durst Organization, one of Manhattans 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 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. Loyola Law School Professor Laurie 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 argued in court papers that Durst deserved a new trial, saying there was insufficient evidence to prove the case and listing 15 ways the judge erred. Judge Mark Windham rejected the motion and said the prosecution had overwhelming evidence and proved Durst's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in at least five ways, including several admissions Durst made. He rejected all the arguments that he had ruled incorrectly. "You said the court erred so many times it made me feel self-conscious, Windham said. The motion was mainly to preserve issues for appeal and likely to fail, Levenson said, though some of their arguments could get a higher court's attention. The defense said 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 and a loaded handgun in his hotel room. They also objected to showing jurors a feature film, All Good Things" based on Durst's life and starring Ryan Gosling as him and Kirsten Dunst as Kathie Durst. They incorrectly said jurors were shown the six-part documentary, The Jinx: The Life and Crimes of Robert Durst," though jurors were shown excerpts, including a portion that many took as a confession. In a moment off camera but with a live microphone, Durst muttered, Killed them all, of course. 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. Photo: BC NDP Flickr Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei sponsored a Chinese government-linked cultural event in Downtown Vancouver October 2, with B.C.'s Minister of State for Trade George Chow and other hand-picked B.C. politicians in attendance B.C.s Minister of State for Trade George Chow attended a Huawei-sponsored Chinese cultural event and a celebration of the Chinese Communist Party as the MLA for his Vancouver-Fraserview riding, but not as a cabinet minister, according to a government spokesperson. MLA George Chow did not attend the event on behalf of the B.C. government. He attended the event as a Vancouver area MLA and a member of the Chinese-Canadian community, stated spokesperson Chandler Grieve by email, on behalf of the Ministry of Jobs Economic Recovery and Innovation, which oversees Chows cabinet duties. The statement was in response to Glacier Media asking for Chow to explain why he attended the events earlier this month. Glacier Media did not ask Chow how he was representing himself. And while this is what Chows ministry wanted to impress upon the general public, it was not the impression event attendees took away, given the fact Chow was introduced as the Minister of State for Trade by the events organizers. On the heels of Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig being released from Chinese prisons following the conclusion of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhous extradition process, Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei sponsored the Chinese government-linked cultural event in Downtown Vancouver October 2, with Chow and other hand-picked B.C. politicians in attendance waving both Canadian and Chinese flags to celebrate the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, which are subject to boycott calls that have majority support among polled Canadians. The event was one of many Chinese cultural events tied to Chinas consul general in Vancouver that weekend, and in conjunction with celebrations for the National Day of the Peoples Republic of China, also known as the Golden Week Holiday. Chows attendance made it less clear whether his BC NDP provincial government is set to encourage trade ties with China. Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Ravi Kahlon oversees Chows ministerial post. This summer, when asked if his government intended to strengthen trade ties with China or diversify, Kahlon affirmed the latter. In May, the government did not renew a memorandum of understanding on Chinas Belt and Road Initiative signed by the BC Liberal government in 2016. Chow was first elected MLA in 2017. Hes a former Vancouver city councillor and past president of the Chinese Benevolent Association, which publicly defends controversial Beijing policies, such as Hong Kongs national security law. According to Simon Fraser University political science professor Stuart Prest, elected officials will sometimes opt for more partisan positions by acting as local representatives, although it comes at the peril of the public being able to understand such nuance. You could say that, perhaps, they're trying to find a way to have their cake and eat it too, said Prest. This is a way in which we try to grapple with some uncomfortable, at times, but unavoidable, tensions within a political system. People are representatives they're members of cabinet but they're also their own person. So at times, they will look to differentiate their roles and that attempt can become unsustainable at times, explained Prest. Prest said it becomes a political question when determining if the public accepts such differentiations. In Chows case, said Prest, if it became part of a broader story of close ties between this government and not just Chinese-Canadian communities, but also Chinese state enterprises or something like that, then I think it would become a more significant problem for this government. Prest said he expects Sino-Canadian relations to be more closely watched as these events become more common in a post-COVID era. Only one in 10 Canadians now hold a favourable or very favourable view of China, down from 38% in 2018, leading up to the Meng saga. The cultural event was the third Chinese Cultural And Arts Festival hosted at Jack Poole Plaza by the Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations. Among those attending with Chow were Liberal-appointed independent Senator Yuen Pau Woo, Burnaby city councillor James Wang, Richmond city councillors Alexa Loo and Chak Au and Vancouver mayoral candidate Ken Sim. The alliance states online it aims to promote unity and cooperation between Chinese communities while participating in select philanthropic efforts such as disaster relief. While it has claimed to be apolitical, it also claims to actively participate in various activities of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and the Chinese Overseas Chinese Federation, which are Chinese government-affiliated entities, identified as parts of the CCPs United Front Work Department. Among its stated goals in Canada is to promote Chinese sovereignty in the South China Sea. Where Chow and others were not in attendance during the Golden Week was next to pro-democracy activists outside the consul generals compound on Granville Street. The activists co-organized by the group Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement gathered to raise more awareness for Chinas treatment of Uygur Muslims in East Turkistan (Xinjiang Autonomous Region), which the House of Commons has labelled as genocide; dismantling of Hong Kongs democratic system; and sustained intrusions on Tibetan culture. I wish someone could explain the viewpoints of the virulent anti-vaxxers. Its not that we dont know that Covid is real, and that vaccines work. I admit that my lady and I are a pair of old sheeple and are double-dose with the Pfizer vaccine. We even registered in advance for our shots and got them at the very earliest opportunity. We dont have whizbang phones, but we have paper copies of the QRLs. We both knew there were risks. Neither of us are spring chickens and we both want to be around long enough to be a burden to our kids and grandkids, but to us it seems that the odds were in our favour. Weve never won a million on a lottery, been struck by lightning or attacked by a shark either. Hell, I remember joining the line in public school to get our vaccines. Hated it, it scared me (the smell of the antiseptic, the nurses in uniform, the kids ahead of me crying), but I really wanted to go to school. It wasnt optional. Both the school system and my mum made me go. Funny thing is, I never caught anything that the shot was supposed to protect me from, and now, 60 odd years later, I guess they worked. I remember holding both my kids at the doctors office when they got their baby jabs. Whole lot of crying, but decades later, neither ever had a bad reaction or caught anything. And I can tell you in all honesty that the only time in the past decade that I missed my flu shot, I was sick as a dog for more than a week and lost about a dozen pounds. (Sadly, it came back). Scared the missus too. I still dont know exactly what was in any of the shots Ive had in my life. I figure that if the doctors, and the health agencies, and the researchers, and the government (and all their lawyers) didnt have a clue, they wouldnt have recommended them. My missus gets cortisone shots for her osteoporosis. What the hell is in that? I dont know, but it helps her out. Come to think of it, I dont know whats in Froot Loops (cereal) and Coca Cola, but they taste great (just not together). I dont know whats in half the things Ive put in my body over the years, but Im still here and my kids are tall, strong and healthy. My knowledge of the medial profession boils down to thisnothing is guaranteed. Everything from surgeries to medications comes with odds. And sometimes side effects (weve all sat through the medicine ads for the latest treatments). Very, very often, the odds are in your favour. The benefits most often outweigh the risks. I figure that if the Creator gave us brains enough to rub two sticks together, and the smarts to keep on learning new things, then maybe we should take advantage of that. If the best and brightest around the world recognized that Covid-19 could become the newest bubonic plague or Spanish flu, and then used all the modern technology and science (including instantaneous communication on the Internet) to find a way to stop it, then the least we could do would be to take advantage of it. Im not often a big fan of government (hey: how about a little more financial help for seniors and pensioners?) but the vaccine that could stop Covid-19 and the delta variant and the next mutation (which is coming if people dont get their act together) is free. Free. Something that could save lives with just a little jab is free. Something that could help first nations, and kids, and immunocompromised, and your family, your friends and community is free. You pay for prepared food that is certifiably bad for you but when (B.C. provincial health officer) Dr. (Bonnie) Henry or (Canadas chief medial health officer) Dr. (Theresa) Tam tells you millions have had the jab with (fortunately) very few bad results, you saywhat? You dont trust modern medicine? Yet when you get sick, you go clog up the hospitals and take whatever medicine they give you. Makes no sense to me. Its not against any real religious teachings either. If we, as a society, want to stop Covid-19, then follow the science, use your common sense and get vaccinated. Dont forget to wash your hands. And for heavens sake, wear a mask. Gary Lynch Photo: Contributed A bio-energy plant in Fort St. James that was shuttered in July less than five years after it went into operation will be acquired and restarted by a new consortium of owners. The 40-megawatt biomass power plant, which generated power from wood waste, is owned by Veolia and Fengate Asset Management. The plant began operating in 2017, but In July this year, the owners announced they were no longer operating the plant, which had employed 38 people. BioNorth Energy, a joint venture between Vancouvers Arrow Transportation Systems, the Nakadzli Development Corp., and Dallas-based Nexus Program Management Group plans to acquire the plant and restart it. Tim Bell, vice president of Arrow Transportation and president of BioNorth Energy, said he expects the deal to close November 15. Its not clear why Veolia-Fengate decided to shut it down. They had challenges with fibre, they had plant challenges -- there was a host of reasons, Bell said. I actually dont know the inner workings of why it went sideways, but we have a complete recommissioning plan and fibre strategy. Bell said he could not disclose the price of the acquisition but said the capital cost of building the plant was roughly $250 million. The plant still has 26 years left of an electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro, and there is a forest licence associated with it. Weve secured fibre from the local sawmills, Bell said, adding that the plan for fibre also includes going into the bush and grinding wood waste left from forestry operations. Forest fires in the area in recent years have also left a substantial amount of low-value wood debris that can be salvaged, Bell said. Local First Nations, the Nakadzli Whuten, have a forest licence that will supply some of the fibre, Bell said. Theres going to be lots of jobs for them, in the plant and as suppliers, Bell said. The plant itself will employ 35 people, and another 100 would be employed working on the fibre side of the business Bell said the company expected the acquisition to close November 15, and hopes to see the plant restarted by the middle of December. Photo: The Canadian Press Suicide bombers attacked a Shiite mosque packed with worshippers attending Friday prayers in southern Afghanistan, killing at least 47 people and wounding 70, a Taliban official said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the carnage at the Fatimiya mosque in Kandahar province. The attack came a week after a bombing claimed by the local Islamic State affiliate killed 46 people at a Shiite mosque in northern Afghanistan. The sectarian bloodletting has raised fears that IS an enemy of both the Taliban and the West is expanding its foothold in Afghanistan. Hafiz Sayeed, the Taliban's chief for Kandahar's department of culture and information, said 47 people had been killed and at least 70 wounded in the attack. Murtaza, who and like many Afghans goes by one name, said he was inside the mosque during the attack and reported four explosions: two outside and two inside. He said Friday prayers at the mosque typically draw hundreds of people. Another witness, also named Murtaza, was in charge of security at the mosque and said he saw two bombers. He said one detonated explosives outside the gate, and the other was already among the worshippers inside the mosque. He said the mosque's security personnel shot another suspected attacker outside. Video footage showed bodies scattered across bloodstained carpets, with survivors walking around in a daze or crying out in anguish. Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi earlier reported 32 dead and 68 wounded. The Islamic State group, which like Afghanistan's ruling Taliban is made up of Sunni Muslims, views Shiite Muslims as apostates deserving of death. IS has claimed a number of deadly bombings across the country since the Taliban seized power in August amid the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The group has also targeted Taliban fighters in smaller attacks. If the attack was carried out by IS, it would be the first major assault by the extremist group in southern Afghanistan since the U.S. departure enabled the Taliban to consolidate control of the country. Recent attacks in the north, the east and the Afghan capital have cast doubt on the Talibans ability to counter the threat posed by IS. The Taliban have pledged to restore peace and security after decades of war and have also given the U.S. assurances that they will not allow the country to be used as a base for launching extremist attacks on other countries. The Taliban have pledged, too, to protect Afghanistans Shiite minority, which was persecuted during the last period of Taliban rule, in the 1990s. Both the Taliban and IS adhere to a rigid interpretation of Islamic law, but IS is far more radical. It has better-known branches in Iraq and Syria. Photo: Rob Kruyt/BIV files A constitutional challenge has been filed in BC Supreme Court challenging the provinces COVID-19 vaccine passport system by two women claiming they cannot receive any vaccines. The vaccine card orders require the petitioners to choose between their own physical health and well being and their civil liberties, the suit said. Either choice has negative consequences on their families as well as themselves. The vaccine card orders actively deprive the petitioners of their Charter protected rights and freedoms. The suit names B.C.s attorney general and minister of health as respondents. Sarah Webb, of both Calgary and Victoria, and Maple RIdges Leigh Anne Eliason filed the challenge, saying they have physical disabilities which require a medical exemption from receiving further vaccines. Webb, 39, works in hotel management, dividing her time between in Victoria and Calgary. The suit said she received the Moderna vaccine May 2. Six days later, the suit said, she experienced fatigue, cramping, heart arrhythmias, swollen lymphs, severe pain and a rash which engulfed her arm. She went to hospital and received antibiotics. She returned the next day with complications and was advised she should not receive the second vaccination shot. Since receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, Sarah has, on average, multiple times per week, experienced significant and ongoing side-effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine including, without limitation, rashes, hives, fatigue, cramping, tachycardia, and other heart arrhythmias, the suit said. On September 3, 2021, Sarahs physician told her to avoid further COVID-19 vaccination no matter the brand or manufacturer The suit said Webb, 41, has a difficult medical history including a neuro-vestibular disorder, atrial fibrillation, and Wenckebach Syndrome, a heart condition. She was eligible for vaccination in April but was advised by her doctor in May that the potential for side effects was significant. Leigh was expressly advised by her physician not to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine, no matter the brand or manufacturer, the suit said. The suit asserts both women have medical exemptions from receiving further vaccine injections. However, the suit said both physicians expressly raised concerns that neither the government nor any of the provincial medical associations have provided guidelines or information as to how to properly write an exemption. Its these issues which pit the women against the various orders having been issued by B.Cs government. On August 23, 2021, B.C. Premier John Horgan, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix announced that, starting September 13, proof of vaccination would be required for all people attending certain business, social, and recreational settings, and events. The lawsuit claims statements about the orders fail to consider the many members of the public, like the petitioners, whose health and physical disabilities preclude them from receiving two injections of the COVID-19 vaccine. Further, the suit, filed in court September 23, asserted there exists no data proving that measures akin to the vaccine card have any impact on minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Any actual impact on vaccination rates that vaccine passports or the vaccine card orders have has not been studied by the Public Health Agency of Canada to reasonably justify the impairment of fundamental freedoms and rights protected by the Charter, the suit said. The actions seeks an injunction staying the legal effect or enforcement of the orders pending the outcome of the case or a permanent injunction staying the legal effect of the orders. Further, it seeks a decision that the orders are unconstitutional. The Glen Canyon Dam is seen here at Lake Powell in Arizona in June. 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. AVIC & KHD win Chinese NOx reduction order 15 October 2021 AVIC INTL Beijing and KHD have successfully signed an EPC contract with China United Cement Baoding Co Ltd, for another NO x -reducing modification of a 5000tpd clinker production line in China. AVIC INTL Beijing will serve as EPC contractor, while KHD will supply the Pyroredox equipment as the core technological solution. This project is the 13th production line in China that implements KHDs Pyroredox gasifying reactor to achieve sustainable NO x emission reduction. The plant modification is designed to achieve an average NO x emission below 50mg/m3 per hour, a total added ammonia consumption of less than 3.5kg/t of clinker, and an ammonia slip of less than 5mg/m3. China United Cement Baoding Co Ltd is wholly owned by China United Cement Corporation (CUCC), which is a core member of China National Building Material Group (CNBM). CUCC currently has more than 100 cement plants around China, with cement production capacity of 120Mta. Published under Buena Vista, CO (81211) Today Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 53F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. He wasn't handsome enough to play 007? You won't believe the actors that turned down James Bond! This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions A group pushes to recount the sales tax vote; Monuments in Yanceyville stay put; Pittsylvania County leaders sign off on big changes to the solar ordinance; A Danville holiday icon needs refurbishing. A new Director of Early Childhood Education at Cleveland State Community College is stepping into the role after working in education for over four decades. Margaret Horten is taking over as director after Suzanne Wood. Ms. Wood is retiring after 20 years of service to the college. Suzanne Wood has been an inspirational leader for 21 years as the coordinator and then the director of Early Child Education, and many of her students are working and teaching in our community today, stated Dr. Ryan Thompson, dean of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at CSCC. Margaret Horten was able to work with Suzanne for years, growing and developing this program, and we are very happy that she has accepted the role of director. She has an excellent understanding of the program, and that has helped make a seamless transition for our students here at Cleveland State.Born in Marietta, Ga. and moving to Chattanooga at the age of seven, Ms. Horten calls the scenic city her home. She graduated from Chattanooga State Technical Community College with an A.A.S. in early childhood education then obtained her bachelors in business administration. She continued her education receiving her masters in early childhood education and curriculum and instruction. Ms. Horten has been working for CSCC for the past 11 years. She began as an adjunct instructor then transitioned into a faculty member who has taught education for students who want to work with children from birth to grade 12. Before working at CSCC, Ms. Horten held many educational professions since 1982.Ms. Horten credits Ms. Wood for building the Early Child Education program at the college from the ground up. They both worked together to gain accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Now, Ms. Horten is working to build on what Ms. Wood started.We have an excellent Early Childhood Education program for students wanting to work with children from birth to third grade and want to share it with our entire service area, stated Ms. Horten. I want to continue to provide the best program for our college students so they continue to be well-prepared for the university programs as well as the workforce.Starting in her new role, Ms. Horten plans to focus on the third through 12th grade education majors and plan programs of study that are content-focused for the areas where students will be seeking licensure. She also plans to create more articulations with university partners. Even though her role at CSCC has changed, Ms. Horten always wants to stay connected to helping the students achieve their educational goals. I believe that 41 years in the field of education has given me many opportunities, but the thing that I am most proud of is the success of the children and employees that I have worked with, from the child who has a learning moment to an employee that earned a degree. Every time one of our students crosses the graduation stage, I feel like a proud parent. In her spare time, Ms. Horten loves spending time with family and friends and giving back to her community as a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority. Parkridge Health System announced Thursday that it is hosting its third annual opioid take back event to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and proper disposal of medications on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Parkridge East Hospital. Called Crush the Crisis, the event aligns with the Drug Enforcement Administrations National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and invites community members to safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The hospital is working in partnership with the Hamilton County Coalition, law enforcement officials and other local businesses and organizations to provide safe disposal locations on that date. Crush the Crisis will take place at Parkridge East Hospital, 941 Spring Creek Road in Chattanooga, in the front parking area. Signage will be present. Local law enforcement officers will be on hand collecting tablets, capsules and patches of Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin), Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), Tramadol (Ultram), Codeine, Fentanyl (Duragesic), Morphine, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and Oxymorphone (Opana). All medications are accepted. Needles, syringes, lancets, inhalers or liquids will not be accepted. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place at the event, including masking and social distancing. Opioid addiction is a national health crisis, and it is imperative that we get unused pain medications out of homes where they can more easily end up in the wrong hands, said Sara Connaughton, MD, an emergency medicine physician at Parkridge East Hospital. We invite you to join us for this years Crush the Crisis to properly dispose of unused medications and help us educate our community about the serious threat of opioid misuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70,630 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2019, with more than 70 percent attributed to opioids. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the U.S. is seeing an increase in opioid usage, and it is possible that a significant number of opioid addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused opioids prescriptions of family and friends. Parkridge East Hospital is happy to join our fellow HCA hospitals across the nation Oct. 23 to host this important initiative to curb opioid abuse in the community, Will Windham, Parkridge East Hospital CEO, said. Disposing of expired or unused medications properly and safely could mean saving a life. Parkridge East Hospital is participating as part of HCA Healthcares third annual national Crush the Crisis opioid take back day. In October 2020, 95 HCA Healthcare facilities in 18 states collected 13,523 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications at Crush the Crisis events around the country. For more information, visit ParkridgeHealth.com/Crush the Crisis or call 833-582-1970. Police approached a man who was walking around 3001 McCallie Ave. from Alan Gold's. The man was intoxicated and had gotten his right arm caught on the barbed wire fencing, causing a cut. Fire responded with officers and provided aid to the man. He said he had a safe ride to a hotel in East Ridge and officers waited with him until his ride picked him up. * * * An anonymous caller reported a purse lying by a yield sign at 3011 Clifton Terrace. Police found the purse as described, which contained an ID and miscellaneous other cards. Police attempted to return it to the owner at the address on her ID, but found she no longer lived there. The purse was turned in to Property. * * * A disorder was reported at the Hamilton Inn, 6860 Lee Hwy. An employee told police he had called because they had a person who was refusing to leave his room. He said the man was supposed to check out the day before, but he had yet to leave. He said the man would not answer the phone and had locked the door to his room. He said he attempted to speak with the man, but he told him to go away. Police spoke to the man, who said he was aware that he was supposed to check out the day before, but he has nowhere to go. He said he contacted a friend for help and would be leaving the hotel momentarily. * * * While police were sitting at a light on Shallowford Road, they observed a gray Toyota Tundra (TN tag) exit the far right lane into the turning lane to make a right turn around a vehicle at a red light. Police initiated their emergency equipment and the vehicle pulled into a parking lot. The driver of the vehicle said that he knew his actions were wrong, but the car in front of him had been sitting at the red light for two light cycles. He said he got frustrated and pulled around the vehicle to make a right turn. Police let the man off with a warning, but told him that he could have been cited for failure to maintain lane and failure to obey traffic light laws. * * * A suspicious person was reported at the Circle K, 4900 Brainerd Road. Police spoke with a white male who matched the description given by Dispatch. The person was identified by police and he told them that one of the gas station workers asked him to leave earlier, and he complied. He said that he then returned to the gas station to buy an alcoholic beverage. The employee who called police at the gas station said they wanted the man trespassed. Police told the man that they wanted him trespassed from the property and he is no longer able to be there. The man complied and left. * * * A caller at Ridgeway Apartments, 1204 Poplar St., told police there was a man known as, "Deangelo" trespassing on the property. The caller did not wish to see police, but said she was told to call police if "Deangelo" came back on the property. She said "Deangelo" knocked on her door and left. Police canvassed the area and were unable to locate "Deangelo." The woman is known to have large amounts of people lingering around and inside of her apartment. Police asked her to ensure she is not allowing too many people inside of her apartment due to the large amount of calls and disorders this is causing. Police informed her that management and police are aware of the amount of traffic at her apartment. The woman was asked to call back at any time. * * * A man on Webb Road told police that someone broke a window on one of their doors. He said he was mowing the grass when he noticed the window had been shattered. Police checked the building and did not find anyone inside. Police observed that the glass had been broken from the outside due to the pattern it shattered in, and there was grass inside the building where the glass had fallen. The man said he may have mowed over a rock while he was mowing the grass, which could have caused the damage. He said the window is valued at $600. * * * A man on East Brainerd Road told police that someone stole his bike from his porch while he was away in Atlanta. He said he is currently trying to find the serial number to add to the report. * * * A woman on Robin Glen Drive told police that her vehicle was vandalized. She said she had been having issues with a man and she believes it was him that caused the damage. She said she had been staying at her aunt and uncle's home due to a recent divorce, and that at some point during the day, the man showed up to the home and slashed the front passenger side tire on her vehicle. She said her neighbors were working on getting camera footage. A warrant for vandalism is pending further evidence. * * * A woman on Lindsay Street called for police due to hearing someone beating on the back entrance to the apartment building she lives in. She said she did not see anyone as she did not leave her apartment. Police found no one was near the door, but there was a broken pane of glass. It was unknown if the damage is new or old. * * * A woman at the District 3 Hotel, West 21st St., told police that sometime overnight the temporary tag on her vehicle had been stolen. She said she does not know the tag number, only that it expired soon. Police spoke with the hotel staff, who said the camera footage does not show the parking lot very well at night, especially when raining. There is no suspect information. * * * A man on Bass Road told police that someone got into his vehicle and stole his wallet. He said there were no signs of forced entry. * * * A supervisor at Champion Windows and Doors, 3902 Volunteer Dr., told police that the catalytic converters have been stolen (cut) from two of the company trucks. He said he is not sure when they were stolen, but he believes it happened sometime over the weekend while the trucks were parked there, and the employees usually leave around 5:30 or 6 p.m. on Fridays. He said there are cameras, but they dont work. He has gotten an estimate for replacing the converters, which will cost about $350 each and there were two on each truck. * * * A woman with security at Volkswagen, 8001 Volkswagen Dr., told police she was informed that on Friday someone attempted to use a false California driver's license to apply for a job. She said the woman was denied employment and Volkswagen would like to document the incident. She said she would email police with any video footage or other information about the incident. * * * A woman called police from Sam's Club, 6101 Lee Hwy., and said she lost her wallet while she was there this past Saturday. She last had it in her purse at about 12:30 or 1 p.m. while she was in the store and she later discovered it was gone when she got back home in Cleveland around 2:30 p.m. She said it possibly just fell out of her purse at some point, but she is not sure. * * * A man on Georgia Avenue told police that someone stole the tag off his vehicle overnight. The tag was entered into NCIC. * * * A woman on Seneca Avenue told police she heard the car alarm going off at her neighbor's residence. She said she saw what she believed to be cell phone flashlights around the vehicle that had the alarm going off. Officers checked and saw nothing consistent with anyone going through the vehicle. The officers also checked the areas surrounding the property and did not locate anyone in the area. Police spoke with the neighbor, who said he was having problems with squirrels chewing through the electrical wires of his vehicle, causing it to set the alarm off. He said there was a possibility of why his vehicle's alarm was going off. * * * A man on Cameron Lane told police that his ex-girlfriend keeps calling him. He said that he does not want to have a relationship anymore and that he made a Facebook post that tends to have him calling her out, but not in a threatening manner. While police were viewing the video, the ex-girlfriend called him on his cell phone and police answered. Police tried to explain to her that he does not want to see her anymore and that it would be best if the two of them just straight up cut ties. She kept talking over police and would not let police explain the situation to her. She said she was just going to call East Ridge Police and make a separate report because he was over at her home on Thursday. Police told her that was not necessary and that her version could be placed in this report. She said she would just call East Ridge. Police contacted Dispatch and made them aware of the situation in case she tries to call in and get him in trouble. Jean Blevins Allen, of Athens, Georgia, passed away on October 13, 2021. Jean was married to George L. Allen for 68 years, a marriage that began after only three weeks of dating. They had four children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jean was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, Granna and beloved child of God. She grew up in the Cloud Springs community and graduated from Rossville High School. Afterward, she married and began a life with George that had her traveling around the world. They raised their family on-the-move, building strong community of love and devotion among their children and themselves. She loved music and sang in choirs in all the churches she affiliated with. Jean sang gospel music in church with her parents and siblings from the time she had to stand on a box to see over the pulpit. No doubt, she is singing still. Jean was a strong advocate of Piedmont Athens (GA) Regional Hospital, volunteering there for 25 years. She also served the hospitals foundation and was instrumental in the establishment of the Mastectomy Boutique there. She also spent time in civic and church groups, Bible studies and professional organizations always delighting in building relationships and never without a conversation partner. She was a vibrant, magnetic person who drew people to her. She adopted many whom she came in contact with and they loved her like family. She was a believer in Gods command that we love our neighbors in whatever community she found herself, here and abroad. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Pauline Blevins of Rossville, and a brother, Lonnie, also of Rossville. She is survived by her husband, George LeBron Allen, originally from Chattanooga; four children, Susan Allen Booth (Joe), Michael LeBron Allen (Paige Airheart). Cynthia Allen Estill and David Lamar Allen (Heather). She had six grandchildren, Whitney Booth Lockard, Caroline Estill Ramsey, Mason Estill Kahiapo, Coleman Douglas Allen, George William Allen and Clark David Allen; four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held to honor Jeans life on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 1 p.m. outdoors at the home of Joe and Susan Booth, 3312 Apple Valley Road, Commerce, Ga. All are invited. In lieu of flowers, Gifts in memory of Jean may be made to Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation: 1199 Prince Avenue, Athens, Ga. 30606. Please designate your gift to Jean Allen fund so that the family may recognize your gift. The Nancy Ward Chapter DAR members met in Brainerd Mission Cemetery for their monthly meeting with a unique program. Members were seated underneath magnificent oak trees - with some dating back to 100 years of age. Hamilton County Historian, Linda Moss Mines, presented historical information and displayed artifacts on Brainerd Mission Cemeterys history, going back to the early 1800s. The Brainerd Mission Cemetery has an annual Flag Raising Ceremony each year in June, attended by members of the Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution of the five chapters of Chattanooga DAR: Chickamauga Chapter, John Ross Chapter, Judge David Campbell Chapter, Moccasin Bend Chapter and the Nancy Ward Chapter; and the John Sevier Chapter (Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution). The public is always welcomed. The four flags on display are the United States of America Flag, the Tennessee State Flag, the Cherokee Western Band National Flag, and the Cherokee Eastern Band Flag. The Cherokee flags are gifted each year by the Cherokee Nations. The Nancy Ward Chapter welcomes prospective members who have lineage to ancestors who aided in the American Revolution. For inquiries regarding community service in the areas of patriotism, education, or historic preservation, contact Nancywardchapter@gmail.com In Hamilton County Criminal Court Friday morning, Rodney Antonio Gearing waived his right to a trial and pleaded guilty to second degree murder and agreed to serve 25 years in the Tennessee Department of Corrections at 100 percent in the homicide of Gary McPherson. Executive Assistant District Attorney General Cameron Williams told the court that the murder occurred at the victims home in the 5400 block of School Street in Ooltewah on July 23, 2018. Judge Don Poole approved the plea agreement. Nearly 100 community organizers are joining local nonprofit The Company Lab in counting down he days to the beginning of Startup Week CHA 2021. Im looking forward to the animation of the week, event host and Chattanooga Tourism Co. Marketing Director Sean Phipps said. My Tiktok session will be funny and informational but the Startup Week energy which comes from attendees and community members is a big part of the thrill. The free Startup Week CHA 2021 events will be Oct. 18-22 in downtown Chattanooga. More information is available here. Register here to help event hosts and CO.LAB get a headcount and prepare. Startup Week kicks off with veteran, serial entrepreneur James Chapman, who spent years contributing to the Chattanooga entrepreneurial ecosystem before taking his talents to Detroit. The kickoff also has a special guest Stephanie Hays, who has organized Startup Weeks in the past, and now is on a great worldwide adventure, all on Airbnbs dime. More on that here. Eight entrepreneurs will pitch at Will This Float? More about that here. Everything is free, including parking. To get free parking, simply park in the EPB garage downtown at the corner of Market and 10th streets. Get a ticket and take it to Miller Plaza to get validated with a sticker. People can still sign up to volunteer. Volunteers get close-up seats to the action, free food and swag. Sign up by Friday. During Greys Anatomy Season 18 Episode 3, Hotter Than Hell, Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) makes her return to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Plus, Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) participates in a life-changing surgery with the doctor. Avid fans of the long-running medical drama find so many references to past seasons that its hard to keep track of them all. [Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from Greys Anatomy Season 18 Episode 3 Hotter Than Hell.] Greys Anatomy Season 18: Kate Walsh and Ellen Pompeo | ABC/Eric McCandless Addison Montgomerys iconic return to Greys Anatomy In Greys Anatomy Season 18 Episode 3, Addison Montgomery walks in to meet the interns for Grand Rounds. She allows Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) to present the patients case and scrub in on the surgery. The patient, Tova, had a complete hysterectomy, but Addison plans to transplant her uterus so she can use her deceased husbands frozen sperm. Meanwhile, the interns debate whether Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) dated both Meredith and Addison. They also reference the infamous plane crash from Greys Anatomy Season 8. During the groundbreaking surgery, the surgeons hear a dramatic sound the air conditioning system shuts down. When Richard tells Addison that the HVAC system shut down, she insists Meredith Grey is the only one who can help her complete the surgery more quickly. When Meredith arrives, Helm (Jaicy Elliot) informs Addison of the groundbreaking surgeries Meredith was a part of before Greys Anatomy Season 18 Episode 3. RELATED: Greys Anatomy: Who is the Attending Doctor That Killed Derek McDreamy Shepherd?Why is he back? With the assistance of fan-favorite Nurse Bokhee, Addison, Meredith, and Schmidt, save the patient and complete the transplant. However, after its over, Addison breaks down in the elevator over the death of her ex-husband, Derek. Meredith consoles her with the fact that Derek lives on in their children, Zola (Aniela Gumbs), Bailey, and Ellis. Is Meredith leaving Seattle? When Greys Anatomy Season 18 Episode 3 opens, Meredith tells Cormac Hayes (Richard Flood) that she plans to spend half of her workweek in Minnesota. However, Richard Webber (James Pickens, Jr.) has so many new ideas that he wants to carry out with Meredith. She worries about telling him. However, Addison gives Meredith a pep talk about fighting for the life-changing clinical trial in Minnesota. Meredith finally informs Richard that she wont take on the residents role, but Richard should be the one in that role, anyway. Owen and Winston defy Richards orders in Greys Anatomy Season 18 Episode 3 In Greys Anatomy Season 18 Episode 3, Dr. Winston Ndugu (Anthony Hill) tells his patient that they found a donor for her. He begs Dr. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) to complete the kidney transplant because Meredith and Richard are busy. Winston doesnt want to ask Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) because she said he could not add the patient to the transplant list. Richard informs Winston that the HVAC system shutdown postpones his patients transplant. However, Owen skirts around Richards protocol by calling Ben Warren (Jason George) from Station 19. He brings an air-conditioned truck used for surgeries in the field to perform the transplant. Your weekly dose of #GreysAnatomy is HERE! RT if youre tuned in pic.twitter.com/oCBZJcTRqa Grey's Anatomy (@GreysABC) October 15, 2021 Miranda Bailey and Cormac Hayes talk about how tough it is to raise teenagers in the world right now. They both have teens and have to treat a teen who refuses to call her parents to alert them that shes in the hospital. The two doctors also defy Richards orders not to operate on patients during the HVAC shutdown. Teddy (Kim Raver) and Linc (Chris Carmack) look at the HVAC unit to attempt to fix it for the NICU babies who cant regulate their temperatures. As they look over the massive system, Linc confides in Teddy. He admits that he loves Amelia (Caterina Scorsone), and she doesnt even care. The last few moments of Greys Anatomy Season 18 Episode 3 are the most touching. Addison finally meets Derek and Merediths three children and all of the fans at home grab the tissues. According to IMDb, Greys Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC, after Station 19. Important information You are currently not logged in to my.chemeurope.com . Your changes will in fact be stored however can be lost at all times. CHENEY Entrepreneur Carlos Fuentes is a solid example of a small town success story. At 25, Fuentes operates several businesses in the area. When he moved from Mexico to California at 15 years old, he could barely speak English. He lived in Massachusetts for his sophomore year of high school, but ended up completing his junior year at Ferris High School in Spokane before graduating from Cheney High School. Shortly after graduating, Fuentes opened the only used car lot in town, C&S Automotive. "If you can run a car lot, you can do anything." Fuentes said, adding that running a car lot can be very stressful and takes a lot of patience But he's not just running a used car business. Fuentes completed his associates degree at Spokane Falls Community College and he is now working on a business degree at Eastern Washington University, he said. He also juggles work and school with spending time with his 23-year-old wife, Amber. Together, they enjoy living here and want to contribute to making it even better. "Cheney is a small town, and when you do things around here, people take notice." he said. Fuentes said he learned what it took to be successful. Before starting his own business venture, Fuentes had many different jobs in construction, carpentry, restaurants, landscaping, etc. He said he has always had an entrepreneurial mindset and had always wanted to work for himself. He said he likes the freedom and the challenges of owning a business. His newest venture is opening the The Speakeasy restaurant in the old Willow Springs building, a Cheney landmark at 809 First St. The building was for sale and he thought, "Why not?" Fuentes envisioned a place where friends and neighbors could gather and have a good meal. After buying the building, it was brought up to code. The equipment and fixtures were already there, making it easier to open the location to the public. Fuentes had considered remodeling the inside of the building, but decided to keep its original appeal after customer feedback. He said that many customers wanted him to keep the nostalgic decor. "Customers told me that I should keep things as they were as much as possible," he said, noting customers liked the familiar feeling they get when they enter. Fuentes has not had any issues with supplies or employee shortages. He said the restaurant currently has 4-5 servers, a couple of cooks, with another one relocating from California. He said that he is bringing the new chef to work next week and the restaurant will be expanding offerings, soon. Future plans include expanding operations to include lunch and dinner, a bar, live music and more. The restaurant offers custom orders and gathering space for small groups. Fuentes liked the name The Speakeasy because it reminded him of the Prohibition-era establishments. Not only does Fuentes run a car lot and a restaurant, he also recently started a taxi service, Monkey Cabs. Monkey Cabs operates around the clock, he said. "If you want to go to Idaho and back, we will get you there." Fuentes said, noting this will offer Cheney residents an alternative transportation choice to wherever they want to go. Fuentes is purchasing the old Cheney Feed and Tackle store building and will be starting a new business there, as well. Sarah Stephens can be reached at features@cheneyfreepress.com In this Aug. 10, 2021, photo, recently retired state Supreme Court Justice Barbara J. Vigil, right, appears at a news conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham looks on. In her first public address on Oct. 12, Vigil, the new leader of New Mexicos child protection department pledges to restore the agencys credibility, and support new legislation that would increase accountability and strengthen laws protecting tribal children in adoption and foster care. In a remote village on the side of a mountain in Papua, a man has been writing letters. Ive written so many letters asking for teachers to come, he says. Ive written so many letters, my pens have all run out of ink. I dont have any more pens to write with. But then all of the sudden I heard you guys were coming. I was so happy hearing that I could not sleep at all last night. A new documentary tells the story of that arrival and the missionary pilots who support the work of Bible translators, church planters, and Christian teachers in the remotest mountain villages. Ends of the Earth will be playing in about 700 theaters across the US on Monday, October 18, and Thursday, October 21. It is also available to churches. CT talked to Mission Aviation Fellowship President and CEO David Holsten about the importance of the documentary, his theology of missions, and the challenges of flying small planes in and out of mountain villages like Puluk, where it took the people 15 years to build a runway with picks, shovels, and crowbars. What are your hopes for this documentary? We want people to see with clarity how the gospel can bring lasting change to somebody living in great isolationisolation that isnt just geographical. They are spiritually isolated, linguistically isolated, ethnically isolated. In some of these villages, infant mortality is 80 percent, women and children are abused, and theres constant war. Its pretty horrific. Liku, a Wano Bible teacher, says this in the documentary: People in America might think we live in a pristine, beautiful place, but they havent seen for themselves what it is really like here. The gospel and the values of the kingdom that follow change peoples lives in a deep and impactful way. And we want that story to be told. Thats good news. Its a mysterious part of the gospel that says God loves the people at the very edge of what the world thinks matters, the people who are marginalized. You know, even among Christians theres a kind of calculation about return on investment (ROI) and bang for our buck. You hear this with mission work too. But we cant really approach this from an ROI perspective. The gospel is costly. Jesus comes and he gives his life so we can have life. And hes the shepherd who goes after the one lost sheep. MAF lives in the world of that one: This little tribe of 100 people, 150 people, living on the top of a mountainto most of the world, they dont exist and they certainly dont matter. From a financial standpoint it doesnt make sense. Its costly to take an aircraft up there thats a worth a few million dollars. But whats the price of a soul? We wanted to show that story. How is mission aviation different from other kinds of flying? Youre flying in areas that are remote, and because of that, there is minimal infrastructure, whether thats communications equipment that allows regular contact with air traffic control or weather-reporting equipment that can give you an accurate picture and forecasts weather conditions. Maintenance is challenging too. You cant just order a part and have it show up the next morning on a FedEx truck. You have to anticipate changing a component, in some cases, up to four months before you need to change it. The pilots do everything pretty much on their own. Airline pilots get on their planes, and the load, the weight of the load, the balance of it has been calculated for them. A missionary pilot has to compute the load of the aircraft. They have to load and unload it. The passengers come aboard, and they have to brief them in their language. You may even have to climb up on the wing to put the fuel into the plane. Its pretty different. Article continues below And then probably the most significant differences are the airstrips themselves. As you see in the documentary, these airstrips are made by villages with hand tools. They are grass or dirt or rock; they can have slopethey tend to slopeand its a very dynamic setting. Every time I get ready to land, Im circling, looking for a wild pig or a water buffalo thats going to come out on the runway. Its really quite challenging. You have to be able to fly your aircraft with a high level of precision, which I think most pilots enjoy rising to that challenge. But its unforgiving of any significant mistakes. I think its one of the most gratifying ways to use an airplane. Mission aviation requires such precision and careful planning. Is there some tension between that and the ethos of the missionaries on the ground? Especially in these remote regions, missionaries often place an emphasis on adapting, making do, and being creative and flexible. Oh, it sounds like youve had some experience with missions! There is an interesting tension there. Flying requires a lot of planning. It requires a lot of resources and a lot of systems and infrastructure. Ive seen that raise the eyebrows of our missionary peers. Some people see that as being very business-like andmaybe this is an inelegant way to say it, butnonspiritual. But its what is required. Its what you have to do in order to have a service that people can have confidence in. And you know when people are putting their kids on an airplane, they really appreciate the preparation and how careful we are. I think for the most part we work together and people understand that different contexts need different approaches. CT reported on the one fatal accident that MAF has had in the last 20 years, when pilot Joyce Lin died in a crash in 2020. The investigation is still ongoing, so I know you cant talk about the details of what happened. But can you talk about how that tragedy has impacted MAF? An event like this, as difficult as it is, forces you to wrestle with, really, what is the price youre willing to pay? Everybody who does mission aviation wrestles with that at some level, but it became a whole lot more real to everybody: If that were to happen to me, if that were to happen to my husband, if it were to happen to my friend, would I believe that loss was for a worthy thing? Is it something I would ultimately be willing to give my life to? In aviation its sort of anathema to say its okay to give your life for something. Youre always seeking to make it as safe as you possibly can. We invest a tremendous amount of research and effort so that we dont have to pay that price. But the truth is, you assume a certain level of risk anytime you take off and fly in an airplane in the places that we fly. Theres a realitythats one of the tensions in mission aviation ministry. Joyces team really had to wrestle with this. And I think they would say, and they will say, Yeah. Yeah, this is something that is worth it. When you see the impact of the gospel, the airstrip being opened so Wano Bible teachers can go in and begin their gospel presentation, you say, Yes, this is a priceless thing. Article continues below One of the most interesting parts of the documentary, to me, was seeing the Wano Christian leaders setting priorities for the mission work. Liku is shown making decisions, for example, about where the next runway should go. Can you talk about the partnership between Western missionaries and Papuan believers? Liku is our brother. Hes our brother, and I can hardly talk about him without crying. But if you go do this sort of work and you think, Im here with all the answers, you will be humbled. If your eyes are even remotely open, you will quickly think, I have so much to learn from these guys. And thats one of the highlights of the time overseas: to learn from these brothers and sisters. This is my opinion, but I think God has called us to work cross-culturally with brothers and sisters. Thats part of the Great Commission, that we need to be cross-cultural. Just recently we had a gathering, and a young woman raised her hand and said, What do you think about the Western colonialism thats been attached to mission work? I said, In my journey that Ive been on the last 20 years, I havent seen that. Im not saying it didnt take place. I know it has. I know there have been flawed approaches and sinful behaviorthat is absolutely the case. But what Ive seen in the last 20 years is a journeying side by side. I see humility far more than arrogance, people across cultures saying, How do I walk with you? Teach me a way to appropriately contextualize this in this setting. And its a beautiful thing. You are forced to wrestle with your inadequacies and the gifting of brothers of sisters who havent had anywhere near the access to resources that youve had. Its inspiring. Its humbling. And praise God for it. In some ways the documentary is like a recruiting film. Does MAF need more pilots? Do the missions you serve need more workers? Oftentimes we find ourselves saying things like, We could use twice the number of pilots we have. Globally, right now we might have 80 or 90 pilots. We could use twice that amount. When I visit a team in Papua or the other places we serve, like Haiti, Lesotho (which is in Africa), or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I often find one person doing several jobs. We recruit mostly from the Christian colleges with training programs for missionary pilots: Moody Bible Institute, Liberty University, LeTourneau University. But its a challenging process and a long process. Most folks, on average, enroll in a flight training program, which is five years long. Theyll go through that program; then theyll often work for a year or two to get experience. They join us and go through support raising, all of that. Its not unusual from the time they started the program to the first flight overseas to take eight or nine years. It takes a lot of focus and drive to get through that. And there are other folks who know how to fly, but they dont have the commitment to incarnational presence and the spiritual aspect. We got calls from some airline pilots early on during COVID. They were seeing the downturn, and they would reach out intrigued by what we do and approach us to see if this is something they could do for six months until airline business picks back up. But they lacked the understanding and what it demands spiritually. To do this, you have to learn another language, uproot your family, count the costs, and really say, God has called me. Our prayer is Lord, stir the heart of this generation. We think people will be intrigued by what we do. Ultimately, we would love to see people get behind our ministry, and we hope the young men and women who are intrigued by mission workwe pray their hearts are stirred. A year and a half into the coronavirus pandemic, most churchgoers think its finally safe to be back in the pews. And despite prominent clashes over COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine exemptions, regular attendees largely agree with their congregations reopening plans and trust their church leaders advice on whether to get the shot, according to a survey released today by the Pew Research Center. Those who go to church at least once a month were as likely to trust their churchs guidance as they were public health officials, the survey found. The only group they deemed more trustworthy was their own doctor. Overall, more Americans who attend religious services at least monthly express trust in their clergy and religious leaders to provide vaccine guidance than say the same about their state elected officials, their local elected officials or the news media, the researchers wrote. The findings back up the strategies of faith-based vaccine campaigns, which continue to urge leaders to share resources or speak about their decision to get the shot, whether from the pulpit or in one-on-one conversations with congregants. Across traditions, US churchgoers were far more likely to say their pastors encouraged (39%) rather than discouraged the vaccine (5%). But the majority said their pastors didnt say much either way. Black Protestants were most likely to hear pro-vaccine messages from church leaders; about two thirds say their church promoted vaccination. The topic came up the least among evangelical Protestants, with around three-quarters saying their pastors didnt really weigh in about vaccination. A previous report from Pew found that 83 percent of US congregations heard their pastor discuss the pandemic in their preaching last year. Previous research showed how Black Protestants views and vaccination rates have shifted more dramatically than white evangelicals since vaccines were made widely available earlier this year. There was a time that we were only talking about vaccine hesitancy in Black Protestant communities, Curtis Chang, co-founder of Christians and the Vaccine, told USA Today in August. Now, its really a white evangelical issue. Early on, some evangelical pastors wondered whether or how to discuss vaccinationsome believing medical decisions are up to patients and their doctors, others happy to praise God for the development of a treatment that could help save lives. Many evangelical figures, including conservative Southern Baptist leader Robert Jeffress, have gone on to get the vaccine themselves and promote vaccination by hosting clinics. The topic remains a sensitive one, though, and some in the minority who say they will refuse the vaccine under any circumstances are starting to turn to religious exemption requests. Other surveys have shown white evangelicals are most likely to continue to refuse the vaccine; however, a majority had gotten the shot by June. With higher vaccination rates and dropping coronavirus infections, 8 in 10 churchgoers are confident that they can worship in-person without catching or transmitting the virus, Pew found. Two-thirds of regular churchgoers (64%) said in September that they had returned to in-person services in the past month, compared to 43 percent who had gone back in March 2021 and 33 percent in July 2020. Evangelicals and Catholics were more likely to say theyd attended an in-person church service recently than mainline and Black Protestants, and churchgoers in the Northeast and Midwest were somewhat more likely to be back than those in the South and West. Back in April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began endorsing unmasked indoor worship for those who had been vaccinated. After the delta variant began taking off during the summer, it revised recommendations to say vaccinated people should wear masks in public indoor settings as long as there are high levels of transmission in the area. (As of October, that applies to almost the entire country.) When asked what they believe should be happening with worship services at this point in the pandemic, more than half of regular churchgoers (59%) said their churches should be open with some precautions in place. That largely lines up with what is actually happening, since 59 percent said last month that their churches had reopened with precautions. Of the rest of churchgoers, 34 percent said their churches were gathering without precautions, and 6 percent said their churches have yet to resume worshiping in-person again. The number of still-closed churches continues to drop, down from 17 percent earlier this year and 31 percent last year. Evangelicals are most likely to be worshiping in person without restrictions. Half say their churches are up and running as they were before the outbreak, compared to 20 percent of mainline Protestants, 14 percent of Black Protestants, and 19 percent of Catholics who say the same. Committing Egypt to a five-year program of human rights reform, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi did not mince words about religion. If someone tells me they are neither Muslim nor Christian nor a Jew or that he or she does not believe in religion, I will tell them, You are free to choose, he said. But will a society that has been conditioned to think in a certain way for the last 90 years accept this? The comment sent shockwaves through Egyptian society. Listening to him, I thought he was so brave, said Samira Luka, senior director for dialogue at the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services. Sisi is fighting not only a culture but a dogma. Last month, the government released its first-ever National Human Rights Strategy after studying the path of improvement in 30 other nations, including New Zealand, South Korea, and Finland. The head of the UN Human Rights Council praised the 100-page [in English] document as a key tool with concrete steps. Egypts constitution guarantees freedom of belief and worship and gives international treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the force of law. But Article 98 of the Middle Eastern nations penal code stipulates up to five years in prison for blasphemy and has been used against atheists and Christians alike. Will Sisis words signal a change? Since his election in 2014, Egypts head of state has consistently spoken about the need to renew religious discourse, issuing a challenge to Muslim clerics. And prior to the launch of the new strategy, his comments even hinted at a broader application than atheism. We are all born Muslims and non-Muslims by [ID] card and inheritance, Sisi stated. Have you thought of searching for the path until you reach the truth? Egypts ID card indicates the religion of each citizen. It can be changed to state Muslim in the case of conversion, but cannot be changed to Christian. Prominent public figures have called for removing the label, and debate ensued at the new strategys launch. Some argue the IDs religion field is used by prejudiced civil servants and private businesses to discriminate against the minority religion. Sisis time frame of 90 years roughly corresponds to the 1928 founding of the Muslim Brotherhood. And Lukas dogma indicates a widespread social acceptance of interpretations of Islam that privilege the religions place in law and culture. According to a 2013 survey by the Pew Research Center, 88 percent of Egyptian Muslims believe converting away from Islam should be punishable by death. Calling for the application of sharia law, the Brotherhood won Egypts presidency in 2012, only to be overthrown by then defense minister Sisi the following year after massive popular demonstrations. Since then, Egypt has declared the group to be a terrorist organization and has moved to eradicate their influence from public life. Thousandsincluding unaffiliated liberal activistsare in prison or self-imposed exile. Bahey el-din Hassan, director of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), called Egypts human rights situation catastrophic. Concerned, President Joe Biden withheld $130 million of $1.3 billion in yearly aid to Egypt last month, conditioning it on the release of human rights and civil society activists. Three days earlieron September 11Sisi launched the new human rights strategy to a national television audience. In addition to his comments about religion, he declared 2022 to be the year of civil society. But a new law passed this summer to regulate NGOs was largely panned by human rights advocates. And Hassan stated that the 9/11 timing indicated the documents primary audience. So too did the fact that the drafting committee was headed by the foreign minister. Before it was circulated in Egypt, he said, the strategy was published on the webpage of the Egyptian embassy in DC. A week later, charges were dropped against four NGOs. Egyptian Christians, however, are far less critical. This document is positive and important, and will impact the whole Egyptian mentality toward the other, said Andrea Zaki, head of the Protestant Churches of Egypt. The president, in his way of thinking, precedes all other political elites. Culminating a process that began in 2019, the human rights strategy included also the ministers of defense, interior, justice, and general intelligence, among others. This is meant to indicate political will; however, these departments also stand accused of human rights violations far more than others. Setting a five-year deadline for implementation, the strategy is organized into four categories to encompass the whole of necessary improvements: civil and political rights; economic, social, and cultural rights; women, children, disabled, and elderly rights; and overall human rights education and capacity building. Coptic Orphans appreciated the broad focusespecially on development. For over 30 years we have been in almost all of Egypts communities promoting better education, and through our Valuable Girl Program we break down barriers between Coptic and Muslim communities to ensure mutual social responsibility, said executive director Nermien Riad. We believe this to be the key to ensuring Copts thrive in Egypt. Coptic Solidarityfrom the Egyptian diasporainterpreted it differently. It is pure PR and propaganda, said Lindsay Griffin, director of development and advocacy. Human rights, in the traditional sense, are diluted and made marginal. And abuses, therefore, are considered secondary amidst other socioeconomic issues. Copts are resigned to Sisi as a lesser evil than the Brotherhood, Griffin said, comparing Egypt to Jim Crowera America. Worse, the human rights provisions of the constitution are not only ignored but also subjugated. Article 2 enshrines Islam as the religion of the state and the principles of sharia law as the basis of legislation. The contradictions become apparent especially when Copts are attacked by the fanatic populace. Rather than prosecuting offenders, the state conducts reconciliation meetings and pressures Christian victims to drop charges. It is a completely interconnected and mutually reinforcing system of discrimination by the government and society, she said. The culture of impunity only encourages more persecution. But beyond the religion file, Griffin joined the secular CIHRS in lamenting outright political human rights violations. These include extended pretrial detention and charging peaceful researchers with terrorist designationswhich unjustly affects Coptic activists also. Three days after the strategy release, Patrick Zaki was finally brought to court after 19 months in detention. Rami Kamel is still awaiting due process, 23 months later. Both were involved in chronicling violations against the Coptic community. Repeated throughout the document was a recognition of incorrect cultural legacies. Michelle Dunne, director of the Middle East program for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, found this shift of blame to be ludicrous. While education is needed, she saw an overall basis of denial. Be patient, suggested Luka, who served on the strategy review committee. You cant change everything in one step, she said. But with a specific timeline, we can measure to see if it is implemented, or if it is just words on paper. Each of the four categories are organized along three tracks: legislative, institutional, and educational development. Of the former, the strategy recognizes a need for the law to provide guarantees for a lawyer if the defendant cannot afford one. The accused are not yet obliged to be told they have the right to remain silent. And furthermore, there is insufficient legal protection for witnesses and whistleblowers. Each section also describes recent reforms and efforts undertaken by the state, identifying a weak legal awareness of practices which constitute cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. In 2021, there have been 127 lectures on human rights within the ministry of interior, which oversees the police. Furthermore, 44 citizenship committees have been established at the village leveloften the locus of sectarian tension. These committees emphasize the equal rights of Muslims and Christians, while promoting the virtue of religious diversity. The freedom of religion section emphasizes 15 strengths and opportunities, the largest number within the civil and political rights section. These include the establishment of a cabinet-level Supreme Committee for Combatting Sectarian Incidents; the removal of anti-tolerance material from the educational curriculum; and the spending of $70 million to restore Jewish synagogues and Coptic shrines along the Holy Family route commemorating Jesus infant sojourn in Egypt. And since a 2016 law to regulate construction of churches, 1,985 former unlicensed houses of worship and service centers have now been registered officially. However, while the strategy is specific on legal issues, it does not detail religious issues. There is no mention of ID cards, conversion, reconciliation committees, or a unique personal status law for Christiansthought this summer to be imminentin order to let the minority regulate marriage, divorce, and inheritance according to their faith. Luka stated that a national strategy should not highlight the concerns of specific groups. But because of Sisis remarks, such issues are now embedded in public debate. She expects them to change gradually, with time and consensus. As for Rami Kamel, she says, It might help speed his trial. Luka does not have specific information about his case but questioned the assumption of innocence many critical human rights advocates afford the accused. Not everything is presented to the public, she said, to decide if there are government abuses. But clearly there are challenges in Egypt, and the constitution must be implemented. It requires both culture change and economic developmentand for the first time, Egypt has committed itself before the world. This document is so significant, Luka said. Listen carefully to what President Sisi said during the launch. We are so proud. Ronnie Floyd is the latest to leave the Southern Baptist Conventions Executive Committee (EC) over its decision to hand over privileged documents in an upcoming abuse investigation. Floyd, the president and CEO of the EC, announced in an email Thursday night that he could no longer serve in the role, which he has held for two years. His resignation is effective October 31. In the past couple weeks, more than ten members of the EC left around the much-debated vote on attorney-client privilege, and the ECs longtime attorneys, James Guenther and James Jordan, withdrew their legal services. In his resignation letter, Floyd repeated his commitment to the outside review of the EC, but continued to emphasize the potential risks and liability of waiving privilege. The decisions made on Tuesday afternoon, October 5, in response to the 2021 Convention now place our missionary enterprise as Southern Baptists into uncertain, unknown, unprecedented and uncharted waters, he wrote. Due to my personal integrity and the leadership responsibility entrusted to me, I will not and cannot any longer fulfill the duties placed upon me as the leader of the executive, fiscal, and fiduciary entity of the SBC. In the midst of deep disappointment and discouragement, we have to make this decision by our own choice and do so willingly, because there is no other decision for me to make. Rolland Slade, EC chairman, told Baptist Press, I am saddened by his resignation. Hes had a tremendous ministry for years and years. I know he loves Southern Baptists. I know it was his intention to come to Nashville to serve Southern Baptists well and I believe hes fulfilled that to the best of his ability. However, I understand the vote of the committee put him in a very difficult position. Floyd spent more than 30 years as pastor of Cross Church in Arkansas and served as SBC president from 2014 to 2016 before becoming EC president in 2019, in the midst of convention-wide efforts to address the SBCs response to sexual abuse. He succeeded Frank Page, who resigned in 2018 over a morally inappropriate relationship. The denomination voted at its annual meeting in June to investigate how the EC responded to abuse claims and survivors over the past 20 years. Floyd, as EC president, was not a voting member but sided with those who supported the investigation but opposed waiving privilege. Like almost all of you, I do not have a vote on the Board of Trustees, but I do have a vote in heaven from my knees. I am praying to the God of Heaven to perform a miracle that will bring us all together, he wrote in an October 1 open letter, once again emphasizing the ECs fiduciary responsibilities. Leaked materials ahead of the annual meeting, which prompted the call for a third-party investigation, included a recording of a discussion in which Floyd spoke of preserving the base of the denomination rather than being concerned about what survivors could say. After the material was made public, Floyd responded by saying he did not have the same recollection of these occurrences as stated but did take the allegations seriously. In his resignation letter, he wrote, One of the most grievous things for me personally has been the attacks on myself and the trustees as if we are people who only care about the system. Nothing could be further from the truth. EC member Joe Knott, who also worried that waiving attorney-client privilege could put the SBC at legal risk, characterized the upcoming investigation as a chance to vindicate Ronnie Floyd without destroying the Southern Baptist Convention. During his tenure as EC president, Floyd set new benchmarks for missionaries, church planting, giving, and youth discipleship through his Vision 2025 plan. Some Southern Baptist leaders, including EC president emeritus Morris H. Chapman and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary president Jason Allen, extended prayers for Floyd, and former EC member Chuck Williams, who resigned October 1, tweeted his support. Those who believed waiving privilege was the right thing to do for the sake of the integrity of the investigation and the polity of their convention questioned Floyds leadership around the issue, and some wanted to see him leave the position. Ahead of the October 5 meeting, one trustee told CT he considered a vote of no confidence against EC leaders, saying Floyd and Vice President Greg Addison had not led or supported the efforts of this trustee body to abide by the will of the messengers of our convention, which called for the investigation and waiver. Earlier this week, prior to Floyd s resignation, EC trustees had requested to call a special meeting to address vacancies and leadership. According to its bylaws, following a presidential resignation, the ECs board of trustees can elect a six-member search committee, which can receive nominations, along with the board chair. [ This article is also available in and . ] Yvonne Binda stands in front of the congregation, all dressed in pristine white robes, and tells them not to believe what theyve heard about COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccine is not linked to Satanism, she says. The worshipers, members of a Christian Apostolic church in Zimbabwe, are unmoved. But when Binda, a vaccine campaigner and member of an Apostolic church herself, promises them soap, buckets, and masks, there are enthusiastic shouts of Amen! Apostolic groups that infuse traditional beliefs into Pentecostal doctrine are among the most skeptical in the southern African nation when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines, with an already strong mistrust of modern medicine. Many followers put faith in prayer, holy water, and anointed stones to ward off disease or cure illnesses. The worshipers Binda addressed in the rural area of Seke sang about being protected by the Holy Spirit, but have at least acknowledged soap and masks as a defense against the coronavirus. Binda is trying to convince them to also get vaccinatedand thats a tough sell. Congregation leader Kudzanayi Mudzoki had to work hard to persuade his flock just to stay and listen to Binda speak about vaccines. They usually run away, he said. Some would hide in the bushes. There has been little detailed research on Apostolic churches in Zimbabwe, but UNICEF studies estimate it is the largest religious denomination with around 2.5 million followers in a country of 15 million. The conservative groups adhere to a doctrine demanding that followers avoid medicines and medical care and instead seek healing through their faith. Integrated into the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHCD) in 1993, the Apostolic churches cooperate alongside the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the mainline Zimbabwe Council of Churches, and the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference. God has given us science and intelligence, in addition to divine intervention in healing, EFZ president Never Muparutsa told CT. People must not shun vaccines based on 666-style conspiracy theories. Tawanda Mukwenga, a Catholic, welcomed his vaccination as a means of allowing him to worship properly. At the cathedral in the capital, Harare, he recently attended his first in-person Sunday Mass in 10 months after the pandemic closed churches and forced services online. Zimbabwe has reopened places of worship, though worshipers must be vaccinated to enter. Getting vaccinated has turned out to be a smart idea, said Mukwenga, delighted to celebrate Mass at the cathedral again. More than 80 percent of Zimbabweans identify as Christian, according to the national statistics agency, but the contrast in attitudes displayed by the Seke Apostolic members and Mukwenga illustrates how theres no one-size-fits-all solution to convincing hesitant religious citizens to get vaccinated. While mandatesa blunt no vaccine, no entrance ruleis the way to go for some, theres a subtler approach for the Apostolic and other anti-vaccine Pentecostal groups, partly, but not only, because they are deeply suspicious of vaccines in general. Apostolic groups generally have no formal church premises and membersstriking in the long white robes they wear to servicesworship outdoors in open scrubland or hillsides, in locations widely spread across the country. Image: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi / AP Photo That makes gatherings much harder to police and health mandates almost impossible to enforce. Binda is one of nearly 1,000 members of various religious groups recruited by the Zimbabwean government and UNICEF to try gently changing attitudes toward vaccines from within their own churches. Muparutsa, however, is hesitant about this approach. As vice president of the ZHCD, he estimates 3040 percent of evangelical and mainline Christians are skeptical about the vaccine, and told CT it is not his place to take sides. He encourages Zimbabweans to do as he and his family have donebut will not promote. That sounds like marketing, he said. I do not preach about vaccines; I preach about Jesus. Binda, however, is a vaccine evangelist. We have to cajole them, she said of her fellow Apostolic churchgoers. Bit by bit they finally accept. But its rarely a quick conversion. We are accepting that the Holy Spirit may not be enough to deal with the virus, Seke Apostolic leader Mudzoki said. We are seriously considering vaccines because others have done it. But our members have always been wary of injections. So for now we need soap, buckets, sanitizers, and masks, he said. Those are the things that will help protect us. Churches have taken steps to address hesitancy in other parts of Africa. The United Methodist Church, whose members in Africa and Asia nearly equal those in the United States, plans to use a mass messaging platform to send text messages to the cellphones of around 32,000 followers in Ivory Coast, Congo, Liberia and Nigeria. The initial aim is to dispel disinformation. Theres quite a bit of messaging centered around reaffirming for people that the vaccine is safe, that its been tested, said Ashley Gish of United Methodist Communications. The ingredients are safe for use in humans and will not make you magneticthat was a huge one that we heard from a lot of people. Gish said her church plans to send out more than 650,000 messages with a pro-vaccine bias. But the program will roll out over a few months in a process of COVID sensitization and the church is not demanding followers get the vaccine immediately, she said. While slow and steady might be best in dealing with some religious hesitancy, the situation is urgent in Africa, which has the worlds lowest vaccination rates. Zimbabwe has fully vaccinated 15 percent of its population, much better than many other African nations but still way behind the US and Europe. So Binda and her fellow campaigners are adaptable if it means changing attitudes a little bit quicker. One problem theyve encountered is stigmatization. Some church members are willing to get vaccinated but dont because they fear being ostracized by peers and leaders. The phenomenon led to campaigners advising the government not to bring mobile clinics to secluded Apostolic groups like the one in Seke, fearing that a public show of vaccinations would do more harm than good. Instead, vaccine campaigners who normally advocate for openness sometimes encourage secrecy. Alexander Chipfunde, an Apostolic member and vaccine campaigner who works alongside Binda, told the Seke congregants there was a way to avoid stigmatization. Go to the hospital, get vaccinated, and keep quiet about it, he said to them. Its your secret. Associated Press writer Holly Meyer in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report. Additional reporting by Jayson Casper for CT. Biden commission divided on expanding Supreme Court, warns of considerable risks Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A commission created by President Joe Biden to consider adding seats to the U.S. Supreme Court has released draft discussion materials that seemingly express concerns that the idea comes with "risks" and could be perceived as "a partisan maneuver." According to the discussion materials released Thursday ahead of a Friday meeting, the 36-member commission is divided on whether it is a good idea to add seats to the nine-justice Supreme Court, the highest court in the United States. The documents warn that expanding the court "is likely to undermine, rather than enhance, the Supreme Court's legitimacy and its role in the constitutional system." The materials state that "there are significant reasons to be skeptical that expansion would serve democratic values." The document notes that an expanded court might "calm the controversy" around Supreme Court nominees and allow for a more diverse representation on the bench than currently exists. "But the risks of court expansion are considerable, including that it could undermine the very goal of some of its proponents of restoring the Court's legitimacy," the draft cautions. Stated risks include ongoing partisan battles over future potential expansions, no guarantees of increased diversity for the court and more justices making it more difficult to reach decisions. During his time in office, President Donald Trump nominated three justices to the Supreme Court, prompting what many believe to be a rightward shift in the court's political leanings. Democrats were upset when the Republican-controlled Senate refused to vote on President Barack Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia after his death in 2016, Obama's last year in office. Liberals also felt that the nomination to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg after her death last September should have waited so whoever won the presidential election in November could make the nomination. But Trump nominated Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was confirmed to the court last October. In April, Biden signed an executive order creating a presidential commission to look into the possibility of adding more seats to the U.S. Supreme Court and other measures. "Proponents of Court expansion argue that by adding two or more seats to the Supreme Court, Democratic lawmakers could help restore balance to and, thus, the legitimacy of the Court," the draft document reads. "Those who take this perspective also emphasize that a failure to respond to the hardball tactics since 2016 might encourage future aggressive measures in the Senate confirmation process." The draft materials also state that "[r]ecent polls suggest that a majority of the public does not support Court expansion." "And even some supporters of Court expansion acknowledged during the Commission's public hearings, the reform would be perceived by many as a partisan maneuver," the draft states. Some progressives criticized the draft materials. "The discussion materials released today unfortunately fail to match the urgency of the situation and do not lay out a solution to the legitimacy crisis before us," American Constitution Society President Russ Feingold said in a statement. "There are a variety of reforms that should be advanced, including changing the composition of the Court to remedy the Right's packing of the Court, ending life tenure, and ensuring the Court cannot use the shadow docket as an express way to thwart civil rights and liberties." Bob Bauer, the co-chair of the commission and a former White House Counsel to President Obama, stated at the Friday commission meeting that the draft materials are not to be construed as views of the commission. "The commission has not edited the material and the material should not be understood to represent the commission's views or those of any particular commissioner," Bauer said, according to Fox News. "To this point and particularly in light of some confusion and uncertainty since the posting of these materials, we refer you to the front page of each of the drafts that have been publicly posted that clearly set forth these points." Kelly Shackelford, CEO of the conservative religious freedom legal nonprofit First Liberty Institute, argued in a statement that "far-Left progressives are clearly trying to expand their political power under the guise of 'court-reform,' destroying the independence of our judiciary and threatening the civil liberties of all Americans." "Americans reject remaking the judiciary especially the Supreme Court of the United States into another partisan body," Shackelford said in a statement. After Biden signed his executive order to create the commission earlier this year, Democrats in Congress introduced legislation aimed at adding four seats to the Supreme Court. If passed, it would mark the first time seats have been added to the high court since the Antebellum Era. U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts said in a statement in April that the legislation was in response to the Trump nominees being added to the Supreme Court. "Senate Republicans have politicized the Supreme Court, undermined its legitimacy, and threatened the rights of millions of Americans, especially people of color, women, and our immigrant communities," claimed Markey. "This legislation will restore the Court's balance and public standing and begin to repair the damage done to our judiciary and democracy, and we should abolish the filibuster to ensure we can pass it." The proposal to add seats to the Supreme Court has been criticized by conservative groups and Republicans in Congress as a politically-driven move. "Expanding the Supreme Court is a terrible idea. I strongly oppose this proposal and will vote against it should it come up for a vote," tweeted Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. British MP David Amess dies after being stabbed in a church Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Flags outside of the United Kingdom Parliament have been lowered to half-mast to honor the life of a conservative British parliamentarian who died after he was stabbed at a church on Friday. Sir David Amess, The 69-year-old MP who represented Southend West in Essex, attended a public meeting for his constituency surgery on Oct. 15 at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea when the attack occurred. According to reports, Amess was brutally stabbed several times and later died despite paramedics attempting to save him for two hours. Police arrested and are holding a 25-year-old man in custody. A knife was recovered from the scene. In a statement, the Essex Police confirmed that the department was called shortly after noon Friday and found an injured man being treated by first responders. Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said the investigation is in its early stages and led by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Counter Terror Command. "It will be for investigators to determine whether or not this may have been a terrorist incident," Harrington said. "Today is a tragic day for the family and colleagues of Sir David, the community of Southend and indeed for the whole county." Harrington said that Amess "dedicated his life to serving the communities of Essex." "[T]today, he was simply dispensing his duties when his life was horrifically cut short," Harrington stated. "I know the residents of Essex and Southend West will stand with me today in remembering a member of our community." The Telegraph reported that the person of interest is of Somalian origin and a witness said the man was "calm and compliant" while being summoned by the police. Following U.K. police protocol, the man will remain anonymous unless he is charged for the crime. At this time, the force will not continue to search for any other suspects connected to the incident, according to Essex Police. Amess is not the first member of Parliament to be murdered while attending a constituency meeting. Helen Joanne Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen who took office in May 2015, was murdered in June 2016 while she was present at a constituency surgery. Prosecutors deemed the slaying to be related to "political and/or ideological reasons." In the U.K., constituency surgeries are face-to-face meetings that officeholders have with their constituents. "In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs' security and any measures to be taken," Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle reportedly said. Some who knew Amess shared with the press that they were shocked to find out about his death. Amess was known for his socially conservative viewpoints and his pro-life stance against abortion. Many agreed that Amess had been highly esteemed among the masses. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Amess believed passionately in the country and its future and that the U.K. lost a "fine" public servant and a "much-loved" friend and colleague. "One of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics," Johnson said Friday. "Our thoughts are very much today with his wife, his children and his family." Labour leader Keir Starmer called Amess' death "Horrific and deeply shocking news." Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said that it was a "truly terrible day for British politics," adding that "our prayers are with all the people who loved David." "This is tragic and horrible news," he tweeted. Florida pastor, husband of North Lauderdale commissioner arrested for domestic violence Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment After enjoying what appeared to be a whirlwind romance shared on social media, Damion Orlando Archat, the husband of North Lauderdale Commissioner Regina Martin, who also serves as senior pastor at Embassy Church of South Florida, was arrested Monday on several counts of battery charges, including domestic battery by strangulation and resisting an officer. Arrest records acquired by The Christian Post from the Broward Sheriff's Office Friday show that Archat, 39, was arrested at about 9:30 p.m. Monday at a location within the jurisdictional limits of North Lauderdale. Officers on the scene also noted that there were indications that Archat, who is also a well-known pastor, was under the influence of alcohol. Details on Archats victim(s) were redacted from the report under Marsys Law, but it noted that Archat allegedly intentionally touched and struck a female victim against their will. He allegedly pushed her on her left shoulder, causing her to fall to the floor, then proceeded to choke her. Damion then got on top of [redacted] and with both hands, grabbed [redacteds] throat and proceeded to choke her, causing her airway to be obstructed until [redacted] almost passed out. Damion also struck [redacted] in an unknown area of her body while [redacted] was inside the drivers side of [redacteds] vehicle, the report said. Damion went to the left rear passenger side door, opened it, and reached inside the vehicle, grabbed [redacteds] shirt, who was on the rear right passenger side of the vehicle, violently pulled [redacted] out of the vehicle, and threw her to the floor. Damion intentionally caused bodily harm to [redacted], Officer Vincent Cornelius wrote. When officers tried to arrest Archat, he reportedly resisted, forcing officers to tackle him to the ground. The legal definition of domestic battery is any willful and unlawful touching, that is harmful or offensive and is committed against an intimate partner. It was unclear Friday if Martin was the victim in the attack, but one image posted on Facebook shows her with a battered face. Embassy Church of South Florida did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CP on Friday. In a statement to NBC 6, the city manager for North Lauderdale said: Please be advised that the city has no comment as it is a private matter and we are not in contact with Ms. Martin. Martin, who was sworn into her position as commissioner of North Lauderdale in December 2020, is the first African American Caribbean woman to be elected to that office. She is also founder and operator of Embassy College and The Embassy Academy, a K-12 private school, according to the North Lauderdale website. A Facebook Live video shows that she agreed to marry Archat after he proposed to her on July 5, 2020. She is described on the North Lauderdale website as a newlywed who is was raising five daughters with Archat. Archat, who was previously married, is no stranger to marital issues. A 2019 report alleged he was involved in an adulterous affair with Martin while he was married to another woman. Just weeks ago, however, on July 27, he posted on Instagram that he was celebrating his one-year anniversary with Martin in prayer. We are just leaving the church we brought in our anniversary with prayer dedicating our marriage back to God for another year. #LifeTime #Anniversary #iLoveMyWife, he wrote. He also copiously documented his whirlwind romance with Martin on his Instagram page, promising in the lyrics of a song just over a year ago that he would be the man of her dreams. I heard it in songs wondering could it really be that someone could love me unconditionally. Something more than love more like my destiny, with flaws and all she's still perfect for me so I'll be the man that give you comfort and provide security, he wrote in a post attached to a clip of a song he said he wrote just for Martin. I'll be the man that loves you always, I'll be the man that brings you peace. I'll fall in love with you just two times when you're awake and when you're asleep so for the rest of your life. I'll be the man of your dreams. Menlo Church investigation finds no evidence John Ortbergs son abused minors Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Nearly a year after Menlo Church in California contracted the Zero Abuse Project to investigate whether the son of former senior pastor John Ortberg engaged in any sexual misconduct during his time at the church, the abuse prevention organization has found no evidence of wrongdoing. In a 117-page report, the Zero Abuse Project, which was contracted by Menlo Church in December 2020, said they found no evidence that John Ortberg III who they refer to as Individual A abused any children during his time volunteering at the church, despite his admission of having a sexual attraction to minors. In the course of our 104 interviews, no witness disclosed that they were sexually abused or assaulted by Individual A. Additionally, no witness disclosed being aware of sexual misconduct by Individual A. Some of the witnesses we spoke with acknowledged being alone with Individual A under circumstances where he had the opportunity to harm them but did not, the investigators wrote. As one example, a witness told us that, as a boy, he had a number of interactions with Individual A, including an instance when he was in a car alone with Individual A. In the words of this witness: I figured that during an hour-long car ride alone or something, that would be the perfect time for someone who may have expressed those desires to make a move or act upon it. But during the whole car ride, we just chatted a little bitI never had a strange or sexual encounter or [had] him touch me in the time that I knew him and when I was around him, the investigators noted. In 2018, John Ortberg III informed his father of what the church described as an unwanted thought pattern of attraction to minors. Pastor Ortberg, according to the report, did not alert authorities, nor did he inform any other staff or elders at the church. Individual A had served as a volunteer and part-time employee in various Menlo activities involving youth since 2008 and was volunteering at Menlo Park campus at the time of the conversation with Pastor Ortberg, the report said. From the date of the conversation until the information was reported to church leaders in November of 2019, Individual A volunteered for Menlo Students at the Menlo Park campus worship services and programs approximately 10 times and participated in Menlos Mexicali trip from February 1419, 2019, it further explained. John Ortberg III informed Daniel Lavery, Ortberg's estranged daughter, who currently identifies as a transgender male, of his attraction to minors on Nov. 15, 2019. Six days later, on Nov. 21, 2019, Lavery sent an email to Menlo church leaders informing them of her brothers attraction to boys between the age[s] of 8 and 13. Pastor Ortberg was placed on paid, personal leave the following day, and an investigation conducted by Fred Alvarez of Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass did not find anyone with knowledge of misconduct by Individual A. Pastor Ortberg was then allowed to return to Menlo Church as teaching pastor by elders. The congregation was informed of the initial investigation in general terms, but they were not told of Pastor Ortbergs personal connection to the volunteer. Pastor Ortberg also did not remove his son from his volunteer role. On June 28, 2020, as concerns about the nature of the investigation continued, Lavery publicly named her brother as the volunteer. This revelation led to the elder board asking Pastor Ortberg to resign out of a collective desire for healing and discernment. Officials at the Zero Abuse Project said they even paid careful attention to vulnerable members of the church community who had contact with Ortberg III but still found no evidence of wrongdoing. Throughout the Assessment, we paid attention to evidence of children who may have been particularly vulnerable at the time of their interactions with Individual A, as offenders often find children with these challenges to be easy targets for abuse, the report said. This included children struggling with their mental health, chemical dependency, or displaying signs of trauma. We spoke to several individuals with these challenges, and those who agreed to speak with us also revealed no sexual misconduct by Individual A. While no evidence of misconduct was found, investigators made several recommendations to the church, including how to improve the screening of volunteers for service. They also highlighted the deep wounds that were inflicted as a result of this case. In the course of this assessment, many congregants shared with us their feelings of broken trust, even betrayal, and how the decisions of Pastor Ortberg and the elders impacted themselves and their families. As a result, some congregants have left the church, and some told us that they are choosing to stay in the hope that this report, and the churchs response to it, will move Menlo to a place of healing, they said. Healing, though, does not mean forgetting. If Menlo is to mend its relationship with the congregation and better protect children, it must not forget these events but instead process them with humility and learn from them. Artur Pawlowski: 'I have to lie to the public' to avoid jail for violating COVID-19 restrictions Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A prominent pastor who's had several run-ins with Canadian authorities for violating ongoing coronavirus restrictions was ordered to pay crippling fines and give up his free speech rights as part of a probation agreement to avoid jail time. Artur Pawlowski, the outspoken pastor of Street Church and The Cave of Adullam in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, avoided being sentenced to time in jail during his sentencing hearing Wednesday, but was ordered to pay $23,000 in fines and undergo 18 months of probation for violating court orders and coronavirus restrictions that prohibited him from holding in-person church services. The terms of the probation include 120 hours of community service, restrictions on his ability to leave the province of Alberta, and what his lawyer described as suppression of freedom of expression. In the written decision released Friday, Court of Queens Bench Justice Adam Germain mandated that when [Pawlowski] is exercising his right of free speech and speaking against [Alberta Health Services] Health Orders and AHS health recommendations in a public gathering or public forum (including electronic social media), he must issue an addendum. I am aware that the views I am expressing to you on this occasion may not be views held by the majority of medical experts in Alberta. While I may disagree with them, I am obliged to inform you that the majority of medical experts favor social distancing, mask-wearing, and avoiding large crowds to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the addendum reads in part. Most medical experts also support participation in a vaccination program unless for a valid religious or medical reason you cannot be vaccinated. Vaccinations have been shown statistically to save lives and to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Rebel News, a media organization working to assist Pawlowski with a Save Artur campaign, covered the hearing Wednesday. Pawlowski spoke to Rebel News outside the courthouse following the sentencing, telling the news outlet that, Basically, what the judge is saying is that I cannot be a pastor anymore. He added: 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. Pastor Artur Pawlowski reacts to his sentencing live on air: "every time I open my mouth to the public, I have to lie." Help us fight for Artur's freedom: https://t.co/5RfUUBxoVx. pic.twitter.com/qRVaYbmNMf Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) October 13, 2021 Every time I open my mouth to the public, I have to lie to the public, he said, noting that he'll be required to assert that vaccinations are saving lives, that masks work, that doctors and scientists are all for the restrictions. He characterized the latter statement as a lie, lamenting that now I have to lie. I have to become a liar every time I open my mouth in order to appease the corrupted judges and the corrupted court systems and the corrupted politicians, he continued, defending his description of judges, court systems and politicians as corrupt. They are breaking the same rules all the time and theyre caught breaking the same rules, but its one law for the peasants, for the slaves and another for the kings and the judges. Sarah Miller, Pawlowskis lawyer, elaborated on the sentence during an interview with Rebel News: Every time he expresses some sort of contrary view to whats out there ... in mainstream AHS-oriented media, he has to say something along the lines of but just so you know, the majority thinks something else. Miller suggested that the ruling was based on a political vendetta against Pawlowski, who went viral in two recorded exchanges with local law enforcement officials who confronted him at church for violating coronavirus worship restrictions. It seems wholly ... inspired by Arturs trip over the summer to the United States and the evidence put before the court on ... his speaking tour and how that inspired some people to support him, she added. I think that Justice Germain was trying to find a way to suppress Artur Pawlowski as much as possible while trying to find a way to stay within the confines of precedential law. Miller concluded the interview by suggesting she intends to appeal Germains ruling and file an application to stay the order pending the appeal. In his written ruling, Germain accused Pawlowski of contributing to this ominous health situation by his defiance of the health rules and public posturing, which encourages others to doubt the legitimacy of the pandemic. Additionally, he compared those who do not follow public health orders related to the coronavirus to drunk drivers. Germain chastised Pawlowski as on the wrong side of science, history, and common sense on this issue. He also took issue with Pawlowski referring to public health officers and government officials as Nazis and electing to air his grievances about Alberta in another country, implicitly referring to his appearances on Fox News and his speaking tour in the U.S. In the first video that gained him international attention, Pawlowski angrily told police who interrupted a Passover service at The Cave of Adullam to leave, comparing them to Nazis and the Gestapo, the secret police in Nazi Germany. Pawlowski, a Polish immigrant, appeared on Fox News shortly after the confrontation, stating that the actions of his government bring back memories of his childhood, when he lived in Soviet-controlled Poland. When public health officials arrived at his church again two weeks later, he recorded his exchange with them, where he likened them to brown shirts and Nazi Gestapo communist fascists. On May 8, Pawlowski and his brother were arrested for holding an illegal in-person gathering in violation of a court order. More than four months later, as he returned from a trip to the U.S., Pawlowski was arrested at the airport for not wearing a mask. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Pawlowski explained that his legal battles over coronavirus restrictions date back more than a year before the release of the first viral video on March 2020, the very beginning of the pandemic. Pawlowski was informed that he would have to shut down his Street Church ministry, which ministers to the poor and less fortunate in Calgary. As Pawlowski spoke to CP in June, he reported that he had received 29 tickets, three court orders, two injunctions and two court contempt trials over the preceding year. According to Johns Hopkins University, 28,474 Canadians have died of complications from COVID-19. As of Friday, 27,599,773 Canadians are fully vaccinated, accounting for 73.42% of the population. Pro-life pregnancy center sues Connecticut to halt 'deceptive' advertising law Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment 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. Archaeologists uncover centuries-old remnants of 1 of America's first black churches Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Archaeologists in Virginia have discovered what they believe to be the remains of the first permanent structure for one of the oldest African American congregations in the United States. Researchers with Colonial Williamsburg announced on Oct. 7 that they discovered the remnants of the first permanent structure for the Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg after digging at the site of the churchs original location for more than a year. The site dates back to the early 1800s. The discovery of the structure's remains coincides with the community celebration recognizing the 245th anniversary of the modern Historic FBC congregations founding. Jack Gary, director of archaeology with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, told The Christian Post that researchers gathered evidence about the building throughout the summer to confirm the findings. The documentary record places the congregation on the piece of property we are excavating in 1818. That documentation refers to the Baptist Meeting House. Our excavations have uncovered the brick foundation for a small building, Gary said. Based on the dates of artifacts, including an 1817 coin found below and around this foundation, the building has to have been constructed and stood sometime in the first quarter of the 19th century the same time as when the documentary record refers to the Baptist Meeting House standing here. The researchers will continue to excavate parts of the site where they have located unmarked human burials to determine how many people were buried at the property. They are also investigating how the landscape around the church looked. This project has been a community-engaged project from the very beginning, said Gary. Because the descendants of those who worshipped in this church are still here and First Baptist Church itself still exits, we have the opportunity to connect the community directly to their history. Historic First Baptist Church traces its origins to clandestine worship meetings held by slaves and ex-slaves beginning in the 1770s at Green Spring Plantation, not far from Williamsburg. In 1781, the congregation was officially organized into a church in the nearby rural area of Raccoon Chase, led by Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved man. Shortly after that, a white family allowed the worshippers to use his familys carriage house for meetings. The 1818 structure discovered by archaeologists last week was destroyed in a tornado in 1834. A brick church was erected on the same site in 1856. The church moved to its present address at 727 Scotland Street back in 1956. The early history of our congregation, beginning with enslaved and free Blacks gathering outdoors in secret in 1776, has always been a part of who we are as a community, said the Rev. Reginald F. Davis, the church's current pastor, in a statement. To see it unearthed to see the actual bricks of that original foundation and the outline of the place our ancestors worshipped brings that history to life and makes that piece of our identity tangible. After 245 years, this is a reason to truly celebrate. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation CEO Cliff Fleet said that the foundation looks to tell a "more complete and inclusive story" of the people who "lived, worked and worshipped here during our countrys formative years." The history of this congregation is a story that deserves to be at the forefront of our interpretation and education efforts, and we are honored to play a part in bringing that story to light," Fleet added. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment On Nov. 18, 2009, I appeared on the Tyra Banks show, debating the question of what treatment was best for children who identified as transgender. Sitting next to me was Dr. Marci Bowers, himself a male to female, and known as the rock star of transgender surgery, and Kim Pearson, a straight, married woman who is an advocate for transgender youth. (See here for the clip.) Prior to our segment, Tyra Banks introduced a number of children as young as 7 or 8 to the live, in-studio audience, explaining, This is Joe, who used to be Jane. The parents joined their children on the stage and told their stories with tears as their kids sat by. According to Tyra, this was the first time kids this young had been introduced publicly in this way. The audience ate it up. There were even video interviews that were played where these precious children were asked about their private parts. One explained that it was simply a birth defect. No big deal. Presumably, when the child got older, that defect could be removed. When it came time for our segment, Tyra set things up by saying how controversial the subject was and explaining that we would discuss whether there was any effective therapy that could help change a childs self-perception. For my part, the one word that I wanted to get across was to everyone was love. We did what we did because of love. We were moved with compassion. We cared. I truly wanted to see what was best for these kids, and I was convinced that the transgender approach was more hurtful than helpful. When Kim Pearson was asked by Tyra why she thought kids as young as 6 could decide to change their gender, she replied, Actually, I dont believe it is a decision. She continued, addressing Tyra, Just as you knew, growing up, that you were a little girl, they know that theyre little boys and little girls. She made clear that not every child who has gender variant feelings is actually transgender. But she emphasized, in her experience, children who are transgender really do know. When Tyra turned to me and asked why I disagreed, I stated that this was a known psychological condition, gender identity disorder. And, I emphasized, the best, most compassionate treatment was to help the children from the inside out, stating that there were treatments designed to do this very thing. It was at that point that Dr. Bowers, who actually performed the surgery on Jazz Jennings, interrupted me, actually taking my hand and saying, Listen to the children. Listen to the children. Children arent crazy. When Tyra asked Dr. Bowers to talk (things were getting a little chaotic), Bowers said again, Listen to the children. Love the children. Then, in the midst of a spirited dialogue, Kim Pearson asked me what should be done if the treatment I was suggesting didnt work. Her big question was, How long? In her view, which was clearly one based on her understanding of what was best for the kids, and therefore loving at heart, if they didnt receive help in time, they might take their own lives. I replied by asking what their solution was. Was it to put the kids on hormone blockers, chopping off their private parts, then putting them on hormones for life? Was that the very best solution? And I said, Youre experimenting with kids lives! Tyra then asked them to explain why the use of hormone blockers (she called them inhibitors) was safe, giving the last word to Dr. Bowers. The doctor, in turn, explained that the average age of his sex-reassignment surgery patients was 48, and that 90% of them had felt this way their entire lives, starting as young as 2 or 3 years old. And they felt so much better when they finally got their surgeries done. Fast forward to today, and this very same Dr. Bowers, now even more famous because of the Jazz Jennings TV reality show, is speaking out against putting children on puberty blockers and warning about them having surgery at too young of an age. (What happened to, Listen to the children?) As reported by the Daily Mail on Oct. 6, Two leading transgender medics warn children should not be given puberty blockers, that too many are being given gender reassignment surgery and revealed The New York Times turned down their op-ed on the subject. (The other medic is Dr. Erica Anderson.) Bowers and Anderson were interviewed for Bari Weisss Common Sense by Abigail Shrier, author of Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters. Shrier writes: When I asked Bowers if she still thought puberty blockers were a good idea, from a surgical perspective, she said: This is typical of medicine. We zig and then we zag, and I think maybe we zigged a little too far to the left in some cases. She added I think there was naivete on the part of pediatric endocrinologists who were proponents of early [puberty] blockade thinking that just this magic can happen, that surgeons can do anything. Looking back at the footage from our 2009 interview, I commend Dr. Bowers for his honesty. But I grieve for the all the children, now adults today, whose lives were so deeply damaged by this zigging a little too far to the left. Shrier then explained that: The problem for kids whose puberty has been blocked early isnt just a lack of tissue but of sexual development. Puberty not only stimulates growth of sex organs. It also endows them with erotic potential. If youve never had an orgasm pre-surgery, and then your puberty's blocked, it's very difficult to achieve that afterwards, Bowers said. I consider that a big problem, actually. It's kind of an overlooked problem that in our informed consent of children undergoing puberty blockers, weve in some respects overlooked that a little bit. And then this: Bowers told me she now finds early puberty blockade inadvisable. Im not a fan of blockade at Tanner Two anymore, I really am not, she told me, using the clinical name of the moment when the first visible signs of puberty manifest. The idea all sounded good in the very beginning, she said. Believe me, were doing some magnificent surgeries on these kids, and theyre so determined, and Im so proud of so many of them and their parents. Theyve been great. But honestly, I cant sit here and tell you that they have better or even as good results. Theyre not as functional. I worry about their reproductive rights later. I worry about their sexual health later and ability to find intimacy. I encourage you to read every word of Shriers compassionately written article and then to watch the Tyra Banks video segment again. Theres a reason I warned back in 2009, Youre experimenting with kids lives! The experiment has not gone well. Decline of biblical work ethic explains latest jobs report Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The latest Employment Report shows the slowest jobs growth so far this year, at only 194,000 jobs added, which is a bit more than half the job growth of the prior month and less than most economists expected. Asking why a certain economic statistic is lower than economists expected is just another way of asking why economists' expectations were higher than reality. Why did economists think more people would be going back to work than actually did? And a related question is, why does this new report show job growth slowed but unemployment fell dramatically? The answer to both questions lies in understanding how the government defines unemployment. "Unemployed" means looking for a job, but not having a job. Therefore, there are two ways to leave the statistical category known as "unemployed:" you can either get a job, or you can stop looking for one. The unemployment number is neutral on those two options. If a lot of people who are looking for work get work, unemployment drops. Likewise, if a lot of people who are looking for work give up and stop looking, they are seen as leaving the workforce, and again, unemployment drops. So, what happened in the latest report? A large proportion of the drop in unemployment was due to people leaving the workforce. They gave up. Why? We don't know for sure, but some surveys indicate they did it because they're afraid of COVID. Some commentators have suggested that it is because they're afraid of vaccines (which are sometimes a condition of employment,) and there is the issue of a lack of childcare when many schools are not yet open. But I think that there is a cultural issue that we're missing: we are no longer afraid of the stigma that used to attach to able-bodied people who didnt work. Some free-market economists who focus exclusively on economic incentives ("maximum utility") expected a flood of workers into the workforce when the various extended government benefits ended. But those of us who understand that economics is embedded in culture knew that a cultural shift away from believing in the dignity and necessity of work would affect labor market dynamics. How could it not? Part of the cost/benefit trade-off in any economic activity is moral intuition. Not working means you can get in more binge watching and feeding your video game addiction (which I guess is a kind of benefit), but it might also mean shame and guilt. We have a voice in our head that represents what a reasonable universal observer might think. We learn it from how other people act and talk. We feel bad (unless we're sociopaths) when we do something that the voice of our internalized moral code would disapprove of. This is something Adam Smith taught the world, and which our friend, the brilliant, Christian, Nobel Prize-winning economist Vernon Smith, is now reminding us of. If you listen to my recent interview with Deirdre McCloskey, youll hear that we talk about the idea of "permission." Society gives permission, or does not give permission, to pursue the prudential virtues of the middle classes. I used the phrase "cultural permission" and McCloskey seemed to embrace that. The revolution in human betterment started when opinion-molders in English literature (about which McCloskey writes) and in the American pulpit gave ordinary people cultural permission to become entrepreneurs. Our opinion-molding elites are now giving less and less culture permission for us to be business owners, and more and more cultural permission for us to stay jobless. This is evidenced in the rise of Universal Basic Income as a mainstream idea in our politics. Historically, even liberal politics at least played lip service to the necessity for the able-bodied to work. That collapse of the work ethic is now merging with an unbalanced perception between risk and reward regarding COVID. One side of our political divide sees the playing up of COVID risks as politically virtuous, while the other side seems committed to playing it down. Both sides pick and choose data to fit their agenda, but the exaggerators seem to have the biggest market share. An ethic of sloth and an atmosphere of fear reinforce one another, as Mark Horne (author of Solomon Says, a wonderful commentary on Proverbs) recently wrote, showing how Proverbs connects fear and sloth. "The lazy one says, There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!" Proverbs 22:13 The example of Jesus and His early disciples, particularly the Galilean fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John, is instructive here. Recent findings from osteoarcheology (the archeology of bones) show us that there was a terrible problem with parasites during Jesuss time on earth. Further archeology and historical evidence shows us that this risk was centered in low-lands near water, for example, the Jordan River Valley and the fishing villages around the Sea of Galilee. Inhabitants of these places, due to their climate and proximity to water, were at a heightened risk for Malaria, a malady recognized in the ancient world. They didn't know about the mosquitoes as carriers for a parasite; they thought it was a feature of the air. Josephus refers the "pestilential air" around these zones. But the people who pursued a living in the fishing industry despite these risks are the kind of people Jesus recruited to build His core leadership team. He even went so far as to make Capernaum, a fishing village in the pandemic danger zone, His base of operations. If the moral imperative was "safety first," then Jesus and His early followers violated that moral imperative. But, of course, Jesus defines the nature of virtue, so He cannot violate a true moral imperative. Therefore, avoidance of illness is not a moral absolute which blots out all other duties, such as making a living, or pursuing the business of the Kingdom movement. Our shift towards absolutizing hygiene and diminishing the duty to work is what the pure incentive model of economics misses. Church of the Highlands Pastor Dino Rizzo named in sexual harassment lawsuit Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Dino Rizzo, a member of the Church of the Highlands' senior leadership team in Alabama, has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by a former intern at Vibrant Church in Columbus, Mississippi. Laura Ashley Eagan alleges Rizzo failed to intervene when she told him she was sexually harassed by Vibrant Church's former senior pastor, Jason Delgado. In addition to his work with Alabama's largest church, Rizzo is also executive director and founder of the Association of Related Churches, an umbrella group under which Vibrant Church falls. Church of the Highlands and ARC officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit when contacted by The Christian Post on Tuesday. A Vibrant Church official told CP, "at this time we are not making any statements or comments on the issue." In the lawsuit, Eagan alleges discrimination/sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence, The Commercial Dispatch reported. Along with Rizzo and Jason Delgado, the lawsuit lists as defendants Delgado's parents Vibrant Church staff pastor Ronald D. Delgado and Vibrant Church's human resource director Miriam Delgado. John Does 1-25 were also named defendants in the lawsuit and seek compensatory and punitive damages. Eagan alleges that Jason Delgado, who resigned from Vibrant Church amid sexual harassment allegations in April, made unwanted sexual advances by "various electronic means" to her beginning in February 2020 and lasted through the end of the year. She claims the advances began after telling Ronald Delgado during a confidential counseling session that she was having marriage troubles. She contends he shared that information with his son. The former intern said her supervisor at the church, identified as Laurel Jones, gave her a poor evaluation without providing documentation to support the evaluation. She further asserts that Jones told her she was "too sexy" to be an intern. She was later referred to Jason Delgado for mentoring, placing her in a vulnerable position. Soon after the assignment, Jason Delgado began sending Eagan benign messages that escalated to sexual overtures over time. "Mr. Jason Delgado used his position of confidence, and his knowledge of Mrs. Eagan's situation to fulfill his sexual perversions," the suit alleges. "At best, this is a deliberate manipulation of those in need to fulfill unnatural, sexual fantasies. At worst, this is a calculated sexual predator, with his free pick of vulnerable victims." The suit said that Eagan "was left with nowhere to turn" when Jason Delgado's communications became sexual in nature. Since she could not turn to Jason Delgado's parents in their senior positions due to the conflict of interest, Eagan reached other church officials, including Pastor Mike Stephens, Stacy Peterson and 25 others who were made aware of the harassment. But, no one did anything to help. The lawsuit claims Rizzo investigated the claims but did nothing to intervene in his role at ARC. It was also alleged that church officials were aware of Jason Delgado's predation on others as far back as 2016 but did nothing to protect future victims. Jason Delgado resigned his position this spring, three days after The Columbus Dispatch reported that two former employees who spoke on condition of anonymity accused him of sexual harassment. Rizzo returned to public ministry in August 2013 at Church of the Highlands, just over a year after he resigned as senior pastor of the Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over an inappropriate affair with a woman who was not his wife. In welcoming Rizzo back to the ministry, Church of the Highlands Pastor Chris Hodges called his longtime friend an inspiration. "Dino has been an amazing inspiration to me and to people all over the world," said Hodges in a recording of the presentation. "In the spring of 2012, Dino found himself in a very depleted, tired state with an unhealthy relationship with God and his family, and it was during that time that Dino got involved in the early stages of a brief but inappropriate friendship with another woman. When the situation came to light, I, and the other overseers at HPC, got involved. It was our responsibility. We guided the church over the past year through healing and restoration," said Hodges. Hodges noted that it was Rizzo who inspired the planting of the Church of the Highlands. "Dino is a large part of the reason I even came to Birmingham," Hodges said. "He was the first person who challenged me to go plant a church." Georgia megachurch asks court to allow vote on leaving UMC after pastor was reassigned Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Georgia megachurch has requested an injunction against a regional body of the United Methodist Church, claiming that the denomination is unlawfully interfering with its plans to hold a vote on whether to disaffiliate with America's second-largest Protestant denomination. The Marietta-based Mt. Bethel Church, which boasts approximately 10,000 members, filed a motion for an interlocutory injunction in the Superior Court of Cobb County Monday against various UMC North Georgia Conference officials. The legal filing was a counterclaim in response to a lawsuit filed by the conference on Sept. 8. According to Mt. Bethel, the issue is the congregation's desire to move forward with a congregational vote to determine if the church will disaffiliate from the UMC and how, according to the motion, the regional church leadership is stopping them from doing so. "Mt. Bethel expects to prevail on the merits of Petitioner Trustees' claims," states the motion, a copy of which was emailed to The Christian Post on Tuesday. "However, interlocutory relief is necessary during the pendency of this litigation to prevent delay and irreparable harm caused by the Regional UMC Administrators' actions from depriving Mt. Bethel of the right to disaffiliate from the UMC and keep its property." Jeffrey A. Daxe, an attorney representing Mt. Bethel, told CP that the defendants are waiting for a hearing to be scheduled. Although both parties had previously agreed to engage in mediation in late July over the disputed process and property and asset ownership questions, Daxe said the effort failed to produce an agreement. "Despite Mt. Bethel's best efforts, we were not able to come to a mediated solution with Bishop Sue Haupert-Jonhson and the Trustees of the North Georgia Conference," he said. In a statement emailed to CP on Tuesday, the North Georgia Conference Communications Office stated that the conference believes Mt. Bethel's claims in the legal filings lack merit. "The responses offered by Mt Bethel's leadership team reveal their basic misunderstanding of the policies and procedures that govern United Methodist churches and of Georgia law," the conference's statement reads. "The path that Mt Bethel's leaders have chosen is both legally untenable and also very damaging to the mission and ministry of the church. We look forward to a swift resolution of these issues in the Cobb County Superior Court." The conference further stated that it has "adopted a disaffiliation process and other local churches are proceeding with that policy." "Mt. Bethel leaders believe that they are exempt from following the appropriate process. Mt. Bethel's request for disaffiliation does not exempt them from compliance with other provisions of the Book of Discipline," the statement continued. In April, Mt. Bethel's 50-member administrative council unanimously voted to begin a discernment process for leaving the UMC, citing the reassignment of lead pastor Jody Ray and the general direction of the denomination as reasons. Now, the church is asking the court to allow a vote before the full congregation. The UMC has experienced much internal debate over the church's official opposition to homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Many within the denomination expect a schism over the issue to come soon. Ray had served with Mt. Bethel for over five years. He was reassigned to another position within the conference dealing with racial reconciliation. The congregation argues that the conference didn't follow the expected process for new appointments. Over 4,800 supporters have signed an online petition against Ray's reassignment. On July 12, before an attempted mediation between the two parties, the conference announced that they had seized control of Mt. Bethel's assets, explaining that it was done "out of love for the church and its mission." The conference cited "exigent circumstances" for the decision. Mt. Bethel UMC denounced the decision and took issue with the claim by North Georgia Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and the conference of "exigent circumstances." The church pointed to contrary examples, such as having a growing and vibrant congregation, financial stability and adhering to Book of Discipline rules regarding the appointment of clergy. "Mt. Bethel has not violated the Discipline by hiring its' preaching pastor,' nor has it allowed uncredentialed use of the Pulpit," stated Mt. Bethel at the time. "Moreover, any prior unauthorized or uncredentialed use of the Pulpit could not constitute future exigent circumstances now that Mt. Bethel has accepted the appointment of Senior Pastor Dr. Steven Usry." Crisis in church leadership: How celebrity pastors can avoid failing the fame test Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment This is part 4 of The Christian Post's article series on the crisis of leadership in American evangelicalism. Read part 1 here, read part 2 here and part 3 here. When a monthslong independent investigation found credible evidence that Ravi Zacharias leveraged his reputation as a world-famous apologist to carry out years of sexual abuse, the response from the evangelical community was predictably one of shock, horror and grief. Many questioned how this pastor could effectively masquerade as a humble servant of Christ and fool millions of adoring supporters? How could this respected intellectual who preached the Gospel of Jesus with clarity and passion brazenly manipulate vulnerable women into providing him with sexual stimulation? As the empire Zacharias built all in the name of reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ came crashing down, perhaps the most devastating realization for many was just how damaging the blow his posthumous downfall was to the witness of the Body of Christ. From the fraudulent ministry of Jim Bakker in the late 1970s and early 1980s to the recent slew of scandals surrounding Hillsong Church and one of its most popular pastors, Carl Lentz, the phenomenon of well-known Christian leaders engaging in misconduct is nothing new to the Western Church. What then drives the dysfunction and lack of health seen in many church leaders today? Why do so many pastors in Western evangelicism fail the fame test despite the biblical example set by Jesus Himself? The problem isnt with being a "celebrity Christian" itself; in fact, Jesus was regarded as a celebrity in the first century, as He was known far and wide for His miraculous acts. Rich Villodas, the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, explained: Generally speaking, celebrity and Christianity are not necessarily contradictions in terms because notions of celebrity are often projected onto people, he said. Redefining success in a secularized culture In 21st century American evangelicalism, it can be very tempting to shift toward a different model of success one focused on money, fame and numbers than the one outlined in Scripture. Thats according to Scott Sauls, the senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and bestselling author. He told The Christian Post that biblically, success is defined as demonstrating faithfulness, character and integrity. Integrity means being whole in our lives and in our ministries, and that means that we are whole disciples of Christ following the whole Scripture and the whole way that we do life and ministry, including the administrative part of it, he explained. While administration and faithful and excellent organization are important to steward God's resources well, the measure of whether or not we're doing administration well is the character with which the churches are run and led. The onus is on the Church to "redefine success" and before hiring, churches must look deeper into a persons life, soul and background, according to Ed Young, the founding and senior pastor of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas. We cannot allow someone's great gift to overshadow a lack of integrity in some other area, he told CP. Many of the pastors who have publicly fallen in recent years exhibited patterns that were ignored by those closest to them because of their gifts, he continued. Egyptian-American pastor and televangelist Michael Youssef of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, lamented that in the Western Church, many pastors are not shepherds but celebrities and CEOs of an operation called the church." "Thats fine if thats what they want to do, but don't call it the Church of Jesus Christ. Call it something else, Youssef said. We have become a marketing operation and celebrity preachers. We're not servants of the living God. We're not there to serve God's people, minister to them, admonish them, rebuke, uphold, encourage, comfort and all of these things that the Scripture is very clear about. We have departed from that. The secularization of culture, Youssef added, is a driving force behind this phenomenon and its not to be ignored. The secularization of the culture at large is impacting the Church, especially those who might not have their feet on the solid ground of the infallible Word of God who are ministering and pastoring out of an emotional, experiential kind of Christianity, rather than the solid Gospel foundational New Testament preaching," he relayed. Pastor and author Tim Keller acknowledges that hes viewed as a celebrity pastor in some circles. The founding pastor of Redeemer Church in New York City, Kellers sermons are heard around the world and his books are read by millions. And Keller understands that if he misuses his platform, a lot of Christians can be put to shame because of him. And therefore, if God gives me a bigger platform, then I actually have a responsibility to not disappoint people, he told CP. Not to just look like a great person; I actually have to be holy; I have to actually mortify my sin. I have to have a prayer life. I have to do the stuff that every Christian needs to do. I don't have to be better than other Christians. I just need to be what God wants a Christian to be. When pastors get to be well known, he said, the praise can turn their heads, the criticism can prompt self-pity and the overwork can cause them to neglect their prayer life. For all those reasons, very often, so-called celebrity ministers and figures live lives less consistent with the Christian faith than Christians who are not so famous, Keller said. Lakewood Church says it never sought forgiveness for $4.4M PPP loan Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Joel Osteen-led Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, which came under fire last December for accepting $4.4 million from the federal government's coronavirus relief program for small businesses known as the Paycheck Protection Program, said it never sought forgiveness for "the temporary assistance received." Under the PPP, which ended in May, churches that employ 500 people or fewer could request a federal loan for an amount 2.5 times its average monthly payroll. The loans, along with a 1% interest, would be forgiven as long as 75% of the funds are used to cover payroll expenses in the eight weeks after the house of worship received the funds. The remaining 25% was allowed to be spent on other operating costs, such as rent, utilities and insurance. Some 75% of Christian churches and organizations that applied for and received forgivable loans through the program said the loans helped keep their operations fully staffed, according to a survey by Vanderbloeman of over 900 churches and organizations. Many of them received forgiveness for those loans. In a statement to The Christian Post Monday, Lakewood Church said the "short-term financial assistance" received through the PPP program provided one of America's largest congregations with much-needed support as it navigated the COVID-19 pandemic like other churches. However, Lakewood Church never tried to have the low-interest loan forgiven. "Lakewood, its employees and their families are grateful for the temporary assistance received from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during such a time of need. Like many organizations temporarily shuttered by the pandemic, this loan provided Lakewood Church short-term financial assistance in 2020 ensuring that its approximately 350 employees and their families would continue to receive a paycheck and full health care benefits," the church's statement reads. "At no point did Lakewood seek forgiveness of its PPP loan. Since January 2021, Lakewood has made advance payments on its PPP obligation." The Vanderbloeman survey cited data collected over several months from 900 churches and Christian organizations in 2020 and shows how critical PPP support was for the survival of Christian operations that had access to the funding. Churches of all denominations received an estimated $6 billion to $10 billion of the $659 billion that funded the PPP over two rounds under the CARES Act, according to an analysis by Ministry Watch. The U.S. Catholic Church reportedly received at least $1.4 billion in funding and possibly as much as $3.5 billion, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. While many churches praised PPP loans as a blessing to their operations, some religious leaders and suspected criminals have also been prosecuted for allegedly defrauding the program of several million dollars. Around the same time, Lakewood Church was being criticized for accepting government money last December, Daystar Television Network returned the $3.9 million it received from the PPP after it was probed by a reporter over the purchase of a private jet. The Christian network, founded by Marcus Lamb, denied using PPP funds to purchase a multimillion-dollar 1997 Gulfstream V two weeks after it received the PPP loan, Inside Edition reported. Lakewood Church insisted, however, that they followed the law. "Lakewood followed all SBA rules and guidelines for the PPP lending program and used the funds it was loaned as temporary funding to cover employee payroll costs and health benefits during the height of the pandemic," the church's statement adds. "None of the PPP loan funds provided any personal financial benefit to Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen, neither of whom receive salaries from Lakewood Church." The decision to include churches in the PPP was both controversial and unprecedented. The Houston Chronicle reported that it was the first time the federal government offered direct financial assistance to "untaxed religious and nonprofit institutions." "Religious freedom is a core promise of our Constitution, and that means that no one should be forced to pay for someone else's religious beliefs or practices," Rob Boston, a senior adviser for the secular legal group Americans United for Separation of Church and State, was quoted as saying. Boston told the publication he was pleased Lakewood Church has been repaying the PPP funds. "Historically, the practice in the United States has been for congregations to support houses of worship and not rely on taxpayer money and to be free from the inevitable entangling forms of oversight that brings," Boston said. Russell Moore withheld concerns in leaked letter to 'shake' trust at SBC annual meeting: trustee Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A trustee of the policy wing of the Southern Baptist Convention asserts that its former president, Russell Moore, intentionally withheld information from trustees about his disagreements with leaders of the SBC Executive Committee over the handling of sexual abuse cases to undermine trust at the denomination's annual meeting. In a 12-page letter dated Sept. 17, Jonathan Whitehead, an attorney and trustee of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said that leaked letters written by former ERLC President Moore to members of ERLC's Executive Committee were leaked to the media before concerns were shared with the full ERLC board of trustees. The trustee's letter was sent to SBC Executive Committee Chair Ronnie Floyd, SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force Chair Bruce Frank and Julie Myers Wood, an attorney with the third-party firm hired to investigate the SBCs handling of sexual abuse claims. Whitehead claimed the Moore letters were leaked with ulterior motives. Whitehead believes these letters were used to create a narrative in the press rather than alert the full board of trustees about the problems related to handling sexual abuse cases and other issues. They were, he said, an act of "blatant deception." Moore's February 2020 letter, which was published in May by Religion News Service just weeks ahead of the SBC's 2021 annual meeting, spoke of how the SBC Executive Committee wanted him to live in "psychological terror" and that he and his family had endured horrible treatment by denominational leaders. Another letter leaked to the media was written by Moore to then-SBC President J.D. Greear on May 31, alleging that SBC leaders mishandled a "crisis of sexual abuse." The purpose of leaking the Moore letters was "to shake messenger trust and confidence at an SBC annual meeting," Whitehead wrote in the Sept. 17 letter. "The leak avoided disclosure to fiduciaries and a dispassionate investigation because the goal was to deprive the Convention of confidence in its entire fiduciary system. Efforts to use [sex abuse] survivors' concerns as means to Baptist political ends and power should be investigated by the Task Force, exposed by the messengers, and rejected in the strongest possible terms," he added. "If deception can be used to push Messengers to create a polity crisis at a single annual meeting, the Convention will see repeated 'June 1 Surprises,' trying to deprive messengers of confidence in their institutions in pursuit of some goal or another. The Convention may not long survive." In a Tuesday phone interview with The Christian Post, Whitehead emphasized that Baptists can't sit by quietly when severe allegations, particularly those regarding sexual abuse, rank bigotry and molestation, are occurring in ministries. "What we had is a February 2020 letter from Russell Moore to the Executive Committee of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission that should be about five folks and they should have received this letter," he said. "The letter makes claims about a behind-the-scenes group that is angry about or was trying to cover up child molestation and bigotry." Moore added in the February 2020 letter that he was hearing himself scream at night and that he could not live with the screams any longer. "The question for me is: what happened next? Because as a trustee of the ERLC, in September 2020, I was asking some pretty detailed questions about how we were relating to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee," Whitehead told CP. "The letter describes some really horrific things going on behind the scenes in Southern Baptist life in February 2020 and the trustees of the ERLC were not told about that." Only the five members of the ERLC Executive Committee were informed, he explained. CP reached out to Moore for comment on the issues raised in the Whitehead letter. A response was not received by press time. CP also reached out to David E. Prince, a professor of preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary who chairs the ERLC board of trustees. A response was not received by press time. Whitehead does not know which one of the trustees leaked the letter. All have denied doing so, he told CP. As opposing sides of this particular conflict voiced their opinions on social media, it emerged last week that Whitehead wasn't the only trustee who didn't see the Moore letter. In a tweet replying to Justin Sampler, an SBC pastor in Oklahoma and ERLC trustee, ERLC trustee Robert Orleck claimed that he did not see Moore's February 2020 letter until it was made public. Whitehead said the answer he received to his detailed September 2020 questions about the ERLC's relationship with the SBC Executive Committee was: "It is fine. There are a few disgruntled people but we will handle them. It's not a big deal. Our relationship with Ronnie Floyd and the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee is good." But in May 2021, Moore's letter speaking about the culture of covering up abuse was publicized weeks before the denomination's annual meeting. It became apparent that the relationship between Moore and the SBC Executive Committee leaders was strained. Moore said in the letter that he could not and would not be asked to keep quiet any longer about what he saw as a toxic culture. However, the matter was kept quiet from the ERLC trustees who are supposed to know what is going on, how it affects the organization's mission and its ability to do its work, Whitehead continued. "The question is: Why was it kept secret?" Whitehead asked. "I've asked the members of the [ERLC] Executive Committee when you got this letter and why weren't we told about it?" The response Whitehead received was that Moore "got over it" and that his February 2020 letter was written "in the heat of the moment." An ERLC Executive Committee member wrote to Whitehead and informed him that Moore "simply got back to work" soon after that. "But if it was written in the heat of the moment and it was not reliable that might be a reason to 'get over it.' But with the claims that were in this letter, there can be no 'getting over it,'" Whitehead argues. "Baptists cannot get over credible claims of covering up sexual abuse and bigotry and molestation amongst our Cooperative work," he added. "If people sit on credible allegations, it allows the poison to affect our work. We can't root out poison that we don't know about." Whitehead reiterated: "The question for me is why did five Baptist trustees and Dr. Russell Moore keep them quiet from board members that could have helped him respond?" "The only real conclusion that I can come to is that they agreed, or in some sense expected the whole Convention would hear about this before the [annual meeting] in an attempt to say, in essence, 'Baptists, you can't trust our trustees. We don't have any confidence in the trustees and so we're going to have to throw this out and blow up a convention to get action.'" Whitehead maintains Baptist trustees would have and should have acted, but the information was kept from them. "If you're blowing the whistle to the right authorities, then an investigation could have filled in the names," Whitehead said. "The question is, why didn't they blow the whistle to the ERLC and its trustees earlier? Why was it hidden?" He contends that "if Baptists are supposed to trust their trustees to act, then what was shown here was that the facts were hidden so they couldn't act." "And that's the problem that we need to grapple with here," Whitehead said. The emergence of Whitehead's letter came amid a spirited debate in the SBC Executive Committee over how to best oversee an investigation into the panel's handling of sexual abuse reports over the last two decades. Last Tuesday, the committee voted to allow Guidepost Solutions, the firm investigating the committee's handling of sexual abuse claims within SBC churches, to review privileged communications between committee members and their lawyers as requested by messengers and the Sexual Abuse Task Force Sexual abuse survivor advocates insisted waiving attorney-client privilege was necessary to conduct a thorough review. Those opposed to scrapping attorney-client privilege said the move effectively diminishes their fiduciary duties. The final vote tally was 44-31 to waive privilege. Thus far, eight members of the 86-member Executive Committee resigned, according to The Alabama Baptist, the news service of the Alabama Baptist Convention. More are reportedly considering their own resignations. "We were put in a very difficult situation," said Philip Robertson, pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Louisiana, in an interview Friday with the Baptist Message. "We were in this tension between abiding by the will of the messengers while also protecting, potentially, the viability of not only the Executive Committee but the entire Southern Baptist Convention." Robertson elaborated that those who voted "no" to waiving attorney-client privilege "did not do so to protect anyone or to hinder in any way the uncovering of any alleged wrongdoing." "Every member of the EC welcomed the investigation. This was clearly demonstrated when the overwhelming majority of the committee voted to allocate $1.6 million to fund the investigation." When asked where things presently stand as far as denominational trust is concerned, Whitehead told CP he assumes that there will soon be a report to the SBC that describes how the denomination has responded to sex abuse claims. "What Baptists need to be watching for is whose interests are advanced. Will that be new political leadership? Are their interests advanced? Or are the interests of victims advanced?" he asked. "Because there are certainly some obvious things that Baptists can do to respond and compensate real victims of abuse. They need our help and compassion and our compensation in some sense." "So who benefits from these reports? Is it going to be victims? Or will it be SBC politicians?" he continued. "That will tell us a lot about the direction of the Convention." John Piper says non-Christian marriages are valid but 'fall short of God's highest purpose' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Pastor and author John Piper, head of the influential theology website DesiringGod, recently stated that he believes non-Christian marriages are valid even though they "fall short" of God's purpose for marriage. In an episode of the podcast Ask Pastor John posted online on Monday, a listener named Steve asked Piper, who also serves as chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, about whether secular marriages are considered valid by God. A coworker asked me if I thought God honored secular marriages. My gut reaction was yes. My coworker said no. He believes that if two parties dont believe in God, then God is not in that marriage, and therefore God does not recognize the marriage, he wrote. He went further to state that God does not even hear non-Christian prayers. Ill be honest, I didnt know how to respond or defend my opposition to his stance. Is there biblical backing for the legitimacy of secular marriages? Piper responded that while he considers non-Christian marriages or the marriage of two non-Christians to be marriages in the literal sense, he still believes that they fall short of Gods highest purpose for marriage. The theologian focused on Romans 14:23, which reads: But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. God intended food to be eaten and drinks to be drunk with thankfulness and faith in him. All other uses of his gifts are sinful. They are failures to live up to Gods design for meat and drink, Piper reasoned. God does not require of unbelievers that they stop eating; he requires that they trust him and thank him when they eat. And if they dont, theyre going to be in big trouble. The same thing is true of marriage, since marrying without trusting Jesus and thanking Jesus is sinful. Nevertheless, Piper noted that non-Christian marriages can still reflect the ideals of marriage, as described in the New Testament even if the husband and wife do not intend to do so. The ultimate purpose of marriage, according to Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:32, is to portray the covenant love between Christ and his church. This is done most clearly in an obedient, faithful Christian marriage, he continued. But it is done obscurely even in a lifelong, promise-keeping, adultery-avoiding, unbelieving marriage. So marriages accomplish some of Gods purposes imperfectly, even when the spouses are unbelieving. Last December, Piper said in an episode of Ask Pastor John that he believes a Christian who marries a non-believer should be excommunicated from the Church. Piper concluded that excommunication was the best response since the Christian who marries a non-Christian is defying and rebelling against an explicit command of the New Testament of God and showing how deeply compromised the believers love for Christ is. How can the heart of a believer embrace Jesus as its supreme treasure and satisfaction, and reject the words of Jesus in order to be in the arms of one who has no faith and no true affection for the believers most treasured possession? stated Piper at the time. Its inconceivable to me. Ive always found that incomprehensible. Something is deeply, deeply wrong with the hearts affection for Christ. 9 realities your church will face in 2022 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment 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. As cryptocurrencies gain popularity, churches test future of money Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In 2019, Sun Coast Community Church in Sarasota, Florida, announced on its website that it would start accepting donations in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. In an effort to support a wide range of diverse giving options for our donors, weve decided as an organization to begin accepting donations in Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin, the church founded by Lead Pastor Larry Baucom said. Some of our community members have already requested to make donations in cryptocurrency because of the tax benefits that come along with gifts of cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies which are typically decentralized digital money designed to be used over the internet, according to cryptocurrency exchange platform Coinbase, are growing in popularity because they offer more than just tax benefits for people making charitable donations to churches. The digital currencies, which are secured by a technology known as blockchain, allow value to be transferred online almost instantly around the world without the need for a bank or payment processor, 24/7 for low fees. They are usually not controlled by any government or central authority because they are managed by peer-to-peer networks of computers running free, open-source software. Generally, anyone who wants to participate is able to Coinbase said. There are more than 12,000 cryptocurrencies in existence but Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency launched in 2008, is the most popular and influential. Brian Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, predicted in 2018 that cryptocurrencies are the future of money and that some 1.8 billion people around the world with access to a cellphone but no banking services will finally have new banking in the palm of their hands once the transition to digital money is completed. Whats really powerful about cryptocurrency is that it lets anybody, if you just have a smartphone and an internet connection participate in the global economy. I think a lot of us in the United States sort of take this idea for granted that if someone gives us money it will be in our bank account and its not gonna disappear or be taken away from us and thats really a luxury that many people in the world dont have at all, Armstrong said. Today (2018) only about 40 million people in the world have cryptocurrency but this is just the very early days. I believe within five years, a billion people in the world will have cryptocurrency and it will shift from this investment phase to utility phase. Meaning people actually using the currency to buy goods and services and transact in the economy, he added. And Armstrong could be right. As of 2021, some 300 million people are said to own cryptocurrencies, according to Triple A, and more than 18,000 businesses are already accepting cryptocurrency payments. A survey in a recent Business Insider report also shows that some 54% of fintech experts believe Bitcoin will replace money being issued by central banks by 2050. Another 29% of them believe the takeover could happen much earlier in 2035. Baucom explained in an interview with The Christian Post on Thursday that he was inspired by a few friends and family members involved in the technology industry to set up a website so they could donate in digital currencies. The biggest donation the church has had so far is one Bitcoin which had a market value of about $57,000 this week. Since Baucom used the donation soon after the church received it [to avoid capital gains], he did not receive the current value of a Bitcoin for the churchs largest cryptocurrency donation. In the U.S., the Internal Revenue Service classifies cryptocurrencies as property for tax purposes. This allows donations of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies made to 501(c)(3) nonprofits like Suncoast Community Church to be written off on taxes without a requirement to pay capital gains tax. I think weve had some dips and dabs and stuff. At one point, our biggest donation was one Bitcoin, Baucom said. He is so confident in cryptocurrencies after studying the market he's also invested in it himself. I actually own some myself and I have a relative who is into it up to his armpits. Hes my cousin. He has an MBA in this, he deals with tech, a lot of crypto, [so] I have become very familiar with it, he said. Adam Bennett, lead pastor of Back Bay Church in St. Martin, Mississippi, a 3-year-old Southern Baptist congregation, told CP that his church became the first known Southern Baptist congregation to start accepting donations in cryptocurrencies in September. We only started doing it on September 26, so it hasnt been very long, he said. It really only started with a handful of people [in the church] who were already invested in cryptocurrency and just out of a discussion and out of curiosity we just wanted to see if this was something that could be possibly done. We found out that it was [possible] and so our church established an account with Coinbase so that we could start accepting it, he explained. He said since Sept. 26, only a handful of people from his church have made donations in cryptocurrencies and the largest value of a donation so far has been about $2,000 worth of Litecoin. What drove his church to get involved, Bennett told CP, was to largely lead the way in innovation and try new things as a church instead of doing only the traditional model. We want to see whats new and different, he said. Bennett agrees that as the technology becomes more popular more churches are going to start looking into it. There are a lot of churches out there that want to innovate and try new technologies and I think its going to ramp up, but there are a lot of traditional churches that just wont do it [as well] for a long, long time, he said. The Back Bay Church pastor said it wasnt difficult setting up the cryptocurrency donation system for his church and it took about two hours. While he is excited about the ability of churches to receive cryptocurrency donations, Bennett explained that there is a lot more utility in the blockchain technology for churches than just accepting donations. He pointed to an application called Strike that is run on the Lightning Network. The blockchain networks have utility. Even like an app called Strike. Its run on the Lightning Network and you can actually transfer financial resources anywhere in the world 24/7 for a very little fee. And that type of technology and financial resource transfer, thats going to revolutionize the way we give money to disaster relief people, missionaries. So theres a greater technology here that the cryptocurrencies are running on, the blockchain network, he said. Were only scratching the surface right now. When asked if he was worried there might soon be government regulation of the blockchain technology, Bennett said its something he tries not to think about. I dont worry about what the governments going to do, he said while admitting they could do a lot. My personal opinion is that there could be regulations, but it could be more on the taxation end of things, he said. Indeed, a recent Bloomberg report said the Biden administration is now considering an executive order to examine oversight of cryptocurrencies as prices for the new asset class continue to surge. In the meantime organizations like The Salvation Army, which also rolled out a cryptocurrency donation option in 2019, urged the public to consider donating digital currency this Christmas. The Salvation Army has rolled out cryptocurrency giving options from the grassroots, up over the past year and recently launched a national page for cryptocurrency donations. While we do not have donation statistics available at this time, The Salvation Army is very excited about cryptocurrency fundraising in the future, the organization said in response to questions from CP about its cryptocurrency fundraising campaign. We encourage everyone with cryptocurrency to consider giving during the holiday season to ensure that Hope Marches On in the lives of millions of individuals and families struggling with pandemic poverty, officials added. Existential threat: CCCU fights LGBT students' Title IX lawsuit targeting Christian colleges CCCU seeks to uphold rights of Christian colleges amid 'open hostility' from Biden admin. Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A leading association of over 180 Protestant colleges and universities is coming to the defense of Christian colleges amid a lawsuit filed by former and current LGBT students who seek to revoke religious schools exemptions to Title IX discrimination law. The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities filed a motion to intervene in a legal challenge against the U.S. Department of Education seeking to strip federal financial aid from college students who attend faith-based institutions that espouse biblical beliefs on marriage, gender and sexuality. The lawsuit was filed in March by an advocacy organization called Religious Exemption Accountability Project on behalf of 33 LGBT former and current students who felt discriminated against on 25 faith-based campuses across the country. Title IX of the Civil Rights Act forbids sex-based discrimination in education. Faith-based institutions that uphold biblical definitions for marriage and sexuality can request a religious exemption that allows them to adhere to scriptural beliefs on matters of sexuality. The legal challenge essentially seeks to restrict students at faith-based institutions that adhere to traditional sexuality and gender beliefs from receiving tuition grants, student loans and any other form of federal financial assistance. In a statement, the CCCU called the lawsuit "frivolous." Faith-based higher education has always been an essential element of the diversity of higher education in the United States many of the first colleges and universities in the country were religious and it is crucial that students continue to be given the opportunity to choose and access the college of their choice in a diverse educational landscape," the Washington, D.C.-based council argued. Most of the plaintiffs of the lawsuit are former or current students of CCCU institutions. CCCU is an advocacy organization that claims over 140 member schools across the U.S., many of which subscribe to sincerely held biblical beliefs, which include specific religious convictions around human sexuality and gender. Policies based on those beliefs could result in LGBT student clubs not gaining official campus recognition, transgender students not being housed in dorm rooms that correspond with their gender identity or prohibitions against same-sex sexual relationships. According to CCCU, those schools are transparent about their policies and behavior guidelines, which students voluntarily agree to when they choose to attend the institution. CCCU noted that many of its schools have core religious tenets that conflict with the Plaintiffs understanding of Title IX. "Campuses work hard to ensure that potential students understand their institution and its religious identity and want to be a part of that community, the CCCU statement continues. CCCUs motion to intervene contends that removing Title IXs religious exemption poses an existential threat to religious higher education. Additionally, it will deprive religious colleges of the oxygen that gives them life by forbidding them, on pain of losing federal assistance for their students, from teaching and expecting adherence to their core religious beliefs. To CCCUs member colleges, the Title IX religious exemption has proven indispensable as contemporary notions of sexuality and gender depart, often substantially, from the religious beliefs that animate every aspect of Christian campus life, CCCUs motion states. CCCUs motion to intervene argues the Biden administration is opposed to upholding Title IX religious exemptions and said the rights of religious colleges will go unrepresented and, thus, unprotected. There is ample evidence that the current administration will not only fail to make the points necessary to defend Title IXs religious exemptions as applied to sexual and gender minorities, but it may also instead be openly hostile to them, CCCUs motion states. Students represented in the REAP lawsuit include current and former students of schools like Bob Jones University, Liberty University, Baylor University, Cedarville University and Brigham Young University. REAPs lawsuit asserts the constitutional and basic human rights of LGBTQ+ students, seeking to end the sexual, physical and psychological abuses perpetrated under the religious exemption to Title IX at thousands of federally-funded schools, colleges and universities across America, according to REAPs website. The lawsuit claims that such policies at Christian schools led to the abuse and bullying of LGBT students. However, the CCCU has denied that claim. "While this lawsuit presents frivolous legal claims, the CCCU takes reports of student experience seriously," the CCCU statement reads. "We are committed to learning, growing, and deepening our understanding of how we can provide and strengthen support for all students on Christian college and university campuses, as CCCU institutions should be places where all students feel safe, supported, and welcome. We know the college experience can be stressful, and even more so for LGBTQ students who are working to understand how their sexual orientation or gender identity intersects with their personal faith." Alliance Defending Freedom, a national religious liberty advocacy legal group, filed a motion in April to intervene in the lawsuit on behalf of college students at Corban University in Oregon, William Jessup University in California and Phoenix Seminary in Arizona to protect the colleges religious exemptions to Title IX. This lawsuit [filed by REAP] wants the federal government to tell Christian schools, To continue accepting students who have federal financial aid, all you have to do is to start acting contrary to your own beliefs. Thats neither reasonable nor constitutional, ADF Senior Counsel and Vice President of U.S. Litigation David Cortman said in a statement. CCCU asserts its member colleges will only be able to further their religious missions if they are able to teach and adhere to their doctrines without interference from the government. ... [This litigation] threatens to suffocate religious higher education in America. For these reasons, combined with the fact that only religious colleges can fully understand the importance of the exemption and the current Administrations open hostility to the arguments necessary to fully defend the Title IX religious exemption, CCCU is entitled to intervene as of right, CCCUs motion argues. Chris Tomlin, Hillsong UNITED to headline nationwide worship tour: 'Magnify the name of Jesus' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment After a long season of isolation, award-winning Christian music artist Chris Tomlin and the popular worship band UNITED are hoping to bring joy and unity to thousands across the country through their long-awaited 2022 "Tomlin UNITED Tour." "I can't think of a more critical moment in time for us to come back together and worship ... unified and as one voice," Tomlin told The Christian Post. "For me, what is so important to remember is that music is God's idea. ... Isn't that beautiful? God gave us not only a way to worship Him but also to connect and communicate with Him through music. Worship is different from any other concert. It's your soul connecting to God. It's eternal and an opportunity to join in everlasting praise." Kicking off at the Greensboro Coliseum on Feb. 9, the live worship experience includes 33 dates across the U.S. They will make stops in major markets, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Miami and two shows in the New York area before ending in Duluth, Georgia, on April 13. Tickets for the Tomlin UNITED Tour will go on sale to the public beginning Oct. 22. "We really believe this tour is going to be an experience unlike any other," Jonathon Douglass of UNITED told CP. "We've wanted to do this for a long time and we have a real sense of trust in the fact that this is the right time. We want these nights to be about hope, the living hope, and for people to leave with a little more of it than they came in with. Music has the power to touch people in this way, and I'm excited for that." The tour marks the first reunion the artists have had since the COVID-19 pandemic prevented large groups from gathering in 2020. A Grammy Award-winning artist, Tomlin is behind some of the most well-known worship songs today, including "How Great is Our God" and "Good Good Father." UNITED, the band born from a youth ministry out of Hillsong Church in Australia, has similarly dominated airwaves with hits including "Oceans" and "Lead Me to the Cross." Tomlin told CP that how the tour came together is "evidence of God's timing." "UNITED and I have toured around the country and around the world with our own teams, but to finally be able to come together after what has been a really challenging season of isolation with the pandemic, I know these nights are going to be powerful," he said. "When we gather together, we remember the bigger story that we are part of. We remember that we are part of God's Kingdom. And when we gather together, we encounter the presence of God and that changes our lives." Douglass agreed that the artists have a "real sense of trust that this is the right time" to resume in-person concerts. "It means a lot to be able to bring our songs to audiences across the country," he said. "Our ministry is first to the Lord and then to people. So no pandemic can ever stop that fact. If anything, it amplifies the urgency. We have so much hope for this coming tour and are looking forward to seeing people face-to-face and gather[ing] together again across the globe to magnify the name of Jesus." Reflecting on his passion for worship music, Douglass said the genre highlights the biblical truth that "God is the same yesterday, today and forever" at a time when people are desperately seeking for hope, encouragement and stability. Worship songs, he said, are "evidence and testimony that God is moving, right now." "As we pray again, lament again, rejoice again, declare again, love mercy again, praise again, we do so in absolute faith that we will see God's goodness again, experience His presence again and see Him keep His promises again," the artist emphasized. "So, when I think about people coming together in one accord, singing songs of worship and having moments where they encounter the presence of God and the saving grace of Jesus, it fills me with so much hope." Through the "Tomlin UNITED Tour," the artists hope to bring encouragement and unity to the Church and bring faith back to the center of our conversations. "We want people to leave with the understanding that there is a greater hope in this world. This is a critical moment in time for people to be reminded that there is a true and living hope, and that's obviously Jesus," Douglass said. "That is what we proclaim with these nights." "Every night on the tour, we will sing and worship together in the presence of God," he added. "We know that music touches so many different streams of people, especially in the faith, and we hope that our live show has that impact." Tomlin echoed Douglass' sentiment, stressing that his hope and prayer for the tour is that "God touches them in ways they could have never expected." Christian colleges can fight LGBT lawsuit seeking to block Title IX religious exemptions, judge rules Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment 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. Churches push online giving as donations drop due to reduced numbers in pews: study Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Churches across all denominations are now increasingly turning to online giving as a majority of them report reduced giving in the pews amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Ministry Brands. The trend was highlighted in results from an online survey of 1,400 church leaders conducted by Ministry Brands, a provider of software, services, and information platforms for churches and ministries, from July to September and published Wednesday in the report Coping with COVID-19: Insights from Church Leaders. Overall, almost 60 percent of respondents indicated that a reduction in giving income is one of the top challenges facing their church. This was particularly noticeable among Catholic churches, a full 67 percent of which expressed concern about reduced giving, said the report which attributed the reduced giving to fewer in-person services. Churches are now ramping up their ability to collect donations online and congregations that never offered this option before must now help their members adjust to the virtual offering plate. Churches and parishes with robust online giving options established before the pandemic have had the greatest success in inspiring their members to continue and even increase their giving. But many churches are now using online giving for the first time and must confront the need to help members better understand the importance of making online and recurring gifts, the report said. The survey found that across all denominations, 74% of responding churches reported holding some combination of online services and in-person, socially distanced gatherings. Some 83% of Catholic parishes reported offering in-person and online services, while 64% of Protestant churches said they offered both forms of worship. As COVID-19 guidelines allow for increased capacity in church facilities, a majority of leaders (57%) said they were also struggling to find options for coronavirus contact tracing and communications as well. Some 80% reported using social media to engage with their members. As services continue and capacity levels increase based on state and local guidelines, churches are also exploring options for COVID-19 contact tracing and communications. Overall, 57% of respondents selected this as a challenge facing their church. Social media is also now a widely accepted and utilized engagement resource for all denominations, with 80 percent of respondents highlighting Facebook or other channels as a significant way to build engagement with members. Despite this financial uncertainty sparked by the coronavirus pandemic, churches, according to the report, have continued to show resilience and determination. Overall, 85 percent of survey respondents indicated that their churches have not been forced to make reductions in church staff, while 88 percent reported that they have not had to downgrade or cancel technology and software subscriptions as a result of financial challenges, the report said. "This new research shows that church leaders remain understandably concerned about the financial and operational impact of COVID-19," Pat O'Donnell, managing director of Ministry Brands, noted in a statement. "But we're also seeing parishes rise to the challenge by maintaining services in line with local restrictions and increasing digital communications." Earlier this month, the Seventh-day Adventist Church said it was in survival mode financially as it estimated a $26 million decline in tithe and mission offerings from their more than 21 million members around the world amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to reports received from division treasurers, the decrease in tithe income could be estimated as low as 5 percent and as high as 25 percent in some places, and the decrease in mission offerings as low as 10 percent and as high as 40 percent, world church Treasurer Juan Prestol-Puesan said during his Oct. 8 financial update to the members of the General Conference Executive Committee. Christian web designer opposed to creating same-sex wedding websites appeals to Supreme Court Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Colorado web designer has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal appeals court ruled this summer that she must create websites for same-sex weddings if she offers her services for other weddings. Lawyers representing Lorie Smith of 303 Creative in Denver are asking the nations highest court to review the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling from July that found that her company must provide services for same-sex weddings if it offers services for traditional weddings. The government shouldnt weaponize the law to force a web designer to speak messages that violate her beliefs, said Kristen Waggoner, a general counsel with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal organization representing Smith that has won several religious freedom cases before the Supreme Court. This case involves quintessential free speech and artistic freedom, which the 10th Circuit dangerously cast aside. Colorados Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) prohibits businesses and places of public accommodation from discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Smith filed a pre-enforcement legal challenge in 2016, contending that the law is unconstitutional because it would force her to create wedding websites for same-sex couples against her religious beliefs. The web designer sought to begin building wedding websites but does not want to provide that service to same-sex weddings because she believes that God designed marriage to be between only a man and woman. To begin, Lorie has wanted to enter the wedding website industry for years and has lost opportunities to create and speak because of how Colorado interprets CADA, the petition to the Supreme Court states. She has already received a request to create a website celebrating a same-sex wedding, and Colorado continues to threaten prosecution. The 303 creative website includes a notice that explains that Smith is selective about the messages that she creates or promotes because of her Christian faith. As a Christian who believes that God gave me the creative gifts that are expressed through this business, I have always strived to honor Him in how I operate it, the website reads. A federal court ruled in 2017 that Smith could not challenge the law, a decision that was upheld in a later ruling. In July, the 10th Circuit ruled 2-1 against Smiths appeal with a majority opinion authored by Judge Mary Beck Briscoe, a Clinton appointee. Colorado has a compelling interest in protecting both the dignity interests of members of marginalized groups and their material interests in accessing the commercial marketplace, wrote Briscoe. When regulating commercial entities, like Appellants, public accommodations laws help ensure a free and open economy. Thus, although the commercial nature of Appellants business does not diminish their speech interest, it does provide Colorado with a state interest absent when regulating noncommercial activity. In a press call with reporters, Smith said she has clients ranging from individuals to small businesses and nonprofits. I have served and continue to serve all people, including those who identify LGBT, Smith said. I simply object to being forced to pour my heart, my imagination and talents into messages that violate my conscience. When Smith first started her career, she recognized quickly that the freedom to express religious beliefs was limited. Therefore, she could not be selective about who she worked with, according to Alliance Defending Freedom. Smith started her own business to be her own boss, the legal group reported. After giving birth to her first child, she spent time with her baby and jump-started 303 Creative. Being her own boss allowed her to pursue web and graphic design projects that are consistent with her faith, including many projects on behalf of religious organizations and churches. She often produces art that is original, custom websites including customized text, graphics, images, and more that promote ideas, events, or organizations. While I will serve anyone I am always careful to avoid communicating ideas or messages, or promoting events, products, services, or organizations, that are inconsistent with my religious beliefs, Smith wrote on her website. The order issued by the 10th Circuit prevents Smith from putting notes anywhere on her webpage about which kind of websites she will not create. If she fails to comply with the law, Smith could face prosecution under CADA. The ADF argues that the 10th Circuit ruling contradicts the 8th and 11th Circuits, as well as the Arizona Supreme Court, which have all ruled that the government may not force artists to speak in violation of their beliefs. ADF lawyer Waggoner argues that the 10th Circuits reasoning turns free-speech protections on their head by saying that the more unique speech is, the more the government can compel it. That kind of dangerous, unconstitutional reasoning is why we have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take Lories case, Waggoner said. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Colorado Christian baker Jack Phillips who faced punishment from the state for refusing to provide a custom wedding cake for a same-sex wedding. But earlier this year, the high court rejected an appeal by a Christian florist in Washington who was fined for refusing to provide floral arrangements for the same-sex wedding of a longtime customer. Fmr. Oral Roberts president examines how prophets confront kings in new book Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A pastor and former president of Oral Roberts University has released a book that looks at how Old Testament prophets confronted kings when their actions went against God's will. Mark Rutland, who founded and serves as executive director of the National Institute of Christian Leadership, has written a new book, titled Of Kings and Prophets: Understanding Your Role in Natural Authority and Spiritual Power, released on Oct. 5. In an interview with The Christian Post, Rutland explained that he was inspired to write this book after working on a previous book focused on King David, titled David the Great. In the context of that, of course, is the encounter between Nathan and David over the Bathsheba incident, recalled Rutland. So I became fascinated with the idea of prophetic encounter. What it meant, who responds to it, that kind of thing. This fascination, as Rutland described it, included themes such as the contemporary context, the interaction between secular power and celebrity, as well as the interaction between spiritual authority and secular power. The Christian Post talked with Mark Rutland about his latest book, who his favorite prophet was, and the difference between prophetic confrontations of authority and the New Testament calls for submitting to leaders. Below are excerpts from that interview. CP: In the opening chapter, you discussed an anecdote of a student who was dismissive of your focusing on a major revival event in Wales solely because it happened back in 1904. Do you believe that the modern American Church needs to do more to educate its members about the richness of Christian history? What would you say is the value of learning about such events? Rutland: To be succinct, yes. In the first place, I think history of any kind is its own value. But Christian history, particularly. We've lost our whole sense of personal identity. Who we are, the power of the Gospel, the authority of it. All of that needs to be revisited, and I believe that young people need to be inspired to understand the what-ifs: What if this happens? What might happen? What could I accomplish? How could God use me? And if we understand what happened, say in the Upper Room or in Wales, then that can't be irrelevant to my experience. We are connected in deep tissue spiritual Christianity with every Christian that ever lived, and therefore with every revival that ever happened, or every prophetic encounter that's valid and authentic. CP: Among the prophets you focused on in the book, did you have a favorite one? If so, who? Rutland: Its not going to be surprising because he certainly is the most famous, and his succinct prophetic announcement is the most famous of all. People can quote it who never read the Bible, and that is Moses. And his announcement was: Let my people go." There are people who they learned it from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and not from Exodus, but still, they know it. So its the most famous and succinct of all prophetic announcements. And that's my favorite, because it has direct implication and application to where we are with the church and the government today, and laws today, particularly over the issue of abortion. CP: In Chapter 5, you wrote, "It is always dicey when revelations, dreams, and prophecies serve political and military ends." In the United States, there has been a lot of concern over religious agendas being hijacked by political parties and public policy groups. What are some good warning signs to avoid that from happening? Rutland: It is always a temptation to confuse the voice of my own ego what I want, what I hope for with the voice of God. It always hangs over us, and so, the first thing is we have to get in touch with the reality that we are fallible. Just because I think it, just because I want it, just because I passionately desire it, we can't work backward. We are made in the Image of God; He's not made in our image. We can't work backward from what I want to assume what is the will of God. When I was a kid, I was taught, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. I was taught that meant don't use the name of Jesus to cuss people out. Which, by the way, I am opposed to. But that's not what it means. What it means is using the authority and power and name if you will of God for vainglorious purposes. So that is to say, you could make a political prognostication, a prediction, you can even say what you hope will happen. I don't see anything wrong with speaking to political issues. The issue is when you tack on thus saith the Lord. That changes everything. And so, if more people, if the body of Christ held people who make wrong or false prophecies accountable, fewer people would do it. CP: On multiple occasions in the book, you stressed that the various prophets were not perfect, as their flaws were often documented in the Old Testament. Why did you believe it was important to point this out in your book? Rutland: The reason for that is because self-elimination, self-disqualification is a constant struggle in the Body of Christ. The more I get in touch with who I am and with my flaws, like Isaiah in his sixth chapter, woe is me, I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell among a people of unclean lips, then self-disqualification is the next step, God cannot possibly use me. But if I can see that God did use people that were flawed, we're touched with the fact that kings were flawed. None of the prophets committed adultery or murder, but still, they're not perfect; they're not flawless. So therefore, I don't have to necessarily be disqualified because of my imperfections. That's one reason I wanted to go there. CP: How would you reconcile the Old Testament prophets' frequent challenging of human authority with the instances in the New Testament where believers are commanded to submit to authority? Rutland: There is a difference between prophetic denunciation of the sin and authority. There's no place where the Old Testament prophets who confronted the kings called on the Israeli people to mount a rebellion against them. John the Baptist, who is both an Old Testament and a New Testament prophet, technically, because he speaks ahead to the coming of Messiah and then he says he is here, which puts him in the New Testament. He certainly confronted Herod, but he confronted Herod over his personal sin, he wasn't calling for rebellion against Rome. Jesus is certainly a prophetic voice ... and He never calls for a rebellion against Rome. I think that the line is between rebellion and we can obey civil authorities insofar as the laws do not cause me to sin. There might be civil laws that allow sin to happen. For example, the sin of abortion. I can obey the law and pray for the government and honor the flag, but they're not forcing me to abort a child. At that point, its a whole different ballgame. CP: How do you hope your book influences churches? Rutland: In two ways. One is my deepest hope for the book is that people will respect and handle with respect and with awe, with fear, the supernatural authority of God. That it becomes a fearful thing to toss around: the Lord told me, God sent for me to tell you. Even if you don't technically say thus saith the Lord, that's a very huge thing. I think that sometimes, in particularly large elements of the Body of Christ, its been handled quite frivolously. So I hope that it will be a sobering book. The second is, I hope that it stirs up in us the sense of being a part of the state, in the state. I am patriotic, I love my country, but not being seduced by access to power and celebrity. Nearly half of Protestant pastors say churches negatively impacted during COVID economy Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Nearly half of Protestant pastors (48%) say that the economic lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively impacted their churches, but only a small fraction of them say the impact has been very negative, according to a new survey. LifeWay Research, a polling organization under the auspices of the Southern Baptist Conventions LifeWay Christian Resources, released a new poll Tuesday in which over 1,000 Protestant pastors were surveyed between Sept. 2 and Oct. 1 about the economic condition of their congregations. Each respondent is either a senior pastor or the sole pastor of their church and comparisons were drawn from surveys conducted in several previous years. The sampling error for the most recent data does not exceed plus or minus 3.4%. While 35% of respondents said the economy is having no impact on their churches, 43% of Protestant pastors said their churches are somewhat negatively impacted by the current state of the economy. Meanwhile, only 5% of respondents said their church has been very negatively impacted. About 15% of pastors said their churches have either been somewhat positively impacted (11%) or very positively impacted (4%) by the economy. The survey comes as the pandemic has caused millions to lose jobs as some businesses have had to close down or alter working hours to make the working environments safer during the pandemic. In turn, some churches have struggled financially as giving has declined. Compared to data from 2019, the number of churches that are being negatively impacted by economic lockdowns increased significantly in the last year. In 2019, only 23% of pastors surveyed said the economy was somewhat negatively impacting their churches. Meanwhile, 3% of pastors said the economy in 2019 was very negatively impacting their churches. The recovery from the last recession was slow for many churches, LifeWay Research Executive Director Scott McConnell said in a statement. Even in a good economy, it can be easy to focus on external factors that are hurting your churchs finances. Clearly, many pastors are seeing the recession in 2020 impacting their church. The rise in the percentage of pastors who said the economy is hurting their churches from 2019 to 2020 comes as there was a steady improvement over the last decade since the Great Recession. In October 2010, nearly eight out of 10 pastors (79%) said the economy was negatively impacting their churches, with 13% saying it was very negatively impacting their churches. There was a noticeable drop in 2018. In 2017, 35% of pastors said the economy was negatively impacting their churches. In 2018, that figure dropped to just 14% only to rise to 23% in 2019 and 43% in 2020. The 2020 result is the highest percentage of pastors to say that the economy is negatively impacting their churches since 2016 when 51% of pastors said the economy was negatively impacting their churches. In 2020, just under half (45%) of pastors surveyed said that giving to their church is about in line with what their churches had budgeted. A third of pastors (33%) said that giving to their churches was lower than what had been budgeted. For some pastors (21%), donations to their churches were higher than what was budgeted for. However, about a quarter of pastors surveyed said that their churches are below 2019s offerings by 10% or more. Meanwhile, 8% of pastors surveyed said their churches offerings are below 2019s levels by 25% or more. About 35% of pastors said that total offerings to the churches so far for 2020 have been below 2019s offerings. While 32% said that offerings for 2020 and 2019 are about the same, 29% said offerings have been above 2019 levels. By comparison, 42% of pastors surveyed in 2018 said that their offerings were up that year. 2018 looks like as good as it gets for positive economic impacts for churches, McConnell explained. People quickly got used to improved take-home pay from tax changes and were seeing flat wages, meaning 2019 was more difficult for churchgoers to maintain 2018 giving. Now in 2020, a recession brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has set a third of churches behind their 2019 giving. According to the 2020 data, African American pastors were the most likely to select that the current economy is very negatively impacting their churches (20%). Additionally, white pastors (22%) were more likely to say that giving to their church has been higher than budgeted. Only 10% of African American pastors said the same. About 48% of African American pastors said that giving was lower than budgeted while 31% of white pastors said the same. African American pastors (50%) were also more likely to say that offerings so far in 2020 are below 2019s offerings. About 34% of white pastors said the same. The economic impact of COVID-19 has been very uneven, and that includes churches, McConnell explained. The types of churches that are most likely to be struggling financially are also the most likely to have not gathered in person in September. The exception is larger churches, but they were most likely to have less than 30% of their pre-COVID attendance in person. Earlier this year, the Churches Helping Churches Challenge was established to raise money from more affluent churches to provide grants for at-risk churches struggling to stay alive during the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised in the program. Among the churches aided by the program was the Ark of Safety Christian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which received a $3,000 grant. Small at-risk churches are in a very desperate situation because of the pandemic, AND Campaign President Justin Giboney said in a statement earlier this year. Ive been encouraged by how larger churches and faith organizations from across racial and denominational lines have stepped up to help. We have a lot of work to do, but this has proven to be promising. Another survey of 1,400 church leaders published this year by Ministry Brands found that six in 10 respondents surveyed between July and September indicated that a reduction in giving is one of the top challenges their churches are facing. This was particularly noticeable among Catholic churches, a full 67% of which expressed concern about reduced giving, the report stated. How badly have we lost our way? Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment How badly have we lost our way? It is an important question that many Americans, including this one, can no longer avoid asking just because we intuitively know we are going to be profoundly depressed with the answer. Yes, we have lost our way as a nation in foundational ways. It will be difficult to find our way again without divine intervention. The moral compass of a significant number of our fellow citizens has been desensitized and demagnetized. Is it a plurality, a majority, or just a significant minority? Does that really make much of a difference? I dont think it does, really, because whatever the percentage is, it is enough to vitiate and blunt the basic Judeo-Christian morality upon which this nation was founded, and to which a majority of its citizens aspired to achieve. Eventually, even many of the blind spots resulting from their human frailty were confronted by the foundational ethos embedded in the founding document, their sine qua non as a nation, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness That is indeed a revolutionary credo that has impelled the nation to an evermore expansive understanding of the depth and breadth of that truth. Tragically, somewhere along the way, America veered seriously off course and we are now confronted with a collapse into full-blown paganism. What triggered this lugubrious conclusion? I have seldom been both as shocked and saddened as I was after reading the Rev. Rebecca Todd Peters op-ed in USA Today, Faith Guided Our Decision on 2 Abortions. Rev. Peters identifies herself as a Presbyterian minister (John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, and Peter Marshall, among others, would find that statement astounding considering the op-eds content.) The Rev. Peters also states that she is a wife and a mother of two and that she has also had two abortions. She immediately follows this by asserting, I did not make my abortion decision despite my Christian identity and faith, but rather because of it. As my heart sank and my spirit was distraught, my mind immediately went to the first chapter of the Apostle Pauls Epistle to the Romans. There Paul describes the ever-downward spiral of human sin where one of the most distinguishable things about sin is its ability to generate ever greater sin and depravity (Rom. 1:18-32). After all, the Apostle Paul confronted a Roman society that was as depraved, if not more so, than our own era. Even the pagans noticed and were offended. Seneca observed that it was an age stricken with the agitations of a soul no longer master of itself. Tacitus opined that the greater the infamy, the wilder the delight. As the masterful New Testament scholar William Barclay so discerningly observed of the people of that time, He has so erected an altar to himself in the center of things that he worships himself to the exclusion of God and man. Before we go any further, let us be clear Waterford crystal clear. The Reverend Peters does not represent any historic form of the genuine Christian faith Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant. The Roman civilization into which the Christian faith was birthed out of Judaism was one in which the life of the child was discounted and devalued perhaps more than ever before or since until the modern pro-abortion era in the West. Abortion was common, as was infanticide. Will and Ariel Durant in their multi-volume The Story of Civilization report that when a child was born it was placed in front of the father. If the father picked up the child and acknowledged it, the baby lived. If the father turned away, the child was literally abandoned. This abandonment was commonplace. The only real difference between then and now in the extreme pro-abortion regime in America is that in Rome it was the father who had absolute power of life and death over their child, and in modern America, it is the mother who wields such absolute power. By the way, the Durants reported that after the first girl was safely delivered in a family, 99 out of every 100 subsequent girl babies were discarded to die. The Jewish civilization was the only ancient civilization in the Mediterranean Basin which did not routinely practice infanticide and abortion. It was into this pro-death, anti-child milieu that Christianity burst forth in the first century AD with a courageous and uncompromising pro-life message. As Michael J. Gorman has pointed out in Abortion and the Early Church: Writers of the first three centuries laid the theological and literary foundation for all subsequent early Christian writing on abortionthree important themes emerged during these centuries: the fetus is the creation of God; abortion is murder; and the judgment of God falls on those guilty of abortion. In fact, the Didache, the first widely acknowledged post-Apostolic teaching of the early church (circa 134 AD) vehemently condemned abortion and declared that it was beyond the pale for those identifying themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. For the Reverend Peters to assert that without a doubtthe two decisions we made to have children were far more morally significant than the decision to end two pregnancies is quite literally blasphemous. Morally significant for whom? The two babies she killed would undoubtedly have pleaded with their mother to let them live. We are talking about two babies, her babies, and she says killing them can be a moral good. Every abortion stops a beating human heart. In this case two of her babies beating hearts. In Pauls analysis of the moral degeneracy of Roman civilization, he declares the downward spiritual spiral of degradational sin produces people without natural affection (Rom 1:31). The Greek root of that phrase is Storge(astorgos), a special word in the Greek language, standing for mother love or family love. In first-century Rome, as in 21st century America, the natural love a parent has for a child was in serious decline a decline evidenced by Reverend Peters proud declaration of her moral decision-making. The Christian church, in all its historic traditions, until the last half of the 20th century, would rightly have declared the Rev. Peters theology "apostasy." In another part of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warned of those bearing at least the name Christian and the consequence of teaching false doctrine leading to their consciences being seared or cauterized as if by a hot iron (I Tim 4:2). I fear that the Rev. Peters is emblematic of far too many Americans who have had their consciences seared and deadened by the child sacrifice of at least 65 million of our unborn citizens. The contrast with those who still have a sensitive and accurate moral compass was illustrated for me in a particularly dramatic way just a few days ago. Fox newscaster Ben Domenech was reporting on the resurgent pro-life movement while noting that America has one of the most radically extreme pro-abortion legal regimes in the world, keeping gruesome company with Communist China and North Korea. In the course of his report, he began to relate an episode recounted by the remarkable Whittaker Chambers in his even more remarkable memoir, Witness. Chambers and his wife were Soviet Communist spies operating in the U.S. Chambers later became a Christian, turned away from Communism, exposed Alger Hiss as a Soviet spy, and authored a memoir, Witness, which had a huge influence on a large number of people, including Ronald Reagan. Chambers records that in 1933 he and his wife discovered that they were pregnant. Realizing that this would be very different considering they were both Communist spies in America, Mrs. Chambers went to make arrangements to abort the child. When she came home a few hours later she was very subdued and quiet. Chambers explained, My wife came over to me, took my hands, and burst into tears. Dear heart, she said in a pleading voice, 'we couldnt do that awful thing to a little baby, not to a little baby, dear heart. As Domenechs voice broke and he teared up, he quoted Chambers response: A wild joy swept me. Reason, the agony of my family, the Communist Party and its theories, the wars and revolutions of the 20th century, crumbled at the touch of the child. Whittaker Chambers and his wife, while then atheists, had not had their consciences seared and neither has Mr. Domenech. The current struggle over killing our unborn babies at horrific rates will reveal just how cauterized and desensitized many Americans consciences have become as a consequence of having been submerged in the ever-burgeoning culture of death. I pray to God that we have not been so fatally, morally impressed as a people that we cannot be convicted and moved at the touch of the child. Aldous Huxley once observed, The propagandists purpose is to make one set of people forget that the other set of people are human. Our unborn babies are human beings and God has a plan and purpose for each one of them and I tremble for my country when I think of the massive child sacrifice of our children which we have already allowed to be perpetrated. JD Greear talks prayer, need for unity in the Church and Southern Baptist Convention Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Over the last few years, J.D. Greear felt God pressing upon his heart the importance of prayer and the unfortunate propensity of many Christians to treat it as an afterthought. It was from this place that the pastor of Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina, felt called to create a "roadmap" for his congregation to help put prayer in the "core" of their spiritual lives and restore it as a "central" component of the church. "Prayer was at the center of Jesus' life and the ministry of the early Church," Greear, the former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, told The Christian Post in an interview about his latest book, Just Ask: The Joy of Confident, Bold, Patient, Relentless, Shameless, Dependent, Grateful, Powerful, Expectant Prayer. "When God raised up Paul and Barnabas in Acts, it wasn't in response to a missions conference or a sermon on mission work it was because of a prayer meeting." Greear said his new book, designed for Summit Church members, is a "collection of insights" that God taught him and Summit Church in the last five years that he felt would be "profitable to share with others." "Jesus said His house was to be a house of prayer for all nations, not just a house of preaching, worship and discipleship. Prayer is to characterize the Church," he said. "Jesus saw it as central. Yet, we've reduced it to the peripheral. I just want to be able to help move the needle back toward prayer being central." "I found that my congregation was looking for spiritual, theological and very practical tools, like a roadmap, to help them pray," the 48-year-old pastor added. "So, for the next chapter of the Summit Church, and for as long as I'm able to serve here, I want prayer to be not just something that we have tacked on, but something that is at the core." The pastor said that in his experience, many people are hesitant to pray because they aren't convinced it actually works or they struggle with theological questions surrounding God's sovereignty. Though acknowledging there are some "mysteries" regarding God's sovereignty and how it plays out tangibly, Greear stressed that Scripture is clear that "God's activity in the world is directly and causally connected to our intercession." "I eat, and therefore I stay alive. I pray, and things happen in the world that would not have happened if I didn't pray," he said. For example, the father-of-four pointed to Exodus, where the Bible says God changed His mind about destroying the disobedient Israelites after Moses pleaded with Him. "It's not like God learned something from Moses that made him re-evaluate what He was about to do," Greear explained. "In fact, God is the one who put Moses into a position where Moses could make the argument. He was letting him see and feel certain things so that he could then pray back to God and say, 'God, do this.' God changed His mind, but He was also the One who put Moses in the position and gave Him the insight to say the things that supposedly changed His mind. He's sovereign over all of it." But perhaps the more prominent reason people fail to pray, according to Greear, is that they don't know how. The pastor dedicates a large portion of the book to practical tools for praying well. For example, he encourages believers to pray using the guideline of the Lord's Prayer found in Matthew 6:9. "Jesus gives us an outline to pray, and then we can riff off of it and personalize it," he said. "I think about the places where I'm wanting to worship God and say, 'Hallowed be your name.' I think about the places where I need daily bread provisions for whatever it is that I'm facing or where I need forgiveness." He encouraged believers to rest, set aside consistent prayer times in the mornings, use prayer cards and avoid social media distractions. "I have a real problem with my mind wandering, so I develop prayer cards and attach Scriptures to them," he explained. More importantly, Greear advised coming to God with childlike faith, stressing that every time Jesus teaches on prayer in the New Testament, He's pushing readers toward the comfortability of a child with their father. "We need to be like children who come into their father's presence without the slightest thought of him rejecting us or not hearing us," he described. "The dominant metaphor Jesus uses is: pray like children coming to a heavenly Father who not only cares about you but knows what you need before you ask it and is ready to supply." Moving forward in unity In June, Greear ended his tenure as president of the Southern Baptist Convention after a three-year stint. The denomination is currently wrestling with issues, including sexual abuse and race relations. Reflecting on his time as president during a particularly tumultuous time for the SBC, Greear said he was "blown away" by how much relative uniformity there was among what he called "rank-and-file Southern Baptists." "They just love the Scripture. They love seeing people come to Jesus," he said. "I just found the majority of people ... know that there's a lot of past trauma and issues that we're going to have to engage in healing and humility with each other. I was blown away by how relatively unified they were." But at the same time, Greear said he was disappointed by how "loud and vitriolic" dissenting voices were. "I was surprised by that, even though they represented a really small group. Whether that was the media's fault or social media's fault, I'm sure we're all to blame a little bit," he said. "But I always felt like they didn't represent a big group. They represented a group that had gotten a microphone." Greear said he's not trying to gloss over differences within the SBC or say they don't exist but stressed that "what you find in the Church is that people aren't always sophisticated, but when they have the spirit of God and they've been taught by the scriptures, they're ready to go forward on things like racial reconciliation and reaching the next generation." "So, let's not listen to social media," he said. "Let's pastor people and not treat them like demographic blocks," he said. At a time when churches and denominations across the United States are being divided by racial justice, COVID-19 mandates and other political issues, Greear urged Christians to move forward in unity for the sake of the Gospel. He reminded believers of Jesus' instruction to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:14). "Our enemy works to lessen the urgency of the Gospel in two primary ways: one is we just forget that eternity is real, and every human being will spend eternity in Heaven or in Hell," he stated. "Every other social thing in the world pales in comparison to the urgency of that message." "Paul the Apostle's burden was less on political fixes and more on preaching Christ, knowing that when Christ was embraced, that the political fixes would flow out naturally," he continued. "We do need good politics. We need good education strategy. We need good economic empowerment programs. I think those are all fruits of the Gospel. But ultimately, we preach Christ as the One who is both the power for those things and the One who reconciles with the God and reconciles us to each other." LGBT group urges Biden to strip accreditation of Christian schools with biblical beliefs Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment One of the leading national LGBT activist organizations is urging presumptive President-elect Joe Biden and his administration to advance policies that would strip Christian colleges that uphold rules and stances that oppose homosexuality of their accreditation. The request was part of the Human Rights Campaigns "Blueprint for Positive Change," a recent document which offers 85 policy and legislative recommendations for a potential Biden administration. The document comes as Biden pledged throughout his 2020 campaign to advance LGBT equality in the U.S. and around the world. One of the recommendations proposes the elimination of nondiscrimination exemptions for religious colleges if the institutions support biblical definitions of marriage or fail to offer "scientific curriculum requirements." According to Al Mohler, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, losing accreditation would devastate Christian schools. He argued that a policy like the one HRC is advocating for could force religious institutions into capitulation. In a blog post, Mohler argued that colleges need accreditation from government-approved agencies to show they can give students a useful education. If a school isnt accredited, other schools often wont accept transfer credits and employers wont hire its graduates. "If the Human Rights Campaign achieves its policy goals, religious institutions will either be coerced into capitulation over fundamental religious and theological doctrines, or they will be marginalized, he wrote. This kind of policy goes even further than, for example, attempts to strip federal funding and student aid from institutions that will not surrender to the LGBTQ movement. HRCs reference to science-based curriculum refers to research claims about sexuality, Mohler contends. "In terms of accreditation, that is an atomic bomb," Mohler said. "The Human Rights Campaign is targeting issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, cloaking them in the language of 'science.'" In the document's introduction, the Human Rights Campaign said Trump misinterpreted the law to favor Christians. The [Trump] administration consistently mischaracterizes the law in federal regulations, legal memorandums, and litigation actions, the document reads. These coordinated attacks on civil rights exploit the publics traditionally limited engagement with federal legal actions and administrative developments, violating the public trust. The Biden administration must unravel these harmful regulations across Departments, reinstitute the strong protections championed by President Obama, and put the U.S. back on the path toward equality for all LGBTQ people, HRC continued. The documents list also includes making refusal to hire people because of their LGBT identity illegal, adding a nonbinary option to passports, allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military and forcing faith-based charities to hire LGBT individuals even when it violates their conscience. The Department of Education should issue a regulation clarifying that this provision, which requires accreditation agencies to respect the stated mission of religious institutions, does not require the accreditation of religious institutions that do not meet neutral accreditation standards including nondiscrimination policies and scientific curriculum requirements, the guidance document adds. If implemented, HRCs policy proposal would tie accreditation to support for homosexuality and push Christian schools to the margin, Mohler believes. "This [request] comes with chilling specificity and clarity. We dare not miss what is at stake," Mohler, who also hosts a podcast, said. The document also advises that religious schools which request an exemption from nondiscrimination requirements notify the public that they have requested a Title IX exemption. To exercise their religious freedom, schools should have to go through a special process that would mark them as different from other schools, the document suggests. Students should have the ability to know which schools have claimed a right to discriminate against them in advance of applying for admission, the activist group asserts. HRC argues that schools should also be unable to refer people struggling with their sexual identity to counselors that will help them find peace with their own biology. Additionally, HRC wants the Biden administration to interpret that doing so violates Title IX sex discrimination rules. Joe Biden has an incredible opportunity to advance policies to improve the lives of LGBTQ Americans through the public health lens required by the pandemic, the "blueprint" document reads. The Christian Post reached out to the Human Rights Campaign and the Democratic Party for comment. Responses were not received by press time. "This is an outright attempt to eliminate religious freedom for Christian schools or for any religious school that refuses to bow to the moral revolutionaries at the Human Rights Campaign," Mohler maintained. Texas heartbeat abortion ban remains in effect amid litigation, federal appeals court rules Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has allowed a Texas law banning most abortions once a baby's heartbeat is detected to remain in effect during legal proceedings. In a per curiam order released Thursday evening, the Fifth Circuit panel decided 2-1 to allow the law to remain in effect over the course of the litigation, expanding upon an earlier decision last week that temporarily reinstated the heartbeat abortion ban. Texas Right to Life Director of Media and Communication, Kimberlyn Schwartz, celebrated the Fifth Circuit panel ruling regarding the heartbeat abortion ban in a statement released Thursday. We are excited to continue saving hundreds of lives through the Texas Heartbeat Act. However, the battle is not finished, Schwartz added. We expect the Biden administration to appeal to the [U.S.] Supreme Court ... and we are confident Texas will ultimately defeat these attacks on our life-saving efforts. The American Civil Liberties Union took to Twitter to denounce what it called an outrageous decision by the panel, which they say prevents essential abortion care. Its outrageous but unsurprising that the Fifth Circuit has once again denied people in Texas their fundamental reproductive rights. The Department of Justice should urgently appeal this order to the Supreme Court, tweeted the ACLU. Until it is stopped for good, this cruel ban will continue to wreak havoc, impacting marginalized communities the most. In May, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 8, a law that prohibits most abortions once a baby's heartbeat can be detected, which is often around six weeks into a pregnancy. Additionally, the law allows private citizens to take civil action against any person who "performs and induces an abortion" or "knowingly engages in conduct that aids or abets the performance or inducement of an abortion, including paying for or reimbursing the costs of abortion through insurance or otherwise." The state law, which contradicts the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wades prohibition on banning abortions before viability, took effect on Sept. 1. The Biden administration and state abortion providers have legally challenged the state law before and since it took effect, arguing that the measure is an attack on womens health. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman issued a preliminary injunction that blocked the heartbeat abortion ban from being enforced, per the request of the U.S. Department of Justice. However, shortly after the injunction was given, a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit reversed the Pitman ruling, granting temporary relief from the blocking of the law. 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. Todd Starnes frames MSM, gives 'shining city on a hill' message at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Most of the mainstream media in America don't understand Christians, and many hate them, said Christian journalist Todd Starnes, who is a former analyst for Fox News and author of the book, Culture Jihad. Starnes, who was the guest speaker behind the pulpit during Sunday services at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California, which is led by Pastor Jack Hibbs, framed today's mainstream media outlook on Christians and then gave a rally cry for the country during the current troubling times. The journalist at the pulpit was fitting because both Starnes (radio show) and Hibbs (pulpit) pull from U.S. history to expose the deep Christian roots of the nation. "My job at Fox News was to tell our stories to the rest of the country," Starnes said in front of the congregation. "There are not many Christians in the mainstream media. There are very few, so, they just don't get us. I think a lot of them hate us, but overwhelmingly I think they just don't understand who we are. It was a joy for over the 15 years at the Fox News Channel to be able to share those stories with the rest of the country." Along with sharing his testimony of how he felt God "got his attention" and steered his career life, Starnes gave his thoughts on the political and cultural climate in the nation. "I believe America is meant to be a Christian nation," he said. "When you look at our founding documents, when you look at the letters and the correspondence of our Founding Fathers it is very clear to me that they were basing every decision they made on the Holy Scriptures. "John Adams, our second president said this: Our Constitution is holy and adequate for anyone other than a holy and just people. That means when you take God out of the equation you get chaos. And what's been happening over the last two decades in America? We have gotten chaos because we removed God from the equation. "We don't get our rights from mankind, our rights come from Almighty God." Starnes told the congregation that they "have been in the fox hole of the front lines of this war on religious liberty." Hibbs, along with other church leaders, locally, such as Pastor Joe Pedick of Calvary Chapel of the Harbour in Huntington Beach, strongly advocate for Christians to be engaged within educational and governmental establishments in order to bring about positive change. Starnes said, "The Constitution is under assault." "You might like our history or you might hate our history but it doesn't matter because when you erase history you will repeat that history," he said. "That's why we have to take such a stand here in the culture." Starnes said that Christians are challenged when it comes to prioritizing their cultural focus. "We think it's 'sexy' to go after Washington, [thinking] we have to 'take back Washington,'" he explained. "That's well and good but if you don't take care of what is happening here at home, you're never going to change what's happening in Washington, D.C. We've to get Christians onto the school boards and city councils. We have to take back our own communities first." Starnes emphasized the importance of building strong families. "American exceptionalism doesn't start in Washington, it starts around the supper table," he said. Does Starnes still have hope? Starnes warns that Americans are being conditioned and led into socialism. However, he offers a more hopeful alternative. "My hope is not based in the State Capital in Sacramento. My hope is not built on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' hope and righteousness," Starnes said. One of several proposals he suggested was for Christians to get involved in school boards. Responding to the DOJ's request that the FBI send agents to investigate "moms and dads" who are raising concerns about critical race theory, Starnes said: "In essence, what [advocates of CRT] are saying is that if you are a certain skin color you are a bad person. Well, I want to say something about that. My God doesn't make mistakes. Not one mistake. We are all made in God's image, and I tell you brothers and sisters, it is a lie from the pit of Hell designed to turn us against each other and foment a race war, and I am fighting against that every single day on my radio show." He concluded his message with a rally cry. "My fellow brothers and sisters, we are surrounded. The enemies of freedom are advancing and the time has come for all of us to stand resolute. ... Let our prayer be on this day, that our great nation will once again be that shining city on a hill." Alex Murashko is founder of Media on Mission Large toy retailers must have gender-neutral section or face fines under new California law Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Retailers in California that sell childcare items or toys and have 500 or more employees will face fines of up to $500 if they fail to maintain a gender-neutral section or area, according to a new bill signed into law by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday. The bill, AB 1084 sponsored by California Assemblymember Evan Low, who also chairs the state's LGBTQ Caucus, requires large retailers that sell toys or childcare items to maintain 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. This new law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Stores that fail to comply with the law, which is the first of its kind in the U.S., will be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $250 for a first violation or $500 for a subsequent violation, as provided. "I'm incredibly grateful to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing AB 1084, which will bring California law up to speed with what many retailers have already realized: We need to stop stigmatizing what's acceptable for certain genders and just let kids be kids. My hope is this bill encourages more businesses across California and the U.S. to avoid reinforcing harmful and outdated stereotypes, Low said in a statement. He told The Sacramento Bee in an earlier report that he was inspired to introduce the bill after learning that retail giant Target abolished gendered childrens sections in 2015. The Consumer Federation of California also supported the bill in a statement, noting: This bill will allow consumers to easily identify similar childrens items which will be displayed closer to one another in one, undivided area of the retail sales floor. Keeping similar items that are traditionally marketed either for girls or for boys separated makes it more difficult for the consumer to compare the products and incorrectly implies that their use by one gender is inappropriate. ... Separating products by gender also helps to disguise the unfortunate fact that female products are often priced higher than male products. Reacting to the news on Sunday, Texas' Republican Gov. Greg Abbott publicly decried the law, noting that in Texas, it will be "businesses NOT government that decide how they display their merchandise, he tweeted. The bill was one of several, including AB-367, signed into law by Newsom on Saturday to wrap up the 2020-'21 legislative session to advance his California Comeback Plan. AB-367, enacted the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021. On or before the start of the 2022'23 school year, this bill requires public schools with a combination of classes from the sixth grade to the 12th grade that meets a 40% pupil poverty threshold specified in federal law, to stock 50% of the schools restrooms with feminine hygiene products, and prohibits a public school from charging for any menstrual products provided to pupils. In a time when the state and country are more divided than ever, this legislative session reminds us what we can accomplish together. I am thankful for our partners in the state Legislature who furthered our efforts to tackle the states most persistent challenges together, we took action to address those challenges head-on, implementing historic legislation and the California Comeback Plan to hit fast forward on our states recovery, Newsom said of his plan in a statement. What were doing here in California is unprecedented in both nature and scale. We will come back from this pandemic stronger than ever before. NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson refuses to resign amid backlash over calling transgenderism, homosexuality 'filth' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment North Carolinas Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has indicated that he has no plans to resign after facing backlash led by a leading LGBT activist group for calling homosexuality filth. Robinson, a Republican, is responding to criticism for describing homosexuality as filth during a speech at Asbury Baptist Church in Seagrove, North Carolina. While he made the comments in June, Robinson has faced renewed criticism in recent days, including calls for him to resign. Addressing the congregation, Robinson remarked that Theres no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth. And yes, I called it filth. And if you dont like it that I called it filth, come see me and Ill explain it to you. The lieutenant governors comments were part of a larger conversation about the state of public education in the United States. Robinsons comments received backlash from President Joe Bidens Deputy White House Press Secretary Andrew Bates, a North Carolina native, who condemned the lieutenant governor's repugnant and offensive language in a statement to The Charlotte Observer. The role of a leader is to bring people together and stand up for the dignity and rights of everyone; not to spread hate and undermine their own office, he said on behalf of Biden. State Sen. Jeff Jackson, who is seeking the Democratic Partys nomination to run for the open U.S. Senate seat next year, went a step further by calling for Robinsons resignation. Theres no debate here, Jackson stated on Twitter Thursday. This is open discrimination. It is completely unacceptable. Mark Robinson should resign. North Carolina's Lt. Governor, Mark Robinson, just angrily referred to the LGBTQ community as "filth." Then he says, "Yes, I called it filth." There's no debate here. This is open discrimination. It is completely unacceptable. Mark Robinson should resign. pic.twitter.com/rUhzXZm8Jd Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) October 7, 2021 In a statement published Friday, Joni Madison, the interim president of the LGBT activist group Human Rights Campaign, slammed Robinsons disgraceful, hateful statements directed at LGBTQ people. Maintaining that North Carolinians deserve better than these dehumanizing comments, Madison expressed a desire to see Robinson step down, adding, This is not the first time Robinson has shared his discriminatory views, but it should be the last time he gets away with at as an elected leader. Robinson addressed his critics directly in a Facebook video published Saturday. For several days now, I have been viciously attacked because of a clip video where I talk about removing the sexualization of children from the classrooms in our public education system, he said. Of course, the media and those on the left have tried to change the focus from education to the LGBTQ community, specifically that I hate them, Robinson added. Let me be clear: I will fight for and protect the rights of all citizens, including those in the LGBTQ community to express themselves however they want. The lieutenant governor spent the rest of the video reiterating his concerns about the material children are exposed to in public schools. He added, The idea that children should be taught about the concepts of transgenderism and be exposed to sexually explicit materials in the classroom is abhorrent. Robinson specifically expressed concern about a book recommended to elementary school students in North Carolina titled George that tells the story of a biological boy in elementary school who wants to remove his genitals so he can become a girl. He also mentioned the book Gender Queer, which a parent in Fairfax County, Virginia, also raised concerns about due to its graphic illustrations of sexual acts. Noting that the book is currently in North Carolina schools, Robinson challenged viewers to describe the explicit photographs, which he shared in the video, as anything other than filth. For those who are calling on me to resign, for those who are saying I dont represent North Carolina values, let me ask you something: Does forcing these on children represent your values? Do you really believe that these images should be shown in the classroom? Robinson asked. Robinson characterized the calls for his resignation as an attempt to change the argument and silence voices on the right. I will not back down," he continued. "I will not be silent and I will not be bullied into submission. I will continue to fight for the right of our children to receive an education that is free from sexual concepts that do not belong in the classroom. In 2020, Robinson was elected lieutenant governor of North Carolina, making him the first African American to hold that position in the states history. He narrowly beat his Democratic challenger by securing a margin of victory of 3.2% even as Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper was reelected to a second term. Catholic soldiers can refuse COVID-19 vaccine on conscience grounds: archbishop Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Catholic members of the U.S. Armed Forces should be allowed to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine if it goes against the sanctity of his or her conscience, according to Timothy P. Broglio, a Roman Catholic Archbishop for the Military Services, USA. Broglio released a statement on Tuesday regarding concerns raised about COVID-19 vaccine mandates and soldiers' religious objections on the basis of conscience. The Pentagon recently issued a mandate stating that all U.S. service personnel must be fully vaccinated, setting different deadlines for each branch of the military. Exemptions for religious reasons were included. Despite the Pentagon mandate, The Washington Post reported that hundreds of thousands of U.S. service members have not been fully vaccinated yet. Broglio noted that some Catholic soldiers have expressed concerns over how the research used to develop the vaccines that combat COVID-19 are tied to the tissue cells of an aborted baby. The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were tested using an abortion-derived cell line. That type of a link has been for centuries considered remote material cooperation with evil and is never sinful, Broglio wrote. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was developed, tested, and is produced, with abortion-derived cell lines. That vaccine is, therefore, more problematic. If it were the only vaccine available, it would be morally permissible, he added. While noting that high-ranking Catholic Church authorities have declared the vaccine morally acceptable, the archbishop added that the Church treasures her teaching on the sanctity of conscience. Accordingly, no one should be forced to receive a COVID-19 vaccine if it would violate the sanctity of his or her conscience, he wrote. The denial of religious accommodations, or punitive or adverse personnel actions taken against those who raise earnest, conscience-based objections, would be contrary to federal law and morally reprehensible. Broglio noted that those who refuse to get the vaccine should still act in charity for their neighbors by following public health guidelines like engaging in social distancing, wearing face coverings, getting tested on a regular basis, and remaining open to receiving a treatment should one become available that is not derived from, or tested with abortion-derived cell lines. Last December, the Catholic Churchs Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a statement saying it was morally acceptable for Catholics to take the COVID-19 vaccine, despite its ties to the cells of an aborted baby. In the absence of other means to stop or even prevent the epidemic, the common good may recommend vaccination, especially to protect the weakest and most exposed, stated the CDF. In January, both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI received their first shots of the vaccine. In October, the Vatican enacted a mandate for visitors and employees of Vatican City to either be vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19. Christian star Dog the Bounty Hunter 'has not ended his search for Brian Laundrie' despite injury Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment 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. Former African slave criticizes Black Lives Matter, says slavery still exists in Africa today Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A former African slave said that Black Lives Matter and critical race theory advocates do not understand what is happening in Africa, where more than 9.2 million people "are still in captivity in slavery." "I believe Black Lives Matter does not understand what is going on in Africa. They don't know what is going on around the world," Bol Gai Deng, a former slave and South Sudanese presidential candidate, said during an interview with CBN News. "They need to understand that slavery still exists in Africa today. More than 9.2 million [people] are still in captivity in slavery," he said. Deng shared that in 1987, Sudanese government-backed Mujahadeen raiders kidnapped him, burned down his village and made him a slave. Deng recalled how he at age 7 and more than 700 other captured children were forced to walk 250 miles from their homes through jungles. "I was beat up, I was told what to do, and sometimes they used to put chains on my legs to the point where I would become so disciplined to my master," he recalled. After escaping captivity three years later, Deng went to Khartoum, where a Catholic charity helped him. Following a later move to Egypt, the U.S. offered him asylum. Deng contends that in Libya, women are being sold into slavery for as little as $400. "A woman is being sold for $400 in a market in Libya right now," he said. He argued that Black Lives Matter activists "need to listen to people with my background." In the U.S., there has been much debate nationally and locally on critical race theory, a theory embraced by many social justice advocates and opposed by those who feel it exaggerates the state of race relations in America today. Encyclopedia Brittanica defines critical race theory, which is tied to the Marxist discipline of critical theory, as an "intellectual and social movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of colour." Adherents of the theory believe that "racism is inherent in the law and legal institutions of the United States insofar as they function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between whites and nonwhites, especially African Americans." Deng suggested that those who focus on America's past slavery and racism should also look at the opportunities and freedom the country provides in the present. "In fact," he said, "the United States is the only country in the world that can give the slave freedom to become a congresswoman. You cannot find that in the world except in the United States of America." In addition to raising questions about the accuracy of its assessment of the U.S., opponents of critical race theory have alleged that its premises directly contradict the teachings of Christianity. In August, an activist who spent over two decades advocating for critical race theory shared how she grew to believe that its theoretical framework was incompatible with Christian teachings. During a livestream event sponsored by Southern Evangelical Seminary in North Carolina, Monique Duson, who co-founded The Center for Biblical Unity, attributed her abandonment of her "secular frameworks" to a conversation with theologian Krista Bontrager. She noted that although the people she knew growing up did not use the term "critical race theory," "everyone used some of the same terms or some of the same phrases." They sympathized with the allegations that racism was pervasive, that whites do not change their views on a race-related issue until it directly benefits them and that "white privilege" informs every aspect of American society. Duson encouraged her audience to urge those who subscribe to critical race theory, especially any Christian friends sympathetic to the worldview, "to truly get into the Word of God to understand truly what it means." Answers in Genesis skeptical of researchers' claims Noah's Ark may have been found in Turkey Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Young Earth creationist organization Answers in Genesis, which operates the Ark Encounter attraction in Kentucky, has expressed doubt over researchers' claims that a boat-like formation found in eastern Turkey could likely be the location of Noah's Ark. Earlier this year, archaeologists associated with a project called Noah's Ark Scans reported that ground-penetrating radar showed unusual formations underneath a boat-like formation found near Mount Tendurek, which they say matched the "exact length" of the ark given in the Old Testament. Moving forward, a team of Turkish researchers and other supporters plan to do the "most complete geophysical survey and scientific study of this site to date." In a post online last week, Answers in Genesis President Ken Ham noted that the Durupinar formation site had been speculated to be the site of Noah's Ark as far back as 1959. In his post, Ham included statements by geologist Andrew Snelling, director of Answers in Genesis' research department. Snelling does not expect the ark to have survived intact to this day. "With no mature trees available for Noah and his family to build shelters after they got off the Ark, there is every reason to expect they dismantled the Ark (which they didn't need anymore) to salvage timber from it," stated Snelling. "Besides, this claimed Ark site is in a valley and not on a mountain as described by the Genesis account. It is unclear exactly the identity and location of the 'mountains of Ararat' [Genesis 8:4; notice the plural word 'mountains'], but even this site sits on volcanic lava flows (under the mud flows), which like Mount Ararat itself is a post-Flood volcano that even recently erupted." Snelling stated that the "geophysical imaging" used by the researchers is ultimately "subject to interpretation based on the bias of the interpreter." "The reality is that these 'investigators' will never be able to establish what is inside this 'boat-shaped formation' until such time as they actually excavate the site by digging through it," he continued. "They can theorize all they like about the unusual parallel linear and angular features shown up by the geophysical imaging, but until they actually dig into the site to expose those features for visual identification, their theorizing simply remains that." Snelling assured that the Ark does not need to be found for believers to "accept it as a historical reality." "We already have the infallible testimony of the ever-present, all-knowing Creator in His Word," Snelling wrote. "And even if the Ark were found, scoffers would still reject the evidence, dismissing it as a replica built by worshippers to a myth they believed in." The Noah's Ark Scans researchers have referenced private geophysical surveys conducted in 2014 and 2019 that show "layers and interesting angular structures below the ground." "The new GPR data shows parallel lines and angular structures 8 to 20 feet down," stated the project on its website. "These parallel lines and right angles below the surface are something you would not expect to see in a natural, geologic formation. Interestingly, the boat formation has also been confirmed to be the exact length of the ark given in the Bible (Genesis 6:15)." In an interview with The U.S. Sun, project head Andrew Jones said that the GPR data is "not what you would expect to see if this site is just a solid block of rock or an accumulation of random debris from a mudflow." "But these results are what you would expect to see if this is a man-made boat matching the Biblical requirements of Noah's Ark," added Jones. Jones is joined in the project by Ryan Mauro, president of the Doubting Thomas Research Foundation, and Dr. Fethi Yuksel from Istanbul University. Members of the team spent four days in August surveying the site. Jones had previously stated that there won't be an excavation until the "geophysical surveys, core drilling and geological studies are complete." According to Jones, Yuksel has obtained a permit to work in the area, which will "speed up the process." Columbian nun freed by terrorists in Mali 4 years after abduction Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Franciscan nun from Colombia, who was kidnapped in southern Mali in 2017 by extremists affiliated with al-Qaeda, has been freed and met with Pope Francis. Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez Argoti, a member of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, was released Saturday, France 24 reported. She was taken hostage in February 2017 in southern Mali near the border with Burkina Faso where she had been working as a missionary. In the West African country, jihadi insurgencies led by groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are known for carrying out abductions for ransom and committing atrocities. I thank the Malian authorities, the president, all the Malian authorities, for all the efforts you've made to liberate me, may God bless you, may God bless Mali, the nun said on state television. I am very happy, I stayed healthy for five years, thank God, the nun added. She was freed after four years and eight months of the combined effort of several intelligence services, the presidential Twitter account said. We prayed a lot for her release, the Archbishop of Bamako, Jean Zerbo, was quoted as saying. I thank the Malian authorities and other good people who made this release possible. Malis interim President Colonel Assimi Goita also said efforts are under way to get all those still being held in Mali freed. On Sunday, the pontiff met with the nun. This morning, before the celebration of the holy mass to open the bishops synod, the pope greeted the recently freed Colombian sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement, the Daily Telegraph reported. In June, a Catholic priest and four other people were freed by their kidnappers in Mali. Three days after the kidnappings, Gunmen drove the five victims to the village of Parou within the Diocese of Mopti in central Mali and dropped them off at a roadside, Catholic News Service reported at the time. The victims were identified as Fr. Leon Douyon, the parish priest of Segue; Thimothe Somboro, the village chief of Segue; Pascal Somboro, deputy mayor; and two other members of the community, Emmanuel Somboro and Boutie Tolofoudie. The five were abducted as they were traveling to the funeral of a priest, Fr. Oscar Thera, in the town of San. Kidnappings in Mali are usually carried out for ransom or to exert political pressure on the government. In April, the body of Beatrice Stockli, an evangelical missionary from Switzerland who was held captive by extremists in Mali affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb since January 2016, was found. Stockli was initially kidnapped in 2012 but was released 10 days later after mediation led by neighboring Burkina Faso. The missionary left Mali after being asked to do so by her family. However, she soon returned even though the Swiss government warned her not to. Mali is ranked as the 28th-worst country in the world for Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's 2021 World Watch List. The organization, which monitors persecution in over 60 countries, reports that many Christians were forced to flee after Islamic extremists took control of northern Mali in 2012. While many have returned under police protection, evangelistic activities in northern Mali are especially risky since they can lead to attacks and abductions. Its a teeny weeny fishing port, its quite extraordinary: St Ives and the second generation of British abstract artists In the 1940s and 1950s a new wave of artists were drawn to the Cornish fishing town in the wake of the Modernists who had moved there before the outbreak of the Second World War. They drank, they argued and they communed with nature, convinced that colour is the only direction for painting The problem with St Ives, noted the painter Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912-2004), was that it was very difficult to draw without having a hint of Ben Nicholson about it. Barns-Graham was one of a second wave of painters who gravitated to the Cornish fishing town from about 1940 onwards, lured by the utopian Modernists who had colonised it in the years before the war. Taking inspiration from the Cornish landscape, Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo experimented with a rigorous mix of Constructivism and Primitivism, developing a new spatial abstract language in the process. For those that followed later known as the second or middle generation because they came between those early Modernists and Pop art the challenge was to amplify that abstraction without appearing derivative. The results were remarkable: the painters attacked the subject head on, creating an art that was bold and visceral and expressed the drama of the Cornish coastline in vibrant colour. Many of the second-generation artists had fought in the Second World War, and they brought some of that trauma to their work. Sven Berlin (1911-1999) had been in the D-Day landings; Peter Lanyon (1918-1964) had served in the RAF; Terry Frost (1915-2003), Adrian Heath (1920-1992), Karl Weschke (1925-2005) and Roger Hilton (1911-1975) had been prisoners of war; and the German-born Paul Feiler (1918-2013) had been interned as an enemy alien. Having lived through the horrors and been spared, they harnessed a terrific desire to get on with life. They pursued their calling with an undeviating single-mindedness. As the groups unofficial poet W.S. Graham (1918-1986) wrote, The poet or painter steers his life to maim / Himself somehow for the job. While they were sympathetic to the rhythms and structure of the landscape, they also wanted to convey what Berlin described as the redemptive and spiritual power of art and nature. And they found unique ways to do this. Patrick Heron (1920-1999) wandered the moors, soaking up the landscape through the soles of his feet, while Lanyon made paintings based on his experiences as a glider pilot. Bryan Wynter (1915-1975) and Hilton experimented with mescaline, and Barns-Graham went to study glaciers in Switzerland, where she witnessed an avalanche. By the mid-1950s it was clear to the rest of the art world that something significant was happening in St Ives. As Heron observed, There is no other place built into the history of 20th-century art worldwide that is not itself a capital city or a great metropolis but St Ives, and its a teeny weeny fishing port, its quite extraordinary. In 1961 Ida Kar was dispatched to Cornwall to photograph these promising young artists for a four-page feature in Tatler. The opening paragraph ran, Its a long way from the Left Bank, and the local inns dont keep bistro hours, but so many artists have moved their homes and studios to the neighbourhood that this Cornish fishing town can fairly be called Le Quartier St Ives. The sense of an artistic fellowship was palpable. Societies were formed, declarations made, and Heron, who was also a writer, took every opportunity to review shows by his contemporaries. He staunchly defended their abstract values, which were, as fellow artist William Scott observed, much ridiculed by our critics. Nights were spent in heated discussions about art. The conversations were strident and emotional, and there was a benign ferocity to the way the artists studied each others work. Peter Lanyons son recalled that Roger Hilton and W.S. Graham worked as a team against any kind of preciousness. They also drank heavily, made mischief and had blazing rows. Lanyon once chased Hilton down the road in his car. Yet the social side was important those arguments fed into the work. Exhibitions were staged in Paris and New York, and the American art critic Clement Greenberg came to St Ives to discuss the groups belief that colour is the only direction for painting. Heron considered British artists, primarily those based in St Ives, to be the successors of Parisian Modernism, arguing that the Abstract Expressionists had discovered Colour Field painting through them. Mark Rothko had visited the town as a guest of Paul Feiler in 1958. Scott was more equivocal, suggesting the two schools ran in parallel, after being impressed by the sheer scale of American abstraction. I realised that the Americans had made a major discovery putting abstract painting on its right scale. It was not the originality of the work but I was overwhelmed by its audacity. Whatever the arguments on either side, in the heady rush to the 1960s, the weight of popular narrative was against the St Ives artists, and it was the Americans who achieved cultural supremacy. In 1964 Peter Lanyon was killed in a gliding accident, and this tragic event seemed to mark the end of the post-war heyday for British abstraction. The St Ives artists continued their radical explorations of space, form and colour, but in the face of relative indifference. It was not until the early 1990s that their work began to have a resurgence, by which time Bryan Wynter, William Scott and Roger Hilton were no longer alive. Curators began arguing passionately and persuasively for the rehabilitation of the St Ives artists. Retrospectives were held and catalogues raisonnes published. Tate St Ives opened in the summer of 1993 as a permanent tribute to this extraordinary phase of modern British art. A stained-glass window designed by Heron fills the entrance hall with coloured light, while a vibrant abstract banner by Frost is hung in the stairwell. Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe The price of U.S. crude recently hit its seven-year high, spurred by high natural gas prices and an oil supply crunch. Furthermore, OPEC has no intention of meeting the growing demand with increased supply. Given this backdrop, we think it could be wise to invest in mid-cap energy stocks APA Corporation (APA), California Resources (CRC), Whiting Petroleum (WLL), and Oasis Petroleum (OAS). They each still look undervalued at their current price levels. Read on. The price of U.S. crude recently rallied to seven-year highs, fueled by the restrained supply from oil-producing countries amid rebounding demand. Oil prices have risen more than 16% since the start of September. Furthermore, high natural gas prices are adding to the oil price spike. Also driving the rally is OPEC+s decision to stick to its earlier agreement to increase the worldwide supply by a limited amount, ignoring the heightened demand. The White House has called for more support from oil-producing countries to address the price hike. The thriving oil industry has attracted immense investor attention of late, causing several energy stocks to become overvalued. However, we think fundamentally sound mid-cap energy stocks APA Corporation (APA), California Resources Corporation (CRC), Whiting Petroleum Corporation (WLL), and Oasis Petroleum Inc. (OAS) still look undervalued at their current price levels. Thus, these stocks could be solid bets now. APA Corporation (APA) APA in Houston, Tex., is an oil and gas exploration company in the United States, Egypts the Western Desert, and the United Kingdoms North Sea. The company also operates explorations in Suriname. In 2021, Apache Corporation came under APA in a holding company structure. The company has a market capitalization of $9.23 billion. On October 11, APA announced that its subsidiary Apache Corporation had reached a key milestone in its sustainability targets three months ahead of its scheduled date. This demonstrates the companys commitment to achieving its emission control targets. On September 20, APA raised its quarterly dividend from 2.5 cents per share to 6.25 cents per share, payable on November 22 this year. The increase reflects APAs strength in core assets and belief in long-term cash-flow generation. In terms of its forward Price/Cash Flow, APA is currently trading at 2.76x, which is 53.5% lower than the 5.94x industry average. Its 6.83 forward EV/EBIT multiple is 50.2% lower than the 13.72 industry average. For its second fiscal quarter, ended June 30, APAs total revenues increased 133.5% year-over-year to $1.76 billion. Its adjusted earnings after tax and adjusted EPS stood at $266 million and $0.70, respectively, up substantially from their negative year-ago value. And its adjusted EBITDAX increased 330.2% year-over-year to $1.01 billion. The Streets $0.98 EPS estimate for the current quarter (ending December 2021) reflects a 2,060% year-over-year increase, while the Streets $1.71 billion revenue estimate for the current quarter indicates a rise of 32.8% from the prior-year quarter. Also, APA has an impressive earnings surprise history; it has topped consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. APAs strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall B rating, which equates to Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 distinct factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree. APA has an A grade for Momentum and Quality, and a B grade for Growth and Value. It is ranked #2 of 90 stocks in the Energy Oil & Gas industry. To see additional POWR Ratings for Stability and Sentiment for APA, click here. California Resources Corporation (CRC) CRC is an independent oil and natural gas company with carbon intensity production in the United States. The Bakersfield, Calif., company explores for, gathers, produces, and processes crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. It has a market capitalization of $3.31 billion. The company went public after a financial restructuring on October 28, 2020, canceling its pre-existing debt and emerging with a stronger balance sheet. It established a new revolving credit facility with a $1.2 billion borrowing base. CRCs 8.24 forward non-GAAP P/E multiple is 34.6% lower than the 12.61 industry average. And in terms of its forward EV/EBITDA, it is currently trading at 5.17x, which is 36.7% lower than the 8.17x industry average. In its second fiscal quarter, ended June 30, CRCs total revenues increased 10.1% year-over-year to $304 million, while its adjusted EBITDAX rose 789.5% from the same period last year to $169 million. Its adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share stood at $78 million and $0.94, respectively, representing a substantial rise from their negative year-ago values. Analysts expect EPS to increase 11.9% year-over-year to $2.04 billion in the next year (fiscal 2022). The stock has gained more than 150% in price since it went public on October 28. CRCs POWR Ratings reflect this promising outlook. The stock has an overall B rating which translates to Buy in our POWR Rating system. CRC has a Momentum grade of A, and a Value, Sentiment, and Quality grade of B. In the Energy Oil & Gas industry, it is ranked #8. Click here to see the additional POWR Ratings for CRC (Growth and Stability). Whiting Petroleum Corporation (WLL) Denver, Colorados WLL operates as an oil and gas company that acquires, develops, and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids and sells them to end-users and other buyers. The company has a $2.44 billion market capitalization. In September, WLL acquired the leasehold interests and related assets in the Williston Basin of North Dakota. It also closed the divestiture of its Redtail leasehold interests and associated assets in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of Colorado. The addition of 60 drillable locations should bolster the companys production capacity. In terms of non-GAAP forward P/E, WLL is currently trading at 5.27x, which is 58.2% lower than the 12.62x industry average. Its 3.69 forward EV/EBITDA multiple is 54.8% lower than the 8.17 industry average. WLLs total operating revenues increased 283.9% year-over-year to $351.65 million in the second fiscal quarter, ended June 30. This can be attributed to a 282.1% increase from the prior-year quarter in oil, NGL, and natural gas sales to $349.98 million. For the six months ended June 30, its adjusted net income came in at $225.40 million, while its adjusted net income per share stood at $5.80, both up considerably from their negative year-ago values. A $2.67 consensus EPS estimate for the current quarter (ending December 2021) indicates an 82.9% year-over-year increase. Likewise, the $283.39 million consensus revenue estimate for the current quarter reflects a 33.5% improvement from the same period last year. Furthermore, WLL has an impressive surprise earnings history; it has beaten consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. WLL has an overall B rating which equates to Buy in our proprietary POWR rating system. The stock has an A grade for Momentum, and a B grade for Value and Quality. In the 11-stock Energy Drilling industry, it is ranked #2. Click here to see the additional POWR ratings for Growth, Stability, and Sentiment for WLL. Oasis Petroleum Inc. (OAS) OAS is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company that is headquartered in Houston, Tex. It operates in two segments: Exploration and Production (E&P); and Midstream. OAS went public on November 20, 2020 after a financial restructuring. It has a $2.07 billion market capitalization. On September 30, OAS extended the acquisition date for the Williston Basin assets from Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG) subsidiary QEP Energy Company. FANG and OAS expect the transaction to close sometime over the next few weeks and could prove to be a significant addition to OAS asset base. On June 29, OAS closed an offering of Oasis Midstream Partners LP (OMP) common units. Danny Brown, OAS' Chief Executive Officer, said, "The OMP common unit offering accomplishes the mutually beneficial objectives of increasing OMP's public ownership and liquidity while highlighting the value of Oasis's ownership. Oasis will continue to evaluate strategies to increase visibility into its ownership in OMP and close the current sum of the parts discount embedded in its stock price. As Oasis generates significant free cash flow, it remains committed to returning cash to shareholders." OAS 8.57 forward non-GAAP P/E multiple is 32% lower than the 12.61 industry average. In terms of forward EV/EBIT, it is currently trading at 4.99x, which is 63.6% lower than the 13.72 industry average. For its second fiscal quarter, ended June 30, OAS total revenue increased 136.3% year-over-year to $393.06 million. This can be attributed to a 172% year-over-year increase in oil & gas revenues to $255.23 million. Its net income attributable to OAS and its EPS came in at $73.36 million and $3.52, respectively, up substantially from their negative year-ago values. The Streets $18.96 EPS estimate for the next year (fiscal 2022) indicates a 47.8% year-over-year increase, and the Streets $1.35 billion revenue estimate for the coming year reflects a 12.7% increase from the current year. Its no surprise that OAS has an overall B rating which translates to Buy in our POWR Ratings system. OAS has a Momentum grade of A, and Growth, Value, and Quality grades of B. It is ranked #5 in the Energy Oil & Gas industry. In addition to the POWR Rating grades weve stated above, one can see OAS ratings for Stability and Sentiment here. APA shares were trading at $26.82 per share on Friday morning, up $0.60 (+2.29%). Year-to-date, APA has gained 89.83%, versus a 20.22% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period. About the Author: Anushka Dutta Anushka is an analyst whose interest in understanding the impact of broader economic changes on financial markets motivated her to pursue a career in investment research. More... The post 4 Mid-Cap Energy Stocks That are Still Cheap appeared first on StockNews.com Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Stitch Fix, Inc. SFIX looks well poised to cash in on the positive trends in the fashion space, thanks to its trendy digital actions. Being an online personal styling service retailer, the company strongly focuses on expanding its digital capabilities and personalized shopping to offer its clients the best-in-class service. Its efforts to boost client experience through Fix and direct buy (currently known as Freestyle) offerings are worth a mention. Lets delve deeper. Stitch Fixs recently rolled-out Freestyle drive that offers quite a distinct shopping experience is believed to work wonders. This platform allows customers to discover and buy curated items according to their style, preferences, fit and size. Customers can buy items directly from Stitch Fix, irrespective of ordering a Fix first. The service offers an effective way to shop articles from a wider range of accessible categories. The Freestyle service caters to customer style needs across casual, workwear, occasion, active, athleisure, loungewear, sleepwear and more. It boasts a variety of unique and new features including Trending for You, Complete Your Looks, Featured Brands and Shop by Department. This looks to offer brands like Free People, Universal Standard, Vince, Madewell, Mother, Rag & Bone, The North Face, Club Monaco and Girlfriend Collective. Management looks forward to introducing styles from brands like Adidas, Good American, Vans, Levis, DKNY and Champion. More Strengths Stitch Fix is steadily making concerted efforts to boost assortments as well as improve client experience. The company is expanding its assortments to include more affordable products across categories. Management is on track with a significant transformation of its business in several areas including the expansion of Shop to the existing client base, the launch and scale of Fix Preview, and investments in systems and people. The company is constantly leveraging product innovation and evolving assortments, and using personalized experience to gain more clients. The expansion of personalized direct purchases for the clients is also impressive. Management is optimistic about Fix Preview, which offers an opportunity to view the proposed items for the companys clients next Fix before its shipped. Management rolled out Fix Preview for its entire women's and men's clients across the United States and the U.K. The companys Plus offering as well as its kids and UK businesses is also yielding fruitful results. All the aforementioned efforts have been fortifying the retailers active client base for a while now. Active clients rose 18% year over year to 4.2 million in fourth-quarter fiscal 2021. The company ended the second half of the fiscal year with about 300,000 total net additions. Net revenue per active client jumped nearly 4% year over year to $505. The company experienced positive trends in client engagement and retention with keep rates touching an all-time high. Stitch Fix crossed revenues worth $2 billion, annually, in fiscal 2021 for the first time. Net revenues also grew 22.8% from the last fiscal years figure to $2.1 billion. For fiscal 2022, management projects net revenue growth of 15% or higher than the prior fiscal years reported figure. Wrapping up, we expect Stitch Fix to be a gainer over the long haul given the strength in its digital initiatives, Freestyle in particular. Other renowned players doing well in the digital arena include Nordstrom JWN, Gap GPS and Abercrombie ANF. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. Its bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest? Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today its free. Discover 7 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Abercrombie & Fitch Company (ANF): Free Stock Analysis Report Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN): Free Stock Analysis Report The Gap, Inc. (GPS): Free Stock Analysis Report Stitch Fix, Inc. (SFIX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Getty Images Maybe it's coincidence, but as the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season winds down, two anticipated concerts in Houston cancelled over past threat of tropical weather now have official make-up dates. English heartthrob Harry Styles will return to Houston Nov. 23. The show will honor tickets purchased for the original Sept. 13 show, which was postponed as Hurricane Nicholas threatened to pummel the city. Styles fans waited in line for hours ahead of the decision to cancel the show that Monday night. The storm wasn't much of a problem for Houston after the fact, but authorities applauded Styles for the precautionary move, even if fans were less than thrilled. Click here to read the full article. Lawyers for the state of Texas defended the states six-week abortion ban in federal appeals court by arguing that states have the right to interpret the Constitution however they please, regardless of what the Supreme Court says. The Supreme Courts interpretations of the Constitution are not the Constitution itself they are, after all, called opinions, lawyers for the state wrote in a filing Thursday, according to NBC News. Texas is appearing in court because the Justice Department is seeking to end the states new abortion law, the strictest in the nation, which bans the procedure after six weeks gestation, before many even know they are pregnant. The ban was temporarily suspended earlier this month by a lower court, but the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay on that ruling, so the abortion ban was reinstated. The appeals court will next rule whether to lift the stay. The federal and state political branches have every prerogative to adopt interpretations of the Constitution that differ from the Supreme Courts, and they have every prerogative to enact laws that deprive the judiciary of opportunities to consider pre-enforcement challenges to their statutes, the lawyers wrote. Abortion is not a constitutional right, they added. It is a court-invented right that may not even have majority support on the current Supreme Court. Essentially, the lawyers argued, precedence one of the core principles of the court doesnt matter. The states must follow the Constitution, the lawyers said, but not the Supreme Courts rulings regarding constitutional rights. (This is likely news to the Supreme Court.) According to Texas, states are not violating the constitution when they are undermining a right that is nowhere to be found in the document, and that exists only as a concoction of judges who want to impose their ideology on the nation. Lawyers for the Justice Department argued in a motion filed October 11th that the Texas law is a threat to the countrys interests. By both defying the Constitution and frustrating judicial review, Texas has not merely protracted its assault on the rights of its citizens, it has repudiated its obligations under our national compact in a manner that directly implicates sovereign interests of the United States, the lawyers wrote, adding, If Texass scheme is permissible, no constitutional right is safe from state-sanctioned sabotage of this kind. A massive, pale blue historic home sitting in a vacant parking lot one block from Minute Maid Park is literally trapped by freeways in downtown Houston. The city has plans to move the Arthur B. Cohn House, once home to Rice University co-founder Arthur Cohn in the early 1900s, from its current location at the corner of Commerce and Hamilton streets to Tony Marron Park in the East End. But there's something in the way: Interstate 69. Jay R. Jordan / Chron staff Arrangements for demolishing the freeway are included in the controversial North Houston Highway Improvement Project. The thoroughfare is slated to be replaced by a series of lanes depressed below street level. The plan for the Cohn house, which originated in Mayor Sylvester Turner's office, was to use the window between the time of the overpass' demolition and the construction of new lanes to transport the house from its current site to the park 1.5 miles away. The plan was made despite Turner's opposition to the highway improvement project, which would displace more than 1,000 families through eminent domain. The Texas Highway Commission voted to move forward with the project in September, but it is currently on hold pending a federal civil rights investigation. "Once the physical barrier preventing the move out of downtown is removed, the city would then proceed with moving the house to its 'forever home' in the East End," said Mary Benton, Turner's director of communications. "... Given the time between moves and the reliance on the (highway) project, the city is open to exploring other feasible proposals to relocate and restore the Cohn House." Jay R. Jordan / Chron staff The house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally planned to be the centerpiece of a historical preservation site located just south of Minute Maid Park. Funding for the project fell through, however. In 2019, the Houston Astros bought the property. In February, the city moved the giant, two-story Queen Anne-style home a few blocks to the corner of Commerce and Hamilton streets, where it has since sat untouched, and where it'll likely sit for some time. EAST HADDAM Staehly Farm Winerys hard cider earned the distinction of Best in Connecticut and Best in New England, as well as finished with several silver and bronze medals during the 2021 Eastern States Exposition Gold Cider & Perry Competition in June. They included entries from the farms Yankee Cider Co. The competition include entries from across the region, and a Best of State is featured for each of the participating New England states, according to a press release from owner Kevin Staehly. An additional award, given for the highest-ranking cider in the competition, is dubbed Best in New England. Yankee Cider Co., a Staehly brand, achieved distinction as the Best Connecticut Cider and Best Cider in New England. Yankee Cider entered a Tart Cherry Cider called Washingtons Admission. made from East Haddam-grown apples and tart cherries, the owner said. The farm has been featured in the New York Times as one of the last growers in Connecticut to grow these cherries, the news release said. The judges found the resulting hard cider to be exceptional in its quality, awarding it enough points to classify it as a world-class example of the style, the owner said. The award comes on the heels of the Big Es 2019 Cider & Perry Competition, where Yankee Cider Companys New England Dry also placed Best of Connecticut and Best of New England. Yankee Cider Company opened an independent tap room, the first Farm Cidery Tap Room in Connecticut, on the north end of Staehly Farms at 23 Petticoat Lane in late 2019. The tap room is open Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. For information, visit yankeeciders.com. MATSU, Taiwan - As dusk falls, green lights appear one by one along the horizon off Matsu, a chain of Taiwanese islands near China's coast. Soon, an eerie, fluorescent glow fills the night sky. The lights, used by Chinese fishermen to attract squid, leave residents of Matsu feeling uneasy and surrounded. "It's so unnatural. It's like being in a science-fiction film," said Huang Kai-Yang, who works in youth development and ecotourism in Matsu. On Facebook, residents shared photos and theories. "Suddenly many squid boats appeared. I felt like the whole island was under siege," said Chang Liang-Wei, 58, a fisherman from Matsu's Beigan island. Almost every night for the past four months, dozens, often hundreds, of Chinese squid boats have plied the sea off Matsu near the invisible boundary known as the median line, an unofficial buffer between Taiwan and China. Mounted with green LED lights that envelop the islands, the flotilla represents the latest Chinese encroachment on Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own and has threatened to seize by force. Officials and residents say the lights threaten tourism and marine life, and are a reminder of their helplessness in the face of Chinese actions. Matsu, whose closest island is just 6 miles from China's coastal Fujian province, was for decades the front line of fighting between the rival Chinese governments led by the Chinese Communist Party and the Nationalist Party, which retreated to Taiwan after defeat in 1949. Until the 1970s, Matsu was heavily bombed and shelled. Today the islands, home to about 13,400 people, are quiet but are dotted with reminders of that conflict. Hillside bunkers and tunnels have been turned into cafes and hostels; tourists snap photos of a sign near the main harbor reminding soldiers to "rest their head on their gun and wait for dawn." But the squid boats' green lights - which locals sardonically refer to as the Matsu Aurora - are a manifestation of persistent tensions. "There are at least hundreds of [Chinese] squid boats. It used to be just one or two dots of green, but now you see a complete line of green," said Lai Wen-Chi, chief of the Fisheries and Husbandry Section of the Lienchiang county government, which oversees Matsu. Lai said vessels, which Taiwan officials say convey fishermen mostly from Fujian province, have surged in number in the past two years, with this year being the worst. Fishermen say catching fresh squid - popular in hot pot or served grilled - has become more popular because of declining supplies of other high-value catch. Fujian's more than 40,000 registered fishing vessels caught more than 52,000 tons of squid in both 2018 and 2019, according to official data. A Chinese fisherman based in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian, who gave only his surname, Chen, out of concern for legal consequences, said that this year at the peak of the squid season, which usually runs from June to August, fishermen could bring back as much as 400 pounds of squid a night. The squid can sell for up to nearly $5 a pound. The green lights set in the water were effective at luring squid and had become more popular, he said, adding that he uses a 30-watt LED bulb but that larger operations used more powerful lights. "This is how fishermen make a living. There is no reason to blame anyone," he said, adding that the catch was better closer to Matsu. "I think there will be more and more green lights." China's Taiwan Affairs Office said that Chinese authorities maintain "strict requirements" for regulating light fishing. "Light fishing is a legal and traditional method of fishing as well as a common international fishing practice," it said in a statement. "At present the intensity of lights used by individual boats in Fujian for squid fishing is far lower than relevant regulations," the office said, adding that Taiwan authorities seized Chinese vessels to provoke trouble. - - - The green-light fleet is one of several grievances among locals, who say Chinese fishing boats also sneak into their waters, a zone Taiwan says extends about 3.7 miles from Matsu's coast, leaving nets and cages that deplete fish stocks by trapping young bycatch. China does not recognize Taiwan's maritime claims and regards both sides of the strait as its territory. Lai said his department had confiscated more than 8 tons of Chinese traps between April and September. Chinese dredging ships scoop up sand near Matsu for construction projects back home. Lai said communication between Matsu officials and their Chinese counterparts has declined since 2016. Beijing has escalated threats against Taiwan since the election that year of Tsai Ing-wen, who vowed in recent days that her people would never "bow to pressure" from China. Over four days in early October, the People's Liberation Army sent roughly 150 warplanes into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. Matsu officials said they have little recourse to confront China over issues such as sand dredging and incursions by Chinese boats. In 2020, about 400 Chinese vessels were held or expelled for crossing into Matsu waters, the most in five years, according to data from Taiwan's coast guard. Officials have not raised the issue of the green lights, said Wang Chung Ming, deputy head of Lienchiang county, because the impact would be "very limited." "This isn't a threat in terms of guns and cannons, but in terms of psychological pressure, discomfort," said Wang. "We don't like the green lights. But what can we do?" The phenomenon fits within Beijing's growing use of gray-zone tactics - nonmilitary actions aimed at intimidating or exhausting an enemy but stopping short of triggering a forceful response. Chen Po-Chang, colonel commander of the Coast Guard Administration's Matsu branch, said the Coast Guard operates round-the-clock patrols around Matsu's two largest islands, but their teams of fewer than 30 people were stretched. - - - Matsu is reliant on tourism, and its lush islands feel a world away from Taiwan's dense cities. Visitors come for its "blue tears," a phosphorescence in the waters caused by algae. Residents pushing "dark sky tourism" say the green lights are undermining livelihoods and ecotourism. "The whole sky is green. It's outrageous," said Tsai Pei-Yuan, 28, a landscape architect from Matsu. Locals like Tsai and the Taiwan Dark-Sky Association have been pushing for one of Matsu's islands to be included on a list of locations managed by the U.S.-based International Dark-Sky Association. They worry the green lights will hurt their cause. "We were saying Matsu has many stars, but when the visitors came, all they saw was this 'aurora,' " she said of promotion efforts last month. For some on Matsu, the squid boats are merely a nuisance. Chen Chih-Chiang, 47, whose family relied on fishing for generations, said he feels less connected to the sea. He now works in freight transportation. "We can't control those Chinese boats," he said. Others have responded forcefully. Chang, the fisherman in Matsu's Beigan island, hit a group of Chinese fishermen in 2019 with lead weights from his fishing rod, prompting them to throw stones back. Another time, he rammed his boat into a Chinese vessel after seeing the crew electrocuting fish - a practice that depletes the stock in the area for years and has been banned in China and Taiwan. "They should not be here," he said angrily. "I think the only way to solve this problem is to have no more fish in our waters." ODESSA -- Medical Center Hospital reported Thursday that hospital staff have received death threats and bomb threats after a photo was posted on social media showing a COVID-19 patient wearing a plastic drape. The photo was shared on Facebook by a group called the Odessa Accountability Project, which wrote that the patient is a 17-year-old girl who was being treated for COVID-19. The post said the girl was humiliated and dehumanized by staff. Since the photo was posted on Tuesday, hospital staff have received threatening phone calls, including death threats and threats on their families lives, as well as threats of bombing the hospital, according to a statement from MCH. Rest assured, we take all of these threats seriously and are taking appropriate action, CEO Russell Tippin said in the statement. Under no circumstances will MCH tolerate such threats to staff members, their families or anyone associated with the health system. Our staff have been true heroes for the past 19 months in battling this pandemic and do not deserve the vicious threats spewed by these hateful individuals, he said. The plastic drape was used as part of guidelines from the CDC, according to MCH. In certain circumstances, the use of a clear, plastic drape or covering for COVID patients during transport is used to prevent the virus from airborne spread to staff and other patients, especially in tight areas such as hallways and elevators, the statement said. Drapes are used when a patient refuses to wear a mask, is unable to wear a mask or is using oxygen or another breathing machine, according to MCH. The statement said patients are never left unattended and the patient or their guardian has the right to refuse using a drape. The post from the Odessa Accountability Project claims the drape was a plastic bag meant for covering equipment, and that it had a warning on it about the possibility of suffocation. After the photo of the patient was shared on Facebook, Odessa physician Dr. Richard Bartlett was interviewed about the post on The Alex Jones Show. Bartlett called the hospitals actions abuse of power. We need to hold local hospital administrators accountable and local doctors accountable, he said. Enough is enough. Bartlett has been critical of Odessa and Midland hospital leaders throughout the pandemic for not treating COVID-19 patients with inhaled Budesonide, which he has touted as a silver bullet treatment despite a lack of data showing its effectiveness. An MCH spokesman said hospital staff have spoken with the teenagers mother about the situation. Our top priority will always be the safety and care of our patients, Tippin said in the statement. We are always willing to listen to our patients experiences to better communicate with them to make sure they are comfortable. The Ector County Hospital District Police Department is investigating the threats against the hospital and the FBI is also aware of the threats. At this years Gifts of Hope Pink in the Park, a local breast cancer survivor will be spotlighted. Breast cancer survivor Molly Coole, who has had two different types of breast cancer, found her first lump when she was 30 years old. She knew she was at an increased risk because her mother also had breast cancer but passed away from Parkinsons Disease in her 70s. I found out myself, since I wasnt old enough to get mammograms, and I wasnt doing a self-exam, she said. I was wrestling with my 4-year-old son (Josh) at the time on the bed when we had our pajamas on and we had knees and elbows flying but then there was something. She then got a mammogram, and the doctor said that they needed to do a biopsy because the lump had differentiated appearances with one side clear and defined and the other side jagged. It turned out to be a tumor inside of a cyst, she said. The cyst kept the cancer from spreading. She was able to go 23 years without any more problems. She became a volunteer with the American Cancer Society for about 15 years. She helped other young women struggling with their breast cancer diagnosis during that time. Cooley joined the Young and the Breastless, a breast cancer support group at Gifts of Hope. She promoted the group long before she joined. The group isnt composed of only Young and Breastless members. She said she wasnt newly diagnosed, but she joined the group 15 years ago. I was kind of the poster child, Cooley said. Because I was 30 when I was diagnosed and 48 when I joined the group. I was the longest survivor when I joined, which I think helped them see there is life after diagnosis. ... Then when I was diagnosed again, I felt like I was letting them down. But then they were there for me during my second diagnosis. During her yearly mammogram about 6 1/2 years ago, however, they found something. It turns out it wasnt anything to do with the first cancer," she said. "It was a new diagnosis, a totally different type of breast cancer and it wasnt a metastasis which can happen. Want to know more? For more information visit https://giftsofhopetx.org/. See More Collapse She was 53 when she found out she had another type of breast cancer. Through her breast cancer journey, she was also able to reconnect with her cousin, Katie Wickman, who was diagnosed with a different type of breast cancer eight years ago but who started attending the Young and the Breastless support group. We always saw each other as kids, but once we grew up, we didnt have the gatherings we used to have, she said. She called me as soon as she was diagnosed. So I brought her to the Young and the Breastless and we have been connected at the hip ever since. Cooley has also witnessed the changes in health care when it comes to breast cancer. Midland introduced the nurse navigators who walk patients through the entire process. Things have come a long way since 1991 and we are blessed in Midland to have what we have, she said. She will be speaking at Pink in the Park on Saturday, which she has been going to for about 15 years. She was approached to share her story by organizers. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at Centennial Park. The program will begin at 11 a.m. with the breast cancer survivor speaker, victory walk and recognition of other breast cancer survivors. This years Pink in the Park will be different from years past. Firstly, it will be at Centennial Park instead of Garfa Park. There will be a boxed lunch picnic catered by Indulgence Catering. Kendra Scott will be on site for a jewelry pull with proceeds going back to Gifts of Hope. Pay $25 to draw and win a piece of jewelry ranging from $60-$120 in value. There will also be the victory lap, ribbon wall, look-good feel-good shop, local vendors, family-friendly activities, raffle and flamingo flock presale. 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. Texas voters can soon weigh in on potential changes to the states Constitution regarding religious services, eligibility requirements for judges, county infrastructure and more. Election day is Nov. 2, and early voting begins Oct. 18 and lasts until Oct. 29. The proposed additions to the Texas Constitution were passed as bills during this years legislative session, and a majority of voters in the state must approve each amendment before it can be officially added to the Constitution. In 2017, Texas voters approved all seven amendments on the ballot; in 2019, voters greenlit nine out of 10 proposed changes. There are no state elected seats on the ballot this November. Certain local elections may have area-specific positions and initiatives on the ballot, such as school board officials and city council members. Heres the breakdown of each proposed amendment. Proposition 1: rodeo raffles Proposition 1 would allow charitable raffles at rodeo events. Unauthorized raffles can be considered illegal gambling under Texas law. In 2015, voters approved a rule to allow charitable raffles at professional sports games. The resulting change created fundraising opportunities for education, cancer research and youth programs, according to an amendment analysis. The constitutional amendment on the ballot this November would extend that permission to rodeo events by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Womens Professional Rodeo Association. Proposition 2: tax financing for county infrastructure This amendment would authorize counties to issue bonds or notes to raise funds for transportation infrastructure in underdeveloped areas. Already, cities and towns have the authority to fund projects with this financing method. Counties would repay these bonds by pledging increased property tax revenues, but these funds cannot be used for construction, maintenance or acquisition of toll roads. Proposition 3: restrictions on religious services If approved, Proposition 3 would ban the state from prohibiting or limiting religious services, including those in churches and other places of worship. The move stems from conflicts over churches that closed during the early months of the pandemic in 2020. Some local officials extended stay-at-home orders to include places of worship, requiring them to limit attendance or make services virtual a trend Gov. Greg Abbott and other Republicans pushed back on. But critics of the proposal worry the change could prevent the government from acting to protect people in future emergencies, such as evacuations and public health emergencies. Proposition 4: state judge eligibility Proposition 4 would require candidates to have 10 years of experience practicing law in Texas to be eligible for election to the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals or a Texas court of appeals. Currently, the law requires 10 years of experience but allows for out-of-state experience. Additionally, candidates running to be a district judge would need eight years of law practice or judicial experience in a Texas court, up from the current requirement of four years. Proponents of the change argue it could create a higher-quality judiciary, but opponents say the proposed requirements could reduce voter choice and diversity within the candidate pool. In Texas, judges are elected by popular vote. Proposition 5: judicial misconduct process Proposition 5 would allow the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to have oversight of candidates running for judicial seats by accepting complaints or reports, conducting investigations and reprimanding them. The commision, an independent agency created by the state Constitution, already has these powers over current judicial officeholders. Proposition 6: essential caregiver designation This amendment would allow residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to designate one essential caregiver who cannot be denied in-person visitation rights. If the proposition passes, the Legislature would create further guidelines for these caregivers. Like Proposition 3, Proposition 6 also comes as a response to pandemic-era restrictions. Nursing homes, which were hit particularly hard by COVID-19, saw extended visitation restrictions that prevented residents from seeing family and friends for months. Proposition 7: property tax exemptions for bereaved families Proposition 7 would put a limit on school district property taxes incurred by the surviving spouse of a person with disabilities older than 65 who has died. The surviving spouse must be at least 55 years old at the partners time of death and still live in the home. The amendment is necessary to update the Constitution in accordance with the tax code, which was modified in the 2019 legislative session to include this change. If approved, individuals eligible for these tax breaks could receive refunds on collections in 2020 and 2021. The resolution could reduce school district property tax revenue and increase state funding in accordance with Texas public school funding formulas, according to analysis of the amendment. However, the exact cost of the change cannot be estimated because the number of surviving spouses is unknown. Proposition 8: property tax exemptions for military families Proposition 8 would expand eligibility for residential homestead tax exemptions to include spouses of military members killed or fatally injured in the line of duty. Currently, the exemption is extended to spouses of military members killed in action. The new eligibility would include people killed in accidental vehicle crashes or non-hostile events. This exemption would apply to fewer than 10 people per year, according to analysis of the amendment. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. The intensity with which Texas Republicans are struggling against demographic tides as they redraw the state's congressional districts can best be seen in their proposed maps for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, specifically its suburbs. For decades, suburban communities offered the GOP solid political ground. But census figures demonstrate the state is growing away from Republicans, with nearly all of its population gains coming within communities of color more likely to support Democrats. That shift has reached the suburbs. In a bid to hold the political turf, Republicans are zeroing in on communities with high shares of potential voters of color and grafting them onto massive districts dominated by white voters. That sort of surgical targeting is strikingly captured by the proposed changes to the 33rd and 6th congressional districts, which will diminish the influence Hispanic voters have in choosing their representatives in Congress. The proposed maps have already cleared the Senate and await a vote in the House. The current TX-33 contains heavily Hispanic neighborhoods This congressional district stretches across Tarrant and Dallas counties, covering roughly 200 square miles. Hispanic Texans make up a majority of the districts voting age population. A significant portion of the Hispanic voting age population in the suburban cities between Dallas and Fort Worth is currently in TX-33, represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey. The district stretches from Fort Worth in Tarrant County, across suburban communities like Arlington and Grand Prairie and into Irvings heavily Hispanic neighborhoods on the west side of Dallas County. Despite its odd shape, TX-33 was actually drawn by a three-judge federal panel a decade ago to protect the voting rights of people of color in the area. That panel devised the district so that Hispanics made up the largest demographic group, but it offered Hispanic or Black voters an equal chance to elect their preferred candidate. Veasey won that job. A decade later, Hispanics make up a large majority of the districts voting age population and are just shy of the majority of eligible voters, which includes citizens only. But under the Republicans proposed map, many of those voters would be sunk into a starkly different political reality. Republicans reconfigured part of TX-33 to shore up another neighboring GOP district, but that left behind Hispanic areas around Irving. They looked south and saw a swath of rural, mostly white counties. To connect them, they extended a bizarre finger northward into Dallas County, picked off the Democratic-leaning areas and melded them into a different district TX-6 . Hispanic voters would move into a larger, whiter district under proposed TX-6 The proposed congressional district would stretch across nine counties, covering roughly 6,000 square miles. It pulls a portion of Hispanic residents from the current TX-33 into a more rural district in which white residents would be just shy of making up the majority of the voting age population. The current TX-6 includes just three counties all of Navarro and Ellis counties and a diverse portion of southeast Tarrant County. Though it was drawn as a solid GOP district, it has seen thinner Republican margins of victory in recent elections; former President Donald Trump won just 53% of the vote in 2020. In a bid to shore up TX-6, giving it a hypothetical 20-point margin of victory for Trump, the Republicans proposal to revamp the district significantly stretches its footprint including six more counties to the south and east. That engineering would boost white voters control of the district while stranding Hispanic voters who in the past were concentrated enough to influence election outcomes. The manipulation at the expense of voters of color is not limited to these districts. Throughout the North Texas region, diverse neighborhoods are shifted into sprawling districts that stretch into more rural areas with majority white electorates. The demographic change map-drawers are contending with has transformed the area so forcefully over the last decade that their proposals even carve up neighborhoods densely populated with Asian Texans, whose small but growing numbers were beginning to translate into electoral influence. Heavily Asian neighborhoods in Collin County are currently in TX-3 Much of the Asian voting age population in Collin County is currently within this congressional district, which covers more than 500 square miles. The Asian population in this county more than doubled in the last decade, accounting for around a third of the countys population increase. Though they make up just a sliver of the states total population, Asian Texans have seen the most rapid growth over the last decade compared to other demographic groups. Theyve made particular headway in areas like Collin County, one of the fastest-growing in the state, where they contributed significantly to the countys population gains. A large concentration of the Asian voting age population in Collin County is currently contained in the 3rd Congressional District and represented by U.S. Rep. Van Taylor, a Republican. The suburban district skewed so heavily for the GOP that Taylors predecessor ran without a Democratic challenger in 2012 and 2014. But the Republican margin of victory narrowed significantly in recent elections. Taylor won reelection with just 55% of the vote; Trump won the district by just 1 percentage point. In response, Republicans are proposing a complete reconfiguration of the district, almost surgically sketching lines around neighborhoods densely populated by potential Asian voters. Under Republicans proposed map, many of those Asian residents would now reside in the new 4th Congressional District, which used to contain just a small share of Collin Countys population. In reaching in to pick up their neighborhoods, TX-4 grows its total Asian population from roughly 15,000 in its previous configuration to nearly 103,000. But Asian voters will see the strength of their votes diminished in a district in which white residents will make up a whopping 73.9% of eligible voters. In the current TX-3, the share of Asian eligible voters had reached 10.8%. The new maps would cut it roughly in half to 5.6%. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. The rest of the country can have their pumpkin spice season. In D.C, we have something better: the largest edible fruit native to North America. And its growing here, within city limits in Rock Creek Park, and along the Potomac, in bunches that resemble squat bananas. Even better: Pawpaws have a creamy texture that earned them the nickname of custard apple, with a rich, fruity flavor reminiscent of the three-way lovechild of banana, pineapple, and mango. The first time I found one in the wild and took a bite, I was blown away by the exotic flavor and texture, says chef Jeremiah Langhorne of the Michelin-starred The Dabney. Its like no other fruit from the area and opens a ton of exciting options. But while many locals know the thrill of finding wild pawpaws, in reality, it can be tough to get your paws on them. Theyre ripe for the picking during a brief window, usually from around late August through now-ish, depending on the weather. One feasibility study from Harvard recently found that the hardy fruit, which can survive temperatures of 25 below without sustaining damage, is likely to soon spread its wings beyond the 26 states across the country where it now grows naturally due to the effects of climate change. But even while theyre beginning to spring up in unlikely spots, pawpaws are finnicky: difficult to ship due to bruising, and difficult to supply with any reliability, given their incredibly short season. As the food world becomes ever more captivated by local ingredients, pawpaw season has become a bit of a local holiday for restaurateurs and home cooks alike. At the Dabney, Langhorne has long cultivated a menu guided by the Mid-Atlantic, with a focus on American food and local produce. Offerings may include Maryland blue crab with walnut, apple, and brown butter vinaigrette or local pork with Seckel pear and whiskey. On his current menu, alongside local oysters with Concord grape vinegar mignonette, he features local radishes with a pawpaw-infused butter. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne Obi Okolo Pawpaws mean a lot to me, as a chef who focuses primarily on the ingredients of the Mid-Atlantic region, says Langhorne. Neal Peterson (aka Papa Pawpaw), the pawpaw expert behind Peterson Pawpaws, doesnt recall enjoying this fruit as a child growing up in the heart of Appalachia, where they grow wild. As a child, I saw pawpaws frequently in the woods, but it never occurred to me to eat them until I was older, in graduate school at West Virginia University, he says, noting that this was when his path to studying the fruit began. I was a graduate instructor at WVU, leading lab classes in ecology down to the flood plain of the Monongahela River, he recalls. That was when I tasted my first pawpaw in 1974, and I was blown away by how delicious it was. Today, Peterson is one of the foremost pawpaw experts in the region, developing his own varieties and selling his trees via nurseries across the country and around the world. Although I have worked with breeding other woody plants most notably various ornamentals such as magnolias the pawpaw holds a special place in my heart because it is a delicious, tropical-tasting fruit that happily flourishes in our forest, he says, noting that of the members of the family Annonaceae to which it belongs, only the pawpaw can withstand freezing temperatures. It really is a unique plant in our woodland that deserves more attention. Peterson enjoys eating pawpaws fresh or on ice cream. He even bakes them into a quick bread, similar to banana bread. Anything you can do with a banana, you can do with a pawpaw, he says. Chef Langhorne, meanwhile, loves roasting pawpaw on the hearth and incorporating the fruit into condiments like mustards, butters, sauces, and vinaigrettes, taking full advantage of them for however long their short season allows. As a fruit that proliferates throughout the DC area and even within the city limits Langhorne says its a true element of local terroir. I would say that the pawpaw is emblematic of the region, adds Peterson. Anyone who is tasting a pawpaw is a priority of those who aspire for a connection with the land and the old ways of the country. Here are some of our favorite spots in DC to have a taste before this delicious local fruit disappears. The Dabney At this Michelin-starred spot, pawpaw flavors mustards, butters, and other condiments. Deep Run Pawpaw Orchard This orchard and wholesale supplier in Maryland produces seven varieties of pawpaw, some of which are sold by local purveyors at farmers markets in DC and beyond. Earthy Delights If you cant forage or find pawpaws locally, consider ordering some online (available either fresh or frozen) from this supplier. Checkerspot Brewing Company Youll have to head to Baltimore to sample Maximum Fruitage Paw Paw beer on draft, but you can also find it in cans online. A New England IPA-style beer, its hopped with Mosaic, El Dorado, and Azacca as well as over 300 pounds of pawpaws sourced from Deep Run. Lindera Farms Lindera Farms produces a fruity pawpaw vinegar with lovely caramel notes perfect as a swap for white balsamic long after pawpaw season is over. This article was featured in the InsideHook DC newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Beltway. The post Meet the Unusual, Highly Edible Fruit Thats Growing on Your DC Commute appeared first on InsideHook. Florida, FL (34429) Today Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High near 75F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly cloudy. Low 61F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Marko Djakovic knew that getting a formal tech certification could help his career. He finished an AWS course and got the accompanying certification, but that was only going to be the first step. I planned to pass more courses and become a cloud architect, says Djakovic, who works as a digital project manager at Best Response Media. That way, I would become the only one in the company with that knowledge. But there was a catch: After he started on this path, he realized he didnt like where it was going. As it turned out, he says, to become a cloud architect, I would have to change my job to involve more coding, which I dont want to do. So I dont use the knowledge I gained, and probably never will. Djakovic certainly isnt the only IT pro who has experienced earners regret around a tech certification. With a dizzying array of certs out there, all promising to make your resume shine and boost your salary, its unsurprising that some folks might make the wrong choices. We spoke to a number of IT pros to get the lowdown on what to avoid in the quest for certification. 1. Beginning a certification journey without a goal in mind Too often, people think of certifications as something they should get in the abstract, but dont have a plan for what specific certifications will actually mean for their careers. To avoid this pitfall, you need to ask big-picture questions about how a certification aligns with your goals. That was the mistake Djakovic made. Dont just think about the certification or even just the cost and the time you need to complete it, he says. Ask yourself: Do I really need this? How can this help me be better in my job role? Ask your supervisor what they think. To avoid the trap he fell into, you need to figure out your career goals and search out certifications that will bring you closer to them. Christopher Villemez, senior technical marketing engineer at NetBrain, suggests some possible purposes that a certification might serve in your professional life: Helping you understand a technology or solution you use every day, so you can improve your current job role Picking up a new and popular skillset (e.g., public cloud) so you can stay current in the industry Changing career directions or specializations Knowing your goal will help you determine the potential return on investment and gauge the worthiness of various certification pursuits, Villemez says. 2. Biting off more than you can chew If you havent pursued a certification before, or if youve collected mostly entry-level certs, you may not be ready for the level of commitment required to make certification worthwhile, especially if you are undertaking the journey on top of existing work responsibilities. Many certifications are expensive and demanding, with some requiring continuing education or regular re-testing after youre certified, says Villemez. IT professionals should ensure they understand the full scope of the certifications, have a precise idea for how theyll apply what they learn, and have a clear view into any continued education responsibilities. 3. Failing to find the right training resources Part of the work of earning a cert involves finding the best resources from which to learn as you prepare. You cant simply Google the name of the cert and take the first course that pops up. Theres a ton of companies out there pushing trainings, materials, and study guides, and theres a wide range of how good these are, Villemez says. Some are really poor and not helpful, whereas others are great. Look for known vendors with a solid reputation from consumers and with good testing success rates by their students. This advice goes double when it comes to certs that require accredited training prior to completion. Be sure to ensure any training courses you sign up for are conducted by educators or organizations recognized by the certification approval body. Moreover, certain certifications require that you have access to resources beyond coursework or simple study guides. More and more certifications, like those offered by leading public cloud providers, evaluate applicability through practical exams that often necessitate that participants have access to a lab, says Steve Bomberger, head of IT services at SEI. Make sure you can meet these criteria before you dedicate too much in terms of time and resources to your certification quest. 4. Relying on outdated materials Many people get certified specifically to show they are familiar with the latest innovations in the industry. To keep up, certification organizations update the material underlying their certs regularly and that leads to another potential pitfall. Certificate tracks change periodically, and that results in changes to the study materials and tests each time it happens, explains NetBrains Villemez. This can be very frustrating if the materials change midway through studying over a few months, sometimes with completely new sets of things to know and other things now deprecated. Villemez recommends researching the history of a particular certification track to help anticipate such issues. For instance, if you find out that the CCIE Security exam changes on average every three years, starting to prepare for your exam two and a half years into the current track may not be a good idea, he says. 5. Paying when you dont have to Many certifications arent cheap, typically running into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But even if you experience sticker shock when you find out how much your preferred cert costs to pursue, dont give up hope. If youre already employed, see if your current employer will pay for and support you acquiring a new certification, says Scott Hirsch, cofounder and CTO at Talent Marketplace. There are often training grants available to employers that can help support this. 6. Not getting specific A long list of certifications may seem like a worthwhile goal for endorsing your skills, but the time and energy invested in this pursuit may not necessarily send the message that you think. While certifications offer great opportunities, we have seen employees spread themselves too thin and try to learn multiple skills all at once, says Anu Subramanian, CTO at CloudCheckr. Rather than choose multiple courses for various certifications, what often works best is targeting your approach. For example, they could choose to go after certain niche certifications like security, cloud management, AI, automation, etc., or they can choose to target a platform there are certifications specific to AWS and Azure. Depending on your career path, you may want to make sure the content of the certs you carry is specific to your goals. When recruiting, we mainly look at product skills and not so much at Scrum, Prince2, ITIL, and so on, says Lovisa Stenbacken Stjernlof, Okta practice lead at Devoteam Cloud Services, a Swedish IT consultancy. Those generic certifications are so common they dont stand out on a CV, and typically they are not that hard to get if needed for a project or client. Methodology also differs so much within different projects; product skills from day one is much more valuable. This advice pertains to both project managers and more hands-on technical staff, she says: If you want to be a project manager using Salesforce, Salesforce skills are much more important. To stand out on a job hunt, figure out what product you want to work on, rather than trying be a generic IT project manager. Moreover, vendor- and product-specific certs may not pigeonhole you as much as you think. NetBrains Villemez brings up Cisco as an example. Cisco certifications, while promoting their proprietary solutions, nevertheless still have broad enough recognition to demonstrate knowledge that can cross to other vendor network platforms in terms of basic fundamentals, he says. I can go work in a network that is 100% Juniper and they will still be happy to know an engineer on the team has a Cisco certification. Employers can make certification mistakes, too CIOs and other IT leaders can also fall into traps when it comes to the certifications and certification desires of employees or potential hires. Here are words of advice our experts have for IT leaders around encouraging the pursuit of certifications and the true value of industry credentials. Dont trust certifications blindly. While it would be nice to believe that anyone certified in a technology or skill set can apply that knowledge in the real world, hard experience shows that isnt always the case. Its crucial for employers to be discerning about prospective talent, says SEIs Bomberger. Employers shouldnt assume applicants are qualified because they have impressive certifications. To ensure that candidates can apply what theyve learned, hiring managers should probe with broad questions to make sure they know the material but can also provide specific examples of how theyve applied it to real-world scenarios. Ensure opportunities for those who seek to improve themselves. Ultimately, people seek out certifications to boost their skill levels and improve their career prospects. If one of your employees is taking that route, those career prospects can be with your company or with someone elses. Organizations should ensure that career advancement opportunities are available to those who pursue and successfully obtain certifications, says CloudCheckrs Subramanian. You want to avoid the scenario where a company upskills their employees only to watch them leave for a competitor. By investing in the continued financial and career success of your employees through opportunities for IT certifications, companies can ultimately help to close the skills gap and improve talent acquisition and retention. And thats a scenario where everybody wins. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access MADRID (AP) A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook La Palma in Spains 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. 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 thatso far, nobody has been hurt, he said. 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 volcanos 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. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Three more appeals in assignment-of-benefits cases have resulted in rulings that favored 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. 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 Asessors) vs. Geovera Specialty Insurance Co., that both spouses had not signed the AOB agreement. But the court also 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. 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. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) A prominent South Carolina lawyer has been charged with stealing insurance settlements meant for the sons of his late housekeeper, 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 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 $500,000 and then never sent them a dime, the lawsuit said. 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. 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. The deaths of Murdaughs son and wife at their Colleton County home in June remain unsolved. Murdaugh said he found Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and her son Paul, 22, shot to death after he returned home from visiting his father in the hospital, according to authorities. State police have six investigations into Murdaugh, including the deaths and September charges against Murdaugh on insurance fraud and other counts for trying to arrange his own death so his surviving son could collect on a $10 million life insurance policy. Murdaugh said his head was grazed by a bullet in the attempt. The man charged with firing at Murdaugh said the gun went off as he tried to prevent his friend from shooting himself. 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. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) Shifting winds posed new challenges for firefighters battling a blaze in Southern California coastal mountains that threatened ranches and rural homes and kept a major highway shut down for days. The Alisal Fire charred more than 24 square miles (62 square kilometers) of dense chaparral in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara. Containment was just 5% Wednesday evening. 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. Fire crews were protecting Rancho del Cielo, which was once owned by Ronald and Nancy Reagan and was known as the Western White House during his presidency. The 688-acre (278-hectare) ranch where Reagan hosted world leaders sits atop the mountain range, above the flames feeding on dense chaparral and grasses. Based on staff reports from the ranch, the fire was about a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) 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 Americas 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. The area hadnt burned since 1955, according to the conservative youth organization. Fire engines were on the ranch property, and fire retardant will be sprayed around its structures, the foundation said in a statement. It noted that helicopters have filled up with water from one of the ranchs two lakes. Crews also protected an Exxon Mobil Corp. gas processing facility in a canyon surrounded by flames. The fire erupted Monday near the Alisal Reservoir, and powerful winds from the north swept the flames down through the mountains, forcing the closure of U.S. 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. 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, its the most dangerous time, and critical time, of the fire, because the fire will change direction on us, Harris said. The National Weather Service said there would be a new round of south Santa Barbara Countys notorious Sundowner winds Wednesday night, and other parts of California also were expected to experience increased fire danger. Red flag warnings were expected to go into effect in the interior of Northern California on Thursday because of gusts and low humidity levels. Forecasters also planned to issue a fire weather watch Friday in parts of Southern California because of the predicted development of Santa Ana winds. Pacific Gas & Electric said it would likely have to shut off electricity to targeted portions of 13 Northern California counties on Thursday to prevent wildfires from being ignited by wind damage to power lines. The utility just restored power to about 25,000 customers who had their electricity shut off due to Mondays windstorm. 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 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. About the photo: A burnt tractor is seen after a wildfire Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, in Goleta, Calif. A wildfire raging through Southern California coastal mountains threatened ranches and rural homes and kept a major highway shut down Wednesday as the fire-scarred state faced a new round of dry winds that raise risk of flames. The Alisal Fire covered more than 22 square miles (57 square kilometers) in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Should I stay or should I go? What will you do with Facebook? Now that a Facebook whistleblower has shown us whats actually in the sausage, how can anyone eat it? Frances Haugen, a data scientist who worked for Facebook, testified before a Senate subcommittee that she believed, Facebooks products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy. On CBS 60 Minutes she accused Facebook of tearing our societies apart and causing ethnic violence around the world. She provided proof in a pile of documents she leaked to the Wall Street Journal. She said the companys own research shows Facebook magnifies hate, spreads fake news, polarizes people and doesnt do enough to deal with human trafficking and ethnic violence. She worries that Instagrams constant blitz of perfect bodies harms teen girls who already struggle with anorexia. Facebooks own research says, as these young women begin to consume this eating disorder content, they get more and more depressed, Haugen said. And it actually makes them use (Instagram) more. Haugen said the company puts profit ahead of the public good: Facebook has realized that if they change the algorithm to be safer, people will spend less time on the site, theyll click on less ads, theyll make less money. Facebook platform builder Mark Zuckerberg says she painted a false picture of the company. But he cant argue that one of the largest monopolies in the world can do much more good for the world. The more I learn about Facebook, the more I want to leave it. I dont want to hurt democracy or exploit teenage girls. So I stopped going on it. For three days, I quit cold turkey. I kept reaching for my phone every hour and putting it back down. I never realized how addicted I was. My addiction started off small years ago. I friended family and people I knew. Then I let others follow me to increase my likes, comments and shares. Because of my work as a columnist and an author, I also created a fan page, so more people could find and follow me. Every agent and editor wants you to increase your following and expand your platform. Then I got hooked on groups. I wanted to eat more plant-based meals, so I joined Vegan for Women, Vegan Chefs and Veggie Life Recipes. I love to hike and kayak, so I joined Paddling Ohio, NEO Ladies Adventure Group, Ohio Backpacking & Hiking, Ohio Nature Lovers, Kayak NE Ohio, Ohio Outdoor Adventures, Women Kayakers of Ohio, Kayak Cleveland. (OK, so I got carried away.) When we got a dog, I joined Cleveland Doodles and Golden Doodle Lovers. I created a private Facebook group for my big Irish family so all 54 cousins could stay in touch. I also made one for my womens book group. The best part of Facebook? It connects us to friends and family all over the world. We offer birthday wishes, wedding anniversary congrats, condolences and updates on former colleagues, neighbors and high school friends. We put up with the creepy pop-up ads. Look at something online, and hours later, ads for that same item magically show up in your Facebook feed. I recently got hooked on the Facebook news feed, which offers top stories from credible sources, like NPR, The New York Times, CBS News, The Washington Post and Reuters. But it also tosses in random articles from sources like VladTV, TVLine, Full Throttle, TheaterMania and SlashGear. They show you cant miss stories about Jennifer Anistons sex life and endless articles about Simone Biles, Britney Spears and Brian Laundrie. When I stayed off Facebook for three days, it stalked me. It sent me emails to tell me my sister posted a photo I might want to see and a friend made a comment I might want to read. It wants me back. I want the best of Facebook, but I dont want to feed its worst. Facebook needs to be transparent and stop using misleading and hate-filled content to hook readers into spreading hate speech, fake political news and misinformation on the coronavirus just to sell ads. The companys leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, Haugen said, but wont make the necessary changes. The company can start by turning off the computer algorithms and show posts in chronological order, instead of promoting the most salacious content thats most likely to get shared and commented on. Facebook knows what to do, it just doesnt want to. If it doesnt do the right thing, we might have to do the right thing and unfriend Facebook. Connect with Regina Brett on Facebook at ReginaBrettFans. Listen to Little Detours with Regina Brett at reginabrett.com or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Beachwood, OH (44122) Today Snow this morning will give way to partly cloudy conditions this afternoon. High 38F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 28F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) As Metro Manila eases to Alert Level 3 from Oct. 16 to 31, more businesses, including cinemas, will be allowed to resume operations at 30% capacity for fully vaccinated individuals. "When you enter the cinemas, again, in line with the 30% capacity, then youll be seated at least one seat apart," Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines President Charmaine Bauzon told CNN Philippines on Thursday night. Moviegoers should wear their face masks all the time, Bauzon said. Eating inside cinemas will also be prohibited. Trade Undersecretary Ireneo Vizmonte stressed owners must ensure proper ventilation in their movie houses before reopening. "Alam naman po natin na ang mga sinehan ay mga saradong lugar," he said. "'Di pa po tayo pwedeng mag-enjoy ng inyong mga popcorn." [Translation: We are well aware cinemas are enclosed places. You cannot enjoy your popcorn yet.] Vizmonte also assured that cinemas currently operating as vaccination centers won't be affected. But movie houses are not going to open just yet on Saturday, as operators need to "mobilize a lot of things." Bauzon said they are still finalizing the guidelines. San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said there will be High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in his city's movie houses to ensure the safe reopening of cinemas amid the ongoing health crisis. "All of these safety nets are in place," he told CNN Philippines' New Day. READ: Cinema industry loses 21-B due to pandemic, says industry group Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) The political party of former president and House speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is not expecting a Sara Duterte presidential bid anymore, but it is still reserving a spot for Sen. Bong Revilla as its standard bearer. Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Friday, Lakas-CMD secretary general Prospero Pichay said Revilla remains an option as candidate for the country's highest post, despite the party fielding last week the tandem of a certain Anna Velasco and Lyle Fernando Uy. "He remains to be an option, yes," Pichay said. "We wanted Bong Revilla to run for president but he declined. We tried to convince him but he declined. Maybe he will change his mind, we don't know," he added. The House Deputy Speaker said Lakas-CMD is not expecting anymore that reelectionist Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte will change her mind, despite public clamor for her to run for president. Pichay earlier denied that the party only fielded a "placeholder" who would eventually give way to the mayor. "After so many conversations, hindi na po (not anymore)," said Pichay, noting that the party last talked to Mayor Duterte before the October 8 deadline of the filing of certificate of candidacy. "Wala nang pag-uusap (There are no more talks). We really have to respect the decision of Mayor Inday Duterte. First, she is still young, she has so many unfinished business in Davao City. We really have to support that," he added. Pichay was also asked whether former senator Bongbong Marcos is also among the party's options for the post. However, he said that "if Bong Revilla does not really want to run and there is no other alternative," the party will just push through with Velasco's bid. Despite calls to remove the substitution scheme, the Commission on Elections maintained that it would not ban it but urged lawmakers to instead come up with specific limitations. 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. The ruling PDP-Laban faction of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi is also hoping Mayor Duterte could be persuaded to run for president. However, it pushed for a Bato dela Rosa-Bong Go tandem last week. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) The faction in the ruling PDP-Laban party led by Senators Manny Pacquiao and Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III is seeking the immediate dismissal of the petition filed against them before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Pimentel on Friday gave CNN Philippines a list of arguments raised by their counsel former Comelec commissioner Christian Robert Lim during the poll body's hearing on Thursday. It stemmed from the petition filed by the other faction's president, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, and secretary general Melvin Matibag, seeking to declare Pacquiao and Pimentel as "illegitimate officers and/or unauthorized representatives" of PDP-Laban. "Petitioners Cusi and Matibag filed the Petition without attaching any authority even from their very own group members," said the camp of Pacquiao, party president, and Pimentel, party chairman. "Hence, the Cusi Petition was filed without any authority in violation of basic requirements of the Comelec Rules of Procedure and the Rules of Court and should therefore be dismissed immediately," they added. As far as they are concerned, Cusi and Matibag have been expelled from PDP-Laban, and Pimentel has replaced President Rodrigo Duterte as party chairman. But the Cusi wing considers Pacquiao automatically booted out when he filed his certificate of candidacy under another political party. The Pacquiao camp maintained it did not violate any rule, saying PROMDI party is part of the PDP-Laban alliance. The Comelec has given both factions 10 days or until October 25 to submit their memorandums, officials from the warring groups confirmed. Matibag said this shall contain a summary of arguments and evidence to prove their case. "I will be speaking not as a PDP-Laban official or a member but more so as a lawyer, nakikita ko po mukhang hindi naman malaking problema para sa aming grupo (I don't think this will be a huge problem for our group)," he said. Matibag recalled several issues tackled during Thursday's hearing, including whether the Comelec en banc or just a division should hear the petition. He said the factions also faced off on whether Duterte as party chairman can delegate the authority of calling a national council meeting to then vice chairman Cusi. The rift within the party became evident when Cusi convened a May 31 national council meeting despite Pacquiao's objection. The two factions later elected different sets of officers and nominated different standard bearers, which meant Comelec would have to step in to declare which group can carry the name PDP-Laban even if the Cusi wing did not file a petition. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the poll body's decision is expected around December. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) The National Capital Region could experience a "rebound" of COVID-19 cases once it shifts from Alert Level 4 to level 3 this weekend, health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon said on Friday. He said Metro Manila is not yet ready to ease quarantine restrictions and increase business capacity due to high positivity rate. Although the positivity rate in the capital region has gone down from 25% as of Sept. 14 to 10% as of Thursday, according to OCTA, it is still far from the below 5% set by the World Health Organization. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported that NCR has vaccinated 78% of its eligible population, but it is far from the 90% needed to achieve herd immunity. "We need to put the positivity rate below 5% and increase vaccination rate to at least 70%. That's the time we can open our economy or else we'll have trouble in terms of having a rebound in the next few weeks," Leachon told CNN Philippines. He also said the government has to identify which locality still has a high positivity rate, so more tests can be conducted in this area. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire did not rule out the possibility that cases may go up once the capital region transitions to Alert Level 3. "Nandun naman lagi ang posibilidad na maaaring tumaas ang kaso, na maaaring bumalik tayo sa paghihigpit uli," she said in an online media briefing. [Translation: The possibility that cases will increase once more, and that we will restrict movement again is always there.] She asked the public and establishments allowed to operate to comply with safety protocols to prevent another spike in infections. Metro Manila will shift to a more relaxed alert level status from Oct. 16 to 31 after a steady decline in new cases. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) Rather than rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination program to children aged 12 to 17, a health reform advocate said the government must give additional protection to healthcare workers instead. Dr. Tony Leachon, the government's former pandemic task force special adviser, said healthcare workers should be given a third COVID-19 shot. The medical frontliners who received Sinovac doses back in March may be experiencing a waning of antibodies six months into their inoculation, he said. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines must be given to those more at risk of severe COVID-19, especially since the delivery of these two vaccine brands isn't complete yet, he also said. "Since the kids are at home and they are low risk, perhaps the government should prioritize the healthcare workers in terms of giving the higher efficacy rate vaccine that is Pfizer to the ones given Sinovac last March," Leachon told CNN Philippines. The government is rolling out the first phase of adolescent vaccination on Friday. Children with comorbidities are only allowed to receive Pfizer or Moderna shots since they are the two brands allowed for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration. Leachon said the vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 should wait until the first quarter of 2022. The government has not yet authorized administering a third shot despite the recommendation of a World Health Organization panel to give it to the elderly and immunocompromised adults who may not have had a strong enough immune response from the first two doses. A third dose is different from a booster shot, which is given to people whose immune response may have weakened over time. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, in an interview, said an additional shot for health workers will deprive others of their first shot. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday responded to the allegations and tirades of her competitors. Robredo said there is no truth to a claim that Senator Franklin Drilon insinuated that Senator Ping Lacson should withdraw from the presidential race to make way for her tandem with Senate President Tito Sotto. She said it is devoid of logic since they could have excluded Lacson from the unity talks if the plan was to remove him from the picture. "Walang intent at all na parang i-blindside o i-marginalize si Senator Ping para mag-hand signal o magpadala ng signal kay Senator Sotto," the Vice President said during a media briefing. "Kung ang sadya lang namin si Senator Sotto, bakit kami mag-a-arrange kay Senator Ping? So it doesnt make sense." [Translation: There was no intention to blindside or marginalize Senator Ping through hand signals sent to Senator Sotto. If we wanted to plan something with Senator Sotto, why would we include Lacson in the meeting?] Lacson, who was only told by Sotto about the supposed gesture, said he felt insulted. Meanwhile, Robredo refused to respond to the continuous tirades of presidential aspirant Isko Moreno against her. "Alam mo, magpapaka-gentleman na lang ako, ha," she said. "Ayaw ko nang pumatol kasi mas malaki iyong mga problema natin." [Translation: I will be the gentleman. I don't want to respond because we are facing a bigger problem.] Moreno criticized Robredo's decision to run as an independent and her failure to field a united opposition presidential candidate. Lipa City, Batangas (CNN Philippines, October 15) The tandem of Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Isko Moreno and his running mate Dr. Willie Ong on Friday secured the commitment of a key political ally in the vote-rich province of Batangas, which they believe will give them an edge in the 2022 elections. Moreno and Ong attended the convention of local party One Batangas, headed by senator and Batangas 6th district representative aspirant Ralph Recto. Recto said with the help of One Batangas, Moreno and Ong will get "at least 750,000 to 1 million" votes from the province. 2019 data from the Commission on Elections showed there are over 1.7 million registered voters Batangas. "Wala akong kaduda-duda (No doubt) that Batangas will deliver votes for Mayor Isko," Recto said. One Batangas has majority of the province's top local officials under its wing. Its members are from the Nacionalista Party, the Nationalist People's Coalition, and Moreno's party Aksyon Demokratiko. Despite their show of support for Moreno, Recto said other aspirants are welcome to campaign in the province. Moreno thanked local officials in his speech, but also criticized those who he said are focusing too much on political bickering. "Hindi namin intensyong tumakbo dahil galit kami sa kaaaway nito - dapat pag kaaway niya, kaaway din namin. Hindi po, away pulitika lang yan. Di po makukuha ang solusyon sa pagpapalit ng kulay lamang, di mo yan mareresolba," Moreno said. [Translation: We are not running because we are angry at their political opponents. We were told their enemy should be our enemy too. That's just political bickering. We cannot solve things just by changing colors.] Moreno did not name names but appeared to be alluding to Vice President Leni Robredo, who wore pink when she filed her candidacy for president. There was no yellow - the color associated with the Liberal Party. Robredo had also said Moreno's stance on the Marcos family was among the reasons that pushed her to run for the highest post in the land. On Friday, the Vice President shrugged off the string of attacks against her by Moreno. "Magpapaka-gentleman na lang ako," Robredo said during the announcement of her senatorial slate. "Ayoko nang pumatol. Mas malaki yung mga problema natin, tingin ko wala naman tong papupuntahan. Gaya ng sabi ko, hindi lang kay Mayor Isko. Ang dami kong nilapitan, para maghanap ng avenue na magkaisa," she added. [Translation: I'll just be a gentleman. I don't want to comment further on this. We have bigger problems now and this won't lead to anywhere. I reached out to many people in a bid to find avenues for unity - not just to Mayor Isko.] Moreno, meanwhile, said the local government "followed health protocols and exercised due diligence" in the conduct of the One Batangas convention. The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier said it is already looking into the mass gatherings attended by some presidential aspirants in Batangas for possible health protocol violations. Aside from Moreno, fellow presidential hopeful Senator Manny Pacquiao also visited Batangas, where he handed out cash and grocery items to residents and supporters. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) Overseas workers and other Filipinos living abroad had to endure long lines as they scrambled to register to vote in the May 9, 2022 presidential and local elections. The Commission on Elections gave them until Thursday, October 14 to register at Philippine embassies and consulates to cast their ballots there a two-week extension from the September 30 deadline. Like in Manila, Philippine foreign service posts were overwhelmed with long lines of last-minute registrants as people hoped to beat the deadline in their respective time zones. Long, winding lines It took Ryan Celis, who had just moved to South Korea in September, two tries to sign up as a voter there. His first attempt on a Sunday saw hundreds of people outside the post in Seoul, which was one hour away from his work in Incheon. In local distance, he compared it to Laguna and Manila. The only foreign service post in South Korea is in Itaewon, a neighborhood with uphill streets. Celis said an entire stretch was filled with hundreds of Filipinos waiting outside the embassy. The line was not moving when we went there and it was so long, Celis told CNN Philippines, saying they didnt even get inside the embassy compound after spending almost five hours in line on Sept. 26 supposedly the last weekend prior to the original deadline. "I dont want to give up, but its futile to wait." He took a gamble and tried again, taking a leave from his job for a second attempt on a weekday. By then, he finished the process in just 20 minutes. It makes me feel at home knowing youre doing something for your country, Celis added. Extended hours Embassies opened for extended hours to accommodate more people. Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the Philippine consulate in Hong Kong stayed open until 3 a.m. to accommodate those in line. Some forgot social distancing. Jessa Bartolabac, whos been working for a communications agency in Hong Kong for two years now, said she endured a relatively shorter process when she registered at the consul generals office a month ago. It took her 1.5 hours to sign up as an absentee voter. In 2016, I remember feeling so desperate when it was a tight race between BBM (former Sen. Bongbong Marcos) and Leni (Robredo) for Vice President, she recounted. I voted then but I knew people who were for Leni but didn't vote and the gap was around 100,000. That's when I knew every single vote mattered. One aspiring voter in Dubai braved waiting in line from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m. on the second to the last day of registration. Sa totoo lang, ito na yung pinakamahabang pinilahan ko sa buong buhay ko [Honestly, this is the longest line Ive ever endured in my entire life], said Bons Genove, a travel consultant whos been in the United Arab Emirates for 12 years now. Gusto ko lang talaga i-express yung freedom ko bilang mamamayang Pilipino Iba pa rin yung feeling na kapag bumoto ka [I just really want to express my freedom as a Filipino citizen It feels different when you contributed by voting]," he added, saying he was there for voter reactivation. Genove said he did not even have time to sleep, having come from work when he went to the consular generals office which was an hour away from where they are based similar to the distance between Bulacan and Manila. He and fellow Filipinos waiting for their turn ordered food and ate while keeping their place in line. Also based in Dubai, accountant Cristina Contreras waited four hours to complete her registration. She went to the consulate a day before Genove did, which was a 1.5-hour commute from where she is staying. "Nagparehistro po ako rito [I registered here] because I want to exercise my right to vote for a good governance. In case po na hindi makauwi [I can't fly home] before May 9 elections because of pandemic, at least I can do it here," Contreras said. "Every vote counts; I will not waste it." Diana Quino's experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was relatively better, taking about two hours on her day off. She said others who came after her spent the entire day waiting. Determined to choose Latest Comelec data show some 1.6 million Filipinos have registered as overseas voters for next year's polls. They will either vote in person at consular offices or send their ballots via snail mail. It's one huge sacrifice. To register, many have to travel from their workplaces to embassies and back and retrieve their passport from employers to be presented as their valid ID. Some have to take a day off just to complete the process, which to some meant no pay. However, that's nothing compared to their strong desire to choose the country's next set of leaders. Siyempre may gusto rin kaming mga kandidato sa ngayon, so sayang din kasi 'yung mga boto namin [Of course, we have a candidate in mind for now so we want to exercise our right to vote], Quino said. Having the possibility to elect the right woman is worth every long line, added Celis. I really want to go back sa Pilipinas ang saya kaya nung feeling na maayos yung gobyernong babalikan mo [I think its very fulfilling to go back home to a decent government]. Although out of the country, these Filipinos know that their choices matter. RELATED: Trial online voting results 'promising despite connectivity issues - Comelec Comelec spokesman James Jimenez explained the poll body cannot extend the same Oct. 30 deadline for overseas voter registrants as preparations follow a much tighter timetable. He pointed out that overseas voting starts 30 days before the May 9, 2022 elections in the Philippines. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) Manila Mayor Isko Moreno felt "hurt" and "betrayed" by fellow presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo's reason for her sudden candidacy, after she initially pushed for him to run in tandem with Sen. Manny Pacquiao, the chairman of Aksyon Demokratiko revealed Friday. Aksyon Demokratiko chairman Ernest Ramel told CNN Philippines' The Source on Friday that he understood where Moreno was coming from following his tirades against Robredo last week, after the latter said that his supposed pro-Marcos stance triggered her to run for the highest post. "I understood where the mayor was coming from at the time. I was present during that event. I was also somehow privy to the unity talks with the Vice President...The Vice President was actually pushing for Mayor Isko to be running mate of Sen. Pacquiao," Ramel said. "Suddenly she changed her tone more than a week after saying that the stance of Mayor Isko on Marcos made her want to run. We don't really understand where that is coming from. She supported Mayor Isko to run for president. If you do not like the stand of the presumed presidential candidate, why would you go out then and say, 'I will support you, I am pushing you to run for president'?" Ramel added. "I think that's where the hurt of Mayor Isko is coming from." On Friday, October 8, Robredo said the stand of Moreno on the Marcos family was a trigger for her to file her certificate of candidacy for president. Moreno called Robredo a "fake leader with a fake color" following her remark. Moreno previously said in an interview that he admired the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos "at some point" as a visionary, but that he is against abuses during martial law. Ramel said Moreno is still pushing for the prosecution of the Marcoses over transgressions committed during martial law. Robredo initially pursued unity talks among presidential aspirants but this eventually fell through. Now, Robredo will run in tandem with Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, going 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 16) It's too early to say whether gatherings in time for the holidays - like Christmas parties - will be allowed this year despite declining COVID-19 cases, according to the Health department. "For now we cannot say for certain that we will be allowing these parties by December," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a Friday briefing. She warned that contracting the coronavirus from such events remains likely as they usually occur in enclosed spaces with huge crowds. "Itong mga parties na ito siguro tingnan pa rin natin kung talagang magtutuloy-tuloy ang pagbaba ng ating mga kaso [Maybe for these parties, let's see if cases will continue to go down] and slowly we can go back to the usual things that we do," Vergeire added. OCTA Research said in its latest monitoring report that all areas in Metro Manila - the epicenter of the local coronavirus outbreak - are now considered moderate risk for COVID-19. The group said the capital region's reproduction number has gone down to 0.60, indicating that the number of people who can be infected is declining. Latest data showed total COVID-19 infections in the country have reached 2,705,792 - including 78,999 active cases or people currently sick. The Coastal Point is a local newspaper published each Friday and distributed in the Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millville, Dagsboro, Frankford, Selbyville, Millsboro, Long Neck and Georgetown, Delaware areas. Staff Reporter Mike has bachelors and masters degrees in journalism from Northwestern and is a 25-year member of the National Press Club. He has won four national writing awards for editorial work. He is a native of McLean, Va., and lives in Millville. The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State presented Cartography in collaboration with ArKtype Thursday evening in the Eisenhower Auditorium. The 75-minute theatrical work by Kaneza Schaal and Christopher Myers featured four performers who detailed story after story about migration and the experiences that come with it. Kickstarting with a capella songs sung in tandem with each other by each of the four performers, the show then transitioned into portrayed accounts of migrations to and from places on seemingly every continent. Near the end, each performer performed a monologue in which they detailed their own experiences with migration raw, unacted portrayals of their own lives. Cartography is a platform for all of us to understand ourselves on the continuum of human movement that has led us to these recent moments of the largest mass migrations of human history, Schaal, who also directed the show, said. The performance even featured an audience-driven scene in which performers invited audience members to tell their own migration stories through a large, projected image of a map on stage. By connecting their mobile devices to a show-exclusive Wi-Fi network and navigating to a website specifically created for the theatrical work, audience members could visibly map their own migrant journeys and those of their families across the world. And during the exercise, the entire world lit up, Schaal said. I dont know that this place imagines itself as a hub of international crossings, but it is, Schaal said. There were 100 people in that space tonight, and that map lit up. But the wow factor isnt all performer Victoria Nassif said she strives for when portraying herself and other migrating characters during the show. We, as humans, have always moved, and we have always told stories, Nassif said. Somewhere along the line, the story of moving has changed from the heros journey to these people who are coming to steal our jobs or these poor people who have nothing. When did we lose sight of the amount of imagination and creativity and bravery it takes to look at the line of horizon and imagine a life where you cant see? Political change, Nassif said, is something she strives to achieve with each performance of Cartography and something fellow performer Malaika Uwamahoro also said she strives to achieve. Movement is a part of human nature, and its been happening for so long, Uwamahoro said. It would be nice if we could start having world policies that allow people to move freely and to receive welcoming wherever they go. Uwamahoro criticized the United States policies on immigration and other forms of human movement and said the United States has policies that are so strict on newly arrived people that need to be changed. Performer Noor Hamdi echoed the sentiments of Uwamahoro and said he hopes audience members realize movement and migration is a human right and that we all come from somewhere. I hope that these people leave knowing that art shapes policy knowing that they carry these ideas with them and hopefully bring them into conversations, Hamdi said. It makes the journey of migration, the story of migration, a positive one and not one thats cast in a negative light. The eradication of migrations negative light is a goal performer Janice Amaya said she works toward with every performance and destigmatizing migration is the first step in achieving said goal, which Amaya said is a theme of Cartography as a whole and one of the shows missions. I hope that I spoke to even one little Janice in the audience that was ashamed of their story and now can see their familys history of migration as this huge tale to be proud of, Amaya said. I hope everyone leaves curious about the movement in their families. Nassif shared similar sentiments and said she hopes members of the audience get curious about stories they can tell and put in the world. She said stories make the world that we live in and should be shared as much as possible. Coming to Penn State to present Cartography is an advancement of all her performers personal goals, Schaal said and those of her own in writing the show. Schaal said she derived inspiration for Cartography from the work she and co-creator Christopher Myers did around the world with young people seeking asylum. Having worked in Munich, Germany, in 2016 with Myers, Schaal said she was able to meet young people from all over the world, including countries Syria, Afghanistan, Mali, Iraq, Nigeria and Eritrea. Theyd walked across forests, and theyd gotten on inflatable rafts, and they had imagined themselves across horizons, Schaal said of the young migrants. We wanted to ask what tools we had as artists to think about this moment. Cartography is our answer to that and a way to continue the conversations that we started with those young people in Munich. State College Area High School student Alanis Preciado-Higgins attended the show and, after watching it, said it brings stories and diversity to the area its residents are generally unfamiliar with. [State College is] white, and a lot of the people here have lived here since they were kids, Preciado-Higgins said. Theyve never heard the stories of people with faces like ours. Kristina Douglass, assistant professor of anthropology and African studies at Penn State, shared a sentiment similar to Preciado-Higgins about the local communitys demographics after attending the show herself. Its easy for us in State College and other campuses, too to be really insulated from the world, Douglass said. Were really privileged, and theres a lot thats given to us, but there are many members of our communities here that have experienced all kinds of different stories of migration. Douglass said its important for us to be engaged with people and with the world and to understand how our community here has been formed. Overall, Douglass said the show was a really thoughtful and thought-provoking manner of presenting traumatic stories like those shared in Cartography. It was a beautiful way to build community and think about those stories together, Douglass said. Student Cheyanne Waller said she attended the show at the behest of CPA director Sita Frederick, as Waller (senior-communication sciences and disorders) is a member of a special committee Frederick created to bring CPA-affiliated clubs together and encourage collaboration, Waller said. It was interesting to see a bunch of different perspectives, Waller said. Its so easy, at times, to live in your own struggles and to feel like its me against the world. It was really interesting to hear different perspectives of that same struggle. For Waller, Cartography was an opportunity to immerse herself in a community of migrants and to realize that her own experiences, while unique, are not unlike those of many other people around the world. While its still difficult for all of us in our own different ways, were not alone, Waller said. Hearing not only their stories but their families stories it is possible to make things work, and I think that was really inspiring. The show is now a must-see for all who are able, Waller said. I wish that more people could see this, Waller said. This story is something that can hit everyone in different ways, even if you dont necessarily think that by just reading the title. Student Anton Aluquin said the performance was really important to him because of its themes about race and immigration. It was such a reminder that my parents are both immigrants, too, and theyve dealt with a lot of the stuff that they mentioned on stage, Aluquin (junior-immunology and infectious disease) said. But more than being a reminder of his familys journey, Aluquin said Cartography is a grounding reminder of the diversity of human experiences in the world. Were sort of in a bubble here at Penn State, and so its nice to get that reminder that there are lots of other things going on in the world and people who are suffering through real, traumatic events, Aluquin said. In addition to their Thursday evening performance, the cast and crew of Cartography visited Preciado-Higgins high school on Tuesday for a workshop, speaking with students about the art of theatrical performance. The students even got to create their own versions of Cartography. It was something that we can learn from, grow from, make more things from and make it into something of our own, Preciado-Higgins said of the workshop. All of [the performers] have a really good vibe and energy and really are good with engaging people, being able to bring and encourage that type of learning and growth. Preciado-Higgins, who organized the workshop, said she had the opportunity to watch a video version of Cartography distributed to students at her high school and was inspired by the production so she came up with the idea for the workshop. The cast of Cartography was able to help Preciado-Higgins and her peers realize their ideas by teaching them methods of connecting them together and bringing them to life, Preciado-Higgins said. Amaya said being a part of the workshop was a fulfilling experience for her. The feedback we got after we had presented was that it was very freeing, knowing that they could bring themselves to it, Amaya said. I hope that they can all take into their theatre-making this curiosity and huge dreaming that lets them create and bring themselves to their work. And Amaya said she felt a similar energy from audience members at Thursday evenings performance, saying those in attendance were wonderful. We walked off-stage and said, Thats the best audience weve had, Amaya said. They were very vocal and really seemed to hear some parts that a lot of people dont respond to. To Nassif, the audience was a burst of energy, only made better by the support of the community and audience members she said she and other performers experienced when arriving in State College. Preciado-Higgins said she noticed the same burst of energy and attributed it to the collaborative map created by the audience and performers as well as the relatability of the experiences shared by performers as they portrayed anonymous migrants. We made something today, and something that meant something to everyone that helped make it, Preciado-Higgins said. And she said members of the audience know it too. MORE LIFESTYLE CONTENT The State College borough released new travel restrictions impacting various areas of downtown this weekend. On Thursday and Friday, State College Borough Public Works will perform street maintenance and crack sealing," resulting in the partial closure of University Drive between East Foster Avenue and the Easterly Parkway, according to a release. Work in the area will take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., during which time two lanes of vehicular traffic will be maintained. On Friday and Saturday, New Alley will be completely closed to vehicular traffic between Burrowes Road and Cresson Alley while Alexander Building Construction sets up a crane. And on Saturday, Waupelani Drive between Oneida Street and Atherton Street will be entirely closed as Ameron Construction Inc. paves the intersection of Oneida and Waupelani. The closure will occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., during which time the sidewalk will also be closed. MORE BOROUGH COVERAGE Left to right, Russian envoy Boris Mayorsky, EU envoy Wolfgang Petritsch, and U.S. envoy Christopher Hill talk with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Monday, March 22, 1999. The three ambassadors were dispatched to the Serbian capital to convince Milosevic to accept a peace plan for Kosovo. President Joe Biden nominated Hill as his ambassador to Serbia on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Four Colorado governors are endorsing Proposition 119, the ballot measure to raise recreational marijuana taxes to fund tutoring and other after-school educational opportunities. Current Democratic Gov. Jared Polis and fellow former Democratic governors Bill Ritter and Roy Romer are in support of creating the Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress Program, along with former Republican Gov. Bill Owens. "The hours our children spend after school are a critical time, and Proposition 119 will allow more kids to benefit from after-school learning activities from tutoring to music and art," Polis said in a statement. "Im voting for Prop 119 this November because all kids, no matter their familys income, deserve access to these enriching opportunities." "Prop 119 is a first-of-its-kind initiative to help close the opportunity gap and it is uniting Coloradans regardless of their political leanings or where they live, added Owens. They join a coalition they group of supporters that include two former Denver mayors, Wellington Webb and Federico Pena, state Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, former State Treasurer Mark Hillman and former two former Republican state Senate presidents, John Andrews and Bill Cadman. "That too many Colorado students are behind in reading, science, and math is a problem that has vexed us for too long, and the pandemic just made it worse," Romer said in the statement released the campaign behind 119. "Vote Yes on 119 to help our kids catch up." Said Ritter: "In Colorado, a students success is too often connected directly to their race, family income, and where they grow up. Voting Yes on Prop 119 this November can help change that." In addition to tutoring, Prop 119 would offer financial aid for career and technical education, STEM support, special education and other services. The program would be available in every community, with priority for low-income families. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form A screenshot of the proposed new congressional maps for Illinois is pictured next to the current map. Several changes have been made as Illinois lost one district due to population decline. 10/15/2021 Photo (c) jimkruger - Getty Images Best Buy is the latest national retailer to announce an early start to Black Friday deals, kicking off the holiday savings the week before Halloween. The company said the start of its Black Friday deals, which normally occurs the Friday after Thanksgiving, will start Tuesday, Oct. 19, and run through Oct. 22. The early deals will lean heavily on consumer tech. Some of the featured deals next week, with savings of up to $180, include: $599 for a Samsung 70-inch 4K Smart TV $169 for Beats Studio 3 headphones in matte black Chromebooks starting at $99 Windows laptops starting at $189.99 The retailer is also marking down a number of Samsung appliances, cutting prices by as much as $540 on the biggest ticket items. When the calendar finally flips to November, Best Buy said it will be moving Black Friday up a week, from the day after Thanksgiving to Nov. 19. The company promises that thousands of deals will start that day, with some extending deeper into the holiday season. New retail trend Best Buy is joining a trend in which retailers are rolling out earlier deals to help consumers cope with potential shortages and highly anticipated shipping delays. Amazon announced its Black Friday deals earlier this month, making them available earlier than ever. Amazons early deals cover toys, home furnishings, and seasonal fashion. Deals include up to 30% off on Hasbro Games, NERF, Barbie, Fisher-Price, and Hot Wheels. Target got an even earlier start on the holiday season, rolling out its deals in August. Company executives said 85% of the toys in this years lineup will be completely new. At the top of the list are brands like LEGO sets, L.O.L. Surprise! dolls, PAW Patrol, Barbie, and the Zoe Doll. Target is also partnering with FAO Schwarz, the oldest toy store in the world, on an exclusive 70-piece toy collection. Reasons to shop early Big box retailers are encouraging consumers to shop early this year, not only to lock in sales but also to head off shortages deep into the holiday season that could result in a lot of unhappy people. Tara, of Springboro, Ohio, tells us that she has already encountered delays when ordering from Amazon. The last few things I have ordered have all been late, had to be canceled or re-shipped, Tara wrote this week in a ConsumerAffairs review. I would rather have a 5-day guarantee than a next day or 2-day since everything seems to be delayed. The New York Times reported this week that the supply chain bottlenecks are showing no signs of relenting. Walmart, Target, Costco, and Home Depot have resorted to chartering their own ships, a move that the Wall Street Journal suggests could result in higher prices for goods. 10/15/2021 Photo (c) Evgenia Parajanian - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.) Total U.S. confirmed cases: 44,787,489 (44,694,149) Total U.S. deaths: 722,000 (719,760) Total global cases: 239,833,044 (239,341,545) Total global deaths: 4,885,464 (4,877,533) FDA panel backs Moderna booster A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee has voted unanimously to recommend booster shots of the Moderna vaccine. The health experts on the panel suggest the third shot for people 65 and older and people between the ages of 18 and 64 years old who are either at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions or workplace exposure. The committee said people fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine should wait at least six months after the second shot before receiving the booster. The booster is about half the dose of the first two shots. The committee is meeting again today to discuss the potential need for a Johnson & Johnson booster shot. The company has submitted data it says showed the booster significantly increased the antibody response in people who got it at least six months after being fully vaccinated. CDC sees more declines in COVID-19 cases The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a more upbeat outlook on the pandemic, predicting that severe cases in the U.S. will continue to fall. The government health agency says it expects hospitalizations and deaths to decline over the next four weeks, with the U.S. death toll rising to 740,000 to 762,000 deaths by Nov. 6. The current death toll stands at more than 722,000. Serious cases have declined sharply in many states that reported a surge last month. At the same time, there has been a sharp increase in hospitalizations in northern states that stretch along the U.S. border with Canada. In Texas, businesses caught in the middle of a mandate battle President Biden has issued an executive order, requiring businesses with more than 100 employees to impose a vaccination mandate. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an order forbidding businesses from requiring proof of vaccination. So, what are companies based in Texas to do? Increasingly, they are following the path of the Biden administration. According to The Hill, both American and Southwest Airlines are defying the governor by requiring their employees to be vaccinated. The report says other Texas-based companies have already imposed vaccine mandates and given no indication that they plan to change their policies. Around the nation California: Indoor masking rules are being relaxed, effective today, in San Francisco and Marin counties as many urban areas of the state are seeing a decline in COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, some state legislators are pushing to require companies to make it public when they suffer an outbreak, saying that should be public information. Missouri: Missouri suffered a surge in COVID-19 cases over the summer as many residents refused to be vaccinated. But since then, more people have rolled up their sleeves. State health officials report that four counties have now achieved a 50% or greater vaccination rate and 21 counties now report a 40% vaccination rate. Vermont: Since the beginning of the pandemic, Vermont has imposed some of the most strict mitigation measures. That kept cases relatively low until recently. State health officials report that the seven-day average of new cases hit a record high this week. Even so, Gov. Phil Scott has declined to reimpose indoor mask requirements. Maryland: Gov. Larry Hogan credits the states high vaccination rate -- 85% -- for Marylands declining COVID-19 cases. The vaccines are without a doubt our single most effective tool to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 and the surging Delta variant, and Marylands vaccination rate continues to outpace the nation, he said. Their stated mission was to prevent Allied war materiel held at Archangel and Vladivostok from falling into Soviet hands, and to help the Czechoslovak Legion get the hell out of there. The Czechoslovak Legion was a fighting force of Czech and Slovak POWs who'd volunteered to help the Russians fight the Austro-Hungarians in hopes of creating an independent state. After the Tsar fell, they started fighting for the White Russians against the Bolsheviks, and were slogging their way through Siberia. Like we said, it was a complicated time. via Wiki Commons As shown by this coat of arms, which was just a bunch of sketches someone dropped by mistake. Continue Reading Below Advertisement The memo Wilsons government wrote about the mission specifically said that the Americans would not take sides in "Russian internal affairs" (i.e. the civil war) but in the same breath said they'd aid Russians with their own "self government and self defense," presumably from Baba Yaga and her chicken-footed tanks and not the Red Army. It doesnt take a huge leap in logic to see these contradictions. For example, say the Czechoslovak Legion was fighting the Red Army. The Americans were, quote, "... only to help the Czecho-Slovaks consolidate their forces and get into successful cooperation with their Slavic kinsmen." The people preventing them from doing that were the Red Army. So, wouldnt that put the Americans in conflict with, you know, the Red Army? Hell, what if those silly Bolsheviks saw the Allies landing a huge army on Russian shores and, we dunno, started firing at them, as armies are wont to do? via Wiki Commons "We trust that these Reds have no guns." Continue Reading Below Advertisement To make things even more complicated, Archangel and Vladivastok, the two cities whose goods they were supposed to secure? They're 4,000 miles away from each other. What followed went about as well as walking on eggshells loaded with dynamite. That's not just us coming up with crazy metaphors: That's also word-for-word what the Secretary of War warned the situation would be like. Yes, I have been a victim. No, but not for lack of trying. I don't think so. Vote View Results 2021 is shaping up to be an active year for mergers and acquisitions in the cybersecurity industry. March alone saw more than 40 firms being acquired. The level of activity is driven by growth in sectors such as identity management, zero trust, managed security services, DevSecOps and cloud security. In many cases, the acquiring company sought to strengthen its position in its marketOktas purchase of Auth0, for example. In others, the acquisition was an entry into a new market; Lookout is now a player in the secure access service edge (SASE) market with the acquisition of CipherCloud. Some used the newly acquired company to expand product capabilities, like Palo Alto Networks boosting its Prisma Cloud platform with cloud security technology from Bridgecrew. Below are the deals that CSO has selected as the most significant of the year. (This list is updated periodically as new deals are announced.) IBM announces intent to acquire endpoint security vendor ReaQta November 2: IBM Security has reached an agreement to acquire ReaQta to expand its threat detection and response capabilites. ReaQta's AI-based endpoint security products automatically identify and manage threats. " With our expanded capabilities via [IBM's] QRadar XDR and the planned addition of ReaQta, IBM is helping clients get ahead of attackers with the first XDR solution that reduces vendor lock-in via the use of open standards," said Mary O'Brien, general manager, IBM Security, in a press release. Terms of the deal were not released. One Identity acquires OneLogin to further consolidate IAM market October 4: Identity security provider One Identity has acquired identity access management (IAM) vendor OneLogin for an undisclosed sum. The company plans to combine OneLogin's technology with its Unified Identity Security Platform to provide enhanced IAM, privileged access management (PAM), identity governance and administration, and Active Directory management and security. With the proliferation of human and machine identities, the race to the cloud and the rise of remote working, identity is quickly becoming the new edge and protecting identity in an end-to-end manner has never been more important, said Bhagwat Swaroop, president and general manager of One Identity, in a press release. Akamai announces plans to acquire Guardicore September 29: Akamai has signed an agreement to acquire micro-segmentation solution provider Guardicore for approximately $600 million. The company plans to integrate Guardicore's technology into its zero trust security portfolio. "Given the recent surge in ransomware attacks and increasingly stringent compliance regulations, investing in technologies to reduce the spread of malware has become mission critical," said Tom Leighton, CEO and co-founder, Akamai Technologies, in a press release. "By adding Guardicore's leading micro-segmentation products to Akamai's comprehensive portfolio of Zero Trust solutions, we believe Akamai will be able to provide the most effective way to combat ransomware on the market today." TransUnion signs agreement to Acquire Neustar September 13: TransUnion has announced its intent to acquire identity resolution company Neustar for $3.1 billion. The company expects the deal to expand its digital identity capabilities in digital marketing and identity fraud areas. "As digital commerce continues to grow globally, TransUnions powerful digital identity assets, enhanced by Neustars distinctive data and digital resolution capabilities, will enable safer and more personalized online experiences for consumers and businesses, said Chris Cartwright, president and CEO of TransUnion, in a press release. FireMon acquires cloud security firm DisruptOps September 8: Network security policy management vendor FireMon's acquisition of DisruptOps adds cloud security operations capabilities to its solutions. FireMon expects to bring to its customers the ability to monitor and respond to security risks across the public cloud infrastructure. "Bringing DisruptOps and FireMon together adds transformational cloud security automation capabilities to FireMons leading security management platform - together we will deliver the security operations platform of the future," said FireMon CEO Jody Brazil in a press release. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. LogPoint announces intent to acquire SecBI for its SOAR and XDR capabilities September 1: LogPoint has entered into an agreement to acquire SecBI, known for its automated threat detection and response capabilities. The company plans to integrate SecBI's SOAR and EDR platform into its own solutions. This integration will allow customers to quickly launch automated notifications and security remediations using our full-native SOAR capabilities," said LogPoint CE Jesper Zerlang in a press release. The acquisition is expected to be complete in Q3 2021; terms were not disclosed. OwnBackup adds Salesforce security and governance with RevCult acquisition August 31: Cloud data protection firm OwnBackup has acquired RevCult, a provider of SaaS security posture management (SSPM) solutions for Salesforce. Although weve equipped customers to be more resilient with proactive data backup, monitoring, compare and restore capabilities, many of the problems we help them recover from are preventable through the addition of proactive SSPM, said Sam Gutmann, CEO of OwnBackup, in a press release. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. XYPRO Technology acquires Workload Aware Security for SAP HANA from HPE August 31: XYPRO Technology has added the Workload Aware Security (WASL) product from Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, bringing security and compliance monitoring capabilities for Linux and SAP HANA environments into its security portfolio. HPE will continue to sell and distribute WASL. XYPRO will support existing WASL deployments and renewals, and continue to develop the platform. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Check Point Software adds cloud email protection with Avanan acquisition August 30: Enterprise security provider Check Point Software Technologies has acquired cloud email security company Avanan. In addition to Avanan's cloud email security technology, the deal is expected to extend Check Point's security capabilities to collaboration suites such as Teams and Slack. More and more businesses are moving to cloud email platforms, and with email becoming a major channel to launch devastating cyberattacks, this acquisition represents a huge potential as organizations are looking for a new approach to email and collaboration suite security, said Dr. Dorit Dor, Check Points chief product officer, in a press release. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. HackerU boosts SaaS cybersecurity education offerings with Cybint acquisition August 4: Educational cybersecurity firm HackerU has bought Cybint for its SaaS-based education platform. The acquisition increases HackerU's geographic reach and broadens its offerings across all security career points. The company will also rebrand as ThriveDX. "We are proud to welcome the amazing Cybint team and their incredible portfolio of experience to the HackerU, now ThriveDX, family, said Dan Vigdor, co-founder and executive chairman of HackerU, in a press release. The combination of our two companies positions the new ThriveDX group as the category leader worldwide and solidifies our ability to reskill and upskill individuals at any stage of their professional life. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Feedzai buys biometric platform Revelock for secure cashless commerce August 4: Cloud risk management platform provider Feedzai has acquired the Revelock biometric platform. The combined products will create what Feedzai claims is the world's largest AI-based financial risk management platform. Our goal has always been to make digital commerce safe for everyone. Adding Revelock to our clients arsenal changes the paradigm from securing transactions in real-time - something we were already doing - to effectively preventing crime before it happens, said Nuno Sebastiao, CEO of Feedzai, in a press release. Terms of the sale were not released. Ivanti to acquire IIoT platform from WIIO Group August 4: Ivanti has signed a letter of intent to acquire WIIO Group's IIoT platform to integrate with its Wavelink supply chain software. The IIoT platform is expected to give Wavelink customers a full view of their IIoT devices and the ability to better identify and remediate security issues. There is growing demand by enterprises across all verticals to ensure that their supply chain operations are at peak efficiency, said Brandon Black, vice president and general manager of Ivanti Wavelink, in a press release. We look forward to integrating our technologies and helping our customers further automate and secure their supply chain operations, while improving end user experiences and enhancing productivity." Terms of the acquisition were not released. Ivanti acquires vulnerability management firm RiskSense August 2: Ivanti's acquisition of RiskSense allows the company to merge its own automated IT asset management and security platform with RiskSense's vulnerability management and prioritization technology. The combination, Ivanti claims, will "drive the next evolution of patch management. "Im committed to the global fight against ransomware. And I truly believe that the combination of risk-based vulnerability prioritization and automated patch intelligence can help organizations reduce their exposure and make a major impact in global cyberspace," said Srinivas Mukkamala in a press release. Terms of the sale were not released. Deloitte buys aeCyberSolutions to boost ICS offerings August 3: Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory has acquired industrial cybersecurity firm aeCyberSolutions from aeSolutions for an undisclosed fee. With the purchase, Deloitte gains frameworks, methodologies, and tools aimed at security industrial control systems and operational technology. "Cyberattacks on industrial controls systems for critical infrastructure are increasingly sophisticated and far-reaching, making cyber resilience and regulatory compliance more important than ever, said Wendy Frank, Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory Cyber 5G and IoT leader and principal, Deloitte & Touche LLP, in a press release. As industrial organizations digitally transform to adopt more emerging technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things, machine learning and artificial intelligence, our acquisition of the aeCyberSolutions business helps us to offer leading-edge ICS/OT technologies and related advisory services. Microsoft acquires CIEM provider CloudKnox Security July 21: Microsoft has enhanced its cloud security offerings with the acquisition of CloudKnox Security, a cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM) provider. This is Microsoft's second security acquisition this month (see below). With CloudKnox's technology, Microsoft will be able to offer more visibility into privileged access, allowing for better enforcement of least-privilege principles. "The acquisition of CloudKnox further enables Microsoft Azure Active Directory customers with granular visibility, continuous monitoring and automated remediation for hybrid and multi-cloud permissions. We are committed to providing our customers with unified privileged access management, identity governance and entitlement management," said Joy Chik, corporate vice president Microsoft Identity, in a blog post. Transaction terms were not released. Rapid7 buys threat intelligence and remediation firm IntSights Cyber Intelligence July 19: Rapid7's has acquired IntSights Cyber Intelligence with the intent of combining IntSights' external threat intelligence capabilities with its own threat intelligence technology for customer environments. Both IntSights and Rapid7 have a shared belief that organizations will succeed only when they have a unified view of internal and external threats, complete with contextualized intelligence and automated threat mitigation which will allow security teams to focus on the most critical threats," said Corey Thomas, Rapid7 chairman and CEO, in a press release. "We look forward to working with IntSights to make this vision a reality for our customers. Rapid7 will pay about $335 million for IntSights. OPSWAT acquires assets of OT, ICS security firm Bayshore Networks July 19: Critical infrastructure protection company OPSWAT has completed an asset purchase of Bayshore Networks, known for its active industrial cybersecurity solutions. OPSWAT will integrate Bayshore's products and personnel into its own platform and teams. This acquisition furthers our commitment to provide organizations worldwide with the most comprehensive critical infrastructure protection solutions available today, said Benny Czarny, OPSWAT founder and CEO, in a press release. Terms of the acquisition were not released. Microsoft in agreement to acquire RiskIQ July 12: Microsoft announced its intent to acquire global threat intelligence and attack service management firm RiskIQ. The company expects RiskIQ to enhance its security capabilities for digital transformation and hybrid work. "The combination of RiskIQs attack surface management and threat intelligence empowers security teams to assemble, graph, and identify connections between their digital attack surface and attacker infrastructure and activities to help provide increased protection and faster response," said Eric Doerr, Microsoft vice president of cloud security, in a blog post. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sophos adds Linux server and cloud container security with Capsule8 buy July 7: Sophos has expanded its detection and response solutions with the acquisition of Capsule 8, which is known for its runtime visibility, detection and response for Linux production servers and containers. Comprehensive server protection is a crucial component of any effective cybersecurity strategy that organizations of all sizes are increasingly focused on, especially as more workloads move to the cloud," said Dan Schiappa, chief product officer at Sophos, in a press release. "With Capsule8, Sophos is delivering advanced, differentiated solutions to protect server environments, and expanding its position as a leading global cybersecurity provider. Terms of the sale were not released. Ping Identity buys SecuredTouch for its identity fraud capabilities June 21: Ping Identity has acquired SecuredTouch, known for its fraud and bot detection and mitigation solutions. Ping will integrate SecuredTouch into its PingOne Cloud Platform. "Identity isnt just about knowing who customers are, its about knowing when someone is pretending to be a customer. As companies undergo massive digital transformation initiatives, the need for seamless, frictionless, and secure identity solutions to confidently understand both those situations is imperative, said Andre Durand, founder and CEO of Ping Identity, in a press release. The acquisition of SecuredTouch accelerates our vision for cloud delivered intelligent identity solutions that combat malicious behavior such as bots, emulators, and account takeover. Deloitte expands threat intelligence offerings with Terbium Labs acquisition June 15: Deloitte has purchased the assets of digital risk protection solution provider Terbium Labs. The company helps organizations detect and remediate data exposure, theft and misuse. All Terbium solutions and services will be rolled into Deloitte's Detect & Response suite. Adding Terbium Labs business to our portfolio will offer our clients one more way to continuously monitor for and, when appropriate, minimize the impact of data exposed on the open, deep, or dark web, said Kieran Norton, Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory's infrastructure solution leader and principal, Deloitte & Touche LLP, in a press release. Forcepoint to acquire UK-based Deep Secure June 15: Forcepoint has entered into an agreement to buy Deep Secure. Once the deal finalizes in August, the company plans to integrate Deep Secure's Threat Removal Platform into its Cross Domain Solutions portfolio, and its content, disarm and reconstruction (CDR) capabilities into Forcepoint's SASE architecture. "The addition of Deep Secure's innovative Threat Removal Platform and hardware security to our Forcepoint Cross Domain Solutions portfolio further extends the depth of our defense-grade capabilities to governments and critical infrastructure organizations around the world, who continue to be under siege from nation-state and other attackers looking for financial gain or to ultimately disrupt societies and economies at scale," said Forcepoint President of Global Governments and Critical Infrastructure Sean Berg in a press release. Private equity firms to buy cloud security vendor ExtraHop June 8: Bain Capital Private Equity and Crosspoint Capital Partners have entered into an agreement to acquire Extrahop, a cloud-native network detection and response solution provider. The deal is valued at $900 million. By combining our exceptional team, market need, and technology with the deep domain expertise and resources of Bain Capital and Crosspoint Capital, ExtraHop has the opportunity to grow faster and accelerate our innovation to help our customers defend their operations from even the most advanced threats, said ExtraHop CEO Arif Kareem in a press release. Sumo Logic finalizes acquisition of SOAR provider DFLabs May 25: SIEM and cloud monitoring vendor Sumo Logic adds security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) capabilities with its purchase of DFLabs. Sumo Logic will extend its cloud-native SIEM solution with DFLabs technology. Customers are looking for a new approach to help them overcome the pain and complexity around an increasingly perimeter-less world, said Greg Martin, vice president and general manager of Sumo Logic Security Business Unit, in a press release. The DFLabs team are experts in helping customers navigate this new world. By aligning our cybersecurity expertise, customer validated and leading security portfolios, we believe we will be able to address the critical challenges our customers face as they navigate this changing threat landscape. Terms of the deal were not announced. Splunk to acquire TruSTAR to boost security analytics May 18: Splunk has entered into an agreement to buy cloud-native security company TruSTAR. The company plans to integrate capabilities of TruSTAR's Intelligence Platform into its Data-to-Everything platform. In todays data age, integrated and automated intelligence is critical to accelerate detection, streamline response and increase cyber resilience. TruSTARs cloud-native solution centralizes threat data from a wide array of sources so it can be seamlessly integrated into security analytics and SOAR workflows to provide more autonomous, higher efficacy security operations, said Sendur Sellakumar, senior vice president, cloud and chief product officer, Splunk, in a press release. Terms of the acquisition were not announced. Cisco announces intent to buy Kenna Security May 14: Cisco has announces plans to acquire risk-based vulnerabitility managemement firm Kenna Security. Kenna's machine learning-based technology will be incorporated into Cisco's SecureX platform. Hybrid work is here to stay, and the increasing complexity of cybersecurity is our customers biggest challenge. We must radically simplify security to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape, said Jeetu Patel, senior vice president and general manager, Cisco Security and Collaboration, in a press release. Our goal is to unify all critical control points into a single platform. With the addition of Kenna Security, we will fundamentally strengthen our platform experience by giving customers the ability to prioritize vulnerabilities based on a robust risk methodology that is tuned to their unique needs. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. NCC Group to acquire Iron Mountain's intellectual property management business May 13: Cybersecurity and resilience advisory firm NCC Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Iron Mountain's intellectual property management (IPM) business for $220 million. NCC will role the IPM unit into its Software Resilience group to create an escrow business. "The IPM business shares many similarities with our own Software Resilience business, including a commitment to providing exemplary service for clients. There are tremendous opportunities to grow the combined business by offering IPMs blue-chip clients the choice of new services and support," said NCC Group CEO Adam Palser in a press release. Forcepoint adds remote browser isolation technology with Cyberinc purchase May 6: Forcepoint has acquired Cyberinc, which provides remote browser isolation (RBI) technology that gives administrator more granular control over users' web browsing activity. The company plans to integrate Cyberinc's RBI technology into its SASE platform. "The acquisition of Cyberinc's Smart Isolation capabilities is the first of many investments Forcepoint will make to enhance user productivity, lower operational burdens and eliminate traditional monolithic products through a best-in-class SASE cloud service," said Forcepoint CEO Manny Rivelo in a press release. Term of the acquisition were not disclosed. LiveAction buys network detection and response vendor CounterFlow AI May 4: Network performance management firm LiveAction has acquired CounterFlow AI, a network detection and response (NDR) provider. The deal will add encrypted traffic analysis for security incident detection and response to LiveAction's network performance monitor and diagnostics platform. NetOps and SecOps teams are facing advanced security threats hiding within the rising tide of encrypted traffic, and losing an inordinate amount of time coordinating to triage alerts and potential incidents, said Stephen Stuut, CEO of LiveAction, in a press release. Businesses today need end-to-end visibility for both network performance and security management, which is why CounterFlow AIs cutting-edge NDR capabilities are such a perfect match for our platform." Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Accenture to acquire French cybersecurity services provider Openminded April 29: Global professional services company Accenture has entered into an agreement to by Openminded, a cybersecurity services firm that provides advisory, managed security services, and cloud and infrastructure services in Europe. "The alliance of our talent and capabilities perfectly leverages our expertise and would allow us to deliver on a global scale," said Openminded founder and CEO Herve Rousseau in a press release. Terms of the sale were not released. Private equity firm Thoma Bravo to buy Proofpoint April 26: Cybersecurity and compliance company Proofpoint has agreed to be acquired by Thoma Bravo. It's the latest in a string of security vendors that the private equity firm has bought, including Wombat, ObserveIT and Meta Networks. "Thoma Bravo is an experienced software investor, providing capital and strategic support to technology organizations, and our partnership will accelerate Proofpoints growth and scale at an even faster pace," said Proofpoint Chairmand and CEO Gary Steele in a press release. Thoma Bravo will take Proofpoint private once the $12.3 billion deal is finalized. Rapid7 acquires open-source community Velociraptor April 21: Velociraptor's technology gives security analytics and automation vendor Rapid7 a foothold in the digital forensics and incident response space. The company has pledged to continue to develop Velociraptor's tools and build its community. We strongly believe that partnership with the open-source community is one of the most important ways to move the security industry forward and make the digital world a safer place for everyone," said Rapid7 Senior Vice President of Detection and Response Richard Perkett in a press release. "We look forward to bringing our expertise in growing and nurturing open-source communities to Velociraptor, while also enhancing our monitoring, digital forensics, and incident response capabilities for customers. Terms of the deal were not disclose. Mastercard buys Ekata for digital identity verification April 17: Payment network processor Mastercard has acquired Ekata, known for its machine-learning-based technology to detect "good" from "bad" consumers in real-time during transactions. "The shift to a more digital world requires real solutions to secure every transaction and instill trust in every interaction," said Ajay Bhalla, president of cyber and intelligence solutions at Mastercard, in a press release. "With the addition of Ekata, we will advance our identity capabilities and create a safer, seamless way for consumers to prove who they say they are in the new digital economy." Mastercard will pay $850 million for Ekata. VMware completes acquisition of API security firm Mesh7 March 31: VMware has finalized its purchase of Mesh7, which will allow VMware to bring visibility, discovery and better security to APIs, according to a blog post. The move gives VMware Mesh7s contextual API behavior security solution, which is expected to help VMware deliver on a promise to provide modern application services using open-source options. Terms of the acquisition were not released. Alacrinet Consulting Services buys Chambers Key March 31: Alacrinet Consulting Services adds security research and penetration testing to its offerings with its purchase of Chambers Key. With the acquisition, the company is launching a new division called Alacrinet Security Labs, which will research new Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and publish results and recommendations. As we grow the team, were also looking to implement a training course to certify the skill level and experience of our penetration testers. In conjunction with their technical certifications, our training course will provide penetration testers with best practices and processes that connect their testing with the business goals and security solutions, Mike Pena, CEO of Chambers Key and now VP of penetration testing at Alacrinet, said in a press release. Terms of the acquisition were not released. Plurilock announces intent to acquire Aurora Systems Consulting March 29: US-based cybersecurity solutions provider Plurilock has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement to acquire security technology and services company Aurora Systems Consulting. The deal will boost Plurilocks presence in the government market. Auroras key customers include the US Department of Defense, the US Department of the Treasury, and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration. "By incorporating Plurilock's cutting-edge technology platform into our product offering, our clients will receive a more robust and comprehensive identity authentication solution, which has been adapted to provide safe and secure remote work access to employees working from home," said Aurora founder and President Philip de Souza in a press release. Aurora will function as a wholly owned subsidiary once the acquisition is complete. Hornetsecurity beefs up email security offerings with acquisition of Zerospam March 25: Cloud email security provider has acquired Canada-based Zerospam, which provides cloud email protection services to business of all sizes in North America. This comes shortly after Hornetsecuritys purchase of backup solution provider Altaro in January. Hornetsecurity CEO Daniel Hoffman said they will continue to develop Zerospams offerings. We shall be investing heavily in the Zerospam partner community and providing them with an expanded range of new products so that they can boost their customers' security and compliance beyond their current offerings," he said in a press release. Terms of the acquisition were not released. Kroll acquires UK cybersecurity services provider Redscan March 25: Kroll, a global provider of governance, risk and transparency services and products, has purchased UK-based Redscan. The company plans to add Redscans extended detection and response (XDR) enabled security operations center (SOC) platform to its Kroll Responder capabilities to support a wider array of cloud and on-premise telemetry sources. Redscan is also known for its proprietary cloud-native MDR solution, which correlates events and intelligence from leading telemetry sources. Terms of the acquisition were not released. VENZA buys MSSP CyberTek Engineering March 25: With the acquisition of managed security service provider (MSP) CyberTek Engineering, VENZA expects to enhance its data protection and compliance services for the hospitality industry. "By acquiring CyberTek, we create a force-multiplier effect in addressing some of the biggest struggles for hoteliers today: staying ahead of technological change while ensuring compliance and protecting their business and guest data against vulnerabilities and threats," said VENZA Chairman and CEO Jeff Venza in a press release. CyberTek MSSP will become a solely owned subsidiary of VENZE. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. MSSP True North Networks acquired by private equity firm March 23: Private equity firm Bluff Point Associates has bought True North Networks, which provides IT solutions, security and support to registered investment advisors (RIAs). The move bolsters Bluff Point Associates portfolio of technology companies that serve the financial services industry. We believe theres a considerable demand for secure and flexible cloud-based solutions providers that understand how to serve RIAs and the regulatory framework they operate in, and were committed to helping True North capitalize on this opportunity, Kevin Fahey, Bluff Point Associates managing director, said in a press release. Terms of the acquisition were not released. RingCentral acquires Kindite to deliver end-to-end encryption March 22: RingCentral has purchased cryptographic technologies provider Kindite. Its a talent and technology acquisition, as RingCentral will absorb the Kindite team into its own workforce and incorporate Kindite technology into RingCentrals products. This will allow RingCentral to provide end-to-end encryption over its global communications platform. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. DevOps to DevSecOpsCopado acquires New Context March 17: DevOps platform provider Copado expands its DevSecOps services with the purchase of New Context, whose customers include GE, Kaiser Permanente, and Royal Dutch Shell. By combining Copado DevOps and value stream technology with New Context's breadth and knowledge of DevSecOps, enterprises can more efficiently navigate through multi-cloud digital transformations with less risk and more successful outcomes, said Copado CEO Ted Elliott in a press release. Terms of the acquisition were not released. Recorded Future announces intent to acquire fraud analytics vendor Gemini Advisory March 16: Enterprise intelligence provider Recorded Future has agreed to acquire Gemini Advisory in a deal worth $52 million. The purchase is expected to accelerate Recorded Futures growth in the fraud analytics market. In a short time, Gemini Advisory has become a leader in the fraud space with unique offerings in both payment card intelligence and merchant fraud intelligence. joining forces with Gemini Advisory expands the value we deliver for customers across enterprise security and fraud, said Dr. Christopher Ahlberg, CEO and co-founder, Recorded Future, in a press release. Sonatype boosts code-analysis capabilities with purchase of MuseDev March 16: Sonatype, which sells tools for software supply chain management and security, has acquired MuseDev. The companys main product automatically analyzes each developer pull request to help find security, performance and reliability flaws. with the acquisition of MuseDev, we are further expanding our platform to help customers automatically control the quality of code their developers write, said Wayne Jackson, CEO of Sonatype, in a press release. Coupled with our recently launched Nexus Container and Infrastructure as Code solutions, we are now delivering a developer-friendly and full-spectrum software supply chain management platform. Terms of the acquisition were not released. Lookout buys SASE company CipherCloud March 15: Lookout, a provider of mobile endpoint security solutions, has entered the SASE market with the acquisition of CipherCloud. Product categories that CipherCloud offers include cloud access security broker (CASB), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and data loss prevention (DLP). The goal of the purchase was to provide an end-to-end platform that secures an organizations entire data path from endpoint to cloud, according to a Lookout press release. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. SailPoint Technologies announced intent to acquire ERP Maestro March 12: Once finalized, the acquisition of SaaS governance, risk and compliance (GRC) provider ERP Maestro will add segregation-of-duties (SoD) capabilities to SailPoints identity security offering. This deal closely follows Sailpoints acquisition of Intello, a SaaS management company that helps organizations discover, manage, and secure SaaS applications, in late February. The company said that the addition of ERP Maestro will provide an integrated approach for effective identity security controls and SoD oversight now required to spot and stop risks posed by potential insider SoD conflicts. Terms of the acquisition were not announced. Fortinet quietly buys ShieldX March 10: Enterprise security platform provider Fortinet has acquired ShieldX, which provides a platform to secure multi-cloud environments. The deal was not immediately announced, but it was confirmed in a ShieldX blog post. ShieldX extends perimeter security and campus segmentation with east-west lateral movement prevention. Along with Fortinet, ShieldX enables customers to get an end-to-end view of end-users, workstations, and OT devices from the individual endpoint to the data center., according to the blog post. Terms of the deal were not released. Sontiq buys fintech breach intelligence vendor Breach Clarity March 9: Identity security vendor Sontiq has acquired Breach Clarity, known for its AI-based data breach intelligence solutions for the fintech industry. With the deal, Sontiq to add a BreachIQ capability to its IdentityForce, Cyberscout and EZShield products. Terms of the deal were not announced. McAfee sells its enterprise business, becomes pure-play consumer cybersecurity company March 8: McAfee Corp. has sold its enterprise security business to an investment group led by private equity firm Symphony Technology Group (STG) for $4 billion. STG had earlier acquired RSA from Dell Technologies in February 2020. This transaction will allow McAfee to singularly focus on our consumer business and to accelerate our strategy to be a leader in personal security for consumers, said McAfee CEO Peter Leav in a press release. McAfees enterprise business will be rebranded once the deal is finalized. Okta buys IAM rival Auth0 for $6.5 billion March 3: Okta seeks to solidify its position as an enterprise identity management services provider with its purchase of rival Auth0. The two product lines will continue to operate independently and be developed. Ive shared my vision for a future in which organizations only rely on a few primary clouds: an infrastructure cloud, a collaboration cloud, a CRM cloud and were on a mission to establish identity as one of the primary clouds, said Okta CEO Todd McKinnon in a blog post. Okta and Auth0 share the same vision for the identity market, and we know that we will achieve it faster together. The sale is yet to be finalized. KnowBe4 adds privacy and compliance training with MediaPRO buy March 3: Security awareness training provider KnowBe4 has acquired MediaPRO, another security and privacy training provider. With the purchase, KnowBe4 intends to offer more privacy and compliance training modules, according to a press release. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Private equity firm merges identity security firms Thycotic and Centrify March 2: TPG Capital has combined two of its recently acquired companies in the identity security space: Thycotic and Centrify. Thycotic is known for its cloud-first identity security solutions, while Centrify is a player in the privileged access management (PAM) market. Combining these two synergistic platforms allows us to offer customers an expanded range of products to address their increasingly complex security requirements, said James Legg, who will become president of the merged firms, in a press release. Legg previously was CEO of Thycotic. Kaseya boosts its MSP offerings with purchase of RocketCyber February 23: Kaseya, which provides security management solutions to managed service providers (MSPs), has acquired RocketCyber, which will continue to operate separately within Kaseya. RocketCyber provides a cloud-agent SOC designed for MSPs. The addition of RocketCyber makes Kaseya IT Complete the only integrated platform in the market to deliver managed SOC, automated internal threat detection, credential monitoring, anti-phishing and more for a truly comprehensive, end-to-end cybersecurity suite that tackles all of todays modern-day threats, said Fred Voccola, CEO, Kaseya, in a press release. Proofpoint in agreement to buy DLP vendor InteliSecure February 22: Proofpoint has announced its intent to acquire InteliSecure, a provider of DLP managed services, for $62.5 million. The company will use InteliSecures technology to enhance the data protection capabilities of the Proofpoint cloud platform. Weve seen exceptional customer demand for information protection managed services as organizations are continuing to work in a cloud-first, remote-oriented world, said Gary Steele, Proofpoint CEO, in a press release. CrowdStrike announces intent to acquire Humio February 18: With Humio, CrowdStrike plans incorporate the companys cloud log management and observability technology into its cloud endpoint and workload protection solutions. The goal, according to a press release, is to expand CrowdStrikes XDR capabilities. The combination of real-time analytics and smart filtering built into CrowdStrikes proprietary Threat Graph and Humios blazing-fast log management and index-free data ingestion dramatically accelerates our XDR capabilities beyond anything the market has seen to date, said CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz in a press release. The value of the deal is expected to be $400 million. Palo Alto Networks to acquire cloud security firm Bridgecrew February 16: Palo Alto Networks has announced its intent to acquire Bridgecrew for $156 million. The company plans to incorporate Bridgecrews technology with its Prisma Cloud cloud-native security platform. We are thrilled to welcome Bridgecrew and their widely adopted and trusted developer security platform to Palo Alto Networks. When combined, Prisma Cloud customers will benefit from having security embedded in the very foundation of their cloud infrastructure," said Palo Alto Networks CEO and chairman Nikesh Arora in a press release. Tenable to acquire Alsid for its Active Directory know-how February 10: Tenable Holdings has announced its intent to buy Alsid for $98 million. The deal would allow Tenable to bring Alsids technology and expertise in discovering Active Directory monitoring to its cyber exposure and risk management platform. Tightly controlling the privileges of accounts in Active Directory is as foundational to reducing risk to the business as the basic blocking and tackling of deploying security updates. attackers go after the Active Directory infrastructure to increase access and establish persistence, said Amit Yoran, chairman and CEO, Tenable, in a press release. SentinelOne buys Scalyr for autonomous XDR February 9: The acquisition of cloud-based data analytics platform provider Scalyr will allow SentinelOne to ingest, correlate, search, and action data from any source, delivering the industrys most advanced integrated XDR platform for realtime threat mitigation across the enterprise and cloud, according to a press release. Terms of the sale were not released. Rapid7 acquires Kubernetes security provider Alcide.IO February 1: Security analytics and automation firm Rapid7 has bought Israeli firm Alcide.IO for $50 million. Alcides product provides code-to-production security for Kubernetes deployments. In order to take full advantage of the speed and innovation Kubernetes can unlock for an organization, security needs to be tightly integrated without getting in the way, said Brian Johnson, senior vice president of cloud security at Rapid7, in a press release. With Alcide, we can enable organizations to continuously secure and protect their growing Kubernetes deployments while giving developers the freedom to rapidly develop and deliver applications. MDR meets EDR as Huntress acquires technology from Level Effect January 12: Managed detection and response (MDR) vendor Huntress has purchased endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology, called Recon, from startup Level Effect. Recon merges endpoint protection with network traffic visibility. Our core telemetry today focuses primarily on persistence-enabled attacks. By integrating Recon, our platform will respond to malicious network sessions, event logs and non-persistent threats, allowing us to support broader cybersecurity use cases and defend additional attack surfaces, said Huntress CEO Kyle Hanslovan in a press release. 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. 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 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. HARTFORD Two lower Middlesex County towns each received a $1.5 million state grant to upgrade housing infrastructure for low and moderate-income individuals. Connecticut is awarding a total of $9 million in grants to six municipalities through the Community Development Block Grant Small Cities program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing, according to a press release. Locally, Westbrook and Essex received support. Eligible projects are required to be in a municipality with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents, and have a focus on improving neighborhoods, eliminating blight, and attracting economic development, the news release said. Essex Court will engage in Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility for the community room and laundry room, as well as full accessibility for several units on the campus. Further repairs include roof replacements, installation of heat pumps and water heaters, storm doors with ADA hardware and LED lighting, state Sen. Norm Needleman, D-Essex, said in a statement. A roofed patio will also be installed to allow for gatherings, and a full campus backup generator will be installed in case of emergency, it added. Worthington Manor will receive significant updates to the building envelope of the two-story complex, also replacing roofing, gutters, siding and windows in all units. Automatic door openers, vinyl plank flooring and HVAC systems will be either installed or upgraded, while tactile warning strips will be installed at transition points from sidewalks to the driveway and parking area to assist the visually impaired. The $3 million in total funding ... will improve the lives of and resources available to residents of those facilities, also adding to their resiliency, and extending the buildings usable life spans significantly, Needleman said in the release. These properties serve households with some of the greatest needs, Department of Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno said. 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. Grass Roots Granby Grass Roots Ice Cream in Granby Winter Caplanson / CT Food and Farm Granby's Grass Roots is about 7 miles away from Bradley International Airport, with one of the state's most creative flavor boards. Apricot white chip, goat cheese and blackberry, rosemary olive oil, honey lavender and salted licorice have made the list recently. Grass Roots Ice Cream is at 4 Park Place. BRIDGEPORT Harding High Schools assistant principal has been cleared of wrongdoing after being seen on video physically restraining a female student who was involved in a fight with another girl inside a classroom, the districts superintendent said this week. A video from social media shows Harding High School Assistant Principal Matthew Corcoran getting between two girls who were exchanging punches. In the video, Corcoran grabs one of the girls and pushes her to the floor in an attempt to stop the fight. Bridgeport Public Schools Superintendent Michael Testani said he has watched the entire video, which was filmed by a student on Oct. 5. The video prompted an investigation, which Testani said has cleared Corcoran. Testani said the investigation conducted by the state Department of Children and Families found no wrongdoing as far as negligence. School officials also filed a report with the Bridgeport Police Department, Testani said. Hearst Connecticut Media was unable to obtain a copy of the police report. I think the assistant principal acted appropriately, Testani said in an interview this week with Hearst Connecticut Media, adding that it was a contentious situation. Its difficult when you see two young people going at each other with that kind of aggression and force, Testani said. Its heartbreaking at times to know theres that much anger thats built up. Testani said he did not know what started the fight. He said the school was short on substitute teachers at the time, so Corcoran was covering for the class when the altercation occurred. They would not stop, Testani said. The assistant principal was trying to break it up alone to protect both students from getting hurt until security arrived. Testani said Corcoran was treated for injuries he sustained during the fight. No one was taken to the hospital, Testani said. Testani said fights usually result in out-of-school suspension, but he said he was not sure what punishment these students received. With students returning to full-time in-person learning this year, the school district anticipated an uptick in fights this fall, but Testani said so far that hasnt been the case. I think for the most part, the vast majority of our kids are happy to be back at school, he said. Theyre focused on academics, theyre focused on extracurricular activities, interacting with their friends that they havent seen. Weve been trying to be proactive as a school district to make sure that we have supports in place, Testani said. liz.hardaway@hearst.com The results of the 2020 Census confirmed what had already been underway for many years: In Connecticut, the growth of the Hispanic and Latino population is the most striking of any group in the state. As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close this week, an analysis of answers that people who identified as Hispanic or Latino gave to the U.S. Census Bureau shows that as their numbers have grown at a rapid pace, this community in Connecticut has only become more diverse. The states Hispanic and Latino population comprises people from a wide mix of origins. The largest group by far are residents who hail from Puerto Rico, followed by Mexicans, Dominicans, Ecuadorian, Colombians, and Guatemalans. There are concentrations of Hispanic and Latino residents in large cities and some smaller towns across the state. The Hispanic and Latino populations are expected to continue to grow in size and political power in Connecticut and nationwide, according to the Center for Puerto Rican Studies in New York. But a study from the center notes the communitys below average economic status, fewer citizens eligible to vote and a population that trends younger translate into under-representation in Connecticut. This year, 12 out of 151 legislators in the Connecticut House of Representatives are Hispanic or Latino, and just one of the 36 senators are. But members of Connecticuts Hispanic and Latino population including some in its booming cohort of young adults have been working to change that landscape. Take for example, Mariza Davila-Madwid, whose family moved from Peru to Connecticut under a work visa when she was 13. That visa expired as she was graduating from Danbury High School, leaving her undocumented and without the right to in-state tuition. She took a gap year to fund her first semester of college, and continued to work through school. She also became an activist alongside peers in similar situations to hers. We were lobbying, we were going to a lot of rallies, she said. I got very involved, because I knew that this was the only way that we could make a change. The Connecticut legislature passed a law granting Dreamers like her the right to in-state tuition in 2011, and Davila-Madwid earned her undergraduate degree from Western Connecticut State University in 2012. She met her now-husband, an American citizen, while in college, and now teaches Spanish at Bethel High School, where she is also overseeing a new Latino Awareness Club. Davila-Madwid, who is pregnant, plans to speak Spanish with her children at home. Still, Hispanic and Latino residents said they continue to face misconceptions about who they are and where they come from. One such assumption people seem to have is that most of the Hispanic or Latino population is undocumented, said Valeriano Ramos, director of strategic alliances for Hartford-based Everyday Democracy. In 2017, about 116,000 residents of Connecticut were likely unauthorized, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Around 62 percent came from Central and South America. But the majority are citizens, and many more are either naturalized or were born in Puerto Rico or another U.S. territory. Ramos, for example, was born in New York City and grew up in Puerto Rico. Another misconception: Melia Bensussen, artistic director of the Hartford Stage, said a shared language often implies there is one community that fits the description of Hispanic. For instance, Bensussen, who grew up in Mexico City, might use the terms Latinx and Latinidad to describe much the same populace that the Census categorizes as Hispanic or Latino. In Bensussens experience living in several large cities, the reality is much more complex than that. Hispanic and Latino residents are also urging for more support to be provided to the states growing population of youths who belong to a Hispanic or Latino family. In the last decade, about 32,000 Hispanic or Latino children were born in or moved to Connecticut, the most of any racial or ethnic group. The state and its schools have an imperative to provide those children with opportunities as well as Spanish-language classes, Ramos said. While some children live in neighborhoods where theyll hear Spanish at the bodega or from their neighbors, many others are scattered across communities less dense with Hispanic language and culture, he said. It's up to the schools to try to encourage them to continue learning the language, Ramos said. Schools are making some effort, but they could do more. Community based-organizations, I think, are doing a lot these days to try to preserve the culture. Some are also working to boost economic and business ownership opportunities for Hispanic and Latino residents. Per capita, Hispanic and Latino people on average earned roughly $27,000 less in Connecticut than whites in 2019, according to Census surveys. That figure has increased by about 26 percent since 2010. Opportunity is exactly what Ruth Alustiza is trying to provide through the business she works as an executive director for, Newington-based Latin Financial. The company specializes in business loans and cash advances particularly for people from Puerto Rico. Alustiza, who is Puerto Rican, said many of the customers she works with lack financial opportunities or the know-how to start their own businesses. Latin Financial funds all kinds of companies, she said, naming pharmacies, gas stations and spas as a few common ones. Others, like Bensussen, are trying to help people to understand themselves and their communities better through the arts, theater and storytelling. The theater that Bensussen oversees is putting on its first live performances since the beginning of the pandemic in the coming week. This is the great gift of being mostly out of the pandemic, she said. It allows us to breathe and commune and hear stories together, that help to enlighten us about all aspects of our humanity. NEW HAVEN A federal civil jury Friday ruled a former Bridgeport police officer wrongly fatally shot an unarmed man eight years ago and ordered the officer to pay $350,000. The eight-member jury deliberated about six hours over two days before finding that Christopher Borona had violated the constitutional right to life of Bryan Stukes when he shot him in the back. Justice is served, said Antonio Ponvert III, the lawyer for the Stukes family. This is a victory for Bryan Jamal Stukes, for his mother Melissa, for all victims of police excessive force, and for the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Police officers are not above the law. Police officers must tell the truth when they violate citizens rights. Police officers will be held accountable when they commit unlawful acts and then try to escape responsibility. Earlier in the case, according to court documents, the city of Bridgeport had agreed to pay any award made against Borona on the condition that the city be dismissed as a defendant in the lawsuit. This case involved quickly evolving circumstances requiring the detective to make split second decisions, said Deputy City Attorney John Bohannon. While we are disappointed any finding of liability was made, this was obviously a compromise verdict and the amount of the award pales in comparison to the plaintiffs demand for $20 million. Borona, who retired from the Bridgeport Police Department in December 2018, was previously cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in the April 1, 2013 death of Bryan Stukes by former Stamford States Attorney David Cohen following an investigation by the state police. However, Stukes mother, Melissa Gibbs, subsequently filed a federal lawsuit against Borona and the city of Bridgeport claiming that Borona wrongfully killed her son and used excessive force to cause his death. The trial began Tuesday before a jury and U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Meyer. According to Cohens report on the incident, there had been an ongoing dispute between Stukes and another man. On April 1, 2013, Stukes confronted the man on Pequonnock Street with a rifle. The owner of a nearby fish store alerted Borona, who had been in the back of the store drinking coffee, the report states. Borona pulled his service weapon, identifying himself as a police officer and ordering Stukes to drop the gun. At that point, the report states that Stukes turned towards Borona with the rifle and Borona fired, striking Stukes in the legs. The report states that Stukes then turned and ran towards the street corner with Borona in pursuit, ignoring the detectives commands to stop. Stukes ran a few feet around the corner onto Benham Avenue, tripped and fell forward on the sidewalk, according to the report. The rifle flew forward, slid across the sidewalk and came to rest in the curb, the report states. Stukes then got up and continued to run without the gun. The report states that Borona came around the corner apparently unaware Stukes no longer had the rifle. Borona fired again at the fleeing Stukes, hitting him in the back and killing him. The autopsy performed on Stukes by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that there were three gunshot wounds: through the right thigh; through the left thigh; and from the left side of the upper back, downward and leftward through the left lung, exiting from the right chest. Cause of death was listed as multiple gunshot wounds. The rifle was later found to have been unloaded, according to the report. Ponvert argued to the jury that Borona was aware Stukes, who was Black, no longer had the rifle when he fired the fatal shot. Boronas lawyer contended that his client was protected by qualified immunity because at the time he was acting to protect the community. Bryans mother and family have fought for more than eight years for this day. They have been brave and stalwart fighters for their loved one, for all victims of police violence, for the truth, and for justice, said Ponvert as he later stood outside the federal court with members of the Stukes family. We are satisfied. The system worked. This day will go down in history. We hope that this verdict will save the lives of Black and brown people, whose deaths might otherwise have gone unnoticed and unacknowledged. BRIDGEPORT The state Department of Labor on Friday announced that, as a result of widespread violations, a restaurant owned by John Vazzano will pay nearly $100,000 in back wages to dozens of employees and in civil penalties. And that settlement only ends the states probe into the well-known restaurateurs Original Vazzys establishment on Broadbridge Road. The labor department said its wage and workplace standards units investigations into Vazzanos Four Seasons in Stratford, Vazzys Cucina in Shelton, Vazzys Osteria in Monroe and Vazzys 19th Hole at the Bridgeport-owned, Fairfield-based Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course are ongoing. This was an expansive investigation, the restaurant cooperated, and the employees will be made whole, Thomas Wydra, director of wage and workplace standards, said in a statement. I also want to thank the Chief States Attorneys Office for their partnership and support throughout this process. Vazzanos local dining and catering empire first came under Department of Labor scrutiny last winter, based on information contained in the February 17 arrest warrant affidavit for Vazzano. He was charged with allegedly interfering in a sexual assault investigation against two longtime staffers at the Original Vazzys. Signed by an investigator from the Office of the Chief States Attorney, that affidavit included summaries of witness interviews and other information collected in the criminal investigation that stated Vazzano was paying some workers off the books in cash and keeping insufficient records. Then in July the state confirmed that all five of Vazzanos businesses were being looked at for possible labor violations. Vazzys is a family-owned business who has been fully cooperative with the Connecticut Department of Labor, said Edward Gavin, who is representing Vazzano in his criminal case but was not involved in the settlement with the labor department. We are in compliance with all current Department of Labor requirements and will continue to be. We have resolved any and all Department of Labor issues at the Original Vazzys in a fair, reasonable and prompt manner. Fridays press release specified that the probe into the Original Vazzys found that the restaurant failed to maintain lawful payroll processes and employee time records; failed to pay employees the minimum wage or overtime; and failed to provide meal periods as required under the law. Under the announced settlement, Vazzano will pay $78,900 in back wages to 48 staffers and a $20,000 civil penalty. I commend the wage and workplace team on their commitment to Connecticuts workforce and bringing this investigation to resolution, Interim Department of Labor Commissioner Dante Bartolomeo said in a statement. Labor laws protect the very backbone of our economy the workers who show up and do a fair days work for a fair days wage. Especially now, when the state needs full participation in the market to recover from the (coronavirus) pandemic, its vital that employees know they will be treated fairly in the workplace and compensated justly for their labor. Meanwhile Vazzanos criminal case is ongoing. Soon after being charged in February with one count each of bribery of a witness, third-degree hindering prosecution and interfering with an officer, Vazzano applied for accelerated rehabilitation, a pretrial program in which a defendant does not plead guilty to the charges but is placed on up to two years of probation. If a defendant completes that probation successfully, the charges are dismissed. This is the first step in getting the charges against Mr. Vazzano dismissed, which is the remedy that is appropriate, Vazzanos lawyer, Edward Gavin, said at that time. We look forward to returning to court for our hearing on the application. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 17. This photo provided by the Madison County Sheriff's Department shows Christopher Henderson. The man convicted of killing his estranged wife, her unborn child and three other people six years ago in north Alabama was sentenced to death Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 after being convicted of multiple counts of capital murder. Marye Louise Howse, age 71, of Cullman, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Hanceville Nursing Home. She was born April 23, 1950, to Rayburn R. and Thelma L. Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Randall Brown. Survivors include her husband, David Howse; son, Courthouse News Service October 14, 2021 MANHATTAN (CN) Followers of a 30-year-old Chinese spiritual practice called Falun Gong cannot designate their protest sites as places of worship to silence counter-protesters, the Second Circuit ruled Thursday.The record here shows that at most that there were only sporadic instances of worship at the tables, the 28-page lead decision states. Plaintiffs and their fellow practitioners instead understood the primary purpose of the tables as a site from which to disseminate information about the Chinese Communist Partys treatment of Falun Gong.Founded in China in 1992 by Li Hongzhi, Falun Gong does not have any temples, churches or religious ritual the usual trappings of a religious group. Rather, as summarized by the Second Circuit, its followers believe that meditation and other forms of regular spiritual practice known as cultivation will allow them to return to their True Sel[ves] or Primary Soul[s].The Taiwan Cultural Center in Flushing, Queens, is a common gathering spot for Falun Gong cultivation, which includes physical exercises like qigong and the study of the Zhuan Falun, a book of Lis lectures. For roughly a decade, leaders of the group assembled tables outside the cultural center to raise awareness about the torture Falun Gong adherents in China.Some of the posters depict organ harvesting. There is no meditation, but the Falun Gong insist that their tables should be treated as an extension of their faith. About six years ago, 13 individuals brought the underlying suit in Brooklyn, saying that a counter-protest group called the Chinese Anti-Cult Alliance harassed them in violation of a federal law called FACEA, short for the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.The alliance denies that it has ever been the aggressor in any of the protest scenes, and Thursday's ruling notes that the Falun Gong teachings that the alliance highlights as troubling are not in dispute: "Defendants object, for instance, to Falun Gong teachings that followers should not take medication for illness, that aliens have visited earth, and that the heavens are divided into racial zones and a person of a mixed racial background will 'go to the heaven that belongs to the race ofhis Main Spirit.'"A federal judge sided with the Falun Gong at summary judgment in 2018, but the Second Circuit reversed Thursday after finding that the Falun Gong practitioners passing out pamphlets in Queens is not entitled to protection under the law meant to protect women from being harassed while seeking abortion services.At most, the evidence shows that the activity at the tables was motivated by teachings of the Falun Gong leader, akin to how Quaker groups may protest wars or Catholic groups may protest abortion laws in public streets motivated by their respective religious beliefs, U.S. Circuit Judge Susan Carney wrote in Thursday's lead opinion. But that such political and social action may be rooted in religious belief does not transform the public spaces where the action occurs into places of religious worship.Specifically, the religious section of the FACEA prohibits a person from intentionally injuring, intimidating, or interfering with another who is exercising her religion at a place of religious worship. In reaching its decision, the court dissected what can be considered a place of worship.U.S. Circuit Judge Pierre Leval, a Clinton appointee, concurred with Carney, an Obama appointee, in full, as did U.S. Circuit Judge John Walker, who also wrote a separate concurring opinion.Although we have previously sustained the provision of FACEA that prohibits violence at abortion clinics, in part based on legislative findings that women, doctors, and medical supplies may travel interstate for reproductive health services, those findings were limited to regulating violence at abortion clinics, said Walker, a George H. W. Bush appointee. They have no bearing on whether violence against worshippers at places of religious worship substantially affects interstate commerce.Reacting to the decision Wednesday, Elizabeth Hurd, a professor of political science and religious studies at Northwestern University, said that religious freedom hinges on what the law views as a religion.Protecting a right to religious freedom in law requires defining what the state means by religion. There will always be groups left out of that definition, particularly when powerful actors, like the Chinese government, have a say in who gets protected as a religion and who does not, Hurd said in an email. This is a casualty of legalizing religious freedom. It is not surprising that Falun Gong would not be privy to these protections. The challenge, then, is to reconsider whether religious freedom is equipped as a legal construct to do the work we are asking it to do. I think not.Led by Zhang Jingrong, the practitioners were represented by Terri Marsh with the Human Rights Law Foundation. The alliance was represented by Tom Fini of Catafago Fini law firm. Neither party immediately responded to emails seeking comment. Breaking it down THE ISSUE: On Aug. 27, Riverside issued a memo to all employees that it was implementing a vaccine mandate in order to be in compliance with a state mandate. It set a deadline for employees to be vaccinated or face termination. The memo explained employees could seek an exemption. Not all requests were approved. THE LAWSUIT: Six Riverside nurses filed a lawsuit against the organization saying that denying an employee's request for exemption is a "violation of the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's executive order." RIVERSIDE'S RESPONSE: "As a healthcare provider, we believe protecting the health and safety of our patients and employees is our top responsibility and must be our No. 1 priority." LAWSUIT'S AIM: It seeks a permanent injunction preventing Riverside from enforcing the employee mandate in any form; state the mandate violates the health care rights act; award damages of a least $2,500 per the six plaintiffs; and for Riverside to pay legal expenses. STATEWIDE ISSUE: Pritzker's deputy chief of staff, Emily Bittner, said the health care rights act is being invoked in employer mandate lawsuits throughout the state. As it is being applied inappropriately, she said, the governor is seeking to amend the law to eliminate this growing interpretation. Elizabeth City, NC (27909) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 53F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 37F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Reva Mae Love, age 75, of Dalton, Georgia passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021. She was born on September 10, 1946. She is preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Lela "Grant" Lawson; brother, Charles Lawson. She is survived by her husband, Bubba (Harold) Love of Dalton; son, Brian F File/Daily Citizen-News Leslie Bowen, a second-grade teacher, walks students in her class around Eton Elementary School in September 2019. As is the case in many other school systems, the number of Murray County Schools' COVID-19 cases and quarantines are decreasing after peaking early in this school year, said Superintendent Steve Loughridge. The crisis gripping general practice is only worsening by the day. Battered by Covid, beset by staff shortages and overwhelmed by soaring demand, the traditional model of the family doctor is starting to break down. Since 2015, the NHS has lost 1,800 GPs, and more than half of those who remain are now working part-time even though the British population is growing rapidly and healthcare grows more complex every year. So yesterdays news, splashed on the Daily Mails front page, that Health Secretary Sajid Javid is launching a new revolution in GP access should have been widely welcomed. Indeed it was and certainly among patients. But not in the bodies representing GPs. Under the new scheme, all patients will be able to see a doctor face to face if they want to. Family doctors will also be offered an extra 250 million to improve patient access but will be named if they fail to deliver. Yesterdays news that Health Secretary Sajid Javid is launching a new revolution in GP access should have been widely welcomed. Pictured: Mr Javid at a Westminster pharmacy this week It seems like a sensible solution to a growing problem one that the Mail has highlighted in its admirable Lets See GPs Face to Face campaign. And yet I am truly appalled by the hostile response of my own professions representative bodies the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of General Practitioners to the Governments plans. Dr Richard Vautrey of the BMA said he was hugely dismayed with the package. It offers very little and shows a government out of touch with the scale of the crisis on the ground. Gallingly, he added: It is disappointing to see there is no end in sight to the preoccupation with face-to-face appointments. Preoccupation? Face-to-face appointments have been the way of all medicine for millennia. Yes, technology has enabled new ways for doctors to see their patients but I bet that future generations will never shift permanently to online. The benefits of face-to-face meetings are too clear. The BMAs remarks were bad enough, but the Royal College of GPs has gone much further, claiming that malicious criticism from politicians and certain sections of the media had driven the Government to act. That is an outrageous claim. The new measures for GP practices do not stem from some ideological agenda far less from criticism in the Press but because the British people overwhelmingly want a glaringly inadequate system rapidly improved. In August this year, about 58 per cent of GP appointments were in person, down from some 80 per cent in August 2019, before the pandemic. The government order from March 2020 for GPs to switch to telephone and online appointments has now been rescinded but many doctors seemingly prefer it that way, even though opinion polls show that over two-thirds of Britons want the right to see their doctor face to face. As a GP, I strongly believe that family surgeries should offer patients a real choice, not dragoon them into virtual appointments. After all, the public pay our wages and we should respect their wishes. As a GP, I strongly believe that family surgeries should offer patients a real choice, not dragoon them into virtual appointments Online or phone consultations were justified during lockdowns and certainly benefit some younger people with minor ailments or for simple issues such as repeat prescriptions. But now these consultations are in danger of becoming permanently entrenched. The fact is that a doctors reassuring touch is meant to be at the heart of general practice, which can be as much about providing emotional support as meeting clinical needs. In my own practice, I have met new mothers, for example, who have not felt able to talk about their problems over the phone. They open up to me only when we have established a rapport and a position of trust after meeting in person. Other patients may claim at first to be feeling all right, but their body language which could not be captured on screen or over the phone tells a very different story. I have also known patients to come to see me about a minor rash and then, just as they open the door to go, find the courage to say: Its probably nothing, Doctor, but I have been getting these pains in my chest. A patient can reveal much about their condition just by their posture and gait. What is the cause of that limp? Why are their eyes slightly bloodshot? All this crucial and often life-saving information can only be discovered in person. The BMA must learn this lesson. But for decades, it has resembled a privileged gentlemans club: smug, complacent and unrepresentative of front-line medical professionals. Increasingly, the BMA is acting like a militant trade union, endlessly peddling grievances, defending the indefensible and battling to protect restrictive working methods. The government order from March 2020 for GPs to switch to telephone and online appointments has now been rescinded but many doctors seemingly prefer it that way, writes Renee Hoenderkamp (file photo) In the process, the BMA is playing a very dangerous game, one that could herald the destruction of general practice as we know it. I often say to my colleagues that, through its resistance to any type of reform, the BMA could end up doing us all out of our jobs. Blind intransigence by the trade unions at British Leyland in the 1970s ultimately wrecked Britains biggest domestic car producer, just as the unionist Arthur Scargills stubbornness in the 1980s accelerated the demise of the coal industry. If the BMA refuses to adapt, it could find that the Government simply begins to bypass GPs. Remote working, which the Association now so keenly embraces, could be used as a weapon against general practice, as consultations by virtual providers become more and more common. Similarly, more elements could be siphoned off to pharmacists, walk-in centres and private clinics. Indeed this process has already started, with Boots pharmacists soon to offer 15 GP-style health appointments, diagnosing conditions and even writing prescriptions. Having complained so much about their oppressive workloads, GPs could eventually find that most of the job has been sliced off and transferred elsewhere. To avoid that fate, they should return to their moral roots as family doctors and simply ignore the BMA. Renee Hoenderkamp is an NHS GP Yet again, Britain shudders in collective shock as a Member of Parliament is slaughtered while doing their job. I do not know the full details as I write these words except that Sir David Amess has died in a stabbing. So this time it is a Tory. Last time it was Labour. But their politics do not matter now. Sir David could not have been more different from Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed five years ago. He was a 69-year-old married father of five, firmly on the Tory right and Eurosceptic, a political veteran who had represented Essex constituencies (first Basildon, later Southend West) in parliament for almost four decades. She was 41, Labour and a proud Remainer, a wife and adoring mother of two, filled with idealism after her election to a Yorkshire seat, Batley and Spen, in 2015. But while so very different in life, this pair of politicians are united in the terrible manner of their deaths. Both were devoted democrats who died carrying out their work in a land that boasts of being the mother of parliaments. And both were murdered while attending the weekly surgeries with constituents that are one of the pillars of our political system. Conservative MP Sir David Amess was stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex on Friday Labour MP Jo Cox was also murdered in a similar attack in her constituency in 2016 So have no doubt this latest stabbing drives a chilling stake through the core of our democracy. Inevitably there will be understandable demands for more security, more protection of our politicians, more distance from the people they represent. Bear in mind that Cox may have been the first killing of an MP since 1990 (when Ian Gow became the fourth Westminster victim of the Irish Troubles). Yet two more had suffered savage attacks in their constituency offices and been fortunate to survive: the Liberal Democrat MP Nigel Jones (whose aide Andy Pennington died as he tried to protect him from a sword-wielding attacker in Cheltenham) in 2000, and Labour MP for East Ham Stephen Timms who was stabbed in 2010 by a woman protesting at his support for the Iraq War. Politics is a tough job at the best of times given the intense demands, hours and pressures. MPs have less power than many voters think yet at those crucial surgeries they must try to directly address their voters concerns and plug the many gaps in our creaking public services. Meanwhile, the toxicity of our politics has grown as debate grows more brutal and shrill inflamed by the Brexit divisions, the pandemic and, above all, by the corrosive nature of social media that panders to those shouting the loudest. Yes, politicians bear some responsibility. Westminster often seems closer to a playground than a political arena. Labours deputy leader, Angela Rayner, calls Conservatives a bunch of scum yet keeps her job. A colleague announces that she could never be friends with a Tory. Government ministers deliberately stoke explosive culture wars. But these problems are not unique to Britain. Just look across the Atlantic, where in January this year there was a lethal invasion of the US Congress in an effort to thwart the presidential election result and talk of possible civil war in a divided society flooded with guns. However, we need to grapple with the consequences for our own democracy since it relies on that openness between politicians and the people they are elected to serve. Twenty years ago, following the attack on Jones, his colleagues were already starting to warn about facing terrifying threats and keeping their office addresses secret. After the killing of Cox in 2016, a Home Office study of 239 MPs found four in five had experienced aggressive or intrusive behaviour and in half the cases, they were targeted in their own homes. Depressingly, 36 of them said they feared going out in public. As Sir David wrote at the time, in words now laced with such cruel irony, MPs were becoming more wary and focusing on security. He said, rightly, that such attacks imperil the great British tradition of the people openly meeting their politicians. Police at Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died Yet this comes as we need desperately to strengthen Westminster, boost public trust in politics and improve the talent pool of our leaders given the enormity of the challenges at home and abroad. Our democracy is under assault on many fronts from foreign powers, from social media, from multinationals and now from another of these horrifying attacks. At the same time, we have become frighteningly casual over the precious nature of our democracy. This jars with me when I report from around the world on brave people risking their lives and liberty for a way of life we take for granted. Jo Cox did not deserve to die in brutal circumstances. Nor did David Amess. But now in the wake of their distressing killings, we need to ponder how to protect both our MPs and the soul of our democracy. With her fiery red hair and the ability to control shadows, Dutch actress Carice van Houtens Game Of Thrones character Melisandre, known as the Red Woman, was nothing less than striking. And she certainly struck a chord with viewers. When she killed a child in the show people would scream, Die bitch! at Carice in the street, and when she saved hero Jon Snow they shouted, Red Woman for president! Carice was unperturbed. Shes always been drawn to darkness in her work, so its little wonder she signed up to Skys intense drama Temple, set beneath the streets of London, which is back for a second series. In the first, surgeon Daniel Milton (Mark Strong) set up an illegal clinic in a labyrinth of abandoned Tube tunnels to find a cure for his wife Beth (Catherine McCormack) who was terminally ill, but he also treated criminals and others who couldnt get help by the usual means. Carice van Houten, 45, who lives outside Amsterdam, is returning to screens in Sky's Temple, where she will play Anna. Pictured: Carice with Mark Strong in Temple He was helped by medical researcher Anna (Carice) and Tube worker Lee (Daniel Mays). Together, Annas research and Daniel Miltons surgery saved Beths life. As series two opens Anna is determined to claim the credit shes being denied for the cure she created, while we delve deeper into her complex relationship with her former lover Daniel. We get more of their back story, it all becomes a bit darker and grittier, says Carice. Shes a really ambitious woman whos now single and fully focused on fighting for her worth. But her chances arent great. What I like about the development with Anna and Daniel is that you see more of the love story, with flashbacks to the good times. Theres a lot of bickering, but the bickering is passionate. It feels like when they fight theyre making love. Carice has become one of Europes most sought-after actresses since she played a covert Jew in the Dutch thriller Blackbook in 2006. Hollywood beckoned but she didnt want it, although she did appear in Tom Cruises 2008 film Valkyrie. I didnt even have to audition, she says. When you get a call from Tom... I was overwhelmed. Carice, who joined Game Of Thrones in 2012, said taking part in the series was a blessing but also put her in a certain corner. Pictured: Carice as Melisandre She first met her Temple co-star Mark Strong on Ridley Scotts 2008 film Body Of Lies, but her role as Leonardo DiCaprios wife didnt make the cut. Mark was the first reason I said yes to Temple, she says. It must have been galling to have been cut out of the film though? Yes, but to be honest it wasnt an important storyline. I never took it as something I did wrong. I looked at it as, I had the experience of working with Ridley and Leonardo and I met Mark. She joined Game Of Thrones for series two in 2012, and remained until the show ended in 2019. That was a blessing, she says. But it also put me in a certain corner. Im much better at playing people with flaws, people with drama behind their eyes. Someone whos completely sure of themselves isnt much fun to play. Shes speaking from her home just outside Amsterdam, where she lives with Monte, her five-year-old son by her partner, Australian actor Guy Pearce. They met on the set of the 2016 movie Brimstone after the breakdown of Guys 18-year marriage. Carice (pictured) said she's become more picky about her work since her five-year-old son Monte started school The pregnancy was unplanned but Carice, 45, thinks shes changed both as a person and as an actor since she became a mother. Now Montes at school, I cant just go to Budapest for three months, she says. So Im even more picky about my work. Because of Monte, Guys working in Europe more, I want us all to be together as much as we can. Unfortunately half-term happens when Im shooting something in Prague. Shes going there to film a TV series based on the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons, written by Harriet Warner who has also written for Call The Midwife. My passion project though is still that I want to make a movie about Greta Garbo, she says. In my head its not a traditional biopic with nice costumes and cars its way more existential. I dont care what else happens in my life, but thats the thing I need to do. Temple, 28 October, Sky Max and NOW. Urging all of you amateur snappers out there to enter our fabulous Wildlife Photography Contest before it closes, our Judge Emeritus Sir David Suchet on the magical experience he had on a photography masterclass in the Camargue in France the top prize for our winner Arise, Sircule Poirot! If ever a knighthood were justified it must surely be David Suchets, bestowed in the delayed Queens Birthday Honours last year for his body of work on stage and screen over the last 50 years. Sir David of course is thrilled, although hes still waiting for the investiture. It should hopefully take place on 16 December, but we were told we could use the titles because the Birthday Honours were postponed courtesy of the pandemic, he says. Im a great romantic, so to kneel before a senior member of the Royal Family and to feel the sword placed on my shoulder will be the highest moment of my professional life. That ceremony goes back centuries, such a wonderful established tradition. I know how humbling it will feel. Sir David Suchet shared his passion for photography while encouraging people to participate in Weekend's annual contest. Pictured: Sir David captured the exquisite white horses of the Camargue in the surf His wife Sheila was no less thrilled. She was amazed and asked me what it really meant. So I told her it meant that she was now Lady Suchet! She certainly deserves it. I can honestly say Id have had no career whatsoever without her love and support. She has never, ever said no to anything Ive wanted to do, even though it sometimes meant great sacrifices to the family. Shes always told me that I must do what I felt compelled to do, professionally speaking, and she and the children would work around that. A keen photographer throughout his career, Sir David first agreed to be a judge in our annual Great British Wildlife Photography Contest five years ago. He then became our head judge and this time, his third, weve dubbed him our Judge Emeritus. Clare Balding, who has taken over the head judges role, launched the current competition in April 2020 but because of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic we decided to extend the closing date until 31 October this year. The competition is open to all amateur photographers, who are asked to submit their images of native British wildlife in its natural habitat. Truly, Im always so honoured to be asked, says Sir David. Not least because it reflects my lifes other passion. Im not a professional photographer, Im an enthusiastic amateur like the readers. Sir David Suchet (pictured) said every year he's struck by entries that could rank alongside photos taken by a professional 'But every year Im struck by the fact that the entries that make the shortlist could rank alongside anything taken by a professional. The prize this time round for the overall winner of the contest is an all-expenses paid trip to the Camargue in the south of France and a four-day masterclass with Simon Stafford, one of our two technical judges, in how to photograph the animals there. Sir David didnt have to be asked twice if hed like to sample the workshop for himself before Covid-19 struck. Id been aware for some years that the Camargue was famous for its flamingos, white horses and black bulls, he says. What I didnt know was that there were workshops there specifically set up to help people take photographs of these animals, so I was thrilled to be invited. Im an enthusiastic amateur, like the readers Hed already worked with award-winning wildlife photographer Simon on a trip to North Uist in the Outer Hebrides a couple of years ago. I learnt such a lot from him and decided to take my Leica V-Lux camera on this latest adventure. Simon was incredibly helpful in talking to me about settings and so on all the technical things I needed to know to get me started. I felt my heart thumping Sir David said photographing a stallion took him back to his childhood because one of his favourite books was Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. Pictured: A black stallion galloping in front of Sir Davids camera The horses of the Camargue are allowed to run wild, and perhaps the climax of Sir Davids trip was photographing them in marshland and at the waters edge on the beach. Ive never seen horses living naturally in the wild and its something Ill always remember. When the gardians got them to walk and then canter and finally gallop in the marsh water or the sea, it was thrilling to witness their sense of flight in unison. 'Im usually rather reticent around horses, something I think they pick up on. But these ones let me stroke their manes and blow up their nostrils and I wasnt apprehensive at all. On the final morning of the trip, Sir David got the chance to photograph a single black stallion. He took me right back to my childhood, to one of my favourite books as I was growing up: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. 'At the sight of this magnificent Andalusian stallion I felt my heart thumping in my chest. The gardian put some food down in the surf and to watch him gallop towards his next meal, the sea spraying up from his hooves, his black body against the white water, was extraordinary. I felt very privileged to be there. Advertisement 'The big plus was that it is run by Create Away, a company that runs regular wildlife workshops in the area. Its guiding light is top photographer Serge Krouglikoff. He made me feel important, not because Im a so-called celebrity but because Im a passionate photographer, says Sir David. But I was very much the new boy on the block. I wasnt nervous because I know photography and I know my camera. 'What I was apprehensive about was whether Id be capable of photographing completely different animals from the ones we encountered on Uist. You had to grab your chances there: animals dont hang about posing. French-born Serges maternal family lived for generations in the Gard region, near the Camargue. One day, his British wife, Ros Bennett, saw a report in a Sunday newspaper about a photographic workshop in the area. Two dozen bulls didnt scare me Sir David said this shot of black bulls (pictured) at the Camargue is one that he likes a lot in particular The black bulls of the Camargue, which are allowed to roam the marshlands, can be an imposing sight, says Sir David. Ive never been in close proximity to these animals in that number, there must have been at least two dozen of them. But I cant say I felt frightened at any point. Sir David has now had a chance to look through the many shots he took and has found one in particular which he likes a lot. Its of a gardian behind a single bull whose two front legs precisely mirror the two front legs of the herdsmans horse. As my Fleet Street photographer grandfather Jimmy Jarche used to say, All you need is one shot. Advertisement They spontaneously decided theyd move back to Serges homeland in France from the UK where theyd been living and try to set up their own company offering the same service to professional and amateur photographers alike wanting to capture the rich variety of the Camargue wildlife. Ros and Serge launched Create Away seven years ago and it took off from the start. Through advertising, a dedicated website and word of mouth, the fledgling company grew in strength to a point where it now runs workshops nine months of the year (in the winter they go to Cuba and India) for photographers from around the world. They reminded me of Concorde Sir David wont forget his first sight of the flamingos at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the capital of the Camargue. I was told there were around 2,000 of them in their natural habitat. We were there at the beginning of their courting season, which explains why they were so pink as they showed themselves off to prospective suitors. And you should see them fly! Sir David managed to get a shot of three flamingos in a mid-air formation (pictured) 'They were like precision arrows flying from afar to the marshland where they live and then, like aeroplanes, gliding in to land, their long legs splashing through the water. They reminded me of Concorde. It might have been down to beginners luck, he says, but he did manage to get one shot of three of them in a mid-air formation. It was a wonderful, happy chance that my camera went click at that moment. A second before or after and it wouldnt have been the same picture. It gave me enormous confidence. 'And thats a message I want to share with anyone reading this and contemplating submitting their pictures to the contest. Dont ever think you cant do something because, just occasionally, you can! Advertisement Simon Stafford became affiliated with the company four years ago and now runs a workshop with them in the spring and autumn. Sir David knew the white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos were guaranteed to be in the Camargue. The challenge was to photograph them in what were, loosely put, set-up shoots. Yes they were all wild, but theyd be rounded up and herded into place by the local mounted herdsmen, or gardians, for our benefit. 'Having said that, the animals can be unpredictable. The horses or bulls might suddenly run off or the flamingos spontaneously take flight. Either way, I had to capture the raw emotion of these fantastic animals. The challenge subsequently was to pick a clutch of favourite shots (see boxes). If, out of the 2,000-plus pictures I took in the Camargue thank you, digital I can select 10 or 12 of those I consider the best, I will have memories of an experience I will never forget, says Sir David. Photography has been a lifelong passion, and in 2019 he published a book called David Suchet: Behind The Lens, a collection of photographs and anecdotes. All his proceeds from the book will go to the Tuberous Sclerosis Association. Sadly, there is a reason for this. Sir Davids grandson his son Roberts first child was born with this rare, complex condition that afflicts only about ten babies a month in the UK. Hes six now and hes doing really well. But he cant speak and hes only just learning to feed himself. The earlier the condition is identified, the worse it is and he was diagnosed at three weeks. Its currently incurable so any money goes into research. 'But my little grandson is so full of love, so giving. Were incredibly lucky to have him. The arbitrariness of what happened must have tested Sir Davids considerable faith. Yes, all suffering in the world tests ones faith all the time. Its not easy and one should never pretend it is. 'Its a challenge to believe that the God of love can also allow such suffering. But it doesnt stop my faith. In a sense, because it tests it, it makes it stronger. Sir David is currently touring his one-man show Poirot And More A Retrospective around UK theatres, but throughout all his many and varied activities it is photography that represents his greatest escape. Thats why hes so happy to be a judge in our competition. I thoroughly approve of an enterprise that takes people away from politics and news at this most difficult of times and encourages them to get out and enjoy nature and wildlife. I applaud it and Im very proud to be a part of it. And take a look at how our last winner got on... Ian Brown, 54, won Weekend's most recent Great British Wildlife Photography Contest. Pictured: Ian took this stunning shot of flamingos Weekend reader Ian Brown not only won the Birds category in our most recent Great British Wildlife Photography Contest with his study of a red kite, he also won the overall prize of a trip to the Camargue with Create Away and Simon Stafford to photograph the animals there. It was one of the most outstanding experiences of my life, Ill never forget it, says Ian, 54. The first day we went to the bird reserve. To see the flamingos in such big numbers was really impressive. The black bulls were more menacing so we stayed on the back of a truck and photographed from there. Pictured: Ian's winning image from our Great British Wildlife Photography Contest We were on the beach the next day and the early evening light was stunning. For me, the wild horses were the peak of the trip. 'I took more than 8,000 shots while I was away but the best were of the horses running towards me through the surf. 'I also picked up useful tips. I use a Sony A9 semi-automatic which pretty much relies on the camera selecting the shutter speed. But Simon suggested I also try a manual setting. That way I was able to dictate the composition of some shots. Its prompted me to try that again. Advertisement For more info, visit create-away.com. For details on how to enter our competition, visit dailymail.co.uk/wildlifecompetition. For tickets to Poirot And More A Retrospective, visit atgtickets.com. Products featured in this Mail Best article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission. Workout brand CRZ Yoga has built up a reputation on Amazon as a budget-friendly alternative to Lululemon. While Lululemon is widely regarded as the creme-de-la-creme of activewear, discerning Amazon shoppers have gone wild for CRZ Yoga, claiming it matches the quality, performance and style, but at a fraction of the price. 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Lightweight but not sheer or thin, with a lovely cosy feeling, the bomber is naturally breathable with a more relaxed fit for easy movement. The reversible design means you can wear it on both sides, depending on your style. On one side you get the classic puffer style jacket with more of a sheen material and on the other is a crepe wrinkled cloth fabric. The jacket has been finished with elastic rib cuffs and hem to offer a stay-put fit, and features two pockets which can neatly hold small items including your phone. The lightweight winter jacket is perfect for layering up on winter walks, or why not wear over your activewear to the gym? One impressed shopper left a glowing review for the CRZ Yoga Winter Coat, writing: 'I love everything CRZ and this bomber is no exception. It's lightly padded and medium weight, so it's great for wearing indoors during colder months, or outdoors in between seasons.' Another agreed, adding: 'Gorgeous jacket, nice replacement for a hoodie. I've been looking for some lightweight jackets, since I wanted something nicer than a hoodie to wear over my casual outfits. This jacket really fits the bill! It's a nice weight for cool mornings and evenings, without being too heavy.' A third penned: 'If you love Lulu's reversible bomber, this jacket is exactly the same! It's a got a much better price tag, but I'm almost certain this is actually a lulu jacket. So beautiful and fits great! The cuffs and collar are soft and stretchy, the body is soft and so warm.' Back when James Corden was just an ordinary kid growing up in Buckinghamshire, he and his two sisters used to play one particular game. Wed do our own chat show when we were in the back of the car, Ruth Corden recalls now. James was the host, and Ange and I would be his guests. I remember one where Ange was the worlds strongest woman she had her own theme tune and everything and I was upset because I was given Mother of the Year, which seemed rubbish in comparison. Fast forward a few decades and James, now 43, has one of the biggest chat show gigs in the world in The Late Late Show, broadcast to many millions in America. Its brought him a multi-million-dollar payday of the kind the Corden siblings could barely have imagined when they were doing their role-play. Ruth and Ange (pictured), who grew up playing in their own chat show with their brother James Corden, are sharing their wit in podcast Finding The Funny That said, neither 45-year-old Andrea (known as Ange) nor younger sister Ruth, 39, are entirely surprised by their brothers astonishing success. Because Im the eldest, I can really remember how James always loved being the centre of attention, says Ange. He did all the school plays, from primary school right through secondary. He just had this sheer determination to make it happen for him. But nor did his sisters entirely miss out on the performance gene. While they have less starry day jobs mother-of-two Ange is an executive PA while Ruth works in social care they have the same quick wit as their famous brother and have recently been channelling it into a well-received podcast. Finding The Funny is a down-to-earth and humorous riff on the frustrations of being a grown-up, and features the occasional celebrity guest: theyve had Emmerdales Lisa Riley, comedian Romesh Ranganathan and DJ-turned-author Fearne Cotton. Subjects theyve covered include the dos and donts of hen dos, terrible dad jokes, stubbed toes and even dishwashers basically anything thats baffling or gets their blood boiling. Fearne talked about a wild weekend of clubbing with Paris Hilton, and Lisa spoke about her time on Strictly Come Dancing. Romesh discussed male grooming, and the rather more serious subject of the racism he faced growing up. We absolutely wouldnt call ourselves comedians, but I think theres something quite joy-giving about the podcast, says Ruth. Its us having conversations that we think happen between people day in and day out. Its These things irritate me or I find this ridiculous. We think theres something for everyone. Ange said she was the peacekeeper in their household, and the siblings have their own WhatsApp group. Pictured: The Cordens together earlier this year Of course, its not easy following in the footsteps of a global star, but it does seem that funny bones run in the Corden family. Dad Malcolm, a musician in a Royal Air Force band, is by all accounts something of a raconteur, while social worker mum Margaret is really funny even if she doesnt always know it. Weve always been very good at being able to laugh at ourselves; thats been a huge part of our upbringing, says Ange. Its a theme that continues to this day. James, Ange and I have got a WhatsApp group and we have a lot of fun on that, says Ruth. Its that sibling thing: we can all look at each other in a situation and fall about laughing. Laughing at ourselves was a huge part of our upbringing Theirs certainly seems to have been a happy household, although it wasnt always a bed of roses. James, a wind-up merchant, and Ruth in particular had no end of the kind of ding-dongs recognisable to older brother and younger sister duos the world over. Basically, I was the peacekeeper, says Ange. I probably still am a lot of the time. It was Gavin & Stacey, the much-loved BBC sitcom co-written by James, that would propel him to superstardom. And it was the relationship between James and Ruth that provided the inspiration for the one between Jamess character Smithy and his sister Rudi (played by Sheridan Smith). Rudi was my nickname growing up, and while Im nothing like the character I think Ange would recognise that relationship, says Ruth with a smile. Especially the immature name-calling. Ruth and Ange insist their family dynamic hasn't changed, although their brother James now lives in a Los Angeles mansion with his wife and their children. Pictured: Ruth and Ange in a photo collage with brother James In a neat twist, Rudi is introduced on screen by Ruth, who appeared in an early episode as a fast-food drive-through worker. Gavin drives up and says Is Smithy there? because Rudi calls herself Smithy too. And I get her. You find out later that her nicknames Rudi and her real name is Ruth. So Jamess real-life sister actually introduced his on-screen sister. Today James lives in a Los Angeles mansion with his wife Julia and their three young children. But Ruth and Ange insist that while their brothers backdrop may have changed, the family dynamic hasnt. Weve continued to be the same family, whether hes hosting The Late Late Show or when he was working in the local supermarket, says Ange. And I think thats really important to him too, to know that we will always be those people in his life and that nothing will ever change regardless of what hes doing. That doesnt mean there havent been all manner of what Ruth calls pinch me moments. Ange and I got to fly with James on a private jet to LA, she says. Ange said it was difficult not seeing James when the pandemic struck, as they were used to him coming home twice a year. Pictured: James with guests on The Late Late Show Experiences like that make me think, God, youd never have experienced this without Jamess lifestyle. The sisters also recall attending the Brit Awards, which James has hosted five times. That was iconic, says Ruth. The three of us would watch the Brits as teenagers and try to guess who was going to win. So to be there watching James at the podium was surreal. Even global celebrity is no panacea for a pandemic though and, like every family, the Corden clan has struggled to see each other in the flesh. Before Covid we were very used to James coming home twice a year, then suddenly that couldnt happen which was difficult, says Ange. At least their lockdown was productive, as their podcast sprang out of their sisterly Zoom and FaceTime chats. The first episode had 35 downloads, which felt like a lot, says Ange. A year on and theyve had over a quarter of a million. What a turn-up it would be if they became A-listers too: people would be asking their parents for the formula. People say to them all the time that they must be so proud of James, says Ange, and they say, Were proud of all of our children. Finding The Funny With Ruth & Ange is on all major podcast platforms. A man who managed to break free from his former church, which he claims was a 'hipster Christian cult' has used his experience to help other families of victims and fellow survivors as one of the UK's only 'exit counsellors'. Richard Turner, 38, from York, who is autistic, which can make it difficult to interact with people, claims that he was 'love-bombed' by the controlling leaders of CP3 Pentecostal, which he joined in 2013. He claims the group took advantage of his low self-esteem by 'buttering him up' and showering him with praise. Ironically, his rigid sense of justice, which he also attributes to his autism, then helped him to escape their clutches and reclaim his life. Richard Turner, 38, (pictured) from York, who was lured into a 'hipster Christian cult' in 2013, has revealed how he was able to leave the sect 'Like a lot of autistic people, I had been on the receiving end of bullying in high school and my self-esteem was quite low, so I responded very well to the love bombing,' Richard said. 'But a lot of autistic people also have a strong sense of justice, of right and wrong, and in the end that overrode the cult rules.' Despite still dealing with the mental fall out of his ordeal, he has now completed a Masters degree in the psychology of coercive control at the University of Salford in Greater Manchester - the only such course in the country. And he has made it his mission to help others whose lives have been decimated by cults. He said: 'I didn't want anyone to go through what I did. I didn't want anyone to feel so isolated. I wanted to become a person they could talk to - which was someone I didn't have.' Richard first came across the cult in 2013 when he was looking for a job working with the victims of human trafficking and what he thought was a 'hipster church' working in this field turned out to be a sect. Richard's eight ways to spot that a group may be a harmful cult: 1. They seem to want to be friends with you immediately. 2. They offer a definitive answer to all life's problems. 3. They ask for money or for you to enroll on expensive courses. 4. Members you speak to struggle to spot weaknesses in the group. 5. They are often preoccupied with bringing in new members. 6. They may talk about the leader as if they are a prophet or a divine figure. 7. They discuss those who have left the group in negative terms. 8. Everything seems 'too good to be true'. Advertisement 'Part of the reason I got sucked in so quickly was because they were doing a thing called 'love bombing' that's common in cults,' he said. 'The leaders kept saying, 'Oh Richard you're amazing, you're great'. 'When you struggle to fit in with people, as I do, because autism means you see the world differently and your self-esteem can be quite low, this is very effective, and it really sucked me in. 'People would say, 'You're great. I can see great things for you.' 'I would be on the verge of crying. No-one had ever spoken about me like this before. It was really powerful.' Despite having a gut feeling that all was not well at his first church event, Richard was sucked in by the lights, music and the rock star-style charisma of the speakers. Richard said: 'You go in and it's dead loud, you can feel the music vibrate, they're trying to make you feel good - to get you to have a good time. 'You come away from the services and you're sky high, because you've been singing for an hour. You think, 'Because I feel so good, it must be God. God must be here, so it must be OK and it must be safe.' 'Looking back, it was almost like being hypnotised. 'And while you're feeling like that, they're asking you for money. So, you're not even on your guard.' Richard (pictured), who is autistic, said he had low self-esteem from struggling to fit in with people, however the group would praise him What is C3 Pentecostal church? In a YouTube interview, Richard revealed that the church he was lured into joining was C3 Pentecostal. C3 has previously been accused of 'selling miracles for money', advising sick members not take their medication and encouraging people to 'pray the gay away'. The evangelical church founded in Sydney in 1980, boasts over 500 churches around the world with locations including Sweden, Brazil and England. The organisation claims its 'mission is to help people find Jesus', while describing their future as 'more vibrant, diverse and energetic than it is now'. C3 members believe the Bible is their guide to life. Values include: There is one God: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit In the person and work of the Holy Spirit with His fruits and gifts available in the Church. The Bible is the living word of God In the existence of an evil spiritual being known as the devil. In the spiritually lost condition of all people and the essential need for the new birth by faith in Jesus Christ. In the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a gift available to believers subsequent to the new birth, with normal evidence of speaking in other tongues In the sacraments of the Lords Supper and baptism by full immersion in water for all believers. In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting separation from God. In the church being the body of Christ, and each member being an active part of a local church, fulfilling the Great Commission. Marriage was instituted by God, ratified by Jesus, and is exclusively between a man and a woman. It is a picture of Christ and his church. Sex is a gift from God for procreation and unity, and it is only appropriate within and designed for marriage. Sources: C3, A Current Affair Advertisement Richard, who was earning just 13,000 a year at this point managing a hostel for the victims of people trafficking, was persuaded to give more than he was able to. He would sometimes give up to 35 per cent of his salary to the cult, which he says was controlling every aspect of his life. Alarm bells finally rang when cult leaders started interfering in his relationship with a fellow member, as he stopped being brainwashed and started questioning the way things were run. Richard invited the woman for coffee after meeting her at an event in a different town - and their 'courtship' became heavily policed by cult leaders. Without his knowledge, they had assigned him an 'accountability partner' - who checked that the couple were not breaking the strict 'no sex or kissing before marriage' rules. Despite earning only 13,000 a year from his job managing a hostel, Richard (pictured) would give large sums to the cult Richard said: 'This man started laying down the law for the relationship. 'I was 32 and she was 29, but we were not allowed to stay in the same building, yet alone the same room. Richard's five signs to look for if you fear a friend or family member is part of a harmful cult: 1. Personality change - They may begin to behave differently and lose their 'spark'. 2. Devoting time - They give excessive time to the group at the expense of old friendships. 3. Losing interest - Hobbies and activities they used to love no longer interest them. 4. One size fits all - They see the group/leadership/ideology as the only answer to life's problems. 5. Financial commitment - They have given away large sums of money to the group, or bought expensive courses or resources offered by the group. Advertisement 'He said, 'You need to learn to submit to the leadership of the church,' and also started explaining how women need to submit to men.' Not only did Richard disagree with this level of control, but he felt his partner was being manipulated by her superiors. When he visited her and stayed in her house, while she stayed with friends, so that they followed the rules, word of his visit got out and his accountability partner started looking into where he had overnighted. And when Richard argued with his girlfriend at a Christmas party over the fact that every aspect of their private lives was being reported to the cult leaders, he was ordered never to see her again. Richard recalled his subsequent meeting with his accountability manager, saying: 'He told me, 'You're never allowed to talk to her again. Don't contact her. Don't talk about her. Don't pray for her. That's it. It's done', and this was an order.' By 2016 Richard's mental health had begun to spiral downwards, as other members of the cult turned against him. He claims they would treat him as if he was 'mad' for questioning the leadership. 'At this point, my mind was getting really scrambled, because I was being treated as if I'd gone mad but it was them that were causing the situation,' he said. Rather than quitting, desperate to claw back the love and respect he had felt when he first joined, Richard started devoting himself even more to the cult - donating more money and moving into shared accommodation with other members to demonstrate his commitment. He said: 'Despite all this, I was being isolated. 'You can imagine my state of mind at this point. Earlier on I'd thought these leaders were prophets, that they heard from God, so when they started turning on me, I thought there was something wrong with me that everyone else could see and I couldn't. 'They really drove me to the edge.' Richard (pictured) was ordered to stop talking to a woman he was courting, after complaining about every aspect of their private lives being reported to the cult leaders Eventually, later that year Richard had an emotional breakdown, left his job on sick leave and moved back in with his parents Phil, 67, a hospital chaplain and Ruth 65, in Widnes, Cheshire - the town where he was brought up. 'I was completely humiliated,' he said. 'I reached a place where I thought everything the leaders had said was true. I couldn't think critically anymore. 'I even spoke to someone who performed exorcisms, believing I'd brought all this suffering into my life because I had supernatural books and Harry Potter DVDs in my bedroom.'' Thankfully, with support from his family, Richard approached his old counselling teacher for help. And, as he began to heal, he also realised he had been the victim of a controlling cult. A report on TV into the the coercive methods of the group he had been involved with led Richard to break down in tears as he finally saw that he was not alone. Richard (pictured) moved into shared accommodation with other members of the cult to show his commitment to the group Richard (pictured) moved back in with his parents and left his job on sick leave after suffering an emotional breakdown 'All of a sudden there was national recognition for my trauma. The power of that was unreal,' he said. In 2018, Richard enrolled for his Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control, so he could start using his experience for the greater good. He said: 'I still have moments - and especially felt this in lockdown when I'd been on my own a lot - when I doubt the whole thing and think it was me.' Richard now counsels individuals who have managed to leave cults and has started to field requests from families of people who are still involved with sects, wanting advice on how to get through to them. Richard researches the group they are anxious about and advises the family on how they should approach the issue. 'The worst thing you can do is say, 'You're in a cult get out',' he claims. Richard explained that this approach could push the victim further into the clutches of the group. The best way is to offer unconditional love and support and turn a blind eye to their behavioural changes, as eventually they may realise that unconditional love is stronger than the controlling 'conditional' love of the group. Richard (pictured), who has completed a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control, now uses his experience to counsel other former members of cults But the majority of his clients are people like himself, who have experienced cults first-hand - anything from an unfortunate brief encounter to growing up in a cult that warps every aspect of reality. He said: 'Cults work by controlling and isolating you. To recover, you need to find people who get it. 'I'm so inspired by the people I work with's grit and determination and by seeing them start their whole life anew.' Despite his bravery in facing his fears and trying to help other victims, Richard fears his own mental trauma as a result of his ordeal may haunt him until his dying day. He said: 'I'm not 100 per cent sure if I'll ever fully recover, but it's such a lonely, isolated experience, I am determined to help others, as I don't want anyone to feel like I did.' And Richard isn't alone, with several others also revealing their alleged experiences with C3 - with one woman claiming she was asked to step down from her leadership role because of her sexuality. 'At the beginning of June they were in he middle of their relationship series when hey were highlighting different couples in the church and on their social media they would highlight couples on there too,' she said, speaking on YouTube. 'Under one of the photos, they asked when they would showcase a queer couple...I was interested because in my mind C3 was an open-minded, accepting church. '...And then I saw someone said one of her friends had been asked to step down from a leadership role when he came out and I was shocked. I had heard stories about this but I don't like to go off hearsay... 'I DM'd this person and she said, "yes my friend was a dinner party leader and he was asked to step down when he came out. I just think that's really low and problematic because I don't really know how things are going but no one is aware of what C3 stance is. People are putting themselves in positions where they can be asked to step down without knowing they're putting themselves in these positions.' She went on to explain how she then went on leadership and told them she wasn't straight, before asking what it meant for her. 'It was a really emotional conversation and I cried but yeah I was essentially told I need to step down from my leadership role because I'm not straight.' Elsewhere, another anonymous source took to Instagram and penned: 'It is my opinion this church practices mind control in order to manipulate people to give far too much money whilst all the time the leaders are lining their pockets. 'The senior pastor is on 100,000 a year and also charges his own church for service provided by his own business and also gets money from "love offerings," speaking at other churches. 'While I was there I lived on hardly any money and could barely afford food and the pastor was driving around in a BMW with personalised registration plates. People were getting given jobs without interview in their charity and were not properly qualified for them.' Richard (pictured) said he is inspired by the people he works with and it is necessary to find people who understand the experience in order to recover The person went on to claim they'd heard reports of 'people being physically threatened to keep their mouth shut about their money is being sent,' 'staff members stealing money from the charity that should be used for trafficking victims' and 'people being told that women must submit to men.' Another woman spoke of her regret at endorsing C3 after she claimed she discovered its anti-gay values. Speaking to Fashion Magazine, she recalled: 'Near the end of the speech, he read passage 1 Corinthians 6:911....'Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.' She went on to say how it was finally 'proof' of rumours she'd heard about C3's views and recalled leaving the auditorium 'shaking.' 'As soon I got out of the front doors, the tears started to fall,' she claimed. 'The words echoed in my head and the panic started to rise. I had stood behind this church and told my community it was a safe and welcoming place for all, and I was wrong.' The anonymous woman went on to say how she then gave in her resignation, explaining how she could 'not in good conscience give my time and energy to a church whose leadership opposes gay marriage and sexual relations.' If you think you someone you know has been affected by a cult, visit The International Cultic Studies Association's website for resources and guidance at www.icsahome.com Lorraine Kelly has revealed how she believes she was suffering with menopausal symptoms for nearly a decade without treatment after blaming fatigue on her early morning job. The Scottish television presenter, 61, who hosts her eponymous show on ITV at 9am, has partnered up with Always Discreet for World Menopause Day on October 18 to help redefine menopause and empower women during this time of their life. She told FEMAIL of her relief after ITV's Dr Hilary Jones revealed her 'joylessness', anxiety and tiredness were down to the menopause - with the broadcaster then taking 'life changing' hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Lorraine, who admitted she was annoyed she 'had taken so long to get help', said the controversial HRT 'kicked in really quickly', with her husband of 29 years Steve Smith declaring: 'I've finally got you back'. Lorraine Kelly (pictured this week) has revealed how she believes she was suffering with menopausal symptoms for nearly a decade without treatment Pointing out a statistic from a menopause survey done by Always Discreet, Lorraine noted that two thirds of women feel the process takes them by 'surprise, they kind of weren't prepared, and it creeps up on them.' 'That certainly was the case for me,' admitted the presenter. 'I'm sure that I was having symptoms years before I realised. 'In fact, to be honest, I didn't even really realise, it was my husband that said to me, "you have to go and get some help", because I was extremely tired, this is probably about nine years ago, I was sort of late 40s, early 50s I think, and I was just ever so tired, didn't have any energy. 'Flat, I think the best way to describe it. Joyless, joyless is another good way to describe it. And I didn't really understand it, it just kind of crept up on me, and I didn't know what it was.' One vivid memory from that period of her life for Lorraine is a trip to Spain, where she should've been 'having the time of her life'. 'The weather was great, were in south Spain, with just my husband, it was all lovely, and I just couldnt get any enthusiasm or joy or anything,' recalled the TV host. The Scottish television presenter (pictured in 2014 with her husband Steve Smith), 61, who hosts her eponymous show on ITV at 9am, has partnered up with Always Discreet for World Menopause Day on October 18 to help redefine menopause and empower women during this time of their life Upon her return home, Lorraine - who had originally put her fatigue down to the busy and early morning schedule she keeps - chatted with Dr Hilary, who revealed that she was likely suffering from the menopause. 'He said: Its the menopause, of course it is, its the menopause, thats exactly what it is,' recalled Lorraine. 'And then he talked me through the different things that you can do, and for me, HRT was a life saver. A little patch on my bum twice a week, happy days and it kicked in really quickly.' Because of the speed and ease with which her anxiety and tiredness were dealt with after discovering the problem, Lorraine admitted she was annoyed she hadn't asked for help years before. She confessed that she never had a conversation about menopause with her mother (until joining this campaign), due to it being 'shameful and something nobody talked about in the 60s' - but that she's certainly chatted with her daughter Rosie, 27, to better prepare her. Lorraine said: 'Even five, six years ago, it wasnt something that was out there. [People] would just not ever talk about it, because it was like you get the menopause oh thats you then, youre over the hill. Lorraine (pictured) told FEMAIL of her relief after ITV's Dr Hilary Jones revealed her 'joylessness', anxiety and tiredness were down to the menopause - with the broadcaster then taking 'life changing' hormone replacement therapy (HRT) '"That's it, you know, you might as well just give up, you're going to be invisible" and how ridiculous is that when women in their 40s 50s and 60s and 70s and beyond are in their prime. 'I certainly feel like that, Ill be 62 soon... but I feel now that Ive got more energy, Ive got more time for me, there's lots of things that I can do. 'And if you look upon it as almost a sense of freedom because you don't have periods anymore to deal with,' added Lorraine, who said she never became upset about her loss of fertility. IS THERE ANY RISK USING HRT FOR WOMEN GOING THROUGH MENOPAUSE? Menopause, which commonly strikes women in their late 40s and early 50s, can cause depression, hot flushes, headaches and night sweats. Long term, it can also cause bone disease and memory loss. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tackles these symptoms by replacing the female sex hormones - oestrogen and progestogen - as the body stops producing them. But while it can transform the lives of many women, studies have shown that there may be an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease from HRT. As a result, many women no longer accept HRT treatment and some doctors will not prescribe it. It was however noted by the Woman's Health Concern (WHC) that one of the American studies used women in their mid-sixties who were often overweight as subjects, and these are unrepresentative of women in the UK. Furthermore, a controlled trial from Denmark reported in 2012 has demonstrated that healthy women taking combined HRT for 10 years immediately after the menopause had a reduced risk of heart disease and of dying from heart disease, contradicting the reports of the earlier studies. The WHC says HRT is safe provided it is taken for the correct reasons, i.e. to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause, and at the minimum effective dose. Source: WHC Advertisement She explained: 'I didnt see it like that. I chose to see it as being a thing that's quite freeing. To be honest, I was relieved. I was relieved that that's what it was, because honestly I didn't really know. 'I was just getting a little bit worried and I was just relieved that, that was the diagnosis. As soon as Doctor Hilary said its the menopause, I went oh, thank the lord, of course it is. 'And you look back at all these different symptoms and think why did I not think that, and I was cross with myself for not getting help earlier. I shouldve. But luckily I did, thanks to my husband.' Lorraine's husband Steve, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight despite his famous wife, told her: 'I've got you back,' following her use of HRT. 'Its true, I turned into this flat sort of defeated person which is just not me and actually you know it's quite frightening to change like that,' said Lorraine, as she explained her symptoms. However, she soon felt more confident after getting her diagnosis and treatment, saying: 'I got my zing back. Just to get yourself back definitely gives you more confidence. 'Because it's quite scary when you feel like, "hang on a minute, why am I like this? Why am I feeling like this? Why is this happening to me? This is really strange." 'And it's totally natural to feel like that, but then as soon as you're told what it is and that there's lots of help, then hoorah!' Commenting on the controversial HRT, Lorraine said: 'They're tiny risks, but I totally understand some women being concerned. For me, the risks are tiny and the benefits are so much more. 'For me, I just thought, thank God, there's something that is so incredibly effective. I thought, "this is so easy".' While it can transform the lives of many women, studies have shown that there may be an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease from HRT. As a result, many women no longer accept HRT treatment and some doctors will not prescribe it. It was however noted by the Woman's Health Concern (WHC) that one of the American studies used women in their mid-sixties who were often overweight as subjects, and these are unrepresentative of women in the UK. Furthermore, a controlled trial from Denmark reported in 2012 has demonstrated that healthy women taking combined HRT for 10 years immediately after the menopause had a reduced risk of heart disease and of dying from heart disease, contradicting the reports of the earlier studies. Lorraine also spoke about why menopause is still taboo, with the Always Discreet survey showing over one third of women agree that the process isnt talked about openly enough between the generations. 'I think there's that misconception that somehow it's the end of you as a desirable, vibrant, sexy women, which of course that's not true at all,' said the presenter. 'It's the next stage of your life, its so natural. This is why I get really baffled by this sense of shame. 'Its really, perfectly natural, and with women living longer, and theyre healthier and taking more care of themselves, you know, once youve gone through the menopause, youve almost got that amount of time again. Depending on when it happens to you.' Travellers are venturing to a national park in Queensland to dive into little-known sparkling rock pools surrounding by stunning greenery. Hidden away in the Byfield National Park awaits the glistening natural pools of Upper Stoney Creek, a 'pristine' swimming location with a fantastic camping ground nearby. Set amongst the eucalyptus and pine forest, Stony Creek is accessible by a short 1km walk that's fairly easy grade and suitable for kids. The unbelievable watering hole is said to one of the most 'underrated' locations in the country. Hidden away in the Byfield National Park awaits the glistening natural pools of Upper Stoney Creek, which is said to be a 'pristine' swimming location with a fantastic camping ground nearby On Instagram travel blogger Hayley Andersen shared a sequence of incredible photographs of herself and her partner Kyle Hunter visiting to the lesser-known location (pictured) On Instagram travel blogger Hayley Andersen shared a sequence of incredible photographs of herself and her partner Kyle Hunter visiting to the lesser-known location. 'It was cold but it was amaaazing! This swimming hole was nestled in the greenest National Park, Byfield National Park - a place a seriously underestimated!' she captioned the social media post. In one photo, Hayley, who goes by the name 'Haylsa' online, can be seen perched on a rock with the stunning clear blue water and trees in the background. Followers were quick to rave about the scene, with many describing the natural swimming pools as 'so beautiful'. 'Such clear water!!' one wrote, while others tagged friends and family members in the comments. The unbelievable watering hole is said to one of the most 'underrated' locations in the country Set amongst the eucalyptus and pine forest, Stony Creek is accessible by a short 1km walk that's fairly easy grade and suitable for kids Where to find the swimming pools of Upper Stony Byfield Creeks: From Yeppoon take Yeppoon-Byfield Rd, at about 10km this becomes Farnborough Rd at the roundabout at Farnborough Continue straight about another 10km until you reach the t intersection take the right into Byfield Rd and follow about 12km till you see Stoney Creek turnoff on the left The turnoff is 5 mins past Mary Vale Flats, where you drive over 20 meters of cement floodway When you turn in, follow the dirt road for 10 mins out to the campsite and day area Source: yeppooncapricorncoast.com.au Advertisement It's no wonder few know about the stunning swimming hole, because getting to the location may prove to be challenging for some. Byfield Creeks can be accessed from Yeppoon via Yeppoon-Byfield Road, which later becomes Farnborough Road, according to tourist websites about the area. Other neighbouring watering holes in the area include Waterpark and Hedlow Creek. It's no wonder few know about the stunning swimming hole, because getting to the location may prove to be challenging for some Those who are keen hikers are in luck as the creeks are surrounded by countless walking tails. Alternatively those wanting to stay longer can make use of the campsite and day areas. The only area that is not recommended for swimming is Kelly's landing, Farnborough and Corbett's Landing, Byfield because the area inhabits estuarine crocodiles. Become one of three historical hotels forced to close due to the pandemic The Kenyan safari lodge where Princess Elizabeth became Queen has been forced to close after nearly 90 years of welcoming royalty. Kenya's oldest safari lodge, Treetops - an elaborate treehouse on the edge of a watering hole in Aberdare National Park - was where the monarch famously 'went up the tree a Princess and came down a Queen.' The property was rebuilt after being burned down by guerillas a few years later, but when the Queen and Prince Philip stayed, their accommodation was a comfortable three-bedroom shack, with a small servants quarter, built in the upper branches of a giant fig tree. Recreated at a game reserve in Cape Town, South Africa for series one of Netflix's The Crown, a nail-biting scene in episode two, sees Claire Foy, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth, almost killed by charging elephants, but a brave Prince Philip distracts one before chasing the enraged animal off. The lodge is one of several casualties of the pandemic in Kenya where tourist revenue has fallen by 90 per cent due to travel restrictions, according to The Kenya Wildlife Service. The Kenyan safari lodge where Princess Elizabeth became Queen has been forced to close after nearly 90 years of welcoming royalty. Pictured, with Prince Philip in February 1952 Claire Foy (pictured) portraying Princess Elizabeth at Treetops in Kenya in series 1 of The Crown Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visit the Treetops Hotel on November 13, 1983 in Nairobi, Kenya Elizabeth was not originally destined to become Queen. However, she became heir presumptive after her father, King George VI, ascended to the throne following the abdication of his older brother, King Edward VIII. Edward had given up the throne to wed American divorcee Wallis Simpson, as marrying a woman who had separated from her husband was deemed incompatible with his role as head of the Church of England. During the afternoon before hearing the news of King George VI's death, Princess Elizabeth spent the day with her camera snapping charging rhinos and a waterbuck goring a rival to death from her elevated vantage point. Jim Corbett - her armed escort and after whom the Corbett National Park in India is named - later told that when she was invited to come for tea, the princess requested taking it on the balcony, saying: 'I don't want to miss one moment of this.' In the Treetops logbook, Corbett penned: 'For the first time in the history of the world, a young girl climbed into the tree as a princess and climbed down as a queen.' Eric Walker, who is owner of the sister Outspan hotel in Nyeri and is the brains behind Treetops, and his wife, Lady Bettie, daughter of the Earl of Denbigh, also hosted the royal couple on their visit. When the Queen and Prince Philip stayed, their accommodation was a comfortable three-bedroom shack, with a small servants quarter, built in the upper branches of a giant fig tree Wooden debris show remainings of the original location of the former tree house where Britain's Queen Elizabeth II of England stayed the night her father, the King, died and became Queen in 1952 at Treetops Lodge in Aberdare Narional Park in Nyeri, Kenya, on April 10 Walker, who was private secretary to Baden-Powell before the Great War, was shot during his duration in the Royal Flying Corps, but managed to escape from prison camp thanks to a pair of wirecutters that Baden-Powell had hidden inside a gift of ham. Eager to acquire the money to tie the knot with Lady Bettie, he then walked across Germany to the Dutch border, transported four loads of liquor to America during Prohibition via boat, before selling his cargo over the side. However, a warrant was issued for his arrest when a corrupt state trooper found himself injured, leading Walker to flee to Canada. There, he wed Lady Bettie and then emigrated to Kenya, which is Treetop's sister hotel the Outspan hotel was built. The Outspan played its own part in that famous saga in 1952. Princess Anne, guarded by senior hunter Colonel Eric Hayes-Newington, walking through the bush to Kenya's Treetops Hotel. It was a sentimental journey for the Princess in February 1952 It was where the Queen's officials were staying and where the news came through that King George VI had died. Following the royal visit to Treetops, the lodge quickly became the world's most famous treehouse - and it wasn't long before the couple returned in 1959 and 1983. It was made further appealing to royalty - including Princess Anne - thanks to the strict rules Walker had laid down, such as no journalists because too many guests would scare the wildlife, or cameras to ensure the princess was given privacy. Treetops, which has not had a visitor in a year, was also used by British colonial soldiers as the base for their snipers, but it was burnt down by Mau Mau guerrillas in 1954. A new Treetops then took shape on the other side of the watering hole where it has remained, with guests even able to retrace (as long as they have an armed guide) the jungle walk which Princess Elizabeth made in 1952. However, it has since become one of three historical hotels in Kenya's Nyeri county being forced to close due to the pandemic. The sister hotel Outspan has also closed and is reportedly up for sale for 3.6 million. Princess Charlene of Monaco has said she 'can't wait to get home to her children' but made no reference to her husband Prince Albert in a new interview given in South Africa. Zimbabwean-born Charlene, 43, who wed Prince Albert II in 2011, has been living in her home country of South Africa for much of this year, and the extended stay has stoked speculation that the royal couple may be headed for divorce. However they have denied rumours of a rift and said Charlene's absence from the principality is due to her contracting the 'serious sinus infection' making her unable to travel and forcing her to miss key events, including her 10-year wedding anniversary and her children's first day of school. In a new interview which took place earlier this month and was shared on Charlene's Instagram page earlier today, the royal said she 'misses her children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, terribly', adding: 'If there is any mother out there who has been separated from her children for months would feel the same way I feel.' Princess Charlene of Monaco has said she 'can't wait to get home to her children' but made no reference to her husband Prince Albert in a new interview given in South Africa In the clip, she said: 'I came to South Africa to oversee some foundation projects. I was unwell at the time, unknowingly, with an infection. It was addressed immediately. Unfortunately, it grounded me for some months in South Africa. 'I had my one procedure- it was very successful. I'm well, I'm feeling much stronger. I have one more procedure. Then I cannot wait to get home to my children, who I miss terribly. Elsewhere in the interview she touched on community in South Africa, saying she would like to impart 'unity and strength.' She said: 'Obviously I would never like to touch on anything politically. But what can be done, is people need to set their differences aside and think of the generations to come and less of themselves. In a new interview which took place earlier this month and was shared on Charlene's Instagram page earlier today, the royal said she 'misses her children terribly' 'Too much emphasis is put on ourselves and less on the future generations to come. What do they have to look back on? Who is their guide? That needs to be installed.' Speaking about the anti-poaching work she has been undertaking while in South Africa this year, she said: 'I am determined to come back and continue the work I set out to do as I have done in many countries over Africa and in South Africa. 'Conservation, preservation, restoration and education. That is what my foundation stands for. We save lives.' The release of the interview comes days after a palace source said her final operation to deal with an ear, nose and throat infection she contracted in May 'went very well'. It comes amid reports that Prince Albert (pictured) 'applied for sovereign immunity' in his court battle to fight claims he fathered a third love child before marrying Charlene The operation in South Africa on Friday was performed under general anaesthetic, and 'is the last she had to undergo following her ENT infection. She will be under observation for 48 hours,' the source told French news agency AFP. Earlier this month Albert insisted that his wife is likely to return to Monaco by the end of the month, telling RMC Radio: 'She will be back very soon, we have to talk to the doctors in a few days.' It comes amid reports that Albert 'applied for sovereign immunity' in his court battle to fight claims he fathered a third love child before marrying Charlene. The 63-year-old prince, who already supports two illegitimate children, is alleged to have had a relationship with a Brazilian woman which resulted in a daughter in 2005. The claim, which his lawyers dismissed as a 'hoax', is particularly painful as he was dating Charlene at the time, having met the former Olympic swimmer in 2000. Zimbabwean-born Charlene, 43, who wed Prince Albert II in 2011, has been living in her home country of South Africa for much of this year, and the extended stay has stoked speculation that the royal couple (pictured) may be headed for divorce It was reported last year that the case would go to court in Milan in February, however according to Town&Country, the prince's lawyers pleaded sovereign immunity and the case has been delayed. Lawyer Erich Grimaldi, who is acting on behalf of the woman, said he hopes the judge will reject Albert's plea and he is waiting for the case to come back to court, which he believes will happen 'imminently'. The 34-year-old claimant who cannot be named for legal reasons says she had a passionate affair with Albert, leading to the birth of their daughter whose name is also classified on July 4, 2005. How Charlene and Albert made solo outings in South Africa and Monaco during nine months apart January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. March 18 - Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa April 2 - Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter. It is unknown where the image was taken. May 8 - Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend a Grand Prix event in Monaco without Charlene May 10 - Albert attends Monaco Gala Awards in Monaco without Charlene May 18 - Charlene shares her first picture from her conservation trip in South Africa June 1 - Prince Albert II, Jacques and Gabriella attend event at Oceanic Museum in Monaco June 3 - New photos emerge of Charlene on her conservation trip June 5- Charlene puts on a united front as she shares a photo with her family to mark her niece's fifth birthday with her brother's family and Albert and the twins in South Africa June 7 - Albert and the twins attend the World Rugby Sevens without Charlene June 17 - Prince Albert attends Red Cross Summer concert in Monte Carlo with his sister Princess Caroline of Hanover June 18 - Prince Albert appears alone Monte Carlo TV Festival June 24 - Charlene's foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection July 2 - Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately. 'This year will be the first time that I'm not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me,' Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene said in a statement. July 3 - Albert appears with glamorous niece Charlotte Casiraghi at the 15th international Monte-Carlo Jumping event, which is part of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco, July 27 - Prince Albert attends Olympics alone in Tokyo August 13 - Charlene undergoes a four-hour operation. The reason is not announced August 25 - Charlene shares photos of Prince Albert, Gabriella and Jacques visiting her in South Africa August 31 - Speculation mounts in the media about couple's relationship September 1 - Charlene is admitted under an alias to the Netcare Alberlito Hospital after suddenly 'collapsing' September 2 - She is discharged, with a statement from the Palais Princier reading: 'Her Highness is closely monitored by Her medical team who said that Her condition was not worrying' September 23 - Prince Albert attends the 2021 Monte Carlo Gala for Planetary Health September 29 - Prince Albert is joined on the red carpet by actress Sharon Stone for a first look at the eagerly anticipated James Bond release September 30 - Charlene releases a stylish video promoting her anti-poaching campaign from her South African bolthole October 3 - Princess Charlene shares a photograph of herself smiling in front of a bible in her first snap since being discharged from hospital following her health scare October 5 - Prince Albert attends Sportel Awards Ceremony in Monte Carlo with nephew Louis Ducruet October 6 - Albert tells RMC radio Charlene is 'ready to come home' October 8 - Princess undergoes surgery in South Africa. The reason is not announced. Advertisement Albert received a handwritten letter from the child, who is now 16, in September last year reading: 'I don't understand why I grew up without a father, and now that I have found you, you don't want to see me.' Last December, legal papers were also filed, as lawyers for the claimant called on Albert to undergo a DNA test just as he did before finally being identified as the father of two illegitimate children born in the 1990s and early 2000s. 'This was before Charlene and Albert were an item, but the latest case covers a time when she was already in love with him,' a source who works closely with the Monaco Royal household revealed at the time. 'Charlene has had a terrible year, with one family crisis after another including Albert going down with coronavirus, and now she's gearing herself up for this hell.' The princess, whose maiden name was Charlene Wittstock, was an Olympic swimmer for South Africa when she first met Albert at a Monaco aquatic competition in 2000. They began dating soon afterwards, before Charlene married into the House of Grimaldi at a star-studded wedding in July 2011. Their twins daughter Gabriella and son Jacques were born three years later and are seen as the family's official heirs. By this time, Charlene had come to terms with Albert's hard fought legal battles with women who eventually won financial settlements over children they had with Albert even though he originally denied their claims. In May 2005, just before he was enthroned as Prince of Monaco, Albert confirmed he was the biological father of Alexandre, whose mother was Nicole Coste, a former Air France flight attendant from Togo. A DNA test in May 2006 also confirmed Albert was the father of Jazmine Grace, the result of an affair with Tamara Rotolo, an American estate agent he met while she was on holiday in the South of France. Jazmine was born in the 1990s and Alexandre in 2003. The Brazilian woman says she travelled around the world with the Prince in the 2000s. Lawyer Grimaldi said he had filed papers with specific details of his client's love affair with Albert, including trips to Brazil, the USA, France and Russia. While in Moscow, the lovers are even said to have had a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, who gave the Brazilian 'a warm hug', according to court papers. Albert's lawyer, Thierry Lacoste, has described the allegations as a 'a hoax', saying: 'There are no intimate photos, no tangible facts surrounding a possible relationship.' Neither Albert's daughter Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, now 28, nor his son, Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, 17, can claim the throne of Monaco, according to negotiated financial agreements. The line of succession instead favours Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, six, and who frequently appear in their parents' social media posts. The latest revelations come days after it emerged Princess Charlene's return to Monaco had been further delayed due to further surgery in South Africa. The royal, who is originally from Cape Town, has been in her native South Africa for at least six months since contracting a 'serious sinus infection' making her unable to travel and forcing her to miss key events, including her 10-year wedding anniversary and her children's first day of school. A statement from her foundation published on Friday read: 'Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco will be placed under general anaesthetics for her final procedure taking place today. The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation wishes her the best with this final operation and her recovery process.' The exact nature of the procedure was not revealed, and it remains unclear how long Charlene will remain in hospital. The former Olympian underwent a 'four-hour operation under general anaesthesia' in August - although it was not made clear whether this was linked to the sinus infection. Charlene and Albert reunited shortly after for the first time in months after the monarch and their children - six year old twins Jacques and Gabriella - flew to South Africa, but photographs of the pair embracing were branded 'awkward' by a body language expert. In the last few weeks, Prince Albert has hit back at rumours of marital woes insisting Charlene 'didn't leave in a huff' and remains in South Africa only because of 'medical complications' following a 'severe ear, nose and throat infection'. The royal told People that the speculation over the state of his relationship with the Olympic swimmer has 'affected' them both, but that he didn't address it early because he 'was concentrating on taking care of the kids'. In recent weeks, lifestyle magazines across Europe have speculated feverishly that the royal couple could be headed for divorce. French magazine Madame Figaro stated the images 'failed to convince the Monegasques' amid reports Charlene is looking for a house in Johannesburg. The magazine asked: 'How long can she remain away from her children, her duties?' How long will the fight against rhinoceros poaching remain the Princess of Monaco's top priority? 'How long will Albert II of Monaco go on bearing this affront, which is becoming ridiculous?' Historian Philippe Delorme said that 'lots of people got the impression it was an arranged marriage' between Charlene and Albert, adding: 'Albert chose a wife who resembled his mother, and Charlene clearly felt very ill at ease in this Grace Kelly role they wanted her to play'. The mounting speculation about the couple's marriage comes after Charlene shared professional photographs of her reunion with Prince Albert online, saying she was 'thrilled' to have her family back. She shared a series of photos cuddled up with her kids in South Africa with the caption: 'I am so thrilled to have my family back with me (Gabriella decided to give herself a haircut!!!) Sorry my Bella I tried my best to fix it,' referring to her daughter's choppy fringe. However a body language expert told FEMAIL Charlene showed 'no emotional bond' towards her husband Prince Albert in the images. Judi James said that rather than being the loved-up reunion photo one would expect of a couple surrounded by split rumours, the royals' poses suggested 'no signs of connection between awkward-looking Albert and Charlene'. Charlene has been in South Africa since at least March, with media reports suggesting she is looking for a house there. ody language expert reveals the tell-tale signs of deception that gave him away Jack Shepherd, 28, from Essex, was sentenced to six years in prison in 2018 Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd 'faked sadness and remorse' following the crash that killed 24-year-old Charlotte Brown, a body language expert has claimed. Faking It, which airs on Saturdays at 10pm on Quest Red and discovery+, focuses on Jack Shepherd, 28, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, who in 2018, was sentenced to six years in prison following a speedboat crash in which his date, Charlotte, was killed. Bringing the latest of a string of girls back to his apartment after an evening of heavy drinking, the high-flying IT consultant took Charlotte on a late-night sightseeing tour of London. But the trip ended in tragedy when his poorly-maintained boat hit a submerged log, hurling Charlotte into the freezing Thames. Shepherd was later charged with manslaughter due to negligence, but by the time his trial got underway at the Old Bailey he had already fled the country. After emerging in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, in January 2019, he continued to protest his innocence, and launched an appeal against his conviction. However, during the programme, a body language expert reveals the tell-tale signs of deception that gave him away as he attempted to distance himself from the blame for causing Charlotte's death. Faking It, which airs on Saturdays at 10pm on Quest Red and discovery+, focuses on Jack Shepherd, 28,from Essex, who in 2018, was sentenced to six years in prison following a speedboat crash in which his date, Charlotte, was killed. Pictured, during the police interview the day after the crash The high-flying IT consultant took Charlotte Brown (pictured) on a late-night sightseeing tour of London, but the trip ended in tragedy when his poorly-maintained boat hit a submerged log, hurling Charlotte into the freezing Thames With a tissue in hand, Shepherd appears emotional in his interview, recounting to the police what had happened. But, as Dr Cliff Lansley explains, there are clear indicators of deception that suggest that he's faking remorse and shedding nothing more than crocodile tears over Charlotte's death. 'We see a tissue in his hand, and we also hear a series of dry sniffs, but the tissue is never used; his dry sniffs never develop into anything more than dry sniffs,' Cliff begins. 'When people feel genuine sadness, we often see the eyebrows rising in the middle and the mouth going down, and we can hear the breaking of the voice. We hear none of that, and we see none of the signs on the face.' As Cliff continues, he says Shepherd's behaviour points to one thing: he's faking it. 'Three or four dry sniffs within about ten seconds and almost forcing the voice to sound sad, but there are no indicators that he is feeling sadness here,' he explains. 'He is probably faking it.' A successful IT Consultant, Jack Shepherd prided himself on his lavish lifestyle. He bought himself a speedboat because, in his words, "he wanted to impress and pull the girls."' Dr Cliff says Shepherd's behaviour points to one thing: he's faking it. Pictured, during the police interview the day after the crash Dr Cliff Lansley (pictured) explains there are clear indicators of deception that suggest that he's faking remorse and shedding nothing more than crocodile tears over Charlotte's death And on 8th December 2015, the girl Shepherd was trying to impress was 24-year old Charlotte Brown - the latest in a long string of dates he had instigated. After eating at a posh London restaurant, Shepherd invited Charlotte back to his houseboat. Following a night of heavy drinking, he took Charlotte out on the Thames on his speedboat, which as Kerry Daynes points out, was defective. While driving at more than twice the speed limit, the pair hit an underwater obstacle and capsized. Clinging to the boat's hull, Shepherd survived, while Charlotte's body was found 20 minutes later in the icy water. It has never been confirmed who was driving, but the blame rests with Shepherd. During the interview with police the next day, there were clues in Shepherd's speech that suggest he was hiding the truth - including how vague he was about the details of the crash, claiming his memory was hazy, a result of heavy drinking. As Professor of Linguistics Dawn Archer explains, this further underlines Shepherd's fakery, as he attempts to distance himself from Charlotte's death. 'Not remembering completely is normally around something that might be self-incriminating,' she says. 'When he remembers things, they help him out, and when he doesn't remember things, those are the things that might incriminate him.' Signs in Shepherd's body language suggest his lack of confidence in his story as he attempts to recount the events leading up to the crash, Dr Cliff claims And, as Cliff Lansley notes, signs in Shepherd's body language suggest his lack of confidence in his story, as he attempts to recount the events leading up to the crash. 'When he makes that claim, we see both shoulders moving up maybe half a centimetre and that twitch there is what we call a gestural slip or gestural leakage,' he says. 'That is a double-sided shoulder shrug which to full extent means, "I have no confidence in what I'm just saying." So, my memory was hazy, but the shoulders say '"no, it wasn't."' In 2018, Shepherd was found guilty of manslaughter by negligence. He shamelessly blamed Charlotte for her own death, claiming that she was the one driving at the time of the crash. However, in a shocking twist, Shepherd fled to Georgia. Nine months after going on the run, Shepherd eventually handed himself in to local authorities. In front of TV cameras, he brazenly tried to defend himself. Referring to the crash as a 'tragic accident,' Shepherd appeared arrogant and determined to clear his name, exclaiming: 'I hope that justice will be done and that my appeal will succeed, and that I can justeveryone can move forward with their lives.' Picking up on this, Dawn Archer argues that Shepherd tried to make himself the centre of attention, continuing to show no remorse for Charlotte. 'Now what we're interested in is what happens between the "I" and the self-correction to "everyone,"' she says. 'We have a significant pause at that point. We hear an audible intake of breath and then have an eye closure. 'What this is telling us is that he's in impression management mode; this is just someone who thinks of himself first and all the signs come out in his language choices.' Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd should leave prison sooner than expected as a result of a ruling by Court of Appeal judges. Shephered, 32, was extradited from Georgia after a trial in his absence found him guilty of the manslaughter of Charlotte Brown In the same clip, as Dawn Archer pinpoints, Shepherd's word choices serve to distance himself from Charlotte's death. 'His language choice is especially noticeable when he says, "I was convicted of her manslaughter by negligence," she says. 'Notice the difference between "convicted of" and "guilty of." This is someone who is distancing himself from any sense that he was guilty.' In his original interview, Shepherd described how his memory was hazy due to the amount of alcohol the pair had drunk during their date. But speaking to TV cameras in 2019, Shepherd backtracked, claiming that the pair were only just over the drink drive limit. Examining Shepherd's body language, Cliff Lansley rebuffs the claim, suggesting how Shepherd attempts to lie about the details of the crash to hide his guilt. 'His claim that he was about the same is cast into doubt by a combination of a deliberate gesture that he's making and a single-sided hand shrug,' he begins. 'That single-sided hand shrug which suggests 'I have no confidence in what I'm saying' in the second part of the statement. 'There's no other reason to flip the hand over apart from it's a subconscious that we often make when we have no confidence in the claims we're making.' For Cliff, the gesture is a giveaway that Shepherd has something to hide. 'The fingers are telling us one thing that he wants us to believe and understand, but the wrist is giving away that he wasn't just over the driving limit,' he says. Despite Shepherd's bid to remain free, he was extradited to the UK in April 2019. Two months later, he lost his appeal against his manslaughter conviction. On top of the six year sentence for causing Charlotte's death, he was handed a four-year sentence for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, after CCTV footage emerged of him attacking a barman with a vodka bottle in 2018. Concluding with her assessment of Shepherd, Kerry Daynes is clear: 'My overall impression of Jack Shepherd is that he is a self-centred, immature, little boy. I can't understand the arrogance, the lack of consideration that he showed for Charlotte's family.' The brand-new series of Faking It airs at 10pm on Saturdays on Quest Red, or stream now on discovery+ Prince William has told Robert Irwin that his father Steve would 'be very proud' of his conservation work as he prepares for Earthshot Prize awards this weekend. The Duke of Cambridge, 39, spoke with the 17-year-old in an interview shared with People magazine as they discussed the first ceremony in the royal's decade-long global environmental competition. After Robert told William he was a big fan of crocodiles, much like his late father Steve, the royal said: 'Honestly, I was a big fan of your dad [Steve Irwin] and I am so sorry...He'd be very proud of you Robert. And what you continued. Your passion is only second to his.' Robert was just two years old when his dad died in 2006 at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary. Prince William has told Robert Irwin that his father Steve would 'be very proud' of his conservation work as he prepares for Earthshot Prize awards this weekend Speaking with Robert, the Duke said: 'It's no surprise that you're a fan of crocodiles as well. The family trait has continued into the next generation I am sure.' Meanwhile he also spoke about what inspired him to start the Earthshot prize, of which Robert is an advocate. He said: 'I felt that a bit of optimism and hope is what we needed. Showing people that there are solutions. 'That there is a way forward what was going to be needed, and so that's how the Earthshot Prize sort of spun out from there.' Robert was just two years old when his dad died in 2006 at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary After Robert told William he was a big fan of crocodiles, much like his late father Steve, the royal said he was 'a big fan of your dad [Steve Irwin]' Meanwhile Robert said: 'I'm really glad that I get to hopefully inspire my generation and my fellow younger Australians to ignite and start that spark of passion.' Steve died on September 4, 2006, after being pierced through the chest by a stingray barb while filming on the Great Barrier Reef. In the years since Steve's death, the Irwin family - including Robert's sister, Bindi, and his mother, Terri - have continued his conservation work at Australia Zoo. Elsewhere the Duke did a question and answer session on Instagram about the upcoming climate change prize in which he said: 'It can feel very intractable, very depressing, when we think about how big these problems are.' He said: 'The inspiration to create the awards has come about from going round the world and seeing some amazing places and amazing people doing amazing work. 'We can actually fix this stuff. Ultimately I want my children's future to be better than what we have at the moment Elsewhere the Duke did a question and answer session on Instagram about the upcoming climate change prize 'I think the prize will help climate change- we need hope and optimism right now to fix this stuff.' He said thinking about the problems was often difficult and 'depressing', adding: 'I think what is missing is the prize, and the sense of optimism and hope that we can actually fix stuff. 'I think the Earthshot prize has given me a lot of hope, putting this together the last 18 months seeing everyone, meeting everyone, sharing solutions. 'I do feel really hopeful that we can turn the tide and fix things.' The Duke said he 'wanted his children's future to be better' as he spoke about his upcoming Earthshot Prize awards Meanwhile, in a lighthearted moment during the session, the Duke was asked about whether 'unicorns are real', to which he responded: 'If you talk to my daughter, she'd say they were real. Obviously its a trade secret so I can't possibly comment.' 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. Prince William's inaugural 50million Earthshot Prize Awards will be held at Alexandra Palace and broadcast internationally from London on October 17 She welcomed her first child, August Brooksbank, in February this year, and it looks like Princess Eugenie is getting back into the swing of socialising after keeping a low profile in the early months of motherhood. The royal, 31, celebrated her third wedding anniversary with husband Jack Brooksbank earlier this week and was seen leaving Oswald's private members club in Mayfair with her husband on the eve of the big day. She hit the town again last night for another special occasion, joining her mother at China Tang restaurant to mark Fergie's 62nd birthday. Eugenie nailed smart casual for the outing sporting monochrome look in a long sleeveless black dress layered over a long-sleeved white top, teamed with on-trend white trainers. Meanwhile, Fergie looked smart in a military inspired blazer and a knee-length black dress. Princess Eugenie, 31, looked in great spirits as she left China Tang restaurant with her mother Sarah Ferguson after celebrating the Duchess of York's 62nd birthday Eugenie nailed smart casual for the outing sporting monochrome look in a long sleeveless black dress layered over a long-sleeved white top, teamed with on-trend white trainers The Duchess of York added a hint of fun to her outfit, teaming her smart ensemble with a pair of loafers emblazoned with cat faces. Mother and daughter looked in great spirits as they made their way home after dining out, linking arms as they made their way down the street. Princess Beatrice, who recently welcomed her first daughter, Sienna with husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi, understandably missed out on the occasion. But Eugenie and Fergie were all smiles and looked to be having a great night out. New mother Princess Eugenie looked glowing as she linked arms with her mother Fergie after leaving China Tang - her second night on the town this week A birthday treat? The Duchess was seen carrying a small box with a ribbon on top as she left the upmarket China Tang restaurant at The Dorchester Eugenie clutched her phone as she made her way down the street and toted a bag emblazoned with the China Tang logo, no doubt containing some goodies to take home And it looked like they took home some treats, with Fergie toting a small box in her hand, while Eugenie carried a bag emblazoned with the upmarket restaurant's logo. It's believed Eugenie is still on maternity leave from her role at gallery Hauser & Wirth where she's a director, but she's been keeping busy with her philanthropic interests. Earlier this week, she had an article published in Spear's magazine, which she co-wrote with Clare Brook, CEO of the Blue Marine Foundation, calling for greater protection of the world's oceans. Girls night out! There was no sign of Princess Beatrice who recently gave birth to her first baby, but Eugenie was on hand to make sure their mother had a great birthday Fresh-faced! The mother-of-one looked glowing and kept her make-up minimal and natural for the outing Birthday treats! Fergie carried a decorative box as she made her way home from The Dorchester, and her red nails were on point too! 'There is only one ocean. The challenges it faces are sadly man-made and most can be turned around if we act now. If we work together to protect it, the ocean will protect us in perpetuity,' she said. However, it's no doubt been a rocky week for the York family as Prince Andrew's legal woes rumble on. On Sunday the Met announced it would take no further action over accuser Virginia Roberts's allegation that she was trafficked to London as a 17-year-old and forced to have sex with Andrew, after its officers reportedly spoke with her. It will also take no further action over claims that financier Epstein groomed and abused other young women in Britain. And a source close to the Duke told MailOnline: 'It comes as no surprise that the Met Police have confirmed that, having reviewed the sex assault claims against The Duke for a third time, they are taking no further action. 'Despite pressure from the media and claims of new evidence, the Met have concluded that the claims are not sufficient to warrant any further investigation. The Duke has always vigorously maintained his innocence and continues to do so.' However, he is still facing a civil lawsuit in New York in which Miss Roberts - who lives in Australia and is known by her married name, Giuffre - also claims she was forced to have sex with Andrew at Epstein's mansion in New York and on Little St James, his private island in the Caribbean. Keeping it simple! Mother and daughter stepped out in flats, with Eugenie sporting on-trend white trainers, while Fergie wore fun loafers emblazoned with cat faces Military chic! The Duchess wore a navy blazer with gold buttons over a simple black belted dress for her birthday outing Family affair! Eugenie was on hand to celebrate with Fergie, but there was no sign of dad Prince Andrew or sister Princess Beatrice She alleges she was 'trafficked' to London in March 2001, where she was photographed next to Andrew in Maxwell's house. Andrew has insisted he has 'no recollection' of meeting Miss Roberts and has repeatedly denied her account of events. He told a 2019 Newsnight interview he was at a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking, Surrey, on the day they supposedly went dancing and had sex. He has hired a team of well-known US lawyers to fight Miss Roberts' civil claim in New York, where a preliminary hearing is due to be held next month. Advertisement Pregnant Amanda Knox has shared an intimate glimpse at her first trimester while documenting her first 15 weeks of expectant motherhood in a series of candid images. The 33-year-old announced that she is expecting her first child with husband Christopher Robinson back in August, just one mother after revealing that she had suffered a devastating first-trimester miscarriage during the pandemic. Now Knox, who tied the knot with Robinson in early 2020, is opening up about how the loss of her unborn child has impacted her pregnancy, admitting in one tweet that the physical symptoms she is experiencing have made her 'worry' that she 'isn't meant to be a mom' and that something might be 'wrong with her'. Posting alongside three images that show Knox lying and sitting on her bed in a black bra and lingerie, the mom-to-be opened up about the discomfort she was experiencing, explaining that her body simply didn't feel 'right'. 'A lot of the time, you feel bloated and exhausted, awkward and uncomfortable,' she captioned the photos - which were taken in week 12 of her pregnancy, and feature Knox and Robinson watching video footage from their ultrasound. 'It doesn't feel... right, which makes you worry, "Am I not cut out to be a mom? What's wrong with me?"' Getting ready: Pregnant Amanda Knox has been documenting her first trimester in a series of candid social media images, while also opening up about her fears about parenthood. She is seen ten weeks after conceiving Difficulties: The 33-year-old admitting that she was struggling with the physical effects of her pregnancy during her twelfth week, sharing images of herself curled up in pain while her husband Christopher Robinson tried to comfort her Future family member! Robinson and Knox were seen watching a video from their ultrasound, while the mother-to-be cradled her stomach Concern: In her caption, Knox said she was feeling 'bloated and exhausted, awkward and uncomfortable' Concern: She confessed that her body didn't feel 'right', which was making her 'worry' that something was wrong - and that she might not be 'cut out to be a mom' In the images, Knox clearly looks to be in some pain, with one photo showing her sitting up in a hunched position with her legs drawn to her stomach, while Robinson gently strokes her head. The expectant mother has managed to find some humor in her discomfort however - something that she demonstrated on Friday when she shared several photos of herself covered in pink balloons to represent her 'slowly expanding' body. 'I'm feeling like a blimp, unable to do anything but slowly expand,' she wrote. Robinson meanwhile is pictured sitting alongside her throwing some pink juggling balls into the air - which Knox joked were meant to demonstrate his ability to 'juggle life's multiplying responsibilities'. She did not indicate whether their choice of pink props was meant to serve as a gender reveal, however her post quickly prompted speculation among her followers, who immediately asked: 'Is it a girl?' Although Knox is struggling to get to grips with all of the physical symptoms of her pregnancy, she explained that she is not alone in experiencing fears about birth and parenthood, revealing earlier this week that both she and Robinson are dealing with nerves about what the future will hold. While sharing images of the couple watching the sunset near their home in Seattle - including on snap of Robinson resting his head on his wife's growing stomach, Knox admitted that 'pregnancy has got us feeling like two birds building a nest on the edge of a cliff'. The mother-to-be's fears echo the concerns that she shared in the wake of her miscarriage - when she admitted that she was afraid 'something happened to her in Italy' to cause fertility issues. In an episode of the couple's podcast Labyrinths, Knox, who was convicted and then acquitted of the 2007 murder of her former roommate Meredith Kercher in Italy, also voiced her upset that her first ever experience with pregnancy had ended in such tragedy. 'I did feel incredibly disappointed that was the story of my first ever pregnancy,' she said, adding: 'I thought, "I know exactly what I want to do with my first pregnancy," and to have it not come to fruition not through choice felt like a betrayal. 'Why? Do I have bad eggs and I never knew? Am I actually too old? Did something happen to me while I was over in Italy? 'If it's not easy and you don't know why then anything could be the problem. And it's frustrating how little information you have at any point in the process.' She did not specify what incidents occurred in Italy to cause a fertility issue, however in her 2013 book, Waiting to be Heard, Amanda claimed that she had been subject to sexual harassment at the hands of a senior guard during her time in jail. Knox also said that she was given a false HIV diagnosis by medical staff and that following her 2007 arrest, when she was 20 years old, she was forced to strip naked and spread her legs while a doctor measured her vagina. Tender moment: Another set of photos, taken earlier this week, show Knox and Robinson sharing a tender moment while watching the sunset near their home in Seattle Calm before the storm? Knox, who revealed in July that she suffered a miscarriage during the pandemic, said that both she and Robinson are nervous about what the future might hold Looking ahead: 'Pregnancy has got us feeling like two birds building a nest on the edge of a cliff,' she admitted Romantic: Robinson and Knox first shared the news of their pregnancy in an episode of their podcast back in August - just one month after opening up about their miscarriage Costume party: The couple are also trying to take advantage of their final few months as a family of two, with Knox revealing that they embraced their 'domestic and nostalgic' feelings by dressing up for a 40s-style photo shoot in their home Interesting: In the snaps, Knox is seen wearing a silk dressing gown and working on some needlepoint, while her husband is pictured reading a vintage comic 'The doctor inspected the outer lips of my vagina and then separated them with his fingers to examine the inner. He measured and photographed my intimate parts,' she wrote, according to the Daily News. Day by day: The mom-to-be has been candid about how her body is changing during pregnancy - having revealed after her miscarriage that she was worried 'something happened to her in Italy' to cause fertility issues Having been incredibly candid about her agonizing miscarriage, Knox now seems keen to document her pregnancy through the same, very honest lens, with her new social media posts capturing both the highs and lows of her experience so far, from painful memories of her baby loss to happy snaps of Knox 'nesting' by decorating her child's nursery. The photos are categorized by week and begin with a candid snap of Knox happily sitting in her kitchen in the very first few days of her pregnancy, at a time when she 'didn't even know' she had conceived for a second time. For week two, she shared another image of herself 'still with a waistline', revealing that she was still 'thinking she was on that merry-go-round of scheduled conception and testing', completely unaware that she was actually already pregnant. She continued that 'testing, waiting, testing, waiting', although she admitted that she had 'started getting her hopes up' and was 'feeling really nervous'. As it turned out, her feelings of 'hope' were well timed, because she and Robinson learned just days later that they were pregnant once again - a moment that Knox described as the 'most joyous experience she's ever had in a bathroom'. The news of her pregnancy also prompted some nostalgic feelings, with Knox revealing that by week five, she was 'thinking about her own mom' - while sharing an image of herself holding up a crocheted star that she made for her mother while she was in prison. She also confessed that she was still terrified that the pregnancy might not 'stick', writing: '[I was] scared about whether or not this pregnancy was really going to stick.' Knox's photo series also paid tribute to the child that she and Robinson lost, with the mom-to-be sharing a photo of the couple posing together for her week eight update - revealing that this was the same week in her first pregnancy that she learned she had miscarried. Nesting! In the ninth week of her pregnancy, Knox and Robinson began decorating the baby's nursery Milestone moment: Knox admitted that she was struggling to marry her feelings of hope and anxiety during her eight-week scan, during which the couple were overjoyed to see a heartbeat, but devastated by the memory of their lost baby Worry: Knox said she was 'still afraid to tell anyone' about her pregnancy, even after seven weeks, because she was afraid that she might miscarry again 'The week we discovered our first pregnancy was a loss,' she shared - before revealing the very mixed emotions that she was experiencing having just seen her baby's heartbeat for the first time. 'This time we saw a heartbeat at our ultrasound. Is there a word for the combination of anxiety and hope when you're at the threshold of a former loss?' Two weeks in! Knox learned that she was pregnant just four weeks after conceiving - and she joked that her cats were aware that she was carrying a child After an emotional week, Knox turned her hand to something more positive: the 'nesting' process, which she began by starting to paint her future baby's nursery. The 33-year-old shared a photo of herself in the midst of the painting process, revealing a wall covered in a geometric-style portrayal of the Pacific Northwest mountains, as well as a 'Stargate portal to another world'. Her baby's nursery also featured in her week ten post, for which she shared an image of herself flashing a very toned tummy in her underwear, as well as a snap of the couple's cat, Mr. Fats, sleeping soundly in the crib. 'No bump yet, but Mr. Fats is already sending a clear message: "Don't forget, I'm the baby,"' she joked in the caption. Her beloved feline took center stage in her following photo, in which she is seen cradling Mr. Fats in her lap - while opening up about the physical changes she had started to experience. 'By this point [week 11], you wouldn't be able to tell from the outside that I'm pregnant,' she said. Looking back: Knox reference the four years she spent in jail in Italy, revealing that she was 'thinking about her own mom' after learning of her pregnancy - while showing off a small star that she crocheted for her in prison Happy moment: The mother-to-be showed off a picture of her positive pregnancy test, as well as an image of herself and her cat in the bathroom together No idea! Knox, pictured in the first three weeks of pregnancy, admitted that she was still concerned at the time that she wouldn't be able to conceive 'I look the same, and go about the world as usual (petting cats, mostly). But I'm feeling it on the inside. Something is very different, and at times it's really fun and exciting.' Knox and Robinson have also taken strides to enjoy their final few months as a family of two, including indulging in some quirky hobbies. On Thursday, mom-to-be Knox revealed that the couple were celebrating their feelings of domesticity by dressing up for a 40s-style photo shoot, in which she can be seen modeling a lacy nightgown while working on some needlepoint alongside her husband, who is reading through a vintage comic book. Amanda spent four years in an Italian prison after she was convicted of the November 2007 murder of her former roommate, British student Meredith Kercher, while they were living together with two other women in a shared house in the small town of Perugia. The 21-year-old's body was found half-naked in the property, and it was revealed that she had been stabbed 47 times and had her throat slashed. Police also found signs of sexual assault. Amanda, who was dubbed 'Foxy Knoxy' by the press and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were both convicted of Kercher's murder in a 2009. However, Amanda was acquitted of the crime in 2011, and she returned to the US, having spent close to four years in jail. She refused to go back to Italy for a retrial three years later - during with she was convicted again - before that conviction was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015. A new mom in Arizona delivered a baby weighing over 14 pounds last week. Cary Patonai was only 38 weeks pregnant when her water broke on October 4. Doctors were already expecting quite a big baby, predicting his weight to be 13.8 lbs., so Cary had been scheduled for a C-section. But when her water broke at a doctor's appointment, they bumped the surgery up a day and she and her husband, Tim, welcomed newborn baby Finnley, who clocked in at a massive 14lbs., 1oz. the biggest that Cary's doctor has ever delivered in 27 years of practice. Big baby! Cary Patonai was only 38 weeks pregnant when her water broke on October 4 Wow! She went in for a C-section and delivered Finnley, who weighed 14lbs., 1oz. and measured 23.75 inches Incredible! Her doctor said Finnley, who spent a week in the NICU, was the biggest baby they'd delivered in 27 years of practice The average weight of a newborn is around 7.5 lbs., though between 5.5 lbs. and 10 lbs. is considered normal. Cary and Tim had already welcomed two boys ten-year-old Devlen and two-year-old Everett via C-section, and they'd each been on the larger side, weighing 8.2 lbs. and 11.1 lbs. But both were small compared to little brother Finnley, whom Cary said 'took the lead.' 'He was so big plus I had almost double the amniotic fluid, so to say I had a big baby belly and that I was absolutely completely uncomfortable isn't enough,' she told Fox News. At her last ultrasound, nurses told her he appeared to weigh 13 lbs. but insisted that he probably didn't actually weigh that much, and that ultrasounds could be off. Big bros: Cary and her husband, Tim, have to older sons who were born weighing 8.2 lbs. and 11.1 lbs. Average: The average weight of a newborn is around 7.5 lbs., though between 5.5 lbs. and 10 lbs. is considered normal Uh-oh! Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Arizona had to special order diapers because they didn't carry any big enough for Finnley Cary was scheduled to deliver via C-section on October 5 when, the day before, things got pushed forward at her checkup. 'My water broke on the scale as I was getting weighed, so my scheduled C-section got moved up a day,' she said. She delivered at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Arizona, and says she would 'do it all over again' if she had to. 'Finnley was a little celebrity at the hospital. Nurses and doctors were non-stop talking about him,' the mother-of-three added. 'He is quite tall too at 23.75 inches.' 'As soon as they pulled him out, they're like, "Oh my gosh, that's huge!"' she told Fox 10 Phoenix. 'Everybody was freaking out, like, "I've never seen a baby that big, I can't believe it." So perfect and round in every way. He's definitely my squishy little honey bear.' Getting him dressed: The family also had to rush out for more clothes because the newborn sizes they had were too small 'There was one point in the NICU that he was with one of four babies, and his weight was their three total altogether, so we were laughing at that,' Cary said 'He is such a good sweet baby. I am so grateful everything ended on such a great positive side,' she added Finnley is already making life interesting for the family. Banner Thunderbird Medical Center only carried diapers in premiere to newborn and size one but Finnley is already a size two, so they had to special order his size. The Patonais' family had to rush out for more diapers, as well as baby clothes in size six to nine months. 'Everything we had was entirely too small,' said Cary. Finnley also had to spend eight days in the NICU. 'There was one point in the NICU that he was with one of four babies, and his weight was their three total altogether, so we were laughing at that,' Cary said. 'He is such a good sweet baby. I am so grateful everything ended on such a great positive side,' she added. In June this year, Bel Mooney wrote a special report for this newspaper, criticising the very situation that has been the subject of the Mails recent, successful campaign Frustrated by a GPs receptionist blocking a face-to-face appointment for my 97-year-old mother, in June this year, I wrote a special report for this newspaper, criticising the very situation that has been the subject of the Mails recent, successful campaign. It so happens that the medical attention my mother has received recently has been impeccable, and I do appreciate the pressures doctors face with rising patient numbers due to an increasingly elderly and growing population. Writing about the NHS must involve an understanding of complexity. You can express gratitude for good care from a family doctor or hospital consultant, but at the same time recognise that the system cannot be above criticism. The article in question just like this papers trailblazing campaign drew a huge response from people who were equally frustrated and disappointed. Whats going wrong with the NHS? was a common refrain. People who probably stood outside their houses during lockdowns clapping and banging saucepans, with rainbows in their windows to thank healthcare workers battling Covid could still express acute criticism of a vast, unwieldy institution they uneasily suspect is not fit for purpose. People who probably stood outside their houses during lockdowns clapping and banging saucepans, with rainbows in their windows to thank healthcare workers battling Covid could still express acute criticism of the NHS they uneasily suspect is not fit for purpose Appalled by long waiting lists, cancelled operations, relatives cancer treatment put on hold until too late, furious (as I was) that a loved ones cause of death was routinely certified as Covid when untrue, and face-to-face appointments with GPs were as rare as hens teeth, exasperated and angry citizens wrote to me and to this paper asking: Why? Such people the silent majority will be relieved that due to our campaign, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has called out GPs, launched initiatives and allocated funding to improve access. Naturally, this prompted a howl of protest from the usual suspects most notably the British Medical Association (the doctors union in effect). Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt predicted the measures aimed at increasing face-to-face appointments would spark an exodus from the profession. This is a burnt-out workforce running on empty because of a massive mismatch between supply and demand, he tweeted. 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. Royal College of General Practitioners chairman, Professor Martin Marshall, said the criticism of GPs by politicians and the media over in-person appointments was demoralising and indefensible. The proposed support package was not the answer. And so the battle and the disconnect between patients and the institutions representing GPs looks set to rage on, even as our beleaguered health service is about to undergo another of its frequent reorganisations, introducing a blizzard of new acronyms. From spring 2022, for example, the current CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups) and their staff will become ICSs (Integrated Care Systems). As ever, the aim is to improve efficiency. As ever, the chances are slim. Lets cast our minds back to the early days of the NHS. Ironically, doctors were among the most vociferous objectors when it was first proposed. Lets cast our minds back to the early days of the NHS. Ironically, doctors were among the most vociferous objectors when it was first proposed Aneurin Bevan, the Labour politician who led the establishment of the NHS in 1948, was asked how he convinced them to take part, and he allegedly replied: I stuffed their mouths with gold. Bevan recognised that to win over doctors to the worlds largest socialist experiment in healthcare, he had to appeal not so much to their morals, as to their pockets. In the following decades, the system he created, with services free at the point of delivery, became not just the best-loved state-run body in the country but a key part of our national identity. A good example of its totemic status came during the Olympics opening ceremony at London 2012, when nurses danced around hospital beds as a tribute to the NHS. Against this backdrop, as many have found, if you write anything faintly critical of the NHS on social media the zealots pile in, like fundamentalists permanently on their knees to an out-dated dogma. A few years ago, waiting with my late father for his eye appointment, I took a picture of a sign detailing the number of missed appointments that month and what this selfishness had cost the hospital. On Facebook, I suggested we should question whether people truly value what is free. Was it time to look again at the free at the point of use principle? Youd have thought I had uttered the vilest blasphemy. All the nonsense about the secret privatisation of our NHS planned by wicked Tories was trotted out. Similarly, when some years ago I wrote about the shocking health tourism figures, middle-class bien-pensants with health insurance (for whom waiting list is a foreign phrase) told me that of course the NHS should be free at the point of use, for everybody and anybody, for ever and ever, Amen. A highly respected novelist I knew rebuked me loftily: Criticism of the NHS is both ungrateful and unhelpful. And that is part of the problem about the future of healthcare in Britain. If members of the intelligentsia can be so blinkered about what is evidently wrong with this system, what hope do we have of improving something on which so many lives depend? Former Conservative chancellor Nigel Lawsons assertion that the NHS is the closest thing the English people have to a religion goes some way towards explaining the outcry that follows any rational suggestion that the NHS is broken and needs fixing. Yes, it transformed public health and wellbeing in Britain but even before Covid it lurched from crisis to crisis, despite repeated reforms and huge investment. It was letting us down. Such people will be relieved that due to our campaign, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has called out GPs, launched initiatives and allocated funding to improve access Who wouldnt agree there are too many highly paid managers? That job adverts for equality, diversity and inclusion managers in the NHS are obscene, when some of these roles pay more than 75,000 per year a far healthier salary than junior doctors or nurses take home? That theres been a shortage of midwives for over ten years, after 3,000 promised by David Cameron didnt appear? That our attempts to reduce stillbirths lag behind those of Poland and Estonia? That levels of waste and profligate spending (e.g. prescribing at great cost over-the-counter painkillers, when a pack of 16 paracetamol caplets is 29p in Aldi) are a disgrace? And so on. The NHS is not a sacred cow. Like it or not, that bitter pill has to be swallowed if we are to have any chance of making things better. The National Health Service Act (establishing its structure) received royal assent in 1946, one month after I was born, and the NHS was founded when I was nearly two. So the bloated behemoth is as venerable and creaky as I am and serious maintenance is essential. Thats why all politicians should drop the dishonest sentimentality that prohibits discussing the NHS, and think of the welfare of patients instead of scoring points. We need a new way to deliver healthcare in coming decades when the demands will be greater even than they are now. That was the verdict of the Institute of Economic Affairs back in 2003: the NHS was designed for the 1940s. Since then there have been three major developments which have directly affected the provision of health care. We have become an infinitely more affluent society, which means that people want, and can, afford to spend more on keeping well. Secondly, the proportion of old people in the population has greatly increased and will continue to do so, which means that people need medical services for longer. Thirdly, there have been huge advances in treatment which have mostly, but not invariably, increased its cost, often requiring expensive equipment and drugs. The problems have long been predicted. Yet politicians and campaigners parrot that we have the best healthcare system in the world. This was asserted by disgraced former health secretary Matt Hancock at the NHSs 73rd birthday in July. Do these people take us for fools? We are the fourth-highest spenders on healthcare in Europe, yet routinely come near the bottom in terms of outcome. The World Health Organisation says the French health service is the best in the world. We should learn from it. A friend has a brother with a French wife. Pregnant and suffering swollen ankles she went to their English GP, who said nothing could be done. Back in France her doctor gave her anti-water retention tablets, an appointment with a physiotherapist and good nutritional advice. And a young British woman I know living in France, expecting her first baby, said the maternity care was efficient, caring and she was offered every possible choice. Im afraid she had a shock when she decided to have the baby in England, to please her parents. Anecdotal evidence is one thing, but facts cannot be denied. Percentages can become tedious, but the French have more doctors for every 100 people and more hospital beds than us. As a percentage of GDP, UK healthcare spending was 10.2 per cent in 2019, but France spent 11.1 per cent. We need a new way to deliver healthcare in coming decades when the demands will be greater even than they are now (stock image) (The only other EU country that spends the same as Britain is the Netherlands. Switzerland spends 11.3 per cent and Germany 11.7 per cent.) Determined defenders of the NHS seem to think the only solution is to chuck yet more money at the problem, even though our taxpayer-funded model is as burdensome as it is inefficient. The French system is paid for partially by obligatory social security contributions, usually deducted from your salary. France offers a high level of preventative healthcare (for example, not dismissing swollen ankles). Available services include addiction prevention, regular medical check-ups and the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating. France also has the lowest rate of heart-disease mortality in Europe. When people go to see a family doctor, or have any other kind of out-patient appointment, they pay the cost of it a basic consultation is 25 but then about three-quarters of the fee is refunded by their National Health Insurance Fund. (Patients on a low-income or who are sick long-term receive 100 per cent coverage.) Would the British be so careless about appointments they demand as a right if they had to stump up and then get most (but not all) of the money back? Would it be heinous to require a small deposit on equipment such as crutches? I think not. Before you protest, remember that in France people on very low incomes or who are not insured are covered. We can boast all we like about our flawed NHS, but the French have arguably a better way of ensuring the principle of the common good. Remaining in Europe for a moment, under German law, everyone must pay public health insurance. As of 2019, this amounts to 14.6 per cent of each citizens gross income, with the individual paying half (7.3 per cent up to a maximum monthly income of 4,538) and the other half paid by their employer. Deductions from salaries are automatic. This covers every citizens primary care with registered doctors, hospital care (in- and out-patient) and basic dental treatment. It works. Covid-19 threatened the globe but we should not let the panic it caused blind us to the fact cancer is the worlds second-biggest killer. It was responsible for 9.6 million deaths in 2018 roughly one out of six everywhere and the leading or second-largest cause of mortality before the age of 70 in more than half of countries. An Economist Intelligence Unit report looked at the growing menace of cancer (in all its variations) and asked whether the world is ready to face it. Determined defenders of the NHS seem to think the only solution is to chuck yet more money at the problem, even though our taxpayer-funded model is as burdensome as it is inefficient The subject is complex but the good news is that Britain comes second worldwide in terms of policy and planning perhaps because of all those well-paid bureaucrats. But the graph for care delivery is far more worrying. We are joint 14th with South Korea, behind (in order) Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Spain, France, Sweden, Italy, U.S., Brazil, Colombia, Canada and Chile. That is far from impressive. We all know it. Anecdotal evidence of a broken system abounds. I know a mother in her early 40s who, failing to obtain joined-up care (in a very prosperous area) for a terrible flare-up of her chronic medical condition, was driven by neglect to make four 300-mile round-trip journeys to an area where a senior anaesthetist friend ensured she got treatment from a sympathetic consultant. That should never be necessary in a wealthy nation like ours. Small, individual moans and cries about NHS shortcomings and failures combine into a shocking crescendo nationally. Yet that noise, which urgently demands to be heard, is routinely shut down silenced like a shushing in a church by the pious ones who keep their eyes tightly closed. This cannot go on. If as a nation we wish to show pride in our healthcare system in order to bequeath it in good nick to our grandchildren, we must now (post-Covid) insist that politicians work together towards radical reform. But that would require trusting them with an enormous task and frankly, I dont. We need an independent Royal Commission an inquiry at the highest level established by the Queen at the behest of the Prime Minister to delve deep into the problems that confront us today. Then it should come up with a set of recommendations that will enable us to confront 21st-century challenges. This is, after all, a matter of life and death. Advertisement Amazon founder Jeff Bezos marked his latest victory in the billionaire space race by ensuring that there was absolutely no space between himself and his rumored fiancee Lauren Sanchez on Friday, when the pair were pictured enjoying a very intimate public embrace during a day out in New York City. Bezos, 57, and his partner, 51, looked as though they were in a universe all their own as they locked lips in the middle of a bustling Manhattan street, seeming oblivious to the hoards of people passing by as they shared their romantic kiss. Both Bezos and Sanchez were grinning from ear to ear as they separated from their public embrace - which left the billionaire Amazon tycoon with a smear of his girlfriend's pink lipstick across his face. While the two only seemed to have eyes for each other, they were also joined by Sanchez's ex Tony Gonzalez and his wife October. The couple, whose romance was publicly revealed just hours after Bezos announced that he was divorcing his then-wife Mackenzie Scott in January 2019, were in Texas earlier this week to watch Blue Origin's second successful passenger flight into space. Wednesday's space flight marked a milestone moment not only for Bezos, but for Star Trek actor William Shatner, 90, who officially became the oldest person to ever travel into space when he joined the three other passengers on board the New Shepard rocket. Although Bezos' beaming expression on Friday indicated that he is thrilled with his latest atmospheric accomplishment, his quest to win the space race and beat rivals like Tesla founder Elon Musk and Virgin mogul Richard Branson has drawn ire from critics, including Prince William. The royal bashed the ultra-wealthy tycoons on Thursday, insisting that they should be focusing their energies and their finances on the planet they live on rather than conquering new heights. Pucker up: Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez were pictured putting on a very public display of affection on a busy New York City street on Friday - amid ongoing criticism of his involvement in the billionaire space race Awkward: Gonzalez (far right) somehow resisted starting at Sanchez and Bezos as they passionately reunited on the street No need to re-Kindle this romance! Bezos, 57, and Sanchez, 51, appeared oblivious to the crowds of people around them as they locked lips Celebrations? The couple's public display of affection comes just two days after Bezos launched another successful Blue Orbit passenger flight - a journey that gave actor William Shatner, 90, the title of the oldest person to ever go into space Happy as can be: The ongoing space race between billionaires like Bezos, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk has drawn ire from critics, including Prince William, who slammed the competition, insisting they should focus on 'trying to repair this planet' Friendly exes: While Bezos and Sanchez only had eyes for each other, they weren't alone. They were joined by Sanchez's ex, retired NFL tight-end Tony Gonzalez, and his wife October, who is a television personality Hours after Shatner and the other three passengers on New Shepard returned safely to Earth - where they were personally greeted by Bezos - Prince William appeared to rebuke the billionaire space race during an interview with the BBC. Bling thing: Sanchez was pictured showing off a large diamond ring on her wedding finger as she grabbed the back of Bezos' head and pulled him into the kiss While discussing the current issues facing the climate, the Duke of Cambridge, 39, 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.' However, on Friday, it looked as though backlash over Bezos' involvement in the space race couldn't have been further from his mind, or his partner's. Sanchez was dressed to the nines for the couple's fun-filled day in the city, with the mother-of-three taking full advantage of the balmy Manhattan weather in a short, figure-hugging orange dress that bared her toned legs. She dressed up the ensemble with several high-priced designer pieces, including a tan Hermes Birkin handbag that is worth upwards of $30,000 and a pair of $580 Alexander McQueen sneakers. Despite the warm weather in the city on Friday, she also donned a calf-length white jacket over the look. She wore her long dark hair up in a bouncy ponytail, and she accessorized her outfit with oversized black shades to shield her eyes from the sun and large gold hoops. Dolled up: As well as her dazzling accessory, Sanchez added several high-priced designer pieces to her look, including an Hermes Birkin handbag, which is worth upwards of $30,000, and a pair of $580 Alexander McQueen sneakers Oh hey there: The mother-of-three was pictured grinning from ear to ear as she and Bezos reunited on the sidewalk Keeping busy: Bezos and Sanchez traveled to Texas for the launch of Blue Origin's New Shephard rocket, which carried four people - including Star Trek star Shatner - into space on Wednesday Summer fling! Sanchez was dressed to impress in a short, figure-hugging orange dress - allowing her to take full advantage of the balmy Manhattan temperatures on Friday Subtler PDA: Gonzalez had his arm on his wife's back as they followed Sanchez, who was on her way to meet Bezos But the most eye-catching aspect of her look was the large diamond ring that she was seen sporting on her wedding finger - a stunning accessory that she has worn on several occasions in the past, sparking ongoing speculation that she and Bezos are secretly engaged. Although they have yet to address those rumors, they made sure that everyone in their orbit could see just how in love they are as they embraced in the street, with Sanchez pulling her partner in for another kiss on the cheek as they walked along the street together. In place of the bold Blue Orbit jumpsuit he was seen modeling in Texas on Wednesday, Bezos opted for a casual pair of jeans, a black polo shirt, and a pair of black Chelsea boots. The foursome had lunch with Sanchez and Gonzalez's son, Nikko Gonzalez, 20, at Cipriani Downtown, which is located in New York's trendy SoHo neighborhood. Bezos, Sanchez, and her son were seen leaving the iconic New York restaurant wearing face masks. The mother and son donned blue medical masks while Bezos opted for a black version that matched his polo shirt. Little is known about Sanchez's past relationship with Gonzalez. They are believed to have broken up after Nikko was born in 2001, but they have clearly remained friendly while co-parenting their son. Sanchez also has a younger son, Evan Whitesell, 15, and daughter, Eleanor Whitesell, 13, with her Hollywood agent ex-husband Patrick Whitesell. Take the lead: Sanchez walked arm and arm with Bezos in front of Gonzalez and his wife October Opposites: While Sanchez was decked out in a mini dress, October kept it casual in a pair of jeans and sneakers Young love: Both of them looked ecstatic to be in New York together on the gorgeous fall day Ready for a call? Bezos held hands with Sanchez as they walked and used his free hand to carry his cellphone. They looked like they didn't even know the couple behind them Talk about love! The billionaire appeared to have a picture of his ladylove as his screensaver on his phone The two couples also went out together on Thursday evening. Sanchez shared a photo of herself posing with October on an outdoor balcony with views of the city. 'Date night in NY (just waiting for our dates),' she captioned the image, which shows her modeling a low-cut black mini dress that accentuated her legs. October matched her husband's ex in a black ruffled top, which she wore tucked into jeans. She posted the same photo on her own Instagram page the next day, writing: 'When you share kids with your friends #parentweekend2021. It's been a busy week for Bezos and Sanchez, who traveled from New York to Texas and then back to New York again. After attending the Broadway show The Lehman Trilogy - a play about capitalism - over the weekend, they headed to the Lonestar State to watch Shatner's historic space launch on Wednesday, which was delayed by a day due to the weather. 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. Dining out: The two couples had lunch at Cipriani Downtown, which is located in New York's trendy SoHo neighborhood Family fun: They were joined by Sanchez and Gonzalez's son, Nikko Gonzalez, 20, when they went to lunch. Gonzalez and his wife stayed back with Nikko while Sanchez and Bezos led the way School day? Nikko had a backpack on as he followed his mom out of the restaurant on Friday afternoon Safety first: Bezos, Sanchez, and her son were seen leaving the restaurant wearing masks, with the entrepreneur opting for black one that matched his polo shirt Happy as can be: The couple seemed to be enjoying each other's company as they chatted on the sidewalk while Gonzalez and his wife trailed behind them Check it out: They both had smiles on their faces as Bezos pointed to something off in the distance Gawkers: Restaurant goers had a front seat view of the two couples leaving the restaurant with Bezos' security team leading the way Girls' night: Sanchez shared a photo of herself out with October on Thursday night, writing: 'Date night in NY (just waiting for our dates)' 'Everybody in the world needs to do this,' he said. 'To see the blue color 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.' Historic moment: Bezos and Sanchez were both in Texas this week to watch Shatner (center, left) launch into space with astronauts Audrey Powers (far left), Chris Boshuizen (center, right) Glen de Vries (far right) Blue Origin boss: Bezos welcomed home four new astronauts on Wednesday morning, giving them a thumbs up Emotional: 'I'm so filled with emotion with what just happened,' Shatner said to Bezos on the ground, breaking into tears. 'I hope I never recover from this,' he added Behind the scenes: Sanchez is still celebrating the launch days later. While she was out in New York on Friday, she shared photos of herself posing with Bezos in front of the rocket Having a blast (off)! One cheeky snapshot shows Bezos throwing a laughing Sanchez over his shoulder Loved up: Another photo shows Bezos giving her a high-five. She captioned the photos: 'And we have liftoff' Pure joy: Sanchez, who was also in Texas for Bezos' trip to space over the summer, shared a snapshot of herself watching Shatner's launch with the Amazon founder earlier in the week Bezos celebrated by spraying champagne and doused an equally excited Sanchez, who is still celebrating the launch days later. On Friday, she posted photos of herself posing with Bezos in front of the rocket, including a cheeky picture of him throwing her over his shoulder, writing: 'And we have liftoff' Sanchez, who was also in Texas for Bezos' trip to space over the summer, shared a snapshot of herself watching Shatner's launch with the Amazon founder earlier in the week. 'This launch was just as intense as when Jeff went up in space, but for a different reason,' she wrote. 'We got to stand and bond with the families as they watched their loved ones experience the boundaries of our planet in an entirely new way. It was a powerful moment in itself to just hold their hands and feel all the love. This is how it starts. The space venture came just a week after Musk, 50, whose SpaceX Mars program 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. Fears about climate change are behind the drop off in British fertility rates, experts believe. Researchers tracking births in Western nations say adults are no longer as willing to bring babies into the world because of the apocalyptic global warming warnings. Dr Britt Wray, a human and planetary health fellow at Stanford University, described it as a 'fear of a degraded future due to climate change'. She told MailOnline she thought it was 'playing a roll in declining birth rates in many countries around the world'. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday showed the total fertility rate fell to just 1.58 children per woman in 2020 the lowest since records began in 1938. Meanwhile, the ONS claimed the fertility rate has been decreasing for a number of other reasons, including improved access to contraception, women delaying motherhood and women having fewer babies. But Dr Wray and other academics believe climate change is also to blame. She was one of the authors behind a study which revealed four in ten young people fear bringing children into the world because of climate concerns. The findings, published as a preprint in the Lancet last month, were based on a poll of 10,000 16-25 year olds. Nearly six in 10 people were very or extremely worried about climate change. More than eight in ten said they were at least moderately worried. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the total fertility rate fell to 1.58 children per woman in 2020 the lowest since records began in 1938 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 She said: 'Recent research on the psychological impacts of climate change suggests that peoples anxieties about global warming may be part of the story. 'Last year a survey of 2,000 Americans found 78 per cent of Gen Zers arent planning or dont want to have kids due to climate change. Dr Britt Wray (pictured), a human and planetary health fellow at Stanford University, said Britain's fall in fertility is likely to be caused by worries over the future that will be left for children 'A more in-depth social scientific survey, also from last year, sought to understand the eco-reproductive concerns of 607 Americans who care about the climate. 'They found that 96.5 per cent of respondents were very or extremely concerned about the well-being of their children or hypothetical children, feelings that contributed to decisions to limit the number of children they have, or not reproduce at all. 'Considering the trajectory science tells us we are on, peoples climate concerns and their connection to reproductive decisions are understandable.' The research was agreed with by analysts at investment bank Morgan Stanley, who in July told investors climate change was the main driver behind declining birth rates, affecting fertility 'quicker than any preceding trend'. They said: 'Movement to not have children owing to fears over climate change is growing and impacting fertility rates quicker than any preceding trend in the field of fertility decline.' The ONS figures show there were 613,936 live births in England and Wales in 2020, a decrease of 4.1 per cent from 2019. It is the fifth year in a row that the number of babies born has fallen and is the lowest since 2002. Last year saw 29.3 per cent of live births were among women who were born outside the UK. This is the highest since records began in 1969 and is part of a general long-term increase, the ONS said. The total fertility rate among foreign-born mothers increased slightly to 1.98, at a time when the rate for UK-born women decreased to 1.50. Pakistan was the most common country of birth for both non-UK born mothers and fathers for the first time since 2009. The second most common country was Romania for both parents. There were 2,371 stillbirths in England and Wales last year, which amounts to 3.8 per 1,000 births, the figures show. This is down from 3.9 stillbirths per 1,000 births in 2019. The average age of new mothers is 30.7 years the same as in 2019, following a gradual increase since 1973. Doctors in Alaska are being forced to ration potentially life-saving care for COVID-19 patients in the wake of a massive surge currently hitting the state. Currently, more than 200 people are hospitalized with the virus in the state, with cases and deaths steadily increasing in recent days as well. Staff at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska, told CNBC they are facing a shortage of equipment to treat the patients coming in. This is pushing them to having to make tough choices as to which patients will receive crucial treatment, and who won't - knowing the patients who do not receive the treatment will likely die. Doctors at Providence Alaska Medical Center (pictured) in Anchorage, Alaska, are forced to ration care as the state faces a surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations COVID-19 cases in Alaska have grown by around 50% over the past month, from around 600 cases per day in mid-September to around 900 a day in mid-October 'It's terrible that I'm living through this because I've never seen more people die in my career,' Dr Jeremy Gitomer, a nephrologist who has worked at the hospital for 25 years, told CNBC. He told of a particular story in which a 70-year-old woman who was on a dialysis machine for six days had to have her treatment cut so the machine could be used on a 48-year-old man with a higher chance of survival. Unfortunately, both patients died, just like 95 percent of other COVID-19 patients receiving dialysis treatment while hospitalized due to the virus. State health officials activated a 'crisis of standard care' on October 2, providing doctors with the legal protections necessary to make those kinds of decisions. Gitomer told CNBC that the hospital is now rejecting the transfer of patients from other health care facilities who have a low chance of survival, because they can not treat everyone due to a lack of resources. Less than 10% of total hospital beds are available in Anchorage, by far the largest city in the state. More than 200 people are hospitalized with the virus statewide, and Alaska currently has the highest new case rate in the nation with 862 out of 100,000 residents testing positive for the virus in the past week. Pictured: A COVID-19 patient receives case in a Tok, Alaska, hospital on September 22 In Anchorage, the city where nearly half of Alaskans live, only six of 71 ICU beds are vacant - or eight percent - and 26 of 509 total hospital beds are available - just over five percent. This has cascaded the problems being faced in Anchorage onto other hospitals as well. Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, 40 miles northeast of Anchorage, is facing issues as well as the facility is unable to transfer away patients like normal. Renal and heart failure patients would usually get transferred to Providence when they arrived a Mat-Su, but now they have to stay at the less-resourced, smaller, hospital. This has led to a surge at the hospital that physicians are having trouble handling. 'Instead of one nurse being able to care for four or five emergency department patients, they might be caring for ten emergency department patients,' Dr Anne Zink, Alaska's chief medical officer who also works in the Mat-Su ER, told CNBC. 'Patients having to board in the emergency department wait for a really extended period of time.' In order to deal with these types of situations, the state imported 400 medical professionals last month. It has not been enough, though, because hospitals are remaining short on the personnel needed to deal with this surge in patients. Alaska currently is recording the highest rate of COVID-19 cases of any state in America, with 826 per every 100,000 people testing positive for the virus over the past seven days. More than 1,200 Covid cases were reported by the state on Monday, and the state is recording just under 900 cases per day - an increase of around 50 percent from a month ago - though average deaths still remain in the single digits. Experts point to the end of summer as reason for the uptick of cases. Alaska is colder than the rest of U.S. with the daily temperature highs around in the mid-40s this week, compared to highs in the 50s and 60s this week in Seattle at the northwest corner of the mainland. This has pushed many residents to spend more time indoors, where the virus is more likely to spread. Some communities, particularly those without access to running water or sewer systems, are already at an increased risk for respiratory disease, Zink told CNBC. An advisory committee for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unanimously voted to recommend approval of booster doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. The boosters have been approved for all adults aged 18 and older and will be given two months after the first dose. It comes exactly one day after the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) recommended approval of boosters for the Moderna vaccine. However, third doses of the Moderna were only recommended for those aged 65 and older or at high risk due to underlying conditions or their jobs. The vote comes after Johnson & Johnson announced last month showing a booster shot of its COVID-19 vaccine is highly protective against severe illness. The FDA's advisory committee unanimously voted to recommend approval of Covid booster shots of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine on Friday. Pictured: Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on a table at a vaccination clinic in Los Angeles, May 2021 The booster shot will be available to all adults aged 18 and older and given two months after the first dose. Pictured: Dr Richard Schwartz receives a Pfizer Covid vaccine booster at Teaching Center LIJ Medical Center in New York, October 6 Last month, J&J said a second shot given about two months after the first increased effectiveness to 94 percent against symptomatic disease. This compares to 70 percent protection seen with a single dose. The New Brunswick, New Jersey-based firm published details of three studies examining different aspects of its vaccine. The first study was a Phase III two-dose trial of up to 30,000 participants looking at the effectiveness of a second dose given 56 days after the first in adults 18 and older. The first study found that a booster shot was 94 percent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 in the U.S. and 100 percent effective against critical illness at least 14 days post-vaccination. There was only one case of COVID-19 in the vaccine group and 14 in the placebo group. J&J said that a booster given two months after the first dose increased antibody levels between four-fold and six-fold. When given six months after the first dose, antibody levels shot up nine-fold after one week and 12-fold after four weeks. These increases were seen regardless of age. Side effects with two doses were comparable to those seen in studies with the single-dose vaccine. The recommended approval is very different than that given to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. Last month, Pfizer was only approved for adults aged 65 and older and those aged 18 to 64 at high risk due to underlying conditions or their jobs. Modena received recommended approval for the same groups on Thursday but has yet to be authorized by the FDA or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) advisory committee, two key steps before it can be rolled out. However, J&J is the first firm to have a booster shot available for all recipients regardless of age, comorbidities or other risk factors. It wasn't clear that the FDA committee would recommend approval of the J&J vaccine, however. An FDA report released on Thursday did not show confidence in the need for the booster, because data was lacking, including limited evidence that a second shot would help against the highly contagious Delta variant. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration'(FDA) is delaying its decision on whether or not to authorize Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for teenagers due to concerns the jab may be causing rare heart inflammation. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports the decision that was expected to have been made by now has been pushed back a few weeks. The FDA will be looking at any potential links Moderna has to heart inflammation, known as myocarditis, especially compared to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, according to the newspaper. Last week, three Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland and Sweden, restricted the vaccine's use for young people over concerns of heart inflammation. A fourth, Norway, also recommended young adults and adolescents opt for the Pfizer vaccine instead of the Moderna shot. The FDA publicly defended the Moderna vaccine earlier this week, and concerns over heart inflammation in young people have long been warned about by U.S. health officials. An FDA decision on whether the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will receive authorization for people younger than 18 will be delayed, according to a report, amid concerns over the vaccine causing heart inflammation in young people (file image) Use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (pictured) has been restricted in Denmark, Finland and Sweden after the discovery of an increased risk of heart inflammation in young people that received the jab. Norway has also recommended young people to opt for the Pfizer vaccine instead Currently, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is available to all Americans aged 18 or older. It is the second most commonly used vaccine in the U.S., having been administered more than 153 million times, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a two-shot, mRNA based, vaccine just like the Pfizer-BioNTech jab, though the Pfizer shot has already received authorization in all Americans ages 12 and up. Moderna is vying to have its shot receive the same level as authorization as its peer, though recent concerns emerging in Europe have pushed back this decision. The Nordic nations made the decision to pause use of the vaccine in young people last week. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare said that authorities won't give the vaccine to males under age 30, and they will be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech immunization instead. In Sweden, the Moderna jab will no longer be available to any one born after 1990, or those aged 30 and younger. Denmark has restricted access to the vaccine to anyone under the age of 18. Norway has not taken as drastic action as its neighbors, with health officials urging people under age 30 to opt for the Pfizer vaccine instead. All four countries based their decision on an unpublished study with Sweden's Public Health Agency that found an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis in young people who did receive the shot. Dr Paul Burton, chief medical officer of Moderna, told the WSJ that his company has asked the Swedish officials to see the data but has not yet received it. Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told the newsoaoer that the Nordic countries' decisions are a result of them just being very conservative. 'Some countries want to be ultraconservative, it's of course their prerogative, but with the data I've seen I would be comfortable with anybody in my family who is a young male getting the vaccine,' he said. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company did not respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment on the matter. Myocarditis and pericarditis, both types of inflammation of the heart, are known side effects of the Covid vaccines, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even warns that the condition may develop in young males after vaccination. Heart inflammation is also a symptom of many viral infections like COVID-19, though, and the likelihood of developing the inflammation after infection is much higher than it is after vaccination. A recent study from Kaiser Permanente Southern California found that around seven out of every one million people that receive a two-shot COVID-19 vaccine will develop myocarditis. People who receive the Covid vaccine are seven times as likely to develop heart inflammation after the second dose of the jab when compared to the first, finds a recent study by KPSC. Those who are unvaccinated are significantly more likely to develop myocarditis, however The same study found that 47.5 out of every one million Covid patients experience heart inflammation. While myocarditis will often resolve itself, it can be dangerous. Heart inflammation can often lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain for patients. People with inflamed hearts are at a higher risk for heart failure, heart attacks and strokes. Attempting strenuous physical activity with an inflamed heart could also potentially lead to sudden cardiac arrest, or even death. THE LAST ASSASSIN by Peter Stothard (Weidenfeld & Nicolson 9.99, 222 pp) THE LAST ASSASSIN by Peter Stothard (Weidenfeld & Nicolson 9.99, 222 pp) If Julius Caesars killers had hoped for the gratitude of the Roman populace for delivering them from a tyrant, they were mistaken. Far from celebrating his death, the citizens instead fell silent, locking themselves indoors. And when Caesars adopted heir, the teenaged Octavian, emerged triumphant from the power struggles and civil wars that followed, he set about dispatching Caesars killers in ruthless style. Peter Stothards compelling and deeply researched real-life political thriller explores the twilight existence of the last assassin, Cassius Parmensis, a sailor-poet living in obscurity in Athens, 14 years after Caesars murder. By night, he dreams of a dark avenger. By day, he wonders if Octavian may pardon him. The fate of the last assassin hangs in the balance. THE APPARITION PHASE by Will Maclean (Windmill Books 8.99, 416 pp) THE APPARITION PHASE by Will Maclean (Windmill Books 8.99, 416 pp) Growing up in the 1970s, teenaged twins Tim and Abi Smith have a wide range of interests witches, curses, vampires and photographs of ghosts. Despite all this, Tim writes, I still think that we were not unusual children. Not for then. In the attic room where they pursue their hobbies, they decide to fake their own ghostly image, taking a snap of an eerie, empty-eyed figure which proves to be impressively creepy. The temptation to scare someone with it is irresistible and they choose their schoolmate, Janice Tupp, a sickly, melodramatic girl whose reaction is satisfyingly hysterical. But the prank leads to a terrifying succession of all-too-real events, the consequences of which will haunt Tim for ever. This brilliantly plotted Gothic ghost story by award-winning scriptwriter Will Maclean keeps the suspense alive until the final, chilling sentence. THE ARTFUL DICKENS by John Mullan (Bloomsbury 10.99, 448 pp) THE ARTFUL DICKENS by John Mullan (Bloomsbury 10.99, 448 pp) The opening sentence of John Mullans richly readable study of Charles Dickens asks an intriguing question: What is so good about Dickenss novels? Dickens is acknowledged as one of our greatest novelists, but his works are also criticised for supposed flaws such as sentimentality and melodrama. His characters are accused of being grotesque or two-dimensional, and even in his lifetime his huge popularity was sneered at. The artist who paints for the millions must use glaring colours, wrote fellow novelist Anthony Trollope. Mullan sets out to prove Dickenss detractors wrong. In 13 essays, he argues that as well as being the most popular novelist of his day, Dickens was one of the most daring and brilliantly innovative, whose subversive influence continues to shape our fiction. 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. An invisible impact When you buy a share, as its name suggests, you are actually purchasing a small fraction of the total value of the company. That value will depend on how the company is performing. All very straightforward, but then the value changes even though the company seems to have remained the same. Ups and downs: Many listed UK companies have a high proportion of their earnings overseas making them highly susceptible to foreign currency fluctuations One reason for this may be currencies. A significant number of companies on the UK stock market, particularly in the FTSE 100, have a high proportion of their earnings overseas, and therefore in other currencies. A boon and bane Why? It is to a great extent down to our history as an island nation. From the piratical Spanish raids by Drake, to the Empire and Commonwealth, the UK economy has always looked overseas. Many of the companies in our markets have big operations abroad or are foreign companies themselves. More than 60 per cent of the turnover of the FTSE 100 companies is earned overseas and is thus in another currency. This may stir our pride in our global reach, but it has its effects and its risks. When sterling is strong, then we can achieve greater value, but equally when our pound declines we receive less. So the effect can be positive or negative depending on the vagaries of both our currency and those of other countries. Sometimes it can fool us: when, for example, the pound rises, then it can seem that the overseas assets are worth less when in reality nothing has happened to them. So what should we do? Big institutional investors can hedge their currency risks, but for most private investors this would add an extra layer of complication and cost. For most investors I would say just take a longer term view and consider that over time the US dollar is likely to strengthen against the pound but emerging nation currencies will generally weaken. So when selecting companies look to see where their assets and income are coming from, and choose accordingly. Can the industry help? There are specialist fund managers who run currency funds in which their managers will look to bet on their values. However, they can be quite expensive and their track record is variable, so take care. You can also get a passive ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) which holds a basket of currencies and the value will adjust against our pound, such as the Invesco Currency Shares British Pound Sterling Trust. Remember though that you will need your investment cash at some time in your main home base which for most of us will be in the UK and in sterling. If the pound is strong at that point it could reduce your assets value; equally if sterling falls then miraculously your overseas assets have risen. 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.' A fresh wave of energy firms are likely to go bust after Glencore-backed gas shipper CNG Group cut off business with UK household suppliers this week. Some smaller energy firms CNG has ceased business with could see costs spiral beyond their means and this is likely to be the catalyst for more household suppliers to collapse within the next week, according to industry insiders. The firm has 18 utility customers, which will now need to seek an alternative shipper - a prospect industry insiders say is a tough ask. The decision will also potentially hitting schools, businesses and hospitals CNG directly supplies. Record gas prices have seen a number of firms go bust in the last two months, with BP-backed Pure Planet and smaller supplier Colorado Energy the latest this week leaving 250,000 households facing a new supplier and higher bills. The energy crisis continues to spiral as gas prices rise and suppliers go bust An estimated two million British households have now been forced to change suppliers and many of them will be shunted onto a standard variable rate, which is likely to be higher than any fixed deal they would have had previously. Bloomberg reported this week that CNG boss Paul Stanley had confirmed that 'the company has been forced into an impossible position' after many of its clients ceased trading during the energy crisis. A spokesperson from energy regulator Ofgem said: 'In recent weeks there has been an unprecedented increase in global gas prices which is unfortunately putting financial pressure on energy companies. 'Our number one priority is protecting customers. If a gas shipper stops trading, industry processes ensure that gas supplies continue uninterrupted.' While 'supplier of last resort' measures mean consumers are automatically switched when their supplier collapses, the same is not true for the utility firms themselves. This potentially leaves energy firms buying gas from CNG left looking for a new supplier, which will charge them market rate rather than the previous prices agreed. Craig Lowrey, senior consultant at Cornwall Insight, explained: 'Shippers play an important role within the industry given the suppliers effectively cannot sell gas to customers without them 'Unlike when a supplier exits and the process is managed through the SoLR process, there is no corresponding arrangement for shippers, which puts the industry in uncharted regulatory territory.' Suppliers without a shipper will now have to pay the National Grid for the cost incurred, Lowery said, 'which has been equivalent to a rate approximately three times the implied wholesale gas price in the Winter 2021-22 default tariff cap'. He added: 'Suppliers with existing contracts with a supplier that ceases providing its services could be forced to unwind their positions and re-hedge them with a new shipper which would again incur a cost assuming such an action was possible. 'The increased use of imbalance will be reflected in wider gas system costs and spread across all users.' Andy Harris, consultant to the board of green energy firm Neon Reef, told This is Money there is a good chance a number of GNG's UK gas supplier customers will go under. He said: 'They may have to put down cash fast to gas transporters as security based on their gas volume, which they may not be able to. Especially given the very high prices of gas they are already paying. 'Depending on their relationship with CNG they may also have pre-paid some or all of these security costs and so could be faced with paying the cost twice. 'And they will have to find an alternative shipper within a few weeks, which they may also not be able to do it is naturally dependent on whether another shipper is prepared to contract with them.' There are fears too that the CNG's decision could badly affect non-household customers like schools, hospitals and business, which the firm supplies directly, Harris said: 'There is speculation that this part of their business will also close. There is a SoLR process here, but there is no protection on their credit balances.' Fears that the energy crisis could cause industry shutdowns this winter But the broader economy may also be under threat as the energy crisis continues to spiral. Founder of manufacturing giant Ineos Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned this week that high gas prices will continue throughout winter and industry could be forced to close if supplies run out. Asked if the country could shut down due to a prolonged cold spell, Ratcliffe said 'Yeah, in which case then, what you would do is you'd shut down industry.' 'I think it's quite difficult to predict how long this sort of current situation's going to last, but you know I suppose if you were a betting man you'd assume it would probably run through at least through the winter because obviously our gas demand increases in the winter.' The chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is leaving his job a year earlier than planned. Charles Randell, who took over at the watchdog in April 2018, will depart next spring and has asked Chancellor Rishi Sunak to begin the task of finding a replacement. While Randell had originally been appointed to serve a five-year term, the 63-year-old said 'now is the right time' for a new chairman to oversee the conclusion of a major revamp at the regulator. Packing up: Charles Randell said it was 'a great privilege' to be chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority 'Being chairman of the FCA has been a great privilege,' he said. Sunak added: 'I want to thank Charles Randell for his work as Chairman of both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Payment Systems Regulator during this important period.' During his tenure, Randell spent much of his time battling criticism of the regulator following a series of scandals that have left many questioning its effectiveness. On his watch, the FCA was criticised over its failure to intervene before the collapse of star stock-picker Neil Woodford's 3.1billion Woodford Equity Income Fund in October 2019. The investment manager's flagship fund left thousands of investors out of pocket when it collapsed, effectively ending Woodford's 30-year career as a high-profile money manager. Earlier this year, the FCA was condemned over its handling of the London Capital & Finance (LCF) affair, which saw a regulated investment firm extract over 237million from the sale of toxic minibonds to over 11,600 savers before collapsing in early 2019. An independent report into the LCF scandal was scathing, with former Court of Appeal judge Dame Elizabeth Gloster castigating the FCA for 'unacceptable' delays in providing documents which had slowed down the completion of the report. The FCA also faced criticism last year for its handling of the Connaught Income Fund, which went bust in 2012 inflicting millions in losses on investors. An independent review into the matter by barrister Raj Parker, published last December, said the regulator 'could have acted in a more effective way to protect investors' and that regulation of the people and entities connected to the Connaught fund was 'not appropriate or effective'. The FCA's lacklustre performance over the last five years tarnished the reputation of Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, who headed the watchdog between 2016 and 2020. However, chief executive Nikhil Rathi is spearheading a wide-ranging overhaul of the regulator in an attempt to draw a line under the string of scandals. Rathi, 42, who took over in October last year, is proposing to scrap bonuses for staff, saying the payments had 'not been effective' at improving performance and could undermine confidence in the regulator. The move followed outrage at revelations that the FCA paid out over 125million in bonuses since 2016 despite its failure to protect investors from losing their money through a serie of major scandals. A 'peasant revolt' of allotment holders have toppled their multi-millionaire landlord over a planning spat that would have seen 80 new homes built on their plots. Ralph Percy, 64, the 12th Duke of Northumberland, had planned to transform a three-acre site at his grade I Syon Park estate in west London into 80 flats. The Duke, who initially received backing for the scheme by Hounslow Council's planning officers, had planned to use revenue raised from the flat sales to fund 20m worth of essential repairs at historic Syon House. The site nestled just off the banks of the River Thames has starred as the backdrop for scenes in a string of period dramas, from Downton Abbey to Vanity Fair to Netflix hit Bridgerton. But after opposition from more than 900 local residents, including furious allotment holders, the proposition was defeated after 10 Hounslow councillors rejected plans on Thursday. Previously, the Duke had threatened to close the site to allotment holders, warning in a letter sent in May that if their opposition 'leads to the application being refused then the allotments will not reopen.' Other ambitious plans for historic land owned by his company, Northumberland Estates, included a taxpayer-funded tourist attraction in the grounds of Alnwick Castle. Ralph Percy, 64, the 12th Duke of Northumberland, had planned to transform a three-acre site at his grade I Syon Park estate in west London into 80 flats The Duke had threatened to close Park Road allotments (pictured above), warning in a letter sent in May that if their opposition 'leads to the application being refused then the allotments will not reopen' But after opposition from more than 900 local residents, including furious allotment holders, the proposition was defeated after 10 Hounslow councillors rejected plans on Thursday. Pictured: Park Road Allotments in Isleworth In 1917, Henry George, 7th Duke of Northumberland, leased the plot of land to the local authority to 'manage and maintain' the allotments. But in 2015, management of the site, which is considered 'asset of community value', reverted to Northumberland Estates after Hounslow Council's lease ended. An online petition with more than 3,000 signatures opposed the plans and warned Park Road Allotments offered a 'much needed tranquil location' and was a 'wildlife haven'. Allotment holders were furious to see proposals that would've slashed their plots by two-thirds to accommodate the housing. The Duke's company argue they were set to be offered new allotments. In his May letter, the Duke's holding company, Northumberland Estates, wrote to residents: 'It is unfortunate that a small minority have resorted to the press to raise issues regarding the development. The Duke planned to build flats on the Park Road allotment site, which has been leased out for use by the local community more than a century. Pictured: Artist's impression of flats To offset the shrinking size of allotments, the Duke's estate had promised social housing and homes specifically for West Middlesex Hospital's healthcare workers. Above: Plans submitted to Hounslow Council Revenue raised from the flat sales to fund 20m worth of essential repairs at historic Syon House. Pictured: Artist's impression of the proposed flats in Park Road, west London 'It is not how we would prefer to conduct our business, but if this ultimately leads to the application being refused then the allotments will not reopen. 'It is not a tenable position to both oppose the scheme and expect a plot on the new development.' But plot holders warned they were being 'steamrollered by the Duke', whose family's estimated worth topped 300million according to the Sunday Times Rich List. To offset the shrinking size of allotments, the Duke's estate had promised social housing and homes specifically for West Middlesex Hospital's healthcare workers. The site nestled just off the banks of the River Thames has starred as the backdrop for scenes in a string of period dramas. Pictured: The Great Conservatory, used to shoot scenes in Downton Abbey, at Syon Huse, West London Syon House was also used by filming crews for a number of scenes in Netflix hit period drama Bridgerton Reacting to the news last night Northumberland Estates Director Colin Barnes said: 'The decision is extremely disappointing and a lost opportunity both to provide affordable homes and health workers with housing while retaining allotments. We will move on.' Ralph Percy, 12th Duke of Northumberland Ralph George Algernon Percy, 64, attended Wellesley House prep school and Eton, before studying history at Oxford. He married his wife Jane, 63, in 1979 and the couple have four children together. Ralph's older brother, Henry Percy, died after an overdose in 1995 and was Queen Elizabeth II's godchild. The Percys arrived in England from Normandy in 1067, after William the Conqueror's successful campaign. The family, which also owns 10,000 acres of land and several properties including Albury Estate in Surrey and Warkworth and Prudhoe Castles in Northumberland, has played a succession of prominent roles in British history. Ancestors of the Percys have appeared in the Domesday Book, featured in the works of Shakespeare, led the 1569 uprising against Elizabeth I, signed the Magna Carta, fought in the American War of Independence and been jailed over the Gunpowder Plot. The family's seat, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, has been home to the Percys for more than 700 years. Today, the family's wealth is estimated to be 300milliom, according to the Sunday Times Rich List. Advertisement Mr Barnes did not comment on plans to appeal the decision. Sue Casey, Isleworth Society Chair, said: 'We are delighted that the arguments of individuals and groups locally, regionally and nationally were listened to. 'The Isleworth Society is passionate about preserving the areas local open spaces and we believe the councillors made the right decision.' Annie Aloysius, an allotment holder at Park Road for 12 years, told the Times her plot was an 'important place' for her sons Dexter and Gaius to learn about wildlife. She said: 'It's somewhere that I've taken my kids throughout their lives. 'Sense has prevailed, while we understand they may be disappointed, we hope that we can find a mutually satisfactory solution to make the allotments work for everybody.' Speaking at last night's meeting, Labour councillor Vickram Grewal said: 'Im pro-development at the best of times but I got into politics to fight intimidation, bullying and threats and the big man applying pressure on the little man. 'We have seen all of this behaviour from the Duke.' Salman Shaheen, another Labour councillor, added: 'I now call on the Duke to abandon his threats to evict the allotment holders. 'Let them stay. Let them work the land they love and treasure. 'If the Duke is a reasonable man then he will not appeal the Councils decision. He should lease the land back to allotment holders. 'Or better yet, sell it to the community, so that we can preserve it as a common treasury for another century to come.' In 2018, Hounslow council rejected similar plans from the Duke to reduce the size of allotments. Earlier this year, Northumberland Estates were slammed for plans to build a 7.9m boutique spa and hotel overlooking Alnwick Castle, Northumberland. The Duke has eyes set on plans to open a 47 room hotel boasting a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and meeting rooms in the grounds that were once used to film Harry Potter, Blackadder and Robin Hood. The hotel will be funded Northumberland Estates - the business arm of the Percy family - and will replace the Grade II listed, 18th century Duchesss Community High School. The Duke and Duchess, Jane, also plan to build a 7.9m boutique spa and hotel overlooking the family's seat Alnwick Castle, Northumberland (pictured above) But locals claim the hotel will attract parties, with, 'hoards of young lads and lasses marauding over Alnwick turning our lovely sedate town into a rowdy party city.' Residents voiced concerns that the 'intrusive' hotel would look 'like an ugly modern prison' and bring the medieval town to a standstill with traffic jams in the busy summer months. Alnwick Town Council gave the plans the green light, despite saying: 'The building is too large for this site on the historic northern entrance to Alnwick.' In 2014, the Duke was forced to sell millions of pounds worth of 500-year-old family heirlooms, including paintings, books and manuscripts, to foot a 12m flood damage bill. A new book makes an excoriating attack on social media giants and the media for 'burying' the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, laying out in shocking clarity the reported evidence for the president and his son's alleged corruption. The book, Rigged: How the Media, Big Tech, and the Democrats Seized Our Elections, was published Tuesday by bestselling author and senior editor at conservative magazine The Federalist, Molly Hemingway. One chapter is devoted to the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, and the apparent determination by establishment media organizations, Twitter and Facebook to discredit and crush the story without any kind of thorough investigation of its disturbing details. Hemingway revisited reports published before the 2020 election that used emails, texts and photos from the laptop to paint a clear picture of the president's son touting his political influence to foreign powers in China and Ukraine and even tying Joe Biden to the allegedly corrupt dealings. Though smeared as 'Russian disinformation' at the time, the reports recounted in the book make for sobering reading in the light of Hunter's December 2020 admission he is under federal investigation and DailyMail.com's subsequent authentication of the laptop's contents by top cyber forensics experts. New book, Rigged: How the Media, Big Tech, and the Democrats Seized Our Elections, bashes Twitter and Facebook crushing Hunter Biden story. The New York Post published the story claiming it had obtained Hunter's laptop that contained salacious and damning emails, photos and texts Last December, Hunter admitted in a public statement that he was under federal investigation over his tax affairs. The FBI and IRS probe is reportedly also looking into Hunter's foreign business relationships and the potential for money laundering charges Hemingway says the stakes over the alleged systematic suppression of these stories could not have been higher, citing a post-presidential election poll in which one in six Biden voters said they 'would not have voted for President Biden had they known the full extent of the financial corruption scandals involving Hunter Biden.' Billing itself as the 'definitive account of the 2020 election', the book is based on Hemingway's interviews with campaign officials, reporters, Supreme Court justices, and Donald Trump himself. The book, Rigged: How the Media, Big Tech, and the Democrats Seized Our Elections, was published Tuesday by bestselling author and senior editor at conservative magazine The Federalist, Molly Hemingway The conservative author claims her book, published by Regnery Publishing, 'exposes the fraud and cynicism behind the Democrats' historic power-grab'. Chapter eight, titled 'Burying Biden Corruption', zeroes in on the evidence around Hunter's alleged corrupt activities. Hemingway wrote that Hunter joined Joe on a state visit to China in December 2013 and ten days later Hunter's company Rosemont Seneca entered into a '$1.5 billion' joint venture with the government-owned Bank of China, making it 'the first Western firm allowed to operate out of the recently created Shanghai Free-Trade Zone, opening up a slew of lucrative investment opportunities unavailable to other American investors.' Another startling timeline laid out by the author includes a visit by Hunter's Rosemont Seneca business partner Devon Archer to the White House on April 16 2014, followed by a trip to Kiev by Joe five days later, an announcement on April 22 that Archer was joining the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma, and Hunter's appointment to Burisma's board the following month shortly after Joe was appointed 'point person' on Ukraine for the Obama White House. 'From the beginning, the Burisma arrangement reeked of corruption,' Hemingway wrote. 'At the time Biden joined its board, the British government's anti-fraud office was busy seizing millions in assets from Burisma founder Mykola Zlochevsky.' Hemingway recounted how emails from Hunter's abandoned laptop show he and then-vice president Joe met Hunter's business associates including a Moscow mayor, a former Kazakhstan prime minister and a Burisma executive, at a Washington DC restaurant in April 2015, despite the president's claims he has 'never spoken to my son about his overseas business dealings'. The author pointed out that Hunter even admitted evidence of allegedly corrupt practices involving the Chinese months before his laptop was leaked. The president's son told the New Yorker in July 2019 that a Chinese energy tycoon with links to the communist government asked him to help make connections with DC power brokers, then sent a '2.8-carat diamond' to Hunter's hotel room. Hunter claimed he passed it to colleagues. Hemingway characterized the quotes as an admission he had 'taken a bribe worth tens of thousands of dollars from a Chinese businessman with close ties to that country's communist governmentand it was buried more than seventy paragraphs into an article few voters would read in a magazine with a target audience of liberal elites.' Hunter joined Joe on a state visit to China in December 2013 and ten days later Hunter's company Rosemont Seneca entered into a '$1.5 billion' joint venture with the government-owned Bank of China, making it 'the first Western firm allowed to operate out of the recently created Shanghai Free-Trade Zone, opening up a slew of lucrative investment opportunities unavailable to other American investors' Hunter is pictured with Joe on the China visit This photo of Hunter grabbing a woman's hair was recovered from his laptop The president's son touted his political influence to foreign powers in China and Ukraine even tying Joe Biden to the allegedly corrupt dealings The Federalist editor chronicled how Twitter launched an 'Orwellian' crackdown on stories based on material from Hunter's laptop published by the New York Post. 'The website locked the accounts of users trying to share the story, including White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany,' she wrote. 'Twitter's justification for its Orwellian measures was that the Post's story violated the site's policy against disseminating hacked materials, but there was no evidence that the materials from Hunter Biden's laptop had been hacked. Rigged by Mollie Hemingway came out Tuesday 'Stories that did involve ill-gotten information, such as the New York Times's coverage of Trump's illegally leaked tax returns, were not censored. 'Twitter shut the New York Postthe oldest continuously published newspaper in America, founded by none other than Alexander Hamiltonout of its own Twitter account unless it agreed to delete its initial tweet promoting the story.' After the election, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey admitted in a Senate hearing the censorship was wrong. 'We recognize it as a mistake that we made, both in terms of the intention of the policy and also the enforcement action of not allowing people to share it publicly or privately,' he said. One shocking set of documents from the laptop showed Hunter received a $3.5 million wire transfer from Elena Baturina, the wife of the former mayor of Moscow who attended the 2015 Cafe Milano meeting with Joe Biden. Despite the furor and scrutiny around Trump and his family's alleged corrupt links to Russia, Hemingway, who has been critical of Trump in the past, said this crucial story was ignored. 'After years of asserting Trump was colluding with and financially compromised by Russia, the much-hyped Mueller report had produced no evidence of any alarming links between Russia and Trump or his family,' she wrote. 'But here was hard evidence that Joe Biden's son was getting paid an exorbitant amount by a Russian politician, and the media didn't care.' Another key element of the laptop scandal Hemingway says was ignored was the claims of Tony Bobulinski, one of the partners in Hunter's billion-dollar deal with the Chinese. This photo of Hunter with a crack pipe in his mouth was found on the laptop Bobulinski was copied on an email on Hunter's laptop which referred to '10 held by H for the big guy'. Bobulinski gave interviews after the emails leaked, claiming it meant 10% of the equity in the Chinese deal was to be held by Hunter on behalf of Joe Biden. He provided texts between himself and another partner in the deal, the author of the email James Gilliar, in which Gilliar said 'Don't mention Joe being involved, it's only when u are face to face, I know u know that but they are paranoid' and 'let's get the company set up, then tell H and family the high stakes and get Joe involved.' Hemingway highlighted one story by politics site Politico as particularly influential, published the day after the first Post laptop revelation. It was headlined 'Hunter Biden Story Is Russian Disinfo, Dozens of Former Intel Officials Say.' But the public letter on which it was based, signed by 50 former members of military and American intelligence agencies, in fact said: 'We want to emphasize that we do not know if the e-mails, provided to the New York Post by President Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, are genuine or not and that we do not have evidence of Russian involvement.' DailyMail.com later obtained a copy of the abandoned laptop's hard drive and commissioned the founder of the FBI's cyber forensics unit to analyze it. Their report found the contents were genuine and there was no evidence of tampering by Russians or anyone else DailyMail.com later obtained a copy of the abandoned laptop's hard drive and commissioned the founder of the FBI's cyber forensics unit to analyze it. Their report found the contents were genuine and there was no evidence of tampering by Russians or anyone else. But Hemingway described how influential media figures had already dismissed the evidence without investigation before the election, picking out one choice quote by David Frum of The Atlantic, who wrote: 'The story could not have been more obviously fake if it had been wearing dollar-store spectacles and attached plastic mustache.' DailyMail.com continues to publish stories based on verified material from Hunter's laptop, including revelations this week that the president could become embroiled in the FBI investigation into his son. Emails reveal Hunter and his father shared bank accounts, paid each other's bills and that Hunter's business partner involved in his foreign dealings, Eric Schwerin, worked on Joe's taxes while he was vice president. A former federal prosecutor and expert on money laundering and criminal tax law, and a former U.S. Intelligence Officer and Treasury Special Agent who is an expert in money laundering probes, told DailyMail.com the emails could lead investigators looking into Hunter to also pursue his father. The leaders of some of the most powerful gangs in Ecuador have opened up on how their organizations and rivals are able to hold on to power inside the prison that was the site of the deadliest riot in the country's history last month. The Guayaquil Penitentiary Complex is overrun by six ruthless gangs that have been able to exert their influence over the Guayas Regional Jail and the Litoral Penitentiary, where a turf war erupted the morning of September 28, leaving 118 prisoners dead. While the Guayas Regional Jail is under the total control of Los Choneros, the prison atmosphere at the Litoral Penitentiary is a bit more complex, where six gangs have a say over the day-to-day lives of an entire inmate population spread out across 12 pavilions, according to a report by Ecuadorian digital news outlet La Posta. Ecuador 's Attorney Generals Office told DailyMail.com that an investigation is ongoing into the recent events that have taken place at the prison, but declined to comment specifically on the allegations related to La Posta's report. Under Jose Adolfo 'Fito' Macias Villamar and Alexander 'Junior' Roldan Paredes, Los Choneros, a faction linked to Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's old Sinaloa Cartel, has a stronghold over five pavilions at the Guayaquil jail, which is located about 260 miles from the capital, Quito. Macias Villamar and Roldan Paredes have shared the gang's leadership since 2018 extradition of Edison Prado, also known at the 'Pablo Escobar of Ecuador,' to the United States. He was accused by the Department of Justice of trafficking 250 tons of cocaine between 2016 and 2017. The Latin Kings criminal network, led by Carlos Manuel Macias Saverio, operates two pavilions. The Tiguerones, who are led by William Joffre Alcivar Bautista and tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, control a pavilion and are considered Los Choneros's main rival. Alcivar Bautista reportedly ordered an unsuccessful hit against Macias Villamar in February. Antonio Benjamin Camacho Pacheco's gang, the Chone Killers, are a close ally of Los Choneros and run their own pavilion. The Lobos, who are led by Wilmer Geovanny Chavarria Barre from the prison, and a sixth faction led by a gang member known as Samir, each control one. Jose Adolfo 'Fito' Macias Villamar, is one of the two leaders of Los Choneros, a gang linked to Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's Sinaloa Cartel Alexander 'Junior' Roldan Paredes told La Posta that removing him and Jose Adolfo 'Fito' Macias Villamar - co-leaders of the Los Choneros gang - from the Guayaquil Penitentiary Complex could lead to riots similar to the one at center's Litoral Penitentiary on September 28 when 118 inmates were murdered An aerial view of the Litoral Penitentiary at the Guayaquil Penitentiary Complex in Guayaquil, Ecuador According to Macias Villamar, who is serving a 30-year murder sentence at the Guayas Regional Jail, the criminal groups operate at will by bribing prison guards and police officers with $80 to $100 a day. By having the guards and cops on their side, the gangs can smuggle cellphones, drugs, grenades, guns and rifles that allows each pavilion to operate at free will and in turn generate up $200,000 a month or $280 million a year that is split between both law enforcement and the criminal network leaders, La Posta reported. Inmates on average pay guards $300 to smuggle phones and $30 a week to use routers for internet service. The gangs also run a loanshark program in each pavilion, lending out anywhere between $5,000 to $50,000 that draws 30 percent to 100 percent in fees, with guards and the police receiving 10 percent in kickback payments. They also operate food stands, which have practically replaced the jail's commissary. Gangs also ring in extra cash by renting out cells and mattresses to prisoners. The Guayaquil Penitentiary Complex in Guayaquil, Ecuador, is run by six gangs that have been able to exert their influence over the Guayas Regional Jail and the Litoral Penitentiary. Members of Chone Killers "Over at the (Litoral) Penitentiary, the guard charges you. If you have one phone they charge you $ 25, if you have two they charge you $ 50 per week,' Macias Villamar explained. 'What's going on? What happens is that there is a mafia and the mafia are the guards, you have to give the guards their weekly (dues) or that son of a b**** makes your life impossible. The cops that are there may be corrupt, too.' One high-ranking gang member interviewed by La Posta recognized that politicians are just as complicit as the crooked guards and cops who are easily bought by the criminal groups. 'I believe that a policeman is like a prisoner, he is priceless if he feels pressure from many people who are doing it. Today, police, prisoners, guides, live in distress,' the gang member said. 'But it is not because of the crime issue, it is not because of the alleged prison (gang) leaders. Rather, I believe that it comes from a political system or an administration, a bad administration ... people with ties with enough power to make policemen, guards cry. Where have you seen this?' The Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was the site of the deadliest riot in the country's history when 116 inmates were killed September 28 due to clashes involving gangs linked to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel Over the last 18 months, at least 200 prisoners have died in prison riots, including the September massacre at the Litoral Penitentiary which President Guillermo Lasso attributed to the growing influence of Mexican criminal organizations. Ecuador is suffering a wave of violence at its prisons, which house some 39,000 people. Prison violence also killed 79 people in February and 22 in July. While Lasso vowed to pump $24 million in funds to reform the Litoral Penitentiary and regain control of the complex, Roldan Paredes vowed that more bloodshed will come if he and Macias Villar were to be transferred to other jails where they will be most likely killed. He already survived a murder attempt on September 13 when a rival gang deployed a drone with explosives which tore apart a section of the roof a Guayaquil Regional Jail pavilion where he is being held at. 'You know that that would be a sudden death, brother,' Roldan Paredes said, 'because if we are transferred, all the prisons are going to rise as you have no idea and they are going to hang whoever has to hung, you understand?' Friends of a Japanese woman who plunged from a building into a busy laneway say they regret not asking her if she was okay before she died. Akiko Kiryu, 52, fell to her death in a lane between StarChem Pharmacy and Hungry Jack's on The Corso at Manly, in Sydney's northern beaches, at 11.20am on Saturday. Devastated friends said they were shocked by the sudden death as they described Ms Kiryu as a 'happy and smiling' person. One said they wished they had checked in on her mental health. 'Very sad news today that our lovely friend Akiko has passed away,' they wrote on Facebook. 'Only if we had asked her "are you okay"!' Ms Kiryu was living without family after moving from Japan. Residents say she created her own kind of family after living in the community for 30 years. Ms Kiryu worked behind the register at Coles and regularly ran a crepe stall at the Manly markets. Friends of a Japanese woman who plunged from a building into a busy laneway say they regret not asking her if she was okay before she fell to her death Devastated friends said they were shocked by the sudden death as they described Ms Kiryu as a 'happy and smiling' person Akiko Kiryu, 52, fell to her death in a lane between StarChem Pharmacy and Hungry Jacks on The Corso at Manly, in Sydney's northern beaches, at 11.20am on Saturday 'We used to work at the same company and we were a part of the Japanese community,' one friend told Daily Telegraph. 'She was a lovely woman.' 'She's been here in Manly for about 30 years. She had a food stall at the market whenever it was open.' Another person added they were shocked by the death as they remembered Ms Kiryu as a 'happy and smiling' person. A Gofundme page has been set up to help raise money and pay for the funeral costs. Ms Kiryu's ashes will then be sent back to her home country to be reunited with her family. 'She doesnt have family here, so us group of friends are organising a funeral at North Ryde and her ashes will be sent to Japan from Sydney,' the page reads. 'We plan to livestream the funeral for her loved ones in Japan and those unable to come to the funeral due to COVID restrictions.' Bouquets of flowers and tribute cards written in several languages were piled along the alley way between The Corso and Rialto Lane over the weekend as mourners visited the site to pay their respects. Married At First Sight star Dean Wells, who was a friend of the woman, shared a touching tribute on Instagram as he called for Australians to respect people's decisions to remain unvaccinated. 'She was a sane, intelligent, lovely, completely normal person who did not believe in being forced to get a jab,' he wrote on Monday. 'No matter what your stance, there are many people in the community that are feeling pressured by mandates, losing their livelihood, being segregated from the rest of society and more. Ms Kiryu worked behind the register at Coles and regularly ran a crepe stall at the Manly markets Police officers taped off the alley way between The Corso and Rialto Lane as they launched an investigation Flowers have been piled along the laneway where she died as mourners visited the site over the weekend Notes written in English and Japanese have been laid at the site for the woman, who is understood to be a foreign national 'This madness has to end. We need to accept people's choices and have understanding and compassion for everyone. Not just those who have the same views as us. R.I.P.' The young woman's mate Dean Wells, of Married at First Sight fame Covid vaccines are very effective at stopping deaths and hospitalisations, with a study of 3.4million Americans finding Pfizer is 95 per cent effective at preventing serious illness. A similar study of AstraZeneca in the UK found the Oxford vaccine is 80 per cent effective at preventing severe sickness in Covid-19 patients. While some Australians remain hesitant to get the jab, the majority of NSW residents are fully vaccinated. As of Tuesday, 75.2 per cent of over 16s across the state had received both doses, while 90.8 per cent have had one shot of a vaccine. NSW Police taped off the scene on Saturday as they launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death. Her death is not being treated as suspicious. A report is being prepared for the Coroner. For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Do you know more? Contact this reporter on tips@dailymail.com A Louisiana state trooper has been fired from the department for leaking internal records about the 2019 death of a black motorist who was beaten, tased and shackled face-down on the ground before dying in police custody. Trooper Carl Cavalier, 33, had criticized the State Police in a number of interviews for their handling of the death of Ronald Greene in May 2019. The details of Greene's death had been covered up for two years, until the case blown open in May this year by long-withheld video of troopers stunning, punching and dragging the black motorist. Troopers initially told Greene's relatives the 49-year-old died from a crash at the end of a chase, despite his car showing little damage. It was only later that state police acknowledged there had been a struggle. But the lack of reaction over the killing angered Cavalier, who leaked internal State Police files related to the investigation, according to Fox News. The leaks forced the release of bodycam footage in May this year, showing white troopers beating Greene and dragging him by his ankle shackles, even as he pleaded for mercy and wailed, 'I'm your brother! I'm scared! I'm scared!' Cavalier was originally placed on a five-week paid leave over the leak, however the agency ultimately announced this week that he was fired over violating department policy. His firing is expected to become effective in 45 days. Pictured: Carl Cavalier criticized State Police in a number of interviews for their handling of the death of Ronald Greene - a black man who died after a 2019 encounter with state troopers In this May 10, 2019 image from Louisiana State Trooper Dakota DeMoss' body camera, troopers hold Ronald Greene before paramedics arrived outside of Monroe, Louisiana Ronald Greene, pictured, was wrestled out of the car and to the ground by cops, where he was dragged and shackled face-down on the ground until he went limp and died 'Trooper Cavalier received the decision of the appointing authority to move forward with termination based on an administrative investigation that revealed he violated several departmental policies,' a Louisiana State Police spokesperson told the network. 'It should be noted that our disciplinary administrative process is not finalized and Cavalier remains an employee at this time.' 'The disciplinary letter with policy violations will be made available when complete,' the spokesperson added. 'Cavalier is due a fair and impartial process, and as such, the department cannot provide comment on any pending litigation.' State troopers had pulled over Greene for an unspecified traffic violation back in May 2019 following a high-speed chase. Officials were inconstant with details of Greene's death. His family were initially told he had died after crashing into a tree, before the story was changed to state he died enroute to a hospital. Two years after his death, body-camera video footage, released in May of this year, showed troopers as they swarmed Greene's vehicle before using a stun gun on him while he raised his hands. The video shows Louisiana state troopers stunning, punching and dragging Greene as he apologizes for leading them on a high-speed chase The footage then shows as troopers wrestle Greene out of the car and to the ground, where he was dragged and shackled face-down on the ground until he went limp and died, Fox News reported. The department refused to release the video in the two years since Greene died in police custody, which was eventually obtained by the Associated Press. Cavalier said the lack of action and obfuscation regarding Greene's untimely death while in police custody prompted him to leak the internal State Police records and body-cam footage. Louisiana Governor Bel Edwards described the footage as 'disturbing and difficult to watch.' One of the officers responsible for Greene's death, Louisiana State Trooper Dakota DeMoss, was fired in June, a month after AP obtained and released the damning body-cam footage, WAFB reports. Cavalier, who worked at the State Police since 2014, then went on to give interviews in New Orleans and Baton Rouge on the story of Greene's death and ensuing efforts to cover it up from the public, all before his initial suspension. He even wrote a book of fiction under a pen name on the subject, which revealed his experiences as a black police officer in an oftentimes hostile work environment, according to NOLA.com. Reports of Greene's death remained inconsistent, with Greene's family being told he had died after crashing into a tree before changing the story and stating he died en route to a hospital On September 30, Cavalier filed a lawsuit against the department, claiming discrimination by members of the agency's top brass On September 30, Cavalier filed a lawsuit against the department, claiming discrimination by members of the agency's top brass. 'After issuing a ticket to a narcotics officer with the Houma Police Department, Petitioners supervisors began subjecting all tickets and reports to additional scrutiny,' Cavalier wrote in his petition. 'Including, but not limited to, watching body-worn camera video not related to use of force, requesting that incident reports be edited and/or rewritten, receiving harsh criticism over minor issues where other LSP commissioned officers were not reprimanded.' The trooper alleged he was also demoted and transferred multiple times, likely in retaliation for an internal grievance he had filed regarding Greene's death. The US Court of Appeals will continue to let Texas ban most abortions, denying the Justice Department request to immediately halt the law. A US 5th Circuit court decided in Texas's favor today in a 2-1 order, denying the Department of Justice's request to reinstate an older ruling that would block enforcement of the strictest abortion law in the country. The DOJ also argued that the law improperly interferes with the operations of the federal government to provide abortion-related services. The ordered was back by Judges James C. Ho, who was appointed by Donald Trump, and Catharina Haynes, who was appointed by George W. Bush. Judge Carl E. Stewart, who was appointed by Bill Clinton, dissented It is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court by the Biden Administration. The Justice Department sued the state of Texas after the Supreme Court, which is dominated by conservative judges, declined to block the law after clinics and advocates filed a lawsuit. The US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Texas tonight, denying the Justice Department's request to halt the law. The department also argued that the law improperly interferes with the operations of the federal government to provide abortion-related services. Judges James C. Ho (left) and Catharina Haynes (middle) backed the law, while Judge Carl E. Stewart (right) dissented The ruling keeps in place the Texas law that since early September has banned abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks. No exceptions are made in cases of rape or incest. Since then, Texas women have sought out abortion clinics in neighboring states, some driving hours through the middle of the night and including patients as young as 12 years old. The new decision by the US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals extends a previous order that for now allows the Texas law known as Senate Bill 8 to remain in effect. It marks the third time the conservative-leaning appeals court has sided with Texas and let the restrictions stand. The law, which is enforced by citizens, bans most abortions. After cardiac activity is detected - normally around six weeks of pregnancy - a woman can no longer receive an abortion in the state, leaving several women and girls to travel long distances to get one Since the law went into effect, 23 of the 42 abortion clinics in the state have closed, leaving only 19 open In a 2-1 decision, a three-judge panel of the court granted Texas's request to keep the law in place. It marks another setback for the Justice Department and Texas abortion providers in their efforts to derail the law, which has thus far prevailed because of a unique structure that leaves enforcement up to private citizens. Anyone who brings a successful lawsuit against an abortion provider for violating the law is entitled to claim at least $10,000 in damages, which the Biden administration says amounts to a bounty. Many argue that most women don't even know they are pregnant at six weeks Women marched in late May to protest the law outside of the state capitol Women across the country have been protesting the law and those similar to it A dozen states have enacted similar laws, but it was blocked by federal judges. Texas's law is enforced by citizens, which is cause difficulties in blocking it Despite numerous legal challenges both before and after the law took effect September 1 - including whether or not the law violated past Supreme Court decisions - only once has a court moved to put the restriction on hold - and that order only stood for 48 hours. US District Court Judge Robert L. Pitman said he would 'not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right,' but the 5th Circuit quickly reinstated the law. During that brief window, some Texas clinics rushed to perform abortions on patients past six weeks, but many more appointments were canceled after the 5th Circuit moved to swiftly reinstate the law. Texas had roughly two dozen abortion clinics before the law took effect, and operators have said some may be forced to close if the restrictions stay in place for much longer. The complicated law has halted almost all abortions across the state, causing 23 of the 42 abortion clinics in the state to close down. Already the stakes are high in the coming months over the future of abortion rights in the US. In December, the new conservative majority on the Supreme Court will hear Mississippi's bid to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed a woman's right to an abortion. In the 1992 decision, the Supreme Court prevented states from banning abortion before viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy. But Texas's version has outmaneuvered courts so far due to the fact that it offloads enforcement to private citizens. Texas Right to Life, the state's largest anti-abortion group, set up a tipline to receive allegations against abortion providers but has not filed any lawsuits. Texas isn't the only state to implement controversial abortion laws. A dozen other states have passed similar laws restricting abortion after cardiac activity is detected - normally around six weeks of pregnancy, typically before a woman even knows she is pregnant, but federal judges blocked the laws from taken effect. The laws were blocked because of Roe v. Wade, as well as other precedent cases. Gladys Berejiklian is still earning $14,000-a-month despite standing down as NSW Premier because she is yet to formally resign from parliament. The former state leader announced her plans to leave state Parliament as soon as a by-election could be held when she announced her shock resignation on October 1. But until someone takes over her seat in Willoughby, Ms Berejiklian will continue to receive a sizeable taxpayer salary. Former Deputy Premier John Barilaro and outgoing transport minister Andrew Constance, who both stood down just days after Ms Berejiklian, are also yet to lodge their resignations and will keep taking home the five-figure monthly payment. Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) resigned on October 1 just before the NSW capital was set to emerge from a gruelling four month lockdown Opposition Leader Chris Minns on Thursday called for the coalition MPs to hand in their papers and stop wasting taxpayer money. 'Theres now three Lib-Nat MPs who are planning to leave on their own accord,' he said, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. 'The bottom line is, if youre going to go, go.' The three by-elections sparked by their departures are set to cost taxpayers almost $1million each, with new representatives to be elected in Bega and Monaro for Mr Constance and Mr Barilaro, respectively. Mr Constance announced his resignation on October 3, confirming he wants to win the seat of Gilmore back from Labor, while Mr Barilaro announced he was quitting politics the next day. Mr Constance said he would not resign until his South Coast electorate was out of lockdown and intends to complete the parliamentary term. Mr Barilaro has asked for the earliest possible date to leave parliament, a spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Liberal MP for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons on Wednesday announced her intention to seek preselection for the federal seat of Hughes - meaning a fourth by-election is on the cards. Ms Berejiklian and former Deputy Premier John Barilaro (pictured) will pocket $14,000-a-month until they formally hand in their resignation to parliament NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance (pictured) will also continue to take home the five-figure monthly salary as he contests the federal seat of Gilmore Until she resigns, she will earn $16,000 a month in her parliamentary secretary role. Mr Minns slammed Ms Gibbons for pursuing her federal ambitions while an estimated 6000 people in her seat had lost jobs during the latest lockdown. 'The responsibility and priority of the Member for Holsworthy should be for their jobs, not her own,' he told the Herald. 'And the most obvious way that the Member for Holsworthy can demonstrate that is to abandon these fanciful plans of running for a federal seat and instead do her job representing the community that she was elected to just three years ago.' Some 244,000 jobs in NSW have been lost since May, with another 217,000 people reporting not working at all last month due to 'economic or other reasons'. Mr Minns said the staggering unemployment figures highlight why the government MPs, except Ms Berejiklian who stood down amid an ICAC investigation, should have stayed in office. The news comes as it was revealed Ms Berejiklian's elderly Armenian migrant parents Arsha and Krikor held an emotional reunion with their heartbroken daughter on Monday - just hours after lockdown orders lifted. Ms Berejiklian pictured announcing her shock resignation on October 1 after ICAC revealed she was under investigation Gladys Berejiklian's mother (pictured together) revealed the former premier rushed straight to their family home when lockdown lifted on Monday Her mother Arsha revealed that after 106 days apart due to her government's Covid restrictions, the ousted NSW Premier arrived on the doorstep of the red-brick North Ryde home in Sydney's north-west where she was raised 'as soon as she was allowed'. Arsha Berejiklian told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday that while her daughter had initially been 'heartbroken' at having to step down while NSW was emerging from the Covid pandemic, she'd come to accept her decision. 'It was nice to see her,' a proud Arsha said. 'She's mature, she's okay, and she knows what she's doing. 'She's very happy and she feels very loved and supported.' While Gladys has sought comfort from her family in the 10 days since her resignation shocked Australia, the 51-year-old is also steeling herself for the fight to clear her name. Daily Mail Australia earlier this week revealed Ms Berejiklian has assembled a Who's Who of top lawyers to defend herself against the Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation which ended forced her to end her premiership - headed by Bret Walker, SC, who will be assisted by Sophie Callan, SC. Ms Berejiklian had not seen her parents for 106 days in the flesh, and had spoken on occasion about how tough it was for her Ms Berejiklian will next week be represented by a dream team of legal heavy-hitters led by Bret Walker SC (pictured) - who famously represented Cardinal George Pell against child abuse charges and who costs an estimated $25,000 a day for his services Mr Walker, who charges an estimated $25,000 a day for his services, is considered to be one of the top barristers in Australia and is the 'go-to' silk for high-profile clients with deep pockets. He most recently represented Cardinal George Pell against child abuse charges. Meanwhile, Ms Callan is best known for prosecuting former Labor ministers Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald over matters arising from ICAC investigations. But before she faces ICAC's public hearings next week - with high profile witnesses including Mike Baird - Ms Berejiklian needed to see her parents for the first time since resigning, which happened just days before NSW started to emerge from lockdown. Ms Berejiklian has previously revealed how tough the city-wide shutdown was for her personally, especially living along and apart from her tightknit family. 'FaceTime only works for a certain amount of months,' she said in September. 'I'm really looking forward to seeing my parents and hanging out with them. They're both in their 80s. 'It's been really hard. Everybody is in a similar situation.' So it's no surprise that her first stop - before popping in to her local nail salon or booking a hair appointment - was to see her parents. 'She is smiling and happy,' Arsha, who lost her parents in the Armenian genocide of 1915 and spoke only her native language to Gladys until she was five, said. Her elderly Armenian parents, Arsha and Krikor, still live in the North Ryde red-brick home and had waited 106 days for the reunion - a byproduct of the lockdown that Ms Berejiklian has so stoically led her state out of Ms Berejiklian's barrister Bret Walker will be in her corner, assisted by Sophie Callan SC (pictured) 'She is very happy and we are proud of her of course. We all love her very much.' When asked if Gladys would consider a return to politics, Arsha laughed and shook her head: 'No more! It's time to relax. 'She knows what she's doing... but we don't like to ask what comes next.' Ms Berejiklian had initially sought Mr Walker's advice after being told by the ICAC she would be named as a person of interest in its Operation Keppel inquiry into her ex-boyfriend, 'dodgy' ex-Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire. Mr Walker advised the then-premier she could legally stay in her job while the investigation continued, before she chose to resign on October 1. Ms Berejiklian's sister famously revealed she was in a relationship with esteemed barrister Arthur Moses on Instagram earlier this year Pictured: A closer look at some of the flowers and cards left for the former premier at her office. Neighbours said she was 'the hardest worker and kindest person' they knew A lot depends on the outcome of the inquiry - with several political allies hoping she will make a run for Federal politics. Mr Constance threw his support behind the potential career move after the idea was floated online. 'If Glad can get cleared up, whatever these issues are, you know, through the public hearing process, I think she'd be unreal,' he said last week. 'You couldn't have a more hard-working, deeply principled, you know, Australian female politician than Gladys Berejiklian.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison also indicated he'd support a shift into federal politics. ICAC will probe how millions of dollars worth of taxpayer funds ended up in her disgraced secret lover's electorate. Despite the controversy, those who worked with her say she is a 'genuinely decent person' who led the state through some of its 'darkest days'. Gladys Berejiklian left this heartfelt note to her constituents in her office window after emerging for the first time since her shock resignation over a corruption investigation The ex-Premier appeared at her Willoughby office days after her resignation which was awash in a sea of flowers and cards voicing support for her News emerged of Ms Bereijiklian's secret relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire in March. The premier was called to answer questions by ICAC who were investigating the disgraced politicians' dodgy dealings Mr Maguire had previously been accused of abusing his public office before admitting to being involved in a cash-for-visa scheme and seeking secret commissions for brokering property deals. In August it emerged that Ms Berejiklian showed 'interest' in a proposed $5.5million grant for a shooting association clubhouse and conference facility in his electorate, despite the proposal being repeatedly knocked back, documents show. The Australian Clay Target Association funds as well as another grant involving the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, also in Wagga Wagga, will be probed by ICAC when the hearing gets underway later this month. Ms Berejiklian has denied any wrongdoing and maintains no special treatment was given to the proposals. She was represented when she appeared before the ICAC last year by Arthur Moses SC; they are now in a relationship and he would therefore no longer act for her. They've managed to keep the budding romance relatively private after her younger sister Mary let the cat out of the bag back in June. 'She would thrive in any role, she just works that hard,' a neighbour said. 'But her life will never be the same again.' Gladys Berejiklian is pictured with her youngest sister Mary. The AFR recently published an opinion piece saying The Project host Lisa Wilkinson needed to 'apologise' to Gladys for her critique of her handling of the Covid-19 pandemic A man attempts to deliver flowers to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at Parliament House in Sydney. There has been an outpouring of grief since the popular premier stepped down Skeletal remains found near a hiking trail on a Nevada mountain last month have been identified as belonging to a woman who went missing almost a year ago, police said Wednesday. The remains were found near Black Mountain, near Las Vegas, on September 6, police said. Yesterday, the bones were identified by a coroner as belonging to 26-year-old Jawaher Hejji. Her cause of death has not yet been released. Hejji was reported missing by her family last Christmas, after they hadn't seen or heard from her in three days. Her vehicle was found by the Henderson Police Department at Shaded Canyon Drive south of Horizon Ridge Parkway. The woman's keys were on the hood of the car, and her phone and wallet were found inside, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. Heijji was last seen alive in surveillance footage obtained by Las Vegas police walking along the Armargosa Trail near the base of the mountain on December 23. The remains of Jawaher Hejji, 26 (pictured), were found near Black Mountain on September 6, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said in a press release. Yesterday, the bones were identified by a coroner as hers - her cause of death has not yet been released Heijji was last seen alive in surveillance footage (pictured) obtained by Las Vegas police walking along the Armargosa Trail near the base of the mountain on December 23 Her vehicle was found by the Henderson Police Department at Shaded Canyon Drive south of Horizon Ridge Parkway Heijji's mother told FOX5 Las Vegas that a climber found her daughter's skull before the rest of her remains were uncovered elsewhere on the mountain. The bereaved mother, who declined to share her name with news outlets, said she was upset with how the Las Vegas Metro Police handled her daughter's disappearance, and said they 'didn't do their job.' She told the Review Journal that they refused to share surveillance footage with her, and denied her request that they involve the FBI in the search. 'If they searched and if they did their job, they should have found my daughter, maybe alive,' she said. 'They found her in the mountain in the same area, and we were told they searched the whole mountain with the K-9 dog and everything. 'Ten months, now you just bring me bones. They didnt do the right job, they didnt care about this case, they didnt take seriously like the other cases.' Nichole Grossman, who searched for Heijji with her family over seven months, thought that the young woman's body would have been found earlier if more people joined search efforts. Hejji was reported missing by her family last Christmas, after they hadn't seen or heard from her in three days 'How did we miss it?' Grossman told FOX5. 'We were here every single day for the first month - day in, day out, just looking for any sign of her."' Pictured is the area of Black Mountain pictured in the surveillance footage captured on December 23, 2020 of the 26-year-old 'How did we miss it?' Grossman told FOX5. 'We were here every single day for the first month - day in, day out, just looking for any sign of her."' In the following months, investigators joined Heijji's family members and friends in the search for the 26-year-old who had vanished without a trace. Heijji's sister Rowda Haggy believes the remains may have been dumped on the mountain after the search was finished. She told KLAS-TV: 'To me, it doesnt seem right that she was found where we were looking 'I feel like somebody did something and brought her back, but its like so many different scenarios. We dont know what happened.' 'They were saying that she was found in a place that it was hard to find, but how come the K-9 dogs didnt go down there? It just doesnt make sense.' Although Las Vegas Police have closed their missing persons search, the Henderson Police Department will continue investigating, according to KLAS-TV. Australians can get rich by investing in uranium mining companies which are set to be the major beneficiaries of nuclear-powered submarines. Adelaide's Osborne shipyard will be making the underwater defence equipment during the next two decades after the United States last month announced it would share nuclear technology with Australia. The threat of China has sparked the creation of AUKUS, a trilateral security pact. The US hadn't shared its nuclear know-how with another country since 1958 when it formed a Mutual Defence Agreement with Britain. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the Australian government would spend 18 months deciding whether to locally manufacture the American Virginia class submarine or the British Astute-class sub. The scrapping of a $90billion French Naval Group deal to build 12 diesel-powered submarines means Australia's defence industry will need uranium. Australians can get rich by investing in uranium mining companies which are set to be the major beneficiaries of nuclear-powered submarines (pictured is an American Virginia-class attack submarine) Australian uranium mining companies BHP: Olympic Dam mine in South Australia ERA: Ranger and Jabiluka mines in the Northern Territory Quasar Resources: Four Mile mine in South Australia Heathgate Resources: Beverley mine in South Australia Boss Energy: Honeywood mine in South Australia Advertisement Bell Direct senior market analyst Jessica Amir said Mr Morrison's preference for Australia to supply the nuclear material would most likely benefit a South Australian uranium mining company. 'Scott Morrison said plans would be mapped out over the next 18 months and he wants Australia to take nuclear stewardship responsibilities - that implies that he'll be favouring Australian companies who are based in Adelaide,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Australia has the world's largest reserves of uranium and a more than a third of the world's total reserves. But it is third in the world when it comes to mining production, behind Kazakhstan and Canada. Only five companies or consortiums in Australia have a licence to mine uranium locally, with most of them listed on the Australian share market. While the federal government has for now ruled out starting a nuclear power industry, the uranium mined would be needed to power the submarines. Diversified mining giant BHP owns the Olympic Dam uranium mine, 550km north of Adelaide, which has the world's largest uranium deposit. ERA, also known as Energy Resources Australia, owns the Ranger and nearby Jabiluka mines. They are both next to Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory and sparked fierce protests during the 1990s, on environment and nuclear war grounds. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the Australian government would spend 18 months deciding whether to locally manufacture the American Virginia class submarine or the British Astute-class sub (he is pictured meeting with US President Joe Biden in New York at the UN General Assembly on September 21) Bell Direct senior market analyst Jessica Amir said Mr Morrison's preference for Australia to supply the nuclear material would most likely benefit a South Australian uranium mining company The Australian-built submarines would be nuclear-powered but not nuclear-armed. Rio Tinto owns an 86 per cent stake in ERA, Australia's longest-running producer of uranium. Boss Energy owns the idle Honeywood uranium mine at Kalkaroo in South Australia. Despite closing in 2013, it has native title agreements and operational permits, with the company announcing they can produce uranium within 12 months. The Four Mile Uranium Mine, 550km north of Adelaide, is Australia's fifth uranium mine, owned as a joint venture with Adelaide-based Quasar Resources and Alliance Craton, a subsidiary of Alliance Resources which is ASX-listed. It is near the Beverley uranium mine owned by Heathgate Resources, which isn't listed on the Australian Securities Exchange but is affiliated with Quasar Resources. Paladin Energy, based in Perth, operates the Langer Heinrich open cut uranium mine in the west African nation of Namibia. The threat of China has sparked the creation of AUKUS, a trilateral security pact (pictured are People's Liberation Army members performing on China's 72nd National Day in Hong Kong) Ms Amir said investing in smaller, uranium miners was riskier. 'They're speculative in nature meaning they don't really have the cashflows to back them up like larger companies,' she said. 'I'd have my core portfolios set up there and I'd potentially consider putting a small amount into these companies. 'If you were to invest in a smaller company like ERA, Boss Energy or Alliance, if you were to check your portfolio on a day-to-day basis, you might see some really big moves. 'Operationally, they haven't been running as long as your BHPs, your Rio Tintos.' Mr Amir said only company was likely to benefit from a future government announcement on who would provide nuclear energy to ASC, the state-owned submarine corporation. 'You're not really sure who's going to win the contract,' she said. Until 2007, the Australian Labor Party had a three mines policy restricting uranium production but it is no longer opposed to new mines. Early this year, Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion in fines and settle a criminal charge over claims they defrauded regulators overseeing the 737 MAX The 737 MAX jets had two deadly crashes within months, killing 346 people Boeing admitted in a settlement that unnamed employees conspired to defraud the FAA about 737 MAX training issues Boeing pilot Mark Forkner was charged with two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate commerce and four counts of wire fraud Mark Forkner, Boeing's former chief technical pilot for the MAX, was charged with two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate commerce and four counts of wire fraud after deceiving safety regulators and giving incomplete information about flight-control system that caused two deadly 737 Boeing MAX crashes Boeing's former top pilot who was involved in testing the 737 Max jetliner was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury on charges of deceiving safety regulators who were evaluating the plane, which was later involved in two deadly crashes. The indictment accuses Mark A. Forkner of giving the Federal Aviation Administration false and incomplete information about an automated flight-control system that played a role in the crashes, which killed a combined 346 people. Forkner was Boeing's 737 MAX chief technical pilot during plane's development. Prosecutors said that because of Forkner's 'alleged deception,' the system was not mentioned in key FAA documents, pilot manuals or pilot-training material supplied to airlines. The flight-control system automatically pushed down the noses of 737 Max jets that crashed in 2018 in Indonesia, and 2019 in Ethiopia. On October 29 2018, the Boeing 737 MAX operating the Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 passengers and crew. It was the first major accident involving the new Boeing 737 MAX series of aircraft, introduced in 2017, and the highest death toll of any accident or incident involving the entire Boeing 737 series. Five months later, on 10 March 2019, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft which operated Ethiopian flight 302 crashed near the town of Bishoftu, Ethiopia, six minutes after takeoff, killing all 157 people aboard. It is Ethiopian Airlines' deadliest accident to date. Wreckage is piled at the crash scene of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 near Bishoftu, Ethiopia The Lion Air jet which crashed on October 29 2018, killing 189 (pictured) had suffered engine trouble on another flight the day before and seemed to be losing power on take off Most pilots were unaware of the system, called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, until after the first crash. Forkner, 49, was charged with two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate commerce and four counts of wire fraud. Federal prosecutors said he is expected to make his first appearance in court on Friday in Fort Worth, Texas. If convicted on all counts, he could face a sentence of up to 100 years in prison. Boeing designed the Max to be a more fuel-efficient version of the venerable 737 that could compete with a plane developed by European rival Airbus. The flight-control system was meant to make the Max fly like previous 737s despite a tendency for the nose to tilt upward under some circumstances. Congressional investigators have suggested that Forkner and Boeing downplayed the power of the system to avoid a requirement that pilots undergo extensive and expensive retraining, which would increase airlines' costs to operate the plane. Chad Meacham, acting U.S. attorney for the northern district of Texas, said Forkner tried to save Boeing money by withholding 'critical information' from regulators. Forkner was Boeing's 737 MAX chief technical pilot during plane's development '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,' Meacham said in a statement. Forkner's attorney David Gerger has previously said that his client would never intentionally hide a safety issue. 'Mark flew the MAX. His Air Force buddies flew the MAX. He would never put himself, his friends or any passenger in an unsafe plane,' Gerger told the Wall Street Journal in 2019. The messages appeared to have been the first publicly known observations that the crucial MCAS anti-stall system behaved erratically during testing before the aircraft entered service. Malfunctions with the MCAS system, complicated by inadequate training, were implicated in the fatal crashes of Lion Air 610 in 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines 302 just months later. A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX airliner is pictured at its Renton factory in April of last year. The pane resumed service last year after being grounded for 20 months following the two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019 The comments by Forkner in internal messages were among those pinpointed by U.S. lawmakers in hearings in Washington as evidence that Boeing knew about problems with flight control software. Forkner persuaded regulators to approve excluding details of the new MCAS flight-control system from the 737 MAX's pilot manuals, according to a U.S. House investigation. Boeing benefited from the exclusion, because it reduced the mandatory new training for pilots who had flown older models of the 737, making the upgraded jet more attractive to potential airline customers. The MCAS, which kicks in automatically in some flight conditions, is intended to push the nose of the plane down to compensate for a tendency of MAX planes to pitch up due to larger engines. Investigators believe that when it malfunctioned on the fatal flights, the pilots did not realize that the MCAS was pushing the noses of the planes down, and thus didn't take steps to disable it. Prosecutors are also reportedly looking at another former Boeing pilot, Patrik Gustavsson, in their criminal probe. Forkner left Boeing in 2018 to work for Southwest Airlines, where he worked until last year. Early this year, Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion in fines and settle a criminal charge over claims they defrauded regulators overseeing the 737 MAX. Soon after the two crashes in 2019, the plane manufacturing company fired its chief executive at the time, Dennis Muilenburg. The two crashes severely hurt Boeings reputation and its relationships with airlines, regulators and policymakers. The plane manufacturing company soon fired its chief executive officer after the two crashes and the scandal has cost it billions of dollars in damages The settlement attempted to pin the blame on a handful of rogue employees, stating that the misconduct was 'neither pervasive across the organization, nor undertaken by a large number of employees, nor facilitated by senior management.' Then in May Boeing also agreed to pay a $17 million fine and improve its supply chain and production practices after installing unapproved equipment on hundreds of planes. Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft were only cleared to return to the skies in late 2020, and the firm has also suffered from the collapse of the travel industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sydneysiders have been left fuming following the announcement that travel to regional NSW will be delayed until November 1. Deputy premier Paul Toole sparked public outrage on Friday after he revealed that intrastate travel will not restart for another two weeks. Low vaccination rates in country towns have been blamed for the decision, this marks the third time regional travel has been postponed. 2GB host Ray Hadley led the backlash and accused the state government of 'lying' to the public by continuously changing the date. 'This is one of the more disgraceful decisions made by this government, they have told lies,' he said. Sydneysiders have been left fuming following the announcement that travel to regional NSW will be delayed until November 1 Low vaccination rates in country towns have been blamed for the decision and it marks the third time regional travel has been postponed (pictured, healthcare workers at Wilcannia) 'I have attempted to guide my way through this with reason but this is a step too far by the NSW government. 'When you lie to the electorate, and I am guilty of forwarding those lies to my listeners, I get even angrier.' NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham took to Twitter to condemn the decision. 'NSW Government told everyone to get vaccinated but now the double-dosed vaxxed being told they cant travel into regional NSW, even though earlier (at 70 per cent rate) this was promised,' he wrote. 'Completely illogical and a blow to NSW tourism and jobs. And canceling family reunions for many. Former Nine News reporter Chris Urquhart aired his frustration on social media. 'Devastated for double-vaccinated people in cities and the bush who were promised reunions with families in regional areas if they did the right thing. 'Its shameful that it is October and not every Australian has had the opportunity to vaccinated, wherever they live. 'The bungled rollout and the public demonisation of the life-saving AZ vaccine have caused unnecessary illness, death, grief, suffering, isolation and poverty.' Outraged residents have also vented their anger online and labelled the decision to delay travel 'absolutely pathetic'. 'First they said 70 per cent there would be travel between regional and greater Sydney, then they said 80 per cent and now they move it back a week every day,' one person wrote. 'People who aren't vaccinated by now probably aren't getting vaccinated.' Another person wrote: 'Im absolutely gutted by this, I understand why its happened but I am so sick of the constant changes. 'The premier dangled regional travel in front of us all without thinking about what it would do when they had to renege. And anyone with half a brain knew they would.' For the third time regional travel from Sydney has been delayed, sparking outrage in the community NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham took to Twitter to condemn the decision on Friday Regional travel was initially expected to restart when the state hit its 70 per cent vaccination milestone. The state government then announced it would be delayed until NSW hit the 80 per cent vaccination target - which is expected to be met before next Monday. Mr Toole said the decision to delay intrastate travel for a third time was not made lightly. 'I know it's not an easy decision that's been made,' Mr Toole said. 'We have a responsibility here to make sure we keep our regional community safe.' 'It's important that we don't actually open up businesses, and then we start to see them have case numbers start to escalate.' The deputy premier said he could not allow the state to reopen too quickly and risk a surge in Covid-19 case numbers in regional towns with low vaccination rates. 'I've got some communities that have only got 47 per cent,' Mr Toole said. 'I've got some areas that are just in their early 50s.' NSW deputy premier Paul Toole announced that intrastate travel will not restart for another two weeks because of low vaccination rates in regional NSW 'We need to make sure we lift those vaccination rates in regional communities. We want to welcome people back with open arms.' Radio host Ben Fordham accused the deputy premier of 'dudding' thousands of residents who had made plans to holiday or reunite with loved ones in the area. 'We need to make sure we strike the right balance of opening up and protecting the lives of people,' Mr Toole responded. Fordham partly blamed the slow vaccination rates in regional NSW on the state government's decision to redirect jabs to Greater Sydney. 'People have rolled up their sleeves and done the right thing and now you've betrayed them,' Fordham said. 'I don't know how many broken promises there are on regional travel. I can't keep up.' Mr Toole's announcement comes after the decision to delay intrastate travel was made in a NSW cabinet meeting on Thursday There is speculation regional travel will not restart until October 25. Pictured: Huskisson on the NSW South Coast The decision to delay intrastate travel was made during a NSW cabinet meeting on Thursday. 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.' Mr Perrottet said authorities anticipate that Covid numbers will climb across the state once travel restrictions are lifted. '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. Sydneysiders looking for a getaway will have to wait a little longer as regional travel is delayed (pictured: Surfers in Byron Bay) 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. 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. Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz will plead guilty to the murders of 14 students and three staff, his lawyers told a court on Friday. The guilty plea will set up a penalty phase where Cruz, 23, would be fighting against the death penalty and hoping for life without parole. Attorneys for Cruz told Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer that he will plead guilty on Wednesday to 17 counts of first-degree murder over the February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The pleas will come with no conditions and prosecutors still plan to seek the death penalty. That will be decided by a jury but the trial has not been scheduled. Cruz will also plead guilty to 17 counts of attempted first-degree murder and to attacking a jail guard nine months after the shooting. The trial has been delayed by the pandemic and arguments between the prosecution and defense over what evidence and testimony could be presented to the jury. Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz will plead guilty on Wednesday to the murders of 14 students and three staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in February 2018 , his lawyers told Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer on Friday (pictured Friday) Cruz, now 23, is pictured in court Friday. His lawyers confirmed that he will also plead guilty to 17 counts of attempted first-degree murder and to attacking a jail guard nine months after the shooting Cruz is believed to have set off fire alarms to draw people out into the halls shortly after 2pm before he opened fire - and then managed to evade police by pretending to be a student running for cover. He was taken into custody an hour later. Pictured are students evacuating the Parkland high school after the deadly attack Some victims' families had expressed frustration over the delays but the president of the group they formed expressed relief that the case now seems closer to resolution. 'We just hope the system gives him justice,' said Tony Montalto, of Stand With Parkland. His 14-year-old daughter, Gina, died in the shooting. The decision by Cruz and his attorneys to plead guilty came unexpectedly. Preparations were being made to begin jury selection within the next few months. He had been set to go on trial next week for the attack on the Broward County jail guard. Cruz and his lawyers had long offered to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence but prosecutors had repeatedly rejected that deal, saying the case deserved a death sentence. Cruz's rampage crushed the veneer of safety in Parkland, an upper-middle-class community outside Fort Lauderdale with little crime. Its educational crown jewel is Stoneman Douglas, a campus of 3,200 students that is one of the top-ranked public schools in the state. Cruz, then 19, burst into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on 14 February 2018, armed with an AR-15 rifle, 'multiple magazines' and smoke grenades after arriving in an Uber. He killed 14 students and three staff members, and wounded 17 more people. Cruz is believed to have set off fire alarms to draw people out into the halls shortly after 2pm before he opened fire - and then managed to evade police by pretending to be a student running for cover. He was taken into custody an hour later. Cruz was a long-time but troubled resident. Since pre-school he had been treated for emotional problems and was known by neighbors for torturing animals. Broward sheriff's deputies were frequently called to the home in an upscale neighborhood he shared with his widowed mother and younger brother for disturbances, but they said nothing was ever reported that could have led to his arrest. A state commission that investigated the shooting agreed. Cruz alternated between traditional schools and those for troubled students. In one year of middle school, he averaged three disciplinary incidents per month. He attended Stoneman Douglas starting in 10th grade, but his troubles remained at one point, he was prohibited from carrying a backpack to make sure he did not carry a weapon. Still, he was allowed to participate on the school's rifle team. The pleas will come with no conditions and prosecutors still plan to seek the death penalty. That will be decided by a jury but the trial has not been scheduled. Cruz was expelled about a year before the attack after numerous incidents of unusual behavior and at least one fight. He began posting photos online of himself with guns and made videos threatening to commit violence, including at the school. It was about this time he purchased the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle he would use in the shooting. When Cruz's mother died of pneumonia in November 2017, four months before the shooting, he began staying with friends, taking his 10 guns with him Sgt. Ray Beltran sits in the court gallery as Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz pleads guilty, Friday, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on all four criminal counts stemming from his attack on a Beltran in November 2018 He was expelled about a year before the attack after numerous incidents of unusual behavior and at least one fight. He began posting photos online of himself with guns and made videos threatening to commit violence, including at the school. It was about this time he purchased the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle he would use in the shooting. When Cruz's mother died of pneumonia in November 2017, four months before the shooting, he began staying with friends, taking his 10 guns with him. Someone, worried about his emotional state, called the FBI a month before the shooting to warn agents he might kill people. The information was never forwarded to the agency's South Florida office and Cruz was never investigated or contacted. Another acquaintance called the Broward Sheriff's Office with a similar warning, but when the deputy learned Cruz was then living with a family friend in neighboring Palm Beach County he told the caller to contact that sheriff's office. In the weeks before the shooting, Cruz began making videos proclaiming he was going to be the 'next school shooter of 2018'. Shortly before the massacre, he made one where he said: 'Today is the day. Today it all begins. The day of my massacre shall begin.' The shooting happened on Valentine's Day, minutes before the end of the school day. Students had exchanged balloons, flowers and other gifts and many were dressed in red. Earlier this month, Cruz wept in Broward County Court when Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Scherer ruled that he could not draw with colored pencils in the jury selection process of the battery trial, for which he could be sentenced an additional 15 years. On Wednesday, the jury selection process continued in the prison attack trial, as attorneys struggled to find prospective jurors who could try Cruz impartially. But in the first group of 32, one prospect cried after seeing Cruz in the courtroom. It was the third time that has happened in two days, NBC South Florida reports. The sight appeared to upset Cruz, and one of his attorneys could be seen handing him some colored pencils and a page from a coloring book featuring the Pokemon character Pikachu, according to Andrew Lofholm, a reporter for CBS 12. After that group left, NBC South Florida reports, prosecutor Maria Schneider accused Cruz's attorneys of giving him the colored pencils to make him appear sympathetic. 'They are doing [that] so the jury perceives that he is a child, that his mentality is somehow challenged,' she argued to Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Scherer. Stoneman Douglas students revealed they were scared of the gun obsessed 19-year-old who would boast about hurting animals and would take knives and bullets into school. His former classmates say they always suspected he was capable of carrying out such a heinous crime. It also appears that the FBI missed out on an opportunity to intervene before the shooting, when a bail bondsman in Mississippi last year alerted the feds about an alarming online message Cruz wrote saying he was 'going to be a professional school shooter'. Cruz, who stopped getting mental health treatment about a year before the mass-shooting, had been expelled from the school where he carried out the shooting after fighting with his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend. Surgeries with an unusually high number attending A&E will also be singled out NHS chiefs have ordered an immediate investigation to identify the GP surgeries offering fewest face-to-face appointments and warned they could be taken over if they fail to improve. It came as Professor Chris Whitty told family doctors yesterday that their excessive use of remote consultations is not sustainable. Health bosses have been given just two weeks to find the 20 per cent of practices in each area with the lowest levels of face-to-face appointments. Surgeries with an unusually high number of patients who attend A&E or phone the 111 non-emergency number during normal hours will also be singled out. Bosses must submit an action plan by October 28 detailing the surgeries where they will be taking immediate further steps to support improved access. This could involve sending in hit squads to help turn around failing practices. GPs who refuse to engage while failing to meet the reasonable needs of their patients risk having their practice shut down or merged with one that ranks higher. Personal touch: A doctor in consultation with a young patient. Health bosses have been given just two weeks to find the 20 per cent of practices in each area with the lowest levels of face-to-face appointments The Care Quality Commission, which monitors standards in healthcare, is considering how best to assess access to GP services and will make unannounced inspections. It will also provide the NHS with data relating to the volume of complaints and whistleblowing allegations they have received for each practice. Professor Whitty, Englands chief medical officer, told the annual conference of the Royal College of GPs yesterday that it was right to move some consultations online during the pandemic but said the painful gear-change had gone too far. His comments came hours after Sajid Javid launched a revolution in GP access. The Health Secretarys blueprint produced in conjunction with NHS England gives patients the right to demand a face-to-face appointment with a GP. Family doctors will be offered an extra 250million to improve access but will be named and shamed in new league tables if they fail to deliver. Around 80 per cent of GP appointments were in-person before the pandemic but this plummeted to 47 per cent in April last year and now stands at 58 per cent. The Daily Mail has been campaigning for more face-to-face appointments amid fears serious diseases are being missed. Professor Whitty said GPs should continue to offer a mix of consultation formats because some patients like the convenience of speaking on the phone but added: We need to accept we havent reached the optimal point yet. Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the RCGP, who was leading a Q&A session with Professor Whitty, agreed with the need to increase face-to-face appointments but suggested it is too soon to do it. The RCGP will issue guidance next month detailing what it believes an optimal blend of remote and face-to-face care looks like. It came as Professor Chris Whitty (pictured above) told family doctors yesterday that their excessive use of remote consultations is not sustainable Distancing rule ditched Covid rules that were blamed for reducing the availability of GP appointments were scrapped yesterday. GP surgeries can now ditch two-metre distancing after guidance from the UK Health Security Agency quango. The guidance also drops the need for onerous enhanced cleaning regimes in most areas of healthcare venues. The agency said it was recommending a more flexible approach to patient consultations in the light of the successful jabs programme. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said yesterday: Covid pressures, concerns about infection and reduced space in waiting rooms have often made the process of getting an appointment more difficult. Advertisement In the meantime, the NHS England says practices are trying to find this balance themselves. It says many are doing so brilliantly but warns: In August over 15 per cent of practices recorded less than 20 per cent of their GP appointments being held face to face. Jeremy Hunt criticised the Governments plans for burnt-out GPs. The former health secretary, now chairman of the Commons health committee, tweeted: 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. Yesterday GP leaders suggested the patient access measures threatened their existence. The British Medical Association said the extra 250million and plans to give more powers to pharmacists offered very little, adding: 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. But former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: The BMA should embrace these new measures and work with the Government to improve care. They do not reflect the views of many GPs. Dennis Reed, from Silver Voices, a pressure group for the elderly, said: 250million from the NHS to improve access is not a small amount and it is wrong for GPs to dismiss it out of hand. Mr Javid was accused of running scared of family doctors after failing to deliver a speech at their conference yesterday. He had been expected to address the Royal College of GPs in a pre-recorded video message, but instead toured radio and TV studios. Dr Farah Jameel, of the BMAs GP committee, said: The fact that Sajid Javid failed to keep his promise to address doctors today tells you everything we need to know about this Health Secretary. He is running scared of speaking to the profession because he knows his plan is, in reality, no plan at all. The Department of Health said Mr Javid was never scheduled to attend the conference. No magic doctor tree: Javids 250m mocked By Andy Dolan for the Daily Mail Sajid Javids 250million winter rescue package is aimed at enabling GP surgeries to take on more temporary staff. Pictured: Mr Javid at a Westminster pharmacy earlier this week Seeing doctor cuts drinking One-to-one appointments with doctors could help people cut their alcohol consumption, a review suggests. US researchers found that brief alcohol interventions, such as those provided by GPs in England, can lead people to cut their drinking by around a day a month. But the interventions were less effective when carried out remotely or outside the setting of a surgery. The analysis, by the University of Oregon, looked at 111 international studies involving more than 62,000 people. Professor Emily Tanner-Smith, who led the review, said that although one day a month may not sound like much, it could add up to a substantial reduction in population-level harms. The findings were published in the journal Addiction. Advertisement A family doctor has ridiculed a Government proposal to hire more doctors so more patients can be seen face to face, saying there is no magic locum tree. Health Secretary Sajid Javids 250million winter rescue package is aimed at enabling GP surgeries to take on more temporary staff. But Dr Jess Harvey, a partner at a practice in Shropshire, said it had tried without success for a year to find a maternity locum. Dr Harvey, of the Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice, said: The Government has spoken in the past of there not being a magic money tree. They need to understand there is no magic locum tree either. There are not enough locums nationwide. This isnt just a Much Wenlock problem or a Shropshire problem, its a national problem. The medic said general practice had suffered from chronic underfunding for years. Mr Javid said his cash package will tackle underperformance, taking pressure off staff so they can spend more time with patients and increase the number of face-to-face appointments. But Dr Harvey called the comments insulting. She said: Wheres his evidence we are underperforming? Our patients are being seen. GP surgeries have delivered over 70 per cent of the vaccine programme, in addition to our usual workload. She said her surgeries see a third of patients face to face, with the rest by phone or video call which she said could be beneficial in a rural area where patients might face a 40-minute journey. As a GP, Im appalled by militant doctor unions hostility to Sajids face-to-face crusade By Renee Hoenderkamp for the Daily Mail The crisis gripping general practice is only worsening by the day. Battered by Covid, beset by staff shortages and overwhelmed by soaring demand, the traditional model of the family doctor is starting to break down. Since 2015, the NHS has lost 1,800 GPs, and more than half of those who remain are now working part-time even though the British population is growing rapidly and healthcare grows more complex every year. So yesterdays news, splashed on the Daily Mails front page, that Health Secretary Sajid Javid is launching a new revolution in GP access should have been widely welcomed. Indeed it was and certainly among patients. But not in the bodies representing GPs. Under the new scheme, all patients will be able to see a doctor face to face if they want to. Family doctors will also be offered an extra 250 million to improve patient access but will be named if they fail to deliver. The government order from March 2020 for GPs to switch to telephone and online appointments has now been rescinded but many doctors seemingly prefer it that way, writes Renee Hoenderkamp (file photo) It seems like a sensible solution to a growing problem one that the Mail has highlighted in its admirable Lets See GPs Face to Face campaign. And yet I am truly appalled by the hostile response of my own professions representative bodies the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of General Practitioners to the Governments plans. Dr Richard Vautrey of the BMA said he was hugely dismayed with the package. It offers very little and shows a government out of touch with the scale of the crisis on the ground. Gallingly, he added: It is disappointing to see there is no end in sight to the preoccupation with face-to-face appointments. Preoccupation? Face-to-face appointments have been the way of all medicine for millennia. Yes, technology has enabled new ways for doctors to see their patients but I bet that future generations will never shift permanently to online. The benefits of face-to-face meetings are too clear. The BMAs remarks were bad enough, but the Royal College of GPs has gone much further, claiming that malicious criticism from politicians and certain sections of the media had driven the Government to act. That is an outrageous claim. The new measures for GP practices do not stem from some ideological agenda far less from criticism in the Press but because the British people overwhelmingly want a glaringly inadequate system rapidly improved. In August this year, about 58 per cent of GP appointments were in person, down from some 80 per cent in August 2019, before the pandemic. As a GP, I strongly believe that family surgeries should offer patients a real choice, not dragoon them into virtual appointments The government order from March 2020 for GPs to switch to telephone and online appointments has now been rescinded but many doctors seemingly prefer it that way, even though opinion polls show that over two-thirds of Britons want the right to see their doctor face to face. As a GP, I strongly believe that family surgeries should offer patients a real choice, not dragoon them into virtual appointments. After all, the public pay our wages and we should respect their wishes. Online or phone consultations were justified during lockdowns and certainly benefit some younger people with minor ailments or for simple issues such as repeat prescriptions. But now these consultations are in danger of becoming permanently entrenched. The fact is that a doctors reassuring touch is meant to be at the heart of general practice, which can be as much about providing emotional support as meeting clinical needs. In my own practice, I have met new mothers, for example, who have not felt able to talk about their problems over the phone. They open up to me only when we have established a rapport and a position of trust after meeting in person. Other patients may claim at first to be feeling all right, but their body language which could not be captured on screen or over the phone tells a very different story. I have also known patients to come to see me about a minor rash and then, just as they open the door to go, find the courage to say: Its probably nothing, Doctor, but I have been getting these pains in my chest. A patient can reveal much about their condition just by their posture and gait. What is the cause of that limp? Why are their eyes slightly bloodshot? All this crucial and often life-saving information can only be discovered in person. The BMA must learn this lesson. But for decades, it has resembled a privileged gentlemans club: smug, complacent and unrepresentative of front-line medical professionals. Increasingly, the BMA is acting like a militant trade union, endlessly peddling grievances, defending the indefensible and battling to protect restrictive working methods. In the process, the BMA is playing a very dangerous game, one that could herald the destruction of general practice as we know it. I often say to my colleagues that, through its resistance to any type of reform, the BMA could end up doing us all out of our jobs. Blind intransigence by the trade unions at British Leyland in the 1970s ultimately wrecked Britains biggest domestic car producer, just as the unionist Arthur Scargills stubbornness in the 1980s accelerated the demise of the coal industry. If the BMA refuses to adapt, it could find that the Government simply begins to bypass GPs. Remote working, which the Association now so keenly embraces, could be used as a weapon against general practice, as consultations by virtual providers become more and more common. Similarly, more elements could be siphoned off to pharmacists, walk-in centres and private clinics. Indeed this process has already started, with Boots pharmacists soon to offer 15 GP-style health appointments, diagnosing conditions and even writing prescriptions. Having complained so much about their oppressive workloads, GPs could eventually find that most of the job has been sliced off and transferred elsewhere. To avoid that fate, they should return to their moral roots as family doctors and simply ignore the BMA. Renee Hoenderkamp is an NHS GP The launch of NSW's vaccine passport has not been without teething problems as residents complain they're unable to access their digital certificate on their phones. The system, which was made available overnight, allows residents to prove they're double vaccinated at the same time as they check into venues. For those who have received both jabs and have the updated Service NSW app on their phones, their vaccine status will pop up when they check into a venue using the standard QR code process. Sydneysiders earlier had to scroll through their Medicare app or carry a paper certificate to prove to staff they'd been jabbed but now a green tick will appear whenever they sign into a business. While many have said they had no issues setting it up, others have said they were left with 'something went wrong' messages. A quick fix for many was that the Service NSW app needed to be updated in order to show the vaccination certificate. NSW residents can now prove they're double vaccinated at the same time they check into venues after the vaccine passport was quietly launched overnight. Customer Service minister Victor Dominello tweeted a photo of his vaccine passport while checking into a cafe on Friday morning 'I can't get mine to add the vax cert on my iPhone and it's very frustrating. Everything's updated and it says it's worked on the Medicare express side and then nothing appears on the service NSW app. Anyone else on an iPhone having similar issues?' one man tweeted. 'I've been trying to add my Vax certificate to the Service NSW app, not working. Seems to be a widespread issue this morning. I'll try again later today,' said another. Users shared screenshots of a message which read 'something went wrong, please try again later' and were given the number for a helpline to call. Meanwhile, others said they were able to link their vax certificate seamlessly, and reminded others the app would only work if it had been updated. 'Shoutout to Service NSW for getting the vaccine certificate sharing done so quickly. It looks so simple in the app (because job done) but there's so much that must have had to happen behind the scenes (and some with other agencies - gasp) to make that happen so snaps!' one impressed NSW local said. Many residents took social media to vent about the app, while some had issues, others were pleased with it 'For anyone having problems with the Services NSW COVID vaccine certificate, try using the Express Plus app. Worked first time for me,' one wrote on Twitter. A spokesperson for Service NSW told Daily Mail Australia more than 300,000 residents have successfully linked their certificate with the app since its launch. 'The high levels of demand has resulted in some customers experiencing difficulty completing the integration today,' they said. 'A system update has been completed to manage the increased demand, with Service NSW monitoring the integration. 'Service NSW apologises to the customers experiencing difficulty and asks them to try again later today or to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 for assistance.' For those wanting to take advantage of the new 'VaxPass' they will need to ensure their MyGov account account has been linked to Medicare. Then either through the online MyGov site or the Express Plus Medicare app users are instructed to click 'Proof of vaccinations' and then 'View history'. They will then be given the option to choose their Covid vaccine digital certificate and link this with the Service NSW app. HOW TO ACCESS NSW VACCINE PASSPORT If you're using the Express Plus Medicare app: Open the Express Plus Medicare app. Select 'Proof of vaccinations' from Services. Select 'View history'. Select your name, then 'View COVID-19 digital certificate'. Select 'Share with check in app'. Select 'Service NSW' and follow the prompts. Log in to your Service NSW app and follow the prompts to add your certificate to your profile. If you're using your Medicare online account through myGov: Sign in to your myGov account using a browser on your device. Select 'Medicare'. Select 'View proof' in Proof of vaccinations. Select 'View history'. Select your name. Select 'Share with check in app'. Select 'Service NSW' and follow the prompts. Log in to your Service NSW app and follow the prompts to add your certificate to your profile. Source: Service NSW Advertisement Customer Service minister Victor Dominello tweeted a photo of his vaccine passport while checking into a cafe on Friday morning. The system had earlier attracted criticism for not being ready when Sydney was finally freed from its gruelling four-month lockdown on Monday. With the launch overnight, the vaccine passport was up and running three days earlier than Mr Dominello had planned, making it a whole lot easier for pub goers heading out for Friday night drinks. Several security measures will be in place including a hologram of the NSW Waratah logo to help businesses ensure their customers are complying with the rules. Sydneysiders will no longer have to scroll through Medicare to access their Covid vaccination certificate Trials of the app had been carried out in clubs and aged care facilities in Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga and Lismore. Mr Dominello said while the choice to merge your vaccine status with the Services NSW app was optional, it was the easiest method to use. 'This is an extra digital service to make life easier for the businesses and customers of NSW as we open back up,' he said. 'NSW is the first jurisdiction in Australia to roll out an integrated QR code solution for displaying vaccination status state wide. 'When someone visits a venue, they'll be able to show their green check-in tick and vaccination status simultaneously, saving staff and customers time.' Advertisement The problems with the PM's plan to scrap gas boilers in 14 years THE PLAN What the PM wants: No more gas boilers from 2035. How much it will cost: 500million of taxpayers' cash on new hydrogen tech THE PROBLEMS High costs of alternatives: A new gas-fired boiler costs about 1,500 with installation, compared to 19,000 for a ground source heat pump or 10,000 for an air source heat pump Still in development: Hydrogen boilers are not even on the market yet, with Worcester Bosch making a prototype - and their cost is therefore unknown Effect on house prices: Boilers are normally installed in new builds before people move in, meaning the cost would be factored into the house price Safety concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable and could cause an explosion if not installed correctly . Advertisement Boris Johnson will ban all new gas boilers by 2035 and offer taxpayer-funded incentives to install green alternatives - but the plans are predicted to hit millions of Britons to the tune of up to 15,000 each and energy experts have branded the target 'pie in the sky'. The Prime Minister is expected to unveil his long-awaited Heat and Buildings Strategy next week and is promising to deliver a new 'Green Industrial Revolution' for Britain and push towards the Government's net zero target. Mr Johnsons proposals, which are expected to be announced next week, are believed to include a 'boiler upgrade scheme' and 5,000 grants for consumers looking to install a heat pump. But critics say the cash from the Government will still leave millions out of pocket because the alternatives such as hydrogen boilers, ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers currently cost between 10,000 and 20,000 to buy and install. Millions of people, already in the midst of a cost of living crisis stoked by rising inflation, also face new levies on their gas bills as part of plans to phase out conventional boilers by 2035. Tory MP Steve Baker told MailOnline there was 'magical thinking' going on in government about the transition from gas boilers. '2035 feels like some quite long grass. But the problem is manufacturers will have to plan for it. That is going to cost us economic growth. There is some magical thinking here about that. We don't get wealthier by imposing costs on the public.' And as the UK's skills shortage hits all areas of British life, Charlie Mullins from Pimlico Plumbers, believes putting new energy sources into 30million-plus homes 'would keep the country's current crop of heating engineers busy for a hundred years'. There are also major questions about how some of these new solutions such as ground source heat pumps, can work for the millions of small homes and flats in Britain's cities because they need a hole between 50ft and 300ft deep - or long trenches measuring around 7,000sqft in the garden or grounds. And cheaper alternatives such as solar panels are not as dear, but Britain's changeable weather means they are simply not as reliable. Ministers say that householders will not be forced to get rid of their existing gas boilers, and they hope the price of green alternatives will have come down by the time the time the ban on new boilers is introduced in 2035. Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers, said of the boiler scrappage target recently: 'We need targets that relate to the real world, targets that when you look at the technology and infrastructure available are realistic. That's what will get the UK greener, and if we keep up paying lip service to pie in the sky stuff it will take longer because nobody will engage with the issue. 'Heat pumps cannot currently produce the energy to heat water sufficiently, and there is even the suggestion that they may increase the risks from Legionnaires Disease, and as far as hydrogen boilers are concerned, they are only in the prototype stage, so you can't just go out and get one. 'And even if you could there's the small problem of the lack of a hydrogen pipeline so that the green gas would be available to households and businesses. 'And finally the massive effort it would take to get the UK's 30 odd million dwellings swapped out from old gas to green energy on the government's timetable would keep the country's current crop of heating engineers busy for a hundred years. 'We already have a massive skills shortage in this area as a result of decades of undertraining and sending everyone to university to study English or sociology rather than signing up more apprentices in the building trades. So my message to ministers is get real if you want anything to change.' There are also major doubts that Britain's workforce of heating engineers is large enough, or has the expertise and training, to change heating systems in most of Britain's homes. Today the Government said Britain's plan for a 'green industrial revolution' has already attracted billions of pounds of investment, ahead of an investment summit in London which will bring together some of the world's most powerful financiers. The UK is also hosting COP26 conference from October 31. Prime Minister Boris Johnson shows a paper leaf pledging to 'get world leaders to cut greenhouse gases' to school children during a visit to Westbury-On-Trym Church of England Academy in Bristol today Mr Johnson's plan to axe all gas boilers by 2035 has been criticised and predicted to cost millions a fortune Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson plants flower bulbs with school children during a visit to Westbury-On-Trym Church of England Academy How much will gas boiler alternatives cost you? GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS (14,000 - 19,000) Ground source heat pumps circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze around a ground loop pipe. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger, and running costs will depend on the size of the home Ground source heat pumps use pipes buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground, which can then heat radiators, warm air heating systems and hot water. They circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze around a ground loop pipe. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger. Installation costs between 14,000 to 19,000 depending on the length of the loop, and running costs will depend on the size of the home and its insulation. Users may be able to receive payments for the heat they generate through the Government's renewable heat incentive. The systems normally come with a two or three year warranty - and work for at least 20 years, with a professional check every three to five years. AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS (11,000) Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air at low temperature into a fluid to heat your house and hot water. They extract renewable heat from the environment, meaning the heat output is greater than the electricity input Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air at low temperature into a fluid to heat your house and hot water. They can still extract heat when it is as cold as -15C (5F), with the fluid passing through a compressor which warms it up and transfers it into a heating circuit. They extract renewable heat from the environment, meaning the heat output is greater than the electricity input and they are therefore seen as energy efficient. There are two types, which are air-to-water and air-to-air, and installing a system costs 9,000 to 11,000, depending on the size of your home and its insulation. A typical three-bedroom home is said to be able to save 2,755 in ten years by using this instead of a gas boiler. HYDROGEN BOILERS (1,500 - 5,000) This graphic from the Government's Hy4Heat innovation programme shows how hydrogen homes would be powered Hydrogen boilers are still only at the prototype phase, but they are being developed so they can run on hydrogen gas or natural gas so can therefore convert without a new heating system being required. The main benefit of hydrogen is that produces no carbon dioxide at the point of use, and can be manufactured from either water using electricity as a renewable energy source, or from natural gas accompanied by carbon capture and storage. A hydrogen-ready boiler is intended to be a like-for-like swap for an existing gas boiler, but the cost is unknown, with estimates ranging from 1,500 to 5,000. The boiler is constructed and works in mostly the same way as an existing condensing boiler, with Worcester Bosch which is producing a prototype saying converting a hydrogen-ready boiler from natural gas to hydrogen will take a trained engineer around an hour. SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS (4,800) Solar photovoltaic panels (left) generate renewable electricity by converting energy from the sun into electricity. Solar water heating systems (right), or solar thermal systems, use heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water Solar photovoltaic panels generate renewable electricity by converting energy from the sun into electricity, with experts saying they will cut electricity bills. Options include panels fitted on a sloping south-facing roof or flat roof, ground-standing panels or solar tiles with each suitable for different settings. They are made from layers of semi-conducting material, normally silicon, and electrons are knocked loose when light shines on the material which creates an electricity flow. The cells can work on a cloudy day but generate more electricity when the sunshine is stronger. The electricity generated is direct current (DC), while household appliances normally use alternating current (AC) and an inverter is therefore installed with the system. The average domestic solar PV system is 3.5 kilowatts peak (kWp) - the rate at which energy is generated at peak performance, such as on a sunny afternoon. A 1kWp set of panels will produce an average of 900kWh per year in optimal conditions, and the cost is 4,800. SOLAR WATER HEATING (5,000) Solar water heating systems, or solar thermal systems, use heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. A conventional boiler or immersion heater can then be used to make the water hotter, or to provide hot water when solar energy is unavailable. The system works by circulating a liquid through a panel on a roof, or on a wall or ground-mounted system. The panels absorb heat from the sun, which is used to warm water kept in a cylinder, and those with the system will require a fair amount of roof space receiving direct sunlight for much of the day to make it effectively. The cost of installing a typical system is between 4,000 and 5,000, but the savings are lower than other options because it is not as effective in the winter months. BIOMASS BOILERS (5,000 - 19,000) Biomass heating systems can burn wood pellets, chips or logs to heat a single room or power central heating and boilers The renewable energy source of biomass is generated from burning wood, plants and other organic matter such as manure or household waste. It releases carbon dioxide when burned, but much less than fossil fuels. Biomass heating systems can burn wood pellets, chips or logs to heat a single room or power central heating and hot water boilers. A stove can also be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating, and experts say a wood-fuelled biomass boiler could save up to 700 a year compared to a standard electric heating system. An automatically-fed pellet boiler for an average home costs between 11,000 and 19,000, including installation, flue and fuel store. Manually fed log boiler systems can be slightly cheaper, while a smaller domestic biomass boiler starts at 5,000. Advertisement The Queen made an extraordinary intervention ahead of the the upcoming conference in Glasgow, which she and other senior royals are due to attend. After her grandson Prince William hit out at billionaires putting space tourism before climate change, Her Majesty said: Extraordinary isnt it... Ive been hearing all about Cop... still dont know who is coming... no idea. We only know about people who are not coming... Its really irritating when they talk, but they dont do. Government data showed that investment worth 5.85 billion pounds ($8.01 billion) had been delivered or committed since November 2020, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a 10-point plan to prioritise green technology and climate goals in Britain's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan targets 42 billion pounds of private investment by 2030 in energy, buildings, transport, innovation and the natural environment, alongside the creation of 250,000 'green jobs'. Builders have already been given a 2025 cut-off for fitting conventional gas boilers in new-build homes. But Boris will now set a firm date of 2035 to completely prohibit the installation of new gas boilers. Ahead of the announcement, Mr Johnson will take his Cabinet colleagues on an 'away day' to discuss the green agenda somewhere in south-west England. The strategy unveiling will comes just ahead of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow, which as host the PM will want to prove the UK's commitment to hitting its target for net zero emissions by 2050. There are also expected to be plans for shifts to green transport and investment in emerging sectors of the economy. Homeowners are set to be offered a 5,000 'boiler upgrade grant' it they choose to switch to a heat pump early. This is an increase on the 4,000 subsidy known as the Clean Heat Grant - although some insiders have suggested the figure could have rise to 7,000. The devices, however, cost around 10,000 and need to be either installed in the ground or outside the house. Concerns have been raised about their effectiveness in older buildings and blocks of flats. Ministers are looking at reducing the cost of heat pumps after complaints that affordability was keeping some consumers from taking up the option and simply replacing their old gas boiler instead. The Government is also exploring ways to enable or require new natural gas boilers to be easily convertible to use hydrogen by 2026. Some hydrogen-ready models are available on the market, but questions over their practicality remain. Other alternatives to gas boilers include electric or electric-combi boilers, central and biomass boilers. A Government spokesman said: 'We want to encourage people to take up more efficient technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles by removing levies on electricity over time, working with industry to drive down costs of technologies and ensure they are as affordable as current options.' The International Energy Authority - which this week warned that the current fuel crisis has been exacerbated by a lack renewable energy spending - estimates that $1.2 trillion of investment in hydrogen will be required by 2030 if global net zero targets are to be met by 2050. By this date, hydrogen technologies should be able to eliminate as much as one-tenth of carbon dioxide emissions. Last year the Prime Minister announced a 10-point 'green industrial revolution, which he says will create 250,000 jobs and cut Britain's carbon emissions. One of the most ambitious elements of the proposal is a plan to produce five gigawatts of hydrogen by 2030 - even hoping to heat an entire town with the low-carbon fuel by the end of the decade. The proposal would see 25million gas boilers replaced with hydrogen or 'hydrogen-ready,' boilers over the next 20 years - at a rate of 600,000 a year by 2028. External pipeworks that deliver the hydrogen to homes and boilers will need to be changed, because hydrogen is a less dense gas - and it is often compressed and stored under high-pressure so it has sufficient energy content for processes. But academics have cast doubt over how effective hydrogen could be as a replacement, amid warnings that the Government could be getting 'carried away'. Dr Richard Lowes from the University of Essex warned at the time: 'Getting to a sustainable heat system demands rapid and major interventions, it is a huge challenge and there is simply no time for delay. 'We are in no doubt that decarbonising the heat sector will be extremely difficult but it is possible using known technologies. The idea that the gas grid can simply be switched to run on hydrogen remains deeply uncertain from both a cost and technical perspective. Dr Lowes warned the Government should expect that 'low carbon gas, including hydrogen, may not prove viable at scale'. Speaking to the FT, he warned against getting 'carried away,' over hydrogen's possibilities. The University of Exeter warned companies 'with existing interests around fossil fuel heat were overselling the idea of converting the UK's existing gas infrastructure to run on low carbon gases such as hydrogen.' In September 2020 David Cebon, a professor of engineering at Cambridge University, told The Times: 'Much scientific evidence shows that widespread adoption of hydrogen (instead of electricity) for heating and heavy vehicles would be detrimental to the UK's economy, its energy security and its decarbonisation commitments.' Natural gas heats the vast majority of UK homes, but contributes around a fifth of the country's carbon emissions. There is potential to replace gas boilers with hydrogen, or even a hybrid of hydrogen boilers and heat pumps, but they will need energy efficient homes to reduce the demand for hydrogen which has to be manufactured. Experts online have also warned that heating engineers would need to be retrained in order to handle hydrogen boilers and test them safely. Tim Harwood, who is in charge of hydrogen projects at Northern Gas Networks, which owns local gas grids in north-east England, told the Financial Times much of the possible disruption caused would depend on how many hydrogen-ready boilers have been installed in homes when the switch comes. He said if the government would mandate these types of boilers in homes, 'they are easily convertible to hydrogen when the time comes by just simply changing a few small parts and probably half an hour disruption'. Citizens Advice has also warned new meters will have to be made when the change comes, to ensure people are billed correctly. Billing methodology will also need to change to reflect the energy used in a home, rather than the volume of gas delivered. Another alternative to gas boilers is heat pumps or district heat networks which can pipe hot water in underground pipes to bring heat to homes from a central source, such as an energy from waste plant or even former mines. Heat pumps are installed in individual houses and are powered by electricity, working a bit like a fridge in reverse to generate heat from the outside air, or sometimes the ground, to provide heating and hot water in the home. Greenpeace UK is not fully behind the idea of converting heating systems to hydrogen either. The environmental group's head of politics Rebecca Newsom said Boris' announcement marked a 'turning point on climate action,' but warned: 'It's a shame the Prime Minister remains fixated on other speculative solutions, such as nuclear and hydrogen from fossil fuels, that will not be taking us to zero emissions anytime soon, if ever. 'But although there are some significant question marks and gaps, overall this is a big step forward for tackling the climate emergency.' Making his announcement in November last year, Mr Johnson said: 'Although this year has taken a very different path to the one we expected, I haven't lost sight of our ambitious plans to level up across the country. 'My ten-point plan will create, support and protect hundreds of thousands of green jobs, whilst making strides towards net zero by 2050. 'Our green industrial revolution will be powered by the wind turbines of Scotland and the North East, propelled by the electric vehicles made in the Midlands and advanced by the latest technologies developed in Wales, so we can look ahead to a more prosperous, greener future.' Boris Johnson wants to push Britain towards new sources of energy for homes, including hydrogen, left, and ground source heat pumps, right The Prime Minister is expected to unveil his long-awaited Heat and Buildings Strategy next week and is promising to deliver a new 'Green Industrial Revolution' for Britain at a launch at Paddington Station today before catching a train to Bristol How much will gas boiler alternatives cost you? GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS (14,000 - 19,000) Ground source heat pumps use pipes buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground, which can then heat radiators, warm air heating systems and hot water. They circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze around a ground loop pipe. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger. Installation costs between 14,000 to 19,000 depending on the length of the loop, and running costs will depend on the size of the home and its insulation. Users may be able to receive payments for the heat they generate through the Government's renewable heat incentive. The systems normally come with a two or three year warranty - and work for at least 20 years, with a professional check every three to five years. Ground source heat pumps circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze around a ground loop pipe. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger, and running costs will depend on the size of the home AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS (11,000) Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air at low temperature into a fluid to heat your house and hot water. They can still extract heat when it is as cold as -15C (5F), with the fluid passing through a compressor which warms it up and transfers it into a heating circuit. They extract renewable heat from the environment, meaning the heat output is greater than the electricity input and they are therefore seen as energy efficient. There are two types, which are air-to-water and air-to-air, and installing a system costs 9,000 to 11,000, depending on the size of your home and its insulation. A typical three-bedroom home is said to be able to save 2,755 in ten years by using this instead of a gas boiler. Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air at low temperature into a fluid to heat your house and hot water. They extract renewable heat from the environment, meaning the heat output is greater than the electricity input HYDROGEN BOILERS (1,500 - 5,000) Hydrogen boilers are still only at the prototype phase, but they are being developed so they can run on hydrogen gas or natural gas so can therefore convert without a new heating system being required. The main benefit of hydrogen is that produces no carbon dioxide at the point of use, and can be manufactured from either water using electricity as a renewable energy source, or from natural gas accompanied by carbon capture and storage. A hydrogen-ready boiler is intended to be a like-for-like swap for an existing gas boiler, but the cost is unknown, with estimates ranging from 1,500 to 5,000. The boiler is constructed and works in mostly the same way as an existing condensing boiler, with Worcester Bosch which is producing a prototype saying converting a hydrogen-ready boiler from natural gas to hydrogen will take a trained engineer around an hour. This graphic from the Government's Hy4Heat innovation programme shows how hydrogen homes would be powered SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS (4,800) Solar photovoltaic panels generate renewable electricity by converting energy from the sun into electricity, with experts saying they will cut electricity bills. Options include panels fitted on a sloping south-facing roof or flat roof, ground-standing panels or solar tiles with each suitable for different settings. They are made from layers of semi-conducting material, normally silicon, and electrons are knocked loose when light shines on the material which creates an electricity flow. The cells can work on a cloudy day but generate more electricity when the sunshine is stronger. The electricity generated is direct current (DC), while household appliances normally use alternating current (AC) and an inverter is therefore installed with the system. The average domestic solar PV system is 3.5 kilowatts peak (kWp) - the rate at which energy is generated at peak performance, such as on a sunny afternoon. A 1kWp set of panels will produce an average of 900kWh per year in optimal conditions, and the cost is 4,800. Solar photovoltaic panels (left) generate renewable electricity by converting energy from the sun into electricity. Solar water heating systems (right), or solar thermal systems, use heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water SOLAR WATER HEATING (5,000) Solar water heating systems, or solar thermal systems, use heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. A conventional boiler or immersion heater can then be used to make the water hotter, or to provide hot water when solar energy is unavailable. The system works by circulating a liquid through a panel on a roof, or on a wall or ground-mounted system. The panels absorb heat from the sun, which is used to warm water kept in a cylinder, and those with the system will require a fair amount of roof space receiving direct sunlight for much of the day to make it effectively. The cost of installing a typical system is between 4,000 and 5,000, but the savings are lower than other options because it is not as effective in the winter months. BIOMASS BOILERS (5,000 - 19,000) Biomass heating systems can burn wood pellets, chips or logs to heat a single room or power central heating and boilers The renewable energy source of biomass is generated from burning wood, plants and other organic matter such as manure or household waste. It releases carbon dioxide when burned, but much less than fossil fuels. Biomass heating systems can burn wood pellets, chips or logs to heat a single room or power central heating and hot water boilers. A stove can also be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating, and experts say a wood-fuelled biomass boiler could save up to 700 a year compared to a standard electric heating system. An automatically-fed pellet boiler for an average home costs between 11,000 and 19,000, including installation, flue and fuel store. Manually fed log boiler systems can be slightly cheaper, while a smaller domestic biomass boiler starts at 5,000. Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson put tens of thousands of legal claims alleging its baby powder and other products caused cancer into bankruptcy Thursday. Johnson & Johnson executed the corporate reshuffling through a contentious legal maneuver known as a 'Texas two-step bankruptcy,' a strategy other companies facing asbestos litigation have used. J&J put the claims into a separate entity called LTL Management LLC, which then filed for bankruptcy protection on Thursday in North Carolina, according to the company and court records. This move will deflect any potential liabilities the company would face into a newly created subsidiary. It also shifts high-stakes litigation over the safety of J&J's products from many courtrooms across the country to one legal proceeding before a federal bankruptcy judge who could potentially force a settlement among the blue-chip company and plaintiffs. The company's costs defending nearly 40,000 cases have approached $1billion, according to bankruptcy-court filings Thursday. Settlements and verdicts have cost J&J about $3.5 billion more. J&J, with a market value exceeding $400 billion, said the cases would be halted while LTL navigates bankruptcy proceedings. Johnson & Johnson said it would fund LTL's legal costs for talc cases in an amount later determined by a bankruptcy judge, with an initial advance of $2billion. Johnson & Johnson and its affiliates were not part of the bankruptcy filing. Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson put tens of thousands of legal claims alleging its baby powder and other products caused cancer into bankruptcy Thursday This move will deflect any potential liabilities the company would face into a newly created subsidiary It also shifts high-stakes litigation over the safety of J&J's products from many courtrooms across the country to one legal proceeding before a federal bankruptcy judge who could potentially force a settlement among the blue-chip company and plaintiffs Tens of thousands of plaintiffs have alleged J&J's Baby Powder and other products contained asbestos and caused cancer, which the company denies. The plaintiffs include women suffering from ovarian cancer and others battling mesothelioma. In that process, a J&J business split in two through a so-called divisional merger under Texas law. That transaction created LTL, the new entity saddled with the company's liabilities, according to court papers filed Thursday. 'We are taking these actions to bring certainty to all parties involved in the cosmetic talc cases,' General Counsel Michael Ullmann said in a statement. Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky is pictured. Tens of thousands of plaintiffs have alleged J&J baby powder and other products contained asbestos and caused cancer, which the company denies The plaintiffs include women suffering from ovarian cancer and others battling mesothelioma Johnson & Johnson executed Thursday's corporate reshuffling through a contentious legal maneuver known as a 'Texas two-step bankruptcy,' a strategy other companies facing asbestos litigation have used 'While we continue to stand firmly behind the safety of our cosmetic talc products, we believe resolving this matter as quickly and efficiently as possible is in the best interests of the (company) and all stakeholders,' Ullmann added. Plaintiffs' lawyers decried the bankruptcy filing. The 'bankruptcy gimmick is as despicable as it is brazen' and 'an unconscionable abuse of the legal system,' said Linda Lipsen, chief executive of the American Association for Justice, a trial lawyers' group, in a statement. LTL has also received certain royalty revenue streams with a present value of more than $350million to contribute to potential legal costs, J&J said. The move has been rumored since July. During earlier settlement discussions, a J&J attorney told plaintiffs' lawyers that the company could pursue the bankruptcy plan, which might result in lower payouts for cases that do not settle beforehand. Gorsky's company's costs defending nearly 40,000 cases have approached $1billion, according to bankruptcy-court filings Thursday Johnson & Johnson said it would fund LTL's legal costs for talc cases in an amount later determined by a bankruptcy judge, with an initial advance of $2billion In the weeks leading up to Thursday's bankruptcy filing, lawyers representing women with cancer claims asked multiple judges to forbid J&J from executing such a maneuver, only to be turned down. The company maintained in statements and in court proceedings over the summer that it had not decided whether to pursue the maneuver. A 2018 investigation found Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that asbestos, a known carcinogen, lurked in its Baby Powder and other cosmetic products. The company stopped selling Baby Powder in the United States and Canada in May 2020, in part due to what it called 'misinformation' and 'unfounded allegations' about the product. J&J maintains its consumer talc products are safe and confirmed through thousands of tests to be asbestos-free. In bankruptcy-court papers, lawyers for the newly created J&J subsidiary said the Chapter 11 filing was 'necessitated by an unrelenting assault by the plaintiff trial bar, premised on the false allegations that the ... talc products contain asbestos and cause cancer.' In June, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear J&J's appeal of a Missouri court ruling that resulted in $2 billion of damages awarded to women alleging the company's talc caused their ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson has prevailed in other recent similar cases. Environment minister Zac Goldsmith flew to a red list country last week but did not quarantine on his return. The peer visited Colombia to discuss the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow and other environmental issues. But he was able to attend the House of Lords this week after using a ministerial exemption to avoid having to isolate. Zac Goldsmith flew to Colombia, a red list country, last week to discuss the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow and other environmental issues Anyone travelling from the South American country to the UK is normally required to pay 2,000 to quarantine in a hotel for ten days. The move will cause fury after Cop26 president Alok Sharma was criticised for flying to at least 30 countries and not isolating afterwards. Lord Goldsmith's visit took place between October 5 and 9. On October 7, he was pictured in the capital Bogota, where he met Colombian president Ivan Duque. The peer was able to attend the House of Lords this week after using a ministerial exemption to avoid having to isolate Lord Goldsmith did not consistently wear a mask throughout his trip, suggesting he did not harbour concerns about the red list country and its Mu variant of Covid-19. Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney said last night the peer's behaviour was 'reckless', adding: 'The idea that he is not taking extra precautions is a real slap in the face.' A Whitehall source said: 'Government ministers are exempt from quarantine when they return from e A left-wing Cambridge academic has been stopped from delivering a lecture at the Home Office after she made offensive remarks about Priti Patel. Professor Priyamvada Gopal, 53, was invited to speak this week to government officials about her view that the departments policies are linked with colonial history. But the academic, who is professor of post-colonial studies in the universitys English faculty, said her invitation was cancelled at short notice. It comes after one of her old tweets came to light in which she claimed Home Secretary Miss Patel held anti-black attitudes typical of Indians who lived in East Africa. The tweet said: Priti Patel is also a reminder that many Asians in British Africa had ferociously anti-black attitudes and were used by colonial administrations to keep black populations in their place. An attitude she brings to government. Professor Priyamvada Gopal was invited to speak this week to government officials about her view that the departments policies are linked with colonial history. But the academic, who is professor of post-colonial studies in the universitys English faculty, said her invitation was cancelled at short notice One of Prof Priyamvada Gopal's old tweets came to light in which she claimed Home Secretary Miss Patel held anti-black attitudes typical of Indians who lived in East Africa Although Miss Patel was born in London, her Indian parents previously lived in Uganda and members of her wider family were forcibly expelled from the country in dictator Idi Amins anti-Asian purge in 1972. The message, which was posted in February this year and is still publicly available, resurfaced earlier this week on the Guido Fawkes website. The cancellation message from the Home Offices adviser made no mention of the tweet but said it was due to unforeseen circumstances. In a statement on her blog, Professor Gopal said her tweet had been far from being a racist statement. She added: My criticisms of the hawkish present Home Secretary and her participation in anti-blackness are also a matter of public record. I had been under the impression that criticism of politicians was allowed in a democracy. Last night Professor Gopal appealed to Michelle Donelan, the universities minister, saying her free speech had been curtailed. The request appeared to reference the Governments new free speech bill, which will stop no- platforming at universities. She asked the minister on Twitter: Ive had a routine speaking engagement cancelled at short notice following pressure from a partisan campaign group. I know and deeply believe you to care about such gross infringements of academic freedom. Please help? A government spokesman said last night: The civil service is a diverse employer and it is vitally important we celebrate Black History Month to ensure our civil service is representative of the communities we serve. Following the Windrush Lessons Learned Review, we committed to opening ourselves up to challenge and external engagement and our events draw on a range of speakers. Due diligence checks are always taken on any speakers and it is important to note speakers who come to these events are not always representative of the view of the Government. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe slammed former President Donald Trump after winning back his full pension as part of a settlement of his lawsuit arising from his firing by Trump's justice department. He appeared on CNN with Anderson Cooper on Thursday night, and hit out at the former president for the way he was fired just hours before he was due to retire, denying him his full pension. McCabe was a frequent target of Trump who called him 'a poor man's J. Edgar Hoover' and 'a disgrace'. He was fired in March 2018 by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions after the Justice Department's inspector general concluded he had authorized the release of information to a newspaper reporter and then misled internal investigators about his role in the leak. McCabe's settlement with the Biden Department of Justice vacates Sessions' decision, expunges from his personnel folder any references to having been fired and entitles McCabe, who joined the FBI in 1996, to his full pension. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe slammed former President Donald Trump after winning back his full pension as part of a settlement of his lawsuit arising from his firing by Trump's justice department McCabe, a frequent target of Trump who called him 'a poor man's J. Edgar Hoover' and 'a disgrace,' was fired in March 2018 The termination by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions came hours before McCabe was due to retire, denying his pension In an appearance on CNN Thursday with Anderson Cooper, McCabe went after Trump for his treatment of himself and his family (pictured above) In a statement after the settlement, McCabe said he felt vindicated. 'Politics should never play a role in the fair administration of justice and civil service personnel decisions,' McCabe said. He added that he hopes 'this result encourages the men and women of the FBI to continue to protect the American people by standing up for the truth and doing their jobs without fear of political retaliation.' However, in an appearance on CNN later Thursday, McCabe went after Trump for his treatment of himself and his family. 'It was so bizarre. To know that you have a target on your back from the most powerful person in the world ... it was upside-down world. I can't even describe how terrifying and annoying and humiliating it is. That's what he subjected people to for four years,' McCabe told Anderson Cooper. He added that he blames not just Sessions, but the rest of his DOJ and the FBI for the original decision. He hopes this judgement in his favor prevents it from happening again. In an appearance on CNN later Thursday with Anderson Cooper, McCabe went after Trump for his treatment of himself and his family He also blamed the FBI and DOJ for 'complying' with the Trump administrations' whims He criticized the entire DOJ, including Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein 'It's a great thing for my family, but it's a message to government employees and civil servants everywhere, this is the [Biden] DOJ standing up for fairness and the rule of law,' he said. 'They agree members of the exec branch shouldn't interfere in internal matters.' McCabe told CNN Thursday night that he doesn't expect that the decision will change former President Trump's opinion of him. 'I feel better but I don't feel free,' he said. 'I don't kid myself to think the president is going to put aside his horrific judgement, his constant lying, his tormenting of me and my family, I'm sure this'll just add another log to the fire. 'I'm just to the point where I don't care what that guy has to say.' McCabe has denied intentionally deceiving anyone, was never criminally charged and has blasted his firing as politically motivated and part of the Trump administration's 'ongoing war on the FBI' Trump at one point said that he was 'racing' McCabe to retirement FBI Director Christopher Wray was among those who McCabe said made this decision political McCabe has denied intentionally deceiving anyone, was never criminally charged and has blasted his firing as politically motivated and part of the Trump administration's 'ongoing war on the FBI.' The trouble for McCabe began on May 9, 2017, when he sat down with internal investigators to talk about a different leak to a media organization, Circa. The agents also asked McCabe about a Oct. 30, 2016 story that appeared in the Wall Street Journal headlined, 'FBI in Internal Feud Over Hillary Clinton Probe.' The story detailed 'tensions' within the FBI and the Department of Justice on the heels of the discovery that there were more of Clinton's emails on a laptop belonging to Anthony Weiner prompting the bureau to reopen the closed investigation that had haunted her presidential campaign. With just days to the 2016 election, then FBI Director James Comey had written a letter to Congress saying the probe had been reopened, creating a media frenzy that bogged down the Clinton campaign. The Wall Street Journal story insinuated that not everybody at the FBI was happy with Comey's decision. McCabe was asked by the investigators if he had authorzied the article and he said he didn't know its origins, according to The Daily Beast. May 9, 2017 was also the day President Trump fired Comey, creating disarray at the bureau. On Aug. 18, 2017, McCabe was asked about the Journal article again. McCabe apologized in real time as he admitted to internal investigators that he had green-lit a Wall Street Journal piece that said the bureau was conflicted on how to deal with the Clinton email probe The article detailed 'tensions' within the FBI after more of Hillary Clinton's emails were discovered on Anthony Weiner's laptop days before the election. James Comey told Congress the probe had been reopened, something supporters said helped tank her campaign 'I need to know from you,' the investigating agent said, 'did you authorize the article? Were you aware of it? Did you authorize it?' McCabe looked at the story and then answered in the affirmative. 'And as nice as could be, he said, yep. Yep I did,' the transcript quoted the agent saying. The investigator quickly realized that McCabe could face criminal prosecution for the admission, noting, 'things had suddenly changed 180 degrees with this.' 'In our business, we stop and say, now we're getting into an area for due process,' the agent said in a side account of what transpired, according to the Beast. 'I was very careful to say ... with all due respect, this is what you told us. This has caused us some kind of, you know, sidetracking here now with some information other people have told us,' the agent continued. The investigator recalled airing frustrations to McCabe's face. McCabe says he assumes Trump will continue 'tormenting' him and his family beginning tomorrow 'I'm just to the point where I don't care what that guy has to say,' McCabe said of the former president 'I remember saying to him ... sir, you understand that we've put a lot of work into this based on what you told us,' the agent said. 'I mean, and I even said, long nights and weekends working on this, trying to find out who amongst your ranks of trusted people would, would do something like that.' And that's when McCabe showed remorse. 'And he kind of just looked down, kind of nodded, and said, yeah, I'm sorry,' the agent recalled. The Beast reported that McCabe's lawyer explained what happened by pointing to Comey's firing happening the same day the ex-deputy director denied getting the story out. The story changed, the lawyer said, because McCabe wasn't prepared to answer the question, and then he didn't give it a second thought due to the chaos surrounding Comey's ouster. Trump, who at the time was relentlessly railing against the FBI for its investigation into ties between Russia and his 2016 presidential campaign, called the termination a 'great day for Democracy' shortly after it was announced. McCabe sued in 2019, saying his firing was part of an effort by Trump to purge the FBI of officials he perceived as disloyal. He had become acting director of the FBI in May 2017 after Trump fired James Comey amid the bureau's Russia investigation, a termination that was examined by special counsel Robert Mueller for potential obstruction of justice. As part of the settlement, McCabe is also entitled to other benefits afforded to retiring FBI senior executives, including special cufflinks and 'official FBI credentials, badge, and time-in-service award keys mounted in the format typically provided to retiring FBI Deputy Directors' and other senior officials, according to the settlement 'For 140 years, civil servants like Andrew McCabe have been the federal government's backbone, pledging their loyalty to the Constitution rather than to any politician or political party,' Murad Hussain, a lawyer for McCabe, said in a statement. 'This settlement and the district court's rulings make clear that attempts to corrupt the federal workforce through partisan intimidation and improper political influence will not go unanswered,' he added. A spokesperson for the Justice Department, which did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, did not immediately return an email seeking comment. Though the settlement restores McCabe's pension, it does not undo the inspector general's finding that McCabe had displayed a lack of candor under questioning from investigators. The leading man in Disney's Beauty And The Beast theatre production has been suspended following allegations of inappropriate language, the Mail can reveal. Emmanuel Kojo, 29, had been playing the role of the Beast in the musical the first black actor to do so in the UK until last Saturday. It is claimed he was removed from the touring production at Liverpool's Empire Theatre following allegations of inappropriate language and suspended while a full investigation is carried out. Alyn Hawke has taken over the role. Emmanuel Kojo, 29, (pictured right) had been playing the role of the Beast in the musical the first black actor to do so in the UK until last Saturday. It is claimed he was removed from the touring production at Liverpool's Empire Theatre following allegations of inappropriate language and suspended while a full investigation is carried out Last night, Disney said: 'We are aware of a complaint, which we take very seriously, and a thorough investigation is underway. 'The employee in question has been suspended until the matter is resolved.' A representative for the actor declined to comment last night. Kojo announced this week he would be taking a break from social media. The actor, born in Ghana, has twice been nominated for Olivier Awards for his performances as Joe in Show Boat and Jud Fry in Oklahoma!. He has starred in productions including Twelfth Night, at the National Theatre, and The Scottsboro Boys, at the Young Vic. Kojo announced this week he would be taking a break from social media. The actor, born in Ghana, has twice been nominated for Olivier Awards for his performances as Joe in Show Boat and Jud Fry in Oklahoma!. He has starred in productions including Twelfth Night, at the National Theatre, and The Scottsboro Boys, at the Young Vic He also performed at the 2017 Proms. His casting in Beauty And The Beast had been 'a real moment for him', a source said. The show opened at the Bristol Hippodrome in August before transferring to Liverpool last month. It moves to the Edinburgh Playhouse next week. Kojo describes himself as an activist and is serving his third term on the governing council of actors' union Equity. Dominic Perrottet has admitted that NSW residents will be able to fly to Bali before they can travel interstate to Western Australia or Queensland. The premier made the dig at his counterparts on Friday as he revealed hotel quarantine and the cap on overseas arrivals would be lifted in NSW on November 1. The announcement means that NSW will be opened up to the rest of the world while other states will keep their borders closed and stop residents from travelling across the country. 'I think people in New South Wales will be flying to Bali before Broome,' Mr Perrottet said. 'I want New South Wales to rejoin the world.' Dominic Perrottet has admitted that NSW residents will be able to fly to Bali before they can travel interstate to Western Australia or Queensland 'I think people in New South Wales will be flying to Bali before Broome,' Mr Perrottet said Western Australia premier Mark McGowan has refused to budge on his hard border closure and revealed they will remain closed to the rest of the country until 90 per cent of residents have been vaccinated. WA has the slowest uptake of the vaccine in the entire country with only 53.29 per cent of residents fully-vaccinated. The figure falls well below the national average of 64.4 per cent. The state is not expected to reach the 80 per cent vaccination milestone until as late as mid-December. It means that thousands of families could be separated during Christmas. Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has yet to reveal when he state will reopen to Covid-19 hotspots in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. She has encouraged residents to get their first dose by mid November so then they can receive their second one before Christmas. Her insistence has been taken as a hint that she intends to reunite families separated by closed borders in time for the end of year family holidays. Mr Perrottet said he did not want NSW to remain trapped in a 'hermit kingdom'. 'We've got to open up, and this decision today is a big one, but it is the right one to get New South Wales connected globally,' he said. NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the state would not discriminate which overseas travellers they welcomed based on nationality. But he flagged the Federal Government will let people from some countries in before others because it will be quicker to set up systems to test the vaccination status of arrivals from certain countries. Western Australia premier Mark McGowan has refused to budge on his hard border closure and revealed they will remain closed to the rest of the country until 90 per cent of residents have been vaccinated Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has yet to reveal when he state will reopen to Covid-19 hotspots in NSW, Victoria and the ACT 'There is no doubt that the Commonwealth will be able to do that with some countries faster than others,' he said. 'They will also be able to do that in conjunction with many airlines faster than others so there will be some incremental staging that has brought about by the ability for the Commonwealth to verify vaccination status but we are not delineating between countries. 'There is no delineation between Australian citizens and other citizens of countries around the world. 'The focal point here is a delineation between vaccination status so vaccinated and unvaccinated. 'We will require the Commonwealth to ensure that a person is fully vaccinated,' he said. Premier Dominic Perrottet has declared Sydney is Australia's 'truly only global city' as NSW re-opens to the world while Victoria and Queensland remain shut. Mr Perrottet pointed to the Harbour Bridge as he delivered the stunning dig on Friday while announcing changes to Covid-19 restrictions and hotel quarantine. 'The alternative is to stay closed from the world, we're not doing that. Sydney is Australia's truly only global city. When people think of Australia, they think of this,' he said as he pointed to the landmark. Mr Perrottet said Sydney would cement itself as the gateway for international travellers as NSW races ahead of the rest of the country. 'And we are rejoining the world and and we want returning Australians to come back,' he said. 'I want those from other states who want to come back to come through Sydney. If you are a returning Australian and want to come here, stay in New South Wales and stay in Sydney. 'Have a great time here before you home and spend up big. Help our small businesses and the fact that we will be the only city and state open to the world is going to be boom time for New South Wales.' Victoria on Friday revealed NSW residents from 'red zones' would be allowed to cross into the state without quarantining but made no changes to its international border. Queensland continues to lock out residents from NSW and Victoria and is showing no urgency to open its borders to the rest of the world. Dominic Perrottet has declared Sydney is Australia's 'truly only global city' in a press conference on Friday 'The alternative is to stay closed from the world, we're not doing that. Sydney is Australia's truly only global city. When people think of Australia, they think of this,' the premier said as he pointed to the Harbour Bridge The controversial comments are set to enrage Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Queensland leader Annastacia Palaszczuk Mr Perrottet announced more freedoms would be in place in NSW as of Monday as the state races towards a 80 per cent vaccination rate. 'As of Monday, home visitations will increase from 10 to 20. Outdoor gatherings from 30 to 50. Standing up in pubs will be back. They will be no limits on weddings and funerals,' Mr Perrottet said. Hotel quarantine will be scrapped for returning Australians and overseas travellers who have been vaccinated from November 1. The 20-person cap on bookings at restaurants and other hospitality venues would also be removed. Major recreation facilities will be allowed to host 5,000 spectators while entertainment facilities can return to 75 per cent capacity. About 77.4 per cent of adults have now received two doses of the vaccine with 80 per cent expected to be double-jabbed by Saturday. Travel from Sydney to regional NSW remains deferred until November 1, when it's expected regional parts of the state will catch up to Sydney's rate. Melbourne is so empty that shop workers moving racks of clothes have no problem crossing the empty streets (pictured on Thursday) Deputy Liberal leader Stuart Ayres said fully vaccinated people would be able to return to Australia and go to their homes without quarantining. 'That is not hotel quarantine, that is not home quarantine, you will be able to return home. If you are a person from another country who wants to visit or work in Australia, and you are fully vaccinated, you will be able to come to Australia and not have to quarantine,' Mr Ayres said. 'For those who are fully vaccinated, New South Wales says we welcome home every Australian overseas, we want tourism back, we want people back into work, we want to get our economy moving,' Mr Perrottet said. Unvaccinated people will still be required to hotel quarantine. Mr Perrottet's comments come after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews claimed NSW had only emerged from lockdown this week because it received more help from the federal government with doctor accreditation and vaccine supply. Lockdown is bad for the world, but it has its benefits for a skateboarder in Melbourne (pictured on Thursday in an eerily empty road) Mr Andrews also fire a shot on August 16 which has since come back to bite him as his state remains in the grip of the virus with escalating case numbers. '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,' he said. 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'. Sydney has since emerged from lockdown with restriction easing last Monday after hitting 70 per cent vaccination rate, and is on track to soon get further freedoms once 80 per cent are fully-vaccinated. Melbourne remains in the world's longest lockdown with the damage on Melbourne, its people and Victoria's economy more broadly 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. Hotel quarantine will be scrapped for returning traveller in NSW who are fully vaccinated (pictured Defence Force personnel at a hotel quarantine facility in Sydney) 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. 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. WHAT'S ALLOWED FROM NOVEMBER 1 - From November 1 rules will relax further to allow travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW. - NSW will also welcome international tourists and workers from all countries with no quarantine at all if they are fully vaccinated. - Cap of 210 unvaccinated arrivals per week with 14-day hotel quarantine still enforced for them. - The 20 person cap on bookings at bars will also be removed on this day. Advertisement 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. A first edition of Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone has been sold for 27,500 by a man named Harry Potter. The 33-year-old was given the hardback book as a gift from his father when it was released in 1997. Only 500 copies of the initial print run were ever produced. A first edition of Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone has been sold for 27,500 by a man named Harry Potter. The 33-year-old was given the hardback book as a gift from his father when it was released in 1997 Mr Potter had kept it under the stairs at his home in Waterlooville, Hampshire, since his fathers death from cancer in 2017. But he decided to part with the precious novel in order to raise money to scatter his ashes in Africa. And despite being in well-thumbed condition, it sold to a private UK buyer yesterday at Hansons Auctioneers, in Etwall, Derbyshire, for 27,500. Mr Potter had kept it under the stairs at his home in Waterlooville, Hampshire, since his fathers death from cancer in 2017. But he decided to part with the precious novel in order to raise money to scatter his ashes in Africa. And despite being in well-thumbed condition, it sold to a private UK buyer yesterday at Hansons Auctioneers, in Etwall, Derbyshire, for 27,500 Mr Potter, 33, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, said: Im happy it sold. We plan to use the proceeds to take my dads ashes to Kenya. Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, added: Were delighted to deliver a happy ending, and add a new chapter to the Potter story. Considering its well-used, well-loved condition, the book did extremely well. Im so pleased Harry and Katie can now use the proceeds to honour their father. And Im delighted Hansons has sprinkled yet more Potter magic. Its all down to the hard work of our hugely respected books expert Jim Spencer. He has uncovered and sold several rare Potter books and gained a formidable worldwide reputation for his expertise. A massive cleanup is underway after a tornado tore through an Australian town leaving behind a trail of destruction. Roofs were ripped from houses and cars were overturned after wild weather ripped through the regional NSW town of Armidale in the Northern Table lands on Thursday. Residents were left trapped in their homes when the tornado struck about 10pm with the State Emergency Services (SES) receiving over 127 calls for help. Cladding was ripped from the roofs of houses after a tornado struck Armidale on Thursday night (pictured) Scraps of metal wrapped around electricity poles from strong violent winds (pictured) Residents and State Emergency Services (SES) began the clean up on Friday Debris littered the streets including broken fences, fallen trees and power lines, and iron corrugated roofs that had been completely ripped from houses. One Armidale resident reported a close call with a gum tree that had been uprooted, smashing into a backyard shed wedged between her caravan and house. Fallen trees scattered across the campus of the University of New England, with some crashing into the buildings, leaving one structure in complete ruins. One Armidale resident reported a gum tree narrowly missed crashing into her house The large tree was rooted between her caravan and house, missing both by inches The University has since announced it was forced to close its campus on Friday, due to the extensive damage caused to buildings by the extreme weather. Cladding hung from the roofs of homes and scraps of metal were wrapped around powerlines with residents reporting hearing 'roaring' noises from strong violent winds. More than 30 NSW Rural Fire Service members are assisting SES crews in the cleanup of the aftermath today. Trees became uprooted when the Tornado tore through the town at 10pm Thursday night The roof of a garage in Armidale was pictured completely destroyed amid the wild weather Residents filmed the trail of carnage left behind from the freak tornado Drone vision captured the roof of one house being completely torn off Residents filmed the shocking moment a tornado struck the NSW regional town of Armidale New England North West SES commander Mitchell Parker said the tornado inflicted the most damage in Armidale's north. 'We have had reports of cars flipped into houses, roofs completely blown off and numerous trees down,' he told ABC TV on Friday. The NSW SES Armidale Unit posted an update on Friday morning saying half the town was still without power while a cleanup is underway to clear fallen trees and debris. The city of about 25,000, is now dealing with power outages that are likely to last for at least 24-hours in some areas while emergency crews assess the damage. Fierce storms also lashed the city's west and southwest as hail larger than five centimetres pelted suburbs between Sydney and Cowra. The SES received nearly 500 calls for help in Sydney's west and southwest while the city was pummelled with rain and hail. The severe weather has now left half the town without electricity A roof at a Westfield shopping centre in Mt Druitt collapsed amid a downpour of hail stones with shoppers immediately evacuated. NSW State Emergency Service Superintendent Scott Dodson said while the storms have been severe no one was hurt. 'We had over 5000 people evacuated but fortunately zero injuries, which is a great result,' he told Nine Network on Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for most of the NSW coastline on Thursday, including a cancelled tornado notice for western Sydney. Winds clocked up to 90km/h while torrential rain drenched large parts of the city. The worst-affected suburbs in Sydney were Penrith and Mount Druitt but wild weather also stretched north towards Newcastle and the Central Coast. Do YOU know the family involved? Email tips@dailymail.com Advertisement A British tourist who was kidnapped and held hostage for eight days by a gang in Italy has been rescued by police after managing to text his father and alert him to his ordeal. The 25-year-old man from London was freed from an apartment near Macerata in central Italy, detectives said last night. The victim, who has not been named, was kidnapped by four men and held handcuffed and barefoot in the flat, with his captors demanding a 6,000 ransom for his release, police added. He was apparently fed with only scraps by his captors. The suspects three Italians and a Moroccan allegedly allowed the Briton to call his parents, asking for the money. But using some sort of code, the detainee was able to alert them to his plight. Officers were said to be 'curious' about why the ransom was so low. Colonel Nicola Candido, who was involved in the rescue, said: 'His family, who are fairly wealthy, received a message from him and contacted the British police and the National Crime Agency, who in turn contacted the carabinieri [Italian police]. 'We checked out the case and then planned the rescue raid.' The 25-year-old from London, who has not been named, was freed from an apartment near Macerata in central Italy, detectives said last night (file photo) The man had told his father over text that he had been abducted, reports The Times. Colonel Massimiliano Mengasini said: 'He sent a message to his father on his mobile phone asking for the money, but was also able to communicate, without the gang realising, that he was being held prisoner.' The commander of the carabinieri unit involved in the operation, Colonel Francesco D'Ecclesiis, said: 'Within 36 hours, we had located the apartment in which he was being held prisoner. 'The raid took place at 14.45 on Wednesday. We surrounded the apartment block, arrested the captors, and released the hostage.' Colonel Nicola Candido said the man's family 'contacted the British police and the National Crime Agency, who in turn contacted the carabinieri [Italian police]' (file photo) Mengasini added: 'The young man was found in a darkened room with furniture pushed up against the windows. 'He was fed fairly sporadically by his captors. He was exhausted but he is slowly recovering.' The victim had been holidaying in Italy since early June. The kidnapping gang were due in court today. Cambridge University has pulled out of talks with the United Arab Emirates over a potential 400million partnership due to its alleged use of controversial hacking software. The deal, revealed in July, was billed as a collaboration between the university and several educational, governmental and corporate partners in UAE. But last night Cambridges vice-chancellor Stephen Toope revealed the negotiations had been broken off. He indicated the decision was taken after UAEs alleged use of military-grade spyware known as Pegasus which has the ability to hack into phones and siphon off photos, messages, emails, contacts, passwords and other data. Last week, a High Court judge ruled that Dubais ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum ran an illegal UK phone hacking racket using Pegasus It can even turn a phone into a clan - destine eavesdropping device. Israeli tech firm NSO Group only sells the spyware to governments, including the UAE. Last week, a High Court judge ruled that Dubais ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum ran an illegal UK phone hacking racket using Pegasus. Sheikh Mohammed, a close friend of the Royal Family, was able to snoop on the parliamentary emails of Tory peer and former royal lawyer Fiona Shackleton. He also hacked the iPhone of her client Princess Haya the sheikhs wife who fled to Britain in fear of her life. The phone hacking operation, which was more probably than not personally ordered by the sheikh, was discovered by former PM Tony Blairs lawyer wife Cherie through her links to NSO Group. The Sheikh was able to access the emails of former royal lawyer Fiona Shackleton (right). He also hacked the iPhone of her client Princess Haya (left) his ex-wife who has fled to Britain. Five laws broken by Dubai's ruler according to Princess Haya's legal team Mr Toope told Cambridges student newspaper Varsity: The revelations about Pegasus caused us to decide that its not the right time to be pursuing these kinds of really ambitious plans with the United Arab Emirates. He stressed: You have to assess the opportunity thats being presented to make a difference in the world and the risks to reputation of a whole series of important values for the university. He added: Its all on hold for now. The University and College Union, which represents academics, had accused the UAE of trying to launder its reputation and said it would be shameful if Cambridge were willing to be used in this way. Donald Trump reportedly made an unprompted reference to allegations in the Steele dossier that he hired Russian prostitutes to pee on him in a Moscow hotel during a private GOP dinner on Thursday. He was speaking at a high-dollar retreat in Palm Beach, Florida for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, a group working to elect more GOP senators to Congress. 'I'm not into golden showers,' Trump told his audience of GOP senators, donors, lobbyists and strategists. He then seemed to bring up former First Lady Melania Trump and claimed she doubted the salacious claim in the former British spy's report. 'You know the great thing, our great first lady - "That one," she said, "I don't believe that one",' Trump said according to the Washington Post. He decried Democrats' Russia investigation and impeachment efforts in a profanity-laced tangent. 'It was all phony s**t,' Trump said. 'All phony stuff.' Trump reportedly delivered a strange and meandering speech at a high-level dinner for GOP senators and donors on Thursday night Christopher Steele is a former MI6 agent who was retained by Fusion GPS in 2016, when the company was hired by the 2016 Clinton campaign to perform opposition research on Trump. What emerged was a dossier of 17 reports detailing Trump's alleged ties to Russia and a conspiracy to influence the election. Subsequent investigations based on the dossier, including the intelligence community's Crossfire Hurricane probe, didn't yield substantial results. Steele spoke with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos for his new documentary series Out of the Shadows. His interview, which the Good Morning America anchor boasted was his first televised appearance since the dossier's release, will air on Monday. To date Trump himself hasn't been implicated of conspiring with the Russian Federation although members of his orbit have been charged and indicted for improper foreign ties. He said Melania Trump didn't believe the pee tape allegations in the Steele dossier But at the Thursday dinner the ex-president did flaunt his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's intelligence. He also saved time to lambast favorite punching bags Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. Trump told his crowd on the last day of the VIP retreat that the Senate Majority Leader and House Speaker were 'maniacs' and reportedly compared his presidency to a fight for survival. He said Democrats 'cheat like hell, and they stick together.' 'The Republican Party has to stick together,' Trump told them, implying that he should be at the helm of that unification. In a recording of the event obtained by the Post, Trump told Republicans that he saved the party from near-catastrophe and helped Republicans keep control over their Capitol Hill seats - never mind that the GOP lost the presidency, the House and the Senate by early 2021. 'It was a dying party, Ill be honest. Now we have a very lively party,' he told the audience. He saved some criticism for some of his fellow Republicans as well, venturing to go after GOP senators at an event promoting their party's re-election. Trump name-checked Utah Senator Mitt Romney and Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse, two of of the seven GOP senators who voted to impeach him after the Capitol riot. At the event promoting Republican dominance in the Senate, Trump took aim at two GOP senators who voted to impeach him over the Capitol riot The ex-president also repeated his baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen out from under him. 'It's a terrible thing what they did in Georgia and other states,' Trump said. He praised states that passed new election security laws since November. 'You look at Texas, you look at a lot of states - they are correcting all the ways we were all abused over the last election,' Trump said. 'Last two elections, if you think about it.' And while he hasn't formally entered the 2024 race yet, the former president has fueled suspicions he would launch another presidential bid through various campaign rallies and hints dropped in interviews. But despite the ambiguity, he's still a clear kingmaker in the Republican party. The Florida retreat offered donors paying top-dollar the chance to upgrade to an 'Official Trump Majority Membership.' The package touted a 'closed-door, in-person strategy meeting with Trump' and asked people to sign up to support Trump's 'social media site' - without elaborating on the yet-nonexistent page. NSW residents who have been fully vaccinated will soon be allowed to travel to Victoria without having to go into quarantine for 14 days. From October 19, double-jabbed residents arriving from 'red zones' will be required to get tested for Covid-19 three days before travelling to Victoria. They must then get tested when they enter Victoria and isolate until they receive a negative result. Residents travelling from 'orange zones' will no longer be required to get a test or isolate. Minister for health Martin Foley said it was time to start rewarding fully-vaccinated travellers. NSW residents who have been fully vaccinated will soon be allowed to travel to Victoria without having to go into quarantine for 14 days 'Our border settings are changing as we move towards a managed easing of restrictions - and people who are fully vaccinated have a right to reduced requirements because they present reduced risk,' he said. 'Victoria and New South Wales have been through so much over the last few months, and we're pleased that more families will now be able to reunite and more people will be able to travel in a safe way.' Children under the age of 12, who are too young for the vaccine, will be allowed to enter the state under their parent's permit. The travel permit changes come as 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. 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. NSW's major announcement it would open up to the whole world from November 1 sparked mass confusion and forced the Prime Minister out of Kirribilli House. In a hastily organised press conference, Mr Morrison admitted that the first he heard of NSW's plan to scrap quarantine altogether was on Friday morning. 'I've written to the premiers and chief ministers earlier this week asking them to confirm the arrangements they would have... the premier wrote back to me today and confirmed that would be on November 1 and under those no quarantine arrangements for vaccinated Australians,' he said. NSW's major announcement it would open up to the whole world from November 1 has sparked mass confusion. Scott Morrison (pictured) has been silent Earlier on Friday morning, the NSW government announced that two-week hotel quarantine for international arrivals would be scrapped and vaccinated residents and foreigners will be allowed to freely enter the state. The move blindsided Mr Morrison and forced him to overrule NSW and clarify that Australia's borders will not yet open to tourists. 'All we are talking about now is Australian citizens, residents and their immediate families,' he said. 'We are not opening up to everyone coming back to Australia at the moment. I want to be clear about that. 'We will take this forward in a staged way as we have done in all these things.' Australia's international border has been closed since March 2020 to reduce the spread of coronavirus - and no date has been set for a re-opening. The national re-opening plan agreed by all states and territories in August states that once 80 per cent of over 16s are vaccinated then there will be a 'gradual opening of inward and outward travel with safe countries'. But NSW said it would welcome people from any country around the world as long as they are vaccinated from November 1. NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the state would not discriminate based on nationality. But he flagged the Federal Government will let people from some countries in before others because it will be quicker to set up systems to test the vaccination status of arrivals from certain countries. 'There is no doubt that the Commonwealth will be able to do that with some countries faster than others,' he said. 'They will also be able to do that in conjunction with many airlines faster than others so there will be some incremental staging that has brought about by the ability for the Commonwealth to verify vaccination status but we are not delineating between countries. NSW will not enforce any quarantine at all on vaccinated arrivals from November 1. Pictured: Sydney Airport in December NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney, Friday October 15 'There is no delineation between Australian citizens and other citizens of countries around the world. 'The focal point here is a delineation between vaccination status so vaccinated and unvaccinated. 'We will require the Commonwealth to ensure that a person is fully vaccinated,' he said. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said was not aware of NSW's announcement which he described as 'hot off the printers'. The announcement left residents confused over the border rules. 'Australian borders at this stage are closed to international travel with only a few exemptions and has been since March 2020. Only the Fed Gov can open them not a state,' one NSW resident wrote on Twitter. But others said Mr Perrottet was not opening the border but only changing health rules. 'I read it as ending enforcing quarantine requirements for the vaccinated, not opening the borders,' one wrote. Mr Perrottet said he had spoken to the Prime Minister about the changes. 'I've had numerous discussions with the prime minister over the course of this period about dispensing with hotel quarantine - they support this policy,' he told reporters in Sydney. 'They will need to implement it from a border perspective and we want tourists back into the state as quickly as possible.' NSW said it would welcome people from any country around the world as long as they are vaccinated from November 1. Pictured: Sydney passengers before lockdown The Premier said he could not control other states' quarantine requirements but urged overseas travellers to spend time in Sydney if they needed to. 'If you're a returning Australian and you want to come here, stay in New South Wales and stay in Sydney,' he said. 'Have a great time here before you go home and spend up big.' Overseas travel in and out of Sydney is likely to be allowed before some interstate and regional trips across Australia. The Morrison government has urged states to drop hard borders when 80 per cent vaccination rates are reached. But some jurisdictions are not expected to reach that target until December at the earliest. The WA government has signalled it won't open to states with coronavirus until next year. NSW recorded 399 new local coronavirus infections on Friday, while case numbers in Victoria continue to soar with 2179 registered. There were six deaths in Victoria and four in NSW. Australia has fully vaccinated 65.4 per cent of its eligible population aged 16 and over, while more than 83.6 per cent have received their first dose. Advertisement Hillary Clinton has been pictured visiting her husband Bill Clinton in a California ICU unit as the former President battles sepsis caused by a urinary tract infection. The 75-year-old, who had a quadruple heart bypass in 2004, is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of UCI Medical Center in Orange County, where he has been since Tuesday having reported feeling fatigued during his visit to the state. He developed a urinary tract infection that became a condition known as urosepsis, his doctors told CNN. A spokesman for the Democrat commander-in-chief said last night he is 'on the mend' having been admitted for treatment for a non-Covid issue. He has been talking to staff and family, and walking around, it was reported. A somber-looking Hillary, who was in California with her husband for his appearance at an event in relation to his foundation, was pictured flanked by security officers as she entered the unit last night before being driven away in the back of a car. She reportedly represented them both at the previously scheduled event before visiting the medical center. Hillary Clinton leaves Friday morning after visiting Bill, who was hospitalized in California on Tuesday and is battling sepsis caused by a urinary tract infection Hillary Clinton has been photographed visiting her husband, former President Bill Clinton , who was hospitalized in California on Tuesday and is battling sepsis caused by a urinary tract infection. Pictured: Clinton leaves the hospital on Friday morning Pictured: Hillary Clinton leaves after it was announced that former U.S. President Bill Clinton was admitted to the University of California Irvine Medical Center Hillary Clinton leaves in a car after it was announced that former U.S. President Bill Clinton was admitted to the University of California Irvine Medical Center in Orange, California Hillary Clinton's car departs after she visited her husband at the University of California Irvine Medical Center in Orange Former first lady and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was with her husband in Southern California for their event. Hillary Clinton was seen arriving at the hospital late on Thursday evening with a security detail Former U.S. President Bill Clinton leaves Radio City Music Hall on August 05, 2021 in New York City. He was hospitalized on Tuesday in California, but is 'on the mend' The silent killer: Everything you need to know about sepsis The life-threatening condition strikes when an infection triggers a violent immune response, in which the body attacks its own organs. It can happen as a result of any type of infection, whether caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. Sepsis may progress to septic shock, a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can lead to severe organ damage and death. If caught early, the infection can be controlled by antibiotics before the body goes into overdrive. More than 11million people around the world - including 45,000 in the UK and 270,000 in the US - die of sepsis ever year, data suggests. It means the illness, which is known as the silent killer, claims more lives than smoking and pollution. But the early symptoms of sepsis can be easily confused with more mild conditions, meaning it can be difficult to diagnose. Sepsis has similar symptoms to flu, gastroenteritis and a chest infection. These include: S lurred speech or confusion lurred speech or confusion E xtreme shivering or muscle pain xtreme shivering or muscle pain P assing no urine in a day assing no urine in a day S evere breathlessness evere breathlessness I t feels like you are dying t feels like you are dying S kin mottled or discoloured Advertisement A spokesman for Bill Clinton said he was admitted to University of California Irvine's medical center to get treatment for a non-COVID issue. 'On Tuesday evening, President Clinton was admitted to UCI Medical Center to receive treatment for a non-COVID-related infection,' said his spokesperson, Angel Urena, in a statement. 'He is on the mend, thankful to the doctors, nurses and staff providing him with excellent care.' CNN reported that a urinary tract infection had spread to Clinton's bloodstream, but that he is now in good spirits after two days of treatment, is talking to family and staff, and has been up and walking around. The news channel's medical correspondent, Sanjay Gupta, said Clinton had reported feeling fatigued during a visit to California on Tuesday and went to the hospital for testing that ruled out Covid-19 and heart-related problems. He was in California for an event in relation to his foundation, The New York Times said. In the years since Clinton left the White House in 2001, the former president has faced health scares. In 2004, at age 58, he underwent a quadruple bypass operation after doctors found signs of extensive heart disease. After his health scare, Clinton - who had a reputation for loving fatty foods - adopted a vegan diet. In 2010 he underwent stent surgery after complaining of heart pains. Former first lady and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was with her husband in Southern California for their event, and was seen seen entering the hospital late on Thursday night and leaving hours later flanked by a security detail, and getting into a car. Clinton's physicians, Dr. Alpesh Amin and Dr. Lisa Bardack, released a joint statement that says he was admitted with an 'infection' but has improved since receiving treatment. 'President Clinton was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center and diagnosed with an infection. He was admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and administered IV antibiotics and fluids,' Amin and Bardack said. 'He remains at the hospital for continuous monitoring. 'After two days of treatment, his white blood cell count is trending down and he is responding to antibiotics well.' They concluded: 'The California-based medical team has been in constant communication with the President's New York-based medical team, including his cardiologist. 'We hope to have him go home soon.' A sombre-looking Hillary, who was in California with her husband for his appearance at an event in relation to his foundation, was pictured flanked by security officers as she entered the unit last night before being driven away in the back of a car Hillary Clinton was seen walking out of the California medical unit after visiting her husband last night Pictured: Hillary Clinton leaves the hospital after visiting her husband, former president Bill Clinton Former first lady and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, middle, exits the University of California Irvine Medical Center in Orange, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 A police officer stands at an entrance of the University of California Irvine Douglas Hospital on Thursday night Officers are seen inside the lobby of the hospital in California, where Clinton is being treated United States Secret Service special agents wait outside the University of California Irvine Medical Center is seen in Orange, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 The exterior of the University of California Irvine Douglas Hospital on Thursday evening, where Bill Clinton was recovering from an infection The Secret Service motorcade for the former president is pictured on Thursday night outside the hospital in Irvine, California Clinton's Secret Service detail are seen on Thursday awaiting him. Former presidents are guaranteed protection for life, but their adult children are not One of Clinton's most recent appearances was a videolink greeting to the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS, held on September 17 in West Hollywood Bill and Hillary Clinton are pictured on September 11 at the ceremony in New York City commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks The Clintons attended the 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York with the Obamas, Bidens, Michael Bloomberg and Nancy Pelosi Hillary Clinton, pictured on October 11 leaving the set of Good Morning America in New York, is currently in California with her husband Well-wishers sent the former president messages of support. Conservative activist Jack Posobiec wrote 'Thoughts and prayers for Bill Clinton' on Twitter early Friday morning. Meghan McCain tweeted: 'Wishing President @BillClinton a speedy recovery and all the best wishes. 'Also sending strength and support to @HillaryClinton and @ChelseaClinton during this time.' Amy Kremer, co-founder of Women for Trump, tweeted: 'Praying for a full recovery.' The former president's cardiac problems have been well-documented. He became a vegan in 2010 to improve his health and credited the meat- and dairy-free died with changing - and potentially saving - his life. Doctors have ruled out heart issues, according to CNN, despite Clinton's history - including a quadruple bypass operation in 2004 and a stent placement in 2010. CNN anchor Chris Cuomo announced the breaking news at the top of his show. The 75-year-old former world leader was feeling unwell and fatigued on Tuesday when he was in California for an event related to the Clinton Foundation, CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta said after speaking with Clinton's doctors and staff. 'What they think is going on with the former president now is a blood infection. Sometimes known as sepsis,' Gupta said on Thursday evening. Clinton could be released from the hospital as early as Friday and remain on a regiment of oral antibiotics for however long is necessary. Gupta said he was told the charismatic former governor of Arkansas was joking around with hospital staff as of Thursday. He added that Clinton is 'mobile' and can get himself up and around. Sepsis is a blood condition caused when the body releases chemicals to fight an infection. It's treatable when caught early but could be life-threatening if not. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison wished Clinton well on Twitter. 'Praying for a speedy recovery for President @BillClinton,' Harrison wrote on Twitter. DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House for comment. Clinton's name has been back in the headlines with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky's thanks to FX's American Crime Story: Impeachment. The drama series chronicles their affair and boasts Lewinsky as a producer. The heartbroken daughter of a Vietnamese mum who was struck by her own black Mercedes out the front of their family home says her three little siblings are now 'all alone in Australia'. Kim Anh Vu's lifeless body was lying in the driveway for two hours before she was discovered by her son Thien at 7.30am on Thursday in Pennington, north-west Adelaide. The 21-year-old panicked and called a family friend, before a kind-hearted passer-by saw the 45-year-old single mum lying under the vehicle and called emergency services. Ms Vu's oldest daughter Huong, 24, told Daily Mail Australia that her family are at a complete loss as to how the tragic events on Thursday morning unfolded. The Vu family, pictured left to right: Thien, 21, Nhien, nine, Kim, 45, Minh, 14, and Huong, 24 Kim Anh Vu (pictured) was remembered by her family as a 'great mum' who worked hard to send her kids to school 'I have no idea why it happened, or how it happened,' the young woman said. 'My sisters are upset and they're sad, and they're so small, and we have no other family in Australia.' Detectives said Ms Vu's death is not being treated as suspicious, and believe she may have left the car in gear when she got out to open the gate. 'The car might have rolled back [and hit her], but we're still investigating,' a police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. Huong remembered Ms Vu as a 'great mum' who found it difficult to make friends with her limited English, and felt 'a bit lonely' in Australia. 'But she still tried to work so she could feed my siblings and give them a home.' Huong (pictured second left) is trying to move to Adelaide to be with her siblings Thien (left) Nhien (front) and Minh (second right) after their mum Kim (right) died on Thursday Kim Anh Vu, 45 (pictured), was found dead underneath her car in the driveway of her Pennington home in Adelaide's north-west Huong lives in Melbourne where she works in a meat factory, like her mother did in Adelaide, but flew straight to South Australia when tragedy struck her family on Thursday. Due to Victoria's worsening Covid crisis, Huong has to stay in a quarantine hotel for 14 days before she can see her brother Thien, and her little sisters Minh, 14, and Nhien, nine. The young woman explained her family moved from Vietnam with their step-father two years ago, but the couple separated a few months ago. 'My step-father is looking after my siblings now, but I want to move to Adelaide so I can get a house and pay for them to go to school,' she said. 'My real dad lives in Vietnam and he sent some money for school, but my stepfather and I are the only ones in Australia who can work now.' Heartbroken friends and family (pictured) rushed to the home of the single mother after hearing the awful news Huong's visa is currently being sponsored by the factory she works for, but she's afraid that she won't get sponsorship and will lose the right to work in Australia if she leaves her job for another in Adelaide. 'I'm fighting to move in with my siblings to take care of them,' Huong said. In another blow for the Vu family, Huong can't work at the moment due to a hand injury she sustained at the meat factory, and has no idea how she'll pay the family's rent, bills, schooling and food bills. With nowhere else to turn, Huong made a Go Fund Me campaign to ask the community for donations. 'Please we need your help, no matter how much you can give,' she wrote. 'This money will help us a lot to move on and [pay] for my two little sisters to study.' Ms Vu had moved to Australia from Vietnam two years ago and was described by close friends (pictured) as a 'generous loving mother' who was very 'caring' Heartbroken friends and family rushed to the home of the mother after hearing the awful news. 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 was described as a 'generous loving mother' who was very 'caring'. '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. Ms Vu's car (pictured) was towed away from the scene by investigators earlier this morning for forensic analysis '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. Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley has stumbled through questions about how international travellers could sidestep the state's hotel quarantine regime by entering from NSW. Daniel Andrews' government announced on Friday that fully vaccinated NSW residents will be able to travel to Victoria without having to isolate for 14 days on arrival from October 19. But the announcement came minutes after NSW Premier Dom Perrottet revealed international travellers returning to NSW will not need to quarantine at hotels or at home from November 1. This has exposed a major loophole in travel between the two states with reporters questioning whether a traveller could fly from London to Sydney and then into Melbourne a few days later - dodging Victoria's mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley has stumbled through questions about how international travellers could sidestep the state's hotel quarantine regime by entering from NSW 'I don't speak for the NSW government but I I understand their position to be is that you have to have a negative test 72 hours before you come to Australia,' he said. 'You have to be double dosed. That is the same position that we are seeking people under the new more flexible system that will come in as of next Tuesday for returnees into Victoria from New South Wales and the ACT.' 'In regards to the international border system, we have signed up to the process that the National Cabinet has put in place. 'If National Cabinet takes a different view, we will be part of that process also.' When pressed again if Victorians overseas would just fly back to Sydney and then into Melbourne, Mr Foley said it was a 'matter for the NSW government'. 'We don't control the international borders. The Commonwealth government approve who comes back. They approve who can leave. It would be easier to come back into New South Wales than it will be to get around New South Wales,' he said. He said Victorian authorities would need to look at NSW's plan further before commenting on what it meant for returning travellers, adding he didn't know about it until it was announced. NSW Premier Dom Perrottet revealed international travellers returning to NSW will not need to quarantine at hotels or at home from November 1 (pictured Sydney hotel quarantine facility) 'Everyone needs to take a chill pill,' he said. 'We are not aware of the full details of a media release hot off the printer from the NSW Government. 'We will go through that. We wish New South Wales, as we always do, every success, and Victoria will go about its business in the national context, understanding it's the Commonwealth who control international borders, not the states.' Mr Foley also said Victoria wouldn't be following in the footsteps of NSW and scrapping their quarantine system. 'Victoria is signed up to the national cabinet plan for the reopening of international borders,' he said. 'We are participating in the trial of home-based quarantine as part of that arrangement and that is what we'll do. Our hotel quarantine system continues to be in place, it continues to deliver on the caps for the international returnees.' Victoria's border will open up to NSW from 11.59pm at October 19, and will require travellers to get tested for Covid-19 three days before arrival. They will then get tested as they enter Victoria and will need to isolate until given a negative result. Children under the age of 12, who are too young for the vaccine, will be allowed to enter the state under their parent's permit. Those who are not fully vaccinated will still need to complete 14 days of quarantine upon arrival in Victoria. The bodies of a woman and a five-year-old girl have been recovered, after a flash flood from the remnants of Hurricane Pamela swept their vehicles from a road early Thursday in San Antonio. The occupants of the two vehicles were swept into Martinez Creek about 6:30 p.m. Thursday on the city's eastern fringe. They were members of the same extended family, said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. One vehicle was driven by a man with the 5-year-old girl and two other girls as passengers, while the 52-year-old woman was driving two children. All were en route to Tradition Elementary School when their vehicles were swept away. The man and four of the children were rescued. The five-year-old girl was named by family members Thursday night as Alyssa Layman. 'There's nothing more heartbreaking than pulling the body of a five-year-old out of a car.' Salazar told a press conference. 'She's dressed for what I'm told was her first day of school. She's still wearing her backpack.' An adult male drove his three step-daughters, including the now-deceased five-year-old, identified by her family as Alyssa Layman (picured), in one car - according to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, today would have been the little girl's first day of school Firefighters donned wetsuits to wrest the family from their partially-submerged vehicles in the creek, combatting atypically high and strong waters brought on in the aftermath of Hurricane Pamela. Boats, drones and divers were used in the rescue Alyssa's stepfather, Jose, told KENS5 that he thought the high-water crossing was safe to pass because there were no barriers in place. But he said the car 'took a nosedive' into the water and he frantically tried to get his three stepdaughters out of a window. He said Alyssa, the youngest, got caught in the rushing water and was swept. 'I tried to save her. I tried to save her as much as I could,' Jose said. The family were left clinging on to trees as they awaited rescue. In the other vehicle, two boys were able to get out but the 52-year-old woman was trapped as the car was submerged.. Police said that the waters are too dangerous to risk extricating the woman's body. The car will be left under water overnight, and efforts to recover it from about 16 feet of rapid-moving waters will begin again on Friday morning. Jose said that the barriers at the crossing should have been raised. Jose described Alyssa as a 'lovable kid [who] talked a lotchatterbox, you know. And she was very smart, very smart kid' The five-year-old's father, Jose, told KENS5 he rolled down his car window and managed to get the other two girls out - they clung to a tree and called out to a bystander to get help. Alyssa (pictured left), he said, was swept away. He told KENS5: 'They always have them up, and they didnt have them up. I have common sense, and I wouldnt have gone through that if they had barriers up.' He described Alyssa as a 'lovable kid [who] talked a lotchatterbox, you know. And she was very smart, very smart kid.' Boats, drones and divers were used in the attempt to rescue the family, officials said. Hurricane Pamela made landfall on the pacific coast of Mexican early on Wednesday, then began to dissipate as it moved inland toward central Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. Emergency services from a slew of agencies came together for the rescue 'There's nothing more heartbreaking than pulling the body of a five-year-old out of a car - she's dressed for what I'm told was her first day of school,' Salazar (pictured second from left) told reporters at a press conference. 'She's still wearing her backpack' Later on Thursday evening, according to the Sheriff's department, a woman, two teenagers, a one-year-old and a five-year-old were recused after their vehicle was swept off North Abbott Road. The two teenage boys had climbed up on top of the submerged car, they said, and waved down emergency services. Using ladder trucks, the entire car load was safely brought back to land. 'This easily could've been not such a happy ending like what we saw earlier today,' Salazar said at the later press briefing. Chris Lopez, the Bexar County's fire marshal, said that when roads are flooded, you should turn around. 'Unfortunately people don't listen to the warnings, the signs that are up or even barricades,' he said. 'And oftentimes they go around them.' Security camera footage captured the moment a man opened fire from the sunroof of a car on a road near Washington DC, critically wounding a 12-year-old girl. A vehicle was driving down a Marlboro Pike Rd in Capitol Heights, Maryland, around 6.35pm on October 8 when a man was seen standing up out of the sunroof and opening fire indiscriminately on a row of businesses. The young girl was hit as she waited for food at a restaurant, and is still hospitalized and in critical condition as of Thursday, Prince George's County Police said. Police said they don't believe that she was the shooter's intended target. The 12-year-old girl that the man shot from the sunroof of his car was waiting for food at one of the businesses, and is still hospitalized and in critical condition as of Thursday In the video, the unidentified man can be seen stretching half of his body out of the car's sunroof and firing several shots into the row of businesses. He is wearing what appears to be a blue sweatshirt with the hood pulled up In the video, the unidentified man can be seen stretching half of his body out of the car's sunroof while holding a handgun. He is wearing what appears to be a blue sweatshirt with the hood pulled up. 'The car is a dark-colored, four-door sedan with tinted windows and chrome window trim and door handles,' a statement released by detectives on Thursday read, adding that the vehicle 'is possibly an Infiniti'. After firing the shots, the man ducked back into the car. It is unclear whether he was the driver or passenger of the vehicle. The car was last seen heading towards Brooks Drive. The Prince George Police Department is asking for help identifying the shooter. They posted the surveillance footage to Titter and asked users to 'please take a moment to view this video'. A $2,500 reward is being offered for any information leading to the capture of the unknown shooter or about the vehicle shown in the footage. DailyMail.com has reached out to Prince George's County Police for comment. After firing the shots, the man ducked back into the car. It is unclear whether he was the driver or passenger of the vehicle Hobart and Southern Tasmania have been plunged into a snap-three day lockdown after a Covid-positive man visited . Premier Peter Gutwein announced the stay-at-home orders at 2.30pm (local time) on Friday. The lockdown will begin at 6pm (AEDT) and will end at 6pm on Monday. A NSW man, 31, arrived in the state on Monday evening and tested positive on Wednesday. Tasmania 's capital, Hobart, is expected to be plunged into a snap-three day lockdown on Friday afternoon with the state cabinet locked in crisis meetings Premier Peter Gutwein 'will provide information regarding further measures associated with the current Covid situation in southern Tasmania' at 2.30pm local time, a statement said The man allegedly broke out of quarantine and was found at an address in the city's outer north at 4.45pm on Tuesday. In a statement, Mr Gutwein said: 'At a time when the vast majority of Tasmanians are doing the right thing, I cannot stress how deeply disappointing it is for someone to blatantly ignore the rules and put others at risk in this way.' The man will be fined $3,000. Ahead of the announcement supermarkets were flooded with shoppers stocking up on supplies. Many piled their trolleys with toilet paper and non-perishables. Four exposure sites have been listed so far by Public Health: Aussies are divided about the new US burger giant Five Guys just weeks after the first store arrived in Sydney - with some diners claiming it's 'overpriced' - while plenty just can't get enough. The fast-food chain, which opened on September 20 in Penrith in Sydney's west, is known for its customisable made-to-order burgers with the choice of 15 toppings and American-style milkshakes. But while the brand might be beloved around the globe, not all Sydneysiders have been impressed. Aussies are divided about new US burger giant Five Guys just weeks after the first store opened in Sydney (above) The debate was ignited after a social media-famous food critic criticised the store in a series of TikTok videos The passionate debate was ignited after a social media-famous food critic slammed the store, claiming he was charged $215 for a family meal - and said diners would be better off choosing Hungry Jack's. TikTok creator Fred, known for his forthright opinions on fast food, recently visited the world-famous Five Guys burger restaurant in Penrith, in Sydney's west. In his first video of a series of scathing attacks on the new franchise, the food reviewer said he ordered six burgers, three milkshakes, four servings of fries and four drinks. Furious to be charged $215 for the order, he posted a second video showing one of the $19 burgers. The fast-food reviewer's video has since sparked a massive debate online. One user wrote: 'Tried it this week. $60 for 2 burgers, 1 serve of chips and 1 milkshake. Couldn't agree more with him. On par with hungry jacks. Once the hype is over they won't last.' 'I agree, biggest rip-off. I bought a burger, chips and a milkshake and got charged $40. Never going again,' wrote another. While a third wrote: 'Sad to say but the older generic places (Maccas, Hungry Jack's, KFC) are just as good if not better. And our local chains (Grill'd) leave them for dead in taste and quality.' Other passionate fast-food lovers argued that Australia's local fish and chips shops would serve a much better burger than the fast-food chain. What's on the menu at Five Guys? BURGERS: Five Guys burgers are made with only the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Hand-formed burger patties with no preservatives, no hormones, and no antibiotics. Buns are baked fresh daily with a secret recipe and warmed on a dedicated grill to get the perfect toast. HOT DOGS: All-beef hot dogs, split and grilled lengthwise for a caramelized exterior. With the added option of melted American-style cheese, crispy smoked bacon, or both. FRIES: Fries are hand cut daily, cooked in peanut oil and made boardwalk style, firm on the outside with a creamy, mashed potato filling. Get them the traditional Five Guys way or try them with spicy Cajun seasoning. SHAKES: Five Guys shakes have a creamy, vanilla base. Customise them by adding one or more of the 10 premium mix-ins like crispy bacon, real bananas, fresh strawberries or cold-brewed coffee made daily in store. Advertisement 'Living in New York they had a Five Guys and I wasn't impressed, but I have to say Australia does make good burgers,' another wrote. However, plenty of fast food fans came to the defence of the new store - with one saying it was exactly like the U.S. version. 'I've lived in New Jersey my entire life and only moved Down Under about a year ago. So happy this five guys opened up about 30min away from where I'm living. 'I would definitely recommend and definitely come back when craving that American-style burger.' Another praised the chain as offering genuine U.S-style burgers rather than 'frozen beef patties' and said the quality was just as good as those found overseas. 'Definitely worth the drive to try it out, the hand cut fries and milkshakes are fantastic as well,' the reviewers said. Others didn't understand the fuss over the store's prices. One wrote: 'Not sure what the outrage is all about. The prices aren't a mystery buy before you order.' While a second wrote: 'People out here acting as though Grill'd and all the other non-fast-food burger places in Australia don't charge the same amount for burgers' Several were outraged over the eatery's overpriced food, some believed the local fish and chip shop served better burgers, while others jumped to the defence of Five Guys (stock image) TikTok creator Fred, known for his straightforward opinions about fast food culinary, recently visited the world-famous Five Guys burger restaurant which recently opened at Penrith in Sydney's west - and he wasn't impressed (stock image) The order included six burgers, three milkshakes, four fries and four drinks, which came to a whopping cost of $215 and the outraged reviewer said it was a 'rip-off' In a second video, he showed off the burger, which cost $19, and took a taste to reveal his thoughts on the expensive burger When did Five Guys land in Australia? US burger giant Five Guys opened its doors in Sydney's western suburb of Penrith on September 20. Seagrass Boutique Hospitality in Sydney secured the rights to be the brand's master franchisee in Australia. Five Guys is a family-run burgers and fries joint that started in America in 1986. Now, there are locations across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with planned expansion into New Zealand. The franchise is renowned for its customisable made-to-order burgers with the choice of 15 toppings and American-style milkshakes. Advertisement Some argued the food reviewer shouldn't have complained about the cost if he had seen the prices before ordering. 'What, you didn't see the prices before you ordered? Don't pay and then complain. I don't understand people or these negative comments,' one said. 'You knew the price beforehand surely,' another noted. A third wrote: 'I've had Five Guys in multiple countries, quality always amazing and decent $.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Five Guys for comment. The billionaire tycoon behind Chinese beleaguered property giant Evergrande grew up in poverty before rising to become one of the world's richest men. Xu Jiayin, a former steel factory technician, was just 37 when he founded Evergrande in 1996 in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. The company chairman was born into rural poverty in October 1958 in the Gaoxian township, north of Wuhan, growing up in a hut with dirt floors. His childhood in the Henan province was shaped by China's disastrous decade-long Cultural Revolution which outlawed free market capitalism and entrepreneurs like the kind he would grow up to be. But before Mr Xu turned 40 he founded the Hengda Group, later be known as Evergrande, which eventually grew into China's second biggest property developer. More recently, Mr Xu was China's 15th richest man with Forbes estimating his wealth at $US43billion. Xu Jiayin, a former steel factory technician, was just 39 when he founded Evergrande in 1996 in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou (he is pictured in 2017 when he was China's 15th richest man) Less than two decades later, Mr Xu was China's 15th richest man with Forbes estimating his wealth at $US43billion. The tycoon, who grew up in a hut with dirt floors, in November 2014 secretly settled on a $39million Sydney Harbour waterfront mansion With wealth came a very different life. In November 2014, he secretly settled on a $39million Sydney Harbour waterfront mansion. Just four months later, he was given 90 days to sell the Villa del Mare residence in Point Piper for breaching Australian government rules on foreigners owning residential real estate. China's building boom also benefited Australia, with iron ore prices in May climbing above $US200 a tonne in May this year as the Asian power bounced back from earlier Covid lockdowns. But China now has too many apartment towers and has enough empty rooms to house 90million people in 65million units - with Evergrande at the pointy end of a potential economic crisis. Adding to Mr Xu's woes, the Chinese Communist Party government has cracked down on steel production to meet 2060 net zero climate change targets. Mr Xu's wealth had already peaked even before the Covid pandemic - and in the past four years, his wealth has shrunk by 80 per cent, with Bloomberg estimating he is now worth $US9billion. Hyper growth has consequences with Evergrande owing $400billion to creditors (pictured is the Evergrande Centre in Shanghai) Even in Australian dollar terms, his smaller fortune of $12billion would still put him among Australia's top ten high net-worth individuals. Hyper growth has consequences with Evergrande owing $400billion to creditors. Last month, in a rare show of protest in authoritarian China, demonstrators who had lost money protested outside Evergrande's Shenzhen headquarters. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who models his leadership on revolutionary Communist leader Mao Zedong, is now embarking on a 'common prosperity' drive to redistribute wealth. He is also cracking down on the ultra-wealthy and may let the company fail to discourage other property developers from piling on more debt. Last month, a rare show of protest in authoritarian China, protesters who had lost money protested outside Evergrande's Shenzhen headquarters This week, Evergrande missed a third annual interest payment deadline, this one worth more than $200million, stirring more fears of a debt default. Many middle class Chinese investors have ploughed their savings into apartments, hoping to get rich like those in Hong Kong, the world's most expensive property market. Those mums and dads bought the units off-the-plan with deposits. Now Chinese housing regulators are warning them to be careful about placing their savings into third-party accounts in case developers use that cash to pay off debts instead of build apartments. The housing regulator in southern Guangdong province issued a warning on Wednesday while another watchdog in the eastern city of Hangzhou launched an online system which allows home buyers to confirm if their deposits had really been placed in government holding accounts. Mr Xu, who turned 63 last week, could see the empire he built collapse before his next birthday. 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 Labor leader Anthony Albanese has put his political rivals to shame after he was filmed sculling a schooner of beer during the reopening of a NSW pub. The opposition leader was visiting Willie the Boatman brewery in St Peters on Monday, when he downed the schooner in roughly 10 seconds. Mr Albanese was met with a roaring applause from the crowd in a scene reminiscent of the late former Prime Minister Bob Hawke's famous 2018 Ash test beer chug. Labor leader Anthony Albanese was filmed sculling a beer on NSW's opening day The former Labor leader was aged 88-years-old at the time he was filmed sinking a lager in a matter of seconds at the fifth Ashes test in Sydney. While the Mr Albanese appeared to struggle in the last few sips and stood no chance against the rapid-beer chugging Mr Hawke, he did fair well against his political counterparts. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet was also snapped enjoying a schooner of beer on Monday's 'Freedom Day' but later faced public backlash for his drinking. Mr Albanese drew comparisons to the former Labor leader Bob Hawke NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet was called out by Twitter users for drinking his beer upright on Monday (pictured) While the Premier wasn't criticised for nursing his post-lockdown beer he was called out by Twitter users for standing up while drinking. Under current NSW public health restrictions patrons must be seated when drinking alcohol in a venue. The Premier's office was forced to defend Mr Perrottet's upright beer chug by pointing out that the bar wasnt open and the photo op was simply staged for media. Lesser known for his beer chugging abilities Prime Minister Scott Morrison is frequently spotted with a frothy in hand. In 2019, he was hailed as a 'modern Bob Hawke' after spending the day after his historic election win drinking beers at a rugby league game. He was spotted enjoying a beer and waving his Sharks scarf in the air at, as fans took photos and cheered him on. A dangerous drug linked to 'a substantial number of deaths worldwide' has been detected in MDMA being circulated around Melbourne, the health department says. Para-Methoxymethamphetamine, also known as PMMA or 'Dr Death', is a stimulant with mild hallucinogenic properties and has been found disguised in MDMA as crushed yellow crystals. In an alert on Friday morning, Victoria's health department said PMMA can produce a similar effect to MDMA but 'is more toxic, less euphoric, and takes longer to have an effect' and can be very potent in small doses. A drug known as PMMA or 'Dr Death', has been found disguised in MDMA as crushed yellow crystals and is being circulated around Melbourne, the Victorian Health Department warned (stock image) 'Be very cautious about any substance with a yellow colour/tinge that's sold as MDMA - it may contain PMMA,' Vic Health said in a statement. 'PMMA and the related drug PMA have been associated with a substantial number of hospitalisations and deaths worldwide, often involving both PMMA/PMA and MDMA.' The drug can lead to a dangerously high body temperature, severe shortness of breath, cardiac arrest, convulsions, sudden collapse, organ failure and death. At low doses, PMMA can be mistaken for MDMA, but it takes longer than MDMA to have an effect, which leads to people taking more doses and can end in an overdose. The drug can lead to a dangerously high body temperature, severe shortness of breath, cardiac arrest, convulsions, sudden collapse, organ failure and death (stock image) 'If you have an unexpected or delayed reaction to a drug, do not take more,' Vic Health said. Anyone who experiences adverse drug effects or notices someone reacting unexpectedly, is urged to call 000 immediately. A Queensland man who allegedly hooned down a residential street while releasing blue smoke in an unconventional gender reveal has landed himself in hot water. Police have charged the 29-year-old after he allegedly spun the wheels of a Holden Commodore in Logan, south of Brisbane, in September to announce the sex of an unborn child. A female motorist filmed the man's red sedan fishtailing down the street while releasing a voluminous cloud of bright blue smoke, sparking a police investigation. As she turns into the street, she can be heard saying in a flat, unimpressed tone: 'Right. Gender reveal. It's a boy.' Police have charged a 29-year-old man with dangerous driving after he allegedly performed burnouts in a Logan street to send blue smoke into the air for a gender reveal party (pictured) As the sedan screeches past, her vehicle is entirely enveloped in the plume of smoke. 'Yeah you can't drive at the moment,' she mutters. The incident was observed by a group of people who had gathered in the street to watch and take photos. On Friday police revealed they'd identified the alleged offender and charged him with dangerous operation of a vehicle. The Loganlea man is due to face the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on December 1. Police told AAP they could not confirm if the man is the father of the unborn boy. The gender reveal is a relatively new phenomenon. It typically involves expectant parents gathering family and friends together to reveal the sex of their baby. Commonly parents opt for conservative stunts like popping a balloon, releasing either pink or blue confetti, or cutting open an appropriately coloured sponge cake. But as with all things, some people like to take things to the next level - like the couple who shared footage purporting to show a wild tiger bursting a balloon filled with pink powder on a beach in Dubai. In May, a couple from Sydney's west asked a Turkish restaurant to inscribe the gender of their baby on a plate hidden beneath a mound of kebab meat and chips to unveil the sex to their loved ones. Health chiefs have launched an urgent probe into the PCR testing network after a blunder at a Wolverhampton lab saw up to 45,000 Covid-infected Britons wrongly told they did not have the virus. Dr Jenny Harries, the head of the UK Health Security Agency, said a 'few thousand' of the missed cases - mostly in the South West - were likely still infectious. People in the South East and Wales are also known to be affected. She said a 'serious incident investigation' was launched to 'make sure if there are any further problems with other laboratories we can absolutely spot them as quickly as possible'. Boris Johnson told reporters on a visit to Bristol that officials were still 'looking into' what went wrong at the testing centre. But the Prime Minister insisted that the fiasco did not affect 'overall' cases numbers. However Kit Yates, a senior lecturer at the University of Bath and a member of the Independent Sage scientific advisory group, warned that knowing the number of false negatives doesn't 'come near to the cost of the mistake'. He added: 'Many of these people will have been forced into school or work, potentially infecting others. 'This could be part of the reason behind some of the recent rises we've seen. It's really important that we've had lateral flow tests which, at the very least, allowed us to understand there was an issue even if people weren't allowed to act on the results. 'We need to find out exactly what happened here in order to make sure it doesn't happen again elsewhere.' Immensa Health Clinic was last year given a 120million contract by the Government to analyse PCR tests from centres across the South West. The firm was given another 50million in a renewal deal that went through in July. But today its Covid testing operation was suspended after an investigation revealed the lab had incorrectly analysed tens of thousands of PCR swabs, in a blunder dating back to September 8. Covid testers at the site were filmed fighting, playing football, sleeping and throwing snowballs in January, while the country was frozen under lockdown. Professor Alan McNally, a microbiologist at Birmingham University, said he 'cannot fathom' how so man tests had been mixed up. He said there were likely so many errors because appropriate controls were 'not being used'. Immensa's Harvard Business School-educated Italian CEO Andrea Riposati claimed he was fully co-operating with authorities and insisted that 'quality is paramount' for the firm. The company was only set up last May, just months before it was awarded the first deal by then-Matt Hancock's Department of Health. It is owned by Dante Labs, which is currently under investigation for failing to deliver day-two and day-eight PCR tests on time and issue customers refunds. The testing fiasco was only uncovered following an urgent probe into the accuracy of PCR tests, after thousands complained they tested positive with lateral flows only to get a negative result from the gold-standard PCR process. Scientists today appealed to Britons to keep taking PCR tests, saying that this was an isolated issue at one laboratory. Employees at Immensa Health Clinic in Wolverhampton were filmed fighting with each other (pictured) in January. This was at the height of the first wave and when the country was in strict lockdown They were also recorded playing football together at the testing centre while on duty Immensa Health Clinic, in Wolverhampton, has been suspended following an investigation revealing it may have incorrectly processed PCR tests. The lab (pictured) has been paid 120million by the taxpayer for its services Latest Test and Trace data shows 16 per cent of secondary school children in England who tested positive using a rapid test in the week to October 6, were found to be negative for the virus after they took a PCR This graph shows the number of PCR tests (blue bars) carried out in the UK daily. There are currently more than 400,000 swabs analysed daily, which is about half of capacity (grey area) Graphic shows: The step-by-step process for a PCR test completed via postal delivery West Berkshire Council called for them to visit Newbury Showground (pictured) for another test The UK Health Security Agency, which took over from the now-defunct PHE, is still trying to work out exactly what went wrong. Health bosses ruled out the issue being down to faulty tests, however. West Berkshire council today urged everyone tested at one of its sites between October 3 and 12 to get a second swab. Dr Harries told the BBC anyone affected by the swabbing issue would be contacted by Test and Trace, with those whose tests were processed in the last ten days a priority. Q&A: Everything you need to know about Immensa Health Clinic How many tests does it carry out? Officials said Immensa has done more than 400,000 swabs since September 8, which was equivalent to about 11,400 a day. The company says online that it has completed more than three million Covid tests at its Wolverhampton site since it was founded in May last year. Who was affected by the blunder? Some 45,000 Britons may have been given the wrong Covid results, officials said. The site mainly processes PCR swabs from centres in the South West, but also checks tests from other parts of the country. What caused the testing error? Officials are still baffled as to what triggered the error in PCR tests at present. But analysing each swab for the virus involves several steps and complex machinery. What goes on inside the lab? Once a Covid swab arrives at the lab it is processed by technicians to see whether it contains Covid. But leaked footage has shown employees fighting at the lab in January at the height of the second wave. Does it process holiday PCR tests too? The lab is not thought to process holiday tests. But Immensa Health Clinic is owned by Dante Labs, which offers day-two and day-eight tests to people arriving in the UK. It is currently under investigation after regulators were told it was failing to deliver Covid tests to customers and issue refunds. Advertisement 'We will be contacting by text message, by email... and will recommend they have another test,' she said. But others will still be contacted because 'we clearly want to acknowledge that there has been a problem with that lab and just let them know'. She warned a 'few thousand' people who were missed in the blunder were likely still infectious. 'The period of real infectivity is probably only reaching back about six or seven days... so I think it will only be a few thousand people who will have positive tests in that total number,' she said. 'It is very difficult to estimate. So we are obviously being cautious and just sending a message to all of them.' Dr Harries explained officials were able to spot the issue because of the geography of the false negatives and the timing, allowing them to zoom in on the lab. Asked when they became aware of the issue, Dr Harries said there had been 'some feedback and some queries coming through over the last two or three weeks'. 'But it is only in the last few days when we have dug right down into both the geography and the different type of tests coming back through and the different prevalence rates that's allowed us to pinpoint exactly what it is. 'About half of these cases are coming from the South West, and that has allowed us to locate the laboratory.' Speaking at a visit to a Rolls Royce factory in Bristol, Mr Johnson said: 'We're looking into what went wrong with that particular testing centre, but it doesn't affect overall numbers. 'Overall, the picture in the South West in the Bristol area and the rest of the country, remains very much where it has been for some time now. 'We are just getting along in a state of, more or less, an equilibrium.' Mr Johnson added that while infection rates were high, particularly in school children, it 'isn't really feeding through into the older generations in the way that we saw in previous spikes'. 'There's no doubt that the wall of vaccination that the country has built is very high and very effective.' Professor McNally expressed his amazement at tens of thousands of tests being possibly wrongly diagnosed. He told the BBC: 'If you do that test properly with all the appropriate controls then there is no way you should have missed the sheer volume of false negative results we are talking about here. You should have see if you have this level of systematic failure.' He added: 'I cannot fathom the failings that would lead to this level of false negative results.' Dr Will Welfare, the public health incident director at the UKHSA, said the lab had been investigated following concerns over its test results. He said: 'We have recently seen a rising number of positive LFD results subsequently testing negative on PCR. 'As a result of our investigation, we are working with NHS Test and Trace and the company to determine the laboratory technical issues which have led to inaccurate PCR results being issued to people. 'We have immediately suspended testing at this laboratory while we continue the investigation.' He added: 'There is no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided. Harvard Business School-educated CEO of Immensa Health Clinic Andrea Riposati (pictured) said he was fully co-operating with authorities and that 'quality is paramount'. He is also the head of Dante Labs, which owns Immensa Immensa labs are located at Wolverhampton University's science park. The university confirmed in a statement that the company operates from the location Pictured is a Covid testing centre next to the science park at Wolverhampton University Who IS Andrea Riposati? The Harvard-educated Italian CEO of Dante labs and Immensa Andrea Riposati is chief executive of Dante Labs Andrea Riposati is the man behind Dante Labs, which owns Immensa. Details of his past are scarce but he started his career in management consultancy and only became involved in genomic sequencing five years ago. Graduating from Harvard Business School in 2009, the Italian, now 40, joined Amazon as a product manager in the company's business-to-business arm in 2011. In 2013 he became head of 3D-printing at the company before leaving the following year. He joined data analytics firm Muse Technologies as chairman in 2014 and became chief executive of Dante Labs in 2016. He founded the genome-sequencing company with a friend Mattia Capulli, who is now the firm's chief scientific officer. It had previously specialised in sequencing '100 per cent of your DNA' to help highlight vulnerabilities to genetic diseases. The company, based in L'Aquila, Italy, has analysed 2.5million Covid PCR tests via its Immensa platform, it says. But Immensa Health Clinic, the firm behind the wrong 45,000 tests that received a 119million grant last year, has only existed since March 2020. It is not clear whether Mr Riposati has links to Matt Hancock or any other Government minister. Advertisement 'If you get a positive LFD test, it's important to make sure that you then get a follow up PCR test to confirm you have Covid. If you have symptoms of Covid, self-isolate and take a PCR test.' Officials said some 400,000 tests had been processed by the lab since September 8 - the equivalent of around 12,000 every day. But they said the majority of these would have tested negative. Around 7 per cent of PCR tests carried out detect the virus, according to official figures. And NHS Test and Trace officials claim around 800,000 PCR swabs are taken each day across the country. The 43,000 people who may have been given an incorrect result will be contacted in the coming days to get a second test, officials said. Samples that were headed for the lab are being redirected to other testing centres dotted across the country. Britain has seven Lighthouse laboratories for analysing PCR tests, alongside dozens of other sites in universities, hospitals and private companies. Immensa Health Clinic won a 119million Government contract in November last year to carry out PCR tests. This was not put out to tender, meaning other companies did not have a chance to bid for the deal. It was awarded a further 50million by the Government in a contract in July. According to the Immensa website, the firm was new to Covid testing. It said: 'In 2020, we adapted and evolved into Covid testing, taking advantage of our laboratory network, scientific expertise, and digital systems to deliver world-leading Covid testing solutions.' Immensa is owned by Italy-based Dante Labs, which has operations in Wolverhampton and Cambridge as well as Dubai and Italy. The company can carry out up to 50,000 Covid tests a day, Mr Riposati wrote on its social media. It offers day-two and day-eight PCR tests for people who arrive in the UK, day-five test-to-release kits and 'fit to fly' swabs. But the company is currently the subject of an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA said it had received reports that the 'popular' business was failing to deliver PCR tests on time or at all, respond to customer complaints and to issue people with refunds. The watchdog added Dante Labs may be using terms and conditions which unfairly limited consumers' rights. Government sources say that travel tests are thought to be unaffected by the blunder at the lab. They can still be bought from 39. Undercover footage showed employees at the centre fighting, playing football, throwing snowballs and sleeping during their shifts in January. A source told the Sun on Sunday: 'Testing is the way out of this horrific situation the country finds itself in and it's a disaster at that site. 'The company has been handed a multi-million pound contract for the staff to just mess around and potentially ruin thousands of tests.' The Department of Health said at the time it took evidence of misconduct 'extremely seriously' and would investigate. Immensa did not respond to requests for comment. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps rules out lockdown over festive period as cases hit a three-month high Grant Shapps has ruled out another Covid lockdown over Christmas as cases hit a three-month high. The Transport Secretary said there will 'be no issues' with seeing loved ones around the festive period this year. No10 introduced tough restrictions which stopped millions from seeing their families last December, despite Boris Johnson dismissing the possibility of Christmas being cancelled repeatedly before the move. Scientists have warned the NHS could be overwhelmed again this winter, with cases reaching 45,066 yesterday, the highest new daily total since July 20. Professor Chris Whitty yesterday claimed this winter will be 'exceptionally difficult' for the NHS even if there is not a surge of infections. He said he could not claim it will be 'all be fantastic by Christmas'. 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. But Mr Shapps dismissed concerns Britain could be plunged into another lockdown around Christmas again. He told Sky News: 'With Christmas last year we were worried about being able to see loved ones and families. 'There will be no issues with that this year. 'And we'll make sure that the supply chain is doing what it should be doing, which is what these measures that we're taking, including this alteration to this cabotage today is designed to do.' Advertisement Mr Riposati, who also leads Immensa labs, said: 'We are fully collaborating with UKHSA on this matter. Quality is paramount for us. 'We have proudly analyzed more than 2.5million samples for NHS Test and Trace, working closely with the great teams at DHSC and UKHSA. 'We do not wish this matter or anything else to tarnish the amazing work done by the UK in this pandemic.' A spokeswoman for Wolverhampton University said in a statement: 'I can confirm Immensa Health Clinic is one of the tenants at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park. 'The University of Wolverhampton and the University of Wolverhampton Science Park Ltd are not involved in the work of the company.' Scientists today appealed for Britons to continue to get PCR tests, pointing out that the UK's Covid testing system was built at pace. Professor Alexander Edwards, a biomedical technology scientist at Reading University, said: 'Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. 'The vast majority of tests are correct, and it's worth remembering that our testing system has been built up from almost nothing at the start of the pandemic. 'I am genuinely amazed by this expansion of testing, and I applaud the hard work that has gone in on so many levels. 'Many people dropped everything they were doing to focus fully on high-quality, scientifically sound testing, and following months of incredibly hard work have not received the same appreciation showered on vaccine workers. 'Please let's not assume all problems or failures mean that all testing is bad.' But there are growing signs that Britons are now feeling uneasy about the accuracy of Covid tests. Tim Barton, 48, from Swindon in the South West said he and his family got positive lateral flow tests after falling ill with Covid symptoms earlier this month. But when they went for a PCR swab they all tested negative for the virus. The client relationship director said he feared that issues at the Immensa laboratory may be behind the diagnosis. He added: 'My son, daughter and myself all had positive (lateral flow tests) we then had PCR tests done at the test site in Swindon all of which came back negative. 'This will undoubtedly impact people's confidence in the accuracy of these types of tests they could have cost lives.' Concerns had been raised over the accuracy of lateral flow tests amid a surge in the number of secndary school children thought to be getting 'false positives'. This is when a child tests positive for the virus using the rapid swabs, but then gets a negative result from a PCR. Test and Trace figures show that just six per cent of school children were getting false positives in the week to September 8, when schools returned. But in the latest week some 13 per cent got false positives, almost double the original number. Lateral flow tests are generally regarded as less accurate than gold-standard PCR tests. Scientists have warned that the tests can produce the wrong results if they are not carried out correctly. A man is pictured on the phone at the Covid testing centre next to Wolverhampton University science park, where Immensa labs are based Meaghan Kill, an epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said on Twitter: 'If you had a positive LFD between September 8 and October 12, you probably had Covid regardless of your PCR result. 'No fault has been found in LFD test kits. 'False positive LFDs are rare (3 in 10,000) especially when prevalence of Covid is high. Trust your LFD.' West Berkshire council announced this morning it had been made aware of problems with Covid test results for swabs taken at one of its sites. It said in a statement: 'After receiving reports from local residents in recent weeks that there were concerns about the accuracy of test results from (Newbury Showground test site), we passed these concerns onto the DHSC for further investigation. 'The DHSC has now confirmed that a number of sites nationally may have been affected by this issue, including the one at Newbury Showground.' The Covid testing centre, based at the events venue on the outskirts of the historic market town, is run by the government. Sites like this dish out the majority of PCR tests, with samples sent to labs for analysis before results are sent back by text or email. Ministers aim to return all results within 24 hours, although in some cases it can take as long as 72 to get a diagnosis. Councillor Graham Bridgman told the Sun: 'We are aware there was an issue with some tests undertaken at Newbury Showground earlier this month, which has now been resolved. 'We would urge any residents that are concerned about their results to book another test as soon as possible so we can continue to prevent the spread of the virus across the district.' There have been reports across the South West of England of lateral flow tests giving them negative results before PCR tests say they are positive. Public health orders requiring NSW health workers, teachers and some construction workers to be vaccinated against Covid to keep working are valid, the NSW Supreme Court has ruled. Sydney construction worker Al-Munir Kassam, Byron Bay aged care worker Natasha Henry and eight others had argued the public health orders should be overturned as it impinged on various rights including a right to bodily integrity and a right to freedom of movement. Their lawyers told Justice Robert Beech-Jones the orders were an attempt to coerce their clients into receiving a vaccination and discriminate against a minority group. The NSW Supreme Court has dismissed two cases challenging the validity of Covid-19 vaccine mandates for certain workers But Justice Beech-Jones said arguing the health order impinged on rights was of little assistance when abrogation was the very thing the legislation sets out to achieve. 'So far as the right to bodily integrity is concerned, it is not violated as the impugned orders do not authorise the involuntary vaccination of anyone,' he said. 'So far as the impairment of freedom of movement is concerned, the degree of impairment differs depending on whether a person is vaccinated or unvaccinated. 'Curtailing the free movement of persons including their movement to and at work are the very type of restrictions that the Public Health Act clearly authorises.' He also dismissed claims Health Minister Brad Hazzard acted outside his powers, by not asking the right questions or failing to take into account relevant considerations. The case was the first in a series across Australia challenging various limitations on unvaccinated people. The court's decision deals a blow to another NSW case to be heard in November, involving paramedic and regional deputy mayor John Larter. 10 teachers and nurses argued public health orders requiring them to get vaccinated before they go to work were invalid (pictured: anti-vax protesters in Sydney) Plaintiffs' lawyers told Justice Robert Beech-Jones the orders were an attempt to coerce their clients into receiving a vaccination and discriminate against a minority group The case also heralded a new era for Australian courts, with streams of the case's hearings being watched 1.4 million times on YouTube. Most of those views occurred during the hearing itself, with the audience peaking at 58,000 during a directions hearing. More than 20,000 tuned in on Friday. 'The Court's use of YouTube to accommodate the increased public interest in these cases is indicative of the Court's principle of open justice,' a spokeswoman told AAP. The Federal Court has also turned to streaming public interest cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Christian Porter's defamation fight and the related Jo Dyer v Sue Chrysanthou case. Justice Robert Beech-Jones said the public health order restricted freedom of movement as the impugned orders do not authorise the involuntary vaccination of anyone (pictured: teachers were among the 10 fighting the public health order) Each peaked at more than 2000 viewers while about 900 turned into a hearing involving Ben Roberts-Smith. Professor Rick Sarre said broadcasting court proceedings went back as far as the coronial findings into the death of Azaria Chamberlain in 1981. But concern about preserving evidence, lawyers playing to camera and the work involved in setting up a courtroom for broadcasting has held all but a few cases. The University of South Australia adjunct professor of law can't see jury trials being streamed but suggests judicial explanations for sentencing would be far better off broadcast 'The idea is it will happen a lot more but judges will be more particular about what they will subject to that,' he told AAP. 10 construction workers, health care workers and teachers argued case that the health order impinged on various rights in a case that was streamed to the public on YouTube 'Leave it in the hands of the judge and he or she will be in the best position to make call.' Public faith in the administration of justice requires that justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done, Law Council of Australia president Jacoba Brasch QC said. 'The Courts' willingness and adaptability to shift online during Covid has not only enabled Australians to continue to access justice during this time, but made it possible for more members of our community to observe our legal system in action if they so wish,' Dr Brasch told AAP. However, she said the shift did create potential challenges that must be managed, such as ensuring people do not record the proceedings. A paedophile childcare worker has confessed to sexual abusing a four-year-old boy while his then-boyfriend filmed with a mobile phone. Bronte John Ciracovitch, 30, pleaded guilty to maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child at the Adelaide District Court on Friday. He had already pleaded guilty to producing or taking steps to produce child exploitation material. Ciracovitch faced a 15-year jail term if he was found guilty at trial but will earn as much as a 25 per cent discount on his sentence because of his early pleas. The 30-year-old's name suppression was lifted in March so 180 families whose children went to the Child Care Services Australia centre in north Adelaide he worked at could be notified, The Adelaide Advertiser reported. Bronte John Ciracovitch, 30, changed his plea in the Adelaide District Court on Friday as he pleaded guilty to abusing a four year child boy Ciracovitch's ex-boyfriend and co-accused, Kane Graham Rockley, 34, is accused of helping film the abuse of a four-year-old Ciracovitch has also pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing child exploitation material - one basic and one aggravated - after initially denying the charges. His ex-boyfriend Kane Graham Rockley, 34, was accused of allegedly arranging the filming of the abuse of the four-year-old. He was also accused of filming a boy showering and sending the images to a third person. Rockley faced charges of one aggregated count of producing child exploitation material and maintains his innocence. He will face trial at a later date. Ciracovitch was arrested in September 2020 and initially faced seven charges including aggravated counts of producing and possessing child exploitation material and having sex with a child. Bronte John Ciracovitch, 30, was the only male working at a childcare centre in the northern suburbs of Adelaide when he was arrested in September last year Adelaide Magistrates Court heard he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a child between December 31, 2019 and September 21, 2020. He pleaded not guilty at the time. But on Friday he changed his plea and pleaded guilty to three charges. He faces a maximum 15-year prison term, but is eligible for a 25 per cent reduction in his sentence because he pleaded guilty. Ciracovitch will be back in court next month facing another child abuse file. His lawyers are seeking a plea bargain for that alleged offence. A parent at the childcare centre expresses his dismay at Ciracovitch's arrest and being kept in the dark for so long The families alerted by police were unhappy it took South Australian police up to six months to contact them about Ciracovitch's sick acts. 'My stomach just dropped... I was just like no it can't be,' one parent told Seven News about the moment he found out about Ciracovitch's arrst. 'I felt utterly sick, I felt betrayed... I will never, ever trust again. [My son] attended the centre when he turned one and he left as soon as I found out about what happened and the arrest.' The letters played a large factor in the revoking of Ciracovitch's suppression order on Wednesday. Lawyers from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said detectives wanted to send out the letters to alert the families about the allegations against Ciracovitch. Ciracovitch attended Elizabeth Magistrates Court in Adelaide (pictured) in September last year when he was arrested They argued if the suppression order was to remain the police should be granted an exemption to send their letters. In March Ciracovitch's lawyer said the revoking of the suppression order was 'appalling' as the police were planning to 'name and shame' the defendant to collect evidence. The revoking of the suppression order came after a legal change from 2019 that scrapped automatic anonymity for alleged sex offenders. Migrants could face X-rays checks to test their age before they are given asylum to ensure they are not lying. Priti Patel is set to unveil new powers to use 'scientifically verifiable' methods to confirm a person's age. The amendments under the National and Borders Bill are understood to allow X-rays of the forearm bones - which accurately report the maturity of the skeletal system. But they are only believed to be targeted at those suspected of lying about their age to boost their chances of asylum. It would bring the UK up to date with other European countries and the US, which use dental X-rays. Migrants could face X-rays checks to test their age before they are given asylum to ensure they are not lying (file photo) A government source told the Telegraph: 'A lot of European countries already use these age verification techniques. 'We want to bring the methods we are using in line with them and improve the scientific validity of them. At the moment, we only use social services checks.' A specialist unit is expected to be launched by ministers to carry out the expert checks. But similar ideas have previously been panned by doctors who say dental X-rays are inaccurate and unethical. The Home Office found 55 per cent of asylum seekers who claimed to be children had lied. There were 598 questions over a migrants' age last year and 61 per cent turned out to be adults. The amendments under the National and Borders Bill are understood to allow X-rays of the forearm bones - which accurately report the maturity of the skeletal system (file photo) The Parsons Green bomber was an infamous case of a migrant lying about their age to get into the UK. Iraqi Ahmed Hassan claimed he was 16 and a 'model asylum seeker' before his attack on a Tube that hurt 69 people. It is still not know how old he is, but a judge - who locked him up for 34 years in 2018 - said he was between 18 and 21. The Old Bailey heard that he 'cynically exploited to the full the generosity and naivety of the system'. Another migrant spent six weeks as a Year 11 pupil at a school in Ipswich in 2018 before the local authority discovered he was years older. The UK is one of only a few countries not to use scientific methods to check the ages of asylum-seekers, according to the document. Priti Patel (pictured) is set to unveil new powers to use 'scientifically verifiable' methods to confirm a person's age At present, social workers simply study the behaviour and language of those claiming to be children to assess whether they are telling the truth. But X-rays of teeth and wrist bones can provide a more accurate picture of a young person's age. Alp Mehmet, chairman of the Migration Watch UK think-tank, said: 'Adult migrants claiming to be children has long been an issue at the border, with an over-readiness to accept the word of claimants. 'We are among very few European countries that don't use scientific evidence in verifying age. 'It has been a major hole in our defences that traffickers have been only too ready to exploit. If this is now going to change, it is a welcome development.' However, the scans are likely to anger human rights groups. In 2018, German doctors branded proposals to subject migrants to X-ray exams 'unethical' and unreliable. The bow and arrow 'terrorist' who killed five people in a bloody rampage in Norway most likely carried out the attack due to mental illness, police have said. Thomas Omholt, police inspector leading investigations in the town of Kongsberg, made the revelation as he said that Espen Andersen Brathen has been officially charged with five counts of murder. But more charges will be added, Omholt said, because 37-year-old Brathen shot at 'many more' people than the five he killed and three he wounded. Brathen has not yet been charged with terrorism, he added, but said police have not discounted it as a motive and investigations are continuing. Espen Andersen Brathen, 37, is due in court today after Norway bow massacre that killed five as police said he has been sent to health services for a psychological evaluation Brathen has admitted to being the one who attacked the town of Kongsberg with a bow and arrow late Wednesday, killing five (pictured, forensic officers at the scene) Police say Brathen opened fire on locals and officer with a bow and arrow, then switched to a second - as-yet unidentified weapon - which he used to kill an artist at this studio A tribute is pictured close to the scene of the attack. The card says 'rest in peace' at the top, and is addressed from the 'Filipino community of Kongsberg' Brathen launched his attack at a Coop Extra supermarket close to where he lived in Kongsberg (right), before marauding through the streets leaving five people dead, before he was arrested Omholt said officers have been considering several motives during their probe, including 'anger, revenge, impulse, jihad, illness, and provocation.' 'The hypothesis that has been strengthened the most in the first days of the investigation is that the motivation is illness,' he told reporters on Friday. '[Brathen] has thought about carrying out these actions in advance, but perhaps not for long. This is the strongest hypothesis, but is it not yet the conclusion.' He confirmed that Brathen carried out his attack using a bow and two other weapons, but would not give any details about what the other weapons are. Omholt would say only that a gun was not among them, and that all the shooting had been done with a bow and arrows. He also said that police are not yet ready to release the identities of those killed, because they have more witnesses to interview and do not want them to be influenced by what they have seen in the media. Hanne Englund has been named locally as one of the five people murdered by the Norwegian bow and arrow killer during his horrific 'terror' rampage Omholt confirmed that the killings had taken place both outside and inside private homes, which Brathen had entered with the intention of killing people. He did not say where the injuries occurred, but did say that all three of those wounded have now been released from hospital. Brathen has admitted being the one who carried out the attacks, Omholt added, but has not yet pleaded guilty to criminal charges. 'This is in relation to his mental health,' Omholt said. '[We need to] examine whether he is sane.' He also confirmed that investigations will look into the police response and whether officers could have arrested Brathen quicker. Brathen will be held in custody for another four weeks while investigations are carried out, after a court ruling earlier today. He is currently being held at a secure psychiatric hospital, police said, where he is undergoing evaluation. Separately, the PST - Norway's equivalent of MI5 - said their first contact with Brathen had been in 2015, though it was not immediately clear why they contacted him. Local police then conducted a 'concern' interview with Brathen in December 2017, two days after he posted a vide online talking about his conversion to Islam. Following that interview, police then informed the health service about him shortly after the New Year. PST's evaluation of him at the time was that 'he was not motivated by religion or ideology but was seriously mentally ill' Omholt gave his press conference after childhood friends spoke out about Brathen - describing him as a normal child who developed mental health problems in his teens, disconnected from society, and then became a 'ticking time bomb'. One man, who reported Brathen to police over a 2017 YouTube video in which he spoke of converting to Islam, said he knew immediately after hearing news of the attack who the perpetrator would be. 'Hero' cop saved lives despite being shot in the back with an arrow An off-duty cop has been dubbed a 'hero' after he helped save lives during the Norway 'terror' attack even while an arrow was stuck his back. Witnesses said the man, who has not yet been named, ran through the streets of Kongsberg telling people to get to safety while Espen Andersen Brathen stalked nearby, attacking locals at random. One woman who lives above the supermarket where Brathen began his attack said she was driving down the street towards her garage when the man ran up to her and told her to leave. 'You must go away, you must go away! There is a man inside attacking people,' he told her, according to The Telegraph. At that moment he was uninjured, but multiple other witnesses said he later took an arrow to the back - but didn't stop trying to get people away. One person recounted how their friend was walking with his headphones in when the injured officer came running over to them. 'He grabbed [my friend], shook him, and shouted for him to leave the area,' the witness said. 'That man is a hero, and everyone here agrees. Those who know him held him in high regard even before the attack.' Advertisement 'He has been mentally ill for many years,' the man told Norwegian media. Meanwhile Oussama Tlili, imam of the mosque in Kongsberg where Brathen lived and carried out his attack, confirmed that he had visited three times about four or five years ago but 'seemed to know nothing about Islam.' Tlili says Brathen spoke to him incoherently about 'a message' he had been passed by some higher power, saying he needed help to deliver it. 'I explained to him that I could not help him with that,' he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. 'I said that Kongsberg is not the place to do it.' Tlili said he had concerns about Brathen's mental health and thought about telling the police, but he quickly stopped coming to mosque and the incident was forgotten. Four friends who knew Brathen throughout his childhood and into his teenage years also spoke to local outlet VG about him, saying that - as a young boy - he was normal. In primary school he was a popular, liked to play football, and was even 'coveted' by girls as he started getting older. But he also developed a 'wild' side and became impulsive, friends said - on one occasion breaking into school through a reinforced glass window that smashed, cutting his hand and leaving him covered in blood. The impulsive behaviour got worse as he entered his teenage years, friends added, and became particularly acute when he was 17 or 18. Having left school around that age, one friend said Brathen began working a 'promising' apprenticeship at a local restaurant but his mental health issues forced him to drop out. After that, he struggled to hold down even 'small' jobs, the friend said. He is not believed to have held meaningful employment since the early 2000s. With no job and few friends, Brathen 'withdrew' from society - spending almost all of his time alone at home where his behaviour became ever-more alarming. According to neighbours, he amassed a collection of weapons - including 'clubs stick and batons' that he could be seen practising with in his garden. Police were often at his house, and court documents show picked up multiple convictions for aggravated theft and drug possession. Then, in 2017, Brathen's one remaining friend broke ties with him when he spotted the YouTube video in which he spoke of converting to Islam. In the video, Brathen describes himself as 'a messenger' who 'comes with a warning' before asking viewers 'is this what you want?' and proclaiming: 'Bear witness that I am a Muslim'. The friend reported Brathen to police, describing him to officers as a 'ticking time bomb' and warning them he was potentially dangerous. He says he tried 'several times' to get Brathen help, but nothing came of it. Looking back now, the friend says he does not believe Brathen's conversion to Islam was sincere, and was likely just a symptom of his deteriorating mental health. He told TV2 that Brathen was 'confused' when it came to ideology and that it was 'coincidental' that he chose Islam. Kongsberg residents gathered and placed tributes in the town centre this evening after five people were killed and three more injured in a bow and arrows rampage in the town yesterday A group of young women stand next to flowers, candles and cards that have been laid in Kongsberg central square as a tribute to those killed Police investigators enter a house in Kongsberg where floral tributes have been laid to one of the victims of the Kongsberg bow attack 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) During this time, Brathen also started harassing his parents, with a Danish relative telling local journalists that they ended up 'living in terror' of their own child. The relative, who did not want to be named, said they had known Brathen from a young age - that he was a 'sweet' child who changed drastically as he got older. While they could not pinpoint exactly when Brathen's behaviour changed, they said he had threatened his parents multiple times in recent years. 'They have fled to the neighbours several times and have called the police when he has passed by, and they almost locked themselves in for fear that he would pass by. 'In the end, the mother had to run away,' the relative told Danish newspaper BT. The threats appear to have come to a head in May last year, when court documents show Brathen broke into his father's house carrying a gun and threatened to kill him. It does not appear that the two men physically fought, and Brathen eventually fled, leaving his Colt revolver behind on the sofa. But the older man was sufficiently afraid to take out a restraining order against his son - which Brathen is known to have breached at least once, in August last year. That was the last time that Brathen was reported to police. Detectives are still investigating what exactly happened to him in the lead-up to Wednesday night's rampage and what may have triggered him to kill. Despite friends and family painting a picture of Brathen as a mentally ill loner with no special connection to Islam, police still described him as a 'radicalised' Muslim and said his attack 'appears to be an act of terror'. It remains to be seen whether he will be charged with terrorism offences. Police say he has admitted to the killings, but has not yet been formally charged or entered an official plea. Local media reports suggest local police considered reporting themselves to the National Bureau of Investigation of the response to the killings. According to reports, police responded to calls within six minutes before Brathen made his getaway, going on to kill five people. Brathen was arrested 35 minutes after the first call was made. 'If we come across information that indicates that there is a basis for starting an investigation against us, we will send the case to the Bureau of Investigation - either in the form of a consultation or report,' Chief of Police in the Southeast Police District Ole Bredrup Sverud told VG. 'We have been concerned with providing the information that the Bureau needs, and then it is up to them to assess whether there is a basis for starting an investigation,' Sverud said. Police confirmed they fired warning shots, which under often provides a basis for an assessment by the Bureau of Investigation, The Telegraph reported. Friends said Brathen had almost completely withdrawn from society in recent years, spending most of his time alone at this address before launching his attack A nine-month pregnant woman was allegedly raped by her masseur during her pre-natal massage in Kentucky. Masseur Tyler Isaacs, 30, from Berea, was arrested on Tuesday by the Madison County Sheriff's Office on a warrant which charged him with first-degree rape, according to the Richmond Register. The alleged rape took place in the Rest Assured Massage and Spa in Lexington on July 22, where the victim had had booked in for a pre-natal massage. A nine-month pregnant woman was allegedly raped during her $95-an-hour pre-natal massage at the Rest Assured Massage and Spa in Lexington, Kentucky, on July 22 (stock image) The woman, who was heavily pregnant and due to give birth soon, had booked in for a $95-an-hour pre-natal massage at the spa at 3.15pm. When she arrived, she noticed that she was alone in the spa with Isaacs and was taken to a room to prepare for the massage. The victim said the pre-natal massage went as normal until towards the end, Isaacs asked her to stand and place her stomach on the table so he could focus on some areas on her back. However, when she stood and put her hands on the table Isaacs forcefully grabbed her wrists while behind her and allegedly raped her. Towards the end of the massage, the woman, who due to give birth soon, was asked by her masseur Tyler Isaacs, 30, to stand and place her stomach on the table when he forcefully grabbed her wrists while behind her and allegedly raped her (stock image) The warrant states the assault lasted a few minutes, and afterwards Isaacs left the room, and the victim left the spa around 5.30pm. Isaacs was interviewed by police on July 29, where he admitted he did have sexual intercourse with the victim during the massage. He said he had never done anything like what he did to the victim while in the middle of a paid session, and this was the first time he had ever massaged the woman. Isaacs was arrested on October 12 and taken to the Madison County Detention Center and was later released on Octber 13. Alan Turing's nephew has claimed the idea that his code-breaker uncle was 'hounded to death by the state' and took his own life because he was convicted for being gay is all part of a long-standing myth. Dermot Turing also suggested that he was not a 'great codebreaker' who was essential to Bletchley Park, as portrayed in the hit 2014 film The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. In the film, Turing was struggling to cope mentally following his conviction for 'homosexual offences' in 1952 before killing himself two years later. But his nephew says that evidence shows his 'mood had lifted' in the two years after his trial as he completed projects with enthusiasm. The Imitation Game also show Turing desperately battling to crack codes at Bletchley Park during much of World War Two, while in reality he had left the famous code-cracking HQ by 1939, at the beginning of the war. These two defining features of the movie, among others, have come under fire from his nephew who said such portrayals only help to perpetuate myths and that his uncle would have been 'made sick' by the repeated focus on his trial and time at Bletchley. He pleaded for a greater focus on Turing's role as the father of modern computing and artificial intelligence after his mathematics machine known as a 'bombe' helped crack the Enigma Code and led to the development of modern computers. Turing is considered a gay icon for how he bravely lived an open life despite homosexuality being illegal at the time - before becoming the first gay man to feature on a UK bank note when he was named the new face of the 50 note in 2019. Unfortunately, while alive, he was convicted of gross indecency for his relationship with a man before choosing to be chemically castrated over going to jail. Despite this, his nephew claims evidence from Turing's archives suggest he had returned to his 'normal self' days after his trial ended and that his 'mood had lifted' just days before he took his own life by poisoning himself with cyanide in 1954 - which Dermot believes could have been over 'boyfriend trouble'. 'It is trite and simplistic to assume that because he was convicted and put on this hormone treatment and took his own life within two years of that happening that these two things were causally related,' he told The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. Dermot Turing suggested his uncle Alan Turing (pictured) was not a 'great codebreaker' who was essential to Bletchley Park, as portrayed in the hit 2014 film The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch Hollywood version: Keira Knightley, Matthew Beard, Matthew Goode, Benedict Cumberbatch and Allen Leech (pictured from left to right) in The Imitation Game Dermot Turing (pictured) said portrayals like The Imitation Game only help to perpetuate the myth and that his uncle would have been 'made sick' by the repeated focus on his trial and time at Bletchley - pleading for his wider influence on mathematics to be his legacy instead. Alan Turing created the British Bombe - one of the main methods used at Bletchley Park (pictured) to break Germany's Enigma-enciphered messages during the Second World War The Enigma enciphering machine (pictured) was believed to be unbreakable as the cipher changed continuously World War II codebreaker Alan Turing was revealed as the new face on the 50 note, which entered into circulation in June 2021 (pictured) Eight myths and falsehoods about WWII code-breaker Alan Turing which feature in The Imitation Game film starring Benedict Cumberbatch Turing was secretive about being gay: In the film, Turing hides his sexuality as though it was a very closely guarded secret. In real life, Turing was open with his friends and colleagues and was known to flirt with other men. In playing Turing Cumberbatch (pictured) is far more secretive about his sexuality than the real Turing was Turing built his code-breaking machine on his own: The Imitation Game film starring Benedict Cumberbatch suggests Alan Turing singlehandedly built and designed the British Bombe machine which cracked the Germans' Enigma code. In reality, Polish mathematicians created a predecessor to the Bombe and Alan Turing created a newer version which could crack codes faster - he also had help from mathematician Gordon Welchman on the design, although he never featured in the film. Benedict Cumberbatch's Turing was shown to have created the code-breaking machine Bombe singlehandedly - which was not true Turing's suicide was wrongly linked to his trial and chemical castration in The Imitation Game Turing killed himself due to chemical castration: Alan Turing is widely believed to have killed himself because he was convicted for 'homosexual acts' and chemically castrated. The film also draws a clear parallel between the two. But Alan Turing's nephew Dermot Turing claims his uncle's mood had 'lifted' in the days before his death. He believes he may have taken his own life over 'boyfriend trouble.' Turing also died 14 months after the hormone treatment ended and finished projects with enthusiasm during that time. Turing would not have ever met John Cairncross, let alone worked with him (Pictured: Cumberbatch as Turing while, right, Allen Leech as Cairncross) Turing failed to report a colleague for espionage: In The Imitation Game, Alan Turing does not report spy John Cairncross who was working for the Soviets because he threatens to out Turing as gay if he does so. In reality, while Cairncross was part of a British spy ring, he and Turing worked on separate projects and would never have met each other. Turing was never suspected of espionage when he was quizzed by police (Pictured: Police interrogation in The Imitation Game) Turing was suspected of being a spy: The idea that Turing could have been a Soviet spy is given as the reason police pursue him at the end of the film. But in real life, Turing was never under suspicion of espionage. Turing was not as awkward as portrayed in the film (Pictured: Cumberbatch as Turing dancing with Keira Knightley, who played Joan Clarke) Turing had poor social skills: Benedict Cumberbatchs depiction of Turing suggested he was on the Autism spectrum and struggled socialising - claiming to not know what a joke is. But while Turing was undeniably eccentric and preferred to work alone, his pals described him as funny, warm, and charming. Children liked him too. Turing created the famous Bletchley crossword: The Imitation Game shows Turing creating the famous Bletchley Park crossword puzzle which was used to recruit code-breakers. The truth is that Turing had nothing to do with the creation of the Bletchley crossword, and he once admitted that he was 'not much use at them.' Film producers are said to have added more red wires to Turing's machine in The Imitation Game Turing called his machine Christopher: Turing, played by Cumberbatch, also calls his code-breaking machine 'Christopher' - after a childhood crush who had died. But the machine was actually called the Bombe - and was never dubbed Christopher by Turing. The film is also said to have added more red wires to the device. Advertisement 'They are not. If you look at the documentary evidence it is quite clear that by the time Alan was off the hormone treatment, his mood was lifted and he was back to being his normal self and in fact he was probably back to being his normal self within days of the trial finishing. 'He was quite defiant and positive about the whole thing.' Alan Turing created the British Bombe - one of the main methods used to break Germany's Enigma-enciphered messages during the Second World War. The Enigma enciphering machine was believed to be unbreakable as the cipher changed continuously. But Turing was able to build a computer capable of cracking the code faster, with the first wartime Enigma messages broken in January 1940. Enigma traffic continued to be broken routinely at Bletchley Park for the remainder of the war - which experts believe helped shorten the fighting by two years. But his nephew, author of Reflections of Alan Turing and other titles relating to his uncle, said there was also mythologising about the mathematician's role at Bletchley. He said it was Polish codebreakers who provided the basis for the cracking of the German machine, and that unlike what was portrayed in The Imitation Game, his uncle's Bombe creation was 'in the hands of engineers by 1939 and delivered to Bletchley Park in 1940'. He said: 'It didn't work too well but by the time of the Battle of Britain they had a souped-up version. 'Turing's main work at Bletchley Park was done by 1939 before Britain was really at war.' In The Imitation Game, Alan Turing is shown singlehandedly inventing and physically building the machine, which was simply untrue. As his nephew explained, a predecessor of the Bombe was actually invented by Polish cryptanalysts. But Alan Turing was able to design a new machine that broke the Enigma code faster by looking for likely letter combinations and ruling out combinations that were unlikely to yield results. He also developed the improved machine with the help of fellow mathematician Gordon Welchman, who helped him with the design. He was also left out of the film. When a coroner ruled that Alan Turing had died by suicide, Dermot said his own father John created a conspiracy to reassure his mother, Ethel, that he had not taken his own life. Dermot does believe his uncle killed himself, rejecting the theory that he accidentally poisoned himself with the chemicals he had been using to gold-plate spoons. However, while in discussion with mathematical biologist Natasha Ellisson, Dermot said his theory is that it could have been over 'boyfriend trouble' rather than stemming from his trial and conviction. Ms Ellisson said Alan Turing's works on 'patterns in natures' were still influencing contemporary research, prompting his nephew to say that he would prefer his uncle's legacy to be about his wider mathematical insights. He added: 'I would really like Alan Turing's legacy to be about not this sort of sepia-tinted "oh we feel very proud of ourselves having won World War Two by codebreaking, not by actually shooting people". 'Well that is nonsense isn't it. 'Alan Turing would have been made sick by this focus on his trial and the Bletchley Park thing, which I am sure he was very proud of . . . but it was just a tiny part of his life and wasn't his career.' Turing is also widely seen as the father of computer science and artificial intelligence due to his groundbreaking work in mathematics in the 1930s. He was able to prove a 'universal computing machine' would be able to perform equations if they were presented as an algorithm - and had a paper published on the subject in 1936 in the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society Journal when he was aged just 23. He laid the foundations for work on artificial intelligence by considering the question of whether machines could think. Turing also played a pivotal role in the development of early computers first at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and later at the University of Manchester. While at the NPL, his design for the Automatic Computing Engine, or ACE, would have been the first and most advanced computer the world had seen at that time. But his colleagues did not share his vision and were concerned that the engineering was too complex and decided to build a much smaller pilot ACE instead. Their rivals at Manchester University beat them to it, prompting Turing to join them as deputy director. He also wrote the first programming manual. David Leslie of the Alan Turing Institute previously said: 'What we really don't realise is how this moment and Turing's vision changed the entire world. 'Before this, literally nobody in the world had imagined that a single machine could apply countless strings of abstract symbols. 'Now we know them as programmes.' As a result of his groundbreaking work, in 2019 Turing was revealed as the new face of the 50 note at a conference at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester - making him the first gay man to ever appear on a British bank note. It came after the Bank of England asked the public to nominate a person with a historic scientific contribution for the new note. Governor Mark Carney revealed Turing was chosen from a list of 989 candidates put forward in more than 220,000 nominations. The new polymer 50 note entered circulation in June of this year. It features a quote from Turing, given in an interview to the Times newspaper on June 11, 1949, reading: 'This is only a foretaste of what is to come, and only the shadow of what is going to be. Dermot Turing said it was Polish codebreakers who provided the basis for the cracking of the German machine, and that unlike what was portrayed in The Imitation Game, his uncle's Bombe creation was 'in the hands of engineers by 1939 and delivered to Bletchley Park in 1940' (Pictured: Alan Turing) Enigma traffic continued to be broken routinely at Bletchley Park (pictured) for the remainder of the war Alan Turing - a gay icon: How code-breaker who refused to keep secret his sexuality was posthumously pardoned by Queen Giant LGBT+ inspired artwork unveiled to celebrate Turing by GCHQ Alan Turing was an accomplished mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst, philosopher, physicist, and biologist. Often dubbed the father of the modern day computer, his work on the Enigma-code cracking machine for Bletchley Park is credited with saving millions of lives by helping bring an end to World War Two. US Captain Jerry Roberts is quoted as saying: 'Without him we would have lost the war.' But Turing was also gay at a time when it was still deemed illegal. Despite that, he lived his life openly and was not afraid to make advances towards men. That was despite the fact that he could still be arrested and thrown in jail for 'homosexual offences' - thanks to the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, which made any male homosexual act illegal whether or not a witness was present meaning that even acts committed in private could be prosecuted. Often a letter expressing terms of affection between two men was all that was required to bring a prosecution. Turing was arrested in 1952 and punished for his sexual orientation by the same government he served - before being forced to receive chemical castration instead of going of prison. Despite such maltreatment, he continued his work for two more years, finishing projects with enthusiasm - before tragically dying by suicide in 1954. The Queen pardoned Turing in 2013 before he became the first ever gay man to feature on a British bank note - the 50 note - in 2019. GCHQ unveiled in June this year a 10m x 10m artwork which features the iconic image of Turing inside drums from the British Bombe machine. Skylar, Head of GCHQs Pride Network said: 'Alan Turing is a role model for many here at GCHQ and a global icon as an LGBT+ person in the field of science and technology. 'I am proud to see GCHQ recognising the importance Alan Turing has for LGBT+ people.' It is for his sheer bravery in the face of state-sanctioned discrimination - as well as his incredible achievements both in the war effort and outside of it - that he will always be deemed a gay British icon. Advertisement Turing was chosen following the Bank's character selection process which included advice from scientific experts. In February 2019 he was crowned the most iconic figure of the 20th century - beating other finalists including Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. The celebrated scientist was chosen by the public in a live broadcast of BBC Two's Icons: The Greatest Person Of The 20th Century. After Turing's name was announced, presenter Nick Robinson said: 'He was a man who worked almost entirely in secret, who received little credit for cracking the Nazi codes and shortening the war and who died having been branded a criminal. 'Today he is the most celebrated figure of the 20th century - a father of computing, war hero and genius.' Chris Packham, who backed Turing, said at the time: 'Alan Turing's genius brought Britain back from the brink during WWII. 'While he was punished for being different, his work celebrated diversity. Under the circumstances, that makes him truly iconic.' Turing lived his life openly and was not afraid to make advances towards men. That was despite the fact that he could still be arrested and thrown in jail for 'homosexual offences' - thanks to the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, which made any male homosexual act illegal whether or not a witness was present meaning that even acts committed in private could be prosecuted. Often a letter expressing terms of affection between two men was all that was required to bring a prosecution. It was the same law used to arrest famed author Oscar Wilde. The Queen pardoned Turing in 2013 before he became the first ever gay man to feature on a British bank note - the 50 note - in 2019. GCHQ unveiled in June this year a 10m x 10m artwork, created by specialist 3D artist Joe Hill in consultation with staff from its Pride network, which features the iconic image of Turing inside drums from the British Bombe, the machine designed by Turing to break Enigma-enciphered messages during the Second World War. The artwork, which also features hidden codes, will later be donated to a number of organisations chosen by the secret service's Pride network. Skylar, Head of GCHQs Pride Network said: 'Alan Turing is a role model for many here at GCHQ and a global icon as an LGBT+ person in the field of science and technology. 'Though we should never forget the tragedy of his life being cut short, we should always endeavour to learn from his legacy and create a safer and better future for LGBT+ people. 'I am proud to see GCHQ recognising the importance Alan Turing has for LGBT+ people, owning its shared history with our community and doing so in such a public and bold way.' Director GCHQ Sir Jeremy Fleming said: 'Alan Turing was a genius who helped to shorten the war and influence the technology that still shapes our lives today. 'He was embraced for his brilliance but persecuted for being gay. 'Turings legacy reminds us every day that diversity is essential and inclusion is mission critical to our organisation. 'His appearance on the 50 note is an important moment in ours and this countrys history. 'Turing was and remains a beacon of hope for all who dare to live and think differently.' Advertisement Satellite images have emerged showing how China has upgraded military air bases close to Taiwan, in the latest hint at potential invasion plans. Three bases in Fujian province along China's south-eastern coast have been upgraded or reinforced with improved defences that could boost Chinese efforts in the event of aerial conflict with Taiwan. The images come after the People's Liberation Army air force launched 149 sorties into Taiwanese air defence identification zone (ADIZ) from October 1 to 4 - a record number - amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan. Taken above the Longtian, Huian and Zhangzhou bases, the pictures reveal the construction of storage bunkers and new administrative buildings. The pictures, taken by Planet Labs and first published by U.S. automotive and military website The Drive, show that construction work at the bases, where most of the infrastructure dates back to the 1980s, began in early 2020 and continued throughout the pandemic. The Longtian airbase has been expanded and adapted for air defence sites. At least five storage bunkers are being constructed and new administrative buildings have popped up. The Longtian airbase (pictured) has been expanded and adapted for air defence sites. At least five storage bunkers are being constructed and new administrative buildings have popped up At the Huian base bombproof aircraft shelters and hangers of a different design, including three most likely used for munitions storage, are visible in the satellite image At the Zhangzhou base, home of the Eastern Theatre Command's air force, a newly-constructed air defence site is visible as well as several new buildings The image of the base, taken on October 2, also shows an expanded apron and four hardened aircraft shelters under construction. The shelters are directly connected to the runway for quick dispersal, according to a label on the image. At the nearby Huian base bombproof aircraft shelters and hangers of a different design, including three most likely used for munitions storage according to Planet Labs, are visible in the satellite image. While at the Zhangzhou base, home of the Eastern Theatre Command's air force, a newly-constructed air defence site is visible as well as several new buildings. Antony Wong Tong, a Macau-based military expert, told the South China Morning Post that the upgrades offer clues about how the bases might be used in a potential future conflict with Taiwan. 'Longtian looks like it will be used as an alternate aerodrome after massive refurbishment, while the four new hardened aircraft shelters and the existing functional 24 aircraft sunshade shelters in Huian airbase tell us it will be able to house a full-scale aviation brigade,' he said. Reports of the improvements follow previously reported upgrades at other Chinese military bases and come amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan. China claims the self-governing island off its east coast as its territory, and says Taiwan must eventually come under its control and reserves the right to use force if necessary, according to AP. Taiwan considers itself an independent state. It is recognised as such by a dwindling number of United Nations member states but enjoys informal diplomatic relations with several countries. The two territories have been ruled separately since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The tensions threaten to drag neighbouring countries, as well as the United States, into conflict with China. The U.S. does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan under what is known as the one-China policy, but is legally bound by its own laws to ensure that Taiwan can defend itself, AP reported. Japan ceased to recognise Taiwan in 1972, but is a key U.S. ally in the Asia Pacific region. It firmly opposes Chinese advancement in the South China Sea. Earlier this week, Taiwan's president said the territory will not bow to pressure from Beijing and will defend its democratic way of life. 'The more we achieve, the greater the pressure we face from China,' President Tsai Ing-wen said in a speech marking Taiwan's National Day on Sunday in the capital of Taipei, adding: 'Nobody can force Taiwan to take the path China has laid out for us.' Taiwanese honor guards take part in a parade marking National Day in Taipei on Sunday amid heightened tensions with China Taiwan's national day celebrations at the weekend were a rare show of Taiwanese defence capabilities in the annual parade and underlined Tsai's promise to resist China's military threats The National Day celebrations were a rare show of Taiwanese defence capabilities in the annual parade and underlined Tsai's promise to resist China's military threats. The president added: 'We hope for an easing of... relations [with Beijing] and will not act rashly, but there should be absolutely no illusions that the Taiwanese people will bow to pressure. 'We will continue to bolster our national defence and demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves in order to ensure that nobody can force Taiwan to take the path China has laid out for us.' Chinese President Xi Jinping broke off official communication with Taipei following Tsai's election five years ago, and has since ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure. The latest flare-up was marked by the surge in flights by Chinese fighter jets and nuclear-capable bombers into Taiwan's ADIZ earlier this month. Taiwan's ADIZ is an area in which all foreign aircraft are required to identify themselves and state their intentions. It is different to the island's sovereign airspace, which extends over a smaller area 12 nautical miles from its coast. Taipei said it scrambled fighters, broadcast radio warnings and activated missile defences in response. A short time later, the Chinese aircraft turned back. Adding to rising tensions, China on Saturday warned the US over its involvement in Taiwan and claimed the 'weak and cowardly' island authorities will accept reunification. A train operator is making travel more tranquil - by hosting live yoga classes during journeys. Travellers on Heathrow Express yesterday were treated to sessions with yoga influencer Celest Pereira, who has developed a 12-minute 'seat-yoga' and meditation routine. The class has been developed so travellers of all ages and abilities can perform the exercises safely from their seats - and it's believed to be the first time a yoga class has taken place on a moving train. Influencer Celest Pereira (standing) was drafted in to help passengers detach from the stress of travelling during the pandemic Celest has developed a 12-minute 'seat yoga' routine which can be done safely without standing up while they are on the moving train Heathrow Express said that it was experimenting with ways to make travel less stressful for passengers while the pandemic continues To get passengers in the right frame of mind, the 'Tranquil Train' carriage hosting the sessions was decorated with fresh eucalyptus and lavender to fill the carriage with soothing aromas. The initiative was trialled after a study also commissioned by Heathrow Express found more than half of public transport users find travel stressful following the Covid-19 pandemic. Celest Pereira said: 'Travelling can get very fraught - there's lots going on, lots of things to think about, and it's very deadline driven - so it can be a very intense experience. 'By hosting these classes we're hoping to alleviate those pressures and help passengers be in the present moment, feel less overwhelmed and relieve any muscle tension. The Tranquil Train was also decorated with eucalyptus and lavender to create a zen feel Passengers were treated to the class as part of an initiative by Heathrow Express to destress the travelling experience after survey results showed the public found it stressful Celest Pereira, the yoga influencer who ran the class, shows her flexibility in front of the train 'There's no reason why travel can't be tranquil - and often it's about training your brain to think a little differently. The study of 2,000 adults also identified the most frustrating aspects of travel - including delayed departures (52 percent) and crowds (48 percent). Other worries include missing flights, trains, or buses (47 percent), trying to find a seat (43 percent) and worrying you've forgotten something like your passport or the tickets (40 percent). Joe Bence, 26, from London who was among those who boarded the Heathrow Express 'Tranquil Train', said: 'I have such a busy life and usually look at my phone on the train - but today I completely switched off. Talitha Lindo, 31, also from London, added: 'I enjoy going to new places but I'm not too keen on the travel aspect - it's too busy and rushed. 'So, something like this is really great - it's made me feel how I think you should feel when travelling, and I'm a lot more excited about my trip now. 'I'm feeling very zen, so the exercise has definitely worked'. The Tranquil Train is believed to be the first moving train ever to host a live yoga class Passengers noted that the aromas on the train made them feel noticably more zen than usual The eucalyptus aroma on the 'Tranquil Train' made an impression on many passengers. Commenting on her experience, Elizabeth, from Washington DC, said: 'This was a real pick me up, especially after a long overnight flight. 'The smell is so wonderful'. Passengers who missed this experience yesterday can relive the moment on Heathrow Express as their on-board screens will show a recording of the class over the next year. Celest Pereira is an influencer and neuroscience student with over 76,000 Instagram followers A spokesperson from Heathrow Express said: 'We've always aimed to provide a premium service which is easy and straightforward, while giving passengers all the facilities they need. 'Our trains run every 15 minutes and offer the quickest transfer between Heathrow and Central London, so if passengers need to get somewhere fast our service is one they can rely on. 'But we're only one part of the journey - many passengers have already spent hours on trains or planes before they travel on our service, by which point they can be feeling quite tense and exhausted. 'So hopefully initiatives like the 'Tranquil Train' will ease worries and help to relax passengers as they get back to travelling following the COVID-19 pandemic'. As queen of the Iceni tribe, she burnt London to the ground and was responsible for the deaths of 80,000 civilians. But yesterday, Boudica was acquitted in a 'trial' at the Supreme Court of having committed terrorist acts against a 'rotten and illegitimate Roman government' nearly 2,000 years ago. The female warrior led the Iceni's revolt against occupying Roman forces from AD60-61 after they reneged on a deal to let her people rule themselves. She is also believed to have been flogged and her daughters raped. Thousands of members of the tribe marched from their home in what is now Norfolk to ravage the Roman cities of Camulodunum (Colchester), Londinium and Verulamium, which was near what is now St Albans in Hertfordshire. In her trial, which was run by the education charity Classics for All and involved QC lawyers, the warrior queen was 'charged' under the Terrorism Act 2000. However, by a margin of ten to one, the 50-strong jury accepted that the atrocities committed by Boudica and her people were justified acts of self-defence, The Times reported. After she was acquitted, judge Lord Justice Stephens said Boudica was free to leave 'without any stain on your character and remain as a national symbol of an inspirational hero'. As queen of the Iceni tribe, she burnt London to the ground and was responsible for the deaths of 80,000 civilians. But yesterday, Boudica was acquitted in a 'trial' at the Supreme Court of having committed terrorist acts against a 'rotten and illegitimate Roman government' nearly 2,000 years ago Roman historian Tacitus described the subsequent march on the three ancient cities, saying that Boudica's tribe targeted places where 'loot was richest and protection weakest' She was accused of using 'action involving serious violence against persons, namely the inhabitants of Camulodunum, Londinium and Verulamium.' The indictment added that her action was designed to 'influence the government of Rome or to intimidate the public or a section of the public, for the purpose of advancing a political or ideological cause, namely Iceni dissidence and secession.' The prosecution, which was brought on behalf of the 'Senate and People of Rome', was led by high-flying QC Alison Morgan. She was the leading counsel in the case of Khairi Saadallah, who murdered three men in a terrorist attack in Reading last year. Morgan reportedly urged the jurors not to 'buy the hype'. She said that whilst the Romans had flogged the queen and raped her daughters after the death of her husband, Prasutagus, 'that cannot justify an act of mass murder'. However, defence lawyer Thomas Grant QC called Boudica a 'brave woman' who had been a victim of Roman 'propaganda'. In her trial, which was run by the education charity Classics for All and involved QC lawyers, the warrior queen was 'charged' under the Terrorism Act 2000 The indictment added that her action was designed to 'influence the government of Rome or to intimidate the public or a section of the public, for the purpose of advancing a political or ideological cause, namely Iceni dissidence and secession.' Above: The trial held at the Supreme Court yesterday After she was acquitted, judge Lord Justice Stephens (left) said Boudica was free to leave 'without any stain on your character and remain as a national symbol of an inspirational hero'. The prosecution was led by high-flying QC Alison Morgan and the defence were represented by Thomas Grant QC (right) He added that he was 'confident' the jury would 'do justice to a Briton' because her actions were the only 'conceivable response' to the Romans' actions. Before his death, Boudica's husband had been ruler of the Iceni people. The Romans had allowed him to continue as king, ruling on their behalf. He made a deal with the Romans that when he passed away, his heirs would be his two daughters and the Roman Emperor Nero. Prasutagus hoped that he could this way preserve his kingdom and his family fortune. But when he died, the Romans decided to rule the Iceni directly and confiscated the property and estates of his family, as well as allegedly abusing Boudica and her own children. The Roman historian Tacitus described the subsequent march on the three ancient cities, saying that Boudica's tribe targeted places where 'loot was richest and protection weakest'. 'They could not wait to cut throats, hang, burn and crucify, as though avenging, in advance, the retribution that was on its way,' he added. Their major military victory came in Camulodunum, where they destroyed the city's Roman colony, including much of the famous Ninth Legion which later disappeared entirely from the historical record. Boudica and her forces then forced the Roman Governor of Britain, Paulinus to evacuate London, which was also destroyed. An estimated 70,000 people were killed there. After they went on to also destroy what is now St Albans, Paulinus collected 10,000 troops and lured the Britons into battle. Whilst the exact site of the conflict is unknown, it is believed to have been somewhere in the Midlands. The Britons gathered in huge numbers, and their 'confidence was so great that they brought their wives with them to see the victory, installing them in carts stationed at the edges of the battlefield', according to Tacitus. The warrior is said to have addressed her group from the back of a chariot, showing them her bruised body and her violated daughters. Tactitus records that her speech ended with the words: 'Win this battle or perish. That is what I, a woman, plan to do. Let the men live in slavery if they will.' However, the historian claims that more than half of the British army were women, with the outcome being an easy Roman victory. Tacitus says that around 80,000 Britons were killed, whilst the Roman side lost 400 men. Boudica is said to have poisoned herself to avoid capture. Their major military victory came in Camulodunum, where they destroyed the city's Roman colony, including much of the famous Ninth Legion which later disappeared entirely from the historical record The Roman general Gaius Suetonius Paulinus defeated Boudica and her forces in battle. Above: The status of Paulinus at the entrance to the Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset However, the Roman senator Cassius Dio who wrote a mammoth history of Rome put the number of slain Romans at 80,000. He added that the shame was made worse because 'all this ruin was brought about by a woman'. Dio also claims that the final battle was far from an easy victory, it was ultimately very close. He said that the Britons mourned the loss of Boudica 'deeply and gave her a costly burial. But feeling that now at last they were really defeated, they scattered to their homes.' Her trial on Thursday was the sixth held by Classics For All. Previous trials have featured the Greek philosopher Socrates and Brutus, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar. The charity was founded in 2010 with the aim of reversing the decline in the teaching of the ancient world and the take-up of its languages, such as Ancient Greek and Latin, in state schools. It has gone on to work with nearly 100,000 pupils in 1,000 schools and trained more than 3,000 staff to teach the subject. A man believed to have been a 'bloodthirsty vampire' child murderer was lynched by an angry mob in Kenya today, officials have said. Masten Milimo Wanjala, 20, was arrested on July 14 over the disappearance of two children, but in a chilling confession, admitted to killing at least ten others over a five-year period, 'sometimes through sucking blood from their veins before executing them', the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said at the time. He was due for a court appearance on Wednesday in Nairobi over the murders which targeted 12 and 13-year-old children, but disappeared. A manhunt was launched and the Governor of Nairobi, Mike Sonko, had offered a 1,316 (Sh200,000) reward to anyone able to assist officers in locating Wanjala. Officials in Kenya have confirmed that a man which locals claim is Masten Milimo Wanjala, 20, (pictured) lynched by an angry mob after he escaped from prison on the day of his trial over the alleged killings of 10 children But a mob caught up with him today after he was identified by children at his rural home in Bungoma, more than 250 miles from the Jogoo Road police station he had escaped from. 'He comes from this area and so the children saw him and knew it was him and that is when information spread around and locals started pursuing him,' area administrator Bonface Ndiema said. 'In the end he ran into a neighbour's house but he was flushed out and lynched.' Police had in July described Wanjala's arrest as a major breakthrough in an investigation into a spate of disturbing child disappearances in the East African country. His victims were drugged and drained of their blood and some of them strangled, police said. According to police, Wanjala's first victim was a 12-year-old girl he kidnapped five years ago in Machakos county east of Nairobi. Masten Milimo Wanjala, 20, led police to the scene of one of his alleged killings after he was arrested in July The murder of his next victim in western Kenya sparked protests, with locals torching the house of the person they suspected killed the boy. 'Unbeknownst to some of the worried families, their children were long executed by the beast and their remains dumped in thickets. Others were submerged in sewer lines in the city and left to rot away,' the DCI said in July. The bodies of several children feared to have died at Wanjala's hands have yet to be found. Police had been trying to establish if Wanjala had accomplices or if he was working alone. Three officers who were on duty at the Nairobi police station where he was held were arrested this week on allegations that they either aided or 'neglected to prevent' his escape. A court ordered their release on bail on Friday as a probe into the escape gets under way. Police spokesman Bruno Shiosho told AFP they have launched a forensic investigation into the identity of the lynched man. 'The locals have said it is him... For now we can confirm that a man locals say is Masten Wanjala who was on the run has been lynched in Bungoma,' he said. Wanjala was arrested after two bodies - identified as Junior Mutuku Musyoka, 12, and Charles Opindo Bala, 13 - were found in Kabete, outside Nairobi The suspect had previously led detectives to the site of several of the murders in July, with officers taking photos and videos as evidence. 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. 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. Junior Mutuku Musyoka, 12, was allegedly kidnapped by Wanjala who demanded 330 from his mother, Felista Wayua, in exchange for her son's freedom 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. Kwasi Kwarteng was today accused of 'crossing his fingers' for the energy crisis to ease after he sent a weather prediction to panicking companies. The Business Secretary is said to have shared a private Met Office briefing suggesting there is likely to be a mild winter - something that could help ease pressure in the coming months. Rocketing wholesale energy prices globally have seen a dozen small energy suppliers collapse in the UK since September. And the effects are being felt by consumers, with the increase in the price cap announced at the beginning of this month on track to be followed by another brutal rise in April. Kwasi Kwarteng (pictured) is said to have shared a private Met Office briefing suggesting there is likely to be a mild winter - something that could help ease pressure in the coming months Rocketing wholesale energy prices globally have seen a dozen small energy suppliers collapse in the UK since September. This Ofgem chart shows the scale of the increase in gas prices over recent months Ministers have insisted they are doing everything possible to ease the strain, but blamed the issues on the world's economy surging back into life after coronavirus. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also been accused of manipulating gas supplies in an effort to bully Europe over plans for a new pipeline. According to the Financial Times, Mr Kwarteng shared a Met Office briefing with energy suppliers which said the 'most likely scenario' is that this winter will be wet and mild. 'For the late winter period from January to February 2022, the most likely scenario is for an unsettled period of wet, windy and mild spells,' it said. The briefing went further than the Met Office's most recently published three month 'outlook', issued three weeks ago, which says that period up to December is 'significantly more likely than normal to be mild', but adds 'cold spells are still possible'. The report was produced for contingency planning and 'for planners in government and business who make risk-based decisions'. The Met Office insisted it prepares long-term outlooks which consider the percentage chances for temperatures, and can be used for contingency planning. It stressed they are not forecasts but used to assess risk. 'The whole area of long-range forecasting is pretty experimental as far as any meteorological organisation is concerned,' the Met Office told the paper. Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said: 'This is a new low for government energy policy. 'Reduced to crossing his fingers for a mild winter, Kwasi Kwarteng is showing just how much a decade of inaction from Government has left us vulnerable.' Stephen Kish, 32, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years A former CBBC presenter who had 'revolting' animal porn on his phone and laptop has been spared prison after a judge told him he 'betrayed his loyal viewers.' Stephen Kish, who hosted the CBBC show Officially Amazing, had also been running a dog walking and boarding business called Tails of Love. Police found three grossly offensive moving images on his phone and three more still images on his computer showing a person having sex with an animal when they searched his home in September 2018. Officers took the family dog Molly after searching Kish's phone and computers. At Lewes Crown Court in Brighton this week, the 32-year-old was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years after admitting one count of possessing extreme animal porn. His Honour Judge David Rennie told Kish he had, 'betrayed his viewers.' Judge Rennie told the ex-presenter: 'It is not only the law, there is always the potential for animals to be injured by what is done to them or what they are made to do. 'It seems clear to me your thinking and aspects of behaviour are disordered,' the judge said. 'You used to have your own slot on TV and yours was a familiar face on CBBC for a number of years. The court heard Kish will never be employed as a dog walker or TV host again As a CBBC host he was known Sizzlin' Steve on the show Officially Amazing, which follows people trying to break world records The court heard that many viewers will feel 'betrayed' by Kish's conduct and that he is now unemployable 'This has been taken away from you and you may never get it back. 'What a dramatic and, I have to say, self inflicted downfall. 'There will be many people who enjoyed watching your programme and enjoyed your work and will feel betrayed.' Kish sobbed in the dock before admitting to having animal porn at an earlier hearing and at his sentencing only spoke to confirm his name and that he understood his sentence. As a CBBC host he was known Sizzlin' Steve on the show Officially Amazing, which follows people trying to break world records. Amanda Hamilton for the prosecution told Kish had been running a dog walking and boarding business called Tails of Love. Kish had been running a dog walking and boarding business called Tails of Love She told the court that chats Kish was in over the years referenced wanting to 'bury' certain videos and one referenced his own dog Molly. She said: 'In a 2012 MSN chat he expressed to another user he was keen to bury certain videos so they wouldn't get discovered.' The former TV host was also interviewed twice by investigators from Sussex Police. According to the prosecution he was 'extremely candid to his preferences' and answered all questions and the first interview. He gave no comment at at second interview. Richard Barton for the defence said: 'It is a very significant fall from grace for this man. Clearly he will never be employed in his previous capacity on television. 'He will never again be employed as a dog walker.' Kish, who lives at home with his parents, is waiting for an assessment of a diagnosis of autism, the court also heard. He will be required to attend a sex offenders programme and complete 20 rehabilitation days with another 200 hours of unpaid work in the community. 'If you commit any offence in the next two years, you will be sending yourself straight to prison,' Judge Rennie told Kish. He will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next five years. The charge states he possessed extreme pornographic image, which portrayed in an explicit and realistic way, a person performing an act of intercourse or oral sex with an animal. An assault trial in Russia was thrown into disarray after the victim proposed to his girlfriend who was accused of attacking him with an axe. The unnamed man, 40, married the accused, 67, in an apparent bid to secure a more lenient sentence for his beloved. 'During the trial, the man proposed to the defendant and they got married,' the prosecutor general's office in Tomsk, Siberia, said on Thursday. 'As a spouse, he asked the court not to imprison' the woman, the statement added. The Tomsk regional district court found the unnamed woman guilty of grievous bodily harm. Russian law states the crime comes with a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, however the woman was given a three-year suspended sentence with three years probation. It is thought her marriage played a role in the relatively light sentencing. An assault trial in Russia was thrown into disarray after the victim proposed to his girlfriend who was accused of attacking him with an axe The prosecutor's office said the incident between the couple happened in 2019 while drinking with friends. A statement said the woman 'constantly quarrelled' with her partner 'because of his unwillingness to maintain cleanliness and order in the apartment.' 'She came up behind the man who was busy watching TV and struck him with an axe multiple times in the head, ribs and neck,' the prosecutor's office said in a statement. Police and medics were called but the man attempted to convince them that he had injured himself in an accidental fall. The woman's sentence is yet to come into force and could be appealed, the statement said. It is not clear how the couple became married while the woman was on trial, though it appears the charges against her were brought by authorities, rather than her partner. During his second murder trial in 1980, notorious American serial killer Ted Bundy proposed to his girlfriend Carol Ann Boone in court. Pictured: Ted Bundy in court in 1978 While unusual, getting married during a trial is not entirely unheard of. During his second murder trial in 1980, notorious American serial killer Ted Bundy proposed to his girlfriend Carol Ann Boone in court. Boone accepted and Bundy declared them married there and then, making use of an obscure item of Florida law, which stated that a couple could become married by declaring themselves married in a courtroom with a judge present. It is not clear if the move was intended to secure a lighter sentence for Bundy, who had already been convicted of two murders in his first trial a year earlier. If so, it was unsuccessful, as Bundy was convicted and sentenced to death. A power link between France and the UK which was damaged by a fire in September will not be full repaired for two years. The National Grid dropped the news late last night in an update on its website. It said that 'extensive work' was needed at the site in Sellindge, Kent, which put paid to the previous idea it could be fixed by next March. Instead the IFA connector will not be fully operational and up to 2000MW capacity until October 2023. The National Grid's update said: 'We have been able to reduce the outage time of 1000MW of capacity at the IFA interconnector so that it will come back to service on October 20, ahead of the October 23 date we had previously published. The site in Sellindge, Kent, will not be fully operational for another two years, Grid reports The news has raised the spectre of concern over how power will be brought into the UK Following a detailed assessment on the 1000MW of capacity that is offline due to damage caused by a fire at our site in Sellindge in September, we need to carry out extensive work to safely return it to service. 'We will bring 500MW back to service from October 2022 through to May 2023. This will result in 1500MW of available capacity going into next Winter. 'We will then undertake further work in order to bring the full 2000MW back by October 2023. 'We are completely focused on getting IFA safely returned to service as soon as possible and ensuring we are able to support security of supply.' It comes the week after the National Grid warned the supply of electricity to Britain this winter would be 'tight'. A map showing the various electricity cables that bring in electricity to the UK from the rest of Europe. The IFA link is seen bottom right in green This graphic shows how electricity is brought in from France via the 1FA link. Converter stations are needed to switch converts direct current to alternating current or the reverse, while the connector links it with the National Grid More UK energy suppliers set to fail as wholesale prices soar leaving consumers with rocketing bills Britain's retail energy sector will see more failures from suppliers and increased market consolidation due to a sharp rise in wholesale energy prices, rating agency Moody's said. The sector faces pressures on profitability and an increased risk of credit negative political intervention, the agency added. Nine British energy suppliers ceased trading last month alone. Smaller suppliers with less capital are struggling amid record wholesale power and gas prices across Britain and Europe, while price caps prevent the full rises from being passed on to consumers. Experts believe that if gas prices remain at around this level, which is now predicted, the average household energy bills could jump by as much as a third or 420 to almost 1,700 a year from April. Today the cheapest fixed gas and electricity deal available in the UK is 1,700 - a month ago it was 1,177. Ofgem will automatically move customers when companies go to the wall. But energy market rules demand that customers whose supplier goes bust must be offered a fair deal by the new supplier - not the same one they had - meaning they are likely to pay significantly more. 'More (failures) will follow with Renewable Obligation payments due in October,' Moody's said. British ministers are also looking at a range of options to help companies such as National Grid Plc (NG.L), Centrica Plc (CNA.L), EDF (EDF.PA) that have taken on a flood of customers from failed suppliers. Profitability at those firms will be affected until higher prices are passed on to customers, Moody's said. Advertisement It said on October 7 electricity supplies would come under strain amid the boom in the price of natural gas - which the UK relies on to generate 42% of its power. Government engineers say Britain has enough energy supply to meet demand and does not believe there will be winter blackouts - but the amount the country will have in reserve at peak times will be the lowest in six years. The damaged connector station in Kent cuts the amount of energy that can be imported via the 1FA undersea cable - which runs under the English Channel to Calais - by half. The National Grid said the amount of excess electricity capacity expected above peak energy demand was forecast at 3.9GW for winter this year, or 6.6% of capacity, down from 4.8GW, or 8.3%, last winter. This forecast is lower than a winter margin forecast of 4.3 GW made in July this year and also the lowest margin level since the winter of 2016/17. However, Fintan Slye, executive director of ESO - part of the National Grid - insisted the system would manage. 'We are confident that there will be enough capacity available to keep Britain's lights on,' he said. The British steel industry's lobby group warned on Monday of an impending crisis due to soaring wholesale energy prices which could force plants into expensive shutdowns, stoke emissions and sow chaos through supply chains. A shortage of natural gas in Europe had sent prices for electricity and gas soaring, triggering sharp rises in the prices paid by people heating their homes or for major heavy industrial plants smelting steel. 'These extraordinary electricity prices are leading to smaller or wiped-out profits and thus to less reinvestment,' UK Steel, which lobbies on behalf of the British steel industry, said in a briefing document. 'With winter approaching, demand for gas and electricity will rise, and prices could get higher, which will make it impossible to profitably make steel.' UK Steel said some plants may have to shutter their production 'for increasingly extended periods with the consequences not only for individual companies but also UK steel supply to the UK economy and UK jobs.' Sudden shutdowns could damage equipment, increase costs and ultimately lead to 'poorer environmental performance with higher emissions,' it said. Britons were more miserable than ever in the first year of the Covid pandemic, data revealed today. Wellbeing levels plunged to the lowest figure since records began almost a decade ago. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) report also revealed anxiety rates soared to their highest ever level in the year ending March 2021. The survey of hundreds of thousands of participants across the UK shows the impact of the first year of the pandemic on British attitudes. People spent much of the 12-months under stringent measures to control the spread of the coronavirus, meaning they were stuck at home, unable to see loved ones and only allowed to venture outside for exercise once a day or essential shopping. Data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that life satisfaction dropped to the lowest levels recorded since it began collecting the data in 2014, while anxiety soared to its highest ever level. Meanwhile, feelings that life is worthwhile and happiness dropped to their lowest levels in seven years The map shows the different levels of life satisfaction across the UK, with darker shades of blue meaning participants on average reported they were more satisfied, while lighter shades equates to less satisfaction with life Glenys Jackson, clinical lead for mental health at Bupa UK, said the findings are not surprising after a turbulent year. He said: 'Its been an incredibly tough year for many, things have changed fast, and most of us worried about what it all means for ourselves and our loved ones. 'These feelings of anxiety, stress and uncertainty will have undoubtedly impacted our wellbeing and life satisfaction. 'From lockdowns at the start of the year, to offices and our social calendars opening back up theres been a lot of different emotions for everyone to process. Cases of depression and anxiety rose by around 25% worldwide during Covid pandemic The Covid pandemic caused cases of anxiety and depression to see sharp increases worldwide, a study found. An Australian research team led by the University of Queensland found incidences of both mental health conditions grew by around 25 per cent in 2020. Young people under the age of 25 and women were struck particularly hard. The study adds to the growing data showing the negative impact the pandemic had on the world's collective mental health. 'Our findings highlight an urgent need to strengthen mental health systems in order to address the growing burden of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders worldwide,' said lead author Dr Damian Santomauro, a researcher from the University of Queensland, in a statement. Researchers, who published their findings last Friday in The Lancet, performed a meta-analysis of 48 studies published during 2020 and in January 2021. The team identified 246.2 million cases of major depressive disorder in 2020, with a baseline of 193 million cases, meaning the pandemic caused an additional 53.2 million cases of depression - or a growth of 27.5 percent. Two-thirds of the additional cases were among women, 35.5 million of the 53.2 million. Advertisement 'Its a normal and natural response to feel anxious when faced with uncertainty and situations that are beyond our control.' The ONS asked 320,000 over-16s how satisfied they were with life, the extent to which they felt the things they did were worthwhile, as well as how happy and anxious they felt. They responded to the questions on a scale of 0 to 10. For the first three questions, a score of zero to four was considered low, five to six was medium, seven to eight was high, while nine to 10 was seen as very high. For the anxiety question, a zero to three was low, four to five was medium and over six was high. The average score for life satisfaction was 7.39 - the lowest level ever recorded. And fewer than a quarter of people gave a score of nine or 10 - the smallest proportion since records began. Life satisfaction was highest in Northern Ireland (7.54) compared to the other three home nations (7.38). Among local authorities, people in the Orkney Islands reported having the most life satisfaction (8.17), followed by people in Torridge (8.10) and South Hams (8.05). Meanwhile, people in Chichester (6.61), Camden (6.78) and Gravesham (6.82) had the lowest. And the average score for whether people believed the things they do was worthwhile dropped to 7.71 - the lowest figure since 2014. Participants responded with the highest score in Northern Ireland (7.9), followed by England (7.71), Wales (7.69) and Scotland (7.68). People said their life was most worthwhile in West Devon (8.54), Runnymede (8.31) and the Orkney Islands (8.31), while levels were lowest in Chichester (6.82), Cannock Chase (7.07) and Test Valley (7.11). People gave an average score of 7.31 in response to how happy they felt - with zero being not happy at all and 10 being completely happy, the lowest figure in seven years. And less than a third of people gave a score of nine or 10, the lowest figure ever recorded. Scotlands population said they were the most miserable (7.27), followed by Wales (7.30), England (7.31) and Northern Ireland (7.49). And people were happiest in Woking (8.30), the Orkney Islands (8.11) and Torridge (8.04), while they were the most miserable in Gedling (6.51), Stevenage (6.58) and Cannock Chase (6.66). Meanwhile, people gave an average anxiety score of 3.31, the highest ever recorded, with a score of zero equating to no anxiety and 10 being very anxious. Among local authorities, people in the Orkney Islands reported having the most life satisfaction (8.17), followed by people in Torridge (8.10) and South Hams (8.05). Meanwhile people in Chichester (6.61), Camden (6.78) and Gravesham (6.82) had the lowest People said their life was most worthwhile in West Devon (8.54), Runnymede (8.31) and the Orkney Islands (8.31), while levels were lowest in Chichester (6.82), Cannock Chase (7.07) and Test Valley (7.11) People reported the highest levels of happiness in Woking (8.30), the Orkney Islands (8.11) and Torridge (8.04), while they were the most miserable in Gedling (6.51), Stevenage (6.58) and Cannock Chase (6.66). Participants reported the lowest levels of anxiety in Chorley (2.42), Richmondshire (2.43) and Gravesham (2.46). And people struggled with their mental health the most in Spelthorne (4.28), Rother (4.14) and Stevenage (4.04) And 24 per cent of people gave a score of six or higher, which the ONS said means their anxiety levels were very high and just one third of people said their anxiety was very low - a score of zero or one - the smallest proportion ever recorded. People in Wales were the most anxious (3.42), followed by those in England and Scotland (3.31) and Northern Ireland (3.10). At a local authority level, participants reported the lowest levels of anxiety in Chorley (2.42), Richmondshire (2.43) and Gravesham (2.46). And people struggled with their mental health the most in Spelthorne (4.28), Rother (4.14) and Stevenage (4.04). A Cambridge college is to return a looted bronze cockerel statue to representatives from Nigeria in a ceremony this month. Jesus College set up its Legacy of Slavery Working Party in 2019 to explore the 'historical, legal and moral status of the college's ownership of the Bronze'. It followed a campaign by students for the item's return. The group concluded that the statue, which was looted by British colonial forces in 1897 and given to the college in 1905 by the father of a student, 'belongs with the current Oba at the Court of Benin'. The Oba of Benin is head of the historic Eweka dynasty of the Benin Empire, centred on Benin City in modern-day Nigeria. Jesus College said in a statement that it 'became the first institution in the world to announce its decision to return a Benin Bronze' in 2019. The statue had been removed from display at the college in 2016. It will be returned to Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments in a ceremony at Jesus College, attended by delegates from the commission and Benin, on October 27. Jesus College Cambridge is to return a looted bronze cockerel statue to representatives from Nigeria in a ceremony this month. The statue was looted by British colonial forces in 1897 and given to the college in 1905 by the father of a student His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II said: 'We are indeed very pleased and commend Jesus College for taking this lead in making restitution for the plunder that occurred in Benin in 1897. 'We truly hope that others will expedite the return of our artworks which in many cases are of religious importance to us. 'We wish to thank our President Buhari and our National Commission for Museums and Monuments for their renewed efforts in securing the release of our artefacts on our behalf. 'Finally, we wish to thank the student body of Cambridge University for bringing to light the historical significance of this revered piece of the Royal Court of Benin. 'It is worthy of note that our father attended Cambridge University but was then Prince Solomon Akenzua. 'He later ascended the throne of our forefathers as Omo N'Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin.' Master of Jesus College Sonita Alleyne described it as a 'historic moment', adding: 'This is the right thing to do out of respect for the unique heritage and history of this artefact.' British soldiers with objects looted from the royal palace during the military expedition to Benin City in 1897 She went on: 'Since we took the decision to return the Bronze following the college's Legacy of Slavery Working Party's (LSWP) extensive research, many organisations have followed in our footsteps. 'I would like to thank the LSWP for its diligent and careful investigation into the provenance of the Bronze, to the Fellows for their keen support for its restitution, and to our students who pioneered early calls for this.' Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Nigeria's Minister of Information and Culture, said: 'We thank Jesus College for being a trailblazer and we look forward to a similar return of our artefacts by other institutions that are in possession of them.' Professor Abba Isa Tijani, director-general of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria, said: 'This return offers new hope for amicable resolution in cultural property ownership disputes. 'We hope that it will set a precedent for others around the world who are still doubtful of this new evolving approach whereby nations and institutions agree with source nations on return without rancour. 'On our part, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments is receiving this antiquity for the benefit of the Benin people and the people of Nigeria.' Lord Frost is set for a Brexit showdown today amid claims the EU is preparing retaliation including blocking cross-Channel energy supplies if the UK rejects a deal on the Northern Ireland protocol. France, Germany and the Netherlands are said to be pushing for a tough response should Britain follow through on its threats to suspend the divorce terms. The measures being floated include curbing UK access to energy supplies, imposing tariffs, or even axing the trade agreement, according to the Financial Times. The sabre-rattling comes as Lord Frost warned that the European Court of Justice must be stripped of powers over Northern Ireland. The Cabinet minister will hold talks with European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic in Brussels later as they seek a breakthrough. Lord Frost (right) will hold talks with European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic (left) in Brussels later as they seek a breakthrough Optimism has increased after the EU tabled a range of proposals aimed at slashing red tape on moving goods from the British mainland to Northern Ireland. However, the plan did not address the role of the ECJ - which increasingly looks like the main sticking point. Ahead of the lunch meeting in Brussels, Lord Frost told Politico that the UK is studying the EU proposals 'constructively'. 'Clearly they have proposed some changes; we do need to understand that detail, and we've begun that conversation, but there's quite a long way to go,' he said. Responding to claims that the UK is trying to tear up an international treaty, including allegations from former chief Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings that it was always the intention to ditch the protocol, Lord Frost said the Government knew some elements of the arrangements would 'possibly be difficult to make work in practice' and they were always viewed as 'a little bit provisional and open to review'. He insisted movement on the ECJ is needed. 'They will need to if we are to find a solution, there needs to be significant change if we are to get an agreed solution,' he said. Rejecting a claim that the UK is acting in bad faith, the Brexit minister added: 'The very fact that the protocol has a consent mechanism (in the Stormont Assembly) in it for four years' time showed we recognised that it might be necessary to renew or otherwise consent for these arrangements. 'In that sense they have always been a little bit provisional and open to review.' Mr Sefcovic said the EU has gone as far as possible in search of compromises, but insisted he has no mandate to renegotiate the protocol. 'Now we should really do the last mile, work constructively with all the proposals we put on the table, put it finally to bed,' he told BBC Northern Ireland's The View programme last night. 'I believe that we could be in the home stretch with our proposals on the table, and, as I said, let's try to solve all these issues before Christmas because I think that would be the best Christmas gift we can give to the people of Northern Ireland.' He added: 'I have no mandate to renegotiate the protocol the Withdrawal Agreement, protocol and trade and co-operation agreement, we signed it, we ratified it, it's international law, and I think we should respect it.' Lord Frost has warned the UK could move to suspend parts of the protocol, by triggering the Article 16 mechanism, if an acceptable compromise cannot be reached. However, such a move could prompt retaliatory action on trade from the EU. Diplomats told the FT that member states led by France, Germany and the Netherlands - and backed by Italy and Spain - wanted Mr Sefcovic to draw up a 'legally sound, proportionate and robust response'. 'Frost knows he's playing with fire. But when you play with fire, you get burnt. The EU has a broad palette of options for hitting back at the UK: for example, energy supplies,' one diplomat said. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he hopes member states are not considering a trade war. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he hopes member states are not considering a trade war 'I don't know the extent to which this is posturing on the part of some of the EU member states in advance of the negotiations but bear in mind that the EU has a massive trading surplus with the UK,' he told Times Radio. 'They sell far more goods into our country than we sell to them. We are a market of 60 million, the second largest market in Europe. Are those countries, especially the smaller member states, seriously saying they don't want to sell us goods anymore, that they want a trade war? I would hope that isn't the case. 'I can't see how it's in their interest to do that and what we need now is to focus on the negotiations. We're not contemplating failure, we want to see success. But we are clear that if the EU does not step up and be reasonable in reaching an accommodation, then we do expect that the UK Government will take steps to protect the integrity of its own market.' Sir Jeffrey was also pressed on the claim that Boris Johnson signed up to an agreement he knew he was going to break. 'I have no knowledge of that,' the DUP leader told Times Radio. 'That has certainly never been said to me and I was very much involved at that time. We were in a confidence and supply arrangement with the Government. 'At no stage did any Government minister including the Prime Minister say to me what you have described.' The DUP leader also indicated the party's threat to collapse powersharing at Stormont if changes to the protocol are not secured still stands. 'Our position is clear,' he said. 'I hope we can get a solution, but we are not going to continue implementing something that harms Northern Ireland.' Advertisement Thousands lit up candles at the National Mall in Washington DC last night to honor the deaths of more than 700 law enforcement officers in a moving vigil. More than 4,000 officers and their families attended the annual candlelit ceremony during National Police Weekend to offer their tributes to the hundreds who have died in the line of duty. There have been 701 officer deaths in recent years including 434 who died in 2020 and 2019, when the last ceremony was held before Covid struck. Two thirds of those who died last year were related to the virus. During the emotional ceremony, their names were added to a the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial which displays the 22,611 law enforcement officers who have died in duty throughout US history. Thousands of candles are held up during the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's Annual Candlelight Vigil, on the National Mall Nancy Devlin, wife of former Massachusetts state trooper Thomas Devlin who was hit by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop and passed away from complications of injuries, wipes tears during the ceremony More than 4,000 officers and their families attended the candlelit ceremony to offer their tributes to the hundreds who have died in the line of duty Families and colleagues participate in a candlelight vigil as part of Police Weekend 2021 in Washington DC Chiquita Newman, is comforted by Chicago Police officer Al Ferreira over the death of her husband Ronald Newman who died after contracting Covid on duty Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said: 'Today we recognize the nobility of the law enforcement profession. We pay tribute to those who lost their lives in sacrifice of the safety of our communities, and we remember them.' Their lives and service were marked with a final roll call of honor on Thursday evening. Attorney General Merrick Garland said: 'We are gathered here today to honor those seven hundred and one fallen officers whose names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers memorial. Allen Montoya (left) and Eduardo Pintor (right) of Texas Harris County Sheriff's Office participate in the vigil to honor their colleagues The National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial held its 2021 candlelight vigil to remember law enforcement personnel who were killed in the line of duty A bagpiper performs during the candlelight vigil as the names of the fallen officers were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial which displays the 22,611 law enforcement officers who have died in duty throughout US history 'We gather because grieving, remembering, and honoring those we have lost means more when we can do it together. I'm honored to be here in person with you for this occasion.' Garland made reference to DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo who died this month after trying to seize five pounds of marijuana from suspected drug traffickers in Tucson, Arizona. Garbo was shot dead when a passenger, who also died, opened fire as officers were doing a routine inspection for illegal guns, money and drugs on the train headed to New Orleans from Los Angeles. A second federal agent and a Tucson police officer were wounded. Garland made reference to DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo who died this month after trying to seize five pounds of marijuana from suspected drug traffickers in Tucson, Arizona Nearly two thirds of officers who died last year in the line of duty were related to Covid as first responders continued to work on the streets despite the pandemic Caleb Bennett of South Carolina holds up a torch during the touching ceremony attended by thousands in Washington DC Garland discussed the growing opioid epidemic and the rise in gun violence that threatens officers across the country Garland also cited Deputy US Marshal Jared Keyworth who died in a car accident in Mississippi while responding to a felony offender case. The Attorney General said they both 'made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty'. Nearly two thirds of officers who died last year in the line of duty were related to Covid as first responders continued to work on the streets despite the pandemic. Garland also discussed the growing opioid epidemic and the rise in gun violence that threatens officers across the country. He said: 'The opioid epidemic and the threat of fentanyl endanger all of our communities and internet crimes, in particular online child sexual exploitation, have reached historic levels. A law enforcement officer holds up a candle to honor the hundreds of servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty The four local officers who died by suicide following the Capitol riots were not included in the 701 names, sparking a debate about what constitutes the line of duty Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund said the names of the fallen 'will be forever etched on the walls of the Memorial and in the hearts of an eternally grateful nation' Colleagues stood alongside their families as they held up the candles and honored the victims during the emotional ceremony 'To many, these challenges may seem insurmountable, but not to you.' Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund said ahead of the ceremony: 'The stories behind each of the 701 new names that we officially add to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial tonight are so special. 'To pay them proper tribute, each of their names will be read as a part of the ceremony and will be forever etched on the walls of the Memorial and in the hearts of an eternally grateful nation. 'To them and the families that they represent, and to all law enforcement professionals who serve each day to protect us, thank you.' The four local officers who died by suicide following the Capitol riots were not included in the 701 names, sparking a debate about what constitutes the line of duty. Amazon has denied claims that they ran a systematic campaign to create knock-off versions of products listed on its website then manipulated search results to boost sales of them in India. Thousands of pages of internal Amazon documents examined by the news agency Reuters including emails, strategy papers and business plans allegedly 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 company's largest growth markets. The documents are reported to show Amazon's 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 allegedly stoked sales of Amazon private-brand products by rigging Amazon's search results so that the company's 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. When contacted by MailOnline for comment, an Amazon spokesperson said: 'As we told Reuters when they contacted us for the story in question, these allegations are incorrect and unsubstantiated. Amazon has denied claims that they ran a systematic campaign to create knock-off versions of products listed on its website then manipulated search results to boost sales of them in India (stock image) 'Amazon does not give preferential treatment to any seller on its marketplace all sellers determine and control pricing for their products, and independently manage their own inventory including for private brands, which are sold by independent sellers on our marketplace. 'We have a policy that strictly prohibits the use or sharing of non-public, seller-specific data with sellers, including with sellers of private brands. 'This policy applies uniformly across our company to all employees, our internal teams receive regular trainings on its application, and we thoroughly investigate any reports of employees acting contrary to this policy. 'Finally, we display search results based on relevance to the customers, irrespective of whether such products are private brands offered by sellers or not. 'We remain committed to enabling success for all kinds of sellers as they collectively improve the selection for customers on Amazon.in, regardless of whether they sell private brands or otherwise.' Among the victims of the strategy: a popular shirt brand in India, John Miller, which is owned by a company whose chief executive is Kishore Biyani, known as the country's 'retail king.' Amazon decided to 'follow the measurements of' John Miller shirts down to the neck circumference and sleeve length, the document states. The internal documents also reportedly shows that Amazon employees studied proprietary data about other brands on Amazon.in, including detailed information about customer returns. Thousands of pages of internal Amazon documents examined by the news agency Reuters including emails, strategy papers and business plans allegedly 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 company's largest growth markets The aim: to identify and target goods - described as 'reference' or 'benchmark' products - and 'replicate' them. As part of that effort, the 2016 internal report allegedly aid out Amazon's strategy for a brand the company originally created for the Indian market called 'Solimo.' The Solimo strategy, it said, was simple: 'use information from Amazon.in to develop products and then leverage the Amazon.in platform to market these products to our customers.' The Solimo project in India has had international impact: Scores of Solimo-branded health and household products are now offered for sale on Amazon's U.S. website, Amazon.com. The 2016 document reportedly further shows that Amazon employees working on the company's own products, known as private brands or private labels, planned to partner with the manufacturers of the products targeted for copying. That's because they learned that these manufacturers employ 'unique processes which impact the end quality of the product.' 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.' It termed such manufacturer expertise 'Tribal Knowledge.' This is the second in a series of stories based on internal Amazon documents that provide a rare, unvarnished look, in the company's own words, into business practices that it has denied for years. Amazon has been accused before by employees who worked on private-brand products of exploiting proprietary data from individual sellers to launch competing products and manipulating search results to increase sales of the company's own goods. In sworn testimony before the U.S. Congress in 2020, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos explained that the e-commerce giant prohibits its employees from using the 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. But the internal documents seen by Reuters allegedly show 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, clandestine strategy at Amazon and that high-level executives were told about it. The documents reportedly show that two executives reviewed the India strategy senior vice presidents Diego Piacentini, who has since left the company, and Russell Grandinetti, who currently runs Amazon's international consumer business. In a written response to questions for this report, Amazon said: 'As Reuters hasn't shared the documents or their provenance with us, we are unable to confirm the veracity or otherwise of the information and claims as stated. We believe these claims are factually incorrect and unsubstantiated.' The company did not elaborate. The statement also did not address questions from Reuters about the evidence in the documents that Amazon employees copied other companies' products for its own brands. The company said the way it displays search results doesn't favour private-brand products. 'We display search results based on relevance to the customer's search query, irrespective of whether such products have private brands offered by sellers or not,' Amazon said. Amazon also said that it 'strictly prohibits the use or sharing of non-public, seller-specific data for the benefit of any seller, including sellers of private brands,' and that it investigates reports of its employees violating that policy. Piacentini and Grandinetti didn't respond to requests for comment. In sworn testimony before the U.S. Congress in 2020, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos explained that the e-commerce giant prohibits its employees from using the data on individual sellers to help its private-label business The unfiltered insight the documents offer into Amazon's aggressive use of its market power could intensify the legal and regulatory pressure the company is facing in many countries. Amazon is under investigation in the United States, Europe and India for alleged anti-competitive practices that hurt other businesses. In India, the allegations include unfairly favouring its own branded merchandise. Amazon declined to comment on the investigations. Jonas Koponen, an antitrust attorney with Linklaters LLP in Brussels, said the Reuters findings on Amazon's practices in India would likely interest the European Commission, which is probing whether the company has used non-public seller data to boost its own retail business. India has cooperation agreements with the United States and the European Commission to exchange information related to enforcement of antitrust laws. 'When any one competition authority is looking into aspects of one of these globally present organizations' behaviour, they will certainly be interested in understanding what evidence there is in other parts of the world and the extent to which that evidence relates to the practices that they themselves are investigating,' Koponen said. The documents also support criticism of Amazon laid out by Lina Khan, the new chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or FTC. Khan published a paper in 2017 that argued that Amazon's private-brand business raised anti-competitive concerns. '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,' she wrote. 'The anticompetitive implications here seem clear.' Amazon filed a petition in June with the FTC asking that Khan recuse herself from all matters related to the company because of 'her repeated proclamations that Amazon has violated the antitrust laws.' Khan and the FTC didn't respond to requests for comment. In the first article in this series, Reuters reported in February that 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 country's small retailers. That report triggered action by India's main financial crime-fighting agency, which sought information and documents from Amazon. In addition, the nation's antitrust watchdog submitted the story as an exhibit in a court battle with Amazon over its investigation into the company's alleged anti-competitive practices. The court rejected Amazon's request to halt the probe. 'We are committed to extending cooperation to all authorities in India and are confident about our compliance,' Amazon said in its statement to Reuters. Like many other retailers, Amazon views its own brands as a major driver of increased profitability. Private-brand products often have higher profit margins than normal retail brands because production and marketing costs can be lower. An internal email sent by Amazon executive Grandinetti to a group of company executives in December 2018 stated: 'We believe that over the next several years, Private Brands will be one of the most important growth and profitability drivers in the Consumer business.' Grandinetti added that company executives believed private brands 'can achieve 10% penetration' of the company's consumer business worldwide over the next five years. Introducing Amazon's own brands was especially critical in India. The company began its e-commerce foray there in 2013, and soon recorded millions of dollars in losses, one internal document shows. To make the business 'sustainable in the long run,' the 2016 Private Brands document notes, Amazon embarked on a strategy centered on introducing its existing private brands, such as AmazonBasics, and new ones tailored to India. The 2016 document stated a goal: offer Amazon's own goods in 20% to 40% of all product categories on Amazon.in within two years. Amazon would achieve profitability in its private-brand business by 'only launching products that will provide more margin than comparable reference brand products.' Amazon predicted private-brand sales would reach nearly $600 million by 2020 in India, according to a 2017 internal business strategy document. 'We will be amongst the Top 3 brands in each sub-category that we play in,' the document stated. Whether it achieved that sales goal isn't clear; Amazon doesn't disclose its private-brand sales in India. The company didn't comment on the strategic goals and other details from the documents reported in this article. An Amazon press release in 2018 revealed just how successful its private-brand business was becoming in India. Celebrating 'record sales' during an annual promotion, the release stated, 'Amazon Brands saw its best performance ever with 11X jump over last Great Indian Festival.' Today, Amazon.in lists thousands of Amazon-branded offerings from garbage bags, bed sheets and soap to air conditioners and televisions. According to the website, many are best-sellers. The documents also support criticism of Amazon laid out by Lina Khan (pictured), the new chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or FTC. Khan published a paper in 2017 that argued that Amazon's private-brand business raised anti-competitive concerns One key person involved in 2016 with Amazon's private-brand business in India was Amit Nanda, who later became a country director of the program, according to his LinkedIn profile. He holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, one of the nation's top business schools. Before joining Amazon in 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile, he worked at Citibank and the Indian arm of consumer-goods giant Unilever. As Amazon was reviewing its private-brand strategy in India in 2016, Amazon India employees had a meeting with Grandinetti. A long-time Amazon manager, at the time he was in charge of content for Kindle, the company's popular reading device. But Amazon had announced that he would soon lead its international consumer business, including India. During the meeting, Nanda was assigned various tasks, according to one Amazon document. Among them: The India private brands 'business should be large and profitable. Build for scale.' Nanda declined to comment for this story. With its population of 1.3 billion people and a growing middle class, India represents a huge and potentially lucrative market for Amazon. But it's also a country where foreign e-commerce players face a complex and protectionist regulatory regime. The country's brick-and-mortar retailers comprise an important political constituency for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Concerned that predatory pricing could hurt these merchants, India prohibits foreign e-commerce players from selling most goods directly to consumers, as they do in many other countries. Amazon and other foreign companies are restricted to operating an online marketplace of third-party sellers, with no one vendor allowed to hold an advantage over another. As a result, Amazon sells most of its private brands through other vendors. In launching its private-brand business, internal documents allegedly show how Amazon used its Indian website to gain a clear edge for its own products on the platform. The creation of its Solimo brand offers a case study. According to the internal documents, the word Solimo is derived from Solimoes - the name for the upper stretches of the Amazon River in Brazil. With the Solimo line, Amazon aimed to offer items that equalled or exceeded the quality of competing brands but were 10% to 15% cheaper, the 2016 Private Brands document shows. Amazon employees studied different product categories, and compared their overall market size with how well those segments were doing on Amazon.in. They then targeted categories such as home furnishings. Amazon found that furnishings was a $2 billion business in India - but its own website's three-month sales in mid-2014 totalled about $1 million. In its analysis, Amazon used a metric called 'glance views' that quantified which products were being viewed by customers on its website. Explaining why it zeroed in on glance views, the 2016 Amazon document noted that monitoring its India website traffic provides 'an opportunity to influence interested customers who are actively considering' a purchase in a product category. Amazon has said some of the data its private-brand teams use in launching products is public such as the website's rankings of best-selling merchandise. This is how Amazon described the system to a U.S. congressional subcommittee last year: 'Like anyone else at Amazon or in the general public, members of these teams can also visit Amazon's product detail pages to learn a product's best seller ranking and read customer reviews and star ratings to assess whether a product is selling well in Amazon's store.' But seven current and former Indian sellers on Amazon.in told Reuters they can't access internal sales data of rival brands offered on the website. Four of the sellers said they can access glance views, but only for their own products. Amazon has access to more data on sellers, including the number of product units shipped and details about customer returns, the 2016 document shows, giving it an advantage in market intelligence. Amazon's own use of the data to develop and promote its private-brand products 'destroys the level playing field,' said one current seller, who asked to remain anonymous. Amazon said in its statement that it 'does not give preferential treatment to any seller on its marketplace.' The company also said it 'identifies selection gaps based on customer preferences at an aggregate level only and shares this information with all sellers.' Once Amazon's private-brand employees had decided which categories to enter, they reviewed sales and customer-review data on Amazon.in to identify 'reference' or 'benchmark' brands to 'replicate,' the 2016 private-brand document showed. In the case of Solimo, the 2016 document reportedly stated that to ensure the brand's goods meet 'customer requirements in terms of performance we identify and replicate these reference products.' Amazon had no comment on the Solimo project. Amazon's strategy also called for manufacturers of its private-brand products to use other companies' goods as models to develop samples for pre-production testing. Amazon is under investigation in the United States, Europe and India for alleged anti-competitive practices that hurt other businesses. In India, the allegations include unfairly favouring its own branded merchandise. Pictured: Jeff Bezos with Amazon India Chief Amit Agarwal on January 12, 2020 Among the brands Amazon employees planned to 'benchmark,' the document states, were American ones 'Old Navy/GAP' men's shirts. The document does not indicate whether the employees followed through. Gap Inc, which owns the Old Navy and Gap brands, declined to comment. The rival products Amazon targeted also included other brands popular in India. For pots and pans, a 'reference brand' was Prestige, one of India's largest kitchen-equipment companies. For men's shirts, the benchmarks included Peter England and Louis Philippe, both made in India by conglomerate Aditya Birla Group. Amazon also targeted John Players, a menswear brand then owned by Indian conglomerate ITC Ltd. Chandru Kalro, managing director of TTK Prestige, which owns the Prestige brand in India, told Reuters, 'We have no knowledge of us being a 'reference brand' for Amazon and we don't know what it means to be an Amazon reference brand.' Aditya Birla Group declined to comment. ITC did not respond to a request for comment. In early 2016, Amazon private-brand employees were internally noting the success of Xessentia, a clothing brand they had launched on Amazon.in in partnership with a seller. The seller owned the brand; Amazon designed the products. Sales of Xessentia men's business shirts were surging, and in the first quarter of 2016 had become that category's second-most popular brand on the India site after the American brand Arrow, licensed to the Indian company Arvind Fashions. To create the Xessentia line, Amazon had used Louis Philippe as the benchmark brand, because it was 'premium and popular,' the 2016 document said. But something was amiss: Around one in every 12 Xessentia shirts was being returned in the first quarter of 2016 for sizing issues. More than 350 were returned because customers complained they were too small. Amazon employees conducted a 'deep dive,' the 2016 document reports, by poring over a year's worth of data from Amazon.in, including customer complaints and return numbers for Xessentia, Arrow and seven other brands. They found that a brand of men's business shirts in India called John Miller had far outsold Xessentia shirts, despite carrying 'a similar' average selling price. John Miller also had about half the rate of customer returns for 'quality issues.' The upshot: 'Our learning is that our customer is different from the Louis Philippe customer and doesn't prefer this fit,' the 2016 document stated. 'We concluded to follow the measurements of Business Shirt of John Miller for Xessentia because of wide acceptance with our customer base.' So Amazon revised the fit of Xessentia shirts to copy John Miller's sizing, matching it down to the neck, shoulder, armhole, sleeve and waist dimensions. Amazon didn't reply to questions about its Xessentia project. Arvind Fashions declined to comment. John Miller is a brand owned by retail mogul Kishore Biyani. Amazon and Biyani later became business partners in India, but had a falling out. Amazon is now embroiled in a legal battle with Biyani over the proposed sale of his retail assets to Reliance, which is run by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, considered India's wealthiest man. Ambani and Amazon are fierce rivals, with the Indian magnate in recent years launching his own e-commerce business. According to one current and two former Amazon employees, search seeding and search sparkles are digital techniques the company has used to direct customers to certain products (stock image) A spokesperson for Biyani's Future Group said the company was 'shocked and surprised' to learn that Amazon was using Indian brands to build its own. 'They are in a powerful position of being both an online marketplace operator and a seller and collector of data,' the spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. 'This is leading to misuse of consumer and seller data giving them the power to kill Indian entrepreneurs and their brands.' After the launch of Xessentia, Amazon introduced a brand of U.S.-and-European-style clothes in India called Symbol. 'For every product line identified for launch, we will identify an optimal reference brand based on customer reviews and size of business,' state the plans for Symbol and another private brand. 'The replication of the 'Fit' of this reference brand will be a crucial step in our product development process.' The Symbol brand is still going strong. On October 11, 11 of the top 25 best-selling men's formal shirts on Amazon.in carried the Symbol brand name. Amazon has been repeatedly accused in the United States of copying product designs. In 2018, home-goods retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc filed a federal lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the e-commerce giant of copying its proprietary designs for chairs, lamps and other products for an Amazon private brand called Rivet. 'Amazon has engaged in a systematic campaign of copying,' the lawsuit alleged. The exhibits filed in the case included pictures of similar-looking products from Amazon and a Williams-Sonoma brand. In court filings, Amazon denied the copying allegations. Last year, the two parties reached a confidential settlement. Both didn't comment about the case for this story. Joey Zwillinger, co-founder of Allbirds Inc, a San Francisco-based maker of sustainable footwear and apparel, told Reuters that around 2016 or 2017, Amazon began inviting his company to sell its goods on the e-commerce giant's platform. Allbirds said no. Then, in 2019, Amazon introduced a wool-blend sneaker that closely resembled a popular Allbirds wool shoe and sold for much less. Zwillinger said the Amazon product used cheaper material but that the design was so similar, 'it's hard to tell the difference in a silhouette.' Allbirds didn't sue. There are always subtle differences in designs, and copycat cases can be time-consuming, Zwillinger said. But he and Allbirds' other co-founder posted online a letter to Bezos, noting that the Amazon product was 'strikingly similar to our Wool Runner' sneaker. Writing that Allbirds was 'flattered at the similarities,' they offered to help Amazon use more sustainable materials in its product. Zwillinger told Reuters that they didn't receive a response. Amazon had no comment. In India, Amazon didn't just knock off products for itself. One of its employees suggested that another seller consider replicating a company's products. In 2020, Amazon India employee Aditi Singh advised Mohit Anand, who was then selling products on Amazon.in, on how he could succeed on the platform. She suggested that Anand 'replicate' a furniture company's products, according to a recording of a phone call reviewed by Reuters. Noting that an Indian furniture brand called DeckUp was selling well on Amazon.in, Singh suggested that if Anand were to 'replicate DeckUp's range' and charge lower prices, then the products 'will sell very well' on Amazon.in. Anand told Reuters that he didn't take the advice. Utheja Pulluri, DeckUp's founder and a former Amazon India employee, said that as long as the e-commerce giant was 'not sharing confidential data on us, I don't have a problem This appears to be business guidance, a generic insight.' Singh referred a Reuters request for comment to Amazon's public relations team. The company didn't comment. How high products rank when customers search the Amazon website is critical to online sellers' success. An internal document in 2017 noted that more than half of users' clicks on search results are for the products listed in the top eight. Amazon has said its search algorithms don't favour its private-brand products. Asked during the 2019 congressional hearing whether Amazon alters algorithms to direct consumers to its own goods, associate general counsel Nate Sutton replied: 'The algorithms are optimized to predict what customers want to buy regardless of the seller.' Yet the internal Amazon documents reportedly show that in India, Amazon manipulated search results to favour its own products. The company used a technique called 'search seeding' to boost the rankings of its AmazonBasics and Solimo brand goods, according to the 2016 private-brand report. Referring to Amazon's product codes known as ASINs, or Amazon Standard Identification Numbers the report stated: 'We used search seeding for newly launched ASINs to ensure that they feature in the first 2 or three ASINs in search results.' The document also referred to another technique that gave Amazon an edge: 'search sparkles.' 'We have aggressively used search sparkles on PC, Mobile and App to specifically promote Solimo products on relevant customer searches from 'All Product Search' and Category search,' the 2016 private-brand report said. According to one current and two former Amazon employees, search seeding and search sparkles are digital techniques the company has used to direct customers to certain products. Two of the sources said Amazon has used seeding to alter search rankings to boost products, such as new ones, whose sales are so low that there's insufficient data for the company's technology to rank them. Sparkles are banners that Amazon has planted above search results to direct customers to certain products the company wants to promote. While such tools have legitimate uses to assist online shoppers find certain hot new products, using search seeding to boost the rankings of Amazon's own products hurts rival merchants' sales on the platform, one of the former employees said. Search seeding and sparkles were both used to promote AmazonBasics products on the company's India platform, the 2016 document reveals. Within months of the launch of AmazonBasics in India in 2015, four of its products were '#1 Bestsellers in their category week after week,' the 2016 document said. It added that 'promos' were placed on 'detail pages of competitor products to direct traffic to AmazonBasics brands products.' Piyush Tulsian, a New Delhi retailer of computer accessories, told Reuters he used to earn about $1,500 a month selling mouse pads on Amazon.in made by Logitech International, which is headquartered in Switzerland. Then, about two years ago, he said he started noticing that his sales were dropping. He said he discovered that customers who viewed details about the Logitech mouse pad he was selling for $21 were shown an advertisement for an AmazonBasics pad that was about 60% cheaper. The Logitech product also began appearing much lower in search results, he said. 'It's very frustrating,' said Tulsian, who is 36. 'They are mistreating sellers.' He said he stopped selling the Logitech mouse pad on Amazon.in and was stuck with 150 unsold ones. Amazon had no comment. Logitech declined to comment. Controversy over the business practices of foreign e-commerce companies in India has heated up in recent months. In June, the government proposed draft regulations that threaten to impose further restrictions on Amazon and other e-commerce companies, including local players, after receiving complaints by consumers and traders of unfair business practices. The proposed rules could restrict Amazon and others from selling their own private-brand products in India. Later that month, India's commerce minister accused large e-commerce companies of flouting local laws and said he had observed 'a little bit of arrogance,' particularly by American ones. The other big platform in India is Flipkart, owned by American retail giant Walmart Inc. Flipkart didn't comment. In early July, Amazon announced it would introduce to India a program it already offers businesses elsewhere. Called the 'Intellectual Property Accelerator' program, it gives certain sellers on Amazon.in access to services provided by intellectual-property experts and law firms. One aim, Amazon said, is to help sellers 'protect their brands.' Police are appealing for information after a man with a walking stick was shoved to the ground when a violent brawl erupted on a busy high street in Liverpool on Thursday. Shoppers watched on in shock as groups of young men and women threw punches and kicked at each other on one of the city's busiest streets. Witnesses captured video footage of the fight - which is thought to have begun between five teenagers - at around 1.45pm near a McDonald's on Lord Street. A passerby later admitted how he held down one member of the group after seeing him kick a teenager in the head. Footage shows a man being shoved against a bin before being pinned to the ground during a brawl in the centre of Liverpool Thursday A man with a walking stick is also seen collapsing to the ground in the clip The man told Liverpool Echo how he heard a group of people arguing by the McDonalds before he saw three men, dressed in black, start kicking another man in a green coat in the head. He said: 'Three lads started attacking these two friends, a lad in a green coat and a girl, and they just wouldn't stop. 'I couldn't just walk past, so I grabbed one of the lads wearing black and held him down. 'For people commenting saying "let them get on with it", I couldn't. That could have been my son.' The father added that the fight continued up the street and that he and another person tired to break it up before police arrived ten minutes later. In the clip, a large crowd of people can be seen shoving one another while someone in a green coat is seen on the floor. The fighting continues before a man using a walking stick is seen collapsing to the ground while some of the troublemakers flee the scene. Onlookers can be heard shouting and screaming while some actively try to break up the fighting. Later a man appears to be shoved into a blue bin before being attacked while on the ground. One of the men, dressed in a black coat and shorts, can be heard saying: 'F****** come on then'. A woman in a red coat can then be heard saying: 'Stop it, enough', as she attempts to calm the situation. Other people join in by declaring: 'Enough!' while one man can be seen holding a person on the ground by his shoulders - believed to be the passerby who admitted to intervening. Witnesses captured video footage of the fight - which is thought to have begun between five teenagers - at around 1.45pm near a McDonald's on Lord Street At the end of the video a woman can be heard saying 'grow up' as shoppers with bags look on in shock. Merseyside Police told Mail Online: 'We are appealing for information after it was reported a fight broke out between youths in Liverpool city centre yesterday afternoon. 'Just before 1.45pm, it was reported males and females were involved in the disturbance at the junction of Church Street and Whitechapel. 'Several of those involved reportedly made off on foot in the direction of the Met Quarter. 'Officers attended and located a female victim, who declined to provide details and left the area, and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.' Anyone with information is urged to contact officers on social media or by calling 101 with reference 21000714167. Witnesses can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The BBC was forced to air a `correction' live on air after it allowed a University of Sussex student union officer to accuse professor Kathleen Stock of supporting anti-transgender statements. On Wednesday's broadcast of BBC Politics Live presenter Jo Coburn interviewed Amelia Jones, the union's elected transgender and non-binary representative about the feminist academic at the centre of a free speech at universities row. During the programme, Ms Jones made a string of comments about Professor Stock, 48, including allegations that students had boycotted her classes before and stating she publicly supported a declaration to 'eliminate trans people in law'. The student union rep added there was 'strong feeling within the community' that transgender students at the University were 'unsafe' and felt 'intellectually threatened' by Professor Stock. But on the following day's broadcast of Politics Live, host Jo Coburn read out an official statement after Professor Stock rebuked Ms Jones' comments. It comes as public demonstrations by University of Sussex students are planned for this Saturday afternoon - after the gender expert was branded a 'transphobe' and posters were put up around campus demanding her resignation last week. Prof Stock, a trustee with activist group LGB Alliance - who have previously been accused of 'anti-trans' policies - has been advised by police not to visit campus, and teach her lectures online due to concerns for her safety. She has faced a torrent of online abuse, and been branded a 'terf' for writing that she disagreed with the 'transwomen are women' mantra, and calling for female safe spaces. The term 'terf', which stands for Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist, was levelled at JK Rowling after she disagreed with an online article describing 'people who menstruate'. Amelia Jones (above) Sussex University's elected transgender and non-binary representative said Professor Kathleen Stock publicly supported a declaration to 'eliminate trans people in law' She also stated there was 'strong feeling within the community' that transgender students at the University were 'unsafe' and felt 'intellectually threatened' by the gender expert Kathleen Stock, a professor at the University of Sussex, has been branded a 'transphobe' by trans rights groups amid a free speech row Further protests have been planned against Professor Stock at the University of Sussex Ms Jones told Politics Live on Wednesday: 'Professor Stock at Sussex, who has signed Women's declaration of sex-based rights which wants to eliminate trans people in law and wants to stop teaching of trans identities in British schools, I think when a professor like that is employed by a university the trans students feel that if someone holds those views there they do not feel safe with a professor holding those views. 'Feminists argued that universities have a duty to protect students and workers from sexual harrassment and other forms of discrimination in the classroom.' She reiterated trans students feel 'intellectually threatened' by Prof Stock, who is a trustee of LGB Alliance and suggested students have previously revolted against her. 'People have changed courses due to her, people have not attended her modules due to the strong disagreement with her views,' Ms Jones said on the programme. But an official statement from the BBC was broadcast live on Thursday's edition of the programme. 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 That statement read: 'We discussed the issue of freedom of speech on University campuses. We talked about the case of Kathleen Stock, an academic at the University of Sussex who is accused of transphobia. 'Yesterday, we spoke to a student union officer at the University who said Prof Stock had signed a declaration that wanted to eliminate trans people in law. 'Prof Stock has contacted us to point out that she supports the protection of gender reassignment, saying the text of the declaration she signed does not amount to the claim that trans people should be eliminated in law 'She said my arguments are about the precise legal form protections all trans people should take and how they interact with protections with other groups. 'I do not want to stop all teaching of trans rights or trans identities in British schools and I have never said this.' In April, Amelia Jones was elected as the University of Sussex's trans and non-binary representative. In her manifesto, Ms Jones accused the University's 'Trans Equality Policy' as being 'full of empty words' and promised to make curriculums on the teaching of trans issues more representative. She also claimed she would ensure 'Sussex stays a Stonewall diversity champion.' 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. Reacting to the BBC's correction, Professor Stock took to Twitter to say she was pleased that her views were now correctly represented. She wrote: 'Yesterday some false statements were made about me, unchallenged, on BBC Politics Live, by a student obviously unfamiliar with my body of work and views. Pleased to get a correction on the programme today.' Signs demanding the firing of Professor Stock been put up in the pedestrian tunnel connecting Falmer train station to the university's campus under the A27 Reacting to the BBC's correction, Professor Stock took to Twitter to say she was pleased that her views were now correctly represented The BBC has been contacted for comment. 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 last 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'. 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. A Dutch man who beat a British grandmother to death in her Spanish villa has been jailed for 25 years. Nicolas Pijnenborgh was sentenced to 23 years for Margaret McNulty's murder and two years and six months for robbing her of 500. A judge at an Elche court, near Alicante, jailed Pijnenborgh, 51, after a three-day trial last month in which he was found guilty by a jury. Margaret's children Cheryl Edmondson and David Parker were in court for the jury verdict. The Dutch handyman, who used an assumed name at the time, did odd jobs for his victim and had gone to her house in Granja de Rocamora near Elche the night of the murder to borrow money. Jurors heard how the 6ft, 16-stone brute subjected the 8st 9lbs, 5ft-2in OAP to a stomach-turning attack in order to steal just 500, which he spent with a friend that same night partying in bars and nightclubs. On November 16 2019, Pijnenborgh struck as Margaret's guard was down in her kitchen after watching her pull a 50 note out of a purse where she kept extra cash. Nicolas Pijnenborgh (pictured) was sentenced to 23 years for Margaret McNulty's murder and two years and six months for robbing her of 500 Margaret had emigrated to Spain in 2003 with her husband, who died two years later, from Heysham, Lancashire Pictured: Margaret's home in the small town of Granja de Rocamora, near Elche in Spain He grabbed Margaret, weeks away from her 71st birthday, round the neck and threw her on the kitchen floor before punching and kicking her repeatedly as well as stamping on her head, face and chest. Margaret, whose second husband died in a motorcycle accident two years after they emigrated to Spain in 2003 from Heysham, Lancashire, suffered multiple injuries including brain trauma, a broken jaw, several broken ribs, a fractured sternum, a broken spine and myocardial rupture. Pijnenborgh fled the scene but was arrested around two months later and held on remand in prison until his trial. He made a partial confession following his detention, but claimed he had suffered from memory loss after consuming crack cocaine and alcohol. Judge Joaquin Maria Orellana Piera, who delivered his sentence in a 51-page written ruling made public on Friday, revealed that Pijnenborgh had been arrested by police for a string of alleged street muggings on women in Spain between January and February 2018 and had 19 criminal convictions in the Netherlands for drugs and weapons possession. 'The killer was stronger and used the kitchen to ensure he was able to carry out his crimes. Margaret's daughter Cheryl (right) and son David (left) were both in attendance at court to witness Pijnenborgh's conviction 'His victim had no escape because she was surrounded by four walls and her only way out towards the street was through the dining room which her attacker had covered. 'His attack was so sudden, quick and intense that she had no possibility of defending herself,' Orellana said. The prosecutor told the nine-strong jury who sealed Pijnenborgh's fate in an opening court address: 'The accused, motivated by the intention of ending his victim's life, or at least fully conscious of the risk to her life his actions entailed, took advantage of the fact her back was turned. The lawyer said in court: 'Margaret's killer was motivated by the intention to obtain an illicit economic benefit at someone else's cost. He went to her house when he knew she'd be alone.' Margaret had been only weeks away from her 71 birthday when she was killed Margaret's son David, a 50-year-old process engineer from Morecambe, said after the guilty verdict on September 17: 'The last two years have been the most harrowing and hardest of my life. 'We've had to fight from day one to get information on what happened to my mum and what was happening with the court investigation. 'We weren't even told she had been murdered for nearly a couple of weeks and just before we were due to cremate her in line with her wishes. 'We ended up having to bury her so they'd release mum's body. 'Mum was loving it in Spain. She wanted to spend the rest of her life here.' Daughter Cheryl, 49, who lives in Marloes, added: 'We adored our mum. She was the backbone of the family. 'It makes me sick to know how badly that horrible, evil man hurt mum. 'I can't understand how a human being could do something like this to another person. After the jury's guilty verdict, Pijnenborgh's defence lawyer asked the judge to show clemency and sentence him to just five years in prison for Margaret's murder and six months for robbing her. As well as being jailed for more than 25 years, he has also been ordered to pay Margaret's grown-up children 120,000 (101,000) each in compensation. The total jail sentence he has received is just short of the 29-year term a state prosecutor said he was seeking after jurors convicted Pijnenborgh of murder and robbery. A British Army officer has been thrown out the military and given a criminal record after fraudulently claiming 39,000 expenses for his sons' boarding school fees. Marcus Heslop, a major in the Royal Tanks Corps, was given a 15-month suspended sentence in June this year after pleading guilty to two charges of fraud over false claims for the Army's Continuing Education Allowance. He was also dismissed from the Army - which he joined as a teenager over three decades ago - and handed a 39,000 compensation order before it was withdrawn. Heslop, who had two sons at boarding school, falsely claiming the allowance, which is intended to cover boarding school fees when an officer is accompanied by his partner overseas and their children remain in the UK. His two sons were boarding at Gordon's School in Surrey - a state-run school with a military history - which charges over 17,000 per year for full boarding. The 47-year-old initially applied for the allowance in good faith, saying his wife would be joining him when he deployed overseas to Germany in 2017. But Heslop later failed to disclose his wife had not joined him at his new post because their marriage was under increasing strain. Marcus Heslop (pictured), a major in the Royal Tanks Corps, was given a 15-month suspended sentence in June this year after pleading guilty to two charges of fraud over false claims for the Army's Continuing Education Allowance Last week, London's Criminal Appeal Court upheld his bid to get the 39,000 compensation order overturned. The court heard the officer in total claimed 39,439. 'In clear breach of his obligation he didn't notify (the Army) of the fact that he was not 'serving accompanied',' Lord Justice Holroyde told the court. 'He continued claiming the allowance until March 2019 when he was interviewed by the Royal Military Police.' Heslop had come under increasing pressure due to marital problems and 'felt his sons needed to be protected by remaining in boarding school,' the court heard. Lord Justice Holroyde told the court he had 'sympathy for the human reality of the unhappy situation in which Heslop found himself when his wife decided she no longer felt able to accompany him to his new home'. His two sons were boarding at Gordon's School in Surrey (pictured) - a state-run school with a military history - which charges over 17,000 per year for full boarding Heslop had a stellar military career ahead of him before his dismissal, the court heard, having picked up several medals for his achievements along the way. He rose from the rank of trooper to become a full major and served with distinction in many of the world's worst conflicts - including Kosovo and Afghanistan. 'He came from an Army family and served for over 30 years man and boy rising through the ranks,' said the judge. 'His abilities and achievements received high praise from his superior officers, with further promotion confidently predicted. 'It's a very sad feature of this case that his years of service for his country ended in such a way.' Heslop was handed his 15-month sentence, suspended for 22 months, and dismissed from the Army after admitting two counts of fraud at Bulford Military Court in June. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours' unpaid work and hit with a 90-day curfew. On top of this he was made to pay 39,000 in compensation. Heslop was handed his 15-month sentence, suspended for 22 months, and dismissed from the Army after admitting two counts of fraud at Bulford Military Court in June Major becomes the THIRD high-ranking military serviceman to be prosecuted for misusing taxpayer's money In a similar case earlier this year, Major General Nick Welch became the most senior top brass officer to be court martialed since 1815. He was convicted of dishonestly claiming almost 50,000 in allowances to cover his children's boarding school fees. He was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Judge Advocate General Alan Large said the panel of senior officers sentenced Welch 'on the basis the defendant behaved dishonestly throughout'. Meanwhile MBE-winning major Lloyd Hamilton illegally claimed taxpayers' money to send his children to one of the UK's most expensive boarding schools. Hamilton used the cash to send his two children to the 49,875 a year Queen Elthelburga's Collegiate in Yorkshire and was convicted of fraud. Advertisement Heslop, who is now working in security, challenged the financial penalty in the Appeal Court, branding it 'wrong in principle'. His barrister, Matthew Bolt, argued the MoD could not claim it had suffered a financial loss, because Heslop might well have received the payout anyway. After a brief court hearing, Lord Justice Holroyde, sitting with two other appeal judges, backed Heslop's case on the compensation. 'It seems to us that if he had honestly disclosed his change in circumstances, it is certain - or virtually certain - that the (awards) would have been made totalling 39,000,' he said. 'In our view, the evidence and the information available to the court shows that the appellant may have brought about his own ruin by resorting to a dishonest claim where he would have been awarded the same amount if the true facts had been disclosed by him.' In a similar case earlier this year, Major General Nick Welch became the most senior top brass officer to be court martialed since 1815. He was convicted of dishonestly claiming almost 50,000 in allowances to cover his children's boarding school fees. He was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Judge Advocate General Alan Large said the panel of senior officers sentenced Welch 'on the basis the defendant behaved dishonestly throughout'. Meanwhile MBE-winning major Lloyd Hamilton illegally claimed taxpayers' money to send his children to one of the UK's most expensive boarding schools. Hamilton used the cash to send his two children to the 49,875 a year Queen Elthelburga's Collegiate in Yorkshire and was convicted of fraud. Mexico City prosecutors want to bring criminal charges against companies and individuals for the construction and design defects that caused an elevated subway line to collapse in May, killing 26 people. Ernestina Godoy, the city attorney general, said studies found that construction defects like poor welds and missing connection studs caused the collapse. She said bad design also played a role. Ms Godoy did not identify individuals who will face charges of homicide, causing injury and damages. Mexico City prosecutors want to bring criminal charges against companies and individuals for the construction and design defects that caused an elevated subway line to collapse in May An aerial view shows the site of a metro train accident after an overpass partially collapsed The subway carriage was left dangling in the air after the crash which killed 26 people in Mexico in May But in the case of the companies involved, Ms Godoy said the goal of the criminal charges will aimed at making them pay for or repair damage both to the subway and the victims. Criminal charges against individuals could result in prison sentences. The results of the prosecutors' report are similar to the conclusions presented by the private Norwegian certification firm DNV in September. Both reports cited poorly-welded, badly-located and completely missing studs that were intended to join steel support beams to a concrete layer supporting the track bed. But the prosecutors also cited bad welds in steel beams underlying the concrete track bed that either failed to adhere or split. Rescuers transport an injured person on a stretcher near Olivos station in southeast Mexico City A trailer takes away one of the train cars that crashed after the train overpass collapsed A car is seen squashed under the collapsed overpass Cable wires were place on a train car (left) to keep it from crashing to the ground while another wagon (right) dangles from the track Steel struts intended to stiffen the metal beams were too short or not properly attached, and the elevated line was not designed with enough of a safety margin. The defects distorted the train line's framework, leading to "fatigue cracks" that reduced the structure's ability to bear weight. The 1.3 billion-dollar (949 million) Line 12 of Mexico City's metro system was built between 2010 and 2012 when current foreign affairs secretary Marcelo Ebrard was the capital's mayor. Mr Ebrard is seen as one of the likely contenders to succeed president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Ernestina Godoy, the city attorney general, said studies found that construction defects like poor welds and missing connection studs caused the collapse Emergency workers rushed to the site, in the southeast of Mexico City, but were temporarily called off amid warnings the train is unstable and could collapse further Rescue workers carry a body out from underneath a train that collapsed on to a highway in Mexico City The project was plagued by cost overruns and alleged design flaws, as well as suspected corruption and conflicts of interest. The city was forced to close the line in 2014, just 17 months after it was inaugurated, so tracks could be replaced or repaired. The section that collapsed has remained closed since May. Some companies involved in the original construction have since argued that heavier ballast and other changes and repairs over the years may have added too much weight to the elevated line, or that it might have been weakened by Mexico City's frequent earthquakes. CNN anchor Don Lemon has denied the network 'lied' about Joe Rogan's Covid-19 treatment after it said that the popular podcast host took 'horse dewormer'. Lemon's comments came after Rogan forced CNN's chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta to admit that the network should have never described his prescribed Ivermectin COVID treatment in such a way. In a clip from Wednesday's 'The Joe Rogan Experience' that went viral, Rogan grilled Gupta about CNN's coverage of his use of the drug after he was diagnosed with Covid-19, which he claims he recovered from in five days. Following the release of the podcast, Gupta made an appearance on 'Don Lemon Tonight,' in which the CNN anchor fiercely defended the network. '[Rogan] did say something about ivermectin that I think wasn't actually correct about CNN and lying,' Lemon began in reference to the podcast. 'Ivermectin is a drug that is commonly used as a horse dewormer. So it is not a lie to say that the drug is used as a horse dewormer. I think that's important- and it's not approved for COVID, correct?' CNN anchor Don Lemon (pictured left) has denied the network lied about Joe Rogan's Covid-19 treatment after it said that the popular podcast host took 'horse dewormer' in a discussion with CNN's chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta (right) who appeared on the 'The Joe Rogan Experience' on Wednesday 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 'That's right,' Gupta replied. 'It is not approved for COVID and you're right, even the FDA put out a statement saying basically reminding people- it's a strange sort of message FDA, but said 'You're not a horse, you're not a cow, stop taking this stuff' is essentially what they said referring to ivermectin. Now, I think Joe's point is that- Lemon interjected: 'That it's been approved for humans but not necessarily for COVID, right?' 'That's correct,' Gupta continued. 'It's been used for a parasitic disease- it's called river blindness and it's been very effective for that, but, you know, just because it works for one thing doesn't mean it works for something else.' Gupta appeared on Rogan's Spotify podcast on Wednesday, and after a tense back-and-forth, eventually agreed that the anti-parasite drug, which was prescribed to Rogan by a doctor, should never have been described on CNN as a horse de-wormer. Despite his insistence that CNN never lied about how it characterised Rogan's use of the drug, Lemon's show used an on-air graphic last month that said: 'Joe Rogan announces he has COVID, is taking horse dewormer ivermectin.' During a panel discussion on the issue, Lemon also told CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner that Rogan 'took the deworming drug ivermectin that's been touted by fringe right-wing groups.' Reiner hit out at Rogan, saying the host is 'promoting kind of a crazy jumble sort of folk remedies and internet-prescribed drugs. He's not helping matters when he's promoting this sort of nonsense therapeutic mix.' Joe Rogan and CNN's Dr Sanjay Gupta debated the coverage of the anti-parasite drug Ivermectin in Wednesday's 'The Joe Rogan Experience' In response to a clip of Lemon talking with Gupta, Substack journalist Glenn Greenwald jumped to Rogan's defense, writing: 'There is zero ambiguity they lied about Joe Rogan.' 'They told viewers he took horse dewormer: a 100% lie. He took the human version of ivermectin prescribed by his medical doctor,' Greenwald tweeted out on Thursday. 'But as I said, lying is not frowned upon at CNN: it's encouraged.' 'It's true that ivermectin is not approved for treatment of COVID. That has nothing with the lie CNN told. They said Rogan took horse dewormer. He didn't. And CNN and Don Lemon are such little people, with so little integrity, they can't admit they lied,' he added angrily. The network was one of many critics of the podcast host taking the drug, which has been approved to treat parasites in humans and animals. Former UFC commentator and Spotify star, Rogan, 54, also 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 tweet telling people: 'You are not a horse, you are not a cow. Seriously, y'all, stop it'. 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 Organization's '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. A stepmother killed a six-year-old boy before telling a 999 call handler 'he's knocked himself out', a court has heard. Arthur Labinjo-Hughes was allegedly murdered by his father and his partner after enduring months of abuse. Emma Tustin, 32, and Thomas Hughes, 29, are said to have subjected Arthur to systematic cruelty 'designed to torture' the youngster. Arthur was allegedly deprived of food, made to stand in a hallway for 14 hours a day and poisoned with salt before being killed at his home near Solihull, West Midlands. At a trial in Coventry, jurors were today played a 999 call made by Tustin 12 minutes after prosecutors claim she assaulted him in a hallway in June last year. Emma Tustin (pictured), 32, and Thomas Hughes, 29, are said to have subjected Arthur to systematic cruelty 'designed to torture' the youngster Arthur Labinjo-Hughes (pictured) was allegedly murdered by his father and his partner after enduring months of abuse In the frantic call, Tustin told the operator that Arthur was 'barely breathing' and had 'lost colour' after banging his head 'on the floor about five times'. After being told to take a 'deep breath' by the call handler, Tustin continues: 'We've been having a little bit of trouble with him for the last couple of months. 'Basically he's threw himself on the floor, he's headbutted the floor. I'm trying to pick him up in the process. He's headbutted me in the process.' She then added: 'Obviously I've seen the lump on his head, he's done to himself. 'It's a big bang, he's knocked himself out. He is breathing but he's barely breathing.' Paramedics were called to the family home on June 16 last year. They restarted Arthur's heart and rushed him to Birmingham Children's Hospital. He died the following day from 'unsurvivable brain injuries', the court heard. Prosecutors allege Tustin murdered the youngster and that Hughes 'intentionally encouraged' the killing. Arthur (pictured) was allegedly deprived of food, made to stand in a hallway for 14 hours a day and poisoned with salt before being killed at his home near Solihull, West Midlands Tustin has pleaded guilty to one count of child cruelty but denies further charges of the same offence. Hughes denies all charges. The trial was shown CCTV footage from a living room camera as lifeless Arthur was carried in from the hallway, where it is alleged he was attacked. The cameras showed him lying prone and lifeless on a sofa. He was then moved onto the floor as Hughes carried our 999 instructions on how to perform rescue breaths and chest compressions. Earlier in the trial, jurors were told that Arthur's injuries were consistent with being shaken and having his head banged repeatedly against a hard surface. Tustin is alleged to have recorded more than 200 audio files of her stepson while he was in 'various stages of distress'. In one, Arthur said: 'Please help me, help me uncle, they're not feeding me, I need some food and a drink.' Hughes (left) is accused of forcing his son to endure 'physical and psychological' abuse in the weeks before his death On June 15, a day before Arthur was allegedly fatally assaulted, Hughes told Tustin to 'gag' the schoolboy after she complained about his 'backchatting'. Tustin sent a text: 'Backchatting. A joke. Threw himself on the floor and everything. Shouting abuse. Still screaming.' Hughes replied: 'Just gag him or something. Tie some rope around his mouth with a sock in it or something.' He continued: 'He wants to hope that by the time I get back he's thought about how much of a c*** he is and wants to think about apologising.' Hughes then added: 'Kid's getting ended when I get back'. He also said on WhatsApp: 'Just ask T to dig Arthur's grave for me please.' Arthur, who died at Birmingham Children's Hospital on June 17, 2020, had been in the full-time care of Mr Hughes after his mother, Olivia Labinjo-Halcrow, was accused of killing her new partner, Gary Cunningham, in February 2019. She was jailed for 11 years in July this year after being found guilty of manslaughter. The trial continues. Annastacia Palaszczuk has been labelled 'tone deaf' for boasting that Queensland has more freedoms than NSW and Victoria because of her state's 'hard work'. The state leader on Friday afternoon tweeted a graphic directly comparing regional travel, community sport and home gathering rules between the eastern states. She boasted how 100 people could gather in homes in Queensland compared to none in Victoria and only 10 in NSW - both of which have battled crippling Delta outbreaks and months-long lockdowns. The post came just hours after new NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet declared his state would be scrapping all forms of quarantine for vaccinated travellers returning to Australia from November 1. 'Its important to understand the freedoms were enjoying here in Queensland due to everyones hard work,' Ms Palaszczuk wrote above the graphic - which also featured her name at the bottom in large capital letters. Annastacia Palaszczuk has been savaged as 'insensitive', 'tone deaf' and 'childish' on social media for boasting that Queensland has more freedoms than New South Wales or Victoria The Queensland Premier tweeted this maroon graphic on Saturday directly comparing the eastern states Ms Palaszczuk's blunt comparisons appeared to be a reaction to new NSW Premier Dominic Perrottett declaration on Friday that Sydney is Australia's 'truly only global city' The post drew an angry response from Australians who took issue with the competitive nature of the post, saying it read like a scorecard. Many pointed out the Queensland government has not shown much freedom to family members split by state borders, while others were angry the premier didn't seem to have much empathy for the fact all Aussies have done it tough this year, regardless of which state they lived in. 'I dont want 100 people in my home. I want to see my Mum in NSW. Id also like my friend stuck in Victoria who went to his mothers funeral to be able to get home,' one mum-of-two replied. 'Tell me who has a 100 people around at their place on a regular basis? This is nonsense,' wrote another commenter. 'Border closures are keeping families apart,' wrote one person from Melbourne. 'Not everyone lives in the same state as their families.' Another Melbourne-based commenter called Ms Palaszczuk's tweet 'tone deaf'. 'Adding in "due to everyones hard work" makes it seem like youre suggesting Victoria and NSW have just let this happen to us,' they said. Twitter followers responded to Annastacia Palaszczuk's tweet on Friday with hundreds of withering replies One British-based commenter said Ms Palaszczuk sounded 'ridiculous'. 'Everyone else in this country is moving on from Covid and learning how to live alongside it,' they wrote. 'Restrictions on NSW and Victoria will all be lifted very soon and international travel will begin with no quarantine.' Some commenters though praised the Queensland premier for her strong response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Hotel quarantine is a thing of the past. We are opening Sydney and New South Wales to the world, and that date will come in on November 1st,' NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Friday One Queensland musician wrote that Ms Palaszczuk deserved 'credit'. 'You do deserve credit where credit is due. Although I'm always critical, you have actually done a lot of great work on keeping the freedom and creating no division in the state.' 'You actually fulfil your promises and care about the people.' The reaction comes after Ms Palaszczuk was forced to backflip on a stubborn decision to force six-year-old boy with cerebral palsy to quarantine in a hotel room after life-saving surgery in the United States. Lenny Silveira (pictured) has finally been allowed to quarantine at home after major brain surgery The young boy's father Fabio (above) said he was relieved the government had backed down Sunshine Coast youngster Lenny Silveira remained holed up in hotel quarantine in Sydney with his dad Fabio after the pair returned to Australia last Friday. The six-year-old was denied numerous exemptions by Queensland Health to be reunited with his mum and two siblings by quarantining at home, which goes against doctor's orders for his recovery. Ms Palaszczuk's Twitter post appeared to be a reaction to Mr Perrottet's declaration on Friday that Sydney is Australia's 'truly only global city' as the first state to officially re-open. 'I want those from other states who want to come back [from overseas] to come through Sydney,' he said on Friday. 'If you are a returning Australian and want to come here, stay in New South Wales and stay in Sydney.' Some commenters praised the Queensland premier for her strong response to the Covid-19 pandemic 'Have a great time here before you home and spend up big. Help our small businesses and the fact that we will be the only city and state open to the world is going to be boom time for New South Wales.' Victoria on Friday revealed NSW residents from 'red zones' would be allowed to cross into the state without quarantining but made no changes to its international border. Qantas announced it will restart international flights two weeks earlier than planned after announcements by the NSW and Federal governments. Meanwhile Queensland continues to lock out residents from NSW and Victoria and is showing no urgency to open its borders to the rest of the world. While Mr Perrottet got away with his shamelessly pro-home state rhetoric, he could arguably afford it with the immediate future looking very bright for NSW. Suleman is charged with allegedly travelling from the UK to Turkey to join IS He appeared at the Old Bailey accused of 'preparing acts of terrorism' Suleman, 25, is charged with allegedly being an Islamic State member An alleged member of so-called Islamic State has appeared at the Old Bailey. Shabazz Suleman, 25, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was arrested at Heathrow airport on September 29 and charged over his alleged activities in Syria dating back to 2014. He is accused of preparing acts of terrorism by travelling from the UK to Turkey in order to join IS in August 2014. The ex-grammar school boy is also charged with belonging to IS, a proscribed organisation, between 2014 and 2017 and receiving training in the use of firearms. Shabazz Suleman will go on trial after appearing at the Old Bailey earlier today accused of 'preparing acts of terrorism' Suleman was arrested at Heathrow airport in September and spoke only to confirm his when he appeared at the Old Bailey (above). He was remanded in custody On Friday, the defendant, who attended The Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, appeared at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing via video link from Belmarsh prison. Mr Justice Sweeney said his case would be heard by the Recorder of London at the Old Bailey. A plea hearing was set for February 11 next year with a provisional trial from September 12 next year. The defendant, who spoke only to confirm his identity, was remanded into custody. The Biden administration said it plans to reinstate a Trump-era border policy next month to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court, complying with a judge's order. It hinges on approval of the Mexican government, which has raised concerns that U.S. officials are working to address, the Justice Department said in a court filing late Thursday. Mexico wants cases to generally conclude within six months and ensure that asylum-seekers have timely and accurate information about hearing dates and times and better access to legal counsel. The Biden administration said it plans to reinstate a Trump-era border policy next month to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court. Here border agents in Roma, Texas process a line of migrants who crosssed over from Mexico An area where about 14,000 migrants, many from Haiti, were camping out along the Del Rio International Bridge. The Trump-era law had migrants stay in Mexico while their asylum claims were being processed Mexico also wants exemptions for 'particularly vulnerable populations' and better coordination on locations and times of day that asylum-seekers are returned to Mexico. About 70,000 asylum-seekers have been subject to the 'Remain in Mexico' policy, known officially as 'Migrant Protection Protocols,' which President Donald Trump introduced in January 2019 and Biden suspended on his first day in office. A federal judge sided with the states of Texas and Missouri by ordering the Biden administration in August to reinstate the policy 'in good faith.' The court filing says it should be in effect around mid-November. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas, a Trump appointee, left open the possibility that the administration could try again to end the policy, and officials say they will release a plan soon that they hope will survive legal scrutiny. U.S. Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas ended the policy in June after an internal review, saying it achieved 'mixed effectiveness.' Illegal border crossings fell sharply after Mexico, facing Trump's threat of higher tariffs, acquiesced in 2019 to the policy's rapid expansion. Asylum-seekers were victims of major violence while waiting in Mexico and faced a slew of legal obstacles, such as access to attorneys and case information. The administration will rebuild tent courts in Texas border cities of Laredo and Brownsville at a monthly cost of $24.6 million to operate, according to the court filing, and is working to ensure there is capacity in a system that is backlogged with 1.4 million cases. Mexico's Foreign Relations Department said Thursday that it has concerns about asylum-seekers getting fair treatment in court under the policy, having access to legal counsel and being safe. Mexico said it also has raised questions about another U.S. policy to expel migrants without a chance to seek asylum. Trump invoked those powers, known as Title 42 authority, in March 2020 on grounds of preventing spread of the coronavirus. The Biden administration has strongly defended the special powers. President Joe Biden's administration tried to scrap Trump's 'remain in Mexico' policy but a federal judge sided with the red states of Missouri and Texas 'Mexico will continue discussion with the U.S. executive branch, with the aim of achieving a regional migration policy that is safe, orderly and regulated,' the Foreign Relations Department said. U.S. officials say the renewed 'Remain in Mexico' policy will be applied to people who don't qualify for Title 42 authority. The policy was last used largely on people from Spanish-speaking countries but officials say eligible nationalities have not been determined. Broad outlines of the reinstated policy come as the Biden administration has yet to develop the 'humane' asylum system that the president promised during his campaign after quickly dismantling many Trump policies. Illegal border crossings have soared under Biden's watch, with record numbers of unaccompanied children and, in September, the arrival of about 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants at a camp in Del Rio, Texas. Homeland Security said in a statement that it 'remains committed to building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system that upholds our laws and values.' Police are hunting a Church of England vicar who brought the M25 to a standstill with Insulate Britain after he failed to turn up at court on a criminal damage charge. Rev Mark Coleman, 62, was arrested after spraying messages on the windows of Tory MP Chris Clarkson before staging a sit in. He was due to attend Manchester Magistrates Court this week for his first appearance but a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to show. The warrant was not backed for bail meaning Coleman, of Falinge, Rochdale, will be locked up when found pending his next appearance in court. No reason was given for the clergyman's no-show on Wednesday but his Twitter account showed a picture of him in London on Tuesday burning court injunction papers served on him following his protest group's blocking of the M25 motorway. He had no solicitor representing him at the hearing. He was tannoyed to attend but when there was no response JP Joe Bangudu said: 'In the case of Reverend Michael Coleman, the court will issue a warrant not backed by bail.' One repeat protester is retired reverend Mark Coleman, who stepped down as vicar and borough dean of Rochdale last year. He was seen at the first, on Monday 13, before returning to protest on Wednesday, 15. Mr Coleman was also involved in yesterday's Insulate Britain protest at junction 10. Coleman, who was the former vicar of St Chad's and St Mary's churches in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was reported to police in March after staging his demo. He modelled it on the protest scene in the 2016 Ken Loach movie I, Daniel Blake about a middle aged carpenter's battle to get state handouts after injuring himself. The message scrawled on the windows of the constituency officers of Mr Clarkson in Heywood read: 'I, Mark Coleman am fed up with empty words and demand action on the climate.' Another said: 'Tell the truth, love, do justice' The clergyman, who was previously arrested at an Extinction Rebellion protest in 2019, sat on the pavement and waited at the scene for two hours for police to arrest him - but went home when officers did not turn up. Reverend Sue Parfitt (pictured bottom left) was back among the protesters on the M25 yesterday. She was joined by fellow religious leaders reverends Mark Coleman (pictured front second left), 62, Tim Hewes (second row right), 71, and father Martin Newell, 54 (pictured front row right) He later wrote an open letter to Mr Clarkson in which he made reference to his Christian faith and fears for his newly born grandchild. He also offered to clean the chalk paint off the windows but it is thought Mr Clarkson's aides alerted officers and he was charged later with causing 50 of damage to the window panes. At the time Coleman said: 'I now have a grandchild and am terrified of what we are passing on to the next generation. 'I've just had enough of the government saying they're leading the field when a committee of MPs have found they don't even have a plan on how to do it. It's reckless and irresponsible. 'The future of everything and everyone we love is at stake, we can't afford to not do this, and if it takes doing things like this to get some action, then I'll keep on doing it, and I think other people should do too.' Coleman attended the 36,000 a year Merchiston Castle boarding school in Edinburgh before graduating in law at Kent University and getting a master's degree in Theology. He was ordained in 2000 and served as a rector in West Derby, Liverpool before moving to Rochdale in 2014 where he was made vicar and Borough Dean. He announced his retirement in February last year due to Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with several years ago. In a statement Mr Clarkson said: 'Activists from Extinction Rebellion vandalised the exterior of my office. The matter has been reported to the police which the correct way to deal with criminal damage.' THE MANY CONFESSIONS OF ALEX MURDAUGH WHAT HE HAS CONFESSED TO Stealing money from his law firm Stealing from housekeeper's sons Arranging his own death by hitman for a life-insurance payout scam WHAT HE STILL DENIES Murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul Advertisement Alex Murdaugh's attorney made a desperate attempt to clear his name on Friday in a bizarre interview where he said his client knows he is going to prison for financial crimes, did 'stupid, illegal things' because he is a drug addict - but insisted he is not behind his wife and son's murders. Murdaugh, the 53-year-old patriarch of a South Carolina dynasty family, was arrested in Florida on Thursday. He waived his right to an extradition hearing on Friday, returning to South Carolina voluntarily, where he will appear at a bond hearing next week. He has been charged with stealing $3 million from the kids of his housekeeper - Gloria Satterfield, 57, who died after a mysterious fall at their home in 2018. The kids were awarded $4 million after a wrongful death lawsuit but they say Alex stole $3 million and the remaining $1 million went to legal fees. Murdaugh is also being considered a person of interest in the June murders of his wife Maggie, 52, and 22-year-old son Paul, who were found shot dead in an 'execution' style killing at the family property in June, but he has not been charged in their deaths. On Friday, his attorney Dick Harpootlan appeared on Good Morning America in an effort to dispel what he called 'hysterical theories' about his client and painted him as a desperate, drug addict - but not a murderer. Harpootlan said Murdaugh does not deny financial crimes, would 'address them' at a bond hearing next week, and that he is 'reconciled' with the fact that he is going to prison for them. 'Obviously the financial issue is something he regrets. He is going to try to right every wrong, financial wrong... he is reconciled to the fact he is going to prison. 'He understands that. He is a lawyer - he gets it,' he said. However, he strongly denied that his client is a murderer and said he had no 'knowledge or involvement' in the murders of his wife and son. 'He has a long-term, OxyContin addiction which put him in a position where he did these stupid illegal things. Scroll down for video On Friday, his attorney Dick Harpootlan appeared on Good Morning America in an effort to dispel what he called 'hysterical theories' about his client and paint him as a desperate, drug addict - but not a murderer Alex Murdaugh, 53, was arrested on Thursday for stealing $3million from a settlement awarded to the sons of his housekeeper who died in a mysterious fall at his home in 2018 GMA EXCLUSIVE: Alex Murdaughs attorney Dick Harpootlan speaks one-on-one with @GStephanopoulos as his client faces new charges. https://t.co/hEVFbfERji pic.twitter.com/yw5CpzsIuM Good Morning America (@GMA) October 15, 2021 'They keep trying to pound that square peg in a round hole. Someone out there is responsible for the horrible, almost execution-style deaths of Maggie and Paul. 'It is not Alex.' Harpootlan says he is being wrongly suspected because he is the one who found Maggie and Paul dead. 'When the police show up and they find a dead wife and a dead son and a husband finds them, you know, most times, it's going to turn out to be the husband is involved. Maggie and Paul Murdaugh (left) were found shot dead at the family's home in June. No one has been arrested for their killings and Murdaugh's attorney insists he had nothing to do with them 'That [is] unfortunately the assumption SLED [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division] made that night.' Gloria Satterfield, 57, had been the Murdaugh housekeeper for about 25 years when she died following a mystery 'trip and fall' inside the Murdaugh family home in 2018 Harpootlan added that when he represented Paul in a 2019 case where he was accused of being responsible for the death of teenager Mallory Beach, all he saw was a happy family. 'All I saw was domestic tranquility, love and affection,' he said. The attorney said Alex wants to 'set the record straight' and clear up 'lies' that had been told in the media, including that Maggie consulted a divorce attorney before she was murdered. 'The reason I am on this show this morning is just the thirst for knowledge for this case has driven a number of outlets that are false.' He also sough to undermine comments made by Eddie Smith - the hitman Alex asked to shoot him in June, and also his cousin - in a botched suicide-by-hitman. Smith - who was arrested for the botched shooting - claimed earlier this week that the gun went off as Alex was trying to kill himself. He denied pulling the trigger. But Harpootlan says he is lying to get himself out of trouble. 'According to Alex, he met with Smith - Smith was his longtime drug dealer. He met with Smith on the side of the road, gave him the gun, said "I'm going to look like I broke down, drive by and shoot me" which is exactly what Smith did. He has a long-term, OxyContin addiction which put him in a position where he did these stupid illegal things 'Unfortunately, or fortunately, Smith's bullet did not penetrate his skull. It did fracture his skull... they had to put him in ICU. He suffered a bullet wound to the head. Eddie Smith is not telling the truth,' he said. The housekeeper, Satterfield, had been the employed by the Murdaughs for about 25 years when she died following a mystery 'trip and fall' inside the family home in 2018. Her sons sued the Murdaughs for wrongful death afterward and were awarded $4.3 million. But Alex somehow got his hands on the money, syphoning 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. Murdaugh in court last month over his botched plot to hire a hitman to kill him for an insurance windfall 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 claim 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 The remainder of the $4.3 million settlement is said to have been spent on legal fees. Alex has also been accused of stealing millions from his law firm. He resigned from the firm in September, just two days before asking Smith to kill him. Harpootlan said that he has known the family for years and that they 'enjoy success and privilege.' Alex's father was a prominent attorney in the area. He died, apparently of natural causes, just days after Maggie and Paul were found dead. 'The family enjoys status and financial success for over 100 years... with that privilege comes responsibility and Alex has forgotten that at some point,' his lawyer said. Alex said he bought the drugs from Smith, his cousin turned drug-dealer turned hitman. A childhood friend of the Manchester Arena bomb plotters will be forced to answer questions at the public inquiry into the atrocity next week or face arrest, a judge ruled today. Ahmed Taghdi, 29, helped buy the brothers a car which was later used to store components of the bomb which Salman Abedi used. He later assembled and detonated the bomb on May 22, 2017, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, murdering 22 bystanders and injuring hundreds more. Families of victims, along with chairman of the inquiry, Sir John Saunders, want Taghdi to give evidence at the public hearings next week. Ahmed Taghdi, 29, helped buy the brothers a car which was later used to store components of the bomb which Salman Abedi (pictured) later assembled and detonated on May 22, 2017, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, murdering 22 bystanders and injuring hundreds more And Mr Taghdi, along with Salman Abedi, had visited in jail convicted terrorist Abdalraouf Abdallah, who terror experts believe 'groomed' Salman into a radicalised Islamist extremist. Pictured: The Manchester bombing Taghdi, along with Salman Abedi, had visited convicted terrorist Abdalraouf Abdallah in jail. Terror experts believe the terrorist 'groomed' Salman into a radicalised Islamist extremist. Sir John has ordered Mr Taghdi to attend on Thursday but, through his lawyers, he has so far refused, even though he has the legal right to refuse to answer any questions that could incriminate himself. On Friday the matter went before Mr Justice Jacobs, sitting at the High Court in Manchester, with an application for a court order compelling Mr Taghdi to attend next Thursday and if he does not, to be arrested for breaking the order and brought to the inquiry hearing. And he said Mr Taghdi had fears over his own and his family's security if he appears as a witness and that having been questioned by police after the bombing and given a witness statement for the trial of Hashem Abedi, Salman's (pictured) co-conspirator younger brother, his evidence would have nothing to add Richard Wright QC, representing Mr Taghdi, opposed the application, telling the hearing his client was a vulnerable witness, suffering a 'mild to moderate depressive illness'. And he said Mr Taghdi had fears over his own and his family's security if he appears as a witness and that having been questioned by police after the bombing and given a witness statement for the trial of Hashem Abedi, Salman's co-conspirator younger brother, his evidence would have nothing to add. However, Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, said the criminal case was concerned with prosecuting Hashem Abedi, but the inquiry's scope was wider and Mr Taghdi would be a key witness for Sir John Saunders. Mr Greaney said: 'He has evidence of critical importance to give to the inquiry. He was a childhood friend of Salman Abedi and he is therefore singularly well placed to describe Abedi's journey towards radicalisation.' Families of victims, along with chairman of the inquiry, Sir John Saunders (pictured), want Mr Taghdi to give evidence at the public hearings next week He told the court the inquiry was also 'very interested' in what was discussed when Mr Taghdi and Salman Abedi visited Abdallah in prison. And he said he was a witness of 'considerable significance' adding that Mr Taghdi was seen to visit the area where the Nissan Micra car was kept in the five weeks Salman Abedi was in Libya before returning to collect the bomb components from the car and carry out the attack. Mr Greaney said Mr Taghdi had been given 'every chance' to co-operate with the inquiry but failed to do so. Mr Taghdi, from Manchester, was arrested and questioned after the bombing but never charged with any offence and denies involvement or knowledge of the bomb plot by Salman and his brother Hashem Abedi. Mr Justice Jacobs granted the application for the order, backed by an arrest warrant should he not attend. He added: 'It is beyond sensible argument that the respondent (Mr Taghdi) has relevant evidence he can give to the inquiry. 'It is justified in the circumstances of the present case so we will make the order which has been requested.' Abdalraouf Abdallah is due to give evidence next week, having initially declined to do so. Lawyers for Abdallah told the inquiry on Thursday he will not answer any questions if he is forced to attend. It is not yet known if any of them will attend the inquiry, which reconvenes on Monday. Former President Barack Obama will join President Joe Biden at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland next month as the U.S. tries to show its commitment to curbing climate change. Bloomberg reported Friday that Obama would travel to the conference, where he'll deliver remarks and meet with young climate activists. He'll be there to mark the five-year anniversary of the Paris climate agreement, signed during his time in office. Former President Barack Obama (left) will join President Joe Biden (right) at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland next month as the U.S. tries to show its commitment to curbing climate change The United States has given world leaders whiplash on its global warming priorities in recent years. After signing onto the Paris agreement, former President Donald Trump announced on June 1, 2017 that he would be pulling out of it. It took three years, however, to do so - with the United States officially withdrawing on November 4, one day after last year's presidential election. However, with Biden's win, the Democratic president announced the U.S. would be rejoining the agreement on inauguration day. Now, the Biden administration is trying to show that the U.S. can be a trusted partner again in the area of climate. Biden will spend two days at the COP26 conference after first flying to Rome to meet with Pope Francis and participate in the G20. The White House made Biden's meeting with the Pope official on Thursday. World leaders have been given whiplash by the U.S. in terms of climate change policy. Former President Donald Trump yanked the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement, only for Biden to announce the country would be rejoining on his inauguration day Biden has included a number of climate provisions in the Senate reconciliation bill, however an intraparty fight means the bill may still not be passed by the time he travels abroad. His climate envoy, former Secretary of State John Kerry, was tempering expectations for the summit when he spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday. He said he feared that nations would still fall short of making commitments needed to drastically cut carbon from the atmosphere. 'We will hopefully be moving very close to that though there will be a gap andwe've 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. 'By the time Glasgow's over, we're going to know who is doing their fair share, and who isn't,' Kerry said. Kerry also warned that inaction in the U.S. Congress would be 'like President Trump pulling out of the Paris agreement, again.' Biden's climate envoy, former Secretary of State John Kerry, told The Associated Press Wednesday that if Congress failed to act on climate: 'It would be like President Trump pulling out of the Paris agreement, again' UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly been warned that Xi Jinping will not be at the critical conference, which starts at the end of this month. But the former US president is planning to attend, the Prime Minister's office confirmed yesterday. Mr Obama will meet young activists and speak about the threat posed by climate change during his time in Scotland, his office said in a statement. The former president will also highlight the leadership of youngsters around the globe, and call for more action by governments, the private sector and charities. His attendance is said to be part of a strategy by the White House to dominate the meeting and show the US's commitment to battling global warming. President Xi's apparent decision not to attend could mean China refuses to offer new climate change targets. The success of the summit will depend on whether major polluters such as China, the US, India and Russia sign up to tougher goals. All countries are expected to publish new targets, known as nationally defined contributions, beforehand. But with just two weeks until the summit, only half of the G20 countries have put forward their plans. China and Saudi Arabia are said to be among those who have missed the deadline. If China fails to publish its own NDC, or sets one that fails to further reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, it could wreck the aim of limiting global warming to a rise of 1.5C. China is responsible for 27 per cent of global carbon emissions. President Xi attended the Paris climate summit in 2015, which agreed to limit global warming to considerably less than two degrees above pre-industrial levels. A Government source said there was increasing pessimism about how far China was prepared to move. 'It is now pretty clear that Xi is not going to turn up and the PM has been told that,' the insider told The Times. 'What we don't know is what stance the Chinese are going to take. They could go to the G20 [summit in Rome on October 30 to 31] with new commitments but that is now looking less likely. 'The truth is that unless China comes with new commitments we're not going to be able to keep 1.5 degrees alive.' A Whitehall official said President Xi's absence did not mean China would not make ambitious proposals. 'Xi hasn't travelled anywhere for years. He didn't go to the UN general assembly last month and he isn't going to the G20,' they said. At the UN last year President Xi committed China to reach net zero emissions by 2060 and for emissions to peak by 2030 but this has not been made into an NDC. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that China and other major polluters had a 'moral duty' to step up the battle against global warming. He warned that countries which snub the summit in Glasgow would be seen as 'outliers', with the 'world watching' what action political leaders take to stop floods, fires and other climate change disasters. Florida Senator Marco Rubio is calling on President Joe Biden to oust US climate envoy John Kerry on Friday after reports emerged that Kerry holds a $1 million stake in a Chinese company that's funneling money into a business blacklisted for its abuses against Uighur Muslims. In a searing op-ed the Republican lawmaker said Biden has a 'choice' to either 'stand by the man profiting from slave labor or fire him.' 'It should be an easy choice, but the Biden administration and some Democrats are so desperate for a climate deal with the Chinese Communist Party that they are willing to ignore the regimes use of slave labor,' he wrote. Kerry and his wife Teresa Heinz have an investment of at least $1 million in China-based investment firm Hillhouse China Value Fund L.P., according to financial documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. Rubio believes his partial ownership in a Chinese business venture should alone disqualify him from negotiating climate change with Beijing. But the company owns a significant share of YITU Technology - a company that in 2019 was added to the US Department of Commerce's trade blacklist for its role in 'implementation of China's campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, and high-technology surveillance against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups.' Marco Rubio has accused John Kerry of actively working against legislation aimed at punishing China's reported human rights abuses The Trump administration had accused the tech company of enabling human rights abuses. 'In other words, Kerry appears to be profiting from slave labor,' Rubio wrote. 'Biden needs to decide where he stands and who he is fighting for. Right now, his silence is deafening, and it is giving cover to the Marxists in both America and in China. Meanwhile, American workers and families continue to suffer.' Rubio accused Kerry of 'actively working against' passage of his Uyghur Forced Labor Act, which would ban goods made with slave labor in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region from entering the US. He and Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey said as much to Biden in late September, expressing concern over reports that his administration quietly lobbied against the measure. 'The reporting claims that Mr. Kerry had a forceful debate with other administration officials over the merits of pressing Beijing on its human rights violations before his most recent trip to the Peoples Republic of China,' the lawmakers stated. 'These statements are simply unacceptable from a senior US government official.' Rubio wrote in his op-ed, 'Kerry has been working against my legislation, and has convinced President Joe Biden to stay silent on the bill.' The $1 million investment is part of a trust for which his wife, Theresa Heinz, is the beneficiary The longtime Democratic official was criticized for his answer during an interview a week before the letter was sent, about how the US values climate talks with China against human rights. 'What is the process by which one trades off climate against human rights?' Bloomberg News asked him. Kerry responded, 'Well, life is always full of tough choices and the relationship between nations.' His investment in Hillhouse China Value Fund is through a trust on behalf of his wife. Kerry reportedly claimed in the documents that they don't manage the trust's investments. The Chinese equity firm gave $55 million to YITU Technology in 2017, the report claims citing news reports from that time period. In April 2019 the New York Times wrote an expose detailing China's use of tech companies to develop artificial intelligence that's being used to keep tabs on Uighurs and other minority groups. YITU was one of those companies assisting in development. Rubio accused Kerry of keeping Biden silent on China's human rights abuses Workers walk by the perimeter fence of what is officially known as a vocational skills education centre in Dabancheng in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region The Times claims it's the first time a government intentionally used artificial intelligence to racially profile people. China has publicly set a deadline to lead the world in manufacturing and developing artificial intelligence by 2030, alarming national security experts. Kerry, as the first ever presidential climate envoy, has to frequently engage with China on how to enact reasonable climate reform between the world's two largest economies. China is the world's leading producer of greenhouse gas. It's also home to about 12 million Uighur Muslims, mostly residing in China's Xinjiang province. Human rights groups have accused the country of detaining more than a million Uighurs against their will in state-run 're-education camps.' There's been evidence and testimony that people are being used for slave labor and undergoing forced sterilization. Heartbreaking accounts from survivors detail claims of physical and emotional torture and even sexual abuse. China has consistently denied any and all allegations of human rights abuses and claimed the camps are there to combat Islamic extremism and assisting in social integration. Prosecutors in Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse's trial are asking a judge to ban defense attorneys from referring to the men he shot as 'rioters' or 'looters' as the case prepares to go to trial next month. Rittenhouse, 18, is charged with homicide and attempted homicide for fatally shooting Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber, as well as wounding Gaige Grosskreutz, at a Black Lives Matter protest on August 25, 2020. His trial is due to begin on November 1. On Monday, prosecutors filed a motion to prohibit the defense from referring to the three victims' criminal histories or calling them 'pejorative' terms such as 'looters' and 'rioters,' according to Kenosha News. 'Much like this court prohibits the state from referring to anyone as a 'victim,' these terms prejudice the status of these individuals,' the motion stated. 'There has never been a judicial determination that any of these individuals rioted, looted or committed arson on the night of August 25, 2020. 'Further, the defendant deprived Mr. Rosenbaum and Mr. Huber of their ability to defend their reputations against these sorts of attacks when he killed them both.' Rittenhouse, accused of shooting three people during a protest against police brutality in Wisconsin last year, waits for the start of his motion hearing on October 5 Victims: In the August 25, 2020, shooting Rittenhouse fatally shot Anthony Huber (right) and shot and wounded Gaig Grosskruetz (left) Prosecutors also want to ban the discussion of any lawsuits related to the case and asked to have all parties in the case referred to 'formally by their last names,' likely in response to supporters of Rittenhouse calling him Kyle in an effort to emphasize his youth, the outlet reports. The motion comes after Rittenhouse's defense attorney Mark Richards argued last week that the jury should be privy to Rosenbaum's criminal history while calling him a rioter. 'These were not protesters, they were rioters,' Richards said, adding that he believed Rosenbaum was attempting to steal Rittenhouse's gun. Rittenhouse is scheduled to return to court on October 25 for the continuation of a motion hearing before his trial begins on November 1. The defense team for Rittenhouse previously tried, unsuccessfully, to have his previous weapons charge dismissed from his indictment. Rittenhouse (pictured) carries a weapon as he walks along Sheridan Road in Kenosha on the night of August 25, 2020, during unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake Rittenhouse says he acted in self-defense as the protests descended into violence, but he is set to stand trial for murder later this year. He is pictured shooting at Grosskreutz Gaige Grosskreutz, pictured, was shot in the arm as protesters and armed civilians clashed during protests over the shooting of a black man Jacob Blake by police officer in Wisconsin In video footage from August 25, 2020 Joseph Rosenbaum (red t-shirt with black pocket), 36, can be seen confronting armed men during the Kenosha Wisconsin protests Rittenhouse's attorney Corey Chirafisi argued that a firearms law only bars minors from using short-barreled rifles and not the AR-15 style assault rifle the teen used. Rittenhouse was 17 when he killed Rosenbaum and Huber at riots sparked by the police shooting of black man Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin during August 2020. Rittenhouse's attorneys have argued that he fired in self-defense after Rosenbaum, Huber, and Grosskreutz attacked him. The teen's lawyers also want the court to allow them to call, John R. Black, a self-defense expert, as a witness to back up their assertions. Black, a former Washington County, Oregon, sheriff's deputy, has testified in numerous state and federal cases, offering his expertise in police use of force, decision-making, crowd control, and other procedures and practices related to law enforcement. Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, was also shot and killed by Rittenhouse Prosecutors charged Rittenhouse with multiple counts, including homicide and being a minor in possession of a firearm. He traveled from Antioch, Illinois, on the night of the fatal shootings to help 'protect' the streets of Kenosha from violent protest triggered by Blake's shooting. Explaining their application to have the weapons charge dismissed, Chirafisi, one of Rittenhouse's attorneys, argued that the statute only prohibits minors from possessing short-barreled rifles. Rittenhouse used an AR-style semiautomatic rifle with a 16-inch barrel the night of the shootings, according to Chirafisi. The only other prohibitions on minors possessing firearms lie in the state's hunting statutes, which state that children under 12 can't hunt with guns. That doesn't apply to Rittenhouse because he was 17 on the night of the shootings, Chirafisi said. Binger countered that the Legislature clearly intended to bar anyone under 18 from 'running around with a dangerous weapon' and that the hunting statutes don't apply because Rittenhouse wasn't hunting on the night of the protest. Rittenhouse (right) confers with one of his defense attorneys, Natalie Wisco, in court in Kenosha last week Schroeder sided with Binger, but he said he might revisit the question later because the statutes aren't clear. Binger also asked Schroeder to order reporters not to broadcast witnesses' images during what will be a high-profile trial, saying at least some of them are afraid for their safety. He didn't say which witnesses feel unsafe or whether they've actually been threatened. Richards said he didn't know which fearful witnesses the prosecution was referring to, but that one prosecution witness has boasted about being subpoenaed on his social media accounts. Schroeder said he wasn't sure if he has the authority to censor the media and that he's presided over other cases that he described as more 'tense' than the Rittenhouse proceedings. Prosecutors also were looking for permission to introduce a video showing Rittenhouse saying he'd like to shoot some men he thought were shoplifting from a pharmacy 15 days before the protest. Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder refused to dismiss a weapons charge against Rittenhouse last week Schroeder said last month that he was leaning toward excluding it. Schroeder last month denied both sides' request to send questionnaires to potential jurors to probe biases. The judge wrote in a letter to the attorneys that he's afraid people won't fill them out and recipients would discuss the case with family members, friends and co-workers. 'That may trigger even more conversations about the case, with consequent opinion formation,' Schroeder said. Kenosha was in the throes of several nights of chaotic protests in August 2020 after a white police officer shot Blake, who is black, during a domestic disturbance, leaving Blake paralyzed from the waist down. The officer, Rusten Sheskey, was not charged. Sheskey shot Blake seven times while Blake was about to get into an SUV. Kenoshas police chief, Daniel Miskinis, said Sheskey was found to have been acting within policy and will not be disciplined. Jacob Blake (pictured) was left paralyzed from the waist down following the shooting on August 23, 2020 The officer, Rusten Sheskey, was not charged. Sheskey shot Blake seven times while Blake was about to get into an SUV The shooting happened three months after George Floyd was murdered while being restrained by police officers in Minneapolis. Earlier this year, Blake filed a civil lawsuit accusing the officer of excessive force. Rittenhouse, now 18, traveled to the city in response to social media posts asking for help defending city businesses. Many conservatives flocked to support Rittenhouse, calling him a patriot for seeking to stop violent protests, making him a symbol for gun rights and raising $2million for his bail. Others, including some liberals and activists, portrayed him as a domestic terrorist and said he made a volatile situation worse by bringing a rifle to the streets of Kenosha. Shocking images show the moment men wielding planks of wood and metal poles clashed outside a builders' merchants in Manchester. The fight broke out between a group of men close to Jewson's Manchester Central store on Beckford Street in Newton Heath on Tuesday. Around eight men wearing work clothing and high visibility jackets brawled, with one man seen with blood running down his face. This is the shocking moment men wielding planks of wood and metal poles clashed outside a builders' merchants in Manchester. One man was seen with blood pouring down his head The fight broke out between a group of men close in Newton Heath on Tuesday One group of men wielding lengths of timber and a metal pole advanced towards several others, shouting the odds. Some of the men attacked a white transit van, smashing the windscreen, with one man shouting: 'Lets f***ing have it.' Footage shows shocked onlookers asking a man with a bleeding head if he is all right and a woman pleading with them to stop. Men are seen smashing the windscreen of a white transit van with lengths of timber Other cars, believed to be owned by people who had nothing to do with the chaos, get damaged by the men. As one van tries to make a getaway, a man lands a hefty blow to the side of the vehicle with a wooden pole, completely shattering the wing mirror. The video has been shared thousands of times on social media, with one user writing: 'Kicking off at Jewson's.' The video has more than 3,500 likes and 11,000 comments on the shocking scenes. One user said: 'This is what happens when the timber price goes up.' Another commented: 'Should have gone to B&Q. The wood is cheaper.' One man has a stream of blood pouring down his face, with another man shouting 'lets f***ing have it' A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'I can confirm we were called at 10:20am on Tuesday 12 October to a report of a fight on Beckford Street, Manchester. 'Officers attended and a man was taken to hospital by a friend with minor head injuries. No arrests were made.' Speaking today, a spokesman for Jewson said: 'We are aware of the incident that took place outside of one of our branches, we can confirm that no Jewson colleague was involved in the incident.' They pride themselves on their laid back, hippy ethos but Prince Harry and Meghan's new banker pals were quick to call in lawyers when another firm allegedly tried to hijack their woke brand, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. The founding trio behind $1.3billion 'socially aware' investment firm Ethic Inc. launched a legal battle early last year when another business decided to name itself 'Ethic: A Wealth Bank'. Jay Lipman, Doug Scott and Johny Mair - seen outside their New York offices Thursday in exclusive DailyMail.com pictures - registered the word Ethic in 2017 to protect their 'top notch' brand of investment, advisory and management services. But according to the suit, they were stunned to learn two years later that Boston-based Admirals Bancorp had lodged a successful application with the US Patent and Trademark Office to use both 'Ethic' and 'Ethic: A Wealth Bank'. Two of Ethic's co-founders Doug Scott and Johny Mair were seen outside their New York offices Thursday in exclusive DailyMail.com pictures Court filings obtained by DailyMail.com reveal the three founders launched a legal battle early last year when another business decided to name itself 'Ethic: A Wealth Bank' Ethic Investment Banking founder Jay Lipman walks near his office in Tribeca, Manhattan on Thursday 'Defendants' Website also emphasizes its commitment to socially conscious investing, a clear overlap with Ethic's established business,' Ethic's attorneys said in a federal complaint filed in Massachusetts. 'As stated on the homepage of Defendants' Website, the term 'wealth' is described as 'The values you uphold. The relationships you cultivate. The experiences you share. The assets you grow. The legacy you leave behind.' The January 2020 suit alleges that Bancorp and its sister organization, Ethic Wealth Advisors, 'mislead' officials about what their new brand would do, insisting there was no overlap. The trio registered the word ethic in 2017 to protect their 'top notch' brand of investment and advisory services In reality, they were 'aggressively' offering similar socially-minded investment services, it was claimed. Ethic sought an injunction preventing Admirals Bancorp from using the name but the rival outfit denied the allegations and the case seemed destined for jury trial before a settlement was reached in September last year. It's not clear how they overcame their differences as lawyers for both firms did not return calls for comment, however the website for 'Ethic: A Wealth Bank' - slogan: Values, Not Just Valuations - is still online. The legal fracas does not seem to have impacted Delaware-registered Ethic, which announced this week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex no strangers to litigation themselves would be joining as 'impact partners'. The filed a legal complaint against Boston-based Admirals Bancorp after learning it lodged a successful application with the US Patent and Trademark Office to use both 'Ethic' and 'Ethic: A Wealth Bank' (pictured: the firm's website) The financial terms of the partnership, the latest potentially lucrative corporate pact the couple have inked since branching out on their own and settling in California, have not been revealed. Harry and Meghan insist they are only investing in organizations that align with their 'values' on racial injustice, climate change and equity. DailyMail.com revealed earlier Wednesday that British finance guru Lipman, 33, had struck up a friendship with the 37-year-old Prince and had even hung out at the Sussex's' Los Angeles mansion. Both men share a passion for rugby and the environment and Lipman also grew up just 20 miles from Eton College, the elite British boarding school the Duke of Sussex attended with his brother Prince William. Lipman's mom, 70, told DailyMail.com her son was a successful Wall Street banker living a 'lavish' life in New York before declaring he was 'very disgruntled at the fat cats getting fatter'. He moved to San Francisco where he linked up with Australians Scott and Mair, who worked for banks investing in gas and oil prior to 2015. They trio then hit the bigtime with their idea of an ethical tech-based investment start-up that only pours money into companies with worthy environmental and social goals. The January 2020 suit alleges that Bancorp and its sister organization, Ethic Wealth Advisors, 'mislead' officials about what their new brand would do, insisting there was no overlap Ethic sought an injunction preventing Admirals Bancorp from using the name DailyMail.com approached Lipman outside Ethic's corporate offices in Manhattan on Wednesday afternoon to ask more about the company's story but he politely gave us the brush off. 'We're back to back for the rest of the day,' the smartly-dressed Harry lookalike said with a smile. 'Thank you so much for coming.' Wearing khakis, boots and a salmon sweater, the self-declared hippy appeared to have smartened up his act since his days of sporting a scraggly ginger beard and wearing tie-dye shirts. Mair, who is married to marketing exec Negar Athari, was more in keeping with the firm's hipster roots, however, heading to work in low-slung shorts, sneakers, his wispy beard billowing in the breeze and his long hair tied back with a bandana. Ethic leases the second floor of an eight-story brownstone in an area of the trendy Tribeca neighborhood drubbed 'hipster central'. The minimalist chic decor includes polished concrete floors, oversized pot plants and reclaimed lumber furniture. It's also directly above a boutique bakery where the company's casually dressed staff go for pastries and freshly ground organic coffee. The investment firm announced this week that Harry and Meghan would be joining as 'impact partners' Jay's mother Marilyn and eldest son Stef, 37, spoke to MailOnline and said: 'He's a fun-loving hippie banker. He might not say it himself but that's what he is' 250 Broadway, where the Ethic Investment Banking office is located in Tribeca, Manhattan, New York The building's owner declined to be named but told DailyMail.com that Ethic was looking to double the size of its operation, which includes several dogs among its employees: Roux and Gigi, apparently responsible for 'security', and Byron, Ethic's 'Chief Smile Officer'. The animals regularly attend team meetings, which begin with encouraging staff to 'throw out a thank-you to someone who helped them that week'. 'It gives everyone a chance to highlight each other's contributions and feel good about the work being done,' a post on the firm's website says. 'They've been asking me for more space,' the landlord revealed. 'They want to take a whole other floor.' When asked whether he had ever spotted Harry and Meghan on the premises, he joked: 'I don't follow British royalty. Too bad we can't raise the rent.' The co-founders of Ethic, Johny Mair (pictured left) and Jay Lipman, say they 'love hippies' to invest with them, because the team consider themselves hippies too. Today it was reported that it has invested in Twitter, Facebook and YouTube's owner Google for clients On Friday it was reported that the 'sustainable' investment firm owns shares in Rupert Murdoch's Fox Corp and the makers of the world's most deadly laser-guided missiles. SEC filings from August also reveal that Ethic has ploughed millions of dollars into oil, gas, mining companies, airlines, as well as firms that so-called ethical investment guides rate poorly including Amazon and the owners of Boots the chemists. Among the investments are $216,000 worth of shares in Raytheon which boasts that its Paveway laser guided bombs made up more than half the ordinance dropped on Iraq during the American invasion. Ethic has defended itself against charges of hypocrisy despite its branding that leans heavily on the language of left-wing political activism on issues such as climate change and fighting global poverty. It claims it is different from other 'ethical' investment funds because it lets customers choose their political priorities for investments and provides them with custom portfolios to match. A spokeswoman provided the example of a customer whose primary concern is 'poverty' - saying 'of course certain pharmaceutical companies would be flagged for removal (and they are for many of our clients due to drug pricing issues).' But some of the holdings among its $1.3bn under management are in sharp contrast with the Sussexes' green campaigning, with Harry writing in the Washington Post just today that firms must stop 'pillaging' Africa for oil in countries such as Botswana where he and Meghan had 'found sanctuary'. Harry and Meghan's latest move into big business came after they secured deals with Netflix and Spotify, reportedly worth $150 million. The couple announced their latest tie-up with a statement that claimed: 'When we invest in each other we change the world'. In a joint interview with the New York Times, Meghan, 40, added: 'From the world I come from, you don't talk about investing, right? You don't have the luxury to invest. That sounds so fancy.' 'My husband has been saying for years: 'Gosh, don't you wish there was a place where if your values were aligned like this, you could put your money to that same sort of thing?' Sir David Amess has become the sixth MP to be murdered in office in modern times as questions persist over the safety of our elected representatives. The Tory MP for Southend West, 69, was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea on Friday when his attacker charged into the building wielding a knife and attacked the veteran politician. Paramedics desperately worked to save him on the floor of the Essex church for more than an hour, but he died after suffering 'multiple stab wounds' in the appalling attack with chilling similarities to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in June 2016. Today, as MPs paid tribute to Sir David after hearing the horrifying news, scores of stunned politicians called for better measures to protect parliamentarians after a string of violent attacks over the last 40 years. As news of Sir David's tragic death broke, Labour MP Rosie Duffield was among the first to call for MPs to be able to carry out their jobs 'peacefully and without fear.' The latest police data showed there were 678 crimes reported against MPs between 2016 and 2020 - as Brexit and Covid ensured the country endured one of the most polarised political landscapes in recent memory. Sir David became the second MP to be murdered at a constituency meeting in the last six years, after Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, was brutally murdered by far-right activist Thomas Mair in 2016. The MP for Southend West, 69 (pictured outside his surgery earlier this month), was stabbed 'multiple times' by a man as he spoke to constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea Armed police swamped the Belfairs Methodist Church as the MP was being treated for his wounds on the floor inside. Tragically he couldn't be saved and was pronounced dead at around 3pm Paramedics desperately worked to save him on the floor of the Essex church for more than an hour, but he died after suffering 'multiple stab wounds' in the appalling attack Police have sealed off the area as Sir David became the sixth MP to be murdered in recent times and the first since the death of Jo Cox in 2016 Sir David's most recent Twitter post alerted constituents that he was holding a surgery at the location he was attacked by a 25-year-old man Below are the six MPs who have been killed while serving their constituents in the modern era: 2021: Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West Conservative MP Sir David Amess, 69, was murdered on Friday after being stabbed 'multiple times' by a 25-year-old killer who sprinted into a church and knifed him to death during his weekly constituency surgery. The veteran Tory MP was meeting locals at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, when his attacker ran into the building wielding a knife before attacking the veteran politician at just after midday. Sir David, a married father-of-five whose wife Julia is also his part-time caseworker, is the sixth MP to be murdered in office in the last four decades. Horrified constituents waiting to see the veteran MP, an ardent Brexiteer and royalist, watched in horror as the knifeman stabbed him, calling the police at 12.05pm. Police confirmed Sir David's death at around 3pm. Counter-terrorism officers and armed units are at the scene. Conservative MP Sir David Amess was killed after being stabbed 'multiple times' during a constituency surgery in Belfairs Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea 2016: Jo Cox, Batley and Spen Labour MP Ms Cox, who was MP for Batley and Spen, West Yorkshire, was murdered aged 41 after she was shot and stabbed multiple times by far-right activist Thomas Mair at an open constituency surgery in Birstall. The unemployed gardener shouted out 'Britain First, this is for Britain, Britain will always come first', as he launched a barrage of blows against Mrs Cox. Jo Cox was the first MP killed in more than 20 years after she was stabbed and shot to death in 2016 The murder - which came just days before the EU referendum - provoked shock around the world and grief both in Ms Cox's constituency and among her friends and colleagues in Parliament. She had worked at charity Oxfam before being elected a Labour MP in 2015. Her children Lejla, and Cuillin were three and five at the time of her death. 1990: Ian Gow, Eastbourne MP Eastbourne MP Ian Gow, a former private parliamentary secretary to Margaret Thatcher, was killed by an IRA car bomb at his Sussex home at the age of 53. The charismatic Conservative MP kissed wife Jane goodbye that summer morning as he left their East Sussex farmhouse, got into his car and started it - triggering an IRA Semtex bomb which had been placed under the drivers seat of the Austin Montego. It was 8.39 am and he died some ten minutes later, having suffered appalling injuries to the lower part of his body. As a fierce pro-Unionist and chairman of the Tory backbench committee on Northern Ireland, Ian Gow knew he was an IRA target, but refused to be cowed - keeping his personal contact details available in the local telephone directory. Eastbourne MP Ian Gow (above) a former private parliamentary secretary to Margaret Thatcher, was killed by an IRA car bomb at his Sussex home at the age of 53 1984: Sir Anthony Berry, MP for Enfield Southgate Sir Anthony Berry, MP for Enfield Southgate died during the IRA bombing of Brighton's Grand Hotel, where Mrs Thatcher was staying for the 1984 Conservative Party conference. Thirty people were injured in the attack on the eve of the Conservative Party conference but the terrorists' main target, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, escaped relatively unscathed. The bomber, Patrick Magee was given eight life sentences in 1986 for his role in the terror attack, but was released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement in 1999 after serving just 13 years. Sir Anthony Berry MP, who died in the Brighton bombing, pictured in 1966 with wife Sarah Anne Clifford-Turner 1981: Robert Bradford, MP for Belfast South The IRA also claimed the life of Ulster Unionist Party MP Robert Bradford, who was killed aged 40 while holding a constituency surgery in a Belfast community centre in 1981. Mr Bradford, a staunch Methodist Minister was assassinated at the height of the Northern Ireland Troubles after he was shot by furious loyalists. His death was condemned as 'part of a series of atrocities committed in recent days'. Ulster Unionist Party MP Robert Bradford was killed in an IRA attack in 1981 1979: Airey Neave, MP for Abingdon The Irish National Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the murder of former Northern Ireland secretary Airey Neave, whose car was blown up as he drove out of the parliamentary car park at Westminster in 1979. Neave was shadow Northern Ireland secretary at the time of his slaughter at the hands of an IRA splinter group, the INLA. He was killed in a car bomb in the courtyard of the House of Commons while leaving the car park but now Sajid Javid has dragged the case back to the fore after pleas for justice for the former army officer's family. His case was reopened in 2019. Airey Neave, whose car was blown up as he drove out of the parliamentary car park at Westminster in 1979. The Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team, set up by the Metropolitan Police in 2016 following the death of Jo Cox, received 582 reports of malicious communications and handled 46 cases of harassment. A total of nine cases were classified as relating to terrorism. There were also seven reports of MPs receiving threats, and three cases of common assault over the period. Separate police figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show a sharp rise in reports since 2018, with 34 incidents in December 2018 and 128 incidents in January 2019. There were three threats to kill in the four months for which figures were provided. In 2019, the Met said that crimes against MPs increased by 126% between 2017 and 2018, with a 90% rise in the first four months of 2019. At the time, Met commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said: 'The current context, in our policing time at least, is unprecedented.' Speaking today, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role. 'My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life.' Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps described Sir David Amess as 'a true parliamentarian'. He tweeted: 'Awful, tragic news about David. A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career. 'My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.' Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today. 'In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no-one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents.' MPs paid tribute to Sir David and demanded better safety measures for elected representatives in the wake of his death Carrie Johnson, the Prime Minister's wife, tweeted: 'Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. 'He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children.' Several also called for greater security for politicians after the attack, which follows the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016. Before his death was confirmed, Labour MP Rosie Duffield tweeted: 'Praying for another MP just carrying out his job as he should be able to do safely and peacefully and without fear. David has always been so very kind to me (despite our obvious political differences). Hoping for positive news soon.' Conservative MP and former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said he is 'very worried' to have heard Sir David Amess was stabbed 'a number of times, not just once'. He told the BBC News channel prior to Sir David's death: 'Obviously at the moment right now all I can think of are prayers for him and his family, him for a safe recovery, and them for the most terrible emotions they must be going through. 'The reality for us is that we see constituents all the time, both in their houses and in surgeries. 'We're out and about, we're always available, we must be available, it's the most critical bit of what makes the British parliamentary system I think one of the most accessible in the world, and that's because we want it that way. 'We don't want to be cowed or frightened into doing something different, and I certainly won't, and I know my colleagues will feel the same. 'So I hope this is resolved very, very quickly, as I say, but we will certainly want to continue the way that we do things. 'Of course there may be some other elements that may be added to it, but notwithstanding that I want my constituents to have full access and I'm sure David would have felt the same.' He later added that social media gives people with 'genuine problems over anger or issues' an 'echo chamber and often makes it worse'. He said this has been seen in threats made to MPs, female MPs and women in general, adding that the commentary is 'often very violent, very angry'. Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered MP Jo, said: 'Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.' Commons deputy speaker Dame Eleanor Laing tweeted: 'All elected representatives must be able to go about their work without the fear of physical or verbal attacks. 'What has happened to Sir David Amess in Essex today is unforgivable. Praying for you, my friend.' East Ham MP Stephen Timms, who was stabbed at a constituency surgery in 2010, wrote on Twitter: 'Appalled to hear of the attack on @amessd-southend today. I know him well and am thinking of him with very best wishes as we await further news.' Former prime minister David Cameron tweeted: 'Very alarming and worrying news reports coming from Leigh-on-Sea. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir David Amess and his family.' Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is suing the city's police union and its president after they she says they threatened a walk-out over her vaccine mandate. Lightfoot recently mandated that all civic employees, including 13,000 Chicago police officers, get vaccinated and report their status to the city by today, or face unpaid leave. But head of the Chicago Branch of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) John Catanzara told cops to ignore the mandate and even hinted out a potential strike as he threatened that the city could be left without half or less of its regular officers 'this week and coming up'. 'That is 100 percent because of the mayor's unwillingness to budge from her hard line,' he said. No officers will actually be axed from their jobs on Friday because it will take time for the city's government to sort out who got vaccinated, according to ABC 7, A day before the deadline Lightfoot ordered the law department to file a complaint against the FOP and Catanzara to prevent a strike. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (left) has sued the city's police union and its president over their refusal to report their vaccination status by today. Head of the Chicago Branch of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) John Catanzara (right) told cops to ignore Lightfoot's mandate and even hinted out a potential strike as he threatened that the city could be left without half or less of its regular officers 'this week and coming up' Lightfoot said that the FOP and the city of Chicago will reach a 'collective bargaining agreement'. 'We have a profession that nobody wants to work in. It gave us a little bit stronger position. You can't lay off or get rid of thousands of cops because you'll never replace them. We can't even replace what we got now,' he said on Fox News on Thursday. Although no one will be put on leave today, the worry is that once Lightfoot knows who got vaccinated and who didn't, many police officers will be sent home and leave the city without officers, according to ABC 7. 'Once we understand that people have not complied with the simple request to say "yes" or "no" or that I'm going to take the testing option then yes, we will be moving forward and putting people into no-pay status,' Lightfoot said. Lightfoot announced that she filed a Complaint for Injunctive Relief against the police union and Catanzara in a statement on Thursday 'for engaging in, supporting, and encouraging a work stoppage or strike'. '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 The FOP tweeted in response to Lightfoot's claim that Catanzara is 'engaging in, supporting, and encouraging a work stoppage or strike' (pictured) In response, the FOP tweeted: 'President John Catanzara has never engaged in, supported, or encouraged a work stoppage. 'Lightfoot is the only one who has said she will send our dedicated Officers home without pay if they choose to reject her unlawful orders,' he added. The mayor added that she 'cannot and will not stand idly by while the rhetoric of conspiracy theorists threatens the health and safety of Chicago's residents and first responders'. 'President Catanzara has time and again deliberately misled our police officers by lying about the requirements of the policy and falsely claiming that there will be no repercussions if officers are insubordinate and refuse to follow a City and Department directive or order. 'Notably Catanzara has urged officers to reject the City's vaccine policy and has repeatedly instructed police officers to refuse to comply with the City's lawful directive which requires all City employees to report their Covid-19 vaccination status by October 15. By doing so, and by predicting that 50 percent or more officers will violate their oaths and not report for duty, Catanzara is encouraging an unlawful strike and work stoppage which carries the potential to undermine public safety and expose our residents to irreparable harm, particularly during an ongoing pandemic,' the statement read. It added: 'This action is brought pursuant to the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act and Illinois common law which prohibits sworn officers from engaging in a strike.' Citywide, 63.7 percent of Chicagoans have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine (pictured), meaning 1.7million people - out of a population of 2.7million - are completely unvaccinated, according to data from Chicago's Coronavirus Response Center Violent crimes are up across the board in Chicago, with murders are up a whopping 56 percent since 2019 and three 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 In response to the feud Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said help is available if the city requests it but 'you can't just march national guard into the city without coordinating with the Chicago police department'. 'So at every turn we have conversations with them,' he added. However, the mayor has expressed that she doesn't think employing the national guard will be necessary, as reported by ABC 7. Lightfoot and Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health Dr Allison Arwady are holding an event to discuss Chicago's latest vaccine initiative at 10.30am today. Demetrius Stevenson was shot in the head in a drive-by shooting in front of his home last month as data showed that gun violence is arguably Chicago's most pressing issue - with 1,606 people shot in this past summer alone Citywide, 63.7 percent of Chicagoans have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine. The figure means 1.7million people - out of a population of 2.7million - have yet to get the shot at all, according to data from Chicago's Coronavirus Response Center. The vaccination status deadline and threat of a strike among police officers come as violent crimes are up across the board in the Windy City. Since 2019 murders are up a whopping 56 percent. More than 200 additional murders were committed in 2021 than in 2019. The pandemic also inspired an influx of crime. Since 2020, murders are up by three 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. Yet 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. In Chicago, fatal shootings accounted for 94 percent of all homicides so far this year - compared to the still-dismal 90 that happened in 2020. Last year eight-year-old Demetrius D Stevenson was shot dead while playing on the porch of his home in a gang-related shooting in a Chicago suburb. The young boy was shot in the head after a car pulled up to the house, located at 15724 Homan Avenue, and gang members fired shots at Stevenson's 18-year-old brother - the main target, local authorities said. Officials noted that gunfire was returned towards the car. Stevenson was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his gunshot wounds, and his brother escaped injury. Melissa 'Azul' de la Garza (center), 18, was also shot dead. She was sitting in her parked car outside her home in Chicago's Southwest Side when an unidentified gunman shot her multiple times in the torso Days earlier high school wrestling champion Melissa 'Azul' de la Garza, 18, was coming back from a day of shopping for Halloween costumes and had just finished a Facetime call with her sister when an unidentified man approached her car and shot her multiple times in the torso before fleeing, according to the Chicago Police Department. She was sitting in her parked car when the fatal shooting happened and she was pronounced dead after being rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital while in critical condition. 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 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. Lightfoot has since publicly supported the 'defund the police' movement, backtracking in August after the officer Ella French was shot dead. Ella French (pictured) was murdered while policing a traffic stop. Her death was the first fatal shooting of a Chicago officer in the line of duty since Lightfoot took office, prompting the mayor to increase the police department's budget after publicly supporting the 'defund the police' movement a month earlier French was murdered while policing a traffic stop. Brothers Emonte, 21, and Eric Morgan, 22, were said to have been driving with expired license plates, prompting police to pull them over. Her death was the first fatal shooting of a Chicago officer in the line of duty since Lightfoot took office and the first female officer fatally shot on the job there in 33 years. Following French's death Lightfoot unveiled a new plan to 'refund the police' - a $16.7billion spending plan that will boost funding for officers - which lifted the Chicago Police Department's annual budget from $1.7billion to $1.9billion. The White House warned that climate change posed a systemic risk to the U.S. economy on Friday as it outlined plans for new rules that would force financial firms to address the risks of global warming. Its 40-page report detailed the administration's strategy to protect the financial, insurance and housing markets and the savings of American families. They include proposals for protections on savings and pension plans and making climate change a bigger consideration in federal budgeting and procurement. Taken together, they suggest how the the nation must prepare for the costs that families, investors and government will face because of climate change. And the report lays down a marker ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference which starts at the end of the month in Glasgow, Scotland. 'U.S. financial markets and institutions face systemic risks from climate change,' the report said. The report lays out steps for Wall Street that could change the mortgage process, stock market disclosures, retirement plans, federal procurement and government budgeting. It follows May's executive order by President Joe Biden that essentially calls on the government to analyze how the world's largest economy could be affected by extreme heat, flooding, storms, wildfires and the broader adjustments needed to address climate change. Members of the Carrizo Comecrudo tribe of Texas were arrested during a civil disobedience action at the White House against the continued use of fossil fuels during a week of protest. They want the Biden Administration to cease approvals of projects for fossil fuel infrastructure and lead a renewable energy transformation Native and other environmentalist groups gathered outside the White House this week demanding that Biden reject fossil fuel projects and declare a climate emergency The 40-page report detailed plans for new rules that would force financial firms to address the risks of global warming Gina McCarthy, the White House national climate adviser, told reporters that the measures were not about protecting the financial system but about safeguarding people and their pay checks. 'If this year has shown us anything, it's that climate change poses an ongoing urgent and systemic risk to our economy and to the lives and livelihoods of everyday Americans, and we must act now,' she said. A February storm in Texas led to widespread power outages, 210 deaths and severe property damage. Wildfires raged in Western states. The heat dome in the Pacific Northwest caused record temperatures in Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana in August and caused deadly flooding in the Northeast. The report said that local problems could undermine local financial institutions. 'Moreover, climate change may lead to economic and financial strains in regions of the country situations that do not threaten the stability of the whole system, but which can disrupt the ability of local banks, insurance companies, and other institutions to serve particular communities,' it said. 'These might include, for example, community banks and sector-focused regional banks. In fact, these threats are already playing out in some local insurance markets within regions of the United States affected by hurricanes and wildfires. Among the steps outlined is the government's Financial Stability Oversight Council developing the tools to identify and lessen climate-related risks to the economy. The Treasury Department plans to address the risks to the insurance sector and availability of coverage. The Securities and Exchange Commission is looking at mandatory disclosure rules about the opportunities and risks generated by climate change. The Labor Department on Wednesday proposed a rule for investment managers to factor environmental decisions into the choices made for pensions and retirement savings. The Office of Management and Budget announced the government will begin the process of asking federal agencies to consider greenhouse gas emissions from the companies providing supplies. Biden's budget proposal for fiscal 2023 will feature an assessment of climate risks. Federal agencies involved in lending and mortgages for homes are looking for the impact on the housing market, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and its partners developing disclosures for homebuyers and flood and climate-related risks. The Department of Veterans Affairs will also look at risks for its home lending program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is updating the standards for its National Flood Insurance Program, potentially revising guidelines that go back to 1976. 'We now do recognize that change is a systemic risk,' McCarthy said. 'We have to look fundamentally at the way the federal government does its job and how we look at the finance system and its stability.' A Met Police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct for sexually touching two teenage girls at a nightclub in London. The actions of PC David Henigan, of the Road Transport Policing Command, were described as 'completely unacceptable.' A panel decided Henigan's actions had breached the 'standards of professional behaviour' amounting to 'discreditable conduct'. He was found guilty of sexually touching two girls aged under 18 at the misconduct hearing on Tuesday. The inappropriate touching took place at a nightclub in south west London in 2019, with PC Henigan only leaving the force in February this year. If PC Henigan hadn't left the Metropolitan Police in February, he would have been dismissed for his conduct in 2019. Picture: File image Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, in charge of PC Henigan's unit, said: 'The actions of PC Henigan are completely unacceptable and at odds with the high standards that we strive for. 'All women have the right to feel safe from sexual harassment and there is no place in our organisation for anyone who does not share the same values. 'We welcome the outcome today that had he still been serving, PC Henigan would have been dismissed without notice.' The guilty verdict will prevent Henigan from ever being employed by the police. It comes amid calls for an enquiry into attitudes towards women within the UK police force. Met Officer Wayne Couzens (pictured) was handed a rare whole life sentence last week for the rape and murder of 33-year-old marketing executive Sarah Everard He will also be barred from working within local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary. Had Henigan not already quit, the outcome would have also resulted in his dismissal. It comes amid calls for an enquiry into attitudes towards women within the UK police force. Met Officer Wayne Couzens was handed a rare whole life sentence last week for the rape and murder of 33-year-old marketing executive Sarah Everard. Shortly after Couzens' sentencing it was revealed another officer from the same unit, PC David Carrick, had been charged with rape. And two other officers, PC Deniz Jaffer and PC Jamie Lewis, are awaiting trial after it is alleged they took photos of a crime scene after the murder of sisters Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman. A 69-year-old man wanted in Texas on child sex abuse charges has been finally captured while hiding out in Colombia. Stephen Alan Early, whose last known address was in Tarrant County, had spent about two years on the run before United States and Colombian authorities apprehended him in the central city of Ibague, Colombia Migration announced Thursday. The country's border control agency said Early's arrest was made possible by information regarding his whereabouts that was provided by the Unites States Embassy's U.S. Marshalls unit to the National Police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol. Stephen Alan Early, who spent almost two years on the run as he faced arrest for child sex abuse charges in Texas, was arrested in Ibague, Colombia, the country's border control agency announced Thursday 'Alan Early was searched for almost two years by the authorities of the Unites States and there was an arrest warrant for him that was issued by a judge in the state of Texas,' Colombia Migration said. Despite his fugitive status, Early was legally present in Colombia as he had obtained an M migrant visa - awarded to people who wish to enter the country or remain there with the intention of residing in it. A spokesperson with the Colombia Migration told DailyMail.com that Early had his 'M-type' visa revoked and was transferred him to Bogota. The agency said it would 'enforce an expulsion measure against him, leaving him at the disposal of the United States authorities to answer for crimes that were levied on him.' It's unknown which Texas city or county charged Early and the date when the alleged crimes were committed. DailyMail.com reached out to the U.S. Marshalls and Colombia Migration for comment. Police are contacting all MPs to check on their security in the wake of the killing of Sir David Amess, the Commons Speaker has said. Sir Lindsay Hoyle spoke to Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel following the fatal stabbing of the 69-year-old MP in his Southend West constituency. Sir David is the second MP to be killed in five years, after the murder of Jo Cox by a far-right extremist in 2016. Speaking to BBC2's Newsnight, Sir Lindsay said: 'It is about doing the right things working with the police constabularies right across the United Kingdom because it is about joining that up. 'I know that they are contacting all the MPs to check about their safety, to reassure them, because in the end we have got to make sure that is a priority.' He added: 'Those people who do not share our values or share democracy, they will not win and we won't let them win. We will continue to look at security, that is ongoing and it will continue.' Even before the murder of Jo Cox in 2016 concern was growing over the threat to MPs away from Parliament. The improvements were championed by Sir Lindsay Hoyle during his time as Deputy Speaker, and he has continued the drive since taking over from John Bercow. Every politician is currently thought to have had a security assessment in the constituency, and they get a 'standard' package such as alarm systems, shutters, CCTV and personal alarms for staff. If the police deem it necessary MPs can also access 'enhanced' measures. The authorities do not specify what that can include, but it is thought to include secure transport and guards. The costs are met through a central contract with Chubb, organised by the Commons. However, there are concerns that most of the measures are applied to offices and homes, while surgeries often happen at churches or other buildings that might not be secure. Sir Lindsay's comments come after Ms Patel met police and representatives of the security and intelligence agencies. Priti Patel met police and representatives of the security and intelligence agencies after the 69-year-old MP was fatally stabbed as he held a surgery in his Southend West constituency Speaker Lindsay Hoyle is expected to demand that police protect MPs at all their surgeries after the killing of Tory veteran David Amess Sir David Amess, 69 (pictured outside his surgery earlier this month), was stabbed 'multiple times' by a man as he spoke to constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea Sources earlier told MailOnline that Sir Lindsay, who has long pushed for stronger security measures, is convinced having officers on hand is the 'only solution' after the latest atrocity. Sir Amess' death comes just five-and-a-half years after Labour MP Jo Cox was killed by a far right extremist in her Batley and Spen constituency in West Yorkshire. Labour's Kim Leadbeater - the sister of Ms Cox, who now represents her old Batley & Spen constituency - said tonight: 'This is the risk that we are all taking.' What security do MPs have in their constituencies? Even before the murder of Jo Cox in 2016 concern was growing over the threat to MPs away from Parliament. The improvements were championed by Sir Lindsay Hoyle as deputy Speaker, and he has continued the drive since taking over as Speaker. Every politician is now thought to have had a security assessment in the constituency, and they get a 'standard' package such as alarm systems, shutters, CCTV and personal alarms for staff. If the police deem it necessary MPs can also access 'enhanced' measures. The authorities do not specify what that can include, but it is thought to include secure transport and guards. The costs are met through a central contract with Chubb, organised by the Commons. However, there are concerns that most of the measures are applied to offices and homes, while surgeries often happen at churches or other buildings that might not be secure. Complaints have also been growing about a postcode lottery for MPs, with some police forces offering more support than others. Advertisement Meanwhile, Tory MP Steve Brine said: 'We cannot go on like this... we need to have an honest conversation.' He added: 'Everyone needs to care longer than the next 24 hours about the safety of their MPs.' Sir Lindsay is preparing to launch a review of the situation amid alarm at a postcode lottery for how police treat politicians in different parts of the country. Routine guarding would be another significant tightening after efforts to bolster security away from the Commons, which have seen spending rise a hundredfold to 3.24million since 2013. Earlier, Ms Patel said she was 'devastated' by the loss of Sir David in what she described as an 'attack on democracy itself'. She wrote in a series of tweets: 'That he was killed while going about his constituency duties is heartbreaking beyond words. It represents a senseless attack on democracy itself. 'Questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our country's elected representatives and I will provide updates in due course.' A senior Parliamentary source told MailOnline: 'The Commons will have a complete review again. Police need to be at surgeries. It is the only solution. 'It takes something like this to shock everyone into action.' Another insider said: 'We cannot have a disconnect between MPs and their constituents. MPs are already pulling their surgeries because they are worried. But we cannot let them win the electorate have a right to meet their MP.' They complained that 'different police forces take different approaches'. 'In some places MPs are driven to and from events by police, in others where there might be higher risk they are not.' An official involved in MPs' security said politicians 'feel as though they have to do face-to-face surgeries'. 'It is part of the tradition. But do they?' the official added. 'They might have to insist on a police officer being at every event. In America if you are part of the legislature they all have security.' Sir Lindsay said in a statement: 'I am shocked and deeply distressed by the killing of Sir David Amess. 'David was a lovely man, devoted to his family, to Parliament and his Southend West constituency. He was well-liked by Members and the staff alike, and during his almost four decades here, built a reputation for kindness and generosity. Labour's Kim Leadbeater - the sister of murdered Jo Cox, who now represents her old Batley & Spend constituency - said tonight: 'This is the risk that we are all taking' How spending on MPs' security away from Parliament has soared 2019-20 - 3,380,172.64 2018-19 - 3,505,132.54 2017-18 - 4,578,602.64 2016-17 - 2,602,899.17 2015-16 - 170,576.24 2014-15 - 77,234.67 2013-14 - 33,726.95 2012-13 - 37,567.04 2011-12 - 80,792.80 2010-11 - 37,823.08 Advertisement 'This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country. 'In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs' security and any measures to be taken, but for now, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family, friends and colleagues.' Sir David has become the sixth MP to be murdered in office in modern times as questions persist over the safety of our elected representatives. The Tory MP for Southend West, 69, was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea on Friday when his attacker charged into the building wielding a knife and attacked the veteran politician. Paramedics desperately worked to save him on the floor of the Essex church for more than an hour, but he died after suffering 'multiple stab wounds' in the appalling attack with chilling similarities to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in June 2016. Today, as MPs paid tribute to Sir David after hearing the horrifying news, scores of stunned politicians called for better measures to protect parliamentarians after a string of violent attacks over the last 40 years. As news of Sir David's tragic death broke, Labour MP Rosie Duffield was among the first to call for MPs to be able to carry out their jobs 'peacefully and without fear.' The latest police data showed there were 678 crimes reported against MPs between 2016 and 2020 - as Brexit and Covid ensured the country endured one of the most polarised political landscapes in recent memory. Sir David became the second MP to be murdered at a constituency meeting in the last six years, after Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, was brutally murdered by far-right activist Thomas Mair in 2016. Sir David with his wife Julia Arnold and his four daughters. The couple also have a son together The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has been looking at 'centralising' the process for managing constituency bases, leasing 650 'secure' constituency offices for MPs. The move - broadly backed by Sir Lindsay - would be based on the Australian system where offices are provided directly, rather than being organised by individual politicians. Supporters insist it would take the burden off MPs - many of whom will have no experience negotiating leases - get better value for money, ensure working spaces are fit for purpose', and improve security. It could also remove the potential for abuses when politicians end up renting space from their parties at the taxpayers' expense. But some senior MPs are deeply concerned about the shift, warning that it would require 'many millions' of extra spending by Ipsa, wiping out any other savings that were made. Rep. Ilhan Omar revealed that former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, was actually the one who inspired her to get into politics. Omar first offered praise for the three-term conservative leader of Britain in her 2020 book, 'This Is What America Looks Like: My Journey from Refugee to Congresswoman.' She said Thatcher was the one person dead or alive she would most like to meet. 'When I was growing up in an environment where women weren't supposed to have a voice and weren't supposed to be in politics the only women that rose to political predominance were women who were uplifted by a brother a father or a husband that had a political connection connection,' the Minnesota Democrat explained of the curious admiration. Omar, pictured above with Rep. AOC, was born in Somalia before her family obtained refugee status in 1995, when she was 13 years old 'She was the only woman that I knew of who came to politics on her own,' Omar said 'It was inspiring, really, to believe that I didn't need my father or my brothers or my husband to be involved in politics.' Omar was born in Somalia before her family obtained refugee status in 1995, when she was 13 years old. The family arrived in New York before moving to Arlington, Va. and settling in Minneapolis, Minn. 'Whenever I am asked which famous person dead or alive I would want to meet if I could, my answer is always without fail Margaret Thatcher,' she wrote. 'It surprises people that the leader of Britain's Conservative Party is my greatest shero. While her politics aren't mine, she was also a first the first female prime minister of Britain. Thatcher was a self-starter in the grandest of ways.' Still, Omar told NPR in 2020: 'She's left a very dark mark in history.' In 1979, Thatcher was appointed the United Kingdom's first female prime minister. The Iron Lady was an advocate for individual freedom, privatization of the economy, curbing union power, trimming the social safety net and cutting regulations, priorities seemingly at odds with Democratic socialist Omar. In 1979, Thatcher was appointed the United Kingdom's first female prime minister Together with her close friend President Ronald Reagan, Thatcher made the 1980s a decade of conservatism Together with her close friend President Ronald Reagan, Thatcher made the 1980s a decade of conservatism. Omar, meanwhile, advocates for vast expansion of social spending, such as the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, free college and universal basic income. In a 1976 interview, Thatcher said of socialism: 'Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other peoples money. Its quite a characteristic of them. They then start to nationalise everything, and people just do not like more and more nationalisation, and theyre now trying to control everything by other means. Theyre progressively reducing the choice available to ordinary people.' She said of conservatism: 'It's part of our fundamental belief giving the people more choice to spend their own money in their own way.' However, Thatcher in 1966 as an MP voted to legalize homosexuality, long before many conservatives came around to the idea. That same year, she voted to legalize abortion. A man has admitted plotting to steal a number of luxury vehicles, including a Range Rover belonging to TV presenter Declan Donnelly from his 5million home, as the star and his family slept. Alfie Chandler, 18, from Hounslow, west London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal the cars between January 1 and July 9 this year. Tommy Hutchinson, also 18, from Feltham, west London, who is also charged with conspiracy to steal the vehicles, pleaded not guilty. The court heard that Mr Donnellys black Range Rover was among 750,000 worth of high-value vehicles allegedly targeted. During a hearing at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, Chandler and Hutchinson spoke only to confirm their names and to enter their pleas. Alfie Chandler, 18, (pictured above leaving Kingston Crown Court last month) admitted plotting to steal TV presenter Declan Donnelly's black Range Rover I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Declan Donnelly and his wife Ali Astall (above on a walk with their dog), were both asleep during the incident, a court heard Police were called to the Im A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! presenters west London home in the early hours of April 6. The star, 46, his wife Ali Astall, 43, and three-year-old daughter Isla were reportedly asleep at the time. No vehicles were taken. Mr Donnellys co-presenter, Ant McPartlin, 45, used to live in the same road but moved out after his split from Lisa Armstrong. Hutchinson is due to stand trial alongside a number of other defendants, who face similar charges, on September 5 next year. Edward Atkins, 34, also from Feltham, is due to enter his plea at a later date. All the defendants were released on bail. Out-of-practice pilots have admitted to making more than 100 potentially disastrously mistakes this past year after returning from COVID-related layoffs. In confidential reports filed to the US Aviation Safety Reporting System, one pilot said he forgot to start his plane's second engine for take off in December, which could have caused a disaster if he had not aborted the flight. Another pilot, who had just returned from a seven-month layoff due to the pandemic, reported that he had not lowered the plane's wheels when landing and managed to pull out just 800 feet from the tarmac. And a captain who was back for the first time in six months reported that he headed off in the wrong direction during take off, Bloomberg reports. While the ASRS only reported two incidents attributed to 'a lack of flying' in 2019 and none in 2018, the pandemic brought about 128 such incidents from March 2020 to June 2021, according to the most recent data available. Oliver Wyman, a US-based business consulting firm, warned that the problem was worldwide as pandemic cuts left about 100,000 pilots working skeleton hours or on long-term leave. The US Aviation Safety Reporting System reported 128 incidents attributed to a 'lack of flying' from March 2020 to June 2021 In Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency released a report in August on 'knowledge degradation due to lack of recent practice,' warning airlines that flights have not been taking place at a pace 'required to keep all aviation professionals current.' The agency warned that out-of-practice pilots could make simple mistakes that snowball into dangerous situations due to a lack of focus and proficiency decay, which has grown due to the pandemic. It urged airlines and travel organizations to study the impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of pilots and flight staff who suffered from 'job uncertainty, financial strain, work-life unbalance, and COVID-19 exposure concerns.' The pilot who tried to take off with one engine told the ASRS that his recovery from a COVID infection was 'heavy on my mind' and contributed to his 'lack of focus.' European Union Aviation Safety Agency warned fellow safety agencies and airlines that pilots could suffer from skill degradation due to lack of flying after COVID layoffs A senior pilot for Qantas Airways, in Sydney, Australia, said that colleagues who have not flown in six months tend to make mistakes when they return A senior pilot for Qantas Airways, an Australian-based airline, said colleagues who have not flown in six months typically make one or two minor procedural mistakes when they return. Actions that were once "immediate and instinctive" now require more time and thought, And that's only after refresher sessions in a flight simulator, the pilot told Bloomberg under the condition of anonymity. 'It's really a critical situation,' Uwe Hartner, executive vice president for technical and safety standards at the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations. told Bloomberg. 'The last thing the industry needs now is a bad accident.' Hartner, who has not flown since February 2020, warned that while some airlines are providing pilots with training to make up for the loss flight time, others are only offering 'the bare minimum,' if anything at all. 'The regulations that we have aren't sufficient.' The FAA said in a statement that its 'comprehensive data-driven safety oversight system enables the agency to detect risks and address problems early, including any that may result from pilots returning to work after Covid-related furloughs.' American Airlines and Delta Airlines, two of the biggest carriers in the US, have said their pilots training 'exceeds regulatory requirements.' Flight Safety Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Hassan Shahidi, who advises the aviation industry through the nonprofit, noted that airlines monitoring the troubling trend globally. International flight safety experts and advisers Hassan Shahidi, left, and Uwe Hartner, warned about the current situation of out-of-practice pilots around the world 'The more we know about potential safety issues, the better we are able to mitigate the risk.' A study from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona, found that the global incidents related to 'lack of proficiency' would likely end up being higher in 2020 and 2021. The university's report saw that the number of these incidents world wide was on a downward trend since 2015 at around 30 reports, but it was more than double that by 2019. Researches predict the numbers to be much high once all the data comes in for 2020. Researchers at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona expect the number of global accidents to jump up once the data for 2020 comes in Rajee Olagnathan, an assistant professor at the university, has studied the ASRS's data and said airlines needed to step up how they're addressing this issue. She said that of nearly a 10 of the 83 incidents reported between March and November 2020 all referred to pilots who had trouble landing the aircraft. In one of the reports, the pilot admits, 'I wasn't at the comfort level I would have liked.' Olagnathan said she wanted to see new education programs built around skill deterioration, and noted that pilots needed to be honest about their abilities. Pilots need to make an honest assessment of their skills and confidence upon returning to work,' she told Bloomberg. Advertisement Russia claimed one of its warships on Friday forced a U.S. Navy destroyer to abandon what it said was an attempt to intrude into its territorial waters in the Sea of Japan. Video released by the Russian ministry of defense appears to show the moment its anti-submarine vessel Admiral Tributs closed to within 60 yards of the U.S. destroyer USS Chafee in Peter the Great Gulf, to the south of Vladivostok. But the account was disputed by the U.S. Navy which said the Russian statement was 'false' and that the interaction was 'safe and professional.' The incident came while Russia and China conducted joint naval drills in the area, and is the latest in a series of close encounters between Russian and Western warships. Relations between Russia and the U.S. are at their lowest point since the Cold War. The Russian defense ministry said the Admiral Tributs radioed a warning to the billion-dollar USS Chafee to say she was 'in an area closed to navigation due to exercises with artillery fire.' The U.S. destroyer failed to change course and instead raised flags indicating it was preparing to launch a helicopter from its deck, meaning it was unable to change course and speed, the ministry said. Pictured in this video screen grab is the guided missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90), which has been deployed in the Sea of Japan, near Russia's territorial waters, for a few days The USS Chafee responded to requests to change course by raising flags indicating it was about to launch a helicopter, according to the Russian defense ministry The Russian destroyer Admiral Tributs pictured in Zolotoy Rog, or the Golden Horn Bay, during a parade in the Sea of Japan The episode happened south of Vlodivostok in the western portion of the Sea of Japan known as Peter the Great Bay 'Acting within the framework of the international rules of navigation, the Admiral Tributs set a course for ousting the intruder from Russian territorial waters,' it said. USS Chafee changed course when the two ships were less than 65 yards apart. It said the episode lasted less than 50 minutes and denounced what it said was U.S. 'crude violation' of rules on averting ships collisions. But a spokesman for the U.S. Pacific Fleet contradicted the Russian account. 'The statement from the Russian Defense Ministry about the interaction between our two Navy ships is false,' he said. The USS Chafee was conducting routine operations in international water when a Russian destroyer came to within 65 yards of the U.S. warship while it was preparing for flight operations. 'The interaction was safe and professional,' he said. 'Although Russia issued a Notice to Airman and Mariners (NOTAM/NOTMAR) in this area for later in the day, the NOTAM/NOTMAR was not in effect at the time of the interaction. 'At all times, USS Chafee conducted operations in accordance with international law and custom. The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate where international law allows.' Either way the diplomatic fallout was swift. The RIA news agency reported that the defense ministry summoned the U.S. military attache in response. The attache was told about 'unprofessional actions' of the crew of the Chafee, said the report. The Sea of Japan is not an area that frequent naval skirmishes, unlike the South China Sea where a network of territorial disputes between Beijing and Pacific nations has caused recent tension. However, North Korea and South Korea have both objected to the name, preferring the 'East Sea' or 'Korean East Sea.' The USS Chafee is an Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer, and was commissioned in 2003. At 500ft and capable of carrying more than 90 missiles they were more heavily armed than previous generations of destroyer, but have since been superseded by the Zumwalt class. The Sea of Japan episode is the second time in four months Russia has said it chased a NATO-member warship from its waters. In June, Russia accused a British destroyer, the Defender, of breaching its territorial waters in the Black Sea, and said it had forced the ship away with warning shots and dropped bombs in its path. Britain rejected Moscow's account of the incident, which took place off Crimea, part of Ukraine which Russia annexed in 2014 in a move not recognised internationally. London said at the time its ship was operating lawfully in Ukrainian waters. The USS Chafee pictured arriving in Hong Kong. She is an Arleigh Burke- class guided missile destroyer and is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group That triggered a warning from a senior Moscow security official that Britain should avoid any repeat. Mikhail Popov, deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, said: 'Similar actions will be thwarted with the harshest methods in future by Russia regardless of the violator's state allegiance. 'We suggest our opponents think hard about whether it's worth organizing such provocations given the capabilities of Russia's armed forces. Earlier on Friday, Russia said it had held joint naval drills with China in the Sea of Japan and practised how to operate together and destroy floating enemy mines with artillery fire. The war games are part of naval cooperation drills which run from Oct. 14 to 17 and involve warships and support vessels from Russia's Pacific Fleet, including mine-sweepers and a submarine. Moscow and Beijing have cultivated closer military and diplomatic ties in recent years at a time when their relations with the West have soured. Relations between Russia and the U.S. are at their lowest point since the Cold War, although President Vladimir Putin said this week he had established a solid relationship with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden and saw potential for ties to improve. More than 3million people in England have received a Covid booster jab, official figures show. NHS England revealed today 3.1million eligible over-50s, NHS workers and at-risk adults have now come forward for a top-up dose in the 29 days since the roll-out began on September 16. But there are still millions more who are technically now allowed to get their third dose but haven't yet. Since 92-year-old grandmother Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to receive a Covid vaccine outside of a clinical trial in December, 94.6million jabs have been administered in the UK. The booster programme began two days after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advised that the injections should be dished out to those most at risk from the virus to maintain a high level of protection through the winter. The rollout is a key part of ministers plans to suppress an expected fourth wave of the virus in the coming months. But a back-up 'Plan B' will - including mandatory face masks in certain settings, work from home guidance and vaccine passports - will be implemented if the health service faces unsustainable pressure. Health Secretary Sajid Javid today urged those eligible to come forward 'as soon as possible' to protect themselves and their loved ones and 'keep the virus at bay'. NHS England revealed today 3.1million people have come forward for the top-up dose in the 29 days since the rollout began on September 16. The health service in England only began publishing booster dose figures on October 1, when 863,460 had been administered Since 92-year-old Margaret Keenan (pictured getting booster dose on September 24) became the first person in the world to receive a Covid vaccine outside of a clinical trial on December 8 at University Hospital in Coventry, 94.6million jabs have been administered in the UK England's Covid outbreak is now biggest it's been since JANUARY Covid cases in England are now at their highest level since January, with one in 60 people infected on any given day last week, according to Government figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated 890,000 people in England 1.63 per cent of the population had the virus on October 9, up 13.2 per cent on the previous weekly figure. Infections have not been as high since the country began to recover from the darkest days of the second wave in mid-January, when more than 1million people were thought to be carrying the virus. Cases now appear to be rising in all cohorts, apart from those aged 35 to 49, where the ONS warned the trend is uncertain. But the latest hike has been fuelled by infections among pupils, with one in 12 youngsters aged 11 to 16 infected. Meanwhile, separate data from the UK Health Security Agency, which took over from the now-defunct PHE, today showed the the R rate is the same level as last week between a range of 0.9 and 1.1. Top scientists have repeatedly warned of a fourth wave this winter, prompted by the return of pupils to classrooms and office workers, as well as the colder weather and darker evenings driving people to socialise inside where the virus finds it easier to spread. Englands chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty yesterday claimed this winter will be 'exceptionally difficult' for the NHS, even if there is not a surge of infections. He warned the health service faces tough months ahead due to a resurgence of flu and other seasonal viruses. No10 has plans in place to bring back restrictions if the roll-out of booster vaccines and jabs to over-12s fail to curb the impact of Covid on hospitals. And ministers have previously warned they could not rule out another lockdown as a last resort. But despite the bleak figures, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today dismissed introducing another lockdown at Christmas, saying there will 'be no issues' with seeing loved ones around the festive period. Advertisement As of today, around 6.5million people in England are eligible for a booster. Those invited to get the jab are health and social care workers, over-50s, those with underlying health conditions, people living in care homes for older adults and those who live with immunosuppressed people. People in those groups will be asked to come forward for a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine or half a dose of the Moderna vaccine - regardless of which jab they had for their first two doses - at least six months after they were double-jabbed. Millions of Britons will get a dose of the flu vaccine at the same time as their booster, but in a different arm, after trials found both jabs were still safe and effective when co-administered. Dr Nikki Kanani, a GP and deputy leader of the NHS Covid vaccine programme, said: 'I've had my vaccine already in the local pharmacy and it was really straightforward, so when you get that important invite please come forward and protect yourself and your family this winter.' Mr Javid said: 'NHS staff and volunteers continue to do an amazing job delivering our phenomenal vaccine rollout. 'Boosters are continuing to reinforce the wall of defence that vaccines have built across the country and will provide vital protection to millions - it will help keep the virus at bay. 'I urge all those eligible for a top-up dose to get yours as soon as possible to not only protect yourself, but also to keep your loved ones safe from this virus.' Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup said: 'It is testament to our brilliant vaccination programme that we have been able to achieve this so rapidly and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our frontline staff and volunteers who have made this possible. 'Everyone eligible should not delay in getting their jab as soon as they can.' Those eligible can book their booster vaccine appointment online or by phoning 119. The booster jabs are the latest stage of the vaccine rollout, after first doses began being dished out on December 8 and second doses from December 29. The scheme was then further expanded in August when 16 and 17-year-olds were invited to get the jab. And 12 to 15-year-olds began getting the vaccine on September 20 after the Government accepted advice from the UK's chief medical officers that the vaccines would limit disruption to their education. Earlier this week, the NHS urged pregnant women to come forward for Covid jabs, after it emerged that nearly a fifth of the most unwell patients hospitalised with the virus were unvaccinated pregnant women. England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty warned yesterday that this winter will be 'exceptionally difficult' for the NHS even if there is not a surge of infections, due to winter pressures and an expected spike in flu cases. The jury could not reach a verdict on a further charge of rape against Hagyard One victim told the court that the ordeal had driven her to take an overdose A trainee solicitor was today jailed for eight years after he sexually assaulted two sleeping women at a work colleague's house-warming party. Tom Hagyard, 29, attacked a drunken law student in the party hosts bed, and minutes later groped a medical student who was asleep on the living room sofa in the 700,000 flat in Fulham. Hagyard, of Southport, who graduated with first class philosophy degree and was working at Eversheds Sutherland insisted the sexual activity was consensual, and that both women were 'enjoying it'. But at Isleworth Crown Court he was convicted of two counts of assault by penetration in relation to the first woman and two counts of sexual assault in relation to the second woman. The jury failed to reach a verdict on one count of raping the first woman and were discharged. Tom Hagyard, 29, attacked a drunken law student in the party hosts bed, and minutes later groped a medical student who was asleep at the time Recorder Simon Russell Flint QC told him: 'Nobody thought it was going to be anything other than a normal party for young people to get to know each other with drinking and dancing and fun until your actions brought to an end how that night would be remembered. 'The first victim had a lot to drink and was put into bed and out of kindness and regard for your comfort you also were invited to sleep in the bed, although why you were still there at 5am when others had left has not been explained. 'You almost immediately started to touch her. This young lady was sound asleep when you began to touch her sexually and she did not kiss you or give you any encouragement. Hagyard was a trainee solicitor at Eversheds Sutherland at the time of the sex attacks 'She had no idea what was happening to her and could not identify who it was. You were a stranger to her and she did not consent to what you were doing and neither did you believe she was consenting. 'You went ahead and did what you wanted to do to this woman and getting little or no satisfaction went looking for another victim. 'You went into the living-room, where the second woman was asleep on the couch and you pushed aside her shirt and bra and touched her breast. You woke her up by your hand being on her breast.' Earlier that same night Hagyard, who had been working for a commercial law firm in the capital, treated his parents and two sisters to a celebratory three-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant with his first pay check in the legal profession before making his way to the 700,000 Fulham Road flat in west London. Hagyard, of Fylde Road, Southport was convicted of two counts of assault by penetration in relation to the first woman and two counts of sexual assault in relation to the second woman. The jury failed to reach a verdict on one count of raping the first women and were discharged. Hagyard was jailed for 8 years but the jury could not reach a verdict on a further charge of rape In her victim impact statement the first woman said: 'I cannot unhear the claims made by his defence during the trial that I consented even though I was unconscious. This is re-traumatising and haunting.' She said the night left her 'with chronic stress, anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks,' adding: 'The nightmares I have in relation to the assaults are impossible to shake off. 'The defendant's actions have destroyed my trust and personal faith in other people. I have felt ashamed that I did not fight back and still berate myself about it.' The second woman, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, said: 'Tom Hagyard, I don't hate you. You are a stranger to me. 'I hope you can explore why you are the way you are and seek resolution so you do not harm anyone else. I am grieving for the loss of my old self, I miss her deeply.' She revealed that she stared at a train station's railway tracks and was treated for a paracetamol overdose at the very hospital where she trained as the trial date approached. 'The last four years have been torture with the anticipation of being in court.' Isleworth Crown Court heard he arrived at the party with a bottle of wine which he consumed, on October 15, 2017 and in the early hours the first 26 year-old victim woke with Hagyard on top of her. 'We got very drunk and I don't remember a lot. I took myself to bed and I woke up and there was a boy sort of on top of me,' she told the trial. Now working for an intellectual property-specialist law firm, the woman added: 'I was going in and out of consciousness and did not think I could move. I froze a bit, I didn't fight him off or anything. 'I remember trying to push him away. I was staring at the wall for a while. 'I felt very drunk, nine or ten-out-of-ten drunk. I kept my eyes closed for a bit and I remember feeling confused. 'He was on top of me and I was in pain. I felt like I could not move or fight him off and my memory goes in and out, I have flashes.' Hagyard was found gulity at Isleworth Crown Court four years after the assaults took place Addressing Hagyard, prosecutor Richard Job said: 'She had also had a bit to drink and was sleeping in her clothes. She was woken at 5.30am by someone touching her chest. 'The top of her bra had been pulled to one side and a man's hand was on her breast. She felt his mouth next to her ear and the words: 'Shush. It's okay.' 'He was crouched by her and having touched her breast he moved his hand to her belt and began to undo the buckle. 'She was scared and she got up and went quickly to the host's bedroom.' Recorder Russell Flint told Hagyard: 'You have concocted an account you hoped would be accepted and you have caused each of them severe psychological harm, plus harm to your more than loving supportive family. 'Your family will have to face the reality their son, who was destined to be a highly successful solicitor, is a sex offender, who preyed on two young women. 'This has all gone, due to your conduct in that hour that has caused so much devastation to peoples lives. 'This is a tragic case for those two ladies and tragic for what you have brought on your family.' A high school principal said he and his wife 'had a wonderful life' in an emotional jailhouse interview before being released from prison last year after 33 years for murdering her as he insists he's innocent and will fight to clear his name. Joe Bryan, 81 - who was recently interviewed for a segment on ABC's 20/20 - was convicted of first-degree murder in April 1986 for the murder of his wife, Mickey Bryan, who had been shot in her bedroom in Clifton, Texas, four times with a .357 caliber revolver on October 14, 1985. He was sentenced to the maximum penalty of 99 years in prison and after his eighth parole attempt, Joe - who has always maintained his innocence - was released on parole in March 2020. 'I may get emotional. When you have your soul mate, and you love each other and respect each other, it makes life wonderful,' Bryan tearfully told ABC's Amy Robach in a clip of his jailhouse interview released Friday morning, which was took place prior to his release. 'And we had a wonderful life.' Bryan fought back tears as he explained the moment he learned of his wife's death, describing his response to the news as being 'heartbroken' Bryan (right) was arrested for Mickey's (left) murder on October 23, just eight days after her death Bryan fought back tears as he explained the moment he learned of his wife's death, describing his response to the news as being 'heartbroken.' 'Instantly you know your life is not as it was. I said 'what can you tell me?' Do we know how?' (The officer) said 'all I know is that she's dead.' 'I was heartbroken,' he said, voice cracking with emotion. In an effort to further clear his name, Bryan's attorneys presented new developments in the forensic testimony of retired police Det. Robert Thorman - who had performed the initial blood-stain analysis - at an evidentiary hearing in 2018. In a sworn affidavit to the court, Thorman said 'my conclusions were wrong, some of my testimony was not correct,' ProPublica reported him saying just over a week after Bryan's release in March 2020. Throughout his time in prison, Joe's defense team has tried to have his conviction overturned. In 2016, they filed a complaint with the Texas Forensic Science Commission who reviewed Thorman's analysis and testimony from 1985 and determined that it was 'unreliable'. 'False, it's unscientific, and... the most horrifying thing I've ever read in my life,' blood spatter expert Celestina Rossi testified of Thorman's analysis. They had the specks of blood on the flashlight tested with DNA technology in 2012 and 2018 but the results were inconclusive. In 2018 the defense presented new evidence in attempt to secure a new trial, but the court decided not to grant the request. Investigators had found evidence allegedly linking Bryan to the case after Mickey's brother borrowed his car. He went to consult a friend who was a former FBI agent about his sister's death when the pair reportedly found the aforementioned flashlight in the trunk, which appeared to have specks of blood and pieces of plastic on the lens that resembled bits found at the crime scene. Pictured: the blood-stained flashlight found in Bryan's trunk following the murder, which was used to implicate him in his wife's death Then in 2018, new developments called into question the blood evidence on the flashlight (pictured) which had been used to convict him Although DNA forensics did not exist at the time, crime scene investigators determined that the blood on the flashlight matched Mickey's blood type and the plastic pieces matched those found at the crime scene. 'Who in their right mind would do what they said I was supposed to have done? And just leave the flashlight in the car, in the trunk?' he said, referring to a blood-covered flashlight that had been found in his car and matched Mickey's blood type. Bryan claimed the last time he saw the flashlight was in the couple's bedroom. 'You're stunned, like, how could they do this?' Bryan said upon hearing the guilty verdict over 30 years ago. 'And you're innocent,' he added. 'I'm not a killer. I didn't kill Mickey. I loved Mickey, she was my other self,' he told ABC News. 'I hope to be found actually innocent so it's really truly over with. Then for the first time in 34 years I can have a sigh of relief, and I can go visit Mickey's grave and tell her, 'We know who did it.' Bryan's full 20/20 interview airs on ABC Friday at 9pm EST. Meanwhile, Bryan and his family believe that former police officer Dennis Dunlap, who was convicted of the 1985 rape and murder of Judy Whitley, a 17-year-old high school cheerleader who also lived in Clifton, may be responsible for Mickey's death. Bryan believes that former police officer Dennis Dunlap, who was convicted of the 1985 rape and murder of Judy Whitley (pictured), may be responsible for Mickey's death Joe Bryan, a killer principal (left), has been released after 33 years behind bars for murdering his wife, Mickey (right) - but still insists he didn't do it, and has now vowed to clear his name 'I believe that if the Clifton Police Department and the Texas Rangers, along with the justice system, would have arrested Dennis Dunlap for the murder of Judy Whitley, Mickey would still be alive today, and my uncle obviously would not be in jail,' said Cindy Bryan, Bryan's niece. Prosecutors insist Bryan is the killer, but his family has extremely powerful support in the form of thriller novelist John Grisham. He based his 2019 book The Guardians on the case, and firmly believes Bryan is the victim of a miscarriage of justice caused by poor detective work. Bryan claims he was at a principal's conference in Austin, about 120 miles from their hometown of Clifton, the night that Mickey was murdered. She was found dead the next morning by her boss after she didn't show up to work. Bryan's story served as the inspiration for John Grisham's 2019 novel The Guardians which tells the tale of a lawyer who was shot dead at his desk Police initially thought her death was the result of a burglary that had gone wrong, noting that although there were no signs of forced entry, some jewelry and about $1,000 in cash was missing. According to Bryan, he learned of Mickey's death when a colleague pulled him out of the conference to notify him of the situation. 'You don't want to admit that your life [has] totally changed, and that someone would have the audacity to go [into] our home and kill the most precious person in your life,' he said. Along with finding the flashlight in his trunk, Bryan had also reported that he found the allegedly stolen cash in his car. He claimed he had forgotten that the couple took the money with them for a shopping trip a few weeks prior. Police reportedly did not find the money in the vehicle. Bryan was arrested for Mickey's murder on Oct. 23, just eight days after her death. During his trial, the prosecution argued that Joe left the conference, drove 130 miles to Clifton, a trip that takes around two hours each way, and murdered his wife before returning to Austin. The prosecution's argument relied heavily on the flashlight evidence and the testimony of police detective Robert Thorman, who had been trained in bloodstain pattern analysis. Throman argued that the killer would've held the revolver - which was never found - and flashlight at the same time. He also said the killer would've needed to change their clothes and shoes to prevent leaving a bloody trail, which Bryan could've easily done in his own bedroom. The prosecution also alleged life insurance payout as motive behind the slaying. Meanwhile, the defense argued that it was 'impossible' for Bryan to drive roundtrip to Clifton, commit the murder and get back to Austin in time for his conference. He maintained he was asleep in his hotel room at the time of the death. Regardless, Bryan was sentenced to first-degree murder in April and received the maximum penalty of 99 years in prison. He appealed his conviction, and it was overturned because the judge had not allowed additional testimony about Mickey's life insurance policy, which was reportedly worth half the amount stated in court. Bryan was convicted of first-degree murder in April 1986 after Mickey had been shot in her bedroom in Clifton, Texas, four times with a .357 caliber revolver on October 14, 1985 Dunlap (pictured) has not been connected to Mickey's death, and prosecutors say the late cop's wife who made the claims about him dating Mickey is not a credible witness Prosecutors tried Bryan again - in another town but with the same judge - and he was convicted a second time. 'Everything you've worked for has been taken from you,' he said of the verdict. 'Everything you love has been taken from you. Everything materially that you had been taken from you. All you have is just yourself.' In the 1990s local journalist Leon Smith, who has since passed away, began looking into the murder of Judy Whitley and wondered if it was connected to Mickey's case. The cheerleader was raped and killed in June 1985. Her body was found in a wooded area near a Clifton grocery store. Former officer Dennis Dunlap, who had joined the force a few months before Whitley's death, was considered a suspect in her murder, however there was not enough evidence to convict him. Smith and Dunlap communicated via letter about the cold case with the cop outright denying any involvement. The officer then took his own life in April 1996. After his death, officers interviewed one of his ex-wives who claimed that Dunlap had 'dated the lady that the principal murdered'. 'All he told me was that he dated her. He was dating that lady he was going, I want to say, I'm not for sure, he dropped her off that night or that evening [she was killed]' the woman told authorities. Investigators unsuccessfully attempted to pursue a posthumous indictment of Dunlap for Whitley's murder and, in 1999, announced he was responsible for her death. The case was considered closed. Dunlap has not been connected to Mickey's death, and prosecutors say the late cop's wife who made the claims about him dating Mickey is not a credible witness. The prosecution rejected Dunlap's ex-wife's claims, saying her recollection was 'spotty, uncertain and inaccurate.' Bryan was also denied parole seven times over the past three decades. His story served as the inspiration for John Grisham's 2019 novel The Guardians which tells the tale of a lawyer who was shot dead at his desk. In the book, the killer left behind no clues and there were no witnesses, real suspects or motives. Grisham says he believes that Bryan is innocent and that he was 'was struck by... the really incredibly sloppy science that was given to the jury.' 'I think a just ending to Joe's story is to tell the story of who killed... his beloved wife Mickey, the woman he loved, that would be a great ending,' the author added. Kenneth Upshaw (pictured), 38, was arrested on Tuesday charged with attempted second-degree murder after the alleged incident on October 8 in east Memphis A man has been arrested after he allegedly doused his girlfriend with gasoline and used a lit cigarette to set her on fire when she tried to break up with him, according to law enforcement officials in Tennessee. Kenneth Upshaw, 38, was arrested on Tuesday charged with attempted second-degree murder after the alleged incident on October 8 in east Memphis. Rebecca Briggs, who miraculously survived being set on fire, is recovering in the Regional Medical Center's burn unit and is in a fair condition, officials said. She suffered what have been described as second-degree to deep second-degree burns to her face, neck, chest and arms, WREG reported, with officers struggling to understand her at the scene because of her burns, according to Fox News. Police said Briggs was standing near a vehicle on the driveway of an acquaintance's home when she told Upshaw she was breaking up with him. The victim said that Upshaw told her 'if he could not be with her, then no one would,' according to an affidavit obtained by ABC 24. He then proceeded to splash her with gasoline and throw a lit cigarette at her, setting her ablaze, according to Briggs in the affidavit. Upshaw and the owner of the home - on Benna Cove in the Sea Isle area - put the fire out. The couple do not live at the house where the alleged attack happened. The homeowner said he was unaware of what was happening outside until someone told him his car was on fire in his driveway. Upshaw had been there earlier in the day, the owner said. Pictured: A street view of Benna Cove in the Sea Isle or east Memphis, where the alleged incident is said to have taken place last week 'It was pretty bad. I mean, it burned the whole back end and part of the back driver's side and started to get where the gas tank is, and I thought it was going to explode,' said the man who chose not to be identified. Police investigating the alleged incident found a black 2016 Honda Accord parked in the driveway with the read of the vehicle burned. According to court records obtained by WREG, the couple have a child together and a long history of domestic violence. Police said in 2019, Upshaw punched Briggs in the stomach so hard she had to undergo an emergency c-section and delivered their baby a month early. Relatives told the outlet that Briggs has a long road to recovery ahead of her. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accepted a Nixon Foundation award in California and accused the Biden administration of failing to appreciate that there is 'evil and there is good' in the world. Pompeo, who along with former Trump national security advisor Robert O'Brien was given the group's 'architect of peace' award for their work on the Abraham Accords to bring Israelis and Middle East neighbors closer together, blasted the succeeding administration on Afghanistan and other issues. 'At its very core, what the Biden administration fails to understand is there is a harsh reality out there, that there is evil and there is good,' he said. 'And if you withdraw from Afghanistan without considering the ramifications and dealing with them and making sure the conditions are right, America will be diminished.' Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accepted an award from the Richard Nixon Foundation and accused the Biden administration of failing to appreciate 'there is evil and there is good' in the world His statement on the 'conditions' is a likely reference to the the agreement he negotiated in Qatar, where the US committed to a timetable to pull out troops, but established commitments for the Taliban including severing ties with terror groups. Pompeo on behalf of President Donald Trump negotiated with the Taliban over the US exit and a drawdown of US troops to 2,500 by the time Trump left office. The Biden administration credits the deal with contributing to the chaotic total withdrawal of troops in August. Pompeo, a potential GOP presidential candidate, also hammered the Iran nuclear deal, which Barack Obama inked, Trump withdrew from, and Biden is seeking to renegotiate. 'If you don't make clear that you're going to be an unbreakable ally of the state of Israel, then the Iranians will provide rockets to Hamas in the Gaza Strip and they will fire them into the state of Israel,' he said, he told Fox News in an interview pegged to the event. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo meets with the Taliban then political affairs chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Doha, Qatar, on September 12, 2020 Pompeo helped negotiate the agreement for a US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan In this handout photo by the Saudi Roayal Palace, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) is greeted by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on September 18, 2019 'If you don't make clear that you're going to be an unbreakable ally of the state of Israel, then the Iranians will provide rockets to Hamas in the Gaza Strip and they will fire them into the state of Israel,' Pompeo said Pompeo was given an award along with former security advisor Robert O'Brien for his work on the Abraham Accords 'And if you don't understand that American energy is an incredibly powerful national security tool, and instead, you shut it down and give the Russians access to European markets, and beg the Middle East to build more production capacity, you put America at risk.' Pompeo and O'Brien were also recognized for their work on the 2020 Serbia-Kosovo economic normalization agreements. Critics and some policy experts fear the US has ceded influence to China with the Afghanistan withdrawal and Taliban takeover. Biden has sought to emphasize multilateral cooperation with allies, after Trump stressed personal diplomacy and miffed some traditional allies, while confronting China through trade tariffs and tough public statements. 'I think the world is very worried," said Pompeo. "I think they see the first nine months, and they are very concerned that America is leaving the international stage." Pompeo reflected on a number of foreign policy actions taken under Biden's leadership including the full withdrawal of U.S. military assets from Afghanistan, which led to the Taliban takeover of the country, and the negotiations for a potential reentry into the JCPOA Iran Nuclear Deal. Trump and Pompeo have repeatedly blasted the deal as a threat to Israel. 'If you don't make clear that you're going to be an unbreakable ally of the state of Israel, then the Iranians will provide rockets to Hamas in the Gaza Strip and they will fire them into the state of Israel,' he said. 'And if you don't understand that American energy is an incredibly powerful national security tool, and instead, you shut it down and give the Russians access to European markets, and beg the Middle East to build more production capacity, you put America at risk.' A police officer who was shopped by his ex-girlfriend for trying to dodge a speeding ticket has been given an 18-month suspended sentence. PC Richard Hammond, 36, had pressured drama teacher Vicky Courtis into lying about the driving offence over fears a conviction could affect his career. Hammond, a firearms officer in the Met Police, was clocked speeding in her Fiat 500 over Tower Bridge in August 2018 and told Ms Courtis to say she did not know who was driving. Ms Courtis said Hammond later told her to 'take the points' if she loved him, Inner London Crown Court heard. PC Richard Hammond (in foreground), 36, who was shopped by his ex-girlfriend for trying to dodge a speeding ticket, has been given an 18-month suspended sentence. He had pressured drama teacher Vicky Courtis into lying about the driving offence over fears a conviction could affect his career Hammond claimed Ms Courtis and another woman invented the allegations against him out of spite, but he was convicted of perverting the course of justice. Ms Courtis insisted she was being truthful when she made her report to police on Valentine's Day 2019. Texts recovered from Hammond's phone revealed he had borrowed the car to drive to and from work, while Ms Courtis was attending a Britney Spears concert. Hammond was arrested for perverting the course of justice while on a specialist police driving course in the Midlands. He had told police he was unsure at the time about who was driving and claimed Ms Courtis would sometimes give him a lift to work. When Obi Mgbokwere, prosecuting, asked him how he could not remember who the driver was, he said he could not even remember what he was doing two days before. He told the court he was 'exhausted from working 12-hour shifts' and it felt like 'jet lag'. When Ms Courtis received the speeding ticket, Hammond told the police he did not know who the driver was. 'The jury disbelieved you,' said the judge Ms Recorder Maya Sikand. 'You were a highly valued member of your firearms team which you joined in 2017. Hammond, a firearms officer in the Met Police, was clocked speeding in her Fiat 500 over Tower Bridge (file image) in August 2018 and told Ms Courtis to say she did not know who was driving 'I'm aware of your commendation in the line of duty...I accept that this offending is a fall from grace.' She said Hammond told a mental health specialist he was in a 'unique team' within the police force that was 'the second highest in Europe' and now 'feels finished'. 'I'm heartbroken to be out of this forever,' he said. Hammond will lose his job on October 28 at a fast-tracked disciplinary procedure. Benjamin Summers, defending, said a suspended sentence would be a 'just outcome'. He said a prison sentence would have a 'significant impact' on his wife and young child. Hammond is receiving mental health treatment for pre-existing PTSD. 'Where there are genuine and real mental health issues, prison is not where those mental health issues should and can be properly addressed,' said Mr Summers. Hammond, from West Kensington, denied but was convicted by a jury of perverting the course of justice. He appeared in court supported by his wife and several members of the police service and wore a grey shirt and jeans. Mr Summers said: 'You know he has served the public as a police officer in excess of a decade and most recently as a firearms officer. 'He is now married and has a child and has no previous convictions. If one looks at the conduct, this was a brief episode. 'This is not someone who needs to be out on the straight and narrow, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. He also spoke of Hammond's 'realistic path to rehabilitation'. 'There is strong personal mitigation, a loss of good character, and the impact it has on the loss of his career, which is inevitable.' Hammond, of West Kensington, London, was given an 18-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, 250 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity. He must also pay costs of 2,500. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge led a great outpouring of grief today after the brutal stabbing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess. Prince William and Kate said they are 'shocked and saddened' by the incident which saw the veteran MP killed while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, this afternoon. In a statement, the couple said: 'We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess, who dedicated 40 years of his life to serving his community. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. W&C' Earlier this evening, Boris Johnson was among colleagues from all parties hailing the veteran Conservative - who died after being attacked at a constituency surgery' as a 'true gent' and a 'decent' family man. And there was defiance that MPs must not bow to an 'attack on democracy' by refusing to meet voters face to face in future. Returning to Downing Street to address the shocking news after a Cabinet away-day in Bristol, the PM said: 'All our hears are full of shock and sadness.' He said the death came after 'almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom'. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge say they were left shocked and saddened by the attack Boris Johnson led a great outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum today after the brutal stabbing of Tory MP David Amess 'The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics,' he said. 'He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable.' The death of Sir David also brought tributes from across the world, including from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He said in a post on Twitter: 'I am shocked by the news that British MP Sir David Amess was stabbed and killed today. 'My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and on behalf of all Canadians and Parliamentarians, I offer my deepest condolences to his colleagues and all who are mourning this loss.' Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison echoed Mr Trudeau's statement, saying: 'Shocked and terribly saddened by the awful loss of Sir David Amess, stabbed and killed in the UK while doing his job, serving his local community as an MP. 'Our deepest sympathies & condolences to Sir David, all his colleagues in the UK Parliament and Sir Davids family and friends.' Australia's leader of the opposition, Anthony Albanese, also added his sympathy, saying: 'Shocked and saddened to hear the news that Sir David Amess MP was killed in the UK. 'On behalf of Australian Labor I extend my deep and sincere condolences.' Flags in Westminster are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to the 69-year-old, who had been an MP since 1983. A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Former Conservative prime minister Theresa May tweeted: 'Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. 'A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties. Mr Johnson returned to Downing Street to address the news after a Cabinet away-day Flags in Westminster are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to the 69-year-old The political world reacted with deep sadness to the grim events today 'A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David's family.' Former prime minister Sir John Major said: 'This is truly heartbreaking news of a good and decent man who for over 30 years was a dedicated public servant. 'My heart goes out to his family.' Carrie Johnson, the Prime Minister's wife, tweeted: 'Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. 'He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children.' Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab tweeted: 'Heartbroken that we have lost Sir David Amess MP. 'A great common sense politician and a formidable campaigner with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirit including towards those he disagreed with. RIP my friend.' The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tweeted: 'Shocked to hear of the attack on Sir David Amess. Praying for him, his loved ones and his staff. 'Our elected representatives must be able to live and work without fear of violence or intimidation if we are to maintain our democracy.' Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps described Sir David Amess as 'a true parliamentarian'. He tweeted: 'Awful, tragic news about David. 'A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career. 'My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.' Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: 'Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role. 'My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life.' Sir David pictured with his pet Vivienne when they entered the Westminster Dog of the Year competition David Amess and wife Julia, with their fourth child, baby daughter Alexandra. They are pictured with two of their other children, David and Katherine Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage and Tory MP George Freeman were among those paying their respects tonight Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today. 'In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no-one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents.' Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford Tracey Crouch tweeted: 'Heartbroken. I could write reams on how Sir David was one of the kindest, most compassionate, well liked colleagues in Parliament. But I can't. I feel sick. I am lost. 'Rest in Peace. A little light went out in Parliament today. We will miss you.' Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis described Sir David Amess as 'one of life's truly nice people'. He tweeted: 'I knew David both from my days as a councillor in Essex and as a fellow MP. 'One of life's truly nice people, a gentleman, who was always ready to give his help to anyone who needed it. 'So shocked and saddened by this awful news. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.' Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor, who was Sir David Amess's predecessor as MP for Basildon in Essex, paid tribute to him and called for security for MPs to be reviewed. Mr Proctor told the PA news agency: 'The news that my friend David Amess has been attacked and died in his constituency is horrible. 'David took over my Basildon constituency in 1983. My thoughts and best wishes go to his wife Julia and their children and his family. 'He supported me in good times and in bad. He was a wonderful Member of Parliament for Basildon and Southend-on-Sea West. 'It's now time to consider again the security of MPs, especially when they are present at fixed events and times such as constituency surgeries. 'Our parliamentary democracy is under threat and Parliament must respond.' Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: 'Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. A truly despicable and horrifying act. 'My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time.' Communities Secretary Michael Gove tweeted: 'David Amess's passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news. 'He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: 'This is tragic and horrible news. My thoughts are with David's wife and children, the wider family, friends and David's community. 'A truly terrible day for British politics but most importantly of all our prayers are with all the people who loved David.' Conservative MP and former Cabinet minister David Davis tweeted: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and staff of Sir David Amess. 'He was a thoroughly kind and decent man who above all else cared strongly for his constituents and worked hard for them over his distinguished career. We have all lost a good friend.' Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted: 'Devastated to hear the terrible news about Sir David Amess MP. 'He was a lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian. My thoughts are with all his family and friends.' Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: 'The worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity. It steals joy from the world and can take from us that which we love the most. Sir David with his wife Julia Arnold and his four daughters. The couple also have a son together 'Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David's loved ones.' Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith tweeted: 'Shocked to hear my long time good friend/colleague has died as a result of a desperate attack in his surgery doing what all MPs have a duty to do: looking out for their constituents often as a last hope when all else has failed. 'My prayers go out to his family RIP #SirDavidAmess.' Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: 'I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away. 'He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful. My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with David's loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief.' Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale tweeted: 'David and I entered the House together in 1983 and I regard him as a dear friend and a brave & compassionate MP. 'The loss to his family, who David always put first, and to the House is appalling. But David died doing what David always did looking after his constituents.' GPs need to be treated like pilots because working too long could be dangerous, the countrys top doctor said today. Professor Martin Marshall said pilots only fly 32 hours per week because theyre in a safety critical occupation. The same understanding is needed for doctors to avoid incorrectly diagnosing patients or prescribing them the wrong medication, he said. It follows a growing row over a lack of face-to-face appointments, which are still below pre-pandemic levels. Health chiefs have now stepped in and threatened the worst performing surgeries with being named and shamed unless they start seeing more patients in-person. GPs reacted with fury, saying the plans would trigger a wave of retirements and 'sink the ship altogether'. But patient rights campaigners have said they need to work amid a wave of doctors seeking part-time roles. It comes as data from a Government-backed study this week revealed the average GP who earns around 100,000 a year was working just 6.6 sessions each week before Covid, down from 7.5 sessions a decade ago. Discussing the issues today at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) annual conference in Liverpool, Professor Marshall said making doctors work longer hours is just a complete nonsense and would risk patient safety. Discussing the issues today at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) annual conference in Liverpool, Professor Marshall said making doctors work longer hours is just a complete nonsense and would risk patient safety. Pictured: Professor Marshall speaking to MPs last month on the Health and Social Care Committee for tackling the Covid backlog 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 He told the conference he had a very unpleasant conversation with a senior Conservative Party politician last week, who asked why he doesnt tell GPs to work harder. Professor Marshall said: After I'd picked myself up off the floor, I pointed out to him that forcing people to work more days in a week, when they're already feeling vulnerable and they're already concerned that the pressures of the job are going to risk them making diagnostic errors and prescribing errors is just a complete nonsense. UK's Covid cases rise by 8% in a week to 44,932 and hospitalisations tick upwards but deaths fall by 3% Britain's daily Covid cases rose again today and England's outbreak is now the biggest it's been since January, according to official figures that add to fears of a difficult winter ahead. Department of Health bosses posted 44,932 infections, a spike of eight per cent on last Friday. It was the tenth day in a row cases increased week-on-week. Meanwhile, the number of people being admitted to hospital with the virus also rose, with 827 Covid patients seen on Monday, the latest date data is available for. It was a rise of 6.3 per cent on the week before. But the number of people dying with the Covid fell today. Some 145 victims were recorded, down 3.3 per cent on the 150 posted last Friday. The damning figures come after separate official data showed Covid cases in England are now at their highest level since January, with one in 60 people infected on any given day last week. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated 890,000 people in England 1.63 per cent of the population had the virus on October 9, up 13.2 per cent on the previous weekly figure. Infections have not been as high since the country began to recover from the darkest days of the second wave in mid-January, when more than 1million people were thought to be carrying the virus. Cases now appear to be rising in all cohorts, apart from those aged 35 to 49, where the ONS warned the trend is uncertain. But the latest hike has been fuelled by infections among pupils, with one in 12 youngsters aged 11 to 16 infected. Meanwhile, separate data from the UK Health Security Agency, which took over from the now-defunct PHE, today showed the the R rate is the same level as last week between a range of 0.9 and 1.1. Advertisement Pilots fly for 32 hours a week, and they do that because they're in a safety critical occupation. We're in a safety critical occupation as well, and we need the same understanding.' Data from a Government-backed study this week revealed the average GP who earns around 100,000 a year was working just 6.6 sessions each week before Covid, down from 7.5 sessions a decade ago. Dr Becks Fisher, a GP and senior policy fellow at the Health Foundation think tank, told the conference the NHS needed to improve how they counted GPs and measure their working patterns to 'shift the narrative' around doctors working part-time. 'Our workforce numbers are currently a bit of a shambles,' she said. The British Medical Association, the trade union for doctors, argued the notion of a 'part-time GP is often anything but'. It said the average doctor still works 40 hours per work just split into fewer sessions, and the current levels of workload were made worse by 'piles of admin and bureaucracy'. Dr Richard Vautrey, BMA GP committee chair, dismissed the notion that GPs work part-time because 40 hours is the same as most full-time jobs. But campaign group Silver Voices, which represents elderly Britons, called on ministers to take 'control' of the hours GPs are working and blamed the drop in sessions they worked as a reason patients were struggling to see their GP in the flesh. Professor Marshalls comments echo those he made to ministers earlier this month, when he warned the model of a full-time GP is probably something we wont see again. He told a Health and Social Care Committee on tackling the Covid backlog last month that GPs who work three days are pretty much working full time, because they work for 11 to 12 hours. He warned GPs are working under intense pressure, which is increasingly impacting doctors ability to provide safe care. If doctors are forced to work four-day weeks and start making diagnostic errors or prescribing errors, thats no good for anybody, Professor Marshall said at the time. He added: So while general practice is under pressure, there are very few people who feel that they are able to work full-time. And secondly we have to accept the reality that the younger generation, of clinicas of all sorts, want career portfolios, they want mixed careers, they dont want to work full time. So the model of a full time GP I think is probably something we wont see again. Before the pandemic, around 80 per cent of GP appointments took place in-person. In a bid to control the spread of the virus, around half of consultations took place virtually or through a phone call. 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 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 But despite Covid restrictions being lifted during the summer, less than half of GP appointments in July and August were face-to-face. In a bid to push through more face-to-face appointments, Health Secretary Sajid Javid threatened to name and shame the surgeries failing to deliver them in enough numbers. The RCGPs 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 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'. The Biden administration announced on Friday it would ask the Supreme Court to throw out a Texas law that bans almost all abortions after a federal appeals panel allowed the restrictions to stay in place. Texas clinics are running out of options as they try to beat a ban on abortions after cardiac activity is detected - at about the six-week mark, when many women may not even know they are pregnant. The law took effect on Sept 1 and makes exceptions for medical emergency but not for rape or incest. Opponents say it is the biggest barrier to abortion imposed in almost 50 years. Their latest defeat came Thursday night when a conservative-leaning federal appeals panel in New Orleans, in a 2-1 decision, allowed the restrictions to remain in place for a third time in the last several weeks. A day later, Department of Justice spokesman Anthony Coley said the administration would ask justices of the Supreme Court to overturn that result. 'The Justice Department intends to ask the Supreme Court to vacate the Fifth Circuit's stay of the preliminary injunction against Texas Senate Bill 8,' he said. The Biden administration is planning another effort to overturn the near total ban on abortion in Texas as clinics run out of options to throw out the law Women's rights advocates participate in the nationwide Women's March, held after Texas rolled out a near-total ban on abortion, in Austin, Texas Demonstrators rally against anti-abortion and voter suppression laws at the Texas State Capitol on October 2, 2021 in Austin, Texas. The Women's March and other groups organized marches across the country to protest the new abortion law in Texas Texas women have been force to seek out abortion clinics in neighboring states, sometimes driving hours through the middle of the night and including patients as young as 12 years old. The Biden administration was under pressure from abortion rights supporters to go to the Supreme Court even before the announcement. The court already once allowed the restrictions to take effect, but did so without ruling on the law's constitutionality. The Texas Attorney General's Office called Thursday night's decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals a 'testament that we are on the right side of the law and life.' A 1992 decision by the Supreme Court prevented states from banning abortion before viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy. But Texas' law has outmaneuvered courts so far because it offloads enforcement to private citizens. Anyone who brings a successful lawsuit against an abortion provider for violating the law is entitled to claim at least $10,000 in damages, which the Biden administration says amounts to a bounty. Only once has a court moved to put the restrictions on hold and that order stood for only 48 hours. During that brief window, some Texas clinics rushed to perform abortions on patients past six weeks, but many more appointments were canceled after the 5th Circuit moved to swiftly reinstate the law last week. Texas had roughly two dozen abortion clinics before the law took effect, and operators have said some may be forced to close if the restrictions stay in place for much longer. Texas Right to Life, the state's largest anti-abortion group, set up a tip line to receive allegations against abortion providers but has not filed any lawsuits. Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman, said Thursday the group expected the Biden administration to go to the Supreme Court next and was 'confident Texas will ultimately defeat these attacks on our life-saving efforts.' Already the stakes are high in the coming months over the future of abortion rights in the U.S. In December, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court will hear Mississippi's bid to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that guarantees a woman's right to an abortion. On Wednesday, 18 state attorneys generals from mostly GOP-controlled states threw their support behind the Texas law, urging the court to let the restrictions stand while accusing the federal government of overstepping in bringing the challenge in the first place. Last month, more than 20 other states, mostly run by Democrats, had urged the lower court to throw out the law. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has called the law 'clearly unconstitutional' and warned that it could become a model elsewhere in the country unless it's struck down. 'The statute deputizes all private citizens without any showing of personal connection or injury to serve as bounty hunters,' he said last month. Angela Rayner was tonight facing fresh pressure to apologise for her 'Tory scum' comments at the Labour party conference in the wake of Conservative MP Sir David Amess' murder. Sir David, 69, was brutally stabbed to death in front of horrified onlookers at his constituency surgery in Southend, Essex, earlier today. Tributes from across the House of Commons have since flooded in for the veteran politician, including from Labour's deputy leader, Mrs Rayner, herself. She tweeted: 'I'm horrified by the reports regarding David Amess and an incident at his constituency surgery today. 'We don't know the details yet but on behalf of all of us in the Labour Party I want to say all of our thoughts are with David and we all hope that he pulls through and is ok.' However, both her name and the phrase 'Tory scum', which she used in front of Labour supporters last month, was trending on Twitter this evening, as many called on her to retract the statement. Among those to comment was barrister and presenter Rob Rinder, who told listeners on his Talk Radio show: 'Tory Scum is trending on Twitter. At the same time, women MPs will face daily rape and death threats. 'Listeners, this has to end. Today it has ended in the death of one of our best MPs.' Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner used the term 'Tory scum' while giving a speech at the party's annual conference last month Police outside the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North in Essex where Tory MP Sir David Amess was killed today Sir David Amess was stabbed 'several times' by an attacker in his constituency earlier today In a late-night rant at the Labour conference last month, Mrs Rayner said she was 'sick of shouting from the sidelines' at 'a bunch of scum, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, absolute pile of... banana republic... Etonian... piece of scum'. The 41-year-old former care worker then doubled down on her claims, singling out Boris Johnson, Priti Patel and other members of the Cabinet who have 'said appalling things'. A defiant Mrs Rayner said her 'post-watershed' comments were designed to put 'fire in the belly' of party activists during a conference reception. She claimed that her language was the kind 'you would hear very often in northern working-class towns, we even say it jovially to other people, we say 'it's a scummy thing to do' and that to me is my street language'. And she told Sky News she would not apologise unless the Prime Minister first said sorry for 'comments he has made that are homophobic, racist and misogynistic'. Sir David - who won at the last general election with a margin of 14,000 votes - was knifed 'multiple times' by a 25-year-old killer around midday. His attacker sprinted into the church and stabbed him to death during his weekly surgery as constituents watched in horror. The Tory MP for Southend West, 69, was meeting locals at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, when it happened just at 12.05pm. Paramedics worked to save the politician on the floor of the Essex church for more than an hour but he could not be saved after the appalling attack. The murder bore chilling similarities to the killing of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed multiple times outside her constituency surgery at a local library in Birstall, West Yorkshire, in June 2016 by a right-wing terrorist. Tonight her sister, Kim Leadbeater, who has since been elected as a Labour MP to Jo's former Batley and Spen seat, said she felt 'frightened' by the attack and that her partner has asked her to step down in the wake of Sir David's death. Meanwhile Prime Minister Boris Johnson said all our hearts are filled with 'shock' and 'sadness', as he reacted to the loss of the stalwart Conservative MP. Returning to Downing Street to address the shocking news after a Cabinet away-day in Bristol, the PM said: 'All our hears are full of shock and sadness. 'The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics. He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable.' Sir David, a married father-of-five whose wife Julia is also his part-time caseworker, is the sixth MP to be murdered. It is not know if Mrs Amess was at the church when her husband was murdered. Horrified constituents waiting to see the veteran MP, an ardent Brexiteer and royalist, watched in horror as the knifeman stabbed him, calling the police at 12.05pm. Police confirmed Sir David's death at around 3pm. Counter-terrorism officers and armed units are at the scene. It is believed officers from the UK's counter-terrorism unit are due to take over the investigation, it has tonight been reported. One woman ran out of the church in the chaos yelling down the phone after dialling 999, telling the call handler: 'Someone's been stabbed, please get here soon, he's not breathing'. Essex Police held the attacker at the scene and seized a weapon. He is now in custody and arrested on suspicion of murder. The MP whose sister Jo Cox was murdered said her partner has asked her to step down after Sir David Amess was killed. Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire, said she felt 'frightened' following the attack on the Tory MP at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, in Essex, on Friday. And her family, who lost Ms Cox when she was murdered moments before she arrived at a constituency surgery in 2016, knew the pain that Sir David's loved-ones will have to endure. Asked how she felt, Ms Leadbeater said: 'Totally shocked by what has happened to think that something so horrific could happen again to another MP, to another family. Kim Leadbeater (pictured) whose sister Jo Cox was murdered said her partner has asked her to step down after David Amess was killed and said the attack has left her feeling frightened In a horrific attack which echoed the murder of MP Jo Cox (left), Sir David Amess (right) was stabbed to death while holding a constituency surgery in Southend, Essex, this afternoon 'And scared and frightened a real rollercoaster of emotions. 'My phone started going straight away, my mum and dad, my partner, my friends, 'Are you OK?' and I was OK, I was visiting a school. 'But the shock and the feelings for us as a family, obviously what we went through and another family are going through that again, it's horrific. 'It's hard to put into words how that feels for me. 'The main people I am thinking about are David's family, his friends and the community he represents and has represented for such a long time. 'I think that's the thing that people need to understand, it's about a lot of people whose lives have changed forever today. A police cordon at the scene of a crime where MP for Southend West, Sir David Amess, was stabbed to death in Leigh, while holding a constituency meeting at a church this afternoon 'People still come up to me and talk to me about where they were when Jo was killed. Their lives have just been changed.' Ms Leadbeater was appointed MP for Batley and Spen - the seat her sister held at the time of her murder - in May this year. Speaking after the attack, she said the role of an MP held risks. 'It's so hard because you have a job to do,' she said. 'I find myself now working as a politician and trying to do good things for people and it's really important you get good people in public life, but this is the risk we are all taking and so many MPs will be scared by this. 'My partner came home and said "I dont want you to do it any more" because the next time that phone goes, it could be a different conversation. 'There are so many layers to this. At the heart of it are David's family and friends. 'I know for them now that their lives will never be the same again, they will think about this every single day for the rest of their lives. 'Even David's staff so many other people today will have been out there trying to do the right thing, trying to do a really important job in public life, and this happens. 'I cannot believe that this has happened. It feels very raw for me. 'I know from messages I have received from politicians across the political spectrum, for them it is incredibly raw. 'The main people on my mind are David's family and friends and I know the rollercoaster that they will now be on. 'There's so little that you can say because it's happened.' Colorado Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn has asked the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate Merrick Garland for potential conflicts of interest due to his son-in-law's education company after the attorney general went after parents due to comments they made in school board meetings. School board meetings and other normally tame parent-teacher forums have become a hotbed for ideological confrontations over Critical Race Theory (CRT) vaccines and mask mandates. The National School Board Association (NSBA) compared such activism to 'domestic terrorism.' Garland on Oct. 4 directed the FBI to step up enforcement against threats to teachers and other education officials. Xan Tanner, founder of Panorama, is married to the attorney general's daughter, Rebecca Garland But Garland's daughter, Rebecca Garland, is married to Alexander 'Xan' Tanner, founder of Panorama Education. The group provides resources to teachers and students on equity and teaching on oppression and white supremacy. Panorama is granted the status of 'school officials' under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, granting them access to student data, according to Lamborn. 'This is a federal law that Attorney General Merrick Garland has to enforce,' the Colorado Republican wrote. 'My concerns are that Attorney General Garland's family is profiting off Panorama Education's curriculum and data mining, while he simultaneously works to halt parents from expressing concerns over these practices.' Parents Defending Education (PDE), a parent group accusing Garland of conflicts of interest, posted screenshots of what they alleged were Panorama Education surveys. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., above, wrote a letter asking the Office of Inspector General to investigate Garland Attorney General Merrick Garland's daughter Rebecca (far left) is married to the co-founder of Zuckerberg-backed education group Panorama Education One of the images appears to show a survey asking whether the respondent is 'gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, aromantic, asexual, or questioning.' A second screenshot is a question simply asking the respondent's gender, then adds the following options: Male, Female, Transgender Male, Transgender Female, Genderqueer or Genderfluid, Questioning, My identity is not listed, Prefer not to answer. DailyMail.com has reached out to Panorama regarding whether those are legitimate screengrabs from their surveys for students. Members of Parents Defending Education were quick to point our Garland's connection to a group they claim promotes Critical Race Theory Screenshots allegedly show Panorama Education-made survey questions that PDF claims ask 12-year-olds their sexual identity A spokesperson for the company said Panorama is 'not affiliated with any particular academic philosophy, including critical race theory.' 'Our technology is used to help schools gather feedback from students, families, and educators. Panorama only uses student data for the purpose of helping schools and districts better serve their students,' they told DailyMail.com. Panorama describes its role as supporting '13 million students in 23,000 schools and 1,500 districts across 50 states.' Meanwhile, Panorama has raised $76 million from powerful investors since 2017. PDF flagged one Panorama contract with Fairfax County Public Schools that's worth $2.4 million, a figure that the district confirmed with DailyMail.com. It's part of a broader spending plan on how to spend $188.6 million in emergency relief funds. Panorama isn't mentioned in the plan, but one section allocates $78.8 million toward ensuring schools are 'welcoming and culturally responsive to all students and families.' It will be used to support 'equity' development for school teams and 'social-emotional staff' to work with schools. Fairfax County Public Schools told DailyMail.com it does not teach CRT in its schools. However, critics say guidelines using 'equity' and 'culture' are typically hallmarks of introducing Critical Race Theory, which teaches that racism is a social construct used to oppress people of color, and that it is present in almost all aspects of everyday life. CRT has been a hot-button issue and a source of anger for parents who oppose its philosophy being taught in public schools. PDE claims Garland is trying to silence the opposition and help his son-in-law maintain lucrative contracts promoting the theory. Last week, anti-mask protesters disrupted a school board meeting in Lakewood, Ohio over the board's face covering mandate, video of the incident on YouTube shows. Garland's FBI directive was spurred by the NSBA begging the Biden administration to intervene in the 'immediate threat' posed to education officials by anti-CRT and anti-mask protesters. 'Coupled with attacks against school board members and educators for approving policies for masks to protect the health and safety of students and school employees, many public school officials are also facing physical threats because of propaganda purporting the false inclusion of critical race theory within classroom instruction and curricula,' the letter reads. PDE vice president of investigations and strategy Asra Nomani lashed out at NSBA's letter. 'This is what a domestic terrorist looks like? You are criminalizing parenting, and you owe the people of America a swift apology,' she said in a video on Twitter. The lawyer for Robert F. Kennedy's assassin said he maintains the fact that he does not remember all the details of the night of the murder but does accept responsibility as the state of California decides his parole status. Sirhan Sirhan's attorney, Angela Berry, said the 77-year-old man has trouble remembering that fateful day on June 1968 and has been susceptible to what other people have told him of the event. 'He accepts responsibility for what he remembers he did. He accepts the fact that the law has deemed him the killer of RFK,' Berry told Good Morning America. A state parole board recommended that Sirhan be released on parole in August. The ruling by the two-person panel at Sirhan's 16th parole hearing is now being reviewed by the California Parole Board. The final decision is left to the Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will have 30 days to decide whether to grant it, reverse it or modify it. California Gov. Gavin Newsom can decide whether to grant, reverse or modify the California Parole Board's decision regarding RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan Sirhan's attorney, Angela Berry, said that he still does not remember all the details of the night he killed Robert F. Kennedy, but he 'accepts responsibility' Will RFKs killer be set free? @GStephanopoulos sits down one-on-one with Sirhan Sirhans attorney on the effort to release the infamous killer, who is up for parole after more than 50 years in prison. https://t.co/dALOTAyzMB pic.twitter.com/J2fr05bAHj Good Morning America (@GMA) October 15, 2021 Newsome told reporters last month that he has not made a decision but noted that RFK was a personal hero. 'I think that gives you a sense of where I might be leaning right now,' Newsom said. Berry said the statement does not bold well for Sirhan, but urged the governor to remain unbiased in his decision. The governor said that he has been received an influx of messages from people expressing their strong opinions on Sirhan's parole. Most notably, six of RFK's nine surviving children signed a letter publicly pleading with the Parole Board and Newsom not to grant Sirhan's parole. 'As children of Robert F. Kennedy, we are devastated that the man who murdered our father has been recommended for parole' the letter began. 'We adamantly oppose the parole and release of Sirhan Sirhan and are shocked by a ruling that we believe ignores the standards for parole of a confessed, first-degree murderer in the state of California.' The siblings directly called on Newsom to reject the parole and insisted that they 'intend to challenge' Sirhan's release 'every step of the way.' It was signed by Joseph P. Kennedy II, Courtney Kennedy Hill, Kerry Kennedy, Christopher G. Kennedy, Maxwell T. Kennedy and Rory Kennedy who write that the decision has 'inflicted enormous additional pain.' Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert Kennedy who was assassinated during his 1968 presidential campaign, wrote a letter to the parole board pleading with them to not release Sirhan Sirhan AGAINST: The statement posted Friday was signed by six of Robert Kennedy's nine surviving children announced that they were 'devastated' by the San Diego panel's ruling. L-R Joseph P. Kennedy II, Maxwell Kennedy and Rory Kennedy AGAINST: The siblings will continue to fight to keep Sirhan behind bars for their father's murder. L-R Courtney Kennedy Hill, Kerry Kennedy and Christopher Kennedy He should NOT be paroled': RFK's widow Ethel Kennedy, 93, joins 6 of her nine surviving kids opposing Sirhan Sirhan's parole in opposition to sons RFK's youngest daughter, Rory, also published an opinion piece in The New York Times brazenly titled 'The Man Who Murdered My Father Doesn't Deserve Parole.' Robert Kennedy's widow, Ethel Kennedy, 93, released an official statement last week insisting that her husband's killer should not be paroled. Ethel released an official statement which read: 'Bobby believed we should work to 'tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of the world.' 'He wanted to end the war in Vietnam and bring people together to build a better, stronger country. More than anything, he wanted to be a good father and loving husband. 'Our family and our country suffered an unspeakable loss due to the inhumanity of one man. We believe in the gentleness that spared his life, but in taming his act of violence, he should not have the opportunity to terrorize again.' At the bottom of the printed statement she signed, 'He should not be paroled,' and her name. FOR: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (left) and Douglas Kennedy (right) have supported Sirhan's recommendation for parole Ethel described her husband's death as 'an unspeakable loss to the inhumanity of one man' (Pictured Robert (left) and Ethel Kennedy (right) on their wedding day in Greenwich, Connecticut on June 17, 1950) But two of RFK's children, Douglas Kennedy, 54, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 67, have supported Sirhan's parole. Douglas addressed the two-person panel that recommended that parole be granted during a virtual hearing, according to The Associated Press. 'I'm overwhelmed just by being able to view Mr. Sirhan face to face,' he said moved to tears. 'I've lived my life both in fear of him and his name in one way or another. And I am grateful today to see him as a human being worthy of compassion and love.' RFK Jr. has spoken in favor of Sirhan's release, and wrote in a letter that he met with his father's killer in prison who 'asked for forgiveness,' the AP reported. He has previously stated that he does not believe Sirhan killed his father. Sen. Robert Kennedy and Ambassador Hotel employee Juan Romero moments after RFK was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, June 1968 RFK was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital and pronounced dead a day later, on June 6, 1968 Sirhan stepped towards RFK with a rolled up campaign poster, hiding his .22 revolver shooting him in the head from only a foot away Sirhan was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1969. He is serving a life sentence at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego County, California RFK was the younger brother to slain President John F. Kennedy, serving as his brother's US attorney general. He was then elected as a New York Senator. RFK was 42 years old when he was pronounced dead on June 6, 1968 at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. The rising politician was shot in the head after giving a victory speech following his win in the South Dakota and California 1968 Democratic presidential primaries. Sirhan was apprehended at the scene and convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death the next year. He eluded execution when the California Supreme Court briefly outlawed capital punishment in 1972 and lessened his sentence to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The Palestinian immigrant claimed he had been drinking on the night of the assassination and doesn't remember pulling the trigger. If Sirhan is released, he may be deported to Jordan. He never obtained US citizenship after immigrating to the country from Israel as a child. Stephanie Van Nguyen left a note saying she was going to drive into the Ohio River Search crews pulled from the Ohio River in Indiana an SUV that belonged to an Ohio mother missing since 2002 along with her two young children, authorities said Friday. Side sonar scan technology led divers to the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder Thursday near Aurora in southeastern Indiana, across the state border from where the family lived in Ohio, Indiana State Police said Friday in a news release. The vehicle was registered to Stephanie Van Nguyen, who in 2002 disappeared with her four-year-old daughter, Kristina, and three-year-old son, John. Van Nguyen, then 26, left a note that she was going to drive into the Ohio River, but her vehicle was not located at the time, police said. Van Nguyen disappeared with her four-year-old daughter, Kristina, (left) and three-year-old son, John, (right) but police have not yet said whether the children's remains are in the car Dive teams are seen searching the Ohio River near Aurora, Illinois for the vehicle this week. Advances in sonar technology and the looming anniversary prompted cops to reopen the case Delhi Township, Ohio, police Lt. Joe Macaluso told reporters Thursday that it was too early to tell if any bodies were in the SUV. The vehicle was transported to a secure location where Indiana State Police Investigators will examine it to determine if the remains of Nguyen or her two children are inside. Searchers found the vehicle more than 50 feet below the river's surface and about 300 feet from the riverbank 'Over the past 6 months, teams have been scanning the Ohio River, but it wasn't until last week that three unique objects in the water were found that looked promising,' the Delhi Police Department said in a statement. Van Nguyen was driving a green 1997 Nissan Pathfinder similar to the one seen above The search was part of an investigation into the family's disappearance that police in Delhi Township, Ohio reopened about six months ago. Macaluso said sonar scans of the river last week found three submerged vehicles. 'This has been a case we've actively pursued for many years. We did a cold case on it because of the anniversary,' he said. 'I'm happy for the family that we'll be able to, hopefully, give some closure,' Macaluso said. Theranos hired its company director's dermatologist as its lab director - who was told the role would only require a 'minimal' commitment. COO Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani - who was Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes' lover - hired his dermatologist Sunil Dhawan for the temporary role back in 2014. Dhawan, who had no board certification in laboratory science or pathology, said he was told so little about the role he was forced to Google how to use Theranos' technology, according to CNBC. On Thursday, Dhawan was called to the stand to testify that Holmes and Balwani weren't running a professional lab and that the disgraced founder was exploiting millions of dollars from investors while knowingly misleading patients and doctors about the company's blood-testing technology. Between starting the job in November 2014 and the summer of 2015 he added that he only went to the lab twice and worked a total of five to 10 hours, adding that he never met any employees, physicians or patients. He also testified that Balwani told him in an email in November 2014 that 'the time commitment is very minimal' before he took the role. Health care startup Theranos hired Sunil Dhawan (right) as the company's lab director - although he had no board certification in laboratory science or pathology. Dhawan was the longtime dermatologist of ex-CEO Elizabeth Holmes' (right) then-lover Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani In a November 2015 email Balwani (pictured) told Dhawan that 'the time commitment is very minimal (and) this will be mostly an on-call consulting role' Former Theranos lab director Adam Rosendorff told prosecutors in court Tuesday that his misgivings about the accuracy of the company's blood tests led him to speak to former Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou (pictured), whose story was the first to sow doubts about their capabilities After assistant US attorney Jeff Schenk asked the supposed lab director if Balwani described to him what Theranos did, he replied that he only had 'one short conversation about it' with the COO, as reported by CNBC. However, Adam Rosendorff - who quit in 2014 over inaccuracies and false blood test results and was replaced by Dhawan - was a board-certified pathologist who spent every day inside the lab. Schenk pressed Dhawan further during questioning in the San Jose courtroom: 'There wasn't one time you spoke to a Theranos employee who worked in the lab?' 'I don't recall any conversation in that length of time,' Dhawan replied. He testified that he didn't even meet Holmes until September 2015 - which is when he became more involved in the company - as regulators planned to audit the lab. Defense attorney Lance Wade, who's representing Homes, then cross-examined Dhawan about Balwani's role at Theranos. 'My assumption was he was a top executive,' Dhawan said, according to CNBC. 'He was running the laboratory from an operational standpoint?' Wade asked. Dhawan replied: 'I can't comment on that because I was never told he was running the lab but it was my assumption he was, yeah.' Dhawan said in his testimony on Thursday that he had to search Google to learn about the technology and Theranos' COO Balwani (right) didn't have a conversation with him about the company or his role in it. He also said that he didn't even meet Holmes until September 2015 - nearly a year after he started the job Holmes is accused of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud over allegations that she misled investors, patients and doctors about the capabilities of Theranos' blood-test technology. She was sketched in court on September 8 during opening arguments Balwani is being charged with the same crimes as Holmes - 10 counts of wire fraud and two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Holmes has also allegedly lied about the company's finances, which seemingly boomed and was once valued at $9billion. Holmes and her ex-lover have both pleaded not guilty after they were indicted in 2018. Balwani is being tried separately in January 2022 and they each face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. According to CNBC Dhawan's testimony continues Friday. Holmes has been on trial since September 8 and Rosendorff, the former lab director, was the first to blow the whistle about Theranos' priorities. In a testimony that began a week prior and continued through to October 1, Rosendorff told the court why he decided to go to Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou in 2015 to relay his misgivings about the company's blood testing technology. Carreryrou's report was the first to show doubts about the accuracy of Theranos' tests when it was published in October 2015. It also drew further scrutiny that would lead to the company's eventual collapse. 'I felt pressured to vouch for tests that I did not have confidence in. I came to believe that the company believed more about PR and fundraising than about patient care,' Rosendorff said in court earlier this month. He also described how he had felt compelled to speak to Carreyrou because of a 'moral and ethical' obligation 'to alert the public'. After his testimony Tuesday, Carreyrou took to Twitter to confirm the Rosendorff was his initial source. 'Without him, I wouldn't have been able to break the Theranos story,' he tweeted. 'Hats off to his courage and integrity. He's one of the real heroes of this story.' Theranos' miniLab (pictured) was advertised as a new technology that could provide blood test results in a matter of minutes While being questioned by prosecutor John Bostic, Rosendorff insisted that he repeatedly tried to warn Holmes and Theranos' chief operating officer and Holmes' former lover, Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani, that the tests were so rampantly inaccurate that he was being besieged by complaints from doctors. But Holmes and Balwani seemed more interested in cultivating Theranos' image as a potentially game-changing company than protecting people's health, according to Rosendorff. 'The number and severity of issues had reached a crescendo,' Rosendorff said. Attorneys for Holmes have argued that that the legal responsibility for the accuracy of Theranos' tests fell on the employees running the lab and not Holmes, which would have included Rosendorff. Former Safeway CEO Steve Burd (pictured) testified in court earlier this month that there were repeated delays with the rollout of Theranos' miniLab blood testing technology, which raised some concerns about the supermarket chain's $300million partnership with the health care startup But last week the former CEO of Safeway Steve Burd testified at the US District Court in the Northern District of California that there were repeated delays with Theranos' blood-testing machines, which raised red flags about his company's multimillion dollar partnership with the health care startup. 'Deadlines were continuing to be missed and we often weren't given an explanation for that,' Burd said. 'I kept asking "Give me some details,"' he recounted. 'So that was the frustrating part. We always tried to help them any way we could.' He even said he was initially impressed by the now-ex CEO and her idea to create cheaper and faster blood-testing technology. 'I was very impressed,' he said of Holmes. 'There are very few people I had met in the business that I would actually say are charismatic. 'She was charismatic, she was very smart and she was doing one of the hardest things you can do in a business - and that's to create an enterprise from scratch.' Safeway spent more than $300million to build clinics in hundreds of its grocery stores that would feature the blood-testing technology. The idea was that people could get the results of the blood test before they finish shopping. But he noted that 'blood was drawn, it went into a machine, and we never got a result'. 'It just raises the question of what else is hidden,' Burd added. Advertisement Sir David Amess died doing what he loved most and meeting his constituents, parishioners heard at a vigil in his honour tonight. Father Jeff Woolnough, who called Sir David 'Mr Southend', described the MP as a 'fine gentleman and a knight of the realm' who was much loved by all members of the community. Many of those gathered at the vigil at St Peter's Catholic Church were in tears as the priest paid tribute to Sir David. The popular politician - who won at the last general election with a margin of 14,000 votes - was knifed 'multiple times' in front of shocked onlookers this afternoon. A 25-year-old man is currently in police custody. Former councillor and mayor Judith McMahon was left in tears before lighting a candle at St Michael and All Angels Church in Leigh-on-Sea this evening. Constituent Ruth Verrinder (R) and mayor Judith McMahon (L) gather their thoughts before lighting a candle at St Michael and All Angels Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex Former mayor Judith McMahon (left) is left in tears today at St Michael and All Angels Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex Constituent Ruth Verrinder and former councillor and mayor Judith McMahon light a candle at St Michael and All Angels Church today Father Jeff Woolnough led a vigil at St Peter's Catholic Church in memory of Sir David Amess on Friday evening hours after the popular MP was stabbed to death while holding a surgery for his constituents Dozens of mourners attended the vigil at St Peter's Catholic Church, with many in tears as the service got underway in Leigh Former mayor Judith McMahon reacts before lighting a candle at St Michael and All Angels Church, following the attack The Tory MP for Southend West, 69, was meeting locals at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, when it happened just at 12.05pm. Paramedics worked to save the politician on the floor of the Essex church for more than an hour but he could not be saved after the appalling attack, which has left the stalwart MP's local community in shock. Born in east London, the 69-year-old had been Southend West MP since 1997 - and was a keen advocate of the town's bid for city status. The service at Saint Peter's Church in Eastwood Lane, close to where Sir David was killed, was held on Friday evening to remember him. The church fell silent as Father Woolnaugh paid tribute to the Conservative MP and invited his constituents to remember him. He placed a photograph of Sir David at the front of the church, and said: 'This liturgy is one I was not expecting to lead today. Pictured: Sir David Amess won at the last general election with a margin of 14,000 votes Tributes have been left at the scene of Belfairs Methodist Church where the attack happened 'The whole world grieves. In this Mass we pray for the repose of the soul of dear David. 'Have you ever known Sir David Amess without that happy smile on his face? Because the greeting he would always give you was that happy smile. 'He carried that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they're at. Not all politicians, I would say, are good at that.' Around 80 people attended the service and listened as Father Woolnough recounted his own memories of Sir David. He said: 'When you can speak to your MP and you can talk and get on like a house on fire, that's when you can talk to them later about things that are important to your area. 'What can we say? He died doing the thing he loved, meeting his constituents, his local people.' Constituents of murdered MP David Amess attend a vigil at Catholic Church Saint Peter Community members have described how the town is in a state of shock after the fatal attack Father Woolnough added that his constituents could 'count on' Sir David, and said: 'He was always available. We don't have the words tonight. 'Dear Sir David, rest well.' Those who attended the vigil were invited to light a candle and share their own memories of Sir David. A lone candle placed outside the church burned as the Tory MP's constituents remembered him. Members of the community have described their shock at the tragedy and have paid tribute to Sir David, honouring him for his dedicated charity work. Helen Symmons is the town clerk for Leigh-On-Sea, and said Sir David's death was a 'massive shock' for the whole town. 'I've lived here for 28 years, and he's always been my MP as long as I've lived here,' the 56-year-old said. Pictured: People leave after attending a vigil at Saint Peter's Catholic Church, following the stabbing of UK Conservative MP Sir David Amess as he met with constituents at a constituency 'David was a big community man and everybody here recognised that. Everyone's in a state of shock and disbelief.' Mrs Symmons recalled Sir David's annual attendance at the town's Christmas parade, which attracts between five and ten thousand people each year. 'We always invited David, he always came along and we always found him a float to sit in and wave from,' she said. 'I think the worst thing that I made him do was probably sit... with a mascot dressed as a bear.' Mrs Symmons said Sir David 'never complained', adding: 'Even if his diary was completely chock-a-block... he always turned up. 'I remember when we had the royal wedding in 2012, there were so many street parties around here, and he literally attended every one - every single street party. Emergency services are said to have treated his wounds for more than an hour before he died Pictured: Armed police at the scene after the stabbing happened next to an A-board advertising the MP was in the building. The suspect was held at the scene and his knife seized 'It was a massive undertaking for him to do and, and just show the commitment that he had as a community man.' Mrs Symmons said Sir David also organised an annual party for all the centenarians in the area, and was 'massively involved' with the Royal British Legion. He was also patron and president of the Music Man Project Charity, an international music education service for people with disabilities. In 2019, he helped the charity - which he was involved with for more than 20 years - organise an event in which 200 children with learning disabilities played music at the Royal Albert Hall. The charity's founder, David Stanley, said he was 'devastated' when he heard the news, adding he and Sir David had been friends for several years after meeting in his Southend constituency. 'The news came as the most devastating shock. He gave me opportunities to do music, dinners and receptions at the House of Commons,' Mr Stanley said. 'We were planning the next stage, which was we were hoping to perform on Broadway and do other shows at the Albert Hall. He was central to making those dreams come true. 'As you can imagine people with learning disabilities, that they can't really change their own destiny, they need people to help them. 'Sir David was able to do things that I couldn't do as a charity founder. He could and he was just amazing in what he did.' Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took aim at President Joe Biden once again in the latest heated exchange between the two leaders over Biden's sweeping COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Yesterday the Democratic commander-in-chief delivered a brief pandemic update from the White House in which he took veiled shots at Republican leaders who were opposed to his COVID health measures and said vaccine mandates shouldn't 'divide' Americans. 'Just think of Biden - he says "Don't make the vaccines divisive." Don't make the vaccines divisive? You are trying to take people's jobs away over this issue,' DeSantis said at a press conference on Friday. 'You are trying to plunge people into destitution. You are taking away their livelihoods - no one else is doing that. You are the one that's being divisive about this' During his six-minute address on Thursday Biden condemned spreading 'misinformation' about COVID vaccines the same week as he's been criticized by Republicans who claim that his vaccine order was responsible for the massive delays that have plagued Southwest Airlines. '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.' DeSantis responded directly to Biden's Thursday White House address at his press conference today 'School board members, religious leaders and doctors across the country are fighting misinformation and educating people about the importance of vaccines.' In early September Biden implemented a sweeping vaccine mandate targeting more than 100 million people, or roughly a third of the entire US workforce. He announced that all federal employees, and healthcare workers at hospitals receiving federal funds, would no longer be able to opt for weekly testing and would have to be vaccinated against COVID to keep their jobs. On Thursday Biden called for an end to vaccine 'misinformation' Biden also ordered the Labor Department to draw up rules mandating all private companies with 100 or more employees either enact vaccine rules or require employees to submit to weekly COVID testing. On Tuesday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration submitted the proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget, meaning those guidelines could be finalized within weeks. The announcement sparked a swift Republican backlash, with a number of GOP governors either voicing opposition or moving against it. Earlier this week Texas Governor Greg Abbott outlawed vaccine mandates in his state. DeSantis presented a more direct challenge to Biden yesterday, vowing to take the president to court over the rule. 'We are going to contest that immediately. We think the state of Florida has standing to do it,' DeSantis said during a Thursday press conference at the Florida Department of Health at Lee County. 'We also know businesses that were going to work with to contest it.' DeSantis said the lawsuit would be filed in the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals. On Friday he was asked about hospitals in the Sunshine State that have already implemented vaccine mandates - and lost staff as a result. 'No one should lose their jobs over these shots. I think we want to protect people's jobs,' DeSantis said. 'These are folks that have been working throughout this whole time.' 'They were put in situations where they exposing themselves to risk knowingly to help others and they did that, and we considered them heroes just a year ago. Now, you're going to let them go by the wayside?' The US grappled with a summer COVID surge that's dropped off in recent weeks. New infections fueled by the Delta variant strained hospital systems around the country Biden enacted his sweeping order to try and speed up the US rate of vaccinations, which dropped off sharply in June Also this week DeSantis floated the possibility of passing a law to protect employees from being fired for not getting vaccinated, in addition to the existing rule for consumers. He admitted on Tuesday that he probably couldn't 'unilaterally' block employers from firing the unvaccinated with an executive order alone. He urged the state legislature to take the matter up instead. 'I think you need a law to be able to just say you shouldnt be terminated for this reason,' DeSantis said. COVID cases have dropped off in the US in recent weeks after a summer surge fueled by the highly contagious Delta variant. At the same time, the vaccination rate has slowly crept up after slumping in the spring. Florida was particularly hard hit during the pandemic. All the while DeSantis has consistently resisted statewide health precautions like mask rules and lockdowns. At one point, Florida COVID cases made up one out of every five new infections in the country. A leading diversity campaigner missed out on a top BBC job after director-general Tim Davie effectively 'blocked' his appointment, the Mail can reveal. Marcus Ryder, a former head of current affairs programmes at BBC Scotland, is understood to have been a 'preferred candidate' to become executive editor for Newsbeat and Asian Network news. The 50-year-old, who holds an MBE, was yesterday named one of Britain's most influential black figures for his work as a media diversity champion. But sources say Mr Davie raised concerns about appointing someone who is regarded as a campaigner in the industry, meaning the move could not go ahead. The BBC is denying the director-general slapped a 'veto' on his appointment. Marcus Ryder, a former head of current affairs programmes at BBC Scotland, is understood to have been a 'preferred candidate' to become executive editor for Newsbeat and Asian Network news. The 50-year-old, who holds an MBE, was yesterday named one of Britain's most influential black figures for his work as a media diversity champion. But sources say Mr Davie (pictured) raised concerns about appointing someone who is regarded as a campaigner in the industry, meaning the move could not go ahead However a source claimed he felt 'burnt' by the row over Left-leaning ex-HuffPost UK editor Jess Brammar, who was appointed to run the BBC's news operation, and 'wasn't up for' another controversy. The source told the Mail: 'Tim's whole problem is that we don't hire campaigners. 'Of course the counterargument to that is that you can leave your politics at the door and come in but I think Tim had been rather burnt by the Jess Brammar thing. He wasn't up for the whole row going around again.' Marcus Ryder, who has worked for the BBC and for Chinese state-owned broadcaster CGTN, currently holds a leading role at research body the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity On Thursday Danielle Dwyer, an assistant editor for Radio 1 and 1Xtra Newsbeat, was appointed to the role instead The insider added that Jamie Angus, controller of BBC News output and commissioning, had wanted to hire Mr Ryder and tensions were 'ratcheted up' amid claims he pursued the appointment. Describing the situation as 'not a very happy episode', the source said: 'Tim has made it clear that he is not in favour.' On Thursday Danielle Dwyer, an assistant editor for Radio 1 and 1Xtra Newsbeat, was appointed to the role instead. Mr Ryder, who has worked for the BBC and for Chinese state-owned broadcaster CGTN, currently holds a leading role at research body the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity. He has co-edited a book called Black British Lives Matter, which will be published next month, and also co-wrote another book called Access All Areas: The Diversity Manifesto for TV and Beyond. He has formerly questioned BBC rules blocking black journalists from attending Black Lives Matter events and asked why there are 'so few senior people of colour' at leading broadcasting corporations. Earlier this year, he also waded into the row over Miss Brammar, writing that reports BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb had tried to block her appointment were 'serious'. Earlier this year, Mr Ryder also waded into the row over Jess Brammar (pictured), writing that reports BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb had tried to block her appointment were 'serious' Mr Ryder, who is understood to have had three interviews relating to the role, told the Mail that he was approached by the BBC to apply for the position. 'As far as I'm aware, I don't know anybody who blocked me. But I obviously didn't get the job,' he said. 'I would be very happy to address any issues anybody has with regards to my impartiality.' Mr Ryder added that he had not advocated anything about diversity that went against the BBC policies. 'As far as I'm aware, I don't know anybody who blocked me. But I obviously didn't get the job,' he said. 'I would be very happy to address any issues anybody has with regards to my impartiality.' Mr Ryder added that he had not advocated anything about diversity that went against the BBC policies. And he said that when he had been critical of BBC editorial decisions such as during the row over Naga Munchetty's comments about Donald Trump the corporation had reversed their decision. Mr Ryder added that he had not advocated anything about diversity that went against the BBC policies. And he said that when he had been critical of BBC editorial decisions such as during the row over Naga Munchetty's comments about Donald Trump the corporation had reversed their decision 'It's the first I have heard of this. I really hope it's not true,' he said. The BBC said that, after not appointing anyone through an external process, it then carried out an internal recruitment search which saw Miss Dwyer appointed. Before the new appointment was confirmed, the BBC had said of the process: 'We'd never comment on who has or hasn't applied for a job. 'After an external search, BBC News has decided that as this role is bringing together departments from across the country, we are looking for an internal candidate with an existing understanding of the BBC, so are not taking forward any external candidates for this particular post. 'This is a BBC News decision. It is wrong to suggest any veto has been exercised on any candidate.' The superintendent of the woke Loudoun County school board has apologized for 'failing' to ensure the safety of students and prevent the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl by a boy 'wearing a skirt' in the girls' bathroom. Scott Ziegler spoke finally on Friday about the explosive May 28 incident, in which the 15-year-old girl told teachers she had been raped by a boy who accessed the girls' bathrooms under the school board's progressive transgender bathroom policy. He did not resign - as parents had requested - and instead apologized for 'misleading' them on June 22 when he told a crowded meeting that there had been no sex assaults on campus by transgender kids, and that predatory transgender people 'do not exist.' 'I regret that my comments were misleading and I apologize for the distress they caused families,' he said. 'To the families and students involved, my heart aches for you. I am sorry that we failed to provide the safe, welcoming and affirming environment that we aspire to provide. 'We acknowledge and share in your pain and we will continue to offer you support to help your families through this trauma,' he said. Ziegler's apology came as Beth Barts, a board member, resigned. Loudoun County Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler apologized on Friday for failing to provide a 'safe' environment for students Barts shared her resignation in a statement on Facebook on Friday Barts, 50, resigned on Friday in a press release that she posted on Facebook, saying it was the 'right decision for her family.' 'While I look forward to a return to a simpler life of volunteer service, I will miss my office hours and the conversations I had with so many of you in our community,' she wrote. 'Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from the Loudoun County School Board effective November 2, 2021. 'This was not an easy decision or a decision made in haste. After much thought and careful consideration, it is the right decision for me and my family.' Ziegler, who is paid $295,000 a year, remains in his job despite growing calls for him to resign. Ziegler has not commented on Barts' resignation. The school board has been routinely accused of pushing an ultra-liberal agenda on kids and parents and silencing those who disagree with them. Beth Barts, 50, resigned on Friday. She said she made the decision 'for her and her family' One of their proposed policies is that kids be allowed to use whichever bathroom or locker room that correlates to the gender they choose on any given day. Angry parents have protested against it. In May, the 15-year-old daughter of Scott Smith reported to teachers that she'd been raped by a boy 'wearing a skirt' who was allowed into the girls' bathroom under the policy. The school - Stone Bridge - says it reported the incident to police but the school board - which covers all of the schools in the district - claims none of its members knew about it until the girl's father went public this week in the media. On June 22, Ziegler told a crowded meeting full of angry parents that there had been no reports of any transgender sexual assaults in the bathrooms. Now, Smith says he intends to sue. The boy who allegedly raped his daughter also allegedly attacked another girl at a different school in the district. He is in juvenile detention now awaiting his next court date. On June 22, Ziegler, said: 'To my knowledge, we dont 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 person, and that the 'predatory trans person does not exist.' 'I think its important to keep our perspective on this, weve heard it several times tonight from our public speakers but the predator transgender student or person simply does not exist,' he said. Furious parents are demanding the resignation of Loudoun County Schools Superintendent Scott 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 Parents on Tuesday called for Ziegler's resignation at a school board meeting. More than 60 irate parents and one student attended the meeting Katie Young, 14, 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' 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. Ziegler took the job in Loudoun County in January after working in HR for years. He is paid $295,000 a year '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 cover-up 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,' another 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,. '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. 'When is enough enough? When are you going to change the policies to keep our children safe?' a father said. The 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 victims 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. He 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. Scott and Jessica Smith's daughter told teachers on May 28 that she had been raped by a boy wearing a skirt who was allowed to use the girls' bathrooms. The boy, who has not been named, was arrested two months later on charges of forcible sodomy 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 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. 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 afterward 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 Ive 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 thats it. I wont stay quiet anymore.' A spokesman for Ziegler told Fox News 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 a 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 $52,400. New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Eric Adams vowed to keep the city's gifted and talented schools program in a stark rebuke to Mayor Bill de Blasio, who plans to end it. Adams said de Blasio does not have the power to end the program, and it would be up to the next mayor to decide its fate, adding that he wanted to keep and even expand the program, which was said to discriminate against black and Hispanic students. 'The gifted and talent program was isolated to only certain communities, Adams said in an interview with CNN. 'That created segregation in our classrooms.' 'We need to expand.' NYC mayoral hopeful Eric Adams vowed to keep the city's gifted and talented program despite current Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to end it De Blasio announced that he wanted to end the gifted and talent program before he leaves office next month and replace it with 'Brilliant NYC' plan "If you don't understand the nobility of public protection, you can't serve in my police department. We can have the justice we deserve and the safety we need. They go together. And that's the message that must be sent," New York City Mayoral candidate Eric Adams says. pic.twitter.com/ymgwMYpM8v New Day (@NewDay) October 15, 2021 De Blasio and critics of the current program said it was predominantly filled with white and Asian American students. About 43 per cent of students are Asian, 36 per cent are white, 8 per cent are Hispanic and 6 per cent are black. It stands skewed from the city's children's populations, which is about 35 per cent Hispanic, 26 per cent white, 21 per cent black, and 12 per cent Asian. Opponent were also against the initial exam that listed kids as 'gifted' as early as four-years-old. 'The era of judging four-year-olds based on a single test is over,' de Blasio said last week. Beforehand, the program accepted 2,600 gifted kindergarteners but now, some 65,000 kids will be considered under de Blasio's replacement plan, which he is calling Brilliant NYC. 'Brilliant NYC will deliver accelerated instruction for tens of thousands of children, as opposed to a select few,' he said. Protestors went out to City Hall and the NYC's Department of Education headquarters on Thursday to demand that the gifted and talented program remain More than 200 protestors came out to say removing the current program would hurt students Opponents claimed gifted students would be slowed down and student who need more attention would be left behind under de Blasio's plans Protestors also rejected notions that the program was discriminatory against certain students But parents and teachers say ending the program in its current state will create more problems for students: the gifted kids will be bored and slowed down in classrooms of mixed ability, and those who need more attention will be 'left behind,' they say. More than 200 supporters of the program, including city officials, protested the proposed cancelation in front of the city's Department of Education headquarters and City Hall on Thursday, the New York Post reports. Clayton Broome, whose two children are currently in the program, claimed the program was no catered to the privileged. 'My only two children gained access to one of the most prestigious of these schools, and we are far from privileged,' he said. Protestors were also quick to note that de Blasio's own children attended the gifted and talented program. The National Association for Gifted Children also criticized de Blasio's plan to get rid of the program, but it did stand with the mayor on removing the standardized test for four-year-olds. In a statement, the association said it was 'supportive of the mayor's plan to eliminate the one-size-fits-all standardized test to identify gifted students, as it often fails to recognize a significant number of Black, Brown and impoverished gifted students.' Protestors also pointed out that Bill de Blasio's children attended the program Critics say the program cannot be removed without an adequate replacement plan Eric Adams said he would not only keep the city's gifted and talented program, but he would also make other changes to address the needs of students with learning disabilities Aides to Adams said the mayoral hopeful had plans to delay or alter the test next year, as well as seeking broader changes to the city's education programs, the New York Times reports. If elected, Adams said he would not only make changes to the gifted and talented program, but he would also make broader changes to the education system by removing barriers for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. He added that the schools should be testing students throughout their years in public schools to make sure their needs were being met. Adams' opponent in the mayoral race, Republican Curtis Silwa, also said he supported the gifted and talented program. The Guardian Angels founder called de Blasio a 'lame duck' last week while adding that he would also expand admissions into the program. A senior Republican raised the alarm on Thursday at what he said was an 'urgent' terrorist threat to the United States after the Taliban released thousands of prisoners from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and at a time when people were crossing the 'porous southern border. Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship Rep. Tom McClintock wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding to know what the Biden administration was doing to address the threat. In his letter, he described how 7,000 were reportedly released from Bagram, including members of the Taliban, ISIS-K, and Al Qaeda. 'We know that one of those terrorists exploded the bomb that killed 13 U.S. servicemembers on August 26, but the whereabouts of the others is unknown,' he wrote. 'It is possible, if not likely, that many will attempt to enter our country through Mexico with the purpose of committing similar terrorist attacks. 'In fact, we already know that aliens found in the Terrorist Screening Database have been apprehended on the southern border this year. 'The release of thousands of terrorists back into Afghanistan and the criminal cartels' control of human smuggling on the southwest U.S. border, mean the terrorist threat is urgent.' Republican Rep. Tom McClintock has written to the Biden administration demanding to know what steps it is taking to ensure that former prisoners at Bagram Air Base are unable to cross the southern border into the United States Taliban soldiers stand guard near the Seerena Hotel after US and UK governments warned to avoid hotels in Kabul citing threats on October 14 McClintock wrote to the Homeland Security secretary to warn of the danger from former Bagram inmates. 'It is possible, if not likely, that many will attempt to enter our country through Mexico with the purpose of committing similar terrorist attacks,' he wrote Indian intelligence sources first told local media that they believed the ISIS-K bomber had been released from Bagram. Almost 200 people died when he detonated his explosives outside Kabul airport, where thousands congregated in the hope of escape. McClintock asked Mayorkas to provide a list of nationalities of people encountered on the southern border in 2021; details of anyone with a 'terrorist screening database alert'; and whether any individuals had been detailed at Bagram. Biden was widely condemned for the chaotic nature of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and difficulties in rescuing American citizens and Afghan allies. Republicans have repeatedly warned of the terrorist threat from Afghans arriving in the U.S. The latest warning came soon after Fox News revealed the Biden administration was planning to exempt certain Afghan civil servants who were employed by the Taliban from terror-related bans on entering the U.S. 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. A prominent outside government ethics watchdog has filed an ethics complaint claiming White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki violated the Hatch Act when she talked up former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe from the White House podium. Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington, an ethics group that regularly hounded the Trump administration when multiple officials talked politics or promoted merchandise from the White House grounds, announced the complaint a day after Psaki's comments. She had been asked whether the tight Virginia governor's race, just a few weeks out, would be a bellwether for Biden. 'We're going to do everything we can to help former Governor McAuliffe, and we believe in the agenda he's representing,' she said at the end of her comments, praising the Democrat. 'Well, I have to be a little careful about how much political analysis I do from here,' Psaki said Wednesday before commenting on the Virginia governor's race. An ethics group says she appears to have given an 'endorsement' from the podium According to CREW's complaint, 'That appears to be an endorsement of his candidacy. The Hatch Act prohibits executive branch employees from 'us[ing their] official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election.' It notes that 'political activity' is defined as 'an activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.' Ironically Psaki prefaced her remarks with a hedge indicating she sought to avoid using problematic language. Administration officials are schooled in the law when they sign on, and Psaki served in the Obama White House. 'Well, I have to be a little careful about how much political analysis I do from here and not (inaudible) into that too much,' she said, according to the White House transcript. Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, accompanied by his wife Dorothy meet with his supporters before they cast their vote at County Government Center in Fairfax, Va. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. McAuliffe is in a tight race to reclaim his old job Psaki's predecessor Kayleigh McEnany, now a Fox News commentator, blasted the comments McEnany called on the press to hold Psaki 'accountable' 'Look, I think the President, of course, wants former Governor McAuliffe to be the future governor of Virginia. There is alignment on a lot of their agenda, whether it is the need to invest in rebuilding our roads, rails, and bridges, or making it easier for women to rejoin the workforce. I will say as -- I will leave it to other outside analysis to convey that off-year elections are often -- are often not a bellwether, but -- and there's a lot of history here in Virginia.' Her comments came after it was reported Obama will campaign with McAuliffe, and Biden will appear with him again, having stumped with him this past summer. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A loss in the purple state would likely be interpreted as a sign of troubles ahead for Biden in 2022. CREW's statement pointed to Trump's election overturn effort a House select committee is probing Trump administration efforts to push the Justice Department and state officials to probe 'election fraud' while Trump was claiming it. 'The last administration systematically co-opted the government for the president's reelection. While this conduct does not come close to rising to the level of the outrageous offenses of the Trump administration, that does not mean we should be casual about compliance with an important ethics law,' said CREW President Noah Bookbinder. 'The Biden administration should not follow the Trump administration down that path.' CREW also filed multiple complaints against McEnany, who said in a pre-election White House interview asked the media to look into the 'Joe Biden-Hunter Biden situation.' The CREW statement credited Psaki for at least trying to honor the Act. 'In her October 14 press conference, she first tried to frame her answer on the right side of the line, before eventually crossing it,' it said. According to the group, it's complaints led to reprimands during the Trump administration of an unprecedented number of officials, including: 'Dan Scavino, Nikki Haley, Stephanie Grisham, Raj Shah, Jessica Ditto, Madeleine Westerhout, Helen Aguirre Ferre, Alyssa Farah, Jacob Wood, Peter Navarro, Kellyanne Conway and Lynne Patton.' The complaint comes after former Obama ethics official Walter Shaub rapped Psaki for brushing back on a reporter's question the ethics of Hunter Biden's art sales. Lisa Kerr, the new principal of Gordonstoun school pictured arriving at The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in March this year Hearing victims' stories of past abuse at Gordonstoun boarding school has been 'deeply painful', its current principal Lisa Kerr has told an inquiry. Ms Kerr said she apologised unreservedly for those who had been failed by Gordonstoun, saying it had been 'difficult but crucial' to face up to the school's past. The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) has been hearing evidence from people who experienced abuse by staff and other pupils at the prestigious boarding school in Moray, Scotland. Ms Kerr gave evidence to Lady Smith's inquiry for a second time on Friday. Andrew Brown QC, counsel to the inquiry, noted Ms Kerr had been present in the public gallery during the last week of evidence sessions, where former pupils of Gordonstoun had described the abuse and the impact it had on them. The principal said: 'It has been deeply painful, not just over the last six days, but the last six months of engagement with the inquiry. 'From the first report of non-recent abuse to the school, it has been devastating for people who spend their time working to keep people safe and happy to face up to the behaviour and abuse of the past which is so alien to that culture.' Ms Kerr is the first ever female principal of Gordonstoun School, in Moray, Scotland, which has been attended by several members of the Royal Family She said she acknowledged that Gordonstoun had not always got its response to reports of abuse right, adding, 'it has been difficult but crucial to face up to that history'. 'Every school should do what we are doing,' she continued. 'Really feeling what pupils at Gordonstoun experienced in the past strengthens our resolve to make sure it doesn't happen again.' The inquiry has heard from several former pupils who described cases of rape and sexual abuse which took place in the 1980s and earlier decades. Ms Kerr, who became principal in 2017, discussed the latest steps that the school had been taking to ensure pupil safety. Gordonstoun is one of seven boarding schools currently being investigated by The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) As well as staff training in child protection, she said the school had appointed 'wellbeing watchers' among pupils and was promoting a 'telling culture'. She said the school had engaged with Strathclyde University's Celcis organisation to help shape its approach to those who had reported past abuse. Mr Brown QC asked her about a request from a victim, John Findlay, for Gordonstoun to set up a trust fund to help those affected by abuse at the school access treatment. Mr Findlay, who gave evidence earlier this week, has said the school has a 'moral obligation' to provide help. Ms Kerr said she would meet with Mr Findlay next month to discuss the issue, adding: 'There are a range of complexities that mean that idea might not be as simple as it might appear. 'Since hearing John's testimony, we have reopened dialogue with our insurers as to what might be possible.' Pictured in 2017, Lady Smith, the Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry In her closing remarks to the inquiry, Ms Kerr said: 'It's been devastating to see the impact of the abuse at Gordonstoun has had on them. 'I'm deeply sorry and apologise unreservedly for the fact they were failed by Gordonstoun and those charged with their care. 'I feel a great sense of regret and sadness that I am principal of a school where those things happened. 'But I also feel a great sense of pride in having a team that works so hard for children.' 'Gordonstoun is famous for its links with the royal family, with both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh having attended.' The SCAI has now finished hearing evidence on Gordonstoun and from next week will examine the Queen Victoria boarding school in Dunblane. A row broke out last night over allegations that Boris Johnson and his now wife Carrie broke Covid lockdown rules last Christmas by allowing her best friend to stay with them at Downing Street. The Prime Minister denied claims in the US Harper's Magazine that political campaigner Nimco Ali 'spent Christmas with the couple at No 10 despite pandemic restrictions on holiday gatherings'. The article also said that Mrs Johnson 'modelled' her wardrobe and public image on the Duchess of Cambridge, but is 'bitter' that the duchess gets better publicity. Spokesmen for the Prime Minister and Mrs Johnson said both claims were untrue. The 4,500-word profile of the couple says Mrs Johnson has 'assembled an impressive court around her' while the PM is a 'lonely figure' and 'quite scared' of her. It claims he spends 'more and more time downstairs' at No 10 reading including a book by his ex-wife Marina Wheeler, because he 'doesn't want to take it upstairs'. A row broke out last night over allegations that Boris Johnson and his now wife Carrie broke Covid lockdown rules last Christmas by allowing her best friend to stay with them at Downing Street The Harper's article is written by Lara Prendergast, executive editor of The Spectator magazine, edited by Mr Johnson before he entered politics and which has strong links to Downing Street. In the piece she describes how she put her claims over the Christmas gathering to No 10. She says that a spokesman told her 'the Prime Minister and Mrs Johnson follow coronavirus rules at all times' but did not deny the claim. She adds that Miss Ali, godmother to the Johnsons' son Wilfred, 'did not respond to repeated requests for comment'. Last Christmas, London was under Tier 4 restrictions, meaning people should not have mixed with anyone outside their households, except in support and childcare bubbles. It was later disclosed that the role, for which she is paid 350 a day for around two days' work a month, was not advertised openly. Reports claim Carrie's best friend political campaigner Nimco Ali spent Christmas with the Johnsons at No 10, despite lockdown restrictions on holiday gatherings The profile says Miss Ali 'is regularly sent out to fight for Carrie in the press'. The article also suggests Mrs Johnson, 33, who married the Prime Minister in May and is now expecting their second child, sees the Duchess of Cambridge as a rival. 'Carrie is said to model both her fashion sense and her press operations on Catherine,' Miss Prendergast writes. 'A confidant told me Carrie is often preoccupied with the duchess, and expressed bitterness about Kate's ability to generate positive items about herself in the British press.' The claims were strongly rebutted last night. A No 10 spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister and Mrs Johnson have followed coronavirus rules at all times. It is totally untrue to suggest otherwise.' And a spokesman for Mrs Johnson said it was 'rubbish' to suggest she modelled herself on the Duchess of Cambridge or was 'bitter'. The article also said that Mrs Johnson 'modelled' her wardrobe and public image on the Duchess of Cambridge, but is 'bitter' that the duchess gets better publicity Elsewhere in the article, Miss Prendergast praises 'brand-focused' Mrs Johnson, a former Tory HQ head of communications, for cleaning up the PM's 'shabby image' and getting him to embrace 'progressive' causes such as animal welfare and women's rights. She notes: 'She saw in him a project... a man with huge popularity but few allies and friends, a right-wing political beast to be relaunched with the tastes of sensitive millennials in mind. 'The Conservatives were known as the 'nasty party'. Under Carrie, they are becoming cute.' The article says Mrs Johnson has 'assembled an impressive court around her and is more media-savvy' than most ministers. But Miss Prendergast questions her methods. She writes: 'The Downing Street press office seems terrified of her. She is said to feed information to contacts to see where it then appears, and will turn on those she feels she cannot trust.' A 4,500-word profile of the couple claimed the PM spends 'more and more time downstairs' at No 10 reading including The Lost Homestead, a book by his ex-wife Marina Wheeler, because he 'doesn't want to take it upstairs' The magazine says Mr Johnson increasingly stays in his No 10 study instead of joining his wife in their official flat. It adds: 'He likes to read The Spectator late at night,' one former aide tells me. A copy of The Lost Homestead, the new book by his ex-wife Marina Wheeler (about her Indian heritage), has been spotted open in his office.' The profile also challenges the way questions about aspects of Mrs Johnson's conduct are brushed aside, adding: 'Any attempt to scrutinise her growing political influence is deemed misogynistic.' 'Previously, a prime minister's spouse would have faced minimal press intrusion... but the current situation is different.' The article concludes: 'To plenty of people, it seems... a little odd that a 33-year-old woman who specialises in political spin has such apparent influence over policy-making. She is unelected and, in many ways, unaccountable.' Facebook a force for evil? It's one of the great questions of our age, with the Silicon Valley behemoth accused of everything from illegal data-harvesting to facilitating the seemingly inexorable spread of online bullying, hate speech and fake news. Only last week, a former employee-turned-whistleblower named Frances Haugen testified under oath that 'astronomical profits' had persuaded the company to ignore its own research indicating its products 'harm children, stoke division, and weaken our democracy'. Leaked documents appeared to support her claim (though the firm insists otherwise). The social network has also been successfully hijacked by anti-vax propagandists, Russian troll farms and adherents to the pro-Trump conspiracy group QAnon, who in January invaded the U.S. Capitol in a riot that saw five people killed. Not to mention the perpetrator of the Christchurch terror attack in New Zealand, who used the site to livestream footage of him murdering 51 people in two mosques. Criticising Facebook is, therefore, very fashionable indeed. Which may explain why the company's sternest detractors include those irrepressible advocates for trendy causes: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Harry and Meghan have just been unveiled as 'impact partners' in an ultra-fashionable Wall Street firm named Ethic, which they modestly claimed will allow them to 'change the world' using the power of high finance. However, there are companies in Ethic's portfolio whose values appear to be dramatically at odds with those of the royal couple Co-founders of Ethic Johny Mair, left, and Jay Lipman. Ethic has extensive investments in fracking, the highly controversial form of gas extraction from underground shale endlessly vilified by environmentalists. Despite his affection for private jets, Harry has endlessly hectored the public about climate change and fossil fuel emissions Prince Harry last year called for the 'heads of major corporations' to withdraw advertising from it and other social media sites. Or as he put it in a magazine article, to 'reconsider your role in funding and supporting online platforms that have contributed to, stoked and created the conditions for a crisis of hate, a crisis of health and a crisis of truth'. His wife, meanwhile, revealed that she'd quit Facebook's sister network Instagram, blaming the 'almost unsurvivable' toll of internet trolling it permitted and comparing users to drug addicts. 'I do have concerns for people who have become obsessed with it,' she declared. 'It's an addiction like many others. Something, algorithmically, is creating this obsession and I think that's very unhealthy for a lot of people.' Just some of Ethic's sinful stakes... Advertisement All of which makes the royal couple's latest commercial venture look very strange. They have just been unveiled as 'impact partners' in an ultra-fashionable Wall Street firm named Ethic, which they modestly claimed will allow them to 'change the world' using the power of high finance. Their new employer, in which they have an equity stake, targets investors with a social conscience and at least $250,000 (180,000) to spare). It then helps them invest their money in shares of companies selected because, in each client's particular view, they 'address the defining issues of our time such as climate, gender equity, health, racial justice, human rights and strengthening democracy'. So far, so woke. Were it not for a bizarre fact: one of the supposedly squeaky-clean firms in which Ethic has placed a portion the $1.3 billion it has under management just happens to be Facebook. Regulatory filings reveal that the hipster investment company has bought into the tech giant in a big way, holding around $7 million of its stock in the most recent period for which records are available. Whether Harry and Meghan (who say some of their personal funds are invested by Ethic) are aware of this is unclear, and there is no evidence they personally hold Facebook stock, since we don't know what shares they have chosen to buy into. But it's far from the only company in the Ethic portfolio whose values appear to be dramatically at odds with those of the royal couple. Take the company's extensive investments in fracking, the highly controversial form of gas extraction from underground shale endlessly vilified by environmentalists. Despite his affection for private jets, Harry has endlessly hectored the public about climate change and fossil fuel emissions. Yet among 16 energy companies in which Ethic holds stock is Helmerich & Payne. According to the Wall Street Journal, H&P is 'the dominant supplier of high-performance drilling rigs used in shale gas fields' and last year reported revenues of $1.8 billion. Ethic has $1.1 million invested with the firm. Another $1 million is invested in Temaris, the world's largest supplier of steel pipes to the fossil fuel industry. There's also a $1.6 million holding in the Hess Corporation, a major U.S. oil and gas company with significant fracking operations in North Dakota. The investment firm has also held stakes in EOG Resources, previously part of Enron (the large oil firm which collapsed amid an accounting scandal) and Halliburton, the world's biggest fracking services provider. Doubtless these fossil fuel holdings have been highly profitable. But are they aligned with Harry and Meghan's values? Absolutely not. And it is not the only sector in Ethic's share portfolio that might concern its new 'impact partners'. The royal couple, whose role appears to involve acting as a form of brand ambassador so they are effectively profiting from little more than their celebrity status for the first time have recently been highly critical of large pharmaceutical companies for failing to surrender patents on their Covid vaccines. Ethic was founded in 2015 by Brit Jay Lipman (left), 33, a vegan former rugby player who attended 37,000-a-year Epsom College, followed by Edinburgh University. His co-founders are Johny Mair (right), a bearded Australian who has campaigned for gay marriage, and Doug Scott (centre), a self-described son of 'two forward-thinking social and environmental activists' from Melbourne who says he quit a lucrative banking career because perhaps ironically dealing with oil and gas investments 'just didn't sit well with my value set' Just last month, Harry made a speech complaining: 'Many countries are ready to produce vaccines back home yet they aren't allowed to because ultra-wealthy pharmaceutical companies are not sharing the recipes to make them.' Awkwardly, every single one of those listed companies that has developed Covid vaccines count Ethic as investors. The company has $2.5 million in Johnson & Johnson, $2.2 million in Novartis, $1.6 million in both Sanofi and AstraZeneca, $760,000 in GlaxoSmithKline and $747,000 in Pfizer. The Sussexes, at least indirectly, profit from every holding as they have their own stake in Ethic, which charges an annual fee of around half a per cent on stocks it holds for clients. Some might call this the very definition of hypocrisy, though the firm (and, we must assume, the couple) argue otherwise. To understand why we must first examine the business model of Ethic, founded in 2015 by Brit Jay Lipman, 33, a vegan former rugby player who attended 37,000-a-year Epsom College, followed by Edinburgh University. His co-founders are Johny Mair, a bearded Australian who has campaigned for gay marriage, and Doug Scott, a self-described son of 'two forward-thinking social and environmental activists' from Melbourne who says he quit a lucrative banking career because perhaps ironically dealing with oil and gas investments 'just didn't sit well with my value set'. Their big idea was to cash in on the growing trend in woke capitalism by starting a firm that will help individual clients create customised share portfolios that reflect their unique personal values. New customers are therefore encouraged to fill out a 'sustainability mission builder', choosing priorities from a list that includes racial justice, climate change, deforestation and women's rights. The whole thing is run from an ultra-trendy website resembling something an edgy fashion brand (rather than a Wall Street investment house) might produce. There are photos of its co-founders in tie-dye T-shirts, and quirky black-and-white GIFs in which other employees celebrate their 'diverse backgrounds and global mindset'. There are also edgily lit videos in which Lipman reveals staff begin each day with 'gratitude sessions' where staff thank each other, and declares: 'We love hippies . . . we probably are hippies, in a way!' To a cynic, this might sometimes resemble an elaborate spoof (no fewer than 14 of 25 male staff members have a hipster beard). But there's clearly a market for this stuff: just two years ago, Ethic had just $180 million under management and 25 employees. Now it boasts $1.3 billion and roughly 40 employees. Industry insiders remain divided over its long-term prospects, saying the market for so-called 'ethical' investing is already crowded, and the firm has yet to make a profit if it charges a fee of 0.5 per cent on each investment, annual revenues would be just $6.5 million, from which it has to pay salaries and finance its trendy office in Manhattan. Yet the company was able to raise $29 million in funding in March, in a venture that valued the company at $139 million. In addition to Harry and Meghan, Hollywood star turned tech investor Ashton Kutcher chipped in. Yet while it may talk the talk on woke investing, the important question is whether Ethic also walks the walk. So it's interesting to note that despite trendy claims on its website, Ethic's business model means it will inevitably hold shares for some clients others might find deeply unethical. 'We allow our clients to choose the environmental, social and governance issues that are most important to them, then help them create custom portfolios based on their values and preferences not ours,' explains a spokesman. This is in some ways sensible: one person's ethical can, of course, be another's deeply unethical. But given the company's apparent pursuit of the moral high ground, it can also look very awkward indeed. Take, for example, an article Mair, Ethic's co-founder, wrote in Wealth Management magazine two years back outlining the sort of trends his firm hoped to prosper from. 'As society has become more global and more connected, consumers and investors alike have begun calling out businesses on moral grounds,' he wrote. 'The joys of wearing Nike faded as reports of child and sweatshop labour emerged. Uber lost its lustre amid allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination, and when the CEO was shown disrespecting drivers #DeleteFacebook, a campaign against the social media company, caught like wildfire as users became aware of poor data-privacy practices. 'Cultural criticisms have begun to have real financial consequences, and investors care about a business' environmental, social and governance practices.' Fast forward two years, however, and I can reveal Ethic holds not just $7 million in Facebook stock, but $5.5 million in Nike and $1.3 million in Uber. Ethic also appears to take a healthy interest in minimising tax liabilities. Incorporated in the state of Delaware, a domestic tax haven described by the Boston Globe as 'the premiere secrecy jurisdiction in the country', part of its appeal to wealthy clients, according to one quoted in a newspaper profile this week, is software that helps them take advantage of opportunities for 'tax-loss harvesting'. This technique allows people to legally sell loss-making investments to limit tax liabilities on other gains. As it happens, elaborate tax minimisation strategies are also a feature of companies that constitute the five largest holdings in Ethic's portfolio, which are valued at around $150 million and account for 18 per cent of all the investments the firm has under management. They are Amazon (which paid no corporation tax in Europe last year on record sales of 38 billion); Microsoft (the Irish arm of which made a profit of $315billion last year but paid no corporate tax as it is 'resident' for tax purposes in Bermuda); Apple (which paid income tax on only 17 per cent of its profits in the past decade); Google (which funnels profits to Bermuda); and Nvidia, the world's largest chipmaker, which reported an effective tax rate of less than 2 per cent last year, in part by booking profits in the British Virgin Islands, Israel and Hong Kong. All perfectly legal. But ethical? It depends on your point of view. Other Ethic stock picks that may sit uneasily with its royal 'impact partners' include U.S. retailer Home Depot the firm's ninth biggest holding, worth $8.2 million which was at the centre of a 'woke' consumer boycott in July 2019 when the firm's founder Bernie Marcus came out in support of Trump and started funding him. Plus $539,000 invested in Fox corporation, the parent company of Rupert Murdoch's pro-Trump TV network Fox News. Then there are junk food purveyors Pepsi and McDonald's, the prominent 'sin stock' Diageo, which profits from the sale of alcohol, and Mondelez, a vast food company recently named as a defendant in a child-slavery lawsuit filed in Washington DC by a lobby group called International Rights Advocates, which has alleged that they 'hire children from Mali to work without pay on cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast' (it disputes liability). The firm also has holdings of $216,000 in Raytheon, an arms firm that makes deadly Paveway laser-guided missiles of the sort dropped on Iraq in the Gulf War, plus money in car firms Honda and Toyota, and gas-guzzling airline Alaska. As principled supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement, Harry and Meghan will also be intrigued to discover their new employer also holds shares in the paint company Sherwin-Williams, currently being targeted by civil rights groups who complain, possibly unfairly, it's not employing enough black contractors. Or tractor maker John Deere, subject of a boycott by America's National Black Farmers Association, accused of subjecting people of colour to 'years of discrimination and inequitable treatment'. The firm denies racism. Finally, on a more international note, Ethic is also invested in chemical giant DowDuPont, which owns Union Carbide, the chemical firm that presided over the Bhopal disaster in 1984, where a cloud of toxic gases leaked from a pesticide factory in the Indian city, killing 8,000 at the time and the same number in the ensuing years. Admittedly, the tragedy pre-dates DowDuPont's ownership, and the firm was of course not responsible. But from a PR perspective it remains sticky. There are, we can assume, many other potentially controversial firms lurking in Ethic's portfolio. Do their values sit comfortably with those of a couple who, when announcing their new job this week, declared 'when we invest in each other we change the world'? The jury is certainly out, because people who choose to preach about changing the world are generally expected to also practise what they preach. Victoria's Covid cases have dropped below 2,000 cases after record high numbers. There were 1,993 cases and seven deaths announced on Saturday. Melburnians are currently subject to a 15 kilometre travel limit, which will expand to 25km when 70 per cent of people over 16 are fully vaccinated, and regional travel is banned until it hits 80 per cent coverage under the state's roadmap. Victoria reported 2,179 new cases on Friday and six deaths, taking the toll from the current outbreak to 131. Victoria recorded 1,993 cases and seven deaths on Saturday, as infections drop below 2,000 (pictured Melbourne residents exercise along the Yarra River) Victoria is edging closer to the 70 per cent vaccination coverage milestone which could be reached as early as next Thursday The state is on track to hit the first 70 per cent vaccination coverage milestone as early as next Thursday which will trigger the end of Melbourne's sixth lockdown. The data website Covid Live also suggest the next 80 per cent target would be hit on October 31. Deputy Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie reiterated the roadmap out of lockdown 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. Deputy Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie reiterated the roadmap out of lockdown was tied to vaccination targets and pressure on the health system, not case numbers Melburnians have been rolling up their sleeves this week in the hopes the weekend will be their last at home with just over 63 per cent double jabbed Melburnians have been rolling up their sleeves this week in the hopes the weekend will be their last at home with just over 63 per cent double jabbed. A string of freedoms will be brought in once the first target is reached including lifting the curfew and allowing outdoor gatherings of 10 people. Guests won't be allowed at other people's houses but hairdressers and beauty parlours can reopen for five fully vaccinated customers. A string of freedoms will be brought in once the first target is reached including lifting the curfew and allowing outdoor gatherings of 10 people (Pictured: A woman walks the Tan track with her dog) Guests won't be allowed at other people's houses but hairdressers and beauty parlours can reopen for five fully vaccinated customers (pictured: Two women walk the Tan in Melbourne) Pubs, clubs and other entertainment venues can also welcome back double jabbed patrons. Those venues will be able to hold 50 fully vaccinated people outdoors. All school students will return to on-site learning at least part time. While funerals will be allowed for 20 fully vaccinated people indoors and 50 double jabbed individuals in an outdoor setting, and weddings will be allowed to go ahead with 50 double vaccinated attendees outdoors. In regional Victoria, Pubs, clubs and entertainment venues will be open to 30 fully vaccinated people indoors once the 70% vaccination target is reached. All school students will be able to return onsite at least part time, and funerals and weddings will be allowed for 30 fully vaccinated people indoors and 100 fully vaccinated outdoors. NSW residents who have been fully vaccinated will also soon be allowed to travel to Victoria without having to go into quarantine for 14 days. From October 19, double-jabbed residents arriving from 'red zones' will be required to get tested for Covid-19 three days before travelling to Victoria. They must then get tested when they enter Victoria and isolate until they receive a negative result. Residents travelling from 'orange zones' will no longer be required to get a test or isolate. Minister for Health Martin Foley said it was time to start rewarding fully-vaccinated travellers. NSW residents who have been fully vaccinated will also soon be allowed to travel to Victoria without having to go into quarantine for 14 days (Pictured: A pedestrian walks along Princes Bridge in Melbourne) Minister for Health Martin Foley said it was time to start rewarding fully-vaccinated travellers (pictured: Melbourne residents enjoy a sunny day as they exercise along the Yarra River) 'Our border settings are changing as we move towards a managed easing of restrictions - and people who are fully vaccinated have a right to reduced requirements because they present reduced risk,' he said. 'Victoria and New South Wales have been through so much over the last few months, and we're pleased that more families will now be able to reunite and more people will be able to travel in a safe way.' Children under the age of 12, who are too young for the vaccine, will be allowed to enter the state under their parent's permit. While the state recorded a drop in the number of Covid cases, Professor Cowie said undetected transmission in the community was now "coming to the surface". 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. 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. Women are seen struggling with racks of clothing as they maneuver them through the streets A woman in a green dress is seen in Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne CBD on Thursday '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.' 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. Two women seen happily walking along Bourke Street Mall President Biden's bipartisan commission studying potential ways to change the Supreme Court lost two of its conservative members on Friday, even as it remained split on the idea of court packing. Caleb Nelson, a law professor at the University of Virginia who clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas, and Jack Goldsmith, a law professor at Harvard who worked in the George W. Bush administration, both resigned from the commission, the White House confirmed, but the pair did not give a reason. 'These two commissioners have chosen to bring their involvement to a close. We respect their decision and very much appreciate the significant contributions that they made during the last 5 months,' White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement, according to Bloomberg. The commission, which Biden put together in April, originally had 36 members. It includes multiple legal scholars, lawyers and former government officials like judges. Caleb Nelson, a law professor at the University of Virginia who clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas, and Jack Goldsmith, a law professor at Harvard who worked in the George W. Bush administration, both resigned from the court commission On Friday the commission held its first public debate, where it expanded on matters touched on in a report released Thursday. Biden ordered the group to study a number of remedies after Democratic outcry over the conservative 6-3 majority on the high court, and demands to expand the bench. The commission, though split, seemed leery of the court packing idea in the report. 'Commissioners are divided on whether court expansion would be wise,' the preliminary report read. 'Court expansion is likely to undermine, rather than enhance, the Supreme Court's legitimacy and its role in the constitutional system, and there are significant reasons to be skeptical that expansion would serve democratic values.' However, the group said it 'does not believe there is a formal legal obstacle to' adding seats. At different points throughout the nation's history, the court has expanded the number of seats, though the 9-justice bench has remained the same since 1869. University of San Diego law professor Michael Ramsey said it was not clear whether lawmakers could 'adjust the size of the court merely for the purpose of achieving particular partisan results,' accprding to the Wall Street Journal. But more liberal members of the commission said Republicans had already broke precedent, pointing to how then-Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked President Obama from filling a vacancy in 2016, an election year, but pushed through President Trump's appointment of Amy Coney Barrett just weeks before the election. Nancy Gertner, a former federal judge, said that Thursday's report ' doesnt talk about how unique this moment is for democracy, when one party apparently is seeking to remain in power for years and years to come through voting changes, and where the current Supreme Court, whether intentionally or unintentionally, whether in good faith or not, is enabling that.' Harvard law professor Andrew Manuel Crespo also spoke out against Thursday's report. He said the report was biased against expanding the bench rather than presenting the pros and cons of doing so. 'The arguments in favor of expansion are presented tentatively and at a distance in the voice of unnamed others. And in every instance theyre teed up, really, just to be knocked down,' Crespo said. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in her daily news briefing ahead of the report's release that Biden would not be commenting on any findings until the final report on November 14. ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION AND ITS HISTORY The power of the Supreme Court is laid out in Article 3 of the Constitution which reads: 'The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.' It doesn't mention a specific amount of justices, but the number hasn't changed in 160 years. Any effort to alter it would be explosive, particularly at a moment when Congress is nearly evenly divided. Changing the number of justices would require congressional approval. Although the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court, it permits Congress to decide how to organize it. Congress first exercised this power in the Judiciary Act of 1789. This Act created a Supreme Court with six justices. It also established the lower federal court system. Advertisement The commission had warned that 'rather than calm the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court, expansion could further degrade the confirmation process' in the Senate. 'There could be significant battles over any Justice added by a Court expansion measure. Indeed, a future Senate could respond to expansion by refusing to confirm any nominee,' it said. The report also warns of potential international ramifications if the US were to break a 150 year precedent. 'Some Commissioners believe that there is a real risk that the willingness of Congress to expand the size of the US Supreme Court could further weaken national and international norms against tampering with independent judiciaries,' it states. 'Politicians at home and abroad who might wish to control their nations courts might find themselves emboldened to take such actions if the United States engages in Court expansion, regardless of the reasons for the US expansion.' On the issue of term limits, the commission's report seemed more friendly. The report said limits 'may help strike a more appropriate balance' between judicial independence and responsibility to the people. 'The United States is the only major constitutional democracy in the world that has neither a retirement age nor a fixed term of years for its high court Justices,' the report notes. It also notes the circumstances surrounding lifetime appointments have changed - for example increased lifespans over the centuries has led to longer and longer durations on the bench. Since the 1970s, a four-year term in which a president doesn't get a single opportunity to appoint a justice is becoming increasingly common. 'Our current system allows parties to obtain and keep control over the Court to a degree disproportionate to their record of electoral success,' the report states. The commissioners put forward a proposition for 18-year terms. 'A system of term limits...would advance our Constitution's commitments to checks and balances and popular sovereignty. However in a subsequent section outlining arguments against term limits, the commissioners note that higher turnover could lead to less consistency in court doctrine. The commission's report also touched on the court's controversial shadow docket process, by which the court issues summary judgments and rulings without oral arguments or a full briefing. The process has been used in decisions like approval of Donald Trump's Remain In Mexico policy and allowing Texas' restrictive abortion ban to go into effect. The commission noted that 'emergency orders are, and will remain, a necessary component of the courts work,' but suggested solutions to create more transparency around the matter. He was known to colleagues as Basildon man and not just because he was a constituency MP through and through. Sir David Amess first entered political folklore during the 1992 election when his famously Tory Essex seat was expected to fall to Neil Kinnocks Labour, who many thought was certain to oust John Majors government. Yet the moment Basildon flashed up blue, and Sir Davids infectious smile peered out from television screens, Conservatives breathed a deep sigh of relief in the knowledge that the Welsh windbags dream of becoming Prime Minister was at an end. For that reason alone, this genial father of five will always hold a precious place in Tory hearts. But to Parliamentary colleagues, there was so much more to him than that, personal qualities that made him a vastly popular figure across the political divide. Sir David Amess: A crusader of the backbenchers who was known to colleagues as Basildon man and not just because he was a constituency MP through and through He was a kind, genial soul, always quick to raise a laugh in the Commons. Watching this deceptively charismatic figure on his feet in the chamber, it was virtually impossible not to take a shine to him. Rarely, if ever, when called by the Speaker did his polite question not concern his beloved Southend. A long and much-loved campaign to make the Essex seaside town a city now sadly remains unfulfilled. Even Sir Davids Early Day Motions could raise a giggle around the Commons tea room. One saluted Ann Widdecombe and Anton du Beke on their achievement in putting a smile on the nations faces with their performances after their exit from Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. Another congratulated Dame Helen Mirren who went to school in his Southend West constituency on her Oscars triumph in 2007. The Eurovision song contest, on the other hand, brought out the Brexiteer in him. It was, he claimed, an event designed to humiliate the UK. But on the whole, the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world appeared to delight him. David Amess and wife Julia, with their fourth child, baby daughter Alexandra And why wouldnt it? His daughter Katie is a former Miss Essex who went on to become a Bafta-nominated actress and appeared in Hollywood blockbusters such as a Harry Potter film and Captain America: Civil War. Born in Plaistow (then in Essex, now east London) and raised a Roman Catholic, Sir David was educated at St Bonaventures grammar school in Forest Gate and then Bournemouth College of Technology, where he earned a degree in economics and government. His first job was working as a primary school teacher in Londons East End, teaching at St John the Baptist primary school in Bethnal Green for a year in 1970-71. He then spent a short time as an underwriter before becoming a recruitment consultant. By 1983 he was a Tory parliamentary candidate and entered the Commons partly as a result of Margaret Thatchers wildly popular policy of letting council tenants buy their homes, a measure that greatly appealed to the citizens of Basildon. He married his wife Julia in the same year and they went on to have five children a son and four daughters. His friend and fellow MP Jerry Hayes, who entered Parliament in the very same year as the Conservative member for the neighbouring constituency of Harlow, says that Sir David never seriously sought high government office. He always believed his true vocation was to represent his constituents in Essex, something he did for 38 years with diligence, skill and good humour, he says. David liked to be out and about, pounding the streets of his constituency, speaking up for those who needed his help and advice. Wedding joy: From left to right, wife Julia, Sir David, and his daughters Alexandra, Flo, Kate, and Sarah Not for him the bullet-proof limousine and a battalion of special advisers. His political outlook was that of a slightly old-fashioned parliamentarian. He spoke up for the ordinary man and woman in his constituency, and of course for animals, about which he cared passionately. I am sorry to say it was precisely this selfless determination that placed him in mortal danger yesterday, and cost him his life. During his near four-decade stint in Parliament, Sir David was briefly a ministerial aide, but he held a number of important behind-the-scenes roles and was knighted in 2015 for political and public service. Politics-wise, Sir David was a staunch Right-winger, having been a Eurosceptic for years before the referendum was held. It is true that some of his beliefs might be considered deeply unfashionable these days. Sir David's friend and fellow MP Jerry Hayes said: He spoke up for the ordinary man and woman in his constituency, and of course for animals, about which he cared passionately' The 69-year-old was an opponent of same-sex marriage and, as a devout mass-going Catholic, strongly anti-abortion. But being the maverick he was, he also took some less traditional Conservative positions, being one of very few Tories to campaign against fox hunting. Controversial viewpoints these may have been, but they never appeared to dull his popularity throughout Westminster. In a sign of the affection in which he was held among MPs, Corbynite Paula Sherriff, who was ousted during the 2019 election, broke down in tears on the radio yesterday upon news of Sir Davids death. I loved him, Miss Sherriff told Shelagh Fogarty on LBC. David was a wonderful, wonderful man I have lost a friend today. Conservative MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon, also paid tribute to Sir David as a wonderful man who was funny, kind and cared about the most disadvantaged in our communities and embodies Essex. The fun side of his character often shone through. On December 30 last year, he posted a photo of a cardboard cut-out of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on Twitter. He wrote: Whilst Margaret didnt live long enough to see this day, I am sure that she is rejoicing in heaven. At last we got Brexit done! Murdered Conservative party MP Sir David Amess with Prime Minister Boris Johnson The Iron Lady put in another surprise appearance this summer when Sir David brought the cut-out to his daughter Alexandras wedding. One episode he preferred to forget occurred in 1997. He was tricked into condemning a made-up drug called Cake on the satirical TV programme Brass Eye, developed by comedian Chris Morris. Last night local councillor James Courtenay paid tribute to his late local MP saying he was a hardcore constituency MP who decided many years ago that he wasnt looking for career advancement in Westminster. Surgeries were his passion and a two-hour session could often stretch to four or five hours, Mr Courtenay added. True to form, Sir David was meant to have been at a dinner for the local Conservative association last night at the Saxon Hall, Rochford, where he was due to give a speech. It was a speech, tragically, he never got to make. The attack, which came five years after murder of MP Jo Cox, ignited row over protection of parliamentarians Counter-terrorism police and MI5 were probing whether the 25-year-old suspect had links to extremists The 69-year-old MP for Southend West was wounded at least 12 times, dying at the scene just before 3pm Sir David Amess was holding surgery when knifeman ran into church building and launched a frenzied attack Advertisement The death of Sir David Amess was today being treated as a terror attack 'linked to Islamist extremism' as officers raided two homes in London and a British Muslim man of Somali descent remained in police custody. Sir David was holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, when a knifeman in the church building launched a frenzied attack. The 69-year-old politician was wounded at least 12 times and died at the scene. Horrified constituents waiting to see the veteran MP, who has campaigned to help refugees, watched in horror as the assailant leapt on him just after midday. Shortly after midday, the knifeman waited calmly in line after booking in at the constituency surgery before launching the fatal attack, according to witnesses. Scotland Yard last night confirmed their Counter Terrorism Command are working with officers from the Eastern Region Specialist Operations Unit (ERSOU) and Essex Police - and formally declared the incident as terrorism. The force said the early investigation revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism. It is believed the attacker acted alone, and investigators are not looking for anyone else in connection but enquiries continue. Detectives have urged any witnesses to contact police. According to the Times, Whitehall officials have had concerns about a possible lone-wolf attack by people who have become radicalised during lockdown. John Lamb, a Conservative councillor who rushed to the church when he heard what had happened, said: 'He was doing a surgery in the Methodist church here to speak to local people and pick up on their problems. 'I'm told that when he went in for his surgery there were people waiting to see him, and one of them literally got a knife out and just began stabbing him.' At 12.05pm yesterday, the police were called and say they were on scene 'in minutes'. Witnesses described how the knifeman made no attempt to leave the scene and waited for police to arrive at which point members of the public described him as being compliant. Kevin Buck, the deputy chairman of the local constituency association, told the Telegraph: 'I was told that he stabbed Sir David and that he just waited there in the church hall until the police arrived. There was no attempt to flee.' Sir David, Tory MP for Southend West, collapsed in a pool of blood and paramedics battled for more than an hour to save his life, but sadly he died just before 3pm. The Met Police confirmed that the killing of Southend West Sir David Amess (pictured) is being treated as a terror incident 'with links to Islamist extremism' as a British man with Somali heritage remains in police custody on suspicion of murder A much-loved MP and a proud father of five, Sir David gave away his daughter Alex, 31, in marriage just weeks ago Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North on Friday Death of David Amess: What we know so far - The Southend West MP was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex at midday on Friday and died at the scene. - Essex Police said the response of the emergency services to the incident was immediate and officers arrived at the scene within minutes. - A 25-year-old British man of Somali heritage was arrested immediately at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Police say a knife was recovered. - The Met Police have confirmed their counter-terror team is leading the investigation and that the incident has formally been declared a terror incident. -Police say the attack has been 'linked to Islamist extremism'. -Two homes in London have been searched in connection to the attack. Detectives are not looking for any other suspects. - Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs 'with immediate effect'. - Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sir David was 'one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics', while former Conservative prime minister Theresa May said his death was 'heartbreaking', adding: 'A tragic day for our democracy.' Advertisement A much-loved MP and a proud father of five, Sir David gave away his daughter Alex, 31, in marriage just weeks ago. The shocking attack, which came five years after the murder of MP Jo Cox, ignited a row over the protection of parliamentarians. Home Secretary Priti Patel responded by ordering an immediate review of security arrangements. MI5 are also said to be taking part in the investigation and will be looking into whether the suspect was known to authorities through the anti-terror PREVENT scheme. Yesterday the family of Mrs Cox, who was shot and stabbed outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, by a Right-wing terrorist in June 2016, said Sir David's murder was an 'attack on democracy itself'. Mrs Cox's husband Brendan said: 'Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. 'There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.' Mrs Cox's sister Kim Leadbeater, who has replaced her as the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, said her partner had asked her to step down from politics. She said: 'Totally shocked by what has happened to think that something so horrific could happen again to another MP, to another family. 'And scared and frightened a real rollercoaster of emotions. 'I find myself now working as a politician and trying to do good things for people and it's really important you get good people in public life, but this is the risk we are all taking and so many MPs will be scared by this. 'My partner came home and he said he didn't want me to do it any more because the next time that phone goes, it could be a different conversation.' MPs from across the board have called for Southend to be made a city in memory of Sir David - a cause that has long been championed by the Southend West MP. The MP would regularly raise the matter at Prime Minister's Questions or during debates at the Commons, often to the amusement of his colleagues, and as recently as this week told BBC Essex his plan was to 'wear them down until they say yes'. Pictured: the union flag flies at half mast in Downing Street, London, in the wake of the horrific attack this afternoon Pictured: Essex Police remain on scene at Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after he was stabbed several times at a constituency surgery this afternoon Judith McMahon, a close family friend of MP David Amess, mourns at a church after Amess was stabbed during surgery Constituent Ruth Verrinder (R) and former mayor Judith McMahon (L) gather their thoughts before lighting a candle Police at Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir Amess died A police cordon at the scene of a crime where MP for Southend West, Sir David Amess, was stabbed to death in Leigh-on-Sea Floral tributes are placed near the scene of a fatal stabbing as police officers stand guard near the Belfairs Methodist Church A vigil is held for MP David Amess who was stabbed during constituency surgery, at Saint Peter's Church in Leigh-on-Sea A man prays as people attend a mass in memory of Conservative British lawmaker David Amess, who was fatally stabbed A woman wipes her tears as people attend a mass in memory of Conservative British lawmaker David Amess this evening Much-loved: A floral tribute left at the scene thanks Sir David Amess for his work to support Surfers Against Sewage Chief constable BJ Harrington said the MP was 'simply dispensing his duties when his life was horrifically cut short' Police contact ALL MPs to check on their security as politicians warn 'we can't go on like this' - but what security do MPs have in their constituencies? Police are contacting all MPs to check on their security in the wake of the killing of Sir David Amess, the Commons Speaker has said. Sir Lindsay Hoyle spoke to Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel following the fatal stabbing of the 69-year-old MP in his Southend West constituency. Sir David is the second MP to be killed in five years, after the murder of Jo Cox by a far-right extremist in 2016. Speaking to BBC2's Newsnight, Sir Lindsay said: 'It is about doing the right things working with the police constabularies right across the United Kingdom because it is about joining that up. 'I know that they are contacting all the MPs to check about their safety, to reassure them, because in the end we have got to make sure that is a priority.' He added: 'Those people who do not share our values or share democracy, they will not win and we won't let them win. We will continue to look at security, that is ongoing and it will continue.' Even before the murder of Jo Cox in 2016 concern was growing over the threat to MPs away from Parliament. The improvements were championed by Sir Lindsay Hoyle during his time as Deputy Speaker, and he has continued the drive since taking over from John Bercow. Every politician is currently thought to have had a security assessment in the constituency, and they get a 'standard' package such as alarm systems, shutters, CCTV and personal alarms for staff. If the police deem it necessary MPs can also access 'enhanced' measures. The authorities do not specify what that can include, but it is thought to include secure transport and guards. The costs are met through a central contract with Chubb, organised by the Commons. However, there are concerns that most of the measures are applied to offices and homes, while surgeries often happen at churches or other buildings that might not be secure. Advertisement Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, said: 'David campaigned for so many wonderful things including animal welfare and to make Southend a city. That would be a fitting memorial.' In response to a tweet suggesting Southend be given city status, Charlotte Nichols, the Labour MP for Warrington North, said: 'Absolutely; I can't think of a better way to honour his memory.' Phillip Miller, owner of Southend's Adventure Island theme park, also said turning the town into a city would be 'a fitting epitaph' for the late MP. Sir David is the sixth MP to be killed since the Second World War, and the ninth in history. It is not known whether his wife Julia, who is his part-time caseworker, was in the church at the time. The MP, who was an ardent Brexiteer, was seen laughing and speaking to people on the steps of the church just 15 minutes before he was killed. Sir David wrote last year about the importance of meeting constituents despite what had happened to Mrs Cox. He wrote: 'She was a young woman with a family going about her duties, as we all do, completely unaware of the threat that she faced. 'While it is often said that good can come out of someone's death, it is difficult to see what good can come from this senseless murder'. He also admitted he had been threatened at his home: 'I myself have over the years experienced nuisance from the odd member of the general public at my own property. 'We regularly check our locks and many others have CCTV cameras installed but probably the most significant change has been with constituency surgeries.' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs were in shock at what he described as an attack on democracy. He said he wanted to see a greater police presence at constituency surgeries. But he said it was vital that voters were able to engage directly with MPs. Sir Lindsay said he had gone ahead with his own surgery meeting last night, adding: 'We cannot afford for democracy to be smashed. 'The people who do not accept our values will not win. I am shocked and deeply distressed by the killing of Sir David Amess. 'David was a lovely man, devoted to his family, to parliament and his Southend West constituency. 'He was well liked by members and the staff alike, and during his almost four decades here, built a reputation for kindness and generosity. 'We will need to discuss and examine MPs' security and any measures to be taken.' Pictured: David Stanley (centre left) with Sir David Amess promoting the Music Man Project, a music education service based in Southend for children and adults with learning disabilities, which was championed by David throughout his tenure as MP Police officers attend following the stabbing of MP Sir Amess as he met with constituents at a constituency surgery Forensic teams and officers were at the scene well into the evening as they considered their investigation into the attack Essex Police at the scene in Southend on Sea on Friday where MP David Amess had been stabbed to death in a daylight attack Officers attend following the stabbing of Conservative MP David Amess as he met with constituents at a constituency surgery Sir David became the sixth MP to be killed recently and the first since the death of Jo Cox in 2016. Pictured: the scene Pictured: Police and paramedics are said to have treated his wounds for more than an hour before he passed away Pictured: Armed police at the scene after the stabbing happened next to an A-board advertising the MP was in the building Yesterday the Prime Minister paid tribute as there was an outpouring of grief from other MPs. Boris Johnson said: 'He was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics.' Prince William and Kate said they are 'shocked and saddened' by the incident which saw the veteran MP killed while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, this afternoon. In a statement, the couple said: 'We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess, who dedicated 40 years of his life to serving his community. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. W&C' The death of Sir David also brought tributes from across the world, including from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He said in a post on Twitter: 'I am shocked by the news that British MP Sir David Amess was stabbed and killed today. 'My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and on behalf of all Canadians and Parliamentarians, I offer my deepest condolences to his colleagues and all who are mourning this loss.' Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison echoed Mr Trudeau's statement, saying: 'Shocked and terribly saddened by the awful loss of Sir David Amess, stabbed and killed in the UK while doing his job, serving his local community as an MP. An image of murdered British Conservative lawmaker David Amess is displayed near the altar in St Peters Catholic Church People attend a vigil to murdered British Conservative lawmaker David Amess in St Peters Catholic Church in Leigh-on-Sea 'Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Sir David, all his colleagues in the UK Parliament and Sir Davids family and friends. Australia's leader of the opposition, Anthony Albanese, also added his sympathy, saying: 'Shocked and saddened to hear the news that Sir David Amess MP was killed in the UK. 'On behalf of Australian Labor I extend my deep and sincere condolences.' At a vigil last night more than 100 people packed into St Peter's Catholic Church in Leigh-on-Sea. Rev Clifford Newman, the vicar at the Methodist church where the murder took place, said: 'My thoughts and prayers are with David and Julia, his wife, and the family and the many people he has helped in the past. 'The local Baptist minister told me that he's helped refugees.' A second vigil took place at St Peters Catholic Church where Father Jeff Woolnough, who called Sir David 'Mr Southend', described the MP as a 'fine gentleman and a knight of the realm' who was much loved by all members of the community. First elected in Thatcher's 1983 landslide, Sir David was one of the longest-serving Tory MPs. He never made it: MP's assailant queued to see him... then launched his savage attack By Sam Greenhill, Arthur Martin, Mario Ledwith and Neil Sears for the Daily Mail It was as sudden as it was savage. A man pulled out a knife and 'just began stabbing' David Amess. The ferocious attack left the 69-year-old veteran Conservative MP gasping for life on the floor of the church hall. He was so grievously injured by 'more than a dozen' stab wounds that medical staff battling to save him could not stabilise him enough to take him to hospital. After two desperate hours, a helicopter air ambulance which had landed in a nearby field took off again, empty. Sir David was a committed constituency MP who had devoted his life to meeting local residents and trying to help with their problems. When he arrived for his regular surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, shortly before midday, several were waiting to see him. John Lamb, a Conservative councillor who rushed to the church when he heard what had happened, said: 'He was doing a surgery in the Methodist church here to speak to local people and pick up on their problems. Armed police swamped the Belfairs Methodist Church as the MP was being treated for his wounds on the floor inside MP sister of Jo Cox says her partner told her he wants her to quit in wake of Sir David stabbing The MP whose sister Jo Cox was murdered said her partner has asked her to step down after Sir David Amess was killed. Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire, said she felt 'frightened' following the attack on the Tory MP at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, in Essex, on Friday. And her family, who lost Ms Cox when she was murdered moments before she arrived at a constituency surgery in 2016, knew the pain that Sir David's loved-ones will have to endure. She said: 'My partner came home and he said he didn't want me to do it any more because the next time that phone goes, it could be a different conversation. 'There are so many layers to this. At the heart of it are David's family and friends. 'I know for them now that their lives will never be the same again, they will think about this every single day for the rest of their lives. 'Even David's staff - so many other people today will have been out there trying to do the right thing, trying to do a really important job in public life, and this happens. 'I cannot believe that this has happened. It feels very raw for me. Advertisement 'I'm told that when he went in for his surgery there were people waiting to see him, and one of them literally got a knife out and just began stabbing him. He was with a female member of staff from his constituency office and another female member of staff from his parliamentary office.' Speaking outside the church, the shocked councillor said: 'It has been two hours since it happened, and they are still working on him he hasn't been taken to hospital yet. 'He's a family man, he's got four daughters and a son.' Another witness said the MP had been 'stabbed quite a few times', while Sky News reported there were 'more than a dozen' knife wounds. The brutal assault on Sir David was over in seconds, but the knifeman does not appear to have been in a hurry to leave the murder scene. Terrified members of the public dialled 999. Lee Jordison, 40, who works in nearby Hicks butchers, said: 'It is very shocking. I've worked up here and lived up here all my life, and never seen anything like this it's terrible.' Officers from Essex Police were the first to arrive, within five minutes, followed moments later by an armed response unit. They found the 25-year-old suspect still inside the church hall, and also recovered a knife. The alleged killer was led out to a police van. Anthony Finch, 38, an electrician, said: 'We arrived to do some work on the adjacent building. I saw an upset lady on the phone saying 'You need to arrive quickly he's still in the building'. 'I went into the client's house, and when I came back out there were loads of armed police, and overhead there was an air ambulance as well as a police helicopter. I saw the suspect get put into a police van, get taken away and then they cordoned the whole road, and pushed us all down the road. 'What we then heard was that it was David Amess. He's very well thought of in our area he fights for good causes and sticks up for people around here.' A member of the Southend West Conservative Association lowers the flag to half mast outside the Constituency office Tragic loss: A member of the public leaves a bunch of flowers at a police cordon near the scene of the fatal stabbing of Sir David Amess at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, a district of Southend-on-Sea, in south-east England Flowers at the scene alongside a note reading 'RIP. Such a gentleman xxx' near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea Many of Sir David's constituents remembered his dedication to the community in Southend where he served for decades As word spread, a Roman Catholic priest, Father Jeffrey Woolnough, arrived at the police cordon stretching across tree-lined Eastwood Road North, offering to administer the last rites to the devoutly Catholic MP. He said: 'The officers said that because it was a crime scene, and also the nature of the scene, it just wasn't possible.' Conservative councillor David Garston described Sir David as 'probably one of the best constituency MPs in the country', and said: 'Because he was so accessible, and because he was everywhere, he obviously left himself vulnerable and didn't think twice about it. 'You couldn't get very far [with him] because he'd stop every hundred yards to talk to somebody.' Another local councillor, James Courtenay, said that surgeries were the MP's passion and a scheduled hour-long session with constituents often stretched to four or five hours. Sir David was meant to have been giving a speech at a dinner for the local Conservative association last night in nearby Rochford. Instead, floral tributes were being laid and more than 100 locals attended a vigil. One card left on flowers at the scene read simply: 'Sir David Amess RIP such a gentleman.' Ben-Julian Harrington, Essex Police's chief constable, said that officers and paramedics had 'worked extremely hard to save Sir David'. Crusader of backbenches who loved Strictly but not Eurovision... and whose talismanic victory in Basildon in 1992 first told Britain that Major, not Kinnock, would be PM By David Wilkes for the Daily Mail He was known to colleagues as 'Basildon man' and not just because he was a constituency MP through and through. Sir David Amess first entered political folklore during the 1992 election when his famously Tory Essex seat was expected to fall to Neil Kinnock's Labour, who many thought was certain to oust John Major's government. Yet the moment Basildon flashed up blue, and Sir David's infectious smile peered out from television screens, Conservatives breathed a deep sigh of relief in the knowledge that the Welsh windbag's dream of becoming Prime Minister was at an end. For that reason alone, this genial father of five will always hold a precious place in Tory hearts. Family man: David beams proudly with his son, also David, and daughter Katie while wife Julia cradles baby Alexandra in 1990 Kind, genial soul: When Sir David was knighted in 2015, he dressed head to toe in armour and rode on horseback to celebrate In a poignant tribute, Father Woolnough, leading the service, said: 'He carried with him that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they're at. Not all politicians I would say are good at that.' Members of the church and local community members attended the short-notice vigil this evening, just hours after the MPs death Tonight a group of 80 mourners have gathered to attend a vigil in nearby St Peters Catholic Church to pay their respects David Amess, the Tory veteran first elected in Thatcher's 1983 landslide who fought for Brexit and campaigned to ban fox-hunting David Amess and wife Julia, with their fourth child, baby daughter Alexandra. They are pictured with two of their other children, David and Katherine David Amess was one of the longest-serving MPs on the Tory benches, having first been elected in Margaret Thatcher's 1983 landslide. The married father-of-five was known as a staunch right-winger, having been a Eurosceptic for years before the referendum campaign. The 69-year-old has been an opponent of same-sex marriage and anti-abortion, but also took some less traditional Conservative positions - including campaigning against fox-hunting. Despite his true-blue credentials he was popular across the political divide, known as a family man and a hard-working constituency MP. One of his four daughters with wife Julia, Katie, is an actress and model who was named Miss Essex in 2008. Sir David also came to public attention in 1997 when he was tricked into condemning a made up drug called 'Cake' on the satirical TV programme Brass Eye. The MP had never been a minister during his near-four decade stint in parliament, although he was briefly a ministerial aide. However, he held a number of important behind-the-scenes roles - which were rewarded when he was knighted in 2015 for political and public service. Sir David pictured with his pet Vivienne when they entered the Westminster Dog of the Year competition Sir David was a member of the Health Committee, and also served on the Administration Committee - which oversees the Parliamentary facilities such as catering. He wa currently on the 'Panel of Chairs' at the Commons, making him one of the senior MPs who fill in for Speaker Lindsay Hoyle chairing debates. Sir David was educated at a grammar school in London and then Bournemouth University, before becoming a recruitment consultant. He contested and won Basildon for the Tories in 1983, when Mrs Thatcher trounced Michael Foot to secure an 144 majority. However, when the seat was redrawn in 1997 he saw it would inevitably be taken by Labour, and was selected for Southend West. He still holds the seat with a majority of more than 14,000. Advertisement But to Parliamentary colleagues, there was so much more to him than that, personal qualities that made him a vastly popular figure across the political divide. He was a kind, genial soul, always quick to raise a laugh in the Commons. Watching this deceptively charismatic figure on his feet in the chamber, it was virtually impossible not to take a shine to him. Rarely, if ever, when called by the Speaker did his polite question not concern his beloved Southend. A long and much-loved campaign to make the Essex seaside town a city now sadly remains unfulfilled. Even Sir David's Early Day Motions could raise a giggle around the Commons tea room. One saluted Ann Widdecombe and Anton du Beke on their 'achievement in putting a smile on the nation's faces with their performances' after their exit from Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. Another congratulated Dame Helen Mirren who went to school in his Southend West constituency on her Oscars triumph in 2007. The Eurovision song contest, on the other hand, brought out the Brexiteer in him. It was, he claimed, an event 'designed to humiliate the UK'. But on the whole, the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world appeared to delight him. And why wouldn't it? His daughter Katie is a former Miss Essex who went on to become a Bafta-nominated actress and appeared in Hollywood blockbusters such as a Harry Potter film and Captain America: Civil War. Born in Plaistow (then in Essex, now east London) and raised a Roman Catholic, Sir David was educated at St Bonaventure's grammar school in Forest Gate and then Bournemouth College of Technology, where he earned a degree in economics and government. His first job was working as a primary school teacher in London's East End, teaching at St John the Baptist primary school in Bethnal Green for a year in 1970-71. He then spent a short time as an underwriter before becoming a recruitment consultant. By 1983 he was a Tory parliamentary candidate and entered the Commons partly as a result of Margaret Thatcher's wildly popular policy of letting council tenants buy their homes, a measure that greatly appealed to the citizens of Basildon. He married his wife Julia in the same year and they went on to have five children a son and four daughters. His friend and fellow MP Jerry Hayes, who entered Parliament in the very same year as the Conservative member for the neighbouring constituency of Harlow, says that Sir David never seriously sought high government office. 'He always believed his true vocation was to represent his constituents in Essex, something he did for 38 years with diligence, skill and good humour,' he says. 'David liked to be out and about, pounding the streets of his constituency, speaking up for those who needed his help and advice. 'Not for him the bullet-proof limousine and a battalion of special advisers. His political outlook was that of a slightly old-fashioned parliamentarian. He spoke up for the ordinary man and woman in his constituency, and of course for animals, about which he cared passionately. 'I am sorry to say it was precisely this selfless determination that placed him in mortal danger yesterday, and cost him his life.' During his near four-decade stint in Parliament, Sir David was briefly a ministerial aide, but he held a number of important behind-the-scenes roles and was knighted in 2015 for political and public service. Politics-wise, Sir David was a staunch Right-winger, having been a Eurosceptic for years before the referendum was held. It is true that some of his beliefs might be considered deeply unfashionable these days. The 69-year-old was an opponent of same-sex marriage and, as a devout mass-going Catholic, strongly anti-abortion. But being the maverick he was, he also took some less traditional Conservative positions, being one of very few Tories to campaign against fox hunting. Controversial viewpoints these may have been, but they never appeared to dull his popularity throughout Westminster. Committed: Sir David, pictured with PM Boris Johnson, was known for his devotion to his constituency Animal lover: MP, who campaigned against fox hunting, with pet in front of Houses of Parliament In a sign of the affection in which he was held among MPs, Corbynite Paula Sherriff, who was ousted during the 2019 election, broke down in tears on the radio yesterday upon news of Sir David's death. 'I loved him,' Miss Sherriff told Shelagh Fogarty on LBC. 'David was a wonderful, wonderful man I have lost a friend today.' Conservative MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon, also paid tribute to Sir David as 'a wonderful man' who was funny, kind and 'cared about the most disadvantaged in our communities' and 'embodies Essex'. The fun side of his character often shone through. On December 30 last year, he posted a photo of a cardboard cut-out of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on Twitter. He wrote: 'Whilst Margaret didn't live long enough to see this day, I am sure that she is rejoicing in heaven. At last we 'got Brexit done'!' The Iron Lady put in another surprise appearance this summer when Sir David brought the cut-out to his daughter Alexandra's wedding. One episode he preferred to forget occurred in 1997. He was tricked into condemning a made-up drug called 'Cake' on the satirical TV programme Brass Eye, developed by comedian Chris Morris. Pictured: Tributes at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex Much loved: Flowers and a balloon left at the scene, following the stabbing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess Last night local councillor James Courtenay paid tribute to his late local MP saying he was 'a hardcore constituency MP who decided many years ago that he wasn't looking for career advancement in Westminster'. Other local leaders also paid tribute to the dedicated politician. Margaret Borton, Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, says: 'Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Sir David. The tragic news today has shocked us all. 'Sir David was a dedicated Member of Parliament and servant to the local community. 'I don't think I can put into words just how devastating this is.' Ian Gilbert, leader of Southend Council, says: 'I am profoundly shocked by the news and my thoughts are with Sir David's family and friends at this awful time. 'Sir David was a great advocate of Southend-on-Sea, cared deeply about the community and will be sorely missed This really is a terrible day for the whole community of Southend-on-Sea.' Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative group on Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, says: 'We are all shocked and saddened by the death of Sir David Amess. 'He was a great man, a great MP, a respected parliamentarian and respected by his residents. What we cannot lose sight of here is that a wife has been robbed of a husband and five children have been robbed of a father. 'He was a passionate believer in the right of life and it's poignant that his life has been so cruelly taken away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.' Surgeries were 'his passion' and a two-hour session could often stretch to four or five hours, Mr Courtenay added. True to form, Sir David was meant to have been at a dinner for the local Conservative association last night at the Saxon Hall, Rochford, where he was due to give a speech. It was a speech, tragically, he never got to make. Advertisement It was as sudden as it was savage. A man pulled out a knife and 'just began stabbing' David Amess. The ferocious attack left the 69-year-old veteran Conservative MP gasping for life on the floor of the church hall. He was so grievously injured by 'more than a dozen' stab wounds that medical staff battling to save him could not stabilise him enough to take him to hospital. After two desperate hours, a helicopter air ambulance which had landed in a nearby field took off again, empty. Sir David was a committed constituency MP who had devoted his life to meeting local residents and trying to help with their problems. When he arrived for his regular surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, shortly before midday, several were waiting to see him. John Lamb, a Conservative councillor who rushed to the church when he heard what had happened, said: 'He was doing a surgery in the Methodist church here to speak to local people and pick up on their problems. MP Sir David Amess was murdered on Friday at Belfairs Methodist Church, his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. (He is pictured at the venue earlier this month) 'I'm told that when he went in for his surgery there were people waiting to see him, and one of them literally got a knife out and just began stabbing him. 'He was with a female member of staff from his constituency office and another female member of staff from his parliamentary office.' Speaking outside the church, the shocked councillor said: 'It has been two hours since it happened, and they are still working on him he hasn't been taken to hospital yet. 'He's a family man, he's got four daughters and a son.' Another witness said the MP had been 'stabbed quite a few times', while Sky News reported there were 'more than a dozen' knife wounds. A local Tory lowers the flag to half mast. Sir David was a committed constituency MP who had devoted his life to meeting local residents and trying to help with their problems Sir David was meant to have been giving a speech at a dinner for the local Conservative association last night in nearby Rochford. Instead, floral tributes were being laid and more than 100 locals attended a vigil. (Above, a member of the public places flowers near the scene) Officers from Essex Police were the first to arrive, within five minutes, followed moments later by an armed response unit. They found the 25-year-old suspect still inside the church hall, and also recovered a knife. The alleged killer was led out to a police van. (A tribute, one of the cards accompanying a floral tribute) The brutal assault on Sir David was over in seconds, but the knifeman does not appear to have been in a hurry to leave the murder scene. Priti Patel reviews security The Home Secretary has ordered police forces to urgently review security arrangements for MPs Pritis Patel has ordered all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs urgently. The Home Secretary chaired a meeting of police and security and intelligence agencies, believed to include MI5. Tory MP Pauline Latham said: 'We cannot be totally protected. There will always be nutcases.' Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'We must be available. It is the most critical bit of what makes the British parliamentary system one of the most accessible in the world.' Former Tory chairman Sir Eric Pickles said: 'If we close up shop and disappear behind a security bubble, it's democracy that'll be a lesser thing.' MPs can get advice from security experts in Parliament and have alarm systems, shutters, CCTV and personal alarms. For specific threats, MPs can seek help from the police. Advertisement Terrified members of the public dialled 999. Lee Jordison, 40, who works in nearby Hicks butchers, said: 'It is very shocking. I've worked up here and lived up here all my life, and never seen anything like this it's terrible.' Officers from Essex Police were the first to arrive, within five minutes, followed moments later by an armed response unit. They found the 25-year-old suspect still inside the church hall, and also recovered a knife. The alleged killer was led out to a police van. Anthony Finch, 38, an electrician, said: 'We arrived to do some work on the adjacent building. I saw an upset lady on the phone saying 'You need to arrive quickly he's still in the building'. 'I went into the client's house, and when I came back out there were loads of armed police, and overhead there was an air ambulance as well as a police helicopter. 'I saw the suspect get put into a police van, get taken away and then they cordoned the whole road, and pushed us all down the road. 'What we then heard was that it was David Amess. He's very well thought of in our area he fights for good causes and sticks up for people around here.' As word spread, a Roman Catholic priest, Father Jeffrey Woolnough, arrived at the police cordon stretching across tree-lined Eastwood Road North, offering to administer the last rites to the devoutly Catholic MP. He said: 'The officers said that because it was a crime scene, and also the nature of the scene, it just wasn't possible.' Conservative councillor David Garston described Sir David as 'probably one of the best constituency MPs in the country', and said: 'Because he was so accessible, and because he was everywhere, he obviously left himself vulnerable and didn't think twice about it. 'You couldn't get very far [with him] because he'd stop every hundred yards to talk to somebody.' Another local councillor, James Courtenay, said that surgeries were the MP's passion and a scheduled hour-long session with constituents often stretched to four or five hours. Sir David was meant to have been giving a speech at a dinner for the local Conservative association last night in nearby Rochford. Instead, floral tributes were being laid and more than 100 locals attended a vigil. One card left on flowers at the scene read simply: 'Sir David Amess RIP such a gentleman.' Ben-Julian Harrington, Essex Police's chief constable, said that officers and paramedics had 'worked extremely hard to save Sir David'. A 25-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of murder after the Conservative MP was stabbed to death this afternoon Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North on Friday 'The advice is not to see constituents on our own': In his own prophetic words, what Sir David wrote after Jo Cox murder In a book published last year, Sir David described how he and other MPs altered the way they interacted with the public particularly in constituency surgeries after the murder of their colleague Jo Cox in 2016. Below is an extract from the book Ayes and Ears: A Survivor's Guide to Westminster The murder of Cox was still totally unexpected. She had been an MP for a very short time, having been elected in May 2015. She was approaching the library where her constituency surgery was to be held, when she was attacked and killed in the most barbaric fashion imaginable. This event took place during the 2016 EU Referendum Campaign and had a galvanising effect on the campaign, the general public and Members themselves. My colleague Mark Francois alerted me to the attack, at which time he was unaware that Jo had actually died. Sir David wrote in a book published last year: 'The murder of [Jo] Cox [pictured] was still totally unexpected. She had been an MP for a very short time, having been elected in May 2015. She was approaching the library where her constituency surgery was to be held, when she was attacked and killed in the most barbaric fashion imaginable' She was a young woman with a family going about her duties as we all do, completely unaware of the threat that she faced. While it is often said that good can come out of someone's death, it is difficult to see what good can come from this senseless murder. Nevertheless, it is to be commended that the Jo Cox Foundation has been established to combat loneliness. There can be no doubt that as a result of these heightened security concerns most Members have modified or changed the way they interact with the general public. The Commons authorities have taken threats very seriously and have issued guidance for the safety and security of not only Members, but their families. This includes security in their own home. I myself have over the years experienced nuisance from the odd member of the general public at my own property. We regularly check our locks and many others have CCTV cameras installed but probably the most significant change has been with constituency surgeries. The British tradition has always been that Members of Parliament regularly make themselves available for constituents to meet them face to face at their surgeries. Now advice has been given to be more careful when accepting appointments. We are advised to never meet people alone, we must be extra careful when opening post and we must ensure that our offices are properly safe and secure. In short these increasing attacks have rather spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting their elected politicians. A Catholic group on Friday condemned President Biden's pick as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, describing former Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly as a 'rogue Catholic' for his stance on abortion and gay marriage. The White House announced its selection of Donnelly, who represented Indiana in the senate from 2013 to 2019, a week ago. But analysis of his voting record shows he shifted from a pro-life position and away from Church teachings on gay marriage, according to the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights. 'Several Catholic news outlets, including Catholic News Service, have reported that Joseph Donnelly, President Biden's nominee to be the new U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, is a pro-life Democrat,' said the group's president Bill Donohue. 'They are wrong. 'Worse, Donnelly is not only at odds with the Catholic Church on abortion, he is pro-gay marriage, against religious liberty, and against school choice. 'When Donnelly served as a congressman from Indiana (2007-2013), he was pro-life, but when he became a U.S. Senator (2013-2019), he pivoted and joined the pro-abortion camp.' The White House last week named former Indiana Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly as President Biden's pick to be ambassador to the Vatican. But conservative Catholics say his voting record shows Donnelly is out of step with Catholic teaching on abortion and gay marriage The announcement of Donnelly's nomination comes just ahead of Biden's meeting with Pope Francis during his visit to Rome at the end of the month for the G20 summit His comments reflect longstanding tension within the U.S. Catholic Church over Biden and his faith. Catholic bishops have threatened to withhold Communion from Biden, the country's second Catholic president, for his administration's stance on abortion. Biden was denied the sacrament in 2019 during the run-up to the election. The issue generated fresh headlines in the summer when the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops proceeded with a plan that could deny communion to such public figures. Pope Francis has tried to head off the split by saying bishops should make their decision from a 'pastoral' viewpoint rather than a political position. 'The problem is not theological, it's pastoral,' he said. 'How we bishops deal with this principle. We must be pastors, also with those who are excommunicated. Like God with passion and tenderness. 'The Bible says so.' Biden is due to meet the Pope at the end of the month during a visit to Rome. In the meantime, Biden's conservative Catholic opponents have seized on his pick for ambassador to the Vatican. The Catholic League said Donnelly shifted leftward during his time in Congress. For example, he was initially one of dozens of Democrats to oppose abortion funding in the Affordable Care Act when it was before Congress in 2009. But he later changed his position and backed final passage in 2010, putting him in conflict with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops which opposed the way it meant religious institutions would have to fund contraception for employees. Conservative Catholics attacked Biden's choice for ambassador to the Vatican It also cited the way the Human Rights Campaign, a prominent gay rights organization, increased his congressional scorecard ratings from 30 percent to 85 percent over time. 'Joe Donnelly started out as a Catholic official who was mostly in line with the policy prescriptions of the Catholic Church,' said Donohue. 'But he ended his career in government as a foe of the Churchs moral teachings. Now he wants to represent the U.S. at the Vatican. 'There is a reason why Donnelly was co-chair of Catholics for Biden. 'Like our devout Catholic president, he turned rogue.' The White House defended the choice earlier this week. 'Mr. Donnelly is someone who has a long record in public service,' said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday. 'He's somebody the President feels will represent the United States and our interests quite well as Ambassador to the Holy See. 'And he's looking forward to his confirmation.' THE MANY CONFESSIONS OF ALEX MURDAUGH WHAT HE HAS CONFESSED TO Stealing money from his law firm Stealing from housekeeper's sons Arranging his own death by hitman for a life-insurance payout scam WHAT HE DENIES Murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul Advertisement Medical records have confirmed Alex Murdaugh was shot in the head on September 4 in a botched suicide attempt, as he claimed. The records were released by the troubled legal heir's attorney on Friday in an attempt to boost his credibility. Murdaugh, 53, is in a world of legal trouble: he has been arrested for stealing money from the sons of his late housekeeper, is accused of syphoning money from his own law firm and is a person of interest in the murders of his son and wife, who were found shot dead in June at the family's South Carolina home. He denies any involvement in the murders but admits he stole millions from the housekeeper's sons and his law firm, blaming a decades-long opioid addiction for his 'stupid, illegal' behavior. The medical records confirm part of his version of the bizarre September 4 incident. He said he paid Edward Smith, his cousin turned client turned would-be assassin, to shoot him on the side of the road. He wanted it to look like a drive-by shooting so that Buster, his surviving son, would receive a payout on his life insurance policy. Smith did shoot Murdaugh but he survived and called 911. At first he said he had been killed in a drive-by shooting. Now, Smith - who is facing charges for the incident - is claiming he had no role in the suicide scam and was trying to stop Alex from killing himself when the gun went off. The medical records confirm Alex was shot twice and that he had to go to the hospital. He had a fractured skull from 'two superficial appearing bullet wounds to the posterior scalp' but the bullets did not penetrate his brain. Alex Murdaugh, 53, was arrested on Thursday for stealing $3 million from a settlement awarded to the sons of his housekeeper who died in a mysterious fall at his home in 2018 When he arrived at the hospital, doctors confirmed he was high on barbiturates - a group of drugs in the class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics - and opioids. The 53-year-old arrived at the hospital with his head bleeding and wrapped in gauze. He had to be taken to the ICU because he was in such grave condition. The report reveals that he told medics he at first could not see, but that he regained his sight to the point that he was able to see his phone and dial 911. He was released after two days in the hospital. Earlier on Friday, Murdaugh's attorney Dick Harpootlan made a desperate attempt to clear his name on Friday in a bizarre interview where he said his client knows he is going to prison for financial crimes, did 'stupid, illegal things' because he is a drug addict - but insisted he is not behind his wife and son's murders. Murdaugh was arrested in Florida on Thursday. He waived his right to an extradition hearing on Friday, returning to South Carolina voluntarily, where he will appear at a bond hearing next week. He has been charged with stealing $3 million from the kids of his housekeeper - Gloria Satterfield, 57, who died after a mysterious fall at their home in 2018. The kids were awarded $4 million after a wrongful death lawsuit but they say Alex stole $3 million and the remaining $1 million went to legal fees. Harpootlan appeared on Good Morning America in an effort to dispel what he called 'hysterical theories' about his client and painted him as a desperate, drug addict - but not a murderer. Harpootlan said Murdaugh does not deny financial crimes, would 'address them' at a bond hearing next week, and that he is 'reconciled' with the fact that he is going to prison for them. 'Obviously the financial issue is something he regrets. He is going to try to right every wrong, financial wrong... he is reconciled to the fact he is going to prison. 'He understands that. He is a lawyer - he gets it,' he said. However, he strongly denied that his client is a murderer and said he had no 'knowledge or involvement' in the murders of his wife and son. 'He has a long-term, OxyContin addiction which put him in a position where he did these stupid illegal things. On Friday, his attorney Dick Harpootlan appeared on Good Morning America in an effort to dispel what he called 'hysterical theories' about his client and paint him as a desperate, drug addict - but not a murderer GMA EXCLUSIVE: Alex Murdaughs attorney Dick Harpootlan speaks one-on-one with @GStephanopoulos as his client faces new charges. https://t.co/hEVFbfERji pic.twitter.com/yw5CpzsIuM Good Morning America (@GMA) October 15, 2021 'They keep trying to pound that square peg in a round hole. Someone out there is responsible for the horrible, almost execution-style deaths of Maggie and Paul. 'It is not Alex.' Harpootlan says he is being wrongly suspected because he is the one who found Maggie and Paul dead. 'When the police show up and they find a dead wife and a dead son and a husband finds them, you know, most times, it's going to turn out to be the husband is involved. Maggie and Paul Murdaugh (left) were found shot dead at the family's home in June. No one has been arrested for their killings and Murdaugh's attorney insists he had nothing to do with them 'That [is] unfortunately the assumption SLED [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division] made that night.' Gloria Satterfield, 57, had been the Murdaugh housekeeper for about 25 years when she died following a mystery 'trip and fall' inside the Murdaugh family home in 2018 Harpootlan added that when he represented Paul in a 2019 case where he was accused of being responsible for the death of teenager Mallory Beach, all he saw was a happy family. 'All I saw was domestic tranquility, love and affection,' he said. The attorney said Alex wants to 'set the record straight' and clear up 'lies' that had been told in the media, including that Maggie consulted a divorce attorney before she was murdered. 'The reason I am on this show this morning is just the thirst for knowledge for this case has driven a number of outlets that are false.' He also sough to undermine comments made by Eddie Smith - the hitman Alex asked to shoot him in June, and also his cousin - in a botched suicide-by-hitman. Smith - who was arrested for the botched shooting - claimed earlier this week that the gun went off as Alex was trying to kill himself. He denied pulling the trigger. But Harpootlan says he is lying to get himself out of trouble. 'According to Alex, he met with Smith - Smith was his longtime drug dealer. He met with Smith on the side of the road, gave him the gun, said "I'm going to look like I broke down, drive by and shoot me" which is exactly what Smith did. He has a long-term, OxyContin addiction which put him in a position where he did these stupid illegal things 'Unfortunately, or fortunately, Smith's bullet did not penetrate his skull. It did fracture his skull... they had to put him in ICU. He suffered a bullet wound to the head. Eddie Smith is not telling the truth,' he said. The housekeeper, Satterfield, had been the employed by the Murdaughs for about 25 years when she died following a mystery 'trip and fall' inside the family home in 2018. Her sons sued the Murdaughs for wrongful death afterward and were awarded $4.3 million. But Alex somehow got his hands on the money, syphoning 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. Murdaugh in court last month over his botched plot to hire a hitman to kill him for an insurance windfall 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 claim The remainder of the $4.3 million settlement is said to have been spent on legal fees. Alex has also been accused of stealing millions from his law firm. He resigned from the firm in September, just two days before asking Smith to kill him. Harpootlan said that he has known the family for years and that they 'enjoy success and privilege.' Alex's father was a prominent attorney in the area. He died, apparently of natural causes, just days after Maggie and Paul were found dead. 'The family enjoys status and financial success for over 100 years... with that privilege comes responsibility and Alex has forgotten that at some point,' his lawyer said. Alex said he bought the drugs from Smith, his cousin turned drug-dealer turned hitman. Doctors and nurses should study the arts as part of their training so they are more emotionally in tune with their patients, an expert says. Professor Christie Watson, an academic and former nurse, said health professionals could learn from theatre, dance and creative writing. The award-winning author told the Florence Nightingale Foundation that the subjects should be embedded in education programmes. And if her call is acted on, medical students may soon be swapping their scrubs for spangles and emulating former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dr Ranj Singh, of ITVs This Morning. Professor Watson, from the University of East Anglia, said she could not separate her writing from nursing because they both hugely influence each other. Professor Christie Watson, an academic and former nurse, said health professionals could learn from theatre, dance and creative writing. If her call is acted on, medical students may soon be swapping their scrubs for spangles and emulating former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dr Ranj Singh, of ITVs This Morning One of her books, The Language Of Kindness, gives an account of her 20-year nursing career. It has been turned into a stage production. She realised nursing is not just chemistry, biology and maths when writing it, she said. Its also politics and its poetry and its art and I think what the theatre production made me realise is that its also theatre and its also dance, she added. Nursing is a dance and the choreography is really complex. Research shows bringing creative writing, film or dance into clinician training improves team-work, empathy and boosts mental health and resilience, the professor of medical and health humanities said. We should be teaching the arts to clinicians. The understanding of suffering helps us alleviate suffering, so ultimately its really good for patient care. The former paediatric intensive care nurse said the UK is way behind on this agenda, noting 80 per cent of medical schools in the US offer students an arts module. After her talk, Professor Watson told the Nursing Times that bringing the arts into health education creates better clinicians. She said: In this country, were sort of starting to get a bit more established with medical humanities. But she added: I think student nurses and medical students should be writing creatively, studying literature [and] looking at visual art and dance; I really do. She also said she wanted an arts module offered to all pre-registration nursing students. A property developer who was described as 'scum' and a 'sex scammer' in an online rant is set to have his life dragged through the mud in an effort to sue his illicit lover for defaming him. Barry Wang claims he was unfairly portrayed on an online public chat app when his jilted lover, Melbourne real estate agent Jessie Qin, let Melbourne's Chinese business community know what she really thought of him. Documents lodged with the County Court of Victoria claim Ms Qin logged onto the Australian Village Gossiper - a Chinese-language WeChat group - to vent her spleen. Melbourne real estate agent Jessie Qin denies she defamed a Melbourne businessman she was having a relationship with Barry Wang claims he was unfairly portrayed on an online public chat app WeChat brags that it has one billion users across the world, which use it for social media and messaging. 'Melbourne Old Scum Divorcee, Rampant Sex Scammer in the Name of Dating and Marriage,' one rant began. Ms Qin claimed to have met Mr Wang three years earlier before meeting up with him under the impression he was divorced. The couple had hooked up on the sugar baby website Seeking Arrangements and agreed to have a casual sexual relationship. When Mr Wang fobbed her off in April last year, Ms Qin allegedly hit WeChat. 'He pretended to be enamored, loving mankind and animals, and peaceful,' she wrote, before getting to her point. '(In fact he is a scheming boy, good at mind games, and having dubious relationships with several girls behind your back, always claiming that he was single), to give you a false impression.' Ms Qin allegedly accused Mr Wang of being 'a demon dressed up as an angel'. 'In fact, he is a PUA expert, deceiving several girls for their affections and sacrifices, and he even gets the girls to buy him stuffs,' the post read. 'He is a scum who will immediately extricates himself after he has successfully won over the affections of the girls by deception!' A fake profile Barry Wang claims was defamatory A Chinese-language WeChat group was told 'Barry' was scum Court papers include a series of text exchanges shared by the couple during their brief sexual relationship. Mr Wang is suing Ms Qin on the grounds she defamed him in more than a dozen ways. His writ claims the post incorrectly suggested he was immoral, a scammer, a sexual predator and made women submit to his will while drunk. The businessman further claimed Ms Qin continued to double down on him and hit the chat app again the following month to brand him 'scum'. 'Scum men are prevalent in modern society and exposing them has become a recent trend,' it read. 'From the beginning to the end, the girl has no way of detecting that he is intentionally scamming affection and sex from them.' While not named in the rants, Mr Wang claimed he was easily identifiable thanks to screenshots of their messages and the posting of his image. Barry Wang allegedly sent Jessie Qin the above message that led to them meeting up On May 31, Mr Wang claimed Ms Qin posted a fake online dating profile featuring his image on an online dating app. 'My name is Barry Wang, I am scum, scum and scum. A scum male is scum originally! Love to eat and play for free!' the profile read. In documents lodged as part of Ms Qin's defence, she refused to accept her alleged actions were defamatory. 'I am telling the truth, not like making up stories. If he thinks that he suffered harm, I think I suffered more harms than him,' she stated. Ms Qin claimed Mr Wang had pursued her for sex from the start with a text message stating: 'snake matches with chicken and they will have good life together'. Again, Ms Qin painted Mr Wang as a rotten womaniser. 'He is not a famous or popular person in Melbourne, not many people know him,' she stated. All that will change when the matter hits court in Melbourne next week. Wang Yaping, 41, is one-step closer to becoming China's first female astronaut aboard its new space station, after when she and two male colleagues launch into space. Wang, along with male colleagues Zhai Zhigang, 55, and Ye Guangfu, 41, took off on a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert at 12:23am Beijing time on Saturday (12:23pm ET Friday). The crew will spend six months on the the core module of a future space station Tiangong, where Wang will also become China's first woman to conduct a spacewalk. The capsule is expected to complete docking with the Tianhe module within the next six hours, beginning the mission that will continue the work of the initial crew. Shenzhou-13 is the second of four crewed missions intended to complete construction of the space station - a competitor to NASA's International Space Station (ISS) - by the end of 2022. Scroll down for video Wang Yaping, 41, is one-step closer to becoming China's first female astronaut aboard its new space station, after when she and two male colleagues launch into space Wang, who is also the second Chinese woman in space, joined the nation's military in 1997, where she served as a pilot for the Wuhan Air Force. In 2010, she officially become China's second female astronaut and three years later, she ventured into space and orbited around the Earth. Wang strapped inside the capsule with her male colleagues, waiting patiently for the countdown clock to run out. Th commentator yelled 'ignition' and the rocket lit up its four YF-20B liquid-fuel rocket engines that burn nitrogen tetroxide and a special rocket propellant in a gas generator cycle. Wang, along with male colleagues Zhai Zhigang, 55, and Ye Guangfu, 41, took off on a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert at 12:23am Beijing time on Saturday (12:23pm ET Friday) Astronauts Ye Guangfu, Zhai Zhigang and Wang Yaping wave during a ceremony ahead of the launch of the Long March-2F Y13 rocket, carrying the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft and them in China's second crewed mission to build its own space station Several white boards flew off the rocket, prompting concern among one commentator during the livestream, however another explained it keeps the rocket cool. During separation of the rocket and capsule, the crew will experience three to five g-force, a measure of acceleration - the max is 12 to 13. Shenzhou 13's mission, which is twice as long as its record-holding predecessor, aims to test 'critical technologies' for assembling Tiangong, Lin explained. The mission will also include 'two to three' spacewalks to install components needed for future construction work, Lin continued. 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 modules - named Mengtian and Wentian - the Tiangong station will weigh about 66 tons, a fraction of the size of the International Space Station, which clocks in at a massive 450 tons. Th commentator yelled 'ignition' and the rocket lit up its four YF-20B liquid-fuel rocket engines that burn nitrogen tetroxide and a special rocket propellant in a gas generator cycle During separation of the rocket and capsule, the crew will experience three to five g-force, a measure of acceleration - the max is 12 to 13. Pictured is the crew after the capsule separated from the rocket The capsule is expected to complete docking with the Tianhe module within the next six hours, beginning the mission that will continue the work of the initial crew. Pictured is an artist rendering of the finished Tiangong Space Station China was excluded from the ISS largely due to U.S. objections over the Chinese program's secretive nature and close military ties. This sparked China to construct its own space station a plan that started in the early 1990s. China aims to become a major space power by 2030 to keep up with rivals, including the U.S., Russia and the European Space Agency, and create the most advanced space station orbiting Earth. The nation has made waves in space travel over the past years, with its achievement of landing its Zhurong rover on the Red Planet in May. Wang, who is also the second Chinese woman in space, joined the nation's military in 1997 where she served as a pilot for the Wuhan Air Force. In 2010, she officially become China's second female astronaut and three years later, she ventured into space and orbited around the Earth. Pictured is Wang following the 2013 mission In June, the nation announced plans to send its first crewed mission to Mars in 2033 with the goal of constructing a base and extract resources from the Red Planet, according to a new presentation made by Wang Xiaojun, the head of China Academy of Launch Facilities Technology. Wang's Mars roadmap consists of three stages for colonizing the Red Planet, with the first using robots to find possible sites for the base on Mars and building systems to source resources. Along with conquering Mars, China is also looking to set up a base in the south pole of the moon, in which it is working with Russia to complete. And China also returned its Chang'e-5 capsule in December 2020 with a precious cargo of rocks and soil from the moon. Hundreds of koalas in Australia are due to be vaccinated against chlamydia, an infection which for the marsupials can lead to blindness, infertility and even death. Experts have reported that in some areas including South East Queensland and New South Wales the disease affects more than 50 percent of koala populations. However, researchers led from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) hope that their vaccination program will play a key role in the long-term survival of the animals. Like humans, koalas can catch chlamydia via sexual intercourse, but the infection can also be passed from mothers to their young via pap, a type of nutritional faeces. Hundreds of koalas in Australia are due to be vaccinated against chlamydia , an infection which for the marsupials can lead to blindness, infertility and even death. Pictured: a koala WHAT IS PUTTING KOALAS AT RISK OF EXTINCTION? Koala populations along Australia's east coast have been declining due to a culmination of various factors. Habitat loss from deforestation, diseases such as chlamydia, attacks from predators, fire and road collisions are all contributing to their decline. It was previously thought they only got hydration from leaves but a revolutionary new study has found they are actually able, and willing, to drink from standing water. Koalas can't simply eat more leaves to compensate for reduced water content in their favourite food because they are limited by how much they can devour by leaf toxins. They are listed as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red list which tracks at-risk animals. Advertisement 'The vaccine has now passed Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing that has established that it is completely safe and produces a good immune response and a good level of protection,' said USC microbiologist Peter Timms. 'The vaccine has been evaluated in more than 200 koalas in eight smaller trials so far, both in captive and wild koalas entering wildlife hospitals and in koala populations in the wild. 'We are now at the exciting stage of being ready to roll out the vaccine as part of large Phase 3 trials,' he added. One venue for the vaccinations beginning today is the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital in Beerwah, Queensland, where some 400 koalas are scheduled to be treated. The hospital has been involved in the vaccine's development for some years. Koalas, Professor Timms explained, will receive the single-dose injection after undergoing routine hospital care but before they are released back into the wild. 'While this vaccination will directly benefit each of the animals, the trial will also have a focus on the protection provided by vaccination,' he said. 'All koalas will be microchipped and the hospital will record any animals that return for any reason over the following 12 months.' Other trials in Queensland are being planned at the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre and the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Wacol as well as in several wild koala populations, including those in the Moreton Bay area. According to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Wildlife veterinarian Amber Gillett, chlamydia represents one of the most significant threats to koala populations and one of the most common reasons the animals are admitted to the facility. 'It is a cruel disease that causes debilitating conjunctivitis, bladder infections and at times, infertility,' she explained. 'Although many koalas with chlamydia can be treated using traditional antibiotics, some animals cannot be saved due to the severity of their infection.' 'Having a vaccine that can help prevent both infection and the severity of the disease is a critical element in the species conservation management.' 'The vaccine has now passed Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing that has established that it is completely safe and produces a good immune response and a good level of protection,' said USC microbiologist Peter Timms, pictured here with a koala Professor Timms added that in parallel with the rollout of the trails the vaccine is also progressing through an official registration process with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). However, he added, the procedure is long, complex, highly regulated and expensive. 'The vaccine team based at USC is already well advanced with this stage, including a pre-application with the APVMA, conversion of the research vaccine into a highly quality-controlled version and partnering with a vaccine manufacturer,' he said. 'Efforts are also now focussed on raising the funds to support this critical stage.' More information on the effort including on how to donate to the vaccination programme can be found on the USC website. Firing a nuclear warhead at a small asteroid on a collision course with the Earth could stop 99 per cent of it hitting the planet, according to a new study. Every two years the Center for Near Earth Object Studies at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California runs a simulation on the result of an asteroid impact. In this year's scenario, a fictional 329ft (100m) asteroid, dubbed 2021 PDC, wasn't detected until it was only six months from hitting the planet - not enough time to send up a spaceship to nudge it, or take any action on the planet to save many lives. However, new research by Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland, found that a megatonne nuke, exploding near the surface of the asteroid, would destroy it without leaving thousands of large fragments still heading for the Earth. 'If we employ a robust nuclear disruption technique by at least one month before impact, we can prevent 99 per cent or more of the impacting mass from hitting the Earth,' study lead author Patrick King told Gizmodo. Firing a nuclear warhead at an asteroid on a collision course with the Earth could stop 99 per cent of it hitting the planet, according to a new study (Stock image) HOW IT WOULD WORK A large one megatonne nuclear warhead would be fired from Earth to the asteroid heading for the planet. This is 50 times more powerful than Little Boy, that was dropped on Hiroshima by the US in 1945. It would be set to detonate just above the surface of the asteroid. This would send a shockwave that should rip the space rock apart, causing it to fragment into thousands of much smaller pieces. Experts tracked the likely trajectory and found if the nuke went up two months before the rock was due to hit the Earth, 99 per cent of fragments would miss the planet. It is likely that the one per cent that arrived should break up in the Earth's atmosphere, causing no damage. Advertisement This is an idea that has become a staple of Hollywood disaster films, most famously in the 1998 movie Armageddon, in which Bruce Willis and a crew of deep-core drillers are sent up to a giant incoming asteroid to blow it up. Unlike in Armageddon, the Johns Hopkins University team believe it would be enough to just fire the nuke at the asteroid from the ground - no need to get Willis out of retirement. This isn't the first time NASA, or other planetary scientists, have investigated the idea of using a nuke to destroy an incoming asteroid, but the team looked at the potential path of the many resulting fragments. Previously, it was thought that even if we did succeed in blowing up a large space rock, some of the fragments would still be large enough to destroy cities and cause mass destruction. Simulated exercises in May, funded by NASA, found that even firing a nuke at a space rock six months before it hit the Earth wouldn't bring it down. However, the team from Johns Hopkins dispute these findings, taking a much closer look at the nuclear explosion and fragments caused from it 'going up'. To understand the true path of fragments from a destroyed asteroid, the team simulated their resulting orbit and trajectory, tracking them from the detonation of a megatonne nuke, through to their resulting orbit around the sun. The team included the impact the gravity of other planets in the inner solar system, such as Venus and Mars, might have on their trajectory and whether it could nudge them into hitting the Earth. Their simulation found that this massive bomb, 50 times more powerful than Little Boy, that destroyed Hiroshima in WW2, would do the trick, if ignited near the surface of a 328ft (100m) space rock on its way to the Earth. They tested their findings at five different distances from the planet, finding it worked in all cases - so would be a viable option for last minute arrivals. Obviously, the more in advance of the impact the nuke is fired, the better, as it further reduces the volume of incoming materials, they found. However, a new study by Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland, found that a megatonne nuke, exploding near the surface of the asteroid, would destroy it without leaving thousands of large fragments still heading for the Earth (Stock image) Explained: The difference between an asteroid, meteorite and other space rocks An asteroid is a large chunk of rock left over from collisions or the early solar system. Most are located between Mars and Jupiter in the Main Belt. A comet is a rock covered in ice, methane and other compounds. Their orbits take them much further out of the solar system. A meteor is what astronomers call a flash of light in the atmosphere when debris burns up. This debris itself is known as a meteoroid. Most are so small they are vapourised in the atmosphere. If any of this meteoroid makes it to Earth, it is called a meteorite. Meteors, meteoroids and meteorites normally originate from asteroids and comets. For example, if Earth passes through the tail of a comet, much of the debris burns up in the atmosphere, forming a meteor shower. Advertisement The larger the asteroid heading for the planet, the more in advance you'd need to fire the nuke in order to limit large fragments from still causing untold damage. It is still possible to have 99 per cent of the resulting fragments of a large asteroid miss the Earth, but you'd need to hit it six months in advance, rather than one or two months with a smaller rock. 'We employed several approximations in order to make the study feasible, but we believe that we have captured the essential physics necessary to make general observations about nuclear disruption as a technique,' King told Gizmodo. 'Much of our uncertainty is driven by our inherent uncertainty in the properties of the asteroids themselves; we definitely need to support more space missions to investigate their properties in more detail.' It wouldn't always be a viable option, according to King, who said there is always a possibility of many smaller pieces still hitting the Earth, causing worse problems than a large impact. 'By making several fragments instead of one single impactor, it is possible that we multiply the threat,' he wrote in the paper. 'On the other hand, disruption has its own advantages, and a disruption could succeed where a deflection might not. This is all part of the process of evaluating what technique to use.' Even if we only find out about the rock at the very last minute, it could still be possible to 'significantly reduce the scale of the disaster if we disrupt the object by as little as two weeks before impact,' King said. 'We find that disruption can be a very effective planetary defence strategy even for very late ... interventions, and should be considered an effective backup strategy should preferred methods, which require long warning times, fail.' The findings have been published in the journal Acta Astronautica. Tadpoles without the ability to breathe were kept alive in a new breakthrough experiment that could potentially save lives of stroke patients when oxygen to their brain is cut off. Biologists at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich injected algae into the tadpole's heart, which provided enough oxygen for the tailed amphibian larva to effectively rescue neurons in its oxygen-deprived brain. With each heartbeat, the algae moved through the blood vessels to the brain, turning the translucent tadpole bright green. Scientists then shined light on the tadpoles, prompting the algae to pump out oxygen to nearby cells, similar to the process of photosynthesis. Senior author Hans Straka of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich said in a statement: 'The algae actually produced so much oxygen that they could bring the nerve cells back to life, if you will. 'For many people, it sounds like science fiction, but after all, it's just the right combination of biological schemes and biological principles.' Scroll down for video Tadpoles without the ability to breathe were kept alive in a new breakthrough experiment that could save lives of stroke patients when oxygen to their brain is cut off To truly test the breakthrough, scientists injected another group of tadpoles with strains of algae that had not been mutated to increase oxygen concentration, The Scientist reports. When oxygen was depleted from the tailed amphibians, scientist observed neural activity decrease and then came to a complete stop. However, the team then injected the tadpoles with the mutated algae, shined light on them and saw activity start up again within 15 to 20 minutes. The revived nerves also performed as well or even better than before oxygen depletion, showing that the researchers' method was quick and efficient. Pictured is an up-close view of the tadpole's heart ventricle and the injection site for the algae 'We succeeded in showing the proof of principle experiment with this method. It was amazingly reliable and robust, and in my eyes, a beautiful approach,' said Straka. 'Working in principle doesn't really mean that you could apply it at the end, but it's the first step in order to initiate other studies.' The team hopes this work will lead to new therapies for conditions induced by stroke or oxygen-scarce environments, such as underwater and high altitudes, but is aware algae are far from ready to enter our blood circulation. Scientists then shined light on the tadpoles, prompting the algae to pump out oxygen to nearby cells. Pictured is the algae moving through the tadpole's blood vessels to its brain Diana Martinez, a neuroscientist at Rowan University in New Jersey who was not involved in the study, wrote in an email to The Scientist: 'The first issue is that Xenopus laevis tadpoles are transparent and light can easily pass through the skin to activate photosynthetic machinery to produce oxygen. 'Use in more complex animals would . . . be difficult, as light does not easily traverse the skin and may not reach the vasculature to activate the photosynthetic organisms.' Straka also envisions his research benefiting other laboratories that work with isolated tissues or organoids. Introducing oxygen-producing algae could help these tissues thrive and raise their survival rates, potentially reducing the need for live animals for experiments. 'You have to have new ideas and new concepts to explore; this is one of the ways science is driven,' said Straka. 'If you are open-minded and think it through, all of a sudden, you can see all the possibilities from one idea.' Apple has taken down a popular Koran app in China after it allegedly hosted 'illegal religious texts,' though the developer claims China needs 'additional documentation' to restore the app. The Quran Majeed app was reportedly removed for 'hosting illegal religious texts,' according to the BBC, which first reported the news. However, the app's maker, Pakistan Data Management Services, told DailyMail.com via email: Apple took down a popular Koran app in China after it allegedly hosted 'illegal religious texts' The Quran Majeed app is used by nearly 40 millions of Muslims across the globe 'Quran Majeed app was removed from the China Appstore. Apple advised us to contact the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). 'As per our understanding, Chinese law requires additional documentation for some apps to be available on the App Store in China mainland. 'We are trying to get in touch with CAC and relevant Chinese authorities to move forward so Quran Majeed app can be restored in China App store as we have close to a million users in China that have been impacted.' The Quran Majeed app has nearly 145,000 reviews, according to the apps page and is used by nearly 40 millions of Muslims across the globe, the developer told DailyMail.com. Apple Censorship, which describes itself as a website that 'helps to illustrate how Apples practices impact the fundamental rights of access to information and privacy for millions of citizens' around the world, was the first to notice that the app was deleted. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, condemned the action in a statement obtained by DailyMail.com. 'By obeying the Chinese Communist Party's order to remove Bible and Quran apps from its platform in China, Apple is enabling China's religious persecution, including the ongoing genocide of Uyghur Muslims,' CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said. 'This decision must be reversed. If American corporations don't grow a spine and stand up to China right now, they risk spending the next century subservient to the whims of a fascist superpower.' Apple and the Chinese government have not yet responded to requests for comment from DailyMail.com. Apple told the app's maker to contact the Cyberspace Administration of China According to the International Institute for Asian Studies, Islam is recognized in China, a country that has more than 25 million Muslims, making it one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. However, the Chinese government has been lambasted by the international community for accusations of human rights abuse. In March, the U.S. joined the U.K., Europe and Canada to sanction certain Chinese officials over 'serious human rights abuses' of Uyghur Muslims. At the G7 meeting, held in June, leaders of these nations called out 'human rights abuses and violations of fundamental freedoms' in a communique. Following that, the Chinese embassy in London blasted the joint statement, calling it 'slander.' China is a peace-loving country that advocates cooperation, but also has its bottom lines, the embassy said. 'China's internal affairs must not be interfered in, China's reputation must not be slandered, and China's interests must not be violated,' it added. 'We will resolutely defend our national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and resolutely fight back against all kinds of injustices and infringements imposed on China.' China's embassy said the G7 should do more that is conducive to promoting international cooperation instead of artificially creating confrontation and friction. 'We urge the United States and other members of the G7 to respect the facts, understand the situation, stop slandering China, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop harming China's interests.' In June, Apple was accused of censoring 27 LGBTQ+ apps in China, a claim the tech giant has vigorously denied. Apple has been accused of bending to the Chinese government over the years, removing certain apps that violate local laws. In 2017, it removed Skype for violations of local laws. Two years later, it removed the Taiwanese flag from its emoji keyboard in Hong Kong and Macau Last year, it removed thousands of games from the Chinese App Store as they were not approved by the government. Earlier this year, it was reported that the data of Apple device users in China was being managed at a data center in Guiyang and in the Inner Mongolia region, allowing the Chinese government to access personal data of residents. This summer, Apple said its new iOS 15 'Private Relay' feature, which is designed to mask users' internet browsing, would not be available in China because of regulatory reasons. Topics banned included Tiananmen Square, independence for Tibet and Taiwan. This comes despite CEO Tim Cook's vow to protect civil liberties which saw the release of a controversial new privacy controls in April that require iPhone users to give permission for apps to track their activity. In its its most recent quarterly results, Apple generated $14.76 billion in revenue from Greater China (which includes Hong Kong and Taiwan), up from $9.32 billion in the year-ago period. In 2017, Apple named Isabel Ge Mahe as Vice President and Managing Director of Greater China, reporting directly to COO Jeff Williams and Cook. Our early solar system had a gap between its inner and outer regions even when it was just a swirling mass of gas and dust, a new study reveals. The mysterious gap, described as a 'cosmic boundary', existed around 4.567 billion years ago, when the solar system had just formed. It grew to form what is today the gap between Mars and Jupiter, separating the inner and outer planets. The study was conducted by experts at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), based on analysis of ancient meteorites fragments of asteroids that have fallen to Earth from space. Researchers don't know exactly what created the gap, but it could have been caused by a young Jupiter or a wind from the solar system emerging. It's already well known that the first four planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) form the inner solar system, while the last four (Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus) make up the outer solar system. Currently, the dividing gap between Mars and Jupiter, where the asteroid belt lies, is 3.68 astronomical units (342.24 million miles). But this isn't even the largest gap between two adjacent planets the greatest average distance between two planets today is between Uranus and Neptune, at 10.88 astronomical units (AU), equivalent to 1.01 billion miles. The authors of this new study can't determine the size of the historical gap, which was merely a hole in the protoplanetary disk, but it would have been much smaller than it is now. The protoplanetary disk, a swirling mass of dust and gas, rotated around the sun and eventually coalesced into the planets we know today. It's well known the first four planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) form the inner solar system, while the last four (Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus) make up the outer solar system. The dividing gap between the inner and outer solar system was bigger than it is today, experts report. Planet Nine is a hypothetical planet that may have existed, other studies say This physical separation from the gap could have shaped the composition of the solar system's planets, by keeping material on either side of it from interacting. For instance, on the inner side of the gap, gas and dust coalesced as terrestrial planets, including the Earth and Mars, while gas and dust relegated to the farther side of the gap formed in icier regions, as Jupiter and its neighbouring gas giants. 'It's pretty hard to cross this gap, and a planet would need a lot of external torque and momentum,' says lead author and EAPS graduate student Caue Borlina. 'So, this provides evidence that the formation of our planets was restricted to specific regions in the early solar system.' The cause of such a gap in our own solar system remains a mystery, but one possibility is that Jupiter may have been an influence. As the gas giant took shape, its immense gravitational pull could have pushed gas and dust toward the outskirts, leaving behind a gap in the developing disk. WHAT ABOUT PLUTO? Pluto is not a planet, but a dwarf planet. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union, a global group of astronomy experts, established a definition of a planet that required it to 'clear' its orbit - in other words, be the largest gravitational force in its orbit. Since Neptune's gravity influences its neighbouring planet Pluto, and Pluto shares its orbit with frozen gases and objects in the Kuiper belt, that meant Pluto was out of planet status. Advertisement 'Over the last decade, observations have shown that cavities, gaps, and rings are common in disks around other young stars,' said Benjamin Weiss, professor of planetary sciences in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS). 'These are important but poorly understood signatures of the physical processes by which gas and dust transform into the young sun and planets.' Another explanation for the historical gap may have to do with winds emerging from the surface of the protoplanetary disk. Early planetary systems are governed by strong magnetic fields. When these fields interact with a rotating disk of gas and dust, they can produce winds powerful enough to blow material out, leaving behind a gap in the disk. Over the last decade, scientists have observed a curious split in the composition of meteorites that have made their way to Earth. These space rocks originally formed at different times and locations as the solar system was taking shape. Those that have been analysed exhibit one of two isotope combinations either non-carbonaceous and carbonaceous. But rarely have meteorites been found to exhibit both a conundrum known as the 'isotopic dichotomy'. In the early solar system, the 'protoplanetary disk' of dust and gas rotated around the sun and eventually coalesced into the planets we know today (pictured is artists's impression) Previously, scientists have proposed that this dichotomy may be the result of a gap in the early solar system's disk, but such a gap has not been directly confirmed. As a young planetary system takes shape, it carries with it a magnetic field, the strength and direction of which can change depending on various processes within the evolving disk. As ancient dust gathered into grains known as chondrules, electrons within chondrules aligned with the magnetic field in which they formed. Chondrules, found in meteorites today, can be smaller than the diameter of a human hair, but they can also be fairly large. Professor Weiss' group analyses meteorites for signs of ancient magnetic fields. But it specialises in measuring chondrules to identify the ancient magnetic fields in which they originally formed. Stock image of a meteorite with large chondrules. Chondrules can be smaller than the diameter of a human hair In previous work, the group analysed samples from one of the two isotopic groups of meteorites, known as the noncarbonaceous meteorites. These rocks are thought to have originated in a 'reservoir', or region of the early solar system, relatively close to the Sun. Professor Weiss' group previously identified the ancient magnetic field using samples from this close-in region. In their new study, the researchers wondered whether the magnetic field would be the same in the second isotopic, 'carbonaceous' group of meteorites. Judging from their isotopic composition, carbonaceous meteorites are thought to have originated farther out in the solar system. They analysed chondrules, each measuring about 100 microns, from two carbonaceous meteorites that were discovered in Antarctica. Using the superconducting quantum interference device, or SQUID, a high-precision microscope in Weiss' lab, the team determined each chondrule's original, ancient magnetic field. Surprisingly, they found that their field strength was stronger than that of the closer-in noncarbonaceous meteorites they previously measured. Image of Venus showing its acidic clouds, taken by the ultraviolet imager of the Venus Climate Orbiter Akatsuki on November 27, 2018. Venus is a terrestrial planet, like others in the inner solar system As young planetary systems are taking shape, scientists expect that the strength of the magnetic field should decay with distance from the Sun. In contrast, the researchers found the far-out chondrules had a stronger magnetic field, of about 100 microteslas, compared to a field of 50 microteslas in the closer chondrules. For reference, the Earth's magnetic field today is around 50 microteslas. A planetary system's magnetic field is a measure of its accretion rate, or the amount of gas and dust it can draw into its centre over time. Based on the carbonaceous chondrules' magnetic field, the solar system's outer region must have been accumulating much more mass than the inner region. Using models to simulate various scenarios, the team concluded that the most likely explanation for the mismatch in accretion rates is the existence of a gap between the inner and outer regions, which could have reduced the amount of gas and dust flowing toward the sun from the outer regions. 'Gaps are common in protoplanetary systems, and we now show that we had one in our own solar system,' Borlina said. 'This gives the answer to this weird dichotomy we see in meteorites, and provides evidence that gaps affect the composition of planets.' The new study has been published in the journal Science Advances. A Swedish company says it's perfected a new way to get rid of disease-carrying mosquitoes by tricking them into drinking poisoned juice. Researchers with the start-up Molecular Attraction isolated a molecule known as HMBPP, which is present in blood infected with the malaria parasite. HMBPP releases a smell that attracts mosquitoes and stimulates them to drink more blood. 'It turns out that HMBPP can force mosquitoes to drink almost anything, as long as the pH is right,' Molecular Attraction CEO Lech Ignatowicz told Fast Company. The researchers tempted mosquitoes with a potent combination of beet juice mixed with HMBPP and plant-based toxins. The mosquitoes happily fed on the faux blood and all died shortly after. 'The big advantage is that HMBPP doesn't attract other insects or other species,' Ignatowicz told the outlet. 'So you can use it as a passive way of convincing mosquitoes to eat toxins.' Scroll down for video HMBPP, a molecule present in blood infected with the malaria parasite, releases a smell that makes it more attractive to mosquitoes. Scientists in Sweden have been able to add HMBPP to a deadly mixture of beet juice and plant toxins, killing all the mosquitoes that drank it Since HMBPP actually attracts mosquitoes, far less of it is needed than the more harmful pesticides that are sprayed over entire neighborhoods. 'Nowadays, the biggest problem in mosquito control lies in the task of attracting them to the traps,' the company said in a statement on its website. 'This unique composition is attractive exclusively to the 5 Anopheles species of mosquitoes, which are the exclusive vectors of the malaria parasite.' Other attractant products either need an electrical source or spread carbon dioxide, the company said, 'which disrupts the surrounding biosphere.' While Molecular Attraction is eager to market the bug-killer, it's determined to make it 'accessible and affordable,' according to Ignatowicz, so that it can help vulnerable countries. The HMBPP molecule was added to tainted beets (pictured) but Molecular Attraction CEO Lech Ignatowicz said HMBPP 'can force mosquitoes to drink almost anything, as long as the pH is right' Ignatowicz told Fast Company the concoction isn't intended to eradicate mosquitoes entirely. 'We want to eliminate diseases they carry and limit the amount of mosquitoes in proximity to people,' he said. 'So we can create, let's say, a mosquito-free zone around your house. 'But we shouldn't eliminate them completely from your state,' he added. The study was published in the journal Communications Biology on October 7, just one day after the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed the world's first malaria vaccine. The agency recommended widespread use of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, developed by GlaxoSmithKline for use in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high levels of malaria transmission, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives a year. Millions of people are infected by malaria every year and about 400,000 die, many of them children under age five Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects Anopheles mosquitoes, who in turn transmit the disease to humans when they bite them. Victims often develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, chills, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Millions of people are infected every year and about 400,000 die, many of them children under age five. Plasmodium falciparum, the deadly parasite that causes malaria in humans, is believed to have been in existence for more than 50,000 years. Because Molecular Attraction's mixture specifically targets the Anopheles mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite, it's not useful in combatting other mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, West Nile Virus, dengue, Yellow Fever and Chagas. But epidemiologists have had success with other strategies: between 2017 and 2020, scientists in Java released millions of mosquitoes injected with Wolbachia, a bacterium that prevents them from transmitting the virus that causes dengue fever. Scientists in Java injected millions of mosquitoes with Wolbachia, a bacterium that prevents them from transmitting the virus that causes dengue fever. Infection rates fell three-quarters in neighborhoods where the insects were released The team found that infections were 77 percent lower in treated neighborhoods, compared to areas not exposed to the infected insects. In the Florida Keys a collaboration between local government and British biotech firm Oxitec aims to reduce the numbers of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes by altering their DNA. The modified insects would carry a protein that ensures that, when they mate, any female offspring don't survive. With fewer females in each subsequent generation, the hope is the overall Aedes aegypti population would decline, along with the transmission rates of diseases they carry, like Zika and Yellow Fever. More than 75 percent of the 69 men who ruled the Roman Empire from 63BC to 395AD died from violent deaths - either on the battlefield or they were brutally murdered by conspirators looking to remove them form the throne, scientists have determined. The rest, which accounts to just one in four, died of natural causes like sickness or old age. Data scientists University of Sao Paulo's Institute of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (ICMC-USP) in Sao Carlos determined the 80/20 rule is associated with the deaths of the Roman rulers, as they were more likely to die of unnatural causes. Analyzing the deaths further, researchers found an emperor was more likely to perish from unnatural causes shortly after taking the thrown and the threat did not decline for 13 years after. More than 75 percent of the 69 men who ruled the Roman Empire from 63 B.C. to 395 A.D. died from violent deaths. One such famous death was that endured by Julius Caesar (pictured), who reigned from 46BC to 44BC. Caesar died at age 55 when he was violently stabbed 23 times One such famous death was that endured by Julius Caesar, who reigned from 46BC to 44BC. Caesar died at age 55 when he was violently stabbed 23 times, in a plot among 40 conspirators on the Ides of March. However, other well-known emperors like Augustus (Caesar's adopted son) at age 75 of natural causes and Marcus Aurelius died at 55 years years old from a hemorrhage. The researches set out to see if the death data was associated with any mathematical patterns, leading them to the 80/20 rule - the probability that a common occurrence happens 80 percent of the time and a rare event is about 20 percent. The rest, which accounts to just one in four, died of natural causes like sickness or old age. Marcus Aurelius died at 55 years years old from a hemorrhage In the case of Roman emperors, the rare event was them dying of natural causes. 'When we analyzed time to death for each emperor, we found that the risk was high when the emperor took the throne,' data scientist Francisco Rodrigues, a professor at ICMC-USP and principal investigator for the study, told Agencia FAPESP. 'This could have something to do with the difficulties and demands of the job and the new emperor's lack of political expertise. 'The risk then declines systematically until the emperor has reigned for 13 years. At that point, it rises sharply again.' If the 80/20 rule is a well-known pattern, the sharp downturn in the survival curve around year 13 is a novel finding. 'We envisaged several possible explanations for this turning-point. It may be that after the 13-year cycle the emperor's rivals concluded they were unlikely to ascend the throne by natural means,' said Rodrigues. 'Perhaps his old enemies regrouped, or new rivals may have come to the fore. 'A crisis may have arisen owing to all these factors combined. It's worth noting that the risk falls again after this turning-point.' Advertisement China is known for its unashamed production of fake goods - for instance, pictures have emerged of 'Rolexe' watches and 'WiWi consoles' - but it turns out that the fakery even extends to the country's rural image. It has recently been revealed that locals in one particular pastoral county - Xiapu in Fujian province are embellishing facets of their genuinely rural life so that tourists come away with picture-perfect photo albums from their trip. Locals in the region stage quaint scenes for hordes of holidaymakers, even using special effects and props to paint a romanticised image of life there. Melinda Chan visited Xiapu, which has an East China Sea coastline, and photographed swarms of tourists snapping fishermen (above). Speaking to MailOnline Travel, she said: 'Some of the fishermen were directed and posed. Though some were really doing their own work' In some cases, according to The New York Times tourists hand over cash in exchange for villagers-turned-models posing to order, with instructions issued via walkie-talkie. At some scenic spots, there are billboards in place to show tourists how to compose the perfect snapshot. Melinda Chan visited Xiapu, which has an East China Sea coastline, and photographed swarms of tourists snapping fishermen. Speaking to MailOnline Travel, she said: 'Some of the fishermen were directed and posed. Though some were really doing their own work.' Xiapu County is home to the largest mudflat in the country, encompassing over 260 square miles Photographer Nicolas Monnot, who photographed the Xiapu region in November of last year, said a guide led him to a staged photoshoot on a beach. He wrote on Flickr: 'This area is famous in China for its fishing activities, with a lot of nets in the sea that made the place very iconic. 'My guide took me to attend a sunrise and I found myself in the middle of a huge group of Chinese photographers taking millions of photos of six local fishermen staging their activities.' Describing another striking staged photograph he took during his time in Xiapu, Monnot added that the villagers' real lives are 'actually very far from being as glamorous as suggested in this photo'. Tourists in Xiapu County sometimes hand over cash in exchange for villagers-turned-models posing to order, with instructions issued via walkie-talkie China is known for its production of fake goods, such as a games console - named the WiWi - posing as a fake Wii. China also makes Rolexe watches Photographer Alex Berger has also shared a picture of a staged scene in Xiapu, a beautifully lit photograph of a woman sifting through fishing nets. He revealed that the set-up was 'carefully constructed'. His Flickr caption for the picture reads: 'While photos like this are often passed off as organic and natural, the reality is that these, including this particular series, are a staged/commissioned portrait session. I do find it distasteful when many photographers try and pass these artificial moments off as authentic Photographer Alex Berger 'It takes place in a real fishing village but is a carefully constructed scene in an old warehouse with wonderful natural light. It's also why the net is so clean and perfectly laid out like a sea of water.' A popular rural inland scene is that of farmers in traditional hats moving buffalo through a misty woodland. But the buffalo haven't been used for farming for years and the 'mist' is created for snap-happy tourists by the fanning of burning straw. According to The New York Times, the driving force behind the phoney scenes is a combination of the government encouraging rural tourism and nostalgia for a vanishing way of life. Berger's issue with the phoney pictures is that they're ending up in the real world under misleading pretences. He added: 'I personally don't think it [the construction] detracts from the photo. But I do find it distasteful when many photographers try and pass these artificial moments off as authentic.' While this fascinating phenomenon is one reason to visit Xiapu County it has another intriguing claim to fame. It's home to the largest mudflat in the country, encompassing over 260 square miles. To visit Xiapu, travel to the nearby cities of Fuzhou, Xiamen or Wenzhou first, and then transfer by train to Xiapu Railway Station. Advertisement Tourism industry workers in Mauritius have urged UK holidaymakers to return to the island after being left 'fighting' for jobs due to the worldwide pandemic. The Indian Ocean island allowed travellers to return on October 1, with many islanders describing the tourism industry as 'essential' for them to survive. The country still enforces the wearing of face masks indoors and outdoors despite the easing of travel restrictions, and some permanent residents have put signs on their homes to urge the coverings to be worn. Tourism industry workers in Mauritius have urged UK holidaymakers to return to the island after being left 'fighting' for jobs due to the worldwide pandemic Now the borders have been opened to vaccinated tourists, the head of the Mauritian Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), Nilen Vencadasmy, told the PA news agency he is 'sure' the 'demand is there' for Britons to go back to the island. Speaking on behalf of the MTPA, a branch of the Mauritian government, Mr Vencadasmy said: 'There's a lot of emphasis on safety. 'We know that this is the number one concern now when people decide to travel to any destination, really, and they look at the sanitary situation and the protocols in place. 'We are now in a situation where we can not only welcome guests from the UK, but from all the countries we are open to in optimised sanitary conditions.' Asked if he fears tourists not returning, Mr Vencadasmy said: 'Ever since we've announced the different phases of opening, there's been a lot of hope, because obviously we've worked so hard and we count a lot on tourism. 'The demand is there, we are sure of that. 'Of course we have a few challenges in terms of ramping up seat capacity to get all those people back to the island but we are confident that in the first three months we are going to more or less be close to our objectives.' Despite the optimism from the Mauritian government, workers in the country fear the tourism industry will take 'years' to recover. Hilary Perle, 26, who worked as a tour guide in the village of Chamarel before the pandemic, told PA: 'My only form of income has gone. 'Mauritius won't recover from this for years if the number of tourists doesn't pick up again, we'll have to find another big project as a country to keep the economy going. A stunning aerial view of Le Morne Brabant mountain on Mauritius and the famous 'underwater waterfall' 'People are fighting to work, people need to work.' Some business owners urged holidaymakers to return but said they will need to be 'extra careful'. Maryline Manczak, who owns a small boutique shop selling homemade essential oil products in the Anse Janchee valley region, said: 'Previously it was good, but not since. 'It's been a year now since we were opening properly, but hopefully we will work again. 'It has affected me quite a lot because I concentrate mainly on the passing tourists. 'We are hoping and we will just keep our fingers crossed that it works out.' Asked if it is safe for tourists to return, Ms Manczak added: 'Obviously they have to be extra careful. 'I'd say it's safe as long as you keep away from the crowds.' Travel companies such as Pure Breaks said UK holidaymakers should 'think of who benefits most' when choosing their trips. Darren Taylor, chief operating officer of the sustainable travel company, said: 'Small islands like Mauritius depend heavily on tourism. Mauritius allowed travellers to return on October 1, with many islanders describing the tourism industry as 'essential' for them to survive 'Its people are keenly anticipating the return of tourists from the UK for the new season.' Hotel managers across the island expressed their delight at being able to open their sites again, but people like market trader Nazia Burkhut and tea farmer Oumila Ganas told PA the lack of tourists had affected them financially. Ms Burkhut, who sells herbs to hotels at the market in the small town of Mahebourg, said: 'I produce in bulk, mainly people buy my things for hotels. 'The fact that tourism has gone down means I have not been able to produce that much. 'All the raw materials are from abroad so we are facing difficulties. Tea farmer Oumila Ganas said the lack of tourists had affected her financially Essential oil producer Maryline Manczak waits outside her boutique for passing customers 'For us it's good because I produce mainly for the hotels around Mauritius. 'When tourists come back, we will be able to produce more. 'During Covid we did not work for four to five months the market was closed and we had to stay home. It affected me financially. 'We have not been selling because our biggest wholesale has been tourists because Mauritian people don't consume all this stuff.' Speaking through a Creole interpreter about how the lack of tourism affected her work, Ms Ganas said: 'As farmers, it really hit us hard financially. 'We need tourists back and then things can get back to normal.' Ore Oduba's wife Portia has welcomed the couple's second child together - a baby girl called Genie. Presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore, 35, already has a three-year-old son, Roman Ore, with the TV researcher, 31, to whom he has been married since 2015. The couple announced the news on Instagram, with Ore penning: 'Been dreaming about you Welcome, Genie our perfect little girl @portiajett (15/10/21)'. Happy news! Ore Oduba's wife Portia, 31, has welcomed the couple's second child together, with the couple announcing the news on Instagram Meanwhile Portia announced the news by writing: Our baby girl [sic] Youve completed us Genie Oduba..' Their happy news garnered messages of congratulations, coming from stars such as Izzy Judd, Kerry Katona, Gemma Atkinson and Ruth Langsford. 'Beautiful congratulations to you all xx', Gemma commented, while Ruth penned 'Congratulations! And welcome to the world Genie.' Father again: The couple announced the news on Instagram, with Ore penning: 'Been dreaming about you Welcome, Genie our perfect little girl @portiajett (15/10/21)' Arrival: Meanwhile Portia announced the news by writing: Our baby girl [sic] Youve completed us Genie Oduba..' Celebrating: Their happy news garnered messages of congratulations, coming from stars such as Izzy Judd, Kerry Katona, Gemma Atkinson and Ruth Langsford The couple announced the news they were expecting to Hello! magazine in May this year to mark the 10th anniversary of their first date. He said: 'We're thrilled. I never thought I was going to find the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with so when I think that 10 years on from our first date, we've got one amazing little boy and another baby on the way, I get quite emotional. 'This is the life I've always dreamt of.' Family: Presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore, 35, already has a three-year-old son, Roman Ore, with the TV researcher, 31, to whom he has been married since 2015 The couple announced the news they were expecting to Hello! magazine in May this year to mark the 10th anniversary of their first date. He said: 'We're thrilled. I never thought I was going to find the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with so when I think that 10 years on from our first date, we've got one amazing little boy and another baby on the way, I get quite emotional. 'This is the life I've always dreamt of.' Blossoming: Portia and Ore, 35, announced the news they were expecting to Hello! magazine in May this year to mark the 10th anniversary of their first date Portia and Ore told son Roman he would soon have a sibling after Portia had her first scan earlier this year. She said: 'We waited until we had the scan picture to tell him. We showed him and said: 'Mummy's got something in her tummy. What do you think it is?' 'He looked a bit confused and said 'Chocolate eggs?' I was like, 'That's true - but no, it's a baby'. Family affair: The parents pictured above with Roman during a day at the zoo 'Roman started to understand more when my bump started showing, so now he wants to say goodnight to the baby and rubs my tummy saying: 'Hello baby'.' Ore admitted he was initially nervous about having another child but said he felt lockdown proved he could live through some tough situations. The couple who have been together for nearly ten years welcomed their son Roman, in 2018. Congratulations! Ore Oduba recently celebrated his 10th anniversary with his wife Portia and shared adorable couple snaps to mark the occasion During an appearance on Good Morning Britain earlier this year, Ore said of his son Roman: 'Roman has enhanced our world more than we could have dreamt but there are times we have to remember that we love each other and whats why hes here. 'He's been our guardian angel in lockdown but he's also been the cause of a few little tiffs.' Sports journalist Ore won BBC ballroom dance contest Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, beating fellow finalists Louise Redknapp and Danny Mac. Throwback: The TV presenter shared an early photo of the couple last year to mark their ninth anniversary, taken in a lift with Ore looking dapper in a shirt and jacket Portia and Ore reportedly first set eyes on each other in 2010, with the pair meeting at Loughborough University where Ore studied. He proposed to her four years later and they married the following year, with the wedding taking place at Penshurst Place in Kent in November 2015. Ore previously told the Mirror: 'On my wedding day I cried from 11 in the morning until 2am that night. 'There's a picture of me wailing, my best men there laughing and Portia absolutely cracking up next to me I am the only one crying.' Soaplands would-be entrepreneurs are forever seeking to establish businesses or take over others. EastEnders Peter has had no choice but to take on Beale Enterprises since the disappearance of Ian, and hes turning out to be not so much a chip off the old block as a veritable Everest of chippings. When Ian approached any new venture, it was in the belief that it could be a right little gold mine, but then thats what every potential owner thinks. Sharon thought the gym was going to be a big earner, but so far there are more clipboards than members. In Corrie, Natasha is buying Audreys salon, even though the place is less of a gold mine than a blue-rinse rivulet. Debbie is so busy playing Boadicea at the Bistro that she hasnt yet noticed the cobwebs on the till; and as for the garage, Kevin and Tyrone have been working on one MOT for five years. At least Emmerdale has a hugely successful businesswoman in Kim, and maybe Al buying into The Woolpack will inject new life into the place. But they should beware the sleeping partner bit; Al sleeps around more than is good for any business. Abi and Corey (pictured) find themselves trapped in a Victorian sewer with only a gun and gushing water between them in Coronation Street CORONATION STREET: GOING UNDERGROUND This is a week when youll be wishing you were sitting in the Rovers nursing a sweet sherry and a hotpot. The chaos that Harveys prison escape causes is far reaching Devs crash, Harvey gagging Leanne (Nicks probably thinking if only Id thought of that), the sinkhole... well, sinking; and, to top it all, Abi and Corey trapped in a Victorian sewer with only a gun and gushing water between them. What could possibly go wrong? Apart from the fact that it does, of course. Why would Jenny be stunned when, while all this is happening, Carla tells her that Johnnys moving to Bali? Even Walford is paradise compared to this. Someone dies, but who? There are so many contenders Aadi, trapped in the car wreckage; the Bonnie and Clyde of the sewers, Abi and Corey? And what about Johnny, who enters the sinkhole to rescue Jenny, who has somehow managed to find herself there (dont ask; you have to see it, really)? Then theres Shona, who disappears down a manhole to try to rescue them. Dont bother going to see the new Bond movie. This week has pretty much every character screaming its No Time To Die. But it is for one of them. EASTENDERS: SILENCE IS GOLDEN Gray kisses Whitney (pictured) after sharing some childhood memories, following the death of his father in EastEnders The one the only good thing about Whitney singing is that its a rare chance for us not to be subjected to her talking. Blimey. Doesnt she bang on? Now, shes pushing Chelsea to tell Gray shes pregnant, not wanting to begin something with him if shes harbouring this huge secret (Trust me: he has a bigger one Whit, and it goes by the name of Killer Dishwasher). When Gray learns that his father has died, he shares some childhood memories with Whitney and kisses her. A rare tender moment, or just another means of keeping her quiet for two minutes? Whichever, lets all just be grateful for this moment of peace. New bad boy on the block Liam is up to no good (although his unintentional impressions of Corries Gary are pretty convincing) and he quickly finds a cohort in Janine, who has a plan. Doesnt she always? Alas, this one doesnt involve her handcuffing Jack to a radiator as she did in 2009 (anyone else still fantasising about that? Okay, just me). The absurd idea that certain kinds of racism are just a joke is being addressed, as Dana warns Harvey to be careful about causing upset with his racial slurs, in addition to much else. Lets not forget that pretty much every time a character in this show opens their mouth, they upset someone. Maybe a local lady could take a leaf out of Grays book and give Harvey a kiss; a smacker on the chops is all that shuts anyone up there. EMMERDALE: SURVIVAL OF THE UNFITTEST? Victoria, David (both pictured), Manpreet and Charles are left fighting for their lives in Emmerdale Oh, the irony of the survival challenge, when every week is just that. Kidnappings, robberies, shootings the locals are grateful just to get to the end of the day in one piece. Initially enthusiastic, the teams set off happily in their rafts, until the day takes an unexpected turn and Victoria, David, Manpreet and Charles are left fighting for their lives. Poor David. Hes still recovering from a gunshot wound and is blissfully unaware that hes living with a serial killer. Why does he even bother getting out of bed in the morning, knowing that its all going to be downhill from thereon? Sophie Hermann has revealed a change in direction for her career. The Made In Chelsea star - who has starred on the reality show on and off since its sixth season - has hinted she will leave the show after the current 22nd series and concentrate on a change of direction. 'I am incredibly thrilled to have morphed onto one of my favourite characters of all time,' she told MailOnline. 'I am a real life Carrie Bradshaw now!' Sex and the Sophie! Sophie Hermann has revealed a change in direction for her career Sophie, 34, will give advice as a relationship columnist in Grazia magazine, adding wryly: 'I am beyond honoured that people actually value my opinion!' Sophie's had her fair share of ups and downs in the love department, keeping her romances off-screen on Made In Chelsea until recently. As well as the will they/won't they dalliance with Fred Ferrier on the series, she met DJ Tom Zanetti when she took part in this year's Celebs Go Dating, brining him onto MIC for a couple of episodes. That, however, soon fizzled out. And just like that...: 'I am incredibly thrilled to have morphed onto one of my favourite characters of all time,' she told MailOnline. 'I am a real life Carrie Bradshaw now!' Always on hand with her witty and telling advice, the German beauty added: 'Never would I have imagined staring a career as a columnist. But it gores well with me finishing Made In Chelsea' 'Even though it's a bit like the blind leading the blind sometimes with me,' Sophie laughed of her new role. 'I'm clearly not a licensed couples therapist or relationship expert! But I am happy to help people!' Always on hand with her witty and telling advice, the German beauty added: 'Never would I have imagined staring a career as a columnist. But it gores well with me finishing Made In Chelsea. 'I'm ready for a new chapter - the new chapter starts literally with writing!' Of what readers can expect, she remarked: 'Be prepared for a lot of skeletons to come out of the closet and be taken for a spin! Pastures new: The Made In Chelsea star has starred on the reality show on and off since its sixth season Of what readers can expect, she remarked: 'Be prepared for a lot of skeletons to come out of the closet and be taken for a spin!' 'I am, after all, giving my advice by using my own personal experiences. So I imagine a lot of men will be quivering in their boxers!' As well as asking her for relationship advice, fans continue to bombard the star with questions about her own beauty and lifestyle secrets. Last Christmas, she stunned fans with a nude snap with her beloved cat Mr Chow - a hairless Sphinx cat. Showing off her sensational frame, Sophie captioned the snap: 'Hairless whisper!' She was sure to add that 'Mr Chow and I swear by the Soprano laser at @dmc_aesthetics', giving a glimpse into her regimen - often to be found at the swanky Knightsbridge clinic, a few doors down from Harrods. Silky smooth: As well as asking her for relationship advice, fans continue to bombard the star with questions about her own beauty and lifestyle secrets [pictured last Christmas with her beloved cat Mr Chow] Crediting the clinic for her silky smooth skin, Sophie has undergone the treatment at DMC Aesthetics - one of the first clinics in UK to launch the breakthrough Soprano Titanium laser for hair removal. Sophie also admitted she was self-conscious about her teeth last summer, revealing how she underwent a painful 48 hours of inner braces in 2018 under the ill-advise by an orthodontist who told her her jaw was too small for Invisalign. Sophie has since fixed the problem, having met Dr. Slaine McGrath, known to help celebrities fix their smiles. 'She was absolutely wonderful, professional and caring,' Sophie explained. 'She attached some freaky reptile-like tracks on my teeth and my journey began. Pearly whites: Sophie also admitted she was self-conscious about her teeth last summer Dentist to the stars: Sophie has since fixed the problem, having met Dr. Slaine McGrath, known to help celebrities fix their smiles 'The results are already more than I could ever wish for!' Dr. Slaine - who speaks out about the trend in reality stars flying to places such as Turkey for cheap, quick-fix treatments that tend to end in disaster - treated Sophie at Ruh Dental in London. 'Smiling with confidence makes you feel great. A beautiful smile is also an important social and professional asset,' Slaine said of her client Sophie, having also treated the likes of fellow MIC stars Sam and Louise Thompson. 'We achieved Sophie's million dollar smile with Invisalign to align the teeth and porcelain veneers to give it that beautiful finish!' Made In Chelsea continues on Monday at 9PM on E4. Ian McKellen, pictured, as butler Firs in The Cherry Orchard play, taking a more age-appropriate (and much less challenging) role The Cherry Orchard (Theatre Royal, Windsor) Verdict: Gandalfian magic Rating: After the rigours of playing the whippersnapper Hamlet a character some 60 years his junior Ian McKellen steps into The Cherry Orchard like a pair of old slippers. He takes the more age-appropriate (and much less challenging) role of the doddery old butler in a Russian country house a tiny part for the 82-year-old theatrical knight in comparison to Shakespeare's Prince of Denmark. Yet even here, McKellen weaves his Gandalfian magic. The stellar cast alongside him includes Francesca Annis, Martin Shaw, Jenny Seagrove and Robert Daws, in Martin Sherman's lovingly wistful and quick-witted adaptation of Chekhov's masterpiece. Annis is Ranyevskaya, queen of a highly-strung cast of characters. Sweeping in from Paris at the start wearing fur and velvet, she swears she might die of joy and warmly embraces a big old bookcase, to demonstrate just how happy she is to be back in the family home. McKellen's Firs fusses about her, chuckling quietly to himself and muttering non-sequiturs. When we first see him, sporting a big hat, he looks like a Russian Orthodox patriarch. But once the hat's off, we see a shaven head which with his grey hipster beard gives him the air of an antique barista. Shaw, meanwhile, plays Ranyevskaya's nemesis, Lopakhin: a self-made former peasant who promises to pay her debts by buying her beloved home, including the picturesque cherry orchard. Francesca Annis, left, plays Ranyevskaya, the queen of a highly-strung cast of characters. McKellen, right, as butler Firs, fussing about her, chuckles quietly to himself and mutters non-sequiturs She cannot bear his plain Yorkshire ways; and his bluff pride is eventually revealed to be just a cover, hiding the simmering rage he feels at her family's treatment of his ancestors. Shaw's age though does complicate (for us viewers) his chemistry with Kezrena James, who plays his much younger, lovelorn admirer. Still, The Cherry Orchard is a play that's less about the story; and more a set of character sketches. These characters are given to rambling philosophising, emotional speculations and psychological inventories of themselves. The result is a melancholy soap opera or comedy of manners, following the Scheherazade principle that if you can only keep talking, bad things may never happen. Daws gives a beautifully dotty turn as a Ken Dodd-ish eccentric neighbour who lives by his luck; while Seagrove plays Annis's gasbag of a brother Gaev, not so much clinging to his youth as dodging his old age. Cast of The Cherry Orchard, pictured, performing at Theatre Royal in Windsor, with the audience sat on the stage as well as in the auditorium allows you to feel part of the action With the other, younger characters threatening to make the same mistakes including Alis Wyn Davies as a sybaritic servant and Ben Allen as her lofty, student admirer Sean Matthias's production strikes an amiably tragic tone. It's visually pleasing too: an old school impressionist Chekhov, with costumes and lighting supplying pastel colours, alongside parasols and Persian carpets. Having the audience seated on the stage as well as in the auditorium allows us to feel part of the action, and to imagine these rambling, incomplete, long-gone lives to be so much like our own. But the real feat, in a play with 15 characters vying for attention, is the directorial juggling required to keep all the balls in the air. Matthias drops none of them, and rounds off what has surely been a very happy and hugely enjoyable stay for McKellen and co in Windsor. A lifeless nod to 1970s nostalgia The Good Life (Theatre Royal, Bath, and touring) Verdict: Insufficiently self-sufficient Rating: Drawn by the promise of intravenous 70s nostalgia, Covid vaccination groups one through three congregated in Bath's Theatre Royal for a sitcom seance. 'The classic comedy, live on stage!' posters promised albeit with a tenth of the jokes and none of the original cast. Still good title. Tom, Barbara, Margo and Jerry are reincarnated, starting at the beginning with Tom (Rufus Hound) jacking in his job to live a life of self-sufficiency. Pictured left to right: Nigel Betts, Rufus Hound as Tom Good and Sally Tatum as Barbara Good in Jeremy Sam's adaptation of sitcom The Good Life We then plod into the night with a dinner party, a long scene about a dying piglet and discussion of Margo's amateur stint in The Sound Of Music. I was practically raised on Good Life TV re-runs with nanny UK Gold, but my excitement quickly bled out. If Surbiton's actual am-dram society had been responsible for this evening, I'd have wished them well. But on a professional stage, with fat ticket prices, this is desperate stuff. Jeremy Sams's adaptation is intensely dull. As a tribute to the sitcom, it lacks the satisfying situations and wisecrack comedy. As a piece of theatre, it's as if a writer had Alan Ayckbourn's style described to them. Cast of The Good Life at the Royal Theatre in Bath, adapting the BBC sitcom that ran from 1975 to 1978 So there's gentle amusement, without any of Ayckbourn's dark wit and rich characterisation. The cast are hammy and largely just attempt impressions, with Dominic Rowan's Jerry the best. But even then, Jerry's depth and frustration are missing. Similarly, Hound's Tom lacks the original's dark impish spirit. Sally Tatum's Barbara has had all character (including the allotment raunchiness) surgically removed. Preeya Kalidas's Margo is just a one-note snob. There's no inner tension in the characters and no dramatic tension in the threadbare plot. All this makes me wonder: what's the point? Who asked for this, aside from producers hoping to cash in on fond memories? It is surely breaking some theatre critic code of honour to advise you to stay home and watch TV re-runs. But do. LUKE JONES Millennial's howl of race rage leaves us gasping White Noise (Bridge Theatre, London) Verdict: Prepare to be riled Rating: Here's a millennial's howl of frustration at the emotional legacy of long-ago slavery. A long stage thrusts defiantly into the audience: eventually it's a shooting range, but first it rolls us into the bedroom and kitchen of two interracial American couples as their old college friendship disintegrates. Suzan-Lori Parks (a Pulitzer winner) in 2016 called it her 'angry play'; reworked for this European premiere directed by Polly Findlay it is angrier still, after George Floyd's murder. The young people's hidden attitudes glide like monsters under a smooth veneer of well-meaning wokery. Directed by Polly Findlay and written by Suzan Lori-Parks, White Noise takes an 'unflinching look at race in the 21st century from both a black and white perspective' Leo is a nervy, insomniac black artist living with Dawn, a right-on white lawyer; Ralph is a well-off liberal lecturer whose girlfriend Misha runs a whoopingly cheerful online show called 'Ask A Black'. Showily supportive, Ralph is actually seething at losing a promotion to a Sri Lankan. Meanwhile, Leo has been abused by police. Dawn wants him to sue, but he doesn't trust the system and instead demands that Ralph buys him as a slave. 'Back in the day,' he reckons, a powerful man's slave would have protection as a chattel. It is mad and tasteless, even for the 40 days Ralph unwillingly agrees to do it. It plays on, sometimes for laughs but increasingly frighteningly as Ralph gets a taste for being Master. One scene has the whole audience gasping. It is peppered with monologues, sometimes too long but rich in ideas about racial misunderstanding and the hostility that gets a friendly gesture condemned as 'white saviour!'. Faith Omole as Misha and James Corrigan as Ralph performing at the Bridge Theatre in London It tangles with other human discomforts: unequal relationships, money and class. Ken Nwosu is amazing as Leo, Helena Wilson every inch the liberal lawyer in a permanent bind of guilt, and Faith Omole beautifully evokes the irritation of a sophisticated black woman who, to get attention for her show, has to play the cartoonish bouncy diva her audience expect. It is a stretch to believe how rapidly the slavemaster experience turns Ralph (James Corrigan) into an utter fascist, but that's the only cavil. If the message is that none of us can escape our slaver-or-saviour mentality, it's a grim one. On the other hand irrespective of race you notice that it's the men who go nuts, and the women who don't. Make of that what you will. LIBBY PURVES East Is East (Lyttelton, National Theatre, London) Verdict: Still a treat Rating: AYUB Khan-Din's East Is East is a very different, but no less painful family drama than Chekhov's Cherry Orchard. This 25th anniversary production is staged in a full spectrum of 1970s' colours from beige to brown and remains a brilliantly funny, thought-provoking insight into the dark ages of racial integration in Salford. Tony Jayawardena is the warm but overbearing father and chip shop owner George, who insists on imposing his Pakistani values on his insubordinate family. He denounces Britain as 'no fit country to bring up girls', but Sophie Stanton, as his loving but long-suffering wife and mother of his seven children, returns his anti-British barbs with interest scoffing at George's other wife in Pakistan. Iqbal Khan's joyously feisty production brims with raucous vitality in a depiction of family life that's painfully familiar. I particularly loved Noah Manzoor as the youngest boy with the nervous twitch who hides in a coal shed and refuses to take off his filthy parka. His story amplifies the agonies of any child facing puberty as well as the play's conflicts between East and West. There is strong racist language, and very dark themes (touching on domestic violence), but Amy-Leigh Hickman is a hoot as the fireball teenage daughter Meenah, who is the unofficial boss of her older brothers, caught in their father's plan to marry them off. And the always terrific Rachel Lumberg is fabulously uninhibited as the kids' Auntie Annie, who sits on the sofa puffing fags and dispensing wisdom. Not just Salford in the 1970s, it could be any family, any time, anywhere. PATRICK MARMION Metamorphoses (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare's Globe) Verdict: PC Ovid. Rating: THE warmly intimate setting of the Globe's indoor stage is a deceptively charming setting for a new adaptation of some old tales, from Ovid. The Biblical commandment 'let there be light' at the start cues the illumination of the candlelit stage for the Roman poet's creation story, told by a cast of four all dressed in white like ministering angels, or beauty therapists. But the material that follows is pretty dark, including the myth of the Roman god of wine and disorder, Bacchus, who drives the women of Thebes to dismember their King Pentheus when he refuses to recognise him as a deity. Or the one about the goddess Diana, who turns the hunter Actaeon into a stag, so he can be torn apart by his dogs, after he chances on Diana bathing with her nymphs. Elsewhere, Ovid's themes of incest and rape are X-rated, yet the tales are oddly sanitised by the flippant tone of Sean Holmes and Holly Race Roughan's production. There's even an implicit tut-tut for antiquity's sexual politics, which are a serious misfit with today's notions of equality. When a ghost demands the sacrifice of Hecuba's daughter to atone for the death of Achilles, actor-narrator Charlie Josephine quips: 'And no one questions this!?' Writers Sami Ibrahim, Laura Lomas and Sabrina Mahfouz were presumably commissioned to adapt these stories because of Ovid's influence on Shakespeare. But the Bard had a much better feel for Ovid's ability to charm, not chide. Although the young cast perform with gusto, Ovid was no moralist. His tales of transformation or 'metamorphosis', are about how one thing grows out of another for good or evil. They don't work nearly so well as cautionary tales. PATRICK MARMION Sharna Burgess and Brian Austin Green spoke out about rumors they were 'salty' regarding their elimination on this week's Dancing with the Stars. The couple who were also dance partners on Season 30 were accused of exiting the competition show in a bitter fashion after fans noticed they did not do any interviews after the elimination. Clarifying that their absence for press was a 'big mix-up' they provided details on the matter and maintained 'No one is salty.' Clearing things up: The couple, who were eliminated this week on Dancing with the Stars, took to Instagram to clear up chatter they were 'salty' about their exit after fans noticed they were absent from press afterwards; pictured October 13 Elimination: The dancing duo were eliminated in this week's episode alongside Bachelor Matt James and his partner Lindsay Arnold following the shows two-night Disney themed episodes; pictured October 11 In an Instagram story, the pair detailed what went down after this week's double elimination which also saw Bachelor Matt James and his partner Lindsay Arnold go home. 'I just wanted to clean something up real quick because I think this is said in a couple of press releases, we didn't leave before press started, we did wait a good 30 minutes on the Zoom link greenroom waiting for everyone to do press,' Sharna clarified. 'But nothing came through to us, apparently there was a big mix-up with the Zoom links last night. And then we had to go to the people that were getting us out of our wigs and [makeup]. There were people waiting for us to do that.' 'Big mix-up': 'We didn't leave before press started, we did wait a good 30 minutes on the Zoom link greenroom waiting for everyone to do press,' the Australian dance pro said of being absent after the elimination Last place: The Australian dance pro, 36, (left) and the 90210 actor, 48, (right) were eliminated during the Tuesday October 12 episode after finishing in last place with a score of 52 out of 80 PDA: The pair had been criticized during their Disney Heroes performance on night one which was Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs inspired for showing too much PDA; pictured October 11 Brian interjected: 'So we weren't, like, salty and wanting to f**king storm out of there.' 'No one is salty' Sharna affirmed. 'Everyone in the competition is absolutely amazing and we are deeply grateful for our time on it.' The Australian dance pro, 36, and the 90210 actor, 48, were eliminated during the Tuesday, October 12 episode after finishing in last place with a score of 52 out of 80. The theme for the week had been Disney Heroes and Disney Villains, and the pair exited on the second night after dancing to the song He's a Pirate, from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. Off-stage love: In early October Sharna had responded to fan chatter that their relationship of nearly a year was a 'showmance' and that they had an advantage in the competition for being a real-life couple; pictured September 29 The pair had been criticized during their Disney Heroes performance on night one which was Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs inspired for showing too much PDA. Judge Len Goodman said that he wasn't a fan of the 'kissing and cuddling and messing about,' and would have preferred to see them do a much more 'traditional waltz,' per their dance assignment. The week prior Sharna had responded to fan chatter that their relationship of nearly a year was a 'showmance' and that they had an advantage in the competition for being a real-life couple. 'This isn't a showmance, this is real life love and it's a part of our journey. Every step. Every struggle. Every success. And anyone that thinks it's an advantage I can assure you, it's not. ITS SUPER HARD!' Between keeping tabs on the construction of her house and parenting her three children, Jennifer Garner has her hands full. And on Thursday, the actress was spotted inspecting the construction site of her Brentwood house before picking up her nine-year-old son Samuel from school. All her duties as the family matriarch come as it's revealed her relationship with boyfriend John Miller is getting serious and she's planning a 'long-term future' with her beau. Next level: Jennifer Garner, 49, and boyfriend John Miller, 43, are reportedly getting 'serious' with their relationship, according to a report from Us Weekly The couple are said to be taking their romance to the next level and have already started to plan for a future together, according to a report from Us Weekly. 'Jen and John are serious,' an insider told the publication, adding, 'They are totally set on a long-term future together. They've taken their time to get this committed.' The couple's eventual commitment with each other has some of their friends now thinking that an engagement could soon be on the horizon. That insider went on to note that with the two of them being quite old-fashioned, 'it's unlikely they'd live together before things are formalized.' Doting mom: The Miracles From Heaven star held hands with her son Samuel while crossing the street in the nearby Pacific Palisades neighborhood Nuptials could come: Some friends think an engagement could soon be on the horizon The couple first began dating in 2018, but they opted to ease into it and keep the relationship casual,' a source told People at the time. They reportedly split up in August 2020, only to reconcile nine months later, this past May. And now it appears like they're both on the same page in terms of their personal lives. Due to the fact that Garner and Miller both have children, they made the decision to put them first, from the start of their romance. 'For a good while, it was important for both of them to focus on their kids and enjoy their time together in a low-profile way,' the insider continued to Us. On the go: The mother-of-three kept it casual in blue jeans and a white long-sleeve shirt for her busy day with her son The Alias alum was still married to Ben Affleck when she began dating Miller, although they were in the last phases of their divorce, which was finalized in November 2018. The former couple decided to go their separate ways in 2015 after 10 years of marriage. Along with Samuel, Garner and Affleck also share daughters Violet, 15, and Seraphina, 12. Miller, who has two children of his own, had gone through a divorce to violinist Caroline Campbell back in 2014. Family matters: Garner decided to put her children first when she began dating Miller Before Affleck, Garner met actor Scott Foley on the set of Felicity in 1998. They eventually got married in October 2000, but the relationship didn't last the long haul. They split in March 2003 and finalized their divorce the following year. After dating actors, Miller, a businessman and CEO of CaliBurger, has been a change of pace of sorts for the Miracles From Heaven star. 'It's hard to remember Jen being this happy, and she definitely feels safe and secure with John, who's unlike anyone else she's ever dated,' that source explained to Us. 'He's hugely successful in his own right, of course, and she loves his mature and measured take on life. Being with someone as down-to-earth and calm as John is exactly what Jen needed in a partner.' 'Good times: It's hard to remember Jen being this happy, and she definitely feels safe and secure with John, who's unlike anyone else she's ever dated,' that source explained to Us On top of it: Garner has been keeping tabs of the construction of her dream Brentwood home Getting 'serious: 'They are totally set on a long-term future together. They've taken their time to get this committed,' a source told Us Weekly With plenty of work to do on the home front, Garner, 49, stepped out on Thursday in an old pair of blue jeans, a white long-sleeve shirt, and brown sneakers. After making a pitstop to the property, which has been under construction for more than a year, she made the walk with Sam, holding hands, to his swimming lesson. According to the New York Post, the 13 Going On 30 actress bought the property in 2019 for nearly $7.9 million and then had the original four-bedroom abode, built back in 1930, torn down in order to build a brand new one from the ground up. Garner and the kids had previously lived in a whopping 16,000 square foot home that sat on 3.1 acres lot in nearby Pacific Palisades when she was still married to Ben Affleck. Sylvia Jeffreys and Peter Stefanovic are loving being out of lockdown, heading to the pub just days after restrictions were eased in Sydney. In a post on Instagram Stories on Thursday, Sylvia, 35, shared a photo of her husband of four years blissfully sipping a beer as they sat on a pub patio. The Today Extra presenter tagged Peter, 39, and included a GIF of American comedian Larry David, which read: 'Pretty, pretty good'. Pub date: Sylvia Jeffreys and Peter Stefanovic (pictured) are loving being out of lockdown, heading to the pub just days after restrictions were eased in Sydney Meanwhile, Peter shared a close up photo of his beer sitting on the table, with the TV journalist penning a letter to his beverage in the caption. 'Dear beer, apologies for the long time apart. It's not you, it's Covid,' he began. 'But it was bloody great to see you and your frothy goodness at the pub today. You were cold and delicious - just as I remembered. Cheers: Peter shared a close up photo of his beer sitting on the table, with the TV journalist penning a letter to his beverage in the caption 'See you again, and again, real soon - probably tomorrow. Don't go changin'. Loving regards, Pete'. Covid restrictions were eased across NSW on Monday after almost four months in lockdown, with many dubbing the long awaited moment 'Freedom Day'. Residents are now allowed to return to some normality, with shops, hairdressers, gyms, cafes, restaurants and pubs all reopening to those who are fully vaccinated. Back out: In a post on Instagram Stories on Thursday, Sylvia (right) shared a photo of her husband of four years blissfully sipping a beer as they sat on a pub patio Those who are unvaccinated or who have only received one dose of the Covid vaccine will remain in lockdown until December 1. Meanwhile, mask mandates, social distancing, density limits and venue caps will still remain in place. Sydney spent 106 days in lockdown starting on June 26, during which time they recorded close to 63,000 Covid cases and almost 440 deaths. She confirmed her new romance with American actor Frank Grillo in August last year. And Australian actress Nicky Whelan looked as smitten as ever with her 56-year-old beau as they headed out for an intimate dinner in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. The 40-year-old former Neighbours star cuddled up to Frank as they left celebrity hot spot Craig's. The look of love! Smitten Nicky Whelan cosied up to her Hollywood star boyfriend Frank Grillo as they left celebrity hotspot Craig's in LA on Wednesday The blonde bombshell flashed her washboard abs in a pair of high-waisted trousers teamed with a blue crop top. She wore a loose-fitting beige coat over the top and finished her look with white sneakers. Frank, who is best known for his roles in Captain America and Boss Level, looked dapper in black jeans, combat boots, a white T-shirt and a navy coat. Top of the crops: The blonde bombshell flashed her washboard abs in a pair of high-waisted trousers teamed with a blue crop top Nicky couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she hugged her boyfriend while they waited for the valet to collect their car. The couple were recently in Italy, where Frank was filming his new movie Lamborghini. In August last year, Nicky confirmed her relationship with Frank when they were spotted sharing a kiss outside a restaurant in Los Angeles while on a date night. Going strong: Nicky confirmed her relationship with Frank in August last year when they were spotted sharing a kiss outside a restaurant in Los Angeles. Pictured in Italy earlier this month It came after Nicky's quiet split from Canadian actor Kyle Schmid. The couple had debuted their relationship on the red carpet in October 2019, but ended things just a few months later. The actress was previously married to ex-NFL star Kerry Rhodes. In October 2017, they announced their separation just six months after saying 'I do'. Stacey Dash has revealed for the first time that she was addicted to the prescription opioid Vicodin. 'I was taking 18 to 20 pills a day,' the 54-year-old actress admitted to Dr. Oz, adding that she 'lost everything' due to the expensive nature of the highly addictive habit. Dash, who recently celebrated five years of sobriety, labeled her addiction her 'deepest, darkest secret' in a Facebook post teasing her appearance on Thursday's episode. Opening up: Stacey Dash has revealed for the first time that she was addicted to the prescription opioid Vicodin; Dash pictured in March While speaking to Dr. Oz, the Clueless star said overcoming her addiction helped heal her animosity towards her 'sick' parents, who also suffered from drug addiction during their lives. 'I'm clean five years and in this five years, my greatest blessing is that not only have I been able to be honest with myself and become a better person -- but I've been able to understand my parents and that they did love me and that they were doing the best they could and that they were just sick, they were addicted,' she told the host. Stacey's mother Linda and father Dennis have since passed away. Dr. Oz remarked to Dash that a Vicodin addiction is 'expensive,' with the Rehab Spot citing that the average street price per pill can range from $5 to $25. National scale: 'I was taking 18 to 20 pills a day,' the 54-year-old actress admitted to Dr. Oz , adding that she 'lost everything' due to the expensive nature of the habit; Stacey and Oz pictured Thursday The Addiction Resource estimates that a 'heavy' addiction to opioids like Vicodin and the pain reliever Oxycontin 'can cost over $70,000 a year.' 'Yeah, I lost everything,' Stacey replied. In her Facebook post, the New York native thanked the Lord and her support system for 'being able to say that I have grown more over the last 5 years than I have in my entire life.' She continued: 'I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who have loved and supported me through my most challenging time. Thank you all!' Steep: Dr. Oz remarked to Dash that a Vicodin addiction is 'expensive,' with the Rehab Spot citing that the average street price per pill can range from $5 to $25 Darkest secret: Dash, who recently celebrated five years of sobriety, labeled her addiction her 'deepest, darkest secret' in a Facebook post teasing her appearance on Thursday's episode Stacey encouraged others who have 'a story they are scared of telling to share it with the world' because they 'never know who will be able to relate to you and who it can help.' The Dr. Oz Show shared another clip from Thursday's show to their website, which saw the actress address some of her past controversies. Specifically, the actress was suspended - and then let go - from her correspondent position on Fox News after she cursed on the air during an angry rant about then President Barack Obama. Sharing stories: Stacey encouraged others who have 'a story they are scared of telling to share it with the world' because they 'never know who will be able to relate to you and who it can help'; Stacey pictured in 2020 She was also slammed in 2016 for saying that transgender individuals should 'go in the bushes' instead of fighting for their right to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. 'I don't know what to tell you, but I'm not gonna put my child's life at risk because you want to change a law. So that you can be comfortable with your beliefs which means I have to change my beliefs and my rights? No,' she said during an ET interview. Stacey told Dr. Oz that she made those controversial statements out of anger and that they 'benefitted' her at the time - presumably her career ambitions. 'I'm not homophobic. I'm not racist. I was just angry and it benefited me,' admitted the star. Saturday Night Live's Aidy Bryant has inked a deal with Universal Television to develop and produce projects for the organization. The Phoenix native, 34, is set to work on projects for the NBCUniversal subsidiary, Deadline reported. Over the past three years, Bryant has also worked on the Hulu series Shrill, which she co-created and starred in. The latest: Saturday Night Live's Aidy Bryant, 34, has inked a deal with Universal Television to develop and produce projects for the organization. She was pictured at the Emmys last month in LA SNL creator Michaels has been giving cast members more professional flexibility to work on outside projects from the SNL universe, according to the outlet. Bryant has been critically-acclaimed for her work, garnering four Emmy nominations, including two nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on SNL; Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Shrill; and Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for SNL. The star has past been seen on shows including Heads Will Roll, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Girls and Portlandia, in addition to motion pictures such as I Feel Pretty and The Big Sick. On SNL, she has played a number of characters and done impressions of Texas Senator Ted Cruz and former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, among others. The star has past been seen on shows including Heads Will Roll, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Girls and Portlandia, in addition to motion pictures such as I Feel Pretty, The Big Sick In character: Bryant was seen in a skit on last week's edition of SNL UTV EVP of Comedy Development Jim Donnelly called Bryant 'a beloved member of our NBCUniversal family for many years' in a statement announcing the deal. 'Audiences have not only been entertained by her for nine seasons on SNL but also delighted in her writing and performing across all sorts of TV and film projects,' Donnelly said. He continued: 'Aidy is a colorful storyteller and brilliant producer who brings a fresh take to everything she does, and UTV is happy to welcome Aidy and her creative lens to this exciting partnership.' Dame Judi Dench insists that, at 86, she has absolutely no intention of slowing down. 'Retirement is not a word used in my house,' she told me, extremely firmly, when I spoke to her this week about her new film, Belfast. Dench, one of the few grand acting dames still working, had been on the red carpet on Tuesday evening for the London Film Festival gala screening of Kenneth Branagh's masterful autobiographical movie (and major awards season contender), set in Northern Ireland in 1969. In the picture, she plays Granny to a young lad (11-year-old Jude Hill) whose parents (Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan) are struggling to decide whether to remain in Belfast, which is descending into a state of war or leave for the safety of life in the UK. Dench's scenes with Hill, and Ciaran Hinds as her husband the Grandfather, are by turns heart-breaking and hilarious. Dame Judi Dench (pictured at the European premiere of 'Belfast') insists that, at 86, she has absolutely no intention of slowing down A lot of that chemistry was down to her young co-star, she added. 'Oh, he's adorable, that boy! He was very shy, but not to the extent that he wasn't able to do the part. There's a wonderful, real, genuine sweetness about him. He's a heavenly boy.' The film was made last year during the pandemic, and although rigorous safety procedures were in place at all times, she described the feeling of being back on a film set as 'glorious . . .like suddenly being released from a cage'. Cast and crew worked in bubbles, with everyone masked until they had to say their lines. Which was hard for Dench, given her deteriorating eyesight (she suffers from macular degeneration), though typically she played up the humorous side of it. 'I kept going up to the wrong person, having a conversation, and they'd say: 'I'm not who you think I am.' She also admitted that she was pulled up over her Northern Irish accent a lot. 'I was a naughty girl and didn't know it properly,' she admitted, adding that she felt particularly ashamed given that many of her family are from the province (though her mother was born in Dublin). Dench's scenes with Hill, and Ciaran Hinds as her husband the Grandfather, are by turns heart-breaking and hilarious Fifteen years ago, when I dared to ask if she'd ever contemplated giving up the profession, given how much she had already achieved, she practically barked her denial at me. And she was just as fierce ('I'm barking back now!') when I tried the same tack again, wondering if perhaps the pandemic had changed her mind on the subject. She conceded that the Covid crisis had affected her. 'I find that your emotions are much rawer,' she said. 'It's the uncertainty of not knowing how we're going to come out of it.' But that was not enough to put her off. 'You don't retire, for goodness sake! You might as well fall onto a shelf and lie down.' Soon, she'll begin work on the film version of Alan Bennett's play Allelujah!, directed by Richard Eyre. Dench has already revealed that she can now no longer read her lines; so a colleague goes through scripts with her. 'I have sent away for a machine that might make it easier for me to read,' she told me. 'It's a special screen that changes the size and density of the print.' Actress Judi Dench appears in Kenneth Branagh's (pictured at the London Film Festival premiere of the film on October 12) autobiographical movie, set in Northern Ireland in 1969 But the fact that she continues to act, and to entertain us, despite such obstacles has made her even more beloved (if that is possible). When Branagh introduced her at the screening on Tuesday, the audience rose as one and gave her a standing ovation. And it's clear director and star form a mutual admiration society. 'He was born on the tenth of December, and I was born on the ninth . . . many years apart,' Judi said. 'So maybe it's something to do with us both being Sagittarians. I don't know. We've got the same sense of humour, that's for sure.' As we waved goodbye after our interview, she called after me: 'Get the flu jab!' Jamie Dornan appears alongside Judi Dench in Branagh's masterful autobiographical movie (and major awards season contender), Belfast Denzel Washington had such a good time shooting Joel Coen's thrilling film of Macbeth alongside Frances McDormand that 'sparks were flying', he told me. 'Frances doesn't play around,' he said. 'We got good work done.' It shows. The Apple Original Films/A24 production , shot in black and white by Bruno Delbonnel is breathtaking. The supporting cast is marvellous, too. Denzel Washington had such a good time shooting Joel Coen's thrilling film of Macbeth alongside Frances McDormand that 'sparks were flying', he told me The Apple Original Films/A24 production , shot in black and white by Bruno Delbonnel is breathtaking. The supporting cast is marvellous, too There are striking performances from Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell, Kathryn Hunter, Brendan Gleeson, Corey Hawkins and Harry Melling. The Tragedy Of Macbeth (to give it its full title) is the BFI London Film Festival's closing gala. It will screen on Sunday with McDormand, Coen and several Brit cast members in attendance. The Tragedy Of Macbeth (to give it its full title) is the BFI London Film Festival's closing gala Bond star burrows into black tragedies Lashana Lynch, who plays the super skilled secret agent Nomi in the blockbuster Bond movie No Time To Die, went through combat of a different kind in the film she shot immediately after the 007 thriller. The actress stars in the middle section of the screen version of writer Debbie Tucker Green's searing play ear for eye [sic], which became a much talked about hit at the Royal Court three years ago. Lynch was in that production, too; playing an American psychology student who's engaged in a fierce debate with her white male professor (played by Demetri Goritsas) about the reasons behind a school shooting. Lashana Lynch, who plays the super skilled secret agent Nomi in the blockbuster Bond movie No Time To Die, went through combat of a different kind in the film she shot immediately after the 007 thriller The scenes (with Goritsas also reprising his stage role) are among some of the most intensely powerful I've seen on screen this year. Green's film (she also directed) examines what Lynch called 'the exact truth that black people experience' and that experience is 'trauma'. She added that what happened on the streets, here and in the States, over the past two years 'has made it all the more important for us to tell these stories'. Hats off, then, to the Royal Court, BBC Film and the British Film Institute (with help from Bond producer Barbara Broccoli) for backing Green and the film's producer Fiona Lamptey to get the movie made. Lamptey told me that ear for eye will have its world premiere at the London Film Festival tomorrow, at the National Film Theatre. It will also be shown on BBC2 that night; and will be available later on BBC iPlayer. Hats off, then, to the Royal Court, BBC Film and the British Film Institute (with help from Bond producer Barbara Broccoli) for backing Green and the film's producer Fiona Lamptey to get the movie made What an exhilarating London Film Festival! Tricia Tuttle and her team gathered so many exceptional movies: The Power Of The Dog, The Lost Daughter, Spencer, The Souvenir: Part II, King Richard, Passing, The Hand Of God, Encounter, The Tender Bar, Mass, Last Night In Soho, The Velvet Underground and of course Belfast and Macbeth, mentioned elsewhere on these pages. She whiled away much of her childhood in the 1970s. And Salma Hayek brought back the decade's style when she was seen in Hollywood on Thursday doing the publicity rounds for her new film. The 55-year-old film star was spotted in a leopard print trouser suit including flared hems while heading to a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Looking fab: Salma Hayek brought back the 1970s' style when she was seen in Hollywood on Thursday doing the publicity rounds for her new film She slipped into a plunging black top and pulled a see-through blouse on top, accessorizing with butterfly shades. Letting her luxurious hair down she sharpened her screen siren features with makeup and added a touch of dazzle with drop earrings. Salma carried a takeaway hot beverage with her to Jimmy's set, possibly looking for a caffeine infusion before taping her segment. The Frida star is a member of the star-studded ensemble cast of the Marvel movie Eternals which will release in theaters November 5. On the move: The 55-year-old film star was spotted in a leopard print trouser suit including flared hems while heading to a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Angelina Jolie will be featuring alongside such names as Game Of Thrones heartthrobs Kit Harington and Richard Madden. Kumail Nanjiani of Silicon Valley fame famously bulked up for his role in the film amid a cast that also includes Bryan Tyree Henry and Gemma Chan. Eternals is helmed by Chloe Zhao whose last movie Nomadland won not only best director but also best picture at the Oscars this year. Aglow: She slipped into a plunging black top and pulled a see-through blouse on top, accessorizing with butterfly shades In her personal life Salma shares her daughter Valentina, 14, with her French billionaire husband Francois-Henri Pinault whom she married in 2009. Francois-Henri inherited the luxury firm Kering founded by his father Francois Pinault, 85, who handed over his companies to his son 18 years ago. Salma, who was 41 when she had Valentina, has remarked: 'I think Im a better mother because I had her later. But I do get tired. Im not going to lie.' She spilled to Town And Country a couple of years ago that her daughter is 'very creative, very smart, very funny, and very willful.' Squid Game is the Netflix series that has been on everyone's radar recently. And on Thursday, former AFL star Brendan Fevola felt so inspired by the show that he attempted one of the elimination challenges at home. The radio presenter, 40, shared a video to Instagram of himself licking a homemade honeycomb piece while trying to cut a shape out of it without it breaking. Nice try! Former AFL star Brendan Fevola felt so inspired by Squid Game on Thursday that he attempted one of the infamous elimination challenges at home 'Oh, it worked... or am I out?' he asked his daughter Lulu, 11, who was confused about his attempt and explained he may have failed. Fans were more concerned about the process it took to make the honeycomb. Brendan shared another video of his daughter melting white sugar in a metal spoon and watching the heat from the gas stove form a proper honeycomb piece. 'Thursday night cook-up with @lulufevola lab #squidgamecandy #squidgamechallenge,' he captioned it. Suspicious: Fans were concerned about the process it took to make the honeycomb What's going on here? Brendan shared another video of his daughter melting white sugar in a metal spoon and watching the heat from the gas stove form a proper honeycomb piece 'Not sure what's going on here,' he said, laughing. Despite the situation being perfectly innocent, fans joked that Brendan and his daughter looked like they were preparing drugs. 'Is it meth night at the Fevola's again?' one follower joked, while several others made references to the TV series Breaking Bad. Inspired by Breaking Bad? Despite the situation being perfectly innocent, fans joked that Brendan and his daughter looked like they were preparing drugs Yes, we did! Radio host Ash London said of Brendan's video, 'Daily Mail gonna love this' Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Brendan was cooking drugs. Brendon shares his three daughters, Leni, Lulu and Tobi, with fiancee Alex Fevola. He is also stepfather to Mia, Alex's 21-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic's daughter Harper is already learning how to play piano. The one-year-old looked adorable as she sat at a keyboard for her first lesson, in a photo shared to Instagram by her mother on Friday. She clearly enjoyed the sounds from the keyboard as she played with the keys. Growing up fast! Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic's daughter Harper is learning how to play piano. The one-year-old looked adorable as she sat at a keyboard for her first lesson on Friday 'First piano lessons,' Jasmine captioned the post. The photo got hundreds of likes and plenty of 'cute' comments underneath. Jasmine is currently enjoying a trip to Noosa, after returning to her home state of Queensland in August. Back on home soil: Jasmine is currently enjoying a trip to Noosa, after returning to her home state of Queensland in August. She recently share this photo from Sea Life Aquarium Jasmine also recently shared a photo of herself and daughter Harper visiting the Sea Life Aquarium and posing in a shark's jaw bone. She had obtained a special exemption from Queensland Health to travel from Sydney to Brisbane with her daughter in August. Karl revealed on the Today show at the time that Jasmine's 96-year-old grandmother was 'really, really, really sick'. Exemption: She had obtained a special exemption from Queensland Health to travel from Sydney to Brisbane with her daughter in August. Karl revealed on the Today show at the time that Jasmine's 96-year-old grandmother was 'really, really, really sick' Jasmine was fortunately able to spend time with her grandmother before she died. She subsequently attended the funeral with her family in Brisbane. She also shared a tribute to her late grandmother online which was a poem that read in part: 'I wouldn't be the woman I am without Nana's love today'. After becoming a mother earlier this year, former Bachelor star Tara Pavlovic has revealed she can't stop crying. And the 30-year-old was feeling emotional again on Thursday after ripping her nail off in a freak accident. She broke down in tears on Instagram Stories as she explained what had happened. Ordeal: Former Bachelor star Tara Pavlovic broke down in tears on Thursday after ripping her nail off in a gruesome accident 'Okay, so don't mind the face I've just been bawling. I just did the dumbest thing ever,' she said in a video. 'It hurts so much. So I was just past the office, got some packages done, went to the car put Paddy [her son] in and then I just slammed the car door and it's ripped my nail. Like, the whole nail has been ripped out of the socket.' She asked her followers if they'd ever experienced such a situation. Tara then showed off her bleeding finger which she said 'hurts so f**king much'. Painful: Tara then showed off her bleeding finger which she said 'hurts so f**king much' Nail update: Tara later shared an update, telling fans she'd had an X-ray and had the nail removed by a doctor so it could grow back properly The former reality star later shared an update, telling fans she'd had an X-ray and had the nail removed by a doctor so it could grow back properly. 'They gave me local [anaesthetic] for the finger which is heaven,' she added. She also revealed she'd been given antibiotics to fight any infection that could occur. Good news: Tara's painful experience comes after she welcomed her son Paddy in May with husband Nick Shepherdson (left) Tara's painful experience comes after she welcomed her son Paddy in May with husband Nick Shepherdson. Sharing a sweet video of Paddy sleeping in his crib, she revealed she couldn't take her eyes off the new arrival. 'So obsessed,' she wrote. 'I can't stop crying every time I look at him'. In love: At the time, she was absolutely swooning over the newborn, to the point of tears Tara and Nick tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in September 2020, after being forced to postpone their wedding in April due to the pandemic. The pair had known each other for 10 years before exploring a relationship together in 2018. She rose to fame on Matty 'J' Johnson's season of The Bachelor in 2017. A primary school in Sydney's Dulwich Hill has urged parents to ban their children from watching Netflix's Squid Game. Linda Wickham, the principal of Dulwich Hill Public School, sent a message to parents about the dangers of the South Korea survival drama, reports The Daily Telegraph. 'Squid Game features scenes that depict extreme violence and gore, strong language and frightening moments that are, according to its rating, simply not suitable for primary and early high school aged children,' Ms Wickham wrote. Look away! A primary school in Sydney's Dulwich Hill has urged parents to ban their children from watching Netflix's Squid Game in case they're negatively influenced by the show 'An aggressive version of a familiar childrens game, red light, green light, is played in the series. This, and other inappropriate content are negatively influencing playground games.' In Red Light, Green Light, participants must walk towards a gigantic robot doll, who has her back facing everyone. If she turns around and spots anybody moving, they are immediately shot dead on the spot. Squid Game has become the biggest launch in Netflix history, with 111 million people watching the show since its debut on September 17. 'An aggressive version of a familiar childrens game, red light, green light, is played in the series. This, and other inappropriate content are negatively influencing playground games,' said Linda Wickham, the principal of Dulwich Hill Public School The series has become quite the pop culture phenomenon, easily surpassing the 82 million accounts that watched Bridgerton in that show's first 28 days. Squid Game is currently the #1 show on Netflix's Top 10 lists in 94 countries around the globe, also becoming the first South Korean show to become the #1 show in the United States, according to CNN. The 111 million viewers represents more than half of Netflix's global subscriber base of 209 million. Brutal: In Red Light, Green Light, participants must walk towards a gigantic robot doll, who has her back facing everyone. If she turns around and spots anybody moving, they are immediately shot dead on the spot Minyoung Kim, Netflix's vice president of content for Korea, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, said the show 'has broken through beyond our wildest dreams'. 'When we first started investing in Korean series and films in 2015, we knew we wanted to make world-class stories for the core K-content fans across Asia and the world,' Kim said. 'Squid Game' gave [Netflix] more confidence that our global strategy is going towards the right direction.' Howie Mandel said that the aftereffects of a recent colonoscopy led to an incident in which he fainted at a Woodland Hills, California Starbucks on Wednesday. The America's Got Talent personality, 65, had been out getting coffee with his wife and friends when he fainted while inside the location, and was eventually rushed via ambulance to a nearby hospital. He opened up about the incident on Thursday on his podcast Howie Mandel Does Stuff with his daughter Jackelyn Shultz, 37. The latest: Howie Mandel, 65, said that the aftereffects of a recent colonoscopy led to an incident in which he fainted at a Woodland Hills, California Starbucks on Wednesday 'I was dehydrated,' Mandel said. 'I had a colonoscopy a few days ago. You take a drink and you empty out.' Mandel said he had 'consensual diarrhea the entire night,' as he 'took something that gives you consensual diarrhea and then ... was dehydrated' as a result. Mandel said he rushed back to work too soon, and took in too much caffeine, factors that led to him fainting. 'The moment I woke up from the colonoscopy I worked,' he said. 'I did Logan Paul's podcast and then I did [another] podcast. And all I kind of lived on was coffee and caffeine, which also exacerbates dehydration, I was told apparently when you do that you will pass out at Starbucks.' Mandel opened up about the incident on Thursday on his podcast Howie Mandel Does Stuff with his daughter Jackelyn Shultz, 37 Mandel said he rushed back to work too soon from a colonoscopy, and took in too much caffeine, factors that led to him fainting Mandel said that in the incident, he 'got really dizzy and couldn't stand up,' but believes he remained conscious throughout. 'I got totally soaked with sweat,' Mandel said. 'For somebody who's dehydrated, I had a lot of sweat in me. And then next thing I know I was surrounded by the fire department and then they took me to the hospital, they did all these tests on my heart.' On Wednesday evening, Mandel gave an update on Twitter about his condition with fans and assured them that he was okay after being dehydrated and having low blood sugar. He wrote: '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!' Scary! Mandel was rushed to the hospital after passing out and falling at a Starbucks in Woodland Hills on Wednesday. He was snapped in LA last month 'I am home and doing better': On Wednesday evening, Mandel gave an update on Twitter about his condition with fans and assured them that he was okay after being dehydrated and having low blood sugar After falling Mandel was taken outside to lay down on a bench before paramedics arrived and rushed him to a hospital in nearby Tarzana, California, TMZ reported. It appeared that the Canadian comic was able to sit up by the time help from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived. Howie is said to be a regular at the shop and other customers there were shocked by the situation. Insiders suspect the Deal Or No Deal star fainted from low blood sugar. Doctors are now said to be running tests at the hospital. Routine: Three days ago the star posted a TikTok video from the hospital, where he had undergone a routine colonoscopy and endoscopy Three days ago the star posted a TikTok video from the hospital, where he had undergone a routine colonoscopy and endoscopy. He tagged the video #Hospital and #recovery while seeming a bit woozy and admitting he was still under the influence of some heavy medication. Howie has been taking it easy after wrapping season 16 of America's Got Talent last month. In the past, the star has been open about his struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and an intense fear of germs. Germaphobe: In the past, the star has been open about his struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and an intense fear of germs. He's seen in full hazmat attire in March 2020 during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic above In June he told People he was 'living in a nightmare' because of the repetitive and intrusive thoughts that stem from his condition. 'I try to anchor myself. I have a beautiful family and I love what I do. But at the same time, I can fall into a dark depression I can't get out of,' he explained. He added how much comedy has helped him through the dark times, telling the magazine: 'Comedy saved me in a way. I'm most comfortable onstage. And when I don't have anything to do, I turn inward and that's not good.' Howie has been married to wife Terry since 1980. They share son Alex, 31, and daughters Riley, 28, and Jacky. He's the British chef known for his explosive personality. And while Gordon Ramsay is no stranger to the MasterChef Australia kitchen, the show has now confirmed he will be making an appearance on the celebrity season. Channel 10 announced the news on Twitter, posting a photo of Gordon in his chef's apron alongside the caption: 'Gordon Ramsay is back!' He's back! While Gordon Ramsay is no stranger to the MasterChef Australia kitchen, the show has now confirmed he will be making an appearance on the celebrity season Gordon's guest appearance will be during the first elimination round on Sunday. It remains to be seen if he shows any favouritism towards his daughter Tilly Ramsay, who is one of the contestants on the show. Tilly told Body + Soul earlier this month: 'I have so many favourite moments with dad - from learning to cook at age four while he was filming the TV series The F Word, to messing about and filming silly, fun dancing videos.' Confirmation: Channel 10 announced the news on Twitter , posting a photo of Gordon in his chef's apron alongside the caption: 'Gordon Ramsay is back!' Following in dad's footsteps: It remains to be seen if he shows any favouritism towards his daughter Tilly Ramsay (right), who is one of the contestants on the show She added that some of her best memories were pulling pranks on her father and posting the footage on her popular Instagram account. Tilly revealed her father often tries to make up his own jokes, but 'they're even worse than the classic dad jokes'. 'He ends up laughing while trying to tell the joke and can't even finish it. At least he finds himself funny,' she said. Not funny, dad! Tilly told Body + Soul earlier this month her father often tries to make up his own jokes, but 'they're even worse than the classic dad jokes' Celebrity MasterChef Australia premiered on Channel 10 last Sunday. It performed well enough in the ratings, drawing 620,000 metro viewers. However, it was beaten by Seven's Hey Hey It's Saturday 50th Anniversary special, which had 1.224 million viewers in the five capital cities. Stiff competition! Celebrity MasterChef premiered last Sunday. It performed well enough in the ratings, drawing 620,000 metro viewers, but was beaten by Seven's Hey Hey It's Saturday 50th Anniversary special, which had 1.224 million viewers in the five capital cities This season, judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo have returned. The contestants include actors Rebecca Gibney and Matt Le Nevez, fashion designer Collette Dinnigan and Olympic great Ian Thorpe among others. Celebrity MasterChef continues 7.30pm Sunday on Channel 10 and 10Play Advertisement Kim Kardashian is going all out this Halloween by giving her sprawling Hidden Hills estate a 'spooktacular' makeover, complete with a massive plastic black widow spider. In images obtained by DailyMail.com, the menacing looking arachnid loomed over the tree shrouded entrance to the 40-year-old reality star's mansion. Kardashian recently became the $60million home's sole owner after buying out estranged husband Kanye West for $20million in cash. Happy Halloween! Kim Kardashian is going all out this Halloween by giving her sprawling Hidden Hills estate a 'spooktacular' makeover, complete with a massive plastic Black Widow spider Welcome home: In images obtained by DailyMail.com, the menacing looking arachnid loomed over the tree shrouded entrance to the 40-year-old reality star's mansion The former couple famously occupied the home with their four children for seven years. The giant black widow, with its bright red eyes and long legs, was in the company of several other spiders ranging in sizes. Hanging down from the trees were giant faux spider webs. The SKIMS founder first unveiled her elaborate Halloween decor on her Instagram Story earlier in the week. In the spirit: Kim previewed her outdoor Halloween decor earlier in the week; pictured in 2019 'Look at this guys, look at all these webs, I am doing the Black Widow theme,' the stunner narrated in one clip. She also referred to the creepy display as 'faux tarantula disgustingness.' Though she was proud to show off the Halloween decor outside, Kardashian did not reveal whether or not she decorate the inside of her home for spooky season. Kim's posts came shortly after her sisters Kourtney Kardashian, 42, and Kylie Jenner, 24, unveiled the gory decorations inside their mansions to their respective social media followings. On Wednesday it was revealed that the KUWTK star agreed to pay West $20 million for their marital home amid their ongoing divorce. Scary: The giant black widow had bright red eyes and long legs All hers: Kardashian recently became the $60million home's sole owner after buying out estranged husband Kanye West for $20million in cash The 44-year-old rapper officially 'signed over his rights to the property' two weeks ago, according to TMZ , making his ex the sole owner of the property they purchased together seven years ago. She has been living there with their four children North, eight, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and two-yea-old Psalm since filing for divorce in February. The insider went on to tell the outlet that the negotiations between the two were 'extremely cordial' and she paid the Flashing Lights hitmaker in cash to smooth over the process. The couple bought the mansion in 2014 for $20 million and Kanye led a complete redesign of home with the assistance of famed Belgian interior decorator Axel Vervoort. Pint-sized pals: Kim's massive black widow was in the company of several other spiders ranging in sizes Nestled: Part of the giant plastic tarantula remained hidden in the trees, while the front four legs created an arch over the walkway Details: Hanging down from the trees were giant faux spider webs In February 2020, Kardashian and West showcased their minimalist home for the first time in a feature for Architectural Digest, with Kanye praising Vervoordt's work. When I saw the kind of work he was doing, I thought, This man could design Batman's house. I had to work with him,' Kanye said in an interview. He continued, 'It was a coup to get Axel to come to Calabasas to redo a McMansion, which is essentially what the house was.' Kardashian and West reportedly spent $20 million in renovations. Theme: 'Look at this guys, look at all these webs, I am doing the Black Widow theme,' Kim narrated in a clip of the decor shared to her Instagram Story on Tuesday Disgustingness: She also referred to the creepy display as 'faux tarantula disgustingness' Secrecy: Though she was proud to show off the Halloween decor outside, Kardashian did not reveal whether or not she decorate the inside of her home for spooky season In January, a source told Page Six that Kim wanted to persuade Kanye to let her keep the estate. 'Kim is trying to get Kanye to turn over the Calabasas house to her, because that's where the kids are based and growing up,' the insider said. 'That is their home. She owns all the land and adjoining lots around the house but Kanye owns the actual house. They've both put a lot of money into renovating it.' And they say that everyone needs good neighbors... so it comes as little surprise that the couple splashed out on a nearby property in November 2019 at the slighter more humble cost of $2.9M. Social butterfly: Screenshots of the videos of Kim's Halloween decor shared to Instagram on Tuesday The four bedroom mansion, which is 3,900 square feet and sits on 1.5 acres, includes equestrian facilities. It is not yet known if the family will tear down the structures or revamp them. On Monday, Kanye listed his Wyoming ranch for $11 million. Last month, the Grammy Award winner bought a $57 million Malibu mega-mansion. In September 2019, Kim and Kanye bought the $14M Wyoming ranch spanning 1,400 acres which houses almost $300k worth of livestock. He then bought a second property, the $14.495 million Bighorn Mountain Ranch which sits on 6,713 acres and is located under 100 miles away from the first ranch. All hers: According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the 40-year-old SKIMS mogul is now the sole owner of the home where she has lived with the former couple's four children since she filed for divorce in February Renovation: The couple bought the mansion in 2014 for $20 million and Kanye led a complete redesign of home with the assistance of famed Belgian interior decorator Axel Vervoort In 2018, Kanye bought Kim a $14M condo in the luxurious Faena House on Miami Beach as a Christmas present. In 2013, they lived in a 9,000 square-foot Bel Air mansion bought which they purchased for $11M. In 2017 they sold the house for $17.8M to Marina Acton, a Ukrainian billionaire. In 2017, Kim bought a $1.6M condo in Miami before selling the house for $3.5M. On the market: On Monday, Kanye listed his Wyoming ranch for $11 million Bachelor pad:Last month, the Grammy Award winner bought a $57 million Malibu mega-mansion This belong to Mr and Mrs West: They say that everyone needs good neighbours... so it comes as little surprise that the couple splashed out on a nearby property in November 2019 at the slighter more humble cost of $2.9M Expanding: The 76-acre ranch, which is a premier equestrian training facility in North West Wyoming, is currently the place his stallions are boarded, bred and trained Kanye once told GQ: 'They don't teach you in school about buying property. They teach you how to become somebody's property.' Meanwhile Kanye reportedly 'regrets' how he behaved in his marriage to Kim. The SKIMS founder filed for divorce from the Hurricane rapper earlier this year, and it has now been claimed Kanye 'knows that he hurt Kim' at times during their marriage and regrets some of his actions. A source said: 'There were things that happened in their marriage that Kanye regrets. He wasn't always the best husband. He knows that he hurt Kim. He will always love her though.' Sorry: Meanwhile Kanye reportedly 'regrets' how he behaved in his marriage to Kim; seen in 2019 And the insider also claimed Kanye still 'occasionally' wears his wedding ring despite his split from Kim. The insider added to People magazine: 'Sometimes it seems that he hopes Kim will change her mind about the divorce.' Meanwhile, other sources recently insisted the star will not be rekindling her romance with Kanye, despite joining him at the listening party for his new album DONDA when she appeared in a white wedding gown and recreated her marriage to the rapper. An insider said: 'They have come a long way since Kim filed for divorce. It's taken them months to get to this point. Kim is happy that they get along and that things are amicable. The kids will always be her number one priority. She wants to have a friendly relationship with Kanye, because it benefits the kids.' Hoping for a reconciliation: And the insider also claimed Kanye still 'occasionally' wears his wedding ring despite his split from Kim. Pictured in 2016 Whilst there's no chance of Kim and Kanye are still great friends. A source shared: 'Kim and Kanye have a friendly relationship. It's always been important to Kim to have a good relationship with Kanye. They are not getting back together though. She accepted his lunch invitation earlier this week because they are at the point now when they can hang out. There are no hard feelings.' Kim still appreciates Kanye 's business advice and guidance. She is happy that they can hang out. For a long time, Kanye was very upset and disappointed that Kim filed for divorce. She understood why and gave him space.' She gave birth just three and a half months ago. And Gal Gadot draped her enviably svelte post-baby figure in a casual ensemble when she stepped out to run errands this week in Los Angeles. The 36-year-old Wonder Woman star bundled up in a burgundy sweatsuit as she crossed the parking lot from the grocery store. Mother of three: Gal Gadot draped her enviably svelte post-baby figure in a casual ensemble when she stepped out to run errands this week in Los Angeles She swept her luxurious hair up into a high bun and accessorized with a cross-body handbag for her latest outing. The Israeli bombshell warded off the California rays with a pair of aviators and rounded off the ensemble with color-block sneakers. Gal, who shares her children with her sizzling businessman husband Yaron Varsano, welcomed her youngest daughter Daniella near the end of June. Off she goes: The 36-year-old Wonder Woman star bundled up in a burgundy sweatsuit as she crossed the parking lot from the grocery store Sweet: She sweetly pushed along her cart as her daughter Maya stood on it The smoldering couple have been married since 2008 and have two older daughters together - Alma, nine, and Maya, four. Near the end of June she announced the latest addition to the family by posting a picture of all five of them relaxing in bed. 'My sweet family I couldnt be more grateful and happy (and tired) we are all so excited to welcome Daniella into our family,' she gushed. Bond: They later held hands On-the-go: She stocked up on plenty of groceries The proud mother of three closed out her caption by telling her more than 64 million followers: 'Im sending all of you love and health. GG.' On the professional front she is starring in an action comedy called Red Notice alongside Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Directed by the dashing Rawson Marshall Thurber - whose work includes We're The Millers and Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story - it will drop on Netflix next month. Lisa Rinna laughed off rumors about her husband Harry Hamlin in an Instagram post Wednesday. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 58, put the rumors in focus as she reposted a meme that stated that Rinna 'never' addressed the claims swirling around Hamlin. Rinna, who shares two daughters with the actor, Delilah Belle, 23, and Amelia Gray, 20, responded to the post with the caption, 'You just did . and what about the gay lover in the valley? I mean you just blew his cover with Trish in Canada she gonna be pi**ed.' (She later deleted the post.) The latest: Lisa Rinna, 58, laughed off rumors about her husband Harry Hamlin in a series of Instagram post Wednesday that she subsequently deleted In a separate post on her Instagram Stories, Rinna posted a person's remark that they 'recently read [Hamlin] allegedly beats his women, and also suspected he is gay/woman hater.' The actress, who's past been seen on Melrose Place and Days of Our Lives, joked, 'Oh damn he's freaking busy,' in a post she subsequently deleted. Rinna's remarks were in reference to a Twitter user's September 2020 claim that Hamlin had an affair in Canada in 2018, Page Six reported. At the time, Rinna addressed the rumors with a post on Instagram showing Hamlin as People's Sexiest Man Alive in 1987. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star put the rumors in focus as she reposted a meme that stated that Rinna 'never' addressed the claims swirling around Hamlin Rinna last year addressed the rumors with a joking post on Instagram showing Hamlin as People's Sexiest Man Alive in 1987 She added, 'Appreciation Post to my very busy Husband who apparently doesn't live with us, is having a lot of affairs, and is gay. Go Harry F***ing Hamlin.' Hamlin and Rinna have been married since 1997. He was previously married to Nicollette Sheridan from 19911992, and Laura Johnson from 1985 thru 1989. He is father to son Dimitri, 41, from a previous relationship with Ursula Andress. Sense of humor: Rinna took the rumors about her husband in stride in her responses Sarah Jessica Parker rocked a stylish look while spotted filming her new Sex and the City series And Just Like That... The 56-year-old actress was spotted outside the Au Cheval Restaurant in downtown Manhattan in New York City on Thursday night. She was spotted alongside co-star Jon Tenney on the set as production continues on the Sex and the City follow-up. Stylish Sarah: Sarah Jessica Parker rocked a stylish look while spotted filming her new Sex and the City series And Just Like That... Parker was spotted wearing an off-shoulder aqua blue form-fitting dress that clung to her frame and fell below her knees. She had an off-white suit coat over the dress with her hair tied back in a tight bun as she walked through the set. The actress completed her look with strappy heels as she carried a bag and a newspaper on set. On set: Parker was spotted wearing an off-shoulder aqua blue form-fitting dress that clung to her frame and fell below her knees She was was spotted with one of her co-stars Jon Tenney, who was staying safe on the set with a black face mask over his mouth and nose. The actor was wearing a grey dress shirt and navy blue jeans as he walked through the set. He was also seen with a navy blue suit coat while carrying a black messenger bag while walking alongside Parker. Jon: She was was spotted with one of her co-stars Jon Tenney, who was staying safe on the set with a black face mask over his mouth and nose Alongside: He was also seen with a navy blue suit coat while carrying a black messenger bag while walking alongside Parker The New York City shoot comes just days after Parker was seen filming in Paris alongside Chris Noth's Mr. Big. The on-screen couple were spotted shooting on the Passerelle des Arts, the picturesque footbridge that crosses the Seine river. This wasn't the first time that Parker's Carrie Bradshaw and Noth's Mr. Big were in Paris, with a famous scene from the original series taking place in the City of Lights, where Mr. Big rescues Carrie from Russian artist Aleksandr Petrovsky. Paris: The New York City shoot comes just days after Parker was seen filming in Paris alongside Chris Noth's Mr. Big And Just Like That... represents a new chapter of Sex and the City, following Carrie (Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) as they continue their friendship from their 30s to, 'the even more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s.' The cast also includes John Corbett as Aidan Shaw, Mario Cantone as Anthony Marentino and the late Willie Garson as Stanford Blatch. The series will debut on the HBO Max streaming service sometime this winter, though no release date has been given. Chapter: And Just Like That... represents a new chapter of Sex and the City, following Carrie (Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) as they continue their friendship from their 30s to, 'the even more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s' AFL star Bailey Smith has been involved in an alleged altercation at a popular Gold Coast pub. The incident occurred at Burleigh Pavilion on the October long weekend - one week after Smith's team, the Western Bulldogs, lost the 2021 AFL Grand Final. Police are investigating after a formal complaint was lodged by a 22-year-old man who alleges Smith, 20, pushed him in the early hours of Monday, October 4. Altercation: Police are investigating an incident at a Gold Coast pub involving AFL star Bailey Smith (pictured) 'Police have received a complaint in relation to an [incident involving] a 22-year-old man at Goodwin Terrace around 12.10am on Monday, October 4, 2021,' a police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'The man was transported to hospital for treatment. Investigations are ongoing.' The man lodged the complaint days after the reported altercation happened. Incident: A formal complaint was lodged by a 22-year-old man who alleges the Western Bulldogs star pushed him in the early hours of Monday, October 4 Location: The incident occurred at Burleigh Pavilion on the October long weekend - one week after Smith's footy team lost the AFL grand final No charges have been laid and it's understood Smith has not been spoken to by police. An AFL spokesperson said: 'The AFL has been advised by the Western Bulldogs of an incident involving a player on October 4. 'On the basis of the information we currently have there will be no further action at this stage.' No contact: Smith (pictured after the Bulldogs' grand final loss) has not yet made contact with Queensland Police over the matter The Bulldogs also acknowledged the incident in a statement saying there had been a 'small group of players' present in the vicinity when the alleged altercation occurred. 'The Western Bulldogs are aware of an incident which occurred in Burleigh Heads in Queensland on October 4, where a small group of its players were present,' a club spokesman said. 'The Club has conducted its own investigation and is satisfied that no further action is required at this point in time.' Last week, Jana Pittman announced that she was pregnant with twins. And earlier this month, the 38-year-old stepped out with son Charles, daughter Emily, and husband Paul Gatward for a stroll in Sydney. The Olympian-turned-doctor, who is already mother to four young kids, was dressed comfortably in a pair of loose shorts and a red tank top. Family first: Jana Pittman (pictured) stepped out with son Charles and daughter Emily for a stroll in Sydney earlier this month She wore a medical face mask, which was pulled down, and had tied her blonde hair in a messy bun. Her baby boy Charles was fast asleep and safely strapped to her chest in a carrier. Jana was eliminated during Tuesday's SAS Australia finale. The former pro athlete was sent home after struggling with a simulated military mission. Casual: The Olympian-turned-doctor, who is already mother to four young kids, was dressed comfortably in a pair of loose shorts and a red tank top 'Some of you will not be coming forward,' chief instructor Ant Middleton told the show's remaining recruits. After progressing Sam Burgess, John Steffensen and Mark Philippoussis to the final stage of the course, Ant, 41, told Jana that her time had come to an end. 'Unfortunately for you, number four, the war is over. Take your bergen off, give me your number, please,' Ant told a disappointed Jana. Ant praised Jana's 'outstanding effort' throughout the gruelling course, but acknowledged that she had run simply out of steam towards the end. Mama bear: Her baby boy Charles was fast asleep and safely strapped to her chest in a carrier 'We're all super proud of you, and we would have loved to have brought you forward, but your reserve is empty,' he told her. 'That one per cent that you lacked is over there. But, outstanding effort,' he added, before pulling her in for a hug. Jana later admitted she was 'disappointed', having hoped to complete the course and ultimately pass selection. Outdoors: Jana was joined by husband Paul for the sunny afternoon stroll 'Naturally, I'm disappointed. It would've been amazing to have passed the SAS selection. But I gave everything I had and I've learnt so much on the course,' she said. 'It's been an extraordinary journey, and I tried as hard as I could to match it with the boys. I was the last woman standing for a while, so just trying to show other women how confident you can be and overcoming fears if you just let yourself go and give it a real crack. 'So, really proud of all the things I've achieved, it was pretty amazing, and I don't think I left anything on the ground.' A second man has been fined for scrawling obscene graffiti about Roxy Jacenko on the Sydney publicist's office more than two years ago. The seven-metre phrase 'Roxy is a c**t' was sprayed outside Ms Jacenko's Sweaty Betty agency in Paddington as well as a nearby skip bin in April 2019. Anthony Hess had initially denied the matter, only for footage to emerge during unrelated police investigations into the second man in 2020. A second man has been fined for scrawling obscene graffiti about Roxy Jacenko (pictured with her husband Oliver Curtis) on the Sydney publicist's office more than two years ago He was fined $2,400 in June for two counts of aggravated intentional and non-consensual marking of a premises. The second man, who has not been named for legal reasons, was fined $1,600 after changing his pleas to guilty on Friday. Lawyer Bryan Wrench said his client wasn't involved in the animosity between Jacenko and Hess and had wanted the c-word to be crook, not c**t. The seven-metre phrase 'Roxy is a c**t' was sprayed outside Ms Jacenko's Sweaty Betty agency in Paddington as well as a nearby skip bin in April 2019 'He does not know who Roxy is. It's regrettable he got involved in the whole situation,' Mr Wrench told Downing Centre Local Court. The man also pleaded guilty to offences related to 1.62 grams of methamphetamine found on him in December and a positive roadside drug test in January. He was fined $600 and disqualified from driving for six months. Currently in a NSW drug rehabilitation facility, he had himself been the victim of a series of hostile and threatening messages, abuse and graffiti attacks in the past year, Mr Wrench said. Anthony Hess (pictured) was fined $2,400 in June for two counts of aggravated intentional and non-consensual marking of a premises Before the GoPro footage emerged, Jacenko unsuccessfully sought a restraining order against Hess. In June, she celebrated the court fining Hess as 'we have set the record straight about this incident, proving beyond reasonable doubt' Hess did it. 'Thank you to the team at Surry Hills [Police] who were so incredible to deal with and believed every single bit if [sic] evidence I took to them as well as my genuine fear for not only my safety but that of my kids,' she wrote on Instagram. Ant Anstead rocked a stylish and casual look while hitting the red carpet at the Introducing Selma Blair premiere. The 42-year-old reality star was all smiles on the red carpet for the Discovery Plus documentary, which hits theaters on Friday and arrives on the streaming service October 21. Meanwhile, Anstead's girlfriend was spotted wearing a 'fat suit' in New Orleans filming her new NBC series The Thing About Pam. Stylish Ant: Ant Anstead rocked a stylish and casual look while hitting the red carpet at the Introducing Selma Blair premiere Meanwhile: Meanwhile, Anstead's girlfriend was spotted wearing a 'fat suit' in New Orleans filming her new NBC series The Thing About Pam Anstead was spotted wearing a black t-shirt under a light brown jacket as he hit the red carpet at the premiere, held at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. He was seen sporting a bit of scruff on the red carpet, while rocking some light grey pants He completed his look with a pair of white sneakers with a number of bracelets on his left wrist. Ant's look: Anstead was spotted wearing a black t-shirt under a light brown jacket as he hit the red carpet at the premiere, held at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles Anstead's girlfriend Zellweger, who have been dating since June, was spotted in New Orleans filming her new series The Thing About Pam. The actress was seen wearing a fat suit, playing Pam Hupp, a Missouri woman who has been charged with the murder of Betsy Faria in a gripping true saga. Betsy's husband Russ Faria was originally tried and convicted of the murder... but he was later retried and acquitted in November 2015. Pam: Anstead's girlfriend Zellweger, who have been dating since June, was spotted in New Orleans filming her new series The Thing About Pam Pam Hupp was charged in July 2021 for Betsy murder, after a decade of various investigations including several episodes of Dateline NBC. NBC issued a straight-to-series order for the show back in February 2021 with Zellweger set to star and serve as an executive producer. The cast also includes Katy Mixon as Betsy Faria, Glenn Fleschler as Russ Faria, Judy Greer as Leah Askey and Sean Bridgers as Mark Hupp. Murder: Pam Hupp was charged in July 2021 for Betsy murder, after a decade of various investigations including several episodes of Dateline NBC Straight-to-series: NBC issued a straight-to-series order for the show back in February 2021 with Zellweger set to star and serve as an executive producer Zellweger also made headlines recently for listing her nine-acre Topanga Canyon home for $6 million, as her romance with Anstead continued. The Oscar-winning actress picked up the four-bedroom home six years ago for $3.3 million, while she was dating Doyle Bramhall II. The 4,414-square-foot home features four bedroom which each lead out to the impressive pool area, which boasts a fire pit, spa and incredible views of the canyon. Tigerlily Taylor looked stylish as she attended the Ed Curtis for Stella McCartney fashion collection on Thursday evening. The 27-year-old model, who is the daughter of Queen drummer Roger Taylor, donned a green mini dress which had a frilled hem and long sleeves for the event also hosted by Buffalo Zine. She paired the trendy number with chunky white trainers while she carried her belongings in a blue baguette bag. Looking good: Tigerlily Taylor, 27, looked stylish in a green mini dress as she attended the Ed Curtis for Stella McCartney fashion collection on Thursday evening Her bright blonde locks were tied back into slick updo while she dazzled with bright red lipstick and black winged eyeliner. The collection is the third up and coming designer Ed has done for renowned British designer Stella McCartney. Ed, who is based in South London, has designed a kooky collection consisting of bold patterns and designs. Tigerlily, who is also the daughter of supermodel Debbie Leng, looked in good spirits as she smiled for photographs at the event - revealing she had chosen to wear her false tooth. On trend: The model, who is the daughter of Queen drummer Roger Taylor, donned the cool number which had a frilled hem and long sleeves for the event also hosted by Buffalo Zine Back in 2018, she spoke about having a missing tooth with the Evening Standard. She said: 'I have a missing front tooth and I post pictures of it missing when I'm hungover. I'm having another one put in but it's quite funny...' Tigerlily opted not to wear her tooth earlier in the week when she celebrated her 27th birthday with an indoor pool party. Stunner: She paired the trendy number with chunky white trainers while she carried her belongings in a blue baguette bag The model also confessed that she was 'very self-conscious' growing up due to her traumatic bouts of eczema, but was on a mission to empower young girls by writing about body positivity. She explained: 'In the way that social media can be so detrimental to young people, at the same time there is a positive aspect. 'People can share their experiences openly. You have to remember that some people spend hours editing themselves and putting it on Instagram. Speaking out: In 2018, she spoke about having a missing tooth with the Evening Standard. She said: 'I have a missing front tooth and I post pictures of it missing when I'm hungover.' 'Mine is such a mess. Whenever I look at other models Im like "why does mine not look all glossy like that?" But I like it. Its funny.' Tigerlily is also known for her love of partying, and previously upset neighbours with her raucous antics. Back in 2019, the Daily Mail's Richard Eden reported that the residents of one fashionable West London enclave weren't impressed by Tigerlily's arrival to the area. A new play about the famously troubled production of Jaws has just opened in London's West End. The show named The Shark Is Broken stars Ian Shaw who plays his own dad Robert who starred as Quint in the original film. Ian bears a remarkable likeness to how his father looked in the film in images released of the show, sporting side burns, a brown hat and dishevelled hair. Uncanny: Ian Shaw (left) bears a striking resemblance to his father Robert (right) starring as his character Quint in new play The Shark Is Broken about the famously troubled production of Jaws The play attracted five-star reviews when it premiered in Edinburgh in 2019 and is now being brought to the West End. It will offer a glimpse at the strained relationship between the three stars of Steven Spielberg's 1975 film - Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider. Jaws was notoriously difficult to make, with the film going over budget and production running behind schedule. Exciting: The new play (pictured during photocall) about the famously troubled production of Jaws is coming to London's West End Scary: Roy Scheider as Brody, Robert Shaw as Quint and Richard Dreyfuss as Hooper are pictured in Jaws In addition, the mechanical sharks they used to film scenes frequently broke down - something which inspired the play's title. The delays and technical difficulties often meant that the three main actors were waiting around for long periods of time on set, which is when tensions would run high. Ian Shaw said of the play: 'For the people who work in film and are interested in film, it is a legendary story. Classic film: Robert Shaw is pictured as Quint in the 1975 film. He died in 1978 'In documentaries they've done about the making of Jaws, Steven Spielberg speaks quite candidly about it, as does Richard Dreyfuss. 'We went through the source material and did as much research as we could - documentaries, press clippings, books, anything we could find. My own family have stories, my step-mother Virginia particularly, because she was there.' In the classic film Jaws, a young woman is killed by a shark while skinny-dipping near the New England tourist town of Amity Island. Police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches, but mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town. New show: The Shark is Broken is running at The Ambassadors Theatre in London Ichthyologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled ship captain Quint (Robert Shaw) offer to help Brody capture the killer beast, and the trio engage in an epic battle of man versus nature. The feud between Dreyfus and Shaw is well known, with Shaw often mock Dreyfuss on set as he thought he didn't have enough acting experience to play the part. In a 2010 interview Dreyfuss spoke about Jaws and the on-set feud with Shaw. Plot: In the classic film Jaws, a young woman is killed by a shark while skinny-dipping near the New England tourist town of Amity Island He told Bio.com: 'In private, he was the kindest, gentlest, funniest guy you ever met. Then we'd walk to the set, and on the way to the set, he was possessed by some evil troll who would then make me his victim.' In turn Dreyfuss described him as a man who both intimidated and exhilarated him. He said: 'I liked him, and I hated him, and he had my number.' He added that Shaw 'made me doubt that I could do things I knew I could do.' Scheider recalled in the 2010 documentary Jaws: The Inside Story: '[Shaw] really thought Dreyfuss needed a slapping down, [that he was a] young punk with no stage experience. Battle: In Jaws, Police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches, but mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town 'But it was also Quint and Hooper living out that relationship as Shaw and Dreyfuss. 'Robert would basically humiliate Richard into taking a chance. For instance, Robert would say, 'I'll give you a hundred bucks if you climb up to the top of the mast on the Orca and jump off into the water.'' Ian Shaw was a child when his father died in 1978, but he hopes the show, which is directed by Guy Masterson and co-written with Joseph Nixon, captures him fairly. He said: 'A couple of my sisters have seen the play, he had 10 children in the end, and they, to my relief, gave me the thumbs-up.' The Shark is Broken is running at The Ambassadors Theatre in London. She's set to make her West End debut in a new adaptation of Shakespeare's Scottish play, Macbeth. And stepping out for the press performance of new production The Tragedy of Macbeth at The Almeida Theatre on Thursday night in London, Saoirse Ronan brought the glamour as she joined her co-stars. The Irish actress, 27, nailed androgynous chic as she stepped out suited and booted in a tailored pinstriped two-piece from designer Celine. Suited and booted: Saoirse Ronan brought the glamour as she joined her co-stars for the press performance of The Tragedy of Macbeth at London's The Almeida Theatre on Thursday Saoirse stunned in her elegant ensemble that teased a look at her svelte frame, thanks to the revealing cut-out body she teamed with her trendy suit underneath. She added a boost to her outfit with a pair of black court heels, while keeping things pared back on the beauty front. Sweeping her blonde locks back into a tousled up-do, leaving the front of her locks down to frame her face, she opted for a natural make-up look that was complemented with a bold red lip. At the press night, Saoirse, who plays Lady Macbeth in the play, was joined by her leading co-star James McArdle, who appears as titular character Macbeth. Chic: The Irish actress, 27, was all dressed up in a two-piece pinstriped suit and revealing cut-out body she paired with it underneath Beauty: She kept things pared back on the beauty front with natural make-up, which she complemented with a bold red lipstick James, 32, cut a dapper figure for the evening, sporting charcoal grey trousers and a smart black blazer with a white T-shirt underneath. Saoirse and James are no strangers to starring alongside each other, as they both appeared in movie Mary Queen of Scots in 2018. The film's stellar cast also includes Margot Robbie, Gemma Chan, David Tennant, Joe Alwyn and Jack Lowden, who is dating Saoirse after the pair hit it off on set. The Tragedy of Macbeth sees Saoirse take to the London stage for the first time and ahead of the production's opening night, the movie talent confessed to feeling 'unbelievably nervous' about her debut. 'You get hit with waves of panic and terror and I'm not kidding about that. You do feel suddenly stuck for a minute in anxiety about what you're doing. But then you pull yourself out of it,' she revealed to BBC. Leading lady: Saoirse plays a 'feminist' version of Lady Macbeth in the new adaptation of Shakespeare's Scottish play Rubbing shoulders: She was joined by her leading co-star James McArdle who plays Macbeth in the stage play now open in the West End Back at it: Saoirse and James previously starred alongside each other in movie Mary Queen of Scots released in 2018 Nerves: Ahead of the play's opening night, Saoirse confessed she was 'unbelievably nervous' for her London stage debut and 'sick with butterflies' Saoirse said: 'It's been a real learning curve for me in just how much you can test yourself. Because you do feel that on film as well, but I think this is intensified.' She explained: 'Every day, every hour is completely different. You could feel really confident for a while in what you are doing and feel really great going forward and then something happens that will knock you again.' The drama will see Saoirse take on a 'feminist' version of Lady Macbeth, with the play's artistic director Ruper Goold revealing that this adaptation shows a more 'equal' relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth than usually portrayed. It was scheduled to open ahead of the pandemic, but was forced to push back its opening when theatres closed as a result of Covid-19. Fans will be able to see Saoirse in action until 20 November, with the star set to head overseas in the New Year to begin production on new sci-fi movie. She is set to star in Foe, alongside Normal People star Paul Mescal, with filming scheduled to take place in Australia. The Tragedy of Macbeth runs at London's The Almeida Theatre until 20 November. Michelle Keegan took to Instagram on Thursday to share a slew of behind-the-scenes snaps taken during the filming of Brassic's third series. The actress, 34, looked sensational as she donned a series of very trendy outfits for the small screen comedy-drama. She certainly seemed to have had a blast with her co-stars - made up of Ryan Sampson, Joanna Higson, Parth Thakerar, Damien Molony, Aaron Heffernan and Bronagh Gallagher - if the shots are anything to go by. Beaming: Michelle Keegan took to Instagram on Thursday to share a slew of behind-the-scenes snaps taken during the filming of Brassic's third series Sporting an 80s-inspired puffer jacket with pink, blue and navy panels, the former Coronation Street star beamed up a storm alongside her pals. Wearing her gorgeous chocolate locks in a tousled ponytail, she went on to cut a brown zip-up crop top featuring black prints in the letters, 'if'. Keeping warm in a white coat, the former Coronation Street star went on to pose with a team of male pals against an idyllic seaside backdrop as they sat on the roof of a small boat. In another snap, she appeared to be in deep conversation with a member of the set, while putting on a chic display in a khaki tracksuit. Team: She certainly seemed to have had a blast with her co-stars - made up of Ryan Sampson, Joanna Higson, Parth Thakerar, Damien Molony, Aaron Heffernan and Bronagh Gallagher - if the shots are anything to go by Happy: Keeping warm in a white coat, the former Coronation Street star went on to pose with a team of male pals against an idyllic seaside backdrop as they sat on the roof of a small boat As the heavens opened, the Our Girl actress and her cast mates kept dry with an oversized black umbrella - unable to contain their laughter in-between takes. Looking incredible in a pair of knee-high onyx boots, she flashed her toned pins in a pair of orange-and-black hot pants and a white gilet, worn beneath a coordinating coat. Michelle concluded her post with an adorable photo alongside child actor Jude Riordan, while wearing her luscious locks in chunky plaits. In her caption, she wrote: 'So who has watched Brassic Season 3 yet? What do you all think? #brassic @skytv.' Squad goals: Wearing her gorgeous chocolate locks in a tousled ponytail, she continued with the fun-and-games Chatting: In another snap, she appeared to be in deep conversation with a member of the set, while putting on a chic display in a khaki tracksuit Michelle was forced to stop filming the third series of the show last year, in order to isolate, after she was exposed to COVID-19. But, luckily, the actress didn't actually contract the potentially deadly virus. A source told MailOnline at the time: 'Michelle had to take time away from the Brassic set. She has once again been laying low in Essex with her husband Mark Wright.' The Brassic insider added at the time: 'She only missed one day of filming. But she needed to isolate after she came into contact with someone in Manchester who had it. Hilarious: As the heavens opened, the Our Girl actress and her cast mates kept dry with an oversized black umbrella - unable to contain their laughter in-between takes Shock! Michelle was forced to stop filming the third series of the show last year, in order to isolate, after she was exposed to COVID-19 'Luckily it all happened very quickly and Michelle did not return to the Brassic set before isolating. So it didn't affect filming too much. 'She has spent last two weeks in total isolation. She will go back to filming at the end of this week.' Brassic follows the story of Lancashire native Vinnie (Joe), who suffers from bipolar disorder and his best friend Dylan, played by Damien Molony, from whom he has been inseparable since childhood. A tainted past, the boys have dealt, scammed, bribed and conned their way through adolescence. Sweet: Michelle concluded her post with an adorable photo alongside child actor Jude Riordan, while wearing her luscious locks in chunky plaits Exciting: Michelle wrote this in her caption to accompany the snaps Now, on the brink of adulthood, their dealing and stealing is catching up with them, with the repercussions of their crimes heading their way. Michelle plays alongside them as a single mum seeking a better life for herself and son Tyler (Jude Riordan). While navigating complicated relationships with the show's leads Dylan and Vinnie, she still strives for a good childhood for her son. Series three of Brassic premiered on Sky Max on 6 October following two extremely popular previous seasons. She's the former Victoria's Secret model who almost risked an Instagram ban last month. But it appears Kelly Gale, 26, isn't afraid to show off her best assets as she posed topless for a photoshoot in New York on Friday. In three images, which were shared to Instagram, the stunning brunette can be seen cupping her cleavage as she draws attention the a pair of jeans she is advertising. Her eyes are up here! I t appears Kelly Gale (pictured) isn't afraid to show off her best assets and she posed topless for a photoshoot in New York on Friday Two images show the 26-year-old's side boob, while one shows her from a front angle. For the photoshoot, Kelly had her dark locks pinned back in a high, flowing pony tail. Meanwhile, the tanned goddess' makeup looked minimal - but for her brows which were penciled in to perfection. Racy! In the three images, the stunning brunette can be seen cupping her cleavage as she draws attention the a pair of jeans she is advertising Bare-faced beauty: For the photoshoot, the tanned goddess' makeup looked minimal - but for her brows which were penciled in to perfection Last month, the Australian-Swedish stunner made headlines after sharing an image of herself sans bikini, which risked her breaching an Instagram ban as her nipples were almost on display. In the picture, she left little to the imagination as she posed in nothing but a black G-string while lying in front of a tropical beach. Kelly looked thoroughly relaxed as she arched her back and shielded her face from the sun with one arm. Oops! Last month, the Australian-Swedish stunner made headlines after sharing an image of herself sans bikini, which risked her breaching an Instagram ban Movie magic: Kelly's racy post comes after she shared the exciting news that she'd been cast in her first film, starring alongside Gerald Butler in the Lionsgate thriller The Plane 'Happy to spend my day like this,' Kelly captioned the photo on Instagram, making sure to censor her nipples to avoid the image being flagged as inappropriate. The catwalk star recently shared the exciting news that she'd been cast in her first film, starring alongside Gerald Butler in the Lionsgate thriller The Plane. 'Am I dreaming? I still can't believe this is real! Started acting via Zoom at the beginning of the pandemic and immediately fell in love with the craft,' she wrote on Instagram in August. As a world famous star, she's used to making a lasting impression wherever she goes. And Victoria Beckham, 47, was at it again when she hilariously posed on top of a bar holding a bottle of husband David Beckham's Haig Club whisky while in New York on Thursday night. The former Spice Girl struck a gracious pose as she raised one leg on the bar with her heel on show at Jacques Grange designed bar in The Mark Hotel. Strike a pose: Victoria Beckham, 47, hilariously posed on top of a bar holding a bottle of husband David Beckham's Haig Club whisky at The Mark Hotel in New York on Thursday night Missing hubby: 'Where's my barman when I need him?! @davidbeckham' she penned in a playful Instagram snap The style icon, 47, wowed in a black one-sleeved dress with a slight leg split, as she held the bottle of drink for the snap. Sharing the photo on Instagram, the artist formerly known as Posh wrote: 'Wheres my barman when I need him?! @davidbeckham.' Earlier in the day, Victoria, who is in the midst of flitting around New York City promoting her beauty and fashion brands, showed off her sleek style as she stormed the streets of Manhattan. Personal catwalk: Victoria stepped out again on Thursday in New York, in the midst of flitting around the city promoting her beauty and fashion brands Cheers! Victoria could be seen pouring a drink in celebration of a successful week in New York promoting her fashion and beauty business Ready to relax: The star could be seen pouring her husband David's whisky into a glass for a pal in Manhattan Missing hubby: 'Where's my barman when I need him?! @davidbeckham' she penned in a playful Instagram snap The This Groove songstress paraded her svelte frame, pairing the look with a Bottega Veneta bag and primrose yellow heels. Trademark shades on, and chestnut locks flowing loosely around her features, VB strutted her stuff en route to another engagement. Make-up - no doubt from her Victoria Beckham Beauty range - was typically flawless, showcasing a bronzed complexion and a nude lip. Style icon: VB wowed in a black one-sleeved dress with a slight leg split, as she stormed the streets of Manhattan Divine: The This Groove songstress paraded her svelte frame, pairing the look with a Bottega Veneta bag Click clack! She added primrose yellow heels to the eye-catching look Victoria has slowly released exciting products from her cosmetics line over the past year, including a golden cell rejuvenating priming moisturizer, a smoky eye brick and a range of Posh lipsticks and blushers. The designer is stateside to promote the launch of Cheeky Posh, the latest beauty product in her range. Her appearances this week have included Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Ryan and Jimmy Fallon. Star quality! Trademark shades on, and chestnut locks flowing loosely around her features, VB strutted her stuff en route to another engagement Making an exit: Victoria has slowly released exciting products from her cosmetics line over the past year, including a golden cell rejuvenating priming moisturizer, a smoky eye brick and a range of Posh lipsticks and blushers Staying busy: Her appearances this week have included Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Ryan and Jimmy Fallon Preened: Make-up no doubt from her Victoria Beckham Beauty range was typically flawless, showcasing a bronzed complexion and a nude lip Victoria was left squealing as she played a Halloween-themed Can You Feel It? on Jimmy Fallon Live on Wednesday night. The Spice Girl had to put her hand in a mystery box and figure out what she was touching, with objects including the Squid Game doll and mascara heads. Yet Victoria was hesitant to put her hand inside, shouting out 'Oh my god, this is horrific!' Stateside: She is in the US to promote the launch of Cheeky Posh, the latest beauty product in her range Promo: Demand for Cheeky Posh was through the roof after it launched this weekend, with the Knickers shade being the most popular and selling thousands Impressive: The top shades of her eyeliner, Cocoa and Bronze, sell one every minute and have sold out three times in the last month Winning: Victoria Beckham Beauty experiencing triple-digit sales growth this year too Onto the next: VB was soon seen heading off to her next engagement Chic! Victoria's busy schedule didn't slow her down on Thursday Next appointment: She made her way to Bergdorf Goodman, who will now stock her cosmetics line In and out: She returned to her hotel after her busy day Back she goes: VB was returning to change for a dinner engagement Busy gal! The Spice Girl headed in for a quick outfit change, before going out for a posh meal in Manhattan Stylish Spice: She stunned in her evening ensemble, donning a sweater with a plunging cut out, slacks and toting a bright green purse The show's presenter, 53, got stuck in too as he put his hand inside to feel pumpkin guts. The pair then simultaneously put their hands in the box to touch a mask of Michael Myers from Halloween Kills. However, they didn't realise a person was actually wearing said mask with Jimmy jumping out of his skin and over a drum kit when it moved. Victoria couldn't believe what had happened and also jumped back as she shrieked: 'Oh my god! Is it real? That is quite a scare!' Scary spice: Victoria was left squealing as she played a Halloween-themed Can You Feel It? on Wednesday Menulog launched a highly successful advertising campaign with Snoop Dogg last year. But the American hip hop star won't return for the slate of upcoming ads for the food delivery service. Menulog Marketing Director Simon Cheng confirmed the company wants to support the local music scene. Out: Menulog launched a highly successful advertising campaign with Snoop Dogg (pictured) last year. But the American hip hop star won't return for the slate of upcoming ads for the food delivery service 'It's the perfect time for it,' he told 6PR Breakfast on Friday. 'There's been a lot of industries impacted, the hospitality industry is one of them, but the local music industry has been decimated by the happening of the last 18 months. 'When has there been a better time to be supporting the local music scene, to be getting four of the best and brightest in Australia in our next campaign to redo the jingle.' Locals: Menulog Marketing Director Simon Cheng confirmed the company wants to support the local music scene. Snoop pictured in the Menulog ad 'There's been a lot of industries impacted, the hospitality industry is one of them, but the local music industry has been decimated by the happening of the last 18 months. When has there been a better time to be supporting the local music scene' he said Australian artists including Baker Boy, Big Twisty, D'Arcy Spiller and Kirsten Salty will take up the mantle. Snoop was reportedly paid $9.8 million for the ad, which appeared in Australia and in a slightly modified version the UK, where Menulog is known as Just Eat. The lighthearted ad showed the Drop It Like It's Hot hitmaker, 49, rapping about ordering 'tacos to the chateau' and 'chicken wings to the crib' on the Menulog app. New in: Australian artists including Baker Boy (pictured), Big Twisty, D'Arcy Spiller and Kirsten Salty will take up the mantle Paid up: Snoop was reportedly paid over $97 million for the ad, which appeared in Australia and in a slightly modified version the UK, where Menulog is known as Just Eat Menulog included a disclaimer at the bottom of the screen clarifying that Snoop Dogg was a 'paid actor', despite the fact the TV spot was clearly tongue in cheek. Presumably, the purpose of this was to clarify that the musician was paid by Menulog to appear in the advert and wasn't offering a genuine testimonial. Ad Standards, the Australian advertising watchdog, sometimes makes companies include these disclaimers, even when it's clear the celebrity endorsement isn't meant to be taken seriously. Sir Billy Connolly has revealed he's lost the ability to write amid his battle with Parkinson's disease. The Scottish comedian, 78, was diagnosed with the condition back in 2013, and explained that his writing is now 'illegible' - something he is 'heartbroken' over as he loves to write letters to people. Appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Sir Billy revealed to host Graham Norton that he had to rely on finding a way to 'record everything' as he couldn't pen anything down. Tough times: Sir Billy Connolly revealed during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show that he's lost the ability to write amid his battle with Parkinson's disease On Friday night's episode of the BBC talkshow, Sir Billy says: 'I have lost the ability to write, and it breaks my heart as I used to love writing letters to people. 'My writing went down the Swanny and is totally illegible, so I had to find a way to record everything ,but then the recorder didnt understand my accent so it kept collapsing and my family would have to sort it it was a club effort!' Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain and can lead to those diagnosed with the condition experiencing tremors in their hands. Sharing an update on his health battle, Sir Billy insisted he has both 'good and bad days'. Struggle: The Scottish comedian, 78, was diagnosed with the condition back in 2013, and explained that his writing is now 'illegible' Heartbroken: Stand-up star Billy revealed he is 'heartbroken' over not being able to write as he loves to write letters to people 'I have good days and bad days. Its creeping up on me and it never lets go,' he told host Graham. 'I walk like a drunk man and have to have help. So, life is different, but it is good.' Billy revealed during an interview on ITV's Lorraine, that aired on Friday morning, that he has 'more good days than bad' and 'straightens himself out' by reminding himself there are children unwell in cancer wards. Appearing virtually from his Florida home, Sir Billy joined host Lorraine Kelly ahead of the release release of his autobiography Windswept and Interesting. 'Theres good days and theres bad days... and the good days outnumber the bad days. Ive got nothing to complain about,' he insisted. Candid: Sir Billy Connolly appeared from his Florida home on Lorraine on Friday morning to speak about his experience with Parkinson's 'Somebody once told me any time youre not feeling very well, think of the kids in the cancer wards and that straightens me out, rapid.' He has recently moved to Florida from New York, after feeling 'out of balance' in the city before his wife Pamela Stephenson forced them both to move. 'I was living in New York, and with the Parkinson's, I was out of balance a lot of the time,' he told Lorraine. 'In the winter I was sliding and falling on my back side all the time. So Pamela did it. She just told me we were moving. It wasnt a choice of mine. She just said, "Right heres the new address, learn it!"' He went on to reveal that he loved spending time in lockdown, and spent much of it fishing next to his home. Chatting: He was diagnosed with the condition back in 2013 but he told the presenter of the show that he tries to keep positive by thinking of children in cancer wards Reflection: Billy has been promoting his new book and he reflected on his long career on the show as he said: 'Ive had a fabulous career. Nobody could complain about it' Lorraine then asked what he thought about winning a number of lifetime awards recently. The joker then replied: 'Theyre hurrying up in case I die!' He reflected on his long career as he said: 'Ive had a fabulous career. Nobody could complain about it. 'Jammed theatres with people roaring with laughter - thats all I wanted and thats what I got. I love it. I have no intention of doing the comedy thing again but I might do something here and there.' Billy recently spoke out about how his material back in the day 'would have been cancelled' if he started out as a comedian in 2021. Speaking on New Zealand radio station Newstalk ZB, he suggested 'things have changed forever' and called upon TV executives whom he referred to as 'suits' to 'have more bravery'. Fearless: Billy recently spoke out about how his material back in the day 'would have been cancelled' if he started out as a comedian in 2021 (pictured in 1970) Couple: He has recently moved to Florida from New York, after feeling 'out of balance' in the city before his wife Pamela Stephenson forced them both to move (pictured together in 2016) Saying that the 'fearless' material he presented to audiences when he started out as a comedian in the 1970s would not be acceptable now, Billy clarified: 'I couldn't have started today.' Promoting his new autobiography Windswept, the star went on: 'Because of political correctness people have pulled in the horns. I couldn't have started today with the talent I had then.' He added: 'There's a show here in America with all black comedians, men and women, and they are totally ruthless, they are totally without political correctness and they have always got me on the floor howling with laughter. 'There was a comedian who had a series on television and the suits involved were going to take it off at the first commercial break. They have got no bravery.' Billy also revealed that writing Windswept made him 'depressed' as he touched upon sensitive subjects including the abuse he suffered as young boy at the hands of his aunts and father. Remarkable: Billy also revealed that writing Windswept made him 'depressed' as he touched upon sensitive subjects including the abuse he suffered as young boy at the hands of his aunts and father (pictured in 1985) Nicky Byrne has revealed the emotional experiences he and his Westlife bandmates have drawn on to write their new album Wild Dreams. The group announced the release of their first disc in two years this week, with Nicky, 42, penning a tune about the world returning to post-pandemic life, while Shane Filan, also 42, wrote about the recent heartache of losing both his parents in the space of 10 months. On the new collection, Nicky exclusively told MailOnline: 'I think the whole album encapsulates the two years of lockdown, for us anyway. The title of one of the songs I wrote is Alive which is about the world coming alive again. Emotional: Nicky Byrne, 42, has revealed the emotional experiences he and his Westlife bandmates have drawn on to write their new album Wild Dreams (stock image) 'Shane wrote a song on there with Steve from Kodaline which is called Always With Me, which is about Shanes loss of his mum and dad. 'His mum was just pre-lockdown, about Christmas, just before the pandemic hit, and then his dad during the lockdown, so thats a ballad called Always With Me, which is quite emotional.' Shane described the day he lost his beloved mother Mae as 'the saddest day of my life' when she died in December 2019. Heart wrenching: Nicky (right) penned a tune about the world returning to post-pandemic life while Shane Filan, 42, (left) wrote about the heartache of losing his parents (pictured 2019) And Shane's father, who he described as the 'most important man in my entire life', died 10 months later in October last year. However, there is some upbeat material on the album, with Nicky adding: 'The single Starlight, which is out now, thats a real happy song which is about getting through it. 'Its just a really, really nice album and the most writing weve ever done on any album, and theres a song on there by Ed Sheeran. 'It kept us busy and it gave us a bit of a focus to get through lockdown, which I think for anybody, no matter what your business is, is important.' The band - Nicky, Shane, Markus Feehily, 41, Kian Egan, also 41 - recorded Wild Dreams during the pandemic and had a special rig travel to each of their homes so they could lay down their vocals in accordance with Covid guidelines. And, while Nicky praised the wonders of technology for enabling the world to continue working, he said making the album wasn't straight forward. Superstars: The band - (left-right) Shane, Nicky, Markus Feehily, 41, Kian Egan, also 41 - last released an album, Spectrum, in 2019 He explained: 'When we decided to record the album we invested in a mobile studio that would travel around, which involved the microphone, the stand, the box that goes around your head so you get the right acoustics. 'You had all the wires and leads and the laptop with the right software and that would link into a producer wherever he was in the world, and with another laptop you would link in on Zoom to be able to get direction from them. 'So it was a big operation and, for some of us who arent the most tech-minded in the world, it took a little bit of getting used to but there was people doing far tougher jobs than assembling microphones and software. 'We got around it and we enjoyed it and it worked well.' New beginnings: A specially designed rig travelled to the home of each band member so they could lay down their vocals for the tracks He added: 'I guess the challenges were WiFi, people ringing the doorbell, the dog barking, the kids coming down to ask for help with their homework while youre in the middle of a verse or something. 'But thats real life and that was fun. That was the same for radio presenters, or TV presenters, or people in high powered jobs on Zoom meetings. It was just a different world, everybody was working from home, including pop bands, which is incredible.' The band were forced to cancel their Wembley Stadium concert this year in the midst of lockdown but they are now set to perform at the iconic venue in August 2022. And Nicky is looking forward to appearing on stage where 'legends' have previously performed. Nostalgia: The band (pictured in 2000 with former member Brian McFadden, top left) are set to perform their hits at Wembley Stadium in August next year as their current line-up 'Weve seen big bands do it,' he said. 'Weve witnessed Coldplay, weve seen the Take That boys do it, weve seen U2, weve seen all those legends do it and it really is a huge honour to be standing on the same stage that bands like that have done. 'I was five when Live Aid was happening, I watched it and I remember Queen, I remember Freddie, I remember all those moments. 'Equally for the fans as well, to see these songs like Flying Without Wings, You Raise Me Up, World of Our Own, Swear It Again, Hello My Love. All those hits that have gone right back to 99. 'It will be nerve-racking but we cant wait to do it. Well take those nights to the grave.' Wild Dreams, release on 26 November, is available for pre-order now at www.westlife.com. Georgia Love was pulled from her on-air duties at Channel Seven last month and relegated to the production desk just days after posting a 'racist' video on Instagram. And the 33-year-old made headlines again on Friday, this time being called out by a colleague in leaked emails obtained by The Herald Sun for chastising the newsroom over grammar. Georgia was shamed by a senior reporter for correcting the newsroom over the incorrect use of the word 'surgeries' in an email titled 'grammar note' this week. Called out: Georgia Love (pictured) has been slammed by a Channel Seven colleague for chastising the newsroom over grammar in leaked emails obtained by The Herald Sun on Friday... after a 'racist' video scandal saw her dumped from an on-air role last month The former Bachelorette began her email: 'Hi friends! Just a note on using the word 'surgery' it doesn't need to be pluralised. You have surgery, not "a surgery", so you don't have "surgeries". Ie. "all elective surgery is cancelled." 'Alternatively, can use 'operations' or 'procedures'. Eeeeeeeeeeveryone (sic) does it, it's just one of those bug bears that's incorrect but has snuck into our language.' The Herald Sun understands the email was sent by Georgia following a bulletin read by reporter Melina Sarris. In a leaked email also obtained by The Herald Sun, a senior reporter called out Georgia for her 'unreasonable' email, encouraging the team to 'carry on' with their 'great work'. Leaked email: Georgia, 33, was shamed by a senior reporter for correcting the newsroom over the incorrect use of the word 'surgeries' in an email titled 'grammar note'. Georgia began her email: 'Hi friends! Just a note on using the word 'surgery' it doesn't need to be pluralised' She continued: 'You have surgery, not "a surgery", so you don't have "surgeries" Ie. "all elective surgery is cancelled." 'Alternatively, can use 'operations' or 'procedures'. Eeeeeeeeeeveryone (sic) does it, it's just one of those bug bears that's incorrect but has snuck into our language' The email read: 'Hi friends. Just a note to say this note is not helpful or reasonable. Please carry on your great work and forget about it. You're all doing a great job under difficult circumstances. Keep it going we love you. Xxx.' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Seven and Georgia's representatives for comment. Last month, Georgia was pulled from her on-air duties at Seven and relegated to the production desk just days after posting a 'racist' video on Instagram. The journalist had sparked backlash for sharing footage of a cat behind the window of an Asian restaurant and writing: 'Shop attendant or lunch?!' Hitting back: In a leaked email also obtained by The Herald Sun, a senior reporter called out Georgia for her 'unreasonable' email, encouraging the team to 'carry on' with their 'great work' The email read: 'Hi friends. Just a note to say this note is not helpful or reasonable. Please carry on your great work and forget about it. You're all doing a great job under difficult circumstances. Keep it going we love you. Xxx' She deleted the video an hour later and apologised for causing 'offence', but at the time denied the post had any racist 'insinuation'. Georgia also posted a similar 'joke' about pets and Chinese restaurants in 2013. Following a workplace investigation, Seven alerted staff via email that Georgia had been 'counselled' and reassigned to an off-camera role 'effective immediately'. A Seven spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'We have addressed this matter internally and disciplinary action has been taken. Change: Last month, Georgia was pulled from her on-air duties at Seven and relegated to the production desk just days after posting a 'racist' video on Instagram Backlash: The journalist had sparked backlash for sharing footage of a cat behind the window of an Asian restaurant and writing: 'Shop attendant or lunch?!' 'Seven does not condone this inappropriate conduct and all of our staff have the right to work in a safe, nurturing workplace free from prejudice.' Georgia is understood to be 'devastated' and 'deeply sorry for her actions', and has personally apologised to her colleagues, The Herald Sun previously reported. 'I want to apologise for an inappropriate post on my personal social media account this week and for an old post which has resurfaced,' she said in a staff email. Addressing the post: 'I meant absolutely no insinuation about the type of animal nor the type of restaurant, but I see that my post did not come across like that and was offensive,' she wrote online 'I'm deeply sorry for the hurt that I've caused and, in particular, for offence to the Asian community. It certainly wasn't my intention. 'My posts were inappropriate and offensive. There is no excuse for perpetuating racist stereotypes in any forum. 'I am committed to moving forward, learning and growing in my new role and I hope that in time I can earn your trust back.' Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott looked very jovial as they left Salt Bae's London restaurant on Thursday night which has been charging its diner's 1,450 for a steak. The restaurant, Nusr-et has been opened up by the internet sensation and has left customers shocked at their bills. But Sam, 29, and Zara, 24, seemed like happy customers as they left the Knightsbridge eatery and stepped into a waiting taxi. Happy: Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott looked very jovial as they left Salt Bae's London restaurant on Thursday night which has been charging its diner's 1,450 for a steak Expensive: The restaurant, Nusr-et has been opened up by the internet sensation Salt Bae and has left customers shocked at their bills Zara looked typically chic in a white halter neck dress with a thigh high slit which she paired with a trendy black varsity jacket. She opted for tan suede cowboy boots while her caramel locks were left to flow over her shoulders. The Love Island beauty canoodled with her boyfriend in the restaurant as he wore a blue shirt and black trousers. Sam wore brown loafers and held his phone in his hand as he left the establishment. Having a good time: But Sam and Zara seemed jovial in the Knightsbridge restaurant as they canoodled one another at the table Out for dinner: The pair dined with friends Ruby Adler and Reza McFly Doting: Sam tied up his girlfriend's hair so she could tuck into her meal with ease Zara carried a Christian Dior tote bag in her hand, which currently retails at 2,300. The pair enjoyed their outing with two pals including Sam's Made In Chelsea co-star Ruby Adler. Ruby looked chic in a white shirt paired with a green mini skirt with an eye popping slit up the side. Yum! Zara looked very happy Cute: Sam pushed his girlfriend's hair off her face affectionately Zara and Sam both took to their respective Instagram's to document their evening, with the MIC star telling his followers he did not mind that the owner was flirting with his girlfriend because he got to see him do his flamboyant salt sprinkling style. The cook's method of seasoning steak turned him into an internet meme back in 2017. Other familiar faces to dine at the restaurant include TOWIE's Gemma Collins who spent the enormous sum of money for a steak. Sweet: Zara and Sam made sure to document the evening at the establishment on social media Wow: Zara looked typically chic in a white halter neck dress with a thigh high slit which she paired with a trendy varsity jacket as she stepped out the restaurant Cool: She opted for tan suede cowboy boots while her caramel locks were left to flow over her shoulders Gemma felt so bad about spending that much money for the meal that she then donated a bag of her bras to charity. Other pricey items on the menu include 630 gold leaf steak, 12 sweetcorn and a 9 for a glass of coke. Another diner ended up amassing a bill of 37,000 at the steakhouse. Having fun: Sam wore a blue shirt and black trousers as he stepped out with his pals Expensive taste: Zara carried a Christian Dior tote bag in her hand, which currently retails at 2,300 as she walked with MIC star pal Ruby Zara found love with Sam in 2019 following her stint on Love Island. According to Ok! Online the couple have had their ups and downs - including Zara being hit with cheating claims. Sam has revealed that he now trusts the former Love Island star 'wholeheartedly' and that he sees a future with his beautiful girlfriend. Amazing: Ruby looked chic in a white shirt paired with a green mini skirt with an eye popping slit up the side Going home! Sam wore brown loafers and held his phone in his hand as he left the establishment Funny: The E4 star told his followers he did not mind that the owner was flirting with his girlfriend because he got to see him do his flamboyant salt sprinkling style He told The Sun that he is 'not one to judge' and that 'people do make mistakes' when discussing his relationship with Zara. He continued 'All the drama and stuff that happened not too long ago, I am now at an age where I can sit back and say I love this girl. 'Yes, people do make mistakes,' Sam told the publication. Iconic: The cook's method of seasoning steak turned him into an internet meme back in 2017 Hefty amount of money: Other pricey items on the menu include 630 gold leaf steak, 12 sweetcorn and a 9 for a glass of coke Love: Zara found love with Sam in 2019 following her stint on Love Island. According to Ok! Online the couple have had their ups and downs - including Zara being hit with cheating claims 'I do believe she wants to be a better person and learn from that. It comes down to me and what do I want. The E4 star also revealed that he doesn't believe there to be any point in rekindling a romance if you don't fully trust or believe the other person. Sam went on to explain that if he had never been given a chance to rectify his own mistakes, he would be 'pretty annoyed'. This swayed his decision to take the Australian-born beauty back. Sweet: Sam has revealed that he now trusts the former Love Island star 'wholeheartedly' and that he sees a future with his beautiful girlfriend Together: He told The Sun that he is 'not one to judge' and that 'people do make mistakes' when discussing his relationship with Zara Happy as larry: Sam confessed on Instagram that he is a big fan of Salt Bae and that he did not care when he was flirting with his girlfriend Tammy Hembrow headed out on the town for a date night with boyfriend Matt Poole on Friday. The Instagram star, 27, and the professional IronMan, 33, packed on the PDA as they posed up a storm at Matt's Maman Bar & Kitchen restaurant. The venue, located in Port Douglas, Queensland, held first birthday celebrations after being open for a year. Fun: Tammy Hembrow headed out on the town for a date night with boyfriend Matt Poole on Friday. Both pictured 'Congrats to this guy on one year of @maman_barkitchen,' Tammy captioned a sultry photo of the couple together. In the images, the pair could not keep their hands off each other as they cuddled up close. Tammy looked sensational in a fitted green outfit which flaunted her gym-honed figure. Romance: The Instagram star, 27, and the professional IronMan, 33, packed on the PDA as they posed up a storm at Matt's Maman Bar & Kitchen restaurant The top and skirt combination featured a bare midriff and cut-out portions that flashed some skin. The fashion designer also flaunted her famous derriere as she turned her back to the camera, while wearing a full face of makeup and her blonde hair down and straight. Tammy and Matt went public with their romance in September last year during a trip to the Whitsundays. Aww: In the images, the pair could not keep their hands off each other as they cuddled up close. Tammy looked sensational in a fitted green outfit which flaunted her gym-honed figure That month, Matt also made his debut on his girlfriend's YouTube channel, admitting in a Q&A video that he'd been the first to say 'I love you'. 'I did. I am obsessed,' Matt said, before Tammy explained how he had confessed his feelings after they'd 'had a little fight' on holiday. 'We had a little fight over nothing, and then when he was trying to make up with me and apologise, he told me he loved me,' she said with a smile. Maisie Smith wished her former EastEnders castmate Shona McGarty a happy 30th birthday with a sensational TikTok video on Thursday. The former Strictly contestant, 20, and Shona put their spectacular dancing skills on display as they busted a move to Doja Cat's Woman. Shona, who plays Whitney Dean, synchronised her moves with Maisie as they had a blast during a break from shooting the BBC One soap. Incredible: Maisie Smith wished her former EastEnders castmate Shona McGarty a happy birthday with a sensational TikTok video on Thursday 'Happy Birthday to my big sista! 30 is just the beginning baby girl,' she sweetly wrote in her caption. The post comes after Maisie recently announced she would be quitting her role as Tiffany Butcher. Maisie has appeared on the show for 13 years, after joining at the age of six in 2008, but decided to leave after reportedly getting a number of big money offers for other projects. Delightful duo: Maisie and Shona met while filming EastEnders and have remained close friends since (pictured in 2019) She said: 'It's time to say farewell to Tiff! I've grown up on EastEnders since 2008, and have learnt from the best over the past 13 years. 'I'm very excited for my next challenge and thank the BBC for the opportunity they gave me as a six-year-old.' EastEnders' Executive Producer Jon Sen added: 'We are all very sad to see Maisie leave. Spectacular: Shona, who plays Whitney Dean, synchronised her moves with the red-haired beauty as they appeared to be having a blast during a break from shooting the BBC One soap 'She's been a wonderful company member during her time at EastEnders and it's been a privilege to see her blossom into the star she is. 'She has created an iconic character in Tiff and the door is always open to her return. We wish her all the very best for her future projects.' The Sun have reported that Maisie chose not to renew her contract this time because she looked to pursue other projects elsewhere. Co-stars: Maisie and Shona star together in EastEnders, but Maisie recently revealed she will be quitting her role as Tiffany Butcher Maisie has reportedly previously been offered six-figure deals with clothing and beauty brands following her successful Strictly stint, however her contract with the BBC meant she had to decline them. Maisie finished runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing last year after competing with professional Gorka Marquez, 31. The star won Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress at the British Soap Awards in 2008, a year after joining EastEnders. She has been involved in a number of key storylines on the soap, including a shocking grooming plot in 2019. Maisie's contract previously prevented her from appearing on other shows but she told The Sun last year she was keen to try other things. She said: 'In the future I want to try new things and I want to play new characters.' The soap star's final scenes are yet to air. EastEnders continues on Monday on BBC One at 8.05pm. Irina Shayk has landed a stunning new ad campaign that makes the most of her supermodel assets. The Russian-born beauty was without a shirt as she posed for her new collaboration with shoemaker Tamara Mellon, a British fashion entrepreneur. The looker, who has a child with Bradley Copper, had on leather leggings and Tamara's shoes as she writhed around in a studio with her black hair pulled back. Better than ever: Irina Shayk has landed a stunning new ad campaign that makes the most of her supermodel assets Posed up: The Russian-born beauty was without a shirt as she posed for her new collaboration with shoemaker Tamara Mellon, a British fashion entrepreneur The images were captured by photographer Paola Kudacki. All the 35-year-old Shayk said in her caption was, 'Iri zip off boot in black and #IRINASHAYKxTM @tamaramellon.' She was also seen in a black tank top and shorts as she added over the knee combat boots with her hair wet and worn down in a video for the brand. The cover girl added acrylic bangle bracelets. Wonderful form: The looker, who has a child with Bradley Copper, had on leather leggings and Tamara's shoes as she writhed around in a studio with her black hair pulled back Then the Vogue favorite was modeling a pair of over the knee white boots that had thick black soles and looked like they would fit into a sci fi movie. In a blurry video, the New York resident is seen moving her hips around as she touched her body. Mellon is a co-founder of luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo. Mellon founded her namesake luxury footwear brand, Tamara Mellon, with co-founder and CEO Jill Layfield and CDO Tania Spinelli in 2016. Direct gaze: The images were captured by photographer Paola Kudacki. All the 35-year-old Shayk said in her caption was, 'Iri zip off boot in black and #IRINASHAYKxTM @tamaramellon' Also on Friday the siren was seen in all black as she walked in New York City. The catwalk princess had on a black top and slacks with black sandals and black sunglasses. The Versace model added a black purse over her shoulder that had a bold gold chain as a strap. There was no sign of her daughter Lea De Seine, whom she shares with ex partner Bradley Cooper. Hands to herself: Mellon founded her namesake luxury footwear brand, Tamara Mellon, with co-founder and CEO Jill Layfield and CDO Tania Spinelli in 2016 She must do a lot of yoga: Shayk was able to bend her body in a way that looked awkward This new ad comes after Shayk heated up Rihanna's Savage x Fenty show in lacy lingerie. The star shared some very revealing snaps from the lingerie range on Instagram. She commanded attention in a sexy snakeskin bodysuit with a large cut-out across the front that exposed her taut midriff. Irina also showcased her pert derriere as she seductively posed in the thong. Work it girl: She also extended an arm onto the floor to balance herself Inspired: She crossed her legs and her arms for the perfect pose while seated Her arms are a bra: She used her arms to cover herself as she looked down She captioned the gallery of images to her 16.3million followers: 'Your poison [martini emoji] #IYKYKsavageX. And she added the tag: #SAVAGEXFENTYSHOW VOL. 3. The mother-of-one rocked the same look in the highly-anticipated Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3 show which began streaming on Amazon Prime on Thursday night. More on this: She was also seen in a black tank top and shorts as she added over the knee combat boots with her hair wet and worn down in a video for the brand. The cover girl added acrylic bangle bracelets Like a warrior: And in this image she has on a corset with shorts and over the knee boots Irina was one of the industry's most in-demand models featured in Rihanna's show including Emily Ratajkowski and Behati Prinsloo. Fans also got their very first look at the brand's sizzling new lingerie looks during the fashion show's big premiere on Amazon Prime Video for its release on the streaming site the following morning. Irina looked stunning while Emily was oozing confidence in a purple two-piece and Behati was turning up the heat in chainmail. On the town: Also on Friday the siren was seen in all black as she walked in New York City Solo: The catwalk princess had on a black top and slacks with black sandals and black sunglasses Resting in the crook of Irina arms was a lengthy snakeskin scarf that hung down to the floor. She posed in an incredibly sultry fashion while oozing confidence and sex appeal. The beauty's brunette strands were slicked away from her face and made to look as if they were soaking wet. Her child may have been at school: There was no sign of her daughter Lea De Seine, whom she shares with ex partner Bradley Cooper And the social media savvy star's make-up was flawlessly applied in a striking style. As for accessories, Irina was decked out in chunky gold jewelry from her ears to her wrists. For a touch of added glamour, Shayk wore a tight fitting gold belly chain across her midsection. The purse says it all: The Versace model added a black purse over her shgoulder that had a bold gold chain as a strap She commanded the runway in a pair of strappy suede heels that added height to her already statuesque frame. Her natural beauty was given an editorial spin, with make-up artists swiping sparkly red shadow across her eyes and a generous amount of lip gloss on her pout to catch the light. Jonathan Cheban was seen in a stylish Offspring sweatshirt as he exited Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood on Thursday evening. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star told a DailyMail.com reporter exclusively outside the venue that he is concerned about his good friend Wendy Williams who has taken a break from her talk show as she recovers from COVID-19 while battling Graves disease and a thyroid condition. 'She is not returning my texts, I texted her twice but no response, I pray she is doing OK and is recovering well,' said the close from of Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner. Back in Cali: Jonathan Cheban was seen in a stylish Offspring sweatshirt as he exited Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood on Thursday evening The reality TV star, who also goes by FoodGod, has become close with the talk show host in recent years as he has become a regular on her show. While on the daytime series, the New Jersey native has done segments on exotic food and also dished on the split between his friend Kim and her estranged rapper husband Kanye West this year. Cheban also said, 'She's unplugged right now. I'm sure she's getting herself strong for a big return.' Jonathan also said he was a big fan of the outspoken TV personality. 'I love Wendy, she's the best!' began the Kourtney & Kim Take Miami star. He said she is shut down: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star told a DailyMail.com reporter outside the venue that he is concerned about his good friend Wendy Williams who has taken a break from her talk show as she recovers from COVID-19 while battling Graves disease and a thyroid condition He worries about her: 'She is not returning my texts, I texted her twice but no response, I pray she is doing OK and is recovering well,' said the close from of Kim Kardashian 'I adore Wendy, no one makes me laugh every single morning like her, even when she's talking sh*t!' Wendy has been known to slam both the Kardashians and the Jenners. Cheban also told DailyMail.com: 'Speedy recovery for her and I will try to see her when I get back to New York.' On Tuesday it was reported that Williams' talk show will return without her next week. Still on a break: On Tuesday it was reported that Williams' talk show will return without her next week The 57-year-old presenter contracted coronavirus last month and has experienced 'serious complications' because of her other medical issues, including autoimmune condition Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism. The Wendy Williams Show is to be fronted by a series of guest hosts for the foreseeable future. On Thursday Second Act actress Leah Remini was named as one of the guest hosts. A post on the show's social media accounts stated: 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. '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. She has been ill: The 57-year-old presenter contracted coronavirus last month and has experienced 'serious complications' because of her other medical issues, including autoimmune condition Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism New faces in the pink chair: The Wendy Williams Show is to be fronted by a series of guest hosts for the foreseeable future 'It has been determined that more time is needed before she is able to return to her live hosting duties. Wendy is a valued and stalwart member of the Debmar-Mercury family and has been so for 12 years.' Producers want the star to prioritize her health but will welcome her back to the show once she is 'ready' to return. The statement added: '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.' Filling in: On Thursday Second Act actress Leah Remini was named as one of the guest hosts The 'Wendy Williams Show' was supposed to return to screens on September 20 for its 13th season but was delayed until October 4 due to the host's medical issues, and it was later confirmed the return had been pushed back again until 18 October. A statement earlier this month announced: 'Wendy will not be returning with new shows on October 4. '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 October 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.' Heather Locklear is making an impressive comeback in Hollywood with her first movie in years, Don't Sweat The Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story. The blonde bombshell, 60, chatted up the new Lifetime movie on Friday when appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show. The icon also looked back at her career, sharing a shocking detail about her role on TJ Hooker with William Shatner. The series aired from 1982 until 1986. She's back! Heather Locklear chatted up the new Lifetime movie on Friday when appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show Shocker: The icon also looked back at her career, sharing a shocking detail about her role on TJ Hooker with William Shatner and Adrian Zmed. The series aired from 1982 until 1986 Heather said that after she put on her police uniform to play Officer Stacy Sheridan, she was told she needed to be curvier. 'When I first got on the show I had to wear the police uniform and they asked me to wear a a padded bra and I said OK,' said the siren as Drew looked surprised. Locklear was only 21-years-old at the time the show kicked off. She then said afterwards she walked into her trailer to find a pair of underwear with a butt pad in it. That caused her to rebel against the TV producers. 'I was like I am not wearing the butt pads and bra,' she said as she added she felt empowered standing up for herself. They wanted her to be more: 'When I first got on the show I had to wear the police uniform and they asked me to wear a a padded bra and I said OK,' said the siren as Drew looked surprised . Locklear was only 21-years-old at the time the show kicked off No thanks: She then said afterwards she walked into her trailer to find a pair of underwear with a butt pad in it. That caused her to rebel against the TV producers. 'I was like I am not wearing the butt pads and bra,' she said as she added she felt empowered standing up for herself Drew then shared an older photo of Locklear with a silver tank top and jeans. 'You are so stunning!' said Drew as Heather added she still has that top. And the makeup was so 80s' said Heather. Drew did a Flashback Friday with Heather and said she would have loved to have been a fly on the wall of some of Locklear's hits. Drew said that every Wednesday night she had Melrose Place viewing parties. Drew is a fan: Drew did a Flashback Friday with Heather and said she would have loved to have been a fly on the wall of some of Locklear's hits. Drew said that every Wednesday night she had Melrose Place viewing parties Going back in time: 'First of all I had those parties because I wasnt on for the first 18 episodes,' shared Heather. 'So I was like, "Look at this great show," and people would go, "You should be on it"' 'First of all I had those parties because I wasnt on for the first 18 episodes,' shared Heather. 'So I was like, "Look at this great show," and people would go, "You should be on it." 'And I was like, "I am too old to be on it," and everyone was in their 20s and I was almost 30.' She added it was fun to fool around with some many handsome actors. 'I thought that kind of the coolest part was I was married [to Richie Sambora] and I got to bed hop with all these handsome actors and make out, and I was like, "What a great job I have." She thought she was too old to be on the show! 'And I was like, "I am too old to be on it," and everyone was in their 20s and I was almost 30' 'You know you cant do it with other people if you are married but if its your work.' Drew interjected: 'I know its the strangest relationship conversation. Some people are cool with it and some people are really not cool with it. Its a very surreal thing.' Heather then said, 'It is, you know Grant Show was dating someone on the show for a while and I think he wanted to honor her and we had a bed scene and he had no shirt on, and I dont know what I had on, and under the covers he had full on jeans and work boots. I thought it was really sweet of him to make the girl feel good.' Her man: Drew shared yearbook photos of Heather and her boyfriend when they were high school sweethearts. 'He is cuter than me,' she began Barrymore also talked about Heather's appearance on Dynasty. Heather said she was impressed with the mansion and the floral bouquets, and how great the set looked. Drew shared yearbook photos of Heather and her boyfriend when they were high school sweethearts. 'He is cuter than me,' she began. 'Forty years later we reconnected,' she said after pointing to her beau in the audience. Barrymore also joked that Heather and her boyfriend had the same hairstyles. Heather was 21 when she played Drew's mother in Firestarter. Heather said Drew was 'charming' as a child. Broadway's dark comedy The Minutes is getting a new leading man as Noah Reid is set to step in for Armie Hammer. Deadline reports that the 34-year-old Schitt's Creek actor will be taking over for Hammer after the 35-year-old Call Me By Your Name star dropped out in April in the wake of rape accusations. Hammer briefly appeared in the minute when it entered previews in February 2020, though the production was halted the following month before its premiere due to the start of the coronavirus pandemic. New face: Schitt's Creek star Noah Reid, 34, will replace Armie Hammer in the Broadway production of Tracy Letts' dark comedy The Minutes, Deadline reported on Friday; seen in January 2020 in LA Reid will be filling in for the lead role of Mr. Peel, a novice city council member who returns to a council meeting after a week away. The Minutes becomes increasingly dark and surrealistic as Peel begins to question why one councilman is mysteriously absent, while the other elected members of the group refuse to let him see the minutes from the previous week's minutes. The comedy, which premiered in 2017 at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre, received critical acclaim and was a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize. Reid will be joining the rest of the Broadway cast minus Hammer, including the show's writer Tracy Letts, as well as Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton and Jeff Still. Departed: Hammer, 35, dropped out of the play, which was put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic, in April following a string of sexual abuse allegations; seen in November 2020 in Santa Monica The play, written by and featuring Tracy Letts (pictured in 2019), is about a new city council member (Reid) who finds mysterious changes have been made on the council while he was out of town for a week, and no one will let him see that meeting's minutes Letts is acting in his own play as Mayor Superba, a dark figure who controls the direction of the secretive city council. The role was originated in the Chicago production by CSI star William Petersen. Reid will be part of the cast when The Minutes resumes preview performances on March 19, 2022, with its official premiere on April 7. The show originally began performances at the Cort Theatre on Broadway, but it moved to Broadway's Studio 54 after the Cort began renovations during the pandemic. The stage comedy marks Reid's Broadway debut, though he has already established himself as a formidable presence on Toronto stages with roles in Annie Baker's The Aliens and August Strindberg's The Creditors. He also played the title role in a production of Hamlet at Toronto's Tarragon Theatre. Hit show: Reid is best known for playing Patrick Brewer, the business parter and lover of Schitt's Creek co-creator and star Dan Levy. He was a recurring character in season three and moved up to the main cast in season four The Canadian actor is best known for his tenure on the hit Canadian comedy Schitt's Creek, which he first appeared on as recurring character Patrick Brewer in season three, before graduation to the main cast the following season. Patrick was both the business partner and lover of David Rose (series co-creator Dan Levy). The CBC comedy ended its seven-season run in April of 2020. Reid got his start as a child actor voice the title turtle in the animated series Franklin. His next major project will be the Amazon Prime mystery series Outer Range, which also stars Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor and Imogen Poots. Dark: Hammer stepped down from The Minutes in April after leaked DMs allegedly sent by him showed discussions of cannibalism and rape fantasies; seen in 2019 in Santa Monica In April, Hammer announced he wouldn't be returning to The Minutes after he was hit with sexual assault allegations. 'I have loved every single second of working on The Minutes with the family I made from Steppenwolf,' he said in a statement. 'But right now I need to focus on myself and my health for the sake of my family. Consequently, I will not be returning to Broadway with the production.' Hammer's troubles began in January of this year, when multiple ex-girlfriends accused him of abuse. Leaked text messages that were allegedly from the Lone Ranger star appeared to show him discussing dark sexual fantasies involving cannibalism and rape. The messages, which were never confirmed to be from Hammer, were originally published by the Instagram account House of Effie. Serious claims: One ex has accused Hammer of branding and emotionally abusing her, while another came forward in March to claim he violently raped her; seen in 2017 in Toronto Following the publicity from the disturbing message leaks, Hammer's former partners Paige Lorenze and Courtney Vucekovich accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive while they were together. Lorenze told Page Six that the actor had carved the letter 'A' into her pelvis to brand her. She also accused him of being emotionally manipulative and said he repeatedly spoke of 'consuming her.' In March, the woman who originally posted the messages to Instagram came forward to accuse Hammer of raping her and physically abusing her during their relationship from 2016 to 2020. Vicki Gunvalson has accused her ex-fiance Steve Lodge of betraying her. On Friday the 59-year-old former Real Housewife of Orange County star claimed her 'disgusting' ex had done her wrong as she accused him of cheating with a younger woman. 'No Christian man would do what he's done,' she said in excerpt. Vicki's split with Steve was reported in late September, but in statements given by Lodge he calls the accusations 'absolute lies' and dates the ending of their relationship back to 2020. Drama: The former Real Housewife of Orange County slammed her ex-fiance for cheating and claimed that he used her and lied to her in an effort to gain support for a failed gubernatorial run, but he denied such accusations as 'absolute lies' in a statement; pictured November 2019 Vicki's BFF and former castmate Tamra Judge had posted an Instagram Friday where she spoke about Vicki's heartbreak which was then used as a sounding board to air the details of her relationship. 'Get out of bed and let's go whoop it up. I hate to see you so sad no one is worth it girl. Especially after what you allegedly found out last night! You are beautiful, you are strong, you are smart! Don't let anyone tell you any different (I will be screening all guys that want to date Ms. Gunvalson in the future).' Vicki first commented: 'Thanks Tamra. Yes, I'm passing the baton on to you. My picker is obviously off' before she engaged with followers who asked her to 'spill the tea.' From there Gunvalson continued to go off on Lodge. When one follower asked if he was cheating she replied with a simple 'Yep.' Time to move on: Vicki's BFF and former castmate Tamra Judge had posted an Instagram Friday where she spoke about Vicki's heartbreak which was then used as a sounding board to air the details of her defunct relationship Different story: After their split was reported in September Vicki had claimed 'There is no fault with either person, we are just going in different directions. I wish him the best life has to offer and to be happy, and he has wished the same for me'; pictured 2017 Another follower asked for some specifics while writing that Lodge 'seemed so wholesome and good for her,' prompting her to drop bombshell accusations. 'He used me, he lied to me, he's been dating a 36-year-old and is not what he portrays. himself to be. No Christian man would do what he's done,' she wrote while Tamra added: 'while sleeping in your bed running for governor, using your followers.' Lodge, 63, was a gubernatorial hopeful who ran against Gavin Newsom in the California recall election, and though she had publicly supported him Vicki has now accused him of using her platform to gain supporters. Providing more details about his affair Vicki wrote: 'While I was out of town working on a biz trip he took her to my condo in Mexico! He's been flaunting around my town in OC making out in public places it's disgusting.' Cheating: In the comments Vicki claimed Lodge had been cheating on her with a younger woman and has continued to 'flaunt' his affair around town She continued to say that he 'moved out of my condo a few weeks ago and is renting a 1bedroom in the next tower over from me. Same pool, same complex.' Prior to her Instagram rant during which she asked people to 'unfollow Steve' she had said of the split: 'There is no fault with either person, we are just going in different directions. I wish him the best life has to offer and to be happy, and he has wished the same for me.' In numerous statements given to both TooFab and Page Six, Lodge tells an entirely different story and even dates the split back to December 2020. 'Vicki and I ended our engagement and relationship in December of 2020. I did this in person verbally and explained it to her in writing. We had not been in an intimate relationship since September of 2020. I have been living in Puerto Vallarta in my own condo, not hers since the beginning of 2021,' he told TooFab. 'We remained friends, but it was clear to me Vicki was still waiting more, which I told her was not possible. 'I wanted to move on with my life and I could not do that with Vicki. I'm sorry that Vicki can not except this, but it was time.' Supportive: Over the summer she had publicly supported his bid for Governor but has since claimed that he used her platform as a means to get voters, though he dates their split back to December 2020 He continued to say: 'The absolute lies she is now spreading on social media is very disappointing and disingenuous, to say the least. But I can not say I'm surprised. She should not be dragging Tamra or anyone else into her lies. With that being said, I still wish her all the best.' The pair got engaged in April 2019 after dating for three years following her split from Brooks Ayers a man who forged medical records claiming he had cancer (which he maintained). Despite his timeline, according to an Us Weekly insider, Lodge had broken up with Vicki while cameras were rolling on the Peacock spinoff Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip. 'Steve broke up with Vicki while she was filming the spinoff show in the Berkshires. After he told her this, she was traumatized. It ruined her.' Conor McGregor was every inch the family man as he arrived for his newborn son Rian's christening at the Vatican in Rome on Friday. The MMA fighter, 33, beamed as he stepped out hand in hand with his daughter Croia, 2, and four-year-old son Conor Jr for the special day. He was followed closely by his long-term partner Dee Devlin, 34, who wowed in an orange floral dress. Cute: Conor McGregor was every inch the family man as he arrived for his newborn son Rian's christening at the Vatican in Rome on Friday with his daughter Croia, 2, and four-year-old son Conor Jr Conor looked dapper as he donned a open-collared white shirt, a black waistcoat and blazer for the special occasion. The UFC star completed the look with a pair of black trousers and a matching pocketsquare as he sported his signature side-slicked hair and bushy beared. Meanwhile, Dee looked chic in a short-sleeved orange, pink and yellow floral midi dress, which she accessorised with black stilettos and a fuchsia cross-body bag. She wore her highlighted chestnut locks in a sideswept parting and appeared focused on her children as she stepped out of the car. Chic: He was followed closely by his long-term partner Dee Devlin, 34, who wowed in an orange floral dress Sweet: Conor was a doting dad as he cuddled up to his daughter Croia in Italy Smart: Conor looked dapper as he donned a open-collared white shirt, a black waistcoat and blazer for the special occasion The couple plan to get married soon. They met at a night club in Ireland when Conor was just 19 years old. Conor and Dee welcomed baby Rian in May and the fighter proved he was loving life as a dad of three as he pushed his son's pram through the Italian streets. Family man: Conor and Dee have three children together - Conor Jr, four, daughter Croia, two, and Rian, four months - and plan to get married soon Cute: Conor and Dee welcomed baby Rian in May and the fighter proved he was loving life as a dad of three as he pushed his son's pram through the Italian streets Conor showed his softer side as he doted on his children in Rome and took the lead with Rian's stroller. The MMA star navigated Italy's cobbled streets as he carefully placed his son's pram on the pavement. He sweetly held hands with Croia and Conor Jr as the toddlers peered curiously at their new surroundings. Croia looked adorable in a brightly patterned dress and a pink cardigan while Conor Jr sported a bright yellow Dolce & Gabbana rugby shirt. Outside the ring: Conor showed his softer side as he doted on his children in Rome and took the lead with Rian's stroller Hands on dad: The MMA star navigated Italy's cobbled streets as he carefully placed his son's pram on the pavement. Family fashion: Croia looked adorable in a brightly patterned dress and a pink cardigan while Conor Jr sported a bright yellow Dolce & Gabbana rugby shirt Conor's mother Margaret put on a glamorous display in a plunging black and gold maxi dress as she made her way to the church service. She wore her short peroxide locks in a sleek blonde style and accentuated her features with a slick of lipstick. Margaret wowed as she stepped out in the elegant dress for her grandson's christening. Gorgeous: Conor's mother Margaret put on a glamorous display in a plunging black and gold maxi dress as she made her way to the church service Beautiful: She wore her short peroxide locks in a sleek blonde style and accentuated her features with a slick of lipstick Youthful: Margaret wowed as she stepped out in the elegant dress for her grandson's christening Swarms of fans gathered in the street to get a glimpse of the star as he left the luxury Hotel De La Vilee. The fighter had booked out the entire terrace of the glitzy hotel for dinner and an aperitif before the special church service. Conor's fans waved their phones and large pictures of the fighter in the air to catch his attention as he climbed into a waiting car. Popular: Swarms of fans gathered in the street to get a glimpse of the star as he left the luxury Hotel De La Vilee The outing comes after Conor was flanked by his burly security guards as he went for a stroll in Rome on Thursday. The MMA fighter was mobbed by fans during the outing as dozens of passersby were seen taking snaps of the star. Earlier in the day he was seen out with his four bodyguards yet again, one of whom carried his Aperol Spritz for him. Safety first: The outing comes after Conor was flanked by his burly security guards as he went for a stroll in Rome on Thursday Hectic: The MMA fighter was mobbed by fans during the outing as dozens of passersby were seen taking snaps of the star The other day, I was asked, Would you ever fancy playing Donald Trump? No, I said. Its such a bad script. Thats the problem with Trump theres no dimension to him, no depth, nothing to be investigated. It wouldnt be rewarding to play. Logan Roy, the patriarch and mogul at the centre of a vast media empire in Succession, is far more interesting and not just because hes a darker character. Hes got other, more surprising elements. He does villainous things but I believe hes not really a villain. How do you define and create that character? You need to make the audience lean forward. Get them asking questions: What is his or her secret? Who is he really? A character like Logan is a gift in this respect, because Logan is complex. Hes not Rupert Murdoch, Robert Maxwell, Conrad Black or any other individual. Hes Logan Roy, his own entity. Viewers love his foul-mouthed intensity. Ever since I starred as Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter the first time Thomas Harriss character was portrayed on screen, before The Silence Of The Lambs Ive become accustomed to people approaching me and asking for Hannibal quotes. I usually try to wriggle out of it on the basis that Im not a performing monkey. These days, fans ask me to record answerphone messages as Logan Roy, more often than not telling the caller to f*** off. Big boss: Brian Cox (centre) is the star of hit drama Succession. He said the programme 'has people obsessed because it is a satire about families' Cox was just eight when his father died. 'He left us without a penny to our names any money hed had was lost in bad investments' From bikini waxes to waxing lyrical... Theatre is an uneven career. You can be suddenly jobless, but youve still got to pay the bills. I went through a patch like that in the early 1980s, when I had no work, a road accident and a failing marriage, all at the same time. All of which led to me taking a job at Holmes Place, a health club, which in those days was where youd go if you wanted to get toned up and waxed. And thats where I wound up for a short time, wondering what had gone wrong. It was my first-ever proper job, unless you consider acting a proper job, which, lets face it, nobody does. It was the first time I realised that there were far more actors out of work than there were in work. I had been lucky up till then. Never really unemployed. Yet here, at 37, I was suddenly out of acting work and booking bikini waxes instead. One of our customers was a strange Swedish woman who kept saying to me: Have you ever been to one of my parties? No, I dont think so, Maam. What do you want? A full wax or half a wax? Perhaps I might have stayed on reception at Holmes Place, were it not for Patrick McGoohan. He pulled out of doing Moby Dick at the Royal Exchange in Manchester. I strapped on my wooden leg and Ive never booked anyone in for a bikini wax since. Advertisement Succession has people obsessed because it is a satire about families. About dynasties. Its about entitlement. Its about Logan trying to teach his spoiled, entitled children the value of hard work. Teaching them the hard way. Teaching them in a way that is not always hardly ever moral or ethical, but teaching them nonetheless, because he wants the best for them, and because they are, at the end of the day, however spoiled and entitled they might be and whatever individual flaws they possess, his children. Which of his four kids does he prefer? Is it Shiv, Sarah Snooks character, who might be his equal? Is it Jeremy Strongs Kendall, a monster of Logans making? Is it Roman, played by Kieran Culkin, the dark horse? Its probably not Connor (Alan Ruck), if Im honest. Logan knows that Kendall is a mess, just as he knows that Connor is a space cadet and that Shiv cant keep her mouth shut. Roman is the most interesting one, of course. Hes still forming and developing as a character, and Logan can see that theres actually something thats quite considerable in his youngest child. He wants to instil a sense of self-worth in his children. Hes saying: I want my kids to be themselves, instead of these bottle-fed individuals. Its an interesting dilemma of our times, the whole thing of entitlement and how that destroys people. Logans never had that. Theres never a sense of entitlement to him because hes earned everything he has and he sees the tragedy of his children not having that foundation in their own lives. In discussing the character with the shows creator Jesse Armstrong before Id even signed on, I had one question. Does he love his kids? Yes, Jesse told me. And that was it. Thats all you really need to know about Logan. Whatever terrible things he does, however awful he is, it comes from this bedrock of wanting the best for his children. It may be twisted and wrong and immoral and all the other things you can say about Logan, but at least it comes from that place. I just love playing him. I love the fact that I can play him as reined-in and bottled-up. Sometimes it can be almost distressingly easy to put on my Logan Roy skin, but I understand why, because as well as being about wealth and entitlement, Succession is about displacement. Its about how Logan is classically displaced, taken from his childhood home when he was very young. And you know what? I know somebody else who feels displaced, who left Scotland at a young age. Somebody else who feels a certain disgust with the rest of the human race, who feels that humanity is a failed experiment. My world fell in when I was eight years old. It was a Friday afternoon and I arrived home from school to find Mrs Robbie, who always wore Edwardian black and suffered from goitre, standing on the landing outside the door to our flat, in the working class district of Wellgate in Dundee. Mrs Robbie lived next door, so her being in our house was the first thing to strike me as odd. Oh, Brian, she was saying, with one hand at her swollen throat. Brian, Brian. Poor Brian. Im so, so sorry, Brian. Sorry for what? I wondered, as I walked into our flat, which was even busier than usual, bustling with sad-faced folk who all seemed to be hovering around a table laden with food. Among them was my mother, sitting in an armchair. Your Das gone, Brian. He passed away this afternoon at two oclock. I knew hed been ill, of course, because he was always hunting out the Andrews Liver Salts for what he said was indigestion. But I didnt know hed been that ill not ill enough to die one Friday afternoon while I was struggling with arithmetic at school. I later discovered that hed only been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three weeks previously. It was my Da who first put me on the stage or at least the lid of the coal bunker. At Hogmanay, while my older sister May was primed to sing her heart out all evening, Id be sent to bed early. Usually I slept in the living room with my brother Charlie, but that room was the scene for the festivities, so Id be packed off to my parents bedroom. But one Hogmanay when I was about six, I was woken at 1am by my Da, who carried me into the chamber of drunken revellers, a room filled with intoxicated joy and happiness. The bunker was situated in the window recess, behind heavy curtains. I dont remember whether this was planned, but he placed me behind the curtains and, when they were pulled back, I launched into a medley of Al Jolson songs... complete with the physical actions, going down on one knee and throwing my arms wide. The electric effect this had on the room stayed with me forever. It was the attention, the acceptance, the sense of purpose and of course, there was an element of showing off. My Da ran the grocers shop in Charles Street. Everything on sale was fresh. These days youd walk into a shop like that and think youd chanced upon a quaint little delicatessen, but back then it was because we had no refrigeration. Da could operate the ham machine with the same dexterity that he used to prepare butter pats with two wooden paddles or cut cheese with wire or look at a stream of figures and add them up very quickly (a skill that was denied to me, sadly). My Das secret shopkeeper skills just made him even greater in my eyes. My king and my hero. My mother became terribly frail after he died. He left us without a penny to our names any money hed had was lost in bad investments. Ma became so fragile that she was unable to work and there was the odd occasion when wed be waiting for her widows pension to arrive on Friday with the cupboards bare on Thursday night. Thats when Id have to go across to the chip shop and beg batter bits from the back of the chip pan off them. Deep she went. Deep into a hole of ill-health and mental fragility. Over the years, and at various times, I would see her in the black depths of despair, watching helplessly as she lost her fervent Catholic faith. Watching as she became hostage to her own mental health. On one occasion, I returned home to find her with her head in the oven. Im just cleaning the oven, Brian, she told me hurriedly. And it is a hell of a duty. And it took a good few years for the penny to drop. How it formed a pattern. That suicide attempt. The breakdowns she had. The electroshock therapy and hospitalisations. Me, picking up the pieces of my Ma. I spent the rest of my childhood in a peripatetic existence. Around the age of ten, I lived for a while with my sister Bette, her husband and two sons in their two-bedroom flat when Ma was in hospital. We shared an outside toilet with three other families. It made me the person I am today. Self-sufficient and self-reliant. Toughened-up and nomadic. I suppose youd have to say that it was a good foundation for life as an actor. Losing the plot: Brian Cox plays the fictional media mogul Logan Roy on Succession But having lived through every grisly moment of it, its not the training Id recommend. It has certainly given me the confidence to deal with directors. Whether theyre working on TV, stage or film, I consider most of them as pests. They love to give actors instructions, or notes, and most of the time I will bear these notes politely, with a smile, before being equally as polite as I go about doing what I intended to do in the first place. Even now the cast of Succession as embedded and veteran a unit as you could find are still getting notes from newcomer directors. Kieran Culkin the other day was asked to slow down. Now, this is an actor whos calibrated the patterns of his characters delivery over the course of two previous seasons. Unless the writing calls for it, he wont be changing it anytime soon. Hes not going to suddenly slow down just because youve given him a note. But Ill put up with anything as long as the result is good. I dont always agree with Jeremy Strong, regarding the way he prepares for playing Kendall or the way he does things, but his process is his business. Its nothing to do with me. As long as it never gets in the way when we actually play the scene then thats fine, and, as it happens, its always great. But the writing, the scripts, are at the very heart of it. Succession is a writers show. If I wanted to change a word, just a single word of Logans dialogue, I know that Id have a fight on my hands. For example, in one episode I wanted to change the word nancy to the word faggot, because to me, Logan is more likely to use the latter than the former. I won that one, but even the fact that we had the argument is symptomatic of the writers ascendance in TV. I sometimes feel that Succession focuses too much on the comedy at the expense of what is, essentially, a brilliant drama. But, then again, when it comes to wrangling about lines, it helps that the writers mainly come from a comedy background. They have that tradition of flexibility, being quick on their feet. Of course, that does mean we get a lot of alternative lines. 'Succession focuses too much on the comedy at the expense of what is, essentially, a brilliant drama. But, then again, when it comes to wrangling about lines, it helps that the writers mainly come from a comedy background' Kieran, who had never improvised in his life, turns out to be the master of the alt lines and theyll give him loads. Well do a scene and hes got five or six alt lines. We do takes of all five or six and eventually theyll pick one in the edit. I hope that after the third season that starts on Monday there will be another one, and hopefully a fourth. Thatll probably be it, but it will have been a great run. The funny thing was that before I had my initial talks with the shows creators, it was sold to me as a one-shot deal, that Logan would die at the end of the first season. Sure, I thought. Thats the story of my career. One-season parts. Every actor likes to get that long-standing, recurring gig, and not just for the money and the security, but also because its a wonderful thing to follow that particular narrative from its very beginning to its very end. Still, I was OK with bowing out after the first year. But later on, we were having yet another conversation, just going through ideas, with me talking stuff off the top of my head, as you do, when I said to them, So its just a one-season part, right? From the other end of the line came an almighty pause, so long that I thought wed lost the connection. Maybe not, Brian. Turned out they were as keen on Logan as I was. Hes the man in control. And, like me, as long as he has breath in his body, he does not intend to quit. Succession, a Sky exclusive, is available on Sky and NOW on Mondays at 9pm and on demand. Cat Deeley put on a glamorous display as she stepped out for the launch of Liberty Ross' book Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace at Dover Street Market on Friday. The presenter, 44, looked effortlessly chic in a metallic maxi skirt and a black biker jacket as she arrived at the book signing during London's Frieze Art Fair. Meanwhile, Liberty went full glam for the celebration of her new book, which chronicles a Los Angeles roller disco set up by her grandfather Ian in the 80s. Stunning: Cat Deeley put on a glamorous display as she stepped out for the launch of Liberty Ross' (L) book Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace at Dover Street Market on Friday. Cat looked stunning as she posed for cameras with her hand in the pocket of her eye-catching skirt. She nailed smart-casual dressing as she tucked a simple black T-shirt into the maxi that featured an embellished sequin pattern of blue, green and blue palm trees. The TV personality completed her look with a simple black shoulder bag and kept accessorising to a minimum as she let the outfit speak for itself. Cat accentuated her natural beauty with a slick of bronzer and touch of mascara as she stepped out for the star-studded event. Gorgeous: The presenter looked effortlessly chic in a black biker jacket as she arrived at the signing during Frieze London with her caramel tresses in a sleek straight style Meanwhile, Liberty pulled out all the stops for her celebratory night as she wowed in a tasseled sequin dress. The model, 43, put on a leggy display in towering black stilettos as she twirled in the glittering ensemble. Liberty was joined at the event by Chic musician Nile Rogers, 69, who looked stylish in his signature beret hat. Host: Meanwhile, Liberty pulled out all the stops for her celebratory night as she wowed in a tasseled sequin dress Wow: The model put on a leggy display in towering black stilettos as she twirled in the glittering ensemble Legend: Liberty was joined at the event by Chic musician Nile Rogers, 69, who looked stylish in his signature beret hat Liberty looked stunning in a smokey eye makeup look as she beamed next to the music legend. Nile was a regular at Liberty's father's roller disco club, which was open in LA from 1979 to 1981. And the Le Freak hitmaker was not the only star to frequent Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace in the 80s as Prince, Cher, Robin Williams and Patrick Swayze were all known to attend. Beautiful: Liberty looked stunning in a smokey eye makeup look as she beamed next to the music legend Long-term friends: Nile was a regular at Liberty's father's roller disco club, which was open in LA from 1979 to 1981 Back in the day: The Le Freak hitmaker was not the only star to frequent Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace in the 80s as Prince, Cher, Robin Williams and Patrick Swayze were all known to attend. Also in attendance at the book launch was Dave Stewart who showcased his edgy sense of style in a tan jacket and matching trousers. The keyboardist and composer sported an eyecatching fedora and posed so his hands, which were tattooed with the words 'star dust' were on full display. Nile looked upbeat as he put his arm around Annie Lennox's ex-boyfriend at the event, while Dave tilted his chin and pouted for the camera. Musicians: Also in attendance at the book launch was Dave Stewart who showcased his edgy sense of style in a tan jacket and matching trousers Stylish: The keyboardist and composer sported an eyecatching fedora and posed so his hands, which were tattooed with the words 'star dust' were on full display Laura Bailey looked elegant as she arrived in a sheer black dress that was cinched with a twist detail at her waist. The model, 49 wore her long blonde tresses in a touselled straight style and accentuated her eyes with layers of black kohl liner. She completed her ensemble with a pair of towering gold heels and added some glitz with several glittering rings. And Charlotte Tilbury wore her signature red locks in loose waves and sported a plunging button-front white gown which she wore over black lace lingerie. Chic: Laura Bailey looked elegant as she arrived in a sheer black dress that was cinched with a twist detail at her waist Flawless: The model wore her long blonde tresses in a touselled straight style and completed her ensemble with a pair of towering gold heels Advertisement Strictly's first deaf contestant has brought fans to tears with her exquisite dancing. And now Rose Ayling-Ellis has revealed that the secret to her success with dance partner Giovanni Pernice is partly down to his Italian mannerisms. The 26-year-old EastEnders actress, who is profoundly deaf, said his expressive and direct approach makes it easy to communicate directly with him, rather than through an interpreter. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Miss Ayling-Ellis said: The reason why I wanted [Giovanni] is because, in the deaf culture we all know that Italians are the most expressive people... they are very open and very direct. Rose Ayling-Ellis, 26, has stunned viewers with her brilliant performances on Strictly Come Dancing this year The young EastEnders actress is the first deaf contestant and has brought fans to tears with her exquisite dancing Thats what I wanted and I think it works really well because people in deaf culture are very blunt, so he tells me directly what it is rather than waffle, or try and talk politely around things. He says, This is wrong, do it better and then its easier for me to do it correctly because its clearer for me to understand him. She added: You know some people are, Oh a deaf person, Ill have to be very careful and delicate around them [as] they are so vulnerable, but hes not like that, hes strict. Pernice, who joined Strictly in 2015, said he doesnt give Miss Ayling-Ellis special treatment. He said: Its just a normal person who cant hear, not different to anybody else or any other person. Im here to teach her to dance, [Rose is] here to learn how to dance and thats the point of the show, it doesnt matter if youre deaf, if youre blind or anything like that. Pernice, 31, said he had never met a deaf person before Miss Ayling-Ellis but said she was the partner I wanted from the beginning Rose Ayling-Ellis, Giovanni Pernice during BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing 2021. The 26-year-old EastEnders actress, who is profoundly deaf, said her dance partner's expressive and direct approach makes it easy to communicate directly with him, rather than through an interpreter The pair have gone from strength to strength each week, finishing third last week with 36 points for their Titanic-inspired foxtrot In the second episode of the show Miss Ayling-Ellis and Pernice opted for some tropical outfits to wow the judges The duo arrived separately at the Strictly It Takes Two studio earlier this week. Pernice, who joined Strictly in 2015, said he doesnt give Miss Ayling-Ellis special treatment. He said: Its just a normal person who cant hear, not different to anybody else or any other person Pernice, 31, said he had never met a deaf person before Miss Ayling-Ellis but said she was the partner I wanted from the beginning. He said: Having a deaf person on the show is history-making. Its a challenge, Im not gonna lie, a different, difficult thing to do, but because Ive been on the show for so long I wanted a challenge. I want something different. Obviously I didnt choose to be partnered with her but I went to production and said I would love to do it, and then they gave me the opportunity to do it. The pair have gone from strength to strength each week, finishing third last week with 36 points for their Titanic-inspired foxtrot. The actress previously said she can pick up the beat and some of the music with the help of a hearing aid. She also said she can feel the vibrations, which resonate through the Strictly dance floor, and stays in time by counting and watching her partner. During training sessions, Pernice said he squeezes her hand to remind her to get into the correct positions but they decided not to do this during live shows because they didnt want viewers to see. And to ensure that he can communicate well with his partner, Pernice has learnt a lot of British Sign Language words including again, horrible, judges and costumes. He likened learning sign language to learning English when he moved to the UK. When I came to this country I didnt speak English, and I knew this was going to be a big thing, I have to learn English. [It was] the same thing with Rose... when you need something, you learn it, its normal. Miss Ayling-Ellis, who last year became the first deaf actress to play a deaf character in EastEnders, said she hopes being on Strictly will spread more awareness and emphasise the importance of representation on TV. She said she has received so many messages from young children who say watching her on the dance floor shows us we can do what we want. Miss Ayling-Ellis and Pernice will perform the cha cha cha tomorrow night when Strictly returns to BBC1 at 7.10pm. Advertisement Just a stones-throw over the Mexican border from southern California sits Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit - convenient escape destinations for the Los Angeles elite. Offering up supreme tropical vistas and five-star resorts, the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kellan Lutz, Halle Berry and Jason Derulo have been known to hop across to Mexico's Pacific-side - choosing this over the wilder east coast. Kim's favourite spot can be found at the incredible W Hotel, Punta de Mita. Not too far far away: A stones-throw over the Mexican border from southern California sits Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit - convenient escape destinations for the Los Angeles elite This place screams hip, trendy, and modernist; a perfect, cut-off branch of the exclusive W family. It's colourful, bold, and full of life, boasting uniquely-decorated rooms with silver bedheads and bright, contemporary bathrooms, often leading out to private terraces and pools, with either ocean or jungle views. The beach is something else. Approached by a mosaic, sparkling blue walkway, you'll storm across the crystalline pool and towards the horizon. Dotted along the pool's WET deck are private sun beds, with a beach bar just feet away, offering cabanas along the pure sands and a ceviche class at the Chevycheria, should you wish to get stuck in with the local culture. Drawing the A-list: Offering up supreme tropical vistas and five-star resorts, the likes of Kim Kardashian [pictured], Kellan Lutz, Halle Berry and Jason Derulo have been known to hop across to Mexico's Pacific-side - choosing this over the wilder east coast Kim's favourite spot: The incredible W Hotel, Punta de Mita screams hip, trendy, and modernist; a perfect, cut-off branch of the exclusive W family Colourful, bold, and full of life: The hotel boasts uniquely-decorated rooms with silver bedheads and bright, contemporary bathrooms The W brings the tropics to the coast for its guests, in the form of the rainforest-like AWAY Spa. Disappearing off to enjoy treatments here - such as hydrotherapy, massages or skin remedies - is surreal. Once away from the already-quiet main hotel, you'll be encompassed in true peacefulness, save for the dripping of the spa waters and the breeze through the swaying lush foliage. While many spas will offer the chance to re-center body and spirit, this one truly does the job. Lush: The rooms often lead out to private terraces and pools, with either ocean or jungle views Something else: The beach is approached by a mosaic, sparkling blue walkway, on which you'll storm across the crystalline pool and towards the horizon Sustenance is just as rewarding at The W: There are six dining venues, including the exclusive Mesa 1 located on a private island Sustenance is just as rewarding at The W: there are six dining venues, including the exclusive Mesa 1 located on a private island. This is an experience to behold. You'll dine in the centre of a spring-fed lake, accessible only via steppingstones that pop from the waters and vanish after guests have taken their seats. You'll feast on a seven-course tasting menu prepared by a private chef (think king crab tartar and lobster cannelloni) sourced from the local surrounds, sat at a Parota tree trunk, under the dancing flames of tiki torches and firepits. Also on site is the Venazu eatery, offering Mexican cuisine, Living Room serving up smaller plates at your bequest, day or night, and pan-Asian Spice Market for a mergence of Eastern delicaies. Mexico's west coast boasts miles of virgin beach, which travels along to Puerto Vallarta, 15 minutes away from Punta de Mita. Bringing the tropics to the coast: Silence: The rainforest-like AWAY Spa is encompassed in true peacefulness, save for the dripping of the spa waters and the breeze through the swaying lush foliage Surf's up! Mexico's west coast boasts miles of virgin beach, which travels along to Puerto Vallarta, 15 minutes away from Punta de Mita Here, you'll find the Marriott resort and spa: The hotel is less tucked away, but removed enough from the buzz of Puerto Vallarta with its vibrant nightlife, array of restaurants, romantic spots and plethora of charisma Here, you'll find the Marriott resort and spa - less tucked away, but removed enough from the buzz of Puerto Vallarta with its vibrant nightlife, array of restaurants, romantic spots and plethora of charisma. Boasting a prime beachfront location, you'll find an infinity pool, a swim-up bar and a series of eateries. The hotel also offers their own Tequila Casamagna. This hotel supports a turtle conservation scheme, and lucky guests visiting at the right times of the year might even get to watch babies being sent into the wilds of the oceans. The Marriot is a prime escape if you're looking to either hide away on site, or venture out to the nearby Malecon Puerto Vallarta and Galeria Vallarta mall, as well as other exciting spots in the area. Riviera Nayarit is dotted with dozens of seaside coastal towns and pueblos boasting lush rugged mountain peaks, nature sanctuaries, golden sand, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious resorts. Prime beachfront location: You'll find an infinity pool, a swim-up bar and a series of eateries. The hotel also offers their own Tequila Casamagna Sayulita - a nearby town - offers galleries, displaying the artistry of local talent, handcraft activities (create your own Gods Eye!), take a surfing class with the Lunazul school or catch a bite at Don Pedros restaurant. Also close by is the Refugio del Mar - a boutique hotel with a Melrose Place vibe to it, for an even more intimate stay - in Bucerias. Other activities include a visit to the Planeta Cacao - where you'll learn all about making chocolate and be able to visit the stunning tropical surrounds - and the gay beach club and adult-only hotel, Manta Mar. This place is buzzing, flocked to by the local LGBTQ community who enjoy watching the breathtaking sunsets from the poolside. Puerto Vallarta also has its famed 'Romantic Zone' - where a great night out is just waiting to be had. Jewel in the crown: La Capella [L] is a rooftop restaurant offering views of the rustic old town, the watery horizon, and the remarkable Guadalupe Church. There is also gay beach club and adult-only hotel, Manta Mar [R] This spot is bursting with LGBTQ-owned bars and proves a memorable night out with its various nightclubs, go-go dancers and cheap drinks - all injected with an authentic Mexican twist. Other eateries in the area include the incredible La Leche - a restaurant doused solely in pure white paint, leaving the diner with a visually cleansed palette in order to experience a heightened taste from the menu. And perhaps the utter jewel in the crown of this region is La Capella. This rooftop restaurant offers views of the rustic old town, the watery horizon, and the remarkable Guadalupe Church. The regal interior opens out onto balconies, with fountains pouring here and there and ferns dripping from the statement architecture. The menu is rich, the wine list is decadent and with candlelight and string music thrown in, you'll be uttering 'eso es amore' before you know it. Squid Gamethe hit South Korean survival drama and now Netflixs biggest-ever series at launchand Dancehall are two things most people wouldnt think to draw parallels between, but Damion Crawford, former Member of Parliament for St. Andrew East Rural, Jamaica, did just that. In a Tweet, which has since caused a stir on social media, Crawford asserted that Dancehalls pre-occupation with violent content over the years is largely due to peoples insatiable appetite for such a formula, Crawford believes, Squid Game has just stumbled onto. Crawfords Tweet: Squid Game just prove ppl like to consume violence and Dancehall artists have known this for a long time, was in response to CNNs report that the series had become Netflixs biggest series at launch, and seemed to revive sociological and philosophical discussions regarding the connection between the appetite for violence, and whether the consumption of violent content ultimately affects collective behavior. Squid games just prove ppl like to consume violence and dancehall artists have known this for a long time https://t.co/wyeOcvytk6 Damion Crawford (@DamionCrawford) October 13, 2021 Proponents of the position shared by Crawford may find that the numbers arent there to support it, especially when it comes to the higher hierarchy of commercial success. In other words, Dancehall artists who are predominantly known for violent content typically dont do as well internationally. Dancehall historians and those old enough to remember will perhaps recall the genres most memorable and, as far as content goes, arguably the most violent feud Gully vs Gaza, headed by Mavado and Vybz Kartel respectively. At its peak, that feud warranted the intervention of the Jamaican government and ultimately cemented both Kartel and Mavado at the top of the Dancehall hierarchy. While it remains inconclusive as to whether or not the feud generated earnings for either artist equivalent to the level of popularity and notoriety they gained, what is conclusive is that, largely as a result of the feud, both artists careers were stymied by it. Vybz Kartel lost his visa and potential for future earnings, and is now, unrelated to the feud, serving a life sentence behind bars, and Mavados local success has not quite translated or scaled in equivalence in the North American music market. Considering Crawfords position, the Gully vs Gaza feud may represent the blueprint necessary to unravel it, with a few exceptions along the way. But science may prove to be his ally. In 2008, a study conducted on mice (whose brains are thought to be similar to humans) and published in the journal Psychopharmacology revealed, compellingly, that humans crave violence. According to study team member, Craig Kennedy, then Professor of Special Education and Paediatrics at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee: Aggression occurs among virtually all vertebrates and is necessary to get and keep important resources such as mates, territory and food. He continued: We have found that the reward pathway in the brain becomes engaged in response to an aggressive event and that dopamine is involved. In other words, indulging in violence or engaging with violent content makes us feel happy, owing to the release of the feel-good hormone, dopamine (which is also addictive). Professor Kennedy, however, admitted that while aggression/violence serves a purpose for other animals, in modern human societies, a propensity toward aggression (violence) is not beneficial and can be a problem. Given that cautionary note, could Crawford be inflating the value of violent content, particularly as it relates to Dancehall music? Or are some Dancehall artists intentionally playing up violent content because it earns them big bucks? Objectively speaking, does it pay to be violent? Squid Game is unreservedly and gruesomely violent, and is widely popular, even though it essentially trivializes and gamifies human suffering. Dancehall music, at least locally, does the same in some way. Consider these lyrics from one of Dancehalls more popular tunes at the moment, Skengs Gvnman Shift: War dem waah tell dem get di tanker Every guns up, every killa mask up Travel pon dem endz bout dozen claat up Dozen man haffi dead a weh yuh feel mi lef some No sah yuh mussi mad, mi killa dem nuh work suh In no uncertain terms, the lyrics describe a violent assault in which at least 12 people are mercilessly killed. While perhaps more lyrical than literal, the violent imagery is inescapable. Even so, the song has been viewed over 5 million times on YouTube, with over 150,000 likes, and continues to surge in popularity as the most-streamed song in Jamaica over the last month. According to Dr. Pamela Rutledge, a media psychologist, in an interview with Bustle, the allure of the show, in addition to its violence, rests in the fact that it contrasts the innocence of childhood games against the knowledge that something sadistic is about to happen, which creates a cognitive dissonance that that amplifies the horror and sense of powerlessness we feel while watching. Is there a similar element to the allure of violent Dancehall music? Are artists vicariously living through their lyrics of murder and destruction knowing they would never actually indulge in such activities? The history of some Dancehall artists and the law may betray that sentiment. Even so, could the indulgence in and appetite for violent Dancehall music be tied to the findings of a 2013 study published in International Communication Association regarding why people overwhelmingly like violent movies? From a sample size of 482 participants, the study found that people loved violent films for essentially two reasons: 1) They offered a sense of purpose and 2) They offered a chance to delve into the human mind. There doesnt appear to be consensus in rationale for the mass consumption of violent Dancehall music, but to Crawfords point, perhaps the genres popularity and success, like Squid Game, has more to do with our fascination with violence, more than it has to do with the medium through which the violence is being delivered. The connection between violent content in media and its effect on human behavior remains a pool of foundationally compromised arguments. What is supported by reliable data, however, is that human beings find utility in violence and may not be as repulsed by curated shows of it. For the former Member of Parliament, that explanation may not necessarily advance the validity of his Tweet any further beyond the point of an interesting debate starter. Daytona Beach, FL (32114) Today Cloudy with occasional showers. High 74F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 69F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%. remaining of SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription and are still unable to access our content, please link your digital account to your print subscription If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The Union Health Ministry had announced in June that the Biological E would supply 30 crore doses of Corbevax to India by December. (ANI) New Delhi: Biological E will submit final data on COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax till November end, informed Government sources on Thursday. The government was expecting submission of phase 3 data of Biological E by October but after facing delay in procurement of raw materials, Hyderabad - based Biological E is expected to apply for emergency use authorisation of Corbevax by November-end. The Corbevax is the third made-in-India vaccine against coronavirus, the other two indigenous vaccines are Covaxin and ZyCoV-D.The government earlier announced about the 30 crore doses of Corbevax by December. Earlier, on September 2, NITI Aayog Member (Health) VK Paul had said that the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company, is expected to launch its vaccine against coronavirus in October this year. Paul had told ANI that Phase 3 of Biological E's trial is underway. "Stockpile is being produced. We should wait for the results. We hope it'll be in the next month or two. They've made a broad commitment that they'll supply a significant amount by year-end." The Union Health Ministry had announced in June that the Biological E would supply 30 crore doses of Corbevax to India by December. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on Wednesday granted the company permission to conduct phase 2/3 clinical trials of the 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine for children of age group 5-18 years on certain conditions, sources told ANI. Further, they said that the trial will be conducted across 10 sites in the county. "The permission has been given to Biological E after the recommendation from the Subject Expert Committee," they added. It is to be noted that the government has made an advance payment of Rs 1,500 crore to Biological E for 30 crore vaccines. The United States won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council that former president Donald Trump denounced and quit, joining 17 other nations elected in uncontested votes Thursday that were criticized for guaranteeing spots to countries with abysmal rights records. The 193-member UN General Assembly elected all 18 candidates proposed by the world organization's five regional groups. Benin was the top vote-getter with 189 votes, followed by the Gambia with 186, while the United States with 168 and Eritrea with 144 were at the bottom of the list. The absence of competition in this year's Human Rights Council vote makes a mockery of the word `election,' said Louis Charbonneau, the UN director for Human Rights Watch. Electing serious rights abusers like Cameroon, Eritrea and the United Arab Emirates sends a terrible signal that UN member states aren't serious about the council's fundamental mission to protect human rights. Also Read | India gets re-elected to UN Human Rights Council for 6th term He said Cameroon's government has suppressed the opposition, crushed dissent and persecuted lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Eritrean troops have committed widespread atrocities in neighbouring Ethiopia's Tigray region and other serious rights violations, and the rights situation in the UAE remains dire" with prominent Emirati human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor imprisoned without a mattress in near-total isolation, he said. The Geneva-based Human Rights Council was created in 2006 to replace a commission discredited because of some members' poor rights records. But the new council soon came to face similar criticism, including that rights abuser sought seats to protect themselves and their allies. Under the Human Rights Council's rules, seats are allocated to regions to ensure geographical representation. The United States has criticised the selection of candidates with poor rights records on uncontested slates as well as the Human Rights Council's excessive criticism of Israel. This culminated in the Trump administration's withdrawal from the council in June 2018. When US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in February that the Biden administration was re-engaging with the council, he said Trump's withdrawal did nothing to encourage meaningful change, but instead created a vacuum of US leadership, which countries with authoritarian agendas have used to their advantage. In a statement Thursday thanking UN member states for allowing the US to serve on the 47-nation body, Blinken said the United States together with other countries must push back against attempts to subvert the ideals upon which the Human Rights Council was founded. He said the council has an important role in documenting atrocities in order to hold wrongdoers accountable, but added that it also suffers from serious flaws, including disproportionate attention on Israel and the membership of several states with egregious human rights records. The 18 countries elected for three-year terms starting January 1 were Benin, Gambia, Cameroon, Somalia and Eritrea from the Africa group; India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar and UAE from the Asia group; Lithuania and Montenegro from the East European group; Paraguay, Argentina and Honduras from the Latin America and Caribbean group; and Finland, Luxembourg and the United States from the mainly Western nations group. Watch the latest DH Videos here: House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths Documentary (English/Netflix) Directors: Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra Rating: 3/5/5 In 'House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths', Netflix explores the sensational case in Delhi where 11 members of a family were found dead in their house in 2018. The first of the three episodes deals with the discovery of bodies. The second one, 'Diaries', goes a step further into the investigation by revealing the diaries that hold a good clue about what happened. The final episode, 'Beyond 11', tells us what exactly led to the gruesome deaths, which cannot be called either suicides or murders, to quote the journalists who are interviewed in the show. Unlike mainstream TV crime shows, this documentary skips showing extensive details of the forensics and evidence in the case. Instead, it focuses on the why of the crime. Though India is perceived to be a country of spirituality, it also has deep-rooted myths embedded in the belief system which makes people throw away their rationality and believe in supernatural forces. The series dissects a cult formed in a very small circle, the power-play, suspension of disbelief and blind following. The show exposes mainstream television and news media's habit to sensationalise such cases and bury the actual story. It was reported as a story of numerology, with a sort of Tantrik dimension to it, says journalist Barkha Dutt in the third episode. The documentary talks to the relatives of the dead in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. It talks to the reporters and investigators involved in covering the incident. It gets perspectives from psychiatrists, psychologists, sociologists and doctors. The why of the crime is thus narrated well. To quote Barkha again, At the heart of it, there seems to be this mass resistance to talking about mental health, and also because we have stigmatised these conversations. 'House of Secrets' could have been shorter by editing repetitive statements. The makers recreate some scenes for visual variety. The show ends with a statement: The secrecy with which it happened shows the lack of interconnectedness in the society. So the society actually needs to have these conversations even if they are unsettling because telling the stories of these people is in itself giving a closure, both for them and us. That is exactly what the documentary did: telling an important story forgotten by the mainstream media. The main lawyer for Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is being tried on multiple criminal charges, said late Thursday he has been issued a gag order barring him from talking about her cases. Lawyer Khin Maung Zaw wrote on his Facebook page that the action against him was taken under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a broadly worded statute from British colonial times intended to deal with emergency situations that threats to public safety. My mouth is under 144, is how he explained his situation. Also Read | No defence witnesses at Aung San Suu Kyi incitement trial: Lawyer The law is normally used to restrict public gatherings and impose curfews and has been employed that way by the military after it ousted Suu Kyi's elected government in February. Kyi Win, another lawyer on Suu Kyi's legal team, told The Associated Press that the township office in the capital Naypyitaw, where Suu Kyi is being tried, summoned Khin Maung Zaw to have him sign an undertaking not to reveal information to the media. News of the gag order circulated late Thursday night when government officials could not be contacted for comment. The practical effect of the order will be to choke off almost any first-hand accounts of the ongoing trials in which Suu Kyi and her co-defendants are involved. Also Read | Myanmar military won't allow ASEAN envoy to meet Suu Kyi, says spokesperson The only accounts of the proceedings have come from the lawyers defending her and her co-defendants. The court sessions are closed to reporters and the public, the prosecutors do not comment on them, and the state-controlled media so far have not reported directly on them. The military council now is blocking one lawyer after another, Kyi Win said, referring to the ruling junta. We do not know what will happen next. In August, San Mar La Nyunt, another of Suu Kyi's lawyers, was also forced to agree to a gag order banning her from speaking to the media. Suu Kyi's supporters and independent analysts say the charges against her are concocted to discredit her and legitimize the military's seizure of power. Also Read | Myanmar junta unlikely to grant regional envoy meeting with Suu Kyi: Spokesman The most serious charges are corruption, for which each count is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and violating the Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum term of 14 years. Suu Kyi's co-defendants in the case of the secret are three of her former Cabinet ministers and Sean Turnell, an Australian economist who served as her adviser. Turnell's lawyer, Ye Lin Aung, said the court in Naypyitaw handling the case agreed in principle on Thursday to allow an interpreter at the upcoming trial, reversing its own ruling of a week earlier, when it had denied one for what it said were security reasons. The exact details of Turnell's alleged offence and those of the others have not been made public, though Myanmar state television, citing government statements, has said the Australian academic had access to secret state financial information and had tried to flee the country. Watch the latest DH Videos here: After a brutal summer surge, driven by the highly contagious delta variant, the coronavirus is again in retreat. The United States is recording roughly 90,000 new infections a day, down more than 40% since August. Hospitalizations and deaths are falling, too. The crisis is not over everywhere the situation in Alaska is particularly dire but nationally, the trend is clear, and hopes are rising that the worst is finally behind us. Again. Also Read | FDA unlikely to rule on Merck's Covid pill before December Over the past two years, the pandemic has crashed over the country in waves, inundating hospitals and then receding, only to return after Americans let their guard down. It is difficult to tease apart the reasons that the virus ebbs and flows in this way and harder still to predict the future. But as winter looms, there are real reasons for optimism. Nearly 70% of adults are fully vaccinated, and many children younger than 12 are likely to be eligible for their shots in a matter of weeks. Federal regulators could soon authorize the first antiviral pill for Covid-19. We are definitely, without a doubt, hands-down in a better place this year than we were last year, said Dr Nahid Bhadelia, director of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research at Boston University. But the pandemic is not over yet, scientists cautioned. Nearly 2,000 Americans are still dying every day, and another winter surge is plausible. Given how many Americans remain unvaccinated and how much remains unknown, it is too soon to abandon basic precautions, they said. Also Read | Leading Indian epidemiologist among WHO's scientific advisory group for origins of novel pathogens Weve done this again and again, where we let the foot off the pedal too early, Bhadelia said. It behoves us to be a bit more cautious as were trying to get to that finish line. Crushing the Curve When the first wave of cases hit the United States in early 2020, there was no Covid vaccine, and essentially no one was immune to the virus. The only way to flatten the proverbial curve was to change individual behaviour. That is what the first round of stay-at-home orders, business closures, mask mandates and bans on large gatherings aimed to do. There is still debate over which of these measures were most effective, but numerous studies suggest that, collectively, they made a difference, keeping people at home and curbing the growth of case numbers. These policies, combined with voluntary social distancing, most likely helped bring the early surges to an end, researchers said. Also Read | Moderna aims to deliver 1 billion vaccine doses to low-income countries in 2022 And then the measures would be lifted, maybe memories would fade, said Jennifer Nuzzo, a public health researcher at Johns Hopkins University. Eventually, cases would rise again, and similar patterns would play out. Businesses and local governments would reimplement restrictions, while people who had begun venturing out into the world again would hunker down and mask up. During last winters surge, for instance, the percentage of Americans who reported going to bars or restaurants or attending large events declined, according to the U.S. COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey, which has surveyed an average of 44,000 Facebook users daily since April 2020. The curve is shaped by public awareness, Nuzzo said. Were sort of lurching between crisis and complacency. Delta arrived during a period of deep pandemic fatigue and at a moment when many vaccinated Americans felt as if they could finally relax. Data suggests that the new variant prompted less profound behavioural change than previous waves. Also Read | FDA panel recommends Moderna Covid booster for Americans In mid-July, just 23% of Americans said that they always wore a mask in public, the lowest percentage since March 2020, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, which compiles data from several sources. By Aug. 31, the peak of the delta wave, that figure had risen to 41%, although it remained far below the 77% of people who reported wearing masks during the winter surge. If you just look around, people are much more living a normal life or a pre-Covid life, said Dr Christopher Murray, director of the institute. Still, even modest changes in behaviour can help slow transmission, especially in combination, and delta prompted changes at both the individual and organizational levels. Schools adopted new precautions, companies postponed reopenings, and organizations cancelled events, giving the virus fewer opportunities to spread. Also Read | US Covid vaccine mandates are working, says Joe Biden Meanwhile, more temperate autumn weather arrived, making it possible for Americans in many regions of the country to socialize outside, where the virus is less likely to spread. Were in a shoulder season, where its cooler in the South than it is in the middle of the summer and its warmer in the North than it is in the middle of the winter, said David OConnor, a virus expert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Indeed, many of the current virus hot spots are in the northernmost parts of the country, from Alaska to Minnesota, where even cooler temperatures may be sending people back inside. Increasing Immunity Behavioural change is a temporary, short-term way to drive cases down. The true end to the pandemic will come through immunity. Also Read | Moderna pushes for Covid-19 vaccine boosters in older adults, high-risk individuals in US The delta wave was the first major, national surge to occur after vaccines had become widely available, providing many adults with substantial protection against the virus. (Delta also probably led more Americans to get vaccinated.) At the same time, the variant was so infectious that it spread rapidly through vulnerable populations, conferring natural immunity on many unvaccinated Americans. Although neither vaccination nor prior infection provides perfect protection against the virus, they dramatically reduce the odds of catching it. So by September, the virus had a substantially harder time finding hospitable hosts. Delta is running out of people to infect, said Jeffrey Shaman, an infectious disease public health researcher at Columbia University. Also Read | Centre's mega outreach plan to mark 100-crore Covid vaccination mark: Report The fact that case numbers are falling does not mean that the country has reached herd immunity, a goal that many scientists now believe is unattainable. But the rising levels of vaccination and infection, combined with more modest behavioural changes, may have been enough to bring the surge to an end. Its a combination of immunity but also people being careful, said Joshua Salomon, an infectious disease expert and modeller at Stanford University. Indeed, scientists said that a combination of factors, which might be different in different parts of the country, would ultimately determine when and why the virus waxed and waned. The different surges and waves depend on how big were the waves before that one, how many people have been vaccinated, when the schools reopened, the different variants, said Alessandro Vespignani, director of the Network Science Institute at Northeastern University in Boston. There is some randomness involved, too, especially because small numbers of superspreaders seem to play a disproportionate role in setting off outbreaks. About 10 to 20% of the people are responsible for 80 to 90% of the infections, said Christina Ramirez, a biostatistician at the University of California, Los Angeles. Also Read | G20 pledges to avoid 'premature withdrawal' of economic support That means that two similar communities might find themselves on radically different trajectories simply because one highly infectious person happened to attend a crowded indoor event, fueling a major outbreak. Some patterns still defy explanation. In March and April, for instance, Michigan was hit hard by the alpha variant, deltas slightly less infectious predecessor. Other states were largely spared, for reasons that remain unclear, Murray said. Why was Michigan the only state with a large alpha surge in spring? he said. We have no idea. The Winter Forecast What comes next is hard to predict, but cases may not necessarily continue their steady decline, scientists warned. Also Read | Lateral Flow Tests reliable tool against Covid-19 spread: Study Britain and Israel, which both have higher vaccination rates than the United States, are still struggling with outbreaks. That should be a wake-up call, said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. Do not go back into the pre-Fourth-of-July mindset again where everybody thought it was done and over with. Most experts said they would not be surprised to see at least a small increase in cases later this fall or this winter as people begin spending more time indoors and travelling for the holidays. But because the vaccines remain highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death, any coming winter spikes may be less catastrophic than last years. Also Read | 50% of Covid survivors experience lingering symptoms six months after recovery: Study Its not likely that it will be as deadly as the surge we had last winter unless we get really unlucky with respect to a new variant, Salomon said. The emergence of a new variant remains a wild card, as does the possibility that the protection afforded by vaccination could start to wane more substantially. Our own behaviour is another source of uncertainty. Predicting an outbreak is not like predicting the weather, because youre dealing with human behaviour, said Nicholas Reich, a biostatistician at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. And thats a fundamentally really hard thing to predict: new policies that would come into force, peoples reactions to them, new trends on social media, you know the list goes on and on. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE said on Friday that they had submitted data supporting the use of their Covid-19 vaccine in children aged between five and less than 12 years to the European Medicines Agency. Although the vaccine is currently not allowed for that age group, it has been authorised for use in children over 12 years of age in both the United States and the European Union. The companies earlier this month asked US regulators to also grant emergency use authorisation of the shot for young children, and an advisory panel to the US Food and Drug Administration is expected to meet next month to review the data. Also Read | Pfizer asks US to allow Covid shots for kids ages 5 to 11 While children are less susceptible to severe Covid-19, they can spread the virus to others, including vulnerable populations more at risk of severe illness. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been shown to induce a strong immune response in five to 11 year olds in a 2,268-participant clinical trial, the companies said on Sept. 20. Check out DH's latest videos: Conservative British lawmaker David Amess was killed on Friday after being stabbed "multiple times" during an event in his local constituency in southeast England, in the second death of a UK politician while meeting voters since 2016. Local police did not name Amess but said a man had been arrested "on suspicion (of) murder" after the stabbing in Leigh-on-Sea. "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident," said Essex police, adding that the man in custody was aged 25, and a knife was recovered. The force said officers had earlier responded to "reports of a stabbing" shortly after 12:05 pm (1105 GMT). British media, including Sky News and the BBC, identified the victim as the 69-year-old politician from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative Party. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps called Amess "a dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career". Amess is the latest British MPs to have been attacked at his weekly constituency "surgery" with voters, which are typically held on Fridays when parliament is not sitting. Pro-EU lawmaker Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered by a far-right extremist in 2016 in the run-up to the Brexit referendum. The Jo Cox Foundation, which was set up in her memory, tweeted that it was "horrified to hear the news of the attack" on Amess. "We are thinking of him, his family and loved ones at this distressing time," it added. Cox's widower Brendan described the stabbing of Amess was "as cowardly as it gets". "Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification." Another Labour MP, Stephen Timms, was stabbed multiple times during an event in 2010, but recovered from "potentially life-threatening injuries" and is still an MP. Timms said he was "appalled" at the latest attack. In January 2000, Liberal Democrat MP Nigel Jones was injured and his assistant killed by a man wielding a ceremonial sword at a constituency surgery in Cheltenham, western England. Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith expressed concern about the security risk of the local MP "surgeries". "When you're not in your office, and you're in a public place... that means essentially, that the levels of security that sometimes you're advised to take can't be taken," he tweeted. Amess, a lawmaker since 1983, had advertised his upcoming surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea. Paul Gardiner, 41, a barber at One Barbers Leigh-On-Sea, told AFP that "armed police and an ambulance" were on the scene. "There's a couple of choppers around the place," he said. There was no immediate comment from Johnson, who was leading an away-day for senior ministers in the west of England. But his wife Carrie, a former Conservative head of communications, tweeted: "Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. "He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children." David Cameron, one of his Tory predecessors in Downing Street, said: "Very alarming and worrying news reports coming from Leigh-on-Sea. "My thoughts and prayers are with Sir David Amess and his family." Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer called the news "horrific and deeply shocking". An eye-witness, identified only as Anthony, told radio station LBC that the scene was "completely and utterly swamped by police, ambulance, armed police. "I saw someone get taken out the building, put into the back of a police car. Apparently he was stabbed quite a few times." Check out latest DH videos here The United States has administered 405,444,558 doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the country as of Thursday morning and distributed 490,951,045 doses, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Those figures are up from the 404,371,247 vaccine doses the CDC said had gone into arms by Oct. 13 out of 489,254,145 doses delivered. The agency said 217,953,275 people had received at least one dose while 188,281,747 people are fully vaccinated as of 6:00 a.m. ET on Thursday. Also Read | US donates 3.6 million doses of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines to Nigeria The CDC tally includes two-dose vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech, as well as Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine. Over 9.3 million people received a booster dose of either Pfizer or Moderna's vaccine since Aug. 13, when the U.S. authorized a third dose of the vaccines for people with compromised immune systems who are likely to have weaker protection from the two-dose regimens. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday witnessed the culmination of the military exercise between India and Sri Lanka focusing on enhancing counter-terror cooperation and lauded the troops of both contingents for their high standards of training and professionalism. India and Sri Lanka last week began a 12-day mega military exercise with a focus on enhancing counter-terror cooperation at the Combat Training School in the island nations eastern district of Ampara. Chief of Army Staff Gen Naravane arrived here on Tuesday on a four-day visit at the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart Gen Shavendra Silva. "General MM Naravane #COAS witnessed the culmination exercise of Bilateral Exercise #MitraShakti21 at Special Forces Training School, #SriLanka," the Indian Army said in a tweet. General MM Naravane #COAS witnessed the culmination exercise of Bilateral Exercise #MitraShakti21 at Special Forces Training School, #SriLanka. The #COAS complimented the troops of both contingents for their high standards of training & professionalism.#IndiaSriLankaFriendship pic.twitter.com/9zdnTCUyuH ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) October 15, 2021 "The #COAS complimented the troops of both contingents for their high standards of training & professionalism," it said. The eighth edition of the 'Mitra Shakti' exercise from October 4 to 15 got underway with the participation of an all arms contingent of 120 Indian Army personnel, headed by Colonel Prakash Kumar. The joint military exercise has been designed to enhance understanding of transnational terrorism, inter-operability skills, conduct of joint tactical operations, sharing of each others best practices and experiences, the Sri Lanka Army said. The annual training programme, which has largely contributed to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, understanding and bonds of neighbourly relations between both services, takes place alternately either in India or Sri Lanka every year, it added. On Thursday, Naravane inaugurated two simulator facilities gifted by India towards enhancing capacity building of the Sri Lankan Army and to further bolster the defence cooperation between the two countries. During his visit, Gen Naravane met Sri Lankas top civilian and military leadership and discussed steps for further enhancing the excellent defence cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. He called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed with them issues of mutual and strategic cooperation. Gen Naravane also called on Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage and Gen GDH Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and discussed steps to take forward the excellent defence cooperation between the two countries. Check out latest DH videos here One person was killed and 16 others were injured when an SUV ran into a religious procession at Pathalgaon in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh on Friday afternoon, police said. The incident took place when residents of Bazarpara locality had taken out procession for the immersion of Goddess Durga idols, an official said. The deceased man was identified as Gaurav Agrawal (21). Two occupants of the vehicle, Bablu Vishwakarma (21) and Shishupal Sahu (26), natives of Singrauli in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, were later arrested from the outskirts of the town while the vehicle itself was found burning, he said. Locals claimed that the two were smuggling ganja and set the SUV on fire themselves to destroy evidence as they were being chased. Tension prevailed in the town and a large number of people gathered outside the Pathalgaon police station. Terming the incident as "sad and heart-wrenching", Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the accused were immediately arrested and action has also been taken against some police officers who were prima facie found at fault. "An inquiry has been ordered. No one will be spared. Justice will be done to all. May the departed soul rest in peace. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, Baghel tweeted in Hindi. Senior BJP leader and former chief minister Raman Singh demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the kin of the deceased. Singh tweeted a video of the incident and wrote, This video is very painful. In Chhattisgarh, the drug mafias have no fear of anyone. Will those taking out religious processions be crushed like this now? "Jashpur SP (Superintendent of Police) should be removed immediately. The kin of the deceased should be given Rs 50 lakh compensation and immediate arrangements should be made for the treatment of the injured, he demanded. Check out DH's latest videos A leading bakery chain in Kolkata has made a 25-kg 'chocolate Durga', which will be 'immersed' in milk after Bijoya Dashami on Friday and the milkshake will be distributed among underprivileged children. The handcrafted 4-foot-high Goddess Durga idol made of Belgian chocolate evoked tremendous curiosity among revellers who thronged its iconic original outlet on Park Street in large numbers during the puja days, a spokesperson of the bakery said. It took chef Vikas Kumar and his team over a week to construct the idol after extensive research and visits to clay-modellers' hub Kumartuli in north Kolkata, he said. Watch: #Durga idol made of chocolate & only dark chocolate weighing 25kgs ans 4ft tall. Its made by the chefs of the iconic Flurys restaurant in #Kolkata.This too will be immersed but in milk & that milk chocolate will be distributed amongst children on #DurgaDashami #DurgaPuja pic.twitter.com/6hdRnn8jv3 Tamal Saha (@Tamal0401) October 14, 2021 The team used cocoa butter to give a solid base to the texture to prevent cracks from appearing and also to give an earthy look to the idol, the spokesperson said. "After Bijoya Dashami, the idol will be immersed in a large milk container and the resultant milkshake will be distributed among poor children in central Kolkata. The initiative was the bakery's tribute to West Bengal's biggest festival," he added. Check out DH's latest videos: India on Thursday said that it expected China to work towards an early resolution of all the remaining issues in eastern Ladakh, days after military talks to end the 17-month border row ended in stalemate. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian side had put forward constructive suggestions during the 13th round of military talks but the Chinese side was not agreeable to them. The talks were held at the Chushul-Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh on Sunday. Also Read | Ladakh stand-off: A look at India-China conflicts at Hot Springs "We expect the Chinese side to work towards an early resolution of all the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols," Bagchi said at a media briefing. He was replying to a question on the military talks. A day after the nearly eight-and-half-hour negotiations, the Indian Army said that the "constructive suggestions" made by it were neither agreeable to the Chinese side nor it could provide any "forward-looking" proposals. "The meeting thus did not result in resolution of the remaining areas," it had said. Also Read | Ladakh stand-off: India, China hold 13th round of talks The Chinese PLA's Western Theatre Command said that India insisted on "unreasonable and unrealistic demands adding difficulties to the negotiations". In his comments, Bagchi said the two sides have agreed to maintain communications and to maintain stability on the ground which he described as "positive" development. He said that the resolution of issues in the remaining areas and restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region would facilitate progress in the overall bilateral ties between the two countries. Bagchi said India is looking forward to continuing to engage with China on the issues. Also Read | LAC stand-off talks fail; China accuses India of insisting on 'unreasonable, unrealistic' demands On Saturday, Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane said if the Chinese military continues with its large-scale deployment in the eastern Ladakh region, then the Indian Army too will maintain its strength on its side which he said is "as good as what the PLA has done". The two sides held the 12th round of talks on July 31. Days later, the two armies completed the disengagement process in Gogra, which was seen as a significant forward movement towards the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. Also Read | Why don't you show your 'red eyes' to China: Rahul Gandhi to PM Modi As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August and in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in February. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector. Watch the latest DH Videos here: India was re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term on Thursday with an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly, with New Delhis envoy here describing the election as a "robust endorsement" of the country's strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. The 76th UN General Assembly held elections on Thursday for 18 new members of the UN Human Rights Council who will serve for a period of three years, starting in January 2022. India got 184 votes in the 193-member assembly, while the required majority was 97. Also Read | US wins seat on UN Human Rights Council, 3 years after quitting "I am truly delighted at this overwhelming support for India in elections to Human Rights Council. Its a robust endorsement of our strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. We thank all UN Member States for giving us a strong mandate, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti told PTI. Indias Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted "India gets re-elected to the @UN_HRC (2022-24) for a 6th term with an overwhelming majority. Heartfelt gratitude to the @UN membership for reposing its faith in India." We will continue to work for promotion and protection of Human Rights through #Samman #Samvad #Sahyog #Samman #Samvad #Sahyog," Indias Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted. Also Read | PM Modi cautions against selective approach to human rights Indias current term was set to end on December 31 2021. For election for the term 2022-2024, there were five vacant seats in the Asia-Pacific States category - India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The 193-member General Assembly elected by secret ballot Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, UAE and the USA for the 2022-2024 term on the Council. Indias mission congratulated other UN Member States for their election to the Human Rights Council, which consists of 47 Member States elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly. Also Read | India asks Taliban to respect human rights of all The members of the Council shall serve for a period of three years and shall not be eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms. The membership is based on equitable geographical distribution, and seats are distributed among regional groups Group of African States (13), Group of Asia-Pacific States (13), Group of Eastern European States (6), Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (8) and Group of Western European and other States (7). As of January 2021, 119 of the 193 UN member States will have served as a member of the HRC. "This broad membership not only reflects the UNs diversity, but it gives the Council legitimacy when speaking out on human rights violations in all countries, the UN said. Also Read | The poor record of NHRC In 2018, the US under the Donald Trump administration had withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council. US Ambassador at UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Washingtons election to the Council has fulfilled President Bidens campaign pledge to rejoin the Human Rights Council and the US will work to ensure this body lives up to these principles. "Our initial efforts as full members in the Council will focus on what we can accomplish in situations of dire need, such as in Afghanistan, Burma, China, Ethiopia, Syria, and Yemen. More broadly, we will promote respect for fundamental freedoms and womens rights, and oppose religious intolerance, racial and ethnic injustices, and violence and discrimination against members of minority groups, including LGBTQI+ persons and persons with disabilities, Thomas-Greenfield said. We will oppose the Councils disproportionate attention on Israel, which includes the Councils only standing agenda item targeting a single country, she said. Also Read | Threat to human rights highest in police stations, even privileged not spared, says CJI N V Ramana She said the US, as a member of the Human Rights Council, will press against the election of countries with egregious human rights records and encourage those committed to promoting and protecting human rights both in their own countries and abroad to seek membership. "We hold others to our own standard: while we may sometimes fall short of our own ideals, we must constantly strive to be as inclusive, rights-respecting, and free as possible." She added that in its new role as a member, the US can fully participate in the Councils work of protecting and promoting human rights. We will use every tool at our disposal, from introducing resolutions and amendments to wielding our vote when needed. Our goals are clear: stand with human rights defenders and speak out against violations and abuses of human rights. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's important visit to Israel, a top Israeli Foreign Ministry official on Friday said that India is a strategic partner and a very close friend as he extended warm greetings to the people on Dussehra. Ambassador Alon Ushpiz, the Director General of Israel's foreign ministry, took to Twitter to wish the people of India on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra which marks the triumph of good over evil. In the tweet, he announced that Jaishankar would travel to the Jewish state. It is understood that Jaishankar is expected to visit Israel from October 17. Shubho Bijoya/Happy Dussehra to all of you, on the eve of @DrSJaishankars important visit to Israel. India is a strategic partner and a very close friend, Ushpiz said in a tweet. Shubho Bijoya/Happy Dussehra to all of you, on the eve of @DrSJaishankars important visit to Israel. India is a strategic partner and a very close friend pic.twitter.com/9BQuEUons3 Alon Ushpiz (@AlonUshpiz) October 15, 2021 During his visit, Jaishankar would meet the countrys top leaders, including President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. In August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Israeli counterpart Bennett with the two leaders agreeing on the potential to further expand cooperation and deciding that the foreign ministries of the two countries would work on preparing a roadmap for further enriching the India-Israel strategic partnership. During their telephonic conversation, Modi reiterated his congratulations to Bennett for assuming office as the Israeli Prime Minister in June. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India greatly values its robust cooperation with Israel in areas like agriculture, water, defence and security, and cyber-security. Recalling that next year would mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Israel, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Bennett to visit India. India is the largest buyer of Israel's military hardware and the latter has been supplying various weapon systems, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles over the last few years but the transactions have largely remained behind the curtains. Check out DH's latest videos: A senior diplomat of India will join representatives from China, Pakistan and other nations to attend a meeting Russia is organizing with the leaders of the Taliban regime of Afghanistan in Moscow on October 20. New Delhi has accepted an invitation from the Russian Government to attend the meeting in Moscow. This will be the first such occasion when a serving diplomat of the Government of India will attend a plurilateral meeting with attendance of the leaders of the Taliban, which returned to power in Afghanistan a couple of months back through a swift blitz across the country, taking advantage of the withdrawal of troops by the United States and its NATO allies. We have received an invitation for the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan on October 20th. We will be participating in it, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said. India had sent two retired diplomats to attend a conference hosted by Russian Government in Moscow in 2018. A delegation of Taliban too had attended the conference in the capital of Russia. India had also sent its ambassador to Qatar to attend the ceremony that marked the signing of the US-Taliban deal in Doha in February 2020. Also Read | Change in authority in Kabul was neither through negotiations, nor inclusive: India at UNSC New Delhi also had some back-channel engagements with the Taliban over the past few months before the militant organisation returned to power in Kabul. Finally, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government on August 31 for the first time publicly acknowledged its engagement with the Taliban as New Delhis envoy to Doha had a meeting with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the head of the militant organisations political office in the capital of Qatar. Notwithstanding calls from New Delhi and the majority of the international community, the Taliban guided by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan on September 8 announced an interim government in Kabul, with hardly any representation of the ethnic communities other than the majority Pashtuns. The new dispensation also had no representation of women and the religious minorities of Afghanistan. Modi had on September 17 called out the Talibans government in Afghanistan for its lack of inclusivity and urged the world community to tread cautiously on legitimising or recognising it. Check out latest DH videos here "Veer" Savarkar's patriotism and valour cannot be questioned, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted on Friday, as he hit back at those doubting the freedom fighter's commitment to India and its freedom struggle, and asked them to have "some shame". Shah's comments came against the backdrop of a massive row over Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent remark that V D Savarkar, a venerated Hindutva ideologue, had filed mercy petitions before the British at the advice of Mahatma Gandhi. "How can you doubt the life, the credentials of a man who was sentenced to two life imprisonments, made to sweat like a plodder bullock (kolhu ka bail) to extract oil at this prison. Have some shame," he told a gathering after garlanding the portrait of Savarkar at the cellular prison here where hundreds of freedom fighters were incarcerated during India's long freedom struggle. Also Read | Rajnath Singh's remark on Savarkar's mercy petition to British triggers political row Shah said Savarkar had everything that he needed for a good life, but he chose the tough path, which indicated his unwavering commitment to the motherland. "There cannot be a greater pilgrimage than this cellular jail. This place is a 'mahatirth' where Savarkar experienced inhuman torture for 10 years but did not lose his courage, his bravery," Shah said, addressing an event as part of 75 years of India's Independence which the government is celebrating as "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav". The minister said the sobriquet "veer" was bestowed on Savarkar not by any government but by the people of the country in endorsement of his indomitable spirit and courage. "This title fondly given to him by 130 crore people of India cannot be snatched away," he said. Shah also laid a wreath at a memorial to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. He said most people in today's India were born after Independence and so did not get an opportunity to "die for the country". "I urge the youth of today to live for this great nation," he said. A big row had recently erupted after Rajnath Singh targeted the critics of Savarkar, saying the freedom fighter was being defamed over the mercy petitions. "Time and again, it was said that he filed mercy petitions before the British government seeking his release from jail...The truth is, he didn't file mercy petitions to get himself released. It is a regular practice for a [jailed] person to file mercy petitions. It was Mahatma Gandhi who asked him to file mercy petitions," Singh had said, drawing criticism from BJP's opponents who called it an "attempt to rewrite history". Check out DH's latest videos: The meeting of Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Saturday will finalise a time table for the organisational elections but immediate changes in leadership as demanded by a section is unlikely as the party is planning a mega membership drive that could take months. Sources said the CWC will give final touches to the membership drive from booth level ahead of organisational elections and this exercise is likely to take 7-8 months, virtually ruling out an immediate replacement for Sonia Gandhi, who took over as interim party president after Rahul Gandhi had quit following the Lok Sabha debacle. The leadership is also said to have factored in the upcoming Assembly elections early next year before deciding on the schedule, as conducting polls would divide the party's attention at a time it is planning an improved show in five states - Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Uttar Pradesh. It is to be seen how the change seekers or G-23 leaders respond if a full-time president is not appointed and organisational elections are further delayed. DH had on October 9 reported that a section in the party felt that only one year is left for the new party president and the party could wait. However, the other side led by change seekers or G-23 is of the view that there should be clarity and direction in the party's action and a definite decision on leadership should be taken. Rahul Gandhi was elected president in 2017 and had resigned after the Lok Sabha poll debacle following which Sonia was chosen as interim president. The tenure of Congress party president is five years and if a leader is chosen now, the argument is that he or she will have only a year and in such a scenario, one could wait till then. While Sonia is likely to continue, it was earlier speculated that Kamal Nath or Sachin Pilot may be appointed as party president as an interim measure. Saturday's meeting, which is called to "discuss current political situation, forthcoming assembly elections and organisational elections", will be the first physical meeting after Covid-19 struck the country. The meeting is expected to discuss organisational issues, including the trouble in party-ruled states like Rajasthan, Punjab and Chhattisgarh. On the positive, the central leadership appeared to have brought some peace in the Punjab unit where its president Navjot Singh Sidhu had put the party in trouble by playing the rebel. On Thursday evening, Sidhu held a meeting with Congress General Secretaries Harish Rawat (Punjab in-charge) and K C Venugopal (Organisation) during which he said he would abide by any decision of the Gandhis. Though there is no official word, sources said, it has been decided that Sidhu will continue as Punjab president. The CWC meeting also comes after senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad wrote to Sonia seeking an immediate meeting of the CWC to discuss the crisis in the party. A number of G-23 leaders are unhappy with the leadership in the manner in which Amarinder Singh was ousted as Punjab Chief Minister following a campaign by Sidhu, which has the support of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Another concern will be Chhattisgarh where a section led by T S Singh Deo has been raising the demand for removing Bhupesh Baghel as per a perceived formula of sharing Chief Ministership. Baghel has also been appointed as senior party observer for UP Assembly polls. The leadership tussle in Rajasthan would also come up for discussion during the meeting. Check out DH's latest videos The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday hit out at the Union government over its decision to extend the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF), saying states should have been consulted before reducing the jurisdiction of their police. Party's chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj termed the Centre's move "dictatorship" and cautioned it against taking a highhanded approach in decision-making. Also Read | Why BSF jurisdiction extension has triggered a political row "You (Union government) reduced jurisdiction of the states' police by increasing jurisdiction of the BSF. The kind of 'dadagiri' (highhandedness) and dictatorship it is, it would not be liked by any party or any state government and the people of the states," Bharadwaj said when asked for his party's stand on the issue. The Union government has recently 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. Also read: Government empowers BSF to execute search, arrest in larger areas in Punjab, West Bengal, Assam "Everybody would have welcomed this decision if it was taken after holding consultation with all the states concerned," Bharadwaj said, adding "They (Union government) should work in consultation with the states. Dictatorship will not be appreciated." While the Centre's decision to extend the jurisdiction of the BSF was opposed by the Punjab government on Wednesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC), which rules West Bengal, hit out at the Centre on Thursday, saying it was an "infringement" on the rights of the state and an attack on the federal structure of the country. Also Read | Badal, other Akali leaders briefly detained during protest over Centre's BSF jurisdiction order "I strongly condemn the GoI's unilateral decision to give additional powers to the BSF within 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," Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had tweeted on Wednesday. The AAP is the main opposition party in Punjab where assembly polls are due to be held early next year. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday landed in controversy over visiting former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in AIIMS with a photographer and getting clicked with the ailing leader in a hospital bed "against the wishes" of the family. The 89-year-old Rajya Sabha MP was admitted to AIIMS on Wednesday after he complained of fever and weakness. His condition is stable and improving, an AIIMS official said. AICC Secretary Pranav Jha tweeted, "This is to inform that Dr Manmohan Singh-ji is doing fine. He is better than yesterday (Thursday). Let's all wish him a speedy recovery. Any unfounded speculation is unnecessary and in bad taste. Also request all to respect the former Prime Minister's privacy. Thank you!" Mandaviya and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi visited Singh on Thursday to enquire about his health. While photographs of Rahul enquiring with doctors and Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur were released, the photos of Mandaviya with Singh lying on the bed and pictures of him entering the hospital with a photographer have gone viral and has drawn flak. There was no immediate word from Mandaviya about the controversy, who is also the president of AIIMS. Also Read | Manmohan Singh's condition stable, says AIIMS official Singh's family is said to be upset with the episode involving Mandaviya's photographer. His daughter Damandeep Singh said her mother had objected to the presence of a photographer clicking pictures but was "completely ignored". "She (Gursharan Kaur) was very upset. My parents are trying to cope in a difficult situation. They are elderly people. Not animals in a zoo," Damandeep said adding that it was nice of the Health Minister to visit and express his concerns but her parents were not in a state to be photographed. Senior Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi said, "I know you all are concerned about the health of former PM Manmohan Singh but kindly do stop sharing photos of him from his hospital bed. It is an invasion of his and his family's privacy and not good conduct in any way." While Jha made a remark on the photos without mentioning it in his tweet, Congress Lok Sabha Whip Manickam Tagore tweeted that it was a "serious breach of privacy" and asked why the Union Health Minister walked in with cameras into the hospital and published it. "When former PM Vajpayee was in hospital, did we get pictures from AIIMS?" He said, asking AIIMS to answer. He said he would write to President Ram Nath Kovind to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers to "stop these petty things". Check out DH's latest videos Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday 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 in-charge 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. Also Read | Always grateful to party high command for facilitating me: Sidhu "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. Watch the latest DH Videos here: A 35-year-old man was found brutally murdered at the Singhu border near Delhi, one of the sites where farmers are protesting against the Modi government's agricultural laws, with the chilling incident inviting a sharp response from the BJP against farmers leaders. The Nihangs, a Sikh order known for their distinct blue robes, have claimed responsibility for the murder of the man who has been identified as Lakhnir Singh, a Dalit from Taran Taran district of Punjab. Singh had been accused of committing sacrilege in the area, which may have led to his lynching. The police have registered an FIR and said the Nihangs initially resisted attempts to take the body for a post mortem. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is spearheading the farmers' movement, has distanced itself from the lynching. The SKM said it had nothing to do with the incident and the law should take its own course. The body reportedly had at least 10 injury marks. One of Singh's hands had been cut off while his leg had been severely injured. He was allowed to bleed to death and later strung on display from a metal barricade at the protest site. Several videos of a group of Nihang Sikhs surrounding the man surfaced on social media. In one of the videos, a group of Nihangs with spears in their hands are seen questioning the man as he lay in a pool of blood on the floor. The BJP latched onto the incident and attacked farmer leaders, accusing them of spreading anarchy under the garb of farmers. BJP leaders said the youth murdered at the Singhu border was a Dalit and wondered why Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi were silent at the lynching. The body of a Dalit youth was found hanging from a barricade at the Singhu border. Rahul and Priyanka are silent because they are eyeing the votes of anarchists, Gaurav Bhatia, BJP spokesperson said. BJP General Secretary B L Santhosh said the protesters had lost the right to call themselves farmers. Its time saner elements if any among them to apologise to the nation & withdraw & engage with government unconditionally, Santhosh said. Amit Malviya, BJP IT Cell chief, wanted "anarchists" behind the protests to be exposed. Had Rakesh Tikait not justified mob lynching in Lakhimpur, with Yogendra Yadav, sitting next to him, maintaining sanctimonious silence, the gory murder of a youth at Kundali border would not have happened. Anarchists behind these protests in the name of farmers need to be exposed, Malviya said. Check out latest videos from DH: Bandit queen-turned-politician, Phoolan Devi, is emerging as a one of a major poll issue in the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. While the Nishad Party has been bending backwards to claim Phoolan's legacy and the Nishad votes, the Vikassheel Insaan Party of Bihar has announced that every Nishad home should have a Phoolan statue. Also read: A day may come when govt will be sold to a company and run through outsourcing: Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday evening met Phoolan's mother, Moola Devi in Jalaun district and sought her blessings. This was the first time that he had met Phoolan's family. Akhilesh was on the first leg of his 'Samajwadi Vijay Yatra' when he took time off to meet Moola Devi who wished him success in the coming elections. Besides promising all help to the family, he also assured that he would recommend a CBI inquiry into the Phoolan's murder when his government is formed. It may be recalled that it was Mulayam Singh Yadav who had withdrawn cases against Phoolan Devi in 1994 and later, ensured her entry into politics. In 1996, Phoolan Devi became an MP from the Mirzapur Lok Sabha constituency in eastern Uttar Pradesh and was re-elected in 1999. In 2001, she was shot dead outside her Delhi residence. The former MP was popular among the Most Backward Castes (MBCs) in Mirzapur and other parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Phoolan Devi was born into the Nishad community in 1963 in the Ghura Ka Purwa village of Jalaun district. The SP's backward caste wing recently tried to install her statue in Raebareli but was not given permission. The VIP leaders had also made similar attempts but were denied permission. The move to eulogise Phoolan Devi is seen as an attempt to consolidate the votes of the Nishad community and set up Phoolan as an icon in the community. Her life in the ravines is being touted as a result of oppression by upper caste and the Behmai massacre, in which she reportedly gunned down 20 Thakurs, was her way of avenging her humiliation by the Thakur community. Check out latest DH videos here: Two militants, who were responsible for the recent killing of civilians and a police officer in Srinagar, were gunned down in two separate encounters in Kashmir on Friday. In the first encounter which erupted in Wahibug village of south Kashmirs Pulwama district, police said, Shahid Bashir Sheikh, a resident of Srinagar, who was involved in the killing of civilian Muhammad Safi Dar on October 2, was gunned down. One AK-47 rifle and a magazine were recovered from the possession of the slain militant, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said. Also Read | Terrorists hurl grenade at security forces in Pulwama, four civilians injured In the second gunfight which erupted in Bemina area of Srinagar in the evening, a militant, who police said was involved in the killing of sub-inspector Arshid Ahmad, was gunned down. Ahmad was shot dead by pistol-borne militant outside police station Khanyar in old city Srinagar on September 12. Last evening two army soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed in a fierce gun battle with militants in Mendhar area of border district Poonch in Jammu region. Violence has witnessed a spurt in Jammu and Kashmir in recent days. Seven soldiers, seven civilians and over a dozen militants have been killed in separate incidents across the Union Territory. Check out latest DH videos here The Supreme Court has stayed the criminal proceedings initiated against a retired chief engineer of the Hemavathi project in a disproportionate assets case. The top court asked Karnataka's Lokayukta to respond to a petition filed by him against the summons issued against him in the case. He claimed the process has been issued by the trial court in a mechanical manner without applying its mind as he had been previously discharged due to lack of sanction. He is alleged to have amassed wealth to the tune of Rs 2.27 cr and had an expenditure of Rs 1.71 cr during a check period, taking his disproportionate income to the time of 97.08 per cent of the income generated by him. A bench of Justices R Subhash Reddy and Hrishikesh Roy issued notice to the Lokayukta on the petition filed by S C Jayachandra against the Karnataka High Court's order of May 18, 2020 declining him the relief. The top court also stayed the proceedings before the special judge Bengaluru initiated on the order passed on January 1, 2019, after hearing senior advocate Devadatt Kamat and advocates Nishanth Patil and Rajesh Inamdar on behalf of the petitioner. In his plea, the petitioner claimed there was no independent application of mind by the authority in granting sanction for his prosecution as the order claimed it was being issued at the behest of the investigating officer. He also contended that the High Court failed to consider that his family had many sources of income apart from his job while incomes of his wife were not noticed at all, besides the property returns filed by him with the government. The petitioner also submitted since the previous charge sheet against him was quashed, a fresh sanction could not have been issued against him without additional materials. The trial court has taken cognisance of the matter on April 25, 2019, and also dismissed his discharge application on October 5, 2019. The Lokayukta police had registered an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act in 2008. After more than 10 years, the police filed a charge sheet against him in 2018. However, due to lack of proper sanction, he was discharged on January 1, 2019. Subsequently, the prosecution obtained fresh sanction on March 20, 2019 on the basis of which, the trial court issued summons against him. Check out DH's latest videos The 22-day operation to capture T23 Tiger, which killed four persons, ended successfully on Friday with the big cat being tranquilised and captured alive in Masinagudi in the Nilgiris district. The Madras High Court had on October 5 instructed the Forest Department not to go for the kill immediately while observing that the big cat may not be a man-eater. The T23 tiger was elusive for the past 22 days and had escaped from the net several times. The tiger was captured after it was tranquilised with a dart, officials said, adding that the animal was examined by a team of veterinarians after which it is being taken to Mysuru zoo which houses a rescue centre. Fridays rescue came after the tiger was shot with two tranquillizer darts on Thursday night. However, the tiger escaped into the dense forest. But, it was found in the Mayar region on Friday afternoon leading to its rescue. A hunt for the tiger was launched on September 24 after the tiger killed the third person and Tamil Nadu Chief Wildlife Warden Shekar Kumar Niraj issued an order to hunt the tiger on October 1 following the tiger killing a fourth person. Also Read | Man-eater tiger seen on camera finally, Tamil Nadu Forest Department speeds up combing The order was issued after the Forest Department came under severe pressure from locals after the news of the tiger fatally attacking its fourth target spread like wildfire on October one. Villagers in Masinagudi and Gudalur complain that the tiger has been wreaking havoc in the area. The decision to hunt the problematic tiger was taken under Section 11 (1) (a) of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The section says the Chief Wildlife Warden may, if he is satisfied that any wild animal specified in Schedule I has become dangerous to human life or is so disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery, by order in writing and stating the reasons therefore, permit any person to hunt such animal or cause such animal to be hunted. However, the order was challenged before the Madras High Court which asked the forest department to take efforts to capture the tiger alive. Dont go for the kill immediately. It may not be a man-eater. It may have been misunderstood, the first bench had said, asking the state government to file a status report after the Dussehra holidays. Check out latest DH videos here The series of tremors in Bidar and Kalaburagi districts in North Karnataka were related to a phenomenon called hydro-seismicity, which occur post-monsoon, revealed a preliminary study by NGRI. "We had asked the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to take up a detailed analysis of the micro tremors that we are experiencing in Kalaburgi and Vijayapura region," Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority commissioner Manoj Rajan told PTI on Friday. "Their preliminary observations indicated that the micro tremors of this nature normally occur during the post monsoon period. It is related to a phenomenon called hydro-seismicity after a heavy rainfall," Rajan said. He also said that within crustal volumes having fracture permeability, a natural increase in hydraulic head due to the elevation of the water table in recharge areas of groundwater basins increases the stress in earth. This event triggers micro tremors and in some cases it is accompanied by sound, the officer said. "These are due to shallow earthquakes that generate high-frequency surface waves. This type of seismic activity is very common and nothing to worry about, since it may not cascade into a large devastating earthquake," the officer said. Rajan added that the NGRI is sending a team of scientists to these regions in the next two days to study and ascertain the field conditions. Villages near Basavakalyan in Bidar and Chincholi in Kalaburagi witnessed at least six tremors ranging between 2.5 to 4 magnitude on Richter scale from October 1 to October 12. While most of the panicked villagers spent their night under the open sky fearing a major earthquake, a few others went to some other place till things are normalised. Check out latest DH videos here: Amid a sudden spate of terrorist activities in Jammu & Kashmir, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said that they need to be countered. Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have restarted the spate of targeted killings of national-minded citizens, especially the Hindus, to destroy their morale and reestablish the reign of terror in the valley. Efforts for curbing and finishing off the terrorist activities need speeding up, Bhagwat said addressing the annual VijayDashami rally at Nagpur on the occasion of Dussehra. Also read: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat calls for policy to control population Sanatan Hindu culture and its magnanimous Hindu society that has the ability to accept all, alone can be the saviour of the world from the catastrophic grip of radicalism, intolerance, terrorism, conflict, animosity and exploitation, he said in his hour-long address. Expressing concern over the bitcoin currency, he said: Clandestine, uncontrolled currency like Bitcoin has the potential to destabilise the economy of all countries and pose serious challenges. On the OTT platforms content, the RSS chief said: In the backdrop of the pandemic, online education was introduced. School-going children are now hooked on mobile phones as a rule. The government must make efforts to create a content regulatory framework for OTT platforms, he said. Check out latest videos from DH: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday slammed his former ally, the BJP, over several issues including the controversy over Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's comment on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The BJP has not understood either Veer Savarkar or Mahatma Gandhi, Thackeray said, speaking at his party Shiv Sena's annual Dussehra rally at Shanmukhanand Hall here. Singh had recently triggered a row by claiming that Gandhi had advised Savarkar, who was incarcerated at Andaman's Cellular Jail, to write mercy petitions to the British. Also Read | Rajnath Singh's remark on Savarkar's mercy petition to British triggers political row Thackeray, in his speech also mocked the BJP for fielding a former Sena MLA in coming Deglur assembly by-election in Maharashtra. "World's largest political party" has to import candidates even for assembly bypoll, he said. He also slammed the BJP for calling the Sena corrupt after the two parties' alliance ended in 2019, and dared it to topple his Sena-NCP-Congress coalition government which will complete two years next month. Check out latest DH videos here The Bombay High Court, one of the oldest high courts of India -- which has a rich legacy, history, architecture and heritage -- would now be open for visitors. The majestic and imposing building -- off the Oval Maidan -- is part of the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Bombay, which was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 2018. The Directorate of Tourism (DoT), in association with Bombay High Court and Tourist Guide Association (TOGA) has taken the initiative. Tourists will now be able to take a tour of the building on non-working Saturdays and Sundays from 1000 hrs to 1400 hrs and the duration of each heritage walk will be a maximum one hour. A total of 3 heritage walks will be conducted each on Saturday and Sunday in Marathi, English and Hindi languages respectively. A nominal entry fee of Rs. 100 (plus taxes, if applicable) per heritage walk per Indian national (domestic) tourist/visitor and Rs. 200 (plus taxes, if applicable) per international (foreign) tourist/visitor will be levied. The Bombay High Court is one of the oldest High Courts in India. It was inaugurated on August 14, 1862, under the High Courts Act, 1861. The work on the present building of the High Court commenced in April 1871 and was completed in November 1878. Bombay High Court is famed for its architecture as it was built in the 19th century, by the British, in the eye-catching Gothic Revival style. The building is part of the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Bombay, which was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 2018. The museum being the highlight of the building, inaugurated in 2015, has interiors designed exactly like a courtroom. The space has been curated with old legal rolls, portraits of the advocates and a minuscule model of the Bombay High Court in a corner Mahatma Gandhis application for studying law dating back to 1890s and his certificate from the year 1891 along with Vallabhbhai Patels certificates and degree are also displayed there. Speaking about the initiative, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Valsa NairSingh, said: To create awareness of the rich heritage, history and architecture of this monumental structure, the walk has been curated. TOGA President Jerroo Bharrucha added: Dignitaries like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar have walked these corridors and the tourists must feel proud that they are getting an opportunity to enter this beautiful heritage structure. We have arranged tour guides who will be guiding the tourists in Hindi, Marathi and English. The heritage walk would start from Gate No. 4, from where they will be taken to the Judges Library, Central Court Hall no 46, the statue of the Justice M.C Chagla (first Indian Chief Justice of Bombay High Court) and the Museum. The walk will come to an end at the Judges Porch. All the information about the architecture of the building will be provided by the tour guide and the group would be allowed to take photographs at specific points during this walk. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday called upon the government to come out with a population policy that is acceptable by one and all. While reimagining the countrys development one predicament comes to the fore which appears to concern many. The rapid growth of the countrys population may give rise to many problems in the near future. Therefore, this challenge must be duly considered, Bhagwat said addressing the annual VijayDashami rally at Nagpur. Bhagwat also read out the resolution which was passed on this issue during the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (All India Executive Committee) meeting of Sangh held at Ranchi in 2015. "The ubiquitous and effective implementation of relevant policies pertaining to these matters will require widespread public sensitisation and impartial actions, he said. Bhagwat pointed out that in the present circumstances, news of persecution of native Hindus, growing criminalisation and a mounting pressure on them to escape their areas where an imbalanced population growth have surfaced. The violence that broke out following the elections of West Bengal and the pitiable condition of the Hindu people there can also be attributed to the appeasement of barbarous elements by the government and population imbalance, he said. Therefore, a policy that is applicable to all groups in the same fashion is imperative. All of us need to inculcate the habit of considering the collective national interest above everything while coming out of attractive cobweb of milking the parochial group interests, Bhagwat added. Check out latest videos from DH: After RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed concern over the rising consumption of narcotics in the society, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday hit out at the Centre saying that although Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier asserted that demonetisation would curb the drug menace, it was still present in the country. Raut also asked who the Sangh supremo would hold responsible for the prevailing drug situation. The Sena leader said that Bhagwat's remarks show he has admitted that something was wrong with the assurances given by the Union government and their implementation. During his annual address made on the occasion Vijayadashmi in Nagpur earlier in the day, Bhagwat spoke on many issues, including drugs, which he said were being consumed by all sections of the society and posing a threat to national security. Referring to Bhagwat's remarks, Raut told reporters, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently promised that his decision to implement demonetisation was an attack on black money raised through drugs trade and which was allegedly used for anti-national activities." "But despite having such Hindutvawadi government in power for a long time, the RSS chief today expressed same concerns about drugs and the use of money. So we would like to know who is going to be held responsible for this situation mentioned by him," the Sena leader said. There is a staunch nationalist government at the Centre. The prime minister is a staunch supporter of Hindutva ideology, he said. "But despite that, if such drug menace is still taking place in the country, then who will be held responsible by the RSS chief for this? He has somehow admitted that something is wrong in union government's assurances and implementation," he said. Talking about the upcoming bypolls to three Lok Sabha seats in the country he said his party has a total of 21 members in both the houses of Parliament. "We are going to win the Lok Sabha bypolls of Dadra, Nagar and Haveli as well. After this, we will have 22 MPs in total and we will play an important role in national politics post-2024 general elections," he said. Check out DH's latest videos What does it mean to be poor and homeless during a pandemic? Especially when the government tells us that we must review our understanding of human rights and that it is relentlessly working for the welfare of the poor, which helps protect their human rights? For the answer, turn to the catalogue of ironies. Here is a compelling sample the louder the talk about housing for all, the harsher the blows on homes of the poorest. During the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the worst public health crisis in our living memory, when the State's advice to people has been to stay indoors, the state machinery has been deployed to destroy homes of some of the most vulnerable. A recent study (Forced evictions in India in 2020: a grave human rights crisis during the pandemic) by the Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) reveals that evictions took place during India's first wave of Covid-19 in 2020, and continued during its savage, the second wave earlier this year. They took place "even during strict lockdowns and curfews when people were ordered to stay at home, and no movement or activity was permitted." In short, evictions and demolitions of homes have continued amid high-decibel talk about providing "housing for all" in India by 2022, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other state government schemes promising houses to the marginalized and low-income groups in urban and rural areas, the study points out. Being thrown out of one's home and have one's belongings destroyed are perhaps not what most urban middle-class Indians experience first-hand. There are images, however, that pop up whenever one hears a certain word. And some images are impossible to erase. Each time one hears the word 'eviction', the chilling image of lungi-clad Moinul Haque flashes. Haque, a father of three children, was the man who died in a police firing last month while protesting against an eviction drive in Assam's Darrang district and was subsequently stomped upon by a man with a camera. The gruesome video clip that went viral was eviction at its most savage and sectarian, but forced evictions are not new. Nor is brutal callousness towards those being evicted. Activists have been demanding a moratorium against such evictions during the pandemic, and it has not happened. Though we keep hearing the words "welfare" and "human rights." In 2020, the HLRN documented the demolition of homes of over 36,812 households/families, leading to the forced eviction of over 170,000 people across the country. These forced evictions and demolition of homes, which typically hit the urban and rural poor, occurred across the country in megacities, smaller cities, towns, and villages. The official reasons for such evictions ranged from slum-clearance, encroachment-removal, city-beautification, infrastructure and ostensible "development" initiatives, environmental projects, forest protection, wildlife conservation, and "disaster management" efforts, to cite just a few. A preliminary analysis by the HLRN reveals that between January 1, 2021, and July 31, 2021, state authorities across India demolished at least 24,445 homes, affecting over 169,176 people. Of these, about 13,750 people were evicted during the peak of the second wave and resultant lockdowns in April and May 2021. The latest HLRN study also notes that in 2020, various court orders led to the eviction of over 88,560 persons. The overwhelming majority of evicted people (87 per cent) did not receive any rehabilitation from the government. Further, there was a lack of due process being followed in a large number of cases that the researchers documented. In most evictions reported in Delhi in 2020, for example, affected communities did not receive prior written notice of the impending demolition of their home. "For those who received some form of resettlement from the State, the sites they have been relocated to are remote and devoid of adequate housing and essential civic and social infrastructure facilities," the study notes. The HLRN study is only the latest flagging gross human rights violations that impinge on any discussion about a basic issue - the "right to the city" in rapidly urbanizing India. Who does a city belong to? "There is no sidestepping this issue. When we talk about slums, evictions and urban displacements, the key issue is 'Right to the City.' Who has a right to the city, and what does an inclusive city mean?" says Sandeep Chachra, co-chair, the World Urban Campaign of UN-HABITAT and Executive Director, ActionAid India. In most countries across the world, including India, points out Chachra, a large part of the city caters to those who are numerical minorities. "In stark contrast, the numerical majority, most of whom can be best described as 'precarious informal workers' but who are actually makers, cleaners and sustainers of the city are squeezed into 20 to 30 per cent of the city landmass - often in hazardous sites. Where are they supposed to go, and how are they supposed to live in the absence of social housing? It is the State's responsibility to provide this. But currently, there is no security of tenure for such people, and they live wherever they find a spot vacant public lands, dumps, river beds, etc.," he says. Where do flagship housing programmes fit into this scenario? Here, it is important to read the fine print. As Chachra, and many other experts, who have looked at the issue closely, point out, the flagship housing programmes that we have do not really cater to the poorest of the poor. "These are meant for economically weaker sections - what one can call the relatively better-off sections among the poor, who have relatively stable incomes and are not so precariously placed. Because demand far exceeds supply, it is this section that benefits from the govt housing schemes that we have seen. Those who are most precariously placed are the ones most at risk and face evictions. We need a moratorium on evictions accompanied by regularisation of tenure if families are living on non-hazardous sites. There is no policy on this. And little discussion," says Chachra. Without rehabilitation, based on informed consent and dignity, forced displacement is not only inhuman but also unjust. "A fundamental step to making cities inclusive is to have a policy and commitment for zero evictions, and we can't have evictions without making rehabilitation a top priority. There also needs to be citizen participation in the assessment of how rehabilitation is done post evictions. With growing urbanization, this becomes critical," Chachra adds. What makes those at the bottom also the most at risk of the bulldozer and eviction from their homes? Marina Joseph, who is with Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), a grassroots NGO, says a key reason the poorest are the worst-affected is they don't often have the necessary documents which meet the criteria of the "cut-off date" and their constant mobility in search of livelihood. This also means that those at the receiving end of bulldozers are not necessarily the ones who benefit from housing programmes for the poor. The most vulnerable are also those who have no resources and are forced to build their homes on hill slopes, river banks, flood plains. When they are evicted from these hazardous areas in the name of environmental protection but are not adequately rehabilitated, they swell the numbers of the homeless. Thousands of disaster-affected are also not getting rehabilitated. As evictions continue, tens of thousands in every city are simply falling through the cracks; their families, including children, are left without homes and any social protection, says Joseph. Where is the Indian city headed? During a civil society-led national consultation on forced evictions during the second wave of the Covid19 pandemic in India in June, Manju Menon, who works with the well-known think tank, Centre for Policy Research, stressed that evictions are a result of a serious problem of distribution of land. For instance, about two-thirds of Delhi's population lives on 15 per cent of the land. "There is no way the poor cannot break the rules while making houses as families expand. There is no land for the poor in cities. Also, what are the rights of the poor who cannot afford to buy land in cities?" asked Menon. This brings us back to the right to the city. If human rights are about focusing on what happens to the poor, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi told us the other day, we can't afford to ignore these questions, nor the predicaments of the poorest among the poor. Especially during a pandemic. (Patralekha Chatterjee is an independent journalist and columnist) Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH It's been a little over four years since journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh was gunned down in front of her home in Bengaluru. Even though 18 of the accused in the case continue to remain behind bars, convictions are yet to take place. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the then Congress government, said in court that Lankesh was targeted for opposing the ideology of Hindutva in her writings and speeches. Journalists, not just in India, but worldwide are facing the brunt of authoritarian governments. Given the escalating attacks, this year's Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, marks a significant moment in the life of not the media community alone but citizens more generally. The award outlines rarely mentioned yet important intersections between independent media, freedom of expression, and democracyall of which contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance in society. The award conveys a special message for journalists at home, especially when mainstream media have abdicated their basic responsibility of speaking truth to power. As much as the Nobel Peace Prize rings in celebration for independent and brave journalism, equally, it signals embarrassment and shame for India's compromised journalistic scene. With big media capitulating to powers-that-be, it has been left to resource-starved small organisations to call the powerful out, to try and hold them to account. The work of Ressa, co-founder and chief executive of the news site Rappler, and Muratov, editor-in-chief of the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, needs little elaboration. Both journalists have taken head-on the illegalities and crimes committed by their respective governmentsheaded by Rodrigo Duterte and Vladimir Putin, respectively. Speaking to the Russian news agency Tass, Muratov said he could not take credit for the award, which was meant for journalists who lost their lives in defending the right to freedom of speech. Muratov went on to list the names of the paper's six journalists killed in the line of duty. Among the names of the slain was that of Anna Politkovskaya, who had just finished writing her book, A Russian Diary, when she was assassinated in a contract killing in Moscow. Much like Gauri Lankesh, Politkovskaya was shot dead in her apartment block lift on October 7, 2006. The journalist and writer had earned a distinct reputation for staunchly opposing the Chechen conflict and Putin in her writing. In the final section of A Russian Diary, titled "Am I Afraid?" Politkovskaya wrote: "If anybody thinks they can take comfort from the 'optimistic' forecast [her reference was to the government,] let them do so. It is certainly easier that way, but it is also a death sentence for our grandchildren." Philippine's writers, civil society, and people have a history of challenging authoritarian governments. In 1986, in what came to be known as the People Power Revolution, tens of thousands of Filipinos came out in the streets, overthrowing the corrupt and dictatorial government headed by Ferdinand Marcos. As Salil Tripathi wrote recently for Scroll.in: "Civil society in the Philippines, which mushroomed after Marcos's fall, has steadfastly defended democracy, and the media has played a crucial role. Journalists have died defending freedoms." Following the ascendance of Rodrigo Duterte as president, thousands of extrajudicial killings have taken place in Duterte's war on drugs. Notwithstanding severe harassment at the hands of the government, Maria Ressa has continued to expose the regime's brutalities. Strands of commonality bind the ways authoritarian leaders suppress the truth and distort public discourse to their survival in power. We have seen such mechanisms consolidate in India. Any measure of redemption from the present bleakness would depend largely on ethics and conscience in societyboth as a collective and as individuals who make up that collective. As we know, conscientious objectors from within dictatorial systems have played an important role in bringing governmental excesses to light in other countries. We may think, in this context, of several films centred on the responsibility and challenges posed to journalists as voices dissent when a government violates the rights of its citizens. Released in 2005, the film Good Night and Good Luck, for example, explored the tensions and tussle between informational integrity and groundless fears spread by groups with vested interests. Set against the 1950s anti-Communist paranoia and witchhunts in the US in the 1950s, the film tracks a gripping confrontation between Senator Joseph McCarthy (from whom we get the practice of McCarthyism) and a CBS team led by the journalist Edward Murrow and producer Fred Friendly. A decade later, Spotlight, based on investigations by reporters at The Boston Globe, broke the secrecy of a powerful institution like the Church, revealing that scores of local priests had been sexually molesting minors. The local government helped in covering up their crimes. It may be argued that India is in dire need of such media which has the two qualities that are currently absent within the sector - conscience and courage. Grand sweeping ideologies can be set aside in favour of basic principles of justice, empathy and non-violence. Neutrality does not augur well in times of crisis. Neither does partisanship, regardless of the colour of the flag one chooses to wave. This year's World Press Freedom Index report published by the international body, Reporters Without Borders, showed India shares its "bad" classification tag with Brazil, Mexico, and Russia. It observed that journalists critical of the dominant ideology are subjected to police violence and attacks by political groups, stressing further that following the 2019 general elections and the victory of Narendra Modi and his party, "pressure has increased on the media to toe the Hindu nationalist government's line." India, which has consistently slipped from its position of 133 in 2016, now ranks 142 on the press freedom index. That media freedom is closely allied to freedom or the lack of it in society as a whole is evident from the increasing and widespread trend of violence in recent years. Two years before Lankesh's assassination, M M Kalburgi, a scholar, was shot dead in his living room in Dharwad. That same year, Govind Pansare, a trade union activist, was killed in neighbouring Maharashtra. Two years before these killings, the rationalist Narendra Dhabolkar was murdered in Pune. Opposed to the BJP's majoritarian politics, all three were killed in a similar manner. The suspects were subsequently identified as members of Sanatan Sanstha, a shadowy organisation headquartered in Goa. Nine years before she was killed, in a long essay posted on the blog Churumuri, Lankesh alerted readers to a polarised, intolerant future. Foregrounding incidents like the arrests of three young Muslim men on charges of vehicle theft and attacks on the distinguished litterateur Anantha Murthy, and former chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission, C.S.Dwarakanath, Lankesh wrote: "...Karnataka, it seems, is unfortunately and irreversibly hurtling towards its new position as the Gujarat of the South." She also criticised the media for intoning the official line of stigmatising Muslims. More than a decade later, her words indeed have a prophetic ring to them. The question that remains is how much does the rest of the country care? (Monobina Gupta is the author of 'Left Politics in Bengal' and 'Didi: A Political Biography') Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH. Addressing the foundation day programme of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Some people see human rights violations in some incidents but not in others. Human rights are violated when viewed via political spectacles." He said, "Selective behaviour is harmful to democracy" and that some people "try to dent the country's image in the name of human rights." While one could not agree more with the prime minister that selective outrage can be harmful to democracy, it is pertinent to point out that more than ever in the history of independent India, selectivity has been practised during his regime and leadership. Let's start with the most recent example, the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, in which the son of his cabinet colleague is the prime accused. It has been more than two weeks since the horrific incident of human rights violation, and the PM is yet to utter a single word on it. Contrast it to the PM taking barely an hour or two to tweet or issue a statement when some real or supposed human rights violations occur in the non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states or in other parts of the world. Silence and selective outrage have been the hallmarks of the current dispensation. Hence, while listening to the PM speak, one wondered if he was talking about himself and the behaviour of his cabinet colleagues and party workers. Also Read | PM Modi cautions against selective approach to human rights Another subject that the PM spoke about at the event specifically and proudly was how his government bestowed "new rights" on Muslim women. Here again, his claim was both misleading and selective. Over the last seven years, the Modi government has been silent on important issues affecting Muslim women. Members of his party and others in the Hindutva ecosystem have actively violated Muslim women's rights across the country. This was the reason hundreds of women's rights activists and others denounced the Modi government's decision to commemorate the day of criminalisation of instant triple talaq as the "Muslim Women's Rights Day" in August. According to them, the passage of the anti-triple talaq law, which claimed to protect Muslim women's rights, "in reality, had a more sinister purpose to show Muslim men their place in a new India." Moreover, they noted that the law was an abomination and nothing but a charade because no such law was needed to "protect Muslim women, or secure their rights" since the Supreme Court had already struck triple talaq down. They went on to add, "This government has remained silent as Muslims have been lynched, and its leaders have garlanded the lynchers." The BJP has, they said, "both at the Centre and through its state governments, determinedly "gone after" Muslims under myriad laws, both old, new and proposed beef bans, anti-conversion, including the recent UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020, and its proposed UP Population Control Bill." They justifiably noted, "It has systematically tried to rob Muslims of their right to livelihood, and Muslim women of their agency." Furthermore, the government has remained silent on constant online and offline sexual violence and threat to Muslim women. For example, in the notorious "Sulli Deals" episode, Hindu right-wing activists sought to auction Muslim women's bodies online. One can list dozens of such blatant incidents of violations of human rights, if not hundreds, but the government has hardly taken any interest to fix them. It seems the prime minister and his party colleagues are more interested in image building than actually fixing the problem and genuinely making India a human rights friendly country. It is not surprising that the government and its machinery spend more energy and money on image-making. Unfortunately, the NHRC, which is an independent body established by an act of Parliament, is increasingly and conveniently becoming the full-time public relations department of the government. More than anything, the speech of the NHRC chairperson Justice (retired) AK Mishra at the foundation day event is the latest testimony. It was nothing short of indulging in dog-whistle and dangerous on Justice Mishra's part to say it was inappropriate to call terrorists freedom fighters. In other words, the NHRC chairperson was trying to convey that human rights activists are defending "terrorists." This is misleading and akin to putting human rights defenders' lives and liberty at further risks. The fact of the matter is human rights activists are not defending terrorists but those who are accused of such heinous crimes. There is a critical difference between the two as the right to defend the accused no matter how heinous is the alleged crime is enshrined in our constitution and all the international covenants on human and civil rights to which we are signatory. According to the fundamental provisions of Indian law, every person is innocent unless proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. And human rights activists are just upholding the rule of law. On the other hand, we have been witnessing on a regular basis that terrorists like Nathuram Godse, who was convicted beyond reasonable doubts for killing Mahatma Gandhi, is glorified. Justice Mishra had nothing to say about this dangerous trend. The NHRC chief was well within his rights to appeal to social service organisations and human rights defenders to strongly condemn political violence and terrorism, which engenders "fundamentalism". However, appeals like these will only have any tangible impact when the NHRC stops acting selectively. It has been noted how the apex human rights body swings into action when human rights violations and political violence are reported from the non-BJP ruled states; it does hardly anything substantial in incidents reported from the BJP-ruled states. Perhaps, the starkest contrast in this regard is between West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. (The writer is a multilingual journalist and researcher) Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH Hitting back at Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for accusing him of having got Hindu activists killed during his regime, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday said he can file a defamation case against the CM, but was just advising him to correct himself. Dubbing the BJP as a "communal party", the former Chief Minister also accused Bommai of having joined the BJP just for power and supporting anti-constitutional activities. "Mr Basavaraj Bommai, like an ignorant, you have alleged that I got Hindus killed. Being the Chief Minister of Karnataka, you should have thought through before making such loose comments. I can file a defamation case for this but I will just advise you to correct yourself," Siddaramaiah tweeted. Also Read | I will take political retirement if Kumaraswamy proves I met Yediyurappa: Siddaramaiah In another tweet, he said "Mr Bommai, you have said that you need not learn administration or policing from me. Thank you. Had you learnt anything from your father Shri S R Bommai (former CM and Janata Parivar veteran) or me, you would not have joined a communal party just for power and support anti-constitutional activities." Siddaramaiah was responding to Bommai's tweets yesterday, criticising him and his tenure as the Chief Minister. Targeting Siddaramaiah, Bommai had said, "While you were the CM, you became the icon of anti-Hindus by getting killed Hindu activists as Tippu Sultan did in his regime. I need not learn administration or policing from you, we have an able police force to tackle the law and order which was sitting Ducks under ur government." Also Read | Siddaramaiah invites those spreading rumours against him to open discussion on caste census The Twitter war between the two leaders had erupted late on Wednesday after Siddaramaiah had hit out at Bommai for his statement in Mangaluru that moral policing is "action and reaction" caused by "hurt sentiments". "Mr 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!!" Siddaramaiah tweeted. In today's series of tweets, Siddaramaiah told Bommai he may be emotionally bankrupt like anti-social elements and may continue to light communal fires for political gains, "but true Hindus are intelligent enough to see through your act of treason..." Watch the latest DH Videos here: The kidney patients undergoing dialysis at the government hospital in Somwarpet are now in trouble as all three dialysis machines are out of order. The dialysis centre which was started in 2015, was a relief for the patients suffering from kidney ailments. Till recently, 24 patients were undergoing dialysis at the centre. But, the machines have developed technical problems from the last two months, and their usage has now been stopped. Financially less privileged patients are now compelled to depend on a private dialysis centre. They not only have to shell out extra bucks but also have to spend a lot of time as the centre is situated on the outskirts. They have no choice but to take vehicles on rent to reach the dialysis centre and to return home. Most of the patients who are in need of dialysis are from rural areas. After the machines developed problems, the dialysis time was reduced from four hours to three hours. The patients suffered issues because of the same. A person called B R Shetty had availed the tender towards the maintenance of the dialysis centres in 112 taluks in 23 districts of the state. However, owing to a loss in business, he stepped back from the tender process, which has led to the current situation, according to a doctor. The government has ordered the local public hospitals to carry out the maintenance of the dialysis centres. But, no technicians are available to repair the faulty machines. Also, there is no separate fund for the maintenance of the machines, he said. Dr Satish said that the RO unit which is essential for the dialysis went out of order several months ago and also needs repair. V A Nagesh, a patient, said that when he has to approach private dialysis centres, he has to spend Rs 1,500 for a blood test and other check-ups. Another Rs 2,500 is spent on vehicle rent and Rs 1,500 for dialysis. An amount of Rs 12,000 is needed per week for dialysis. If the machines are repaired, a lot of other people like him will be benefited. Staff at the government dialysis centre said that the same dialysis machines are being used for the past six years. There is seepage of rainwater through the walls. The air conditioners too are not working properly, they added. The outsourced staff, who are working in the centre on a contractual basis, are waiting for remuneration for the past four months. Four nurses and two assistants were working in the centre earlier. But, as two nurses quit the job, two others from the hospital were deployed at the centre. Released: October 14, 2021 Ballot Drop Boxes are open October 14 through Election Day Delaware County Elections has finalized preparations for the 2021 Municipal Election, including the release of over 35,000 vote-by-mail ballots and the opening of secure ballot drop boxes in municipalities across Delaware county. As of Thursday, October 14, each of the 42 secure ballot drop boxes is now open and accepting ballot-return envelopes from Delaware County registered voters. Secure ballot drop boxes provide a safe, sound, and secure alternative to traditional in-person voting. When returning a vote-by-mail ballot-return envelope (containing either a mail-in or absentee ballot), voters from Delaware County may use whichever County drop box is most convenient. Whether returning the ballot by standard mail or drop box, no postage is required. Each ballot drop is locked, sealed, and under 24/7 video surveillance by Delaware County Park Police. The list of drop box locations for the 2021 Municipal Election is available on the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/dropbox as an interactive map, PDF or web page. Delaware County voters also may use the Voter Service Center at the Government Center in Media to apply for, vote, and return a vote-by-mail ballot. New This Election: Two Ballots Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, judicial retention ballots must be presented on a separate ballot. This means each voter (whether voting in-precinct or using a vote-by-mail ballot) will receive two ballots: Ballot A that lists all contests for state and local elections, and a separate Ballot B that lists judicial-retention questions. The Ballot A and Ballot B sheets should be returned together in the secrecy envelope, marked OFFICIAL ELECTION BALLOT. Voting Reminder: 3rd Party Ballot Returns The return of a vote-by-mail ballot (either a mail-in or absentee ballots) by anyone other than the voter is prohibited unless the person returning the ballot is rendering assistance to a disabled voter or an emergency absentee voter. Such assistance requires a declaration signed by the voter and by the person rendering assistance. The form (labeled Third Party Ballot Delivery for Mail Voting Form) can be downloaded from the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/dropbox and returned to the Voter Service Center in Media. Voting Reminder: Dont Vote Naked! To make sure your vote-by-mail ballot (either mail-in or absentee) is counted, follow the instructions enclosed with your ballot. Ballots must be filled out with blue or black ink, and choices should be marked by filling in the box to the left of the candidate or judicial-retention question. The completed ballot should be placed in the smaller secrecy envelope marked OFFICIAL ELECTION BALLOT, which should then be sealed. The secrecy envelope containing the completed ballot is then placed in the larger return envelope marked VOTERS DECLARATION and then signed, dated and sealed. If the ballot is not placed in the secrecy envelope or sealed properly, or the return envelope is not signed, dated and sealed, the vote will not be counted. Ballot Drop Boxes Ballot Drop Boxes are similar in size but distinct from US Postal Service drop boxes. Delaware County drop boxes feature large red, white, and blue lettering with the words Official Ballot Drop Box and Delaware County Board of Elections. Each box is affixed with the official Delaware County Seal. Delaware Ballot Drop Boxes are intended to accept only Delaware County voted mail-in ballots and absentee ballots. No other materials will be accepted. Again, no postage is required. Most ballot drop boxes can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 2. Exceptions include Chadds Ford (available Mon. Thurs., from 8 a.m. 4 p.m., and Fri., 8 a.m. 12 noon), Ridley Park (available Mon. Fri. from 8:30 a.m. 4 p.m.), and the Voter Service Center at the Government Center in Media (available Mon., Tue., Thurs., Fri. from 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m., Wed. from 8:30 a.m. 8 p.m., and Sat. from 9 a.m. 12 noon). Additional Election Resources: The Delaware County Election Hotline (610-891-VOTE) is available Mon. - Fri. from 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Hotline staff can answer calls related to the upcoming election, provide information about voter registration, mail-in ballots, vote-by-mail applications, polling place locations, ballot boxes, deadlines, and more. Delaware Countys Election Website - Delco Votes! is available 24/7. Voters will find up-to-date forms and applications, deadlines, and the latest news regarding the 2021 Municipal Election. Delco Votes! can be found here: delcopa.gov/vote 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. 'Terry Deacher' or should that be 'Derry Teacher', Sean Doherty, is using his time off from the classroom to create a series of cartoons based around spoonerisms. Doherty, was a French teacher at Oakgrove College, before a combination of ill-health and redundancy left him twiddling his thumbs at home. Being an aficionado of words, he decided to put those thumbs and fingers to artistic use and create the spoonerism series. Spoonerisms derive from error in speech in which corresponding letters are switched between two words in a phrase. The label takes its name from Oxford Don and cleric, William Archibald Spooner who would regularly do this. Sean, who is of the same family that own the city's famous Doherty Meats, said: I would always do crosswords in the newspapers and I do love words. Sometimes I would 'spoonerise' stuff in my head. Spooner tries his luck at running a coffee shop. Pic: Sean Doherty I started noting them down and if they amused me, I would then create wee scenarios for them. To be honest, I couldn't draw to save myself and I am aware that the cartoons are less than professional. I was running around trying to get quotes from people to have my cartoons done professionally but the cheapest quote I got was fifty pounds a frame. The wolves are not at the door, but I am on benefits at the minute. The house is paid for and my wife is still working, but I still have two children at university so I can't be paying out that much for a professional cartoonist. I have a couple of hundred of drawings already created. Even to produce a set of ten would set me back five hundred quid. I did a google search and came across a teach-yourself-how-to-do-cartoons programme. I went on there and used that to create my 'spoonerism' characters. The original Spooner was a nineteenth century cleric so naturally, I made one of my main protagonists a cleric as well a bit like the Father Brown character on TV. The wife character is the one who interprets the spoonerisms, the mistakes with a 'for flip's sake what are you at?' and so on. The cartoons I've done are very rudimentary but I think as I've been bouncing along, I got slightly better at it. As mentioned earlier, Doherty has suffered with ill-health over the last few years with two bouts of Non-Hodgkins Lymphona leading him to take a redundancy offer from Oakfield College and take a break from teaching. He added: I have had a colourful health history. I have had a number of things over the last ten years. I'm a teacher by trade having taught French at Oakgrove College. I don't do that anymore having had to take my redundancy. I had my large bowel removed and a stoma bag installed. I recovered from that and went back to work. A couple of years after that, I had massive seizures and was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I broke a dozen bones including my hip and backbone. I was in hospital for a month after that. I recovered, went back to work and then I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer. That was around three or four years ago. I was successfully treated for it. I was within a few days of being officially declared as being 'two years clear' when I took ill again and found the Non-Hodgkins had returned. When you get cancer once, your chances of survival are good. When you get it a second time, it can be bleak. I was lucky enough to have a doctor who was fantastic. He got me onto a thing called 'Car T Cell Treatment' in London. It's a radical, new treatment, What happens there is they take a sample of your bone marrow and have it sent away to a facility the Netherlands, They convert the bone marrow to fight the cancer internally. Unfortunately it makes you sick as a pig as you have no immune system. I was in hospital for quite a long time in London. But it was successful so far, so good, touch wood. I got sent back to Derry literally just before the pandemic. I'm still classified as being clinically extremely vulnerable. In the middle of all that, I was offered a redundancy from teaching. Being extremely clinically vulnerable and going into eight or nine classrooms a day with different sets of pupils is not recommended. My 'plan A' had been to work as a substitute teacher and I would have got plenty of work being a language teacher. But the doctor in London said to leave it until next April and then we could revisit that. For now, I was told that I was not to work as a teacher. Spooner's "Quadrophenia" party takes a wrong turn. Pic: Sean Doherty While Doherty awaits for the doctors to give him the green light to resume his teaching career, the Spooner cartoons keep him busy and hopefully someone somewhere might offer him the chance to showcase his material to a wider audience. He said: I do not claim to be some sort of great artist, but what I have managed to start doing is to give them a character, give them a continued presence and to visually represent a joke. You might not go 'oh that is a wonderful cartoon there', but you might see the joke. If you're a 'wordy' sort of a person, you will get the joke. Of course some might not get the joke and find it funny but I do think there is a niche for spoonerism cartoons. People Before Profit Councillor, Shaun Harkin, has demanded plans to cut Derry's fire service be rigorously opposed. Plans drawn up by the new Chief Officer of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), Peter O'Reilly, could see fire crews across the North being cut over budget pressures especially stations that have two or more appliances. Derry being one of them. An NIFRS spokesperson said: NIFRS has in place a Business Continuity Plan to ensure that it can continue to deliver its service to the public in the safest and most effective way, regardless of the severity of the challenges it faces. However, the Northern Irish Secretary of the Fire Brigade Union (FBU), Dermot Rooney said of the proposals: Up until now, firefighters in Belfast and Derry and other larger towns across the province have been making up for the shortfall using overtime. But the organisation is now so under-funded that it is having to bring in this degradation plan. It effectively sees Belfast potentially dropping to having just six appliances available at any one time as opposed to the normal number of eleven. Similarly, Derry also faces losing an appliance, depending on the budget shortfall. Cllr Harkin warned that downsizing Derry's fire service is not something we can afford to cut corners with. He said: Plans to cut Fire Services in Derry and across the North should be rigorously opposed. Derry firefighters have raised concerns with People Before Profit at how proposed changes could impact their ability to respond to emergencies. Fire Service bosses need to listen first to on the ground firefighters about how to best protect emergency services and protect the public. We should not be taking chances with the capacity of firefighters to respond to emergencies. This is not something we can afford to cut corners with. We are backing the Fire Brigades Union in its effort to resist any proposed changes that undermine emergency response services and workers rights. Fire services have faced years of cuts. Today there are fewer firefighters and their capacity to respond to multiple emergencies at any one time has been strained. We don't accept the argument there is no alternative to reducing the capacity of the fire services. There is an alternative. We urge everyone to stand with our firefighters. Gorkha: Akshay Kumar joins hands with Aanand L Rai for film based on Major General Ian Cardozos life Superstar Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Aanand L Rai on Friday announced their third collaboration Gorkha, a film based on the life of Major General Ian Cardozo, the legendary officer of the Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army (5th Gorkha Rifles). Kumar will be essaying the role of the Indian Army veteran who fought in the wars of 1962, 1965, and most notably in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. National Award-winning filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan will be directing the movie with Rai producing through his banner Colour Yellow Productions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) "Sometimes you come across stories so inspiring that you just want to make them. #Gorkha - on the life of legendary war hero, Major General Ian Cardozo is one such film. Honoured to essay the role of an icon and present this special film. Directed By -sanjaypchauhan," Kumar wrote on Twitter. Rai, who has worked with Kumar on his directorial ventures Atrangi Re and Raksha Bandhan, said he was honoured to bring the story of the war hero on screen. "We are honoured to bring the story of a legendary war hero, Major General Ian Cardozo whose name goes down in history for his immense courage in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. I am also excited to work with Akshay sir again for the third time," he said in a statement. Producer Himanshu Sharma added: "We hope to honour Major General Ian Cardozo in this film which will inspire many. Looking forward to this really special journey. Cardozo, the recipient of the Sena Medal (he was India's first) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, said his story reflects the values and spirit of every Indian Army officer. "I feel honoured for this story to be told on the 50th anniversary of the 1971 war. It commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces of India. I look forward to working with Anand & Akshay as they bring this to life. This story reflects the values and spirit of every officer of the Indian Army," he said. Gorkha will be presented by Kumar and Colour Yellow Productions in association with Cape of Good Films. Honsla Rakh: Netizens fall in love with Shehnaaz all over again; praise her performance in the Diljit Dosanjh starrer After garnering a huge fan following and winning hearts with her charming smile and performance in Bigg Boss season 13, Shehnaaz Gill returned to the big screen with her latest film today. Titled Honsla Rakh, the romantic comedy follows the story of single father Diljit Dosanjh, whose wife Shehnaaz filed for divorce as she was not ready to have a child. Diljit gets the full custody and raises his son alone. A few years later he enters the dating pool again. But the situation takes a hilarious turn when Shehnaaz returns to the picture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) Well, Honsla Rakh hit theatres today and saw a wonderful opening at the cinema halls. The film has received a big thumbs up and fans are mighty impressed with Shehnaazs performance. Many have taken to social media to laud her for the same. One fan called her a crowd-puller, while another tweeted: Those who haven't watched #HonslaRakh must go and grab ur seat it's worth watching. Our baby #ShehnaazGill has done a fabulous job. Mera munchkin bahut payar lag rha hai. I had big smile on my face whole tym whenever Sana's shot came on screen. Mera baby hai hi sabse best. All I can hear is Shehnaaz Shehnaaz! Such a crowd-puller, a charmer and a star! So proud of you baby, @ishehnaaz_gill! #ShehnaazGill#HonslaRakhpic.twitter.com/I9SCd8qxdw Shweta (@apalebluedot_) October 15, 2021 Congratulations humari sweet si "Shehnaaz Sweety Gill" ko..bohot pyaara kaam kiya hai bebu...aise hi mehnat karte raho and sky is the limit for you...natural star ho aap Kudos to the entire team itne badhiya response ke liye...#ShehnaazGill#HonslaRakhBumperOpening SidNaaz Toh Hai Hi Best (@Sachi_Kha_Sau) October 15, 2021 What a movie full paisa wasool #HonslaRakh .... Full of entertainment .... Diljit, shehnaaz, sonam and shinde you guys nailed it.... #ShehnaazGill you rocked it Love you baby @ishehnaaz_gill It's a happy ending @diljitdosanjh@bajwasonam@iamshindagrewalpic.twitter.com/SSUkXsP6B9 Palak (@sh18719245) October 15, 2021 Dekh li and shehnaaz was the jaan of the film. Her screen presence, her comic timings her dance moves her expressions. She nailed each one of them. #ShehnaazGill#HonslaRakhBumperOpening Shehnaaz Sweety Gill https://t.co/JB12v4ilnb alizh (@tum_kaafi_ho) October 15, 2021 Those who haven't watched #HonslaRakh must go and grab ur seat it's worth watching Our baby #ShehnaazGill has done a fabulous job Mera munchkin bahut payar lag rha hai I had big smile on my face whole tym whenever Sana's shot came on screen Mera baby hai hi sabse best SNSHAKH (@HyperSidnaaz) October 15, 2021 Seeing Shehnaaz shine on-screen again is definitely a treat for her fans. The actress was away from the limelight since over a month after her BFF and rumored boyfriend Sidharth Shuklas untimely demise. She recently resumed work and joined her co-stars Diljit and Sonam Bajwa for promotions of their film. Well, we wish Shehnaaz all the love and happiness in the world. Sardar Udham review: Vicky Kaushal delivers a nuanced performance in this gritty retelling of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre Movie: Sardar Udham Rated: 4.5/5.0 Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Banita Sandhu Director: Shoojit Sircar Sardar Udham is not the first or even the second name that comes to mind when one sits down to recall names of Indian freedom fighters, yet Shoojit Sircar waited patiently for over two decades to make a film on the revolutionary who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Watching Sardar Udham one gets a window into the mind of the filmmaker where the finesse and craftsmanship shine in a soul-stirring retelling of Udham Singhs ultimate sacrifice for his country. Vicky Kaushal brings the freedom fighters struggles to life with his nuanced portrayal and makes you feel everything that the man himself lived through to be instigated enough to take a life. The revolutionary secured his place in history by killing British General Michele ODwyer in London, who as Punjabs Lieutenant Governor ordered the firing on over 20,000 unarmed civilians at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919. Sardar Udham which oscillates consistently between the past and the present gets done the assassination pretty early in the script which one might expect forms the climax of the story. The film then gets down to business looking over with a lens at the motivations of the man who wielded the gun after his surrender and arrest. Despite the lack of material on Sardar Udham Singhs life, the film has a long run time of over two and a half hours. The film devotes the first half looking at how Udham Singh kept his head low while carefully planning his revenge against ODawyer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) Then comes the trigger which was his scarring memories of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that make for a painful to watch second half to the narrative. Sardar Udhams brilliance lies in taking you into the mind of the revolutionary to create an impact rather than giving you a birds eye view of the massacre. You feel a fraction of what Uddham Singh might have felt dragging the dead on a wheel barrow and subsequently feel what Vicky Kaushal might have gone through recreating the detailed sequence. That is high praise as while many films tell you the story but very feel make you feel it. Shoojit Sircars emphasizes on not just the performances and character building but also cinematography and set design do not miss the eye. The film is an excruciatingly long watch but it draws you into the era it recreates. Similarly the brutality of the massacre is not glossed over and right from the blood-soaked steps of homes to the heaps of bullets shells do their jobs perfectly in the Amritsar firing sequence. Avik Mukhopadhyays cinematography and Dmitriy Malichs production design require special mention in setting the right mood for the story. As far as performances go, Vicky Kaushal owns the show with both his silences and his agitation. The film easily makes for one of his hardest films ever and one that will always rank high in this list of best performances. The supporting cast Shaun Scott, Banita Sandhu, Amol Parashar among others fit their parts perfectly amplifying the impact. The only baggage that pulls Sardar Udham back is the lack of exploration of the person that was the revolutionary as much as the film is focused on his turmoil and drive for revenge. Sardar Udham seems unnecessarily stretched in certain parts but ultimately leaves you reeling with thoughts about freedom, struggle, devotion and pain. Statement by Ambassador Byrne Nason at the UNSC Briefing on UNMIK - Kosovo Statement I want to begin by thanking SRSG Tanin for his briefing, and him and his team for their valuable work. Id like to underline, right at the top, Irelands strong support for UNMIK. I thank President Osmani and Foreign Minister Selakovic for being here today. As we know from experience, building peace takes time and ongoing and open channels of communication. Ireland supports the Secretary-Generals call on both sides to engage constructively in the renewed dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. This EU-facilitated dialogue, mandated by the UN, is the channel through which issues and tensions between Kosovo and Serbia can and should be resolved. We continue to see the value of dialogue, including at the end of September when an arrangement was reached to resolve the tensions in the north of Kosovo. We urge both sides to commit to a concerted and sincere effort to progress the EU-facilitated dialogue. We call on leaders in both Serbia and Kosovo to refrain from further divisive rhetoric or actions. All agreements reached under the Dialogue, since its beginning ten years ago, need to be implemented without delay. There have been concrete gains that have improved the daily lives of people in Kosovo and these must not be squandered there cannot be a reset. Both sides have a responsibility to respect and implement the obligations they have made under the Dialogue. A comprehensive, final and legally binding normalisation agreement is essential for the European perspective of both Serbia and Kosovo, and for wider stability in the Western Balkans region. Mr. President, Kosovo like many others, continues to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. We greatly appreciate UNMIKs role in supporting Kosovos Covid response particularly through the assistance the mission gives to the most vulnerable in Kosovo. We value UNMIKs work on the promotion of gender equality, including through progressing the WPS and YPS agendas. UNMIKs work on genderbased violence within all communities is especially significant. Gender-based violence in Kosovo has risen year-on-year since 2016. Though steps have been taken to prevent and combat violence against women and girls, more must be done. Ireland welcomes the record intake of women MPs elected to parliament this year and the level of womens representation in the Government. However, the gains made by women at the national level have yet to trickle down to local level: less than 8% of candidates running for mayoral posts in the upcoming municipal elections are women. Women do not yet have the support or the access to the resources they need to run for office at the local level. The barriers preventing their participation in political life, and in the vital work of building peace, must be dismantled without delay. Mr. President, The people of Kosovo voted for change earlier this year and for an agenda of rule of law and anti-corruption reforms, which the new Government has set about tackling. We hope that the coming months will see a reinvigoration of, and delivery on, the EU reform agenda, particularly rule of law reforms. In this context, I also wish to underline Irelands support for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. It is Irelands view that countering impunity for past crimes is essential in preventing future violations. It is vital that the authorities in Kosovo adhere to their commitments to the Specialist Chambers. Mr. President, UNMIK continues to play an important role through its trust-building projects bringing together members of different communities, in particular young people. UNMIK supports the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in Kosovo. Of particular note is UNMIKs work on missing persons. Progress on this issue can provide much needed comfort and solace to families of the missing, and is an indispensable step in the process of reconciliation in Kosovo. It is important for building confidence between Kosovo and Serbia. We greatly value this and other aspects of UNMIKs work and wish SRSG Tanin and his team all the best in the next phase of their mission. Thank you, Mr. President. Previous Item | Next Item Statement by Ambassador Kelly at Arria Meeting on the Situation in Belarus Statement I would like to thank Estonia for hosting todays meeting. Excellencies, Ireland co-sponsored todays meeting out of our grave concern for the appalling human rights abuses in Belarus. Our briefers this morning have highlighted the stark reality on the ground, with Lukashenkos rule imposed through fear and intimidation, and the deployment of widespread State violence against the Belarusian people. Despite repeated calls from the international community, and the imposition of targeted sanctions by the EU and other partners, we have seen no end to this repression. Ireland unreservedly condemns these violations and calls for their immediate cessation. Of particular concern is the arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances of human rights defenders. We call for their immediate and unconditional release. Freedom of expression also remains severely curtailed. We must continue to press the Belarusian authorities to respect this fundamental freedom and to insist, unequivocally, on the protection of the Belarusian peoples human rights. I want to pay tribute to the many women who have participated in and led peaceful protests and civic actions in defence of democratic principles and their human rights. Their courage and determination fills us with hope for the future of Belarus. We are deeply troubled by the Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which refers to numerous accounts of women being violently arrested by security forces, beaten, tortured, and subjected to sexual violence and verbal abuse. This must stop now, and the perpetrators of such horrendous acts must be held to account. We have also seen the Belarusian authorities orchestrate the flow of vulnerable migrants, including young children, across its borders into neighbouring countries. To manipulate migration in this way shows a disregard for the human rights of migrants, with the destabilising effects of this deliberate policy felt across the region. In the face of such actions, it is incumbent on us all to ensure that our international protection commitments and obligations are fully upheld. To conclude, Chair, I want to assure you of Irelands steadfast support for a sustainable, democratic and peaceful resolution of the situation in Belarus. It is for the Belarusian people alone to decide the future of their country. Thank you. Previous Item | Next Item Subscriber content preview 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 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. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE Ezell's Famous Chicken announced the recipients of its inaugural Rudd's R.U.B.B. (Raising Up Black Businesses) Initiative grant program to financially empower Black-owned businesses. The program awarded grants of $2,500 to 20 Black-owned businesses. Over 540 applicants from the Pacific Northwest applied for these grants that are intended to help fund operations, growth and success for businesses that may have struggled during the pandemic. . . . Subscriber content preview By ZEKE MILLER and ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press SAN DIEGO Beleaguered business owners and families separated by COVID-19 restrictions rejoiced Wednesday after the U.S. said it will reopen its land borders to nonessential travel next month, ending a 19-month freeze. Travel across land borders from Canada and Mexico has been largely restricted to workers whose jobs are deemed essential. New rules will allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the U.S. regardless of the reason starting in early November, when a similar easing of restrictions is set for air travel. By mid-January, even essential travelers seeking to enter the U.S., such as truck drivers, will need to be fully vaccinated. . . . Subscriber content preview By FIRDIA LISNAWATI Associated Press Image from iStockPhoto 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. DENPASAR, Indonesia 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. . . . On Saturday 16 October 2021, at 11:34 CEST, an unusual NASA mission will set off from Cape Canaveral on an Atlas launch vehicle, beginning its journey across the Solar System. The targets of the Lucy mission are the Trojan asteroids, which share Jupiter's orbit around the Sun. Scientists suspect that they are very different from the planetoids in the Main Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter. Asteroids are considered to be witnesses of the formation of the planets in the Solar System and can provide information about their development. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is involved in the mission's scientific activities. After a journey lasting several years, Lucy will be the first spacecraft to visit members of the 'Trojan asteroids'. The Trojans are small planetoids that found their place in the Solar System, two regions on the orbit of Jupiter, over four billion years ago. Unlike the many hundreds of thousands of celestial bodies in the Main Asteroid Belt, these bodies are more than 700 million kilometres from the Sun and are believed to be asteroids that originated beyond Jupiter's orbit. "This makes these 'time capsules' very interesting for closer study," says Stefano Mottola of the DLR Institute of Planetary Research, who is involved in Lucy's scientific activities. "We hope to gain new and significant knowledge about the Solar System's earliest period and the formation of the planets." The name Lucy is not an abbreviation, as is so often the case with NASA missions. It refers to one of the most important discoveries in anthropological research that of the 3.2-million-year-old partial skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis in Ethiopia, known as an 'early human'. Palaeontologist Donald Johanson, who co-discovered Lucy, celebrated by throwing a party with his team on the evening of that November day in 1974. As the night wore on, the Beatles' perennially popular song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds played repeatedly on the tape recorder. There is still some speculation over the initial letters of the three title nouns, but the skeleton needed a name. In Ethiopia, the skeleton is also referred to as 'Dinkinesh', which means 'you are marvellous' in the Amharic language. With her bones, scientists were able to decipher the origins of humankind. The NASA spacecraft is also intended to help, in a figurative sense, decode the origins of the Solar System. The 14-member core scientific team will require a great deal of patience. After launch, Lucy will not reach the Trojan asteroids until 2027, following a tortuous path through the inner Solar System. But before that, in April 2025, it will pass the four-kilometre, main-belt asteroid Donaldjohanson, named after one of Lucy's discoverers. The spacecraft, which will weigh approximately one and a half tonnes at launch, carries three scientific instruments with which the target asteroids will be imaged and have their chemical-mineralogical compositions and physical parameters determined using spectrometers. Lucy is the 13th member of NASA's highly successful Discovery class highly specialized, comparatively small and organisationally 'lean' space missions. Harold Levison and Cathy Olkin from the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, USA, are the mission's Principal Investigator and Deputy Principal Investigator, respectively. The mission will be controlled by NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. DLR's involvement includes Stefano Mottola from the Institute of Planetary Research in Berlin, who is a member of the Lucy science team. Mottola was also significantly involved in the Rosetta, Dawn and Hayabusa2/MASCOT missions. "During the mission preparations for Lucy, I studied the target asteroids with Earth-based telescopes and obtained light curves for them," Mottola explains. "Using these observations, we can optimise the flybys." Over the course of his career, Mottola has been involved in the telescopic discovery of hundreds of asteroids. "We will also support the mission upon arrival via calculations of body shapes, creation of image mosaics and atlases, and mapping luminosities and composition. The exact shape of the asteroids will be derived from the data obtained using the navigation cameras." In addition, Martin Patzold of the University of Cologne, supported by the German Space Agency at DLR, will investigate the mass and composition of the asteroids by analysing the redshift and blueshift of reflected radio signals the stretching and compression of the radio waves caused by the Doppler effect. Jupiter, its Trojans and Greeks The Trojans are a special group of asteroids, small bodies with diameters of up to 250 kilometres, located in regions that precede or follow the planet Jupiter at a constant distance along its orbit around the Sun. These are the points in a two-body system such as the Sun and Jupiter in this case at which gravitational and centrifugal forces balance one another out. The total of five points at which this occurs, from Lagrange-1 (L1) to Lagrange-5 (L5), are named after the Italian-French astronomer and mathematician Joseph-Louis de Lagrange (1736-1813). Two of these Lagrange points, L4 and L5, are always stable and each lie at one vertex of an equilateral triangle with the Sun and Jupiter at the other vertices. Today, just under 10,000 of these objects are known to exist in the vicinity of these two Lagrange points. They are not located exactly at these two points, but orbit them at different distances so that they form an asteroid 'cloud'. However, as in the Main Asteroid Belt, as many as one million similar bodies are suspected to exist. They are very difficult to detect with telescopes because of their dark surface and small size. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has taken inspiration from the Iliad, Homer's famous ancient saga of the battle for Troy, for the naming of the asteroids. It refers to the asteroids moving ahead of Jupiter as the camp of the 'Greeks', which take the names of the Greek heroes. The asteroids moving behind Jupiter were named 'Trojans', and take the names of the heroes from the legendary city of Asia Minor. Since all the names appearing in the Iliad have now been given to Trojan asteroids, newly discovered bodies are being named by the IAU after modern 'heroes', great athletes who participated in the modern Olympic and Paralympic Games. This will be the first time that bodies orbiting the Sun at Lagrange points along a planetary orbit have been visited by a spacecraft. Jupiter itself plays no role in the mission. It will be many hundreds of millions of kilometres away from Lucy during both phases of the mission. In planetary research, the Trojan asteroids have been a top priority as a new target for years. Researchers suspect that, in contrast to Main Belt asteroids, these Trojans have little in common with the bodies of the inner Solar System and more with the outer regions of the planetary system. The realm of the gas giants and their icy moons begins with Jupiter. Even further away from the Sun, beyond Neptune, stretches the region in which the comets originate. These bodies of dust and ice also played an important role in the formation and evolution of the Solar System. This is the home of the 'transneptunian objects', to which Pluto also belongs. Just as the asteroids of the Main Belt are remnants of the formation of the four rocky planets, the Jovian Trojans are likely to be remnants of the source material of the outer planets, with origins at very different distances from the Sun. They may even contain organic molecules, which originated there before later reaching the inner Solar System, and thus Earth substances that could have played an important role in the emergence of life almost four billion years ago. Into the 'camp' of the Greeks, back to Earth and on to the Trojans Arriving at its destination in the realm of the L4 asteroids, the 'Greek camp', Lucy will examine at close range the asteroids Eurybates (August 2027) and its small moon Queta, discovered by the Lucy team only last year, Polymele (September 2027), Leucus (April 2028) and Orus (November 2028). Then, Lucy will be steered back towards Earth and the inner Solar System a first in the history of spaceflight. With the help of a 'gravity assist manoeuvre', the spacecraft will then be steered to the L5 point, where Lucy will reach the asteroid Patroclus and its binary companion Menoetius in the 'Trojan camp'. The nominal mission will then be over, but if fuel and resources necessary for mission operations are still available, the mission could be extended. Lucy would then return to Earth once again and be steered back towards the asteroid cloud at L4, arriving at the end of the decade. Importance of asteroid research The study of small bodies in the Solar System has become increasingly important in recent decades. Asteroids and comets are in most cases barely altered witnesses to the formation of planets a little more than four and a half billion years ago. The further away from the Sun they formed and remain today the less they have been exposed to the Sun's influence and therefore the less they have been altered. Four and a half billion years is a period of time so long that it is difficult to comprehend on human timescales, but planetary research has recently become increasingly successful in reconstructing the processes that took place in the first million years following the formation of the Sun 4.567 billion years ago. The planets formed surprisingly quickly at that time, in just a few million to tens of millions of years. This period was decisive for their further development, which is seen in the diversity of the planets and their moons. However, as they have all changed considerably since then, only asteroids and comets allow us to look back to that time and decipher the processes precisely. A Louth TD has said that the closure of the Horseware Ireland facilities in Dundalk is "shocking" and that he has concerns about what redundancies will be made available to the 51 staff being let go. Sinn Fein's Ruairi O Murchu said he has been shocked by the decision to close operations in Dundalk over the next six months, with some workers set to be let go before the end of the year. In total 51 workers have been told they will be made redundant, of which 33 are in production and 18 in warehousing. Workers in warehousing were told earlier this year and will finish with Horseware before the end of the year. The remaining 33 will be let go in March 2022. Deputy O Murchu said that his office had been contacted by concerned workers within Horseware, with the Deputy saying that the workers were told their operations were being moved to Cambodia. "My office was contacted on Tuesday by concerned workers who had been told that their production positions were being moved to Cambodia," said Deputy O Murchu. The Democrat contacted a spokesperson for Horseware, who said that the company had longstanding operations in Asia and would not confirm whether jobs were being moved directly to Cambodia. According to Deputy O Murchu, staff in Horseware had been previously reassured as to their job security after the redundancies in warehousing were announced earlier this year. "Horseware started in Dundalk and is synonymous with the town for over 35 years. The staff is not unionised and there are major concerns about what redundancy will be available to them and what their future job prospects will be, particularly for the mostly female manufacturing staff who have highly specialised skills." Deputy O Murchu raised concerns about Horseware Ireland moving their operations into Asia, saying that workers in countries like Cambodia will only be paid a fraction of what workers are paid in Ireland. "The average wage for a garment worker in Cambodia is just 126 per month," said Deputy O Murchu. According to the Deputy, he had received communications from Horseware on their decision to shut down the facility, and he has informed both Minister Heather Humphreys and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar. "I have also made Ministers Heather Humphries and Leo Vardakar aware of the situation and have asked them to intervene to ensure that workers are properly looked after." In a statement yesterday, CEO of Horseware Ireland, Mark Saunders, said that the business needed to "recalibrate operations" so they could stay competitive into the future. "We will be investing further in our business in Ireland including a modern new global headquarters, research and customer innovation centre that will underpin the future ongoing success of Horseware," said Mr Saunders. We are acutely conscious that this development will affect some of our deeply valued colleagues and we will support and assist each person to the maximum possible over an extended period of time towards March 2022 when we anticipate the conclusion of this necessary realignment. Minister for Higher and Further Education Simon Harris as said the Government must decide whether to proceed, pause or proceed with some safeguards as it considers the next stage of easing Covid-19 restrictions. Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Minister Harris said that despite the rise in Covid-19 cases more than 90% of people are now vaccinated and some perspective is needed. He said it is not a binary choice whether to continue to reopen or not, but to "ask the question is there a way to proceed with openings [while] retaining vaccine certs or face masks for a bit longer". Minister Simon Harris says there could be three options before Govt on easing restrictions: proceed, pause or proceed with safeguards. He raises possibility that the requirement for a vaccine cert to access certain settings could be retained | Read more: https://t.co/DXFPpjU3MY pic.twitter.com/5YItme0YzF RTE News (@rtenews) October 15, 2021 The former minister for health said that a level of scrutiny of the options is required and the Government will consult with public health authorities ahead of any decision. He also urged the 70,000 people who have had a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to come forward for a second dose. Mr. Harris said that a more widespread booster [or third] vaccine programme could be beneficial as was seen in Israel and that advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) on this is expected next week. He said NIAC is assessing the information on a booster programme for more of the population. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said it has been asked by An Garda Siochana to delay the publication of a report while investigations continue into allegations of sexual abuse by a former resident at a care home. The allegations, which were first reported in The Irish Times, are of sexual assault on a number of residents at St Joseph's hospital in Stranorlar, Co. Donegal, carried out by a former resident, who was given the pseudonym Brandon in the report and who is now deceased. In a statement today, the HSE said that every day the health service and its staff seek to provide safe, high-quality health and social care with compassion to many thousands of people in communities around the country. Commenting on the unpublished report, the HSE said that what happened in this case fell far short of the high standards it seeks to achieve and "we apologise sincerely for that". The allegations were raised by a whistleblower in the HSE in 2016 when he contacted local Independent TD Thomas Pringle. Deputy Pringle said he was horrified at the allegations and contacted HSE management. Mr. Pringle has called for the publication of the report and said the HSE must "come clean" in relation to what they did in relation to the case. "We have to make sure that this doesn't happen again, and I think that is what the families are very concerned about, we have to be confident this won't happen in any other facility and learnings will be made from this case and worked on and that everyone will be safe". In a statement issued this afternoon, The HSE said that it received the initial report in August 2020 by which time 'Brandon' was no longer residing in the service. On receipt of the report, it said, it: "acted immediately to seek assurance as to the current safety of the residents within the relevant service. The HSE's primary concern is the current safety of residents. "Regular safeguarding meetings take place within the service, which has undergone significant reforms in advancing the Community Healthcare Organisation's strategy for disability services generally, and specifically in response to the report findings, building on ongoing improvements in that specific service prior to the report." In a statement the Health Information and Quality Authority said: "Since March 2016, HIQA has inspected this service on 25 occasions and has ensured that all safeguarding concerns were referred to the appropriate agency." The Gardai have asked the HSE to delay the publication at this point while their investigations continue and a statement from the Gardai said that a file has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions "in respect of this matter". For more than 90 years, The Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund has assisted those in need in the Merrimack Valley through generous contributions from businesses, organizations and individuals. This year the need is as great as ever. Contribute How much is a cow worth? In India, its divine status might yield the answer invaluable, but in Montenegro, a cow named Bitkoinka recently became the first farm asset of any kind to be bought with a virtual currency in the Western Balkans. This is the story of how a young entrepreneur is pushing the frontiers of innovation in Montenegro, with support from the Food Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the EBRD and its donors Italy through the Central European Initiative (CEI), the Western Balkans Enterprise Development & Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) and the Shareholders Special Fund (SSF). Bounding back with a purpose Young entrepreneur Marko Maras from Montenegro decided to go on a soul-searching trip to South America a couple of years ago. After the ups and downs of running a video equipment rental business and the theft of approx. 17,000 worth of equipment, he had decided to make some major life changes. While volunteering for months on farms in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador in exchange for meals, Marko began to understand his life calling. He wanted to help to save small villages back home that were becoming neglected in favour of faster city developments. His goal was simple: he wanted to close the gap between small producers and customers by offering a simple and easy online method to buy and sell local produce and cattle with no intermediaries. This is how seljak.me the first digital village in Montenegro came to exist three years ago. With incredible energy, Marko steered a small but dedicated team of young people to run the site as a local non-profit NGO, initiating a unique form of social entrepreneurship for small producers in Montenegro. From agri to digital At around the same time, the FAO and the EBRD Agribusiness and Advice for Small Businesses teams joined forces to support backward linkages between smaller-scale producers and the hospitality sector in the Western Balkans region, including Montenegro. This is how we first met Marko. When the pandemic brought a whole new set of challenges for the agrifood sector, the two organisations offered know-how and advisory support to seljak.me to revamp its online platform according to best practices. The platform was scaled to include an online marketplace and a knowledge sharing platform accessible to all agricultural producers covering the following topics: food safety, market information and prices, food and vegetable production, safety and agrotechnical measures, and bee and honey production. The site also covers the agricultural scene in Montenegro and the broader region. Since the launch of the redesigned website in May 2021, it has registered 160,000 unique visitors and 7,630,000 page views. The advisory programme provided an edgy marketing campaign, reflective of Markos unique personality, which is still ongoing, and the village continues to grow its community day by day. Cryptocurrency or cryptocattle? The website launch received much attention due to a clever marketing move designed to raise awareness about the increasing interlinkages between agribusiness and digital innovation. Andjela Bojic became the first customer in Montenegro to buy a cow online for 0.013 Bitcoin, the equivalent of approx. 1,400 at the time. This news exploded in the local and regional media, turning Bitkoinka into regional celebrity, while also placing seljak.me on the radar of the agri-innovation frontier in the region. We thank the FAO and the EBRD, from which we have received support for the improvement of existing capacities so we can raise digitalisation to a new level. Expect more innovations in the field of digitalisation of agriculture from us soon, says Marko. Plans include the digitalisation of processes important to farmers, including administrative tasks such as registration and application for subsidies. Bitkoinka showcases the wide array of opportunities for digitalisation and innovation in the agribusiness sector. The seljak.me platform supports integration of the local supply chain and opens the door for growing the digital and sustainable agricultural community, while also inviting younger generations to make their contribution by providing healthy food from farm to table in a simple click. The new platform has already helped sell 5,000 farm animals and place hundreds of new food products on the online market. The seljak.me platform will soon promote high quality food, including products with Geographical Indication (GI) labels, from Montenegro. Opportunities also lie in scaling up B2B opportunities for producers, who can connect with the hotel, restaurant and catering (HORECA) sector directly via the online platform. It is exciting to witness and a privilege to support seljak.me, and Montenegros agribusiness and tourism sectors, towards reaching these goals. Vivienne Clarke Minister for Higher and Further Education Simon Harris has said it was not a binary choice whether to proceed with the easing of restrictions on October 22nd. Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, the former Minister for Health said that the Government must decide if it will proceed, pause or proceed with some safeguards. Despite the rise in cases in recent days, some perspective was needed, said Mr Harris as more than 91 per cent of people were vaccinated. The question needed to be asked if there was a way to proceed with reopening while retaining vaccine certs and the wearing of face masks for a bit longer. Mr Harris also urged the 70,000 people who had a first dose of the vaccine to come forward for a second dose. With regard to a more widespread booster vaccine programme, the Minister said that that advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) was expected next week. Meanwhile, HSE chief operations officer Anne OConnor has said that the health service is going to do things in a different way to keep people out of hospital. Hospital numbers Its only October, but its like the first week in January, she told Newstalk Breakfast of the figures attending emergency departments. Hospitals are very busy, there are significant numbers attending emergency departments, far in excess of what we saw in 2020 and 2019. The numbers in major hospitals in Galway, Limerick and Cork were 25 per cent higher than 2019. Ms OConnor said that on Thursday night there were 100 hospital beds available out of 12,00 in the system. More frail and vulnerable people were being admitted, she added. The HSE was going to do things in a different way in an attempt to keep people out of hospital, there would be a focus on community care, utilising nursing homes for step down beds and home support. Its about having a range of options. The booster campaign was important as some people had been vaccinated ten months ago, she said. The HSE was awaiting a response from Niac about extending the current booster campaign. Mr Harris said that some big and bold decisions were going to have to be made about contracts for consultants in an attempt to retain people. Any advice in relation to the easing of restrictions needed to come from doctors not politicians, he said. Mabel Emmaline Kibler age 92, passed away Saturday, November 13, 2021 at her home in rural Newton. Mabel was born on April 19, 1929 in Champaign County, Illinois the daughter of Rual and Chlora Mae (Chapman) Warfel. On October 5, 1947, Mabel married Orville R. Kibler. He survives. Mabel spen New Council of Ministers unveiled The Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK has this morning unveiled the Isle of Mans new Council of Ministers. The Chief Minister said: We have a huge amount of work to do in the weeks and months ahead, but also in the longer term as we seek to deliver a secure, vibrant and sustainable future for our Island. I have sought to shape a ministerial team that I believe can deliver on this long term vision for the people of the Isle of Man. The Council of Ministers is made up of the Chief Minister and eight ministers, all of whom are members of the House of Keys: Kate Lord-Brennan MHK has been appointed as Minister for the Cabinet Office Dr Alex Allinson MHK has been appointed as Minister for Enterprise Julie Edge MHK has been appointed as Minister for Education, Sport and Culture Clare Barber MHK has been appointed as Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Lawrie Hooper MHK has been appointed as Minister for Health and Social Care Tim Crookall MHK has been appointed as Minister for Infrastructure Jane Poole-Wilson MHK has been appointed as Minister for Justice and Home Affairs David Ashford MHK has been appointed as Minister for the Treasury Mrs Poole-Wilson will also deputise for the Chief Minister should he be unavailable. Daphne Caine MHK will chair the Climate Change Transformation Board and Chris Thomas MHK will chair a new Housing and Community Board. The Chief Minister continued: I have consulted with members of Tynwald in recent days, listening to their views, ideas and suggestions. I want to draw on the collective will of every member of Tynwald and work together to improve the lives of the people of our Island community. There are a number of immediate challenges we face, such as energy pricing and the COVID-19 pandemic as we enter the winter months. But we must also focus on the longer term. With my Tynwald colleagues, we have already started work on developing a five year Island Plan to deliver a better future for all. Departmental memberships and appointments to statutory boards will be announced in due course. Mark A. Forkner, Boeing's former chief technical pilot involved in the company's 737 Max testing, was indicted for fraud by a grand jury in Texas. Due to his position with the company, he was in charge of coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration to determine the kind of training a pilot needs to fly a particular plane. The indictment accuses him of deceiving the agency's Aircraft Evaluation Group (FAA AEG) when it evaluated and certified the 737 Max model. If you'll recall, two 737 Max planes crashed within months of each other in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. Forkner allegedly provided the FAA 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)." In both crashes, the AEG determined after an investigation that MCAS, a system designed to push the plane's nose down in certain situations, activated during the flight. The planes that crashed Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 nosedived almost as soon as they took off. According to the Department of Justice, Forkner discovered an important change to MCAS in November 2016, but he allegedly withheld that information from the AEG. As a result, the FAA removed all reference to MCAS in the pilot training materials for the 737 Max. Acting US Attorney Chad E. Meacham for the Northern District of Texas said in a statement that the former chief pilot's actions were financially motivated: In an attempt to save Boeing money, Forkner allegedly withheld critical information from regulators. His callous choice to mislead the FAA hampered the agencys ability to protect the flying public and left pilots in the lurch, lacking information about certain 737 MAX flight controls. The Department of Justice will not tolerate fraud especially in industries where the stakes are so high." Earlier this year, Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle the criminal charge that it had conspired to defraud the FAA. It also agreed to work with the FAA's fraud section for any ongoing and future investigations. As for Forkner, he was charged with two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts and four counts of wire fraud. He's now facing a sentence of up to 100 years in prison. Google has shared quite a few details of the Pixel 6 series, but it hasn't revealed everything ahead of its October 19th event. Just how powerful will these phones be? Will they represent a good value? And does Google have any surprises up its sleeve? Here's what you can expect from the presentation, including a few last-minute leaks. The specs: A return to flagship phones Unlike with past phone launches, Google has been happy to share basic details of the Pixel 6 family months in advance. Both the base Pixel 6 and the larger, brawnier Pixel 6 Pro will mark Google's return to high-end phones after the Pixel 5 'break,' with premium glass designs. They'll offer upgraded cameras with improved low-light performance (150 percent more light than in the past), and they should tout "all day" battery life despite support for battery-hungry 5G. The centerpiece, however, will be the Tensor chip inside both Pixel 6 models. Google hasn't officially divulged full specs for Tensor as of this writing, but it's the company's first custom system-on-chip. The design uses its namesake AI processing to achieve things that were "previously impossible" on typical SoCs, such as juggling multiple AI tasks or processing live video. Google However, Google hasn't said much about the exact specs of the Pixel 6 line or the range of Tensor-assisted features. Expect the company to share many more gritty technical details for the Pixel 6 at the event, although we wouldnt count on enough info to make easy comparisons between Tensor and rival mobile chips. You might not have to wait long to get the full scoop. Well-known leaker Evan Blass spotted Carphone Warehouse promo pages that appear to spoil much of what Google intends to announce. The standard Pixel 6 will likely compete against 'entry' flagships like the Galaxy S21 and iPhone 13 with a 6.4-inch flat 90Hz screen, a 50-megapixel main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter. The Pixel 6 Pro, meanwhile, should be the definitive top-of-the-range model with a 6.7-inch curved 120Hz display and a third 48MP telephoto lens. You may also see 30W wired charging, 23W wireless charging and reverse charging to top up your earbuds or other phones. As for Tensor? That retail listing claimed up to 80 percent better performance than the Pixel 5 (not difficult given the 5's middling Snapdragon 765G chip), but the real star may be Tensor's photographic prowess. Google reportedly plans multiple AI-driven camera tricks that include a Magic Eraser to get rid of photobombers, Face Unblur to keep people in focus and a Motion Mode for action photography. These aren't completely novel concepts (anti-photobombing has been present in Huawei and Samsung phones for a while), but they're new to Pixels and might perform better with Tensor involved. A focus on services and support Google Google might also break new ground in how it sells the Pixel 6. This is Tech Today's M. Brandon Lee obtained what he says is evidence Google will make the Pixel 6 available as a part of a "Pixel Pass" that combines monthly phone payments with an extended warranty, Google One cloud storage, Play Pass, optional Google Fi service and either YouTube Music or YouTube Premium. Effectively, Google would counter Apple One by including virtually everything you need in a single subscription, not just internet services. You could also enjoy better software support regardless of what you pay. Those Carphone Warehouse pages echoed longstanding rumors that Google would offer "at least" five years of security updates to Pixel 6 owners. That's more than the three to four years you often find in the Android world, and roughly on par with Apple. It's not clear if you'll get full operating system updates for those five years, but you might not have to worry about patchable vulnerabilities for the practical life of your Pixel. There's little doubt the Pixel 6 will cost more than its predecessor. Where the Pixel 5 was an upper-mid-range phone, its sequel is an upscale device. Google has even made clear the Pixel 6 Pro will be a "premium-priced product." But how much more will you have to pay? Google That's a difficult call. One Reddit user spotted a German listing that mentioned a 649 (about $750) price for the base Pixel 6. A source for This is Tech Today, meanwhile, quoted a price of 899 (roughly $1,050) for the 6 Pro. We'd be cautious about these prices, as they could change and might not convert neatly even if they're accurate. Still, Google is apparently returning to top-tier pricing. Like it or not, Google will also borrow a cost- and waste-cutting measure from its rivals: it's leaving the charger out of the box. That's not too dire an omission when there's a real chance you'll have a USB-C charger hanging around, but it could be frustrating if you're either new to USB-C devices or saddled with a slow power brick. Factor that into the price before you rush to check out. The German listing and other leaks have pointed to a Pixel 6 release sometime the week of October 25th. We'd expect a broad international launch, for that matter. Where the Pixel 5a was limited to the US and Japan due to supply constraints, the leaks so far already hint that Google wants to make the Pixel 6 as ubiquitous as possible. Don't expect many surprises Google We wouldn't bet on Google announcing much else besides the Pixel 6 and its accompanying software. Google's marketing for the event has revolved exclusively around its new phones. It's unlikely that you'll see any other gadgets, and they'll definitely be secondary if they do appear. That's not to completely rule out new hardware. It has been more than a year since Google debuted its higher-end Pixel Buds, and other devices like Nest WiFi haven't been updated in a while. There's just not much need for Google to revamp products beyond the Pixel line what's there is still relevant and functional. There's also the possibility of new or upgraded services. If Google really does introduce a Pixel Pass, it might want to sweeten the deal by offering more for the money, whether it's a brand new service or perks like more cloud storage. We haven't seen rumors to this effect so far, but Google also kept unlimited photo uploads for Pixel owners when it capped everyone else in June. The company knows that services sell hardware, and that may be crucial for the Pixel 6. The services celebrating and honoring the life of Leia Schnaithman, 51, of Enid, are currently pending under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared online at www.BrownCummings.com. When asked about the tragedies that have recently befallen her during the pandemic, Rachael Ray actually stated she felt "grateful." One of the tragedies even involved a fire on her New York property. During the last two years, natural catastrophes have had an impact on the chef's New York City apartment as well as her upstate New York house. The 53-year-Lake old's Luzerne home was destroyed by a chimney fire last summer, while her flat was destroyed by Hurricane Ida just a month before. Also in 2020, the celebrity chef had to deal with the death of her dog Isaboo. "When I lost my dog I was so grateful that I could be with her the last several months of her life," Ray said in a recent interview with Extra. She said, "[My dog] died in my arms ... I felt guilty and grateful at the same time ... People suffered actual human loss from COVID or because they couldn't get care ... and how many people died alone." The celebrity foodie revealed that the coronavirus pandemic was particularly harsh on her, and yet somehow, put her life into perspective. "The fire, the chimney burped under the roof, that's just life," she explained. ALSO READ: Erika Jayne Looks Haggard Shopping at Target Ahead of RHOBH Special Detailing Embezzlement Scandal? "So many people wrote to me and reached out and said we lost so much too, I mean that's just bad luck ... The apartment, we weren't there ... Leaks became bigger and the roof became worse and we thought we had repaired everything ... then Ida ... the whole apartment, was just raining inside," Ray added. After the fire destroyed her upstate New York house in August of 2020, she was quick to pen a thank you letter to the first responders who had worked so hard to put out the flames. "Thank you to our local first responders for being kind and gracious and saving what they could of our home. Grateful that my mom, my husband, my dog ... we're all okay. These are the days we all have to be grateful for what we have, not what we've lost," she tweeted at the time. A native of Glenn Falls, New York, Rachael Domenica Ray was raised by her Italian immigrant mother Elsa Providenza Scuderi and her American restaurateur father James Ray. When she was young, her parents instilled in her the importance of perseverance and hard work. Both her parents had her work as a waitress at their various restaurants with her two siblings, Maria and Manolo. They were basically reared as chefs, as the three children would later testify. ALSO READ: Tyga Turns Himself Him and Was Charged With 'Felony Domestic Abuse,' Complainant Heartbroken Lori Loughlin is returning to TV a year after she pleaded guilty to the college admissions scandal. In November, the actress went to federal prison and finished serving a two-month sentence for her role in the scam. She was best known for starring as Aunt Becky in "Full House" and having the lead role in "When Calls the Heart." Loughlin's husband, Mossimo Giannulli, also pleaded guilty and served a five-month sentence last year. And now, it seems like things are back to normal to Loughlin and Giannulli, as well as other high-profile celebrities who were part of the scam as well. Everyone except Felicity Huffman. Huffman pleaded guilty to the college admissions and only served an 11-day sentence in jail despite it initially being 14 days. She is reportedly furious that her fellow former jailbird Loughlin is not having difficulties returning to Hollywood in the wake of their roles in the scandal. After the announcement that the 57-year-old will star in the spinoff "When Hope Calls" A Country Christmas," her first TV gig since coming out of prison, an insider told OK! magazine that Huffman is simply "shocked." Unlike Loughlin, the "Desperate Housewives" alum could get a plea deal early on, so she "can't understand why the industry is being hard on her" and not on Loughlin. The insider further said, "Felicity can't help but be envious that Lori will be back on TV so soon." Despite her husband being William H. Macy, a very respected figure in Hollywood, Huffman was hoping that he would be able to help her get offers, but more than a year later, "That hasn't happened." "She's paid her penance and feels like Lori messed with the system even worse than she did." But it's not like Huffman didn't get a TV gig after her release. As announced, she became part of an NBC series, but there haven't been any updates on that project since then. READ ALSO: Britney Spears' Dad Overboard: Jamie Spears Spied On Daughter's Intimate Moments With Sam Asghari? The Truth About This Story Deadline previously reported that Lori Loughlin would make her return to acting in the spinoff. According to TV Line, her return will happen in the premiere episode of the second season of "When Hope Calls." Though she is back to her acting, it doesn't mean Loughlin will appear on The Hallmark Channel once again. In fact, the network said that Loughlin's TV return isn't connected to Hallmark, who is not associated with the channel "GAC Family," a "wholly separate cable network not affiliated with Hallmark Channel." It's also best to take OK! magazine's source with a grain of salt, as nobody knows for sure if Felicity Huffman feels that way about Lori Loughlin's TV return. READ MORE: Sheryl Underwood's Feelings on Natalie Morales Joining 'The Talk' Revealed Cocktail Inauguration. Siege Moet Hennessy. Paris. david atlan - MOET HENNESSY; BEAUX-ARTS DE PARIS/PR NEWSWIRE PARIS, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Moet Hennessy, world leader in luxury Wines & Spirits, is pleased to support the Ecole Nationale Superieur des Beaux-Arts de Paris. A patron of this institution, Moet Hennessy has given carte blanche to ten artists. "We are delighted to partner with our neighbors at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. The artists were inspired by the craftsmanship and heritage of the 25 Maisons of our group, and have also paid tribute to the painting by Jean-Francois de Troy, Le Dejeuner d'Huitres. Their artwork will be exhibited in our Parisian headquarters, at the intersection of art, architecture, design and gastronomy." - Philippe Schaus, President of Moet Hennessy. Le Dejeuner d'huitres is an emblematic piece by the artist Jean-Francois de Troy. This painting is the perfect illustration of the French art de vivre of the 18th century, with an abundance of details (food, wine, silverware). But it is the presence of a cork in the air that makes this festive scene of a meal between gentlemen in an elaborately decorated room an iconic painting. This masterpiece is the first representation of a champagne bottle in Art. Royally commissioned by Louis XV and created in 1735 to decorate the after-hunting dining room of the small apartments in the Chateau of Versailles, today the piece is kept in the Conde museum in Chantilly. As part of this exclusive collaboration with the Beaux-Arts de Paris, students and recent graduates were invited to create artwork for Moet Hennessy. Ten projects (pieces in ceramic, clay, wood, wax, resin, paper) were selected, then specifically created to be at home in the reception areas of Moet Hennessy located at 142 rue du Bac and designed by the architectural firm Barbarito Bancel. "These 10 students and young graduates bring complementary flavors to these spaces. Like young wines, they have great promise. Certain will find them a little green or too vibrant, others already fine and rich or balanced, and will enjoy their aromas. But they are nevertheless fresh on the palate and strong in sensations. We are proud of the responses of these artists. The photographs, ceramics, drawings, and sculptures that they have made give a delicious image to creation of today, of its freedom and its effervescence." - Jean de Loisy, Director of the Beaux-Arts de Paris. Such programs are the perfect opportunity for artists to face specific aesthetic, architectural, legal and temporal constraints, which Juliette Green, Shengqi Kong, Clara Mazzoleni, Juliette Minchin, Alice Nikolaeva, Lia Pradal, Wan Lin Qin, Pierre Seiter, Theophile Stern, and Alzbeta Wolfova have successfully addressed. About Moet Hennessy Moet Hennessy, the Wines & Spirits division of LVMH, regroups twenty-five luxury Maisons, recognized internationally for the richness of their terroirs, and the quality and craftsmanship of their products. The LVMH group also holds renowned wine estates through "LVMH Vins d'Exception." Moet Hennessy is furthermore a patron of the vocational program of the Beaux-Arts de Paris, "Artists and the Professions of Exhibition." About the Beaux-Arts de Paris The Beaux-Arts de Paris is both a place for education and artistic experimentation, of exhibitions and conservation of historical and contemporary collections, as well as a publishing house. Heir to the Royal Academies of Painting and Sculpture, the school, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, has as its primary vocation the training of high-level artists. It plays an essential role in the contemporary art scene. The training allows each student to understand the challenges of contemporary art and what it means to be an artist today. Anchored in economic and social reality, the Beaux-Arts de Paris also aims to build bridges between student and professional life, notably by introducing students to the world of art and by encouraging encounters with its players, but also with other fields within where artistic expression also belongs. Please drink responsibly. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660699/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660700/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660701/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_3.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660702/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660703/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_5.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660704/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_6.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660705/Moet_Cocktail_Inauguration_7.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660736/Moet_Hennessy_Logo2.jpg Contacts: Moet HennessyJean-Christophe Laizeau Directeur des relations exterieures Moet Hennessy jc.laizeau@moethennessy.com Beaux-Arts de ParisIsabelle Reye Attachee de Presse Beaux-Arts de Parisisabelle.reye@beauxartsparis.fr California firefighters took advantage of a break in strong winds to get aircraft aloft and dump retardant on a fast-moving wildfire that was within a half mile of former President Ronald Reagan's ranch, officials said. Millions of Medicare beneficiaries will soon be able to switch drug plans. An analysis of rates for 2022 by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance finds a significant range of available pricing. "In Philadelphia, the lowest cost Medicare Part D drug plan costs $7.50 monthly while the most expensive plan will cost $160.20-per-month," explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI). The organization just released a report of the lowest and highest Medicare drug plan premiums for 10 major U.S. markets. Medicare's annual open enrollment begins October 15th. This is an opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to compare drug plans for the coming year. Switching plans is possible until December 7. "The difference in what you pay can be significant and it really pays to compare during Medicare's open enrollment," Slome points out. "Plans can change how they cover specific drugs you take. Plus, there may be deductibles or other costs that can add up." The Association recently made available a free online tool that enables consumers to privately compare drug plans available in their area. "It is completely private to use and also incredibly simple," Slome notes. "One can enter the various prescription medications and the system will display options." Use it to find the best Medicare drug plan prices. Monthly Premium: 2022 Medicare Plan D Coverage New York (Zip Code 10012) $7.20 - $101.00 Los Angeles (Zip Code 90001) $7.50 - $160.20 Chicago (Zip Code 60601) $6.90 - $94.30 Washington DC (Zip Code 20005) $7.10 - $100.60 Houston (Zip Code 77001) $6.90 - $154.90 Dallas (Zip Code 75001) $6.90 - $154.90 San Francisco (Zip Code 94105) $7.50 - $160.20 Philadelphia (Zip Code 19050) $7.20 - $178.30 Phoenix (Zip Code 85033) $7.50 - $139.30 Atlanta (Zip Code 30313) $6.90 - $104.20 The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance advocates for the importance of planning and supports insurance professionals who market Medicare solutions. To access the Medicare drug plan comparison software, visit the Association's website at www.Medicaresupp.org Remember that court case from nearly 30 years ago where a New Mexico woman sued McDonalds after she suffered serious burns from spilling scalding hot coffee on herself? A jury awarded her millions, triggering a media frenzy, snide jokes on late-night talk shows and calls for legal reforms to limit damage awards in civil court cases. Well, in the span of less than a week this month, two lawsuits were filed in San Antonio that are reminiscent of that landmark case. The lawsuits allege that in separate incidents, two women suffered serious injuries after the hot coffee they were handed at a McDonalds drive-thru window fell in their lap. The suits target McDonalds and franchisee Acosta Inc., the owner and operator of the restaurants where the incidents allegedly occurred. They didnt respond to requests for comment Friday. San Antonio resident Jorge Chaires, 56, brought the first action on behalf of the estate of his late wife, Evangelina Chaires. She died at 58 on March 4, 2020. Jorge Chaires filed the suit Oct. 5, two years to the day his wife was allegedly injured at the McDonalds at 11038 Potranco Road on the far West Side. The suit says the lid was not firmly secured to the coffee cup. The employee at the drive-through was handing Ms. Chaires a dangerously hot cup of coffee when the cup fell on Ms. Chaires lap, the complaint says. She suffered serious and permanent injuries and damages. The complaint gives no details on her injuries, though they were unrelated to her death. LeeAnn De La Garza, a San Antonio attorney for the plaintiff, said the litigation is in the process of being resolved but that she could not comment further because of a confidentiality agreement. The suit says McDonalds and Acosta were negligent because of their failure to warn that the coffee would become a lethal instrument, causing death or permanent and disabling injury, should the contents fall and spill on the consumer. The plaintiff seeks $250,000, or statutory or punitive damages and penalties, along with attorney fees and costs. On Monday, San Antonio resident Martha Acevedo-Quezada, 55, sued McDonalds and Acosta for more than $1 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Her claims are for lost wages, medical bills, mental anguish, and physical impairment and disfigurement. Her alleged injuries occurred Sept. 18, 2020, at the McDonalds at 6350 Pearsall Road on the Southwest Side. Just like the Chaires lawsuit, Acevedo-Quezadas complaint says the lid on the coffee cup handed to her by a McDonalds employee wasnt properly secured. The coffee fell in her lap, resulting in second-degree burns, the suit says. She sought medical attention but did not require surgery or skin grafts, though she suffered scarring and discoloration, according to her lawyer, Felicia Hubert of Houston. McDonalds and Acosta were negligent for failing to maintain liquids at a temperature that would protect consumers from suffering burns, the lawsuit says. Hubert couldnt say what would be an appropriate temperature for McDonalds to serve coffee at, adding she would leave that to an expert she has retained. Coffees got to be hot, but not necessarily so hot that if you take an immediate sip its going to burn your mouth, or if its dropped on you, its going to cause second-degree burns, Hubert said. In this instance, she added, the coffee was inappropriately hot. Both San Antonio cases harken back to the one brought against McDonalds in 1992 by then-79-year-old Albuquerque widow Stella Liebeck. She was burned after spilling an 8-ounce cup of coffee on herself while holding it between her knees to lift the lid. The car she was a passenger in had no cup holders. The liquid spilled into her lap and her car seat. Liebeck suffered horrific burns over 16 percent of her body; 6 percent were third-degree burns, including to her groin, daughter Judy Allen told the New York Times Retro Report in 2013. Liebeck wrote McDonalds, asking it to re-evaluate the temperature of its coffee, which her lawyer said was unreasonably hot and therefore unreasonably dangerous. She also requested that it reimburse her for $10,000 in medical bills. McDonalds offered $800, Allen said. Liebeck sued and the case went to trial in 1994. A jury awarded her $160,000 in compensatory damages and $2.7 million in punitive damages amounting to two days worth of coffee sales for McDonalds. The trials outcome set off a deluge of news stories and pointed commentaries worldwide. Some lawmakers, in pushing for legal reforms, made the case the poster child for out-of-control juries. Liebeck was made the villain, Allen said. The judge overseeing the case reduced the punitive damages to $650,000. The case ultimately was settled out of court for less than $500,000, a source told Retro Report. Liebecks case was the subject of the 2011 documentary Hot Coffee, which also cited other cases to highlight the consequences of legal reforms that cap damage awards. Even though hot coffee has become kind of a linchpin to incite people about frivolous litigation, the Liebeck (lawsuit) was not frivolous and this case is not frivolous, Hubert said of Acevedo-Quezadas lawsuit. Another outcome of the Liebeck case: McDonalds franchisee handbooks stated that coffee should be served at 170 to 180 degrees, or 10 degrees lower than before the Liebeck case, according to Retro Report. pdanner@express-news.net Just four months after Fred Bonewell was promoted to chief operating officer of CPS Energy the utilitys second-highest position officials said Friday that hed resigned. The departure is the most recent in an exodus of top executives from CPS this year. Bonewell had been placed on administrative leave Monday, apparently in response to reports that hed made insensitive comments and improperly spent company money. The scrutiny intensified after a story published earlier this week by San Antonio television station KSAT. In a statement, CPS said Bonewell left to pursue other opportunities. Because this is a personnel matter, no further comment will be provided, the publicly owned utility said. Bonewell could not be reached for comment. He had been promoted to COO in June, months after Cris Eugster left that post in late February. On ExpressNews.com: CPS Energy executive Cris Eugster, architect of clean energy push, to leave utility Eugster, who holds a Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was the architect of CPS strategy to increase reliance on clean power sources. He left San Antonio to become CEO of a private energy company in Washington. Shortly after Eugster left, the utilitys chief financial officer, Gary Gold, announced his retirement from CPS. Gold was replaced by Cory Kuchinksy, the utilitys current CFO. In June, former CPS General Counsel Carolyn Shellman abruptly left the utility after working there since 2006. Two of her deputy attorneys, Abigail Ottmers and Zandra Pulis, followed Shellman out the door. The attorneys exits were striking in part because they came shortly after CPS initiated one of the biggest legal fights in the utilitys history. In March, CPS sued 17 energy firms and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, challenging massive charges it had racked up during the February winter storm. It was not clear why Shellman and her deputies left. But a letter sent by Ottmers in the final days of her tenure at the utility suggested the trio of lawyers were departing because of internal disagreements with the utilitys CEO, Paula Gold-Williams. On ExpressNews.com: Complaints against CPS Energys chief executive led to resignations of utilitys top attorneys As you know, I attempted to resign several weeks ago, but delayed my resignation when certain Board members pleaded for me to stay while the Board addressed certain claims lodged against the CEO, Ottmers wrote in a May 25 letter to Shellman. It is clear to me now that I am not able to fulfill my professional duties to the organization under the working conditions that exist today. Shanna Ramirez, formerly a CPS vice president, was named interim general counsel after Shellmans exit. In September, John Leal, CPS Energys former director of local government relations, left the utility as well. The mass of executive departures comes as the utility is seeking to enact a rate increase later this year or early next thats expected to raise bills by 10 percent. On ExpressNews.com: CPS Energy ratepayers on hook for $450 million in winter storm costs - so far The utility is also continuing to fight nearly $600 million in winter storm-related bills in court. CPS recently said it has paid $450 million in storm debt that ratepayers will have to pay over the next 25 years. But CPS has declined to answer questions or make executives available to discuss the decision to pay down nearly half of the $1 billion storm tab. The string of executive exits comes as public opinion of CPS has soured. In a poll conducted by Bexar Facts in September, 52 percent of respondents said they disapproved of the job CPS is doing. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net Gov. Greg Abbott showed a lot of restraint when Elon Musk announced that Tesla would move its headquarters from Palo Alto, Calif., to Austin. Abbott could have portrayed Musks decision as an endorsement of the radical direction he and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are taking Texas. They and Republican state lawmakers have been busy scapegoating undocumented immigrants and transsexual Texans, warring with the states big cities, effectively banning abortion, fighting face-mask mandates, blocking businesses from requiring their workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and suppressing minorities access to the ballot. Abbott had used Musk as a political sock puppet before, telling CNBC on Sept. 2 that Musk was just fine with the states social policies. But the governor went low-key, blandly addressing the electric-car maker in a tweet: The Lone Star State is the land of opportunity and innovation. Welcome. Not even a swipe at California. Its as if Musk had asked Abbott in advance of his Oct. 7 announcement at Teslas annual shareholders meeting not to plunge him once again into the Texas GOPs culture-war mongering. On ExpressNews.com: Elon Musk announces Tesla moving its headquarters from California to Texas Whatever his reason, Im glad Abbott didnt bend it to his political agenda because what Musk, the second-richest person on the Forbes 400 list, is doing in Texas will outlast this shameful period in our states history. The chain Lets return to Tesla, which is building a $1.1 billion factory in Austin to manufacture Cybertrucks. Before the companys arrival, the state was already playing a strong hand in the automotive industry. A chain of plants and supplier networks stretches from North Texas to northern Mexico. The links include the General Motors assembly facility in Arlington, Toyotas South San Antonio pickup plant and Caterpillars Seguin operation, which manufactures engine blocks and heads for earth movers. Navistar International will join the automotive corridor when it opens its $250 million heavy-duty truck plant, paint and body shops and a logistics center on the South Side next year. The facility will be capable of assembling both diesel and all-electric trucks. And dont forget San Antonios nonprofit Southwest Research Institute, whose automotive engineering division conducts cutting-edge research for car and truck manufacturers. Love him or hate him, Musk commands attention, and so does Tesla. Having its headquarters in Austin will only raise Texas profile in the industry, which is breaking quickly to the manufacture of electric cars and trucks due in part to Teslas influence. And then theres SpaceX. Musks money launched Tesla in 2003. But Martin Eberhard, who made a fortune from the sale of his eBook development firm NuvoMedia Inc. in 2000, conceived and founded the company in Palo Alto. Musks unquestioned dominance over Teslas development came later. Not so with SpaceX. That was his brainchild, and he built it from nothing. His immediate goal was to build rockets that could put satellites into orbit at a lower cost than any of his competitors and to capitalize on the death of NASAs Space Shuttle program. Early on, company executives said their aspiration was to become the Southwest Airlines of Space, Ashlee Vance reported in his 2015 book Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest for a Fantastic Future. Musks long-term goal was, and remains, grander: to build a rocket powerful enough to reach Mars, opening the red planet for colonization. Musk arrived in Texas in late 2002 when his then-tiny company took over an engine testing site in McGregor, near Waco, according to former Houston Chronicle reporter Eric Bergers recently published book Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX. Beal Aerospace, founded by Dallas banker Andrew Beal, had blasted its engines at the facility before going out of business in 2000. Twelve years later, SpaceX began building its spaceport and rocket production facility in Boca Chica, close to Brownsville. As originally planned, it was to serve as the launch site for SpaceXs Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. But plans changed and the budding spaceports sole focus is now the next-generation Starship. As we reported earlier this year, SpaceX is not a great neighbor in South Texas. On ExpressNews.com: This is not SpaceX property - this is my property: SpaceX looks to recast South Texas town as Starbase It closes public roadways more than allowed by the federal government, frequently cutting off access to Boca Chica Beach. And a Starship explosion on March 30 damaged the fragile ecosystem near the site. As Express-News contributor Richard Webner wrote: Thousands of hunks of twisted metal, and whatever remained of the liquid oxygen and methane in the rockets tanks, plummeted onto the federally protected wetlands, tidal flats, coastal prairie and sand dunes that surround the launch site, home to endangered species of birds, sea turtles and wild cats. Musk has earned many of his detractors. He relentlessly hypes Tesla and SpaceX, and his tech-bro antics on Twitter are grating. Theres this, too: both of his companies owe their existence largely to government subsidies, loans and contracts. Based in Hawthorne, Calif., SpaceX might not have survived without a key NASA contract in 2006 that Musk elbowed his way into. Describing its importance to the company, Berger wrote: The contract value of $278 million would allow Musk to accelerate his plans to build the big orbital rocket, and ensure the companys future while his team worked out its problems with the Falcon 1 vehicle ... Perhaps most significant, with the contract award NASA had endorsed the company. Yet, for all the caveats about Musk and his companies, the fact remains hes a visionary and an innovator. He made out nicely in the 2002 sale of PayPal, which he co-founded with Peter Thiel, now a venture capitalist and the public face of the otherwise shadowy data analytics firm Palantir. EBay bought PayPal for $1.5 billion and Musk enjoyed a $180 million payday. He soon committed $100 million of his payout to launching SpaceX. Tesla ate up most of the rest. Marriage of convenience? Tell me that didnt take guts and fidelity to two sweeping visions. Musk is reviving our long-dormant excitement about space exploration. And hes making Texas a power center in the private-sector space industry. Hes also making the mass production of electric vehicles a reality, lessening our dependence on fossil fuel. And hes now planting Tesla firmly in Texas. All of which makes his apparent partnership with Gov. Abbott a mystery. We dont know what the long-term fallout of Abbott and companys authoritarian turn will be for the states economy. But we do know that their vision for Texas is rooted in resentment and fear mostly of white Texans losing their political and cultural preeminence, outpaced by the explosive growth of minority populations. So the question is, How long can a pearls-clutching, backward-looking state claim to welcome and foster innovation, as Abbott did in his Tesla tweet last week? What drives genuine innovators like Musk are the twin beliefs that the future can be better than the present and that they can help make it so. Theyre optimists with plans. Musk may have a lot of reasons for moving Teslas headquarters to Austin, including freedom from a state income tax. But Abbotts haunted, pessimistic politics isnt one of them. greg.jefferson@express-news.net Piles of red plastic hearts littered the sidewalk by the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Friday morning as volunteers dismantled a memorial honoring local victims of COVID-19. Most of the hearts bore heartfelt messages to friends and family members who had succumbed to the virus. Some had been worn away by the elements, but most were still achingly legible. Love and miss you, you will always be in my heart and everywhere I go. I love you. Dad, read one scrawled in black marker next to a trio of photographs. Since May, when it was officially dedicated by the City of San Antonio, the memorial has been serving as both a record of the pandemic death toll and an affirmation of its tragic repercussions for the community. The Rev. Ann Helmke, a faith-based community liaison and the brains behind the tribute, said the idea came from a minister in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. She asked me, Well, how many deaths have you had? Helmke said. Hearing the answer 3,400-something the minister started to cry. To have somebody from another community just devastated by our number Helmke said, trailing off. Jerry Lara /Staff photographer Five months after it went up, the memorial is coming down to make way for the construction of a new civic park. Joining Helmke were Bill Neely, the treasurer of the San Antonio Community Resource Directory; Jan Olsen, a supporter of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center; the Rev. Wyndee Holbrook, executive director of Interfaith San Antonio Alliance; and around 20 others, including several missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They arrived bright and early to sever the zip ties that bound the hearts to the chain links of the fence encircling the convention center. It took around three hours to mount all the hearts in May; it took much less time to remove them all Friday, Neely said. Toward the end of the morning, Melissa Mireles, who had dedicated a heart to her elderly father, drove up in a panic. She hadnt realized the memorial was scheduled for demolition until she saw the proceedings on the news that morning. Kneeling, Mireles sifted through the piles on the sidewalk in search of her heart. Carlos Mireles died at age 82 in January, five days after he was admitted to the hospital on a Sunday. Presuming he had a minor infection, Mireles dropped him off herself. And I said, Im going to park the car. Ill be right back, she recounted. When she returned, true to her word, she was told her father was being tested for COVID-19. And I didn't get to see him again. He passed Friday. I talked to him on the phone, and everything was fine, but I never got to see him again, Mireles said, her voice cracking. Jerry Lara /Staff photographer Like Mireles, some of the volunteers had been personally affected by the pandemic, including Helmke and Holbrook. Wielding scissors or wire cutters, the volunteers spent hours clipping and categorizing. Some 3,400 hearts had been mounted in May, at least 500 or 600 of which had been filled out with names, dates and handwritten eulogies. Faces smiled from snapshots: a blond woman, a man holding a baby, a man wearing a cross necklace. This is sacred ground, Olsen said. Several local institutions, including the Brick at the Blue Star Arts Complex, the San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay Art Museum and Texas A&M University-San Antonio, have expressed a desire to archive some of the most intact and detailed hearts for posterity. The blank ones, meanwhile, will be donated to Head Start for craft projects. caroline.tien@hearst.com San Antonio comedian Cleto Rodriguez will return to the stage for a comeback comedy show after an almost four-month COVID-19 battle and recovery. The 50-year-old said he's itching to perform again and hopes he is cleared to receive the COVID-19 vaccination soon. "I've been dying and chomping at the bit to get back normalcy in my life, and part of that is being back on stage," he said. On ExpressNews.com: How the Hispanic population in Texas is changing Rodriguez was hospitalized with COVID-19 complications in July and spent over two weeks at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital before he was sent home with an oxygen tank. He said his breathing has improved and he was able to remove the breathing tube about three weeks ago. The comedian is set to perform two shows at Las Chiladas restaurant on Nov. 12 and 13, but he will not be vaccinated by then. "I want the vaccine, but the doctors are telling me to hold off a little bit and recover more before getting it," Rodriguez said. "My whole body went through a lot of trauma, and my lungs were pretty damaged." On ExpressNews.com: ASL interpreter's animated interpretation of a Doja Cat song at ACL Fest goes viral on TikTok He said he may be able to receive the vaccine at the end of November or sometime in December, but feels safe to start performing soon since "most people are already vaccinated." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that those who were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma wait at least three months before obtaining the vaccine. He said the North Side restaurant is following COVID-19 guidelines and that families will be seated together at tables, which will be distanced from each other. More than 75 percents of Bexar County residents are fully vaccinated and about 91 percent of vaccine-eligible residents have received at least one dose. Rodriguez said he still can't walk for long distances and gets winded going up and down the stairs but is now able to stand up for longer periods of time. He said he still doesn't plan on joking about the coronavirus, especially after losing his father-in-law to the disease in August, when both were hospitalized at the same time. He will, however, make light of his recovery experience during the November show and in a comedy special next year named "Funny Perspective," which is still in the works. He said he has been preparing material while at home recovering. "Between my dog laying on my breathing tube, me stepping on it and my wife purposefully crinkling it up, I don't know how I made it this far," he said. Tickets for the show are $15 and can be purchased online. Malak.Silmi@express-news.net More than 40 musicians and bands will play Muertos Fest, the two-day Dia de los Muertos celebration, which returns to Hemisfair Oct. 23 and 24. The lineup, which runs from traditional conjunto to punk rock, will include Santiago Jimenez, Eva Ybarra, Fea, Pinata Protest, Eddie & the Valients and Mariachi Las Altenas. Hannah Guan is a 15-year-old high school junior who has helped thousands of children gain a better understanding of math. Nuria Diallo Padro is a graduate assistant who helped hundreds of low-income families when the February freeze hit. Both San Antonio residents are being honored with Governors Volunteer Awards for their extraordinary accomplishments. At a Nov. 3 online ceremony, Guan will receive the First Ladys Rising Star Volunteer Award, which recognizes Texans ages 18 or younger. Diallo Padro will receive the National Service Make a Difference Award, given to an Americorps member or senior volunteer currently serving in Texas or who has served in Texas in the last three years. Chuck Norris and his wife, Gena, also will be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony. When she was 11 years old, Guan founded San Antonio Math Include (SaMi), a nonprofit organization that aims to increase access to STEM science, technology, engineering and math education by hosting free classes and summer camps as well as offering scholarships. The focus is on math, but we are starting to expand out into other STEM fields, so currently we also have computer science courses like Python, C++ and Java, Guan said. She hopes to add physics, chemistry and biology courses to the SaMi curriculum. Diallo Padro, is in the McNair Scholars Program at Our Lady of the Lake University, is a newcomer to the Alamo City. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, moved to the border town of Laredo with her parents at age 1 and spent most of her remaining childhood on the East Coast. When COVID-19 cases began climbing in earnest, she lived in Beltsville, Maryland, with two of her children. The enormity of the crisis spurred an internal reckoning. I felt like I needed to align what my purpose and passions were, and the pandemic just really reaffirmed that I wanted to pursue social work, Diallo Padro said. She began researching related masters programs and found one that struck her fancy at Our Lady of the Lake University because of its emphasis on working with Hispanic children and families. Its very rare to find a program that integrates working with Hispanic clients throughout every single course, Diallo Padro said. So Diallo Padro moved her family cross-country to San Antonio to begin her studies at the institution she affectionately calls OLLU. While considering her internship options, she realized that I could do AmeriCorps and do my internship requirements at the same time. She was assigned to Communities in Schools of San Antonio, a nonprofit that supports school-age children and their families. Sarah Kuntz, AmeriCorps and community engagement coordinator with Communities in Schools, assigned Diallo Padro to Tafolla Middle School, with a significant population of non-native English speakers. Nuria being bilingual was just a great choice for the campus because she was able to provide services to those students in both English and Spanish as well as really build relationships with the families because many of the parents had limited English, Kuntz said. Between January and June of this year, Diallo Padro worked with around 80 seventh and eighth graders, kids from what she describes as primarily low-income neighborhoods. During that time, she focused on enhancing their social-emotional learning abilities. By meeting with students one-on-one and hosting group sessions, she was able to have frank discussions with them about everything from romance to homework to family life. Her investment in her students success and happiness transcended campus. When the February freeze hit, flooding and knocking out power to many homes in the area, Diallo Padro rose to the occasion. Tak(ing) the lead on relief efforts, in Kuntzs words, Diallo Padro compiled a list of resources, raised money to purchase $10 gift cards to H-E-B and teamed up with the San Antonio Food Bank and the local school district to host a mobile food pantry that provided hundreds of families with necessary supplies. Guans SaMi has expanded its reach far beyond the Alamo City in the four years since it was founded. It now boasts 41 national chapters in towns as far-flung as Sammamish, Washington, and Chappaqua, New York, and around the world, thanks to partnerships with the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth and the Global Youth Constituency for Quality Education. Thousands 36,000 to be exact of students have taken advantage of SaMi programming to improve their math skills, according to Guan. One of the reasons for the demand may be the rote or formulaic nature of mainstream mathematics instruction. In my experience, problem-solving skills arent really taught in a normal school math curriculum. Youre taught to regurgitate formulas and plug in numbers, but youre not really taught how to get formulas on your own or think outside the box, Guan said. In addition to promoting or streamlining math education, SaMi addresses equity issues, such as the digital divide, the term for the learning disparities resulting from unequal access to the internet. The Casting Your Future scholarship is provided to low-income students to partially cover the costs of participating in a summer camp session remotely. In total, SaMi provides $12,500 in scholarships annually. Camp sessions run three weeks and are overseen by college professors, high school students and national and regional math contest champions. Over the summer, I know many students, including me, (experience) that summer slide, where you go back to school on the first day of school and you remember absolutely nothing from the year before, Guan said. Much can change between ones teens and early 20s, but Guan is certain she wants to continue to foster an appreciation for math among her peers. Whenever Im teaching for SaMi, its really fulfilling to be able to see the students faces light up whenever they are able to solve a really difficult problem or whenever they work out in their head why a formula makes sense, she said. She plans to study math in college with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor and returning to San Antonio to teach. The Texas Supreme Court has temporarily barred San Antonio Independent School District from implementing a COVID-19 vaccination mandate that was slated to take effect Friday, countering an appeals court ruling that allowed it. The Supreme Court issued the stay late Thursday while it continues to consider the states petition for an injunction, saying it sought to preserve the status quo while expressing no views on the merits of the states case for an injunction. Today we stay enforcement of San Antonio Independent School Districts policy requiring that all its employees be vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 15, the ruling states. We grant this relief on our own authority while we consider the states petition for writ of mandamus. We express no view on the merits of the states claims. Last week, the Texas Attorney Generals Office filed a writ to the Texas Supreme Court, asking it to strike down the 4th Court of Appeals ruling from the week before. That ruling upheld state District Judge Mary Lou Alvarezs decision that the mandate should stand. She set a trial date of Jan. 19, and the case will be assigned through Bexar Countys presiding court docket. Until then, SAISD cannot enforce its vaccine policy. On ExpressNews.com: Appeals court rejects Texas' request for an order to stop SAISD vaccine mandate The school district had set a deadline of Friday for its 7,000 employees to submit proof that they have been vaccinated. About 15 employees have not received the shots, and about 200 have cited religious exemptions. SAISD is committed to the safety of our staff and our students, SAISD board President Christina Martinez said in a statement. We will not let this deter our desire to have as many people on our campuses vaccinated and safe. The state and the school district have been at odds over who has the authority to set local rules. The state argues that Gov. Greg Abbott has absolute authority under the Texas Disaster Act, and it asked the justices to rule by Thursday. Lawyers for the school district argue that invoking the Texas Disaster Act is an overreach and that the status quo is that local authorities, in this case SAISD, should decide how to keep the districts employees and the 47,000 students in their care safe. In staying enforcement of the districts vaccine policy, the states high court likened the case to governmental entities authority to mandate the wearing of masks in that it challenged the governors authority under the Texas Disaster Act. We have not yet had the opportunity to consider the merits of these challenges, the ruling states. Our role has been to issue orders preserving the status quo. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a news release late Thursday applauding the courts ruling. No local entity is above state law, Paxton said. I am glad to see that the Supreme Court of Texas has again confirmed that the governors decisions control at both the state and local levels. This decision should serve as a reminder to all Texas school districts that they should be using their limited funds on educating children and equipping teachers, not defending unlawful vaccine mandates. On ExpressNews.com: Killer of renowned San Antonio cyclist Tito Bradshaw gets 10 years' probation, little jail time Abbott issued an executive order in April to ensure that no governmental entity can compel any individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered under an emergency authorization, the order states. The school district argues that its vaccine mandate is the status quo because it predates the governors order banning all COVID-19 vaccine mandates by a matter of days, the ruling states. It claims that the last actual, peaceable, noncontested status preceding the pending controversy was the five days between its clarification and (executive order) GA-39s issuance. But the justices said Abbott asserted his authority to control vaccine mandates at the state level in April, months before the school district implemented its mandate. The status quo between the parties is not local control over vaccine mandates, the ruling states. In concluding, the justices wrote that their authority to preserve the status quo is not a comment on the decision of the district court to deny the states request for a temporary injunction. To obtain a temporary injunction, a party must plead and prove a cause of action against the defendant, probable right to the relief sought, and a probable, imminent and irreparable injury in the interim, the ruling states. We are confident that the court of appeals will expeditiously consider the states appeal. Staff writer Danya Perez contributed to this report. ezavala@express-news.net A judge sentenced a woman to eight years in prison Friday for helping stage a kidnapping with her cousin to cover up the high-profile death of an 8-month-old boy. Under an agreement with prosecutors, Angie Torres, 48, pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence with the intent to impair, a third-degree felony. She faced up to 10 years in prison. The sentence came more than two years after Torres cousin, Christopher Davila, called police on Jan. 4, 2019, to report that his car had been stolen from a West Side convenience store with his infant son, King Jay, inside. Police were immediately suspicious of Davilas story. In store surveillance video, a woman wearing a hoodie covering most of her face walked up to Davilas Dodge Dart without hesitation, opened the door and drove away. Police later identified the woman as Torres. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio woman claims her elderly aunt was the mastermind in hiding King Jays death A few days later, on Jan. 10, Davila was arrested and revealed where King Jays body was buried. Authorities later revealed that King Jay was not his son, as originally believed, and that the boy was never in the car. Davilas mother, Beatrice Sampayo, 67, also was arrested on a charge of tampering with evidence. Officials have suggested that she helped orchestrate the scheme. During a hearing in 2019, a relative described Sampayo as a manipulator who goaded Torres to help cover up the boys death. Sampayo remains free on bond as she awaits trial. She has a hearing scheduled Nov. 15. On ExpressNews.com: Im so hurt by my actions: King Jays father speaks from jail Later, in a letter to a San Antonio Express-News reporter, Davila described the boys death as an accident. Davila, who was engaged to the boys mother, said he had smoked some marijuana while he was was caring for King Jay. The baby, who was unbuckled in a car seat on the edge of a bed, fell and hit his head, Davila wrote. King Jay was unresponsive, but Davila panicked and didnt call 911 or seek medical care for him, he said. Instead, he went to his mother for help, officials said. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio man accused in death of 8-month-old King Jay Davila draws 40-year prison term Officials have hinted that they dont believe Davilas latest account, either. Earlier this year, Davila pleaded no contest to a charge of injury to a child resulting in death, a first-degree felony. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Judge Kevin OConnell of the 227th District Court, during Torres sentencing Friday, took two other pending criminal charges into consideration in sentencing her to prison, plus $1,800 in fines and court fees. The judge gave her credit for the nearly three years she spent in jail awaiting trial, making her eligible for parole in two and a half years. eeaton@express-news.net New Braunfels and San Marcos were picking up the pieces Friday after a heavy rainstorm raised rivers and flooded homeless encampments and an RV park Thursday. In San Marcos, emergency crews rescued eight people Thursday morning two found clinging to a tree at Interstate 35 near the Freddys restaurant after their car was swept away by fast-moving waters, and six people from homeless campsites at the Texas 80 bridge, city spokeswoman Nadine Bonewitz said. Campers at the bridge described a wave of water surging in about 3 a.m. The water just crushed down and surrounded them and they were screaming for help, said Hannah Durrance, an advocate for people experiencing homelessness in San Marcos. Some people in nearby campsites heard their screams and contacted the authorities. The fire department rescued five by boat, and a helicopter crew hoisted a sixth to safety, Bonewitz said via email. The crews rescued two pet dogs as well. No one was injured. Although those at the homeless campsites made it safely through the flood, they lost their tents, sleeping bags and belongings, Durrance said, and were forced to take shelter in motel rooms. People can donate tents, sleeping bags and nonperishable foods between 10 a.m. and noon Saturday at River Road Storage, 880 River Road, Durrance said. Lolis Cafe and Krispy Kreme donated breakfast tacos and doughnuts Friday morning. Temperatures are going to hit the 40s this weekend, and now these people dont have any supplies, she said. Other than the homeless encampments, Bonewitz said the city was fortunate to sustain no severe or long-lasting damage. In New Braunfels, most of the flood damage centered on the River Ranch RV Resort under the Interstate 35 bridge. The Guadalupe River rose to its highest level in five years and caused catastrophic damage to several RVs and campers that sat in low-lying spots near the bank. City crews Friday were cleaning up debris mostly tree limbs, rocks and mud along the riverbanks, including at the Tube Chute Dam, New Braunfels spokesman David Ferguson said. The city closed public access to the Guadalupe and Comal rivers Thursday due to swift, opaque waters. As of Friday afternoon, the rivers had not reopened to the public. By the end of the day Friday, the city planned to have opened the one remaining road still closed from Thursdays flooding: the low-water crossing on River Road outside Loop 337, Ferguson said. 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. Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Monday that the special-election runoff for Texas House District 118 will be held on Nov. 2. Eight days before the governors announcement, however, block-walkers for Republican runoff hopeful John Lujan were distributing campaign flyers informing voters that even if they missed the first round of the special election, they can still vote in the runoff election Tuesday, Nov. 2nd. One of those Lujan canvassers, Natalia Godoy, the Republican National Committees Hispanic Engagement Director in San Antonio, displayed one of those flyers on Twitter. It didnt take long for Texas Democrats to express the suspicion that some insider trading of information had passed between the governors office and Team Lujan. That suspicion is rooted in the fact that Abbott and his fellow Republicans badly want to flip this solid Democratic district, which is anchored on the South Side of San Antonio and winds its way up to the Northeast Side of Bexar County. Abbott has not only endorsed Lujan, a retired firefighter who briefly represented District 118 in 2016 after winning a special election, the governors campaign fund donated $11,950 last month to Lujans effort. Democrats are pinning their hopes on Frank Ramirez, a young former legislative and City Council aide. If the Lujan campaign is getting a headstart in this election because theyre getting inside information, thats election interference, pure and simple, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said in an Oct. 9 statement. Hinojosa added that the situation smacks of corruption and foul play. Ramirez said, Meddling in an election or seeking an unfair advantage to cheat your way to winning is a stark contradiction to the values San Antonians hold dear. I spoke to Lujan on Wednesday and he insisted the governor provided him with no advance information about the runoff date. They just give me too much credit, Lujan said about his Democratic critics. I dont have a hotline to Gov. Abbott. I dont talk to him. Im pretty sure he knows about the race, but I dont get no advice from him or nothing. Lujan said he simply reasoned that Nov. 2 was the most likely option for the runoff, because Texas already had a statewide constitutional-amendment election set for that same date. I was talking to our team, Lujan said. We were talking about not knowing when the runoff was going to be and I said, To me, its like a no-brainer. Its going to be Nov. 2, because thats the amendments (election). Lujan said he was frustrated because all of the campaigns literature contained obsolete information: the Sept. 28 date of the special-elections first round. He characterizes the early printing of flyers with the runoff date as an educated gamble, a risk that was surgically and cautiously implemented. Lujan said he suggested that the campaign order a limited run of about 250-350 flyers with the Nov. 2 runoff date and distribute those flyers in pockets of the North Side, where his voters tend to be concentrated. The team told me, Thats money wasted, Lujan said. I said, Yeah, but it also gets us a step ahead. Lujan said if his guess had turned out wrong, his campaign workers simply would have returned to those precincts and corrected the information with voters. It would have been extra work and it would have cost me money and I would have been upset, but it was a risk and in business you do that, Lujan said. Do we want to win the race by waiting on this or do we want to be proactive? I tend to be on the proactive side. Lujan and Ramirez face a uniquely difficult task in this election. They not only need to motivate voters to come out for a special-election runoff, they need to educate those voters on the maddeningly complex process involved in the Nov. 2 election. For one thing, early voters can go to polling sites throughout the county to vote on the constitutional amendments, but have only three sites within District 118 (in addition to the county elections office) if they want to vote in the Texas House runoff. Anyone wanting to vote in both elections must get back in line after voting in one race so they can cast a separate ballot in the other election. Mail voters interested in both elections must send separate ballots in separate envelopes for each race. Early voting begins on Monday, meaning that Abbott provided only a weeks notice when he announced the date for the runoff. With such a tight campaign window, its understandable that any advantage real or perceived becomes a concern. Were not trying to prosecute anybody, Ramirez said. But to add to the convoluted process created by having this election on Nov. 2, it does have a little more suspicion behind that date. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 I havent stepped foot in the Rangers newsroom, but I know its story. All newsrooms are connected especially college newsrooms. I dont have to visit in person to know the camaraderie and learning that happens as budding journalists grapple with the hard work of honing their journalism skills. On Oct. 5, the award-winning student journalists broke the story of their 95-year-old San Antonio College student publications impending demise at the end of the year. The Ranger Editor-in-Chief Sergio Medina wrote the story, setting off a flurry of media coverage and a community reaction that caught college officials off guard and saved the program. Alamo Colleges District officials werent very clear about the timeline and future plans. Even after our Tuesday editorial board livestream meeting with Alamo Colleges District, many questions still remain. But officials have vowed to keep the journalism program going. To the countless journalists and communications professionals in San Antonio and beyond that the Ranger has produced it was a personal blow. They began the mourning process by sharing their shock and paid tribute, sharing memories of Program Coordinator Marianne Odom and the schools only two full-time journalism faculty, Irene Abrego and Edmund Lo, who will all retire at the end of the fall semester. But Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Mike Flores told us their plan is now to reimagine the program and replace at least two of the three faculty who are retiring this year. Thats a win for the Ranger, SAC and San Antonio. Its a win for journalism. While its clear from the dwindling enrollment and budget cuts that the program was struggling, the plan should have never been to close it in the first place. The journalism profession is one of public service. Its the only profession explicitly protected by the U.S. Constitution for good reason: It is essential to democracy. And thats why San Antonio Colleges journalism program must be developed into a more robust program that is marketed to young people, especially people of color, strengthening the pipeline. And while all newsrooms evolve and face struggles, some of what is happening at the Ranger doesnt need reimagining. Like all college newsrooms, the Rangers office is a living lab a place where students apply the foundations of textbook lessons that come to life one interview, photo and published story at a time. Views & Voices: Editorials, columns and commentary, delivered to your inbox Most importantly, to the students who work there, its family. Thats how Vincent T. Davis, beloved Express-News reporter and columnist and award-winning, storytelling legend describes it. He gets emotional when he describes the way the Ranger and its people changed his life. In 1997, he retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service. He was taking graphics design classes at San Antonio College when he noticed an index card on a cork board: Wanted: Editorial cartoonist for the Ranger. Just as hes told many SAC students whom hes mentored over the years, Davis told me that a professor put him to work that night. Soon, his love for art led to a passion for writing. At the end of the semester, he assumed his time at the Ranger had come to the end, but his professors encouraged him to return: Well see you next semester, Ms. Odom told me. They want you to come back, and thats what they do for everybody. Davis said he learned lifelong lessons in journalism and life and made lifelong friends at the Ranger. I had no idea it would lead to my livelihood, Davis said. No telling where Id be right now, he said. Countless people have their own life-changing stories that include the Ranger. I know how they feel finding journalism at the Del Mar College Foghorn in Corpus Christi also changed my life. And it can do the same for student journalists like Medina and Rocky Garza Jr. at the Ranger who will always remember the lessons learned there. San Antonio College is the perfect institution to fortify the pipeline for young journalists, including journalists of color, whom there are not enough of. And when it does, what a story what a legacy it will continue. Nancy.Preyor-Johnson@Express-News.net For more than a century, an invisible, floating menace has haunted the Texas oil fields, silently terrorizing our people and property. This demon goes by the name methane, a gas incarnated from ancient dinosaur bones. It resides deep beneath the Earths surface where, like in many horror films before it, it frustratingly escapes thanks to an unwitting, short-sighted human accomplice. Horror film aficionados know well the dangers of digging up old bones and breathing new life into them. Unfortunately, the oil industry refuses to heed the horrific lessons weve learned about methane, the main ingredient of natural gas, that have left us all paying a big price. Weve known for a long time that when you drill for oil, methane comes up with it. If its not managed correctly by industry, this sneaky gas finds any way it can to escape, seeping through holes in pipelines or compressor stations and making its way to our atmosphere. Methane is a greenhouse gas that, in the first 20 years after release, is 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat and causing the greenhouse effect. Sometimes, oil companies will just push the monster out the door, directly venting it to our skies. Other times, they will try to destroy it, sending it in pipes to a tall pole with a flame on it, a process known as flaring. But incinerating it just turns it into a different greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. And often the companies forget to light the flares, so pure methane is released. For a long time, many of methanes victims have been calling for help. Unfortunately, the oil industry has largely failed to contain the beast, despite saying it will. And Texas regulators and former President Donald Trump, all of whom have received massive campaign contributions from these oil companies, have been complicit in failing to stomp out this menacing gaseous phantom, even as it grows bigger and bigger. Mercifully, since taking office, President Joe Biden has been working to slay these toxic demons. On his first day in office, he directed the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to review methane rules rolled back by the Trump administration. And earlier this summer, he worked with Congress to reverse the Trump rollbacks and reaffirm the federal governments obligation to reduce methane from the oil and gas sector. EPA Administrator Michael Regan has signaled that the Biden administrations curbs on methane from the U.S. oil and gas industry will go beyond those enacted under former President Barack Obama. This is great news. The EPAs methane rules will be a critical component of overall federal targets to slash greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade and that goal is particularly vital for Texans living and working in a state that continues to refuse to address the methane and flaring problem head on. The hope is that we avoid the dark endings of our favorite horror movies, because the consequences of the climate crisis are very real and very scary. Last year, people in the San Antonio region suffered through 101 days of elevated air pollution, a result in part of burning fossil fuels and of global warming-fueled wildfires consuming the west this summer. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, warns that global warming is code red for humanity. In order to survive, we desperately need a wake up call like in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Fortunately, we dont need to freeze methanes head, impale it with a silver spike or use other extraordinary means to vanquish it. The solutions are rather pedestrian we must implement rigorous leak detection programs to prevent methane from escaping. We need to install technology like zero-emitting pneumatic devices. We need to ban routine flaring and venting of methane gas. And we need to move out of the biggest haunted house of them all our reliance on fossil fuels as quickly as possible. Half measures wont kill this thing. Luke Metzger is the executive director of Environment Texas, a nonprofit advocate for clean air, clean water, parks and wildlife and a livable climate. Art is empathy. When you experience a painting or sculpture or work on paper at an art museum, you are seeing the world through someone elses eyes. The superpower of that work of art its ability to reflect and uplift us offers the opportunity for a new understanding of ourselves, our world, and our very special place within it. Throughout the pandemic, art museums have helped communities make sense of an increasingly unpredictable environment by providing a safe space for moments of healing. A recent Berlin Institute of Technology study ranked museums among the safest indoor activities during the pandemic, yet institutions in San Antonio and around the globe continue to feel the effects of COVID-related closures and ongoing revenue challenges. Free Facebook! Not because I think the social media behemoth worth about $930 billion, according to MacroTrends is good for America. Im 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 its clear that much of the indictment is unfair, overblown and hypocritical. Portions of Haugens scathing attack on Facebook were pretty far-fetched. She went for broke and often came up empty. One of Haugens best lines was: The companys leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer but wont make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people. Thats plausible. If money corrupts, then how corrupting do you suppose is Facebooks annual revenue of $86 billion? I also found believable Haugens 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. Ive 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. Frankensteins laboratory on the Charles River? Is that what happened? And democracies are being destabilized from Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif.? Haugen blamed the company for unrest in Ethiopia and Myanmar. So, in those tumultuous places, citizens are threatening to overthrow their government not because theyre fed up with repressive policies but because someone posted something inflammatory on Facebook? Thats convenient for foreign governments to claim if they want to duck responsibility for inspiring revolution. And, yes, its 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 3 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. Its 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 didnt do this well. It used to put out a product called newspapers. Listening to Haugens testimony, and the amen chorus on the Senate committee, I came away certain of three things: Its not Facebooks job to raise our kids. Thats on us parents. The market should decide the fate of companies. If you dont like Facebook, dont 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 its 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 publics right to know. This issue shouldnt 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 dont, voters should unfriend them in the next election. Former newspaper man Mark Twain responded to news that he was dying or had died in London, by famously saying, The report of my death was an exaggeration. Last week, San Antonio Colleges revered student publication, the Ranger, reported that after 95 years, the plan was to shut it down in December. The Rangers scoop of its own impending death has turned out to be an exaggeration not due to faulty reporting but because of timely reporting, which altered the newspapers fate and appears to have given it new life. While there has been remarkable confusion and poor communication by officials, plans to close it appear to have changed. On Oct. 5, Editor-in-Chief Sergio Medina wrote that the Ranger would cease publishing after December, the slow-building culmination of years of declining enrollment numbers, decreasing budgets and the upcoming retirement of three of its beloved full-time faculty members in SACs journalism department. His story ignited emotional shock waves across San Antonios journalism community. SAC and Alamo College District officials were unprepared for the response. The award-winning Ranger has, for generations, been recognized as one of the best college newspapers in America. This year, the Associated Collegiate Press named it one of the Top 100 student publications in the nation. Yet, there has been struggle. Its small budget was cut over the years, from $36,000 in 2010 to only $10,000 this year. In 2019, the staff was forced to stop printing newspapers because it couldnt afford it. It is no exaggeration that the power of the Rangers journalism reaches beyond SAC and San Antonio a springboard for journalists across the nation. For decades, alumni of the Ranger have enriched the pages of the Express-News, and in turn, enriched our community. Its influence has been especially critical as a nurturing ground for aspiring journalists of color and those with limited financial resources. For them, it has been a training ground, a living journalism lab, a home. For the profession of journalism, it has been a pipeline for journalists of color in a country where journalists have always been mostly white men. Before publishing his story, Medina reached out to officials at SAC for comment but received no response. After the story ran, SAC President Robert Vela emailed employees and students to say that the school has no intention of discontinuing student journalism and that in anticipating the retirements of the three faculty members, we have begun planning for the publications future. Last Tuesday, in a livestreamed meeting with this Editorial Board, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Mike Flores said the Ranger wouldnt be shutting down and that they want to reimagine student journalism, including hiring to fill at least two of the three vacant faculty positions. And, just as he said in his statement after the Rangers first report, he called for a community conversation, beginning in November, to discuss the programs development. The crux of this story is the difference journalism made. This renewed interest from the college and district in journalism at SAC, the reimagining wouldnt have happened without Medinas story. As a journalist, he saw a story, understood its consequences, did due diligence in reporting it fairly and served the public by informing it about the potential demise of the near-century-old institution. The Rangers journalists and journalism won the day. Rarely does a piece of journalism so rapidly and decisively reverse a policy decision, but Medina accomplished what all journalists strive for: to make an impact. There are no clear answers for what the Ranger will become. The most promising proposal to emerge from the Rangers near-death experience is Flores call for a community conversation. The community that prepared to mourn the exaggerated impending death of the Ranger can now unite in answering Flores call to revive and support the cherished publication. Together, we must ensure that for years to come, the Ranger doesnt rest for eternity, but thrives. Debra Ponce was so distraught by the images of Border Patrol agents on horseback grabbing and chasing Haitian immigrants at the border that she could not sleep the night they circulated on media outlets and through social media. A Border Patrol agent appears to use his reins as a whip in one of the photos taken Sept. 19. It was an image that fueled her and many other activists who called for the end of Title 42 expulsions during a rally Thursday evening on the steps of the John H. Wood Jr. U.S. Courthouse downtown. They had whips. I dont care what they want to call them, Ponce said of the Border Patrol agents on horseback. We (organizers) were all in a state of shock because we never thought that would happen on U.S. soil. The photos sparked an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security. Ponce is an organizer with Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, better known as RAICES. The nonprofit, which promotes free and low-cost legal services to immigrants, led the rally of about 30 people. It was organized as part of a national day of protest calling on President Joe Biden to end what activists called a racist public health order that only targets Black and brown immigrants. Events were planned in at least a dozen cities, including Austin, according to Haitian Bridge Alliance, which helped organize the day of protest. The order, enacted in March 2020, allows the U.S. to rapidly expel migrants who come from a country that is known to have COVID-19 under Title 42, referring to a section of the U.S. public health code. In San Antonio, artists, activists and a lawyer talked about the inhumane conditions that thousands of Haitian migrants faced while seeking asylum last month in the United States. Felicia Rangel-Samponaro, co-director of The Sidewalk School, said many Haitian children and families in Mexico are in danger of cartel kidnappings or even sexual assault as they walk between campuses. The nonprofit organization she runs provides education, COVID-19 testing and other assistance to children as they wait for their asylum hearings. This year marks its third year offering such services. You will never see a white immigrant among the camps, Rangel-Samponaro said. If you are Black and brown, you are left living in dirt. Ananda Tomas, an organizer with Black Lives Matter, said many families do not have access to baby formula or a roof over their heads. Thousands more were forcefully expelled back to a country that doesnt have the infrastructure to handle them, Thomas said. She called on the Black Lives Matters movement to include Black immigrants in its fight against systemic racism. Ponce said two local activists have been taking supplies to asylum seekers who remain in Mexico. She added that they told her that as of Thursday, many families are without a safe place in the wake of damage caused by Hurricane Pamela. Ponce hopes U.S. leaders will change their policies soon because more immigrants are expected to come to the border in search of asylum. If they know that they are coming, be ready. Think of welcoming them with dignity, Ponce said. We are America. Why cant we do that? jbeltran@express-news.net The most damaging local issue you may know nothing about WATERBURY A Waterbury man pleaded guilty Thursday after going to California and failing to register as a sex offender, according to Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Leonard Boyles office. Christopher Poskus, 47, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to register as a sex offender Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. Poskus was convicted in 2010 of possession of child pornography. Poskus served seven years in prison and needed to serve 10 years on probation. As a term of his prison release, he was also required to register as a sex offender, the U.S. Attorneys office said. While on probation, officials said Poskus violated several mandatory and special conditions, had his probation revoked and returned to prison. He was eventually placed under house arrest with GPS monitoring, Boyles office said. In July 2019, Poskus removed his GPS monitor and fled to California. The U.S. Marshals Service found and arrested Poskus in a homeless shelter in San Francisco on Aug. 29, 2019, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. Officials said Poskus failed to update his Connecticut sex offender registration to reflect his change of residence, and he also failed to register as a sex offender in California. Poskus was in custody from Aug. 29, 2019, to Dec. 21, 2020. He then began serving a seven-year probation term, the U.S. Attorneys office said. However, on Jan. 7, 2021, probation officers couldnt get in touch with Poskus. They found out he left the state by train shortly after being released from prison and went back to San Francisco. Officials said he, again, failed to update his Connecticut sex offender registration to reflect his change of residence and he didnt register in California, according to Boyles office. Poskus has been in custody since March 18. He is scheduled to be sentenced in a New Haven court on Jan. 4, 2022. He faces a maximum prison term of 20 years. liz.hardaway@hearst.com Farmers are being encouraged to sign up to an educational initiative which allows schoolchildren to be taught about food and farming via live video calls. Farmer Time, spearheaded by charity LEAF Education, allows pupils to gain a real time, year-round understanding of farming and the food supply chain. Due to its success, over 230 teachers representing nearly 7,000 children are now waiting to be paired with farmers. The Farmer Time team is calling on more farmers to get involved to help inspire future generations about farming, food production and the environment. Farmer Time has connected 742 teachers, or over 22,500 children, with farmers since the initiative began in 2016, according to a new report released on Friday (15 October) by LEAF. It says that 100% of farmers and teachers enjoyed the experience, and 90% of farmers felt their paired class gained a better understanding of the food supply chain. Farmer Time has been pioneering a new approach to agricultural education for more than four years by bringing farming directly into classrooms through live video calls. The initiative has also seen a rapid global expansion with international partners in Sweden, Finland, the Republic of Ireland and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Director of LEAF Education Carl Edwards said: It is never too early to start talking to children about farming, to spark their interest, to ignite their sense of wonder and to share the realities of how their food is produced. "Farmer Time is transforming the way we connect our future generations with farming and empowering them to make healthy, sustainable food choices." But organisers say they need more farmers to sign up. "We have over 200 schools thats over 6,000 children waiting to learn more about our industry," Mr Edwards said. "We are encouraging any farmer, who can spare twenty minutes a fortnight and has good internet connection, to be part of something truly amazing. Cambridgeshire farmer, Tom Martin, who founded Farmer Time, urges farmers to give it a go, calling it a 'fantastic way to reach out to the consumers of tomorrow'. "Any farmer can take part it doesnt cost anything, just your time and willingness to reach out," he said. "Just talking to children, answering their questions and seeing their genuine interest in what farmers do is hugely rewarding." A free light leaf spot testing service has opened for the 2021-22 oilseed rape growing season with a simplified process. Leaf samples will be assessed by ADAS experts for signs of light leaf spot and other diseases, with the results helping growers to adapt their fungicide programmes. Light leaf spot is an airborne polycyclic disease, capable of several infection cycles each season. Severity and incidence varies from year to year and is driven by weather conditions. Temperatures between 4 and 20C and wet conditions are ideal for infection and spread within the crop. The disease can also be difficult to spot; tiny sugar-like spores can occur on either side of the leaf. Rosalind Martin, combinable fungicide campaign manager for Bayer, which runs the initiative, said: Fungicides perform best when applied in a protectant scenario against light leaf spot, so its important to get the timing right. "If growers can get identify the disease in the early stages of infection, decisions can be made about fungicides in a timely way, to protect the crops yield potential through winter. The initiative is run in partnership with ADAS. Philip Walker, arable plant pathologist, explained that prevalence of light leaf spot in oilseed rape crops had been increasing since the initiative began. Traditionally, light leaf spot was mainly thought to be a disease problem for crops in the North of England and Scotland, he said. However, results from samples assessed since 2017 have shown positive signs of disease from all OSR growing regions, indicating that light leaf spot is now endemic across the UK. At the end of March 2021, light leaf spot was found in 59 out of 60 counties tested, covering most of the oilseed rape growing areas of England, Scotland and Wales," Mr Walker said. "In addition, the number of samples that have tested positive has gradually increased year on year, despite the total number of samples received remaining roughly the same. "In 2018 and 2019, 49% of samples tested were positive for light leaf spot, increasing to 68% in 2020, and 79% in 2021, he added. Oilseed rape growers and agronomists can request a sample pack direct from Bayers website. The government is to allow 800 overseas pork butchers into the UK on temporary visas after thousands of pigs have been culled due to chronic staffing shortages. Butchers working in abattoirs and processing plants will be allowed to arrive into the country to work for six months, Defra said on Thursday evening (14 October). Environment Secretary George Eustice said 800 butchers were needed to meet staffing shortages and get the pig industry's crisis under control. The National Pig Association (NPA), which has been calling for temporary visas for butchers for some time, said it was 'very relieved' at the development. Over 6,000 pigs are thought to have been culled on farms across the UK as a result of slaughterhouse and butchery worker shortages linked to Brexit and the pandemic. Abattoirs have had to reduce their throughput by about 25 percent over the last couple of months due to the labour crisis, according to the NPA. The government has also said it will fund a private storage aid scheme in England, enabling processors to store slaughtered pigs for 3-6 months so that they can be preserved safely and processed at a later date. And it will also work with the pig industry to introduce processing of animals on Saturdays and longer working days where possible. Mr Eustice said: "A unique range of pressures on the pig sector over recent months, such as the impacts of the pandemic and its effect on export markets, have led to the temporary package of measures we are announcing. "This is the result of close working with industry to understand how we can support them through this challenging time." NPA chief executive Zoe Davies welcomed the new measures: "We are very relieved that the government has finally released some measures aimed at reducing the significant pig backlog on farms. "We are working with the processors to understand the impact of these new measures and to determine exactly what will happen now, and how quickly, so that we can give farmers some hope and stem the flow of healthy pigs currently having to be culled on farms." The government warned, however, that granting temporary visas was 'not a long term solution' for the sector. It said: "Businesses must make long term investments in the UK domestic workforce to build a high-wage, high-skill economy, instead of relying on overseas labour." The government stressed that it expects the sector to encourage better training offers, career options and wage increases to ensure that it draws on a UK workforce. It comes after the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) announced a pork levy holiday for November, worth 1m. Government ministers gave the green light in response to the continued build-up of pigs on farm, falling prices and high production costs. The pork levy holiday will amount to savings for the sector of just under 1 million. Nearly half of farmers now have a plan on how they're going to hand the farm on to the next generation amid huge financial changes for the industry. Farms with succession plans in place are steadily climbing as many do what they can to protect their future against the backdrop of subsidy and exit payment changes. Nearly half of farmers (49%) now have a plan, up from 42% last year, findings from NFU Mutual's survey of over 1,600 farmers have shown. Even more encouragingly, the number of farmers who have recently reviewed their plan to make sure it is still relevant increased from 27% in 2020 to just over a third in 2021. This comes at a time when farming is undergoing major financial transition. As well as changes to subsidies, Defra is proposing to introduce exit payments to those leaving the industry. However, while the number of farmers with a succession plan is rising, just over half (51%) still do not have one. A third of farmers say succession is not relevant to them, although that has dropped from 41% suggesting more are realising the importance of planning for a handover. Almost a fifth of farmers agree that a succession plan is important for their farm, but they havent got round to setting one up yet. Jim McLaren, chairman of NFU Mutual, said: As a farmer myself, I know first-hand that farming isnt just a job, but a way of life. Farms often involve the whole family and span generations. "When you think about the future of your farm, its not just a question of land and assets; the attachment that you and your family have to your farming lifestyle often runs much deeper than that. "These considerations can make it complicated to plan for the future of the farm, especially when it comes to handing over the reins to the next generation." There is currently plenty for farmers to contend with - from Brexit to Covid, to subsidies and rising costs, often leaving little time for planning for the future, Mr McLaren said. However, he said it was also true that events such as the pandemic could shine a 'much-needed spotlight' on the need to plan for the future. "Now, more than ever, its essential to ensure your farm and your finances are in order. As well as changes to subsidies and exit proposals, farmers will be watching the upcoming Chancellors Budget closely for any changes to Capital Gains Tax and other taxes that could affect them. Over a third of the farming community have been classed as 'probably or possibly depressed', according to a survey of more than 15,000 farmers and farm workers. RABIs Big Farming Survey results, released on Thursday (14 October), have put a spotlight on the state of farmers' mental health during these unprecedented times. It shows that over one third (36%) of the farming community in England and Wales are 'probably or possibly depressed'. And over half of women in the sector (58%) say they experience mild, moderate or severe anxiety. The rural charity's survey, launched in January this year, is the largest wellbeing survey of its kind ever to launch in England and Wales. The survey aims to identify how complex challenges within the farming sector are impacting peoples physical and mental wellbeing, as well as businesses. It seeks to identify the specific challenges that a generation of farming people face, as well as highlighting how these impact daily life. The survey found that the most common sources of stress recorded were: regulation, compliance and inspection, Covid-19, unpredictable weather and loss of subsides. Over half (52%) of respondents said they experience pain and discomfort, and one in four reported mobility problems. And over one-fifth of farmer respondents (21%) said they have problems in undertaking usual on-farm tasks due to health issues. On a positive note, a majority (59%) of respondents believe their business is viable over the next five years. In response to the findings, RABI has called on the sector to help drive an effective response to the challenges identified. The charity's corporate partnership manager, Suzy Deeley highlighted some of the positive outtakes within the data. "We owe it to every farming person to use this evidence to take action to improve farmer wellbeing, she explained. We believe that farming people and the sector more widely must collaborate to develop solutions to the issues identified. This survey of a generation has revealed that despite the many challenges facing our community, farming people continue to be incredibly resilient and this is something we should focus on." In response to the Big Farming Survey research, RABI says it will soon be launching pilots of three new support schemes for farmers. These include a farming mental health first aid training service, access to in-person mental health support, and further trials of RABIs Community Pillars initiative. Commenting on the research, Matt Lobley, Professor of Rural Resource Management at the University of Exeter and research lead, called on the industry to build on the findings. The Big Farming Survey has delivered an unprecedented evidence base that has given far greater insight into the realities of life on farm, he said. "Our recommendations are very much aligned to how RABI is evolving its services during this period of agricultural transition." Farming leaders in Wales have united to speak with one voice on the industrys ambition to deliver climate goals alongside the production of food. Representatives from NFU Cymru, Farmers Union of Wales, Hybu Cig Cymru, AHDB and Wales YFC met for a meeting on Thursday (14 October). The five industry leaders agreed to work together to ensure Welsh food and farming can fight the climate crisis while safeguarding food security. It comes as farmers have been showcasing the industry's ambition to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 as part of this week's Countryside COP events. The week of virtual events, which kicked off on Monday, have been bringing together rural businesses and experts in a series of seminars covering key climate issues. The Welsh farming leaders meeting was one of a series of events being hosted during the Countryside COP 2021 programme. The five industry leaders said in a statement that climate change was the "greatest environmental challenge facing the world". But they said that any action should be progressed in a way that was "sustainable and fair" and "that safeguards our rural communities, culture and language". "At this pivotal time, Welsh farming leaders have united to demonstrate our shared commitment to maximising the contribution of agriculture to a net zero economy in Wales," they said. "Welsh farming is already leading the way on climate action, we recognise that society and the agriculture industry in Wales want to go further and faster. "We are agreed on the need to speak with one voice to support the delivery of our common climate goals alongside climate-friendly food production." The five industry leaders explained that Welsh farming was a 'world leader' in sustainable food production. "With land use so central to meeting the net zero goals of wider society, our partnership offers a sensible and practical voice on the contribution that farming can make to net zero ambitions. "We will work together to ensure our sector will combat climate change whilst continuing to play a positive contribution to global food security," they said. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. Oak Hill, WV (25901) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 38F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 27F with temps rising to near freezing. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Following Atrangi Re and Raksha Bandhan, Akshay Kumar and Aanand L Rais Colour Yellow Productions along with Cape of Good Films have come together to join hands once again. Akshay Kumar will be collaborating with the production houses for a biopic called Gorkha which is based on the life of Major General Ian Cardozo, a legendary officer of the Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army (5th Gorkha Rifles). The film will be helmed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan. We are honored to bring the story of a legendary war hero, Major General Ian Cardozo whose name goes down in history for his immense courage in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. I am also excited to work with Akshay sir again for the third time, said Aanand L Rai in a statement. I feel honored for this story to be told on the 50th anniversary of the 1971 war. It commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces of India. I look forward to working with Anand & Akshay as they bring this to life. This story reflects the values and spirit of every officer of the Indian Army, shared Major General Ian Cardozo AVSM SM. ANSAN, South Korea, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. ("Seoul") (KOSDAQ 046890), a leading global innovator of LED products and technology, announced that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas against Ace Hardware, a global retail company, for selling filament LED bulbs and other LED products manufactured by Feit Electric. Seoul claims that the infringement is willful and that Ace Hardware has continued to sell Feit Electric's products despite repeated notices. Seoul Semiconductor's 16 patented Technologies In its complaint, Seoul asserts infringement of 16 LED patents covering the manufacturing of LED epitaxy, chips, packages, modules, lenses, and drivers. Those second generation LED technologies include technologies for high color rendering, LED driver for high-voltage operation, LED multi-junction, light diffusion lens, light extraction, and LED reliability. Such technology is the result of more than USD 1 billion of R&D investment. "While global companies emphasize corporate responsibility, such as ESG, many companies still manufacture and sell products that may infringe intellectual properties in order to gain short-term profits," said Myeong-Ki Hong, CEO of Seoul. "We are concerned that young innovators and small businesses are the ones who are harmed," he added. Seoul has already successfully obtained permanent injunctions for filament LED product sales several times in Europe and the U.S. In September 2020, the German District Court of Dusseldorf issued permanent injunctions, an order of recall and destruction against filament LED bulbs manufactured by a Phillips brand affiliate. In the U.S., the Texas Northern District Court also issued a permanent injunction against certain LED bulbs distributed by America's largest online bulb retailer in September 2019. Seoul also secured permanent injunctions against retailers selling certain Feit Electric products in the Eastern District of Texas and Central District of California. About Seoul Semiconductor Seoul Semiconductor is the world's second-largest global LED manufacturer, a ranking excluding the captive market, and has more than 10,000 patents. Based on a differentiated product portfolio, Seoul offers a wide range of technologies, and mass produces innovative LED products for indoor and outdoor lighting, automotive, IT products, such as mobile phones, computer displays, and other applications, as well as the UV area. The company's world's first development and mass production products are becoming the LED industry standard and leading the global market with a package-free LED, WICOP; a high-voltage AC-driven LED, Acrich; an LED with 10X the output of a conventional LED, nPola; a cutting edge ultraviolet clean technology LED, Violeds; an all direction light emitting technology, filament LED; a natural sun spectrum LED, SunLike; and more. For more information, please visit www.seoulsemicon.com/en. Contacts: Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Jeonghee Kim Tel: +82-70-4391-8311 Email: jeonghee.kim@seoulsemicon.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1659133/Seoul_Semiconductor_s_16_patented_Technologies.jpg Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Closing of a private placement with qualified French and international investors for 7.8 million Proceeds of the issue mainly intended to accelerate the commercial ramp-up of the latest generation of robots Concomitant sale of 1.358.911 existing shares held by Seventure Partners, for an amount of 1.7 million Regulatory News: BALYO (FR0013258399, Mnemonique: BALYO, eligible PEA-PME) (Paris:BALYO), (the "Company"), announces today the success of a capital increase with cancellation of the preferential subscription right by placement of a final amount of 6.1 million to qualified French and international investors (the "Primary Offering"), carried-out by accelerated construction of an order book. Concurrently with the Primary Offer, funds managed by Seventure Partners (together, the "Selling Shareholder"), historical shareholder of the Company since 2010, have sold 1,358,911existing shares, at the same price as the Primary Offer, i.e. an amount of 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. Bryan, Garnier Co Limited1 is acting as Sole Global Coordinator, Lead Manager and Bookrunner of the transaction. The Primary Offering resulted in the issuance of 4.885.089 new ordinary shares, representing 16.7% of the Company's current share capital, at a price per share of 1.25 (including share premium), representing a total fundraising of 6,106,361.25 (including share premium). Following the Primary Offering, the share capital of the Company is now composed of 33,675,587 shares with a par value of 0.08 each. Based on the Company's cash position (6.4 million as at 30 June 2021) and its forecasted expenses, the amount raised in the transaction should enable the Company to achieve its strategic objectives. We would like to thank the new investors who have joined us and those who have reaffirmed their support for this transaction. These new resources provide us with the necessary means to accelerate the commercialization of our offer and to meet the growing demand from international customers who wish to improve their logistics performance," said Pascal Rialland, Chairman and CEO of BALYO. Reminder of the reasons for the Primary Offer 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. Main terms of the Offer A total number of 4,885,089 new ordinary shares, with a par value of 0.08 each, were issued to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1129 of 14 June 2017, as referred to in 1 of Article L.411-2-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code, in accordance with the 15th resolution of the Combined General Meeting of the Company dated 20 May 2021. In addition, 1,358,911 existing shares held by funds managed by Seventure Partners, representing 4.72% of the Company's current share capital, were sold to these qualified investors. The new shares, representing 16.7% of the Company's current share capital, on a non-diluted basis, prior to the completion of the Primary Offering (i.e., a dilution of 14.5%), were issued by decision (i) of the Board of Directors for implementation of the delegation of authority which has been granted by the 15th resolution approved by the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of the Company on 20 May 2021, and (ii) of the Chief Executive Officer as of 14 October 2021 The issue price of the new and sold shares was set at 1.25 per share, representing a discount of 7.68% to the closing price of the BALYO share on 14 October 2021, i.e. 1.354, and by 9.81% in relation to the volume-weighted average price of BALYO shares on the regulated market of Euronext Paris for the last three trading days prior to its determination (i.e. from 11 to 13 October 2021 inclusive), i.e. 1.386, in accordance with the 15th resolution of the Company's Combined General Meeting of 20 May 2021. By way of illustration, a shareholder holding 1% of BALYO's share capital prior to the launch of the Primary Offering will now hold a 0.85% stake. The share capital of the Company will be composed of 33,675,587 shares following settlement-delivery. To the best of the Company's knowledge, the shareholder structure before and after the completion of the Offer is as follows: BALYO shareholding Before Offering After Offering (incl. Seventure sale) Number of shares % of capital Number of shares % capital Members of the Board of Directors Pascal RIALLAND 1,000 0.0% 1,000 0.0% Fabien BARDINET 74,392 0.3% 74,392 0.2% BPI FRANCE INVESTISSEMENT 5,053,950 17.6% 5,053,950 15.0% LINDE Material Handling GmbH 1,809,976 6.3% 1,809,976 5.4% Founders Thomas Duval 851,000 3.0% 851,000 2.5% Raul Bravo 874,928 3.0% 874,928 2.6% Other shareholders HYSTER-YALE GROUP 1,216,545 4.2% 1,216,545 3.6% Seventure Partners SA 2,371,685 8.2% 1,012,774 3.0% Financiere Arbevel SAS 992,944 3.4% 1,552,944 4.6% SSUG PIPE RAIF 0.0% 2,000,000 5.9% Free float 15,544,078 54.0% 19,228,078 57.1% TOTAL 28,790,498 100.0% 33,675,587 100.0% Admission to trading of the new shares 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. Settlement and delivery of the new shares and their admission to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris are expected to take place within 3 business days from the closing of the private placement. The information presented in this press release is provided following the completion of the placement of the shares by accelerated bookbuilding, which is now closed, but remains subject to the correct execution of the settlement-delivery operations, which are the subject of the placement agreement referred to below. 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 14 June 2017, the Offer has not given rise and will not give rise to the preparation of a prospectus subject to the approval of the Autorite des marches financiers (the "AMF"). Abstention and lock-up 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/20211014006178/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 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: CRUZ) (OTC Pink: BKTPF) (FSE: A3CWU7) ("Cruz" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has applied for a drill permit from the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") on the 5,500-acre 'Solar Lithium Project' in Nevada. The results from a recent sampling program on the 'Solar Lithium Project' included values as high as 1,610 parts per million ("ppm") lithium ("Li"). Cruz plans to be drilling this project shortly using the information provided by the recent sample program, designed to test the high-grade target areas. Nevada is the go-to address for North American lithium production and Cruz is extremely pleased to have a sizeable footprint in this world-class district, directly bordering American Lithium Corp.'s TLC project (see map below). According to the Stantec report dated April 15, 2020, the Tonopah Lithium Claims (TLC Project) currently contains 5.37 Mt (million tonnes) Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) measured and indicated with another 1.76 Mt LCE inferred. Lithium prices have recently broken out to 3-year highs and investor interest in lithium stocks continues to be robust. Cruz Management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Cruz may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the Company's properties. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4754/99794_67720f7cb493b889_002full.jpg Jim Nelson, President of Cruz, states, "We are very pleased to have applied for a drill permit from the BLM for the Solar Lithium Project in Nevada, directly bordering American Lithium Corp.'s TLC project. We are encouraged by the results from the recent sampling program which included grades as high as 1,610 ppm Li. On October 14, 2021, our neighbor American Lithium Corp. announced an upsize of their previously announced private placement (Oct. 13, 2021) to $35 million to fund further exploration and development of their projects, including the TLC project. We are about to come into a major news flow cycle and management remains confident that 2021 will be a transformative year for the Company as Cruz has enough cash in the treasury to fund all planned drill programs. We are working diligently to increase shareholder value and we are optimistic about the company's growth potential for the remainder of 2021 and beyond." Qualified Person The technical contents of this release were approved by Frank Bain, PGeo, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Cruz Battery Metals Corp. Cruz currently has several projects located throughout North America, comprising five in Ontario, four in British Columbia, two in Idaho, and two in Nevada. Cruz's Nevada lithium projects consists of the ~5,500-acre 'Solar Lithium Project' and the 240-acre 'Clayton Valley Lithium Project'. Cruz's five separate Ontario projects are all located in the vicinity of the town of Cobalt, making Cruz one of the largest landholders in this historic silver-cobalt producing district. Cruz's Ontario projects, which are prospective for cobalt, silver and diamonds include the 1,525-acre Coleman cobalt project, the 988-acre Johnson cobalt project, the 6,146-acre Hector cobalt project, the 1,458-acre Bucke cobalt project and the 1,453-acre Lorraine cobalt project. Cruz's BC projects include the 1,542-acre War Eagle cobalt project, the 687-acre Larry diamond project, the 2,120-acre Jax diamond project, and the 691-acre Mark diamond project. Cruz's Idaho projects include the 2,211-acre 'Idaho Cobalt Belt Project' and the 80-acre 'Idaho Star Cobalt Project'. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Cruz may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the Company's properties. If you would like to be added to Cruz's news distribution list, please send your email address to info@cruzbatterymetals.com Cruz Battery Metals Corp. "James Nelson" James Nelson President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director For more information regarding this news release, please contact: James Nelson, CEO and Director T: 604-899-9150 Toll free: 1-855-599-9150 E: info@cruzbatterymetals.com W: www.cruzbatterymetals.com Twitter: @CruzBattMetals Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99794 CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen lost ground against its major counterparts in the Asian session on Friday, as most Asian stocks rose, following an overnight rally on Wall Street led by strong earnings results and positive economic data. Overnight data showed that U.S. jobless claims fell more than expected last week to their lowest level since March 2020. U.S. producer prices rose at a moderate pace in September as service costs cooled amid subdued demand. U.S. President Joe Biden signed the legislation raising the debt limit to $28.9 trillion, avoiding the risk of a default on October 18. The short-term extension would grant the U.S. Treasury capacity to issue debt to fund government operations through early December. Data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed that Japan's tertiary activity declined for the second straight month in August. The tertiary activity index fell 1.7 percent month-on-month in August, following a 0.6 percent decrease in July. The yen depreciated to near a 3-year low of 114.17 against the greenback and near a 4-month low of 132.49 against the euro, down from its previous highs of 113.62 and 131.78, respectively. The yen may challenge support around 116.00 against the greenback and 134.00 against the euro. The yen dropped to a 5-1/2-year low of 123.68 against the franc and a 3-1/2-year low 156.15 against the pound, after rising to 122.94 and 155.36, respectively in early trades. On the downside, 125.00 and 160.00 are possibly seen as its next support levels against the franc and the pound, respectively. The yen touched a 4-month low of 84.76 against the aussie, 3-1/2-year low of 80.56 against the kiwi and a 5-1/2-year low of 92.43 against the loonie, following its prior highs of 84.21, 79.87 and 91.78, respectively. The yen is poised to challenge support around 86.00 against the aussie, 82.00 against the kiwi and 94.00 against the loonie. Looking ahead, Eurozone trade data for August is due in the European session. Canada wholesale sales for August, U.S. retail sales and import and export prices for September, business inventories data for August, New York Fed's empire manufacturing survey and University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for October will be out in the New York session. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de October 15, 2021 Solution offers high quality imaging with multi-site, multi-disciplinary interoperability, artificial intelligence and Laboratory Information System integration, enhancing diagnostic confidence Scalable image management system caters to the needs of all levels of pathology imaging Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the launch of its next-generation digital pathology solution, moving digital pathology into the heart of enterprise-wide healthcare informatics. Philips Digital Pathology Suite - IntelliSite - features a comprehensive, scalable suite of software tools and capabilities designed to help streamline workflows, enhance diagnostic confidence, facilitate team collaboration, integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and increase the efficiency of pathology labs. Philips Digital Pathology Suite offers a range of solutions designed for different use cases with an affordable cost of ownership. From low-volume 'spoke' labs or small independent labs, where small batches of slides are continually processed and scanned, to medium and large labs operating high-volume batch processing workflows. The hardware is also pre-equipped for multi-layer slide scanning. Images are captured in a centralized informatics platform that has been optimized around pathologists' workflows, integrating with leading third-party AI tools and algorithms with the aim to further reduce laboratory costs and enhance diagnostic capabilities. "Integrated diagnostic capabilities are a cornerstone to a precise diagnosis and personalized care pathway selection for oncology patients and only when data and specialties work together in harmony can the ultimate promise of care be realized," said Louis Culot, General Manager Oncology Informatics at Philips. "That's why bringing together multiple pieces of the healthcare continuum - like radiology, pathology, and genomics - is the key to a new paradigm of diagnostic precision. By providing pathologists the interoperability and connectivity to share high-quality images and diagnostic insights across networks, Philips Digital Pathology Suite positions them as key stakeholders in the data-driven healthcare systems of the future." Digital Pathology Suite includes a range of three pathology slide scanners, as well as Pathology Workspace - Image Management System - a comprehensive set of software tools and capabilities that encompass every stage of the digital pathology process, including an advanced image management system, bidirectional interoperability into laboratory information systems, and a case viewer that facilitates multidisciplinary case reviews and care pathway selection. Diagnostic confidence is enhanced by superb image quality and advanced algorithms, such as automatic tissue shape detection and non-rectangular optimization of regions of interest. Vendor-agnostic data interoperability also allows the easy sharing of patient-centric histology data across enterprises and between sites. "MEDIPATH is focused on accelerating the path of augmented pathology by slide digitalization on all our technical platforms. We are very excited to leverage the new Philips Digital Pathology Suite, including the Pathology Scanner SG300 and Pathology Workspace with de-identification tools, for each of our sites," said Stephane Rossat, Director for innovation, science and project management at MEDIPATH, a French Pathology group with a network of 11 technical labs. "Following the first days of installation, the solution is already proving easy to use, with images generated more quickly, while the quality and sharpness of the images produced is experienced to be superior. The Philips Digital Pathology Suite is the solution that our organization needs to expand our digital pathology capabilities and activate our transformation [1]." Integrated intelligence and automation across smart diagnostic systems Precision medicine has increased the volume and complexity of workloads, with pathology labs worldwide facing a shortage of skilled staff. Within the diagnosis and staging of cancer, pathology information is combined with data from multiple disciplines, including radiology, pathology and genomics, to deliver the diagnostic precision required for highly personalized care. There is an urgent need for solutions that combine operational efficiency, team-working, expertise sharing, and enterprise-wide informatics to make the most of a pathology lab's human resources. Through breakthrough innovations and partnerships, Philips integrates intelligence and automation into its Precision Diagnosis portfolio, including smart diagnostic systems, integrated workflow solutions with the aim to transform departmental operations, advanced informatics that enhance diagnostic confidence, and care pathway solutions that allow medical professionals to tailor treatment to individual patients. By developing and integrating AI-enabled applications, the company aims to enhance the ability to turn data into actionable insights and drive the right care in the right sequence at the right time. Philips Digital Pathology Suite is being showcased at the Pathology Visions 2021 eventfor updates on Philips participation at the event, and visit Philips Digital Pathology for more information. [1] Results of customer testimonies are not predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary. For further information, please contact: Mark Groves Philips Global Press Office Tel.: +31 631 639 916 E-mail: mark.groves@philips.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips. Attachments 15 October 2021 Acron Group's Commercial Output Up 6% in 9M 2021 Group's Consolidated Output (including operating results for Acron, Dorogobuzh and North-Western Phosphorous Company) Product, '000 t 9M 2021 9M 2020 YOY, % MINERAL FERTILISERS Ammonia 2,164 2,071 4.5 Incl. in-house consumption 2,113 1,980 Nitrogen fertilisers, including 3,750 3,634 3.2 Incl. in-house consumption 689 562 AN 1,638 1,826 -10.3 Incl. in-house consumption 232 170 Urea 1,050 887 18.4 Incl. in-house consumption 456 391 Including prilled urea 273 381 -28.5 Incl. in-house consumption 15 11 Including granulated urea 364 145 150.5 Incl. in-house consumption 27 19 UAN 1,061 921 15.2 Complex fertilisers, including 1,945 1,747 11.4 Incl. in-house consumption 40 27 NPK 1,798 1,663 8.1 Incl. in-house consumption 40 27 Bulk blends 147 84 75.4 Total commercial output for Mineral Fertilisers 5,017 4,884 2.7 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS Organic compounds, including 367 307 19.3 Incl. in-house consumption 191 155 Methanol 81 71 13.9 Incl. in-house consumption 71 57 Formalin 132 110 19.8 Incl. in-house consumption 117 96 Urea-formaldehyde resins 154 127 22.0 Incl. in-house consumption 4 2 Non-organic compounds, including: 890 757 17.5 Low-density and technical-grade AN 368 246 49.3 Industrial urea 120 92 31.4 Calcium carbonate 353 373 -5.4 Liquid carbon dioxide 44 41 7.6 Argon 5 5 -3.7 Total commercial output for Industrial Products 1,066 909 17.2 PHOSPHATE INPUTS Apatite concentrate 936 848 10.3 Incl. in-house consumption 704 684 Total commercial output for Apatite Concentrate 232 164 41.4 TOTAL COMMERCIAL OUTPUT 6,315 5,957 6.0 Note: Commercial output is output less in-house consumption. Comments from Alexander Popov, Chairman of Acron's Board of Directors: 'In 9M 2021, Acron Group set a new output record. In the reporting period, the Group produced 6,315,000 tonnes of commercial products, up 6% year-on-year. Mineral fertiliser output was up 3% to 5,017,000 tonnes. 'The strong demand we are seeing as the global economy recovers from the COVID-19 crisis requires that we be as focused and efficient as possible. While some producers are experiencing difficulties with logistics and feedstock supply, Acron Group sees providing farmers with fertilisers as the key objective for the entire system of food production. 'In this context, the Urea-6+ project, which significantly boosted our output of this world's most popular fertiliser, appears to be perfectly aligned with the market's needs. Since August, the unit has been operating at increased capacity, and the results are visible, with output of agricultural urea up 18% year-on-year. It is important for us that the project is in line with Acron's ESG principles: the upgraded operations include a cutting-edge unit for wastewater fine treatment, which significantly reduces our environmental impact. And because we use ??2 to produce urea, the Urea-6+ project helps decrease our carbon dioxide emissions by more than 350,000 tonnes per annum. 'Demand is strong in the industrial segment as well. The Group boosted its output of industrial products by 17% to 1,066,000 tonnes. Apatite concentrate output increased 10% to 936,000 tonnes. 'Prices continue to head upward, but major Russian fertiliser producers froze their key fertiliser prices for domestic farmers in July 2021 through the end of the autumn agricultural season. In October, the voluntary price freeze was extended through the end of 2021'. Market Trends In Q3 2021, global urea prices continued to climb. The FOB Baltic price approached USD 600 by the end of the quarter, reaching in October a post-2008 high of USD 700. This pricing trend was fuelled by Chinese government actions limiting urea exports, an energy crisis in Europe that led several producers to suspend operations, high grain prices, recovering demand for industrial urea, and active fertiliser purchases by India and Brazil. In early October, the FOB Baltic price of AN hit USD 450, another post-2008 record. UAN prices set a historical record of USD 600. These upward price trends were supported by higher urea prices, which serve as a benchmark for other nitrogen fertilisers. NPK prices were on the rise as well in Q3 2021, supported by a similar pricing trend for the basic product basket (urea, DAP, and potassium chloride). The NPK 16-16-16 premium over the basic product basket was 15%. Average Indicative Prices, USD per t, FOB Baltic/Black Sea Q3 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2020 Q3 2021 / Q2 2021 Change Q3 2021 / Q3 2020 Change NPK 16-16-16 425 353 253 20% 68% AN 309 245 162 26% 91% UAN 306 250 114 22% 168% Urea 445 359 231 24% 93% Ammonia 578 462 186 25% 210% MediaContacts Sergey Dorofeev Anastasiya Gromova Tatiana Smirnova Public Relations Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196) Investor Contacts Ilya Popov Sergey Smirnov Strategy and Investor Relations Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252) Background Information Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It owns transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic seaport terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acron subsidiary North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP) holds mining leases and an exploration permit for ten parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish Grupa Azoty S.A., one of the largest chemical producers in Europe. In 2020, the Group sold 7.8 million tonnes of its main products to 74 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe, and the United States as key markets. In 2020, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 119,864 million (USD 1,661 million), with EBITDA of RUB 35,311 million (USD 489 million). Acron's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange, and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs over 11,000 people. For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en. BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today until Friday 15 October the Shanghai Postal Museum hosts the second edition of Smart City Expo Shanghai (SCES), the leading event on urban innovation on the Asian continent, focusing on the role of technology used by cities. The event, organised by Fira de Barcelona and INTEX, will offer more than 20 conferences with the participation of more than 70 regional and international speakers. Under the slogan "The Smart is Rising", the event aims to be a spearhead of innovation applied to cities for the benefit of their inhabitants. The main focus will be the conference part that will revolve around four main themes: digital transformation, energy and environment, governance and smart mobility. Among the more than 70 participating speakers, Jeff Merritt, the Head of IoT at the World Economic Forum, will take part in a conference on new models of urban governance through smart management solutions, along with Kevin Johnson, UN-Habitat Overseas Advisor, who will talk about the potential of big data as a national strategy. As regards the CEO of the DeepBlue Technology Group, Chen Hai Bo, he will provide further information on the cooperation in digital transformation between the cities of Barcelona and Shanghai, while the Vice President of China Unicom Smart City Research Institute, Xia Junjie, will address the new models of urban mobility and discuss how urban planning must be adapted. As for the exhibition, leading companies such as Huawei, China Mobile Limited and Cloudwalk Technology will participate in the exhibition area of the show offering cutting-edge solutions in the field of intelligence and urban innovation. The event will also host the start of the Barcelona-Shanghai Bridge, an initiative organised by Barcelona City Council in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai City Council to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the twinning of the two capitals with various business meetings, seminars and exhibitions. The programme will kick off with a conference by the First Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council, Jaume Collboni. The SCES is part of the internationalisation strategy of Smart City Expo World Congress, the leading international summit on smart cities and urban solutions organised by Fira de Barcelona which will hold its 11th edition from 16 to 18 November 2021. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1659955/SCES.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/659718/Fira_Barcelona_Logo.jpg MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon television program, Copyright MMXXI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3 to 4 month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $6,950.00 to $11,995.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by Donald Baillargeon, the producer, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LEWES, Delaware, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The last two years have been a time of great changes, both in the lives of many people and in business. Owing to the pandemic-related restrictions, some companies suffered losses, while others, on the contrary, found new opportunities for growth and development amid the financial crisis. One may say that the years 2020 and 2021 were quite revealing in many ways. The international marketing company Evorich was among those whose performance had significantly increased over the past year. At the moment, it has almost two million users worldwide, and more than 750 thousand of them are active partners. The mission of the company is to spread the philosophy of the New Economic Evolution of the World (NEEW), which is to be implemented by creating a holistic ecosystem. This ecosystem includes projects such as the financial-and-investment educational web-portal Academy of a Private Investor, the Swiss company UGPay Group AG, the international payment system Global Unit Pay, the cryptocurrency exchange UnitEx, the digital business platform uGain, the marketing company Evorich and others. Andrey Khovratov, CEO of the Academy of a Private Investor, shared with us his opinion about this system, "What can we achieve by implementing the NEEW? First of all, it can help us stimulate our own economy. When people are co-owners of a particular brand or a producer, then by consuming the goods and services of that producer, they stimulate its development. People can choose what to invest in. Furthermore, each person can participate in projects created under the umbrella of NEEW. I believe that the New Economic Evolution of the World is actually already working in different territories and in different economic systems." On October 19, Evorich will celebrate the 7th anniversary of the launch of the MLCI Business (Multilevel Crowdinvesting) at a massive event - EVENTI 2021. Traditionally, the anniversary celebration is an occasion to take stock and announce the performance results over the past year. The event will take place in Dubai and will bring together over 500 participants from all over the world. The guests are in for an intensive agenda: training sessions, speeches and testimonials, awarding of Leaders and business networking. At the celebration attendees will hear the names of the Leaders who have shown rapid growth and impressive teamwork over the past year. According to Andrey Khovratov, "The uniqueness of EVENTI 2021 is that the MLCI Business turns seven years old - this is the period when the new brand of leaders is shaped. Our leaders must be experts not only in multilevel marketing but also in investing. Thanks to this business, a new class of entrepreneurs will emerge in the next 10-20 years: multimillionaires and billionaires." EVENTI 2021 will become an outstanding event for the entire business community, and even more so for Evorich partners, and the awarded leaders will become living examples for all members of the company. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1661348/Evorich_Summit_2021.jpg WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Portland General Electric (POR) said it plans to increase the amount of clean energy it serves to customers and meet its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power served to customers by at least 80% by 2030, 90% by 2035 and zero emissions by 2040. The company on Friday initiated its request for proposals public process and filed its inaugural Distribution System Plan at the Oregon Public Utilities Commission. Also, the company is working to accelerate its exit from the coal-fired Colstrip plant by the end of 2025. The company estimates by 2030 it will nearly triple the amount of clean and renewable energy serving customers. To achieve the goal, it will need approximately 1,500 - 2,000 MW of clean and renewable resources and approximately 800 MW of non-emitting dispatchable capacity resources. 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. First Quarter 2022 Results and Transfer of TSX listing to the TSX Venture Exchange LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / Orosur Mining Inc. ("Orosur" or "the Company") (TSX: OMI) (AIM: OMI) announces its unaudited results for the quarter ended August 31, 2021. All dollar figures are stated in US$ unless otherwise noted. The unaudited condensed financial statements of the Company for the quarter ended August 31, 2021 and the related management's discussion and analysis ("MDA") have been filed and are available for review on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.orosur.ca. A link to the PDF version of the financial statements is available here: http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/2366P_1-2021-10-15.pdf A link to the PDF version of the MDA is available here: http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/2366P_2-2021-10-15.pdf Highlights Colombia On July 6, 2021, the Company announced the assay results from nine additional diamond drillholes including multiple high-grade gold intersections with associated silver and zinc - including 59.55m @9.16g/t Au and 61.75m @2.05g/t Au. For more detail, please see the Company's news release dated July 6, 2021. Also as set out in the above news release, work commenced on regional mapping and sampling across the wider lease holding in Colombia. A large program of BLEG sampling was commenced, which should provide vectors to more targeted programs in following quarters. Initial results have been promising, with two new prospect areas identified and named for future reference, Pupino and Pepas. The Company commenced work on converting the last of its secure license applications to granted status so that they can be accessed for exploration work later in the year. Post period end, as announced on September 7, 2021, the Company was informed by its Colombian Joint Venture ("JV") partner, Minera Monte Aguila SAS ("Monte Aguila") that it had elected to exercise its right to assume operatorship of the Anza Project in Colombia. Monte Aguila is a 50/50 JV between Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") (NYSE:NEM, TSX:NEM) and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico") (TSX:AEM), and is the vehicle by which these two companies jointly exercise their rights and obligations with respect to the Exploration Agreement with Venture Option ("Exploration Agreement") over the Anza Project. The Anza Project has now moved into its fourth year of Phase 1 during which time a further US$4.0 million is required to be spent pursuant to the Exploration Agreement. While Monte Aguila manages the Anza Project, Minera Anza will continue to be the 100% owner of the licences, until such time as Monte Aguila has met its financial obligations with respect to the Exploration Agreement and elected to move to Phase 2 by September 2022. Uruguay In Uruguay, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Loryser, continues to focus its activities on the implementation of the Creditors Agreement and the sale of its Uruguayan assets. Loryser is also continuing with the reclamation and remediation of the tailings dam. As part of the Creditors Agreement, Orosur issued 10,000,000 Orosur common shares, in December 2019, to a trust for the benefit of Loryser's creditors. On September 10, 2021 the Company announced that it had been informed by the San Gregorio Trust that it had successfully sold its entire shareholding of 10 million common shares in the Company, which amount will be applied to meet Loryser's obligations under the Creditors Agreement. Good progress is being made on the sale of Loryser's other assets including plant and equipment. The proceeds from all of these sales will be used to pay liabilities in Uruguay in connection with the aforementioned Creditors Agreement. On August 31, 2021, the Company had a cash balance of US$6,265k (May 31, 2021US$6,958k). As at the date of this announcement the Company had a cash balance of US$5,685k. Strategy and outlook During the period, the Company continued its focus on developing the potential at Anza and continuing the orderly closure of its historical operations in Uruguay in accordance with the Court approved Creditors Agreement. The Company has also been examining new business opportunities in South America, and on July 7th, 2021, it announced that it had entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent in order to establish a joint venture on a tin project in Rhondonia state in Brazil. The parties are progressing matters. The Company intends to continue building its project portfolio with other high-quality assets, subject to current travel restrictions caused by Covid-19. Transfer from the TSX to the TSX Venture Exchange The Company has received approval to transfer its listing from the TSX to the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company believes that the transfer will provide it with operational efficiencies, with lower costs and with a reporting regime which is closer to that of the AIM market, whilst allowing shareholders to have continued trading liquidity in Canada. The Company's existing listing on AIM, where approximately 90% of the Company's liquidity resides, will continue without interruption as normal during the transition and beyond. The Company expects a seamless transition, delisting from TSX at market close on Friday 29th October 2021 to listing on the TSX Venture Exchange at market opening on Monday 1st November 2021. The Company's Common Shares will continue to trade under the symbol "OMI". Shareholder approval for the delisting from the TSX is not required since the Company will have its Common Shares listed on the TSXV. For further information, please contact: Orosur Mining Inc Louis Castro, Chairman Brad George, CEO info@orosur.ca Tel: +1 (778) 373-0100 SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP - Nomad & Joint Broker Jeff Keating / Caroline Rowe Tel: +44 (0) 20 3 470 0470 Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd - Joint Broker AndyThacker/JamesPope Tel: +44 (0)20 3657 0050 Flagstaff Communications and Investor Communications TimThompson MarkEdwards Fergus Mellon orosur@flagstaffcomms.com Tel: +44 (0)207 129 1474 The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service ('RIS'), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. About Orosur Mining Inc. Orosur Mining Inc. (TSX: OMI; AIM: OMI) is a minerals explorer and developer focused on identifying and advancing projects in South America. The Company currently operates in Colombia and Uruguay. Forward Looking Statements All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the exploration plans in Colombia and the funding from Monte Aguila of those plans, Monte Aguila's decision to continue with the Exploration and Option agreement, the ability for Loryser to continue and finalize with the remediation in Uruguay, the ability to implement the Creditors' Agreement successfully as well as continuation of the business of the Company as a going concern and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. The Company's continuance as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to obtain adequate financing, to reach profitable levels of operations and to reach a satisfactory implementation of the Creditor's Agreement in Uruguay. These material uncertainties may cast significant doubt upon the Company's ability to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business and accordingly the appropriateness of the use of accounting principles applicable to a going concern. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward looking statements. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties including, but not limited, those as described in Section "Risks Factors" of the MDA and the Annual Information Form. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. Orosur Mining Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars) Unaudited As at As at August 31, 2021 May 31, 2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,265 $ 6,958 Restricted cash 2,087 1,367 Accounts receivable and other assets 192 201 Assets held for sale in Uruguay 1,396 2,314 Total current assets 9,940 10,840 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 119 124 Exploration and evaluation assets Colombia 5,203 5,148 Total assets $ 15,262 $ 16,112 LIABILITIES AND (DEFICIT) Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 401 $ 486 Liabilities of Chile discontinued operation 2,049 2,047 Warrant liability 1,362 1,734 Liabilities held for sale in Uruguay 17,472 16,830 Total current liabilities 21,284 21,097 Deficit Share capital 69,333 69,333 Shares held by Trust (72) (165) Contributed surplus 9,385 8,591 Currency translation reserve (2,027) (1,826) Deficit (82,641) (80,918) Total deficit (6,022) (4,985) Total liabilities and deficit $ 15,262 $ 16,112 Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars) Unaudited Three Months Ended August 31, 2021 Three Months Ended August 31, 2020 Operating expenses Corporate and administrative expenses $ (320) $ (249) Exploration expenses - (21) Share-based payments (168) (4) Other income 1 8 Net finance cost (1) (1) Gain on fair value of warrants 372 - Net foreign exchange gain (loss) (69) (14) Net (loss) for the period for continued operations $ (185) $ (281) Other comprehensive income (loss): Cumulative translation adjustment $ (201) $ (34) Total comprehensive (loss) for the period from continued operations (386) (315) (Loss) income from discontinued operations (1,538) (1,075) Total comprehensive (loss) for the period (1,924) (1,390) Basic and diluted net (loss) per share for continued operations $ (0.00) $ (0.00) Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for discontinued operations $ (0.01) $ (0.01) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 188,420 160,278 Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars) Unaudited Three Months Three Months Ended Ended August 31, August 31, 2021 2020 Operating activities Net (loss) for the period for continued and discontinued operations $ (1,723) $ (1,356) Adjustments for: Share-based payments 168 4 Fair value of warrants (372) - Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment (111) (140) Foreign exchange and other (133) 559 Changes in non-cash working capital items: Accounts receivable and other assets (53) (98) Inventories 350 145 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 640 316 Net cash used in operating activities (1,234) (570) Investing activities Increase in the restricted cash (719) - Proceeds received for sale of property, plant and equipment 111 140 Proceeds received from exploration and option agreement 782 - Exploration and evaluation expenditures (910) (150) Net cash used in investing activities (736) (10) Financing activities Proceeds from the sale of treasury shares 719 - Net cash provided by financing activities 719 - Net Change in cash and cash equivalents (1,251) (580) Net change in cash classified within assets held for sale 558 154 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 6,958 782 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 6,265 $ 356 Operating activities - continued operations (565) (276) - discontinued operations (669) (294) Investing activities - continued operations (847) (150) - discontinued operations 111 140 Financing activities - continued operations 719 - 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: Orosur Mining Inc View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668310/Orosur-Mining-Inc-Announces-Q1-2022-Results-Transfer-of-TSX-listing-to-TSXV CAMBRIDGE, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / The blog is simply named "Less Dental Work is Healthier!", and it is built around the core idea that just as the best doctors give the least medicine, the best dentists do the least dentistry. Smile Care Dental is a single-location dental clinic that has been operating in Cambridge, Ontario since 2001. The clinic employs dentists, specialists, and qualified auxiliaries who together work to provide the full range of dental care for entire families. And while the clinic appears unassuming on the surface, it stands out from the crowd thanks to its robust online presence and the clinic's focus on preventing issues and minimizing harm. The clinic's core treatment philosophy is stamped in bold letters on the https://www.smilecaredental.ca/ website. It reads "THE BEST DOCTORS GIVE THE LEAST MEDICINES AND THE BEST DENTISTS DO THE LEAST DENTISTRY". That's an idea the clinic elaborates upon in various areas of their site, explaining just how important it is to only perform dental work when it is absolutely necessary. It all comes down to a single issue: dental work isn't perfect, and getting dental work leads to more more dental work down the line. As the clinic explains: "In medicine and dentistry, we strive to reproduce nature's design but fall well short of it. If you have a tooth removed, you are more likely to lose another, as the rest of your teeth shift, making it more likely they will develop cavities and gum disease." Issues like these are why the clinic advocates that the best dentist is one you do not need. In other words, the best dentist makes dental work unnecessary by advocating for prevention and helping patients take better care of their oral health. Prevention is always better than dental work. "The best dentists always keep in mind that there are downsides to dental procedures. A dental procedure should only be performed if the advantages of doing a procedure CLEARLY outweigh the disadvantages of the procedure," states one of the clinic's blog posts. The minds behind the blog and the clinic's unique treatment philosophy are Dr. Adam Szymczak and Dr. Joanne Baldos. The pair of husband and wife dentists founded the clinic back in 2001, and they still own and operate it to this day. Both graduated from the dental program at the University of Toronto, being awarded "DDS with honors" for academic and clinical excellence in the process. The pair came to understand the value of minimizing risks while taking a compassionate approach to dentistry early in their careers, and they have deepened their knowledge of the field since. They have each taken over 1000 hours of continuing education to ensure that their techniques, technology, knowledge, and skills remain at the cutting edge. Today on top of offering their Cambridge dentist services to the public, they also share their knowledge and treatment philosophy with consumers around the world through their blog. Noticing that the web is filled with dentist-related content that seems to place improving profits over the well-being of patients, they hope that the information they are freely sharing online will help patients around the world avoid unnecessary dental treatments. Contact: smile@smilecaredental.ca (519) 740-3884 209 Pinebush Rd Unit #7 Cambridge, ON N1R 7H8 CANADA SOURCE: Invalley View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667489/Smile-Care-Dentals-Blog-Warns-Consumers-About-the-Danger-of-Unnecessary-Dental-Work TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / Roscan Gold Corporation ("Roscan" or the "Company") (TSXV:ROS)(FSE:2OJ)(OTC PINK:RCGCF) is pleased to announce the completion of the strategic C$6.4 million investment (the "Strategic Investment") by Asante Gold Corporation("Asante") (CSE:ASE/FRANKFURT:1A9/U.S.OTC:ASGOF), to advance the Company's 100%-owned Kandiole Gold Project in West Mali. As part of the Strategic Investment previously announced on September 23, 2021, Asante has subscribed for 22,086,121 million common shares at a price of C$0.29 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$6,404,975, resulting in Asante owning approximately 6.3% of Roscan's outstanding common shares. The Strategic Investment was carried out pursuant to a subscription and investor rights agreement dated October 14, 2021 between the Company and Asante (the "Agreement"). Pursuant to the Agreement, and until the earlier of: (i) a period of one year; and (ii) the date when Asante ceases to beneficially own at least five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, Asante will, at each annual or special meeting of the shareholders of the Company, vote in accordance with the recommendations made by the management or the board of directors of the Company as set out in the information circular of the Company prepared for such meeting. All securities issued in connection with the Strategic Investment will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. Commenting on the announcement, Nana Sangmuah, President & CEO stated: "We are delighted with the financial closing of the Strategic Investment. This new strategic investment increases our ability to unlock the substantial value at the Kandiole Project with a proven mine building team and a dominant land position in a prolific mining camp". Douglas MacQuarrie, President & CEO of Asante states: "I am pleased with Asante's decision to become a strategic partner with Roscan as it continues to unlock value on its highly prospective Kandiole Project. Asante's shareholders are now exposed to and will share in the benefits of value creation via the drill bit as Roscan continues to deliver on its considerable growth potential." This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons as defined under applicable United States securities laws unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Roscan Roscan Gold Corporation is a well-financed Canadian gold exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of gold properties in West Africa. The Company has assembled a significant land position of 100%-owned permits in an area of producing gold mines (including B2 Gold's Fekola Mine which is contiguous to the west of Kandiole), and major gold deposits, located both north and south of its Kandiole Project in West Mali. For further information, please contact: Nana Sangmuah President & CEO (902) 832-5555 Email: info@roscan.ca Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is 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 information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities 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 release. SOURCE: Roscan Gold Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668257/Roscan-Gold-Announces-Completion-of-Strategic-C64-Million-Investment-by-Asante-Gold-Corporation Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - SkyChain Technologies Inc. (TSXV: SCT) (OTCQB: SKTCF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a service agreement with Sunset Solar Inc.("Sunset") which is a private company incorporated under the laws of Alberta. Sunset has been engaged in the business of developing a solar farm since its inception in 2016 with access to land in Alberta (the "Land") and potential electricity for constructing a solar farm and cryptocurrency mining facilities. Sunset is an Alberta registered company that has progressed in the permitting process to build a 57-megawatt (MW) alternating-current solar photovoltaic power plant. The project is proposed to consist of 216,756 fixed-mount photovoltaic solar panels, an underground network of electrical collector lines, and a collector substation located one kilometre southwest of the hamlet of Grassy Lake Alberta occupying 10 acres. The use of solar power combined with conventional power sources on the 10 acres site will add an emission free energy source for its data centre. Pursuant to the service SkyChain will proceed with all required permits and applications with participation by Sunset in all aspects of the project. Final approval to the project is subject to securing the land and energy from the Alberta power transmission authority. Per the terms of the service agreement, subject to successful completion of the services resulting in securing the permits, approvals, with land and power access, SkyChain will provide a payment of $1.68 million CAD in SkyChain common shares at $0.80 CAD per common share to Sunset. The payment remains subject to successful due diligence and the satisfaction of various conditions per the agreement, as well as the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Company and Sunset are presently working through the due diligence process. About SkyChain Technologies INC SkyChain Technologies is a Vancouver based company providing Blockchain Infrastructure services and power solutions. Our vision is to become a leading player in the crypto/data mining hosting by growing to 100MW of crypto hosting capacity. To learn more, visit www.skychaintechnologiesinc.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bill Zhang President and CEO info@skychaintechnologiesinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. Statements in this news release may be viewed as forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. There are no assurances the company can fulfill such forward-looking statements and the company undertakes no obligation to update such statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the company, some of which are beyond the company's control. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99781 OSLO (dpa-AFX) - Norway's trade balance swung to surplus in September, amid a rise in exports and imports, data from Statistics Norway showed on Monday. The trade balance registered a surplus of NOK 53.709 billion in September versus a deficit of NOK 9.303 billion in the same month last year. In August, trade surplus was NOK 41.958 billion. Exports accelerated 117.4 percent year-on-year in September and increased 11.9 percent from a month ago. Imports grew 10.0 percent annually in September and gained 2.7 percent from the previous month. The mainland trade logged a deficit of NOK 25.4 billion in September. 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. NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GRG Health, a global leader in healthcare insights launches healthcare market insight reports platform Growth+ Market Reports powered with expert interviews and complimentary analysts' hours with each report. The global marketplace for procurement of market intelligence has become more complex than ever. With increased market pressure in a post-pandemic environment, global product managers are keener to procure insights that are more relevant on the field. The demand for high quality insights with real local expert opinions has witnessed significant growth in the past few years. Traditional syndicated report providers rely most on desk-based research and rarely add expert interview insights to create robust and relevant intelligence models. Our reports are addressing the same problem statement. GRG Health a global market leader in healthcare expert interviews with access to healthcare professionals across 50+ countries are addressing the unmet need of high quality primary research powered reports with Growth Plus Market Reports. Growth + Market Reports, is a global life sciences market research reports platform that offers high quality market insights reports with a unique GrowthMIX approach. All Growth+ reports come loaded with primary research, however the most differentiating factor remains complimentary access to Expert Connects Globally and Analyst Hours to build customizations complimentary with each report. Growth+Reports is part of GRG Health, a global healthcare knowledge service company. They are also members of EPhMRA (European Pharmaceutical Marketing Research Association). GRG's pro-bono market insights report in collaboration with LEK Consulting, Singapore on opportunities for life sciences companies in a post COVID environment across APAC got the company some industry acclaim and appreciation. GRG Health was awarded by the prestigious CEO Magazine as "Most Innovative Healthcare Market Research Company in 2020. Growth+ portfolio of services draws on their core capabilities of secondary & primary research, market modelling & forecasting, benchmarking, analysis and strategy formulation to help clients create scalable, ground-breaking solutions that prepare them for future growth and success. Today they have almost 93% of clients out of which almost 70% are working with us for over 4 years. GRG Health is a people's company because a company achieve nothing without having the best people around. Here are some key differentiators that makes Growth+ reports stand out. Focused on field insights via expert interviews. Like most in the industry, Growth+ reports are not just based on desk research insights. As part of company's approach, all reports are validated via expert phone/online interviews with relevant respondents. Access to GRG Health's global healthcare professionals and KOL panel The parent company GRG Health has a vast network of 80,000+ healthcare professionals. The whole network is available to the company to validate market information and to also on-board KOLs for custom consulting. This upgrades the quality of reports by many levels. Complimentary Analyst Hours and Expert Connects With Each Report All Growth+ reports come with complimentary 16 analyst hours to build added customizations in the report. The reports also come with complimentary access to 1-2 expert connects if the clients are keen to add booster opinions on the report in context of client's objectives. Focused on healthcare only. Deepest Domain Understanding Healthcare markets are the only insights company focuses on. Our focused approach gives us the credibility of the specialists. 100% team with strong background in biotechnology and biosciences. Most Innovative Healthcare Market Research Company By CEO Magazine GRG was awarded by the prestigious CEO Magazine as "Most Innovative Healthcare Market Research Company in 2020" for their work on opportunities for life sciences companies in a post COVID environment across APAC. Multilingual Team (18+ Languages) The team speaks 18+ international languages from our delivery centers in India and Singapore. The research also covers insights in native languages which boost the quality of the reports. Last Point Customization and Booster Insights Growth+'s unique after sales service includes the possibility of customizing any report in sync with client's internal business requirements. They offer customization to the last KIQs of the report. Booster Insights are also offered where the clients can connect to GRG's network of industry professionals for a telephone consulting on the report. To grab your free copy of their report on "COVID19's IMPACT ON ASIA PACIFIC HOSPITALS" or enquire more on other reports contact Manan Sethi Director, Market Insights www.growthplusreports.com enquire@growthplusreports.com +91 96545 76783 NANJING, China, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- From October 11 to 15, the 15th meeting of UN Biodiversity Conference was held in Kunming. This is a high-level global meeting in the field of biodiversity. As one of the key areas for biodiversity protection in China and even the world, Jiangsu is now constantly increasing its efforts in ecological protection. At present, the number of species recorded in Jiangsu has been updated to 6,046 and 165 are rare and endangered species, according to the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Nantong is located on the north side of the estuary of the Yangtze River. Xiaoyangkou Shoal Wetland Reserve in Nantong is formed by large area of tides. The best bird-view season here is in May, June, September and October, when there are more birds in the midst of astronomical tides. Yancheng is the city with the longest coastline in Jiangsu Province. It also has the only World Natural Heritage, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China. Tiaozini Wetland is an important part of it, known as the "International Airport for birds". Every year, countless birds including critically endangered spoon-billed sandpipers and red-crown cranes are attracted to stop, moult and overwinter here. There are more than 410 kinds of birds, with a number of 1 million. Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area in Lianyungang is famous for its Chinese masterpiece Journey to the West. Legend has it that this alp near the sea is the hometown of Monkey King Sun Wukong. Now there are three groups of macaques with different personalities living here, and the mythical world seems to have entered reality. From the golden beach in Nantong to the coastal beach in Yancheng to the Huaguo Mountain in Lianyungang, fantastic animals gather from the sea, the air, and the land to this vibrant corridor of life. Welcome to Jiangsu and meet fantastic animals on the beautiful seashore where people live in harmony with nature. Image Attachments Links: Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=404069 Caption: Red-crowned cranes dancing in the Yancheng Wetland National Nature Reserve, Rare Birds Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - SALAZAR RESOURCES LIMITED (TSXV: SRL) (OTCQX: SRLZF) (FSE: CCG) ("Salazar Resources" or the "Company") announces that at the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Meeting") held on October 14th, 2021, the shareholders elected Messrs. Fredy Salazar, Pablo Acosta, Nick DeMare, Etienne Walter, Merlin Marr-Johnson and Ms. Mary Gilzean as directors of the Company. The shareholders also passed all other resolutions including an ordinary resolution to ratify and approve the Company's existing stock option plan, pursuant to which the Company may grant stock options up to 10% of its issued and outstanding common shares at the time of the grant, subject to the number of common shares of the Company reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options and restricted share units being equal to or less than 10% of the number of common shares of the Company issued and outstanding on the applicable grant date. Following the Meeting, the directors appointed Mr. Fredy Salazar as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Pablo Acosta as Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Merlin Marr-Johnson as Executive Vice-President and Corporate Secretary. The Board also appointed Mr. Nick DeMare, Mr. Etienne Walter and Ms. Mary Gilzean to the audit committee. About Salazar Salazar Resources is focused on creating value and positive change through discovery, exploration and development in Ecuador. The team has an unrivalled understanding of the geology in-country and has played an integral role in the discovery of many of the major projects in Ecuador, including the two newest operating gold and copper mines. Salazar Resources has a wholly owned pipeline of copper-gold exploration projects across Ecuador with a strategy to make another commercial discovery and farm-out non-core assets. The Company actively engages with Ecuadorian communities and together with the Salazar family it co-founded The Salazar Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable progress through economic development. The Company already has carried interests in three projects. At its maiden discovery, Curipamba, Salazar Resources has a 25% stake fully carried through to production. A feasibility study is underway and a 2019 PEA generated a base case NPV (8%) of US$288 million. At two copper-gold porphyry projects, Pijili and Santiago, the Company has a 20% stake fully carried through to a construction decision. For further information from Salazar please contact Merlin Marr-Johnson, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary at merlin@salazarresources.com or ir@salazarresources.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 news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99782 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX:SKE)(OTCQX:SKREF) ("Skeena" or the "Company") announces that Hochschild Mining PLC ("Hochschild"), through a wholly owned subsidiary, has notified Skeena of its intention to take over as operator of the Snip gold project ("Snip" or the "Project"), located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, and begin spending to earn 60% of Skeena's interest in the Project, in accordance with the heads of agreement dated as of September 19, 2018 (as amended, "HOA"). In order to earn 60% interest, Hochschild will need to incur expenditures of approximately C$100 million during the Option Period, which commenced on October 14, 2021. After completion of the earn-in, a joint venture would be established between the parties, and Skeena would be entitled to anti-dilution protection of up to C$15 million. Skeena's CEO, Walter Coles Jr. commented, "The Hochschild team has a reputation for being among the best underground miners in the world for narrow, high-grade deposits and we are fortunate to have them as our formal partner on Snip going forward. Skeena's shareholders will benefit from Hochschild spending a potential C$115 million at Snip, before the Company would be required to contribute. This will allow the Skeena management team to focus resources on aggressively exploring and advancing Eskay Creek." In accordance with the terms of the HOA, Hochschild shall have three years (the "Option Period") within which to exercise the option (the "Hochschild Option") and earn 60% of Skeena's interest in Snip by: incurring exploration and development expenditures on Snip that are no less than twice the amount of the expenditures incurred by Skeena on Snip from March 23, 2016. As of October 13, 2021, Skeena has incurred approximately C$50 million of exploration and development expenditures at Snip; and incurring no less than C$7.5 million in exploration or development expenditures on Snip in each 12-month period of the Option Period (or make payments to Skeena in lieu of incurring such expenditures) (the "Minimum Annual Expenditure Commitment"). After completing a minimum spend of C$22.5 million, Hochschild may extend the Option Period by a further period of 12 months by making a cash payment to Skeena of US$1 million. Hochschild can terminate the Option at any time and if Hochschild has not satisfied the Minimum Annual Expenditure Commitment for the relevant 12-month period of the Option Period, Hochschild will be required to pay Skeena the difference between C$7.5 million and the amount it did incur (pro-rated if terminated after 12 months). Upon the satisfaction of the above conditions during the Option Period, Hochschild will acquire 60% of Skeena's interest in the Project and the parties will enter into a joint venture for the further development of Snip. Additionally, the HOA provides Skeena with limited anti-dilution protections which entitles Skeena to be carried for $15 million spent on the Project after the joint venture is formed. Current Resources at Snip Skeena announced an underground constrained Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"), for Snip on July 21, 2020. The underground constrained Indicated resources include 244,000 ounces of gold hosted within 539,000 tonnes at an average gold grade of 14.0 g/t Au. Resources within the Inferred category include 402,000 ounces of gold hosted within 942,000 tonnes at an average gold grade of 13.3 g/t Au (Table 1). Table 1: Snip Indicated and Inferred underground resources Tonnes Contained Grade Contained Metal (000) Au (g/t) Au (000 oz) Indicated Mineral Resources Main 502 14.3 231 Twin West 37 10.4 12 Total Indicated 539 14.0 244 Inferred Mineral Resources Main 886 13.3 379 Twin West 56 12.4 23 Total Inferred 942 13.3 402 Resources are quoted at a 2.5 g/t Au cut-off grade. Resources have been reported in-situ and undiluted within potentially economic and minable underground longhole stope shapes. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resources estimated will be converted into mineral reserves In accordance with NI 43-101 recommendations, the number of metric tonnes and ounces were rounded to the nearest thousand. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects About Skeena Skeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on revitalizing the past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company released a Prefeasibility Study for Eskay Creek in July 2021 which highlights an open-pit average grade of 4.57 g/t AuEq, an after-tax NPV5% of C$1.4B, 56% IRR, and a 1.4-year payback at US$1,550/oz Au. Skeena is currently completing both infill and exploration drilling to advance Eskay Creek to full Feasibility by Q1 2022. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited, Walter Coles Jr. President & CEO Contact Information Investor Inquiries: info@skeenaresources.com Office Phone: +1 604 684 8725 Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com The scientific and technical information in this press release was approved by Paul Geddes, P.Geo., a Qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and Vice President, Exploration and Resource Development for the Company. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "could" or "would". Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Skeena Resources Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668295/Skeena-Receives-Option-Notice-from-Hochschild-on-Snip-Gold-Project Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Neptune Digital Assets Corp. (TSXV: NDA) (OTC Pink: NPPTF) (FSE: 1NW) ("Neptune" or the "Company"), a blockchain infrastructure and cryptocurrency leader in Canada, is pleased to announce the completed deployment and operation of its previously ordered 200 Antminer S19 Pro next generation Bitcoin ASIC mining machines. The new Antminer S19 Pro Bitcoin mining machines have been tested, installed, and are now producing Bitcoin. The Antminer S19 Pro is the latest generation Bitcoin ASIC miner produced by leading hardware manufacturer Bitmain. The Antminer S19 Pro's mining SHA-256 algorithm boasts a hashrate of 110 terahash per second (TH/s) with an energy efficiency of 29.5 joules per terahash (J/TH) and a power consumption of 3250W. The 200 Bitcoin mining machines collectively produce a total of 22,000 terahash per second. The new Bitcoin mining machines are deployed using the Luxor mining pool and are hosted in a state-of-the-art facility in Colorado, USA. As previously announced in the Company's September 10, 2021 press release, a further 530 new Antminer S19 Pro Bitcoin ASIC mining machines, with a total of 53,000 TH/s of mining power, are paid for and are waiting to be received and deployed at the Company's U.S. facilities. The Company will release further updates as these Bitcoin mining machines are received and activated. Neptune currently has $60.1M in assets, zero debt and at prevailing crypto currency prices is making approximately $645,000 per month in gross earnings. Annual results for the year ended August 31, 2021 will be released prior to December 31, 2021. "We are very pleased that our new partners, Luxor Technologies and Frontier Mining, have helped get our U.S. mining program off to a successful start. Bitcoin mining has become a core program for Neptune and we plan to continue to aggressively add to our fleet of installed miners working with proficient and capable partners throughout North America. This new deployment increases Neptune's revenues and puts the Company into an even stronger financial position as we grow our Bitcoin mining operations," stated Cale Moodie, Neptune CEO. About Neptune Digital Assets Corp. Neptune Digital Assets (TSXV: NDA) is one of the first publicly-traded blockchain companies in Canada and is a cryptocurrency and blockchain infrastructure leader with operations across the digital asset ecosystem including bitcoin mining, proof-of-stake mining, decentralized finance (DeFi) and associated blockchain technologies. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Cale Moodie, President and CEO Neptune Digital Assets Corp. 1-800-545-0941 www.neptunedigitalassets.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. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans", "proposes" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, the rate of production from the Company's Bitcoin mining machines; the future receipt and successful deployment of the Company's Bitcoin mining machines; future cryptocurrency prices; the Company's future earnings and revenues; and the Company's ability to successfully add to its fleet of Bitcoin mining machines and grow its Bitcoin operations. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the inherent risks involved in the cryptocurrency and general securities markets; the Company's ability to successfully mine digital currency; revenue of the Company may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; the Company may not be able to profitably liquidate its current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on the Company's operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99705 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - ScreenPro Security Inc. (CSE: SCRN) ("ScreenPro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its successful uplisting from the OTC Pink Sheets to the OTCQB Venture Market (the "OTCQB"). The shares ScreenPro commenced trading on the OTCQB at market open on October 12th under the symbol "SCRSF". Lena Kozovski, CEO of ScreenPro Security commented, "This new listing on the OTCQB provides provides a higher profile for issuers and will improve liquidity for our current and prospective shareholders, and to facilitate future access to capital in the US market to drive development of our medical services buisiness. efforts. Listing on the OTCQB is another important milestone for ScreenPro Security." The OTCQB Market is the venture tier of OTC Markets Group Inc. on which 11,000 U.S. and global securities trade. Trading on the OTCQB will enhance the visibility and accessibility of the Company to U.S. investors. ScreenPro common shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Security Exchange (the "CSE") under the symbol SCRN. The Company's common shares will also be DTC eligibility by The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for electronic settlement and transfer in the United States. The DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). It manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Securities that are eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through the DTC are considered "DTC eligible." This electronic method of clearing securities speeds up the receipt of stock and cash, and thus accelerates the settlement process for investors and brokers reducing transactional costs for participating brokerage firms, enabling the stock to be traded over a much wider selection of brokerage firms by coming into compliance with their requirements. About the OTCQB Venture Market The OTCQB Venture Market provides value and convenience to U.S. investors, brokers and institutions seeking to trade SCRSF. The OTCQB Venture Market is OTC Markets Group's premier market for early stage, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To be eligible, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, demonstrate compliance with U.S. securities laws, be current in their disclosure, and have a professional third-party sponsor introduction. For more information, visit www.otcmarkets.com. About ScreenPro ScreenPro is a Screening and Medical Technology company. ScreenPro provides turnkey screening solutions with alerting software, GoStop. ScreenPro's unique access to multiple manufacturers of high quality test kits and its strategic partnership with Labs in Vancouver and Ontario allows ScreenPro to be a nationwide provider of a full-service testing solutions across Canada. In addition, ScreenPro has its own nursing professionals, and access to high quality PPEs to ensure that its clients are protected in all aspects of their testing needs. GoStop's passport was developed with a privacy preserving approach that will enable individuals to use the alerting software and downloadable app with authentication certificates. The alerts can be scheduled on an on-demand, daily, weekly, or monthly basis and can be used also for vaccine scheduling.. For additional information on ScreenPro and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.screenprosecurity.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor it's Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information please contact: Jamie Hyland, Director Email: info@screenprosecurity.com P. (604) 442-2425 Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements relating to expectations regarding the future development of ScreenPro's business. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The actual results of ScreenPro could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which ScreenPro operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to ScreenPro's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of ScreenPro. Management of ScreenPro believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents ScreenPro's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. ScreenPro disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99707 This global partnership aims to spread awareness, cultivate a positive mindset within the society, and to promote IACAPAP's scientific activities among mental health professionals, parents, children, and young people around the globe Hong Kong, SAR--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Media OutReach, the first global newswire and press release distribution service provider founded in Asia, is pleased to announce a global partnership with The International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP), an international non-profit organization established in 1937. IACAPAP's mission is to advocate for the promotion of the mental health and development of children and adolescents through policy, practice, and research. Under this partnership, Media OutReach Newswire will fully support IACAPAP's global communications goals by exclusively distributing their market-specific press releases through Asia Pacific, USA, UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. IACAPAP has numerous activities aimed to promote child and adolescent mental health around the globe. Among these are the bi-annual world congresses where scientific advancements are shared. The IACAPAP also educates mental health professionals through a free e-textbook, online and in-person courses, and an open access scientific journal. Career development programs for early career professionals through the flagship Donald Cohen programme and Helmut Remschmidt Research Seminars are also carried out. "We are very pleased to engage Media OutReach to be our global newswire partner to help us promote youth mental health issues around the world. By leveraging their expertise in the media industry and global distribution network, we hope our message will reach a global audience. In a world where one out of 5 children suffer from a mental health problem that is often not addressed, spreading knowledge and helping to combat stigma is invaluable," said Prof. Daniel Fung, the IACAPAP President. "As the global newswire partner to IACAPAP, Media OutReach Newswire plays an integral role in helping the organisation to spread awareness about the importance of prevention, promotion, and intervention of mental health issues in children and young people around the world. We hope by becoming the voice of the organisation, society will come to the realisation that mental health issues in children and young people should not be stigmatized and that there are effective interventions for youth with mental health problems. Furthermore, IACAPAP's website has useful resources on topics related to children and young people's mental health issues that anyone, including parents, children, young people, or even members of the media, can access for free. We will also be distributing thought leadership articles from the IACAPAP every quarter on pertinent public youth mental health issues. We hope through knowledge sharing and imparting positive messages, we can collectively make a positive difference in people's lives. Knowledge changes perception and shapes opinion," said Ms. Jennifer Kok, the Founder & CEO of Media OutReach. Media OutReach has been supporting numerous local and international non-profit organisations which focus on social and mental wellbeing of children and young people. "We help on the premise that every child matters, regardless of where they live and what skin colour they are, no child or adolescent should be neglected. They are the future of the world, and in this our vision aligns with that of IACAPAP's. We are very certain that this partnership will bring a positive impact to society and help to change people's attitudes towards mental health issues. More importantly, we want parents and society to regard seeking mental health advice as just the same as going to your general practitioners," she continued. Media OutReach's guarantee online news posting helps to make articles available to a global audience and by delivering news directly to the inboxes of relevant journalists out of 140,000 media contacts, the newswire will ensure IACAPAP's news is readily available for journalists who would like to write or research about related topics. "With Media OutReach's global press release distribution capabilities, we are able to make changes impactfully," said Ms. Kok. About IACAPAP The International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) dates its origin back to 1937 in Paris, France. Initially named the International Committee of Child Psychiatrists, it was renamed IACPAP in 1948 incorporating allied professions, and in 1978 adolescent psychiatry was added to form IACAPAP. IACAPAP's mission is to advocate for the promotion of the mental health and development of children and adolescents through policy, practice and research. About Media OutReach Founded in 2009, and with its headquarters in Hong Kong, Media OutReach is the first global newswire founded in Asia Pacific with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, China and Taiwan. Media OutReach is the only newswire that owns its distribution network across 24 countries across Asia Pacific; possessing a database of more than 140,000 journalists, 400 trade categories, 65,000 media titles and 480 media partnerships, it is revolutionising the industry by providing guarantee online news posting by language for each distribution. With proprietary technology at its core, Media OutReach Newswire distributes multi-language and multimedia press release contents directly to the inboxes of targeted editors and journalists to optimize news write-ups, build media relations and automates the reporting process with key performance metrics and its pioneering post-release reports gives insights into journalists accessing the release by publication and by country. Media OutReach Newswire is the go-to news release and content distribution partner for public relations, social marketing, digital agencies, and organizations in Asia Pacific. For more information on Media OutReach, please visit www.media-outreach.com. Media Contact of IACAPAP Ms. Sue Wong Administrator suewong.iacapap@gmail.com www.iacapap.org Media Contact of Media OutReach Ms. Jowie Wong Director of Marketing Communications Jowie.wong@media-outreach.com www.media-outreach.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99807 OLD BRIDGE, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE American:BDR) announced today it will report its Third Quarter 2021 Earnings Results on Friday, October 22, 2021, prior to market opening. Management will then host a teleconference to discuss the results with the investment community. Details of the live teleconference : Date: Friday, October 22, 2021 Time: 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. CT, 8:00 a.m. PT) Investor Dial-in (US & Canada Toll-Free): 877-545-0523 International: 973-528-0016 Entry Code: 526884 The audio replay will be available under Investor Related Information on the Blonder Tongue Investor Relations webpage. About Blonder Tongue Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. is the oldest designer and manufacturer of cable television video transmission technology in the USA. The majority of our products continue to be designed and built in our state-of-the-art New Jersey facility, which has been the Company's home for more than 50 years. Blonder Tongue Labs offers U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing excellence with an industry reputation for delivering ultra-high reliability products. As a leader in cable television system design, the Company provides service operators and systems integrators with comprehensive solutions for the management and distribution of digital video, IPTV and high-speed data services, as well as RF broadband distribution over fiber, IP, and Coax networks for homes and businesses. Additional information on the Company and its products can be found at www.blondertongue.com. "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The information set forth above includes "forward-looking" statements. The forward-looking statements relate to future events regarding such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new products, research and development activities and similar matters. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor provisions, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause our actual results and experience to differ materially and adversely from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operation, performance, development and results of the Company's business include, but are not limited to, those matters discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 in the sections entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors," and in the same sections of the Company's subsequently-filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as may be further updated by any Current Reports on Form 8-K that we may file. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "target," "intend," "plan," "seek," "estimate," "endeavor," "should," "could," "may" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections for our future financial performance, anticipated growth trends in the Company's business and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and the Company's ability to maintain the listing of its shares on the NYSE American. Readers also should carefully review the risk factors included in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, or, in the case of other documents referred to herein, the dates of those documents. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required under applicable law. The Company's actual results may differ from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. CONTACTS Eric Skolnik Chief Financial Officer eskolnik@blondertongue.com (732) 679-4000 Ted Grauch Chief Executive Officer tgrauch@blondertongue.com (732) 679-4000 SOURCE: Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668265/Blonder-Tongue-Schedules-Conference-Call-to-Discuss-Third-Quarter-2021-Earnings-Results Warrior Gold Inc. (TSX-V WAR) ("Warrior Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Fall 2021 diamond drill program comprising approximately 3,000 metres (planned 10 holes) has commenced on the Company's 100%-owned Goodfish-Kirana Property. The drill program has been designed to test for deeper downdip mineralization and along-strike-extension (east and west) targets at the A Zone. As well, drilling is planned to explore a newly identified structural/geophysics-indicated target 650 metres northeast of the A Zone. Daniele Spethmann, President CEO, stated, "We are really excited to get our fall drill program under way as a follow-up program to our successful Winter 2021 drill campaign which intersected anomalous and high-grade gold in all 12 drill holes of the program (3,066 m), The last program confirmed mineralization at the A Zone to 650 metres along strike, and it remains open at depth. The Warrior Gold team has advanced the geological model identifying additional areas with potential to expand the known mineralization, east, west and at depth. This program will explore for the down plunge extension of the gold mineralization and will also test another newly identified target located 650 metres to the north-east of the A Zone. With the closing of the recent private placement in September, we are well-funded to complete the drill program at the A Zone on the Goodfish-Kirana Property and explore our newly acquired KLC Property, with a high-resolution airborne magnetics and VLF survey." High-Resolution Airborne Magnetic Survey The Company is planning to complete a 780 line-kilometre triaxial magnetic and VLF survey across the KLC project area. The survey will be completed by GoldSpot Discoveries Corp.'s ("GoldSpot") new Applied Geophysical Services division. This high-resolution survey is scheduled to commence mid-November over the newly acquired KLC ground. Subject to weather conditions, GoldSpot may utilize their newly developed M-PASS system to co-collect LiDAR and orthophotos in addition to the magnetic and VLF datasets. Corporate Update The Company is pleased to also announce that it will be participating virtually at the Swiss Mining Institute digitally hosted conference November 2 to 4, 2021. This investment conference provides independent perspectives from professionals within the Resources Sector, along with presentations from 80 selected mining companies. Participation includes an audience of over 400 selected Asset Managers, Fund Managers, and other Professional Investors from all over the world. The technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Susan Lomas, P.Geo, Principal Technical Advisor and Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Warrior Gold Inc. Warrior Gold is a TSX Venture Exchange-listed company that has consolidated significant and prospective land packages in the Kirkland Lake gold camp in Ontario, Canada. The properties are hosted in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the world's best-endowed greenstone belts with +200 million ounces of gold produced to date1. The properties are host to regional and property scale mineralized structures that are considered to be second order structures off the Larder Lake Cadillac Deformation Zone LLCDZ the regional structure in the belt known to be spatially associated with the gold mines hosted in the camp. The properties assembled include: the 100%-owned Goodfish-Kirana, the Arnold property and the recently optioned KL West (KLW) and KL Central (KLC). Warrior's land position in the Kirkland Lake gold camp comprises 19,307 ha, over 376 claims and 29 patented claims and ranks the company as one of the largest landholders in the Kirkland Lake region. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although Warrior Gold believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Warrior Gold can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. In addition to other risks that may affect the forward-looking statements in this press release are those set out in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of the financial condition and results of operations for the year ended March 31, 2021 and the first quarter ended June 30, 2021, which are available at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Warrior Gold 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. This press release does not constitute an offer, invitation or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this press release nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal. _________________________________ 1 https://mmsd.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/PDF/MIS2020TableG01a-en.pdf View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005142/en/ Contacts: Daniele Spethmann, P.Geo. President CEO +1 647 344-3433 dspethmann@warriorgoldinc.com Daniel Rodriguez Corporate Development +1 604 353-4080 drodriguez@warriorgoldinc.com The Ministry of Justice has launched a new website to spotlight evidence gathered by the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding the fraud committed by Anatolie and Gabriel Stati: www.kzarbitration.com. The purpose of the website is to present the facts of the ongoing and complex legal case and provide easy access to the corresponding evidence. This public repository will increase transparency around the case and dispel the disinformation and lies perpetrated by these individuals against the Republic of Kazakhstan and its people. The evidence in the form of court rulings, expert opinions, and other publicly available documents confirms that the Statis have been engaged in a complex and multi-faceted fraud since at least 2006. The website explains how Anatolie and Gabriel Stati defrauded international investors of their money, falsified financial statements, fraudulently obtained audit opinions and pursued an international arbitration against the Republic of Kazakhstan to recoup from the State the monies the Statis had stolen themselves. The details of the fraud are exposed in a timeline of events and corroborated by the evidence gathered and presented by the Ministry of Justice. The background to the fraud, legal case history timeline, documentary evidence against the Statis can be accessed on the website address https://kzarbitration.com which is updated regularly. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005315/en/ Contacts: Ms. Meruert Bokanova Press Secretary of the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan info@adilet.gov.kz +7 (7172) 74-06-01 CHMP also recommends XELJANZ (tofacitinib) approval for the treatment of adults with active ankylosing spondylitis Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced that the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion recommending the 100 mg and 200 mg doses of abrocitinib, an oral, once-daily, Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, for marketing authorization to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy. The CHMP also adopted a positive opinion recommending marketing authorization for XELJANZ (tofacitinib) 5 mg and 10 mg, administered twice daily, for the treatment of adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy. "The CHMP's positive recommendation brings us closer to our goal of helping people living with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in Europe find relief," said Michael Corbo, PhD, Chief Development Officer, Inflammation Immunology, Pfizer Global Product Development. "We look forward to working with the European Commission and hope to soon provide abrocitinib to people in Europe and eventually to more people worldwide who are living with this debilitating disease, many of whom have limited treatment options today." "Atopic dermatitis can be a debilitating condition that impacts the daily lives of millions of people," said Dr. Diamant Thaci, Comprehensive Center for Inflammation Medicine, University of Luebeck, Germany. "Abrocitinib has shown significant efficacy, including relief from the hallmark chronic itch, rapid improvements in skin clearance, extent and severity of disease versus placebo, and a favorable risk-benefit profile. If approved, abrocitinib may become an important new treatment option for patients living with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis." Based on these CHMP recommendations, a decision by the European Commission, which authorizes marketing approval in the European Union, is expected on the abrocitinib and XELJANZ applications later this year. If granted by the European Commission, the centralized marketing authorizations would be valid in all EU Member States as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The recommendation for abrocitinib is based on the results of five Phase 3 studies and a long-term extension study from a robust clinical trial program including more than 3,100 patients. The recommendation for XELJANZ is based on data from a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of XELJANZ twice daily versus placebo in 269 adult patients living with active AS. About Abrocitinib Abrocitinib is an oral small molecule that selectively inhibits Janus kinase (JAK) 1. Inhibition of JAK1 is thought to modulate multiple cytokines involved in pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis, including interleukin IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-22, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). CIBINQO (abrocitinib) received marketing authorization from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in September 2021. About XELJANZ XELJANZ is approved in the European Union in four indications: adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) failure or intolerance, adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) after DMARD failure or intolerance, adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response, lost response, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent, and active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile PsA in patients two years of age and older who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with DMARDs. Limitations of Use below. XELJANZ has been studied in more than 50 clinical trials worldwide and prescribed to more than 300,000 adult patients (the majority of whom were RA patients) worldwide since 2012.i,ii In June 2021, the Committee for Medicine Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency adopted a recommendation from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) following its review of XELJANZ in the European Union, which states that in patients over 65 years of age, patients who are current or past smokers, patients with other cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, and patients with other malignancy risk factors, XELJANZ should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available. The CHMP-endorsed PRAC recommendation is applicable to all EU member states and has been implemented in the XELJANZ summary of product characteristics. Pfizer is also continuing to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies to review the full results and analysis of the ORAL Surveillance data. Most recently in September 2021, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication (DSC) related to XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR and two other arthritis medicines in the same drug class, based on its completed review of the ORAL Surveillance trial. About Atopic Dermatitis AD is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation of the skin and skin barrier defects.iii,iv Lesions of AD are characterized by erythema (skin turning red or purple depending on normal skin color), itching, induration (hardening)/papulation (formulation of papules), and oozing/crusting.iii,iv AD affects up to 10% of adults worldwide.v The prevalence of AD in adults in the European Union is approximately 5-10%.vi,vii About Ankylosing Spondylitis AS is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects men and women in early adulthood. The first symptoms usually occur before the age of 30 and seldom onset after the age of 45.viii,ix Symptoms of AS include pain and stiffness in the back and hips. Over time, some patients may experience fusion of the vertebrae in the spinal column.ix AS can cause severe, chronic pain for those living with the disease and can negatively impact health-related quality of life.ix An estimated average of 0.19% of adults in the European Union live with AS.x FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS Rheumatoid Arthritis XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. Limitations of Use: Use of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR in combination with biologic DMARDs or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. Psoriatic Arthritis XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Limitations of Use: Use of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR in combination with biologic DMARDs or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. Ulcerative Colitis XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), who have had an inadequate response or who are intolerant to TNF blockers. Limitations of Use: Use of XELJANZ in combination with biological therapies for UC or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. Polyarticular Course Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) in patients 2 years of age and older. Limitations of Use: Use of XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution in combination with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with XELJANZ* are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. If a serious infection develops, interrupt XELJANZ until the infection is controlled. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before XELJANZ use and during therapy. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to XELJANZ use. Invasive fungal infections, including cryptococcosis and pneumocystosis. Patients with invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Bacterial, viral, including herpes zoster, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens. The most common serious infections reported with XELJANZ included pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, urinary tract infection, diverticulitis, and appendicitis. Avoid use of XELJANZ in patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections, or with chronic or recurrent infection. In the UC population, XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily was associated with greater risk of serious infections compared to 5 mg twice daily. Opportunistic herpes zoster infections (including meningoencephalitis, ophthalmologic, and disseminated cutaneous) were seen in patients who were treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. The risks and benefits of treatment with XELJANZ should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection, or those who have lived or traveled in areas of endemic TB or mycoses. Viral reactivation including herpes virus and hepatitis B reactivation have been reported. Screening for viral hepatitis should be performed in accordance with clinical guidelines before starting therapy. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with XELJANZ, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. Caution is also recommended in patients with a history of chronic lung disease, or in those who develop interstitial lung disease, as they may be more prone to infection. MORTALITY Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular (CV) risk factor treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice a day had a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden CV death, compared to those treated with XELJANZ 5 mg given twice daily or TNF blockers in a large, ongoing, postmarketing safety study. XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily or XELJANZ XR 22 mg once daily is not recommended for the treatment of RA or PsA. For UC, use XELJANZ at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration needed to achieve/maintain therapeutic response. MALIGNANCIES Lymphoma and other malignancies have been observed in patients treated with XELJANZ. Epstein Barr Virus-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder has been observed at an increased rate in renal transplant patients treated with XELJANZ and concomitant immunosuppressive medications. Consider the risks and benefits of XELJANZ treatment prior to initiating therapy in patients with a known malignancy other than a successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or when considering continuing XELJANZ in patients who develop a malignancy. Malignancies (including solid cancers and lymphomas) were observed more often in patients treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily dosing in the UC long-term extension study. Other malignancies were observed in clinical studies and the post-marketing setting including, but not limited to, lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. NMSCs have been reported in patients treated with XELJANZ. In the UC population, treatment with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily was associated with greater risk of NMSC. Periodic skin examination is recommended for patients who are at increased risk for skin cancer. THROMBOSIS Thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and arterial thrombosis, have occurred in patients treated with XELJANZ and other Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. RA patients who were 50 years of age and older with at least one CV risk factor treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily compared to XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or TNF blockers in a large, ongoing postmarketing safety study had an observed increase in incidence of these events. Many of these events were serious and some resulted in death. Avoid XELJANZ in patients at risk. Discontinue XELJANZ and promptly evaluate patients with symptoms of thrombosis. For patients with UC, use XELJANZ at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration needed to achieve/maintain therapeutic response. XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily or XELJANZ XR 22 mg once daily is not recommended for the treatment of RA or PsA. In a long-term extension study in UC, four cases of pulmonary embolism were reported in patients taking XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, including one death in a patient with advanced cancer. GASTROINTESTINAL PERFORATIONS Gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in XELJANZ clinical trials, although the role of JAK inhibition is not known. In these studies, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis were receiving background therapy with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). There was no discernable difference in frequency of gastrointestinal perforation between the placebo and the XELJANZ arms in clinical trials of patients with UC, and many of them were receiving background corticosteroids. XELJANZ should be used with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with a history of diverticulitis or taking NSAIDs). HYPERSENSITIVITY Angioedema and urticaria that may reflect drug hypersensitivity have been observed in patients receiving XELJANZ and some events were serious. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, promptly discontinue tofacitinib while evaluating the potential cause or causes of the reaction. LABORATORY ABNORMALITIES Lymphocyte Abnormalities: Treatment with XELJANZ was associated with initial lymphocytosis at one month of exposure followed by a gradual decrease in mean lymphocyte counts. Avoid initiation of XELJANZ treatment in patients with a count less than 500 cells/mm3. In patients who develop a confirmed absolute lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm3, treatment with XELJANZ is not recommended. Risk of infection may be higher with increasing degrees of lymphopenia and consideration should be given to lymphocyte counts when assessing individual patient risk of infection. Monitor lymphocyte counts at baseline and every 3 months thereafter. Neutropenia: Treatment with XELJANZ was associated with an increased incidence of neutropenia (less than 2000 cells/mm3) compared to placebo. Avoid initiation of XELJANZ treatment in patients with an ANC less than 1000 cells/mm3. For patients who develop a persistent ANC of 500-1000 cells/mm3, interrupt XELJANZ dosing until ANC is greater than or equal to 1000 cells/mm3. In patients who develop an ANC less than 500 cells/mm3, treatment with XELJANZ is not recommended. Monitor neutrophil counts at baseline and after 4-8 weeks of treatment and every 3 months thereafter. Anemia: Avoid initiation of XELJANZ treatment in patients with a hemoglobin level less than 9 g/dL. Treatment with XELJANZ should be interrupted in patients who develop hemoglobin levels less than 8 g/dL or whose hemoglobin level drops greater than 2 g/dL on treatment. Monitor hemoglobin at baseline and after 4-8 weeks of treatment and every 3 months thereafter. Liver Enzyme Elevations: Treatment with XELJANZ was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo. Most of these abnormalities occurred in studies with background DMARD (primarily methotrexate) therapy. If drug-induced liver injury is suspected, the administration of XELJANZ should be interrupted until this diagnosis has been excluded. Routine monitoring of liver tests and prompt investigation of the causes of liver enzyme elevations is recommended to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury. Lipid Elevations: Treatment with XELJANZ was associated with dose-dependent increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Maximum effects were generally observed within 6 weeks. There were no clinically relevant changes in LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios. Manage patients with hyperlipidemia according to clinical guidelines. Assessment of lipid parameters should be performed approximately 4-8 weeks following initiation of XELJANZ therapy. VACCINATIONS Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with XELJANZ. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of tofacitinib therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents. Update immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating XELJANZ therapy. PATIENTS WITH GASTROINTESTINAL NARROWING Caution should be used when administering XELJANZ XR to patients with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal narrowing. There have been rare reports of obstructive symptoms in patients with known strictures in association with the ingestion of other drugs utilizing a non-deformable extended release formulation. HEPATIC and RENAL IMPAIRMENT Use of XELJANZ in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not recommended. For patients with moderate hepatic impairment or with moderate or severe renal impairment taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily, reduce to XELJANZ 5 mg once daily. For UC patients with moderate hepatic impairment or with moderate or severe renal impairment taking XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, reduce to XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections. The most commonly reported adverse reactions during the first 3 months in controlled clinical trials in patients with RA with XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily and placebo, respectively, (occurring in greater than or equal to 2% of patients treated with XELJANZ with or without DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, headache, and hypertension. The safety profile observed in patients with active PsA treated with XELJANZ was consistent with the safety profile observed in RA patients. Adverse reactions reported in =5% of patients treated with either 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily of XELJANZ and =1% greater than reported in patients receiving placebo in either the induction or maintenance clinical trials for UC were: nasopharyngitis, elevated cholesterol levels, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, rash, diarrhea, and herpes zoster. USE IN PREGNANCY Available data with XELJANZ use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and the fetus associated with rheumatoid arthritis and UC in pregnancy. In animal studies, tofacitinib at 6.3 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily demonstrated adverse embryo-fetal findings. The relevance of these findings to women of childbearing potential is uncertain. Consider pregnancy planning and prevention for females of reproductive potential. Unless otherwise stated, "XELJANZ" in the Important Safety Information refers to XELJANZ, XELJANZ XR, and XELJANZ Oral Solution. Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING for XELJANZ available at: www.xeljanzpi.com. About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer. Disclosure Notice The information contained in this release is as of October 15, 2021. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments. This release contains forward-looking information about a product candidate, abrocitinib, and XELJANZ (tofacitinib), including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when drug applications may be filed in any other jurisdictions for any potential indication for abrocitinib or XELJANZ; whether and when the applications for abrocitinib and XELJANZ pending with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency may be approved and whether and when any such other applications that may be pending or filed for abrocitinib or XELJANZ may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether abrocitinib or XELJANZ will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of abrocitinib or XELJANZ; uncertainties regarding the commercial or other impact of the results of clinical trial A3921133 (ORAL Surveillance) or any other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor studies and data, the FDA's drug safety communication, the CHMP-endorsed PRAC recommendation and any potential actions by regulatory authorities based on analysis of such studies and data, including on other JAK inhibitors in our portfolio, which will depend, in part, on benefit-risk assessments and labeling determinations; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations, and financial results; and competitive developments. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com. i ClinicalTrials.gov. Tofacitinib RA Studies. Accessed September 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=tofacitinib%2C+rheumatoid+arthritis%2C+ORAL&type=&rslt=&recr=&age_v=&gndr=&cond=Rheumatoid+Arthritis&intr=&titles=&outc=&spons=&lead=&id=&state1=&cntry1=&state2=&cntry2=&state3=&cntry3=&locn=&rcv_s=&rcv_e=&lup_s=&lup_e= ii Pfizer. Data on File. June 2021. iii Hanifin JM, Reed ML. A population-based survey of eczema in the United States. Dermatitis. 2007;18(2):82-91. iv Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis. Dermatology. 2012;1(3):203-217. v Oszukowska M, Michalak I, Gutfreund K, et al. Role of primary and secondary prevention in atopic dermatitis. Postep Derm Alergol. 2015:32(6):409-420. vi J. Silverberg, A. Wollenberg, A. Egeberg, et al. Worldwide prevalence and severity of Atopic Dermatitis. Poster presented at EADV 2018 Annual Meeting. Paris, France. vii Barbarot S, Auziere S, Gadkari A, et al. Epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in adults: Results from an international survey. Allergy. 2018;73(6):1284-1293. doi:10.1111/all.13401. viii Exarchou S, Lindstrom U, Askling J, et al. The prevalence of clinically diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis and its clinical manifestations: a nationwide register study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17(1):118. Published 2015 May 9. doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0627-0 ix University of Maryland Medical Center. A Patient's Guide to AS. Available at: https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/orthopedics/services/spine/patient-guides/ankylosing-spondylitis x Dean LE, Jones GT, MacDonald AG, Downham C, Sturrock RD, Macfarlane GJ. Global prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2014 Apr;53(4):650-7. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket387. Epub 2013 Dec 9. PMID: 24324212. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005319/en/ Contacts: Media Relations: +1 (212) 733-1226 EUPress@Pfizer.com Investor Relations: +1 (212) 733-4848 IR@Pfizer.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / Sassy Resources Corporation ("Sassy" or the "Company") (CSE:SASY)(FSE:4E7)(OTCQB:SSYRF) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved the dividend spinout distribution (the "Spinout") to its shareholders of an aggregate of 8,833,333 common shares (the "Gander Shares") in the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Gander Gold Corporation ("Gander"). This number of Gander Shares represents the settlement of 100% of the debt outstanding between Gander and Sassy associated with the acquisition of the Company's Newfoundland exploration properties. The Company currently has 47,537,506 common shares (the "Sassy Shares") issued and outstanding. Accordingly, the planned dividend distribution of 8,833,333 Gander shares would represent a ratio of one (1) Gander share for every 5.3816 Sassy shares owned by a Sassy shareholder as of the record date of February 1, 2022, or alternatively 0.1858 Gander shares for every one (1) Sassy share owned as of the record date. The final spinout ratio is subject to any changes to the Sassy share structure between the date of this announcement and the final record date for the dividend distribution, along with the approval of Gander's imminent application to list on a Canadian stock exchange. Sassy is in the final stages of preparing the application to list Gander on a Canadian stock exchange. Upon listing, Gander is expected to have 71,395,556 Gander Shares issued and outstanding, with nil share purchase warrants outstanding. Following execution and completion of the Spinout, Sassy will maintain ownership of 35,330,556 Gander Shares, representing approximately 49.5% ownership of Gander. Eric Sprott will beneficially own 10,666,667 Gander Shares, representing approximately 15% ownership. Comments From Mr. Mark Scott, Sassy President & CEO "The planned dividend spinout of over 8.8 million Gander shares to our Sassy shareholders represents the first quantifiable delivery of value to our shareholders resulting from our strategic early move into Newfoundland and should represent a material premium to Sassy's share price. "We have been very effective at managing Sassy's share structure as well as Gander's while building for our investors a compelling portfolio of grassroots properties in Newfoundland covering 2,257 sq. km (8 separate projects), one of the largest land packages on the island. Initial work has been very promising with Gander Gold on track in management's view to become a leading and well-financed Newfoundland discovery opportunity when it comes to trade. I wish to congratulate the Board for their efforts and thank our shareholders for their ongoing support as we work to build sustainable shareholder value in both Sassy and Gander." Moving Forward Further updates on the listing of Gander and the spinout will be provided as the Gander listing application proceeds and the record date for the dividend distribution of Gander Shares approaches. Results are pending from the Company's ongoing early-stage exploration program across its extensive project areas in Newfoundland. Results are also pending from the recently completed 2021 field exploration program, including diamond drilling, at the Company's 100%-owned 146 sq. km Foremore Project in Northwest B.C.'s prolific Eskay Camp. Subscribe for Updates Additional photographs and videos from the Company's projects in Northwest B.C. and Newfoundland will be added to the Sassy website over the coming days and weeks. Visit www.SassyResources.com and sign up for news alerts to stay informed as exploration in Newfoundland continues year-round. About Sassy Resources Corporation Sassy Resources is an exploration stage resource company currently engaged in the identification, acquisition and exploration of high-grade precious metal and base metal projects in North America. Its focus is the Foremore Project located in the Eskay Camp, Liard Mining Division, in the heart of Northwest B.C.'s prolific Golden Triangle, and the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt where Sassy is one of the district's largest landowners. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements Investors are cautioned that, except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained in this document includes "forward looking information", with respect to a performance expectation for Sassy Resources Corporation. Such forward looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections formulated using assumptions believed to be reasonable and involving a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such factors include, without limitation, fluctuations in foreign exchange markets, the price of commodities in both the cash market and futures market, changes in legislation, taxation, controls and regulation of national and local governments and political and economic developments in Canada and other countries where Sassy carries out or may carry out business in the future, the availability of future business opportunities and the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions or operational difficulties related to technical activities of mining and reclamation, the speculative nature of exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks obtaining necessary licenses and permits, reducing the quantity or grade of reserves, adverse changes in credit ratings, and the challenge of title. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update publicly or revise forward looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Some of the results reported are historical and may not have been verified by the Company. Contact Info: Mark Scott Chief Executive Officer & Director info@sassyresources.ca Terry Bramhall Sassy Resources - Corporate Communications/IR 1.604.833.6999 (mobile) 1.604.675.9985 (office) terry.bramhall@sassyresources.ca In Europe: Michael Adams Managing Director - Star Finance GmbH info@star-finance.eu The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Sassy Resources Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668233/Sassy-Announces-Dividend-Spinout-of-883-Million-Gander-Gold-Shares ZURICH, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Geneva Association and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) co-hosted a high-level conference on 12 October 2021, Future-Proofing Technological Innovations for a Resilient Net-Zero Economy, with the aim of providing input for the discussions that will take place at COP26 in Glasgow in November. The strategic, multi-stakeholder conversation brought together CEOs and senior officials from the insurance industry, financial sector, engineering community, government, United Nations, OECD, World Economic Forum, and World Business Council for Sustainable Development. An unprecedented transformation across society and economic sectors is needed to achieve ambitious net-zero targets over the next few decades. Expanding and deploying technological innovations will be critical. "The confluence of post-pandemic reconstruction, the climate crisis and social imbalances from technology and globalisation, is a historic opportunity for shaping a technological and institutional revolution that can unleash a smart, green and fair golden age for all," said Professor Carlota Perez, world-renowned expert on technological revolutions. There are myriad risks associated with the deployment of untested technologies. As the world's risk managers and a significant source of investment capital, the role of insurers will be essential to scaling up technological solutions. Jeffrey Schlagenhauf, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, said "The successful transition to a net-zero economy will require a complete transformation of the technologies used across all sectors of the economy. Insurance regulators and supervisors have a critical role to play in creating an enabling environment that facilitates insurance companies' capacity to support this transition as underwriters, risk managers, and providers of the needed capital investment." The discussion focused on the technological innovations necessary to accelerate decarbonisation and achieve climate targets and the key role of the insurance industry in supporting those innovations. Charles Brindamour, CEO of Intact Financial and Chairman of The Geneva Association, said: "Insurers play a key role in enabling innovation and prosperity in all areas of the economy. We can be a key agent in de-risking the transition towards a sustainable future, by leveraging our strengths and expertise in data analytics, pricing, risk management and prevention. Governments also have a powerful role to play. They can send strong signals by establishing a focused agenda, setting consistent climate priorities and supplying new capital to accelerate clean tech growth." Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change (UNFCCC) referred in her keynote statement to decarbonisation and achieving net zero as the most significant economic transformation in our history, and called for the insurance industry to redirect underwriting and investments to decarbonise the economy in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Maryam Golnaraghi, Director Climate Change and Environment at The Geneva Association, stressed: "The role of insurers in assessing, pricing and managing the untested risks associated with new technologies and processes will be fundamental for large-scale implementation and raising private capital. This conference is the launch point for The Geneva Association's exciting new research initiative on 'innovating insurance solutions for de-risking climate technologies towards net zero'." The full webcast of the Geneva Association-OECD conference is available at: www.genevaassociation.org/GANetZeroConf-recording Key points from conference discussions: Insurers play a vital role in assessing, pricing and managing risks related to untested technologies for sectors to transition to net-zero emissions. Innovations in insurance products and services are needed to support adoption and large-scale deployment, where market conditions allow. Governments can provide the enabling environment to incentivise market development and boost demand for technological innovations in energy, transportation, food and water systems and other carbon-intensive sectors - as well as the greening of the public infrastructure. Enhanced coordination of public and private investments, aligning investors' risk/return profiles and de-risking could enable more sustained financing for the commercialisation of climate technologies,. Deeper cross-sectoral partnerships can fast track the de-risking and adoption of new technologies, particularly between insurers, carbon-intensive industries, technology and engineering companies, the financial sector and governments. About The Geneva Association The Geneva Association is the only global association of insurance companies; its members are insurance and reinsurance CEOs. Based on rigorous research conducted in collaboration with its members, academic institutions and multilateral organisations, The Geneva Association investigates key risk areas that are likely to impact the insurance industry, develops corresponding recommendations and provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss them. In total, the companies of Geneva Association members are headquartered in 25 countries around the world; manage USD 17.1 trillion in assets; employ 2.4 million people; and protect 1.8 billion people. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660768/Geneva_Association.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/714100/Geneva_Association_Logo.jpg Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Currie Rose Resources Inc. (TSXV: CUI) ("Currie" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. David Bhumgara has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, replacing Mr. Geoff Kritizinger. Mr. Bhumgara is a CPA CA, with over 25 years' experience in accounting, corporate finance and regulatory reporting for publicly listed companies in various industries including oil and gas, cannabis, and mining. The Company thanks Mr. Kritzinger for his service and wishes him every success in his future endeavors. For Additional Information please contact: Mike Griffiths, CEO Office: 905-688-9115 Email: info@currierose.com Catherine Beckett, Manager Corporate Affairs Office: 905-688-9115 Email: info@currierose.com About Currie Rose Resources Inc. Currie Rose is a precious metal explorer focused on identifying high value assets in Canada. Our current projects span British Columbia and Ontario with our immediate focus on the Rossland Project in BC. Please visit our website located at www.currierose.com. Forward-Looking Statements 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 forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements about the closing of the transaction, expected terms of the transaction, the number of securities of Currie Rose that may be issued in connection with the transaction, and the parties' ability to satisfy closing conditions and receive necessary approvals are all forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99676 DGAP Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement in relation to Acceptance of Application Materials for Issuance of additional H-Shares by the China Securities Regulatory Commission 15.10.2021 / 14:17 Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Announcement in relation to Acceptance of Application Materials for Issuance of additional H-Shares by the China Securities Regulatory Commission Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 15 October 2021 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) on 14 October 2021, received the CSRC Acceptance Notice of the Application for Administrative Permission Acceptance No.: 212607) issued by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the "CSRC"). Reference is made to the announcement of Haier Smart Home dated 15 September 2021 in relation to, among other things, the proposed allotment and issuance of not more than 73,000,000 H-Shares by the Company under the general mandate approved on the General Meeting held on 25 June 2021. The CSRC has reviewed the application materials for the issuance and listing of additional H-Shares on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange") (the "Issuance of H-Shares") submitted by the Company in accordance with the legal requirements and considered that the application materials were complete and decided to accept the application for administrative permission. The Issuance of H-Shares of the Company is still subject to the review and/or approval(s) from the CSRC, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and other relevant government authorities and regulatory authorities, and there are uncertainties for such matter. The Company will fulfill its information disclosure obligations in a timely manner according to the progress of the matter. Investors are advised to exercise caution for investment risks. Note: As at the date of this announcement, the executive Directors of the Company are Mr. LIANG Haishan, Mr. LI Huagang and Mr. XIE Juzhi; the non-executive Directors are Mr. WU Changqi, Mr. LIN Sui, Mr. YU Hon To, David and Ms. Eva LI Kam Fun; and the independent non-executive Directors are Mr. CHIEN Da-Chun, Mr. WONG Hak Kun, Mr. LI Shipeng and Mr. WU Qi. This Announcement has been prepared in both Chinese and English. Should there be any discrepancies or misunderstandings between the two versions, the Chinese version shall prevail. About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized mass production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as smaller household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hongkong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk 15.10.2021 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / MJ Harvest, Inc. ("MJHI") (OTCQB:MJHI) announced today that it and its portfolio company PPK Investment Group, Inc. ("PPK") entered into an agreement to acquire 10% of Blip Holdings, LLC ("BLIP"), a California-based company that develops and markets THC and cannabis vape products in California under the BLVK Brand. MJHI and PPK have agreed to work with BLIP, as exclusive distributor, to expand the BLVK brand to the states of Oklahoma and South Dakota using PPK's distribution channels. PPK will also provide manufacturing and packaging of the BLVK products for distribution in Oklahoma and South Dakota. BLIP has agreed to provide PPK and MJHI with technical information, product formulations, and the licensed service marks necessary to promote and distribute the BLVK products. The agreement may be expanded beyond Oklahoma and South Dakota as MJHI and PPK gain presence in other markets. BLIP will also continue its new product development efforts and as new products are commercialized, will add those products to PPK's distribution channels. Patrick Bilton, Chief Executive Officer of MJ Harvest commented, "The brand develop agreement with BLIP, and the recently completed brand development agreements with Weedsy, Chronic, Sublime, and Korova provide an excellent opportunity for our company and PPK to build our product offerings and expand our distribution network in the States of Oklahoma and South Dakota. As we develop and perfect our sales and marketing model and our relationships with brands such as BLVK, Weedsy, Chronic, Sublime and Korova, we can offer more products to our customers on each sales call, and we expect to increase our order size and shelf space with our existing and newly developed customer dispensaries. This model also lends itself well to expansion into other states and territories when allowed." The initial term of the brand development agreement is 5 years and is renewable for successive 5-year terms at the election of MJHI and PPK, provided certain performance objectives are met. PPK will pay BLIP a royalty of 10% of all net sales of BLIP products sold by MJHI and PPK in the territories covered by the agreement at the time of the sales. MJHI purchased the 10% interest in BLIP with MJHI common stock valued at $100,000 using the closing price of the MJHI shares on the date of the agreement. Additional shares may be issued to BLIP pursuant to a revaluation of the 10% interest no later than the second anniversary of the agreement. The revaluation of BLIP will be calculated as 1x the trailing twelve-month revenues of BLIP in all territories where its products are sold. If MJHI's 10% investment is revalued at more than $100,000, MJHI will issue additional shares of stock to make up the difference. The revaluation shares will be valued at the closing price of the MJHI common stock on the revaluation date. Raymond Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Blip commented, "BLIP is excited to launch our proven nicotine vape brand into the THC marketplace. We know there is a large cross-over of our loyal brand following, and we're pleased to join MJHI/PPK to bring the BLVK brand experience to cannabis consumers." About Blip Holdings, LLC BLIP Holdings is the master licensee of the BLVK brand and formulations for the cannabis market. Since 2016, the BLVK and BLVK Unicorn brands have sold millions of units of vape e-liquids in the nicotine market through smoke shops and retailers in more than 25 countries. Based in Los Angeles, California, BLIP creates and formulates unique cannabis vape products that embody the free-spirited lifestyle of the BLVK brand. About MJ Harvest Inc. MJHI cultivates, harvests, manufactures and sells cannabis products through its growing relationship with PPK. PPK sells and markets cannabis flower and edibles throughout Oklahoma and through a joint venture relationship with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in Flandreau, South Dakota.. MJHI currently owns 25% of PPK with options to acquire up to 100% of PPK Investment Group at any time prior to March 31, 2023, provided any increase in ownership can then be accomplished in accordance with Oklahoma law. MJHI also acquires and markets products and technologies that are designed to benefit growers and processors in the horticultural and agricultural industries. MJHI launched www.procannagro.com to provide a professionally designed and maintained web-based marketing outlet for the company's brands and technologies. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and information. Although the forward- looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward- looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. No assurances are, or can be given, that the parties will enter into a definitive agreement for the above-described applicable potential transaction, or that if such agreement is entered into, that the terms of the proposed applicable transaction will not change materially from the terms set forth in the applicable term sheet or that the applicable potential transaction will be consummated. Certain conditions to the closing of the potential transaction are outside of the parties' control and the parties cannot provide any assurance that the conditions will be satisfied. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. CONTACT: MJ Harvest, Inc. 9205 West Russell Rd., Ste. 240 Las Vegas, NV 89148 Telephone: 954.519.3115 Tcktsllc@earthlink.net @HARVESTMJ SOURCE: MJ Harvest, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668318/MJ-Harvest-Inc-Enters-into-an-Agreement-to-Acquire-a-Ten-Percent-Ownership-Interest-in-Blip-Holdings-LLC-and-to-Co-Develop-Blip-Branded-Products WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden announced that nationally, daily cases of coronavirus infection in the United States are down 47 percent, and hospitalizations are down 38 percent over the past six weeks. In the last two weeks, most of the country has improved as well. Case rates are declining in 39 states and hospital rates are declining in 38 states. These set of positive data were provided by the President Thursday while providing a brief update on a plan that he announced in early September to accelerate his administration's fight against the pandemic. Biden gave the update after he, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, received a briefing from members of the White House COVID-19 Response Team on the pandemic and the vaccination program. Biden said that although the number of unvaccinated people in the United States has come down to 66 million from almost 100 million in July, 'it's still an unacceptably high number.' Later in the day, during his meeting with Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta at the White House, Biden announced a donation of more than 17 million doses of Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine to the African Union. With 84892 new cases reporting on Thursday, the total number of Covid infections in the country rose to 44,770,331, as per the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. An additional 2038 Covid deaths took the total number of people who died due to the pandemic to 721,573. California reported the most number of cases - 6,472 - while Florida - 408 - reported most COVID-related deaths. 35,205,258 people have so far recovered from the disease in the country. As per the latest data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 188,281,747 people in the United States, or 56.7 percent of the population, have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. This includes 84.2 percent of people above 65. 217,953,275, or 65.6 percent of the population, have received at least one dose. 405,444,558 vaccine doses have been administered so far nationally. 9,319,172 people have so far received booster doses, which accounts for just 4.9 percent of the population. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Matica Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMJ) (FSE: 39N) (OTCQB: MMJFF) ("Matica" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, pursuant to a director's resolution, the Company will be consolidating its issued and outstanding share capital on the basis of every thirty (30) old Common Shares being consolidated into one (1) new Common Share (the "Share Consolidation"). Any fractional shares remaining after giving effect to the Share Consolidation will be cancelled. As a result, the outstanding Common Shares of the Company will be reduced to approximately 10,712,484. The Company has no other securities outstanding. New ISIN: CA9534001081 New CUSIP: 953400108 About Matica Matica is a multi-faceted, innovative company in the Quebec cannabis space. Its subsidiary, West Island Culture is a Dorval, Quebec based Health Canada Licence Holder with standard cultivation licence, standard processing, medical sales and sales licences. Matica continues to work with Yunify Natural Technologies, a Quebec based health and personal care research and innovation company to develop proprietary products for Matica and West Island, including topicals and ionic mists. Through its acquisition of Trichome Treats, an award winning chocolatier, Matica and West island intend on introducing edibles into the West Island product mix. For more information on Matica Enterprises please visit the website at: www.maticaenterprises.com. For More information on our cannabis brands please visit go-ouest.ca and citoyencannabis.ca On behalf of the Board of Directors MATICA ENTERPRISES INC. Boris Ziger Boris Ziger, CEO & Chairman The Company's public filings are available for review at www.sedar.com and www.thecse.com. For further information, please contact Boris Ziger, at: Telephone: 416-304-9935 E-mail: info@maticaenterprises.com Website: www.maticaenterprises.com , www.maticammj.com Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Corporation assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Corporation. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Corporation's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com. This news release contains statements about the Company's information that may be made available on the S&P Capital IQ Corporation Records Listing Program and the business of Matica that are forward-looking in nature and as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements 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, except as required by law. 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. We seek Safe Harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99779 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Sensor Technologies Corp. (CSE: SENS) ("Sensor") is pleased to that it has negotiated various debt conversion agreements (collectively, the "Debt Agreements") with eight (8) creditors (collectively, the "Creditors"), all of which are arm's length parties to the Corporation. Pursuant to the terms of the Debt Agreements, the Corporation has agreed to issue an aggregate of 45,067,635 common shares ("Debt Shares") to the Creditors in exchange for the cancellation of $901,352.69 in debt owing to the parties. The Debt Shares issued pursuant to the debt conversion are subject to a statutory four (4) month hold period. The Corporation would also like to provide an update on its proposed acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding securities (the "Proposed Acquisition") in the capital of EmersonGrow Technology Inc. ("EmersonGrow"). Further to Sensor's press releases of January 20, 2020, February 1, 2021, March 18, 2021, April 6, 2021, June 7, 2021 and July 15, 2021, one of the conditions in order for the parties to enter into a definitive share exchange agreement is for EmersonGrow to provide the Corporation with evidence that the $1 million private placement has closed. Sensor and the shareholders of EmersonGrow have not yet executed a definitive agreement with respect to the Proposed Acquisition and there can be no assurance that that the parties will execute a definitive agreement or that the Proposed Acquisition will be completed on the terms agreed to or completed at all. The entering into of the definitive agreement will be considered a fundamental change under Policy 8 of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and, as such, will subject to all of the requirements of Policy 8 including, but not limited to, CSE and shareholder approval. About Sensor Sensor develops non-intrusive asset health monitoring sensor systems for the oil and gas market to help operators track the thinning of pipelines and refinery vessels due to corrosion/erosion, strain due to bending/buckling and process pressure and temperature. Sensor's FT fiber optic sensor and corrosion monitoring systems allow cost-effective, 24/7 remote monitoring capabilities to improve scheduled maintenance operations, avoid unnecessary shutdowns, and prevent accidents and leaks. For further information, please contact: Jay Vieira, President, Director 905.338.0220 The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note regarding Forward-looking Statements This news release includes certain information and forward-looking statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99799 Red Light Holland to live stream an intimate Russell Peters performance in front of a live audience, after he completes his journey, on multiple social media accounts Red Light Holland to document Russell Peters moments in The Netherlands, as he will be accompanied by a camera crew Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTC Pink: TRUFF) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth, and sale of a premium brand of magic truffles, is pleased to announce Russell Peters, the company's Chief Creative Officer, will be in Amsterdam to experience his first psychedelic journey, in late October, 2021. Russell will be using Red Light Holland's premium psilocybin truffles and will be guided by Red Light Holland's therapist and expert psychedelic guide Jeff Hamburg. Peters will be accompanied by a camera crew and will give a special performance in front of a live audience which will be live-streamed on Red Light Holland social media accounts after he completes his journey and integration session. More details about the location and exact times, anticipated to happen in late October 2021, will be released next week. "I just hope after I deal with all my trauma I still stay funny," said Russell Peters, Red Light Holland's Chief Creative Officer. "Seriously though, I'm truly ready for this future journey. I know I'm in the best hands with the Red Light Holland team and I hope what I learn, and ultimately share to the world, will help me and hopefully help others." "Russell is a great asset to Red Light Holland not only in his creativity, reach and helping plan strategy, but also in his willingness to be a role model and share his future experience in guided therapy," said Todd Shapiro, CEO and Director of Red Light Holland. "Red Light Holland is on a mission to take magic truffles from underground to mainstream while promoting the responsible use of psychedelics as a tool for growth. Russell's candidness about his journey will help us get this important information out to a wider audience and we respect and appreciate Russell's commitment. I'm looking forward to hanging with him in The Netherlands. He's assured us it's the right time for him and he's comfortable with the set and setting and with sharing his experience to the world." "I'm excited to facilitate Russell on his truffle journey. It will be fascinating to hear Russell share his experience with the world since every journey is unique," said Jeff Hamburg, Red Light Holland Therapist and expert psychedelic facilitator. "I am confident this will be beneficial not only to Russell himself, but to others hearing and learning about the potential benefits of such an experience." Red Light Holland and Russell Peters will share more details, about where and when people in the Netherlands can attend the live intimate event and where individuals all around the world can view the live-stream, in the near future. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or their respective subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained in this news release. Examples of such information include statements with respect to: the Russell Peters ability to get to the Netherlands, the anticipated journey facilitated by Jeff Hamburg, the intimate live event featuring Russell Peters and the live-streaming of the event; the commencement and projected date regarding the Company's ability to ensure the live event will happen on the Company's social media accounts, the venue for the event; statements about the future of the live session with Russell Peters, Jeff Hamburg providing support, with respect to live journey; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, expectations regarding future growth and expansion of the operations of the business; regulatory and licensing risks; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial and stock markets; risks related to infectious diseases, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; legal and regulatory risks inherent in the psychedelics industry, including the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to psychedelics; political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; risks relating to anti-money laundering laws; compliance with extensive government regulation and the interpretation of various laws regulations and policies; public opinion and perception of the psychedelics industry; and such other risks contained in the public filings of the Company filed with Canadian securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including the Company's annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2020. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99809 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Argo Gold Inc. (CSE: ARQ) (OTCQB: ARBTF) (FSE: P3U) ("Argo Gold") has completed a 17 hole, 2670 metre drill program at the Uchi Lake Gold Project. Analytical results have been received and compilation of maps and interpretation are ongoing for all areas of drilling including Woco and Northgate. The exploration targets at the Uchi Gold Project area continues to be the narrow vein, high-grade gold mineralization; a common economic model in the Canadian Shield where a series of high-grade gold veins are mined using narrow vein mining methods. The 2021 drill program was designed to test additional new targets (75%) and expand known gold mineralization (25%). The 2021 exploration program extended the strike length of the mineralized zones at Woco, Northgate and Raingold as well as identified a new zone of mineralization 100 metres east of Raingold. The first three holes of the program, totalling 399 metres, targeted the Raingold gold bearing system, believed to lie on the "HST Break". In 2021, Argo Gold also completed overburden stripping and washing for 280 metres south of the high-grade Raingold Zone identified in the 2020 field season. The 2021 channel sampling result of 32.84 g/t Au over 2.5 metres confirms high-grade gold mineralization at Raingold. A zone of shearing is identified over the 280 metres of strike length south of Raingold and abundant sulphide mineralization is also identified along the newly exposed rock. Channel sampling of the newly stripped shear zone extending 280 metres of south of Raingold is almost completed and will be sent to the lab for assay. Argo Gold is also currently mapping at Raingold to understand the nature of the high-grade gold mineralization and its correlation to sulphides, structure and lithology. Drill Hole AG21-016 was collared 100 metres north of the high-grade zone area at Raingold in a topographical low that was postulated to be a possible NW-SE cross structure. Two areas of mineralization were encountered. From 44 metres to 51.75 metres, there was a 7.75-metre intersection of 0.09 g/t Au. This anomalous gold was hosted within sheared greywacke-argillite containing quartz-carbonate veinlets with minor sulphides and occurs on the footwall of a feldspar porphyry unit. The second area of mineralization was encountered at 189.14 metres intersecting 1.18 g/t Au over 2.16 metres in a pyritic silicified healed fault breccia. The second intersection of gold mineralization is thought to represent a new parallel mineralized trend approximately 100 metres east of the HST Break. Drill hole AFR-21-017 targeted a high-grade gold mineralization exposed in the surface trench with a drill hole at a -45 dip. While the structure was intersected with strong ankeritization from 32 metres to 36 metres, only very low gold values were returned. Anomalous gold values were intersected from 36 to 39 metres for 3 metres of 0.6 g/t Au in lean iron formation. Drill hole AGR-21-018, targeting the same trench with a steeper -60 hole, intersected lean iron formation, argillite and brecciated quartz but with no significant gold values. The HST Zone remains a compelling target and with anomalous gold values documented over a 500 metres of strike length and high-grade gold mineralization at the at Raingold zone including 2021 channel sampling results of 32.84 g/t Au over 2.5 metres. QA/QC Samples were geologically logged, the information was captured digitally, and sample locations were marked directly in the core box. Cutting was done on site by Argo personnel and securely bagged. Samples were subsequently transported by Argo Gold personnel to Dryden to Activation Laboratories Ltd. (ActLabs) which is ISO 17025 accredited. A rigorous program of inserted duplicates, blanks and standards was instituted. The laboratory batch size was 35 samples, so Argo Gold ensured that blanks, duplicates and inserted OREAS control standards (three separate standards representing low, medium and high-grade values) were inserted every twenty samples. These results have been scrutinized and values were well within high tolerances. Every sample was analyzed for Fire Assay Gold with either an AA (Atomic Absorption) or gravimetric finish. Where values were over 5,000 ppb, the sample was then re-assayed by Fire Assay with a gravimetric finish. At ActLabs, the samples were sorted and dried in a 60C oven. Each sample was then crushed up to 90% passing 10 mesh, riffle split, and a 250 g sample was pulverized to 95% passing 150 mesh. The pulverized samples were analyzed for gold using a Fire Assay with an AA, (or gravimetric as noted above) finish. ActLabs also has their internal system of inserted blanks, duplicated and inserted control standards which they used to ensure quality of the results. William Kerr, P.Geo., consulting geologist of Argo Gold, is the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, who has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. Map 1 To view an enhanced version of Map 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3921/99811_166dd625d47c187e_001full.jpg. Map 2 To view an enhanced version of Map 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3921/99811_166dd625d47c187e_002full.jpg Argo Gold Argo Gold is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company, focused on gold exploration at the Uchi Gold Project in the Red Lake District. Argo Gold recently added the Talbot Lake Gold Project to its portfolio; (Argo Gold news release June 11, 2020). Information on Argo Gold can be obtained from SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on Argo Gold's website at www.argogold.com. Argo Gold is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (www.thecse.com) (CSE: ARQ), as well as (OTCQB: ARBTF) and (XFRA: A2ASDS), (XSTU: A2ASDS), (XBER: A2ASDS). For more information please contact: Judy Baker, CEO (416) 786-7860 jbaker@argogold.ca NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. 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. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99811 Green Globe's Hempacco (GGII), Rick Ross, and James Lindsay have partnered to develop and manufacture Hemp Hop, a line of hemp smokables with different cannabinoids, Delta 8 products, plus a hemp blunt smoking paper brand. Rick Ross and James Lindsay will bring their varied talents and relationships to the partnership, furthering Hempacco's mission of Disrupting Tobacco(R) Highlights of the GGII - Rick Ross partnership Rick Ross has over 27 million followers on social media, including 13 million on Instagram, 4 million on Twitter, 8 million on Facebook, and 2.8 million on YouTube Rick Ross's partner, James Lindsay, has a wholesale distribution network selling to convenience stores Hempacco - GGII will produce a full line of smokables, including cannabinoid cigarettes and hemp blunt rolling paper Hempacco - GGII and Rick Ross are partnering to manufacture and market herb, spice, and hemp smokables and rolling paper Consumers can enter to win a free carton of Hemp Hop every single week by going to the Hemp Hop website, www.HempHop.shop San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Green Globe International Inc. (OTC Pink: GGII) ("GGII") Hempacco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GGII, partners with Rick Ross and James Lindsay of Hemp Hop Smokables, LLC., to develop and manufacture a line of hemp blunt smoking paper and Functional Hemp Cannabinoid cigarettes under the new Company Hemp Hop Smokables LLC, furthering Hempacco's mission of Disrupting Tobacco. Rick Ross Cofounder of Hemp Hop Music Producer and Rap Artist To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7978/99719_greenglobe3.jpg Hemp Hop Smokables, LLC is a new venture started by Hempacco, Co. Inc., together with Rick Ross and James Lindsay, to develop, manufacture, and market a consumer goods line that includes cannabinoid hemp functional cigarettes and hemp wrap smoking rolling paper. Hemp Hop will give Rick Ross's fans at least one carton per week plus drop surprise merchandise. Consumers and fans can register to win a FREE carton of CBD cigarettes by going to www.HempHop.shop. Hemp Hop Smokables by Rick Ross To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7978/99719_greenglobe1.jpg "I truly believe in the health benefits of Hemp derived products," said Rick Ross, co-founder of Hemp Hop Smokables, LLC. "Having had my own health scares, and through my healing process, I decided I would develop a line of smokables to help others with the benefits of Hemp cannabinoids. Working with James Lindsay and Hempacco's team, including Lue, Jorge, and Sandro, has been fantastic. We've already started developing the flavors as well as the look and feel of all the products." "Working with Rick Ross and James has been a remarkable experience in professionalism and dedication. The attention to detail Rick brings to the flavoring and developing of the hemp CBD cigarettes and hemp wraps is remarkable," said Sandro Piancone, CEO and founder of Hempacco. The partnership allows Hemp Hop to use Hempacco's team and intellectual property, including patents to flavor, develop, infuse and manufacture hemp cigarettes. "The name recognition Rick Ross brings to this project is remarkable; just marketing to his base will be an incredible experience. With the help of Rick and James, as well as their entire team, we're introducing a remarkable new brand this year," said Jorge Olson, CMO and co-founder of Hempacco. "This is not my first consumer product. I launched Rap Snacks 27 years ago with the vision to create products that speak to the culture. Now Rap Snacks are sold in supermarkets and convenience stores all over the country. Our network of distributors are ready to welcome the product to their shelves and provide consumers with a product that has cultural representation," said James Lindsay, co-founder of Hemp Hop Smokables, LLC. James Lindsey Cofounder of Hemp Hop Smokables To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7978/99719_greenglobe2.jpg Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This news release may include forward-looking statements including opinions, assumptions, estimates, the Company's assessment of future plans and operations, including but not limited to information concerning a potential combination with Hempacco and the timing thereof. When used in this document, the words "will," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intent," "may," "project," "should," and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are founded based on expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to a wide range of risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will be realized. Any number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to regulatory and third party approvals not being obtained in the manner or timing anticipated; the ability to implement corporate strategies; the state of domestic capital markets; the ability to obtain financing; changes in general market conditions; industry conditions and events; and other factors more fully described from time to time in the reports and filings made by the Company with OTC Markets Group, Inc. or the securities regulatory authorities. Except as required by applicable laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements publicly. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of relevant securities laws and considered forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. # # # About Green Globe International Inc. (GGII): Green Globe and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture, market, and sell Consumer Goods, including herb and hemp smokables rolling paper. It trades on the OTC under the ticker: GGII Green Globe and its subsidiaries current projects include: Herb and Cannabinoid Cigarettes, including CBD Cigarettes Manufacturing hemp rolling papers called hemp blunts 600 Vending Machines selling and advertising Consumer Goods Online sales of CBD products Joint Ventures with large distributors and celebrities Licensing of filters, paper, and infusion in hemp and other smokables The Real Stuff brand of hemp smokables About Hempacco, Co. Inc. Hempacco Co, Inc. is Disrupting Tobacco's nearly $1 Trillion industry with herb and hemp-based alternatives to nicotine cigarettes by manufacturing and marketing herb, spice, and cannabinoid smokables and rolling paper. Hempacco owns The Real Stuff functional hemp cigarette and rolling paper brand. Hempacco Co., Inc. operational segments include: Manufacturing of smokables and hemp rolling paper Smokable technology development and licensing The Real Stuff brand of functional smokables and rolling paper Hempacco uses and licenses these patents: Infuse any cigarette with flavor, aroma, and functionality Cannabis paper for manufacturing paper, blunts, or cigarettes Spray terpenes on hemp to manufacture hemp cigarettes About Hemp Hop Smokables, LLC. Hemp Hop Smokables is a hemp cannabinoid company developing hemp blunts smoking paper and CBD cigarettes along with other smokables. The company is owned by Hempacco, Co. Inc., and Hemp Hop Global, LLC. with founders Rick Ross and James Lindsay with the mission of changing people's lives with the benefits of hemp and Disrupt Tobacco in the process. Add Your Name to The Hempacco Investor Email List To be added to the GGII investor email list and be kept apprised of all upcoming IR activities, please subscribe using this link: https://newsroom.newsfilecorp.com/lists/8020/490 , or for additional information, please call Investor Relations Partners at 323-380-4500. You can purchase The Real Stuff Hemp Cigarettes by clicking here or copy-paste https://www.realstuffsmokables.com to your browser and get free samples of our Hemp Blunts. Wholesale distributors and retailers get wholesale pricing by calling (775) 473-1201. Company Contact: Founder Sandro Piancone or Investor Relations IR@hempaccopackaging.com Here are other Press Release headlines from GGII - Hempacco: Green Globe Intl. - Hempacco Licenses Hemp Cigarette Manufacturing Technology to CBD Cigarette Company Green Globe Intl. Chairman, Dr. Stuart Titus, to Serve as Panelist at 7th CBD Outlook Conference Green Globe Intl. Signs LOI to Acquire Patent to Make Marijuana Paper Green Globe Intl. - HempBox Vending Partners with Industry Giant SUZOHAPP to Rollout HempBoxes Across Its Network Green Globe Intl. - Hempacco Partners with the Pelican Group to Rollout HempBoxesTM Nationwide Green Globe Intl. - Hempacco Appoints Industry Veteran Dr. Stuart Titus as Chairman of The Board of Directors GGII Announces 20 Billion Share Reduction in Issued and Outstanding Common Stock GGII Green Globe - Hempacco to Be Featured in New Hemp and Cannabis Documentary Debuting at Sonoma Film Festival GGII Green Globe - Hempacco Announces New Initiative to License Their Technology to Manufacture Cannabis Cigarettes GGII Green Globe - Hempacco Receives Purchase Order for 250,000 packs of CBD Hemp Cigarettes from Ace & Axle, The Largest in Company History GGII Green Globe - Hempacco launches CalivibesDelta8.com & Signs Joint Venture Agreement to launch Calivibes Delta8 Hemp Cigarettes with a 50% Ownership Stake GGII Green Globe - Hempacco to Produce a Portfolio of Flavored Hemp Paper Wraps or Hemp Blunts, with the First Order of $230,000 GGII Green Globe - Hempacco Files Patent Application for Cigarette Filter Infusion Technology for Cannabis, Tobacco, Herb, and Hemp Cigarettes, Furthering Their Mission of Disrupting Tobacco Green Globe - GGII Licenses Patent for Terpene Spraying Technology from Open Book Extracts, Furthering their Mission of Disrupting Tobacco To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99719 Next Ann North Hole Underway 2nd Drill Targets Porphyry Prospect South of G1 Copper Deposit Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - David H. Brett, President & CEO, EnGold Mines Ltd., (TSXV: EGM) ("EnGold" or the "Company") reports that it has completed a 916.5 metre drill hole targeting the Ann North Alkalic Porphyry Copper Gold prospect. Hole AN21-02, angled at -70 degrees to the south, encountered visible chalcopyrite and bornite along fractures within strong potassic alteration to 400m downhole, followed by weaker sections, then intensifying deeper in the hole, including increasing magnetite to a depth 850m. Assays from the entire hole are pending. A vertical hole from the same setup is now underway to test the structure to the north. A second drill mobilized to Lac La Hache is following up on DDH G1 18-42 that intersected a 58 m thick hybrid porphyry-copper style/semi-massive magnetite replacement style typical of G1 Deposit, grading 0.55% CuEq. Hole G1 21-52, now underway, is a 100m step out aimed at finding the porphyry source of the G1 mineralization and testing the large-scale Peach IP anomaly at depth. "The Ann North drilling to date confirms we are in a classic Alkalic Porphyry copper gold environment," said EnGold VP of Exploration Rob Shives, P.Geo. "The significant quartz veining accompanying the alteration and the presence of bornite with the chalcopyrite is encouraging, as is the increasing magnetite at depth." "We've assembled an excellent exploration team who are executing well on our aggressive Lac La Hache deep drilling exploration strategy," said EnGold President and CEO David Brett. "We expect to be drilling throughout the fall and winter." Assays are also pending for the Road Gold Zone drilling and results will be announced as soon as they are available. Rob Shives P.Geo., VP Exploration and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release. About EnGold EnGold is a Vancouver-based copper, gold, silver, magnetite exploration company focused solely on its 100% owned Lac La Hache property in the Cariboo region of BC which hosts the Spout Copper Deposit, the Aurizon Gold Deposit and the G1 Copper Deposit and other targets within a large porphyry mineralizing system. With world class infrastructure at its doorstep, Lac La Hache is a great location to be exploring. EnGold Mines Ltd. David Brett President & CEO For further info contact David Brett, 604-682-2421 or david@engold.ca This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the expected use of proceeds of the financing. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which EnGold will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility and competition. Although EnGold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. EnGold does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99778 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - WonderFi Technologies Inc. (NEO: WNDR) (OTC Pink: WONDF) (WKN: A3C166) (the "Company" or "WonderFi") today announced that it has partnered with DeFi Pulse Inc. ("DeFi Pulse"), a firm that designs indexes for decentralized finance ("DeFi"), to offer digital asset indexes through the WonderFi App. DeFi Pulse creates, maintains, and licenses financial indexes for a decentralized world. The DeFi Pulse Index - DeFi Pulse's flagship offering - has emerged as a reliable benchmark for the performance of the overall DeFi sector on Ethereum. "The market's reception to the DeFi Pulse Index is reflected in the rate of adoption of the DPI token, designed around the DeFi Pulse Index and offered by the Index Coop. We are pleased to partner with WonderFi to continue to grow the DeFi Pulse Index," said Etienne Royole, CEO of DeFi Pulse. The DeFi Pulse Index includes the top DeFi assets available on Ethereum which have significant usage and show a commitment to ongoing maintenance and development. Currently comprising seventeen assets weighted by circulating supply, the DeFi Pulse Index employs a transparent methodology and undergoes monthly rebalances to reflect the current state of the market and keep up with the pace of development. "The DeFi Pulse Index is an excellent way to gain exposure to the DeFi market and is analogous to index products in the traditional capital markets," commented Ben Samaroo, CEO of WonderFi. "Partnering with DeFi Pulse to offer this index through WonderFi aligns us with the leading index provider in the sector, and creates an opportunity for us to bring new index products to market with DeFi Pulse and Index Coop as the market matures." Additional Information For additional information, please contact: WonderFi Technologies Inc. Ben Samaroo, CEO ben@wonder.fi (778) 843-9637 Investor Relations Contact: invest@wonder.fi Media Contact: press@wonder.fi ABOUT WONDERFI WonderFi is a leading technology company with the mission of creating better access to DeFi through the core principles of simplicity and education. WonderFi has a multi-pronged business strategy which includes a high-growth consumer finance app which will serve as a trusted gateway to the new financial system, and a digital asset portfolio which consists of leading crypto and DeFi assets. WonderFi's executive team and Board of Directors have an established track record in finance and crypto, with previous experience at Amazon, Shopify, PayPal, Galaxy Digital, Hut 8 and BIGG Digital. WonderFi's core team of engineers and technologists believe that everyone should have equal access to finance, and are aligned in the mission to empower people around the world to access DeFi in a simple, smart and secure way. For more information, visit www.wonder.fi. Forward-Looking Information and Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", or variations of such words. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, information concerning: the use of the DeFi Pulse Index within the WonderFi platform and the creation of new indexes. By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: the ability of the Company to work effectively with strategic investors; and changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice. Neither NEO Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the NEO Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99780 Industry's First 6-Color Digital PCR System Answers Market Needs for Higher Performance and Multiplexing Technology Stilla Technologies, the multiplex digital PCR company, joined researchers from SAGA Diagnostics in presenting a 24-plex digital PCR assay generated on Stilla's six-color naica system. To mark the platform's global commercial launch at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2021 Virtual Meeting, Stilla's Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer Remi Dangla, PhD, and researchers from SAGA Diagnostics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and University of Athens highlighted the new data during a discussion on how highly sensitive, multiplex digital PCR technology is transforming complex genomic data into actionable insights across a breadth of research and clinical applications. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005140/en/ Stilla's six-color naica system, the industry's first six-color digital PCR system, answers market needs for higher performance and multiplexing technology. Learn more here: www.stillatechnologies.com/6-color-dpcr (Photo: Business Wire) The six-color naica system is the industry's first digital PCR system featuring six fluorescent channels, providing biomedical researchers and clinicians the highest multiplexing and detection capacity available on the market. Scientists are already using Stilla's technology to advance their research and discovery across wide applications including cell and gene therapies, cancer and liquid biopsy studies, infectious disease detection including SARS-CoV-2 variant detection in wastewater, and food and environmental testing. Additional information on six-color digital PCR can be found here: www.stillatechnologies.com/6-color-dpcr. "Modern genetics increasingly relies on more complex signatures from scarce samples to inform on a variety of biological events such as early and residual disease detection, drug mechanism of action and efficiency in patients or full characterization of products for use in gene and cell therapy. Building upon the well-established three-color naica system's ease-of use and transparency of data delivered, our six-color naica system is democratizing digital PCR and enabling the world's most powerful platform of its kind," said Dr. Dangla. "From quantifying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in liquid biopsies for oncology, to detecting low-level genetic variants in infectious diseases, multiplex digital PCR is allowing researchers to parse complex genomics data to gain real-world, clinical insights at both the patient and the population level." Registered ASHG 2021 attendees are encouraged to tune in here to join Dr. Dangla and other scientists from Stilla Technologies at the following upcoming sessions: Presenter: Remi Dangla, PhD, Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer Topic: Democratizing digital PCR to bridge the gap between genomics data and genetics insights Time: October 20, 2021, at 9 AM EDT Presenter: Kimberley Gutierrez, PhD, Field Applications and Scientific Support Manager Topic: User-friendly high-plex digital PCR for absolute quantitation of genetic targets Time: October 21, 2021, at noon EDT About Stilla Technologies Stilla Technologies is the multiplex digital PCR company transforming complex genomic data into actionable insights across a wide range of research and clinical applications including cancer and liquid biopsy studies, cell and gene therapies, infectious disease detection, and food and environmental testing. Stilla's groundbreaking Crystal Digital PCR solution, the naica system, is the industry's first digital PCR system featuring six fluorescent channels, providing biomedical researchers and clinicians the highest multiplexing and detection capacity available on the market. Stilla has U.S. headquarters in Boston, MA, European headquarters in Paris, France, and strategic distribution and business partnerships in China. To learn more, visit www.stillatechnologies.com and connect with Stilla on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005140/en/ Contacts: Media Rachel Huff rachel.huff@stillatechnologies.com Winners announced in London, UK Boston Metal won the New Technology for the Metals and Mining Industry award at the 2021 S&P Global Platts Global Metals Awards. Boston Metal is commercializing ground-breaking technology to decarbonize primary steelmaking. The company's technology combines patented innovations with best practices from the aluminum and steel industries to deliver a revolutionary solution to the carbon emissions challenge facing the steel value chain. Powered by renewable electricity, molten oxide electrolysis converts iron ore into liquid metal and oxygen. The modular, scalable platform produces no CO2 emissions, is highly energy efficient, and works with a wide range of iron ore grades. "We congratulate all the winners and finalists for persevering through unique challenges and continuing to drive performance while embracing change," said Saugata Saha, president of S&P Global Platts Dave Ernsberger, Global Head of Pricing and Market Insight, S&P Global Platts, said: "Not surprisingly, but certainly encouraging, is the industry's increasing prioritization of innovation for a lower-carbon future, which was evident in the nominations and focus of Awards category participation in this year's Global Metals Awards." "We are honored to be recognized by such a highly regarded organization and to be selected by a world-class panel of independent judges," said Tadeu Carneiro, Chairman and CEO of Boston Metal. He added: "It's been a big week for us. Besides being named a S&P Global Platts Global Metals Award winner, we welcomed Stephan Broek to the team as SVP of Technology. With his vast experience in both aluminum and steelmaking, together with his keen understanding of technical processes and project planning, Stephan is uniquely positioned to lead our technology development efforts as we continue our journey to deliver a future where steel production is free of carbon emissions." For full details of the 2021 winners and judges' rationale, access the S&P Global Platts Insight Magazine. About S&P Global Platts At S&P Global Platts, we provide the insights; you make better informed trading and business decisions with confidence. We're the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Customers in over 150 countries look to our expertise in news, pricing and analytics to deliver greater transparency and efficiency to markets. S&P Global Platts coverage includes oil and gas, power, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping. S&P Global Platts is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.platts.com. About Boston Metal Boston Metal is a global metals technology solutions company that is commercializing molten oxide electrolysis (MOE), a patented tonnage metals production platform. MOE provides the metals industry with a more efficient, lower cost, and greener solution for the production of a range of metals and alloys from a wide variety of feedstocks. Learn more at www.bostonmetal.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005369/en/ Contacts: Dawn Kelly Communications media@bostonmetal.com +1 (412) 298-6998 Judge Carl E. Stewart has been selected to receive the prestigious 2021 American Inns of Court A. Sherman Christensen Award, which recognizes those who have provided exceptional leadership to the American Inns of Court movement. Stewart will receive the award at the annual Celebration of Excellence held at the Supreme Court of the United States on April 2, 2022, which has been postponed due to the pandemic. A judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit since 1994 and chief judge between 2012 and 2019, Stewart has found time to be an ambassador for the American Inns of Court movement at the local, national, and international levels. "Judge Stewart is the whole package," says Chief Judge Barbara Lynn of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, who nominated Stewart for the award. "He is firmly dedicated to the work of the American Inns of Court and has served it in various capacities, culminating in his service as our president." Stewart began his work with the American Inns of Court Foundation Board of Trustees in 2003, rising to become vice president in 2010 and then president from 2014 to 2018. During his term as president, Stewart oversaw the challenging process of developing a strategic plan to help chart the organization's future. He now chairs the Awards Committee. At the local level, Stewart has promoted the American Inns of Court by speaking to more than 50 inns around the country while president. He also encouraged and supported the formation of the George A. McAlmon American Inn of Court in El Paso, Texas, and presented the Inn with its charter in 2015. In gratitude, the Inn awards the Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart Outstanding Jurist Award each year. Stewart himself is a charter member of the Harry V. Booth-Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court in Shreveport, Louisiana, and has been an active member for three decades. Stewart has also promoted the American Inns of Court internationally, encouraging close collaboration with the English legal community. He has led several "amity" visits to English Inns of Court, accompanied Temple Bar Scholars to London, and represented the American Inns of Court at the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary ceremony in England. The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple gave him the high honor of making him an honorary master of the bench. The American Inns of Court, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, inspires the legal community to advance the rule of law by achieving the highest level of professionalism through example, education, and mentoring. The organization's membership includes nearly 30,000 federal, state, and local judges; lawyers; law professors; and law students in nearly 370 chapters nationwide. More information is available at www.innsofcourt.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005009/en/ Contacts: Cindy Dennis Awards Scholarships Coordinator (571) 319-4703 cdennis@innsofcourt.org BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Eurozone visible trade surplus for August decreased from a year ago, defying expectations for an improvement, preliminary data from Eurostat showed Friday. The goods trade surplus in August was EUR 4.8 billion versus EUR 14.0 billion in the same period last year. Economists had forecast a surplus of EUR 16.1 billion. Exports rose 18.2 percent year-on-year and imports grew 26.6 percent. In the January to August period, the trade surplus was EUR 126.9 billion versus EUR 126.8 billion in the same period last year. Exports grew 15.2 percent and imports rose 16.8 percent. On a seasonally adjusted basis, euro area trade balance was EUR 11.1 billion compared to EUR 13.5 billion in July. Exports rose 0.3 percent and imports increased 1.6 percent from the previous month. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / DogeHouse Capital has finalized its plans to launch the Doge Traded Fund ($DTF) on Saturday, 16 October 2021 at 1200 EST. The $DTF will offer investors broad market exposure to six of the world's top ten cryptocurrencies in addition to the company's native token starting at $10.00 per token. The $DTF will only be available for trading on the company's decentralized order book-based swap, which has been under development since early summer. The $DTF token contains approximately 20 percent Bitcoin ($BTC), 15 percent Binance Coin ($BNB), 15 percent Cardano ($ADA), 15 percent Doge ($DOGE), 15 percent Polkadot ($DOT), and 10 percent of the company's native token ($DOGEX). DogeHouse Capital can adjust the underlying percentage of the fund's structure depending on prevailing market conditions using its proprietary smart contract. Structure of the Fund The $DTF token was designed to work as an aggressive growth fund for both active trading and passive investing. Individuals can store the $DTF token in their cryptocurrency wallet(s) as a standalone digital asset. The value of the $DTF token is derived from the underlying assets similar to other diversified funds that trade in traditional financial markets. There are no taxes associated with buying and selling the token. The $DTF token has a limited demand margin of approximately 5 percent levied on it to safeguard the integrity of the fund's underlying asset structure. This measure will also create opportunities for arbitrage-related trading, which is a common practice involving the simultaneous buying and selling of currencies in different markets and/or derivative forms to take advantage of differing prices for the same asset. Public Presale of $DTF Ongoing Recently, DogeHouse Capital held a whitelisted public presale for its native token through its Official Telegram Channel. The sale began on 1 October 2021 and will end on 15 October 2021 at 2359 EST. There will also be a limited number of the company's native token available for purchase before the official launch of the $DTF token this weekend. Please contact the DogeHouse Capital Sales Team using the email address listed at the bottom of this press release for more information. Diversification of the Platform Following the launch of the $DTF token, DogeHouse Capital plans to provide additional services to supplement its fully functional staking platform and integrated order book-based swap. The company is currently developing a cross-chain bridge to the Cardano Blockchain, which recently completed a significant system upgrade. The company plans to migrate to the Cardano Blockchain before the end of the year. About DogeHouse Capital DogeHouse Capital is a multinational cryptocurrency company bringing professional digital asset management to meme-based virtual currencies. For More Information - Please Visit Twitter: https://twitter.com/DogeHouseCap Telegram: https://telegram.me/DogeHouseCapital Medium: https://medium.com/@dogehousecapital Media Queries Jay Nakamoto - DogeHouse Capital Sales Team Email: contact@dogehousecapital.com SOURCE: DogeHouse Capital View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668341/DogeHouse-Capital-Announces-the-Official-Launch-of-the-Doge-Traded-Fund-on-16-October-2021 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Zonetail Inc. (TSXV: ZONE) (OTCQB: ZTLLF) ("Zonetail" or the "Company"), is pleased to report the settlement of up to $225,000 of debt through the issuance of common shares of the Company (the "Debt Settlement"). Pursuant to the Debt Settlement, the Company would issue 3,750,000 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a deemed price of $0.06 per Share to convertible debenture holders, on account of principal and accrued interest (the "Creditors"). After the Debt Settlement, the Company will have $160,000 of its unsecured convertible debentures (the "Debentures") outstanding, which have been extended bearing interest at 12%, with a further 12 month term, and providing for a conversion price of $0.06 per share. The notes are convertible if the Company's shares trade in excess of $0.10 over any period of 10 trading days during the term, whether or not consecutive. To date the Debentures have traded in excess of $0.10 for six days. The Company may, at its option, make payment of such interest amounts due in cash or in common shares, subject to the receipt of any required regulatory or stock exchange approvals. The issuance of the Shares to the Creditors and the extension of the balance of the Debentures is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued will be subject to a four month hold period which will expire on the date that is four months and one day from the date of issue. Zonetail Inc. (TSXV: ZONE), (OTCQB: ZTLLF) is a mobile platform for hotels and high-rise residential buildings providing guests and residents access and interaction with building amenities and services, as well as neighbouring restaurants, stores, services, and other businesses. Zonetail has a partnership with AAHOA, the largest association of hoteliers in the world, representing over 25,000 hotels and 50% of the US market. Zonetail is also partnered with Shiftsuite, one of the largest property management system software providers to the condo industry in Canada. The residential platform is now live in over 80,000 condominium households. Zonetail recently has signed an integration agreement with Yardi, the largest property management software company in North America. Please visit https://www.zonetail.com. For more information, please contact: Mark Holmes, President and CEO Zonetail Inc. Telephone: (416) 994-5399 mark@zonetail.com Legal Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to Zonetail's current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "aim", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "seek", "believe", "potential", "continue", "is/are likely to" or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Certain matters discussed in this announcement contain statements, estimates and projections about the growth of Zonetail's business, potential distribution partnerships and/or clients, and related business strategy. Such statements, estimates and projections may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time-to-time. Zonetail undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The recipient of this information is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analysis made by Zonetail in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors Zonetail believes are appropriate, and, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Although Zonetail believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, prospective purchasers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99812 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Commerce Department released a report on Friday showing an unexpected increase in U.S. retail sales in the month of September. The report said retail sales climbed by 0.7 percent in September after jumping by an upwardly revised 0.9 percent in August. The continued sales growth came as a surprise to economists, who had expected retail sales to edge down by 0.2 percent compared to the 0.7 percent increase originally reported for the previous month. A rebound in sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers contributed to the increase in sales, with auto sales rising by 0.5 percent in September after plunging by 3.3 percent in August. Excluding auto sales, however, retail sales advanced by a slightly stronger 0.8 percent in September after spiking by an upwardly revised 2.0 percent in August. Economists had expected ex-auto sales to rise by 0.5 percent compared to the 1.8 percent jump originally reported for the previous month. Sales by sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores led the way higher, surging up by 3.7 percent, while sales by general merchandise stores, gas stations and clothing and accessories stores also saw notable growth. The report showed sales by non-store retailers rose by 0.6 percent in September after soaring by 5.7 percent in August, while sales by food services and drinking places edged up by 0.3 percent following a 0.2 percent uptick in the previous month. Closely watched core retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, increased by 0.8 percent in September after jumping by 2.6 percent in August. 'Households are continuously readjusting their spending mix as the Covid situation evolves and displaying discretion when goods and services are unavailable or prices are considered too high,' said Gregory Daco, Chief U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics. He added, 'Overall though, retail sales remain a healthy 19% higher than pre-Covid level and core sales are 22% higher, and high frequency data points to renewed consumer enthusiasm as of early October.' 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, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Online bingo comparison website, BingoSites.net has found that James Bond star Daniel Craig ranks the highest in terms of actors who have appeared topless for the most screen time in Hollywood movies. The study, entitled ' Nudity in Film ', has been broken down into various segments, with 'Shirtless Scenes' revealing Craig as the number one. Craig, who has hit the headlines again for his latest James Bond movie, No Time To Die - his final film starring as 007, ranked above the likes of fellow Hollywood heavyweights, Sylvester Stallone and Matthew McConaughey. Craig, who turned 53 in March, has appeared topless for at least 1,278 seconds, which converts to 21 minutes and 18 seconds of screen time. His various Bond movies all include scenes where the actor has appeared without a shirt, which have almost become a trademark of the actor in the 007 franchise, while other notable films include 'Layer Cake' and 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. BingoSites.net co-founder & CEO; Thomas Jones revealed in a statement: "There has always been somewhat of a draw to James Bond, especially by gambling fans, with this often playing a significant role in 007 storylines" "Our team of data analysts were shocked to find out when conducting the study that the sexy Bond actor Daniel Craig was so keen to get his kit off in front of the cameras and was actually ranked number one above the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Zac Efron & even Channing Tatum" About Us: BingoSites.net is a UK online bingo comparison website, founded in 2012 - It provides comparison details and reviews for online gambing products including online bingo, casino and slots games. Data Source Here: https://www.bingosites.net/nudity-in-film/shirtless Media Contact: WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Friday showed a notable slowdown in the pace of growth in regional manufacturing activity in the month of October. The New York Fed said its general business conditions index tumbled to 19.8 in October from 34.3 in September, although a positive reading still indicates growth. Economists had expected the index to pull back to 27.0. The steep drop by headline index came as the new orders index slumped to 24.3 in October from 33.7 in September, while the shipments index plunged to 8.9 from 26.9. The report said the number of employees also fell to 17.1 in October from 20.5 in September, but the positive reading still indicates job growth. Meanwhile, the New York Fed said the delivery times index inched up to a new record high of 38.0 in October from 36.5 in September. The prices paid index also rose to 78.7 in October from 75.7 in September, while the prices received index slid to 43.5 from 47.8. Looking ahead, the New York Fed said firms were still very optimistic that conditions would improve over the next six months. The index for future business conditions increased to 52.0 in October from 48.4 in September. 'Supply, not demand, is manufacturing's major current problem,' said Oren Klachkin, Lead U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics. 'There's no quick fix to the multiple, simultaneous issues that are presently restraining growth.' 'Our supply chain tracker signals that stress is still rising, and we don't expect these challenges to meaningfully dissipate until well into 2022,' he added. 'In the meantime, factories will do their best to keep up with robust demand.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de European High Growth Opportunities Securitization Fund ("EHGO") has served a Notice of Discontinuance of the proceedings commenced on 11 June 2021, in which an Order was sought that the Joint Administrators ("JAs") be removed from office in Iconic Labs Plc ("the Proceedings"). EHGO's decision to discontinue proceedings followed the disclosure by the JAs on 23 September 2021 of correspondence between the JAs and the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") dated between 28 June 2021 and 13 September 2021 regarding the LSE's proposed withdrawal of the Company's market access unless the Company paid outstanding fees to the LSE by 27 September 2021. On 25 June 2021, EHGO had invited the JAs to accept a funding proposal of 1.25 million to enable the Company to meet undisputed creditors' claims, to defend disputed claims against it and to pursue claims against third parties, provided that the JAs vacated office. EHGO reiterated that the Company, once handed back to its directors, could make further draw down requests for working capital needs under EHGO's existing financing facility. The JAs did not accept the offer, citing, among other things, unresolved claims between the Company and third parties. On 26 July 2021, the JAs' proposals to creditors included provision for a CVA proposal to be made. When asked for an indication of what the CVA would entail, the JAs stated on 21 September 2021 that no draft CVA proposal would be provided at that time because they were without funding. Nonetheless on 30 September 2021 (after EHGO's Notice of Discontinuance was served), EHGO received a draft CVA proposal from the JAs, but with no indication that the alleged secured creditor would consent to it. As a result of (among others) the absence of any timely alternative proposal (by a CVA or otherwise) from the JAs whereby the Company could be rescued prior to 27 September 2021, the impossibility of having the Proceedings determined before 27 September 2021, and the LSE's proposed withdrawal of the Company's market access, the relief sought in the Proceedings had been compromised rendering the Proceedings without meaning. EHGO considers it regrettable that its proposal to rescue Iconic Labs Plc was not accepted. EHGO commends the exemplary work done by Iconic Labs Plc's CEO, Brad Taylor. He accepted this role in an extremely challenging moment for the company and demonstrated a firm commitment and dedication to finding solutions with the creditors and the JAs. He also put forward a strategic vision that we are confident would have created value for the company and its shareholders if he had the opportunity to pursue it. Unfortunately, for many of the reasons set forth above, it was simply impossible for him to overcome issues that long pre-dated his arrival at the Company. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005426/en/ Contacts: Edward Keller keller@ehgo.co COLUMBUS, OH / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / New York style pizza legend Sbarro announced today that they have officially partnered with fellow New York food company, Mike's Hot Honey. Starting October 14, Mike's Hot Honey dip cups will be available for purchase at Sbarro locations across the US. As the Original New York Pizza, Sbarro has provided Brooklynites with delicious, authentic New York style slices since its humble beginnings in 1956 as a salumeria. Known for fresh, hand-stretched dough, San Marzano-style tomato sauce, and hand-shredded, 100% whole milk mozzarella, Sbarro continues the tradition of premium pizza. Sbarro's new partnership with Mike's Hot Honey, however, will take their menu variety to the next level and provide Americans with a truly unique, New York experience. Now, diners all over the United States will be encouraged to spice up their pizza, stromboli, breadsticks, and even Sbarro's Original recipe cheesecake with a drizzle or dip of Mike's Hot Honey. "As a fellow New York brand, we look forward to the opportunity to feature our dip cups with a variety of Sbarro menu items that will showcase the sweet-heat fusion of Mike's Hot Honey," said Mike's Hot Honey Founder Mike Kurtz. "Bringing a taste of Brooklyn to people all over the United States through Sbarro's partnership is incredible." Mike Kurtz founded Mike's Hot Honey in 2010 and became known for his high-quality honey infused with chili peppers. His product quickly gained popularity when he started drizzling Mike's Hot Honey on pizzas in Brooklyn. Over the next decade, Mike began producing and selling bottles, mini-jars, bulk jugs, squeeze packets, and most recently, dip cups, of his sought-after hot honey. Sbarro took notice of Mike's food sensation. "Recognizing fellow New York original food excellence, I know our menu items make a great match with Mike's Hot Honey," said Dwayne Adams, Vice President of Sbarro Culinary Innovation. Fans can purchase at their favorite location and order online for delivery and pick-up through www.sbarro.com. ### About Sbarro In 1956, Carmela and Gennaro Sbarro opened the doors to their Italian salumeria in Brooklyn. Their slices of New York style pizza were so popular that they soon opened a second location focused solely on pizza. Since then, Sbarro has offered the XL Original New York pizza, handmade every day, with freshly prepared and stretched dough, hand shredded 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese, and San Marzano style tomatoes. More than 65 years later, a commitment to authentic, fresh Italian fare and treating guests like family remains Sbarro's foundation. The global award-winning franchise can be found in retail spaces such as malls, casinos, airports, universities, and travel plazas. To find a location near you or for franchising opportunities, visit Sbarro.com. Get social with us on @sbarro on Facebook and Twitter, and @sbarroofficial on Instagram. About Mike's Hot Honey Mike's Hot Honey has been elevating everyday eating experiences since 2010, when its first drizzle on a pizza at Paulie Gee's in Brooklyn sparked a word-of-mouth sensation and created a new category of pizza topping. By popular demand, Mike started selling his small batch, hand-labeled hot honey bottles to visitors of the pizzeria, as well as other local restaurants and businesses. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Mike's Hot Honey can now be found on restaurant menus and in the honey aisle of grocery stores across the country. And from October 15th in Sbarro restaurants. CONTACT: Terri Weaver marketing@sbarro.com Katie Kingzett marketing@mikeshothoney.com SOURCE: Sbarro View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668240/Sbarro--The-Original-New-York-Pizza-Partners-with-Brooklyn-based-Mikes-Hot-Honey LONDON (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden will embark on a five-day tour of Europe at the end of this month to attend two important global summits and to meet with Pope Francis. According to a statement issued by the White House detailing the President's itinerary, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit Vatican City and have an audience with the Pope at the Apostolic Palace on October 29. 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. Biden, who keeps a photo of one of his meetings with Pope Francis in the Oval Office, has met with the head of the Catholic church three times before. The President will then travel to Rome to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit to be held in the Italian capital on October 30 and 31. The Summit is the climax of the G20 process and the final stage, at Leaders' level, of the intense work carried out within ministerial meetings, working groups and Engagement Groups throughout the year. From Rome, Biden will travel to Glasgow, Scotland, to attend the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26). COP26 begins with the World Leader Summit on November 1-2. COP26 requires countries to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century. The Conference aims to finalize the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational) and accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society. This is only Biden's second international trip since becoming President in January. During his first tour abroad, Biden attended the G7 summit in England, NATO summit in Belgium, and had a summit meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Geneva, Switzerland, in June. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de BEIJING, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever since 4G, 2.3 GHz has been regarded as a golden frequency by global operators. Indeed, 2.3 GHz provides both capacity and coverage, which 5G makes full use of to significantly extend the performance of legacy 4G. In particular, the large channel bandwidth of 2.3 GHz is perfectly aligned to accommodate 5G capacity. Despite pressure under the global health crisis, the industry behind 2.3 GHz has shown no signs of slowing down over the past year. In fact, it has even accelerated with the launch of several new smartphones supporting 2.3 GHz. With over 70 4G/5G commercial references on 2.3 GHz, it has been forecast that more operators and terminal vendors will take up 2.3 GHz in the near future. To promote the further development of the 2.3 GHz industry, GTI leads industry partners such as operators and terminal vendors to call for: 1. Accelerate the allocation of TDD 2.3GHz spectrum (2300-2400 MHz) with TDD continuous large bandwidth up to 100 MHz, reduce the deployment cost per bit, and improve user experience across generations. 2. Remove possible barriers of the use of 2.3GHz. The industry is urged to work together to solve the problem of network coexistence and improve spectrum availability. 3. Promote the devices industry chain to make mandatory the support of NR 2.3GHz frequency in 2022, and better support key features such as EN-DC, carrier aggregation, SUL, 1T4R/2T4R SRS Antenna Switching and 80~100 MHz channel bandwidth. 4. Promote efficiently use of TDD 2.3GHz spectrum and accelerate commercial launch by global operators. Video: https://v.qq.com/x/page/g3301egqnrw.html Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1661628/Image1.jpg Picton Property Income Ltd - Publication of Notice of AGM 15 October 2021 PICTON PROPERTY INCOME LIMITED ("Picton", the "Company" or the "Group") LEI: 213800RYE59K9CKR4497 PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Sixteenth Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at Stanford Building on Wednesday 17 November 2021 at 2.00pm. The Notice of Annual General Meeting will shortly be posted to shareholders and made available at www.picton.co.uk along with the 2021 Annual Report. In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.3, the Notice of Annual General Meeting, proxy form and Annual Report have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism The Company intends to hold the Annual General Meeting as a closed meeting and the Directors therefore encourage shareholders to complete and return their forms of proxy within the prescribed timeframe, so that all proxy votes can be counted. At 2.30pm and immediately following the Annual General Meeting, there will be a webinar for shareholders, including an overview of the half-year results to be announced on 10 November alongside an opportunity to raise questions with the Board. Further details of this event are set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. 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 Note to Editors Picton, established in 2005, is a UK REIT. It owns and actively manages a 702 million diversified UK commercial property portfolio, invested across 46 assets and with around 350 occupiers (as at 30 June 2021). Through an occupier focused, opportunity led approach to asset management, Picton aims to be one of the consistently best performing diversified UK focused property companies listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. For more information please visit: www.picton.co.uk ENDS DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The next big thing to happen to businesses and industries is sustainable business transformation, which we call the successor to digital transformation. Using machine learning today facilitates greater sustainability and contributes to a positive social impact, allowing companies for the first time to be more profitable. Since the corporate superpowers of the next century will be data-driven, AI-led sustainable superpowers need to define and design their AI Strategy TODAY! How do sustainable, AI-driven business models of the future work? Do you want to understand the business and strategy context? The Data Tech labs' distinguished CEO, Dr. Amit Andre, enables his audience to relate to technology without being overwhelmed by it. That makes his speaking sessions a must attend. AI may conjure up sci-fi fantasies or worries about robots taking over the world for many of us. We have portrayed AI in the media in every imaginable way. It is only a guess how it will evolve in the future. Its current trends suggest a very different development of how AI will be used in our daily lives. Join us to hear Dr. Amit Andre speak on these topics, he will speak at GITEX GLOBAL 2021 in Dubai: - Topic 1 - Demystifying next gen AI adoption Date - 18 th OCT OCT Time - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Topic 2 - Space Science with Python & Natural Language Processing Date - 20 th OCT OCT Time - 11:50 am to 12:15 pm The GITEX Global Leaders Vision is dedicated to the Golden Jubilee of the United Arab Emirates and features innovation visions and digital revolutions of the region's leading government figures. Useful Links Website - https://tdtl.world/ Email Id - reachus@tdtl.world Phone - +91 98904 56581 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thedatatechlabs/ Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/thedatatechlabs/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedatatechlabs/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedatatechlabs/ Team Marketing TDTL, shubham.shrivastva@tdtl.world, +91 8261966544 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2021 / Spectre Capital Corp. (TSXV:SOO.P) (the "Company" or "Spectre"), a capital pool company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), is providing an update, further to its news releases of September 9, 2020, October 2, 2020, October 13, 2020, March 23, 2021 and May 27, 2021 on its proposed acquisition of Hemptown Organics Corp. ("Hemptown"), a privately held British Columbia company (the "Transaction"). The Transaction, once complete, is expected to result in the reverse takeover of Spectre (thereafter, referred to as the "Resulting Issuer") and will constitute Spectre's Qualifying Transaction under Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the Exchange (the "CPC Policy"). The Company and Hemptown continue to work towards a definitive agreement respecting the Transaction. Hemptown is currently in the process of completing its audited financials for the required reporting periods, while working through the definitive agreement and preparation of the required disclosure to complete the Transaction. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. 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 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 a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. About Spectre Spectre is a capital pool company governed by the policies of the Exchange. Spectre's principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Transaction. About Hemptown Hemptown is a diversified cannabinoid company delivering a wide product offering across the value chain, and in multiple sales channels, to meet the growing global demand for cannabinoid-based products. State-of-the-art cultivation in Oregon's Rogue Valley, FDA-licensed and cGMP certified product manufacturing, and a strong leadership team with Fortune 500 experience are the pillars for Hemptown's growth model as it pushes into the consumer-packaged goods sectors with top quality white label and branded product lines for the consumer market. For more information, visit www.hemptownusa.com. For further information, please contact: Geoff Balderson Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Telephone: 604-602-0001 This news release contains statements that are "forward-looking information" as defined under Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "intends", "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "plans", "likely", or similar words. Specifically, this news release includes forward-looking statements regarding the potential Transaction, the negotiation of a definitive agreement for the Transaction, the preparation of required audits and disclosure for the Transaction and the timing for those events. The forward-looking statements reflect the Company and Hemptown's respective management's expectations, estimates, or projections concerning future results or events, based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by management at the date the statements are made. Although the Company and Hemptown believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, as unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to be materially different from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially: whether the parties are successful in negotiating and entering a definitive agreement for the Transaction, whether they are able to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals for the Transaction and whether they are able to satisfy the listing conditions for the listing of the common shares of the Resulting Issuer on the Exchange; whether they are able to complete any necessary financing; and whether they are able to obtain all shareholder and third party consents necessary to complete the Transaction. The forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Spectre, including those described in Spectre's amended and restated final prospectus dated February 12, 2020, filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Alberta Securities Commission and the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan and available on www.sedar.com. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. SOURCE: Spectre Capital Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/668392/Spectre-Provides-Update-on-Proposed-Qualifying-Transaction Taipei, Taiwan--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Melos is a comprehensive music ecosystem built on multiple public chains. Melos is expected to bring cutting-edge changes to the music industry with its functions such as music NFT for individual creation, collaborative creation, fan economy, NFT music trading. Melos.Studios To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8203/99827_13905c2074170bfa_001full.jpg The emergence of digital music platforms has revolutionized the music distribution business, but there should be more. There is a lack of suitable platform for musicians to create. Moreover, there is no established profit model for music creation, leading to a further deterioration of the creative environment for independent musicians. Digital music needs a platform to help independent musicians and create a mechanism and ecology for the output of original music content. Melos.Studio is a creative and sharing platform that connects musicians and fans from around the world, aiming to build a platform for musicians to showcase, communicate and trade online. This helps musicians realize their dreams by creating original music NFT. Melos.Studio aims to be the largest collaborative platform for music creators by providing tools, content and community. These are going to be the cornerstones of creativity and the driving force of the next generation of music creations. A Collaborative Multi-Player Creation Platform Melos.Studio allows platform users to put their musical compositions on the blockchain and create a NFTs (MusicBlock). Every MusicBlock can fork itself (Solo) and merge with another MusicBlock to produce a new MusicBlock (Jam), adding soul to music by collisions of inspirations. Inheriting the blockchain technology, Melos introduces a unique DNA feature. Every creation process is recorded in the DNA of the Musicblock NFT. At Melos WorkShop, everybody can create music with the help of Melos' Al assistant. By only inputting a few music notes, the Melos AI assistant will complete the rest of tunes. Users can form their own collaborative groups on the Melos.Studio by using Virtualband. Virtualband is a collaborative Google Doc-like tool that allows multiple users to create music with different times and places. Protecting the Core Interests of Creators Music copyright is a complicated issue. The process of copyright validation, such as disputes between songwriters, producers, artists and publishers, can be difficult and complicated even for experienced industry professionals. This can be simplified on Melos.Studio by using smart contracts and public ledger to record every creation process. On the Melos Music platform, all Melos Music NFTs are recorded on the blockchain, e.g., every note and melody from the beginning of the creation and every transaction of the music NFTs. Recorded information on blockchain cannot be tampered with or deleted. This reduces piracy and infringement problems and protects the rights of creators to the greatest extent possible. New Profit Model The music industry has remained one single profit model. It has been a centralized operation and has been dominated by a few record label monopolies. Too many excellent new music artworks are competing in a very narrow channel, resulting very little probability for success. The innovations by Melos.Studio brings new perspectives for creators. Creators can upload or create new music in the Melos WorkShop and mint it as NFTs. The ownership of which, as well as the pricing rights, are entirely owned by the creators. They can also choose to sell, auction, give as gift, and other forms of transferring their music NFTs. Fans can buy their favorite songs and build a interact directly with the song. Melos.Studio brings together creators and community of fans with NFT profit share and provide extra incentives for music creators. This can help them to earn a significant income. By turning fans into a member of the creation community, the creation process can be more valuable and efficient. Music is a product of consensus value. The value of a song depends neither on the cost of production nor on the wishes of the creator, but on every music fan. Melos.Studio provides a great environment for creators to create, while also acting as a valuable link between creators and community. Melos.Studio takes all parties of the industry to build a mutually beneficial ecosystem, to solve the conflict of interest in the previous business model, bringing more people together to protect and share the value of music, reactivating the music market and providing resources for new music creation. Media Contact: Company Name: Melos.Studio Contact Person: Vera Han Contact Person Title: BD Manager City, Country: Taipei Twitter: @melos_studio Company E-mail: info@melos.studio Website: https://www.melos.studio/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99827 Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton") and Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SIC) (OTCQB: SICNF) ("Sokoman") (jointly, "the Companies" or singularly a "Joint Venture Party") are pleased to announce that they have entered into mutual participation agreements (the "Participation Agreements") that govern cost reimbursement between the Companies relating to certain option agreements entered into by each of Benton and Sokoman on behalf of their strategic exploration alliance announced on May 20, 2021. Pursuant to the strategic alliance the Companies agreed to share, on a 50/50 basis, exploration costs and costs associated with the exercise of property options entered into by either party on behalf of the strategic alliance. In cases where one of the Joint Venture Parties enters into an option agreement that requires shares to be issued to a third party optionor the other Joint Venture Party will contribute its 50% of the costs by reimbursing the first company for 50% of the option payments. Where common shares are required to be issued as part of the option payments in order to ensure that the costs are equally divided the monetary value of such shares will be calculated and the Joint Venture Party that did not enter into the option agreement will issue such number of shares to the Joint Venture Party that did enter into the option agreement that have a monetary value equal to 50% of the value of the shares issued by the Joint Venture Party that has entered into the option agreement. Sokoman and Benton have on behalf of the strategic alliance, each entered into two property option agreements that have previously been announced that are being contributed to the strategic alliance and governed by the Participation Agreements. The Participation Agreements simply formalize and clarify what cash payments and share issuances are required to be made by the Joint Venture Party that did not directly enter into a particular option agreement in order to reimburse the Joint Venture Party that did enter into the option agreement. Benton Participation Agreement Sokoman entered into an option agreement that provides it with the right to acquire a 100% interest in a mineral license consisting of seven mineral claims (the "Lewis Option") lying within the Grey River Gold Property. In order to exercise the Lewis Option Sokoman is required to make four cash payments of $10,000 each by June 15, 2024, and issue four tranches of shares of 50,000 each by June 15, 2024 (see Sokoman news release dated July 13, 2021). In accordance with the terms of the Benton Participation Agreement in order to contribute its 50% of the costs of the Lewis Option Benton will, to the extent that Sokoman continues to exercise the Lewis Option, reimburse Sokoman by: a) paying to Sokoman 50% of the cash payments made by Sokoman to exercise the Lewis Option ($20,000); and b) issuing to Sokoman such number of shares of Benton having a value equal to 50% of the value of each tranche of shares Sokoman issues to exercise the Lewis Option (292,208 Benton shares - 100,000 Sokoman shares at a floor price of $0.45 = $45,000 / $0.154 floor price for Benton shares). Sokoman entered into an option agreement that provides it with the right to acquire a 100% interest (subject to a 1.5% NSR, two-thirds of which may be purchased for $1 million) in three licenses consisting of four mineral claims (the "G2B Option") lying within the Grey River Gold Property. In order to exercise the G2B Option Sokoman is required to make three annual cash payments of $10,000 each and issue three tranches of shares of 50,000 each (see Sokoman news release dated July 13, 2021). In accordance with the terms of the Benton Participation Agreement in order to contribute its 50% of the costs of the G2B Option Benton will, to the extent that Sokoman continues to exercise the G2B Option, reimburse Sokoman by: a) paying to Sokoman 50% of the cash payments made by Sokoman to exercise the G2B Option ($15,000); and b) issuing to Sokoman such number of shares of Benton having a value equal to 50% of the value of each tranche of shares Sokoman issues to exercise the G2B Option (219,156 Benton shares - 75,000 Sokoman shares at a floor price of $0.45 = $33,750 / $0.154 floor price for Benton shares). Sokoman Participation Agreement Benton entered into an option agreement that provides it with the right to acquire a 100% interest (subject to a 2% NSR, half of which may be purchased for $1 million) in eleven mineral claims (the "Keats Option") at the Kepenkeck gold project. In order to exercise the Keats Option Benton is required to make the following cash payments and issue the following shares: (i) an initial $10,000 and issue 200,000 shares; (ii) on the first anniversary $20,000 and issue 200,000 shares; (iii) on the second anniversary $20,000 and issue 200,000 shares; and (iv) on the third anniversary $40,000 and issue 400,000 shares (see Benton news release dated May 6, 2021). In accordance with the terms of the Sokoman Participation Agreement in order to contribute its 50% of the costs of the Keats Option Sokoman will, to the extent that Benton continues to exercise the Keats Option, reimburse Benton by: a) paying to Benton 50% of the cash payments made by Benton to exercise the Keats Option ($45,000); and b) issuing to Benton such number of shares of Sokoman having a value equal to 50% of the value of each tranche of shares Benton issues to exercise the Keats Option (171,111 Sokoman shares - 500,000 Benton shares at a floor price of $0.154 = $77,000 / $0.45 floor price for Sokoman shares). Benton entered into an option agreement that provides it with the right to acquire a 100% interest (subject to a 2% NSR, one-half of which may be purchased for $1 million) in two licenses consisting of thirty mineral claims at Larry's Pond (the "Rogers Option"). In order to exercise the Rogers Option Benton is required to make the following cash payments and issue the following shares: (i) an initial $10,000 and issue 50,000 shares; (ii) on the first anniversary $10,000 and issue 50,000 shares; (iii) on the second anniversary $10,000 and issue 50,000 shares; and (iv) on the third anniversary $30,000 and issue 50,000 shares (see Benton news release dated June 29, 2021). In accordance with the terms of the Sokoman Participation Agreement in order to contribute its 50% of the costs of the Rogers Option Sokoman will, to the extent that Benton continues to exercise the Rogers Option, reimburse Benton by: a) paying to Benton 50% of the cash payments made by Benton to exercise the Rogers Option ($30,000); and b) issuing to Benton such number of shares of Sokoman having a value equal to 50% of the value of each tranche of shares Benton issues to exercise the Rogers Option (34,222 Sokoman shares - 100,000 Benton shares at floor price of $0.154 = $15,400 / $0.45 floor price for Sokoman shares). For the purposes of paragraph 1 and 2 above: a) the value of Sokoman shares issued or to be issued to exercise the Lewis Option, the G2B Option or shares to be issued under the Sokoman Participation Agreement shall be the share price that is the greater of $0.45 and the 20-day volume weighted average price (the "VWAP") of Sokoman shares prior to the day the Sokoman shares are issued, and b) the value of Benton shares to be issued to exercise the Keats Option, the Rogers Option or shares to be issued under the Benton Participation Agreement shall be the share price that is the greater of $0.154 and the 20-day VWAP of Benton shares prior to the day that Benton shares are issued. About Benton Resources Inc. Benton Resources is a well-funded Canadian-based project generator with a diversified property portfolio in Gold, Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements. Benton holds multiple high-grade projects available for option that can be viewed on the company's website. Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares directly. About Sokoman Minerals Corp. Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company with projects in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects: 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 recently acquired district-scale Fleur de Lys project in northwestern Newfoundland, that 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) of land, making the company one of the largest landholders in Newfoundland, Canada's 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. CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO Phone: 416-868-1079 x 251 Email: cathy@chfir.com Benton Resources Inc. Stephen Stares, President & CEO Phone: 807-475-7474 Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca Sokoman Minerals Corp. Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO Phone: 709-765-1726 Email: tim@sokomanmineralscorp.com Website: www.bentonresources.ca, www.sokomanmineralscorp.com Twitter: @BentonResources, @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX, @SokomanMinerals 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 Companies' expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Companies' prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Companies' 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 Companies do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Companies' expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99881 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Silverton Metals Corp. (TSXV: SVTN) (OTCQB: SVTNF) ("Silverton" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into an agreement with Future Money Trends LLC ("FMT") dated October 8, 2021 to raise awareness of the Company's shares among investors. The engagement is an aggregate cost of CDN $600,000. FMT also uses Gold Standard Media and Portfolio Wealth Global LLC for the purpose of these investor relations activities. Subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance, the activities will commence late October, 2021 and are for a period of one year. To the knowledge of the Company, FMT, Gold Standard Media and Portfolio Wealth Global LLC did not acquire any securities in the Company. Nevertheless, Wallace Hill Partners Ltd., an affiliated entity, owns 1,500,000 shares of the Company. FMT manages a marketing team headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has been successfully marketing for a broad range of companies listed on exchanges from the TSX Venture Exchange to the New York Stock Exchange since 2010. FMT is controlled by Kenneth Ameduri. About Silverton Metals Corp Silverton Metals Corp is a Canadian company focused on the exploration and development of quality silver projects. The company holds a 100% interest in three significant silver assets in Mexico - Penasco Quemado in Sonora; La Frazada, Nayarit and Pluto, in Durango. Silverton acquired these assets from Silver One Resources, one of the company's largest shareholder. Silverton management and board have extensive experience identifying and evaluating acquisition targets and exploration prospects. The company intends to build a strong portfolio of silver-rich projects to drive future growth by exploration success and from later stage projects with production potential. To achieve this growth the Silverton business plan calls for a dynamic combination of development of its existing properties, acquisitions, and partnerships. For further information please contact: Silverton Metals Corp. John Theobald, CEO and Director (604) 683-0911 Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Silverton 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 Silverton's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Silverton's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Silverton undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99766 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2021) - Spirit Banner II Capital Corp. (TSXV: SBTC.P) ("Spirit Banner" or the "Corporation"), is pleased to provide an update on its proposed business combination with Sabio Mobile, Inc. ("Sabio") and announce the closing of the previously announced private placement of subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$6,559,316 (the "Concurrent Financing") by Sabio Canada Finco, Inc. ("Finco"), an Ontario corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sabio, and execution of a binding business combination agreement (the "Business Combination Agreement") with Sabio with respect to completion of the proposed arm's length reverse-takeover transaction of Sabio by Spirit Banner (the "Proposed Transaction"), which will constitute Spirit Banner's Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange")). Closing of Concurrent Financing Further to the Corporation's press release dated June 29, 2021, on October 14, 2021, Finco closed the Concurrent Financing, comprised of a brokered private placement offering of Subscription Receipts (the "Brokered Offering") and concurrent non-brokered offering of Subscription Receipts (the "Non-Brokered Offering"). Pursuant to the Brokered Offering, Finco issued an aggregate of 2,888,870 Subscription Receipts at a purchase price of $1.75 per Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of $5,055,522. Pursuant to the Non-Brokered Offering, Finco issued an aggregate of 859,311 Subscription Receipts for gross proceeds of $1,503,794. Each Subscription Receipt entitles the holder thereof to receive, without payment of any additional consideration and without further action on the part of each subscriber, subject to adjustment, one common share in the capital of Finco ("Finco Share") in accordance with the terms of a subscription receipt agreement entered into between Finco, Sabio, Beacon Securities Limited ("Beacon"), Paradigm Capital Inc. ("Paradigm" and, together with Beacon, the "Co-Lead Agents"), and TSX Trust Company, dated October 14, 2021 (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement"), upon the satisfaction or waiver of the escrow release conditions described in the Subscription Receipt Agreement (the "Escrow Release Conditions"). Upon the closing of the Proposed Transaction, the Finco Shares issued pursuant to the conversion of the Subscription Receipts will be automatically exchanged for shares of the Resulting Issuer pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement on a one-for-one basis. In connection with the Concurrent Financing, and pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement dated October 14, 2021, entered into by the Co-Lead Agents, Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the "Agents"), the Corporation, Finco, and Sabio (the "Agency Agreement"), the Agents are entitled to: (i) an aggregate cash commission of $277,717, being equal to 7% of the gross proceeds raised under the Brokered Offering (the "Cash Fee") (other than for the gross proceeds raised from subscribers on a president's list provided by Sabio (the "President's List")) in respect of which a cash commission of 2.0% was paid to the Agents), and (ii) an aggregate of 162,296 compensation warrants (the "Compensation Warrants"), being the number of compensation warrants as is equal to 7% of the Subscription Receipts sold through the Brokered Offering (other than for Subscription Receipts issued to subscribers on the President's List, in respect of which the Agents were issued that number of compensation warrants equal to 2.0% of the Subscription Receipts issued to such subscribers shall be issued to the Agents). In addition, the Agents were paid a corporate finance fee of $14,464 (the "Corporate Finance Fee") and were issued an aggregate of 7,300 corporate finance warrants (the "Corporate Finance Warrants" and together with the Compensation Warrants, the "Agents' Warrants") pursuant to the terms of the Agency Agreement. Further, the Corporation has agreed to pay to Zelos Capital Ltd ("Finder") (i) a finder's cash fee of $10,641, being 7% of the principal amount of Subscription Receipts issued to subscribers introduced by the Finder; and (ii) issue 6,080 warrants ("Finder's Warrants"), being that number of warrants to purchase a number of shares in Finco equal to 7% of the principal amount of Subscription Receipts issued to subscribers introduced by the Finder, on closing of the Proposed Transaction. Each Agents' Warrant and Finder's Warrant will be exchangeable into one warrant of the Resulting Issuer, which warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to subscribe for a Resulting Issuer Share at a price of $1.75 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. The gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing less: (i) 50% of the Cash Fee; (ii) the Corporate Finance Fee; and (iii) the expenses of the Agents incurred in connection with the Concurrent Financing, have been deposited in escrow pending the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. Sabio intends to use the net proceeds from both the Concurrent Financing for business development, working capital requirements, and general corporate purposes. Execution of Definitive Agreement Spirit Banner is pleased to announce that, further to the letter of intent entered into on June 23, 2021, and any amendments thereto, with Sabio (the "LOI"), it has entered into the Business Combination Agreement effective on October 13, 2021 with Sabio, Finco, 2872484 Ontario Inc. ("Pubco Sub"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, and Spirit Banner Merger Sub, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, in respect of completion of the Proposed Transaction. Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the resulting company's primary business will be that of Sabio's current business, being an advertisement software and services company. The completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions that are customary for a transaction of this nature, including but not limited to: (i) satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions; (ii) completion of the consolidation of securities of each of Spirit Banner and Sabio; (iii) completion of the amalgamation between Finco and Pubco Sub and the merger between Merger Sub and Sabio in connection with the Proposed Transaction; and (iv) receipt of all requisite approvals, including approval of the Exchange and the shareholders of Sabio and all other necessary consents of other third parties. Trading in the common shares in the capital of Spirit Banner is currently halted in accordance with the policies of the Exchange and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation in connection with the Proposed Transaction has been filed with and accepted by the Exchange and permission to resume trading has been obtained from the Exchange. The terms of the Proposed Transaction were previously described in the Corporation's press release dated June 29, 2021 ("June Press Release"), and will include, amongst other steps, a consolidation by each of Spirit Banner and Sabio of its respective securities, a "three-cornered" amalgamation between Finco and Pubco Sub, and a reverse triangular merger between Sabio and Merger Sub, following which Sabio will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spirit Banner. For further details on the Proposed Transaction, please refer to the June Press Release. The Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, without limitation, approval of the Exchange. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms as proposed or at all. About Sabio Mobile, Inc. Sabio provides a CTV platform that is powered by mobile data, providing leading brands with the perfect balance between media, data and technology. Sabio's unique approach to combining mobile data, device location and consumer behaviors aims to provide brands with more effective targeting and greater prediction accuracy for their mobile and connected TV ad campaigns. Sabio's team of experienced marketers, engineers and data scientists are passionately innovative in everything they do, from developing Sabio's proprietary audience platform and ad server to creating and delivering stunning ads on connected TVs and mobile devices. About Spirit Banner II Capital Corp. Spirit Banner is a capital pool company created pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. It does not own any assets, other than cash or cash equivalents and its rights under the LOI. The principal business of Spirit Banner is to identify and evaluate opportunities for the acquisition of an interest in assets or businesses and, once identified and evaluated, to negotiate an acquisition or participation subject to acceptance by the TSXV so as to complete a Qualifying Transaction in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Spirit Banner assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Spirit Banner. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by Spirit Banner with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. 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 to be prepared in connection with the Proposed 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 a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. For more information about Spirit Banner, please contact Matthew Wood, Chief Executive Officer, at (647) 951-650. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS NEWS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "U.S. SECURITIES ACT") OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. THIS NEWS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SALE OF SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99877 SYDNEY, Oct. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ensuring healthy lives and promoting physical and mental well-being is essential to sustainable development. Currently, the world is facing a global health crisis unlike any other. Global health has increasingly gained international visibility and prominence. From big data to precision medicine, the recent advances in biomedical research have swept away the conventional approach to medical science. The availability of large volumes of digitised clinical data, combined with powerful artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, are proving to be the real gamechangers. Get insights on Healthcare Innovations from three of our valued clients, who are leaders in the Australian healthcare and biotech space. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cynata Therapeutics Limited - Dr Ross Macdonald, Executive Chair and CEO of Invion Limited - Mr. Thian Chew, and CEO & Managing Director of PainChek Limited Mr. Philip Daffas. The webinar will help potential investors get a sense of how the healthcare sector looks like in the future in an exclusive Invest Nest Webinar by Kalkine Media. Cynata Therapeutics Limited is an Australian-based clinical-stage stem cell and regenerative medicine company, based in Cubitt Street, Cremorne, Victoria. The Company focusses on the development of therapies based on its unique Cymerus technology. The Company's Cymerus technology is addressing a critical limitation in existing MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) production methods for therapeutic use. Australian life sciences company Invion Limited is dedicated to transforming Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to develop innovative and effective cancer treatments. The firm is leading the global clinical development of PhotosoftTM technology, which is an improved next-generation Photodynamic Therapy. PainChek Limited engages in the development and commercialisation of mobile medical device applications. These device applications automate intelligent pain assessment of individuals who are unable to communicate their pain with carers. The journey of PainChek began in 2016. Since then, PainChek has come a long way with several core goals achieved. PainChek envisions to emerge as a leader in the market for innovative pain assessment products while providing services to help enhance the quality of life for people suffering from pain. About Kalkine Media Kalkine Media operates across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK and the US. It aims to keep its readers abreast of the latest and trending news on the equity and commodity markets, the unravelling economy and other business developments. Please register on- https://kalkinemedia.com/webinar/register/88308413557?utm_source=press_release&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=invest-nest-webinar-by-kalkine-media-healthcare-innovations-for-sustainable-future Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1341740/Kalkine_Logo.jpg Pathway Medical, a Montreal, Canada-based medical knowledge startup, raised $1.3m ($CAD 1.6m) in funding. Investors include Panache Ventures, Amplify Capital, Desjardins Venture Capital, BoxOne Ventures, and Formentera Capital, as well as 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 company intends to use the funds to scale its clinical decision support platform. Founded by technology and healthcare entrepreneurs Jonathan Hershon St-Jean, Dr. Louis Mullie and Christophe Marois and led by CEO Jonathan Hershon St-Jean, Pathway Medical a mobile app, which uses natural language processing and machine learning to provide evidence-based answers to clinical questions for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. It is currently available directly to healthcare professionals on the Apple App Store and soon on the Google Play Store. The company, which serving healthcare professionals in over 180 countries, also revealed that it has released an enterprise version of its clinical decision support technology. Pathway Medical has 24 employees. FinSMEs 15/10/2021 realme today confirmed that it will introduce the Q3s, successor to realme Q3 in China on October 19th along with the realme GT Neo2T. In the first teaser, the company has confirmed that it will feature a 6.6-inch punch-hole LCD screen with support for 144Hz adaptive refresh rate screen which can switch between 30/48/50/60/90/120/144Hz automatically depending on the content. It will also support DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR10 and support 4096 levels of brightness adjustment. realme China CMO Xu Qi Chase yesterday posted the back image of the phone that shows 48MP rear camera along with two additional cameras arranged in a matrix style. The phone recently got certified by TENAA in China with the model numbers RMX3461 and RMX3462 revealing the complete specifications which you can check below. realme Q3s rumoured specifications 6.6-inch (2412 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 144Hz variable refresh rate LCD screen with DCI-P3 color gamut Octa Core (4 x 2.4GHz + 4 x 1.8GHz Kryo 670 CPUs) Snapdragon 778G 6nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 642L GPU 6GB / 8GB LPDDR4x RAM with 128GB / 256GB (UFS 2.1) storage, expandable memory with microSD Android 11 with realme UI 2.0 Dual SIM (nano + nano) 48MP rear camera, 2MP depth and 2MP macro camera with f/2.4 aperture 16MP front-facing camera Side-mounted fingerprint sensor 3.5mm audio jack, Hi-Res audio Dimensions: 164.475.88.5mm; Weight: 199g 5G SA/ NSA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS/Beidou/ Glonass/QZSS/Galileo, NFC, USB Type-C 5000mAh (typical) / 4880mAh (minimum) battery with 30W fast flash charging The realme Q3s is expected to come in Dark Blue and Aurora Purple colours. We should know the price when it goes official next week. Source 1, 2 London-based consumer tech company Nothing launched the ear (1) TWS earbuds in August 2021, and it recently said that it has shipped over 1,00,000 units of earbuds globally in two months. According to the latest rumours, the company is working on a smartphone which will launch in early 2022. Co-founder of the company Carl Pei back in February confirmed that Nothing has acquired Essentials trademarks, but he did not reveal future plans with Essential. Looks like Nothing might use Essentials trademarks to create a phone. Nothing Power (1), the companys first power bank is also said to be in the work, and might launch in the next few weeks or before the end of the year, before the Nothing smartphone, says the rumour. Nothing announced its partnership with Qualcomm earlier this week, and the company said that Snapdragon platform will power its future tech products. It will be something https://t.co/9ub7zt8bHE Carl Pei (@getpeid) October 14, 2021 The companys co-founder still doesnt give any details about its upcoming product. We should know more details in the coming weeks. Source Friends and family members Living in the United States The reduction of new coronavirus cases All of the above and more Vote View Results Spanish Fort, Ala. (WALA) -- Spanish Fort Police Chief John Barber told FOX 10 that an investigation is under way after a person was robbed in the city and two more people were robbed in Baldwin county. All while selling items. I can say that 99.9 percent of these transactions happen without any issues. But over the years we see it where this happens. Three in three nights is a lot in our area. People need to be aware of it and were certainly working as quickly and diligently as possible to try to identify and apprehend them, Chief Barber said One resident recently bought a PlayStation for her son over Facebook. She says its tough to see these things happen in the area. People sell stuff to make a living. And people are taking advantage. Its not fair because people have kids out here. Times are hard. While understanding the risks she said she tried to do everything to keep herself and her family safe. I brought my mom with me and he brought his parents with him. We took pictures of each others cars and tags. That way if something happened, we had each others identification. If you know anything about these robberies, please contact police. MOBILE, ALA. (WALA)- The popular lot at the corner of Virginia and Ann Streets in Mobile won't be selling any Christmas trees this year. It's said to be because of a national tree shortage due to a clogged supply chain during this pandemic. Paul Carter with Mobile's Optimist Club said he called hundreds of vendors to try and round up trees so they didn't have to cancel but the closest they could secure was just 60-80 trees, when typically they buy a thousand to sell. "For the first time in 80 to 100 years, we are unable to get Christmas trees. We have contacted over 600 Christmas tree growers and have come up empty," Carter said. "We've done our best to try to secure trees but we have completely struck out this year." Carter said the Mobile Optimist Club donates the money they make from selling trees to the local Boys and Girls Clubs and other youth organizations. Carter said this year, they will still be able to donate with surplus funds, but they may have to cutback on all of their programs completely, if there's another tree shortage next year. Carter hopes loyal customers come back next year and support by buying a tree. Bad Ass Coffee Of Hawaii Opens Second Lexington Location October 15, 2021 // Franchising.com // KENTUCKY - Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is announcing today that its second Lexington location 3070 Lakecrest Circle in Beaumont is having its opening weekend October 9-10. Earlier this summer, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii debuted at 685 S. Limestone, at the base of the newly constructed Hub on Campus Limestone apartment complex near the University of Kentucky. Our appreciation goes out to everyone who gave us such an incredibly warm welcome since we opened our first location near campus just over a month ago, said Bryce Walker, the area Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchise owner and longtime Kentucky resident. We already feel like part of the communitys ohana (family) and cant wait to develop this same connection with everyone in Beaumont. Inside, guests will enjoy a relaxing experience with nods to Hawaiian culture, decor, and lore along with the aroma of delicious premium Hawaiian coffee. The beverage menu also includes signature lattes, cold brew, popular blended espresso drinks and teas. The food menu offers various Hawaiian-inspired items such as delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches served on KINGS HAWAIIAN bread, including the Bad Ass One which features Spam, egg, swiss, and pineapple. Guests can also purchase retail bags of Bad Ass Coffee to brew at home or the office including 100% Kona, 100% Hawaiian Coffees, Hawaiian Blends and Signature Blends. In addition to taking home the distinct taste of Hawaii, guests can purchase shirts, mugs and gifts. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii originated on the Big Island. Its name pays tribute to a very important animal in Hawaiian coffee history: The Donkey. Legend has it that for generations, the donkeys of Kona, Hawaii could be heard bellowing as they carried precious loads of coffee beans down the steep mountains of the Big Island. The native people of Kona named these hard-working donkeys the Bad Ass Ones because of their reliably strong, but stubborn nature in carrying their precious cargo. The legend of those hard-working donkeys lives on today at Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, a company that is stubborn about sourcing, roasting and serving quality Hawaiian coffee with the Aloha Spirit. Recently under the new ownership of Royal Aloha Coffee Company, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has updated its branding, packaging, and restaurant design concept as part of an aggressive expansion plan to open 150 new locations over the next five years. About Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989 and is dedicated to sharing premium Hawaiian coffees with a kick from the Hawaiian Islands through more than 20 U.S. and international franchise locations, with more to open soon. Today, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii stores also serve popular blended drinks, teas, food, along with other international premium coffees and sell popular branded merchandise with exceptional service and the Aloha Spirit. Bad Ass Coffees are available in franchise stores, online and will soon be available through grocery, hospitality, and specialty retail channels. The Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii brand and franchise is owned by Royal Aloha Franchise Company, LLC. For more information, visit badasscoffee.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram @badasscoffeeofhawaii. Franchise information is available at badasscoffeefranchise.com. * KINGS HAWAIIAN is a registered trademark of Kings Hawaiian Holding Company, Inc. SOURCE Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii ### Add to Request List Added Request Information Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus We welcome your letters and columns! Use the button below to send us your thoughts. Remember: Letters must include your real name, town of residence and daytime phone number, which we use for verification. We do not accept anonymous letters or letters written under a pseudonym. Letters should be no more than about 400 words. Those of no more than 200 to 300 words are more likely to be published. Submit Keep the conversation about local news & events going by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Recent updates from The News-Post and also from News-Post staff members are compiled below. Provided by SCORE Northeast Indiana. SCORE is a nonprofit association of more than 10,000 business experts who volunteer as mentors. SCORE offers free mentoring and low-cost workshops nationwide. Call SCORE Northeast Indianas office at 260-422-2601 or visit northeastIndiana.score.org for a free counseling session. SCORE Northeast Indianas Ask SCORE column appears monthly in Business Weekly. Gainesville, TX (76240) Today Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. Widespread frost likely. High 61F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 45F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Ethan Beachy, Bermudian Springs Football: Ethan rushed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for 2 more TDs in a 33-21 win over Littlestown. Honey Strosnider, Fairfield Cross Country: Honey posted the fastest time among Times Area girls' runners in the YAIAA Championships after placing 16th in 21:07.3 Landon McGee, Gettysburg Football: Landon rushed for an area-high 235 yards and a touchdown in a 27-10 win over New Oxford Denae Bello, Delone Catholic Girls' Volleyball: Denae combined for 20 kills, 23 digs and 45 serve-receive point in 3 matches for the Squirettes Drew Cole, Gettysburg Cross Country: Drew was the fastest among Times Area runners at the YAIAA Championships, placing 19th in 17:25.0 Vote View Results Gillette, WY (82718) Today Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 54F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly cloudy with a mixture of rain and snow showers developing late. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 50%. DOHA, Qatar, Oct. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qatar is giving great attention and effort to preserving wildlife in the region On World Animal Day, Qatar Tourism highlights six animals you didn't know were in Qatar: Arabian Oryx - the national animal Whale shark - world's largest fish Dugong - only vegetarian marine mammal Hawksbill turtle - critically endangered Flamingo - a colourful migration Honey Badger - the world's bravest animal To celebrate World Animal Day, Qatar Tourism highlights six unexpected animals for visitors to see in the country. Despite its small size, Qatar is home to an abundance of interesting land and aquatic creatures that make up the country's diverse ecosystem. Home to many nature reserves, the peninsula puts great emphasis on preserving and developing local wildlife to protect it from extinction. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: "Visitors will be amazed by just how many interesting and unique animals there are here. Qatar is home to dolphins, falcons, sand cats, and the red fox, among many more. We are home to a plethora of amazing animals, birds, and fantastic fauna, many of which are indigenous - visitors just have to know where to look for them." Here is a list of the six most unexpected animals in Qatar and where to find them: Arabian Oryx With long spear-like horns, the Arabian Oryx is one of four species of antelope that lives in Qatar's desert and is native to the Arabian Peninsula. It is also the national animal of Qatar. This majestic creature used to be on the verge of extinction, but after immense conservation measures taken through Operation Oryx, the animals were reintroduced into the wilderness in 1982. Visitors can visit the Arabian Oryx at the Al-Maha sanctuary, also called the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary. They can also be seen at Al Sheehaniya Reserve located 45 km to the west of Doha and Al Mashabiya Reserve in south-west Qatar, at country's the oldest natural reserves. Azzam Al Mannai, a Qatar-based wildlife photographer, says: "No picture can do the Arabian Oryx justice. I have been photographing them for the last three years and they always continue to amaze. They can be found in many natural reserves around Qatar and are known as 'Al Wudhaihi' due to their pure white colour. A truly beautiful creature." Whale shark These grand aquatic creatures, often referred to as 'gentle giants' have been endangered since 2002. As the largest fish in the world, they can grow up to 20 metres long, and often migrate around the globe in search of tropical waters. Qatar hosts one of the largest gatherings of whale sharks on the planet, appearing from April to September off the northeast coast of the Al Shaheen restricted marine zone. Brigadier General Mohamed Al Jaidah, the lead whale shark research scientist in Qatar, says: "As an endangered species, conservation and protection of the whale sharks is our number one priority. We have been studying them extensively for the past 11 years in Qatar trying to understand more about them and their habitat." "Every year hundreds of majestic whale sharks congregate in Qatari waters to fine-dine on tuna eggs, essentially a caviar. I have seen up to 360 whale sharks at once. You see the fins, the tails, they'll be under the boat, swimming, next to you, in all sorts of different locations." Dugong Known as the 'sea cow', these vulnerable species are in decline and are classified as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Home to the second-largest population of dugongs globally, Qatar's continued efforts to study and protect marine mammals resulted in a rare sighting of a group of 840 dugongs in 2020. Often seen to gather north of the peninsula's shores between January and early March, these sea mammals can be found in large herds, which is not common behaviour for this sea mammal. Mehsin Al-Ansi Al-Yafei, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences and dugong researcher, says: "What's amazing about the dugongs of Qatar is we've seen gatherings of over 800 in one day over my past two years of research. Something that hasn't been seen anywhere else in the world. They feed on the seagrass and have been swimming around the Arabian Gulf for more than 7,000 years. I have been studying marine life in Qatar since 2002 and am always amazed by the different creatures that call this country home." Hawksbill turtle The 560 km coastline of Qatar is home to one of the largest and most important nesting habitats for the hawksbill sea turtle in the region. Critically endangered, they are considered by many to be the most beautiful of sea turtles for their colourful shells. As the hawksbill turtles are popularly known to visit Fuwairit beach during their nesting season, the beach undergoes a cleaning campaign as part of the turtle protection project, before the area is closed off to the public for the nesting season. Last year was also the first time the public were allowed to witness the miracle of life during the hatching season, under the umbrella of Qatar Museums, in collaboration with the Wildlife and Protection Department of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. Flamingos Hundreds of flamingos make the northern Qatari wetlands their home for up to six months as they migrate from Europe in search of warmer climates. They may be spotted from the air during a flying tour of the Al Thakira Mangroves. BirdLife International, which aims to protect the habitats of migratory birds, works actively in Qatar to ensure it is a hospitable environment for these annual colourful visitors. Honey Badger Don't be swayed by its size, the honey badger is one of the world's toughest animals. It doesn't start fights it can't finish, and it makes an impressive foe. It has also been known to take on hyenas, leopards, lions, and pythons. Its scientific name is 'ratel', but it is commonly-called the honey badger since it is known for taking on a full hive of bees to taste its favourite snack. The animal can also turn around in its own loose skin to easily break free from predators, for a quick surprise attack. Sightings in Qatar have been reported from Zuwair, Ilham, and Al Haym southwest Al Shammal. To find out more information about animals in Qatar please visit http://www.visitqatar.qa or download the app via the App Store or Google Play. -Ends- For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism's Press Office on: +974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa About Qatar: Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth's population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2020 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 85 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. About Qatar Tourism: Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector's exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest growing destination in the Middle East. Web: www.visitqatar.qa Twitter: @VisitQatar Instagram: @VisitQatar Related Images Image 1: Qatar Tourism / Azzam Al Mannai Image 2: Qatar Tourism / Mehsin Al-Ansi Al-Yafei Image 3: Qatar Tourism This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Fort Collins, CO and Lincoln, NE, March 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NUtech Ventures, the technology commercialization affiliate at the University of NebraskaLincoln (UNL), is joining Innosphere Ventures University Partner Program, which supports the growth of university startup companies. Innosphere aims to be a value-added extension of NUtechs commercialization process by facilitating introductions to corporate partners and helping faculty founders and CEOs achieve business milestones. NUtech and UNL currently offer a variety of business resources to their startup ventures, including a customer discovery program that helps campus researchers develop value propositions, learn about customer segmentation and interview prospective stakeholders. Before forming a startup, university teams begin by licensing intellectual property, typically patents, from NUtech Ventures, before further developing the technology for commercial use. In 2020, for the third year in a row, the University of Nebraska System ranked in the top 100 academic institutions worldwide for issued U.S. patents. University of NebraskaLincoln faculty are launching startup companies to bring their innovations to the marketplace, and were excited to partner with Innosphere Ventures to provide additional support services, said Brad Roth, Ph.D., executive director of NUtech Ventures. This support is tailored for faculty founders, who are addressing the unique challenges and opportunities associated with early-stage technologies. Currently, UNL has startup companies related to cancer detection, organic weed control, conductive concrete, gut health, turfgrass management, and firefighting with drone technology, among others. Were ready to start working with UNL faculty and licensing managers who are developing and commercializing cutting-edge research, said Mike Freeman, CEO of Innosphere Ventures. NUtech has a great mission of promoting economic development and improving quality of life. Theyre a great partner for Innosphere because they share our same goal of transferring technologies from the lab to the marketplace, with broad, real-world impact. For many years, Innosphere has held partnerships with Colorados research universities and their technology transfer offices at Colorado State University (CSU Ventures), the University of Colorado Boulder (Venture Partners at CU Boulder), and the Colorado School of Mines Office of Research and Technology Transfer. For more information on Innosphere Ventures University Partner Program, please visit innosphereventures.org/partners. Attachments TOKYO, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AP Content Services works with brands and advertisers worldwide to create and distribute authentic, impactful and informative content in video, text and photos through the AP distribution network. Clients can distribute paid-for content on the AP wire, APNews.com and the AP News app and AP Content Services-created content via AP-branded social media accounts. AP Content Services is separate from the editorial operations of the AP newsroom and the content created does not involve AP editorial staff. We are pleased to expand our AP Content Services offerings for our clients in Asia, said AP Content Services Asia Sales Manager Chie Tsuda, based in Tokyo. Our Asia clients can reach audiences all over the world through APs vast distribution network. Tsuda oversees AP Content Services. A 13-year veteran of AP, she has led several projects in Japan including: Custom videos highlighting Osaka prior to the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, including an introduction to Osaka, a focused spotlight on business in the region and a dive into iPS cell research conducted at Kyoto University. Custom video, native advertising and social media posts spotlighting karate, historic landmarks and regional iconography to promote the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau to international audiences. About AP The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the worlds population sees AP journalism every day. Online: www.ap.org Contact Patrick Maks Media Relations Manager The Associated Press +1-212-621-7536 pmaks@ap.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7abce19f-e484-41b6-b24c-78dcd1007637 The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress. KANSAS CITY, Kan., Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman , head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), joined First Lady Dr. Jill Biden during her visit to Kansas City, Kansas, on Tuesday, October 12, to highlight the Build Back Better agenda and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The First Lady and Administrator Guzman hosted a conversation at El Centro Academy for Children with Hispanic community leaders and small business owners to talk about equity and the Biden-Harris Administration's Build Back Better Agenda. Through the various programs and initiatives, the SBA continues to work to equitably deliver relief to those impacted most by the pandemic. In Kansas alone, SBA has delivered over $10 billion in relief to small businesses in need. At an earlier event, Representative Sharice Davids and Governor Laura Kelly, joined the First Lady and Administrator Guzman to hear how Bria Rodriguez-Boog, owner of small architecture firm Archifootprint, benefited from SBAs economic aid programs. "It was a pleasure to join First Lady Biden in Kansas City today to honor Hispanic Heritage Month and to hear so many inspiring stories of resilience and success. Closing opportunity gaps for the Latino community and other historically disadvantaged groups has been one of President Biden's top priorities and is a driving force behind the work we've been doing at the SBA. I'm committed to working with the First Lady and the entire Biden-Harris Administration to help bridge every gap we find so more of America's entrepreneurs can build connections, access resources, and pursue opportunities," Administrator Guzman said. This marks the Administrator's first official visit to Kansas. Since June, Administrator Guzman has visited 14 states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. Contact: SBA Press Office United States Small Business Administration Press_Office@sba.gov Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec82d3dd-4588-4a52-90e4-a93feca92007 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32d9b2fa-fa64-4912-82ca-6163d9fb0fb1 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Looking Glass Labs Ltd. (LG Labs or the Company), is pleased to announce that its flagship studio for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) House of Kibaa (HoK) recently conducted the successful sale (collectively, the Drop) of a class of NFTs known as GenZeroes (singularly, GenZero). In just 37 minutes, all 10,000 of HoKs GenZeroes were sold and subsequently delivered to more than 3,000 unique blockchain wallets, for aggregate proceeds to LG Labs of approximately $6,200,000. Additionally, LG Labs is entitled to collect 5% of the gross amount of any and all GenZeroes re-sold in the secondary market in perpetuity, through a royalty provision encoded into each smart blockchain contract of all GenZeroes. As of October 13, 2021, approximately $4,300,000 of GenZeroes have been re-sold in the secondary market, thereby earning the Company an additional $215,000 in royalty revenue within weeks of GenZeroes initially being offered to the market. HoK is available on OpenSea a leading global NFT marketplace where GenZeroes are currently bought and sold. GenZeroes is a new multi-media franchise and is being developed in collaboration with several artists with work experience that includes projects for both the StarWars and Marvel franchises. All 10,000 GenZeroes sold in the Drop were unique, three-dimensional avatars and each GenZero has varying attributes (e.g., colours, background graphics, body type and colour, etc.). Due to the range of body parts and variety of attributes available, no duplicate avatar was created and therefore all GenZeroes are rare and valuable. In the near future, LG Labs intends to conduct a new Drop of NFTs representing land assets in the forthcoming HoK metaverse. More information about that Drop will be provided in due course. For more information about HoK and GenZeroes, please visit the following web pages: https://houseofkibaa.com/ and https://genzeroes.com. Management Commentary Dorian Banks, Chief Executive Officer of LG Labs, said, We are extremely pleased with the success of the GenZeroes Drop, which was completed in such a short amount of time. Having been involved in the blockchain industry since 2012, I have witnessed several crowd-sales experience prodigious success on account of highly engaged and enthusiastic supporters. I am very grateful for our talented and committed team members, as well as for our ever-growing base of HoK supporters who are validating our business model as we build out the HoK metaverse with new and innovative NFTs. In our Drop, the 10,0000 GenZeroes proved so popular that countless aspiring HoK metaverse participants were unable to acquire a GenZero in the drop. Fortunately, the active re-sale market for GenZeroes has provided those people with the opportunity to become owners of GenZeroes. And thanks to blockchain technology, LG Labs is able to continue earning revenues in the form of 5% royalties from the sale of all GenZeroes in the secondary market, which is simply amazing, added Mr. Banks. Corporate Update The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Patrick OFlaherty to the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. OFlaherty is a qualified Chartered Accountant in Canada with Deloitte. He has over 15 years of experience in financial services, with a specific focus on accounting and wealth management, and has worked with some of the largest companies in Canada including Shaw Communications, RBC Royal Bank, and CIBC Wood Gundy. LG Labs also announces the resignation of Mr. Eugene Beukman from its Board of Directors. The Company thanks Mr. Beukman for his contributions and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours. Additionally, LG Labs has granted an aggregate of 6,000,000 incentive share purchase options to its directors, officer and consultants. Each share purchase option is exercisable for a period of five years at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share of the Company. The options vest over a period of 18 months, in one-third tranches of equal size, after the passing of each successive six-month period. ABOUT LOOKING GLASS LABS Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Looking Glass Labs is a digital agency specializing in non-fungible token (NFT) architecture, immersive extended reality (XR) metaverse design and virtual asset royalty streams. Its leading brand, House of Kibaa (HoK), is a digital studio at the forefront of technologies in the blockchain, NFT and XR metaverse sectors. HoK designs and curates a next generation metaverse for 3D assets, which provides utilities and platform tools that enable users to showcase their individual style and NFT collections within a proprietary metaverse. On behalf of: LOOKING GLASS LABS LTD. Dorian Banks Dorian Banks, Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Dorian Banks Tel: 604-687-2038 Email: info@lgl.co Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements. Statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things: the Company's goal to become the leading digital studio specializing in NFT architecture, immersive metaverse design and virtual asset display monetization streams; and to build out a portfolio of perpetual NFT royalty streams through collaborations, accretive acquisitions and other arrangements, to potentially result in consistent, de-risked and passive revenue. The material assumptions supporting these forward-looking statements include, among others, that: the Company could mitigate the risks associated with the blockchain and NFT industry; and the ability to compete with other businesses in the NFT market. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including: the continued growth and adoption of NFT and metaverse offerings by consumers; the cost of developing and designing NFTs and metaverses is economically viable; the Company being able to attract and retain a sufficient workforce with desired skillsets to develop the Company's NFT and metaverse offerings; the availability of offerings provided by third-parties in the NFT, metaverse development and online gaming market to identify potential transactions; the increasing adoption of NFTs as a solution for various online gaming, entertainment and collectible uses; the Company having the ability to mitigate the risks associated with the blockchain and NFT industry; and the ability to compete with other businesses in the NFT, metaverse development, content creation and collectibles market. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including: the risk that the Company's offerings are not accepted by the consumer, the risk that other competitors may offer similar digital offerings; the risk that there may be negative changes in general economic and business conditions; the risk that the Company may have negative operating cash flow and not enough capital to complete the development of any of its technologies; the risk that the Company may not be able to obtain additional financing as necessary; the risk that there may be increases in capital and operating costs; the risk that the NFT technology may be subject to fraud and other failures; the risk that there may be technological changes and developments in the blockchain that make the NFT solutions obsolete; risks relating to regulatory changes or actions which may impede the development or operation of the blockchain solutions; the risk that other competitors may release similar blockchain offerings; the potential future unviability of the NFT market in general; the volatile cost of the amount of computational effort required to execute specific operations on the blockchain, and other general risks involved in the blockchain solutions. Risks and uncertainties about the Companys business are more fully discussed in the Companys disclosure materials, including its reports filed with the Canadian securities regulators and which can be obtained from www.sedar.com . Any of these risks may cause the Companys actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Further, although the Company has attempted to identify factors that could cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, levels of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and Canada. Although the Company believes that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. The Company does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein. HAMILTON, Ontario, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSXV:RHT or OTC:RQHTF or WKN:A2AJTB) (Reliq or the Company), a rapidly growing global telemedicine company that develops innovative Virtual Care solutions for the multi-billion dollar Healthcare market, today announced that through its collaboration with digiiMed it has signed contracts with three new primary care physician practices in Puerto Rico to provide its iUGO Care platform to their chronic disease patients. Puerto Rico is a rapidly growing geography for Reliq thanks to our partnership with digiiMed, said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. We are pleased to be adding these three new physician practices on the island to our platform. Chronic disease is a major concern for the healthcare system in Puerto Rico as over 50% of the population over age 50 have hypertension, over 30% have diabetes and over 42% have high cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for the development of other serious chronic diseases including congestive heart failure, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Patients living with chronic conditions also report higher levels of depression and anxiety than the general population. Using our iUGO Care Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), Chronic Care Management (CCM) and Behavioural Health Integration (BHI) modules, clinicians can comprehensively address their patients physical and mental health needs. We expect to onboard over 3,600 patients with these clients at an average revenue of $40 USD per patient per month for Reliq. Onboarding will begin this month and is expected to be completed in early 2022. About digiiMED digiiMED is a digital medicine services company devoted to connecting patients with healthcare providers anytime, anywhere. digiiMED works with clinical providers and patients throughout Puerto Rico and Latin America. Learn more at http://www.digiimed.com. Reliq Health Reliq Health Technologies is a rapidly growing global telemedicine company that specializes in developing innovative Virtual Care solutions for the multi-billion dollar Healthcare market. Reliqs powerful iUGO Care platform supports care coordination and community-based virtual healthcare. iUGO Care allows complex patients to receive high quality care at home, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life for patients and families and reducing the cost of care delivery. iUGO Care provides real-time access to remote patient monitoring data, allowing for timely interventions by the care team to prevent costly hospital readmissions and ER visits. Reliq Health Technologies trades on the TSX Venture under the symbol RHT, on the OTC as RQHTF and on the WKN as A2AJTB. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Dr. Lisa Crossley CEO and Director For further information please contact: Company Contact Investor Relations at ir@reliqhealth.com US Investor Relations Contact Investor Relations Lytham Partners, LLC Ben Shamsian New York | Phoenix 646-829-9701 shamsian@lythampartners.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, 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, are "forward-looking statements". We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Reliq Health Technologies Inc. NEW YORK, NY, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), a New York based diversified Life Sciences Company, today announced that it has commenced the development of a proprietary Ashwagandha extract infused supplement chewing gum. This proposed product will incorporate the Companys considerable expertise in developing proprietary chewing gums, as well as its unwavering commitment to innovation, while always adhering to the highest moral, safety, and quality standards. This proposed Ashwagandha infused supplement chewing gum is currently in the development phase. Each piece of this proposed chewing gum will be infused with 88mg of the highest quality Ashwagandha extract. The Proposed Flavor: Asian Water Mint Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), also known as India Ginseng or Winter Cherry, is an annual evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The plant, particularly its root powder, has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, engaged in several major business activities and initiatives. The company manufactures and distributes several proprietary retail products and product lines, mainly focused on the Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Edibles market segment. The main product line, branded as Tauri-Gum, consists of a proprietary supplement chewing gum that is Kosher certified, Halal certified, and Vegan Formulated (CBD Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Mint, Blood Orange, Pomegranate), (CBG Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Peach-Lemon, Black Currant), (DELTA 8 THC Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Evergreen Mint), (Vitamin C + Zinc Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Pear Bellini), (Caffeine Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Cherry Lime Rickey), & (Vitamin D3 Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Golden Raspberry). The Companys commercialization strategy consists of a broad array of retail customers, distributors, and a fast-growing E-Commerce business segment (E-Commerce website: www.taurigum.com). Please visit our corporate website, for additional information, as well as inquiries, at http://www.tauriga.com Complementary to the Companys retail business, is its ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative. This relates to the development of a proposed Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum, for nausea regulation (specifically designed for the following indication: Patients Subjected to Ongoing Chemotherapy Treatment). On March 22, 2021, the Company announced that it had Converted its U.S. Provisional Patent Application (filed on March 17, 2020) into a U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application. The Patent, filed with the U.S.P.T.O. is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. On December 18, 2020 the Company disclosed that it had entered into a Master Services Agreement with CSTI to lead the Company's clinical development efforts. The Company is headquartered in Wappingers Falls, New York. In addition, the Company operates two full time E-Commerce fulfillment centers: one located in Montgomery, Texas and the other in Brooklyn, New York. DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other periodic filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Contact: Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 4 Nancy Court, Suite 4 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 Company Instagram: @taurigum Personal Instagram: @sethsms47 Twitter: @SethMShaw Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com Attachment Dallas, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attention parents! The best deal in town is now being offered on kids burgers and chicken tenders, as both Big Deal Burger and Wing Boss introduce Kids Eat Free. Start your week off with a free kids meal on Monday with Big Deal Burger. Enter code KEFBDB during your online checkout and your child will receive a free grilled cheese or cheeseburger both come with a side and a Lil Yellow Cup. Mid-week will become a new favorite because every Wednesday, Wing Boss is offering a 2-chicken tender combo meal which comes with a side and a Lil Yellow Cup just enter KEFWB during checkout. Both offers require a minimum purchase of $10 to receive the free kids meal. Place all your orders with Big Deal Burger and Wing Boss online, unless you would like to visit our new 1,500-sqaure-foot Wing Boss restaurant at 3765 Belt Line Road in Addison, Texas. We have everything covered to be the official wingman for your next gathering. Wing Boss Addison features a full-service bar, ample seating, a hickory aroma, fun atmosphere, and several TVs for fans to catch all the big games while sinking their teeth into delicious, finger-licking wings. Dickeys is a family brand, said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Wing Boss and Big Deal Burger are excited to also offer kids eat free days, just like how Dickeys has always given kids free meals on Sundays. Its a way to say thank you to our guests for dining with us. *One Kids Meal per check with a minimum $10 purchase. Available at participating restaurants, use code KEFBDB for Big Deal Burger each Monday, and KEFWB for Wing Boss on Wednesdays. Kids 12 and under. Not valid with any other coupons, offers, discounts or promotions. About Dickeys Restaurant Brands Dickeys Restaurant Brands, a division of Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., operates delivery-only virtual concepts Wing Boss and Big Deal Burger (with the exception of the brick-and-mortar Wing Boss location in Addison, Texas). Wing Boss serves boss-sized bone-in or boneless hickory pit-smoked chicken wings, and Big Deal Burger offers quality burgers with unique sauces and toppings for one-of-a-kind burger creations that include barbecue-inspired toppings like brisket or sausage. Learn more at wingboss.com or bigdealburgerco.com. Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the worlds largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey. For the past 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests Legit. Texas. Barbecue. The fast-casual concept has expanded worldwide with international locations in the UAE and Japan. Dickey Restaurant brands have over 550 locations nationwide. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. Attachments HOUSTON, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading factoring company Charter Capital says cash flow issues continue to plague small and midsize businesses, leaving them without money to grow or cover crucial expenses like payroll, inventory, and rent. The culprit, according to company representatives, is the unfortunate fusion of slow-paying clients with traditional invoicing terms like Net 30. "Solving Net 30 and Net 60 Payment Terms with Invoice Factoring," which explores how to overcome this common issue, is now live on CharterCapitalUSA.com. Known as "Net 30" in invoicing terms, the 30-day payment window is sometimes extended to 60 or 90 days depending on the company and industry. Slow internal processes, such as only billing once per month, can add to the burden, causing businesses to wait weeks or months to collect. "Business owners obviously want to do right by their clients and develop thriving companies," explains Gregory Brown Co-Founder and Executive Manager at Charter Capital. "Net 30 and Net 60 terms are often viewed as standard, so businesses offer them by default as a means to keep their existing client bases happy and attract new clients." The challenge, Brown expands, is that many small businesses have tight margins to begin with, and waiting on payments for an extended time leaves them without money for payroll and other expenses. Oftentimes, business owners skip out on their own paychecks or rack up late fees as a result too. "Reducing the payment window to seven or 14 days is a simple solution, but businesses are understandably hesitant to do that in an uncertain economy when customer loyalty is hard to come by," says Brown. "That leaves options like billing more frequently or same-day invoicing to speed up payments, but it's not always enough to correct cash flow shortfalls." Because of this, Charter Capital says it's seeing more B2B businesses looking to invoice factoring to solve slow payments caused by their Net 30 and Net 60 terms. With factoring, the business can still offer clients the payment terms of its choosing. The factoring company pays the business for the invoice right away, often on the same day, and then waits for payment from the client. An easy qualification process, even for startups and those that have been turned down for bank funding, adds to the popularity of the solution, Brown adds. Those interested in factoring or learning more can start with a free rate quote at CharterCapitalUSA.com or call 1-877-960-1818. About Charter Capital Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Charter Capital has been a leading provider of flexible funding solutions for the B2B sector for more than 20 years. To learn more, visit CharterCapitalUSA.com or call 1-877-960-1818. Related Images Image 1: Solving Net 30 and Net 60 Payment Terms with Invoice Factoring Slow cash flow is a common problem for small companies. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Brief Paws, the pet podcast produced by professional groomer Ani Corless, launched a new episode this week covering the new phenomena known as freeze-dry taxidermy. The episode features Shane Eddy, a professional taxidermist from Wildlife Studios in Slater, Missouri, that specializes in this method and serves customers nationwide. "Freeze-drying is basically removing the moisture from an object, in this case, an animal," says Eddy. "We've just taken this process and put it into a taxidermy application. It works very well for small animals." Besides covering the basics of both traditional taxidermy and freeze-dry taxidermy, the conversation covers why people prefer the freeze-dry method. Among other reasons, people get more of their pet preserved when compared to traditional methods that typically remove all the internal parts of the pet. Corless digs into some interesting questions, such as the typical demographic that is preserving their pets, the costs of preservation, and how typical customers get their pets to the facility from around the country. The service is not cheap; prices for preservation start at $900 and go up from there into the thousands of dollars for large dogs. Eddy says that about a quarter of the work they do is dogs, and the process can take nearly one year. A Brief Paws is the latest project from Ms. Corless, who has been working with dogs for over two decades and is the owner of the Luxury Groomer, a dog health and grooming company based in New York City. The first season of A Brief Paws, which debuted in April of 2021, featured 10 episodes on a wide variety of pet-related topics, including virtual pet training, flea and tick preventatives, and minority representation in the pet industry. Each episode spotlights a relevant guest or specialist on the topic and provides insights for pet owners and industry professionals alike. The latest episode, which is episode 14, is titled "Freeze Dry Fluffy? Taxidermy, the Latest Techniques in Pet Preservation" and will be available on all major streaming platforms and in a video version on the A Brief Paws YouTube channel. For more information or to download or subscribe to episodes, please visit https://anchor.fm/abriefpaws. About A Brief Paws: A Brief Paws is a podcast series that takes a moment to talk with special guests about a wide variety of topics in the pet industry. Topics covered include health and wellness, training, rescue, and even the newest fashion trends and products. Hosted by Ani Corless, Founder of New York City pet grooming company Luxury Groomer. For more information please visit https://anchor.fm/abriefpaws - abriefpaws@gmail.com ### Related Images Image 1: Taxidermy Dog This dog was freeze-dried taxidermied by guest Shane Eddy. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Reston, VA, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMI Expeditionary Healthcare Sierra Leone (AMISL) is joining forces with Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation, sponsoring their National Pink Day Health Fair and Pink Party this October 29 and 30, 2021 in Freetown to promote October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. This years theme is Give Hope. Save Lives. AMISL Country Manager, Kadie-Yatta Kallon, states, We are proud to be a part of the much-needed solution, raising awareness and funds to educate, provide early detection, support and treatment. AMISL is sponsoring test kits for Hepatitis, Blood/Sugar, Typhoid, HIV and Malaria, as well as operating free breast screenings, and giving out a multitude of promotional items such as wristbands, postcards, magnets, and supply pocket hand sanitizers at Pink Fridays Health Fair. Additionally, AMISL is promoting and attending the Pink Party Gala. Dr. Ryan Azcueta, AMI Deputy Group Medical Director states, I am thrilled to support the mission and help spread information to combat breast cancer and save lives. You will hear me share Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundations mission on various talk shows this month and beyond. As the leading private medical clinic providing full-service medical and trauma assistance, remote medical support with a fully licensed and certified General Practice/Paediatric Clinic, AMISL offers comprehensive primary care services, emergency care, laboratory facilities, and is fully integrated with AMIs aero-medical evacuation (AME) network in West Africa. The clinic is now accepting patients and clients and open to the general public. The Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of Breast Cancer in Sierra Leone. They believe, Cancer should not be a death sentence because of geography, and plan to try their best to raise awareness. The Foundation plans on helping secondary schools, deprived communities and marketplaces because they believe these to be the most affected groups. About AMI: Physician-owned and physician-led, AMI Expeditionary Healthcare provides medical services to the private sector, government agencies, international aid organizations and humanitarian concerns in a wide range of remote and challenging environments. AMI has delivered countless healthcare solutions to over 140 clinical and hospital settings on four continents. If you would like to learn more about AMI and its services, please visit www.ami.health or email sales@ami.health. Attachment Tustin, CA, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freeze Tag (OTC: FRZT), a leading creator of location-based mobile social games, announced today that Loudoun Farm has launched a family-friendly fall event using the Eventzee scavenger hunt app. The Loudoun Fall Farm Tour encourages people of all ages to engage with the farmers and explore the bounties of Loudoun County, Virginias harvest season. Interested parties can join the free event by using code farmtour in the Eventzee app. More than two dozen farms in Loudoun County are included in this years event, which features GPS, photo, video, text, and quiz challenges. All challenges have educational opportunities, while allowing people to maintain social distancing by utilizing a virtual format. This fall event is perfect for engaging the community to learn more about their local agriculture while still having fun! said Craig Holland, CEO of Freeze Tag. The diversity included among the farms will keep this event exciting for people of all ages. Multiple prizes are being offered including locally sourced products, tickets to the local museum, and more. The scavenger hunt will run until Tuesday, November 16, giving participants ample time to complete all the challenges for a chance to win. Were always looking for new ways to get our communities involved with the local agriculture that many of them live around, said Buddy Rizer, Executive Director for Loudoun Economic Development. The Eventzee app is the perfect solution for getting people to engage and learn more about our farmers. The locations featured in this event include farm stores, animal ranches, artisan cheese shops, (adults-only) wineries, and more! Visit the Loudoun Farms website for the full list of events. While enjoying this years event, participants are encouraged to purchase donation vouchers for fresh food to families in need through Loudoun Hunger Relief. If youre interested in hosting an Eventzee scavenger hunt visit our website and contact our team to set up the best package for you. You can also email us at sales@eventzeeapp.com or call us at 714-210-3850 x15. Eventzee is ideal for trade shows, conferences and orientations. Businesses can use the app to drive traffic to specific locations, promote vendors or products and increase social interactions, while observing appropriate social distances. Some clients use Eventzee to hold contests and give away prizes to their most engaged customers. There are many ways Eventzee can help you achieve your business goals. For more information visit https://www.eventzeeapp.com/. About Loudoun Economic Development Located just outside of Washington, D.C., Loudoun County is home to a diverse economy that includes more than 1,200 farms, historical sites, wineries, and more. Loudoun Farms is a promotional effort by the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development to promote agricultural products to consumers and assist in the development of new agricultural businesses. Economic Development staff produces informational materials and sponsors educational programs, such as the Fall and Spring Farm Tours, along with other agritourism events throughout the year. About Freeze Tag, Inc. Freeze Tag, Inc. is a leading creator of mobile location-based games for consumers and businesses. Our portfolio includes hits such as Munzee, a social platform with nearly 10 million locations worldwide and hundreds of thousands of players that blends gamification and geolocation into an experience that rewards players for going places in the physical world, Garfield Go, a Pokemon Go style augmented reality game based on the iconic cat Garfield, WallaBee, an addictive collecting game with over 2,200 beautifully drawn digital cards, as well as many social mobile games that provide endless hours of family-friendly fun. We also offer our technology and services to businesses that want to leverage mobile gaming in their marketing and branding programs. For example, our Eventzee solution allows businesses to create private scavenger hunts in physical places such as malls, tradeshows, company events or campuses to create immersive brand experiences. For more information about Freeze Tag, go to: https://www.freezetag.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial uncertainties and risks. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections and reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the date of this release. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to, our ability to market our games, and our ability to implement new changes and release them. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason. NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IAC wants the public to know that following last nights public release of a confidential UN communication; The United Nations has put Cape Verde on notice: the torture, arbitrary detention and violations inflicted on Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab must stop, and the government has been asked to explain itself. The situation is grave, the violations are severe, the government of Cape Verde is exposed and presented to the international community as a rogue state a violator of human rights which is suspected of serious and persistent violations. The government of Cape Verde is severely criticized by the United Nations for the serious and ongoing violations against Ambassador Alex Saab, arrested and arbitrarily detained in Cape Verde since June 12, 2020, in the framework of an "arbitrary" extradition procedure, instrumentalized by the United States of America. The United Nations expresses its "deep concern about the allegations of arbitrary arrest, detention and extradition proceedings against Ambassador Saab". The United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR) letter1 sent to the government of Cape Verde on July 19, 2021, was made public to a large group of independent experts. Early this morning, alarm was raised at the fate of Ambassador Alex Saab detained by the Cape Verdean authorities. Media reports have suspected torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, including arbitrary arrest and detention. International Action Center is concerned that even though there were Four UN special Rapporteurs and one Working Group (listed below) who issued the letter on September 6th 2021 to collectively put Cape Verde on notice; no response nor official relief has been authorized. In fact not even medical attention has been provided to Alex Saab who is suffering from cancer. the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; the Special Rapporteur on torture and other torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the Special Rapporteur on the negative effects of torture on the human rights of women on the negative effects of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights. According to the United Nations experts, prima facie, the situation made by the highest authorities of Cape Verde would violate, in a serious, unrestrained and prolonged manner, the commitments of Cape Verde in terms of respect for the and prolonged violation of Cape Verde's commitments to respect the most fundamental principles of human the most fundamental principles of human rights. The United Nations, via the Special Procedure, called on the government of Cape Verde to account for "the factual grounds and legal basis for the arrest, detention and possible extradition of Ambassador Alex Saab Moran to the United States, including the exact nature of the charges against him and the facts supporting those charges; on the violation of judicial, consular and other fair trial guarantees; on the allegations of torture and ill-treatment of Ambassador Saab; on the violation of his right to physical integrity and the deterioration of his health attributable to the authorities; on the risk of torture in the event of extradition; and on the violation of the diplomatic immunity of Ambassador Alex Saab. The International Action Center is pressing for answers as to why the Cape Verdean Authorities are unwilling to respond to diplomatic summonses, to the cessation of human rights violations. United Nations personnel speaking on condition of anonymity commented that In doing so, Cape Verde continues to isolate itself from the international community, in keeping with the usual retreat strategy used by most of rogue states and human rights abusers. In the absence of independent and impartial justice, and in the face of an exceptionally serious situation, the human rights violations suffered by Alex Saab continue with impunity in Cape Verde. There are no more excuses for Cape Verde. From now on, no one in the government will be able to say that he or she did not know. The International Action Center is an NGO and activist group founded in 1992 by former United States Attorney General Ramsey Clark. Sara Flounders stated, We strive to end human suffering caused by living under a system that puts profit before peoples needs. Ordinary Cape Verdeans, who until today have been unaware of the gravity of the situation, are the ones who are likely to pay the highest price for the isolation of their country on the international scene, economically, politically, and in terms of long-term reputation. Dr Jose Manuel Pinto Monteiro, Alex Saabs lead Cape Verde counsel said in reaction to the UN revelations, It is up to the people of Cape Verde to hold this government accountable for the serious and persistent violations of human rights that have been vehemently denounced by ECOWAS and the United Nations. I urge the Cape Verde authorities to release Alex Saab immediately and demand accountability. Links to United Nations Letters: https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=26527 1 https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/A_HRC_48_59_Add.2_AdvanceUneditedVersion.pdf Media Contact IAC Sara Flounders International Action Center https://www.iacenter.org E-mail: iacenter@iacenter.org Tel: +1 212-633-6646 TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consistently awarded Best Law Firm, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is honored to share that it has been voted Best Law Firm by Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay 2021. The People's Choice Award Best of the Bay honors businesses and organizations loved by the Tampa Bay community. "Once again, we are thankful to be acknowledged by the community and our clients as Best Law Firm in Tampa Bay. It's a special honor as this is the first year we were nominated for the Best of the Bay-Best Law Firm category. We continue to be committed to providing the best service and care to our clients and our community. We are proud of our lawyers and staff, who go above and beyond to serve, resulting in this and other Best Law Firm awards. We are here to help." ~Sean McQuaid, Firm President Our Clients and Community Make It Possible Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. appreciates all their clients. Every case, no matter the size, receives personalized attention and respect. Our clients are what has made the Firm great. This award is not about the Firm, it is about our clients. Continuing the Legacy Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is committed to continuing the legacy of excellence established by Anthony Battaglia in 1958. Mr. Battaglia was well-known for his bold style, but his preparation for his cases was unparalleled. This preparation gave him an advantage in the courtroom. These lessons were passed down to the other lawyers in the Firm. For over 60 years, the Firm has been a full-service law firm, which has allowed it to help people and businesses in virtually every situation. Giving Back to the Community The Firm is now the oldest law firm in St. Petersburg and still going strong. Part of its longevity has been its role in giving back to the community. Every lawyer and member of the staff is expected to participate in extracurricular organizations. Sean McQuaid is serving as Past President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association. He followed Anthony Battaglia and Aubrey Dicus as the third president of the Firm to serve in this role. Andrew Pardun, the chair of the real estate department, is serving with Sean as a member of the Executive Committee. Caitlin Szematowicz, chair of the labor and employment and appeals department, is serving as President of the Barney Masterson American Inn of Court for 2021-2022. The team is involved in a variety of non-profit activities and organizations in the community and looks forward to serving in the Riverview, FL, area as well. Growth and Expansion Since 1958, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. has been recognized for its skill and experience in handling personal injury claims, insurance disputes, estate planning and probate, wills and trusts, criminal defense, property damage insurance claims, commercial transactions, real estate, corporate and business litigation, as well as civil litigation. With the recent addition of five lawyers from Fisher & Sauls and the opening of a satellite office in Riverview located at 12953 US Highway 301 South, Suite 102, Riverview Florida, 33578, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is positioned to serve every personal and corporate legal need. For more information on the firm of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., please visit www.stpetelawgroup.com or contact the firm at 727-381-2300. Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. 5858 Central Ave St. Petersburg, FL 33707 (727) 381-2300 Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. 12953 US-301 #102 Riverview, FL 33578 (813) 639-8111 Divisions of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. St. Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas 5858 Central Ave, suite a St. Petersburg, FL 33707 (727) 381-2300 www.727injury.com Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas 12953 US Highway 301 South, Suite 102a Riverview, Florida, 33578 (813) 639-8111 www.727injury.com St Petersburg Property Damage Attorney Jonathon W Douglas 5858 Central Ave, suite b St. Petersburg, FL 33707 (727) 381-2300 www.tampabayclaim.com St Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney Sean McQuaid 5858 Central Ave, suite c St. Petersburg, FL 33707 (727) 381-2300 www.727defense.com St Petersburg Estate Planning & Probate Attorney 5858 Central Ave, suite d St. Petersburg, FL 33707 (727) 381-2300 www.bestlegacylawyer.com Riverview Estate Planning & Probate Attorney 12953 US Highway 301 South, Suite 102d Riverview, Florida, 33578 (813) 639-8111 www.bestlegacylawyer.com St Petersburg Real Estate Attorneys 5858 Central Ave, suite e St. Petersburg, FL 33707 (727) 381-2300 www.727realestatelaw.com Riverview Real Estate Attorneys 12953 US Highway 301 South, Suite 102e Riverview, Florida, 33578 (813) 639-8111 www.727realestatelaw.com Related Images Image 1: Best of the Bay 2021's Best Law Firm Consistently awarded Best Law Firm, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is honored to share that it has been voted Best Law Firm by Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay 2021. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment DENVER, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health Dimensions Group (HDG), Ellipsis Real Estate Partners (Ellipsis) and Invesque celebrated the groundbreaking for Terra Bluffs, a new assisted living and memory care senior community in Parker, Colo. on Oct. 7, 2021. The community event was attended by local elected officials, members of the Parker Chamber of Commerce and leadership from the ownership, management and development companies. The care community is owned by Ellipsis, Invesque and HDG. HDG will manage the community when it opens at 8797 South Chambers Road in early 2023. Ellipsis is the project developer for the care community and Invesque is the investment partner. Terra Bluffs will be a remarkable care community that offers residents the chance to live in an unbelievable location with the support of dedicated team members who are passionate about providing the best in senior services and care, said Erin Shvetzoff Hennessey, CEO of HDG. We are grateful to join such talented partners in this venture. We all look forward to serving the greater Denver community soon. Mike Mattis, Partner at Ellipsis, attended the community event. We had a great day with Mayor Jeff Toborg, TJ Sullivan, President and CEO of the Parker Chamber of Commerce and several members of the chamber joining the ownership team to officially break ground on Terra Bluffs. Ellipsis is extremely excited to work alongside HDG and Invesque as we bring Terra Bluffs to life, said Mattis. When Terra Bluffs opens, the dedicated on-site team will provide and curate wide array of enriching, community activities and services designed to nurture residents independence, individualism and creativity. Terra Bluffs will be a scenic, pet-friendly community where residents will have opportunity to enjoy a large, outdoor courtyard, sky lounge and on-site walking paths. In addition, the community will feature a spacious club room, movie theater, library and fitness center. Residents will be treated to a chef-inspired culinary program served in a restaurant-style dining space that overlooks a picturesque mountain setting. We are really excited to be partnering with Health Dimensions Group and Ellipsis to bring this state-of-the-art property to the Parker community. Both groups are experts in their respective areas and deliver exceptional products and services, said Adlai Chester, Invesques Chief Investment Officer. Invesque is a health care real estate company with an investment thesis focused on the premise that an aging demographic in North America will continue to utilize health care services in growing proportion to the overall economy Ellipsis works with senior health care operators, physician groups, hospitals, and health systems to deliver best-in-class healthcare properties. The Ellipsis team navigates every step of the development progression, from finding the right building location to laying the final brick. HDG is a leading consulting and management firm, providing services to post-acute, long-term care, and senior living providers, as well as hospitals and health systems across the nation. HDG has been serving health care organizations for more than 20 years with a firm commitment to its values of hospitality, stewardship, integrity, respect, and humor. HDG serves more than 2,200 residents and 2,000 team members in 41 senior communities across seven states. About Terra Bluffs: For more information on Terra Bluffs call 641-680-8455. About Ellipsis Partners: Carmel, Ind.-based Ellipsis Partners is a health care real estate company specializing in developing best-in-class properties and raising capital. Committed to partnership above all else, Ellipsis works diligently to create the type of care environments that allow our nations top medical providers to deliver care in properties that are practical and state of the art. For more information, visit www.ellipsisre.com. About Invesque: Invesque is a North American health care real estate company with an investment thesis focused on the premise that an aging demographic in North America will continue to utilize health care services in growing proportion to the overall economy. Invesque currently capitalizes on this opportunity by investing in a highly diversified portfolio of income generating properties across the health care spectrum. Invesques portfolio includes investments in independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, transitional care, and medical office properties, which are operated primarily under long-term leases and joint venture arrangements with industry leading operating partners. Invesques portfolio also includes investments in owner-occupied seniors housing properties in which Invesque owns the real estate and provides management services through its subsidiary management company, Commonwealth Senior Living. For more information, please visit www.invesque.com. About Health Dimensions Group: Minneapolis-based Health Dimensions Group (HDG) is a leading consulting and management firm, providing services to post-acute, long-term care, and senior living providers, as well as hospitals and health systems across the nation. HDG has been serving health care organizations for more than 20 years with a firm commitment to its values of hospitality, stewardship, integrity, respect, and humor. For additional information about HDG, visit www.healthdimensionsgroup.com, call 763-537-5700, or email info@hdgi1.com. ### Attachment LAS VEGAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAAT GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES INC. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQX: TOBAF) (FRANKFURT: 2TP) (the Company or TAAT) is pleased to announce that over the past 60 days it has secured 19 new relationships with U.S. wholesalers to carry TAAT, adding distribution in new states such as Virginia (population 8.5 million), Oregon (population 4.2 million), and Missouri (population 6.1 million). In a press release dated August 17, 2021 , the Company announced that it had obtained distribution in seven new U.S. states (AL, CA, FL, GA, IL, MI, MS) in just two months, and announced shortly thereafter in a press release dated September 24, 2021 that the count of TAAT retailers across the country officially surpassed the 1,000-store mark. Just three weeks later, the Company has confirmed that more than 1,200 stores in the United States now carry TAAT at retail. An interactive store finder map of TAAT retailers can be found on the Companys TryTAAT portal at the following link (must be 21+): https://trytaat.com/pages/sca-store-locator In addition to TAAT being available for purchase by the majority of smokers aged 21+ in the United States through e-commerce, the Company is also undertaking its first international launches in markets to include Australia, as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland (for which a 43,000-pack shipment landed in late September 2021 ). By adding more than a dozen new distributors in the United States and bringing its new manufacturing facilities in Las Vegas, Nevada into operation last month (as announced in a September 3, 2021 press release), the Company is confident that it can further scale its commercialization of TAAT between increased production bandwidth and an expanded network of retailers. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8eeeb5f-a753-44fe-a68c-0c3b2cf2a55f Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media. TAAT Chief Executive Officer Setti Coscarella commented, As more smokers aged 21+ are choosing TAAT instead of tobacco cigarettes, we believe consumer-level demand has influenced retailers of tobacco products and their respective wholesalers to begin carrying TAAT as part of their tobacco category offerings. Additionally, we have held TAAT exhibits at several commercial trade shows in recent months to include the NACS Show in Chicago, which is the largest and most prominent such event in the U.S. convenience industry. These events have enabled us to start dialogues and form relationships with wholesalers who we have converted into TAAT distributors at a remarkable rate. Now that we have increased production capacity through our new facilities in Las Vegas, we are picking up the pace at which we are adding new distributors, states, and points of sale across the country. I am very impressed with the momentum we have achieved with 19 new distributors in the past 60 days and a 20% increase in our store count in the past three weeks, and we look forward to building upon this growth for our first international launches that are presently underway. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, TAAT GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES INC. Setti Coscarella Setti Coscarella, CEO and Director For further information, please contact: TAAT Investor Relations 1-833-TAAT-USA (1-833-822-8872) investor@taatglobal.com THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSES REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER. About TAAT Global Alternatives Inc. The Company has developed TAAT, which is a tobacco-free and nicotine-free alternative to traditional cigarettes offered in "Original", "Smooth", and "Menthol" varieties. TAAT's base material is Beyond Tobacco, a proprietary blend which undergoes a patent-pending refinement technique causing its scent and taste to resemble tobacco. Under executive leadership with "Big Tobacco" pedigree, TAAT was launched first in the United States in Q4 2020 as the Company seeks to position itself in the $814 billion1 global tobacco industry. For more information, please visit http://taatglobal.com . References 1 British American Tobacco - The Global Market Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the anticipated performance of TAAT in the tobacco industry, in addition to the following: Potential outcomes from the addition of new TAAT distributors in the United States. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the tobacco markets; and (iii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The statements in this news release have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking the Companys products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of the Companys products on an individuals health and well-being. The Companys products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This news release may contain trademarked names of third-party entities (or their respective offerings with trademarked names) typically in reference to (i) relationships had by the Company with such third-party entities as referred to in this release and/or (ii) client/vendor/service provider parties whose relationship with the Company is/are referred to in this release. All rights to such trademarks are reserved by their respective owners or licensees. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inspiring journalism projects covering climate change, Himalayas ghost cats, political crisis in Hong Kong and the U.S. public health system were among the finalists and winners honored Oct. 15 in the 2021 Online Journalism Awards the annual global showcase of digital innovation administered by the Online News Association (ONA). Winners were announced online and during a ceremony in Philadelphia, where ONA reconnected the journalism community at the associations first in-person conference in two years. The Lenfest Institute for Journalism provided support to host the 2021 OJAs reception and ceremony. Special guests included Gina Chua, Executive Editor of Reuters, who was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Impact Award for her dedication to innovation in visual storytelling and steadfast commitment to mentor journalists and address structural issues in the industry. Selected by the ONA Board of Directors, the Impact Award recognizes trailblazing individuals who have made a substantial impact on the industry, regardless of their tenure in journalism or involvement with ONA. Five honors in the 2021 OJAs come with a total of $40,000 in prize money. PublicSource, Grist, ProPublica and The New York Times each received a $5,000 prize for the General Excellence in Online Journalism award, supported by SmartNews. The Topical Reporting: Climate Change award went to Grist, with a $5,000 prize courtesy of McKinsey Publishing. The 2021 Knight Award for Public Servicewith a $5,000 prize supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundationhonored THE CITY for their project Missing Them, a local accountability project to track down and memorialize people who died due to Covid-19 in New York City. The Gather Award in Engaged Journalism comes with $2,500 prizes for each of the two subcategories, thanks to the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications. El Timpano earned recognition in the Micro/Small Newsrooms subcategory for their community-powered coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Anchorage Daily News in collaboration with ProPublica are the winners in the Overall Excellence subcategory for their project Unheard, bringing to light the stories of survivors of sexual violence in Alaska. ONA expanded this years competition with two new awards: Topical Reporting: Pandemic Coverage and Excellence in Social Justice Reporting. Winners in these categories included The Washington Post, USA Today, News & Observer and ProPublica. The 2021 OJAs also reimagined recognition for student work, with two subcategories in the revamped Student Journalism Award. Brett Marsh of the University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism received the award in the Student Portfolio subcategory. Two winners were recognized for the Student Team Portfolio Awardthe Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. As part of the 2021 awards showcase, ONA also previously announced the 2021 recipients of three awards bestowed by special committees on individuals or small groups. Honorees included the community managers of the ICFJ Global Health Crisis Reporting Forum (Paul Adepoju, Kossi Balao, Desiree Esquivel, Fadwa Kamal, Alexandre Orrico, Stella Roque) for the ONA Community Award ; Palestinian freelance photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf for James Foley Award for Conflict Reporting ; and Meredith Artley, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CNN Digital Worldwide, for the Rich Jaroslovsky Founder Award . Here is the full list of the 2021 Online Journalism Awards winners in 21 categories that were open for submissions: Gather Award in Engaged Journalism, Micro/Small Newsroom El Timpano Gather Award in Engaged Journalism, Overall Excellence Anchorage Daily News, ProPublica Knight Award for Public Service THE CITY Excellence in Social Justice Reporting, Single Story News & Observer, ProPublica Excellence in Social Justice Reporting, Portfolio The Washington Post Topical Reporting: Climate Change Grist General Excellence in Online Journalism, Micro Newsroom PublicSource General Excellence in Online Journalism, Small Newsroom Grist General Excellence in Online Journalism, Medium Newsroom ProPublica General Excellence in Online Journalism, Large Newsroom The New York Times Breaking, Small/Medium Newsroom San Francisco Chronicle Breaking News, Large Newsroom The New York Times Digital Video Storytelling, Short Form FRONTLINE, The New Yorker Digital Video Storytelling, Medium Form Pulitzer Center, The New Yorker Digital Video Storytelling, Long Form Vice Digital Video Storytelling, Series South China Morning Post Excellence and Innovation in Visual Digital Storytelling, Small Newsroom A Punt Media, Barret Cooperativa, Lab RTVE Excellence and Innovation in Visual Digital Storytelling, Medium Newsroom The New Yorker Excellence and Innovation in Visual Digital Storytelling, Large Newsroom The Globe and Mail Excellence in Audio Digital Storytelling, Limited Series The Washington Post Excellence in Audio Digital Storytelling, Ongoing Series Al Jazeera Digital, Al Jazeera English Online Excellence in Audio Digital Storytelling, Use of Audio Storytelling The Washington Post Excellence in Collaboration and Partnerships AL.com, IndyStar, Invisible Institute, The Baton Rouge Advocate, The Marshall Project Excellence in Immersive Storytelling The New Yorker Excellence in Newsletters, Portfolio The Wall Street Journal Excellence in Newsletters, Single Newsletter THE CITY Explanatory Reporting, Small Newsroom Center for Public Integrity Explanatory Reporting, Medium Newsroom Honolulu Star-Advertiser, ProPublica Explanatory Reporting, Large Newsroom Star Tribune Feature, Small Newsroom | WHYNOT by Radio Free Asia Feature, Medium Newsroom Univision News Digital Feature, Large Newsroom The New York Times Online Commentary The Washington Post Sports, Small/Medium Newsroom MARCA Sports, Large Newsroom The New York Times Student Journalism Award, Student Portfolio Brett Marsh: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism Student Journalism Award, Student Team Portfolio Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Carnegie-Knight News21 Student Journalism Award, Student Team Portfolio Newhouse School at Syracuse University The Al Neuharth Innovation in Investigative Journalism Award, Small Newsroom Spotlight PA The Al Neuharth Innovation in Investigative Journalism Award, Medium Newsroom Tampa Bay Times The Al Neuharth Innovation in Investigative Journalism Award, Large Newsroom The Globe and Mail Topical Reporting: Pandemic Coverage, Portfolio The Washington Post Topical Reporting: Pandemic Coverage, Single Story USA Today University of Florida Award in Investigative Data Journalism, Small/Medium Newsroom Grist, The Texas Observer University of Florida Award in Investigative Data Journalism, Large Newsroom Associated Press, KHN (Kaiser Health News) San Diego, CA, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For those that are unaware, BAP Token is a unique token that's built by Bitcoin ATM Pros. 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Invest In The Pre-Sale 2nd Phase There are several reasons why you may consider investing your hard-earned money in the second phase of the token sale. Top among the reasons is that beginner investors will receive a share of 10% of the profits that the company intends to generate from their crypto ATMs. The profits will be credited to individual investors as BAP tokens every quarter. Buying and holding the token means that, in the future, your investment portfolio will increase in value and also fetch you massive returns on your investment. What's more? The dividend payout will also increase in the future as the project builds momentum and gains traction. How To Buy BAP Tokens The process of buying BAP tokens is simple and straightforward. You can purchase the token directly on the official website via www.baptoken.com or you visit Coinpros exchange to place your order. Coinpros is the native exchange of the project. For now, the exchange is still in its developmental stage. However, once it comes on stream, crypto enthusiasts would be able to exchange their cryptos on the platform. About BAP Token BAP Token is the native token of the Bitcoin ATM Pros ecosystem. BAP Token stands for financial freedom. It intends to revolutionize the financial landscape so that everyone can have access to decentralized banking services and cryptocurrencies. Social links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bitcoinatmprosSD Twitter: https://twitter.com/bitcoinatmpros Telegram: https://t.me/OFFICIALBAPTOKENCHANNEL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baptoken/ Media Contact: Company: Bitcoin ATM Pros Contact Name: Micheal Cuillard Address: San Diego, CA E-mail: info@bitcoinatmpros.com Website: https://www.baptoken.com Source Link Palm City - Margaret Jan Crandall passed away at home on November 14. Her daughter Martha and her husband Robert were at her side. Jan Crandall, nee Schmults, was born on June 2, 1935, in Barrington, Rhode Island. During WWII, the family lived in Newport where her father, Ernest, worked at t Waukesha, WI (53187) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 36F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Overcast. Low 29F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Goshen, IN (46526) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 40F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies. Low around 30F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Governor Northam Announces App That Makes Small, Women-Owned, and Minority-Owned Businesses More Accessible Start Small app has a searchable database of more than 100,000 companies RICHMONDGovernor Ralph Northam today announced the launch of the Start Small app to connect app users and state government agencies with nearby vendors. Start Small is free, mobile-friendly, and can be used by anyone. Keyword searches will match users with nearby businesses from the approximately 100,000 registered vendors. Searches can be further refined to only small businesses, including those owned by women, minorities (SWaM) or service-disabled veterans certified through the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. Virginia is stronger because of our small businesses, said Governor Northam. This app makes it easier than ever to support our local, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. I encourage all Virginians to take advantage of Start Small to find vendors that fit their needs. Start Small helps agencies with the routine purchases that keep government running and make up millions in dollars of government spending. Governor Northam issued Executive Order 35 in 2019 directing executive branch agencies and institutions to allocate more than 42 percent of discretionary spending to certified small businesses. Agency purchases are often made using small purchase charge cards. More than $945 million was spent by cardholders in fiscal year 2020. The Virginia Department of Transportation remains a leader in SWaM and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise best practices, and I am proud that its procurement application can be expanded to help state agencies connect with and support small businesses across the Commonwealth, said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. Economic growth and vitality will depend upon access to the best, the brightest, and most innovative small businesses in Virginia. The collaboration and resourcefulness of the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of General Services exemplifies the great successes we can achieve as a Commonwealth when we cultivate cross-agency partnerships, said Secretary of Administration Grindly Johnson. The resource that the Department of General Services and the Virginia Department of Transportation created will, in turn, expand the relationships between state government agencies and small businesses in Virginia. Dozens of businesses register in eVA each day. Registering is free and helps businesses particularly small businesses get noticed by government purchasers. There are nearly 13,000 small, women-owned, and minority-owned certified vendors registered in eVA. More than 191,000 purchase orders, worth more than $1.5 billion, were issued through eVA to small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses in fiscal year 2020. The Virginia Department of Transportation created the Start Small app using vendor data from the Department of General Services electronic procurement system, known as eVA. Companies register to do business with the Commonwealth through this system. The new app will allow state agencies, who frequently look for companies to work with, to access this convenient and searchable list of registered companies. With the Virginia Department of Transportation constructing and maintaining over 57,000 miles of roadway across the Commonwealth, in addition to the equipment and tools necessary to keep Virginia moving, our agency does business with vendors and suppliers across the state, said the Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner Stephen C. Brich. We are proud to contribute to the growth and success of Virginia entrepreneurs and the economy by supporting small businesses owned by women, minorities and disabled veterans. We are excited to collaborate with the Virginia Department of Transportation to make it easier and more convenient for state employees to find eVA registered vendors all across the Commonwealth, Department of General Services Director Joe Damico said. We understand that when employees are in the field and they need immediate supplies, they just need to get the job done. Bringing this information to their fingertips helps ensure those taxpayer dollars are spent with Virginias small businesses to the greatest extent possible. To learn more, visit virginiadot.org and eva.virginia.gov. # # # Alpine seemed to be heading into a wonderful Grand Prix weekend in Turkey, but nothing was further from the truth. Esteban Ocon finished in 10th place, while Fernando Alonso did not finish in the points. Marcin Budkowski was very disappointed after the race. Alonso seemed set to score the most points for Alpine last weekend. The Spaniard qualified in sixth position and due to Lewis Hamilton's grid penalty even started the race in fifth position. A collision with Pierre Gasly sent him off the track and after spinning, he fell to the back of the grid, and he couldn't climb much higher up the order. Read more Will Alpine have to say goodbye to important asset after less than a year? "Fernando is really good in these kinds of conditions," Budkowski stated in conversation with Racer. "I think we could and should have put both cars into Q3, if not for Estebans traffic issues in Q3. In these conditions we seem to have performed reasonably well. Its a circuit that would suit us. I think Austin should as well." Budkowski was hoping for more points However, the Alpine director still couldn't suppress his disappointment. "Its frustrating to qualify so well and to have such a good pace on Friday and Saturday and only end up with one point and lose ground to our competitors," he said. Submit An Obituary Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form HYVIA, the joint venture between Renault Group and Plug Power (earlier post), has unveiled the Renault Master Van H2-TECH prototype. A large van for transporting goods, with 12 m3 of cargo volume and a range of up to 500 km, the van will be available in 2022. Master Van H2-TECH is equipped with a 30kW fuel cell, a 33kWh battery and tanks containing 6kg of hydrogen (4 tanks of 1.5 kg each). The Master Van is produced in France, at Renaults Batilly plant. Electric and hydrogen integration is realized by PVI, a Renault Group subsidiary in Gretz-Armainvilliers. The e-motor is produced at Renaults Cleon plant. Fuel cell assembly will begin at Flins plant by the end of the year. The hydrogen tanks will be sourced in France, from Faurecia. HYVIA also unveiled its Hydrogen Refueling Station prototype. These prototypes are a first illustration of the complete HYVIA ecosystem including green hydrogen production and distribution, with a range of fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles. (Earlier post.) HYVIAs Hydrogen Refueling Station allows a fast 5-minute fueling time. Hydrogen supplied will either be generated on-site using water electrolysis or supplied in bulk using gaseous tube trailers. The system compresses hydrogen into storage, before dispensing it into the vehicle when needed. HYVIAs Hydrogen Refueling Stations will be available to purchase, lease or rent. They will be assembled in France, at Flins factory. The next prototypes to come will be: Topsoe has begun production at a demonstration plant designed to validate its electrified technology for cost-competitive production of sustainable methanol from biogas as well as other sustainable products. The global annual production of methanol is around 110 million tons. With close to 1.4 ton CO 2 being emitted per produced ton methanol, the emission reduction potential is enormous, assuming all methanol is being produced by means of a carbon-neutral process and sustainable feedstock. The project is supported by the EUDP Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program and is developed together with Aarhus University. The climate benefits from using sustainable methanol is not limited to one single purpose. Sustainable methanol can be used for marine fuel, blend in gasoline, and for the chemical industry, where methanol is mainly used today. The main feature in the demonstration plant is Topsoes eSMR technology, which enables not only the production of sustainable methanol, but also other sustainable products like green hydrogen, green ammonia, eFuels, and more. Fighting climate change demands clean fuels for all sectors. With this initiative, we will demonstrate that we are able to transform classical production process into a fully carbon-neutral scheme. Specifically, we will demonstrate that sustainable Methanol can be produced from biogas at a very competitive cost compared to other green methanol produced from non-fossil fuels. Kim Grn Knudsen, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Haldor Topsoe We are very happy about the accomplishments in the joint project so far. The new electrified steam methane reforming technology is central in a future based on renewable energy and circular bioeconomy and the eSMR demo plant fits perfectly into our energy research facility in Foulum. We see many interesting perspectives in this new technology, and we look forward to unlock the potential of further development and integration of the technology in the energy system of the future. Thomas Lundgaard, project manager at Aarhus University, Dept. of Biological and Chemical Engineering The demonstration program is part of Topsoes ambition to take part in the global movement to reduce the global carbon footprint and one of many initiatives to develop solutions for sustainable aviation, shipping and heavy transportation in general. The demonstration plant. Haldor Topsoe is leading the project. The partners are Aarhus University Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering; Sintex A/S; Blue World Technology ApS; Technical University of Denmark; Energinet A/S; Aalborg University; and PlanEnergi. The demonstration plant is located at Aarhus Universitys research facility in Foulum, Denmark. The plant will have an annual capacity of 10,000 liters of CO 2 -neutral methanol from biogas and green power and is scheduled to be fully operational by the beginning of 2022. To produce the sustainable methanol, Topsoe uses its eSMR technology, described in a paper in Science in 2019. eSMR integrates an electrically heated catalytic structure directly into a steam-methanereforming (SMR) reactor for hydrogen production. Intimate contact between the electric heat source and the reaction site drives the reaction close to thermal equilibrium, increases catalyst utilization, and limits unwanted byproduct formation. The integrated design with small characteristic length scales allows compact reactor designs, potentially 100 times smaller than current reformer platforms. Image: Topsoe The technology produces synthesis gas (syngas), an essential building block in production of polymers (plastics) and chemicals. The eSMR technology is CO2-neutral when based on biogas as feedstock and green electricity for heating. It utilizes half the CO 2 that makes up about 40% of biogas and typically is costly to separate and vent in production of grid quality biogas. Resources Americans Are In A Mental Health Crisis Especially African Americans. Can Churches Help? Support local journalism We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story. As federal regulators consider approval of a coronavirus vaccine for young children, several state officials including Connecticuts new public health commissioner school leaders and education reform advocates say they would support an immunization mandate for K-12 school children once the shot receives full authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Manisha Juthani, who leads the Department of Public Health, said in an interview with the CT Mirror that she favors a mandate for school children once the vaccine wins full approval. The FDA has signed off on emergency use of the Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 shot in children ages 12 to 15. Pfizer recently asked the agency to also authorize emergency use of the vaccine for kids 5 to 11. The FDA has only granted full approval to the Pfizer immunization for people 16 and older. I can say that I would support this type of initiative down the line, Juthani said. We need to see approvals for some of these vaccines, and I need to see where things land. I have not seen the data. But ultimately, we have vaccine mandates for many other vaccines. People generate their list of vaccines for their children when they enroll in school and for many other places that they go - college and workplaces and beyond. This vaccine technology has been tested for many, many decades, and it is the way that our lives are going to be able to get back to some sort of normalcy. Juthani said state leaders have not yet talked about such a requirement and are not considering it right now. I would need to discuss it with other appropriate members of this administration, but I would say that, scientifically, I would support that, she said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced earlier this month he was imposing a coronavirus vaccine mandate for children in public and private schools - the first state in the nation to adopt such a requirement. Californias mandate will be phased in as the FDA grants full approval to the shot for children. Students who opt out of the requirement - and who dont have a medical or personal belief exemption - would have to be homeschooled. The exemption rules have not yet been drafted. The Newsom administration is expected to seek public input. In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont said the state is eager to help facilitate COVID-19 vaccinations for children but only on a voluntary basis, given that they would be available under an emergency authorization. Asked this week if he would consider a mandate, he replied: No, surely not at this point. I mean, its only emergency use. So I think thats a long way off. But Juthani is not alone in her support of a requirement for school children upon full FDA approval. Dr. Scott Schoem, president of American Academy of Pediatrics Connecticut chapter, said his organization is an advocate of a mandate for K-12 children once the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices grant the vaccine full authorization. There are all kinds of mandates that are in the public interest for global population health. And to me, this is one of them, said Schoem, who is head of pediatric otolaryngology at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center. From the standpoint of reducing exposure and making it safe for all kids to attend school, a mandate goes very far to be able to decrease the chance that somebody gets COVID and especially the delta variant, which is very contagious. Amy Dowell, state director for Democrats for Education Reform, a political nonprofit, said a mandate would help protect kids with weakened immune systems, some of whom cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Her group supports a requirement for school children. We think that children being vaccinated makes it possible for civil rights protections for students who are immune compromised, Dowell said. In our minds, more children being vaccinated [equates to] a safer classroom, allowing more students to safely be in those classrooms. Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, said conversations about a mandate for school-aged children have not yet come up in her organization, but she personally favors a requirement once the vaccine is FDA approved. What we have learned over this last year and a half is certainly that it is incredibly important for our children to be in school, and we feel very strongly that with a vaccination, we can achieve herd immunity, and we wont be closing or quarantining, she said. I think that will be great for all kids. When considering a mandate, the state may want to include a weekly testing option for a period of time to give some families time to adjust, she added. Not everyone is supportive of a vaccine edict. Gwen Samuel, president of the Connecticut Parents Union, said many parents she knows, especially in Black families, are still hesitant to get vaccinated themselves and are unsure whether they want to immunize their children. Some parents dont believe they have enough information about the effects of the vaccine on young childrens development, while others are hesitant because of the role they say politics has played in the development and rollout of the vaccines. Many families have heard more about the vaccines from the governor than from local politicians or trusted community leaders, Samuel said. The politics [are] making people afraid because theyre only hearing from one person, more so the governor, than from the people they put into office that were supposed to represent their interests, she said. A mandate could also spur lawsuits. I will say that if they go that route for school purposes, theyre going to end up in court with that, because theres too many variables, Samuel said. Some legislators say they have not ruled out introducing a bill next session that would impose a mandate, though they acknowledged it would be difficult to win passage. The next regular session begins in February. Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, a Westport Democrat who is co-chair of the Public Health Committee, said he would consider such a bill if agencies like the CDC recommended that requirement for school children. I wouldnt rule out such a possibility, because if the data are sufficient and indicate that this would be a good thing to do given the high transmissibility of COVID, its quite possible [federal agencies] would recommend to us that it be added to the list of mandatory shots, he said. House Speaker Matthew Ritter, D-Hartford, said legislative leaders have not discussed the issue. He pointed to the difficulty lawmakers had in passing a bill last year to remove the states religious exemption from mandatory school vaccinations and said imposing a mandate for the coronavirus shot would be even more daunting. We had a very difficult time; it took three years to to deal with that first immunization bill. I think you would find it a very difficult environment to try a mandate for the COVID-19 vaccine, he said. And Im also not sure were there yet from a science perspective. Earlier this month, Pfizer said it is seeking emergency use authorization of its vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. The FDA is expected to hold a meeting before the end of October. A decision could quickly follow. A Sept. 30 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that about a third of parents, or 34 percent, said they would vaccinate their 5-to-11-year-old child right away when the shot is authorized for that age group. About a third of parents (32 percent) said they would wait and see how the vaccine is working before having their 5-to-11-year-old vaccinated. The share of parents who said they definitely wont get their 5-to-11-year-old inoculated remained steady at one in four, or 24 percent. Nearly half of parents (48 percent) reported that their 12-to-17-year-old had received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the study. CT Mirror reporter Mark Pazniokas contributed to this story. WINSTED The Winsted Recreation Department is holding its annual Trunk or Treat FROM 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Rowley Street Playground. Children will trick-or-treat by going car-trunk-to-car-trunk to get their bag filled with treats. Each car trunk will be decorated by participating individuals or groups in the Halloween spirit for the event. The rain date is Oct. 31, 4:30-6:30 p.m. All children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Plan to park at the Skate Park, or across the fields and walk over to the event. No cars will be allowed into the playground except for the vehicles participating in Trunk or Treat and those who have already preregistered for the event. A suggested donation of canned food is requested, but not required, for entrance. Due to the popularity of this community event, the deadline for applications for decorated cars is Monday, Oct. 25. Space is limited to the first 40 cars. For a registration form, go to townofwinchester.org and click on the Winsted Recreation link. Applications should be returned to Tanya Risucci, 338 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Winsted, CT 06098. Call 738-6964 or email trisucci@townofwinchester.org with any questions. A note to residents/business owners: The Recreation Department is gratefully accepting donations of bags of candy for the event. Consider dropping off a bag to the Recreation Department at Town Hall or at B.A.S.E. to help with the event. 2021 Trunk or Treat is sponsored by the Town of Winchester Recreation Department and Winsted Area Child Care Center B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Education). Kent Pumpkin Run sets off at noon KENT The 45th Annual Kent Pumpkin Run will begin at noon Oct. 31. The five-mile event is Kents largest one-day community event. The first 400 registered runners receive a commemorative performance T-shirt. The Pumpkin Run, hosted by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, travels along one of the most scenic courses in Connecticut. Costumed runners are encouraged, and prizes will be given to the top five most creative costumes. Designer mugs will be awarded in all age divisions and the top three finishers overall, male and female, will win prize money. For more information, to register online, or for a mail-in registration form, go to kentpumpkinrun.com. Registration fees are $27 until Oct. 22 and $32 on race day. DARE program gets auxiliary support WINSTED The Auxiliary for Community Health agreed to fund the Winchester Police DARE Program. Each year the program has been able to survive, thanks to the generosity of The Auxiliary for Community Health, which has again agreed to fund the DARE Program for $4,000, according to Chief William Fitzgerald. The funding will enable DARE Officers to supply 6th grade students with workbooks, learning aids and supplies, funding for the DARE Day, certificates, and graduation supplies, and other materials. This will also enable us to purchase items for teaching safety lessons to children at younger ages. There are two DARE Officers, Sergeant Robert Varasconi and Detective Daniel Pietrafesa, who have been teaching DARE for many years. They have also supported the Winchester Police Department by purchasing life saving equipment such as medical bags and defibrillators Youth Service Bureau fundraiser set for Nov. 6 WINSTED The Winchester Youth Service Bureau is holding the 16th Annual Fall Fundraiser, Celebration of Gratitude, 6-10 p.m. Nov. 6 at Crystal Peak, Winsted. The evening will feature hors doeuvres, a buffet-style dinner, dancing, a cash bar and a silent auction. The WYSB welcomes members of the community for an evening celebrating gratitude and raising money to support youth and families in the bureaus service areas. Tickets can be purchased for $40 online at www.nwcty.org/special-events or at the Winsted and Torrington YMCA front desks. The WYSB serves the towns of Winchester, Barkhamsted, New Hartford, Colebrook, Norfolk and Hartland with one focused mission: to help at-risk youth and their families. For more information on WYSB Celebration of Gratitude or the Winchester Youth Service Bureau, visit www.facebook.com/WYSB.CT or email cohm@nwcty.org Veterans celebration planned at Lewis Mills BURLINGTON Lewis S. Mills High School invited veterans in the towns of Burlington and Harwinton for a luncheon and assembly at the high school, starting at noon. Throughout the day, community members are invited to view LSM students artwork displayed in the Main Lobby and adjacent hallway. To attend, R.S.V.P. to Cindy Berardinelli by Oct. 31 by calling 860-673-0423 x15311. If leaving a phone message, be sure to include your full name, phone number, and the number of people attending. GREENWICH There have been 75 cases of COVID-19 reported in the Greenwich Public Schools since the start of classes, with three new cases reported Friday, according to the latest update on the school districts online tracker. The number of new cases reported remains in single digits in the twice-a-week updates from the school district, with three new cases also reported last Tuesday. There are currently eight active cases of of COVID-19 in the district, with four cases attributed to family or outside activity and four cases of an undetermined origin, according to the district. Seven students and one teacher are impacted by those active cases. The active COVID-19 cases are reported at six different schools, with three cases at Greenwich High School, and one case each at Central Middle, Eastern Middle, Hamilton Avenue, North Mianus and Old Greenwich, according to the district. In the six weeks since classes began Sept. 1, a small number of families in the school district have been heavily impacted by COVID-19. Of the 74 total cases reported, 28 cases have occurred in just 12 families, according to the district. The latest update continues the low trend of new COVID-19 cases reported in the district. Last Friday, six new cases were reported, and only two cases were reported on Oct 5. Three new cases were reported on Oct. 1 on the tracker, after five new cases were reported on Sept. 28. A new policy went into effect last month at Greenwich Public Schools that requires all district employees to either be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing for COVID-19. That follows an executive order from Gov. Ned Lamont requiring all school staff across the state to be vaccinated by Sept. 27 or undergo weekly testing. The school district updates its online tracker every Tuesday and Friday morning to alert the GPS community about updates on COVID-19. Statewide as of Oct. 14, Connecticuts school submission summary of COVID-19 reported 588 cases of COVID-19 in public and private schools during the week of Oct. 7 through Oct. 13. That is down slightly from the 601 cases during the week of Sept. 30 through Oct. 6 and the 686 cases from Sept. 23 through Sept. 29, which was a big drop from the 855 cases the week before that. The state updates its schools COVID-19 data every Thursday. A year ago, the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Greenwich Public Schools came in mid-September and, until late October, cases remained in the single digits districtwide. For the 2020-21 school year, a total of 697 cases of COVID-19 were reported districtwide. Under an executive order from Gov. Ned Lamont, masks are required for everyone, regardless of immunization status, in schools statewide until at least Feb. 15. The legislature last month granted an extension of the governors emergency powers covering COVID-19 and the mandates now in place. First Selectman Fred Camillo said in a COVID-19 update on Wednesday that COVID-19 numbers remain low in town as well. Were seeing a downward trend, not just here but all around the country, Camillo said. Were being vigilant and continuing to monitor it. The federal Food and Drug Administration is expected to soon allow children under the age of 12 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Yale New Haven Health System, of which Greenwich Hospital is a part, is still developing our strategy, but we will be ready when young children can receive vaccines, said Dana Marnane, vice president of public relations for Greenwich Hospital. We anticipate hearing something by the end of the month as to whether we can start vaccinations, and it will probably be a couple of weeks after that, she said. Staff Writer Ken Borsuk contributed to this story. A woman accused of breaking into homes in Greenwich and nearby Westchester County, N.Y. while families were attending funerals has been found guilty by a jury in White Plains. Latonia Stewart, 30, of the Bronx, was found guilty of six counts of burglary and criminal possession of stolen, both felonies, after a week-long trial ending Thursday, the Westchester County District Attorneys Office announced Friday. Authorities said Stewart looked up death notices online and targeted homes of individuals she believed would not be home because they were at memorial services. Greenwich police charged her in late 2019 with larceny and burglary, alleging the so-called obit burglar had broken into a home in Greenwich. Town police said she was was accused of stealing personal belongings worth more than $20,000 from a home in the west end of Greenwich in October 2017. The Greenwich case is still pending, according to the state judicial website. According to the Westchester D.A.s office, Greenburgh Police arrested Stewart on May 1, 2018 after observing her driving away from the home of a deceased person with jewelry in the vehicle. The D.A.s office said she had a website with an obituary pulled up on her cellphone. Besides Greenburgh, the D.A.s office said she targeted residences in Cortlandt, Ossining, Rye Brook, Scarsdale, and Tarrytown. Prosecutors in New York took the case to trial, superseding the charges in Connecticut. According to the D.A.s office, Stewart used a sledge hammer to break windows and glass doors to gain entry into certain homes, and caused further damage to the homes once inside. It is absolutely appalling that people mourning the loss of a loved one were specifically targeted and taken advantage of in such a cruel and heinous manner, Westchester D.A. Mimi Rocah said in a statement. I commend the great work of my team, the Greenburgh Police Department, and the other law enforcement partners who handled this case, and I hope that this verdict brings some measure of comfort to the victims. Stewart faces a sentence ranging from a minimum of three and half years to a maximum of 15 years in a state prison on each burglary count. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 22. We may know what Sonys Xperia event on October 26 is about and lets just say that we never would have guessed today Sonys China branch announced that it has reached an agreement with Meizu for strategic cooperation. The goal is to make Xperia phones better at catering the needs of the Chinese market. Thats where Meizu comes in, it boasts 100 million users in its home market. Sony will soon start pre-installing select Meizu apps on the Xperia 1 III and subsequent new products. Current owners of the 1 Mark III will be able to download these apps after installing the latest firmware update that was rolled out this month. The apps in question will include an app store (remember: no Google Play in China), email, weather, news and other apps. Sony and Meizu are partnering up to bring Flyme features and apps to Xperia phones But this will go beyond just apps Sony and Meizu are looking at ways to add some of Flymes features to Xperia phones (if you arent familiar, Flyme is Meizus Android customization). The Sony Xperia 5 III is essentially the same phone as the 1 III (as far as the OS is concerned, anyway), thought it is not available in China yet, so it wasnt part of the announcement. As for subsequent new products, unless the event on the 26th brings a new phone, there arent any on the horizon that we know of. Source (in Chinese) | Via A tube of cooked ham is include among other commodity items issued to village constituents during a food distribution by Mangilao Mayors Office and AmeriCorps Ayuda Para I Komunidat volunteers at the Mangilao Night Market Grounds on Sept. 10. A total of $50 million will go toward aiding local businesses and their employees through an executive order by the governor and new legislation establishing the Local Employers Assistance Program Friday. Our businesses are the backbone of our community and through this program, they have our full support in sustaining the gainful employment of our people, said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. The program was established to provide additional assistance to businesses in support of maintaining and increasing employment rates, particularly in the industry hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector. The Committee on Tourism, led by Sen. Amanda Shelton, Sen. Joe San Agustin and Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, introduced the bill. American Rescue Plan Act funding will provide $25 million and Bill 214 will appropriate the other $25 million. The Guam Economic Development Authority is the lead administrator and processor of the program, but the Department of Administration is responsible for issuing all payments. Helping workers The funds are a way to provide help for workers since the end of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, especially because the current unemployment rate on Guam is at 11.4%, significantly higher than the pre-pandemic unemployment rate of 6.1%, according to the governors office. Th program is modeled after the Paycheck Protection Program, which forgives certain amounts of loan funds used for employee wages and benefits. Infusing these resources back to the community will truly bring back Guam to its glory, said Barnes who thanked the governor for helping the two branches of government collaborate on this program. This new program is the Leon Guerrero administrations fifth small business grant assistance program, following the implementation of the Guam Small Business Pandemic Assistance Grant Program 2020, the Healthcare System Stabilization Grant Program, the Guam Small Business Rent Assistance Grant Program and the Guam Small Business Pandemic Assistance Grant Program 2021. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a writ of certiorari from political leaders in Puerto Rico who sought relief from a federal law that bans cockfighting. The case came to the Supreme Court after lower U.S. courts rejected the claims of cockfighting interests and their local political allies in Puerto Rico and Guam, according to a news release. Congress and the federal courts have determined that cockfighting is not only barbaric and inhumane, but it is bound up with interstate commerce, grounding the authority of the federal government to forbid staged fights, said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. In December 2018, Congress passed, and the president signed, the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, which included a provision applying all federal prohibitions against animal fighting to the U.S. territories. Congress gave the territories a year to comply, with the prohibition taking effect Dec. 20, 2019. That law makes it a felony to operate a cockfighting venue or to participate in animal fights. A case from a Guam cockfighter was rejected by a U.S. District Court on Guam in October 2020; an appeal is pending before the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Animal Wellness Action, the Animal Wellness Foundation and the Center for a Humane Economy have participated as a friend of the court on the side of the United States in all challenges to the 2018 U.S. law banning cockfighting. The U.S. Department of the Interiors Office of Insular Affairs has announced more than $4 million in brown tree snake control for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii and federal agencies, according to a news release from the Department of the Interior. Some $4,095,922 million has been administered through fiscal 2021 funding through a technical assistance program. An additional $1,791,421 from Coral Reef and Natural Resources fiscal 2021 funds was announced earlier in the year for controlling and mitigating other invasive species, besides the brown tree snake, in insular areas, according to the news release. Islands are particularly vulnerable to invasive species that disrupt natural, long-standing biological processes and threaten our unique, island ecosystems, said Deputy Assistant Secretary Keone Nakoa. Each year, (Office of Insular Affairs) provides significant funds to critical efforts seeking to help restore balance. The Brown Tree Snake Control Program fiscal 2021 funding was divided among several governments and federal partners to include Guam, the CNMI, Hawaii, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of the Interior as follows: Guam Department of Agriculture for interdiction and control: $100,000; Guam Power Authority for brown tree snake data collection: $70,389; CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources for interdiction and control: $407,950; Hawaii Department of Agriculture for interdiction and control: $288,706; USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, includes interdiction and control on Guam and Cocos Island: $1,205,590; USDA National Wildlife Research Center for research: $649,842; U.S. Geological Survey for research: $1,055,522; and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for program coordination: $317,923. Coral Reef and Natural Resources fiscal year 2021 funding awarded to counter other invasive species beyond the brown tree snake included: University of Guam for invasive species detector dog pilot program, to include detection of the coconut rhinoceros beetle: $866,423; Micronesia Conservation Trust, a regional non-governmental organization, for the eradication, control, and management of invasive species in Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap: $300,000; Island Conservation, a non-profit organization, for the removal of invasive rats in Mili Atoll, Marshall Islands: $299,838; and CNMI government for sabana pandanus forest control and native trees restoration project: $75,160. An additional amount of $250,000 in emergency funding also was provided in fiscal year 2021 funding to help the CNMI control and mitigate the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle on Rota. Haiti - FLASH : Colombia calls for a hemispheric response to the Haitian migration crisis During his visit to New York (October 11-12), Colombian President Ivan Duque said that the increase in Haitian arrivals in recent months in Colombia and Panama en route to the United States is no longer just a problem for these two countries and called for a hemispheric response to the Haitian migratory crisis "I believe that it is no longer only the business of Colombia or Panama, the situation of Haitian migrants is much more serious." According to President Duque, a common response is urgent : "The way in which this situation is going to be handled must call on all countries in the region and almost all in the hemisphere to act responsibly." He stressed that in recent months, the flow of migrants, mostly Haitians, from Chile and Brazil, arrive every day by the hundreds at the Colombian-Panamanian border to cross from Necoclim, the Colombian jungle of "Darien Gap" one of the most dangerous regions of Latin America, an area of marshes and hostile forests of about 8,000 km2 "they risk their lives in the dangerous Darien jungle, the natural border between Colombia and Panama [...]" Recall that from January to September 2021, 91,300 migrants including 56,600 Haitians, crossed the Colombian jungle of "Darien Gap" one of the most dangerous regions of Latin America, an area of marshes and hostile forests of about 8,000 km2 . https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34962-haiti-flash-56-600-haitians-this-year-crossed-the-dangerous-jungle-of-darien-colombia.html For this reason Ivan Duque asked that a meeting between the countries concerned be held quickly to coordinate the efforts in order to resolve the migratory crisis. However, he ruled out in advance the possibility of establishing a humanitarian corridor to allow the safe passage of migrants or to provide temporary relief status. recalling "Colombia currently has a protection status policy temporary with Venezuelan citizens who were in Colombia. At present, we support a hemispheric solution to this situation. But, let's be clear, the Haitian migrants who gather at the border between Colombia and Panama do not come to stay in Colombia or Panama, their goal is to reach the southern border of the United States." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34962-haiti-flash-56-600-haitians-this-year-crossed-the-dangerous-jungle-of-darien-colombia.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34958-haiti-politic-the-migration-of-haitians-on-the-agenda-of-mexico-and-the-usa.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34954-haiti-flash-106-haitians-found-locked-in-a-container-in-guatemala.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34953-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34939-haiti-migration-mexico-repatriates-129-haitians.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34830-haiti-flash-biden-denounces-the-treatment-of-haitians-at-the-border-and-takes-responsibility-for-it.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34828-haiti-flash-no-more-migrants-under-the-del-rio-bridge.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34820-haiti-flash-us-special-envoy-to-haiti-daniel-foote-resigns.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34812-haiti-migration-crisis-congresswoman-maxine-waters-revolted-and-angry.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34811-haiti-flash-haitian-migrants-from-del-rio-escape-during-their-bus-transport.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34807-haiti-politic-dhs-does-not-tolerate-abuses-against-migrants.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34805-haiti-justice-two-un-agencies-concerned-about-the-american-deportation-of-migrants-to-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34799-haiti-usa-democrat-nancy-pelosi-in-defense-of-haitians-stranded-at-the-mexican-border.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34797-haiti-migration-crisis-the-government-calls-for-solidarity-with-our-compatriots-in-difficulty.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34786-haiti-flash-joe-biden-orders-the-deportation-of-thousands-of-illegal-haitian-migrants.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34770-haiti-flash-thousands-of-haitian-migrants-detained-in-the-usa-in-a-makeshift-camp.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34734-haiti-politic-200-illegal-haitian-migrants-intercepted-in-mexico-returned-to-guatemala.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34669-icihaiti-chiapas-a-caravan-of-haitians-marches-towards-the-usa.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34658-haiti-mexico-muscular-interception-of-migrants-dozens-of-haitians-arrested-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34626-haiti-politic-more-expulsions-of-haitians-under-joe-biden.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34268-haiti-mexico-more-than-2-000-illegal-haitian-migrants-arrive-in-tapachula.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33352-haiti-flash-joe-biden-expels-more-haitians-than-donald-trump.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - NOTICE : Digicel, adjusts upward the price of withdrawals transactions from the MonCash service Digicel informs its customers in general, and users of the MonCash service in particular, that from October 18, 2021 an adjustment will be made to the fees for withdrawing from the MonCash service. This change will be applicable only to withdrawal transactions from this service. However, account-to-account (P2P) transfers, deposits, merchant / invoice payments and account management remain unchanged and FREE. The company Digicle explains "This change is motivated in part by an increase in the cost structures of the service, but above all, to keep the majority of other transactions free. Note that 80% of MonCash transactions today are and remain FREE. However, Digicel has ensured that for 95% of its MonCash customers, the new rates remain lower than all traditional forms of money transfer in the country." Download the details of the transaction fees : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/tarif-mon-cash.pdf Customer reaction was quick and Maarten Boute, CEO of Digiciel in Haiti explained "I hear and understand the reactions of a large part of our MonCash customers. The decision to adjust the rates on withdrawals was very difficult for the entire Digicel team. But we looked at all the possibilities and it was the least bad choice. Our calculations have shown that on average this adjustment will cost our subscribers 30 Gourdes/month. For more than 80% of customers this additional cost is less than 10 Gourdes/month. And for more than 95% of transactions, rates remain more competitive than other local transfer options. Unfortunately in the current economic situation we had to adjust the costs of the services and opted for the option that will hit the small purses and keep the free transfer services (P2P) which are the most used as well as the sustainability of investments." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Diaspora : 14th commemoration of the monument The Volunteer Hunters/Skirmishers of Saint Domingue in Savannah As part of the 14th commemoration of the historic monument "The Volunteer Hunters/Skirmishers of Saint Domingue", a delegation from the Ministry of Culture, led by Minister Jean Emmanuel Jacquet, made up of his Chief of Staff, Mrs. Dithny Joan Rahton, of the Director General of the Institute for the Protection of National Heritage (ISPAN) Patrick Durandis, and three other officials of the Ministry went to Savannah (Georgia) at the invitation of the "Haitian American Historical Society" (HAHS). This both historical and cultural event was an opportunity for Minister Jacquet to show the importance of this memorial by recalling that the blood of our ancestors had flowed for the conquest of freedom and American independence. This monument initiated by the late Daniel Fils-Aime, Founder and former President of the HAHS, represents in the eyes of the free world, a testimony of the Haitian contribution, the sacrifices and the sufferings of our valiant warriors to the efforts of the American separatists. In order to preserve on Francklin Square, in Savannah, the holder of the MCC asked the ISPAN to make an evaluation of the monument located on Francklin Square, with a view to restoring it. While in Georgia, Minister Jacquet met with Van R. Johnson II, the Mayor of Savannah. The two spoke about history, culture, and the participation of people of color in the Battle of Savannah in 1779. The officials of the HAHS honored two members of the Government : the Minister of Culture and that of Haitians living abroad, as well as the Ambassador of Haiti in Washington Edmond Bocchit, for their contribution and their participation in the success of the event. The next day the Haitian delegation went to Fort Matanzas, in Saint-Augustine, Florida where is the fortified watchtower built in coquina, completed in 1742. The delegation concluded its trip to the United States with a visit to the former residence of Georges (Jorge) Biassou, one of the leaders of the Haitian revolution of 1791, who died on July 14, 1801 in Saint-Augustine. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Insecurity : The PNH tracks the members of Fantom 509 on the run In a note, Leon Charles, Director General ai of the Haitian National Police recalls that "since the last quarter of 2019, Port-au-Prince and its surroundings have been living under the threat of the terrorist organization 'Fantom 509' of which the use of violence constitutes the only rhetoric." Charles points out that "Fantom 509" which claimed to defend the police cause through the SPNH-17 union, ended up showing its true face "when this organization began in the spring of 2020, to target the police officers it claimed to defend." Recalling that the results of the actions of this Group can be summarized as follows : "aggression against members of the population, destruction of public and private property and murder of police officers in the exercise of their functions." Faced with the threat that "Fantom 509" represents for peace and public order, and having been recognized as a terrorist organization in its own right, both by the Government and by the international community, arrest warrants have been issued against all of its members who have been identified as perpetrators of wrongdoing. Leon Charles mentions that while many of them have been arrested and brought before the judicial authorities, others are actively sought by the police. And he seeks "the collaboration of the population and undertakes, once again, to work relentlessly in order to put out of harm's way this criminal organization." Read also about the "Fantom 509" Group : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34643-icihaiti-justice-a-police-officer-from-phantom-509-arrested-for-murder.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34120-haiti-flash-several-perpetrators-of-the-delmas-32-massacre-already-identified.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34110-haiti-flash-carnage-in-delmas-32-at-least-15-dead-the-pnh-accuses-fantome-509.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33706-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33366-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-33345-icihaiti-justice-arrest-of-two-members-of-fantome-509.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33322-haiti-flash-wanted-notice-for-5-other-police-officers-active-members-of-the-group-phantom-509.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33311-haiti-flash-wanted-notice-for-8-police-officers-active-members-of-the-group-phantom-509.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33303-haiti-flash-shooting-between-phantom-509-and-the-pnh-2-police-officers-killed.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33318-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33268-haiti-insecurity-fantome-509-releases-by-force-4-police-officers-imprisoned-at-the-delmas-33-police-station.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33264-haiti-flash-violence-vandalism-and-looting-in-port-au-prince.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32936-haiti-flash-police-officers-engage-in-acts-of-banditry.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32484-haiti-flash-70-police-officers-member-of-fantom-509.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32345-haiti-flash-the-group-fantome-509-sows-terror-in-the-capital.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31897-haiti-flash-release-of-the-policeman-alexandre-member-of-the-phantom-509-group.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31839-haiti-justice-the-igphn-is-investigating-the-police-members-of-the-phantom-509-group.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31820-haiti-flash-new-violent-actions-of-the-phatom-509-group-in-the-capital.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31803-haiti-flash-outburst-of-violence-of-the-police-offciers-of-the-phantom-509-group.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31787-haiti-justice-the-phantom-509-group-issues-an-ultimatum-and-threatens.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30777-haiti-justice-a-police-officer-incarcerated-in-the-penitentiary-the-phantom-group-issues-an-ultimatum.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30755-haiti-security-the-group-phantom-509-soon-reported-as-an-terrorist-group-to-international.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30644-haiti-politic-the-group-phantom-509-target-of-the-justice.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30641-haiti-flash-violent-demonstration-of-police-officers-of-the-group-phantom-509.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Reverend Jesse Jackson in solidarity with Haiti On Thursday, October 14, Haiti's Ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond said, "I had a very enriching conversation with Reverend Jesse Jackson who expressed his solidarity with Haiti in these difficult times. He pledged that he would continue to raise his voice for the respect and dignity of all migrants arriving in the United States." Petion-ville : The Director of the OAVC office kidnapped Thursday, October 14, Kurdy Lareche, the Director of the office of the Vehicle Insurance against Third Party (OAVCT) office in Petion-Ville, was kidnapped by the "400 mawozo" gang in the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets at the time that he was on his way to work. PNH : Arrest of an alleged police killer On Wednesday October 13, a team from the Departmental Unit of Maintenance of Order (UDMO) of the West arrested in the evening in Torcel, Fred Chery aka "Baby", a member of the Torcel Gang. Chery is suspected of having actively participated in the assassination of Police Inspector Emmanuel Silencieux and involvement in the kidnapping of a Pastor at Pernier 27. NOTICE Call for tenders : Concession of 3 micro-networks Concession of 3 micro-networks: Capotille, Valieres and Mont-Organise (North East). The National Regulatory Authority for the Energy Sector (ANARSE) and the Energy Unit of the Ministry of Public Works are looking for contractors. To withdraw the tender dossier, send an e-mail to appel@anarse.gouv.ht USA : Uzra Zeya's mission ends The Under-Secretary of State for Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, concluded her 24-hour official visit to Haiti (October 12 and 13) Before leaving the country, she reiterated the commitment of the Biden Administration to support Haitian-led solutions to increase security for all in Haiti, ensure accountability in cases of human rights violations, restore democratic institutions through the organization of free and fair elections and support the Haitian government in welcoming Haitian returnees Fuel : Efforts underway... On Thursday October 14, Ricarden St-Jean the Minister of Trade and Industry affirmed that efforts were underway at the level of the Government to resolve the problem of the non-availability of fuel at the pumps. He explained that this is due not only to insecurity but to the Government's difficulties in finding funds for the fuel subsidy. HL/ HaitiLibre Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up Email Password Password Username Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password. Stay logged in Help Written By Reporter Sophia Voight is a reporter for the Hastings Star Gazette. She is from Oshkosh, WI and graduated from the UW Oshkosh with a bachelor's degree in Multimedia Journalism in 2021. She can be reached with any news tips at svoight@orourkemediagroup.com | Hastings, NE (68901) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 51F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 32F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Editor: In response to the complainers of the unjabbed, I see a problem. This pr Press release Montana Department of Transportation and Schellinger Construction have completed the Lohman East and West project on U.S. Highway 2, upgrading the route in time for Halloween fun. This project began just past the Hill/Blaine County line and ended at the city limits on the west side of Chinook. MDT also reconstructed the shared-use path west of Chinook on the south side of the highway. The project has been substantially complete for several weeks, but the final striping was completed this week. The Lohman East and West project on US 2 was a reconstruction project designed to improve a critical stretch of Hi-Line roadway infrastructure. We have completely reconstructed over ten miles of US 2 and rebuilt four bridges, Great Falls District Administrator Jim Wingerter said. The project now provides passing lanes, turning lanes, new bridges, wider shoulders, and flatter roadway side slopes. It now provides a modern, safe, and efficient highway that meets traffic needs, Wingerter said. People can visit the project website to learn more: https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/lohman/. Some of the projects benefits include: Improving safety to reduce the probability and severity of crashes; Increasing the operational capacity of the roadway; Improving service to the local communities, agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism; and Improving wildlife access and reducing animal-vehicle crashes. One other project was also completed this summer. Chinook to Harlem Culverts: Culvert repair and replacement. Construction in 2021. People can visit the project website at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/us2culverts . Three other projects are in the design phase and will culminate with the complete reconstruction of U.S. 2 from the Hill/Blaine County line to just before Fort Belknap. Chinook East: Six miles of roadway reconstruction with ten bridges. Construction beyond 2024. People can visit the project website at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/chinookeast . Zurich East/West: Seven miles of roadway reconstruction with four bridges. Construction beyond 2024. People can visit the project website at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/zurich . East of Zurich to Harlem: Seven miles of roadway reconstruction. Construction beyond 2024. People can visit the project website at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/eastzurich . MDT would like to thank the traveling public for their patience and understanding throughout the completion of this significant project. At the October meeting of the Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association, the pastors dug into the details of bringing Child Bridge back to Havre. To quote my colleague Pastor Curt Curtis, "Child Bridge's mission is to find and equip foster and adoptive families for Montana children who have been victims of abuse or neglect." We all know the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child." Child Bridge- and GHAMA! - believes it takes an especially dedicated village to raise a child who has faced the kinds of trauma that lands them in foster care. Child Bridge offers the kind of support that our "village" needs to help these children. Andrew Morrow, the area representative for Child Bridge, was at our GHAMA meeting, and he explained the approach that has proven to work best with these kids. It's what Child Bridge teaches their "villagers": Trust-Based Relational Intervention, or TBRI. Karyn Purvis and David Cross developed TBRI at the Texas Christian University Institute of Child Development. They recognized that there are three main pillars in any treatment of complex trauma: "(a) development of safety, (b) promotion of healing relationships, and (c) teaching of self-management and coping skills." TBRI helps both the caregiver and the child learn healthy and sustainable ways of flourishing in mutual relationships. At our meeting, we looked at the nuts and bolts of getting our Havre foster and adoptive families trained in TBRI through the Child Bridge small group model. It would require a church to host monthly small group meetings, plus other congregations to provide the meals and childcare on a rotating basis. We've got some interested congregations - and if you yourself are interested, please reach out to any GHAMA member! We'd love to grow our village! As I've been reflecting on the methods that Child Bridge uses to help children grow through their trauma, I'm reminded of other periods of trauma in Scripture. The Israelites, as exploited workers in Egypt, suffered the traumas of slavery, xenophobia, and attempted genocide (Pharaoh ordered the killing of male Hebrew babies twice!). God heard their cries and knew it was time to get them out of that situation and into a period of healing. So God broke the chains of their oppression and led them to the desert. I imagine that if God had taken the Israelites straight to the Promised Land, the Israelites wouldn't know what to do with themselves. They would be in danger of repeating the sinful, destructive power structures that they had known in Egypt. The Israelites needed a bit of TBRI, Old Testament-style. So God met their physical needs with water from a rock and manna from heaven, God led them to safety with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, God gave them rules to promote a healthy and righteous lifestyle, and God slowly, haltingly, built a relationship of trust with those bruised and beaten Hebrews. By the time they reached the Promised Land, they weren't perfect, but they had a strong foundation. Trauma doesn't just affect children or ancient Middle Eastern tribes. People are recovering from trauma all around us. For many, the past 20 months have been traumatic. Whatever the trauma, finding solid footing in a shifting world is a big step towards healing. Child Bridge offers that solid footing through relationships of trust, and so does our faith. The 1834 hymn sings it best: "On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid rock, we stand; all other ground is sinking sand." May it be so! -- Pastor Megan Hoewisch First Lutheran Church ShareBar Comments must be on-topic and civil in tone (with no name calling or personal attacks). Any promotional language or urls will be removed immediately. Your comment may be edited for clarity and length. Free access for current print subscribers As a home delivery subscriber, you get free unlimited digital access to premium content on HenryHerald.com, including local news, local sports, obituaries, legal notices, local features, and the e-edition. All you need is your print subscription account number and your last name. Don't know your subscription number? Email access@henryherald.com with your delivery address. Activate your account now. Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, please log in to leave your message. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log In button at the top of the page and then register to create your account. Ron Germann, School Board member, was awarded the McGuffey Award from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB). The CASB McGuffey Award honors unique board members who bring committed and passionate service to their board work. Very, we have an emergency plan and complete emergency supply kit. Somewhat, we have a complete emergency supply kit. Little, we have incomplete plan and/or supply kit. Not at all. Vote View Results Value is what you get It's up already The day after Thanksgiving Three weeks before Christmas Two weeks before Christmas If it's up in time for Christmas, I'm happy Vote View Results Multimedia Video Journalist Buffalo native trying to get her news on! Im a Multimedia Journalist here at Your Hometown Stations and I love what I do. Have a cool story idea? Im in! Just email me at ashelton@wlio.com or message my Facebook page. Pipeline 15 October 2021 Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed a franchise agreement with Hoteis Deville to introduce the first Westin Hotels & Resorts in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Slated to feature 187-rooms and suites, the property expects to welcome its first guests in the spring of 2024. Located in Sao Paulo's Itaim Bibi district, The Westin Hotel Sao Paulowill sit within the JK Square mixed-use development, which is slated to include retail, offices, and residences. Plans call for a restaurant located on the 2nd floor, a bar integrated into the lobby on the first floor and a leisure area on the 3rd floor with a swimming pool and fitness center. For corporate and social events, the property is slated to feature conference and meeting rooms of multiple sizes for different needs. The architectural project was developed by KPF, a renowned American office. The incorporation of the entire complex is by SDI Desenvolvimento Imobiliario, a developer with great experience and solidity. Westin has been hospitality's global leader in wellness for more than a decade and is poised to introduce a new level of wellness to travelers in Brazil. Currently, Marriott International operates 12 hotels in Brazil under the JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Autograph Collection Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. Pipeline 15 October 2021 Courtyard by Marriott will return to the Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington, D.C., boasting a meticulous redesign and ready to host guests beginning in November 2021. Centrally located at 1733 N Street NW in a vibrant and historic mixed residential and commercial neighborhood, the anticipated hotel is tucked away among picturesque row houses and parks, but just steps away from Embassy Row, the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, and the National Geographic Museum. Courtyard by Marriott, Washington DC Dupont Circle will be suitable for all types of travelers. Central among a myriad of attractions in the nation's capital, the hotel provides a welcome respite for professionals conducting business in the area, a convenient jumping off point for tourists visiting historical monuments, or locals exploring the diverse and exciting restaurants and shops of Embassy Row. Nestled in the charming Dupont Circle neighborhood, guests will also find themselves surrounded by many nearby parks, including Rock Creek Park, Dupont Circle Park, Stead Park, Farragut Square, and others. And just a few blocks from the Metro (Red - Dupont Circle), location is truly everything - offering affordable and efficient access to Union Station, all three major international airports, and points across the entire region, including the waterfront Navy Yards district, Arlington Cemetery and the United States Capitol building. The Dupont Circle iteration of Courtyard elevates the guest experience with a mid-century modern, innovative redesign, featuring stylish tones of burnt orange, royal blue and silver, along with contemporary custom furniture and the latest technology to stay connected. With 10 stories and 143 spacious guest rooms available in both King and Double Queen configurations, patrons will enjoy large windows that provide an abundance of natural light and views of the picturesque and bustling neighborhood. Each room offers 100% black-out shades to ensure that guests will awaken refreshed and each room also offers a large working desk to foster creativity and productivity. Guests may also enjoy the hotel's SMART TVs featuring Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms. The sleek lobby welcomes visitors with contemporary, flexible spaces for business and leisure travelers alike with check in pods and semi-private high-backed booths that feature built-in monitors conducive to meetings or relaxing while enjoying the hotel's free WiFi. The hotel also offers a spacious fitness center with strength training and cardio equipment for guests to stay reinvigorated and energized. The hotel's redesign also features two food & beverage options adjacent to the hotel lobby. The Bistro will offer a fast-casual dining environment with fresh, made-to-order options. This dining area is an ideal spot for guests to gather with colleagues or friends and enjoy the full-service food and bar offerings. The Crate, also located in the lobby, features a 24/7 ready-made concept for those who are on the go. The new prototype for Courtyard is making its regional debut in the Dupont Circle location, with packaged items offered in a grab-and-go, contactless setting. This Courtyard by Marriott in Dupont Circle will be the fifth in the nation's capital and its new location's modern redesign transforms the brand's footprint in the Washington, D.C. region as it serves both business and leisure guests. Courtyard by Marriott's return to the Dupont Circle area offers guests an opportunity to experience a quiet and localized neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets and historic homes while also enjoying the conveniences of a city center hotel. Press Release 15 October 2021 Accor, a world leading hospitality group featuring one of the industrys most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems, has established itself as a global leader within the red-hot branded residences sector. The group currently operates 70+ branded residences around the world under 16 brands from the upper echelon of the luxury market to premium and midscale brands, with an increasing number of highly compelling lifestyle offerings. A new website showcases the groups impressive collection of branded residence offerings at accor-residences.com. Advertisements Accors activity in the hotel-branded residences sector is a perfect example of the Groups entrepreneurialism, innovation and powerful drive to lead the industry in any venture in which it gets involved, said Jeff Tisdall, SVP of Development, Residential and Extended Stay, Accor. Accor brands like Raffles and Fairmont have been pivotal in the evolution of branded residences for nearly two decades. Thanks to these trailblazing frontrunners, weve been able to apply the expertise weve acquired by introducing private residences to a number of our brands in recent years. Accor now offers theindustrys most comprehensive portfolio of branded residences, introducing inspiring new visions for homeownership across a wide spectrum of consumer segments. Accors diverse portfolio of branded residences features privately owned apartments, villas and chalets which are developed, designed, and serviced to the standards of one of its globally recognized brands. Most of Accors branded residences are co-located with an Accor-managed hotel, although standalone residential projects are on the rise as well. Branded residences combine exclusivity and the comfort of luxury living, with a comprehensive array of on-demand hotel services. In resort locations, purchasers of branded residences may have the option to participate in a managed rental program, enabling them to generate rental income when not enjoying their home personally. According to 2021 data from Savills International Development Consultancy, the branded residences sector looks set to maintain its resilience and continue its extraordinary run of growth. The last decade has seen the number of branded residences increase by 230%, adding more than 50,000 units across 356 schemes. Meanwhile, Knight Franks Global Buyer Survey 2021 revealed that 39 per cent of residential real estate buyers would be willing to pay a premium for a hotel branded property, citing services and amenities as the top motivation. Its an exciting time as we are seeing an increasing preference among developers and hotel owners for projects that combine a hotel with a private residence component. Consumers are eager to invest in real estate that will be managed by a trusted hotel brand with the knowledge theyll also have access to an atmosphere and experiences that are near to their heart, said Agnes Roquefort, Chief Development Officer, Accor. A key focus of Accors development strategy is to accelerate the expansion of our branded residential portfolio, with the right projects in the right markets. One of Accors most anticipated flagship properties is Raffles London at The OWO and The OWO Residences by Raffles, which will open as a new icon of global hospitality and luxury living. With no two homes alike, eighty-five exclusive residences are being developed within the historic Grade II* listed former Old War Office building in London a magnificent landmark located between the palaces of British royalty and the halls of British government. Closed to the public for over a century, The OWO has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last five years in order to create the capitals first Raffles hotel with 120-rooms and suites, a collection of 11 outstanding restaurants and bars, and an immersive spa. At The OWO Residences by Raffles, homeowners will have the privilege of living within a rare location, benefitting from a world-renowned hotel on their doorstep, while enjoying the serene privacy of being at home, said Stephen Alden, CEO Raffles & Orient Express. Our goal is to elevate the residential experience. Whether its a private dinner by a favorite chef; a bespoke art consultation; or a sudden whim for martinis at midnight our Raffles Butlers and dedicated concierge team will provide residents with all the legendary warmth and intuitive service that generations of Raffles guests have come to know, love and count on. In addition to its global leadership in branded residences and luxury hospitality, Accor has established a dominant position in the lifestyle hospitality sector through its joint venture with Ennismore. With more than a dozen lifestyle brands now in its collection, Ennismore currently has seven lifestyle branded residential projects open and operating with another 17 under development, including projects under leading brands such as Mondrian and SLS. We are particularly excited by the growth opportunities where private residences and our lifestyle brands intersect, said Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO, Ennismore. By definition, a lifestyle brand offers a holistic style, culture and values that permeate the entire guest experience from sleeping to socializing, which is what makes residences at brands such as SLS, SO/ and Mondrian so compelling as places where guests want to live, work and play. Properties that have recently made headlines across the Accor and Ennismore branded residence portfolios include: Branded Residences - Accor Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences , opening in 2022, will make international and local history as the first mixed-use development in North America for the illustrious Raffles Hotels & Resorts brand, while writing a new story for Bostons hospitality and real estate industries alike. Offering an unprecedented residential and hotel experience in the heart of the Back Bay, Raffles Boston features 146 branded residences, 147 guestrooms, and 16 distinct gathering spaces. , opening in 2022, will make international and local history as the first mixed-use development in North America for the illustrious Raffles Hotels & Resorts brand, while writing a new story for Bostons hospitality and real estate industries alike. Offering an unprecedented residential and hotel experience in the heart of the Back Bay, Raffles Boston features 146 branded residences, 147 guestrooms, and 16 distinct gathering spaces. Fairmont Century Plaza Residences are part of a cultural landmark in the heart of Los Angeles, a contemporary icon with a star-studded history for hosting the rich and famous. Single-story and townhouse homes designed by Yabu Pushelberg reside within the grand hotel, which opened to much fanfare in September 2021, and feature Fairmont Concierge living and 24-hour valet and security. Lumiere and Cafe Vignette keep residents nourished in California style, while The Bar at Century Plaza is a hotspot for the citys tastemakers and trendsetters. are part of a cultural landmark in the heart of Los Angeles, a contemporary icon with a star-studded history for hosting the rich and famous. Single-story and townhouse homes designed by Yabu Pushelberg reside within the grand hotel, which opened to much fanfare in September 2021, and feature Fairmont Concierge living and 24-hour valet and security. Lumiere and Cafe Vignette keep residents nourished in California style, while The Bar at Century Plaza is a hotspot for the citys tastemakers and trendsetters. MGallery Residences MontAzure Lakeside is Accors first branded residences project in Thailand. Residents can choose from 236 spacious studio or one-bedroom residences, with options to combine to create larger units. Planned to open in 2023, the property is within the landmark MontAzure development, which covers 72 hectares of mountain to beachfront land on Phukets sunset coast at Kamala Bay. is Accors first branded residences project in Thailand. Residents can choose from 236 spacious studio or one-bedroom residences, with options to combine to create larger units. Planned to open in 2023, the property is within the landmark MontAzure development, which covers 72 hectares of mountain to beachfront land on Phukets sunset coast at Kamala Bay. Pullman Residences Newton, Singapore stands 30 stories high at one of the citys most prestigious addresses offering stunning views of the city skyline and Bukit Timah Hill. Opening in 2023, residents will live in true Pullman style, with club lounge service ambassadors helping them have it all, from arranging dog walking to dry cleaning, housekeeping and catering, personal shopping, personal training, private transportation and so much more. A While You Are Away maintenance package puts residents minds at ease while travelling. Branded Residences - Ennismore Opinion Article 15 October 2021 Weve already gleaned some powerful insights from the Q2 Travel Recovery Trend Report on the gradual rebuilding of the travel industry, as well as dove into the data for the North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific markets. Next, well share some of the insights weve gained for the Latin American market to see how it compares. Growing Confidence Seen in Search Behavior Like we saw globally and in other markets, shoppers in Latin America searched for travel at increasing rates in the second quarter of the year compared to the first. In fact, overall search volume among LATAM travelers increased nearly 35%. Looking at search windows, the most significant growth was for dates 0-21 days in advance. On the other hand, there was a slight decrease in search volume across most other windows, including the 21-day to 180+-day timeframe, suggesting that, overall, shoppers were searching for travel at the last minute compared to the previous quarter. This behavior is counter to the trend we saw globally, where shoppers were, on the whole, beginning to search for travel further out. However, when looking at domestic search specifically, there was a small shift from consumers looking less than three weeks outdown from nearly 65% down to 60%to further out. It was just a modest change: 1 or 2 percentage points each for 31-60 days, 61-90 days, and 91-180 days. Nevertheless, it suggests a growing confidence in searching further out for domestic travel. Increased Interest in Traveling Farther Distances In line with what we observed for domestic travel, Latin American shoppers were also looking at international travel dates further into the future. The 0- to 21day search window saw a slight decrease in search volume, while the biggest increase was in the 31- to 60day window: Search volume in this timeframe jumped from 10% to nearly 15%. More interest in this medium-term window would seem to indicate increased confidence in the stability of the travel industry. This cautious optimism is seen in booking patterns, as well. For instance, LATAM travelers booked more international trips in Q2 compared to the predominately regional bookings seen in Q1. While the top 3 booked destinations in Q1 were all in Mexico, international destinations New York City and Houston took over the number 2 and number 3 spots, respectively, in Q2. Domestic Travel Still Overwhelmingly Preferred Even though more Latin American shoppers ventured out a little farther compared to the previous quarter, they are still being cautious. According to research conducted by Expedia Group and Wakefield Research, 67% of respondents in Mexico said they were most likely to only travel domestically in the following year. Conversely, just 14% said they were likely to travel internationally. And 18% of respondents said they werent likely to travel at all over the next 12 months. While New York City and Houston moved up in rankings for booked destinations, Cancuna local destinationwas still the most-booked city for LATAM travelers in Q2. Mexico City and Playa del Carmen rounded out the top 5, suggesting that, at least at the time, shoppers generally preferred to stay closer to home. How Media Solutions is Empowering Brands and Destinations As travelers gradually regain confidence in the industry, Media Solutions has actively supported recovery efforts by partnering with travel brands and destinations. For example, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) partnered with Media Solutions to build a bespoke campaign promoting tourism as they rebuild. Travel brands in Costa Rica took advantage of loosening restrictions by being the first in Central and South America to target shoppers with a Co-Op Campaign, funded by Copa Airlines and local hotels. And Discover Puerto Rico worked with the team to craft an impactful, destination-wide campaign to inspire travelers. To learn more about how Media Solutions can partner with your brand to deliver tailored creative marketing campaigns, check out the Creative Partnerships page. Or to gain further insights into these and other global travel industry trends, download the Q2 2021 Travel Recovery Trend Report, which tracks the industrys continued recovery based on over 300 petabytes of first-party Expedia Group data and the latest custom research. Download the Report Opinion Article 15 October 2021 After a strange and tumultuous year and a half, people seem to be traveling more, with both business and personal travel on the rise. And, as hotel and airline bookings go up, influencers are expected to be among the first travelers to start spreading their wings and safely seeking out adventure. With all eyes on social media, influencers can provide a powerful storytelling focal point for hospitality brands looking to drive awareness and re-engagement. At the same time that the pandemic shifted ideas on social distancing and safe travel, it also changed the way in which people use the internet. Its not about going back to business as usual but about rethinking the way influencer marketing is done. To successfully launch or relaunch influencer campaigns, hotel marketers must thoughtfully reassess their strategy and how it fits into the brave new world of post-pandemic travel. Below are five factors hotel marketers should take into account as they rethink their influencer strategies: 1. Long-term, monetized collaborations are here to stay. The pandemic has shown influencers the need for stability in their income streams and partnerships. Influencers who might have worked for free or for in-kind sponsorship are looking for a long-term financial component in their ongoing strategies. With travel planning more tenuous in the wake of an ongoing pandemic, brands need the additional loyalty a long-term partnership provides. When a potential traveler books because of an influencer relationship, you want that desire to visit and enjoy your property to remain even amid potential pandemic-related delays or changes in plans. On the brand side, this partnership shift means fewer one-offs where a bevy of influencers blitz the market for a special event or promotion. Instead, long-term, ongoing collaborations will be used to cement relationships. To succeed in this long-term partnership market, consider developing an ambassador program, where influencers regularly share news, information and updates about your brand and build long-term awareness and interest among your target consumers. 2. The role of influencers as professional content creators solidifies. COVID meant studios across the country were closed, and often closed more than once. That meant brands and businesses were scrambling to keep fresh content in front of their audiences. When brands couldnt get their glossy, high production value content created in a timely manner, they knew where to turn. Influencers stepped in to produce high-quality and engaging content to help brands maintain a constant flow of posts. The perception of influencers as amateurish content producers has shifted to that of professional content creators. They have effectively demonstrated their value as a cost-effective marketing option, producing high-quality content that is authentic and engaging because of their experience and their intimate knowledge of the social landscape. In fact, 73 percent of TikTok influencers surveyed by our team in a 2021 poll, reported dedicating between one and five hours to TikTok each day and 65 percent post content daily. 3. Go local first. For the U.S., domestic travel has already begun to bounce back, with masses of tourists visiting national parks and other iconic destinations. In fact, the record-setting boom in national park visits led to the implementation of selfie stations in some of the nations most scenic settings. Americans are likely to continue this trend, roadtripping and visiting drivable locations as they get their travel legs back under them. Partnerships with local influencers will play a key role in raising awareness about these destinations and encouraging followers to visit. As travel reopens, prioritize relationships with influencers in your local communities. They know the market, the most attractive tourist spots and the hidden gems that make people feel like theyve discovered something amazing even if theyre just getting out of the house for a weekend staycation in their hometown. Utilizing these local partnerships can be a great way to create ongoing content that attracts potential repeat guests. 4. Size does not matter. Bigger isnt always better in the influencer world. The trend towards microinfluencer marketing is likely to accelerate as more brands turn to these small but mighty players to drive engagement within their target audiences. 72 percent of buyers said that an influencers follower number has no bearing on how likely they are to trust or engage with them. Instead of going for influencers who are big (and costly!), consider targeting the ones who align most closely with your brands audience. You can search them out using an influencer marketing platform to find the best fits and to evaluate audience, reach and engagement. Using this approach, you can find the diversity you want among your influencers a variety of audience-size tiers from nano and micro influencers for local campaigns to mid-tier and macro for wider-range branding. And, as a reminder, diversity can be beneficial to your influencer portfolio. Seek out influencers with different experiences to attract different consumer segments and give you a more inclusive, broader-based appeal. 5. Explore new content formats. Not surprisingly, the advent of social distancing also brought with it an astounding increase in internet usage. During the first month of the pandemic alone, online browsing and app usage increased by 70 percent. The increased desire for connection and interaction brought new technologies to the forefront, including social audio like Clubhouse. New social platforms like TikTok have experienced a surge in downloads and engagement during the pandemic and are top-of-mind with the newest generation of consumers, Gen Z. Hotel marketers will need to reassess their influencer content strategies and think outside the box as they experiment with new approaches and formats that include these new platforms. Using them creatively, while at the same time, continuing fruitful relationships with Instagrammers and YouTubers will mean some reallocation of marketing budget dollars. However, the social selling star power is definitely there with these new platforms 67.9 percent of TikTok content creators report purchasing products after seeing them features in TikTok posts. The pandemic has changed the way people use the internet and the way people travel, which means a big shakeup in the way brands think and marketers market. Finding the right combination of influencer projects, audiences and platforms will require additional experimentation and research to create the most compelling strategy for your hotel brand. WASHINGTON Oil is only $80 a barrel, but it already is shifting the dynamics between the White House and Capitol Hill on climate change. The same day the U.S. Energy Information Administration warned that Americans should expect large increases in their home heating bills this winter, reports emerged that the Biden administration was trying to figure out ways to keep energy costs down, even asking oil and gas companies for help. The concern within the White House comes as power and heating prices are soaring in Europe and Asia, with nations competing to lock down as much oil and natural gas as they can before winter. With no end in sight to the supply crunch, President Joe Biden is facing the prospect of high energy prices here at home at the same time he is pushing Congress to invest in shifting the nation towards clean energy. On HoustonChronicle.com: Between Biden and climate investors, carbon storage gains ground The recent upswing is already drawing calls for Biden to back off climate polices that raise prices on oil and gas production. The situation in Europe should serve as a huge warning to the Biden administration and members of Congress calling for punitive taxes, fees, and onerous new regulatory requirements on our industry, Anne Bradbury, CEO of the trade group American Production and Exploration Council, said in a statement Wednesday. By pursuing policies that restrict supply and make it harder to produce oil and natural gas here in America, Americans will have to pay more for their energy. For now, Biden has some time. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, was trading around $80 a barrel Wednesday a long way from the $106 a barrel Americans were paying before prices crashed in 2014. And the natural gas benchmark Henry Hub was only $5.77 per million British thermal units, more than double what it was a year ago but still a bargain compared to 2008, when U.S. natural gas prices averaged almost $9. But with each uptick in energy prices, the presidents job of convincing centrists Democrats and Republicans to take tougher action on climate change will become that much harder. At a hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee late last month, Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who has emerged as a critical swing vote in the closely divided Senate, questioned commissioners from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on what they were doing to control energy prices. Over the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index for energy has increased by 25 percent, Manchin said. Affordability is not optional. Im concerned we are on a runaway rise. More: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com The next day Sen. Bill Cassidy, the moderate Republican from Louisiana who worked with Manchin and other Democrats to pass a $1 trillion infrastructure bill earlier this year, took to the Senate floor to question Bidens efforts to curb oil and gas production on federal lands and waters. Can someone please explain why they are so hellbent on shutting down energy production in the U.S.? Cassidy asked. It provides good-paying jobs and economic opportunities across our nation. Looking ahead, the best Biden can do is hope energy prices dont go higher. But the prospects dont look good. Earlier this month, the expanded cartel known as OPEC+, which represents nations including Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Russia, declined a request from Biden to increase crude production, explaining that rising prices were the result of years of underinvestment in fossil fuels, not a demand surge. OPEC+ seems to have concluded that prices above $80 per barrel will remind countries of the need for continued investment to prevent volatility, wrote Ben Cahill, a senior fellow at the think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies. james.osborne@chron.com twitter.com/osborneja Thirteen-year-old Solomon Levin was on a mission. Seated at his drum set behind his bandmates, he began keeping the beat to a rocking rendition of Green Days Paranoid wearing a yarmulke. His band which includes singer and guitarist Lucas Wilson, 13, bassist Ryder Ponton, 12, and guitarist George Fellows, 13 played its one-night-only Mitzvah City Limits show outside Betsys in Bellaires Evelyn Park. And it was more than a rock concert: It was a fundraiser for Solomons mitzvah project. Mitzvah in Hebrew translates to commandment, a religious duty. The word is generally used to describe a good deed or act of kindness. In Judaism, mitzvah projects have become a bar or bat mitzvah custom. Engaging in a special act of giving or kindness is part of the celebration, as youth transition into adulthood on their 13th birthdays. At Solomons synagogue, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, mitzvah projects are a requirement, Rabbi Brian Strauss explained. Its all part of the Jewish concept of tzedakah, or charitable giving, which is a key component of the religion. He added that the root word is tzedek, which means justice. Its a commandment to create justice in our world, he said. You have to help those in need. Youre commanded to do it. Part of becoming an adult is understanding that commandment and learning the importance of giving, Strauss said. At our synagogue, we really want the bar and bat mitzvah students to remember its not all about them, but its about giving back, he said. We want them to get in the habit. And Solomons Mitzvah City Limits fit the bill exactly, Strauss added. It shows a lot of creativity, and its very unique, he said. Its very Sol. Brainstorming Solomon meets each week with teachers at Beth Yeshurun to prepare for his Nov. 26 bar mitzvah. He studies Hebrew, practices prayers and readies his Torah passage. Part of the preparations for the big day included figuring out a mitzvah project. Sols mother, Melissa Levin, encourages her children to get involved with charity projects from a young age, making giving a part of their routine. We started talking about this with Sol a long time ago, Melissa said. You need to pick something that will be your big project. Knowing his love of music, Melissa suggested, We can do a gently used musical instrument drive. But Sol had other ideas. He blindsided me with his maturity, Melissa recalled. He was like, Mom, anyone can find their way to music. Instead, he wanted to help students with different learning abilities, students just like himself. I have a great life, with a great family and go to a great school, he said. Not everybody is getting this. I dont want to be someone who takes things for granted. The great school, however, was a recent addition to the list. Settling on a Nook Sol started attending the Joy School last year, for sixth grade. The independent, nonprofit institution serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade who have learning differences. The goal is to empower students to eventually return to the traditional classroom. A lot of our students come because theyve struggled elsewhere, said head of school Shara Bumgarner. Melissa noticed immediately that the Joy School made a difference for Sol. In five minutes, his confidence and self-esteem were restored, she recalled. He was finally in a place that catered to his needs. He was where he needed to be. The Joy School offers small classes, with six to eight students per teacher. Instructors, trained to help with learning differences, equip students to understand what works for them or doesnt. Youth learn to navigate their own learning styles and become their own advocates. Getting a spot there was a gift, Melissa said. They know how to teach my kid, and Im so grateful. School is no longer paralyzing for Sol. Sol considers it a privilege to attend the Joy School. For his mitzvah project, he wanted to bring a tool used by the school to another campus with fewer resources. Your typical school wouldnt have these tools, he said. It can be hard for kids who cant have a school like this. Sol picked the Nook, an enclosed, padded structure that blocks out noise. Its a great tool, Sol said. Its not just used in school but also in the workplace. Its really good for getting work done with distractions. The Joy School purchased a Nook four years ago and uses it for tutoring, breakout spaces for small group projects or for students who need alone time to work, Bumgarner explained. These were designed for open-concept offices, she said. The kids love being in them. Its just comfortable and it works. Sol personally finds the Nooks especially effective. Its amazing but its expensive, Sol said. He found a floor model to purchase that would cut the cost. Still, it rings in at $3,000. Rather than lean on a GoFundMe page, Sol decided to host a rock show to raise the funds. But first, he needed to build a band. Bringing a band together Sol has been playing drums for about two years. He also picked up bass and most recently guitar. I love music, Sol said. Thats usually my way to express myself. Not to mention, its really fun. He studied at School of Rock and became a member of the House Band, a program in which students join together and gig. Lucas was also a member of the House Band. The two found the other members of the band at School of Rock. The quartet began practicing, rehearsing three times a week for at least two hours for the past few months. The band members also developed a playlist. We play rock, Sol said. Songs by the Beatles, Foo Fighters and Hootie the Blowfish made the set list. Melissa attended every practice, as did Georges father, Paul Fellows, who has become the band manager. He found a venue that would host the fundraiser Betsys. The restaurant agreed to donate 25 percent of food and drink sales for the cause, and gave the band three hours to perform. Sol selected Attucks Middle School to gift the Nook. Beth Yeshurun partners with Reynolds Elementary and the students from that school end up graduating to Attucks. We are so appreciative that Solomon has selected Attucks Middle School students to receive the Nook, principal Shani Wyllie said in a video Melissa made to promote Mitzvah City Limits. We have seen that it is very helpful to students, Wyllie continued. Were really excited to have that opportunity to provide that opportunity to our students. Spreading joy When Melissa told Bumgarner about Sols plan, Bumgarners first thought was that it was really ambitious. Purchasing a Nook was a major expense for the Joy School and required a lot of research. To see a teenager tackle that goal is heartwarming, Bumgarner said. Solomon wasnt swayed by that at all, she added. He wants to help kids who are not at the Joy School. The fact that he has the awareness to think, I have this opportunity to help people just makes me love him even more. At Mitzvah City Limits, Sol raised close to $6,000. The total included sales from Betsys, individual contributions and four underwriting sponsors Raizner Pediatric Neuropsychology, Genesight, the Joy School and the Center for ENT. Melissa also hopes the event helped raise awareness of neurodiversity in the classroom. As for the band, the members want to continue. In the future, Fellows plans to work with the band to develop a few original compositions. Of course, they wont be a mitzvah project anymore. But they still have big goals in mind. In the meantime, Sol continues to plug away at his studies for his bar mitzvah celebration next month. Its rewarding to know Mitzvah City Limits helped Houston students gain a new environment that could assist with learning, especially if they have difficulties at school, he said. And he learned that music and a team of supporters his band, family and audience have the power to make a difference. Its really sweet to see that I have a whole crew with me, he said. I have a fan club, and thats exciting. I had no idea that all these people would support me. Thats a great feeling. Lindsay Peyton is a Houston-based freelance writer. Chronicle file A Houston police inspector was accused of offering a bribe to a fellow officer who was a witness in a civil trial. The officer had arrested an oilman who was accused of being drunk on an airplane. The oilman was acquitted but sued the airline for damages. It was during that trial that the officer testified that Inspector Foy Melton had offered him hundreds of dollars to change his testimony. OnScene.Tv After a four-hour standoff, police have taken the driver of a pickup and the passenger he was holding hostage into custody, according to HPD SWAT Commander Megan Howard. The incident unfolded after a traffic stop in the 4000 block of Belle Park Drive, south of Westpark Tollway in the Alief area, according to police. A reward has been issued for an on-the-lam man after he missed court on intoxication manslaughter charges tied to the 2020 deaths of three passengers in a drunken crash, court records show. Camilo Morejon, who streamed a video of himself and a passenger drinking beer minutes before the fatal wreck, missed court Thursday after spending the past three months free on bond, with his last sighting before a criminal justice official having happened in August. A judge revoked Morejons bail Thursday after he failed to appear and as authorities revealed he had violated his curfew requirements. He had been ordered to remain under house arrest and, according to prosecutors, he is no longer home. More from Nicole Hensley: As Harris County judges take heat for felony bonds, critics point to unnoticed culprit: The bondsmen We think he has fled now, said Lynn Nguyen, chief prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorneys Office Vehicular Division. Crime Stoppers of Houston has since issued a $5,000 reward for information leading to his capture, officials said. Morejon faces multiple charges related to the October 2020 crash in the 12200 block of FM529, near Jersey Village, that killed Leosveyka Gonzalez, Massel Rodriguez and Ricardo Rodriguez-Tamayo. A fourth person was wounded in the crash but survived. Minutes before the deadly wreck, Morejon could be seen in a Facebook Live video sipping what appeared to be a bottle of Corona beer. Another passenger in the vehicle was also drinking a beer, footage shows. Morejons blood-alcohol content was twice the legal limit, authorities said. When he vanished was not immediately known. Prosecutors issued a subpoena Thursday requesting communications between Harris County Pre-Trial Services and Morejon, as well as GPS records to determine where he was last located and when. He visited a pre-trial services office in August, Nguyen said. Fabio Amador, Morejons public defender, said he last spoke to the defendant in July when a judge lowered his bond. On HoustonChronicle.com: Feds arrest three in 2018 cocaine stash killing in Houston I have not had any contact with him despite my various attempts, Amador said in an email. I hope he shows up again and I can help him face these charges in a court of law. Morejon could not be reached at the phone number on bond paperwork and the bail bondsman, Wisam Muharib, who secured his release from jail could not be reached either. Morejon at one point identified himself as a Cuban national seeking asylum in the U.S. during a court hearing, Nguyen said, questioning his ties to Harris County. A magistrate, Andrew Martin, initially set Morejons bail to a combined $245,000 on the four charges. Judge Teiva Bell in the 339th District Court lowered his bail in July to a combined $100,000 on the same charges. nicole.hensley@chron.com Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may benefit from receiving a booster of any brand, according to a new Baylor-led study, the preliminary findings of which support a mix-and-match approach. The study, released this week ahead of Fridays U.S. Food and Drug Administration hearing on booster shots, bolsters the case for the safety of mixing and matching vaccines to achieve protection from the viruss most severe symptoms. We didnt see any safety concerns with mixing different vaccines or with giving boosters that were different from what people originally received, said Dr. Robert Atmar, a professor of infectious diseases at Baylor College of Medicine who helped lead the federally-funded study. The findings reverse previous thinking about the safety of mixing vaccines and could pave the way for an expanded booster shot rollout. Pfizer is currently the only maker with FDA approval for third-shot boosters, available to the elderly, those with weakened immune systems and frontline workers. But that could soon change. An FDA advisory panel voted Thursday to recommend booster shots for at-risk Moderna recipients, and will consider Johnson & Johnsons booster plan on Friday. The studys findings could have special implications for the 15 million Americans who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot, many of whom are experiencing waning immunity. Researchers found that the single-dose jab followed by a booster shot of any kind produced a strong immune response. The Moderna booster proved especially effective, boosting recipients antibody levels 76-fold within two weeks. By contrast, a second dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine produced a four-fold boost over the same time period. But Atmar stressed the limited nature of the study, which contained fewer than 500 participants, and cautioned against comparing the vaccines. We werent trying to compare vaccines, he said. We were trying to make sure people responded well if they got a different booster than their original vaccine and they did. The study took place at 10 clinical sites around the country, including one led by Atmar at Baylor. Vaccinated participants were given one of three boosters Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or Pfizer. Researchers then tested participants immune response. The results were promising, Atmar said, suggesting that booster doses of both mRNA vaccines and Johnson & Johnson conferred effective protection. FDA regulators are expected to discuss the study Friday as they review Johnson & Johnson's application for authorization of its booster, according to a briefing document released ahead of the meeting. Johnson & Johnson has said its booster produces a robust immune response in clinical trials. But some scientists are questioning the companys push for a second shot, and say an mRNA booster such as Moderna or Pfizer makes more sense. The J&J boosting effect is fairly small, said Dr. Otto Yang, a professor of medicine and infectious disease at University of California Los Angeles. The mRNA vaccines perform better over time by design, Yang said, producing antibodies that become more efficient at identifying variant strains. Expanded access to mRNA boosters could usher the U.S. into a lull period in which transmission rates decline, he said, similar to the springtime window when vaccines first became available and the highly contagious delta was not yet widespread. With a booster, you are less likely to get a breakthrough infection that you could give to someone else, Yang said. Dr. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist, said the Moderna booster is almost certain to gain full regulatory approval. FDA officials okayed Pfizers third shot in August. With the FDA advisory panels recommendation secure, the Moderna booster will now be reviewed by the agencys acting commissioner, Dr. Janet Woodcock, who has the power to greenlight the booster. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will then make its own determination. While regulators final decision may be weeks or months away, Long said boosting the Johnson & Johnson with one of the mRNA shots looks like a winning combination in terms of mixing and matching those vaccines. He is optimistic the shots will become more widely available as the holiday season approaches. I think boosters are timely and appropriate as we enter these winter months, Long said. nora.mishanec@chron.com Three men accused in a 2018 drug stash killing in Houston were arrested Thursday on federal charges, authorities said. Charles Dawson, 42; Damon Randolph, 47; and Kiyon Marshal, 40; are charged with robbery, conspiracy to distribute, and discharging a firearm that resulted in death. A fourth man, Daniel Price, 39, remains on the lam. Stolen in the incident was cash and a large amount of wholesale narcotics, said Ted Docks, an FBI assistant special agent-in-charge. The drug in question was cocaine. Police believe the three are responsible in the death of Quentin Roach as he tried leaving a storage unit around midnight in the 15100 block of Lee Road. The suspects fled in Roachs work truck and investigators found it nearby. The accused men face a life sentence, if convicted, because of the federal charges. Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery pointed to the case and other recent federal indictments during a news conference Thursday as an example of rising violent crime in the Houston area and nationwide. When facing federal charges, defendants can land higher charges and stricter penalties, officials said. Murder charges were not lodged against the trio in district court, records show. Gary Smith, a special agent-in-charge at the U.S. Department of Treasury, noted that two IRS agents were shot at in August while serving a summons for aggravated identity theft The gunfire prompted the lockdown of a nearby school, he said. The suspect in that case, Earnest Taylor, 27, is a convicted felon and was not supposed to have a weapon. He is charged with illegally possessing the firearm and assault of a federal office. He faces up to 20 years in prison, officials said. Luckily, neither agent was hit or sustained any injuries, Smith said. The examples of recent violent crimes were not connected to each other but authorities shared them as an example of escalating incidents in the Houston area. During the news conference, Houston police Executive Chief Matt Slinkard said violent crime increased dramatically during the pandemic. Playing a role in the severity of criminal cases may be an alarming number of stolen firearms, he continued. Approximately 3800 firearms that are reaching the street, and often turning into crime guns, are being stolen from vehicles, Slinkard said. Police in Houston have investigated 384 homicides as of Thursday a 30 percent increase from the same time in 2020. nicole.hensley@chron.com George Perry Floyd Jr. would have turned 48 on Thursday. This weekend his sisters, friends and neighbors will celebrate the milestone at the dedication of a new community center named for the Houston man whose brazen daylight killing by a police officer rocked the world and rekindled the Black Lives Matter movement. The George Floyd Community Center, a complex of several recently acquired commercial buildings on Hadley Street in Third Ward, will provide a free urgent care clinic, free meals and snacks, a program for youth, a streaming radio station and recording studio a basketball gym and weight room. It is set to open to the community in January 2022, according to Anthony Jackson, project manager for the facility. It features a new mural by artist Israel Rodriguez of Floyd. The Lucy mission scheduled to launch Saturday will spend 12 years exploring asteroids that are like time capsules from the birth of our solar system. NASA is sending a spacecraft to the Trojan asteroids that share Jupiters orbit around the sun. These asteroids are believed to be remnants of the material that formed the outer planets. If you want to understand where the solar system came from, you have to go to these small bodies, Hal Levison, Lucys principal investigator with the Southwest Research Institute, said during a news conference. These things really are the fossils of what planets formed from. FAMOUS ASTEROID: Researchers identify source of dinosaur-killing asteroid And appropriately, the spacecraft is named after fossilized remains of early human species. Lucy is a collection of bones (about 40 percent of a full skeleton) found in Ethiopia in 1974 that is believed to be roughly 3.2 million years old. NASAs Lucy mission is scheduled to launch Saturday at 4:34 a.m. CDT from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The spacecraft will visit one asteroid in the main asteroid belt, flying by Donaldjohanson (named for Donald Johanson, who was part of the team that discovered the Lucy fossil in Ethiopia) in April 2025, and then seven Trojan asteroids that orbit ahead of and behind Jupiter between August 2027 and March 2033. And despite sharing Jupiters orbit around the sun, these asteroids arent actually close to the planet. On average, theyre as far away from Jupiter as Jupiter is from the sun. The closest that the Lucy spacecraft will ever be to Jupiter is when its near the Earth, said Keith Noll, Lucy project scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center. The Lucy spacecraft will travel nearly 4 billion miles to study these eight asteroids. No other space mission has been launched to as many different destinations in independent orbits around the sun. Its instruments will look for a variety of details that could help scientists understand these asteroids. One objective will be to map craters on the asteroids. The size of craters can help scientists learn about the age of the asteroids surface. Whats inside those craters is important, too. Many types of ice there are different types such as water ice and methane ice are stable farther out in the solar system. So if Lucy detects specific ices in a crater, that could indicate the Trojan asteroids formed farther away before becoming trapped in Jupiters orbit by the combined gravitational influences of the gas giant and the sun. Another objective is using infrared light to measure the temperature of these asteroids. Dense rocks take a long time to heat during the day and then a long time to cool off at night. So if an asteroid is cool during the day and warm at night, its likely made of dense rock. Fine sand, on the other hand, heats up quickly and cools off quickly. Lucy will also measure the mass of these asteroids, which can help determine their density, and search for satellites and rings, among other things. We need a suite of instruments to put this puzzle together, said Cathy Olkin, Lucys deputy principal investigator at the Southwest Research Institute. And by flying the craft past seven Trojan asteroids, scientists will have an opportunity to examine their diversity. The primitive bodies that built our solar systems planets were not uniform in their composition, and this can be seen in the Trojans. Some asteroids appear to be red while others appear to be gray. Eurybates, which Lucy will visit in 2027, was a remnant of a rare massive collision. Patroclus and Menoetius, which Lucy will visit in 2033, are a primitive binary pair of asteroids that orbit around the same center of mass, kind of like a dumbbell rotating around the same position in space. Lucy will visit asteroids ranging from less than a mile in diameter to 70 miles in diameter. THREATS: Would humanity have been ready if Comet NEOWISE was hurtling toward Earth? Well advance our understanding by being able to make comparisons between these objects, Olkin said. Im also really looking forward to comparing the Trojan asteroids to other small-body populations in our solar system. And to further the spacecrafts namesake - Lucy, the fossilized skeleton, was named after an evening of singing to the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - one of its science instruments has a diamond as a fundamental part of the instrument, said Phil Christensen, principal investigator for Lucys LTES instrument at Arizona State University. We truly are sending a diamond into the sky with Lucy, he said. andrea.leinfelder@chron.com twitter.com/a_leinfelder In 2013, when the editorial board endorsed Dr. Adriana Tamez for an unexpired term on the Houston Community College Board of Trustees, she represented a breath of fresh air on a board mired with longstanding issues of cronyism and dereliction. Two years later, when we endorsed her again for a full term this time it was because she impressed us with her stalwart commitment to workforce development and unabashed calls for financial accountability in her first term. Today, shes campaigning on the same platform. Despite some clear blemishes on her record these past six years, her steady demeanor, deep well of educational, financial and managerial knowledge and focused grasp of the remaining gaps in HCCs system leads us to recommend District III voters give Adriana Tamez, 57, another term representing southeast Houston. Tamez can point to concrete achievements shes helped usher in for HCC. From cementing partnerships with Apple and the PepsiCo Foundation to help students access career opportunities, to expanding dual-credit programs in high schools and working on investing COVID funds in resilient online infrastructure, she has put her nearly three decades of educational experience as a bilingual teacher, principal, HISD central region superintendent, president and CEO of a charter school to good use. We were particularly impressed by her innovative ideas for a large-scale conference where industry leaders can convene with students and fill specific workforce needs. But, she says, theres much to be done still. She hopes to put more boots on the ground and enlist the help of local community leaders to better understand her districts changing needs. Her record has not been perfect. The board and Tamez, too were named in a pending lawsuit alleging HCC discriminates against Black employees and mismanages grant money, a case in which she told us she has yet to understand why she was named. She also touts great strides on the board more recently centered on improvements to financial operations and transparency. She also took responsibility and apologized for mistakes in her 2011 doctoral dissertation, which was found to have included discussions of scientific research that were not credited. Plagiarism is a serious offense for students and faculty on the campuses she oversees, and it was a significant lapse. But we believe it does not outweigh her strengths. Tamez only opponent, Brandon Cofield Sr., 32, demonstrated a palpable devotion to the city that raised him, and cited his work as a lawyer in offering a compelling case against business as usual on the HCC board. He also wants HCC to adopt a better marketing campaign to reach students who need HCC the most. We appreciated his clear-eyed analysis of the boards governance issues, as well as his concern with the best investment of taxpayer dollars. But his discussion about the academic policies and other dimensions of the job he is asking for was vague. And his pledge to use his legal background to elevate the boards governance processes would be more persuasive had he not just been admitted to the bar last summer. We recommend Tamez, despite an imperfect record, because we believe her experience on the board and in education will serve the district well. Since 2009, Eva Loredo has been a stalwart on the Houston Community College Board of Trustees, a former board chair who has provided stability and leadership through a storm of scandals. There comes a time, though, when a bold challenger with fresh ideas can bring new vision to an entity sorely in need of it. As such, we recommend Jharett Bryantt to represent this diverse district that stretches from southwest Houston to the Port of Houston. Bryantt, 32, an assistant superintendent for HISD, is considered something of a rising star in education circles. Earlier this year, he was a finalist for superintendent for a mid-sized Utah school district. His ambitions may go far beyond the borders of District VIII. Yet one of his areas of expertise college readiness dovetails nicely with HCCs mission, and Bryantt impressed the editorial board with his ideas for improving HCCs subpar 30 percent graduation rate. His proposal to tie graduation rates to the evaluation of HCCs chancellor would bring much-needed accountability. This kind of problem-solving was missing from Loredos pitch. Loredo, 69, talks about how she puts students first, but didnt present a single idea on how to improve HCCs declining enrollment a 17 percent drop from 2019 to 2020. Loredo waved it off as part of a nationwide trend, which is true, but trustees should still act urgently to address it. She struggled to name any concrete improvements she spearheaded, beyond leading a push for a 2 percent pay raise for faculty. Loredo seemed unrepentant and unconcerned about her vote to approve Christopher Oliver as vice chair six months before his federal conviction for accepting about a quarter-million dollars in bribes in exchange for his influence over HCC contracts. Inexplicably, Loredo said she couldnt remember her vote, nor did she accept responsibility for overlooking a 2010 investigation into Oliver that forewarned of his behavior. That lack of accountability is unacceptable from a public servant. We commend Loredo for her 12 years of service and 36 years in public education, but the board needs a clean break from past scandals. Another challenger, attorney Victor Gonzales, could not participate in our screening due to technical difficulties and did not respond to a follow-up interview request. We couldnt find a website and he has reported only $250 in campaign contributions. Experience is important, but that alone shouldnt take precedence over whats best for HCCs 57,200 students. District VIII voters should elect Bryantt so he can put his bold ideas into action. Regarding Tigray forces say Ethiopia has launched a major offensive, (Oct. 11): We, the residents of Houston who hail from the Tigray region of Ethiopia, have been protesting the ongoing war in our land of origin for the past year. The protests took place many times here and in other U.S. cities. The war in Tigray, initially dubbed a domestic law-enforcement operation, has been reported by refugees and others to involve heinous war crimes, including widespread rape, ethnic-cleansing, massacres, industrial-scale looting and destruction of public and private properties. Even worse, the majority of the regions population including our own families are completely sealed off from the rest of the world, with insufficient access to food supplies, power, phones, internet or even their own money in the banks. Ethiopia, the nation that our forefathers founded and defended for millennia against foreign aggressors, has betrayed our families who are its citizens; its federal government has invited foreign troops from Eritrea, alongside ethnic militia from the Amhara region, to commit unspeakable atrocities. The cause of the conflict has many complex political elements but the manner in which it is being conducted borders on the genocidal. Many of us do not know if our relatives are alive. When a segment of its residents undergo distress of such magnitude from external factors, why is Houston, a giant, vibrant city, oblivious to their pain? Yibrah Weldu, Cypress Educational leaders Regarding Fewer in US turn to food banks, but millions still in need, (Oct. 12): Every day here in Houston, principals head to work, thinking of one thing: the success of their students. Principals are champions for kids, constantly working to ensure they have everything they need to learn and grow. They also know that with proper nutrition, kids are more likely to reach their full potential. They are leading the way to end childhood hunger for students in their schools. This year, principals are facing an immense set of challenges as COVID-19 continues to create hardship and uncertainty here in Texas the third school year in a row impacted by the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, principals continue to collaborate with school nutrition departments, teachers and other school staff to get kids the food they need, providing critical support in this ever-changing school year. This Principal Appreciation Month, we want to recognize those leaders who are behind the scenes, making decisions to help staff and Houston ISD students stay safe, healthy and nourished. Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas Much of American pop culture followed us from the previous decade: Taylor Swift continues to top the charts, lines for the latest iPhone remain long and Vine has given way to TikTok. Unfortunately, Taylor Swift isn't the only enduring trend making an appearance in 2021. In Texas and around the country gerrymandering is back, too. As history threatens to repeat itself during the legislative session slated to end by Tuesday, its critical that we revisit what happened in the last redistricting cycle to avoid another decade of unfair and inequitable representation. Ten years ago, our state was in a very similar position as it is today. In December 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that Texas grew more than any other state in the country, with the overwhelming majority of growth coming from people of color. In response to the explosive growth, Congress apportioned Texas four new congressional seats. Like today, Texas was firmly in the hands of the Republican Party, which controlled the Texas Legislature and every statewide office, setting up a contentious redistricting cycle. The 2011 redistricting could serve as a playbook for anyone eager to subvert democracy. Not only did the 82nd Legislature rush through the redistricting process, they also shut out the public from the process, leaving little opportunity for people to provide testimony or input around the redrawing of the electoral maps. Unsurprisingly, the proposed maps did not meet the standards of the Voting Rights Act and were rejected by a federal court, beginning a nearly decade-long legal battle, costing the state millions. And costing thousands of Texans effective representation and resources. Fast-forward to the present: 2020 Census results found that Texas once again led the nation in population growth, adding nearly 4 million people (the vast majority of which were people of color), and apportioning two new congressional districts. Our state remains under one-party control, and the redistricting process is a threat to our democracy. The third special session began with redistricting at the top of the agenda. On the Senate side, SB4 and SB6 would redraw the state senate and congressional maps, respectively. In the opposite chamber, HB1 would redraw the 150 state House districts. Both map proposals turned out to be no different than those proposed last cycle: Texans of color led the growth in the state, yet the current maps would deprive communities of color of equal representation for the next 10 years. One congressional map in particular has drawn attention for its clear violation of constitutional and Voting Rights Act protections. The proposed congressional map dilutes the power of Latino voters of Texas Rio Grande Valley and El Paso by lowering the Hispanic citizen voting-age population and bringing in higher-propensity Anglo voters a practice federal judges decreed unconstitutional during the last redistricting session. In 2013, the state substituted new maps for the ones it drew in 2011 and while those, too, were ruled intentionally discriminatory in lower courts, the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 overturned those rulings and declared all but one of the 2013 district maps acceptable. A year later, federal district judges ruled that Texas would not be subject to federal oversight on the basis of its intentionally discriminatory actions in 2011. The map proposal also pits two longtime Black congresspeople from Houston, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (CD-18) and Rep. Al Green (CD-9), against each other. At a hearing on the congressional proposal, Congressman Green stated, It doesnt look right for the only two persons in the state of Texas to be running against each other in a congressional district from the same party to be of African ancestry. Congresswoman Jackson Lee identified that communities historically a part of CD-18 have been drawn out. One notable distinction separating this cycle and the last are the reprimands Texas received since 2011. In 2019, one of the judges on the panel that ruled Texas would not be subject to federal oversight on the basis of the 2011 maps, nevertheless concluded: Texas would be well advised to conduct its redistricting process openly, with the understanding that consideration of bail-in is always an option for whatever federal court or courts may be tasked with review of future legislative actions. Over the last year, both the House and Senate Redistricting Committees held virtual public hearings where Texans overwhelmingly demanded a fair and transparent redistricting process that centered public input. But instead, the maps were made public only a few days before they were taken up by their respective committees for public input, giving Texans little time to analyze the maps, draw their own and make time to testify before the Committees. Texans were clear: The maps should protect the ability of communities of color to elect candidates of their choice. These demands appear to have fallen on deaf, if not unresponsive, ears. The map proposals clearly undermine the voting power of racial minorities and, subsequently, the equitable access to resources for these communities where Republican policymakers have historically not taken needs into account. Any pro-democracy legislator who supports fair representation needs to vote no on these blatantly discriminatory and unconstitutional maps. Doing the opposite is equivalent to disenfranchising thousands of Texans, particularly Texans of color at the center of the worst gerrymandering. It doesn't have to be like 2011. This year, our legislators have the opportunity to set a new standard for fair elections and equitable representation in Texas to set a new standard for the next decade. Miguel Rivera is a voting rights outreach coordinator for the Texas Civil Rights Project. Republican leaders in Texas are proposing to use billions of dollars in federal COVID aid for voter-pleasing tax relief and its all thanks to President Joe Biden and the Democrats in Washington. The plans are still in flux, but bills working their way through the Legislature would have the effect of using about a fifth of the $16 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to help lower the property tax burden in Texas. That would give the GOP a major campaign talking point for the upcoming midterm elections, but it would be a drop in the bucket for most Texas property owners and zilch for the 38 percent of Texas households that rent, critics say. One version would have checks going out to homeowners by Sept. 1 or as soon thereafter as practicable. In other words, right before the fall elections next year. I dont think this is a fiscally responsible or prudent way to use ARPA dollars, said state Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas. Were taking COVID money and spending it on reelection stimulus checks. Using federal funding for tax relief, directly or indirectly, has the added benefit of allowing Republicans to spend lavishly on tax relief and another costly but politically popular initiative mass arrests of migrants crossing into Texas from Mexico and a border wall without looking fiscally irresponsible. RELATED: Chaotic rollout of Gov. Abbotts migrant arrest plan fuels confusion, claims of violated rights Thats because federal dollars dont count against state spending limits, so in effect the Republicans are helping to subsidize their pet initiatives with largesse from Washington, Johnson said. The funds are part of a $1.9 trillion relief package adopted by Congress in March. It passed without the support of any Republican lawmakers. Calls and messages to the offices of state Sen. Jane Nelson and state Rep. Greg Bonnen, the Republican chief budget writers in each chamber who are carrying the COVID funding bill, were not immediately returned. A spokesman for House Speaker Dade Phelan referred inquiries to Bonnen. Johnson, the Democratic senator, said the federal money was not designed to give us headroom on a constitutional spending cap that was slammed up against because weve appropriated money for political reasons a reference to the $1.8 billion border security spending package approved last session. The border funding, which pays for Gov. Greg Abbotts plan to jail on state charges migrants suspected of crossing the border illegally and set up barriers along parts of the border, was paid for using state revenue newly identified by Comptroller Glenn Hegar over the summer, allowing Republicans to roughly triple the states border spending. Two plans, one goal The House and Senate approaches are different, but both appear calculated to get around an outright prohibition on using the COVID money for tax cuts, critics say. Under guidance from the Treasury Department, states cannot use the funds to directly or indirectly offset reduced tax revenue from a law change. Republicans in both chambers have avoided describing their proposals as tax cuts, with House lawmakers arguing the spending is justified by federal guidelines that allow states to respond to the negative economic impacts of COVID, including assistance to households. The Senate plan uses about $3.5 billion of the federal COVID money to free up state tax dollars that have already been appropriated to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The two agencies have been on the front lines of Abbotts border initiative known as Operation Lone Star. A separate bill then uses state tax dollars to provide $2 to $4 billion of property tax relief for homeowners, businesses and corporations. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox The House plan makes a direct appropriation of COVID relief money to send what amounts to a $525 stimulus check to every Texas property owner with a homestead exemption. Because the Senate bill is spread out to tax rates affecting all property taxpayers, average homeowners would get about $200 to $400 in one-time relief, officials estimate, depending on how the states economy fares next year. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican who authored the property tax bill, SB 1, did not respond to a request for comment. He has said that a key principle of SB 1 is that when the state has surplus funds, part of them should be returned to the taxpayers. I think its a fantastic bill for property taxpayers of all types, wherever people work, wherever they sleep, itll help everyone out, Bettencourt said last month on the Senate floor. House lawmakers approved their version of the property tax and COVID relief package Friday. The legislation was next headed to the Senate, putting lawmakers from both chambers on track to start ironing out the differences in their proposals over the weekend. The Legislature has until Tuesday, the final day of the special session, to send legislation to Abbotts desk. A finance swap When the Senate COVID relief spending bill was being laid out in committee, Legislative Budget Board Analyst Eduardo Rodriguez called the move to pay for state police and prison salaries with federal COVID money a method of finance swap and said it had been allowed with past coronavirus relief packages. What the state did was pay for those services or those expenditures up front. And the freed up (state general revenue funding) then was returned back to the Treasury, Rodriguez said. Nelson, R-Flower Mound, acknowledged in the same hearing during a conversation with Johnson that there is no new money going into those agencies. We are freeing up (state revenue), and there are pressures to do so. Theres financial pressure on this state right now, Johnson said. Yeah, Ill agree to that, Nelson said. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, said Republican leaders had found a pretty brilliant way to take federal money from an administration they regularly bash and then use it for something they can campaign on. Its masterful on one hand. On the other hand, its a little disturbing, because, clearly, you know, the ARPA money was intended to support critical industries and front-line workers and small businesses that had been negatively impacted, he said. Under no circumstances was this the intended usage. The House version of the legislation calls for the checks to go out as late as fall 2022. Lawmakers voted Friday to move up the deadline for the comptroller to certify which properties are eligible for relief, signaling the checks could go out sooner, though they maintained the September deadline for mailing them out. Its a transparent ploy, said Richard Lavine, senior fiscal analyst at the liberal Austin think tank Every Texan. The information necessary to send out the checks is available now. The timing is more beneficial to them politically, giving a lie to the excuse that this is to help people suffering now from the pandemic. State Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, said he worries that the Biden administration would take the money back if the Legislature goes through with either version of its tax relief plans. We fear that it may be a sleight of hand. And we fear that this is just going to be a political game. And there is a significant possibility that the feds may not really like how were doing this, and they may claw the money back, Wu said. That is, in my mind at least, a real fear. Otherwise, the House and Senate were mostly aligned in their plans for doling out the $16 billion in COVID relief, with both chambers proposing to use nearly half the money to replenish the state fund used to pay out unemployment benefits. The states reserves have been drained by an explosion of claims from Texans who were laid off during the pandemic, creating a budget hole that, but for the relief money, would likely be erased through higher taxes on business owners. Both chambers are also proposing to spend about $500 million on broadband infrastructure, $286 million to cover the cost of COVID-related health insurance claims incurred by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, $238 million to build a state hospital in Dallas and $75 million in grant funding for rural hospitals. The Senate version would deploy nearly $2.5 billion to cover hospital surge staffing, therapeutic drugs such as monoclonal antibody treatments, and the cost of operating regional infusion centers. The House would devote about $2 billion for those uses. jay.root@chron.com jasper.scherer@chron.com Across Texas this year, school board meetings have burst into heated ideological fights over mask mandates, vaccines, and lessons on racism labeled as critical race theory, bringing a new level of rancor to volunteer boards chosen in nonpartisan elections. Just north of Houston, Ginger Russell took a turn at the mic in July at a Conroe ISD school board meeting. Before she started on her speech, she said it wouldnt be loving to you to not tell the previous speaker he was living in sin as a gay person. She turned from there to critical race theory, saying the superintendent was lying when he denied that the district teaches it. She described the districts diversity, equity and inclusion efforts as Marxism. Russell is not a parent of a child in the district. She homeschooled her two daughters years earlier. A right-leaning Montgomery County online publication that has has promoted her speeches at Conroe ISD meetings throughout this year described Russell as a conservative Republican political leader. In late August, high emotions were in evidence when trustees of the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District in northeast San Antonio met to decide whether masks should be mandatory or optional in schools. As they debated, trustees were heckled by members of the audience, some of whom were removed by security officers after ignoring warnings not to interrupt the discussion. I think weve lost some civility here. This has become so contentious and so polarizing in this district, its crazy, said trustee Robert Westbrook, who joined a 6-1 majority that voted to make masks optional. At Carroll ISD in Southlake, a Dallas suburb, parents and community members organized to oppose diversity and inclusion efforts that began after a video went viral in 2018 of high school students chanting the n-word. The parents formed a Facebook group, created a political action committee and ran a slate of conservative candidates. They raised more than $200,000 and were swept into office this year. Last week, the board voted 3-2 to reprimand a fourth grade teacher for keeping an anti-racism book in her classroom after parents complained. BANNED BOOKS: Spring Branch ISD bans graphic novel after parents complaint over transgender character And Thursday, NBC News reported that an employee for Carroll ISD, in Southlake, instructed teachers to make books available to students presenting opposing views on the Holocaust. The district said that this was done in order to comply with a new state law requiring balanced perspectives on controversial political issues. We certainly have seen the board room becoming kind of the center of the culture wars, right? said Dax Gonzalez, spokesperson for the Texas Association of School Boards. Really just a lot of really hyperbolic discussion, not even discussion just hyperbolic accusations and statements are being made. Whats funny is that behavior we wouldnt tolerate in the classroom is now happening in the board room. The newfound politicization and hostility of school boards seems to be an extension of heightened polarization over the last decade in the federal government and state governments. Even on a personal level, recent research suggests Americans are more unwilling than in the past to date those who do not share their political beliefs. National groups such as the 1776 Project are raising money to organize conservatives against lessons labeled as critical race theory in school districts, and Turning Point USA is maintaining a school board watchlist to fight against leftist indoctrination. Included on the list are Forth Worth and Houston ISDs. Across Texas, conservative Facebook groups and blogs are cropping up for school board issues. Local parties have weighed in, such as when the Travis County GOP accused Round Rock ISD of violating the Open Meetings Act after a contentious board meeting. And in El Paso, local groups have paid for activists to travel around to different board meetings to speak out against critical race theory, often in vitriolic and angry terms, Spectrum News reported. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Nationally, conservatives were outraged when the federal Department of Justice announced last month a series of steps designed to address a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation's public schools. One early step federal authorties outlined is creating training and guidance for local school boards to identify, document and report threats made against them. Were seeing a weaponization of the federal government against normal, concerned citizens, said Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for Turning Point USA, which maintains the school board watchlist. An organic grassroots movement of concerned parents seeing their children are being taught about an America they dont recognize, where everything is being racialized, where everyone is being divided upon victims and oppressors and oppressed narratives, Kolvet said. Nobody is saying America hasnt made mistakes, but show me a country that doesnt have a little that doesnt have mistakes in its past. Targeting anti-racism teachings Critics on the left charge that conservatives have co-opted the term critical race theory into a buzzword as an attempt to close-off discussion of historical racism, lingering systemic racism and, more generally, anti-discrimination lessons and policies. Such policies arent necessarily Critical Race Theory, which refers to a specific strain of academic work that began in the 1970s identifying discrimination in the legal system in the wake of the civil rights laws enacted in the 1960s. Those who disagree with the theory and associated teachings call them efforts to re-write history and teach white children they are to blame for historical ills. The state Legislature this year passed two bills to ban critical race theory lessons from public schools, both signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Education experts and those opposed to the bills retort that critical race theory isnt taught in Texas schools anyway. But the legislation is a rallying cry for foes of critical race theory. Last month, former Katy ISD school board candidate Bonnie Anderson started a petition that led to removal of an award-winning childrens book about racism from the school library and cancellation of a planned event with the author, Jerry Craft. Anderson said she watched interviews with Craft in which he discussed microaggressions remarks or actions that subtly or inadvertently demonstrate bias or discrimination. In an interview, Anderson called it a racial term coined by the conceptual founders of critical race theory. That let me know the ideology of these books. Crafts visit was rescheduled and his books reinstated Thursday after the district ruled that they did not contain subversive or offensive material. Conservatives cast the increase in school board activism as a grassroots response to long-running overreach in schools, where leftist ideas about race, gender identity and perverse sexual content are embraced in public school curriculums, said James Quintero of the right-leaning Texas Public Policy Foundation. School boards have also come to accept as given a certain leftist big government mindset that includes mask mandates, tax-and-spend approaches and policies that allow schools to manage more in the lives of children, he said. In Austin ISD in 2019, the board voted to expand its sex education to teach kids in the sixth grade what it means to be transgender, gay or bisexual. Drag Queen Story Hours for children have been hosted at Texas schools and libraries, outraging social conservatives. Most parents send their kids to school to read, write and do math, but instead theyre being taught these far-left concepts, Quintero said. Im very encouraged by whats happening in school boards not only in Texas but across the nation. I want to see a high level of citizen engagement in the process, even when that process is ugly. When candidates are swept into the school board from political sentiment, Gonzalez from TASB said, they may not be prepared to do the hard work of reviewing budgets, discussing employment contracts or working the long hours on mundane topics required of school board members. As a result: Its going to work itself out eventually, but for now there could be big growing pains for the next five to 10 years. The main problem that I see regarding this issue is that were spending more and more time talking about issues that are not education-related, Gonzalez said. The politics has been so vitriolic lately that a lot of these issues get assigned to a certain political spectrum, so it creates a stronger reaction to it. Conservatives have identified TASB itself as part of a leftist movement to influence education. During her July speech in Conroe, Russell said the organization promotes CRT in schools, and Quintero on Twitter criticized a recent vote from TASB members to adopt a goal of eradicating structural racism into the organizations statement of beliefs, and he says the association has long, quietly pushed a leftist ideology on school board members. Gonzalez defended the structural racism vote as reflective of the views of TASB members, rather than a top-down effort. A principal fights for his job In the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD outside of Dallas, parents used the states open records laws to review the emails of James Whitfield, a high school principal. Whitfield is Black. The parents found he had used the term structural racism in an email sent in the wake of George Floyds murder last year and demanded his ouster, claiming hes pushing critical race theory. Whitfield said community members and outside agitators with hateful beliefs have organized in a Facebook group and are weaponizing critical race theory in a bad faith effort to get him fired. Its not the first time hes felt racism directed at him from some in the district, he said. In 2019, the district asked him to remove a photo he posted on Facebook of himself lying on the beach with his wife, who is white, after a parent complained. He said a parent had scrolled back 10 years through his Facebook posts to find the photo. Whitfield said in a phone interview that a deputy superintendent remarked at that time that he should take the photo down because we just dont want to stir stuff up, and Whitfield went along, making his account private. The district has denied that its handling of the matter had anything to do with race. Whitfield now wishes he hadnt gone along with making the photos private. Time and time again we heard from people in upper levels of the district leadership that would say, point blank, quote: We are too afraid of the political ramifications of this group, Whitfield said. When someone is silent in the face of such silence and hate and bigotry, youre almost complicit in that, in the way that I see it. In July of this year, despite rules against directly attacking school employees, a former conservative school board candidate spoke during a school board meeting and accused Whitfield of teaching critical race theory, asking what the district would do about it. The man ignored requests from the board not to criticize an employee by name, instead repeatedly calling for Whitfields firing. In its September meeting, the school board moved toward ousting Whitfield by declining to renew his employment contract, although they say hes losing his job for poor performance and speaking inaccurately to the press. Whitfield was placed on leave last month, and he intends to appeal the boards decision to let his employment lapse, a legal process that will take time to play out. After that, his lawyer said he plans to litigate this as fully as possible. Colleyville is less than 10 miles away from Southlake, the most successful anti-critical race theory school board movement in Texas so far, and Whitfield believes those calling for his firing have learned from the activists down the road. This playbook has started to spread like wildfire. People running for these board seats in different districts, using that as a fear tactic against people, Whitfield said. Anything you say that is about inclusivity or diversity or being against racism, they kind of lump that into the CRT package. I dont think theres any coincidence that all this brewing in the background, and me being the first African American principal of my school in its 25-year history. I dont think its any coincidence that this CRT bogeyman landed on me. Danya Perez contributed reporting from San Antonio. edward.mckinley@chron.com Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Today, authoritarian governments have become concerningly adept at digital crackdowns, censorship, and repression online . Inhibiting peoples ability to freely communicate online has become an all-too-common tool of social control. The Iranian governments near-total internet shutdowns during unrest and protests exemplifies the significance of the internet as a tool of communication and the lengths that Iranian officials will go to in order to silence Iranian voices. It is crucial that we, as Americans, ensure that our foreign policy is not inadvertently aiding such repression. However, the current grim reality is that the sanctions that our government has imposed upon Iranians have indeed made it easier for their state to censor and repress them as outlined in NIACs recent report and an expert panel discussion. Tech companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon have blocked Iranians from accessing their tools and services, due to U.S. sanctions. By punishing Iranian entrepreneurs and making it harder for Iranians to access the tools that circumvent government restrictions on the internet, U.S. sanctions have created an opening for the Iranian government to make a national internet. This alarming move would make the global internet even less accessible for Iranians. This problem can be alleviated if the U.S. Treasury updates and clarifies General License D-1 so that it makes clear what technologies are allowable, simplifies the licensing process for companies seeking to provide tools and services to Iranians, and provides the necessary public assurances and comfort letters for companies to engage Iranians. Irans leaders are ambitious about developing an intranet and if they succeed, it may be too late to mitigate the damage done to the digital rights of Iranians. In a positive sign, last week, 21 members of Congress sent President Biden a bipartisan letter calling on him to eliminate sanctions that help block Iranians from accessing a free Internet. The letter has been signed by Democrats and Republicans alike including Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), as well as House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-NY). This bipartisan letter will hopefully bring us closer to removing these harmful measures. When our government intentionally or unintentionally aids oppression by governments abroad, we enable and become complicit in violations of human rights. Iranian authorities must end their repressive measures trying to censor and control internet access for Iranians, and worse yet, imposing total shutdowns during protests. Access to a free internet is the right of all people. Thus, it is imperative that U.S. sanctions do not exacerbate this problem and that we take the steps necessary to support free access to the internet for Iranian citizens. Source: https://www.niacouncil.org/human_rights_tracker/u-s-lawmakers-show-support-for-internet-freedom-in-iran/ North Adams Public Library Exploring Community Fridge Program NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The library trustees are considering a community refrigerator program pending city approval. Community Fridge Program organizers Sarah Defusco and Isabel Twanmo met with the trustees Wednesday to see if the library would be interested in hosting a refrigerator from which community members could take food from. "Earlier this year, we noticed a need for this kind of thing with the general loss of resources," Twanmo said. "... With this, you could at any point in the day have access to food right in your back yard." The fridge will be stocked with fresh produce from local farms for whoever needs it. Defusco said they are ready to go and have a group of volunteers, some funding, a refrigerator, and food connections. "We have been ready to go for six months now," she said. "We felt there was no better place such as the library that already offers free resources." The trustees were concerned about maintenance and were worried about food being left in the fridge. Twanmo said this would not be an issue because the fridge would be monitored daily. Also, they must approve what is placed in the appliance so if anyone drops something off without approval, it will likely be thrown out that day. She said this will be clearly writing in a disclaimer posted near the fridge. She added that they want to start simple but perhaps in the future expand into prepared food. "Over time I think we want to try prepared food and go with a more community effort," she said. "We do want this to grow over time but we understand we have to start simply." She said eventually they would like to add more fridges. The trustees liked the idea but there were a few lingering question marks around the project, specifically in terms of Health Department permitting. "It fits with our strategic plan," Trustee Tara Jacobs said. "I personally am supportive but I think that it is important that we get the city's stamp of approval." Library Director Sarah Sanfilippo said she reached out to the Health Department about the project but has yet to hear back She said she reached out to her own professional network and learned of one other library in the state that has a community fridge. She learned that it is not allowed in Boston and one peer noted that the program was a lot of work In other business, to jumpstart fundraising efforts, the trustees voted to create a fundraising subcommittee. Jacobs noted that with the pandemic it is still hard to hold large-scale public fundraising events but had some other ideas including "adopting" a book. "When books get retired, we just shuffle them off to the book sale but instead of that happening you can adopt it," she said. "You basically call dibs on it and get a bookplate." She said they could also allow patrons to honor someone within a book. The trustees agreed to purchase some bookplates. The trustees welcomed new member Sara Russell-Scholl, the library's former children and youth services librarian. BCC to Participate in Berkshire STEM Week PITTSFIELD, Mass Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer a range of virtual and hands-on activities as part of the fourth annual Berkshire STEM Week, MondaySaturday, October 1823, 2021. Included in the activities are a series of panels, workshops, speakers, tours, a job fair and information about career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Berkshires and beyond. The event is presented by the Berkshire County STEM Network in partnership with the Executive Office of Education and the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council. The Berkshire STEM Network, one of nine regional STEM networks across the Commonwealth, connects regional schools and businesses to improve STEM education and workforce development within our community. The Berkshire County STEM Network is based in the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation. Berkshire STEM Week themes include food, farming and sustainability; careers in STEM; STEM in business; STEM in education; STEM in the world; and STEM at the Berkshire Museum. The schedule of BCC events is as follows: Tuesday, October 19: 12 pm: Instructional Design Technology (held on PCTV). Learn about this field with Tattiya Maruco, BCC Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Design/Adjunct Faculty, Communications. 56 pm: General Dynamics Internship and Job Opportunities (via Zoom). BCC and MCLA students, alumni and faculty are invited to a panel discussion led by Charlotte Lotz, BCC Senior Special Programs Coordinator Experiential Learning and Career Services. Lotz will outline how to access internship opportunities. Pre-registration required. Thursday, October 21: 11:30 am 1 pm: STEM Cafe (in-person, held in the Connector). BCC students, faculty and staff are invited to learn more about STEM opportunities at BCC. Join in hands-on activities, watch demos, and learn about career and transfer opportunities as well as details about the STEM Starter Academy. Food, fun and prizes included. 1 pm: Virtual Tour of BCCs Science and Engineering Labs (held on PCTV). Take a virtual tour of the labs and learn about state-of-the art equipment used in STEM research fields. 1 pm: What is the STEM Starter Academy at BCC? (held on PCTV). In this video session, learn about the STEM Starter Academy, an exciting statewide initiative funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. The Academy provides an amazing opportunity for students to explore cutting-edge careers, gain college classroom experience, and focus on important success skills in a supportive environment. 3 pm: College Students in STEM (held on PCTV). Join a panel discussion with STEM majors from BCC, MCLA and Williams College. Includes BCC STEM starter students Alessandra Carranza and Carlos Vizcardo- Benites. Friday, October 22: 1 pm: STEM Education Panel: Teaching & Learning in the Field (live Zoom session at the Berkshire Innovation Center). STEM professors, students and professionals present a lively panel discussion on STEM teaching and learning. Panelists include BCC Environmental Professor Thomas Tyning; BCC Environmental Science student Alessandra Carranza; MCLA Education Department Chair Nick Stroud; and Experiential Education, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant Rachel Hailey. For a full schedule and links to programming, including Pittsfield Community Television (PCTV) links, visit www.mcla.edu/stemweek. William Garrity of Taconic High School, left, and Elodie Theriault of Pittsfield High School were introduced by Superintendent Joseph Curtis at Wednesday's School Committee meeting. The students are the top in their classes and were presented the annual Superintendent's Award. Two Pittsfield Seniors Recognized with Superintendents Award PITTSFIELD, Mass. Two seniors, one from each of the city's high schools, were honored for their high reaching academics and community involvement at Wednesday's school committee meeting. William Garrity of Taconic High School and Elodie Theriault of Pittsfield High School received the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence. . The awards are given out annually to high school students who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of academic excellence and have achieved the highest grade average at their school. Garrity ranks first in the Taconic class of 2022 with a cumulative grade of 103.9. Along with having an impressive record of extracurricular activities, he used his skills in technology to create a website that centralized information about the remote hybrid learning schedule that was used by teachers and students. "Year after year, William continually challenges himself through his devotion for learning by taking a rigorous course load that includes a combination of honors, and advanced placement classes at Taconic while simultaneously completing early college, dual enrollment courses through [Berkshire Community College] and [Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts]," Superintendent Joseph Curtis read from a statement provided by Garrity's student counselor Joseph Marshall. He also received the first-place award and the 2021 General Dynamics High School competition and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Garrity is a valued member of the school's community, Marshall wrote, and is involved with multiple threads woven into the foundational fabric of what it means to be a student who takes responsibility, has respect, and strives for excellence. Garrity has served as the co-chair of the Taconic mascots steering committee, participates as a member of the Green and Gold Club, Class Council, and Italian club, and was selected to join the Massachusetts State Student Advisory Council. He has successfully completed challenging courses such as Advanced Placement statistics, and in AP U.S. history and English language, he received a four out of five on each exam in these two courses. This year, Garrity is enrolled in AP calculus, AP computer science principles, and two dual enrollment college courses at BCC in order to successfully complete his certification in computer programming. During Christmas break last year, he created the now closed website, abcd.wgarrity.com, that outlined, organized, and projected the remote hybrid learning schedule with real-time updates, course and school day starting and end times, holiday breaks, and weekly rotations. This gave teachers staff and students across the Pittsfield public schools a go-to resource for their modified learning schedule. Curtis said he used the website himself. Additionally, Garrity built the high school's club programs web page that is currently on the high school's website. This offers information on the clubs and extracurricular activities offered at Taconic for interested students. Theriault will have completed eight AP courses in her time at PHS. She was given the AP Capstone diploma that is granted to a student who has taken both AP Seminar and AP research and receive a specific AP score. The program's goal is to equip students with independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills. Theriault's research topic was "narcissism and Instagram." She also participated in a civics project at PHS that was connected to a demographic knowledge project sponsored by Harvard University. Professors were impressed by her project and asked if it could be sent to various locations throughout the country to be used as a model. Theriault is a member of the National Honors Society, cross country and track and field teams, the class council, and the mural club. She has studied cello for six years, piano for 10 years, and has danced for seven years at the Cantarella School of Dance. In addition to that, she volunteers at Berkshire Theatre Group and Berkshire Humane Society and works at Ayelada. Curtis acknowledged that the frozen yogurt shop is a favorite in the room. She also volunteers at Berkshire Theatre Group and Berkshire Humane Society. "[Theriault] is mature beyond her years, and has set high expectations for herself," Mutz wrote. "Teachers have stated that she is an asset to their classroom and brings a true understanding of the course content and is willing to assist others within the class in a very respectful manner." Theriault wants to study science in areas such as biochemistry neurology, research, or attending medical school and is applying to Harvard, Smith College, Mount Holyoke, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. A sobering statistic that should jolt anyone with a conscience: less than 100 of Afghanistans 700 women journalists are still working, according to a survey by the Centre for the Protection of Afghan Women Journalists (CPAWJ). A Time magazine story puts the number of women journalists currently working in Kabul as less than 40. Following the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in mid-August, a majority of the more than 1000 female media staff were forced to stop working, due to direct threats and intimidation. It was an abrupt end to what seemed like an increasingly gender diverse media a 2020 survey found more than 1700 women working in the media in three provinces: Kabul, Herat and Balkh. Despite assurances to the contrary, the Talibans approach to media rights and womens rights appears far removed from its rhetoric and closer to the orthodoxy of its regime in the 1990s. Journalists have been beaten, tortured and prevented from reporting in brutal ways. Women journalists reported being barred from work, threatened and intimidated, their radio stations destroyed and families threatened. Many fled from the provinces to safer locations in Kabul and even outside the country. Watching with alarm from the neighbourhood, the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) immediately issued a statement of solidarity with Afghan women journalists and went on to respond to one of the primary needs expressed by women who had been thrown out of their jobs. Funds were required for basic necessities, visas, flights, accommodation and even to survive. Many women journalists are the sole earners of their families, supporting their communities in these times of distress. They are taking the lead in seeking support and building networks of solidarity to sustain them during these bleak times. Under the banner Journalists for Afghanistan, the NWMI in partnership with the Media Safety & Solidarity Fund (MSSF), launching a fundraiser on 8 September from sales of stunning photographs from the Associated Press (AP) which generously allowed the use of images from its Afghanistan coverage over two decades. The collection brought together photographs by some of APs bravest and most talented visual journalists, documenting daily lives in Afghanistan. The fundraiser said, At a time of unimaginable societal and political upheaval in Afghanistan, and even as its people face an uncertain and frightening future, these images challenge us to reflect on the power of resilience and courage in tumultuous times. By the end of September, WACC and the Global Alliance on Media and Gender (GAMAG) also launched a fundraising campaign to support Afghan women journalists. The space that women journalists created for the voices of women and marginalised groups to be heard in the media is at risk of shutting down completely, said WACC and GAMAG. In August, an estimated 95% of women journalists have quit or been forced out of their jobs. Those left standing are reporting while still trying to flee. Within three weeks, the NWMI fundraiser reached USD 100,000. The overwhelming response is testimony to the global concern towards the media in Afghanistan, particularly women journalists. One contributor said, Thank you for allowing me to put my concern into action. Others said, I feel a little less helpless about the situation in Afghanistan. Coverage in the Indian media, as well as international media like The Guardian and Global News Canada, generated a surge of support for the beleaguered journalists of Afghanistan, sending the message that they were not alone. Laxmi Murthy is a journalist based in India. She is a member of the NWMI, a network of media professionals across India. Despite the rapid development of Pakistans media industry and the ratification of many international conventions to protect womens and labour rights, media workers and women journalists are continuing to be overlooked and undervalued in Pakistan, writes Farhat Perveen. In the last decade of the 20th century, the media evolved greatly due to the global information revolution. Pakistan saw a mushroom growth of print and electronic news media houses that subsided after the 2010s. Due to this growth, the centralised information management system in Pakistan could not maintain its hold on information as before. However, the unlimited opportunities to spread one's message through various media platforms emerging after the information revolution also resulted in a surge in governmental steps to control the flow of information. Alongside these fundamental changes, we saw a significant growth in women's employment in media houses generally, and more specifically in news media. However, a comprehensive study is needed to ascertain the number of women media workers and their working conditions. Female media workers are participating in a variety of roles, from technical jobs such as camera handling, editing, and engineering to news content and feature programming. Women are also mainstream journalists working on the frontline, covering conflicts, natural disasters and political conflicts. Although the terms and working conditions of women in the media are consistent with the labour and women's rights in Pakistan, we need to investigate whether they are treated equally and without discrimination in the workplace, as our society does not treat women as equals. Basic accommodations such as the provision of separate toilets in the workplace, provision of maternity leave and childcare are important rights to be monitored closely so that an enabling environment can be created for women in Pakistans media organizations. The legal framework for workers rights in Pakistan Pakistan is a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and has ratified the core labour rights conventions, which include non-discrimination, right of association and provision of social protection. Pakistan is also a signatory to the Convention Against All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and signed the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus with the European Union, which is a comprehensive treaty that includes 27 international conventions about human rights that comprise fundamental labour rights and women rights. The Constitution of Pakistan has also guaranteed protection from discrimination to all its citizens including women and labour. Social protection is not part of the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution. Following the 18th Constitutional amendment in 2010, labour and women have become provincial subjects. Despite the above-mentioned framework, laws and policies regarding labour and women in Pakistan have failed to ensure the provision of rights to the workers and women and other marginalised sections of society. There is a long list of laws such as the Standing Orders Act, 2015 and Shops and Establishment Act 2015 which are relevant to the terms and working conditions at work and social security institutions such as the Minimum Wage Board; Employees Social Security Institutions; Maternity Benefits Act, 2017 which provides at least 4 months paid leave to women workers and at least 10 days paternity leave to male employees. A culture resistant to change There is very little implementation of the maternity benefits law, women workers often have to leave their jobs and fend for re-employment after childbirth. They also face discrimination in the determination of wages and placements. Men tend to get decision-making positions while women serve in the lower categories of employment. Provincial trade union laws also exist to define the formation of workers organisations, but at the moment only 1% of the labour force is organised in unions in Pakistan. Journalist unions in Pakistan are very weak and cannot protect workers from retrenchments and layoffs. Women are side-lined for leadership despite being educated and often well versed in the relevant laws. Sexual harassment is a serious issue in Pakistan. With awareness, things are changing, but ever so slowly. A law for prevention against sexual harassment in the workplace has been passed, and provisional and federal ombudspersons are being appointed to combat the menace of sexual harassment at the workplace. Although, there is some progress on this front, a lot has to be done to not only raise the awareness of working media persons on all the concerned labour laws. News media workers' awareness is not only important to secure their labour rights but it will also help them to increase the awareness of the general public on labour rights in Pakistan. While most media workers are working for the private sector, the public sector also hires news media workers. Permanent public sector employees are less vulnerable than their private sector and contract sector counterparts. The government is not focussed on these issues faced by the media and has been unable to improve the situation despite making big promises. The last wage board award was announced by the federal government in 2019. According to this award, the benchmark was the government's minimum wage (which at the moment is between PKR 20,000-25,000 or USD 117-146). Traditionally, the minimum wage is announced as part of the federal budget and is considered to be much lower than appropriate. Pakistani media workers have seen many setbacks in recent years. There have been massive pay cuts as high as 50% in some organisations. Over the last three to four years the number of retrenchments and layoffs have increased, resulting in greater levels of unemployment and uncertainty among media workers in Pakistan. There is no - or very little - implementation of laws that can help to improve the state of the workers. Workers face issues like not being given employment contracts and or being registered under social security schemes. The unionisation process is hampered because, as per the law, union members are bound to be recognised by their employers. Farhat Perveen is an expert on labour and womens rights in Pakistan and the founding executive director of the National Organisation for Working Communities. Being creative has been tested to the limits with the pandemic of keeping everyone inside their homes and finding inspiration has become increasingly hard to do. People are challenged to find alternative ways to get things done and look for other muses that can spark a different idea in the new normal. However, we have learned to adapt and find new tools that can help bring about brand new and useful ideas to solve problems and introduce new creations over time. Today, Motorola encourages the discovery of minimized extraneous design elements to maximized performance by launching the moto edge 20 series at more accessible price points to give users more ways than ever to share their stories. moto edge 20 pro Designed with ultra-high resolution, the moto edge 20 pro will allow you to capture the most true-to-life photos ever with the 108MP ultra high-resolution sensor. Record videos up to 8Kthe highest resolution possible on a smartphone today, for stunningly clear cinematic detail. The camera also is engineered with Motorola's first-ever periscope zoom that bends light at a 90-degree angle. Thanks to the periscope-style telephoto lens, its a phone that delivers stunning shots from as far as 50x without losing clarity. It also includes the 119-degree ultra-wide angle lens that allows you to capture what your eyes see or get a close up with the macro vision that brings you 5x closer to your subject and highlights every single detail. Motorola also continues to push boundaries by introducing new shooting modes for social experiences and building AI into new features. For example, with the new low light AI, selfies in dim sceneries are easier to take. Moments will also no longer be missed as the moto edge 20 pro includes a dual capture that allows recording with the rear and selfie cameras at the same time via a split-screen. Built with an OLED screen technology, the moto edge 20 pro provides you with a billion shades of vibrant colors and true blacks on the 6.7 Max Vision display with HDR10+. With a 144Hz refresh rate, switching between apps, playing games and scrolling through websites will be incredibly smooth and fluid. The moto edge 20 pro also provides multiple ways to connect to Ready For via wired, wireless or scanning a QR code via a laptop. So whether youre a gamer, someone who likes to take multiple photos, a content creator using the phone or a little bit of all, the moto edge 20 pro gives you the speed you need thanks to the speed of 5G, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor and 12 GB of RAM. With its massive 4500mAh battery, the moto edge 20 pro lasts for more than a day. Get all of this and more wrapped up in a sleek modern and water repellent design with a 256GB built in storage, available in Midnight Sky, starting at Php29,995. Pre-orders will begin October 21-28, with an exclusive promo price of Php27,995 paired with additional premium freebies - A Yoga ANC Headset worth Php9,995 and a Lenovo USB C Travel Adapter worth Php2,995. moto edge 20 fusion The moto edge 20 fusion is a phone for our creators who desire the top of line equipment to create content at a friendly budget. With a 108MP camera system and ultra-pixel technology that allows 9x the light sensitivity, capturing ultra-bright photos in any scenario is much easier. Equipped with an advanced sensor and two excellent perspectives, creators can take pictures with the 118-degree ultra-wide angle lens or the macro vision. In addition, the front-facing 32MP selfie camera also has Motorola's Quad pixel technology with 4x more light sensitivity. Designed with advanced AI features, the Dual Capture mode allows two camera recordings. An added feature is the Spot Color mode, where users can tap a particular spot in the photo or video frame and then turn everything else to black & white. Perfect for any user, the moto edge 20 fusion assures you fewer lags and gives you smooth speed via 5G connectivity, the MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor and 8GB of RAM. Multitaskers will be able to share files more easily, see all the applications on their phone and work on two files simultaneously by accessing the Ready For platform on the PC through scanning a QR code. Built with a 6.7 Max Vision HDR10+ display with OLED technology, a 90Hz refresh rate, full HD resolution and a 25% larger color range, experience your favorite movies, shows and games in vivid, true-to-life colors with improved brightness and contrast. Installed with Motorolas very own MY UX, get more done on the go with 128GB storage and 5000mAh battery packed in a water repellent and sleek design, exclusive in Electric Gunmetal, starting at Php16,995. A special bundle will begin from October 15-21 for an exclusive price of Php15,995 and with additional freebies - A Lenovo S2 Smartwatch worth Php2,995 and Lenovo HT28 Headset worth Php1,995. To get the moto edge 20 pro and moto edge 20 fusion, shop from authorized mobile resellers nationwide, or official Motorola stores on Lazada and Shopee. You can also follow Motorola Philippines on Facebook for the latest products and promos. All variations of the hybrid workforce are emerging as employees head back to the office--or not. Many high-tech companies have granted flexibility for workers to continue to work remotely. For example, Twitter and Facebook have announced that employees can continue to work remotely forever, while Google has proposed that "around 60 percent of employees come to the office a few days a week, while another 20 percent will work in new office locations and 20 percent will work remotely. Apple asked all employees to come back to work three days a week and received pushback from employees who said, among other things, that they felt the company's request was "dismissive and invalidating" and that they were "unheard and at times actively ignored." On the other hand, many old-school CEOs are expecting all employees to report back to work as in pre-Covid times. Goldman Sachs's CEO required all employees to return to the office by June 14. Many on Wall Street cited the need for collaboration and learning--especially of younger staff members--that they feel can only occur at the office. I know of one company that divided its employees into "A" and "B" groups and is asking that each group report to the office on alternate days, which I guess was a compromise of sorts. One thing does seem clear: It's difficult to legislate a generic policy over a wide array of individual circumstances. Absolutely unacceptable is when an executive proclaims: "If I allow one person the flexibility to work from home, I need to grant that to all employees." Where is that written in stone? Why is it so difficult for some executives to allow flexibility? This is not to say that anything goes, but rather, when circumstances permit, deserving (i.e., high-performing) employees will be allowed greater flexibility given they have "proved themselves." If others want similar flexibility, they need to demonstrate similar results for them to be considered a high performer. It reminds me of when I was recently presenting for a group in Albuquerque, and heard about a company that had just hired a new CEO. That person was "all business" and on his first day declared that "All employees need to be at their desks at 8:30 a.m. every day." When a woman in the back of the room raised her hand and said "I'm sorry, can't do that," he barked "Why not?" She went on to explain that she was a single mother who had two children that she needed to drop off at school each morning and pick up each afternoon. She went on to explain that she also had an aging, ailing parent and, if called, would need to take her to the hospital or doctor's office on short notice since she didn't have anyone else to do that. The CEO responded: "If you expect to continue to work here, you will be at your desk at 8:30 a.m." The next day the woman quit--what alternative did she have? It turned out that she was the company's top revenue producer. She was successful because she had a job that allowed her to meet the demands of her personal life. She'd put her kids to bed and spend hours planning the next workday to maximize her efforts. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. remaining of Thank you for Reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. In a rather bizarre case, the Kerala Police have fined issued a traffic penalty of Rs 500, for not wearing a seatbelt while driving to a man who introduced himself as Ram (Raman) son Of Dasaratha, and is from Ayodhya. The incident from Chadaymangalam in Kollam district came to light after the video of it went viral on social media. In the video, which appears to be shot by the man who introduced himself as Ram, a police officer can be seen asking the recipient for his name and other details. The passenger who was penalised is reluctant to give the details asking what is the point of it as he has already paid the fine. At this point, the police officer asks him to give any name. The passenger, after thinking for a moment says Ram (Raman). The cop who writes it down then asked the passenger for his father's name and place. The answers were Dasaratha, and Ayodhya. The cop writes them down saying he doesn't care about what the passenger said, as long as the government is getting the money. The passenger who shared the video online also posted a photo of the receipt he had received. Facebook This comes at a time when Kerala Police is facing increasing criticism for penalising the general public, in the name of traffic violations. During the COVID-19 lockdown, in three months, the Kerala Police had filed over 17.75 lakh cases for various lockdown violations under the Kerala Epidemic Diseases Act and have collected over Rs 125 crore in penalties. BCCL Out of this, 10.7 lakh cases were registered for not wearing masks, while 4.7 lakh cases were for various offences such as not maintaining social distancing, crowding. The police collected a fine of Rs. 54.88 crore for not wearing masks. And in the first week of August, the sum stood at Rs 5.15 crores. Number of cases have surfaced in Kerala where police were seen penalising people in the name of lockdown violations even when they were not at fault. The highhandedness of the cops had raised allegations that they have been given monthly targets when it comes to fines. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. The devastation caused by the novel coronavirus isn't even over, and the creator of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine warns that a new virus could cause the next pandemic. Oxford Also Read: Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Lead Sarah Gilbert Is Testing It On Her Own Three Kids Dame Sarah Gilbert said in an event at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature in the UK on Thursday that had the Nipah virus had a Delta-like variant, the overall scenario would have been quite dire. If we had a delta type of Nipah virus, we would suddenly have a highly transmissible virus with a 50 per cent mortality rate, she said. But what is the Nipah virus and what makes it so deadly? Origin of Nipah virus In case you didnt know, the Nipah virus isnt new, in fact, its been present on this planet for years. It was first detected in 1999 in central Malaysia, coming from infected bats who stopped over to eat fruit trees that hung over pig farms. Pigs then consumed leftovers from the bats and thats how the Nipah virus made the entry into humans. Also Read: Nipah Virus: Everything You Need To Know About The Deadly Infection Reported In Kerala How is the Nipah virus transmitted? The disease is transmitted through unprotected exposure to secretions from the pigs, or when coming in unprotected contact with the tissue of an affected animal. Humans can also catch the Nipah virus from animals, contaminated foods as well as human to human contact. Around 105 Malaysians died in just eight months after contracting the virus, many going into comas, while many suffered from fevers and brain inflammation. 40 percent of those infected by Nipah were dead. Unsplash How deadly is the Nipah virus? As mentioned before, according to WHO, the fatality rate for the Nipah virus is between 40 to 75 percent. Humans can develop asymptomatic infections, and infections can range from mild to severe respiratory failure as well as fatal brain inflammation. Individuals who get infected first develop fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and sore throat. At later stages, patients experience dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness and neurological signs indicating brain inflammation. Some also experience atypical pneumonia and other respiratory-based complications. Severe brain inflammation results can progress in a coma. Also Read: Amid Covid Crisis, Nipah Virus Returns To Kerala As 12-YO Boy Dies Of Infection In Kozhikode Nipah virus today The virus is prevalent in Bangladesh where its known to erupt annually, as well as in parts of Eastern India. According to WHO, consumption of fruits or fruit products like raw date palm juice thats come in contact with urine and saliva of infected bats seems most likely the source of the infection. Other nations that could be at risk include Cambodia, Indonesia, Ghana, Thailand, the Philippines, due to the presence of certain bat species -- fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family -- that can cause this disease. From 2001 to 2008, almost half of all reported Nipah virus cases in Bangladesh were due to human-to-human transmission while providing care to patients. Reuters Medication or treatment for the Nipah virus? Sadly, there is no treatment or vaccine for this deadly disease -- neither for humans, nor animals. The only stipulated treatment is supportive care. Keep reading Indiatimes.com for all the latest science and technology news. The use of recreational drugs including marijuana has remained a topic of political and social contention for decades now. While its supporters term it as magic, others call it a menace. There are some countries that are strictly against the usage and sale of marijuana. In India too, the usage of cannabis or marijuana is prohibited, however, small proportions of it are permitted in the form of bhang in certain states, which are used to prepare thandais, lassis and sweets. The recent arrest of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, in an alleged narcotic drugs case, has again led to a debate on the use of recreational drugs in India. The high-profile case has firmly put the spotlight on drug laws in the country. Aryan Khan's counsel Amit Desai, while arguing for his client's bail plea on Wednesday, cited many verdicts related to the seizure of a small quantity of drugs and highlighted a few points regarding the motive of laws and some of the international practices. Desai said many countries has removed cannabis from the schedule of dangerous drugs. Having said that, did you know that there are certain countries where marijuana is actually legal? In these countries, one can light up a joint without any worries. Here are some of the countries where the sale, usage and possession of cannabis might not be a crime: 1. Uruguay The South American nation became one the first countries in the world to legalise the use of cannabis for recreational purposes, in 2013. iStock People, above 18, here just have to make sure they officially register with the government before they engage in any buying, selling, or growing. As of 2017, you can buy commercial grass in Uruguay from regular pharmacies. This is the future liberals want. 2. Canada In Canada, the consumption of marijuana is legalised by law for recreational and medicinal purposes. People who are 18 years old or above are legally allowed to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana in its dried or non-dried form in public. Pexels People are also allowed to grow up to four marijuana plants at home from legal seedlings. However, you can only buy cannabis from provincially-licensed retailers and federally-licensed producers. 3. Netherlands In the Netherlands, carrying weed home isnt legal, but you can enjoy it simply by walking into a coffee shop. Youll find weed leaves depicted on the hoardings and walls of many coffee shops here. Pexels Selling cannabis is illegal but not punishable so officials tolerate it as long as shops follow certain rules, like not advertising or causing a nuisance. Only citizens are allowed to buy marijuana, though Amsterdams infamous coffeeshops are exempt from that rule. 4. South Africa In South Africa, consumption, possession and growth of marijuana was decriminalised by law in 2018. However, use of space outside personal residence for sale and consumption of marijuana still comes under prohibition by law. Unsplash In August, South Africas government unveiled a master plan aimed at harnessing a 28-billion-rand ($1.9 billion) cannabis industry that could potentially create as many of 25,000 jobs and help attract foreign investment. 5. Spain Lighting up a joint in Spain's famous smoking clubs was legalised in 2017. You are allowed to smoke your own stuff, without fines or legal repercussions of any kind. As long as you consume it in the privacy of your own home or on private properties, you're fine. Shutterstock While the public consumption of weed in Spain is technically illegal, purchasing from a Spanish cannabis club is an exception. These clubs are also where consumers purchase marijuana. Membership is only open to Spanish citizens. Prospective bidders have until December 21 to submit their proposals to extract the critical battery mineral. The tender opened on Thursday to both national and international bidding. It will "tender and award Special Operation Contracts (CEOL) by quotas," a statement from the Chilean ministry of mining said. "There will be... Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below. Local Twin Cities artists Enzyrose, Eyenga Bokamba, Noah Lawrence-Holder, LeShon Lee, and Meadow Gillispie, talk about their reaction to the murder of George Floyd, the trial of Derek Chauvin, and life as a black artist during this time. The former owners of a Salem property recklessly cut corners that probably led to the release of asbestos during demolition at the site, the state attorney generals office said in a lawsuit. The office alleges in the suit, filed this week, that MRM Project Management, its principals and a contractor broke the law by knocking down buildings containing asbestos, leaving the contaminated debris on the site uncovered, and hauling it away in cardboard containers on open trucks, The Salem News reported. The 6.7-acre former home of Salem Oil and Grease is the site of a planned 129-unit apartment complex. MRM purchased it in 2006 and sold it in 2018. Two buildings at the site were never checked for asbestos before they were demolished, according to the suit, and the company failed to follow a plan it had submitted for the ones that were known to be contaminated. These defendants recklessly cut corners while redeveloping this site, ignored our important air pollution and asbestos laws, and put the health and safety of their workers and the public at risk, Attorney General Maura Healey said in a news release. Her office seeks fines of up to $50,000 per violation per day under state laws. Attorney Marshall Handly, who has been representing MRM, said he had not yet seen the complaint but has had conversations with the attorney generals office. Weve asked for some specificity as to the violations theyre claiming, Handly said. The place was completely cleaned by MRM under the direction of the (Department of Environmental Protection). Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Massachusetts Around half of companies assessed have begun to apply globally agreed climate-related disclosure standards for helping investors to pick firms committed to sustainability, regulators said on Thursday. A task force set up by the Financial Stability Board which groups regulators, central banks and treasury officials from G20 countries set out recommendations in 2017 on how companies could voluntarily disclose the risks and opportunities from climate change. But four years on, only about half of companies disclosed climate-related risks and opportunities in some form, on average covering around a third of the 11 recommended disclosures, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) said in an update published on Thursday. Significant progress is still needed, the report said after a recent review of more than 1,600 companies around the world. 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, said Mary Schapiro, head of the TCFD. Regulators are worried that companies touting their green credentials to attract investors cash may be making exaggerated claims about their commitment to sustainability something known as greenwashing. The task force said more than 2,600 organizations have expressed their support for its recommendations, an increase of more than a third since the 2020. They include 1,069 financial institutions responsible for assets of $194 trillion. To improve uptake, regulators in markets such as Britain, the European Union, Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Switzerland have begun using the recommendations as a basis for mandatory disclosures. The recommendations are part of a patchwork of disclosure rules that have emerged, prompting regulators to intervene in a bid to impose a more unified, global approach. The IFRS Foundation is set to create an International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in the run up to next months COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow. The ISSB, backed by leading countries, will build on the task forces recommendations to create baseline disclosure standards by mid-2022 which supporting countries will make mandatory. The FSB welcomes the continued progress the IFRS Foundation is making on its initiative to develop a global sustainability reporting standard, beginning with climate, the FSB said in a statement. (Editing by Jane Merriman and Susan Fenton) Topics Climate Change For the sixth time in seven years, a federal workplace inspection has found a Roselle, Illinois, construction contractor putting workers at risk of serious injury or death by defying federal requirements to ensure the use of fall protection. On April 16, 2021, U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors observed employees of Emerald Inc. without fall protection while performing framing and carpentry work at a residential townhome development under construction in Elk Grove Village. OSHA cited the company for one willful, five repeat and two serious safety violations, and proposed $229,792 in penalties. OSHA identified similar hazards present at Emerald Inc. work sites in February 2021, May 2020, February 2018, December 2017 and October 2017, and issued citations. The company has failed to resolve the issued citations, leading OSHA to refer $172,521 in unpaid penalties to debt collection. In addition to the fall protection violation, OSHA found the crew working without required eye protection and hard hats, and exposed to fall hazards due to improper ladder use and lack of stair rails. Inspectors also noted Emerald Inc. failed to train employees on fall hazards and in the safe use of powered industrial vehicles. In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 1,061 construction workers died on the job, 401 after a fall from elevation. In Fiscal Year 2020, fall protection was the standard most frequently cited by OSHA in construction industry inspections. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Source: OSHA Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Illinois Construction Contractors U.S. safety investigators want to know why Tesla didnt file recall documents when it updated Autopilot software to better identify parked emergency vehicles, escalating a simmering clash between the automaker and regulators. In a letter to Tesla, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told the electric car maker Tuesday that it must recall vehicles if an over-the-internet update mitigates a safety defect. Any manufacturer issuing an over-the-air update that mitigates a defect that poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is required to timely file an accompanying recall notice to NHTSA, the agency said in a letter to Eddie Gates, Teslas director of field quality. The agency also ordered Tesla to provide information about its Full Self-Driving software thats being tested on public roads with some owners. The latest clash is another sign of escalating tensions between Tesla and the agency that regulates partially automated driving systems. In August the agency opened an investigation into Teslas Autopilot after getting multiple reports of vehicles crashing into emergency vehicles with warning lights flashing that were stopped on highways. The letter was posted on the NHTSA website early Wednesday. A message was left early Wednesday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department. NHTSA opened a formal investigation of Autopilot in August after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles. The investigation covers 765,000 vehicles, almost everything that Tesla has sold in the U.S. since the start of the 2014 model year. Of the dozen crashes identified as part of the probe, 17 people were injured and one was killed. According to the agency, Tesla did an over-the-internet software update in late September that was intended to improve detection of emergency vehicle lights in low-light conditions. The agency says that Tesla is aware that federal law requires automakers to do a recall if they find out that vehicles or equipment have safety defects. The agency asked for information about Teslas Emergency Light Detection Update that was sent to certain vehicles with the stated purpose of detecting flashing emergency vehicle lights in low light conditions and then responding to said detection with driver alerts and changes to the vehicle speed while Autopilot is engaged. The letter asks for a list of events that motivated the software update, as well as what vehicles it was sent to and whether the measures extend to Teslas entire fleet. It also asks the Palo Alto, California, company whether it intends to file recall documents. If not, please furnish Teslas technical and/or legal basis for declining to do so, the agency asks. Tesla has to comply with the request by Nov. 1 or face court action and civil fines of more than $114 million, the agency wrote. In a separate special order sent to Tesla, NHTSA says that the company may be taking steps to hinder the agencys access to safety information by requiring drivers who are testing Full Self-Driving software to sign non-disclosure agreements. The order demands that Tesla describe the non-disclosure agreements and how they are signed by Tesla drivers. The company also must say whether Tesla requires owners of vehicles equipped with Autopilot to agree to any terms that would prevent or discourage vehicle owners from sharing information about or discussing any aspect of Autopilot with any person other than Tesla. Responses must be made by a Tesla officer under oath. If Tesla fails to fully comply, the order says the matter could be referred to the Justice Department for court action to force responses. It also threatens more fines of over $114 million. Tesla has said that neither vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving nor Autopilot can drive themselves. It warns drivers that they must be ready to intervene at all times. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Tesla Autonomous Vehicles Workers compensation insurers have slashed spending on opioids, reducing the risk of addiction and delayed recovery, but now they are under increasing pressure to reimburse injured workers for a new kind of elixir. Six states now allow or require insurers to reimburse workers compensation claimants for medical marijuana if its use is deemed reasonable and necessary, according to an analysis by researchers for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Workers Compensation Research Institute. Another 10 states havent staked out a position, meaning marijuana reimbursement may eventually be required. The NIOSH paper also says there is little scientific evidence to support the lengthy list of state-sanctioned qualifying health conditions that marijuana is used to treat. A 2017 review of scientific literature by the National Academy of Sciences found evidence existed to support the use of cannabinoids for only three conditions: chronic neuropathic and end-of-life pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury, and for the control of nausea caused by chemotherapy. The 36 states that allow use of medical marijuana allow for a much wider range of conditions. New York, for instance, lists cancer, HIV infection or AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain as qualifying conditions. New York is one of 19 states that also allow marijuana to be used for recreational purposes. Only a decade ago, non-medical use was illegal in every state in the nation. Amid that growing tolerance, the authors of the NIOSH paper said they expect the number of states that allow workers comp reimbursement for marijuana to grow as more workers petition state courts and administrative agencies for cannabis (workers compensation insurer) reimbursement. The studies needed by states to make listing decisions based only on scientifically sound efficacy studies are just not there at the present time. Should the states reconsider their guidelines given the limited evidence to support the clinical use of cannabis? States are in a tough spot when it comes to this question, said NIOSH Director John Howard in an email to Claims Journal. The studies needed by states to make listing decisions based only on scientifically sound efficacy studies are just not there at the present time. Controlled Substance One reason for the lack of scientific evidence is that marijuana is a Schedule 1 controlled substance under federal law. Since 1968, federal regulations required researchers to use marijuana from a facility at the University of Mississippi under a contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, according to the paper. The regulations werent amended until late 2020. The paper says determining what part of the marijuana plant is effective for health conditions and at what dosage is also a daunting task. Cannabis sativa contains approximately 565 chemicals, 120 which are called cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alters mood. Cannabidioil (CBD) is a non-psychoactive, potent anti-inflammatory. Howard said more efficacy studies are needed but limited by the legal status of cannabis. Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence has persuaded many physicians that therapeutic use of marijuana is justified. Interest in use of marijuana to relieve chronic pain increased just as government regulators began putting pressure on physicians to decrease the use of opioids because of an epidemic of addition and overdoses. A study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute published in July found that state laws that require physicians to check prescription drug monitoring databases, which record the identify of patients who were prescribed controlled substances, reduced the amount of opioids prescribed by 12% in the first year. Regulations that limit the duration of opioid prescriptions resulted in a 19% decrease in the amount of opioids among claims where opioids were prescribed. It is not entirely clear that cannabis is superior to opioids in the absence of safety and efficacy studies of cannabis as a pain reliever, Howard said. For example, when prescribing is controlled (e.g., number of refills allowed, number of meds allowed per prescription), opioids can be safe and effective. What is clear is that cannabis does not have the same effect on the respiratory center in the brain that opioids have (i.e., respiratory depression causing death). Oh Canada Canada became the second nation in the world to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2018, following Uruguay in 2013. However, marijuana is not an approved therapeutic drug in Canada. The nations health department does not endorse the use of medical cannabis. Guidelines adopted by the Canadian provinces for workers compensation are a buzz kill when compared to the uses allowed in the United States. Nova Scotia, for example, limits the daily quantity of medical cannabis to three grams per day and limits the THC percentage to 9%, compared to an average level of 15% measured by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in 2018, according to the NIOSH paper. New Brunswick and Ontario confine medical use of marijuana to a narrow range of conditions that align with scientific data where efficacy has been shown; neuropathic pain, spasticity and nausea. New Brunswick adds the use of marijuana for harm reduction when it is offered to patients as an alternative to opioids. The paper says Canadian provincial workers compensation boards has similar concerns as US workers compensation insurers about the lack of scientific evidence for the efficacy of cannabis for specific health conditions. Changing Attitudes In the U.S., such attitudes seem to be changing rapidly. Mark Pew, who runs a consulting business and writes a blog called The Rx Professor, said in 2015 he urged New Mexico state lawmakers to ensure that workers compensation insurers would not be required to reimburse injured workers for medical marijuana. He worked for utilization review provider Prium at the time. New Mexico courts had ruled that carriers can be liable for the cost of marijuana use if reasonable and necessary to treat a work injury. Pew said his main argument at the time was that insurers were at risk of running into legal trouble with the federal government because of marijuanas status as a controlled substances. Nowadays, he said, that argument doesnt carry much wait. The US Justice Department issued a directive in 2013 that instructed federal prosecutors to lay off on filing criminal charges involving small amounts of marijuana if legal under state laws. The fact that there has not been a federal prosecution after more than 20 years of legal marijuana shows that violating federal law is no longer a serious concern, Pew said. Also, there is a growing body of evidence showing efficacy in treating a wide variety of conditions. Pew said even though research has been stymied in the US because of federal law, there are plenty of studies going on elsewhere. He said Mexico and China are both funding research. People tend to think there are no scientific studies, but there is a lot of real world data that is being accumulated, he said. New Mexico was the first of five states where courts ordered workers compensation insurers to reimburse injured workers for marijuana. The Connecticut Workers Compensation Review Board, an appellate court in New York and the supreme courts in New Hampshire and New Jersey followed. Minnesota enacted an administrative rule that cleared the way for reimbursement for marijuana, but it faces legal challenges, according to the NIOSH paper. In each of those states, marijuana use is allowed only as a last resort after other treatment methods had failed. Pew said some insurers have quietly accepted marijuana and have established internal guidelines for accepting reimbursement. He said claims departments generally keep their acceptance on the down low. Claims adjusters, supervisors and managers huddle with clinical experts and decide in what circumstances marijuana use is appropriate. Pew said even though marijuana has been accepted by some states, the reimbursement method for workers comp insurers is completely different than the way drugs are usually handled in workers comp. He said typically, medical providers as insurers for preauthorization before prescribing any drug. For marijuana, reimbursement is handled retrospectively injured workers ask for reimbursement after they start using the substance. New York may be the first to change that. The New York State Workers Compensation Board published rules in the Sept. 1 edition of the State Register that create a preauthorization process for medical marijuana. That is going to be the model going forward, Pew said. If you are going to think of marijuana as medicine, you need to start treating it as medicine. Not in Writing Pennsylvania is among 14 states that dont require workers comp insurers to reimburse for marijuana, according to the NIOSH paper. But that may soon change. In June, an administrative law judge ruled that an insurer was required to reimburse an injured worker for marijuana that he used to wean himself off of an opioid addiction. The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act states that insurers can be compelled to provide coverage for marijuana, but Abington, Pennsylvania claimants attorney Jenifer Kaufman argues that coverage is not the same thing as reimbursement. Kaufman said the administrative law judge did not mention the language in the medical marijuana law when he ruled in favor of her client. He ordered reimbursement in the context of utilization review: the insurance carrier had sent her marijuana request through UR and the reviewing doctor recommended that the request be approved. Kaufman said two cases are pending before the Commonwealth Court, which is Pennsylvanias intermediate court of appeals, and she hopes for a decision that clears the way for marijuana reimbursement for injured workers who otherwise must depend on opioids. Kaufman said marijuana will save insurers money. She said most of her clients spend $200 to $500 per month. Some of them have been able to kick opioid habits that lasted 25 to 30 years and caused other problems, such as constipation, that forced insurers to pay for other drugs. Opioids also put insurers at risk of paying death benefits in instances where an injured worker is killed by an overdose. Kaufman said insurers are aware of the potential savings. She said one carrier set up a fund for a client who had lost all of his teeth because of an opioid addiction. He is now able to withdraw from that fund to pay for marijuana, although nothing is written down that acknowledges the carrier is paying specifically for that. Some if them are quietly paying for marijuana in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Kaufman said. They dont want to put it in writing. Topics Carriers Workers' Compensation Talent Cannabis On Louisianas south coast, in a key port servicing the U.S. offshore oil industry, a huge shipyard sits idle and in tatters. Where parts of the nine-bay terminals roof once hung, only a tangle of twisted metal beams is now visible while a side of the building is caved in. More than a month after Hurricane Ida hit the sprawling harbor of Port Fourchon, where Bayou Lafourche meets the Gulf of Mexico, the destruction remains widespread even as a recovery effort continues apace. Giant containers lie flipped on their side and supply boats sit washed ashore, while the roads are lined with utility trucks and linemen working to rebuild power systems. Operations at the port, which in normal times services the vast majority of oil produced in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, ground to a halt after the storm hit in late August and currently are at about 60%, according to the ports executive director, Chett Chiasson. It could be about another six months before the port is running at full capacity, he says. The devastation of Port Fourchon and the surrounding area highlights the vulnerability of a key energy hub. It is also emblematic of the toll the industry is taking on Louisianas swampy coastline, according to some academics and environmentalists. They say the industry, which has brought great economic benefit, has contributed to the threats the area faces in terms of rising seas and stronger storms. That is both via the fossil fuel it extracts and by contributing to local coastal erosion through activities such as cutting canals into the wetlands that allowed saltwater intrusion and killed off protective natural vegetation. Some academics question whether efforts to fortify the ports infrastructure and longer-running projects to shore up the coastline will be sufficient to avoid similar disasters happening again. The oil and gas industry has done a lot of damage to our coast, said Tulane University geology professor Torbjorn Tornqvist, who specializes in wetland losses. A lot of the people who have close ties to the industry are those that are among the most vulnerable in the country to climate change, he said. The question is more when than if, places like Port Fourchon disappear, he added. Design Structure Chiasson, the public official in charge of the port, said he doesnt agree as it relates to Port Fourchon. Our resilient design structure, and the coastal investments near our port will keep us in tact and operating well in to the future, he said. The ports executive director added that the oil and gas industry has played a critical role in helping restore coastlines and wetlands around Louisiana, including planting vegetation on newly built land, funding projects and assisting with modeling future coastal restoration projects using dredged material. A U.S. Geological Survey study published in 2000 found that oil and gas activities had contributed to more than a third of the states coastal wetlands loss higher than any other factor. Those involved in the industry say they are committed to addressing the environmental threats facing the area. The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA) said that during the five years through 2019 the industry provided $226 million to government agencies in leasing fees and royalties from oil or gas sales that was diverted to state and federal conservation projects. In addition, the industry has provided support in other ways, such as companies allocating land for flood management, the association said. Far from being the cause of wetlands loss, the oil and natural gas industry has led the way to address the issue, said Mike Moncla, president of the association. He added that following the hurricane it had contributed more than $10 million to local relief efforts for residents. A U.S. Geological Survey study published in 2000 found that oil and gas activities had contributed to more than a third of the states coastal wetlands loss higher than any other factor. Louisianas oil and gas industry generated some $62.6 billion in revenues in 2019, according to the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, another industry trade group. Many businesses say they remain committed to the port. Offshore vessel operator Edison Chouest Offshore, the operator of the damaged nine-bay shipping terminal known as C-Port 2, did not respond to requests for comment. Heart of Offshore Oil Surrounded by gator-filled bayous, Port Fourchon is the states southern most port. An elevated two-lane highway, which hovers above the water, connects it to the nearest town about 20 minutes away. The port was created in 1960 by the Louisiana Legislature and grew into a critical supply and service hub for oil producers as deepwater exploration blossomed. Many of the nearly 100,000 people living in Lafourche parish where the port sits depend on the industry. Unless youre a teacher, in some kind of way youre related to the oilfield, said 59-year-old Kenny Johnson, a captain on a towboat operated by a fuel distributor. When Hurricane Ida struck, it lashed Port Fourchon with maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour. Port officials said it was the strongest hurricane to hit Port Fourchon since its creation. That includes Hurricane Katrina, which pummeled Louisiana 16 years earlier but came ashore 60 miles east. More than 95% of U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil production was temporarily suspended, according to the offshore regulator. The Gulf supplies nearly a fifth of the nations oil, which feeds the manufacture of fuel for transport and of plastics for use in everything from drinking cups to medical devices. More than a month on, power in the surrounding area was still out for thousands of people and many had no water or sewage services. The roofs of many homes are damaged or missing. Insulation and household goods, such as chairs and ceiling fans, lie piled along the streets. In Houma, another industry hub about 60 miles from Port Fourchon, hangars at a city airport lie in piles of rubble. One night in late September, a group of volunteers from out of state who had been providing meals for families gathered around to watch a baby alligator caught by locals. The rebuild effort includes installing more robust infrastructure in and around the port. Linemen, flown in from all across the country, are replacing power lines and utility poles damaged by the storm. Companies are rebuilding shipyards and office spaces. Port officials are fortifying municipal buildings and say they are considering building a safe house that can withstand the strongest category of hurricane winds. Stone Oil Distributor, LLC has replaced its crew quarters and dispatch offices. Port Fourchon is the heart of the offshore oil industry, said the fuel distributors Chief Operating Officer Tony Odak. Port director Chiasson estimates more than a quarter of billion dollars worth of damages were done to the companies that have facilities at the port. Lost Land Theres also the cost to the environment. Some 60 square miles of marshland was lost on the eastern side of Bayou Lafourche, estimates Chiasson. Hurricane Ida did a number on our marsh, said Chiasson, who was raised in the area. It chopped it up and we need to rebuild that because were now vulnerable for the next storm. Louisiana has already lost some 5,000 square kilometers (close to 2,000 square miles) of its coastal wetlands over the past century, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Thats an area about the size of Delaware. Louisianas Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has launched a series of restoration projects, worth tens of billions of dollars, to restore and protect the coastlines, including building marshes by dredging sediment and creating new lands by diverting river sediment. River diversion projects can help slow down the loss of land, but they can take several years to decades, said oceanography professor Kevin Xu of Louisiana State University. Some in the industry point to other causes of local erosion. State senator Mike Fesi, who goes by Big Mike and whose district includes Port Fourchon, primarily blames wetland losses on levees built decades ago along the Mississippi River. While protecting the surrounding communities from flooding, the levees kept the banks from overflowing its rivers and naturally depositing silt. Though he acknowledges the industry may have some responsibility for the erosion, the senator said he believes that has been more than offset by the funding the industry contributes to projects. A lot of people who work in oil live in this area, said Fesi, who owns a Houma-based pipeline maintenance and construction firm that over the years has employed thousands of people in Louisiana. They love this area and they want it to survive. Jerrett Webre, who lives in Houma and has spent his entire career in oil and gas, believes many people will stay put. They have bills to pay and that is their profession, the 39-year old said. Unless they choose to go work at a plant somewhere or start over, there is nothing left for them to do. (Reporting by Liz Hampton Edited by Cassell Bryan-Low and Gary McWilliams) Photo: Port Fourchon Coastal Wetlands Park. Development was completed in July, 2021. Photo: Port Fourchon Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Louisiana Profit Loss Hurricane Florida officials are applauding a federal courts decision to dismiss an air ambulance companys challenge to a 2020 law that limits insurance reimbursements for pricey helicopter and fixed-wing medical transports. The successful dismissal of this lawsuit will ensure consumers are protected from extraordinary out-of-pocket expenses at a time when they need help most, Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier said in a statement. U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor this week agreed with Altmaiers motion to dismiss the lawsuit that was brought a year ago by Air Methods, a major air ambulance provider. Air Methods had asked the court to block Altmaiers enforcement of House Bill 747, now state law, which requires reasonable reimbursement of air ambulance flights and bans balance billing to patients. Its an issue that has churned through state and federal courts across the country for the past decade. Air Methods filed the suit last fall, shortly after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 747 into law. The company argued that federal law preempts state laws and that the federal Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 governs interstate air transportation prices. Three federal appeal courts and a number of state courts have agreed with that argument in similar cases, leaving state regulators, insurers and patients frustrated over air ambulance bills that can top $50,000 for one emergency transport. The judge in this case sidestepped the federal preemption question but held that Air Methods had no standing to bring suit. As of yet, the firm has not been subject to reimbursement restrictions and has not been injured. Furthermore, the judge said, Altmaiers Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) does not enforce the new law. An air companys grievance would be with an insurance company that did not pay the full amount of the bill, Winsor wrote. Altmaiers case was argued by two Florida assistant attorneys general. In their response to Air Methods complaint, William Stafford and Elizabeth Teegen wrote that the section of the new law that Air Methods (AMC) sought relief from is self-executing and applies only to private contractual arrangements between air ambulance services and those they transport. OIR has no authority to enforce it, and so an order against the commissioner will make it no easier for AMC to bill individuals for any portion of its air ambulance charges that the insurers do not cover. Were very excited to see the judges ruling, said Rep. Jayer Williamson, R-Pace, the chief sponsor of the 2020 legislation. We tried hard to come up with language in the bill that would pass the courts. The Florida law is somewhat unique in the country and was crafted after months of research and work with the Florida Association of Health Plans. It requires insurers to base reimbursement on the actual cost of the service, but to also consider the average cost of those air services in a region, including the cost of helicopters operated by county sheriffs. Air Methods has said that its aircraft are exceedingly expensive to maintain and that highly trained crews must be on-call at all times. HB 747 keeps reimbursement too low, jeopardizing service to rural parts of Florida, the firm said. It asked the court for an injunction to halt enforcement of the law, almost before the law was enacted. But the state argued that Altmaiers office, while overseeing most insurance matters, does not have a dog in this fight. Air Methods cannot trace its injuries or redress them with the OIR. The assistant attorneys general offered this scenario: Say Air Methods sends a bill for $50,000 to the insurance company after a medical flight. The insurer pays only $20,000, and the air ambulance company bills the patient for the remainder. Suppose that the insured, believing this violates (the new law), informs OIR, the state wrote in its motion to dismiss. OIR would not, and could not, bring an enforcement action under these circumstances. The court agreed. In sum, Air Methods has not alleged facts to show traceability or redressability, Judge Winsor wrote. Attorneys for Air Methods and for the Florida Attorney Generals office could not be reached for comment Friday. Williamson said the law does not affect workers compensation insurance reimbursement or fee schedules, which has been a subject of litigation in other states, including Texas. But thats something we can look at in the future. Topics Legislation Florida Prominent South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh, already accused of swindling money from his law firm and for faking his own murder, has now been charged with stealing insurance settlements meant for the sons of his late housekeeper. 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 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 $500,000 and then never sent them a dime, the lawsuit said. 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. Murdaugh was being held Thursday 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. The deaths of Murdaughs son and wife at their Colleton County home in June remain unsolved. Murdaugh said he found Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and her son Paul, 22, shot to death after he returned home from visiting his father in the hospital, according to authorities. State police have launched six investigations into Murdaugh, including the deaths and September charges against Murdaugh on insurance fraud and other counts for trying to arrange his own death so his surviving son could collect on a $10 million life insurance policy. Murdaugh said his head was grazed by a bullet in the attempt. The man charged with firing at Murdaugh said the gun went off as he tried to prevent his friend from shooting himself. 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. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Abuse Molestation The California FAIR Plan Association (FAIR Plan) says it will appeal a ruling by the Los Angeles Superior Court the association believes will lead to unnecessary rate increases for all FAIR Plan policyholders and unnecessarily expand the role of the FAIR Plan in the voluntary insurance marketplace. The FAIR Plan also plans to request a stay of the California insurance commissioners order issued Sept. 24, which directs the Plan to offer a homeowners policy, in addition to its current dwelling fire coverage, with more traditional homeowner features, such as coverage for water damage, theft, and loss of use. The Fair Plan, with about 200,000 policyholders, serves as the states property insurer of last resort; all admitted property insurance companies in the state are members of the association. In July 2021, the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that the California Department of Insurance (CDI) exceeded its legal authority in 2019 when it ordered the FAIR Plan to provide comprehensive homeowners insurance, known as an HO-3 policy. That ruling left the door open for the CDI to order the FAIR Plan to provide other new coverages, however. Subsequently, CDI issued Order No. 2021-2 requiring the FAIR Plan to provide a quasi-HO-3 policy that would provide less coverage than comprehensive homeowners insurance yet would still force the FAIR Plan to offer new types of coverage. The FAIR Plan is appealing the portion of the ruling holding that the CDI has the authority to order the FAIR Plan to provide new coverages that are already available to consumers from other insurance providers in the voluntary market. In a media release, Anneliese Jivan, president of the California FAIR Plan stated: Ultimately, the California Department of Insurances order would place more financial burden on existing FAIR Plan customers whether they can afford it or not. The FAIR Plan was created to provide California property owners with the basic fire insurance coverage they need, when they need it most. The FAIR Plan was never meant to compete with traditional insurance carriers that already provide these coverage options. We are appealing the ruling and contesting the latest CDI order to protect consumers from unnecessary rate increases. California law requires the FAIR Plan to provide basic property insurance for property owners who cannot get insurance through the voluntary market, serve as a stabilizing force in the insurance marketplace and maintain actuarially sound rates. The FAIR Plan said its unique role as a last resort for fire insurance is analogous to the California Earthquake Authority, which exists to meet consumers need for a specific line of insurance when the voluntary market cannot or will not provide it. According to the association, requiring the FAIR Plan to expand into coverages that are readily available would put the FAIR Plan in direct competition with the voluntary market, which is illegal. In addition, forcing the FAIR Plan to offer new coverages would lead to higher rates for existing FAIR Plan policyholders and a significantly more expensive product than whats available from traditional insurers. The CDIs Sept. 24 order attempting to compel the FAIR Plan to offer a quasi-HO-3 policy would still result in customers needing additional coverage to have the equivalent of a comprehensive homeowners policy, or the equivalent of a FAIR Plan policy plus a Difference in Conditions policy, according to the association. Specifically, the quasi-HO-3 policy ordered by the CDI would leave policyholders without certain types of important liability coverage found in a comprehensive policy, necessitating a second policy outside the FAIR Plan. Coverage options referred to as Difference in Conditions policies are readily available within the voluntary market, as indicated on the CDIs website. A FAIR Plan policy accompanied by a Difference in Conditions policy offers the equivalent of an HO-3 policy. Any homeowner can work with their insurance broker to secure these coverages. FAIR Plan said it does not have the staffing infrastructure or expertise to offer lines of insurance outside basic property coverage. If forced to shift its focus to build new lines of insurance, the FAIR Plan would have to divert resources from its core services, thus slowing aid to victims of devastating fires across the state, the association said. Source: California FAIR Plan Topics California A fire has destroyed a school in an eastern Washington town. Lincoln County Sheriff Wade Magers said the fire at Almira Elementary and Middle School started around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Classes and after school activities had been canceled because of a power outage so no one was inside, he said. No one was injured, The Spokesman-Review reported. Lincoln County Fire District Chief Denny Pinar said when he arrived he saw flames in the elementary school and that while firefighters tried for hours to stop the fire it moved into the adjoining administration building and the school gym. He said the building is a total loss. Students have reverted to remote learning and will return to classes starting Oct. 25 at different locations. District Business Manager Laureen Robertson said officials hope to have portables in Almira within the next three months for all grade levels. The Almira School District is located south of Grand Coulee. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Washington K 12 (The Center Square) The GOP-led Michigan House of Representatives approved three bills Thursday that aim to change election law. The legislators claim the bills will secure elections despite Democrats decrying the bills as voter suppression. The House approved Senate Bill 303 on a 56-51 vote. The bill seeks to require stricter voter ID measures. Voters seeking an absentee ballot would have to submit a copy of their drivers license or state ID, provide the last four digits of their Social Security number, or present ID to the city clerk in which the voter is registered. If the applicant doesnt provide the above information, the clerk must issue the applicant a provisional absentee voter ballot that wouldnt count unless the applicant verified their identity to the clerk before 5 p.m. on the sixth day after election day. The bill seeks to prohibit election officials from sending out absentee ballot applications unless they are specifically requested. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson sent out absentee ballot applications before the 2020 presidential election, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason to make socially distanced voting easier. Another provision seeks to ban the use of private funds flowing into election processes. In the 2020 presidential election, for example, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerbergs charity spent about $400 million to fund election resources nationwide. Nearly $8 million of that funding was spent in Michigan. The provision says the prohibition of private funds applies to election activities, including voter registration, voter eligibility review, and such election equipment as tabulators, voting facilities, and absentee voter drop boxes. SB 304 would require the election inspector to inform some individuals they are eligible for a free state ID. HB 5007 aims to make it easier for Michiganders to get a state ID. Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, the bill seeks to delete a state requirement that an applicant pay $10 to the Secretary of State for each original or renewal official State personal ID card issued; and prohibit the SOS from charging a fee for an original or a renewal of an ID card. It would also require the SOS to waive the $10 fee for a duplicate ID card if the individual were on disability assistance or the individual had a homeless verification letter and a photo identification card generated from the federal government. Rep. Darrin Camilleri, D-Brownstown Twp., said Republicans pushed the bills to continue The Big Lie that claims President Joe Biden stole the 2020 presidential election. Camilleri said the bills aim to steal the Constitutional right to vote. Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, said ID is required to buy alcohol, cigarettes, and even visit lawmakers, although those arent Constitutional rights. Are we suppressing them? he asked. Johnson said the current affidavit option has a loophole for those wanting to commit election fraud. This week, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced she charged three people with election fraud, two of whom were caught before their vote was counted. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has vowed to veto the GOPs election bills. Hollywood power couple Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara are continuing their Cork adventure with a tour of Blarney Castle Estate. The pair have been in Ireland for a few days, checking in at Shanahan's restaurant in Dublin and sharing pictures from Galway during their whirlwind tour of the country. This afternoon Sofia shared pictures on her Instagram of their castle tour with their dog, Bubbles, taking part in the fun. You can follow their adventures around Cork on Sofia's Instagram in her pictures showing the Turistiando. The couple were pictured outside of the castle grounds where they met locals TJ Enright and Conor O'Donovan. Yesterday the Hollywood stars shared pictures on social media of their traditional local lunch in Cork City: a big bag of food from Jackie Lennox's chipper on Bandon Road. Sofia Vergara posing in Fitzgerald's Park They surprised and delighted locals with their snaps from the popular city centre park, and eagle-eyed Corkonians even spotted them buying the food themselves near UCC. Sofia shared a selfie in front of the iconic fountain and also snapped a picture of Joe horsing into a big bag of chips while sitting on a bench. Joseph Manganiello enjoying Jackie Lennox's finest chipper food in Cork city Sofia is best known for her role as Gloria in the sitcom Modern Family while Joe has had roles in Spiderman, True Blood and Magic Mike. Jackie Lennox's chip shop has been on Bandon Road for 70 years, serving some of the finest chips, burgers and more. What next for the famous actors? Perhaps a trip to the Blarney Stone or a journey into West Cork? A legal challenge against a DUP boycott of north-south political structures is set to return to court after one of the partys ministers failed to participate in two cross-border meetings. The unionist party has vowed to disengage from the structures of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), apart from meetings on health issues, as part of its protest against Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol. However, on Monday, a judge at Belfast High Court, Mr Justice Scoffield, ruled the DUP position unlawful. Despite that ruling, DUP Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots did not participate in two planned virtual meetings with Irish ministerial counterparts on environmental issues on Friday. DUP Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots did not join the meetings (Liam McBurney/PA) Under Stormont rules, such meetings with the Government cannot proceed without the participation of both a unionist and a nationalist minister from the Northern Ireland Executive. On Monday, the judge did not make an order compelling the DUP to participate in future meetings, but told the Belfast businessman who brought the legal challenge Sean Napier that he could return to court to seek one if the party did not act on his declaration of unlawfulness. Mr Napiers challenge is now set to return to Belfast High Court on Friday afternoon. The DUP has contended that it technically did not boycott Fridays meetings, because it was not possible to formally schedule them after DUP First Minister Paul Givan refused to sign off on the agendas. In line with the DUPs pledged exemption to its position on the NSMC, a north-south meeting on health matters did take place on Thursday. Sinn Feins Declan Kearney called on the DUP to get back to work (Liam McBurney/PA) Sinn Fein junior minister Declan Kearney, who was due to participate in the second of Fridays meetings, said: Its time the DUP put ordinary peoples interests first by ending this illegal boycott of vital government business and get back to work on behalf of everyone in our society. SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, who was due to participate in Fridays first meeting on marine issues, accused the DUP of unacceptable and totally dishonest behaviour. She also questioned the point of the boycott, claiming the meeting on Thursday had been used to rush through a series of other NSMC issues which were not related to health. It is astounding, following this weeks High Court ruling, that (DUP leader) Jeffrey Donaldson is overseeing a deliberate and unlawful boycott of the north-south institutions, she said. It shows not only disdain for the rule of law but utter contempt for the people we represent. Obstructed again from an important North South meeting because the DUP's Edwin Poots boycotted it. No one is above the law. Disgraceful that the DUP is willingly & knowingly breaking the law. Shameful the public now must look to the courts to uphold the law & protect N/S progress Nichola Mallon (@NicholaMallon) October 15, 2021 It is also fundamentally dishonest a wide range of NSMC business was rushed through a health sectoral format meeting this week. So what exactly is the point of this tactic? The DUP leader should at least be honest with people rather than marching them halfway up the hill. The NSMC is a construct of the Good Friday peace agreement of 1998 and is designed to enhance political co-operation on the island of Ireland. The peace accord also includes structures to maintain and foster east-west relationships with the island and Britain. The DUP argues that the north-south relationship cannot continue as normal when, it claims, the Northern Ireland Protocol and its associated economic barriers on Irish Sea trade have inflicted damage on east-west relations. When it comes to a global pandemic the understandable temptation, after living through much of one, is to move on and leave the entire mess in the rearview mirror. There is no doubt but that there are lessons, including some very valuable ones, to be learned from our experiences of the past 20 months. Are we the same? This was a question asked at a recent Irish Hospice Foundation conference on dying, death, and bereavement. Orla Keegan, IHF head of education and bereavement, described it well as the landscape of loss we are currently in after the many tensions and dilemmas many of them around the deathbed brought about by Covid. All the restrictions and the manner of deaths during Covid meant that a higher proportion of people who have been bereaved will need professional help, she said. In total there have been over 5,300 deaths related to Covid in Ireland. Indeed the professionals themselves, used to dealing every day with dying, also bear the scars of Covid, Bettina Korn, end-of-life care co-ordinator, Hospice Friendly Hospital programme at St Jamess Hospital in Dublin, told the conference. She will never forget the first patient who died of Covid in the hospital towards the end of March 2020. We lived in fear. Many of us had to make very difficult decisions. They grappled with how to handle end-of-life care in a pandemic. She described trying to interact with seriously ill people while wearing a gown, goggles, hairnet, and gloves. It was not a way to relate and deal with patients. Teamwork among healthcare workers had to develop very quickly. Staff came off different wards on to dedicated Covid wards, often not knowing each other and sometimes put together at the drop of a hat, but it had to work like clockwork. When I think of them, I think of the compassion they brought to their patients patients were all in single rooms, all isolated. It was compassion beyond anything Ive ever seen. They really saw themselves as a team, as a community of people. For many patients, Ms Korn explained, the healthcare workers were the only human being that they had contact with, so sometimes they struggled with being a proxy family member as well as doing their job. While they really wanted to do it, it can take its toll and it is not the same for a patient as having a family member. Showing a photo of a ventilated patient in ICU and staff in full protective gear, she said they looked like aliens but still managed to have human connections. What might otherwise have taken years to develop happened practically overnight with the establishment of a virtual visiting service. Electronic devices were an issue at the start but members of the public dropped tablets at the front door of the hospital. We quickly learned we had to open visiting on compassionate grounds because people need to be surrounded by their loved ones when they are on their last journey. "We also realised very quickly that visiting is not about popping in and saying hello, it is really about family presence and having those people around you that matter the most to you. They found different ways to combat isolation signing up for music stations and online movies. People came up with the goods and provided the support and the sponsorship, explained Ms Korn. Families would send in playlists for their family member. Sometimes they shared the music and listened together and that really brought an awful lot of joy to people. She recalled the hundreds of little knitted hearts that were made and donated each one with a match in the same colour. The idea is that one heart is given to the patient to hold onto and the other stays with the family. This was a soft, non-clinical, non-medical connection between the people that love each other particularly patients with Covid who would not have had an open coffin/funeral. That was a great source of solace for relatives that they knew their loved ones was holding this soft heart. After each Covid death, the hospitals social work department would make a phone call to the patients family, as well as sending a sympathy card and bereavement support information. Ms Korn added: I want to say to people listening in today, we remember every single patient. You could ask each of those four nurses there [she said, pointing to a photograph] who died on your ward, and what it was like for them. The deaths have really had an impact on every single staff member and we remember people and patients because it is just so important. As far as geriatrician Prof Cillian Twomey is concerned, there are a host of lessons to be taken from the pandemic. A member of the nursing homes expert panel which examined how most coronavirus deaths occurred in nursing homes, he told the conference a revised model of care for older people must be found. The State made an error 25 years ago moving from predominantly public-funded care to private warehouses where it abrogated its treatment of frail, elderly people to the private sector, he said. Our current system of care is not fit for purpose, said Prof Twomey, adding: We dont need more 150-bed factories [nursing homes]. Rather, why not have people in five to six bedded houses, not in an institution but in their own communities. We need to change the model and change it quickly. IN his contribution, Dr Gordon Caldwell addressed conversations had with elderly patients around do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions. Looking back, some of his most horrific career memories are of CPR being done on people that should never have started. Dr Caldwell, a consultant physician at Lorn and Islands District General Hospital, part of NHS Highlands, said that in cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops first and CPR may work to restore the heart before irreversible damage is done to the brain and organs. But he spoke of inappropriate CPR for people who are simply too frail for it. The patients health would only be restored to the condition existing one beat before the heart stopped. He recalled a junior doctor on his team speaking to an elderly patient. The patient was told, You are not dying, but your body is in frail health. One day your health shall deteriorate badly and we shall know that you are dying. What should we do for you then? He said thats a very different conversation from saying to someone, When your heart stops we are not going to resuscitate you. He said most patients, when asked the first way, would say, Ive had a full life doctor, let me go. If we frame it as I want to die a peaceful death, treat me with kindness compassion and dignity, that might be something that someone might want to wear as a wristband, he told the conference. French schools have paid tribute to a teacher beheaded by a radical Islamist last year after he showed caricatures of the prophet of Islam to his class. Samuel Paty, a history and geography teacher, was murdered on October 16 near his school in a north-west Paris suburb by an 18-year-old of Chechen origin who had become radicalised. The attacker was later shot dead by police. The two-day national homage includes a minutes silence held in schools on Friday, with teachers to organise a discussion in classes on the memory of Mr Paty. We must not succumb to fear, Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said in a speech at a Paris high school, adding the French republic will not abandon its values of freedom and democracy. French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer paid tribute to Samuel Paty (Rafael Yaghobzadeh/AP) Samuel Paty was doing what was expected from a teacher: transmit knowledge. He wanted to teach his students to think by themselves We will never forget him, Mr Blanquer said. Some classrooms and schools will be named after the teacher. Earlier on Friday, the rector of the Paris Grand Mosque and about 20 imams laid a wreath in homage to Mr Paty outside his school in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, with a banner reading: Ignorance leads to fear, fear leads to hatred, hatred leads to violence. Chems-Eddine Hafiz, rector of the Paris Grand Mosque, said: We are sad and angry at the same time. Sad because a man has been killed, survived by an orphan No matter the reasons, one cant kill a man in the name of Islam. Its impossible, its the very antithesis of what Islam is about in all the Koran verses. A ceremony will take place on Saturday at the Ministry of Education, where a plaque honouring Mr Paty will be unveiled. His family will also meet President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Jean Castex, and a gathering will be organised near the teachers school. A student arrives in a room named after Mr Paty (Bob Edme/AP) The killing led French authorities to reaffirm Frances cherished rights of expression and secularism. Mr Patys name was disclosed on social media after a class debate on free expression during which he showed caricatures published by the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which triggered a newsroom massacre by extremists in January 2015. Authorities have identified Mr Patys killer as Abdoullakh Anzorov, a Moscow-born Chechen refugee. Anzorov claimed responsibility in a text accompanied by a photograph of the victim found on his phone. Sixteen people have since been charged in the case, most of them for complicity in a terrorist murder or criminal association. They include five students of Mr Patys school, all minors, accused of having helped the killer in exchange for promises of payments of 300-350 euros. The investigation established that the attacker knew the name of the teacher and the address of his school but he did not have the means to identify him. The suspects also include a students father who posted videos on social media that called for mobilisation against the teacher. His daughter has been charged with defamation. An Islamist activist who helped the man disseminate the virulent messages naming Mr Paty has also been charged in the case. Conservative MP David Amess who has died after being stabbed at a meeting in his Essex constituency was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics, Boris Johnson has said. The suspect, a 25-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the Tory veteran was stabbed several times during a constituency surgery in Essex. The 69-year-old victim, who has been an MP since 1983, was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex midday on Friday. The father-of-five is the second sitting MP to be killed in such circumstances in five years, following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 as she attended a constituency surgery. Paying tribute to Mr Amess, Mr Johnson said he had been killed after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom. He added: The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics. He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable. British home secretary Priti Patel said questions are rightly being asked about the safety of MPs and she will provide updates in due course. Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Essex Police have said a man has died after reports that Conservative MP Sir David Amess had been stabbed several times at a constituency surgery Picture: Nick Ansell/PA Wire British health secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role. My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life. Former prime minister David Cameron tweeted: This is the most devastating, horrific & tragic news. David Amess was a kind & thoroughly decent man & he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet. Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to Davids family. Brendan Cox, widower of Labour MP Jo Cox, wrote on Twitter: This brings everything back. The pain, the loss, but also how much love the public gave us following the loss of Jo. I hope we can do the same for David now. Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: The worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity. It steals joy from the world and can take from us that which we love the most. Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir Davids loved ones. David Amess, MP for Southend West in Essex, outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London. Picture: John Stillwell/PA Wire 'Very distressing scene' Witnesses described the scene as very distressing. A police spokesman said: A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea. We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today. We attended and found a man injured. He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene. Police said a 25-year-old man has been arrested and a knife was recovered. Detectives are not looking for any other suspects and have asked witnesses with footage such as CCTV to come forward. Armed police officers at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP David Amess has died after he was stabbed several times at a constituency surgery. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire Witness Anthony Finch described seeing someone being taken out of the building and put into the back of a police car. He told Sky News: We arrived to do some work on the adjacent building and at the point when I was crossing the road I saw an upset lady on the phone saying you need to arrive quickly, hes still in the building. There were loads of armed police, overhead there was an air ambulance as well as a police helicopter. Obviously wondered what the hell was going on, you dont often see armed police around the local area. I saw the suspect get put into a police van, get taken away and then they cordoned the whole road and pushed us all down the road. What we then heard was that it was David Amess. A police officer at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP David Amess has died after he was stabbed several times at a constituency surgery. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire He told LBC: Its very odd and its very distressing, thats for sure. Councillor John Lamb, who is at the scene, told the PA news agency: Hes a family man, hes got four daughters and a son. Hes always trying to help people and especially refugees hes tried to help. Hes a very amicable person and he does stick by his guns, he says what he believes and he sticks by it. Aerial footage showed multiple police officers outside the church and an air ambulance at the scene. A large cordon extended down Eastwood Road, with members of the public gathering behind it, and multiple side streets closed off. Anyone with information is asked to contact police. The suspect in a bow-and-arrow attack that killed five people and wounded three others in a quiet Norwegian town is being assessed by psychiatrists. Espen Andersen Braathen, a 37-year-old Danish citizen, was arrested on Wednesday night 30 minutes after a deadly rampage which apparently targeted random people in the town of Kongsberg. Police have described the attack as an act of terror. Five people died in the attack (AP) Senior police officer Per Thomas Omholt said on Friday that three weapons were used in the attack but he declined to identify the types or to reveal how the five victims were killed, saying investigators need to interview more witnesses. Officers who responded to the first alert encountered the perpetrator in the supermarket. That is where an off-duty police officer who was shopping was injured, reportedly hit by an arrow in the shoulder. Police were shot at twice with arrows, and as they sought shelter and called for reinforcement they lost visual contact with the suspect who managed to escape. Investigators believe the five victims were killed after the suspect encountered the police. People gather around flowers and candles (Pal Nordseth/AP) The killings were committed both outdoors and indoors. Among other things, (the suspect) has visited private addresses. In addition, arrows were fired at people in the public space, Mr Omholt told a press conference. The regional prosecutor leading the investigation has said that Braathen confessed to the killings after his arrest, and police said they think he acted alone. Norways domestic intelligence agency said Thursday that the case appeared to be an act of terrorism but cautioned that the investigation was ongoing. Mr Omholt said that as of Friday, investigators were continuing to explore possible motives or reasons for the attack but their strongest hypothesis for motive is illness. Braathens health has deteriorated the officer said, declining to give specifics. We work with several hypotheses. They are weakened and strengthened during the investigation, Mr Omholt said. We will find out what has happened, and why it has happened, Braathen has been transferred to a psychiatric facility and now the ball lies with the health authorities on when police can question him. Police cordon off one of the sites where a man killed several people on Wednesday afternoon in Kongsberg (AP) Mr Omholt added that at least two experts will observe and evaluate Braathen to determine if he was legally sane at the time of the attack. The suspects mental health meant that it is important to obtain information about the accuseds past, Mr Omholt said and called for witnesses. Police said they wanted to map the suspects activities in recent years, including on social media. Four women and a man between the ages of 50 and 70 were killed, and three other people were wounded. During an initial hearing on Friday, a court in Kongsberg ordered Braathen to be held in custody for four weeks, including two weeks in isolation plus a ban on communicating with others. Reference is made to the extremely serious nature of the case, which has also led to great media interest both nationally and internationally. If the accused is not shielded from this and from other prisoners, important evidence could be lost, the ruling read. He was being held on five counts of preliminary murder and three counts of preliminary attempted murder. Preliminary charges are a step short of formal charges, and a terror-related charge could be brought later if the evidence supports it, Mr Omholt said. Braathen did not appear in court. His defence lawyer, Fredrik Neumann, told Norwegian news agency NTB he had no comment, saying of his client: He has agreed to imprisonment, so then this really speaks for itself. The suspect has been described by police as a Muslim convert, with officers adding that there had been earlier worries of the man having been radicalised. According to Norwegian media, Braathen has 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 hethreatened to kill one of them. Pharmacy websites running on the Storbie platform can now easily take advantage of Medmate's e-prescription and on-demand delivery capabilities. A deal between healthcare platform operator Medmate Australia and website platform operator Storbie means pharmacists using the latter's e-commerce facilities can accept prescriptions and arrange delivery through Medmate's system. Storbie already makes life easy for pharmacies thanks to its existing integration with the major pharmacy point of sale systems. The partners say the new arrangement makes Medmate-enabled Storbie websites the most powerful e-commerce websites on the market for Australia's independent pharmacies. Customers benefit from being able to upload their e-prescriptions to the website for 60-minute home medication delivery. More than 20 million electronic prescriptions have been issued in Australia. "We are determined that patients be at the centre of the journey" said Medmate CEO and co-founder Dr Ganesh Naidoo. "Healthcare needs to be simplified and we want patients, no matter where they choose to interact, to have a digital experience that's as simple as ordering a pizza. They deserve it. We are thrilled to be partnering with Storbie, a company that shares a vision for a digitally connected ecosystem for pharmacy customers". Storbie CEO Shane Bartle said "Our mission at Storbie is to provide a complete digital solution for community pharmacy, and e-prescriptions are a significant part of that. We are excited to work with Medmate to give pharmacists more ways to support their community online." Three Republican senators have called for blacklisting Honor Device, a low-budget smartphone firm that was formerly owned by Chinese telecommunications equipment vendor Huawei Technologies. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott (both from Florida) and John Cormyn (Texas) said in a letter to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo that by not adding Honor to the Entity List, "the Biden Administration is allowing a commercial arm of the Chinese Communist Party to evade American export controls and exploit our technological sector". Huawei, whose top-end smartphone business has been crippled by American sanctions, sold Honor to a consortium of 30 dealers and agents, operating under the name Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology, for an unspecified sum in November last year. Through a state-administered transaction of Huawei assets to a Shenzhen government-owned firm, Beijing has effectively dodged a critical American export control, the three senators wrote. 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. "United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai declared this month that the Biden Administration will use the full range of tools we have to defend American economic interests from harmful policies and practices. Honor provides a clear example of where the Biden Administration can begin doing so. As such, we urge that the Department of Commerce add Honor to its Entity List. There have been reports earlier this year that the Pentagon and Energy Department wanted to blacklist Honor, while the Commerce Department and the State Department were opposed. In September this year, as iTWire reported, Honor became the third highest selling device in China, overtaking Xiaomi. Tarun Pathak, research director of the technology analyst firm Counterpoint Research, commented at the time: ""After being spun off from Huawei, Honor was able to restore ties with component players. Since then, leveraging its strong R&D capabilities, Honor has launched new products and has been on a rapid recovery path in China. "The Honor 50 series has been an instant success in the mid-segment. Honor is also targeting the premium segment with the Magic series, thus expanding its portfolio across price bands. "There was also a pent-up demand from the loyal Huawei and Honor consumers who held on to their devices and did not switch to other brands. "Its strong relationships with distributors also helped Honor relaunch products on a large scale. Honors resurrection will further intensify competition in the Chinese market in H2 2021. The US has been on the warpath against Huawei for nearly three years now, with its actions in the main aimed against the company's 5G business. Huawei is one among four companies the others being China's ZTE Corporation, Sweden's Ericsson and Finland's Nokia that can provide end-to-end equipment for 5G networks. Washington has claimed, but provided no evidence, that China would be able to spy on countries that use 5G gear from the Chinese firm. Huawei, for its part, has steadfastly denied that it spies on anyone and has repeatedly offered to open up its source code and set up centres for evaluation of the same at its own cost. In May 2019. the US placed Huawei on its Entity List, an act that prevented it from obtaining American products without a licence from the Department of Commerce. Huawei got around this by buying what it needed from branches of American firms in other countries. The only thing it could not source were the proprietary apps that come with Google's Android mobile operating system. It developed its own operating system, HarmonyOS, using the open-source port of Android as a base. In May 2020, the US put in place further restrictions to cut off Huawei's supply of semiconductors which it gets made mostly by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. This was done through the Foreign Direct Product Rule that makes it necessary for any company American or foreign that sells American products or those made using American technology to require a permit before selling to Huawei. On top of that, new export control rules were imposed by the US Government in August 2020 and these made it well-nigh impossible for Huawei to obtain the SoCs it needs to build its flagship smartphones. In January, Huawei had to scotch rumours that it was planning to sell its P and Mate flagship smartphone divisions, which would mean the company's exit from the premium smartphone business. In February this year, as iTWire reported, Huawei was expected to manufacture between 70 million and 80 million units, about a 60% decline from the 189 million units made in 2020. Rubio, Scott and Cormyn added: "Soon after its separation from Huawei, the Chinese firm [Honor] began cutting deals with several American companies to purchase high-tech chips." They said Zhao Ming, a president at Huawei, "had retained his role as head of the newly independent Honor, while numerous other executives, engineers, and other employees from Huawei similarly migrated over". The trio said: "Zhao has boasted 'We are proud to reintroduce Honor to the global market,' noting that future Honor products will come equipped with Google Mobile Services. CCP [Chinese Communist Party] propaganda outlet China Daily has reported that the company is 'quickly re-establishing strategic partnerships with some of the world's top suppliers'. Scott Morrison wants to get re-elected. Nothing wrong with that aspiration; which man who earns more than half-a-million a year without having to take responsibility for anything at all wouldn't want to continue in the job? Hence the Ransomware Action Plan. It's just like the numerous other plans which Morrison and his ministers have put forth, meaningless jumbles of words, all aimed at that one Saturday before next May when the election will have to be held. When something that should necessarily have some gravitas starts out like this: "The world has never been more interconnected and our reliance on the internet to fuel Australias prosperity and maintain our way of life has never been greater", you just know that it's weapons-grade BS. Still one of my favourites (happens 1-2 per month in our customer base; they contact us because of a Ransomware incident and we dig up a much older persistent threat) https://t.co/SOQHXrT1SH Florian Roth (@cyb3rops) October 13, 2021 And so it is. The 16-page document is a waste of time. One feels sorry for Karen Andrews who had to put her name to it, seeing as she has just taken over the mantle of Home Affairs which until recently was under Peter Dutton after a reasonably competent performance as minister for industry and technology. That's saying a lot when you talk of the Morrison ministry which has bungled its way right from day one in 2019 to whenever it chooses to test its luck with the masses in this big, brown land. To cut to the chase, the "plan" how many times have we heard that from Morrison? will force industries with $10 million or more in annual revenue to fess up if one of those ransomware gangs comes a-calling. "Microsoft adds tamper protection to Windows 11 security baseline" ... "Once tamper protection is toggled on, ransomware operators would have a much more challenging task ahead of them when trying to" pic.twitter.com/v9wJvZPaWM vx-underground (@vxunderground) October 9, 2021 There is also a proposal to increase penalties for ransomware gangs. Great, I can just see the blokes behind REvil and Hive shaking in their boots. And there are a lot of more airy-fairy aspirations which Andrews was forced to advance in a media release on Wednesday. My deepest sympathies to you, ma'am, I can understand exactly how foolish you felt having to put this material out under your name. One of the big problems that the government just refuses to face up to is the fact that it is impossible to find a cure for something unless you know what is causing the disease. And when one, in the fashion of a mule, simply avoids naming Microsoft's Windows operating system as the number one culprit, how is one going to fix the problem? You can call me a one-eyed critic when it comes to Windows. So, forget me. Take the word of Google, a company that runs the VirusTotal database, a site where security researchers can submit any ransomware they find and have it scanned by anti-virus engines to see if it can be identified. [Statistics on countries affected by darkweb ransomware, 2019.05.01~2021.10.06] There are 3,338 affected organizations in 105 countries. [TOP 10] 1. USA 2. Canada 3. France 4. UK 5. Germany 6. Italy 7. Australia 8. Spain 9. Brazil 10. Japan pic.twitter.com/kEvSxKEqxR DarkTracer : DarkWeb Criminal Intelligence (@darktracer_int) October 7, 2021 VirusTotal released its analysis of 80 million ransomware samples on Thursday. The unsurprising finding was that 95% of those samples were gunning for Windows systems. That's from samples running all the way back to January 2020. Just 2% were aiming at Android. The remaining 3% were mostly targeting OSX, but with a single family known as EvilQuest. There may have been a few that targeted VMware's ESXi server. ESXi runs on bare metal unlike other VMware products and includes its own kernel. Initially, it included a Linux kernel, at which point it was known as ESX, but development was stopped at version 4.1, according to Wikipedia. ESXi does not have a Linux kernel; its microkernel has three interfaces: hardware, guest systems and the service console. Were ransomware to infect any VMs on an ESXi system, it could spread to Windows machines on the same network, as ESXi is often connected to Active Directory. But back to the Morrison plan which is to effectively do "something" about whatever looms as an obstacle to his re-election ambitions. Were the man to do some self-reflection, it would probably strike him that he is out of his depth as the country's chief executive. But then one needs some humility to do that, and that is not a quality one could ever accuse ScoMo of having. Ransomware gangs are running out of names.@PolarToffee found one called BabyDuck ?? pic.twitter.com/Q4V07KuEWH BleepingComputer (@BleepinComputer) October 8, 2021 All that Morrison looks to do is to be able to answer any queries about issues with the stock answer, "we are doing something about it, have you not seen the plan we issued on (fill in the day)." Followed, of course, by some vacuous talk, assuring people that if they have a go, they will get a go. What's more, they may even get ransomware written in Go! One wag saw these words in one of the reactions to the plan: "The Federal Government's release of the ransomware plan is a positive deterrent for criminal groups who are thinking of targeting critical infrastructure." Said wag is part of the IT industry and his/her reaction was quite colourful. "What utter bollocks. Really, governments are in a tough spot and theres not too much Australia or other countries can do individually. Except outlaw payments, and the political will to take such a radical step doesnt seem to be there (in any country). "The best they can do is join forces with other countries and kick ransomware gangs in the testicles so often that they eventually decide to call it a day. And thats whats finally starting to happen. Ransomware operators seeing the people they invented jobs for complaining about them pic.twitter.com/7VVvmRzPJP ? (@SwiftOnSecurity) October 12, 2021 The man/woman wasn't done. "When I said 'kick them in the testicles', I actually meant 'kick them in the testicles, gut, shins and head'. "In other words, hit them as many ways as possible: diplomatic efforts, regulatory efforts on the crypto side of things, disruption and seizure efforts, etc., etc. Until now, the gangs have been operating with almost complete impunity. That needs to change." That all sounds rather optimistic. Australia is Microsoft country. It's high time that, rather than go after the likes of Facebook and Google one simply cannot control them the government puts some pressure on Microsoft to get its act in order. That is, if it cares even an iota for the businesses in this country who have no option but to use the woeful wares that the Redmond firm sells. But hoping for Morrison to do something that counts is like waiting for the arrival of Godot. COMPANY NEWS: Attivo Networks, the leader in lateral movement attack detection and privilege escalation prevention, today announced that Tom Kellermann has joined the company's Advisory Board. Kellermann joins Attivo's advisory board as a highly respected cybersecurity expert with more than 22 years of experience. He serves as the head of cybersecurity strategy for VMware. Previously, Kellerman held the position of chief cybersecurity officer for Carbon Black. In 2020, he was selected to the cyber investigations advisory board for the United States Secret Service. Kellerman formerly held the positions of CSO for Trend Micro, vice president of security for Core Security, and deputy CISO for the World Bank Treasury. In 2008, he was appointed a commissioner on the Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th president of the United States. "Our advisory board is honoured to welcome Tom to our group of best-in-class cybersecurity experts," said Attivo Networks CEO Tushar Kothari. "The true breadth of Tom's global experience in developing innovative cybersecurity products and growing successful security businesses will be invaluable to Attivo Networks as we continue rapid growth across all facets of our business." The Attivo Networks advisory board enhances the company's expertise in addressing the ever-evolving global cyber threat challenges. Attivo Networks has forged relationships with several advisors with highly specialised backgrounds and unique perspectives. These experts continue to provide insights that drive the continuous innovation of the company's cybersecurity technology portfolio and promote customer adoption. Tom Kellermann joins the advisory board, which currently includes industry leaders Bill Ender, Marshall Heilman and Lance Spitzner. "Being a part of the Attivo advisory board is an exciting chance for me to share my experience and to advance Attivo's growth," said Kellermann. "I look forward to collaborating with Attivo Networks to help organisations understand Active Directory risks & attack activity and design holistic deception and data cloaking strategies." To learn more about Tom Kellermann and the Attivo Networks advisory board, follow him on Twitter at @TAKellermann or contact Attivo Networks at: https://attivonetworks.com/contact/. Macquarie Health Corporation, which reported on 7 October that it had been affected by a "cyber incident" a Windows ransomware attack says it is making good progress in the recovery and restoration of its IT systems. In response to a query from iTWire, a spokesman said patient services had been able to continue without interruption. The ransomware responsible for the attack is known as Hive or Hiveleaks and has been described as a a double-extortion ransomware group "making their money off of a two-pronged attack: exfiltrating sensitive data before locking up the victims systems" that first made its presence known in June this year. The MHC spokesman added: "...we sincerely thank all our patients and clinicians for their support. Most importantly, we thank our staff who have been amazing during this extremely difficult period." On Tuesday, MHC had been a lot less positive about progress in cleaning up after the incident. The gang behind Hive had uploaded a sample of the data they had stolen to the website of a third-party storage vendor, but the files have now been deleted. iTWire understands that this may be due to a complaint made by the victim to the storage vendor. Ransomware gangs are known to upload data to third-party services like Sendspace and Mega and then share links to it. When the victim complains to the third-party service, the data gets deleted and the link ceases to work. The gangs are aware that this will happen, but since their intention is to put pressure on the victim, not to make the data permanently available, they do not care that it is deleted. The attackers claim to have pilfered 225GB of data from Macquarie Health Corporation during the attack. The exfiltrated data is claimed to include medical records, research and personal data of 6717 people, financial documents, bank balances and tax deductions among others. Macquarie Health, which will mark 50 years in 2023, runs 12 hospitals which provide surgical procedures, rehabilitation and mental health clinics, skin imaging and dermascopy, medical systems; cosmetic procedures, e-health informatics and data solutions. The companies under its banner are Macquarie Hospital Services, MacRehab, Macquarie Medical Systems, Derma Medical and Machealth eSolutions. A newspaper in St Louis, Missouri, which discovered that the social security numbers of school teachers, administrators and counsellors across the state were publicly exposed and informed the authorities, has been threatened with unspecified action by the state's governor. The St Louis Post-Dispatch said in a report that it had found the vulnerability in a Web application that allowed world+dog to search teacher certifications and credentials. It notified the state's Department of Education and waited until the affected pages were removed before running its report. Through a multi-step process, an individual took the records of at least three educators, decoded the HTML source code, and viewed the SSN of those specific educators. We notified the Cole County prosecutor and the Highway Patrols Digital Forensic Unit will investigate. pic.twitter.com/2hkZNI1wXE Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 14, 2021 In simple terms, the SSNs were in the HTML code and one could see them by merely hitting the F12 key or else using the "View source" command which is present on a Web browser. This is humor, of course. I just did "view source" (hit F12 key) on the webpage and changed it, then took a screenshot. pic.twitter.com/jPir2qsLiJ Rob Graham (@ErrataRob) October 14, 2021 But Missouri's Republican Government Mike Parsons took exception,on Thursday: "A hacker is someone who gains unauthorised access to information or content. This individual did not have permission to do what they did. They had no authorisation to convert and decode the code. "Under Missouri law, a person commits the offence of tampering with computer data if he or she knowingly and without authorisation accesses, takes, and examines personal information without permission. This data was not freely available and had to be converted and decoded. "The state does not take this matter lightly and we are working to strengthen our security to prevent this incident from happening again. The state is owning its part, and we are addressing areas in which we need to do better than we have done before. Clearly they printed out the source code and hand rendered the webpage on paper pic.twitter.com/EcbpQ90d1V Gene Warren (@doriath69) October 14, 2021 "We will not rest until we clearly understand the intentions of this individual and why they were targeting Missouri teachers." Parsons came in for ridicule from technology industry workers as can be seen in the tweets embedded within this article. The newspaper dismissed Parsons' threats. The reporter did the responsible thing by reporting his findings to DESE so that the state could act to prevent disclosure and misuse, Joseph Martineau, a lawyer for the paper, said. A hacker is someone who subverts computer security with malicious or criminal intent. Here, there was no breach of any firewall or security and certainly no malicious intent. Online retail giant Amazon has been accused of copying Indian products and manipulating search results to favour its own products over private Indian brands, according to a Reuters investigation . Amazon has denied the claims. The report, on Wednesday, by Aditya Kalra in New Delhi and Steve Secklow in London, examined thousands of internal documents from the Jeff Bezos-owned company. It said the copying and rigging of search results was systematic and part of a formal strategy employed by the company. You can be an umpire or you can be a player, but you cant be both at the same time. Amazon takes advantage of its power to tilt the playing field and crush small businesses. Its long past time to break them up.https://t.co/QpHdYyBLSP Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) October 14, 2021 "...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," Kalra and Secklow wrote. "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." On learning of this, American senator Elizabeth Warren, a member of the Democratic Party from Massachusetts and a long-time critic of Amazon, called for breaking up Amazon while Indian retailers urged their own government to conduct an investigation. ?Amazon says ?it doesnt put its house brands first in search results. But we ran the numbers and ?Math says ?being an Amazon brand is the most important factor to be a #1 Amazon search result.@adrjeffries and @leonyin's investigation: https://t.co/wwQrjOUGzk Julia Angwin (@JuliaAngwin) October 14, 2021 Warren linked to the Reuters story on Twitter and 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." The Confederation of All India Traders that claims to represent 80 million retails stores, said, through its spokesman Praveen Khandelwal,: "Amazon is causing a great disadvantage to the small manufacturers. They are eating the cake that is not meant for them." Indian retailers have also accused Walmart's Flipkart of indulging in unfair business practices that hurt small Indian companies. Amazon denied it had done anything wrong, saying: "We believe these claims are factually incorrect and unsubstantiated." The Alliance of Digital India Foundation, a non-profit which represents some of India's bigger start-ups, said the practices that had been detailed were highly deplorable. "The Reuters investigation brings to light Amazons blatant disregard for competition laws, intellectual property rights and disgraceful predatory practices," it said in a blog post. "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. "These findings go on to validate the allegations and fears of various stakeholders and serve as incriminating evidence. Its 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." The Reuters report said: "In sworn testimony before the US Congress in 2020, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos explained that the e-commerce giant prohibits its employees from using the 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 chief of Australias competition watchdog, Rod Sims believes that the most hotly debated issue in competition law around the world is whether ex ante regulation of particular digital platforms is needed. Sims assertion about ex ante regulation - where specific anti-competitive behaviours are banned ahead of time, rather than being dealt with ex post, or after the fact - was made in a speech this week to the Annual Competition Law & Economics Workshop, hosted by UniSA and the ACCC. Sims speech - 'Competition in Australia faces big challenges' - covered competition issues and specifically the topic of merger law reform, the need to prove the future in competition cases and a role for ex ante regulation in digital platforms. The key points running across these three topics include the importance of having the right regulatory settings for establishing and preventing a substantial lessening of competition, and the presence of parallels outside Australia that we can look to in considering appropriate approaches here, Sims empathised. It is no exaggeration to say that the most hotly debated issue in competition law around the world is whether we need ex ante regulation of particular digital platforms. The ACCC is in the thick of this debate. This issue comes after the ACCCs work has seen, for example, the News Media Bargaining Code enacted, a review of our privacy laws started, and the introduction of a Code covering disinformation and misinformation. The latter is gaining more traction as the wide range of harms from social media have been much discussed recently. In our digital platforms work, across the digital platforms inquiry, several interim reports under our longer term digital platform services inquiry and our ad tech inquiry, we have observed some common competition issues. Digital markets often feature one or two dominant firms with significant market power, which allows them to impede competition and have a huge influence on the consumers and businesses reliant on their services. In ad-tech and search, this is Google; in app marketplaces, this is Apple and Google; in social media, this is Facebook. We have found that many of these firms are vertically integrated and there is evidence of considerable anti-competitive self-preferencing where firms favour their own interests over downstream rivals in a number of different ways depending on the market. This may include pre-installation and default first-party services, using algorithms to favour first-party services or using information collected as a service provider to benefit first-party services over rival services. Sims said the ACCC had also observed the important role of data, and how access to large amounts of user data can help entrench a strong market position by creating significant barriers to entry and expansion. There is also a lack of transparency between the platform operator and users in the operation of many digital markets we have studied, with the users being both businesses and consumers. This includes opaque terms and conditions, and opaque communication or dispute resolution processes. Around the world, there is growing recognition among relevant authorities that existing anti-trust laws have not held up well to the challenges posed by digital markets, Sims warned. The European Commissions draft Digital Markets Act proposes to complement the EUs existing competition rules with sector-specific regulation for platforms which occupy a gatekeeper position. This includes both affirmative obligations to promote competition, such as transparency and data sharing requirements, and prohibitions on problematic conduct such as anti-competitive self-preferencing, he said Within Europe, Germany has already passed new competition legislation applying ex ante rules to digital firms designated as possessing paramount significance across markets, and the Bundeskartellamt has already launched investigations into whether to designate Facebook, Google, Amazon and Apple under this scheme. In the UK, the Government has been consulting on a proposal that would designate particular digital firms with strategic market status. These firms would be subject to binding codes of conduct, more stringent merger control and potential pro-competitive interventions, including requiring operational separation of different arms of a business. Strong action is even on the horizon in the home of the major digital platforms, the United States. A suite of five anti-trust bills has been introduced to the US House of Representatives targeting digital platforms that meet certain user number, revenue and market capitalisation thresholds. Sims said Australias counterparts in the Asia Pacific region are also at the forefront of regulatory developments, noting that in Japan, the Transparency and Fairness Act has been in effect since February this year which aims to improve transparency and fairness for businesses trading on digital platforms, and applies to Google, Amazon, Apple, Yahoo and Japanese e-commerce platform Rakuten. In South Korea, Googles and Apples app marketplaces have been singled out as a critical issue. Targeted legislation has recently passed parliament which bans Apple and Google from requiring all digital content purchases be made through their proprietary in-app payment systems. This may open this segment of the market to competing payments companies. Sims cautioned that although the ACCCs existing powers under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 allow it to take some enforcement action against digital platforms, we are considering whether up front regulation may be needed in addition to enforcement under the existing CCA provisions to address the competition and consumer concerns our digital platforms inquiries have identified. Sector-specific regulation is not without precedent. Australia has introduced industry specific legislation before where it is needed rather than rely solely on enforcement of the economy wide competition law provisions. For example, the ACCC already administers industry-specific competition and access functions in relation to the telecommunications sector. As part of the five year digital platform services inquiry, the ACCC will consider whether there is a potential need for wider sector-specific regulation to address the competition and consumer concerns in digital platform markets. If such regulation is found to be necessary, we will also consider how this regulation should be designed to address the harms in a proportionate yet effective way. Our advice will be provided in a report to the Treasurer in September 2022. Importantly, we will seek industry views on this crucial question, and work closely with the Commonwealth Treasury, Sims said, concluding that in all sorts of ways I think competition law and policy are again coming together. The key questions we face are how effectively is our competition law working to ensure our market economy is working for all Australians, and is there a need for significant change. This is yet another fascinating time for us all with an interest in such issues. In my view the current issues are as important as the Hilmer Inquiry which started nearly 30 years ago. Three technology industry bodies have urged the Federal Government to significantly revise the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 before it is voted on, as it would otherwise "create an unworkable set of obligations and set a troubling global precedent". The Information Technology Industry Council, the Australian Information Industry Association and the Cybersecurity Coalition wrote to Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews on Thursday, saying that while their members shared the government's commitment to protecting critical infrastructure against cyber threats, the bill remained "highly problematic and largely unchanged despite extensive feedback from our organisations". The bill in question was reviewed by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security which said, on 30 September, that it be split up into two, in order to pass what it characterised as "urgent reforms". The PJCIS said it had made 14 recommendations about the bill, including that it be split into two parts: "Bill One for rapid passage to expand the critical infrastructure sectors covered by the Act, introduce government assistance measures to be used as a last resort in crisis scenarios as well as mandatory reporting obligations; and "Bill Two for further consultation including declarations of systems of national significance, enhanced cyber-security obligations and positive security obligations which are to be defined in delegated legislation." The bill greatly increases the sectors that are covered by the law, to include communications, financial services, data storage and processing, defence industry, higher education and space technology. Companies in these sectors would have to compulsorily report to the government if they suffered cyber attacks. They would also have to allow government security experts to step in and do what whatever was deemed necessary to stop an attack progressing. This power is similar to what the FBI exercised in April this year, when it accessed servers to clean up the mess left by attacks on on-premise Microsoft Exchange Server installations. This was done after obtaining court orders to access hundreds of vulnerable machines in the US and remove Web shells. But the Australian bill does not require any court order for intelligence agencies to act in this manner. The Opposition Labor Party has expressed concern about the lack of any independent permission for, or judicial review of, such actions. But it agreed with the government on everything else. Technology firms have pointed out, in submissions, that government intervention of this kind could often make matters worse. But that has so far fallen on deaf ears. "We are disappointed by the recent report... which recommended that the elements of the bill which caused the most concern for industry stakeholders namely the government assistance powers granted under Part 3A and incident reporting obligations - be fast-tracked and pushed through as a separate bill, without further public consultation," the three organisations said. "As representatives of member companies that include both Australian and international companies, we urge the Australian Government to reject this recommendation and to seriously consider our recommendations below." They said in its current form, section 3A would give the government information-gathering, direction and intervention powers that were not subject to reasonable due processes, which would normally allow affected entities to appeal or have these decisions independently reviewed. "While the government asserts that this power is intended only as a measure of last resort to address 'cyber security incidents', the bill provides the government with unprecedented and far-reaching powers, which can impact the networks, systems and customers of domestic and international entities, and should be subject to a statutorily-prescribed mechanism for judicial review and oversight," the three organisations said. They also expressed concern about the global impact that such a bill would have and how it undermined the values that Australia promotes internationally. "The Australian Government has been a global leader in policymaking around technology and security, specifically addressing threats posed by companies that may be subject to extra-judicial direction by a government," the three bodies said, in a clear reference to the Chinese telecommunications equipment vendor Huawei Technologies. "The signal sent by these measures is that these rules do not apply to Australia. This undermines the governments good work internationally on these issues and sets a disturbing precedent for other governments facing similar national security challenges. We strongly recommend the Australian Government amend the Bill to provide for a statutorily prescribed right of appeal and review of the Part 3A powers." They also asked that the mandatory cyber incident reporting timeline be extended from "within 12 hours to at least 72 hours or without undue delay. "The mandatory 12-hour reporting timeframe diverges from global best practices and will inhibit our ability to focus on truly critical incidents. Additionally, we recommend removing the requirement to report 'imminent' cyber incidents. "Our member companies would collectively block millions of threats a week; if required to report these the Australian Government would likely be inundated with data. The current reporting requirements of the Bill will likely lead to the reporting of inadequately contextualised information or misinterpretation of the event in a situation where accuracy is of great importance, which will not provide useful or actionable information to the recipient government entity." Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the Morrison Government was committed to benefitting, not burdening Australian businesses. "That's why I'll always listen to industry and give their recommendations due weight," she said in a statement sent to iTWire. "At the same time, we're facing a clear threat, and we need to be resolute in tackling it. Cyber crime, ransomware, and attacks on critical infrastructure are already occurring both in Australia and overseas. If we don't act now, we risk our cyber security falling further behind. "Fire codes and building regulations are a critical first step that keep occupants safe and protect our assets. Once a fire takes hold though, we don't expect the occupants to fight it they call the fire brigade. "In the same way, businesses will continue to have frontline responsibilities for their own cyber security, but in the event of a major attack emergency assistance legislation will enable the capabilities and expertise of the Australian Signals Directorate to be called in as a last resort." The bill was introduced into Parliament on 10 December last year. It is unclear whether the government will seek to pass it into law this year. Parliament is set to meet again on 18 October and has a further 11 sitting days of both houses after that for the year. The House of Representatives will sit for an additional four days in October. Donate Now As a public service during this pandemic, the Jewish News is providing free, unlimited access to all articles. Jewish News is a nonprofit publication that is owned by the community and relies on community support. Joplin, MO (64801) Today Mostly sunny this morning then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. High around 55F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 42F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. During session, Eric can be found at the Capitol in Hartford, reporting the information that readers want and need to know. For insights and updates on legislation, politicians, committees, and commissions that affect the entire state of Connecticut, follow Eric on Twitter: @BednerEric. France is still struggling with the memory of its past in Algeria. For decades, and despite the evidence, the official story has been of operations to maintain order, even though this war claimed an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 lives between 1954 and 1962, including nearly 25,000 French soldiers, and forced one and a half million pieds-noirs Europeans living in Algeria, sometimes for generations to come to France. In 2000, General Aussaresses was still boasting that he had tortured and killed 24 Algerian suspects. In 2005, a paragraph finally repealed of the law on the recognition of the Nation and national contribution to the repatriated French stressed the so-called positive aspects of colonization. Since then, the discourse and thinking have fortunately evolved, thanks notably to former president Nicolas Sarkozy. In 2007 in Constantine, he recognized that the colonial system was unjust by nature and that it could not be experienced otherwise than as an enterprise of enslavement and exploitation, while taking care to recall the suffering, pain and sorrow on both sides. On October 17, 2012, his successor Francois Hollande paid tribute to the Algerians killed in Paris 51 years earlier while demonstrating peacefully for the independence of their country. Algerian demonstrators arrested in Puteaux, west of Paris, during the peaceful demonstration on October 17, 1961, wait with their hands above their heads to be questionned under police surveillance, during the Algerian war. Fernand Parizot / AFP Symbolic gestures and the Stora report But it is Emmanuel Macron who has felt the most free to confront this chapter of his countrys history. As the first French president born after Algerian independence, he has taken several initiatives to confront the legacy of this war, so long ignored. On the campaign trail during a visit to Algiers in 2017, he denounced colonization as a crime against humanity, to the great displeasure of some of the repatriated and the far right. In September 2018, he asserted that the time for truth had come on the death of Maurice Audin, a young French mathematician executed or tortured to death by French soldiers for his commitment to Algerian independence. On September 20, Macron asked forgiveness from the harkis the Algerian auxiliaries of the French army for abandonment by France and promised a bill of recognition and reparation before the end of the year. Above all, on July 24, 2020, Emmanuel Macron asked historian Benjamin Stora to make proposals to appease memories of the Algerian War and French colonization of this territory (from 1830). In his January 2021 report submitted to the French president, Stora proposed, among other measures, the creation of a Truth and Memory Commission. This commission, to be made up of various personalities involved in the Franco-Algerian dialogue, could make recommendations, suggested Stora, includingon commemorations, the return of archives, teaching the history of this war and the creation of a museum. But months have passed and the President has not so far followed up on this project. Political minefield The fiery anti-Islamic rhetoric of far-right polemicist Eric Zemmour (15% support in opinion polls without even being a declared candidate), whose family is originally from Algeria; the trial in relation to the November 13, 2015 attacks in Paris; the beheading in 2020 of schoolteacher Samuel Paty by a jihadist; and elections coming up next spring have all turned the follow-up to the Stora report into a political minefield. All the more so since the reaction in Algeria has been formidably critical of this report. For decades, Algeria has demanded an apology from the former colonial power. So it did not appreciate that Stora expressed doubts a new discourse of official apology would be enough to soothe wounded memories and that he stressed rather the need to continue the knowledge of what was the colonial system. The Algerian historian Nourredine Amara accused Stora of revisionism, saying his inventory sorts, selects, levels and hierarchizes history. Amara rejects this operation of pacification of memories which would result, according to him, in a kind of authoritarian morality, and prefers a more productive conflict of memories. At the end of September, the French president finally denounced the politico-military system (in Algeria) that has been built since independence in 1962 on the back of this memory. Expectations remain radically different on either side of the Mediterranean. Algeria expects acts of contrition by France and the restitution of archives. The Macron government, in todays multicultural France, wants to pacify the different, competing narratives those of the sons and grandchildren of Algerian immigrants, of harkis, of repatriates, of soldiers. In fact, a Truth and Memory Commission on the Algerian War has never had as much reason to exist as it does today, when the extreme right is stepping up nationalist rhetoric that is anti-Islamic and limited to Frances Christian roots. It would take real political courage to create such a Commission and, by facing Frances Algerian past, help redefine in an inclusive way the French identity for the 21st century. Central African Republics President Faustin-Archange Touadera declared a unilateral ceasefire in the countrys conflict with rebel groups on Friday. I have come to announce to you this evening the end of military operations and all armed actions across the land from today at midnight, Touadera told national radio. This immediate, unilateral ceasefire is a demonstration of my firm intent to prioritise the path of dialogue after eight years of war, he said. The United Nations ranks the CAR as the worlds second least-developed state and its cause was only hindered by the 2013 outbreak of civil war. The past three years has seen the intensity of the conflict drop off but terror groups continue to dominate swathes of the country and elude the authorities grasp. Last December saw the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), an alliance of armed groups which together occupied some two thirds of the nation, launch a major offensive. The attack was designed to unseat Touadera and prevent his re-election that month. After his re-election, Touadera promised to seek national reconciliation while also soliciting support for his flagging army from Russian and Rwandan paramilitaries. The foreign assistance has enabled the armed forces to wrest back control of a number of previously rebel-held towns and pushed the fighters back into the forests and the bush. Rebels have nonetheless in recent weeks carried out several attacks albeit well outside the capital Bangui, despite the 12,000-strong presence of the UN MINUSCA force that has been in the country since 2014. Central African armed forces, backed by Russian and Rwandan allies, have been able to ward off the assaults of the CPC and retake much of the countrys territory, Touadera said. In August, the United Nations accused some paramilitaries as well as Central African soldiers of carrying out potential war crimes. Rebel holdouts Touadera said the ceasefire was a means of tamping down unrest to lay the groundwork for a republican dialogue. He said Friday an organising committee had been tasked with putting the process in train but did not give a date. The main CPC leaders have signed a commitment to cease all armed action nationwide, to reject plotting and any undertaking designed to destabilise the republics institutions, Touadera said. However two of the countrys main rebel groups did not sign up. Nourredine Adam, who leads the Rebirth of the Central African Republic (FPRC), and Ali Darassa, head of the Union for Peace (UPC), were non-signatories. The UPC left the CPC alliance last April. Neither their groups nor the alliance were immediately contactable late Friday. The 2013 civil war broke out as groups clashed on sectarian lines after a coup against former president Francois Bozize, who had seized power a decade earlier. The government has accused Bozize of being behind a failed offensive against Touadera last December. The Overland Park Police Department offense report just came to light, but was filed by Principal David Ewers on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m., a couple of hours after hundreds of students walked out while holding signs saying things like, "Protect the victims, not the assailants," "It's not a joke," and JTBC surprised fans with Jung Hae In and BLACKPINK Jisoo's new K-drama "Snowdrop" teaser. The highly anticipated series gears up with its first trailer featuring a dreamy retro montage, suggesting an emotional love story between the main characters. 'Snowdrop' Teaser: A Glimpse of Jung Hae In and BLACKPINK Jisoo's Love Story Set in 1987 at Hosu Women's University, the trailer featured Jung Hae In's character, Im Soo Ho, who looked sleek in his suit, baking around in the snow. "I'm sorry. It's because of me," he said in a voice-over. It was followed by the Kpop star who accidentally bumps Soo Ho at the library with a voice-over that says, "I miss you. I wish I could see you just once," while holding his sleeve. In the drama, BLACKPINK Jisoo took on the role of Eun Young Ro, the bubbly and cheerful nursing student who fell head over heels with Im Soo Ho. The intriguing yet fascinating "Snowdrop" teaser piqued viewers' interest on how the duo will portray their blossoming romance. Fans React to Jung Hae In BLACKPINK Jisoo's 'Snowdrop' Teaser Without a doubt, BLINKs and the Kdrama fandom showed their full support to JTBC's upcoming series. Over social media, netizens expressed their excitement, saying that they can't wait for the "Snowdrop" release. The new trailer sent netizens into a meltdown as hashtags #ActressJisooIsComing, #Jisoo #Snowdrop and #JungHaeIn became a trending topic on Twitter. Apart from a sneak peek of JTBC's melodrama, fans also praised Jisoo's impressive voice-over showcasing her soft tone of voice. Can't Wait I'm Gonna Cry. Finally Wait Is Over. Our Jichu's Cute Soft Voice ACTRESS JISOO IS HERE SNOWDROP ON DISNEY+#Snowdrop #JISOO pic.twitter.com/0PCJx6uhtG L'll Dreamer (@LilDreamer_off) October 14, 2021 Im crying over snowdrop rn hearing Jisoo and haeins voice makes it so real (@kdramasekki) October 14, 2021 SNOWDROP teaser is so aesthetically pleasing to my eyes! Goosebumps to Jisoo's voice over. Finally, Actress JISOO is debuting and her chemistry with Jung Hae In is palpable. Can't wait to watch this. SNOWDROP ON DECEMBER https://t.co/dk3YWiRsZa James Reid Kim Jisoo #Ults (@james_reignd) October 14, 2021 "Snowdrop" is BLACKPINK Jisoo's first-ever major role on the small screen after landing a series of cameo in various Kdramas. It includes her stint in "The Producers" and "Arthdal Chronicles Part 2: The Sky Turning Inside Out, Rising Land," where she took on the character of Sae Na Rae in episode 1. On the other hand, the South Korean heartthrob recently starred in the action-packed Netflix series "D.P." alongside Goo Kyo Hwan. 'Snowdrop' Release Date, Cast and What We Know So Far Fortunately, after months of delay, the much-anticipated Kdrama of the year is slated to broadcast this 2021. JTBC recently announced that the "Snowdrop" release date is scheduled to premiere in December, giving fans a fruitful and exciting holiday. Interestingly, apart from JTBC, viewers can watch Jung Hae In and BLACKPINK Jisoo's new K-drama in Disney+. It came after "Snowdrop" was among a slew of 20 local-language shows and series from the Asia Pacific (APAC) region that is set to air on the streaming platform. The list also includes the webtoon-based action-hero thriller "Moving," "Running Man" spin-off and more. As for "Snowdrop," fans would also get to see a roster of actors working alongside the Kpop star and the "Prison Playbook" actor. Helmed by "SKY Castle" PD Jo Hyun Taek and screenwriter Yoo Hyun Mi, joining the cast are Yoon Se Ah, Yoo In Na, Kim Hye Yoon and Jang Seung Jo. IN CASE YOU MISSED: #SnowdropComingSoon Trends as Viewers Get a Glimpse of Jung Hae In and BLACKPINK Jisoo's New Drama KDramastars owns this article Written by Geca Wills MEDFORD, Ore. Asante announced on Friday that it will soon close two of its urgent care clinics in Jackson County, a decision that the medical provider said stemmed from a decrease in use. Starting this Sunday, the urgent care clinics on Black Oak Drive in Medford and the White City location on Avenue G will both shut down. The company's third urgent care clinic in Grants Pass on the Three Rivers Medical Center campus will remain open. Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center The Asante Physician Partners Family Medicine clinics, which are located in the same buildings as the Medford and White City urgent care clinics, are not closing. The family medicine clinics continue to schedule patients for appointments. Asante said in a statement that this was a business decision arising from a decrease in usage of urgent care services, while more patients took to using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, the number of people coming into our urgent care clinics has dropped significantly, said Doug Ward, vice president of Operations for Asante Physician Partners. Many of our patients shifted to using online video visits for their non-emergency, acute care needs. Roughly 15 to 20 employees between the two locations will be reassigned to other positions within the Asante network of facilities. No employees are losing their jobs due to the closures, Ward said. Asante opened the Medford urgent care clinic in 2016, and the White City location followed in 2018. Monday, October 18, marks the deadline for Oregon's statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Healthcare workers, educators, and most state employees will need to have submitted proof of full vaccination or a valid exemption by then or face suspension. Asante told NewsWatch 12 at the end of September that 83% of its staff were fully vaccinated. NewsWatch 12 reached out to Asante on Friday regarding the clinic closings but they did not have additional comment. BUTTE FALLS, Ore. Officials from the US Department of the Interior visited southern Oregon on Thursday to survey damage from the South Obenchain Fire and discuss upcoming fire management efforts from the Biden administration. They were met by Governor Kate Brown and US Senator Jeff Merkley. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland was originally scheduled to be a part of the meetings, but she was ultimately unable to attend. Interior is the agency that oversees the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation, among a number of other offices. Prior to the South Obenchain meeting, Gov. Brown and Sen. Merkley received a briefing from administration officials at the Cascade National Monument to learn about future conservation plans for the monument. The move to South Obenchain signaled a shift to fire recovery efforts and the impact of climate change on fire season in the West. "The immense devastation of the 2020 wildfire season is difficult to comprehend unless you see it up close and in person, as we have today. Many families are still struggling to rebuild what they lost today, over a year later," said Governor Brown. "We are so pleased by our partnership with the Department of the Interior and the Biden-Harris administration, as we work together at the local, state, and federal levels to take a comprehensive, coordinated approach to addressing wildfire." Interior principal deputy assistant secretary Rachael Taylor talked about investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal to address wildland fires, including nearly $1.5 billion in fire management programs, improved firefighter pay, reduction of hazardous fuels on the landscape, and land restoration after fires. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill passed the US Senate in August, but it has not yet passed in the House of Representatives where Democrats are also forwarding a much wider-reaching $3.5 trillion package. Climate change is making fire seasons more intense as our firefighters deal with hotter, drier conditions and more extreme fire behavior. The increased frequency of fires in urban areas is impacting more homes, businesses, and communities each year, said Taylor. With the help of partners, local communities, and our dedicated career staff and federal firefighters, we are putting our fire programs on a more proactive footing to not only manage wildfires as they occur but to help prevent them from taking hold." Sen. Merkley later accompanied the Interior delegation to Crater Lake National Park to highlight both ongoing and future projects to make the park more accessible, supported by the Great American Outdoors Act. "Through GAOA, Interior will invest nearly $1.6 billion in Fiscal Year 2022 to address critical deferred maintenance projects and improve transportation and recreation infrastructure in national parks, national wildlife refuges and visitors centers, as well as dams, water and utility infrastructure, schools and other historic structures," the agency said in a statement. SALEM, Ore. Governor Kate Brown's office responded on Friday to a letter published by members of Oregon's Congressional delegation highlighting alleged mismanagement and delay of benefits and pay for National Guard members deployed to help hospitals understaffed and overwhelmed by the COVID-19 Delta variant surge. The original letter, addressed to Gov. Brown and Major General Michael E. Stencel, said that the treatment some service members faced was "unacceptable" citing reports that the deployment was chaotic, and that Guardsmen received contradictory or lackluster directions about where they needed to be and when. Some Guardsmen were left hanging up to mid-September, according to the lawmakers, and some had to reserve hotels or other accommodations with their own money, while others reportedly found that their travel vouchers werent recognized. In a statement, Governor Brown's office said that the Oregon Military Department had already started addressing the issues last week and let the Congressional delegation know. Gov. Brown's press secretary Liz Merah said that the issues also seemed to be confined to a handful of the Guardsmen deployed. CORONAVIRUS WATCH: Gov. Brown deploys Oregon National Guard to help overwhelmed hospitals (August) "Its disappointing that they sent this letter when some were informed last week that these issues are already being addressed," Merah said. "My understanding is that about 25 out of 1,500 total Guard members are impacted, and that OMD is working to address those individual cases ... Both the Governor and the OMD will not rest until these 25 individuals have received the benefits to which they are entitled." Gov. Brown and Major General Stencel sent a letter to the Congressional delegation in response, detailing how the problems arose and what state officials were doing to address them citing a combination of the rapidity of mobilization, lack of clarity on specific needs from the overwhelmed hospital systems, and bureaucratic conflicts between the state and federal systems. "Governor Brown is incredibly grateful for the service of Oregon National Guard members, who are volunteers spending time away from their homes, families, and livelihoods to serve their neighbors and communities," Merah sais. "At the height of the Delta surge, Oregon National Guard members answered the call to serve in hospitals being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. The Governor is 100% committed to ensuring every single Guard member receives the benefits and compensation owed for their duty and service." KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. A man from the town of Tulelake, California, has been arrested and accused of raping a minor. The Klamath County Sheriff's Office said that the sex abuse happened in 2014. KCSO detectives arrested 29-year-old Douglas Allan Lewis on October 7. He was charged with rape, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree sexual penetration. According to the Sheriff's Office, Lewis' sexually abused a minor in 2014. The events were recently reported, leading to an investigation. This is a developing story and will be updated with more details as they emerge. The B.C. government invited the chairs of B.C.'s 60 school districts to meetings in Vancouver this week to discuss the possibility of a vaccine mandate for teachers. But some chairs and vice-chairs could not attend because they have not been vaccinated. A man killed when the SUV he was driving crashed into the back of a semi at Interstate 94, north of Highway 50 was identified Thursday by the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department. Dr. Mirza Ahmad, 35, of Milwaukee was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by Kenosha County Medical Examiner officials. A passenger in the vehicle, a 27-year-old Milwaukee woman, remained hospitalized as of Thursday night. She had been airlifted via Flight For Life helicopter to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. Neither her name nor condition was released. Kenosha Fire Department rescue personnel transported the woman to a landing zone established at Fire Station No. 7, 9700 52nd St., at the Kenosha Regional Airport. Authorities said the woman was a passenger in the front seat of the SUV and had significant injuries at the time of the crash. The crash occurred at 7:52 p.m. Tuesday when the Volvo XC40, driven by Ahmad struck the stalled semi in the 7100 block of Interstate 94, according to the sheriff's department. Sheriff's Lt. Keith Fonk said deputies were initially called to respond to the semi that had broken down in a northbound traffic lane on the interstate. A few minutes later, a car drove into the rear end of it, Fonk said. The truck driver was not injured and was cooperating with authorities investigation, Fonk added. The semi-trailer itself ... possibly hit some road debris, unknown what it was, which caused the failure in the trailer braking system, causing the tires to lock up, Fonk said. The eventual brake system failure led to the semi stalling on the interstate, according to Fonk. According to detectives, the Volvo, which had been traveling northbound before it rear-ended the semi, had extensive front-end damage. Initial law enforcement radio traffic reports indicated the motorists may have been trapped in the vehicle following the crash. However, Tilton said that rescue personnel did not have to use extrication equipment at the scene. The northbound lanes of I-94 at Highway 50 were shut down for several hours while deputies and detectives investigated the crash site. The Wisconsin State Patrol was also on scene assisting. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and are encouraging the public to contact the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department Detective Bureau with any information on the crash at 262-605-5102. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A number of southeastern Wisconsin firefighters have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Every year, first responder organizations affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters across the country host Fill The Boot drives. The drives involve firefighters hanging out on streets or in storefronts asking for donations to fill literal firefighters boots, with the money being donated to the MDA. Take advantage of this limited-time offer Stay connected with local news, sports and politics. Unlock six months of unlimited access for only $1. The MDA is a nonprofit that funds research looking for an end to muscular dystrophy, and also runs programs that supports people who suffer from muscular dystrophy and their families. In recent weeks, the MDA has been announcing the amounts raised by Wisconsin firefighter organizations. They include: Kansasville Fire and Rescue Department: $4,967 Kenosha Professional Firefighters Local 414: $12,379 Menomonee Falls Professional Firefighters: $8,300 Rochester Volunteer Fire Company: $7,137 Waukesha Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 407: $5,343 Tess Corners Fire Department (fundraising held during Jammin on Janesville): $7,510 The Rochester Volunteer Fire Company this year achieved a five-year goal of raising more than $30,000 in five years. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The government of France bitterly denounced Australias decision to purchase nuclear submarines from the United States and Britain. One byproduct is cancellation of a sale of French conventional subs to Canberra, the Australian capital. French outrage is not exactly justified. France stands out as a nationalist nation, with special insecurities. In 2015, France agreed to supply two aircraft carriers to Russia. Paris cancelled the deal only after sustained pressure from allies. In 2019, President Emmanuel Macron of France issued a dramatic declaration in favor of European independence from NATO, and the United States. Instead, he preferred a European military organization, accompanied by a separate diplomatic role in the world. This dream, like others from Frances leaders, has not become reality. Since World War II, France has followed a singularly independent role regarding Europe and especially the United States, particularly after General Charles de Gaulle became president in the late 1950s. In the midst of growing disagreements and acrimony, in 1966 France demanded that NATO depart the nation. Alliance headquarters was moved to Belgium. In 2009, France returned to full participation in the alliance. Breaking away from NATO was central in the strategy of President de Gaulle. The dedicated leader of the Free French during World War II returned to national leadership in a time of extremely grave crisis and public anxiety. Defeat by Germany, then again in 1954 by Communist revolutionaries in Indochina, another enervating war in Algeria, and the revolving door character of post-war governments all contributed to the perception that France was a severely troubled member of the Atlantic alliance. After returning to power, General de Gaulle skillfully employed a three-pronged strategy involving image, institutions and foreign policy. His remarkable career and personality permitted him to appeal simultaneously to French traditions of monarchism, patriotism and populism. He appeared aloof and was often imperious, yet also used popular referenda. De Gaulle established the Fifth Republic, including a new constitution granting exceptional executive power to the president. He rebuilt French self-confidence through emphasis on the force de frappe, the independent national nuclear force, plus diplomacy. The nuclear deterrent became a potent symbol of national pride and independence. Except for Britain, a unique special partner, the United States has opposed other nations development of nuclear weapons. The Kennedy administration was assertive compared to the nonconfrontational Eisenhower administration in pressing U.S. policies on Europe. The resulting clash between JFK and de Gaulle made for dramatic political theatre, featuring intriguing personalities, but based also on profound policy differences, unlike today. Along with rejoining NATO, the government of France announced financial compensation for people suffering ill health from Frances nuclear tests in the atmosphere. Previously, there was reluctance even to acknowledge significant health risks. De Gaulles legacy includes todays powerful political institutions and capacity to support NATO from a position of strength. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, French aircraft joined others in patrolling North American air space. Crack French troops have been successful in bringing stability to Mali and other parts of Africa. In 1991, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development began. France is a leading founder of this effort to spur investment in Eastern Europe. The Bank today stands firmly established as a powerful engine for economic integration. In contrast to the Cold War era, powerful economic incentives keep investment capital moving across borders, and across the Atlantic. Keep this context in mind regarding crises. Learn More: Read Stanley Hoffmann (Editor), In Search of France. Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College in Wisconsin and author of After the Cold War (NYU Press and Palgrave/Macmillan). Contact Art at acyr@carthage.edu Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of After the Cold War (NYU Press and Palgrave/Macmillan). Contact Art at acyr@carthage.edu. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Ketchikan, AK (99901) Today Rain and snow in the morning changing to rain late. High 42F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy. Snow showers developing after midnight. Low 34F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. EUGENE, Ore. -- As the Oct. 18 deadline for teachers and staff to be fully vaccinated approaches, superintendents of smaller districts are making sure they're ready. KEZI 9 News spoke with several districts in our area, including the Creswell School District. Superintendent Mike Johnson said about 89% of staff in his district are fully vaccinated. "This virus isn't going away. And it's going to continue to challenge us and we just really need to focus on what's best and what's safe for kids," said Johnson. RELATED: Central Linn School District still unsure how to accommodate unvaccinated staff According to the Oregon Department of Education, schools in Oregon cannot employ or work with any teachers, staff, or volunteers who aren't fully vaccinated against COVID-19. But they still can fill out a medical or religious exemption form. "When the 19th comes about, if they are unvaccinated and they don't have an exemption or a request for an exemption for medical or religious reasons, then they aren't allowed to be in our schools," said Johnson. Many districts are offering unpaid leave to those who don't want to get the vaccine and who don't apply for an exemption. MORE: School districts preparing for staff vaccination deadline In the Corvallis School District, Superintendent Ryan Noss told KEZI 9 News Human Resources will be checking in with their staff who applied for an exemption. "It's an individual meeting with our Human Resources department to talk through what that exemption area is or could potentially be," said Noss. Most districts are working with those who have an exemption on what teaching options will be best for them, whether that's double-masking, submitting to weekly tests, or other precautions. RELATED: Corvallis School District considering vaccine mandate for students Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak with the Siuslaw School District said his district is among many implementing an option for leave without pay for teachers and staff who don't want to get vaccinated. "People have the ability to go on unpaid leave until they figure out what they want to do," said Grzeskowiak. "If they don't want to address the mandate at all then they have the option to resign." According to ODE, unless an employer has a valid reason to not believe an employee's religious exemption is sincere, they must approve it. And over in the Junction City School District, superintendent Troy Stoops did exactly that. "All of them came through me. If they followed all of the requirements for the exception, then they were approved," said Stoops. As for a medical exemption, the person applying for one needs a signature from their doctor. "I didn't place judgment on whether or not the religious reasoning or indoctrination was correct or not. I don't think that's my place as an educator to make that determination," said Stoops. The districts that spoke with KEZI 9 News all said the most important thing is keeping students and staff safe. "The reality is that it's keeping our building safer, and our focus continues to be, we want kids in our building as often as possible," said Stoops. BENTON, Ore. -- Oregon law enforcement agencies are seeing an increase in illegal marijuana grows across the state, leading Jackson County to declare a state of emergency. Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said they too are experiencing an uptick. He said oftentimes weed isn't the only thing they're seizing during these busts. "These large-scale marijuana grows, more often than not, involve human trafficking," Van Arsdall said. He said thats why its important for the community to say something if they see something: you never know what could be behind closed doors. "You're going to see a significant amount of folks who are being held against their will or working against their will for whatever organization or group." Van Arsdall said just over the past few months, theyve been out to four illegal weed grows, one of which is reportedly the largest in the county's history. There were tens of thousands of plants being illegally grown, according to officials. This year, they've had a total of seven large-scale busts, which led to more than a dozen more. He said the grows vary in size from in the hundreds to more than 40,000 plants. These busts are often very dangerous, Van Arsdall said. Neighbors will call in complaining about the smell. "Even as we speak today, I have a team out right now on an illegal marijuana grow. It is a problem in Benton County." He told KEZI hes thankful for surrounding agencies, as they all work together on these busts. The Lane County Sheriff's Office said it's been a few months since their last weed bust. However, in Douglas County, officers raided a grow just last week near Canyonville. Local officials are calling on state and federal authorities to help crack down on this growing problem. SALEM, Ore. -- Gov. Kate Brown's office is responding after Oregon lawmakers shared a letter claiming members of the National Guard were mistreated during their activation to help with the state's COVID-19 response. In the letter, lawmakers pushed for the state to respond to issues including alleged mismanagement and delay of benefits and pay. It describes a chaotic activation that left several members hanging for weeks and unable to return to their civilian jobs, with some paying for hotel accommodations out of pocket. For the full letter lawmakers sent to the state, CLICK HERE. However, according to Press Secretary Liz Merah, the Oregon Military Department was already in the process of responding to these concerns when the letter was sent, and some of the congressional delegation reportedly were aware of this. The statement also indicates that officials believe only 25 out of the 1,500 Guard members who were activated were affected by the issues laid out in the letter. RELATED: LAWMAKERS PUT PRESSURE ON STATE AFTER REPORTS OF NATIONAL GUARD MISTREATMENT Merah sent the following statement. "Governor Brown is incredibly grateful for the service of Oregon National Guard members, who are volunteers spending time away from their homes, families, and livelihoods to serve their neighbors and communities. At the height of the Delta surge, Oregon National Guard members answered the call to serve in hospitals being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. The Governor is 100% committed to ensuring every single Guard member receives the benefits and compensation owed for their duty and service. "The Oregon Military Department is already in the process of responding to the concerns raised by the congressional delegationa fact that members of the delegation were apprised of last week. Its disappointing that they sent this letter when some were informed last week that these issues are already being addressed. My understanding is that about 25 out of 1,500 total Guard members are impacted, and that OMD is working to address those individual cases. In order to ensure impacted families have all the facts, a response from the Governor and OMD addressing this issue in more detail is available here. Both the Governor and the OMD will not rest until these 25 individuals have received the benefits to which they are entitled." Read Gov. Kate Brown and Major General Michael Stencel's full letter here, which was sent to U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Kurt Schrader, and Suzanne Bonamici. Weather Alert ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Wet snow. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches. * WHERE...Rockford, Spokane Valley, Worley, Coeur d'Alene, Cheney, Fairfield, Hayden, Post Falls, Airway Heights, Downtown Spokane, and Davenport. * WHEN...Until 10 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && After seven intense and emotional weeks, viewers witnessed another nail biting episode for the semi final of Glow Up Ireland last night. It's now down to the final three make up artists to wow the judges in the finale of RTE2's newest series with presenter Maura Higgins. Who will scoop the title of the first ever winner of Glow Up Ireland, can Kilkenny take the crowning glory? Urlingford's Michael Ryan made it through to the final last night, where three MUAs will carry on another week to battle it out. With make up brushes at the ready, we will find out who will have the talent, creativity and confidence to go all the way. Speaking to the Kilkenny People this morning Michael said "last night episode was amazing, I definitely had a stumble mid competition but I feel like I've found my feet again and I'm going into the final with new found confidence. I'm so grateful to be in the final with two amazing makeup artists who are both so different. Can't wait for everyone to see what we do next week." With only one days preparation, the final trio must present a masterclass on a make up style they feel represents them to Irish industry heavyweights from around the world. The guest judges for the finale include Samantha Barry Cork born New York based Glamour Editor-in Chief, Maria Malone Guerrba Limerick born Essex based Illusion make up artist, Aidan Keogh Dublin born New York based celebrity make up artist whose clients include Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber and Keilidh MUA who is returning to Glow Up Ireland to see how much the finalists have grown over the series. For the creative brief the theme is My Pinch Me Moment. When Maura was revealed as presenter of Glow Up Ireland, she described the role as a pinch me moment and for the finalists, this challenge could prove to be the biggest ever turning point in their own lives. The brief they are given is: Are you making the most of this moment? Drawing on inspiration from a pivotal moment in your own life, this look should demonstrate to us who you are as an artist and what youve learned throughout the competition. Not to be missed, Thursday, October 21 at 21.35 on RTE2. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn has advised people to work from home where possible as Ireland moves into the autumn and winter period. Dr. Glynn said that with "vast parts of society open" people are now mixing and interacting on a scale "far greater than at any point in the pandemic to date". This comes as restrictions on returning to the workplace were supposed to be lifted next Friday, October 22. In a video address, the deputy CMO said this gives viruses such as Covid-19 and the flu a chance to circulate, and people should continue to wash their hands and not meet up with other people if they have any symptoms. With almost 20,000 cases in the last fortnight, incidence of #COVID19 is increasing. However, there is much we can do to protect ourselves & one another; get vaccinated; isolate & get tested if symptomatic (even if vaccinated); wear a mask; meet outdoors; ventilate indoor spaces pic.twitter.com/6UQ26QQJMl October 15, 2021 "A key message to people who have been vaccinated is to not disregard all of the other basic measures that we've been talking about for so long now. "So let's continue to wash our hands regularly, lets ensure that we dont meet up with other people and socialise if we've got symptoms, and let's work from home where possible over this autumn and winter", he added. Dr. Glynn said they are seeing increasing incidences of Covid-19 across most age groups, with the median age of cases increasing from the mid 20s to 36 years of age and they are seeing an average of five admissions to ICU a day. He said the reality is that 370,000 adults have not come forward for vaccination or have only come forward for the first in a two-dose schedule, and these people are now vulnerable to Covid-19. A phased return to the workplace has been in place since September 20. Proposals have been released regarding the development of a new private nursing home, to be developed at Garrandarragh on the edge of Mullinavat village, adjoining the new proposed Applegreen motorway service station. The 90 private bedroom facility is to provide much-needed respite care, step-down care facilities and geriatric care, to support the needs of the local and wider communities in the south of the county and hinterland. The project is backed by Mullinavat native Peter Purcell. Ireland's ageing demographic - combined with the need to remove pressure on the general hospital system- requires significant private and public investment in such facilities throughout the country, to achieve HSE and government development goals. The facility is proposed to provide full-service care to its residents, with 45 care staff and support staff being employed. Located adjoining the M9 motorway junction 11, the site is within a 30-minute travel distance of a population of over 200,000 and would act to support of Ardkeen, University Hospital Waterford and St Lukes in Kilkenny. The scheme has been designed by Kilkenny-based architectural practice Gittens Murray Architects with Malone O`Regan Consulting Engineers and follows on from their joint project, the new HSE Newpark Primary Care Centre at Newpark, Kilkenny, with Ormonde Construction. It's hoped construction will begin in late 2022 with the facility opening early 2024, subject to all regulatory consents being put in place. Wells Fargo's third-quarter earnings were up 59% after it freed up money it had set aside to cover loan losses. The bank said it reduced the money it set aside to cover loan losses by $1.7 billion. It had raised those loan loss reserves early in 2020, when the future of the economy and the length of the recession brought on by Covid-19 pandemic was uncertain. The bank posted net income of $5.1 billion, or $1.17 a share, topping forecasts of 98 cents from analysts surveyed by Refinitiv. "The actions we're taking to improve operating effectiveness and financial returns are coming through in our results, in addition to the benefits we're experiencing from the economic recovery," said CEO Charlie Scharf. In the second quarter of 2020, Wells Fargo raised the reserves it had set aside for loan losses by $8.4 billion, which caused the bank to post its first quarterly loss since the Great Recession at that time. Scharf was brought in as CEO at Wells Fargo two years ago to deal with the scandal of the bank creating false customer accounts and improperly charging them fees. He is the fourth CEO since the fall of 2016. He's had some success. A 2018 consent order with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding the bank's retail sales practices was recently allowed to expire, an event that Scharf described as "an important milestone in our progress to correct our past practices." But that doesn't mean its regulatory problems are behind it. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Treasury Department's banking regulator, slapped it with a $250 million fine in September for failing to move fast enough to compensate customers who were victims of the bank's "unsafe or unsound" practices. "The recent OCC enforcement actions are a reminder that the significant deficiencies that existed when I arrived must remain our top priority," said Scharf. "I believe we are making significant progress, and I remain confident in our ability to continue to close the remaining gaps over the next several years, though we may continue to have setbacks along the way." Shares of Wells Fargo were slightly higher in premarket trading on the results. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. ALBERT LEA, Minn. A man who tried to escape arrest by driving through a barbed wire fence has been sentenced to prison. Brandon Stanley Johnson, 39 of Albert Lea, pleaded guilty to fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle for an incident on January 12. The Freeborn County Sheriffs Office says a deputy tried to stop Johnson around 2:24 am for driving with no lights near St. Peter Avenue and Eberhardt Street. Court documents state Johnson sped away and drove through a barbed wire fence before getting stuck in the snow on Neal Street. Investigators say Johnson was driving a vehicle that had been stolen from Virgils Tow and Travel in Albert Lea. Johnson has been sentenced to one year and eight months in prison, with credit for 163 days already served. Charges of first-degree criminal damage to property and theft were dismissed as part of a plea deal. MASON CITY, Iowa - From small towns to larger parishes, Reverend Monsignor John Hemann was beloved by many congregations across Iowa. This past Saturday, the Stacyville native passed away at 86. Ordained as a priest in 1960, Hemann served as a priest at churches from Eagle Grove to Dubuque, including at St. Joseph's in Mason City and in his hometown. He even took to the skies as a chaplain with the Iowa Army National Guard, retiring as a Brigadier General. During his time in the service, he served two active duty assignments in Germany, and one at the Pentagon, and received numerous medals, including the Legion of Merit award. He was also a founding member of the National Association of Priest Pilots. Newman second grade teacher Jennifer Smith recalls how Hemann connected with kids and helping them grow in their faith. "He's that type of person that you think will always be here. He was the happiest, jolliest person you would ever see. It was never a thought in my head of, 'we were going to lose him soon.'" She remembers when Hemann would hold mass with students, including for her four children. "One of the things that he always did at mass during his homily, he would take out his cell phone and get a call from God or call God, and he would talk to them, and the kids loved it. All four of my kids remember him and remember him doing that at mass." She shares a message summarizing just how appreciated he was. "Thank you for all the years of filling Newman with his love and his laughter, and being this bright spot in our lives." Hemann's funeral will be held Friday at Sacred Heart Church in Osage, with interment to follow at Visitation Cemetery in Stacyville. The funeral service will be streamed through Facebook. ROCHESTER, Minn. - A new action plan is in place to address issues with hospital capacity as well as expand Minnesotas COVID-19 rapid testing network. Governor Tim Walz detailed the plan on Friday as COVID cases across the state continue to rise. The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting the weekly positivity rate is more than 8% which is the highest its been since before vaccines rolled out last year. During a press conference, Walz said, "The idea that we're losing 25 Minnesotans a day to a preventable disease that is almost 99 plus percent preventable if we get a vaccine is unconscionable. We're better than this." The National Guard is on alert to provide staffing support at long-term care facilities according to Walz. There will aslo be expanded access to the OVID-19 emergency staffing pool. That will allow facilities to request short-term emergency staffing if theres a shortage of workers. Walz added, So, let's be very clear. No one can say we didn't anticipate this was coming. And no one can say there are not tools that could be used to fix that." Rochester Mayor Kim Norton says she believes its important to have all hands on deck to ensure there's a safe place for those most impacted by COVID. Norton explained, I appreciate the response. The National Guard being on alert certainly is one opportunity but I hope we can deal with the longer term issues we have with our long-term care facilities and staffing but at the same time maybe this will be an incipient for that. Walz also announced the expansion of rapid testing options at community sites in Stillwater, Hutchinson, and Crookston, with three additional sites to follow next week. However, its not something Norton believes is necessary for Rochester at this time. She added, I assume he's putting the resources in the areas that need the most support. We do have high rates of spread down here but we also have world-class health facilities and many opportunities for people in our community to get tested. Governor Walz also announced additional COVID-19 rapid testing opportunities with 16 public health agencies across the state. Olmsted County Public Health Department said its not one of the agencies but did say in a statement, We encourage all individuals looking for a COVID-19 test to find options, including at-home tests, on the MDH Find Testing Location website. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The Des Moines public schools district has fired a teacher for failing to wear a mask in school buildings. The firing came about a week after a federal judge suspended a new state law that prohibits school districts from implementing mask requirements. Phil Roeder, a spokesman for the school district, confirmed that a teacher was fired for refusing to comply with the district's mask policy. The district did not identify the teacher. Roeder said about 10 of the district's approximately 5,000 employees have been sent home for noncompliance since the district reissued the mask requirement last month. The district says 12 employees are exempt from the policy are allowed to take a break from wearing a mask during the day, or wear a face shield instead. FOREST CITY, Iowa A Winnebago County man accused of stealing a silver bar is pleading not guilty. Daniel Joseph Martinson, 32 of Lake Mills, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree theft. His trial is scheduled to begin on December 1. Court documents state Martinson sold a bar of silver to another Lake Mills resident, but then took it back and tried to drive off with it on August 28. Investigators say the buyer blocked Martinson with his vehicle and called authorities. Law enforcement says Martinson still had the silver bar, worth $2,850, in his possession when they arrived. ALLAMAKEE COUNTY, Iowa - An Iowa State Trooper was seriously injured in a crash late Thursday night. Trooper Ted Benda was assisting the Clayton County Sheriff's Office with a call for service at around 11:30 p.m. Benda was then involved in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 51, around six miles north of Postville. He was airlifted to Gunderson Hospital in La Crosse where he is in critical condition. Kevin and I extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Iowa State Patrol Trooper Ted Benda as well as his family, friends and law enforcement partners, said Gov. Reynolds. I pray for the dedicated medical team providing him care and treatment for the critical injuries he sustained in a crash last night while responding to a call and pray for a full recovery. This unfortunate incident reminds us all of the dedication and sacrifice our law enforcement officers make to keep us safe. ALLISON, Iowa A crash in Butler County has claimed one life. The Iowa State Patrol says Gene Chinander, 69 of Allison, was driving a pickup truck south on Highway 14 when he failed to stop at the intersection with Highway 3, went off the road and struck a parked semi trailer. The crash happened around 2:43 pm Thursday and when authorities arrived, Chinander was dead at the scene. The Butler County Sheriffs Office, Allison fire and EMS, and the Iowa Department of Transportation assisted at the scene. CHARLES CITY, Iowa - An investigation is underway after a search of a Charles City residence resulted in finding a dead body while another person died after being taken by ambulance to the hospital. Police were called Tuesday afternoon to 301 Shaw Ave. and officers spoke with several people who were present. "One person was transported to the hospital by ambulance and was later pronounced deceased. Officers conducted a search of the residence and located a body inside the house. The case remains under investigation and names are being withheld as the correct people are notified," police said. Police said there is not a direct threat to the public. AMES, Iowa (AP) Ames police say two people are charged in the death of a 2-year-old boy in April. Police said Thursday that 25-year-old Trevin Nicholson, of Centennial, Colorado, is charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death. And 26-year-old Danielle Obrecht, of Ames, is charged with child endangerment causing death. Police responded to a report that a child was having difficulty breathing on April 24. The child died the next day. The Ames Tribune reports Obrecht is the boy's mother and Nicholson was her boyfriend. A criminal complaint says Obrecht told police her son was injured while Nicholson was watching him. Two Easy Ways To Subscribe! The Kodiak Daily Mirror offers full-service, five-day a week subscriptions with home delivery in addition to unlimited access to our online services (including our e-Edition). Online-access-only subscriptions include unlimited access to the Mirror's online services without delivery of the printed newspaper. (Note: New users: You must register and login before purchasing a subscription. The initiative will work to reduce racial and ethnic inequities and support upward mobility from poverty. A British lawmaker, Conservative Member of Parliament David Amess, has been stabbed several times at a meeting in his Southend West constituency. Amess is pictured here attending a meeting in his Essex constituency. The United States is officially a member of the controversial United Nations Human Rights Council again. US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield is shown here on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 16, 2021. Missouri father of one of Cassidy Rainwaters sons prepares for the worst Italian Ambassador to Korea Federico Failla explains the photos of Monte Bianco at the "Italian Routes. Mountains, Mountaineering, Climate Change" photo exhibition at High Street Italia in southern Seoul, Oct. 6. Korea Times photo by Kwon Mee-yoo Italian ambassador discusses impacts of climate change By Kwon Mee-yoo Climate change is an important issue in Italy, just like everywhere else, and the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul are presenting a photo exhibition to raise awareness of the effects of climate change on Italy's mountain landscape and culture. Titled "Italian Routes. Mountains, Mountaineering, Climate Change," the exhibition, curated by Italian photographer Fabiano Ventura, captures the scenery of Italy's mountain ranges, comparing current photos with historical images to show the extent to which glaciers have melted away. "The exhibition here is visual proof of what has happened to our mountains, especially in the Alps," Federico Failla, ambassador of Italy to Korea, said during an interview with The Korea Times at High Street Italia in southern Seoul, where the exhibition is being held, Oct. 6. "We have started to have sometimes extreme conditions of weather, for instance, huge rains like monsoons, which were not very common in Italy, and the winters have become very mild. Fog has almost totally disappeared because of the increase in temperature. You might think that that's not too bad, but it's a signal that the situation is very serious. "This is a disturbing phenomenon that can be observed all over the world. Temperatures this summer reached record levels in the whole planet. Even the rainy season this year in Korea was different than usual." Another impact of climate change can be seen in the flora and fauna. "In the Mediterranean Sea, now there are species of fish and flora and fauna that have been never seen before. There is a kind of 'tropicalization' of the Mediterranean Sea, which is not positive. Biodiversity is important and the rising of the temperature of the sea is leading to the disappearance of some local flora and fauna species," Failla said. Climate change might also affect the tourism sector, one of the most important industries of Italy. "Preserving current climate conditions in Italy is important also for the tourism sector, as our country is one of the most beloved destinations for tourists from all over the world. This is an important aspect for Italy because this is the country with the highest number of the UNESCO sites." The two photos show the diminishing of the Lex Blanche glacier in upper Val Veny in the Italian side of the Alps. The Italian Embassy in Seoul is presenting the "Italian Routes. Mountains, Mountaineering, Climate Change" photo exhibition at High Street Italia in southern Seoul to raise awareness about the threat and effects of climate change. Courtesy of Italian Embassy in Korea The top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the United States and Japan will meet trilaterally in Washington next week to discuss joint efforts to bring North Korea back to dialogue, the foreign ministry said Friday. The planned talks among Seoul's chief nuclear negotiator, Noh Kyu-duk, and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Sung Kim and Takehiro Funakoshi, come as Seoul is stepping up diplomacy to salvage its peace drive following a recent series of North Korean missile launches, including a hypersonic one last month. Noh and Kim are expected to meet bilaterally on Monday and join a trilateral meeting with Funakoshi the following day. Noh is also likely to hold two-way talks with Funakoshi on Tuesday. The three held their last in-person talks in September in Tokyo, as they have been exploring ways to encourage Pyongyang's return to dialogue, including humanitarian and other incentives. Next week's talks are expected to touch on President Moon Jae-in's recent proposal for the declaration of a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, which Kim has said is the most effective among confidence-building measures. They could also discuss humanitarian support for the North and the recent reactivation of inter-Korean communication lines, which has raised cautious hope for a cross-border thaw. "Through the visit to Washington this time, we expect that there will be in-depth consultations over cooperation among the three countries for the complete denuclearization and the establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," the ministry said in a press release. Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have remained stalled since the Hanoi summit in 2019 between then U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended without a deal. On Thursday, Noh also met Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Russia, calling for Moscow's cooperation in persuading Pyongyang to return to dialogue. (Yonhap) Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 39F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Low 29F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) - Nearly 100 animals that were seized from an unlicensed facility in northeast Portland last year are now eligible for adoption, according to Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS). An investigation began in Aug. 2020 when MCAS received complaints about the conditions at Woofin Palooza, which was a training, boarding, rescue and daycare for pets located in the 2300 block of Northeast 82nd Avenue. Following an inspection, MCAS, along with the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, executed a search warrant at the business on Aug. 11, 2020 and seized 52 dogs and 65 cats from the property. DA: Owners of Woofin Palooza charged with 157 counts of animal neglect MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OR (KPTV) - The owners of Woofin Palooza LLC in northeast Portland have been charged with more than 150 counts of animal neg On Thursday, MCAS announced a Multnomah County judge determined that 89 of the 117 animals seized should be forfeited to animal services. Six kittens born in care since the seizure were also included in the forfeiture, for a total of 95 animals. The status of the remaining animals will be determined at a later date. "Multnomah County greatly appreciates the community members and staff who stepped forward in such a significant way when we were experiencing such a major increase in the shelter population during an ongoing public health crisis," said MCAS Director Wade Sadler. MCAS says foster volunteers who have cared for the animals over the past year will be invited to adopt them. Remaining animals not adopted by their foster volunteers will need new homes. Available animals at MCAS can be viewed here. In May, the owners of Woofin Palooza, Tori Head and Samantha Miller, were both charged with 157 counts of second-degree animal neglect, 13 counts of identity theft, and 15 counts of second-degree forgery. BENTON COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV) - An Oregon State University researcher who was serving as head of the school's Center of Quantitative Life Sciences has been charged with aggravated sex crimes against children in Virginia. According to court documents, 66-year-old Brett Tyler was considered a fugitive from Virginia when he was arrested in Benton County Oct. 8. He's charged with two counts of forcible sodomy, two counts of taking indecent liberties with children, and aggravated sexual battery. Man arrested, accused of sexually abusing Benton Co. girl over 5 month period CORVALLIS, Ore. (KPTV) A 40-year-old Alsea man was arrested for sexually abusing a girl in Benton County, according to the Benton County She An OSU spokesperson said Tyler "resigned immediately" as the director of the life sciences center and will retire from the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology Nov. 30. He will work remotely until then. We are aware of this arrest and these serious allegations. OSU takes seriously all matters of reported misconduct, child abuse and sexual violence. As it does in other arrests involving employees or students, the university will cooperate fully with law enforcement investigations into this matter," the university said in a statement. Tyler was released from the Benton County Jail Oct. 11 on a $200,000 bond. A special session to consider an income tax reduction will be called as soon as we get the votes lined up, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Wednesday. He also said it is premature for legislators to consider a Texas-style abortion bill during the called session. (Photo by KATV) HELENA, Mont. - On Thursday, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued legal guidance on the status of the Biden administrations proposed federal vaccine mandate and discrimination based on vaccine status, which is illegal in our state. As stated in a release, the guidance is intended to help clear confusion after the presidents Sept. 9 speech discussing his plans to compel private employers to require COVID-19 vaccines for their employees. According to a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson, the agency submitted the initial text of the emergency temporary standard to the Office of Management and Budget as part of the regulatory review process. On October 12, the Biden administration said it has submitted the initial text of an emergency temporary standard rule to the Office of Management and Budget for review. However, no such rule or regulation is currently in effect, Knudsens guidance reads. Further, my office is preparing to immediately challenge and enjoin this federal overreach on a variety of grounds when the Biden administration issues its announced rule. Two lawsuits have been filed challenging the new state law established by House Bill 702 that protects Montana workers from discrimination based on their vaccine status. Montana's Attorney General's office is fighting both pro-discrimination lawsuits in state court. House Bill 702 is the law in Montana, and it prohibits employers from discriminating against people based on their vaccination status. Two separate lawsuits have been filed attempting to rollback these protections for Montana workers, but these pro-discrimination lawsuits have not changed the law, Knudsen wrote in the memo. Discrimination based on vaccination status is illegal in Montana. Violators of the law can and should be held accountable. Anyone suffering discrimination by an employer based on their vaccination status should contact the Montana Human Rights Bureau at 406-444-2884. A formal complaint must be filed with the Bureau within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. Fore more information on filing a complaint click here. Immediately following Bidens Sept. 9 speech, Knudsen announced he would file a lawsuit when the federal rule was issued. He and 23 other state attorneys general also wrote a letter telling Biden that this disastrous and counterproductive mandate would only drive more Americans from the job market, further burdening the health care system and the economy. GREAT FALLS, Mont. - Community leaders and ranchers from Cascade County met with Senator Jon Tester in Great Falls to discuss the American Beef Labeling Act. According to South Dakota Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), the American Beef Labeling Act, legislation that would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. The legislation would require the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment. Montana beef is a cut above the rest, and folks deserve to know if their beef was raised in the United States before they buy it, said Tester. Beef raised in the U-S-A faces the strictest standards to ensure the highest quality of meat. My bipartisan legislation will level the playing field for Montana's family farmers and ranchers and guarantee American families the choice of the highest quality beef by making sure they know where their food is coming from. The American Beef Labeling Act is also sponsored by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). BILLINGS - COVID-19 could be impacting your Christmas, but not because of travel restrictions. The shipping back up is causing problems across the country. It might be a little harder to deck the halls this holiday season with the nationwide supply shortage now impacting artificial Christmas trees. Jim Gainan, owner of Gainan's, thinks his store is set, but put out a warning on social media saying an artificial Christmas tree shortage is coming. "A lot of stores that order huge quantities have containers of their trees sitting on ships outside different ports and they are unable to be unloaded and shipped to the stores," Gainan said. Gainan blames the same shipment back up that's been happening for weeks along the California coast. He told us he ordered artificial trees 18 months ago so his store is fully stocked, but admits filling orders is already getting tougher. He warns shoppers looking for a permanent tree to start early. "Buying something that's going to last a long time, so you really want to make sure that you like it and that is has all the new features and all of the new designs and that sort of thing," Gainan said. And stores unprepared for the supply shortage could be increasing their prices as we get closer to the holiday season. Officials from Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency are seeking about $18,000 in additional funding from lakefront communities next year to help pay for increased expenses. The law enforcement agency is asking four lakefront communities to contribute $63,000 to its 2022 budget instead of $45,000, which the communities contributed to the agencys 2020 and 2021 budgets. The agency patrols Geneva Lake in areas of City of Lake Geneva, Town of Linn, Village of Williams Bay and Village of Fontana. Commander Thomas Hausner of the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency announced the funding request during a budget workshop meeting conducted by the Lake Geneva City Councils Finance, Licensing & Regulation Committee, Oct. 6. Hausner said the agency is in need of additional funding because it recently moved its headquarters from Williams Bay to Fontana and because of increased costs related to fuel, staff and computer equipment. He said if each community contributes $63,000, the agency will have an additional $252,000 in its budget for 2022. Rent was doubled. Utilities were doubled. Computer costs have gone up, Hausner said. Fuel has gone up. Wages have gone up. Hausner said the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reimburses the communities up to 75% of the funding they contribute to the agency each year. The communities usually are reimbursed about $25,000, but last year they were reimbursed about $31,000. Alderman Ken Howell said he feels the City of Lake Geneva does not receive the same amount of enforcement from the agency as the other lakefront communities. We feel theres a lot less involvement in the Lake Geneva area than there is in other places, Howell said. Is that because were so law abiding you dont have to give out tickets here? We think were not getting coverage when other people are, and thats a bone of contention. Hausner said the City of Lake Geneva receives the same amount of patrols as the other communities. He said his officers patrol Lake Genevas area of the lake as often as possible. We cant control if people violate while were down here or not, Hausner said. I can tell you we dont miss or avoid the City of Lake Geneva any more or any less than any other area of the lake, and the citations are proportionality related to the jurisdictional size of the lake. Alderman Richard Hedlund said he also feels the agency should enforce Lake Genevas area of the lake more often because of the boat rental facilities and because Riviera Beach and Big Foot State Park Beach are located within the community. Hedlund said he has talked to other residents who feel that Lake Geneva is not receiving appropriate coverage from the agency. We are not your No. 1 warning or citation area on the lake, Hedlund said. In my way of thinking, Big Foot Beach is in Lake Geneva, and theres always a lot of traffic there. Hausner said the swimming area of Big Foot Beach is located in Lake Geneva, but the rest of it is in the Town of Linns jurisdiction. So when we write tickets, a lot of them are in the Town of Linn versus in the City of Lake Geneva, Hausner said. Although we still write a fair amount in the city there. According to recent statistics presented by the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency, 22 citations and 12 warnings were issued in the City of Lake Geneva; 38 citations and 15 warnings were issued in the Town of Linn; 38 citations and eight warnings were in issued in the Village of Williams Bay; and 29 citations and 17 warnings in the Village of Fontana this summer. During the summer, the four communities contributed an additional $15,000 in addition to the $45,000 for the agencys 2021 budget to help pay for staff wages and other expenses for the rest of the year. The agency was in need of the additional funding because of the costs related to moving its headquarters from Williams Bay to Fontana. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The former marketing director of Janesville-based Mercyhealth pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud and tax evasion, part of a five-year, multimillion-dollar scheme with an alleged accomplice to defraud the health care provider using kickbacks from inflated invoices for marketing services. Barbara Bortner, 57, of Milton, who was Mercyhealths vice president of marketing and public relations, faces up to 25 years in prison when she is sentenced on Feb. 17 by U.S. District Judge William Conley. Advisory federal sentencing guidelines make a sentence approaching that length extremely unlikely. Under a plea agreement, federal prosecutors agreed to recommend credit for acceptance of responsibility but made no specific sentencing recommendation. The plea agreement states the loss to Mercyhealth was more than $3.1 million, and the tax loss to the federal government for 2018, the year covering the tax fraud count that was charged against Bortner, was $263,846. In all, Bortner agreed she owes the Internal Revenue Service $777,803 in restitution for underpaid taxes for all of the years that the scheme was ongoing, the agreement states. An additional restitution figure covering the amount Bortner will have to repay to Mercyhealth will be set when she is sentenced. Bortners alleged accomplice, Ryan Weckerly, 46, of Sycamore, Illinois, is charged with wire fraud and fraud by making false statements. He has agreed to plead guilty to those charges at a hearing scheduled on Nov. 4. According to a charging document filed on Sept. 1, Bortner conspired with Weckerly, who owned two marketing agencies in Sycamore, Illinois, to bilk Mercyhealth. One of Weckerlys marketing agencies did business as Invironments, a general lifestyle magazine. Starting in February 2015, the document states, and lasting until June 2020, Weckerly inflated invoices sent to Bortner for marketing work he did for Mercyhealth. The two agreed, the document states, that Weckerly would provide kickbacks to Bortner for the money he received from Mercyhealth through the inflated invoices. In return, Bortner agreed to continue using Weckerlys firm, Morningstar Media Group, as the primary marketing agency for Mercyhealth. As part of the scheme, Bortner created WeInspire LLC, which was used to disguise the source of kickback payments from Weckerly, and Weckerly created another marketing business called Blank Slate Media LLC. Weckerly submitted the inflated marketing invoices to Bortner at Mercyhealth from both Morningstar Media Group and Blank Slate Media. Weckerly transferred some of the money he received from the inflated invoices to a business checking account he created for Invironments magazine. He wrote 103 checks from that account to WeInspire totaling just over $2 million. Bortner deposited most of those checks into an account she created for WeInspire LLC at the Bank of Milton. One check, singled out in one of the charges, was for $70,000. Weckerly also withdrew cash from his accounts and paid it directly to Bortner, the charging document states. Given the right farmer, the right funding, the right manure and the right attitude, low-disturbance manure injection can be a boost to a farms bottom line, a boon for the environment, and a good way to keep the neighbors happy. Wayne County has identified an opportunity for its local dairy farms: A dairy processing plant that would specialize in cheeses that would appeal to Hispanic communities in New York City, Philadelphia and Boston. New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): With the administration of 30,26,483 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 97.14 crores, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday. As per provisional reports, till 7 am today, 97,14,38,553 doses have been administered in the country so far through 95,66,873 sessions. Also Read | Haryana Shocker: Woman, Daughter Brutally Murdered With Axe for Money; Accused Arrested. Of the total, 1,03,75,695 health care workers received the first dose and 90,66,113 second vaccine doses; 1,83,61,142 front line workers were administered the first dose and 1,54,84,841 were given the second dose of the vaccine. According to the health ministry, 39,11,64,632 people in the age group 18-44 years were administered the first dose while 10,81,79,876 were given the second dose. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Security Forces Unearthed Hideout in Reasi, Ammunition Recovered. Also, in the age group of 45-59 years, 16,72,35,490 people have received the first dose and 8,52,83,655 have received the second dose whereas for the people over 60 years, 10,54,86,278 were administered with the first dose and 6,08,00,831 were given the second dose. Meanwhile, 16,862 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours. With this, the active caseload in the country has reached 2,03,678, which is the lowest in 216 days and presently constitute 0.60 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases reported in the country so far. The recovery of 19,391 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,33,82,100. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.07 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 1.42 per cent, which is less than three per cent for the last 112 days now. The daily positivity rate is reported to be 1.43 per cent and has remained below three per cent for the last 46 days and below five per cent for 129 consecutive days now. The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. In the last 24 hours, a total of 11,80,148 tests were conducted, talking the cumulative tests conducted so far to 58,88,44,673. (ANI) (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, Oct 15 (PTI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday paid tributes to former president A P J Abdul Kalam on his 90th birth anniversary, saying he will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to strengthening India's defence and space capabilities. Born on October 15, 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Kalam served as president between July 25, 2002 and July 25, 2007. Also Read | Gujarat Shocker: Branded as Witch by Black Magician, Woman Thrashed to Death in Temple. "Popularly known as 'People's President', the eminent scientist will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to strengthening India's defence and space capabilities. "His visionary leadership, exemplary life and tireless service for the development of the nation will continue to inspire every Indian," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Naidu. Also Read | JEE Advanced Result 2021 Declared at jeeadv.ac.in, Know How to Check and Download Rank Card. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 15 (ANI): The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) apprehended a man and seized 49,999 Qatari Riyal worth about Rs 10 lakh from him at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad on Friday. Mansoor Bin Omer Bakulka, who is a resident of Barkas area of Hyderabad, has been apprehended by the CISF with the foreign currency. Also Read | NEET-UG 2021 Answer Key Released By NTA At neet.nta.nic.in; Here Are Steps To Download. "Vigilant Central Industrial Security Force personnel apprehended a passenger namely Mr Mansoor Bin Omer Bakulka, resident of Barkas, Hyderabad carrying a huge volume of foreign currency (49,999 Qatari Riyal worth approximately Rs 10,00,000) at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad," tweeted CISF. After the initial inquiry, the apprehended passenger was handed over to the customs officials for further enquiry. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission: Diwali Good News for Central Govt Employees, Hike in DA Rate Likely Soon. "The passenger was handed over to customs officials," the CISF said in a tweet. Further probe in the matter is underway. More details are awaited. (ANI) (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 [India], October 15 (ANI): Haryana Police has identified the man who was found dead at the farmers' protest site at Kundli in Haryana on the Singhu Border near Delhi as Lakhbir Singh resident of village Cheema Khurd in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. The deceased, about 35-36 years old, who used to work as a labourer, has no criminal record or affiliation with any political party, informed Police. Also Read | NEET-UG 2021 Answer Key Released By NTA At neet.nta.nic.in; Here Are Steps To Download. According to Samyukt Kisan Morch (SKM), "A person hailing from Punjab was mutilated and murdered this morning at the Singhu Border." Earlier, on Friday morning, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Hansraj said, "At about 5 am today, Kundli police station received information about a body of a man hanged near a stage where the farmers have been protesting at the Singhu border." Also Read | 7th Pay Commission: Diwali Good News for Central Govt Employees, Hike in DA Rate Likely Soon. "A police inspector reached the site with a team and found that the man's body only had his undergarment on and his hands and legs were chopped off. He was found hanging on a police barricade," he added. Singh was adopted by his uncle Harnam Singh when he was just six years old. He is survived by his sister, wife and three daughters. (ANI) (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, Oct 15 (PTI) Days after resigning as Punjab Congress chief, Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday said his concerns have been resolved and the party asserted that he will continue as the head of the state unit. AICC general secretary incharge Punjab Harish Rawat told reporters that Sidhu has withdrawn his resignation and will continue in his post as the matter of the resignation is now over for the party. Also Read | Bangladesh Durga Puja Violence: Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb Talks to Indian Envoy Vikram K Doraiswami. Resolution to the issue came after Sidhu met former party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence here and raised his concerns. "Whatever concerns I had, I have shared with Rahul Gandhi ji. All my concerns have been sorted out," he told reporters after the over half-an-hour-long meeting with Gandhi. Also Read | Asaduddin Owaisi Dismisses RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Claim of Increase in Muslim Population. He later tweeted, "I have shared my concerns with Rahul Gandhi ji, was assured they will be sorted out." Rawat, who was also present at the meeting, later said the issue of his resignation is over now. "He has assured Rahul Gandhi that he is withdrawing his resignation and resuming his duty as PCC chief," he told reporters. Sidhu told Gandhi that he is working hard and will work harder now, and that he will join his duty as Punjab Congress president, Rawat said. "Navjot Sidhu has shared his concerns with party leaders and it is our duty to talk to the chief minister and resolve the remaining issues. We have told him his concerns will be taken care of very soon," he also said. Sidhu had met Rawat and party leader KC Venugopal on Thursday and shared his concerns. Sidhu later said he has full faith and confidence in the party leadership. He had posted his resignation on Twitter on September 28. He was not happy with the appointment of the new Punjab Police chief and the advocate general, besides some portfolio allocations to ministers after the new cabinet formation. The Punjab government has already replaced the DGP and his other concerns are being sorted out. During the meeting with Venugopal and Rawat, the Punjab Congress leader raised his concerns over the 18-point agenda taken up by the leadership on which actions are pending. These included action against those involved in the sacrilege issue and the drugs mafia. (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, Oct 15 (PTI) The Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Friday condemned the lynching of a man at a farmers' protest venue at Kundli near the Delhi-Haryana border and claimed that there could a conspiracy behind the incident. The umbrella body of 40 farm unions spearheading the farmers' agitation against the Centre's three agri laws also demanded a thorough probe into the matter and said those responsible should be brought to book. Also Read | Bihar Man Thrashed, Tonsured & Paraded Through Streets in Purnia District For Allegedly Cutting Power Supply To Village To Meet His Girlfriend. The body alleged that a religious colour is being given to their movement. A man was lynched, his hand chopped off and the body tied to a metal barricade at a farmers' protest venue at Kundli, a gruesome incident being blamed on a group of Nihangs. Also Read | Delhi BJP Launches 'Jhuggi Samman Yatra' To Reach Out to Residents of Slum Clusters. In a video clip that has gone viral on social media platforms, some Nihangs are seen standing as the man lies on the ground in a pool of blood with his chopped off left hand lying next to him. The Nihangs are heard in the clip saying the man has been punished for desecrating a holy book of the Sikhs. The Nihangs are a Sikh order, distinguished by their blue robes and often seen carrying spears. "We are all very saddened at what happened. The Samyutka Kisan Morcha is fighting against the three farm laws. This (incident) could be a conspiracy. We condemn the incident in the strongest words," said Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a farmer leader from the organisation. He said the matter should be probed thoroughly and the accused should be brought to book. Dallewal said they have learnt that the victim, Lakhbir Singh, had been staying with the Nihang Sikhs, and had allegedly tried to steal the Sarbloh Granth, a holy book of the Sikhs. "We condemn disrespecting of any religion. We also condemn the reaction (killing)," he said. The SKM claimed that the killing was an internal matter between the Nihang Sikhs and had nothing to do with the farmers movement, which is not a religious one. The farmers' movement is for the rights of farmers and against the three farm laws. Farmer leader Kulwant Singh alleged that the central agencies are behind the incident and demanded a probe into the matter. "When we got to know about the incident, we rushed to the site. By the time we reached there, the man had died. We urged Nihangs that police have come here and they are requesting us to hand over the dead body to them. The body was later handed over to police. We condemn this act," he said. In a video message, Yogendra Yadav also condemned the incident and said such kind of incidents cannot be accepted in a civilised society. "The man had been staying with the group of Nihangs for 2-3 days. Last night, there was a dispute among them and there were allegations of sacrilege," he said. He said this is not religious movement, but it is a farmers' movement and several SKM leaders have asked them (groups of Nihangs) to leave, but despite that they have been staying there (at protest site). (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kandahar [Afghanistan], October 15 (ANI): At least 47 people have been killed and 70 other suffered injuries in an explosion inside a Shia mosque in Afghanistan's Kandahar. According to Al Jazeera, the explosion took place during the Friday prayers. Also Read | US Allows Fully Vaccinated Foreign Travellers To Enter the Country From November 8. Hafiz Sayeed, the Taliban's chief for Kandahar's department of culture and information, reported the number of dead and wounded, Al Jazeera reported. Interior ministry spokesman Sayed Khosti said on Twitter: "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in a mosque of the Shia brotherhood in the first district of Kandahar city in which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded." Also Read | Pakistan's New Social Media Rules Give More Powers to Govt, Companies To Be Fined Up to Rs 500 Million for Violations. Taliban special forces arrived in the area "to determine the nature of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice", he added. The United Nations had condemned the latest terror attack at a Shia mosque in Kandahar. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said perpetrators of the attack need to be held responsible. "Terrorism continues in Afghanistan with at least 30 killed, scores injured, in suicide attack at Kandahar's largest Shia mosque at the time of Friday prayers. UN condemns the latest atrocity targeting a religious institution and worshippers. Those responsible need to be held to account," the UNAMA tweeted. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kandahar, October 15: At least seven people were killed at 13 others injured in the blast near a Shia mosque in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, an eyewitness told Sputnik on Friday. A powerful explosion hit the mosque -- Imam Barga -- in the southern province of Kandahar on Friday, local media reported citing officials. Also Read | Spain: 300 Residents Evacuated Amid Cumbre Vieja Volcano Eruption on Spanish Island of La Palma. The explosion occurred during Friday prayers. Eyewitnesses said the number of casualties is high. No terror group has so far taken the responsiblity for the explosion. In recent weeks, the Islamic State (IS) has carried out a number of attacks in religious places. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Oct 15 (PTI) US President Joe Biden on Thursday announced his intent to nominate Indian American Ravi Chaudhary to a key position in the Pentagon. Also Read | India Ships 10 Crore COVID-19 Vaccines Each To Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar And Iran Under Vaccine Maitri Programme. A former Air Force officer, Chaudhary has been nominated for the position of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Energy and the Environment. Also Read | Bangladesh Durga Puja Violence: India Terms Incident 'Disturbing', Says Indian High Commission in Touch With Authorities. He needs to be confirmed by the United States Senate before he can be sworn in for this key Pentagon position. Chaudhary previously served as a senior executive at the US Department of Transportation where he was Director of Advanced Programs and Innovation, Office of Commercial Space, at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to his bio released by the White House. In this role, Chaudhary was responsible for the execution of advanced development and research programs in support of the FAA's Commercial Space Transportation mission. While at the Department of Transportation, he also served as the executive director, Regions and Centre Operations, where he was responsible for the integration and support of aviation operations in nine regions located nationwide. On active duty from 1993 to 2015 in the US Air Force, he completed a variety of operational, engineering, and senior staff assignments in the Air Force, the White House said. As a C-17 pilot, he conducted global flight operations, including numerous combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as a ground deployment as Director of the Personnel Recovery Center, Multi-National Corps, Iraq. As a flight test engineer, he was responsible for flight certification of military avionics and hardware for Air Force modernization programs supporting flight safety and mishap prevention. Earlier in his career, he supported space launch operations for the Global Positioning System (GPS) and led third stage and flight safety activities to ensure the full operational capability of the first GPS constellation, the White House said. As a systems engineer, he supported NASA's International Space Station protection activities to ensure the safety of NASA Astronauts. He also served as a member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the Obama Administration. In this role, he advised the President on executive branch efforts to improve veterans support for the AAPI community. Chaudhary holds a Doctorate specializing in Executive Leadership and Innovation from the Georgetown University DLS Program, an MS in Industrial Engineering from St Mary's University as a NASA graduate fellow, an MA in Operational Arts and Military Science from Air University, and a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Air Force Academy. He is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and holds Department of Defence acquisition certifications in program management, test and evaluation, and systems engineering. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington [US], October 15 (ANI/Sputnik): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met and discussed with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud matters concerning the conflict in Yemen and recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, the State Department said in a press release. "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in Washington, DC with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud," the release said on Thursday. "The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed US-Saudi strategic cooperation on regional issues, including the common goal of reaching a durable solution to end the conflict in Yemen." Also Read | Blast in Afghanistan: 7 Killed, 13 Injured in Explosion Near Shia Mosque in Kandahar, Says Report. In addition, Blinken reaffirmed the United States' commitment to help the Saudi government defend its territory and reiterated the Biden administration's condemnation of Houthi attacks against the country, the release said. The two top diplomats also discussed other regional issues, the release noted. Also Read | Spain: 300 Residents Evacuated Amid Cumbre Vieja Volcano Eruption on Spanish Island of La Palma. Additionally, the sides discussed the Iranian nuclear deal and the progress of negotiations on the issue, the Saudi foreign minister said on Twitter. He noted that he further talked with Blinken about the importance of joint efforts to ensure stability in Afghanistan, as well as regional and international issues of common interest. "I had a productive meeting today with my friend @SecBlinken, during which we discussed a range of issues of common interest & concern to both our nations & ways to strengthen our strategic partnership & cooperation on multiple fronts," Al Saud tweeted. Afterwards, the Saudi top diplomat held a meeting with US Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley in Washington, according to the country's foreign ministry. "The two sides also discussed Iran's violations of international conventions and treaties related to the nuclear agreement and the country's support of terrorist militias, who destabilize security and stability in the Middle East and the world," the ministry said on Twitter. On Thursday, the US State Department said that Malley will visit the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia on October 15-21.(ANI/Sputnik) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bangkok, Oct 15 (AP) The main lawyer for Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is being tried on multiple criminal charges, said late Thursday he has been issued a gag order barring him from talking about her cases. Lawyer Khin Maung Zaw wrote on his Facebook page that the action against him was taken under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a broadly worded statute from British colonial times intended to deal with emergency situations that threats to public safety. Also Read | India Ships 10 Crore COVID-19 Vaccines Each To Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar And Iran Under Vaccine Maitri Programme. My mouth is under 144, is how he explained his situation. The law is normally used to restrict public gatherings and impose curfews, and has been employed that way by the military after it ousted Suu Kyi's elected government in February. Also Read | Bangladesh Durga Puja Violence: India Terms Incident 'Disturbing', Says Indian High Commission in Touch With Authorities. Kyi Win, another lawyer on Suu Kyi's legal team, told The Associated Press that the township office in the capital Naypyitaw, where Suu Kyi is being tried, summoned Khin Maung Zaw to have him sign an undertaking not to reveal information to the media. News of the gag order circulated late Thursday night, when government officials could not be contacted for comment. The practical effect of the order will be to choke off almost any first-hand accounts of the ongoing trials in which Suu Kyi and her co-defendants are involved. The only accounts of the proceedings have come from the lawyers defending her and her co-defendants. The court sessions are closed to reporters and the public, the prosecutors do not comment on them, and the state-controlled media so far have not reported directly on them. The military council now is blocking one lawyer after another, Kyi Win said, referring to the ruling junta. We do not know what will happen next. In August, San Mar La Nyunt, another of Suu Kyi's lawyers, was also forced to agree to a gag order banning her from speaking to the media. Suu Kyi's supporters and independent analysts say the charges against her are concocted to discredit her and legitimize the military's seizure of power. The most serious charges are corruption, for which each count is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and violating the Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum term of 14 years. Suu Kyi's co-defendants in the secrets case are three of her former Cabinet ministers and Sean Turnell, an Australian economist who served as her adviser. Turnell's lawyer, Ye Lin Aung, said the court in Naypyitaw handling the case agreed in principle on Thursday to allow an interpreter at the upcoming trial, reversing its own ruling of a week earlier, when it had denied one for what it said were security reasons. The exact details of Turnell's alleged offense and those of the others have not been made public, though Myanmar state television, citing government statements, has said the Australian academic had access to secret state financial information and had tried to flee the country. AP RAX (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], October 15 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the "differences" between the political and military leadership regarding the appointment of the director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as "technical issues". Khan, during a meeting of the PTI Parliamentary Committee, said that the issues would soon be resolved, Geo News reported citing sources. Also Read | India Ships 10 Crore COVID-19 Vaccines Each To Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar And Iran Under Vaccine Maitri Programme. During the meeting, the Pakistan PM took the participants into confidence over the prevailing political situation in the country. Amid "differences" with his Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Bajwa, Khan has received a summary carrying names of candidates for one of the most powerful positions in the country. Also Read | Bangladesh Durga Puja Violence: India Terms Incident 'Disturbing', Says Indian High Commission in Touch With Authorities. This follows multiple reports regarding the impasse between the civil and military leadership over the appointment of DG of the ISI. Earlier this week, Pakistan's Minister of Information Fawad Chaudhry had dismissed speculations about differences between Khan and COAS General Bajwa stating that both share "ideal" civil-military relations and could never take any steps that could "undermine" each other's respect. On Monday, the Pakistan military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations issued a notification regarding the appointment of Lt General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as DG ISI despite the fact that his appointment was not issued by PM Khan's office. The law in Pakistan states that the appointment of the ISI Chief falls under the Prime Minister's decision in consultation with the COAS. At the moment, no notification has been issued by the Prime Minister's Office for the appointment of the incoming ISI chief, Dawn reported. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Aligarh, Oct 15: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) will hold up rail traffic for six hours on October 18, to protest against lack of action against Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni, who is an accused in the Lakhimpur incident in which nine persons, including four farmers were killed on October 3. The minister has been accused of criminal conspiracy by farmers and his son has been arrested after being booked for killing four farmers and a journalist. "Farmers will block railway tracks for six hours as a protest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday," the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said at a private event in Aligarh on Thursday. Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: Rakesh Tikait Says Killing of BJP Workers in Lakhimpur After Car Ran Over Farmers is Reaction to Action (Watch Video). He said, "Farmers from every district will stage blockades on their nearest rail lines. The minister has been accused of criminal conspiracy but he has not been summoned, nor has he been asked to step down. His son was arrested, but after a lot of delay. We will not get justice if he remains in office. So, unless he is sacked, we are going ahead with our rail roko programme." Preparations for the rail roko have already begun. In Punjab, farmers have identified 36 points for the blockade. "We will make sure no train from any state passes through these points," said Jagmohan Singh, state general secretary of BKU in Punjab. In Mathura, hundreds have been asked to turn up at each station. "About 600 people have been asked to gather at Raya station and nearly 400 at Mathura junction to stop trains," said Raj Kumar Tomar, district president of BKU in Mathura. Farmer leaders had earlier announced their protest plan if the minister was not sacked by October 12 by burning effigies of senior BJP leaders, rail roko and a maha panchayat in Lucknow on October 26. It may be recalled that on October 3, farmers at Banbirpur in Lakhimpur Kheri were preparing for a black flag protest against union minister Ajay Mishra Teni and deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya when Mishra's convoy allegedly ran over protesters, killing four farmers. The violence escalated and two BJP workers, a driver and a journalist were also killed, allegedly by protesters. Farmers have further alleged that the killings were "planned" while Mishra has maintained that it was an "accident" that followed "protesters pelting stones at the convoy". (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2021 10:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, October 15: The farmers' protest site on Singhu border on the periphery of the national capital, which was till now labelled as a pious spot for the farmers' movement, was on Friday soaked with the blood of a man, who was mercilessly killed for allegedly desecrating a Sikh religious scripture. Several gruesome videos surfaced on social media depicting the brutal act. Later in the day, a Nihang Sikh, indentified as Saravjeet Singh, took the responsibility for the brutal act and surrendered before the Haryana Police. He will be produced before a court on Saturday. Singhu Border Murder: Case Registered Under Section 302 Of IPC In Killing Of Lakhbir Singh; Postmortem Underway. The incident took place in the wee hours of Friday on the Singhu border dividing Haryana and Delhi when Lakhbir Singh (30), a resident of Tarn Taran district in Punjab, was seen carrying the Sarbloh Granth -- a Sikh religious scripture -- by a Nihang Sikh man. IANS has learnt from several sources that Lakhbir was staying with a group of Nihang Sikhs on the Singhu border for the past 3 to 4 days. When confronted, Lakhbir was unable to answer a barrage of questions. This lead to an argument, drawing the attention of other Nihangs present there. The fracas occurred at around 3 am in the morning. Lakhbir was then accused of desecrating the holy Sarbloh Granth. The arguments soon turned violent and the man's hand was allegedly chopped off amid the chaos. According to the videos of the crime accessed by IANS, the brutality began after that as the injured man was then interrogated by the Nihang Sikhs for an hour. In the end, he was tied to an overturned barricade with one hand. The blood dripping slowly from the severed arm formed a pool on the floor where he was tied. The cops received the first information about the incident at around 5 am, but they refrained from divulging any details about the suspects. The police then registered an FIR against unknown persons and initiated an investigation. According to the FIR, when a team of cops reached the spot, they found a man, whose one hand was chopped, tied to an overturned barricade. Several Nihang Sikh men were standing near the body. When the police tried to speak to them, none of the protesters cooperated. "The Nihangs did not even let us take down the dead body of the man from the barricade," the FIR read. The farmers' umbrella body -- Samyukt Kisan Morcha -- said in a statement that a Nihang group at the scene has claimed responsibility for the act, and the SKM has disassociated themselves from the group. The body was found at the same place where the farmers have been protesting against the three contentious farm laws for the past one year. The atmosphere on the Singhu border, which has remained an active podium for the farmers to register their protest against the three farm laws, was tense throughout Friday. Swaraj India convener and social activist Yogendra Yadav said the Nihang group was told several times by the farmer leaders that this is not a religious movement, but a site for farmers' agitation. He strongly condemned the brutal murder and demanded strict punishment for the perpetrators of this barbaric act. Yadav said that SKM will fully cooperate and support a legal investigation into the matter. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2021 11:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). #Iraq has received the fourth batch of #Covid19 vaccines donated by the #Chinese government to boost Iraq's efforts to combat the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/p3Il11PSDF IANS Tweets (@ians_india) October 15, 2021 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Two Iranian inmates detained at the Colombo Remand Prison in #SriLanka died after consuming an alcohol-based sanitizer, local media reported. Photo: IANS (Representational image) pic.twitter.com/liPtj60xIe IANS Tweets (@ians_india) October 15, 2021 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) John Phillips, a Washington-based election consultant, had been working with Kenyas opposition during a tense election when he was seized by a dozen plainclothes police Friday night, just days after the murder and torture of a key election official. The agents, who did not identify themselves but claimed to be acting on the orders of the countrys leadership, dragged Phillips, founder and chief executive of Aristotle Inc., from his apartment, bundled him into the back of a hatchback car and sped off. A colleague, Canadian Andreas Katsouris, was arrested at the same time and placed in the back seat of another car, which sped off in another direction. Kenyan Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka confirmed the deportation of Phillips and Katsouris on the grounds they breached the conditions of their visa. From his place in the car, Phillips was able to peer over the back seat. What he saw terrified him. Advertisement Four plainclothes police were in the car, all armed with pistols, and one of them passed a machine gun from the front seat to the back. He saw a piece of rope and a military-style helmet. One of the men was playing a video on his phone that depicted torture and killings. Phillips wondered if the man was replaying footage of past killings and torture that the group had carried out, in a country where political figures and whistle-blowers are sometimes slain. His mind was racing. Perhaps the man could even be watching video of the killings of Chris Msando, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission official responsible for information technology and data transmission, and a female companion. Both had been abducted and strangled to death about a week earlier. In one scene playing, he saw a naked body being dragged behind a car. The police agents drove the car to a rural area, and at one point turned down a quiet road. What was frightening was that they pulled down a side road. I thought, This is it. Theyre going to shoot me and dump my body. Phillips was employed by the Kenyan opposition coalition, the National Super Alliance, and its leader and presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, to advise measures to ensure a transparent election and a fair vote count. It helped the opposition set up a system to conduct its own election tally that could be used to compare with the official tally. The treatment Phillips received and the seizure of his laptop were unusual for a visa matter. Phillips and Katsouris had arrived on a tourist visa and applied for a business visa while in the country. We were told that the decision to abduct us came from the top, from Kenyatta or Ruto, Phillips said, referring to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto. Wed been invited by Raila Odinga to work on election transparency and campaign management. Njoka, the Interior Ministry spokesman, said the order did not come from Kenyatta or Odinga but was made by Interior Minister Fred Matiangi. He had no details about Phillips seizure. I dont have the details as to whether they were taken straight to the airport or whether they were delayed. There could have been a traffic jam or something, Njoka said. The deportation of the consultants comes amid a sensitive election in a nation with a history of flawed votes, disputed results and ethnic violence. In 2008, up to 1,500 people died when ethnic violence flared after the disputed 2007 election. Phillips and Katsouris had been assisting Odinga for about two months. Like opposition officials, they were occasionally tailed. Around 8 p.m. Friday, some dozen men burst into Phillips apartment. Katsouris was seized on his way to dinner. There was a lot of shouting. I was saying, Who are you? and Get out, and I demanded to speak to the U.S. embassy. They grabbed his laptop, handcuffed him, lifted him up, bundled him downstairs and put him in the back seat of a car. Then they said, We are doing this the Kenyan way, and took me out and tossed me into what they called the boot, or the trunk. That same night, an opposition election tally center was raided by masked men and computers were seized. The government and police have denied any raid on the center. Phillips was driven around Nairobi for around three and a half or four hours. He had no way to contact the American embassy and did not know if help would ever come. I kept demanding to speak to the U.S. embassy. I demanded to know where they were taking me. My main concern was that this was some kind of rogue group. I didnt know if I was going to meet the same fate as Chris, he said, referring to the murdered election official. When the car pulled off the road, he was convinced he would be killed, but he was so charged with rage and adrenaline, he was not thinking about fear. He wondered if he would be able to seize a chance to escape, or at least to grab a gun and take one of the agents out with him. But the car pulled out of the side road, and some time later stopped at a gas station. It seems that at some point the people whod taken us had second thoughts or were given orders to take us to the airport, he said. At the gas station, Phillips was transferred from the trunk of the hatchback to the back seat of a van, with 12 or 13 armed men present. Some time later, around midnight, Phillips was taken to the airport and put into a cell. The next morning he was moved to a guarded room upstairs in the airport, where he met Katsouris and officials from the American and Canadian embassies and the FBI. Late Saturday, he and Katsouris were deported. During the long wait at the airport, the pair were guarded by different officials. As they waited, a television news station broadcast an opposition rally, where opposition figures complained about the arrests of the Aristotle team. Phillips has worked in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen and other countries, consulting on elections. He offers advice on campaign messaging and how to ensure election transparency and fairness. The ordeal, worse than anything he has experienced anywhere else, left Phillips with a bitter taste of Kenyas often rough-and-tumble politics. What the Kenyan authorities have shown us is that an authoritarian regime masquerading as a democracy is still an authoritarian regime. Kenyan media cited unnamed government sources who said the men were deported because they did not have work permits and were assisting the opposition to engineer a regime change. Phillips said he and his colleague were never told why they were seized or deported, or why their laptops were taken. robyn.dixon@latimes.com Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT They call it Little Mecca: a city of prayer caps and hijab, minarets and oxidized green domes. In some ways, Linxia, in northern Chinas Gansu province, is a city united. About 60% of its 250,000 people are Muslim. On a frigid Friday afternoon in December, its street life grinds to a halt. Hundreds of men wearing scruffy beards and white caps pack into the tile-clad Xinhua Mosque for afternoon prayers. An imam chants Koranic passages in throaty Arabic. A speaker crackles, and a flock of birds takes flight. Its also a city divided. There are the mainstream Muslims, locals say and then there are the Salafis. Salafism is an ultra-conservative school of thought within Sunni Islam, espousing a way of life and prayer that harks back to the 6th century, when Muhammad was alive. Islamic State militants are Salafi, many Saudi Arabian clerics are Salafi, and so are many Chinese Muslims living in Linxia. They pray at their own mosques and wear Saudi-style kaffiyehs. Advertisement The growth in the Salafi movement here has rattled Chinas officially atheist communist government, which finds any expression of religious fervor to be unnerving, especially when it carries associations with foreign extremists. The Chinese public increasingly associates Islam with terrorism, and many other Chinese Muslims see Salafis as fanatics, unable to successfully navigate mainstream Chinese society. Experts say that in recent years, Chinese authorities have put Salafis under constant surveillance, closed several Salafi religious schools and detained a prominent Salafi cleric. A once close-knit relationship between Chinese Salafis and Saudi patrons has grown thorny and complex. Locals in Linxia say that in the city, relations are good, but in the countryside, where traditions are more entrenched, spiritual disagreements have created a deep social divide. Although many Chinese Salafi are avowedly nonviolent and apolitical, their faith is fraught with risk, underscoring an increasingly strained relationship between the Chinese state and its Muslim citizens. China discriminates against religious people not only Salafis, but also people from other religions, said a local Salafi man who, like many interviewees in Linxia, requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the subject. We dont have equal rights. Estimates of the number of Chinese Salafis are vague, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Yet experts and Linxia Muslims agree that the movement, which is growing worldwide, is also gaining traction in China, even among ethnic Han Chinese. Ive been studying Muslims in China for the past 30 years, and its only over the past four or five that we see young Han men converting to a radical, conservative Islamic ideology, said Dru Gladney, an expert on Chinese Muslims at Pomona College. Not politically radical, but radically conservative, radically orthodox. Clearly Muslim ideologies can be very powerful, he continued. Islamic State is appealing to many marginalized young men throughout the world. And I think Han Chinese men, as well as younger [Chinese Muslims], look at this and say, What are the alternatives to communism, to capitalism, to socialism? Chinese Muslims are diverse, but most fall into two groups. Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking minority group, live primarily in the northwestern region of Xinjiang; culturally and religiously, they hew closer to Central Asia than to Beijing. Authorities blame Uighur separatists and terrorists for scores of violent attacks in recent years, and intermittently place swaths of the region under military lockdown. Then there are the Hui people, who live throughout the country, tend to be well-assimilated into mainstream Chinese society and are generally free to pray as they please. Experts say that Salafism is spreading among both groups and although they barely communicate, their fates have collided in ways that remain poorly understood. On March 1, 2014, four Uighur assailants hacked 31 people to death at a train station in Kunming, the capital of the southern province of Yunnan. Soon afterward, Chinese state media reported that the assailants planned the attack from Shadian township, a Salafi stronghold about 150 miles to the south. That September, provincial officials introduced a new piece of legislation called Document 14 which pledged to strengthen management of the provinces Arabic language and Islamic studies schools, or madrassas. Ding Long, an adjunct Arabic professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that the government has since shuttered many of Shadian townships madrassas over concerns that they could be breeding grounds for violence. In the beginning, the government didnt notice the influence, the dangers of [Salafist] thought, he continued. Then they finally realized that this was very dangerous that they undermine the balance of the different groups within the Muslim community in China. In late 2015, authorities from Xinjiang detained Ma Jun, an influential Salafi imam and teacher in Gansus capital, Lanzhou, and released him 27 days later, according to overseas Chinese media reports. Authorities had detained one of Mas students, a Uighur, on suspicion of studying religion with an illegal organization and endangering state security, and found a recording of Mas lectures on his phone. Ma had good ties to the state, said a scholar who requested anonymity to avoid complications with Chinese authorities. The incident shows how serious things are becoming and how much the problems in Xinjiang are spilling over into Gansu and Qinghai. Even in Linxia, which prides itself on sectarian accord, there are signs that the authorities are on edge. Propaganda is ubiquitous mosques are festooned with massive government banners calling for unity, harmony and patriotism. Salafism first arrived in China about a century ago, went underground during Mao Tse-tungs anti-religious campaigns of the 1960s and 70s and came back in force during the 1980s and 90s, after Mao died and his Cultural Revolution ended. In 1984, Beijing began allowing individual Chinese Muslims to make the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and by 1990, nearly 10,000 Hui were flying out each year. Some learned about Salafism and, enamored with the idea of a purer form of Islam, spread its teachings at home. Meanwhile, Saudi preachers and organizations began traveling to China. Some of them bore gifts: training programs for clerics, Korans for distribution, funding for new Islamic institutes and mosques. This exposure to Saudi discourses actually caused a momentary implosion within the Salafi community in the 1980s, said Mohammed Al-Sudairi, a doctoral student at the University of Hong Kong who spent years researching Salafi Muslims in China. The new generation, which was much more engaged and influenced by Saudi Arabia, began to contest the knowledge of the older generation. You had a lot of excommunication within the [Muslim] community, people were saying to each other that they were not real Muslims. In recent years, the Saudi-China grass-roots relationship has grown more complex. Experts say that Beijing increasingly views foreign religious influence as a threat and that Chinese Salafis have rejected overtures from Saudi patrons, fearful about how officials and other Chinese Muslim groups would react. Chinas relationship with Saudi Arabia, the worlds second-biggest oil producer, has not suffered any obvious setbacks. In mid-January, Xi met with Saudi King Salman in his capital, Riyadh. The leaders pledged to deepen energy cooperation and to resolutely oppose terrorism in any form, according to the official New China News Agency. To some extent I think Beijing has turned a blind eye to Saudi funding of Salafis in the past, said James Frankel, an expert on Islam in China at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. That may be changing now, perhaps, because of fears of extremism. In Linxia, few worshipers were willing to discuss the issue. One man at the Xinhua Mosque, dressed in a beige jacket and white skullcap, had arrived early for evening prayers. The Han like us because we care about cleanliness and peace, he said. His eyes darted anxiously. He refused to answer questions about the citys many sects; he did not give his name. Above, a fluttering propaganda poster encouraged the spread of positive energy. Were a peace-loving people, he added. We care about unity and harmony. Yingzhi Yang, Nicole Liu and Tommy Yang in The Times Beijing bureau contributed to this report. Real estate heir Robert Durst was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the murder of her friend Susan Berman in a California court on Thursday. The punishment slammed against Durst came a month after jurors convicted the millionaire for first-degree murder after killing Berman on December 23, 2000, NBC News reported. READ NEXT: Robert Durst Murder Trial to Resume in Los Angeles Court California Judge Mark Windham presented the punishment, as he also denied a defense request for a new trial. "I was robbed... of an absolutely extraordinary, unforgettable brilliant person whose life was savagely taken from her," Berman's cousin, Danny Marcus, said in the trial. Meanwhile, Sareb Kaufman, who considered Berman his mom as the victim dated his father, said that he lost everything many times because of Durst. Despite the accusations, Durst said while on the witness stand during his trial that he did not kill Berman. The millionaire underscored that he found Berman dead in her home and denied that he was at the residence at the time of her death. Durst, who was called a "narcissistic psychopath" by prosecutors, did not give an official statement regarding the sentence he received. However, his lawyers confirmed during the trial on Thursday that they were planning to appeal Judge Windham's decision. The Death of Susan Berman Susan Berman, a writer and the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster, became Durst's spokeswoman when the real estate heir became a suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Kathie Durst. Prosecutors believed that Durst killed Berman to silence her as she was about to speak with the authorities about a fake alibi she allegedly gave Durst when Kahtie Durst vanished in 1982. Berman was shot dead at the back of her head in her Benedict Canyon home in California. Berman's death came after Durst's wife, a medical student who went missing and is now presumed dead by the authorities. Although no charges were filed against Durst for the death of his wife, prosecutors from New York plan to press new charges against the millionaire concerning Kathie Durst's case. Furthermore, prosecutors also presented evidence they claim proves the real estate heir killed his wife. Other Victims of Robert Durst Aside from killing his wife and his friend, prosecutors alleged that another victim died in the hands of Robert Durst. Authorities noted that the Durst killed an elderly neighbor identified as Morris Black. Black allegedly discovered Durst's disguise of being a mute woman in 2001 while he was hiding from the authorities in Texas. According to reports, Durst assumed the name Dorothy Ciner during that time, as he wore a wig, dresses, and high heels. In an HBO documentary series entitled "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst," the millionaire appeared to confess to the killings. Aside from the three, Durst's brother, Douglass Durst, also testified in one of the suspect's trials claiming that Robert Durst liked to murder him. READ NEXT: Dog the Bounty Hunter Says Brian Laundrie's Parents Likely 'Abetted a Murderer' as 'Strangulation Is Not an Accident' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: Real Estate Heir Robert Durst Sentenced to Life in Prison - From FOX 11 Los Angeles The Food and Drug Administration panel of advisors had voted unanimously to recommend a booster shot for seniors and adults with other health problems. According to a Los Angeles Times report, people in jobs or living situations that put them at increased risk for COVID were also included in the group recommended for receiving a booster shot. Many of those who got their initial Pfizer shots at least six months ago are already getting a booster after FDA greenlighted their use last month. The FDA will use its advisors' recommendations in deciding whether to allow boosters from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. FDA scientists presenting to the committee highlighted that the immunity from two Moderna doses remains strong enough to protect most people from getting sick to need hospitalization or from dying of infection, according to a TIME report. The report has led many committee members to question the reason for extending the booster recommendation to younger people with healthy immune systems. READ NEXT: Anti-Vaccine Residents Attacked Nurses, Destroyed COVID Vaccine Doses in Rural Guatemala Moderna COVID Vaccine Boosters Dr. Paul Offitt, a committee member and professor of pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said that clearly, the booster is to benefit older people. Offitt added that he is less impressed with data regarding the younger groups. He said that he worries that the wide use of the booster without any clear evidence of benefit would send the wrong message. Dr. Michael Kurilla, an infectious disease expert with the National Institutes of Health, said that the younger population appears to be responding well to the vaccines, adding that protection is holding up. Reuters reported that Dr. Patrick Moore of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine said that he voted in favor of Moderna boosters based largely on a "gut feeling" rather than serious data. Moore backed Offitt's statement, saying the data itself is not strong, but it is certainly going in the direction that is supportable of the favorable vote. Moderna's COVID vaccine showed that the booster increases protective antibodies. But antibody levels before and after the vaccination was not enough by one measure of FDA standards of success. The booster program in Israel improved severe disease protection in people aged 40 and older, as shown during the FDA presentation. Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, director of public health services at the Ministry of Health in Israel, said that they see a break in the epidemic curve in Israel. Alroy-Preis said she has no doubt that booster shots can be attributed to the change of the curve of the pandemic in Israel. Moderna's booster dose would be given as a half dose of 50 micrograms. Initial vaccination series has administered 100 micrograms to recipients of the vaccine, according to an NBC News report. The therapeutic head for infectious disease at Moderna, Jacqueline Miller, said that the company chose half-dose as it wanted to use the lowest dose possible needed to induce an immune response. Miller added that lower-dose booster has worked well for other vaccines, such as those that protect against tetanus and diphtheria, among others. READ MORE: Moderna Scientists Warn Against New COVID Variants That Could Drive a New Wave of Transmission This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: FDA Advisory Panel Unanimously Recommends Moderna Booster Shots Against Covid - from NBC News Former FBI official Andrew G. McCabe has restored his full pension after he was unceremoniously dismissed during former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. McCabe said in a statement that politics should never play a role in the fair application of justice and civil service personnel decisions, according to an NBC News report. He added that he hopes the result of his lawsuit will encourage men and women of the Federal Bureau of Investigation will continue to protect the American people by doing their jobs without fear of political retaliation. McCabe, 53, will be able to officially retire and receive his pension and other benefits under the settlement, according to The New York Times report. He will also get about $200,000 in missed pension payments. The department had also agreed to expunge any mention of his firing from FBI personnel records. McCabe is also set to receive the cuff links given to senior executives and a plaque with his mounted FBI credentials and badge. However, the Justice Department did not admit any wrongdoing. A notice of the lawsuit's dismissal was also filed in a federal court. McCabe expressed his gratitude to his lawyers, who will be paid more than $500,000 in legal fees by the government. The law firm of Arnold & Porter will donate the money to its foundation, which gives scholarships to minority law students, among other things. READ NEXT: "Persecuted Unfairly": Former Pres. Donald Trump Expresses Support for Arrested Capitol Rioters Andrew McCabe's Firing McCabe was fired in March 2018 by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions after the Justice Department's inspector general determined he had misled internal investigators about his involvement in a news media leak, according to an Associated Press News report. The termination came hours before he was about to retire, which would deny him his pension. However, McCabe denied intentionally deceiving anyone and was never criminally charged. He also claimed that his firing was politically motivated. McCabe led the FBI in 2017 and has become a target of attacks from Trump. He took control of the bureau after the abrupt firing of Director James Comey, who was leading the Russian investigation for its interference in the 2016 presidential election. NBC News reported that McCabe said in the lawsuit that Trump demanded his "personal allegiance" and had tried to retaliate when he refused to give it. McCabe was part of the FBI leadership that opened an investigation into whether any Trump campaign associated had conspired with Russia in the 2016 presidential election. The NY Times reported that Trump had urged the Justice Department to get rid of McCabe. McCabe's lawsuit that his firing was a critical element to Trump's plan and scheme to rid the FBI and the Justice Department not loyal to the president. The former FBI official's lawyer also argued that McCabe should have been given 30 days' notice before he was fired, being a civil servant. Trump had reportedly celebrated on Twitter after McCabe was fired, saying it was a "great day for the hard-working men and women of the FBI." He added that it was also a great day for democracy. READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Says He Does Not Care if People Think He's 'Satan Reincarnate' After Expressing Support On Bipartisan Probe of Capitol Riot This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Andrew McCabe says his firing an effort to undermine Russia probe - from CBS Mornings A Texas man faces up to five years in prison after being indicted on federal charges, accusing him of threatening the former Baltimore health commissioner and prominent Maryland doctor, an outspoken COVID-19 vaccine advocate. Maryland Doctor Receives Threats After Supporting COVID-19 Vaccine According to the Houston Chronicle, based on the release from the U.S. Department of Justice, a federal grand jury in Baltimore indicted 51-year-old Scott Eli Harris on Tuesday. Harris was charged with a single count of willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another individual. He was a resident of Aubrey, Texas. If Harris were convicted, he would be facing up to five years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Harris allegedly sent violent messages and threats to former Baltimore health commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. Harris allegedly threatened the Maryland doctor for advocating the COVID-19 vaccine. READ MORE: Brain-Eating Amoeba Causes Death of a Texas Boy Who Swim in Texas Splash Pad Texas Man Sends Series of Threats to COVID-19 Advocate Based on the report of Newsweek, the court document mentioned that Wen received violent and explicit threats in July. "I can't wait for the shooting to start...where's your f**king office?" Harris said. Harris also said to the prominent Maryland doctor that he would never take Wen's wonder drug and his 12-gauge promised that he would not. Also, Harris stated that he was a 5th generation U.S. Army veteran and a sniper. He said that he could not wait for the shooting to start. Aside from the threats received by the prominent Maryland doctor, Harris also allegedly used slurs targeting the doctor's race and national origin in the series of messages. Dr. Leana Wen, who was born in China, moved to the United States at the age of 8. The Maryland doctor appeared on some news agencies as a medical analyst in the past. The indictment on Harris was issued on September 29 and became unsealed after Harris was arrested in Texas. Moreover, Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron said that they are taking threats and intimidation seriously, and the conduct shown by Harris made it clear that he would be prosecuted federally. Barron added that they would continue their work with their partners in law enforcement. The U.S. attorney said that they would investigate and prosecute those who were making such threats. Furthermore, Federal prosecutors in Maryland previously charged a man from West Virginia in July after he threatened to kill Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is the current Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Fauci is also the Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden and his family and Dr. Francis Collins, the current Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lenzner at the time said that they would never tolerate violent threats against public officials and their public health officials deserved thanks and appreciation for their tireless work. Lenzner added that they would not hesitate to bring charges against individuals who seek to use fear to silence these public servants, especially those who are advocating against COVID-19. READ NEXT: Armed Florida Walmart Shopper Sues Sheriff After Confrontation About Mask Protocol This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Jess Smith WATCH: "We Can't Trust the Unvaccinated": Dr. Leana Wen on Vaccine Mandates & How to Stop the Delta Variant -Democracy Now! Former President Bill Clinton was rushed to a California hospital on Tuesday for a non-COVID-related infection, his spokesperson announced Thursday night. According to reports, Clinton was placed in the Intensive Care Unit due to a possible blood infection known as sepsis, The Daily Mail reported. "On Tuesday, [ex] President Clinton was admitted to UCI Medical Center to receive treatment for a non-COVID related infection," Clinton spokesperson Angel Urena said. READ NEXT: President Joe Biden Refused to Answer Questions About Supply Chain; Los Angeles Port To Go 24/7 to Relieve Supply Bottlenecks Former President Bill Clinton Rushed to California Hospital The hospital where Clinton was brought is located in Orange, California. According to reports, Clinton was admitted to the ICU of the University of California Irvine Medical Center for privacy reasons rather than the state of his condition. "[Former] President Clinton was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center and diagnosed with an infection. He was admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and administered IV antibiotics and fluids," the former president's doctors, Dr. Alpesh Amin and Dr. Lisa Bardack, said in a joint statement. The doctors furthered that Clinton's white blood cells count is "trending down" after two days of treatment in the California hospital, pointing out that the body of the former president is responding well to antibiotics. The doctors also stressed that the medical team that treated Clinton in California remained in contact with the ex-president's physicians in New York, including his cardiologist. "We hope to have him go home soon," the doctors said. Ex-President Bill Clinton Had Sepsis According to CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta, the doctors confirmed that the former president felt unwell on Tuesday while he was in California for an event related to the Clinton Foundation, adding that the doctors think Clinton had a blood infection, sometimes called sepsis. Clinton was reported to have a urinary tract infection that became a condition called urosepsis. Reports mentioned that Clinton could be released from the California hospital as early as Friday. Sepsis occurs when an existing infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body and is usually prompted by infections in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and lungs. Although infections caused by bacteria commonly cause sepsis, CDC underscored those viral infections like COVID-19 and influenza may cause adverse reactions in the body. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, shortness of breath, sweaty skin, discomfort, high or low blood pressure, and disorientation. CDC recommends getting medical help immediately if the manifestation of the condition is observed. Other Medical Condition of ex-President Bill Clinton It is not the first time former President Clinton was brought to a hospital for treatment. It can be recalled that his cardiac problems have been well-documented by the media. In 2004, the former president underwent quadruple bypass surgery. He also had and stent placement in 2010. Clinton had to go vegan in 2010 to improve his health conditions, as he credited his meat- and dairy-free lifestyle for making his life better. Since then, doctors were reported to rule out his heart issues. READ NEXT: Ex-FBI Official Andrew McCabe, Who Launched a Russian Investigation, Wins Back Pension After Being Fired by Donald Trump This article is owned by Latin Post. Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: Bill Clinton Hospitalized in California for Blood Infection, Spokesperson Says - From ABC7 Queen Elizabeth II has reportedly said she is "irritated" by world leaders who "talk but don't do" on climate change. According to Daily Mail, the 95-year-old monarch was talking to the Duchess of Cornwall and Elin Jones when her remarks were picked up on the livestream of the sixth ceremonial opening of the Welsh parliament in Cardiff on Thursday. The Queen was tackling the upcoming COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, Scotland, where she and other senior royals are due to attend. She said it was extraordinary how she has been hearing all about COP26 but still doesn't know who is coming. Queen Elizabeth noted that they only knew about people who were not coming, and it was "really irritating when they talk, but they don't do." READ NEXT: Queen Elizabeth II Warns British Media to Stay Away From Balmoral - And Her Son Prince Andrew World Leaders in COP26 Climate Change Summit Queen Elizabeth is believed to be sharing concerns about who will attend the COP26 at the end of the month after U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was warned that China's President Xi Jinping would not be in the climate change summit in person. Organizers fear Xi's snub could lead to China refusing to set new climate change goals. Several other world leaders have yet to confirm their attendance at the UN conference, like Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Those who confirmed not attending the climate change summit were Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro. U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed on Wednesday that he would be attending the summit. Philip Reeker, America's charge d'affaires to the U.K., said the summit in Glasgow would be an important moment to work on a more sustainable future for the planet. The Queen has left environmental campaigning to her late husband, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip; son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William. But it's an issue that she quietly takes a great interest in. Two years ago, she used her Christmas speech to laud young climate change activists and their sense of purpose and introduced environment-friendly initiatives at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences. According to Sky News, Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the Queen's remarks. Prince William on Saving Earth Prince William has also delivered a strong statement on Thursday, saying the world's greatest minds should be more focused on saving Earth than looking outside the planet's horizons. William said the planet needs some of the world's greatest brains and minds to find a solution and fix the planet, NBC News reported. The Duke of Cambridge's statement came just a day after "Star Trek" actor William Shatner became the oldest person to go to space. Shatner has traveled aboard the Blue Origin rocket and capsule, which Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had developed. Prince William noted that it would be an "absolute disaster" if his son, Prince George, would be talking about saving the planet in 30 years' time. William spearheaded the Earthshot Prize, which targets to find solutions to the planet's problems through new technologies or policies. The first five winners of the program will collect $1.4 million. The winners will be announced on Sunday. Prince William will also be attending the summit in Glasgow, together with other royals. READ MORE: Prince Charles Won't Allow Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Kids to Receive Royal Titles When He Becomes King This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Queen Elizabeth Says 'Eyes of the World' Will Be on Scotland for Climate Summit - From Global News Senator Ted Cruz has wished his fellow lawmaker in Congress, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known by her initials AOC, a "Happy Birthday" weeks after their verbal tirade against one another. The Texas Republican tweeted his birthday greeting to the New York Democrat, saying "Happy Birthday to @AOC" along with birthday-themed emojis, New York Post reported. Cruz added that they are "both blessed to live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave" despite their disagreements "on many issues." Happy birthday to @AOC Although we disagree on many issues, we are both blessed to live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) October 13, 2021 AOC has turned 32 years old, while Ted Cruz is 18 years her senior. The Texas senator will be turning 51 in December. Meanwhile, AOC did not directly reply to or like Cruz's tweet. But the New York Democrat did like and respond to several other birthday wishes from other members of the House. "Thank you all for the birthday wishes! Any advice for one's 30s? It's been a pandemic almost the whole time so far, so belated advice appreciated," AOC tweeted on Wednesday evening. Thank you all for the birthday wishes! Any advice for ones 30s? Its been a pandemic almost the whole time so far, so belated advice appreciated Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 13, 2021 AOC and Ted Cruz had disagreements on many issues, including the massive influx of illegal immigrants at the southern border. Two weeks ago, the Republican senator hit AOC for failing to keep President Joe Biden accountable over the border crisis. Cruz also challenged the Democrat lawmaker to visit and "cry in front of the Biden cages" and mocked the crying photo she took near a Texas migrant facility under former President Donald Trump in 2018. Ted Cruz also scrutinized AOC for attending the Met Gala, where she wore a white dress with the words "Tax the rich" printed on the back. READ NEXT: AOC Slams Democrats Who Oppose $15 Minimum Wage Hike, Says It Should Actually Be $24 AOC on Met Gala AOC's attendance at the Met Gala has garnered criticisms from her political opponents, including Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr. Trump Jr. tagged AOC as a fraud for sending a message about taxing the rich while she's hanging out with "a bunch of wealthy leftwing elites," The New York Times reported. Rep. Jim Banks also tweeted that AOC is the "gift that keeps on giving." There were also voices of dissatisfaction from progressives and self-described socialists. They noted that it was a caricature of a progressive cause and not maximizing her ability to fight for working people from Congress. Former national press secretary for Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2020 campaign, Briahna Gray, said people were disappointed in her behavior outside of this context. Gray noted that it seems to be reflective of a lack of commitment. Other New York politicians were also in attendance at the gala, with many invited as museum guests. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has skipped the gala for years. But he broke his absent streak on the ball this year and attended in his final months in office. De Blasio commented at the time that it was an elite gathering, and he was not an elite guy, adding that it was the kind of place elite goes. AOC's Birthday AOC has celebrated her birthday on Wednesday by going indoor skydiving. She posted an Instagram story with a text caption that says her gratitude for the birthday wishes, adding that they were going indoor skydiving as a surprise. The Hill reported that the story also included video footage of people skydiving at an indoor facility with a caption saying, "Omg x games up in here. I think these are people taking lessons? Def not first timers!" In another Instagram story, AOC shared footage of her seemingly skydiving with a caption that read she's ready for her NASA tryouts. READ MORE: Conservative Group Files Ethics Complaint Against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Attending Met Gala This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Representative Ocasio-Cortez Accuses Senator Cruz of Trying to Have Her Killed - From KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas Eight Brazilian soldiers have been convicted of murder in light of the shooting and killing of a musician and a bystander. According to the BBC, Evaldo dos Santos Rosa and Luciano Macedo died in April 2019 after soldiers in Brazil fired more than 250 rounds of bullets. Prosecutors claimed that the troops had mistaken Santos Rosa's car for one of the same color driven by gang members. A court in Brazil handed down lengthy jail terms for all eight soldiers on Thursday. Santos Rosa's widow, Luciana, said the sentencing on the soldiers has "brought peace" to her soul. Luciana noted that she knew she would not get her husband back but said it would still be fair to have a positive outcome. She added that she'll be able to sleep now. The eight Brazilian soldiers were not only convicted of murder but also attempted murder for the wounds caused to Santos Rosa's father-in-law in the shooting. READ NEXT: Brazil Cops Find $3.5 Million Trove of Nazi Memorabilia, Weapons at Home of Suspected Pedophile Evaldo dos Santos Rosa's Case The lieutenant in command of the patrol was sentenced to 31 years and six months in prison, while the seven other soldiers had received a 28-year sentence, News 24 reported. Santos Rosa, 51, was driving with his family in the Guadalupe neighborhood of northern Rio in a military-controlled zone when a hail of bullets was fired at his car. Eighty-two shots had rained down on his vehicle. They were heading to a baby shower, according to the indictment papers. Santos Rosa died on the spot, while his father-in-law was injured in the shooting. His wife, seven-year-old son, and a 13-year-old girl managed to escape unhurt. Meanwhile, Macedo, a local rubbish collector, was shot while he was trying to help the musician's family. He died 11 days later. Military prosecutor Luciano Gorilhas said there is no defense for 82 shots, adding that they were all fired with the same objective. Gorilhas further noted that the 82 shots "is an execution." The eight Brazilian soldiers involved in the killing of Santos Rosa and Macedo were Lieutenant Italo da Silva Nunes, who commanded the action; sergeant Fabio Henrique Souza Braz da Silva; corporal Leonardo Oliveira de Souza; and soldiers Gabriel Christian Honorato, Matheus Sant'Anna, Marlon Conceicao da Silva, Joao Lucas da Costa Goncalo and Gabriel da Silva de Barros Lins, DW reported. Nunes received the highest penalty for also being the first to shoot and fired the most times at 77. Four other military personnel, who were also accused, were acquitted for not having been proven to shoot at the time. Santos Rosa died on the spot after being shot nine times. Military experts found 37 gunshot marks on walls and the cars around the operation site. In recent years, the military in Brazil has been put in charge of security in the state of Rio, which is plagued with violence. The army had been in charge of the state's security from February to December 2018. In 2017, a law was passed in Brazil stating that civilian deaths caused by military activity would be judge by the country's military court system. READ MORE: Parts of Amazon Rainforest in Brazil Are Being Illegally Offered for Sale on Facebook Marketplace This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Brazilian Army Arrests Troops After Operation Kills Innocent Driver - From Daily Mail Dog the Bounty Hunter, who is back searching for Gabby Petito's fiance, has dropped by at the residence of Brian Laundrie's sister in Florida on Wednesday. The 68-year-old reality star, whose real name is Duane Chapman, was spotted at the residence of Cassie Laundrie Luycx in Lakewood Ranch at around 7:30 p.m., MLive reported. Joined by his wife Francie Frane, Dog the Bounty Hunter knocked on the front door of the house, which is about 40 miles from the North Port family home, but no one answered. They went back to their car after several attempts to reach someone inside. "We're obviously looking for her brother [Brian Laundrie]... we're trying to talk to someone who may know where he's at," Dog The Bounty Hunter said in a video filmed by TMZ. It was not the first time that Duane Chapman knocked on the homes of Brian Laundrie's relatives. Late last month, he also knocked on the North Port home of Laundrie's parents, but the elder Laundries called 911 rather than answer his knock. Dog the Bounty Hunter got recently injured while searching for Gabby Petito's fiance in remote areas of southern Florida. On Wednesday, the reality star said he was recovering from the ankle injury, and he felt "a lot better" now. READ NEXT: Dog the Bounty Hunter Says Brian Laundrie's Parents Likely 'Abetted a Murderer' as 'Strangulation Is Not an Accident' Dog the Bounty Hunter Says Brian Laundrie's Sister Knows More Duane Chapman said Cassie Laundrie "absolutely" has more information on her brother's whereabouts when asked if he thinks she knows more than what she admitted. Cassie Laundrie recently appealed to his brother to "come forward" and get their family out of "this horrible mess." She maintained that she did not know where her brother was, and if she did, she would "turn him in." She also said that even her parents have stopped talking to her. Brian Laundrie's Attorney Slams Dog The Bounty Hunter and John Walsh Over Gabby Petito's Case Brian Laundrie's attorney, Steve Bertolino, slammed both Dog the Bounty Hunter and John Walsh for involving themselves in the Gabby Petito's case, calling them "dusty relics." "Dusty relics like that Dog and John Walsh need a tragic situation like this so they can clear the cobwebs off their names and give their publicity-hungry egos some food," Bertolino told the New York Post on Thursday. Bertolino issued his comments after Walsh aired a TV special about Gabby Petito on the Investigation Discovery channel. The reality star fired back at the Laundrie's lawyer by saying, "It's ironic that Mr. Bertolino would criticize the people trying to find Brian Laundrie unless perhaps he doesn't want him found." Dog the Bounty Hunter has been searching for Gabby Petito's fiance since late last month. Authorities are still trying to locate Laundrie after he was reported missing on September 17. His parents said they last saw him on September 13. 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. On Tuesday, Teton County, Wyoming coroner Brent Blue said Gabby Petito was strangled to death by "human force" and the manner of death was homicide. Petito's parents headed to Wyoming Wednesday to recover her remains. The Teton County coroner has already released Petito's remains to a local mortuary for cremation. Petito's family is also expected to meet with law enforcement in Wyoming on Thursday to brief them on the latest update in the case. They will return to New York this weekend with Petito's ashes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has already issued a federal arrest warrant for Brian Laundrie but over debit card fraud. Bertolino maintained that his client has not been charged and was not even a suspect in Gabby Petito's homicide. READ MORE: Dog the Bounty Hunter Says Brian Laundrie Should Turn Himself in After Gabby Petito Autopsy Shows She Was Strangled by 'Human Force' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Joshua Summers WATCH: Former Homicide Detective Claims He Knows Where Gabby Petito's Killer Is - From 7NEWS Australia Former child actor Matthew Mindler has committed suicide by ingesting sodium nitrate, which he purchased on Amazon. TMZ reported on Thursday that the Lancaster County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the 19-year-old former child actor's death from August to be suicide by sodium nitrate toxicity. According to his mother and authorities, the 19-year-old former child actor searched online how to use sodium nitrate in suicide, Page Six reported. Mindler's mother, Monica Mindler, told TMZ that his son's recent Internet search histories showed that he has been looking up information on how to obtain the toxic compound and how to take it to end life painlessly. Sodium nitrate is an oxidizing agent, which is often used in food preservation, such as meat. When taken in high-dose, it can cause hypotension and limit oxygen flow in the body, resulting in death. There have been cases of accidental deaths due to sodium nitrate, but they are often accidental. Mindler's mother also told TMZ that her son purchased the deadly substance on Amazon for $15 during his first days away from home at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. According to Monica, her son has suffered from "crippling anxiety." She said the sodium nitrate volume that Matthew Mindler ordered on Amazon was enough to kill four people. Monica hoped that his son's story would serve as a wake-up call. She said she was only talking about Mindler's story in the hopes it would warn other families of the dangers of the seemingly harmless substance and how easily children can get them. READ NEXT: Death of Ex-Child Actor, Matthew Mindler, Who Starred With Paul Rudd in 'Our Idiot Brother,' Ruled a Suicide Days After He Was Found Dead Matthew Mindler Last Seen on University Security Camera Matthew Mindler, best known for his role opposite Paul Rudd in the 2011 movie "Our Idiot Brother," was reported missing after he disappeared from his college campus in Pennsylvania in late August. The Millersville University Police earlier said the former child actor was last spotted walking from the West Villages residence hall toward the Centennial Driver parking lot on August 24. The security footage screenshot showed that Matthew Mindler was wearing a white Millersville University hooded sweatshirt, a black face mask, dark-colored jeans, and sneakers while carrying his black backpack. The former child actor was reported missing the next day after he didn't return to his dormitory room, failed to return the phone calls from his family, and skipped his classes. After a few days looking for him, Matthew Mindler was found dead by authorities in Manor Township near campus on August 28. Matthew Mindler's Acting Career According to the former child actor's IMDB page, he had at least eight acting credits in films and television shows listed under his name. It included the 2013 short "Frequency" directed by his older brother and cinematographer, Derek Mindler. So far, Matthew Mindler's biggest role was in the comedy-drama "Our Idiot Brother." The movie follows Paul Rudd's character, an idealistic farmer who upends the lives of his three sisters, played by Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer, and Zooey Deschanel. Matthew Mindler portrayed the son of Emily Mortimer and Steve Coogan named River. The last acting stint of Mindler was in 2016, when he last appeared in the TV movie "Chad: An American Boy." His acting credits also include "As the World Turns, Last Week Tonight" with John Oliver. READ MORE: Dog the Bounty Hunter Says Brian Laundrie's Parents Likely 'Abetted a Murderer' as 'Strangulation Is Not an Accident' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Jess Smith WATCH: Actor Matthew Mindler Killed Himself With Sodium Nitrate Purchased From Amazon - From Stand Up Rock walls and box graves, like those shown, are a clue that the graveyard is very old. Box graves do not hold bodies above ground but were built to keep people and animals from stepping on the grave. The chairman of Laois Comhaltas has paid tribute to the legendary leader of The Chieftains Paddy Moloney who had deep roots in Laois. PJ Phelan spoke foundly about the multi-talented traditional musician who credited his Laois family background as part of his inspiration for a career that would bring Irish music to all corners of the globe. "Paddy Moloney holds a special place in our hearts in Laois as both his parents were natives of the county. Paddy kept up his links and was proud of his ancestry," he said. Mr Phelan recalls meeting the man who was best known as the uileann pipe and tin whistle player in The Chieftains. "The first time I met him was in Roundwood where The Chieftains gave a concert after the Georgian Society had taken over the preservation of the house. Paddy fondly recalled the time when the Hamilton family were employers of his ancestors and the changed circumstances from that time. "My late uncle Joe recalled Paddy as a young boy climbing up on the kitchen dresser to take down the penny whistle to play with him at house dances in Paddy's grandparents house. Music was in Paddys blood. His grandfather Mick, in late years unable to blow the flute, taught a grandson to blow it for him so he could still finger the tunes. "Paddy inherited that determination and love of the music. It was his inspiration to form The Chieftains and undertake many collaborations with other genres, thereby promoting Irish Culture to a wide international audience," concluded the tribute. Paddy Moloney lived in Co Wicklow but was born in Donnycarney to John and Catherine both from Laois. He passed away on October 12 suddenly. He his survived by his beloved wife Rita and family Aonghus, Aedin and Padraig. He was father-in-law to Aine and Anne and adored grandfather of Ciaran, Aonghus, Fionn and Mieke. He is sadly missed by his sister Sheila and all his nieces and nephews; his long-time friends in The Chieftains and the wider music community. Paddys Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday October 15 at St Kevins Church, Glendalough followed by burial at the adjoining cemetery. Donations, if desired, to Wicklow Hospice. A destruction order was granted for 2,000 worth of fireworks which were seized from a defendants house in Portlaoise. At the recent sitting of Portlaoise District Court, Dzintans Lukasevics (43), 10 Rossvale Court, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to the possession of fireworks for sale or supply without a licence, contrary to Section 80 of the Explosives Act on December 20 last, at his home address. Sgt JJ Kirby gave evidence of gardai calling to the defendants home with a bench warrant and finding the fireworks. The defendant admitted they were his and didnt realise the seriousness of the situation. I bought them for fun after a long Covid lockdown, the defendant told the court. He added that he didnt realise it was an offence and had bought the fireworks to have fun with his children. I understand now how serious it can be. I took a wrong step, he told the court. The defendant and a number of his friends chipped in their money together and bought around 2,000 worth of fireworks, he told the court. The fireworks were bought in Newry. They sell them like bread in a shop there, the defendant said. Fireworks can be a very serious danger, Judge Catherine Staines said. They can cause people to lose their eyes, she said. She said she was willing to give the defendant a chance, and applied the Probation Act, leaving him without a criminal record. You are genuinely sorry, she said. She noted that the defendant was at a financial loss for the fireworks. The defendant told the court the event had been a very stressful one for his family. After the search, my wife was on tablets for a number of days and my kids were all stressed. I dont want to go through this again, he said. A destruction order was granted to Sgt Kirby. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Greater equality between men and women in farm ownership, according to Laois Offaly Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture made the call when speaking in the Seanad to mark International Rural Womens Day on Friday, 15 October. No other occupation has such an imbalance in property ownership. We know that one quarter of our farms workforce are women, yet only 4% of farms registered with the Dept of Agriculture are in joint female/male names. Women are listed as sole owners of 10% of all farmland in Ireland, but most of these women own the land through marital transfer, rather than succession or inheritance. These figures dont tally well for equality. The Geashill-based farmer who has responsibility Land Use and Biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, praised the women of rural Ireland for their determination. I have been lucky to encounter many wonderful women with unrelenting drive, determination and resilience to be innovative and industrious, to diversify, and to drive on after personal trauma and difficult times. Daughters and sisters, widows and mothers, all striving to provide for themselves and their families, in sometimes very remote rural areas, she said. With each new land registry, herd number or farm payment in a womans name, each new qualification she gains, each new female successor named, each business sale she makes, or each rural TikTok video she posts; rural women are challenging the prevailing culture and changing the future face of Irelands rural enterprises. Senator Hackett called for the support of rural men in rectifying the imbalance. To rural men, we need your support in this. To the farmers of Ireland I say, why are your daughters not your successors? What can we as policy makers do to help? How do we address that cultural bias that exists? We need to keep young women in rural communities, and farming is as good a way as any of doing this, she said. Some five years after it was first planned the staff, management and patients of a state of the art health facility in Portlaoise have finally been able to celebrate its opening. It was more than appropriate that a patient of the B.Braun Wellstone Clinic was given the honour of cutting the ribbon on the 5 million renal dialysis centre off the Southern Link Road in the Laois town. Keith Cullen is one of the lucky recipients of a kidney transplant but before he got that life changing call from Beaumont hospital he along with many others have and are depending on the clinic for life. Keith was among the patients who paid glowing tributes at the opening to the staff who provide the lifeline three times a week. The journey began in 2013 when B Braun expressed an interest in providing a service to the HSE. The work really began in 2017 after the global firm based in Germany won a HSE contract to provide a non-acute dialysis service in conjunction with the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. The clinic began operating in October 2019. Since then 43 patients have been treated at the unit. It currently has 28 people receiving treatment three times weekly who would otherwise would have to travel to Dublin or Tullamore. There is capacity for up to 60 people to recieve care in the clinic wich has 15 dialysis stations, three isolation units and three self-care stations. This facility is a tribute to the collective work of many talented and dedicated people in Irish healthcare, the B.Braun Managing Director Liam Ferguson told the launch on Thursday, October 14. Pictured: Gerard Farrell (Clinical Manager), Kieth Cullen Mountrath & Portlaoise (former dialysis patient) cutting the ribbon and Fiona Duggan (Head of Ambulatory Care - B.Braun). Photo: Michael Scully. He listed the National Renal Office, the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group and all at the renal unit in Tullamore hospital as the key partners. He thanked the B.Braun's global management team as well as the Irish management, construction and design teams for helping them to deliver the project and service. He said vision, determination and commitment had been shown to deliver a world class service for people living in Laois and surrounding areas. He said the service puts the patients first. "The main beneficiaries of this state of the art clinic will be the patients in the Midlands that depend on this life sustaining renal replacement therapy. We believe those patients deserve nothing but the best, he said. Pictured: Denise Carmody (CNM 1), Libertine Tronso (nurse), Mary Handcock (nurse), Sabrina Ruth (PCT), Gerard Farrell (Clinical Manager), Nichola Lanigan (HCA), Carole Townsend Rebecca Maher (Admin Supervisor) and Dan Supangan (nurse). He said enormous credit is due to the staff who have cared for people through the pandemic. Thank you for your unyielding commitment to patient care in the face of untold adversity. When things were at their worst you were at your very best, he said. Fiona Duggan, Head of Ambulatory Care, thanked all staff who help deliver the service. She said the Covid-19 restrictions reduced the attendance at the launch but many sent messages by video. They were led by Dr Eoin Bergin is Consultant Nephrologist at Tullamore hospital who works closely with the clinic, did not attend in person but sent a video message. This unit has opened in Portlaoise largely as a reflection of how busy we are in the midlands. Our cooperation with B.Braun in developing and operating the unit has been critical in maintaining the service we provide for our patients. The standard of care has been excellent and the staff have great experience. The staff deliver care in a very humorous and thoughtful way, he said. Pictured: Noreen Galvin (CNM 3 Tullamore), Maria Raftery (CNS B.Braun), Denise Carmody (CNM 1), Gerard Farrell (Clinical Manager), Jini Jacob (ANOP Tullamore) and Jomin Joykutty (CNM 2 Tullamore). Among the other people to wish the centre well were HSE management, B.Braun management and others such as Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State Sean Fleming. B.Braun is one of the biggest healthcare companies in the world and have many locations throughout Ireland. The people I met in the centre were full of praise for the service they receive when they go in for dialysis. This saves people in Laois and surrounding counties lengthy journeys for dialysis, he said. Speaking at the launch Clinic Manager Ger Farrell paid special thanks to the staff who have been central to the Clinic's success. He presented a video of some of the 43 people who have benefited from its care. Among them were Darren Connolly who lives with his wife and young family in Laois no longer has to face an arduous trip to Dublin for care. I would recommend it to anyone, he said. Paddy Rowan lives 12 miles from Portlaoise but the journey is a lot shorter then when he received care at a hospital hours from his home. God. I surely do feel better for being in here, he said. I feel very safe here. The staff are lovely, said Margaret Fenlon. Michael McFarland Campbell summed up the quality of care. Friendly faces, albeit behind masks, but you can see it in their eyes. "Here I very much feel I am cared about. I the past when I was going to hospital there were days I had to be persuaded to go. I have never had to be persuaded to come here, he concluded. Pictured BELOW: Paul Challoner (Global Nurse Director - B.Braun), Liam Ferguson (Managing Director), Fiona Duggan (Head of Ambulatory Care - B.Braun) and Paul Mullaly (M.D. B.Braun Ireland). A Senator from Kildare has said that clarity is needed on the National Register for defibrillators. Speaking in the Seanad , Labour Senator Mark Wall, who represents Kildare South, said: "I have previously raised this matter, the urgent need to record the location of all automated external defibrillator (AED) lifesaving devices, for which many communities around the country have fundraised." He added that are some "wonderful" initiatives in place around the country, such as in Enniscorthy and in Laois, where there are developed apps that show the exact location of these AEDs. Senator Wall continued: During a commencement matter debate, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Frankie Feighan, informed me that I had given him the chance to speak about the exceptional work carried out by those in these communities and that he expected that the funding provided by the Government in 2021 will result in real progress in the development of an AED register, and the HSE is already making progress on some of the practical elements that need to be done in that regard." He said that, when following up on this progress, his colleague, Deputy Duncan Smith, received the following reply from the Minister of Health this week, four months on: "The location, maintenance and upkeep of these devices is a matter for the supplying organisations. The HSE is not responsible for the supply or upkeep of AEDs. As such, an AED register would not be within the scope of the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy." Commenting after the debate in the Seanad, Senator Wall elaborated on what he felt was the importance of AEDs across Ireland: "We are all aware of the tremendous work of first responders in this country and the wonderful groups who fundraise in their communities to provide these AEDs." "There is something seriously wrong here and the Minister needs to clarify what is going on... these AEDs provide an essential national life-saving service, recording their locations will only enhance their availability when needed most." He concluded: "I cannot understand what has happened in four months; the Government must clarify what has changed." In related news, Senator Wall welcomed the recent announcement that a long-awaited ring road will finally be constructed for the town of Athy. A judge has warned a murder accused that he will be taken to the cells and banned from participating in his own trial, where he is representing himself, if he continues to "abuse" and "ballyrag" witnesses. Mr Justice Alexander Owens said he would not allow his courtroom to become "a circus" after the defendant Stephen Penrose accused a garda Inspector, who he was cross-examining, of lying under oath. "He is telling bullshit about me," Mr Penrose shouted in the courtroom, before demanding that the witness be "dismissed" from his trial as his "word" could not be accepted. Inspector Aidan Hannon was giving evidence to the Central Criminal Court today (Friday) in the trial of 38-year-old Mr Penrose, who is charged with murdering a man whose decapitated body was buried in a shallow grave in a Kildare woods. Mr Penrose, of Newtown Court, Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Philip Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016. The accused man has dismissed his legal team and is now representing himself in his murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. This morning, Insp Hannon told Brendan Grehan SC, prosecuting, that he had met the accused as a result of an accidental fire at a house in Clonuff in west Kildare in 2016. "Yes, I met him that day and met him several times after," he said. The witness agreed that he had also met the accused in Beaumont Hospital on the night of August 12, when the accused wanted to speak to him. Insp Hannon identified Mr Penrose in CCTV footage, in which Mr Finnegan was also identified, at Sweeney's service station in Edenderry, Co Offaly just before 4pm on August 10. At the beginning of his cross-examination, Mr Penrose said he wanted to clarify something from the witness's testimony yesterday (THURSDAY) when Insp Hannon said he had seized two phones from him in hospital. In reply, Insp Hannon said he spoke to Mr Penrose on August 12 and seized two phones from him the next day. Mr Penrose put it to the witness that he had made it clear in his evidence that it was not a cautioned statement but a brief conversation. "Can you just clarify what is the truth and what is lies?" asked Mr Penrose. Insp Hannon said he didn't believe he had described any conversation as "brief" in his testimony but said he had briefly referred to seizing phones. "I haven't given any evidence in relation to a cautioned interview," said the witness. Raising his voice in front of the jury, Mr Penrose shouted: "This means your statement is lies. You're a sworn member of the gardai, you are after making a false statement. So what is the truth Mr Hannon, both cannot be the truth?" The accused insisted it was not a cautioned statement saying: "He said it was taken down in writing, that's two different things." When Mr Justice Owens interjected, Mr Penrose told the judge: "You can't just brush me aside. This man is a liar and he is lying under oath." The judge warned Mr Penrose that barristers are not permitted to call witnesses liars under oath. Waving a piece of paper in the air, the accused stood up and shouted to the jury that they could have the witness' statement if they wanted. He proceeded to repeatedly accuse Insp Hannon of lying under oath and making false statements. "He is telling bullshit about me," shouted Mr Penrose. Mr Justice Owens warned the accused that he would be taken to the cells unless he obeyed the ruling of the court and would not allow the courtroom to become "a circus". The judge said the accused had his opportunity to make his point "if there was a point" and the witness did not agree he was lying under oath. Mr Penrose said the witness was "telling one thing under oath and another in a statement". He shouted: "This is a murder trial and he is lying under oath and should be dismissed from this whole trial." Raising his voice, Mr Justice Owens called Mr Penrose's behaviour a contempt of court saying: "It will be necessary to have you taken to the cells and you won't be allowed to participate in your own trial as a result of your own foolishness". Mr Grehan told the judge that he had asked Insp Hannon yesterday if he had seized phones and the witness confirmed he had. The witness still had a lot of evidence to give and he would be recalled later, he said. A strong debate took place in Carrigallen Mart this week as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. continued his nationwide CAP consultation tour in the Leitrim town. Addressing a COVID-19 compliant crowd, the Minister spelled out his current vision for the next CAP which is currently being worked on. Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan must be submitted before 1st January 2022 in order to have the new CAP in place for January 2023. The Minister plans to visit every county to meet with farmers and hear directly from farmers as part of the CAP consultation process over the coming weeks. He said he was delighted to meet farmers in Co. Leitrim to listen to their ideas around the next CAP. It was a great honour to visit farmers in Leitrim. I was enthused by the suggestions that were coming forward from those in attendance. While time is short, farmers can still have an input into this CAP Strategic Plan. This is very much their CAP and I want ensure that as many farm families as possible have the opportunity to feed into this CAP plan. I am committed to bringing this CAP to every milking parlour, every calving shed, every tillage field and every kitchen table in the county and I am doing that. I thank public representatives for joining me, the staff and board of Carrigallen Mart and everyone who assisted in making the event such a success, the Minister said. THE UL Hospitals Group has confirmed another round of walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics for adults and children will take place at Limerick Racecourse this weekend. Given the current high transmission rate of the disease in Limerick and across the Mid West, the Chief Clinical Director of UL Hospitals Group, Prof Brian Lenehan has appealed for anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to attend one of the clinics. He says the need to go for the highest levels of vaccination is underlined by current figures for incidence of Covid-19, as well as the numbers of hospitalisations from the disease and subsequent admissions to critical care, Covid-19 is still with us, and indeed, we are going to be living with it for some time. Throughout the pandemic, weve seen how the contagiousness of the disease can make small numbers spiral quickly out of control. But now, vaccination is on our side, and it is workingbut for it to be most effective, we have to get as close to 100pc vaccination as possible. So please, if you havent done so already, please attend our centres for vaccination this weekend, he said. The latest clinics, form part of the nationwide effort to maximise uptake of the Pfizer vaccine and to provide easy access for those who have received AstraZeneca Dose 1 and who now, as per national guidance, can receive the Pfizer vaccine as their second dose. Pfizer Dose 1 & 2 will be administered during the clinic at Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell between 2pm and 7pm on Saturday and between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday. Separate walk-in clinics will operate at the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh between 2pm and 7pm this Friday and at the West County Hotel, Ennis between 5pm and 7pm on Saturday. Anyone attending any of the clinics for second doses of Pfizer or should bring their vaccine record card with them and those who wish to attend the clinics do not require an appointment, and do not need to register in advance. Any children (over 12) attending for a vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To date, more than 365, Covid-19 vaccines have been administered across the Mid West under the UL Hospitals Group vaccination programme since it began on January 4. FUNDING for Limericks proposed new rail network must be fought for, its leading proponent has said. Green Party TD Brian Leddin believes that with the updated National Planning Framework set to favour lower-carbon projects, this will give it the best chance of success. As part of the update to the governments planning strategy, the City TD unveiled plans for 12 new stations across Limerick. The ambitious proposals include the re-opening of Foynes line, serving stations at Dooradoyle, Ballycummin, Patrickswell and Adare, a link to Shannon Airport and the industrial estate, via a spur from the Ennis line. Also, new stations would be constructed on this line at Parkway, Corbally and Moyross. Mr Leddin admitted these projects will need to fight for their share of the pie, but added: With a two-to-one radio in favour of public transport, it will become a lot easier to fund this kind of infrastructure. Every project needs to be climate assessed, and rail projects will come out much stronger than roads on that basis. He said many roads remain in the updated National Planning Framework nationwide, and said: But theres not enough money to build all of these on the two-to-one spending commitment. So these roads will be competing against each other. The first-time TD, who chairs the Joint Oireachtas committee on climate change, said it is Transport Minister and his party colleague Eamon Ryans preference to have the Moyross station open first. I think the first piece that probably would be done, and all this needs to be teased out, should be from Limerick to Foynes, so it would give an impetus to stations along the line which would be Dooradoyle, Ballykeeffe and Mungret possibly, he said. But its really too early to say. Its a high-level plan. Its up to everyone now to start looking at it, see the commitment is there and start getting into the detail and the implementation. Mr Leddin admitted there is a Green influence on the plans update, and this has raised questions around whether the rail proposals will survive if there is a change of government after the next election. Unless a party comes to power promising lots and lots of roads and unravelling all the previous government has done, I dont think it will be changed. The way everything is going it will be politically so sensitive, so unpopular to do that, is his opinion. PEOPLE trying to contact the gardai in Newcastle West after 9pm at night are being transferred to Henry Street garda station, local councillors in Newcastle West have complained. It is just not good enough, Cllr Jerome Scanlan said when he called for the Minister for Justice, Heather Humphries and the Minister for the OPW, Patrick ODonovan to take immediate action on the building of a new garda station for the town. The county town needs its garda station. The old garda station closed in late 2019, with some garda operations going to Rathkeale and Askeaton and an alternative public office opening in the Probation Service Office in Churchtown. I understood demolition would move in almost immediately and we would see action, Cllr Scanlan said. Instead, he pointed out, weeds are growing up at the old station. It is a crying shame. We close the station and appear to have no notion of reopening it, he said. Cllr Michael Collins was equally annoyed about the issue which, he said, had been going on for five or six years. . It is an absolute disgrace, he declared. He was, he continued, getting calls on a daily basis from people whose calls are being transferred to Henry St but who are not always getting through. He instanced one person who called five times but wasnt able to get an answer. It is not the level of service we want. We need a garda station. We need information as to where its at, he said and he called for it to be on the agenda at the next meeting of the Joint Policing Committee. The buck has to stop somewhere, declared Cllr Liam Galvin. He pointed out that a new station had been built in Abbeyfeale at a cost of 2.5m, yet people ringing the Abbeyfeale station are being transferred to Newcastle West and then being transferred to Henry St. What is happening is far below par, he said. But Inspector Andrew Lacy emphasised that there was absolutely no change to Emergency 999 calls. If it is a 999 call it goes to Cork and is then dispatched to the relevant garda station, he said. However, he added, the temporary office is open from 7.30am to 9pm for general or low priority calls. The new arrangement, he pointed out that the situation, was clearly outlined to the public when the old garda station closed. Slide show 15 photos The temporary station did not have custody facilities, he explained, and it would be a complete waste of resources to keep somebody there to answer a phone when they could be on patrol. Once the new station was built, Inspector Lacey said, Newcastle West would revert to being a 24-hour station. Minister Patrick ODonovan said he was due to meet shortly with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris about the building programme. The roll-out of the Garda Station Building Programme is an operational matter for Garda Management and OPWs role is to deliver construction on their behalf, he said. He plans to discuss the concerns raised by the councillors with senior local garda management. THE Limerick coroner has said he will inform the authorities after recording a verdict of death by suicide in relation to a man who drank a shamanic brew. An inquest heard the man consumed ayahuasca, a concoction made from the stem and bark of a tropical vine by indigenous South Americans. It is said to create out-of-body experiences. Coroner John McNamara, said he had never heard of ayahuasca before and warned the public of its dangers. The inquest heard the young man was found at a location in County Limerick on a date in 2020 following a search. Mr McNamara asked his family in attendance at the inquest if he was getting treatment. A family member said he had travelled to abroad for a healing retreat and consumed ayahuasca. He had terrible anxiety after it. It is made from the bark of a tree. It is an ancient tribal ritual from South America. You are supposed to go back in time and see demons, said a family member. Mr McNamara said it sounded very dangerous. We didnt know he was gone for it, said the family member. Mr McNamara asked if the deceased had psychological issues before travelling abroad for the South American clinic and consuming ayahuasca. No. He was never the same person again after it. The weight fell off him. There is no regulation or proper supervision of it, said the family member. Mr McNamara said: Its quite frightening. The family also raised the fact that the man discharged himself from a facility in Ireland where he was receiving treatment without his family being informed. My friend is a nurse. They wont let you discharge yourself from a general hospital. They ring a family member to collect you. But they let him walk out the door. We wrote to them but we were completely ignored, said the family member. Mr McNamara said he had to take into account the big profound change in the man due to consuming ayahuasca. While it may not have been his intention, the coroner said it was a suicide and recorded a verdict of such. I am going to notify the relevant authorities about this treatment / therapy, said McNamara, who expressed his condolences to the family. Insp Pat Brennan expressed his condolences on behalf of Limerick gardai. Thank you very much, said the family. If you have been affected by the preceeding story contact: Samaritans: 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie; Aware: 1800 804848; Pieta: 1800 247247, mary@pieta.ie LIMERICK-based functional food brand Juspy has scooped three separate awards including a prestigious star from the Great Taste Awards in the UK and the Best European Lifestyle Food Products Company award from LuxLife Magazine. To cap off an exciting week, Juspy has also landed a top spot at the Ballymaloe-based Entrepreneur Experience which takes place next month. The highly anticipated Great Taste Awards are run annually by the Guild of Fine Food in the UK, where over 350 judges blind taste test over 14,000 entries before awarding their stars. Commenting about Juspy and its latest product, a chocolate collagen protein powder for people on the go, the judges said: "This dried powder tasted nutty, not too sweet and was richly chocolate noted. It poured well and was thick with a buttery chocolate taste. Praline paste notes were detected. We enjoyed the chocolateyness and thought it had a pleasing richness. An enjoyable way to get younger looking skin." The second award from LuxLife Magazine recognised Juspys brand for its innovation and quality of product offerings, as well as business performance, business growth and customer feedback. Juspy was founded in 2018 by Leonie Lynch, an entrepreneur and wellness expert who holds multiple qualifications in fitness, nutrition and marketing and who graduated with a PhD in brand from the University of Limerick. An alumni of Going for Growth, FoodWorks Ireland and New Frontiers, Juspys first chilled protein based beverage was initially available in airports, forecourts and healthfood stores but later pivoted to a powder based product with the inclusion of marine collagen. Since the transition, the brand has gone from strength to strength and sells to customers all over the world. Juspy products are available online at juspy.com as a single or subscription-based purchase. Products are also available on Amazon in multiple markets. A NATIONAL television star treated Limerick students to a masterclass acting workshop as part of their transition year programme. Fair City actor George McMahon who has been playing Mondo O Connell at intervals since 2002 delivered a workshop on the practical elements of performing arts to 120 students over two days. TY Co-Ordinator and Year Head Geraldine McGrath told the Limerick Leader that students at Castletroy College were starstruck with one telling the Dublin man, my granny loves you in Fair City. TY students with George McMahon (Mundo Fair City) doing acting workshop. They have to act like a rollercoaster pic.twitter.com/1DBhknGYTd Castletroy College (@CastletroyC) October 13, 2021 The two-hour workshops form part of a wide range of life skills offered to the six TY classes in an effort to foster self-confidence leading up to their November work experience and later in life. George leaned heavily on his own experience and asserted to his audience the importance of education, relating his own regrets in not having gone to college and how he would do things differently if he could go back. As well as being shown how to act like a rollercoaster, students learned the ins and outs of how to prepare for film, television and stage auditions. George noted some excellent candidates for pursuing careers in the arts and encouraged them to continue to nurture their talents by joining local drama, stage groups and Youth Theatre. Chambers Ireland, the voice of business throughout Ireland, has welcomed the Governments focus on capital investment, childcare, and remote working in Budget 2022, but says the issue of town centres and vacancies have yet to be tackled. Speaking following Budget 2022, Chambers Ireland CEO Ian Talbot said: Business Supports Chambers Ireland welcomes the Governments commitment to supporting businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. This has secured jobs, prevented permanent closures and provided an opportunity for the country to recover more quickly than anticipated. Our economy is in a strong position when it comes to taking advantage of the global rebound in growth. We support the extension of supports for business into 2022. The Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme and commercial rates waiver have been a lifeline to businesses in particularly hard-hit areas such as tourism and hospitality. We would argue that the minister should retain discretion over the pace of the tapering of these supports, through setting dates and levels in secondary legislation, so that should the unforeseen occur we will not need to amend primary legislation if we are to adapt which was an issue with the closure of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme in 2020. Remote Working Chambers Ireland is committed to flexible and inclusive workplaces and welcomes the Governments focus on remote working by allowing individuals to claim up to 30% of household bills on days they work from home. Further development and implementation of its Remote Work Strategy will help the Government deliver for Irelands workers, businesses and communities. We believe that remote work has an important role to play in creating more sustainable towns and cities by not limiting work to geography. A national flexible working policy would strengthen this. It would also help to address skills shortages by providing a wider talent pool for employers. Housing and vacant land The increase in spending on housing is a start when it comes to reducing the effect of the housing crisis. However, success here will not be measured in spending, it will be measured in the number of new homes that come to market. Should the government deliver the 13,500 social and affordable homes in 2022 that are projected, this will account for more than half of all homes that are expected to be built, but also only a third of those that are needed. We were disappointed by the 3% zoned land levy. It is pitched at a level which will raise revenue for the exchequer, while at the same time it is not high enough to incentivise the return of hoarded land to the open market. The price of land is the easiest part of the cost of housing equation for the government to influence and they have chosen not to do that in this budget. By treating it as a potential revenue stream, they create the problem where government policy is incentivised to support high land values. Our cities and towns need to be seen as the key drivers of our domestic economy, and not as cost centres. They need investment if they are to become the attractive places to live and work which we need them to be. This will need vision if it is to happen, not incrementalism. Childcare and Parental Leave Support for the childcare sector, both for parents and employees is also welcome. This will help increase capacity within the labour market by allowing more parents to return to work while securing improved pay and conditions for staff in the sector. The early years of a childs life are when government spending on them is most effective. They need to have high quality childcare if we are to see improvement in their education outcomes. This is why childcare has to become a skilled profession rather than a temporary role on the way to another career. Continued government support of wages in the sector is a critical part of this. We also welcome the increase to parental leave from five to seven weeks as this will also ensure that caring responsibilities are more evenly distributed, helping to remove the excessive burden that currently falls on mothers. These actions will help to reduce barriers to the labour market and provide parents with more choice and opportunities. It will also help to address skills shortages by bringing more people into the labour market who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Retrofitting The retrofitting funding is welcomed as part of the wider transition from fossil fuels but scaling this up will be hard. Over 200m in 2020 has been allocated to retrofitting, but this will see the upgrading of only 1% of the housing stock. The Climate Action Plan foresees 500,000 homes being deep retrofitted by 2030 which suggests that government policy on Climate Action has yet to become fully consistent with spending. Tourism/Culture Supports The extension of the 9% VAT rate beyond December 2021 will be important to this sector in the coming year. However, we are uncertain that the sector will be able to maintain current levels of activity through Q1 2022 given that international tourism options are becoming available to Irish people again. The sector will then become more reliant on inward tourism across 2022 and it is yet to be established that the travel routes from abroad will have reopened to the extent required if the sector is to maintain a high level of activity. Given this, support for the aviation sector in Budget 2022 is very welcome. History has shown that once lost, these routes can be difficult to restore. Reopening these aviation routes as soon as possible will be fundamental if we are to retain jobs, support tourism and strengthen local economies. Ultimately, Irelands arts and culture output is a significant strength of our country and one of the most important parts of our tourism product. Opportunities in that sector were sorely limited due to the pandemic. Therefore, we greatly welcome the increased allocation in Budget 2022 as recognition of the rich contribution made by those who work in these areas. Volocopter and its investment and logistics partner DB Schenker this week successfully conducted the first public demonstration flight of a full-scale heavy-lift electric cargo drone, designed to carry pallets weighing up to 200 kilogrammes over a 40-kilometre range. The VoloDrone, the first cargo variant created by the urban air mobility (UAM) pioneer Volocopter, conducted its first public flight yesterday at the ITS Hamburg 2021 exhibition, with a 3-minute test flight where it reached a maximum altitude of 22 metres. Volocopter and DB Schenker also demonstrated VoloDrones integration into the logistics supply chain with an end-to-end cargo transport demonstration showing their significant progress together since DB Schenker became a strategic investor of Volocopter in early 2020. For the delivery simulation, the electric heavy-lift utility drone was equipped with a load-box located between its landing gear. First, the demonstration teams secured a Euro-pallet sized load to the box under the VoloDrone, followed by a smooth take-off. After this, the aircraft brought the payload to a DB Schenker Cargo Bike and landed safely. Once the payload was transferred successfully, the Cargo Bike delivered its cargo to the final destination, marking the completion of the entirely electric, multimodal last-mile delivery. Significant milestone The demonstration marks a significant milestone in the development of heavy-lift cargo drones. Although there are numerous examples of lightweight cargo drones capable of lifting small packages with payloads of up to 5kg, including some already in active service carrying niche products in remote areas, this is thought to be the first full-scale working demonstration of a heavy-lift cargo drone capable of lifting payloads greater than 20kg. The first public VoloDrone flight comes soon after Volocopter secured its first large-scale firm orders for its cargo and passenger variants. Volocopter and Aerofugia, a subsidiary of Geely Technology Group, last month announced the finalisation of a joint venture to launch UAM vehicles in China, including an agreement to purchase 150 Volocopters. That JV includes an unspecified number of the VoloDrone cargo variant, Volocopter confirmed to Lloyds Loading List. Regular flight tests The VoloDrones first flight took place in 2019 and since then, regular flight tests have been conducted at various airfields in Germany, with Volocopter subsequently working with DB Schenker to explore and develop its integration into potential real-life logistics scenarios and configurations. The drone itself is 9.15 metres in diameter, 2.15 metres tall, and has a 600-kilogramme maximum take-off weight (MTOW). Future VoloDrone operations will be fully electric with autonomous beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities, Volocopter said. Bringing logistics to the next dimension Erik Wirsing, vice president for global innovation at DB Schenker, commented: With the VoloDrone flight today, we were able to publicly demonstrate our successful collaboration and the impressive progress on DB Schenkers innovation and sustainability roadmap for cleaner logistics. Volocopter has proven again that they are the ideal partner for DB Schenkers ambition to rethink global supply chains and bring transport logistics to the next dimension for our customers while saving emissions. The demonstration in Hamburg builds upon the foundations of the static proof of concept (PoC) the partners conducted in July this year in Stuttgart, which laid out a blueprint of how to implement VoloDrone operations in logistics facilities globally. With the first public flight of the VoloDrone in Hamburg, Volocopter and DB Schenker demonstrated how drone operations can extend the existing logistics infrastructure for land or sea transport to create entirely new supply chains and transport routes, the companies said. Florian Reuter, Volocopter CEO, commented: This first public VoloDrone flight is a strong sign of Volocopters leading position in the UAM industry. We are the only UAM company offering solutions for passengers and goods that are flying fully scaled and publicly around the world. Our VoloDrone will make existing logistics processes more robust, efficient, and sustainable. DB Schenker is an invaluable partner in our endeavour to untap the massive potential of our VoloDrones logistics use cases. The VoloDrone is an uncrewed, fully electric utility drone designed to carry any of the six International Organization for Standardization (ISO) pallet sizes, weighing up to 200 kilogrammes, over a 40-kilometre range. This electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is aimed to serve challenging missions across diverse industries, Volocopter said, adding: As one member of Volocopters robust UAM aircraft portfolio for transporting passengers and goods in cities, the VoloDrone is positioned to be deployed where conventional transport options reach their limits. Other cargo drone projects A number of companies have been working on developing heavy-lift cargo drones, although these have yet to see full-scale working models. Both DHL and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics have this year announced partnerships with drone developer Dronamics to develop a same-day middle-mile drone delivery service using Dronamics Black Swan cargo drone projected to have a range of up to 2,500km and a cargo capacity of 350kg although Dronamics is understood to be still working on its first full-scale working aircraft. Meanwhile, after several years of operation with its Sparrow drone, which can carry payloads of 4.5kg up to 30 kilometres, Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) is in the final testing stages of its larger Robin (11.3kg, payloads up to 60 km) and Condor (180kg, up to 200km) models. The company expects this to be completed this year. The company is also said to be working on a model that will be ten times larger, but for the near term these three types will make up its fleet. Initial customers for the Sparrow include DSV Air & Sea Canada, to deliver various types of small shipments, including healthcare related products, from a DroneSpot at DSVs warehouse in Milton, Ontario to a DropSpot approximately 4km away for Reckitt Benckiser, the global producer of health, hygiene and home products. Physical and digital infrastructure In addition to developing the aircraft, Volocopter is organizing the physical (VoloPorts) and digital (VoloIQ) infrastructure to support these services, which are set to launch in the next 2-3 years. VoloIQ serves as the digital backbone for operations. Founded in 2011, Volocopter has 400 employees in offices in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore. The company has raised a total of 322 million in equity. Volocopters investors include Daimler, Geely, DB Schenker, BlackRock, and Intel Capital amongst others. In 2011, Volocopter performed the first-ever crewed flight of a purely electric multicopter vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and has since showcased numerous public flights with its full-scale aircraft. The most notable have been the public test flights at Singapores Marina Bay in October 2019 and the worlds first autonomous eVTOL flight in Dubai 2017. My Monticello By Jocelyn Nicole Johnson Henry Holt. 224 pp. $26.99 - - - James Baldwin wrote that "to accept one's past - one's history - is not the same thing as drowning in it; it is learning how to use it." Jocelyn Nicole Johnson uses history to spectacular effect in her debut fiction collection, "My Monticello." The opening story, "Control Negro," explores the question: Can a Black man who's otherwise "equivalent to those broods of average American Caucasian males" break free of racism? The narrator is a father who watches from a distance as his son grows up and becomes an adult. Over a handful of pages, the reader is presented with a case study of how much and how little can change for a Black man over a generation. The characters may come across a bit flat, but the lens through which they are seen - systemic racism, educational inequity and policing - is well focused. The narrative builds to a terrible, violent event, but even amid that suffering, there is a glimmer of hope for both father and son. "Buying a House Ahead of the Apocalypse" is a standout, in part because of how it is told. The tale is presented as a checklist, something many of us use to simply help manage our daily lives. But for this narrator, an unnamed Black woman, simple tasks become infinitely more difficult because of her race. For instance, as a would-be home buyer about to meet a loan officer, she must remind herself to wear her hair in a style that does not draw too much attention to her race - "bone straight, a fresh weave with the tight itch of cornrows beneath, like something true but hidden." She even struggles with "the dark-skinned guard" who won't let her into an open house. The story is a portrait, in list form, of the universally human search for something normal, someplace safe, even in the face of futility: "Vote, but don't expect it to save you. March, but don't expect it to save you. Pray, but don't expect it to save you." Of the five pieces in the collection, though, it is the title novella that best demonstrates Johnson's creative skill. "My Monticello" is a historical deep dive that takes place in a terrifying near future. The setting is Virginia, where Johnson was born. In her dedication, Johnson, a longtime public school art teacher, thanks her parents for making the state a home. However, for her characters, Virginia has become most inhospitable. In this tale, the narrator is a young University of Virginia student. She and a small band of neighbors have been forced to flee their homes. The traumatized refugees are mostly Black and Latino people, chased out by a white militia whose rallying cry is "OURS!". While this calls to mind the deadly 2017 "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, readers are taken even further back through the country's fraught racial history, as the group arrives at Thomas Jefferson's Virginia plantation, Monticello. The narrator, Da'Naisha Love, is familiar with the place, having once interned there. What's more, she is a descendant of Jefferson and Sally Hemings and recalls what it was like when her family members were officially informed of their lineage: "I should say that our family did not need a call from Monticello to tell us we were Thomas Jefferson's descendants. The story of our connection to that man and this place was already woven into the Love family lore . . . like a cautionary tale." And it is with caution that Love and her traumatized band of fellow survivalists - which includes her grandmother and her White boyfriend - approach the third president's Virginia estate, a place overflowing with reminders of the enslaved people who built it. For Love and her fellow travelers, there is an excavating, a reclaiming of things left to history: Jefferson's great clock, high beds, the very stairway trod by enslaved people. In one instance, the narrator points to the enduring echoes of privilege and the lack thereof: "these rooms had been kept so pristine, while our homes in town had been treated as kindling." What makes "My Monticello" particularly resonant is that it does not stray far from life as we know it today. In the near future conjured by Johnson, there are the heat waves and wildfires that bring climate change into view. There is fallout from a fraught election. There is the vile replacement theory rhetoric of the right wing. But the lives of Johnson's richly drawn characters - their personal stories - are always in focus. And, because of it, the storytelling is propulsive, as we follow these refugees along a harrowing journey, with danger ever at their heels. "My Monticello" is, quite simply, an extraordinary debut from a gifted writer with an unflinching view of history and what may come of it. - - - Anissa Gray is a journalist and the author of the novel "The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls." Click here to read the full article. Netflix terminated an unidentified staffer who shared commercially sensitive information with someone outside the company that was included in a Bloomberg news report, violating the streamers policies. The data included Netflix financial figures for Dave Chappelles The Closer stand-up special, which has stirred a major backlash both inside and outside the company over the comedians transphobic material. We have let go an employee for sharing confidential, commercially sensitive information outside the company, a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement to Variety. We understand this employee may have been motivated by disappointment and hurt with Netflix, but maintaining a culture of trust and transparency is core to our company. A source familiar with the situation told Variety that the confidential information was cited in a Bloomberg article about the Netflix employee protests about Chappelles special. Per the Bloomberg report, Netflix paid $24.1 million for the The Closer and $23.6 million for Chappelles Sticks & Stones 2019 special. Thats well more than the company paid for Bo Burnhams Inside special ($3.9 million) and even more than it shelled out ($21.4 million) for global smash hit Squid Game, which the company is to date the most-watched Netflix original title over its initial release. Netflix estimated an impact value for Sticks & Stones of $19.4 million, per the internal documents cited by Bloomberg. That gave Sticks & Stones an efficiency ratio of 0.8 (cost vs. impact value) compared with 2.8 for Burnhams Inside, according to the report. The leak of the confidential data to Bloomberg seems to have been intended to embarrass Netflix to point out that the company has paid more for Chappelles controversial content than better-performing programming. Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos claimed in a memo to senior employees last week that Chappelles Sticks & Stones is the streamers most-watched, stickiest and most award-winning stand-up special to date. Netflix famously operates a corporate culture in which it openly shares information with employees. However, according to its employment policies, Netflix staff members are not allowed to share private info outside the company with the understanding that they may be fired for doing so. The firestorm over Chappelles transphobic and homophobic commentary in The Closer has grown more intense since Netflix released it on Oct. 5. Hundreds of company employees are planning to stage a walkout on Oct. 20 in protest of Sarandos comments defending the Chappelle special. That included his statement in an Oct. 11 memo that we have a strong belief that content on screen doesnt directly translate to real-world harm, as first reported by Variety. On Friday, Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby who has two stand-up specials on Netflix took aim at Sarandos over his mention of Gadsby in the second memo as part of the companys efforts to improve representation of marginalized communities. Hey Ted Sarandos! Just a quick note to let you know I would prefer it if you didnt drag my name into your mess, Gadsby wrote on Instagram. You didnt pay me nearly enough to deal with the real world consequences of the hate speech dog whistling you refuse to acknowledge, Ted. Fuck you and your amoral algorithm cult. Meanwhile, Netflix earlier this month suspended three employees including a transgender employee who had spoken out against Chappelles The Closer on Twitter for attending Netflixs quarterly business review for senior managers without permission. A few days later, the company reinstated those employees after concluding they did not have malicious intentions. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. TV writers may soon have to take their own notes as their assistants will be on the picket lines if IATSE calls a strike on Monday morning. Writers assistants and script coordinators provide the essential support functions that keep writers rooms operating. They take notes, compile drafts and make sure revisions are distributed to production crews. Those workers can earn as little as $16 an hour, making them among the lowest paid on a production, and raising their wages has been one of the key demands from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. The union previously made clear that anyone doing struck work will be considered a scab, and will jeopardize their future membership in the union. On Friday, a group of script coordinators and writers assistants published guidelines specifically for writers and showrunners, explaining how to avoid activity that would be considered strikebreaking. As a general rule of thumb, if your Writers Assistant or Script Coordinator usually does a particular task, do not assign that task to someone else, the document states. When you ask anyone, particularly another underpaid member of the Writers Office Support Staff or other Assistant, to be a strikebreaker, you are jeopardizing their future in this industry, and forcing them to make a difficult decision, to compromise themselves out of loyalty to you. Dont be that Showrunner. The Writers Guild of America, which led the last major Hollywood strike in 2007-08, has expressed general solidarity with IATSE. But it has not laid out its own guidelines for members. We know writers have many questions about what to do if a strike is called, the WGA said in a statement Friday. In the event of a strike, the Guilds will provide immediate guidance to WGA members on how to support our IATSE colleagues. The writers themselves are covered by the WGA agreement, and will not be on strike. But its possible, given the general chaos and confusion that would come with an IATSE strike, that work in writers rooms will slow to a trickle anyway. Individual writers may opt to slow down the pace of their work as a sign of solidarity with IATSE. The guidance from the group of script coordinators and writers assistants states that writers will be allowed to take their own notes, but that if those notes are shared among other staff, such action will be considered strikebreaking. The document also spells out that showrunners can email scripts to network or studio employees, but that any person other than the Showrunner or the Studio/Network/Streamer employees who distributes scripts will be considered a strikebreaker. The document also specifies consequences for strikebreaking, which can include fines, suspension and expulsion from IATSE. Strikebreakers will be discovered and evidence of such actions will be documented, the document states. The document also advises script coordinators and writers assistants to make sure that showrunners can access the shows files by the strike deadline, which is 12:01 a.m. on Monday, and that they should thereafter refuse to provide access if a strike is called. Any Showrunner asking a Writers Assistant or Script Coordinator to resend materials to which they have already been provided access is asking the Writers Assistant or Script Coordinator to be a strikebreaker, the document states. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Lockport, NY (14094) Today Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 42F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 31F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Longford / Westmeath Sinn Fein TD Sorca Clarke has vented her anger after discovering her Mullingar constituency office was completely destroyed by a vulgar and intimidating graffiti attack. CCTV footage is being reviewed by gardai in an effort to find the culprits and Deputy Clarke praised investigating gardai for their assistance. In a post on social media, Sinn Fein's Spokesperson on Defence posed the question, 'And they wonder why there are not more women in politics???' And she answered, "Spray painted penises are not going to help!!!" Deputy Clarke wrote: "To some, this may just be spray paint on a wall, but when my constituency service is ran primarily by women, there is another aspect to this - the intimidation factor that comes with this. "I had to ring the women who work in my Longford and Athlone offices this morning to tell them to be more conscious of their surroundings and their safety for the coming days. That is totally unacceptable. Nobody should have to walk into a work place with these vulgar images spray painted on the building. "Time that should have been spent this morning providing help and support to our constituents, was instead spent trying to sort out this needless act." Irish Water, working in partnership with Longford County Council, have carried out repairs to a burst on the raw water rising main to Smear Water Treatment Plant. Water supply will start returning to properties from this afternoon, Friday, October 15, but some customers located on higher ground or at the end of the network may continue to experience temporary low water pressure, outages and/or air locks into this evening as water refills the network. Customers in the following locations may continue to experience disruption; Cleenrah, Dunbeggan, Aughnacliff Village, Carrickadorrish, Aghakeeran, Aghacordrinan, Aghamore Upper, Polladooey, Aghakaine, Cornadrung , Rosduff, Enaghan, Lisraherty, Drumhalry, Mollyglass, Leggagh, Smear, Crott, Birrinagh, Moyne, Farmullagh, Ballyduff, Drumury, Fihoragh, Leggagh, Carrickmaguirk, Aghamore Lower, Annaghdaniel, Cloonback, Drumard, Edenmore, Glenmore, Aghadowry and Tawnagh. Information on how to check for and clear airlocks can be found on the Irish Water website at www.water.ie/help/supply/airlocks/ . Speaking about the repair works, Paraic Joyce, Irish Water said, Irish Water understands the inconvenience caused when a burst occurs and thanks customers for their patience while we worked to repair the burst and restore normal supply to impacted customers as quickly and as safely as possible. Irish Water and Longford County Council regrets any inconvenience caused. The Irish Water customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact them on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. The first ever digital strategy prepared by Longford County Council has been launched. 'Longford Centred and Connected' will coordinate all activities for the development of a collaborative digital society and economy over a three-year period ending in 2023. The strategy, which was adopted by the members of Longford County Council will create the foundation and set the direction for digital development in the county over the coming decade. It sets out Longford County Councils ambitions and aspirations on meeting the current requirements and future digital demands of the people of Longford. It aims to empower them to take part in the digital transformation of the county. The strategy will also help to enable people to benefit from the enhanced connectivity and infrastructure being rolled out across the county. The digital strategy prioritises four key themes: digital infrastructure and connectivity, smart communities, digital economy and enterprise and digital transformation. These key themes, together with the action plan, will be continually monitored and updated to adapt to the evolving requirements and trends within county Longford. Welcoming the launch of 'Longford Centred and Connected', Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan paid tribute to the work being led by the IT Section of Longford County Council. We can see from the roll out of broadband connection points around the county and the free WIFI that has been made available in our towns and villages, that Longford is now a leading light when it comes to rural connectivity and digital infrastructure and this digital strategy is a welcome blueprint for how we will build on that in the coming years. Chief Executive Paddy Mahon agreed. This strategy guides us in our digital transformation of Longfords infrastructure and capabilities, encouraging sustainable vibrant communities and making Longford a better place in which to live, work and do business. A series of consultations was undertaken to inform the strategy, with key local and national stakeholders including the general public, businesses, non-profit organisations and more. This engagement proved invaluable, especially following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic created a unique set of circumstances which, through necessity, raised the requirement and demand for digital connectivity to a critical level. Longford County Council seized the opportunity to deliver on these demands and was the first local authority in Ireland to hold meetings of its elected members digitally, allowing the vital business of local government to continue throughout the pandemic. Broadband Officer for Longford County Council Christine Collins said, The Digital Strategy was developed to facilitate our citizens to live, work and participate locally. Longford County Council is committed to supporting the creation and sustainability of vibrant, progressive rural communities. Having connectivity is having choice. Head of Information Systems Mr Danny Lynch concluded by stating, Supporting the digital enablement of communities through this strategy is reflected in the digital transformation of IT services within Longford County Council, placing our council at the heart of the promotion of the digital agenda within county Longford. It also puts Longford on the map as an ideal base for skilled remote workers who are seeking the enhanced quality of life that is on offer outside of Dublin. Food, Wine, & Dining By Ls Cohen Published: October 15 2021 Second location for the Long Island Greek food restaurant. With a mission to provide quality healthy Greek food accessible to everyone for an affordable price, Chef Pete opened Pete the Greek in Hauppauge this August. Already established in Old Bethpage, this is Pete the Greeks second location. Greek foodies will find a lot to love on the menu. Starters include spinach pie ($9.95), stuffed grape leaves ($9.95), zucchini chips ($9.95), and pita chips ($8.95). You can also order up some great greek dips like tzatziki, eggplant, fiery fets, hummus or a sampler - all for $8.95 each. They feature all the usual entrees you would expect to find in a Greek restaurant like souvlaki, gyros, falafel, and grilled meats. Photo: Pete the Greek Facebook page. On Yelp, Christen M, from North Babylon, gave Pete the Greek five stars. Absolutely delicious, she wrote. ... the Food is amazing and customer service impeccable! Jessica S, who is from out of town said she ordered from the restaurant twice while she was on Long Island for work. This place is awesome, she wrote. If I lived in the area I'd be a frequent customer for sure. Location: 694 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, (631) 387-4976. Health & Wellness By Chris Boyle Published: October 15 2021 I hope that this powerful presentation offered those in attendance with new insights in our ongoing battle to treat addiction," Legislator Drucker said. Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) recently partnered with Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury), the Nassau County Heroin Prevention Task Force and Blake Cohen, co-founder of Next Level Recovery, to host a Fireside Chat on Substance Abuse and Addiction at the Jericho Public Library. During the event, Legislator Drucker joined best-selling author and certified addiction professional Blake Cohen to discuss how best to assist loved ones struggling with addiction, how to talk about it, and what addiction does to the brain. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, drug overdose deaths reached the highest level that Nassau County has ever recorded - an alarming development that experts at the CDC attribute to the pandemic and the increasing number of overdoses involving potent synthetic drugs like fentanyl, Legislator Drucker said. I hope that this powerful presentation offered those in attendance with new insights in our ongoing battle to treat addiction and prevent substance abuse in our region. Local News, Business & Finance, Arts & Culture By Chris Boyle Published: October 15 2021 Disappearing Inc. has seven studios: five in Massachusetts, one in Manhattan, and their newest location in Mineola. Its a boom industry and it has been growing at a rate of over 10% for more than a decade now. In fact, industry analysts think that growth will continue for many years to come. What is this incredible growth industry? Tech? Energy? Neither of those - in fact these stats are all about tattooing! Now commonplace amongst the young and old alike, getting inked is seen as a way of expressing oneself and displaying unique interests to the world at large. Similarly commonplace amongst the tattooed, is laser tattoo removal which is expected to outpace even the incredible growth of the tattoo industry. Removal is becoming popular for all the reasons one would expect: visiting a less-than-skilled artist, having an exs name or the aptly named job killers which are tattoos in visible locations that can hinder ones job opportunities or make them unable to join the military. Thats where Disappearing Inc. , the laser tattoo removal experts come in. Disappearing Inc., specializing only in laser tattoo removal, has seven studios: five in Massachusetts, one in Manhattan, with their newest location in Long Island Mineola which first opened its doors for business just weeks ago, according to President, CEO, and Laser Guru Rob Harris. There was really a scarcity of providers of laser tattoo removal on Long Island, and certainly a scarcity of quality tattoo removal here as well, he said. The effects of COVID also drove our expansion to Long Island as we know people aren't going back to the office 5 days a week yet, so we wanted to be where they are, near their homes, here on Long Island. As for the reason why Rob and his wife Eve a Long Island native who functions as the companys COO first got into the laser tattoo removal business back in 2013 was because they saw an opportunity in the market for tattoo removal outside of med-spas and dermatology offices. We were one of the first in the country to do tattoo removal exclusively, said Rob. We love ink and are specialists in getting the ink out because we spend time with ink manufacturers and tattoo artists understanding whats in the ink as well as how the ink is applied. The ironic part about Rob's entry into the removal business is back when he first started, he was entirely tattoo-free himself; this is in direct contrast with his current appearance, where he is inked shoulder to knee. I now have many, many hours of tattooing on me, he said. I got my first tattoo because I felt it was disingenuous to work with people who all had one thing in common tattoos if I didn't have that thing in common with them. So I got my first tattoo and just kept going from there. Harris even got a tattoo that said Undo Your Tattoo just so he could remove it to know what the process is like first-hand. Harris has seen many evolutions of the tattoo removal industry in his almost 9 years. One question we often get, explained Harris, is How well does laser tattoo removal work? Successful tattoo removal is all about results and we believe we are the experts. We can get off about 95 percent of tattoos, 100 percent of the time, he said, referring to the effectiveness of their proprietary techniques. Interestingly, a good part of our business is also lightening up tattoos for cover-ups. We work with over 250 different tattoo studios, and when their clients come in and say that they would like a new tattoo over an existing one, we can do a few lightening sessions so when they go back to their artist they have a cleaner canvas with which to work and the tattoo doesnt have to be bigger, darker and blacker. The average amount of time to remove a professionally-applied tattoo is approximately 8 to 12 sessions, information which the techs at Disappearing inc. explain to every client when they describe the basics and science of tattoo removal. When a tattoo is in your skin, the particles of your ink are too big for your body to do anything with, so they just stay there. What we need to do is to make those particles smaller and this is what the laser does., Rob explains. Using the energy of the laser, we break up those big pieces into smaller ones. After that your immune system then becomes active and grabs all of those small pieces, runs them through your immune system, and expels the ink in your waste. "Most say the process of laser tattoo removal feels like getting a tattoo only quicker. Our process is much, much faster than getting a tattoo, Rob said. A tattoo that may have taken an hour or two to put on may take less than one minute to remove. Whats more, Rob points out that to minimize any discomfort, Disappearing inc. techs use a device known as a Zimmer Cooler that blows air at about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, both before and during the procedure, which effectively numbs the skin while the tech is working on it. He notes, most clients say it feels like a snapping rubber band. In order to do quality work, tattoo removal techs need an in-depth knowledge of the skin, ink chemistry and laser physics. At Disappearing inc., all technicians are rigorously trained and evaluated far before they ever get a chance to actually go to actually work on somebody's unwanted ink. Our techs undergo a very thorough apprenticeship including over 400 hours of training both classroom and clinical. After that theres a 100 question fill in the blank test and six months of ongoing mentorship, tracking and discussing every client case each day, said Harris. We, by far, have the most rigorous training in the industry. So far, reaction to Disappearing inc.s new Mineola location has been excellent, Rob said, with customers already lining up at the door before they even opened for business. Before it had even opened, I was literally getting out of my car to go into the Mineola studio, and a guy came up to me and asked when are you opening? I need some help! He then showed me a tattoo that he had wanted to lighten, said Harris. We are so excited that we're here on Long Island. And even though he has a number of locations now as well as a large selection of experienced techs manning those locations Rob and his wife still personally work with clients to this very day; looking back, he noted that he made the right decision when setting out on the path of laser tattoo removal. I couldn't be happier. The part I love the most is being with my clients, he said. There are times where we can really change someone's life for the better by removing a tattoo so they can get into the military or get their dream job, being rid of an ex's name to start a new relationship or clearing some ink that has prevented them from wearing a bathing suit or even short sleeves. We have a lot of clients that tell us that they haven't worn a bathing suit or short sleeves in 10 years because they're embarrassed about a certain tattoo. Tattoo removal can make someone feel like a new person and those are the stories that make me love to come into work every day. Ensure you get a print copy of the Loudoun Times-Mirror delivered weekly to your home or business! Complete online access is included with all print subscriptions purchased online. Plus, up to four other members of your household can share online access through this subscription with their own, individual linked accounts at no additional charge. (Are you a current advertiser? Ask your sales rep for our special advertiser rate code!) (Alliance News) - The investigation into the fatal stabbing of UK MP David Amess is being led by counter-terror officers, Essex Police have said. Official sources have told the PA news agency that a 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is believed to be a British national with Somali heritage. The death of Amess has led to Home Secretary Priti Patel asking all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs "with immediate effect". The man arrested following the attack at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea near Southend at midday on Friday remains in custody. Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said 69-year-old Southend West MP Amess was "simply dispensing his duties when his life was horrifically cut short". Harrington said: "The investigation is in its very early stages and is being led by officers from the specialist counter-terrorism command. "We made it clear at the time of the incident that we did not believe there was any immediate further threat to anyone else in the area. "It will be for investigators to determine whether or not this is a terrorist incident, but as always they will keep an open mind." Tory veteran Amess, who was described by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as "one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics", had been an MP since 1983 and was married with five children. Harrington said officers were called to reports of a stabbing at just after midday. He said: "The response of the emergency services to this incident was immediate and our officers arrived on scene within minutes. "When they arrived they found Sir David Amess MP, who had suffered multiple injuries. "This was a difficult incident, but our officers and paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service worked extremely hard to save Sir David. "Tragically he died at the scene. A 25-year-old man was arrested immediately at the scene on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody. "A knife was also recovered at the scene." A spokesman for Home Secretary Patel said she chaired a meeting of the Police, Security & Intelligence Agencies to discuss the incident in Southend and the ongoing response, adding that she had also spoken to the Speaker of the House of Commons. "The Home Secretary has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs with immediate effect and will provide updates in due course," the spokesman said. The death of Amess echoes that of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016, who was fatally stabbed as she attended a constituency surgery. Brendan Cox, Cox's widower, wrote on Twitter: "This brings everything back." Cox's sister, Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley & Spen in West Yorkshire, said her partner has asked her to step down. "It's so hard because you have a job to do," she said. "I find myself now working as a politician and trying to do good things for people and it's really important you get good people in public life, but this is the risk we are all taking and so many MPs will be scared by this. "My partner came home and said 'I don't want you to do it any more' because the next time that phone goes, it could be a different conversation. "There are so many layers to this. "At the heart of it are David's family and friends. "I know for them now that their lives will never be the same again, they will think about this every single day for the rest of their lives. "Even David's staff a so many other people today will have been out there trying to do the right thing, trying to do a really important job in public life, and this happens. "I cannot believe that this has happened. "It feels very raw for me. "I know from messages I have received from politicians across the political spectrum, for them it is incredibly raw." Tributes have been paid to Amess since his death was confirmed, with Johnson saying: "I think all our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess MP, who was killed in his constituency surgery in a church after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the UK. "And the reason I think people are so shocked and saddened is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics, and he also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable, whether the people who are suffering from endometriosis, passing laws to end cruelty to animals, or doing a huge amount to reduce the fuel poverty suffered by people up and down the country. "David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future. "And we've lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague, and our thoughts are very much today with his wife, his children, and his family." The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said they are "shocked and saddened" by the killing, adding that their "thoughts and prayers" are with Amess's family, friends and colleagues. In a personal tweet from the couple, they said: "We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess, who dedicated 40 years of his life to serving his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. W & C" A vigil, led by Father Jeffrey Woolnough, is being held at St Peter's Church on Eastwood Lane, in Leigh-on-Sea. A photograph of Amess has been placed at the front of the church. source: PA Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Support Local Journalism The Malibu community needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please help keep us in print by making a contribution. BLAINE TWP. Blaine Christian Church, located at the corner of Joyfield and Putney Roads, invites all women in the area of Blaine Township to come to the church for their annual Womens Retreat on Nov. 13. The retreat begins at 8:45 am and will conclude at 1 p.m. after lunch is provided. There is a small fee to cover the cost, payable at the door. Eldridge "Al" Peterson, 88, of Madelia, MN, died on November 13, 2021. Services Trinity Lutheran Church-Madelia, on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11:30 am. Visitation will take place at the church 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The clergy will be Calvin Hanson. Interment will be at the Trinity Luthe Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. To subscribe, click here. Already a subscriber? Click here. Julia A. Johnston, 68, of Wilburton, OK passed away at her home in Wilburton on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Services will be on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, OK with the burial to follow in the Peachland Cemetery in Bengal, Oklahoma. O Meadville, PA (16335) Today Snow this morning will give way to partly cloudy conditions this afternoon. High 38F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Snowfall around one inch. Heavier amounts in persistent snowbands.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 28F. Winds light and variable. Arrangements are currently incomplete at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home for Mr. William "Sonny" McGruder, 71, of Enterprise, who passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at his residence. In summer 2020, The New York Times coordinated a nationwide project to document the lives of Americans out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved collaborating with 11 other local newsrooms around the U.S. The Messenger-Inquirer was the only newspaper from Kentucky in the collaboration. The resulting collection of stories was published Oct. 23, 2020, in the New York Times print edition and at nytimes.com/outofwork. The following list is the Messenger-Inquirer's local unemployment coverage from that time period; read more by clicking the "New York Times Project" header. Click on "Out Of Work In America" to go to the full Russian HRC dominates Two South Korean traders sold around 2-4 35,000-tonne vessels worth of January-shipment HRC from Russias Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK) were traded this week, sources told Fastmarkets. A number of buyers were heard to have purchased the cargoes in various quantities, with transactions confirmed at $843, $845, $847 and $850 per tonne cfr Vietnam. Sources said there were also transactions concluded at $840 and $860 per tonne cfr Vietnam, but these could not be confirmed directly with the parties involved. These prices are equivalent to about $800-810 per tonne fob Russia. These transactions were not used in Fastmarkets assessment because Russian HRC does not fall within the prices specifications. "Some of the volumes were initially offered at $843 per tonne cfr Vietnam, but were finally sold at $840 per tonne cfr Vietnam,"... While some offers from China emerged at higher levels, following a week-long holiday in the Asian country, reduced export availability to South America made other origins more important for price formation on the continent.Japan-origin material was also offered at lower levels during the week, albeit still at a premium over material from other countries.Fastmarkets price assessment for steel plate, import, cfr main ports South America , was $1,065-1,090 per tonne on Friday, widening downward slightly from $1,070-1,090 per tonne a week before. While a few market participants received Chinese offers to Chile at $1,080-1,090 per tonne, others heard that $1,065-1,070 per tonne was feasible in Colombia. Also, Brazil-origin plate was expected... Governor Whitmer on Passing of Former Michigan Congressman Dale Kildee Governor Whitmer on Passing of Former Michigan Congressman Dale Kildee FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2021 Contact: press@michigan.gov Governor Whitmer on Passing of Former Michigan Congressman Dale Kildee LANSING, Mich.-Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the passing of Dale Kildee, a former Michigan congressman and state legislator. "Congressman Dale Kildee was a tireless public servant and proud Michigander. He served his community in the state legislature for over a decade and in the U.S. House of Representatives for 35 years, where he advocated fiercely for the automotive industry and workers, led successful efforts to reform education, and expanded access to financial aid for college. Dale started the Native American Caucus in Congress and admirably represented Mid-Michigan during his time in office, uplifting local families, communities, and small businesses. He served students in the classroom, his community in the state capitol, and constituents in DC-where he rarely missed a vote in 35 years. A lifelong Michigander, his passion for working people was clear in the work he did every day. He made our state and country a better place. My thoughts are with his family, including his nephew, Congressman Dan Kildee who succeeded his uncle in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dale, we miss you." ### MANISTEE Consumers Energy hosted a ribbon-cutting event for the electric charging stations on Washington Street in Downtown Manistee on Friday morning. Among the people involved in the event was the Fourth District Manistee County Commissioner, Eric Gustad, who also works for Consumers Energy; Stacie Bytwork, president of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce; and Manistee City Manager William Gambill. The event lasted 20 minutes, with Bytwork, Gambill and Gustad speaking. Jeff Myrom, who is the director of Electric Transportation Customer Programs at Consumers Energy also spoke about the importance of electric vehicle charging stations. "We're super excited to have this clean energy infrastructure in Manistee, we specifically look for locations where people would want to come, people would want to spend one to two hours. Mark the the level two charging station which gets you about 20 miles of charge every hour. During that time, get out and about, enjoy the community in the local restaurants. And what this is important for Michigan as well as an entire state," Myrom said. "Our big three have all announced that they're going electric. This is part of the preparation for that infrastructure so that people can travel with confidence around the state and improve our state economy overall. And when you think about our clean energy plan by 2040, we're planning to have eight gigawatts of solar, all across the Lower Peninsula (of) Michigan, which means that all these vehicles will be charged, essentially by the beautiful sunshine we have here today. So we're super excited about that," Myrom continued. Gambill was the one given the honor to cut the ribbon. Gambill said he drives a Chevy Volt, so he is one person who would use the electric charging station. During the event Gambill also said, "I was very excited to see these are in place here in Manistee, and not just because I own a Chevy Volt, and I've actually tried these out, but you know I actually I was tasked in my last position to install these by funding commission, so it's already been done, which is great. And as Stacie (Btywork) mentioned, just being able to have people more vehicles are being produced by auto companies electric vehicles, and more people drive them, they're going to need places to charge as Stacie mentioned, they might as well charge here in downtown Manistee discover the gem that is Manistee and visit, the Ramsdell Theatre, watch a movie at the Vogue. Other cars are being charged and (people can) discover what a great place (Manistee) is. So again thank you for installing this infrastructure here." Bytwork noted the importance of the stations to the business community in Manistee. "This is very awesome," she said. "The chamber has an economic development arm so this right here, puts Manistee on the map and works with our city to bring in more tourism, it works with our tourism infrastructure so everything we see here with people want to charge their cars at the station(s) and then they can go downtown and visit our community, and spend money and fall in love with it, and get a home here and everything so we want to thank everyone involved on this. This is an exciting time." Gladwin County will receive a $2 million grant from the State of Michigan to address damage caused on the Burleson Drain and the Davidson Creek Drain, said Gladwin Drain Commissioner Terry Walters. Walters explained the damage occurred due to actions of the countys previous drain commissioner, Bob Evans. On behalf of my office and the consultants who have been working with us, Id like to thank state Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland) for his diligent efforts to assist the residents of this community by securing the funding for the projected work, Walters said. His work, and the work of all those involved, will alleviate the financial burden on property owners, provide for the necessary repairs to the drains and free Gladwin County from significant financial stress resulting from the improper performance of past maintenance that resulted in environmental fines and violations. This has been a top priority since I took office, and we are optimistic that this grant will allow us to alleviate much of the financial burden that has been placed on property owners, Walters added. It is truly remarkable that thanks to the Michigan Legislature and Sen. Stamas, we are able to suspend current assessments for the Burleson Drain and the Davidson Creek Drain. The previous work on the drains resulted in major soil erosion and sedimentation damage. The Gladwin County Board of Commissioners worked to remove the former drain commissioner from office and negotiated and paid the fines associated with the violations on behalf of the drainage districts. According to Gladwin County Commission Board Chairperson Karen L. Moore, The appropriation of these funds through the hard work and dedication of Sen. Stamas is greatly appreciated by the county board and our residents. The need for this funding was created by a situation that was not the fault of the taxpayers and shows that faith in our Congressional leadership as well as Gov. Whitmers office is not misplaced. While negotiations on specifics of the restoration projects continue, Walters expects the drain work occur in 2022. Previously Walters advocated in reducing fines levied against the former drain commissioner that included citations for the above drains. In April 2018, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), along with then-Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, charged Evans with 81 alleged infractions that contributed to soil erosion and sedimentation and not protecting surface water. The settlement amount was reduced from an estimated $11 million to a $37,000. The county reportedly paid the settlement. In addition to meeting with the residents harmed by faulty drains, Walters said it was awful seeing people, some who cant fully use their property due to damages involving seven drains in the county. Walters ran against Evans earning 1,671 votes in the 2020 contest and Evans garnered 814. Evans said he has nearly 40 lawsuits against him, seven alone from famed Geoffrey Fieger, stemming from problem drains and soil erosion. Evans said previously that some of the lawsuits have nothing to do with him and some are frivolous, noting he had nothing to do with some of the issues. The status of the cases is not immediately known. During the Oct. 6 Harbor Beach Board of Education Meeting, Harbor Beach Elementary Principal Matt Quintano told the board there were 188 students in K-5, and an additional 39 in Pre-K. Afterward, Quintano gave his monthly report and detailed some important events. The elementary school used grant money to hire Brian Stack, a professional learning community expert, to visit the school several times during the 2021-2022 school year. He was recently at the school, and he will revisit three additional times in person, and he will hold five online meetings with school personnel. During his visit, Stack worked with the upper elementary grade staff to create action steps and to set specific goals. Other topics covered included understanding rubrics and creating them with common assessments. In addition, he discussed different areas of English and language arts and he covered a new reading series, if needed. In the lower elementary grades, Stack discussed foundational reading, math standards, and helped personnel investigate more ways to conduct cross-grade level interventions. In his report, Quintano said the Harbor Beach Homecoming Parade was a huge success. The K-5 students rode a hay wagon in the parade and they had a great time. He also stated the Acadience Testing is complete for the fall, and NWEA is now in progress. At the time of the meeting, Quintano told the board that four students were currently quarantined with COVID, but none of them were exposed in school. He said upcoming events for K-5 will include fire safety presentations with the Harbor Beach Fire Department during the week of October 11-15, 2021. Parent-teacher conferences will take place October 13-14 from 3:30-7 p.m. each day. There will be only a half day of school on Friday, October 15. Picture Day will be on November 2, and the end of the marking period will be Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. Harbor Beach Middle School and High School Principal Aaron Bulgrien told the board there were 215 students in the high school, and 103 students in the middle school. While discussing points of pride, Bulgrien said the 3rd Annual Calling Fair was recently held at Harbor Beach. Presenters from several professions were at the school to present classes. Grades 6-12 could choose up to five sessions to go to throughout the day. In addition, high school special education instructor Lindsey Talaski had received a grant through the intermediate school district to purchase $3,000 worth of materials and resources for her students. The principal told the board there were several upcoming events coming in the next few weeks. On Wednesday, October 13, grades 8-11 will take PSAT tests. Senior students do not take these tests in the 12th grade, and they will be going to the Detroit Zoo during the school day. Later, Harbor Beach Schools Superintendent Shawn Bishop told the board that there was some damage to the roof during a recent storm. There had also been some small amount of water damage done by the damaged roof. He explained a roof hood had blown off and needed to be replaced. Luckily, it looks as if all repairs will be covered by the school's insurance. He said there is a possibility there will be some funds left over from the recent school bond issue. If there are left over funds, they will be spent to put air conditioning in up to eight rooms in the school. Bishop said he and his assistant, Deb Hunter, are looking into leases for new copy machines. He surprised the board by telling them that about 100,000 black and white copies are made each month in the schools. He then explained any lease which gives a small discount per copy will add up to a significant amount of money each month. The next Harbor Beach Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. It is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will be held in the high school library. PORTLAND Every year around this time, the pop of gunfire begins just before dawn, announcing the start of migratory bird hunting season in Connecticut inevitably prompting queries and complaints on social media. Mike Siena, of Portland, prepares everything ahead of time because the first season is only one week. You wait all year for this, he said. This is our time to shine. In September, I was setting up my truck, training with my dog, and cleaning guns, and making sure there are no holes in my waders. Hunters wear full camouflage because ducks can see color, he added. Ducks are very, very fast game, he said, so hunting them requires quite a lot of preparation. Its not that you just show up and you randomly spot them. You can really, really simplify it if you want and get a gun and sit out in a swamp, and youll probably shoot a duck, but serious enthusiasts bring decoys and other equipment. Siena wont even tell his friends where hes going to avoid tipping them off to where hes found a lot of birds. When somebody asks me where I go hunting, I usually say the woods. As Ive grown up in hunting, you realize no spot is a secret spot, said Siena, who also hunts waterfowl at the sprawling Meshomasic State Forest. Portland is lucky because it has three sides of the Connecticut River, and, with that comes a lot of flood plains, he said. Early morning gunfire is sporadic, and, although non-hunters may think the sound is a nuisance, this is the optimal time to head out into the woods, Siena said. It might be still dark out, but first light is the shooting time. Ducks dont go by the clock, he said. They go by the natural light available. In the morning, ducks travel from their roosting place, where they sleep, to where theyll feed for the day. All ducks do is sleep and eat, Siena said. Thats where they spend the majority of their day. This year, duck hunting season runs until Saturday, and again Nov. 11 to Jan. 11, when more fattened waterfowl are migrating south for the winter. The state permits the hunting of ducks, mergansers (which are larger); and coots (a smaller bird) on state and private lands during those 13 weeks only. Hunting is a loud sport Every season, residents fill the Portland CT Community Facebook page with questions, bemoaning hunters early start. This week, one commenter asked about crazy amounts of gunfire, while another observed that it mustve been a whole lotta ducks, or some shotty shootin! Siena admits the sound is pretty loud, and most hunters have to wear ear protection. It sounds like a fighter jet flying through the air, he said. A lot of old duck hunters cant hear. Theyre fast and the wind is going through the wings. When theyre flying, it makes a faint whistling noise, which hunters need to tune into. First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield said she hasnt fielded any complaints this year, but shes seen myriad questions on Facebook wondering what is causing the noise. Where they hunt The Wagunk Meadows, which is part state and private land, are a popular hunting ground for duck, Bransfield said. Its certainly well-used. Sports shooters also hunt at the Portland Fairgrounds swamp area. Meshomasic State Forest is also another population location, said Siena who wishes he could hunt ducks every day during open season. Hunters spend a lot of time scouting duck feeding areas. You want to beat them to the spot. You have to put in time to make your luck, Siena said. When the colder weather sets in, he said, hunters will spot ducks flying from Canada, passing through on their way south. The federal government, which regulates every migratory bird, oversees their hunting because they are interstate travelers, Siena said. It also sets limits on capture depending on the type of duck. February is the time when the baby ducks are grown and theres no chance they shoot ducklings, Siena said. By that time, they are all able to survive on their own, flying and doing everything a normal duck does. Norwalk Police / Contributed Photo NORWALK Police responded to Roton Middle School Thursday afternoon after receiving calls about an apparent incident at the Highland Avenue school. Police received a call just before 3 p.m. Thursday stating there were shots fired at the middle school. Multiple officers responded to the scene and quickly determined a shooting did not take place and everyone was safe, according to the Norwalk Police Department. Lt. Col. Stu Scheller, who has become a symbol in some military and political circles of a need for military accountability and reform, spent much of his time during his court-martial this week repeatedly admitting that the statements he made through social media posts were intentionally disrespectful and unwarranted. Scheller catapulted into the burgeoning swamp of public discontent and blame after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan came to an abrupt conclusion in August with a final 13 service members dead and as images of desperate Afghans clinging to the sides of a plane stoked anger over a 20-year war that hadn't ended in triumphant victory. In a string of videos, he berated senior military leaders for the results of the war and called out a culture that, in his eyes, was incapable of holding itself to account. It was a view that, according to Scheller's remarks in court, resonated with "many Gold Star families, junior Marines, and Congresspeople" who reached out to him "in support." However, throughout his explanations after he pleaded guilty to six charges, Scheller's words painted dueling pictures of a man who was willing to be held accountable but remained unrepentant. "I am standing here today pleading guilty; this is me accepting accountability," Scheller said in his own defense Thursday. "But it deeply pains me that my senior leaders are incapable of being as courageous." Read Next: Navy Prepares for Discharges of Sailors Who Refuse COVID Vaccine Scheller's videos went largely unchallenged by the Marine Corps, which said little beyond issuing a handful of statements and confirming basic facts as they accumulated views. But the court-martial provided long-awaited insight into what drove the Marine officer to make a series of career-altering posts, as well as what the branch's leaders found most objectionable about Scheller's public remarks, leading to a gag order, a mental health check, and finally pretrial confinement ahead of this week's hearings. It also showed how Marine Corps officers repeatedly tried to divert him away from his escalating rhetoric, only to see Scheller post again and again as his business and marriage faltered and his life "was spiraling." In the space created by the public silence from the service, some painted Scheller as a hero, demanding a reckoning over the collapse of Afghanistan. Others saw a troubled Marine wounded by the unsuccessful end of a war in which he'd personally fought. Still others saw a man carving out a path for a political run. All contained a level of truth, something that began to take shape when the facts behind Scheller's sudden rise to public consciousness were laid out in court. On Friday, he was sentenced to forfeit $5,000 from one month's pay and to receive a letter of reprimand. He also is set to be discharged from the Marine Corps, although the specifics of his separation have yet to be decided by Navy Secretary Carlos del Toro. The Charges Scheller faced six different charges -- tied to four videos and other posts he'd uploaded to social media sites -- that ranged from disrespecting public officials to conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. As part of his guilty plea, the Marine officer had to go through every charge and convince the court of the sincerity of his plea. "The court will only accept your guilty plea if you are guilty and believe you are guilty," Col. Glen Hines, the judge in the case, explained Thursday. The result was a detailed recounting of what brought Scheller before the court-martial, which was held in a small, utilitarian structure amid the barracks buildings and fast food restaurants of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Media were not allowed inside the courtroom and instead watched a video feed from a trailer set up nearby. Two Marines walk past the sign outside the building where Lt. Col. Stu Schellers court-martial was being held on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2021. (Konstantin Toropin) Scheller's first video, posted Aug. 26, prompted the charge of disrespecting a public official -- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. "I believed the secretary of defense made decisions that led to the failed withdrawal of Afghanistan," Scheller explained in court, admitting that he highlighted "his [Austin's alleged] incompetence publicly" in his first video. The trial revealed that, while that first video prompted a publicly acknowledged relief from his command by the Marine Corps, Scheller's bosses also issued a nonpunitive letter of caution after his second video. Such letters are private between the writer and recipient and, according to a Navy JAG newsletter, are intended "to serve as a leadership tool for teaching and training, instead of punishment." Scheller, who spoke unsworn before the judge, took particular exception to a statement that the Corps released shortly after his second video in August. It was one of the few times the service commented publicly on Scheller's posts, saying it was "taking appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of LtCol Scheller and his family." "This seemed like an obvious attempt from the Marine Corps to paint me as suicidal," Scheller said in his statement Thursday. He went on to argue that he took the development to mean that "the system didn't really care about me, but only wanted to protect itself." At several points in the testimony, Scheller alluded to the stress and hardship that he was undergoing in his life amid these posts. "My life was spiraling," the Marine said in court. Scheller said that, by the time he had posted two videos, his wife had left him, his small business was in trouble, and the specter of legal proceedings with the Marine Corps began to loom. However, both Scheller and his lawyers were careful to note that, while the Marine was under extreme pressure, he was not mentally ill. "There is no question that there is an emotional and a mental health aspect to this case," Timothy Parlatore, one of Scheller's four lawyers, said in his closing remarks. Scheller, in his unsworn statement, said, "Just because you're mad, doesn't mean you're bipolar or have a mental illness." Meanwhile, Parlatore noted that no one was citing diagnostics manuals or calling experts for testimony. Instead, he argued that Scheller "went through a mental process of pain, anger and despair that countless veterans have gone through ... very publicly." Scheller's public calls for accountability stemmed from that emotional anguish, spurred on by the chaotic and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan, Parlatore contended. "The Marine Corps only cared about my mental health once I publicly challenged the leadership," Scheller charged in his testimony. The message was that Scheller's mental state was a context, not an excuse. The Marine noted that his mandatory mental health evaluation determined that he "wasn't mentally unstable, just very angry at what I perceived to be consistent betrayal." After four videos and even more posts to social media, Scheller was ordered to stop posting on the sites by his boss, Col. David Emmel, on Sept. 17. It was an order that Scheller admitted he disobeyed -- though through court discussion and body language, it was clear that he didn't fully agree the order was legal. "I believe that's what Col. Emmel believed," Scheller told Hines. Violating the order led to the third charge for Scheller and, after three posts, brig time. A video Scheller posted Sept. 16, in uniform, asking for donations led to one of his two charges for dereliction of duty. Two other charges -- another dereliction of duty charge, as well as a charge of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman -- stemmed from the total sum of the Marine's activity between Aug. 26 and Sept. 26, the date of his last Facebook post. Prosecutors charged that Scheller discredited himself as an officer or disrespected other officers and officials 27 times through posts and remarks public and private. The Corps Speaks Until this trial, the Marine Corps had said almost nothing about the Scheller case. In his closing remarks, prosecutor Lt. Col. Troy Campbell argued that the timeline of behavior in this case was the result of a man who "insisted on escalating this process" and who "quit on the command" that was trying to help him. Campbell said that even the special court-martial -- a process with very limited ability to issue punishment, in contrast to a general court-martial -- is a sign of the Corps' efforts to aid Scheller. "Time after time, his command said, 'Come here, let's talk about this,'" Campbell said. Scheller himself admitted that his boss was "very patient" after the first video went up and noted that he "didn't jump straight to [a gag] order." When the trial resumed Friday, Hines described Scheller as someone whose service record painted the picture of "a career that appeared to be on the upward slope" while his posts showed "someone to be in pain, perhaps confused, and significantly frustrated." The judge also had sharp criticism for the manner in which the Corps handled aspects of the case. Hines noted that the nine days of pretrial confinement, as well as a leak of documents related to Scheller to a media outlet, raised the "specter of unlawful command influence." The defense noted both events as something they found troubling and would have litigated further if not for the plea deal that was reached. The trial also, at times, highlighted another aspect of Scheller's saga: the unacknowledged partisanship of some of his closest backers and supporters. Since the first video, many of the replies related to the Marine's posts have argued that his calls for accountability were a critique of Democratic policies and leadership. "I have stated many times that this is about Americans and not about divisions, to include Republican and Democrat," Scheller said in court. "This is about accountability of my senior leaders, not about politics." A long post from Scheller on Sept. 25 had sharp words for both former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Despite that, congressional support for Scheller came only from Republicans, and many were members of the far-right Freedom Caucus. Supporting testimony during the trial came from Reps. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. The latter's testimony drew repeated objections from the prosecutor for being irrelevant as it meandered from a retelling of her personal experience of Sept. 11, 2001, to calls for President Joe Biden's resignation. Parlatore defended the choice to call her as a witness by telling reporters that he "would have loved to have both parties." "I'm not going to tell any elected official who wants to come in and speak on behalf of their constituency about the impact of this [that] we don't want to hear from him." Congressman Ralph Norman, R-S.C., compared the case to that of Eddie Gallagher, the now-retired Navy SEAL who was found not guilty after his former colleagues accused him of war crimes during a tumultuous deployment to Iraq in 2017. Gallagher's story and judicial saga is closely tied with Trump, who broke tradition to overrule Navy leaders' attempts to hold the chief accountable after a court-martial found him guilty of only one minor charge. Since that trial, Gallagher has remained unrepentant and very publicly lashed out at his critics. Now, Gallagher and his Pipe Hitter Foundation are championing Scheller's case. The former SEAL has made more than 20 social media posts on the topic and helped raise over $2.5 million for him. Scheller, who smiled as he walked past reporters into court Friday morning, said that he felt "good" heading into his sentencing, the only time he talked to a small group of reporters gathered to cover the trial. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin. Related: Marine Who Became a Social Media Star for Questioning Afghanistan War Found Guilty, Awaits Sentencing 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. Mary-Ella Majetich is a pediatric nurse and Fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation who cares for her husband Jerry, a medically retired Iraq War veteran. Founded by former Sen. Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation advocates for military caregivers and their families. The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration. Before my husband Jerry and I were married, I would often take him to the hospital for appointments and procedures as his long-time friend. Jerry had been medically evacuated from Iraq after being badly burned and severely wounded by an improvised explosive device blast and gunfire. When I was visiting him after one of his many surgeries, it was clear something was wrong. He was in agony. The medical team diagnosed it as post-traumatic stress, but I was familiar with Jerry's PTSD, and I knew his ability to handle pain. This was different. As a pediatric nurse, I was certain he was dealing with compartment syndrome, which causes severe pressure in a muscle and starves it of oxygen. I chased the surgeon down the hall and pleaded my case. Fortunately, he listened and rushed to act. If the situation had lasted many more minutes, Jerry might have lost his leg. My medical training helped me assess Jerry's emergency, but it was what I learned as someone who spent considerable time with him that made the difference. Today, I am involved in every aspect of his medical treatment, and it has completely changed the progress of his recovery. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Department of Veterans Affairs and USAA launched the Academy for Inclusive Care to train VA professionals on how to incorporate caregivers into veterans' health care teams. To date, more than 5,000 clinicians, staff, providers, caregivers, students and community members, both within and outside the VA, have enrolled in this online training. The Foundation and VA also are making inclusive care one of the focal points of their National Convening on Veteran Caregivers, a free, virtual event Oct. 29 for everyone concerned about caregiving and veterans' care. Through the Campaign for Inclusive Care, the VA is well on its way to becoming a model health system for empowering caregivers. However, because changing organizational cultures takes time, caregivers still may need to demonstrate to medical professionals that they should be part of their veteran's health care team. Here are five steps I would recommend to my fellow caregivers: Recognize your own worth. As Jerry's wife and caregiver, I see his memory issues, sleepless nights, patterns in behavior, and the pain he tries to ignore. I have insights not available to even the best doctors. Establish lines of communication with medical teams. This process starts with making a connection to someone on his team who is responsive and can get you answers when you need them. I start with the admin staff, though I am not opposed to going higher. I also ask all health care providers to note my phone number as Jerry's primary contact. Know your rights. I have had doctors ask me, "What are you doing here?" Other staff have refused to let me in the door, thinking Jerry might not openly share his symptoms if I was in the room. Remember, as a designated primary caregiver, you have a right to be there. If you encounter roadblocks, ask to speak with your veteran's patient advocate and your caregiver coordinator, if one is assigned. Be persistent, but keep your temper in check. I never hesitate to ask for a person's name and the name of their manager. That said, I know I have to trust that our health care providers do want the best for Jerry, so there are times when I have to find the strength to be patient. Have a plan with your veteran. Before your veteran's appointment, discuss what you want to report to the medical team and agree on what you want to accomplish during the meeting. Perhaps you want to leave the appointment with an adjusted treatment plan, new medication, or revised diagnosis. Agree to your priorities and stick to them. As you join your veteran's health care team, remember that most of us are not trained for this role. Even as a nurse, I have struggled after hearing a diagnosis, or a new set of test results. Give yourself time to process hard news and never forget to take breaks for yourself. We are invaluable to our veterans, but we can care for them only if we care for ourselves too. As a current print subscriber, you receive 24/7 access to our website and online e-edition at no additional charge. All you have to do is activate your access. To activate digital access, you will need your account number. You can find your account number on any recent subscription notice or bill. Tracy Stone-Manning gave testimony before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on June 8. She was confirmed on Sept. 30 as the new director of the Bureau of Land Management. [Screenshot] 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. && In his letter Andrew Sandoval of LULAC says courts almost always agree that at-large elections should become district-based. These are not the kind of odds that Monterey wants to bet on, he wrote. June 16, 2020 Belarus - A U.S. Sponsored Color Revolution Is Underway U.S engineered attempts to overthrow a foreign government by stirring civil unrest are usually named after a color or, at times, a flower. Thus we had an "rose revolution" in Georgia, a "green movement" in Iran and an "orange revolution" in the Ukraine. But now the CIA and its assortment of supporting organizations seems to have run out of color choices. How else can one explain that their latest attempt in Belarus is called a "slipper revolution"? bigger No, the Guardian, which published the 'Slipper revolution' headline today but later changed it, did not come up with that stupid moniker by itself. The U.S. State Department funded Belsat.eu TV station was the first to mention slippers in a picture caption on May 31. bigger On June 6 the U.S. government funded RFE/RL was the first to use it in a headline. bigger Yesterday the U.S. government and NATO funded Atlantic Council mentioned slippers in a Belarus piece. The Washington DC based and funded Center for European Policy Analysis avoided the 'slippers' but its yesterday published piece on Belarus covers the same ground. When these western government funded organizations and media come up with explainer pieces about one not yet westernized country at the very same time one can be sure that something is up. Someone has obviously briefed these folks. So what is up with Belarus? The country has an interesting geographic position squeezed between NATO aligned countries and Russia. bigger With some 9.5 million inhabitants Belarus is rather small. Since 1994 it is ruled by President Alexander Lukashenko. He has stuck to Soviet-era policies. The country has a well developed industry that mainly exports heavy machinery. Large parts of the economy are still state owned and support the local towns and cities. The country thereby avoided the economic catastrophe that happened in Russia under Boris Yelzin but it also missed out on the economic development that happened in Russia after President Vladimir Putin took over. Since 1995 Russia and Belarus have an agreement to form a Union State: The Union State does provide citizens of Russia and Belarus the right to work and permanently settle in either country without formal immigration procedures otherwise mandatory for foreign nationals. They retain their national passports and other identification papers. The treaty, signed in 1999, also includes a common defense and economic integration as well as a Union parliament and other institutions. It is essentially aimed at integrating Belarus (and other former Soviet Union states) with Russia. But within a full fledged Union State Lukashenko's personal role would be largely diminished. He has dragged his feet whenever Russia made attempts to push for further steps towards it. Russia has subsidized the price of natural gas and crude oil it delivers to Belarus. The oil is only partly used within the country itself. Belarus refines it and sells the resulting products for hard currencies into western markets. The subsidized oil was until recently the 'integration rent' paid by Russia to keep Belarus near to its side. In late 2019 Lukashenko and Putin met for a summit in Sochi. Putin again pressed for more progress towards forming the Union State while Lukashenko continued to drag his feet. In consequence Russia cut the 'integration rent' by demanding higher prices for its oil. Back from Sochi and faced with a diminishing economy Lukashenko changed tack. He openly courted the U.S. and other western countries and suddenly emphasized Belorussian sovereignty. He even bought U.S. shale oil: Lukashenko has long balanced keeping Russia close but not too close. He rarely throws up any roadblocks to Russian policies. But Lukashenko also has resisted the Kremlins push for the two countries to form a unified state something they agreed to in 1999. ... So when they failed in December to agree on a new price for oil Moscow sells to Minsk, Russia temporarily cut the supply. Lukashenko then vowed to diversify Belaruss oil suppliers. He delivered by purchasing shipments from Azerbaijan, Norway and Saudi Arabia all in the past five months, capitalizing on a coronavirus-induced shock to oil prices. ... Pompeo visited Minsk in early February, when he first offered to sell American oil at a competitive price. It marked the first trip to Belarus by the top U.S. diplomat since Lukashenko took power. Then in April, the two countries formally reestablished diplomatic relations when Julie Fisher, a top State Department official for Europe, was named ambassador to Belarus a position that had been vacant for more than a decade. Lukashenko's unsustainable stunt of buying oil elsewhere worked to a certain extent. In May Russia again agreed to deliver oil to Belarus but only half the amount of previous years. But to get nearer to the 'west' also has a price. A U.S. ambassador in town means that regime change plots are never far away. The sudden attention that Belarus now receives from U.S. aligned organizations is a sure sign that one is underway. On August 9 Belarus will hold presidential elections. Lukashenko will do his best to win again. Color revolutions are usually launched over controversial elections. The results are publicly put into doubt even before the election begins. When the results finally arrive western media will claim that they diverge from the expectation it created and therefore must have been faked. People will be pushed into the streets to protest. To increase the chaos some sharp shooters may be put to work to fire at the police and at protesters like it was done in Ukraine. The revolt ends when it is flogged down or when the U.S. favorite candidate is put into place. Last year the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy financed at least 34 projects and organizations in Belarus. The U.S. does not do that out of charity but to put its finger on the scale. The U.S. seems to have at least two candidates in the race. The first one is the Navalny like rabble rousing 'slipper man': During the early stages of the current election campaign, thousands have been queuing up in towns and cities to sign petitions backing the candidacies of Lukashenkos main rivals. Candidates must collect 100,000 signatures by early July in order to be eligible for the ballot. Some anti-Lukashenko protesters have begun brandishing slippers in response to popular YouTube vlogger and presidential hopeful Syarhey Tsikhanouskis call to squash the Belarus president like a cockroach. This has led to tentative talk of a looming slipper revolution in line with the branded protest movements that have succeeded in toppling authoritarian regimes elsewhere in the former Soviet Union. Two candidates can probably be taken seriously: Viktor Babariko is the former head of Belgazprombank, while Valery Tsepkalo is a former senior Lukashenko administration official who served as Belarusian ambassador to the United States before more recently heading up the Belarus Hi-Tech Park, one of the largest IT clusters in Central and Eastern Europe. Unlike the puppets and outsiders who are generally permitted to run against Lukashenko, Babariko and Tsepkalo have the necessary seniority and establishment experience to be taken seriously as alternatives to the current political status quo. Babariko, as former head of a Gazprom bank, is presumed to be Russia's favorite candidate while Tsepkalo is likely the one who the U.S. would like to see in office. Both have quite similar neoliberal programs which argue for privatization and a more open economy. Lukashenko may take steps to remove candidates who could endanger his position. Police say they found $900,000 in a house owned by the 'video blogger' Tsikhanouski. He is also accused of attacking police at an unsanctioned rally. Last week Babariko's former bank was raided over accusations of a tax evasion scheme. Tsepkalo was fired as head of the Belarus Hi-Tech Park after he had used it to enrich himself. There are several obvious fraud cases that could be raised against him. The economy of Belarus is likely to shrink this year. Lukashenko's response to the Covid-19 epidemic has been as bad as Trump's. The state income from refining and selling products from subsidized Russian oil is down. There are reasons to vote Lukashenko out of office. But there are also reasons for wanting him to stay. The GDP per person in Belarus is around $20,000 (PPP). That is double the number of its neighbor Ukraine and some 30% lower than in Russia. Income equality in Belarus is relatively high. Social security and services function to a significant degree. It is not at all reasonable to claim that Lukashenko could not be a legitimate election winner. A color revolution, as it is now in preparation, would probably end up destroying the country. Should Belarus fall into the hand of a 'western' sponsored candidate its future would be bleak. The state owned industries would be privatized for pennies and much of the Soviet Union like social system, which still works well for most of its people, would be dismantled. The economic relations with Russia would suffer. In the end Belarus would probably be worse off than even the Ukraine. The long term future of the country lies with Russia which has the resources and interests to manage it well. The economies of both countries are already highly integrated. Their people speak the same language. They have a common history and the same religion. Russia has high interest to keep Belarus within its realm. It is difficult to predict how it will react should a U.S. directed color revolution proceed. Posted by b on June 16, 2020 at 17:42 UTC | Permalink Comments August 26, 2020 Belarus - NATO Lobby Acknowledges That Its Color Revolution Failed On August 15 we explained why the color revolution in Belarus would fail. Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko had offered President Vladimir Putin of Russia to finally implement the long delayed Union State that will unite Belarus with Russia. In exchange he wanted full Russian backing for shutting down the U.S. led color revolution against him. Putin accepted the deal. In consequence: Lukashenko, and his police, will not hang from a pole. Russia will take care of the problem and the Union State will finally be established. That does not mean that the color revolution attempt is over. The U.S. and its lackey Poland will not just pack up and leave. But with the full backing from Russia assured, Lukashenko can take the necessary steps to end the riots. And that is what he did. Lukashenko continued to allow demonstrations but when on Sunday the demonstrators were directed to storm the presidential palace they saw a theatrical but strong response: [T]he Polish-run Nexta Telagram channel (which is the main medium used by the Empire to overthrow Lukashenko) initially called for a peaceful protest, but at the end of the day a call was made to try to take over the main Presidential building. When the rioters (at this point we are dealing with an illegal, violent, attempt to overthrow the state so I dont call these people demonstrators) got to the building they were faced with a real wall of riot cops in full gear: this (really scary) sight was enough to stop the rioters who stood for a while, and then had to leave. Second, Lukashenko did something rather weird, but which makes perfectly good sense in the Belarusian context: he dressed himself in full combat gear, grabbed an AKSU-74 assault rife, dressed his (15 year old!) son also in full combat gear (helmet included) and flew in his helicopter over Minsk and then landed in the Presidential building. They then walked to the riot cops, where Lukashenko warmly thanked them and which resulted in the full police force giving him a standing ovation. To most of us this behavior might look rather outlandish if not outright silly. But in the context of the Belarusian crisis, which is a crisis primarily fought in the informational realm, it makes perfectly good sense. The protesters, which police had earlier identified as "rich city kids, the children of rich parents who are fed up with the well-fed life", did not have the stomach to attack a well armed and motivated police force. The NATO lobby shop Atlantic Council has also recognized that fact and bemoans it: The protesters are generally very sweet, polite, and peaceful. Many are young, middle class Belarusians who work in the countrys booming IT industry and come to rallies dressed in form-fitting hipster ensembles. Unlike events in Kyiv in 2013-14, there is no militant edge to the demonstrations. Indeed, this revolution is so velvet that at times it feels positively sleepy. For better or worse, there is a marked absence of the rough and stalwart young men capable of making liberals uncomfortable or leading the resistance if and when the authoritarian state decides to deploy force. Without Nazi stormtroopers like the U.S. used during the 2014 Maidan riots in Ukraine there is no chance to overthrow Lukashenko. With such troops the fight would end in a massacre and Lukashenko would still be the winner. The author rightly concludes: [T]he resistance of the Lukashenka regime is strengthening by the day. With Russia now seemingly standing firmly behind Lukashenka, photogenic rallies and patchy strike action will not be enough to bring about historic change. It is over. The 'patchy strikes' were never real industrial actions. A few journalist of the Belarus state TV went on a strike. They were unceremoniously fired and replaced with Russian journalists. A few hundred workers at the MTZ Minsk Tractor Works did a walk out. But MTZ has 17,000 employees and the 16,500+ who did not walk out know very well why they still have their jobs. Should Lukashenko fall it is highly likely that their state owned company will be sold off for pennies and immediately 'right sized' meaning that most of them would be out of work. During the last 30 years they have seen that happen in every country around Belarus. There have no urge to experience that themselves. On Monday the leader of the earlier MTZ walk out, one Sergei Dylevsky, was arrested while he agitated for more strikes. Dylevsky is a member of the self-proclaimed Coordination Council of the opposition which demands negotiations over the presidency. Other members of the council have been called in for questioning by state investigators over a criminal case against the council. Meanwhile the rather hapless opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who falsely claimed to have won the election, is in Lithuania. She is supposed to be an English teacher but has difficulties reading the English text begging (vid) for 'western' support. She has already met various 'western' politicians including the General Secretary of the German Christian Democratic Union party of chancellor Angela Merkel, Peter Zeimiag, and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun. Neither will be able to help her. With Russia's backing the military, political and economic stability of Belarus is for now guaranteed. Lukashenko will at some point be ousted but that will be at a time and in a way that is convenient for Russia and not because some hapless NED financed IT hipsters try to stage a revolution. Posted by b on August 26, 2020 at 17:13 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page August 10, 2020 Belarus, Pulling Bridges, MI6 And Russiagate When the summer gets too hot German schools release their students early. It is called hitzefrei. It is 33 centigrade (90F) here today. That may not seem hot for many of you but consider that hardly anyone here has air-conditioners. I will take today off and leave you with the three issues I had considered to write about. The predicted color revolution attempt in Belarus proceeds as expected: Tsikhanouskaya, who drew tens of thousands of people to her campaign rallies, refused to recognize the preliminary official results announced by the TsVK on August 10. "I consider myself the winner in the presidential election," she said in Minsk. Tsikhanouskaya said her opinion was based on what she called "real protocols" collected at the majority of polling stations, which, according to her, prove that she won the election. She also charged that the official results announced by the TsVK were rigged. Meanwhile, Tsikhanouskaya's supporters announced they would stage a mass demonstration against the official election tally on August 10 at 7 p.m. (1600 GMT/UTC) in central Minsk. The opposition in Belarus also has called for a nationwide protest strike starting at noon local time on August 11. President Lukashenko will not have any of that. The protests that followed yesterday's exit polls announcements were relatively small. Unless the security forces fall apart, which I do not expect to happen, the attempt to overthrow Lukashenko will be defeated. --- Is the U.S. turning into a third world country? I don't know. But when Chicago has to literally pull up the bridges something is definitely wrong: The looting seemed to be centered in Streeterville and North Michigan Avenue, but some looting was reported on State Street in the Loop and on the Near North Side. By 4 a.m. police appeared to be getting things under control. But some vandalism continued into the daylight hours, and the CTA suspended train and bus service into downtown during the morning rush, while the Illinois state police blocked off ramps from expressways. Bridges across the Chicago River were raised, except for the one on LaSalle Street for emergency vehicles. --- Russiagate, the deep state campaign to disenfranchise President Donald Trump, is further unraveling. The Spies Who Hijacked America is a first-person account that convincingly documents an MI6-linked conspiracy by former director Richard Dearlove, former agent Christopher Steele and FBI informant Stefan Halper to frame Carter Page that led to the FBI launching of "Crossfire Hurricane". The long read is very interesting but it still does not account for who or what instigated the British spies into launching their campaign against Trump. My hunch is that then CIA director John Brennan was the central person behind it. Posted by b on August 10, 2020 at 16:58 UTC | Permalink Comments next page May 27, 2021 By The Book - What Really Happened With The Ryanair Flight In Belarus We yesterday looked at the record of Roman Protasevich, the western financed neo-nazi arrested on Sunday in Belarus. Another still open issue is how the incident developed. Protasevich was arrested after a plane he was flying on from Greece to Lithuania was diverted to Minsk due to a bomb threat. There had been an open warrant of arrest against Protasevich which was enforced as he entered the country. NEXTA, the regime change organization in Poland where Protasevich had previously worked to organize a coup in Belarus, had doxxed policemen in Belarus and thereby endangered their families. The Aviation Department of the Belorussian Ministry for Transport and Communication has published its official report of the incident. It is written in Russian and English language (scroll down for the English version). The report includes what seems to be the full transcript of the radio traffic between the plane and the air traffic control. The report and the transcript debunk a number of false claims made in the 'western' reporting on the issue. The main facts: Department of Aviation in accordance with the requirements of Standards 5.2.5 and 5.3.1 of Annex 17 to the Convention on the International Civil Aviation, the Department of Aviation informs about the fact of an act of unlawful interference in the activities of civil aviation on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. On May 23, 2021, a written message with the following content in English was sent to the e-mail of the National Airport Minsk from the e-mail address protonmail.com: We, Hamas soldiers, demand that Israel cease fire in the Gaza Strip. We demand that the European Union abandon its support for Israel in this war. We know that the participants of Delphi Economic Forum are returning home on May 23 via flight FR4978. A bomb has been planted onto this aircraft. If you dont meet our demands the bomb will explode on May 23 over Vilnius. Allahu Akbar. Taking into account the seriousness of the threat received, the information from the National Airport Minsk was forwarded to the relevant air traffic control services of Belaeronavigatsia State-Owned-Enterprise. In accordance with the requirements of the Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention and the National Program for the Protection of Civil Aviation from Acts of Unlawful Interference in the Republic of Belarus, a response actions mechanism was put into effect in connection with acts of unlawful interference in the civil aviation activity. The flight FR4978 en route Athens (Greece) - Vilnius (Lithuania), operated on a Boeing 737-800 by Ryanair. The aircraft departed from Athens airport at 07.10 UTC (10.10 Belarusian time), entered into the Republic of Belarus airspace under the control of the Minsk ACC at 09.30 UTC (12.30 Belarusian time). The entry point into the airspace of the Minsk FIR was SOMAT. Some comments on this: The report is 'by the book' as it should be. Protonmail, from where the email was received, is a encrypted web-email service hosted in Switzerland which allows more or less anonymous traffic. An alleged screenshot of the email currently gets peddled around by the Editor-in-Chief of NEXTA: Tadeusz Giczan @TadeuszGiczan - 11:59 PM May 26, 2021 Not that anyone had any doubts but Hamas email was sent to Minsk airport 24 minutes after Belarusian air controllers warned Ryanair pilots theres a bomb onboard. bigger Giczan is right in that the time shown in the screenshot is inconsistent with the timing of the Ryanair flight in the Belorussian airspace. That however proves nothing. Time stamps in emails are notoriously unreliable as they depend on various computer timezone settings and several other variables. Clocks, computers and phones in Switzerland are currently set to UTC(GMT)+2 hours. Clocks, computers and phones in Belarus to UTC+3. A email sent at 10:57 Geneva time would likely show up as sent at 11:57 in Minsk time. However, if the timezone of the computer/phone that is used to look at the email is set to UTC+4 the email time would be shown as 12:57. Nice trick Mr. Nexta but that screenshot is unconvincing. The content of the email is not convincing as a threat. The demand for a ceasefire in Gaza is nonsense as one was already in place since May 21. The mentioning of the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece is of interest. Roman Protasevich had taken part in it and was on his way back to Vilnius. Why was that explicitly mentioned? If Belarus used the email as a trick to catch Protasevich why mention the Delphi Forum in the threat email? The last sentence of the email is of high interest because it decided where the plan would land: "If you dont meet our demands the bomb will explode on May 23 over Vilnius." In previous incidents of bombs on civil aircraft these were either set off by a timer or by a barometer (pressure = height over ground). That the extortionist would name a specific location for the bomb explosion can only mean that the bomb would be set off by a GPS device. This explains why the pilots decided to diverted to Minsk instead of finishing the much shorter leg to Vilnius. bigger The pilots decided to go to Minsk because the risk of a potential bomb going off over Vilnius, as announced in the email, was high. The transcript of the radio traffic shows that the pilots, not the authorities in Belarus, made that decision. Pilot: OK, I give you (unreadable) can you say again IATA code of the airport that authorities have recommended us to divert to? ATC: RYR 1TZ Standby. Pilot: Standby, Roger. ATC :09:41:00: RYR 1TZ . Pilot: Go ahead. ATC: IATA code is MSQ. Pilot: can you say again please? ATC:IATA code MSQ. Pilot: MSQ, thanks. Pilot: 09:41:58: RYR 1TZ Again, this recommendation to divert to Minsk where did it come from? Where did it come from? Company? Did it come from departure airport authorities or arrival airport authorities? ATC: RYR 1TZ this is our recommendations. ... Pilot:09:47:12: RYR 1TZ we are declaring an emergency MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY RYR 1TZ. our intentions would be to divert to Minsk airport ATC: RYR 1TZ MAYDAY, Roger. Standby for vectors. Pilot: Standby RYR 1TZ. Pilot: 09:48:10 RYR 1TZ request descent to 10000 feet. ATC: RYR 1TZ , descend FL100. Pilot: descend (unreadable) RYR 1TZ. I am convinced that the radio transcript as presented by the Belorussian air authority is complete and that nothing in it is fake. Air control radio traffic is not encrypted and lots of amateurs constantly record it. The Cockpit Voice Recorder of the Ryanair machine will also have a full copy of the talk. Reportedly the Belorussian airforce sent up fighter jet to watch over the Ryanair flight. The Ryanair pilots were not made aware of that. There is no mention of it in the radio traffic transcript. Sending up fighter jets to watch over planes under bomb or hijacking threat is however a standard operation procedure. On July 14 2020 a bomb threat was made against a Ryanair flight from Krakow to Dublin. The plane made an emergency landing in Stansted: The security scare on a Ryanair flight which sparked the RAF to scramble two fighter jets was due to a note claiming there was bomb on board the plane, airline bosses revealed last night. Just three days later another Ryanair flight came under threat: A 51-year-old British man has been arrested after a Ryanair flight from London to Oslo received a bomb threat. Danish F-16 military aircraft were scrambled to escort the plane to Gardermoen Airport - the main international airport in Norway. In a statement, police said the situation is now under control and the aircraft will now be examined by the emergency squad and bomb group. It seems to me that the Belorussian authorities did everything by the book. Like in Norway the aircraft, its cargo and the passengers were examined by an emergency bomb squad. Here is how that looked in Minsk. bigger After the plane was declared clear by the bomb squad the authorities let the passengers board and leave to their original destination. Roman Protasevich and his Russian girlfriend, who had had a role in his regime-change efforts, were taken under arrest. At least one other passenger, who had originally planned to fly from Greece to Minsk with only a stopover in Vilnius, also went from board. Earlier speculations of KGB agents leaving the plane in Minsk have not been confirmed. The aviation department report closes with this: The Department of Aviation also wants to assure that the Belarusian aviation authorities, aviation organizations and the relevant law enforcement agencies of the state have taken and will continue to take the necessary measures and actions provided for by international and national legislation aimed at ensuring reliable protection of civil aviation from acts of unlawful interference. For further consideration of the circumstances the Department of Aviation has invited representatives of ICAO, IATA, EASA, and EU and USA Civil Aviation Authorities. Those international organizations should accept the invitation and take a deeper look at the issue. They should talk to the pilots and listen to the radio traffic as recorded by the cockpit voice recorder. I am convinced that they will find that everything happened exactly as the Belorussian authorities said. They received a bomb threat against the plane, informed the pilot and recommended to land in Minsk. The pilot weighted the circumstances and decided correctly to follow the advise. There is only one big question for which we have yet to find an answer. Who send the email that led to all this and for which purpose? One can easily construe motives for both sides. A. Belarus secret services wanted to capture Roman Protasevich no matter what and sent the email. They were willing to accept the predictable sanctions that would follow such a move. B. The regime change gang that met in Greece wanted new attention and fresh sanctions on Belarus. Someone in the team sent the email. The group was willing to accept a few years of jail time for Protasevich who might or might not have been in on this. I have no further evidence to decide if A or B is right. There is however a lot of historic evidence that 'western' supported regime-changers are extremely ruthless and willing to play with the lives and well being of other people. My gut feeling therefore tends to B. In light of the above it is quite curious (but not astonishing) that 'western' governments are now pressing their airlines to avoid Belorussian airspace. Russia, Belarus' big ally, is currently responding to that measure by prohibiting flights that avoid Belarussian from entering Russian airspace. A lot of flight schedules will have to change if this nonsense continues. Posted by b on May 27, 2021 at 15:19 UTC | Permalink Comments October 15, 2021 EU Faces Migrant Backlash After Sanctioning Belarus In June 2020 Moon of Alabama reported of a planned color revolution in Belarus. During the election in August 2020 the predicted color revolution attempt indeed happened and we predicted that it would fail. By August 15 it was clear that Belarus had found an agreement with Russia that would destroy the color revolution attempt and remove any danger from the country. Ten days later the NATO lobby Atlantic Council acknowledged that the color revolution attempt had failed and bemoaned that it had been too peaceful. The 'west' was outraged about its failure to bring President Lukashenko down. It sanctioned the country but soon things settled down. The exiled opposition tried to keep unrest in Belarus going but had no success. No new sanctions would be imposed if nothing else happened. In May 2021 a mysterious bomb threat against a Ryanair plane flying over Belarus necessitated the emergency landing of the plane in Minsk. When the passengers left the plane and passed through passport control two of them were found to have arrest warrants open against them. They were both lower level actors within the exile opposition. The exiled opposition and 'western' media falsely claimed that Belarus had hijacked the plane. That was certainly not the case. Belarus handled the bomb threat against the plane by the book and it was the Ryanair pilot who had decided to land in Minsk after he had talked with his airline. The 'west' ignored that reality and went with the fake 'state sponsored hijacking' story the exiled opposition tried to sell. It raised further sanction against Belarus. It told its airlines to stop flying over Belarus and it prohibited Belavia, the state owned airline of Belarus, from landing in 'western' cities even though Belavia was in no way involved in the Ryanair case. That was bad news for Belavia and for the many people working for it: May 27. /TASS/. Belavia is being forced to reduce its headcount due to the sanctions the EU imposed on the Belarusian airline after the incident with the plane of the Ryanair air carrier. The airline broke the news on its website on Thursday, adding that layoffs will not be massive. ... On May 24, due to the incident with the Irish Ryanair passenger plane, the EU summit decided to ban Belarusian airlines from flying to airports of EU countries and flying over their territory, and also recommended that European carriers refuse to fly in the airspace of Belarus. Belavia had to find new routes to keep its planes busy and the company going. Soon someone, maybe Lukashenko himself, came up with an idea. There are a number of people in the Middle East who would like to live as well pampered 'refugees' within the European Union. Belarus started to offer tourist visas to anyone who asked for one and gave slight hints that it has rather open land borders with several EU states. Suddenly the Belavia planes flying new routes between Turkey and Minsk started to fill up. Soon there came news from Lithuania and Poland that people from the Middle East were crossing the Belorussian borders into their countries to ask for asylum. None of those eastern EU countries wants to receive any 'refugees'. They either try to push them back or to push them further west into Germany and beyond. They also attempted to launch a pressure campaign against Belavia: European countries are under increasing pressure to stop companies from leasing jets to Belarusian airline Belavia. Calls for stricter measures led by the Lithuanian government come after the flag carrier increased the number of flights between Turkey and Minsk. The bump in flights is seen as a deliberate measure to send migrants into the EU via a new migration route from Belarus to Lithuania and Poland. Lithuania, Poland, Latvia and Estonia on Monday issued a statement calling on EU countries to jointly use all available diplomatic and practical means to cut the new irregular migration routes at its inception, as soon as possible. Last week, the Slovenian Council presidency said governments should ensure civil aviation is not instrumentalized by the international smugglers networks. The current German Foreign Minister, the rather simple minded Heiko Maas, also seems to think that the problem are 'airlines': "Every day, hundreds of desperate people arrive at the airport in Minsk. Lukashenko is luring them with false promises to send them on a dangerous and illegal journey into the EU, Maas was quoted as telling Bild. The airlines that carry these people make themselves into helpers of the rulers in Minsk. Maas didn't single out any airline by name. But he said that these companies must ask themselves whether they want to be part of an unscrupulous international smuggling ring under Lukashenko's leadership and what consequences this can have for them. He said that the matter will be discussed at a meeting Monday of EU foreign ministers. Hey Maas, you have SANCTIONED those airlines. They are obviously NOT what causes the problem. Your sanctions are. The EU sanctions against Belavia are unjustifiable. The company needs to keep paying its pilots and its planes flying. To blame it for flying well paying passengers from Turkey to Minsk, and maybe soon also from Baghdad or elsewhere to Minsk, is useless nonsense. It has been obvious for more than a year that 'western' regime change efforts in Belarus have failed. The only man who can successfully remove Lukashenko is Vladimir Putin. He, for now, wants him to stay in his position. The sanctions against Belavia and other Belorussian companies are unjust. The EU could simply remove them and let Belavia again fly its old routes to 'western' cities. The 'tourist' flights from the Middle East would soon end and the 'refugee' problem would be solved. It would be simple realpolitik which is why it is unlikely to happen. The 'west', with people like Maas, is still too deluded about its own 'values' and rightness to be able to agree to simple honest deals. It seems that Belavia will have to lease a few more planes and open new routes until the boneheads in Brussels give in. Posted by b on October 15, 2021 at 18:21 UTC | Permalink Comments Cold air will not be the only thing giving consumers chills this winter. Calling it a "winter of discontent," analysts at S&P Global Platts forecast continued high energy prices into next year. We are heading into a winter of discontent where across all sectors supply is struggling to keep up with the rebound in demand, leading to spikes in commodity prices, stated Chris Midgley, global head of analytics at S&P Global Platts during an online media briefing to discuss the energy outlook. Theres no question consumers will feel the pinch of high energy prices, and not just high energy prices but that will feed into other commodities food stuff, the cost of moving around, delivering Christmas gifts, he continued. He said the current spike in crude and natural gas prices is more a commodity bubble than a super cycle. A super cycle is when you have a supply crunch, supply cant keep up with demand. A bubble is when you see a surge in demand, Midgley explained. He added that oil and gas demand has certainly surged as it recovers from the worst effects of the pandemic. The speed with which demand has recovered has supply struggling to keep up, he said. Adding to the oil supply crunch is the jump in natural gas prices, which is prompting a switch from natural gas to oil for fuel, which is expected to add 500,000 barrels a day to demand this year, he said. S&P Global Platts is forecasting flat prices above $75 through July, dipping below $70 in August and rebounding back above $75 in September of next year. The energy analytics company also expects supplies to tighten further in the second half of 2022. Midgley said analysts have been surprised by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies declined to increase production recently, signaling even tighter markets next year. He said OPEC+ spare capacity could handle one major supply disruption but not multiple disruptions, especially in the second half of next year. That illustrates why its important that the US and Iran revive their nuclear deal and return about 1.5 million barrels a day of Iranian oil to the market, he said. Simon Thorne, global head of generating fuels and electric power analytics, sees US producers commitment to capital discipline contributing to supply tightness. Theres less excitement to really ramp up, said Thorne, citing a reluctance to significantly invest in fossil fuels as the energy transition gets underway. He said the high prices should have brought a more significant response in terms of increased production. You have to ask if capital discipline will end, and if so, when. And if it doesnt, thats a key risk to the production outlook. The key risk for US consumers is a cold winter, Thorne said. If current capital discipline continues to constrain oilfield activity and winter demand is strong, gas prices at Henry Hub could soar to $12 to $14 per MMBtu, he cautioned, which will hurt the US economy. All the rig count increase and production increase is coming from small operators, said Midgley. The analysts turned to Europe as a cautionary tale for the US, as European countries have implemented carbon prices that are laid on top of the cost of oil or gas, pushing consumer prices even higher. The carbon price has done nothing but cause consumers pain, said Midgley. It doesnt help decarbonization, it just causes the consumer pain. US refiners are expected to see improved margins as they are more able to access lower cost fuel whereas refiners in Europe and Asia will more likely be forced to buy high-priced gas and thus may trim runs, said Rick Joswick, head of global oil analytics. US agriculture could undergo a transformation, said Patricia Luis-Manso, head of agriculture and biofuels analytics. She explained that expanding renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production could reduce US farmers reliance on exports for soybeans and other oilseeds. An estimated 3 million acres or corn will switch to soybeans, leading to higher corn prices and weaker ethanol margins. Native Midlander Kelsie Rasure recently became the board president. The 20-something felt the need to give back to an individual organization and commit to a leadership position. The Midland Rainbow Room, an emergency resource room at Child Protective Services, provided that opportunity. The Rainbow Room assists with emergency needs of abused and neglected children and families in crisis. Rasure, 29, has volunteered on projects at nonprofits, such as Breaking Bread and Helping Hands. Anytime somebody presents me with an opportunity to volunteer and serve, my answer is always yes, she said. I dont care what it is. I just have always wanted to help people. Every month this year I wanted to volunteer in something different to narrow down my interests in volunteering, she added. I wanted to find my niche and see what leadership opportunities there were. Rasure found the Midland Rainbow Room and immediately she knew it was a fit, she said. Then a leadership opportunity that she had been looking for opened up. Previously, she had volunteered at Rays of Hope, a grief center for kids. Ive always loved kids and kids really cant help themselves, she said. The Rainbow Room has allowed me to help in more of an indirect way but still make a real difference. Rasure has stayed in Midland since completing high school. She attended Midland College then got her real estate license in 2012 while working with Victoria Printz. She finished her degree in marketing at the University of Texas Permian Basin. She originally started volunteering in the resource room at the Odessa Rainbow Room with organizing all the donations the nonprofit receives to give to children in Child Protective Services that need items. In Midland, her real estate team did a school supply drive for the Rainbow Room. Ways to help Society Chiropractic Company is hosting a pajama drive for the Midland Rainbow Room all of October. Any pajama sizes are welcome but most needed are teen sizes. The Midland Rainbow Room asks that the pajamas not be holiday-themed. See More Collapse During fiscal year 2020, Midland County had 219 children in Department of Family Protective Services custody. The other Rainbow Rooms in the Permian Basin served an additional 501 children that year. Although she is just getting started, the Rainbow Room is entering a busy season. She said a fleece drive, which is different this year, will be coming up in November and then Christmas is always a busy time. We are doing fleece because so often we do a coat drive and we get lots of big parkas which arent as needed in West Texas, she said. Those take up more space so we are doing a fleece jacket or blanket that kids can utilize more. Sun Valley, ID (83353) Today Snow showers will become more widely scattered for the afternoon. High around 40F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 23F. Winds light and variable. Muskogee, OK (74401) Today Sunny this morning then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Widespread frost likely. High 59F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 42F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. 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. Getty Images A child sexual abuse case that has been ongoing in Morgan County since December 2017 ended Oct. 5 with a guilty plea to two counts of battery. Robert R. Bilbruck, 44, originally pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal sexual abuse of a minor but later waived his rights to a jury trial and entered the guilty plea. Polls continually show that U.S. consumers want to buy American-made products. In particular, Americans dont want to buy from China, and they understand that buying Made in USA can support good jobs and economic growth at home. Unfortunately, federal government programs often incentivize foreign manufacturing. Thats because the United States stands alone among the worlds major industrial nations in lacking a coordinated strategy to grow domestic manufacturing. In fact, the stated goals of many important federal agencies actually serve as a barrier to developing new supply chains in the U.S. This lack of concern for domestic manufacturing is exemplified by the National Economic Council, the key White House body tasked with coordinating economic policy. Despite frequent presidential rhetoric such as President Joe Bidens Build Back Better agenda and former President Donald Trumps pledges to Buy American and hire American the economic council still lacks any mandate to rebuild supply chains at home. A look at various federal agencies reveals few goals to reshore important production. For example, the Department of Energys Loan Program Office provides billions of dollars in loans for power generation projects throughout the nation. However, the energy department doesnt specify where the resulting power grid infrastructure should be manufactured. Similarly, the Commerce Departments Economic Development Administration focuses on innovation, emerging technologies, intellectual property and data. This betrays a glaring lack of concern for the production side of digital technologies. The administration simply aims to Strengthen IP protection and Advance Innovation. However, research and development that the agency funds often ends up being manufactured overseas. Theres also the recent CHIPS for America Act, which aims to stimulate domestic research and development for semiconductors. Unfortunately, the legislation fails to sufficiently require chipmakers to locate new production in the U.S. And that perpetuates Americas longstanding pattern of inventing groundbreaking technologies like solar panels and computer chips and then manufacturing them overseas. The federal government spends roughly $600 billion annually on procurement. Spending that taxpayer money specifically on American-made products rather than imports could provide a huge boost for domestic companies. But too often, federal agencies simply purchase the cheapest possible goods, regardless of where theyre made. Most industrialized nations take a different approach. They use government procurement to support their own factories. And they wisely try to sell their goods in the U.S. but avoid buying American-made products in return. For example, India maintains a 125% tariff on imports of cars and trucks a policy it has used to build the worlds fourth-largest auto market. Virtually every car on Indias roads is made in India. In contrast, the United States imposes a mere 2.5% tariff on car imports. This allows multinational companies to build new auto plants in low-wage countries like Mexico and then sell cars very profitably to U.S. consumers. Essentially, when policymakers talk about boosting exports, theyre missing the big picture. In order to rebuild domestic manufacturing, Washington must finally prioritize Americas home market and help domestic manufacturers sell more products to U.S. consumers. An analysis by the Coalition for a Prosperous America found that the domestic U.S. market for manufactured goods totaled $6.8 trillion in 2020. By comparison, exports totaled only $1.2 trillion in 2020. Exports simply pale in comparison to what U.S. manufacturers could gain from reclaiming more of their home market. Unfortunately, U.S. manufacturers keep losing ground at home. Since 2002, Americas factories have lost 7.7% of their home market. Regaining that slice of the pie could add roughly $500 billion to U.S. manufacturing revenue and create millions of new jobs. Fixing this will require a concerted, whole-of-government strategy. That means Washington doubling down on domestic procurement and insisting that federal agencies purchase goods from U.S. suppliers whenever possible. Ensuring that federal agencies work together on rebuilding U.S. industry will require leadership from the White House. Its time to establish a national manufacturing policy overseen and coordinated by the executive branch. In particular, the White House National Economic Council should make industrial strategy a key part of its mission. Other nations are already embarking on electric vehicles and other breakthrough technologies. U.S. manufacturers deserve an equal footing in their home market as they compete in these new industries. However, unless Washington steps up, Americas manufacturers will keep losing ground in the one market that matters their home base. Michael Stumo is CEO of the Coalition for a Prosperous America. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. The Plainview City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night at City Hall. Most of the meeting which followed a 20-minute work session was spent on a closed session regarding the City Manager evaluation of Jeffrey Snyder. That session lasted nearly 45 minutes, after which Mayor Charles Starnes stated that no further action would be taken and closed the meeting. The rest of the meeting lasted roughly 15 minutes with quick approvals for each of the items on the budget. One item council unanimously approved 7-0 District 7 is still without a representative was the second reading of the citys revised ordinance regarding junked vehicles. The new ordinance, which modifies an already existing ordinance, now includes aircraft and watercrafts to the list of what could be considered junked vehicles that cannot be parked in the right-of-way in residential zones. If a junked vehicle is on private property, and its been inoperative for 30 days, notification will be given to the owner and to the property owner. That notice will start the clock on a 10-day period in which the vehicle owner must remove it or receive a citation. At the previous council meeting where council approved the first reading of the ordinance, City Attorney Matt Wade said the changes to the ordinance brings the citys guidelines up to date with current Texas state law. According to the Texas Municipal League, a junked vehicle is defined as either a self-propelled vehicle that is wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled or discard; or a vehicle that is inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours on public property or 30 consecutive days on private property. Maintaining a junked vehicle and violating the ordinance is a misdemeanor offense that is punishable by a fine of up to $200. Council also extended the citys COVID-19 disaster declaration to Nov. 13. Other approvals by the council included agreeing to receive $304,953 from a Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19 Vaccination Capacity Contract. Snyder said the funds will be used for vaccine education programs. Council also approved to enter into an agreement between the South Plains Association of Governments and the city for ARPA Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Administration Services. These funds are provided to different cities throughout the country to help with the economic fallout of the on-going pandemic. The city has already received $2.5 million from these funds. What the funds will be used for is currently in discussion. Starnes said that SPAG is the perfect entity to help decide where these funds will be directed due to their expertise in this area. He called the funds can provide great benefits to the city. According to the U.S. Department of Treasurys CSFRF website, the funds are intended to be used to support public health expenditures; address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency; replace lost public sector revenue; provide premium pay for essential works; and/or invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Plainview Rotarians held their weekly meeting Tuesday. The program for the day was presented by Tiffany Lamb with Saint Francis Ministries, the organization that holds the contract to provide foster care support for the 41 counties surrounding Lubbock and Amarillo. Lamb explained that the foster care system is moving away from government-operated foster care to a private community-based system. The goals of her organization are to work to keep children with their families but if that is not possible, to place them in foster homes in or near their home communities. She said that in many cases children are moved as far away as to Houston, which takes them away from their friends and familiar surroundings, thus increasing the stress of being removed from their families. Following the meeting, the club dismissed and looked to the community for ways to show Service Above Self. The Texas Rent Relief Program has become the first in the nation to provide $1 billion in assistance, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announced on Thursday. According to the news release, the program has provided rent and utility assistances to more than 174,000 households. Another $52 million has been committed to being paid. These funds have reached 95% of the counties in the state. Dr. Richard Fountain, professor of piano and associate dean of the School of Creative Arts at Wayland Baptist University has been inducted in the Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes piano teachers for their commitment and passion to piano education. Fountain was recently invited to New York City by the President of Steinway and Sons for the induction and recognition of his dedication as an educator. Fountain has been instrumental in working with Steinway on the companys Spirio project. Through Spirio, which is a technologically advanced piano that allows for real-time music education to students located throughout the world, Fountain will work to teach students and train other piano educators and professionals in the art of piano performance. Dr. Ann Stutes, dean of the School of Creative Arts, said this honor goes beyond recognition of Fountains skill as an artist and performer. Dr. Fountain has received this honor because of his excellence in education, she said. He is second to none in terms of being a collegiate pianist and concert artist, but he received this honor from Steinway and Sons because he is a teacher. Along with his work with Steinway and the Spirio project, Fountain and fellow piano professor Dr. Kennith Freeman have developed on online piano pedagogy certification program. This certification is aimed at providing piano teachers with additional skills and education to become more effective and efficient in teaching their students. Through the online certification program and Spirio projects, Wayland has become a recognized leader in distance piano education. We are on the cutting edge of what it means to be educators of piano in the 21st century and its because of Dr. Fountain and Dr. Freeman, Stutes said. Wayland President Dr. Bobby Hall was on hand to officially present Dr. Fountain with a certificate recognizing him as a member of the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame. He said that while the university will claim a small piece of this, the honor is well-deserved for a dedicated faculty member. Dr. Fountain represents the best of this university, Hall said. Ive been here a long time and Ive seen a lot of outstanding faculty, people who have invested their lives in our students, and I will say that Ive never seen anyone do it any better. Fountain has been with Wayland since 2008 and is currently President-Elect of the Texas Music Teachers Association, a group of 2,000 Texas piano educators who work collaboratively with the Music Teachers National Association. He is the principal keyboard for the Lincoln, Neb., Symphony Orchestra and the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, and is a member of the Fulbright Specialist Roster for 2021-2025. Fountain recorded a piano music album, American Ivory, in 2012 on the Steinway and Sons grand piano that is used for Wayland performances. He also played a key role in selecting the Steinway piano for the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock. Josie Norris /Staff photographer (Bloomberg) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott scored a quick victory over a school district in the states second-biggest city after it tried to implement a vaccine mandate despite his recent executive order banning such rules. The Texas Supreme Court on Thursday sided with Abbott over the San Antonio Independent School District, which for months has been trying to mandate vaccines to protect students and staff from the deadly coronavirus. SipIt, the San Antonio chain of drive-thru daiquiri spots, is opening its newest location near USAA. The 5018 Research Drive SipIt marks the fifth opening for the brand. The local business also recently opened a Cibolo outpost at 3893 Cibolo Valley Drive. SipIt tells MySA they're aiming for an October 28 grand opening. Each location serves up to 20 varieties of frozen daiquiri drinks, Jell-O shots, and Sipsicles, an alcohol-infused spin on an ice pop. Employees, or what the company calls "Sipiologists," are on hand to help guide customers through their flavor choices, the website says. Daniel Jenkins had been messaging with a man on a dating app primarily used by gay men for several days before suggesting the two meet up. But when the man arrived at a Dallas apartment complex in December 2017 to meet Jenkins, he instantly knew something was off. He could see it in Jenkins's eyes, he told a judge on Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News. That's when Jenkins and his three friends forced him into a vacant apartment, beat him, robbed him and taunted him with homophobic slurs. Eight other men told a similar story, prosecutors said. "I would describe myself as an emotional mess since 2017," the man lured to the complex told the judge. Jenkins, the 22-year-old accused ringleader, has now been sentenced to the next 23 years and four months in federal prison. The Dallas resident pleaded guilty in June to one count of committing a hate crime; one count of conspiracy to commit hate crimes, kidnapping and carjacking; and one count of using a firearm during a violent crime. His three co-conspirators also pleaded guilty. Jenkins is the last to receive his punishment. Jenkins told the judge on Wednesday that he doesn't hate anyone and was sorry for his actions. "I don't have any hate toward the gay community," he said, according to the Morning News. A lawyer for Jenkins did not immediately respond to The Washington Post's request for comment late Thursday. U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade scolded Jenkins for his crimes during the sentencing hearing. "What you did was horrible," Kinkeade said, according to the Morning News. The violent rampage began on or around Dec. 6, 2017. Over the next five days, the four perpetrators assaulted at least nine men ranging from ages 19 to 57, according to court documents. Their method, prosecutors said in the indictment, was to create fake profiles on Grindr, posing as gay men interested in meeting up with other gay men. The purpose was "to commit violent crimes against them, including kidnapping, assault, robbery and carjacking," prosecutors said. Jenkins admitted to his involvement in the violent crimes. On Dec. 11, 2017, he said he "lured multiple victims to the apartment complex, pointed a handgun at them, took their personal property and assaulted them, causing at least one victim physical injury," a Department of Justice news release said. "Jenkins also admitted to participating in the carjacking of at least one victim." The 22-year-old told prosecutors that members in the group used gay slurs and taunted the victims. He added that at least one of the men tried to sexually assault one of the victims. Pablo Ceniceros-Deleon, Daryl Henry and Michael Atkinson pleaded guilty in 2019. They were sentenced in June to 22 years, 20 years and 11 years, respectively. Their ages ranged from 19 to 24 at the time of their guilty pleas. Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham for the Northern District of Texas said the Justice Department does not tolerate such "heinous, hate-based attacks." "This defendant singled out victims based on their perceived sexual orientation, then viciously assaulted them," Meacham said in a news release. "Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, bigots often lurk online. We urge users of dating apps like Grindr to remain vigilant." During the hearing on Wednesday, one of Jenkins's victims described his experience in 2017 and how the assault still impacts him. He told the Judge that Jenkins groomed him during the days they spoke on Grindr, in an effort to make him feel comfortable enough to meet up, the Morning News reported. Kinkeade said he has heard many victims' stories over the years. But this experience was different, he told the man targeted by Jenkins and his crew. "I probably won't ever forget your testimony," Kinkeade said. One San Antonio shop recently received high praise from Yelp. Feliz Modern landed on Yelp's top 10 Latinx-owned "Ones to Watch" in the Home & Decor category. Yelp's list was created for Hispanic Heritage Month, which ends on October 15. The local small business was just one of two Texas-based establishments to make the roundup along with the Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery in Houston. Yelp told MySA via email it picked Feliz Modern because of its national presence, average rating, and review counts. Additionally, Yelp used human curation to identify trendsetting businesses in the home space to determine the final "Ones to Watch." Co-owner Ginger Diaz opened her gifts and supplies store in 2017, offering colorful local and global art, gifts, and home decor with a San Antonio flare. The business now has two stores in San Antonio one on 110 W Olmos Drive and at the Pearl. In 2020, Diaz got time in the national spotlight because of her response to the pandemic. Feliz Modern was highlighted by Richard Quest on his CNN show, Quest Means Business. Quest spoke with Diaz about the issues her business faced and the decision to keep the store temporally closed while relying on curbside and online sales. Last year, Yelp announced the "Latinx-owned business attribute" as a way for Latino owners to identify themselves on the website. Since its launch, more than 24,000 businesses have self-identified as Latinx-owned on Yelp. Lambert here: Failed state territory, starting with the fact that we have community clinics, instead of a universal system like a civilized country. And of course people are being punished for doing the right thing, and supporting a public health effort. By Rachana Pradhan, KHN Correspondent, and Rachel Bluth, Correspondent for California Healthline. Originally published at Kaiser Health News. Community clinics in California say they havent been paid for at least 1 million covid-19 vaccine doses given since January, creating a massive cash flow problem for some and complicating efforts to retain staff. Clinics in other states, including Michigan and Mississippi, are also awaiting payment. The delays stem from the distinct way federally qualified health centers are reimbursed for care under Medicaid, the joint federal-state program providing health coverage for low-income people. Some centers are not even billing for the shots because they say its too complicated. Clinics are owed tens of millions of dollars, at minimum, for shots theyve given since the vaccines received emergency authorization. Of the roughly 70,000 doses administered by La Clinica de la Raza, an organization with more than 30 Bay Area locations, almost none of those costs have been reimbursed, chief financial officer Susan Moore said. And the clinics dont expect to receive reimbursement for around half of those shots because they were administered to the community without collecting insurance information. The extra staff time and supplies were covered with grant money. We were monitoring our cash very closely, Moore said. Early in the pandemic I was very concerned, but by the time the vaccine came out, it was clear to me that we were going to have enough cash in the short term. The Biden administration has relied on the clinics to boost vaccination rates among racial and ethnic minorities and people living in poverty. Health centers have administered nearly 15 million vaccine doses, federal data shows, although it is unclear how many of those were given during a patient visit. Under federal law, the government pays health centers a set rate for patient visits, each potentially costing hundreds of dollars. Many state Medicaid agencies have said that if a patient receives a covid shot along with other care, the clinics cost to give the vaccine is covered as part of its normal payment rate. Troubles getting paid occur when the covid vaccination is the only service provided, officials say, such as during a mass immunization clinic. During large-scale vaccine events, were usually administering vaccines without that broader service, said Phillip Bergquist, chief operating officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association, which lobbies for health centers. Some states have told health centers they can bill Medicaid separately for each dose administered in that situation, such as at the Medicare payment level of approximately $40 per shot. But others, like Michigan and California, have endured a months-long process with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to devise a payment formula for how much it costs a clinic to give a shot. CMS said it is reviewing proposals from 13 states to pay clinics for the vaccinations. We are continuing to work with states on their proposals, a CMS spokesperson said. If they are approved, the clinics would be paid retroactively. Michigan has been working with CMS to figure out reimbursement when those vaccines are administered as a stand-alone service, said Bob Wheaton, spokesperson for the states health department. Bergquist said the calculated cost in Michigan was just shy of $40 a dose. California devised a plan that meets federal requirements that reimbursement to these clinics be based on cost to provide services, said Carol Sloan, spokesperson for the California Department of Health Care Services. Californias average cost to provide each dose is about $67, based on data clinics provided. Because of the short shelf life of an open vial of vaccine, health centers opted for dedicated vaccination clinics instead of individual appointments, to avoid wasting doses, said Andie Martinez Patterson, a senior vice president at the California Primary Care Association, which lobbies for the states health centers. Lack of payment is untenable given these providers financial restraints and tremendous outlay of resources during this historic pandemic response, Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, wrote in a Sept. 22 letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. In interviews, clinics cited high expenses related to vaccination, including running community-based clinics and targeted social media campaigns. Theres a tremendous amount of misinformation and disinformation out there, said Jim Mangia, CEO of the St. Johns Well Child & Family Center in Los Angeles, which opened 26 vaccination sites and operates three mobile units. You kind of have to do double the work to counter it. Angel Greer, CEO of Coastal Family Health Center on Mississippis Gulf Coast, said not receiving payment to help cover the clinics staffing costs is detrimental. More than 50% of the health centers patients are uninsured and 14% each are on Medicare or Medicaid. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration separately reimburses clinics for vaccines administered to uninsured people. In Mississippi, state officials initially proposed a plan that would have reimbursed health centers at the Medicare rate for stand-alone vaccinations. CMS has not approved it. Im sure, across the nation is no different than Mississippi in our struggles to maintain adequate workforce. Its extremely difficult to be competitive with these workforce constraints when were not being reimbursed for these services, Greer said. The health center administered 1,000 covid vaccine doses in September, with the overwhelming majority occurring outside a regular medical visit, Greer said. In winter 2020, it became clear California clinics were going to have to eat the costs of vaccination for a while, Martinez Patterson said. They were hoping on a prayer that most of their costs would be reimbursed but went ahead and vaccinated patients anyway. Scott McFarland, CEO of MCHC Health Centers, said his staff at four clinics in rural Lake and Mendocino counties have administered 3,500 shots without reimbursement. Im fairly confident that we will eventually get paid, but this is one of the downsides to being a community health center, McFarland said, a sentiment others expressed. The clinic is still giving shots, and he thinks the money will come eventually. Its just a timing issue, I guess. Health centers are pulling from different pots to stay afloat: The American Rescue Plan Act provided $7.6 billion to clinics to support covid vaccination, testing and treatment. Clinics relied on small-business loans from the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as state money, for vaccination efforts. I do think because of the federal relief, there is not a fire, Martinez Patterson said. Health centers in other states echoed that. We do not have an issue with reimbursement, said Dr. Andrea Caracostis, CEO of the Hope Clinic in Houston. She noted that the federal government paid for vaccines and that some health centers payment rates cover vaccines. Fifty-one federally qualified health centers in California earlier this year reported unpaid claims for 1 million doses. The actual total is probably higher; California has 188 health centers. We dont view this small subset, nor the data provided, as sufficiently representative to accurately estimate the extent of unpaid vaccination claims, Sloan said. Health centers in California have administered 4.8 million doses, according to federal data. Were just whittling away at it, said Mangia, of St. Johns. St. Johns anticipates getting reimbursed for doses under Medicaid in November or December, the clinic said through a spokesperson. We know theyre good for it. We know its coming, Louise McCarthy, CEO of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, said of the Medicaid payments. But its really hard to hire people when you dont have cash flow. Yves here. As of midnight yesterday, neither Lambert nor I had heard from Jerri nor been able to raise her, which is very unlike her. So weve now gone from Thesis A, that she was having another wifi crisis, to Thesis B, that something Seriously Bad has happened. None of the friends I know in common has a clue and they agree this is very much out of band. So weve rearranged coverage for today. Will keep you posted. Cross your fingers as to what is up with Jerri. How Animals Map 3D Spaces Surprises Brain Researchers Quanta (David L) An Explosion in Snake Diversity Came After a Major Moment in Earths History ScienceAlert (Kevin W) American bumblebees disappeared from 8 states, face extinction USA Today (resilc) These Butterflies Full of Wasps Full of Microwasps Are a Science Nightmare Atlas Obscura (Chuck L) A meteorite barely missed hitting a Canadian woman who was asleep NPR (David L) La Nina Arrives, Threatening to Stoke Droughts and Roil Markets Bloomberg The Road To Clean Energy Is Messier Than We Thought Forbes The climate disaster is here Guardian (resilc) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCES PROMISE AND PERIL Harvard School of Public Health (David L) Mauritania Railway Atlas Obscura. Chuck L: A line item on your life time bucket list on which youd better bring your own bucket. Youll need it. #COVID-19 China? Brexit/UK New Cold War Assange Netflix To Launch WikiLeaks Smear Job Three Days Before Assange Court Date Caitlin Johnstone (Kevin W) Imperial Collapse Watch Has anyone written about Americas slowing temporality, its inability to imagine change of any kindstarting to become its defining trait! Quinn Slobodian (@zeithistoriker) October 9, 2021 Syraqistan Trump Trump Urges Republicans to Sit Out Coming Elections National Review (furzy) Top conservative lawyers steer clear of Trumps latest legal fight CNN Biden Texas Abortion Restrictions Can Continue During Litigation, Appeals Court Rules Wall Street Journal Supply Chain U.S. supply chain too snarled for Biden Christmas fix, experts say Reuters (resilc). I was stunned that the Administration was so clueless as to try to wrestle with this tar baby. This is not a problem you want to own yet they are on their way to doing so. Ikea warns stock shortages to last into next year BBC Utilize knowledge of Indigenous people to prevent wildfires CalMatters (David L) Update: Leader of Californias largest union resigns amid tax fraud, embezzlement charges Sacramento Bee (DSC). Same bunch that buried JJ Jelincic and Margaret Brown in the CalPERS board election. Woke Watch FAA Fumbled Its Response To a Surge in GPS Jamming Spectrum IEE. Chuck L: What could go wrong? John DeereBacked Lobbying Groups Host Anti-Right to Repair Conference Vice (resilc) BREAKING: Johnson & Johnson Puts Talc Spinoff Into Ch. 11 Health Law 360 Federal judge rejects a government bid to delay Purdue Pharmas bankruptcy settlement NPR (Kevin C) US heating bills will jump as much as 54% this winter, says government Guardian (Kevin W). The natives will not be happy. Bitcoin Futures Volume & Open Interest CME Group. Furzy notes: Total open interest in bitcoin futures, trading 7 months forward = 11,218 not very impressive.or liquid.for comparison, CMEs Dec corn contract alone has open interest of 620,483 ..but never let facts get in the way of a headline. Again from furzy: Bitcoin Fans Flock to the Futures Market Wall Street Journal Class Warfare Antidote du jour. Bob H: Betsy in the Maine woods on Sunday: And quite a bonus, from Chuck L: When marine biologist Roger Hanlon caught this creature on camera, he said he screamed bloody murder. And no wonder. A superb visualization of how chromatophores allow an octopus to blend in with the backdrops [source, read more: https://t.co/Vp1Uxhq0He] pic.twitter.com/1bp6cWouSN Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) October 12, 2021 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. (Natural News) Australia is set to halt domestic manufacturing of the experimental and dangerous AstraZeneca Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. In Nov. 2020, the federal government of Australia signed a contract with Australian biomedical firm CSL to manufacture 50 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at the companys main manufacturing hub in Melbourne. When the countrys government signed its agreement with CSL, policymakers there and around the world believed ramping up the production of COVID-19 vaccines was necessary to avert a crisis. But just one month after the AstraZeneca vaccines started getting distributed in Australia in March, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) pulled the pin on young Australians receiving the vaccine due to a high number of people experiencing fatal blood clots. ATAGI then recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine only be given to people over 50. This advice was later amended to people over 60. ATAGI argued that these age brackets were less susceptible to developing fatal blood clots. (Related: Australian nurse hospitalized with three blood clots after receiving AstraZeneca vaccine.) By the time more Australians started getting vaccinated with other COVID-19 vaccines, like the ones developed by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, fully vaccinated people carrying the delta variant started causing coronavirus outbreaks in several states. Both the federal government and its public health policymaking bodies ignored all scientific advice recommending a complete halt to all vaccinations to stop the post-vaccine outbreak. Instead, ATAGI did the complete opposite and removed all of its recommended restrictions for the AstraZeneca vaccine. AstraZenecas advocates blame negative press for vaccines woes By the time ATAGIs recommendation was published, many Australians were averse to taking the AstraZeneca vaccine. Obviously we dont want to manufacture something thats not going to be utilized, and we will have a number of options moving into the future, says Paul Griffin, an associate professor from the University of Queensland. It obviously has received a lot of negative press. Griffin insists without evidence that the AstraZeneca vaccine has proven highly effective and very safe. Some of the vaccines advocates have blamed AstraZenecas reputation on a variety of issues, most notably during an incident in June when the then chief health officer of Queensland Jeannette Young was accused of fearmongering about the vaccine. I dont want an 18-year-old in Queensland dying from a clotting illness who, if they got COVID, probably wouldnt die, said Young at the time. Weve had very few deaths due to COVID-19 in Australia in people under the age of 50. Wouldnt it be terrible that our first 18-year-old in Queensland who dies related to this pandemic died because of the vaccine? Notwithstanding the perhaps disproportionate criticism that this vaccines reputation has experienced, we couldnt be prouder that the AstraZeneca vaccine has given protection to many millions of Australians, claims CSL chairman Dr. Brian McNamee during a meeting with investors. It is understood that once CSL has fulfilled its contract with the federal government to provide the country with 50 million vaccine doses, the biomedical firm will immediately cease production. CSL representatives have also stated that the federal government will almost certainly not extend the biomedical companys contract. While production is originally expected to be completed by the end of the year, company representatives say production will continue into early 2022 until the contract is fulfilled. We are fully committed to our agreement to manufacture approximately 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine with production expected to be completed early next year, said the company. Nearly 12.5 million doses of AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine have already been distributed in the country. Due to a lack of people willing to take this vaccine, the federal government has shipped out more than 3.5 million doses to countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Learn more about how dangerous it is to take AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine by reading the latest articles at Vaccines.news. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk News.com.au ABC.net.au (Natural News) A healthy 16-year-old boy in California reportedly died during a Zoom math class less than a month after receiving his second shot of Pfizers COIVD-19 injection, a VAERS entry shows. (Article by Jack Bingham republished from LifeSiteNews.com) On July 13, the boys mother filed a report with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) run by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating her son died 27 days after receiving his second dose of Pfizers experimental COVID-19 vaccine in April. My son died, while taking his math class on Zoom. We are waiting for the autopsy because the doctors did not find anything, the mother wrote. He was a healthy boy, he had a good academic index, he wanted to be a civil engineer. He was the best thing in my life. In the Diagnostic Lab Data section of the VAERS entry, the mother wrote, He had no previous symptoms. I was with him one hour before and my assistant saw him 20 minutes prior and he did not show any irregularities. Per the report, the childs second dose was administered on April 3, and the boy died on April 27. The entry also indicates that the child had not been diagnosed with any allergies, pre-existing conditions, illnesses, disabilities, or birth defects, and had not been taking any medications prior to his death. He apparently stayed in the hospital for eight days, and its unclear how he participated in the Zoom class, or if he was released prior. Incidences of children being severely harmed and even killed by the vaccines has been reported on at length since the vaccine was rolled out for young people earlier this year. Back in June, Childrens Health Defense looked at the preliminary data surrounding the vaccination of children against COVID-19, and reported that for those 12-17 years of age, the risk of developing myocarditis/pericarditis within 7 days of receiving the second dose is 32 times greater than expected for males and 9.5 times greater for females. For young adults aged 18-24 years, the increased risk of developing myocarditis and pericarditis was similarly elevated at 27 times greater than expected for males. In the broader population, the World Health Organizations own database includes over 2 million possible adverse reactions from the COVID-19 vaccines, with the highest proportion of them in young people aged 18-44. Oxford-educated epidemiologist Dr. Paul Elias Alexander, a former COVID pandemic advisor to WHO-PAHO in Washington, D.C., found that children pose almost no statistical risk when it comes to the transmission of the virus, and even less risk when it comes to falling seriously ill as a result of contracting the virus. Using the data and his extensive knowledge of epidemiology, Alexander determined that under no circumstance should we expose children to the risk of the [COVID] injections. Attorney Thomas Renz said in August that analyzing the currently available data, in combination with the sworn testimony of government whistleblowers, his team has determined that vaccine injuries are under-reported by a conservative factor of at least 5 in the VAERS database. Renz, who is confident enough in his claim that he is seeking to prove it in a court of law, told LifeSiteNews that with the underreporting in mind, the jabs can easily be linked to a conservative estimate of 45,000 deaths in America alone. Dr. Peter McCullough, a renowned Texas cardiologist, said in response to California Gov. Gavin Newsom mandating the vaccine for all students, [The data] doesnt equal mandatory vaccination for children. It mandates just the opposite: an unbelievable, relentless, and unbreakable resistance to having the children vaccinated. It is simply not safe under any conditions. Period. Full stop. Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com (Natural News) The communist political movement that devastated China decades ago is unfolding in America, warned Xi Van Fleet, a parent-turned-activist who made national headlines after speaking out against critical race theory (CRT) at a school board meeting. (Article by GQ Pan and Jan Jekielek republished from TheEpochTimes.com) When the Cultural Revolution started, I was a first grader, the Virginia mother told EpochTVs American Thought Leaders. She said that all classes ceased at schools and colleges as older students proclaimed themselves Mao Zedongs Red Guards. Emboldened by Maos slogan To Rebel is Justified, the Red Guards did not hesitate to instigate violence and destruction on everyone and everything they considered counter-revolutionary. With Maos approval, no one could stop them, said Van Fleet, recalling a story she heard from someone who witnessed the Red Guards beating to death a man, who was deemed an oppressor and exploiter for simply being able to withdraw a large sum of money from his bank. The perpetrators faced no consequences for the killing, since the criminal justice system was already paralyzed. Another key feature of the Red Guards movement was to attack the Four Olds, namely old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits. To enforce what Van Fleet described as a cancel culture, the Red Guards would go door to door to search and destroy any item that was connected to the period before the communist takeover of China. I remember this whole street was just a mess of things destroyed, and the people, those homeowners, howling and crying, she said. While the madness and lawlessness of Maos Cultural Revolution may sound extreme to Americans, Van Fleet warns that America is following a similar path. One of the things that I noticed is people are afraid, she said. There is the right way to talk. There are the right ideas, and those who dont share it feel like, if they tell their own opinion, they might run the risk of being considered racista word like Chinas counter-revolution. The term racism, much like the vaguely defined counter-revolution, no longer means anything but serves as a political weapon, according to Van Fleet. For the longest time, my understanding of racism is that someone who discriminates someone else based on the race, she said. But in the last few years it has changed its meaning. Anyone who kind of disagrees with the the ideology from the left becomes a racist. During the Cultural Revolution, the term historical counter-revolution was used to criminalize people for what they did or said in the past. Van Fleet said there is also an American version of it. In Virginia, Gov. [Ralph] Northam was called today a racist, because in the past, when he was in college, he wore blackface, she said. That is the equivalent of Chinese historical counter-revolutionary. In Maos China, citizens were classified into the favored Five Red Categories and the undesirable Five Black Categories based on their political identities. Descendants of members of the latter group, which included rich farmers and other class enemies, were routinely humiliated and forced to go to struggle sessions where they were made to confess their privileged status. Van Fleet said this echoes with what advocates of CRT push to Americans and their children. Does that remind us of CRT? she said. [According to CRT] if you are born white, you are an oppressor; if youre born black, youre oppressed, and as oppressed people, you have no hope in this oppressive society. Thats the most effective way to divide people, and thats from the Marxist playbook to divide, she continued, pointing out that CRT is Marxist class struggle rhetoric repackaged to focus on race so that it works better in American society. And then they have gender, sexuality, and intersectionalityall of these are tools to divide and they are rooted in cultural Marxism. Mao used that, the [American] left is using it now. Whats happened here in America is nothing new, she said. It happened in China, it happened to me. If we let it go, and not stopping it, [we] will have the same result. The result of the Cultural Revolution is the total destruction of the society, and thats what awaits us if we dont stop it. Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com (Natural News) Walgreens has announced that it will close a further five stores in San Francisco due to the ongoing organized retail crime problem that has been plaguing the city since the beginning of last year. The drugstore chain has already shuttered at least ten San Francisco area stores in response to the problem. When Walgreens closed a store on Van Ness Avenue in October 2020 due to a spike in crime, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the store was seeing up to $1000 worth of merchandise being stolen each day. A law that was passed in the state in 2014 saw the theft of goods worth less than $950 being classified as a nonviolent misdemeanor. Although thieves could face up to six months in prison, most offenders are being released and continuing to steal. The latest stores to be closed are situated on Ocean Avenue, Clement Street, Mission Street, Cesar Chavez Street and Gough Street. The company says that it is hoping it will be able to relocate the employees who worked at these stores to some of their other locations. They also plan to transfer peoples prescriptions to nearby locations. In a statement, Walgreens spokesperson Phil Caruso said: Organized retail crime continues to be a challenge facing retailers across San Francisco, and we are not immune to that. Retail theft across our San Francisco stores has continued to increase in the past few months to five times our chain average. During this time to help combat this issue, we increased our investments in security measures in stores across the city to 46 times our chain average in an effort to provide a safe environment. Videos of brazen shoplifters show how desperate the situation has become In the last few months, social media has been flooded with videos depicting brazen acts of shoplifting taking place in broad daylight at San Francisco area drugstores in the presence of security guards who are essentially powerless to take action. While Inside Edition was filming a segment about the crime problem in one drugstore, a man was seen boldly jumping across the front counter to steal goods from the store. Another video showed a masked man packing items up into a garbage bags and fleeing a Walgreens store on a bicycle. Some shoppers have reported witnessing clerks being verbally assaulted and not being able to do anything about it. Some have reported the stores policy is to not get involved, and thieves take advantage of this and simply enter the store and take whatever they want without paying. Although Walgreens has not disclosed their store security policies, Caruso has said that their top concern is the safety of their team members and customers. This summer, the California Retailers Association reported that the cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento were reporting the nations highest levels of organized retail crime. Its an unfortunate situation that is going to hit many residents hard. San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Ahsha Safai tweeted that one of the affected Walgreens is situated less than a mile from seven schools and has been considered a community staple for children, families and senior citizens for decades. These closures are particularly challenging for elderly patients who do not have access to vehicles and will now have to travel further to get their prescriptions filled. Living conditions are continuing to go downhill in liberal-run San Francisco, which used to be a vibrant and relatively safe city that attracted tourists from around the world. These days, the streets are littered with human feces and encampments for homeless people while those travelers who are still brave enough to venture there are facing a rise in attacks and robberies targeting tourists. A poll released this summer found that 70 percent of San Francisco residents believe their citys quality of life has declined. Sources for this article include: ThePostMillennial.com FoxBusiness.com KRON4.com (Natural News) After mass vaccinating the oblivious sheeple (the first 30%), then incentivizing or threatening the easily controlled obedience worshipers (another 30%), the genocidal vaccine pushers have reached the fiercely resisting 40% of the country that refuses to go along with vaccine tyranny. All across America, pilots, firefighters, police officers, sheriffs deputies, construction workers, office workers and many other people are saying, Take this jab and shove it! Courage is contagious. When groups of informed Americans rise up and say, No! to the genocidal vaccine tyrants, the tyrants are eventually forced to back down for the simple reason that you cant run society without workers. And if those workers decide that risking their health and life isnt worth a measly paycheck in soon-to-be-worthless dollars, society simply cannot function. The revolt of the workers is best captured in this explicit video by Old Man Cruz (not related to Sen. Ted Cruz), a construction worker who explains what happens when workers stand up to vaccine tyranny: (colorful language warning) If you stand together, they cant take your dignity, your pride! Head of Chicago Police Union tells Mayor creature Lori Lightfoot to go pound sand As The Epoch Times is reporting, Chicagos police union president John Catanzara has declared that if Chicago tries to force vaccine mandates on the police who work the city, Chicago will lose half its police force beginning tomorrow. From TET: 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. 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. In my Situation Update podcast today, I describe this coming weekend in Chicago as the Chicago Purge, where violence and lawlessness will explode due to Lightfoot trying to force police to commit vaccine suicide with a deadly, genocidal spike protein injection. Similarly, Seattle is about to lose 40% of its police force due to vaccine mandates. As Zero Hedge reports: It was inevitable as vaccine mandates across the country approach their deadlines, vast swaths of American workers, service members and athletes face termination or disciplinary action for refusing to take the Covid-19 jab. In Los Angeles, nearly 1,000 firefighters are about to sue the city over the mandate. Southwest Airlines pilot union sued the company last week, before staffing shortages led to the cancellation of more than 2,000 flights over the weekend (and more on Monday). Meanwhile, doctors and nurses across the country have begun suing their employers. Seattle stands to lose 40% of its 1,000 person force for failing to get vaccinated as an Oct. 18 deadline approaches. The environment has been pretty toxic and negative, one officer anonymously told Fox 13. Not just from this whole mandate, but prior to that as well. Im not sure this would be a good place for me to work long-term for my mental health. It has been very stressful. Get full details in todays Situation Update podcast Todays Situation Update covers this contagion of courage, plus news about armed Terminator robot dogs which will soon be deployed to replace fired police officers in cities like Chicago. In addition, I reveal why Homeland Security is deploying what they claim is non-toxic gas in a simulated series of chemical attacks in New York City, beginning Oct. 18th. Does anybody really believe its just a drill? Get the full report here: Brighteon.com/93b4fe22-dad0-4835-b59f-663344342147 Catch new interviews and podcasts each day at: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport (Natural News) When a society functions properly, the people living in it take a lot of things for granted, like the serenity of stability. As long as things run smoothly, people go about their daily lives without much to worry about or be concerned with. But when things go awry and suddenly, what was once stable becomes unstable, chaos generally ensues because that is what panic foments. Americans are no different and, in many ways, we are far more pampered by our own success than the vast majority of people on the planet. And were about ready to find out just what real chaos looks like. Already there is major pushback against Joe Bidens vaccine mandates for companies with 100 or more employees. And while a month has gone by since he made the announcement, on Thursday he said the Labor Department was about to issue an emergency rule mandating that companies with 100 or more employees must order them to be vaccinated for COVID-19. That isnt going to go over well, and in fact, major industries are already prepared to make all of us feel the pain, including the airlines because a growing number of pilots are not going to get one and if they dont, theyll be fired, and if theyre fired, guess what? They wont be flying passengers, cargo, or anything else we need to function in todays modern society. BREAKING: Southwest Pilot Assn President says pilots demand to talk to company about natural immunity, antibodies, and alternate forms of compliance with mandates #FreedomFlu pic.twitter.com/TOp1Xqe95h Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) October 12, 2021 According to the site Team Tucker Carlson: An airline pilot and activist for individual liberty told Fox News on Monday that situations such as mass flight cancelations will become more common if the Biden administration refuses to backdown from its hardline stance against coercing Americans to get vaccinated against COVID. Speaking on Tucker Carlson Tonight, Joshua Yoder, a commercial airline pilot and the co-founder of a group called U.S. Freedom Flyers, cautioned that events such as this past weekends Southwest Airlines flight cancellations could soon be unavoidable. The reason: Yoder said the people who do skilled jobs, such as flying planes and driving trucks, will stand against President Joe Biden and their own employers. My motive for resisting [the COVID vaccine] is primarily religious for myself, Yoder told Fox News host Tucker Carlson earlier this week. Among my friends, I saw a need. Many of us dont want to take this. People were being coerced. I believe in freedom, and Im here to support the freedom of my fellow employees and all people across this country. Im not going to take a mandate. Im not going to be forced to do something that I dont believe in, he added. If you have flights reduced by 30 percent because 30 percent of pilots are fired because they wont take the vaccine, this is going to affect how your goods get here from overseas, how they are distributed to the store, he said when the host asked him to describe the effect on the national transportation infrastructure. The same thing is happening with the truckers; its happening in the shipping industry. Those Amazon boxes that typically show up in two days, you might be looking at three weeks, he continued. And Yoder was plain as to who is responsible for this mess. Its squarely his [Bidens] fault, he said. First of all, we have all the control, and the control comes from a simple word, and thats no, he said. We just dont need to comply. As far as Im concerned, I will never promote a sick-out or a work action that is illegal. With U.S. Freedom Flyers, the organization Im with, we will never promote such a thing. With that being said, we also cannot control the actions of individuals. And I think that you will see massive disruptions in [the] supply chain and in your travel if we just stand up and say no, he said. If these companies fire us and they fire 30% of the workforce, aircraft are going to stop moving, and its going to affect you. Its going to affect your air travel, and its going to affect the economy. The collapse is proceeding apace, America. Hope you stocked up. Sources include: TeamTuckerCarlson.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) An investigation into Amazon has uncovered evidence proving that the company ripped off the products listed on its website by its third-party sellers and then rigged the search results to favor those knockoffs. Mainstream media outlet Reuters has examined thousands of pages of internal Amazon documents, including emails, strategy papers and business plans. All these documents show that Amazon ran a systematic campaign of creating knockoff versions of products listed on the website by third-party sellers and then manipulating search results to boost company-made versions of those products. All of this occurred in India, one of Amazons largest growth markets. (Related: Amazon sellers harass customers who leave negative reviews.) This rigging of Amazons online marketplace was done by the companys private-brands team. The private-brands team is also reportedly responsible for tampering with Amazons search results so that the products made by Amazon-owned brands would appear in the first two or three search results, according to the companys internal documents. Amazon didnt just do this to random third-party sellers on its Indian store. It also ripped off products from some of the top brands in India including from the popular shirt brand John Miller, owned by a company whose CEO, Kishore Biyani, is known as Indias retail king. The internal documents further show that Amazon employees studied proprietary data from other brands. Amazon illegally studied this confidential information to identify and target certain products that could be used as references for creating new knockoffs. The investigation by Reuters confirms the suspicions many third-party sellers on Amazon have had for years that Amazon used its immense treasure trove of sales data to help decide which products to make under its labels. Amazon executives, including founder Jeff Bezos, have repeatedly denied these accusations. Bezos claims that it is against company policy to use data from third-party sellers to build future products. If we found someone violated it, we would take action, says Bezos during a congressional hearing where he testified under oath. In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson denied all allegations made by the Reuters report. As Reuters hasnt shared the documents or their provenance with us, we are unable to confirm the veracity or otherwise of the information and claims as stated, says the spokesperson. We believe these claims are factually incorrect and unsubstantiated. Senate submits bipartisan bill banning Big Tech from rigging search results In response to Amazons rigging of search results, a bipartisan group of senators have introduced new legislation that would ban all Big Tech companies like Amazon from doing that. The new bill, officially titled the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, is sponsored by the top Republican and Democrat senators on the antitrust committee. The bill would not only prevent Amazon from rigging its search results, but would also make it illegal for Google to do the same thing to prioritize its own products over rivals in search results. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the bills top Democratic sponsor and chair of the antitrust committee, says that the legislation is necessary to rein in Big Tech. 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 have the opportunity to succeed in the digital marketplace, says Klobuchar in a statement. The bills top Republican sponsor is Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. Its other sponsors include Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, John Kennedy of Louisiana and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming. Its other Democratic sponsors include Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Cory Booker of New Jersey. The Chamber of Progress, a trade group heavily sponsored by Big Tech, has strongly criticized the proposed legislation. The bill takes a hammer to tech products that consumers love, writes the groups CEO and former Google executive Adam Kovacevich in an email to news outlets. He claims without evidence that the bill would prevent Amazon from selling any of its Amazon-branded products altogether. Learn more about how Big Tech is manipulating the market to push out any competition by reading the latest articles at TechGiants.news. Sources include: Reuters.com Breitbart.com NYPost.com 1 NYPost.com 2 (Natural News) We previously discussed how GoFundMe has joined social media sites in censoring opposing viewpoints on subjects from critical race theory to vaccines to election fraud. The site once offered a neutral site for those seeking to support others with similar views or interests. The company now insists that it will only allow people to gather on the site if it believes their views are true and correct. However, it was still surprising to see the site take down a fundraising account for litigation against vaccine mandates. The effort of former nurse Jennifer Bridges was simply to get such matters before the courts, which can be the ultimate authority on what is misinformation. GoFundMe however blocked people from contributing to the litigation. (Article republished from JonathanTurley.org) Bridges is a former registered nurse at Houston Methodist hospital who was fired after refusing to comply with the hospitals vaccine requirement. She raised more than $180,000 for her lawsuit before being shutdown under the companys misinformation policy. Heidi Hagberg, a spokesperson for GoFundMe, said in a statement to Business Insider that 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. The fundraiser has since been updated to include misinformation which violates our terms of service. What is striking about this latest ban is that the courts are the place for such claims to be weighed in a neutral and dispassionate forum. Misinformation can be addressed by judges after both sides are allowed to present evidence. Bridges lawsuit was dismissed in June, Bridges attorneys appealed the decision. We should all favor such reviews. Indeed, if GoFundMe believes that Bridges is wrong, it should invite further judicial review to established a clear record on such issues. GoFundMe admits to have taken down hundreds of fundraisers that included statements of misinformation related to vaccines. I do not agree with the arguments against the vaccine. I and my family are vaccinated. However, I am equally concerned with avoiding the growing virus of censorship. In the last few years, we have seen an increasing call for private censorship from Democratic politicians and liberal commentators. Faculty and editors are now actively supporting modern versions of book-burning with blacklists and bans for those with opposing political views. The most chilling aspect of this story is how many on the left applaud such censorship. A new poll shows roughly half of the public supporting not just corporate censorship but government censorship of anything deemed misinformation. Free speech can be its own disinfectant for bad speech. GoFundMe is a private company and can impose such rules on users. However, it is an act of censorship and it is a denial of free speech by a corporation. In this case, the company is preventing its site from being used to raise money to allow courts to review the factual and legal basis for these claims a curious effort for a company that claims to be fighting misinformation. Read more at: JonathanTurley.org (Natural News) Renowned cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough joins Hotze Health & Wellness Center CEO Dr. Steven Hotze to talk about the ongoing Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During the Oct. 11 episode of The Dr. Hotze Report on Brighteon.TV, the two talked about the inadequate and contradicting guidance by public health officials regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Hotze cites the Event 201 mock exercise as the precursor to the ongoing pandemic. The Event 201 exercise was conducted in October 2019 by Johns Hopkins Universitys Center for Health Security (CHS). The CHS website says that Event 201 simulated a series of scenario-based facilitated discussions associated with response to a hypothetical but scientifically plausible pandemic. The CHS later issued a statement in January 2020 clarifying the events purpose amid the initial COVID-19 outbreak in China. It said that CHS and its partners did not make a prediction during our tabletop exercise. The statement added: For the scenario, we modeled a fictional coronavirus pandemic, but we explicitly stated that it was not a prediction. Instead, the exercise served to highlight preparedness and response challenges that would likely arise in a very severe pandemic. They were going to have a mock meeting about how we would handle the world if the coronavirus showed up, which it did two months later. They were with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Economic Forum talking about a crisis that was coming up, a pandemic that we needed to be prepared for and it happened to be COVID-19, Hotze says. McCullough: Response by public health officials inadequate McCullough says he couldnt believe how quickly COVID-19 deaths were categorized back in March [last year]. But he notes that different staffers at public health agencies were completely unprepared for a mass casualty situation. Hotze points out the inconsistent guidance from public health officials during the pandemics early days. We heard Anthony Fauci, Deborah Birx and the rest of the public health officials initially say you dont need to worry about masks, masks dont mean anything. And then the next day, they say everybody had to mask up, have social distancing, quarantine themselves and shut down business, schools and churches. [They] rolled this thing out across the U.S. and across the world, Hotze says. McCullough adds to Hotzes point: Every single pandemic response item you mentioned did not deal with the problem. The problem was that Americans are getting acutely sick with a respiratory illness, and a small fraction got really sick and ended up in the hospital, and some of them sadly died. The cardiologist notes that he would not focus on masks and social distancing if he had oversight of pandemic response operations. He tells Hotze: It would have been all about the patient. We would have organized a treatment response immediately. We would have brought doctors into Washington who have experience in dealing with sick patients with respiratory illness as outpatients and they would have immediately formulated a plan. (Related: Nurse Erin Olszewski: HCQ and zinc better treatments for Covid Brighteon.TV.) Hotze, McCullough discuss dangers of spike protein The host of The Dr. Hotze Report says: It appeared by any reasonable thinking that this was a well thought out plan, that this had happened. Nothing like this happens by accident. Somebodys planned this out, and they have the whole country in mass hysteria and fear because they wanted to push them toward one thing the so-called vaccination. Hotze adds that the COVID-19 vaccine is actually an experimental gene-modifying injection that inserts laboratory-made mRNA into your system and causes your cells to make the very spike protein which kills people. McCullough explains the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is used in the COVID-19 shots, on human health. What we learned is that the [coronavirus] is as depicted in cartoons like a ball [with] the spike protein on the surface. The spines on the surface of the virus, thats where all the dangers occur, he says. That was the advantage made in the Wuhan Institute of Virology for this virus it can easily enter cells. And then once inside the cells, the spike protein itself causes damage to endothelial cells [and] causes blood clots. [It is also] distributed throughout the body, by the way. It readily goes into the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys and nerves. According to McCullough, SARS-CoV-2 is much different from the virus responsible for the common cold because of the formers genetic manipulation. The common cold [virus] stays in the nose and mouth, in the tracheobronchial tree. [Genetic] changes made in the laboratory made the [common cold] virus now able to invade the body and cause damage to organs, he says. (Related: BIOWEAPON: New study reveals spike protein in coronavirus vaccines responsible for adverse reactions.) Watch the full Oct. 11 episode of The Dr. Hotze Report below. The Dr. Hotze Report airs every Monday at 5-6 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. Pandemic.news has more articles about how public health officials respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources include: Brighteon.com CenterForHealthSecurity.org 1 CenterForHealthSecurity.org 2 (Natural News) To understand why supply chains are broken, you need to understand what broke them. The short explanation: lockdowns. Of course, the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the root cause. But the collective reaction of governments around the world has more to do with it than the disease itself. Many countries responded to the pandemic by imposing lockdowns or movement restrictions. As a result, retailers and manufacturers fail to pick up their cargoes and containers because their warehouses are either full or closed. Some ports remain open but with reduced workforce, exacerbating the cargo congestion. This has now caused a disruption in the supply chain, particularly the movement of essential goods and foodstuffs. Uncollected cargoes at ports create congestion and take up space, reducing their capacity to accommodate incoming cargoes and containers. Consumer demands have changed dramatically throughout the pandemic. Essential commodities have seen a staggering increase in demand, especially disinfectant products, medical supplies, groceries and paper goods has . (Related: Covid supply chain woes worsen as prices soar, shelves run bare.) Air cargo has also seen an overall increase in use during the pandemic, with essential goods being transported across the world. Some passenger planes have even been retrofitted to carry more cargo inside the cabin. But manufacturers largely due to labor shortages have had difficulty trying to keep up with the demand, slowing down the entire freight industry. While planes are ready to fly and truck drivers are ready to haul freight across the country, the goods, unfortunately, are not there to make the journey. Food prices continue to rise as world runs short of workers Bloomberg published an article last month that predicted global food prices will continue to go up as the world runs short of workers. In Vietnam, the army is assisting with the rice harvest; in the U.K., farmers are dumping milk because there are no truckers to collect it. In Brazil, robusta coffee beans took 120 days to reap this year, rather than the usual 90. In the U.S., meatpackers are trying to lure new employees with incentives while fast-food chains are raising the prices of burgers and burritos. Labor shortages have flustered the global food ecosystem. Some employers are now forced to raise wages despite financial difficulties. Workers are also demanding greater protection from COVID-19. Meanwhile, restaurant workers in cities with vaccine mandates like New York are opting to resign rather than get experimental COVID-19 vaccines or are serving as vaccine police at work. Lockdowns drive ship crews away Lockdowns have contributed to the labor shortage in the shipping industry. (Related: System collapse: Supply chain workers warn of impending breakdown because COVID shutdowns have drained the workforce and worsened product shortages.) The Philippines, China, India and Indonesia are among the biggest suppliers of crew members. But lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions have caused thousands of crew members to be stranded worldwide. Airline and port restrictions in most of these countries have made it nearly impossible for crew members to get home if the governments do not make special arrangements. Even if a ship reaches an open port, the crew members may still be out of luck because most international air traffic is grounded. Many of those crew members have decided to look for other jobs, creating a massive hole in the shipping industry workforce. Supply chains already strained before pandemic The pandemic has exposed the fragility of the global supply chains. But some say supply chains are already headed south regardless of the pandemic and the resulting restrictions. Looking back at 2019, spot rates were basically flat-lining as the freight market was experiencing a cycle of oversupply and stagnant demand. Many feared a recession was imminent. A sluggish industrial sector in which industrial production growth was negative for nearly a year indicated stagnant business and infrastructure investment a sign that the economy was entering a phase of risk aversion and consolidation. The U.S. government was able to quickly pass a stimulus package that spurred consumer demand to new heights. Consumers took the reins of the economic recovery by using the stimulus money and savings from not driving to work, buying new clothes and dining out to remodel their houses and purchase electronics. The onslaught of unexpected demand caught most shippers and transportation providers off guard as they were expecting the next depression. They quickly found their once overstocked inventories depleted and needed to order more goods all at once. Shippers began to order not just for replenishment but for the future to avoid missing revenue. Most durable goods like electronics and furniture come from Asia, while most consumers of these products live in the eastern half of the United States. It takes several weeks from the initial order date to get goods from China to New York City. To prevent inventory shortfalls, shippers need to order months in advance. Shippers learned to increase their order sizes as production became strained; but by then, transportation providers were reducing capacity. This meant that demand quickly outstripped supply on multiple levels. These were happening prior to the pandemic. But without question, the pandemic and resulting lockdowns and other restrictions have magnified the strain in the global supply chain. Follow Pandemic.news for more news related to lockdowns and other measures implemented by governments during the coronavirus pandemic. Sources include: FreightWaves.com Maritime-Executive.com MehaffyWeber.com Bloomberg.com (Natural News) Pastor Artur Pawlowski recounts his experience with the Canadian brand of tyranny during his appearance in the Health Ranger Report with Mike Adams on Brighteon.TV. The Canadian preacher, who hails from Poland, tells the Brighteon.TV founder about the great evil happening in Canada. Pawlowski says the draconian Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) health restrictions in the country are never about the peoples health at all. Pawlowski first made headlines in May 2021 after he and his brother Dawid were arrested by the Calgary Police Service (CPS) for conducting a worship service. A May 8 CPS statement said that the Pawlowski brothers were arrested and charged with organizing an illegal in-person gathering. The statement further alleged that the pastor chose to ignore requirements for social distancing, mask wearing and reduced capacity limits for attendees. The pastor provides an update on the status of his court case. He says: I am facing right now, if the judge wants to throw a whole book at me, four years in prison. Pawlowski also denounces the guilty verdict slapped on him and Dawid. Me and my brother have been found guilty, believe it or not, for civil contempt even though the court order has never been personally given to me, he says. In addition, Pawlowski shares how the CPS used underhanded tactics to arrest and charge him with a criminal offense following his return from the U.S. state of Montana. He says that the plane he was in was diverted to the customs building of Calgary International Airport, where CPS officers had already been waiting for him. When I arrived, I have been charged criminally this time for officiating a church service. Not for smuggling bombs, planning a terrorist attack, raping, murdering or stealing but for officiating a church service. The pastor adds that friends and family members who came to the airport to greet him have been prohibited from approaching. Pawlowski says this was to ensure that no one would see how he was arrested. However, an American pilot has captured footage of Pawlowski being taken into custody. There will be a sentencing for my civil contempt charge and a trial for my newest charges, this time criminal, he tells the Health Ranger. (Related: Expert raises concerns about coronavirus restrictions following arrest of Canadian pastor.) Pawlowski: Tyranny not a matter of if, but when I decided to come to the [U.S.] and tell my story with a very straightforward warning to all of you. Listen to what is happening to me. Look what they are doing to us free Canadians. If theyre doing this to us, theyre going to do this to you as well. Its not a matter of if, but when, Pawlowski says. (Related: Dr. Steven Hotze slams Canadian authorities over arrest of pastor for holding a service Brighteon.TV.) Adams then asks: The whole world is watching this and wondering whether Canada has become North Korea or communist China. How much of this do you think has to do with the fact that you lead a Christian congregation versus just any other kind of gathering? The pastor replies that his arrest and prosecution is 100 percent linked to his leadership of a Christian congregation. Pawlowski says: The government wants to be God just like in North Korea and China. He adds that the great evil in the form of tyranny set to take over Canadas free democracy integrates a lot of components from communism, socialism and fascism. Pawlowskis comments during his Oct. 12 Health Ranger Report interview echoed his sentiments following his May 2021 arrest. The pastor said that time: Its horrible, [its] a repetition of history. I grew up behind the Iron Curtain, Ive seen the police abuse [their] power. I escaped communism and Poland because I wanted to come to a country that is free. He laments seeing the situation he escaped from occur in the country he immigrated to. Here we are again, repeating the same mistakes, the same history. And I have to stand up and fight for my rights not for doing evil, [but] for just opening the church for the people that freely want to come and worship, Pawlowski continues. The pastor ultimately tells Adams the underlying reason behind the COVID-19 restrictions used to justify his arrest and prosecution. The very people that are doing this to us, they themselves do not care about the restrictions and the mandates that they are implementing. We know that this has nothing to do with health, Pawlowski says. If they do not care about the restrictions themselves when the cameras are not rolling or when the pictures cannot be snapped, that tells you this has nothing to do with the safety of the people, it has nothing to do with health. It has everything to do with a communistic takeover, plain and simple. Watch the full Oct. 12 episode of the Health Ranger Report at the video below. Health Ranger Report with Mike Adams airs from Monday to Friday at 3-3:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. Tyranny.news has more articles about government oppression in Canada. Sources include: Brighteon.com Newsroom.Calgary.ca ChristianityDaily.com (Natural News) The insidious Global Oligarchs are really sweating Revolver News lately, especially after investigative reporting blew up their carefully constructed January 6th insurrection and intelligence failure narratives. The Regimes response to the rising threat of Revolver News has been, thus far, to send legions of fact-checkers after us to claim that were spreading disinformation the Regimes censorship predicate du jour. (Article republished from Revolver.news) Nowhere is the scam of disinformation journalism more apparent than in the services of a shadowy company called Newsguard. Newsguard markets itself as an internet trust tool that assigns nutrition label ratings to news sites to indicate their trustworthiness. We help you decide which news sources to trust with ratings from humans, not algorithms. With trust ratings for over 6,000 websites produced by real journalists, NewsGuard gives you all the context you need as you read news online. Try NewsGuard today for free with a two-week trial. After two weeks, membership costs just $2.95/month in the U.S., 2.95 in the UK or 2.95 in the EU. Click through to see a detailed trust rating and Nutrition Label for the site written by NewsGuards analysts. [Newsguard] Newsguard was rather scandalized by Revolver News reporting in 2020 that many of the same people who run so-called Color Revolution regime change operations overseas were using the very same tactics to thwart Trump during the 2020 election. Just days ago, Newsguard sent one of its minions to admonish us and ask some loaded questions for a follow-up report on Revolver News. Evidently, the Narrative guardians at Newsguard took issue with the fact that Revolver dared to publish a guest piece by a Naval Commander that asked some inconvenient questions about the Pfizer jab. Heres the e-mail from Newsguard employee Lorenzo Arvanitis: Hi, I hope this finds you well. My name is Lorenzo, and Im an analyst at NewsGuard, an independent organization that reviews news outlets for accuracy and transparency. Weve reviewed more than 6,000 news and information sites based on nine apolitical and widely-accepted journalism criteria. Im writing because NewsGuard is updating its review of Revolver News, and I had some questions about the site that I was hoping you could clarify: 1. Could you give me some information about who is behind the site? Why doesnt the website provide details about its ownership, editors, or authors? 2. I found that some stories on the site advanced claims that are disputed or, in some cases, inaccurate. For example, one article claimed that the FDA did not grant full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, but instead, approved a separate vaccine called Comirnaty that is not yet available, which is not true. The same article also made inaccurate claims about the COVID-19 vaccines being gene therapies and misrepresented data from VAERS to assert that the vaccines cause more harm than the disease itself. What is your perspective on these claims, which have been refuted by public health experts and the FDA? 3. Does the site ever issue corrections to stories that contain errors, either factual or grammatical? 4. How should readers distinguish between news and opinion given that the site does not disclose its point of view and many of its news stories contain opinionated language advancing an undisclosed right-wing perspective? Thanks again. I hope to hear from you soon. Best, Lorenzo Usually, the Regime narrative guardians are not sending their best. This time, they actually did us the courtesy of sending a halfway decent fact-checker, at least by pedigree. Arvanitis (from the e-mail above) is a 2021 Yale graduate, summa cum laude, in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Impressive! Newguards special concern for policing Covid information might have something to do with the fact that its third largest investor is a multi-billion dollar global communications company called Publicis Group. An excellent investigative report on Newsguard conducted by MintPress News revealed not only Publicis shadowy ties to the government of Saudi Arabia, but the fact that pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Bayer/Monsanto are some of Publicis top clients. Newsguard, the company that charges clients to vet their news for them, conveniently fails to disclose this conflict of interest in its evaluation of news that could directly affect the profits of said pharmaceutical companies. Newsguards special selling point is that they employ actual journalists to decide whether a website is appropriate for you to look at or not, rather than outsourcing this critical censorious task to AI algorithms. Given that journalist coverage of the Trump administration was 92 percent negative, and that 96 percent of journalist donations went to Hillary over Trump 2016, we might be forgiven a dose of healthy skepticism that Newsguard is truly interested in providing fair and neutral assessments of news sites. Back in August of 2020, assiduous hall-monitoring in defense of Regime-mandated narratives actually earned Newsguard a coveted prize from the Pentagon and State Department for combating Covid disinformation, which only demonstrates that Big Tech, corporate media, Big Pharma, and the military-industrial complex all comprise one gigantic incestuous cesspit. Indeed, the Newsguard service that markets itself as an internet trust tool has among its board of advisors: Michael Hayden: former head of the NSA head and architect of national electronic surveillance system on US citizens, who went on to lie about the existence of said system (or at least engaged in vigorous deception) about it to Congress. After whistleblower Edward Snowden famously exposed the existence of illegal NSA surveillance on US citizens, Hayden revealed his attitude toward truth telling by (jokingly?) calling for Snowdens assassination. In addition to heading the NSA, Hayden also headed the CIAan organization renowned for its respect for truth. Haydens name appears hundreds of times in the Senates scathing 2014 report on CIA torture methods. Charming fellow. former head of the NSA head and architect of national electronic surveillance system on US citizens, who went on to lie about the existence of said system (or at least engaged in vigorous deception) about it to Congress. After whistleblower Edward Snowden famously exposed the existence of illegal NSA surveillance on US citizens, Hayden revealed his attitude toward truth telling by (jokingly?) calling for Snowdens assassination. In addition to heading the NSA, Hayden also headed the CIAan organization renowned for its respect for truth. Haydens name appears hundreds of times in the Senates scathing 2014 report on CIA torture methods. Charming fellow. Arne Duncan: former Secretary of Education for President Obama. In his capacity as Secretary of Education, Duncan is perhaps best known for his defense of safe schools czar Kevin Jennings. Jennings came under fire when it was revealed that, as a school teacher, Jennings refused disclose to authorities his knowledge that a 15 year old student was having an illegal sexual relationship with an adult. A Washington Times report revealed that Jennings was also involved in promoting a reading list for children 13 years old or older that made the most explicit sex between children and adults seem normal and acceptable, and also praised Harry Hay, supporter of the notorious North American Man Boy Love Association. When these controversies were brought to light, Arne Duncan responded that Jennings was uniquely qualified for his job and that he was honored to have him on our team. We wonder what it is about Mr. Duncan, then, that makes him uniquely qualified to advise a company like Newsguard, which is responsible for assigning Orwellian nutrition labels to news websites. Hayden and Duncan only scratch the surface when it comes to the list of censors and moral scolds advising Newsguard on which websites they deem suitable for consumption. Newsguard also features on its advisory board a man named Richard Stengel. Stengel is a former senior official in Obamas state department who once described his role as being that of chief propagandist: Yes, you heard that right. That is Obamas former self-described chief propagandist at the State Department stating that he has no problem whatsoever with propaganda, and in fact supports the idea of countries using propaganda domestically against their own citizens. That Newsguard chose this self-described chief propagandist of the Obama era to sit on its board is deeply troubling, and destroys any semblance of neutrality or credibility that would be needed in a company that insists on adding nutrition labels to determine which news site the cattle are allowed to consume. When it comes to Stengel, the above clip is only the tip of the iceberg. Here is a fascinating clip of Stengel discussing Fox News and his role as board member of Newsguard: Here Stengel proclaims his dislike for Fox News, while begrudgingly conceding that Newsguard cant give them a red mark as that would completely undermine their already thin pretense of balance. Stengel identifies two Fox News journalists he respectsChris Wallace and Shephard Smiththe two most anti-Trump anchors associated with the network. The Artist Formerly Known as Fox News Shepard Smith has since found a more welcome home at NBC, where his lowly-rated show is reportedly on the outs. Stengels attitude reflects a deeper truth about Newguards approach to balance and bipartisanship. Even the minimal concessions they make to bipartisanship are exclusively Never Trump. Where Rick Stengel and Newsguard deign to make a concession to bipartisanship, it simply means Never Trump Republicans and Resistance Democrats joining arms to silence and suppress Trump and his supporters. This brings us to the most disturbing of all of the clips that Revolver News investigative team found on Newsguards Obama-era chief propagandist Rick Stengel. In the following clip, Stengel argues for curtailing the free-flow of information on the internet, and even proclaims that the First Amendment ought to be modified in the digital age to allow for the censorship of so-called hate speechthat is, presumably, speech that Rick Stengels former boss Obama and current boss Joe Biden hate. And this is not simply a one-off interview on Stengels part. As reported by the New York Post, Stengel wrote a shocking op-ed in the Washington Post advocating for the repeal and replacement of the First Amendment in order to accommodate hate-speech laws. Stengels Washington Post piece prefigures and supports a New York Times hit by Emily Bazelon, a former senior editor of the far-left liberal Slate blog who has attracted controversy even among her fellow leftists for allegedly unethical reporting practices. In her New York Times piece Bazelon entertains a re-imagining of the First Amendment to combat so-called disinformation. story continues Read more at: Revolver.news (Natural News) If the COVID-19 pandemic has done anything, it has exposed the Democratic Party for what it is: a den of authoritarians, tyrants and science deniers who dont care about anything but accruing more power by destroying civil liberties that are supposed to be protected by the Constitution. Case in point: Mandating the vaccine. In blue city after blue city and among left-wing corporate CEO types who vote for and donate to Democrats, mandates are now becoming more prevalent after Joe Biden played king last month and issued a mandate that experts and observers say isnt even real. But not everyone is simply rolling over: In Los Angeles, for example, 1,000 firefighters have filed suit against the citys mandate, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has already announced he will not enforce the countys directive. Also, a group of LAPD officers have announced plans to sue, while Southwest Airlines had to cancel thousands of flights recently because of a sick-out a mass call-in due to opposition to the airlines vaccine mandate. That hasnt happened in Seattle, however, where a quarter of the citys police department has yet to get the jab and whose officers now face termination under the citys directive. The environment has been pretty toxic and negative, one officer anonymously told Fox 13. Not just from this whole mandate, but prior to that as well. Im not sure this would be a good place for me to work long-term for my mental health. It has been very stressful. Last year, you recall, was Floyds Rebellion mass protests and rioting around the country over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Seattle was particularly hard hit because the communists who run the city bought into the defund police movement and shed about 300 officers, leaving the remaining force to deal with the aftermath. We value each of you, and do not want to lose you as employees, Mayor Jenny Durkan said in an email that was sent to city employees this week in which she backed her mandate . But the people that count on you the most are the ones that need you to get vaccinated. To add another layer of concern, Seattle PD Spokesperson Sgt. Randy Huserik confirmed to FOX 13 News that there are an additional 111 officers awaiting results of exemption requests. Those 111 are not counted in the 292 figure meaning if their accommodations are denied, the actual number of unvaccinated officers could be as high as 403, the outlet reported. Losing even 50 to 75 officers in one day, the response times for the city will go up drastically, another officer told FOX 13, adding that if the city or the department doesnt approve their religious exemption, I will continue working until the day that they fire me and thats about all that I can do. Meanwhile, airline pilots are increasingly becoming the first line of vaccine resistance, as demonstrated by the mass call-in last week. Southwest having to cancel thousands of flights resulted in the loss of millions of dollars; a prolonged walkout that is sustained across several airlines would essentially cripple air travel but also cargo flights at a time when the country is already suffering a supply chain crunch that is quickly spiraling into the latest Biden crisis. During a segment on Tucker Carlsons Fox News program this week, pilot Joshua Yoder said that fliers and airline personnel, not the government, have all the power in the vaccine debate. Among my friends, I saw a need. Many of us dont want to take this. People were being coerced. I believe in freedom, and Im here to support the freedom of my fellow employees and all people across this country. Im not going to take a mandate. Im not going to be forced to do something that I dont believe in, he added. If you have flights reduced by 30 percent because 30 percent of pilots are fired because they wont take the vaccine, this is going to affect how your goods get here from overseas, how they are distributed to the store, he said. First of all, we have all the control, and the control comes from a simple word, and thats no,' Yoder added. We just dont need to comply. As far as Im concerned, I will never promote a sick-out or a work action that is illegal. With U.S. Freedom Flyers, the organization Im with, we will never promote such a thing. With that being said, we also cannot control the actions of individuals. And I think that you will see massive disruptions in the supply chain and in your travel if we just stand up and say no, he continued. If these companies fire us and they fire 30% of the workforce, aircraft are going to stop moving, and its going to affect you. Its going to affect your air travel, and its going to affect the economy. Sources include: TeamTuckerCarlson.com 13Fox.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Southwest Airlines canceled more than 2,400 flights over the weekend through Tuesday, Oct. 12, disrupting the travel plans of thousands of its customers and stranding flight crews in the process. The airline has blamed the meltdown of its operations on a combination of bad weather, air traffic control issues and shortage of available staff. Insider sources, however, explain that whats actually happening is an organic sickout protest among pilots who reject vaccine mandates and the coercion being used to push them. Pilots say that the weekend cancellations reflected longer-running fatigue and frustration among its crew, leaving the company vulnerable to further outages. Southwest became operational again on Tuesday. The airline canceled roughly 1,900 flights on Saturday and Sunday and another 435 on Monday. It also canceled 91 flights on Tuesday, or two percent of its schedule. The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), which represents the companys more than 9,000 pilots, has blamed the managements poor planning for the flight cancellations. The union has raised alarms since summer that pilots were stretched thin by frequent reassignments that led to longer workdays and extended trips. Southwest pilots oppose vaccine mandate The relationship between Southwest and SWAPA has been strained in recent months as the airline allegedly made unilateral changes to working conditions last year as a response to the pandemic. The union has updated a suit to include an objection to the companys implementation of a vaccine mandate. It also seeks a temporary restraining order to block the mandate, as well as other policies. Staffing problems usually add to the burden of workers in companies and have become increasingly common across industries, from restaurants to manufacturing to healthcare. Asking workers to stay up late or pick extra shifts could risk staff burnout and resignations. Some of Southwests pilots have said that the constant prospect of being rerouted or being uncertain about the length of their trips could contribute to their reluctance to pick up extra flights. According to the union, pilots did cover the majority of the trips that were left open due to staffing issues over the weekend. Severe weather in Florida and air traffic control issues that slowed traffic in the area on Friday night, Oct. 8, were the immediate trigger to the weekends problems, according to Southwest. Somehow, the same weather did not affect other airlines, however. Official reason for canceled flights: lack of available crew The airline has had to reassign trips, which burned through the on-call staff. But the lack of available crew has remained as the official reason for the canceled flights. (Related: Southwest Airlines sickout protest spreads to Amtrak, which is canceling trains due to employees refusing covid vaccination.) The airline had no immediate comment on the unions concerns about future outages. Executives say they recognize the need for more staffing cushion to insulate operations from unexpected shocks. However, they would have to consider cutting more flights in the next two months to avoid problems. The flight cancellations are only the latest in the challenges that the company had to face as air travel accelerated since COVID-19 vaccines became widely available in the United States. In June, technical problems prompted Southwest to cancel hundreds of flights and delay hundreds more. Airline companies have set ambitious new schedules to meet the rising demand for air travel, but have stretched their resources thin. Southwest has reduced its packed flight schedule coming into the fall to alleviate the problems it saw over the summer. We were thinly staffed coming into the weekend, and that certainly didnt help things as we were trying to recover, says Southwest Chief Executive Gary Kelly. Follow Immunization.news for more news and information related to vaccine mandates. Sources include: CNBC.com WSJ.com (Natural News) We have often compared the American left to tyrants, authoritarians and, yes, even murderous regimes but thats not because were trying for shock value or because we want an internet user to click on our stories. We have made the comparison because its absolutely true. Todays Democrat Party is nothing like the Democrat Party of yesteryear when its politicians purported to care about, and stand up for, working-class Americans. No, todays Democrats are more like Democrats back in the day when they were the party of slavery, the party of the Ku Klux Klan, the party of abortions origins, and the party of segregation. All of those policies and beliefs were authoritarian and tyrannical in nature, so in many ways, nothing has changed with the party. Nowadays it is just out-and-out a den of illiberal Marxists, socialists and, yes, even Communists (Bernie Sanders isnt a socialist hes an outright closet Commie and though hes an independent he caucuses with Democrats) and with all the tendencies of those political ideologies, and were not the only ones to notice, as reported by The Epoch Times: The communist political movement that devastated China decades ago is unfolding in America, warned Xi Van Fleet, a parent-turned-activist who made national headlines after speaking out against critical race theory (CRT) at a school board meeting. When the Cultural Revolution started, I was a first grader, the Virginia mother told EpochTVs American Thought Leaders. She said that all classes ceased at schools and colleges as older students proclaimed themselves Mao Zedongs Red Guards. Emboldened by Maos slogan To Rebel is Justified, the Red Guards did not hesitate to instigate violence and destruction on everyone and everything they considered counter-revolutionary. With Maos approval, no one could stop them, she continued, going on to recall a story that she heard in her youth from a person who saw Red Guards literally beat a man to death after he was deemed to be an oppressor and exploiter because he could withdraw a large sum from his bank. And those who did the killing did not face any legal consequences (with Democrats in charge, we are almost to that point already in many blue cities). The Red Guards were also deployed to attack the Four Olds old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits which meant destroy Chinas previous culture and downgrade or memory hole Chinas prior history, the precursor to todays cancel culture. To do it, Red Guards would travel door-to-door in search of anything that was connected to the period prior to the Communist takeover of the country. I remember this whole street was just a mess of things destroyed, and the people, those homeowners, howling and crying, she said, adding that she sees close similarities between what happened in her native country of China under Mao and what is going on now in her adopted country, America. One of the things that I noticed is people are afraid, she said. There is the right way to talk. There are the right ideas, and those who dont share it feel like, if they tell their own opinion, they might run the risk of being considered racista word like Chinas counter-revolution. Even the ideas behind words, like racism, have changed, she said. For the longest time, my understanding of racism is that someone who discriminates against someone else based on the race, she said. But in the last few years, it has changed its meaning. Anyone who kind of disagrees with the ideology from the left becomes a racist. Whats happened here in America is nothing new, she continued. It happened in China, it happened to me. If we let it go, and not stopping it, [we] will have the same result. The result of the Cultural Revolution is the total destruction of the society, and thats what awaits us if we dont stop it. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Tyranny.news (Natural News) The Lone Star State is in chaos after Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning all entities from demanding proof of Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination. Since many Texans were already fired or forced to resign from their jobs months ago due to Chinese Virus injection mandates, many of them are now demanding that they be re-hired due to Abbotts order. 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,' stated Attorney Jared Woodfill, who represents some 200 health care workers who have filed multiple lawsuits against Houston Methodist Hospital. That applies to every plaintiff that I represent, and every plaintiff that Methodist hospital thought it was appropriate to fire. Woodfill is planning to send a formal request to Houston Methodist that aims to reinstate every employee who was force to leave the facility due to its demand that they get injected with an Operation Warp Speed needle in order to keep their jobs. Houston Methodist, by the way, which resides in a red state, was the first hospital system in the country to require that its employees take one of the vaccines brought into existence at warp speed by Donald Trump. Of the 25,000 people who are employed at Houston Methodist, a paltry 178 were suspended for declining the jabs. Another 153 also voluntarily resigned or were fired due to wanting to keep their DNA and immune systems intact. Houston Methodist, Baylor, IBM, Southwest and American all planning to defy Abbotts executive order Houston Methodist CEO Marc Boom issued a statement saying that he is deeply disappointed by Abbotts order. Boom did not indicate whether or not he would try to put up a fight to stop the now-gone employees from returning to their posts. We are reviewing the order now and its possible implications, a statement from the hospital explains. We expect all of our employees and physicians to be vaccinated as we must continue doing everything possible to keep all our patients and each other as safe as possible until this pandemic is over, the statement further reads, adding that not only are our patients safe as a result, but we are able to remain healthy at work and be there for our community when it needs us the most. Boom added in a statement that the Baylor College of Medicine, another conventional medicine facility in Texas, is planning to continue forcing Chinese Virus injections on employees despite Abbotts order. Other private employers in Texas, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and IBM, are similarly planning to defy the new rule and continue forcing their employees to get injected in order to remain employed. Meanwhile, some companies in blue states are being a little less aggressive about Wuhan Flu shot mandates because they are fearful of losing their workforces if people quit in protest. My company is scared, one person wrote on Zero Hedge. Even in a left-leaning state supposedly 52% of us in the union are vaccinated. The number is probably higher for professionals, but likely no more than 65%. The media is touting 85% and that is laughable. They are scared to lose a skilled workforce. With orders on the books backed up already they are scared that not a single deadline will be met, that quality will suffer, and that they will have a very hard time scrambling to replace centuries worth of cumulative experience. Its a giant game of chicken, folks. Dont blink, dont shrink, dont conform, dont submit. The latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) tyranny and chaos can be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: A Tibetan Mastiff waits to compete in the Westminster Dog Show on February 11, 2014 in New York City. The annual dog show has been showcasing the best dogs from around world for the last two days in New York. (Photo : Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) The Tibetan mastiff is the world's most expensive dog. The golden-coated dog with giant and fluffy physique are not lions, but they may cost nearly as much. They reach at least 26 inches shoulder in height when standing, and typically weighs more than 100 lbs. A single puppy of this breed is known to sell for at least $7,000. In fact, a Chinese businessman made headlines in 2014 when he bought a 1-year-old Tibetan mastiff for $1.9 million. "They have lion's blood and are top-of-the-range mastiff studs," said the dog's breeder at the time, Zhang Gengyun. General, the rare canine is also known as 'guardian dog supreme', loyal to its household and calm at its home. Moreover, they are aloof and territorial with strangers. However, in the recent years, the breed's demand had reached a brink of collapse when thousands of them were abandoned by their rich Chinese owners and killed in mass. A scene of "Abandoned Tibetan Mastiffs" A 20-minute long documentary released in year 2017 showed hundreds of black Tibetan mastiffs packed together in a shelter operated by a local monastery, waiting for their meals. The once most sought-after dogs in China had become unwanted in Tibetan plateau as they flood the streets after getting abandoned by their wealthy owners. Gangri Neichog, a non-profit organization that helped produce the documentary, said that more and more local officials and temples in Qinghai set up shelters for the abandoned dogs when the craze for fuzzy dogs fell. "In Qinghai's Guoluo prefecture alone, 14,000 of the 50,000 dogs in the area are strays," noted Gangri Neichog. "You can say that the stray dog situation probably has a lot to do with the Tibetan mastiffs economy," Yin Hang, founder of Gangri Neichog, said in the documentary. "The market hype has driven many to raise and breed Tibetan mastiffs with the mindset of getting rich overnight, but only very few have profited from the business." Also read: During Deep Sea Dive, Scientists Spot Alien-Like Squid That Dwells on the Deepest Parts of the Ocean A symbol of stature and wealth Around a decade ago, Tibetan mastiffs used to be a symbol of stature and wealth- where two Tibetan mastiffs can be sold for 18 million yuan ($2.7 million) at a luxury pet exhibition to a real-estate investor in Hangzhou in 2014. In 2009, a woman in Xian bought a Tibetan mastiff for 4 million yuan, and welcomed the dog's delivery with a 30-car motorcade at the airport. However, this business is thought to be cruel. "Many who bought the giant dogs found that the dogs were entirely unsuited to living in urban areas and especially small apartments," said Li Qun, a professor at Nanjing Agriculture University who studies animal husbandry history. "Many brought mastiffs back home to the city, used them to breed, and then sold the puppies off for quick money," he added. In addition, some were buying mastiffs not to raise them but to "deliberately in-bred the dogs to make their offspring look more exotic," Li Qun added. Also read: 'Chief Dragon' Dinosaur: Oldest Meat-Eating Dinosaur Was Actually the Size of a Chicken According to a press release published by Naval Group on October 12, 2021, the Centre of Excellence in Singapore recently launched three R&D projects to boost the safety and security capabilities of the maritime industry. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Launching ceremony of the Naval Group's R&D Centre in Singapore (Picture source: Voilah) Drawing on the strong technological know-how of Naval Group and the vibrant dynamics of Singapores R&D landscape, the Centre of Excellence will create a chat-bot to help a crew operate a vessel safely, and implement an Internet-of-Things sensor network on-board for dedicated crew health-monitoring. In addition, the team will develop a software simulator environment to train, validate and examine the joint interactions of disparate sensors and navigation/collision avoidance algorithms, all of which would bring Autonomous Ships closer to reality. To support these three-year projects, the Centre of Excellence is keen to hire individuals proficient in technologies that straddle Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Software Engineering. Since November 2019, Naval Group launched the new center of excellence for Research and Development in Singapore. This initiative has to create world-class expertise based in Singapore for strategic naval defense research topics. This international collaborative platform of exchanges located in Singapore will therefore respond to a triple objective: boost innovation in new strategic domains such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, create a supply of innovative technologies for the regional market as well as supporting the joint effort led by both Singapore and France regarding R&D investments. Sign up to get breaking news, weather forecasts, and more in your email inbox. Sign Up Now Fred Meyer workers in Richland are voting to unionize to get better wages, benefits, and working conditions Does Connecticut want people to smoke? If Jeopardy! posed a question about which states are tied in last place for spending on tobacco control, its reasonable that many contestants could cite Tennessee as one of the right answers. Its equally reasonable that a second guess would be a different Southern state, say North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia or Georgia. So the correct response of Connecticut makes it seem like a trick question. Yet the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids locks Tennessee and Connecticut together in the basement of the standings for per capita spending to combat tobacco use. The Connecticut Mirror reports this week that agencies that take a clear stand against smoking are pressuring the state to invest more resources in fighting tobacco addiction. The article notes that Gov. Ned Lamont acknowledged during his first year in office that his state needs to reverse the history of collecting billions of dollars from Big Tobacco and Small Tobacco (that would be the individual smoker) without spending it on initiatives to stifle addiction. Two years later, Lamonts words seem to have gone up in smoke. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a formula that recommends Connecticut spend $32 million annually on efforts such as steering kids away from tobacco. The states General Fund is short of reaching that figure by ... $32 million. The governors office offers some hazy answers on cessation programs that show up elsewhere in the budget. To be fair, Lamont has been pretty occupied in the past 19 months with a more immediate public health crisis. One way Connecticut has tried to discourage smokers is by having the second-highest cigarette tax among states ($4.35 per pack). That generated some $350 million, which would seem to be enough to spare for that $32 million goal. In an era when even James Bond seems to have kicked the habit, consider the bigger picture. Connecticut is new this year to the marijuana revenue stream. And weve frequently reported on concerns from educators about the rise in vaping among students in Connecticut classrooms. From an even broader perspective, the Food and Drug Administration just this week made the surprising announcement that it is approving the sale of an e-cigarette for the first time. The FDAs reasoning is that the products benefits for adults trying to quit smoking outweighs the risk of hooking teenagers. In this case, the Vuse e-cigarettes are limited to a tobacco flavored rather than tastes from a Trick-or-Treat basket. While we take issue with the FDAs logic, it at least acknowledges the goal of discouraging the smoking of tobacco. Connecticut needs to embrace the wisdom of reducing tobacco use as in investment by saving billions in health costs. Bryte Johnson, Connecticut director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, says tobacco-related illnesses come at a $2 billion annual cost to the states public and private sectors. Does Connecticut want people to smoke? We dont really think so, but we shouldnt have to squint to see a clear picture through the smoke. New Castle, PA (16103) Today Snow will taper off and end this morning but skies will remain cloudy this afternoon. High around 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 80%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 26F. Winds light and variable. Thanks to a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing new details have emerged about Kyndryl, the IBM spin-off of its managed-infrastructure services unit into a separately traded public company. Kyndryl does exactly what the managed-infrastructure services unit of IBMs Global Technology Services segment does: manage enterprises IT infrastructure, whether it comes from IBM or another vendor. Thats a challenge for Kyndryl because it has to deal with the trend toward cloud services and against on-premises infrastructure. The split is expected to be complete by the end of 2021, and when it was announced last year, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said IBM will focus on open hybrid-cloud and AI capabilities while Kyndryl would focus on modernizing customer infrastructure. From the start Kyndryl will be massive and include 90,000 workers and 4,400 customers from IBM's Global Technology Services (GTS) division. That's nearly the size of Accenture. The SEC filing for Kyndryl, lists DXC Technology, Atos, Fujitsu, Infosys, Rackspace, Tata Consultancy Services, and Wipro, among others, as major competitors. In 2020, employees of the managed-services unit of GTS that will make up Kyndryl represented just 8% of IBM's workforce in the US but contributed 38% of the unit's revenues from the Americas and 55% of its gross profit, while its workers in EMEA also brought in 38% of revenue but just 5% of gross profit. Workers in Japan contributed 16% of revenue and 29% of gross profit. The unit is also shrinking, with business in 2020 down 4.5% compared to 2019, and it fell 7% from 2018 to 2019, so it cant rightfully blame the Covid pandemic, although it does. In 2018, the managed-services unit of GTS brought in $21.8 billion in revenue. By 2020 it was down to $19.35 billion. And for the first six months of 2021, revenue was $9.52 billion, which will mean $19 billion if the year stays constant. Part of the reason is that Kyndryl is losing customers. According to the SEC filing, Kyndryl had 5,100 customers in 2018, 4,600 customers in 2019, and 4,400 in 2020. And they make it sound like it was their choice. Like our clients, we prioritized higher value opportunities in 2019. Discrete account and portfolio actions were taken to improve our profitability in the long term even though they had an impact on our 2019 results, Kyndryl said in its SEC filing. If these steps were designed to improve profitability, they didnt work. It reported a net loss of $990 million in 2018, $943 million in 2019, and $2.01 billion in 2020. That includes $918 million in pre-tax charges for layoffs and other measures. So far this year it has reported a net loss of $887 million, which included $232 million in pre-tax spin-off charges. I hate to be harsh, but this is a business in decline and its pretty clear why IBM wants to wash its hands of it. It cant cut its way to profitability and the top line is shrinking. Thats a bad combination. Help support your local hometown newspaper/website. Independent local news reporting matters. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, for as little as $3, so we can continue to provide independent local reporting on our communities. NEW MILFORD The town has approved $200,000 for its social services department to help those in need of rental assistance and home or personal emergencies. In a unanimous vote at Tuesdays Town Council meeting, $100,000 each was approved for the towns Good Samaritan and Good Hope Funds. In a presentation, New Milford Social Services Director Ivana Butera said the Hope Fund has been housed in social services for over 15 years. Its an eviction prevention or a prevention from being behind in mortgage program, she said. Over the years, weve helped several hundred families fill that gap. The Hope Fund has been used when theres a financial crisis that causes residents to fall behind on their rent. The fund may provide residents with a security deposit to get into a new place or catch them up when theyre behind in their mortgage. Butera said while the Hope Fund has never provided the entire amount of someones rent, its been a wonderful stop gap that has enabled the town to partner up with others, as well as with what the client has to contribute. For those who are behind on their rent, Butera will give the funds directly to the landlord. If the Hope Fund is used for a security deposit, landlords have an additional form they need to fill out, pledging to secure the funds in a separate account. To qualify for the fund, residents must provide their income information, which is pay stubs and bank statements. They also need to give proof theyre residing within New Milford. We ask them what they are behind in their rent and then we then call the landlord to confirm the situation, she said. The base amount of assistance social services provides has always been $250. However, the department has been able to go up to $500. The Hope Fund serves about 40 to 60 residents on average per year, giving out from $25,000 to $40,000 on average. Figures from last year are not available yet. Good Samaritan Fund The Good Samaritan Fund is Social Services general emergency fund. It annually serves on average of $30,000 to $35,000, and approves an average of 166 grants per year. This fund provides help with costs such as a car repairs, license renewal, home repairs, a childs tuition, and an emergency medical or dental visit. It assists somebody in maintaining their house, their person or the people within their home, Butera said. Both funds that have been approved at the meeting are charitable funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to help pull communities out of the effects of COVID-19, Butera said. Under that allocation, its up to the community to propose how to spend the money. Prior to this act, the funding for both the Hope and Good Samaritan Funds was generated from the community, Butera said. The additional money will help the town to help more people to a greater degree, Butera said. Originally, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass proposed the amount of $60,000 for each fund. However, Town Council members said they thought that number wasnt sufficient and, instead, proposed $100,000 for each. Theres a consensus that evictions are just getting started, said Butera, adding rents have been increasing and many have been struggling. One of the things that were very concerned about is that some of the rents are going up and becoming unreachable, she said, adding many residents may need to move to another home but dont want to leave town to do so. Our programs are meant to be a piece of the puzzle. We just never have the funding to say we can supply a whole months rent, Butera said. The bottom line is we hope that once everything is caught up, that the landlord would be able to sustain the relationship with tenants so they can maintain their housing without any sort of increase. Residents can apply for the Hope Fund and Good Samaritan Fund once a year. If we have somebody who is coming back more than once to apply, there is probably a bigger, systemic issue that we didnt catch the first time, she said. Residents dont necessarily have to have a job to receive the funds but they have to have the means to move forward, Butera said. Food Bank refrigerators Also at the Town Council meeting, a unanimous motion was approved for $7,500 to replace a Food Bank refrigerator and stand-up freezer. This amount also coming from the American Rescue Plan Act. They are small residential refrigerators that are getting opened at least 150 times, if not more, every Tuesday, Butera said. Once the additional amounts that have been allocated to both funds are used up, Social Services will continue to support the community with whatever charitable funds we are able to acquire like we have for the last many years, she said. Police were called to the DeLand-Weldon school board meeting Wednesday night, but ended up leaving shortly after they arrived after the Piatt County Sheriff said the department would not enforce mask mandates. Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Clinical engineers can help fill a crucial role in today's heath care industry by providing the technical expertise needed to manage the health care technology, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs, that clinicians use to help make life-saving decisions for their patients. Yet, many of these important positions across the United States remain unfilled, especially in rural communities, due to a shortage of qualified applicants. Now, through the Alliance for Precision Health, researchers at the University of Missouri are partnering with Siemens Healthineers to address that workforce need. With a recent $2.6 million grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), the two organizations will develop and implement one of the first online certificate programs in the U.S. for clinical engineering. At places like medical imaging companies, hospitals and clinics, clinical engineers assist with various tasks from optimization to troubleshooting or fixing the equipment, said Heather Hunt, an associate professor of engineering and eLearning strategic initiatives fellow with Missouri Online, who co-leads the grant. A lot of this equipment is very large, expensive and incredibly complicated. So having someone readily available, and potentially in-house, who has the dedicated knowledge and understanding of how this equipment works and how to optimize its use for any particular medical scenario is really important in helping clinicians to deliver quality health care to their patients." Heather Hunt, associate professor of engineering Nanci Wozniak, vice president, education services at Siemens Healthineers, said the grant will help increase the number of trained and qualified clinical engineers in the workforce not only for the state of Missouri, but also beyond. "Clinical engineering is a critical element of health care technology management and is responsible for the application, implementation and servicing of medical technology to optimize health care delivery," Wozniak said. "Siemens Healthineers is excited to participate in this co-development with MU Health Care and the MU College of Engineering as part of our 10-year alliance, providing access to our latest technology, continually updating the curriculum as well as providing mentoring and recruitment opportunities to clinical engineering students." One of the program's goals is to offer both traditional and non-traditional students the opportunity to enroll, regardless of where they are, said Steve Devlin, associate dean for economic development and industrial engagement at the College of Engineering, who also co-leads the grant. That includes current and future MU students, military veterans, community college graduates and professionals seeking continuing education opportunities. "We want to enable as many people as possible to develop skills that are in high demand right now in the industry," Devlin said. "That means allowing students to earn the certificate from their hometowns and to continue to live and work in their communities once they complete the program." Noah Manring, dean of the College of Engineering, said this is an exciting opportunity to help both students and working professionals gain the skills they need to be competitive in the workplace. "As engineers, we're on the front lines of studying emerging technologies, so it's important to provide students with an opportunity to work with complex systems such as leading-edge medical imaging," Manring said. "We're excited to be a part of this collaboration to equip students with these specialized clinical skills and meet them where they are." The program is scheduled to be offered through Missouri Online, a partnership between all four UM System institutions, beginning in fall 2022. Research has shown the effectiveness of aspirin in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease among persons with a history of coronary heart disease. The evidence of primary prevention is less conclusive, despite some studies showing that aspirin reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events and possibly reduces the incidence of cancer and cancer-associated mortality. In a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine if the daily use of aspirin prolongs a healthy life span that is defined as being free from dementia and physical disability. Study: Effect of Aspirin on Disability-free Survival in the Healthy Elderly. Image Credit: fizkes / Shutterstock.com About the study In this study, scientists conducted the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) randomized, placebo-controlled trial across 34 sites in the United States and 16 sites in Australia. Trial subjects were community-dwelling men and women from Australia and the United States. A total of 19,114 persons were enrolled in the study, of whom 9,525 were randomly assigned to receive aspirin. The participants were 70 years of age or older (65 years of age for blacks and Hispanics in the U.S.) and were free of any chronic illness. White participants comprised 91% of the study cohort. Additionally, 56.4% of the participants were women and 11.0% reported previous regular aspirin use. A total dose of 100 mg of enteric-coated aspirin was administered daily to the subjects. The trial was terminated after approximately five years of follow-up (median of 4.7 years). This was done because scientists determined that no further aspirin administration would be beneficial, in terms of the endpoint. Study findings The use of aspirin did not differ from the placebo, in terms of influencing the rates of disability-free survival. The median survival rate was found to be 4.7 years. Scientists found no significant difference between the participants in the U.S. and Australia, or across a range of other subgroups. The findings of the ASPREE trial on Blacks and Hispanics were not clear, owing to their small sample size. Previous studies on aspirin focused on bringing about a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular events. In the elderly, long-term use of a preventive drug like aspirin could be justified by the potentially prolonged healthy life span. Scientists caution that endpoint, reflecting this outcome, should consider the costs and benefits associated with the use of a preventive agent. Aspirin is expected to reduce the incidence of disability from different causes. The mechanism through which aspirin works is by reducing platelet aggregation and thrombotic obstruction. This reduces the risk of ischemia in the heart and brain; however, chronic aspirin use may put individuals at an increased risk of intracerebral and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. In the current trial, the endpoint of disability-free survival included the costs and benefits mentioned above. Among all endpoint events, deaths constituted half, dementia accounted for 30%, and physical disability accounted for 20%. The rates of dementia, physical disability, or death did not differ across the two groups. However, owing to the adverse effects of aspirin, scientists further investigated the specific causes of death and published these findings separately. The incidence of major hemorrhage was higher in the group that received aspirin as compared to the control group. This resulted in an additional 2.4 serious bleeding events per 1000 person-years of exposure. In this study, the lack of aspirin effect was similar across all baseline subgroups except frailty, where the impact was unclear due to the inconsistent effect of aspirin across three frailty categories. The scientists managed to maintain a relatively high level of adherence to the randomly assigned intervention, despite the challenges of having older participants as trial subjects. Limitations One of the limitations of the current study was the short time period of intervention, which made it difficult to estimate the impact of aspirin on diseases that have long latencies like Alzheimers disease and cancer. Further, the study does not provide information on whether aspirin could have favorable effects if taken from a younger age and for a longer duration. There were a low proportion of subjects who used to take low doses of aspirin before the study commenced, which should be considered when interpreting the results. Lastly, this study does not address the question of whether healthy elderly who have been taking aspirin should continue to do so. Conclusion Information on the role of aspirin in increasing a healthy independent life span in older persons is limited. This study conducted an ASPREE trial, with predominantly white participants who were 70 years or older and did not have pre-existing chronic illnesses. Over a median follow-up period of 4.7 years, scientists found no differential effects of aspirin in prolonging disability-free survival. In one recent week, a New Yorker got a free covid-19 test in a jiffy, with results the next day, while a Coloradan had to shell out $50 for a test two cities from her hometown after a frantic round of pharmacy-hopping. A Montanan drove an hour each way to get a test, wondering if, this time, it would again take five days to get results. While covid testing is much easier to come by than it was early in the pandemic, the ability to get a test and timely results can vary widely nationwide. A fragmented testing system, complicated logistics, technician burnout and squirrelly spikes in demand are contributing to this bumpy ride. "We're still where we were 18 months ago," said Rebecca Stanfel, the Montana woman who had to wait five days for test results in Helena last month after being exposed to someone with the virus. Unpredictable waits can be a problem for those trying to plan travel, return to school from a quarantine or even get lifesaving monoclonal antibody treatment within the optimal window if they do have covid. The White House said in early October it plans to buy $1 billion worth of rapid antigen tests to help improve access to the hard-to-find over-the-counter kits. But people are also facing problems getting molecular testing, including the gold-standard PCR tests. Public health labs are no longer hamstrung by supply bottlenecks on individual test components such as swabs or reagents, said Kelly Wroblewski, director of infectious disease programs for the Association of Public Health Laboratories. But they are still bearing a large testing load, which she had expected to shift more to commercial or hospital-based labs by now. Testing labs of all stripes are also facing worker shortages just like restaurants, said Mara Aspinall, co-founder of Arizona State University's biomedical diagnostics program, who also writes a weekly newsletter monitoring national testing capacity and serves on the board of a rapid-testing company. "The staffing shortage is very, very real and holding people back from increasing capacity," she said. Something as simple as proximity also still dictates how quickly test-takers get results. "Northern Maine is a good example," Aspinall said. "Anything you do with PCR is going to take an extra day because its got to be flown or driven a ways." Even in a place such as Longmont, Colorado, near many laboratories and hospitals, PCR samples from the local mass-testing site get shipped by air each evening to a lab in North Carolina. That mass-testing operation recently moved back to its original location at the county fairgrounds after a summer stint in a small church parking lot. Demand for PCR tests in the county quadrupled from 600 weekly tests in July to 2,500 a week in September. Chris Campbell, emergency manager for Boulder County Public Health, attributes the heavy traffic to schools reopening, an uptick in infections and the difficulty in acquiring over-the-counter rapid tests. Campbell said it sometimes took residents four or five days to get their PCR results, though that's dropped to two as the contractor they work with, Mako Medical, has built its laboratory capacity back up. "Its pretty inexcusable to have a turnaround time that long. It really does impact our ability to really stop transmission," Campbell said. "And also, it has an economic impact to businesses, to schools, to early childhood facilities." Mako's lab operates 24/7 and the company uses private planes to speed up shipping, according to a statement from chief operating officer Josh Arant. While Mako's weekly median turnaround time never exceeded 72 hours last month, the statement said, in recent weeks it has returned results to area residents an average 46 hours after specimen collection. Portable devices now exist that can eliminate the need for shipping samples. They can do molecular analysis, including PCR, in under an hour a process that typically takes at least four to five hours in a lab. A Washington, D.C., testing truck has three Cepheid machines on board, each about the size of a printer. Combined, they can give a dozen people PCR results in under an hour, at no cost to test-takers. Still, demand outweighs supply for such fast molecular tests, due largely to the roller coaster of case surges, said Doug Sharpe, vice president of lab capital sales with Medline Industries, which supplies covid testing components to labs across the country. "I dont think anybody thought wed be sitting here," he added. "We're selling more assays than we did at the height in 2020." Gigi Kwik Gronvall, an immunologist with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who leads the center's tracking of covid testing, suggested that the variability in how long it takes to get results has created a seller's market if companies can deliver results by a specific time. "People are going to pay for that sort of guarantee," she said. "There's this potential for people to get fleeced, for sure." MedRite offers PCR results analyzed in three hours in New York and Florida for those willing to pay more than $200 a pop. The company offers other tests, such as antigen tests and slower lab-based PCR tests, at no out-of-pocket cost. Celeste Di Iorio felt fleeced after she spent a day driving from pharmacy to pharmacy in Fort Collins, Colorado, in search of a test that would give an answer in less than three days. As a musician, she'd been traveling out of state and wanted to know if she might be infectious before attending, among other things, a memorial for a relative who died of covid. She and her partner eventually found rapid antigen tests at a pharmacy two cities over. "We just paid $50 apiece for these tests, which pisses me off," she said. "Because, you know, weve all been out of work for a year and a half, and this state has the money." In Helena, Montana, Stanfel has gotten a PCR test every week for many months because she takes immune-suppressing drugs for a rare condition called sarcoidosis. Her doctors told her to get the tests regularly because, even though she's fully vaccinated and has received an additional "booster" dose she would likely need a treatment of monoclonal antibodies as soon as possible if she contracted covid to prevent an early infection from "developing into something really bad." When Stanfel found out a friend she had visited later tested positive for covid, she immediately got a test at her doctor's office. It took five days to learn she had tested negative. Montana's public health lab is in Stanfel's city, but state health department spokesperson Jon Ebelt said the volume of tests since early August has regularly exceeded the lab's capacity. As such, they've had to prioritize tests from hospitalized or symptomatic people and send other specimens to private labs, a process that can stretch the wait time for results to up to seven days. In New York City, where mobile-testing vans are parked in every borough and in-person home testing is offered, residents are reporting quick turnaround for molecular tests because the labs analyzing their samples are close by. For example, in Manhattan, Justin Peck got back from a road trip to Canada on a Tuesday night, walked about five minutes to a mobile-testing van on Wednesday, and had PCR results by Thursday morning, clearing him just in time to go to work for the first time in 18 months as a dancer in "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway. Aspinall said flu season will likely lead to an increase in demand for covid testing as people with covid-like symptoms seek answers about the cause of their illness, compounding existing staffing issues. "Were at a very precarious point," she said. "Its not enough to go forward if the testing volume continues as I expect it will." Mapping of the complete genome of the obesity-prone Ossabaw pig gives new hope for further insights into human obesity and associated diseases. For the first time in history, researchers at DTU Bioengineering and DTU Health Tech in collaboration with researchers in China and the US have mapped the complete genome of the exceptional Ossabaw pig. Important data, which is now freely available to the research community for further investigation. The Ossabaw pig is generally regarded as the most complete and most human-relevant obesity model available, including the very complex mechanisms linking obesity with irreversible, serious obesity comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. These relevant disease mechanisms makes the Ossabaw pig useful for understanding human obesity, as it is similar to and therefore can be translated to human conditions. The origin of the Ossabaw pig'stendency to obesity and obesity comorbidities lies within its more than 500 years of natural evolution in isolation on the Ossabaw Island off the coast of Georgia, USA, where food supply is highly variable. This setting is similar to the way the 'feast' (food surplus) and 'famine' (food scarcity) environment is hypothesized to have shaped the human genome in early human history.The genome ofthe Ossabaw pig is therefore of considerable interest. The complete mapping of the genome provides a unique possibility to identify genes that are different from the genome of common, lean breed of pigs and therefore may be related to the obese phenotype, indicating obesity mechanisms, biomarkers and targets for treatment. We now have a human-translatable genomic blueprint for the very complex state of obesity-associated disease. This will consolidate the use of the Ossabaw pig as the obesity model of choice and we are excited to be able to provide European collaborators with DTU Ossabaw pigs in the coming years." Professor Peter M.H. Heegaard, DTU Health Tech "Whole genomic information is extremely important for identifying genetic changes that drive formation of unique features for species and tracing diseases. The Ossabaw genome will provide a valuable resource for studying obesityrelated metabolic syndromes in the future," PhD Student Yaolei Zhang, DTU Bioengineering, explains, when asked about future perspectives derived from his work. In September 2020, Congress passed bipartisan legislation creating a three-digit national suicide hotline: 988. Think of it as an alternative to 911 for mental health emergencies. The system is intended to make it easier to seek immediate help during a mental health crisis. Instead of calling 911 or the 10-digit national suicide hotline, Americans theoretically will be able to speak to a trained counselor by calling 988 from most any phone line. The federal law allows states to raise funds for the effort by levying a surcharge on monthly bills for mobile and landline phone service. The money can be used to support the dedicated call centers, pay for trained mobile response teams to be dispatched instead of armed law enforcement officers, and bolster stabilization services for people in crisis. States are required to have some version of the 988 system up and running by July 2022. But the actual shape it takes is up to each state. In California, the state Department of Health Care Services announced in September it would spend $20 million to help launch the 988 system. AB 988 is legislation that would tack on up to 80 cents a month on phone lines in the state both wireless and landline services to provide ongoing funding for the system and associated services. The bill has faced opposition from the telecommunications industry, which argues the fee should be capped at 10 cents and fund only the cost of routing 988 calls to an appropriate crisis center. The bill has passed the Assembly and is expected to be taken up by the Senate next year. Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, an Orinda Democrat, is the principal author of AB 988, which she called the "Miles Hall Lifeline Act" in honor of a 23-year-old man who was fatally shot by police in Walnut Creek during a mental health crisis. His family said he had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Bauer-Kahan, a Bay Area lawyer, talked to KHN's Jenny Gold about efforts to get 988 operational in California and what the new system might be able to accomplish. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Q: The new federal law requires that every state have a 988 phone system in place by July. How is California doing, and will we be ready? Im hopeful that we will. We definitely have more work to do. We appropriated $20 million in September to ensure that we have the startup costs to build up our call centers. The data is showing that we should expect about a 30% increase in call volume [for California's 13 suicide prevention call centers] when the rollout happens for 988 in July. So, its really critical to ensure that the call centers have the ability to increase staffing, and train people so that were prepared. Q: Why is it important to have an emergency system dedicated exclusively to mental health? This is a health care issue, but currently its being treated as a public safety issue. And thats leading to a whole host of problems. Id say the largest problem is that [an estimated] 25% of all officer-involved shootings are people in mental health crisis. So that tells us that we arent getting the support we need to the people who need it. Our law enforcement has been incredibly supportive of this effort because they know that there are people better trained to manage people who are in crisis. The largest mental health provider in the nation is the L.A. County jail, which is just the most upsetting thing Ive heard. People shouldnt be treated in our jails. Q: What does the completed 988 system look like? The federal legislation dictated that 988 calls have to be answered by certified suicide prevention call centers. We have 13 of those call centers in California, so they will be the people who answer. Behind the call, the county where you live would be listening and determining whether you need dispatch. We believe, actually, a good percentage of callers will be served via just a phone call. But for those that need a response on the ground, there would be a warm handoff to county services. People who have law enforcement showing up today would instead get a mobile crisis team show up to support them in that moment of crisis. Then theyd be handed off to stabilization services and long-term care for their mental health needs. Q: What happens after emergency personnel respond to a 988 call? Would the patient be routed into a system that looks different from the one we have now, where people are so often taken to an emergency room or jail? The goal is yes. They wouldnt go to jail, because law enforcement isnt the responder. So our jails would not continue to be our largest mental health care providers, but we would be building up a network of services. Some people do need in-patient care that cannot be provided outside of the hospital, and we should make sure we have the [necessary] beds, which we dont today. If somebody needs somebody to talk to weekly, then the county will be able to provide those services. [We need to ensure that] the counties, who really should be the service providers, have the resources to provide care to those in need. And, currently, we just are woefully inadequate in the services that we can provide. The bill really defers to the counties with appropriate funding to create a system that will work for the community. Q: We have a crisis that extends well beyond the point of police intervention, considering we dont have places to treat people during mental health emergencies. Is that part of the vision for 988, or does it deal mostly with this very specific moment of initial contact? Ive always said in thinking about this legislation that this is a small piece of the puzzle. I will not say that Im solving mental health in one piece of legislation. I am really focused on this piece of where we have law enforcement responding inappropriately today. How do we turn that into a health care response? Now, do we need a complete, robust health care, mental health system underneath it? Yes. Am I creating that all through 988? No. So theres a lot of work that I think will go with this. I think its this incredible step in the right direction, but I by no means believe that it is going to solve all of our problems. The end goal is to have a complete continuum of care, so that the counties are able to provide the services that each individual needs to get them to a healthy place. Q: Is there a way to raise funding through 988 to help with that broader continuum? The bill funds both the mobile crisis response and stabilization services. So, we anticipate funding more than just the telephone operators. And we have fought tooth and nail to ensure that funding remains in the bill, because we believe that the phone system will be inadequate unless we have the services behind it to actually provide folks with the ability to be stabilized by their local counties. [Having] the resources to provide exactly what each person in crisis needs is absolutely the goal. 988 is a piece of that puzzle. Sometimes you take the first step. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the causal agent of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), is highly transmissible and infectious. Schools are one of the hotspots for the spread of this virus, as they bring together children from several different households. In the United States, K-12 schools have been opened in some counties; however, there is limited data that has determined whether the reopening of schools has contributed to a rise in COVID-19 cases. Study: The association of opening K12 schools with the spread of COVID-19 in the United States: County-level panel data analysis. Image Credit: Travelpixs / Shutterstock.com A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that counties that opened K12 schools experienced a significant increase in the growth rate of cases. The current study also documents stronger effects for counties where mask-wearing was not mandatory. Background How does the opening of schools relate to the spread of COVID-19 infection? Are barrier strategies, such as mask-wearing at school, effective? These are two highly important questions, especially for countries that have low vaccination rates. Scientists are studying these questions with renewed rigor, owing to the rapid emergence of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants. If it could be established that school openings causally lead to a surge in cases, school authorities should take immediate steps to rectify the situation, such as implementing social distancing measures and mask mandates. The government could also prioritize vaccination for elderly parents. In the current study, researchers used U.S. county-level panel data on K-12 school opening plans and mitigation strategies to determine if visits to K12 schools caused a subsequent increase in COVID-19 cases. About the study The sample period for this study was from April 1. 2020 to December 2, 2020. Several outcome variables were used for the analysis, which included weekly cases and deaths, as well as their growth rates. The key independent variables were school openings and data on mitigation measures data. The dynamic panel data regression model also included other variables, such as the number of tests and non-pharmaceutical policy interventions (NPIs). A seven-day moving average of variables was used to deal with periodic fluctuations. Study findings In the current study. The researchers first conducted a preliminary event study analysis before estimating a dynamic panel regression. The event study results illustrated that the gap in cases/deaths per week per 1,000, between remote opening and full/hybrid opening, grew over time. Researchers also observed that deaths and cases increased in counties with in-person or hybrid openings to a greater extent as compared to those with remote openings. These results were stronger for counties without any mask mandate for staff. The evolution of cases, deaths, and visits to K12 schools and restaurants before and after the opening of K12 schools. A and B plot the evolution of weekly cases or deaths per 1,000 persons averaged across counties within each group of counties classified by K12 school teaching methods and mitigation strategy of mask requirements against the days since K12 school opening. We classify counties that implement in-person teaching as their dominant teaching method into in-person/yes-mask and in-person/no-mask based on whether at least one school district requires staff to wear masks or not. Similarly, we classify counties that implement hybrid teaching into hybrid/yes-mask and hybrid/no-mask based on whether mask-wearing is required for staff. We classify counties that implement remote teaching as Remote. C and D plot the evolution of the 7-d average of per-device visits to K12 schools and full-time workplaces, respectively, against the days since K12 school opening using the same classification as in Aand B. The authors of the current study also found no evidence of the association between school opening dates and visits to restaurants, bars, churches, etc. This suggested that other confounding factors, such as lockdowns, were not systematically related to school opening times and mitigation measures. The event study, though intuitive, had some limitations, such as the parallel trends assumption not holding and the fact that it did not capture the changes in the transmission that were influenced by other containment policies and behaviors. Owing to these limitations, the researchers next adopted a dynamic panel data approach. The results of the dynamic panel data were in line with those of the event study. The researchers estimated that an increase in the visits to and opening of schools was associated with an increase in the growth rates of cases, with a 2-week lag, when schools did not implement a mask mandate for staff. In terms of quantities, the full opening of K-12 schools could have contributed to a 7% increase in the growth rate of cases. The results also suggested that schools with remote learning modes were associated with lower case growth. These results are consistent with other studies on COVID-19 that showed the importance of mitigation measures in schools. Limitations The current study examined whether the opening of K-12 schools could increase the spread of SARS-CoV-2. One of the limitations of the study is its observational nature. The researchers also stated that the potential presence of unobserved confounding factors could invalidate causal results; therefore, the results should be interpreted with great caution. It must be highlighted that the researchers controlled for a host of confounding factors, such as mitigation policies and past infection rates; however, there may be other factors impacting the results, such as the attitudes of people. These factors could be correlated with school reopening decisions, beyond controls added to the regressions. A second limitation of the study is related to the quality and availability of data. Children and adolescents are less likely to be tested; therefore, the reported number of cases is likely to underestimate the true COVID-19 incidence. County-level testing data would have been valuable; however, these were not available. Despite the limitations, the results obtained in this analysis strongly support masking and other precautionary policies in schools, as well as prioritizing vaccines for education workers and elderly parents/grandparents. Increasing mental ill health is one of the most urgent public health challenges in the world. The global meeting Uppsala Health Summit, to be held online on 18-21 October, will discuss which preventive measures societies should deploy to better address this troubling trend. According to the WHO, depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Around 20% of the world's children and adolescents have a mental health condition, with suicide the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Experts from various areas of science and practice will come to Uppsala Health Summit to discuss what different sectors can do to offer better preventive care and early interventions for more people, at different stages of life. It's a big topic to tackle at a conference, but our ambition for this meeting is to highlight new knowledge and innovative thinking about interventions that can help us respond to the great mental health challenges facing the world." Karin Brocki, Professor of Psychology, Uppsala University and Chair, Uppsala Health Summit Programme Committee "The theme Mental Health is especially relevant now that when so many people are feeling the effects of COVID-19 and climate threats. We need to use the available knowledge about how we can enhance people's wellbeing and translate knowledge into interventions that reach as many people as possible at an early stage before it has serious consequences for the individual and society," says Karin Brocki. The meeting includes plenary lectures that are open to everyone and workshops for invited experts from around the world. The subjects discussed will include the development and use of digital care services and artificial intelligence, the state of knowledge about young people and social media, as well as mental ill health, hormones and parenthood, and how to establish consistency in the use of concepts and definitions. The speakers include Dr Ledia Lazeri, Regional Advisor on Mental Health at the World Health Organisation, Dr Vikram Patel, Professor of Global Mental Health at Harvard University, and Dr Steven Hayes, Professor of Psychology and founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Professor of Psychiatry Dr Dixon Chibanda will talk about the internationally acclaimed Friendship Bench Initiative, which builds on humanity and empathy. Professor Andrea Beetz from Germany will talk about success factors in connection with the use of animals such as dogs in therapy. In conjunction with the summit, a report will be launched that has been produced as background for the conversations that will take place. The report can be downloaded from Uppsala Health Summit's website www.uppsalahealthsummit.se Journalists are welcome to participate in the plenary lectures at Uppsala Health Summit on all days. The results of the discussions in the various workshops at the summit will be presented on day four, 21 October, at 15:00. To attend the lectures, please register via the UHS home page. Uppsala Health Summit is organized by Uppsala University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Medical Products Agency, the National Veterinary Institute, Region Uppsala, Uppsala Monitoring Centre, Uppsala Municipality, the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences and the World Class Uppsala network. Increases in temperatures as a result of climate change is favoring the transmission of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in parts of Europe, by creating more suitable conditions for the virus and its mosquito vectors to proliferate. This is the conclusion of a study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB) that analyses the different reasons why the WNV has recently emerged as an important health concern in Europe due to its rapid spread. Scientists warn that the virus will spread to more northerly locations in Europe given a warming climate. The West Nile Virus is a zoonotic vector-borne disease that is usually transmitted between birds and mosquitoes. Humans, horses and other mammals can be infected, but cannot transmit the virus back to mosquitoes or other organisms. Infections in humans can be serious leading to neurological disease and death.Until recently, WNV was only occasionally reported in Europe; it was believed that the virus entered Europe through migratory birds infected with the disease in sub-Saharan Africa. However, it has recently emerged as a major public health concern in Europe given its rapid spread. In this study, recently published in the scientific journal One Health, researchers aimed to discover the reasons why the disease has become so prevalent in Europe lately. They processed and analyzed vast quantities of data for 166 southern and southeastern European regions over a 13-year period, which captured changes in climate, land-use patterns, economic changes, and central government spending on areas like sanitation and the environment. According to Matthew Watts, first author of the study, there is not one simple explanation to describe the recent rise of WNV, but rather a combination of causes. Generally, warmer weather in spring and summer months due to climate change is making conditions more favorable for the virus and its mosquito vectors, speeding up mosquito development and extending their breeding season which can, in turn, increase their numbers. More importantly, warmer winters are also likely to have allowed infected female common house mosquitoes (Culex pipiens) to survive the winter in regions that were previously too cold (such as in northern Italy); therefore, the virus can now survive with mosquitoes throughout the winter and spread earlier on in the year. The results confirmed that regions with a higher proportion of wetlands and arable land, including irrigated agriculture that tends to attract susceptible birds and mosquito species, were most at risk of contracting the disease. Shifting over to irrigated from other land-use types would have certainly increased the disease risk. Drought may also be increasing the intensity of disease outbreaks, as shrinking water resource means that mosquitoes and birds come into closer contact and therefore increase potential transmission events and hence the prevalence of the virus, which can then spill over into human populations". Matthew Watts, First Author All of these environmental changes occurred during a period of austerity in many countries. Countries with the highest number of cases of WNV over the period analyzed were also those that made the biggest cuts in government infrastructure and hazard prevention spending e.g., environmental protection and wastewater spending, which could have benefited vector species and the virus during this crucial period. What if a law passed but no one enforced it? That's essentially what has happened with one small but helpful rule about hospitals and financial assistance for medical bills. The Affordable Care Act, the health law also known as Obamacare, requires nonprofit hospitals to make financial assistance available to low-income patients and post those policies online. Across the U.S., more than half of hospitals are nonprofit and in some states all or nearly all hospitals are nonprofit. But many people who qualify for financial assistance or "charity care," as it is sometimes known never apply. Jared Walker is helping get the word out. He founded Dollar For, an organization that directly helps people use hospital financial assistance policies to overcome unaffordable medical bills. Walker earned the public's attention early this year through a viral TikTok he made on a lark, late one night. In the 60-second video, Walker outlines the basics of applying for hospital financial assistance, in response to a prompt that asks TikTokers to share "something you've learned that feels illegal to know." "Most hospitals in America are nonprofits, which means they have to have financial assistance or charity care policies," he says in the video. "This is going to sound weird, but what that means is if you make under a certain amount of money the hospital legally has to forgive your medical bills." The video outlines the basics of applying for hospital charity care, which he says he uses to "crush" medical bills. "An Arm and a Leg," a podcast about the cost of health care, has been covering Walker and his organization's work since the video's viral moment, as well as the decades-long fight to establish charity care rules that preceded it. Here are five strategies Walker endorses and shares during monthly volunteer training sessions: 1. How do you find the policy? Walker's trick for finding a hospital's financial assistance policy is as straightforward as it gets: Google it. Enter the hospital's name, followed by "financial assistance policy" or "charity care policy." The first search results are likely to be an outline of the policy and an application to submit. Your first instinct might be to go to your hospital's home page. But that's likely a mistake. Policies tend to be hidden from hospital website menus, according to Walker. In many states, charity care laws are more specific than what's outlined in the ACA, and hospitals may be required to display their financial assistance policies prominently. It's rare for the policies not to be available online at all, but in some cases, Walker said, you may need to call the hospital and ask for an application. 2. Who qualifies? Most hospital charity care policies are income-based, using percentages of the federal poverty guidelines to define eligibility. In an example, Walker showed the guidelines for St. Lukes Hospital of Kansas City, where patients earning 200% of the federal poverty guidelines were responsible for 0% of their bill. That figure was just over $2,000 a month in 2021. Those making 201% to 300% were eligible for certain discounts. Not sure how your income compares to the federal poverty guidelines? Here's one of many helpful online calculators. Remember, your household is you, plus your spouse, plus anyone you claim as a dependent on your taxes. Roommates don't count. Applications typically require documentation to prove your income. Hospitals ask for things like recent pay stubs, proof of unemployment, Social Security award letters and tax returns, according to Walker. Exactly which documents the hospital may ask for can vary. But a hospital can't deny you for failing to provide a document that isn't spelled out in the application. 3. In collections? You may still have time. The IRS requires nonprofit hospitals to give patients a grace period of 240 days (about eight months) from the initial billing date to apply for financial assistance. But hospitals are allowed to send bills to collection agencies much earlier than that often after just 120 days. At that point, patients often feel as though they're being hounded by notifications from collection agencies. Still, patients may have months remaining to apply for financial assistance, and alerting the collection agents that an application with the hospital is in process can sometimes stop the letters. "The hospital can take you out of collections just as easily as they put you there," Walker said. In some cases, hospitals will forgive bills that are much older than 240 days. When in doubt, applying may be worth it even for bills that are several years old, Walker said. It does not hurt to ask for help. 4. Looks like you won't qualify? Write a letter. If you don't qualify on income alone but you still can't afford your hospital bills, don't rule yourself out. The same applies if the hospital's financial aid policy specifies that only uninsured people qualify; you might have insurance but are still looking at giant bills you can't pay. Walker said a letter of financial hardship attached to an application can help. In fact, he encourages each patient to attach a letter, no matter how strong their application seems. "These are real people reading these and the letters go a long way," he said. Ultimately, each hospital is making a judgment call about who gets the assistance it is legally obligated to provide. Make your case. 5. Yes, you may need to fax it in. While many hospitals have digital portals to enable online bill-paying, there's usually no equivalent for applying for financial assistance. Many applications offer only a mailing address. But Walker and his team have found that applications sent by mail frequently get lost. Instead, they recommend either walking the application into the hospital and delivering it by hand or faxing it. Public libraries, packaging stores like FedEx and certain online services make faxing possible even if, like most people, you haven't used a fax machine since the late 1990s. When it comes to accessing charity care, "youre gonna have to jump through a lot of hoops," Walker said, "but its worth it." Emily Pisacreta is a reporter and producer with "An Arm and a Leg," a podcast about the cost of health care that is co-produced with KHN. 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." Mark Penney, Researcher, Department of Applied Mathematics, 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 PhD 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 modeling 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 every one 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. The NIH Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative announced today that it has issued contract awards totaling $77.7 million to develop and manufacture 12 new rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The home and point-of-care testing platforms target the need for high-performance, low-cost home tests and point-of-care tests that can potentially detect multiple respiratory infections. These projects are part of the RADx Tech program, which involves an intensive concept viability "shark-tank"-like assessment conducted by a panel of technical, regulatory and business experts. The awards support the development, validation, scale-up and manufacturing with the goal of bringing needed tests to the market as early as this year. These technologies represent important innovations to address the need for ready access to rapid, low-costs tests everywhere in the country, including in every home. The potential to test simultaneously for multiple types of infection at the point-of-care, is a new frontier that we hope to advance and could be a major step toward transforming U.S. healthcare." Bruce J. Tromberg, Ph.D., Director, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) and Lead, RADx Tech The new awards are in addition to 33 that NIH previously disbursed through its technology development program. The RADx Tech program has resulted in 32 U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations (EUAs), including supporting the first home test EUA. Companies supported by the RADx program that achieved an EUA have contributed over 840 million tests to the U.S. market since fall of 2020. The new tests receiving support for development, validation, and manufacturing and scale-up are: Viral RNA detection Detect, Guilford, Connecticut A rapid, reverse transcriptase-loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) platform with mobile app-guided instructions to detect SARS-CoV-2 in about 60 minutes. The test is anticipated to have analytical performance nearly as high as laboratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, but in a compact, cost-effective package that is intended for point-of-care settings and home use. The technology may also be expanded to test for other respiratory pathogens like influenza A/B. Palogen, Palo Alto, California A nanoelectronic biosensor that detects SARS-CoV-2 RNA in three minutes. The technology is initially intended for use at the point of care. Quidel, San Diego A real-time PCR platform that simultaneously detects influenza A/B, respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2 in less than 25 minutes. The platform has the capacity to expand to a multiplex of 12 assays at one time. The test is expected to be highly accurate and sensitive and will be intended for use in point-of-care settings like small hospitals and urgent care clinics. Uh-Oh Labs, Santa Clara, California A portable and reusable RT-LAMP device with single-use cartridges that detect SARS-CoV-2 in 30 minutes. The cartridge can be expanded to detect other respiratory pathogens like influenza A/B. The test is intended for use in point-of-care settings and is suitable for use at K-12 schools, universities, healthcare facilities and businesses. The test will also be validated for at-home use. University of California, Los Angeles A next-generation sequencing technology for COVID-19 testing that will be scaled up to help increase surveillance of cases and variants in the United States. The technology allows samples to be pooled and processed in a larger batch to decrease cost and processing time while not compromising accuracy. The test is intended for use in a high-complexity lab. Viral antigen detection Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), Franklin Lakes, New Jersey Two separate product lines to detect SARS-CoV-2 in 15 minutes or less. One is a lateral flow immunoassay with a reader which delivers electronic results intended to be used in point-of-care settings. The second is an at-home lateral flow test that is digitally read by a smartphone. Ellume USA LLC, Frederick, Maryland A single-use, digital fluorescent immunoassay antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B all-in-one platform. Results are returned in 15 minutes or less. The platform is paired with a mobile app for ease of use and is intended for use in point-of-care settings. Luminostics, Inc. (dba Clip Health), Milpitas, California A rapid, smartphone-connected, antigen immunoassay that uses glow-in-the-dark nanomaterials to detect and differentiate SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B. A reusable reader delivers results in 15 minutes and the test is intended for use in point-of-care settings. LumiraDx, Waltham, Massachusetts A microfluidic immunofluorescence assay that can detect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B expected to have sensitivity approaching laboratory PCR. Multiplexed assay results are provided in less than 15 minutes. The test is intended for use in point-of-care settings. Princeton BioMeditech, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey A lateral flow assay antigen test that simultaneously detects and differentiates between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B all-in-one test. The test delivers visibly read results in about 15 minutes. Currently, the test has EUA for use in point-of-care settings and moderate- and high-complexity labs. The test will be validated for use at home. Quidel, San Diego Two lateral flow assays combine in one package to detect SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza A/B viruses. Results are visible on the test strips in less than 15 minutes. The combination test is being developed for use in point-of-care settings. Researchers in Qatar have unveiled a high-resolution map of the genetic structure of Arab and Middle Eastern populations, providing new insights into human history in the region and ancestral patterns that may help to explain local human traits and disease risks. Crucially, the Qatar study published today in the leading scientific journal Nature Communications reveals that ancient populations in the Arabian Peninsula played a far more central role in the story of early human migration out of Africa than was previously understood. Developed by an international team led by Dr Younes Mokrab and Dr Khalid Fakhro from Sidra Medicine in Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Genome Programme, it is the first large-scale analysis of the genetics of Arab and Middle Eastern populations. DNA from more than 6,000 people living in Qatar has been examined, with their genomes compared to those from other populations living around the world today, as well as ancient DNA. Understanding the genetics of these under-characterized populations breaks down a barrier to precision medicine tailored to address disease risks unique to people with Middle Eastern ancestry. The study revealed key novel historical and social insights into Arab populations: A population split from early Africans occurred around 90,000 years ago, followed by a further split between 30-42,000 years ago that gave rise to the ancestors of modern-day Arab, European, and South Asian populations. This is supported by the observation that Neanderthal DNA is far rarer in Arab populations than in populations that later mixed with ancient hominins. Arab ancestral populations have undergone multiple splitting events 12-20,000 years ago, giving rise to various settling and Bedouin communities concurrent with the aridification of Arabia. By comparing modern genomes to various ancient human DNA dating back to Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Peninsular Arabs were found to be the closest relatives to so-called Basal Eurasian Neolithic farmers and hunter-gatherers who occupied the ancient Middle East. The study found very high rates of homozygosity, which is likely to be a result of the tribal nature of Arab cultures, suggesting the suitability of this population in discovering novel disease risk genes and natural human knockouts. Dr Mokrab, head of the Medical and Population Genomics lab at Sidra Medicine which is a member of Qatar Foundation and Assistant Professor of Genomic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, said Our in-depth genetic analyses of 6,218 Qatari genomes leverages the biggest dataset of this kind from the Middle East to date. Despite the relatively small size of the Qatari population, we discovered diverse ancestries relating to Europe, Asia, Africa and even South America. Notably we found a unique group of Peninsular Arabs as the most ancient of all modern Middle Eastern populations. This provides a fantastic addition to our knowledge of human genetic diversity. As producers of the largest genomic dataset in the region, we hold a responsibility as Qatar Genome Programme to represent our part of the world and fill many of the existing knowledge gaps on genomics of the Middle Eastern populations. This paper is a great example of the role that we play. Asma Al Thani, Professor , Qatar Genome Programme Dr Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine, added: This work builds on the terrific momentum in human genome research taking place in Qatar, allowing us to appreciate, at unprecedented scale, the fascinating trajectory of different tribal ancestries across Arabia over the past millennia. We are discovering every day that modern day Qatar is an excellent proxy for the diverse Arab world, and future discoveries from this population will have tremendous implications for precision medicine for millions of Arabs everywhere. The group of scientists have also analyzed mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA of the subjects, which led to the discovery of novel makers among Arab males, supporting the ancient origins of Qataris in the Arabian Peninsula. Prof. Andy Clark, a member of the team and a population genetics expert at Weill Cornell New York said: This is an exciting landmark effort that provided unprecedented power to study human ancestries of the Middle East. This data will help shape our understanding of disease risk and etiology in populations that have long been under-represented in world studies. The results of the study are designed to be a benchmark for providing genomic medicine to the people of the Middle East and the Arab world. The researchers have used the data to build a reference panel to impute genetic variation, the first ever dedicated for Arab populations. It is expected to complement excising resources to increase the power to detect disease causing genes in these largely under-studied populations. Dr Said Ismail, Director of Qatar Genome Programme, said: This is a timely study that highlights the power of nation-wide genomics initiatives especially at a junction of human history and diversity such as Qatar. Sidra Medicine is an academic research center in Qatar specialized in treating women and children and in implementing precision medicine in the Middle East. Qatar Genome Programme part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation is a national initiative in Qatar generating large databases that combine whole genome sequencing and other omics data from the Qatari population, enabling researchers to make breakthrough discoveries and support the future direction of healthcare in Qatar. 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 federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges nearly all Americans to get a flu vaccination by the end of October. Image Credit: UVA Health 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, said researcher Sean Moore, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at UVA Childrens and a member of UVAs Child Health Research Center. This misalignment was associated with seasonal patterns of premature birth, low birth weight and birth by cesarean. The importance of vaccines Moore teamed with Jason Papin, PhD, of UVAs 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. Moms 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. It was incredibly fun and rewarding to work with such a diverse team of biomedical scientists. Im hopeful that the results here can have a real impact in the health of newborns. Jason Papin, PhD, UVAs Department of Biomedical Engineering 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 doctors 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. UVAs Department of Biomedical Engineering is a joint collaboration of UVAs School of Medicine and School of Engineering. Muscle is known to regenerate through a complex process that involves several steps and relies on stem cells. Now, a new study led by researchers at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF, Spain)/Centro Nacional de Investigationes Cardiovasculares (CNIC, Spain)/CIBERNED (Spain) and Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes (iMM, Portugal), published on 15 October in the journal Science, describes a new mechanism for muscle repair after physiological damage relying on the rearrangement of muscle fiber nuclei, and independently of muscle stem cells. This protective mechanism paves the way to a broader understanding of muscle repair in physiology and disease. Skeletal muscle tissue, the organ responsible for locomotion, is formed by cells (fibres) that have more than one nucleus, an almost unique feature in our body. Despite the plasticity of these fibres, their contraction can be associated with muscle damage. 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 depth in recent decades, most studies centred on mechanisms involving several cells, including muscle stem cells, which are required when extensive muscle damage occurs". William Roman, Study First Author and Researcher, Pompeu Fabra University "In this study we found an alternative mechanism of muscle tissue repair that is muscle-fibre autonomous", says Pura Munoz-Canoves, ICREA professor and principal investigator at UPF and the CNIC, and study leader. Researchers (including Antonio Serrano (UPF) and Mari Carmen Gomez-Cabrera (University of Valencia and INCLIVA) 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 the 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. "This muscle fibre self-repair process occurs rapidly both in mice and in humans after exercise-induced muscle injury, and thus represents a time- and energy-efficient protective mechanism for the repair of minor lesions", adds Pura Munoz-Canoves. In addition to its implications for muscle research, this study also introduces more general concepts for cell biology, such as the movement of nuclei to injury sites. "One of the most fascinating things about these cells is the movement during the development of their nuclei, the biggest organelles inside the cell, but the reasons why nuclei move are largely unknown. Now, we have shown a functional relevance for this phenomenon in adulthood during cell repair and regeneration", says Edgar R. Gomes, group leader at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular and a professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lisbon, who co-led the study. On the importance of these discoveries, Pura Munoz-Canoves, Antonio Serrano, and Mari Carmen Gomez-Cabrera agree that: "This finding constitutes an important advance in the understanding of muscle biology, in physiology (including exercise physiology) and muscle dysfunction". Given that globalization has increased the risk of outbreaks escalating into pandemics, understanding transmission mechanisms of infectious diseases have become very important to formulate global public health policy. Study: The military as a neglected pathogen transmitter and its implications for COVID-19: A systematic review. Image Credit: Bumble Dee/ Shutterstock A recent systematic review by researchers in Canada aimed to study existing evidence for the military being a historically relevant disease vector that has been overlooked during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study is available on the medRxiv* preprint server. The study The researchers searched three electronic databases without any temporal restrictions. They identified 2010 studies out of 6477 spanning more than two centuries (1810 2020) that met the inclusion criteria for the review and offered evidence for the military being a pathogen transmitter, within itself or between the military and civilians. Two of the researchers independently extracted data from the studies with the help of a standardized form. They grouped studies based on the type of transmission mechanism and extracted direct quotes to generate themes and sub-themes. Then, they performed a content analysis and generated frequency distributions for each theme. The results showed that the biological mechanisms driving the transmission are contaminated food and water, person-to-person transmission, vector-borne, and airborne routes. Social mechanisms that facilitate transmission included unhygienic conditions, crowded living spaces, strenuous working and training conditions, pressure from military leadership, absent or inadequate vaccination programs, poor compliance with public health advice, high-risk behaviors, contractor mismanagement, and occupation-specific freedom of movement. The researchers found that contaminated food and/or water was the most common route of biological transmission. Living conditions were the most common mechanism of social transmission, with young and low-ranking military personnel being repeatedly reported as the most affected group. Some social mechanisms, including employment-related freedom of movement, were unique to the military as a social institution. While some studies explicitly focused on civilian populations, many others had information that indicated that military outbreaks likely impacted civilians. Conclusion In conclusion, the military features highlighted in this study are a significant public health threat, especially for countries with a considerable military presence or underdeveloped public health systems. Unlike biological transmission mechanisms, many social transmission mechanisms were unique to the military, thus facilitating super-spreader events and impacting civilian health. This systematic review shows that multiple mechanisms facilitate disease transmission within military bases, missions, medical institutions, and civilian populations. The most common biological mechanism identified was contaminated food and water, and others included close contact, sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections, vector-borne, droplet, and airborne routes. Living conditions such as crowded living and sleeping practices were identified as the most common social transmission mechanisms. Other social mechanisms driving transmission include unhygienic living and/or food preparation, stressful working/training conditions, and inadequate vaccination programs, poor compliance with public health advice, and contractor mismanagement. We live in an increasingly interconnected world facing the challenges posed by an unprecedented pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus and more such viruses of pandemic potential in the future. The military features identified here may aggravate current and future public health challenges and weaken attempts by nations to implement efficient and equitable pandemic control policies. *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. 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: Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, who was fired just 26 hours before he was due to retire in 2018, will be getting his pension after all. The Justice Department has agreed to allow McCabe to officially retire and receive benefits, reports the New York Times. McCabe, who joined the bureau in 1996 and was fired on the eve of his 50th birthday, will receive $200,000 in missed pension payments and his legal fees will be paid. The move settles a lawsuit in which McCabe argued he was fired for political reasons after he was targeted by then-President Donald Trump, NPR reports. Trump celebrated the firing on Twitter, calling it a "great day for democracy." Our original story from March 24, 2018 follows: story continues below "Not in my worst nightmares did I ever dream my FBI career would end this way," Andrew McCabe says. That way being fired immediately before his "long-planned" retirement after 21 years with the FBI then having that firing celebrated on Twitter by the President of the United States of America. McCabe, who served as both deputy director and acting director of the FBI prior to his firing March 16, wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post about his experience. He says he spent the day of his firing with his family, waiting to see if he would be allowed to retire. He found out he wouldn't when a friend called to tell him CNN was reporting he had been fired. "After two decades of public service, I found out that I had been fired in the most disembodied, impersonal waythird-hand, based on a news account," McCabe writes. McCabe says he was not deserving of accusations of "lack of candor" that were lobbied at him. He says he "did not knowingly mislead or lie to investigators" and "answered questions as completely and accurately as I could." And while there was occasional confusion or misunderstandings, he says he definitely didn't deserve "the very public and extended humiliation of my family and me that the administration, and the president personally, have engaged in over the past year." McCabe accuses President Trump of "unhinged public attacks" and "cruelty." Still, he encourages young people who want to do good to consider joining the FBI: "It is the best job you will ever have. Even if a president decides to attack you and your family. Even if you get fired on a Friday night, one day from your retirement." Read the full piece here. (Read more Andrew McCabe stories.) (Newser) Update: An Alaska lawmaker's COVID drama just took another turn. Republican State Sen. Lora Reinbold, who bucked mask rules and was banned from Alaska Airlines, has tested positive for the virus, reports the Anchorage Daily News. The 57-year-old says she's recuperating at home with the help of remedies including the controversial ivermectin as well as vitamins, per People. Game on! Who do you think is going to win? Reinbold wrote on Facebook of her infection. When I defeat it, I will tell you my recipe." Our original story from Sept. 12 follows: story continues below An Alaska state senator who made headlines for refusing to wear a mask and getting banned from flying Alaska Airlines now finds herself in a pickle: she can't make it to work. Per the Anchorage Daily News, Lora Reinbold, a Republican from Eagle River, has asked to be excused from votes at the capitol because getting to Juneau has become impossible for her in the wake of the ban. As we reported following her ban in April, Reinbold at one point drove through part of Canada and took a ferry to reach the state's capital. Per the Washington Post, Alaska Airlines is the only carrier offering flights between Anchorage, a suburb of which Reinbold represents, and Juneau. Delta's service between the cities reportedly ended Sept. 11. "If the only airline, that has flights during session to Juneau, can unconstitutionally impede a legislators ability to get to the Capital in a safe and timely fashion, it could undermine our representative republic," Reinbold argued on Facebook on Sept. 9. Reinbold was recorded in April at the Juneau International Airport speaking with Alaska Airlines staff about mask policies. A video posted on social media by the Alaska Landmine political blog appears to show airline staff telling Reinbold her mask must cover her nose and mouth. A week later, she was banned, per the AP. We have notified Senator Lora Reinbold that she is not permitted to fly with us for her continued refusal to comply with employee instruction regarding the current mask policy, said spokesman Tim Thompson. (Read more face masks stories.) (Newser) Update: Susan Berman was "an extraordinary human being," Los Angeles Country Judge Mark Windham said Thursday. Then he sentenced Robert Durst to life in prison without parole for her murder, CNN reports. "I personally wish I could have known her," the judge said, adding that Berman's death "was a terrible loss to our community." California has a moratorium on the death penalty, but the jury found the slaying met the state's standard for "special circumstances," allowing Durst to be given life without parole. Durst was in the courtroom, wearing a medical mask and slumping in his wheelchair. Family members read victim statements. "I have not had one day off in almost 21 years from the absolute destruction and pain that this had caused me," said Berman's son, Sareb Kaufman. Our story from last month follows: story continues below A Los Angeles jury convicted Robert Durst on Friday of murdering his best friend 20 years ago, a case that took on new life after the New York real estate heir participated in a documentary that connected him to the slaying that was linked to his wife's 1982 disappearance. Durst, 78, wasn't in court for the verdict from the jury that deliberated about seven hours over three days. He was in isolation at a jail because he was exposed to someone with coronavirus, per the AP. Durst, who faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole when sentenced Oct. 18, was convicted of the first-degree murder of Susan Berman. She was shot at point-blank range in the back of the head in her Los Angeles home in December 2000 as she was prepared to tell police how she helped cover up his wife's killing. Berman, the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster, was Durst's longtime confidant who told friends she'd provided a phony alibi for him after his wife vanished. Durst was arrested in 2015 while hiding out in a New Orleans hotel on the eve of the airing of the final episode of The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, in which he was confronted with incriminating evidence and made what prosecutors said was a confession. Durst could be heard muttering to himself on a live microphone in a bathroom: "There it is. You're caught" and "Killed them all, of course." Prosecutors painted a portrait of a rich narcissist who didn't think the laws applied to him and ruthlessly disposed of people who stood in his way. They interlaced evidence of Berman's killing with Kathie Durst's suspected death and the 2001 killing of a tenant in a Texas flophouse where Robert Durst holed up while on the run from New York authorities. The conviction marks a victory for authorities who've sought to put Durst behind bars for murder in three states. Durst was never charged in the disappearance of his wife, who's never been found, and he was acquitted of murder in Galveston, Texas, where he admitted dismembering the victim's body and tossing it out to sea. "Bob Durst has been around a lot of years, and he's been able to commit a lot of horrific crimes. We just feel really gratified that he's been held accountable," Deputy District Attorney John Lewin said. Defense lawyer David Chesnoff said Friday his team believed there was "substantial reasonable doubt" and was disappointed in the verdict. He said Durst would pursue all avenues of appeal. (Read more Robert Durst stories.) (Newser) Some 93,000 people moved from Japan to North Korea in the latter half of the 20th century, many believing they would encounter a "paradise." North Koreadesperate for labor amid efforts to rebuild following two tragic warssuggested these migrants, many of whom were ethnic Koreans who'd moved (or been forced to move) to Japan during its colonial rule of the Korean peninsula prior to 1945, were in for an idyllic life of free health care and education, as well as guaranteed jobs and housing, per the BBC and Guardian. Instead, they found "the enjoyment of human rights was generally impossible," according to a lawsuit demanding Kim Jong Un pay up. story continues below Four ethnic Koreans and a Japanese wife who took part in the repatriation program funded by North Korea from 1959 to 1984 are seeking the equivalent of $880,000 each for "false advertising" in a case playing out in Tokyo district court, though they acknowledge it's somewhat symbolic. "We don't expect North Korea to accept a decision nor pay the damages," says lawyer Kenji Fukuda. But with a favorable ruling, "we hope that the Japanese government would be able to negotiate with North Korea." The Japanese government supported the program, as did the Red Cross, though neither are named in the suit. The plaintiffsamong the few participants to have escaped the Northsay they would never have made the trip if they'd known that poverty, prison camps, and forced manual labor awaited them. "We were told we were going to a 'paradise on Earth,'" 68-year-old Lee Tae-kyung, who spent 46 years in the North before escaping in 2009, told the New York Times earlier this year. "Instead, we were taken to a hell and denied a most basic human right: the freedom to leave." Blocked from returning to Japan, "resettlers were generally classified as a 'hostile' class and subjected to state surveillance and persecution," reads a report from the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights. It likens the program to a "slave trade." (Read more North Korea stories.) (Newser) A convicted bank robber is headed back to federal prisonthis time for fraudulently seeking more than $4.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans. Michael Moller, 42, of Middletown, Rhode Island, was under federal supervised release following four armed bank robbery convictions when he filed 11 loan applications under the names of himself, his father, his girlfriend's son, and his girlfriend's brother, between April and August 2020, according to the US Attorney's Office for Rhode Island. He ultimately received $599,251 in loans that were meant to help out small businesses during the pandemic, which was spent on gambling, trips, a Camaro, and home renovations, per the Washington Post. story continues below Mollerwho had nine prior state convictions in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for larceny or obtaining money under false pretenses and two prior federal convictions for tax fraudcontinued his deceptive behavior even as he awaited sentencing in the PPP case, per the Newport Daily News. While held at the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls this summer, he called associates of two inmates, claiming to be an attorney who could help secure their freedom, according to authorities. He also requested payment. A friend of one inmate paid Moller's girlfriend $12,000 in cash, while the wife of another inmate handed over $5,000, the US Attorney's Office said. "Moller is simply incapable of stopping himself from defrauding others," prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum, per the Post. The 42-year-old, who pleaded guilty to bank fraud a year ago, was sentenced Thursday in US District Court in Providence to almost seven years in federal prison (82 months and one day), to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. He was also ordered to pay back all of the loan money he received. (Another man who faked his death after fraudulently seeking PPP loans was sentenced in the same court last week.) (Newser) A judge has ordered former President Donald Trump to testify under oath in a lawsuit over a clash between protesters and his security guards in 2015. The videotaped deposition will be taken Monday at Trump Tower, NBC reports, where the demonstrators say they were assaulted on the sidewalk. Bronx Supreme Court Justice Doris Gonzalez's order followed what an attorney for the plaintiffs called "years of the defendants' dilatory attempts to shield" Trump from having to testify. There was no immediate comment from Trump's lawyers. story continues below The protest was held by four men of Mexican descent who were objecting to remarks Trump had made during his first presidential campaign about Latinos. They were wearing Ku Klux Klan suits, per the Washington Post. Trump Tower security guards came outside, took the signs from the men and shoved them, the suit says. One of the men said the head of security at the time, Keith Schiller, hit him in the head with his fist. Schiller says he was trying to clear the sidewalk and hit the demonstrator after being grabbed from behind. Trump wasn't present for the confrontation, and he argued in 2016 that he shouldn't be deposed because he'd delegated the hiring and supervision of security guards. But the plaintiffs noted that the guards are his employees and said his rhetoric encouraged the use of force. The deposition will be the first for Trump since he was elected president in 2016, and the recording made Monday will serve as Trump's testimony when the case goes to court. A trial date has not been scheduled. The former president faces at least 10 lawsuits. (Read more Donald Trump stories.) (Newser) A St. Louis Post-Dispatch story this week exposed a major security flaw in a website run by Missouri's education departmentbut the newspaper didn't get a thank-you note from Gov. Mike Parson. Instead, the Republican governor vowed to investigate and prosecute the paper and the "hacker" who uncovered the vulnerability, NPR reports. The Post-Dispatch said the HTML source code for the state website contained the Social Security numbers of more than 100,000 teachers and other school employees. The newspaper said it waited for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to remove the pages involved before it released its report. story continues below Parson said Thursday the reporter and the newspaper had "unlawfully" accessed the information and complained it could cost around $50 million to fix the issue, per Krebs on Security. He said the "hacker"and "all those who aided this individual and the media corporation that employs them"would be held accountable. The governor said prosecutors have been notified and the Missouri State Highway Patrol's digital forensic unit will be investigating all those involved. "We will not let this crime against Missouri teachers go unpunished," Parson said. But exposing the flaw didn't require "brilliant technological wizardry," writes Philip Bump at the Washington Post, who describes the governor's rhetoric as "over the top to the point of near hilarity." Bump notes that Parson accused reporter Josh Renaud of "decoding" the information, when all he did was view the page's source code, which is only a few clicks away for any user. Since fixing the issue would require "little more than changing an ASP template to remove the embedded numbers," it's not clear why the governor thinks it would cost $50 million, Bump writes. Post-Dispatch attorney Joseph Martineau said the reporter had done the responsible thing by reporting the issue to the state. "A hacker is someone who subverts computer security with malicious or criminal intent," Martineau said in a statement. "Here, there was no breach of any firewall or security and certainly no malicious intent." Cyber law expert Peter Swire at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Cybersecurity and Privacy tells the AP that reporting security flaws in publicly accessible websites is a "public service," not a crime. "Right clicking does not count as criminal hacking, Swire says. (Read more Missouri stories.) (Newser) Activity at the 25,000-acre Florida nature preserve where Brian Laundries parents said he went for a hike on Sept. 13 or Sept. 14 ramped up Thursday. Multiple law enforcement vehicles were spotted on the Venice end of the Carlton Reserve around 9:30am as teams combed through the area, per WFLA. The Pasco County Sheriffs Office, located about an hour and a half away, confirmed its human remains detection dog, one of the only ones in the state, was again on scene following a request from the North Port Police Department and FBI. story continues below A day earlier, Laundrie's lawyer hit out at Dog the Bounty Hunter and America's Most Wanted host John Walsh, who've been involved in the search for his missing client, considered a person of interest in the death of his fiancee, Gabby Petito. Steven Bertolino told TMZ that "dusty relics like that Dog and John Walsh need a tragic situation like this so they can clear the cobwebs off their names and give their publicity hungry egos some food." The case does appear to have benefited Dog the Bounty Hunter as TMZ reports several networks have reached out with TV offers. Petito's mother, Nichole Schmidt, has taken issue with Bertolino's reference to Petito's death as a "tragedy" after an autopsy on the body found Sept. 19 in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest revealed the 22-year-old died weeks earlier by manual strangulation. "His words are garbage," Schmidt responded, per WFLA. "Keep talking." Bertolino on Tuesday noted Laundrie is "currently charged with the unauthorized use of a debit card belonging to Gabby" and "only considered a person of interest in relation to Gabby Petito's demise." This was the first confirmation that the debit card Laundrie allegedly used from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 was Petito's, per WTSP. (Read more Brian Laundrie stories.) (Newser) Update: Former President Bill Clinton left a California hospital Sunday morning after treatment for an infection. Former first lady Hillary Clinton accompanied her husband, who had been admitted Tuesday, when he was released from the University of California Irvine Medical Center, the AP reports. Moving slowly, the former president shook hands with doctors and nurses lined up outside on his way to a vehicle. A statement posted by an aide quoted a doctor saying Clinton's "fever and white blood cell count are normalized, and he will return home to New York to finish his course of antibiotics." Our original story from Thursday follows: story continues below Bill Clinton has been hospitalized since Tuesday with an infection, but it's of the non-COVID variety, reports the Washington Post. Both the Hill and Sanjay Gupta of CNN report that the 75-year-old is being treated for a blood infection known as sepsis. Gupta adds that Clinton has been responding well to treatment at the University of California Irvine Medical Center and may be released on Friday. "He is on the mend, in good spirits, and is incredibly thankful to the doctors, nurses, and staff providing him with excellent care," says spokesman Angel Urena. Clinton had been in California for a Clinton Foundation fundraiser and went to the hospital because he wasn't feeling well. "He was admitted to the ICU for close monitoring and administered IV antibiotics and fluids," according to a joint statement from the hospital's Dr. Alpesh Amin and Dr. Lisa Bardack, Clinton's primary physician, per CNN. "After two days of treatment, his white blood cell count is trending down and he is responding to antibiotics well," says the statement. "We hope to have him go home soon." In terms of medical history, the Hill notes Clinton had a quadruple bypass in 2004 and underwent another procedure in 2010 to improve blood flow to one of his coronary arteries. (Read more Bill Clinton stories.) (Newser) A man who murdered his ex-wife last year by setting her on fire, all while she was livestreaming, has heard his fate in a Chinese intermediate people's court. The Shanghai Daily reports Tang Lu was on Thursday convicted of killing 30-year-old Lhamo, a vlogger and social media influencer, while she was at her father's home three months after the couple had divorced; Tang was sentenced to death. Per the South China Morning Post, on Sept. 14, 2020, Tang threw gasoline on his ex then set her ablaze as the camera continued recording. story continues below Lhamo, a mother of two, succumbed to her injuries two weeks later. Tang and Lhamo's relationship had long been contentious, with Tang starting to beat his wife not long after they were married in 2009. Tang was said to have dislocated her shoulder once after a poker game, as well as punched her in the face, breaking her jaw. At Tang's trial, Lhamo's sister Dolma told the court the vlogger had gone to the cops two times, but they ignored her pleas over this "family matter." Lhamo also tried to flee from her husband, but when he said he'd kill their two young sons, she went backonly to file for divorce again when the beatings started back up. Their divorce was finalized in late June 2020, but Tang apparently wanted to marry her again; she repeatedly rebuffed his efforts. Detractors have railed against the authorities for not doing enough to help Lhamo, as well as against Chinese law for lagging on its treatment of domestic violence. One new mandate in specific has come under fire lately: a law introduced in January that says a couple that's submitted a divorce application has to undergo a 30-day "cooling off" period before the application will be put through. Critics contend many women will end up trapped in abusive or otherwise unhappy couplings. Meanwhile, activists applauded Tang's sentence for what the court called his "extremely cruel" crime, per state broadcaster CCTV. Last week, before the sentence was handed down, Lhamo's sister said she simply wanted justice. "I am sorry, this is all I can do for you right now," Dolma said on the Chinese version of TikTok. "Please rest in peace, my little sister." (Read more murder stories.) (Newser) Ian Brackenbury Channell has an entire Wikipedia page devoted to him, with a title not many (if any) can claim: the Wizard of New Zealand. It looks like the 88-year-old sorcerer may be hanging up his long black robe for good, however, at least officially, after the city of Christchurch recently informed him he's been booted off the payroll, reports the Guardian. How much does a wizard actually make these days? Channell was being paid around $11,000 a year tax-free, meaning over the past 23 years he's been in the city's employ, the municipality has shelled out more than $250,000. story continues below Channell, who was put under contract in 1998 to promote the city via his "acts of wizardry and other wizard-like services," is a UK native who made headlines as soon as he showed up in Christchurch in the mid-'70s. When officials tried to stop him from ascending his ladder in the city square, decked out in his black cloak and pointy hat and offering his sage wizard advice, the public pushed backthe square was instead deemed a public speaking area and Channell was left to his devices, per the BBC. By 1982, Channell had been designated a work of art by the New Zealand Art Gallery Directors Association, and in 1990, then-Prime Minister Mike Moore asked him if he'd accept the honor of becoming the Wizard of New Zealand to take care of all "spells, blessings, curses, and other supernatural matters," per the Guardian. In 1998, Christchurch hired him as its official "necromancer," per Insider, and he's even been awarded the Queen's Service Medal for his contributions to the community. Not that Channell has escaped controversy: He's made eyebrow-raising comments about women, noting in an April interview that he thought women were devious and that he'd never hit a woman "because they bruise too easily." He's also said that women cause wars by shopping and started a "Save the Males" campaign, per a 2011 documentary about him. A Christchurch representative tells Stuff that Channell will receive his final paycheck out of the tourism budget in December. Channell tells the outlet that city officials are "a bunch of bureaucrats who have no imagination" and that he'll continue performing for tourists and locals. "I don't like being canceled," he says. "They will have to kill me to stop me," he says. (Read more New Zealand stories.) (Newser) Authorities in Norway are now describing Wednesday's bow-and-arrow mass shooting as an apparent terror attackbut it's not clear whether the suspect will be held criminally responsible. Prosecutors say 37-year-old Danish citizen Espen Andersen Braathen has been transferred to the care of medical authorities amid concerns over his mental health, the Guardian reports. Braathen, described by authorities as a convert to Islam who had previously been flagged for possible radicalization, "has been in and out of the health system for some time," says Hans Sverre Sjovold, head of Norway's PST security service. story continues below A relative told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that Braathen is mentally ill and has been threatening family members for years. "This is about a person who is seriously mentally ill and who became marginalized from adolescence," the relative said. Authorities say experts will try to determine whether he was sane at the time of the attack, the AP reports. If they decided he wasn't, he will likely be sentenced to compulsory mental health care instead of prison. Police say Braathen has confessed to killing five people in the attack in Kongsberg, a quiet town west of Oslo. Braathen has "told us that he has killed them and he has explained himself in detail about what happened," police attorney Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen tells Reuters. She says some of the victims were killed inside their homes during a rampage that lasted around 30 minutes. She says it's not clear whether "any particular situation" triggered the attack. A hearing Friday will determine how long Braathen can be detained. (Read more Norway stories.) (Newser) A 16-year-old has been sentenced to nine years to life in prison after pleading guilty as an adult to the murder and robbery of Barnard College student Tessa Majors. Luchiano Lewis, who was 14 when he participated in the December 2019 stabbing attack in Manhattan's Morningside Park, cried in court Thursday as he admitted to feeling "ashamed, embarrassed and sad at the role I played in destroying two families," per CNN. Prosecutors said Lewis, Rashaun Weaver, and another young teen (who pleaded guilty as a juvenile to first-degree robbery and was sentenced last year to up to 18 months in detention) approached Majors for her cellphone. Weaver allegedly stabbed Majors in the heart. story continues below Prosecutor Matthew Bogdanos played surveillance video showing the 18-year-old struggling with the boys on a staircase, then breaking away. "She is struggling now up the stairs. She has minutes left to live," he said. "And she will get to this lamp pole and collapse. And she will dieface downon a dirty New York City street at the hands of the defendant and two others." Weaver, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder, is awaiting trial, per the New York Times. Lewiswho also received a 40-month sentence for robbery, to run concurrent to his other sentenceclaimed he didn't know Majors was stabbed at all. But Bogdanos said each teen played a role in Majors' death. He added Lewis had apparently "learned no lesson from his experience" as he participated in "a brutal gang assault" on another inmate at a juvenile detention center this summer and a second group assault last month, per CNN. The Times describes one as a "violent slashing." In a statement, Majors' parents, Inman and Christy Majors, noted how the death of their daughtera poet, musician and "fledgling journalist"delivered "immeasurable pain, trauma and suffering." "It is hard for many old friends to be around us. Our grief is too profound. We are too changed from the people we used to be." (Read more Tessa Majors stories.) (Newser) A revised number and a grim update in the story of the escaped zebras who are roaming around in suburban Maryland at the moment: Despite reports that five zebras escaped from a farm on Aug. 31, and were still wandering as of early this month, a rep for the Prince George's County Department of the Environment told the Washington Post on Thursday that only three zebras got loose from the 80-acre farm in Upper Marlboro. One of those was found dead in an illegal snare trap on Sept. 16, a rep for the Maryland Natural Resources Police said Thursday. story continues below "At this time, police do not have any information on who placed the snare trap" on private property in Upper Marlboro, police rep Lauren Moses added, per the New York Times. She noted it's illegal to set snare traps in Prince George's County. The Department of the Environment rep said "any further review and action taken by Prince George's County, including any appropriate charges against the owner, will be evaluated once the zebras return to the herd." The escaped zebras were part of a herd of 39 that arrived at the farm from Florida in mid-August, per the Times. The county said Thursday that caretakers have been feeding two zebras from the herd in a corral to "help draw the loose zebras back into the herd and eliminate any other potential risk." Officials have said farm owner Jerry Holly has a license from the US Department of Agriculture to keep zebras. He has also kept monkeys, kangaroos, lemurs, and other animals at his private property, which is not operated as a zoo, the Times reports. (Read more zebras stories.) (Newser) Update: A 25-year-old native of Somalia has been charged in last week's slaying of a UK lawmaker, reports the BBC. Ali Harbi Ali was arrested soon after the attack on MP David Amess while the lawmaker was meeting with constituents. "We will submit to the court that this murder has a terrorist connection, namely that it had both religious and ideological motivations," said Nick Price of the Crown Prosecution Service, per the AP. "He has also been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts." Our original story from Oct. 15 follows: story continues below British Conservative Party lawmaker David Amess died Friday after he was stabbed while meeting with constituents at a church. The 69-year-old father of five, who'd represented Southend West in Essex since 1997, was holding a meeting at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea when a man walked in and stabbed him numerous times, per the Guardian and Sky News. Essex police say they arrested a man and recovered a knife after responding to reports just after noon local time, per the New York Times. "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public," police added, putting out a call for footage. It was later revealed that Amessdedicated to animal welfare and pro-life issues, per Reutershad died. The stabbing fits into a pattern of attacks against British lawmakers. A right-wing extremist fatally stabbed Labour lawmaker Jo Cox ahead of a planned meeting with constituents in 2016. Before that, a student reportedly inspired by al-Qaeda twice stabbed Labour lawmaker Stephen Timms at a constituency meeting in 2010; he survived. And a decade earlier, Andrew Pennington, an assistant to Liberal Democrat lawmaker Nigel Jones, was fatally stabbed while trying to protect the MP from a man with a sword whod stormed his constituency office, per the Guardian. The outlet reports counter-terrorism police are helping investigate this latest crime. Timms tweeted that he was "appalled" by the reports. Cox's widower, Brendan Cox, said the "attack on democracy itself" was "as cowardly as it gets." (Read more stabbing attack stories.) (Newser) Suicide bombers assaulted a Shiite mosque in southern Afghanistan that was packed with worshippers attending weekly Friday prayers, killing at least 37 people and wounding more than 70, according to a hospital official and an eyewitness. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack on the Imam Barga mosque, per the AP. It came a week after a bombing claimed by the local Islamic State affiliate killed 46 people at a Shiite mosque in northern Afghanistan. Murtaza, an eyewitness who like many Afghans goes by one name, said four suicide bombers attacked the mosque. Two detonated their explosives at a security gate, allowing the other two to run inside and strike the congregation of worshipers. story continues below Islamic State vs. Taliban: The extremist Islamic State group, which is opposed to the ruling Taliban, views Shiite Muslims as apostates deserving of death. IS has claimed a number of deadly bombings across the country since the Taliban seized power in August amid the withdrawal of US forces. The group has also targeted Taliban fighters in smaller attacks. Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi confirmed the explosion and said an investigation was underway. The context: Both the Taliban and IS adhere to a rigid interpretation of Islamic law, but IS is far more radical, viewing itself as part of a worldwide Islamic caliphate that includes better-known branches in Iraq and Syria. The Taliban and IS are Sunni Muslims, but they are bitterly split by ideology and have fought each other on numerous occasions. That Taliban have pledged to protect Afghanistan's Shiite minority, which suffered persecution during the last period of Taliban rule, in the 1990s. (Read more Afghanistan stories.) (Newser) The White House is lifting travel restrictions on Nov. 8 for fully vaccinated individuals arriving in the US by air or over land borders. Foreign nationals will be able to travel to the US if they show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, reports the AP. White House assistant press secretary Kevin Munoz tweeted the change on Friday, adding that "this policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent." story continues below The White House announced earlier this week it would lift restrictions on fully vaccinated foreign nationals for nonessential travel at US land borders and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico in early November. Land and ferry travelers will be required to present proof of vaccination to officials upon request. The CDC has informed airlines that all FDA-approved and authorized vaccines, as well as those that have an Emergency Use Listing from the World Health Organization, are acceptable. The CDC plans to issue guidelines on acceptable proof of vaccination in the coming weeks. (Read more travel restrictions stories.) (Newser) A law requiring all workers to carry a health pass showing their COVID-19 status took effect Friday in Italy, bringing protests at ports. The biggest crowd, about 6,000, gathered in the northeastern port of Trieste, CNN reports, where labor groups had threatened to disrupt operations. "It's not a health regulation," said a 59-year-old port employee, "it's just a political move to create division among people." The unvaccinated rate for Trieste workers is about 40%, a union official said, about double the rate for the nation's population at large. story continues below The regional governor said that the port was functioning but that he expected problems, given that all employees weren't on the job. In Italy's other major port, Genoa, about 200 workers blocked trucks at two entrances. "We are not against the Green Pass per se," a labor leader in Genoa said. "But we want the companies to pay for testing for all the port workers and a testing hub inside the port." There were protests in other cities, but crowds overall fell short of organizers' expectations, per the New York Times. Under the new law, anyone on a public or private payroll has to have the government-issued Green Pass, complete with QR code, when they're on the job. The card is their proof of being fully vaccinated, recovered from a recent infection, or testing in the past 48 hours. Not having the card with them can bring a fine of 1,730 and suspension without pay, per CNN. If employers allow workers to do their jobs anyway, they too can be fined. The government estimates that 15% of employees in the private sector 8% in the public sector don't have a pass. Paying for the $20 tests is a big issue among other workers, as well. The government has pointed out the vaccinations are free, and the health minister said making tests free would undermine the incentives to get the shots. Some workers don't like either option. "This measure is by a fascist government," an unvaccinated demonstrator in Rome said Friday, likening requiring workers to pay for coronavirus tests to extortion by the government. A furrier demonstrating in Florence said he's going to stop working on Fridays so he won't have to be tested as often. "I simply don't want to get vaccinated and I won't," another protester said. "I should still be allowed to work." (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.) (Newser) With several European nations rethinking their endorsements of giving the Moderna vaccine to young people, the FDA will study a potential side effect longer before deciding on approval. The issue is myocarditis, a rare inflammatory heart condition, the Wall Street Journal reports. Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have called for not administering the Moderna doses to anyone under 30. Norway recommends that men younger than 30 consider switching to Pfizerthe market leaderif they've had one Moderna shot, per the Journal. story continues below In the US, Moderna is approved for anyone 18 or older, but the company wants that expanded to 12- to 17-year-olds. Regulators don't know whether a Moderna dose increases the chances of developing myocarditis. Moderna's shot was tested in more than 3,700 adolescents, the company reported, and was found to be effective, without any cases of myocarditis. FDA data shown to its vaccine advisory panel Thursday showed that myocarditis and pericarditis, another heart-related condition, showed up most often in men 18 to 25 who'd received a second dose of an mRNA vaccine. But the rates were no different for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. A Canadian province, Ontario, last month recommended Pfizer for men 18-24, saying Moderna's vaccine brought a slightly higher risk, per the CBC. Officially, both vaccines can be given to patients 12 or older in European Union nations, though in practice, Moderna's use has been limited in some places. In the UK, for example, teenagers receive one shot of Pfizer's vaccine. When myocarditis cases do surface, they're usually mild, researchers say. In the worst cases, the condition can cause an abnormal heartbeat and death. A recent CDC study found that Moderna's vaccine did a better job of keeping COVID-19 patients from hospitalization than its Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson competitors. (Read more Moderna stories.) (Newser) "Take down the part about being in the building," a Capitol Police officer advised a rioter on Jan. 7 who'd posted online about taking part in the attack the day before, new charges say. The rioters who went inside the Capitol will be charged, Michael Riley reportedly told the man in a Facebook message, USA Today reports. "Just looking out!" Riley, 50, appeared Friday in DC federal court, accused of obstruction of justice. He's the first Capitol Police officer to be charged with helping the rioters, per CNN. story continues below The person who communicated with Riley was arrested in January but was not named in the indictment. The two didn't know each other but had been in Facebook groups related to fishing, the indictment says. Riley sent a friend request. "Hey, im a capitol police officer who agrees with your political stance," their conversation began, prosecutors say. "Im glad you got out of there unscathed We had over 50 officers hurt, some pretty bad," Riley told him the same day. The man sent Riley videos showing him at the Capitol, some of him inside the building. Around the middle of January, Riley told the man to stay off social media, the court filing says. "Theyre arresting dozens of people aday," the officer messaged. "Everyone that was in the building, engaged in violent acts, or destruction of property...and theyre all being charged federally with felonies." The two spoke on the phone, as well, and the man then let others know he was communicating with "capitol police" and tell them trespassing charges were imminent. Riley is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 26. A 25-year veteran, Riley was working in the K-9 unit at the time of the riot; he was not on duty in the building when it was attacked. He's been placed on administrative leave, and the force is doing its own investigation of his conduct. Riley deleted his direct messages after the other man was arrested, per CNN, but not before writing that he was angered by seeing the rioter smoking marijuana in the Capitol on video and "acting like a moron." (Read more Capitol riot stories.) (Newser) Pete Buttigieg is typically one of the most visible of President Biden's Cabinet members in regard to TV appearances and the like. However, the transportation secretary has been keeping an uncharacteristically low profile of late, and Politico just revealed why: He went on paid paternity leave in August after he and husband Chasten welcomed newborn twins. The leave: For the first four weeks, he was mostly offline except for major agency decisions and matters that could not be delegated, says a department spokesperson. "He has been ramping up activities since then. Politico notes that as of last week, Buttigieg has again been making a slew of TV appearances, particularly to address the ongoing supply-chain trouble at US ports. story continues below Tucker Carlson: The Fox News host ridiculed the leave on his show Thursday night. "Pete Buttigieg has been on leave from his job since August after adopting a child," he said, per this tweeted video. "Paternity leave, they call it. Trying to figure out how to breastfeedno word on how that went." Carlson wasn't alone in his criticism. The headline at conservative Red State reads, "Pete Buttigieg Returns to D.C. From Playing House, and Is About as Useful as When He Wasn't Here." The Fox News host ridiculed the leave on his show Thursday night. "Pete Buttigieg has been on leave from his job since August after adopting a child," he said, per this tweeted video. "Paternity leave, they call it. Trying to figure out how to breastfeedno word on how that went." Carlson wasn't alone in his criticism. The headline at conservative Red State reads, "Pete Buttigieg Returns to D.C. From Playing House, and Is About as Useful as When He Wasn't Here." More criticism: GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee also lit into the leave. "Were in the middle of a transportation crisis, and Pete Buttigieg is sitting at home," she told Breitbart. "Meanwhile, cargo boats are unable to dock and shelves are sitting empty. Pete needs to either get back to work or leave the Department of Transportation. Its time to put American families first." GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee also lit into the leave. "Were in the middle of a transportation crisis, and Pete Buttigieg is sitting at home," she told Breitbart. "Meanwhile, cargo boats are unable to dock and shelves are sitting empty. Pete needs to either get back to work or leave the Department of Transportation. Its time to put American families first." Pushback: A White House official made a point to say that the "supply chain mess" was "inherited" from the previous administration and that it's being addressed. Press secretary Jenn Psaki tweeted that she was "proud to work in an Administration that is fighting to make paid leave a reality for everyone, and with people like @SecretaryPete who are role models on the importance of paid leave for new parents." A White House official made a point to say that the "supply chain mess" was "inherited" from the previous administration and that it's being addressed. Press secretary Jenn Psaki tweeted that she was "proud to work in an Administration that is fighting to make paid leave a reality for everyone, and with people like @SecretaryPete who are role models on the importance of paid leave for new parents." Pushback, II: "Tucker belittles a Navy vet for being a good dad, throwing not-so-thinly veiled homophobic jabs, and lying through his teeth about current affairs, tweeted the progressive political action committee Vote Vets in regard to Carlson. The White House retweeted it, notes the Hill. The same outlet points out that some of Carlson's male colleagues, including Jesse Watters and Todd Piro, have taken advantage of the Fox's paternity leave policy and publicly praised it. (Read more Pete Buttigieg stories.) (Newser) Indigenous groups and other environmental activists marched to the Capitol on Friday as they continued a weeklong protest demanding that Congress and the Biden administration stop new fossil fuel projects and act with greater urgency on climate change. Nearly 80 people were arrested on the fifth day of the "People vs. Fossil Fuels" protest, the AP reports. That brings the total arrested this week to more than 600, organizers said. Demonstrators urged members of Congress to "listen to the people" who sent them to Washington and take urgent action to phase out fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. story continues below Under a banner declaring, "We did not vote for fossil fuels," activists pressed President Biden to stop approving new pipelines and other fossil fuel projects and declare a climate emergency. Speakers said Biden isn't following through on his promises to act on climate change. "It's ridiculous. He promised, just like they've done in the past, 'We'll talk about it, we'll bring it to the table.' Where's our seat?'' asked Isabelle Knife, 22, who traveled to Washington from the Yankton Sioux reservation in South Dakota. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was "listening to advocates and people who have been elevating the issue of climate for decades." Psaki encouraged anyone who supports action on climate change to look at Biden's proposals in a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a larger, Democratic-only plan to address social and environmental issues. The protest started on Monday, Indigenous Peoples Day, outside the White House, said Jennifer Falcon, a spokeswoman for the Indigenous Environmental Network, a member of the coalition that organized the event. The Andrew Jackson statue at the center of Lafayette Park across the street from the White House was defaced with the words Expect Uspart of a rallying cry used by Indigenous people who have been fighting against fossil fuel pipelines. (Read more climate change stories.) Please purchase a subscription read this premium content. If you have a subscription, please sign up for a digital website account or log in. 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. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com US Congress delegation visiting Bahrain yesterday affirmed their interest in Bahraini experience in supporting women and ensuring their advancement in various fields. The US delegation also expressed their keenness to deepen discussions with the Council on the issue. We would like to inform decision-makers and the American Public about Bahrains achievements at various levels, including the status of women, the delegates said during a meeting with the Supreme Council for Women. The meeting was part of the regional and international cooperation and partnership initiatives by the General Secretariat to activate bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements on the empowerment and advancement of women and gender balance. SCW Assistant Secretary-General Shaikha Deena bint Rashid Al Khalifa expressed the Councils aspiration to enhance cooperation with all relevant institutions in the US. Shaikha Deena said that the SCW, established 20 years ago, has a prominent presence in global womens work and achievements, citing the recent launch of the Award of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa for Bahraini Women Advancement. The award was announced on the 1st of July this year in cooperation with UN Women. Shaikha Deena called on the US delegation to promote the award in various American circles to support global efforts to enhance the status of women. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A Bahraini boat had been intercepted and seized by Qatari authorities for allegedly breaching Qatari territorial waters, said Bahrains Coast Guard Command in a statement. The Naval Operations Centre of Coast Guard said they received a fax on the incident from the General Department of Coast and Border Security in Qatar yesterday. The fax states that Qatar had taken into custody a Bahraini boat and arrested two people of Asian Nationality on board. They are facing legal actions before competent authorities in Qatar. The Coast Guard Command said they are taking necessary legal measures. Five gets a year in jail for selling counterfeit vehicle spare parts: Bahrain Five gets a year in jail for selling counterfeit vehicle spare parts: Bahrain TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The minor criminal court jailed five people for one year and deported four for selling counterfeit automotive parts in the Kingdom. The court also slapped a fine of BD3,000 on a company and a person in the case. According to court files, police arrested the suspects for displaying and selling fake parts having trademarks owned by others. The court ruled that the activities of the accused resulted in misleading the public and deceiving them. Incidents leading to the case occurred last June, with the Public Prosecution receiving a communication from the Ministry of Industry of Commerce and Tourism. The ministry said they found several counterfeit car spare parts, boxes, bags and stickers prepared for re-packing and changing the product data during an inspection at a warehouse. The illegal imitations were allegedly for putting on display at stores advertising as genuine spare parts. Police arrested three employees of the commercial establishment for violating commercial registration rules. The arrests followed a tip-off received. Accordingly, the Public Prosecution kicked off an investigation and ordered their detention for seven days, pending investigation. Police also seized counterfeit goods and tools used by the perpetrators. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Telecom service providers in the Kingdom are going for a mid might launch today for the new iPhone 13 devices. Batelco, Zain and STC are preparing for the midlaunch, latest reports said. Batelco had set a display for the device at its main building in Hamala, Zain at Zain Bahrain Lounge in Umm Al Hassam, and STC at Al-Saya, Saif Al-Muharraq, Al- Inma Complex and City Center. The launch comes amid reports that Apple is likely to slash the production of the iPhone 13 due to a global chip shortage. The situation also makes Bahrain launch crucial for iPhone enthusiasts who are expected to throng the street for the newly released iPhones. According to an AlAyam report, the new iPhone 13 will cost from BD 338 to BD796, depending on its specification and size. Thank you for trusting us for your local news coverage. You have reached the maximum number of free articles per month. Subscribe today for unlimited access to News-Press NOW. It's a fast and easy way to support local journalism. Terry Jarrett is an energy attorney and consultant who has served on the board of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Missouri Public Service Commission. Recreational use of cannabis may now be legal for adults but that doesnt mean you can get high at work. While the state law prohibits employers from termination or otherwise taking adverse action against employees for their recreational marijuana use, the law does carve out a number of protections for employers to ensure the safety of their workplaces. Legalization in Connecticut was effective July 1. Now, months into the law, many employers are still confused and concerned about the prospect of employees entering the workplace high. First, it is important to note that the law does not require an employer to allow employees to use marijuana while performing their duties or even to possess cannabis products on the employers premises. It also allows an employer to implement a policy prohibiting the use of marijuana by an employee even outside of work as long as the policy is in writing and made available to all employees. Adverse action, including termination, can be taken against an employee for using cannabis outside of the workplace if it is done pursuant to a written policy. While the law prohibits against refusing to hire or terminating an employee for testing positive for marijuana use, if an employer has a policy against marijuana use and notifies the employee that they are subject to random drug testing for cannabis, it can conduct random drug testing and terminate an employee for prohibited use. It may also rescind an offer of conditional employment to a prospective employee if that person tests positive for cannabis in violation of the policy. An employer may also test for marijuana use if it reasonably suspects an employee used cannabis or if the employee has visible signs of drug impairment while working that decreases or lessens the employees work performance. You cant go to work high just as you cant go to work drunk. As with alcohol, safety and employee productivity are the major concerns for employers. Will workers produce the same quality and quantity of work under the influence of cannabis? Will they be able to legally drive to work? Drive for work? If employers intend to prohibit workers from using marijuana or intend to conduct random drug testing in the workplace, the employer must be transparent and perfectly clear. Employers who subject an employee to an adverse employment action because of cannabis use without a policy in place may be subject to a lawsuit brought by an employee seeking reinstatement, back wages and reasonable attorneys fees and costs. So, before there is a workplace issue that needs to be addressed, a business should update its human resources policies and procedures. What is and what is not acceptable in your workplace regarding cannabis legalization? How do your policies fit with other work disability, drug, and alcohol policies? Any conflicts? It all rests on the terms of the written policy. Jessica A. Slippen is an attorney with Stratford-based Mitchell and Sheahan. She handles employment litigation matters before state and federal courts and administrative agencies and can be reached at 203-873-0240 or JSlippen@mitchellandsheahan.com. Global initiative furthers banks' efforts to help address climate change by aligning financing activities with net-zero emissions by 2050 TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, six of Canada's largest banks BMO, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC, Scotiabank, and TD together announced their pledge to join the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) as part of a global, industry-led initiative to accelerate and support efforts to address climate change. Joining NZBA reinforces the six banks' commitment to play a significant role in financing the climate transition and support collaborative approaches between the public and private sectors to reach the goal of net-zero by 2050. It also represents the advancement of the banks' shared goals to combat climate change in an inclusive way. Considerable attention will be dedicated to helping clients develop and implement their own transitions to a low-carbon economy, recognizing the complex and interdependent efforts of many stakeholders across the economy. This approach is also consistent with the six banks' participation in the Federal government's Sustainable Finance Action Council, focused on establishing a well-functioning sustainable finance market that will give investors confidence in Canada, protect the resilience of the Canadian financial sector in the years ahead, and ensure Canada's broader long-term economic strength. Aligned with The Paris Agreement, BMO, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC, Scotiabank, and TD have over the last several years, undertaken significant efforts to reduce overall climate change impact through operations and financing companies' and organizations' sustainability efforts. Each institution has taken steps to partner with clients to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy projects and support sustainable financing. "A transformation of the financial system to ensure a prosperous and just transition to net-zero is needed," said Mark Carney, the UN Special Envoy, and Chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero. "Canadian banks, by joining NZBA and GFANZ, are bringing their deep expertise and strong balance sheets to drive solutions for the sustainable economy that Canada and the world needs." To learn more about each of the banks' climate commitments and initiatives visit: BMO: www.bmo.com/climate CIBC: www.cibc.com/environment National Bank of Canada: Social responsibility: Take action now | National Bank (nbc.ca) RBC: www.rbc.com/climate Scotiabank: https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/responsibility-impact.html TD: td.com/esg For information on the Net-Zero Banking Alliance including frequently asked questions visit: https://www.unepfi.org/net-zero-banking/ https://www.unepfi.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/NZBA-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf SOURCE BMO Financial Group Related Links www.bmo.com Rawat told reporters after the meeting that Sidhu will continue to serve the party as the Punjab Congress chief and will set up an organisational structure in the state. Amid Punjab Congress President Navjot Singh Sidhus visibly rebellious attitude towards the recently appointed State Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the former on Thursday said that he has kept his concerns pertaining to the state before the party high command, adding that he will follow their directions, expressing faith in their decisions. Sidhus remarks came while speaking to reporters after meeting Congress in charge for Punjab Harish Rawat and party general secretary KC Venugopal in Delhi today. I expressed my concerns regarding Punjab and Punjab Congress to party high-command. Ive full faith in Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka ji and Rahul ji. Whatever decision theyll take, itll be for the betterment of Congress and Punjab. Ill follow their directions, said Sidhu. The meeting lasted for more than one and a half hours. In the meeting, the issues of Punjab regarding over which there is a dispute between Sidhu and Channi were discussed as well as whether Navjot Singh Sidhu will remain the President of Punjab Congress or not. Rawat told reporters after the meeting that Sidhu will continue to serve the party as the Punjab Congress chief and will set up an organisational structure in the state. He further said that a decision on the same shall be announced tomorrow. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rawat said, Navjot Sidhu has clearly stated that the decision of the Congress President will be acceptable to him. The instructions are clear that Navjot Sidhu should work as Punjab Congress President and set up the organisational structure. An announcement will be made tomorrow. Sidhu had tendered his resignation as Punjab Congress chief on September 28. He was reportedly upset over the bureaucratic setup and his commands not being followed after Cabinet expansion in Punjab. But his resignation was not accepted by the party. According to sources in the party, the high command is not happy with the resignation of Sidhu and no such meeting with central leadership happened after his resignation. Sidhu, after his resignation, had said he will always stand by party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Sidhus resignation as state party chief has intensified the crisis in the Punjab Congress as a minister and three Congress leaders, considered close to him, stepped down from their posts. This came as a big blow to the Congress that was hoping to resolve the turmoil in the Congress unit of Punjab ahead of the Assembly elections early next year. Charanjeet Singh Channi took oath as the 16th Chief Minister of Punjab on September 20, days after Captain Amarinder Singh stepped down from the post of Punjab Chief Minister following months of infighting between him and Navjot Singh Sidhu. Captain Amarinder Singh had resigned as Chief Minister on September 18 and had told the media that the Congress leadership had let him down. He had also taken a dig at Sidhu over his resignation, saying he is not a stable man. Sidhu was made PCC chief by Congress leadership in July to stem infighting in Punjab Congress ahead of next years assembly polls but the party is now grappling with a fresh crisis. According to the Haryana Police, the deceased has been identified as Lakhbir Singh, a labourer aged 35 or 36-year-old hailing from Punjab's Tarn Taran. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Friday issued a statement condemning the gruesome killing of a man whose mutilated body was found this morning near the farmers protest site at Kundli in Haryana on the Singhu Border near Delhi. The SKM, an umbrella organisation under which many unions are protesting against farm laws, said that both the parties to the incident, the Nihang group and the deceased person, have no relation with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. Samyukt Kisan Morcha condemns this gruesome killing and wants to make it clear that both the parties to this incident, the Nihang group (accused) and the deceased person, have no relation with Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the statement read. According to SKM, A person hailing from Punjab (Lakhbir Singh, son Darshan Singh, Village Cheema Kala, Police Station Sarai Amanat Khan, District Tarn Taran) was mutilated and murdered this morning at the Singhu Border. A Nihang group at the scene has claimed responsibility, saying that the incident took place because of the deceaseds attempt to commit sacrilege with regard to the Sarbaloh Granth, added the statement. According to the Haryana Police, the deceased has been identified as Lakhbir Singh, a labourer aged 35 or 36-year-old hailing from Punjabs Tarn Taran. The body was found hanging on a police barricade at the farmers protest site near Singhu border in the early hours of Friday, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hansraj said. The SKM has demanded that the culprits should be punished after lawful investigation into the allegation of murder and conspiracy behind sacrilege and they will cooperate with the police and administration in any lawful action. The group said that it is against sacrilege of any religious text or symbol, but that does not give anyone the right to take the law into their own hands. This peaceful and democratic movement is opposed to violence in any form, the SKM said . Earlier, on Friday morning, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Hansraj said, At about 5 am today, Kundli police station received information about a body of a man hanged near a stage where the farmers have been protesting at the Singhu border. A police inspector reached the site with a team and found that the mans body only had his undergarment on and his hands and legs were chopped off. He was found hanging on a police barricade, he added. NEW HAVEN They did Occupy the Corner for nearly a month and the shootings stopped as the community and police pursue a two-pronged approach to change. For much of last month, the residents came together nightly in a parking lot to reclaim the space after there was a shooting there on Sept. 7, which followed a homicide blocks away the day before and a third nearby shooting the day after. Since then, Im happy to report, Fair Haven has not had one person shot in that time, Fair Haven District Manager Lt. Michael Fumiatti said this week. Mary OLeary / For Hearst Connecticut Media For three weeks in the parking lot, there was music, from Bomba to gospel, to opera and a string quartet, poetry, a killer game of dominoes and hula hoop, according to one of the organizers, Kica Matos. Volunteers brought food and Assistant Police Chief Karl Jacobson, on the first night, even got up and joined in the dancing. The crowd swelled at the finale, an event compared to a street festival. Mary OLeary / For Hearst Connecticut Media Fumiatti said they also seized 10 guns in that area in recent weeks, the public is notifying police of suspicious activity, and patrols, including walking beats on Grand Avenue, have been enhanced. He said the main targets to stem the violence continue to be areas of drug activity. The next concentrated patrols will include: Ferry Street and Chambers Street; Ferry and Peck streets; Grand Avenue and Poplar Street; Grand and Blatchley avenues, he said. Fumiatti credited the work of plainclothes officers and the whole alphabet soup of federal agencies from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency on down, who came to help in Fair Haven. But he also singled out the stand taken by the residents themselves. It is fantastic to see the community was out there. ... I think collaboratively we can come up with approaches to all these (problems), Fumiatti said. Mary OLeary / For Hearst Connecticut Media / Fumiatti spoke as about 30 people came together on Zoom this week, organized by the Fair Haven Management Team. They had come together to reflect on what they and the police had accomplished and how they could reclaim other hot spots. Jacobson said the public, by creating that safe space, showed the police how important it was for the community for the officers to work harder and clean this area up and they really have. And that is a positive thing that you guys started and pushed in the right direction. We really really appreciate that, Jacobson said. It has worked. After three weeks of shootings, you showed the rest of the community you are not going to put up with that violence. The assistant chief said that message not only spread in the community, but also through the police ranks. In riding with patrols through Fair Haven, Jacobson said they are even more upbeat than they were before. They were upbeat because they saw you out there. It is just an infectious thing. He said he will work to get the same kind of involvement in other areas, such as the Hill. Sarah Miller, who is seeking the 14th Ward alder seat, said it was great to have a real partnership between police and the community. Mary O'Leary / For Hearst Connecticut Media / The effort was conceived and carried out by Matos, a national justice expert; Karen DuBois-Walton, a recent candidate for mayor; and Miller. Leonard Jahad of the Connecticut Violence Intervention Program, on the Zoom call, explained his operation. Hearst Connecticut Media file photo He said they have been able to add four outreach workers with federal American Rescue Plan funds. They work with individuals ages 13 to 24, as well as persons recently released from prison. Jahad said they are looking to expand to the Exit 8 area, Fair Haven and the Quinnipiac section. Jahad, who said he has been with the organization since 2007, said they have been negligent when it comes to Fair Haven. He said they did not have someone specifically assigned there after they lost funding and when the greatest area of need was Newhallville. Since the pandemic hit, however, those statistics have changed. On the issue of the liquor license for the Grand Cafe in Fair Haven, which has been the target of complaints, state Sen. Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-11, and state Rep. Al Paolillo sent a letter to the state Department of Consumer Protection, Liquor Contol Division objecting to renewal of the cafes liquor license. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Over the past several weeks and months the two elected officials have received numerous complaints regarding the Grand Cafe, the lawmakers said in a statement. Hearst Connecticut Media file photo / A spokeswoman for the DCP would only say that an investigation is continuing. Repeated attempts to reach the cafe owner have been unsuccessful. The owner/permittee, according to the departments records, is Cruz Vazquez. Grand Cafe manager Jose Rivera said Friday that they have hired a lawyer to help fight to keep the liquor permit. He did not name the lawyer as he said, we have to sit down, meet sometime next week. But Rivera also said this is not a bad bar. He maintained they cant control what goes on outside and if there are problems inside, we kick them out. He said there is drug dealing in the neighborhood, but not in the bar. We do not have control over the people who are outside, he said, It has nothing to do with the bar. The group behind the petition formally requested a remonstrance hearing, which needs a minimum of 10 people, to be scheduled for the 124 E. Pearl St. business. A remonstrance is the opportunity for the general public to voice its formal objection to either a new liquor permit application or the renewal of an existing liquor permit within its town, according to the state. Fumiatti said the investigator was impressed with the number of signatures. He said that will be a factor in the Liquor Commissions review. He said that when the department, along with the investigator, conducted an enforcement operation at Grand Cafe just after 10 p.m. Oct. 8, those congregating outside were issued trespassing charges. Four people were detained for alleged underage drinking, Fumiatti said. Old Saybrook Police Department / Contributed Photo OLD SAYBROOOK Police are looking for a 3-year-old boy who has been missing since Wednesday. Police believe Austin Freytag, 3, is with his mother, Elizabeth Freytag, 46. Freytag is driving a gray 2018 Ford Explorer with a license plate of AJ68938, according to the Old Saybrook Police Department. HARTFORD President Joe Biden, in a two-part visit to the friendly territory of Connecticut Friday, issued two sweeping warnings. At a Hartford child care center, speaking of his $3.5 trillion Build Back Better proposal of social and environmental spending, he said the world is watching as the plan teeters in Congress. And as he helped re-dedicate UConns Dodd Center for Human Rights in Storrs, the president railed against authoritarian abuses and the rise of anti-democratic thinking at home as well as abroad. It was a fast-moving triangle route of four hours, landing in Air Force One at the Air National Guard base at Bradley International Airport, then helicopter rides to Hartford, then Storrs, then back to Bradley. Along the way he hit the playground with pre-schoolers and paid homage to his old Senate pal, a now-white-bearded Chris Dodd, and the fellow Democrat who was among the first to support his candidacy, Gov. Ned Lamont. Bidens half-hour visit amid tight security at the Capitol Child Development Center in Hartford was designed to highlight the centerpiece of the massive plan: child care. With a handful of protesters shouting epithets a block away, Biden said the United States is far behind other developed nations and the country is at-risk of losing its competitive edge unless more investments are made in preschool programs and other touchstones of his proposal, including expanded broadband internet. In a soft-spoken voice and reading a script from a screen, Biden first paid his respects to the states solidly Democratic congressional delegation, and to Gov. Ned Lamont, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Barbara Jo Warner, executive director of the development center, which was created by the General Assembly in 1988 for the children of legislative employees and is partially subsidized by the state. He then admitted that while the $3.5-trillion program might not be fully implemented in Congress, a good part of it is likely to win adoption and the nations wealthiest are going to have to contribute more. Name me a single time in American history when the middle class was doing well and the wealthy werent doing very, very well, Biden said. Pay your fair share, Biden whispered to the 60 or so people, including TV crews, jammed into a small classroom. By the way, Ive had a number of Fortune 500 companies come to me and say youre right, we can pay a higher taxes, because they understand the impact. Working folks understand it. Thats why despite the attacks and misinformation, my plan still has the overwhelming support of the American people. The 7 percent solution The $3.5 trillion bill, sometimes called the human infrastructure plan, has little support from Republicans and must be trimemd because a few Democrat say its too big, and their votes are needed. That debate is holding up passage of a bipartian, $1.1 trillion plan for traditional infrastructure, which would send $5.3 billion to Connecticut. Biden said the moment is crucial. The world is watching, he said. Autocrats believe that the world is moving so rapidly that democracies cannot generate consensus quickly enough to get things done. That plan would extend the $300-a-month child tax credit thats set to expire in December; create universal pre-K; subsidize child care for low-income families; and add federal paid family and medical leave, which Connecticut adopted two years ago. Among many pieces of the presidents plan, Biden highlighted that families making up to 150 percent of the statewide median income would pay a maximum of 7 percent of their earnings on child care a savings for the vast majority of those with preschool children. Specific details were not available Friday. Republicans claim the ambitious proposal, combined with Bidens effort to address climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is too expensive and will run up the nations deficit, causing inflation. That debate cuts two ways; In January, the news site Pro Publica quoted the Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks estimate that the nations deficit increased by $7.8 trillion under President Donald Trump. Playing with kids After entering the center through a back door, the president spent ten minutes introducing himself to about two dozen pre-school children in an outdoor playground, within earshot of the handful of loud protesters a block away. At the same time, on the other side of the playground, Lamont said child care funding is crucial. Its the most-important investment we can make, Lamont told a couple of reporters. Its a key for kids, giving them a head start in life and also allows mom and dad to get back to work, so if I had to prioritize, thats what I would do. That and pre-K. I think its really that important. Lamont gestured to the president. That why he came here, Lamont said. He voiced optimism that legislation will emerge eventually from Washington. Theyll get something done. Beth Bye, commissioner of the state Office of Early Childhood, who attended the event, told reporters after Bidens remarks that the state needs space for 50,000 more pre-schoolers. The economics of this just do not work, Bye said. Parents cant afford to pay the full cost, and it doesnt pay a living wage, so right now child care are subsidizing parents and businesses by taking a lower wage. Warner, director of the center, who introduced the president, said the American Rescue Plan Act was crucial in providing some funding to keep the center in operation. The one time of infusion of funds didnt solve the underlying problem, she told Biden. Most parents cannot afford to pay the high cost of the kind of care their children deserve. Worries abroad Later in Storrs, Biden used the backdrop of the University of Connecticuts archive of post-war papers documenting Nazi war crimes to deliver a forceful warning against resurgent nationalism and anti-democratic forces around the world. Biden heaped praise on his former Senate colleague Chris Dodd and his father, Thomas J. Dodd, who was also a U.S. senator and prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials. The elder Dod died in 1971. The center was re-dedicated Friday in the name of both father-and-son senators, whose efforts against authoritarian governments in Europe and Latin America Biden made note of in a roughly 40-minute address. Massacres of Rohingya people in Myanmar, the mass-detention of Uighurs in China and sectarian conflict in northern Ethiopia are all evidence that the spectre of atrocity is not far behind us, Biden said, adding silence is complicity. The president saved his loudest remarks his voice rising well above the din of campus protesters to warn that the U.S. and its major allies face threats similar to those seen in the build up to WWII. As we look around the world today we see human rights and democratic principles increasingly under assault, Biden said. We feel the same charge of history upon our own shoulders to act. We have fewer democracies in the world today than we did 15 years ago. Fewer, not more, fewer. Biden did not directly name his predecessor, President Donald Trump. However, he did mention his efforts to undo some of Trumps policies, such as reversing a ban on immigration from several predominately Muslim nations. Biden arrived in Storrs just before 3 p.m. after travelling from Hartford. In the lead-up to his speech, members of the states all-Democratic congressional delegation lauded the foreign policy sought by Biden and both Dodds three giants of the United States Senate in the words of Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-1st District. Chris Dodd spoke ahead of his dear, dear friend, the president, adding humor to the afternoon with a story from when both Senators were running brokecampaigns for the Democratic nomination to the presidency in 2008 and had to share a trip on a small prop plane from Washington to a debate in New Hampshire. It was a story Biden appeared to remember well. Luckily, Chris and I get to travel on much nicer planes these days, the president quipped after taking the stage. The states longest-serving senator spoke in similarly dire terms about the state of world affairs, which he too compared to the forces his father prosecuted at Nuremberg. Today hate crimes and hate speech as we all know are on the rise, supremacist groups are proliferating at home and around the globe as well, Dodd said. The number of autocratic regimes seems to grow on a regular basis. Opposing voices Ahead of the presidents arrival, a group of about a dozen people gathered Friday morning near Brainard Airport in Hartford where Bidens Marine One helicopter landed. Members of the group, who would not give their names but said they were all members of a Facebook group, said they planned to follow the president throughout the day and exercise their First Amendment Rights. One member of the group said Biden was a disgrace. During the trip from Brainard to the child care center, the press pools bus lost track of the front of the motorcade while driving, but reunited with an escort midway through the trip. The pool report said there was a near accident while merging back onto the highway. It was the second visit of Bidens presidency to blue-state Connecticut, with an all-Democratic congressional delegation and continued success in holding down COVID infection rates. About an hour before Bidens arrival at the child center, State Republican Chairman Ben Proto, in a press call sponsored by the Republican National Committee, used the GOP tactic of calling the proposal Build Back Broke, called the $3.5-trillion plan a spending spree,and predicted that the higher taxes would hit families in Connecticut making as little as $50,000 a year. All in all its too expensive for the state of Connecticut, Proto said. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT john.moritz@hearstmediact.com @JohnMoritz18 Staff writer Liz Hardaway contributed reporting to this story. NEW HAVEN Yale Universitys endowment hit a new record of $42.3 billion, with the highest investment return since 2000, according to the university. It was the last fiscal year in which the late David Swensen played a role. Swensen died May 5 after a long battle with cancer. The return for the fiscal year ending June 30 brought a net gain of $11.1 billion to the endowment, up from the previous record of $31.2 billion. Yale reported the net gain in its investments as 40.2 percent, the highest since fiscal 2000, when the endowment grew 41 percent. That year the entire endowment totaled $10.1 billion. It was an extraordinary year for the endowment, which will benefit the Yale community now and for generations to come, said Matt Mendelsohn, Swensens successor as chief investment officer, in a release. While we are pleased with this gain, we define success over longer periods of time, measured by our ability to provide stable and growing support to the university so that it can carry out its mission. Yales endowment is second to Harvard Universitys, according to US News. Harvard this year reported an increase of 33.6 percent to $53.2 billion, according to the Harvard Crimson. Yale two weeks ago launched a $7 billion capital campaign, For Humanity. Mayor Justin Elicker and the Yale unions have called on the university to contribute more to the city. In 2020, Yale made a voluntary payment of $13 million, as well as supporting programs for city high school students, employee housing and others. Distributions to Yales operating budget during the last fiscal year totaled $1.5 billion, 35 percent of the budget, according to the release. Swensen has been credited with using novel strategies to increase the universitys earnings, including public equities, absolute return, leveraged buyouts, venture capital and real assets. He had led the investments office since 1985. The goal of Yales investment and spending policies is to be equitable in providing resources across the generations of the universitys students, faculty, and staff, now and far into the future, said Yale President Peter Salovey in the release. Strong long-term performance of the endowment allows Yale to remain vital for future generations. The endowment returned an average 12.4 percent over the last 10 years, compared with 9.1 percent for colleges and universities, according to the release. Over the last 20 years, the endowment returned 11.3 percent, compared with 7.7 percent nationally. The endowment provides the largest source of revenue for Yale. Twenty-four percent is unrestricted, 25 percent supports teaching and research, 19 percent goes to facilities and operations and 18 percent toward financial aid. The rest is designated for specific departments or programs. Yale offered financial aid to 61 percent of undergraduates for the 2020-21 academic year, with the average award totaling $58,340, or 78 percent of tuition, room and board, according to the release. edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382 President Joe Biden's visit to Connecticut on Friday marks the most recent visit by a sitting U.S. president to the Nutmeg State. Biden will be visiting the state to promote his Build Back Better Agenda as well as dedicate UConn's new Dodd Center for Human Rights with his friend and former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd. A known ice cream lover, there's also speculation he may stop for a scoop. Earlier this year, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Connecticut and even made a stop for some Sally's Apizza in New Haven. And past presidential visits have ranged from fishing trips to playing a concert. From Calvin Coolidge to Donald Trump, take a trip back in time through some of the most memorable visits from U.S. presidents (and one vice president) to Connecticut. GUILFORD The Secretary of the States office has determined that absentee ballot applications sent from a local campaign are valid after town Republicans filed a complaint Wednesday. Republican Town Committee member Deborah DeMusis and Guilford resident George Mack submitted a complaint to the State Elections Enforcement Commission, alleging that Democrat and independent candidates vying for the Guilford Board of Education, as well as their campaign adviser, illegally distributed unsolicited absentee ballot applications. The absentee ballots were allegedly pre-filled with the voters information. When someone helps a voter fill out an absentee ballot application, they need to complete a section stating they assisted the applicant and provide a wet signature, or a signature that is singed in ink. DeMusis and Mack said in these applications, a pre-printed signature was provided from Bill Bloss, the campaign adviser for Protect Guilford Schools, which represents two Democratic candidates Moira Rader and Arnold Skretta as well as three independents Jennifer Baldwin, Kristy Faulkner and Noel Petra. Ted Bromley, the states director of elections, said due to a miscommunication, campaigns may not have realized they could not use a reproduced signature on the pre-filled applications. Although Connecticut statute does require a wet ink signature, it is clear that campaigns could have justifiably relied on our advice to believe the opposite was true, Bromley wrote Thursday to Michael Brandi, the executive director and general counsel for the SEEC. This miscommunication should not affect the voters of Connecticut, Bromley wrote. Bromley said his department communicated with town clerks Oct. 6 to clarify the issue. He also stressed that any completed applications received from a voter should be processed as normal, as that is a valid application and the voter should not be penalized for this miscommunication between our office and representatives of campaigns. DeMusis and Mack said in their complaint they knew of at least six people who received the letter, which included an absentee ballot application, campaign materials and a return envelope addressed to the town clerk. The two allege the letter was distributed to thousands of Guilford voters. The municipal election is Nov. 2. Residents will be able to vote for the first selectman, two selectmen, four members of the Board of Finance, five members of the Board of Education and one member of the Board of Assessment Appeals. Staff writer Christine DeRosa contributed to this report. liz.hardaway@hearst.com Niagara Falls, NY (14301) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 42F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 31F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the National Assembly to enact law that would stop government officials from s... The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the National Assembly to enact law that would stop government officials from sending their children abroad to study. ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke who made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the reconvened meeting with the Federal Government, being conciliated by the Minister of Labour and Employment, said the officials must be compelled to enroll their children in Nigerian Universities. According to him, making it compulsory for the public office holders to enroll their wards in public schools in Nigeria would force them to fix the challenges in public schools. Osodeke said, We are hoping that the government will make it mandatory that if you accept any government appointment, your children must attend universities in Nigeria. The National Assembly must formulate a law that if you take an appointment, your children must study in the country. If you know that your children cannot be here, then there should be no need to accept government appointments. Speaking on the 2022 budget, Prof Osodeke expressed disappointment, stating that the education sector has been totally neglected. According to him, despite the outcries by the union, there was no change in the education budget. Look at the budget we have seen recently, it is exactly the same thing we have been seeing. Nothing has changed. And this country is paying the high price for neglecting education the banditry you see, the kidnapping and what have you, is because people are not being taken care of. That is why ASUU has been struggling, so that public universities in the country will be revamped, so that as our children go outside for learning, other children from other countries will also come here for the same purpose too and pay to this country in hard currency, he said. The Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige said some of the request by the union were within the reach of the Federal Government, stressing that the public universities will not be abandoned. The United States will reopen its land and air borders on November 8 to foreign visitors fully vaccinated against Covid-19 - ending a mor... The United States will reopen its land and air borders on November 8 to foreign visitors fully vaccinated against Covid-19 - ending a more than 18-month ban on travel from much of the globe that separated families, hobbled tourism and strained diplomatic ties. The decision to ease restrictions was guided by public health, stringent and consistent, said White House assistant press secretary Kevin Munoz in a tweet announcing the new policy. He said the announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. The new policy was quickly hailed by the European Unions ambassador in the US, Stavros Lambrinidis, who called it important and very welcome news and said in a Twitter post that more details were expected to follow. In an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, US borders were closed after March 2020 to travellers from large parts of the world, including the European Union, Britain and China, India and Brazil. Overland visitors from Mexico and Canada were also banned. The months of restrictions affecting hundreds of millions of people helped fuel both personal and economic suffering brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Testing and tracing Not all the technical and logistical details of the new policy have yet been announced. But officials had previously outlined it, saying that vaccinated air passengers will need to be tested within three days before travel, and airlines will be required to put in place a contact tracing system. US health authorities have said that all vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization would be accepted for entry by air. At the moment, this includes the AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines. Earlier this week, a White House source said the land border opening would happen in two phases. Initially, vaccines will be required for non-essential trips such as visiting family or tourism though unvaccinated travelers will still be allowed into the country for essential trips as they have been for the last year and a half. A second phase beginning in early January 2022 will require all visitors to be fully vaccinated to enter the United States by land, no matter the reason for their trip. The new schedule means the land border restrictions, which had been set to expire on October 21, will have to be extended one more time before the new rules enter into force, the White House official indicated. Despite the strict border closures, the United States has not yet mandated vaccines for domestic air travel. (AFP) Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu has supported the call for Nigeria to split for peace to reign. Chiwetalu Agu said this while... Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu has supported the call for Nigeria to split for peace to reign. Chiwetalu Agu said this while speaking with Broadway Tv. Recall that the actor was arrested by soldiers in Onitsha, Anambra State, for wearing Biafra regalia. He was then moved to DSS custody in Abuja where he stayed for days before his release.https://dailypost.ng/2021/10/12/nollywood-actor-chiwetalu-agu-released-from-dss-detention/ When asked if he is in support of Nigeria to split, Chiwetalu Agu said: We all must rise, I preached that everyone should rise from their position wherever they are with my costume. My costume was rising sun, not Biafra, Ojukwu propagated rising sun making it as a symbol for Igbos as they like to progress. If you look at Africa, Igbos are on the top because of their personal effort, not the government. The Government has not done anything for the Igbo man, they strive to do better on their own The earlier we split as a country, the better for us. The percentage of Fulani Buharis people in the workforce are 98%. The Igbo man has been placed on nothing. Benue is in turmoil, people are killing there but they want Fulani herdsmen to continue to do their business. It is draconian, you cant force people in a big country like this. We need to rally our people from the same tribe to get to a peaceful approach in this country. Shedding light on his arrest, Chiwetalu Agu added that he was not tortured while being questioned by some senior army officers before he was moved to DSS custody. They interviewed me for a whole day, the senior army officers were civil and did not get anything that was incriminating from my phone before they handed me over to DSS. They didnt manhandle me till I got to Abuja office where I stayed for two days. Im a child of God, Im not a criminal all they saw in my phone was all about God, humanity and nothing incriminating, he said. The popular Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, an annual autumn pilgrimage for lovers of New Orleans signature sandwich, has been canceled. Organizers cited several reasons for postponing the next fest until 2022, including the regions continued recovery from Hurricane Ida, the lingering fear of the coronavirus contagion and workforce challenges. According to the cancellation announcement, the dozens of restaurants that participate in the one-day Po-Boy Festival would have had difficulty staffing the busy pop-up booths along Oak Street while also manning their permanent locations. The last normal, outdoor Po-Boy Fest took place in 2019. Last year, the festival in the Carrollton neighborhood was replaced with a coronavirus-conscious event in which devotees sought sandwiches at several scattered restaurants. The po-boy is a hearty, portable meal served on a split loaf of French bread. Its history dates back to the Great Depression and beyond. The Po-Boy Fest is known for classic variations of the sandwich, such as roast beef and shrimp, but it is also the source of exotic interpretations with ingredients including lobster, rabbit and even escargot. Food and restaurant news in your inbox Every Thursday we give you the scoop on NOLA dining. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Oak Street Po-Boy Festival organizers encouraged fans of the iconic sandwich to celebrate this year by patronizing restaurants that serve the New Orleans specialty. +20 Day of the Dead parade to rattle bones in St. Roch neighborhood, Nov. 2 To the sound of drums and the smell of burning sage, a candle-lit parade of skeletons will ramble through the streets of the St. Roch neighbor +3 Mayor says the city is striving to make Mardi Gras 2022 possible, but no greenlight yet Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans' top health official told leaders of many of the citys 34 parading organizations Thursday that the city Someone dared to show up wearing a Bills jersey Just the word "pandemic" Drunk cousin Lisa nodding off into the mashed potatoes ... again The Jeff Landry sign in your uncle's yard Vote View Results For close to a decade, a two-story building with peeling red paint at the corner of Elysian Fields and Dauphine has been home to a long line of New Orleans performers and artists. Attracted by reasonable rent in the heart of the Marigny, burlesque performers, writers, visual artists, snake charmers and more have made their homes in one of the buildings seven apartments, whether for a few months or for years. But this little haven of creativity is hanging by a thread: Years of neglect has meant the building is badly in need of repairs. Add on significant damage from Hurricane Ida, and it's become unlivable for some residents. Now, an absentee landlord wants to make upgrades to the building to make it more lucrative, and some residents are worried their days are numbered. Im devastated to be losing this home, says Charlotte Treuse, a burlesque performer and snake charmer who has been living at 2203 Dauphine St. for nine years. Its falling apart, clearly, and there are so many problems here. But Ive put my heart and soul into this place. After repeated complaints about broken windows, Ida-related damage and a year without heat, Treuse says she has now been ordered by the current landlord to move out within 10 days. Two tenants living in the damaged apartment below her, meanwhile, have been told to begin looking for new living arrangements. The situation at the corner of Elysian Fields and Dauphine is one all too familiar to New Orleans artists, musicians and culture bearers. Skyrocketing rent and housing prices are pushing the people who make New Orleans culture away from the areas where they work and perform. If theyre lucky enough to find a place with reasonable rent, it comes with significant tradeoffs at best they may get a landlord who is sympathetic to artists financial constraints but who financially or otherwise cant or wont maintain the property. At worst theyll find themselves stuck with an unresponsive owner. And at the end of the day, it feels like its a race against the clock until theyre forced to move. He is using this hurricane as an excuse to boot us out, Treuse says. And we all know how this story ends. He does the basic repairs weve been begging for, and ups the rent, pricing out the artists and performers that have called Dauphine home over the years. Personality is packed into Treuses apartment. Feather burlesque fans and performance posters are spread across the light blue walls, mixed in with a faux fox head and taxidermy creations. Potted plants hang around the space and a beautiful carousel horse sits in the hallway. But it's nothing compared to what it used to be, she says. Over the last several weeks shes been slowly removing the personality from her home, preparing to move out on Halloween. Its slow going for Treuse. I have to be working. I cant take off of work right now, Treuse says. We just reopened after being closed for Ida. I dont have time to move at all. Treuse moved into the building on Oct. 31 nine years ago which makes her plan to move out by the 31st feel a bit full circle, she says. Then as now, the building was full of characters. When Treuse moved in, one of the apartments was occupied by someone working at an animal hospital and a French Quarter tour guide. Another tenant was a seamstress and ran her own sewing studio out of another apartment. Two men living in another part of the building mysteriously up and moved out in the middle of a Mardi Gras night likely skipping out on the back rent they owed, Treuse says with a laugh. As people moved out over the years, Treuse helped fill the apartments with artists and performers. Burlesque artists Jo Weldon who wrote Fierce: The History of Leopard Print while here Remi Martini and Frankie Sin, roller skating boylesque performer Bobby Bonsey and poet Chris Heffernan are among those who lived in the building at some point, along with film industry workers, costumers, circus folks and tarot readers. Current residents include performers Angie Z, Great Dane and Eddie Lockwood. And Treuse shares a wall with a painter named Carson. We used to call it the carny compound, says Natalie Rose, a hairstylist working in the film industry who lived in the building in 2016. It was all artists. We were all friends. We were all close. That was another thing that made it great. The old building has always been plagued with problems, Treuse and former tenants say, and it felt as if the owner of the building and original landlord, Ajit Asi, could only do the bare minimum to fix the issues. In the year Rose lived in the building, her air conditioner broke and it took three months to fix. She had to sleep on a friends couch. A pane also fell out of her window in the middle of winter and she spent about six months living with cardboard over the hole. I was like, Are you going to discount [my rent]? I cant live there, Rose says. He said, I know its inconvenient, but I cant really discount you because [of] what the house is really worth and youre getting a good deal on rent. I lived there a year and I was like, all right Im out. I have renters rights. Asi wasnt a great landlord, both Rose and Treuse say, but it seemed like he cared about having artists in the building and keeping the rent relatively low. Rose says she paid $800 and split a large apartment with another person in 2016. Treuse originally paid $725 for another apartment in the building which is now $1,025 and pays $800 for her current space. But good intentions dont fix broken windows and A/C units, and good deals are useless if you cant live in your apartment. Things were falling apart around the building and only getting band-aid fixes or being pushed off. When youre starting off and struggling as an artist, youre right on the verge of homelessness, Rose adds. Honestly some months or some weeks are good and youre working, but you never know when your next job will be So it makes it to where you feel like you just cant get your feet underneath you. Its like youre just pouring out money. It makes it harder for you to succeed, she says. In 2019, when his health began to fail, Asi turned over management of the building to his son-in-law, Akshay Patil. Treuse says thats when things took a turn for the worse. She says Patil raised rents on all of the units, fired the propertys landscaper and has been generally unresponsive to requests for fixes. Patil also split the unit Treuse now occupies into two apartments Treuse had to install her own sink and buy a mini fridge. After Hurricane Zeta last year, Treuses windows were left in bad shape, she says. At the same time, a gutter above her balcony was clogged. Nothing was being fixed and then Ida hit. Early in the storm, the windows in Treuses living room and kitchen broke open and rain and water from the clogged gutter poured in. Her neighbors rushed in to help attach heavy plastic sheeting to the windows, and then spent hours cleaning up the river of water in her apartment. That water leaked into the apartment below causing heavy damage and mold to the ceiling and wall. Everything was completely preventable, Treuse says. In the weeks after the storm, the residents of the building have fixed a lot of things themselves, Treuse says. Patil didnt reach out to Treuse, she says although she had heard Patil had spoken with other tenants and it took her about a week to contact her landlord. Treuse says she sent pictures of the broken windows and damage in her apartment to Patil and told him she wouldnt be paying rent until the windows were fixed. Treuse says she felt like she was just being ignored through September. A contractor did show up but couldnt get in because she was in Nashville for work Treuse says she gave advance notice to Patil about the trip and that she would be gone for three days. Then, at the beginning of October, Patil texted her to leave within 10 days. Looks like you are unhappy with the condition and so best thing would be for you to move out and find another place, Patil said in a text message screenshot provided by Treuse. Also I am looking for a major upgrade to that building in the coming weeks and to the unit you are living in- to do those upgrades i [sic] will need the unit vacated. This is your 10 days notice to vacate the unit. Patil followed up with Treuse in an email the next day. In the message, Patil said Treuses unit was in need of major repairs, which could take a few weeks, and would need to be vacated for the contractors to access the unit. However, he added, there had been delays and challenges in finding contractors as well as getting an adjuster to inspect the property, so repairs might not start soon or be completed in the foreseeable future. He then repeated his 10-day notice to vacate the premises. My sincere apology for the inconvenience this is going to cause to you, Patil added at the end. While a landlord in Louisiana can give a tenant who is living month-to-month a 10-day notice to vacate, that notice must be in print and not simply texted or emailed. After that, the landlord would still have to go to eviction court if the tenant does not leave. Treuse says Lockwood and Dane in the apartment below her have been told a similar thing, but without the 10-day notice to vacate. He saves the extreme punishment for me, since I have had the audacity to be hounding him about the state of my home for a few years now, Treuse said in a previous email to Gambit, and he doesnt like my tone. Patil argues that the notice to vacate the two apartments isnt personal, but about safety and liability while contractors repair the building. He acknowledges a tense relationship with Treuse. In discussing the building with Gambit, he recognized the age and condition of the building but also seemed to downplay the severity of long-standing problems prior to Ida. [Treuse] has been living there for very cheap rent, and I was OK with that because she had paid her rent, Patil says, and all of a sudden because of Hurricane Ida, conditions got worse, and I have told her and others that I cant do any repairs until the insurance company comes and inspects and does the appraisal and pays me to hire a contractor. Patil lives in a suburb north of Seattle, Washington, and is an engineer, though he owns two rental properties in the Seattle area. He graduated from the University of New Orleans in the early-2000s. After his father-in-law took ill, Patil took over management of the house on Dauphine Street, but he has never seen the property in person. Patil says he hasnt felt comfortable traveling to New Orleans during the pandemic and has mostly relied on working with third parties to look for tenants and collect rent. Patil says he is only managing the property for Asi, his father-in-law, who still owns the property and uses it as his primary source of income. He acknowledges the building is old and needs repairs, including a new roof. When asked about a pattern of problems only receiving quick fixes in the past, Patil says his father-in-law wasnt making enough from the property to afford to hire quality contractors. Patil also says he believes he has been responsive to tenants requests for fixes in the last year and a half. Patil says he plans to keep the building units as long-term rentals, but several times mentions raising rents. I would love to continue to have artists living there but my agent is not going to commit to anything that is unfair, Patil says. Since his arrest, relatives of Walter Sippio have contended that he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed another motorist after he allegedly jumped the line for fuel at a Metairie gas station five days after Hurricane Ida. Sippio, 20, had told family members that the victim, 36-year-old Dwayne Nosacka, was armed with a knife during the heated confrontation. But Sippio was still arrested and booked with second-degree murder. +3 Metairie gas station killing could again test state's self-defense law: 'It's sad and horrible' It had been five days since Hurricane Ida disrupted power and led to hours long gas lines throughout southeast Louisiana, and 36-year-old Dway On Wednesday, a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office homicide detective testified that a knife had indeed been recovered from the scene, a Chevron station at 2301 Clearview Parkway. Authorities found a closed, folding pocket knife underneath Nosacka's body after he was taken to the hospital, according to Detective Steven Quaintance. But he also testified that none of the six eyewitnesses interviewed by investigators ever saw Nosacka holding a knife. "They all, in fact, said [Nosacka] did not have a weapon," he said. Quaintance testified in Jefferson Parish Magistrate Court as part of a preliminary hearing for Sippio, who is from New Orleans. The deadly encounter occurred on the afternoon of Sept. 3. Hurricane Ida's Category 4 winds had left the region without power, and residents had begun queuing for hours in long lines for gasoline to fuel generators and vehicles. At about 4:15 p.m., Nosacka was finally at the head of the line entering the station from Clearview Parkway. Suddenly, a Nissan Quest minivan driven by Sippio entered the parking lot from a different entrance on the South Interstate 10 Service Road and pulled up to the pump, Quaintance said. Sippio's family has said he went to the service station to look for an ATM. Nosacka, frustrated by what seemed to be a blatant attempt to cut line, got out of his vehicle to confront Sippio, according to authorities. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Sippio's brother and girlfriend were with him when he and Nosacka began to argue. As tensions heightened, Sippio's girlfriend tried to get between the two men. At some point, (Sippio) left the altercation, returned to his vehicle, armed himself and returned and shot Nosacka, Quaintance said. Nosacka, a father of two, was shot in the chest and later died of his injuries. Sippio fled the scene, but was later identified with the help of photos and cell phone video taken by witnesses, according to the Sheriff's Office. He surrendered himself to authorities. It was not clear from Wednesday's hearing whether Sippio explicitly told detectives during questioning that he believed Nosacka had been armed with a knife. He kept saying he was scared. He couldnt elaborate why he felt threatened," Quaintance testified. Investigators also noted some inconsistencies in Sippios story. He first told detectives he fired the gun while standing about 4 to 6 feet from Nosacka, which was consistent with witness statements, according to Quaintance. But later in the interview, Sipppio said he shot Nosacka at point-blank range. Sippio initially told investigators he retrieved the gun from the minivan at some point during the argument. But he later changed his statement and said hed had the gun the entire time, Quaintance testified. In describing Sippio's demeanor during and after the shooting, witnesses didn't paint a picture of a man who was frightened. They told investigators he seemed angry. "After the shooting, he stood there waving the gun and screaming, 'You see what you get,' taunting the victim as he lay on the ground," Quaintance said. Magistrate Commissioner Paul Schneider ruled there was probable cause to continue holding Sippio at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna on the murder charge. Bond was set at $500,000. Ramon Antonio Vargas contributed to this story. More cruise ship operators are setting plans for sailings from U.S. ports in the coming months, including the four lines that left regularly from the Port of New Orleans before the COVID-19 pandemic. That's offered some hope to local port and hospitality officials, even if all of the ships that once plied the Mississippi River before heading towards tropical destinations aren't yet staging a return locally. Cruise ship traffic from the port resumed last month, when Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Glory restarted its Caribbean cruise sailings from Sep. 19, a few weeks later than expected because of Hurricane Ida. On another positive note, a second Carnival vessel, the Carnival Valor, will resume sailing from Nov. 1 with four- and five-day round-trip cruises to Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico, Vance Gulliksen, Carnival spokesman confirmed. Like its sister ship Glory, the Valor will be running at about 70% passenger capacity, which normally is just under 3,000 on each ship. Passenger dies of COVID after 27 sick from outbreak on Carnival cruise out of Galveston After having respiratory complications, the woman was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator in Belize before being evacuated to Tulsa, Oklahoma where she died on August 14. Both ships are following the social-distancing requirements and other mitigation rules that were agreed to last summer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in order for cruise lines to restart. The absence of cruise ships and their passengers since the start of the pandemic, in Mar 2020, has left a big hole in the local economy and Port Nola's finances. In 2019, there were a record 1.2 million cruise ship passengers coming and going through the port, and the estimated economic contribution to the city in terms of spending on hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, and other attractions was about $250 million, according to an economic impact study in 2018. In 2019, Port Nola earned about $14 million in docking fees from cruise ships, which was one of its most important sources of revenue. 24 friends took a Mississippi River cruise out of New Orleans. 11 got COVID. Last month, a group of 24 neighbors boarded the American Queen in New Orleans. The six-deck Mississippi River steamboat would carry the group, Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Norwegian Cruise Lines also confirmed it will be resuming its seasonal itinerary from late November through April. The Norwegian Breakaway, the largest cruise ship to sail out of Port Nola, will resume Caribbean sailings on Nov. 21, visiting Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Norwegian's private resort-style destination in Belize. The Breakaway normally has passenger capacity of nearly 4,000, but also will be operating under CDC restrictions. Still, not all of the city's ships are returning. Royal Caribbean International said it will not be resuming its sailings next year and cannot say yet when they might return. The cruise line's Grandeur of the Seas had been doing seven-day cruises to Key West, Florida and the Bahamas year-round before the pandemic. The ship's capacity was over 2,400 passengers. "Although we wont be stopping in New Orleans next year, we look forward to the day when we are able to return," said Jonathon Fishman, a Royal Caribbean spokesman. Carnival Glory to resume sailing on September 19 after housing emergency workers Carnival Cruise Line said Tuesday that Carnival Glory will sail from Port of New Orleans on Sunday, Sept. 19 on a seven-day cruise to The Baha Though cruise ship sailings have been slowly resuming since the CDC regime was agreed in June, there have been setbacks for the industry, including the death of one passenger in August who had contracted COVID-19 while on a cruise from Galveston, Texas to Belize. Also, more recently, dozens of passengers who had been on an American Queen Voyages river cruise that departed from Port Nola tested positive for the virus. The CDC had been reluctant to lift restrictions on the cruise-line industry because it said that the conditions onboard, with so many people in close proximity for an extended period of time, was conducive to spreading the air borne disease. WASHINGTON A panel of U.S. health advisers endorsed booster doses of Johnson & Johnsons single-shot COVID-19 vaccine Friday, saying they should be offered at least two months after immunization. J&J has asked the Food and Drug Administration for flexibility with its booster, arguing the extra dose adds important protection as early as two months after initial vaccination -- but that it might work better if people wait until six months later. The FDAs advisory panel voted unanimously that a booster should be offered without setting a firm time. The advisers cited growing worry that recipients of J&Js vaccination seem to be less protected than people who got two-dose Pfizer or Moderna options and that most got that single dose many months ago. New COVID variant detected in Louisiana; it's not an imminent threat, health officials say A new COVID variant named B.1.630, first detected in the U.S. in March, has been sequenced by LSU in Shreveport. It is the first time the variant has been detected in the state of Louisiana. The FDA will use its advisers recommendations to decide whether to authorize boosters for both J&J and Moderna, after which another government agency will rule on who should roll up their sleeves. Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up J&Js single-shot vaccine is made with a different technology than the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines -- and it has consistently shown lower effectiveness levels. The government says all three U.S. vaccines continue to offer strong protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19, and that the priority is getting first shots to the unvaccinated. But theres a growing push to shore up protection against breakthrough infections and the extra-contagious delta variant of the coronavirus. Booster doses of Pfizers vaccine began last month for people at high risk of COVID-19, and the FDA advisory panel has recommended the same approach for Moderna recipients. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto III, long a holdout against equipping deputies with body-worn cameras, disclosed Thursday night he has signed an $8.7 million contract for the technology. He said he agreed to the deal in June for 500 cameras, which the Sheriff's Office expects to receive in the next two weeks and deploy by December. It would have been earlier, he said, but the manufacturer had supply chain issues. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is the largest law enforcement agency in Louisiana without body cameras, and has faced calls for more transparency amid excessive force allegations and wrongful death lawsuits in recent years. More than half of the state's 64 sheriffs, and almost every large police department, equip deputies with cameras. Advocates say cameras provide important evidence about how officers enforce the law and, in some instances, break it. Until now, Lopinto, whose office has a $148.3 million budget this year, has said the agency could not afford them. We never refused to use cameras. Cameras are a way of the future," Lopinto, a Republican, said in a Facebook livestream discussion produced by the Jefferson Parish Democratic Executive Committee. "I just couldnt do that in my first three years [in office]. We didnt have the money." Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Lopinto said the cameras will be deployed in phases as deputies are trained. He said younger deputies are excited to use the cameras, the older ones a bit more reluctant. Advocates say body cameras can help build court cases against people whom officers arrest, with recordings showing suspects' actions before and while they are being taken into custody. They also have been used to hold officers accountable for unjust arrests and police brutality. Asked whether he would use the recordings against deputies suspected of misconduct, Lopinto said, Im not afraid to put one of my deputies in jail. I hire human beings. Sometimes they do it right; sometimes they do it wrong. A shooting last month that left a Black welder dead in Marrero after he bolted from deputies was only the latest episode of fatal force by Jefferson Parish deputies to raise suspicions that will not be settled by footage from a body-worn camera. Sheriff Joe Lopintos office is the largest state law enforcement agency not to use body-worn cameras, and Lopinto has no plans to change that. That increasingly makes him an outlier: Over half of Louisiana sheriffs, and nearly every large police force in the state, now deploy them. Killed by deputies on May 27, Modesto Reyes is one of five people, all Black, whose deaths since 2018 in confrontations with Jefferson Parish deputies have raised cries for more transparency from the office, and for deployment of body cameras specifically. Those demands, seeped in mistrust and fear within Black communities that have long railed against police brutality, have grown louder since Reyes was fatally shot, two days after the death of George Floyd under a police officers knee in Minneapolis unleashed a wave of pent-up fury across the country. Police departments nationwide began using body cameras in significant numbers a decade ago. About a third of municipal police departments had them by 2013, and studies suggest a majority do now. The New Orleans Police Department rolled them out in 2014 under former Superintendent Ronal Serpas, adding to a slate of other reforms overseen by a federal judge under a 2012 agreement with the U.S. Justice Department that remains in place. But just across the parish line, where Jefferson deputies follow starkly different rules over stops, chases, use of force and the disciplinary process former Sheriff Newell Normand, and now Lopinto, have balked. Im not against body cameras, but Ive got to be able to pay for them, and I dont have the extra money sitting around, Lopinto said, while citing a litany of stumbling blocks: manpower, questions on data storage, privacy issues and what he considers inadequate direction from Louisiana public records laws. Lopinto said he awaits legislation that would let law enforcement agencies discard video earlier than is currently allowed, while also curtailing large-scale public records requests. Now, anything generated by the agency is a public record that must be kept for three years. With the office handling 400,000 calls for service annually, to catalogue and store video from each would be pricey, he complained. Lopinto said the Sheriffs Office could implement body cameras within the next five years, sooner if he can persuade the Legislature to act. I am moving to propose legislation to create an environment that will make body cameras affordable not only for my agency, but for other agencies, Lopinto said. I cant just look at the camera cost, storage. I have to look at the extra personnel I would need in place. The explanations ring hollow for some residents, particularly those whove taken to the streets to protest the offices use of deadly force. The Black community, we fear the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office," said Dr. Ashonta Wyatt, an educator and a member of The Village Keepers, a community group that has rallied behind families seeking answers about their loved ones deaths at the hands of police. I believe there is a lack of trust, theres a lack of buy-in from the standpoint of the community, she added. Putting body cameras on is a show of good faith. Lopintos office isnt alone among Louisianas largest sheriffs offices and police departments in its circumspect approach to deploying the technology. Among large agencies in the state, sheriffs in East Baton Rouge, St. Tammany and Ouachita parishes also go without them, citing similar concerns, though St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith recently pledged to deploy them. Locally, Lopinto has company. There are no body cams on officers in Gretna or in Kenner, the largest municipal police force in Louisiana without them, according to figures from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice. Half of the 10 sheriffs offices in Louisiana with the most sworn officers now deploy body-worn cameras. The number of agencies turning to body-worn cameras has grown dramatically in the wake of high-profile police killings like that of Michael Brown in Ferguson in 2014 and Freddie Gray in Baltimore a year later, experts say. Federal grant money began rolling out in 2015 to help local police pay for it. Lopintos office has not sought to tap those grants. The sheriff doesnt dispute that body cam footage may have helped answer allegations of misconduct by his deputies in several recent officer-involved shootings that have roiled the Black community. Among those incidents: Only private surveillance cameras in an Old Jefferson convenience store caught glimpses of the May 10, 2018, pursuit that ended with the death of Keeven Robinson, 22. An autopsy determined he died of compressional asphyxia with significant traumatic injuries to the soft tissues of the neck from a struggle with narcotics deputies. The coroner deemed Robinsons death a homicide. Four detectives who chased him were placed on desk duty, a rarity under Sheriffs Office policy. One of them, David Lowe, now works for Louisiana State Police. The Jefferson Parish district attorneys office has yet to announce whether any of the detectives will face criminal charges. Chris Joseph, 38, and Daviri Robertson, 39, were shot dead inside a car parked outside a Terrytown IHOP on March 27, 2019, during an undercover drug sting. Deputies claim they fired when Joseph began backing up. A narcotics officer was wounded by friendly fire. Joseph and Robertson's families say investigators found no drugs or guns in the vehicle. Lopintos office has not contested that assertion. Leo Brooks, 23, was shot and killed inside a Metairie apartment on July 17, 2019, after deputies say he reached for a pistol as they tried to take him into custody on a warrant for an earlier shooting. Two months before Reyes was fatally shot by deputies in Marrero, an unarmed 14-year-old boy was shot in the back after a chase by vehicle and on foot that ended in a Westwego backyard. The boy survived. The Sheriffs Office didnt notify the public of the March 20 shooting, as it usually does, and it only came to light after the boys family went to the media. Lopinto has since said his office will alert the public anytime deputies shoot someone. Suspicions over those incidents and others have festered in the Black community. In Reyes case, it led to dueling news conferences this month with conflicting narratives of what happened. There was some video from a deputys stun gun, but Lopinto has been unwilling to show it to the family. Body cameras in use-of-force situations are going to help me more than its going to hurt me the vast majority of the times, Lopinto said. I would like to have had body camera footage with all of them, but Ive also got a budget to balance. Favoring transparency In New Orleans, police brass have a policy to release video of cases where officers shoot people, usually within 10 days. The department followed that policy after each of the three fatal shootings by NOPD in 2019. In each case, the clip showed the slain person had first shot at or aimed a gun at police. The goal is "giving enough of an idea to what occurred, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said. It stops the rumor mill. It prevents anyone from coming up with their own agenda (or) narrative with what occurred. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Rafael Goyeneche, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, a private watchdog group in New Orleans, said body-worn cameras are now what the public expects, and I think its a type of technology that will become better, cheaper and more easily managed as it evolves and grows. Dana Coleman, Houmas first Black police chief, said he doesnt understand the reluctance of some departments to embrace cameras. With about 80 officers, the Houma Police Department got officers outfitted with body cameras in 2014 and hasnt looked back, he said. The department recently adopted technology that automatically activates police body cameras that are nearby when an officer draws a gun. They may have some reasons. I know it has overwhelmingly assisted our agency, Coleman said. Even before this event, a lot of people within society expect it. I know anytime I hear an agency that does not have body cameras, Im like, Wow, he added. Houma paid about $200,000 for the gear and uses a cloud-based video storage system. Under a new deal with the vendor, it now pays $19,000 a year for storage and equipment, police officials said. Costs for larger agencies obviously run higher. But the Police Executive Research Forum surveyed more than 800 law enforcement agencies in 2015 and found that the largest police departments went in heaviest for body cams, with nearly half of all large police agencies having adopted them by then. The survey also looked at the cost in three cities Phoenix, Mesa, Arizona; and Dallas and found the per-camera costs ranged from $1,125 to $2,900, including extra manpower to respond to records requests. Lopintos office, with a total staff of more than 1,400, benefits from a dedicated quarter-cent sales tax and an annual budget of $128 million. The department has maintained a fund balance at years end that hovers around $48 million at least before the coronavirus pandemic. State Rep. Rodney Lyons, D-Harvey, says he understands Lopintos concerns but contends the pricing is not unreasonable. Lyons said the policy decision over whether to deploy body-worn cameras is a direct comment on a departments willingness to favor transparency in use-of-force cases. He drafted a resolution that the state House of Representatives passed recently calling on the Sheriffs Office to move forward with body-worn cameras. This is the will of the people, and of the industry itself, Lyons said. The resolution has no legal teeth, and Lopinto has said it is of no moment without new funding. The police research group found 92% of law enforcement agencies that answered the survey counted increasing public trust as their primary reason for adopting cameras. Serpas, who brought body cams into the NOPD years after the agency had implemented dashboard cameras, said he did it to build the publics faith in the broader reforms under the federal consent decree. He said the videos could also be used as a training tool and would secure more evidence when reviewing allegations of officer misconduct. It gives us evidence to look at that we didnt have before, said Serpas, speaking generally. Mayor LaToya Cantrells office said it could not readily answer how much the NOPDs body cameras cost the city. But upon implementing them, the NOPD set aside about $1.2 million over five years most of it for data storage, some for training. The gear has gotten cheaper since, Serpas noted. Lopinto, however, has suggested the cost would be much higher, estimating the cost at $1.9 million a year, not including personnel and records costs. Mixed results Research on the impact of body cams on officer and citizen conduct has so far produced mixed results. Studies in Milwaukee and Washington D.C. found no reduction in use-of-force incidents after cameras were randomly assigned to officers, though several studies have found that officers who wear them receive fewer complaints than officers who don't. Some research suggests the slide in complaints has less to do with a change in officer behavior than a reduction in frivolous gripes by citizens who know theyre being recorded. Thats been the case in Houma, Coleman said. According to a review by researchers at George Mason University of scores of studies, results varied over whether officers were less prone to conduct a stop-and-frisk while wearing a camera. More broadly, the study found research lacking on whether the cameras have reduced disparities in the treatment of suspects or arrestees. Donovan Livaccari, attorney and spokesman for the Fraternal Order of Police lodge in New Orleans, said NOPD officers generally favor body cameras now. Livaccari said hes seen a reduction in complaints against officers, though he said the reasons are unclear. I think the biggest problem was just for people to get over the concern that it was going to be a tool for the department to second-guess people, which frankly, it does get used that way at times, Livaccari said. But Livaccari said some of the worst fears of officers havent panned out. I dont necessarily hold it against the sheriffs who choose not to have those cameras, he said. Frankly, his constituents are the ones he has to worry about making happy. If his constituents dont view it as a reasonable expense, thats on his constituents. West Bank community activist Gaylor Spiller, who has stood with the families of Robinson and other men killed by the Sheriffs Office through the years, said she believes the agencys refusal to adopt body cameras is meant to shield the agencys version of events from being challenged. And the impacts of that are predominantly Black, said Spiller. She noted that Robertson, Joseph, Robinson, Reyes, Brooks and the shot 14-year-old boy are all Black. Why wouldnt you be want to be free of being accused of doing anything wrong? Every Black community in Jefferson Parish knows the Sheriffs Office has been doing this for a long time. The FBI asked the public's help Thursday in identifying a man who tried to rob the Chase Bank branch at 1425 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. He passed a note to a teller at the bank on Saturday. But, the bureau said, "The teller was unable to comply with the demand note." The FBI released three surveillance photos of the man. Anyone with information on his identify may call the FBI at (504) 816-3000 or Crimestoppers Inc. at (504) 822-1111. Just as ethical questions swirled around LSU Health Sciences Center Chancellor Larry Hollier last year, LSU agreed to pay thousands of dollars for an outside consultant to produce its own evaluation of Holliers job performance. But that wasnt before stipulating that Hollier could help choose which employees were interviewed, records show. The agreement also allowed Hollier to review a draft of the report and provide feedback, which the consultants promised to incorporate into the final version. Now, the conclusions from the report by Washington-based AGB Consulting -- for which LSU agreed to pay $28,000 -- are a mystery. LSU declined a request from The Times-Picayune | The Advocate to view the records, citing Holliers right to privacy. Hollier, the top official at the New Orleans medical campus since 2005, could potentially waive that right and release the document, but would not respond to questions about whether he would do so. Lori Mince, a media-law attorney, told the newspaper that the recent controversy around Hollier -- who figured prominently in an audit critical of the Health Sciences Center -- should outweigh any claim of a privacy exemption to Louisianas public records law. But LSU has rejected that argument. A university lawyer cited two court rulings granting public employees some expectation of privacy, and said LSU holds firm to this view in all personnel matters. That included a 1978 decision that held employee evaluations should not be disclosed because of the potential to embarrass or humiliate the employee among his fellow employees, friends or family. LSU has consistently maintained this position as to employee evaluations, said Carlton Trey Jones, LSUs deputy general counsel. +3 Audit dings leadership of LSU Health Sciences Center over nepotism, favoritism Top officials at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans skirted university hiring policies when they moved an in-house lawyer to the jo Mince said that LSUs legal position is more tenuous when a persons job performance is the subject of public debate, as is the case with Hollier. Last month, a scathing LSU audit targeted Holliers improper advocacy for public pay raises for those in his inner circle, in addition to allegations that he retaliated against employees and shirked university policies while hiring and firing people. A pending federal lawsuit also alleges Hollier has overseen a yearslong practice of disproportionately paying male employees far more than their female counterparts. The circumstances surrounding the report and other allegations of misconduct regarding the chancellors performance would suggest that the chancellors expectation of privacy, if any, should yield to the publics interest in learning the contents of the report, Mince said. Mince has previously been retained by the newspaper, but is not currently. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Before other improprieties surfaced, LSU Health employees alleged harassment, discrimination In addition to a scathing audit highlighting a range of improper behavior, a cadre of top male administrators at the LSU Health Sciences Cente A reporter contacted Hollier on Monday to ask if the chancellor would agree to waive his privacy rights. He referred a message to an LSU Health spokeswoman, who did not return three written messages. The newspaper also reached out to all 15 members of LSUs Board of Supervisors. None responded. According to the universitys contract with AGB, its LSUs policy to commission an evaluation of its chancellors at least once every five years. The evaluation was scheduled to begin last November and conclude by the end of the year. AGB agreed to interview up to 20 employees via video conference. The work was supposed to span seven days, at a rate of $4,000 a day. The contract specified that LSUs president at the time, Thomas Galligan, and Hollier would determine those who would be interviewed -- as well as who would be interviewed individually, and who would be interviewed as a group. +2 LSU Health administrator who sought 'ridiculous' raise for son faces new investigation When Keith Schroth, chief finance officer for the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, pushed for a hefty pay bump for his son who works The consultant also agreed to share its draft report with Galligan and Hollier for accuracy, before incorporating their recommendations into the final version. A representative for AGB declined to say if that practice is customary. The firms work is confidential, they said. By that time the firm began its work, Hollier was already the target of a federal lawsuit from two former top lawyers in his organization. The pair alleged a years-long practice of underpaying women had led, in one instance, to a male employee making $61,200 more than the organizations female general counsel, even though he had a position two grades below hers. In court papers, LSU has denied any wrongdoing by Hollier. Last months audit was also critical of salary practices under Hollier, including an instance where he tried arranging a pay bump for Keith Schroth, his chief finance officer. The additional compensation would have violated LSU policies, auditors found. Other employees told auditors they feared retaliation. The former human resources director, who spoke out against a raise that Hollier also pushed for Schroths son, was eventually fired. Hollier defended his work in a response to auditors. He denied the allegations of favoritism, nepotism and retaliation. Starting Monday, New Orleans Emergency Medical Services will carry blood in its ambulances for transfusions before arriving at a hospital. The agency has partnered up with The Blood Center to launch the initiative, which it says is the first of its kind in the region. Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death, and death by bleed-out mostly happens before a patient arrives at a hospital, the agency said. Studies have shown that pre-hospital transfusions can significantly improve a patient's chance of surviving traumatic injuries. Like many emergency services, the New Orleans agency uses the term "golden hour" to emphasize the importance of care within the first 60 minutes of injury. It says its new ability to administer transfusions will help patients. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "This is a monumental occasion as we partner with The Blood Center to administer blood," said Dr. Emily Nichols, the agency's director. "Our goal is to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates in patients with traumatic injuries within the city of New Orleans." In a city riddled with gun violence - last year, New Orleans ranked second in murder, according to the FBI's national statistics - these types of transfusions could save lives and lower the homicide rate. "It's the blood donated before an emergency that can save a life," says Dr. Tim Peterson, The Blood Center's medical director. "By partnering with New Orleans EMS, we're hopeful more lives can be saved by the simple act of kindness that donating blood is." People looking to donate blood may visit thebloodcenter.org for more information. Larry Hollier is out as chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, bringing an abrupt end to a 15-year tenure amid a raft of allegations that he pushed for improper pay bumps for his inner circle, underpaid women and violated the universitys policies while hiring and firing people. An LSU announcement Thursday said Hollier would vacate his post immediately. His contract was set to expire at the end of the year. An interim chancellor, who has not yet been named, will take over while LSU searches for Holliers replacement. The announcement said Hollier, a practicing vascular surgeon, plans to return to the faculty at the Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Hollier did not return messages Thursday. The announcement of his departure comes a month after the release of a scathing LSU audit that targeted several troubling practices at the Health Sciences Center, which Hollier has run since 2005. Among the findings: Hollier tried to quietly pad the salary of his close colleague, Keith Schroth, the organizations chief finance officer. Hollier also pushed for a raise for Schroths son and helped create a new publicly funded position for him. Records show that some within the administration pushed back, and that they feared for their job for doing so. Auditors also concluded Hollier had recently fired three top employees without properly vetting complaints that were made against them. Hollier initially defended his work as chancellor, denying the audits allegations of favoritism, nepotism and retaliation. But as other issues surfaced, he declined to respond to requests for interviews. He did not respond to questions this week about when his contract was set to expire, or if he would ask LSUs board to renew. He also declined to comment on a report Thursday that LSU last year agreed to pay a consultant $28,000 to conduct a performance evaluation on Hollier just as ethical questions around his administration began to swirl. The agreement allowed Hollier to help pick the employees interviewed and sign off on the final draft, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate reported. But the university declined to release the document, citing Holliers privacy. Hollier did not respond to a reporters request that he waive his privacy and allow the release of the report. Named chancellor less than three months after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hollier, a Crowley native, has received some credit for pushing lawmakers to maintain funding levels for medical research and faculty. In the decade after the storm, the Legislature ordered tens of millions of dollars in cuts affecting the New Orleans medical campus. Hollier also helped usher through plans to close Charity Hospital after Katrina and to build the new University Medical Center, which serves uninsured as well as private-pay patients. Last year, LSU Health also broke ground a 579-bed apartment complex in Mid-City, the first new LSU student housing in more than 50 years. But more recently, as current and former employees began to raise concerns in court and with university auditors, a less flattering picture of Holliers tenure emerged. Some of his subordinates feared working for him, auditors found. He told employees of the importance of keeping spies in the workplace. And he was publicly accused of presiding over good-ol boys clubs that trampled on the rights of women and those with a less prominent place in Holliers network. After many of those concerns were published in last months 67-page audit, Hollier initially penned a fiery defense. In a draft of his response to the audit, a copy of which was obtained by The Times-Picayune | The Advocate, Hollier accused auditors of purposefully omitting information and violating university policy by not notifying Hollier of their investigation sooner. The report was replete with errors, incomplete quotes, misinformation, unsupported argument, and a disregard for actual facts, Hollier wrote in a 22-page missive addressed to Chad Brackin, LSUs chief auditor. This audit report is the most untrustworthy and misleading report that I have seen from any Office of Internal Audit during my entire 40+ year career in medicine and as an administrator, Hollier wrote. The seven-page response that Hollier ultimately sent to Brackin was more muted. Hollier briefly denied the reports main findings, and concluded by writing, Your report gave me a reason to pause, reflect and find room for improvement. Questions around Holliers leadership began to spill into public view in 2019, when a pair of LSU Healths top lawyers filed a federal lawsuit against him and LSU. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The plaintiffs included Meredith Cunningham, a former staff attorney, and Katherine Muslow, the institutions former general counsel. They alleged Hollier oversaw a years-long practice of underpaying women that had led, in one instance, to a male employee making $61,200 more than Muslow, even though he had a position two grades below hers. The lawsuit cited a 2017 pay study that showed, among other findings, that by one measure the median salary for top male administrators exceeded that for their female counterparts by almost $70,000, according to the lawsuit. Just as Muslow and Cunningham pursued legal action on the grounds of discrimination, Hollier fired them, they alleged. In court papers, LSU denied wrongdoing on Holliers part. Auditors also flagged Holliers salary practices. They found that he helped arrange for Schroth to receive tens of thousands of dollars in pay on top of his base salary of more than $400,000. The additional pay skirted university policy without approval from the LSU president. And while arranging the pay bump, Hollier sought to keep the university administration out of the matter, auditors found. "We want to avoid having to get any approval from BR so please let me know if this will do that," Holliers assistant wrote in an internal email. Hollier also pushed for Schroths son Jeremy to receive a 20% raise, even as the human resources director opposed the request and called it ridiculous. In drafting a memo justifying the raise, Hollier falsely labeled Jeremy Schroths immediate supervisor, Chris Winters, as the author and sender of the memo, while addressing the document to himself, auditors found. Hollier has stood behind Keith Schroth even as other questions about Schroth have come to light. That included the recent revelation that Keith Schroth had an LSU Health Foundation credit card revoked in 2009 after the nonprofits president flagged thousands of dollars in abusive expenses, including regular alcohol purchases. Hollier told a reporter he saw no issue with Keith Schroths spending. A foundation executive brought up the earlier concerns about Keith Schroth in December 2020, a month after Schroth became vice chancellor for administration and finance for the Health Sciences Center. Frank Wasser, a compliance officer, also questioned Hollier in person about the raise proposal for Jeremy Schroth, according to a five-page memo Wasser wrote. The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate obtained the document through a public records request. Moments after that confrontation, in a meeting with Wasser and two other top officials, Hollier defended Keith Schroth and spoke of the importance of having spies around to keep abreast of whats happening throughout an institution, Wasser wrote in his memo. Hollier then quoted Winston Churchill, stating, Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result." Wasser determined the comment could be taken as a threat, so he reported it to auditors. Other employees later told auditors they feared retaliation. Some asked auditors to email them at their personal addresses, fearing their accounts were being monitored. Or, they insisted on being interviewed at home, where no one could eavesdrop. Cori Higginson, the former human resources director, told auditors her suspension last year was a direct result of taking a side against some of the proposed raises, including for Jeremy Schroth. At the time of that request, she said she was concerned Hollier was going to OK the raise over her objections. I still want to be on record for having said this should not be approved, she wrote last September. When she was suspended in February, an internal memo contended she had improperly shared interview questions with internal job candidates. Two months later, she was out of the job. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story included a picture that was erroneously captioned as a photo of Larry Hollier. New Orleans is considering a partial retreat from its longstanding practice of paying private companies to collect residential garbage, responding to a months-long crisis that has left waste to rot at the curb with a test that would have municipal workers haul trash. The hybrid approach, outlined by Mayor LaToya Cantrell in an interview Thursday, could start with a beefed-up Sanitation Department assigning workers to collect garbage in a portion of the city. New Orleans shifts to once-weekly garbage collection amid scramble to fix trash crisis New Orleans garbage collections are shifting to a once-per-week schedule as Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration searches for a permanent fi The concept is still in the planning stages at a time when residents trust in New Orleans' three garbage contractors is at as nadir following months of spotty collections, a problem that blossomed into a crisis after Hurricane Ida. And it comes as newly released data from City Hall raises questions about assertions by one of the contractors, Metro Services Group owner Jimmie Woods, about the performance of his team and about the Cantrell administration's ability to monitor the contractors' work. Through the years, governments across the country were moving and shifting towards contractual labor, instead of in-house. We believe there is a need for a hybrid. We learned that clearly, quite frankly, during Ida, Cantrell said. After the Aug. 29 hurricane, many residents waited weeks to have the mountains of garbage outside their homes picked up by Metro or Richards Disposal. Even before the storm, those companies could not keep up with the twice-weekly collections that are required under their contract. A third contractor, Empire Services, handles only a small part of the city that includes the French Quarter and has not drawn many complaints. Throughout the crisis, which Metro and Richard's executives have blamed on a shortage of truck drivers, Metros performance has been the most lagging. Long boiling frustrations with the company exploded after Ida, and the Cantrell administration is now seeking to readvertise its contract, allowing another provider to move in. On Sept. 17, Woods was dismissive of many of the complaints lodged against him, telling the City Council his trucks had given at least a first pass to the entire area for which company is responsible: from Lakeview to New Orleans East and neighborhoods downriver of the French Quarter. But trucks owned by Metro and its subcontract, IV Waste, had at best passed by about 64% of the residential parcels in their area, according to a Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate analysis of GPS data obtained through a public records request to City Hall. At that point, every portion of the area should have had at least four collections, according to Metro's contract. As new contractors arrive, garbage finally starts getting cleared from New Orleans streets Emergency contractors being paid handsomely by City Hall made noticeable progress over the weekend in clearing old garbage piles from New Orle Metro argues that GPS doesn't fully capture its post-Ida efforts. Following the storm, the company leased about a half dozen trucks to bolster its efforts, but GPS units have not yet been installed on those vehicles, said Greg Beuerman, a spokesperson for the company. The absence of installed GPS technology doesnt mean that the trucks arent collecting and depositing at the landfill, Beuerman said. It simply means that those collections are not able to be incorporated in the citys calculations. To that point, percentage of customers served would certainly be higher than the figure the city has ready access to. It was not clear how the leased vehicles were being used, given that Metro had blamed labor issues for its problems. +3 In a summer of missed pickups, New Orleans garbage hauler Metro reports zero complaints Mayor LaToya Cantrells soup-to-nuts plan to rid New Orleanss streets of weeks-old trash bags kicks off this weekend, and may finally restore Beuerman said Woods comments to the City Council were accurate. Asked how he would know that without GPS data for proof, Beuerman said it was based on verbal reports he received from Metro workers. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Overall, Cantrell's sanitation director, Matt Torri, said maps of the GPS data largely conformed with City Hall's understanding of where the problems lay, based on complaints it had received through the 311 city services phone line, although the maps left out some areas that he said he thought had been served. Historically, the administration's efforts to check up on the contracts have been complaint-driven and have not relied on GPS, Torri said. Asked about Woods Sept. 17 comments, he said he suspected Jimmie Woods was fed information he believed was accurate. +3 Trash haulers go un-fined by City Hall despite claims of being held to account None of New Orleans three city-contracted waste hauling companies have received fines of any kind since at least the beginning of 2010 desp On the other side of the ledger, the GPS data might paint too rosy a picture for Metro. Because the GPS units track where the trucks have been and not individual pickups, it might count some areas as having been cleaned if a vehicle simply drove by without actually emptying garbage bins. Indeed, an online survey by Tulane University Professor Thomas Adams and Monument Lab Director of Research Sue Mobley shows responses from several areas - including along Interstate 610 in Gentilly, on the lakefront near the University of New Orleans and sections of Faubourg Marigny and New Orleans East - where trucks drove past but residents reported their garbage was not collected. City Hall could not provide GPS data for Richards Disposal routes, which cover Uptown, parts of Mid-City and Algiers, so a similar analysis was not possible. City officials said that while Richards has GPS units, the data can be viewed only online and not exported. Contacted about the post-Ida pickups, company owner Alvin Richard would not comment in detail, saying, I have a lot I could tell you, but it wont be pleasant for everybody. He said GPS and cameras on Richards vehicles let City Hall check collections, which he said officials do every day. The gaps in the analyzable data point to serious problems trying to hold the contractors accountable for providing the service theyre being paid to provide, said Adams, a visiting professor at Tulane's New Orleans Center for the Gulf South. He said that without comprehensive data about pickups, city officials are unable to triage and ensure trucks are going to areas that most need the garbage collected. The city doesnt seem to have a great system for making sure contractors do what theyre contracted to do, Adams said. When you do these things in house, after the initial capital outlay, you get your money back, but it also takes away all the other issues that Metro is having with their workers. Creditors sue Metro Service Group, Woods brothers for more than $10 million A Maryland financial group late Tuesday filed federal suit against Metro Service Group, asking the court to force the embattled trash company The Cantrell administration's pilot effort at bringing garbage collection in house could solve some of those problems. City workers were already enlisted to help with garbage collection last month, as part of an effort to clear trash in Metros zones. Cantrell said a longer-term effort would involve adding to the 48 staff at the Sanitation Department and, crucially, buying them heavy equipment they now lack. Under the hybrid model envisioned by the Cantrell, contractors would still cover most of New Orleans, but city workers would be given a small area to test as municipal service. We dont want to bite off more than we can chew. We dont want to do that, but whatever we start, we want to scale, Cantrell said, adding that it might also involve changing garbage bin sizes or making other adjustments to meet residents needs. But we want to make sure that whatever the hybrid is, we can pull it off. We have everything on the line, she said. Editor's Note: This story was updated on Oct. 15, 2021 to correct Sue Mobley's job title. Gov. John Bel Edwards is backing City Councilmember Helena Moreno, former state Sen. JP Morrell, and Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman in their election bids, a high-profile addition to a growing list of local endorsements in November's election. Edwards, a Democrat, said in a Friday statement that voters should check the boxes for Moreno, Morrell and Gusman because of their track records of delivering results for residents. The governor has already backed the re-election bids of Mayor LaToya Cantrell and City Councilmember Jay H. Banks, in addition to the first-time electoral bids of District C council candidate Freddie King III and state House District 102 candidate Delisha Boyd. Moreno is running for re-election to her Division 1 at-large seat, and faces one opponent, former public housing official Kenneth Cutno. Moreno joined the council in 2018 after eight years as a state representative. "Both during her time in the legislature and on the City Council, no one worked harder than Helena to deliver for her constituents," Edwards said. Morrell, a 14-year veteran of the Louisiana Legislature, is running for the council's Division 2 at-large seat that was left vacant by Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams earlier this year. City Councilmembers Jared Brossett and Kristin Gisleson Palmer, and Xavier University administrator Bart Everson, have also signed up to run for that job. "JP and I worked together to turn a $2 billion budget deficit into a budget surplus, to end discrimination in our state, to pass a constitutional amendment to require unanimous jury verdicts, and to ensure that New Orleans got its fair share of tourism dollars," Edwards said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Gusman, meanwhile, is running for re-election to a job he's held since 2004. Though federal monitors stripped him for four years of his right to run the city's jail after widespread violence and staffing shortages, a judge agreed to return the jail to Gusman's oversight last year. He faces four opponents, landscaping business owner Quentin Brown Jr., mental health advocate Janet Hays, former Independent Police Monitor Susan Hutson, and former federal security official Christopher Williams. +4 Two New Orleans council members seeking at-large seat endorse each other, slam JP Morrell New Orleans City Council members Jared Brossett and Kristin Gisleson Palmer, opponents in the race for an at-large council seat, have a new pi "Marlin brings decades of experience in law enforcement to this role, and I am confident hell continue to lead the city to brighter days ahead once hes re-elected," Edwards said. Edwards is the second notable endorsement in the council races to be issued this week. In an unprecedented move on Tuesday, Palmer and Brossett cross endorsed each other and urged voters to reject Morrell, citing the latter's track record of lobbying the council on various land-use issues. Morrell has denied their claims. Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article misstated Bart Everson's occupation. He is a Xavier University administrator. Mayor LaToya Cantrell is eyeing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for visitors flying into Louis Armstrong International Airport during the final two weeks of the 2022 Mardi Gras season, a step that could help keep the disease at bay should New Orleans move forward with a full celebration. In a wide-ranging interview Thursday, Cantrell said she is considering a host of health measures if parades roll during Carnival, including a requirement that visitors arriving by air be vaccinated against the disease or test negative for it before taking part in local festivities. The airport would be asked to ensure that passengers landing at Armstrong in the two weeks before Mardi Gras and those leaving shortly afterward are free of COVID-19. Cantrell said she also could issue new post-Mardi Gras restrictions on local residents to contain spread, such as requirement that people avoid large crowds from Ash Wednesday until Easter. "We have seen this at play over the past year in other cities and countries with these types of mandates," Cantrell said. "There are multiple models that we will look at to determine what is best suited for Mardi Gras." Hundreds of thousands of people visit New Orleans almost every year for Carnival, filling hotels, restaurants and streets for parades, parties and other revelry. While many arrive through the airport, others drive in. Cantrell first floated the idea of vaccine proof at the airport last week. It's not clear whether she could, or would, create a vaccine mandate for visitors, although with vaccine rules for bars, restaurants and other venues in place it's likely that a vaccine or negative test will be needed to participate in many aspects of Carnival either way. That Cantrell is looking at potential vaccine mandates indicates she is serious about the prospect of letting parades roll next year. But the mayor, who is seeking a second term during municipal elections in next month, still wants to avoid the kind of COVID outbreak that occurred after Carnival 2020. Cantrell refused to issue parade permits for this year's Carnival during a period of broad community spread of the coronavirus. After the most recent delta wave of the virus, new cases are now averaging about 35 per day in New Orleans, far below an early February peak of 127. U.S. airlines currently do not require passengers to show proof of vaccination or a negative test before domestic travel, though they are required for passengers returning to the country from abroad. The mandate that Cantrell is considering would apply only to travelers arriving or leaving the airport in Kenner, and only for Carnival and a short period after Mardi Gras. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The mandate would add to the mask requirement that is currently in effect for all airlines. Airport spokesperson Erin Burns did not immediately comment about how Armstrong, governed by a board that the mayor appoints, might handle a vaccine requirement. The airport already offers Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines on site to all passengers and employees seven days a week, according to its website. Cantrell has already approved one parade permit this year, calling it a test case for next year's festivities. It's for the Krewe of Boo, a Halloween-themed event that will roll Oct. 23. Parade participants must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide a negative COVID-19 test. City health officials will also be in the crowd two hours before and two hours after that parade, sampling spectators' contact information to check on their health in the following weeks. +3 Mayor says the city is striving to make Mardi Gras 2022 possible, but no greenlight yet Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans' top health official told leaders of many of the citys 34 parading organizations Thursday that the city If they find high levels of the virus, Cantrell said, her administration might need to adjust rules for future parades. She said she is aiming for a test positivity rate below 5% and a low average daily number of coronavirus cases. Beyond the parades, Carnival krewes that hold balls and other social gatherings next year must follow existing restrictions on large events. They include an indoor mask mandate and an outdoor mask mandate at gatherings of more than 500 people. The Cantrell administration also requires people to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative test before attending any indoor event, and to do the same before attending some large outdoor events. Bars and restaurants are required to check for vaccines or a negative test. Cantrell does not have a set date for approving more parades, though those decisions "will have to come before the end of" 2021, she said. Various krewe captains are meeting on Friday to finalize their numbers of parading members in 2022, she said. Once Cantrell has that information, she can decide whether to allow parades. If she enacts the vaccine mandate at the airport, she said she's confident visitors and locals will adhere to that requirement and other public health restrictions. "I think people will do the right thing, because they really want to have Mardi Gras," she said. Mardi Gras 2022 falls on March 1. Public transit officials are seeking funding for a rapid bus line that would connect riders in New Orleans East to downtown and the West Bank, one facet of a broader plan to bolster transit service in far-flung city neighborhoods. The Regional Transit Authority plans to ask the federal government to foot the bill for the new line. Though officials haven't said how much faster they will be trying to move riders downtown, where stations might be, or how much it all may cost, they plan to study those issues over the next year. New Orleans' bus system has long had "express routes," which make fewer stops, use city highways and transport riders downtown in just under an hour. But the new rapid buses will try to approximate the capacity and speed of a subway system with the affordability of a bus system, officials said. Rapid buses would be given their own lanes on city streets, so that operators can avoid street congestion. Riders would pay fares and board the new buses from stations that are designed to mimic the rail stations used in other cities. The buses would also make fewer stops, again in a bid to ensure timely arrivals and departures. +5 How could public transit change in New Orleans? RTA set to consider new plan Public transit officials will consider on Tuesday a significant revamp to the region's public transportation network aimed at shortening travel times for riders in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. Officials say their goal is to encourage more people to ride public buses to work or school. The agency is focusing its efforts on New Orleans East and the West Bank because riders in those areas have long struggled to timely reach their destinations. "I think this is vital for the survival of the transit system," RTA board member Sharon Wegner said. "We have to come up with something more attractive for those that have to get to work and other places, but that choose to drive a car, because they don't think the bus system is adequate." The plan is aligned with "New Links," the massive network redesign that the RTA approved earlier this year after a lengthy study. Under that plan, dozens of routes were tweaked to allow more riders to get to their destinations within 20 minutes. The RTA is implementing the changes in piecemeal as funding allows and ridership demands. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In considering so-called "bus-rapid transit," the RTA joins a growing number of public transit agencies across the country that have adopted the service. In 2019, 13 such systems in the U.S. were in operation, double the number from 2010, according to the American Public Transportation Association. RTA staffers intend to study how best to implement that system over the next year, with the goal of presenting recommendations to the agency's board in August 2022. The study will include cost estimates so that the RTA knows how much federal funding to apply for. Officials intend to hold public meetings about their proposal in mid-November, late January, and late May. An advisory committee of major employers and institutions in the region will also discuss the project several times over the next year. Such public input could be critical to the project's success: in 2019, plans to speed up routes along Canal Street between Carrollton Avenue and the river were shelved because residents said they hadn't had enough opportunities to weigh in on them. New Orleans needs to fill the gaps in its transit system New Orleans streets are designed for danger. Our roads are designed to accommodate as many cars as possible, often to the exclusion of any and Any plan, however, is contingent on the federal government actually approving the project. But the RTA is hopeful, given the government's track record: the Federal Transit Administration agreed to fund 35 such projects last year, up from only seven projects in 2008, RTA staffer Dwight Norton said. And in September, federal officials agreed to spend $24.9 million on nearly 10 miles of rapid transit connecting eastern neighborhoods in Vancouver, Washington to downtown Vancouver. "Creating real bus-rapid transit in New Orleans would be transformational for a lot of reasons," said Laura Bryan, an RTA board member and the head of city's transportation office. "It's about creating transit that takes people where they want to go." Joel Vilmenay visited New Orleans once and he couldnt get enough. He visited regularly while living in Washington, D.C., New York City, Michigan and elsewhere. He attended the Bayou Classic. He attended Essence Fest. He visited when a friend was attending a conference, just because his friends business was a good reason to visit a place he had come to love. He visited eight or nine times before he got the nod to be general manager at WDSU in February 2007. After spending nearly 15 years in the Crescent City, Vilmenay is leaving. In the broadcast world, hes making a huge leap. Hes jumping from New Orleans, the No. 50 television market, to Los Angeles, the No. 2 television market. Hes leaving his second-floor Howard Avenue office for a big-time CBS gig for a second-floor office on Radford Avenue in Studio City. Starting Monday, hell be president and general manager of CBS News and television station operations in Los Angeles. That includes KCBS-TV Channel 2, KCAL-TV Channel 9, CBSN Los Angeles and CBSLA.com, the jointly operated website for the stations. The Washington, D.C., native is already a big boss; his move west means hell have more than triple the number of employees. As I visited with him a few days ago, his office was nearly empty. Office walls that had New Orleans images were bare. Much was packed, ready to be shipped. His last day at WDSU in NOLA, LA: Friday the 15th. His first day at CBS in L.A.: Monday. As he leaves, he is thankful to his staff and proud that their high-quality work led to WDSU being getting the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters Prestige Award for 2020 Station of The Year. Vilmenay is a two-time Hearst Television Best of Innovation award winner. Former WDSU anchor Norman Robinson said Vilmenay nudged him off of his flip phone. Joel did more to enhance our technology than any other GM, he said. Vilmenay points to a Chalmette transmitter building that WDSU shares with two other stations as an example of making sure customers and viewers are served through any kind of weather. It passed the Hurricane Ida test, he said. A lot of people of color are happy to see the move. Some are happy for Vilmenay. Some are happy for the CBS staff in L.A. All are watching. A few months ago, The Los Angeles Times broke a story with allegations that the highest-ranking CBS television station and news executives had regularly engaged in questionable conduct and inappropriate comments involving people of color and women, even blocking the retention and hiring of Black journalists. The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) called for changes. An independent investigation was done. Heads rolled. In New York, Chicago, Los Angeles. Vilmenay knows what happened. He knows hell be in an equity and fairness spotlight. He points to WDSU newscasts and several off-air people who have been promoted to bigger jobs, including general manager. Just look at us, he said. Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough and Xavier University President Reynald Verret have watched Vilmenay, and they appreciate his community service, support and advocacy. WVUE contracted with Dillard to host a U.S. Senate debate in its auditorium. No candidates named. The station would control the program. Then it was announced that David Duke would attend. Dillard was the site but it was a WVUE event. The station didnt address the issue. Vilmenay did, saying in a November 2016 editorial that WVUE owed Dillard an apology. I will never forget that, Kimbrough said. Vilmenays support and leadership with the UNCF Mayors Masked Ball has been notable. He co-chaired and sponsored the ball for five consecutive years. The event has raised millions for Dillard and Xavier. Verret is grateful for the imagination and intellect Vilmenay provided with that event and other community efforts. Hes helped NOCCA, Second Harvest and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, among others. Its part of the privilege of having a station. Tod Smith, WWLs president and general manager, has enjoyed the professional competition. I think Joel made us all better and, in doing so, continuously strived to make New Orleans better. Michael Smith, general manager of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, said Vilmenay hasnt sought attention; he simply gets done what needs to get done. As a result, he said, not as many know about his contributions. I think this is the biggest loss , Smith said, but added we should watch for big things to happen in L.A. and maybe elsewhere. Stay tuned. Theres more to this story. Norman, OK (73070) Today Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 59F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 44F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Harrisburg, Pa. The Pennsylvania legislature spent nearly $10 million during the last two years on private lawyers but routinely shielded the purpose of those expenses, hiding which lawmakers and their staffs required representation and why, according to a new investigation. A review of thousands of pages of legal invoices and engagement letters from 2019 and 2020 by The Caucus and Spotlight PA shows the cases ranged from public records fights to secret personnel problems to attempts to overturn last years presidential election. In many instances, Republicans and Democrats in both chambers blacked out the reason for hiring lawyers, flouting case law that requires them to make public those critical details. Other records were so vague it was impossible to identify the reason for the representation. With near-limitless taxpayer dollars at their disposal, legislative leaders can fund all types of legal battles, defending themselves and colleagues against allegations of wrongdoing, advancing their political interests, and going on the attack against their political opponents. The decisions on which lawyers to hire, and at what rate per hour sometimes as high as $750 in the time frame reviewed are made behind closed doors by leadership, without input from colleagues and, unlike many state contracts, with virtually no oversight by a third party. Many of those same lawyers are also generous campaign donors, the investigation found. The expense records provide a window into both the small and large political fights prioritized by top leaders, from harassment cases to the $1.2 million cost for election matters in 2020 a running tab that is about to skyrocket again as GOP leaders in the Senate embark on another review of President Joe Bidens win in the state. The publics right to know with respect to these sorts of records is incredibly high, said Gunita Singh, a staff attorney at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, a nonprofit that works on First Amendment and open records cases. Theres tremendous public interest in scrutinizing how these individuals tasked with representing our interests are conducting themselves including how theyre spending our tax dollars. The Pennsylvania legislature one of the largest and most expensive in the nation has fought to hide details of how it spends tax dollars on legal matters. In the Senate, records for a handful of matters were redacted to the point of not disclosing any information at all about their purpose. In the House, it was worse: Roughly half of their engagement letters were redacted. Democrats in the House and Senate did not return requests for comment. Republican legislative leaders defended their use of outside counsel, saying lawyers on the legislatures payroll, whose roughly $200,000 salaries are more than even legislative leaders, often have other duties and cannot devote the time or work to these cases. They also said the redactions were required to protect sensitive information that, if revealed, could jeopardize legal strategy. They argued that details are blacked out carefully and on a case-by-case basis, usually in instances when a lawyer has been hired for a private matter and there isnt a public court docket. The news organizations found that both chambers blacked out information even in high-profile cases that are already in the courts and have been public knowledge for years. The legislatures handling of legal bills is among the starkest examples of how it spends tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer money each year while shielding most of the details from the public the subject of a yearlong and ongoing investigation by The Caucus and Spotlight PA. The investigation previously revealed that lawmakers spent $203 million from 2017 through 2020 just to feed, house, transport, and provide rental offices and other perks for themselves and their staff. About one in 10 of those dollars $20 million in all over the four years went directly into lawmakers pockets in the form of reimbursements for meals, mileage subsidies, per diems, and other expenses. In response to the reporting, Republicans who control the Senate for the first time began publishing the chambers expenses online on a monthly basis. The House is considering a similar move. But even with those changes, though significant, the public still cannot easily assess all of the legislatures spending and, in particular, its spending on legal matters. As a result, The Caucus and Spotlight PA requested and obtained 4,100 documents earlier this year for details on legal bills and private attorney engagements for 2019 and 2020. Records show private lawyers were typically paid roughly $250 to $450 per hour, with one earning as much as $750 per hour described as a discounted rate for their time. Taxpayers also picked up the bill for travel-related and other expenses, like meals, those lawyers incurred while working on the cases. For records that were redacted, the news organizations attempted to identify the subject of matters by comparing costs and legal firms with other public records a labor-intensive and difficult process. Atheists, fireworks, and personnel problems The documents covered several types of legal matters over the two years reviewed: the death penalty; the Mariner East pipeline system; the states fireworks law; whether atheists can deliver the opening prayer on the House floor; a ban on Medicaid funds being used for abortions; and efforts to block a community college in Erie opposed by the Senates onetime GOP leader, Joe Scarnati. In one instance last year, the House paid an outside firm nearly $50,000 to help then-Speaker Mike Turzai, a Republican, write a law review article about school choice, an issue he championed during his legislative career. The invoice shows four lawyers spent 117.4 hours on this, having regular calls and meetings with Turzai between February and June 2020, when Turzai resigned for a job in the private sector. During that time frame, Turzai paid the same firm, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, an additional $64,982.50 for help with another law review article, this one on redistricting, financial records show. A year earlier, in 2019, he separately used a special account reserved for the speaker to purchase $1,118 in additional copies of another law review article he had authored. Financial records dont specify the topic of that article. Another quick but pricey case centered around Democratic Gov. Tom Wolfs problem-laden waiver program for businesses to remain open during the early months of the pandemic, when large swaths of the economy were forced to shut down. After a Senate committee approved subpoenas in May 2020 to get documents related to the waiver program, Republicans in the chamber hired Kleinbard to litigate the matter. The move came at a time when the Wolf administration was refusing to release key details about the program. The price tag: more than $90,000. The Wolf administration separately spent an additional $79,130 to fight the subpoena, according to the governors office. Senate Democrats paid $174,000 to a firm in 2019 and 2020 to handle labor and employment matters, including to investigate allegations by an Allentown woman that then-Sen. Daylin Leach had sexually assaulted her decades earlier. Leach denied the allegations. In that same time period, Senate Republicans paid three law firms double that amount $343,702 to handle sexual-harassment allegations by two women, both former employees of the Senate, against the chambers onetime security chief. The women sued the Senate and the former security director, Justin Ferrante, in 2018. Taxpayers continued to be billed this year to defend both the chamber and Ferrante, and the full cost is still unknown. Those two cases represent just a fraction of the costs involving employment-related matters for which both chambers hired outside lawyers. In most of those cases, the details are shrouded in redactions or left intentionally vague, making it impossible to know which employees or elected officials are involved and why. The 2020 election continues Starting early last year, the Senate spent at least $1.2 million on election matters in the lead-up to and aftermath of the presidential contest and the actual amount may be much higher, given that there is often a delay in billing. Those costs are expected to grow in the coming months and into next year as Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R., Centre) is leading an effort by Republicans to conduct a controversial review of last years election. The Senate paid the law firm Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky & Josefiak $775,000 for election matters between May 2020 and the end of the year, records show. It paid $348,000 to another firm, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel, where the primary lawyer handling the election cases was state Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Tabas. Tabas, according to invoices, was paid $575 per hour. Yet another firm, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, was paid at least $129,000 by the House and Senate in the months after the election. A $72,299 bill for just one week of work three weeks after the Nov. 3 election involved Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Kellys unsuccessful challenge to the mail voting law that passed with near-unanimous GOP support a year earlier. Invoices in the case show four attorneys were paid $390 to $750 per hour, including as much as $111 for 15 minutes of work sending emails. The Kelly case is similar to one that a group of 14 House Republicans brought in recent months to declare Act 77 of 2019, which permitted no-excuse mail voting for the first time, unconstitutional. The costs for that case, filed in late summer, wont be known for months or longer. The legislatures bills show only a fraction of what ongoing election challenges have cost taxpayers. They dont reflect the $3.1 million in tax dollars that the Wolf administration had paid to defend itself in those and related cases, according to numbers provided by the governors office. Asked whether continuing 2020 election-related legal fights is a good use of taxpayer money, Corman spokesperson Jason Thompson said the state is facing a crisis in confidence with our voters not believing their vote was counted. Whatever we have to spend in that fight is going to be well worth it, he said. Solving the puzzle When it modernized Pennsylvanias public records law more than a decade ago, the legislature gave itself a large carve-out, exempting itself from having to turn over records, such as emails, that the executive branch has to make publicly available. Still, the body put itself on the hook for public access to its financial records, including spending on contracts with private companies, such as law firms. But from the start, lawmakers were averse to providing detailed information on legal bills. That led to a landmark state Supreme Court ruling in 2013 that directed lawmakers to provide a general description of the legal services being provided. The justices also said the identity of the person being represented was not privileged. It means they should be taking a scalpel to these legal invoices and not a hatchet, said Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel at the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, when asked how the legislature should handle redactions. (The Caucus and Spotlight PA are members of the organization.) One legal matter that started in 2019, records show, involved State Sen. Sharif Street, then a freshman Philadelphia Democrat and now a potential candidate for U.S. Senate. But in billing invoices and other documents reviewed by the news organizations, the chamber redacted every reference to what the case was about. (Street did not respond to a request for comment.) House Republicans similarly redacted details on all 140 pages of legal bills for a single case. The caucus for that case paid Philadelphia-based Dilworth Paxson $1.5 million in 2019 and 2020 making it possibly the most expensive case in either chamber during those years. The case, The Caucus and Spotlight PA later learned, involved one of the most high-profile and public legal fights in the legislature during the last seven years: a massive lawsuit over inequities in how Pennsylvania funds its public schools and how lawmakers have resisted making changes to fix the problem. Arguments in the case are scheduled to start this fall. The news organizations were only able to determine the nature of the case because the information was included in unredacted form in separate expense reports obtained through an earlier public records request. Such inconsistencies, said Melewsky, raise a red flag. Compounding matters is that Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate each have their own lawyers review public records, including legal bills, and decide what information to redact. If you asked four different lawyers a question, you are going to get four different answers. You are seeing some of that play out here, Melewsky said. When in doubt, agencies are more inclined to redact rather than release, which is exactly the opposite of what should happen. Indeed, Senate Republicans, who hired their own law firm for the school funding lawsuit, did not redact key details in billing records turned over to The Caucus and Spotlight PA. The records revealed that the caucus paid Harrisburg-based K&L Gates $1,577,594 in 2019 and 2020 for that work, making the firm the highest paid by either the Senate or House in that time frame. The total included expenses for lawyers who charged $470 per hour and four academics who served as expert witnesses at a cost of $38,580. Singh, who reviewed some of the legislatures legal records, said they appeared to place the burden on the public to solve the puzzle of what they are spending money on instead of the government making it easy to understand what its doing. The pervasive redactions make the records nearly incomprehensible in some cases, she said. Sure, they may be technically releasing the records. But are they honoring the spirit of the open records law? WHILE YOURE HERE If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. UPDATE: October 15, 2021, 6 p.m.: The gauge has been recovered. Additional details to follow. -- Williamsport, Pa. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Pennsylvania State Police are assisting in the search for a missing portable nuclear gauge containing sealed sources of radioactive material that belongs to Pennsylvania-based CMT Laboratories. The company is offering a $1,000 reward for its safe return. Anyone who finds the gauge should not handle it directly, but rather maintain distance, limit time of proximity, and immediately contact Pennsylvania State Police Lamar Barracks at 570-726-6000. A trained individual will recover the gauge. It is critical for anyone who has information about the lost nuclear gauge to contact state police immediately, DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection Director David Allard said. As long as the device is not tampered with or damaged, it presents no hazard to public safety. The gauge was reported missing by the company the evening of Wednesday, October 13, 2021. The gauges authorized user completed their work at approximately 6 p.m. and inadvertently departed the job site without properly securing the gauge in its case. The vehicle left the job site, in the proximity of E. Valley Road, Logan Township, Clinton County, and traveled toward Loganton when the loss of the gauge was noticed. If the gauge is badly damaged or was struck by a vehicle, there is potential for contamination. CMT Laboratories is licensed by DEP to possess and use the gauge. This type of nuclear gauge is commonly used to evaluate the properties of building materials at construction sites throughout the commonwealth. The radioactive material contained within the gauge is believed to be in a safe, shielded position. However, it may have been damaged in the fall from the transport vehicle. The nuclear density gauge is a Troxler Model 3440. The gauge is yellow in color and about the size of a shoe box, with an electronic keypad and a metal rod extending from the top surface. The Troxler gauge contains approximately 9 millicuries of Cesium-137 and 44 millicuries of Americium-241. The radioactive material is double encapsulated within the device to protect its integrity. Woolrich -- Karen S. McPherson, 74, formerly of Woolrich, passed away Oct. 13, 2021 in the Mt. Nittany Medical Center, State College. She was born in Havertown Pa. on March 31, 1947 to George Thomson & Erna L. Beeg Thomson. Karen spent her childhood summers in Cape May, N.J., where she met her to be husband Charles Reeves McPherson Sr. They were married On April 6, 1968. Charles McPherson preceded her in death on November 6, 2010. Karen was a devoted Christian, she loved The Lord. She brought her husband and two daughters to Christ in 1980. Karen had earned her Master's Degree in history. She worked as a social worker in vocational rehabilitation. Her heart and soul was her art. She had been an artist since a very young age. Karen was also a seamstress and actually made her own wedding dress. She had been involved in her local community of Woolrich, where she and husband Charles had retired to in 2001. She had also been involved Clinton County Art Council, Clinton County Historical Society, and had attended the Big Woods Bible Church in Lock Haven Karen was the most loving, caring and protective mother. She took her role as mother seriously, and compassionately. She will truly be missed! Survivors include her daughters; Laura E. McPherson of West Cape May, N.J., and Stephanie N. McPherson of Port Charlotte, Florida, grandchildren; Julia Grossman, and Anastasia McPherson-Ohrenich. Memorial Services for Karen S. McPherson will be announced at a later date (Spring 2022) by the Yost-Gedon Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC., 121 W. Main St. Lock Haven. Online thoughts and memories can be made at www.yost-gedonfuneralhome.com or the Yost-Gedon Facebook page. To plant a tree in memory of Karen McPherson as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store. Turbotville -- Scott D. Barrett, 59, of Turbotville passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Born June 15, 1962 in Muncy, he was the son of the late Homer James and Donna Jean (Knopp) Barrett. On August 8, 2004 he married the former Debra A. Lyons and they have celebrated 17 years of marriage. Surviving besides his wife Debra Barrett are a son, George Barrett and a daughter, Angel Elwell; two grandchildren: Julia and Brady Elwell; and a brother, James Barrett and his wife Kitten and a half-brother, Jeff Barrett. There will be a viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Brooks Funeral Home and Cremation Svc, PC, 207 Broadway St., Turbotville where the funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in White Hall Cemetery. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com. To plant a tree in memory of Scott Barrett as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store. A content creator has generated new, high-quality images and a video depicting an upcoming Samsung phone with a novel penta-lens rear camera array, a choice of rich colors and an integrated S Pen. This, then, may hint at how a true successor to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra might look - then again, it is slated to have a different series name on its launch. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Human 2.0 , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker The ultimate fate of the Samsung Galaxy Note line in the Z Fold era is being hotly discussed in the course of the release of a slew of leaks right now. The blog LetsGoDigital, in partnership with TechnizoConcept, has presented the most up-to-date theories that have arisen in the form of sumptuous new renders. They portray what could easily be called a "Note 22 Ultra", although it is starting to look like the time for it to bear such a name has passed. The video and images in question show a new, large-screen device with a punch-hole camera and pronounced curves to its display and rear panel. The overall impression is of a refined Note 20 Ultra or S21 Ultra, although the device as depicted sets itself apart with a very different rear camera arrangement. Most importantly, there are also distinct signs of a silo for a stylus. Despite this feature, the device is projected to be called the Galaxy S22 Ultra on its launch. However, this detail does seem to ignore the recent leak of an alleged metal blank for this same phone with a very different camera hump. Nevertheless, both reports may be reconciled by another that asserts that there will be 2 variants of this upcoming flagship: one with inbuilt S Pen support and one without. This may explain the difference in rear camera housings. TechnizoConcept's new renders go with the novel design that actually splits this "S22 Ultra S Pen Edition's" lenses between 2 humps, between which a main 108MP lens; a 12MP ultrawide-angle camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and a 12MP telephoto camera might be distributed. There is also a fifth aperture in the smaller module, which may contain a laser auto-focus sensor. Finally, this hypothetical version of the S22 Ultra is rendered in 3 colors: white, black and the reddish burgundy shade also seen in the latest OnLeaks x Ice Universe render on the same subject - each with its matching S Pen, of course. Hopefully, this new work will prove as accurate as it is appealing. Buy a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra on Amazon The Xiaomi POCO M4 Pro 5G has stopped by the FCC on its way to market. The handset will launch in two memory configurations, topping out at 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The POCO M4 Pro 5G is expected to launch later this month with a MediaTek Dimensity SoC, NFC capabilities and 33 W charging. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Human 2.0 , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker Earlier this month, the POCO M4 Pro appeared at the 3C, EEC and MIIT, confirming the device's model number as 21091116A, with 'C' and 'G' suffixes added to denote Chinese and global variants. The 21091116AG also made its way to a Turkish database with the marketing name POCO M4 Pro 5G, as we reported at the time. Now, the FCC has published some of its documentation for the 21091116AG, which it tested throughout August. According to one document, embedded below, the POCO M4 Pro 5G will be available in two memory configurations starting with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. POCO will also sell a 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage model, matching the configurations in which it currently offers the POCO M3 Pro 5G. An 86-year-old Schererville man got the 100,000th vaccination administered at Community Hospitals COVID Vaccine Clinic in what's being heralded as a major milestone. Richard Good and his wife, Carol, visited the clinic to get their booster shots. His was the 100,000th given to date so far during the pandemic. I think everybody should get this shot, Good said. Maybe this virus would go away if everyone was vaccinated. Community Healthcare System, the first in Northwest Indiana to get and give the vaccine late last year, operates two COVID Vaccine Clinics in Northwest Indiana. The facilities at Community Hospital in Munster and Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point administered nearly 140,000 coronavirus vaccination shots to date. This significant milestone highlights Community Healthcare Systems efforts to vaccinate the Northwest Indiana community, said Elizabeth Clements, director of the health care systems vaccine clinics. It is inspiring to see the progress weve made, and its been a true team effort. Our vaccine clinics will continue to offer this protection against COVID-19 and encourage everyone eligible to get their shots. The Indiana Manufacturers Association has inducted NIPSCO into its Manufacturers Hall of Fame. Founded in 1912, the NiSource subsidiary provides natural gas to 821,000 homes and businesses across Northern Indiana and provides another 468,000 customers with electricity. The Merrillville-based utility which had been the only Fortune 500 company headquartered in Northwest Indiana before splitting off its pipeline business, now ranks as the largest natural gas utility in Indiana and the second-largest electric distribution company. During a Thursday luncheon, the IMA inducted NIPSCO, Peerless Machine & Tool Corp. of Marion, R & R Engineering Co. of Summitville, Elliott Co. of Indianapolis and IDI Composites International of Noblesville. The trade association, representing more than 1,100 manufacturers across the state, recognized companies that made substantial contributions to the manufacturing industry in the Hoosier State. The trade group also honored Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton as its Community Impact winner, Justyna Rohrig of General Motors Corp. in Bedford as its Emerging Leader winner, and Paul Perkins with Amatrol in Jeffersonville as its Lifetime Achievement winner. Northwest Health launched a new program to keep tabs on heart health in cancer patients as they undergo treatment. Cardiologists and oncologists are teaming up for holistic treatment in a new program at Northwest Health Hospital in Valparaiso that's being described as a "first in Northwest Indiana." Some forms of cancer treatment improve cancer survival rates as intended but can trigger cardiac disease or worsen preexisting health issues in some cases, according to the health care system with hospitals in Valparaiso, LaPorte and Knox. Newer forms of cancer treatments can result in the side effects of arrhythmia, high blood pressure and even heart failure. Northwest Health Hospital in Valparaiso introduced its cardio-oncology program for at-risk patients in order to tailor care to their individual needs throughout their cancer treatment. They will first undergo an initial assessment with a physical exam, heart testing, a review of their medical history and imaging tests like an echocardiogram. At first, the program will focus on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation at the hospital in Valparaiso. Over time it will be expanded, both throughout the Northwest Health system and to other types of cancer. One of the suspects was arrested and the other two are still at large. The identity of the juvenile arrested has not been released. Authorities established a perimeter to secure the area as more police responded to the scene. Tinley Park Emergency Services issued a "code red" alert in a 1.5-mile radius of Oak Forest Avenue and Ridgeland Avenues that warned residents to report suspicious individuals and to be cautious of possible danger in their area. Illinois State Police, the South Suburban Emergency Response Team and the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System Mutual Aid Response Team arrived to assist and the Cook County Sheriff's Police Hostage Barricade Unit was also called out because of the large search area. In addition, bloodhounds were brought to the scene to track the suspects down. Tinley Park officers and dozens of agencies continued to do a comprehensive search, which they said would continue until the suspects are arrested or confirmed to no longer be in the area. By 5 a.m. Friday, police called off the search, saying the felt confident the suspects were no longer in the area. The Tinley Park Police Department asked residents to check and report anything caught on their home security systems Thursday night by contacting 708-532-9111. EAST CHICAGO Authorities on Friday released the name of a Hammond woman killed in a double homicide Wednesday in the city's South Side neighborhood. Nalisha Martin, 43, was driving a silver Hammond woman Chevrolet Impala that struck a home's front porch about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 1200 block of West 149th Street, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office and East Chicago police. She was flown by helicopter to University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to the back, officials said. Christopher Burks, 52, of Chicago, also was shot and was found on the ground across the street from the Impala, according to the Lake County coroner's office and police. He was taken to St. Catherine Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Impala came to rest on a sidewalk. The crash damaged a stairway and railing on the porch, Deputy Police Chief Jose Rivera said. While police were investigating, dispatchers advised officers of a third gunshot victim in the 4800 block of Walsh Avenue, Rivera said. Officers located a 19-year-old East Chicago man, who was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center in serious but stable condition. "Until you understand authority means something, you're not going to live the life you want," Bokota said. The video shows Lake County Sheriff's Officers Alex Gallegos and Michael Maggi, who had arrived to back up Gallegos, struggled with Hoover as he got back into an idling Cadillac SUV early Nov. 23, 2020 in the driveway of a home in the 15000 block of West 103rd Avenue in Dyer. Hoover put the SUV in reverse and dragged the officers for several feet before they both fell off. Hoover ran over Gallegos' right foot, and the officer fell and hit his head on concrete. Maggi testified he suffered injuries to both knees when he fell and was unable to work for more than a month. He still suffers pain in his knees at times, he said. Hoover's attorney, Michael Woods, said he appreciated police officers for their service, but Gallegos and Maggi put themselves in Hoover's car. "There was a better way for this to go all around," Woods said. Hoover pleaded guilty in July to two counts of resisting law enforcement, a level 5 felony. He could have faced up to eight years in prison under his plea agreement. LYNWOOD In an emotional ceremony at a recent Village Board meeting, Lynwood honored the memory of a longtime officer by renaming its police training facility for him. The Daniel G. Kirby Police Training Facility's namesake died of cancer in 2018 at the age of 52. Among those speaking of Kirby were two veteran officers who worked closely with him. "Everybody who met Kirby felt like he was their best friend," Jesse Hernandez said. "I was lucky enough to work with him. He always made everyone feel his equal." Hernandez recalled Kirby's funny and serious sides "he was a real goofball" and praised his humble nature and intelligence. Kirby always reminded others to enjoy a full life, and not to be completely consumed by work but also to take time for family and friends, Hernandez said. "He talked about how lucky he was to have her," Hernandez said of Rachel Kirby, Kirby's widow. "Rachel was next to him every day for a year." Another colleague, Brian Dorian, said he admired Kirby enough to name his son Camden Kirby Dorian. "It had nothing to do with the kind of cop he was and everything to do with the kind of man he was," Dorian said. CROWN POINT When Martha Marty Wheeler entered the courtroom in the Old Lake County Courthouse and saw friends and government officials applauding her, she had this to say. What the hell is this? the stunned honoree said. What are you doing here? Wheeler, who has devoted the past several decades to saving and preserving the courthouse, was honored Thursday as a Sagamore of the Wabash. Being honored in this place makes it even more important, said Wheeler, who recalled roller skating around the courthouse as a girl. As an adult, Wheeler got involved when, in 1973, the courthouse faced razing for parking space. Through local efforts, the courthouse became listed that year on the National Register of Historical Places. Wheeler has been active for 35 years with the Lake Court House Foundation, serving 12 years as its president. The foundations mission is to preserve and maintain the Lake County Courthouse for the benefit of the community. Although she stepped down in 2020 from the board, Im still very much involved, even though retired. PORTAGE Indiana Department of Environmental Management inspectors determined U.S. Steel Midwest violated its wastewater permit Sept. 26 when it discharged wastewater containing elevated levels of iron. The department said in an inspection report released Wednesday it was referring the violation to its Office of Water Quality Enforcement Section, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice for "appropriate action." In a separate letter from U.S. Steel to IDEM, the company said an oily sheen discharged into the Burns Waterway on Oct. 7 might have been caused by "reduced removal efficiency at the pretreatment plant due to low water flows." The company said low water flows were caused by operations outages at the steel finishing plant and dewatering activities at its "oily waste pad." The Oct. 7 discharge did not harm human health, aquatic life or wildlife, the company said. The Portage facility is investigating how to improve capabilities of its pretreatment plant in accordance with an agreed order adopted by IDEM in May, which included a $950,000 civil penalty for wastewater permit violations from November 2018 to December 2020. Illinois Democrats on Friday unveiled their first draft of proposed new congressional boundaries, a plan aimed at increasing their advantage over Republicans in a downsized delegation. The proposed map draws 17 congressional districts, down from 18 due to population shifts in the 2020 federal census. Census results showed that for the first time ever, Illinois lost population statewide. The current congressional delegation is made up of 13 Democrats and five Republicans. With the House currently split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, Democrats including the partys national campaign committee had pressed Illinois party leader to draw a map that offered the best opportunity to pick up seats. Though more progressive Democrats argued for a map that could elect 15 Democrats and leave only two Republicans, Democratic leaders said privately they sided on a plan to ensure a more likely outcome of 14 Democrats and three Republicans. The map would put Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Channahon, an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and his continued leadership of the national GOP, and first-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Newman of La Grange into the same district, one with a heavily Democratic tilt. The brief itself was not immediately available. Filings in British court, unlike in the United States, are not public by default. Marc Raimondi, a Justice Department spokesman, said the American government was not permitted to distribute it, but confirmed its filing. We are continuing to seek extradition, he said. The case against Mr. Assange is complex and does not turn on whether he is a journalist, but rather on whether the journalistic activities of soliciting and publishing classified information can be treated as a crime in the United States. The charges center on his 2010 publication of diplomatic and military files leaked by Chelsea Manning, not his later publication of Democratic Party emails hacked by Russia during the 2016 election. Prosecutors have separately accused him of participating in a hacking conspiracy, which is not a journalistic activity. The immediate issue at hand in the extradition case, however, is neither of those things, but rather whether American prison conditions are inhumane. In January, a British judge, Vanessa Baraitser of the Westminster Magistrates Court, denied Mr. Assanges extradition citing harsh conditions for security-related prisoners in American jails and the risk that Mr. Assange might be driven to commit suicide if held under them. She held that the mental condition of Mr. Assange is such that it would be oppressive to extradite him to the United States. In its new brief, the Justice Department was expected to defend how the federal Bureau of Prisons handles security inmates and to argue that such conditions were not a legitimate reason for the close American ally to block an otherwise valid extradition request. Several years ago, while Charmain Jackman was going through a rough patch in her marriage, she started looking for a Black, female therapist. At the time, she said, she was desperate to find someone who would understand who she was, as a Black woman. I wanted to come in fully as myself and not worry, Is this person going to get it? Am I going to have to explain everything? she said. But even Dr. Jackman, a psychologist from Massachusetts with decades of experience, kept running into roadblocks. Her insurance carrier did not offer demographic data on any of her in-network providers. A search on Psychology Today, one of the most commonly used internet directories of mental health professionals, was returning results that did not include women of color. And, at the time, the website Therapy for Black Girls only had a couple of therapists in her state who took her insurance. So, she said, I decided I would create the site that I would want to use. In recent years there has been an expanding number of digital companies and nonprofits created to help people of color find a therapist they can trust someone who is not only skilled in the best evidence-based treatments, but also culturally competent. In other words, a provider who is aware of their own world views, knowledgeable about diversity and trained to connect with different types of clients. What happens next? The F.D.A. will review the panels recommendation and issue a final decision, which could come within a few days. Next week, a vaccine advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make its own recommendation on Johnson & Johnson boosters. Its members will decide whether to recommend the shots at all, as well as who should be eligible. The C.D.C.s director, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, will then issue the agencys formal guidelines on boosters. These guidelines are highly influential for doctors, pharmacies and health care providers. What should I do in the meantime? For now, sit tight. No booster has yet been authorized for Johnson & Johnson recipients the process is still underway. I imagine by this time next week, the federal governments health experts will have made a recommendation to the American people about what they should do, Dr. Moore said. But it is possible that regulators will authorize a second Johnson & Johnson shot before they authorize mRNA boosters for J.&J. recipients. If that happens, people who got the Johnson & Johnson shot will be on the horns of a dilemma, said Dr. William Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University. People should consult with their doctors about whether it makes sense to get a Johnson & Johnson booster as soon as it is authorized or wait for a possible mRNA booster, Dr. Schaffner said. A lot depends on where you are and who you are, he said. People who are at high risk for serious disease and live in places where the virus is surging may not want to wait, he said. Mr. Forkner would be the first individual to face criminal charges related to the 737 Maxs problems. Boeing and the Justice Department in the last days of the Trump administration in January announced that they had agreed to a $2.5 billion legal settlement to resolve a criminal charge that the company had conspired to defraud the F.A.A. The company eventually fired its chief executive over the debacle and the scandal has cost it billions of dollars more than its settlement with the federal government. Lawyers for Mr. Forkner, who has been under investigation for more than a year and half, said in a statement to The New York Times last year that he didnt lie to anyone and added that he would never jeopardize the safety of other pilots or their passengers. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment after the indictment on Thursday. Mr. Forkner is expected to make his initial court appearance on Friday in Fort Worth before a U.S. magistrate judge. The six fraud charges in his indictment carry maximum penalties totaling several decades in prison. The Max was grounded worldwide in March 2019 after the fatal crashes, one in Indonesia and the other in Ethiopia. The episode deeply damaged Boeings reputation and its relationships with airlines, regulators and policymakers around the world. The F.A.A. approved the plane to fly again in November 2020, and regulators in other countries followed soon after. Since then, the Max has been used to carry out thousands of passenger flights around the world. Boeing has also delivered 194 of the planes to customers between then and the end of September. In June, United Airlines said it planned to buy 200 Max jets. Johnson & Johnson announced on Thursday that a subsidiary that it recently created to manage claims that assert that its talc-based products caused cancer had filed for bankruptcy protection. The company said in a statement that it hoped its filing for Chapter 11 protection would help resolve current and future claims in a manner that is equitable to all parties. J.&J. said that it would provide money for the subsidiary for whatever amounts the bankruptcy court decided were owed, and that it would create a $2 billion trust for that reason. Certain royalty revenue streams have been allocated for the subsidiary to pay for any future costs, it added. Andy Birchfield, a lawyer for Beasley Allen Law Firm, which has worked on litigation against Johnson & Johnson, said in a statement that the companys filing was an attempt to hide behind bankruptcy. Much of what happens in The Lehman Trilogy is invisible to the eye, which is not the way prestige drama usually works onstage. Directed by Sam Mendes, this British import, which reaches across 164 years of American history to trace the family saga behind the fallen financial powerhouse Lehman Brothers, was a scalding-hot ticket during a brief prepandemic run at the Park Avenue Armory. Yet it offers almost nothing in the way of spectacle, and only the slightest of costume changes: a top hat here, a pair of glasses there. In the captivating production that opened on Thursday night at the Nederlander Theater, it relies largely on an unspoken agreement between actors and audience to imagine together, and let fancy crowd out fact. Sort of the way that heedless investors looked right past all warning signs in the faith-based run-up to the stock market crash of 2008. Illusion is illusion, after all, and financial markets, like the theater, require a certain suspension of disbelief though when the fantasy bursts in theater, the fallout is less ruinous. When investors halted their collective game of make-believe 13 years ago, mammoth financial firms like Lehman Brothers met their swift demise, and the worlds markets suffered the aftershocks. Former President Bill Clinton has been hospitalized after he had a urological infection that developed into sepsis, an aide said on Thursday. The aide said Mr. Clintons sepsis was not considered to be acute. In a statement on Twitter, a spokesman for Mr. Clinton, 75, said the former president had been admitted on Tuesday evening to UCI Medical Center in Orange, Calif., with what he described as a non-Covid-related infection. He is on the mend, in good spirits and is incredibly thankful to the doctors, nurses, and staff providing him with excellent care, the spokesman, Angel Urena, said. Mr. Clintons doctors, Dr. Alpesh Amin and Dr. Lisa Bardack, said in a statement that the former president had been admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and had received IV antibiotics and fluids. They said that after two days of treatment, his white-blood cell count was trending down and he was responding to antibiotics well. They added that Mr. Clintons medical team in California had been in touch with his doctors in New York, including his cardiologist. One of the wayward zebras that have been running freely across the backyards and roads of suburban Maryland since they escaped from a farm in late August has been found dead in an illegal snare trap, the authorities said. A spokeswoman for the Maryland Natural Resources Police said in a statement on Thursday that officers had responded to a report on Sept. 16 of a dead animal on private property in Upper Marlboro, Md., about 20 miles southeast of Washington. When the officers arrived, they found a dead zebra in a snare trap near a field, the spokeswoman, Lauren Moses, said in a statement. The zebra, Ms. Moses said, was believed to have been among those that had escaped from a farm in Upper Marlboro on Aug. 31. Ms. Moses said it was illegal to set snare traps in Prince Georges County. At this time, police do not have any information on who placed the snare trap, she said. However, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will assist the Prince Georges County animal facility with this ongoing case. Im not sure that we want to just explore it willy-nilly by giving it to a lot of people, said Dr. Eric Rubin, an adjunct professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Peter Marks, the F.D.A.s top vaccine regulator, said the agencys experts would take the panels concerns to heart in considering whether younger adults without significant risk factors should become eligible for boosters. The agency heard pretty loud and clearly that there was not a lot of appetite for moving down the age range very significantly, if at all, he said. State health officials say that the staggered rollout of boosters has left some especially vulnerable people for example, elderly residents of nursing homes who got the Moderna vaccine in the lurch. But some panel members said on Thursday that nearly two months after the Biden administration announced its booster plan, the rationale remained vague. I just worry that we havent clearly defined what the goal is, said Dr. Paul Offit, an infectious disease expert with the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Aiming to prevent even mild cases, he added, is a high bar to which we hold no other vaccine. Although the F.D.A. took no official stance on Modernas request for booster authorization, some agency officials made a general case for booster shots to the committee. Dr. Marks said the vaccines effectiveness against mild and moderate disease appears to wane over time, and that even less severe cases of Covid-19 might lead to long-lasting symptoms and other health consequences. Overall, Moderna officials did not make as strong a case for extra shots as Pfizer last month. Modernas potency has held up better than Pfizers over time. Unlike Pfizer, the company did not contend that recipients of its vaccine needed a booster to prevent severe disease or hospitalization, instead concentrating its arguments on preventing infection. Moderna met one of the F.D.A.s criteria for a booster shot, reporting that the mean antibody level of participants in its study was 1.8 times as high after the booster than it was after the second shot. But it narrowly failed to meet another requirement. It raised neutralizing antibodies at least fourfold in 87.9 percent of people compared to after the second dose, while the agency required that level of boost for 88.4 percent of participants. WASHINGTON When the White House convened 30 nations this week to formulate strategies for combating ransomware, one country was intentionally omitted: Russia, the single biggest source of the problem. It is not that President Biden is freezing the country out of the discussion. Ever since Mr. Bidens summit with President Vladimir V. Putin in Geneva in June, White House officials have been testing Moscows willingness to crack down on the ransomware gangs that wreaked havoc in the United States last spring, shuttering a crucial gasoline and jet fuel pipeline and crippling a major producer of meat. In recent weeks, American officials said they had begun passing intelligence to the Russians about specific hackers who the United States believes are behind the threats to companies, cities and infrastructure. Officials say the Russians have sounded cooperative, but have not yet made arrests. There is some evidence the pressure applied by Mr. Biden in Geneva has made modest progress: Spectacular attacks on critical infrastructure have abated, though there is a steady drumbeat of continuing ransomware demands. Still, when asked how often he thought the United States would be facing such attacks five years from now, Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, the director of the National Security Agency and the commander of United States Cyber Command, said, Every single day. The purpose of the meeting, said Jake Sullivan, Mr. Bidens national security adviser, was to try to alter that future by engaging allies to join the United States in what he called an integrated effort to disrupt the ransomware ecosystem. So for two days, in groups led by Australia, Britain, Germany and India, government experts sought agreement on how they could keep the groups from using anonymous cryptocurrency, which facilitates ransom payments, or harden infrastructure to make it less likely that a ransomware attack would freeze critical operations, as one did in May with Colonial Pipeline, a fuel distributor to the Northeast. South Korea plans to ship almost 1.6 million doses of AstraZenecas coronavirus vaccine to Vietnam and Thailand this week, the foreign ministry announced Tuesday, as the Southeast Asian nations struggle to contain the spread of the virus. The donation comes as South Koreas vaccination program has accelerated rapidly, with 70 percent of the population expected to be inoculated by the end of the month. About 62 percent of South Koreas total population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the nation is expected to ease the most severe restrictions by next month. Thailand has fully vaccinated 33 percent of its population and Vietnam about 17 percent. About 1.1 million doses will go to Vietnam and 470,000 to Thailand, South Koreas government said. South Korea was among the last of the worlds wealthiest nations to start a vaccination program, leading to frustration among citizens who had already spent a year living under restrictions to control the spread of the virus. Eight months later, the country has inoculated more people per capita than the United States, which has secured the largest supply of vaccines in the world. Dating to 1993, Frieze Week is traditionally the moment when London hosts the international art worlds most compelling, must-get-on-a-plane mix of fairs, museum shows, auctions and dealer exhibitions. But Britain has changed, and so has the art world. Frieze is now majority-owned by the Hollywood conglomerate Endeavor; Britannia, post-Brexit, is not as cool as it was; and Hong Kong and Paris are now vying with London as hubs for selling contemporary art. And then there is the small matter of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Overall, I found Frieze Week to be at half-mast, said Wendy Cromwell, a New York-based art adviser who was part of a smaller-than-usual American contingent in London. As in New York, things are far better than they were six months ago, but the city isnt fully back, she added. But Frieze was buzzy. The character of the fair certainly reflects the current zeitgeist of diversity and inclusivity. Its not a big mystery why David Sanfords energetic, well-crafted music has stayed mostly under the radar for the last three decades. Hes not a self-promoter, said the conductor Gil Rose, who brought out the first album devoted to Sanfords orchestral music two years ago. Sanford, 58, cheerfully concedes the point. Yes, you have to be able to market, which Im atrocious at, he said in a recent interview. Im trying to get better, well into my 50s. As Rose put it, Hes interested in his music, but hes not going to beat anyones door down about it. The irony is that Sanfords work often has door-blasting power. Yet whether hes writing for a chamber ensemble, a big band or an orchestra, his wildness never tips into indiscipline. Was this the final Covid surge for the U.S.? After a brutal summer surge, driven by the Delta variant, the coronavirus is again in retreat in the U.S. weBut given how many Americans remain unvaccinated, it is too soon to abandon basic precautions, scientists warn. The potential emergence of a new variant remains a wild card, while the protection afforded by vaccination could start to wane more substantially. What comes next is hard to predict. Most experts said they would not be surprised to see an increase in cases later this year as people spend more time indoors and travel for the holidays. Britain and Israel continue to struggle with outbreaks, despite high vaccination rates. We should all just be mindful that this is not completely over yet, said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan. Speaking at the White House yesterday, President Biden warned that the coronavirus pandemic wasnt yet over, but that the U.S. was headed in the right direction. He called on states and private businesses to support vaccine mandates in an effort to avoid another surge in cases. The numbers: The U.S. 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 children under 12 are likely to be eligible for their Covid vaccine shots in a matter of weeks. Federal regulators could soon authorize the first antiviral pill for Covid-19. Goldman Sachs joined the rest of the countrys biggest banks in reporting profits that beat expectations, fueled by hot markets for stocks and corporate deals. The Wall Street giants earnings rose to $5.38 billion, or $14.93 a share, for the three months ending in September. Investment bankers advising on mergers and acquisitions brought in a record $1.65 billion in revenue, up 225 percent from a year earlier, while equities traders posted a 51 percent jump in revenue to $3.10 billion. The third quarter saw strong operating performance and an acceleration of our investment in the growth of Goldman Sachs, David M. Solomon, the companys chief executive, said in a statement. He cited the acquisitions of NN Investment Partners, a European asset manager, and GreenSky, a financial technology company that originates home improvement loans, as efforts to expand its operations. Earlier this week, deal makers pulled in record fees at Bank of America and record revenue at Morgan Stanley, while Citigroup had its best quarter for mergers and acquisitions in a decade. Their counterparts at JPMorgan also posted big numbers after cashing in on the strong market for advising companies. The setback also means that President Biden will have a weakened hand when he travels to Glasgow in two weeks for a major United Nations climate change summit. He had hoped to point to the clean electricity program as evidence that the United States, which is historically the largest emitter of planet-warming pollution, was serious about changing course and leading a global effort to fight climate change. Mr. Biden has vowed that the United States will cut its emissions 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. The rest of the world remains deeply wary of the countrys commitment to tackling global warming after four years in which former President Donald J. Trump openly mocked the science of climate change and enacted policies that encouraged more drilling and burning of fossil fuels. This will create a huge problem for the White House in Glasgow, said David G. Victor, co-director of the Deep Decarbonization Initiative at the University of California, San Diego. If you see the president coming in and saying all the right things with all the right aspirations, and then one of the earliest tests of whether he can deliver falls apart, it creates the question of whether you can believe him. Democrats had hoped to include the clean electricity program in their sweeping budget bill that would also expand the social safety net, which they plan to muscle through using a fast-track process known as reconciliation that would allow them to pass it without any Republican votes. The party is still trying to figure out how to pass that budget bill, along with a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill. For weeks, Democratic leaders have vowed that the clean electricity program was a nonnegotiable part of the legislation. Progressive Democrats held rallies chanting No climate, no deal! Mr. Biden had hoped that enactment of the legislation would clean up the electricity sector, which produces about a quarter of the countrys greenhouse gases. He wanted a program with impacts that would last well after he leaves office, regardless of who occupies the White House. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at an event in San Francisco Friday morning that she was still pushing for the strongest possible climate change provisions in the bill. If there are many 311 complaints, a team of outreach workers, police and a sanitation truck is sent by the city to take away a homeless persons scant belongings, said Jacquelyn Simone, a senior policy analyst at the Coalition for the Homeless. Homeless people want access to permanent and affordable housing, Ms. Simone said, a need the city government hasnt been able to meet. Many homeless people avoid staying in dormlike shelters. Theres a lot of feeling that this crisis of homelessness is not being approached with the urgency that it needs, she said. Ms. Simone said she hopes that restaurant workers can connect with outreach providers for homeless people if there are clashes, rather than using security guards or calling the police, which can destroy the trust it can take those providers months to build. Many people who are privileged enough to be economically secure and can dine out during a pandemic dont want to be reminded of poverty in our society, she said. Many people wish they didnt have to see that. Theres a big difference between pushing a problem out of sight and actually helping. To stop the spread of Covid in group shelters last year, the citys Department of Social Services moved thousands of homeless people to hotel rooms, many on the West Side of Manhattan. Restaurateurs in Hells Kitchen were used to dealing with disruptions theyre near the Port Authority Bus Terminal, several methadone clinics and the pedestrian dead zone at the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel but they say the increased number of homeless people has aggravated the problem. Over the summer, the city moved about 8,000 homeless people from hotels back to dormlike shelters, which alleviated some of those concerns. But many restaurant owners said theyre still trying to tamp down conflicts daily. At Tavola, a pizzeria in Hells Kitchen, John Accardi, a co-owner, said that one of his staff members was slashed on the hand and his son was almost stabbed in heated disputes with people Mr. Accardi said were homeless. He said he tells employees to avoid such confrontations rather than risk injury. Id rather have someone break my table or chair, he said. The film opens on Naomi (Yumiko Shaku), a pregnant woman on the run from her husband in Japan, sitting in a hotel hallway with other people gulping for air. She crosses paths with Val (Carolina Bartczak), a mom whose plan to take her daughter and escape her abusive husband gets a little easier when he turns into a weak, wheezing monster. Turns out its no conspiracy theory: The outbreak has sinister origins. I dont want to say more, because in just 79 minutes the director Francesco Giannini, in his solo feature debut, fronts his film with strong central female characters and packs it with ferocious twists. Its too early to tell to what extent coronavirus horror movies will influence horror. Hall and the demonic Zoom-call picture Host the scariest movie ever, according to a new study makes me think it will. The jurys out on Corona Zombies. Censor Stream it on Hulu. The day after the meeting at the Trump hotel, Mr. Laxalt testified that he and Mr. Parnas exchanged text messages and that he believed some of them were related to plans to attend a rally that was to include Mike Pence, the vice president at the time. The text exchanges continued for weeks. A pattern emerged, in which Mr. Laxalt asked Mr. Parnas about donations, and Mr. Parnas provided responses that were short on commitment. Mr. Laxalts apparent friendliness in his messages to Mr. Parnas may have been partly professional. On cross-examination, he acknowledged that he had referred to Mr. Parnas as a clownish guy with a gold chain, and wondered whether he was an oddball from Brooklyn with a home in Florida who was more interested in taking photos with candidates than in writing checks to them. Are you going to deliver on this fund-raiser, Mr. Laxalt texted Mr. Parnas at one point. Mr. Parnas suggested some possible dates. But they passed without the event taking place. Mr. Laxalt testified that he encountered Mr. Parnas at a rally for Mr. Trump in Elko, Nev. They also arranged to have dinner, along with a few others, at a restaurant in Las Vegas that Mr. Laxalt described in a text message to Mr. Parnas as an old mob joint. (Mr. Parnas responded love it and included a thumbs up emoji.) At times, the two exchanged comments about the campaign of Ron DeSantis, a good friend of Mr. Laxalts whom Mr. Parnas was also supporting as he ran for governor of Florida. As the election neared, Mr. Laxalt kept inquiring about money. Mr. Parnas said he would bring Mr. Giuliani to Nevada to barnstorm on Mr. Laxalts behalf. Mr. Parnas also asked Mr. Laxalt whether he would like help in arranging a robocall. Mr. de Blasios plan has elicited outrage among some parents who see the gifted program as a way of keeping their children enrolled in the public school system and as an alternative to struggling neighborhood schools. Many other families, as well as activists pushing to integrate the system, have strongly endorsed ending or overhauling the program, saying that it excludes too many Black and Latino students while weakening instruction for children in regular classes by removing strong performers. Mr. de Blasio is considering running for governor next year. Having won election in 2013 on a pledge to broadly reduce inequality in the city, he has been criticized for not doing more to reduce segregation in the schools and, more specifically, for not addressing inequities in the gifted program until the end of his tenure. About 75 percent of the 16,000 students enrolled in gifted classes are white or Asian American while 70 percent of the students in the overall system are Black and Latino, according to Department of Education data. The gifted program, which puts students on a separate academic track even before they enter the public schools, has exacerbated segregation in the citys schools. Mr. Adams acknowledged the problem on Friday. The gifted and talented program was isolated only to certain communities, he said. That created segregation in our classrooms. Mr. Adams also said on CNN that all children should be assessed to determine whether accelerated classes were right for them. But he said such assessments would be a part of a broader plan to evaluate all students frequently, not just for academic strengths but also for challenges that might cause them to struggle in school. Were focusing on the gifted students, he said. They are going to be all right. How come were not focusing on those children with dyslexia, learning disabilities? We should be testing them periodically. That feeds our prison population. Fifty-five percent of Rikers inmates have learning disabilities. How did you hear about the program? Ive been attending far more P.T.A. meetings than in prepandemic times because theyre now held over Zoom. During our latest meeting, our childrens elementary school principal mentioned that every kindergartner would be receiving a college savings account with $100. As a money reporter and the mom to a kindergartner, my ears perked up and I started reporting to learn more. If I have a child in school, how do I access the account? Your kindergartner will be automatically enrolled, but you wont be able to activate the account until January. Right now, the city is holding meetings to provide parents with more information about how the program works and it will soon offer a chance to opt out. But I cant think of any reason anyone would want to. Free money is free money, even if its a modest amount to start. And theres more than the initial $100. How much more, and what do kids (or their parents) have to do to get it? You can earn up to $200 in extra rewards. So heres how that will work: After the program goes live in January, parents will be able to take a series of steps, each of which will earn $25 along the way. One would think that such an onerous burden on a fundamental right would warrant this Courts review, he wrote in a dissent. But today, faced with a petition challenging just such a restriction on citizens Second Amendment rights, the court simply looks the other way. In religious freedom cases, Justice Thomas has stood out for his willingness to weaken the separation of church and state. Last year, he repeated his radical argument that the Establishment Clause doesnt apply to the states. He even suggested that each state could establish an official state religion. This term the court will decide whether its unlawful to prevent students participating in a financial-aid program from using the money to attend schools that provide religious instruction. Justice Thomas attended a variety of Catholic schools, and last month he spoke fondly of that education. To this day I revere, admire and love my nuns, he said in a talk at the University of Notre Dame. They were devout, courageous and principled women. In another area where he has personal experience he was admitted to Yale Law School after it adopted an affirmative action policy the court could decide to hear a challenge to the admissions policy at Harvard. That case was brought by a group representing Asian American students who say that they were disadvantaged by the schools consideration of race in admitting students. Its clear that Justice Thomas would take great satisfaction in writing an opinion eliminating affirmative action. In Grutter v. Bollinger, the 2003 case in which the Supreme Court upheld the use of race as a factor in student admissions, he wrote a dissenting opinion that said the policy, by discriminating on the basis of race, was a clear violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Several years into his Supreme Court tenure, Justice Thomas told the National Bar Association, a network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges, that as a justice he would always think for myself, to refuse to have my ideas assigned to me as though I was an intellectual slave because Im Black. Those defiant words echoed his frustration after his 1991 confirmation hearings, when the law professor Anita Hills allegations of sexual harassment nearly derailed his appointment. Hes been angry about those hearings ever since he famously called them a high-tech lynching and his opinions are noteworthy for the tone of outrage that suffuses them. Relentless propaganda against public health measures no doubt contributes to erosion of trust. However, that mistrust may also be fueled by the sorry state of health insurance in this country and the deep inequities in health care at a minimum, this could make people more vulnerable to misinformation. Research on the unvaccinated by KFF from this September showed the most powerful predictor of who remained unvaccinated was not age, politics, race, income or location, but the lack of health insurance. The Covid States team shared with me more than a thousand comments from unvaccinated people who were surveyed. Scrolling through them, I noticed a lot more fear than certainty. There was the very, very rare its a hoax and its a gene therapy, but most of it was a version of: Im not sure its safe. Was it developed too fast? Do we know enough? There was also a lot of fear of side effects, worries about lack of Food and Drug Administration approval and about yet-undiscovered dangers. Their surveys also show that only about 12 percent of the unvaccinated said they did not think theyd benefit from a vaccine: so, only about 4 percent of the national population. In law, dying declarations are given special considerations because the prospect of death can help remove the motivation to deceive or to bluster. The testimony weve seen from unvaccinated people in their last days with Covid, sometimes voiced directly by them from their hospital beds, gets at some of the core truths of vaccine hesitancy. They are pictures of confusion, not conviction. One woman who documented her final days on TikTok described being uncertain about side effects, being worried about lack of F.D.A. approval, and waiting to go with her family to get the shot until it was too late. Or consider Josie and Tom Burko, married parents who died from Covid within days of each other, leaving behind an 8-year-old daughter. They hadnt taken the pandemic lightly. They were 100 percent pro-vaccination, a close friend told The Oregonian afterward, but Josie reportedly had a heart murmur and chronic diabetes and worried about an adverse reaction. Tom reportedly had muscular atrophy, and similar worries. Afraid, they had not yet gotten vaccinated. Its easy to say that all these people should have been more informed or sought advice from a medical provider, except that many have no health care provider. As of 2015, one quarter of the population in the United States had no primary health care provider to turn to for trusted advice. Ms. Sinema is, at heart, a Democrat of convenience and expediency; she has a chance now to show that independents arent just a New England eccentricity. Her early allegiance was to the Green Party, and she worked on Ralph Naders 2000 presidential campaign an animating message of which was that the major parties were two sides of the same corrupt, self-serving coin. Her first run for office was for the Phoenix City Council in 2001. She raised little money back then, she saw campaign donations as bribery and she lost. The next year, she ran for the State Legislature as an independent. She lost, again, and blamed the local Democratic Party for labeling her too extreme. Opinion Debate Will the Democrats face a midterm wipeout? Mark Penn and Andrew Stein write that "only a broader course correction to the center will give Democrats a fighting chance in 2022" and beyond. write that "only a broader course correction to the center will give Democrats a fighting chance in 2022" and beyond. Tory Gavito and Adam Jentleson write that the Virgina loss should "shock Democrats into confronting the powerful role that racially coded attacks play in American politics." write that the Virgina loss should "shock Democrats into confronting the powerful role that racially coded attacks play in American politics." Ezra Klein speaks to David Shor, who discusses his fear that Democrats face electoral catastrophe unless they shift their messaging. speaks to David Shor, who discusses his fear that Democrats face electoral catastrophe unless they shift their messaging. Ross Douthat writes that the outcome of the Virginia gubernatorial race shows Democrats need a new way to talk about progressive ideology and education. In the years after Sept. 11, Ms. Sinema was a hard-charging peace activist. (Her decision to attend at least one protest rocking a pink tutu became a Republican line of attack against her.) In 2003, she helped lead a demonstration in Tucson against the presidential campaign of Mr. Lieberman, a hawkish Democrat from Connecticut who later became an independent. Hes a shame to Democrats, she charged. I dont even know why hes running. He seems to want to get Republicans voting for him what kind of strategy is that? A year later, having joined the Democratic Party, she won a seat in the State Legislature. But her involvement with progressive activists both as one herself and later as an elected official left some scars. In her 2009 book, Unite and Conquer, Ms. Sinema emerges as a progressive disillusioned by the foibles and limitations of progressive activism. The book, on coalition building, is awash in mocking caricatures of progressives as smug, ineffectual, rigid, self-serious, wonky, disorganized know-it-alls. Recalling her own experiences, she tosses out tough-love observations such as, Progressives love to talk about coalitions, but were not very good at creating or maintaining them, and since were so smart and have all the answers to the worlds problems, youd think that we progressives would get more done. And dont get her started on identity politics, which she says boils down to this: I am different from you in some fundamental respect and therefore need my own group that understands me. And also, I cant work with you. Ms. Sinema was clearly stung by her experience as a newbie state legislator helping to lead the successful charge to block an anti-gay marriage amendment in 2006. She argued that all unmarried couples would suffer if the state prohibited the legal recognition of domestic partnerships. Some in the L.G.B.T.Q. community chided her for not focusing on their trials and tribulations, as she puts it. I was surprised by the reaction, she writes, until I remembered identity politics. With their fanatical obsession with victimhood, she declares, progressives will always struggle to create effective coalitions. This focus on differences rather than shared interests is one of the political tendencies she sees herself fighting against. That rejection of factionalism may be more central to her identity than any of her legislative positions. On policy, Ms. Sinema doesnt seem that out of bounds for a moderate Democrat. She is pro-choice and has a respectable record on environmental issues. She supports voting rights protections (even if she wont help abolish the filibuster to achieve it), the Dream Act and permanent renewal of the Violence Against Women Act. Having grown up poor she says her family was even homeless for a time she recognizes the value of a government safety net, though she prefers that the net be tailored and targeted. She is more hawkish than many in her party on border security, but thats not altogether unusual for a Democrat representing a border state. To the Editor: Re On Masks and Covid, I Found Common Sense in Germany, by Alec MacGillis (Opinion guest essay, Oct. 13): Mr. MacGilliss experience of mask wearing in Germany largely corresponds with mine in Australia, a country headed by a center-right prime minister. Here the left and the right have been united about the need for masks, ensuring compliance from the general public. It seems to me that the key factors separating us from the United States are twofold: a responsible conservative media and strong political leadership. The Murdoch papers, with a huge market share in Australia, have been supportive of mask wearing, social distance and vaccines. The conservative federal government, rather than exploiting the anti-mask sentiments of the minority hard right as Donald Trump did, stood behind the countrys medical experts and followed their advice in policymaking. As a result Australia has more than an 80 percent vaccination rate of those eligible and our life is returning to normal, with one of the best public health outcomes among developed countries. For comparison, with a population 20 percent larger than Florida, Australias Covid death toll is 1/40th of the Sunshine States. If you live in certain parts of New York, you can hear the sound of bachata, dembow and merengue tipico infiltrate city crevices on the weekends until the cops try to shut the music down. This is Dominican car audio culture, where customized sound systems are an art of their own. At meets and shows, Dominican car enthusiasts known as musicologos are like D.J.s and live engineers, selecting songs and mixing levels for maximum effect. Their vans are assembled in huge circles and tricked out with towering rows of speakers. Swarms of spectators gather inside the rings, and musicologos blast songs over their rivals, hoping to drown them out. Some prefer a clean sound, while others go for volume that makes your eyeballs vibrate out of their sockets. This is a culture born out of a love for sound, for community a cradle of belonging in a country that is difficult to call yours. When Meghan Louttit first contacted Joseph Iervolino on the dating app OkCupid in November 2015, he was sitting in a plane on a tarmac at Newark airport, bound for Thailand. Ms. Louttit was impressed. I thought to myself, Wow, heres someone with a nice smile who likes to travel and seems very adventurous, she said. Besides his great smile, Ms. Louttit said that Mr. Iervolino also had a great way with words he really knew how to express himself. Almost everything he had in his profile could easily have been in my profile, added Ms. Louttit, 35, a deputy editor on the Metro Desk of The New York Times who graduated from Ohio University. Thats how much we had in common. A leader of an activist movement within Apple said she was fired by the company on Thursday. Janneke Parrish, who was a program manager for Apple Maps based in Austin, Texas, and one of the two leaders of a group that called itself #AppleToo, had been on suspension for several days while Apple investigated her activities. On Thursday, she said, an Apple lawyer and a human resources worker told her on a phone call that she was being fired. The reason, Ms. Parrish said she was told, was that she had deleted files from her company computer and phone before handing them over to be examined. She said she had deleted files that contained personal and financial information. Ms. Parrish, 30, said she believed Apple was retaliating against her for helping to organize the activist group. In recent months, Apple employees have uncharacteristically spoken out and said the companys culture of secrecy meant to prevent product leaks pervaded other aspects of the company and discouraged workers from coming forward about issues like sexual harassment and wage disparities. I knew from the moment that I started speaking that this was a risk, and a significant one, Ms. Parrish said. If me getting fired helps bring justice to people who have been seeking it, then its a sacrifice Im happy to make, she added. Ms. Parrishs firing was reported earlier by The Verge. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, life was not as easy as it looked for Julian Sarafian. He was the valedictorian of his high school, a White House intern and a Harvard Law School graduate, but he was also in a yearslong battle with anxiety. Then, in November of last year, he came down with symptoms of Covid-19, and his girlfriend tested positive for the virus. The illness, on top of his anxiety, months of social isolation and his fear for the safety of his Asian family members, made him depressed. It was just kind of the icing on the cake that was, like, the middle finger of 2020, he said. Mr. Sarafian, 27, who is from Sacramento, went to therapy a month later, but it was not as simple as making a phone call. He had to explain to his parents, including his Vietnamese mother, the reasons he needed extra care. After a few months of therapy, he said, he hit a point where its looking a lot brighter than ever before. Why do human beings act so strangely during pandemics? One reason were having the sorts of reactions were having right now including the negative impacts on mental health is lockdown. Unfortunately, lockdown is a necessary evil, but it impairs peoples mental health. And thats because people are inherently social creatures and lockdown requires us to inhibit that ability to socialize and draw social support from one another. Have you noticed any societal phenomena unique to this pandemic? Pretty much all the phenomena observed during Covid have happened before, but Covid is different in that everything is bigger and faster. And thats partly because of social media and the 24/7 news cycle. In past pandemics, politicians have tended to downplay the seriousness of the pandemic, but there hasnt been the political involvement that we saw in 2020 with Boris Johnson, Jair Bolsonaro and Donald Trump getting out there with all their antics, like the spreading of false information and touting of quack cures. In 1919, for example, the health authority of New York City endorsed the conspiracy theory that the flu was being brought to Manhattan by German U-Boats. But that was an isolated incident, not like today when there is far greater public awareness of conspiracy theories, and political leaders who refer to them. What are lingering psychological issues we should be worried about with this pandemic? The obvious ones are the so-called long Covid and post-traumatic stress disorder. But theres another issue and thats prolonged grief disorder, which is like grief on steroids. For about 10 percent of bereaved people, like those whove lost a close relative, they develop this disorder where theyre continually pining for the deceased. They have no joy in life. Its a serious chronic disorder, and while its treatable, there are probably not enough practitioners who are trained in treating it. The other concern is suicide. We know from research on past pandemics that they have been associated with an increase in suicide, particularly when they are followed by economic recessions. Based on history, what should we be worried about in the coming months? My big concern has to do with vaccinations and something called the nocebo effect the evil twin of the placebo effect. Its going into an experience expecting to have negative side effects and then experiencing side effects. A Texas school superintendent apologized to his district on Thursday after one of his top officials advised teachers that, if they have a book about the Holocaust in their classroom, they should give students access to a book from an opposing perspective. Lane Ledbetter, the superintendent of the Carroll Independent School District in Southlake, Texas, told families in a statement that the officials comments were in no way to convey that the Holocaust was anything less than a terrible event in history. Mr. Ledbetter added, We recognize there are not two sides of the Holocaust. The remarks were made by Gina Peddy, the executive director of curriculum and instruction in the school district, which serves more than 8,400 students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She made the comments during a meeting last week about which books teachers could have in classroom libraries, according to NBC News, which obtained a recording of the conversation. In the meeting, according to the news outlet, Ms. Peddy talked about a new Texas law, House Bill 3979, which relates to how public schools handle subjects such as critical race theory. The measure says that teachers who choose to discuss current events or controversial issues of public policy or social affairs should also explore the issues from diverse and contending perspectives without giving deference to any one perspective. A clash between Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago and the head of the citys largest police union over coronavirus vaccinations intensified on Friday as the city filed a complaint against the union, arguing that it was threatening an illegal strike. City employees in Chicago are required to report their vaccination status by the end of Friday, but John Catanzara, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Chicago, has urged police officers to ignore the order and risk discipline or loss of pay. Employees who are not vaccinated will be subject to twice-weekly testing, but vaccinations are not required. Mr. Catanzara released a video on Tuesday predicting that Chicago police officers would not report to work because of the policy. He said that if a large number of police officers refuse to submit to testing or reporting their vaccination status to the city, its safe to say the city of Chicago will have a police force at 50 percent or less for this weekend coming up. Whatever happens because of the manpower issue, that falls at the mayors doorstep, he added. He escalated the dispute on Thursday, releasing another video that urged officers not to comply with any direct orders from their supervisors to provide their vaccination status in an online portal. Were doing the best we can, Mitchell Dworet said after the hearing. Its been a different kind of life for us now. Were trying to heal as best we can. Both said they wanted Mr. Cruz to be executed. Id like to see this young man suffer, Mr. Dworet said. He knew what he was doing. He took my sons life and he tried to murder my other son. Id like to see him on death row. Less than a month after the shooting, Michael J. Satz, who was then the Broward County state attorney, said he would seek the death penalty. He cited seven aggravating factors that he said could make Mr. Cruz eligible for execution under Florida law, including that Mr. Cruz knowingly created a great risk of death to many persons and that the crime was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel. Following the guilty plea, a jury will determine whether the prosecution has proved those points and, if so, weigh them against mitigating factors offered by the defense, which could include details of Mr. Cruzs mental health history and his level of remorse. The defense will also have to decide whether Mr. Cruz should testify in front of the jury. Sarah Anne Mourer, a lawyer in Miami Shores who has worked on a variety of death penalty cases, said pleading guilty before a trial allowed Mr. Cruzs lawyers to make a consistent argument to jurors, rather than trying to prove his innocence at trial and making a much different case during the penalty phase. Ms. Mourer said the proceeding would probably include testimony from behavioral experts, the families of the victims and, perhaps, relatives of Mr. Cruzs or other people who knew him. What a jury cares about, and what will move them toward feeling that this guy is a human being and they dont want to kill him, Ms. Mourer said, is a demonstration of a kernel of humanity that jurors could weigh against the magnitude of his crimes. The judge will then make a final decision after the jury makes its recommendation. The separate case involving Mr. Cruzs fight with the sheriffs deputy dates back to November 2018, when Mr. Cruz assaulted the officer and grabbed his electroshock weapon while being held in a Fort Lauderdale jail. Taking time with his family meant that Mr. Buttigieg, who is admired inside the administration for his deftness as a public speaker and on-camera surrogate, was not front-and-center as infrastructure and supply chain discussions unfolded. He took four weeks of paid leave from his role where he was mostly offline, but said he was able to delegate responsibilities during leave or log on remotely for higher-priority work. Mr. Buttigieg said that everyone in the White House, which sanctioned his leave as a cabinet member, had been wonderfully supportive. (As a senator, President Biden made it clear to staff in a memo that they were allowed to put family obligations before work.) But, Mr. Buttigieg added, taking paid leave shouldnt be up to your particular good fortune or the graces of an employer. Mr. Buttigieg said he was now better positioned to plead the case for better leave policies, though he expected he would be more focused on the particulars of the infrastructure bill than the parental leave provisions. Still, conservatives questioned Mr. Buttigiegs decision to take time off as legislation hangs in the balance and amid a supply-chain crisis. Loudest among them, as usual, was Tucker Carlson of Fox News: Paternity leave, they call it, trying to figure out how to breastfeed. No word on how that went. (Mr. Buttigieg said later that Mr. Carlson might not understand the concept of bottle feeding.) Mr. Carlsons comments were criticized as sexist and since Mr. Buttigieg is the first gay cabinet member confirmed by the Senate homophobic. Senator Tom Cotton, Republican of Arkansas, criticized Mr. Buttigiegs performance as so bad that Americans didnt even realize he spent the last two months absent on paternity leave, an insult that exaggerated how long the secretary was out of the office. RICHMOND, Va. Terry McAuliffe doesnt do subtext well. So when Mr. McAuliffe appeared on Morning Joe on MSNBC this week, it wasnt long before the Democrat let slip the biggest challenge hes facing next month in his bid to reclaim Virginias governorship. People got to understand, Joe, this is about turnout, he told the shows co-host, Joe Scarborough. Mr. McAuliffe could be forgiven for effectively reading his stage directions out loud. While he is running against a self-funding, and hazily defined, Republican, polls and interviews show that Mr. McAuliffe is confronting an equally daunting obstacle: Democratic apathy. With former President Donald Trump out of office, congressional Democrats in a bitter standoff and Virginia Democrats having claimed every political prize, Mr. McAuliffe is straining to motivate the liberal voters in his increasingly blue state. At the moment one that is being watched closely by both parties for clues about the elections next year he is bumping up against a fatigued electorate. It is not clear when the department will file its emergency application in the Supreme Court. Based on their usual practices, the justices are likely to move fairly quickly once the application has been filed and could render a decision in a week or so. The Texas law, one of the strictest in the country, bans abortions at around six weeks of pregnancy, a time when many women may not yet know they are pregnant. It makes no exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. Supreme Court precedents prohibit states from banning abortion before fetal viability, the point at which fetuses can sustain life outside the womb, or about 22 to 24 weeks into a pregnancy. That makes the Texas law unconstitutional under the controlling precedents. But it was written to make it difficult to challenge in court. Usually, a lawsuit seeking to block a law because it is unconstitutional would name state officials as defendants. But the Texas law bars state officials from enforcing it and instead deputizes private individuals to sue anyone who performs the procedure or aids and abets it. The patient may not be sued, but doctors, staff members at clinics, counselors, people who help pay for the procedure, and even an Uber driver taking a patient to an abortion clinic are all potential defendants. Plaintiffs, who do not need to live in Texas, have any connection to the abortion or show any injury from it, are entitled to $10,000 and their legal fees recovered if they win. Prevailing defendants are not entitled to legal fees. International travelers fully vaccinated against the coronavirus who have been barred from entering the United States during the pandemic will be able to enter the country on Nov. 8, according to a White House official, marking an end to restrictions that had walled off tourists and relatives seeking to visit their families. The specific date for when the Biden administration would lift travel restrictions for those traveling by air or hoping to cross the land border was previously unclear. The administration last month said it would be implementing a new system in which fully vaccinated foreigners who show proof of a negative coronavirus test would be able to fly to the United States in early November. Earlier this week, administration officials said people hoping to enter from Mexico or Canada who are fully vaccinated would be able to cross at the same time. But thousands around the world eager to organize their travel plans were still left wondering what specific date they would be able to enter. Its hard to see campaigns where everyones laughing and smiling and having bake sales and doing fun runs, said Ms. Fisher, who lives in Sheffield, England, and volunteers with metastatic patient advocacy group MetUpUK. It makes me feel invisible, she said. Its almost like metastatic patients are this dirty little secret of the breast cancer world, because nobody wants to portray breast cancer as a killer. For Bri Majsiak, 27, who had a preventive mastectomy after her mother died of breast cancer, the month can feel like a seasonal bandwagon that every company wants to hop on. Its a pink tsunami of We see you, we feel you, and then its November and its like, Well, thats over, time to get the Thanksgiving stuff out, said Ms. Majsiak, co-founder of The Breasties, a nonprofit organization for people impacted by breast and gynecological cancers. Breast cancer is 365 days a year, not 31, she said. You can get through October as a survivor. It may seem like all eyes are on you this month, but its important not to feel pressure to be a spokesperson for breast cancer, Dr. Ashton said. Ms. Ilderton gives herself permission not to participate in awareness-raising activities and then permission to change her mind and participate after all. You dont have to use your experience to shout from the rafters as some sort of preventative story, she said. Maybe you just want to tell another person about it in a more intimate way. A leading figure in a terrorist group that has declared an affiliation with the Islamic State and destabilized a vast region in West-Central Africa has died, according to Nigerias top military commander, but the threat from violent extremists in the area is far from over. The militant, Abu Musab al-Barnawi, was a key figure in a group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP. Gen. Lucky Irabor, Nigerias military commander. said on Thursday that he could authoritatively confirm the death of Mr. Barnawi, but did not provide any further details. ISWAP splintered off from the better known group Boko Haram in 2016, and for years both outfits have terrorized people across Nigeria and the neighboring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions homeless. ISWAP has focused its attacks on the military in contrast to Boko Haram, which is thought to be responsible for the vast majority of deaths of civilians, according to analysts and military officials in the region. ISWAP is now thought to be as powerful if not more so than Boko Haram. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan Multiple Islamic State suicide bombers at a mosque in southern Afghanistan killed dozens of people and wounded dozens more during Friday Prayer, the second such attack on a Shiite place of worship on successive Fridays in the country. The attack, which witnesses said involved multiple explosions, took place in Kandahar city considered the heart of the re-established Taliban government. The Islamic State Khorasan, also known as ISIS-K, claimed responsibility hours later, saying the attack was carried out by two suicide bombers. The terrorist organization had said it was behind a similar strike last week on a Shiite mosque in Kunduz Province, in the north, that left more than 40 people dead. Hafiz Saidullah, a Taliban official in charge of the culture and information department in Kandahar, said that the latest attack killed 47 people and injured at least 68. Witnesses described a bloody scene at the mosque, after multiple blasts erupted inside the building. A court in China gave the death penalty to a man who murdered his ex-wife while she was livestreaming, a case that shocked the country and ignited calls for better safeguards against domestic abuse. The man, Tang Lu, committed utterly cruel criminal acts, the court in Sichuan Province said in Thursdays verdict, which was handed down after a one-day hearing, according to official news reports. The case had drawn intense attention in China, where the legal system has been criticized for failing to protect women from domestic violence, even after they seek help. Mr. Tangs ex-wife, Lhamo, 30, had done that repeatedly before September last year, when he doused her with gasoline and set her ablaze while she was streaming on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Of course, a lot has changed since then, including the abeyance of Quebecs independence movement. And although language remains a deeply divisive issue in Quebec, many people among the younger generation tell me they would rather become the next Steve Jobs, and succeed on the global stage, than spend time engaged in internecine battles over language. [Read: A Language Bill Deepens a Culture Clash in Quebec] For some proponents of the bill, however, it is precisely this nonchalance, which they perceive as apathy, that is worrisome. For them, protecting French is nothing less than a matter of existential urgency in a globalized era in which the younger generation of Quebecers play video games with their counterparts in China or Russia using English; converse on Facebook in English or watch popular Netflix shows like Bridgerton or Sex Education in English. The threats to French are no illusion, according to Marc Termote, a leading demographer at the Universite de Montreal. He cited a 2017 Statistics Canada report showing that the percentage of people speaking French at home in Quebec was projected to drop to about 75 percent in 2036 compared with 82 percent in 2011. And, he added, immigration, combined with slowing birthrates and an aging population among Francophones in Quebec, challenged the uptake of French. It takes one or two generations for immigrants to adopt a new language, and demographics arent on the side of Francophones, he told me. In the days leading up to the introduction of a mandatory health pass for Italian workers on Friday, anti-vaccine activists and opponents to the measure plotted on chat groups about major demonstrations and war. But as of late Friday afternoon, the opponents to the Green Pass, as the health pass is known, had struggled to raise an army. A week after more than 10,000 vaccine skeptics and other Green Pass opponents staged a Rome demonstration that was infiltrated and turned violent by hard-right extremists, opponents to the Green Pass convened only sparsely attended and scattered protests around the countrys major cities. The strikes in its ports also seemed underwhelming. PARIS Most schools throughout France observed a minute of silence on Friday in remembrance of Samuel Paty, a teacher whose attempt to illustrate free speech to his students led to his beheading a year ago by an Islamist fanatic. As a history teacher, Mr. Paty was responsible for teaching civics. To illustrate the right to blasphemy, free speech and freedom of conscience, he showed caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, setting in motion a swirl of lies and rumor that ended in his beheading. The police investigation revealed that the girl who told her father, Brahim Chnina, a false version of what had taken place in the class and prompted the online frenzy that led to the killing had not been in the class at all. The girl told the police that Mr. Paty had questioned all students on their religious allegiance, let Muslims know that they could leave because they would be shocked and then ordered her out of the class for causing a ruckus while images of a naked Prophet were shown. But the story, it emerged in March, was made up; she was never there. ROME Italy on Friday set a new bar for major Western democracies seeking to move beyond the pandemic by enacting a sweeping law that requires the nations entire work force public and private to have government-issued health passes, essentially forcing Italians to choose between getting a pass and earning a living. With the step, Italy, the first democracy to quarantine towns and apply national lockdowns, is again first across a new threshold, making clear that it is willing to use the full leverage of the state to try to curb the pandemic and get the economy moving. Italys measures, which require proof of vaccination, a negative rapid swab test or recent recovery from Covid-19 to go to the workplace, now stand as some of the toughest among Western democracies, which have struggled to balance public health needs with civil liberty concerns. For many Western governments, that has resulted in refraining from national mandates while seeking other ways to encourage, coax and even mildly coerce people to get vaccinated. KONGSBERG, Norway The man accused of killing five people and wounding two others with a bow and arrow in the small Scandinavian town of Kongsberg has confessed to the rampage, his defense lawyer said in an interview on Friday. Espen Andersen Brathen, 37, a Danish citizen and local convert to Islam, admits to committing the acts he is charged with, said his lawyer, Fredrick Neumann, adding that his client was also undergoing a mental health evaluation by doctors and health personnel. Mr. Brathen, who has been charged with murder, has not yet pleaded in the case, despite his admission of guilt. After a court hearing on Friday, his detention was extended as investigators continue to assemble their case, following a horrifying killing spree this week that spread fear in this town of 27,000 people and shocked the entire country. Mr. Brathen was arrested on Wednesday evening after he entered a Coop Extra supermarket in Kongsberg and began firing arrows from a hunting bow at shoppers, the authorities say. He then stormed through the streets, at one point eluding police and firing arrows in multiple directions, leaving a total of five people dead and two others wounded. Mr. Navalny, in prison, was unable to offer an instant reaction, even as one of his exiled colleagues slammed the Nobel committee for delivering pretentious and hypocritical speeches. On Monday, Mr. Navalny congratulated Mr. Muratov. He noted that the past murders of journalists for Mr. Muratovs Novaya Gazeta newspaper served as a reminder of what a high price those who refuse to serve the authorities have to pay. Mr. Muratov co-founded Novaya Gazeta in 1993, with funding from Mikhail S. Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader. Six journalists working for Novaya have been murdered; their black-and-white portraits in black frames hang in a row in a corner of a conference room at the newspapers Moscow headquarters. As other media outlets either shut down under pressure or were co-opted by the authorities, Novaya maintained its independence and often criticized Mr. Putin. Its 2017 reporting on the torture and killings of gay men in the Caucasus republic of Chechnya prompted a global wave of outrage. After a Novaya expose last year about an oil spill in the Arctic, a Russian court ordered the mining giant Norilsk Nickel run by one of the countrys richest men to pay a $2 billion fine. But Mr. Muratov acknowledges that he holds back on what has become a particularly explosive sort of investigative journalism in todays Russia: exploring the hidden wealth of Mr. Putin and his inner circle. Much of that wealth, reporters at other publications have found, is held by family members or suspected extramarital partners and their children. Mr. Muratov says that though his reporters also pursue corruption investigations, we dont get into peoples private lives. When it comes to children and women I stop, Mr. Muratov said. The online news outlets that published those more aggressive investigations have been outlawed or declared foreign agents in recent months, with many of their editors and reporters forced into exile. Novaya has managed to continue operating, despite widespread speculation that it also faced a crackdown. We are an influential newspaper, which means we have to be able to have a dialogue, Mr. Muratov said. As soon as you start to offend people whether or not they are in power you lose influence. People dont talk to you anymore. BEIRUT, Lebanon Lebanon observed a day of mourning on Friday, a day after lethal gun battles between Christian and Shiite Muslim militias erupted in the capital in a faint but dangerous echo of the 15-year civil war that devastated the country. With schools and businesses closed, the streets of Beirut were hushed. Residents stayed inside, monitoring news reports tense with speculation: Would the violence spiral into a more sustained conflict, as sectarian clashes are prone to do in deeply divided Lebanon? The country already in the grip of an economic meltdown compounded by political paralysis and the huge explosion in the Beirut port last year seemed to have kept further violence at bay, at least for now. There were no reports of renewed clashes, but the death toll rose from six to seven after a man injured in Thursdays violence died in the hospital, according to a Lebanese state news agency. The neighborhoods where the gun battles broke out for about four hours on Thursday, in the Tayouneh area, were on the front line of the civil war, when Beirut was divided as Christian militias in the east of the city battled Muslim ones in the west, making it one of the most volatile areas. The military was deployed in Tayouneh on Friday to keep calm, with soldiers and armed vehicles in the streets. China launched a new crew of three astronauts into space on Saturday, beginning the longest trip so far to the countrys orbiting space station, called Tiangong, or Heavenly Palace. The launch, which took place shortly after midnight on early Saturday morning local time in the Gobi Desert, comes a month after the first three occupants completed a three-month stay aboard Tiangong, where they tested the stations features during a mission that an official on Thursday described as a complete success. This crew is scheduled to remain aboard for six months, which will be the norm for future missions, the official, Lin Xiqiang, a deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency, said at a briefing in Beijing. The new mission is part of a flurry of activity in Chinas space program that has also included the return of soil samples from the moon and the landing of a robotic rover on Mars. Behind the Scenes at a Conservative Rally Astead W. Herndon Reporting from Richmond, Va. As a politics reporter, I have been to lots of conservative rallies. And I often see Trump fans wearing clothes that mimic some of his political calling cards: mocking his political opponents, using vulgar language and openly embracing political incorrectness. In Virginia, I talked to three men all dressed fairly typically for an event like this about what they decided to wear and how their clothing reflected their political beliefs. Stillwater, OK (74078) Today Mostly sunny early then partly cloudy and windy this afternoon. High 61F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 42F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Aptly named Cat Poop Brownies, these Halloween treats created by Singaporean cafe Nasty Cookie really look like something youd only expect to find in a cats litter box. When it comes to disgusting-looking food, weve featured a few examples over the years, with notable mentions including milkfish intestines and alien dumplings, but most often than not, the unappetizing look was not by design. In the case of Cat Poop Brownies, however, the bakers at Nasty Cookie tried to make the chocolatey treats as crappy as possible. Shaped just like cat poop and placed on a layer of crumble that looks just like litter sand, this brownie dessert looks hard to stomach, to say the least. Singapore-based cafe Nasty Cookie has announced that its new Cat Poop Brownies will be available for a limited time (October 16 31), as part of a special Halloween lineup. Anyone brave enough to try them, or those wanting to prank their friend, can pick them up in boxes of three, for $5. The promotional pics shared by Nasty Cookie not only show realistic-looking cat poop brownies on a bed of crumble but also feature a plastic poop scoop, which we assume will be used to set the brownies in the cardboard packaging. Luckily, Nasty Cookie has assured everyone that, unlike real cat poop, its brownies actually smell appetizing. Nasty Cookie is famous for its unconventional treats. For this years Aprils Fools, they launched cookie nuggets, delicious cookies shaped as chicken nuggets. This week, the people of Plouneventer, a town in Frances Brittany region, woke up to a very bizarre sight a white van perched on top of a bus station. Imagine waking up early in the morning to take the bus to work and finding a car on top of the bus station? Its still night out, theres hardly anyone around, and theres a car in the last place youd expect to see one. No, its not a lost episode of the Twilight Zone, but something that commuters in the French town of Plouneventer experienced on Monday morning. Some clicked a few photos of the white van perched on top of the Place de lEglise bus station and posted them on social media, where they quickly went viral. Photo: Facebook The gendarmerie was notified about the bizarre display in Plouneventer, and they took some photos as well, before taking down the vehicle, to avoid any unwanted accidents. However, despite identifying the owner of the vehicle, they still couldnt find any clues as to who or why had placed it atop the bus station. Photo: Facebook Its a total mystery. We know who owns the vehicle, but we dont know how it got there and especially why, captain Christophe Laval told French journalists. Photo: Facebook In the beginning, people on social media suspected some sort of modern art piece thought up by a local artist or part of an original marketing project, but the gendarmerie quickly clarified that neither of those theories was plausible in this case. They even took to Facebook to ask people to help them with leads in this mysterious case. For almost an entire week, the mystery of the van perched on top of the bus station puzzled everyone, but yesterday, French media announced that the case had finally been cracked. As it turns out, there wasnt alcohol involved (as everyone suspected), but a commercial dispute between the owner of the van and the perpetrator, allegedly over the vehicle itself. In anger, the perpetrator allegedly took a pallet truck and hoisted the car onto the bus shelter. Both the owner of the vehicle and the perpetrator were brought in for questioning, and the latter may face charges of endangerment. An Indian man was found guilty of murdering his wife by renting a cobra to bite her and make it look like an accident, so he could take her jewelry and marry another woman. In what has been described as a modern murder mystery, a young man from the Kollam District of the Indian state of Kerala was convicted of arranging and carrying out his wifes murder with the help of a venomous snake. The heinous crime took place in May of 2020, but investigators needed over a year to collect the necessary evidence to charge the husband. In fact, the 32-year-old man might have gotten away with murder if not for the wifes parents, who suspected foul play and filed a complaint against him. Photo: Meet Konkani/Unsplash Prosecutors managed to prove that in March and May of last year, P. Sooraj used a cobra rented from a local handler to poison his own wife, Uthra. During the first attempt, which was carried out in the couples home, where they lived with their one-year-old child, Uthra was bitten by one of the snakes, but she managed to survive. Then, on May 6th of last year, while she was recovering from the first snake bite, Uthra suffered another snake bite, which this time proved fatal. Investigators claimed that P. Sooraj was the one who brought the venomous cobras and had them bite his wife, on both occasions. They produced evidence that the 32-year-old had researched snake handling and deadly snake bites on the internet for months, before contacting a snake handler and learning how to safely handle them. Police managed to track down the snake handler who admitted to training Sooraj to handle the snake and even providing him with a specimen, which he then used to try and kill his wife, on two occasions. The second time, he allegedly mixed sleeping pills in Uthras drink and then released the cobra on her, even provoking it to bite the woman twice. He then remained awake the whole night, to make sure the cobra didnt bite him as well. In the morning, Sooraj pretended to be shocked after discovering Uthras dead body, but the womans parents didnt buy it. For months, the 32-year-old and his family had harassed their daughter for dowry, despite receiving gold, 5 lakh cash ($ 6,629), and a car, when they got married. They filed a complaint against Sooraj, accusing him of setting up the whole thing. P. Sooraj and his family immediately tried to shift the blame, filing a complaint of their own against Uthras brother, whom they accused of wanting to inherit the entire family fortune. However, when the police launched their investigation, it became clear that Soorajs claims held no weight, and that he had a lot to hide. Lacking any witnesses and direct circumstantial evidence, prosecutors relied on scientific and technical evidence to prove the husbands guilt, going as far as to conduct a test with a snake to show the difference between natural and induced bite marks. More evidence was collected with the help of herpetologists, forensic experts, forest officials, and snake handlers. In natural (accidental) bite, marks will spread to 1.7 to 1.8 cm but in Uthras case, it was 2.3 to 2.8 cm. That surely showed pressure was induced on the cobra, an investigation officer told Hindustan Times. During its investigation, the Special Investigation Team also discovered that Sooraj was planning to marry another woman, and was trying to get his hands on Uthras jewelry. I am happy finally my daughter got justice. We expect maximum punishment for Sooraj. We pray no other parents should undergo our experience, said Uthras father, Rajasenan, after the judge found P. Sooraj guilty of murder. Karen Strauss It might seem like ages ago, but when the COVID-19 vaccines were in development in late 2020, Johnson & Johnson had the biggest advantage with U.S. consumers. After decades of successful branding of its baby products, the company had established a halo of trust with people across the country. Since the vaccines became available, J&J has also outspent its rivals, Pfizer and Moderna, on digital advertising. Yet Pfizer has been, far and away, the big winner in vaccine brand popularity. In an M Booth Health survey of 1,000 demographically diverse adultsconducted online by independent market research and advisory firm Savanta in April 2021three-quarters of American consumers said they prefer one vaccine over the others. The top three cited preferences were Pfizer (36 percent), Moderna (19 percent) and J&J (17 percent). This article is featured in O'Dwyer's Oct. '21 Healthcare & Medical PR Magazine (view PDF version) How did this happen? Doctors and public health officials, after all, have advised people to get any of the vaccines and that none is inferior. But Pfizer won with the help of marketing communications savvy, offering crucial lessons for healthcare marketers and communicators and, frankly, marketers from any industry. Dont rest on first-mover advantage Pfizer was the first vaccine to be approved for use in the United States for people aged 16 and older. But Moderna came along just a week later. And both approvals were in December, long before most Americans could access either of them, since limited supplies went to people in certain categories. The J&J vaccine received approval in February, just as vaccines were becoming more widely available. So, while Pfizer may have impressed some consumers by being first, by the time most people were getting vaccines, all three were available. And the first-mover advantage doesnt automatically breed lasting success. Just look at Uber, which was not the first ride-hailing app. Pfizer strategically built on its early momentum, and was careful never to cede ground. Be visible, transparent and human Our survey shows that Americans have heightened awareness of pharmaceutical brands. With so much attention focused on drug makers, people have come to think of them in more familiar terms, akin to consumer lifestyle brands such as Nike and Amazon. And while this newfound interest has its most immediate impact on the vaccine makers, we found it extends to other pharma brands as well. Bayer, AstraZeneca, Merck, BMS, Lilly, GSK and Novartis have all seen increases in unaided brand recall. We call this shift the Pharma Brandemic, a veritable epidemic of Pharma brand familiarity. Its no exaggeration to say that the COVID-19 vaccines have changed healthcare marketing forever. These brands achievements and upheaval of the pandemic have fundamentally altered consumer understanding of pharmaceutical brands in ways that are enduring. Consumers absolutely want to feel a connection to a brand and the people behind it. Nearly half of respondents said they want to hear more from leaders of pharmaceutical companies. Nearly a third of Latinos, and slightly smaller numbers of Blacks and Asians, said they want more videos from CEOs on social media channels to help them understand medicines and vaccines and how they work. And one-third said that when pharma companies talk openly about challenges theyre facing, it makes them more likeable. This helps explain Pfizers success. From CEO Albert Bourla on down, company officials posted open letters, took part in interviews and wrote columns. They were open about setbacks and triumphs. Pfizer showcased its people at work in a documentary with National Geographic. Bring consumers inside your product Consumers today want to know and understand whats in the products they use. Theyre increasingly Googling skincare ingredients and identifying as clean eaters. So, its no surprise that they want to understand whats in vaccines. In our survey, more than half (57 percent) of respondents said theyre now more likely to explore the science behind any medication they take in the future. Of interest, more than six-in-10 (61 percent) Black respondents polled said theyre more likely to ask or learn about the science behind a medicine before they request or accept it, several points higher than other demographic groups. Pfizer succeeded by explaining its vaccine in digestible, human terms. Align your messaging Pfizer also benefited from a rebrand that was already underway before the pandemic. It stepped up the launch, with the new Science Will Win slogan, along with a new logo designed to, as the Wall Street Journal put it, demonstrate the companys elevated scientific mission. This was exactly the message consumers wanted to hear. When your corporate message and your product message are in unison, the stars have aligned. Deploy the right influencers Black respondents self-identified as being among the most informed about the vaccines. More than half (52 percent) described themselves as active or super active in their approach to staying informed. Only Asians reported a higher figure, at 56 percent. Among Latinos, 46 percent said they are active or super active in staying informed, just edging out white respondents at 45 percent. For minority audiences, online influencers played an especially important role. More than three-in-10 Latino and Black people polled and 19 percent of Whites polled, said theyre most interested in hearing from the health and wellness influencers they follow on social media. In fact, minority audiences are twice as likely as white audiences to turn to Instagram and YouTube to learn about vaccines. Pfizer deployed influencers effectively. Win the hashtag war Pfizer also benefited from something thats a sign of the times. While the J&J ampersand cant be used in a hashtag (and #TeamJohnsonAndJohnson is long), #TeamPfizer and #PfizerGang caught on across social platforms. Our estimates in May showed that Pfizer had about 8.6 million engagements related to the vaccine on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram, while Moderna had 1.7 million and J&J had fewer than 100,000. Through all these steps, Pfizer also successfully rode a wave of earned media, including, effectively, endorsements from celebrities who shared their experiences getting shots. It became the so-called status vax, without ever claiming to be superior, which wouldve been a turnoff. Of course, anything can still happen. Theres no guarantee that Pfizer will maintain its dominance as COVID-19 variants and booster shots spark a new wave of debate and personal decision making. And all the vaccine makers have powerful marketing communications campaigns underway. But Pfizer remains in the lead, and we should all take note. *** Karen Strauss is Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at M Booth Health. BGR Public Relations inked a contract October 12 to help Kazakhstan celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties with the US. Kazakhstan, which was part of the Soviet Union, declared its independence on December 16, 1991 and established ties with the US. The country renounced its nuclear arsenal, which was the world's 4th largest, and closed a testing site. George Washington University's Central Asia Program and Kazakhstan's Embassy will hold a virtual conference on December 16 to discuss political, trade, economic, security and cultural ties between the US and Kazakhstan. BGR's pact runs through the rest of the year. It receives a $30K monthly retainer for the work. Jeff Birnbaum, president of BGR PR, handles the effort. He's a former Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Fortune reporter and longtime Fox News Channel contributor. Laura Burns BoardroomPR promotes Laura Burns to senior VP. Burns has been with the firm since 2012, most recently serving as VP. She specializes in media relations and crisis communications, working with clients in such industries as real estate, healthcare and education. Before joining BoardroomPR, Burns was an executive producer at WPLG/Local 10, the ABC News affiliate in Miami. Her incredible journalism background, combined with her unwavering professionalism and dedication has made her a true asset to our team, said BoardroomPR CEO and founder Julie Talenfeld. Crenshaw Communications names Caroline Yodice director of ad tech. Yodice, who was previously a senior account supervisor at the firm, reports to partner Chris Harihar. Before coming to Crenshaw, she was a senior account executive at both SourceCode Communications and Sparkpr. Carolines expertise and experience in this space are matched only by her enthusiasm for it, said Harihar. Crenshaw has also added Hannah Kasoff, who was previously associate marketing manager at Mediaocean, to its ad tech team. The agency has also brough on new clients including video technology company tecConnatix, and BrandTotal, a social competitive intelligence and brand analytics platform. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a think tank that develops policy solutions aimed at eradicating barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America, names Chandra Hayslett VP of communications. The addition of this position is part of the Joint Centers plan to restructure and position itself as the go-to resource on emerging issues that are critical to Black communities. Hayslett comes to the Joint Center from the Center for Constitutional Rights, where she was director of communications. She previously spent 11 years as a newspaper reporter covering K-12 public education and politics at newspapers across Tennessee and New Jersey, including the Newark Star-Ledger, where she was part of a reporting team that won the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news. In her new post, Hayslett will be responsible for the development and implementation of a communications strategy to amplify and advance the Joint Centers strategic audience engagement, research priorities and growth. Ignition Media Group is engaged by Stellantis, which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, to serve as "a sounding board and multicultural thought partner." The Detroit-based, minority-owned agency is tasked with helping to shape and fortify Stellantis' media and marketing strategies, focusing on the company's North America brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep and Ram. "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," said Stellantis North America vice president of marketing Marissa Hunter, adding that the partnership will ensure that the company is "both audience aware and culturally inclusive" across its brand portfolio. LDPR adds the BodyHoliday and Rendezvous resorts in St. Lucia to its roster of Caribbean hotel clients. The agency will work with both properties on a strategic media relations and media visit program for North America, with a focus on travel, trade, wellness and lifestyle media. The all-inclusive BodyHoliday, which bills itself as the first Caribbean destination spa, is a 155-room property that offers health and fitness classes in addition to a spa treatment. Rendezvous, a couples-only destination, has 100 guestrooms, two restaurants and three bars. Amendola Communications signs on with Vim, a company that builds digital infrastructure for health plans and care providers. Amendola will implement a comprehensive media and communications plan for the company to showcase its technology and services, new offerings, accomplishments, customer wins and industry partnerships. "We were impressed by their team's deep knowledge of the healthcare and health tech space, connections within the industry, and proven track record of successful representation. We're excited to collaborate with them and share our unique value with the market," said Vim CEO and co-founder Oron Afek. Senator Pippa Hackett has called for greater equality between men and women in farm ownership. Speaking in the Seanad to mark International Rural Womens Day on Friday, 15 October, the Senator said: No other occupation has such an imbalance in property ownership. We know that one quarter of our farms workforce are women, yet only 4% of farms registered with the Dept of Agriculture are in joint female/male names. Women are listed as sole owners of 10% of all farmland in Ireland, but most of these women own the land through marital transfer, rather than succession or inheritance. These figures dont tally well for equality. Senator Hackett, who is Minister for Land Use and Biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, praised the women of rural Ireland for their determination. I have been lucky to encounter many wonderful women with unrelenting drive, determination and resilience to be innovative and industrious, to diversify, and to drive on after personal trauma and difficult times. Daughters and sisters, widows and mothers, all striving to provide for themselves and their families, in sometimes very remote rural areas, she said. With each new land registry, herd number or farm payment in a womans name, each new qualification she gains, each new female successor named, each business sale she makes, or each rural TikTok video she posts; rural women are challenging the prevailing culture and changing the future face of Irelands rural enterprises. Senator Hackett called for the support of rural men in rectifying the imbalance. To rural men, we need your support in this. To the farmers of Ireland I say, why are your daughters not your successors? What can we as policy makers do to help? How do we address that cultural bias that exists? We need to keep young women in rural communities, and farming is as good a way as any of doing this. THE 2021 Christmas Shoebox campaign is up and running. Volunteers in Co Offaly and across Ireland are ready to ensure your shoeboxes are delivered into the hands of children affected by poverty. These gifts are often the only present that a child will receive at Christmas and each one brings incredible joy both through the contents and as a message of love and support. Last year one childs mother expressed this feeling by saying Now we have hope where there was no hope. Since 2010 Team Hope have delivered 2.1 million shoebox gifts to vulnerable children in Eastern Europe and Africa. This year Team Hope plan to deliver shoebox gifts to Ukraine, Transnistria (Moldova), Romania, Kosovo, Albania, Belarus, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, eSwatini (Swaziland), Malawi, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Rwanda. You can choose to get involved by building your own shoebox gift at home or school and there is a helpful guide on www.teamhope.ie which details how to put a box together. Alternatively, you can build a shoebox on line by donating 20 and selecting the individual items you would like to be included in your gift box or opt to have Team Hope choose the items for you. There are a number of local businesses kindly acting as drop-off points for completed shoeboxes (in addition to participating schools and organisations ) including: Dealz, Cloncollig, Tullamore; Kellys Toymaster, Church Road, Tullamore; Clara Family Resource Centre, Clara, Co Offaly; Spar, Hill Street, Cloghan: FirstStop, Banagher, Gorman Hooper Dolan Insurance, OMoore Street, Tullamore and Noinini Beaga, Syngefield, Birr. If you would like any further information or would like to get involved as a volunteer with this years campaign please contact Jean Gill on (087) 9885915. When the first case was reported in our community, in fact the first death, that is when we realized that this was not just happening to our community, that it was not just our indigenous people, but that the virus was affecting the entire Brazilian society, said Rootsitsina Juruna, UN Human Rights Senior Indigenous Fellow from Brazil. Rootsitsina is a member of the Xavante people who dwell in the Namunkura community in the State of Mato Grosso, western Brazil. The Xavante people comprise some 22,000 members spread out in nine different indigenous lands. According to Rootsitsina, to date, more than 900 Xavante people have developed COVID-19 and more than 50 have died. More than 1000 indigenous deaths were reported in Brazil. Even before the outbreak reached her community, the Xavante had started organizing themselves to respond to the pandemic as, Rootsitsina pointed out, It was almost inevitable that the virus would reach our community because of the flow of indigenous people from the community to the city and back. Her organization, Namunkura Associacao Xavante, soon started raising awareness about risks related to the pandemic on social media. They created cards and shared news reports on the pandemic in Portuguese and the Xavante language. At the national level, the Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health, which serves Rootsitsinas community through the Xavante sanitary district, started sharing information about the virus from the beginning of the outbreak and has been encouraging health professionals in the area to join in those efforts. However, the campaign has not been effective as quickly as they had hoped because of reticence from the local population. Indigenous leaders were at first unwilling to enforce prevention measures such as physical distancing, which was contrary to their traditional collective way of life. Eventually, they gathered in community councils, a wara, where only men are usually allowed. However, this time the entire community was mobilized to learn about the pandemic and respond collectively. During the pandemic, indigenous peoples around the world have been seeking their own solutions. They have used traditional knowledge and practices such as voluntary isolation, and sealing off their territories, and other preventive measures, to curb the spread of infection. In the first stages of the outbreak in the Xavante community, traditional medicine was used to minimize symptoms of the disease in those infected. Many indigenous people did not want to take the so-called Western medicines, which are offered by indigenous health services, so instead they began to take and practice more traditional medicine, through roots, teas, and ablutions, Rootsitsina explained. I believe this strengthened our culture. When the COVID-19 vaccines became available, a number of high-level officials and religious groups, Rootsitsina pointed out, started spreading misinformation about the vaccines. There was a fake news network all over Brazil and this information came to our communities, she said. As a result, many indigenous people became resistant to immunization. To counter vaccine misinformation and resistance, Rootsitsinas organization produced a series of videos, including one entitled Who loves, cares that showed the community the importance of vaccines to save lives, appealing to peoples responsibility to their families and community. The organization also set up a vaccination programme with the support of community leaders, who were looked by the community as a reliable source of knowledge and information. The organization also educated indigenous people on their rights but also duties. Through the Articulacao dos Povos Indigenas do Brazil a network of indigenous movements - indigenous peoples requested the national and local authorities to take responsibility in the prevention and fight against the pandemic in their communities. As a result, indigenous peoples were identified by the Government as a priority group for vaccination and the first and second doses of the vaccines are guaranteed to them. Although Rootsitsinas Namunkura community was prioritized for access to health services and vaccines against COVID-19, as well as receiving information in their native language on the pandemic, many other indigenous communities around the world experience poor access to healthcare, and significantly higher rates of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Further, most nearby local medical facilities, if and when available, are often under-equipped and under-staffed. Even when indigenous peoples are able to access healthcare services, they can face stigma and discrimination. The UN Human Rights guidance on indigenous peoples and COVID-19 recommends that States take urgent action to ensure that timely, accessible and accurate information about prevention and care, how to seek help in case of symptoms, and what is being done to address the pandemic, is made available to indigenous peoples living in their ancestral territories and in urban contexts, in as many indigenous languages and formats (oral, written, child friendly) as possible. I believe that it is only through knowledge, talking about what human rights are, that we can make a little progress. But it is not enough for us to educate indigenous communities, talk about these human rights, if such human rights are violated by the State, Rootsitsina said. We need to know what we can do to defend our rights and make these de facto effective. 15 October 2021 This story is part of Human Rights Champions a recurring series featuring portraits of human rights defenders or organizations that stand up for human rights. Disclaimer: The views, information and opinions expressed in this article are those of the persons featured in the story and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 716-372-3121 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. It is often said that maintenance digitalization projects have a very low success rate. Often managed by IT, most CMMS or EAM projects result in systems that maybe work from a technical standpoint (users can login and access the various functions) but cannot be used in practice (data not accurate, no useful reports, inconvenient user interfaces). Obviously such system does not help the company achieve any industrial improvement. This has The court date is now pushed back until 2022 leaving the newly two year ordeal up in the air. Tech company Net Diatom, located in Central Illinois, filed suit in the end of 2020 against Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, Inc. for unfair business squandering and censorship. "..early on you could already see we were being blocked and posts would fail, other posts would disappear as if never posted at Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], October 15 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Friday showed concern over the geo-political changes in Afghanistan and questioned the intention of Taliban, Pakistan and China while adding that our military preparedness on the borders needs to be strengthened. In his annual Vijaya Dashami address, the RSS Sarsanghchalak said, "We know Taliban's history. China and Pakistan support it to this day. Even if the Taliban changed, Pakistan didn't. Has China's intentions towards India changed? While dialogues should happen but we need to be aware, alert and prepared." "Their predisposition - passionate fanaticism, tyranny and terrorism in the name of Islam - is sufficient to make everyone apprehensive of the Taliban. But now China, Pakistan and Turkey have coalesced in an unholy coalition with the Taliban. Since Abdali, our north-western borders are once again a matter of serious concern," said Shri Mohan Bhagwat. He said that border security needs to be strengthened not just along the land border but also along the coastline where silent attacks take place. He said that the illegal infiltration from across the border should be completely curbed while adding that these infiltrators should be deprived of citizenship rights by creating a national citizen magazine. He urged the government to take necessary measures to stop targeted killings in the valley. "Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have restarted the spate of targeted killings of nationalists especially Hindus. This is being done to destroy their morale and to re-establish the reign of terror in the valley. The government should fast track its efforts to curb and neutralise the terrorist activities," added Shri Mohan Bhagwat. Shri Mohan Bhagwat emphasised that it is India's culture to integrate varied linguistic, religious and regional traditions and to promote mutual cooperation among all while accepting and honouring all as equal with identical opportunities for growth. "Our ideals are our common ancestors. It is the grasp of this very fact that the country saw martyrs like Hasankhan Mewati, Hakimkhan Suri, Khudabaksh and Gaus Khan and a revolutionary like Ashfaqullah Khan. They are admirable role models for all," he said. (ANI) Atleast 16 people have been killed and around 40 others suffered injuries in a bombing attack at a Shia mosque in Kandahar, local media reported. Local officials told TOLOnews that 16 people were killed and nearly 40 others were injured in today's bombing attack on the Kandahar mosque. A powerful explosion hit the mosque -- Imam Barga -- in the southern province of Kandahar on Friday, local media reported citing officials. The explosion occurred during Friday prayers. No terror group has so far taken the responsibility for the explosion. In recent weeks, the Islamic State (IS) has carried out a number of attacks targeting religious places. This is the second bomb attack against a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan over the past week. In the first attack, which happened in the northern Kunduz city last Friday and was claimed by the IS terror group, more than 50 lives of worshippers were lost and scores of others were injured. (ANI) Five years after his demise, Dr Kalam's contributions are still remembered as some of the best scientific and technological developments in the country. New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday remembered former President APJ Abdul Kalam on his 90th birth anniversary and said that the Missile Man dedicated his life to make India strong, prosperous and capable. The Prime Minister further said that Kalam will always remain an inspiration for countrymen. "Tributes to former President of the country, known as Missile Man, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Ji on his birth anniversary. He dedicated his life in making India strong, prosperous and capable. He will always remain a source of inspiration for the countrymen," he tweeted. From being the people's President to spearheading the development of the most significant Indian missiles, late President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has contributed to the development of the country in different spheres. As an aerospace scientist, Kalam worked with India's two major research organisations - Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). For his work in the fields of science and politics, the 11th President was also awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. He also earned the sobriquet 'Missile Man of India' for his role in the development of India's missile programmes. Kalam breathed his last on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong when he collapsed and died from a cardiac arrest. Five years after his demise, his contributions are still remembered as some of the best scientific and technological developments in the country. (ANI) The Vijaya Dashami address of the RSS Sarsanghchalak is considered the most important event for the organisation as it is during his address future plans and vision are put forth for all to follow Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], October 15 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said that the country's journey from 'swadheehnta to swatantrata' is as yet far from complete as there are elements in the world for whom India's progress and its rise to a respected position are detrimental to their vested interests. Shri Mohan Bhagwat further said that if the religion that envisions a world based on the Sanatan value-system prevails in India then the foul play of those "selfish forces" will automatically be neutralised. In his annual Vijaya Dashami address, the Sarsanghchalak said, "When comparing and contrasting the present scenario with this ideal of independent Bharat one realises, our journey from Swadheehnta (independence/ Self-rule) to Swatantrata (self-model of governance) is as yet far from complete. There are elements in the world for whom Bharat's progress and its rise to a respected position are detrimental to their vested interests." Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat cautioned the citizens of India that efforts are underway through misrepresentation and propaganda against the nation's traditions, religion, people and history. "A systematic effort is underway to confuse the world and even the citizens of the country, through misrepresentation and propaganda against Bharat's people, the present scenario, Bharat's history, Bharatiya culture and the socio-cultural groups that are working for the national rejuvenation of Bharat," he said. "Fearful of their impending defeat and a total obliteration, these forces are convulsing and coalescing to execute their operations overtly and covertly. We must see through the conniving of all those groups and cautiously protect ourselves and our society from these psychological snares," he added. The Vijaya Dashami address of the RSS Sarsanghchalak is considered the most important event for the organisation as it is during his address future plans and vision are put forth for all to follow. Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, according to the Hindu calendar is celebrated on the 10th day after the 9 days of Navratri festivities in the month of Ashvina. (ANI) The latest notification concerning the BSFs jurisdiction is a step in the right direction. It is a timely and calculated measure to tackle new risks facing national security The problem is not the persistent false narrative of the Opposition; it is the Left-wing medias tradition of overlooking critical aspects. In a first-of-its-kind security threat to the country, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were dropped by using drones at an Indian Air Force base in Jammu. Forget terrorists infiltrating in the country to carry out sophisticated attacks on India; this is the age of next-level warfare where drones with kilos of payload can be used to launch a deadly attack. In the enquiry that followed, it was found that the drones conveniently returned to their original launching site, indeed in Pakistan, after dropping four kilograms of payloads. The IAF base is 14 km from the Indo-Pak border, and this was purportedly the first attack launched against India using drones. This June 2021 incident has been brushed under the carpet by opposition leaders who are decrying threat to federalism in India in the wake of the expansion of the Border Security Forces (BSF) area of operations. If this was too old to recall, the Opposition must recall a September incident where the BSF recovered at least 6 kg heroin, packed sophistically in six packets and delivered from Pakistan to the bordering Punjab state by drone. Drones have become a big threat to national security over the past few years. These are too small to detect, especially during the nighttime, and they can travel long distances from their launch site. This was the main reason why the Centre chose to make changes in the jurisdiction of the BSF. Now, this border guarding force can exercise jurisdiction up to 50 km from the international border in the states of Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. In the first, the menace of drug trafficking and substance abuse is alarming, and in the latter two, illegal migrants crossing the international border to enter India is the biggest threat facing these two states socio-economic fabric. What the Opposition misses in its rant against the Centre is the fact that the previous July 2014 notification had allowed jurisdiction of the BSF within a belt of 80 km in the state of Gujarat. The very state has been one of the biggest bastions of the ruling party at the Centre for decades. The latest gazette notification is a sort of acknowledgement of new challenges to national security, together with parity among states. Now, Gujarat also has the same area under the BSF as other states, though some northeastern states continue to fall entirely under the BSF control. The TMC-led West Bengal State Government minister has reminded the Centre that law and order is a state subject. This, if true, should ideally make all the Central Armed Police Forces, including the ITBP and SSB, unconstitutional. And for that matter, even the creation of the BSF in 1965 by the then Congress party government should be called into question. When Pakistan attacked Sardar Post and multiple other facilities during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, the Central Government decided to have a specialised agency to guard our borders with Pakistan. By 1971, the BSF had become a formidable force and made it possible for India to help Bangladesh win liberation. Moreover, the latest notification expanding the BSFs jurisdiction is a part of a coordinated design to deal with emerging threats. In July, the BSF launched an initiative to rope in the expertise of Indian companies to address the pressing issue of cross-border drone attacks. The BSF Hi-tech Undertaking for Maximizing Innovation (BHUMI) mission will seek cooperation from local partners for drone detection. The mission will prioritise the fight against narco-terrorism and the increasing threat of attacks on security installations. What the Opposition misses in its rant against the Centre is the fact that the previous July 2014 notification had allowed jurisdiction of the BSF within a belt of 80 km in the state of Gujarat. The latest gazette notification is a sort of acknowledgement of new challenges to national security, together with parity among states. It is unfortunate that the Opposition continuously sidelines vital elements. Earlier this month, a drone was used to send arms from the Pakistan side into Jammu. This drone carried an AK rifle and a night vision device. If 1965 was the year that called for the creation of a centrally-controlled armed force for border areas, the 2020s is the time to re-think the BSFs design to fight the next-level warfare. Lastly, the opposition-ruled states have continually decried the threat to federalism ever since the ruling BJP assumed power at the Centre. They seem to have totally forgotten the misuse of Article 365 of the Indian constitution by the Congress-led central governments on more than 90 occasions to topple state governments. The creation of the Central Armed Police Forces was pioneered under Congress. Another key concern is the synchronised attack on the Centre by opposition-ruled state governments that smacks of vested interests and malafide intent. Who will gain if the enemy nations succeed in smuggling arms and drugs to these bordering states? Who will gain if the unchecked illegal crossing of borders goes on in the states of West Bengal and Assam? These are some crucial questions that call for answers from the respective state governments. The latest notification concerning the BSFs jurisdiction is a step in the right direction. It is a timely and calculated measure to tackle new risks facing national security. The Left-wing media and its sponsors in the Opposition are all out to misguide the country on a critical subject matter. Jammu and Kashmir, Oct 14 (ANI): President Ram Nath Kovind interacts with the Jawans and officials of all ranks (ANI Photo) President Ram Nath Kovind interacted with the Jawans and officials of all ranks at Indian Army Northern command Headquarters, in Udhampur on Thursday. New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): On the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, President Ram Nath Kovind extended his wishes to all the countrymen and said that this festival inspires us to walk on the path of morality, goodness and virtue. "Hearty congratulations to all the countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami. Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil. This festival inspires us to walk on the path of morality, goodness and virtue. I wish that this festival brings prosperity and happiness in the lives of the countrymen," tweeted Rashtrapati Bhavan. Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, according to the Hindu calendar is celebrated on the 10th day after the nine days of Navratri festivities in the month of Ashvina. The festival is celebrated differently in various parts of the country. It is celebrated with great joy and fervour across India by burning the effigies of Ravan in open fields to symbolise the victory of 'good' over 'evil'. (ANI) New Delhi: The 'pharmacy of the world', which was also ridiculed during the peak of the second wave of the pandemic, is back in business and action. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the Covid-19 vaccines have been already sent to neighbouring countries Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and also Iran. This follows the central government decision to resume their supplies. India suspended the exports of Covid-19 vaccines in April to focus on inoculating its own population in the wake of a sudden spike in infections. 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, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi told reporters here. He said the foreign ministry is constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation. As far as I know, vaccines have already gone to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran,' he said. He said the decision on further supplies will be based on the countrys production and demand. We will decide on further supplies based on our production and demand, he said. It may be stated that vaccination drives in India have been immensely successful with over 95 crore people already taking the jabs. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had last month announced India will resume export of surplus Covid-19 vaccines in October under the 'Vaccine Maitri' programme. This is also part of India's commitment to the 'COVAX global pool'. New Delhi: Alarmed by a series of attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, India on Thursday, Oct 14, said that the Indian High Commission is in close contact with authorities in Bangladesh over the matter. "We have seen some reports of attacks on religious gatherings in Bangladesh. We note that the Bangladesh government has reacted strongly to it. We also understand that Durga Puja celebrations continue in Bangladesh," MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi told reporters at the weekly briefing here. He also said: "Our High Commission is in close contact with authorities". At least four people are feared killed and many others injured in mayhem in Bangladesh as unidentified miscreants attacked some temples there during Durga Puja celebrations. Communal incidents have surged in Bangladesh in the last two days, with a spree of attacks on temples and pandals amid Durga Puja celebrations. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said tough action would be taken against the perpetrators, regardless of their religion. A Home ministry spokesperson in Dhaka said that the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) troops have been deployed in 22 districts across the country and the services of the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been also enlisted. At least 41 people were arrested following violence that reportedly left up to four dead and at least 60 injured. The violence spread in Chandur areas where in a place called Hajiganj a large number of 'radical Muslims' attacked temples, while the puja was in progress forcing police open fire on the mob leaving at least four people dead, reports said. Reports also said, this year the Hindu community, who make up less than 10 per cent of the countrys 160 million people, set up more than 33,000 puja pandals. However, rituals like Kumari Puja and immersion processions were curtailed due to Covid-19 pandemic. BJP leader in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari. LoP state assembly, also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to take necessary and urgent steps to provide relief to the 'Sanatani People' of Bangladesh. "The notorious vandals are habituated in targeting the 'Sanatani' minority community of Bangladesh. This time the religious fanatics took to the streets to vandalize several Durga Puja pandals and various temples also", he wrote. India reacts with caution on China-Bhutan pact: Meanwhile, India reacted with caution to Bhutan and China signing an agreement on a three-step roadmap" to expedite negotiations to resolve boundary dispute. We have noted the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bhutan and China today. You are aware that Bhutan and China have been holding boundary negotiations since 1984. India has similarly been holding boundary negotiations with China," MEA spokesman Mr Bagchi said. In a statement, Bhutan said its Foreign Minister Lyonpo Tandi Dorji and Chinas Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao have inked an MoU on the three-step roadmap". "Sri Kobbi Shoshani. Consul General, Consulate General of Israel, Mumbai is also participating in the #RSSVijaydashami event as a guest," tweeted RSS. Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], October 15 (ANI): Israeli diplomat Kobbi Shoshani on Friday participated in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Vijaya Dashami event as a guest. "Sri Kobbi Shoshani. Consul General, Consulate General of Israel, Mumbai is also participating in the #RSSVijaydashami event as a guest," tweeted RSS. Earlier, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat performed 'Shastra Pooja' at its headquarters in Nagpur. The Vijaya Dashami address of the RSS chief is considered the most important event for the organisation as it is during his address future plans and vision are put forth for all to follow. It is from this stage that RSS stand on many issues of national importance is known. Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, according to the Hindu calendar is celebrated on the 10th day after the 9 days of Navratri festivities in the month of Ashvina. Israel has been among the top four arms suppliers to India for almost two decades now, notching military sales worth around USD 1 billion every year. The Indian armed forces have inducted a wide array of Israeli weapon systems over the years. The two countries have an extensive economic, military, and strategic relationship. (ANI) The chopped body of the 35-year-old man was found hanging from a police barricade today (October 15) morning. The Nihangs are reportedly behind this gory incident. In a shocking incident, the chopped body of a 35-year-old man was found hanging from a police barricade at Singhu border today (October 15) morning. At about 5 am today, a body was found hanging with hands, legs chopped (off) at the spot where farmers' protest is underway (in Kundli, Sonipat). No info on who is responsible (and) FIR lodged against an unknown person. Viral video is a matter of probe... rumours will linger," The ANI quoted Deputy Superintendent of Police Hansraj. In a video, which has gone viral, a group of Nihangs can be seen surrounding the man, with his hands chopped off Nihang Sikhs MURDER a youth at SINGHU BORDER They first chopped his hands, then beheaded him, then hanged him in front of the entire so called Farmers protest. pic.twitter.com/hzaq4pq89Y JatayuOSINT (@JatayuOSINT) October 15, 2021 . The Nihangs, reportedly, beat the young man - who has yet to be identified - to death for allegedly desecrating the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs' holy book. In another incident last year, a Punjab cop had his hand chopped off by Nihangs with a sword in Patiala after he asked them to show them 'movement passes' during the Covid lockdown. The 'anti-farm laws' protest venue has become a hub of criminal activity. Last year, a girl, who had come from Kolkata to express solidarity with the anti-farm law protesters, was gang-raped by the unruly mob. The victim later succumbed in the hospital. In another incident, a young farmer was burnt to death by the 'anti-farm law protestors'. Khalistan-Pakistan elements have hijacked the anti-farm laws protest: Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said that Pro-Khalistan and Pro-Pakistan elements have hijacked the anti-farm laws protest. The Chief Minister also claimed that these elements are spreading Covid-19. It is not a secret that Khalistan and ISI are backing the anti-farm laws protest. The protestors at the borders of the national capital have been raising Khalistan slogans and hailing Bhindranwale, who led the Khalistan Movement back in the 1980s. On Republic Day, the anti-farm laws protesters marched to Delhi, injured many Delhi Police officers, and marched into the Red Fort. They removed the National flag and hoisted the Khalistan Flag after banned Khalistan separatist organisation Sikh for Justice Chief. Pannu announced a cash prize for those who hoist the Khalistan flag on the red fort. The same separatist announced the cash prize for those protestors who stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting National Flag on Independence Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated the role of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) in linking the country's traditional skills with modern possibilities. While speaking at the 'bhoomi poojan' ceremony of Hostel Phase-1 (Boys' Hostel), constructed by Saurashtra Patel Seva Samaj in Surat, PM Modi said, "The National Education Policy gives an option of pursuing the professional courses in the local dialect." "Now the education is not limited to earning a degree but has been linked to the skills. The country is also connecting its traditional skills with modern possibilities," he added. PM Modi inaugurated the 'bhoomi poojan' ceremony of Hostel Phase-1 (Boys' Hostel), constructed by Saurashtra Patel Seva Samaj in Surat via video conferencing Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was also present during the event. The hostel building has residential facilities for around 1500 students. It also contains an auditorium and a dedicated library for the students. Construction of Hostel Phase-II to accommodate around 500 girls will start from next year. Saurashtra Patel Seva Samaj is a registered trust established in 1983 whose main objective is the educational and social transformation of weaker sections of society. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the seven new defence companies, launched today, would not only achieve expertise in the field of manufacturing equipment but also become a global brand. The companies would manufacture equipment including ammunition, explosives, army vehicles, advance weapon, troop comfort items, optical electronics, and parachutes. "One company would produce ammunition and explosives. Another company will manufacture army vehicles, advance weapons, troop comfort items, optical electronics or parachutes," said the Prime Minister at the launch of seven defence companies at an event organized by the Defence Ministry on the DRDO Campus here. "Our objective is that every company not only achieve expertise in this field and become a global brand. Competitive cost is our strength. Quality and reliability should be our identity," said Modi. The decision to revamp 41 ordinance factories and the launch of seven new companies is a part of this journey of the country. This decision was pending for the last 15-20 years. "I am confident that all these seven companies will become a major base of India's military power in the coming times," said PM Modi. According to a release by the Prime Minister's Office, the Government has decided to convert Ordnance Factory Board from a Government Department into seven 100 per cent government-owned corporate entities, as a measure to improve self-reliance in the defence preparedness of the country. This move will bring about enhanced functional autonomy, efficiency and will unleash new growth potential and innovation, it said in a statement. 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). (ANI) RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that population policy should be considered once again and that the policy should be made for the next 50 years. "The policy should be implemented equally, population imbalance has become a problem," Bhagwat said. While reimagining the countrys development one predicament comes to the fore which appears to concern many. The rapid growth of the countrys population may give rise to many problems in the near future. Therefore, this challenge must be duly considered. A resolution was passed on this issue during the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (All India Executive Committee) meeting of Sangh held at Ranchi in the year 2015, he said. The ubiquitous and effective implementation of relevant policies pertaining to these matters will require widespread public sensitisation and impartial actions. In the present circumstances, news of persecution of native Hindus, growing criminalisation and a mounting pressure on them to escape their areas where an imbalanced population growth have surfaced. The violence that broke out following the elections of West Bengal and the pitiable condition of the Hindu people there can also be attributed to the appeasement of barbarous elements by the government and population imbalance. Therefore, a policy that is applicable to all groups in the same fashion is imperative. All of us need to inculcate the habit of considering the collective national interest above everything while coming out of attractive cobweb of milking the parochial group interests, he added. ABKM Resolution: Challenge of Imbalance in the Population Growth Rate Steps taken to control the population of the country have yielded adequate results during the last decade. But in this regard, the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal is of the opinion that the severe demographic changes brought forth by the analysis of the religious data of Census 2011 highlight the necessity of the review of population policy. Vast differences in growth rates of different religious groups, infiltration and conversion resulting in religious imbalance of the population ratio, especially in border areas may emerge as a threat to the unity, integrity and cultural identity of the country. Although Bharat was one of the early countries in the world to announce as early as in 1952 that it will have population planning measures, it was only in the year 2000 that a comprehensive population policy was formulated and a population commission was formed. The policy aimed at achieving a stable but healthy population by the year 2045 by optimising the fertility rate to the ideal figure of 2.1 total fertility rate [TFR]. It was expected that as this aim is in accordance with our national resources and expected future requirements, it will be uniformly applied to all the sections of society. However, the National Fertility and Health Survey [NFHS] of 2005-06 and the 0-6 age group population percentage data of religion in Census 2011, both indicate that the TFR and child ratio is uneven across the religions. This is reflected in the fact that the share of the population of religions of Bharatiya origin which was 88 per cent has come down to 83.8 per cent while the Muslim population which was 9.8 percent has increased to 14.23 percent during the period 1951-2011. In addition to that, the rate of growth of the Muslim population has been very high than national average in the border districts of border states of the country like Assam, West Bengal and Bihar, clearly indicating the unabated infiltration from Bangladesh. The report of the Upamanyu Hazarika Commission appointed by Honble Supreme Court and several judicial pronouncements from time to time have also corroborated these facts. It is also a fact that the infiltrators are usurping the rights of citizens of these states and are becoming a heavy burden on the already scant resources apart from creating socio-cultural, political and economic tensions. The religious imbalance of population in the North-Eastern states has assumed serious proportions. In Arunachal Pradesh, the people of religions of Bharatiya origin were 99.21 per cent in 1951. It came down to 81.3 per cent in 2001 and to 67 per cent in 2011. In just one decade the Christian population of Arunachal Pradesh has grown by almost 13 percentage points. Similarly, in the population of Manipur, the share of religions of Bharatiya origin which was more than 80 per cent in 1951 has come down to 50 per cent in 2011. These examples and pointers of unnatural growth of the Christian population in many districts of the nation indicate an organized and targeted religious conversion activity by some vested interest groups. The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal expresses deep concern over all these severe demographic imbalances and urges the Government to - Reformulate the National Population Policy keeping in view the availability of resources in the country, future needs and the problem of demographic imbalance and apply the same uniformly to all. Totally curb the illegal infiltration from across the borders. Prepare a National Register of Citizens and prevent these infiltrators from acquiring citizenship rights and purchasing lands. The ABKM calls upon the countrymen including all the Swayamsevaks to take the cognizance of the causes of these population changes and consider it their national duty to create public awareness and take all lawful steps to save the country from this demographic imbalance. Dr Hedgewar not only had the foresight to anticipate the need for an organisation of Hindu society, but also the skills of the organisation needed to give a concrete shape to that concept. The idea of founding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was conceived at a time when self-oblivion had overtaken society. The struggle for political independence occupied the minds of people; this was but natural. However, what was askew was the tacit assumption that the advent of freedom would automatically usher in a revival of genuine nationalist values which had perforce receded during foreign rule. Looking to the West as the pinnacle of civilization, irrationally perpetuating the Britishers self-serving theories of the White Mans burden; that the Hindus were a nation-in-the-making, that the Hindus had achieved nothing of significance in the past, that Westernisation was the only hope for the dying race that were the Hindus; unquestioning acceptance of myths floated by Westerners even in the name of history (e.g., that the Aryans came from outside), that life in Bharat was and had always been at a near primitive state; - acceptance of such numerous myths had virtually become mandatory for anyone with the slightest pretensions to education or intellectuality. That this breed still claims adherents even seven decades after Independence bespeaks the intensity of the overarching colonial legacy. All the father figures of the national renaissance from Swami Vivekananda to Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi had laid great stress on the fact that releasing the society from such mental thraldom was as necessary as throwing out the imperialist rulers. While efforts to hasten political independence were being pursued in various forms, there were few or no sustained efforts for the restoration of the Hindu psyche to its pristine form. Indeed, it is the latter that should constitute the content or core of freedom. Such was the backdrop for envisioning a countrywide movement such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Is it not the lack of social cohesion which enabled a handful of traders and shop keepers (who were no match to us either in intellectual brilliance or physical prowess) to establish their empire here? It was the native chieftains who facilitated the repeated destruction of the sacred Somnath shrine. Wasnt it Raja Mansingh who, by becoming a kingpin of Akbars regime, betrayed the interests of the Hindus? As if testifying to the sagacity of the proverb The more things change, the more they remain the same - considerable sections of the so-called academia and the elite even today display a singular lack of national consciousness even after witnessing such horrendous insult to nationhood as the partition of the country. The fact that such a breed continues to exist even after so much historical and recent experience provides the strongest raison detre for intense and continuous propagation of the ideal of nationalism and the recognition of the Hindu national identity as a fundamental fact transcending corroboration and discussion. Any compromise in this regard is bound to cause peril to hard-earned freedom; and without freedom, there will be no prospect of progress for all either. Equally, it is a fact of history that national consciousness should not merely remain an idea or concept, but should be reflected in every single activity of life. A burning devotion to the Motherland, a feeling of fraternity among all citizens, intense awareness of a common national life derived from a common culture and shared history and heritage - these, in brief, may be said to constitute the life-springs of a nation. It is these sentiments that have to be instilled in each child. Obviously, this task is beyond the capabilities of political institutions. This is basically a social task. The mechanism Dr Hedgewar evolved for the fulfilment of this all-important task is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Dr. Hedgewar not only had the foresight to anticipate this need, but also the skills of organisation needed to give a concrete shape to that concept. It has long been a practice for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak to address all Swayamsevaks on the auspicious day of Vijayadashmi. On this day in 1925, Dr Hedgewar founded the RSS with a few youths in Nagpur's Mohitewada ground on Vijayadashmi. This address is often a broad road map of the Sangh for the coming year; the issues to be addressed on the assignment are mentioned in his speech, and the entire cadre accepts it as a task for the year. While paying tribute to our nations greats, He stated that this year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo. He wrote extensively about constructing a Bharat based on swa. On the occasion of Sri Dharampaljis centenary, he also remembered him. He followed Gandhijis lead and attempted to offer evidence of Bharat's past to the British. He remarked, If the dharma that envisions a future based on the Sanatan value-system prevails in Bharat, the foul play of selfish forces will inevitably be neutralised. He went on to say that the globe is getting cues from Bharat to make the world a better place; all we have to do is recognise and practise it in our actions. RSS Sarsanghchalak stated that the countrys Partition is a painful past that must be confronted to restore the countrys lost integrity and unity. The new generation must be aware of this history to restore the countrys lost integrity and unity. As a result, he focused on teaching true facts and giving due recognition to real heroes often overlooked in textbooks, which eventually led to children being misled about their magnificent past. He went on to say, Our path from Swadheehnta to Swatantrata is far from finished. There are others in the world who see Indias progress and elevation to a respectable status as harmful to their vested interests." According to Indian tradition, heroes from all castes and areas of the country have lifted the Himalayas of penance and sacrifice to gain Independenc, he continued. The Sarsanghchalak also spoke about the much-needed limit on OTT platforms for displaying elements that are destructive to society, country, and especially children. Since the pandemics breakout, practically every youngster has a cellphone, and what they view on their cellphones is uncontrolled, Mohan ji asserted. Bhagwat ji also discussed the increasing usage of narcotics in the country and its negative consequences. He appears to be aiming his guns at Pakistan, and he claims that certain neighbouring countries promote such acts, and the money is utilised for anti-national activities in India. He also alluded to the incidents that transpired in Lakshadweep following the actions taken by Administrator Prafull Patel to combat the invading narcotics cartel through the island. He also slammed cryptocurrencies, declaring, Clandestine, uncontrolled currencies, such as Bitcoin, have the potential to destabilise the economies of all countries and pose major issues. The government must take action to keep these things under control. He went on to say, I don't know which country owns this currency, which is a significant comment made by any prominent figure on the subject. Concerning adolescent drug misuse, he stated that the Government should take rigorous action to eliminate the evil but that society should not wait for the government to act. Values must be instilled in children from a young age. Children must be taught Man ka brake, Uttam Brake (brake on the mind is the best brake). This insight alone will provide a solution to the numerous attacks on the Bharatiya value system, which dilute our faith and encourage recklessness. Dr Bhagwat also cited the recent confrontations in the northeast between two State police officers. He expressed concern about the disruptive politics being played by different states, stating that the Government is for each person of the particular state, not a sector and that parties may have differing opinions and beliefs, but governments do not. He has prioritised the development and empowerment of citizens in border states. He believes that the state should prioritise better healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Speaking on the long-awaited population control law, Sarsanghchalak ji expressed concern about India's demographic imbalance in general and in bordering states in particular. That the threat of a population explosion is genuine and must be addressed urgently, that was the huge declaration made by Sarsanghchalak ji, and it was assumed to be a directive to the central administration to act on. When discussing the corona pandemic and the necessity to balance the health care system with modern and traditional pathy, he recommended that the cost of medical treatment be balanced by combining both pathies. He also wished for a good health care system to be implemented at the village, Taluka, District, and regional levels while keeping the seriousness of the condition in mind. He also discussed the possibility of a third wave of the epidemic and the Sangh's village-level readiness. Concerning the Swadeshi Abhiyan, he stated that the Swadeshi should be made appealing enough to be popular, and the Videshi should be adopted as best suited for our country. Mohan ji specifically emphasised the urban Naxals who are behind the disruptive ideology instilling in the minds of youth through systemic indoctrination. He noted that the agitation/movements backed and provoked by these alien ideas are self-proclaimed intellectuals behind the disruptive agitation. They can win power by the power of weapons but cannot accomplish anything constructive for society. Aside from the points mentioned above, he also spoke about reducing plastic usage and protecting the environment. He spoke on the changing conditions in Jammu & Kashmir, and he emphasised the importance of taking steps to bring them closer together by winning hearts rather than seducing them. He condemns the slow-motion massacre of Hindus in Kashmir. He praised people's bravery for not being deterred by the separatists cowardice. They also discussed the plight of Hindu temples as a result of government acquisitions. He emphasised releasing Hindu temples from government authority because these temples make little contribution to fostering or preserving Sanatan culture. He stated that the Hindu community manages temples efficiently and will manage them better in the future, so the government must take a firm stance and free the temples. Finally, he stated that Sanatan Hindu culture can fit all religious activities inside it and that if the Hindus are united, all other religions, unlike other religions, can feel safe. A strong Bharat can show the way to world peace and happiness. With the filing of a petition in Madras High Court ( being heard) seeking to quash the GO and circular on implementation of Gold Monetization Scheme of Tamil Nadu Temple jewellery, a mother of fraud in nature is stopped on the right track, as we hope. The temple properties both moveable, immovable, antique jewellery, rare and invaluable idols were the targets of politicians, international idol smuggling mafia and some corrupt HR and CE officials. Lakhs of acres of temple lands were grabbed, alienated and given to other religious people. Idols were being stolen and smuggled for a hefty sum. Rare and antique value ancient temple jewellery was, reportedly, replaced with duplicate ones. There is a strong cry to retrieve the temples from the government control and leave it to function independently like Waqf board and Christian churches. But both the DMK and AIADMK are not in favour of it for reasons better known to them. A piece of Vadapalani temple land was given free of cost to the Muslims to make the public path to their illegal mosque. Ever since the DMK came to power, from day one, its actions are aimed at robbing temples of their vast properties, its income, jewels and interfering in its daily Agma based rituals. It first announced women would be appointed in temples as archakars. The next bomb was the appointment of non-Brahmins, improperly trained people as Archakars in agama based temples which is a clear violation of SC orders. Temple lands were acquired for public interest purposes like building collectorates, bus stands etc. Thanks to the courts intervention they are saved. Income from offertory collections ( Undiyal) and other incomes from Hindu Temples are being used for purposes other than they are intended for. Despite strong opposition from the public and devotees, the DMK led M K Stalin government is bent on implementing the scheme of melting temple jewellery into gold bars to be kept in bank vaults. According to HR and CE Minister P Sekar Babu, there are about 38,000 temples that have 2,000 kg of gold worth Rs.10,000 crore. TN government has proposed to melt 2,137 kg of gold jewellery at the government mint in Mumbai into bullion, which would then be deposited at nationalized banks. Mind you Bharat's gold (pure) reserve with RBI is 703.71 tones. If the jewellery in hand and melted one are to be accounted for properly, TN temples are richer. But the irony they are in dilapidated conditions and many temples even do not have funds for one-day pujas. Temple staff are not paid regularly and there is a huge outstanding The gem stones in the gold ornaments would be removed before sending to the government refinery in Mumbai where it will be melted and made into gold biscuits. This will be deposited in banks to raise funds for welfare schemes. Opposing this move, M Saravanan and Gopalakrishnan filed a petition seeking to quash the September 9 GO and a circular dated September 22. He said deprivation of precious temple property is in violation of the constitutional right to property under Article 300-A of the Constitution. He said the same pieces of jewellery are going to be melted by a so-called secular state. After melting it cant be identified from which it temple it came and how the proceeds are going to be divided. It is well laid in law that Deities are the owners and for whom people had donated. When these jewellery and ornaments belong to temples, the state has no authority. To touch it His counsel argued that the devotees had no clue on the jewellery of the temple as no register was properly maintained by the HR and CE dept, though the court had issued an earlier order regarding the same. Rule 11 of jewel Rule say the trustee is the only person who can decide on repairing or altering of the same and Rule 13 provides power to the trustee to melt jewels Now in the absence of appointment of trustees how can the government decide on melting the same? Government counsel said the about 500 kg of gold has been melted into bars so far, and deposited at banks. This has earned Rs. 11 crore through interest. It was being practiced during the past 44 years and why some now creating furor over its. A division of Madras HC court comprising judges R Mahadevan and Abdul Quddhose has adjourned the matter. TN government on 13th October told the Madras HC that the practice of melting temple gold jewellery was not new and that it has been in vogue since 1977. So they are looting for the 44 years. The court was informed that so far 5 lakh kg of jewellery had been melted and deposited in banks. While the matter is being heard by a top court, Chief Minister M K Stalin virtually launched preliminary works to melt gold ornaments in temples under HR and CE and convert them into gold two days ago. He launched the work at the Karumariamman temple in Tiruverkaadu, Maraiamman temple in Samayapuram and Mariamman temple in Irukkankudi. These are famous temples. Earlier the government had appointed retired SC judge justice D Raju and two High Court judges, justices K Ravichandrababu and R Mala. Do devotees ask what was the urgency in these while the scheme lacks transparency? Another devotee says after melting, they may not give the correct weight of melted jewels and what will they do with the precious, rare stones including Diamond and others? What will be the wastage percentage? On what basis the proceeds would be shared in what proportion. The submission was made during the hearing of the two petitions filed against the practice. The judge asked the petitioners to file additional affidavits, if necessary, by 21 of this month. TN HR and CE Minister Sekkar Babu has threatened to take legal action against protestors objecting to the governments move to melt temple gold ornaments. To this TR Ramesh, president of Temple Worshippers Society said in a tweet it was an open threats that fight the HR and CE dept misfits. What else can you expect from @arivalayam # DMK. Govt that brazenly takes illegal and unethical steps to melt temple jewels and Gold? @Swamy39. Darien Jungle is the last place on earth where a child should be. According to Unicef , 19,000 migrant children have crossed the Darian Gap separating Colombia and Panama between January and September of this year. In 2017, they had numbered only 109. The United Nations has described this years figures as intolerable. They are young migrants on their own, accompanied or orphaned along the way, often holding the hands of their younger siblings, whom they have to defend from wild animals, feed and provide with often unsanitary water. Their path goes through the most hostile jungle on the planet which intersects the umbilical chord between the Americas, the Isthmus of Panama. The harsh natural environment is made worse by the presence of drug traffickers, smugglers, kidnappers and rapists. It is one of the most cruel global migration ... This content is reserved for Subscribers Dear Reader, access to all editions of LOsservatore Romano is reserved for Subscribers. Click here to subscribe Subscribe by 30 November to receive the promotional yearly price of 20. Teachers of solicitude for the poor and listening to the poor: this is how Pope Francis described the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joan Antida Thouret whom he received on Monday morning, 11 October, in the Clementine Hall, for their 21st General Chapter, taking place from 25 September to 15 October 2021. The following is a translation of the Popes address to those present, which was given in Italian. Dear Sisters! I welcome you on the occasion of your 21st General Chapter, which you have finally been able to celebrate. I thank the newly elected Superior General for her greeting. I wish her and the new Council a serene and fruitful service. And I join you in your gratitude for the outgoing Superior and Counsellors. Sister Nunzia herself, when she wrote to ask for an audience, noted the coincidence of your Chapter with the opening of the Synod. She wrote: We will be in communion with the entire Church and with you. I would like to pause for a moment on this. First of all, I thank you for your prayers, with which you accompany the beginning of the synodal process. But I would also like to take advantage of this coincidence to highlight that the commitment we take on as a Church to grow in synodality is also a strong incentive for Institutes of Consecrated Life. In particular, you consecrated persons are an irreplaceable presence in the great community on the move that is the Church. The image of Jesus walking along the roads of Galilee, Samaria and Judea comes to mind: with him are his disciples, and among them many women; we even know the names of some of them (cf. Lk 8:1-3). I liked what the former Superior General said: I am going back to the road: it is beautiful, with the people. I like to think that you consecrated women are an extension of that feminine presence that walked with Jesus and with the Twelve, sharing the mission and giving your own particular contribution. And you, Sisters of Charity, in what specific way do you participate in this journey? What is your original contribution? I leave you with these questions, which naturally do not have ready-made, pre-formulated answers. And answers that are not pre- formulated are the best. But it seems to me that the theme of your Chapter contains an answer. In fact, the theme is: Starting afresh from Bethany, with the solicitude of Martha and the listening of Mary. Firstly, here we have again the presence of two women, Martha and Mary, with their names and faces. Two disciples who had a very important place in the life of Jesus and the Twelve, as we can see well in the Gospels. This confirms that first and foremost, as women and as baptised persons, that is, disciples of Jesus, you are a living presence in the Church, participating in communion and mission. We must never forget what lies at the root: Baptism. Because here lies the root of everything. From this root God has made the plant of the consecrated life grow in you, in accordance with the charism of Saint Joan Antida. But the theme of your Chapter says even more, with those two words: solicitude and listening. I am certain that if you truly succeed in living with solicitude and listening, following the example of the holy sisters Martha and Mary of Bethany, you will continue to make your precious contribution to the journey of the whole Church. In particular, solicitude for the poor and listening to the poor. You are teachers in this. You are teachers not with words, but with deeds, with the history of so many of your sisters who have given their lives for this, in solicitude and listening closely to the elderly, the sick, the marginalised; close to the little ones, to the least ones, with the tenderness and compassion of God. This builds up the Church, and makes her walk in the way of Christ, which is the way of charity. I said that your witness is a witness to being close to the least, with tenderness and compassion. This is Gods style: closeness, tenderness and compassion. God is always like this. To the extent that we do the same, we will be closer to being shepherds like God. Do not forget this: always closeness, always compassion and always tenderness. Therefore, dear sisters, I thank you from my heart on behalf of all the Church. May the Virgin Mary and Saint Joan Antida protect you always. I bless you and all your sisters around the world. And you, please, continue to pray for me: I need it. Thank you! Do you appreciate the work we do as the only independent media outlet dedicated to serving OU students, faculty, staff and alumni on campus and around the world for more than 100 years? Then consider helping fund our endeavors. Around the world, communities are grappling with what journalism is worth and how to fund the civic good that robust news organizations can generate. We believe The OU Daily and Crimson Quarterly magazine provide real value to this community both now by covering OU, and tomorrow by helping launch the careers of media professionals. If youre able, please SUPPORT US TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $1. You can make a one-time donation or a recurring pledge. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Maintaining open value chains and predictable mechanisms to support them is key to ensure access to goods and services needed for industrial development and job creation in West Africa, said Eloi Laourou, Senior Advisor to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Photo: (Photo : Hristo Rusev/Getty Images) A new mother fighting COVID-19 in a Las Vegas hospital was denied a lung transplant after her insurance provider said that the expensive procedure was not part of her Medicaid coverage. Gabriela Acuna, 29, caught COVID-19 because she delayed her vaccination due to her unique condition as a pregnant mom. But while waiting for a clearance from her OB-GYN to get the jab, Acuna tested positive for the virus in August 2021. Around this time, new studies were slowly coming out confirming the increased risks of COVID-19 severe complications for unvaccinated pregnant women. While battling the disease, Acuna's blood oxygen level dropped so low that she had to be hospitalized. According to Acuna's sister, Paula Acuna Olmeda, COVID-19 ravaged her sister's health, but she fought for her baby's life until the 26th week of her pregnancy. By this time, doctors started to grow concerned that Acuna's heart would fail, so the family discussed the possibility of a caesarian operation through FaceTime. Read Also: New York Hospitals Aren't Blocking Unvaccinated Parents From Taking Newborns Home Ryden's Birth, Mom's Cardiac Arrest After securing her consent, Acuna's baby, Ryden, was born while doctors intubated his mother as she badly needed a ventilator because of COVID-19. At 1 pound and 10 ounces, Acuna's son was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) without his mother seeing nor touching him as she was still under anesthesia. Since Ryden's birth in late September, Acuna's has not yet woken up and then suffered a cardiac arrest on October 1. Only her parents were allowed inside her hospital room when it became clearer to the hospital workers that the mother might not make it out alive. Days later, Acuna's heart stabilized, but her lungs started to worry her doctors yet again, and they recommended a double lung transplant. She was shortlisted as a lung transplant candidate at the Keck Medicine in USC after passing all the tests, including her insurance approval. However, Nevada Medicaid then changed its mind and denied the needed procedure. In a brief statement, the agency said that it was not part of the covered service. The family reached out to the Governor's Office for help and was coursed through the Department of Health and Human Services Director. Both offices said that they have no hand on the matter anymore. Acuna's family has been trying to raise $2,500,000 for the lung transplant via GoFundMe. Most COVID-19 Patients Can't Qualify According to CalMatters, most COVID-19 patients do not qualify for the lung transplant because their bodies may be too frail for the lengthy surgery, and they might have a serious underlying condition that could complicate the procedure. Per one or two patients on the shortlist, 20 or 30 patients have been likely turned down, according to Dr. Kamyar Afshar of the UC San Diego Health. Lung organ donors are scarce, which is why surgeons prioritize those patients whose bodies could make a full recovery. A COVID-19 patient who gets on the transplant list is likely someone whose only medical issue is lung failure, as in the case of Acuna. Related Article: Pregnant Women at High Risk of Heatwaves, but Doctors Do Not Give Enough Advice on How to Deal With It Photo: (Photo : Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images) Governors across the U.S. have received word from the White House to prepare the rollout and system for COVID-19 vaccination in children between 5 to 11 years old as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is due to green light Pfizer's vaccine for kids. According to a representative from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Biden administration has already bought 65 million doses of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines meant for the below 12 years old. These supplies will be distributed across the states, including various medical organizations, as soon as the approval is greenlit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also started signing up providers for the COVID-19 vaccination in children. On the other hand, HHS is preparing a message campaign to encourage parents to sign up their children for the jab. A member of the FDA committee said they would discuss Pfizer's trial results on October 26 with the pharmaceutical company and the scientists who developed the COVID-19 vaccination in children. Thus, the vaccine approval will likely come in late October or early November. Read Also: Routine Childhood Vaccinations Dropped During the Pandemic, Causing Concerns for Parents and Doctors Pediatricians and Family Doctors to Join in the Vaccine Rollout The White House has also advised governors to sign up family doctors and pediatricians in private practice and pharmacies to ensure that COVID-19 vaccination in children is accessible to all. Enlisting various medical networks will help fast-track the rollout as many parents expressed the need to get their kids protected against the Delta COVID-19 variant. Since the start of the new school year in late August, cases among children have reached 750,000 per the American Academy of Pediatrics. In the first week of October, COVID-19 cases in kids reached 24.8 percent, up from 16 percent since March 2020, the start of the pandemic. "We have the supply," White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zient confirmed. "I want to emphasize it's a different supply; the dose for kids is a different dose than adults." Pfizer's children's vaccine consists of just a third of the dosage inoculated on adults and kids between 12 to 17. The clinical trials showed that the vaccine promoted a strong immune response against the virus and has been well-tolerated with minimal side effects by the children who volunteered during the study. California Schools Plan Vaccine Clinics Following the White House's message to governors, 100 schools in the Bay Area have started planning to set up vaccine clinics that will open as soon as the FDA approval is out. Gov. Gavin Newsom also said that vaccines would be required among school children following a full approval, which will be next after the emergency use approval. Health officials in the Bay Area encouraged parents that even if their children got sick and recovered from COVID-19, vaccination will still help the T-cells mature and deliver "a long-lasting, durable response." This will make the children's immune system more robust and likely protect them from coronavirus for the longer term, according to Dr. Monica Gandhi of the University of California San Francisco. Related Article: Newsom Announces Vaccine Mandate for Schoolchildren in California, Effective January 2022 Photo: (Photo : Sergey Gorbachev/Pixabay) The gas stoves used in more than a quarter of homes in the U.S. may be harmful to children's lungs and could even trigger asthma attacks because it has high nitrogen dioxide content. While commonly found in many American kitchens, some environmental groups said that this appliance emits pollutants that may be worsening climate change. In a report on NPR, the experts revealed that 13 percent of heat-trapping emissions in packed residential buildings come from gas stoves and other gas appliances like furnaces or water heaters. Thus, eco advocates want to change the standards for gas stove use in many homes. Either the families shift to electric stoves or improve the ventilation in their kitchen. Josiah Kephart, who is an environmental epidemiologist, said that the gas stove combustion that happens in the kitchen might be free of smoke, but it's still high on "nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide and formaldehyde," which are commonly known as toxic gasses. Nitrogen dioxide is the most toxic of these gases as it can trigger respiratory problems even in very low concentrations. Read Also: Climate Change Worries 6 in 10 Youngsters Who Say Adults Aren't Protecting Them Nitrogen Dioxide Health Risks Power plants and vehicle manufacturing companies emit nitrogen dioxide in their daily operations, which is why the government has regulated the burning of fuel outdoors, especially in these industries, to comply with the Clean Air Act. No such standards or regulations for burning fuel inside the kitchen exist, putting families at risk of nitrogen dioxide pollution. Though less polluting than cooking using coal and fire, emissions from gas stove cooking can, nonetheless, accumulate around the house. According to a study conducted in the Netherlands and published in the Journal of Environmental Health, nitrogen dioxide inhalation has been linked to children's asthma triggers by as much as 32 percent. In another study among children between 7 to 14 years old, asthma diagnosis was more prevalent among those raised in a house with gas stoves. The experts said that this might likely be because nitrogen dioxide triggers the body's sensitivity to allergens. NO2 can go deep in the lungs, and its toxins can be carried and absorbed into the bloodstream. As the children's body is still developing, their immune system to fight these toxins is weaker. Reducing the Risk There is a way for parents to minimize the risks of nitrogen dioxide in their house if they use a gas stove for cooking food for their family. They will need a good range hood for proper ventilation. If this has been installed correctly, a range hood can exhaust the toxic particles and lower the risk of asthma triggers by 12.8 percent. However, some families seldom use the range hood in their kitchen even if it comes installed in most homes. Thus, parents need to remember that they have to turn on this appliance each time they cook. Meanwhile, lawmakers are also considering giving incentives to households that shift to electric stoves. Congress has debated several bills relating to these incentives, but none has passed the floor thus far. Related Article: STUDY: Air Pollution Linked to Premature Birth, Low Birth Weight in Millions of Babies Photo: (Photo : Leiem, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons) Matthew Mindler, the former child actor who died by suicide in August, intentionally poisoned himself using sodium nitrate, a chemical agent used as a food preservative that he bought off the internet, his mother has revealed. Speaking with TMZ, Monica, Mindler's mother, said that she found a trail of internet searches about sodium nitrate on her son's computer. The 19-year-old was apparently looking up information on ending one's life without as much pain as possible. There were also records of Mindler's Amazon purchase of sodium nitrate for $15. Monica said that the volume of what his son had taken in would be fatal for four people. The medical examiner of Lancaster County, which did the autopsy of Mindler's body, confirmed that he died from a lethal dose of sodium nitrate. The mother is sharing what really happened to her son to warn parents to be aware of their children's actions. Monica said she had no clue that her son wanted to take his own life and explored how to do it on the internet. Read Also: States To Require Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number Printed on Student ID Cards A 'Crippling Anxiety' Mindler, who appeared in the movie "Our Idiot Brother" starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, and Zooey Deschanel, was reported missing in August. He was living at the Millersville University campus as a first-year college student. A few days after his disappearance, Mindler's body was found at the township near his campus. The university president, Daniel A. Wubah, confirmed his death in a message to the school community. In an interview with Page Six, Monica said her son experienced "crippling anxiety" as a teenager. He has been out of the acting business for some time. Knowing his experiences, Monica was constantly in touch with Mindler when he went off to college in Pennsylvania. She observed that he seemed to be enjoying his first few days in a new university. Mindler even assured his mother that he has been making friends at Millersville, where he planned to join a computer programming club and apply for a job at the university's IT department. The weekend before his disappearance, Monica messaged her son that she would drive to his school take him home so he could relax and unwind as a way to manage his anxiety. Her messages were left unanswered, prompting the mom to suspect that something was wrong. Effects of Sodium Nitrate Sodium nitrate is often used as a food preservative for bacon, luncheon meat, and cured meats but the Mayo Clinic noted that it can increase the risk of heart disease. Experts believe that this chemical agent can cause damage to the blood vessels and impact how the body processes sugar. Thus, doctors warn against consuming food products filled with this preservative. Intoxication or poisoning from sodium nitrate may be rare, but there are severe effects on one's health if this substance has been ingested in excessive amounts. It can lead to gastroenteritis, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, convulsion and collapse, and organ abnormalities. In severe cases, sodium nitrate poisoning may cause methemoglobinemia, a type of blood disorder. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one teaspoon full taken in one sitting could be enough to kill an adult. However, despite its risks, the chemical is still in the market because it can help bacterial colonization, especially in food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates its use as a food additive to just 2.75 ounces per 100 pounds of meat. Related Article: Suicide Grief: Moms Form Club 'No One Wants to Be In' to Help Families Who Lost Loved Ones Photo: (Photo : Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Kering ) Owen Wilson has a three-year-old daughter whom he was never met and he has not made any attempts to contact and be involved in Lyla's life, his ex-partner Varunie Vongsvirates said. Vongsvirates revealed that Lyla looks so much like her dad in social media post to celebrate her third birthday. They have the same blue eyes and blonde hair but, sadly, the mother said that Wilson has yet to see Lyla in person. In an interview with Daily Mail, Vongsvirates, 37, said that she "begged" Wilson, 52, to get to know his daughter. Admittedly, however, Wilson helps them out financially but the mother said it's not the only thing Lyla needs from her "absentee" dad. "It's ironic how [Owen] keeps getting these father roles, he's playing a father in his new movie, and he's never met his own daughter," the mother said. Read Also: Schools Send 'Squid Game' Warning to Parents as Kids Copy Games Wilson and Vongsvirates Relationship timeline The ex-couple dated casually for at least five years before their break up in 2018. At that time, Wilson took a paternity test to confirm that he's the father of the baby inside Vongsvirates' womb. She gave birth in October 2018 or months after their break up. Per Us Weekly, Wilson filed a non-custody arrangement for his daughter in June of that same year. He also indicated in court that he has no plans of visiting her. Vongsvirates, who is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego, worked with the American Addiction Centers as a business developer. In 2020, reports surfaced that Wilson sends her a monthly child support payment of $25,000 and they agreed on a one-off payment of $70,000 during their court settlement for the baby's birth. Wilson is a Doting Dad to 2 Boys Despite his relationship with Vongsvirates and Lyla, Wilson is a doting dad to two boys, Robert Ford, who is 10, with former girlfriend Jade Duell, and Finn, who is seven, with another ex-girlfriend, Caroline Lindqvist. However, Lindqvist is reportedly now back in Wilson's life but the actor has never confirmed their relationship in public. While promoting one of his movies on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the actor proudly talked about bonding with his boys, especially with his older son whom he described as "the funniest thing." Wilson told DeGeneres that he's looking forward to his sons' teenage years because he knows that they will be ganging up on their old man. Wilson also said in an interview with Esquire that he enjoys being the storyteller for Ford and Finn. He likes making up tales about animals and nature. In that same interview, Wilson said that he has a good relationship with the mothers of his sons. The actor achieved Hollywood popularity after he was cast in the movie "Zoolander" which starred Ben Stiller. He comes from a family of actors with brothers Luke and Andrew working in the movie industry. Their mother, Laura, is a famous photographer. In his childhood, Wilson had to attend military school after he was expelled from a private school for pranking and insubordination. Related Article: 'You' Star Penn Badgley Says Fatherhood Made It Harder to Play Joe Goldberg Photo: (Photo : JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images) A mother and father from Indiana wanted flu shots for their four-year-old son and five-year-old daughter, but a local Walgreens pharmacy gave them shots of the COVID-19 vaccine for adults. In an interview with CNN, Alexandra and Joshua Price said their children had been experiencing some worrying side effects since their vaccination on October 4. Lukas and Sophia had seen a doctor and are currently undergoing treatments with a pediatric cardiologist for tachycardia (for Lukas) and elevated blood pressure (for Sophia). The parents, however, are raising their concerns as Sophia's condition is not improving. Children may have elevated blood pressure if this falls over the 90th percentile. Alexandra said that Sophia's blood pressure is still in the 98th percentile. The parents also said that their daughter has had no energy since getting the wrong vaccination. Read Also: Routine Childhood Vaccinations Dropped During the Pandemic, Causing Concerns for Parents and Doctors A Mix-Up Alexandra and Joshua got a call from Walgreens some 90 minutes after the kids were vaccinated and informed them that there was a mix-up. Before this call, the parents noticed that their kids were not feeling well and developed fevers after the shots. After confirming the mistake, the parents asked Walgreens for proof of vaccination cards to show these to doctors in case there was an emergency. According to the parents, Walgreens pharmacy hesitated because they wanted to get their legal team involved. When Walgreens did not issue the cards, the Price couple also got their own lawyers. They received the vaccination proof the next day, which indicated that the children were administered Pfizer shots. The authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for kids below 11 years old has not yet come through with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency said that they would announce the authorization sometime before the end of October. In a statement to CNN, Walgreens said that these mistakes are "rare" since they undergo a series of safety checks to ensure that there will be no human error. However, the company refused to comment on the mix-up and upheld privacy laws. In September, a Walgreens pharmacy in Maryland mistakenly inoculated a 4-year-old girl with a COVID-19 vaccine instead of a flu shot. While the girl did not exhibit any adverse reactions and was even happy to be protected from COVID-19, Walgreens still got in touch with the family. The girl's parents said they would not file a complaint with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. Kids Will Generally Be OK Dr. Peter Hotez of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine said that the difference between the COVID-19 vaccine shot for adults versus kids is that the former is three times higher in dosage. Hotez said that while getting a higher dose may be a cause of concern, he believes that the children will generally be alright with proper monitoring. The parents may view this as getting two shots and a booster. In the initial vaccine trials for kids under 11 years old, a group was actually given 30 micrograms of Pfizer, the same dosage for the adults. Ultimately, however, the study experts determined that 10 micrograms would be sufficient. Gigi Gronvall of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said that children receive lower doses to avoid the side effects, but they will generally respond well to the COVID-19 vaccine, which will protect them from severe illness. Brian Castrucci from the De Beaumont Foundation said that while errors may happen, it's not intended to cause any harm as the COVID-19 vaccine is not a poison. Related Article: COVID-19 Vaccination in Children: White House Tells States to Prepare Giving Doses to Kids 5-11 Years Old Photo: (Photo : Free-Photos/Pixabay) A California mom, who hosted secret sex parties for her teenage sons so she could watch the sex abuse among drunken kids, was hauled to court to face 39 criminal counts. It also appeared that she hosted the same kinds of events in Idaho, where she was arrested. Shannon O'Connor, 47, who also goes by Shannon Bruga, has been charged with child endangerment, providing alcohol to kids under 21, sexual battery, and molesting a child, among others. She hosted these teen sex parties for her 14 and 15-year-old boys and their friend between June 2020 to May 2021 in Los Gatos, Lake Tahoe, and Santa Cruz in California. However, the Ada County Sheriff's Office also found out that she had similar illicit parties at her new home in Star, a suburb northeast of Boise in Idaho. The California mom and her sons moved into the area early this year. Officers saw that there were about 10 teenage boys and two teenage girls in her house as they dropped by to issue the warrant of arrest for her cases in California. The police had notified the parents before the kids were released. Read Also: Florida Mom Jailed for Leaving Toddler in Hospital, So She Won't Sleep on the Street What Happened at These Parties? The Ada County Sheriff's Office had a whiff of O'Connor's sex parties after she had an altercation with a local family in Idaho. O'Connor was still looking for a house at that time, but the family decided not to close the deal because they found out she was under investigation for sex abuse in California. After that, the family said O'Connor harassed them, so they reported her to the police, who conducted investigations until the California warrant was issued. According to the Santa Clara District Attorney's Office, O'Connor told the kids never to tell their parents or her husband, tech executive Robert Amaral, about the secret parties. Court documents showed that the mom offered alcohol excessively so that some of the kids would vomit and blackout. One incident alleged that O'Connor handed condoms to a boy and forced him into a bedroom with a 14-year-old girl who was already drunk and lying down on the bed. Another incident detailed that O'Connor laughed at a drunk young girl crying after her encounter with a boy in the bathroom. She said that the boy "made me bleed." Teenagers who refused O'Connor's prodding to have sexual activities with each other were pulled into a room for a "private conversation" until they would participate. Apart from the sexual incidents, the teenagers also got too drunk that they had concussions or minor surgery. Videos taken during one of her son's birthday parties were uploaded on Snapchat, which investigators unearthed. The Santa Clara District Attorney's Office said that some of the children were brave enough to come forward and report O'Connor. It took nearly a year to build a case against O'Connor. Los Gatos Community Hails Arrest Parents in O'Connor's former community are glad to hear about her arrest in the news. One of the girls in her son's former high school said that it makes her feel safer now that she will face charges. For some time, some of the kids and the parents in Los Gatos felt something was off with O'Connor, who was initially seen as the "cool mom." One parent said that O'Connor did a lot of weird stuff on Snapchat with the kids. It's still unclear if the boys who forced themselves on the girls would also face criminal charges. However, one parent said that O'Connor manipulated them, so they should not be culpable. Relate Article: Young Parents Charged for Concealing Death of Baby Born Inside a College Dorm This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions (Click on image to Enlarge) Back in March Patently Apple posted a continuation patent report that finally revealed that one of Apple's folding device patents was in fact aimed at a possible future MacBook with a large continuous display. We noted in our report that 16 of the 20 new claims published, finally revealed that the main focus of this patent was in fact a foldable display that will act as a "laptop." An image from that Apple patent is presented below. A second Apple patent on this possible future product surfaced in May 2021. When and if Apple so chooses to bring such a device to market, their long-time display supplier Samsung is likely to be tapped for this type of device. In October 2020 we reported that Intel Samsung and Microsoft were collaborating on large 17" foldable displays for notebooks called "Horseshoe Bend Project." In February 2021 Samsung was granted a design patent for a large foldable Display that was presented as a foldable notebook. Today we're learning from Korea IT News that Samsung is set to mass produce 10 million medium-sized OLED displays in 2021, an increase of about 60% compared to 2021. It is understood that Samsung Display plans to produce 10 million medium-sized OLEDs to be used in tablets and notebook PCs next year. Samsung Display's entry into the notebook PC market with medium-sized OLED from the beginning of this year. Samsung Display focused its efforts on targeting the laptop market by introducing new brands to expand its OLED business. The strategy paid off. Global notebook manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, Asus, Dell, and HP have begun to increase OLED adoption. Samsung Display also diversified its products such as resolution, size, and refresh rate to keep pace with market demands. As a result, OLED shipments for notebooks increased overwhelmingly. At IMID 2021 Samsung introduce a 17.3" foldable OLED as presented below. This is likely to come to market in 2022. Microsoft's original Surface Neo was a dual display tablet that was to come to market in Q4 of this year. Microsoft didn't follow through and it may be because they want to shift to a single 17.3" foldable display instead. While Apple's patent clearly described a large foldable display for a future laptop, it's unknown if Apple will market it as an optional MacBook form factor or a foldable tablet that could double as a notebook. Mark Gurman hinted back in June that Apple was working on much larger iPads and this could be one of the avenues that Apple is now exploring. One last thing, Samsung is working on a very interesting Speaker device with a wraparound display that could fold out as a mini desktop display, or just a home device that could show recipes in the kitchen or watch a movie or YouTube video or even hold a FaceTime call/conference with friends. Whether Apple would or could take advantage of this concept in a future HomePod form factor is unknown at this time, but it's definitely a novel idea. The timing of a new Bloomberg report is interesting. As I was just finishing this report when a new report from Mark Gurman was posted. In it Gurman states that "Apple plans to merge its HomePod and Apple TV hardware. The company is working on a combined Apple TV, HomePod and FaceTime camera device for debut as early as 2023. The Samsung concept just looks like such a device. Gurman further added that Apple "is enlisting Afrooz Family to lead the work, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Family worked at Apple from 2012 to 2016 before leaving to co-found audio startup Syng with former Apple industrial designer Christopher Stringer." The maiden edition of the Africa Real Estate Conference and EXPO 2021 is currently ongoing with Real Estate professionals across the globe assemblying in Accra, Ghana to share ideas and experiences on how to take the industry to the next level. ARCE 2021, which is under the theme "AN OPPORTUNITY TO INNOVATE & OPTIMIZE" which is a week-long program was preceded with professional training for real estate practitioners earning them a recognised certificate in CIPS to practice in the United States. The grand opening of the event which happened on Monday at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel saw the Deputy Minister Works and Housing Hon Abdulai Abanga as the Special Guest of Honor. He extolled the significance of the conference and the role it can play in changing the face of the real estate industry in Ghana and Africa in general. The Founder GREPA, Mrs Vicky Sampah in her opening remarks, said "GREPA is here to help change the face of the industry and also to assist the Ghana Revenue Authority to rake in more revenue for the State." First of its kind, the event is expected to host over 1000 local attendees and more than 300 international attendees both physical and virtual from all over the world including experienced local and international speakers, instructors, investors, industry practitioners as well as a global audience with a vision to empower, motivate and equip industry professionals with tools to succeed. It is a 5 full-day event with a half-day wrap-up on the 5th day open for attendees to network and tie knots. The program is Powered by GREPA (Ghana Real Estate Professionals Association): An organization set up in 2011 to bring Professionals in the Ghanaian Real Estate Industry together for purposes of promoting the goals of its members, promoting ethics and professional standards within the industry as well as creating and supporting local and international networking opportunities for its members. We are connecting with Global Stakeholders in the industry to promote Real Estate in Ghana, gathering support for Legislation, Research andEducation. Over the past decade, GREPA has achieved remarkable successes and notable milestones among including: The first organization in Ghana to bring together real estate professionals in Ghana together. Joining the US National Association of Realtors Bilateral Partners with an agreement signed in 2015 Obtaining License to teach NAR certification and designation courses Joined a stakeholder in drafting, reviewing and advocating for the passing of the Real Estate Act of 2020 Providing industry professionals with countless resources Creation of a multiple Listing Service (MLS) for Ghana with its public-facing portal LoopGhana.com Syndication of the loop to Realtor.com GREPA hopes to provide a solution to the dearth of real estate professionals that understand the African market by rolling out a number of carefully designed educational packages in Ghana to provide in-depth knowledge in real estate market dynamics across the entire African continent. We are among the very few organizations faced with the responsibility of improving Africas real estate space. There are a number of challenges impeding the optimal exploitation of Africas real estate potential, we believe that with continuous training, education, and advocacy for proper legislation, the industry will reach the full potential Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A record 4.3 million people quit their jobs in August, evidence of the considerable leverage workers have in today's economy. About 2.9% of the workforce quit in August, up from 2.7% in July, according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report, released Tuesday. That marks the highest quit rate since the report began in late 2000. The number of workers who quit rose by 242,000 from July as more Americans demanded higher pay, better working conditions and more flexible arrangements. Those number of people who quit rose in accommodation and food services, wholesale trade and state and local government education. "If you're unhappy with your job or want a raise, in the current environment it's pretty easy to find a new one," said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC. "We're seeing people vote with their feet." Companies continue to grapple with a serious worker shortage. Job openings remained very high at the end of August at 10.4 million, the JOLTS report showed. However, that marks a decline of 659,000 from the end of July. The numbers show the worker shortage was even worse than realized this summer. The number of job openings in July was revised higher to 11.1 million, a record high since this report began in 2000. 'Golden age' for workers Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, said this may be witnessing the start of what might eventually be considered the "golden age for the American worker." "The American worker is now confident that he or she has the bargaining power and can obtain a reasonable wage -- and have influence over the shape of working conditions," Brusuelas said. That bargaining power comes from their willingness to quit jobs they don't like and look for new ones. And this shift is not merely centered on simple economics -- but a broader reassessment around quality of life and purpose. "This is what happens after great wars or depressions," Brusuelas said. "It's hard to spot while you're in it, but we've gone through a shock that has elicited an unexpected change upon the population. And it will take some time to sort through." All of this helps explain why employers, including factories, trucking companies, restaurants, construction firms and schools, are having trouble finding workers. In the long run, such a workforce transformation will be a positive thing, allowing more people to find satisfaction in their careers and for businesses to have happier employees. And it can allow more workers to make a living wage and contribute to the broader economy, easing the alarming gap between rich and poor. In the short run, however, the worker shortage will continue to complicate the reopening of the global economy, contributing to rising prices, supply chain stress, product shortages and shipping delays. "It takes some for these things to work themselves out," said PNC's Faucher. Source: CNN Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, has called for well-resourced and independent regulatory bodies that will ensure strict adherence and control, devoid of any form of interference or coercion, to eliminate quack health professionals from the system. He noted that although all existing regulatory bodies in the health sector, such as the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA), the Allied Health Professions Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Medical and Dental Council and others, were working, a lot more needed to be done to ensure that all professionals acquired licences to operate effectively. Mr Agyeman-Manu made the call in a speech read on his behalf by the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Yakubu, at the opening of the 2021 Annual National Congress (ANC) of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) in Bolgatanga yesterday. Congress The four-day congress is on the theme: Standardising medical laboratory science practice in Ghana to better position the country in the midst of infectious diseases". The ANC is the highest profile event on the GAMLSs calendar and offers medical laboratory practitioners, including medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, medical laboratory assistants and other members in the health research industry and academia, the opportunity to meet to deliberate on the theme, as well as keep abreast of new developments in the profession. A number of dignitaries were at the opening ceremony and gave solidarity messages. Health Laboratory Policy Mr Agyeman-Manu said his outfit was doing everything possible to ensure the implementation of the National Health Laboratory Policy Document to further strengthen the regulatory bodies to flush out the quacks. He was of the view that the National Accreditation Board and other health professional regulatory bodies could ensure excellent curricula for the education of professionals. Moreover, an essential component in standardisation is being aligned to and accredited by a national or international organisation of standardisation(ISO). In Ghana, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) ensures that all facilities follow a particular standard, he said. He said he was reliably informed that the medical laboratory science practice currently dealt with ISO 15189:2012, with 12 quality essentials that ensure that what was done in America was done in Uganda, South Africa, Ghana and everywhere you go". Standards The minister expressed optimism that in a couple of years, every laboratory in Ghana would adhere to national standardisation processes. We are in the era of evidence-based medicine where diagnosis remains paramount; without good health laboratory systems and the medical laboratory professional, our health is meaningless and we will all be at risk of a bad system," Mr Agyeman-Manu pointed out. The President of GAMLS, Dr Abu Abudu Rahamani, called for the implementation of the National Health Laboratory Policy to help enforce standards for specialised health service delivery. He said the policy, which was developed with funding and technical assistance from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America and signed by a former Health Minister, Ms Sherry Ayittey, had a component with the capacity of ensuring that standards were attained by approximately 80 per cent, hence the need to implement it to help sanitise the profession. Challenges The GAMLS President further indicated that the country was in an era when some basic tests cannot be done in our regional and district laboratories that are considered primary healthcare providers". He said it was regrettable that there were inadequate well-trained licensed medical laboratory professionals for effective and efficient discharge of diagnostic, therapeutic and research functions for excellent health care, with the relevant authorities mandated to take action not being bothered. He, however, said notwithstanding all those challenges, medical laboratory science practice had made strides in the country. International standards The Upper East Regional Deputy Director of the Clinical Care Unit of the GHS, Dr Abdul Razak Dokurugu, said there was the need for all medical laboratories in the country to be well-equipped to match up with international standards. Chief The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tong-Raan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang, who chaired the ANC, expressed the hope that deliberations at the congress would eventually enhance healthcare delivery in the country. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Pentecost University Lecturer and the West African Director of Samaritan Strategy, Dr. Christopher Ampadu, has called for the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill called Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. According to him, Ghana needs the bill to avert homosexuality which he termed as a satanic agenda to destroy the Ghanaian family life. Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Dr. Ampadu stated categorically that ''any person who will speak against this bill doesn't love Ghana''. Meanwhile, the bill is currently at the center of controversy as one group made up of scholars, lawyers, Professors and Civil Society Organizations have disputed it on grounds that it encroaches fundamental human rights while the proponents of the bill consisting of some Members of Parliament led by the Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George and the lot of Ghanaians insist on passing the bill into law to criminalize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) acts in the country. A person caught practicing or promoting homosexuality, according to the bill, will face a jail term or fine or both. The debate on the bill is currently ongoing but many Ghanaians have suggested that there should be an open balloting on whether or not to pass it for them to find out the Parliamentarians who will vote for or against. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Amnesty International (Ghana) has called on the State to abolish the death penalty in Ghana following the grave human rights violation it poses to individuals accused of crimes punishable by death in the constitution of Ghana. The call was made at the headquarters of Amnesty International Ghana in a press briefing to mark the 19th World Day Against the Death Penalty (2021) on Tuesday, 12th October 2021 on the theme Women and the Death Penalty, an invisible reality. Amnesty International raised a number of concerns about women on death row, arguing that their conditions in prison do not meet international standards. Both men and women have been reported to be in poor conditions in typically overcrowded prisons in addition to poor sanitary facilities, isolation, and lack of access to medical care and to recreational and educational opportunities available to other prisoners. According to the Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Mr. Frank Doyi, there is currently no evidence that points to the fat that the death penalty deters crime. Research has shown that in countries where the death penalty is used, such as the United State of America, crime rates are still high. He is of the view that if human life is a fundamental human right, and killing is wrong, then the state must not be a party to taking its citizens lives. Research has also shown that the death penalty targets the poor. The United Nations Human Rights has revealed that people living in poverty risk being victims because they are easy targets for the police and cannot afford a lawyer. This means that they are unable to produce expert evidence beyond their means and are unable to appeal judgements. Many of these poor people also are unable to afford bails, a situation that keeps them in police custody so that they are unable to prepare adequately for an effective defence, the United Nations Human Rights has said. In the light of these inequalities, Amnesty international has called on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Ghana, Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame to put into effect the Presidents directive to initiate an amendment process of the criminal and other Offences Act-1960 (Act 29) to abolish the death penalty for most offences in Ghana. Background The death penalty in Ghana is imposed as a mandatory punishment for murder, meaning that judges are left with no alternatives in sentencing and do not have the option of assessing the context in which the crime was committed or the background of the defendants at sentencing. This means that many who have been sentenced to death, as research has shown, committed the crimes in self-defence, sometimes under prolonged torture at the hands of their victims and most times, sensed grave threats against their own lives. Ghana carried the last execution in 1993 and has since not executed anyone on the death row. However, judges continue to sentence people to death, mainly because there is no alternative sentence for crimes considered as murder under the laws of Ghana. As has already been shown, judges are not allowed to assess the merits of a murder case to fully understand the circumstances under which the crime was committed, meaning that once someone has lost a life at ones hand, the death penalty must be applied. There are currently more than 150 people on the death row and the aim of Amnesty International Ghana is to see the removal of the Death Penalty from the constitution and other legislations in Ghana. Amnesty international Ghana has also called on the Parliament of Ghana to support and pass the Private Member Bill that is currently before it (introduced by Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu) to remove the death penalty from the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and replace it with other sentences such as life imprisonment. Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghanaians and allies in New York and California on October 11, organised a protest against the anti-LGBT bill set to be debated in Parliament. The protest, which saw rallies organised in Harlem, New York, and in Oakland, California is aimed at getting the anti-LGBT bill scrapped. The proposed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill would criminalize LGBTQI+ identities and allyship, imposing harsh sentences ranging from fines to forced conversion therapy and up to 10 years imprisonment. This protest is the latest in a series of international protests organised by Ghanaians and allies abroad calling on the countrys parliament to drop the bill and urging President, Akufo-Addo to veto it if it passes. The conveners of the protest say the bill if passed, would impede HIV and other health services for LGBTQI+ people. The bill would also require suspected LGBTQI+ people to recant their sexual and gender identities and pay for conversion therapy to avoid prison time. Ultimately, the law would torture and endanger the lives and health of LGBTQI+ Ghanaians. They added that If passed, the law would push Ghanas LGBTQI+ community further into the shadows and increase incidents of violence. It would also chill speech online and abroad by allowing the extradition and prosecution of Ghanaian advocates and allies. Theyre calling on Ghanaians both home and abroad to join the call for the rejection of the bill using hastags #QueerGhanaianLivesMatter #KillTheBillGhana #Ghanagetsbetter Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The social studies teacher of Kulpi Junior High School, Natomah Otabel, accused of allegedly sodomizing some 18 pupils has pleaded guilty to all the charges. The teacher who is currently standing trial for the offense was sent to the Tamale Circuit Court after he was discharged by the Salaga Magistrate Court on Wednesday, October 13. The teacher was immediately rearrested for the trial in Tamale. The Presiding Judge remanded him into police custody to reappear on Thursday, October 21 for judgment. The suspect was arrested on Monday, September 27 after some relatives of victims reported the matter to the Salaga police. His act was condemned by the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Esther Obiri, a former employee of Town and Country Books Service, is standing trial after she was initially confronted and later reported to the companys authorities by her husband for stealing from the firm. The report originally captured by The Chronicle newspaper stated that Mr. Enoch Obiri reported his wife to the company for allegedly conspiring with her former co-worker to steal an undisclosed amount of money. Esther and her alleged accomplice have since been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court on two counts of stealing but both pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to the prosecuting officer, Chief inspector John Gohoho, the complainant in the case is the sole proprietor of Town and Country Books Service. He added that the two suspects were the complainants former secretary and warehouse keeper respectively. The prosecuting officer further told the court that although Esther resigned from the company in 2017, her husband discovered that she was still in touch and secretly dealing with some of her former co-workers. The officer also said that Esthers husband became alarmed and apprehensive when he realized that his wife disclosed her intentions to acquire a shop worth GH35,000.00. This situation according to the officer prompted Esthers husband to inform his wifes former employer without hesitation. But Esther vehemently denied the theft claims when she was confronted by her former employer according to the prosecuting officer. Enoch in a bid to prove his allegations searched through his wifes belongings and retrieved some invoice booklets belonging to the company and handed them over to the sole proprietor. The case was reported to the police and Esther together with her alleged accomplice were arrested. It was disclosed in court that during investigations, the accused persons admitted to having conspired to steal textbooks worth GH20, 000. Esther was also said to have paid an amount of GHC13, 000 out of the amount stolen to the police. Also, it was discovered after two audits were commissioned by the complaint that in the last quarter of 2017, books worth GHC136, 961.25 went missing. The case has, however, been adjourned to November 3, 2021. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, will today address the countrys teeming youth at the Springboard-Ghana Cares Youth Dialogue programme which will take place at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). The programme, which will be held on the theme: Opportunities for Ghanas youth under the Ghana-CARES Programme, will bring together tertiary students, graduates and youth groups from the formal and the informal sectors. The list of participating youth groups and institutions include the University of Ghana Business School, the Pentecost University College, the UPSA, the Methodist University College, the Wisconsin University and the Academic City University. Others are the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA), the Design & Technology Institute (DTI), the Tema Technical Institute, the YIEDIE Youth Association and the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre, Ghana (OICG). The rest are the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Artisans Association of Ghana (AAG) and the Mastercard Foundation. Springboard Road Show Organised by the Springboard Road Show Foundation, the Springboard Youth Dialogue is an interactive session involving Mr Ofori-Atta and young people from various institutions and organisations. The focus of the dialogue will be on the governments proposal to create a million jobs, stimulate innovation and start-ups and other opportunities under Ghana COVID-19 Alleviation and Revitalisation of Enterprise Support (CARES) Obaatanpa Programme. The ultimate objective is to create awareness among young people of the new opportunities being created, get their feedback on the proposals and highlight how they can take advantage of them. Keynote message The minister, in his keynote message, is expected to give a breakdown of the key interventions and how many of the planned one million jobs each intervention will specifically create. He will also talk about what has been done so far, the timelines for the full roll out and indicators for measurement and what young people must know, have or do to benefit from the interventions. The Finance Minister is also expected to give a commitment to factor in the feedback of the youth into the budgeting process and also give them a sense of hope and inspiration for the future. Ghana CARES Obaatanpa The Ghana CARES (Obaatanpa) programme is a bold GH100-billion post-COVID-19 programme to stabilise, revitalise and transform Ghanas economy to create jobs and prosperity for Ghanaians over a three-year period. It is sequenced in two phases: a Stabilisation Phase to run from July 2020 to the end of that year, and a medium-term Revitalisation Phase from 2021-2023. The first phase of the programme built on the actions already taken by the government under the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme, including stabilisation of the economy, ensuring food security, support for businesses and workers, strengthening the health system and passage of legislation to facilitate quick economic recovery. The second phase, which aims at revitalising and transforming the economy from 2021-2023 will focus on supporting commercial farming and attracting educated youth into agriculture, building Ghanas light manufacturing sector, developing engineering/machine tools and an ICT/digital economy, developing Ghanas housing and construction industry, reviewing and optimising the implementation of governments flagships and key programmes, among others. The dialogues are, therefore, to enable the Finance Minister and other officials from his ministry to expatiate on the policy intervention, which is targeted mainly at the youth and their involvement in businesses. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Tunisia-based organization, Startup Tunisia, has won the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Innovation Challenge 2021. Startup Tunisia, which offers grants and provides technical guidance to startup innovators, has, in just 2 years, supported 550 startups as well as startup support organisations through providing a supportive policy environment, investments and capacity building. They claim the USD 10,000 top prize and the title, 2021 ATU Best Ecosystem Practice Enabling Youth ICT Innovation in Africa. The competition, launched by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), also saw Tanzanias Coding Clubs, Mentorship and Incubation initiative by Apps and Girls, and the ICT Innovation Programme of Zambias ICT Authority secure second and third place respectively, taking home USD 5000 and USD 2,500. The former has empowered over 34,686 girls with problem-solving and coding skills, improved their academic performance in ICT and other STEM-related subjects and led to 69 businesses being set-up. The latter has successfully commercialized 30+ Start-ups, created 100+ jobs and worked with 15+ local partners. Announcing the winners in the virtual awards ceremony headlined by Zambian minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix C. MUTATI, ATU Secretary General Mr. John OMO affirmed the Unions commitment to inspiring the creation of an ecosystem in Africa that supports the development of homegrown solutions to local challenges. It remains our desire to enable a systemic perspective on innovation in the continent and I encourage all ICT stakeholders to be open minded to the idea of collaboration. ATU is open and ready to facilitate contact and communication between any parties within our scope that want to make deliberate efforts to work together. It is in this regard that I thank all the partners of the Challenge especially our title sponsor Huawei for their collaboration and investment in innovation and skills promotion among the African youth, he said. This years edition of the Challenge identified institutions from Africa that create an enabling environment for youth to develop ICT innovations. Among the institutions sort included policy making bodies, incubators, universities and non-profits. This is in recognition of the critical role that such organisations play and the importance of investing in fertile soil from which innovators can grow from. Applicants had to explain how they supported innovations and were additionally required to highlight two beneficiaries that have profited from the practice. Speaking during the ceremony, Huaweis President of Carrier Business Group, Huawei Southern Africa Region, Mr. Samuel Chen, called for further investment in connectivity, power and mobile money infrastructure that innovators can use to develop their innovations and through which citizens can access them whilst highlighting Huaweis commitment to supporting local innovation and skills as being key to the companys success: for over 23 years we have supported local innovation in Africa by building infrastructure all the way from 2G to 5G, providing innovative software such as mobile money and AI, and we will continue to build local talent and build platforms and products to enable African innovators to develop solutions to African challenges he said. Echoing Mr. OMO, David Chen also thanked co-sponsors and partners, Intel Corporation, GSM Association, and AfriLabs, for significantly contributing to the success of the Challenge. The event Chief Guest commended the participants for their practices that respond to the African context and challenges and acknowledged that indeed innovation is what distinguishes and sustains competitive societies. While applauding the initiative by ATU and ITU, he went ahead to encourage African Governments to be open to sharing of resources and good practices. I congratulate all participants and thank ATU and ITU for this initiative that is indeed a practical way of benchmarking with other peer countries on good practices for supporting ICT related innovations and entrepreneurship in Africa, he said. In addition to the financial prize that will benefit them, all the top ten winners of the Challenge will have their practices recognized by ITU and ATU and amplified worldwide as an ICT Ecosystem Stakeholders Best Practice, attention that can help them scale-up their practice or be replicated across Africa to foster youth innovation. Additionally, they will attend a boot camp organized by ITU which together with training from innovator-support champion, AfriLabs, during the AfriLabs Hubs learning week, will help them enhance their impact. The event further recognized seven additional best practices by ecosystem stakeholders across Africa. Those awarded were, After-School STEM Clubs for Girls and Coding Boot Camps for Women (by the Visiola Foundation, Nigeria), Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology Development (by Zetech University, Kenya), COVID-19 Project for Zimbabwe (by African Surveyors Connect, Zimbabwe), Huria Innovation Hub (by Open University of Tanzania), Innovation and Techno-preneurship Acceleration (by St Josephs University of Tanzania), ICT in education (by Adamawa Code Kids, Cameroon), and Woman DNS Academy (by Internet Society, Benin Chapter). Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has applauded the ECOWAS parliament for the theme it chose for its high level regional parliamentary seminar in Ghana. Mr Akufo-Addo addressed the forum on Wednesday, 13th October 2021. He wrote on his Facebook page after the address that I addressed the ECOWAS High-Level Regional Parliamentary Seminar, on the theme Two Decades of Democratic Elections in ECOWAS Member States: Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward, held in Winneba in the Central Region. I applauded the ECOWAS Parliament for the theme of this seminar, the relevance of which is evident in the light of recent happenings in the ECOWAS Community, especially in Guinea and Mali. By choosing to address this topic at this time, ECOWASs Parliament has demonstrated vision, courage, and the spirit to search for solutions aimed at consolidating the democratic growth of the Region, and help realise the dreams and aspirations of the peoples of the Community for a democratic future. Source: 3 news Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A 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. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Jill Hart of the Cannery Brewing gets into the spirit of Penticton Beer Week with some of the Cannerys best suds. The third annual Penticton Beer Week begins today and there will be a series of special events through Oct. 23. Dr. Bonnie Henry talk about the next steps in B.C.'s COVID-19 immunization plan during a press conference at the legislature in Victoria on Friday, January 22, 2021. British Columbia's provincial health officer has announced new restrictions for the northern health region in an attempt to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 through those who are unvaccinated. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito The International Rainbow Bridge connecting Niagara Falls, Ont. and Niagara Falls, N.Y. is shown on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. The United States border will reopen to non-essential travel in November to fully vaccinated Canadians after a record long closure due to concerns over COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett Thank you for reading the Philadelphia Tribune. You have exhausted your free article views for this month. Please press the "subscribe" button below and see our introductory price of $0.25 per week for 13 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month. Peniel E. Joseph is the Barbara Jordan Chair in ethics and political values and the founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is also a professor of history. He is the author of Stokely: A Life and The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. The views expressed here are his own. How to Clip Click and hold your mouse button on the page to select the area you wish to save or print. You can click and drag the clipping box to move it or click and drag in the bottom right corner to resize it. When you're happy with your selection, click the checkmark icon next to the clipping area to continue. Czech Pro Dalibor Dula Becomes First European Bracelet Winner at the 2021 WSOP October 15, 2021 Liam Gannon Dalibor Dula bested Cole Ferraro heads up to take down Event #22: $1,000 Freezeout No-Limit Holdem for $199,227 and his first WSOP bracelet, as well as the biggest score of his career. "It hasnt set in for me yet. I think in a week or so I will feel happy, right now I just feel shocked," was the first thing Dula said after his career-changing victory. Dula, who hails from the Czech Republic, had been playing poker for five years but is on his first-ever WSOP trip. With his win here today, he instantly vaulted himself into the top 100 all-time Czech Republic earners on The Hendon Mob. The final table was a star-studded affair, with WSOP Circuit ring leader Maurice Hawkins and high-stakes regular Maxx Coleman, but in the end it was the two relatively new faces battling heads up for the bracelet. 2021 WSOP Event #26: $1,000 Freezeout No-Limit Hold'em Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Dalibor Dula Czech Republic $199,227 2 Cole Ferraro United States $123,142 3 Edward Welch United States $89,875 4 Guowei Zhang United States $66,335 5 Maxx Coleman United States $49,519 6 Anthony Askey United States $37,393 7 Nicolo Audannio United States $28,565 8 Levi Klump United States $22,080 9 Maurice Hawkins United States $17,270 2021 WSOP Live Reporting Hub Follow all the live-action as it happens from the 2021 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas! Click Here Dula was all-in and at risk many times throughout the final table and during heads up. I was just so focused, " He said. "I did not really think about the flips. Once you are all in, it is out of your hands, you cant do anything to win that all in or lose it. The Czech Republic pro said that he would be playing the rest of the series as well as the World Series of Poker Europe, hoping to make deep runs in some more events. The tournament brought out 1,358 entrants to generate a prizepool of $1,208,620 and paid out 204 places. Action lasted two days with 38 total levels being played until a champion was crowned. Final Table Recap The first casualty at the final table came when John Roh tried to bluff all-in against Guowei Zhangs flopped set of sevens. Zhang called him and John Roh was eliminated in 10th place ($13,672). Next to go were 14-time WSOP circuit ring winner Maurice Hawkins in 9th place ($17,270) and start of day chip leader Levi Klump in 8th place ($22,080) when Hawkins jacks and Klumps ace-queen could not win against Maxx Colemans king-jack. Nicolo Audannio was next to go when his all-in got called by the final table chip leader Cole Ferraro. The ace-eight could not find improvement against the pocket jacks and Audannio was eliminated in 7th place ($28,565). 14-time WSOP ring winner Maurice Hawkins remains empty-handed when it comes to bracelets. Play slowed down significantly six-handed, with Cole Ferraro pulling away with the lead and the other stacks jockeying for middle position, but ultimately it was Anthony Askey whos pocket queens were cracked by Edward Welchs king-jack to leave him very short. He busted shortly after when his last chips got in with king ten-suited only to have the river end him when Ferraro rivered a pair of queens. Askey was eliminated in 6th place ($37,393). High-stakes regular Maxx Coleman got into a race with the chip leader Ferraro and his king-ten suited could not hold up against Ferraros queen jack suited when it turned a flush. Coleman exited in 5th place ($49,519) and Ferraro had put considerable distance between himself and the rest of the field. "Once you are all in, it is out of your hands, you cant do anything to win that all in or lose it" Guowei Zhang and Dalibor Dula got into many all-ins with each other at this point. Both of them trading stacks and having the other at risk for their tournaments at least once, but Dulas ace-queen managed to beat Zhangs pocket threes and sent him out the door in 4th place ($66,335). Edward Welch started the day with the second shortest stack out of 38 remaining players and managed to double up many times, get to the final table, and end the tournament with a podium finish in 3rd place ($89,875). His ace-two suited could not improve enough against Ferraros ace-ten and he found himself leaving with Dula and Ferraro to play heads up. Cole Ferraro Heads-Up Play The match between Dalibor Dula and Cole Ferraro lasted roughly four levels. Ferraro began with the chip lead, but the gap narrowed significantly to when Dula won a few key pots to keep himself neck and neck with Ferraro. A key moment had happened when Dula was ahead by a few pots and had put Ferraro all in for his tournament life when Dula had pocket tens in his hand and Ferraro had flopped three eights on an eight-high board. Dula was unable to improve and Ferarro pulled into the chip lead by a significant margin. It seemed all but over for Dula, who had a roughly 9/1 chip deficit, as he called an all-in for his tournament life with ace-five suited against the pocket kings of Cole Ferraro. An ace on the river kept his tournament hopes alive and from that moment forward the momentum was on Dulas side. Play lasted 40-minutes more after the fortuitous ace on the river, as Dula continued to apply pressure and took the chip lead. It all came to an end when Dalibor Dula went all in from the button with king-three suited and Ferraro called it off with jack-eight suited and found no improvement on the board, giving Dula the victory and eliminating Ferraro in 2nd place ($123,142). Congratulations to Dalibor Dula on his victory in Event #26: $1,000 Freezeout No-Limit Hold'em! Stay tuned to PokerNews.com for more updates on all bracelet events for the duration of the World Series of Poker at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. Pete Chen Takes Down $2,200 Wynn Mystery Bounty After Three-way Deal ($289,193) October 15, 2021 Daniel O'Hair On Thursday, 255 players reconvened to play out Day 2 of the $2,200 Wynn Mystery Bounty at the Wynn Las Vegas. The event drew a total of 2,333 players across three starting flights generating a total prize pool of $4,666,000 and smashing the $2 million guarantee. When it was all said and done Pete Chen emerged as the champion after making a three-way deal with Kevin Klunder and Ezequiel Waigel. The tournament featured a special bounty format in which players would be assigned random cash-prize bounties ranging from $500 - $250,000. Chen also received eight mystery bounties during his path to victory good for an additional $20,000. $2,200 Wynn Mystery Bounty Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize (USD) 1 Pete Chen Taiwan $289,193* 2 Ezequiel Waigel Argentina $263,627* 3 Kevin Klunder United States $261,440* 4 Daniel Rezaei Austria $125,160 5 Florian Duta Romania $96,404 6 Onur Unsal Cyprus $73,778 7 Matthew Zarcadoolas Argentina $60,131 8 Ray Medlin United States $49,918 9 Johan Martinet France $41,563 *denotes three-way deal Chen's victory comes as an unlikely story given that he joined Day 2 late as he was busy placing 20th in a WSOP event earlier in the day. Chen, who qualified into Day 2 of the $2,200 Wynn Mystery Bounty during the first starting flight, said he decided to prioritise competing in the WSOP to earn WSOP Player of the Year points, not surprising after receiving a boost from his earlier bracelet win in the Ultra Deepstack Online Event. According to Chen, by the time he took his seat in the Mystery Bounty Event, he had already blinded down from 471,000 in chips down to 315,000 but was able to run good and build his stack throughout the remainder of the day. Relive Andrew Moreno's Victory in the Wynn Millions earlier this year Final Table Action Despite coming into the final table as chip leader, Chen found himself losing that position several times on his path to victory particularly after losing a sizable pot to Onur Unsal early on. Chen regained some ground after winning a race against Ray Medlin to knock him out in eighth place. With rapidly escalating blinds, most of the eliminations came as a result of two players getting all-in preflop. Both Matthew Zarcadoolas and Onur Unsal were eliminated after finding themselves all-in with a dominated ace and failing to improve. "I play 14 hours every day and post all my tournament receipts on Facebook. I think of poker as a hobby not a job." There were a plethora of double-ups when the final table reached five-handed with the shorter stacks always seemingly finding a way to win as the night went on. Florian Duta eventually fell in fifth place after running into the pocket aces of Kevin Klunder and Chen would claim the last knockout of the tournament after rivering a straight to send Daniel Rezaei home in 4th place. It didn't take long for the final three players to discuss a deal and come to an agreement having already played for over 14 hours since Day 2 started. Chen, who also won his first WSOP bracelet, last week in an online event, said he intends to keep playing poker for the duration of the Wynn Fall Classic and World Series of Poker. "I play 14 hours every day and post all my tournament receipts on Facebook," Chen said. "I think of poker as a hobby not a job." Mystery Bounty Winners Truck driver Donald Nimneh claims the top mystery bounty prize of $250,000 Donald Nimneh, a 43-year-old Omaha trucker driver, was able to draw the top mystery bounty prize of $250,000. You can learn more about his story in our dedicated article. Here's a look at who managed to snag the top mystery bounty prizes. Prize Winner $250,000 Donald Nimneh $100,000 Keven Stammen $100,000 David Mzareulov $100,000 Raffaele Sorrentino $50,000 Katie Lindsay $50,000 John Leathart $50,000 Louis "AP" Garza $50,000 Vladimir Vasilyev $50,000 Julien Martini $50,000 Kevin Klunder PokerNews will be back at the floor of the Wynn Las Vegas on October 29th again for live coverage of the $3,500 NLH Championship. Until then! Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. A Wagener man was arrested Wednesday in connection to a May shooting . Frankie Lee Walker II, 34, is charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Around 6:30 p.m. on May 16, deputies with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office responded to the 100 block of Holley Street in Wagener in reference to a shooting incident. Upon arrival, multiple people at the scene stated a male had been shot, according to an incident report obtained from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Officers located the victim in the back yard of the residence "sitting in the driver's seat of his vehicle with multiple gun shot wounds," police said. Police were informed the suspect "shot the victim with a handgun and left into the wooded area next to the residence," according to the report. The Aiken County Sheriff's Office Bloodhound Tracking Team and a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) helicopter responded to the location to track the subject, police said. The Department of Health and Human Services recently distributed more than $15 million to community health centers in South Carolina, including hundreds of thousands of dollars to Rural Health Services in Aiken. The Health Resources and Services Administration awards will be used to fund capital projects and other construction, according to House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, who announced the funding Thursday morning. The local award $681,500 will be used to improve the Clyburn Center for Primary Care, a spokesperson said. The millions of dollars spread statewide are an investment in making health care more accessible and affordable for all, Clyburn, D-S.C., said in a statement. Throughout the pandemic these facilities have been lifelines to many communities across the state by providing patients with free and low-cost access to testing, vaccines and treatment, he continued. As we begin to emerge from the devastation of this virus, these funds will ensure that individuals in rural and underrepresented communities have access to high quality healthcare in expanded and modernized health centers. Rural Health Services was established in 1971, and offers an array of primary and preventive services to Aiken County and neighboring areas. U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., lauded its work in August, after walking through its facilities. It was a privilege to meet with Rural Health Services, Inc. this morning and tour the Clyburn Center for Primary Care, the congressman wrote on Facebook. Thank you to our rural healthcare workers for everything you do! Dozens of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions employees are suing their employer, the top contractor at the Savannah River Site, in an effort to invalidate a COVID-19 vaccine mandate and to have barred a policy described in court documents as fired if no vaccine. More than 75 people are named as plaintiffs in the complaint filed in state court Thursday, shortly before unvaccinated Savannah River Nuclear Solutions employees were due to lose access to the Savannah River Site and its networks. Donald Brown Jr., who is representing the workers, in an interview said the hope is to get a resolution as quickly as possible. If the court does not intervene immediately, the complaint argues, people will be irreparably harmed. I do think its a matter of urgency, clearly, Brown said, adding that securing a temporary restraining order in the next few days would be ideal. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, which day-to-day manages the Savannah River Site, rolled out vaccine requirements in early September, before President Joe Biden ordered private-sector workers be vaccinated or face regular testing. That fiat is now nearing implementation, as the Department of Labor on Tuesday submitted to the White House an initial version of the plan. In a memo to the workforce last month, SRNS President and CEO Stuart MacVean said the decision to make vaccination a condition of employment came after much discussion with leadership across the Savannah River Site. The move was also based on scientific evidence concerning the vaccines' effectiveness and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he said. We are seeing the highest case rate on-site since the pandemic started and the severity of the illness is particularly difficult for those people that are not vaccinated, MacVean continued. Eleven 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. Those suing Savannah River Nuclear Solutions doubt the legitimacy and safety of the various jabs, documents show, and believe the mandate constitutes the illegal practice of medicine, among other violations. These folks have legitimate concerns and we hope theyll get some relief, Brown said Thursday. It ought to be their choice, not somebody elses. A spokesperson for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions said actions taken by the company to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for all employees were done solely to protect the health and safety of the workforce. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions employs some 5,500 people. Approximately 95% of them are vaccinated. 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. The Ocean Explorer cruise ship dropped anchor in Charleston Harbor on Oct. 14 in a sign that Charleston's cruising industry 19 months into its pandemic-induced hiatus could soon get back to normal. The newly built 352-foot-long vessel anchored off Union Pier Terminal at about 8:30 a.m. and its 53 passengers were tendered to Mount Pleasant. The visitors toured the Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point and then boarded a bus for a trip to Magnolia Plantation along the Ashley River. The Ocean Explorer departed by late afternoon on its way to Wilmington, N.C. "It's a beautiful little ship," said Gary Santos, local manager for Inchcape Shipping Services, which handles onshore logistics for cruise ships that visit Charleston. "It's just kind of cool to see a cruise ship in the harbor after all this time." The Ocean Explorer, operated by Boston-based Vantage Cruise Line, has capacity for just 162 guests and is less than half the size of cruise ships that typically visit Charleston. By comparison, the Carnival Sunshine the vessel that calls Charleston its home port is 892 feet long and carries up to 3,002 guests. Most cruise ships, including the Sunshine, dock at Union Pier, which is owned by the State Ports Authority and is a short walk from the City Market and other parts of the peninsula's Historic District. Santos, a Mount Pleasant councilman, has worked to bring pleasure ships to the East Cooper town by anchoring them just offshore and then transporting the passengers to land on smaller boats. "They don't have to go through any protocols because they're in the harbor," he said. Carnival Cruise Line recently announced plans to bring the Sunshine back to Union Pier starting Jan. 13 for a four-day excursion with vaccinated crew members and passengers to Nassau in the Bahamas. The ship will offer two other Bahamas cruises in January, according to Carnivals website, and the vessel will depart Charleston on a 10-day journey starting Jan. 17 that will include stops at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and San Juan. Cruises between Charleston and the Bahamas and other Caribbean vacation spots have been on hold since mid-March 2020 because of COVID-19. Carnival has pushed back the Sunshines restart more than a dozen times since then. "Our restart plan continues to excel across all metrics, and we are looking forward to completing the restart of the fleet in the new year," Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a written statement on Oct. 6. While the Ocean Explorer is the first post-pandemic cruise ship to drop anchor in the harbor, it's not the first cruise ship to visit the Holy City since the virus started spreading through the United States. American Cruise Lines resumed its operations in March with an eight-day trip that ended in Charleston after stops in Amelia Island, Jekyll Island, Savannah, Hilton Head Island and Beaufort. The company's 220-foot-long Independence made its way to town via the Intracoastal Waterway and the Ashley River. COLUMBIA A Lexington County teacher is facing a drug possession charge after a student picked up marijuana edibles inside a box of packaged candy given to students as a reward. Victoria Weiss, a 27-year-old who taught second grade at Rocky Creek Elementary School, was charged with one count of a Schedule I drug and was no longer employed by the district as of Oct. 13, officials said. The schools assistant principal contacted police Sept. 23 and said a student grabbed a package of candy that had marijuana in it from a rewards box set up by a teacher, according to an affidavit. The mix-up was discovered when the student asked a daycare teacher to help open the pack of candy that resembled Sour Patch Kids gummies. Instead, they were Stoney Patch Kids that were in the shape of marijuana leaves and were advertised to have 350 milligrams of THC. No student ate any of the THC-laced product, authorities said. Marijuana edibles are illegal in South Carolina. The safety of our children is a top priority, Lexington One Superintendent Greg Little said in a statement. It is unacceptable to potentially threaten the well-being of a child. Weiss is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center after turning herself in Oct. 15. COLUMBIA A South Carolina bank is washing its hands of any involvement in an alleged scheme to defraud the family of Alex Murdaughs housekeeper of millions of dollars from a wrongful-death settlement. In an Oct. 15 legal filing, Palmetto State Bank said it had nothing to do with the 2018 lawsuit brought by the sons of Gloria Satterfield, even though one of the banks vice presidents served as the personal representative of the Satterfield estate in that case. The Hampton-based bank said on Oct. 15 that Chad Westendorf represented the Satterfields estate only in a personal capacity, not as part of his official duties. The bank insisted no money from the $4.3 million Satterfield settlement was ever deposited in any of its accounts. It said it knew nothing of a conspiracy to hijack money that was owed to Satterfields family and misdirect it instead to disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh, the lawsuits defendant. The bank requested to be dismissed as a defendant from a recent lawsuit alleging the scheme. The claims asserted against the bank in this lawsuit are wholly unsupported, the banks lawyers wrote in a statement. While the actions of Alex Murdaugh continue to shock us all in South Carolina, the bank had no involvement in those activities. That's not true, said one of the attorneys suing the bank on behalf of the Satterfield family. "Their lawyers are trying to dig their heels in," trial attorney Eric Bland said. "We look forward to disproving a lot of what they say." Bland said Westendorf got permission from Palmetto State Bank to work on the Satterfield case, filed papers in the case as vice president of the bank and had correspondence mailed to his office at the bank not his home address. The bank's 24-page filing comes a day after Murdaugh, the scandal-scarred scion of a powerful legal family in Hampton County, was arrested in connection with the alleged Satterfield scheme and charged with two felonies. Murdaugh on Oct. 15 agreed to be extradited from Florida on those charges. He is scheduled to appear at a bond hearing on Oct. 18 in South Carolina. The banks statement also continues a trend of lawyers, bankers, financial firms and former friends scrambling to distance themselves from Murdaugh and his alleged scams. Murdaughs former law office of Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth, Detrick also claimed no role in the Satterfield settlement, while his close friend, Beaufort lawyer Cory Fleming, said last week he too was duped by Murdaugh during the deal. A spokeswoman for Murdaugh declined to comment on Oct. 15. Efforts to reach attorneys for Fleming were unsuccessful. Last month, attorneys Bland and Ronnie Richter filed a new lawsuit on behalf of Satterfields sons. They asserted Satterfields family had received nothing from a settlement that was negotiated in secret on their behalf. Bland and Richter said Murdaugh had encouraged the sons to sue him and hire Fleming to do it after their mother died following a February 2018 trip and fall at a Murdaugh property. Bland and Richter said Fleming encouraged the Satterfields to appoint Westendorf to represent and manage her estate. After that, the Satterfield sons were never told of the $4.3 million settlement that was negotiated on their behalf, the new lawsuit alleged. Instead, Bland and Richter said, Murdaugh the defendant told Fleming to direct the money to a fraudulent bank account that Murdaugh had disguised to look like that of a financial firm that manages settlement payments. From there, the money disappeared, they alleged. Fleming settled the lawsuit earlier this month, agreeing to pay the Satterfields all the legal fees he was awarded from the case. He admitted making mistakes in the case and said he was misled by Murdaugh, his friend and former law school classmate, to believe the money was going to the Satterfields. Palmetto State Bank is one of the new lawsuit's defendants. Its pushback on Oct. 15 comes days after Bland and Richter moved to hold the bank liable for Westendorf's actions in the Satterfield case. In its filing, the bank states Westendorf is "an exemplary person of integrity who has helped and served others." When Westendorf agreed to serve as personal representative for the Satterfield estate, he had "no reason to suspect or know of Murdaugh's scheme to defraud and steal," the bank said. The bank moved to shift any blame from itself and Westendorf to Fleming, saying the attorney for the Satterfields' estate gave Westendorf bad legal direction about how to handle the case. Flowertown Players fall season is off to a boisterous start with Moon Over Buffalo, playwright Ken Ludwigs high-octane slapstick comedy that sends up American theater. The aim was clear: To bring on the noise and bring on the funny for local theatergoers, many of whom are likely making their first forays into live performances. In line with the majority of this falls season openers in the Charleston area, Summervilles longstanding community theater company opted for the upbeat in the production, co-directed by Leslie Ross and Alan Rosenfeld. This work does have serious comedic cred. Set in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1953, "Moon Over Buffalo" debuted on Broadway in 1995, starring none other than famed funny woman Carol Burnett. The role marked her first appearance on Broadway in 30 years, which speaks to the appeal of the play. Both the show and the star subsequently got Tony nominations for the production. It goes like this. Traveling actors George Hay (Jamie Young) and Charlotte Hay (Rune Vaughn) are in the midst of a professional nadir, itinerantly plying their thespian trade by rolling their bare-bones company into towns and rotating performances of "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Private Lives." Their daughter Roz (Maddie Latham), on the other hand, has forsaken theater altogether. She instead intends to marry her fiance, Howard (Nick Torres), a television weatherman, while dodging her ex-fiance, Paul (Dale Fox), the theater company's stage manager. Other romantic triangles take to the stage, too, and antics soon unfold with the bombastic, booze-fueled George, who has engaged in an extramarital dalliance with another actress, Eileen (Hannah Weston). At the same time, the none-too-pleased Charlotte has captured the heart of the companys lawyer Richard (Fred Hutter). All the while Charlottes hard-of-hearing mother Ethel (Ariena Withers), wanders on and off stage, misunderstanding most everything to humorous end. A modest set involves a series of doors from which, a la French farce, performers pop in and out in an increasingly antic montage of comic bits. Characters are constructed to first and foremost elicit laughs, and they did so regularly during the performance I attended. The performances were exuberant, with loads of physical comedy and an intense exertion of some cast members that at times caused me to worry over their well-being. As George, the indefatigable Jamie Young was ever game for couch gymnastics and tipsy escapades. If You Go What: Flowertown Players' "Moon Over Buffalo" When: through Oct. 24 Where: James F. Dean Community Theater, 133 S. Main St. in Summerville For more information: Visit flowertownplayers.org or call 843.875.9251. There is much humor to mine from the lines and plot developments, and I expect we've just scratched the surface of this play. Maddie Latham's Roz demonstrates what can be brought to the table, impressively milking mirth in one particular scene. As Howard, Nick Torres delivered his own entertaining ticks as well. In more ways than one, the production called to mind Waiting for Guffman, the sweetly satirical film centered on a small town zealously banding together to put on a show, and getting word that a New York critic plans to attend. In Moon Over Buffalo, the famed film director Frank Capra is en route to a Sunday matinee, with sights set on casting George in a major motion picture. At Flowertown, that zeal included volume. To reference another film, "This Is Spinal Tap," boasting "Guffman" creator Christopher Guest, no less, most on stage had amped it up to 11, more so than was necessary. Hopefully they will recalibrate as they ease into the run. That being said, Arlena Withers demonstrates how less can be more, delivering her dotty Ethel with restraint and toned-down command. (Speaking of constraint: On the COVID meter, there did not seem to be enforced protocols in place, and only a sprinkling of patrons masked up.) Big sounds and some broad performances withstanding, it should be flagged this did not in the least quell the evident merriment in the audience, who responded enthusiastically to the nonstop hijinks (just as they do in Waiting for Guffman.) Flowertown Players gave their people what they clearly wanted, as community theater should. And that was a lighthearted evening out, complete with a moon over Buffalo. GEORGETOWN Liberty Steel is fast approaching a Feb. 1 deadline for a zoning change that will bar it from reopening the downtown Georgetown mill. The factory, once the city's largest employer, has seen production slide in the past decade, but Liberty said it is still evaluating options for a "sustainable restart" before that date. But with Georgetown trying to rebrand itself as a tourist destination midway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, many private developers see Liberty Steel's more than 50 acres of waterfront land as a golden opportunity. The mill, formerly Georgetown Steel, was opened in 1970 by Germanys Korf Co. and employed 1,500 workers in its opening decade. Based on recommendations from a Urban Land Institute study, the property the mill sits on was rezoned from heavy industrial use to mixed use in 2017, allowing shops, restaurants and housing to all be built on the land. The rezoning, though, only applied to anything that would go on the property after the mill ceased to exist. Liberty Steel was allowed to continue its operations. But there was a catch if the steel mill went unused for 365 days, the property could no longer by used as an industrial site and the mixed use zoning would take affect, ending its ability to be a steel mill. In attempts to preserve the mill's operations, Liberty Steel representatives tried to rezone part of the property back to industrial in 2019, but failed. The mill idled in April 2020, with representatives citing COVID-19's effect on U.S. demand for steel products. The move forced 130 employees into a "temporary" lay off period that was initially supposed to last three months, but work never resumed. Even though the plant shut down in mid-2020, Georgetown County, the city and Liberty Steel all agreed the last time the mill was considered "operable" was February 2021, said Brian Tucker, who was the county's county's economic development director at the time. Even after the mill idled in April 2020, a handful of employees remained to maintain the property, allowing the mill to continue to be defined as operable despite not producing steel products. This is not the first time in recent years the mill has halted production. From 2015 to 2018, operations at the mill were nonexistent until British billionaire Sanjeev Gupta and his privately owned GFG Alliance took the site from previous owner ArcelorMittal following then-President Donald Trumps promise to revive the nations steel industry, renaming Georgetown Steel to Liberty Steel. The plant never, though, reached full production under its new ownership before shutting down again. Liberty's plans to invest $25 million in the mill including a new electric-arc furnace and an extensive overhaul of the melt shop remain on hold. While local leaders see an opportunity to transform the plant into something more visitor-friendly, a building that's not for sale cannot be sold, Tucker said. And even though private sector interest is expected, no concrete development plans have been pitched. Georgetown city administrator Sandra Yudice said there have been no conversations with GFG Alliance about the city buying the building nor has the city talked with private developers about the property. Yudice added that GFG Alliance has not talked to the city about reapplying for heavy industrial zoning. Local mill union president James Sanderson, however, expects that Liberty Steel will reopen before the February deadline. "There's no doubt in my mind that pretty soon you will hear some good news coming forward if you are a supporter of the steel mill," Sanderson said. Redevelopment is already happening in several areas near Liberty Steel. The Georgetown Times' building just up the street from the mill was recently sold for a 56-room boutique hotel along the citys harborwalk. A few blocks away, a $25 million project including luxury apartments and an open market, is being planned in the citys old electric department building. Georgetown Business Association President Jack McManus said if Liberty Steel does not meet the deadline, the city should follow the Urban Land Institute study using the site in a way that takes advantage of the city's culture and history. "It's a great opportunity to work with that plan as a starting point, and then discussing with the city, county and state, acting as partners, to encourage what we think would be good growth," McManus said. PAWLEYS ISLAND When 70-year-old Henry Culberson was partially paralyzed three years ago in a surfing accident, he never thought he'd build another boat. But with the help of an assistant, Culberson is now entering his solar-powered boat named "Greta T" as an exhibit into Georgetown's 2021 Wooden Boat Show this weekend. Complete with a giant wooden dragon head carved out of mahogany and solar panels that can power the boat for an all-day casual cruise on the water, "Greta T" is named after young Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, Culberson said. "I've just admired her so much for everything she's done, and just watching her trip develop has just been such an inspiration to me," Culberson said, adding that he's been an environmentalist his entire life. Georgetown's Wooden Boat Show, founded in 1993, is one of the city's largest annual events, and often brings businesses downtown their best days of the year, according to the event's website. The South Carolina Maritime Museum in Georgetown was born out of the boat show's success, complete with photos of past show boats and other maritime-related artifacts. Culberson said he has been building boats and working with wood for decades. He used to help repair boats in Key West, Florida in his earlier years, he said, and about 30 years ago he was in the boat show's building competition and won. A few years later, his 6-year-old daughter won a competition in the city by painting a photo of her watching him build that same boat. He always wanted to build another boat and submit it to the exhibit portion of the competition, he said, so that his grandkids could share the experiences of his daughter in watching him build it. After his accident, though, that dream seemed pretty far fetched he needs help doing a lot of small tasks including walking, and he struggles working with his hands, too. But a year and a half ago, when Culberson met Tristan Allerton, a 35-year-old man living in the area from England with a PhD in forestry, Allerton gladly offered to help him build another wooden boat. This help brought Culberson out of a very dark place after his accident, he said, and gave him a renewed view on life. "The only way you can live and be as disabled as I am is keep yourself busy so you can keep your mind and yourself physically busy instead of sitting here all day long thinking about what you can and can't do," Culberson said. The two have been working on "Greta T" since October 2020, Culberson said, and it has been fun for him to teach Allerton about wood-working and for the two to share endless amounts of life stories along the way. Culberson said he is most excited to educate people on the effects climate change has had not only on the planet, but specifically South Carolina and Georgetown. Front Street only used to flood once every few years, Culberson said, but now it floods with more severity several few times a year, he said. At his exhibit, he plans to have climate change posters so visitors can understand the meaning behind his boat while also enjoying it as an art piece. "It's not just going to be showing the boat, it's going to be promoting climate change activism," he said. WALHALLA The Facebook posts of an Upstate probate judge landed him a suspension, the second time his use of the social media platform has resulted in disciplinary action. The state Supreme Court suspended Kenneth E. "Kenny" Johns, an 11-year Oconee County probate judge, for 18 months, finding he used his Facebook profile to encourage donations to the American Red Cross and served improperly as a character witness in an out-of-state legal proceeding. The post violated judicial rules that prohibit judges from using the prestige of the office to promote personal interests and bars them from personally fundraising or soliciting money, according to the Supreme Court's Oct. 13 order suspending him. The order also stated that judges aren't allowed to serve as character witnesses and must "uphold integrity and independence of the judiciary." The Facebook posts were made to Johns' publicly accessible profile page that identified him as a probate judge. In South Carolina, probate judges aren't required to be attorneys but decide at times how millions of dollars are disbursed in legal actions. The nature of the job came into play when Johns was first suspended in 2016 for his Facebook comments about a high-profile police shooting that killed a 19-year-old a year earlier and resulted in a $2 million settlement. The shooting of Zachary Hammond by Seneca police during a purported drug bust received national media attention. Hammond's parents filed a wrongful-death suit as contentious public dialogue about law enforcement accountability boiled over. Johns was critical of the parents in a Facebook post, according to a separate Supreme Court order suspending him for six months. The post was made while the settlement between Hammond's parents and the Seneca Police Department was before a probate court to administer the estate. In the end it's all about the money," Johns wrote in the Facebook post. "Always. Unfortunately, I see it EVERYDAY. Johns added, Once ck is in hand, they'll disappear. At the time, Johns was also cited for using his Facebook profile to express political views, including apparent endorsement of a presidential candidate, and to raise money for a local church, the order stated. Before becoming a probate judge, Johns had been mayor of the city of Walhalla and served as an Oconee County Council member. In the order, Johns expressed remorse for the comments about Hammond's case and "any distress it may have caused" for Hammond's family. He also acknowledged it was inappropriate to endorse political views publicly and promised to remove reference on his profile to his role as a probate judge. However, in the disciplinary order administered this week, the Supreme Court wrote that "despite these assurances, (Johns) restored the reference in his Facebook profile identifying himself as a Probate Judge with the Oconee County Probate Court and again used social media for fundraising purposes." In response to the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Florence in coastal regions of South Carolina and North Carolina in 2018, Johns posted a request for donations, according to this week's order suspending him. "For my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to American Red Cross," Johns wrote in the post. "I've chosen this nonprofit because of food, water, and much more provided for those affected by Hurricane Florence in NC & SC." In addition to the fundraising violation, Johns in 2017 intervened as a character witness in legal action in New Jersey. In court filings, Johns attested to the character of a South Carolina man. "I am aware of the fact that there is a claim in New Jersey that (the South Carolina man) has made fraudulent conveyances of his mother's money," Johns wrote in the filing. "THIS IS A COMPLETE AND UNADULTERATED LIE, AND COMPLETELY UNTRUE. There is NO VALIDITY TO THAT STATEMENT AT ALL." Probate judges are elected by the public and serve four-year terms. The term for Johns' post is up for election in November 2022. As of Oct. 15, Johns' Facebook page states that he works "at Oconee County, South Carolina." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports COVID-19 cases in the United States are continuing to go down, with the seven-day average of daily incidents seeing a 12.5 percent decrease from previous weeks. The seven-day average for daily new cases in the U.S. is 84,555. South Carolina reported 1,333 newly confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases on Oct. 15. The CDC says that even though case numbers are continuing to decline, the U.S. maintains a high level of community transmission of the virus. Statewide numbers New cases reported: 987 confirmed, 346 probable. Total cases in S.C.: 709,073 confirmed, 174,909 probable. Percent positive: 6.4 percent. New deaths reported: 106 confirmed, 13 probable. Total deaths in S.C.: 11,461 confirmed, 1,771 probable. Percent of ICU beds filled (with COVID-19 and other patients): 74.01 percent. S.C. residents vaccinated In South Carolina, 61.6 percent of people who are eligible for the vaccine have received one shot, and 53.8 percent of eligible residents are considered fully vaccinated. Hardest-hit areas On Oct. 15, Greenville (161), Spartanburg (68) and Richland (66) counties saw the highest totals of newly confirmed cases. What about the tri-county? Charleston County had 54 new cases on Oct. 15, while Berkeley had 31 and Dorchester had 22. Deaths DHEC releases county-level data regarding COVID-19 deaths and the ages of those who have died from the virus on Tuesdays. According to the latest data, at least 315 people in South Carolina died from the virus from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, and their ages ranged from pediatric (17 and younger) to elderly (65 and older). Spartanburg and Greenville counties recorded 38 COVID deaths that week the highest numbers in the state. Health officials have reported the vast majority of patients who are dying from the coronavirus at this stage of the pandemic are unvaccinated. Hospitalizations Of the 1,128 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of Oct. 15, 327 were in the ICU and 204 were using ventilators. Variants of concern DHEC sequences a small, random sample of positive COVID-19 cases each week to determine which variants of concern (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) are circulating in the state. According to the latest data published by the agency on Oct. 13, 3,299 samples have been identified as variants of concern over the course of the pandemic. Of those, 2,053 have been identified as the delta variant, which health officials say is now the dominant strain in South Carolina. What do experts say? Experts from the Department of Health and Environmental Control continue to ask everyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as well as the flu vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Health officials are also asking residents to remain vigilant with mitigation strategies such as wearing masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces and social distancing. To find a vaccine clinic near you, go to vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov. MYRTLE BEACH The Myrtle Beach commercial office market is booming with the city being named recently a top 10 market in the country by the National Association of Realtors. Myrtle Beach has the lowest office vacancy rate among the 10 cities on the list as of the third quarter of 2021 at 2.2 percent. With a tight vacancy rate, it also has the second-highest average rent growth of 2.9 percent. The other office markets named in the list include: Austin; Boise; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Daytona Beach, Fla.; Miami; Omaha; Palm Beach, Fla.; Provo, Utah; and San Antonio. The Realtors group said in its report that Myrtle Beach's reputation as a travel destination has made Horry County one of the top 30 largest vacation home counties in country. Myrtle Beach is likely to see more migration into the area from workers who have greater opportunities to work from home and from retirees who envision beach destinations, the report said. Nationally, the office market in bigger areas continues to struggle as occupancy rates and rents have declined, and many occupied spaces remain largely void of workers who have not returned to work amid the pandemic. Myrtle Beach is bucking the trend with increases in office occupancy rates that outperform most large cities and the national average, according to the National Association of Realtors. Robert Salvino, the director of Grant Center for Real Estate and Economics at Coastal Carolina University, said that one key trend is the migration from the Northeast and along with other areas where the pandemic stifled growth. What we saw before the pandemic was that Myrtle Beach was growing, the Sunbelt was growing and that has been amplified with the pandemic," he said. People are trying to get places where they have space, and less commuting misery. They are coming to Myrtle Beach in higher numbers. Salvino said that any market analyst for commercial office real estate would look at jobs and he noted that Myrtle Beach had 4,400 jobs growth in August year over year, which leads to investors looking for more space. When you have low inventory, strong job growth, population growth and hopefully income growth, this should be a positive place to invest, he said. Michael King, the CEO of KingOne Properties International in Myrtle Beach, said that COVID-19 has changed the way that many local companies and individuals do business and that the growing office market results in the need for other amenities, adding to the overall economy. People nowadays can work from home which adds to the influx of people moving to our area, King said. With that being said, not just retirees are moving here but individuals who are still working, raising children and living the lifestyle that you would find in most metropolitan areas. With that being said, more commercial businesses are needed to meet the demand of all types of consumers. SUMMERVILLE October marks a year since three members of the Freeman family lost their lives in a fatal collision at a Del Webb Nexton neighborhood intersection. Since that day, residents have pushed for safety improvements where Nexton Parkway and Brighton Park Boulevard meet. Some say they feel a sense of urgency is missing from developers and the county, especially since accidents have continued. "Those folks don't live right here," Pat Heckert, a Nexton resident, said. "They don't see what we see every day." Joel Arenson was one of the first residents to move into the neighborhood three years ago. He said the intersection and traffic along Nexton Parkway has always been a concern. He wants the safety needs to feel like more of a priority to both developer Brookfield Properties and Berkeley County. "Human life doesn't seem to be worth much to these guys," he said. Meredith Freeman, 74, a retired Flowertown Elementary School teacher, was planning to build a home in the Del Webb Nexton community. She was traveling with her son, Chad Freeman, 49, and his wife Andrea Freeman, 48. All three were killed when Joshua Wensell's vehicle collided with theirs. Wensell was charged with three counts of reckless homicide, a felony, in 2020. The case is pending. (Meredith) was going to be our neighbor here, and we were all looking forward to that," Heckert said. Since the Freemans were killed, there have been 16 other accidents at the intersection. Jenna-ley Jamison, a spokeswoman with Berkeley County government, said a traffic signal is in the works for the Nexton Parkway and Brighton Park intersection. She said the developers hired a traffic engineering consultant and are in charge of installing the traffic signal. The signal plan has been approved and alterations to lanes are being finalized, Jamison said. "This is part of an ongoing process that includes all intersections along Nexton Parkway," she said. "The plans and specifications are reviewed and approved by Berkeley County." Nexton residents said they were originally told the traffic signal at Brighton Park would come in early 2022. But they contend they've also been hearing conflicting information. Brookfield Properties didn't return calls to clarify the status on the traffic signal. We dont have a clear answer about when that installation will be made," Heckert said. Nexton Parkway connects directly to Interstate 26. Between I-26 and Nexton Parkway, the speed limit changes from 70 mph on the interstate to 40 mph on the parkway. Residents and officials said traffic signals would slow down drivers coming on to the parkway. When Joshua Wensell collided with the Freeman family on Oct. 11, 2020, after heading north on I-26, State Highway Patrol troopers said he was traveling at around 70 mph. While residents said the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office has made more attempts at monitoring speeds following the 2020 accident, the presence isn't consistent. "They just don't slow down," Arenson said. On the other side of the interstate is the portion of the parkway owned by the town of Summerville. Heckert said the situation is confusing because it's taking a long time for the traffic signals to be installed on the Berkeley County portion of Nexton Parkway. Meanwhile on the town of Summerville's portion, multiple have already been installed. So we all have a hard time understanding how they can expedite things," Heckert said. Following the October 2020 fatal accident, some of the initial improvements included the removal of some of the tall vegetation on Nexton Parkway, to help drivers see oncoming traffic. Reflecting back on 2020, Arenson said it potentially could have been avoided if more had been done to make that intersection safe. Del Webb Nexton and the nearby Carnes Crossroads and Cane Bay neighborhoods are all a part of what is referred to as the megacluster where around 30,000 homes are expected to be built. A more than 900-acre Summerville development is also slated to be built across from Nexton Parkway. It will run along I-26, Drop Off Drive and Linda Way. Though the new development won't connect to the Nexton community, it is still expected to bring hundreds of cars and residents to the area. 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. NORTH CHARLESTON A 17-year-old Fort Dorchester High School student was removed from the campus by police after a handgun was discovered in his possession. On Oct. 14, Fort Dorchester security officers were searching a student's bookbag when they found a handgun, according to a Dorchester School District 2 press release. The student was immediately turned over to the North Charleston Police Department who removed him from school grounds. Officials said the situation didn't cause a major disruption and posed no threat to students' and staff members' safety. "Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with district policies and state and federal regulations," said DD2 spokeswoman Pat Raynor. In DD2's student handbook it notes that any student in possession of a weapon will be referred to the district's Hearing Board for expulsion. According to a spokesman with the North Charleston Police Department, the student was also charged as a juvenile with carrying a weapon on school property. Alex Murdaugh suffered a pair of gunshot wounds to the head and a skull fracture during an alleged assisted suicide scheme over Labor Day weekend, according to 81 pages of hospital records provided to The Post and Courier on Oct. 15. Doctors at a Savannah hospital documented brain bleeding and noted Murdaugh complained of vision loss and an "excruciating headache" as they treated him in the intensive-care unit, the records show. They observed two bullet wounds on the back of his scalp, which the 53-year-old's defense attorneys have described as a single bullet's entry and exit wounds. Murdaughs legal team released the records the morning of Oct. 15 after weeks of questions about the severity of his wounds from the alleged staged shooting, as well as assertions that Murdaugh hadnt been shot at all. The prominent attorney was arrested last month and charged with enlisting a hitman to kill him so his remaining son could collect a $10 million life insurance payout. The shooting was among a series of bizarre twists in a murder mystery saga that began in June with the still-unsolved slayings of Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and son Paul. Alex Murdaugh remains a "person of interest" in the State Law Enforcement Division's investigation of that case, his lawyers said this week. In an Oct. 15 interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," Murdaugh defense attorney Dick Harpootlian said he wanted to push back on hysterical theories that have emerged over the past month amid the international intrigue surrounding the Murdaughs, a wealthy and powerful family that has held great sway over judicial matters in Hampton County for more than a century. Harpootlian released the records a day after Murdaughs alleged shooter, 61-year-old Curtis Edward Smith, appeared on CBS and NBC morning shows and claimed he didnt try to kill Murdaugh and doesnt think the suspended Hampton County attorney was shot at all. SLED arrested Smith in the shooting last month, just before arresting Murdaugh himself. Skepticism of the severity of Murdaugh's shooting ramped up after he appeared unscathed and bandage-free at a bond hearing less than two weeks after the incident. His attorneys said the wounds were small and hidden under his red-and-gray hair. Harpootlian noted on "Good Morning America" that Murdaughs injuries were serious enough that the Savannah hospital placed him in its ICU. They dont put people in intensive-care units these days, or any time, unless they need intensive care," Harpootlian told anchor George Stephanopoulos. "He suffered a bullet wound to the head." The shooting The release of Murdaugh's hospital records provides long-awaited clarity about the severity of the Labor Day weekend shooting, while not fully answering who pulled the trigger that day. In the days after the Sept. 4 shooting, Murdaugh and his lawyers insisted to investigators and the public that Murdaugh was shot in the head by an unknown assailant who drove past as Murdaugh was inspecting a punctured tire on the side of the road. They said Murdaugh survived despite suffering entry and exit wounds from a .38-caliber revolver, along with a skull fracture and significant bleeding. Those details were confirmed in the hospital records Oct. 15. But the next week, they had to recant parts of that story. Murdaugh, then in detox for an admitted opioid addiction, told investigators he knew the shooter. He said it was his longtime opioid dealer, Smith, his attorneys recounted. Murdaugh's lawyers said he wanted to die after the deaths of his wife and son, and he had just been pushed out of his law office amid allegations of embezzling firm and client money. But he mistakenly believed his life insurance policy wouldn't pay out to his remaining son, Buster, unless his death looked like a homicide. Murdaugh asked Smith to kill him, and Smith agreed, free of charge, Murdaugh's lawyers said. In Smiths version of events, as told to CBS and NBC this week, he met Murdaugh on the side of the road, and the attorney asked him to kill him. When Smith declined, Murdaugh tried to shoot himself, and Smith tried to stop him. Smith said the gun went off during the struggle, but he is positive it didn't hit Murdaugh, his former lawyer. Smith said he took the gun away from Murdaugh and ditched it so the attorney couldn't use it to kill himself. Smith, a handyman and former logger, denied being Murdaugh's drug dealer. Smith's attorney, Jonny McCoy, told The Post and Courier on Oct. 15 the medical records don't prove that his client shot Murdaugh. Who knows what happened between the time Smith left Murdaugh on the side of the road and when Murdaugh called 911? Smith asked aloud. "How he got the cut on his head, we look forward to figuring out," McCoy said. "It wasn't from anything that happened when Curtis was there. (Murdaugh) is obviously a manipulator and a mass con man." Hospital records The release of Murdaugh's hospital records offers, for the first time, a glimpse into his treatment in the 48 hours after the shooting. He was conscious and responsive upon admission to the Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah on the afternoon of Sept. 4. His condition was initially listed as "critical life threatening," records show. Medics controlled the bleeding from his head wound with a gauze bandage and wrap. Murdaugh confessed to a nurse he uses "pain medication" recreationally, along with chewing tobacco. He tested positive at the hospital for opiates and barbiturates. He said he had been living alternately with his brothers Randy and John after the deaths of his wife and son. He told his caregivers he initially lost all his sight after the shooting and was still experiencing blurry vision. A scan showed a "subdural hematoma" and evidence of bleeding on his brain. The hospital gave Murdaugh a tetanus shot and antibiotics, standard procedure for shooting victims. Documents show Murdaugh grew increasingly impatient during his hospital stay, even as his brothers and son visited his bedside. He complained of head pain, rubbed his scalp and said the three painkillers the hospital treated him with "aren't helping at all anymore." A nurse described him as "irritable" the morning after the shooting. Murdaugh requested permission to roam the facility and once was found out of bed without permission. He tried to bribe an employee with $20 to gain access to a phone. He regularly asked when he could go home. Two days after the shooting, SLED agents interviewed Murdaugh at the hospital, records show. Murdaugh was eager to leave the hospital on Sept. 6, departing with his brother Randy, a nurse wrote. Shortly thereafter, he checked himself into an out-of-state detox center. MOUNT PLEASANT Lucy Beckham High School became one of the first schools in the nation to start a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program this month. It's the first school in South Carolina and one of three schools in the country to have a Coast Guard JROTC unit. More Information To read more in-depth stories from The Post and Courier's Education Lab, go to postandcourier.com/education-lab. Schools across the state have Army, Navy and Air Force JROTC programs. They are more common than Coast Guard programs because they receive their funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, and there are laws in place that allow the department to help finance such units. The Coast Guard is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and, until recently, similar funding pathways did not exist. Principal Anna Dassing changed that. She elicited the help of U.S. representatives Joe Cunningham and James Clyburn to pass an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which gave Lucy Beckham, as well as any other school in the country, the ability to operate a Coast Guard unit. "The legislation is now written and other schools are able to apply," Dassing said. Dassing envisioned the high school having some type of JROTC program since it opened last school year. She led the planning team for the school and wanted Lucy Beckham to have a JROTC program that would complement Wando High School's Air Force JROTC unit. Like other JROTC units, students compete in drill, flag corps, cybersecurity, rifle and academic competitions on a national level. They have the opportunity to earn scholarships, and the program is often a cadet's first introduction to military careers. "Our cadets are going to learn time management, leadership, confidence, and a lot of the skills that are going to put them ahead of a lot of their other classmates when it comes time for graduation," said Lt. j.g. Ron Blake, who is one of two instructors. So far, the school has 25 students participating. Blake hopes to have around 60 to 70 students next school year. Kelsey Nightingale, a Lucy Beckham junior, joined the program because her older friends enjoyed it, but she's since found a love for the drill team. "Everyone works as a team, you learn how to respect people," Nightingale said. Because Lucy Beckham's Coast Guard JROTC program is one of the first of its kind, the high school is creating a template for future programs to follow. Blake said he and the cadets are helping the Coast Guard create a curriculum that will be used in programs across the country. The instructor is referring to the Coast Guard JROTC unit as a "fifth-year program," meaning every student will be set up to attend college or be employed by the time they graduate. Blake will teach the cadets about job interviews, resume writing, study tips, essay writing and more. "I'm going to give them every single opportunity and all of the information to be successful," he said. A federal magistrate judge denied bail for a Mount Pleasant businessman accused of providing money, drugs and clothing to a 17-year-old girl in exchange for sex. Mary Gordon Baker, magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court of South Carolina, ruled Oct. 15 that evidence presented at the bond hearing for Earl Dawson Caldwell IV showed the married, 52-year-old father of three led a "secret life" trawling online for underage girls to serve as his "sugar baby." Caldwell continued to seek out young girls for sex even after he became aware of a federal investigation into his relationship with the 17-year-old girl at the center of the case, according to federal authorities. Evidence in the case suggested Caldwell spent upward of $45,000 in cash alone on the girl in the months before she was rescued from a hotel in Yemassee in May, federal authorities said. Baker said no conditions on Caldwell's bond, such as house arrest and electronic monitoring, could ensure the safety of the community, particularly in light of Caldwell's substantial wealth. Caldwell was arrested Oct. 11 on the federal charge of trafficking a minor for sex. In an indictment unsealed Oct. 14, Caldwell also was charged with conspiracy to traffic a minor for sex and three counts of sexual exploitation of a child. Caldwell pleaded not guilty Oct. 15. He faces up to life in prison if convicted on any of the offenses. At the time of his arrest, Caldwell was the CEO and president of AP Recovery, a global recovery auditing firm founded by his father over 25 years ago. The company said in a statement Oct. 15 Caldwell submitted his resignation two days after his arrest. However, at his bond hearing, defense attorney Debbie Barbier told the court she believed Caldwell's employment with the firm was "fluid." Anthony Brush, president and CEO, and John Evans, COO and CFO, have been appointed by the board, effective immediately, AP Recovery said. Though the charges involve personal actions and were unrelated to Mr. Caldwells employment, the nature of the conduct alleged is wholly at odds with our values, Brush said in a statement. AP Recovery has been in the recovery auditing and compliance business for over 25 years with a motto of Count on People. We count on our employees to serve our clients, and, in turn, our employees and clients count on company leaders to adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. Cederick Riley has also been charged in the case with conspiracy to traffic a minor for sex and trafficking a minor for sex. Federal authorities alleged at an Oct. 14 bond hearing for Riley, 34, he served as the girl's "handler," using drugs and sex to coerce her into having sex with grown men, including Caldwell. The girl first came to the attention of federal authorities in April after she was admitted to a Georgia hospital to be treated for appendicitis. While under the effects of anesthesia, the girl revealed she was forced to have sex with 10 to 15 men a day. The girl was rescued from a hotel several days later and taken into protective custody. Ken Hawsey, special agent for Homeland Security Investigations, testified the girl was "emaciated, lethargic and not real coherent" when they found her. The girl was addicted to fentanyl and crack cocaine, Hawsey said. Authorities obtained search warrants for social media accounts and phones belonging to Riley and Caldwell. Audio messages Caldwell recorded and sent to the girl and Riley were played for the court. In one message, the businessman reprimanded the girl for not wanting to have sexual intercourse with him. "I believe I have brought more positive to you than negative," he said in one message, pointing out she did not have to "work" as much in the past month. Hawsey testified that Caldwell had sex with the girl at least twice. The girl also performed other acts on Caldwell numerous times. Caldwell seemed aware his behavior was unlawful based on the messages. "Charleston businessman found in Hardeeville hotel room with underage girl and convicted felon," he said in one message. "That's what I don't want to read in the newspaper." Hawsey testified authorities obtained from Caldwell's phone a video of the girl having sex with him. Two other videos found on Caldwell's phone appeared to show the girl having sex with other men, according to Hawsey. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra Henderson told the judge Caldwell sought to "control" the girl through drugs and money. Over the summer, after Caldwell became aware of the federal investigation, he continued to search an escort website for sex with young girls, Henderson said. "He has no self control," she said. In a brief statement read by Henderson, the victim asked that Riley and Caldwell remain in jail while awaiting trial. Several members of Caldwell's family, as well as friends, attended the hearing. His attorneys, Barbier and Greg Harris, argued Caldwell could have fled the country after he learned the girl was rescued by authorities, but he did not. They asked that their client be placed under house arrest at his father's residence in Mount Pleasant. Three family friends and Caldwell's father testified on his behalf at the hearing. They described Caldwell as a successful businessman and loving father, who had no history of violence or criminal behavior. Harris declined to comment after the hearing. Caldwell's family also declined to comment. Hints of Caldwell's wealth were revealed during the bond hearing, though prosecutors noted Caldwell did not file paperwork with the court detailing his finances. Hawsey said Caldwell would often take the girl to "The Plantation," a $1.2 million residence located in Sheldon, an unincorporated community in Beaufort County. The Sheldon home is owned by Stump Hill LLC, according to property records. Caldwell's wife, Lisa, is the only person listed on the limited liability company's article of organization. Caldwell also brought the girl to the home he shares with his wife at least once, Hawsey said. That home, on Marsh Harbor Lane in Mount Pleasant, was purchased by the Caldwells in 2020 for $1.6 million. If convicted, Caldwell could lose the Sheldon home, two boats and a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser to civil forfeiture. Caldwell also appears to own a boat worth $125,000 in Charleston through a limited liability company he controls called Caldwell Family Farms. Caldwell owned the company with his father until July, when his father disassociated himself from the company, according to state filings. Hawsey testified Caldwell also visited the Bahamas three times this year, chartering a flight for one of the trips in May. Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct an error. The victim asked that Riley and Caldwell remain in jail awaiting trial. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy. Morning high of 63F with temps falling to near 50. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 41F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. School officials in Berkeley and Dorchester counties report some students have gotten in trouble for vandalizing school property as part of an ongoing TikTok trend called "devious licks," which encourages kids to film themselves undergoing "challenges" and posting it to the app. DUNCAN Two more community forums are scheduled ahead of the Nov. 2 election to provide information about a bond referendum requesting voters to allow Spartanburg School District 5 to borrow $295 million for new school construction and expansions. District 5 Superintendent Randall Gary discussed the bond referendum during a sparsely-attended forum held Oct. 14 at Berry Shoals Intermediate School in Duncan. The next community forum will be held Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at Abner Creek Academy. The final forum will be held Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at James F. Byrnes High School. If the bond referendum is approved, there would be no millage rate increase. Gary said demographic and facilities studies conducted over the past two years showed the district's student enrollment is likely to reach 11,000 students by 2025-2026. The district currently has 9,800 students. "There is no secret District 5 is growing," Gary said. "The growth is coming into our district so quickly." District 5 includes the Duncan, Lyman, Reidville and Wellford areas in the western portion of the county near Interstate 85. The area has experienced significant residential growth. On Aug. 23, District 5's Board of Trustees voted to place a referendum on the ballot asking voters to allow the district to borrow beyond the allowable debt limit. Borrowing above the 8 percent level of assessed value is not permitted in South Carolina unless it is approved by voters. If the referendum passes, a new elementary school would be constructed behind Wellford Academy of Science and Technology at 684 Syphrit Rd. in Wellford, and a new middle school would be constructed near Abner Creek Academy at 2050 Abner Creek Rd. in Duncan. The cost of the new elementary and middle school combined would be about $115 million. James F. Byrnes High School, at 150 E. Main St. in Duncan, would be renovated and new additions would be built at the high school to increase its capacity. Reidville Elementary School, at 520 Main St. in Reidville, would also be renovated to increase capacity. "The purpose is we want to inform the public on what we are doing," Gary told The Post and Courier. "A lot of people heard there is a bond referendum and they may or may not know what we are asking and what is going to be in it. Those who have followed it closely know we are the fastest growing school district in the county." How is the lefts campaign to harass Sen. Kyrsten Sinema until she agrees to in excess of $4 trillion in new spending working out? Not well, if this report is true: U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a key moderate, told fellow Democrats in the House of Representatives this week that she will not vote for a multitrillion-dollar package that is a top priority for President Joe Biden before Congress approves a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, according to a source briefed on the meeting. Sinema reportedly told the White House this about a month ago. She repeated it at a meeting with centrist House Democrats this week, after the harassment campaign commenced. I guess following Sinema into the restroom and confronting her on an airplane hasnt had the hoped-for effect. Readers will recall that leftist House Democrats have insisted they will not approve the infrastructure bill until the Senate (meaning Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin) gives them satisfaction on a reconciliation spending package. Therefore, if neither side yields, neither piece of spending legislation will pass. Will it come to that? I still doubt it, but the odds of this scenario keep going up. What is Sinema thinking? I dont know. But it looks like (1) she really wants infrastructure spending (as the Republicans who voted for it do and as even Donald Trump said he did, as a general matter) and (2) she has major doubts as to whether Democrats can reach agreement on a reconciliation package. If these are her views, it makes sense to insist that the two packages be de-coupled. What interests me the most is Sinemas apparent decision to kiss good-bye her chances of being nominated by Arizona Democrats next year in 2024. Its difficult to imagine her winning the Democratic primary, and has been for some time. Weve seen Republican Senators and Congressmen become so disgusted with their partys leadership and direction that they made their disgust known and, by doing so, chucked the congressional gig. Maybe some Democrats have also done this, but I cant think of any. However, this seems to be what Sinema, a Green Party member in her youth, is doing. First, she outgrew the Greens. Now, I guess she has outgrown the Democrats. Readers have undoubtedly heard something of the Biden administration/Treasury Department proposal to expand the scope of bank reporting requirements on customer accounts. The proposal has elicited reactions ranging from indignation to rebellion, but what is it exactly? The New York Times had a good story earlier this week, but the story is a little short on the substance of the proposal (the administration wants banks to give the Internal Revenue Service new details on their customers and provide data for accounts with total annual deposits or withdrawals worth more than $600). Like other stories out there on the proposal, whatever it is, the Times stories lacks a link to the proposal itself. I have seen it variously described in the stories and therefore set off in search of the Ur text. It is not easy to find. The proposal seems not to exist in the form of a proposed statute or regulation. I found what I believe to be the official Treasury Department description of the proposal in the 114-page General Explanations of the Administrations Fiscal Year 2022 Revenue Proposals (May 2021). Buried in the explanations at pages 88-89 is the proposal to Introduce Comprehensive Financial Account Reporting to Improve Tax Compliance. Here is Treasurys description of the proposal: This proposal would create a comprehensive financial account information reporting regime. Financial institutions would report data on financial accounts in an information return. The annual return will report gross inflows and outflows with a breakdown for physical cash, transactions with a foreign account, and transfers to and from another account with the same owner. This requirement would apply to all business and personal accounts from financial institutions, including bank, loan, and investment accounts, with the exception of accounts below a low de minimis gross flow threshold of $600 or fair market value of $600. That is the heart of the proposal. The Treasury description continues: Other accounts with characteristics similar to financial institution accounts will be covered under this information reporting regime. In particular, payment settlement entities would collectTaxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) and file a revised Form 1099-K expanded to all payee accounts (subject to the same de minimis threshold), reporting not only gross receipts but also gross purchases, physical cash, as well as payments to and from foreign accounts, and transfer inflows and outflows. Similar reporting requirements would apply to crypto asset exchanges and custodians. Separately, reporting requirements would apply in cases in which taxpayers buy crypto assets from one broker and then transfer the crypto assets to another broker, and businesses that receive crypto assets in transactions with a fair market value of more than $10,000 would have to report such transactions. The Secretary would be given broad authority to issue regulations necessary to implement this proposal. The proposal would be effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022 Most striking about the proposal is its breadth. It establishes a comprehensive financial account reporting regime. Treasury seeks to open a window onto virtually every active bank account and other accounts with characteristics to financial institution accounts Treasury Secretary Yellen ignored the incredibly broad scope and invasive nature of the proposal in June 16 Senate testimony: Were simply asking to add two boxes to that [IRS 1099-INT] form, one that would be the aggregate inflows into the account over the course of the year, and the second would be the aggregate outflows from the accounts. So its not detailed information. Even when she is under oath Yellen is not to be trusted. When she is not under oath, as in her little chat with CBS News (below), she is even worse, or so I conclude from my discovery of the Ur text. Yellen decries an alleged tax gap involving billionaires. There are something like 600 billionaires in the United States. The IRS could easily audit the returns of every one of them and may well do so. The yawning gap here, however, is between the alleged target of the proposal (billionaires) and its scope (you, me, and the man behind the tree). And the gap between Yellens yapping and the truth. Przepraszamy! Ogoszenie na stanowisku: IT Service Manager in Calypso for Large Corporate & Institutions in Application Maintenance wygaso z dniem 2021-10-31 Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to: oferta zozona przez pracodawce zostaa wycofana z serwisu praca.egospodarka.pl firma zakonczya proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc CV ogoszeniodawca zmodyfikowa tresc ogoszenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych bedny adres WWW ogoszenia Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Informatyka / Telekomunikacja, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Informatyka / Telekomunikacja Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku IT Service Manager in Calypso for Large Corporate & Institutions in Application Maintenance, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca IT Service Manager in Calypso for Large Corporate & Institutions in Application Maintenance Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: Gdansk, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Gdansk Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj. Inne oferty, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: Przepraszamy! Ogoszenie na stanowisku: Assistant / Service Operations Officer wygaso z dniem 2021-10-31 Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to: propozycja zozona przez pracodawce zostaa usunieta z serwisu praca.egospodarka.pl firma zakonczya proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc zgoszen rekruter zmodyfikowa tresc ogoszenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem url dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych bedny adres WWW ogoszenia Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Administracja biurowa, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Administracja biurowa Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku Assistant / Service Operations Officer, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Assistant / Service Operations Officer Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: odz, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca odz Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj. Inne propozycje, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: Rockson Igelige, of Felix, Igelige & Associates, solicitors to Instagram dancer, Janemena, has debunked claims that they reached out to controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, and were begging her for settlement. Felix, Igelige, and Associates described the actress claim as a desperate self-massage to downplay the gravity of her dire legal situation. Ms Dikeh, and Janemena, have engaged in a war of words on Instagram for nearly a month. The former petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation of her character by Tonto. The petition, written on her behalf by her solicitors, alleged that the actress published in her social media handles, purported voice notes suggesting that her ex-lover, Prince Kpokpogri, had Janemenas sex tapes and nude photos on his smartphone. The 28-year-old dancer is married to her long-time lover, Andre Plies. Tonto, whose tumultuous love affair with Prince Kpokpogri ended in September, had slammed the dancer, revealing that her ex-lover saved her sex tape on his smartphone. See you in court Mr Igelige and his team, in a statement, sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, dissociated themselves from the said phantom lawyers that supposedly reached out to beg her on the matter. They also insisted that Tonto is liable for her reckless claims and must face the wrath of the law. It partly read, Desperately fishing for a way out of the legal logjam she has fixed herself by leveling grave allegations against Janemena regarding non-existent sex tapes allegedly made with one Kpokpogri, Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has taken to social media saying some ghost lawyers had reached out to her. Whichever lawyers reached out to Tonto Dikeh as published by Legit.ng were doing so at their ulterior motives, saying Felix, Igelige, and Associates have a solid case against Tonto Dikeh regarding her grave allegations which she must prove and be eagerly waiting to see the actress in court. Mr Igelige, however, advised the actress in her own interest to implement recommendations contained in the letter addressed to her to save herself the humiliation of a legal thrashing rather than make vain attempts to paint a false picture on social media. He said the case she was facing was not a subject for social media mediation but a serious one that would determine her future as a person and celebrity. Tonto, who was recently appointed the brand ambassador of an Abuja-based online grocery store, is yet to comment on the matter. However, in previous Instagram posts, Dikeh said she was standing by her sex tape claims. I am not we dumb as your boyfriend so I wouldnt be releasing your tape nor your call a week ago. See you in court! she wrote Janemenas lawyers have asked that Tonto tenders an unreserved apology to their client in respect of the malicious publication and pay the sum of N500m as exemplary damages for the malicious publications. Tonto, whose tumultuous love affair with Prince Kpokpogri ended in September, had slammed the dancer, revealing that her ex-lover saved her sex tape on his smartphone. Despite public outcry, the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, said the N134 billion allocated to the National Assembly in the 2022 budget is inadequate. He called for an increase in the allocation to the National Assembly for it to fulfill its mandate. He stated this while contributing to the debate on the budget on the floor of the House. He reiterated the position while briefing journalists after the debate. Mr Kalu had in February described the Nigerian parliament as the poorest in the world. The following month, he alleged that the National Assembly was broke, and called for an upward review of its allocation. This call is coming despite the N6 trillion deficit of the 2022 budget for which the Buhari administration has planned to fund through local and international borrowing that will further increase the debt profile of the country. Also, the National Assembly has ignored repeated calls to give details of its annual budgetary allocations. Debate During the debate on the general principles of the Appropriation Bill on Thursday, Mr Kalu lamented that the National Assembly did not benefit from the N280 billion increment in the statutory transfers. He said the N134 billion allocated to the federal legislature represents about 0.82 per cent of the entire N16.39 trillion budget. He stated that the executive did not consider the exchange rate and purchasing power of the Naira. He alleged that members of the House are too scared to speak on the matter. If you do a proper analysis of statutory transfers for 2022, you will be seeing N768.28 billion and this is an increase of about 58.7 per cent from the last one which was about N484.49 billion, which means that what was added to it was N283.79 billion. Now, this increase, one would have expected that it would impact positively on the budget of the National Assembly. It is common reasoning. Over the years, you have increased the budget from one level to the other and the percentage of oversighting arm of government keeps dropping. Many people would ask, are you saying that the money is not enough? That is the truth. If you look at the committees and their responsibilities the work they need to do, they need money to do it and the purchasing power of the money has gone low. It is affecting them, especially on oversight functions. The amount of money needed to go on oversight (visits) is no longer sufficient for the job to be done. I stood up (on the floor) to call on the National Assembly to review this N134 billion because there is no a need for trying to sound acceptable to Nigerians and we are unable to do the job that you have asked us to do. Withholding details of budget The budget of the National Assembly is part of the statutory transfer. However, unlike other ministries, departments and agencies, the breakdown of the budget of the National Assembly is not contained in the budget. It is just an approved lump sum amount. The president increased the National Assemblys budget from N125 billion in previous years to N128 billion for 2021. During the approval, the lawmakers upped the budget by N6 billion, bringing their total budget for 2021 to N134 billion. There are speculations that the legislature will again increased its allocation. The police in Adamawa State have arrested four high-profiled kidnappers who were suspected to have abducted a nursing mother and her daughter. The police spokesperson in the state, Sulaiman Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Yola. Mr Nguroje said the notorious suspects were also behind the attack on Ngurore Police Station. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that on Sunday, October 10, heavily armed suspected kidnappers attacked the police station at about 2 a.m. and also kidnapped a woman, Hauwa Umaru; and her daughter. Mr Nguroje said operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit of the state command arrested the suspects on Thursday and recovered from them one AK-47 rifle with 16 rounds of live ammunition. The breakthrough that led to the arrest of the suspects began with the arrest of one Buba Ibrahim, a.k.a Babangida, 20, a native of Wuro Bilal village, Ngurore District ,Yola South LGA. Ibrahim Babangida is one of the principal suspects in the kidnap operation and the confession of the suspect revealed how they abducted Hauwa Umaru, her daughter and one Alhaji Bahago of Ibbare and also attacked the Ngurore police station. The police were assisted by some professional hunters who apprehended the other three gang members, Mr Nguroje said. He identified the three arrested suspects as Tumba Alhaji Dan Bappa, 25, a native of Ibbare district, Yola south LGA; Buba Alhaji Abdu, a resident of Ibbare, Ngurore District, and Abdullahi Lawal , a resident of Lau local government area in Taraba state. Mr Nguroje also said the suspected criminals were also part of a seven-man syndicate that were terrorising people of Adamawa and Taraba States. He said the suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigations. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday withdrew its suit seeking the forfeiture of the N20billion bailout funds granted to the Kogi State Government by Sterling Bank. The money was meant for the payment of Kogi State workers, but was alleged to have been, instead, domiciled in an interest yielding account with the bank. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke granted the order of withdrawal sequel to a motion filed and argued by the counsel to EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN. Mr Pinheiro listed six grounds upon which the judge granted the prayer, adding that the EFCC is a responsible body. One of the grounds was that questions resulting in the commencement of the suit had been clarified, and an intention had been shown to return the sum of N19,333,333,333.36 back to the Central Bank of Nigeria. Justice Tijjani Ringim had on August 31, granted an ex-parte application brought by the EFCC for an interim forfeiture of the N19, 333, 333, 333.36 billion, said to be warehoused in states Sterling Bank account number 0073572696. Justice Ringim made the order of the interim forfeiture after taken arguments from the EFCCs counsel, Abbas Muhammed. The judge ruled that the order was pending the conclusion of an investigation or possible prosecution by the EFCC. When the matter came up on September 28 before Justice Aneke, he adjourned to hear all applications relating to the loan. At the resumption of proceedings Friday, Mr Pinheiro presented the EFCCs grounds for discontinuance as contained in an October 13, 2021 application. The application titled Notice of discontinuance stated the grounds for the discontinuance: That the account upon which this Suit was instituted was frozen by an Order of this Honourable Court. That the Management of Sterling Bank Plc, where account No 0073572696 with the name KOGI STATE SALARY BAIL OUT ACCOUNT is domiciled, has clarified the questions resulting to the commencement of this suit. That the management of Sterling Bank Plc, where account No 0073572696 with the name KOGI STATE SALARY BAIL OUT ACCOUNT is domiciled, has since acknowledged the existence of the said account in their book but claimed same was a mirror account. That the sum of N19,333,333,333.36 is still standing in the credit of the account frozen pursuant to the Order of this Honourable Court. That the management of Sterling Bank Plc, where account No 0073572696 is domiciled, has pursuant to a letter dated 21st September, 2021, signed by its Managing Director indicated intention to return the total sum of N19,333,333,333.36 back to the Central Bank of Nigeria. That it is expedient for the instant suit to be discontinued and the account unfrozen to enable the management of Sterling Bank Plc, effect the transfer/return of the sum of N19,333,333,333.36 back to the coffer of the Central Bank of Nigeria where the said bailout funds was disbursed. Granting the EFCCs application, Justice Aneke said he had listened to the application and perused the motion to withdraw. My humble opinion is that application is meritorious and ought to be granted. Accordingly, the application is granted as prayed. Counsel to the Kogi State Government, Sam Erogbo (SAN), commended the EFCC for its professional approach. He prayed the court that the interim forfeiture order earlier granted should be vacated, for the purpose of clarity. But the judge declined, noting that the EFCC was very clear in their motion to withdraw, which is clearly established in paragraph 6. A family in Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-south, is accusing the police of killing their son. The family said they were even angrier with the police for claiming the incident was caused by an accidental discharge from their rifle. The victim, Emmanuel Dickson, 26, was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer in their family compound in Eket Local Government Area of the state on Sunday. Nelly Dickson, a sister to the deceased, narrated what happened. Emma was coming back from the opening of a mourning house in the village on Sunday, where my parents were also. As he was about to enter our compound, a police vehicle arrived and they started shouting at him. So he ran to my aunts place, the policemen went after him and shot my brother. Now they are telling me it was an accidental discharge, that they did not know that the gun was not on security, Ms Dickson told PREMIUM TIMES. The police, she said, left the scene immediately but later came back and carried her brothers corpse. She identified the officer who shot the brother as Anwana Jacob, a police sergeant, and asked the police authorities in Akwa Ibom State to make public the reason the brother was killed. Her brother was not being investigated for any crime before he was shot dead, Ms Dickson said A youth group in Eket, Ekid Youths Union, has petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Amiengheme Andrew, over the killing. In the petition signed by its President, Ekemini David, the group said it would use all means necessary to get justice for the late Mr Dickson, if the police fail to do what is right in the case. We want the killer of that boy to be brought to justice. We demand that the family be allowed to see their sons corpse, the group said. The case has been transferred from the divisional police station in Eket to the state police headquarters in Uyo, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. When contacted, the police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Odiko MacDon said he was unaware of the case. Mr Dicksons killing is happening a few months after a university student, Kubiat Akpan, was tortured to death in police custody in Akwa Ibom. The absence of a trial judge on Friday stalled the trial of John Idumange, who raised an alarm over alleged diversion of N3 billion agriculture loan by Bayelsa State government officials. The court registrar informed parties in court that the judge, Justice Iniekenimi Uzakah, was having a meeting with the Bayelsa Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri. The court clerks subsequently fixed November 22 for continuation of trial. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa, Biriyai Sambo, SAN, filed a suit against Mr Idumange for misdemeanour and seditious publications against government officials. NAN reported that a Magistrates Court had on March 11 in Yenagoa, ordered Mr Idumanges detention for 30 days, pending police investigation. Mr Idumange, who alleged that officials of the Bayelsa State Government had diverted a N3 billion Agric loan and subsequently submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was arrested on March 10. Some officials of the state government had reported to the police that Mr Idumange had made seditious publications that maligned their persons in his claims. However, the State High Court, Sagbama Division, granted bail to Mr Idumange, who was also an aide on Research and Documentation and later Social Media to former Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson. NAN reported that the case, earlier assigned to Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, was reassigned to Justice Uzakah. (NAN) Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has hinted that the National Security Adviser (NSA) played a role in delaying states eligibility to procure drones in the fight against insecurity. Mr Fayemi, who spoke on Thursday at the Ekiti Economic and Investment Summit, where the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, was in attendance, stressed the need for multi-level security in the country. He advocated the empowerment of states to have their police, noting that the demand had become inevitable in the face of current security challenges. This request does not mean abrogation of the central police, said Mr Fayemi. If you have problem of security in Kaduna, Governor El-Rufai can easily take charge. My recent experience and many of our governors were not even palatable where we wanted to procure drones and Mr President was with us on the issue, but the NSA refused us End User Certificate, though we got it one year after. As of now, security is on the exclusive list. Even If the FG is ready to allow us procure some arms, we have to sign MOu with the Nigerian Airforce. We have to work together collaboratively, because investors consider security as number one in any state. Mr Fayemi was not alone in the call for the decentralisation of the police, as the governors of Lagos, Kaduna and Edo also lamented that preventing governors of the respective states from taking charge of security was affecting investments, development and wellbeing of the people adversely. The Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, said police should be removed from the exclusive list for state chief executives to be in firm control. If you have businesses , you have to protect them and you must have the apparatuses, he said. Security is on the exclusive list and we are looking up to the federal government to remove it for states to take charge. We must provide facilities for the police to be able to train our local vigillantes, because in Edo State that was what we did. We raised a vigillante group to police our villages from kidnappers and other criminals. In the same mode, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks at the summit, underscored the importance of security to encouraging investments. When you have investments, you would have to protect them and take also responsibility for whatever happens, he said. The investors will rely on the governors for protection and it is sad that we are not in charge. This is the area where the federal government must look into the issue of state police. Also the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said security has become a big problem that every Nigerian should be concerned about. He also called for the decentralisation of the nations police force. We have 150,000 personnel in the Nigerian army. Police was 400,000 by the time this government came on board ,but has gone down to 300,000 now. We need multi level police. Policing is local just like a unitary environment like Britain, said Mr El-Rufai. Kaduna State is about 46,000sqkms in size . Boko Haram has been chased from Northeast by ISWAP and now occupying the Northwest. But if they are dislodged here, where would they go? This is why we should all be concerned. The Kaduna governor added that the country must decentralise the power of National Judicial Council to determine the number of judges a state can have. However, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, appealed to the governors to start making huge investments in areas where they have comparative advantages to shore up their internally generated revenues and stop sole reliance on federal allocations for survival. The Vice President , who was one of the panelists, stated that time has come for the chief executives of the states of the country to start thinking about how to grow the economy like a nation, by investing in most appropriate ways in areas of their economic strength. The attractiveness of investments to any state should be radical, because that is the revenue hub and determinant of how happy the people of any state will be in terms of economic development in relation to their standard of living, he said. But while trying to grow investments, we must be cautious of multiple taxation, it weighs down businesses. Ekiti is a business -friendly environment. Ekiti has also excelled in the aspect of ease of doing business. You have vast arable lands for agriculture. Also of recent the Government of Ekiti divested 76 percent of shares in the Ikun Dairy farm for Promasidor for the production of 80,000 litres of milk daily. Let me say that Ekiti has a bigger economy than many Africa nations. The question we should ask ourselves is that if I were the landlord of this nation, how do we survive? During my time as a Commissioner in Lagos, we started with N600 million monthly Internally Generated Revenue in 1999. The seizure of Lagos funds by President Olusegun Obasanjo made us to think like a sovereign state. Today Lagos is making over N45 billion monthly. A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kawu Baraje, has revealed how the northern leaders of the party arrived at Iyorchia Ayu as their consensus candidate ahead of the national convention. Mr Ayu, a former Senate President and minister, was announced as the regions candidate after a stakeholders meeting in Abuja on Thursday. The governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, who doubles as the chair of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee, announced after the meeting that Mr Ayu emerged from the three aspirants presented by the three geopolitical zones. The main opposition party will hold its elective national convention on 30 and 31 October. Speaking as a guest on Politics Today a programme on Channels Television on Thursday evening, Mr Baraje said the north-central, where Mr Ayu comes from, agreed to the decision after an agreement that the region could also contest for the partys 2023 presidential ticket when the time comes. Presently, I can beat my chest, that the north-central people ranging from number one to the last, we are very comfortable with the decision. They are very comfortable with the choice of Iyorchia Ayu. The party has given us the consideration of what we believe will work out very, very beautifully for not only north central but for everybody in the party. And what does that mean? The proviso, which we crave for has been given to us, not only the north-central but the entire country, that no matter where the national chairman of PDP emerges, it does not preclude anybody from that particular zone and indeed the entire members from contesting the position for the presidential ticket when the time comes. That is the part that is the decision of the party. And we are home and dry with that decision. We we are comfortable. The fears of everybody have been allayed, he explained. Mr Baraje admitted it was the tradition of the party to zone the chairmanship position and the presidential ticket to different regions but that it may no longer be so because, according to him, this is an abnormal time. He said: That was our tradition. So, that was our fear. And since this is not the usual time, many things happen when times are not usual, when situations are not normal. This is an abnormal time. Nigerians have suffered a lot. We are still suffering, and they need a party to deliver. We need a party to deliver Nigeria and the answer is PDP. So we need to do some alignment in order for us to be able to give the people what they want. The yearning of the people has to be satisfied. So this is not in our time, that tradition has to be, you know, adjusted to suit. And that is why you see us add the clause that no matter where the chairman comes from does not preclude anybody from that region from contesting the presidential seat. The UN says there appear to be more glimmer of hope for things to return to normal in a couple of years in Nigerias insecurity-troubled North-east. Addressing reporters in Abuja on Friday, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Ahunna Eziakonwa, said remarkable progress had been recorded in the region. Mrs Eziakonwa who is also UNs Regional Director Africa said UNs intervention had already brought remarkable progress. The UN official who is in Nigeria on an official visit to access the impact of UNs intervention noted, however, that there was still much work to be done. She described her mission as an emotional one, having been born and raised in Nigeria. So coming back and doing this mission has been an emotional one for me starting off in the Northeast where UNDP is quite robustly working with the state and federal government to assist those who have been affected by this brutal conflict. I am happy to say that when we started this two years ago, we didnt know if it would be successful because of its complexities, but some of the donors trusted us. This mission confirmed for me that there is proof of this concept of working in a development crisis context. Indeed on the faces of those that we met there, we saw hope being restored. There are still many challenges, but it was amazing to see that because of these green shoots of investments that we are starting to make in rehabilitating the areas, people are feeling confident enough to go back to their ancestral homes to re-cultivate their lives, she said. Exemplifying with Banki a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon which she visited while crossing the border on foot, she said that normalcy was already returning. Mrs Eziakonwa pointed out that schools had resumed with teachers working seamlessly within communities, a feat which she said was part of the stabilisation agenda which the UN sought. She said, however, that in its interventions, the UN shies away from physical visibility but operates from behind so as to allow for lost trust to be rebuilt. She stressed that a major cause of the insurgency was lack of trust in leaders, which also made community residents to build trust in the lies of the insurgents who wooed them. She explained that when the people believed that their leaders did not care, they could be spurred to join forces those who might demonstrate that they cared more. The UN representative said that the focus was to find a way to stop citizens from getting roped into extremist violent groups by ensuring that leaders actually care. She commended the Governor of Borno, Babagana Zulum, whom she said had clearly demonstrated his commitment to help his people to come out of the bad situation. He is leading the trail and we are following behind. We have to have a cross-border lens to the way we respond to this situation because Boko Haram has affected three other countries Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger. This border dynamics is not one to ignore. So if we are looking for investment that brings back security, that security will have to be re-established in all the countries affected, not just in one, she said. Corroborating the position of the Assistant UN scribe, Country Representative of the UNDP, Mohamed Yahya, emphasised that the Northeast was now at its turning point. He said that with the wave of surrender by terrorists as well as the reduced spate of attacks, coupled with UNDPs other interventions, he was confident that in the next couple of years, the region would return to normalcy. We are strong believers that we are at the turning point in the northeast. UN has been working there but I do not think we have seen these. First the attacks are at the lowest that they have ever been in the last quarter since the insurgency started. We have seen huge numbers of people surrendering and giving up; the figures are out there and they are most likely than 10,000. Our engagements with Gov. Zulum are really to push the development agenda and get people back to safe homes, he said. He added that the UNDP had invested 30 million dollars in the Northeast and would continue to invest in the stabilisation of the region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Friday awarded a total of N91 million naira as compensation to 16 petitioners for the brutality, harassment, extortion and extrajudicial killings of their loved ones by police officers. The panel chairperson, Doris Okuwobi, while handing out the cheques to the victims, said it is part of the gesture of the state government to ease victims of pain suffered from the hands of brutal police officers. Five petitioners were awarded N10 million each as compensation over the extrajudicial killing of their family members. One of the beneficiaries of the compensation, Felix Lucky, earlier narrated how his brother, Paul Lucky, was killed by a police officer attached to Ilasan Police Division, Jakande Estate, on October 20 last year. The alleged officer, whom he identified as John Dagbo, allegedly shot Mr Lucky, dragged him around Jakande estate and later took his body to the police station, denying his family members access. Mrs Okuwobi, while giving the decision of the panel, said the petition is meritorious and an award of N10 million as compensation was given. The family of Charles Otoo also narrated how he was shot by officers attached to Ojodu Police Division in the evening of October 21 last year. Sunday Shoyemi, a consultant pathology at LASUTH, also confirmed to the judicial panel that a bullet was extracted from the body of the deceased. The panel awarded N10 million as compensation. One petition did not receive any compensation because it was lacking in merit. It was dismissed by the panel. A petition was also struck out because another petition on the same matter was filed by the police. Here is the full list of compensations Eric Okwaji N10 million Gregory Egwu N10 million Felix Lucky N10 million Ayuub Azeez N10million Charles Otoo N10 million Chukwuma Henry N9 million Mariam Shobukola N8 million Babatunde Taiwo N7.5 Emmanuel Okorodudu N3 million Gboyega Igbamerun N5 million Monday Ojon N3 million Tobe Ikoro & Chidera Robinson N1.5 million and N1million Awe Oluwaseyi N1million Joseph Onyebuchi Nwafor N1 million Ayeni Adebayo N1 million The panel had previously awarded a total of N171 million as compensations to 31 petitioners. With the new compensations, a total of N262 million has been given to petitioners as compensation. The founder of LoveWorld Incorporated also known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has never hidden his disdain for anything about Covid-19 and the science of it. The man of God started by telling the world that the virus was nothing but a dangerous weapon called the 5G network and that all the alarm being raised about its fatality was just another brouhaha. Along the line, however, he received his baptism and started touting hydroxychloroquine as the wonder drug that could cure a disease he believed never existed. Recall that in May last year, the megapastors Loveworld Television Network based in the United Kingdom, was sanctioned by the Office of communication for spreading misinformation about the pandemic. Well today, Chris is not just back, but with a vengeance. In a new video being shared across social media platforms, he was seen forcefully doubling down on his claim about Covid vaccine, talking about the new world order and using such fancy scientific terms like spike protein, gene therapy and everything in between to dazzle whoever cares to listen. Even fellow pastors who dared to support the use of vaccine have come on his firing line. He does not believe that such congregation leaders are worthy of being called Christians since, in his words, they neither know God nor the scripture. People like Pastor Chris are rich, powerful and dangerous. They dress up ignorance in elegant prose and Nigeria is home to many of them. I met one sometime ago, in a flight from Houston to Atlanta. Each time I find myself flying in an airplane, I almost, always engage total strangers. As much as I try to convince myself that such moves help to broaden my horizon, there is the motivation that comes with the offer of an escape from the inconvenience of being huddled up in a space barely enough to contain my modest frame. Of course, I envy those spoilt business class brats with their entitlement to a huge legroom and a seat that comfortably retracts. Well, this time, I too got lucky. Good day sir! How you dey? I said, with my best attempt yet at a friendly smile. The man cocked his head right to my side, even as he gathers the rest of his suit, making sure its well tucked in within his allotted space. Not minding the balmy weather, he spotted a purple-colored 3-piece suit, over-sized and burdened with excessive details. He came complete with a big cross festooned on this neck. Looking at the whole ensemble, you get the impression he must have insisted his designer not do away with any piece of fabric. Being a Nigerian, it didnt take long for me to decode this paraphernalia. Casting one more glimpse at me as if to convince himself he heard right Are you Nigerian he asked and I answered in the affirmative. Cant you tell? I retorted. Omo Ibo right? I nodded Ah! I no fit o he said, smiling as he surveyed back and forth as if to make sure that no one was eavesdropping in the conversation. Two minutes in and I was still struggling to understand this fellow. A hybrid of Nigerian, American and British accents made his English almost impossible to comprehend. Sir, it seems like you didnt grow up in Nigeria? I asked I did he replied. But why do you ask? Well Its just that you sound very different. The moment I saw you, I could tell you are Nigerian. But I couldnt have been able to, just listening to you speak. Then he continued! I actually did. But you see I have spent a lot of time outside and made lots of Oyibo friends, he explained, with a deep sense of pride while suppressing a smile. Our ministry has taken us to different countries and cultures and perhaps thats the reason why. As I listened, he reminded me of this man that was the butt of my village jokes. Back from China and speaking in what he believed to be an American accent, he sounded like a moron. But anyway, my new friend quickly introduced himself and his church and made me choose from two options on how to address him. The GO (short for General Overseer) which apparently speaks to his position or Bishop which is less favored by him. Apparently, my pastor friend is well known among the Nigerian evangelical circles. He commands a huge following of faithfuls and his church has a presence in most of Nigerias big cities. Needless to say, he is a man of means and has at his disposal, fleet of luxury automobiles with custom license plates. In fact, the main reason for his sojourn in North America was to seal the deal in his latest acquisition: A single-engine, high wing Cessna 172 Skyhawk that set him back a couple million dollars. I knew because my friend was not shy telling me he doesnt worship a poor God. He came across as an unpolished version of the high balling African-American televangelist, Creflo Dollars. A simple Google search later turned up a controversial pastor well known for touting supernatural healing. He claims to cure such deadly ailments like cancer and is known to discourage patronage of Orthodox medicine. He markets this healing balm that can be combined with seven days fasting and prayer to achieve cure for all kinds of disease. But there was also another chilling revelation. Prior to his conversion, he was once a dare-devil, hardened criminal with a penchant for the most bizarre crime. Though a Roman Catholic, I do not subscribe to the churchs claim that ours is superior to other Christian denominations simply because the Pope is a successor of Peters (upon this rock I will build my church). The same way I find it difficult to believe that a good Muslim, a Hindu or even a Buddhist will go to hell simply because they have not accepted Jesus Christ as their lord and personal savior. That said, I have often wondered about certain practices from different religious groups. I am still trying to come to term with a church whose line of succession begins and ends with the founder and his families. One has to wonder if the pastor and his lineage are the only one worthy of receiving the anointing. Or is all about protecting other non-spiritual interests? I have long held the view that organized religion as mostly practiced today especially in Africa is antithetical to spirituality and the service of God. Whether it be ISIS and Boko Haram fundamentalist killing in the name of Allah or Christian fanatics not wanting anything to do with the rest of us who are moderates, its all about making claims about serving God while leading ungodly life. We have seen charlatans masquerading as Men of God (MOG). They come in various hues and trade in deceit. From good old motivational speaking to diabolic magicians engaged in deadly stunts. All intended to line their pockets. The biggest problem arising from this is not just about defrauding the poor and downtrodden but those countless times faithfuls have paid with their lifes consequent upon these stunts. We are all familiar with the South African pastor that commanded his flock to rummage on grass like herbivores while invoking the spirit of God. Listening to my Nigerian pastor, I was convinced he genuinely is intellectually handicapped to even understand the ramifications or depth of his action to our society. What is most surprising, however, is how even with his limited intellect, he was able to build up such a large following and able to convince them to finance his very extravagant lifestyle. What he lacked in intellect, he compensated handsomely in his charisma. The type that enables him to find a passage in the scripture to explain away whatever action he takes. Whether it be asking a widow to sow a seed with her last penny so he could finance his latest luxury item or pay a monthly subscription for anointing oil that will help you build wealth, attain status and privilege, the story is the same. Bogus lies peppered with bible quotes. But I understand how far we have all been enslaved using the instrument of religion. Concepts that simple common sense will remind us of their impracticality are packaged in faith and sold to us at a price that is prohibitive by these anointed ones. Prayer and sowing seeds replace hard work and dedication as a path to building sustainable wealth. Is it by any coincidence that nations with most churches and pastors are always the most crime infested and rank poorest in developmental index? These pastorpreneurs are simply white-collar criminals masquerading as MOG. They operate surreptitiously since they dont carry guns. And yet, the effect of their actions is so pervasive and pose an existential challenge to our collective progress and long held societal values. Nowhere is the ripple effect felt more than in under-developed world. Its high time we rise up to this malignant cancer and curb this menace before we lose our chance of moving our people and economy to joining the league of developed nations. Like everything else, African governments have been very complacent about addressing the menace of these criminals in cassock. The reason is not far-fetched since some of these pastors superintend megachurches with a following that can make or mar a political candidate. In protecting their own nebulous agenda, they lacked the political will necessary to rein in on this impunity In Nigeria, cringeworthy tales and exploits of these fraudsters abound. We do not have to wait for it to descend to the level of Jonestown before we act. Dr. Agbo, a Public Affairs analyst is the coordinator of African Center for Transparency and Convener of Save Nigeria Project. Email: Eagleosmund@yahoo.com The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for proactive measures to forestall the occurrence of natural and human-induced phenomena that result in disasters. This was contained in a statement signed by Zainab Saidu, head, NEMA Operations Office, to commemorate the 2021 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) in Minna, on Thursday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2021 day is: International cooperation for developing countries to reduce their disaster risks and disaster losses. It was an offshoot of the seven global targets of the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction instituted in 2016. Mrs Saidu said the theme was in line with NEMAs vision of seeking to create disaster resilient communities across the country. She called on policy makers and governments at levels, as well as community leaders across Niger and Kwara, to be pragmatic in ensuring that disaster risks were reduced to the barest minimum. This is expedient, because when risks are allowed or left unchecked, they lead to events that eventually overwhelm the coping capacity of communities, she said. Mrs Saidu further noted that to contain disasters in the face of climate change, with its attendant extreme weather conditions, there was the need for all hands to be on deck. She advised the governments of Niger and Kwara, as well as community, traditional and religious leaders to champion the cause in their states, with a view to forestall the occurrence of many preventable disasters. The NEMA official added: this would in return not only save lives, but also save public resources, reduce wastages and avoid losses that can result from disaster occurrences. The Federal Government has provided a series of interventions in Niger and Kwara to support victims of disasters to serve as succour . Mrs Saidu urged the people of the two states to desist from activities that may endanger their lives, including refraining from indiscriminate dumping of refuse on water ways, and building on flood plains. They should also switch off electrical appliances when not in use in homes, as well as shun other unhealthy practices that lead to disasters, Mrs Saidu admonished. (NAN) A 12-month-old baby has been burnt to death in Calabar, Cross River State, during a fire incident in a thatched house. The incident happened at Eta Agbor area of Calabar Municipality on October 9, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The thatched house was completely burnt down when a NAN correspondent visited the scene. Glory Etim-Akpan, the mother of the child, told NAN that her child was sick, and that she went out to a pharmacy in the area to buy medication and pampers for her before the incident. The 19-year-old woman said she left the child, a baby girl, at home sleeping, while the candle light was burning. My baby was having a cough and catarrh, so I went out to buy drugs (medicine) for her and pampers. Before leaving the house, I lit a candle (and put it) on top of a metal plate in the room. I didnt even get to the pharmacy when I received a call that our house was on fire. It was not up to 30 minutes that I left the house. Neighbours around heard my baby crying, but they couldnt intervene. When I came back, we broke the door and I found out that my baby was already burnt to death. Also, I lost all my properties including my certificates. The fire burnt down my apartment completely, she lamented. Ms Etim-Akpan said her life has been shattered because she has nowhere to stay, no food to eat and no clothes to wear. She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to come to her aid through financial and material support. (NAN) The police in Akwa Ibom State said they have rescued two babies stolen from their parents at gunpoint in the state. One of the rescued infants is one month and three weeks old, while the other is six months. The police spokesperson in the state, Odiko Macdon, disclosed this during a news briefing in Uyo on Friday. Mr MacDon, a superintendent of police, said that at the time of the rescue of the six-month-old, the abductors had concluded a plan to sell the baby for N400,000. The police operatives who rescued the baby acted on a tip-off, he said. Two male and two female suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, according to the police. The male suspects are Emmanuel Effiong and Ibanga Sunday, while the female suspects are Editi Effiong and Idorenyin Iron all of Ikot Okubo, Ibesikpo Asutan. Investigation revealed that the syndicate used a motor bike on October 8, at about 9:00pm, masked their faces and invaded the house of Mr and Mrs Effiong Udo of Ikot Okubo Ibesikpo Asutan LGA at gunpoint. (They) beat the couple, inflicted them with various degrees of injuries and abducted their six months old baby girl, Mr MacDon said. The police spokesperson said two of the suspects in the case Mr Sunday and Mr Effiong were previously convicted for robbery and cultism In the other incident, the police said the suspect, a 40-year-old woman, Margaret Akpan of Ekpene Ukim, Uruan Local Government Area, went to the house of Blessing Ekwere, and pretended to be ill. The suspect was said to have persuaded the woman, the mother of the baby, to go out and buy some drugs for her. She then ran away with the womans baby, a boy, before the mother returned. The police spokesperson said the two infants were reunited with their parents, while the suspects would be arraigned after investigation. (NAN) Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not tolerate any parallel activities during Saturdays State congress of the party. The APC is holding its state congress nationwide this Saturday. Mr Umahi, during a meeting of APC leaders on Friday in Abakaliki, said : The party is united and will hold a free and fair state congress. I have heard that some groups are planning to hold a parallel congress, but we are not going to allow such in the state. Our party is united in the state. Ebonyi is APC and Ebonyi will remain APC, he stated. The governor warned against any parallel state congress, urging members of the party in the state to steer clear of such a plan. Meanwhile, APC stakeholders in Ebonyi hailed the party leaders in the state for adopting zoning to elect partys executives on Saturday. Chinedu Ogah, the member representing Ikwo-Ezza South Federal Constituency, Federal House of Representatives, said the zoning was a welcome development to move the party forward at both state and federal levels. Also speaking, Elias Mbam, chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, who is a chieftain of the party, commended the proposed zoning pattern for the Saturdays Congress. Mr Mbam urged members of the party to be focused and ensure a hitch-free exercise. (NAN) The Ondo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has blamed the exodus of doctors in the state to other climes on failure of the government to provide a conducive working environment for them. But the states Ministry of Health disagreed with the NMAs claim, saying the exodus of medical personnel is not perculiar to Ondo State alone. The Chairman of the NMA, Stella Adegbehingbe, while addressing journalists on Thursday during the 2021 Physicians Week in Akure, lamented the mass exodus of doctors on the payroll of the Ondo State Government. She said the crisis in the state health sector had been worsened by irregular percentage payment of salaries to doctors as well as a hostile working environment. Mrs Adegbehinge said the impact of the exodus of doctors and other health care personnel on the people of the state is better imagined. She implored Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to make the work environment conducive and provide the required and necessary equipment for them. The NMA chairman also urged the state government to embark on massive employment of health personnel in secondary and tertiary healthcare levels in the state. The impact of the exodus of doctors healthcare workers to the neighbouring states and beyond is unimaginable, she said. We now have fewer doctors and nurses to attend to an ever- increasing population. This year has been filled with a lot of challenges and crises in the health sector of the state and in our country coupled with covid-19 pandemic. The crises in the state health sector have been worsening by the irregular percentage of salaries being paid and the hostile work environment. This has resulted in the withdrawal of services at different times and a mass exodus of doctors and other health care workers We salute the courage and commitment of our colleagues and other healthcare workers who are still committed in giving their best to the good people of f the state despite all theses challenges. Not peculiar to Ondo However, the Press Officer, Ministry of Health, Samson Omotayo, in a chat with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, faulted the claims of the NMA Chairman, saying the exodus of doctors remained a nation-wide phenomenon, and not perculiar to Ondo State. You are aware of what happened recently when. doctors were being interviews for jobs outside the country in Abuja and they had to be chased away, Mr Omotayo said. That is the situation across all the states and not just in Ondo State. He noted that the reality of the dwindling revenues available to the government had made it difficult to pay salaries as being demanded by the doctors. This is not just affecting medical doctors, it is affecting every worker, including myself, he noted. The government is trying to ensure that every worker earns something at the end of the month so that nobody goes home without pay. The doctors, under the auspices of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), had embarked on a strike in June over alleged poor welfare and payment of percentage salaries by the government. They had demanded the full payment of salaries when the state government began paying half salaries to workers. At the height of the crisis, the government offered the doctors 60 percent monthly payments, but they rejected it, saying only a full pay was acceptable. The doctors in September called off the strike after an intervention by the House of Assembly. The doctors had to return to work after the state government promised to pay all outstanding salaries owed them since February. However, the state government has continued to pay workers, including doctors, in percentages promising to revert to full salaries when funds are available. A traditional (pre-COVID-19) dinner Having a small dinner with only people who live in our household An outdoor dinner with family and friends Preparing and delivering traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness Travelling Other Vote View Results Plattsburgh, NY (12901) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 40F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low near 25F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Earlier, GS5 had been launched online in Jordan, and attracted a lot of attention on social media. For the Iraq market, the GS5 was launched in the Erbil showroom, the first "G" logo showroom built overseas, on October 9 and will be available in Baghdad on October 12. World Class Quality, An Affordable Price The GS5 is a highly capable modern SUV, which puts a wide variety of terrains and possibilities at your fingertips. Behind the wheel, drivers enjoy a powerful driving experience, controlling a 1.5L Turbo engine and impressive 169 horsepower under the hood. Handling is sensitive, with multiple terrain settings available and easily adjustable via GAC MOTOR's signature touchscreen display. In the passenger seats, comfort and style combine. Design features that give the GS5 its sleek, futuristic feel include top of the range matrix LED headlights, an imposing front grill and large panoramic glass sunroof, filling the interior cabin with space. Designed with safety as a priority and ultimate comfort for all passengers, old or young, the GS5 provides superior, personalised luxury and cutting-edge Chinese vehicle technologies, all at an accessible price threshold. Iraq and Jordan Exciting New Markets The Middle East region is a key market in the GAC MOTOR's overseas sales strategy. With the great cooperation of local dealer partners Qudra Arabia, GAC MOTOR is extremely excited to present Iraqi and Jordanian consumers with the GS5, and further integrate into the Middle Eastern region. Attention to detail is key to the core concept of Chinese craftsmanship. Whether test driving a specific model or browsing a showroom to experience up close GAC's vehicle technology, GAC MOTOR showrooms provide an airy and welcoming space to discuss how GAC can meet your travel needs. GAC MOTOR Jordan and GAC MOTOR Iraq look forward to welcoming you. New technology; new models; a new way of thinking about transport. This is the GS5. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1661158/My_Movie.mp4 SOURCE GAC MOTOR NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldman Sachs is recognizing Bizzabo co-founder and CEO Eran Ben-Shushan as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2021 at its Builders + Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California. Goldman Sachs selected Shushan as one of 100 entrepreneurs from multiple industries to be honored at the two-day event. Shushan is the co-founder and CEO of Bizzabo, the world's fastest-growing operating system for hybrid, virtual and in-person events. Driven to help marketers and event organizers from world-leading brands promote, manage and maximize their events, Shushan has leveraged his experience to provide event organizers the tools they need to deliver personalized experiences, create moments that spark authentic connections, and cultivate evergreen communities that live beyond event day. Shushan has also led Bizzabo in winning the People's Choice Award at the Event Tech Awards for five years in a row and was named a Top 50 SaaS CEO for 2019. "I consider myself lucky to lead a passionate team so committed to serving the events community through this period of massive disruption," said Shushan. "We've leaned into the uncertainty to develop something completely new and innovative, Bizzabo's Event Experience Operating System, and we've done that by staying close to our customers and true to our values." "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 Eran 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 Bizzabo: Bizzabo powers immersive in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences. The Bizzabo Event Experience OS is a data-rich open platform that allows Event Experience Leaders to manage events, engage audiences, activate communities, and deliver powerful business outcomes all while keeping attendee data private and secure. As a Leader in The Forrester Wave: B2B Marketing Events Management Solutions, Q1 2021 Report, we are trusted by world-leading brands to power their events from Fortune 100 enterprise organizations and financial institutions to creative agencies and scaling tech companies. Bizzabo was founded by Boaz Katz, Alon Alroy, and Eran Ben-Shushan, and has more than 300 employees in its New York, Tel-Aviv, Kyiv, and London offices, as well as 15+ remote locations around the world. Media Contact: BLASTmedia for Bizzabo Abby Lewis [email protected] SOURCE Bizzabo SHANGHAI, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) ("Cango" or the "Company") is issuing a bi-monthly industry insight publication called "CANGO Auto View" to bring readers, drivers and passengers up to speed on the automobile market's emerging trends. Below is an article from the Company's 5th edition for September 2021. With Tesla's introduction of the direct sales model and new energy vehicles (NEVs) driving sweeping change across the entire auto industry, traditional 4S dealers are struggling to adapt and remain competitive while trendsetting manufacturers look for brand differentiators. The direct sales model offers opportunities for 4S stores to leverage their strengths as resellers, service providers and more, while its pioneer integrates a more traditional strategy to increase profits. Used NEVs: a cash cow for 4S stores With the entire industry focused on NEV innovation, an incredibly important aspect of the NEV market is consistently overlooked used NEVs. NEVs are widely known to have a relatively low value retention ratio, but the sales margin of used NEVs in 4S stores is generally higher than that of traditional gas-powered vehicles. According to 4S dealers, the profit margin of a second-hand NEV, which is roughly calculated by using the listed purchase and sales prices, is usually above 15%. This holds true among many brands dealers including BYD, Weltmeister, GAC AION and Chery all claim that although there is a limited amount of used NEV sales in their 4S stores, the profit per car is quite high. Market surveys reveal that demand for pre-owned NEVs is actually much greater than expected. Many NEV dealers said that they have sold most of their second-hand NEV stock (acquired through trade-in) to retail customers, leaving only a small portion to sell wholesale to car rental companies or online used car transaction platforms. Most of the second-hand NEVs on the market are three to five years old. Early NEV models have a short battery life, usually less than 300 kilometers. Given the enhanced battery life of new models, the residual value of these second-hand cars has declined rapidly. They typically sell for half or sometimes as little as 20-30% of the original price, creating an enticing opportunity for traditional dealers to purchase them from trade-in customers very inexpensively and resell them for a handsome profit. Now that many NEV manufacturers have introduced lifetime warranty policies, customers no longer need to worry about the quality of pre-owned NEVs. For example, Weltmeister launched the "Weltmeister Care+" program, allowing customers to exchange their old model for a cash coupon worth 61.8% of its original price to apply to the purchase of a new model. The used car's residual value will be determined by the dealer and reviewed by a third-party agency, after which the manufacturer will reimburse the dealer for any price difference. Because demand for used NEVs is far greater than supply, there is no need to improve upon the current sales model to boost sales. The amount of used NEVs available in dealerships through replacement programs is far from being able to meet market demand. This is still a blue sea market. However, automakers remain open to new sales models. A NEV brand manager under a traditional car manufacturer group said that they will consider all kinds of new sales strategy, whether direct sales, a dealership model, or an advanced new idea. Tesla: taking a page from the traditional sales model to increase profits Faced with the ever-changing auto market, market pioneers like Tesla are constantly refining and improving their sales models. According to public sources, Tesla intends to keep its direct sales model but change the layout and size of its stores to allow for "store + repair shop," comparable to traditional 4S stores. It also intends to reduce the number of shopping mall experience stores in first tier cities and build more 4S-style outlets in areas where auto dealers are traditionally located to improve its sales and after-sales service capabilities. Tesla has already approached investors in traditional car dealer shops and auto business areas with offers to rent their premises, to build directly-operated "store + repair shop" outlets. However, these outlets would not undertake the delivery function. Take Shanghai as an example: although Tesla operates a number of sales and service outlets there, it continues to provide most of its vehicle delivery, financing, vehicle registration, and owner training services at Shanghai's Waigaoqiao delivery center. Centralized delivery can reduce costs and help streamline the delivery process while ensuring quality customer service. After-sales service is one of Tesla's main motivations to shift to the "store + repair shop" model. In the past, Tesla's after-sales services were conducted by its authorized domestic service providers, which have a net profit margin of more than 20%. In Tesla's early days, when it had less control over its parts and components procurement channels, after-sales service profits were even higher. This change will allow Tesla to conduct and profit from its own after-sales services, including high-profit services such as metal painting, electromechanical maintenance and even car washes. The dealership model will continue to be an indispensable part of the auto purchasing process, providing consumers with integrated services encompassing consultation, test drives, interaction, and delivery. Dealers must adapt to industry changes and leverage their existing strengths to remain profitable. Tesla and other NEV brands will continue to adjust and perfect the processes and systems in their operations, keeping an open mind to with respect to advanced and innovative sales models. Regardless of sales model, branding and services will remain centric to customer attraction, satisfaction and retention. About Cango Inc. Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is a leading automotive transaction service platform in China connecting dealers, financial institutions, car buyers, and other industry participants. Founded in 2010 by a group of pioneers in China's automotive finance industry, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai and engages car buyers through a nationwide dealer network. The Company's services primarily consist of automotive financing facilitation, car trading transactions, and after-market services facilitation. By utilizing its competitive advantages in technology, data insights, and cloud-based infrastructure, Cango is able to connect its platform participants while bringing them a premium user experience. Cango's platform model puts it in a unique position to add value for its platform participants and business partners as the automotive and mobility markets in China continue to grow and evolve. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com. Media Contact: Juliet Ye Cango Inc. Tel: +86 21 3183 5088 ext.5581 Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cango_Group SOURCE Cango Inc. This award is given to a North Carolina or South Carolina credit union for its practical application of the credit union philosophy within its operations. According to the National Credit Union Administration, "credit unions exist to serve their members," by offering access to all of the financial products and services the financial industry has to offer. "At Piedmont Advantage, our employees work extremely hard to provide a safe, caring place for individuals to have access to affordable credit and financial services needed to grow and sustain their wealth," said Piedmont Advantage's President & CEO Dion Williams. Piedmont Advantage's DI Program is managed by a committee of employees. Upon forming and launching a DI Program in 2020, the committee produced an animated training video, "Diversity and Inclusion: The Story Begins," and hosted virtual roundtables on relevant topics of the day to encourage the sharing of different perspectives. The committee also published in-house an electronic newsletter, featuring Piedmont Advantage's employees' unique backgrounds and perspectives, and coordinated employee participation in community activities, like a recent Juneteenth run in Winston-Salem. "As our Diversity and Inclusion Committee has demonstrated, we empower our employees to work together and within the communities we serve to make a difference. This distinguished honor pays homage to a group of passionate employees, who took on the challenge to advance the principles of diversity and inclusion in the workplace," Williams said. "Other financial institutions have hired staff for their DI programs and frankly have engaged in more talking than doing. Our employee-driven committee wasted no time 'doing.' We are a better organization because of this," he added. As a first place recipient, Piedmont Advantage's award submission has been forwarded by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) for national consideration. CUNA will announce national award recipients in November. About Piedmont Advantage Credit Union Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., and founded in 1949 within the airline industry, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union now serves member owners, who reside, work, worship or attend school in one of the 13 counties it serves in North Carolina or who are employed by one of its many employer companies. These 13 North Carolina counties are Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Davie, Duplin, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Pender and Rockingham. A not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, Piedmont Advantage has 10 branches throughout its service regions and employs a workforce of more than 120. SOURCE Piedmont Advantage Credit Union Related Links https://www.pacu.com/ The Joint Initiative calls on global broadcasters and electronic media professionals to fulfill their commitment to biodiversity protection and strengthen international cooperation in news reporting, program production and mutual exchanges to make positive contribution to advancing ecological civilization and building a shared future for all life on earth. Meng Dong, Vice Minister of NRTA and Li Malin, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province attended and addressed the launch of the Initiative. Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications and heads of ABU, ASBU and EBU delivered video remarks to the event. The key points of the Initiative are as follows: All Parties: Fully note that global biodiversity is under unprecedented crisis; Agree unanimously that mankind and nature constitute a community with a shared future; Highly recognize that electronic media assumes irreplaceable social responsibilities in advancing ecological civilization and biodiversity protection. Upholding the Kunming Declaration spirit, all parties would like to call for joint actions as follows: 1. Publicize UN documents and report on biodiversity-related UN activities. 2. Produce and broadcast more audio-visual products featuring biodiversity and ecological protection to enhance public understanding. 3. Strengthen international cooperation on co-production, joint interviews, exchange of content and mutual visits. 4. Consider cooperation with relevant public and private stakeholders to carry out biodiversity-related projects. 5. Strengthen the knowledge and organize training and seminars on biodiversity for electronic media professionals. SOURCE CCTV+ Related Links www.cctvplus.com LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Certilytics, Inc. today announced it will showcase its predictive analytics solutions including an innovative AI model to predict and quantify SDoH-related risk at the upcoming HLTH 2021 conference. The conference will be held October 17-20 in Boston. 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 HENDERSON, Nev. , Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EVIO, Inc. (OTC: EVIO) is pleased to provide this update to shareholders. This update includes a summary of the financial results for fiscal year 2020, notification of a withdrawal of LOI, discussion of the turnaround efforts to date, and announcement of new initiatives. On September 23, 2021 the company released its financial results for its fiscal year 2020. Financial Highlights EVIO, Inc. gross margin improved to $148,927 in 2020 from ($936,040) in 2019 while revenues decreased 5% to $3.6 million from $3.8 million. Improved margins are primarily due consolidation of labs to locations in Oregon, California, and Canada. Revenue increased in Oregon but was offset by reduction in licensing revenue, loss of revenue due to COVID shutdowns and cost of relocation of the Berkeley laboratory. The company had 23% lower cost of testing services and 30% reduction in selling, general and administrative costs year over year. Lower cost of testing services is due to the increased scale at fewer labs. SG&A expense reduction is largely due to lower corporate overhead by maintaining fewer locations, reducing the size of its executive team, and shifting to outsourced finance and accounting staff. "Although revenue was down slightly in 2020, lab consolidation and reduced overhead put the remaining operating labs into a stronger financial position", said Lori Glauser, CEO. "EVIO's goal for 2021 has been to continue to reduce costs, improve its debt position, and evaluate new business opportunities to diversify its portfolio". Continued cost reductions include reduction of the executive team to just a CEO and CSO with outsourced financial and accounting staff; transition the executive team from its office in Henderson, NV to remote work, and restructuring of compensation plans for certain sales and administrative personnel. Since the end of 2020, the company has retired substantial liabilities, including $1.8 million in debt and lease liabilities from the Massachusetts, Medford, and Humboldt locations. Convertible note holders are also reducing debt by converting their shares. Approximately, $1.8 million of the outstanding $3.6 million in convertible notes have been settled. Withdrawal of LOI with Leading Edge Pharms On July 12, 2021, the Company announced it had engaged in a LOI with Leading Edge Pharms, Inc. ("LEP"), a formulator of topical CBD products, to merge the two companies together. Upon further review, both companies have mutually agreed to terminate the LOI and withdraw from the process of a potential merger. The rationale behind the withdrawal is regulatory and market uncertainty as it pertains to the combined company's ability to both produce and test CBD products. "While Leading Edge Pharms has a robust suite of CBD products and proprietary formulations, such an acquisition could result in a conflict of interest for EVIO, as the company would both test and sell products. That presents a possible conflict with both regulators, and our labs growing base of clients that produce similar products". New Lab Initiatives Recently, Health Canada has allowed accessing psychedelics as controlled substances for special cases, exempted persons, and clinical trials. In September, 2021, Keystone Labs submitted its application for a Controlled Substance License. This license would allow Keystone to perform safety testing of psychedelic substances including psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine used for certain new applications including clinical trials. Also in November, 2020, voters passed Oregon Ballot Measure 109, making Oregon the first state to both decriminalize psilocybin and also legalize it for therapeutic use. The program will be administered by the Oregon Health Authority, which plans to take applications in 2023 EVIO Labs Portland intends to be prepared to assist emerging producers and manufacturers in both testing, compliance consulting, and research & development. EVIO Labs Portland also recently expanded its testing services to test to include novel cannabinoids including THC-O. This further expands the already robust list of cannabinoids tested that includes THCV, CBDV, and Delta 8 THC. About EVIO, Inc. EVIO, Inc. is a provider of analytical testing services for cannabis, hemp, and CBD products. EVIO maintains full-service, licensed and accredited laboratory operations in California, Oregon, and Canada. EVIO also provides clients with quality analytical R&D and consulting services to help them produce the best, compliant products. For more information, visit www.eviolabs.com. Safe Harbor Statement Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be considered forward-looking statements pertaining to anticipated or projected plans, performance, and developments, as well as other statements relating to future operations and results. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "intends," "goal," "objective," "seek," "attempt," or variations of these or similar words, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements by their nature are estimates of future results only, and involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, the Company's ability to complete product testing and launch product commercially, the acceptance of product in the marketplace, the uncertainty of the laws and regulations relating to cannabis, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed from time to time in Company reports available at www.sec.gov or www.eviolabs.com. For Further Information, contact: Lori Glauser, CEO [email protected] +1 702-748-9944 SOURCE EVIO, Inc COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Express Wash Concepts (EWC) today announced its acquisition of Zip Auto Wash, located at 12611 Rockside Rd. in Garfield Heights, Ohio. The acquisition brings Express Wash Concepts' overall express car wash portfolio to 46 operating locations under the following brands: Central Ohio-based Moo Moo Express Car Wash, Greater Dayton-based Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Greater Cleveland-based Clean Express Auto Wash, Toledo-based Meyers Auto Wash and Virginia-based Green Clean Express Auto Wash. "As we begin to invest around a million dollars to upgrade the current facility, we're excited to bring to the Garfield Heights community our fast, high-quality and environmentally friendly express car wash," said John Roush, Express Wash Concepts Chief Executive Officer. "As the region's fastest growing car wash brand, we also look forward to providing excellent career opportunities with great growth potential." The acquisition is effective as of October 15, 2021, with no interruption to current Zip Auto Wash customers. Express Wash Concepts plans to temporarily close the wash in late November, 2021 to convert to the company's Cleveland-based signature brand, Clean Express Auto Wash. Once re-opened in early 2022, the new Clean Express Garfield Heights location will feature the industry's best wash equipment, a fully remodeled retail office, and a free vacuum lot with 21 professional grade vacuums. The company's popular Unlimited Wash Club packages will also be available at the Garfield Heights location upon re-opening, and offer members the convenience and value of contactless payment and unlimited washing at any Clean Express Auto Wash location. Clean Express Auto Wash is Greater Cleveland's newest, premier express car wash with 14 locations currently open or under construction. The brand also recently announced its expansion into the Pittsburgh market with the acquisition of CleanTown USA, with an additional 2 Pittsburgh area locations currently under construction. EWC plans to open more than 50 additional locations by the end of 2022. About Express Wash Concepts: Express Wash Concepts is the parent company of Central Ohio-based Moo Moo Express Car Wash, Dayton, Ohio-based Flying Express Car Wash, Greater Cleveland and Pittsburgh-based Clean Express Auto Wash, Toledo-based Meyers Auto Wash and Virginia-based Green Clean Express Auto Wash. With 46 locations and rapidly growing, Express Wash Concepts' portfolio of award winning, premier express car washes are 100% satisfaction guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.expresswashconcepts.com. SOURCE Express Wash Concepts Related Links https://www.expresswashconcepts.com The launch follows a soft debut of Kings & Queens on October 1, where an initial 330 one-gram units of concentrate sold out in a single day. The line will be expanded next month to include concentrate 'diamonds', which one of the most highly sought-after concentrate products. The new Kings & Queens brand officially launches today in Maryland and features high-THC live and cured resin concentrates, which are potent, terpene-rich extracts that capture a pure flavor and cannabinoid profile. Live resin is sourced straight from a fresh plant and frozen for processing, capturing all the terpenoids and cannabinoids at their freshest points. The Company uses a high efficiency grow and processing operation in the production of Kings & Queens concentrates, allowing it to offer these products at competitive price points nearly 20 percent lower than current average prices for concentrate products in Maryland. "We're excited to bring this new line of concentrates to our patients in Maryland, and soon to other markets across the country," said Harris Rabin, Chief Marketing Officer for Goodness Growth. "Produced from our premium strains at the peak of freshness, Kings & Queens will offer concentrates that create optimal effects and loud aromas and tastes. Kings & Queens is unmatched in quality because of the care we take in every step of the process. From growing our very own full-bud flower right here in Maryland to our unique clean cold processing methodology to our in-house and third-party testing protocol." An official brand launch in Maryland will take place over two days, with special events at wholesale partner ReLeaf dispensary in Baltimore on Friday, Oct. 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The second launch event will be held at the Company's own Green Goods dispensary location in Frederick on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Each event will feature Kings & Queens product accessories and have experts on hand to give medical cannabis patients a chance to learn more about the live extraction process used to produce these concentrates and the various products' unique benefits. Following the launch, Kings & Queens products will roll out to dispensary locations across Maryland. Ultimately, additional strains and new product formats will be added among the 7,000 units expected to be released per month to Maryland dispensaries. The Kings & Queens brand will launch next in Arizona in the coming months. About Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc. Goodness Growth Holdings, Inc., is a physician-led, science-focused holding company whose mission is to bring the power of plants to the world. The Company's operations consist primarily of its multi-state cannabis company subsidiary, Vireo Health, Inc., and its science and intellectual property incubator, Resurgent Biosciences, Inc. The Company manufactures proprietary, branded cannabis products in environmentally friendly facilities and state-of-the-art cultivation sites and distributes its products through its growing network of Green Goods and other retail locations and third-party dispensaries. Its team of more than 500 employees are focused on the development of differentiated products, driving scientific innovation of plant-based medicines, and developing meaningful intellectual property. Today, the Company is licensed to grow, process, and/or distribute cannabis in eight markets and operates 18 dispensaries across the United States. For more information about Goodness Growth Holdings, please visit www.goodnessgrowth.com. Contact Information Media Inquiries: Albe Zakes Vice President, Corporate Communications [email protected] (267) 221-4800 SOURCE Goodness Growth Holdings Related Links http://www.goodnessgrowth.com "This historic election grants Honduras a seat for the first time since the Council was established in 2006, and it is the result of the country's hard work and achievements to defend human rights" stated President Juan Orlando Hernandez. To be eligible for a seat at the HRC, Honduras signed several commitments, including redoubling its efforts to improve human rights conditions in the country and to contribute from its membership within the United Nations body to promoting the protection of human rights around the world. As a new member of the Human Rights Council, Honduras will have to adopt a more active role and pronounce itself on human rights situations around the world for the Council to take action, such as respect for human rights of women, indigenous peoples, LGTBQ, minorities, elderly and other groups in vulnerable situations. Likewise, it must rule on issues related to the promotion of accountability in countries where human rights violations occur, as well as condemn reprisals against human rights defenders. It also oversee human rights situation in hot spots such as Afghanistan, Burundi, Syria, Yemen, some Latin America countries and others that are under the scrutiny of the Human Rights Council. The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva three times a year. SOURCE Government of Honduras RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Richmond SPCA's Fur Ball will return on Saturday, November 6, with both in-person and at-home options to support the care of sick and injured homeless pets. The 23rd Annual Fur Ball is presented by Dominion Energy. The Fur Ball has consistently been chosen by readers of Richmond Magazine, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly and Virginia Living as a favorite charity event. While the in-person tickets are currently sold out, Fur(tual) Ball tickets include a three-course meal with wine and online bidding access. Dinner, sponsored by The London Company, will be prepared by the chefs at The Jefferson Hotel for guests to pick up and enjoy at home. Richmond SPCA Chief Executive Officer Tamsen Kingry said, "We look forward to celebrating this beloved event both in person and virtually with our dear friends and fellow animal lovers. The Fur Ball makes the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of our community's most vulnerable homeless animals possible." Proceeds from the event benefit the Cinderella Fund, which is devoted solely to the veterinary treatment and rehabilitation of sick, injured and neonatal homeless pets, expenses for which the Richmond SPCA has budgeted approximately $990,000 in the year ahead. The Richmond SPCA took in 3,428 dogs, cats, kittens and puppies between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021, and more than 90 percent were treated for sickness or injury before being adopted to lasting homes. The goal for the Fur Ball's new hybrid format is to raise $600,000. Bidding in the auction sponsored by Truist will begin in early November. Approximately 60 packages have been donated for both online and live auctions, with an emphasis on experiences, classes and family-friendly packages. The Fur Ball Raffle, sponsored by Irongate Capital Advisors, features $5 tickets for the chance to win one of five prizes, including a John Hardy bracelet from Schwarzschild Jewelers and a kid's bike from Carytown Bicycle Company, in a drawing held November 8. Visit support.richmondspca.org/furball for more information. The Richmond SPCA, founded in 1891, is a no-kill humane organization dedicated to the guiding principle that every life is precious. As a national leader in humane care and education, the Richmond SPCA is building a more compassionate community through programs of adoption, rehabilitation, spay/neuter, pet-retention, trap-neuter-return and humane education. For more information, visit richmondspca.org. SOURCE Richmond SPCA An unprecedented transformation across society and economic sectors is needed to achieve ambitious net-zero targets over the next few decades. Expanding and deploying technological innovations will be critical. "The confluence of post-pandemic reconstruction, the climate crisis and social imbalances from technology and globalisation, is a historic opportunity for shaping a technological and institutional revolution that can unleash a smart, green and fair golden age for all," said Professor Carlota Perez , world-renowned expert on technological revolutions. There are myriad risks associated with the deployment of untested technologies. As the world's risk managers and a significant source of investment capital, the role of insurers will be essential to scaling up technological solutions. Jeffrey Schlagenhauf, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, said "The successful transition to a net-zero economy will require a complete transformation of the technologies used across all sectors of the economy. Insurance regulators and supervisors have a critical role to play in creating an enabling environment that facilitates insurance companies' capacity to support this transition as underwriters, risk managers, and providers of the needed capital investment." The discussion focused on the technological innovations necessary to accelerate decarbonisation and achieve climate targets and the key role of the insurance industry in supporting those innovations. Charles Brindamour, CEO of Intact Financial and Chairman of The Geneva Association, said: "Insurers play a key role in enabling innovation and prosperity in all areas of the economy. We can be a key agent in de-risking the transition towards a sustainable future, by leveraging our strengths and expertise in data analytics, pricing, risk management and prevention. Governments also have a powerful role to play. They can send strong signals by establishing a focused agenda, setting consistent climate priorities and supplying new capital to accelerate clean tech growth." Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change (UNFCCC) referred in her keynote statement to decarbonisation and achieving net zero as the most significant economic transformation in our history, and called for the insurance industry to redirect underwriting and investments to decarbonise the economy in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Maryam Golnaraghi, Director Climate Change and Environment at The Geneva Association, stressed: "The role of insurers in assessing, pricing and managing the untested risks associated with new technologies and processes will be fundamental for large-scale implementation and raising private capital. This conference is the launch point for The Geneva Association's exciting new research initiative on 'innovating insurance solutions for de-risking climate technologies towards net zero'." The full webcast of the Geneva Association-OECD conference is available at: www.genevaassociation.org/GANetZeroConf-recording Key points from conference discussions: Insurers play a vital role in assessing, pricing and managing risks related to untested technologies for sectors to transition to net-zero emissions. Innovations in insurance products and services are needed to support adoption and large-scale deployment, where market conditions allow. Governments can provide the enabling environment to incentivise market development and boost demand for technological innovations in energy, transportation, food and water systems and other carbon-intensive sectors as well as the greening of the public infrastructure. Enhanced coordination of public and private investments, aligning investors' risk/return profiles and de-risking could enable more sustained financing for the commercialisation of climate technologies,. Deeper cross-sectoral partnerships can fast track the de-risking and adoption of new technologies, particularly between insurers, carbon-intensive industries, technology and engineering companies, the financial sector and governments. About The Geneva Association The Geneva Association is the only global association of insurance companies; its members are insurance and reinsurance CEOs. Based on rigorous research conducted in collaboration with its members, academic institutions and multilateral organisations, The Geneva Association investigates key risk areas that are likely to impact the insurance industry, develops corresponding recommendations and provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss them. In total, the companies of Geneva Association members are headquartered in 25 countries around the world; manage USD 17.1 trillion in assets; employ 2.4 million people; and protect 1.8 billion people. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1660768/Geneva_Association.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/714100/Geneva_Association_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Geneva Association "As I accept this appointment as president, I acknowledge, 'To whom much is given, much will be required,'" he said. Repollet pledged to foster an environment where students "learn, grow, take risks, make mistakes, regroup and keep climbing higher." "Building a positive climate and culture is what we're all about," he said. "As Kean emerges as the Urban Research University of New Jersey, I am committed to leveraging the resources of Kean University to contribute directly to solving our state's most challenging social and economic challenges." Kean Board of Trustees Chair Steve Fastook '06H welcomed the audience, which included the president's wife, Darlene, and daughters, Lauryn and Taylor, and spoke about Repollet's accomplishments. "President Repollet is already moving this incredible University this beautiful, state of the art, vibrant and diverse community forward on its journey to excellence," Fastook said. Attending the ceremony were New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver; Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges, Ph.D.; Senators Joseph P. Cryan, Thomas H. Kean Jr. and Nicholas P. Scutari '89, a Kean alumnus; Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin; Governor Phil Murphy's Chief of Staff George Helmy, and other elected officials. Oliver spoke about Kean's role as an inclusive, diverse university. "Kean is the place that has sent people out in the world to do miraculous things," she said. A former New Jersey Education Commissioner, school superintendent, principal and teacher, Repollet was named Kean president in 2020, but the pandemic delayed his formal installation. Since taking office, he has focused on safety, academic excellence and equity, including health and safety measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19. He has created programs to increase equity, spearheaded a drive to pursue Carnegie R2 research designation, and established a student President's Advisory Council and Student Town Halls. Repollet earned his bachelor's degree in communication from The College of New Jersey, his master's in educational leadership at Kean, and a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University. SOURCE KEAN UNIVERSITY Related Links www.kean.edu RENTON, Wash., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence, one of the largest health systems in the nation, announced that Hoda Asmar, MD, MBA, will serve as the organization's new chief medical officer (CMO), effective October 13, 2021. Dr. Asmar will be a key member of the clinical executive leadership team, ensuring a patient-focused approach to clinical strategy. Her role will include partnering with physicians and clinicians, supporting provider engagement and development, strategy, and operational optimization across the care continuum. "As we strive to reimagine the future of health care, we are pioneering innovative ways to keep people healthy in mind, body and spirit," said Providence Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips. "It is essential that we transform the traditional model of care to provide services where and how our communities want them. As an experienced physician leader, Dr. Asmar will accelerate our care transformation efforts." Dr. Asmar will work closely with physician leaders across Providence's acute care settings, physician enterprise, ambulatory care network and population health. She was selected for the role due in large part to her diverse cultural and educational background. She will facilitate our CMO community to advance best practices across the system and develop future leaders in the organization. She will also have responsibility for pharmacy and laboratory services across the system. "Providence's singular commitment to create better experiences and better outcomes offers the chance to transform care delivery in diverse environments," said Dr. Asmar. "I am excited to make sustainable and scalable, clinical, operational and financial outcomes that will ease the way for millions." Dr. Asmar most recently served as chief clinical officer for Adventist Health in Roseville, CA, where she was responsible for leading population health initiatives, maximizing the efficiency of clinical operations, and improving patient engagement and quality and safety outcomes. Having previously held senior leadership roles with integrated hospital systems, public health and a pharmacy management solutions company, Dr. Asmar established a substantial track record with designing and innovating clinical care delivery for large, diverse health systems, Dr. Asmar earned her Doctor of Medicine at Saint Joseph University Medical School in Beirut, Lebanon and holds an MBA in integrative management from Michigan State University. Her compassion, business acumen and intimate knowledge of technology, data, clinical practice, quality and patient safety will be pivotal to our family of organizations. About Providence Providence is a national, not-for-profit Catholic health system comprising a diverse family of organizations and driven by a belief that health is a human right. With 52 hospitals, over 1,000 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing, and many other health and educational services, the health system and its partners employ more than 120,000 caregivers serving communities across seven states Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, with system offices in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif. Learn about our vision of health for a better world at Providence.org . SOURCE Providence Related Links http://providence.org FREMONT, Calif. & CLEARWATER, Fla., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TD SYNNEX, a global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem announced their legacy company, Tech Data, has won the prestigious Microsoft Business Applications 2021-2022 Inner Circle award, an honor reserved for the top 1% echelon of Microsoft Business Application Partners worldwide. Membership in this elite group is based on sales achievements and performance with a high standard of excellence by delivering solutions that help organizations transform and accelerate their success. "We are fortunate to have a strategic partner in Microsoft who recognizes the value our combined efforts bring to the Business Application partner eco-system," said Sergio Farache, chief strategy officer, TD SYNNEX. "In partnership with Microsoft, TD SYNNEX is passionate about providing vertical industry expertise, innovation, repeatable value-added solutions and services around the Business Application and Power Platform cloud stack to our global community of customers as they undergo a fundamental digital transformation" "In a year of deep business transformation for every company and every industry on the planet, it is extremely rewarding to be able to recognize Microsoft Business Applications partners from every corner of the world that accelerated our joint customers' digital transformation and drove unsurpassed customer success," said Cecilia Flombaum, Microsoft Business Applications Ecosystem Lead. "Our Inner Circle members are chosen based on their business performance as well as capabilities as an organization, whether that's creating IP, developing solutions, or having an industry leading focus on digital transformation. Microsoft is honored to recognize TD SYNNEX for their achievements this past year, their dedication to our customers, and their innovation around the Microsoft Cloud." About TD SYNNEX TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. We're an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEX' 22,000 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 1,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments including cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, IoT, mobility and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit www.TDSYNNEX.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this news release that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance that may be suggested in this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release. 2021 SYNNEX Corporation. TD SYNNEX, the TD SYNNEX Logo, and all other TD SYNNEX company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks of SYNNEX Corporation. Other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Media Contacts Robyn Itule Director of Communications, Americas (727) 275-5236 [email protected] SOURCE TD SYNNEX Related Links www.TDSYNNEX.com DETROIT, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The term "gerrymandering" refers to the manipulation of congressional district boundaries to favor a particular party. Many district boundaries in Michigan intentionally weave around specific homes, neighborhoods, and streets, as to include voters with a particular ideology in one voting district. Rather than voters choosing their representatives, gerrymandering empowers politicians to choose their voters. Gerrymandering can best be understood through the lens of two basic techniques: cracking and packing. Cracking splits groups of people with similar characteristics, such as voters of the same party affiliation, across multiple districts. With their voting strength divided, these groups struggle to elect their preferred candidates in any of the districts. Packing is the opposite of cracking: map drawers cram certain groups of voters into as few districts as possible. In these few districts, the "packed" groups are likely to elect their preferred candidates, but the groups' voting strength is weakened everywhere else. To find out more about "Gerrymandering", check out this cool video at https://youtu.be/ZZLPKzotzhg. In 2018, over 400,000 Michigan citizens voted to put a proposed redistricting change on the state ballot. The measure won overwhelming support from voters who amended the state Constitution to create an independent commission to draw new maps that are more representative of the people in the community. The maps that have been completed can be found here: STATE SENATE: The maps approved for the Senate, 10-04-21 v2 SD, 10-07-21 SD RAS BK and 10-08-21 v1 SD, have less pronounced differences. STATE HOUSE: The House maps are 10-06-21 v1 HD, 10-08-21 v2 HD and 10-08-21 v1 HD RAS. U.S. HOUSE: The commission approved four congressional map plans: 10-05-21 v1 CD DW, 10-08-21 v1 CD RAS, 10-07-21 v1 CD DC and 10-07-21 v1 CD AE. Citizens are encouraged to show up in-person to public hearings and voice their concerns. The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission just released the new public hearing schedule details at michigan.gov.MICRC under "Meeting Notices. Join the Disability Network Wayne County Detroit on October 19, 2021 at 6pm for a Town Hall to discuss "Gerrymandering in Michigan". The virtual Town Hall will be facilitated by Loida Tapia of the Michigan Non Profit Association and you can participate at www.dnwcd.org, on the ZOOM page. Disability Network Wayne County Detroit is a community service, community resource and advocacy nonprofit organization. We serve individuals in the City of Detroit and Wayne County with disabilities. We combine experience and peer-support in delivering services to people with disabilities and their families. We partner with community agencies, schools, and businesses to improve quality of life. Lori Hill serves as the Executive Director whose mission is to educate and connect people with disabilities to resources while advocating social change. Our vision is a community that values disability as human diversity, free of attitudinal barriers, where all people benefit with full access and inclusion. The Disability Network Wayne County Detroit has launched its Tax Offset Empowerment Campaign whereby taxpayers are empowered when choosing where their tax dollars go. We encourage our supporters to donate to our consumer services that provide food, transportation, and peer support to those who are disabled, elderly, or homeless. With your tax-deductible donations, we have been able to provide over 1,000 food boxes, personal protection equipment against the COVID-19 virus, and de-isolation, online services to those who are blind, deaf, disabled, elderly, mentally impaired, and have other visible and invisible issues. You will receive a tax deduction letter with your much appreciated gift! Go to www.dnwcd.org to the Donations page and empower your tax dollars today! Contact: Lori Hill, Executive Director [email protected] 313-923-1655 Photos: https://www.prlog.org/12889590 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Disability Network Wayne County Detroit Related Links http://www.dnwcd.org KATY, Texas, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SLCA) announced today that it will release its third quarter 2021 financial results before the New York Stock Exchange opens on Friday, October 29, 2021. Conference Call This release will be followed by a conference call for investors on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. Central Time to discuss the results. Hosting the call will be Bryan Shinn, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Don Merril, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Investors are invited to listen to a live webcast of the conference call by visiting the "Investors- Events & Presentations" section of the Company's website at www.ussilica.com . The webcast will be archived for one year. The call can also be accessed live over the telephone by dialing (877) 869-3847 or for international callers, (201) 689-8261. A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853 or for international callers, (201) 612-7415. The conference ID for the replay is 13723834. The replay will be available through November 29, 2021. About U.S. Silica U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. is a performance materials company and is a member of the Russell 2000. The Company is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry, and in a wide range of industrial applications. Over its 121-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver over 600 diversified products to customers across our end markets. U.S. Silica's wholly-owned subsidiaries include EP Minerals and SandBox Logistics. EP Minerals is an industry leader in the production of products derived from diatomaceous earth, perlite, engineered clays, and non-activated clays. SandBox Logistics is a state-of-the-art leader in proppant storage, handling and well-site delivery, dedicated to making proppant logistics cleaner, safer and more efficient. The Company currently operates 24 mines and production facilities and is headquartered in Katy, Texas. Investor Contact: Patricia Gil Vice President, Investor Relations (281) 505-6011 [email protected] SOURCE U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans and Military Families for Progress announces goal work with The Great Expectations Program, a proven method to assist individuals to reintegrate into society, including veterans recently returning from active duty or recently-released inmates. It consists of several modules that address different aspects of the reintegration process. Spanning over five decades, the Great Expectations program has helped over 28,000 individuals reintegrate into civilian life. The vast majority of these individuals are veterans, but the program has also has proven successful with recently-released inmates and people in recovery. The results demonstrate dramatic decreases in hospitalizations, suicides, recidivism and absenteeism to name a few of the program's positive outcomes. Media Contact: Matthew Cari, [email protected] SOURCE Veterans and Military Families for Progress Related Links http://www.vmfp.org WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kindness matters. Always. As a brand rooted in positivity and putting energy behind the actions that make the world a better place, ZOA Energy is proud to announce the company's partnership with TikTok positivity-focused influencers, referred to as "inspirators," JT Laybourne and Ed Delmore to showcase that #KindnessCan change the world. The campaign encourages everyday warriors from coast to coast to look within and bring forward what #KindnessCan mean through the power of positive actions, words, deeds and self-reflection. It is the belief of ZOA, Laybourne and Delmore that together, we can all contribute to making the world a kinder place. Zoa Energy Joins Forces with TikTok Positivity Influencers to Prove What #KindnessCan Do Laybourne and Delmore have grown a viral presence on social mediaestablishing themselves through charitable campaigns, embarking on random acts of kindness, and showcasing the ripple effect of kindness to the millions of people who follow them on TikTok. In highlighting all the good that #KindnessCan do, the duo is now traveling around the country to encourage people on the streets to look themselves in the eyes, encourage positive self-talk, and know that they are enough. The inaugural #KindnessCan pop-up in Los Angeles this month brought hundreds of passersby together in front of The Dolby Theater on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Laybourne and Delmore revealed a mirror revealing that "you are enough" and encouraged people from all walks of life to find kindness within themselves by stepping up to the mirror. People were then invited to pass along kindness through "ZOA Challenge Coins" with the request to pay it forward. The two inspirators, like ZOA, are passionate about creating change by inspiring, empowering and celebrating people who show up, put in the work, and lead by example. This fall, along with their #KindnessCan pop-ups, Laybourne, Delmore and ZOA will put an all-call out to their social media followers to share moments of kindness, culminating in a special celebration on World Kindness Day (November 13) via a TikTok LIVE that will raise funds for the Made of Millions Foundation, a global advocacy nonprofit on a mission to change how the world perceives mental health. "The energy that ZOA radiates as a brand is noticeable, and we are so honored to partner with the brand to highlight the importance of kindness," said JT Laybourne, ZOA partner and TikTok inspirator. "Kindness is one of the easiest ways to show some love to yourself and the people around you, and I think that's more important now than ever before. It's all about paying it ZO-ward and we are just getting started!" "Looking at what drives ZOA to bring good vibes and positive energy to those around us, we wanted to remind our community about how far even the simplest acts of kindness can go in the world," said Michael Pengue, CEO of ZOA. "We're excited to partner with JT, Ed and Made of Millions to show that acts of kindness, in ourselves or others, can have a long-lasting impact." For more information about the #KindnessCan campaign, where the next pop-up will be and ZOA Energy products please visit https://zoaenergy.com/ and follow the brand on Instagram @zoaenergy. About ZOA Energy: ZOA is the healthy energy drink created and developed by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Dave Rienzi and John Shulman to bring more positive energy to everyday life. Created as a convenient, healthy solution for the unique challenges of today, ZOA was made to sustain with vitamins C for immunity, and vitamin B and natural caffeine for clean, enhanced energy. Follow the brand online at zoaenergy.com. About Made of Millions Made of Millions Foundation is a global mental health advocacy nonprofit on a mission to change how the world perceives mental health. Its platforms, events, campaigns and resources reach millions of sufferers around the world each year. For more information, please visit http://www.madeofmillions.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Abbey Hudson | Konnect Agency 213-225-4415 [email protected] SOURCE ZOA Energy Related Links http://www.zoaenergy.com 26,000 companies have also joined the Fair's impressive online showcase, currently displaying a record-breaking 2.78 million products, including 860,000 new products. It is also the first time that the Canton Fair has set up a special rural revitalization zone, highlighting signature products from formerly poor areas. 883 companies from these areas have joined either online or offline without fees charged. Chu Shijia, Vice President and Secretary General of the Canton Fair noted that this Fair has continued to innovate its business model during the global pandemic. The online-offline exhibition is a ground-breaking effort to explore the new normal of the Canton Fair. Comprehensive trade services to facilitate dual format The 130th Canton Fair maintains its advantage of enabling face-to-face negotiations and an on-site sampling experience which is helpful for building mutual trust between suppliers and buyers, while at the same time expanding its online scale in line with digital economy development trends, which enables convenient communications to meet different needs across the globe. Creating a boutique physical exhibition, the Fair provides buyers with trending sustainable solutions from more than 70 new energy companies through their low-carbon, environmentally-friendly and energy-saving products. Adding more value to the trade service chain, this Canton Fair is also attended by overseas warehouses and shipping companies. In the meantime, this edition of the Fair has added many new functions based on its original online platform, including pre-registration for physical exhibition, on-site livestreaming, forums, business travel services and on-site business assistance, as well as COVID-19 prevention guidance. Such integration provides comprehensive support for buyers either online or offline. First time to hold the Pearl River International Trade Forum The opening ceremony of the 130th Canton Fair also marks the opening of the main forum of the Pearl River International Trade Forum, which gathers political, business and academic experts to discuss trending international trade issues, offering Canton Fair solutions. The event will also encourage dialogues and discussions on opening up and trade innovation, new business models for international trade under the new national development pattern, as well as international trade cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Chu noted that the Forum is a flagship event for China, which will significantly amplify Canton Fair's voice with a greater impact, enabling it to better serve the country, companies, society, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Please visit: https://fbuyer.cantonfair.org.cn/en/account/new-buyer/register for more opportunities. SOURCE Canton Fair Related Links https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/ DUBLIN, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 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/ls13fv Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Receive FREE Sample Report in Minutes! Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices. Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation of the pros and cons of prevalent pricing models. Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers. Fetch actionable market insights on post COVID-19 impact on each product and service segments. Some of the Top 3PL suppliers listed in this report: This 3PL procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Deutsche Post DHL Group KUEHNE + NAGEL International AG DB Schenker Fetch actionable market insights on post COVID-19 impact on each product and service segments: www.spendedge.com/report/3pl-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report Related Reports on Professional Services Include: Asset Recovery Services - Forecast and Analysis: The asset recovery services will grow at a CAGR of 9.49% during 2021-2025. Asia Asset Recovery Pte Ltd., TES-Amm Singapore Pte Ltd., and Iron Mountain Inc. are among the prominent suppliers in asset recovery services market. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report. Vulnerability Management Sourcing and Procurement Report: Vulnerability Management Procurement Market, prices will increase by 4%-6% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a Moderate bargaining power in this market. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report. Outplacement Services - Sourcing and Procurement Intelligence Report: This report offers key advisory and intelligence to help buyers identify and shortlist the most suitable suppliers for their Outplacement Services requirements. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report. To access the definite purchasing guide on the 3PL that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis: Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my 3PL TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable? How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes? Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities? Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 1,200+ market research reports. SpendEdge's SUBSCRIPTION platform 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 Related Links http://www.spendedge.com But we all know, small business owners have continued to struggle to stay open given the pandemic's repercussions and continuous fluctuations. While the statistics surrounding Latina-led companies are sobering twice as many Latina-owned companies experienced closure during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their male counterparts (30% vs. 16%)3 the below tips can help aspiring Latina entrepreneurs stay on a path to success. Develop a business plan Having a good idea is NOT enough! Developing a business plan* is the first key step for any business owner. An effective plan can help you prioritize how to spend your time and money, and set measurable goals. It also can help identify current or future obstacles so you can better anticipate and avoid potential risks. For example, with COVID-19 impacts, you may have had to create more online offerings or enhance your digital presence for your business. Some of you may have had to change relationships with supply chains and vendors or reduce hiring. Whatever it was, now's the time for you to review how you've adapted to the current situation, which of these adaptions you want to build upon in the future, and then document it in your plan. Get mentorship support Latinos are increasingly in advantageous positions to start their own businessesthey're younger, with higher educational attainment: Nearly 90% of Latino Post-Millennials are high school graduates. They're contributing to the labor force in greater numbers, buying more homes, and closing the wealth gap at a rapid rate. But the past year and a half has reinforced what we've always known: It takes a village. As women business owners continue to climb out of the pandemic impacts, and build from survivability toward recovery and opportunity, connecting with mentors and other experts is one of the most powerful and greatest ways to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and learn from each other. Wells Fargo recently partnered with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center where women entrepreneurs can gain complementary support through its signature Milestone Mapping Coaching Circles*, a 12-week long mentorship program to help them overcome key business challenges while developing a peer support network and connection to mentors. Women business owners who are interested may apply to participate, and upon acceptance, will be placed in a circle. Find the right guidance and information Many women may not know where to turn for trustworthy information to support them with critical business decisions. The good news is there are many free resources and tools* to help educate women business owners. The SBA.gov* website is another great place to start. It even offers a version of its site in Spanish. Additionally, the Minority Business Development Agency connects women to resources, events and opportunities to help them succeed through its Enterprising Women of Color Initiative*. Last, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)* has more than 200 local chapters designed to support ambitious Hispanic business owners and also has specific Latina entrepreneur programing. Get credit-ready Once you've got a business plan, are connected with mentors and other experts, and have done your research, getting credit ready will be a critical next step before obtaining business financing. It's important to work with a bank that offers tools and resources that make financing easier to understand, and a banker who shows you what your business needs in order to get approved for a loan. Before applying for a small business loan or line of credit, your bank will want to see that your business generates steady cash flow, has low levels of debt, and is in a strong financial position in order to manage debt payments. The more you know about what bankers want to see in a credit application, the more prepared you will be to pursue credit for your business. A business plan also may help you obtain business financing. For example, for an SBA loan and some larger business loans and lines of credit, lenders may require a formal written business plan before extending credit. By creating or updating a business plan, looking into mentorship opportunities, increasing knowledge, and getting credit ready, more Latina entrepreneurs can achieve success. 1 2019-state-of-women-owned-businesses-report.pdf (q4cdn.com) (English only) 2, 3 Key Insights from the 2020 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report | LatinasinBusiness.us (English only) *Links only available in English Media contact: Carolina Guana Corporate Communications Hispanic Diverse Marketing Segments Phone: 480-493-6272 SOURCE Wells Fargo NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended the approval of risankizumab (SKYRIZI, 150 mg, subcutaneous injection at week 0, week 4 and every 12 weeks thereafter) alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX), for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adults who have had an inadequate response or who have been intolerant to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The CHMP positive opinion is a scientific recommendation for marketing authorization to the European Commission, which authorizes marketing approval in the European Union. This CHMP positive opinion was supported by data from two pivotal Phase 3 studies, KEEPsAKE-1 and KEEPsAKE-2, which evaluated risankizumab in adults with active psoriatic arthritis including those who had responded inadequately or were intolerant to biologic therapy and/or non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).1,2 Additionally, the efficacy and safety profile of risankizumab with up to 52 weeks of exposure was consistent with the profile observed up to 24 weeks.8 "Many patients with psoriatic arthritis experience uncontrolled skin and joint symptoms despite the availability of existing therapies. For this reason, it is important to have multiple treatment options available for physicians to effectively manage their patients' condition," said Thomas Hudson, senior vice president, research and development, AbbVie. "The CHMP's recommendation to approve risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis is an important step in bringing treatment to more patients in need." Across the Phase 3 KEEPsAKE-1 and KEEPsAKE-2 clinical studies, risankizumab met the primary endpoint of ACR20 response at week 24 versus placebo.1,2 In both studies, risankizumab also met ranked secondary endpoints including, but not limited to improvements in several clinical manifestations of psoriatic arthritis such as skin clearance (as measured by at least a 90 percent improvement in Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI 90]), physical function (as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index [HAQ-DI]) and minimal disease activity (MDA) at week 24. In both KEEPsAKE-1 and KEEPsAKE-2, the most common adverse reactions associated with risankizumab were upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, injection site reactions and tinea infections.1,2 If the CHMP recommendation is accepted by the European Commission, this will mark the second indication for risankizumab in the European Union, which was approved in 2019 for the treatment of adult plaque psoriasis. The Marketing Authorization will be valid in all member states of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Northern Ireland. Risankizumab (SKYRIZI) is part of a collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and AbbVie, with AbbVie leading development and commercialization globally. Use of risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis is not approved and its safety and efficacy are under evaluation by regulatory authorities. About Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a heterogeneous, systemic inflammatory disease with hallmark manifestations across multiple domains including joints and skin.5,6 In psoriatic arthritis, the immune system creates inflammation that can lead to pain, fatigue, stiffness in the joints and cause a red, scaly rash.5,6 About KEEPsAKE-1 and KEEPsAKE-21,2,3,8 KEEPsAKE-1 and KEEPsAKE-2 are both Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of risankizumab in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. KEEPsAKE-1 evaluated risankizumab in patients who had an inadequate response or intolerance to at least one DMARD. KEEPsAKE-2 evaluated risankizumab in patients who had an inadequate response or intolerance to biologic therapy and/or DMARDs. Patients were randomized to risankizumab 150 mg or placebo followed by risankizumab 150 mg at week 24. Patients randomized to risankizumab received four maintenance doses a year, following two initiation doses. The primary endpoint for both studies was the achievement of ACR20 response at week 24. Ranked secondary endpoints included, but were not limited to, change from baseline in HAQ-DI, as well as the achievement of PASI 90 and minimal disease activity (MDA) at week 24. The studies are ongoing, and the long-term extension remains blinded to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of risankizumab in patients who have completed the placebo-controlled period. More information on these trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (KEEPsAKE-1: NCT03675308; KEEPsAKE-2: NCT03671148). About SKYRIZI (risankizumab)3 SKYRIZI is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor that selectively blocks IL-23 by binding to its p19 subunit.3,9 IL-23, a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes, is thought to be linked to a number of chronic immune-mediated diseases, including psoriasis.9 The approved dose for SKYRIZI is 150 mg (two 75 mg injections), administered by subcutaneous injection at week 0 and 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Phase 3 trials of SKYRIZI in psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and psoriatic arthritis are ongoing.10,11,12,13 Important EU Indication and Safety Information about SKYRIZI (risankizumab)3 SKYRIZI is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy. SKYRIZI is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. SKYRIZI may increase the risk of infection. In patients with a chronic infection, a history of recurrent infection, or known risk factors for infection, SKYRIZI should be used with caution. Treatment with SKYRIZI should not be initiated in patients with any clinically important active infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. Prior to initiating treatment with SKYRIZI, patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis (TB) infection. Patients receiving SKYRIZI should be monitored for signs and symptoms of active TB. Anti-TB therapy should be considered prior to initiating SKYRIZI in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Prior to initiating therapy with SKYRIZI, completion of all appropriate immunizations should be considered according to current immunization guidelines. If a patient has received live vaccination (viral or bacterial), it is recommended to wait at least 4 weeks prior to starting treatment with SKYRIZI. Patients treated with SKYRIZI should not receive live vaccines during treatment and for at least 21 weeks after treatment. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were upper respiratory infections, which occurred in 13 percent of patients. Commonly (greater than or equal to 1/100 to less than 1/10) reported adverse reactions included tinea infections, headache, pruritus, fatigue and injection site reactions. This is not a complete summary of all safety information. See SKYRIZI full summary of product characteristics (SmPC) at www.ema.europa.eu. Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information. About AbbVie AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, failure to realize the expected benefits from AbbVie's acquisition of Allergan plc ("Allergan"), failure to promptly and effectively integrate Allergan's businesses, competition from other products, challenges to intellectual property, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry and the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID-19. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law. References 1 Kristensen, L.E., et al. Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis After Inadequate Response or Intolerance to DMARDs: 24-Week Results From the Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind KEEPsAKE 1 Trial. 2 Ostor, A., et al. Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab for Active Psoriatic Arthritis, Including Patients With Inadequate Response or Intolerance to Biologic Therapies: 24-Week Results From the Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, KEEPsAKE 2 Trial. 3 SKYRIZI [Summary of Product Characteristics]. AbbVie Ltd. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/skyrizi-epar-product-information_en.pdf. Accessed on October 7, 2021. 4 Galezowski, A., et al. Rhumatisme psoriasique en France, du nourrisson a la personne agee?: donnees de deux etudes transversales multicentriques [Psoriatic arthritis in France, from infants to the elderly: Findings from two cross-sectional, multicenter studies].?Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2018;145(1):13-20. doi:10.1016/j.annder.2017.10.008. 5 Duarte G.V., et al. Psoriatic arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2012 Feb;26(1):147-56. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2012.01.003. 6 Diseases & Conditions: Psoriatic Arthritis. 2019. American College of Rheumatology. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Psoriatic-Arthritis. Accessed on October 7, 2021. 7 Psoriatic Arthritis. 2019. Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354076. Accessed on October 7, 2021. 8 Kristensen, L.E., et al. Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab for Active Psoriatic Arthritis: 52-Week Results From the KEEPsAKE 1 and KEEPsAKE 2 Trials. 2021 EADV Virtual Congress. D1T01.4A. 9 Duvallet E., Sererano L., Assier E., et al. Interleukin-23: a key cytokine in inflammatory diseases. Ann Med. 2011. Nov 43(7):503-11. 10 A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Risankizumab for Maintenance in Moderate to Severe Plaque Type Psoriasis (LIMMITLESS). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03047395. Accessed on October 7, 2021. 11 A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Participants With Crohn's Disease. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03105102. Accessed on October 7, 2021. 12 A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Induction Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03398148. October 7, 2021. 13 Pipeline Our Science | AbbVie. AbbVie. 2021. Available at: https://www.abbvie.com/our-science/pipeline.html. Accessed on October 7, 2021. SOURCE AbbVie Related Links abbvie.com This project is situated in a rapidly developing, mixed-use neighborhood within close proximity to a wide variety of local amenities including schools, grocery, retail and area employers. A brand-new city recreational center is under construction adjacent to the property to the west. Amenities include a clubhouse with on-site leasing and management, business center, game room, theater area, community kitchen with bar seating, lounge area, and coffee bar. An outdoor pool with grills, pool furniture and overhang with fans adjacent to the clubhouse are also offered. This loan's term is for 40 years plus construction, non-recourse, and high leverage at 85% loan to cost. "TriStar Properties thoroughly enjoyed working with Gershman Investment Corp. on this transaction. Adam and his team helped us navigate our way through this process as efficiently and seamlessly as possible. I would highly recommend GIC to anyone looking to finance a project through the HUD insured multifamily loan programs." Matt Towerman, Executive Vice President and Principal, TriStar Properties SOURCE Gershman Investment Corp. LANGLEY, BC, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Adastra Holdings Ltd. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.) (CSE: XTRX) (FRA: D2EP) ("Adastra" or the "Company") today announced positive operational and financial developments as the Company continues to pursue its mission to be a leader in the development and manufacture of pharma-quality, cannabis API and derivative products. These developments include record shipments in September, product portfolio expansion, and continued progress with Health Canada regarding its Controlled Substances Dealers License application. Record September Shipments Adastra shipped 68,272 consumer-packaged units and 20,000g of bulk extract in September compared to 41,571 units in September 2020, a 64% increase year over year. Psychedelics Adastra received a request for additional information from Health Canada as part of the agency's formal review of the Company's application for a Controlled Drugs and Substances Dealer's License, which was submitted and formally accepted in late August 2021. The Company believes that the request for information is the next step toward attaining approval. In addition, Health Canada advised it commits to a 270 calendar day review period from the date of receipt for processing these applications. As a result, management expects Health Canada to finish reviewing Adastra's application by March 2022. New Products Adastra is moving aggressively to expand its Phyto Extraction branded products portfolio to take full advantage of the shift in Canadian consumer preference for derivative hydrocarbon extract products. Planned new products include: THCA Diamonds & Sauce. Adastra has commenced production of a THCA diamond concentrate that it intends to introduce to the market under the Phyto Extractions brand label in December 2021 . Known popularly as the "super concentrate," THCA diamond is a highly potent variety of concentrate that gives users the option to inhale nearly pure THC and is currently the best-selling concentrate product type across Canada based on recent Headset data. Adastra has commenced production of a THCA diamond concentrate that it intends to introduce to the market under the Phyto Extractions brand label in . Known popularly as the "super concentrate," THCA diamond is a highly potent variety of concentrate that gives users the option to inhale nearly pure THC and is currently the best-selling concentrate product type across based on recent Headset data. White Widow Shatter. Adastra is introducing a 1g version of White Widow. This balanced hybrid strain is a cross between a Brazilian sativa landrace and a resin-heavy South Indian indica that is expected to be available across Canada in December 2021 . Adastra is introducing a 1g version of White Widow. This balanced hybrid strain is a cross between a Brazilian sativa landrace and a resin-heavy South Indian indica that is expected to be available across in . Vapes. Adastra is introducing a 1g Black Cherry Distillate vape cartridge that management believes will capture the market's excitement in new vape products. Operational Changes Adastra is hiring to scale up and meet increasing order demand by increasing capacity across two shifts (Mon-Fri) and by adding a weekend shift primarily for packaging. Adastra Labs Inc. is actively hiring staff across two shifts to meet increasing order demand for Phyto Extraction products. In addition, a weekend shift was also added to meet the growing demand for packaged goods. Insider Open Market Purchases of Adastra Common Stock The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer have recently purchased shares of the Company on the open market, the details of which will be set out in their respective SEDI reports. Michael Forbes, Chief Executive Officer of Adastra, said, "With the downturn in industry stock prices recently, this was an opportunity to show investors that Adastra management is committed to creating long-term shareholder value. We believe the current share price does not reflect the true value of Adastra and the incredible growth we have coming in the near future." About Adastra Holdings Ltd. Founded in 2018 and formerly known as Phyto Extractions Inc., Adastra is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative ethnobotanical and cannabis science products designed for the adult-use and medical markets and forward-looking therapeutic applications. Adastra is renowned throughout Canada for its popular line of Phyto Extractions branded cannabis concentrate products available on shelves at over 1,400 adult-use retailers across the country. The Company also operates Adastra Labs, a 13,500 sq. ft. agricultural-scale Health Canada licensed facility located in Langley, BC., focused on extraction, distillation, and manufacturing of cannabis-derived products. Adastra has now successfully taken the first steps in becoming a licensed cultivator, tester, extractor, and seller of controlled substances, including Psilocybin, Psilocin, MDMA, N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5- MeO-DMT, and LSD by applying for a Controlled Substances Dealer's Licence, which is under review by Health Canada. Pending Health Canada approval, Adastra is poised to be a drug formulation and development leader in this emerging sector. In addition, with the recent acquisition of 1225140 B.C. Ltd., doing business as PerceiveMD, Adastra operates a multidisciplinary centre for medical cannabis and psychedelic therapies, working alongside doctors and healthcare professionals within the regulated environment to help create efficacious remedies that address the actual needs of patients. Connect with Adastra: Email | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (CSE: XTRX) Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forwardlooking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forwardlooking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forwardlooking information in this news release includes statements with respect to obtaining a Controlled Drugs and Substances Dealer's License from Health Canada, and on the anticipated timeline thereof; statements regarding anticipated new products, the adoption thereof, and the timelines set out herein; and the intention to hire additional shifts to meet consumer demand. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forwardlooking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include the availability of a qualified workforce; changes in regulations or licensing affecting the Company's business; reduced demand for cannabis and cannabis related products; reductions in the Company's retail space and store locations; and other factors beyond the control of the Company. These and all subsequent written and oral forwardlooking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forwardlooking statements. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed or approved the contents of this news release. SOURCE Adastra Holdings Ltd. Related Links https://www.adastraholdings.ca/investors/ SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WELA, a women's entrepreneur group based in California, announces their next online event with Anne Wojcicki, CEO and Co-founder of 23andMe. The event will be held virtually on Monday, October 18, 2021, from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm PDT. Attendees will hear about Anne Wojcicki's entrepreneurial journey to date as well have an opportunity to submit questions. The workshop also entails a focus on how to best use YouTube to grow your business which entails setting up your YouTube channel and how to create engaging videos. Tickets can be purchased at Thewela.com WELA (Women Entrepreneurs Launch) is a grassroots not-for-profit women's entrepreneur business organization founded in 2016 in Los Altos, California providing local and virtual events, support, and mentorship for female entrepreneurs everywhere. Focus is to Elevate, Educate and Empower Female Entrepreneurs SOURCE WELA female entrepreneur support Related Links http://Thewela.com SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 36th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy for Cancer (SITC 2021) will take place in Washington, D.C., United States, on November 10-14, 2021. The SITC's annual meeting is the world's largest gathering in the field of immuno-oncology. The event is dedicated to promoting exchanges and collaborations in the field in order to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. At this year's event, Antengene will release data of its PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody, ATG-101, and its ERK1/2 inhibitor, ATG-017, in poster presentations both online and offline. Details of those poster presentations are as follows: Abstract Number: 227 Title: A computational semi-mechanistic pharmacology model of ATG-101, a PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody for treatment of solid tumors and NHL Time: 7:00-17:00 EST, November 12-14, 2021 Presenter: Dr. David C. Flowers, Applied BioMath, LLC First Author: Dr. David C. Flowers, Applied BioMath, LLC Abstract Number: 608 Title: Synergistic effect of the combination of ATG-017, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, and immune checkpoint inhibitor in preclinical cancer models Time: 7:00-17:00 EST, November 12-14, 2021 Presenter: Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene Corporation Limited First Author: Dr. Peng Chen, Antengene Corporation Limited Abstract Number: 893 Title: ATG-101, a novel PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody, augments anti-tumor immunity through immune checkpoint inhibition and PDL1-directed 4-1BB activation Time: 7:00-17:00 EST, November 12-14, 2021 Presenter: Dr. Bing Hou, Antengene Corporation Limited First Author: Dr. Hui Yuwen, Antengene Corporation Limited About ATG-101 ATG-101 is a novel PD-L1/4-1BB bi-specific antibody being developed for the treatment of multiple kinds of cancer. ATG-101 can activate anti-tumor immune effectors by simultaneously blocking the binding of PD-L1/PD-1 and inducing 4-1BB stimulation. In PD-L1 over-expressed cancer cells, ATG-101 has shown potent PD-L1 crosslinking-dependent 4-1BB agonist activity, thus potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy, whilst mitigating risk of hepatoxicity. Antengene is currently conducting a Phase I study of ATG-101 in Australia for the treatment of patients with metastatic/advanced solid tumors and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. About ATG-017 ATG-017 (AZD0364) is a potent and selective small molecule extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor. ERK1/2 are related protein-serine/threonine kinases that function as terminal kinases in the RAS-MAPK signal transduction cascade. This cascade regulates a large variety of cellular processes, including proliferation. The RAS-MAPK pathway is dysregulated in more than 30% of human cancers with the most frequent alterations being observed in RAS or BRAF genes across multiple tumor types. An ERK inhibitor enables the targeting of both RAS and BRAF mutant diseases. In nonclinical pharmacology studies, ATG-017 has demonstrated potent inhibition of ERK1/2 enzyme activity and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. At present, Antengene is conducting a Phase I study of ATG-017 in Australia for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. About Antengene Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading clinical-stage R&D- driven biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative medicines for oncology and other life-threatening diseases. Antengene aims to provide the most advanced anti-cancer drugs to patients in the Asia Pacific Region and around the world. Since beginning operation in 2017, Antengene has obtained 16 investigational new drug (IND) approvals, submitted 6 new drug applications (NDAs) in multiple Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for selinexor in South Korea already approved through a priority review process. Leveraging partnerships as well as in-house drug discovery, Antengene has built a broad and expanding pipeline of 13 clinical and pre-clinical assets, comprising 8 global rights assets and 5 assets with rights for Asia Pacific markets including the Greater China region. Driven by its vision of "Treating Patients Beyond Borders", Antengene is committed to addressing significant unmet medical needs by discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics. Forward-looking statements The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. SOURCE Antengene Corporation Limited Related Links www.antengene.com WEFTEC 2021 is the first major in-person water sector event in two years. Many water utilities work with ASTERRA's Recover technology to locate leaks in their distribution systems. Utilizing specialized RADAR signals from satellites, ASTERRA illuminates the areas of interest and collects the resulting reflected signals. These signals are analyzed and processed to identify specific indicators of wet soil saturated with potable water. The result is a map showing likely leak locations; this is then used to target and resolve leaks. When he speaks to conference visitors, Perry will highlight the ASTERRA technology solutions which provide the intelligence needed to take action that supports global resource resilience. Saving water, and the electricity needed to pump it (along with the associated CO2 emissions) provides positive environmental impact to Recover customers around the world. Perry will speak at the SDG Theater booth 761 South Hall A on October 19 from 10:30 am to 10:55 am central time. Visitors are invited to ASTERRA booth #4415 where they can also meet ASTERRA CEO Elly Perets who is based in the Israel headquarters of ASTERRA. This year's WEFTEC is its 94th time gathering of the water community. It will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. The conference runs from October 16-20, 2021, and the exhibition runs from October 18-20, 2021. To meet Perry and learn more about the ASTERRA team at WEFTEC, follow this link. ABOUT ASTERRA ASTERRA is a division of Utilis that provides data-driven solutions for water utilities, government agencies, and the greater infrastructure industry. ASTERRA products use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from satellites and turn it into large-scale decision support tools. The company's proprietary algorithms and highly educated scientists and engineers are the key to their mission, to deliver actionable intelligence to advance Earth's resource resilience. Since 2016, Utilis technology has resulted in saving more than 9000 million gallons of potable water and 22,000 MWH of energy per year, in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Utilis ASTERRA division is headquartered in Israel with offices in the United States and United Kingdom. Their innovative data solutions are used in multiple verticals around the globe. For more information on ASTERRA and to learn more about their technology visit https://asterra.io. Links: https://asterra.io/products/recover/ https://l.feathr.co/weftec/ASTERRA-technology-by-Utilis https://asterra.io https://www.weftec.org Media Contact Karen Dubey Corporate Marketing Director [email protected] (858) 798-6709 SOURCE ASTERRA Related Links https://asterra.io TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To be a great doctor requires checking off a number of boxes, not the least of which is building a strong rapport and level of trust with all patients. Doing so helps patients feel more comfortable about medical opinions being offered, as well as subsequent treatment recommendations. (L to R): Scott Wilson and Dr. Richard Tytus, Co-Founders of Banty Inc. As it relates to telemedicine, such rapport and trust can help doctors encourage more patients to try participating in virtual appointments. According to Medical Economics, 75% of patients would "happily" use a telemedicine solution if able to see a doctor they already have a relationship with. Dr. Richard Tytus, Co-Founder and Medical Director of telemedicine solution Banty Inc. , has been practicing medicine for decades now, developing quality patient-doctor relationships along the way. He believes that such relationships can help motivate more patients to use virtual medicine services, because: Reputation matters: If a doctor's reputation in the eye of a specific patient or the community in which they practice is esteemed, then there will be a certain weight attached when care options are suggested. A doctor who is thought highly of by those they treat should have an easy time convincing patients that specific appointment types can be held virtually, as opposed to in-person If a doctor's reputation in the eye of a specific patient or the community in which they practice is esteemed, then there will be a certain weight attached when care options are suggested. A doctor who is thought highly of by those they treat should have an easy time convincing patients that specific appointment types can be held virtually, as opposed to in-person Familiarity is important : Of course, a plentiful patient-doctor relationship has a lot to do with familiarity gained throughout years of conversing with one another. When a patient logs on for a video call with a doctor for the first time, they want to see a friendly, recognizable face on the screen. This will allow the appointment to flow as naturally as previous ones, just in a different environment : Of course, a plentiful patient-doctor relationship has a lot to do with familiarity gained throughout years of conversing with one another. When a patient logs on for a video call with a doctor for the first time, they want to see a friendly, recognizable face on the screen. This will allow the appointment to flow as naturally as previous ones, just in a different environment Patients will feel more comfortable: Even after a patient agrees to a video call with their doctor, they may have difficulty initially understanding the technical side of telemedicine. By being comfortable with a specific medical professional, a patient will feel less stressed if an online hiccup results in them showing up a few minutes late to an appointment, or not immediately knowing how to navigate the virtual environment Even after a patient agrees to a video call with their doctor, they may have difficulty initially understanding the technical side of telemedicine. By being comfortable with a specific medical professional, a patient will feel less stressed if an online hiccup results in them showing up a few minutes late to an appointment, or not immediately knowing how to navigate the virtual environment The same quality will be delivered: Patients can switch doctors whenever they like. However, if a patient is satisfied by the quality of care being provided to them by a doctor, they will stick around. Over time, patients will learn that such quality care will not be impacted negatively by telemedicine services. In fact, the care level should be considered an improvement, as online appointments provide great levels of convenience and the ability to avoid crowded in-person waiting rooms "If you have an excellent relationship with a patient, you should be able to get them excited about telemedicine services, and why they should be used whenever possible," adds Dr. Tytus. "Patients who've trusted their doctor's opinions for years, will trust that a virtual visit recommendation is coming from the right place." Banty.com's video call service offers all subscribers a custom, permanent URL (i.e., Banty.com/MyMeeting ); a secure, end-to-end encrypted meeting space; excellent video quality; unlimited meetings each month; and straightforward scheduling tools. Banty has a number of solutions that are meant to make it easy to meet with those who matter most to you. (Watch the 'Banty Is Easy' video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhmVdwrR_w8&t=10s ) Today, everyone has a mobile number and an email address. In the near future, everyone will have a Banty video chat address: Banty.com/YourName About Banty Founded in 2020, Banty offers exceptional video conferencing solutions for Businesses , Medical Practices , Virtual Events , and Personal use . Banty video conferencing is easy to use and ultra-secure. The platform provides users with a dedicated Banty.com URL , accessible via any desktop browser or through iOS and Android mobile apps. In order to receive government approval to become a verified medical platform, Banty was upgraded to meet new cyber security standards, making it one of the most secure platforms available. Each day, the Banty team goes above and beyond to ensure the platform remains one of the most secure and innovative virtual meeting solutions in the world. For more information, please visit Banty.org/solutions , or follow Banty on social media to learn more about the latest platform innovations: LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube , Instagram . Media Contact: Scott Wilson 289-259-8059 [email protected] SOURCE Banty Inc. Related Links http://Banty.com BEAUMONT, Calif., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With extreme drought conditions plaguing California, Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) has taken steps to ensure a safe, reliable water supply for customers even during extended dry periods and emergencies. BCVWD's Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), adopted by the Board of Directors at the August 26, 2021, regular meeting via Resolution 2021-14, outlines six stages of emergency measures in the event of a water shortage or sudden disruption to the water supply. The levels, which are designed to build upon each other, include water reductions as noted below and additional conservation measures. The first stage would be implemented in the event of up to a 10 percent reduction in normal long-term water supply availability and a forecast of lower imported water resources over two years. Stage 1 voluntary 10 percent reduction Stage 2 mandatory 10 percent reduction Stage 3 mandatory 20 percent reduction and limited landscape irrigation Stage 4 mandatory 25 percent reduction and further limited landscape irrigation Stage 5 mandatory 30 percent reduction and further limited landscape irrigation Stage 6 mandatory 30 percent reduction and zero landscape irrigation (unless recycled water) "During the last drought, BCVWD customers did their part to conserve water," said Director Andy Ramirez, on behalf of the Board of Directors. "Minimizing outdoor water use and checking for leaks are easy ways you can do your part to conserve." In California, conservation is a way of life, and customers play a key role in saving water, especially in dry seasons. In July, Governor Gavin Newsom called for voluntary water use reductions of 15 percent. However, Californians have only reduced water use by 1.8% over the last few months. The District continuously monitors state drought conditions, conducts an annual water supply and demand assessment, and has plans in place for water shortages or other catastrophic events. The Board of Directors recently adopted an updated WSCP and Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), positioning the District to respond to drought or emergencies and ensuring a sustainable water future for the region. BCVWD has the advantage of large water storage capacity in the Beaumont Basin and strategically purchases imported water in preparation for water shortage situations. The District currently has 39,750 acre-feet in storage. The UWMP illustrates how the District will continue to focus efforts on meeting the area's growing water demands over the next 25 years, including actions such as regional planning partnerships and growing its water portfolio through added storage capacity, groundwater banking and implementing various recycled water reuse activities with the City of Beaumont. "Over the years, BCVWD has tactically invested in projects that expand and diversify our water resources and ensure reliability," said Vice President Lona Williams, on behalf of the Board of Directors. "Taking these steps and continuing to plan for the future is vital to ensuring a dependable supply for our customers and our region." Water districts statewide are required to update their UWMP and WSCP every five years. The Board adopted the updated plans at its August 26, 2021, meeting. The plans are under review by the California Department of Water Resources. Learn more and read the plans at bcvwd.org/documents/urban-water-management-plan. For information on 2021 drought conditions, go to bcvwd.org/california-drought-conditions. Get conservation tips at bcvwd.org/water-conservation-tips. Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District was formed in 1919 and is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. BCVWD is an independent special district that provides water service to 55,000 customers in a 28-square-mile service area. SOURCE Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District BBB celebrates 10 years of helping people identify scams with a new resource: Spot A Scam. bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam Tweet this Many Scam Alerts start with a report to BBB Scam Tracker, where consumers share the latest fraud attempts, from fake text messages to suspicious social media accounts. More than 262,000 consumers have filed reports to BBB ScamTracker since it was launched in 2016. Many of these stories have been shared in the media to alert consumers and businesses. BBB's fraud prevention data and messaging resulted in 5,700 media mentions in 2020 alone. According to the latest BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, consumers and business owners saved $21 million in 2020 by checking BBB Scam Tracker while experiencing what they believed was a scam. Stay up to date on the latest scam trends by subscribing today to BBB Scam Alerts. About BBB For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. SOURCE IABBB Related Links iabbb.org IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC) Chair Dave Bartlett (VP - Land Entitlement, Land & Housing, Brookfield Properties Development) and the BIASC Governing Board invite all BIA members to join BIASC'S Housing Strategy Summit & VIP Reception featuring a Special Commemoration Honoring General William Lyon at the beautiful Lyon Air Museum in Orange County on Thursday, October 28, 2021. BIASC'S Housing Strategy Summit & VIP Reception will feature a Special Commemoration Honoring General William Lyon. The summit will feature panels of special guest speakers, including local and county elected officials discussing current housing elements and strategies as we approach 2022. Additionally, special guest speakers will be discussing business intelligence (BI) in the housing industry and the successful impacts it will have on all companies. Joone Kim Lopez, General Manager Moulton Niguel Water District, Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva will all be in attendance offering opening remarks. The summit will be followed by a VIP Reception honoring the legacy of General William Lyon in our industry at his beautiful museum. Expert speakers are broken down into two panels, The Builder Panel and The County Board of Supervisors Panel. Attendees will hear from Builder experts Tom Grable (Division President, Tri Pointe Homes), Bill Lyon (Taylor Morrison Home Corporation), Michael Maples (Principal, Trumark Homes), and Nicole Murray (Shea Homes). Elected Representative guest panelists will include Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Orange County Supervisor Chairman Andrew Do, Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez, San Bernardino County Supervisor Chair Curt Hagman, and Ontario Mayor Pro Tem and SCAG Past President Alan Wapner. Founded by building industry legend Major General William Lyon, the Lyon Air Museum features an exhibit comprised of authentic aircraft, rare vehicles and related memorabilia, with emphasis on the defining event of the 20th century World War II. Through captivating and thought-provoking exhibits based on historical scholarship, visitors gain a better understanding of the important role the United States plays in shaping world history. We are proud to continue honoring General Lyon's legacy at this event. "We are honored to bring some of the major influencers in our industry together," said BIASC CEO Jeff Montejano. "Our organization is excited to host so many powerhouse speakers presenting and providing invaluable insight, further pushing our members and the overall industry to be innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in their profession." To purchase tickets, please visit the Housing Strategy Summit registration page or biac.org/events . Sponsorships are available. The Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC) is the voice of the region's building industry, with four chapters offering localized services to building professionals from Ventura to the southern tip of Orange County. Throughout its 90-year history, the association has served its builder and associate members by anticipating, protecting and promoting their common interests through its many programs, services, councils and committees. For more information on the Building Industry Association of Southern California, visit https://biasc.org/ . IMAGE DOWNLOAD SOURCE Building Industry Association of Southern California, Inc. Related Links http://www.biasc.org NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BizVibe has added key challenges and trends for child day care services industry profiles on their platform. All 3,000+ company profiles will now contain 50+ company data points, including a list of potential challenges which are expected to impact market participants over the next few years. Snapshot of key challenge impacting BizVibe's child day care services industry group. One challenge which is being highlighted is the high costs of employing skilled professionals. Several activities involved in child day care centers require skilled and licensed professionals to be involved throughout the day. As labor costs increase around the world, the rising operating costs are being passed on to parents in the form of higher fees. Also, losses due to the pandemic and the increased costs day care centers incur for safety and hygiene may force them to change operations and offerings. By identifying such challenges, BizVibe is helping users analyze which suppliers are right for their business, while allowing them to efficiently monitor the risk of doing business. Get Free Access to all Industry Challenges Key Insights Provided for Child Day Care Companies In addition to analysis on how key challenges are expected to impact businesses, BizVibe company profiles contain numerous high-quality insights to help users discover, track, compare, and evaluate suppliers or sales prospects. These insights include: Relevance and influence of industry trends and challenges, segmented by region Press releases and news coverage referencing key trends and challenges Risk of doing business score, segmented by operational, financial, compliance, and country risk Top company competitors at the global, regional, and national levels Names of top company decision makers, including job titles and social profiles Company financials such as annual revenue, profitability ratios, and management effectiveness View 50+ Company Data Points for Free Child Day Care Service Categories BizVibe's platform provides access to over 10 million buyer and supplier company profiles. Businesses from more than 200 countries are categorized into 40,000+ product and service categories, each providing detailed insights tailored to the needs of procurement and sales teams globally. The child day care services industry group features 3,000+ company profiles categorized into multiple product and service categories, enabling clients to identify and connect with potential new business partners across diverse market segments. Get Free Company Profile Access for all Categories BizVibe for Buyers and Sellers BizVibe is a modern B2B platform dedicated to connecting buyers and sellers from around the world. Powered by the latest best-in-class solutions, BizVibe is designed to help companies generate leads, shortlist suppliers, request proposals, and identify global companies. Evaluate companies side-by-side to compare key metrics and initiate productive partnerships. Buyers use BizVibe to discover suppliers from among more than 5 million companies using advanced search filters and comparison tools. Features for buyers include: Shortlist potential suppliers Track and compare companies Set up custom news alerts Quickly create and customize RFIs Explore BizVibe's buyer services: https://www.bizvibe.com/buyers Sellers can take advantage of BizVibe's smart sales intelligence tools to discover, evaluate, and communicate with prospects across 300+ categories. Features for sellers include: Identify and qualify sales prospects Receive customized prospect recommendations Analyze and evaluate potential buyers Integrate CRMs for efficient data transfer Discover BizVibe's seller tools: https://www.bizvibe.com/sellers About BizVibe BizVibe has been conceptualized and built by a team based out of Toronto, Bangalore, and London. We are a branch of Infiniti Research and have dedicated units in all three locations. BizVibe helps buyers find the most relevant suppliers from around the world and helps sellers target prospects who need their products and/or services. For more information, please visit www.bizvibe.com and start for free today. Contact BizVibe Jesse Maida Email: [email protected] +1 855-897-5880 Website: https://www.bizvibe.com/ SOURCE BizVibe LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California today announced a new Medicare Advantage plan in Los Angeles County, Blue Shield Balance (HMO) starting January 1, 2022. Blue Shield Balance offers multi-language concierge customer service and support, a Special Supplemental Benefit for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) called Healthy Grocery for eligible members with certain chronic conditions (not all members will qualify) as well as support resources for caregivers and more. Blue Shield Balance is designed to address the needs of the diverse Medicare beneficiary population in Los Angeles County. The plan offers unique benefits and services to help members and their caregivers feel at-ease and supported to maximize their health and wellbeing. With the reliance of caregiver support on the rise, Blue Shield Balance provides a wide range of services to support the care of our members. "Many of our Medicare members want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are being taken care of when they feel most vulnerable," said Lina Saadzoi, vice president and general manager of Medicare at Blue Shield of California. "We are excited to offer our new Blue Shield Balance plan because it provides a high level of thoughtful, personalized service and support that our members and their caregivers deserve. Our goal is to provide Californians access to care that's worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable." Blue Shield Balance features: In-language Concierge Customer Care service that features comprehensive multi-language support. service that features comprehensive multi-language support. Customized Welcome Kit after enrollment that allows members to designate a caregiver to serve as their Blue Shield liaison. after enrollment that allows members to designate a caregiver to serve as their Blue Shield liaison. $45 M onthly Allowance for Over-the-Counter Items on a personalized benefit card that can be used to purchase over-the-counter drugs and health-related products at stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Items can also be ordered by phone or online. on a personalized benefit card that can be used to purchase over-the-counter drugs and health-related products at stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Items can also be ordered by phone or online. Healthy Grocery benefit for eligible chronically ill members* , giving those who qualify a $25 monthly allowance on their personalized benefit card to purchase healthy and nutritious foods and produce. , giving those who qualify a monthly allowance on their personalized benefit card to purchase healthy and nutritious foods and produce. Part D Insulin Savings Program, which provides members with select insulin drugs at an affordable and predictable cost of no more than a $35 monthly copay. Additionally, Blue Shield Balance includes broad coverage for services not covered by Original Medicare such as: Routine dental and vision care Teladoc virtual care Routine podiatry care Transportation services with six one-way trips per year to plan-approved, health-related locations $50,000 combined annual limit for covered emergency care or urgently needed services outside the United States and its territories combined annual limit for covered emergency care or urgently needed services outside and its territories Annual physical exam Like other Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans in Los Angeles County, Blue Shield Balance provides $0 cost share for key medical benefits including primary care physician and specialist office visits, Medicare-covered preventative services, inpatient hospital care, outpatient surgery in an ambulatory surgical center, and urgent care services. Blue Shield Balance members will have access to the same robust provider network made available with other Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans in Los Angeles County. Medicare's Annual Election Period is October 15, 2021, to December 7, 2021. For more information about Blue Shield's Medicare plan offerings, please visit www.bsca.com/medicare or call (800) 353-1118 [TTY: 711], between 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. seven days a week from October 1st through March 31st**. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4.5 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $21 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $150 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last four years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. *The benefits mentioned are part of special supplemental benefits available in select plans. Not all plan members will qualify. Refer to the Evidence of Coverage for details and eligibility requirements. ** From April 1st through September 30th, hours of operation are 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. CONTACT: Mashi Nyssen Blue Shield of California 510-607-2359 [email protected] SOURCE Blue Shield of California Related Links https://www.bcbs.com/ MIAMI, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cano Health, Inc. ("Cano Health") (NYSE: CANO), a leading value-based primary care provider for seniors and underserved communities, today announced the formation of an Advisory Board for Healthy Heart by Dr. Juan, its new initiative targeting prevention of cardiovascular disease. The Advisory Board will research and review the latest scientific data and recommend updates to Healthy Heart's proprietary diagnostic and treatment algorithms. The Advisory Board will include the following cardiovascular prevention experts: Drs. Oscar Cinglolani, Martha Gulati, Ron Blankstein, and Tyler J. Gluckman. Alongside the Advisory Board, Dr. Rohan Khera will oversee data analysis and population health management for the program. "We are thrilled to welcome this distinguished panel of physicians to Healthy Heart and the broader Cano Health clinician family," said Dr. Marlow Hernandez, Founder and CEO of Cano Health. "It is an honor to partner with this outstanding group of medical professionals to predict and prevent cardiovascular disease, part of our broader effort to transform primary care in America." "We are excited to create a high-touch, high-tech clinical program powered by Cano Health's population health platform," said Dr. Juan Rivera. "With the guidance of our Advisory Board, Healthy Heart will reflect state-of-the-art practices and utilize medical breakthroughs to help patients live longer and healthier lives." Oscar Cingolani Oscar Cingolani, MD is an Associate Professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology. He serves as Associate Director of The Johns Hopkins Hospital Coronary Care Unit, Director of the Hypertension Center and member of the Echocardiography Lab and Outpatient Cardiology Clinic and teaches pathophysiology to medical students. Dr. Cingolani has been recognized by the Council for High Blood Pressure Research of the American Heart Association for his work in hypertension and is the 2011 recipient of the PJ Schafer Memorial Heart Research Award, the 2012 Michel Mirowski Discovery Fund Award, and 2013 Magic that Matters Fund. Martha Gulati Martha Gulati, MD, MS, FACC, FAHA, FASPC is a Professor of Medicine and the Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona (Phoenix). She is a member of numerous advisory boards and societies, including the American Heart Association (AHA), the American College of Cardiology and the American Society of Preventive Cardiology (ASPC). She serves on the board of the ASPC, the Phoenix chapter of the American Heart Association and the board of WomenHeart. She was previously Editor-in-Chief of the American College of Cardiology's "CardioSmart," a patient education and empowerment initiative. In 2019, she received the American College of Cardiology's Bernadine Healy Award for her accomplishments in the field of women's cardiovascular disease. Ron Blankstein Ron Blankstein, MD, FACC, MSCCT, FASNC, FASPC is the Associate Director of the Cardiovascular Imaging Program, Director of Cardiac Computed Tomography, Co-Director of the Cardiovascular Imaging Training Program, and a Preventive Cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He is also a Professor of Medicine and Radiology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Blankstein is a former president of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography and has served on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Preventive Cardiology. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Leadership Council, the ACC Imaging Leadership Council, and the ACC Nutrition & Lifestyle Work Group. Tyler J. Gluckman Tyler J. Gluckman, MD, FACC, FAHA is Medical Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Analytics, Research, and Data Science (CARDS) at the Providence Heart Institute in Portland, Oregon and an adjunct faculty member of the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He serves as Associate Editor for Guidelines and Clinical Documents for ACC.org, the primary web site for the American College of Cardiology (ACC). He also serves as chair of the ACC's Solution Set Oversight Committee, overseeing policy and clinical documents issued by the ACC, and is Governor for the Oregon Chapter of the ACC. He was also lead developer for the ACC Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Estimator app. Rohan Khera Rohan Khera, MBBS, MS is an Assistant Professor in the Section of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. He is a general cardiologist at the Yale New Haven Hospital; data science, health policy and outcomes researcher at the Yale School of Medicine; and an investigator at Yale's Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation. Dr. Khera's work leverages national registries and large databases, and the use of the electronic health record and advanced data science tools to evaluate both quality of care and health outcomes. The work he has led has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), BMJ, EHJ, Circulation, JAMA Internal Medicine, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and JAMA Cardiology, among others. About Cano Health Cano Health operates value-based primary care medical centers and supports affiliated medical practices that specialize in primary care for seniors in Florida, Texas, Nevada, New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico, with additional markets in development. As part of its care coordination strategy, Cano Health provides sophisticated, high-touch population health management programs including telehealth, prescription home delivery, wellness programs, transition of care, and high-risk and complex care management. Cano Health's personalized patient care and proactive approach to wellness and preventive care sets it apart from competitors. Cano Health has consistently improved clinical outcomes while reducing costs, affording patients the opportunity to lead longer and healthier lives. Cano Health serves a predominantly minority population (80% of its patients are Latino or African American) and low-income population (50% of its members are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid). For more information visit www.canohealth.com or www.canohealth.com/investors/. Contacts Media Relations Patricia Graue Brunswick Group (212) 333-3810 [email protected] Media Relations Local (FL) Barbara Ferreiro Cano Health (305) 790-6731 [email protected] SOURCE Cano Health, Inc. Related Links https://www.canohealth.com At a ceremony to award national ethical role models and pioneers on Nov 17, 2017, Xi warmly invited two elderly awardees, Huang Xuhua and Huang Dafa, to sit next to him for group photos. At a national conference on the work of veterans' affairs on July 26, 2019, Xi extended cordial greetings to the 94-year-old war veteran Zhang Fuqing. When meeting with national ethical role models and nominees in 2013, Xi paid honor to 97-year-old Gong Quanzhen, who returned rural home with her husband in the 1950s and devoted her life to improving education of youth in rural areas. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi has visited villages, local communities, and elderly-care institutions on a regular basis, reaching out to local seniors he has always cared about. "China will pay greater attention to the cause of elderly care while making greater efforts on this work, so my visit here is also a manifestation of how much the CPC Central Committee values the cause of elderly care," he said during a visit to the Beijing-based Sijiqing Home for the Elderly on Dec. 28, 2013. Xi has also committed to leading greater efforts to ensure a happy life for the elderly on various occasions. "Ensuring that people live a happy life in their twilight years is an important aspect of satisfying the people's desire for a better life. All the elderly should be looked after properly including helping them keep fit. So your job is quite meaningful. I find the elderly here are all very happy," Xi said when visiting a nursery for the elderly at a community center in Hongkou District, Shanghai on Nov 6, 2018. "It is a traditional virtue for the Chinese nation to respect the elderly, which we should promote. A strong atmosphere of respecting the elderly should be formed, which should become a social norm," said Xi during his visit to Sijiqing Home for the Elderly. Link: https://youtu.be/gTRMOIkVppE SOURCE CCTV+ Related Links www.cctvplus.com With nearly 100 medical centers in 12 states, ChenMed offers a full range of primary care services to seniors, from preventive care to diagnostic services and management of chronic diseases. The medical centers, located in underserved communities, are led by caring, expert doctors who coordinate all aspects of their patients' care. "As we join forces with more primary practices in the Virginia Beach area with Medicare Advantage panels, we will continue to increase the number of seniors to whom we provide access to our affordable, VIP-care," said Lisa Stevens, M.D., chief medical officer for the JenCare Virginia market. "We are honored that Dr. Steier has chosen us to care for his geriatric patients and the practice he has nurtured for the last 46 years. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Steier's patients to the JenCare family." ChenMed operates five JenCare Senior Medical Centers in the Tidewater area located in Virginia Beach, Newport News, Norfolk, Hampton and Portsmouth. Elsewhere in Virginia, there are four additional JenCare Senior Medical Centers located in Richmond. "JenCare caters specifically to seniors and has the resources patients need as they get older," noted Dr. Steier. "I like how readily available they make their physicians to patients. They also genuinely care about the patients they're treating." About ChenMed ChenMed, headquartered in Miami, is a privately owned medical, management and technology company that brings concierge-style medicine and better health outcomes to the neediest populations. Physician-led, ChenMed is a provider of choice for some 20 Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. Operating nearly 100 primary care medical practices for diverse populations of seniors, ChenMed results include up to 75 percent drops in emergency room visits and 30 to 50 percent reductions of inpatient hospital admissions. In addition, this high-touch primary care is shown to reduce coronavirus deaths by 40 percent, according to a study published in American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. A Fortune 2020 "Change the World" company, ChenMed brands include Chen Senior Medical Center, Dedicated Senior Medical Center and JenCare Senior Medical Center. SOURCE ChenMed Related Links http://ChenMed.com BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, a business unit of Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., an international research-focused healthcare Group (Chiesi Group), announced today that Health Canada has approved FERRIPROX (deferiprone) for the treatment of iron overload in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) or other anemias. FERRIPROX was previously approved in Canada for the treatment of iron overload in patients with thalassemia major when current chelation therapy is inadequate. "We are very pleased that Health Canada recognizes and further validates the extensive clinical data and track record associated with FERRIPROX to make this therapy available to more rare disease patients in the region," said Giacomo Chiesi, Head of Chiesi Global Rare Diseases. "This important milestone is a testament to the hard work of our team, including the Canadian researchers who first developed FERRIPROX, which was the first oral chelator approved in Canada. We are also grateful to the patients and clinicians who participated in our clinical research to make this achievement possible." "People living with sickle cell disease face debilitating symptoms including pain and organ damage, which often requires them to receive blood transfusions together with iron chelation therapy. This latest approval of FERRIPROX in sickle cell disease represents our commitment to addressing the needs of underserved communities and providing patients and their families with options to address daily challenges as they navigate managing their disease," said Fernando Tricta, Head of Chiesi Canada. Thalassemia major and SCD are two disorders that affect red blood cells. Both conditions cause problems with hemoglobin, depriving many parts of the body of oxygen. People living with these conditions often require chronic blood transfusions that can put them at risk of developing very high levels of iron in their blood and vital organs. FERRIPROX is a synthetic, orally active iron-chelating agent shown to be effective in reducing iron concentration by penetrating cell membranes and removing toxic iron from organ tissues and extracellular fluids. U.S. Food & Drug Administration Approved Indication and Important Safety Information Indication FERRIPROX (deferiprone) is an iron chelator indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload due to: thalassemia syndromes sickle cell disease or other anemias FERRIPROX Tablets are indicated in adult and pediatric patients 8 years of age; FERRIPROX Oral Solution is indicated in patients 3 years of age. Limitations of Use Safety and effectiveness have not been established for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or in patients with Diamond Blackfan anemia. Important Safety Information WARNING: AGRANULOCYTOSIS AND NEUTROPENIA FERRIPROX can cause agranulocytosis that can lead to serious infections and death. Neutropenia may precede the development of agranulocytosis. Measure the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before starting FERRIPROX and monitor weekly while on therapy. Interrupt FERRIPROX if infection develops and monitor the ANC more frequently. Advise patients taking FERRIPROX to report immediately any symptoms indicative of infection. FERRIPROX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to deferiprone or to any of the excipients in the formulations. In pooled clinical trials, 7.5% of 642 patients with thalassemia syndromes treated with FERRIPROX developed increased ALT values. Four (0.62%) FERRIPROX-treated subjects discontinued the drug due to increased serum ALT levels and 1 (0.16%) due to an increase in both ALT and AST. In pooled clinical trials, 7.7% of 196 patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias treated with FERRIPROX developed increased ALT values. Monitor serum ALT values monthly during therapy with FERRIPROX and consider interruption of therapy if there is a persistent increase in the serum transaminase levels. Decreased plasma zinc concentrations have been observed on deferiprone therapy. Monitor plasma zinc, and supplement in the event of a deficiency. FERRIPROX can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least six months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least three months after the last dose. Advise females not to breastfeed during treatment with FERRIPROX and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose. Avoid co-administration of FERRIPROX with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis; however, if this is unavoidable, closely monitor the absolute neutrophil count. Avoid co-administration with UGT1A6 inhibitors. Allow at least a 4-hour interval between administration of FERRIPROX and drugs or supplements containing polyvalent cations (e.g., iron, aluminum, or zinc). The most common adverse reactions in patients with thalassemia (incidence 6%) are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, arthralgia, ALT increased and neutropenia. The most common adverse reactions in patients with sickle cell disease or other anemias (incidence 6%) are pyrexia, abdominal pain, bone pain, headache, vomiting, pain in extremity, sickle cell anemia with crisis, back pain, ALT increased, AST increased, arthralgia, oropharyngeal pain, nasopharyngitis, neutrophil count decreased, cough and nausea. Inform patients that their urine might show a reddish/brown discoloration due to the excretion of the iron-deferiprone complex. This is a very common sign of the desired effect, and it is not harmful. Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking FERRIPROX tablets (twice-a-day). Consumption of alcohol while taking FERRIPROX tablets (twice-a-day) may result in more rapid release of deferiprone. Please see full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING and Medication Guide. About Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a business unit of the Chiesi Group established in February 2020 and focused on research and development of treatments for rare and ultra-rare disorders. The Global Rare Diseases unit works in collaboration with Chiesi Group to harness the full resources and capabilities of our global network to bring innovative new treatment options to people living with rare diseases, many of whom have limited or no treatments available. The unit is also a dedicated partner with global leaders in patient advocacy, research and patient care. For more information visit https://www.chiesiglobalrarediseases.com/ . About Chiesi Group Based in Parma, Italy, Chiesi is an international research-focused pharmaceuticals and healthcare group with over 85 years' experience, operating in 30 countries with more than 6,000 employees (Chiesi Group). To achieve its mission of improving people's quality of life by acting responsibly towards society and the environment, the Group researches, develops and markets innovative drugs in its three therapeutic areas: AIR (products and services that promote respiration, from new-born to adult populations), RARE (treatment for patients with rare and ultra-rare diseases) and CARE (products and services that support special care and consumer-facing self-care). The Group's Research and Development centre is based in Parma and works alongside 6 other important research and development centres in France, the U.S., Canada, China, the UK, and Sweden to promote its pre-clinical, clinical, and regulatory programmes. Chiesi, since 2019, is the world's largest B Corp certified pharmaceutical group. Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. has changed in 2018 its legal status to a Benefit Corporation, by incorporating a double purpose for the creation of shared value, and to generate value for its business, for society and the environment. The global B Corp movement promotes business as a force for good. Moreover, as a Benefit Corporation, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. is required by law to include objectives of common benefit in its bylaws and to report annually in a transparent way. The Group is committed to becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2035. For further information: www.chiesi.com . Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Media Contact Jenna Urban Berry & Company Public Relations 1-212-253-8881 [email protected] PP-G-0718 V1.0 SOURCE Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Related Links https://www.chiesiglobalrarediseases.com/ Rosenbaum, Famularo & Segall, P.C. was retained by a company that sells products on Amazon when its assets were frozen by a court order obtained by Tangle, Inc. and Thoit Law, Los Altos, CA. The case is Tangle, Inc., SDNY, Case No. 1:21-cv-07024. Two videos about the case can be viewed at: In the secretly filed lawsuit, Tangle, Inc. claimed sales of counterfeit fidget products to New York consumers and obtained a court order freezing Rosenbaum's client's assets. Tangle's lawyer was specifically informed that: CJ Rosenbaum's client never sold any Tangle products; CJ Rosenbaum's client never sold anything in New York , and; , and; All of the claims against Rosenbaum's client were baseless. Despite zero proof of any sales, Tangle's lawyer demanded $32,000.00 from Rosenbaum's client's money from Amazon sales of unrelated products. CJ said, "it felt like Tangle, Inc., was engaging in legalized extortion." Instead of bowing to the demand for money, Rosenbaum asked the court for emergency relief. In response, Tangle's lawyer asked for $5,000.00which was refused. CJ said "I was stunned that Thoit Law continued to try and get money from our client for baseless claims." When CJ again refused, Tangle dismissed its own claims against Rosenbaum's client but Rosenbaum refuses to let Tangle or Thoit Law off the hook. "Don't mess with our Sellers" is Rosenbaum's mantra. "Solely because Tangle and Thoits continued to seek money after receiving information that their claims were baseless, we are now doing two things: We asked the Court to allow us to help the other Amazon Sellers that Tangle sued, and; We will ask the Court to force Tangle to pay our client's attorneys' fees and damages. "This is not over, don't mess with our Amazon Sellers," said CJ. About Rosenbaum, Famularo & Segall, P.C. Rosenbaum, Famularo & Segall, P.C., is a law firm based in Long Beach, New York, that focuses on helping "Amazon Sellers" - people and companies that sell products on Amazon. Contact CJ Rosenbaum [email protected] SOURCE Rosenbaum Famularo & Segall, PC CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands announced today that it has been named a "pioneer" and the top-ranked U.S. company on sustainable protein research and innovation by The FAIRR Initiative, an investor network that defines material ESG issues in the animal agriculture sector to help inform investment decisions. FAIRR's sustainable proteins engagement report, "Appetite for Disruption: A Final Serving," is supported by more than 100 investors with combined assets of nearly $18 trillion. Plant-based proteins are generally recognized as having a reduced carbon footprint and fewer water, land, and energy impacts than meat-based proteins. FAIRR's report ranked Conagra as a "pioneer" because the company has demonstrated evidence of addressing risks in its animal protein supply chain and expanded its plant-based protein portfolio. Conagra's continued focus on innovation through its Gardein brand of plant-based products is one strategy to source more lower carbon footprint proteins. These efforts support progress on Conagra's ambitious, science-based climate change target to reduce the carbon intensity of Conagra-sourced goods and services by 20% by 2030, complimenting efforts to reduce the absolute greenhouse gas emissions of owned manufacturing operations by 25% over the same timeframe. "We recognize the importance that plant-based proteins play in building climate-smart future food systems," said Katya Hantel, senior director of sustainability at Conagra Brands. "As an industry leader in plant-based protein innovation, we are well positioned to meet the needs of investors, customers, and consumers who are calling for more sustainable foods." For more information on Conagra's approach to plant-based protein innovation and efforts to act on climate change, please see the company's Citizenship Report . About Conagra Brands Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Marie Callender's, Banquet, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim, Reddi-wip, and Vlasic, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com . For more information, please contact: Tim Wrona 312-549-5400 [email protected] SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc. Related Links https://www.conagrafoods.com CINCINNATI, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Core Specialty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce to its brokers a new agreement with Risk Placement Services ("RPS") to provide lawyers professional liability. RPS is a leading specialty program manager in the professional liability and errors & omissions marketplace. The new relationship will build on RPS's underwriting and marketing experience in this niche. The program is now available on a non-admitted basis and the Company plans on offering admitted based coverage upon completion of its filings. This program, for standard market lawyers business with RPS, was established to complement Core Specialty's non-standard lawyers product, offered through the Company's limited distribution, and Core Specialty remains committed to servicing this market segment long-term. This new RPS Signature Programs offering will be available Nationwide (except AK) on A-(Excellent) AM Best Rating, Financial Size Category XI, and will provide Lawyers Professional Liability (LPL) coverage for small- to mid-sized Law Firms. Highlights of the Lawyers Professional Liability Program are: 1 to 50 Attorney Firms Broad Definition of Professional Services Claims Expenses in addition to the limit of liability available First Dollar Defense deductible available 50% reduction for agreement to use mediation and the claim is settled at mediation (Up to $25,000 ) ) Per Claim and Aggregate deductible options Relaxed Consent to Settle Clause 50/50 Limits of Liability up to $5,000,000 available available Pre-Claim Assistance "RPS Signature Programs has more than 35 years of underwriting experience with the primary focus on this line of business. We are using our expertise in professional liability writing $30,000,000 in premium placed this past year, which means that when you have questions, we have answers," said Adrienne Woodhull, area president with RPS Signature Programs. Jeff Consolino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Core Specialty commented, "When Core Specialty completed the recapitalization of StarStone U.S. Holdings, Inc. on November 30, 2020, we established the Errors & Omissions Professional Liability Division and recruited Jeff Jacobs as Division President to increase our focus on these product lines. We believe many professional liability classes are continuing to see strong opportunity after changes in appetite in the admitted market created a void that has not yet been filled by E&S markets." About Core Specialty Core Specialty offers a diversified range of property and casualty insurance products for small to mid-sized businesses. From underwriting offices spanning the U.S., the Company focuses on niche markets, local distribution, and superior underwriting knowledge, offering traditional as well as innovative insurance solutions to meet the needs of its customers and brokers. Core Specialty is an insurance holding company operating through StarStone Specialty Insurance Company, a U.S. excess and surplus lines insurer, and StarStone National Insurance Company, a U.S. admitted markets insurer. The Company is rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best. For further information about Core Specialty, please visit www.corespecialty.com . About RPS Signature Program RPS Signature Programs manages a variety of specialized programs on behalf of highly rated carriers, offering proprietary insurance solutions in niche markets. Headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, RPS Signature Programs is a division of Risk Placement Services, one of the nation's largest specialty insurance product distributors. Follow RPS on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and YouTube . For more information visit: www.RPSins.com/SignaturePrograms Press Contact: Sam Reinhardt Associate Vice President Prosek Partners +1 646 818 9244 [email protected] SOURCE Core Specialty Insurance Holdings Related Links http://www.corespecialty.com http://www.RPSins.com/SignaturePrograms MIAMI, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Artist, Craig Biorn, is nominated for the 2021 Brightside Empirical Review Award. This prestigious Award is based on a 5 Star Rating on these principals E-experience, M-motivation, P-presentation, I-ideas, R-relevancy, I-innovation, C-creativity, A-accolades, L-leadership. The Brightside Empirical Review Award places relevant special missions globally and harnesses their need for special attention. The panel will make its determination on November 15, 2021, and e-awards will be presented virtually on ZOOM on Thursday December 9 between 10am 3pm EST with other honorees, special host guest and attendees. Craig Biorn with his original painting, "The Gate of Eternity." Brightside Empirical Review Award Biorn is a seasoned and well matured artist who produces art that's relevant and symbolically motivating. His art will premiere at the Fall High Point Brightside Global Trade 2021 Fall Edition. Of the special collection selected from the Biorn artwork "The Gate of Eternity" a limited edition painting reminding us of the recent catastrophic era we are in as we bounce back from COVID-19 to look beyond today and into tomorrow with GOD's promises for life. "Biorn a self-made artist is persistent and resilient honing his mother's skills, talent and calibrations. We see the vision in his work that's why we chose to nominate him for this award and his eye-catching colors of depth". Elton R Brewington, Producer, Managing Editor of Brightside Global Trade and Elizabeth Brewington Editor, Reviewer for the Brightside Empirical Review Award. The limited edition painting of "The Gate of Eternity" and others will be available for multiple commercial licenses use of the Biorn 2021 Art Collection to Furniture, Furnishing and Decor featured in the Fall Edition of Brightside Global Trade spotlighting the High Point Market coverage of five exciting days in home fashion. The High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, bringing more than 75,000 people to High Point, North Carolina, every six months. Serious retail home furnishings buyers, interior designers, architects, and others in the home furnishings industry can be found in High Point twice a year because if you can't find it in High Pointit probably doesn't exist. Current Demographics: 180 Buildings,12 million Square Feet of Showspace,75,000 Attendees Each Market, More Than 2000 Exhibitors,100+ Countries Represented, Tens of Thousands of New Product Introductions, approximately 10% of Attendees Are International (Source: www.highpointmarket.org) Biorn is known for his acrylic paintings of landscape and abstract work. Many of his pieces have not only been sold as original work, but in limited edition prints. Biorn is also an author of two books. Bilan's Journey of Hope About the Book: During a violent uprising, a teenage girl named Bilan is forced to flee her country with her family, leaving everything behind. Afraid and armed with nothing but faith, Bilan struggles to protect her loved ones and find a safe place in the midst of chaos. Based on a true story during the 1991 Somali Civil War, 'Bilan's Journey of Hope' is an incredible story of survival, hope, love for God and family. Bah Bah for Barbara About the Book: During the summer of 1957, a teenage girl named Barbara Luhman decides to compete at the County Fair with a 4-H lamb. Determined and competitive, Barbara carefully chooses a lamb, but faces competition and an unexpected surprise from some of her siblings. As the date of the fair draws near, Barbara and her lamb prepare in their quest for a purple ribbon. 'Bah Bah for Barbara' is a heartfelt true story of growing up on a family farm in Goodhue, Minnesota. About Brightside Global Trade Multichannel Magazine recently launched its Online TV during COVID19 featuring Authors, Artists, Healthcare Practitioners, Designers all to empower Veteran Owned Business, Women Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, and all business to push forward during COVID19 and motivate people to get back to work. The Multichannel magazine hosts Online TV on YouTube, Online access 24/7 www.brightsideglobaltrade.org with Live/On-Demand Shows, Socials at their VIP Groups on Facebook, Linked and special mentions through SEO Google, Twitter, Pinterest, and more channels to come. Highlights on Global and American Trade, Distribution, Retail, Export/Import, Family-Owned Business and Consumers at Large. Featuring Interviews, Reviews with Suppliers, Service Providers, Artists, Authors, Designers, Health and Wellness Practitioners, Travel and connecting people around the world to make our world brighter and more sustainable. For more information visit www.brightsideglobaltrade.org/reviews. Media Contact: Craig Biorn 612.868.8489 [email protected] SOURCE Craig Biorn CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC ACQUIRES MERCOM CAPITAL GROUP'S DIGITAL HEALTH BUSINESS, EXPANDING DATA AND RESEARCH PLATFORM Tweet this "We are excited to expand our digital health portfolio to include much-needed insight and information specific to this rapidly expanding vertical," said Fawn Lopez, publisher of Modern Healthcare. "Our combined offerings will inform and connect the entire digital health ecosystem, enabling improved patient care, a greater understanding of regulatory and funding decisions relative to digital health technologies and in-depth analysis of investment trends and opportunities." Since 2020, digital health industry growth has been further spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a significant inflow of funding in areas such as telemedicine, data analytics, clinical decision support, m-health apps and others. Since 2010, Digital Health companies have received almost $80 billion in VC funding in nearly 6,000 deals and over $26 billion in debt and public market financing, bringing cumulative investments into the sector to over $100 billion, according to Mercom's Digital Health Funding and M&A database. Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group, said the company has been focused on the digital health space since its inception and was one of the first companies to begin tracking financial activity with proprietary methodology. "With our in-depth data and analysis, we identify shifting trends in the industry and help companies make sound strategic decisions for new market entry and when identifying potential technologies, investors or M&A candidates," Prabhu said. "Modern Healthcare's incredible media platform, combined with Mercom's Digital Health data and analytics, will create a powerful digital health research tool with unique content that can help companies and investors navigate trends in a market that is witnessing spectacular growth." Under its own brand, Modern Healthcare will continue to publish Digital Health's funding and M&A reports, as well as digital health-specific newsletters. About Mercom Capital Group Mercom Capital Group, LLC, is a global communications and research firm focused on clean energy and digital health. Mercom delivers highly respected reports covering Solar Energy, Energy Storage, Smart Grid & Energy Efficiency and Digital Health. Our reports provide timely industry happenings and ahead-of-the-curve analysis for C-level decision-making. Mercom's communications division helps companies and financial institutions at the forefront of energy transition achieve their ESG goals while building powerful relationships with media, analysts, government decision-makers, local communities and strategic partners. Mercom subsidiary, Mercom Communications India, is a clean energy media and research platform covering India's energy transition. For more information about Mercom Capital Group, visit: http://www.mercomcapital.com About Crain Communications Inc Crain Communications is a privately held media company that produces trusted and relevant news publications, lead generation, research and data products, digital platforms, custom publishing and events with uncompromising integrity. Reaching 78 million readers globally, the company's portfolio consists of 21 brands. Many of Crain's brands are the most influential media properties in the verticals they serve including Automotive News, Ad Age, Modern Healthcare, Plastics News and Pensions & Investments. Headquartered in Detroit, the company has 650+ employees in 10 locations delivering exceptional news content over a variety of platforms to empower the success of its readers and clients. To learn more about Crain Communications, visit https://www.crain.com. About Modern Healthcare, published by Crain Communications Inc Modern Healthcare is the industry's leading source of healthcare business and policy news, research and information, reporting on important healthcare events and trends as they happen on the web, in newsletters and alerts, the print magazine and events. Modern Healthcare's unbiased approach and commitment to fair reporting provides news and information that you can trust. Delivering in depth analysis, readers rely on Modern Healthcare to provide the insight into what is happening next, how it will impact organizations and what can be done to ensure success in an ever-changing healthcare landscape. To learn more about Modern Healthcare, visit https://www.modernhealthcare.com. Contact: Vickie Crews-Anderson [email protected] SOURCE Modern Healthcare Related Links https://www.modernhealthcare.com The company recently signed a contract to supply its AI Announcer Technology to the major Chinese broadcasting companies Beijing Radio & Television Station (BRTV) and Qinghai Television. Beijing Radio & Television Station is a major network in charge of government-run broadcasting services for external audiences, and Qinghai Television represents Qinghai Province, the largest province following China's autonomous regions. The newly signed contract for the supply of AI Human technology to major broadcasting companies in China is expected to provide Deepbrain AI with a wider, global stage for showcasing its AI expertise. Securing a contract with Qinghai Television is particularly significant for Deepbrain AI given that it beat out Sogou, a subsidiary of China's largest IT company Tencent, during the contract bidding period. As part of its one-year contract with BRTV, Deepbrain AI will develop an AI Announcer specifically designed for BRTV's TV news program. The technology will also be utilized for Beijing Time, BRTV's service app. As part of its three-year contract with Qinghai Television, Deepbrain AI will provide an AI Announcer solution, with the goal of developing two AI Announcers (one male and one female) and introducing the announcers to Qinghai Television's news and lifestyle information programs. AI Announcers are artificial humans that are created based on AI Human technology, which is a type of deep-learning AI technology. The announcers study and learn by analyzing videos and speeches by real, human announcers and are able to read new texts with the same accents, intonations, and gestures, among other things, as the human newscasters. Deepbrain AI has demonstrated its technological prowess not only by applying this technology to AI Announcers but also AI Bank Tellers, AI Tutors, AI Showhosts, AI Kiosks, and AI Commerce services. Following its contract with BRTV and Qinghai Television, Deepbrain AI is now negotiating with another Chinese media company, Great Wall New Media, for the supply of its AI Announcer and AI Studios, an AI video composition service. "We have steadily and aggressively been engaged in sales activities in China so that we can lay the groundwork for establishing a business there, and as a result, we have managed to win contracts with China's greatest broadcasting companies. This is only the beginningwe will continue to seek more opportunities with different companies in the international market to expand as a global corporation," said Deepbrain AI CEO Eric Jang. Deepbrain AI is intensively expanding its local sales base in China by installing branch offices in Beijing and Shenzhen, while maintaining its Chinese headquarters in Shanghai. The company is also amid talks to supply its AI Bank Teller technologies to major entities in the financial sectorincluding China Minsheng Bank; Bank of China; Postal Savings Bank of China; Agricultural Bank of China Jiangxi Branchand its AI Tax Consultant to the Shanxi Tax Office. In addition to its recent contracts, Deepbrain AI will also be introduced as one of Korea's leading new media companies at a national broadcasting conference hosted by BRTV in October 2021. For more detailed information on Deepbrain AI, visit https://www.deepbrainai.io/en/. About Deepbrain AI Deepbrain AI ( www.deepbrainai.io ) provides real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video synthesis solutions that utilize AI to quickly create realistic human-like AI models for use in customer service in industries including media, finance, commerce and education. Based on proprietary, patent-led technology, the company's solutions drastically reduce the cost and time of video production while bringing an unmatched and realistic human touch to all content. Headquartered in Korea, with offices in the U.S., the company is backed by leading investors in Korea and China and is privately held. About Born2Global Centre Born2Global Centre ( www.born2global.com ) is a full-cycle service platform for global expansion. Since its inception in 2013, Born2Global has been setting the standard for successful startup ecosystem as the main Korean government agency under the Ministry of Science and ICT. Born2Global has expanded and transformed startups to be engaged, equipped and connected with the global market. Media contact Deepbrain AI: [email protected] Born2Global Centre: [email protected] SOURCE Born2Global Centre This year, through a partnership with DonorsChoose , an education nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to classroom projects posted by teachers, Dial will donate liquid hand soap to teachers to enable them to promote healthy hygiene habits in their classrooms for students who have returned to school in-person this fall. In addition, this collaboration consists of a 1:1 match commitment (up to $100,000), where Dial will double the impact of a consumer's donation to projects on DonorsChoose through a dollar-for-dollar matching donation by Dial. "At Dial, we want to make a meaningful difference in consumers' lives" says Randi Melton, VP of Marketing Beauty Care, Activation. "We are honored to partner with DonorsChoose, which enables us to work directly with teachers, and support their goal of not only making a difference today, but building a brighter tomorrow for their students." Teachers are inspiring and shaping the future generation. Dial wants to ensure that those who are educating the next generation on topics such as healthy hygiene habits, have the tools that they need to succeed. According to a survey by the Department of Education , 94% of public school teachers spent an average of $479 out of pocket to buy classroom supplies for their students. Dial believes that teachers shouldn't have to use their own resources for basic necessities, which is why the brand is proud to support the wellbeing of teachers, students and their classrooms through a partnership with DonorsChoose. "We're grateful to be teaming up with Dial at such a critical time. Teachers go above and beyond to care for their students, and both Dial and DonorsChoose are dedicated to getting teachers and students the resources they need," says Janelle Lin, SVP of Partnerships & Business Development at DonorsChoose. Dial is also running a Science of Clean social campaign on Instagram and TikTok to help inspire teachers and educate consumers. The Science of Clean experiments and lesson plans demonstrates how to keep hands clean in a fun and relevant way featuring influencers including Steve Spangler, Jessica Luke and Bob Pflugfelder. Visitors can also learn more about Dial brand's partnership with DonorsChoose on DialSoap.com/Teachers . In addition, Dial has donated over 5.1 million liquid hand soaps to non-profits such as Feeding America, Feed the Children, and United Way as part of its mission to help provide necessities to people in need in 2021.These partnerships further support Dial's focus on supporting communities and being a provider of products for clean, healthy skin. Visit DialSoap.com/Teachers for more information on our Give Teachers A Hand campaign and to share the knowledge of proper, frequent handwashing with friends and family. About Dial About Dial America's trusted brand for 70 years, Dial delivers clean, healthy skin for you and your family with products for Women, Men, and Kids. From bar soap, body wash, and liquid hand soap, our products provide benefits such as moisture, exfoliation, protection, replenishment and more. Dial. Count on Clean. For more information, please visit www.dialsoap.com. About Henkel in North America In North America, Henkel operates across its three business units: Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry & Home Care. Its portfolio of well-known consumer and industrial brands includes Schwarzkopf hair care, Dial soaps, Persil, Purex, and all laundry detergents, Snuggle fabric softeners as well as Loctite, Technomelt and Bonderite adhesives. With sales of around 6 billion US dollars (5 billion euros) in 2020, North America accounts for 27 percent of the company's global sales. Henkel employs approximately 9,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com , and on Twitter @Henkel_NA . About DonorsChoose DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 4.9 million people and partners have contributed $1.1 billion to support 2 million teacher requests for classroom resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the classroom, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit www.donorschoose.org. Photo material is available at www.henkel-northamerica.com/press SOURCE Henkel Related Links http://www.dialsoap.com "Princess has been a part of so many special memories for us," said Chris and Kathleen Lennon of Monument, CO, the first Emerald Princess guests to board the cruise ship. "This is our 20th cruise and our third time onboard Emerald Princess, and the excitement we felt when we arrived today was overwhelming. It truly feels like coming home." Emerald Princess is scheduled to arrive in Ft. Lauderdale on October 30, 2021 and will sail a series of 10-day Panama Canal cruises, roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale through December 2021. Emerald Princess offers MedallionClass vacations, delivering the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. The Medallion is a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. It's been recognized as the most advanced wearable device in the global hospitality industry. Princess Cruises sailings onboard Emerald Princess are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. All fully vaccinated guests must also produce a negative, medically-observed COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation on all Princess sailings. Crew vaccinations are in accordance with CDC guidelines. For the latest Princess COVID-19 health protocols, please visit https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/covid-19-guest-protocols/. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/. About Princess Cruises : One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world's leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 14 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries." In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the Medallion device, the vacation industry's most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK). In line with the latest advice from health officials about COVID-19, Princess Cruises is currently enhancing health and safety protocols with input from medical experts and government bodies and assessing how they may impact future itineraries. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Click on the following links to stay updated on current Cruise Updates and Health & Safety protocols . SOURCE Princess Cruises Related Links www.princess.com The mission of the company is to spread the philosophy of the New Economic Evolution of the World (NEEW), which is to be implemented by creating a holistic ecosystem. This ecosystem includes projects such as the financial-and-investment educational web-portal Academy of a Private Investor , the Swiss company UGPay Group AG , the international payment system Global Unit Pay , the cryptocurrency exchange UnitEx , the digital business platform uGain , the marketing company Evorich and others. Andrey Khovratov, CEO of the Academy of a Private Investor, shared with us his opinion about this system, "What can we achieve by implementing the NEEW? First of all, it can help us stimulate our own economy. When people are co-owners of a particular brand or a producer, then by consuming the goods and services of that producer, they stimulate its development. People can choose what to invest in. Furthermore, each person can participate in projects created under the umbrella of NEEW. I believe that the New Economic Evolution of the World is actually already working in different territories and in different economic systems." On October 19, Evorich will celebrate the 7th anniversary of the launch of the MLCI Business (Multilevel Crowdinvesting) at a massive event EVENTI 2021. Traditionally, the anniversary celebration is an occasion to take stock and announce the performance results over the past year. The event will take place in Dubai and will bring together over 500 participants from all over the world. The guests are in for an intensive agenda: training sessions, speeches and testimonials, awarding of Leaders and business networking. At the celebration attendees will hear the names of the Leaders who have shown rapid growth and impressive teamwork over the past year. According to Andrey Khovratov, "The uniqueness of EVENTI 2021 is that the MLCI Business turns seven years old this is the period when the new brand of leaders is shaped. Our leaders must be experts not only in multilevel marketing but also in investing. Thanks to this business, a new class of entrepreneurs will emerge in the next 10-20 years: multimillionaires and billionaires." EVENTI 2021 will become an outstanding event for the entire business community, and even more so for Evorich partners, and the awarded leaders will become living examples for all members of the company. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1661348/Evorich_Summit_2021.jpg SOURCE Evorich Related Links https://evo-rich.com NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ford Foundation announced today the election of two new members of its board of trustees: Laurene Powell Jobs, president of the Emerson Collective, and former ambassador Richard Verma, general counsel and head of Global Public Policy at Mastercard. As president of the Emerson Collective, Powell Jobs uses a wide range of toolsfrom impact investing to philanthropy to advocacyin pursuit of a more equal and just America. Based in Palo Alto, California, with a strong presence in Oakland, Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC, Emerson focuses on creating systemic change in education, immigration, climate, cancer research and treatment. Powell Jobs currently serves as board chair of the XQ Institute and of College Track, a college readiness and completion program she founded in 1997 to equip students from low-income communities to fulfill the promise of higher education. She also serves on the Stanford University board of trustees and the board of Chicago CRED. She is co-owner of the Atlantic, Anonymous Content, and Concordia Studio. "Since its founding eight decades ago, the Ford Foundation has championed systemic change and fostered global movements that support the basic rights of all people," said Powell Jobs. "The board's leadership is impactful, strategic, and thoughtful, with a commitment to equity and inclusion. I am honored to join this group of leaders." Powell Jobs earned an M.B.A. from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and bachelor's degrees in political science and economics from the University of Pennsylvania. The board also welcomes Verma, who brings international experience across senior levels of government, diplomacy, and law. He currently serves as the general counsel and head of global public policy at Mastercard, and was the US ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017. Verma previously served as assistant secretary of State for Legislative Affairs at the US Department of State and as national security advisor for former US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He was also a member of the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Commission and a co-author of the commission's landmark report, "World at Risk." Verma is currently a senior fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. He also serves on a number of boards and commissions, including the National Endowment for Democracy, Lehigh University, and the T. Rowe Price corporate board. His father immigrated from India to the United States in 1963 so he could pursue a masters degree on a Ford Foundation fellowship. "The Ford Foundation is at the forefront of the important fights for human rights and global equity, and I look forward to joining in this work," Verma said. "At this pivotal point in history, I am honored to have the opportunity to work with respected leaders at Ford to tackle inequality and advance social justice around the world." Verma is a US Air Force veteran and is the recipient of numerous military and civilian honors and awards. Verma holds multiple degrees, including his Ph.D. from Georgetown University and his J.D. from American University's Washington College of Law. "Laurene is a dedicated and powerful advocate for social justice and her work has shaped transformative change in education, immigration reform, and protecting our planet. Richard is an innovative leader who has spent his career tackling global systemic issues," said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. "Our entire organization is fortunate to have their expertise, perspective and passion for change on our board." Francisco G. Cigarroa, Ford Foundation Board of Trustees Chair said, "We are honored to have Laurene Powell Jobs and Richard Verma, two experienced and trusted leaders, join the Ford Foundation board of trustees. I look forward to working with them and our existing board members in continuing Ford's work to challenge global inequality and organize social change." Ford Foundation trustees are elected by the full board and serve six-year terms. Trustees set broad policies relating to grant making, geographic focus, investments, governance, and professional standards, and they oversee independent audits. The foundation's trustees come from around the world and have extensive experience in the worlds of higher education, business and finance, technology, law, government, and the nonprofit sector. About the Ford Foundation The Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than 85 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 Related Links www.fordfoundation.org Fosterville South's initial diamond drill hole, HBDH001, intersected 8.6m at 5.22 g/t Gold from 194.6m, including 3.6m at 10.72 g/t Gold from 196.8m at the Homeward Bound prospect located at Hillsborough within the Beechworth Gold Project. Drill hole HBDH001 did not proceed below 203m as it intersected old workings. As Fosterville South anticipated mineralization below this point, a second diamond drill hole, HBDH002, commenced approximately 40m below HBDH001. HBDH002 appears to have intersected two separate zones of intense silicification with significant arsenopyrite, similar to the gold mineralisation present in HBDH001. Assay results for HBDH002 are pending. The Homeward Bound prospect is in the Hillsborough goldfield, which forms part of the Beechworth Gold Project, occurring in the Tabberabbera Zone on the eastern margin with the Omeo Zones of the Lachlan Fold Belt in Victoria. Several key gold prospects and associated fault structures have been identified within the Beechworth Gold Project based upon extensive geochemical sampling, geological & LIDAR mapping and limited previous drilling. These include various historical producing mines located within the Hurdle Flat goldfield (21,715 ounces of production at 15.32 g/t Au) and Hillsborough goldfield (47,492 ounces of production at 17.48 g/t Au). Mineralisation is typical of mesozonal orogenic gold deposits. Table 1: Drill Results and Intercepts: Hole ID East North Azimuth (deg.) Dip (deg.) From (m) To (m) Downhole Interval (m) Au g/t Cut-off grade Au g/t Hole Type HBD001 484851 5971313 113 -70 194.6 203.2 8.6 5.22 0.4 Diamond Includes 196.8 200.4 3.6 10.72 1.0 Diamond The intercept cut-off grades are shown in the table and they use a maximum internal waste of 1m. True width is estimated at 4.9m for the longer intercept. The assays are not capped. Coordinates are Australian projection MGA94 Zone 55. Sampling Program at Beechworth Project In preparation for drilling, Fosterville South carried out an extensive reconnaissance rock chip sampling program covering the entire Beechworth Gold Project. The program was a follow up on anomalies identified in the extensive rock and soil sampling program announced on June 29, 2021. The samples targeted quartz veining from outcrops, float and mine waste dumps on the Beechworth Gold Project. Table 2: Summary of Key Rock Chip Sample Results: Sample ID East North Au g/t Prospect at Beechworth CR28017 476688 5969575 2.43 Snowball CR28018 476671 5969592 7.61 Snowball CR28029 476637 5971219 14.2 Sore Leg CR28043 476196 5970177 38.67 Perseverance CR28067 475232 5971110 3.76 Golden Bar CR28082 484471 5971891 9.74 Prince of Wales CR28083 484530 5971958 2.00 Brunton's CR28087 484027 5972768 21.0 Markham CR28093 478698 5976022 11.5 Wallaby CR28098 478760 5975936 2.44 Marco Polo CR28106 478925 5975675 2.60 Rechabite CR28111 478139 5976447 2.15 Kerry Eagle CR28114 478118 5976589 2.04 Kerry Eagle CR28125 478586 5976363 25.6 Allot's CR28304 476199 5970175 32.7 Perseverance CR28323 476744 5969660 4.61 Snowball CR28336 482462 5974864 20.1 Bangor CR28338 482454 5974939 5.52 Bangor CR28343 482883 5974571 19.0 Comasino CR28345 482877 5974770 2.05 Comasino CR28347 482857 5974415 8.39 Comasino CR29272 482953 5974409 5 Pride CR29277 482959 5974157 5.29 Pride CR29278 482931 5974992 10.9 Pride CR29280 482897 5974906 3.28 Comasino CR29286 482681 5974158 13.9 Crawford & Folster CR29293 478203 5976592 2.02 Kerry Eagle CR29294 478168 5976548 5.58 Kerry Eagle CR29295 478098 5976661 2.79 Kerry Eagle CR29300 478475 5976268 11.5 Golden Hope Drilling Activities on Three Gold Projects Fosterville South is pleased to report that it is now concurrently carrying out drilling activities on three (3) gold projects: Reedy Creek (Providence Project), Enoch's Point (Walhalla Gold Belt Project) and Homeward Bound (Beechworth Gold Project). At Reedy Creek (Providence Project), Fosterville South has commenced diamond drilling at the United Reef and, thereafter, will commence diamond drilling at the Prince of Wales Reef. These prospects contain significant old gold workings within extensive anomalous Au-Sb-As geochemical soil trends. After the initial drilling is completed at Prince of Wales Reef, Fosterville South will continue to focus on the discovery hole RWR13 (11m at 31.34 g/t Gold including 4m at 80.05 g/t Gold from 68m) and the recently announced high-grade intercept from diamond drill hole RWD01 (0.7m at 238.1 g/t Gold from 68.70m and 0.80m at 22.5 g/t Gold from 40.80m). Detailed geological mapping and sampling is continuing in support of the drilling program. Diamond drilling has commenced at the Big River Au-Sb prospect in the Enoch's Point area. The Big River Au-Sb Prospect is hosted by Siluro-Devonian folded and faulted sediments and occurs in close proximity to the Jerusalem Inlet Fault, which is part of the Enoch's Point Thrust Fault Zone. This fault zone extends for approximately 85km through much of the Fosterville South (45km) tenure and beyond. The Big River prospect was worked in the 1960s for high grade stibnite concentrate from a single adit of 58m in length working epizonal quartz veins. A soil geochemical program was conducted at the Big River Antimony Mine, which outlined an area of As-Sb pXRF soil anomalism covering strike length of 3.2km and up to 600m wide. Follow up gold assaying of the soil samples confirmed that the Big River prospect is Au-As-Sb anomalous especially within an 850m by 450m central anomaly, including the old workings, epizonal quartz veins and zones of sulphide mineralised felspar porphyry dykes. Initially two diamond drill holes across the anomalous zone are being conducted. Reverse circulation drilling is ongoing at the Beechworth Gold Project, which has been initially focused on the Hillsborough Goldfield. Fosterville South recently obtained a new permit to add an additional 40 drill pads and will continue to actively drill over prospective gold geochemically anomalous zones. The new permit allows for scout drilling at various locations within the Stanley State Forest as a follow up to the soil and rock chip sampling at these various prospects. Chief Operating Officer, Rex Motton, states, "With multiple drill permits in hand and significant fieldwork completed to vector in on key drilling targets, drilling is now ramping up on multiple high priority projects. Fosterville South is well financed and in a strong position to accelerate drilling and we look forward to increasing assay data flow from this work on site. " Quality Assurance / Quality Control All assays were subject to quality control measures appropriate for diamond core and reverse circular drilling with duplicates, blanks and commercially available standards with the expected results from the samples submitted. All assays were conducted by Onsite Laboratory Services Ltd (ISO: 9001), located in Bendigo, Victoria, using fire assay techniques with a 50g charge and ICP or AAS finish. The quality control results are consistent. About Fosterville South Exploration Ltd. Fosterville South began with two, 100% owned, high-grade gold projects called the Lauriston and Golden Mountain Projects, and has since acquired a large area of granted and application tenements containing further epizonal (low-temperature) high-grade gold mineralisation called the Providence Project and a large group of recently consolidated license tenement applications called the Walhalla Belt Project, which contain a variety of epizonal and intrusion related style gold mineralisation, all in the state of Victoria, Australia. The Fosterville South land package, assembled over a multi-year period, notably includes a 600 sq. km property immediately to the south of and within the same geological framework that hosts Kirkland Lake Gold's Fosterville epizonal gold tenements. Additionally, Fosterville South has gold-focused projects called the Moormbool and Beechworth, which are also located in the state of Victoria, Australia. Moormbool project has epizonal style gold mineralisation and Beechworth has mesozonal and intrusion relation gold mineralisation. All of Fosterville South's properties, with the possible exception of Moormbool, have had historical gold production from hard rock sources despite limited modern exploration and drilling. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Rex Motton, AusIMM (CP), COO and Director of Fosterville South, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. Historical records were verified by reviewing annual and quarterly reports from government records by the Qualified Person. On behalf of the Company Rex Motton Chief Operating Officer and Director Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Fosterville South cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Fosterville South's limited operating history, its exploration and development activities on the Lauriston, Golden Mountain, Providence and Beechworth Properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Fosterville South does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Fosterville South Exploration Ltd. FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia, and Washington, DC area underprivileged, who can't afford dental care, can sign up for free preventative and emergency treatments during Dental Helping Hands Day on Nov. 13. The event will be held at the DentCare Now office at 9547-A Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA. Patients can reserve a spot for Dental Helping Hands Day at the office's website says dentist Dr. Rasheeda Johnson. Dental Helping Hand's Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons and General Dentists left to right Dr. Patrick Christopher, MD, DDS, Dr. Rasheeda Johnson, DDS, MBA and Dr. Joseph Thompson, DDS. The non-profit organization has provided much-needed dental and surgical services to thousands of underserved children and adults all over the world. DentCare Now - Urgent Dental Office dentists left to right Dr. Johnson and Dr. Knox. You can make an appointment immediately with DentCare Now if you have a dental emergency, instead of going to an expensive emergency room or can't make an appointment with your regular dentist. Johnson started the non-profit organization in 2017 with fellow Howard University dental graduates Dr. Patrick Christopher and Dr. Patrice Smith and attorneys Shannon Edwards and Sean P. Young. Its mission is to support under-served communities by providing free dental services and preventative education. The organization does this by creating one-day mobile community events around the world in partnership with local dentists. They've already done events in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. The Nov. 13 event is the organization's first U.S. event. Since starting Dental Helping Hands, they've provided much-needed dental and surgical services to thousands of underserved children and adults all over the world. For some children, it was also their first experience with a dentist and provided hope that one day they could become anything they wanted to be. Dental treatments range from emergency care, cleanings, extractions to life-changing cleft and craniofacial surgeries. "We've been given this amazing gift for helping people and we just want to give back to people in the community, who cannot afford proper dental care," said Johnson who is a Dental Helping Hands board member and DentCare Now dentist. "These people need our help now." They may require urgent treatment or try to mask dental pain with medication because dentistry can be expensive. People in the U.S. that Dental Helping Hands could help are typically the unemployed who have lost jobs due to the pandemic, homeless, veterans, children and adults with special needs, prisoners, and the elderly. "We've created this non-profit organization Dental Helping Hands, that's run entirely by volunteers so we can provide dental services free of charge to these people. Dentists can volunteer their time and office space, and anyone can volunteer their time to create fundraising events," said Johnson. Volunteer dental clinics operate with minimal administrative costs and volunteers pay their way and donate their time. Dental supplies and monetary donations are also urgently needed. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. After the Nov. 13, events will be scheduled throughout the U.S. every few months. The real issue is to find the space, equipment, and patients to work on, which takes planning and fundraising. You can find out about upcoming events by following them on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Johnson will be one of the dentists offering her services free of charge to the underserved community during the Dental Helping Hands Day on Nov. 13 at her dental office at DentCare Now. DentCare Now is an urgent dental care facility started in 2019, which is a new concept in the dental space. It's based upon the same model as urgent medical care, which is less expensive than going to the emergency room at the hospital for a non-life-threatening incident. For now, they're in Virginia with plans to expand. "It was an obvious need that needed to be filled. You can see us immediately if you have a dental emergency, instead of going to an expensive emergency room or can't make an appointment with your regular dentist," said Johnson. After treatment, you can go back to your regular dentist for follow-up treatments. DentCare Now also offers affordable options and is open on the weekends and late evenings. "We can also help people, while other dental offices are closed. During the pandemic, we were open to see patients and take them out of pain, while some other dental facilities were closed. It would be really bad to be locked in your house with a toothache," said Johnson. For further information or to schedule an interview for Dental Helping Hands or DentCare Now, contact Dr. Rasheeda Johnson at (703) 520-9985 or [email protected]. SOURCE Dental Helping Hands DUBLIN, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurant Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global fast food and quick service restaurant market reached a value of US$ 260 Billion in 2020. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during 2021-2026. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, the analyst is continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor. A food and quick service restaurant (QSR) refers to a casual dining setup, in which pre-prepared fast food is assembled and served to the customers. These outlets usually offer a limited menu and the food is prepared in advance in bulk quantities, which is further heated and packaged for take away or dine-in. They provide a wide variety of economical foods and beverages, such as burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, soft and alcoholic drinks, desserts, cakes, pastries, chicken, seafood, etc., and which are inspired by the local ingredients and cuisine. Apart from this, these restaurants are usually a part of an existing restaurant chain or franchise operation that provides standardized ingredients and/or partially prepared foods to the restaurants through controlled supply channels. Significant growth in the food and beverage industry, along with the widespread adoption of franchise business models by popular restaurant chains, is one of the key factors creating a positive outlook for the market. Furthermore, the increasing working population and improving consumer lifestyles across the globe have enhanced the consumption of fast food products. Also, due to the hectic schedules, there is widespread adoption of on-the-go food products that can be readily purchased and consumed while traveling. This, consequently, is creating a positive outlook for the market. Additionally, the emerging cafe culture, coupled with the availability of healthier fast food alternatives, is acting as another growth-inducing factor. QSRs are developing innovative and exotic recipes using natural, organic and plant-based ingredients, instead of artificial and processed substitutes, and are gaining immense traction among health-conscious consumers. Other factors, including modernization and digitization of the restaurants, coupled with the utilization of touchscreen kiosks, kitchen-display screens and digital sales terminal, are anticipated 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 Ark Restaurants Corp., Carrols Restaurant Group Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., Del Taco Restaurants Inc., Jack in The Box Inc., Kotipizza Group Oyj (Orkla ASA), McDonald's Corporation, Restaurant Brands International Inc., The Wendy's Company and Yum Brands Inc. Key Questions Answered in This Report How has the global fast food and quick service restaurant market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years? What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global fast food and quick service restaurant market? What are the key regional markets? What is the breakup of the market based on the business model? What is the breakup of the market based on the cuisine? What is the breakup of the market based on the product type? What is the breakup of the market based on the service type? 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 fast food and quick service restaurant 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 Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurant Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Forecast 6 Market Breakup by Business Model 6.1 Independent 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Chain and Franchise 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Cuisine 7.1 American 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Chinese 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 7.3 Italian 7.3.1 Market Trends 7.3.2 Market Forecast 7.4 Mexican 7.4.1 Market Trends 7.4.2 Market Forecast 7.5 Japanese 7.5.1 Market Trends 7.5.2 Market Forecast 7.6 Turkish and Lebanese 7.6.1 Market Trends 7.6.2 Market Forecast 7.7 Others 7.7.1 Market Trends 7.7.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by Product Type 8.1 Burgers and Sandwiches 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Pizzas and Pastas 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 8.3 Drinks and Desserts 8.3.1 Market Trends 8.3.2 Market Forecast 8.4 Chicken and Seafood 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 Service Type 9.1 Online Service 9.1.1 Market Trends 9.1.2 Market Forecast 9.2 Offline Service 9.2.1 Market Trends 9.2.2 Market Forecast 10 Market Breakup by Region 11 SWOT Analysis 12 Value Chain Analysis 13 Porters Five Forces Analysis 14 Price Analysis 15 Competitive Landscape 15.1 Market Structure 15.2 Key Players 15.3 Profiles of Key Players 15.3.1 Ark Restaurants Corp. 15.3.1.1 Company Overview 15.3.1.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.1.3 Financials 15.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis 15.3.2 Carrols Restaurant Group Inc. 15.3.2.1 Company Overview 15.3.2.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.2.3 Financials 15.3.3 Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. 15.3.3.1 Company Overview 15.3.3.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.3.3 Financials 15.3.3.4 SWOT Analysis 15.3.4 Del Taco Restaurants Inc. 15.3.4.1 Company Overview 15.3.4.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.4.3 Financials 15.3.5 Jack in The Box Inc. 15.3.5.1 Company Overview 15.3.5.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.5.3 Financials 15.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis 15.3.6 Kotipizza Group Oyj (Orkla ASA) 15.3.6.1 Company Overview 15.3.6.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.7 McDonald's Corporation 15.3.7.1 Company Overview 15.3.7.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.7.3 Financials 15.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis 15.3.8 Restaurant Brands International Inc. 15.3.8.1 Company Overview 15.3.8.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.8.3 Financials 15.3.9 The Wendy's Company 15.3.9.1 Company Overview 15.3.9.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.9.3 Financials 15.3.9.4 SWOT Analysis 15.3.10 Yum Brands Inc. 15.3.10.1 Company Overview 15.3.10.2 Product Portfolio 15.3.10.3 Financials 15.3.10.4 SWOT Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vouypx 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 DUBLIN, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Growth Opportunities, 2021" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This study assesses the current status and the future prospects of the global bio-based coatings, adhesives, and sealants (CAS) market. It discusses the volumes and the revenues generated from bio-based materials from 2017 to 2027. Revenues are recorded at the raw material (resins, pigments, solvents, and additives) level. Over the past few years, the bio-based CAS market has been recording substantial growth due to the growing focus on sustainability among manufacturers, governments, and end consumers. Europe is at the forefront in terms of the adoption of bio-based raw materials across a wide range of applications; for example, the Dutch and the Swiss Governments encourage the production of bio-based materials through environmental labeling systems and public tenders for raw materials. In addition, consumer preference for environmentally friendly and naturally sourced products is rising in several countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Scandinavia. This is especially true in construction applications where indoor air quality concerns are on the rise; therefore, end consumers are switching to healthier and cleaner CAS products. The cost-performance index, however, remains a crucial part of the bio-based ecosystem, and it is becoming increasingly important to identify and develop bio-based feedstock that can be directly used in a wide range of applications (this will minimize technical hurdles and processing difficulties). Owing to minimal production changes, value chain stakeholders are preferring drop-in substitutes. Falling oil prices have reduced the cost competitiveness of bio-based materials; however, the growing scale of production will diminish costs in future. For bio-based raw materials to replace existing petrochemical counterparts, the following aspects will remain imperative: Performance: Ease of processing and performance that is comparable to crude oil-based systems will remain crucial. Ease of processing and performance that is comparable to crude oil-based systems will remain crucial. Availability: Raw materials must be made available without interferences to the human or the animal food chains; if raw materials are available in small quantities, initially, it is important to have a clear plan to quickly upscale to large quantities within a defined timeframe. Raw materials must be made available without interferences to the human or the animal food chains; if raw materials are available in small quantities, initially, it is important to have a clear plan to quickly upscale to large quantities within a defined timeframe. Price: In an optimum scenario, the prices of bio-based materials will match those of petrochemical-based derivatives. Raw materials will gain traction only when there is assurance that the prices of bio-based materials will match those of conventional raw materials when volumes increase. Key Issues Addressed What stage is the market at? At what rate is it expected to grow during the forecast period? What are the growth opportunities for bio-based CAS products? How will the regulatory scenario shape the market? What are the key technological developments observed across the major segments? Which competitive factors impact the market? Which companies are expected to lead the market in future? Key Topics Covered: 1. Strategic Imperatives Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow? The Strategic Imperative The Impact of the Top Three Strategic Imperatives on Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine 2. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Scope of Analysis Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Segmentation Gas Sensor Segment Gas Detectors Segment Gas Sensor Technology Definitions Gas Analyzers Segment Key Competitors - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Key Growth Metrics - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Distribution Channels - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Growth Drivers - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Growth Restraints - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Forecast Assumptions - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Revenue Forecast by Region - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Revenue Forecast by Market Segmentation - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Revenue Forecast Analysis - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Forecast Analysis by Region - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market 3. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Gas Sensors Key Growth Metrics - Gas Sensors Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast - Gas Sensors Forecast Analysis - Gas Sensors Revenue Forecast by Region - Gas Sensors Unit Shipment Forecast by Region - Gas Sensors Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical - Gas Sensors Forecast Analysis by Industry Vertical - Gas Sensors Revenue Forecast by Technology - Gas Sensors Revenue Forecast by Type of Gas Detected - Gas Sensors Pricing Trends and Forecast Analysis - Gas Sensors Competitive Environment - Gas Sensors Revenue Share - Gas Sensors Revenue Share Analysis - Gas Sensors 4. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Gas Detectors Key Growth Metrics - Gas Detectors Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast - Gas Detectors Forecast Analysis - Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Region - Gas Detectors Unit Shipment Forecast by Region - Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical - Gas Detectors Forecast Analysis by Industry Vertical - Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Type of Gas Detected - Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Product Type - Gas Detectors Unit Shipment Forecast by Product Type - Gas Detectors 5. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Fixed Gas Detectors Key Growth Metrics - Fixed Gas Detectors Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast - Fixed Gas Detectors Forecast Analysis - Fixed Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Region - Fixed Gas Detectors Unit Shipment Forecast by Region - Fixed Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical - Fixed Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Technology - Fixed Gas Detectors Pricing Trends and Forecast Analysis - Fixed Gas Detectors Competitive Environment - Fixed Gas Detectors Revenue Share - Fixed Gas Detectors Revenue Share Analysis - Fixed Gas Detectors 6. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Portable Gas Detectors Key Growth Metrics - Portable Gas Detectors Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast - Portable Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Technology - Portable Gas Detectors Forecast Analysis - Portable Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Region - Portable Gas Detectors Unit Shipment Forecast by Region - Portable Gas Detectors Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical - Portable Gas Detectors Pricing Trends and Forecast Analysis - Portable Gas Detectors Competitive Environment - Portable Gas Detectors Revenue Share - Portable Gas Detectors Revenue Share Analysis - Portable Gas Detectors 7. Growth Opportunity Analysis - Gas Analyzers Key Growth Metrics - Gas Analyzers Revenue and Unit Shipment Forecast - Gas Analyzers Forecast Analysis - Gas Analyzers Revenue Forecast by Region - Gas Analyzers Unit Shipment Forecast by Region - Gas Analyzers Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical - Gas Analyzers Forecast Analysis by Industry Vertical - Gas Analyzers Revenue Forecast by Technology - Gas Analyzers Forecast Analysis by Technology - Gas Analyzers Pricing Trends and Forecast Analysis - Gas Analyzers Competitive Environment - Gas Analyzers Revenue Share - Gas Analyzers Revenue Share Analysis - Gas Analyzers 8. Growth Opportunity Universe - Gas Sensors, Detectors, and Analyzers Market Growth Opportunity 1: IoT Connectivity and AI-based Gas Detection Solutions for Industrial Processes Growth Opportunity 2: Wearable Gas Sensors for End-user Ease and Manufacturer Expansion Into Emerging Applications Growth Opportunity 3: Innovative Business Models, Such as Gas Detection-as-a-Service Will Drive Operational Efficiencies by Reducing Costs and Increasing ROI 9. Next Steps Companies Mentioned Emerson Servomex Siemens Teledyne Analytical Instruments Yokogawa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/s5en0n 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 DUBLIN, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Industrial Cleaning Market based on Ingredient, Product, Application, and Geography - Global Forecast up to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Industrial Cleaning Market is expected to grow at the rate of 5.09% CAGR by 2027. Industrial cleaning is referred to cleaning hazardous areas such as warehouses, factories, power plants, and others in industries. Cleaning and removing dirt, grease, stains, rust, and all other hazardous particles from components, metals, substances, and various other types of industrial components are the key functions included in industrial cleaning. In the cleaning process generally, a chemical solution or a solvent, which is made up of a chemical compound in the form of liquid, is used to apply to the industrial products. The key factors driving the industrial cleaning market, among others, are escalating demand for energy driven by renewable sources, rising workplace hygiene initiatives, an increasing number of infectious and communicable diseases has set forward a requirement for disinfection and other industrial cleaners in industries, which in turn elevate the demand for industrial cleaning. On the other hand, the government and environmental regulations might hamper market growth. Based on ingredient type, the surfactants segment has a substantial share in the industrial cleaning market growth. This is due to the factors such as lower prices, easy availability of surfactants, and a wider area of applications. In addition, the proliferating awareness about the hygiene and demand for germ-free, dirt-free, and clean working space is propelling the use of surfactants in industrial cleaning. As per the market by product type, the general cleaners segment is anticipated to exhibit a major share in the market. Since the consumption of general cleaners is very more in the market majorly owing to its consumption in nearly every industry. General cleaners consist of sub-types such as floor care and carpet care. Cleaning of floor and carpet is very general in every industry, which increases the consumption of general cleaners in the industrial cleaning market. By application, the healthcare segment is exhibiting considerable growth in the market. The increasing healthcare expenditure is a key factor driving the growth of the industrial cleaning market in the healthcare segment. Moreover, the prevalence of cleaning is very high in healthcare facilities, which propels its high consumption. The utilization of superior and high-performance cleaning is estimated to boost the growth of industrial cleaning in healthcare application. According to the geography, the Asia Pacific industrial cleaning market is expected to be the largest during the forecast period. This is primarily owing to the well-developed manufacturing industry. The key industrial cleaning markets in the Asia Pacific are China, Japan, India, Australia, and South Korea, which is also contributing to the market growth. Increasing hygiene and health awareness among consumers around the world is majorly projected to accelerate the market growth of industrial cleaning. In addition, the increasing awareness about the infections caused by several types of viruses and bacteria owing to the growing incidence of the outbreak of viral infections around the world is further anticipated to augment the market growth of industrial cleaning over the forecast period. Report Scope This report for the industrial cleaning market consists of a complete quantitative analysis of the market, which helps the shareholders to maximize profits by the present market trends. Further, the report will help in perceiving the market players' capabilities and strategies such as innovations, mergers and acquisitions, and expansions. This report on the industrial cleaning market also includes exclusive insights about the technical innovations in the products. Additionally, this research will illustrate the geographical analysis of the industrial cleaning market to understand the market penetration across the globe. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Industry Outlook 3. Market Snapshot 4. Market characteristics 4.1. Market Overview 4.2. Market Segmentation 4.3. Market Dynamics 4.3.1. Drivers 4.3.2. Restraints 4.3.3. Opportunities 4.4. DRO - Impact Analysis 5. Ingredient: Market Size & Analysis 5.1. Overview 5.2. Surfactants 5.3. Solvents 5.4. Chelating Agents 5.5. pH Regulators 5.6. Solubilizers/Hydrotropes 5.7. Others 6. Product: Market Size & Analysis 6.1. Overview 6.2. General Cleaners 6.3. Metal Cleaners 6.4. Oven & Grill Cleaners 6.5. Dish Washing 6.6. Commercial Laundry 6.7. Dairy Cleaners 6.8. Food Cleaners 6.9. Disinfectants 7. Application: Market Size & Analysis 7.1. Overview 7.2. Manufacturing & Commercial Offices 7.3. Healthcare 7.4. Retail & Foodservice 7.5. Hospitality 7.6. Automotive & Aerospace 7.7. Food Processing 7.8. Others 8. Geography: Market Size & Analysis 8.1. Overview 8.2. North America 8.3. Europe 8.4. Asia Pacific 8.5. Rest of the World 9. Competitive Landscape 9.1. Competitor Comparison Analysis 9.2. Market Developments 9.2.1. Mergers and Acquisitions, Legal, Awards, Partnerships 9.2.2. Product Launches and execution 10. Vendor Profiles 10.1. Arcot Manufacturing Corporation 10.1.1. Overview 10.1.2. Financial Overview 10.1.3. Product Offerings 10.1.4. Developments 10.1.5. Business Strategy 10.2. Dupont De Nemours Inc. 10.2.1. Overview 10.2.2. Financial Overview 10.2.3. Product Offerings 10.2.4. Developments 10.2.5. Business Strategy 10.3. Pilot Chemical Corp 10.3.1. Overview 10.3.2. Financial Overview 10.3.3. Product Offerings 10.3.4. Developments 10.3.5. Business Strategy 10.4. Spartan Chemical Company, Inc. 10.4.1. Overview 10.4.2. Financial Overview 10.4.3. Product Offerings 10.4.4. Developments 10.4.5. Business Strategy 10.5. Nyco Products Company 10.5.1. Overview 10.5.2. Financial Overview 10.5.3. Product Offerings 10.5.4. Developments 10.5.5. Business Strategy 10.6. Croda International PLC 10.6.1. Overview 10.6.2. Financial Overview 10.6.3. Product Offerings 10.6.4. Developments 10.6.5. Business Strategy 10.7. Emulso Corporation 10.7.1. Overview 10.7.2. Financial Overview 10.7.3. Product Offerings 10.7.4. Developments 10.7.5. Business Strategy 10.8. Evonik Industries AG 10.8.1. Overview 10.8.2. Financial Overview 10.8.3. Product Offerings 10.8.4. Developments 10.8.5. Business Strategy 10.9. Huntsman Corporation 10.9.1. Overview 10.9.2. Financial Overview 10.9.3. Product Offerings 10.9.4. Developments 10.9.5. Business Strategy 10.10. Prime Industries Ltd 10.10.1. Overview 10.10.2. Financial Overview 10.10.3. Product Offerings 10.10.4. Developments 10.10.5. Business Strategy 11. Analyst Opinion 12. Annexure For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uv3vhs 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 DUBLIN, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Industrial Radiography Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Technique (Film-based Radiography and Digital Radiography); End-User Industry" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The industrial radiography market is expected to reach US$ 993.45 million by 2028 from US$ 532.31 million in 2021; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2021 to 2028. The overall market has been segmented into four major regions - North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America. In 2020, North America held the largest share of the market. North America has the world's largest aerospace sector due to the presence of different military and commercial aircraft manufacturers as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service providers. The sector in North America has thrived due to a positive outlook toward the adoption of new technologies, presence of a competent workforce, existence of favorable economic policies, and high GDP per capita. This is driving the growth of the industrial radiography market in this region. A few of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Dassault Aviation, Leonardo, and Thales Group, have manufacturing sites in Europe. The presence of such major players has paved the way for the development of military and civilian planes and helicopters. One of the primary forces driving the industrial radiography market growth in Europe is the presence of several aircraft and helicopter manufacturers in the region. Innovative active interrogation approaches to identify threats to national security are required to protect a country's airports, borders, and ports. All detection approaches need a source of high-energy particles for inducing specific reactions that serve as major signatures in detecting fissile materials or conventional explosives. The most instant perceived threats and their essential materials comprise conventional explosives, special nuclear materials, mass destruction weapons, chemical agents, and contraband. The radiography technology can be utilized to scan cargo to guarantee that nothing is being smuggled into the country. The use of industrial radiography technology enables users to distinguish between different materials. Also, governments are investing significant amounts in border security by deploying the latest technologies at borders. For instance, the Chinese government plans to construct additional 215 airports by 2035. Also, the Indian government plans to build 100 new airports across the country by 2024. Growth in the construction and expansion of airports is anticipated to boost the demand for industrial radiography. The industrial radiography market is segmented on the bases of technique, end-user industry, and geography. Based on technique, the market is bifurcated into digital radiography and film-based radiography. By end-user industry, the market is segmented into petrochemical and gas, power generation, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive & transportation. Reasons to buy Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global industrial radiography market. Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies. The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the global industrial radiography market, thereby allowing players across the value chain to develop effective long-term strategies. Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets. Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it. Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to client products, segmentation, pricing, and distribution. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Key Takeaways 3. Research Methodology 4. Global Industrial Radiography Market Landscape 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 PEST Analysis 4.2.1 North America 4.2.2 Europe 4.2.3 APAC 4.2.4 MEA 4.2.5 SAM 4.3 Ecosystem Analysis 4.4 Expert Opinion 5. Industrial Radiography Market - Key Market Dynamics 5.1 Key Market Drivers 5.1.1 Growing Importance of Quality Control 5.1.2 Increasing Importance for Border Security 5.1 Market Restraints 5.1.1 Radiation Hazards, Government Regulations, and Lack of High Skilled Labour 5.2 Market Opportunities 5.2.1 Growing MRO Operation in APAC 5.3 Future Trends 5.3.1 Integration of AI and ML 5.4 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints 6. Industrial Radiography Market - Global Analysis 6.1 Industrial Radiography Market Global Overview 6.2 Industrial Radiography Market - Global Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 6.3 Market Positioning - Five Key Players 7. Industrial Radiography Market Analysis - By Technique 7.1 Overview 7.2 Industrial Radiography Market, By Technique (2020 and 2028) 7.3 Film-based Radiography 7.3.1 Overview 7.3.2 Film-based Radiography: Industrial Radiography Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 7.4 Digital Radiography 7.4.1 Overview 7.4.2 Digital Radiography: Industrial Radiography Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 8. Industrial Radiography Market - By End-User Industry 8.1 Overview 8.2 Industrial Radiography Market, by End-User Industry (2020 and 2028) 8.3 Manufacturing 8.3.1 Overview 8.3.2 Manufacturing: Industrial Radiography Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 8.4 Aerospace 8.4.1 Overview 8.4.2 Aerospace: Industrial Radiography Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 8.5 Automotive and Transportation 8.5.1 Overview 8.5.2 Automotive and Transportation: Industrial Radiography Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 8.6 Power Generation 8.6.1 Overview 8.6.2 Power Generation: Industrial Radiography Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 8.7 Petrochemical and Gas 8.7.1 Overview 8.7.2 Petrochemical and Gas: Industrial Radiography Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 8.8 Others 8.8.1 Overview 8.8.2 Others: Industrial Radiography Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million) 9. Industrial Radiography Market - Geographic Analysis 10. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Industrial Radiography Market 10.1 North America: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 10.2 Europe: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 10.3 Asia Pacific: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 10.4 Middle East and Africa: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 10.5 South America: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic 11. Industry Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Market Initiative 11.3 New Product Development 12. Company Profiles 12.1 3DX-RAY 12.1.1 Key Facts 12.1.2 Business Description 12.1.3 Products and Services 12.1.4 Financial Overview 12.1.5 SWOT Analysis 12.1.6 Key Developments 12.2 Anritsu 12.2.1 Key Facts 12.2.2 Business Description 12.2.3 Products and Services 12.2.4 Financial Overview 12.2.5 SWOT Analysis 12.2.6 Key Developments 12.3 Comet Group 12.3.1 Key Facts 12.3.2 Business Description 12.3.3 Products and Services 12.3.4 Financial Overview 12.3.5 SWOT Analysis 12.3.6 Key Developments 12.4 Fujifilm Corporation 12.4.1 Key Facts 12.4.2 Business Description 12.4.3 Products and Services 12.4.4 Financial Overview 12.4.5 SWOT Analysis 12.4.6 Key Developments 12.5 GENERAL ELECTRIC 12.5.1 Key Facts 12.5.2 Business Description 12.5.3 Products and Services 12.5.4 Financial Overview 12.5.5 SWOT Analysis 12.5.6 Key Developments 12.6 METTLER TOLEDO 12.6.1 Key Facts 12.6.2 Business Description 12.6.3 Products and Services 12.6.4 Financial Overview 12.6.5 SWOT Analysis 12.6.6 Key Developments 12.7 Nikon Corporation 12.7.1 Key Facts 12.7.2 Business Description 12.7.3 Products and Services 12.7.4 Financial Overview 12.7.5 SWOT Analysis 12.7.6 Key Developments 12.8 NOVO DR LTD 12.8.1 Key Facts 12.8.2 Business Description 12.8.3 Products and Services 12.8.4 Financial Overview 12.8.5 SWOT Analysis 12.8.6 Key Developments 12.9 SHIMADZU CORPORATION 12.9.1 Key Facts 12.9.2 Business Description 12.9.3 Products and Services 12.9.4 Financial Overview 12.9.5 SWOT Analysis 12.9.6 Key Developments 12.10 ZEISS International 12.10.1 Key Facts 12.10.2 Business Description 12.10.3 Products and Services 12.10.4 Financial Overview 12.10.5 SWOT Analysis 12.10.6 Key Developments 13. Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/iqlegz Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com DUBLIN, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Terrestrial Laser Scanning Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global terrestrial laser scanning market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4% during the forecast period (2021-2026). A terrestrial laser scanning system, also known as terrestrial LiDAR (light detection and ranging), is contact-free measuring equipment that collects dense point clouds of objects. It processes the data captured and assigns color, reflectance value and X, Y, Z coordinates to each point. It comprises a laser, keypad, scanner, mobile device, operating software and a TCP/IP interface. The terrestrial laser scanning system is a new and efficient technology being used for digitalizing large objects as well as preserving and sustaining heritage buildings. Terrestrial laser scanning systems offer high accuracy, faster data capture and positioning simplicity as compared to conventional measurement methods. There is currently a rise in the need for efficient real-time data collection equipment in the construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. Consequently, the sales of terrestrial laser scanning systems are increasing worldwide, as it helps end users in reducing process costs by reducing the time taken for the completion of a project. Apart from this, the escalating demand for surveys and 3D laser scanning in the infrastructure industry, especially in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East, is accelerating the growth of the market. Furthermore, the leading market players are introducing improved and user-friendly terrestrial laser scanning systems that enable organizations to deploy less costly field labor which is expected to drive the market further. Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined with some of the key players being 3D Systems Inc., Carl Zeiss Optotechnik GmbH, Creaform Inc. (AMETEK), FARO Technologies Inc., Fugro N.V, Hexagon AB, Leica Geosystems, Maptek, RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH, Teledyne Technologies Inc., Topcon Corporation, Trimble Inc. and Zoller + Frohlich GmbH. Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Global Terrestrial Laser Scanning Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Forecast 6 Market Breakup by Solution 6.1 Scanning Systems 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Scanning Services 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Technology 7.1 Phase-Shift 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Pulse-Based 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 7.3 Optical Triangulation 7.3.1 Market Trends 7.3.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by Laser Type 8.1 Diode 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Fiber 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 8.3 Solid-State 8.3.1 Market Trends 8.3.2 Market Forecast 9 Market Breakup by Application 9.1 Building Information Modeling 9.1.1 Market Trends 9.1.2 Market Forecast 9.2 Topographical Survey 9.2.1 Market Trends 9.2.2 Market Forecast 9.3 Forestry and Agricultural Survey 9.3.1 Market Trends 9.3.2 Market Forecast 9.4 Mining Survey 9.4.1 Market Trends 9.4.2 Market Forecast 9.5 Construction Survey 9.5.1 Market Trends 9.5.2 Market Forecast 9.6 Research and Engineering 9.6.1 Market Trends 9.6.2 Market Forecast 9.7 Others 9.7.1 Market Trends 9.7.2 Market Forecast 10 Market Breakup by Region 11 SWOT Analysis 12 Value Chain Analysis 13 Porters Five Forces Analysis 14 Competitive Landscape 14.1 Market Structure 14.2 Key Players 14.3 Profiles of Key Players 14.3.1 3D Systems Inc. 14.3.1.1 Company Overview 14.3.1.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.2 Carl Zeiss Optotechnik GmbH 14.3.2.1 Company Overview 14.3.2.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.3 Creaform Inc. (AMETEK) 14.3.3.1 Company Overview 14.3.3.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.4 FARO Technologies Inc. 14.3.4.1 Company Overview 14.3.4.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.4.3 Financials 14.3.5 Fugro N.V. 14.3.5.1 Company Overview 14.3.5.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.5.3 Financials 14.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.6 Hexagon AB 14.3.6.1 Company Overview 14.3.6.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.6.3 Financials 14.3.6.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.7 Leica Geosystems 14.3.7.1 Company Overview 14.3.7.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.8 Maptek 14.3.8.1 Company Overview 14.3.8.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.9 RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH 14.3.9.1 Company Overview 14.3.9.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.10 Teledyne Technologies Inc. 14.3.10.1 Company Overview 14.3.10.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.10.3 Financials 14.3.10.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.11 Topcon Corporation 14.3.12.1 Company Overview 14.3.12.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.12.3 Financials 14.3.13 Trimble Inc. 14.3.13.1 Company Overview 14.3.13.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.13.3 Financials 14.3.13.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.14 Zoller + Frohlich GmbH 14.3.14.1 Company Overview 14.3.14.2 Product Portfolio For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/c3qsoc Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com TSX: GPR | NYSE American: GPL VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Great Panther Mining Limited (TSX:GPR) (NYSE-A:GPL) ("Great Panther" or the "Company"), a growing gold and silver producer focused on the Americas, announces that it has entered into an At-the-Market Offering Agreement (the "ATM Agreement") of up to $25 million (the "Offering" or "ATM Facility") dated October 15, 2021, with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (the "Agent"). This offering replaces the Company's prior US$25 Million At-the-Market offering, which expired on August 3, 2021. An At-The-Market offering is a valuable tool to have in place in order to access the public market at market prices with significantly reduced costs. The Company can determine, at its sole discretion, the date, price and number of common shares of Great Panther ("Common Shares") to be sold through the Agent under the ATM Facility. The Common Shares will be distributed at prevailing market prices from time to time. Sales of the Common Shares will be made in "at-the-market distributions", as defined in National Instrument 44-102, directly on the NYSE American Stock Exchange ("NYSE American") or on any other existing trading market in the United States. No offers or sales of Common Shares will be made in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other trading markets in Canada. The Company is not required to sell any Common Shares during the term of the ATM Facility, therefore total gross proceeds from the ATM Facility could be significantly less than US$25 million. The ATM Agreement does not restrict the Company from conducting other financings. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering, if any, for the Company's operational and capital expenditures, debt repayment, to maintain its working capital balances and for general corporate purposes. The TSX has conditionally approved the ATM Facility. The Common Shares under the ATM Facility have been approved for listing by the NYSE American, subject to notice of issuance. The Company will pay to the Agent a placement fee for Common Shares sold under the ATM Agreement and will reimburse certain expenses of the Agent. The Offering will be made by way of a prospectus supplement dated October 15, 2021 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's existing Canadian short-form base shelf prospectus (the "Canadian Base Shelf Prospectus") and U.S. registration statement on Form F-10, as amended (File No. 333-258604) (the "U.S. Registration Statement"), each dated September 10, 2021. The U.S. Registration Statement was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 13, 2021. The Prospectus Supplement has been filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission, as principal regulator of Canada, and the SEC. The Canadian Prospectus Supplement (together with the related Canadian Base Shelf Prospectus) is filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The U.S. Prospectus Supplement (together with the related U.S. Registration Statement) is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. ABOUT GREAT PANTHER Great Panther is a growing gold and silver producer focused on the Americas. The Company owns a diversified portfolio of assets in Brazil, Mexico and Peru that includes three operating gold and silver mines, an advanced development project and a large land package with district-scale potential. Great Panther is focused on creating long-term stakeholder value through safe and sustainable production, reinvesting into exploration and pursuing acquisition opportunities to complement its existing portfolio. Great Panther trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange trading under the symbol GPR, and on the NYSE American under the symbol GPL. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains 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 Canadian securities laws (together, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) whether the Company will issue Common Shares under the ATM Facility, and (ii) if the Company issues shares pursuant to the ATM Facility, the amount of any proceeds and the anticipated use of such proceeds. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: continued operations and exploration work, including plans to complete infill drilling at Tucano, in 2021 occur without significant interruption due to COVID-19 or any other reason; the accuracy of the Company's geological modeling at Tucano and the assumptions upon which they are based, ore grades and recoveries; prices for gold, silver, and base metals remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; stable prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation) and closure obligations; that all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for the Company's operations and exploration work are received in a timely manner on favourable terms, and Tucano will be able to continue to use cyanide in its operations; the Company will not be required to further impair Tucano as the current open pit mineral reserves are depleted through mining; the ability to procure equipment and operating supplies without interruption and that there are no material unanticipated variations in the cost of energy or supplies; operations not being disrupted by issues such as pit-wall failures or instability, mechanical failures, labour disturbances and workforce shortages, illegal occupations or mining, seismic events, and adverse weather conditions; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to be materially different. Such factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to: the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's ability to operate and conduct exploration work, including drilling plans, as anticipated, and the risk of an unplanned partial or full shutdown of the Company's mines and processing plants, whether voluntary or imposed, which would adversely impact the Company's revenues, financial condition and ability to meet its production and cost guidance and fund its capital programs and repay its indebtedness; the inherent risk that estimates of Mineral Reserves and Resources may not be accurate and accordingly that mine production will not be as estimated or predicted; planned exploration activities, including plans for further infill drilling at TAP C, may not result in the discovery of new Mineral Resources/definition of Mineral Resources and readers are cautioned that Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have no defined economic viability; there is no certainty that the Company will be able to define a mineral resource for the TAP C deposits and the Company is not treating the AMC historical estimate as a current mineral resource estimate; open pit mining operations at Tucano have a limited established mine life and the Company may not be able to extend the mine life for Tucano open pit operations beyond 2023 as anticipated; gold, silver and base metal prices may decline or may be less than forecasted; fluctuations in currency exchange rates (including the U.S. dollar to Brazilian real exchange rate) may increase costs of operations; operational and physical risks inherent in mining operations (including pit wall collapses, tailings storage facility failures, environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather) may result in unforeseen costs, shut downs, delays in production and drilling and exposure to liability; potential political and social risks involving Great Panther's operations in a foreign jurisdiction; the potential for unexpected costs and expenses or overruns; shortages in the ability to procure equipment and operating supplies without interruption; employee and contractor relations; relationships with, and claims by, local communities; the Company's ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner on favourable terms; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; legal restrictions related to mining; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the Company's inability to meet its production forecasts or to generate the anticipated cash flows from operations could result in the Company's inability to meet its scheduled debt payments when due or to meet financial covenants to which the Company is subject or to fund its exploration programs as planned; ability to maintain and renew agreements with local communities to support continued operations; there is no assurance that the Company will be able to identify or complete acquisition opportunities of, if completed, that such acquisitions will be accretive to the Company; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in respect of Great Panther, in its most recent annual information form and material change reports filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at www.sedar.com and reports on Form 40-F and Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov . There is no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove accurate or that actual results will not vary materially from these forward-looking statements. 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 are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's current views of our near- and longer-term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. SOURCE Great Panther Mining Limited Related Links https://www.greatpanther.com/ NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvest Partners, LP ("Harvest") announced today that funds managed by Harvest, along with management, have acquired Fortis Solutions Group ("Fortis" or "the Company"), a best-in-class provider of specialty packaging solutions, from Main Post Partners, LP ("Main Post"). The Company's management team, led by founder and CEO John Wynne, will continue to lead Fortis and remain significant owners of the business alongside Harvest. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, Fortis is a leading converter of pressure sensitive labels including multi-ply coupon and booklets, flexible packaging printing, shrink sleeves, folding cartons, and label applicators. The Company serves a blue-chip customer base across the food and beverage, health and beauty, retail, agricultural chemical, and nutraceutical end markets. Fortis has a full range of flexographic and digital printing capabilities across 15 manufacturing and sales offices across the United States. John Wynne said, "It's been an incredible journey with Main Post Partners and I'm very appreciative and thankful to them for their outstanding contributions. Together with our great team at Fortis, we built the 'One Fortis' culture and growth vision which have allowed us to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace. I'm very much looking forward to working alongside Harvest Partners as we further develop and accelerate the value-added offerings that we deliver to our customers." "We thank John, his outstanding management team, and all Fortis employees for helping to build an industry leader while generating substantial shareholder value, and we wish the Company continued success with Harvest Partners," said Scott Bell, Partner at Main Post Partners. Michael DeFlorio, CEO and Partner at Harvest, and James Mitchel, Partner at Harvest, said, "We have admired Fortis's tremendous success over the years and recognize their leadership position in the specialty packaging and labels markets. We are excited to partner with John and the Fortis management team to support the Company's organic and acquisition growth initiatives in the coming years." Fortis has completed 13 acquisitions since 2014 and is actively seeking both tuck-in and transformational acquisitions in the pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeve, and flexible packaging markets. BMO Capital Markets served as financial advisor and Morrison & Foerster served as legal advisor to Fortis and Main Post. Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal advisor to Harvest Partners. As part of the transaction, Michael DeFlorio, James Mitchel, and Andrew Hudelson from Harvest Partners will join John Wynne on the Board of Directors of Fortis. About Fortis Solutions Group At Fortis Solutions Group, we provide a differentiated approach giving our customers a powerful advantage in the marketplace through industry leading lead times, quality control, color management and solutions-oriented approaches. We deliver a breadth of product offerings utilizing our outstanding flexographic, letterpress, offset and digital printing capabilities. These offerings include pressure sensitive and shrink sleeve labels, multi-ply coupon and flexible packaging printing, extended booklet printing, pouches, folding cartons, label applicators and variable data printing. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, the company also has manufacturing and sales offices in Austin, TX; Catoosa, OK; Ellington, CT; Flowery Branch, GA; High Point, NC; Kansas City, MO; Lewisville, TX; Marietta, GA; Memphis, TN; Merced, CA; Napa, CA; Orem, UT; West Chester, OH; Whitefish, MT; and Wixom, MI. Employing over 950 employees across 15 sites, Fortis intends to continue its pursuit of attractive acquisitions to further the breadth of product offerings and locations which can serve its customer base. Learn more about Fortis Solutions Group: https://fortissolutionsgroup.com/. About Main Post Partners, LP Main Post Partners is a private equity investment firm focused on investing in proven growth companies across the consumer value chain. Main Post Partners invests in both majority and minority positions primarily in first institutional capital situations where founders, entrepreneurs and management teams are looking for an experienced partner to help build their companies to full potential. With a "Partnership, not Ownership" approach, Main Post Partners works closely with a network of successful executives to provide operational and strategic support to its management partners. Main Post Partners was named to Inc.'s list of The 50 Best Private Equity Firms for Entrepreneurs. Learn more about Main Post Partners: https://mainpostpartners.com/. About Harvest Partners, LP Founded in 1981, Harvest Partners, LP is an established New York-based private equity investment firm that focuses on investments in middle-market companies in the business services & industrial services, consumer, healthcare, industrials and software industries. Harvest's control strategy leverages the firm's 40 years of experience in financing organic and acquisition-oriented growth. For more information, please visit www.harvestpartners.com. Contacts: For Harvest Caroline Luz Lambert & Co. 203-656-2829 [email protected] For Main Post Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLCwww.Tofallipr.com 914-834-4334 [email protected] SOURCE Main Post Partners HONOLULU, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI) (NYSE: HE) will announce its third quarter 2021 financial results on Friday, November 5. In addition, American Savings Bank, F.S.B. (American), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of HEI, will announce its third quarter 2021 financial results on Friday, October 29. HEI will conduct a webcast and conference call to discuss third quarter 2021 consolidated earnings, 2021 earnings guidance and regulatory and other matters on Friday, November 5 at 10:15 a.m. Hawaii time (4:15 p.m. Eastern time). To listen to the conference call, dial 1-844-200-6205 (U.S.) or 1-929-526-1599 (international) and enter passcode 181692. Parties may also access presentation materials and/or listen to the conference call by visiting the conference call link on HEI's website at www.hei.com under "Investor Relations," sub-heading "News and Events Events and Presentations." A replay will be available online and via phone. The online replay will be available on HEI's website about two hours after the event. An audio replay will also be available about two hours after the event through November 19, 2021. To access the audio replay, dial 1-866-813-9403 (U.S.) or (44) 204-525-0658 (international) and enter passcode 965360. HEI and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric) intend to continue to use HEI's website, www.hei.com , as a means of disclosing additional information; such disclosures will be included in the Investor Relations section of the website. Accordingly, investors should routinely monitor the Investor Relations section of HEI's website, in addition to following HEI's, Hawaiian Electric's and American's press releases, HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's SEC filings and HEI's public conference calls and webcasts. Investors may sign up to receive e-mail alerts via the "Investor Relations" section of the website. The information on HEI's website is not incorporated by reference into this document or into HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's SEC filings unless, and except to the extent, specifically incorporated by reference. Investors may also wish to refer to the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC) website at dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms to review documents filed with, and issued by, the PUC. No information on the PUC website is incorporated by reference into this document or into HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's SEC filings. About HEI The HEI family of companies provides the energy and financial services that empower much of the economic and community activity of Hawaii. HEI's electric utility, Hawaiian Electric, supplies power to approximately 95% of Hawaii's population and is undertaking an ambitious effort to decarbonize its operations and the broader state economy. Its banking subsidiary, American Savings Bank, is one of Hawaii's largest financial institutions, providing a wide array of banking and other financial services and working to advance economic growth, affordability and financial fitness. HEI also helps advance Hawaii's sustainability goals through investments by its non-regulated subsidiary, Pacific Current. For more information, visit www.hei.com. Contact: Julie Smolinski Phone: (808) 543-7300 Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. Related Links http://www.hei.com GREENWICH, Conn., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- High Road Capital Partners (www.highroadcap.com) announced today that its portfolio company Exponential Power (www.exponentialpower.com) has completed the acquisitions of Dry Creek Enterprises (www.criticalbatterysolutions.com) and Static Power Conversion Services Inc. (www.staticpwr.com), marking the third and fourth acquisitions for Exponential under High Road's ownership, which began in 2017. Founded by John Marino in 1999 and based in Bakersfield, California, Dry Creek Enterprises provides custom DC battery system design, project management, and battery testing, maintenance, and repair, as well as installation and removal services, to a variety of locations with critical power needs, including power plants, refineries, emergency response systems, and off-grid backup systems. "The partnership is a great addition to Exponential Power," says CEO Jake Walker. "John and his team bring a solid track record and unwavering passion for delivering exceptional service to the reserve power industry." He added that the acquisition "expands our West Coast service presence and supplements our existing businesses extremely well, while aligning with our strategic vision." Static Power Conversion Services Inc., located in Columbia, Maryland, has provided comprehensive engineering, sales, and service to users and manufacturers of critical power systems for nearly four decades. Static Power was co-owned by Ruth McFadden, President; Andrew Nauman, VP & Director of Technical Services; and Robert De Lauter, Operations Manager, who will remain involved in the business. "The Static team is very excited to join forces with Exponential Power," said McFadden. "This partnership will allow us to provide our clients with an expanded product and service offering and enhanced expertise while continuing to provide the superior customer service our clients expect." Exponential Power CEO Jake Walker added, "We're thrilled to partner with Static Power and bring our wide range of stored power solutions to the Mid-Atlantic region. Ruth, Andy, Rob, and the team are highly regarded in the industry for their products and service. We're thrilled to have them on board, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers and to accelerating the growth of our combined companies." The Dry Creek and Static Power acquisitions expand Exponential Power's service offerings in new geographies and support its mission of delivering reliable and advanced reserve power technology solutions and providing unmatched service experience for customers throughout the United States. Exponential Power's acquisition of Dry Creek Enterprises closed on August 30, 2021; the acquisition of Static Power closed October 7, 2021. Ben Schnakenberg, Partner, led the transactions for High Road and was assisted by Tom Cassidy, Vice President. Twin Brook Capital Partners provided financing for the transactions, and Jones Day provided legal counsel to High Road and Exponential Power. Transaction consideration was not disclosed. High Road Capital Partners has completed 68 transactions 20 platform investments, 36 add-on acquisitions, and 12 exits since its founding in 2007. For further information, please contact Ben Schnakenberg of High Road Capital Partners at (212) 554-3269. High Road Capital Partners High Road Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on smaller middle market transactions. High Road was formed in 2007 and has raised over $470 million of committed capital since inception. High Road targets niche-leading companies with revenues of $5 million to $100 million and EBITDA of $1 million to $10 million. Post acquisition, High Road works in partnership with management to take the companies to the next level through a combination of organic growth initiatives and add-on acquisitions. www.highroadcap.com Exponential Power, Inc. Exponential Power, Inc., is a leading provider in stored power solutions utilized by industry leaders in energy services, utilities, industrial, telecom, data center, motive power, and material-handling markets. Dedicated to solving problems, Exponential Power combines years of industry experience and the latest technologies to create the best, customized solution for each client. www.exponentialpower.com SOURCE High Road Capital Partners Related Links https://www.highroadcap.com/ NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BizVibe has added key challenges and trends for outpatient care centers industry profiles on their platform. All 2,500+ company profiles will now contain 50+ company data points, including a list of potential challenges which are expected to impact market participants over the next few years. Snapshot of key challenge impacting BizVibe's outpatient care centers industry group. One challenge which is being highlighted is the high workloads that are common in the industry. 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These insights include: Relevance and influence of industry trends and challenges, segmented by region Press releases and news coverage referencing key trends and challenges Risk of doing business score, segmented by operational, financial, compliance, and country risk Top company competitors at the global, regional, and national levels Names of top company decision makers, including job titles and social profiles Company financials such as annual revenue, profitability ratios, and management effectiveness View 50+ Company Data Points for Free Outpatient Care Centers Product and Service Categories BizVibe's platform provides access to over 10 million buyer and supplier company profiles. Businesses from more than 200 countries are categorized into 40,000+ product and service categories, each providing detailed insights tailored to the needs of procurement and sales teams globally. The outpatient care centers industry group features 2,500+ company profiles categorized into multiple product and service categories, enabling clients to identify and connect with potential new business partners across diverse market segments. Get Free Company Profile Access for all Categories BizVibe for Buyers and Sellers BizVibe is a modern B2B platform dedicated to connecting buyers and sellers from around the world. Powered by the latest best-in-class solutions, BizVibe is designed to help companies generate leads, shortlist suppliers, request proposals, and identify global companies. Evaluate companies side-by-side to compare key metrics and initiate productive partnerships. Buyers use BizVibe to discover suppliers from among more than 5 million companies using advanced search filters and comparison tools. Features for buyers include: Shortlist potential suppliers Track and compare companies Set up custom news alerts Quickly create and customize RFIs Explore BizVibe's buyer services: https://www.bizvibe.com/buyers Sellers can take advantage of BizVibe's smart sales intelligence tools to discover, evaluate, and communicate with prospects across 300+ categories. Features for sellers include: Identify and qualify sales prospects Receive customized prospect recommendations Analyze and evaluate potential buyers Integrate CRMs for efficient data transfer Discover BizVibe's seller tools: https://www.bizvibe.com/sellers About BizVibe BizVibe has been conceptualized and built by a team based out of Toronto, Bangalore, and London. We are a branch of Infiniti Research and have dedicated units in all three locations. BizVibe helps buyers find the most relevant suppliers from around the world and helps sellers target prospects who need their products and/or services. For more information, please visit www.bizvibe.com and start for free today. Contact BizVibe Jesse Maida Email: [email protected] +1 855-897-5880 Website: https://www.bizvibe.com/ SOURCE BizVibe Related Links https://www.bizvibe.com/ DALLAS, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Highland Dallas Foundation today announced that it has awarded $2.4 million in grants to three non-profit organizations in Dallas that play vital roles in the local community. The Highland Dallas Foundation has awarded grants to the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC) and The Family Place, which provide critical services to children and families in North Texas, as well as to The Dallas Foundation, which helps bring together resources and ideas to advance our community. Over the past decade, the Highland Dallas Foundation has committed more than $47.8 million to a wide range of charitable causes that have made a tangible, lasting impact on improving the lives of Dallas residents. $1 Million Grant to Dallas Children's Advocacy Center Under the most recent round of giving by the Highland Dallas Foundation, the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center will receive a $1 million grant to support its work providing justice and restoring hope to more than 8,000 children and their family members each year. The grant will also help fill gaps in public funding sources and ensure continuity of DCAC's critical work. As a longtime supporter of DCAC, the Highland Dallas Foundation has served as a key sponsor for annual fundraising events and used its philanthropic network to advance DCAC's mission. "After one of the most difficult years navigating a pandemic, this significant gift from the Highland Dallas Foundation will help us continue the life-saving work carried out at our center," said DCAC's CEO Irish Burch. "The funds will help us manage an expected significant increase in child abuse cases, enabling our experts to reach more clients and provide hope and healing to over 8,000 children and families this year. We thank the Highland Dallas Foundation for its ongoing commitment to our community." $1 Million Grant to The Family Place The Highland Dallas Foundation is awarding $1 million to The Family Place, a nonprofit organization that empowers victims of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling and skills that create independence while building community engagement and advocating for social change to stop family violence. This is the second $1 million grant issued by the Highland Dallas Foundation to The Family Place since 2015. Winter Storm Uri left 123 of The Family Place's clients displaced after pipes in one of the agency's three residential facilities burst, causing significant structural damage. Approximately $500,000 of the Highland Dallas Foundation's $1 million grant will provide funding for repairs to The Family Place's Safe Campus Emergency Shelter. The remaining funds will support The Family Place's Enduring Promise Foundation Campaign and will help provide long-term funding for on-site medical staff who provide essential medical services to clients in two on-site clinics. "The Family Place would like to thank the Highland Dallas Foundation for being an important part of the solution to ending family violence in our community with its long-standing support of our organization," said Mimi Sterling, CEO of The Family Place. "The support we've received from the Highland Dallas Foundation goes beyond these generous grants. When we asked donors to participate in our 'Adopt A Family' program, the Highland Dallas Foundation stepped up to adopt all the families in need, providing holiday gifts for every resident in our emergency shelter, who were so grateful to receive such an unexpected surprise. This impromptu gesture highlights the level of care and commitment for the Dallas community that drives Highland Dallas Foundation's philanthropy. We're grateful for the ongoing collaboration between the Highland Dallas Foundation and The Family Place, which has been instrumental in providing needed services and promoting awareness of domestic violence in our community." $400,000 Grant to The Dallas Foundation's Racial Equity Fund The Highland Dallas Foundation is providing the lead grant to The Dallas Foundation's new Racial Equity Fund. With this award, the Racial Equity Fund has crossed $1 million in donations for its launch. The new Racial Equity Fund aims to use the collective influence and resources of The Dallas Foundation, the first community foundation in Texas, along with those of its donors and partners to advance equity for Dallas' BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) residents by strategically and purposefully directing philanthropic dollars to support organizations that combat systemic inequities, including housing/infrastructure; economic; education; criminal justice/government; and health. The Highland Dallas Foundation has been longtime partner of The Dallas Foundation's work to make Dallas a brighter and more equitable place for everyone who calls it home. "Ensuring a strong and healthy start for all Dallas residents requires that we disrupt the historical inequities that disadvantage communities of color. The launch of the Racial Equity Fund recognizes that reality and leans into the idea that it will take aligned, collective action to create a more equitable Dallas where everyone can reach their full potential," says Matthew Randazzo, President & CEO of The Dallas Foundation. "Highland Dallas Foundation's $400,000 grant to this fund represents a significant commitment of resources to improve lives and make visible progress throughout North Texas." The Highland Dallas Foundation has a strong track record of supporting the community through its grantmaking, helping fund organizations that are providing critical services and transforming lives across North Texas. Since 2012, the Highland Dallas Foundation has awarded more than $47.8 million to nonprofits in the DFW area operating across a range of issue areas. About The Highland Dallas Foundation The Highland Dallas Foundation was established in 2011 for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. The Highland Dallas Foundation is a supporting organization of The Dallas Foundation, the first community foundation in Texas. Since its inception, the Highland Dallas Foundation has contributed tens of millions of dollars to charitable causes focusing on the following issue areas: education; support for military, veterans, and first responders; health and medical research; economic and community development initiatives; and youth and family. This charitable giving has made a tangible impact on improving the lives of Dallas residents. About Dallas Children's Advocacy Center The mission of Dallas Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC) is to improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County and to provide national leadership on child abuse issues. The only agency of its kind in Dallas County, DCAC provides a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse cases. In their last fiscal year, DCAC read over 28,000 reports of child abuse and provided services to over 8,000 children and their non-offending family members. For more information, visit dcac.org. About The Family Place In 1978, a group of community volunteers organized The Family Place as one of the first family violence shelters in the state. Today, The Family Place is the largest family violence service provider in Texas, with three emergency shelters providing 177 shelter beds each night, including the state's only shelter for men and children, and three counseling centers. The Family Place served 11,933 clients in 2020 providing 62,118 days of emergency shelter, 36,015 days of transitional housing, 18,526 hours of counseling to nonresidential clients, and 8,758 hours of counseling to batterers. All The Family Place's services are in Spanish and in English. For more information on The Family Place, call 214.559.2170 or visit familyplace.org. About The Dallas Foundation The Dallas Foundation, established as the first community foundation in Texas in 1929, brings together people, ideas, and investments in Greater Dallas so individuals and families can reach their full potential. In 2020, The Dallas Foundation, in partnership with our more than 400 fundholders, invested over $60 million into the community. CONTACT: Highland Dallas Foundation: Joan Vollero 646.818.9016 [email protected] Dallas Children's Advocacy Center and The Dallas Foundation: Kimber Westphall 316.516.3277 [email protected] The Family Place: Melissa Sherrill 214.443.7710 [email protected] SOURCE Highland Dallas Foundation Holland America Line's connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003). "We are deeply grateful that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet will once again act as godmother to a Holland America Line ship, carrying on a long tradition with the Royal Family that continues to honor our Dutch roots," said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. "Rotterdam will be named in Rotterdam next year, celebrating its namesake city and our historic connection with the Netherlands. We look forward to commemorating the occasion where it all started for Holland America Line." Additional members of the Dutch Royal Family who are godmothers include Queen Maxima, who named Koningsdam in 2016 and Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010. Then-Queen Beatrix served as Eurodam's godmother in 2008. Rotterdam V was launched in 1958 by Queen Juliana. Then-Princess Beatrix named Statendam IV in 1957 and Prinses Margriet in 1960. Nieuw Amsterdam II was launched by Queen Wilhelmina in 1937. Rotterdam's maiden cruise departs Oct. 20, 2021, from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and embarks on a 14-day transatlantic journey to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During its inaugural Caribbean season from November to April, Rotterdam will sail a variety of five- to 11-day itineraries that span the southern, western, eastern and tropical regions, all roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. In mid-April, the ship makes a 14-day Atlantic Ocean crossing back to Europe to spend the summer in Norway, the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, all sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam. Rotterdam was delivered by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy July 30, 2021. The date for naming the ship in Rotterdam will be announced in the coming months. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. Editor's note: Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/q4gmpnsi. Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com. About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon nearly 75 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, joined the fleet in July 2021. The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line's ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs. In light of COVID-19, Holland America Line is currently enhancing health and safety protocols and how they may impact future cruises. Our actual offerings may vary from what is displayed or described in marketing materials. Review our current Cruise Updates , Health & Safety Protocols and CDC Travel Advisories. SOURCE Holland America Line Related Links http://www.hollandamerica.com "Hyundai is proud to support and spotlight the Hispanic community's rich and diverse heritage and celebrate the achievements and invaluable contributions Latinos have made to America," said Angela Zepeda, CMO, Hyundai Motor America. "Hispanic Americans are an integral part of our nation's fabric and a key driving force of the automotive industry." CANELA.TV Sponsorship CANELA.TV's Journey to Success Series Presented by Hyundai highlights the real stories of today's Hispanic heroes and explores a day in their lives. The 6-episode inspirational series features Kiki Melendez, La Marisoul and Edoardo Chavarin. The all-new series is currently available to stream at CANELA.TV Journey To Success Presented by Hyundai. Hyundai is also presenting CANELA.TV's My Latin Roots section featuring classic films from Mexico's Golden Age of Cinema. Philanthropic Efforts Hyundai will make a $25,000 Donation to The Hispanic Scholarship Fund, an organization founded in 1975 that empowers students and parents to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students as possible. Hyundai's support to empower future generations of leaders extends beyond Hispanic Heritage Month and is a year-long commitment. Hyundai and its employee resource group (ERG), Amigos Unidos, will be hosting the Fourth Annual Hyundai Career Experience Virtual Program for first- and second-year college students to learn about automotive career opportunities. Hyundai's Amigos Unidos ERG members have also been volunteering their time and providing financial assistance to community-based organizations. This includes the Project Youth OCBF in Santa Ana which helps keep at-risk youth in school, healthy and drug-free through education, counseling, mentoring, and family strengthening, and Someone Cares Soup Kitchen in Costa Mesa, Calif. that provides a daily nutritional meal to all members of the community in need. Latin American Museum in Long Beach (MOLAA) Hyundai is also sponsoring the Latin American Museum in Long Beach (MOLAA) Dia de los Muertos community event and exhibition celebrating this important holiday. This year MOLAA will present an onsite event on Sunday, Oct. 17 as well as online programming that is accessible to all. For more information, please visit Day of the Dead Festival at MOLAA. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America focuses on 'Progress for Humanity' and smart mobility solutions. Hyundai offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs and electrified vehicles. Our 820 dealers sold more than 620,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2020, and nearly half were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Related Links www.hyundainews.com FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Hyundai is proud to honor the Hispanic and Latinx communities and celebrate their achievements and contributions. The multifaceted campaign includes philanthropic and community-based support as well as sponsorships highlighting Hispanic achievements and contributions to America. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 through October 15. "Hyundai is proud to support and spotlight the Hispanic community's rich and diverse heritage and celebrate the achievements and invaluable contributions Latinos have made to America," said Angela Zepeda, CMO, Hyundai Motor America. "Hispanic Americans are an integral part of our nation's fabric and a key driving force of the automotive industry." CANELA.TV Sponsorship CANELA.TV's Journey to Success Series Presented by Hyundai highlights the real stories of today's Hispanic heroes and explores a day in their lives. The 6-episode inspirational series features Kiki Melendez, La Marisoul and Edoardo Chavarin. The all-new series is currently available to stream at CANELA.TV Journey To Success Presented by Hyundai. Hyundai is also presenting CANELA.TV's My Latin Roots section featuring classic films from Mexico's Golden Age of Cinema. Philanthropic Efforts Hyundai will make a $25,000 Donation to The Hispanic Scholarship Fund, an organization founded in 1975 that empowers students and parents to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students as possible. Hyundai's support to empower future generations of leaders extends beyond Hispanic Heritage Month and is a year-long commitment. Hyundai and its employee resource group (ERG), Amigos Unidos, will be hosting the Fourth Annual Hyundai Career Experience Virtual Program for first- and second-year college students to learn about automotive career opportunities. Hyundai's Amigos Unidos ERG members have also been volunteering their time and providing financial assistance to community-based organizations. This includes the Project Youth OCBF in Santa Ana which helps keep at-risk youth in school, healthy and drug-free through education, counseling, mentoring, and family strengthening, and Someone Cares Soup Kitchen in Costa Mesa, Calif. that provides a daily nutritional meal to all members of the community in need. Latin American Museum in Long Beach (MOLAA) Hyundai is also sponsoring the Latin American Museum in Long Beach (MOLAA) Dia de los Muertos community event and exhibition celebrating this important holiday. This year MOLAA will present an onsite event on Sunday, Oct. 17 as well as online programming that is accessible to all. For more information, please visit Day of the Dead Festival at MOLAA. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America focuses on 'Progress for Humanity' and smart mobility solutions. Hyundai offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs and electrified vehicles. Our 820 dealers sold more than 620,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2020, and nearly half were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567096/Hyundai_Motor_America_Logo.jpg SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Related Links www.hyundainews.com All currencies expressed as United States dollars unless otherwise stated RENO, Nev., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - i-80 GOLD CORP. (TSX: IAU) (OTCQX: IAUCF) ("i-80", or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries Goldcorp Dee LLC ("Goldcorp Dee") and Au-Reka Gold LLC ("Au-Reka"), it has completed the transactions contemplated by the previously announced asset exchange agreement (the "Exchange Agreement") with Nevada Gold Mines LLC ("NGM"). Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Company acquired from NGM, by way of an asset exchange, the Lone Tree and Buffalo Mountain gold deposits and certain processing infrastructure, including an autoclave (collectively, the "NGM Properties"), in consideration for: (i) Goldcorp Dee's 40% ownership in the South Arturo property; (ii) assignment of Au-Reka's option to acquire the adjacent Rodeo Creek exploration property; (iii) contingent consideration of up to $50 million based on production from the Lone Tree property; and (iv) arrangement of substitute bonding (and release of NGM bonds) in respect of the Lone Tree and Buffalo Mountain reclamation obligations at closing (collectively, the "Asset Exchange"). In addition, at closing of the Asset Exchange, NGM reimbursed i-80 approximately $7.3 million for amounts previously advanced by i-80 for the autonomous truck haulage test work completed at South Arturo and for funds advanced by i-80 that were not used for reclamation activities. "With the closing of this transaction, we now embark on our aggressive growth plan to achieve our goal of building a prominent mid-tier gold producer" stated Matthew Gollat, EVP Business and Corporate Development of i-80 Gold. "Becoming one of only three companies in Nevada with infrastructure to process refractory mineralization, i-80 has gained a strategic advantage for long-term mine development. Furthermore, the toll processing agreement is a key component to this transaction, by providing the ability to process ore from Granite Creek, McCoy-Cove and Ruby Hill as they are developed while we are retrofitting the Lone Tree autoclave". The Company also announces that, further to its news release dated September 7, 2021, it has closed a concurrent non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"), pursuant to which the Company sold an aggregate of 39,041,515 common shares in the capital of the Company ("Common Shares") at a price of C$2.62 per Common Share (the "Issue Price"), which represents the five-day volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") ending on September 2, 2021, being the last trading date prior to the date of execution of the Exchange Agreement, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$102,288,769. In connection with the Asset Exchange, NGM subscribed for 22,757,393 Common Shares under the Private Placement at the Issue Price. Following completion of the Private Placement, NGM owns approximately 9.90% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company, calculated on a non-diluted basis. Certain directors, officers and other insiders of the Company (collectively, the "Interested Parties") also subscribed for an aggregate of 615,802 Common Shares under the Private Placement on the same terms as arm's length investors. The placement to the Interested Parties constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Interested Parties' participation in the Private Placement is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61101 in reliance on the exemptions set forth in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that, at the time the Private Placement was agreed to, neither the fair market value of the securities to be distributed in the Private Placement nor the consideration to be received for those securities, in so far as the Private Placement involves the Interested Parties, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as calculated in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report containing all of the disclosure required by MI 61-101 more than 21 days before the expected closing date of the Private Placement as the details of the participation of Interested Parties had not been confirmed at that time and the Company wished to close the Private Placement as expeditiously as possible. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement, together with other available funds, to fund the acquisition of the Ruby Hill mine, the exploration and development of its Nevada mineral projects, including the Ruby Hill mine, the NGM Properties and the McCoy Cove property, and for general corporate purposes. All securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws which will expire on February 15, 2022. The Private Placement is subject to the final approval of the TSX. The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About i-80 Gold Corp. i-80 Gold Corp. is a well-financed, Nevada-focused mining company with a goal of achieving mid-tier gold producer status. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to, statements with respect to the use of proceeds of the Private Placement, the timing and ability of the Company to receive necessary regulatory approvals, including the final approval of the TSX, and the plans, operations and prospects of the Company. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to: failure to obtain the relevant regulatory approvals, including final approval of the TSX; material adverse changes; exercise of termination rights by any relevant party; unexpected changes in laws; failure to complete the Orion financing transaction on satisfactory terms; rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the Company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration, refurbishment, development or mining programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. SOURCE i-80 Gold Corp Related Links www.i80gold.com DUBLIN, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Sexual Wellness Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The sexual wellness market is expected to reach USD 45.05 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.83%. The continuing creation of the new sexual culture, devoid of the stigma attached to the concept of sex, is witnessing exploration of sexual fantasies, driving the changes in attitudes, and linking sexual wellness to lifestyle. The use of sexual protection measures or contraceptives gains prominence with the emergence of STDs and STIs, preventing the spread of diseases and potentially limiting birth rates. Innovation in product development and distribution channels, enabling better adoption of condoms among the youth population. As governments worldwide are fighting for unsafe sex practices, the need for accessible and reversible contraceptives such as condoms fuels the global market. The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the sexual wellness market during the forecast period: Growing Penetration of Digital Marketplace Increasing Usage of Dating Applications in APAC Growth Spurred by Sexual Wellness Festivals, Trade Shows, And Expo Rise in Government Initiatives for Free Condom Distribution Snippets Male condoms accounted for over 99% of the global market. However, the female condom segment will witness a significant CAGR of over 25%. With the huge development in infrastructure and R&D support, international vendors are rapidly expanding their footprint in the sexual wellness industry. North America has a well-structured and developed sexual wellness system. The sexual wellness industry in North America is expected to reach USD 10.50 billion by 2026. has a well-structured and developed sexual wellness system. The sexual wellness industry in is expected to reach by 2026. In 2020, the sex toys segment led the market with a market share of 57.71%. Sex toys are witnessing a huge demand from countries such as the US, China , and Japan . , and . L Brands, formerly known as Limited Brands designs and distributes beauty products, personal care products, apparel, and accessories. The study considers a detailed scenario of the present sexual wellness market and its market dynamics for the period 2021?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspects of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market. Geography Analysis The sexual wellness industry in North America is witnessing high traction due to the growth in the spending power of end-users, especially millennials. One of the key factors driving the growth of the market in North America is the robust institutional sales by government and federal agencies, NGOs, and charitable organizations. The market for sex toys enjoys a majority of share of 48.78% in the sexual wellness products in the region, followed by condoms (33.25%). North America is expected to follow a leadership strategy. Players are expected to establish more enhanced facilities in this region and maintain offshore facilities for profit enhancement and customer base expansion. Competitive Landscape The aggressive competitive scenario in the global sexual wellness industry is currently intensifying. The sexual wellness market is moderately fragmented, with many global players providing sexual lubricants with high functionalities and designs. Players have to develop new technologies and need to remain abreast with upcoming technologies to have a competitive advantage over other vendors. The female condom market is more concentrated in developing and marginalized regions such as Africa and Central Asia. Veru Healthcare/The Female Health Company, Cupid Ltd., HLL, Shanghai Dahua Medical Apparatus Company, Tianjin Condombao Medical Polyurethane Tech. Co. are some of the major vendors in the female condom industry. Key Questions Answered: 1. How big is the sexual wellness market? 2. What are the factors impacting the growth of the sexual wellness market share? 3. Who are the key players in the sexual wellness industry? 4. What is the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual wellness industry? 5. What are the latest opportunities in the global sexual wellness market? 6. Which region has the highest growth rate in the sexual wellness market? Key Topics Covered: 1 Research Methodology 2 Research Objectives 3 Research Process 4 Scope & Coverage 4.1 Market Definition 4.2 Base Year 4.3 Scope Of The Study 5 Report Assumptions & Caveats 5.1 Key Caveats 5.2 Currency Conversion 5.3 Market Derivation 6 Market at a Glance 7 Introduction 7.1 Overview 7.2 Key Insights 7.3 Promotional Strategies 7.4 Branding Strategies 7.5 Pricing Analysis 7.6 Impact Of Covid-19 7.7 Impact Of Covid-19 On Condom Manufacturing 8 Market Opportunities & Trends 8.1 Growing Penetration Of Digital Marketplaces 8.2 Rising Usage Of Dating Applications In Apac 8.3 Rising Shift Towards Female Customers 8.4 Sexual Wellness Festivals, Trade Shows & Expos Spurring Growth 8.5 Innovation In Condom Designs 9 Market Growth Enablers 9.1 Sex Education Programs Driving Awareness 9.2 Growing Prevalence Of Sti 9.3 Rising Acceptance Of Sexual Wellness Products Among Women 9.4 Government Initiatives For Free Condom Distribution 9.5 Evolving Gender-Neutral Tone 10 Market Restraints 10.1 Limited Popularity, Availability, & Affordability Of Female Condoms 10.2 Rise In Product Counterfeiting 10.3 Easy Availability Of Condom Substitutes 10.4 Psychological Barrier Among Consumers 10.5 Lack Of Investor Confidence In Potential Startups 11 Value Chain Analysis 11.1 Overview 11.2 Condom Market 11.3 Sexual Lubricants Market 12 Market Landscape 12.1 Market Overview 12.2 Market Size & Forecast 12.3 Global Sexual Wellness Market By Product 12.4 Global Sexual Wellness Market By Gender 12.5 Global Sex Toys Market 12.6 Global Condoms Market By Gender 12.7 Global Condoms Market By Type 12.8 Global Condoms Market By End-User 12.9 Global Sexual Lubricant Market 12.10 Five Forces Analysis 13 Product 13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 13.2 Market Overview 13.3 Sex Toys: Market Size & Forecast 13.4 Condoms: Market Size & Forecast 13.5 Condoms Market Overview By Gender 13.6 Condoms Market Overview By Type 13.7 Condom Market Overview By End-Users 13.8 Exotic Lingerie: Market Size & Forecast 13.9 Sexual Lubricants: Market Size & Forecast 13.1 Other Sexual Wellness Products: Market Size & Forecast 14 Gender 14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 14.2 Market Overview 14.3 Male 14.4 Female 15 Distribution Channel 15.1 Market Overview 16 Geography 16.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 16.2 Geographic Overview 17 APAC 17.1 Market Overview 17.2 Pest Analysis 17.3 Impact Of Covid-19 17.4 Market Size & Forecast 17.5 Sexual Wellness Market By Product 17.6 Sex Toys Market In APAC 17.7 Condoms Market In APAC By Gender 17.8 Condoms Market In APAC By Type 17.9 Condoms Market In APAC By End-User 17.10 Sexual Lubricants Market In APAC 17.11 Sexual Wellness Market By Gender 17.12 Key Countries 17.13 China 17.14 Japan 17.15 India 17.16 Australia 17.17 South Korea 17.18 Indonesia 17.19 Malaysia 17.20 Singapore 17.21 New Zealand 17.22 Thailand 17.23 Philippines 17.24 Vietnam 17.25 Sri Lanka 18 Europe 18.1 Market Overview 18.2 Pest Analysis 18.3 Impact Of Covid-19 18.4 Market Size & Forecast 18.5 Sexual Wellness Market By Product 18.6 Sex Toys Market In Europe 18.7 Condoms Market In Europe By Gender 18.8 Condoms Market In Europe By Type 18.9 Condoms Market In Europe By End-User 18.10 Sexual Lubricants Market In Europe 18.11 Sexual Wellness Market By Gender 18.12 Key Countries 18.13 UK 18.14 Germany 18.15 France 18.16 Spain 18.17 Italy 18.18 Netherlands 18.19 Poland 18.20 Sweden 18.21 Denmark 18.22 Norway 19 North America 19.1 Market Overview 19.2 Pest Analysis 19.3 Impact Of Covid-19 19.4 Market Size & Forecast 19.5 Sexual Wellness Market By Product 19.6 Sex Toys Market In North America 19.7 Condoms Market In North America By Gender 19.8 Condoms Market In North America By Type 19.9 Condoms Market In North America By End-User 19.10 Sexual Lubricants Market In North America 19.11 Sexual Wellness Market By Gender 19.12 Key Countries 19.13 US 19.14 Canada 20 Middle East & Africa 20.1 Market Overview 20.2 Pest Analysis 20.3 Impact Of Covid-19 20.4 Market Size & Forecast 20.5 Sexual Wellness Market By Product 20.6 Sex Toys Market In MEA 20.7 Condoms Market In MEA By Gender 20.8 Condoms Market In MEA By Type 20.9 Condoms Market In MEA By End-User 20.10 Sexual Lubricants Market In MEA 20.11 Sexual Wellness Market By Gender 20.12 Key Countries 20.13 UAE 20.14 Kenya 20.15 Saudi Arabia 20.16 South Africa 20.17 Algeria 20.18 Nigeria 20.19 Ethiopia 21 Latin America 21.1 Market Overview 21.2 Pest Analysis 21.3 Market Size & Forecast 21.4 Sexual Wellness Market By Product 21.5 Sex Toys Market In Latin America 21.6 Condoms Market In Latin America By Gender 21.7 Condoms Market In Latin America By Type 21.8 Condoms Market In Latin America By End-User 21.9 Sexual Lubricants Market In Latin America 21.10 Sexual Wellness Market By Gender 21.11 Key Countries 21.12 Brazil 21.13 Argentina 21.14 Mexico 21.15 Peru 21.16 Chile 21.17 Colombia 22 Competitive Landscape 22.1 Competition Overview 22.2 Market Structure & Mapping Of Competition 22.3 Recent Market Developments & Initiatives 23 Market Share Insights For Condoms 23.1 Male Condoms 23.2 Female Condoms 23.3 APAC 23.4 North America 23.5 Middle East & Africa 23.6 Europe 23.7 Latin America 24 Key Company Profiles 24.1 Lifestyles (Lifestyles Holdco Pte. Ltd.) 24.2 Church & Dwight 24.3 Diamond Products 24.4 Reckitt Benckiser Group 24.5 Okamoto Industries 24.6 Karex Berhad 24.7 Doc Johnson 25 Other Prominent Vendors 25.1 Bally 25.2 Beate Uhse 25.3 Beijing Aimer 25.4 Bijoux Indiscrets 25.5 Billy Boy (Mapa Gmbh) 25.6 Biofilm 25.7 Bms Factory 25.8 Bodywise 25.9 B. Cumming 25.10 Caution Wear 25.11 Calexotics 25.12 Calvin Klein (PVH Corp) 25.13 Convex Latex 25.14 Cosmo Lady 25.15 Cupid Limited 25.16 Dongkuk Techco 25.17 Double One 25.18 EAU Zone Oils & Fragrances 25.19 European Lingerie Group Ab (ELG) 25.20 Embry 25.21 Empowered Products 25.22 Fuji Latex 25.23 Good Clean Love 25.24 Guy & O'neill 25.25 Hathor Professional Skincare 25.26 HBM Group 25.27 HLL Lifecare 25.28 Id Lubricants 25.29 Innova Quality 25.30 Innovus Pharma 25.31 IXU 25.32 L Brands (Lvmh) 25.33 La Maison Lejaby 25.34 La Perla 25.35 Lelo 25.36 Live Well Brands 25.37 Lovehoney Group 25.38 Mankind Pharma 25.39 Mayor Laboratories 25.40 Md Science Lab 25.41 Mtlc Latex 25.42 Nulatex 25.43 Orient Industry 25.44 PHE 25.45 Pjur Group 25.46 Ritex 25.47 Sagami Rubber Industries 25.48 Sensuous Beauty 25.49 Shandong Ming Yuan Latex Co. 25.50 Shanghai Dahua Medical Apparatus/Path 25.51 Silk Parasol 25.52 Sliquid 25.53 Staysafe Condoms (By Advacare Pharma) 25.54 Strata Various Product Design 25.55 Suki (Ohmibod) 25.56 Tenga 25.57 Thai Nippon Rubber Industry 25.58 The Yes Company 25.59 Tianjin Condombao Medical Polyurethane Tech 25.60 Topco Sales 25.61 Trigg Laboratories 25.62 Triumph 25.63 Veru Healthcare/The Female Health Company 25.64 XR Brands 25.65 Kaamastra 26 Report Summary For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/33uwln 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 The instrument transformer market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The growing investments in electric power systems, rising demand from industrial end-users for metering and load management, and replacement demand from existing sites in power transmission and distribution and industrial sector will offer immense growth opportunities. However, replacement demand for instrument transformers served by a large number of unrecognized vendors, growing use of current and voltage sensors, and poor financial health of the power sector in markets such as India and Pakistan will challenge the growth of the market participants. Instrument Transformer Market 2021-2025: Segmentation Application Protection Measurement Geography APAC North America Europe MEA South America To know more about various segments of the instrument transformer market, Download a Free Sample. Instrument Transformer Market 2021-2025: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our instrument transformer market report covers the following areas: Instrument Transformer Market 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the Instrument Transformer Market, including ABB Ltd., Amran Inc., CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd., General Electric Co., Indian Transformers Co., Koncar-Instrument transformers Inc., Mehru Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (P) Ltd., Meramec Instrument Transformer Co., and SADTEM. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research report on the instrument transformer market is designed to provide entry support, customer profile, and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Subscribe to our "Lite Plan" billed annually at USD 3000 that enables you to download 3 reports/year and view 3 reports/month. Instrument Transformer Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025 Detailed information on factors that will assist instrument transformer market growth during the next five years Estimation of the instrument transformer market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the instrument transformer market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of instrument transformer market vendors Related Reports: Power Transformers Market: The power transformers market has been segmented by type (Liquid-immersed power transformers and Dry-type power transformers) and geographic landscape (APAC, Europe , MEA, North America , and South America ). Download Free Sample Report The power transformers market has been segmented by type (Liquid-immersed power transformers and Dry-type power transformers) and geographic landscape (APAC, , MEA, , and ). Liquid-Immersed Transformers Market: The liquid-immersed transformers market has been segmented by type (power transformers and distribution transformers) and geographic landscape (APAC, North America , Europe , MEA, and South America ). Download Free Sample Report Instrument Transformer Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.01% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 588.08 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 3.67 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, MEA, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 54% Key consumer countries China, US, India, Japan, and Russian Federation Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled ABB Ltd., Amran Inc., CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd., General Electric Co., Indian Transformers Co., Koncar-Instrument transformers Inc., Mehru Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (P) Ltd., Meramec Instrument Transformer Co., and SADTEM 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. Table Of Contents : Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis For more valuable insights, View Our Report Snapshot! About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Related Links https://www.technavio.com SUNRISE, Fla., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Interim HealthCare Inc., the nation's leading franchise network of home care, senior care, home health and hospice and healthcare staffing services, announced that CEO and President Jennifer Sheets has been named a winner of the Silver Stevie Award for Executive of the Year Consumer Products in the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. As CEO and President of Interim HealthCare Inc., Jennifer Sheets provided invaluable leadership to the company throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped ensure the safety of her own employees while also displaying her care and leadership for the greater home healthcare industry, by championing crucial policies and procedures to allow the industry to continue providing vital care services. As a former ICU nurse and hospital CEO, Jennifer's dedication to providing the highest levels of care fueled her relentless pursuit to uphold critical standards of safety and care among the nearly 200,000 individuals Interim HealthCare serves. Judges lauded Sheets' work as "incredibly noteworthy and inspiring" with "impressive forward-thinking beyond her pre-defined remit." Upon hearing the news, Jennifer Sheets commented: "I am sincerely honored to be chosen by the Stevie Awards as an Executive of the Year. I've learned that good leadership begins with a commitment to service and a desire to impact the world for the better, and I carry these ideals with me in all the work that I do. My passion for ensuring people can age in place, happily live at home and in good health whenever possible has only grown stronger over the past year, and I look forward to continuing my work to further advance the industry." The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world's premier business awards. More than 1,500 entries were submitted for consideration this year in more than 100 categories. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 160 business professionals around the world, working on eight juries. Maggie Gallagher Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, said, "We thought the remarkable stories of achievement we saw in last year's awards couldn't be topped, but we were wrong. Women-owned and -run organizations have contributed significantly to the increase in innovation and entrepreneurial activity we've seen globally since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nominations submitted to the 18th Stevie Awards for Women in Business that attest to this are inspiring, humbling, and motivating." To view the list of Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in all categories, click here: www.StevieAwards.com/Women. Winners will be celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Registration for the ceremony is now on sale. For more information on Interim HealthCare, please visit www.interimhealthcare.com. About Interim HealthCare Inc. Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International, which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 575 franchise locations in eight countries, Caring Brands International is a global healthcare leader. Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com . About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. SOURCE Interim HealthCare Inc. Related Links https://www.interimhealthcare.com Under the guidance of the Shanghai Biomedical Industry Development Leading Group, the inaugural International Biopharma Industry Week Shanghai (IBIWS) is co-hosted by Shanghai Biomedical Industry Promotion Center, E Fund Assets Management Co., Ltd., Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd., Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Zhangjiang Group. IBIWS 2021 is themed on "Aiming at the Future and Driving Forward the New Biopharma Industry". "Aiming at the future" embodies IBIWS' mission and vision, that is, pooling global forces to jointly build a brighter future for health. "Driving forward the New Biopharma Industry" illustrates the positioning and attributes of IBIWS, that is, helping Shanghai to build a world-class biopharma industry cluster and to turbocharge the biopharma industry in an innovative way. At the opening ceremony, top-level scientists and industry thinkers shared innovation trends and frontier findings as well as indigenous innovations and global applications in their respective fields. The keynote speech session saw several preeminent global experts - including Boli ZHANG (recipient of the Chinese national honorary title of "People's Hero"), Michael LEVITT (Nobel laureate in chemistry in 2013), and Xiaodong WANG (member of the United States National Academy of Sciences & foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) - introduce the latest frontier medical developments. On the topic of industrial development, Carl June (member of the United States National Academy of Sciences, founder of CAR-T cell therapy, and professor at Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania) talked about the trends of cell therapy. Senior executives representing multinational giants delivered speeches successively. They included Mark Leung (China CEO, JPMorgan); Pascal Soriot (Global CEO, AstraZeneca); Geoff Martha (Chairman & CEO, Medtronic); Vasant Narasimhan (Global CEO, Novartis); Hong ZHOU (Executive Vice President, Merck Global Health Initiative); Gary S. Guthart (CEO, Intuitive Surgical, Inc.); and Felix Gutsche (Global Senior Vice President & China CEO, Boehringer Ingelheim). These speakers reviewed the history of technological transformations and innovations of their own companies as well as the history of globalization, particularly their companies' past stories of building platforms in China to promote sustainable cooperation. Moreover, they voiced their confidence in continuing to invest in China to boost its healthcare sector. Representing SOEs, private companies, and the investment community respectively, Jun ZHOU (Chairman, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd.), Qiyu CHEN (Co-CEO, Fosun International), and Yuyin ZHAN (Chairman, E Fund Management Co., Ltd.) delivered keynote speeches successively, sharing their insights about how to capitalize on opportunities and the latest trends to further leverage the leading role of biopharma, thereby helping to build Shanghai into a globally influential heartland of biopharma innovation. The opening ceremony also witnessed the inauguration of the Innovation Center for Frontier Biopharma Industries, the announcement of partners for the building of the world-class biopharma industry cluster, and the launch of the biopharma "Star of Tomorrow" campaign. These measures exhibited the strength and determination of Shanghai in setting industry benchmarks and identifying high-potential firms. In the session of industry dialogue, Min XUE (Chairman, United Imaging Healthcare Group), Xin BIAN (President, Roche Group China), and Jia LI (Director, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, the Chinese Academy of Sciences), based on their practical experiences, held face-to-face discussions on the topic of the path for Shanghai to build a world-class biopharma industry cluster. "Now is the best time to turbocharge biopharma." IBIWS 2021 will give new impetus to Shanghai and even the wider Yangtze River Delta to optimize their biopharma ecosystems, helping the region to build a world-class biopharma industry cluster. To realize this ambitious goal, the biopharma practitioners of Shanghai will make great efforts in several dimensions. Capitalizing on the foundation of the city's biopharma industry, they will strive to make breakthroughs in fields of strength, curate more innovations, develop key areas, improve ecological environment, and forge leading companies. Meanwhile, they will establish a policy support system throughout the whole industry chain featuring "R&D+Clinic+Manufacturing+Application" and continue to optimize the industrial mix of "1+5+X", thereby more effectively leading biopharma integration within the Yangtze River Delta. SOURCE Shanghai Biomedical Industry Promotion Center HOLMDEL, N.J., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has named three new external affairs consultants to serve as liaisons with elected officials and to support local community involvement activities. Jarrell Coleman will work out of JCP&L's Berkeley facility, serving parts of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties; Tina Earley will work out of the company's Old Bridge facility, serving all or parts of Middlesex and Monmouth counties; and Jolanta Maziarz will work out of Summit, serving all or parts of Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union counties. "These new team members have extensive experience in engaging with their local communities and government officials," said James V. Fakult, president of Jersey Central Power & Light. "Jarrell, Tina and Jolanta's involvement and ability to maintain strong relationships will provide lasting benefits for our customers and the communities we serve." A Tinton Falls, New Jersey native, Coleman returns to his home state after most recently working in the supply chain department at Dominion Energy in Virginia. He built his career working within the transmission and distribution operations at New Jersey American Water and also served as capital programs administrator for Virginia & Maryland American Water. Coleman earned his bachelor's degree in finance from Hampton University. Earley also brings utility industry experience to JCP&L, having worked as a major account manager for New Jersey American Water and as manager of Government and Community Affairs for Elizabethtown Gas. Prior to that, she served as an assistant counsel for the New Jersey Senate Democratic Office and as a legislative aide for New Jersey State Senate President Steven Sweeney. Earley serves on the boards of the Union County Workforce Development Board, the YWCA of Union County and the Union County College Foundation. She holds an undergraduate degree in politics from The Catholic University of America and earned her law degree from Widener University School of Law. With a background in local government, Maziarz is currently serving a three-year term on the Warren Township Committee. She has served as a land use attorney, counsel to the Somerset County Governing Officials' Association, trustee of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys and deputy chair of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities' Land Use and Environment Legislative subcommittee. Maziarz earned her bachelor's degree from Hunter College and Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall School of Law. JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.jcp-l.com. FirstEnergy Corp. is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp. Editor's Note: Photos of the new external affairs consultants are available for download on Flickr. SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. Related Links http://www.firstenergycorp.com Fund Intelligence's Mutual Fund Industry and ETF Awards honor fund management professionals and firms for achievements in leadership, marketing, governance, and performance contributions to the industry. 1 Dr. McClellan is recognized as Trustee of the Year for working in the best interests of shareholders through the execution of operations and policies and by providing overall leadership to the John Hancock Group of Funds Board. Of note, is his personal passion and commitment to enhancing the Board of John Hancock Funds' innovative and strategic use of technology and John Hancock Investment Management's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, which have made positive impacts on the company's DEI journey and board performance during his tenure. "I consider Hassell to be a mentor who has helped the John Hancock Group of Funds Board navigate funds management throughout much of the 21st century - through the great recession, fee wars, consolidations - and now the COVID-19 pandemic," said Andrew G. Arnott, CEO, John Hancock Investment Management and head of wealth and asset management, Manulife Investment Management, United States and Europe. "The environment has been challenging and complex but through the years there has never been a moment where Hassell has not been thinking deeply about our shareholders and our funds. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and recognition of his leadership." "I am deeply honored to have been selected by the judges and the Fund Intelligence and Pageant family for this recognition and award," said Dr. McClellan. "I have found the role of trustee to be extraordinarily impactful and I continue to be inspired by the intellect, commitment and professionalism of all of my fellow trustees. It is truly their support and collaboration, along with outstanding management teams, that make serving as a trustee and driving results for our shareholders such a rewarding experience." Dr. McClellan has served as an independent board member of the John Hancock Group of Funds Board since 2005 and was named chairperson of the board of trustees in 2017. He was a professor of finance and policy and associate dean at Boston College's Wallace E. Carroll School of Management and has been a director of both public and privately held companies. Dr. McClellan specializes in strategic management and has a Doctor of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School, an M.B.A. in finance and marketing from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor's degree in economics and mathematics from Fisk University. He's authored several articles and case studies, as well as a book on the banking industry, Managing One-Bank Holding Companies. 1. Trustee of the Year is awarded to directors who serve on boards that oversee more than $30bn in assets for outstanding accomplishments working with their own board or with the mutual fund industry in general. Accomplishments could include but are not limited to industry leadership, individual fund leadership, strong governance credentials and innovation. https://www.mutualfundindustryawards.com/page/1947427/winners-2021 About John Hancock Investment Management A company of Manulife Investment Management, we serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship. About Manulife Investment Management Manulife Investment Management is the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. As of June 30, 2021, Manulife Investment Management's assets under management and administration, including assets managed for Manulife's other segments, totaled CAD$1.0 trillion (US$834 billion). Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com. John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC is the principal underwriter and wholesale distribution broker dealer for the John Hancock mutual funds. Member FINRA, SIPC. NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. 2021 John Hancock. All rights reserved. SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) (the Company) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) unanimously voted 19-0 to recommend Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged 18 and older at least two months following initial vaccination with the single-shot vaccine. The vote was based on findings from two Company clinical trials, including the Phase 3 ENSEMBLE 2 study, which evaluated a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine administered two months after the single-shot, as well as a large and robust real-world evidence study. The Company also presented data that support the increased potential of a booster when administered at six months. Phase 3 clinical data and real-world data both demonstrated the Johnson & Johnson single-shot COVID-19 vaccine was strong and long-lasting. "Today's recommendation is based on the totality of evidence, with clinical and real-world data showing that while a single shot offers strong and long-lasting protection against COVID-19, a booster given after the single-dose primary vaccination increases protection, in particular against symptomatic COVID-19," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson. "Johnson & Johnson is steadfast in its commitment to protect as many people globally as possible against the continued spread of COVID-19," said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson. "Today's recommendation by the VRBPAC is another step toward ensuring that those who have received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine or will receive it in the future are provided the opportunity to increase their protection against COVID-19. We look forward to sharing these data with regulatory bodies and advisory groups around the world to address the continued threat of COVID-19." The Company's EUA amendment submission included results from the Phase 3 ENSEMBLE 2 study, which found a booster dose at two months provided 94 percent protection against symptomatic (moderate to severe/critical) COVID-19 in the United States (CI, 58%-100%) and 100 percent protection (CI, 33%-100%) against severe/critical COVID-19, at least 14 days post-booster vaccination. Also submitted were findings from a Phase 1/2a study evaluating a booster dose given six months after the first shot, which show antibody levels increased nine-fold one week after the booster, and continued to climb to 12-fold higher four weeks after the booster. The vaccine, when given as a booster or primary dose, was generally well-tolerated, with no new safety signals observed in the two-dose ENSEMBLE 2 trial compared with single-dose studies. The submission also included data from a large and robust U.S. real-world evidence study, conducted from March to July 31, 2021, and recently extended to August 31, 2021. These real-world data demonstrated the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine showed stable vaccine effectiveness of 76 percent (CI, 75%-77%) for COVID-19-related infections and 81 percent (CI, 79%-84%) for COVID-19-related hospitalizations, with no evidence of reduced effectiveness over the study duration of six months including when the Delta variant became dominant in the U.S. (sequencing data were not available for analysis). Johnson & Johnson remains committed to helping end this pandemic as quickly as possible and is committed to diligently generating and evaluating real-world evidence, as well as evidence from its ongoing clinical trial program. The Company anticipates a decision from the FDA on the EUA amendment for a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in the coming days, and plans to submit relevant data to other regulators, the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) worldwide to inform decision-making on local vaccine administration strategies, as needed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will discuss the use of boosters and provide a potential recommendation on October 21. In the U.S., there is sufficient supply to support boosting to those who have received the more than 15.1 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine that have been administered as primary vaccinations. The Johnson & Johnson single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, developed by its Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, received initial EUA in the United States on February 27, 2021 and Conditional Marketing Authorization (CMA) by the European Commission on March 11. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued Emergency Use Listing on March 12, and the Company received an interim recommendation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization for the WHO on March 17. Many more authorizations have been granted in countries worldwide, and regulatory submissions are ongoing. For more information on the Company's multi-pronged approach to helping combat the pandemic, visit: www.jnj.com/covid-19. Authorized Use The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in the U.S. under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 18 years of age and older. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WHAT SHOULD YOU MENTION TO YOUR VACCINATION PROVIDER BEFORE YOU GET THE JANSSEN COVID-19 VACCINE? Tell the vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have any allergies have a fever have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system are pregnant or plan to become pregnant are breastfeeding have received another COVID-19 vaccine have ever fainted in association with an injection WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE JANSSEN COVID-19 VACCINE? You should not get the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine if you: had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine. HOW IS THE JANSSEN COVID-19 VACCINE GIVEN? The Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine will be given to you as an injection into the muscle. The Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine vaccination schedule is a single dose. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THE JANSSEN COVID-19 VACCINE? Side effects that have been reported with the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine include: Injection site reactions: pain, redness of the skin, and swelling. General side effects: headache, feeling very tired, muscle aches, nausea, fever. Swollen lymph nodes. Unusual feeling in the skin (such as tingling or a crawling feeling) (paresthesia), decreased feeling or sensitivity, especially in the skin (hypoesthesia). Persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Diarrhea, vomiting. Severe Allergic Reactions There is a remote chance that the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay at the place where you received your vaccine for monitoring after vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include: Difficulty breathing Swelling of your face and throat A fast heartbeat A bad rash all over your body Dizziness and weakness Blood Clots with Low Levels of Platelets Blood clots involving blood vessels in the brain, lungs, abdomen, and legs along with low levels of platelets (blood cells that help your body stop bleeding), have occurred in some people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. In people who developed these blood clots and low levels of platelets, symptoms began approximately one to two-weeks following vaccination. Reporting of these blood clots and low levels of platelets has been highest in females ages 18 through 49 years. The chance of having this occur is remote. You should seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms after receiving Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine: Shortness of breath, Chest pain, Leg swelling, Persistent abdominal pain, Severe or persistent headaches or blurred vision, Easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of the injection. These may not be all the possible side effects of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. Serious and unexpected effects may occur. The Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine is still being studied in clinical trials. Guillain Barre Syndrome Guillain Barre syndrome (a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis) has occurred in some people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. In most of these people, symptoms began within 42 days following receipt of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. The chance of having this occur is very low. You should seek medical attention right away if you develop any of the following symptoms after receiving the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine: Weakness or tingling sensations, especially in the legs or arms, that's worsening and spreading to other parts of the body Difficulty walking Difficulty with facial movements, including speaking, chewing, or swallowing Double vision or inability to move eyes Difficulty with bladder control or bowel function WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS? If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1, or go to the nearest hospital. Call the vaccination provider or your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. Report vaccine side effects to FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967 or report online to https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html. Please include "Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine EUA" in the first line of box #18 of the report form. In addition, you can report side effects to Janssen Biotech Inc. at 1-800-565-4008. Please read Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) including full EUA Prescribing Information available at www.JanssenCOVID19Vaccine.com/EUA-factsheet About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world's largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews. 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 @JanssenGlobal. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding development of a potential preventive vaccine for COVID-19. 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 the 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. SOURCE Johnson & Johnson Related Links www.jnj.com MODESTO, Calif., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers and allies will start picketing across Northern California on Monday, Oct. 18 to protest short-staffing, threats to patient care, and in solidarity with engineers from Local 39 who are on strike at Kaiser. SEIU-UHW and other union members are demanding Kaiser improve staffing levels and invest in its current workforce. "Healthcare workers have been stretched so thin that we're at a breaking point," said Maria Encisco, Medical Assistant, Kaiser Union City. "Our engineer co-workers are the heart of patient safety and care, working right at our sides. If your loved one needs a ventilator, it's an engineer who makes sure it works. It's on them to make sure everything in our hospitals works from life support machines to plumbing but they're overloaded and short-staffed like the rest of us. Kaiser needs to stop disrespecting them and understaffing our hospitals." The Local 39 engineers keep Kaiser hospital patients and workers safe by ensuring everything inside and outside the building is running smoothly testing emergency generators, fire lights safety, hot water boilers, cooling towers, and maintaining every single patient room and all bathrooms. They also maintain medical equipment ventilators, life support machines, pumps, IV machines, and every other machine used to keep patients alive. Despite being a non-profit organization which means it pays no income taxes on its earnings and extremely limited property taxes Kaiser Permanente reported a net income of $6.4 billion in 2020. More than 58,000 Kaiser Permanente employees are members of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW). Local 39 represents approximately 700 engineers across Kaiser. WHAT: Healthcare workers wearing uniforms and picketing with signs, handing out leaflets, chanting, blowing whistles in protest of Kaiser's short-staffing and in support of striking Local 39 union members. PICKET LOCATIONS, DATES, TIMES: Monday, Oct 18 Kaiser Modesto - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct 19 Kaiser Fremont - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser Santa Rosa - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 20 Kaiser San Francisco - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser Vallejo - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct 21 Kaiser Oakland - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Kaiser San Leandro - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Kaiser Richmond - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct 22 Kaiser South San Francisco - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct 26 Kaiser San Jose - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser Stockton - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser San Rafael - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 27 Kaiser Redwood City- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser Antioch - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser Vacaville - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser South Sacramento - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct 28 Kaiser Santa Clara- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser Walnut Creek - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser Fresno - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kaiser Sacramento - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 100,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians, provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org. SOURCE SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West Related Links http://www.seiu-usww.org BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KitchenAid presents "Design Minded," a content series available today HERE . The new series centers around the emerging discipline of neuroaesthetics, the study of how design impacts our brains and behavior, as documented through two distinct home renovations. The series highlights how KitchenAid is not only a brand for those who love to cook, but a brand for designers and homeowners who are creating spaces built to fuel their passion in the kitchen. With the last year behind us, one in which our relationship to home drastically shifted to a more holistic one, it's never been more timely to consider the emerging discipline of neuroaesthetics. In partnership with Vox Creative, the content series explores the neurological and even physiological benefits of design. Renowned designer, Sabrina Soto and expert in neuroaesthetics, Itai Palti work together to reimagine two homeowners' spaces to serve their unique culinary needs, blending aesthetics and cognitive experience in the space. From leveraging the biophilia hypothesis to create a tranquil kitchen space, to using the science of physical-social dimension for hosting guests, viewers will leave with an entirely new perspective on design. "A kitchen is far more than where we eat and cook," said Priyanka Rathore, brand communications manager for KitchenAid. "At KitchenAid, we know the relationship to our home is holistic. From our productivity to our overall well-being, the design of our spaces deeply influences how we think, feel and live. The KitchenAid brand's design philosophy is rooted in the belief that our spaces should not only look beautiful but should also make us feel inspired and connected. 'Design Minded' explains how we can leverage design for neurological and even physiological benefits, showcasing how the KitchenAid line of appliances can shape how we truly feel in our spaces." Meet the Designers Sabrina Soto : Sabrina is a renowned interior designer, consultant, entrepreneur, and TV personality. In the series, she brings to life the KitchenAid brand's design philosophy that our spaces should support both our aesthetic and emotional needs. Sabrina is a renowned interior designer, consultant, entrepreneur, and TV personality. In the series, she brings to life the KitchenAid brand's design philosophy that our spaces should support both our aesthetic and emotional needs. Itai Palti : Itai is a pioneer in neuroaesthetics, conscious design, and the evolving relationship we have with our interior spaces. In the series, Itai marries art and science to help reimagine the homeowners' spaces. Meet the Homeowners Jenne Claiborne: Jenne is a popular blogger, vegan chef, a best-selling cookbook author, and new Atlanta homeowner. Her first cookbook Sweet Potato Soul offers 100 vegan soul food recipes that riff on southern soul food in delicious ways. Jenne's main objective for her space is to create a tranquil sanctuary that brings the outside environment experience inside, to allow her to feel light, calm, and connected to nature. is a popular blogger, vegan chef, a best-selling cookbook author, and new homeowner. Her first cookbook offers 100 vegan soul food recipes that riff on southern soul food in delicious ways. Jenne's main objective for her space is to create a tranquil sanctuary that brings the outside environment experience inside, to allow her to feel light, calm, and connected to nature. Kate Arends : Kate Arends is a designer, tastemaker, founder of popular creative and lifestyle blog Wit and Delight and is in the process of renovating her St. Paul, Minnesota home. Kate is passionate about interior design and engaging her large follower base with her favorite finds, colors, and room-by-room renovations. In contrast to Jenne's objectives, Kate's desires for her kitchen space were all about color, texture, energy, and communal flow. "As a designer, I'm always looking for products that exhibit the best of both form and function," said Sabrina Soto, interior designer. "That's why I was excited to be part of this project led by KitchenAid. The brand is known for long-lasting products with iconic design that can help shape a space as much as traditional decor elements." Starting today, viewers can find the series HERE . Viewers can also shop the featured KitchenAid products via https://www.kitchenaid.com/major-appliances.html . About KitchenAid Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for those with a passion to make. Today, the KitchenAid brand offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. To learn more, visit KitchenAid.com or follow us on Instagram, @KitchenAidUSA . About Vox Creative Vox Creative is Vox Media's award-winning brand studio. Vox Creative's team of strategists, writers, storytellers, and analysts create original content and experiences that connect brands with influential audiences across Vox Media's editorial networks and beyond. Vox Creative's work spans short and long-form video, podcasts, explainers, experiential, shoppable content and more. They've built houses, invented cocktails, produced documentaries, traveled inside companies to uncover untold stories, and, on rare occasions, have gone to the moon. Media Contact: MSL [email protected] SOURCE KitchenAid RESTON, Va., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, was recently awarded a prime contract by the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). Through this award, Leidos will provide services and support for the ONI's Hopper Information Services Center. The single award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract holds a total estimated value of approximately $65 million. Work will be performed primarily in Suitland, Maryland. "ONI has a critical role in ensuring that U.S. naval forces maintain a decisive information advantage," said Mike Rickels, Leidos Senior Vice President of C4ISR solutions. "We look forward to continuing our decades-long support to ONI while providing timely and accurate maritime domain information to the warfighter." Under the contract, Leidos will provide a broad range of professional information technology services, including operations management, cloud migration, and software development as well as cybersecurity and information assurance. The Hopper Information Services Center provides mission-related information technology and services to ONI, its subordinate commands, the Fleet and Joint Forces. The center is one of four Centers of Excellence that are distinct commands subordinate to ONI. About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $12.30 billion for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2021. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. Contact: Melissa Duenas (571) 526-6850 [email protected] Thomas Doheny (571) 474-4735 [email protected] Jalen Drummond (703) 676-4300 [email protected] SOURCE Leidos Holdings, Inc. At the same time as the event in New York, Light DeFi will have an advertising campaign on Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo - SP. Headquartered in Uruguay, Grupo Light is expanding its activities around the world. With nearly 20,000 users on the market, Light DeFi launched just two months ago on the market, on August 8, 2021. The token represents a sustainable ecosystem with 10 billion units in total and a renewable energy production project. "Light DeFi's campaign is an opportunity to leave the networks and embrace the streets. LIGHT users are spread across the world and represent a diverse group of holders. With the events, our token shows that it wants to dominate and be present in the main financial centers of the world, such as New York and Sao Paulo", says Bruno Zorzetti, CMO of Light DeFi's Marketing agency SOURCE Light DeFi MONTREAL, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) ("Lion" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, today announced that it will release its 2021 third quarter results on November 10, 2021, after markets close. A conference call and webcast will be held on November 11, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the results. To participate in the conference call, please dial (236) 714-3941 or (833) 329-1697 (toll free). A live webcast of the conference call will also be available at www.thelionelectric.com under the "Events & Presentations" page of the "Investors" section. An archive of the event will be available shortly after the conference call. ABOUT LION ELECTRIC Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles. The company creates, designs and manufactures all-electric class 5 to class 8 commercial urban trucks and all-electric buses and minibuses for the school, paratransit and mass transit segments. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles many of its vehicles' components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies. Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life. Lion shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LEV. SOURCE Lion Electric Related Links https://thelionelectric.com/ STRICTLY LIMITED LOUIS XIII cognac is the result of the life achievement of generations of Cellar Masters, blending the finest eaux-de-vie using grapes grown exclusively in Grande Champagne. It is essential for LOUIS XIII to be experienced as a ritual , drop by drop, to reveal a prolonged and evolving expression of flavor, in a single moment of excellence . Customers who want to try their luck by ordering one of the NXIII Experiences can log on to LOUIS XIII Society * or purchase directly through select nightclubs . A LOUIS XIII Brand Ambassador will contact each of them to organize this unique adventure . The experience is so exclusive that there is greater chance of being accepted on a space mission. The first NXIII decanter to arrive in the U.S. will be unveiled on October 15 at OMNIA in Las Vegas. For more information on product availability, contact: [email protected]. EXTEND TIME WITH A SPECIAL RITUAL Time is the raw material of LOUIS XIII, and NXIII allows us to explore a whole new expression of time. Nightlife is defined by a sense of freedom, pleasure and celebration, all of which are captured and amplified by the NXIII tasting ritual: a red individually numbered crystal decanter, revealed from under a LED cloche. Six red bespoke crystal glasses on a luminous tray accompany it, standing out from the crowd. Red is the defining color of the experience, capturing the passion, electricity and lifeforce of the night. LOUIS XIII is served using a special cognac pipette, known as the Spear, to prolong the dropbydrop service ritual. The aromas and notes of the remarkable cognac can then be savored at length. LOUIS XIII fixes its own rhythm in the night. CRAFTED DECANTER BY HAND LOUIS XIII has collaborated with SaintLouis, the oldest glass manufacturer in Europe, to create the striking handmade NXIII red decanter and red cognac glasses. The vibrant red hue of the glass can only be achieved using a secret process that requires the addition of gold. Saint-Louis' shared passion for tradition, savoirfaire and innovation comes to life in the rare decanters: blown, cut, decorated and engraved by hand, and individually numbered, it is finished with the LOUIS XIII signature dentelle spikes and a palladium neck. Following a NXIII tasting ritual, clients may leave the nightclub with their NXIII decanter (if the rules of the club and local legal regulations allow) as a treasured souvenir of the most memorable of nights. The NFCenabled stopper grants the owner exclusive access to the LOUIS XIII Society and all its membership benefits. The LOUIS XIIII NXIII recommended selling price is available upon request. *The LOUIS XIII Society is a private members club for owners of LOUIS XIII Cognac decanters. ABOUT LOUIS XIII COGNAC: Think a century ahead. Each decanter is the life achievement of generations of Cellar Masters. Since its origins in 1874, each generation of Cellar Master selects from our cellars the most precious eauxdevie for LOUIS XIII. Today, Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau is setting aside our finest eauxdevie as a legacy to his successors for the coming century. LOUIS XIII is an exquisite blend sourced from Grande Champagne, the first cru of the Cognac region. The legendary decanters have been mouthblown by some of the most skilled master craftsmen for generations. LOUIS XIII features exceptional aromas evoking myrrh, honey, dried roses, plum, honeysuckle, cigar box, leather, figs and passion fruit. ABOUT SAINT-LOUIS: Saint-Louis since 1586. Unrivalled, dense, clear, sonorous and luminous, born of a ball of fire and the breath of man, Saint-Louis crystal vibrates with all the talent inherited from history and extraordinary creative fantasy inspired by current trends. Saint-Louis signs everyday mouthblown and hand-cut crystal lightings, tableware and decoration pieces crafted by master glassblowers and cutters considered to be among the very best in France ("Meilleurs Ouvriers de France"). saint-louis.com LOUIS XIII Cognac Press contacts: Andrea Foraison - Global Communication Manager - [email protected] Kate Nelson Public Relations Manager - [email protected] Press page: http://press.louis-xiii.com/NXIII/ PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY SOURCE LOUIS XIII Cognac Lucid also announced that its newest retail location the Lucid Studio at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver, B.C. will open its doors to customers on Saturday, October 16. While at the Lucid Studio, visitors can experience the Lucid Air and learn more about the full lineup. This location, the 10th in a growing network of Lucid Studios, serves as the company's first studio outside of the US, representing the first step in Lucid's plans to significantly expand its global network in 2022. The company plans to open its next Canadian Studio location in the Toronto area in 2022, with other Canadian locations to follow. "Announcing Canadian pricing and our first retail location in the country in tandem is critical in bringing the Lucid brand to Canada," said Zak Edson, Senior Director, Sales and Service, Lucid Group. "This opening is the first of many announcements for locations outside of the U.S. market as we continue our rapid global expansion." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released its official range estimate for the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range, which is the longest range for any electric car rated by the EPA: 520 miles/836 km on a single charge, more than 185 kms over its closest competitor. The Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance and Lucid Air Grand Touring also achieved EPA estimated ranges far beyond any other EV. With customer-quality cars now coming off the line, Lucid has confirmed US deliveries will begin later this month. Canadian deliveries will follow shortly after. Lucid Air Pricing (CAD) Power Projected Range Lucid Air Pure $105,000 480 hp 653 km Lucid Air Touring $129,000 620 hp 653 km Lucid Air Grand Touring $189,000 800 hp 830 km Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance $229,000 1,111 hp 758 km Lucid Air Dream Edition Range $229,000 933 hp 836 km Studio Experience Every Lucid Studio offers a digitally oriented luxury experience tailored to each customer's preferences, whether they visit in-person, make inquiries entirely online, or combine the two. Lucid's Vancouver Studio allows customers to experience the brand and obtain information about its products in a location that underscores the company's unique design aesthetic. Exploring a Lucid Studio, visitors will get a vision of how the company draws inspiration from the beauty, innovation, and diversity of its home state of California. Lucid Studios augment the physical experience of seeing and touching a Lucid Air with an elevated digital experience. Using a 4K VR configurator, Lucid's Virtual Reality Experience combines the physical and virtual worlds to showcase seamless personalization of everything from interior finishes and materials to exterior color. Virtual Experience Mirroring the luxury one-to-one Studio experience online for those who prefer shopping from home, customers can take advantage of "Lucid Studio Live," a cloud-based configuration solution powered by ZeroLight's Concierge product. From the comfort of their own homes, customers can virtually interact with a car while a Lucid representative guides them through key features and configuration options. Future Studio & Service Centers The Lucid Studio at CF Pacific Centre is the first to open in Canada and will be followed by a Studio in Toronto. Additional locations will open throughout Canada in 2022 as Lucid continues to expand its presence globally. Customers can visit during normal business hours or can book a personal appointment by contacting the Lucid team at lucidmotors.com/en-ca/contact. They can always start exploring the Lucid Air through the "Design Yours" configurator. About Lucid Group Lucid's mission is to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy by creating the most captivating electric vehicles, centered around the human experience. The company's first car, Lucid Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan with a California-inspired design underpinned by race-proven technology. Lucid Air features a luxurious full-size interior space in a mid-size exterior footprint. Customer deliveries of Lucid Air, which is produced at Lucid's new factory in Casa Grande, Arizona, are planned to begin in late October. Media Contact: [email protected] Trademarks This communication contains trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of Lucid Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") and other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Forward-Looking Statements This communication includes "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 may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target," "continue," "could," "may," "might," "possible," "potential," "predict" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical facts. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations related to the start of production and deliveries of the Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, the performance, range, and other features of the Lucid Air, construction and expansion of the Company's AMP-1 manufacturing facility, and the promise of the Company's technology. These statements are based on various assumptions, and actual events and circumstances may differ. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including factors discussed in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, in each case, under the heading "Risk Factors," as well as other documents of the Company that are filed, or will be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or the Company's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company does not presently know or that the Company currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. SOURCE Lucid Motors Related Links http://www.lucidmotors.com VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - MANTARO SILVER CORP. (TSXV: MSLV) (OTCQB: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Luis Fernando Kinn Cortez as a director of the Company. Dr. Christopher Wilson, CEO of the Company stated, "We are pleased to welcome Luis Kinn as a member of our Board of Directors. Luis has an excellent understanding of the Bolivian Shield as well as the regulatory environment in Bolivia. This is a significant value add to our board as we explore and develop the Golden Hill Property and carry out strategic acquisitions in the orogenic Bolivian Shield." Mr. Cortez is the principal and manager of Minera Golden Hill S.R.L., an entity that owns the Golden Hill Property and which the Company has optioned to acquire up to an 80% interest therein. With Minera Golden Hill S.R.L., Mr. Kinn optimized operations through technological advancements and has been heavily involved with labour relations, government permitting and community engagement. From 2015 to 2019, Mr. Kinn worked for an oil and gas exploration company based in Bolivia. In his capacity, Mr. Cortez utilized his geophysics specialty in interpretation, modeling and designing 2D and 3D seismic. In 2019, he became the technical manager for an oil Subandean project in Bolivia. Mr. Kinn attended university in France. About Mantaro Silver Corp. Mantaro Silver Corp. is a British Columbia company that holds a diversified portfolio of gold and silver focused mineral properties in Bolivia and Peru. The Company's holds an option to acquire up to an 80% interest in the advanced Golden Hill Property ("Golden Hill"), located in the underexplored, orogenic Bolivia Shield, Bolivia. The Company also has an 100% interest in high-grade Santas Gloria Silver Property as well as a 100% interest in the San Jose, La Purisima, Cerro Luque and Huaranay Properties (the "Silver Properties"). The Silver Properties are all located in Peru. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Resulting Issuer undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Mantaro Silver Corp. Related Links https://mantarosilver.com/ MEXICO CITY, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Following up the relevant event published on September 24, 2021, by Maxcom Telecomunicaciones, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: MAXCOM A, OTC: MXMTY) ("Maxcom" or the "Issuer", indistinctly) in connection with the tender offer launched by Transtelco Acquisitions III, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("Transtelco") for up to the total of the shares representing the capital stock of the Issuer (the "Public Offering"), the Issuer informs to the investor public the following: A. On April 6, 2018, the Issuer entered into a Master Lease and Service Provision Agreement with MXT Eagle Towers, S.A.P.I. de C.V. ("MXT"), as a provider, under which Maxcom has contracted with MXT the access and shared use of passive telecommunications infrastructure, among other services (the "MXT Master Agreement"). B. In terms of the MXT Master Agreement, if the Public Offering is successful, Maxcom must notify MXT in writing within three business days following the date on which the Offering is consummated that a change of control has occurred for the Issuer. C. Based on such potential change of control and, in any case, subject to a series of conditions, MXT (as a supplier) could terminate the MXT Master Agreement early and, if applicable, a conventional penalty for a substantial amount payable by Maxcom could be triggered. D. In line with the above, Transtelco is currently negotiating with MXT the terms and conditions of its commercial agreements in the ordinary course of business. As of the date hereof, none of such negotiations have a negative impact on the Public Offering process. Maxcom thanks the continued support of all its stakeholders and confirms its commitment to maintaining close communication with the investing public. About Maxcom Maxcom launched commercial operations in May 1999; its headquarters are in Mexico City. The company is an integrated telecommunications service provider that uses an "intelligent construction" strategy to provide last-mile connection services, metropolitan and long-distance transport services, co-locations, and other value-added services to both the business and domestic and international carrier markets. Maxcom delivers its services through a fiber-optic network of more than 8,500 kilometers, which allows it to have a footprint in Mexico's main cities. The information in this press release is the exclusive responsibility of Maxcom Telecomunicaciones, SAB de CV, and has not been reviewed by the Comision Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (CNBV) or any other authority. The trading of these securities by an investor will be made under such investor's responsibility. For more information contact: Rodrigo Wright Mexico City (52 55) 4770-1170 [email protected] SOURCE Maxcom Telecomunicaciones, S.A.B. de C.V. Related Links http://www.maxcom.com DETROIT, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC), an industry-led partnership of representatives from the energy industry, workforce, education and veterans, driven by DTE Energy, Consumers Energy and Lansing Board of Water & Light, announced today it will launch an outreach initiative that aims to heighten awareness of high-growth, 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 Black-Watson, 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 COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It started out as a small idea with a few friends. When Jessica Krauser, now 39, was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease at 37 her friends wanted to do something to help. "We really just wanted to provide a platform for her to tell her story," explains Melissa Carlson, Founder and Owner of pDNextSteps in Dublin, Ohio. pDNextSteps is a gym dedicated to helping Parkinson's patients. Jessica met Melissa when a friend suggested the benefits of exercise to slow the progression of the disease. The 5KforJK was the first of an annual 5K walk in Powell Ohio on Sunday, October 3rd. More than 500 people attended and raised over $93,000 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and local efforts. "We want to promote local awareness, create support groups and help the local Parkinson's community," explains Jessica Krauser. Local organizations stepped in to help, including Mix Talent, a national life science recruiting and consulting firm. "We want to support organizations like this who are bringing awareness and education to diseases like Parkinsons," explains K.C. McAllister, Principal, Head of Strategy with Mix Talent. "I know we will one day find a cure and want to do my part in making it possible," states Krauser. For more information on getting involved or donating go to www.5KforJK.org SOURCE Mix Talent Related Links https://mix-talent.com PITTSBURGH, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Federated Hermes, Inc. today announced that monthly fund composition and performance data for Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: FMN) as of Sept. 30, 2021, is now available in the Products section of FederatedInvestors.com. To order hard copies of this data or to be placed on a mailing list, call 800-245-0242 x5587538, email [email protected] or write to Federated Hermes, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Floor 23, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. In addition, effective today, Portfolio Manager Duwayne Walker is no longer with the fund. Senior Portfolio Managers R.J. Gallo and Lee Cunningham, who each have more than 25 years of industry experience and have managed the fund since its inception in 2002, will continue to manage the fund. Federated Hermes, Inc. (NYSE: FHI) is a leading global investment manager with $645.8 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2021. Guided by our conviction that responsible investing is the best way to create wealth over the long term, our investment solutions span equity, fixed-income, alternative/private markets, multi-asset and liquidity management strategies. Providing world-class active investment management and engagement services to more than 11,000 institutions and intermediaries, our clients include corporations, government entities, insurance companies, foundations and endowments, banks and broker/dealers. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Federated Hermes' nearly 2,000 employees include those in London, New York, Boston and offices worldwide. For more information, visit FederatedHermes.com. ### SOURCE Federated Hermes, Inc. Related Links http://FederatedInvestors.com BALTIMORE, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Transamerica is helping small businesses gain advantages in hiring and retaining employees in today's demanding job market with a retirement plan program available through year-end. Enhancing employer-sponsored benefits, such as the company's retirement plan, can help attract and reward both future and current employees. For small businesses that choose Transamerica for their retirement plans before the end of the year and offer Transamerica's Managed Advice service, plan recordkeeping fees will be waived for one full quarter. Managed Advice enables retirement plan participants to receive professional asset allocation, along with access to one-on-one support from qualified Transamerica Investment Advisor Representatives. "During the past year, we've been hearing from participants that they appreciate help planning for their financial future, especially during these uncertain times," said Kent Callahan, Chief Executive Officer for Transamerica's Workplace Solutions division. "We've also heard from small business employers that recruiting and retaining workers is exceptionally difficult in this current market. That's why Transamerica is waiving plan recordkeeping fees for one quarter to help qualifying small businesses, who in turn will help their employees by offering them professional advisory resources. We believe everyone deserves a secure financial future." In September 2021, 51% of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill, according to a survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business. Transamerica will reimburse second quarter 2022 plan recordkeeping fees for qualifying small businesses that bring their retirement plan to Transamerica by December 31, 2021, and offer Managed Advice services to their participants. The Managed Advice service is voluntary for plan participants, who can opt out at any time. Participants who continue using Managed Advice after the waiver period will pay attractive asset-based fees, when compared to the average cost of an independent financial advisor, as reported by Advisory HQ's Average Financial Advisor Fees in 2021. To learn more about Transamerica and its workplace benefit solutions, contact your financial professional. About Transamerica With a history that dates back more than 100 years, Transamerica is recognized as a leading provider of life insurance, retirement, and investment solutions, serving millions of customers throughout the United States. Recognizing the necessity of health and wellness during peak working life, Transamerica's dedicated professionals work to help people take the steps necessary to live better today so they can worry less about tomorrow. Transamerica serves nearly every customer segment, providing a broad range of quality life insurance and investment products, individual and group pension plans, as well as asset management services. In 2020, Transamerica fulfilled its promises to customers, paying more than $49 billion in insurance, retirement, and annuity claims and benefits, including return of annuity premiums paid by the customer. Transamerica's corporate headquarters is located in Baltimore, Maryland, with other major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Denver, Colorado. Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. Based in the Netherlands, Aegon is one of the world's largest providers of life insurance, pension solutions and asset management products, operating in more than 20 markets worldwide. For the full year of 2020, Aegon managed over $1.1 trillion in revenue generating investments. For more information, visit www.transamerica.com. About Managed Advice Managed Advice provides a participant with an asset allocation mix of funds available within the plan. The asset allocation mix will be automatically rebalanced and reallocated, managing risk and return as participants' settings and goals change over time. Additional fees and terms and conditions apply to the Managed Advice service (fee is no more than 0.45% of the Managed Advice balance, calculated daily and deducted monthly). Participants will continue to bear the fees of the underlying investment options in the Managed Advice account. Managed Advice portfolios are subject to the same risks as the underlying asset classes in which they invest. The higher the portfolio's allocation to stocks the greater the risk. Managed Advice utilizes models, algorithms and/or calculations (Models), which have inherent risks. Models may incorrectly forecast future behavior or produce unexpected results resulting in losses. The success of using Models depends on numerous factors, including the validity, accuracy and completeness of the Model's development, implementation and maintenance, the Model's assumptions, factors, algorithms and methodologies, and the accuracy and reliability of the supplied historical or other data. If incorrect data is entered into even a well-founded Model, the resulting information will be incorrect. Investments selected with the use of Models may perform differently than expected as a result of the design of the Model, inputs into the Model, or other factors. The principal value of the portfolio is never guaranteed. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions, and participants may lose money. The Managed Advice service is offered through Transamerica Retirement Advisors, LLC (TRA), an SEC registered investment advisor. Transamerica Retirement Solutions and TRA are affiliated companies. Morningstar Investment Management Associates, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morningstar, is an SEC-registered investment advisor that serves as an independent financial expert and provides the underlying investment advice and portfolio management methodology for the Managed Advice service. Morningstar is not affiliated with any Transamerica companies. Please see the Managed Advice agreement for more information on the terms and conditions that apply. Neither TRA nor the Managed Advice service provides advice for, recommends allocations of, or manages individual stocks, self-directed brokerage accounts, or employer-directed monies, even if they are available for investment in a plan. Neither TRA nor Morningstar, as the independent financial expert, selects or endorses any of the particular investment options available in a plan through the Managed Advice service. The designated plan investment options used within the Managed Advice service portfolios may include Transamerica proprietary investment funds or stable value products offered by Transamerica affiliates. Important: The projections or other information generated by the engine regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results. Results derived from the tool may vary with each use and over time. Securities offered through Transamerica Investors Securities Corporation (TISC), member FINRA, 440 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528. Media inquiries: [email protected] Hank Williams (319) 355-7789 Julie Quinlan (303) 383-5923 SOURCE Transamerica Related Links http://www.transamerica.com SAN DIEGO, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New Venture Escrow is preparing to release their all-new VentureTrac 5.0 Web Application. VentureTrac allows Realtors, Buyers, and Sellers to monitor their escrow in real-time. Consumers and agents will find this as a breath of fresh air with the increasing need for convenience and security when transacting a real estate deal. The new VentureTrac will feature artificial intelligence and a texting feature that will make the escrow experience better, faster, and more secure. With VentureTrac, home buyers and sellers can see exactly what is happening during one of the biggest transactions of their lives. Real estate agents no longer have to worry about escrow process complications as this app makes it easy and transparent to monitor escrow. When buyers and sellers open escrow with New Venture Escrow, they receive access to VentureTrac 5.0 via email and alerts. They can also directly access it anytime at app.myventuretrac.com Just Some of Its Features & Benefits: Stay ONTIME with a list of completed and pending tasks and real-time notifications on status. Easily access documents to stay organized and in the know with our virtual document file cabinet that allows buyers and sellers to e-sign docs anytime, anywhere, from any mobile device. Save time and energy by eliminating the need to gather contact info. VentureTrac provides a detailed list of contacts involved in the escrow transaction. Artificial Intelligence technology with SMS communication feature for improved user experience. With the release of their new VentureTrac Web App, they have become the go-to escrow solution in the real estate industry for consumers and agents alike. Consumers are able to place their money in escrow without the fear of being "ripped off" and both parties can actively and conveniently monitor the process via the web app. Homebuyers and sellers benefit greatly because they are able to see exactly what is going on with their escrow at the touch of a button, 24/7. All contacts and documents are stored and any emotional stress from unknowns is taken out of the equation. Casey LeBlanc, the President of New Venture Escrow was quoted as saying, "The title and escrow portion of a real estate transaction is ripe for change. Technology is no longer a buzzword in our industry, it has fast become a requirement that agents and consumers demand from their partners. In developing answers for this specific need, our development team was able to bring together state-of-the-art escrow and secure communications technology to better serve the financial sector." He went on to say, "I want to be at the forefront of catalyzing this change to provide a service that not only is faster, easier, and more efficient for clients, but that brings peace of mind and security when conducting their escrow transactions." VentureTrac is also the ultimate tool for real estate agents who want to save time, increase efficiency, and ultimately close more deals. It provides contact management, task management and allows all parties involved to easily access documents from one central location. To learn more about the all-new VentureTrac secure escrow solution, visit New Venture Escrow's official website at https://NewVentureEscrow.com/ or simply click here . Media Contact: New Venture Escrow Attn: Media Relations San Diego, CA 858-376-7227 https://NewVentureEscrow.com/ [email protected] SOURCE New Venture Escrow The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania nominated Olympus for the award based on the work that women leaders at the company have done to inspire, mentor, and support the Girl Scouts in their STEM education and Take the Lead leadership development programs. "I am honored to receive this award on behalf of Olympus," said Stephanie Sherry, Vice President for Corporate and Medical Communications at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. "And I am very proud of the work we do at Olympus to support the women leaders of tomorrow, both through our community partnerships and through the opportunities we create for women within our organization. Olympus is a place where women are valued, where their talent is recognized, and where we embrace our differences. It's the kind of place where women can, and do, excel into leadership positions." "We are thrilled to recognize Olympus as an organization that empowers women leaders," said Carla Hickey, Chair of the Women's Business Council's Athena Awards Committee and Director of Governance & Advocacy at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. "It's important for our girls to learn from role models within organizations and to see that part of leadership is stepping up to help others." The annual ATHENA Awards have been presented annually by the Chamber since 1981. This program shares ATHENA International's mission to support, develop and honor women leaders, inspire women to achieve their full potential, and create balance in leadership worldwide. "The mission of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber's Women's Business Council is to empower, inspire and recognize women in business and the community, said Danielle Joseph, Vice President of Diversity Councils for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. "The ATHENA Organizational Award offers us the chance to acknowledge businesses and non-profit organizations that not only create leadership opportunities for women but also help bring along future generations of women leaders." About Olympus Corporation of the Americas Olympus is passionate about creating customer-driven solutions for the medical, life sciences, and industrial equipment industries. Olympus Corporation of the Americas is headquartered in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA, with 5,500 employees throughout North and South America. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com. About the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber's Women's Business Council: The Women's Business Council strengthens the Greater Lehigh Valley by empowering, recognizing and inspiring women in business and the community. The Women's Business Council provides information and a networking forum for women in management, professional and private enterprise. The Chamber's mission is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 220,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top six nationwide. Our thirty-plus affiliated chambers, councils and committees are On Every Main Street with more than 1,500 community focused volunteers who actively contribute, at the grass roots, to develop and achieve their respective and collective goals. About the Chamber: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's mission is to serve as the voice for business by continuously improving the economic climate and creating growth opportunities for the Greater Lehigh Valley region. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000 individuals, The Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top six nationwide. SOURCE Olympus Related Links www.olympus.com SANDUSKY, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PAO Group, Inc. (USOTC: PAOG) cited a British Medical Journal case study report published today on the effectiveness of CBD in the treatment of lung cancer and COPD as validation of PAOG's ongoing research and development of its own respiratory disorder treatment under the name RespRx. Last year, PAOG acquired intellectual property derived through research into CBD extracted in association with a patented extraction method (U.S. Patent No. 9,199,960). The ongoing research targets the treatment of respiratory disorders in support of a pharmaceutical being developed by PAOG under the name RespRx. PAOG has engaged Veristat as a CRO to prepare an IND for the FDA. PAOG's RespRx research has shown effectiveness in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other similar respiratory conditions. The British Medical Journal (BMJ) today released a report on a case study where CBD demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of lung cancer and COPD. RespRx, in addition to its clinical research with COPD, has been engaged in select, non-clinical trials to treat cancer and demonstrated effectiveness. In conjunction with PAOG's ongoing IND initiative for RespRx, and PAOG's connection with U.S. Patent No. 9,199,960 entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING," PAOG is now receiving unsolicited contacts expressing interests ranging from investment and partnership to acquisition. PAOG is not altering its plans at this stage in reaction to the recent interest. The company will continue developing its pharmaceutical and nutraceutical treatments. PAOG expects to realize its first CBD nutraceutical product sales beginning imminently in Q4, 2021. The company confirms shipping its first CBD nutraceutical product to its distribution partner, North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. (USOTC: USMJ). PAOG plans to announce specifics about its first CBD nutraceutical product in an upcoming formal product launch announcement on Monday, October 18, 2021. PAOG expects revenue to grow rapidly following its first CBD nutraceutical product launch as the company has follow on products lined up to follow the first product adding to overall sales potential. The 2020 CBD Nutraceuticals Market had an estimated value of $5.2 Billion, and it is expected to reach $16.4 Billion by 2027. Learn more about USMJ's ecommerce site at www.usmj.com. Learn more about PAOG at www.paogroupinc.com. Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications, which may arise, could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The Company undertakes no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. SOURCE PAO Group, Inc. PARIS, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yseop , a pioneer in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and world-leading AI software company, today announced the expansion of its global operations in the U.S. Following the company's strong sales performance within the European market, Yseop CEO Emmanuel Walckenaer, has relocated to New York to lead the opening and expansion of the company's first international office. With over 50,000 users around the world, the company is planning for aggressive growth within the U.S. The new office, strategically located in New York's midtown district, puts the growing team at the heart of the largest central business district in the world. Just a few minutes' walk to Midtown South, Yseop joins the list of many prominent companies located in the Silicon Alley, New York City's high-tech sector in the Flatiron District. Emmanuel joined Yseop as CEO in 2017, leading the company's growth and vision to bring the benefits of automation and NLP to enterprise companies globally. He brings over 25 years of international experience in high-tech service and business development. Commenting on the company's recent global expansion, Emmanuel explained, "Yseop has always been an exciting company, but we can now truly call ourselves a global startup. Having a presence in New York's central Midtown district is a destination that many European companies never make a reality. To expand here so quickly is a testament to our rapidly growing customer base across Europe and the U.S., the global impact of our automation and NLP solutions and, of course, the incredible Yseop team." Yseop's U.S. expansion is driven by the high demand for the company's flagship product, Augmented Analyst, amongst a variety of industries ranging from finance and insurance to pharmaceutical and cosmetics. Yseop's Augmented Analyst is a Natural Language Processing AI Platform that uses the latest artificial intelligence technology to automatically transform massive amounts of data into streamlined analysis reports that are easily digested by humans. Thanks to Yseop's off-the-shelf offering, enterprise organizations can immediately increase productivity and reduce costs while employees can focus on creating more added value for their business. Further solidifying the company's dedication to innovation in NLG, Yseop won the "Best Enterprise AI Product" award at 2021 The Technical Analyst Awards. This prestigious award highlights the impact of innovation and is the only award devoted to technical analysis research, data and trading software for the institutional market. Highly regarded within the financial markets, the Awards attract participation from hundreds of banks, research houses and software companies across the globe. About Yseop YSEOP is an international company specializing in artificial intelligence and is a pioneer in natural language processing (NLP) technology. Yseop's expertise lies in data analysis, machine learning and language technologies. Its industry-leading Augmented Analyst Natural Language Processing AI Platform supports enterprise no-code applications for business users. The Augmented Analyst analyses enterprise data and delivers insight automation that empowers the workforce, specifically for its Augmented Financial Analyst and Augmented Medical Writer solutions. Founded in Lyon, with headquarters in Paris, Yseop works with clients across Europe and the United States. It is rapidly expanding globally, providing enterprise-level automation solutions for some of the world's largest companies, including in finance (Credit Agricole, SG, Moody's, BNP Paribas), pharmaceuticals (Sanofi), and the technology sector (Oracle). It also partners with strategic consulting and integration firms including CapGemini, Accenture, and LTI, who support the deployment and adoption of Yseop's NLP technology. For more information, please visit www.yseop.com Media Contact: Lise Grant +33 6 99 65 71 91 [email protected] SOURCE Yseop DUBAI, U.A.E, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Future Market Insights (FMI), Dubai: As per Future Market Insights, the global pest control services market will surpass US$ 21.9 Bn in 2021. The market is projected to witness healthy growth at 6.2% CAGR between 2021 and 2031. Driven by growing demand for organic pesticides, the market is expected to witness incremental growth opportunities within agriculture and residential sector. As per FMI, demand for organic pesticides is set to increase at 7.7% CAGR through 2031. Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-260 Rising incidence of pest infestation in residential sector have increased the demand for organic pest control services. With surging awareness regarding the hazardous effect of chemical pest control, need for bio-pesticides. Additionally, pest infestation in crops results in adverse health effects due to low-quality food. Hence, farmers are opting for organic pest control services to lessen the damage in crop health and retain the crop quality. As consumers are getting more aware about the sanitation due to the outbreak of various vector-borne diseases, demand for natural pest control services has increased. In order to capitalize on existing opportunities, manufacturers are developing sustainable and organic pesticides to increase their revenue. Subsequently, integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to detect pest infestation will result in higher revenue generation. Hence, farmers are adopting integrated pest management to yield higher gains and lessen the damage. Further, stringent food and safety regulations imposed by regulatory authorities are pushing the sales of pest control services. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 48 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with food-borne diseases and approx. 128,000 people are hospitalized, with 3,000 succumbing to death. Acknowledging the high burden, regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed strict regulations for efficient sanitation in hotels, restaurants, and offices. Thereby, increasing the sales of pest control services. "Increasing demand for organic pesticides is expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for key players. However, consumers rising preference for 'do-it-yourself' pest control methods and natural pesticides has compelled the players to introduce more sustainable and eco-friendly pesticides. This is expected to propel the growth in the market," says the FMI analyst. Key Takeaways from FMI's Pest Control Services Market Survey Chemical pest control services segment is expected to hold second-largest market share after organic, enabling sales at 5.9% CAGR through 2031 In terms of product, insecticides will hold lion's share, projecting growth at 7% CAGR during the forecast period Demand for pest control services will rise in residential sector exponentially, with the segment accounting for nearly 35% of total market share Over 75% of pest control services sales to be contributed by insect control application segment Demand for pest control services in the U.S. is projected to surge at 5.1% CAGR through 2021 & beyond Increasing pest infestation across the U.K. is resulting in high demand for pest control services, with market exhibiting growth at 3.9% CAGR Growing demand from agriculture industry across India will drive the pest control services market at 8.4% CAGR by 2031-end will drive the pest control services market at 8.4% CAGR by 2031-end Japan pest control services market to account for over 16% of the East Asia share in 2031 Key Drivers Rising incidence of vector-borne diseases across the globe have surged the adoption of pest control services Increasing government initiatives to encourage and promote public health initiative will drive the market Advent of biological pest control solutions coupled with integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in pest control will bolster the growth in the market Read Full Report with TOC at: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-pest-control-services-market Key Restraints: High registration cost and risks associated with pesticide storage are likely to hamper the growth in the market Tedious procedure and interminable time taken by regulatory authorities is expected to restrict the demand Competitive Landscape Leading players are actively participating in organic and inorganic growth strategies such as product launches, mergers, and collaborations to increase their revenue. Apart from this, players are also investing in research and development activities to develop organic pesticides. Key players are also adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to gain competitive edge in the industry. For instance, In August 2021 , Western Pest Services acquired Abalene Termite and Pest Control, to expand the customer base across New Jersey and Pennsylvania . , Western Pest Services acquired Abalene Termite and Pest Control, to expand the customer base across and . In April 2021 , Halle Capital Management, a New York -based growth equity investment firm, announced the launch of Rockit Pest, Inc., a newly formed company focused on acquiring and operating regional pest control companies. , Halle Capital Management, a -based growth equity investment firm, announced the launch of Rockit Pest, Inc., a newly formed company focused on acquiring and operating regional pest control companies. Another leading company, BW Home Services announced the addition of its new pest control division, in order to offer optimized services and safety through pest control. Some of the key players operating in the pest control services industry market profiled by FMI are: Rollins, Inc. Rentokil Initial PLC Anticimex Cook's Pest Control, Inc. ABC Home & Commercial Services Animal Pest Management Services, Inc. Lloyd Pest Control Green Earth Pest Control, LLC Aptive Environmental, LLC Home Paramount Pest Control, LLC Dodson Pest Control Environmental Pest Service, LLC Truly Nolen of America, Inc. Florida Pest Control & Chemical Massey Services, Inc. Arrow Exterminators Ecolab, Inc. Green Pest Solutions Apex Pest Control, Inc. Hulett Environmental Services Plunkett's Pest Control Senske, Inc. Others Purchase The Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/260 More Valuable Insights on Pest Control Services Market FMI, in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global pest control services market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2021 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections on in pest control services market with detailed segmentation: By Product: Insecticides Rodenticides Other Chemicals Mechanical Other Products By Service Type: Chemical Control Services Organic Synthetic Mechanical Control Services Other Pest Control Services By End User: Residential Commercial and Industrial Agricultural By Application: Rodent Control Insect Control Cockroaches Ants Bed Bugs Termites Mosquitoes Wasps Flies Other Insect Control Wildlife Control Birds Fleas Other Applications By Region: North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia Middle East and Africa (MEA) Key Questions Covered in the Report The report offers insight into pest control services market demand outlook for the forecast period 2021-2031 The market study also highlights projected sales growth for pest control services market between 2021 and 2031 Pest control services 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 Pest control services 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 FMI is hosting a talk show in collaboration with SPRING to uncover the paths of latest innovations in packaging. Join our Talk show "The Rise of Intelligent Packaging' by registering here: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/event/the-rise-of-intelligent-packaging Top Reports Related To Services and Utilities Market Insights Car Rental Market : Recent studies show that car rentals for intercity and intracity travels have considerably increased over the past few years. The trend is unlikely to diminish in the coming years, giving considerable impetus to the market. Mosquito Repellent Candles Market : This trend is anticipated to fuel the growth of mosquito repellent candles in the commercial sector. Amognst other mosquito repellent products, mosquito lamps are witnessing a boost owing to the increased perevelence of mosquito borne diseases. 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/global-pest-control-services-market Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/global-pest-control-services-market SOURCE Future Market Insights PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Portland General Electric today shared plans to increase the amount of clean energy it serves to customers and meet its target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power served to customers by at least 80%1 by 2030, 90% by 2035 and zero emissions by 2040. Tying together the need for more clean and renewable resources and plans for an upgraded grid to support those resources, PGE today initiated its request for proposals (RFP) public process and filed its inaugural Distribution System Plan (DSP) at the Oregon Public Utilities Commission. "We are taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining an affordable, reliable energy future for everyone," said Brett Sims, PGE Vice President of Strategy, Regulation and Energy Supply. "Working collaboratively with our stakeholders, we are advancing plans to add more renewables and non-emitting resources and partnering with our customers on building an equitable, two-way electric grid." Going Further, Faster To create the clean energy future Oregonians want, PGE estimates by 2030 it will nearly triple the amount of clean and renewable energy serving customers. To achieve the 2030 goal, PGE, in addition to removing coal from its portfolio, will need approximately 1,500 2,000 MW of clean and renewable resources and approximately 800 MW of non-emitting dispatchable capacity resources. PGE is working to accelerate its exit from the coal-fired Colstrip plant by the end of 2025. Starting today, together with its customers, PGE is seeking approximately 1,000 MW2 of resources by initiating its RFP public process. For customers, PGE expects to bring on approximately 375 - 500 MW of renewable resources, the equivalent of powering an average of 135,000 homes. If beneficial to customers and in balance with affordability, PGE will work with the OPUC to evaluate the opportunity to procure additional clean and renewable resources through this RFP, with a potential target of getting up to 1/3 of the clean resources needed to meet the 2030 emissions reduction target. PGE will also be seeking approximately 375 MW of non-emitting dispatchable capacity resources that can be used on the hottest or the coldest days of the year, which will help ensure continued reliable service is available for all. Brett Sims, PGE Vice President of Strategy, Regulation and Energy Supply, continued, "We hear our customers loud and clear: they want cleaner, greener affordable energy as quickly as possible." Meeting the 2030 emissions reduction target will take continued thoughtful planning and engagement. In order to more fully bring to life the vision of Oregon's new clean energy law (HB 2021) and encourage a robust public participation process, PGE also filed today an extension waiver for the next Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which if approved would now be filed for consideration by the OPUC in March 2023. Partnering with customers PGE is committed to an economy-wide clean energy future in which electricity powers more of our lives. Building this reliable, affordable and equitable future our customers expect will take all of us working together customers, regulators, stakeholders, technology providers and utilities. By 2030, PGE estimates as much as 25% of the power needed on the hottest and coldest of days could come from customers and distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. Part One of PGE's inaugural DSP, filed today, lays out plans to build the grid of the future with its customers, one that supports a two-way energy ecosystem and empowers customers to make energy management choices to support decarbonization. PGE is already partnering with customers to shift energy use away from peak times of demand to help keep energy clean, affordable and reliable. During the June 2021 extreme heat event, PGE worked with customers to save 62 MW of power, equivalent to powering 25,000 homes, through its existing demand response programs. By 2030, PGE aspires to grow its existing flexible load portfolio to upwards of eight times the existing program, equivalent of serving more than 200,000 households. Building an equitable clean energy future will require intentional placement of resources like batteries, EV chargers and solar panels throughout Oregon communities. Our DSP paves the way for innovative, human-centered planning approaches, aligned with community priorities and outcomes that provide equitable access and additional benefits to customers. It presents transparency into the actionable steps we plan to take toward investing in upgrading the grid to accommodate new clean energy resources. By 2030, PGE anticipates the potential for four times as much distributed solar and storage than today, bringing 500 MW of clean electricity to the grid. There are currently approximately 35,000 electric vehicles in Oregon, and the state has aggressive goals of adding 250,000 registered zero emissions vehicles statewide by 2025 and 1.1 million by 2030. PGE is planning for this significant new load and working to make sure that its system is ready. Through its future DSPs, PGE will share more on the actions it is taking to help pave the way for this transition, including the emerging technology identified through PGE's Smart Grid Test Bed and how it interacts with the grid. Today's filings PGE made three filings at the OPUC laying out these plans. First, initiating its request for proposals (RFP) to procure more renewable and non-emitting resources; second, filing part one of its Distribution System Plan (DSP), which lays out the partnership needed with customers to build the equitable grid of the future and the amount of distributed energy resources anticipated by 2030and beyond; and third, filing an extension waiver for the next Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), in order to more fully bring to life the vision of Oregon's new clean energy law (HB 2021) and encourage a more robust public participation process. About Portland General Electric Company Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the state. The company serves approximately 900,000 customers with a service area population of 2 million Oregonians in 51 cities. PGE owns 16 generation plants across Oregon and other Northwestern states and maintains and operates 14 public parks and recreation areas. For over 130 years, PGE has delivered safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. PGE and its 3,000 employees are working with customers to build a clean energy future. In 2020, PGE, employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.6 million and volunteered 18,200 hours with more than 400 nonprofits across Oregon. For more information visit portlandgeneral.com/news. Safe Harbor Statement: Statements in this news release that relate to future plans, objectives, expectations, performance, events and the like may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning 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, as amended. Forward-looking statements made in this press release include statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the request for proposal described herein, the projected impact of the proposals on the Company's performance , the impact of the Wheatridge project on power supply costs, emissions reductions and grid reliability, or other opportunities, and any other statements regarding the Company's expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives or prospects or future performance as a result of or in connection with the proposals and processes described herein. Portland General Electric's energy strategy for future periods, the implementation and outcome that strategy, and the acquisition of additional resources to meet retail customer demand as well as other statements containing words such as "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "promises," "expects," "should," "conditioned upon," and similar expressions. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including failure to complete capital projects on schedule or within budget, or the abandonment of capital projects; changes in capital market conditions, which could affect the availability and cost of capital and result in delay or cancellation of capital projects; the outcome of various legal and regulatory proceedings; general economic and financial market conditions; and the cost and availability of services, products and technology. As a result, actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on information available to the company on the date hereof and such statements speak only as of the date hereof. The company expressly disclaims any current intention to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the distribution of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise. Prospective investors should also review the risks, assumptions and uncertainties listed in the company's most recent annual report on form 10-K and in other documents that we file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and the risks described therein from time to time. 1 Below baseline period, defined in Oregon HB 2021 as the average annual GHG emissions for 2010, 2011 and 2012 associated with the electricity sold to retail electricity consumers as reported to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. 2 Approximately 1,000 MW = 375 - 500 MW of renewables, 375 MW of non-emitting capacity, 100 MW for Green Tariff Phase 2 PSO option CONTACT: Elizabeth Lattanner 503-464-7016 or [email protected] SOURCE Portland General Company Related Links http://www.portlandgeneral.com TAIPEI, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, one of the world's best-known peer-reviewed medical journals has published Medigen Vaccine Biologics (MVC) data from its MVC-COV1901 vaccine phase 2 clinical trial which demonstrates promising immunogenicity and safety profiles. The internationally trusted source of clinical, public and global health knowledge has made available the results from a large-scale, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial done at eleven sites in Taiwan, making MVC visible to a global network of researchers, clinicians, industry leaders and other professionals in the field. The study, which was carried out between Dec 30, 2020, and April 2, 2021, saw 3854 individuals screened and randomly assigned (6:1) to the MVC-COV1901 group, or the placebo group. Eligible participants were healthy adults aged 20 years or older. Participants were administered intramuscularly two doses of either MVC-COV1901 or placebo 28 days apart. The featured results stated that the seroconversion rate, based on the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 GMT, in the MVC-COV1901 group on day 57 was 998%. In both younger and older adults who received the MVC-COV1901 vaccine, almost all participants had seroconversion in younger adults and 995% in older adults. The design of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen used in the MVC-COV1901 vaccine was licensed from the U.S. NIH, which involves a range of molecular modifications to the S-2P pre-fusion spike protein. The combination of CpG 1018 and aluminium hydroxide with this S-2P pre-fusion spike protein shows promising elicitation of both T-cell and B-cell immunity. One of the most distinct findings in the safety profile is the extremely low incidence of fever. In conclusion, the interim analysis showed that the MVC-COV1901 vaccine has a good safety profile and elicits promising neutralising antibody titres. Compared with other vaccines that have received emergency use authorisation, MVC-COV1901 is safe, well tolerated, and rarely causes febrile reactions in both young and older adults. MVC-COV1901 induces high neutralising antibody and anti-spike IgG titres, and it has a seroconversion rate of almost 100% by day 57. Using WHO IU and BAU conversion models, both methods utilized in the paper provide a predictive efficacy ranging between 80% to 90%. The results from the study served as the basis for immunobriding that gives the MVC-COV1901 vaccine's Emergency Use Authorization in Taiwan and can support the advancement in subsequent developments. About Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp. (MVC) MVC is a biopharmaceutical company using cell-based technologies to develop novel vaccines and biosimilars. With a goal of national self-sufficiency, MVC also aims to provide vaccines and biopharmaceuticals to meet regional needs and with a desire to help globally against the threats of infectious diseases. MVC's pipeline includes enterovirus A71 vaccine, dengue vaccine, influenza quadrivalent vaccine which all have entered late clinical stage. MVC's large-scale production facility is state-of-the-art and adherent to international PIC/s GMP requirements. For more information, visit www.medigenvac.com. Medigen Contact: Paul Torkehagen Director, International Business Development [email protected] Investor Relations: [email protected] Media Enquiries: Michelle Bridget Continuum PR Phone: +6012 697 7356 or email: [email protected] SOURCE Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corporation Related Links http://www.medigenvac.com LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RLH Equity Partners (RLH) is pleased to announce its investment in imre, a growing provider of strategic and creative marketing services to enterprise clients in two sectors: (i) life sciences / healthcare and (ii) consumer products / services. The Company's integrated suite of solutions includes brand strategy, creative, digital marketing, social media, and public relations, together with data & analytics. From offices in Baltimore, Los Angeles, New York City, and Philadelphia, more than 220 talented imre professionals serve some of the world's leading and high-growth brands including AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and GSK in healthcare and John Deere, Infiniti, and Dickies in consumer products. imre has earned numerous accolades, including (a) inclusion in Adweek's 2021 and 2020 lists of the Fastest Growing Agencies, (b) recognition by PRovoke in both 2021 and 2020 as a finalist for North America Midsize PR Agency of the Year, (c) two North American 2021 SABRE Gold Awards, recognizing Superior Achievement in Branding Reputation and Engagement, and (d) the 2020 Silver award from Medical Marketing & Media for Best Midsized Healthcare Agency RLH managing directors Rob Rodin and Ryan Smiley commented, "Over the past three decades, imre has achieved a unique and highly successful culture by combining creativity, empathy, and expertise. We admire the company's many achievements and look forward to helping the imre team continue to grow and deliver exceptional client experiences while remaining true to the company's core values." About RLH Equity Partners RLH Equity Partners invests, together with entrepreneurial leadership teams, in uniquely positioned, high growth, knowledge-based enterprises. Our portfolio companies span the business services, healthcare, and government services sectors and typically have $30-150 million of annual revenue at the time of investment. The RLH investment team, which averages 15 years of private equity experience, provides strategic and operational guidance to our portfolio companies in navigating the opportunities and challenges of scale and rapid growth. Our insights and processes to drive enterprise value have been honed over RLH's 35+ year history of successful investing. RLH currently manages over $1 billion of assets and is actively seeking new portfolio company investments. Contact: For more information, please contact: Jessica Bramwell Director of Communications RLH Equity Partners 949-428-2205 [email protected] www.rlhequity.com SOURCE RLH Equity Partners Related Links http://www.rlhequity.com MANKATO, Minn., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rolls-Royce is further developing its mtu gas engine portfolio for power generation and cogeneration to run on hydrogen as a fuel and thus enable a climate-neutral energy supply. Already today, gensets powered by mtu Series 500 and Series 4000 gas engines can be operated with a gas blending of 10 percent hydrogen. Beginning in 2022, operation with a hydrogen content of 25 percent will be possible. "After intensive tests on test benches and pilot installations at customers in 2022, Rolls-Royce will continuously market new mtu Series 500 and Series 4000 gas engines beginning in 2023 for use with up to 100 percent hydrogen, and on a design to order basis conversion kits to allow already installed gas engines in the field to run on 100% hydrogen," said Perry Kuiper, President Sustainable Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. Power plants with hydrogen engines support energy transition "The decarbonization of power generation requires reliable, flexible, but also climate-neutral, power plants to supplement the fluctuating generation from wind and sun. We assume that natural gas will initially be the primary fuel in the development of the hydrogen ecosystem, but we see hydrogen as technically and economically possible. That is why we continue to develop our gas engines for use with green hydrogen - whether as a 10 or 25 percent admixture or for 100 percent," explains Andreas Gortz, Vice President Power Generation at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. Rolls-Royce builds expertise for H2 ecosystem In addition, fuel cells powered by 100% green hydrogen can play an important role in future energy supply in combination with renewable energies. At its Friedrichshafen headquarters, Rolls-Royce's Power Systems division has installed a 250-kilowatt fuel cell demonstrator, which will be used to test and present future CO2-free energy systems to customers. The entire hydrogen ecosystem, including the infrastructure for supply, conversion, test benches and future production, is also being mapped in the company's own plants, thus building up expertise. Rolls-Royce focuses its climate protection program Net Zero at Power Systems on new technologies and fuels With its climate protection program "Net Zero at Power Systems", Rolls-Royce's Power Systems division has set itself the target of saving 35 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 using new technologies. This near-term target plays an important role in the Rolls-Royce Group's ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest. In addition to new technologies, a key element in achieving these targets is the certification of key mtu engine products to run on sustainable EN 15940 fuels such as e-diesel and second-generation biofuels as early as 2023. Press photos are available for download from https://www.mtu-solutions.com/eu/en/news-and-media/media-center.html About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Rolls-Royce pioneers the power that matters to connect, power and protect society. We have pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 2030. We joined the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2020, and have committed to ensuring our new products will be compatible with net zero operation by 2030, and all products will be compatible with net zero by 2050. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs around 9,000 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, power generation, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry as well as diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers. Annual underlying revenue was 11.76 billion in 2020 and we invested 1.25 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 28 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE:RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69). SOURCE Rolls-Royce Power Systems LYNDHURST, N.J., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Scarinci Hollenbeck is honored to be included in the NJBIZ 2021 Top 250 Private Companies List, which recognizes the top privately-held companies in New Jersey. As NJBIZ highlighted, "2020 was chaotic and dramatically different than any year in recent memory." Scarinci Hollenbeck is proud to be ranked #126 on the list of companies NJBIZ dubbed the "biggest movers and shakers during the pandemic last year." Scarinci Hollenbeck is honored to be included in the NJBIZ 2021 Top 250 Private Companies List, which recognizes the top privately-held companies in New Jersey. In 2020-2021, during difficult local and national economic circumstances, Scarinci Hollenbeck increased profits, expanded several practices areas, and welcomed talented new attorneys to the firm. "We are honored to be named alongside New Jersey's best companies," remarked Founding & Managing Partner Donald Scarinci , who attributed the firm's continued success to having a solid plan to weather the pandemic. "We are proud that most of the employees furloughed earlier in the pandemic are working again," he stated. Scarinci also noted that the firm's diverse practice groups were well-positioned to help other New Jersey businesses meet the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. "Even though our attorneys were largely working remotely, they collaborated to help fellow New Jersey businesses successfully navigate the rapidly evolving economic and legal landscape." NJBIZ, the state's leading business journal, annually publishes its ranking of New Jersey's privately-held businesses, which evaluates companies based on employee headcount, growth, and revenue. In addition to the firm's recognition, NJBIZ ranked Donald Scarinci #7 on its annual Law Power 50 list this July. You can find NJBIZ's full 2021 Top 250 Private Companies List in the August 23, 2021, digital edition of NJBIZ, which is available for subscribers here: https://njbiz.com/aug-23-2021-edition-of-njbiz/ About Scarinci Hollenbeck With a growing practice of more than 60 experienced attorneys, Scarinci Hollenbeck is a regional alternative to a National 250 law firm. We serve the niche practice areas most often required by the owners and leaders of corporations. We offer a full range of services and have developed our business law practice with the expertise and specialization necessary to serve our clients as they adapt to the shifting economic landscape. More information on our firm's expertise and range of practice can be found on our website: https://scarincihollenbeck.com/ SOURCE Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC Related Links https://scarincihollenbeck.com BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Schechter Investment Advisors, LLC ("Schechter") a Michigan based independent, financial advisory firm announced today the acquisition of the majority of assets of Coe Capital Management, LLC ("CCM"). This move extends Schechter's geographic footprint to the Chicago area which also offers advisory, services in California and Colorado. The acquisition of CCM aligns with the firm's strategy to partner with skilled, client-centric advisors around the country. Schechter's offering combines the customized service, independence, and creativity, of a boutique firm with the deep knowledge and resources of larger institutions. The firm's multi-disciplined team consisting of JDs, CPAs, LLMs, CLUs, PFSs, CAPs, MBAs, CFA charterholders, CFP practitioners, and CIMA consultants have been quietly advising high-net-worth individuals, and families, on traditional and alternative investments, private capital, advanced life insurance planning, income & estate taxes, business succession, and charitable planning as well as other white-glove services traditionally provided by family offices. "We are thrilled to welcome CCM to the Schechter family and look forward to providing clients with extraordinary service, advanced technology, and our strong planning acumen," said Marc Schechter, Chief Executive Officer. "Aligning with a team like CCM, that lives and breathes our core values, brings benefits to clients, advisors and our entire organization, It's a real win-win-win." "We have worked with Schechter on various opportunities over the past five years and have been impressed with their investment knowledge, technology adoption and financial, estate and tax strategies," said Mark Coe, President of CCM. "I am very excited for CCM to be joining the Schechter team. We are confident their complementary capabilities will bring great value to our clients." CCM advisors Paul Wehner and Karen Scott, and their client service team, are making the transition to Schechter Investment Advisors and will continue operating in the Chicago area. Separately, Mr. Coe will remain fully engaged as President and Chief Investment Officer of Intrinsic Edge Capital Management, LLC, an unaffiliated long-short hedge fund located in Chicago. About Schechter Schechter is a boutique, third-generation wealth advisory firm, offering investment and insurance services through its affiliate entities. Since 1939, their multi-disciplined team consisting of JDs, CPAs, LLMs, CLUs, PFSs, CAPs, MBAs, CFA charterholders, CFP practitioners and CIMA consultants has been quietly advising wealthy families and strategic partners on financial matters including institutional quality investment advisory services, private capital, alternative investments, advanced life insurance planning, income & estate taxes, business succession, and charitable planning. SOURCE Schechter Related Links http://www.schechterwealth.com National cheongsam industry experts and scholars gathered in Shenyang to discuss the future of cheongsam industry, promoting Shenyang to become the leader of the cheongsam industry, assisting cheongsam become a new bright spot of Shenyang's economic growth. Consisting of a number of cultural exchange activities, the festival lasted 3 days. The Cheongsam and New Chinese style clothing press conference on the 12th and 13th focused on digging Shenyang local brands and promoting local cheongsam designers; exhibition on cultural protection, research and innovation of cheongsam and Manchu clothing on the 12th - 14th took the audience into the world of cheongsam and Manchu costumes; the closing ceremony on the 14th let the audience enjoy the visual feast of the gorgeous cheongsam. Shenyang has been designed as the "Old Capital of Cheongsam" by the China National Textile and Apparel Council. Now this centuries-old type of dress has become a cultural calling card for Shenyang. It was part of Shenyang's efforts to inherit, promote and make innovations for traditional culture, to promote the high-quality development of the cultural industry. Shenyang successfully held five Cheongsam Cultural Festival, through the integration of multi-party resources, creating a strong atmosphere, building an exchange platform, and carrying forward the cheongsam culture. Shenyang will seize the opportunity of cheongsam industry development, promoting the strategy of cultural upgrading, creating a series of cultural creativity based on cheongsam, promoting the revitalization and development of Shenyang. Linking Shenyang and the world with the charm of cheongsam, the city will be more open, tolerant and confident, the series of cultural creativity based on cheongsam will become an important force to promote the revitalization and development of the city. Image Attachments Links: Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=404025 Caption: The charm of cheongsam SOURCE The Information Office of Shenyang People's Government The Small Business Flex Fund provides access to flexible, low-interest loans to businesses and nonprofits in WA State. Tweet this Speaking about the impact the banks' contributions will have, Lisa Brown, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce said, "Our Small Business Flex Fund is an important tool for providing much-needed growth capital to smaller businesses and nonprofits that are looking at their mid- and long-term recovery from the pandemic. We appreciate the partnerships with Heritage, JPMorgan Chase and WaFd Bank to grow the Fund and ensure this opportunity is available to businesses all around the state, particularly in communities that have historically been underserved." Bryan McDonald, President & COO of Heritage Bank said, "Programs like the Small Business Flex Fund are crucial to the small businesses in Washington state. As a long-time supporter of these businesses, we recognize the many barriers some of them can face, especially when it comes to accessing the financial resources they need to develop and grow. It's time to start rebuilding our local economies and these loans will help us get there." "The Small Business Flex Fund will provide essential low-cost loans to help small business owners facing challenging circumstances across the State of Washington, particularly those in underrepresented communities. JPMorgan Chase is proud to support their growth in a post-pandemic economy," said Erin Robert, Head of Impact Finance at JPMorgan Chase. The Small Business Flex Fund is administered by the National Development Council with funding arranged by Calvert Impact Capital. It was founded with the goal of helping Washington's smallest businesses and nonprofits get back on their feet post-pandemic and plan for the future. Businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenues of less than $3 million can pre-apply online and, if qualified, will be matched with a lender. Once matched, the participating lender will assist the business owner throughout the application process and provide additional advisory support. Since its launch in June, the Small Business Flex Fund has provided low-interest loans of up to $150,000 to over 110 small businesses and nonprofits in need of economic assistance. The total amount that has been funded since the program's launch is over $9.5 million. The Fund works with and through local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which serve under resourced communities and underbanked businesses the Small Business Flex Fund aims to help. Ruth Brown, Executive Preschool Director of Causey's Learning Center in Seattle, has used the loan to be able to continue paying her team of preschool teachers and make necessary infrastructure updates at her center. She said, "This loan saved my business. When the pandemic hit, I lost half my revenue. I applied for the loan so I could keep my teachers and cover some of the smaller bills. The process of getting the loan was really easy - it was a matter of weeks from applying to receiving the loan. I didn't have to go through a lot of red tape! I was shocked! It's not just about keeping your business afloat; it's about moving forward into the future." Brent Beardall, President & CEO of WaFd Bank noted, "As long-term supporters of Washington small businesses and the positive influence they have in their communities, WaFd Bank recognizes the importance of supporting these vital businesses and is proud to promote unique public-private partnerships that assist in the continuing economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic." The Flex Fund aims to raise $100 million to continue to support the recovery of small businesses and nonprofits throughout the state. The additional funding announced today, brings the current amount raised to $70 million. For more information and to apply, visit SmallBusinessFlexFund.org. About the Small Business Flex Fund The Small Business Flex Fund provides access to flexible, low-interest loans and business support services to small businesses and nonprofits across Washington. Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Fund is a collaborative partnership of local and national community finance organizations created to support Washington's smallest businesses and address the needs of historically under-resourced and underbanked communities. The Fund includes leaders from across sectors, including local community lenders, national and state-based nonprofit organizations, corporations, philanthropic donors, and investors all of whom are passionate about an equitable recovery across the state. SOURCE The Small Business Flex Fund Related Links https://smallbusinessflexfund.org LAS VEGAS, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) today issued the following statement in response to a publicly released letter from Carl C. Icahn. "The Southwest Gas Holdings Board of Directors remains committed to engaging with stockholders and welcomes their constructive input on ideas to maximize stockholder value. Should Icahn Enterprises commence a tender offer for Southwest Gas Holdings common shares, the Board will review the offer in consultation with its financial and legal advisors to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Company notes that on October 10, 2021, it put in place a short-term stockholder rights plan designed to protect stockholder interests by reducing the likelihood that any person or group could gain control of Southwest Gas Holdings without appropriately compensating Southwest Gas Holdings' stockholders for control. "With regard to Mr. Icahn's intention to nominate a full slate of directors for election at Southwest Gas Holdings' 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company will respond if and when he does." Additional Information and Where to Find It; Forward Looking Statements; Participants in the Solicitation How to Find Further Information This communication does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval in connection with the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") (the "Annual Meeting"). In connection with the Annual Meeting, the Company will file a proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which the Company will furnish, with any other relevant information or documents, to its stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, WE URGE STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS WHEN SUCH INFORMATION IS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THE ANNUAL MEETING. The proposals for the Annual Meeting will be made solely through the proxy statement. In addition, a copy of the proxy statement (when it becomes available) may be obtained free of charge from www.swgasholdings.com/proxymaterials . Security holders also will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and any other documents filed by Company with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com . Important Information for Investors and Stockholders This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. No tender offer for the shares of the Company has commenced at this time. If a tender offer is commenced, the Company will file a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THESE AND OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING THE COMPANY'S PROXY STATEMENT AND WHITE PROXY CARD, FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY (IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE) BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and stockholders may obtain a free copy of these documents (when they are filed and become available) free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com . Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about, among others, the industry, markets in which the Company operates, and the transaction described in this press release. While the Company's management believes the assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, such information is necessarily subject to uncertainties and may involve certain risks, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of the Company's management. A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, customer growth rates, the effects of regulation/deregulation, tax reform and related regulatory decisions, the impacts of construction activity at Centuri, future earnings trends, seasonal patterns, and the impacts of stock market volatility. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance that its discussions about future operating margin, operating income, pension costs, COLI results, and capital expenditures of the natural gas segment will occur. Likewise, the Company can provide no assurance that discussions regarding utility infrastructure services segment revenues, operating income as a percentage of revenues, interest expense, and noncontrolling interest amounts will transpire, nor assurance regarding acquisitions or their impacts, including management's plans related thereto, such as that currently planned in regard to Riggs Distler & Company, Inc. and the pending acquisition of Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline, LLC and related entities (the "Questar Pipeline Group"). Additional risks include the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Sale and Purchase Agreement by and between Dominion Energy Questar Corporation and the Company (the "Questar Purchase Agreement"), the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company and others following announcement of the Questar Purchase Agreement, risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations, the risks related to the ability of the Company to integrate the Questar Pipeline Group, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the transaction and the actual terms of certain financings that will be obtained for the transaction, potential negative impacts to the Company's credit ratings as a result of the transaction, the disruption to the Company's stock price and the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to, and the distraction of management's attention in connection with, any proxy contest or other stockholder related or similar matters, as well as other risks that are set forth under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and in future filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are qualified by the cautionary statements in this section. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, or changes in expectations after the date of this press release. Participants in the Solicitation The directors and officers of the Company may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Company's directors and officers and their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or otherwise is available in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and its most recent definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants is or will be included in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC, when they become available. About Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing and transporting natural gas, and providing comprehensive utility infrastructure services across North America. Southwest Gas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, safely and reliably delivers natural gas to over two million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. Centuri Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a comprehensive utility infrastructure services enterprise dedicated to delivering a diverse array of solutions to North America's gas and electric providers. Contacts For stockholders information, contact: Ken Kenny (702) 876-7237 [email protected] For media information, contact: Sean Corbett (702) 876-7219 [email protected] SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://www.swgasholdings.com "Until now, investing in private space companies has been limited to high-net-worth investors," said Aaron Burnett, co-founder and CEO of Spaced Ventures. "The excitement for the space industry has never been greater and this unprecedented access to space investing will spur innovation and will be the key to putting humanity into space permanently." Since launching in 2020, and becoming a FINRA Funding Portal Member, Spaced Ventures has gained incredible traction and has mobilized one of the largest communities of space investors on the planet. The company has already received over 100 applications from space startups looking to raise capital and 1700 potential investors have registered on the site. Since opening the platform to the public in September 2021, three space companies have already received over $600,000 in commitments from Spaced Ventures' investors with an average individual investment of over $2,300. Additionally, Mr. Arseneau has been named as an Ambassador for the Canadian Space Agency to educate and inspire a passion for space with the next generation of youth, which will further help to grow the space community. Spaced Ventures anticipates using this funding to double its team and to launch new financial products for its investor base and its portfolio of space companies. "Spaced Ventures is a pioneering force ushering in a new era for the space industry," said Steve Lau, managing partner of WorldQuant Ventures. "Efficient financial technology has never been more compelling, and Spaced Ventures' flexible and alternative funding options for early stage space companies are fulfilling a critical need at a pivotal time." About Spaced Ventures Spaced Ventures is the leading equity crowdfunding portal dedicated solely to space. The company addresses the funding gap for early-stage space companies and gives the public the ability to invest as little as $100 into emerging space startups. Based in Florida, Texas and Canada, the company aims to be the largest community of space investors on the planet. Spaced Ventures Inc. is the parent company of SV Portal LLC (collectively, "Spaced Ventures"). SV Portal LLC is registered with the SEC as a funding portal member and is a member of FINRA. All investing involves the risk of loss. Learn more at spacedventures.com. SOURCE Spaced Ventures Related Links http://www.spacedventures.com NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A Northeast investor has filed a FINRA arbitration claim against brokerage firm Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. over his Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) investment losses. Our investment fraud law firm is representing him in his FINRA arbitration claim. The claimant contends that the off-shore investment was unsuitably recommended to him by Sarah Komischke, also known as Xiao Qin Komischke, while she was with Raymond James. Komischke is currently a Cetera Investment Services broker. After investing $250K in the off-shore investment, the claimant is now seeking up to $500K in damages for his losses. If you are an investor who suffered significant losses in Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda), call Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas (SSEK Law Firm at investorlawyers.com) today at (800) 259-9010. The claimant is an inexperienced investor and now lives in the Northeast but is a foreign national who sought safe haven for his assets in the United States. A then-client of the United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU), he mostly invested in savings/checking accounts and bank products. Komischke never told the investor about the risks involved with Northstar products, misrepresenting it as a safe investment. Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) has since gone bankrupt and is undergoing liquidation proceedings. Its owner, billionaire Greg Lindberg is serving time in prison for wire fraud and bribery. In his FINRA arbitration case, this investor is now alleging the following: Misrepresentations and omissions Overconcentration Unsuitable investment recommendations Breach of contract Gross negligence Breach of fiduciary He is also claiming failure to supervise by the brokerage firms, which, along with their financial advisors, earned high commissions and other fees from selling Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) to its customers. At SSEK Law Firm, we have a team of experienced attorneys that are currently going after the brokerage firms that sold Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) products to their customers, including SunTrust's Truist Investment Services, Unionbanc Investment Services, Hancock Whitney Investment Services, J.P. Morgan Securities, Bankoh Investment Services, Ocean Financial Services LLC and others. You can read our FAQ page for questions that investors have about Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda). Call us at (800) 259-9010 today for your free, no-obligation case consultation. Contact: Kirk Smith [email protected] US Toll-Free (800) 259-9010 Internationally, via WhatsApp (text only) at 713-227-2400 Northstar Bermuda FAQs Northstar Bermuda Preguntas Frecuentes SOURCE Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP Related Links http://www.investorlawyers.com CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rush University Medical Center again has been recognized as being among the top academic medical centers nationwide in the annual ranking by Vizient, Inc. Of the 101 comprehensive U.S. academic medical centers assessed in the Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking, the Medical Center was ranked No. 2 for excellence in delivering high-quality care. Rush University Medical Center ranked No. 1 in the Vizient ratings in 2019 and has been in the top five for eight consecutive years. Vizient has assessed medical centers annually since 2005. "The Rush name has become synonymous with the highest quality and safest care available," said Dr. Omar Lateef, CEO of Rush University Medical Center. "It is our collective dedication to our patients, their safety and quality outcomes that again places us among the best of the best." The Vizient study of 565 hospitals -- which also includes separately ranked community hospitals and smaller medical centers -- evaluates participants' performance based on the Institute of Medicine's domains of care: safety, mortality, clinical effectiveness, efficiency and patient centeredness. The Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking helps participating hospitals and health systems understand their performance against their peers and identifies structures and processes associated with high performance in quality and safety across a broad spectrum of patient care activity. The recognition period is for work spanning July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Many health care leaders consider the annual study to be the most accurate gauge of the quality and safety of the care hospitals deliver because, unlike other ranking systems that take reputation into account or use old or incomplete data, the Quality and Accountability Study is based entirely on objective data related to patient outcomes for all inpatients, regardless of insurance coverage. In addition to Vizient's recognition of the excellence of its inpatient care, Rush University Medical Center ranked sixth in the Vizient Ambulatory Quality and Accountability Ranking system, which assesses data from participating faculty outpatient clinic practices to measure performance in five domains: access to care, quality, efficiency, continuum of care and equity. The composite scoring system uses practice and patient-level data for work spanning the same period. "This recognition from Vizient showcases our commitment to improving the health of our patients every single day," said Dr. Richa Gupta, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Rush University Medical Group. "Our team members have worked tirelessly to improve access and the quality of care for ambulatory patients across RUMG at on campus and regional practices. We are humbled by this recognition and look forward to continue to expand our reach and bring Rush excellence to patients and families in Chicagoland and beyond." For more information, visit Vizient Member Awards, or contact Charlie Jolie, senior media relations strategist, at [email protected]. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Rush University Medical Center Related Links http://www.rush.edu According to the IOF, it is estimated that worldwide an osteoporotic fracture occurs every three seconds. At 50 years of age, one in three women and one in five men will suffer a fracture in their remaining lifetime.1 Luckily, there are steps we can take to help prevent bone loss. Focusing on bone-healthy foods is one way people can help to improve their bone health. Multiple studies suggest prunes may help to prevent bone loss. In fact, research suggests that eating just 5-6 prunes per day can have a positive effect on bone health in post-menopausal women.2 A separate, yearlong study even saw an increase in bone mineral density of certain regions of the body in people who ate 10-11 prunes per day.3 Prunes have vitamins and minerals that likely work together to protect the bone, including fiber, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, boron, copper and polyphenols.4 "We're proud to partner with IOF on World Osteoporosis Day for the 6th year to help remind people about the importance of bone health," said Stephanie Harralson, Director of Marketing, North America, at Sunsweet Growers Inc. "We should all strive to eat more bone-healthy foods, such as prunes, and follow a healthy lifestyle so we can feel good and enjoy life." For more information on prunes and bone health, visit https://www.sunsweet.com/products/benefits-of-prunes. About Sunsweet Sunsweet Growers Inc., established in 1917, has over 100 years of experience and heritage in producing the highest quality dried fruits. The Yuba City, Calif.-based cooperative of 200+ grower/members is the worldwide leader in prunes and related products. Most recently, the product portfolio has been expanded to include a full line of dried fruit snacks and juices, all designed to fit today's need for healthy and convenient food choices. For more on Sunsweet products, visit www.Sunsweet.com 1 https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/sites/iofbonehealth/files/2019-06/2016_GapsAndSolutionsInBoneHealth_TR_English_1.pdf 2 Hooshmand S, Kern M, Metti D, Shamloufard P, Chai SC, Johnson SA, Payton ME, Arjmandi BH. The effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2016 Jul;27(7):2271-2279. doi: 10.1007/s00198-016-3524-8. Epub 2016 Feb 22. PMID: 26902092. 3 Arjimandi, et al. Nutrients. Bone-Protective Effects of Dried Plum in Postmenopausal Women: Efficacy and Possible Mechanisms. 2017, 9, 496: doi:10.3390/nu9050496. 4 Arjmandi, Bahram H et al. "Bone-Protective Effects of Dried Plum in Postmenopausal Women: Efficacy and Possible Mechanisms." Nutrients vol. 9,5 496. 14 May. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9050496 SOURCE Sunsweet Growers Inc. Related Links https://www.sunsweet.com/ TAIPEI, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2021 FUTEX Trend Forum- Space Technology, top international business executives as well as academic experts were invited to speak from global perspectives, including NASA Administrator Bill Nielson, who is leading many innovative and sustainable projects of space exploration. 2021 FUTEX invited Petr Bares, chairman of Czech Space Alliance, to offer his insight on the development of Czech space industry and the possibility of future Czech participation in space. While looking back at the past, he also led us to draw a blueprint for the future of Taiwan's Space Technology. 2021 FUTEX Trend Forum- Space Technology also invited Christian Patouraux, the founder and CEO of Kacific, an emerging satellite company, to talk about the space commerce opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, especially how to break through geographic restrictions and provide affordable and reliable Internet services. To explore the future and trends, 2021 FUTEX Panel Discussion specifically focused on space technology, orienting around the theme "Taiwan's New Opportunity in the Global Satellite Communication Market", inviting important figures from the domestic industry, academia and government to discuss the infinite possibilities of Taiwan's current talents, industrial links, and new business opportunities in space. Fusionmedium served as the media partner of the event. Taiwan is entering the space era, and the "Space Development Law" was officially passed in 2021. Jong-Shinn Wu, Director General of National Space Organization (NSPO) pointed out that the Starlink project was expected to launch a total of 42,000 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites. Within 10 years, there will be a large number of artificial satellites in orbit between 300 and 1,000 kilometers above the earth, which also opens up the infinite possibilities for Taiwan to join the emerging space commerce and its supply chains. Wing-Huen Ip, Chairman of the Taiwan Space Science Alliance, pointed out that the Space Science Alliance, as an information exchange platform, can facilitate the cooperation among industry, government and academic cooperation, targeting major issues of sustainable development, such as global warming, and using low-earth orbit satellites to observe the earth. Charles Lin, a distinguished professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, has participated in every Formosa satellite mission in Taiwan since 1999. He believes that cross-border resources and talents can be gathered through the "one school, one space" dream. He hopes that all schools can have their own space dreams, it will enhance the research capacity and initiate cross-industry cooperation between industry and academia. Industries around the world have continuously increased the demand for broadband. In recent years, low-earth-orbit satellite applications have rapidly emerged. Industry leaders including Foxconn and BizLink are all paying attention to future space business opportunities. Foxconn established Foxconn Research Institute last year to invest in new generation communications and quantum computing. The research institute hopes to improve the overall engineering capability through R&D investment. In the booming space industry, where are the opportunities for Taiwan? Jong-Shinn Wu believes that two major markets, ground communications equipment and satellite components, will be Taiwan's greatest opportunities. Taiwan Innotech Expo 2021 2021 FUTEX Trend Forum-Space Technology SOURCE Fusionmedium WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), the nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease and achieving health equity for all, will host its 12th Annual Spirit of the Heart Awards Gala & Fundraiser virtually on Saturday, October 16, 2021. The "Health Equity in Motion" themed event will celebrate an incredible year of innovation and resiliency amongst ABC's members and the communities they serve. Association of Black Cardiologists' 12th Annual Spirit of the Heart Awards Gala & Fundraiser flyer "Health equity in motion not only describes the work of the Association of Black Cardiologists', but it also defines the core of ABC's organizational DNA," said CEO of ABC, Cassandra McCullough, MBA. "Even in the midst of a global pandemic, we are still tackling health disparities, addressing social determinants of health including racism in medicine, and sounding the alarm on the lack of diversity in both the healthcare workforce and clinical trials." This night of recognition pays tribute to those who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of health equity in medicine, research, public service, leadership, and volunteerism. The evening's distinguished honorees include: Lisa A. Cooper , MD, MPH , Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, James F. Fries Professor of Medicine; Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity; Director, Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute ( Spirit of the Heart Health Equity Legend In Motion Award ); Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, James F. Fries Professor of Medicine; Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity; Director, Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute ( ); Daphne P. Ferdinand , PhD, RN , Executive Director, Healthy Heart Community Prevention Project, Inc. ( Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Health Promotion Award ); and, , Executive Director, Healthy Heart Community Prevention Project, Inc. ( ); and, Hilliard "Hilly" Paige , Vice-President of Patient and Professional Advocacy Relations at Esperion Therapeutics (Spirit of the Heart Health Equity Champion Award) In addition to recognizing the incredible accomplishments of our dedicated members, colleagues, and partners, we are excited to announce our Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship recipients, the Dr. Richard Allen Williams & Genita Evangelista Johnson / ABC Scholarship recipients, the finalists and winner from the Dr. Jay Brown Best Abstract Competition, and the winners of the research-based, 2021 COVID-19 Innovation Awards. Guests will be treated to performances by gospel phenom Jonathan McReynolds and new-to-the-scene youth singing group, WanMor (sons of legendary R&B group Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris). Cameo appearances and special messages of support will be delivered by Anthony Anderson , star of ABC's Emmy-nominated sitcom Black-ish, and Jocko Sims , star of NBC's drama New Amsterdam. Throughout the evening, viewers will enjoy live music played by DJ Vince Adams and will be given the opportunity to donate online . ABC Past-Presidents Drs. Barbara Hutchinson and Icilma V. Fergus, along with CEO McCullough, will serve as Mistresses of Ceremony. Featured speakers, an amazing roster of pioneering Black cardiologists and ABC Members, include Dr. Yele Aluko (Ernst & Young); Dr. Michelle Albert (USCF), President of ABC; Dr. Elizabeth Ofili (Morehouse School of Medicine), ABC Board Chair; and ABC Founder and Board Member; Dr. Richard Allen Williams; Dr. Norissa Haynes (University of Pennsylvania) and Dr. Kemar J. Brown (Massachusetts General Hospital) will also present during the evening which will begin with an opening prayer and blessing, the ABC's honored tradition, by The Very Reverend Sandye A. Wilson, Rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Andrews and Holy Communion in South Orange, New Jersey. As ABC's premier fundraising event, this celebration benefits ABC's ongoing clinical research, advocacy, education, community outreach, and heart disease prevention awareness. The funding raised will also support scholarships for medical students from underrepresented groups and communities. For more information about the Spirit of the Heart Awards Gala and the mission of ABC, please visit abcardioevents.org . ABC Virtual Awards Gala & Fundraiser Sponsors: Diamond Sponsors AstraZeneca Novartis Platinum Sponsor Bristol Myers Squibb Gold Sponsors Merck Esperion Amgen Silver Sponsor American College of Cardiology PHRMA WalMart Bronze Sponsors Morehouse School of Medicine Haymarket Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Samuel and Rosalind B. Spielvogel Family Foundation About the ABC Founded in 1974, the ABC adheres to the vision that all people regardless of race, ethnicity or gender should benefit equally from the reduction in the frequency, duration, and impact of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Membership is open to all interested in the care of people with or at risk for cardiovascular disease, including health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate and institutional members. Today, the ABC's public and private partnerships continue to increase its impact in communities across the nation. For more information, visit www.abcardio.org and connect with ABC on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Contact: ABC Media Relations [email protected] 646-689-0659 SOURCE Association of Black Cardiologists NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today announced the annual national gala called 'Toast to Life' will be held virtually and is free and open to the public to register, donate, or participate in the auction here. The virtual gala begins at 8pm ET. The event will stream live from the Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, Arizona on MDA's YouTube channel, with support from generous sponsors Cigna, DT Midstream, Outback Bowl, StructureTone, Sarepta, National Seating and Mobility, and NuMotion. as the community joins together virtually to raise funds for the organization's mission. Watkins-Domalski family with Celine who lives with SMA and is receiving life-changing treatment at the MDA Care Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. The virtual event will be hosted by April Warnecke a longtime supporter of the organization, anchor, reporter, and meteorologist at 3 TV and KTVK a CBS5 based in Phoenix, Arizona. "Over the last 18 months because of COVID-19 many things have changed, but one thing stayed the same and that's the need for donations and generosity towards the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The world that the MDA families live in didn't stop because of the pandemic and that means that the MDA team had to work twice as hard to fulfill their obligations, but as usual this amazing team did it again," said Marc Rivas, Committee Chair of the Toast to Life gala and co-emcee. The mission of the event is to raise awareness and funds for research, care, and advocacy for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases, and updates on progress in the field will be on full display, through stories from MDA families including the Watkins-Domalski family and 2-year-old daughter Celine receiving life-changing treatment from the multi-disciplinary MDA Care Center team at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "MDA's Care Center at CHOP has been life-changing for our family and our daughter Celine. We are so grateful for MDA's funding of research and care that led to treatments being available for her diagnosis with SMA. Now, instead of progressive weakness, she is getting stronger! We share our story so that communities can come together and support this important mission for families living with neuromuscular diseases," said Amber-Joi Watkins, MDA family member. "Scientific breakthroughs are coming faster than ever in the field of neuromuscular disease--there have been 14 FDA-approved treatments in just the past six years alone. For decades, MDA has strategically funded researchers, which has led in part to these advancements. We continue to be laser focused on our mission, and today, there are more clinical trials underway than ever before. We can't keep this amazing pipeline of promise moving forward without the contributions of donors at wonderful events like our Annual Toast to Life. We are so grateful for their support," said Donald S. Wood, PhD., President and CEO of MDA. The evening will feature families living with some of the over 43 neuromuscular diseases MDA covers including Doug Clough from Arizona, living with ALS, and MDA National Ambassador Ethan LyBrand living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and alumni MDA National Ambassador Reagan Imhoff, living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). "Ever since I heard and saw anything about MDA it was a face and message of a good comedian, Jerry Lewis. Today, technology has changed many things, but MDA has always been about people helping people. And it still is people helping people," said Doug Clough, MDA family member. About the Muscular Dystrophy Association For 70 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been committed to transforming the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care. As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. MDA's MOVR is the first and only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic, and patient-reported data for multiple neuromuscular diseases to improve health outcomes and accelerate drug development. MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best-in-class care at more than 150 of the nation's top medical institutions. Our Resource Center serves the community with one-on-one specialized support, and we offer educational conferences, events, and materials for families and healthcare providers. MDA Advocacy supports equal access for our community, and each year thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at summer camp and through recreational programs, at no cost to families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDA continues to produce virtual events and programming to support our community when in-person events and activities are not possible. MDA's COVID-19 guidelines and virtual events are posted at mda.org/COVID19. For more information, visit mda.org. SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association Related Links https://www.mda.org ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tori Riebel, manager of benefits at AllianceRx Walgreens Prime, received the specialty and home delivery pharmacy's highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, as part of its third annual Excellence in Values celebration, held this week in Orlando. The Pinnacle Award recognizes a team member who has gone above and beyond in their work and consistently demonstrates the company's core values of care, trust, respect, and accountability. Tori Riebel According to the nomination, Riebel, who joined AllianceRx Walgreens Prime in 2019, was a vital part of the company's COVID-19 triage team. She willingly accepted the role of point person without knowing how much time it would take or losing sight of her day-to-day responsibilities. She ensured the company had proper standard operating procedures for temperature screenings and positive test results. She became an expert in understanding guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and researching local and state rules regarding face coverings, shutdowns and other issues that impacted AllianceRx Walgreens Prime team members. Riebel tracked all AllianceRx Walgreens Prime cases by site and reported to leadership twice per week. She also headed up the pharmacy's vaccination clinics, working closely with both Human Resources and Walgreens' teams to ensure team members were informed, and clinics ran smoothly. At the same time, Riebel was instrumental in rolling out a new workforce time and attendance initiative which resulted in a significant cost savings for the company. "Our core values are the baseline for all internal and external interactions, and our Excellence in Values program is a way to celebrate the team members who embody these values," says Joel Wright, RPh, chief executive officer. "Tori demonstrates all our core values in the way she leads her team and cares for her fellow team members." Team members rose to the occasion for this year's Excellence in Values program and embraced the opportunity to commend fellow team members. With a total of 540 nominations for 367 individuals, AllianceRx Walgreens Prime announced 38 team members as 2021 Circle of Excellence winners. Circle of Excellence awards recognize team members for an outstanding demonstration of a minimum of two company values. "Our Pinnacle award recognizes a team member who goes above and beyond in their work and consistently demonstrate multiple core values. The recipient is the "best of the best" not only living our values each day but striving for more. Tori exemplifies this daily in her work for AllianceRx Walgreens Prime," says Wright. About AllianceRx Walgreens Prime AllianceRx Walgreens Prime (alliancerxwp.com) is a specialty and home delivery pharmacy that strives to provide exceptional care throughout a patient's treatment journey with the medications they need every day. Formed in 2017 through a collaboration between Walgreens, one of the nation's largest chain drug stores, and Prime Therapeutics, a leading pharmacy benefit manager, the company offers tools and resources for patients, providers and health plans to deliver the optimal health outcomes. The company is headquartered in Orlando, Fla. and its pharmacies are accredited by several national pharmacy accreditation services. Media Contact Adrienne Foley, APR External communications manager [email protected] SOURCE AllianceRx Walgreens Prime Related Links http://www.alliancerxwp.com GEELONG, Australia, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A bold move to transform American cans of beer into virtual channels is taking shape, and local brewers are set to benefit. A next-level smartphone app, SWIGR, launches today, with fifty pioneering brands 'virtually' launching a new way to connect with customers. A virtual experience from USA beer. Smartphone augmented reality lifts brand engagement by up to 70% Augmented reality packaging - Swigr is the world's leading augmented reality platform for alcoholic beverage industry, augmented reality beer The concept enables brewers to "virtually" attach content behind their labels, which eager consumers activate by scanning with their phones. The experience is then stunningly brought to life with augmented reality (AR), with an interactive experience, showcasing the brewery. Recent studies show that AR can increase brand awareness by up to 70%. Maui Brewing, Yards Brewing Co, and Four Saints are among the US brands involved. See AR Beer Demonstration Video Fast-tracked USA rollout The company behind the ground-breaking concept, Immertia, announced that the technology would be fast-tracked to USA brands, following a successful trial with craft beers, and wine. Managing Director, Dave Chaffey, said that brewers now had a channel to attract a new generation of beer lovers. "The experience is set for the millennial generation to discover the stories behind their favourite beer. There's content from the brewer, elements of social media and some unique interaction." "Customers love it! The concept is great, and the visuals are simply stunning." "By every measure, it's hitting the mark with the target audience." Every US beer within five years Chaffey said the concept is for all beer brands, and is designed to work on any beer label, using clever technology to recognise labels and augmented reality to showcase the beer's story. "It's a powerful concept, which can be setup and managed as easily as a Facebook page." "Augmented reality is really starting to ramp up, people are getting very excited about what's on the horizon. We believe that an interactive experience will be on every US beer within five years. " Brewers that add the technology into their marketing mix now, will fully capture the attention of consumers the benefits could be huge." Strong Interest The potential of the technology is strong. Market analysts are forecasting explosive growth of retail and package-based AR over the next three years. Immertia has seen this first-hand, after a recent promotion of the beer concept, unwittingly drew attention from other industries, and contact from two pharmaceutical giants, marketing agencies, and a global packaging manufacturer. The company has initiated a Capital Raise to accelerate growth. "There's significant opportunity here, on many levels it's an exciting technology" --- Media Enquiries Media enquiries are welcome. Please visit our media center where a priority response service is maintained. Media Liaison: Dave Chaffey, Founding Partner, [email protected] Media Center: immertia.io/media/ Phone: +61 1300 633 390 IMMERTIA is a hard-working team creating augmented reality experiences from products and the range of packaging a commercialised product of Third Aurora a Collaborative Tech Engine SOURCE Immertia HERZLIYA, Israel, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vintage Investment Partners, a global technology investment firm, managing $3 billion, announced today that Keren Terner has joined the firm as its Chief Operating Partner. Ms. Terner recently served as Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Finance, leading the Ministry during the height of the Covid-19 crisis. She arrived at the Ministry of Finance after serving as the Director-General of the Ministry of Transportation. Prior to that, she served as Vice President for Infrastructure and Transportation Planning. Ms. Terner advanced mega-transportation infrastructure development plans and other mega projects, such as intra and intercity roads, rail and light rail transit and safety initiatives. Previously, Keren served in various positions at the Ministry of Finance. Keren was the Minister of Finance's representative on the Boards of Directors at Israel Railways and Israel Post. Ms. Terner has an MBA Degree, majoring in Finance and Accounting and a Bachelor's Degree with Honors in Economics and Business Administration, both from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She was a training officer in the IDF's Moran special unit and was discharged as a First Lieutenant. "We are thrilled to welcome Keren to the Vintage team," said Alan Feld, Founder and Managing Partner of Vintage. "Keren's intelligence combined with her strong leadership skills propelled Keren to leading positions in the Israeli economy at a relatively young age. She brings a wealth of management experience to Vintage that I believe will allow us to grow our firm and platform to a new level." Ms. Terner said: "I am very excited about joining the Vintage family and taking a leadership role at the firm. Throughout my career, I have seen how technology has dramatically affected economies everywhere. The Vintage opportunity allows me to help guide a leading technology investment firm to increase its impact on fostering innovation globally." ABOUT VINTAGE: Vintage Investment Partners is a global integrated venture platform combining Secondary Funds, Direct Co-Investment Funds, and Fund-of-Funds. With approximately $3 billion assets under management across 13 active funds, the firm is invested in many leading venture funds and mid/late-stage startups. Vintage also leverages its position in the ecosystem, broad network, and database of over 2,600 venture funds and over 14,000 startups to provide Value-Added Services to funds and startups, connecting thousands of venture-backed technology startups to hundreds of corporations seeking support in their digital journeys. Vintage's Value-Added Services also offer funds and startups access to data and market insights. MEDIA CONTACT: Alan Feld, Email: [email protected] Abe Finkelstein, Email: [email protected] SOURCE Vintage Investment Partners SAN DIEGO, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Vipshop Holdings Limited (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 captioned Tan v. Goldman Sachs Group Inc., No. 21-cv-08413 was commenced on October 12, 2021 in the Southern District of New York. 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 [email protected]. 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. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP 655 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 J.C. Sanchez, 800-449-4900 [email protected] SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Related Links http://rgrdlaw.com Walle Power is the world's first wallet with inbuilt 3000mAh power bank delivering high speed power via a USB-C port at 18W, an embedded Apple Air Tag, a tech drawer storage SIM, Micro-SD card with SIM removal tool. In addition, it adds a back lit vanity mirror & a scribble pad on back. Air Tag allows the wallet to be tracked even where GPS signals can't penetrate i.e. elevator, basement, and indoor space. Walle PRO is tailored for the Crypto-Currency generation embodying the world's first biometric secured Crypto-Currency wallet using fingerprint. The PRO also adds an Always On E-Paper Display that can be customized from the cross-platform iOS and Android app. It's secured by the most advanced crypto accelerated BLE 5.0 microprocessor. Walle PRO Navi adds GPS & Cellular to the PRO variant along with up to 512Gb of fingerprint secured storage that for the first time disconnects at hardware level without your fingerprint. It supports embedded SIM for advanced security with all the data & charges paid for 2 years. The onboard GPS and cellular allows users to remotely trace, disable and/or erase the Walle PRO Navi just in case. Walle's Co-Founder and innovator Nancy Vega says, "It's been forever since a wallet was securing cash and a few cards. We had iterative developments over the course but look where technology has moved! The classic 'wallet' is from the telephone's generation & today we are living in the smartphone world. We've moved from cash to cards. Cards to apple pay/google pay etc., and now we are enroute to Crypto-Currency. So how about a wallet that supports everything." Walle has proprietary pull loops for the card pockets to easily pull out the cards & are made from top-of-the-line full grain veg tanned leather from an Italian tannery currently available in Tan and Black color. All Walle are built around a 5-bay magic spindle that can allow upgrading and customizing the Wallet with the upcoming flaps that dramatically enhance what a 'wallet' can do! Early bird discount is available at Walle's Indiegogo campaign http://igg.me/at/walle To know more; visit www.walle.com SOURCE W Design Today, Tony Han, the Founder and CEO of WeRide, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Wenhui Jin, Executive Vice President of JMC and Renqun Jin, Vice President of ZTO Express during WeRide's latest web live Press Conference "The Next". Combining the three companies' expertise in technology, product innovation and commercialization, they will jointly undertake Robovan's commercial pilot operations and explore the know-how of upgrading urban logistics. Moving forward, WeRide and JMC will work closely together to design purpose-built models for mass production on JMC's customized assembly lines, while ZTO Express will acquire Robovans in their urban logistics usage. Robovan is the third innovative AD product in the WeRide product family, in addition to Robotaxi and Mini Robobus. Robovan's design is based on JMC's battery electric vehicle (BEV) model with a fully-redundant vehicle platform and WeRide's full-stack software and hardware AD solutions. It will offer all-weather, round-the-clock service on urban roads with leading L4 AD capabilities. Being light-weight and nimble, Robovan naturally possesses substantial advantages in urban transport. After running a publicly accessible Robotaxi service for almost two years and the mass production of Robobuses on OEM assembly lines, WeRide has gained valuable experiences on product development and self-driving fleet operations. WeRide is confident that Robovan will be able to operate in a stable, safe and efficient manner under different circumstances, including various urban traffic scenarios in CBD, urban villages, tunnels and highways. In the future, the fully driverless Robovans will free up labor and provide uninterrupted logistics services. Complementary with digital and automatic AD fleet management platform, Robovan services will excel in the traditional logistics model. The birth of Robovan will revolutionize the existing urban logistics system, enabling faster and even more convenient delivery services. The commercialization of WeRide Robovan will change the landscape of urban logistics in an innovative way. "WeRide has always emphasized that AD technologies should be used effectively in reality to serve the society. With the introduction of Robovan, the very first L4 self-driving cargo van in China, we have heralded a new era of autonomous driving for urban logistics in the country. By teaming up with two key players in the sector, Jiangling Motors and ZTO Express, we continue to uphold the "triangle model" of collaborating, an approach which WeRide has adopted since we developed passenger vehicles. We are aiming to deliver both smart mobility and smart logistics for cities in the future," said Tony Han. "This partnership will bring forth synergy which allows all parties to leverage on each other's strengths. WeRide Robovan, one of the many achievements of this special trilateral partnership, will redefine urban logistics and inject new impetus into the industry," according to Wenhui Jin, the Executive Vice President of JMC. Renqun Jin, the Vice President of ZTO Express, said: "ZTO Express has been following the application of self-driving technology in urban logistics. By drawing on our strengths in hardware and software through this cooperation, we will jointly explore a new model for smart logistics and develop an integrated AD solutions for urban logistics." Jianfa Lai, the Executive Vice President of ZTO Express, also made remarks on the cooperation: "As a forerunner in our industry, ZTO Express will introduce and accelerate the use of autonomous driving in urban logistics through this partnership." Currently, WeRide offers an all-rounded product mix of Robotaxi, Robovan and Mini Robobus and will continue to accelerate its technology. The company is dedicated to pursuing L4 autonomous driving on both mobility and logistics services. About WeRide WeRide aims to develop the most advanced autonomous driving technology, which will make our trips safer and more efficient. It has received strategic investment from top-tier global automakers, including Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, and Yutong Group. WeRide is the first startup in the world to hold driverless test permits in both China and the US. Established in 2017, WeRide is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, and maintains R&D and operation centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Shenzhen and Anqing, as well as San Jose in the US. It employs a highly skilled team and has extensive domestic and international experience in R&D, business models and business operations. WeRide launched the first Robotaxi service, completely open to the public, in November 2019 in Guangzhou, covering an area of 144 square kilometers. A total of 147,128 trips were completed with more than 60,000 passengers during the first year of WeRide Robotaxi services. For more information, please visit the website: www.weride.ai; Medium: https://werideai.medium.com/; twitter/LinkedIn: WeRide.ai; YouTube: WeRide Autonomous Driving. About JMC Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd. (JMC) is a powerful force in China's automobile industry. JMC has built its core competitiveness in commercial vehicle and gradually stepped into SUV and MPV markets. JMC has been holding dual brand strategy with JMC brand and Ford brand developing simultaneously. Ford brand includes Transit products, Ford MPV Tourneo, Ford SUV Everest and Ford Territory, Ford Territory S, a mid-sized SUV jointly developed by Ford and JMC, a new SUV Ford Equator was launched in 2021. JMC brand includes light truck (Carrying series, Kaiyun series and Shunda series), Pickup (New Baodian, Yuhu7 and Yuhu9), light bus Teshun, and Yusheng SUV, etc. About ZTO Express Founded on May 8, 2002, ZTO Express ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service and other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network in China. As of June 30 2021, its network covers over 99% of China's cities and counties. ZTO is both a key enabler and a direct beneficiary of China's fast-growing e-commerce market, and has established itself as the trusted express delivery partner for millions of commerce customers, including online merchants and consumers selling and buying products on Chinese leading e-commerce sites, such as Alibaba, PDD, JD.com. Building on the core express delivery business, ZTO strives to become an integrated logistics service provider. The company is expanding the service offerings with a goal to build an ecosystem featuring express delivery, less-than-truckload, cross-border, warehousing, aviation, commerce and more. SOURCE WeRide "The four walls around us have the power to unlock immense opportunity," said Jeff Noel, vice president, Whirlpool Corporation. "We are thrilled to be working with Habitat for Humanity, a partner of ours for more than 20 years, to help make a real, positive difference in homeowners' lives around the world so they may unlock their full potential." As part of the House + Home World Tour, Whirlpool is sponsoring three Habitat global housing forums. The forums bring together a spectrum of thought leaders and experts to spur innovation that helps meet the housing needs of the planet's growing population, while also addressing challenges related to increasing severe weather events and changing climate norms. The first f orum was held in the Latin America and Caribbean region in May, with subsequent forums to be held in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and the Asia-Pacific region in November and December, respectively. Additionally, the two organizations kicked off the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative in June, which expands upon Habitat for Humanity's efforts to help homeowners mitigate the impacts of climate change. Through the initiative, Habitat will build more than 250 climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes in partnership with hundreds of Americans in need of affordable housing over the next three years. In the United States, the House + Home World Tour will kick off with a new home build in partnership with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County during the University's homecoming weekend (Oct 15-16). The home, which is one of the first to be built as part of the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, will be outfitted with solar panels, high-efficiency heating and cooling and water-conserving plumbing fixtures. This will be one of Whirlpool Corporation's first home builds since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. "As the COVID-19 pandemic tarries, the need for safe, stable and affordable housing cannot be overstated. Through our expanded partnership with Whirlpool Corporation, we'll be able to provide hundreds of families in 11 countries and regions with access to this basic and fundamental need," said Adrienne Goolsby, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada at Habitat for Humanity International. "We're grateful for Whirlpool Corporation's financial and humanitarian commitment to help us build a world where everyone has a decent place to live." Whirlpool Corporation has supported Habitat for Humanity's work to build affordable homes and communities with families in need of a decent place to live since 1999, donating nearly $130 million to Habitat and supporting programs in 45 countries. As part of these efforts, the company has also donated and installed approximately 207,000 ranges and refrigerators in new Habitat for Humanity homes in the U.S. and Canada serving more than 108,900 families; sponsored more than 190 homes; donated products to 76,000 Habitat families in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and engaged thousands of employee volunteers in Habitat builds alongside future homeowners. About Habitat for Humanity Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in south Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the world's leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, with approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 78,000 employees and 57 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2020. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. Additional information about the company can be found at www.WhirlpoolCorp.com, or find us on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp. About Whirlpool Corporation House + Home It doesn't matter who you are or where you live; a comfortable, nurturing place to live is an essential anchor for everyone. It's where we begin to build our lives and a better future. But around the world today, 1.6 billion people live in substandard housing. And one in 10 people worldwide live in distressed communities, experiencing a perpetual cycle of low-wage jobs, education instability, inadequate transport, and racial inequality. That's why Whirlpool Corporation created House + Home. It is the company's comprehensive approach to social impact around the globe via: House: Where we are contributing to comfortable and nurturing places to live Home: Where we are supporting resilient, thriving, and sustainable communities through education and neighborhood development programs Whirlpool is proud to work closely with its employees and their families, local businesses, government, and other non-profits to help improve quality of life for all residents in a neighborhood, and to offer education and skills building programs that support more fulfilling, inclusive and sustainable living at home. Whirlpool Corporation's global House + Home partners include Habitat for Humanity International, Instituto Consulado da Mulher, and the Boys and Girls Club of America. SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International Related Links https://www.habitat.org/ VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra"), a cannabis company, is pleased to announce that it has received final approval to list its common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Xebra's 125,619,492 issued and outstanding common shares will commence trading at market open on Monday, October 18, 2021 under the ticker symbol "XBRA". Xebra is a cannabis company, with global brands and intellectual property. Xebra's global brands include beverages, wellness and leisure. Cultivation is focused in low-cost countries, and in jurisdictions where Xebra can achieve an early mover status. Xebra is well positioned in Mexico within the USMCA Free Trade Zone (formerly NAFTA), and is 1 of 5 companies whereby two will be selected by the government of the Netherlands to participate in cultivation trials, to supply all medicinal cannabis sold through Dutch pharmacies, under guaranteed government contracts. More on Xebra www.xebrabrands.com MEXICO Upon legalization of cannabis, Mexico will become the largest cannabis consumer market in the world by country (until such time as the U.S. federally legalizes). However, as part of the USMCA Free Trade Zone, Mexico is poised to become the principal industrial-scale cannabis producer and supplier in North America. Xebra's strategy is to be the absolute first mover in cannabis in Mexico, in advance of formal legalization, by obtaining a Supreme Court injunction to legally commercialize hemp derived cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG. Xebra's claim was filed in January 2019, and the injunction filed includes the right for the importation of seeds, cultivation anywhere in Mexico without limitation on size, harvesting, processing, the creation of cannabis products with less than 1% THC, and the right to sell those products domestically or by export. A Supreme Court vote on Xebra's claim for an injunction is expected to occur in due-course. More on Xebra in Mexico www.xebrabrands.com/en/category/mexico THE NETHERLANDS On July 2, 2021, Xebra received a preliminary cannabis license from the Dutch Ministry of Health, which provides for the possession, cultivation, processing, and transportation of cannabis. As 1 of only 5 companies to be selected by the Dutch government to participate in trial medicinal cannabis cultivation, Xebra is endeavoring to be awarded 1 of 2 licenses, with a contract for up to 6 years, providing for revenues of up to 70.5 million, to co-supply all pharma-grade cannabis to be sold in Holland; and additional crops can be grown for export to other European countries. Not including export crops, the contract would provide for annual volumes of 5,000 kg of cannabis flower, to be sold at a fixed price of 2,350/kg under an initial four-year term, with an optional two-year extension, for each of the two successful companies, and would be guaranteed by the Dutch government. The final two license holders will be selected based on the strength of their business plans, and on the product quality and consistency of three trial crops. Xebra has assembled an experienced team in Holland, led by Harry von Duijne, formerly of Bedrocan, where he was responsible for managing every aspect of operations of a state-of-the-art cannabis facility, from construction through cultivation and processing, quality management, and GMP certification; Bedrocan presently is, and has been the only licensed producer in Holland for more than a decade. Construction of Xebra's cannabis cultivation facility in Holland is near completion and the ideal cannabis seed strains have been secured. Planting of the first trial crop is expected to commence in December 2021, which will be harvested and submitted to the Dutch government in March 2022. More on Xebra in the Netherlands www.xebrabrands.com/en/category/holland BEVERAGES Xebra has developed approximately 40 cannabis infused formulations and six distinct beverage brands, each protected by trademark IP. Xebra has entered into an agreement with BevCanna Enterprises Inc., to launch Xebra's Vicious Citrus THC lemonade into the Canadian market. Under the agreement, BevCanna will manufacture and distribute Xebra's cannabis-infused beverages, with plans to launch Vicious Citrous in the Spring of 2022, with an initial focus in three provinces, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Xebra has also entered into an agreement to license Solutech, a clinically-backed delivery technology for cannabinoids. Solutech is one of the fastest-acting, most bioavailable and comprehensively studied delivery systems for cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, uniquely differentiated for relative oral bioavailability and absorption by a Phase I human clinical trial. Consideration for licensing Solutech is fully satisfied and completed, and this license is exclusive in Mexico and Colombia, and non-exclusive in Europe and the rest of the Americas, including Canada, but limited to only California in the United States. More on Xebra and Beverages www.xebrabrands.com/en/category/beverages COLOMBIA Xebra holds all relevant cannabis licenses in Colombia. Final agronomic evaluations to complete the registration of the initial 10 of Xebra's 144 cultivars (i.e. seed genetics), commenced in June, and are expected to be completed by year-end. Xebra's unique and intended business model, mitigates risk by partnering with licensed small cultivators, rather than incurring costly land ownership and leases. Upon completion of agronomic evaluations, Xebra and its partners can apply for a quota, in order to begin commercial activities, currently planned for 2022. More on Xebra in Colombia www.xebrabrands.com/en/category/colombia ESCROW Upon listing, Xebra will have 125,619,492 common shares issued and outstanding, of which approximately 14.71% of the common shares will be held by Xebra's directors, officers and consultants. In addition, upon listing, a total of 110,799,909 common shares, which were issued pursuant to the private placements completed by Xebra in the past, will be subject to contractual escrow and pooling restrictions on resale as described in the prospectus of Xebra dated September 30, 2021. The DRS statements that are being delivered to shareholders by Computershare the transfer agent will indicate the applicable restrictions. We strongly encourage shareholders to review the applicable restrictions on their DRS statements prior to engaging in any sales. Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, these include, without limitation, statements regarding Xebra Brands Ltd.'s expectations in respect of its ability to successfully execute its business plan or business model; its ability to provide economic, environmental, social, or any benefits of any type, in the communities it operates in or may operate it in the future; its ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the Netherlands, or elsewhere; its ability to raise capital and fund its ongoing operations; its ability to list its shares on a stock exchange or attain a public listing, its ability to successfully apply for and obtain trademarks and other intellectual property in any jurisdiction; its ability to be cost competitive; its ability to cultivate, grow, or process hemp or cannabis in Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the Netherlands, or elsewhere; its ability to manufacture cannabis beverages, wellness products, or other products; its ability to commercialize or sell cannabis beverages, wellness products, or other products, in Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the Netherlands, or elsewhere; its ability to commercialize or to sell Vicious Citrus Lemonade in 2021 or at any time, in any jurisdiction; its ability to commercialize or to sell Elements wellness products in Mexico, in Colombia, or in any jurisdiction in 2021 or at any time; its ability to make cannabis beverages that taste good; its ability to create wellness products that have a therapeutic effect or benefit; plans for future growth and the direction of the business; financial projections including expected revenues, gross profits, and EBITDA (which is a non-GAAP financial measure); plans to increase product volumes, the capacity of existing facilities, supplies from third party growers and contractors; expected growth of the cannabis industry generally; management's expectations, beliefs and assumptions; events or developments that XEBRA expects to take place in the future; general economic conditions; and other risk factors described in the prospectus of the Company dated September 30, 2021.. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking information and statements. The words "aim", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "intends", "continue", "plans", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by XEBRA as of the dates of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of XEBRA to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; the inability of Xebra to list its shares for trading on a stock exchange; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete a potential acquisition for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; and the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approval for license applications. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and XEBRA undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the foregoing except as required by law. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could affect XEBRA's actual performance and cause its actual performance to differ materially from what has been expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, XEBRA. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those set out in such statements. SOURCE Xebra Brands Ltd. Singapore, Oct 15 : Singapore reported 2,932 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, bringing the total tally in the country to 138,327, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release. Of the new cases, 2,412 were in the community, 517 were in migrant worker dormitories, and three were imported cases. A total of 1,511 cases are currently warded in hospitals, with 310 of serious illnesses requiring oxygen supplementation, and 46 in critical condition in intensive care units, said the MOH, Xinhua news agency reported. Besides, 15 more cases have passed away from complications due to Covid-19 infection. They include a 23 year-old individual who had been partially vaccinated against Covid-19, and a 34 year-old individual who was unvaccinated. The other 13 individuals who passed away were aged between 60 and 89 years. As of Wednesday, 84 per cent of the local population have received two doses of Covid-19 vaccines, and 85 per cent have received at least one dose. Baghdad, Oct 15 : Iraq has received the fourth batch of Covid-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government to boost Iraq's efforts to combat the pandemic. Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Iraq Jian Fangning and Iraqi health officials attended a handover ceremony on Thursday held at Baghdad International Airport, Xinhua news agency reported. The donation indicates the deep and good friendship between the two countries and their peoples, Jian said during the ceremony, noting that this is another example by the Chinese side to strive to make the Covid-19 vaccine a global public good. "We believe the vaccines provided by the Chinese side will help the Iraqi side facilitate the vaccination process, build the immune defense system, and eventually conquer the pandemic," he added. Meanwhile, Riyadh Abdul-Amir, director of Public Health Department at the Iraqi Ministry of Health, praised China's solidarity with and support for Iraq since the outbreak of the pandemic, noting that the arrival of this batch of vaccines will enhance Iraq's capabilities to raise the vaccination rate among Iraqis. He also hailed China's great role in supplying the vaccines to other countries and promoting the fair distribution of vaccines around the globe. The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Thursday 2,383 new Covid-19 cases, raising the nationwide caseload to 2,030,498. Iraq received the first three batches of Covid-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government in March, April, and August respectively. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Aligarh : , Oct 15 (IANS) The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) will hold up rail traffic for six hours on October 18, to protest against lack of action against Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni, who is an accused in the Lakhimpur incident in which nine persons, including four farmers were killed on October 3. The minister has been accused of criminal conspiracy by farmers and his son has been arrested after being booked for killing four farmers and a journalist. "Farmers will block railway tracks for six hours as a protest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday," the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said at a private event in Aligarh on Thursday. He said, "Farmers from every district will stage blockades on their nearest rail lines. The minister has been accused of criminal conspiracy but he has not been summoned, nor has he been asked to step down. His son was arrested, but after a lot of delay. We will not get justice if he remains in office. So, unless he is sacked, we are going ahead with our rail roko programme." Preparations for the rail roko have already begun. In Punjab, farmers have identified 36 points for the blockade. "We will make sure no train from any state passes through these points," said Jagmohan Singh, state general secretary of BKU in Punjab. In Mathura, hundreds have been asked to turn up at each station. "About 600 people have been asked to gather at Raya station and nearly 400 at Mathura junction to stop trains," said Raj Kumar Tomar, district president of BKU in Mathura. Farmer leaders had earlier announced their protest plan if the minister was not sacked by October 12 by burning effigies of senior BJP leaders, rail roko and a maha panchayat in Lucknow on October 26. It may be recalled that on October 3, farmers at Banbirpur in Lakhimpur Kheri were preparing for a black flag protest against union minister Ajay Mishra Teni and deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya when Mishra's convoy allegedly ran over protesters, killing four farmers. The violence escalated and two BJP workers, a driver and a journalist were also killed, allegedly by protesters. Farmers have further alleged that the killings were "planned" while Mishra has maintained that it was an "accident" that followed "protesters pelting stones at the convoy". Lalitpur : , Oct 15 (IANS) There is more trouble brewing for the man who has been accused of raping his minor daughter, along with 28 others, over the past few years. Two days after the 17-year-old girl in Lalitpur lodged a case of rape against her father and several others, including Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) functionaries, her mother has now lodged an FIR against her husband, claiming that he sodomised her son and also subjected her to domestic violence in which her in-laws were also involved. In her police complaint against 11 persons, including her husband and in-laws, the rape survivor's mother has claimed that in 2003 her husband had kidnapped her from home after drugging her parents. He had also taken her gold ornaments. Later, she was taken to Jabalpur where she was forcibly married to him in an Arya Samaj temple in the presence of his relatives. She further claimed that her husband continuously thrashed and tortured her from the very first day of the marriage. After getting pregnant, she was asked to get aborted but when she refused, her in-laws stopped giving her food. She somehow survived by taking food from the neighbours. After giving birth to a daughter, she was again subjected to torture. After she conceived again, her husband allegedly tried to damage her private parts. Her in-laws also tried to kill her on several occasions by dosing her with kerosene oil, poisoning her and by trying to throw acid but each time she survived, she claimed in her complaint. She further mentioned in the complaint that her husband used to sodomise her son also apart from taking her daughter to various places after her school and trying to sell her. On the basis of the complaint, police have lodged an FIR against several persons, including the husband, sister-in-law and mother-in-law of the woman under sections 498A, 366, 323, 506 , 326 377 of IPC besides Section 4/5 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Police also lodged two FIRs against 200 BSP and 250 SP party workers who had come to submit a memorandum against the FIR. Kanpur : , Oct 15 (IANS) In a freak incident, a newborn died after the infant slipped and his head got stuck in a commode in the Lala Lajpat Rai hospital. The doctors at the hospital apparently refused to admit a pregnant woman, Haseen Bano, 30, when she came to the emergency ward. Her husband Moin pleaded with the doctors as his wife went into labour. When the pain became unbearable, the woman went to the toilet, where she delivered the baby, but the infant slipped and the head got stuck in the hole of the seat. The hospital staff broke the toilet seat and pulled the infant out, but by then the baby had died. Taking cognizance of the matter, Dr Sanjay Kala, principal Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi memorial medical college -- the Lala Lajpat Rai hospital is associated with it -- has ordered a probe after forming a committee. "The issue is serious. A committee has been constituted to investigate the entire matter. Strict action will definitely be taken against the guilty," said Dr Kala. Chennai, Oct 15 : Play schools and Kindergarten will reopen in Tamil Nadu from November 1 onwards. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin announced this on Thursday. The state government has also allowed temples in the states to open on all days, which were earlier allowed to open from Monday-Thursday only. The BJP has conducted massive protests across the state against the temples remaining closed on weekends while Tasmac liquor shops were open on all days. The state government has directed all employees of kindergartens, plays schools and Anganwadis to get vaccinated before November 1. The Chief Minister's office in a statement on Thursday evening said that all hotels, restaurants, and bakeries would be allowed to remain till 11 p.m. All private tuition centres, government, and private organised employment camps would also be allowed to function henceforth. From Sunday's beaches will be allowed for the general public on Sundays also and weddings can be held with the participation of 100 people from November onwards. The government in the statement said that 50 people will be allowed to attend funerals from November onwards. The Chief Minister's office in the statement, however, said that restrictions for social and political events would continue as also restrictions on religious and cultural programmes. Dr. Uma Maheswari, social scientist and professor at a private college in Chennai while speaking to IANS said, "Reopening of Kindergartens and play schools are good. Children need to interact with their classmates and teachers physically. However, we should not let our guards down as it is a dangerous disease and the pandemic can come back. So teachers and other staff at these play schools and kindergartens have to be well aware of the pitfalls and act accordingly." United Nations, Oct 15 : The US was elected a member of the UN Human Rights Council, following its withdrawal in June 2018 by former President Donald Trump. In a vote at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, the US was elected along with 17 other countries for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2022, reports Xinhua news agency. The US won 168 of the 193 votes. In the same regional group, Finland and Luxembourg won 180 votes respectively. The US under the Trump administration withdrew from the Geneva-based Human Rights Council in June 2018, accusing the council of being a "hypocritical and self-serving organisation" and biased against Israel. The US' seat was later taken by Iceland in a by-election. After President Joe Biden took office in January this year, Washington declared the following month that it would re-engage with the Council as an observer. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the withdrawal in 2018 "did nothing to encourage meaningful change, but instead created a vacuum of US leadership". The UN Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It has 47 members, about a third of which are replaced every year so that the Council members serve staggered three-year terms for the sake of continuity. Lucknow, Oct 15 : The Uttar Pradesh government has issued an order making it compulsory for industries to adopt the Japanese Miyawaki afforestation technique. This is a major policy change to curb the carbon footprint in the state and to offset the industrial carbon emissions. Under the technique, the state pollution control board (UPPCB) has recommended industries to grow high density micro forests in a minimum 150 square metre of land to meet the mandatory requirement of 33 per cent of area of the total land owned by an industry. The order signed by additional chief secretary, forest, Manoj Singh reads, "Standard operating procedure (SOP) has been developed by UPPCB for Miyawaki afforestation technique. "To control air pollution caused by industries, the Miyawaki method of plantation is very effective, as these plantations have about 10 times more capacity to absorb air pollutants. "Therefore, to develop the green belt, it is compulsory for industrial units to adopt the Japanese technique. Technical guidance will be provided by divisional forest officers who will closely monitor the Miyawaki method-based plantation." The order, issued on Thursday, further said, "If industrial units fail to comply with the order, appropriate action including revoking license to operate will be taken." In Miyawaki forests, only native species that are originally found in the forest land in that area, are grown in a specially prepared forest lawn soil having organic matter, water retention and percolation along with culture of microorganisms. Such forests have more than 99 per cent survival and need minimum maintenance. The forest grown by this methodology grows 10 times faster, is 30 times denser, 100 per cent bio diverse and natural. In the last one year, the Uttar Pradesh government has covered over 19 hectares of land with micro forest in Lucknow's Kukrail, Agra, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Ghaziabad. Washington/Seoul, Oct 15 : The US continues to be prepared to meet with North Korea without preconditions as it awaits the Pyongyang's response to its "specific proposals", a State Department spokesperson said. Addressing reporters in Washington Thursday, Department spokesman Ned Price also stressed that the US remains actively engaged in diplomacy with its allies to discuss ways to enhance their collective security, reports Yonhap News Agency. "We do stand prepared to meet with the DPRK without preconditions. We have made, in fact, specific proposals to the DPRK and we will await a response. We will await outreach from the DPRK." DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name. Price did not directly comment on whether the US proposals to the North included the reduction or removal of sanctions on the North when asked. North Korea has stayed away from denuclearization talks with the US since early 2019. It also remains unresponsive to US overtures made by President Joe Biden's administration since taking office in January. "We believe diplomacy, including direct diplomacy with the DPRK, is the most effective means to meet the policy objective that has emerged from a review of our DPRK policy that we completed some months ago, and that objective remains the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Price added. Lucknow, Oct 15 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has decided to double the number of Sainik schools in the state. According to a release, the chief minister said, "By increasing the participation of private schools in opening Sainik Schools after the approval of the Centre, the number of Sainik Schools in UP will increase significantly. This will make the path of admission easier." The Central government has decided to affiliate 100 government schools, private schools, and NGOs with Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence, from the 2022-23 academic year. These schools will be different from the existing Sainik schools and will focus on providing cost-effective ways to the larger populations across the country. This initiative has been taken under the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP). Currently, the Sainik School Society is running three schools in the state while Captain Manoj Pandey Sainik School is under the state government. After the decision of the Centre, the number of Sainik Schools will increase in UP. This will ease up the admission process and a large number of students can enrol themselves. There are around 33 Sainik Schools that are run by the Ministry of Defence all over the country. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Sainik Schools as compared to other states. Three Sainik Schools are being run by the Defence Ministry in the state -- Amethi, Jhansi, and Mainpuri, while a Sainik School is proposed to be constructed in Baghpat. The construction work of a Sainik School in Gorakhpur has started, for which the government has also passed a budget of Rs 90 crore. These schools are affiliated with the CBSE. A government spokesman said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sent a proposal to the Centre to set up a Sainik School in every division. For those girls who are dreaming of joining the army, the Uttar Pradesh government has passed a proposal in the Budget to develop Captain Manoj Pandey Sainik School Sarojini Nagar and double its capacity. The state government is constructing a hostel with a capacity of 150 for girl cadets. Seoul, Oct 15 : South Korean President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook on Friday received their Covid-19 booster shots, in line with a guidance from health authorities, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) began administering booster shots earlier this week for people aged 60 and older as well as medical workers, as part of the nation's strategy to ensure maximum protection for the public, reports Yonhap News Agency. Moon and Kim qualified for a third shot of Covid-19 vaccine under the guidance. The President received AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccines in March and April, and the third shot was Pfizer. So far, about 78 per cent of the nation's population have received their first shots of Covid-19 vaccines and the number of fully inoculated people stood at 31.62 million, or 61.6 per cent. The fully vaccinated rate is expected to reach over 70 per cent of the population at the end of this month, which has been considered a precondition for the gradual plan to put daily life back on track. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kabul, Oct 15 : The Taliban government in Afghanistan has welcomed Turkey's proposal for Foreign Ministers of Islamic nations to visit Kabul "as a way to discuss the situation in the country", the media reported. Calling the proposal "important", Zabihullah Mujahid, the Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, said a summit comprising the Foreign Ministers in Kabul "will pave the ground for resolving the current political challenges", TOLO News reported. "In total it is a better step, and we praise it and we will welcome them (diplomats)... And this can kind of resolve the political problems that we have with foreign countries." Addressing the media recently, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had said that the top diplomats of the Islamic countries would be visiting Kabul in the near future in an effort to provide necessary measures for humanitarian support in Afghanistan. According to Cavusoglu, the issue was discussed with the envoys of some Islamic nations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month. A Taliban delegation, led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, visited Istanbul on Thursday to hold meetings with the country's officials. According to Mujahid, the delegation would also discuss the upcoming summit of the Islamic countries in Kabul. The delegation was in Doha last weekend during which they held talks with US officials, marking the first in-person meeting between the two sides since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August following America's withdrawal from the country after 20 years. Earlier, Russia had expressed readiness to host a high-level meeting regarding Afghanistan on October 20. New Delhi, Oct 15 : At a time when India is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the victory over Pakistan in 1971 that led to the creation of Bangladesh comes a definitive account of a war six years prior to that which also ended in a military victory but which came to naught with the hard-fought territory being returned without any political or diplomatic gains. Noted military historian Shiv Kunal Verma's "1965 - A Western Sunrise" (Aleph) is focused on the 1965 war, but if one is to consider the larger picture, it would seem that China has drawn a lot of lessons from India's setbacks right from 1948. In 1948, the Indian Army valiantly prevented the fall of Srinagar and thus the fall of the entire J&K but this gave a permanency to the Kashmir 'problem'. India also lost what is now called POK. The 1965 war eventually ended in a stalemate and India gave back some hard-earned territory -- Haji Pir and Titwal, among others -- without any resolution on Kashmir. After the 1971 war, India returned 93,000 Pakistani PoWs without the Simla Agreement resolving Kashmir. The 1999 Kargil operations were decisive but the Indian establishment does not seem to want to take notice of this. What is the lesson that China seems to have drawn? That India can be pushed without the possibility of retaliation? Is the incursion in Eastern Ladakh and the continued PLA presence -- with repeated consolidation without any intention of withdrawal -- a sign of this? The Indian Army chief, General M.M. Naravane has declared that "if the Chinese are determined to stay, so are we" -- leading to a sharp riposte from Beijing. Where is this long haul going to lead us? Does China take this as a sign that when push comes to shove, the Indian leadership will not walk the last mile? "In many ways, 1965 is a continuation of the 1962 story," Verma told IANS in an interview. "China was nowhere on the scene when India got its Independence. Then first Sinkiang (Xinjiang) in 1949 and then Tibet in 1950 came under the direct control of the PRC which was Mao's Communists. This meant the dynamics of our Northern border changed completely. What was worse, neither did our leadership nor we as a people, really seem to understand what was really happening. "This lack of understanding of geo-politics has hounded us as a nation. How else can we explain what happened in 1949...going to the UN over Kashmir was Mountbatten's agenda, not Nehru's, even though the Indian Prime Minister copped the blame for it later. In 1963/64 the former Viceroy of India was back again, pushing Nehru towards a settlement with Pakistan over Kashmir and they almost pulled it off," Verma said. After the 1962 Sino-Indian War, "it was almost as if India had to now negotiate from the loser's position with the Pakistanis. Let's face it... we were always two steps behind the rest of the world when it came to these matters. There were powers at play and the people of India and Pakistan -- especially the people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the Cease-Fire Line were taken for a massive ride. Pity is, the original issues were soon buried and over a period of time, every event developed its own tail... and ever since the tail continues to wag the dog", Verma explained. "You've got to face up to the Chinese and the sooner we do that the better," he asserted. "Economically the PRC has run away (ahead) not only from India but also most of the countries in the world. The way I see it both their 'highway in the sky' -- the almost 4000 km long G-219 and the sea lanes that run past the Malacca Straits -- are vulnerable to Indian missiles that need to be deployed purely as a deterrent. "Then, if the PLA comes calling in Arunachal or Sikkim or Barahoti or Ladakh - or even in Nepal and Bhutan - you have put your cards on the table already. If nuclear weapons can act as deterrents, why not conventional ones? Surely we haven't spent all these years developing a variety of missiles only to parade them on Rajpath during Republic Day," Verma asked. Still, this is not to detract from the seminal value of Verma's book on the 1965 war, during which the junior officers and men of the Indian armed forces acquitted themselves admirably despite the on-the-fly reorganisation of the forces, lack of intelligence, obsolete equipment, and lacklustre military leadership at a cost of 12,714 casualties, out of which 2,763 were killed, 8,444 wounded and 1,507 missing. "In 1965, most army units were either being reorganized or had just been raised. They were hurriedly pushed into combat, sometimes with unfamiliar equipment. Quite a few decisions taken by the then Chief, General J.N. Chaudhury, the Western Army Commander, Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh, and the 11 Corps Commander, Lt Gen Joginder Dhillon, defy conventional wisdom. Deploying 4 Mountain Division in Khemkaran where the main Pakistani armoured thrust was expected...1 Corps was also raised and pushed into combat. 14 Infantry Division was still being raised... quite a long list," he explained. In 1965, while India was still licking its wounds from the disastrous 1962 war, the belligerent Pakistanis attempted to wrest Kashmir from India. To test the waters, they launched their first military probes into the Rann of Kutch between February and May; India responded. By the end of July, India gave in to the dictates of the UN and stood down the troops it had mobilized in the Punjab and Kargil sectors in response to the Rann of Kutch skirmishes. Pakistan then launched its masterstroke -- Operation Gibraltar -- in Kashmir in August. Nearly 12,000 trained mujahids were covertly deployed in multiple groups, each named after historical plunderers of the subcontinent. Confident that they had superior armour (M-47 and M-48 Patton tanks), better fighter planes (F-86 Sabres and F-104 Starfighters), and better submarines (Daphnes) than India, the Pakistanis expected that in the event of an expanded war, the Indians would collapse just as they had against China in NEFA three years previously. However, India repulsed the attack and cut off the entry and exit points into the Kashmir Valley by capturing the Haji Pir Bulge. Operation Gibraltar fizzled out. Pakistan then launched Operation Grand Slam in September 1965 in Chhamb and Jaurian. The resultant Indian counter-attack saw the focus shift to various other sectors -- Lahore, Barki, Kasur (Khem Karan), Fazilka, Sialkot, and Barmer -- on the international border. With the two air forces getting involved almost immediately, the armed skirmishes turned into a full-scale war. Much territory was gained -- but returned after the Tashkent Agreement and hence the stalemate. To return to the present: has India boxed itself into a corner with the QUAD agreement that effectively limits its negotiating space with China on the boundary dispute? "World War III, for all we know, may have already begun at the end of 2019 (when the pandemic first emerged)," Verma said. "The struggle for a new World Order has been going on for quite some time and while all eyes at the time were on Taiwan and the South China Sea, the fight is across various genres and is being fought on various continents -- East Africa, South Asia, frankly even on North American soil. "QUAD is fine up to a point but India, despite its actual land proximity and dominating position in the Indian Ocean, is a junior partner to the US. Historically, no one, absolutely no one, has ever got into bed with the Yanks without getting sold down the river. In any case, India has to eventually walk alone-fall back on Tagore's famous poem -- Ekta Chalo Re! Just make sure you carry a big stick... that's all," Verma concluded. (Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in) Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 15 : Even though the Kerala unit of the CPI-M is known to take up the cause of women and children, but the plight of a 22-year-old woman leader of the Student's Federation of India, has failed to move Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, police chief and the Child Welfare Committee, whom she has approached to get back her child. The 22-year-old woman Anupama, who hails from the state capital city, is the daughter of a local CPI-M leader Jayachandran and she fell in love with the youth wing leader of the party -- Ajith, a Dalit Christian, who was already married. Anupama's parents were not keen on the alliance of their daughter as they were Hindus. In October last year, Anupama gave birth to a boy after undergoing a caesarean surgery. Speaking to the media, Anupama said soon after the delivery, the child was taken away from her. "Since I was bedridden due to the surgery, I could put up very little resistance. My father was very angry and my mother consoled me to wait a while for the child, as it would be given back after my sister got married," said Anupama. Incidentally, her husband got legally separated from his first wife in January this year and Anupama and Ajith now live together. It was in April this year, Anupama approached the local police with a complaint that her child is missing and since then she has complained to the State Police chief, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and to the Child Welfare Committee. "At times they (parents) say the child is at Trissur, while a relative of mine said the child is in Tamil Nadu," said Anupama. "We want our child back and nothing else is what we want," added Anupama. While Anupama has been knocking on all doors, the silence of authorities and even the party, which claims to be succour of the victimised, has baffled many. Lucknow, Oct 15 : Eyeing Dalit votes for the 2022 Assembly elections, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is planning special celebrations to mark Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on October 20. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Kushinagar International Airport to the nation. Modi will reportedly address a rally, which will be attended by followers of Maharishi Valmiki and Lord Buddha. Dignitaries from Sri Lanka will reportedly mark the occasion. The celebrations will be observed in all temples and pilgrimage centres associated with Lord Ram and Ramayana, across the state, with the recitation of the Ramcharitra Manas in sessions of different durations. The reciting sessions will be in sets of eight, 12 and 24 hours each. Committees have been formed by the state culture department to conduct the events. Nodal officers have been appointed in order to ensure smooth organisations of the sessions in each temple in each district, and the celebration will percolate to the tehsil and district levels. The celebrations are officially said to be a part of the 75 years of India's freedom. More than 100 priests and eight high priests from Sri Lanka will participate in the event. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Amid the ongoing farmers unrest in poll-bound states, the BJP Kisan Morcha will hold its national executive meeting on October 30 in Delhi. BJP chief J.P. Nadda will address the meet. The BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh and Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will also attend the meeting, presided over by the BJP's Kisan Morcha national president and MP Rajkumar Chahar. Farmers in western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have been protesting since last one year against the three new farm laws passed by the Centre. The meeting holds importance post the October 3 violence in Lakhimpur Kheri which claimed nine lives, including four farmers. "In the meeting, plans to reach out farmers in poll-bound states will be discussed and a special campaign will be finalised to expose political rivals who are politicising the farmers' issue and misleading them," a party functionary said. Assembly polls will be held in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur in February-March 2022. Another party leader said that plans to explain to people how farmers have benefited in the last seven years of the Narendra Modi government will also be discussed. "The Modi government is working continuously for doubling the farmers income," he said. The BJP leadership has asked all its morchas to conclude their national executive meetings by October. A two-day executive meeting of the Scheduled Caste (SC) Morcha was held in Varanasi and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) Morcha organised its national executive on September 23-24 in Ranchi. The BJP Mahila Morcha held its national executive in Dehradun on September 26-27. The Saffron party youth wing held its national executive meet on October 5. Saffron party minority Morcha will also hold its national executive on October 24. Mumbai, Oct 15 : The Bharatiya Janata Party's Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis -- whose political bark is considered worse than his bite -- also uses the pen, literally, to bulldoze the Maha Vikas Aghadi 'auto rickshaw' government, no-holds-barred. Not content with regular jibes at the ruling Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress alliance in general and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in particular, Fadnavis also regularly pens his pricks and pains, at the MVA -- quite frequently. As per an RTI reply from the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office CMO, in around 22 months Fadnavis has shot off -- on record -- various issues to the CMO vide a whopping 231 letters. "In the 22 month period from November 2019 - September 2021, this comes to roughly 10 letters every month or nearly three for a working week..." said RTI activist Prafful Sarda. Sarda had penned the RTI query to the CMO, seeking, among other things, the number of letters sent by the Leader of Opposition (Fadnavis) to the Chief Minister (Thackeray), and got the revealing letter-in-reply. "This is more than 7 times the number of published letters that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had penned to his doting minor daughter Indira (Priyadarshini) Nehru while he was incarcerated in jails during the Independence Movement, later published as a literary masterpiece, 'Letters From A Father To His Daughter' (1929)," Sarda pointed out. Sources say that usually Fadnavis writes about mostly state-related or political issues to the Chief Minister, and in the initial days, his letters rattled the fledgling MVA ministers and officials. Later, the old economic theory came into play -- 'the more you have of something, the less you want, the more of it', with Fadnavis' letters averaging one-to-three pagers, becoming less awesome, plus the government's response is not known. With time Fadnavis' painstakingly printed letters, both in email and hardcopy on the glittering 'Leader of Opposition' letterhead -- where his name is proclaimed in larger size than the august post he holds -- came to be treated as 'routine', not ruffling the officialdom. Official sources wonder, if the Honourable Leader of Opposition has indeed written so many letters in such a short period, "it may be a record of sorts", with each letter winking -- "Mee Punha Yaeen (I will return)" - a la Fadnavis! "In the past, at best we recall barely a handful of letters from any Hon.' Leader of Opposition to the reigning Hon.' CM... Usually a phone-call or a mere word was enough to get things moving... So many letters are unheard of... makes one wonder about the possible intentions," said a senior former officer. To Fadnavis' credit, some of the letters he penned, mostly in Marathi, few even in English and Marathi for the larger audiences, many posted on social media, raised pertinent current issues and even garnered huge media publicity, ensuring he remained in the spotlight. But, in some dark moments, he grabbed the limelight by unilaterally proclaiming - "I feel I'm still the CM" -- to drive the entire state into splits, with MVA leaders urging the BJP to ensure proper treatment for mental problems, hallucinations, or trauma of his defeat two years ago which he still cannot digest, etc. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Colombo, Oct 15 : Two Iranian inmates detained at the Colombo Remand Prison in Sri Lanka died after consuming an alcohol-based sanitizer, local media reported. In a statement on Thursday prisons spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said 10 other Iranian inmates jailed in the facility were hospitalised after they drank the same sanitizer, reports Xinhua news agency. Ekanayake said the sanitizers were provided by the Iranian Embassy to the inmates in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The prisoners, who have been detained on charges of heroin trafficking, consumed the sanitizer late on Wednesday, the spokesman said. The injured inmates were not in critical condition. Seoul, Oct 15 : The top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US and Japan will meet in Washington next week to discuss joint efforts to bring North Korea back to dialogue, the Foreign Ministry in Seoul announced on Friday. The planned talks among South Korea's chief nuclear negotiator, Noh Kyu-duk, and his US and Japanese counterparts, Sung Kim and Takehiro Funakoshi, come as Seoul is stepping up diplomacy to salvage its peace drive following a recent series of North Korean missile launches, including a hypersonic one last month, reports Yonhap News Agency. Noh and Kim are expected to meet bilaterally on October 18 and join a trilateral meeting with Funakoshi the following day. Noh is also likely to hold two-way talks with Funakoshi on October 19. The three envoys held their last in-person talks in September in Tokyo, as they have been exploring ways to encourage Pyongyang's return to dialogue, including humanitarian and other incentives. Next week's talks are expected to touch on President Moon Jae-in's recent proposal for the declaration of a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, which Noh has said is the most effective among confidence-building measures. They could also discuss humanitarian support for the North and the recent reactivation of inter-Korean communication lines, which has raised cautious hope for a cross-border thaw. "Through the visit to Washington this time, we expect that there will be in-depth consultations over cooperation among the three countries for the complete denuclearization and the establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," the Ministry said in a statement. Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have remained stalled since the Hanoi summit in 2019 between then US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended without a deal. On Thursday, Noh also met Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Russia, calling for Moscow's cooperation in persuading Pyongyang to return to dialogue. Mumbai, Oct 15 : Producer Gaurang Doshi's multi-starrer crime thriller web series '7th Sense', which made headlines when its cast members walked out, has said the project has not been shelved. Instead, a new cast has been "locked" and the shooting will start in the "next three months". A third-generation film producer who was previously in the news for his 'Aankhen' and 'Deewar' remakes, Doshi was stumped when Ameesha Patel, Ronit Roy and Chunky Panday dropped out of '7th Sense'. Denying the charges that were hurled at him then, Doshi said: "I am a third-generation producer. There is no one out there who has been in the business for this long. A producer cannot have a black dot on his name and the series is pretty much in the works. The final cast has been locked. The names and the shooting dates will be revealed soon." He clarified that the project had been stalled, not shelved. "Producers like me don't shelve projects," Doshi said. "We have been in lockdown for two years now. Things take time. I am reviving the project with a bigger and better ensemble. It is a multi-starrer mounted on a whopping budget and we're shooting in Dubai," he added. Explaining why the project was stalled, Doshi said, "The pandemic made everything come to a standstill. For security reasons, I didn't resume the shoot as I have to look after everyone. Now, everything has been rescheduled and re-arranged, and soon we will make official announcements. I will bounce back with double the vigour, power and energy." '7th Sense' was one of the first Bollywood projects to be shot in the UAE since the pandemic started. Hubballi : , Oct 15 (IANS) Noted progressive thinker, theatre person and writer Professor G.K. Govinda Rao, known for his sharp criticism, passed away in the wee hours of Friday at his daughter's residence in Karnataka's Hubballi. Rao (86) was active in public life and participated in all major public movements in the state. Born on April 27, 1937, Rao started his career as an English Professor. He had been a theatre artist for more than five decades. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed his condolences and stated that society has lost one of the finest thinkers. Opposition leader K.Siddaramaiah in his condolence message explained that Prof. Rao was his well-wisher, guide and dear friend. "I am one among the family, friends and fans who share the grief of his death. I am shocked by his death," Siddaramaiah maintained. Minister for Higher Education C.N. Ashwathnarayan stated that Prof. Rao believed in democratic values and dialogue. He raised his voice whenever it was required in society. "We have lost a thinker," he added. Rao had acted in several Kannada films, including 'Grahana' and has appeared in lead roles in the Kannada TV serials, including popular 'Malgudi Days'. He was considered an authoritative resource person in the fields of theatre and cinema. He also used to give lectures to university students on theatre topics. Rao was a critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noted writer S.L. Bhyrappa and Late Pejavar Seer on the issues of the treatment of minorities and blind beliefs. His literary works include 'Eshwara Allah', 'Manu versus Ambedkar; Tamma Ayke Yavudu', 'Shakespeare Samvaada' and others. Hyderabad, Oct 15 : Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi has confirmed that his nephew and actor Sai Dharam Tej, who has been hospitalised for more than a month now is to get discharged on Friday, on the auspicious day of Vijayadasami. Sai Dharam Tej had met with a serious bike accident earlier. Sai Dharam celebrates his birthday on Friday, and co-incidentally is getting discharged from the hospital after a long stay there. Chiranjeevi's social media post suggests that Sai Dharam Tej has recovered quite well, and is to be discharged anytime now. "Another specialty of this #VijayaDashami is IamSaiDharamTej is returning home after fully recovering from the accident, having had a miraculous escape, making us all happy & grateful! Nothing short of a Rebirth for him! Happy Birthday Dear Teju from Atha & PedaMama!Stay Blessed!", Chiranjeevi's post reads. On September 10, Sai Dharam Tej was riding his bike in Hyderabad, when he met with an accident. The actor lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital immediately. It was reported that the actor was in a coma for several days, but had responded to the treatment well. Post his initial recovery, Sai Dharam underwent surgery for a collarbone fracture and was kept under vital observation. Washington, Oct 15 : A panel of advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration have voted unanimously recommending Moderna's Covid booster shot for people at risk. The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee met on Thursday to discuss data on the safety and effectiveness of Moderna booster shots in adults. It allowed Moderna to supply third doses of its vaccine to people who had their second doses at least six months ago and are over 65, have underlying health conditions, or whose jobs put them at high risk of contracting severe Covid-19. All 19 voting members voted in favour, the Financial Times reported. Earlier this month, the US regulators had authorised Covid booster shots of Pfizer and BioNTech's. However, unlike for Pfizer, Moderna has been recommended for only half-dose booster to bolster protection against the virus. The initial Moderna vaccination consists of two 100-microgram shots, but Moderna has said that a single 50-microgram shot should be enough for a booster. The FDA's final decision will be handed to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its vaccine advisory committee, which will then make their own decision. The CDC's next vaccine advisory meeting is scheduled for October 20-21 where it is expected to discuss the boosters. The FDA panel's two-day meeting will also consider whether to recommend a booster of Johnson & Johnson's one-dose vaccine. They will also discuss the results of a preliminary study of a US trial on mixing Covid-19 vaccines as part of a booster programme -- a practice that some experts believe could boost a person's immune response and ease logistical challenges in rolling out boosters, the report said. "I support this (application) because we've already approved it for Pfizer and I don't see how we can possibly not approve it for Moderna and not have most US folks be completely confused," Stanley Perlman, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, was quoted as saying. Moderna presented data showing a sudden rise in the proportion of vaccinated people getting Covid-19 in July and August, seven months after the vaccine rollout began, which it said pointed to the need for boosters. Those vaccinated earlier were more likely to become infected than those who received their second dose later in the year, the company said. There seems to be some waning in protection against overall Covid-19 infections. We need to account for the fact that mild and moderate Covid-19 can be associated with adverse outcomes," Peter Marks, the director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research was quoted as saying. Just under 188 million people in the US have now been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. Around 9 million of those have also received booster doses, data shows. More people are now getting booster doses than receiving their first shots, it added. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Istanbul, Oct 15 : Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met a Taliban delegation in Ankara in a first-of-its kind meeting since the group took over Afghanistan in August. "We gave advice to the Taliban administration. We once again said they should be inclusive for the unity of the country. We talked about the importance of including people in the administration from ethnic groups other than the Taliban," Xinhua news agency quoted Cavusoglu as saying to semi-official Anadolu Agency after he met the delegation led by the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Thursday. Turkey also advised education for girls and employment of women, he added. "We said this is not just a demand from Western countries, but also the advice of the Islamic world," Xinhua news agency quoted the Minister as saying. Turkey also conveyed expectations of the country and the International Civil Aviation Organization concerning security for the resumption of regular flights from Kabul, Cavusoglu noted. Meanwhile, the Taliban delegation asked Turkey to continue its support in humanitarian aid and development projects, tCavusoglu, adding the delegation will also meet Turkey's Red Crescent, Disaster and Emergency Management Authority and the Presidency of Religious Affairs. The Taliban officials pledged to support the Afghan refugees who want to return to the country from Turkey, he said. The visit comes after the Taliban held a series of talks with the US, 10 European nations and the European Union in Qatar earlier this week. In a separate statement on Wednesday, Cavusoglu said he was planning to visit Kabul with some of his counterparts. New Delhi, Oct 15 : An unidentified decedent with a chopped left hand was found tied to an inverted police barricade at the Haryana-Delhi Singhu border outside of Delhi on Friday morning, sending shockwaves. The body was found near the staging area of the anti-farm law protest site where the farmers have been demonstrating against the three farm laws for over 10 months now. An image that has been doing the rounds on social media shows the body having several marks and spots, an obvious indication of being beaten up or lynched by a mob before being murdered. The semi-naked body had only a single piece of cloth tied around the waist -- a dirty, blood-soaked white dhoti. The manner in which the body was spotted made it seem as if it was put on display near the main stage of protesting farmers on purpose. It is being alleged that the man was caught while desecrating the Sikh religious holy book, however, an official confirmation about this is still awaited. As per the latest reports, a police team reached the spot and recovered the body. "The body has been sent to a nearby Civil hospital and further investigation is going on," police sources said. Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has blamed Nihangs or armed Sikh warriors of committing the murder. They told the media that Nihangs have been causing problems in and around the protest sites since day one. The umbrella group of protesting farmers has disassociated itself from the incident. A video of the inhumane incident has also surfaced where a group of Nihangs could be seen standing over the man -- after his wrist had been severed and he was lying on the ground, bleeding. At one point the chopped-off hand could be seen lying beside the man. No one from the crowd could be seen helping or even trying to help the victim. In another video, the man's body has been strung upside down with a rope with his left hand and the surface beneath is covered in blood. Both Haryana and Delhi Police could be seen deployed at their respective borders. The farmers' protest has also taken violent turns in the past. On October 3, Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a vehicle-ramming attack and mob lynching incident during the farmers' protest. In the incident, four farmers were killed apart from five others. Farmer organisations claimed that so far 630 farmers have died during the protests against the three farm laws for the past year. Madrid, Oct 15 : An additional 300 people were evacuated from their homes due to the ongoing eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma, local authorities said. On Tuesday, 700 people were ordered to leave their homes, meaning that around 7,000 of the island's approximately 80,000 inhabitants now live in temporary accommodation, reports Xinhua news agency. The three active lava flows have surged since the partial collapse of the northern face of the volcano on October 9. Data collected by the European Union's (EU) Copernicus satellite show that lava has already engulfed around 680 hectares of land (the island has an area of 70,800 hectares) by Thursday, 34 hectares more than on the previous day. Satellite images show that over 1,600 buildings have been impacted by the lava flows. Of these, 1,548 have been destroyed and the rest are at risk. The current eruption is now on its 26th day and has already lasted five days longer than the 1971 eruption, which was the last to affect the island. Earlier on Thursday, La Palma was once again rocked by more than 50 tremors. The maximum magnitude measured 4.5 on the Richter scale, the strongest since the start of the eruption. Chennai, Oct 15 : A physics teacher, who canned a Class 12 student for not being regular in Tamil Nadu's Chidambaram, was arrested on Friday after a video went viral. A video of the teacher thrashing the student on Wednesday (October 13) was made by other students in the class and uploaded in social media which turned viral. The incident took place at Nandanar Boys High school in Chidambaram. The teacher, identified as Subramanian, was infuriated after a student did not attend his previous class and on Wednesday he made him kneel down and resorted to caning. The teacher had also kicked the student repeatedly. After the vidoe went viral, the student, who was given corporal punishment complained to the school principal, who in turn reported the matter to the education department. The school in-charge Sundara Pandian while speaking to IANS said that he had reported the matter to the police. The Tamil Nadu government in its order has clearly mentioned that the students can prefer both offline and online classes and the punishment meted out to the student during the pandemic period was decried with the state education department taking up the matter seriously. The teacher was produced before the Cuddalore judicial magistrate who remanded him in judicial custody. The Education department officials told IANS that a department-level inquiry would be conducted against the teacher and necessary action would be taken. Kolkata, Oct 15 : Keeping the Covid-19 and security protocols in mind, the Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation have made major arrangements for the immersion of Durga idols in the scheduled 24 ghats of the city. According to a directive issued by the state Home Department, Kolkata's 3,000 Durga idols can be immersed between Friday and October 18 in the 24 ghats, majorly at Babughat, Sarbamongala and Ahiritola. The civic body has also taken measures to restrict pollution during the immersion. It created an artificial pool beside the ghats and water will be sprayed on the idols so that the mud and other substances do not pollute the river water. Arrangements have also been made to carry the structures to the dumping ground immediately. Other substances like flowers will also be collected and dumped in a separate place. "Considering the Covid situation, all the organisers have been asked to come to the ghats directly from the pandals. There will be no procession or display of idols during or before the immersion. The organisers have been asked to adhere to the Covid restrictions. Only three persons will be allowed to enter the ghat," a senior police officer said. "All the ghats will be taken care of by an officer at the rank of Deputy Commissioner. The roads leading to the Hooghly River will be manned by senior level officers. Watch towers have been constructed beside the ghats to keep a strict vigil on the activities during the immersion. We will also use drones to keep a watch on the people during the immersion," he added. Kolkata Police has also asked the River Traffic Police and the Disaster Management Department to be prepared for any kind of eventualities. Sanaa, Oct 15 : Forces loyal to the Yemen government announced the killing of 40 Houthi fighters during an ambush in the country's northeastern oil-rich province of Marib. "The army units backed by local tribesmen set up a well-planned ambush and targeted the Houthi militia near Jubah district in southern Marib," Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry of Defence as saying. The ambush killed 40 Houthi rebels and injured several others in the area that was witnessing non-stop armed confrontations between the two warring sides, the statement added. Meanwhile, the Houthis-affiliated Masirah television network reported that the Saudi-led coalition carried out at least 39 airstrikes on areas of Marib during the past hours. The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched in February a major offensive on Marib in an attempt to seize control of the oil-rich province, the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since September 2014 when the Houthi militia forced the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. Lucknow, Oct 15 : In a complete turnaround, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) president Om Prakash Rajbhar on Friday said that he may form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) one again, ahead of the upcoming UP Assembly elections. Rajbhar, while addressing a press conference in Lucknow, said, "In the interest of the society, we went to the BJP with the report of the Social Justice Committee, but the BJP did not listen to us, now if the BJP accepts this demand, then we can go with them also." He said that the Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha was formed on the basis of various issues in the society. "Whichever party accepts these issues, we will go with them. If the BJP accepts it, we can go with them too," he explained. Rajbhar also asked the BJP that apart from accepting the social justice committee report, they should also be ready to make education free till post-graduation, waive off domestic electricity bills, bring prohibition of liquor, border limit of police, weekly leave to police force and give home guards the same facilities as police. He said he would make the final announcement on the issue of alliance on October 27 at a rally in Mau district. Rajbhar who was a cabinet minister in the Yogi Adityanath government, had been dismissed in 2019 due to differences over seat sharing in the Lok Sabha elections. Thereafter, he had been campaigning against the BJP and had formed the Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha, a coalition of about 10 political parties led by his own party SBSP. Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is also a part of Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha. Sources said that if Rajbhar decides to go with the BJP, some constituents of the Morcha -- like the AIMIM -- may opt out. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive at Port Blair on Friday on a three-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to review various developmental works initiated with the Centre's assistance. According to Home Ministry officials, he will visit the Cellular Jail at Port Blair on Friday afternoon and will pay tribute to freedom fighter Veer Savarkar and also visit the Swatantra-Jyoti. He will also deliver a speech at 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' event and will flag off 'Go-GO tourist buses' to various destinations in Andaman. Shah will hold a review meeting tomorrow with the Lieutenant Governor Devendra Kumar Joshi, Director General of Police and other senior officials at Port Blair. During his stay in the Island, the Home Minister will also embark on an aerial survey of various development works under construction of 'Shaheed Dweep eco-tourism project' and 'Swaraj Dweep Water Aerodrome' in the Union Territory and will be visiting Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island during the day. On Sunday, he will attend a programme to be organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Police. On Thursday, he laid the foundation stone for the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) at NFSU at Dharbandora in South Goa and also addressed a public meeting there. Shah is also likely to visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from October 23 to 25 to take stock of the different developmental works there which will be part of the Centre's mega outreach programme. Tehran, Oct 15 : Taking "practical" steps with "tangible" outcomes should be the purpose of the upcoming nuclear talks between Iran and the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri. The Iranian official made the remarks at the meeting with visiting Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora in the capital Tehran, reports Xinhua news agency. During the meeting, Bagheri said Iran had always proved a responsible player in the international affairs, while the behaviour of the other side, the US, showed that it was far from being a responsible player. He added that the side showing more responsibility was closer to the negotiating table. "Achieving tangible results is important for Iran, as Tehran is always ready for serious negotiations that result in a practical agreement and not merely a paper agreement," he was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, he cast "serious doubts" on the real intention of the US to fulfil its obligations. Bagheri also criticized what he called "inaction" of the European parties in meeting their commitments under the JCPOA, stressing the need for them to "act responsibly". For his part, Mora announced his readiness as the EU coordinator to cooperate with Iran and other parties at negotiations to reach acceptable results for all sides, according to a press release by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. As for the relations between Iran and the EU, the two officials emphasized the promotion of cooperation in a range of regional and international areas and agreed to continue consultations in the coming days in Brussels. According to the Western media, the EU-Iran talk was aimed to bring Washington and Tehran back to complying with the deal. After six rounds of talks in Vienna between Russia, China, Germany, France, the UK and Iran, with the US indirectly involved, Iran recently said its current administration, which assumed office in late August, needed "a reasonable amount of time" to prepare its negotiating team and strategy. The nuclear talks that began in April sought to bring Washington back to the table and persuade Tehran to assume compliance with the commitments it dropped after former US President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Washington, Oct 15 : NASA is preparing for the launch of its Lucy mission -- the first to explore distant asteroids and oigins of the solar system on Saturday. The Lucy mission will complete a 12-year journey to eight different asteroids: exploring one asteroid in the solar system's Main Belt asteroid and seven Trojans, the remnants of our early solar system trapped in stable orbits, and following Jupiter in its path around the Sun. Lucy is scheduled to launch atop the ULA Atlas V 401 rocket at 5.34 a.m. on Saturday, (3.04 p.m. Indian time), from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. "It's #CountdownToLaunch for our #LucyMission, set to launch October 16 and begin its voyage to the Trojan asteroids -- leftovers of planet formation that share an orbit with Jupiter. We'll discover secrets of the early solar system from these planetary fossils," NASA wrote on Twitter. Lucy will be the first space mission to study the Trojans. The mission takes its name from the fossilised human ancestor (called "Lucy" by her discoverers) whose skeleton provided unique insight into humanity's evolution. Likewise, the Lucy mission will revolutionise our knowledge of planetary origins and the formation of the solar system, NASA said. Time capsules from the birth of our Solar System more than 4 billion years ago, the swarms of Trojan asteroids associated with Jupiter are thought to be remnants of the primordial material that formed the outer planets. The Trojans orbit the Sun in two loose groups, with one group leading ahead of Jupiter in its path, the other trailing behind. Clustered around the two Lagrange points equidistant from the Sun and Jupiter, the Trojans are stabilised by the Sun and its largest planet in a gravitational balancing act. These primitive bodies hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system. All of the Trojans are thought to be abundant in dark carbon compounds. Below an insulating blanket of dust, they are probably rich in water and other volatile substances. No other space mission in history has been launched to as many different destinations in independent orbits around our sun. Lucy will show us, for the first time, the diversity of the primordial bodies that built the planets. Chennai, Oct 15 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K. Stalin has urged his counterparts in Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan and Haryana to reconsider the ban on sale of firecrackers and allow sale of green crackers. In a letter to his four counterparts, Stalin requested them to allow the sale of firecrackers that falls within the norms set by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in their states during this Diwali. Citing the apex court's order of allowing green crackers, Stalin said a blanket ban was not reasonable. "Such a ban is not prevalent in other countries. Moreover, such a ban if imposed by other states also, would lead to the closure of the entire industry, jeopardising the livelihood of around 8 lakh persons," Stalin said. "You would also appreciate that bursting of firecrackers is an integral part of Indian festivals, especially Diwali. A balanced approach that gives due regard to environment, livelihood and public health is possible and necessary," he added. Nearly 90 per cent of the country's firecrackers are made in Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu and about eight lakh workers are dependent on this sector. Panaji, Oct 15 : Barring local residents from entering casinos by the Goa government is "well-founded" and not violative of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, the Bombay High Court bench in Goa has said. The Court was hearing a petition filed by a local lawyer, who had argued that the Goa government decision in February last year to ban domiciled Goans from entering casinos was discriminatory and violative of Constitutional provisions. "Gambling is totally prohibited, but by way of some exceptions a certain class of places and people are exempted from such prohibition. The object of the State is naturally to prevent the person domiciled in Goa to be lured into such chance games and to suffer poverty and mental trauma for their families. "The classification is founded with the object of preventing the spread of gambling and transforming the exception into a rule," a High Court bench comprising Justices M.S. Sonak and M.S. Jawalkar said in the order on Thursday. "Such classification grouping person domiciled in Goa and on the other hand tourist having a tourist permit is well-founded. The classification between tourists who come to Goa for a few days to entertain themselves and locals domiciled in Goa is based on an intelligible differentia (reasonable basis for differentiation). Section 2(7) defines tourists quite clearly and excludes persons domiciled or permanently residing in Goa," Court also said. The Court also said that unlike tourists, locals would have "much greater opportunities" to visit casinos and said that "there is nothing arbitrary or discriminatory in the object or the classification". "The petitioner does not challenge the entry of tourists in casinos but insists on permitting him to enter (casinos). Since the petitioner and the tourists belong to separate classes, no case of breach of Article 14 is made out," the Court also said. In his petition, advocate Shukr Usgaonkar had said that the Goa government's decision to bar domiciled Goans from entering casinos was violative of his personal rights, because it barred him from visiting casinos. "The impugned provisions contravene Article 14 of the Constitution of India by prohibiting access to persons, who are permanent residents of Goa. "The distinction being made between tourists and non-tourists miserably fails the test of reasonable classification which must be fulfilled by any classification to withstand the rigors of Article 14. What is good for tourists cannot be bad for the Goans or non-tourists," Ugaonkar had said. Goa has five offshore casinos and around 10 onshore casinos operational in the coastal state. Canberra, Oct 15 : The coronavirus lockdown in Australia's capital ended on Friday after more than two months as the country continues to battle the third wave of the pandemic. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) emerged from a lockdown that started on August 12 and was initially meant to last only seven days, reports Xinhua news agency. As of Friday, Canberra residents are allowed to gather in groups of up to 25 people outdoors and have five visitors to their homes. Cafes, restaurants, bars, personal care services and non-essential retail have re-opened subject to strict patron density restrictions. The ACT reported 35 new locally-acquired Covid-19 infections on Friday, taking the number of cases linked to the outbreak that triggered lockdown to 1,394. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said that the government's focus would shift from the daily number of cases to the number of hospitalizations. "A potential concern for us would be if fully vaccinated people were finding themselves in hospital or intensive care, but the evidence so far is that the vaccines have been working to reduce the proportion of cases that require hospitalisation or intensive care," Barr said. Restrictions will ease further on October 29 under Barr's plan to reopen slowly. United Nations, Oct 15 : The UN has decided to send a panel of electoral experts to monitor next month's regional and municipal polls in Venezuela. A team of three experts will be deployed to Venezuela to follow the electoral process and will provide the UN Secretary-General with an independent internal report of the overall conduct of the elections, Xinhua news agency quoted an official statement as saying. A panel of electoral experts is one of the various types of electoral assistance that the UN may provide to member states at their request. Unlike UN electoral observation missions, which require a specific mandate by the Security Council or the General Assembly, panels of electoral experts do not issue evaluative public statements on the overall conduct of the electoral process or their results, the statement said. Following the completion of a technical assessment, the UN Secretariat has responded positively to the request of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela to deploy such a panel of experts. On Thursday, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said it was important for the National Electoral Council of Venezuela to reach out for UN help. Asked whether the deployment of the UN panel of experts would lend legitimacy to the elections in Venezuela, the spokesman said it is not for the world body to judge. "These are not elections where we have a stamp that says legitimate or illegitimate, and we put it on a piece of paper. It is important. And we have always been pushing for transparent elections that people can believe in. "It is also incumbent, as in any election, that people respect the results of a transparent process; if there are issues, that they're addressed through legal channels; and that everyone is allowed to compete," he said. Manila, Oct 15 : The Philippines has lifted the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated international travellers arriving more than 40 countries and regions with a low Covid-19 infection rate, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday. Roque said the new rule applying to travellers from the countries and regions included in a green list will take effect from Saturday until October 31, reports Xinhua news agency. For fully vaccinated foreign nationals, Roque said a negative RT-PCR swab test will be required to be taken within 72 hours before departure. Upon arrival, the traveller will no longer need to stay in a quarantine facility, but the passenger is urged to self-monitor for any symptoms until the 14th day, he said. For unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and individuals whose vaccination status cannot be independently verified, and those vaccinated but failed to comply with the test-before-travel requirements, Roque said they need to be isolated in a quarantine facility until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day. Foreign tourists are still barred from entering the Philippines as part of the border measures when the government imposed lockdown restrictions in March 2020. Only those foreigners granted special visas, including diplomats, were allowed to enter. Chennai, Oct 15 : The Tamil Nadu Police and health department have stepped up security and screening of passengers at check posts bordering Kerala as a large number of people are reaching the state during the Puja holidays. With Tamil Nadu announcing the opening of play schools, kindergartens, and anganwadis from November 1 onwards, the state health department does not want to take any chances. Health department and police officials are conducting checks at borders in Walayar, Kanyakumari, Gudalur, and other areas bordering Kerala. A negative RT-PCR report taken 72 hours within the journey to Tamil Nadu is necessary. Fully vaccinated people are also allowed entry into the state. Though Covid graph in Kerala is declining, it reported 9,246 fresh infections and also 96 deaths on Thursday, while Tamil Nadu saw 1,259 fresh cases and 20 fatalities in the same period. A senior Tamil Nadu health department official while talking to IANS said, "Kerala is recording more than 6 times Covid-19 positive cases than our state. We are opening our schools and all other public spaces, including beaches, on Sundays. We have strict instructions from the top to have tight security at the checkposts bordering Kerala." With Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the opening up of all public spaces, including beaches on all days and cinema theaters also opened, the state health department does not want to take any risks by lowering guard. Dr Manimekhalai, Professor of Microbiology in a private medical college at Chennai while speaking to IANS said, "The state of Tamil Nadu is not taking any risks as the state is opening up Anganwadis, kindergarten and play schools." New Delhi, Oct 15 : The Central government on Friday claimed that paddy residue burning events have been reduced by 69.49 per cent in Punjab, by 18.28 per cent in Haryana and by 47.61 per cent in the eight NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh during the one-month period since September 15 compared to the same period last year. As the air pollution situation in the national capital region (NCR) started worsening slowly over the last few days, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has been actively monitoring paddy residue burning events from September 15. According to a release from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the total reported residue burning events in Punjab are 1,286 since September 15 as against 4,216 for the same period of last year. Similarly, in Haryana, the reported fire incidents were 487 as against 596, and in the eight districts, the total stubble fire incidents reported during this period are 22 as against 42 for the corresponding period of last year. No fire counts have been reported from Delhi and two NCR districts of Rajasthan. The first paddy residue burning was reported on September 16 in Punjab, September 18 in the NCR and September 28 in Haryana. The major hotspots of paddy residue burning in the state of Punjab are Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Patiala, and Ludhiana. These four districts account for 72 per cent of stubble burning events. The major hotspots in Haryana are Karnal, Kaithal and Kurukshetra, which account for 80 per cent of the stubble burning incidences. The Commission is taking up with the state governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on a daily basis to ensure strict implementation of the action plan and the framework to curb paddy residue burning events. CAQM has also held series of meetings with state government officials including the district collectors/district magistrates of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Out of a total 1,795 sites, where burning has been reported in Punjab, Haryana and eight NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh till October 14, as many as 663 fields have been inspected by the enforcement agencies and officials concerned of the respective states. Environmental Compensation has been imposed in 252 cases. Harvesting will be at its peak in the next few weeks and the state governments are taking steps as per the Plan of Action to improve the efficacy of enforcement and implementation to effectively tackle the problem of stubble burning. Washington, Oct 15 : US President Joe Biden has signed a short-term bill to temporarily increase the nation's borrowing limit, averting a looming debt default that would cause an economic catastrophe, the media reported on Friday. Biden's signature late Thursday night came two days after the House of Representatives voted along party lines to approve the bill, reports Xinhua news agency. The Senate cleared the short-term debt limit extension last week. The temporary measure would raise the federal government's debt limit by $480 billion, allowing the Treasury Department to meet obligations through December 3 and giving lawmakers a few more weeks to find a way to address the issue. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had recently warned that lawmakers have until October 18 to raise or suspend the debt limit before the federal government will likely run out of cash and extraordinary measures, possibly leading the US to default on the national debt. Another stopgap measure to fund the federal government also expires on December 3, meaning Democrats and Republicans will have to reach a deal by early December to avoid the twin threats of a shutdown and a default. Democrats, meanwhile, are reluctant to raise the national debt limit on their own, fearing that doing so while also trying to pass a large social spending package along party lines could open them up to criticism of being fiscally irresponsible, experts have said. Disagreements within the party might also dash Democrats' hopes of going it alone. Democrats have repeatedly argued that raising the debt limit does not authorize new federal spending, but only allows the Treasury Department to borrow additional funds to cover expenditures that have already been approved by Congress, including Covid-19 relief bills and the tax cuts rolled out during the previous administration of President Donald Trump. As part of a bipartisan budget deal enacted in August 2019, Congress suspended the debt limit through July 31. After the debt limit was reinstated on August 1, the Treasury Department began using "extraordinary measures" to continue to finance the government on a temporary basis. The debt limit, commonly called the debt ceiling, is the total amount of money that the US government is authorised to borrow to meet its existing legal obligations, including social security and medicare benefits, interest on the national debt, and other payments. Seoul, Oct 15 : South Korean President Moon Jae-in held a meeting with William Burns, the chief of US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), here on Friday, touting the Seoul-Washington alliance as a foundation of the nation's security. Burns, who is on his first visit to South Korea after taking the job, expressed his deep respect to Moon's efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement. Moon and Burns also exchanged views about intelligence cooperation between the two allies and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, Yonhap News Agency quoted the statement as saying. In August, about 400 Afghans, who had helped the Seoul government in their war-torn country, were evacuated to South Korea. Moon thanked Burns for actively helping evacuate the Afghans, according to the statement. Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have remained stalled since the Hanoi summit in 2019 between then US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended without a deal. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Girls in Afghanistan must be allowed to return to secondary school and continue their education, Amnesty International said on Friday as it published new testimonies from pupils and teachers documenting Taliban threats and violence. Witnesses told Amnesty International that the Taliban used four schools for military purposes during fighting prior to their takeover of the country: Tughani High School and Khetib Zada High School in Sar-e-Pul; Zakhail-e-Khondon High School in Kunduz; and Alishing High School in Laghman province. Such use of schools places them at risk of attack, and is likely to make it extremely difficult to deliver an adequate education. While male students nationwide were allowed to return to secondary school on September 17, the Taliban insisted that a "safe learning environment" was required before girls could return. However, in more than 20 new interviews, students, teachers and school administrators told Amnesty that intimidation and harassment by the Taliban are causing school attendance rates to remain low at all levels, particularly for girls. "At present, girls in Afghanistan are effectively barred from returning to secondary school. Across the country, the rights and aspirations of an entire generation of girls are dismissed and crushed," said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International's Secretary General. "The right to education is a fundamental human right, which the Taliban - as the de facto authorities running the country - are duty-bound to uphold. The policies currently pursued by the Taliban are discriminatory, unjust and violate international law. "The Taliban should immediately re-open all secondary schools to girls, put a stop to all harassment, threats and attacks against teachers and students, and cease any military use of schools in Afghanistan." To date, while some secondary schools have allowed girls to return, including in Kabul city and in provinces such as Kunduz, Balkh and Sar-e Pul, the vast majority of secondary schools across Afghanistan remain closed for girls. Several female secondary school students said they had lost their motivation to study because the Taliban seem likely to allow them to work only in a few, specific fields, such as education or healthcare. Teachers, students and activists across Afghanistan told Amnesty International that primary school attendance rates have dropped significantly in many areas, particularly for girls. Many families remain fearful of the Taliban, and are too nervous to send their children to school, particularly girls. The severe economic situation has forced many families to take their children out of school and send them to work. Millions of Afghans have been internally displaced during and following the Taliban's takeover of the country, and many displaced children are not attending school. Interviewees also said there are widespread absences among teachers, largely due to the Taliban's failure to pay their salaries. This has led many primary schools either to run at reduced capacity, or to close entirely. At the tertiary level, students reported that while some universities have re-opened, attendance rates have dropped, particularly for young women. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Coal India should immediately resume continuous coal supply to the aluminium Industry to prevent closure, industry bodies demanded. Aluminium Association of India said aluminium Industry has not received any relief with respect to the ongoing coal supply crisis. In the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and commitments of domestic coal availability, the Aluminium Industry has planned their operation, any import coal arrival will take 90-120 days of cycle period from purchase to consumption, therefore sudden decision by Ministry of Coal / Coal India to stop the domestic coal supply to the Aluminium Industry has resulted in complete chaos. Indian Aluminium plants are grappling with critically low levels of coal stock, with no recourse or alternative means to meet their power needs and keep the plants operational. If coal supply is not restored immediately, it would lead to irrevocable collateral damage of these national assets. Any power outage in Aluminium plant will lead to catastrophic impact and complete shutdown which will take minimum 12 months of recovery, resulting in job loss of more than 8 lakh people, Banks will have debt exposure of over Rs 1 lakh crore and additional National forex loss of Rs 90,000 crore ($ 12 Billion) Aluminium Industry with total investments of Rs 1.4 lakh crore ($ 20 Billion) have a capacity of 4.1 MTPA (2nd Largest in the World) which creates livelihood for over 8 lakh people and 4,000 SMEs. Aluminium production is a 24 7, 365 days continuous process industry there is no provision to switch off and switch on. It is highly power intensive industry, just to illustrate 1 ton of Aluminium requires 14,500 Units of Continuous Power, which is 15 times in comparison to Steel (1000 units per ton) and 145 times as that for Cement (100 units per ton). To meet stringent and continuous power demand Aluminium Industry has set up their inhouse Captive Power Plant CPPs of 9,400 MW (9.4 GW i.e. 34 per cent of Thermal CPP capacity of the country) with an investment of Rs 50,000 crore. Uninterrupted Power requirement of 9.4 GW (9,400 MW) of Aluminium industry is 6 per cent of the total country's demand (145 GW) and 123 per cent of total energy traded at the Indian Energy Exchange (~ 7.6 GW in 2021). Therefore, technically it is not feasible to get this massive power from the power Grid. Therefore, Aluminium Industry cannot import Power and can only meet their power requirement through CPPs for which Aluminium Industry requires 1.5 lakh ton of domestic coal daily ( 55 million ton every year). New Delhi, Oct 15 : The Income Tax Department carried out search and seizure operations on two real estate business groups of Mumbai and certain individuals and entities associated with them. The search operations commenced on October 7 and have been carried out at about 70 premises spread across Mumbai, Pune, Baramati, Goa and Jaipur, the department said in a statement. The evidence gathered during the search has revealed several prima-facie unaccounted and benami transactions. Incriminating documents, evidence of unaccounted income of about Rs 184 crore of the two groups have been found. The search action has led to identification of transactions by these business groups with a web of companies which, prima facie, appear to be suspicious. A preliminary analysis of the flow of funds indicates that there has been an introduction of unaccounted funds in the group by way of various dubious methods like introduction of bogus share premium, suspicious unsecured loans, receipt of unsubstantiated advance for certain services, collusive arbitration deals out of non-existent disputes, etc. It has been observed that such suspicious flow of funds has taken place with the involvement of an influential family of Maharashtra, the I-T department said. The funds so introduced in a dubious manner, have been utilized for acquisition of various assets such as office building at a prime locality in Mumbai, flat in posh locality in Delhi, resort in Goa, agricultural lands in Maharashtra and investments in sugar mills. The book value of these assets aggregates to about Rs 170 crore. Unaccounted cash of Rs 2.13 crore and jewellery of Rs 4.32 crore have been seized. Further investigations are in progress. New Delhi, Oct 15 : A Google report that analysed more than 80 million ransomware samples submitted over the last year and a half has revealed that India is at the sixth place in the list of 140 countries most affected by ransomware. Israel was far and away an outlier, with the highest number of submissions and nearly a 600 per cent increase in the number of submissions compared to its baseline. It was followed by South Korea, Vietnam, China, Singapore, India, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Iran, and the UK as the most affected top 10 territories, based on the number of submissions to VirusTotal. Launched in June 2004, VirusTotal was acquired by Google in September 2012. The company's ownership switched in January 2018 to Chronicle Security, a cybersecurity company which is part of Google Cloud Platform (GCP). "This report is designed to help researchers, security practitioners and the general public understand the nature of ransomware attacks while enabling cyber professionals to better analyse suspicious files, URLs, domains and IP addresses," said Vicente Diaz of VirusTotal in its first 'Ransomware Activity Report'. Hackers aren't only demanding money today but also threatening to reveal sensitive or valuable information if companies don't pay up or if they contact law enforcement authorities. "We saw peaks of ransomware activity in the first two quarters of 2020, primarily due to the ransomware-as-a-service group GandCrab (though its prevalence decreased dramatically in the second half of the year)," said Diaz. At least 130 different ransomware families were active in 2020 and the first half of 2021 - grouped by 30,000 clusters of malware that looked and operated in a similar fashion. According to the report, there is a constant baseline of ransomware activity of approximately 100 ransomware families that never stops. Attackers are using a range of approaches, including well-known botnet malware and other Remote Access Trojans (RATs) as vehicles to deliver their ransomware. "In most cases, they are using fresh or new ransomware samples for their campaigns," the report mentioned. It said that Google Chrome OS cloud-first platform has had no reported ransomware attacks - ever - on any business, education or consumer Chrome OS device. Chennai, Oct 15 : Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai has welcomed the decision taken by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to reopen religious places on all days. The Chief Minister had in a high-level meeting on Thursday announced that temples would reopen on all days and the earlier order of closing temples on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays stands nullified. The BJP's Tamil Nadu unit has been at the forefront of the agitation to reopen temples, holding protest marches across the state. Senior party leaders, including former Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, had led the protest marches that were held in front of the famous temples of the state. Annamalai, former state unit chief C.P. Radhakrishnan, ex-national secretary H. Raja had participated in the protest marches held on October 7. Annamalai said in a statement on Friday that the BJP's protests have bore fruit, as the Chief Minister has announced the opening of temples and other religious places on all days. "We have been demanding reopening of temples and other religious places and we had given an ultimatum to the state government to take a decision in this matter within 10 days on October 7. Now the government has announced the reopening of temples and all other religious places," he said. This will be highlighted among the party cadres to boost their morale, he added. Chandigarh, Oct 15 : Haryana Police said on Friday that an FIR was lodged in connection with the murder of a man belonging to Punjab near the farmers' protest site on the Singhu border in Sonepat district. However, no arrest has been made so far in connection with the case. A police spokesperson said that on Friday, the police in Kundli got information that Nihangs had tied a person to a barricade with his hand chopped off near the protest site. It is being alleged that the man was caught while desecrating the Sikh religious holy book. However, an official confirmation about this is still awaited. By the time the police reached the spot, the person had died. When the police tried to take the body away, the people at the spot protested, an official statement said. After some efforts, the body was brought to the Civil Hospital in Sonepat for post-mortem. An FIR has been registered under Sections 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). People were questioned regarding the incident but, no concrete information was received. After making extensive efforts, the deceased was identified as Lakhbir Singh, son of Harnam Singh, a resident of Chimakhurd village in Tarn Taran district. Srinagar, Oct 15 : Congregational prayers were held in Hazratbal mosque in Srinagar on Friday after four months while they were not allowed at Jama Masjid in the city. Four months after congregational Friday prayers were stopped at the Hazratbal mosque, they resumed on Friday with a large number of devotees assembling there to offer Friday prayers. Authorities, however, did not allow Friday congregational prayers at the Jama Masjid in Nowhatta area of old Srinagar. The management of Jama Masjid said they had opened gates of the mosque for the devotees to enter to offer Friday prayers. "Security forces did not allow opening of the gates and we were left with no option, but to close them again," a member of the mosque's management committee said. The sensitive Nowhatta area often witnesses stone pelting incidents after the devotees disperse on Fridays. New Delhi, Oct 15 : A doctor working with the All India Insitute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here has been booked for allegedly raping his junior colleague inside the campus, officials said here on Friday. The incident occurred on September 26, when the victim went to the accused person's room to celebrate the birthday of one of their colleagues. She alleged that her senior colleague raped her inside his room. On October 11, the victim filed a complaint against the accused at the Hauz Khas police station after which the police registered an FIR under Sections 376 and 377 of the Indian Penal Code. During the course of the investigation, the statement of the victim doctor was recorded before the Magistrate. The accused doctor is at large and efforts are on to nab him. "Raids have been conducted at some of the possible places, but the accused is still at large," the police said, adding that technical surveillance has also been mounted to nab him. London, Oct 15 : More than 60 per cent researchers faced negative experiences as a result of their media appearances or their social media comments about Covid-19 pandemic, revealed a survey conducted by science journal Nature. About 22 per cent received threats of physical or sexual violence, while 15 per cent received death threats. The findings are based on a self-selecting survey of 321 people working in fields relevant to Covid. While six scientists said they were physically attacked, some were attacked indirectly -- their employer received complaints about them, or that their home address was revealed online, Nature reported. Much abuse happens on social media, particularly on Twitter. Among the 63 per cent who used the microblogging site to comment on aspects of Covid, around one-third said they were "always" or "usually" attacked on the platform. For such individuals, coping strategies include trying to ignore it, filtering and blocking e-mails and social-media trolls, or deleting their accounts. "It is very harrowing if every day, you open up your e-mails, your Twitter, you get the death threats, you get abuse every single day, undermining your work," Andrew Hill, a pharmacologist at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Translational Medicine. Hill has deleted his Twitter account. As a result, scientists who reported higher frequencies of trolling or personal attacks were also most likely to say that their experiences had greatly affected their willingness to speak to the media in the future. "The more prominent you are, the more abuse you're going to get," historian Heidi Tworek at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, was quoted as saying. But researchers shouldn't try to cope on their own, she added, stating that there is much that institutions can do to assist scientists who are receiving abuse. In the survey, 44 per cent of scientists who said they'd been trolled or experienced personal attacks said they never told their employer. Of those who did, however, almost 80 per cent found their employer "very" or "somewhat" supportive. Although such coordinated social-media campaigns and threatening e-mails or phone calls to scientists are not new, but tied to the pandemic, the abuse was a new and unwelcome phenomenon. "I believe national governments, funding agencies and scientific societies have not done enough to publicly defend scientists," one researcher wrote in their survey response. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Following intelligence inputs that smaller cities could be on the terrorists' radar, the Centre has asked the state governments to scale up security of the Tier 2 cities during current festive season, sources in the security set-up said on Friday. The sources, citing the intelligence alert, said the places seeing high footfall such as railway stations, inter-state bus terminals, religious places, shopping malls and wholesale markets could be on the terrorists' radar, therefore, the security mechanism at the entry points of these places must be enhanced as per prescribed security norms. According to prescribed norms, frisking of people at the entry points of these places must be followed strictly with installing more CCTV cameras at the major points to keep an eye on the crowd. The state police have been asked to use drones for crowd management. The sources said the local police should initiate the identification drive of those who have recently shifted in the locality and keep an eye on the movements of local criminals, gangsters, and extremist elements who could extend help or support these terrorists or overground workers. A senior official said since the security in metro cities and big towns has been tightened up during ongoing festive season, therefore, these anti-national elements may divert their plan to Tier 2 cities. On October 10, the Delhi Police received inputs of a terrorist attack during the festive season and Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana asked the police personnel to enhance visibility on ground and to intensify night patrolling. Asthana has asked the Delhi police to professionally check and monitor petrol pumps, chemical shops, parking spaces, scrap and car dealers while a special emphasis must be given on community policing, regular meetings with Resident Welfare Associations and coordinating with 'eyes and ears scheme' stakeholders like street vendors and watchmen. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Apple on Friday released its new smartwatch -- Apple Watch Series 7 -- in the latest move to further boost its presence in the growing smartwatch market. The release came as the pandemic-driven stay-at-home trend and rising health concerns have fuelled the popularity of smartwatches fitted with health care and fitness features. The latest Apple smartwatch comes with a 20 percent bigger screen and a 40 percent thinner body than the Apple Watch Series 6. Its battery runs for 18 hours, like the previous model, but charges 33 percent faster. It also supports advanced health and fitness tools, including an ECG app that records one's heartbeat and rhythm using the electrical heart sensor. The newest Apple Watch will directly compete with Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4, released in August, with new Wear OS, which the South Korean company jointly developed with Google, reports Yonhap news agency. Apple Watch Series 7 (41 mm) starts at Rs 41,900 but can be purchased for Rs 38,900 after cash-back and Apple Watch Series 7 (45 mm) comes at Rs 44,900 but can be purchased for Rs 41,900 after the cash-back. The consumers can also avail a 12-month no-cost EMI on HDFC Bank loans. According to industry tracker Counterpoint Research, Apple was the world's largest smartwatch vendor with a market share of 28 percent in the second quarter. Samsung was the No. 3 player with a 7.6 percent share behind China's Huawei, which registered a 9.3 percent share. The new Series 7 has been launched in all-new green, blue, midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT) red colours. In addition, the stainless steel models will be available in silver, graphite, and gold stainless steel. The Apple Watch Series 7 features a re-engineered Always-On retina display with significantly more screen area and thinner borders. The new Mindfulness app, sleep respiratory rate tracking and Tai Chi and Pilates workout types can help improve overall wellness. The Apple Watch Series 7 is the first Apple Watch to have an IP6X certification for resistance to dust, and maintains a WR50 water resistance rating, the company claimed. Mumbai, Oct 15 : The Income Tax Department, which raided at least 70 premises allegedly linked with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others last week, said it has unearthed proof of unaccounted incomes of around Rs 184 crore, officials said on Friday. The IT Department sleuths had swooped on unnamed two realty companies in Mumbai, and other unidentified individuals/entities associated with them, during the raids simultaneously carried out in Pune and Baramati, as well as in Goa and Jaipur. The sleuths gathered evidence of prima-facie unaccounted and 'benami' transactions, incriminating documents, etc from the two realty groups of around Rs 184 crore. The operations led them to further transactions by the groups through a web of companies which appear to be suspicious, said the department. A preliminary analysis of the flow of funds indicates pumping unaccounted money in the group through dubious methods like introduction of fake share premium, questionable unsecured loans, receipt of unsubstantiated advance for certain services, collusive arbitration deals out of non-existent disputes, etc. "It has been observed that such suspicious flow of funds has taken place with the involvement of an influential family of Maharashtra," the ITD said without identifying the concerned family. These funds were further utilised to invest in assets like prime office buildings in Mumbai, a flat in a posh Delhi locality, a resort in Goa, farmlands and investments in sugar mills in Maharashtra, with a total book value of around Rs 170 crore. Besides, the IT Department recovered and seized Rs 2.13 crore cash and jewellery worth Rs 4.32 crore during the raids. Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar had slammed the BJP government at the Centre for hounding political opponents by misusing central agencies like the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Narcotics Control Bureau, etc, with a new pattern of "targetting relatives" of the politicians. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Swaraj India Convener Yogendra Yadav on Friday said the Nihang group, accused of mercilessly killing a man at the Singhu border, was several times told by farmers' leaders that this is not a religious movement but a site for farmers' agitation. "Our several leaders have time and again told them (Nihang group) in the past one-and- a-half month that this is a farmers' protest and not a religious movement. But even then they remained there," he said in a video message. Condemning the murder and demanding strict punishment for the perpetrators of the barbaric act, he said that the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), will fully cooperate and support a legal investigation into the matter. The victim, identified as Lakhbir Singh, a resident of Punjab's Tarn Taran district, was residing for the past three to four days with the same group of Nihang Sikhs, who brutally killed him, he said. "We are against sacrilege of any religious text but on this basis no person can be allowed to take law in his own hands," Yadav added. Earlier on Friday, the body of a man with a hand chopped off was found at the Singhu border, where farmers have been protesting against the three contentious farm laws for the past one year. It is being alleged that the man was caught while desecrating the Sikh religious holy book, however, an official confirmation about it is still awaited. As per the images that have surfaced on social media, it is possible that the man was tortured before he was brutally killed, and the incident has sent shockwaves all around. New Delhi, Oct 15 : More than 30 people have died while 90 others have been injured after an explosion tore through a Shia mosque during Friday prayers in the Afghan city of Kandahar, the BBC reported. Pictures from inside the Bibi Fatima mosque show shattered windows and bodies lying on the ground with some other worshippers trying to help. The explosion's cause is not yet clear, but it is suspected to be a case of suicide bombing. Witnesses said that there were three blasts in the mosque. IS-K, a local branch of the Islamic State, is expected to claim responsibility for the attack, the BBC reported. Kandahar is Afghanistan's second largest city and the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban, so an attack in the city by IS-K, which is extremely hostile towards the Taliban, would be significant. Last Friday, a suicide attack on another Shia mosque during Friday prayers in the northern city of Kunduz had killed at least 50 people. IS-K had said that it carried out the attack, which was the deadliest since the US forces left Afghanistan at the end of August. IS-K, a Sunni Muslim group, is the most extreme and violent of all the jihadi militant groups in Afghanistan. Sunni Muslim extremists have targeted Shia Muslims, whom they see as heretics. IS-K has targeted Afghan security forces, politicians and ministries, the Taliban, religious minorities, including Shia Muslims and Sikhs, US and Nato forces, and international agencies, including aid organisations, the report said. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 15 : In the limelight for reportedly coming under attack at a meeting of ruling CPI-M legislators along with Education Minister V. Sivankutty, Kerala PWD and Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas on Friday denied any such occurrence, while defending his comments on the nexus between officials and government contractors. Interacting with media at his hometown Kozhikode, Riyas, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, refuted media reports about him being reprimanded at the meeting of legislators. "I stand by what I have said (in the Assembly) and I will not go back an inch from what I have said. At times, there is an unholy nexus between contractors and government officials... this is known to all. At the party meeting of legislators, the media reported that I had apologised for my statement, but no such thing has happened as I only reiterated the stand of the Left Democratic Front," he said. A section of media on Thursday reported that the CPI-M legislators were peeved when Riyas, in reply to a question in the Assembly about the works being undertaken by his Department, stressed it is not good that legislators bring contractors along when they come to meet him. This remark allegedly irked the legislators and as a few raised the issue at the meeting, Riyas reportedly realised the pulse and admitted his mistake. Reacting to the issue, veteran former Congress legislator K.C. Joseph took a dig at the CPI-M, saying Riyas might not be referring about Congress lawmakers arriving with contractors to meet him, but "other" legislators. There is a perception that Vijayan is showing special consideration to Riyas, the leader of a party-affiliated youth association, right from the time tickets were distributed for the April 6 Assembly polls. Riyas was fielded from from Beypur in Kozhikode district, which he won comfortably as it is a CPI-M stronghold, but the perception gained further ground when Vijayan inducted him into his ministry, at the expense of two-time legislator A.N. Shamseer. Shamseer has made his displeasure at being denied a ministerial berth evident a few times, including in the Assembly. Srinagar, Oct 15 : A gunfight broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, officials said. "Encounter has started at Wahibug area of Pulwama. Police and security forces are on the job," police said. The gunfight after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about presence of terrorists. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding, they came under a heavy volume of fire and retaliated, triggering the encounter. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Apple has taken down one of the world's most popular Quran apps in China after a request from Chinese officials, the BBC reported. Quran Majeed is available across the world on the App Store, and has nearly 150,000 reviews. However, Apple removed the app at the request of Chinese officials, allegedly for hosting illegal religious texts, the company said. The Chinese government has not responded to a request for comment. The deletion of the app was first noticed by Apple Censorship - a website that monitors apps on Apple's App Store globally, the report said. The Chinese Communist Party officially recognises Islam as a religion in the country. However, China has been accused of human rights violation, and even genocide, against the mostly Muslim Uyghur ethnic group in Xinjiang. It is not clear what rules the app has broken in China. Quran Majeed says it is "trusted by over 35 million Muslims globally", the report added. Last month, both Apple and Google had removed a tactical voting app devised by jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Russian authorities had threatened to fine the two companies if they refused to drop the app, which told users who could unseat ruling party candidates. China is one of Apple's biggest markets, and the company's supply chain is heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has been accused of hypocrisy by politicians in the US for speaking out about American politics, but staying quiet about China. Beijing, Oct 15 : China has agreed to support and participate in the World Health Organisation's (WHO) fresh probe to trace the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic that has globally infected 21.9 crore people while claiming 45.5 lakh lives. The WHO, this week, launched a new task force -- Scientific Advisory Group on the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) -- of 26 global experts, and called it "the last chance" to find the Covid origins. It is nearly two years since the virus was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, yet the question of how it first emerged remains unclear. Several studies/probes into the origins from scientists, governments, and independent groups have not yet solved whether the virus jumped from animals to humans in Wuhan markets or leaked in a lab accident. While China, since the beginning has strongly refuted the lab leak theory, its Foreign Ministry said the country will "continue to support and participate in" (the probe), the South China Morning Post quoted it as saying. At the same time, Beijing has also called on the global health body to uphold an "objective, scientific" approach, stating that it will aoppose any political manipulation', the report said. "China will continue to support and participate in the global scientific origins tracing, and resolutely oppose any form of political manipulation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian was quoted as saying on Thursday. Zhao also appeared to leave the door open to future field missions in the country, the report said. A joint WHO-China inquiry, whose findings were released in March this year, had dismissed the possibility that the virus had emerged accidentally from a laboratory as "extremely unlikely". Undermining its own report, Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in July, proposed a second phase of studies in Wuhan, which includes audits of laboratories and markets in the city, citing that the investigation had been hampered by a lack of data and transparency from China. On Thursday, Zhao said that the first probe should be the foundation for future work and "adhere to a global perspective", the SCMP reported. China had, initially, rejected the second probe accusing the WHO of "arrogance" and a "disrespect for common sense". The proposed members of the SAGO group include six experts who visited China as part of the previous team. Besides Covid, SAGO will also look into the origins of other high-risk pathogens, the BBC reported. SAGO's work may be the "last chance to understand the origins of this virus", Michael Ryan, the WHO's emergencies director, was quoted as saying. New Delhi, Oct 15 : India's defence exports increased by 325 per cent in the last five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, as he pointing out that both private and public sectors are working hand in hand for national security. Speaking at an event organised by the Defence Ministry to dedicate the seven new defence companies to the nation, Modi said the decision to create these companies was stuck for a long time, adding that these seven new companies would form a strong base for the military in the country in the times to come. Noting the glorious past of Indian ordnance factories, the Prime Minister said that upgradation of these companies was ignored in the post-Independence period, leading to the country's dependence on foreign suppliers for its needs. "These seven defence companies will play a major role in changing this situation," he said. The government converted the Ordnance Factory Board from a government department into seven 100 per cent government owned corporate entities, as a measure to improve self-reliance in the defence preparedness of the country. Modi also mentioned that these new companies would play an important role in import substitution, in line with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). An order book of more than Rs 65,000 crore reflect the increasing confidence of the country in these companies, he added. Modi recalled the various initiatives and reforms undertaken in the recent past that have created trust, transparency and technology-driven approach in the defence sector like never before. Today, private and public sectors are working hand in hand in the mission of national security, he said. The Prime Minister cited the defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as examples of the new approach. He noted that as new opportunities are emerging for the youth and MSME, the country is seeing the result of the policy changes made in the recent years. "Our defence exports have increased by 325 per cent in the last five years. It is our target that our companies not only establish expertise in their products, but also become global brands," Modi said. He urged that while competitive cost is our strength, quality and reliability should be our identity. He further mentioned that in the 21st century, growth and brand value of any nation or any company is determined by its R&D and innovation. The Prime Minister appealed to the new companies that research and innovation should be a part of their work culture, so that they just don't catch up but take lead in future technologies. This restructuring would provide more autonomy to the new companies to nurture innovation and expertise, and the new companies should encourage such talent, he added. Modi also urged the startups to become a part of this new journey through these companies to leverage the research and expertise of each other. He mentioned that the government has given these new companies not only a better production environment, but also complete functional autonomy. He reiterated that the government has also ensured that the interests of the employees are fully protected. The seven new defence companies are: Munitions India Limited (MIL); Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVANI); Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWE India); Troop Comforts Limited (TCL) (Troop Comfort Items); Yantra India Limited (YIL); India Optel Limited (IOL); and Gliders India Limited (GIL). -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Oct 15 : For more than seven decades, China and Taiwan have avoided coming to military face-offs. The two entities have been separated since 1949 following the civil wars in the 1940s. Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state. China, however, views Taiwan as a breakaway province, and has always maintained that the island should at some point be reclaimed. It has not ruled out the possible use of force to achieve unification. Tensions with China are at their worst in 40 years, Taiwan's Defence Minister said, warning of the risk of an accidental strike between the two. China scrambled Taiwan's defence zone with a record number of fighter jets for four consecutive days earlier this month, triggering massive jitters of warmongering messaging. The Taiwanese Defence Minister also warned that China would be capable of mounting a full-scale invasion of the island by 2025 while speaking at the parliamentary committee in Taipei, considering a multi-billion-dollar defence spending bill to build missiles and warships. Lately, Beijing is becoming increasingly concerned that Taiwan's government is moving the island towards a formal declaration of independence and wants to deter its President Tsai Ing-wen from taking any steps in that direction. However, US President Joe Biden has said that his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping had agreed to abide by the "Taiwan agreement". On October 12, the People's Liberation Army Daily published an article titled 'The historical task of the complete reunification of the Motherland must be realised', based on Xi's speech to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911. The article stated that President Xi's speech revealed the historical trend of the reunification of the motherland and national rejuvenation. "The historical task of the complete reunification of the Motherland must be realised and will certainly be realised." It is an inevitable requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the new era and the sacred mission of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The Chinese PLA has firm will, full confidence, and sufficient ability to thwart all external forces interference and separatist acts of "Taiwan independence", and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the article said. Recently, the Communist party media released a military drill video revealing preparations towards going into war with Taiwan. Is CCP intensively preparing for the plan to attack Taiwan ahead of the schedule? Revealing the true intention of the Chinese design, on 12 October, Epoch Times published an exclusive internal document of the Chinese Communist Party, which is closely related to the recent tension on the Taiwan issue. According to the report, the document was issued by the National Defense Mobilization Committee of Hui'an County, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, on January 2, 2020, informing the party offices and government departments to survey the local national defence mobilisation potential. The document shows that the survey statistics are in accordance with the needs of military struggle preparations related to achieve efficient participation in war and support operations. The Committee also requested that statistics "must not be subject to errors and omissions". Analysts believe that it proves that the authorities are speeding up the pace and bringing China into a state of war to deal with the upcoming war in Taiwan. It also revealed that the CCP originally decided to launch the war in the Taiwan Strait after the 20th National Congress, i.e., from 2023 to 2024, the last leg of Biden's first term. But the withdrawal of the US military from Afghanistan has upset the Chinese military calculations. Xi Jinping's aides believe that the US military is inherently vulnerable, and the Biden administration does not dare to fight the CCP. However, the fast-moving scenario panning out in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China has its bearing on CCP's strategy. The announcement of the establishment of AUKUS tripartite security agreement between the United States, Great Britain and Australia and the military exercise held by the 'Quartet Security Dialogue' (QUAD) countries comprising the US, Japan, India and Australia in the region symbolise that the alliance to curb the CCP's aggression is developing steadily. Therefore, Xi was compelled to pay more attention to the developing situation. In other words, the CCP may have advanced the time of the war in the Taiwan Strait. Hyderabad, Oct 15 : The outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist on Friday confirmed the death of its top leader, Akkiraju Haragopal alias Ramakrishna. The Central Committee of the banned outfit released a statement announcing death of 63-year-old leader due to kidney failure and other ailments. According to the statement signed by the party's spokesman Abhay, he died at 6 a.m. on October 14 while undergoing treatment. Also known as Saket, Madhu and Srinivas, R.K., as he was most popularly known, was a Central Committee and Politburo member. Though the statement has not mentioned the place where the top Moist succumbed, police sources had Thursday said he died in south Bastar in Chhattisgarh. According to the statement, R.K. suddenly developed a kidney problem. Though he had started receiving dialysis, his kidneys failed. It claimed that the party provided him the best treatment but it proved futile. Terming R.K.'s death a big loss, the spokesman said his last rites were performed amidst revolutionaries. The party paid him tribute for the role he played in strengthening the organisation and serving it in various roles. Haragopal was born in Palnadu region of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in 1958. Son of a school teacher, he did post-graduation and worked as teacher for some time along with his father. Attracted by the revolutionary politics, he took membership of People's War in 1978. He became active in the organisation in 1982. According to the statement, he became Guntur district Secretary in 1986 and was elevated as state committee member in 1992. Subsequently, he led the organisation in south Telangana for four years and in 2000 he became Andhra state committee secretary. At the 9th Congress of People's War in 2001, R.K. was elected a Central Committee member. In 2004, R.K. led the People's War in the talks with then Andhra Pradesh government. "He placed the people's demands before the government and along with other delegates discussed them effectively," said the statement. The party alleged that after pulling out of talks, the government started targeting the Maoists and when it attempted to kill Ramakrishna, the Central Committee shifted him to Andhra-Odisha border area and gave him the charge of that area. He worked as AOB Secretary till 2014 and since then, he was guiding the AOB Committee. In 2018, the Central Committee included him in the politburo. R.K. married Shirisha and they had a son Munna alias Pridhvi, who was killed in an encounter with police in 2018 in Ramaguda. Srinagar, Oct 15 : A terrorist, said to be involved in the recent killing of a civilian in Jammu and Kashmir, was shot dead in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Wahibug area of Pulwama district on Friday, officials said. The slain terrorist has been identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh from Srinagar, officials said. Sheikh was involved in the killing of Mohammad Shafi Dar, 45, a resident of SD Colony Batmaloo near his residence in Srinagar on October 2. Arms and ammunition, including one AK rifle, were recovered from the slain terrorist. "The slain terrorist has been identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh from Srinagar. He was involved in the recent killing of a civilian on October 2. One AK 47 rifle was used in the killing," the police tweeted quoting IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. Earlier, the firefight between terrorists and security forces took place after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists there. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding, they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter. Beijing, Oct 15 : China's CoronaVac and Sinopharm Covid vaccines may be waning in immunity levels, several studies have shown. CoronaVac and Sinopharm -- both inactivated vaccines, which use killed SARS-CoV-2 virus -- account for almost 50 per cent of the 7.3 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses delivered globally. China administered about 2.4 billion doses of the vaccines to its citizens, but almost one billion doses have gone to 110 other countries, particularly the less wealthy nations, Nature reported. However, many countries, including Seychelles and Indonesia, which used the vaccines reported Covid-19 surges earlier this year, sparking a debate about their waning protection and the need for boosters. "These are not bad vaccines. They're just vaccines that haven't been optimised yet," Gagandeep Kang, a virologist at the Christian Medical College in India's Vellore, who advises SAGE, was quoted as saying. After receiving a second dose of CoronaVac, only 60 per cent had high levels of neutralising antibodies one month, compared to with 86 per cent of those who had received two shots of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, revealed a study of 185 health-care workers in Thailand, not yet peer-reviewed. After three months, the antibody prevalence dropped to just 12 per cent in the same group, Opass Putcharoen, an infectious-diseases specialist at the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Center in Bangkok, was quoted as saying. However, "waning of antibodies isn't necessarily the same as waning of immune protection", noted Ben Cowling, an epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong. CoronaVac induces a significantly lower antibody response compared with Pfizer-BioNTech's mRNA jab one month after two doses, however, the T-cell response was comparable, showed a study from Hong Kong, also not peer-reviewed. Vaccines made using other technologies have seen a similar trend of waning antibodies and protection against infection, but more-robust protection against severe disease and death. But researchers say that because the Chinese inactivated vaccines start at a lower base of neutralising antibodies, the protection they offer could drop faster than those with a stronger head start, the Nature report said. However, a drop in protection can prove deadly for the elderly. An analysis of about one million people, hospitalised with Covid-19 in Brazil, showed that CoronaVac offered up to 60 per cent protection against severe disease up to the age of 79. But in people over 80, CoronaVac was only 30 per cent effective at preventing severe disease and 45 per cent effective against death. As a result, several countries, including Chile, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and China, are giving booster jabs of mRNA or viral-vector vaccine to people who received the CoronaVac or Sinopharm vaccines, the report said. New Delhi, Oct 15: Online social media platforms have always been extensively used to spread information as well as misinformation. But the increased use of Internet and online platforms amid the Covid 19 pandemic has further helped the global terror outfits in expanding their reach as more digitally connected people spent longer hours online on social media, the weapon of choice of extremists to spread their message. Apart from radiating their radical messages, terrorists are increasingly using the online medium to buy weapons and as a tool for recruitment. "Regulating online platforms is much more difficult than traditional platforms which make combating these propaganda very arduous," a report by Modern Diplomacy said. And now, the rising political uncertainty in Afghanistan with the return of the Taliban has only multiplied challenges for the governments across the world. People dealing with counter terrorism activities told India Narrative that the South Asian countries including India and Bangladesh are particularly under the radar of the global terror outfits. Modern Diplomacy's report noted that online radicalization poses a formidable threat to the stability of Bangladesh. "With the imposition of lockdown in the last year, the nefarious fundamentalist factions have ramped up their activities," it said, adding that the extremist elements have instead resorted to the online mediums to recruit, sensitize and radicalize the youth of the country. It also said that these online radical outfits peddle conspiracy theories and a simplified understanding of the history and economics of the world. "The pandemic may have provided an opportunity to the terror outfits to reorganise.. the increased dependence on online mode of operations has given a boost to these groups in easy information or rather misinformation dissemination and financing," BK Singh, retired Joint CP (Commissioner) Crime, Delhi Police told India Narrative. Observer Research Foundation noted that the turn of events in Afghanistan has triggered fresh apprehensions amongst India's policymakers and security experts of pan-Islamist groups gaining ground support in Kashmir. Pakistan "will try to use the situation to spread terror in Jammu and Kashmir to avoid international scrutiny," it said. Sources said that several radical elements in Bangladesh are at play to undo the progress made by the country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in weeding out radicalism. What is sad is that many people, including a large number of educated youth, fall prey to such rampant and aggressive propaganda and conspiracy theories. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Srinagar, Oct 15 : An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces at Bemina in J&K's Srinagar district on Friday, officials said. "Encounter has started at Bemina area of Srinagar. Srinagar Police on the job," police said. The firefight ensued after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about presence of terrorists. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding, they came under fire and retaliated. This is the second encounter in Kashmir on Friday. Earlier, one terrorist involved in a recent civilian killing was shot dead in an encounter in Pulwama district. He was identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh from Srinagar. New Delhi, Oct 15 : India has exercised long-term comprehensive control and influence on Bhutan, which has restricted the latter from developing foreign relations, said Chinese mouthpiece Global Times, blaming India. Senior diplomatic officials of China and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a three-step roadmap for expediting the Bhutan-China boundary negotiations during a video conference on Thursday. Bhutan is the only neighbouring country that has not established diplomatic relations with China. Bhutan is located in the southern slopes of the Himalayas. With an area of 38,000 sq km and a population of less than 800,000, it is sandwiched between China and India. "Bhutan doesn't have diplomatic relations with China, nor has it established diplomatic relations with any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. This is abnormal. It's because India has exercised long-term comprehensive control and influence on Bhutan, which has restricted it from developing foreign relations," Global Times said. "To complete border talks with Bhutan shouldn't have been so difficult. The problem lies in the country behind Bhutan - India, which has served as a complicated factor," it said. "We don't think New Delhi should express its stance. It's a matter between two sovereign countries to sign the MoU. If India points its fingers at it, it could only prove to the world that India is eroding the sovereignty of a weak and small country," the Chienese mouthpiece said. "India shouldn't say anything publicly, nor should it continue to exert pressure on Bhutan or dictate what Bhutan should do in its border negotiations with China. A demarcation line between China and Bhutan will delimit the two countries' territories. If India believes how the demarcation is settled will influence India's national interest, it will prove that India has improperly extended its national interests into the territory of Bhutan and wants to turn Bhutan into an outpost of India's China policy. These are further violations of the norms of international relations," Global Times said in an editorial. "India is the biggest and strongest power in South Asia. But it's time to end its old-fashioned control over Bhutan. India should also curb its desire to exert abnormal influence on countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka. South Asian countries are willing to develop relations with China and they have the right to do so. "India should transcend narrow-minded geopolitical thinking when looking at these countries' moves of strengthening economic and other links with China, and should not fantasize that China is encircling India. There are not so many encirclements in today's world. China has neither a military alliance nor special cooperation that targets India with any of those countries. India wants to expand its influence. To this end, it needs to first be open-minded and not be oversensitive," it said. Global Times said it seems that China and Bhutan will reach a border agreement sooner or later and will eventually move toward the establishment of diplomatic relations. "This is progress that the two neighboring countries are supposed to make. If it stalls, people will wonder whether India again put pressure on Bhutan and infringed on its sovereignty," it added. Srinagar, Oct 15 : A terrorist, involved in the murder of a Jammu and Kashmir Police officer in Srinagar, was killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces at Srinagar district on Friday, officials said. "Killer of martyr PSI Arshid killed in Bemina encounter," police tweeted quoting IG, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. The encounter ensued after a joint team of the police and the army, which cordoned off the area for a search operation on the basis of specific information about presence of terrorists, came under fire from the hiding terrorists and retaliated. On September 12, Sub-Inspector Arshid Ahmad was shot dead from a close range in Khanyar area of Srinagar. This is the second encounter in Kashmir on Friday. Earlier, one terrorist involved in a recent civilian killing was gunned down in Pulwama district. Identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh from Srinagar, he was said to be involved in the killing of Mohammad Shafi Dar, 45, a resident of SD Colony, Batmalloo near his residence on October 2. Mandya : , Oct 15 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday received a complaint from a woman, who claimed police tried to block her from meeting him with her plea levying serious charges against a police officer. Priya aka Maheshwari, a housewife from Maddur taluk, alleged that Mandya DSP Manjunath had assaulted her advocate husband and demanded money to drop a case against him. She has also alleged that Manjunath had also misbehaved with her. "When I came to meet Chief Minister Bommai, DSP Manjunath who had harassed us was present at the spot. He had instructed all police staff to prevent me from meeting Bommai. They pushed me when I tried to approach him. After seeing me pleading and begging with police, the Chief Minister noticed me and took a complaint from me. He has also assured me action against the guilty," she said. Maheshwari has stated in her complaint that her husband Nanjesha was falsely implicated in a property dispute case. She claimed that the dispute is civil in nature, but the complainant, with the help of Manjunath, has been giving it a criminal colour with mala fide intention. She has also alleged that Manjunath, though not being an investigating officer in the case, had, without following due process of law, subjected her husband to third-degree treatment and also misbehaved with her and used lewd and unparliamentary language. New Delhi, Oct 15 : The horrendous killing of a man at the farmers' protest site on the Singhu border has sent chills down the spines of several people with many equating the gruesome incident to a Taliban-style killing. The incident began in the wee hours of Friday on the Singhu border dividing Haryana and Delhi when Lakhbir Singh (30), a resident of Tarn Taran district in Punjab, was seen carrying the Sarbloh Granth -- a Sikh religious scripture -- by a Nihang Sikh man. IANS has learnt from several sources that Lakhbir was staying with a group of Nihang Sikhs on the Singhu border for the past 3 to 4 days. When confronted, Lakhbir was unable to answer a barrage of questions. This lead to an argument, drawing the attention of other Nihangs present there. The fracas occurred at around 3 am in the morning. Lakhbir was then accused of desecrating the holy Sarbloh Granth. The arguments soon turned violent and the man's hand was allegedly chopped off amid the chaos. Since then, several gruesome videos surfaced on social media that depicted the brutal act of the crime. The cops received the first information about the incident at around 5 am, but they refrained from divulging any details about the suspects. The farmers' umbrella body -- Samyukt Kisan Morcha -- said in a statement that a Nihang group at the scene has claimed responsibility for the act, and the SKM has disassociated themselves from the group. The body was found at the same place where the farmers have been protesting against the three contentious farm laws for the past one year. The atmosphere on the Singhu border, which has remained an active podium for the farmers to register their protest against the three farm laws, was tense on Friday. Mumbai, Oct 15 : In a sharp all-round attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday called for a national debate on federalism and Centre-State relations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India's Independence. In his speech on the occasion of Shiv Sena's customary Dussehra rally, he said that the Constitution framed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar has laid down clear guidelines on the rights of the Centre and states, with autonomy to the latter, along with sovereign rights like the Centre. "In the current scenario, the question arises whether the Centre will allow the states to survive. In their thirst for power, they keep harassing the non-BJP ruled states, try to topple their governments... The Constitution says if the Centre interferes in the state's affairs, it would be unconstitutional," Thackeray declared. Chandigarh, Oct 15 : Taking note of the brutal killing of a man on the Singhu border, the Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), Vijay Sampla, on Friday asked the Haryana DGP to immediately arrest the culprits. "The incident in which a Scheduled Caste man was killed and his hand was chopped off on the Singhu border is a heinous Talibani crime," Sampla said in a statement condemning the act. The body of Lakhbir Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran in Punjab, was found hanging with a severed hand, close to the main stage of the farmers' protest site near the Delhi-Haryana border on Friday morning. Sampla said that after watching the viral video of Lakhbir Singh, it seems that the activists of the farmers' organisations sitting on protest have no fear of the law. "No matter how big the mistake, no one has the right to kill an accused," Sampla said. "Singhu border is the main hub of the farmers' protest where leaders and workers of various farmers' organisations have deployed 24-hour security. "Despite this security, the Dalit man was brutally beaten up and his hand was chopped off. He was brought near the same platform and then tied up with a rope and hung upside down, while the activists of farmers' organisations remained mute spectators," he said. Sampla said it took 12 hours for the Samyukt Kisan Morcha to address the media on the murder of a Dalit man. Mumbai, Oct 15 : Peace on the sea does not happen by accident, visiting US Navy chief, Admiral Michael Gilday said on Friday. In a speech during his visit to India's Western Naval Command, he said that our economies, values and cultures are more connected to the sea than ever before. "Providing a safe, secure and stable maritime system is an imperative to all mankind. "Though our nations' may have different histories, cultures and geographies, as sailors, we are united by the sea. Cooperation between our navies ensures that our most vital resource - seawater - is shared sustainably and responsibly," he said, in the speech live-streamed to the Indian Navy. Gilday said the price of peace and prosperity is maintaining a vigilant watch on, under, and above the sea. "Safe and secure seas cannot be preserved without a strong maritime force," he said. "You see, providing a safe, secure, and stable maritime system is an imperative to all of mankind - and not just our two countries. It is an essential part of what our navies and coast guards do, day-in and day-out." He said that it is a responsibility with truly global consequences. "It cannot be taken for granted... peace on the sea does not happen by accident," Gilday said, also adding that cooperation, when applied with naval power, promotes freedom and peace and prevents coercion, intimidation, and aggression. "Our relationship is unwavering. The US Navy is committed to maintaining a steady course of naval cooperation and growing the connections between our two navies. I am committed to that. Without a doubt, our greatest strength lies in unity." During his visit, Gilday also met Western Naval Command chief, Vice Admiral Hari Kumar, where they discussed areas for mutual cooperation and reaffirmed the growing level of naval collaboration and partnership between the two nations. This visit to Mumbai is the last stop during Gilday's five-day visit to India. Srinagar, Oct 15 : A terrorist associate was arrested by a joint security team in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Friday, officials said. He has been identified as Gulzar Ahmad. Police said he was an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of terrorist outfit TRF. Police have recovered two hand grenades from his possession. Agartala, Oct 15 : Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb spoke to Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh, Vikram K. Doraiswami, and discussed the Durga Puja related violence in the neighbouring country, sources said here on Friday. Sources said that the Chief Minister has inquired about the violent incidents in connection with the Durga Puja festivities in Bangladesh. "Doraiswami informed Deb that the situation is under control now. He and other Indian officials in various diplomatic missions in Bangladesh have visited different places to know the details of the incidents at the ground level. "The situation is being closely monitored and the Bangladeshi authorities are fully cooperating to deal with it," the sources told IANS, referring to the telephonic conversation between Doraiswami and Deb. As per media reports, the mob violence erupted in Comilla in Bangladesh along Tripura after unconfirmed posts went viral on social media about the alleged desecration of the Quran at a Durga Puja venue, following which Hindu temples were vandalised. A total of 16 persons have been detained in Chandpur and Chittagong in connection with the cases filed over the attacks on Durga Puja pandals and clashes between the police and the mob in Chandpur's Hajiganj upazila on Wednesday night that left four persons dead. Incidents of violence, according to media reports, were also reported from Hajiganj, Chandpur, Noakhali, Cox's Bazaar, Chattogram, Chapainawabganj, Pabna, Moulvibazara and Kurigram. People familiar with the matter said that fundamentalists were behind the violence in Durga Puja pandals in Bangladesh and such incidents were perpetrated with the intention to embarrass Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League-led government. The local administration has imposed Section 144 in the Hajiganj Bazar area after an attack on police personnel. Sheikh Hasina has 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 at a Comilla temple during Durga Puja. Former Tripura Governor and West Bengal BJP leader Tathagata Roy tweeted: "Hindu awakening in West Bengal and elsewhere has prompted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina to announce stringent steps to Hindu-baiters of Comilla and elsewhere. Whatever her faults, she is the best hope of Hindus in Bangladesh." Bengal opposition leader and BJP legislator Suvendu Adhikari urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar "to take up this painful and shameful issue with the Bangladeshi authorities diplomatically and support the Sanatani Bengalis in these time of distress". Hyderabad, Oct 15 : AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday said Muslim population growth rate in the country has had the sharpest decline among all, dismissing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's claim that it has increased. "As usual, RSS Mohan's speech today was full of lies & half-truths. He called for a population policy & repeated the lie that Muslim & Christian population has increased. Muslim population growth rate has had the sharpest decline among all. There's no 'demographic imbalance'," tweeted Owaisi while reacting to RSS leader's Dussehra speech. The Hyderabad MP said one has to worry about the social evils of child marriages and sex-selective abortions. "84% of married kids are Hindus. Between 2001-2011, Muslim female-male ratio leaped from 936 to 951 women for every 1000 Muslim men. But, the Hindu ratio only rose from 931 to 939," he wrote. On the RSS chief's call for a population policy, Owaisi pointed out that India has already achieved replacement level fertility rates without any coercive population policy. "Similarly, fact-free Mohan is worried about India's ageing population & the need to have younger population to help the ageing. He should tell his student Modi about it," said Owaisi. "No man has destroyed India's demographic dividend like he has. Majority of India is young; they lack education, govt support & jobs. What's the future of a country whose PM cannot promise anything more than a few pakora stalls. Population control policy will mean fewer youth of working age. How will they support an ageing population?" he asked. On the RSS chief calling Taliban terrorists, Owaisi termed this a direct attack on Modi, whose government hosted them in the Indian embassy. "If they're terrorists, will govt list them as such under UAPA? he asked. He also slammed Bhagwat for stating that that people in Kashmir were reaping the benefits of repealing Article 370. He pointed out that there have been 29 targeted killings of civilians this year and there are Internet shutdowns and mass detentions. He said India's highest unemployment rate of 21.6 per cent is in Jammu and Kashmir. On the RSS leader's demand for National Register of Citizens (NRC), Owaisi said this was nothing but a weapon to doubt citizens' Indianness and harass them. "A govt that didn't have a count of oxygen deaths, frontline workers' deaths, migrant workers' deaths or farmer suicides thinks it will verify citizenship of 1.37 billion Indians." Stating that Modi failed in stopping Chinese soldiers from coming into Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, he asked why Bhagwat didn't utter a word about how our brave-hearts were treated by Chinese. "Bhagwat mentioned Muslim patriots like Ashfaqullah Khan & Muslims who had fought in the armies of Hindu Kings against so-called Muslim invaders. Ashfaqullah & Ram Prasad Bismil were great friends. Who destroyed such friendships in the name of Fatherland and Holy land," he asked. "The record of Muslim freedom fighters is such that even Mohan is compelled to praise them. The same cannot be said about RSS & its ideologues. They were always epitomes of anti-national activities & cowardice. Savarkar advocated use of rape against Muslim women during war," Owaisi said. "RSS cannot coexist in a society that wants to progress economically. Society must choose between RSS's cowardice & Ashfaqullah Khan's bravery; RSS's betrayal of India & Gandhi's patriotism; RSS's ideology of whining/resentment & Maulana Azad's intellect & education. Society must choose between RSS's love for inequality & Ambedkar's desire for liberty, equality, fraternity & justice," he added. Jaipur, Oct 15 : Amid the ongoing tussle in Rajasthan Congress, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot went to Delhi on Friday to attend the CWC meeting, where he is expected to meet interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi, along with other senior leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal and Ajay Maken, among others. The Rajasthan Chief Minister is visiting Delhi after a gap of around eight months to attend the CWC meeting scheduled on October 16. Besides Gehlot, other senior Rajasthan Congress leaders, including Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Raghu Sharma and Raghuveer Singh Meena, will also attend the CWC. Jitendra Singh is the party's national General Secretary and the party's in-charge for Assam. Raghu Sharma has been made the in-charge for Gujarat, while Raghuveer Meena is a CWC member. Sources said that the issues related to factionalism in Rajasthan and the pending matter of cabinet expansion and political appointments shall be discussed during his visit to Delhi. Gehlot also plans to visit former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is admitted to AIIMS due to ill health. It needs to be mentioned here that Rajasthan Congress is divided into two camps, one led by Gehlot and the other led by former state Congress chief Sachin Pilot. While Pilot has been demanding induction of leaders from his camp in the state government, Gehlot wants decent positions for the people in his camp. New Delhi, Oct 15 : Congress on Friday announced five committees for Uttar Pradesh elections and appointed General Secretary P.L. Punia as the head of the Campaign Committee. Acharya Pramod Krishnam has been appointed Chairman of the Chargesheet Committee, former Union Minister Salman Khurshid will head the Manifesto Committee, Rajesh Mishra the Planning and Strategy Committee and former state President Nirmal Khatri the Election Coordination Committee. The Congress has also appointed four new General Secretaries, 12 Vice Presidents and 31 new Secretaries as it seeks to galvanise its state unit ahead of polls. General Secretary in charge Priyanka Gandhi has been on forefront in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, as Congress demands the dismissal of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Misra Teni for a free and fair probe into the Lakhimpur Kheri violence that claimed eight lives. Kargil, Oct 15 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday visited the Kargil War Memorial at Drass and paid homage to the martyrs. In a sombre atmosphere, he laid a wreath of white flowers at the memorial to pay his homage to the soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice to defend the nation during the Kargil war. He was accompanied by Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Y.K. Joshi. The War Memorial at the foothills of Tololing was constructed in 2004. The President also participated in Dussehra celebrations and interacted with the jawans. The President reached Drass in an Indian Air Force helicopter, accompanied by his daughter Swati. He was received at Drass by Ladakh Lt Governor R.K. Mathur, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Chairman Feroz Ahmed Khan, and Kargil District Magistrate Santosh Sukhdeve. Prior to reaching Drass, early in the morning, the President also paid floral tributes to the former President Dr A.P.J. Kalam on his birth anniversary at the Northern Command, Udhampur, in Jammu and Kashmir. Late last evening, the President interacted with the jawans and officials of all ranks along with their families at the Northern Command HQ at Udhampur. He extended best wishes to the soldiers on the occasion of Dussehra. The President is on a two-day visit to Ladakh. On Thursday, he was at Leh, where he performed Sindhu Darshan puja. New Delhi, Oct 15 : The Congress on Friday demanded an apology from Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for clicking a picture while visiting former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in AIIMS. "Everything is a 'Photo Op' for BJP. Shame on Health Minister, who made a visit to meet Former PM in AIIMS, a ugly 'PR Stunt' "This is.. Negation of every ethical norm, Breach of EX PM's privacy, Insult of established tradition, Reflects absence of basic decency. Apologise Now!" party's chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said in a tweet. The family members of the former Prime Minister has also objected to the photo, sources said. Mandaviya on Thursday morning had visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences to meet and enquire about the health condition of former Prime Minister. Meanwhile, AIIMS said that Manmohan Singh's health condition is improving. An AIIMS official told IANS that Singh's health condition was "improving now from the infection caused by fever". "Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is improving now. He is on IVs to address the weakness," he said, adding that Manmohan Singh was not on ventilator support and his health condition was recovering gradually. Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS on Wednesday evening after he complained of fever and weakness. He is being treated by a team of doctors under the guidance of Dr Nitish Nayak. Hyderabad, Oct 15 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, along with his family members, performed puja on the occasion of Vijaya Dasami on Friday. They took part in the puja at Nalla Pochamma temple in Pragati Bhavan premises. KCR, as Rao is popularly known, performed Vahan puja and Ayudha puja in the traditional manner. According to Chief Minister's Office (CMO), on the occasion of Dussehra, special puja was performed to the Jammi Tree. Priests blessed the CM, his family members and employees. Chief Minister's wife Shobha, his son and Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K.T. Rama Rao, daughter-in-law Shailima, grandson Himanshu, granddaughter Alekhya, Telangana Rashtra Samithi General Secretary Ravula Sravan Kumar Reddy, CM's Secretary Rajasekhar Reddy, family members, staff and others participated in the puja. Earlier on Thursday, Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan has performed the Ayudha and Vahana puja at the Raj Bhavan. In adherence to the traditional celebrations of the Dussehra festival, the Governor performed the Ayudha puja to the weapons of the security personnel and Vahana puja to all the vehicles of the Raj Bhavan. Her husband and noted nephrologist, Dr P. Soundararajan, and other members of the family joined her in performing the special pujas organised near the temple inside the Raj Bhavan complex. Later, she also visited the Raj Bhavan library located in the Sudharma block and performed the Pusthaka Puja. She went round the library and took a look at the rich collection of books available there. Soundararajan, an avid reader of the books, said that the old books are like our rich ancestral treasure and whenever we find time, we must explore the treasure of knowledge available in the form of books. The Governor personally conveyed wishes to all the officers and the staff members. Advisors to the Governor A.P.V.N. Sharma and A.K. Mohanty, Secretary to the Governor K. Surendra Mohan and other senior officials and staff members took part in the puja. The Governor also planted a Jammi plant, considered as holy tree, near the Raj Bhavan Temple. New Delhi, Oct 15 : The BJP has claimed that Yashpal Arya joining the Congress will have no impact on the party's poll prospects in Uttarakhand. Arya, a minister in the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government in Uttarakhand, had joined the Congress along with his MLA son Sanjiv Arya on October 11. Six-time MLA and a prominent Dalit leader, Arya had joined the BJP from the Congress before the last Assembly elections in Uttarakhand in 2017. While in Congress, he had served as the Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly. He was also the President of the Congress' Uttarakhand unit. "Arya is a senior leader and he left us to join the Congress, his old party. Arya returning to Congress will have no impact on BJP's poll prospects in the Assembly elections scheduled next year," said a senior BJP functionary. Another party leader pointed out that Arya was given all the respect and was made a minister in the BJP government. "Unable to adjust to BJP's style of working, which puts nation before family, may be one of the reasons for Arya to leave the BJP," he said. A senior saffron party leader said that BJP was getting the votes from all sections of the society even before Arya had joined the party in 2017, and it will continue to get votes even after he left. "There will be no visible impact on BJP of Arya joining the Congress," he said. "Before Arya left us, an influential Dalit leader and Congress MLA, Rajkumar, had joined the BJP having influence across the state. Whatever loss we are supposed to suffer due to Arya's exit will be compensated by Rajkumar. Another thing is that the BJP is a cadre-based party where joining and leaving of an individual has little impact," he said. Before Rajkumar, an Independent MLA from Dhanolti, Pritam Singh Panwar, had joined the BJP. Uttarakhand BJP chief Madan Kaushik had earlier told IANS that more people will join the party before the Assembly polls. "Many leaders from opposition parties have approached us with the wish to join the BJP. Many big names from other political parties will join the BJP before the Assembly polls in Uttarakhand. Every month, some big names will join the BJP," he had said. Mumbai, Oct 15 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and its brand of Hindutva, called for a national debate on federalism, sympathised with the farmers, and lavished praise on his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee. Addressing the annual Shiv Sena Dussehra Rally, held virtually without break since 1966, Thackeray called for an honest discussion on Centre-State relations as the country marks the 75th anniversary of India's Independence. He said that the Indian Constitution framed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar has laid down clear guidelines on the rights of the Centre and states, with autonomy to the latter, along with sovereign rights like the Centre. "In the current scenario, the question arises whether the Centre will allow the states to survive... In their thirst for power, they keep harassing the non-BJP-ruled states, try to topple their governments. The Constitution says if the Centre interferes in the state's affairs, it would be unconstitutional," Thackeray declared. Dwelling on BJP's pet theme, Thackeray said that Hindutva is under risk from those who used it as ladder to climb to power - a pointed reference to an exclusive report on this issue by IANS on September 20. "There was a recent RTI reply in which the Centre said there is no threat to Hindutva. But Hindutva faces a threat from the 'neo-Hindus' propped up by the BJP. They will drive a wedge in society and adopt the British strategy of 'divide and rule' to grab power. We must be on our guard always," he stressed. Touching on the recent fracas of Veer Savarkar raised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, he said people who have no connections or participated in the freedom struggle are talking about Mahatma Gandhi and Savarkar. "The people who are spreading lies about these personalities, are not even worthy of uttering the names of Gandhiji and Savarkar," he said. Referring to 'Lal, Bal, and Pal' (Lala Lajpat Rai of Punjab, Bal Gangadhar Tilak of Maharashtra and Bipin Chandra Pal of Bengal), he said even now these three states are at the forefront of the fight against the BJP. "I compliment Mamata Didi for not bowing before the Delhi rulers and West Bengal fulfilled its duty... Maharashtra is the same, we will not bend before Delhi. They shout 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' at the slightest opportunity. Now, we will show them what 'Har Har Mahadev' really means," Thackeray roared. Hammering the BJP for constantly targeting the Maharashtra government after the Sena joined hands with Nationalist Congress Party-Congress in November 2019, he said the Shiv Sainiks and the people of the state will not tolerate it. "They are hounding us and even our families through the probe agencies like IT, ED, CBI. We are not scared They are trying to break and topple our government - I challenge them to bring us down they will not succeed," the CM asserted. He said that he had become the Chief Minister to fulfil a promise made to his father, and the Shiv Sena founder, the late Balasaheb Thackeray, and he was not some 'fakir' to run away with his 'jhola' from responsibilities to the people. Taking strong umbrage at the BJP for comparing the Maharashtra Police with the mafia, he demanded then what is the Uttar Pradesh Police, or the police force of other BJP-ruled states. Patting the Maharashtra Police, Thackeray said the state cops are like the soldiers on the borders - "they fight fiercely without bothering for their lives they proved it during the 1992-1993 riots and bomb blasts, the 26/11 terror strikes and at all other times". At several points in his 40-minute speech, there was applause, cheers and whistles of approval from the audience inside the Shanmukhananda Hall in Matunga. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in) Bhopal, Oct 15 : If everything proceeds as per the plan, Rewa will become the first district in Madhya Pradesh to have direct flight connectivity with state capital Bhopal, as its Raja Bhoj Airport is all set to connect the two destinations by the end of 2021. According to officials at the Raja Bhoj Airport, flight connectivity between Bhopal and Rewa has been approved by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). "Raja Bhoj Airport has got approval for flight connectivity between Bhopal and Rewa. Rewa would be the first district which will have direct connectivity of flights from Bhopal," said K.L. Agarwal, Director, Raja Bhoj Airport. He informed that an agency has also been selected to run the filghts. Replying to whether there will be daily flight services between Bhopal and Rewa, Agarwal said, "It would be decided by the air service agency and the Madhya Pradesh government. The agency would conduct a survey and then decide whether to run daily or weekly flights." Asked about the Raipur flight, Agarwal said that IndiGo will start daily services from November 2, whereas flights between Bhopal and Rewa are likely to start by the end of 2021. Under RCS, plans are to connect underserved airports to key airports through flights that will cost nearly Rs 2,500 per hour. The scheme also envisages to provide subsidy to the airlines to offer these fares. The RCS is applicable on routes with a length between 200 and 800 km. Raipur, the capital of the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh, will be the second new destination from Bhopal's Raja Airport, a senior official told IANS. At present, a total 30 flights are operating from the Raja Bhoj Airport to destinations like New Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad etc. Apart from Bhopal, there are some other prominent cities in Madhya Pradesh such as Ujjain, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur, but these don't have direct air connectivity with the state capital. Chennai, Oct 15 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get freed 23 fishermen from the state arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and lodged in a jail there. According to the Sri Lankan navy website, a fast attack craft of the 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla and an inshore patrol craft attached to the Northern Naval Command caught two Indian fishing vessels and arrested 23 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters east off Point Pedro and Vettillaikeni on October 13. It also mentioned that the catch of the fishermen was seized and the fishing gear which is used for trawling confiscated. The nautical distance between India and Sri Lanka is limited to very few kilometres in the sea off Nagapattinam. Marine experts are of the opinion that due to the narrow sea, there is no room for even demarcating the International Maritime Boundary Lane, and that is why Indian fishermen cross into Sri Lankan waters and vice versa. PMK leader, Dr S. Ramadoss also said that the Centre must intervene immediately and flayed the Modi government not condemning the arrest of the Indian fishermen. He also said that the Sri Lankan Navy should not have arrested the Indian fishermen for crossing international waters inadvertently. New Delhi, Oct 15 : A Nihang Sikh has taken the responsibility for the brutal killing of a man at the Singhu border early on Friday, official sources said. According to the sources, the Nihang identified as Saravjeet Singh has surrendered before the police and will be presented before the court on Saturday. Sources told IANS that Saravjeet Singh used to take care of the horses that were brought to the Singhu border by a group of Nihang. Saravjeet surrendered to the Haryana Police in front of a huge crowd that was raising religious slogans. Earlier in the day, a man with a hand chopped off was found brutally killed at the Haryana-Delhi Singhu border. The dead body was found at the same place where farmers have been protesting against the three contentious farm laws for the past one year. It is alleged that the man was caught while desecrating a Sikh religious book, however, an official confirmation about this is still awaited. According to several videos that have surfaced on social media, it seems that the man was tortured before he was brutally killed. New Delhi, Oct 15 : India has proposed creation of a new Special Working Group on Start-ups and Innovation at the SCO. The proposal was made by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel, in her intervention, at the 20th meeting of the SCO Ministers. Stressing on the need for effective cooperation between the member states for a balanced and equitable growth in trade and commerce, Patel proposed the creation of a new Special Working Group on Start-ups and Innovation and for setting up a new Expert Working Group on Cooperation in Traditional Medicine. "She also stated that cooperation in the field of start-ups and innovation can be a focal point in reviving our economies from the consequences of the pandemic," the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement. She highlighted that there is "a significant gap in digital technologies between developed ang developing countries which needs to be narrowed down by building digital capacities". On the environment issues, the minister welcomed the need for environment protection and mitigation of adverse effects of climate change. She also stressed that the climate agenda should not introduce measures which becomes unnecessary barriers to trade. In her concluding remarks, Patel emphasised that SCO members must prepare, act and stand in solidarity with each other and pursue an agenda that is equitable and inclusive and development oriented. New Delhi, Oct 15 : The farmers' protest site on Singhu border on the periphery of the national capital, which was till now labelled as a pious spot for the farmers' movement, was on Friday soaked with the blood of a man, who was mercilessly killed for allegedly desecrating a Sikh religious scripture. Several gruesome videos surfaced on social media depicting the brutal act. Later in the day, a Nihang Sikh, indentified as Saravjeet Singh, took the responsibility for the brutal act and surrendered before the Haryana Police. He will be produced before a court on Saturday. The incident took place in the wee hours of Friday on the Singhu border dividing Haryana and Delhi when Lakhbir Singh (30), a resident of Tarn Taran district in Punjab, was seen carrying the Sarbloh Granth -- a Sikh religious scripture -- by a Nihang Sikh man. IANS has learnt from several sources that Lakhbir was staying with a group of Nihang Sikhs on the Singhu border for the past 3 to 4 days. When confronted, Lakhbir was unable to answer a barrage of questions. This lead to an argument, drawing the attention of other Nihangs present there. The fracas occurred at around 3 am in the morning. Lakhbir was then accused of desecrating the holy Sarbloh Granth. The arguments soon turned violent and the man's hand was allegedly chopped off amid the chaos. According to the videos of the crime accessed by IANS, the brutality began after that as the injured man was then interrogated by the Nihang Sikhs for an hour. In the end, he was tied to an overturned barricade with one hand. The blood dripping slowly from the severed arm formed a pool on the floor where he was tied. The cops received the first information about the incident at around 5 am, but they refrained from divulging any details about the suspects. The police then registered an FIR against unknown persons and initiated an investigation. According to the FIR, when a team of cops reached the spot, they found a man, whose one hand was chopped, tied to an overturned barricade. Several Nihang Sikh men were standing near the body. When the police tried to speak to them, none of the protesters cooperated. "The Nihangs did not even let us take down the dead body of the man from the barricade," the FIR read. The farmers' umbrella body -- Samyukt Kisan Morcha -- said in a statement that a Nihang group at the scene has claimed responsibility for the act, and the SKM has disassociated themselves from the group. The body was found at the same place where the farmers have been protesting against the three contentious farm laws for the past one year. The atmosphere on the Singhu border, which has remained an active podium for the farmers to register their protest against the three farm laws, was tense throughout Friday. Swaraj India convener and social activist Yogendra Yadav said the Nihang group was told several times by the farmer leaders that this is not a religious movement, but a site for farmers' agitation. He strongly condemned the brutal murder and demanded strict punishment for the perpetrators of this barbaric act. Yadav said that SKM will fully cooperate and support a legal investigation into the matter. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Chennai, Oct 15 : Tamil Nadu Forest Department officials are garnering praise from netizens after a senior forest officer tweeted a photo of an elephant calf hugging a forest official who rescued it. A few days before, a group of forest officials had rescued an elephant calf that was injured and then reunited it with its mother. The photo of the elephant calf hugging the forest officer who rescued it was tweeted by Indian Forest Service officer, Parveen Kaswan with the caption: "Love has no language. A baby elephant hugging a forest officer. The team rescued this calf and reunited it with its mother." Her tweet went viral on the microblogging site with more than 11,000 likes. A Twitter user commented: "This picture is so powerful, it has the potential to be the conservation picture of the year!". Another wrote: "This leaves me speechless with eyes glistened with tears", while a further Twitter user said: "Wow, so adorable!!. Awesome, Invaluable, precious moment indeed". Senior IFoS officer Sudha Raman had tweeted a video of the same baby elephant being rescued and reunited with its mother. "This little calf happily walks to get reunited with its mother guarded with Z+ security of the Tamil Nadu foresters team," she posted. Belagavi, : , Oct 15 (IANS) Kannadiga-Maratha strife many surface in Karnataka's border Belagavi district as the state government has banned observation of 'Black Day' by Marathi organisations and parties on the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrated on November 1 to mark the state's formation. Belagavi Deputy Commissioner M.G. Hiremath announced that the administration will not allow observation of the 'Black Day' on Kannada Rajyotsava, as only its celebrations will be allowed, as per the guidelines of the government and the legal framework. The decision was taken at a preliminary meeting on Kannada Rajyotsava held on October 13. Hiremath said that permission for the procession will be given as per the Covid guidelines and all people should cooperate with the authorities. Federation of Kannada Organisations President Ashoka Chandragi appealed that this time, there should a grand celebration of Kannada Rajyostava. He has also urged authorities to change the name of the region from "Mumbai-Karnataka" to "Kittur-Karnataka". Sources, however, said that the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samithi (MES) party is not happy with the decision of the district administration. It has been observing a 'Black Day' in Belagavi on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava, demanding a merger of the district with Maharashtra. The MES once had powerful political representation, sending MLAs to the Assembly and holding reins of Belagavi City Corporation. The Mayors of the MES from Belagavi participated in the 'Black Day' observed by their party every year despite the criticism of the Kannada organisations, thinkers and government. Following this development, the state government had superseded the Belagavi city corporation. However, things have changed as the ruling BJP swept the civic polls held recently to establish its rule for the first time ever and the MES suffered a humiliating defeat. Sources said that Marathi organisations will try to whip up feelings of Marathi- speaking people, present in large numbers in the district, to stage a 'Black Day' on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava to assert themselves. MES leaders who have suffered a humiliating defeat will also not keep quiet. The MES has been observing a 'Black Day' ever since the reorganisation of states in the 1950s in protest against the merger of Belagavi (then Belgaum) with Karnataka. The Maharashtra government also supported the movement. The Shiv Sena, the NCP and Congress governments there earlier had even given a call to their ministers to tie black bands on their hands in support of the 'Black Day' observed by pro-Maharashtra groups. The boundary dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka is pending before the Supreme Court as Maharashtra has moved the apex court over a decade ago demanding the merger of Belagavi and other regions with it. New Delhi, Oct 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Port Blair on Friday that every inch of the Cellular jail is a testimony of the freedom struggle, which inspires every Indian to serve the nation. Shah, who is on a three-day tour of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, paid floral tributes to the martyrs of the freedom struggle at the Shaheed Stambh in the Cellular Jail. He said that this was the place where many known or unknown freedom fighters suffered inhuman torture and made supreme sacrifices for India's freedom struggle. "The Cellular Jail built by the British is the most important place of pilgrimage for the countrymen and that is why Veer Savarkar used to say that this is a great pilgrimage place, where many martyrs sacrificed their lives to ignite the light of freedom," he said. Referring to the ongoing 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', Shah said that this is a year to dedicate oneself again to the country by taking inspiration from India's freedom struggle, it is a year to resolve how great a country India will be at the time of hundred years of its Independence. The Home Minister also said that Vijayadashami is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil and the Cellular Jail also symbolises the victory of good over evil. Paying rich tributes to Savarkar, Shah said that the title of 'Veer' was not given by the government to him, but it was given by the crores of people to acknowledge his valour and patriotism. "Today some people are questioning Savarkar. It hurts when the person who was punished twice in his life is being questioned for his patriotism," Shah said, adding that the people of the country have prefixed the word 'Veer' before Savarkar's name with great respect and reverence, which no one can erase. Shah said that to resolve the connectivity problem faced by the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the Submarine Optical Fiber Scheme in 2018, which was inaugurated by him in 2020 . -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Gang & Associates will present at the annual American Legion District Meeting at Post 154 in Boqueron, PR, on October 16th, 2021. The American Legion has a proud mission of enhancing the well-being of American veterans, their families, the military, and their communities by their devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion's vision statement is The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America. Gang & Associates is proud to take part in the American Legion - Puerto Rican district meeting for the first time. The occasion represents an opportunity for Gang & Associates to leverage our skills to support Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) that are already doing great work. Our key objectives are to assist VSO in increasing their impact by providing new claims packets, educational events, and legal consultation. Gang & Associates is devoted to improving the quality of life of Veterans and their families nationwide by supporting service organizations to strengthen Veteran communities. For more information on Gang & Associates, visit https://www.veteransdisabilityinfo.com/ or call + 1 908-850-9999 About Gang & Associates Gang & Associates is a Veteran Disability Law Firm that has represented more than 500 appeals at the U.S Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and recovered millions of dollars on behalf of disabled veterans. Gang & Associates maintains a singular focus on veterans benefits laws. Through sophisticated case-management software Gang & Associates have developed a finely-tuned system to organize and process VA disability claims. Gang & Associates represents veterans worldwide in any VA regional office, before the Board of Veterans Appeals, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, or the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Hosted by business owner Christine Gyovai, the We Rise podcast shares stories from Appalachia and beyond of community resilience Once in a while you will come across an invitation to eavesdrop on a conversation that reinvigorates your hope in humanitys ability to come together in creative and compassionate ways. This is a collection of such conversations that anyone will find grounded inspiration to draw from. Hosted by business owner Christine Gyovai, the Collective Resilience: We Rise podcast shares stories and strategies that inspire action to build resilience and community transformation. The podcast launched in summer 2021 with episodes featuring the catalyzing efforts of community leaders from the Navajo Nation to the mountains of Appalachia. The Collective Resilience: We Rise podcast explores the ways leaders are creating positive, lasting change, drawing inspiration from other communities and forging their own paths of transformation and resilience. Each guest speaker offers the opportunity for listeners to begin to imagine what might be possible in their own communities and lessons on how to begin creating change. Gyovai was inspired to share these stories after seeing the collective transformation in Southwest Virginia and across the nation through work with her firm, Dialogue + Design Associates. The We Rise podcast has featured leaders such as Tony Skrelunas from Arizona talking about creating lasting local economies, Ivy Brashear from Kentucky on using storytelling to cultivate change, and Lou Ann Wallace from Southwest Virginia describing what it takes for an individual to rise up. Gyovai notes that to create change, people need to feel like they belong and are part of a growing movement. They need to know their voice matters and that they have the inspiration, agency and ability to transform their communities. One listener recently said of the podcast, Once in a while you will come across an invitation to eavesdrop on a conversation that reinvigorates your hope in humanitys ability to come together in creative and compassionate ways. This is a collection of such conversations that anyone who lives in or works with communities will find grounded inspiration to draw from. Subscribe to the podcast to hear episodes, and listen and learn more at http://www.yeswerise.org. Sarah brings a tremendous amount of strategic enterprise sales experience that will help in our ongoing conversations with companies as we work to expand and exceed customer demand. Atellio, the modern creative operations software company that helps brands scale their creative content production from brief to deliverable today announced the appointment of Sarah Berger as Director of Business Development. The new appointment comes after the company unveiled several first and only product advancements that will further adoption of the data-driven platform across the creative ecosystem, helping brands and their creative partners maximize the full benefits of their content investments. This new executive appointment underscores Atellios growth trajectory, as the company reports a 100% increase in new customers in 2021. Atellio is committed to helping our customers differentiate and connect with meaningful creative content by measurably automating the mechanics of creative operational processes were seeing an ever-increasing volume, velocity, and demand for engaging creative content, said Nick Gubbins, Atellio's Co-founder and CEO. We are always listening to our customers, working to deliver a great experience for creative teams with software and workflows designed for them. Sarah brings a tremendous amount of strategic enterprise sales experience that will help in our ongoing conversations with companies as we work to expand and exceed customer demand. Sarah Berger joins as Director of Business Development at Atellio, bringing more than 25 years of experience in marketing, product management, and strategy roles. Her technology areas of expertise include digital asset management, business process management, and marketing technology. Sarah joins the Atellio team from open-source content services platform company Nuxeo (recently acquired by Hyland Software), where she served as a sales director. Prior, she held senior sales and technical roles at IBM, HP, and in the software startups in San Diego and Boston. Atellios customer wins speak for themselves. The companys growth trajectory has been phenomenal. By providing an alternative to spreadsheets, meetings, emails, and IT workflow tools, our customers have delivered award-winning creative work 41% faster than before. We offer experience built specifically for the creative community, said Berger. Im excited to join the team and I look forward to working closely with senior leadership to get the message out about Atellios first-to-market creative platform. We offer a great enabler to help brand creative teams produce high quality content on budget and at scale." Christian: Not of This World: a potent opportunity for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and rededication to Christ. Christian: Not of This World is the creation of published author Brian Byrne, a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who has traveled and taught widely, including Australia, Africa, India, and China. Byrne shares, Since the name Christian made its first appearance, the meaning of the word has gone through many name changes. Today there are as many meanings of Christian as there are denominations. And disturbingly, most of them bear a denominational, not a biblical imprint. Brian Byrne has put aside his denominational spectacles and has taken a long hard look at what the scriptures have to say about the identity, life, works, and future of a Christian. And the results will surprise you. Brian Byrne has found that the life of every Christian involves the separation of the things that belong to God from the things of the evil one. And integral in that separation is the question, To whom do Christians give their allegiance? He then explores the life, character, works, and accomplishments of the One whose name Christians bear, our Lord Jesus Christ. Included in his study is the essential element in Christians relationship with the Lord. It is by faith. He has found that one of the great missings in the lives of Christians is the presence and work of the Spirit. Brian has explored this subject in considerable depth. He has followed this study with a study of Christian as disciple, exploring seven elements in the life of a disciple, and each one bears the imprint of the Spirit. The family of God to whom all Christians belong has a special place in Brians study. He treats this special subject not as doctrine, but as practical reality, as the environment in which Christians are to express their faith. Brian explores the surprising glory for the Christian that is beyond this life. He concludes the book with details of a number of important words that Christians need to know and to apply. Christian: Not of This World is an essential resource for everyone who bears the name Christian and for those who teach the principles of our faith. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Brian Byrnes new book offers readers a thorough examination of key elements in a Christian life. Byrne shares a contemplative and encouraging discussion certain to inspire and motivate new and established believers. Consumers can purchase Christian: Not of This World at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Christian: Not of This World, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Catafago Fini LLP logo The Second Circuits decision is groundbreaking because it is first federal appellate decision to have laid out the standards determining what can truly be considered 'a place of religious worship' under FACEA. Catafago Fini LLP scored a major victory in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in a case captioned Zhang Jingrong, et al. v. Chinese Anti-Cult World Alliance Inc., et al., 18-2626 (2d Cir. October 14, 2021). In this major appellate ruling, the Firm won dismissal of federal claims brought by Falun Gong practitioners. The case involved Falun Gong practitioners who asserted claims under The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994 (FACEA), which prohibits a person from intentionally injuring, intimidating, or interfering with another who is exercising her religion at a place of religious worship. 18 U.S.C. 248(a)(2). The Falun Gong practitioners, the plaintiffs in the case, passed out flyers and displayed posters, primarily protesting the Chinese Communist Partys treatment of Falun Gong, at sidewalk tables in Flushing, Queens, New York. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendants had harassed them in the vicinity of these tables, which the plaintiffs argued were "a place of religious worship -- in violation of FACEA. After the parties filed cross-motions for summary judgment, the district court determined that the sidewalk tables were a place of religious worship as a matter of law. On appeal, Catafago Fini LLP successfully argued before the Second Circuit that the Falun Gong tables were not a place of religious worship. We successfully argued that the Falun Gong Plaintiffs used the tables primarily as a base for protesting the Chinese governments supposed abuses against Falun Gong, rather than for religious worship, said Tom M. Fini, the lead attorney for the defendants. The Second Circuits decision is groundbreaking because it is the first federal appellate decision to have laid out the standards determining what can truly be considered 'a place of religious worship' under FACEA. As a result of this appellate victory, the Second Circuit ordered that the Falun Gong Plaintiffs federal claims be dismissed in their entirety. Jilma Meneses, Catholic Charities CEO Thanks to Jilmas leadership, business acumen, and strategic vision for growth and financial sustainability, Catholic Charities successfully weathered one of the most challenging times weve experienced in our lifetime. Jilma L. Meneses, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities, has informed the Board of Directors she will be leaving Catholic Charities to accept a position on Washington State Governor Jay Inlsees cabinet. She will lead the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, serving between 2-3 million people annually. Her last day at Catholic Charities will be December 31, 2021. For the past five years, Jilmas dedication and visionary leadership has shepherded Catholic Charities through significant growth, modernization, reorganization, and the intense challenges of a global pandemic and several natural disasters. Catholic Charities Board of Directors has begun a national search for a new CEO. The Board is pleased to announce Theodore (Ted) Borromeo, Catholic Charities Board Secretary, has agreed to serve as the Catholic Charities Interim CEO during the recruitment process when Jilma leaves. Borromeo couples his 40 years of employment and labor law leadership at Fortune 500 companies such as McKesson, Sun Microsystems, Inc., Lockheed Missiles and Space, and Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation, with an ardent commitment to making an impact in his community. Meneses and Borromeo are already working closely together to provide steadfast leadership for Catholic Charities nearly 500 employees and ensure the agencys vital work helping thousands of vulnerable individuals and families continues uninterrupted. It has been my honor and privilege to steward Catholic Charities through a period of consequential change and maturation. What began as a challenge to innovate one of the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive human services agencies in Northern California, transformed into an emergent imperative for us all to pivot and meet our communitys exponential increase in need due to the pandemic, remarked Meneses. I am humbled to have been at the helm of Catholic Charities during this period, partnering with exceptional colleagues who demonstrate unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable among us every day even when it puts them at risk. I am confident we have the right team in place to carry forth our Catholic Charities work delivering lasting, data-driven solutions to some of our most pressing human challenges homelessness, generational poverty, inequality, immigration, and aging in isolation to name a few with empathy, compassion, and unwavering determination. Our resilient, nimble employees have been strengthened by their experiences and collaboration over the past 20 months. Meneses continued, Together, with the Board and our courageous employees, we see light at the end of the dark tunnel of this pandemic. The next Catholic Charities CEO is well-positioned to undertake the social entrepreneurship projects that will play a central role in the continued sustainability of the organization for decades to come. I trust the next CEO also will unite the stakeholders of our service areas and strengthen our model of service. Now is the right time for me to transition to be with my family in the Pacific Northwest and make an impact in my home state of Washington. I thank the community of employees, volunteers, and clients, for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to serve Catholic Charities for these past five years. Thanks to Jilmas leadership, business acumen, and strategic vision for growth and financial sustainability, Catholic Charities successfully weathered one of the most challenging times weve experienced in our lifetime, said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Catholic Charities Board Chair. In fact, this agency has been an exemplary model of resilience, innovation, and dedication serving more than 60,000 individuals last year alone. Because f her stewardship, our agency is stronger than ever and positioned to continue our commitment to the communities of San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties for another 150 years. The Board and community thank Jilma for her stellar leadership, immense heart, and passionate servant leadership under extraordinary circumstances. Our community is deeply grateful. Joe Boerio, Catholic Charities Board President added, On behalf of the Catholic Charities Board, we thank our colleague Ted Borromeo for embracing the vital role of Interim CEO for Catholic Charities. In addition to being a champion of Catholic Charities work, employees, and clients, he has the expertise and leadership to guide the agency through this important transition. About Catholic Charities Catholic Charities is one of the largest, most comprehensive human services agencies in Northern California reaching more than 60,000 people a year in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. Catholic Charities plays an integral role in keeping our neighborhoods diverse, productive, safe, and healthy through more than 30 programs and social justice advocacy. The agency serves everyone and changes lives through lasting, data-driven solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the community - homelessness, inequality, aging in isolation, generational poverty, HIV/AIDS, and immigration. For more information visit CatholicCharitiesSF.org. Clay and Associates DDS, PLC donate dental services for Veterans Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Clay stated, "This has been a great day!" "We Support Our Troops" were proudly displayed on all the shirts of the dental team of Clay and Associates DDS, PLC during a recent Saturday morning supplying dental care for 25 veterans. This is the second year that the dental clinic has volunteered their time and services to provide much needed dental care to veterans. A planned event in 2020 was postponed due to the pandemic. Dental services included x-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions. Each patient was also supplied a dental treatment plan if more dental care was needed to submit for aid through the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund. While the dental team at Clay and Associates, DDS, PLC took care of the veterans, Amber Cooke with I Smile-Silver managed all the details to coordinate the event. Amber collected names of veterans requesting dental care and all the paperwork that was needed. Beth Albright with Webster County Public Health helped on Saturday assisting with the veterans and answering questions. The dental team included Dr. John Clay, Dr. Tyler Wallingford, Dr. Nadeen Altaie, Mary McKellips, Ange Christensen, Stacy Agnitsch, Alexis Erickson, Melissa Almond, Carla Berger, Nichole Brandel, Ashley Haas, McKenna Anderson, Macy Atwood, Cheyanne Egeland, Melissa Carlson, and Deena Hudson. Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Clay stated, "This has been a great day! Thank you veterans for what you do and the Clay & Associates staff for donating your time." "Many Veterans experience challenges in accessing dental care," commented Amber Cooke, Webster County Public Health. "There are certain requirements in order to get dental care through the VA along with having to travel to Des Moines. Clay and Associates is the only local dental clinic offering events like this. One veteran traveled well over an hour to be able to have some much needed dental care by the Clay and Associates staff." Clay and Associates DDS, PLC is accepting new patients at their 1905 North 15th Street, Fort Dodge, IA dental clinic. For more information call 515-573-7601 or visit us at http://www.clayassociatesdds.com. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This sales conference allows our franchise members and their sales professionals to redirect some of their energies and focus on new opportunities and growth solutions for the businesses in the communities where they live and work. As part of the ongoing business education and support provided to its franchise members, Alliance Franchise Brands is hosting a virtual sales conference on Nov. 3-4, aptly themed Make It Count. A leading franchisor of marketing, print, sign and graphics brands, the company and its network of independently owned and operated locations have been making each day count by finding innovative ways to meet customers needs during a period of unprecedented challenges. Our locations partnered with businesses, manufacturing facilities, schools and nonprofit organizations to communicate new policies and procedures through signage, graphics and direct mail while also being a source for essential PPE and acrylics that helped many to operate safely through some tough months, said Vice President of Business Development Jessica Eng. This sales conference allows our franchise members and their sales professionals to redirect some of their energies and focus on new opportunities and growth solutions for the businesses in the communities where they live and work. Ongoing training is a vital component of an organization whose core values include empowering success through high-impact programs and support. As market opportunities evolve and the sales and marketing landscape changes, we believe that one thing remains constant: delivering a five-star customer experience, said Eng. Bringing our collective sales force together, sharing successes and embracing our customer-centric approach is valuable for seasoned sales pros and rising stars alike. Alliance Franchise Brands has a gateway to join its network for independent printing, signage and graphics business owners who may looking to access a range of proven business processes plus sales, marketing and operations support. Entrepreneurs who are seeking business ownership can also find opportunities in Alliance Franchise Brands through the companys resale program or by purchasing an independent company and bringing it into franchise network. Alliance Franchise Brands serves the multi-billion-dollar market for marketing, print, sign, and graphics communications services and is considered a leader in franchise training, technology and implementation. For more information about becoming a Franchise Member, contact us. ABOUT ALLIANCE FRANCHISE BRANDS LLC Alliance Franchise Brands LLC and its subsidiary, KK Printing Canada ULC, are the franchisors of more than 600 locations in North America operating the companys brands: Allegra Marketing Print Mail, Image360, Signs Now, Signs By Tomorrow, KKP, Insty-Prints, American Speedy Printing Centers and RSVP. Independently owned and operated franchises provide national, regional, and local businesses and organizations with a one-stop resource for technologically advanced solutions for their printing, marketing, signs and graphics communications. For more information, visit https://alliancefranchisebrands.com/. For franchise offerings, visit https://allegrafranchise.com/, https://image360franchise.com/ or https://rsvpadvertising.com/. "First United always strives to ensure that a wide range of perspectives be considered while advancing diversity and inclusion efforts within our market areas." - Carissa L. Rodeheaver, CEO and President, First United Bank & Trust Carissa L. Rodeheaver, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of First United Bank & Trust and Chuck Olsson, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer are proud to announce Denise D. Phelps as Vice President and Director of Diversity and Engagement, overseeing the Banks diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) strategy within all the markets served by the company. It is with great pleasure that we announce Denise in this role. She will take on the important responsibilities of executing our ongoing vision and leadership related to the diversity and inclusion strategies at the Bank. First United always strives to ensure that a wide range of perspectives be considered while advancing diversity and inclusion efforts within our market areas. Denise will play an important role in driving these efforts forward as we continue to seek, attract, and retain diverse talent, so that we may continue to most effectively serve our diverse customers and communities. stated Rodeheaver. Ms. Phelps has over 24 years of banking expertise and experience. Throughout her career at the bank, she has held various positions serving both existing and perspective customers of the bank, providing financial guidance and advice. Most recently, she served as the Director of Retail for Frederick, Washington and Berkeley Counties. Denise is a graduate of Frostburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She continued her education and received her MBA/MA in International Development from American University in Washington, D.C. Denise is also a top honors graduate of the Maryland Bankers School and was awarded the Lillian Moffett Award, one of the highest awards from MBA Bankers School. She is also a graduate of Maryland Executive Banking School. Chuck Olsson commented, Were excited about the potential of this role and for the positive impact that we know Denise will have on the community and the markets that we serve. She brings a high level of knowledge and professionalism to this position which will make her a tremendous asset to the bank and to the community. Phelps is active in the community and supports many non-profits. Currently, she is serving as International Director for Civitan International, Advisory Board Member of the West Virginia Womens Business Center, and Membership Chair of Rotary Club of Martinsburg. Denise also served as President and Treasurer of Maryland School for the Deaf Foundation, International Committee Chair of Rotary Club of Frederick, and Treasurer of the Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. First United Corporation operates one full-service commercial bank, First United Bank & Trust. The Bank has a network of community offices in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties in Maryland, as well as Mineral, Berkeley, Harrison, and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia. First Uniteds website can be located at MyBank.com. As of 6/30/2021, the corporation posted assets of $1.8 billion. Where else can you access information about so many different colleges and universities under one roof? Pauken said. Its a great way to learn about different higher education opportunities. High school students who are exploring post-secondary options are invited to attend the 2021 Greater Kalamazoo Area College Night Oct. 18 at Kalamazoo Valley Community Colleges Texas Township Campus. Representatives from nearly 60 different public and private colleges and universities, including several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are expected to attend as well as a number of community colleges and other training institutions. Representatives from each institution will be available from 6 - 7:30 p.m. to speak with students and their parents about post-secondary educational opportunities, their programs and campuses. Additionally, representatives from the U.S. Armed Forces will be on hand to discuss military opportunities and how military service can help pay for a college education. Director of Enrollment Management Megan Pauken said the event is an excellent opportunity and convenient way for college-bound students and their parents to explore their options. Where else can you access information about so many different colleges and universities under one roof? she said. Its a great way to learn about different higher education opportunities. From community colleges and large, four-year universities to small liberal arts colleges, technical schools, go-to-work academies and military service, theres something for everyone. Its one-stop shopping. Co-sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley and Western Michigan University, the 2021 Greater Kalamazoo College Night is free and open to the public. For more information, call 269.488.4303. Given current pandemic guidelines, capacity will be limited. The route has been changed to offer more space for social distancing and for guests to visit college tables. Contact tracing information is being collects from all guests using forms found at http://www.kvcc.edu/collegenight or in person upon arrival. Face coverings are required on all Kalamazoo Valley campuses, regardless of vaccination status. To negotiate a lower car insurance premium with their providers, drivers should use the right strategy and be prepared with the right information, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that presents several important tips that will help drivers negotiate lower car insurance premiums. For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/can-you-negotiate-for-lower-car-insurance-rates/ Negotiating a lower car insurance premium from the insurer is similar to negotiating a lower rate with any other service provider. The policyholders have to call the company, politely explain the situation, and see if they can offer a better rate. Policyholders who have been with the same provider for many years and have multiple home and auto insurance policies with the company are in a better position to negotiate a lower rate than someone who bought an insurance policy last week. To increase the chances of getting a better deal from the insurer, drivers should follow the next tips: Be polite but firm. Calling a car insurance company to demand lower premiums might not be a great idea. Most specialists recommend a polite, but firm approach. Be persistent. Most provider representatives will initially deny any requests to lower the premiums. Policyholders should be persistent with their requests. It also helps if they explain to the representatives that they have been a customer to the company for many years and they have many policies at them. Research scripts online. Drivers can find various scripts online explaining how to negotiate lower car insurance premiums. These scripts explain what drivers should say to have higher chances of getting a discount and how they should respond if the insurer denies their request. Search for comparable car insurance policies. Sometimes, drivers are not entitled to a discount because they are already paying a competitive premium for insurance. Drivers should check if they can find comparable insurance plans at cheaper premiums. If they cant find one, then their chances of getting a lower premium are very small. Ask about discounts. Insurance companies offer many different discounts. Policyholders should ask about bundling discounts, safety equipment discounts, defensive driving discounts, good student discounts, and more. Ask about changing the policy. Policyholders can get lower premiums by simply dropping unnecessary coverage. For example, drivers who have a AAA membership can drop their roadside assistance. Shop around. There are many brokerage websites that allow users to easily compare car insurance premiums between providers. Drivers should compare several online quotes and check offers. If the rates being offered are significantly lower, drivers can use this information when negotiating. Prepare for rejection. Car insurance companies frequently get calls from their customers who want lower insurance premiums. Usually, the customer service agent will tell that the rates are fixed and they cant be adjusted. This is not true in most cases and the rates are negotiable. Get a higher deductible. One of the most popular methods used to get lower car insurance premiums is to raise the deductible. Drivers who have a $500 deductible can get a substantial discount by simply raising the deductible to $1,000. Hang up and call back. Sometimes, drivers can get a customer agent who is not willing to negotiate anything. In this case, policyholders should call back and try again at a different agent. For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/ Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. ...we believe it will be a game-changer for millions of patients worldwide. Within medical diagnostics, a wide range of procedures allows clinicians to diagnose diseases and monitor treatment response. However, many fields have an unmet need for accurate and quantitative approaches. Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), developed by iThera Medical, is an innovative, non-invasive diagnostic imaging method that has the potential to provide diagnostic breakthroughs in a range of diseases. MSOT uses a physical effect that no other clinical imaging technology has used before: the conversion of light energy into sound waves, also known as the photoacoustic effect. The technology provides information of tissue status based on the detection of disease biomarkers. MSOT has already demonstrated its clinical value through numerous pilot studies in a wide variety of disease areas. In particular, MSOT has shown significant potential to offer improved diagnosis and treatment monitoring in diseases linked to inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer. Funded through the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe, FRONTIER (From Research Optoacoustic Novelty To Imaging Established in Routine diagnostics) will serve a critical role in the development of MSOT by bridging the gap between the laboratory and the clinic. The project encompasses three major objectives: MSOT system optimization, achieving broad clinical validation and regulatory approval for the new platform, and developing a robust market access strategy in cooperation with national and regional policymakers. Christian Wiest, CEO and co-founder of iThera Medical, describes the strategic importance of the project: We envision FRONTIER as the next major step necessary to translate our MSOT technology from a tool in research to a diagnostic asset in a clinical setting, where we believe it will be a game-changer for millions of patients worldwide. With an initial grant funding of 2.5 million and a kickoff in early 2022, FRONTIER will serve as a key enabling project for the ongoing development of MSOT technology and drive successful market introduction of the optimized clinical MSOT system. About iThera Medical Since its incorporation in 2010, iThera Medical develops and markets optoacoustic imaging systems for preclinical and clinical research. More recently, the company has started translating its technology for routine diagnostic clinical use across various types of diseases, including cancer, inflammatory, fibrotic, and cardiovascular diseases. Optoacoustic imaging utilizes the photoacoustic effect the conversion of light energy into acoustic signals to visualize and quantify optical contrast in deep tissue, at high spatial and temporal resolution. For details, see: http://www.ithera-medical.com About the EIC Accelerator The EIC Accelerator is the European Innovation Councils (EIC) flagship programme for SMEs. It was launched in September 2019 by the European Commission as a pilot in the perspective of Horizon Europe and replaces the SME Instrument introduced under Horizon 2020. Like its predecessor, the EIC Accelerator is a funding instrument for SMEs and start-ups that develop breakthrough innovation projects with high growth potential. The EIC Accelerator remains the largest and most competitive public funding program in Europe with success rates of less than 3%. It provides funding for an average of 30 to 40 companies per call, via 3 to 4 calls for projects per year. For details, see: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator_en The material presented and views expressed here are the responsibility of the author(s) only. The EU Commission takes no responsibility for any use made of the information set out. For further information, please contact: Christian Wiest Phone: +49 (0)89 700 7449-21 Email: christian.wiest@ithera-medical.com Just Jesus: Finding Courage and Joy in a Crazy World: a powerful reminder of the importance of keeping time in each day for a moment of spiritual reflection. Just Jesus: Finding Courage and Joy in a Crazy World is the creation of published author Melinda Suchland, a loving wife and mother of twins who lives on a family farm in Missouri. Suchland shares, I need to turn off your electricity now, the gentleman informed me with a sincere apology. I reassured him that it was not his fault, and I went back into the house, hands shaking. My girls and I had been in the middle of an indoor picnic with a friend and her toddlers. I wondered if she noticed that the lights had gone dark. It was daytime after all. But it wasnt daytime in my heart. Fears darkness held me by its iron grip and had become my world. Has fear grabbed you too? Do you feel imprisoned or overwhelmed by the chaos around you and lifes inevitable trials? Do you find joy elusive? In her guidebook, Mel shares her own wild story of overcoming fear and finding happiness with the courage and perspective only Jesus gives. Using wisdom and history found in Scripture, 'Just Jesus' can help you give your fears to Jesus; recognize and prepare for Satans spiritual attacks; see the world with Jesuss perspective; and notice and celebrate Gods miraculous hand in your life. "'Just Jesus: Finding Courage and Joy in a Crazy World will point you in the right direction toward stepping into the destiny God has written for you and finding joy despite lifes trials." Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Melinda Suchlands new book is a personal and spiritual journey. Suchland shares her stories in hopes of empowering others, who have felt lost in the stresses of modern life, to find and cling to Jesuss love for strength. Consumers can purchase Just Jesus: Finding Courage and Joy in a Crazy World at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Just Jesus: Finding Courage and Joy in a Crazy World, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Robert G. Smith, South Region President FirstService Residential, North Americas property management leader, has promoted Robert G. Smith to President, South Region, effective immediately. Smith, who most recently led FirstService Residentials South Florida Condo-HOA Division, succeeds former South Region President, David Diestel, who was appointed CEO of the organization in August 2021. Roberts vast career, serving in various executive roles across sectors of the Southeast real estate and finance industries, has been instrumental to his successes in creating rewarding partnerships with top South Florida developers, cultivating experienced management teams to elevate the level of service to clients, and growing our lifestyle community business to deepen our relationship with established communities, said Diestel, who made todays announcement. These accomplishments are a testament to his incredible leadership skills and ability to motivate his teams to embrace the new and capitalize on every opportunity. I truly look forward to seeing the South Region continue its growth trajectory under Roberts direction. Smith brings to his new role more than 20 years of expertise in residential property management, real estate development, land management, strategic planning and property investment. He joined FirstService Residential Florida in 2017, serving communities throughout Southeast Florida, the Treasure Coast and Southwest Florida. Smith transitioned to a career in property management after a nearly decade-long tenure with noted home developer Lennar as director and vice president of its land acquisition team, preceded by his time as vice president with Bank of North Georgia. In these roles, Smith was responsible for directing all functions of statewide management operations, business development and land acquisition, management of 200 developing communities and crafting service initiatives designed to deliver exceptional results. A native of Georgia, Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah. 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, condos and strata corporations 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. For more information, visit http://www.fsresidential.com. Caste is insidious and therefore powerful because it is not hatred, it is not necessarily personal. Award-winning author Isabel Wilkerson will discuss the caste systems that shaped America and still define our lives today during Salt Lake Community Colleges annual Tanner Forum. Due to the continuing impact of COVID-19, Wilkerson will appear in the forum via virtual livestream Nov. 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Caste is insidious and therefore powerful because it is not hatred, it is not necessarily personal. It is the worn grooves of comforting routines and unthinking expectations, patterns of a social order that have been in place for so long that it looks like the natural order of things, Wilkerson explained in her New York Times bestselling book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. The book, published in August 2020, is currently being adapted into a Netflix film directed, written and produced by Ava DuVernay. Wilkerson, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal, has become an impassioned voice for harnessing history to help us understand ourselves, our country and our current era of upheaval. In her lectures, she explores the need to reconcile Americas karmic racial inheritance a notion she expresses in her widely-shared op-ed essays in The New York Times. Wilkerson won the Pulitzer in 1994 for Feature Writing, making her the first African-American woman in the history of American journalism to win the prize. She has also lectured on narrative nonfiction at the Nieman Foundation at Harvard University and has taught at Princeton, Emory and Boston universities. She has addressed more than 200 other colleges and universities across the United States, Europe and Asia, and her work has garnered seven honorary degrees, most recently from Bates College and Southern Methodist University. SLCCs Tanner Forum is free and open to anyone, but advance registration is required. For more information on this event and to register, visit http://www.slcc.edu/tanner. Funded in part by the O.C. Tanner Company, the Tanner Forum on Social Ethics brings nationally and internationally recognized speakers to SLCC. The forum enhances the colleges mission as a community-based learning institution that provides opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the wider community to come together for the thoughtful examination of critical issues in contemporary social ethics. Salt Lake Community College is Utahs largest open-access college, proudly educating the states most diverse student body in 8 areas of study at 11 locations and online. The majority of SLCC graduates transfer to four-year institutions, and thousands more are trained in direct-to-workforce programs. In 2023, the institution will celebrate 75 years of providing Utahns with education and training in fields that contribute to the states vibrant economy and high quality of life. "At Smile Structure, one of our brand values is a culture of service, so we offer service to our patients and service to our community. Since we began our Annual Smiles for Vets event in 2018, Smile Structure has donated $167,112.00 to this cause, says Dr. Adam Smith. When it comes to dental care, many veterans struggle to receive the proper quality care they deserve. In honor of our veterans, Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces is hosting their 4th Annual Smiles for Vets event at their 6035 NW Loop 410, Suite 107 location. The team will be providing dental care at no cost for all uninsured military and law enforcement veterans. This event is open to the public, and vets simply need to bring their ID or DD-214. Excellence in dentistry with friendly, personalized patient care is what you will find at Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces in San Antonio. Welcoming patients of all ages, Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces provides a one-of-a-kind, quality care for the entire family, including pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, sedation dentistry and orthodontics. You can expect a welcoming, relaxing environment every time you visit for routine checkups, cleanings, tooth repairs or other dental services. Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces utilize advanced dental technology and provide affordable options to ensure that patients receive the best dental care in San Antonio. For information on the Smiles for Vets event please click on the link - https://fb.me/e/3VeDCzpL9 "At Smile Structure, one of our brand values is a culture of service, so we offer service to our patients and service to our community. Since we began our Annual Smiles for Vets event in 2018, Smile Structure has donated $167,112.00 to this cause, says Dr. Adam Smith. More about Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces: Providing quality care, Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces treats patients at three convenient locations, Northwest San Antonio at 6035 NW Loop 410, Suite 107, South San Antonio at 3454 Roosevelt Avenue and in Helotes at 12423 Bandera Rd. Suite 109 Helotes, TX, 78023. This modern, state-of-the-art dental practice is equipped to address all aspects of oral health at every stage of life. Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces offers a full menu of dental services and advanced, cutting-edge treatments to help patients attain healthy, balanced and beautiful smiles. For more details about the Smiles for Vets event, please call (210) 572-2394, and visit the practice website at http://www.smilestructure.com or call (210) 982-0681 for more information on services at Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces. Biblical Timeline Diagnostics: What Went Wrong and What To Do About It...: a potent argument for the importance of key lessons found within the Bible. Biblical Timeline Diagnostics: What Went Wrong and What To Do About It... is the creation of published author Stan Howell, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, who worked for thirty-one years as an automotive technician before shifting professional focus to working in the security industry. Howell shares, Within the pages of this book, you will find the answer to what happened to the original eternal timeline, where you are on the present day eternal timeline and what needs to be done about it right now! Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Stan Howells new book offers readers an opportunity to go through the theological story of the Bible chronologically, gain a simple but powerful understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and much more. Howells dedicated biblical study is carefully presented in hopes of reaching others who seek salvation in God. View a synopsis of Biblical Timeline Diagnostics: What Went Wrong and What To Do About It... on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Biblical Timeline Diagnostics: What Went Wrong and What To Do About It... at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Biblical Timeline Diagnostics: What Went Wrong and What To Do About It..., contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Serving One Another: A Study of New Testament Gifts: Volume One: Foundations and The Motivational Gifts: a potent breakdown of scripture for ease of study and understanding. Serving One Another: A Study of New Testament Gifts: Volume One: Foundations and The Motivational Gifts is the creation of published author Stephen Ansley. Ansley shares, God wants His people to know the gifts He has given them. Gifts appear in Scripture primarily in three passages, each with its own list, with other gifts mentioned individually here and there in other parts of Scripture. This three volumes study of New Testament gifts deals with the three lists separately to honor the uniqueness of each list. You are invited to come along with the author in discovering what God has given to His people, including you. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Stephen Ansleys new book is a compelling series of writings that examine what God has provided for all. Ansley shares in hopes of spreading knowledge of the Gospel. He also hopes to help others find and nurture a relationship with God through this helpful exploration of the New Testament. Consumers can purchase Serving One Another: A Study of New Testament Gifts: Volume One: Foundations and The Motivational Gifts at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Serving One Another: A Study of New Testament Gifts: Volume One: Foundations and The Motivational Gifts, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Ayahuasca Healing and Science provides a robust, academic reflection on the methodological, ethical, and political aspects of the research and therapeutic use of ayahuasca Ayahuasca Healing and Science is the most updated compilation on the healing potentials of ayahuasca to date, and it is a fundamental read for naive folks, enthusiasts, and researchers who seek to learn more about this potent and popular plant medicine. The Chacruna Institute of Psychedelic Plant Medicines published Ayahuasca Healing and Science, edited by Beatriz (Bia) Labate, Ph.D., the Executive Director of The Chacruna Institute, and Clancy Cavnar, Psy.D., co-Founder and member of the Board of Directors for The Chacruna Institute. Ayahuasca Healing and Science offers a series of perspectives on the therapeutic potential of the ritual and clinical use of ayahuasca in the treatment and management of various psychiatric, physical, and spiritual illnesses. More than ever, we are in need of novel treatment modalities that effectively manage the ever-increasing rates of psychological distress. Ayahuasca use has exploded around the globe. The genie is out of the bottle, whether we like it or not! states Bia Labate, Ph.D. Ayahuasca Healing and Science is the most updated compilation on the healing potentials of ayahuasca to date, and it is a fundamental read for naive folks, enthusiasts, and researchers who seek to learn more about this potent and popular plant medicine." The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the mental health epidemic in the United States the rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction have grown exponentially as the pandemic continues on in 2021. The world is seeking out solace and healing from distress, and this book provides a potential avenue for how ayahuasca-assisted treatments can improve individuals psychological well-being, quality of life, and skills for coping with grief. Furthermore, the book expands on preliminary research on how ayahuasca acts at multiple levels of neural complexity and neurogenic effects, which has potential applications ranging from psychiatric disorders to brain damage and Alzheimers disease. In the preface of the book, Dr. Clancy Cavnar shares, We hope this book encourages others to take seriously the rumors and legends circulating about the power of ayahuasca, not as a naive believer in myths, but as a logical and discerning student of science who demands proof for such remarkable claims. The Chacruna Institute is popular within the psychedelic community because of its commitment to platforming the voices of underrepresented groups of people, especially Indigenous researchers and healers. While this book was published in the Neuroscience series of Springer, Dr. Labate asserts that we must resist the processes by which biomedicine dominates the public conversation about psychedelics. The psychedelic renaissance will be only truly equitable and accessible if we include different voices, including Indigenous healers. The resurgence of psychedelic research is increasingly entering the mainstream. Ayahuasca Healing and Science contributes robust, academic evidence for why ayahuasca-assisted treatment is evoking interest within the medical and psychiatric communities. As the body of evidence of ayahuasca-assisted treatments continues to grow, it is important for medical and psychiatric professions to read this book to diversify their understanding of how ayahuasca can aid in the healing of what ails humanity. This book is now available for purchase at Springer Nature: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030556877 ABOUT: The Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, an organization co-founded by Brazilian anthropologist Dr. Bia Labate and American psychologist Dr. Clancy Cavnar, produces high-quality research on plant medicines and psychedelics and helps propagate academic knowledge in more accessible formats. We educate the public and create cultural understanding and legitimacy regarding these substances so that they may cease to be stigmatized and outlawed. Chacruna also promotes a bridge between the world of plant medicines and the emergent field of psychedelic science, between traditional ceremonial use and clinical and therapeutic settings, bringing the knowledge and perspectives of the social sciences to health care professionals and practitioners of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Finally, we foster cultural and political reflections on the field of psychedelic science and facilitate conversations about controversial topics that have been simmering on the sidelines as psychedelics go mainstream. Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate (Bia Labate) is a queer Brazilian anthropologist based in San Francisco. She has a Ph.D. in social anthropology from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. Her main areas of interest are the study of plant medicines, drug policy, shamanism, ritual, religion, and social justice. She is Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines (https://chacruna.net, https://chacruna-iri.org, https://chacruna-la.org). She serves as Public Education and Culture Specialist at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and Adjunct Faculty at the East-West Psychology Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She is also Diversity, Culture, and Ethics Advisor at the Synthesis Institute. Additionally, she is a co-founder of the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP) in Brazil, and editor of its site. She is author, co-author, and co-editor of twenty-four books, two special-edition journals, and several peer-reviewed articles (https://bialabate.net). Clancy Cavnar has a doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, CA. She currently works in private practice in San Francisco and is Co-Founder and a member of the Board of Directors of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines. She is also a research associate of the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP). She combines an eclectic array of interests and activities as a clinical psychologist, artist, and researcher. She has a master of fine arts in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, a masters in counseling from San Francisco State University, and she completed the Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She is the author and co-author of articles in several peer-reviewed journals and co-editor, with Beatriz Caiuby Labate, of ten books. For more information see http://www.drclancycavnar.com. With holiday eCommerce sales expected to rise another 11.3% this holiday season, local businesses need to make finding ways to promote and sell their products online a top priority this year. Facebook Ads are one of the best avenues to capitalize on this trend and make sure local businesses are front and center while consumers research, browse, and shop this holiday season Vivial, a leading digital marketing technology provider, has launched a new free eBook to help local businesses plan their holiday Facebook campaign. The eBook includes an easy-to-follow checklist, campaign planning template, actionable insights and Facebook ad examples to get local business owners started. Our main goal at Vivial is to make it easier for local businesses to increase their visibility and connect with their target audiencesand the holidays are the prime time to do this, said Laura Cole, Vice President of Marketing, Vivial. With the overall reach of Facebook, local businesses have to be in this space with paid advertising. Using this platform, businesses can reach all of their audiences AND track and conversions. The free eBook is available by clicking here. About Vivial Vivial is a digital marketing company that offers omni-channel solutions proven to connect brands of all sizes with potential customers, while engaging with current customers. Serving hundreds of thousands of local, national and enterprise customers through direct and indirect channels, Vivial helps businesses build, implement and optimize marketing programs to reach consumers quickly and effectively. Vivial works behind the scenes so that their clients can get back to running and growing their businesses successfully. Vivials success is highlighted by recognitions such as: 2020 BIG Innovation Award Business Information Group, Top 10 SEO Solution Providers, Marketing Tech Insights; 10 Best Marketing Solution, Industry Era; 30 Fastest Growing Tech Companies, Silicon Review; and numerous Best Places to Work awards from the American City Business Journals. Vivial is also a 2021 Best Place to Work-CertifiedTM company. For more information, visit https://vivial.net. VOZIQ, an AI-powered predictive customer retention solution provider, announced the launch of its redesigned website with a new domain address http://www.voziq.ai VOZIQ's rebranding to VOZIQ AI highlights the companys commitment to helping its clients reimagine customer retention by leveraging the potential of AI and machine learning. Along with the new website, the company has launched a dedicated AI Center of Excellence (ACE) https://voziq.ai/voziq-ai-coe/ for its clients which offers the following advantages: A robust, ready-to-go AI-Driven retention solution that significantly shortens time to value. Continuous innovation through ACE, established for EVERY client, minimizing the dependency on Data Science, BI, and IT resources. A solution installed on the client's cloud, and the VOZIQ AI team working as an in-house remote extension. This addresses the data security needs of all our customers to keep data internal. The VOZIQ solution comprises 10+ machine learning models tailored for each stage of the customer life cycle churn model, predictive NPS, predictive non-pay, winback, predictive referrals, to name a few. VOZIQs ACE ensures continuous enhancements to their solution with additional use cases and predictive models on the same infrastructure to ensure every client realizes the highest value from their AI investments. More than a new website with a new look and address, it is about the rebranding of how we are going to deliver value. We are delighted to introduce our AI Center of Excellence that is designed to ensure the solution is constantly enhanced with newer models or additional use cases, said Dr. Vasudeva Akula, Co-founder, and Chief Data Scientist of VOZIQ. He added, While working with our clients, we realized that traditional AI-driven solutions limit the full potential of AI-driven customer life-cycle management. With a constantly changing competitive landscape and the availability of additional internal and external data sources over time, our clients want to make sure their AI investment constantly evolves over time and ensures the highest value realization. In addition to the production solution, ACE brings all the necessary skills and resources under one umbrella and addresses these needs without the need for internal resources. Created for every client, the Center includes data scientists who are constantly working to help meet even the most ambitious customer retention goals. So far, it has been instrumental in delivering more than $750 million customer lifetime value (CLV) to various leading brands. The Center offers more than CLV creation, Dr. Akula explained. Besides delivering upward of $50-100 million CLV for each client, we help our clients save significantly on building labs and assigning resources. Even at the savings of the equivalent of two or three internal resources for a client, the cost saved is somewhere in the range of $300K-500K per year. VOZIQ AI uses state-of-the-art AI and advanced machine learning technologies to help clients convert the voice of their customers into actionable predictive intelligence. Its AI Center of Excellence aims to ensure that its clients get value and stay on top of churn risks and drive customer revenue through proactive intervention and continuous innovation. About VOZIQ AI VOZIQ is the only cloud-based AI/ML solution that enables recurring revenue businesses to retain more customers at a lower cost by using 10+ lifecycle-based predictive models and running large-scale proactive retention campaigns through contact center and marketing channels. For more information about how AI can help you achieve a CLV breakthrough, write to us at info@voziq.com http://www.voziq.ai There is an important role for private philanthropy to help address the need for school-based mental health. We are committed to building broader corporate philanthropic support for programs like this, said Steve Goldberg, WEA Member Benefits Foundation Executive Director. The WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc. is launching a pilot project to provide financial support for school-based mental health services for K-12 students throughout Wisconsin. Together with a sister organization, WEA Trust, the Foundation will commit $200,000 this year to demonstrate an effective funding model for school-based mental health programs. David Kijek, President and CEO of WEA Member Benefits and the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, called the pilot project a statewide model that can bring more philanthropic dollars to the table to help our public schools strengthen their mental health services for students. This is consistent with WEA Member Benefits commitment to the well-being of teachers and public education across Wisconsin. WEA Trust, whose group health insurance programs have had a long history serving Wisconsin public schools, sees the opportunity to reduce both employee and student health care costs. WEA Trusts CEO, Vaughn Vance, added, School districts throughout Wisconsin are experiencing an increased need for mental health services by employees and students alike. That is why we are so excited about this pilot effort and our partnership with WEA Member Benefits Foundation. Steve Goldberg, WEA Member Benefits Foundation Executive Director and former executive director of the CUNA Mutual Foundation, will oversee this pilot project. According to Goldberg, There is an important role for private philanthropy to help address the need for school-based mental health. We are committed to building broader corporate philanthropic support for programs like this. The early funding by WEA Trust and the Foundation is an important first step. Interest from funders is growing. One corporate foundation has issued a $50,000 grant to the Madison Metropolitan School District to fund a student mental health program at Leopold Elementary School as a result of discussions with the Member Benefits Foundation. Several other corporate donors have contributed a total of $30,000 to the pilot. The full statewide pilot project is scheduled to launch in early 2022. More information about the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc., and the school-based mental health pilot project can be found at http://www.weafoundation.org. About the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc. The WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity supporting public education through grants and charitable donations to public educators, public schools, and the communities they serve. More information can be found at https://weafoundation.org/. About WEA Member Benefits WEA Member Benefits has been helping Wisconsin public school employees achieve their financial goals for nearly fifty years by providing personal insurance and retirement and investment programs. Learn more at https://weabenefits.com/. About the WEA Trust Established in 1970, the not-for-profit organization was founded by the Wisconsin Education Association Council to provide enhanced financial security to public school educators throughout Wisconsin. Over time, the organization has expanded to include the WEA Insurance Corporation, Health Tradition Health Plan, Inc., and NeuGen, LLC. Together, these companies provide a diverse choice of high quality, high value health plans throughout Wisconsin that serve both public and private sector employees throughout the state. Tommy Brewer, Managing Director, Ziegler Senior Living Finance stated, The entire Ziegler team has enjoyed the opportunity to bring a transaction to the public market on behalf of Williamsburg Landing for the first time since 2005. Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful closing of Williamsburg Landings $71,330,000 Series 2021A and 2021B Bonds. Williamsburg Landing is a life plan community located on 138.56 wooded acres along the bank of College Creek in Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg Landing was founded in 1982 and since opening its doors has grown to include 317 independent living apartments, 72 assisted living units, 24 memory care units and 73 health and rehabilitation units. Williamsburg Landing is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), with its most reaccreditation in 2019. Over the years, Williamsburg Landing has borrowed for their capital needs with direct bank bonds, resulting in a complex capital structure with 14 separate obligations provided by three different banks totaling approximately $100 million. In order to simplify their capital structure, improve covenants for future flexibility and take advantage of current market conditions, Williamsburg Landing is refinancing 9 of the existing bank obligations. The five un-refunded obligations are with a commercial bank, who has provided commitments through final maturity with covenants matched to the Master Trust Indenture. The proceeds of the Series 2021A Bonds and 2021B Federally Taxable Bonds (together, the Series 2021 Bonds) will be used, together with other available funds to: (i) refund nine existing bank obligations, (ii) pay swap termination payments, (iii) fund a debt service reserve fund for the Series 2021A Bonds and (iv) pay certain costs of issuance for the bonds. There Series 2021B Federally Taxable Bonds are being issued to pay the swap termination payments, which were not integrated and therefore unable to be financed with tax-exempt proceeds. Tommy Brewer, Managing Director, Ziegler Senior Living Finance stated, The entire Ziegler team has enjoyed the opportunity to bring a transaction to the public market on behalf of Williamsburg Landing for the first time since 2005. Brewer Continued, Greg Juanita and the finance committee, did an amazing job converting a complex capital structure into a more flexible structure that will help Williamsburg Landing to grow and prospect. Ziegler is the nations leading underwriter 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. During his 16 years in congress, Congressman Steve Israel had one instruction for his staff no matter where he travelled. Find a local bookstore. They were my refuge from the pressures of politics, Israel said. The Long Island Democrat ultimately authored two books of his own, and when he retired in 2017, he told PW, it was with the intention of opening a store when the right opportunity presented itself. This week, Israel said that moment has arrived. He plans to open Theodores in Oyster Bay before Black Friday. The communitys place in the nations government and politics is storied. Raynham Halls Robert Townsend was a member of George Washingtons spy ring, and lived in the home, now a museum, much of his life. Later, Theodore Roosevelt made his home at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, and died there in 1919. The store is named in his honor. Israel has thrown himself full-bore into learning the business of indie bookselling, travelling to bookstores across the state, attending webinars, reading widely, and, he noted, doing sanity checks. The result is a 1,500 sq. ft. store helmed by two full time booksellers, with three to four part timers rounding out the staff. Of all the bookstores Israel has visited, he said The Book Revue in Huntington, N.Y. held a special place in his life, and it was the closing of the store in September that prompted him to take the steps to open one of his own. It was my home away from home, he said. He hopes Theodores can become a similarly singular place for Oyster Bay readers. An indie bookstore is part of the fabric of a community, Isreal said. There is no template, because it reflects particular local interests, priorities, even quirks. An indie bookstore is the community and the community is the indie bookstore. The Public Library Association (PLA) last week announced that registration and housing are officially open for the PLA 2022 Conference, set for March 23-25 in Portland, Oregon. And while the full program is yet to be finalized, PLA officials confirmed to PW this week that plans are full steam ahead for an in-person conference, making it potentially the first major in-person library conference since the pandemic began in 2020. Were super excited about the prospect of being together again, said Melanie Huggins, PLA president and executive director of the Richland (SC) Public Library. PLA 2020 was kind of the last big library conference right before the pandemic so were all really very excited to get together and see each other and share what weve learned over the last two years, and to look toward the future. Huggins told PW there was "an immediate sign-up response" when the registration page went live. "We will be watching over time, but the immediate response was very positive." Held every two years, the last PLA Conference was held February 25-29, 2020 in Nashville, TN, as scheduled, just as the conference the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic was becoming apparent. Less than three weeks later, on March 17, 2020, the American Library Association took the unprecedented step of recommending the nations libraries temporarily close their doors. A week later, on March 24, ALA canceled its annual conference and has since held three successful virtual events, although, in a positive sign the American Association of School Librarians is expecting some 1,2000 members to show up to its in-person biennial conference this month in Utah. Until last month, there was hope that the ALAs new January event, LibLearnX, (which was set to debut with an in-person component in San Antonio, TX, from January 21-24, 2022) would mark the return of major in-person library conferences. But the emergence of the delta variant, along with the controversial approach to Covid-19 in the host state of TexasTexas governor Greg Abbot has signed orders forbidding both mask and vaccine mandatesleft ALA officials with little choice but to cancel the in-person portion of the event. LibLearnX will now be virtual-only this year. With national case counts falling once again and vaccination rates slowly rising, however, librarians are optimistic that they will be able to gather in person by March of next year. Huggins also expressed confidence in the Covid-19 policies in place in Oregon. Were super excited about the prospect of being together again. We are definitely pleased with what weve seen and the policies in place at the Oregon Convention Center, Huggins told PW. We are going to follow their protocols. Portland is very supportive of masks and showing proof of vaccination, and the city of Portland has a high vaccination rate so we feel this is going to be a safe and welcoming place to have a conference. Still, Huggins sounded a note of caution and said PLA would remain vigilant, acknowledging that some parts of the country are continuing to struggle with infection and vaccination rates, and that situations can change quickly. I think the biggest hurdle for some people will not be on the ground in Portland but with what the situation is like in their hometowns and communities, she acknowledged. Hopefully by the time March gets here that will not be such a challenge. Huggins also told PW that PLA remains committed to offering a robust virtual offering as well. One of the things we learned during the pandemic was that providing a virtual option really makes the conference accessible to people who would never be able to attend our programs in person, she said. We certainly want to keep that, because we saw so many more people being able to engage. Its important for us to keep that as an option." With some 9,000 members, the Public Library Association is one the largest division of the American Library Association and its biennial conference has become an increasingly popular draw. PLA 2022 could also be harbinger for things to come for ALA, which is hoping for a strong turnout for its next Annual Conference, set to run from June 23-28, 2022, in Washington D.C. A traditionally popular host city, ALA drew 21,460 attendees to Washington D.C. in 2019, its last in-person annual conference before the pandemic forced ALA events to go virtual. "I would have to believe that PLA having strong attendance and hosting a conference that feels welcoming and vibrant and safe and worth the trip will be a strong indicator that ALA next June can be phenomenal," Huggins said, when asked if she felt that a successful PLA show in March of 2022 could be a table-setter for a successful return to ALA annual. "It certainly can't hurt for us to have a strong showing. And we do feel like many people are ready to get back together with their colleagues and friends. We miss our colleagues badly." Clarification: an earlier version of this story referred to cancellations and no-shows at PLA in 2020 in the early days of Covid-19. PLA organizers say there were in fact few no-shows and attendance was as expected. We also noted the AASL conference, which, while much smaller in scale than a PLA or an ALA, is gathering in person this month. The Community of Literary Magazines and Publishers came together on October 14 for its 2021 benefit, showcasing the organizations expanded pandemic-era role for its 800 members and honoring author Alexander Chee and publisher Alice James Books for their sustained advocacy in support of a more diverse and vibrant literary culture. This past year CLMPs small but mighty staff was able to double the number of technical assistance events we provide, produce much needed resources and increase the number of grants we give, all in an effort to build publishers organizational capacities, said executive director Mary Gannon. The organization also announced the creation of a new $10,000 Constellation Award which will be given annually to independent literary presses helmed byor dedicated to supportingBIPOC and AAPI publishing professionals and authors. The evening featured remarks by numerous authors, including National Book Award-winning poet Ada Limon and writer Mira Jacob. Poet Adrian Matejka presented Maine-based Alice James Books with the Golden Colophon Award for independent publishing, and described the publishing cooperative as among the most diverse, independent poetry publishers out there. In the 13 years since Carey Salerno has been executive director, the range of voices, the multiplicity of identities and experiences being rendered in the Alice James collections is staggering, Matejka said. Accepting the award, Salerno said community, small and large, had helped create the press Matejka had described, from the publishing houses staff, authors, and board to CLMP. CLMP truly supports us all, she said, not only through programs like professional development workshops, the indie lit, fair vendor discounts, mentorship and consulting grants and opportunities, but by bringing us together in sustained support for one another, which is so essential, especially right now. Author Chee accepted the Energizer Award for Exceptional Acts of Literary Citizenship, and said that receiving the award had prompted him to reflect on his life in writing, among fellow writers. I think of this as my life and so it doesn't seem like anything I should get an award for, Chee said. It's probably because the people I met along the way taught me that this was how our lives were [and] what a life as a writer would be. Not a lonely existence, where you simply toil away in your room by yourself. Chee has become widely known among writers, not only for his own works but for his support for others. In 1990, he co-organized the nations first LGBTQ writers conference, OutWrite, and he has advocated for writers through organizations like Lambda Literary and the Asian American Writers Workshop as well as in anthologies and public events. At the close of the evening, CLMP had raised more than $14,000 and an anonymous donor promised to match that amount. Chee urged the literary community to continue to support the organization, praising their expanded outreach during a time when small publishers and literary magazines have been particularly hard-hit. Please help us keep our literary culture alive for the generations to come, he said, and those of us who are here now, thank you very much. 10/14 BEYOND WRESTLING UNCHARTED TERRITORY IN WORCESTER, MA LIVE REPORT By Adam Cardoza on 2021-10-15 09:27:00 Beyond Wrestling Uncharted Territory: Season 3, Episode 2 10/14/21 - Worcester, MA Streaming on IWTV.live Beyonds weekly program is kicking off the second episode of its third season tonight. Im watching live via IWTV tonight. Rich Palladino is your announcer. Paul Crockett and Sidney Bakabella are your commentary team. Lets see what Beyond has in store for us tonight! Beyond streams their opening spotlight match via Facebook Live tonight. Spotlight Match: Davienne vs Edith Surreal Davienne drives Surreal (wearing some Morris inspired gear) into the corner and smacks her on the break. Surreal catches a roll up but Davy kicks out. Surreal stuns her with a series of arm drags, a rana and back elbow for another near fall. Hangmans dropkick to the spine, Surreal to the top, splash down for two. Davienne with a sucker punch in the corner, hot shots Edith on the top rope and sends her to the floor. Davy stomping Edith out but only a one count. Big suplex. Kick out. Davienne talking trash and hits a sidewalk slam for a near fall. Davienne with a deep Boston crab but Surreal makes the ropes. Trading pin attempts back and forth. Edith is tired and throwing desperate strikes. A lariat and dropkick out of the blue from Surreal. Edith tries a bulldog but Davienne dumps her out onto the apron. Davienne sets her up and hits a basement dropkick, wrapping Edith around the corner post and pulls her back in for the pin. Winner: Davienne And were Liiiiiiiiiive on IWTV! Match 1: Dirty Daddy Chris Dickinson vs Savage Gentleman Viktor Benjamin (w/ Lady Frost) Dickinson is all business tonight. Benjamin decides to taunt the Daddy.who doesnt get mad and annihilate Viktor immediately? Both of these Bloodsport vets grapple in the standup early. Dickinson fires up with some chops, takes him over and wraps up the head. Viktor fights his way up and Dickinson grabs. The leg and dumps him down. Some classic wresting here and Viktor takes down Dickinson with a crucifix choke. Daddy is out but Viktor with the takedown and working the arm. Frost grabs the foot of Dickinson and that opens the door for a huge kick to the back. Viktor with an axe kick to the gut for two. Dickinson fires back with a huge chop. Viktor with a couple of his own but Worcester calls it WEEEEEEEAK. Viktor responds with a high knee and a delay powerbomb on Dickinson for two. Viktor with a straight punch and a kick to the chest. Dickinson wants more.and rages up through it. Frost sweeps the legs out and Willow Nightingale has seen enough. She runs out and chases Frost to the back. An even fight now, Dickinson gets his second wind and exploding on Viktor. Dragon screw and a dropkick to the knee. Dickinson with a STF but its too close to the ropes. Daddy tries a single crab but Viktor up kicks his way to freedom. Trips Dickinson and hits a deadlift german. Dickinson pops up to hit a german of his ownViktor drops to block it but Dickinson muscle him up and over anyways. Viktor blocks a high kick and locks in a dragon sleeper. Chris grabs the rope to break it. Series of german reversals, Chris fails at a rollup but quickly transitions to the STF again. Its center of the ring and Viktor can only tap out. This was a lot of fun. Dickinson needed this win but it was easily one of Viktor Benjamins best showings in Beyond. Winner: Chris Dickinson Match 2: Megasus Megan Bayne vs Delmi Exo Ive said this before but Bayne is just PRESENCE. Delmi definitely looks a little shook before the bell even rings. Bayne mauls her on the corner early. Delmi slips out of a slam and lands a forearm but Bayne hits a fallaway slam. Big splash and Delmis hurting. Bayne whips her ends to end and lands several knees to the gut. Powerslam. Bayne misses a legdrop and Delmi tries a crucifix rollup for two. Big larait from Bayne and a suplex. Delmi getting stomps out in the corner. Bayne tries a corner splash but wipes her head out on the post during a corner splash and Exo is getting her first real offense of the match. Running cross body! Series of corner charges, a near fall on a larait and Exo wraps Bayne in a crossface. Bayne powers out and hits a Samoan drop. Bayne yells Bow Down and puts Exo away with a tombstone. This was an absolute mugging. Who can beat Megan Bayne? Winner: Megan Bayne Match 3: Rhett Titus vs Jora Johl Handshake of mutual respect at the bell. Titus gets into with a fan who gets a little too rowdy at ringside. Point of order: Dont be that fan. Back in the ring, its an even stale mate early until Jora starts showing his power. Big vertical suplex before targeting the shoulder. Titus reverses an up and over into a basement drop kick. Bridging suplex and Johls out at one. Titus is feeling confident but Johl escapes a cutter into a popup slam. Roaring elbow into a twist of fate but Titus is out. Johl escapes a top rope scenario with a double underhook backbreaker. Titus saves himself from three by getting the rope. Titus stuns Johl but slingshots into a firemans carry. Jora with a buckle bomb but runs into a stuff dropkick that starches Johl for the three. Jora Johl tries to tempt Titus back into the ring for a second round right now. Titus comes back to flip him the bird before heading to the back. Winner: Rhett Titus Match 4: Lady Frost (w/ Viktor Benjamin) vs Willow Nightingale Frost tries to play keep away with Willow. Frost cartwheels out of a superkick attempt but Willow BLASTS her out of the ring with a pounce! Viktor gives Willow a slap and runs her into the post while the ref is distracted. Chris Dickinson runs out chases Viktor off with a chair. Frost works Willow over in the ring but Willow powers out with a fallaway slam and hits a senton. Frost is savvy here and traps Willow with a head scissor. Willow gets to the ropes and punishes Frost with chops. Frost cartwheels over and hits a dropkick to the back of the wheel before ramming some corner spears. Handspring cannonball into the corner. Willow and Frost trade running attacks before Willow hits a big kick to the face. Willow firing up with clotheslines and a spinebuster for two. Frost tries a roll up but eats a trio of suplexes. Kick out of the final fishermans suplex. Frost with a spinning kick, standing moonsault and hits another off the top. That should be enough but she wants to hit a third one. Willow intercepts her and germans her off the top. Kick out! Willow yanks Frost up into a gutwrench powerbomb and Frost stays down for the three. Winner: Willow Nightingale Match 5: SLADE vs Ryan Galeone Galeone returns to Beyond in his first appearance since 2018. Hes a big boy and SLADE is hungry. SLADE informs Rich Palladino that this is a No DQ match. No one argues with the man from Rikers Island, least of all Galeone, who is clearly here for a fight. SLADE staggers from one of Ryans big uppercuts and Galeone sends him to the floor quickly. Galeone gives chase but gets rammed into the apron and SLADE blasts him with a chair. No effect?!? SLADE gives him a chair and absorbs a shot of his own. Chair warfare! SLADE with a suplex to the floor. SLADE dives off the apron but gets caught into a chokeslam back on the hardest part of the ring. Galeone to the top! Senton off the top to SLADE on the floor! Galeone rams him into the walls of the White Eagle before dragging him back into the crowd for a beating. Big slaps to the chest before sending SLADE back in..Galeone back to the top, SLADE hopes up there and tosses Ryan to earth. Both guys stunned and trading slaps as they get to their feet. SLADE is trying to chop down this big tree with lariats. Galeone with a kick to the head. SLADE with a larait and powerslam for two! SLADE tries a sleeper but Galeone with a flying knee and a pair of huuuuuuuge powerbombs. Is that it for SLADE?!? Kick out! SLADE will not quit and rams Galeone in to the corner before hitting a chokeslam. Kick out! Galeone is mad and battering SLADE in the corner. SLADE slams him into the buckle for two. Galeone slow to his feet and eating a pair of lariats. Galeone with a dropkick and a rope walk slingshot senton for the closest two of this match. WOWWWWW! Powerbomb off the second and SLADE stands right back up. SLADE dives into a rear choke before finishing Galeone with a running backfist to the back of the head. Holy hell this was wild. I loved this so much. Welcome back, Ryan Galeone! Winner: SLADE Its time for the Tag Team Discovery Gauntlet! You gotta win it to stay in it! Mane Event kicked us off last week with a hot contest against 9 to 5. Tonight, they have a test against another hot upcoming Northeast tandem in Waves & Curls! Match 6: The Mane Event(c) (Jay Lyon & Midas Black) vs Waves & Curls (Traevon Jordan & Jaylen Brandyn) (Tag Team Discovery Gauntlet) I am solidly a Waves & Curls guy and clearly the Worcester crowd responds well to them as well.but they still love Mane Event. This should be awesome. The two teams have a little dance party to kick this off but Mane Event almost steals the win with a rollup. Waves & Curls respond with some solid double team offense that keep the current Discovery Gauntlet champs on the defense. Jaelyn with a dive out to Lyon on the floor. Midas cuts off a second dive and stuns Trayvon with a sucker punch. W&C to the outside and Lyon dives through the lion ring to the outside. Lyon throws Jaelyn back in but he kicks out of Blacks cover attempt. Midas trips the leg and Lyon with a flip senton for two. Lyon throws Midas into a spear on Jaelyn. Mane Event doing a good job of keeping him isolateduntil he rolls through to tag in Jordan. Trayvon cleaning house. Big spin kick and a sidewalk slam to Midas. Leg lariat causes Lyon to ddt his own partner! Lyon escapes a chokeslam and hits a snake eyes as Mane Event hits a double kick to the back of the head. Jaelyn gets popped up into a cutter. Midas with a 619 to Jordan and Lyon hits a lionsault. Top rope frog splash from Midas but Jordan gets the shoulder up. Jaelyn in and fighting them both. Midas sent out and W&C hit Lyon with a tandem chokeslam/pie face combo (The Wave Check) to get the three. This was a lot of fun. Mane Event made a lot of new fans these last two weeks and Waves & Curls taking the W was the right call here. Winner: Waves & Curls We are about to head to the main event but Teddy Goodz is out first and has something to say. He was supposed to fight Matt Cardona at Americanranabut it took an act of god to shut that show down. Matt Cardona is coming back in November at Reverse the Curse. Goodz wants his shot at him back and he calls Cardona out for that show. Main Event: Walking Weapon Josh Alexander vs Alec Price (w/ Becca) Becca hands out sticks of deodorant to the crowd during their entrance. Apparently this place smells like GAHBAHGE. Price runs his mouth, feigns a shot into Joshs face and immediately runs for the rope when the Walking Weapon decides to engage. Big gutwrench slam from Alexander and Price knows he has a fight ahead of him. He tries to target the arm of Alexander but Josh just tosses him out of it almost effortlessly. Price wakes up after a big shot and comes in swinging. Alexander catches a leapfrog into an electric chair german. Price is a Wilde man and keeps comes but Alexnader is smelling his prey and destroys with a huge backbreaker. Price with a dive to the outside and starts unloading on Josh. Dropkick to the back of the head for two! Wild swings from Price but Alexander stands up through it and slams the kid down. Huge chop but Price sends Josh to the outside on a charge. Becca with a cannonball off the apron. Josh tries walking her down but Price dives out and catches him unaware. Jumping knees to the face. Josh dodges a third one but Price hits a kick off the second for two. Price tries a suplex but Josh hits a fishermans suplex but cant bridge the pin. Price trying to throw hands with Josh but gets caught flinching. Big back drop to Price. Big boot turns Price inside out. Josh wants to finish this and spin slams Price down from a torture rack. Josh with the ankle lock, Price rolls him up for two. Price with a tilt a whirl face buster. Alexader back with a series of germans. Price tries to kick his way out. Alexander dodges the back kick finish but eats a flip ddt for a really close two. stay down, josh! Screams Price as he stomps the walking weapon out. Price misses a yakuza kick and Josh drops him with a slam on the apron. A Running crossbody dive launches Price off the apron to the hard wood floor. Alexnader to the top, he wants a moonsault but Becca tries to get involved. Price with a gut kick and a block buster for two! Price tries the flying back kick again but Josh avoids it. Pair of kicks to the head from Price but Alexander with a huge german and a double underhook piledriver for the pin! I agree with the crowd here. This WAS awesome! Winner: Josh Alexander Chris Dickinson hits the ring to beat on the fallen Alec Price. Becca jumps on the Dirty Daddys back, allowing Price to join the fight and leave Dickinson laying. Price grabs a table while Becca chokes him down. Willow Nightingale runs in to make the save! Willow with a spinebuster on Becca! Dickinson back in it, grabs another table, and joins Willow in DVDing Becca and Price through those tables. Dickinson and Willow do a pose-off for the hard cam as this episode of Uncharted Territory closes the night out! Check out the VOD of this episode on IWTV! A solid 2 hours of wrestling action. ABSOLUTELY watch SLADE and Galeones war and the main event, if nothing else. Next week, Waves & Curls defend their spot in the Discovery Gauntlet against the Amazing Graysons! After their misunderstanding on Episode 1, Trish Adora takes on a frustrated Eel ONeal. They also made another announcement for the upcoming Reverse the Curse show in Somerville - Masha Slamovich vs Manders! Until then! If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here! When: Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Where: Room 2.10, Second Floor, School of Law, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS or online, Book now The Centre for Climate Crime and Justice at the School of Law, Queen Mary University of London and the International State Crime Initiative is delighted to host its first Inaugural Lecture with Richard Falk, Professor Emeritus of International Law at Princeton University, Chair of Global Law, School of Law, at Queen Mary University London Chair of Global Law at the School of Law, Yale Law School, LLB; Harvard Law School, SJD. About the Lecture A presentation that celebrates the founding by QMUL of a Centre of Climate Crime and Justice at a time of growing concern about climate change and various forms of ecological instability. This Centre that is just getting started builds on the experience of the International State Crime Initiative (ISCI) at Queen Mary, which has highlighted the role of government and the private sector in causing the deepening crisis of global warming, which already is responsible for a wide variety of serious societal and ecological harms. The lecture focuses on the evolution of support for criminalizing deliberate environmental destruction, and the current lively debate about how to delimit ecocide drawing on the historical origins of ecological concern initially arising out of the use of Agent Orange as a weapon in the Vietnam War. The analysis will draw on the personal experience of Professor Falk and the contributions of Polly Higgins and her legacy by way of the Stop Ecocide International Foundation. Emphasis is given how to best define ecocide to ensure practical applications that discourage, prevent, and take punitive action against a wide range of harmful activities, and why there is notable corporate and national security resistance to criminalizing ecocide despite the urgency of taking effective action. Profile Richard Falk is Albert G. Milbank Professor Emeritus of International Law at Princeton University, Chair of Global Law, School of Law, at Queen Mary University London, Research Associate the Orfalea Center of Global Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Fellow of the Tellus Institute. Falk is currently acting as interim Director of the Centre of Climate Crime and Justice at Queen Mary. He directs the project on Global Climate Change, Human Security, and Democracy at UCSB and formerly served as director the North American group in the World Order Models Project. Between 2008 and 2014, Falk served as UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Occupied Palestine. His book, (Re)Imagining Humane Global Governance (2014), proposes a value-oriented assessment of world order and future trends. His most recent books are Power Shift (2016); Revisiting the Vietnam War (2017); On Nuclear Weapons: Denuclearization, Demilitarization and Disarmament (2019); and On Public Imagination: A Political & Ethical Imperative, ed. with Victor Faessel & Michael Curtin (2019). He is the author or coauthor of other books, including Religion and Humane Global Governance (2001), Explorations at the Edge of Time (1993), Revolutionaries and Functionaries (1988), The Promise of World Order (1988), Indefensible Weapons (1983), A Study of Future Worlds (1975), and This Endangered Planet (1972). His memoir, Public Intellectual: The Life of a Citizen Pilgrim was published March 2021. He has been nominated annually for the Nobel Peace Prize since 2021. General Information for Face-to-Face attendees To attend this event you will have completed an online Eventbrite registration. We will be unable to accept on the day registrations. By signing up to this event you agree for Queen Mary University of London to retain your personal details for 21 days in order to assist the NHS Track and Trace System. By signing up to this event you agree that you: Have not for the past 14 days had close contact with a person known to have contracted Covid-19. Have not for the past 7 days displayed any of the symptoms found here If you are displaying any of the above please do not attend the event. Attendee information for the day Please follow the Queen Mary University of London Covid Code. Please follow all instructions given to you by the event organisers. Please wash and/or sanitise your hands on arrival and at regular intervals. You are advised not to greet others with physical contact (for example handshakes) as this increases the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes if possible. Please familiarise yourself with event signage at the venue. We recommend you plan your route and travel to campus as safely as possible. If using public transport please keep an eye on TFL advice and updates to help plan your route and ensure you adhere to TFL guidelines on travelling safely. **Please note that if you are joining us online, we will be sending joining details on the day. Many Americans today assume that the threat of Communism subsided with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. But We continue to see Communist and socialist regimes pop up and spread not only in Latin America for example, in Venezuela and Nicaragua but around the world, says Ambassador Andrew Bremberg, president and CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC). These regimes regularly kill their own citizens and have a devastating effect on human rights and their national economies. In fact, over 1.5 billion people including those living in Laos, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, and, of course, China currently live under oppressive Communist and socialist governments. Founded in 1993 by a bipartisan, unanimous Act of Congress, VOC is devoted to commemorating the more than 100 million victims of communism around the world and to pursuing the freedom of those still living under totalitarian regimes. Before coming to VOC, Bremberg served as the Trump administrations Representative of the United States to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva. During his time there, which he describes as a profound and life changing experience, he became aware of the challenge of China, which was far worse than he had realized. He notes that the U.N. International Human Rights Council made investigating the United States record on racism during the summer of 2020 its highest priority putting it above Chinas appalling human rights violations against Uyghurs, among other ethnic groups within its borders. Communist countries by far have the worst record on human rights, past and present, Bremberg argues. Their brutality is only outdone by their lies and obfuscations. Seeing this moral imbalance up close convinced him of the need to educate Americans about the dangers of Communism today. American civic education, Bremberg states, entails not only understanding the structure of our form of government but also the world around us. Pointing to the competing claims of the 1619 Project and the 1776 Commission, he notes that while we should be willing to be self-critical and examine our past, we also need to view our nation in comparison to others, especially ones existing under Communisms iron fist. While Bremberg says that the United States has done an excellent job highlighting the horrors of the Holocaust in K-12 education he recalls the effect that reading Anne Franks personal diary has had on generations of students students understanding of Communism is weak by comparison. VOC spotlights Communisms devastating record and the continuing threat it poses to free government by telling powerful stories and highlighting examples of Communisms victims. These stories, he argues, capture our imaginations, creating deeper connections that will help students learn core truths that will stick with them. VOC offers a number of resources to do just that. Its Witness Project is an award-winning video series featuring victims of Communism telling powerful, heart-wrenching stories. One video highlights the harrowing journey of Ji Seong-ho, who escaped North Korea by walking ten thousand kilometers on crutches. President Trump recognized his bravery and courage during an unforgettable moment during the 2018 State of the Union Address. Other programs and content include VOCs annual National Education Seminar for middle and high school teachers (it will be live-streamed starting next year), a complete curriculum with fact sheets highlighting what Communism has wrought on the world stage, and Communism in the World webinars featuring thoughtful presentations from experts. VOCs three fellowship programs on China, Latin America, and Poland feature articles, reports, and books by affiliated scholars that cover all aspects of Communism. The Baltic Fellowship program should begin next year with an Estonian scholar working with VOC in D.C. Students can visit the Victims of Communism Memorial statue in Washington, D.C., which commemorates those killed by Communist regimes. Dedicated by President George W. Bush on the 20th anniversary of Ronald Reagans famous Tear Down this Wall speech, the statue depicts the Goddess of Democracy holding a torch the same statue Chinese students erected during the famous protests in Tiananmen Square. Upcoming events include the China Forum a conference featuring scholars and speakers on the issues and challenges related to the Peoples Republic of China and an event in St. Louis to commemorate VOCs Memorial Day, which occurs annually on November 7. Audiences will hear gripping accounts from those who experienced Communisms tyranny firsthand. In 2022, VOC will proudly open a world-class, digitally integrated museum in Washington, D.C. that will provide a captivating visitor experience, a goal more than 25 years in the making. Located at McPherson Square, the museum will be an international hub of scholarship and citizen engagement for the 21st century anticommunist movement. Through Western capitalism and democracy, Bremberg argues, we can better protect human rights and improve our system over time through self-correction by civic participation an approach that makes a stark contrast with the horrors that Communism has inflicted upon hundreds of millions of people in the 20th and 21st centuries. Coldplay is back with new music featuring Selena Gomez. ADVERTISEMENT The British rock band and Gomez, 29, released the song "Let Somebody Go" on Friday. In "Let Somebody Go," Coldplay and Gomez sing about their struggle to get over an ex. "All the storms we weathered / Everything that we went through / Now without you, what on earth am I to do?" Gomez sings. The "Let Somebody Go" lyric video features handwritten lyrics by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Gomez, according to Rolling Stone. "Let Somebody Go" appears on Coldplay's ninth studio album, Music from the Spheres, also released Friday. The album features the singles "Higher Power" and "My Universe" with K-pop group BTS. Coldplay will promote the album with a new world tour that begins March 18, 2022, in San Jose, Costa Rica, and ends Sept. 10 at Rock in Rio Festival in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. South Korean boy band NCT 127 is gearing up to release its new album. ADVERTISEMENT The K-pop group released a mood sampler for the album Favorite on Friday. The "Catharsis" mood sampler shows the members of NCT 127 posing against a fabric backdrop illuminated by different colored lights. The group shared a "Classic" mood sampler for the album earlier this week that featured a black, white and red palette. Favorite is a repackaged version of NCT 127's album Sticker, released in September. The repackaged version will feature the new songs "Favorite," "Love on the Floor" and "Pilot." NCT 127 will release new teasers and a glimpse of the "Favorite" music video in the coming weeks. The group will release Favorite and the full "Favorite" video Oct. 25. NCT 127 consists of Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jungwoo, Mark and Haechan. The group is a subunit of the boy band NCT. South Korean boy band Seventeen is gearing up to release its new EP. ADVERTISEMENT The K-pop group shared a track list for the mini album, titled Attacca, on Thursday. Attacca will feature the title track "Rock with You" and six other songs: "To You," "Crush," "Pang!," "Imperfect Love," "I Can't Run Away" and "2 Minus 1." Seventeen released a "Rush of Love" concept trailer for Attacca in September that shows the members creating and performing. The group gave a behind-the-scenes look at its photo shoot for the album jacket cover in a video Wednesday. Seventeen will release a highlight medley for the EP on Oct. 18 and music video teasers for "Rock with You" on the 19th and 20th. The group will release the EP and the full "Rock with You" video Oct. 22. Attacca will be Seventeen's first EP since Your Choice, released in June. Seventeen consists of S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon and Dino. The group made its debut in 2015. DC Comics will be presenting new trailers for films such as The Batman during its FanDome event, Micheal Myers forges a new path of destruction in Halloween Kills and You returns for its third season this weekend. ADVERTISEMENT In addition, I Know What You Did Last Summer is being revived as a television series, Rami Malek hosts Saturday Night Live and Succession begins its third season. Here's a rundown on some of the films and television shows that are set to be released this weekend. Films 'Halloween Kills' -- Peacock Michael Myers is targeting those who survived his previous attacks on the town of Haddonfield in Halloween Kills, which premieres Friday on Peacock. Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode who inspires the town to fight back. David Gordon Green returns to direct after helming 2018's Halloween. Co-stars include Judy Greer , Andi Matichak, Will Patton Anthony Michael Hall and Kyle Richards Streaming 'DC FanDome' -- DCFanDome.com FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! DC Comics presents its second annual DC FanDome event where they will showcase new trailers for upcoming films, television shows, video games and more, starting Saturday at 1 p.m. EDT on DCFanDome.com. The event will provide new footage and information on live action films The Batman, Black Adam, The Flash, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and more. TV 'You' Season 3 -- Netflix Penn Badgley is back as serial killer Joe Goldberg in You Season 3, which comes to Netflix on Friday. Joe and his wife, fellow killer Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti) will be moving to the suburbs of Northern California for their infant son in the new season. Joe will then become obsessed with their neighbor Natalie (Michaela McManus). 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' -- Amazon Prime Video Madison Iseman's Allison and her friends cover up a hit-and-run that leads to them being stalked by a mysterious killer one year later in I Know What You Did Last Summer, which arrives Friday on Amazon Prime Video. The series is based on the 1997 horror film of the same name. Co-stars include Brianne Tju, Bill Heck, Ezekiel Goodman, Ashley Moore, Sebastian Amoruso, Fiona Rene, Cassie Beck and Brooke Bloom. WWE 'SmackDown' -- FS1 Brock Lesnar will make a special appearance and SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch faces off against Sasha Banks on a supersized edition of WWE SmackDown, which airs Friday at 8 p.m. EDT on FS1. SmackDown will run an additional half-hour that will be commercial free. The show is going head-to-head briefly with AEW's Rampage show as the professional wrestling industry heads into a new ratings war. AEW ' Rampage' -- TNT CM Punk battles Matt Sydal and Chris Jericho's The Inner Circle take on Men of the Year and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos on AEW Rampage, which airs Friday at 10 p.m. EDT on TNT. AEW is also presenting The Buy In on YouTube starting at 9 p.m. EDT which will feature Bryan Danielson vs. professional wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki of New Japan Pro Wrestling fame. The Buy In will be taking place at the same time as WWE's SmackDown. 'Saturday Night Live' with Rami Malek -- NBC Rami Malek is guest hosting the newest episode of Saturday Night Live, which airs Saturday at 11:30 p.m. EDT on NBC. Young Thug is serving as the musical guest. Season 47 of the long-running sketch comedy series was kicked off in October with guest host Owen Wilson. 'Succession' Season 3 -- HBO Succession will be kicking off its third season on Sunday, which airs at 9 p.m. EDT on HBO. The premiere episode can also be accessed on HBO Max. The drama, which last aired in October 2019, follows the wealthy Roy family of media moguls who backstab one another to gain power. Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen and J. Smith-Cameron star. TRAVERSE CITY Traverse City Area Public Schools officials have documented more than 100 school-associated COVID cases since school began in September. By the end of the day Thursday, TCAPS tallied just more than 100 school-associated COVID cases across its 16 schools. By December 2020, The Record-Eagle reported that the school district had 46 confirmed school-associated COVID cases. The latest on COVID-19 Continuing coverage of COVID-19 and its impact. If you have a question about the novel coronavirus pandemic and haven't been able to find an a Still, the number of cases documented represents a small portion of the districts student population of the just fewer than 9,000 students. West Middle, Central High and West Senior High are tied for the most COVID cases at 13 reported school-associated cases this school year. These schools are also the schools in the district with the highest population of students. Willow Hill Elementary, Traverse City High, Traverse Heights Elementary, Silver Lake Elementary, Long Lake Elementary and Courtade Elementary all have fewer than five cases. Courtade reported zero cases all year. The milestone arrived in the same week school officials at Bellaire Public Schools sent students home for a week after several students tested positive for the virus. And cases in schools across the region and state continue to rise. In September, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services changed its definition of a school outbreak from two COVID cases associated with a school to three. This change has led to fewer outbreaks reported in the state this year compared to last year, despite numbers of school-associate cases rising. According to a new report from MDHHS, Michigans K-12 schools have reported 364 outbreaks and clusters. The report also states that 104 Michigan schools have been impacted by lost school time and an average of 87 students and staff have been impacted by lost in-person schooling due to illness or quarantine. The report also states that each day, 375 Michigan children younger than, 12 become infected with COVID-19 and 30 pediatric patients are hospitalized. The majority of hospitalized children have no underlying conditions, according to the report. In a Munson Healthcare virtual press conference Tuesday, multiple health care officials warned that Grand Traverse County was approaching peak numbers again. Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Nefcy said pediatric COVID cases are still relatively low, but rising with the increasing number of COVID infections in the area. The really hard thing about kids is we dont really have a good way to predict whos going to get sick and whos not going to get sick, Nefcy said at the virtual conference. And again while its thankfully rare that a child gets sick enough with COVID-19 that they are hospitalized when they do, its typically pretty significant. Those kids are quite sick. The MDHHS report also states that, while layered preventative measures, such as vaccination, masking, screening and testing, physical distancing and cohorting and podding have been found to be effective against spreading the virus, 35 school districts have rescinded their mask mandates since the start of school this year. The TCAPS board votes on whether to renew its mask mandate on Oct. 25. TCAPS Board of Education President Scott Newman-Bale said his two biggest concerns are the schools attendance rates and the local hospital capacity numbers. He said that while COVID-19 is becoming more prevalent in the area, he hopes to see improvements in the coming weeks. The trends in some other places in the country are improving, Newman-Bale said. And hopefully were just a little behind seeing some positive numbers in the next week or two. The board of education has yet to receive any additional guidelines from the Grand Traverse County Health Department. Newman-Bale said the board currently has no official position on whether it will implement more measures to control the spread of COVID-19 or outbreaks in TCAPS schools. Porterville, CA (93257) Today Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 66F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 46F. Winds light and variable. As social consciousness grows regarding the long-term effects of colonization and racial oppression, so has the movement to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day the second Monday in October each year in America. Currently, however, most state governments celebrate Columbus Day on that date instead. Georgia is no exception, though the Athens-Clarke County Commission voted on Oct. 5 to recognize the annual holiday. The holiday glorifies a contested narrative of American discovery and erases the trauma of genocide of Native peoples in the Americas. In fact, historians note that Columbus never set foot on North America, but entered the Americas through the Caribbean Islands. When he did land, he committed countless atrocities and acts of violence that decimated Native populations in the area. Even if Columbus had landed in North America, anthropologists estimate that Native people had been there for more than 30,000 years prior to first contact, leaving very little to discover. Changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day is a step toward healing the wounds that colonization has caused specifically to Native Americans and Indigenous people of South and Central America a necessary step. This year, we have organized a petition to ask the state of Georgia to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. This would be a first step toward improving Native representation in the state. I dont see why they couldnt make this change, said Hannah Hamrick, a third-year history major who identifies as Shoshone. In 2015, the Georgia General Assembly renamed Confederate Memorial Day to State Holiday. That was the right thing to do and long overdue. Georgia still has a long way to go in addressing the historical violence and removal of Native people from Georgia. In 1990, South Dakota became the first state to replace Columbus Day to better honor their states Native history and people. In 1992, Berkeley, California, became the first city to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, with many following since. As of today, nine states officially acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day in the place of Columbus Day, and celebrating the holiday in lieu of Columbus Day has become very popular among non-governmental institutions as well. Georgia can do the same. Change on campus Beyond state-level action, the University of Georgia should also move toward building a more inclusive environment that both recognizes our states history and Indigenous people, while also encouraging and supporting our current Native student body. Current movement toward these goals have typically been small in scale. The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, for example, currently offers an innovative fellowship program with federal grant money in an effort to recruit Native Students to the Master of Forest Resources in Forest Business Management program. Additionally, UGA is also home to the Institute of Native American Studies, which offers a certificate at the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, recent efforts at improving diversity, equity and inclusion at UGA have largely left Native students out. The Native American Student Association at UGA was founded this semester with the goals of both identifying these challenges and building community among Native students, faculty and staff. Out of the 750+ clubs and organizations listed on the UGA Involvement Network, including well over 100 different ethnic-cultural communit[ies], there was not a group for Indigenous students here until now. It can be really difficult for Native students to connect at an institution like UGA, said Mariah Cady, an Oglala Lakota third-year international affairs and Russian major and president of NASA. Not only does UGA lack resources to support Native students, but we also have to do a lot of educating around the fact that Native people are still here and deserve to be respected. Toward making UGA more inclusive, we are releasing a toolkit on actions that faculty, students, and staff can take toward acknowledging the history of Native people in the Athens area, and how to respect the diverse group of Native community members here today. There are more than 550 federally recognized tribes in the United States, all with their own cultures, beliefs and governments. Just as it is with any other minority group in America, we believe a one-size-fits all approach to cultural inclusivity would be inappropriate. UGA is not unique in its lack of support for Native students and faculty, says Elise Blasingame, a Ph.D. student in the School of Public and International Affairs and registered member of the Osage Nation. But that doesnt mean we dont try to improve things. This involves USG and UGA taking public action and allocating resources. It cannot be just performance. We look forward to working with administrators to realize these collective goals. I hope this can be the beginning of a new, more inclusive and understanding relationship with Native Peoples where we are no longer left behind or cast aside, said Mary-Jo Eden, a second-year scientific illustration major who identifies as Cherokee. For now, we are asking UGA community members to sign the petition calling for the Georgia General Assembly to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day on the state calendar for Georgia. For more on the history of the Muscogee and Cherokee tribes in Georgia, and UGAs role in land acquisition for the University, click here. John Nelson is the retired curator of the A.C. Moore Herbarium at the University of South Carolina in Columbia SC. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www.herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com. 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 Snow showers this morning. Becoming partly cloudy later. High around 45F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 24F. Winds light and variable. JAMAICA Residents voted 55-27 to allow cannabis retailers to set up shop in town and rejected an article to allow integrative licensees in a Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Vicki Loner, RN, C, MHCDS, is CEO of OneCare Vermont. She is a resident of Hinesburg. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer. (file photo by Brad Davis/The Register-Herald) At 2017's Bridge Day, Chicago, Illinois, resident Steve Connor, only five months into his BASE jumping career and attending his first Bridge Day event, relaxes as an eager crowd waits for him to be launched into the air by a giant catapult. UPDATE: The White House confirmed on Saturday that President Joe Biden did receive the UConn Dairy Bars ice cream and brought home leftovers. Read story here. STORRS President Joe Biden nearly left his visit to Connecticut Friday with a specially made supply of ice cream from the UConn Dairy Bar until the plan melted. The nearly 70-year-old establishment had made a fresh batch of chocolate chip the presidential favorite for Biden to take with him. However, Biden didnt get to leave with it, according to Stephanie Reitz, a spokeswoman for the University of Connecticut. Reitz speculated the reason may have been Secret Service had not been able to secure the site in advance, or possibly due to COVID-19 concerns. We had gallons in the [Dodd] Center but, alas, none of it made it into his hands, Reitz said by phone. Biden, who has a known sweet tooth for ice cream, had visited UConn Friday for the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights. The president has made other impromptu stops for ice cream during his travels, including a visit to an ice cream parlor in La Crosse during a visit to Wisconsin in June. Chocolate chip won over Husky Tracks, the shops signature combination of vanilla ice cream with chunks of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and fudge swirl, as well as banana chocolate chip. The plan had been to pass the ice cream along to the president, possibly set inside a sugar cone. The dairy bar opened in 1953 to sell products made by the creamery, part of the universitys College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. The creamery has been in operation for more than a century, according to UConn, and bottled milk until the early 1990s. When Vice President Kamala Harris visited Connecticut in the spring, her security detail stopped to pick up pizza from Zuppardis Apizza in West Haven and Sallys Apizza in New Haven. Reitz said the ice cream would not go to waste. Staff writer Dan Haar contributed to this story. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk revealed on Twitter on October 14 that his satellite-internet company Starlink is in talks with airlines to provide in-flight wifi. Musks revelations came out in response to a question by a Twitter user, who asked if he has any plans regarding the same. Answering the question, Musk wrote, "Yes, we are talking to airlines about installing Starlink. Please let them know if you want it on your airliner. Low latency ~half gigabit connectivity in the air!". Yes, we are talking to airlines about installing Starlink. Please let them know if you want it on your airliner. Low latency ~half gigabit connectivity in the air! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 14, 2021 Although the billionaire teased about Starlink's plans, he did not reveal much about which airline companies he is in talks with. The satellite-internet providing company plans to install as many as 12,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit and to date, has sent 1,740 Starlink satellites, as per CNBC's report. Launched back in 2018, Starlink is currently testing its services in the US, UK, Portugal, Chile, Canada and Australia. Interestingly, Starlink also plans to bring the services to India as it considers the sub-continent as a potential market, and might increase the scale of operations in the country soon. Recently, Starlink Country Director India at SpaceX, Sanjay Bhargava, said in a LinkedIn post, "We will probably focus on ten rural Lok Sabha constituencies for 80% of the Starlink terminals shipped to India." To enjoy the satellite services here in India, customers will have to pay $99, which roughly amounts to Rs. 7,400. The internet connection is said to have a latency between 20 to 40 milliseconds and speed might range between 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps. Image: Unsplash/AP NASA astronomers, following deep analysis of the Hubble telescope's archival images, have found the presence of persistent water vapour in Jupiter's icy moon, Europa. However, the scientists explained that the vapours were mysteriously found only in one hemisphere of the moon. Europa is known to harbour a vast ocean underneath its icy surface with more water than that is found on Earth and this raises the possibility of the moon offering habitable conditions for life. Vapours in just one hemisphere raise questions As per NASA, Hubble found the traces of water vapours only in Europa's one hemisphere, which is the portion of the moon that is always opposite its direction of motion along its orbit. The agency states that previous observations of water vapour, as seen in Hubble's photograph from 2013, were associated with plumes erupting through the ice. However, the new Hubble observations, spanning 1999 to 2015, have revealed that water vapour is constantly being replenished throughout one hemisphere of the moon. These findings emerged from a technique developed by Lorenz Roth of the Sweden-based KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Space and Plasma Physics, who recently discovered water vapour in the atmosphere of Jupiter's moon Ganymede. Talking about the findings, Roth said, "The observation of water vapour on Ganymede, and on the trailing side of Europa, advances our understanding of the atmospheres of icy moons. However, the detection of a stable water abundance on Europa is a bit more surprising than on Ganymede because Europa's surface temperatures are lower than Ganymede's." Hubble detected water vapor in the atmosphere of Jupiters icy moon Europa! Previously, Hubble saw 60-mile-high plumes of water vapor on Europa. This new result shows water vapor over a larger area, suggesting a long-term water vapor atmosphere. More: https://t.co/dpnrgAVHIA pic.twitter.com/RMkMOutHQQ Hubble (@NASAHubble) October 14, 2021 Europa's ice water result of sublimation NASA explained that Europa reflects more sunlight than Ganymede, resulting in 60 degrees Fahrenheit cooler temperature on Europa than Ganymede. Interestingly, results revealed that water ice on Europa is sublimating i.e. transforming directly from solid to vapour without a liquid phase just like on Ganymede even at a daytime temperature of -260F. These findings, according to NASA, reportedly emerged after Roth delved into archival Hubble datasets, selecting ultraviolet observations of Europa from 1999, 2012, 2014 and 2015 while the moon was at various orbital positions. Moreover, he determined the abundance of oxygen in Europa's atmosphere by using Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and by interpreting the strength of emission at different wavelengths, revealed NASA. (Image: NASA) NASA scientist Dr. Becky McCauley Rench has revealed that ancient Mars did look like Earth a very, very long time ago. In a statement on 15 October, the US space agency said that the Red Planet wasnt as dry always as it is today because similar to Earth, Mars also has seasons, polar ice caps, canyons and weather. Ancient Mars may have been wetter and warmer, similar Earth, said Dr Rench, adding that once upon a time, the Red Planet had volcanoes, floods and so much more. NASA shared an interview with Dr Rench on Instagram, in which she was asked if Mars ever looked like Earth. The NASA scientist responded saying, Yes, we think it did. How the two worlds diverged? According to the official website, Dr Rench explained that when the solar system was formed four billion years ago, Mars and Earth were made up of "same materials and looked very similar". She said that both the planets are terrestrial, with a central core, a rocky mantle and a solid crust. Rench also added that Mars once even had lakes, streams and perhaps even a northern ocean. The two worlds diverged, and we have two very different planets today, Dr. Rench said. The NASA Scientist went on to say that despite the fact that the Red Planet may once have been warm and wet, it is now a cold and dry place. She explained that the Earth progressed with plate tectonics and the development of life. However, Mars geologic activity subsided, lost water, and it became a much drier planet over time. This shared history is part of why it's so fascinating to study the Red Planet. Our Mars exploration efforts are helping us understand more about Mars' past and future, as well as understanding Earth and planetary evolution both in our solar system and beyond, Dr Rench said, adding So, did Mars ever look like Earth? Well, yes it did. A very, very long time ago. (Image: Instagram) In response to the report detailing the US plan to discredit the Chinese investments in Zimbabwe, Beijing has called on Washington to do more practical work for African people and show respect. According to China's state media Global Times, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday, October 15, said that the international communities including the African nations have a clear understanding of the massive false information spread by the US. Zhaos remarks came after Zimbabwe's newspaper, The Herald, claimed in a report on September 21 that Washington is funding and even training local reporters to write anti-China stories in a bid to smear the Chinese investments. It added that the strategy was a part of an intricate pan that involves other European and Nordic nations along with Africa. The Herald has claimed that the plan to discredit the Chinese businesses include disinformation, lies, and sensationalism in the independent media and social platforms. In another massive allegation, the report said that each story that portrays the Chinese business as unethical, reckless, without values would get a $1,000 reward from the United States. Reacting to the report, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that $1,000 can help fund a poor student in Zimbabwe or even buy at least 100 doses of COVID vaccine. Zhao called the issue a serious matter if the United States government is indeed hiring an army to spread rumours. Global Times, which is considered the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), quoted Zhao as saying that the US has now resorted to extreme measures to discredit China and even damage the relations between China-Africa, paying money to spread lies. The report also stated, "If you dont compare, you know nothing; but the moment you know, you will be shocked. China urges the US to show respect for African people, and play a constructive role in Africa's economic recovery and development." China planning to ban on private sector investment in media Meanwhile, in China, CCP is mulling to add private sector investment in media organisations to a list of banned investments. As per the Radio Free Asia report, the proposed measure has been posted on the Xi Jinping-led Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) website, stating that the State Development Reform Commission (SDRC) is soliciting public opinion on adding private sector investment in media organisations to the list of banned investments in the country. The move has already drawn criticism by China-based commentators, who term it as 'thorough brainwashing.' IMAGE: AP After UK Secretary of the State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Liz Truss asserted UKs support to Lithuania and stated that she had held an assertive discussion on United Kingdoms approach on China with Lithuanias Foreign Minister on Tuesday, China has reacted strongly against her statement. The Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom issued a statement on Thursday urging the UK to avoid putting additional barriers in the way of the development of the China-UK partnership. China fumes at UKs support to Lithuania, urges the UK to avoid additional barriers The Chinese Ambassador reinforced the UK government to have a right understanding of the issue and to not create disagreements for better ties. China urges the UK to have a right understanding of the relevant issue, handle it properly, and refrain from creating new obstacles for the development of the China-UK relationship, the statement read. Lithuanias handling of the Taiwan question severely undermines Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, and China urges the UK to have a right understanding of the issue: Chinese Embassy in the UK pic.twitter.com/08lhDV0A3Y Global Times (@globaltimesnews) October 14, 2021 Speaking on the issue of Lithuanias support for Taiwan and it acknowledging and approving the establishment of Taiwans embassy, China said that Lithuania is against the idea of One-China as China claims the island nation part of its national territory. The statement issued by China further added that, Lithuanias handling of the Taiwan question gravely contravenes the One-China principle and severely undermines Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. Chinas response to this announcement is legitimate and reasonable. Denying the claims of China threatening Lithuania, in the statement, Chinese Ambassador Zheng Zeguang said, China is a force for peace and stability. Chinas development does not pose any threat to any country, but will only create opportunities for the common development of all countries. On October 11, Liz Truss had earlier tweeted that she had discussed "approach to China" with Lithuania's Foreign Minister. Furthermore, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) released a statement stating that the UK Foreign Secretary supports Lithuania and other relevant countries in "challenging the threat" posed by countries such as China. Good meeting Lithuanian FM @Glandsbergis. We had a productive discussion covering: Boosting our economic and security ties, including trade and our shared ambitions in the Indo-Pacific Our approach to China Increasing cooperation in fintech and the digital space pic.twitter.com/aTwXPA8yiR Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 11, 2021 The tension between Lithuania has been escalating for several months. Earlier in July, China had threatened Lithuania on allowing Taiwan to open a de-facto embassy in the Baltic country. China disapproved of the move and said that these attempts by foreign nations send the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, since China asserts its control on Taiwan. Furthermore, Lithuania also announced earlier this year that it intends to build its own representative office in Taiwan, angering Beijing. Image: Twitter/ AP In a breaking development, Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Technology on October 14 announced the latest social media rules that warrant the telecom regulator to block any website or platform on the directives of court and federal government or under any statutory provision. Additionally, the fresh set of guidelines ought to be deployed not only by the social media entities but service providers through online information systems and mechanisms to ensure prompt blocking of live streaming of terrorism, hate speech, pornography and anti-national security matter upon receiving inputs from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Pakistan issues fresh social media rules; empowers PM Imran Khan-led government Under the new rules titled the 'Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules, 2021', the social media companies are required to register with the PTA within a stipulated period of three months and establish offices in the country 'as and when feasible', Dawn reported. "PTA can give 48 hours to the service provider, social media company, significant social media company or user to comply with the directives of PTA for removing or blocking access to the content," Dawn added. Pakistan govt to grant 12 hours to firms before blocking access to online content Notably, in emergency cases, the body can give only 12 hours to the respective user or social media company to remove or block access to online content. But the body will have to specify reasons for the 'emergency' in writing. According to the fresh rules, social media firms can be subjected to a punitive amount of up to Rs 500 million for violation of and contradictions to new social media rules in Pakistan. Pakistan's social media rules fuels tensions Also, the fresh rules state that social media companies are required to induct an authorised compliance officer and grievance officer stationed in Pakistan. Previously, in November 2020, a maiden version of social media rules and guidelines were notified and in the aftermath, various quarters, including civil society activists, media and social media companies and even the internet service providers. Internet giants in Pakistan had conveyed their disapproval and carried out protests claiming the revised drafts of social media rules, as compared to initial drafts, appeared more 'regressive'. Moreover, they contended that the contentious clauses remained unaltered. In June 2021, Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) Managing Director Jeff Paine had said, "Despite repeated feedback from industry over several months, the draft rules still include a number of problematic provisions, such as data localisation and local presence requirements that undermine the country's digital growth and transformation agenda." Image: Pixabay, AP On Vijaya Dashami, a group of Hindu worshippers in Nepal executed an unusual ceremony. They lied down, covered their bodies with cow dung, and lighted oil lamps over them to be grateful to the Gods for hearing their prayers. This certain ritual can be performed by persons of all ages. They have the ability to remain in the same position for up to 6 hours. Other members of the family keep a watch on them to make sure the lamps do not fall over. "Today is Vijaya Dashmi, he has been conducting this ritual for a few years. He had this procedure done around 2-3 years ago and wanted to keep it going. Last year, due to the lockout, it was not possible, but this year there are no such restrictions, and the temple is also open, so we took advantage of the chance, he said. For children, as well as elders, it is a traditional way of life," father of teenage devotee who placed lamps on head and shoulders, Maheshwar Amatya, told ANI. When the COVID-19 outbreak first broke out in 2020, there were less devotee footfalls in the temple for this ritual. However, the number of people visiting the temple to thank gods and goddesses has gradually increased this year, especially on Vijaya Dashami. Devotees commonly wear 3, 5, 7, 18, or even 108 oil-filled lamps around their bodies. The technique is claimed to bring wealth, save money, and avert sins all at the same time. Moradabad women jail inmates craft Idols, oil lamps from cow dung Women detainees in Moradabad district jail of Uttar Pradesh have received orders for around 10,000 Lakshmi-Ganesh idols and diyas (oil lamps) crafted from cow dung. Idols created by women convicts in Moradabad and Meerut jails are in high demand both internationally and domestically. This is the first jail in Moradabad to make idols out of cow dung. "There is a great demand for idols in the international and national markets. At present, there are almost 5,000 to 10,000 orders," according to Moradabad Jail Superintendent Viresh Raj Sharma, ANI reported. NGO operator Gauri Jain told ANI, "Earlier these women were making woollen products but during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have started making idols from cow dung. This is also one of the ways to tell people about the importance of the cow." With inputs from ANI Image: PTI/Representative Image Tuberculosis deaths have risen for the first time in over a decade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said World Health Organizations (WHO) 2021 Global TB report. The United Nations (UN) health agency stated that the COVID pandemic reversed years of global progress in the battle against Tuberculosis. Just last year, more people died from tuberculosis than the ones who were diagnosed and treated or provided with TB preventive treatment as compared to 2019. WHO noted that the overall expenditure on essential TB services is also depleting. Addressing the challenges, the UN health agency, in its official release, has stated that the first battle is a disruption in access to TB services and also that there is a scarcity of resources. In several nations, the staff meant to tackle TB-related situations were reallocated to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic which further restricted the availability of crucial resources. Another barrier, as per WHO, is that people have been struggling to seek care amid nationwide lockdowns that had been imposed in countries to stem the growth of Coronavirus cases. WHO said in a statement, TB services are among many others disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but the impact on TB has been particularly severe. For example, approximately, 1.5 million people died from TB in 2020 (including 214 000 among HIV positive people). The increase in the number of TB deaths occurred mainly in the 30 countries with the highest burden of TB[1]. WHO modelling projections suggest the number of people developing TB and dying from the disease could be much higher in 2021 and 2022, it added. The UN health agency has suggested that around 4.1 million currently suffer from tuberculosis but have not yet been diagnosed with the disease, or were not properly reported. WHO said, The number of people newly diagnosed with TB and those reported to national governments fell from 7.1 million in 2019 to 5.8 million in 2020. 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. This is alarming news WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement, 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. 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. Image: AP, Pixabay The United Nations General Assembly hosted a ceremony on October 14 to honour former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who served as the General Assembly's 29th president between 1974 and 1975 and passed away last month. Bouteflika advocated the concepts of justice, freedom, and peace as a priority for the United Nations and played an active role in these areas throughout his administration, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. "He was particularly active in the area of decolonisation and is remembered for giving a voice to the liberation movements in Africa, Asia and South America. President Bouteflika also strongly advocated for a more inclusive United Nations in the post-World War era. He oversaw the admission of Bangladesh, Grenada and Guinea-Bissau as new members of the United Nations," a statement released by UN quoted Guterres as saying. Guterres added that most people will recall that former president Bouteflika invited Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in 1974. He was also a key figure in the Non-Aligned Movement, and will be remembered for standing firm against Apartheid in South Africa, whose membership was suspended during his leadership of the UN General Assembly. The former General Assembly president Bouteflika aided in the passage of various resolutions, including those on the definition of aggression, preparations for the World Conference on Disarmament, and the establishment of the International Civil Service Commission. Guterres informed that Bouteflika also presided over five plenary sessions on the Cyprus issue, which resulted in the approval of General Assembly Resolution 3212, which was also backed by the UN Security Council. Guterres also mentioned that, during his presidency, Bouteflika promoted discussion and exhibited leadership and a firm commitment to the UN Charter's ideals. 'Bouteflika was a seasoned diplomat': UNGA President Abdulla Shahid, the current president of the UN General Assembly, said Bouteflika was a seasoned diplomat and a skilled behind-the-scenes negotiator. As one of the youngest persons ever elected as president of the General Assembly in 1974, he was committed to upholding the values of multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter. Bouteflika participated at an early age in the struggle against colonialism and advocated liberation movements around the world. Under his presidency of the 29th session, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 3236 to include the question of Palestine in the provisional agenda of the Assembly, Shahid added. According to Shahid, Bouteflika was instrumental in the formation of developing-world organisations and the strengthening of their unity of action, particularly the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77. "He showed us that yes, it is possible for the United Nations to be a community of nations united. His contributions are now part of the annals of diplomatic history," Shahid said. (Image: AP) Former senior Pentagon adviser Douglas Macgregor in an interview with Sputnik, said that Greece's decision to host new US military sites may force Athens into unwanted wars. The US and Greece approved an update to their current mutual defence pact on October 14, allowing US forces to train and operate from new locations within Greece. Former Pentagon adviser Macgregor explained that the conflicts have nothing to do with the US and everything to do with a century's worth of unfinished business. He noted that the display of US military's failure during the retreat from Afghanistan reinforced a growing perception of US military weakness and decline. Furthermore, Macgregor believes that Biden's intentions for the bases may be jeopardised by the developing domestic US financial crisis. He also predicted that Athens may awaken to find that the promised bases have not materialised. "Whether Athens likes it or not, Athens may be pulled into a conflict that it otherwise prefers to avoid precisely because we are present in the country. The host government, in this case, Athens, may believe that it is improving its security and that it will benefit from US largesse as Germany, Italy and other allied countries have, but they are missing the growing danger associated with our presence. Expanding the US forward military presence, also guarantees American involvement in any conflict that occurs. The Biden administration may believe US military involvement will make conflicts in the region less likely, but the opposite is the case," Sputnik quoted former senior Pentagon adviser Douglas Macgregor as saying. Macgregor calls the newly appointed US ambassador to Serbia Macgregor also mentioned the selection of hardline hawk Christopher Hill as the next US ambassador to Serbia, which was announced on October 14. "This also signals a new willingness to tamper with the Balkans and Russia. Thus, prompting US military expansion into Greece. Who better than one of the architects of the Kosovo crisis and the bombing of Serbia?" he asked. When asked, Macgregor also confirmed that control of the eastern Mediterranean, the fight with Russia, micromanagement of the Balkans, and the anticipation of expulsion from Turkey, might all play a role in the US decision. Image: AP US President Joe Biden on Thursday, 14 October, hosted Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to address the strong US-Kenyan partnership. According to a press release, during their first one-on-one, in-person meeting, Biden and Kenyatta underscored the need to bring additional transparency and accountability to domestic and international financial systems and advance peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Somalia and Ethiopia. The two leaders also discussed their shared commitment to defending democracy and human rights, advancing regional peace and security and accelerating economic prosperity. A White House press note read, Together they (Biden and Kenyatta) discussed their shared commitment to defending democracy and human rights, advancing regional peace and security, and accelerating economic prosperity through climate-smart solutions and the use of renewable energy resources. It added, Together, President Biden and President Kenyatta underscored the need to bring additional transparency and accountability to domestic and international financial systems and to advance peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Somalia and Ethiopia. It was an honor to welcome President Kenyatta to the White House this afternoon. The U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership is essential to addressing key regional and global challenges and I'm committed to further elevating our ties with Kenya and nations across Africa as a whole. pic.twitter.com/3Fn9po4yY8 President Biden (@POTUS) October 14, 2021 Further, as per the press release, the two leaders also discussed greater cooperation on vaccine manufacturing and production on the African continent in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing the future health security threats. Additionally, Biden announced a donation of over 17 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the African Union. It is to mention that Kenya has already received 2.8 million vaccines and is also slated to get additional Pfizer doses in the next few months as part of the pledge Biden made at the G7 to donate 500 million vaccine doses globally. Kenya seeks to counter terrorism with US cooperation Meanwhile, it is to mention that the meeting between Biden and Kenyatta comes amid the conflict in Ethiopia with the military launching the offensive on all fronts against the forces in northern Tigray. Kenya shares the border with Ethiopia and is partnering with the US to ramp up efforts to thwart Islamic terrorism. Kenya, which holds the rotational UN Security Council (UNSC) chair currently, has been openly vocal about the Tigray-Ethiopia conflict. Kenya has urged for an immediate political resolution to the Ethiopian war, stressing that there was no military solution as such. The US President, on the other hand, had threatened to sign an executive order that would levy sanctions against Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed for reviving the 11-month long conflict in the region. (Image: Twitter) A former Marine battalion commander who was relieved of his duties after making comments that criticized the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan pleaded guilty Thursday in a special court-martial, his attorney said. Tim Parlatore, an attorney representing Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, confirmed in a text message to The Associated Press that his client pleaded guilty during the court-martial at Camp Lejeune. Scheller was facing multiple charges, including conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and failure to obey order or regulation, according to Parlatore. A sentencing hearing was scheduled to follow the morning proceedings, Parlatore said. In an Aug. 26 video, Scheller demanded accountability from military leaders regarding the withdrawal from Afghanistan after 13 U.S. troops were killed in Kabul. Scheller followed that comment with a series of social media posts, including an Aug. 29 video in which he resigned his commission and said follow me and we will bring down the whole system. Scheller continued to speak out, and on Sept. 27, he was placed in pretrial confinement at Camp Lejeune, The Daily News of Jacksonville reported. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Some 6700 Afghan evacuees are making an Indiana National Guard installation in central Indiana their home as they await resettlement in the United States. They've been arriving at Camp Atterbury since early September under the federal government's "Operation Allies Welcome," and more than 300 have left the camp with the help of resettlement agencies to begin their new lives in the U.S. Camp Atterbury, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Indianapolis, is one of eight sites in the U.S. that the Department of Defense is using for Afghan special immigrant visa applicants, their families, and other Afghan personnel. Additional evacuees are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, although it's unclear how many, said Mark Howell, regional spokesman for the federal Transportation Security Administration overseeing Operation Allies Welcome. Adult men and women live in separate dormitories, which house more than 100 people each, and the young children are placed in the same dormitories as the women. A large percentage of the evacuees at Camp Atterbury are children and young teenagers, and there have even been more than half a dozen babies born at Camp Atterbury during the past month. It's unclear how many Afghans have resettled in Indiana, but the state is projected to take 490, according to U.S. officials. They could be processed at any of the eight temporary housing sites, Howell said. Of those housed at Camp Atterbury, about 58% are male, 42% are female and more than 47% are 18 years or younger, Howell said. More than 6,100 Afghan refugees at Camp Atterbury have been vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella and varicella (chickenpox) between Sept. 6-17, according to National Guard officials. The evacuees must be vaccinated against measles, COVID-19, and other diseases before they can leave the temporary housing site. Soldiers and volunteer teachers have also started a makeshift school for Afghan children while they await resettlement. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Russia should remove missiles from Europe that violate the conditions of the INF Treaty, according to US Special Envoy for Nuclear Nonproliferation Jeffrey Eberhardt. On being asked to clarify the Biden administration's view on Russia's intention to implement a moratorium on the deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles in Europe, Eberhardt told Sputnik, "Russia has already violated the INF by deploying the missiles. Therefore, the solution is for Russia to remove them." US asks Russia to remove missiles violating INF Treaty Earlier, the diplomat said the US sought to 'move away from costly weapons races' with prospective rivals and 'establish confidence in the United States as a leader in arms control' at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly's First Committee on Disarmament and International Security. Eberhardt was designated as a nuclear nonproliferation special envoy in 2019, the same year that the Trump administration unilaterally terminated the INF Treaty with Russia. After accusing Russia of violating its agreements with one of its missiles, the US withdrew from the agreement, which banned the manufacturing and deployment of ground-based ballistic missiles in the 500-5,500 km range. Russia attempted to salvage the accord by revealing missile capabilities to military attaches and journalists at a military warehouse outside of Moscow. Regardless, Washington cancelled the deal and resumed testing INF-violating missiles almost immediately. On Thursday, Lockheed Martin conducted a test of one of these missiles. Russia accused US of violating its own obligations under treaty Prior to the US withdrawal from the INF, Russia accused the US of violating its own obligations under the treaty, citing the illegal deployment of ground-based combat drones, the production of ground-based intermediate-range missiles for 'testing purposes' for America's missile shield, and the deployment of Aegis Ashore missile defence system components in Poland and Romania as examples. Moscow is particularly concerned about the deployment of the Aegis Ashore system, claiming that its launchers could readily be reconfigured to fire nuclear-tipped Tomahawk cruise missiles at Russian locations. In the late 1980s, after the end of the Cold War, the INF Treaty was signed. After Washington stationed Pershing and cruise missiles in Western Europe, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev agreed to unbalanced demands by the US side to limit missiles in the 500 to 5,500 km range in an effort to alleviate tensions between the nuclear giants. Nearly 2,700 missiles were destroyed as a result of the treaty's signature, with over two-thirds of them being Soviet. (With inputs from Sputnik) (Image: AP) A woman uses a light bulb powered by portable battery as she prepares dishes in an earlier morning at a restaurant during a blackout in Shenyang in northeastern China's Liaoning Province, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. As China struggles to control the latest surge of power shortages, the government seems to be hoping that the public will have short memories for how it has dealt with similar problems in the past. After months of downplaying the power crisis and recommending partial fixes, central government authorities belatedly acknowledged the spread of electricity rationing and blackouts in late September, prompting some news media to blame China's troubles on the United States. Pressures on generating companies have increased since last year with the government's push for economic growth and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for more power has sapped power company profits as producers are caught between rising coal prices and regulated electricity rates. Power providers in Beijing and the surrounding region have been warning since August that they faced bankruptcy due to high summer demand and record coal costs. "In fact, the power squeeze has been evolving throughout this summer but was noticed by the public when sudden blackouts hit households in the northeastern region," said a Xinhua report on Oct. 4. The official news agency confirmed that residents of the industrialized region had suffered shutoffs of traffic lights and elevator service since September. Power restrictions have been imposed in as many as 20 provinces including coastal Guangdong and Zhejiang, according to The Wall Street Journal and other independent reports. A XInhua commentary on Sept. 30 sought to minimize the problem, calling the shutdowns "a blip" that posed no threat to the economy or global supply chains. In an angrier tone, Hu Xigin, editor-in-chief of the daily tabloid Global Times, blamed foreign factors for a series of international shortages including "KFC in the U.S. running out of chicken," without explaining the connection to China's woes. "The root cause is the world lacks cooperation of the U.S. with China. Washington has no sense of responsibility as a superpower," Hu stormed in a Twitter posting cited by BBC Monitoring. But policy decisions closer to home are clearer causes of China's power problems. While China's recovery-driven demand for more electricity set the stage for shortages, the central government has contributed to the outages by pressuring provinces over their failures to meet their "dual control" targets for total energy use and energy efficiency in the first half of the year. In an editorial, the Global Times tried to shift the blame to the provinces for implementing the conflicting orders of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the government's top economic planning authority, too rigidly. "They need to carry out the country's 'dual controls' and 'dual restrictions' more prudently, and try to avoid the 'great leap forward' or slack at work," said the editorial, cited by the BBC. Production increases Coal-producing provinces have faced further contradictory pressures as a result of NDRC orders to increase production, leading to a rash of fatal accidents. The NDRC has responded by sending teams to the mines for safety inspections, slowing production for as much as two months. Similarly, the NDRC ordered coal-fired power plants to boost their coal inventories to guard against outages, only to order a reduction in stockpiles weeks later when it realized that the increases were only serving to drive coal prices higher. Philip Andrews-Speed, a senior principal fellow at the National University of Singapore's Energy Studies Institute, sees the conflicting policies as a clash between market forces and heavy-handed state planning rules. "It is a classic case of the unstoppable market meeting the immoveable plan," said Andrews-Speed. "The 'plan/state' has set limits on energy use, suspended some coal mines, banned coal imports from Australia and limits on power tariffs," he said by email. "The market has driven strong economic growth and exports, driven up the price of coal and gas, and fails to incentivize coal-fired power stations to produce electricity," he said. On Oct. 8, Premier Li Keqiang and the cabinet-level State Council promised new measures to increase energy supplies for the coming winter. "Electricity and coal supply is crucial to people's lives and a stable economic performance. It must be guaranteed," said Li, according to Xinhua. Among the new measures, the government ordered coal mines to boost production "as soon as possible." Mines in Inner Mongolia and Shanxi province were told to increase production capacity by 160 million metric tons. Power companies will be allowed to raise rates by up to 20 percent to cover their costs, up from the previous limit of 10 percent. While the higher rates could encourage power plants to produce more, it was unclear whether they would be enough to offset the record prices of coal. The government's belated measures may help to break the cycle of shortages and price increases. But the contradictory NDRC orders that have complicated the power crisis are reminiscent of its reactions to power shortages in the past. In late 2010, for example, the NDRC took similar steps that resulted in blackouts for industrial enterprises, homes and even hospitals as the government tried to lower electricity use to meet five-year energy efficiency goals. The following March, the NDRC issued a rare apology for the arbitrary cutoffs, although it blamed "some local governments" for going too far in carrying out its orders, Xinhua reported at the time. At a press conference, then-director of the agency, Zhang Ping, "admitted that the NDRC, which is in charge of energy saving and emission cut, is inexperienced in dealing with such a wrong practice, and should be (held) responsible for it." "We will not repeat such mistakes," Zhang said. Reversing the ban In December 2017, the government abruptly cancelled a coal ban for 28 northern cities that had been ordered to switch their heating systems to cleaner-burning gas and electricity after discovering that network connections could not be built in time for winter. Local officials had scrapped coal-fired boilers on orders from the central government, leaving thousands of homes with no heat at all. The mixup sparked public outrage after China Youth Daily published pictures of children at a primary school in Hebei province sitting outside in the winter sun because their classrooms were too cold. Such episodes raise the question of whether China's chronic power shortages and energy crises are the result of internal clashes between economic and environmental factions, or of failures to coordinate planning policies, or perhaps both. The conflicts broke into the open last January when the government's Central Environmental Inspection Team (CEIT) released a blistering report blasting the National Energy Administration (NEA) for allowing new coal-fired plants to be built despite President Xi Jinping's pledge to combat climate change. The CEIT charged the NEA with failing to carry out Xi's environmental policies, demanding that a "rectification plan" should be submitted to the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council within 30 working days. While the demand exposed the conflict, the resolution remains unclear. The government's list of possible remedies has said nothing about the impact of increased coal and power consumption on climate change plans, suggesting that it has deferred environmental concerns until a later date. The climate itself appears to be creating conflicting pressures on China's coal supplies. As far back as August, the government began calling for more production and ordered previously-closed mines in coal- rich Shanxi and other provinces to restart. But on Oct. 8, the same day as Premier Li's meeting with the State Council, heavy rains forced 60 mines in Shanxi to suspend operations, Xinhua said. On Oct. 12, Xinhua said that most of the mines had resumed production. But a separate report said the province had suffered the strongest autumn floods on record, affecting 1.76 million residents with the collapse or serious damage to 37,700 homes and the suspension of 530 high-voltage power lines. Chinese billionaire Desmond Shum was born into a politically disadvantaged background during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), yet eventually rose to mingle with the highest-ranking leaders of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), going into business with his wife Whitney Duan at the helm of the hugely successful Genesis Beijing property development project. During their ascendancy, Duan and Shum rubbed shoulders with the likes of former premier Wen Jiabao, flew in private jets, and ran a multi-billion dollar property development empire that included high-end hotels and an international air cargo terminal. Until Duan was "disappeared" by the authorities on Sept. 5, 2017 while Shum was out of the country, possibly as part of an investigation into the affairs of disgraced former Chongqing party chief Sun Zhengcai. Her whereabouts remain unknown. Shum, who is now divorced from Duan, and who has never returned to China, recently published a memoir titled "Red Roulette." He spoke to Simon Shen, a Hong Kong political scientist and columnist, about his experience of the Chinese political and financial elite: RFA: What did these experiences teach you? Desmond Shum: Actually, I think that every aspect of business in mainland China depends on the powers that be. Everyone knows why. It's because you had better not think of doing any kind of business without the support of someone in power. Even if you just want to open a store, you still have to get to know the local urban management officials in that neighborhood. Otherwise you might as well not bother. It doesn't matter who you are; you still need the backing of someone powerful. The days of stuffing envelopes are long gone; that's crossing a line, and we're not allowed to give very valuable gifts any more. But the people we were associating with have millions of options when it comes to making money, so you would never offer them money anyway. They would be able to get anything we could offer them via other channels anyway. RFA: How did it feel to be in at the start of China's economic boom? Desmond Shum: Mainland China two decades ago still looked pretty backward, and was still in the process of opening up. We felt as if we were part of a positive trend. Some stuff made us feel uncomfortable, or wonder what we thought we were doing, but overall we felt like we were a part of something positive, and that made those things easier to accept. To put it bluntly, you had to completely efface your own personality, and put their interests above everything else. You couldn't have your own point of view; you had to look at everything from their point of view. After a while, I got used to it, but it was hard for someone who was raised in Hong Kong and went to college in the United States. RFA: Was your ex-wife disappeared as part of the anti-corruption campaign of CCP general secretary Xi Jinping? Desmond Shum: They've detained about four million people in the anti-corruption campaign. This has been reported in the media. But it's a joke, and has been for the past three decades. Even if you hauled in every single party member and took them down, one by one, you still wouldn't have gotten everyone. Some would always slip through the net. And there's nobody who is uncorrupt in the entire party, if you apply party standards. So the whole thing is selective. For example, in 2006, around the time that they detained [disgraced former Shanghai party chief] Chen Lianyu, they also looked into the affairs of the daughter of Han Zheng, who is now senior vice premier and in charge of Hong Kong. She was studying in Australia at the time, and they discovered that she had savings of around 100 million yuan. They were going to detain Han Zheng on that basis, but they were worried that would plunge Shanghai into political turmoil if they detained both the party secretary and the mayor at the same time, so they didn't detain him. Instead, they just kept on promoting him. And it's not just the elite. It's the entire country. Back when I was working [for a private equity company] that was categorized as Chinese-invested, the entire management had accounts in Hong Kong where they would stash money away. Everyone in mainland China has overseas bank accounts, to squirrel away money. Nobody believes that private assets will always be protected. There are always hidden dangers in mainland China, and nobody knows when everything will change. That's why they stash their assets overseas. It's a long-ingrained habit. RFA: Do you think the CCP will lose its grip on power? Desmond Shum: There are a few reasons why they won't. First, they have all the guns. Second, they are willing to use them without scruple. That's very different from the West. In Western and Eastern European countries, there's always the stricture of religious belief, or some kind of moral restriction on using force against other people. But the CCP have no such scruples. Thirdly, I think the CCP have been highly successful at hanging onto power for the past 70 years, so they shouldn't be underestimated. I think we are still a long way from the collapse of the CCP. Three years of famine [1958-1961] didn't topple them, and 40 million people died. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Yau Wang-tat is handed a 12-month jail term for 'illegal assembly' with judge citing others' conduct at the scene. People gather to support an 18-year-old student who was shot in the chest by a policeman the day before during clashes between protesters and police in the Tsuen Wan area of Hong Kong, Oct. 2, 2019. A court in Hong Kong on Friday jailed a university graduate who tried to help a teenager shot in the chest with live ammunition by riot police during clashes in Tsuen Wan during the 2019 protest movement. Yau Wang-tat was handed the sentence by the District Court after pleading guilty to "illegal assembly" charges, after they were downgraded from "rioting" charges. Yau was arrested while trying to help teenager Tsang Chi-kin after he was shot in the chest with a live round by a policeman in Tsuen Wan on Oct. 1, 2019, his lawyer told the court. Yau had also struggled to complete his degree in physics amid the pressure of the court case, but was ultimately successful, the lawyer said. Deputy judge Li Chi-ho ruled that this made no difference to the outcome of the case, as the fact that some protesters had hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at police showed the protest must have been planned, and cited video footage of protesters restraining a police officer. He handed down a 12-month prison term despite recognizing that Yau was of good character, and expressing "appreciation" for his "hard work." Yau appeared calm when the sentence was passed, waving goodbye to his friends and family in the public gallery. "I can still feel you all watching me, and that feeling will carry me forwards, my back looking back at the past," he wrote in a social media post after the sentencing. "In this dark history, we are hidden, yet leave footprints," he said. "This brief flash of brilliance may have been buried by the onslaught of history, but it shattered the totality of the dark." "That's why we have to do our best to live our lives today, because the past is at our backs, watching us." He called on people not to fear the "Great Wall" of CCP political control over the daily lives of Hongkongers. "Just flatten it; it won't be enough to keep you from freedom," he wrote. Tsang was 18 years old at the time of his shooting, which left a bullet lodged just 3 centimeters from his heart. Mass protest More than a million Hongkongers took to the streets on June 9, 2019, launching a mass protest movement that started with widespread opposition to plans to allow extradition to mainland China, and broadened into calls for full democracy and official accountability, as well as protests over unprecedented police violence. Beijing has since imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong, launching an ever-widening crackdown on public dissent and political opposition that has seen dozens of former opposition lawmakers and democracy activists detained for "subversion" for taking part in a democratic primary in 2020. The mass public protests -- which Beijing claims were incited by hostile foreign powers fomenting a "color revolution" in Hong Kong -- and the sometimes violent responses by protesters to widespread and excessive police violence, were cited as the main reason for the new regime. The Hong Kong government has said it will push ahead with further legislation on espionage and other "covert" activities. Oaths of allegiance to the Hong Kong and Chinese governments are now required for anyone holding public office, while dozens of pro-democracy politicians have been expelled from the Legislative Council (LegCo) and the District Council in recent months, after an administration official judged their oaths invalid. Electoral changes brought in after a landslide victory for pro-democracy candidates in November 2019 will ensure that no pro-democracy candidates will be approved to run in the forthcoming LegCo election, while the proportion of candidates chosen by a Beijing-backed committee has grown. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Russian President Vladimir Putin calls for disputes in the South China Sea to be resolved without interference from 'non-regional powers.' China has welcomed what it called Russias deep friendship after President Vladimir Putin called for disputes in the South China Sea to be resolved by countries in the region without interference from non-regional powers. Putin didnt name any particular powers in his comments at a conference in Moscow on Wednesday but appeared to be alluding to the United States. China on Thursday described Putins remarks as positive. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing that the deep friendship between President Xi (Jinping) and President Putin is built on a high degree of mutual trust. China believes that no matter how the international situations evolve, China-Russia relations will stay on the right course, Zhao said. Putin spoke at the Russian Energy Week conference in Moscow. He also commented about the tensions between China and Taiwan, saying China did not need to use force. On the South China Sea, the Russian president said that there are oppositely directed interests but Russias position is that we need to allow all regional countries, without interference from non-regional powers, to resolve all emerging disputable issues calmly through negotiations, based on fundamental norms of the international law. In my opinion, theres a potential for that but its not been played out yet, he said. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam contest Chinas claim to almost the entire sea. Chinas says it has historic rights to the area, a position unsupported by international law. For its part, China has been criticizing the U.S. involvement in the region, including the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, which has seen Washington and key allies step up their naval presence in the South China Sea. China has also been critical of the recent announcement of the three-nation defense pact AUKUS between Australia, the U.S., and the United Kingdom, saying it would destabilize and stoke an arms race in the Indo-Pacific. Neutral position Russia has been maintaining a neutral position in the matters related to the South China Sea, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of the Russia in Global Affairs journal. Russia doesn't want to be involved in the South China Sea disputes and tries to keep distance, Lukyanov added. However Ian Storey, senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, warned that while Moscow has been broadly supportive of Chinas position, Beijings jurisdictional claims threaten Russias lucrative energy interests in Southeast Asia. Three Russian state-owned energy companies including Zarubezhneft, Gazprom and Rosneft have been involved in a number of oil and gas projects in the South China Sea. Their operations have all reportedly come under pressure from Beijing. Rosnefts and Zarubezhnefts drilling activities have been obstructed by Chinese vessels. Most recently, two appraisal wells drilled by Zarubezhneft and its partner Harbour Energy in Indonesias Natuna Sea have been encircled by Chinese coastguard ships accompanying the survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 10. According to Storey, China has also been pushing two provisions into the draft text of a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea that Beijing is negotiating with the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, which potentially will cut Russia out of energy projects in the region. One of them stipulates that only energy companies from China and Southeast Asia should undertake joint offshore energy development in the South China Sea; the other asks that none of the 11 parties to the COC should undertake military exercises with a foreign navy in the South China Sea without the prior consent of all parties. I dont think Southeast Asian countries will agree to either of these provisions though, Storey said. Still, until now Russias stance remains the less engagement in South China Sea disputes, the safer (the) future for Russian economic interests, according to Lukyanov. And it is yet to be seen whether those disputes will reach the boiling point that forces Kremlin to take action. Taiwan reunification At the same session, the Russian president also commented on Chinese leader Xis remark last Saturday that "reunification" with Taiwan "must be fulfilled," and by peaceful means. China regards the democratic island as a breakaway province and vows to bring it under Beijings control. Taiwan however sees itself as a sovereign state. Cross-strait tensions have heightened in recent weeks, with China sending a record number of military jets into Taiwans air defense identification zone (ADIZ) ahead of the islands national day on Oct. 10. Taiwanese President Tsai Ying-wen responded by saying her government would seek to bolster the islands military capabilities in order to defend ourselves. Vladimir Putin when speaking about Taiwan said that China does not need to use force. This year, Russia and China celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2001 Treaty of Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russias stance, that "just like the overwhelming majority of other countries, Russia views Taiwan as part of the People's Republic of China. Putin suggested that Taiwan poses no threats to China. China is a great, powerful economy and in terms of purchasing power, China has become the number one economy in the world, ahead of the United States, he said at the Energy Week in Moscow. Building up this economic potential, China is capable to achieve its national objectives. I dont see any threat here, the Russian president concluded. Service at the front is more difficult and dangerous, so everyone wants to serve in rear units. North Korean soldiers visit the Mansu Hill to lay flowers to the bronze statues of their late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019. North Korea is encouraging newly graduated military officers to take up harsh assignments on the front lines in yet another example of forcing less privileged people to volunteer for unpleasant duties, sources in the country told RFA. As it is still technically at war with prosperous South Korea, North Korea makes every male serve at least seven backbreaking years in the armed forces after finishing high school, but those who are well connected or show promise can enter military academies and become officers with easier duties. The 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th Corps of the Korean Peoples Army are front-line units stationed in areas of North Korea closest to the Demilitarized Zone which separates North from South. Even for officers, service on the front is more difficult, more dangerous, and requires much more labor than other assignments. My son and most of his classmates in this years graduating class at O Jin U Artillery Academy have been assigned to the 1st and 5th Corps, front units in Kangwon province, a farmer from Ryanggang province in the countrys north told RFAs Korean Service Thursday. The academys political department forced them to volunteer, saying it was a request of the party, said the farmer, who requested anonymity to speak freely. The farmer said his son had previously been assigned to the 7th Corps in South Hamgyong province in the countrys east, a relatively easy assignment in the rear. When he went to the military academy, he expected to return to his original unit, but when graduation approached they gathered all the students from rear units and said, Youve had a comfortable time in the military in the rear. It is your duty as soldiers and members of the party to go to the front lines and follow the will of the Supreme Commander, said the farmer, referring to the countrys leader Kim Jong Un. In a meeting ahead of graduation, the head of the academy told our son, The General Secretarys request is for you to go to the 1st Corps, the main outpost of the country, basically forcing him to volunteer, the farmer said. The head of the academy told his son that it would be helpful for his future if he volunteered for duty in the 1st Corps and would be a good display of his loyalty, according to the farmer. If he were to disobey the request to join the unit on the front line, it would leave a mark on his personal record and follow him for the rest of his days. Moreover, all his hard work over the past three years becoming a military officer as the son of a lowly farmer will have been in vain, said the farmer. All the graduates from the rear naturally volunteered for service on the front, according to the farmer. Who could possibly dare to disobey the demands of the party? A former soldier who served in the 1st Corps told RFA that frontline service is so bad that nobody wants to serve in those units. Kangwon province is very mountainous, so there are not many people, and the transportation situation is very inconvenient. Working and living conditions are awful, said the former soldier, who now lives in North Hamgyong in the countrys northeast. Once assigned to a front unit, its almost impossible to be reassigned to the rear. The greatest wish for 1st Corps soldiers and their families is to go to a rear unit north of Chollyong, said the former soldier, who requested anonymity for security reasons. Chollyong is an area of Kangwon province notorious for its 99 steep peaks and valleys. The rough terrain makes any assignment there extremely difficult, and anything north of Chollyong is a cushy rear assignment in comparison. The 1st and 5th Corps are all-round corps, larger than the others and are the core units that the party is most focused on, the former soldier said. Kim Jong Uns father and predecessor Kim Jong Il visited the 1st and 5th Corps during the 1994-1998 North Korean famine to encourage them to prevent any unexpected chaos at a time when the country was on the brink of collapse, the former soldier said. I dont know how I endured more than 20 years at the base in that mountain range in Kangwon province. I still get goosebumps thinking about that time, the former soldier said. The former soldier said that all the officers at the front are always trying to transfer to the rear, and nobody wants to serve there when they graduate from the academy, so therefore authorities are forcing them to volunteer. In the end, the reality of this countrys military is that the children of the poor and powerless have no choice but to serve at the front. Reported by Chang Gyu Ahn for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Troops loyal to Myanmars junta have torched an entire villageincluding a Baptist church and a dozen other buildingsin the countrys embattled Chin state, residents said Thursday, prompting condemnation from a local human rights group which called the act a war crime under international law. The burnings took place on Wednesday afternoon, after a military convoy of around 40 vehicles and two tanks headed from Falam township to the Chin state capital Hakha was attacked about three miles outside of Falam by the anti-junta Chin Defense Force militia, an armed group formed to combat Myanmars military in the western state, sources told RFAs Myanmar Service. Following the clash, the military set up camp in Rialti villagesome five miles further along the road to Hakha from the site where the convoy was attackedand began setting buildings alight, residents said. A religious leader from the Rialti Village Baptist Church, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal, said that the military initially burned eight homes around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, before continuing to set buildings on fire Thursday morning. This morning, it was the church and our warehousethose two were set on fire earlier this morning and at about 9:00 a.m., the remaining three houses, he said. All were gone in a short while. The whole village, including the church, was set on fire. Eight houses were torched yesterday. In all, 13 buildings, including the church, were destroyed. Residents said that the troops only left the village on Thursday after making sure that the buildings were ablaze. They told RFA that they had fled to nearby forested hills when the military arrived on Wednesday and watched from afar as the structures went up in flames. Junta spokesman Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun on Thursday dismissed reports that government troops were responsibile for the burning of the church and homes in Rialti village, saying the military does not open fire on any religious building or in any village. Its not right to blame the military every time something happens during a battleits always an exchange of fire between the two sides, he said. What we do know is that there was no fighting in that locality. Additionally, we are rebuilding religious buildings that were destroyed by fire or other reasons. But Salai Za Op Lin, deputy executive director of the India-based Chin Human Rights Organization, confirmed to RFA that the military had burned down the Baptist church and other buildings in Rialti village and called the act a war crime. We see this as a war crime because wherever they go, they focus on wherever there are large numbers of peopleits a deliberate violation of religious freedom, he said, noting that other Christian communities in Chin state have been targeted since the military seized power in a February coup. Now that the military has started a real operation in Chin state, we can expect a lot of such abuses and acts, and we urge the international community to keep a close eye on this. Last month, Pastor Cung Biak Hum, 31, was shot and killed when he and several others ran to put out fires set by government soldiers during an attack on Chin states Thantlang town, the scene of recent fighting with civilian militias that oppose the junta takeover. Attacks on churches Myanmars military overthrew the democratically elected National League for Democracy 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 1,171 people and arresting 7,308 others, according to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Amid nationwide turmoil, the military has stepped up offensives in remote parts of the country, triggering fierce battles with local Peoples Defense Force militias and some of the dozens of ethnic armies that control large swathes of territory along Myanmars periphery. According to Salai Za Op Lin, the militarys actions on Wednesday marked the eighth time junta forces have destroyed a Christian church in Chin state in the more than eight months since taking over the government. He said that while the military has attacked churches with heavy weapons and destroyed religious objects in the past, the incident in Rialti was the first time a church was set on fire. Dr. Hkalam Samson of the Kachin Baptist Association called any kind of an attack on churches unacceptable. We have always objected to the intentional destruction of religious buildings in the midst of conflict, he said. We could understand and accept this kind of thing if it was an accident. But there has been a lot of intentional destruction and we cannot accept such actions. Christians make up around six percent of Buddhist-majority Myanmars population. Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. The verbal attack on Zumrat Dawut comes as she recovers from surgery at a US hospital. Uyghur Zumrat Dawut (2nd from L) has drinks and a meal with two Han Chinese 'relatives' in Urumqi, capital of northwestern China's Xinjiang region, in 2018. Chinese officials have denounced a former Uyghur internment camp detainee who was forcibly sterilized about three years ago and has spoken publicly about her ordeal, as part of an ongoing smear campaign to discredit those who have exposed abuses against the mostly Muslim minority group. Zumrat Dawut, who came to the U.S. with her family via Pakistan in 2019, had testified about her experience in the camps, where she was subjected to forced sterilization, providing news outlets and human rights organizations with strong evidence of the Chinese governments alleged genocidal policies. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced her in April along with other former residents of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) who had testified about abuses in the region while living abroad as liars, criminals, terrorists, and persons of bad morality. At a press conference Monday in Beijing, XUAR government officials defended their policies concerning Uyghur women and responded to recent reports that they had sold the assets of detained Uyghur businesspeople online. Chinese officials hold periodic press conferences to counter condemnation of a litany of documented abuses against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in Xinjiang, including confinement in mass internment camps, sexual assaults, forced abortions and birth control measures, and forced labor. China has held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and others in re-education 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. Chinese officials say the camps are vocational training facilities where Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities are taught skills in an effort to prevent religious extremism and terrorism in the region, where about 12 million Uyghurs live. At the press conference, Xinjiang government spokesman Xu Guixiang discussed what he called the protection of women's rights and interests in Xinjiang. Some anti-China forces falsely claim that Xinjiang has severely violated the rights and interests of ethnic minority women, and spread lies about the so-called forced birth control and forced labor by ethnic minority women, he said. Facts have proved that with the continuous enhancement of the protection of womens rights and interests in Xinjiang, the development environment of women of all ethnic groups has been continuously improved, the level of education has been significantly improved, the awareness of rights protection of marriage, family and property has increased significantly, and peoples livelihoods and welfare have been steadily improved, Xu said. They wanted to attack me psychologically When discussing policies on Uyghur women, Xu attacked Zumrat, who was forced to undergo sterilization surgery three years ago. He rejected statements that Zumrat previously made that she had been held in a training center, that she and other detained Uyghur women were forced to take contraceptives, and that she had been forced to undergo sterilization surgery. He also denied that her relatives Han Chinese assigned to monitor the homes of Uyghurs had forced her to eat pork. Xu also said that Zumrats father had never been questioned by police and did not die in custody. Additionally, Xu told the audience that the womans older brother said that her Han relative was actually a relative of Zumrats brother, Abduhelil Dawut, and that his relative never once spent the night in the house. Xu went on to say that in January 2018, Zumrats brothers relative invited Zumrat, along with her brother and sister-in-law, to come to his house, and that the relatives mother was an ethnic Hui Muslim, which meant that that it was impossible that she would have served pork to the guests. The Xinjiang regional government has smeared other former Uyghur female detainees, including Tursunay Ziyawudun, Qelbinur Sidiq, and Sayragul Sauytbay, who have testified about the abuse they endured or witnessed. Zumrat told RFA on Monday that she was surprised that Xu had discredited her at the press conference. They took advantage of a time when I was ill and weak, she said. It was as though they wanted to attack me psychologically. On top of that, today is exactly two years since the day my father died. The time of my surgery occurred at the same time as the two-year anniversary of his death. Zumrat also said that she has ample evidence that she was in an internment camp, underwent forced sterilization surgery, and had Han Chinese relatives inside her home. Even now, compared to other survivors, whether were talking about the relatives program or other things, I witnessed it all and have photographs I took with me when I left, she said. They cannot deny this. There wasnt only one [relative] in my house. My daughter was five years old at the time, and even she had a Han Chinese relative, Zumrat said. I cant remember their names right now, but I have photos of all of them. I even have photos when they were lying down and sleeping on the quilts in my home. Zumrat pointed out that Xu was correct in stating that the mother of her older brothers relative, who is surnamed Zhao, was an ethnic Hui, but that the official failed to mention that Zhaos father was Han Chinese. Zhao renounced her own family and married a Han Chinese man, saying that she had become Han herself and started eating pork, Zumrat said. She gave us [pork], she said. She told us that it was necessary to slowly, gradually change Muslim [halal] rules. She said things like that, like it was nothing. And she was actually a police officer, this woman, Zhao. Hospital recovery The press conference coincided with Zumrats recovery from a hysterectomy at a hospital in northern Virginia on Oct. 7. She had to undergo the operation because the forced sterilization surgery had damaged her uterus and endangered her life. A written statement Zumrat submitted to her gynecologist said she had become infertile approximately three years ago after undergoing forced surgery in China. Her physician, Dr. Devin Miller, said in a letter obtained by RFA that the forced sterilization left Zumrat unable to have children. Uyghur human rights activist Rahima Mahmut said Uyghur women have been the greatest source of firsthand information about the internment camps in Xinjiang and that China is attacking those who have been released because they have exposed the governments wrongdoings. It is primarily these brave women of ours who have spoken about the terrifying things inside [the camps], she told RFA. They have spurred discussion in the world by speaking in detail about intensely private things, things that people are normally too afraid to speak about. There has been a great power in this. This is why China is attacking them. Mahmut also said that China is using all means to cover up its crimes, including denouncing all former camp detainees as liars. Why are they attacking Uyghur women to this degree nonstop? she asked Its because they have exposed Chinas real motives. These women have done the best job in raising awareness of Chinas crimes against humanity. The U.S. and other Western states have determined that the treatment of Uyghurs constitutes genocide and crimes against humanity. They also have imposed unilateral sanctions on relevant individuals and entities in Xinjiang. XUAR government officials at the press conference also defended the seizure and online auction of property confiscated from detained Uyghur businesspeople. The government has sold assets totaling more than U.S. $80 million, according to a Wall Street Journal report based on information compiled by the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) and published in September. XUAR government spokesman Elijan Inayet defended the sales of the assets, telling attendees at the press conference that the individuals who owned them had been arrested and imprisoned on charges such as terrorism, extremism, inciting ethnic hatred, and disturbing the social order. But the UHRP report said that the individuals detained for such charges had been jailed in a highly secretive process of arrest and trial that appears to fall outside judicial due process, in violation of Chinas own laws. Reported by Jilil Kashgary for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by the Uyghur Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Trinh Thi Thao says her brother was beaten to the point of hospitalization for kidney inflammation. Can Thi Theu (R) and her son, Trinh Ba Tu (L), in an undated photo. Jailed Vietnamese land activist Trinh Ba Tu was brutally tortured in detention as part of a bid by authorities to force him to plead guilty to charges of anti-state activities, a relative said Thursday, prompting calls by rights groups for an immediate investigation into his case. Trinh Thi Thao, Tus elder sister, told RFAs Vietnamese Service that she met with her brothers lawyers on Monday and learned that he had been so badly beaten during an interrogation following his June 24, 2020 arrest that he required hospitalization for kidney inflammation. After receiving treatment, he was returned to detention and told to sign a false statement confessing to the crime of creating, storing, disseminating anti-State materials under Article 117 of Vietnams Criminal Code related to posting online content critical of the governments brutal response to a long-running dispute over a military airport construction site about 25 miles south of the capital Hanoi. My brother Tu said that the prosecutor insulted him during the interrogationthe prosecutors name is Minh and hes a prosecutor from Hoa Binh province, Thao said. During the investigation process, investigators promised Tu that if he pleaded guilty, he would be jailed for only six years, otherwise he would have to serve eight. Tu and his mother Can Thi Theu, who was arrested the same day and similarly charged, were sentenced on May 5 to eight years in prison and three years on probation each. His brother Trinh Ba Phuong and another land activist named Nguyen Thi Tam were separately arrested on June 24 on charges of propagandizing against the state for posting online articles and livestreaming videos condemning the government for its handling of the military airport dispute. Phuong and Tam remain in detention pending a trial expected to begin on Nov. 4, Thao told RFA. Speaking to RFA on Thursday, Ming Yu Hah, deputy director of London-based rights group Amnesty International, said that if the reports of Tus torture are true, the Vietnamese government must be held accountable. Beating by the authorities under such circumstances would likely constitute torture or other ill treatment, which is absolutely prohibited by international law, she said, adding that Tu should never have been convicted and sentenced in the first place. These serious allegations of torture and ill treatment must be investigated by the Vietnamese authorities immediately and the perpetrators must be brought to justice without delay. Ming Yu Hah noted that Tu, Theu, and Phuong are all recognized as prisoners of conscience by Amnesty International and called for them to be freed. They have committed no recognizable crimes and have instead been punished for raising awareness of human rights violations committed by the Vietnamese Government, she said. They must be released immediately and unconditionally. Trinh Ba Tu and his mother Can Thi Theu, who Thao told RFA in July were being held in solitary confinement at a detention center in nearby Hoa Binh province, are currently awaiting a trial to appeal their convictions. The two have also been refused family visits since their trial, although authorities have yet to explain why. Dong Tam incident On Jan. 9, 2020, around 3,000 security officers conducted a raid on Dong Tam communes Hoanh hamlet to intervene in a long-running dispute over a military airport construction site about 25 miles south of Vietnams capital, Hanoi. Dong Tam village elder Le Dinh Kinh, 84, was shot and killed by police during the operation, and Kinhs sons Le Dinh Chuc and Le Dinh Cong were sentenced to death on Sept. 14, 2020 in connection with the deaths of three police officers who were also killed in the clash. In an earlier flare-up of the Dong Tam dispute that goes back to 1980, farmers detained 38 police officers and local officials during a weeklong standoff in April 2017. Three months later, the Hanoi Inspectorate rejected the farmers claims that 47 hectares (116 acres) of their farmland were seized for the military-run Viettel GroupVietnams largest mobile phone operatorwithout adequate compensation. While all land in Vietnam is ultimately held by the state, land confiscations have become a flashpoint as residents accuse the government of pushing small landholders aside in favor of lucrative real estate projects, and of paying too little in compensation. International organizations have voiced concern about the Dong Tam case, calling on the Vietnamese government to hold an independent and transparent investigation. According to Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), state media in Vietnam are highly restricted, leaving bloggers and independent journalists as the only sources of independently reported information in the country, despite being subjected to ever-harsher forms of persecution. Measures taken against them now include assaults by plainclothes police, RSF said in its 2021 Press Freedoms Index, which placed Vietnam at 175 out of 180 countries surveyed worldwide, a ranking unchanged from last year. To justify jailing them, the Party resorts to the criminal codes, especially three articles under which activities aimed at overthrowing the government, anti-state propaganda and abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to threaten the interests of the state are punishable by long prison terms, the rights group said. Vietnams already low tolerance of dissent deteriorated sharply last year with a spate of arrests of independent journalists, publishers, and Facebook personalities as authorities continued to stifle critics in the run-up to the ruling Communist Party Congress in January. But arrests continue in 2021. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Anna Vu. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Nguyen Doan Quang Vien promoted the Provisional Government of Vietnam and supported its leader as president. Vietnamese authorities on Friday arrested and charged a man with carrying out activities to overthrow the government, making him at least the fourth person this year apprehended for joining a U.S.-based exile Vietnamese organization branded by Hanoi as an overseas terrorist group, state media reported. Nguyen Doan Quang Vien, 39, of Lam Dong province and Ho Chi Minh City, had asked to join the Provisional Government of Vietnam after learning of its existence on social media in 2017, according to a police investigation. Based in Orange County, California, the Provisional Government of Vietnam, was founded in 1991 by former soldiers and refugees loyal to the U.S.-backed government of South Vietnam that was overthrown and absorbed by North Vietnam in 1975. The group now refers to itself as the Third Republic of Vietnam, according to its website. Vien had additionally promoted the organization to others and encouraged them to take part in a referendum on supporting its U.S. citizen leader, Dao Minh Quan, as the rightful president of the country, according to the report. Authorities have this year arrested at least three others for allegedly joining the Provisional Government of Vietnam. In August, the court sentenced Tran Huu Duc of Nghe An province to three years in prison and Ngo Cong Tru from Phu Yen province to 10 years. Police detained Le Thi Kim Phi from An Giang province in September, but she has yet to be sentenced. Vietnam designated the Provisional Government of Vietnam as a terrorist organization in 2018 and has continuously arrested and imprisoned many people on the charge of being involved in the group over the years. RFA has contacted the organization many times for comment, but never has received a response. In 2017, Lisa Pham, a senior member of the group living in the U.S., was accused by Vietnams communist government of being involved in a plot to blow up Tan Son Nhat International Airport. At that time, she told RFA that she had nothing to do with the 15 people convicted for their role in the plot. The leader of the would-be bombers, Dang Hoang Thien, was sentenced in December 2017 to 16 years in prison and five years of house arrest, while 14 other members of the group were sentenced to terms ranging from five to 14 years. RFA has reported about two dozen cases in which Vietnamese citizens have been convicted and jailed for political offenses over social media posts since the beginning of this year. Among those serving sentences for Facebook posts are journalists, bloggers, and an ordinary citizen who posted complaints about coronavirus policies. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Anna Vu. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Relative calm is being reported at a prison in the south of Russia on October 16, a day after a riot there by hundreds of prisoners. The unrest was reported at the Correctional Colony No. 1 in Vladikavkaz, the regional capital of North Ossetia. No one was injured in the riot, the human rights ombudsman in the Republic of South Ossetia, Tamerlan Tsgoyev, was quoted as saying by TASS on October 16. He added that prison authorities would meet with some of the prisoners to discuss their grievances. Earlier reports spoke of additional security being deployed at the prison where some 600 inmates are reportedly incarcerated. Its still unclear what triggered the unrest. According to the Interfax news agency, two prisoners ignored requests from guards during cell searches. They then incited other prisoners to riot, who then went on to destroy surveillance cameras. However, in an interview published on the Telegram channel Mash, a prisoners relative said the riot was triggered by the tightening of the prison's regime. But the Baza Telegram channel cited unidentified sources as saying the protest began after prison guards intervened in a conflict between two prisoners. Prisoners in Russian penitentiaries have rioted for years to protest jail conditions, often maiming themselves to draw attention to their plight. Recently, a prominent Russian human rights defender said he had received a large batch of videos that he claims show prison inmates being tortured by agents of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN). Vladimir Osechkin wrote on Facebook on October 4 that the videos "prove" that FSB and FSIN members are using rape and other forms of torture to force inmates to cooperate with them and that they "themselves become part of the torture machine" by snitching on other inmates or by signing false testimonies prepared by investigators. Russian prosecutors said on October 5 that they had launched a preliminary investigation into the videos already released by Osechkin, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov promised a "serious" probe if the incidents depicted in the clips turn out to be genuine. One of the videos posted on the Vot-tak.tv website shows several people using a large stick to rape a naked man who is tied to a bed. According to Osechkin, that video was shot in a Russian prison in February 2020. The Mediazona website published three other videos purportedly showing inmates being tortured in a prison hospital in the city of Saratov. YEREVAN -- One Azerbaijani soldier has been killed and six Armenian servicemen wounded in Nagorno-Karabakh in skirmishes reported late on October 14. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said that the soldier was killed by Armenian sniper fire. In a statement, ethnic Armenian forces denied responsibility for his death, reporting later in the evening that six of its soldiers at an outpost in Karabakh's east were wounded after coming under Azerbaijani fire. The statement added that Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in the region were immediately alerted about the truce violation denied by the Azerbaijani side. Nagorno-Karabakh official Artak Beglarian said shortly after midnight that shooting broke out at several other sections of the "line of contact" around Karabakh. "The situation has now stabilized along the entire line of contact," Beglarian wrote on Facebook. "The military and political leadership of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is taking urgent steps to further stabilize the situation, making necessary decisions and communicating with relevant parties." The official also said that although two of the wounded ethnic Armenian soldiers were in serious condition, their lives were not at risk. The skirmishes were among the most serious violations of a cease-fire agreement that Russia brokered in November 2020 to stop the Armenian-Azerbaijani war over the disputed territory 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. The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met on October 14 for the second time in less than a month for talks mediated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. They also held separate talks with Lavrov on the sidelines of a gathering in Minsk of top diplomats from a dozen ex-Soviet states. "We spoke at length in Moscow recently but can today look at some additional issues of both bilateral character and of course the region," Lavrov told Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. "Karabakh must always receive our attention." Speaking with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov, he cited unspecified "issues that need to be resolved." The Russian Foreign Ministry said that at their trilateral meeting the ministers "reviewed" the implementation of a Russian-brokered agreement that stopped the war. "They concluded that most provisions of that statement are being successfully implemented. They agreed to intensify work on the remaining issues," it said without elaborating. Mirzoyan was cited by his press office as saying that Baku continues to hold dozens of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives in breach of the truce accord. He also reaffirmed Yerevan's stated commitment to a "comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh" dispute advanced by the U.S., Russian, and French co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The three mediators took part in Mirzoyan's first meeting with Bayramov held in New York on September 24. In a joint statement, they said they proposed specific focused measures to de-escalate the situation and possible next steps. They did not disclose the proposals. The mediators are expected to visit Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Karabakh soon. It will be their first tour of the conflict zone since the 2020 war. Karabakh was on the agenda during Russian President Vladimir Putins latest meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian held in Moscow on October 12. Pashinian described the meeting as "very productive" but did not give details. The government of Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka has shut down independent media, blocked websites, and jailed and tortured journalists in an attempt to stamp out domestic criticism of his often-brutal rule. Now it may be turning its sights toward readers of the last vestiges of independent media inside the country. Belarus's Internal Police warned on October 13 that a new government resolution considers subscribers to Telegram channels labeled by the state as "extremist" to be participants in an "extremist" organization and, thus, subject to criminal prosecution. That would imply that citizens could face up to seven years in prison for subscribing to popular independent channels like Nexta Live! or Tut.by, which are among the more than 170 channels and chats labeled "extremist" by the government. The Internal Police claim they have that power under a new resolution passed by the Council of Ministers earlier in the week that came into force on October 14. However, the resolution -- which purports to fight "extremism and the rehabilitation of Nazism" -- makes no mention of criminal liability for Telegram subscribers, begging the question of whether the police are just seeking to intimidate subscribers. In a country that has been criticized for ignoring the rule of law, some citizens are not waiting to find out. Nexta Live!, the most popular Telegram channel in Belarus, lost more than 18,000 subscribers on October 13, the day the police published their notice. It represented a 10-fold increase compared with the daily average over the past week in the number of people unsubscribing from the channel. Nexta Live! lost more than another 10,000 the following day. Tut.by, the second-largest channel, lost about 25,000 subscribers over the two-day period, or about 5 percent of its subscribers. https://by.tgstat.com/e The Telegram channel of RFE/RL's Belarus Service has not been proclaimed "extremist" by the government, but like most channels run by independent media, it has seen an exodus of subscribers. The resolution, which was officially published on October 14, the day it entered into force, makes no mention of criminal liability for subscribing to a channel considered "extremist." Rather, it outlines the procedure for how the Internal Police is to collect information and publish a list of people and organizations the authorities consider "extremist." Even if it were mentioned in the decree, there would still be no legal basis for police to arrest subscribers, Belarusian lawyer Syarhey Zikratski told RFE/RL. Criminal liability cannot be introduced by resolutions of the Council of Ministers or the Interior Ministry, he said. It must be introduced as an amendment to the Criminal Code. Furthermore, he said the Criminal Code outlaws "extremist actions" and argued that subscribing cannot be considered to fit that definition. However, Zikratski conceded that in Belarus things are "sometimes not done according to law" and that "nobody can be sure" they won't be criminally charged for subscribing. Ramping Up Pressure The Internal Police statement is the latest pressure tactic by the authorities against the Belarusian opposition since it took to the streets to protest the results of the August 2020 presidential election, which Lukashenka claimed to win despite claims of widespread fraud in his favor. Crisis In Belarus Read our ongoing coverage as Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka ramps up pressure on NGOs and independent media as part of a brutal crackdown against protesters and the opposition following an August 2020 election widely considered fraudulent. Over the past 14 months, the Belarusian authorities have jailed tens of thousands of protesters, hundreds of whom have been tortured, and shut down independent media websites. Many opposition leaders have been driven to leave the country. More recently, the government has been targeting channels on Telegram, which remains one of the few platforms available for the opposition and independent media to get their messages out to the public. Belarus had, as of August, labeled more than 170 Telegram chats and channels, including nearly all those run by independent media, as "extremist." The overwhelming majority of the designations have come since February. Belarusian police have been saying for months that subscribing to an "extremist" channel or chat is an administrative offense and have taken some actions against individuals. According to the Vyasna human rights center, as of late August, more than 30 individuals faced fines or short jail sentences lasting from one to a few days for subscribing to or commenting on "extremist" Telegram channels. That crackdown has accelerated since the September 28 shoot-out between IT worker Andrey Zeltsar and the KGB security service. Belarusian police have arrested more than 100 people for online comments regarding the shoot-out, which left Zeltsar and one officer dead. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. The police have mainly charged the individuals with "offending a government officer" or "inciting social discord." Many of them made their comments about the incident on Telegram channels and chats. Separately, Belarusian police earlier this month arrested Ruslan Kuzmich, a 38-year-old locksmith who participated in protests after he posted a comment in a Telegram channel considered extremist. Under a post of a video showing an unidentified man with a gun, Kuzmich reportedly wrote that it's time for citizens to take up arms. He faces up to six years in prison on charges of promoting extremist actions. Rachel Denber, deputy director of the Europe and Central Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, told RFE/RL that the Belarusian authorities were going to such "extreme measures to strangle freedom of information and expression" that it would not be surprising if it adopted a policy of criminalizing Telegram subscriptions. "Only the most repressive governments resort to criminally prosecuting people, whether explicitly or obliquely, for what they read," Denber said. A Belarusian court has designated the official Telegram channel of exiled opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the platform Golos (Voice) as extremist, as the authorities continue their clampdown on the opposition, independent media, and civil society following last years disputed presidential election. The decisions were made by the Tsentralny district court on October 15 based on information provided by the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption, known as GUBOPiK. Anyone subscribing to channels or chats designated as extremist can face jail time or fines. Tsikhanouskayas Telegram channel has more than 100,000 subscribers. It publishes statements by opposition leaders and information about the work of her team, among other things. Golos, which publishes information about election fraud, has more than 94,000 subscribers. Authorities have declared hundreds of Telegram channels and chats extremist since Belarus was engulfed by protests last year after a presidential election in August -- which the opposition and the West say was rigged -- gave authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka a sixth consecutive term. In response, the government has cracked down hard on the pro-democracy movement, arresting thousands of people and pushing most of the top opposition figures out of the country. Lukashenka, who has run the country since 1994, has denied any fraud in the election and refuses to negotiate with the opposition on a political transition and new elections. Since she was first jailed in 2018 for covering labor strikes at a local sugar factory, journalist and activist Sepideh Gholian has become somewhat of an expert at exposing the torture tactics she has witnessed in prisons throughout Iran. Now the 26-year-old's experiences, drawn from her incarceration at detention facilities and four notorious penitentiaries around the country, has landed her back in a familiar place -- prison. Gholian was on medical furlough after contracting COVID-19 when a large team of security agents stormed her family's home in the western Khuzestan Province on October 10, arrested her, and took her into detention. Gholian's lawyer, Amir Raisian, wrote on Twitter on October 13 that his client called her family after two days and said she had been taken from the provincial capital, Ahvaz, to the port town of Bushehr, and from there to Tehran's notorious Evin prison. Gholians lawyer said his client was transferred to the Tehran facility for "investigation and interrogation." As she has been transferred from prison to prison over the years Gholian has specifically requested that she not be sent back to Evin prison where, she told RFE/RL's Radio Farda in an interview last month, she had been "threatened with death and rape many times." Her arrest came just days after Gholian posted an image of a summons for her to face charges of "spreading lies and propaganda" online against the Iranian government. While the Iranian authorities have not officially made the connection, Gholians arrest and transfer to Evin prison appears to be related to a series of tweets she posted on September 9 in which she documented what she said was rampant prisoner abuse during her time at Bushehr Central Prison. Those tweets included accounts of psychological torture, collective punishment, and sex-for-favors practices. In posting the summons she received from the local prosecutor's office, Gholian wrote on September 22 that "the Islamic Republic has once again proved that its answer to truth and justice is repression and revenge." Revealing Punishments Just a day before she was summoned to face fresh charges, she expounded on her claims of prisoner abuse in an interview with Radio Farda in which she said she felt as if she had seen the "ends of the earth." "I came to believe that there really might be such a place, because I have been in a public prison ward" in Iran, said Gholian, whose journey through the country's penal system began at a detention facility in her home province of Khuzestan after her arrest along with other activists during the protests at the Haft Tappeh Sugar Factory. Oil-rich Khuzestan is home to Irans Arab minority. The community has long complained of discrimination and say they do not benefit from the provinces wealth. In her tweets, Gholian wrote that inmates at the women's ward of the Bushehr facility are subjected to the "most savage forms of torture, and are kept in the most inhuman conditions, and their crime is simply that they are women and inmates." She then posted five separate accounts to back up her claims, including collective punishments for rule violations, being forced to strip naked in front of inmates and prison workers, psychological pressure, forced temporary marriage with male inmates, and coerced sex with guards. Since then, she has been bounced around, starting with Sepidar prison in Khuzestan. While the right to be incarcerated in one's region of residence is enshrined in Iranian law, Gholian told RFE/RL that she had been transferred four times in the space of 30 months with no explanation and despite her requests that she be allowed to serve her sentence within traveling distance of her family. In addition to Sepidar, she has served time in Evin prison; the Qarchak facility southeast of the capital, considered the worst women's prison in Iran; Bushehr; and now, back to Evin. Gholian told RFE/RL that she was fearful of returning to Evin prison and said she had alerted the authorities of the threats she had received there. "Many times, when I put my head on the pillow, I felt that I would be killed by tomorrow," Gholian said in the September interview. "It is the same now. When I met with the Evin prison judge I told him: 'If you send me back, just know that I will be killed there if the situation is the same." She said that her notoriety in the media and as an activist might have spared her the harshest treatment, but she was not exempt from routine abuse. She described being grabbed by her hands and feet and kicked and punched by guards. At times Gholian, who has been studying Iran's Islamic law while in prison, was sent into "quarantine" merely for exercising her rights. "As a prisoner, I have the right to lodge complaints" about prison conditions, she said. But the reality was very different. For example, she said: "Say I come and ask why there is no water. The security guards are brought in to beat me. They take me to solitary confinement. All this happened while I was there." 'Human Dignity Is Trampled' She also expounded on some of the obscure forms of collective punishment she described in her controversial tweets about Bushehr. The wearing of underwear is mandatory for all prisoners, she wrote. But after one woman refused to wear a bra day and night all of her fellow inmates were forced to surrender their undergarments. "At roll call, and in front of the horror-stricken eyes of the other female inmates," she wrote, the guards tore her clothes off. "The inmates continued to pay for [the prisoner's] refusal. They lined everyone up and forced them to take their bras and underwear off and put them in a trash bag." "From that point on, wearing undergarments was prohibited for weeks, even when the women had their period," Gholian wrote. In another case, a woman who used a bottle of mineral water to shower when not allowed was taken to the prison yard, stripped naked, and doused with milk and mineral water in front of other inmates and guards. "It is said that a woman's 'human dignity' must be preserved," Gholian told RFE/RL. "But the same woman is stripped naked during roll call." She said that a "woman's human dignity is trampled on with all her being" when stripped naked in front of others, and that while she has written hundreds of letters to the authorities, including Attorney-General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, about the incident, none has been answered. "I have described all the issues in such a way that there is no need to talk to the prisoner at all," she said. "I have mentioned the exact date of the incident so that they can go [check the security-camera footage] and see how the prisoner was stripped naked and bathed in mineral water and milk." This is far from the first time Gholian has gone public with accounts of abusive treatment against her or other prisoners in Iran, which international rights watchdogs routinely criticize for its systemic use of torture, political repression, the execution of minors, and other crimes against humanity. Gholian was arrested along with about 20 activists, protest organizers, and workers during the Haft Tappeh Sugar Factory strike in November 2018. But while most were released on bond the next day, Gholian was imprisoned for a month. Her release from prison in Ahvaz was short-lived. After Iranian state television aired footage in January 2019, in which it purported to show Gholian confessing to taking part in alleged Western-backed efforts to overthrow the government, she promptly countered on social media by saying she had been beaten and forced to make a false confession. The next day, her father, Khodarahm Gholian, told RFE/RL that security forces arrived at the family home to take both Sepideh and her brother Mehdi away. Khodarahm Gholian said Sepideh and Mehdi were severely beaten before being thrown in a vehicle, and that the officers also beat him and his wife. He told RFE/RL that, upon his daughter's release the previous December, authorities warned they would "burn her to ashes" if she spoke out. Based on her alleged confession, she was sentenced to 18 years in prison, after which she was released on bail in October 2019 after going on a hunger strike that prompted Amnesty International to raise concerns. While out of custody, Gholian wrote a memoir about her time in Sepidar prison that was published by Iran Wire in July 2020. The personal account -- broken into 19 vignettes that describe discrimination against Arab inmates, forced shavings, rape, and other abuses -- has since been published as a book, Tilapia Sucks The Blood Of Hur al-Azim. Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Michael Scollon, based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda and an interview conducted by Radio Farda senior correspondent Mohammad Zarghami. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says he is "ready" to meet Iranian leaders in Brussels as part of efforts to revive the faltering 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, while warning that "time is pressing." Borrell made the comments on October 15, a day after EU envoy Enrique Mora was in Tehran to press for a firm date for resuming talks on the agreement, which offered Tehran the lifting of some international sanctions in exchange for a ramping down of its nuclear enrichment program. The pact was left in tatters after then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States unilaterally from the pact in 2018 and started reimposing crippling sanctions on Iran. In response, Tehran has progressively rolled back its own commitments to the deal. Indirect negotiations on both sides returning to compliance with the deal, via intermediaries from other parties to the accord (Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia), began in Vienna six months ago, but the talks were suspended following the June election of hard-line Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. After Mora met in Tehran with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri, who is in charge of the nuclear file for Iran, the Foreign Ministry said the sides had agreed to continue dialogue on questions of mutual interest in the coming days in Brussels." "I know that the Iranians want to have some kind of previous talks with me as coordinator and with some members of the board of the JCPOA," Borrell told journalists during a visit to Washington, referring to the formal name of the deal: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. "I cannot tell you a precise date. I am ready to receive them, if needed," said Borrell, who met a day earlier with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "Time is pressing," the EU diplomatic chief said, adding that the new government in Tehran had had enough time to study the file and instruct its negotiating team. Borrell added that he did not think talks in Brussels were absolutely necessary but that he had to be willing to be somewhat "patient on this issue, because we cannot afford to fail." 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. With reporting by AFP and Reuters Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Islamic State (IS) militant group has thousands of fighters in northern Afghanistan, as Moscow prepares to host international talks next week on the situation in the country. "According to our intelligence, the number of (IS) members alone in northern Afghanistan is about 2,000 people," Putin said on October 15 during a video address to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit of ex-Soviet states. The Russian leader claimed the alleged IS fighters planned to move between ex-Soviet Central Asian countries disguised as refugees, in order to stir up religious and ethnic discord. He did not give details. Earlier this week, Putin warned of the threat of veteran fighters from Iraq and Syria with IS links crossing into Afghanistan, while the Russian Foreign Ministry urged the Taliban rulers to deal with the threat. Putin's special envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said on October 15 that next week's talks would focus on trying "to work out a common position on the changing situation in Afghanistan." The United States, China, and Pakistan will join talks scheduled for October 19, Kabulov said, adding that the Taliban and other regional actors will join the meeting a day later. He said the Taliban had yet to announce the composition of its delegation. Kabulov said Moscow did not expect any "breakthrough solutions" but would "openly state our complaints to the Afghan delegation." The Taliban, which seized control of Kabul from the internationally recognized government in mid-August, is seeking international recognition and aid in order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe as Afghanistan's economy is in free fall. After the Taliban takeover, Moscow voiced concern about the possibility of Islamist militants infiltrating the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, which it sees as its backyard, and has held military exercises in Tajikistan, beefing up equipment at its military base there. Putin on October 15 said there was no need to rush with official recognition of the Taliban but noted that "we understand that we need to interact with them." Moscow fought a disastrous war in Afghanistan in the 1980s that killed up to 2 million Afghans, forced 7 million more from their homes, and led to the deaths of more than 14,000 Soviet troops. With reporting by AFP and TASS Photographs held in a European archive capture the booming oil fields of Romania when the country was one of the world's largest producers of black gold. These are some of the photos held in the ETH Library in Zurich, Switzerland, that capture the oil fields of Romania in the 1920s and 1930s. They are some of the only images in existence showing the massive boom in oil production that lasted until the 1970s and made Romania a strategically vital objective in World War I and II. Romania's oil fields were mostly situated in the foothills of the Southern Carpathian Mountains just north of Bucharest. In the early 1900s the Romanian oil fields attracted investors from the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, and other industrialized countries. Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell sourced nearly a fifth of its oil from the Romanian oil fields before World War I. Romania also harnessed significant amounts of natural gas from its territories and became the first country in Europe to export the hard-to-handle resource. Industrial-scale oil production in Romania dates back to 1857, when the world's first systematic oil refinery began operation in Ploiesti. The early oil refiners used wood fires to begin the process of separating crude oil into different petroleum products. Thanks to its abundant oil fields Romania was able to boast another world first when its capital city, Bucharest, was illuminated with hundreds of kerosene-fueled lanterns in 1857. The clean-burning kerosene replaced sooty, more expensive vegetable oils used up till then. During World War I, Romania destroyed hundreds of oil wells in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent them being used by advancing German and Austro-Hungarian forces. In World War II the massively expanded Romanian oil fields were a vital source of energy for the ships, tanks, airplanes, and submarines of the Nazi war machine. Romania was allied with the Nazis from 1940 until until 1944. In a 1941 address, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler told the heads of his armed services "in the era of the air force, the Romanian oil fields can be turned into an expanse of smoking debris," adding, "the life of the [German-led military alliance] depends on those oil fields." Russia has launched a monthlong population census that had been postponed several times by the coronavirus pandemic. Russia is experiencing a demographic crisis, with its population in continuous decline since the collapse of the U.S.S.R. due to a low birthrate, a crumbling health-care system, and emigration that has been aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic. The census is the third since the fall of the Soviet Union, with previous tallies in 2002 and 2010. The census comes as the country is grappling with a surge in infections, with pandemic highs both for cases and deaths this week amid a lackluster vaccination campaign and insufficient restrictions that would prevent the spread of the virus. That prompted the authorities to decide to conduct much of the census online, while census workers will be regularly tested for the virus. Overall, Russia's coronavirus task force has reported nearly 7.9 million confirmed cases and 220,315 deaths -- the highest death toll in Europe and fifth-hardest-hit country in the world. The state statistics agency Rosstat, which also counts deaths where the virus wasn't 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 country in the world, surging past Mexico. Many Russians have voiced skepticism about the idea of conducting a census during a pandemic and said they were reluctant to take part. According to a survey by the SuperJob portal, 19 percent of Russians are not going to participate in the census at all. According to Rosstat, Russia's population last year shrank by 510,000 people -- the steepest drop in 15 years. It found that the population, which numbered 146.2 million as of January 1, declined by another 595,000 people by the end of August. Rosstat includes in its count the population of the illegally annexed Ukrainian region of Crimea -- some 2.4 million people. The decline came despite President Vladimir Putin having announced over the years a litany of financial incentives to encourage Russians to have more children to boost the population. The census will run until November 14 and preliminary results are expected in April. With reporting by AFP The Russian authorities have designated the legal entities of two media outlets the Rosbalt news agency and the website Republic.ru -- as "foreign agents" amid an intensifying crackdown on the media and civil society across the country. The Justice Ministry's website showed on October 15 it had added RS-Balt and Moscow Digital Media to its list of "foreign agents," bringing the number of individuals and entities on the register to 88. The government uses the designation to label what it says are foreign-funded organizations that are engaged in political activity, as well as people linked to them. The foreign agents laws require those designated 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. On October 14, the human rights organization Yakutia - Our Opinion became the 86th entity or individual to be included in the register of "foreign agents." A group of attackers burst into the office of Russias Memorial human rights center in Moscow on October 14, interrupting the screening of a film about a Welsh journalist who reported the existence of the Stalin-era mass famine in Ukraine in the early 1930s. The attackers entered the room where the movie was being screened and shouted slogans such as "Shame" and "Down with fascism," forcing the interruption of the screening. Police then cordoned off the office and the screening resumed, according to media reports. No further details were immediately available. The 2019 dramatic thriller titled Gareth Jones was directed by Poland's Agnieszka Holland. It is co-produced by Britain, Poland, and Ukraine. Jones was the first to report in Western media about the famine of 1932-33 in Ukraine. The screening at Memorials offices was organized jointly with the Polish Cultural Center in Moscow. Some 4 million Ukrainians were killed in the famine, known as the Holodomor, that was engineered by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to eliminate a perceived threat to central Soviet power. The U.S. Navy has rejected a claim by Moscow that a U.S. warship tried to enter Russian territorial waters in the Sea of Japan during Russian-Chinese naval drills on October 15. The U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet headquarters says the Russian Defense Ministry's claim "about the interaction between our two Navy ships is false." It said in a statement that a U.S. destroyer, the USS Chafee, was "conducting routine operations in international water in the Sea of Japan" on October 15 when a Russian Udaloy-class destroyer came within about 60 meters of it. The U.S. statement described the movements of the USS Chafee as "safe and professional," saying the ship was conducting operations "in accordance with international law and custom" at all times. Russias Defense Ministry said on October 15 that the Russian vessel Admiral Tributs approached the USS Chafee after it ignored warnings to leave an area that had been declared off-limits due to exercises with artillery fire. After making an attempt to cross the Russian sea border, the U.S. destroyer changed course and sped out of the area at a moment when the two vessels were just 60 meters away from each other, the Russian ministry said. The ministry said Russia and China were practicing how to operate together and destroy floating sea mines with artillery fire. Moscow also said it had summoned the U.S. military attache on October 15 to protest what it called the unprofessional actions of the U.S. warship's crew. "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate where international law allows," the U.S. Navy said. The Russian claim comes as Moscows relations with the United States and its Western allies are at post-Cold War lows -- strained by issues including Russia's forcible annexation of Crimea, its role in the conflict in Ukraine, interference in Western elections, and cyberattacks allegedly carried out by Russian hackers. There has been a series of potentially dangerous close encounters between Russian and NATO warplanes and navy ships in recent years, with NATO accusing Moscow of aggressive maneuvers in the air and at sea. The October 15 incident was the second time in four months that Moscow said it had chased a NATO warship from what it claims were Russian waters. In June, Russia said it had chased away a British destroyer sailing in waters off Ukraine's Crimea region in the Black Sea, claiming the vessel had breached Russian territorial waters. Britain rejected Moscow's account of that incident, saying its ship was operating lawfully in Ukrainian waters. Like most of the world, Britain recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine. Crimea has been illegally occupied by Russia since Russian military forces seized the peninsula in 2014 and Moscow staged an independence referendum widely condemned as bogus. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and TASS ASHGABAT -- Turkmenistan, whose authoritarian leader claims the Central Asian state has not registered a single case of COVID-19, has secretly recorded some 25,000 deaths linked to the disease since the pandemic began two years ago, a source inside the health-care system says. "Although the death toll from [the coronavirus] has not been made public, it is reported to the Ministry of Health every day from the provinces," the source told RFE/RL. Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic home to around 6 million people according to official figures, is one of at least five countries that have not reported any coronavirus cases, according to a review of data collected by Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organization. Three of those are isolated islands in the Pacific and the fourth is North Korea, a tightly-controlled, closed state. Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who has ruled since 2006, has dismissed reports of COVID-19 in the country as "fake" and told the United Nations in an address in September that the response to the pandemic shouldn't be "politicized." The source inside Turkmenistan's health-care system said the number of actual deaths linked to COVID-19 was likely higher than 25,000, noting that regional health workers were downplaying the scale of the pandemic. "Regional officials are afraid and are lowering the death toll that is being reported to the center," the source said. The northeastern Lebap Province and the southeastern Mary Province have become COVID-19 hot spots, the source added. Despite denying the disease exists in the country, Turkmenistan has imposed strict restrictions in areas where a high number of people with coronavirus-like symptoms have been reported. Ashgabat in July made vaccination mandatory for all residents aged 18 and over. The gas-rich country has procured vaccines from Russia and China. According to the Turkmen Helsinki Foundation, Democratic Civil Union of Turkmenistan, Association of Independent Lawyers of Turkmenistan, Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights, and Turkmen.News online newspaper, the epidemiological situation in Turkmenistan is dramatic due to the spread of the coronavirus. Ukrainians marched in cities across the country on October 14 to mark Defenders Day, a holiday created in 2015 to honor veterans and fallen members of the armed forces. The holiday was established following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the start of the conflict with Kremlin-backed separatist forces in the eastern Donbas region. It replaces a similar event held in February, the Defenders of the Fatherland holiday, which originated in Soviet times. An estimated 2,000 people remain imprisoned in Uzbekistan for peacefully practicing their religious beliefs, a new report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has found. In a report titled, Uzbekistan's Religious and Political Prisoners: Addressing A Legacy Of Repression, the USCIRF documents the cases of 81 prisoners, many of whom are serving some of the longest politically-motivated prison sentences in the world. Notwithstanding some improvements in Uzbekistan's record on religious freedom under the presidency of President Shavkat Mirziyoev, imprisonment of persons on religiously and politically motivated charges in Uzbekistan remains widespread, the report says. Since 2016, Mirziyoev initiated a series of reforms, including the release of certain categories of religious and political prisoners and the removal of over 20,000 independent Muslims and their relatives from notorious "blacklists" of alleged potential religious "extremists," the report says. To date, the Mirziyoev government has released more than 65 high-profile political prisoners and a larger undetermined group of religious prisoners. However, with respect to religious prisoners, ignoring repeated calls by UN mechanisms, the government has never published the numbers or identities of those released and those still incarcerated, the report finds. The report was released on October 13, the same day Human Rights Watch accused Uzbek authorities of ramping up restrictions on media freedom and keeping opposition candidates off the ballot for the presidential election scheduled for October 24. "Uzbekistan has garnered significant international attention for pursuing a reform agenda, but recent human rights setbacks in the country, and the lack of any opposition or independent candidates in these elections, expose the limits of those claims,' said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Uzbekistan could have shown its genuine commitment to meaningful reforms by allowing presidential candidates who don't share the government's views to participate in upcoming elections -- but it did not." Written By Joe Schulz served as the reporter of the Green Laker in 2019 and 2020, before being hired as a reporter for the Commonwealth in October 2020. He is from Oshkosh and graduated from UW-Oshkosh in December with a bachelor's degree in journalism. | The New Richmond City Council held its monthly meeting Oct. 11. Quick hits... New Richmond City Council Oct. 11 Council members approved a bid from Flow-Rite in the amount of $31,557 to conduct video inspection of 42,445 linear feet of sanitary sewer and 203 manholes. Council members authorized the purchase of a 2020 Jeep Cherokee from Bernards for a total of $20,875 to replace one of the police departments Unmarked Detective Squads. Money was allocated from the 2021 Capital Improvement Plan and insurance funds from previous hail storm damage to various department vehicles. 1. Council moving forward on Beebe Building Following a closed session at the Oct. 11 New Richmond City Council meeting, City Administrator Noah Wiedenfeld announced the city has signed a development agreement with the Gerrard Corporation to resume development of the Beebe Building at 307 S. Knowles Ave. Gerrard Corporation is tentatively looking at coming before the Planning Commission in December or January with plans for the building, Wiedenfeld said. They still have to go through the standard approval process for the building. Theyve had a surveyor on site several times this summer and early fall. Our understanding is that they should have their financing finalized in the next couple of weeks. Financing for the project would include the creation of a new stand-alone Tax Increment District (TID) devoted to the Beebe Building project. Having completed the Environmental Site and Hazardous Materials Assessments early this year, the city is expected to seek bids to raze the building yet this fall with demolition to take place over the winter. The city is anticipating the construction of a four-story, 50-unit apartment building for ages 55 and older with underground parking to begin in the spring of 2022. 2. Council adopts tentative redistricting map Council members approved Resolution #102102 tentatively adopting a new ward boundary map as required by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors. Local governments are required to redraw municipal ward boundaries and political jurisdictions every 10 years to accommodate changing population and demographic trends revealed by the census. The Board of Supervisors is charged with overseeing changes to the maps for city and county government. State lawmakers are responsible for redrawing district boundaries for the states Senate, Assembly and congressional districts. The City of New Richmond surpassed 10,000 residents with an official population of 10,075 as of the 2020 U. S. Census. At the county level, population changes typically affect the boundaries of wards, aldermanic districts and county supervisory districts. The county sent its map designating changes to county supervisory districts to the city at the beginning of October. The proposed map creates one new supervisory district in New Richmond. City Clerk Michelle Scanlan and GIS Analyst Kyle Wells reviewed the county map and developed three new ward map options for review by the council. They adhered to six guidelines set by the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau.. Compactness: Minimize the distance between all parts of a district. Contiguity: All areas within a district should be physically adjacent. Preserve political subdivisions: County supervisory districts must generally consist of whole wards or municipalities, city aldermanic districts must consist of whole wards, and wards may not cross municipal or county lines. Complete census blocks: Wards are constructed by aggregating whole census blocks so that the population of the ward falls within the statutory range (600-2100) with Aldermanic Districts substantially equal in population. Reflect changes in municipal boundaries: Adjust to accommodate annexations and growth. Make a "good faith effort" to keep districts equal. Consistency: Make changes to accommodate changes in populations and mathematical requirements. The council chose Plan 6 which addresses population balancing and ward boundaries well but contiguity and compactness less successfully. With Plan 6, 34% of the population (3425 residents with approx. 2398 of voting age) will be assigned to a new voting district. More than 34% will see a ward change, but not an Aldermanic District change. The council has until Oct.14 to provide the county with its proposed ward boundary map. On Nov. 2 the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and then adopt a final supervisory district plan. Residents can expect a rigorous information campaign similar to the revaluation and early voting campaigns facilitated by the clerks office to educate residents about the change. 3. City to participate in Save to Give challenge Council members agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Focus on Energy to participate in its Save to Give Challenge. Focus on Energy is a public benefits initiative overseen by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. It is designed to facilitate behavioral changes in how households, businesses and nonprofits invest in energy efficiency measures to supply themselves with cleaner energy. New Richmond is one of two communities selected to participate in the challenge. By taking simple steps to reduce energy consumption, residents can raise dollars to support local nonprofit organizations. The City of New Richmond will collaborate with New Richmond Utilities and Focus on Energy to plan, prepare and promote a community-wide energy-saving challenge to educate and motivate residents to save energy and financially support a local nonprofit(s). The challenge is scheduled to begin in 2022. Individual residential households volunteer to participate in two, eight-week energy-saving campaigns over the course of 12 months. The program employs the MyMeter engagement software and mobile application to introduce, track and report energy-saving behaviors. By recording their energy saving actions online, homeowners will have a chance to support three of their favorite local charities. The more residents that participate, the more money can be raised and donated. Eligible nonprofits could earn up to $25,000. Nonprofits will need to apply and must be based in or do work in the New Richmond community, be a 501(c)3 entity, use the funds donated from the Save to Give Challenge to benefit the community, and be willing to actively recruit participants to join the program. Three local nonprofits will be selected to participate in the Save to Give Challenge by a group of community members and stakeholders. Nonprofits can apply by visiting focusonenergy.com/savetogive, or by contacting Brady Steigauf at brady.steigauf@focusonenergy.com. They can also call 608-284-1756. Support local journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute Earlier this week, the government issued a resolution on Covid-19 adaptation which will be applied nationwide. Under this, different areas would be categorized into four levels based on their coronavirus risk. Level 1 areas carry the lowest risks and Level 4 the highest. Level 1 areas could theoretically allow all services and activities to resume as normal alongside Covid prevention measures. These include food and beverage establishments, malls, hotels, religious institutions and movie theaters, among others. As areas ascend to levels with higher-risks, services and activities would be restricted, even banned outright. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health released temporary guidelines on effective Covid-19 management and adaptation, which included criteria to classify areas into different risk levels based on the metrics of rate of community transmission, vaccination rate and Covid-19 treatment capabilities. Truong Quang Viet, deputy director of the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC), said Thursday that Hanoi qualifies to be a Level 1 area in accordance with the new guidelines. While Hanoi theoretically qualifies to be a Level 1 area, it will not be truly impervious to the coronavirus as there still Covid-19 infectees in the community, he added. "The coronavirus fight is still difficult and needs to be carefully managed, but Hanoi will gradually reopen economic activities as instructed by the government," Viet said. So far, Hanoi has vaccinated 5.9 million people with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot, and 2.9 million people have been fully vaccinated. The northern province of Quang Ninh also qualifies to become a Level 1 area, said Nguyen Trong Dien, director of the provincial Department of Health. "The province has gone over 100 days without a community transmission case," he said, adding that enough of the population would be fully vaccinated within this month. "All activities in the province are happening as normal. But we still don't encourage karaoke parlors and bars as they take place in tight (enclosed) spaces," Dien added. Localities like Bac Giang Province in the north and and Da Nang City in the central region are yet to fulfill Level 1 qualifications. They would have to settle for Level 2, for now. Tu Quoc Hieu, director of the Bac Giang health department, said while the province is currently seeing no new community transmission and its Covid-19 treatment capability has been bolstered, not enough people have been vaccinated yet. Only around 50 percent of Bac Giang's adult population has received at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot, and only half of them have been fully vaccinated. To satisfy the health ministry's Level 1 criteria, at least 70 percent of the adult population must have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot. "We can administer around 100,000 shots a day. If the health ministry could distribute more vaccine doses to us, we would be able to fulfill the criteria to become a Level 1 area," Hieu said. Da Nang also has the same vaccination rate stumbling block. Ton That Thanh, director of the Da Nang CDC, said the city is yet to fully vaccinate at least 80 percent of its elderly population, and so must settle for a Level 2 classification. Vietnam has so far vaccinated over 40.6 million people with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot, and 16.5 million people have been fully vaccinated. The health ministry approved vaccination for children aged 12-18 against Covid-19 on Thursday. Salem - Joanne E. (Roulier) Bomarsi, 81, of Salem, passed away Tuesday morning, November 16, 2021 in Peabody. Born in Salem, MA, Joanne was the daughter of the late Lionel E. and Alice (Frasier) Roulier. A graduate of the former St. Chretienne Academy in Salem, Joanne worked for many years a Sign up for our weekly newsletter Our Headlines newsletter will get you up to speed on news, events & more NASA will launch the Lucy mission tomorrow, Saturday, from Cape Canaveral in Florida to visit Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. Hence, engineers rolled out the newest asteroid probe ahead of its departure. The space agency will livestream the launch at 5 a.m. EDT. You may see the launch online by going to the agency's website or using the video embedded below this page. Lucy Rolls Out on Launch Pad Ahead of Launch Space.com said the Atlas V rocket, produced by United Launch Alliance (ULA), began its 550-meter (1,800-foot) trip from its vertical integration facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 shortly after 10:30 a.m. EDT. Engineers placed the 57.3-meter (188-foot) tall rocket atop its pad until launch day after the deployment took almost an hour. Lockheed Martin made the 1,500-kilogram (3,300-pound) spaceship. Lucy's rocket was supposed to take Boeing's Starliner crew capsule on an uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station, but after discovering a valve problem in the capsule's launch vehicle, teams were forced to send the craft back to the factory to deal with such situations; that flight is now scheduled to launch in 2022. As a result, Lucy was given command of the rocket. ULA had to detach the rocket's double Centaur upper stage and the strap-on solid rocket boosters meant to carry the Starliner capsule into orbit to enable that mission. Before the spacecraft's integration, a new Centaur upper stage with a single RL10 engine was placed on the rocket's first stage. ALSO READ: NASA Lucy Spacecraft Set to Explore Jupiter Trojan Asteroids Soon; Can Netizens Help? Lucy Asteroid's Mission Lucy will be the first spacecraft to bounce between seven Trojan asteroids. Still, it will first stop by the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter before traveling to both the leading and following swarms. NASA said Lucy will reveal the variety of the primordial bodies that created the planets for the first time." The agency added that no other space mission in history had been dispatched to as many diverse destinations in separate orbits around our sun. The spacecraft will utilize standard chemical propulsion technology to aid navigating. Still, instead of walking gently, it will fly past areas of interest to conserve fuel. That isn't much of a problem, though, because Lucy can still take photos and gather spectroscopic data while zipping by. Trojan Asteroids Explained CNET said that the solar system was overflowing with billions of rocky and ice things orbiting a faint sun long before planets were discovered. Some of these shards fused together throughout time to produce bigger planets like Earth and Mars. However, a slew of floating pebbles was left behind along the route. Many were carried into the infinite depths of the universe, taking their secrets with them. Still, a few remain in our solar system's furthest reaches. These ancient rocks, which have been around for billions of years, are caught between the gravitational pulls of the sun and Jupiter. Jupiter's Trojan asteroids are what they're called. They create two clusters that share an orbit with the gas giant, which NASA accurately refers to as "time capsules from the origin of our solar system." So far, over 7,000 have been discovered. RELATED ARTICLE: NASA Lucy Spacecraft to Depart This Week: How to Watch Launch Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times. While the start of fall has already been unseasonably chilly with the coldest early-October day in over a century recorded this week, Washington's upcoming winter is looking to be even wetter and cooler than normal after climate forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed Thursday that conditions for a La Nina pattern had materialized for the second year in a row. Forecasters have been tracking the chances that a La Nina would develop since early on in the summer as the events often occur in consecutive years in what climate scientists call a "double dip" with early predictions showing that the pattern would emerge sometime in October. La Nina is an ocean-atmosphere weather pattern that describes cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures across the east-central Equatorial Pacific Ocean. Although much of the water in the Pacific will be just a few degrees cooler than average, the minor fluctuation can disrupt the entire world's weather pattern. And now that the right ocean conditions have materialized, the impacts will likely be felt until early spring 2022. "Our scientists have been tracking the potential development of a La Nina since this summer, and it was a factor in the above-normal hurricane season forecast, which we have seen unfold," said Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAAs Climate Prediction Center in a news release Thursday. "La Nina also influences weather across the country during the winter, and it will influence our upcoming temperature and precipitation outlooks." In the Pacific Northwest and Canada, a strong La Nina winter is marked by above normal rainfall and below normal temperatures. However, regions in the southern U.S. will likely see drier, warmer conditions. The chances for weather events such as lowland snow also increase with a strong La Nina. Last winter was marked by a "moderate-to-strong" La Nina weather pattern through March, with February seeing a major snow event in the lowlands. While last season's event was on the stronger side, the strength of this year's event is likely to be weaker, creating some uncertainty about the likelihood of major snow events. There's currently a 57% chance this will be a moderate La Nina, according to Halpert, and only a 15% chance that it will be a strong event. "There's a lot more uncertainty this year than there was last year," NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Reid Wolcott said in a winter weather outlook last week. "It is likely that we will see heavy rainfall and flooding, we will probably see some wind and we'll see some snow, maybe not in the lowlands but we really don't know at this point." The weather pattern will likely bring drought relief to much of the Pacific Northwest. According to the latest projections from the U.S. Drought Monitor, most parts of Western Washington are no longer considered abnormally dry after recent fall showers. Much of the eastern portion of the state, however, remains in an extreme or exceptional drought. The likelihood of a healthy snowpack is also bolstered during a La Nina year. June's record-breaking heat event melted 30% of Mount Rainier's snowpack, which insulate the mountain's 25 major glaciers, giving it a bare appearance for much of the summer. Some areas of the mountain lost 3 to 4 feet of snow during the deadly heat wave. More for you 6 space heaters to keep you warm this winter And while a healthy snowpack is certainly good news for skiiers and snowboarders even resulting in extended seasons at some resorts earlier this year it is also important for the region's natural splendor, supporting river systems and surviving salmon runs. Thank you for reading! You have reached your 30-day limit of free access to SentinelSource.com, The Keene Sentinels website. If you would like to read two more articles for free at this time, please register for an account by clicking the sign up button below. We hope you find The Sentinels coverage of the Monadnock Region valuable. We rely on our subscribers to bring you strong local journalism and hope you will consider supporting our work by taking advantage of this special subscription offer here. This article is being shared by a partner in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org. The historic riverfront destination of Johnsons Beach in Guerneville reportedly has a buyer but the details of the pending sale are still under wraps. The fate of the property had been a hot topic in the Sonoma County town, especially since the county was among the prospective buyers, along with a local entrepreneur and restaurant owner. The 11-acre property near downtown Guerneville, which includes the privately held beach, 10 cabins dating to the 1920s and a 38-tent campground, went under contract late Monday and is at the beginning of the escrow process, said Kathryn Proctor, president of Lodging Brokers Network, who worked with the sellers to list the property. It was a competitive process with multiple offers, said Proctor. She added she was not authorized to disclose the contract price, but said that the owners had been looking for a buyer with experience in lodging and hospitality, as well as someone who would maintain the iconic history of the property. Ken McLaughlin/The Chronicle 1961 Looking to retire, owners Nick Moore and Dan Poirier listed the parcel last month for $3.7 million. The couple did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Sonoma County officials, eyeing a number of public uses for the property, had rushed to assemble a bid. In a presentation at a virtual town-hall meeting on Oct. 6, county Supervisor Lynda Hopkins raised ideas including converting the beach and parking area to public access, plus turning the cabins into worker housing and using part of the site to provide homeless services. When polled during the meeting, 52% of participants backed a county purchase of the property, with 70% supporting its use as a public park and parking lot. A slight majority backed the prospect of local workforce housing, but only 32% supported using part of the property for a homeless Navigation Center, with 48% in opposition. A number of participants spoke out against the proposal, including Sonoma County business owner Crista Luedtke who also bid on the property. She argued that a homeless Navigation Center and workforce housing were not good uses for a seasonal river site where flooding occurs, with the cabins unsuitable for year-round accommodation. Instead, she said, those dollars could actually buy legitimate houses in areas not in the center of a historic and iconic part of town. But as of now, it appears neither the county nor Luedtke will be its new owners. Hopkins did not respond to a request for comment, but told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that the countys bid had so far been rejected. Luedtke told The Chronicle on Tuesday that her bid also was not successful. Im a little bit sad, Im not going to lie, said Luedtke, but added that she was pleased the county was taking over. I was hoping that was going to be me. ... But Im very excited for new energy coming to the town, she said. 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. Johnsons Beach, privately owned for decades, has been a Russian River landmark for at least a century. It was last purchased in 2015 by Moore and Poirier, who bought it from Clare Harris and his family, who owned and operated the resort for 48 years. Ramin Rahimian/Special to The Chronicle 2015 During the current owners tenure, Johnsons Beach began charging $7 for parking, and during the pandemic had required guests make a reservation online before coming to the beach, where they could rent socially distanced spots with umbrellas. According to the website, riverfront spots are $40 a day. Accommodations range from $50 per night for campsites to more than $2,000 weekly rentals for the premier lodge. In addition to complications from the pandemic, the property has faced other challenges in recent years, including low river levels from the drought, flooding in February 2019, and smoke and evacuations during the multiple fire seasons. Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @annievain When detectives arrested a former Los Gatos resident at her Idaho home on suspicion of child endangerment and sexual battery for allegedly throwing drunken parties for underage teenagers in the Bay Area, they found 10 underage boys and two girls inside the residence, authorities said. Sheriffs officials in Idaho said Wednesday that they suspect Shannon OConnor, 47, hosted similar parties in Idaho over the last several months like ones allegedly held in the Bay Area, where officials say she supplied alcohol to teens and encouraged them to have sex. When OConnor was arrested Saturday afternoon at her residence in Star, Ada County sheriffs officials in Idaho said, most of the 12 youths who were in the home had spent the night. Detectives at the scene contacted the parents of the teens and released them, Ada County sheriffs officials said. OConnors two teenage sons were declared by detectives to be in imminent danger and were placed into custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, sheriffs officials said. Santa Clara County prosecutors this week charged OConnor with 39 counts that included child endangerment, furnishing alcohol to minors, annoying or molesting a child, and sexual battery. More for you Former Bay Area woman accused of throwing drunken parties for teenagers and encouraging sex OConnor, who is also known as Shannon Bruga, allegedly hosted parties for her 15-year-old son and his friends from June 2020 through May of this year. She supplied excessive amounts of alcohol to her son and his minor friends to the point where minors would vomit, be unable to stand and fall unconscious, according to a Statement of Facts filed by an investigator in the Santa Clara County district attorneys office. The statement says she encouraged the extremely intoxicated teenagers mostly aged 14 and 15 to engage in sexual activity with each other, facilitated sexual encounters, and watched some of these sexual encounters. Some of the acts were nonconsensual, authorities said, and OConnor discouraged the teens from telling their parents about the parties. 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. Idaho authorities said they started investigating OConnor earlier this summer after a local family told authorities she was harassing them after they had tried to sever their relationship with her upon learning about the parties and sexual abuse investigation in California. Ada County sheriffs officials said their investigation was ongoing when OConnor was arrested. She is being held in the Ada County Jail on a $900,000 bond, authorities said. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez The recent discovery of a den with 92 rattlesnakes under a Bay Area home caused a bit of a collective shudder on social media, with many reacting along these lines: Literally, my nightmare. State wildlife officials say such reactions are reasonable but should be tempered with some perspective. Al Wolf, director of Sonoma County Reptile Rescue, said the den at a home in northeast Santa Rosa on the Mayacamas Mountains yielded the most snakes hed ever retrieved from a single call, by a long shot his previous record was 12. Laura Patterson, statewide amphibian and reptile conservation coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, also said the incident was highly unusual. While feeling worried is a perfectly natural response to hearing a story like this, she said, it was a good reminder to people about the importance of staying aware when outside and working around their homes, and of taking precautions to minimize snake attractants. Here are some questions and answers from Patterson and other wildlife resources about rattlesnakes, their dens and how to coexist safely in places you might encounter the critters. How dangerous are rattlesnakes? Rattlesnakes are venomous and can be deadly and should be given a wide berth. But California wildlife officials note that severe injuries and fatalities from rattlesnake bites are rare. According to the California Poison Control System, chances of being bitten are small compared to other environmental injuries. When bites do occur, its typically from April to October, when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. Patterson and other wildlife officials note that rattlesnakes are not aggressive. They dont want to waste their venom on something thats not prey, so they first try to get away from the threat, she wrote in an email. If they cant, they typically, but not always, signal their presence by rattling and taking a defensive coiled posture, and if the threat continues, they may ultimately strike. Where are rattlesnakes usually found in California and the Bay Area? Rattlesnakes are found almost everywhere across California, but typically in open rocky habitats, Patterson said. When they are found in homes and yards its usually along a wildland-urban interface, she said. In the Bay Area, the snakes are typically found in rocky outcrops in the hills or more rural areas where theres plenty of prey, she said. Do rattlesnakes commonly live in dens? Since rattlesnakes are cold-blooded, they use their surroundings to keep them warm. They arent active in cold weather, so they congregate in dens and form swarming balls with their bodies, according to the National Wildlife Federation. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliances animal database says rattlesnakes often use rocky crevices, leaf litter and burrows for dens. They dont prefer to live under homes, but they will den under a home if thats the best available habitat in the area, Patterson said. Dens are used year-round, she said, and the same community or family group will often den together over generations. Rattlesnakes are sensitive to ambient temperature, so after a cold night, they will leave their dens and bask in the sun to raise their body temperature. During hot days, will become more active at dawn or at night, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The snakes may hibernate for the winter if its cold enough, leaving their dens in the spring to warm up. Was the size of the Santa Rosa den rare? Patterson said she consulted a Bay Area wildlife officer about the Santa Rosa incident and he responded that hes seen lots of rattlesnakes over the years, but never encountered anything like the den described in the story. How can I prevent rattlesnakes from living on my property? To keep rattlesnakes away from your home and yard, being mindful and aware of your surroundings when outdoors or working outside of the home is important, Patterson said. You can also minimize things that attract snakes. Residents can make their yard rattlesnake safe by removing objects that attract them and their prey, she said. This can include keeping vegetation away from fences and removing piles of boards or rocks around the home. If you do live in an area prone to snakes, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife suggests a solid rattlesnake proof fence that is at least three feet high with the bottom buried a few inches in the ground, and slanting it at a 30-degree angle. The agency offers more tips for avoiding rattlesnakes and what to do in the event of a bite. Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KellieHwang California has added the Western population of the Pacific leatherback sea turtle to the state endangered species list. The listing increases protections for the giant reptile with roots in the age of dinosaurs that has almost disappeared from state waters. The state Fish and Game Commission approved the listing Thursday to protect the approximately 55 Pacific leatherback sea turtles that feed on jellyfish along the California coast from summer to fall. They arrive in California after migrating 6,000 miles from their nesting grounds in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Weighing up to 1,000 pounds with black, leathery skin, they are part of the genetically distinct Western population of Pacific leatherbacks that has declined by 95% in the past 30 years, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Pacific leatherback sea turtles have survived 100 million years virtually unchanged, but because of threats that theyve been experiencing, they run the risk of disappearing from the oceans within the next couple decades, said Ashley Blacow-Draeger, Pacific policy and communications manager at Oceana, a conservation organization. There is more that is needed to protect them and ensure that these amazing sea turtles can keep returning to waters off of our coast to feed for generations to come. Existing in the same form for 100 million years, leatherback sea turtles are the largest turtles in the world, growing up to 6 feet long and capable of diving to 4,000 feet. When they feed off the California coast, mostly from the Monterey Bay north to Oregon, the Western Pacific leatherback sea turtle devours up to 600 pounds of jellyfish a day. Leatherbacks are also found in the Atlantic and Indian oceans, but the Pacific population is the most endangered. Overall, the reptiles are threatened by loss of habitat, entanglement in fishing gear and harvest of their eggs. 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. Leatherback turtles in all waters of the United States are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act. Yet Blacow-Draeger said the new California protection is an additional insurance policy after the Trump administration dialed back protections for many species on the list, including gray wolves and winter-run chinook salmon. Environmental groups are concerned that such loosening of regulations could happen again with future administrations. Pacific leatherback sea turtles are also protected from entrapment in Dungeness crab fishing gear in California, with new rules making it easier for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to halt the commercial season if theres a risk that endangered whales and turtles could be caught in fishing lines. Pacific leatherback sea turtles were last observed caught in Dungeness crab fishing gear in 2016 and 2015. In its recommendation to place the turtle on the state list, the Department of Fish and Wildlife proposed that the state provide more funding for research on the species as a whole and into fishing gear that avoids entanglements. Tara Duggan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tduggan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @taraduggan Pent-up exasperation over the racial disparities embedded in the stories about missing or slain women the news media choose to cover spilled out onto the streets of Oakland last week. On Tuesday, a crowd of dozens assembled outside a Bay Area TV stations headquarters to protest the suspension of a longtime anchor who sought to draw attention to missing white woman syndrome. Its a term meant to capture the breathless coverage that often attends the disappearance of a white woman while similar stories involving Black or Indigenous women and other women of color go ignored. Frank Somerville was suspended in late September after a dispute about adding a 46-second address about the disparities in media coverage between white and Black crime victims. KTVU did not respond to multiple requests for comment. We were emphasizing the issue of reporting of KTVU and their unwillingness to even have a conversation around racial inequities in reporting, said George Galvis, one of the organizers of Tuesdays event. The Gabby Petito case garnered national attention last month when the young woman was declared missing after her fiance returned home from a road trip without her. Her body was found Sept. 21. But weeks before the Petito case exploded on social media, an Indigenous family was grieving in Auberry (Fresno County) for 27-year-old Bessie Walker. Her older sister, Ruby Rodriguez, spoke at the rally about her sisters killing and the police response. The response to Walkers disappearance did not reach national media attention, with most media coverage occurring after her body was discovered. With the Gabby story, there was always some new lead on the news, Rodriguez said. My sisters murder was quiet, and it still is. The coroners report determined Walkers cause of death was undetermined because of the state the body was found in. The case remains open. Walkers killing is not an isolated case, according to a 2018 report by the Urban Indian Health Institute, California ranked in the top 10 for number of cases of slain and missing Indigenous women. The same report found the city of San Francisco had the highest number of cases of an urban area in California. According to the National Institute of Justice, Indigenous women are 1.6 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence than the white, non-Hispanic population. According to the report, about 95% of the cases studied received no national media coverage. Only 25% of the cases received local or regional news coverage. Local activist and organizer Morning Star Gali mentioned two San Francisco cases, those of Jessica Alva and Veronica Solas, who both died in 2019. Alvas case was specifically mentioned in a resolution passed by the citys Board of Supervisors recognizing May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. 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. We hold these rallies and these events to help support the family in any way we can, and to to help bring awareness and visibility to addressing the crisis and addressing the root causes, Gali said. Galis group, Restoring Justice for Indigenous People, has held other similar healing events, including for Alvas family. We come together in support and prayer, Gali said. Its in solidarity and showing up. Rodriguez, who came to the event with her children, felt supported through the event. At first I was scared (to speak), she said, but I feel that my sister Bessie had sent me there so I could get my strength back through the rally speech, and the support I have now is amazing. Katie Licari is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: katie.licari-kozak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @katiemlicari Marcia Fudge, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, toured Oaklands Fruitvale Transit Village on Thursday and called it a national model for building housing on transit corridors amid the states escalating housing and homelessness crisis. As Fudge walked through the transit village so named because it brings public transit and new housing into close proximity Chris Iglesias, the CEO of the Unity Council, an Oakland nonprofit, pointed out the Fruitvale BART Station, several women-owned restaurants in the area and a nearby project under way to build 181 affordable housing units. After the tour, Fudge spoke at Casa Arabella, a 94-unit affordable housing building just outside the BART station, and applauded the citys efforts to transform transit hubs with housing. Homelessness is a stain on the fabric of this nation, she said. It is a travesty. She highlighted the federal governments efforts to address housing and homelessness two compounding issues in California as nearly half of the nations homeless population, driven by the housing crisis, lives within the state. Fudge applauded the citys efforts to leverage federal funds to purchase hotels and motels for homeless housing and said alternative housing models, like tiny homes, need to be prioritized. This president has made sure that cities have resources, Fudge said. Many of the resources are there. They need more, but we can get started. The HUD secretary was joined by Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Council Member Noel Gallo and Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan. You only need to drive on the streets of Oakland to see how urgent this crisis is, Schaaf said. Oakland and the Bay Area is ground zero for the devastating human impacts of our failure to provide sufficient housing. But it is also ground zero for hope and solutions. Sarah Ravani/The Chronicle In August, Schaaf attended the groundbreaking of Casa Suenos, an affordable-housing project that will build 181 units on city-owned land that was once a BART parking lot. The project will cap the nearly 30-year plan to create a transit village in the area. The sounds of the developments construction were loud as Fudge walked through the transit village. She acknowledged that the development process to build new projects takes time, and said she talks to Gov. Gavin Newsom often about the need to build faster. They know that there is no time to waste, Fudge said, adding that federal resources and aid available to states will have time limits for certain projects to encourage speedy development. Fudge did not specify what those resources are or will be. 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. Rep. Lee said that President Bidens $3.5 trillion Build Back Better infrastructure plan would expand rental assistance, preserve and repair public housing and help construct 330,000 new homes for people in need. The Oakland Democrat said she has met with Biden twice to stress the importance of housing for unsheltered people and discussed redlining, predatory lending and systemic racism that has played into the housing crisis. Lee said she wants to create a path to home ownership that has been so far out of reach for so many families and that Fudge is also committed to addressing housing issues. Thats what she wants to do end this housing crisis, Lee said. We finally have an administration that is treating affordable housing as both a critical infrastructure challenge and as the racial justice issue that it truly is. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani An influential committee advising the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously to support authorizing a Moderna booster for people 65 and older and others at high risk of exposure or acute illness. All BART employees will have to get vaccinated by Dec. 13 or risk being fired under a mandate approved by the the agencys Board of Directors. Nearly 190 San Francisco police officers and firefighters were not yet fully vaccinated hours before the deadline for these city workers to get shots. Contra Costa County will join San Francisco and Marin in lifting mask requirements for small groups in settings where everyone is known to be fully vaccinated. 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: Will you need an annual COVID-19 booster? Nobody knows, says NIH director: There is not enough data yet on whether currently available COVID-19 vaccines will become an annual ritual like flu shots, according to National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins. Nobody knows. Just keep in mind of course we didnt know about this virus until 22 months ago. We are learning as we go along and were trying to do everything we can to acquire that data, Collins said Friday during an appearance on MSNBC. He said there is evidence the third dose of mRNA vaccines will provide durable protection, but it is not clear if that supplemental shot will wane too. Bottom line is, we just dont know, Collins said. He said people should not feel discouraged. Remember where we were a year ago, where we were afraid whether we even end up with one successful vaccine? And now we have vaccines and boosters that are almost 100% effective against hospitalization and death, and thats pretty amazing. So be happy about that part, even though sometimes the data seems a little complicated. CDC changes definition of fully vaccinated to include mixed doses: People outside of the United States who got two different doses of the COVID-19 vaccine also known as mix-and-match doses will be considered fully vaccinated and allowed to travel into the country beginning Nov. 8, according to guidance updated Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency said individuals are now considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive the last dose of one of FDA approved vaccines in the U.S. or any combination of two doses of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO emergency use listed COVID-19 two-dose series. The agency also revised its guidance to recommend fully vaccinated people get tested 5 to 7 days after close contact with a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. CDC updates holiday guidance for real this time: After posting and then removing COVID-19 guidance for the upcoming holidays earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially updated its holiday advice Friday. In addition to asking people to follow standard COVID-19 protocols, the agency urged people to get vaccinated and to wear masks in public indoor places. We fully expect that families and friends will gather for the holidays this year and we have updated our guidance on how to best to stay safe over the holidays, the CDC said in a statement. The best way to minimize COVID risk and ensure that people can safely gather is to get vaccinated or get the booster if youre eligible. Marin County lifts outdoor mask requirement at schools: Reversing guidance put in place in August, Marin County health and education officials will now allow students, families, and staff at K-12 schools the option of removing their masks when outdoors on school property. Masks are still required indoors at school facilities for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. On Friday, Marin and San Francisco counties also loosened mask rules for people fully vaccinated for COVID-19, saying they no longer need to wear masks in certain indoor settings, including offices, gyms and fitness centers, religious gatherings, and indoor college classes not exceeding 100 people. FDA advisers vote unanimously to recommend boosters for Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients: People who received the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson can get booster doses starting two months after they receive their first dose of the vaccine, according to advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The group voted 19-0 on Friday to recommend the extra dose for all recipients of the vaccine, all of whom have been adults aged 18 and above. The FDA and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will now review the advisers advice and decide when to rollout boosters. The panel has not yet reviewed data on mixing and matching vaccines from different manufacturers, but some early evidence suggests that following up an original J&J shot with one from Pfizer or Modera could be more effective in preventing COVID-19. CDC advises states to preorder Pfizer doses for children ages 5-11: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising states to submit orders for Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine doses for children ages 5 to 11 starting Oct. 20. There are approximately 28 million children in that age group in the United States, and the federal government has procured enough doses to support vaccination of this population, the CDC said. An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration will meet to discuss recommending the vaccine for younger children on Oct. 26. San Mateo County becomes second in state to advance to moderate transmission tier: Following Marin Countys move on Wednesday, San Mateo on Friday became classified as the second county in California that has a moderate level of coronavirus transmission, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If San Mateo County remains in the moderate transmission category for more than three weeks, it will meet at least one of three benchmarks set by Bay Area health officials last week to lift the indoor mask mandate in public settings for vaccinated people. Six 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. Travelers entering U.S. must show proof of vaccination starting Nov. 8: Foreign nationals and nonessential travelers will be allowed to enter the U.S. across land borders that is, from Canada and Mexico starting on Nov. 8, providing they furnish proof of vaccination, the White House announced Friday. This builds on a previous announcement in September that visitors from Brazil, China, the European Union, India, Iran and South Africa would be admitted with proof of vaccination. Feds report first case of COVID-19 in a coatimundi: The U.S Department of Agriculture has identified the coronavirus in a coatimundi a ring-tailed mammal related to the raccoon. The furry, long-snouted creature lives in an Illinois zoo, the USDA reported Thursday. The coronavirus has been found in a small number of species around the world, mostly in animals that had close contact with a person with COVID-19, said the USDA, which reports COVID in animals at this site. The USDA says the risk of animal-to-human transmission of the coronavirus is considered to be low. Advice for pet owners and people who work with animals is here. Inmates are more vaccinated against COVID-19 than guards at nearly every prison in California: Prison guards are currently vaccinated at relatively low rates, especially compared to inmates. A Chronicle analysis shows that as of October 14, inmates at every prison with more than 200 inmates in California, except for Wasco State Prison, are vaccinated at higher rates than guards. 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. Biden administration pledges $100 million to help attract health care workers in needy regions: Federal officials plan to spend $100 million over four years to help rural and poorer communities attract and retail health care professionals as the industry grapples with burnout and difficulty retaining medical staff like nurses and residential care professionals, the Washington Post reported. New mask rules take effect today in S.F. and Marin. Here s what to know: A limited loosening of COVID-19 mask mandates goes into effect Friday in San Francisco and Marin County, with Contra Costa County joining them Nov. 1. Heres what you need to know about what has changed in Bay Area mask mandates, and what changes are expected down the line. Read the story here. 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: A 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. 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. All BART employees must get vaccinated by Dec. 13 under new mandate: According to the agency, 833 of BARTs 4,000-plus employees remain unvaccinated. Some of those workers spoke out against the mandate at a recent meeting and asked the board to give employees the option of weekly testing as a substitute for vaccination. Read the story here. California surpasses 70,000 COVID-19 deaths: The states coronavirus death toll reached 70,010 people on Thursday, based on The Chronicles 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. A limited loosening of COVID-19 mask mandates goes into effect Friday in San Francisco and Marin County, with Contra Costa County joining them Nov. 1. A wider lifting of mask restrictions in most Bay Area counties is further off though Marin is on track to meet the required coronavirus benchmarks soonest. Heres what you need to know about what has changed in Bay Area mask mandates, and what changes are expected down the line. Whats changing now Starting Friday, people fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no longer need to wear a mask in some indoor settings in San Francisco and Marin County where the same fully vaccinated group gathers. That includes offices, gyms and fitness centers, employee commuter vehicles, religious gatherings, and indoor college classes not exceeding 100 people. Operators of such spaces can still choose to impose their own face covering restrictions, according to health officials. San Francisco and Marin County will still require indoor masking in places for the general public (think restaurants and retailers). Masks can come off if actively eating or drinking. Lifting mask rules at those venues will take longer, in accordance with the criteria spelled out by officials in the broader Bay Area. Who is affected now Fully vaccinated people can take their masks off in those limited stable cohort settings in San Francisco and Marin County, where fully vaccinated people gather. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people (just one dose of Pfizer or Moderna) still must wear masks indoors under state guidelines. What has been the response from major employers? One hope for the lifting of the mask mandate for vaccinated offices is that more people will return to work, thus helping to revitalize downtown areas. While generally cheering the mask move in San Francisco and Marin, Rufus Jeffris, spokesperson for the Bay Area Council, said most employers likely will move cautiously on their return-to-office plans. Facebook and Google, two of the Bay Areas largest employers, both of which belong to the Bay Area Council, say their existing mask policies will not change for now. What rules are still in place? In San Francisco and Marin, all people must continue to wear masks in indoor public settings where the population that frequents the business or institution changes. Think restaurants and retailers. In Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma counties, nothing has changed yet. Indoor masking is still required by everyone age 2 and older in all public spaces, regardless of vaccination status with exceptions for those with certain medical conditions, disabilities and hearing impairment. Solano County did not issue a mask mandate for vaccinated people. The cities of Benicia and Vallejo have enacted their own universal mask mandates, in line with the other Bay Area counties those rules apply only within city limits. Under federal and state rules, masks are required in California for people on planes, trains, buses, ferries, taxis, ride shares and other forms of public transport, transportation hubs, health care settings, state and local correctional facilities and detention centers, shelters and cooling centers, and indoors in facilities for youths, such as K-12 schools, child care centers and day camps. What happens next? Contra Costa County will join San Francisco and Marin in the limited lifting of mask requirements on Nov. 1. But the Bay Area has also instituted guidelines for broadly removing the face covering requirement. Each jurisdiction must meet three criteria: Low community transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Case rates must be in the yellow/moderate tier for three consecutive weeks. 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. Low hospitalization rates, which are defined by county health officers. At least 80 percent of the total population must be fully vaccinated, or if the county does not meet that threshold, there must be a vaccine available for emergency use to children ages 5 to 11 for at least eight weeks. Which counties are close to fully getting rid of their indoor mask mandates? Marin County is the closest to meeting the regional requirements to broadly lift its mask rules for fully vaccinated people. Marin is the only Bay Area county so far to hit the 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. Marin also was in the CDCs moderate transmission county this week, and if it remains there for three weeks, it will almost certainly meet the criteria. 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. How safe is it to remove your mask where its now allowed? Infectious diseases experts are split on whether it's safe to remove a mask in an indoor setting. On one hand, gym-goers exhale heavily, and office workers may sit in close proximity to one another. As the weather cools, people are more likely to huddle up for warmth and celebrate the holidays inside. On the other hand, if a space was well-ventilated and people were vigorous about testing and staying home if they felt ill, it could be safe to be inside. Experts told The Chronicle that immunocompromised and older people who havent yet received a booster shot should assess their own sense of risk and wear a mask inside if theyre more comfortable with that. Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Regarding Is big L.A. rivalry just in our heads? (Front Page, Oct. 14): Peter Hartlaub got it right. I was born in Los Angeles area, and when the Dodgers moved from New York, I was hooked. Before that I had to settle for the Hollywood Stars baseball team. When Dodger Stadium was built, I fell in love with the spectacle of Major League Baseball even more because, whether I was in the nosebleed seats, behind home plate, the dugout seats, sitting in the pavilion, and maybe even dreaming of playing for them, Dodgers baseball was my boyhood joy. The San Francisco Giants? They were just another opponent, thats it. However, when I moved to San Francisco in 1979, I learned that this town hated the Dodgers. I didnt know why. I have had beer thrown on me. Ive been sucker punched by someone who didnt like my applauding a Dodgers home run. So enough was enough, I quit going to Candlestick and the current stadium to see my Dodgers play. This sort of hate doesnt or barely exists in Los Angeles for the Giants. It is really an odd thing, and Peter did a good job of sharing this oddity. Michael Doud, Sausalito Fully fund state colleges Regarding Use wealth to empower students (Open Forum, Oct. 13): Kevin Frazier, a third-year student at Berkeley Law, makes a compelling case for reducing law school tuition. I share his goal, but it is impossible unless the state of California chooses to again subsidize its public universities, including the law schools. Almost 60% of our revenue comes from students tuition. Mr. Frazier urges using the endowment. The endowment at Berkeley Law is about $300 million and more than half of that is completely restricted in its use. The income from the remainder is already used in our budget. Nor can we reduce our tuition without dramatically decreasing our quality. More than 85% of our budget goes to faculty and staff salaries and benefits, and to student financial aid. We have almost doubled our financial aid in the past four years. I wish that the state of California would return to its prior level of support for the University of California, but without that there is no alternative to have tuition at the same level as private schools. I understand students feeling forced into big law firms by the large salaries they offer. But we try hard, and must do more, to facilitate alternatives for students who wish them. We provide summer grants, post-graduate fellowships and loan repayment assistance for our students pursuing public service. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean, UC Berkeley School of Law A tribute to Ray Fosse The hardest part about being an As fan is the change. Everyone knows the story: The As develop young stars only to see them reach their prime and leave for richer clubs. The list of stars who have come and gone is long: McGwire, Canseco, both Hendersons (Ricky and Dave), Stew, Giambi, Hudson, Mulder, Zito, Semien. And so on. The one constant all these years has been broadcaster Ray Fosse. And now he, too, is gone. But his soft, cheerful voice will live on in the hearts and minds of As fans everywhere. Always. We love you, Ray. Thanks for narrating the As story all these years. You will be missed. Will Cooper, Walnut Creek 50 years is not fair Regarding Hes not a killer. Is 50 years fair? (Open Forum, Oct. 11): This is a wonderful, yet alarming article. To think that Ruchell Magee is still imprisoned in the California prison system for a $10 robbery is appalling. And to know that Sirhan Sirhan and John Hinckley Jr. are or will soon be released is unbelievable. Only Gov. Gavin Newson can resolve this injustice and he should. As a prosecutor under San Francisco District Attorney Arlo Smith in the 80s and 90s, I watched as the crack epidemic, gang violence and rising murder rates made the city feel chaotic and unsafe. Later in my career, as a criminal defense lawyer, I defended cases against prosecutors under District Attorneys Terence Hallinan, Kamala Harris, George Gascon and Suzy Loftus. All told, I have been practicing criminal law in this city for over 35 years. And I can say with the certainly of experience that disorder and strife in the San Francisco District Attorneys Office are nothing new. One thing Ive never seen, however, is San Franciscans take a vote on whether to recall their district attorney amid the chaos. Chesa Boudin was elected district attorney in 2019 in a ranked-choice election, receiving the most first place votes and the most adjusted first-place votes as the most progressive candidate in a field that included interim District Attorney Loftus, who had been appointed by Mayor London Breed one month before the election after Gascon resigned to move to Los Angeles. Boudin is an easy target for those dissatisfied with the state of public safety in San Francisco. Statistics showing that crime is down are outweighed by the general perception that our current situation is bad and not getting any better. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Bruce Chan recently took the highly unusual step of publicly commenting on the situation: I cannot express in any more certain terms my disapproval of the manner in which the Office of the District Attorney is being managed, and we simply cannot have the current levels of inadvertence, disorganization, and expect there to be any confidence in what we do here collectively. But in my opinion, the criminal justice system has teetered on the verge of collapse for decades, long before Boudin took office. Under each district attorney, unclear or inconsistent priorities, internecine power struggles and a variable work ethic among staff have hindered the efficient administration of justice. The perpetual emphasis on conviction rates has overshadowed the welfare of those who live, work and visit San Francisco. The constant friction between the police and the district attorney has also contributed to delays in prosecutions and disparities in outcomes that undermine public confidence in the system. Things have worsened with COVID, no doubt. Court backlogs have increased to record levels because emergency COVID orders closed some courts and extended all speedy trial deadlines by months. San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju sued the courts last month for failing to provide defendants with timely trials. Having to sit in an enclosed space with strangers has made jury duty even less appealing than it was before. Because of jail overcrowding during COVID and the abolition of cash bail in California, judges are called on more often to decide which pretrial detainees (all of whom are presumed innocent) are released and who remains in jail. Some of those released will commit more crimes. But the general discord and disarray in the San Francisco District Attorneys Office are features of the system, not bugs. When Hallinan took office in 1996 he immediately fired 14 senior prosecutors, causing an unprecedented level of anxiety at his office. Harris was blasted by Sen. Dianne Feinstein and the cops for not seeking the death penalty in the murder of San Francisco Police Officer Isaac Espinosa. Harris also had to weather the San Francisco Police Department Crime Lab scandal when technician Deborah Madden was accused of pilfering cocaine from the evidence locker. Thousands of pending criminal cases were dismissed as a result. Property crimes in San Francisco increased almost 50% under Gascon. His relationships with Mayor Breed and then City Attorney Dennis Herrera were so bad that they endorsed Gascons opponent, Jackie Lacey, when Gascon ran for Los Angeles District Attorney. Regardless of whos in charge, the cops always say the district attorney is too soft on crime and the loudest voices on the offices staff complain that morale had never been lower. It's pointless now to argue that Boudins recall is a waste of time and money or a distraction from actual governance. Or that Boudin has not committed malfeasance that warrants a recall or that he can be thrown out by the voters in 2024. The vote is likely happening and were stuck with it. The majority of San Franciscan who voted in 2019 supported Boudins progressive stances despite, or maybe because of, his lack of prosecutorial experience. The rancor of this recall seems fueled by the discontent of those who voted for someone else, many of whom blame Boudin for a wide range of problems, some of which are beyond his control; homelessness, drug abuse and mental illness have never been solved or even lessened by the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system is a machine that needs the gears to mesh and work together. Prosecutors have to accept and implement the policies of the district attorney. The police have to fairly and conscientiously investigate crimes and make arrests. Prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges have to prepare, evaluate and resolve cases through restorative and rehabilitative programs, pleas or trials. Even in the adversarial criminal system, civility helps. Recalling Boudin will not be the magic bullet that improves public safety. Randy Knox is a criminal defense attorney and former San Francisco assistant district attorney. Click the player or the app badges above to listen to the full story. Below is a brief summary of Cecilia Lei's report. Marin County has a reputation for being a bastion for liberal politics, but its also the most segregated county in the Bay Area. The Sausalito Marin City school district, in particular, has been a microcosm of long-standing racial inequities. For years, the district had just two schools: Willow Creek, a diverse charter school in Sausalito, a wealthy, overwhelmingly white community, and just a mile and a half away, Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Marin City, a historically Black community with a large public housing complex. In 2016, a state audit found that the predominantly Black and Latino students at Bayside MLK had been suffering: There was rapid staff turnover, inadequate class offerings, excessive discipline and substandard academic performance. In 2019, then California attorney general Xavier Becerra handed down Californias first school desegregation order in 50 years. This fall, integration began. We had a situation where students were not getting their needs met and resources were not being applied to all the students, said Mary Jane Burke, the Marin County superintendent who had asked the state to intervene. Itoco Garcia, superintendent of the Sausalito Marin City School District, is heading up the process of desegregation. What we're doing is not for the faint of heart, said Garcia. And if I lacked confidence, I would not be able to do what we have done or what we are doing. John Storey/Special to the Chronicle The result? A new, unified community school, on two campuses under one name: Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy. K-5 students are at what used to be Willow Creek. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders are at the Marin City campus. The new school opened at the end of August. If you look around here, it's obvious that this isn't really a problem for kids, Garcia said during elementary school recess on the first week of school. The group of people that this is hard for is adults. Many of the conversations leading to the school merger, including early school board meetings, had been tense and emotional. Some of the Willow Creek Academy parents didnt like the accusation that their school was discriminatory, and they worried that the school order came at the expense of their kids, who were already doing well. Other community members were worried that the board was going to repeat the same mistakes of the past, which include a failed attempt at integration in the 1960s. John Storey/Special to the Chronicle However, Garcia said the merger has exceeded his expectations. So far, 93% of families from Willow Creek and 99% from Bayside MLK have decided to stay in the district. Creating an environment that motivates families from both school communities to stay in the district will be key for success going forward. I think it's going to take some time on both sides, said Garcia. There's some trust issues that I think you can only resolve with time. Dozens gathered on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on Thursday to criticize the Biden administrations treatment of Haitian and other Black migrants seeking asylum. A slate of speakers admonished the Democratic administration for what they contend to be mistreatment of Black migrants at the border, zeroing in on recent video of immigration agents on horseback allegedly brandishing whips and using derogatory language against Haitians attempting to cross the Rio Grande. Seeing the images that we saw of Black migrants images that look like what my ancestors went through a couple of hundred of years ago are so painful, Ethiopian asylum seeker Mohamed Mousssa told those gathered. That is the reason why, though I dont have asylum yet in this country, I felt the need of coming out (today.) Moussa has firsthand experience with the Trump-era policy that the Biden administration is currently employing, implemented as the pandemic surged to stop asylum seekers and other migrants from entering the country. Called Title 42, the policy has resulted in 7,200 Haitians being summarily expelled, and forces other asylum seekers to remain outside the U.S., often in squalid camps south of the border, as they try to navigate a severely backlogged immigration process. Shame on you, President Biden, San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen exclaimed from the podium. We elected you because we expected an end to the racist policies, the xenophobic policies of the previous administration, and what weve seen so far is the same old. Ronen urged the Biden administration to reverse course, and welcome with open arms the Haitian community that is fleeing violence (and) both natural disasters and human disasters. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Organized by the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies and the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a coalition of immigrant rights groups attended the nearly hour-long event as newlywed couples ducked around rally goers attempting to snap a City Hall wedding shot. Aron Oqubamichael, a community educator with the Oakland-based Black Alliance for Just Immigration and an immigrant from Eritrea, said the rally was part of a week of similar actions nationwide urging the Biden administration to let Haitians and Black migrants make their cases for asylum instead of simply being sent back to their countries. Black immigrants also deserve the same rights, like all other immigrants, and their right to ask asylum must be respected, Oqubamichael told The Chronicle. Doctors from San Francisco General Hospital contradicted the public health justification for Title 42 that the Trump and now Biden administrations have put forth. Migrant children and families are not driving COVID infections, Dr. Raul Gutierrez told the crowd. What we are doing is putting children in harms way. Gutierrez said he treats migrant children who have arrived alone in the Bay Area. Recalling a 9-year-old patient whose mother was still in Mexico, Gutierrez choked up as he said that Title 42 forced the mother to make the impossible decision to send her children along without her. Moussa told The Chronicle that his journey out of Ethiopia brought him to Ecuador, where he spent months trekking through seven countries before he finally arrived at the southern U.S. border last year. He made his asylum claim in February 2020. He said the Trump administration made all asylum seekers add their names to a list and wait for their number to be called. 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. I was number 4,545 on the list, and they were taking 10 people per day, Moussa said. Then the pandemic hit and the border closed. Moussa said he waited in Tijuana for more than a year, where he said he and other Black migrants faced intense racism and unnecessary detentions. We always get prepared to go through the worst, Moussa said. Biden has condemned the Border Patrols actions in Del Rio, Texas, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently said the incident remains under investigation. But even before the situation became a political crisis, the administration was using Title 42 to expel Haitians from the country, a report by the Haitian Bridge Alliance and Quixote Center found. Holding the Haitian flag in his right hand and wearing a Pan African face mask, Ustadi Kadiri of the Haiti Action Committee accused Biden of treating Haitians worse than former President Trump and then said something that drew one of the loudest responses from the audience. Were looking for equal rights and justice that seems to be missing for we the people who are darker than blue, he said to loud applause. Deepa Fernandes is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: deepa.fernandes@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @deepafern J.K. Dineen/The Chronicle There is hope yet for the $100 million plan to shore up San Franciscos tilting Millennium Tower after work to arrest the buildings movement was halted over the summer when it caused the 60-story luxury tower to sink further. The plan involves installing 52 concrete piles or columns, each weighing 140,000 pounds to anchor the tower at 301 Mission St. to the bedrock 250 feet underground. That plan also calls for a series of 36-inch casings, or holes, to be drilled below ground as sheaths for the piles, but doing so previously resulted in sinkage and the work was paused in August. San Francisco's Department of Public Health quietly updated its mask guidance for children ages 2 to 9 on Wednesday. The change was first noticed after a health department spokesperson reached out to SFGATE regarding an op-ed that ran Wednesday titled "San Francisco should be like Europe when it comes to COVID, kids, masks and schools." The op-ed, submitted by 41 Bay Area parents and residents, contained the line, "Its incredibly illogical that SFDPH doesnt mandate face coverings for children under 10 in indoor public buildings, yet requires them for children ages 2 and up in child care and school settings, where learning and socialization are key components," and linked to San Francisco's mask guidance page. When three separate SFGATE editors fact-checked that line in the op-ed Tuesday before publication, the city's guidance for children specified that children 2 to 9 must wear masks in settings such as school or child care, but said only that children over 10 must wear masks in public buildings, as shown in this copy of the page captured by the Wayback Machine in September: San Francisco Department of Public Health But on Thursday, an SFDPH spokesperson wrote to SFGATE in an email, "The op-ed incorrectly states that children under 10 do not have to wear masks in indoor public buildings, such as grocery stores and restaurants. In fact, it is required that children over 2 wear masks in these settings," and provided a link to the same mask page, which now said children 2 and over must wear masks in public buildings. SFDPH said the change happened Wednesday. The SFGATE op-ed was published at 4 a.m. that morning. San Francisco Department of Public Health Gone from the original version is the line stating that children ages 2 through 9 must only wear face coverings outside of school and child care settings "if they can." Added is the requirement that "children 2 and older must wear face coverings in indoor public buildings" which is seemingly a significant change to the city's mask rules. When SFGATE asked SFDPH when and why that change happened, a spokesperson directed us to the text of the city's official health order, which states, "Children age two to nine years must wear Well-Fitted Masks to the greatest extent feasible" in settings where masks are required of everyone, such as grocery stores and restaurants. However, "to the greatest extent feasible" more so mirrors the original "if they can" language than it does the "must wear face coverings in indoor public buildings" update. The SFDPH spokesperson said that the site containing the mask guidance as opposed to the city's official health order "is designed to be easily accessible to a wide public audience" and "since the language appeared to be causing confusion we clarified it." When SFGATE asked whether the language in the official health order will also be tightened to reflect the new language on the guidance page, the department said that the "to the greatest extent feasible" language only applies to "well-fitted masks" as defined in the order, and that masks have always been required in indoor public buildings for children ages 2 through 9 if one reads between the lines of the health order. "Children age two to nine can were an alternative type of face covering to a well-fitted mask if their parent or caregiver determines it will improve the childs ability to comply with this Order," the department said in a statement. "Such an alternative is still a face covering and still required. An example of an alternative face covering is a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge. To recap, the health order has always required a face covering for children age two to nine years old in indoor public buildings. Children of that age must wear a well-fitted mask to the greatest extent feasible. If thats not feasible in certain situations, the child must still wear a different type of face covering." The mask guidance page has never and still does not draw any distinction regarding "well-fitted masks" and masking alternatives for children, but the page does say lower down, in a section for everyone, "If you cant wear a medical or fabric mask, use other options," and, "You are still required to wear something over your nose and mouth to block droplets, such as a gaiter with 2 layers." The health order itself does not specify some type of face covering must be worn if well-fitted masks are not possible; it only contains the line in the SFDPH statement that "children may wear an alternative face covering if their parent or caregiver determines it will improve the childs ability to comply with this Order." Last week, the public health departments in San Francisco and Marin counties announced changes to COVID-19 face mask requirements in indoor settings. On Friday, the softened mandates went into effect. In both counties, an exemption allows people to remove their masks in some indoor settings where stable groups of fully vaccinated people gather. Think of these settings as places where the same group of people get together again and again, such as yoga classes or office settings. Those places include offices, gyms, fitness centers, employee commuter vehicles, religious gatherings, college classes and other indoor gatherings, not exceeding 100 people. The employer, or the host of the indoor gatherings, is required to control access and verify that everyone present is fully vaccinated. They must also ensure proper ventilation, no recent COVID-19 outbreaks, and that guests and children under 12 are not present, among other safety measures, the counties said. The new exemption does not apply to public indoor settings such as retail stores, bars and restaurants or other places of businesses that are open to the public. People can continue to remove their masks temporarily in restaurants and bars to eat or drink. San Francisco specifically noted that masks are still required in "shared indoor areas such as common areas of a building, [including] elevators, lobbies and restrooms, where people from different workplace settings could interact." For more information on S.F.'s revised mandate, visit sfmayor.org. For more details on Marin's softened mandate, visit marincounty.org. When will S.F. and Marin and other Bay Area counties fully lift the indoor mask mandate? Last week, San Francisco and Marin along with six other Bay Area counties, including Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma and Napa also presented three criteria for when mask mandates can be lifted entirely. First, a county must reach the "moderate" (yellow) tier of case rates, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's data tracker, and remain there for three weeks. Marin is the only county in the state in the yellow tier; it moved into this lower-risk position two days ago. Second, the county's health officer must determine that COVID-19 hospitalizations are "low and stable." Finally, 80% of a county's total population must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or eight weeks after a COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for children ages 5 to 11. As of Thursday, 75% of San Francisco's population and 81% of Marin's population is fully vaccinated. Marin is the only county in the Bay Area that is close to meeting the criteria for lifting the mask mandate. "We want to see fewer people hospitalized with COVID-19 before lifting the mandate," said Dr. Matt Willis, the county's health director. "Last week, there were 15 total COVID-19 hospitalizations in Marin. So we set that as the metric well want to see less than 15 people in the hospital for COVID-19 before lifting the mandate." While Marin's move into the yellow tier is promising, it needs to remain at that level for 21 consecutive days. "Three consecutive weeks in yellow will mean weve maintained fewer than 18 new cases per day on average," Willis explained. "Thats among the lowest rates in the state, and Californias rates are the lowest in the nation. Were in a good place to peel back restrictions. Weve talked about following the science as we place new restrictions, and the local mask mandate helped control the fourth wave. As we moved out of lockdown in the past, we saw evidence that we can safely lift restrictions when conditions allow. With over 90 percent of our eligible community fully vaccinated, weve earned another margin of normalcy." WASHINGTON - Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg struck back Friday at Republican critics who faulted him for taking time off with his husband and two newborns, saying he was "blessed" to have the kind of family leave the Biden administration is seeking to make the national standard. "What we have right now is an administration that's actually pro-family, and I'm blessed to be able to experience that as an employee, being able to have the flexibility to take care of our newborn children, which is, by the way, work," Buttigieg said in an interview with MSNBC's Nicole Wallace. "It's joyful work. It's wonderful work, but it's definitely work." The Transportation Department never announced that Buttigieg would be taking leave when it began in mid-August. But Buttigieg himself appeared to confirm in a retweet last week that he had been on leave and had returned to work. He said in the Friday interview that, despite being on leave, he has "been available 24/7 on issues that can't wait," one of them being supply chain problems that were a focus of the Republican criticism. It was an item Thursday in a Politico newsletter that described Buttigieg as "MIA" that launched the tirade of criticism from the right. While delivering a monologue about supply chain issues, Fox News host Tucker Carlson mocked Buttigieg for going on paternity leave. "Pete Buttigieg has been on leave from his job since August after adopting a child. Paternity leave, they call it, trying to figure out how to breastfeed. No word on how that went," Carlson said. Carlson's comments drew criticism, with many accusing him of homophobia. Elliot Imse, a spokesman for the Victory Fund, which advocates for LGBTQ people in public service, said the breastfeeding line was simply an attack on Buttigieg "for being a gay dad." "If he wanted to make an argument about taking paternity leave, he could have done that without throwing in a homophobic trope," Imse said. The United States is a global outlier in not requiring paid leave for new parents. Democrats are proposing a 12-week guarantee in the budget package and touted the need for time off for workers who become parents in their defense of Buttigieg. White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that he is a role model "on the importance of paid leave for new parents." Even before he was sworn in as the first openly gay Cabinet member, confirmed by the Senate during the Biden administration's first weeks, Buttigieg has been a prominent member of the administration, regularly promoting the White House's agenda on cable news and social media. But his pace of public comments slackened after he announced that he and Chasten Buttigieg had become parents. The day after the couple's announcement, it was Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg who led a trip to Seattle touting investments that would flow from the infrastructure bill. Trottenberg's comments have also been more prominent in announcements from the department in recent weeks. In early September, news site Insider reported that a Transportation Department spokesman said Buttigieg was "taking some time off to be with his young family." A Transportation Department spokesman told The Washington Post on Friday that Buttigieg was largely offline for the first four weeks of leave, "except for major agency decisions and matters that could not be delegated," and then began taking on more work. The Office of Personnel Management didn't respond to a request for comment Friday, but told Politico that while Cabinet secretaries do not have leave policies like other federal employees, such time can be granted by the president. In recent days, Buttigieg appears to have resumed much of his role, returning to television to talk about supply chain problems. He took part in a meeting at the White House this week that resulted in retailers and delivery firms saying they would work more during nighttime hours to move goods. And on Thursday, the department announced Buttigieg would travel to Glasgow, Scotland, for the U.N. Climate Change Conference. After Buttigieg appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Oct. 7, he retweeted a message from paid-leave advocate Dawn Huckelbridge welcoming him back to work. "It's been wonderful," Buttigieg said during that appearance. "It's everything people tell you to expect and more. I think the biggest thing that has surprised me is just how much joy there is, even sometimes in the hard parts. Don't get me wrong - it's the most demanding thing I think I've ever done, that Chasten and I have ever taken on, but it's just amazing." Fox News did not comment on Carlson's criticism of Buttigieg. The company offers new parents six weeks of paternity leave, a benefit some of its stars have lauded in the past. In March, for example, "Fox & Friends" co-host Todd Piro took six weeks of paternity leave after his daughter's birth. "I cannot thank Fox enough for providing all fathers who work here with such a generous paternity leave," Piro wrote in an op-ed in April. "This experience has changed me in a profound way and in ways I won't fully comprehend until my daughter is older. But for now - that smile coming from the crib each morning, immediately followed by morning snuggles - is what I will cherish the most." After his third child was born in April of this year, Fox News host Jesse Watters said he supports paid paternity leave. "Now I am pro-paternity. I used to mock people for taking paternity, I used to think it was a big ruse, but now, you know, I wish I could take six weeks," Watters said. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas also criticized Buttigieg's absence, tweeting that he was "absent during a transportation crisis that is hurting working-class Americans." He later doubled down on his criticism of the secretary, telling Watters that Buttigieg "couldn't organize a one-car funeral - he's not going to organize our nation's ports, and railroads, and highways and airports." A spokesman for Cotton didn't respond to a Washington Post request on Cotton's position on parental leave. In 2019, he criticized the District of Columbia pizza chain &pizza on the Senate floor for not providing "paid paternity leave to its employees." The pizza chain's management, he said, thinks "babies are 'bad for business.' " Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., said Buttigieg "is a new parent no different than the millions of other Americans who also deserve the right to care for their loved ones during birth, sickness and old age." Labor Secretary Marty Walsh tweeted, "Everyone should have access to paid parental leave, period." Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, said it's important for high-profile people like Buttigieg to use their paternity leave because it helps erase the stigma of taking it - something that many men who have paternity leave don't utilize. Allred, the first congressman to take paternity leave, said he's a better lawmaker, parent and husband because he took time off shortly after the birth of his two sons. "Paternity leave is about your family but it is also about you as a productive person in whatever role you have, whether that's working in the private sector or public sector," he said Friday. "The reality is you have welcomed a new child into your life and it's going to change everything in your home and you're going to need time to adjust to that, to bond with that child to go through the transition." Allred said attacks on Buttigieg are rooted in toxic masculinity and other worldviews that suggest men don't need to be present during the earliest days of a child's life since they didn't endure physical changes to become a parent. "The research tells us the exact opposite," he said. "When men take leave, their partners do better in their jobs and it leads to better gender equality in the home. And men report higher satisfaction as fathers themselves when they've been there in those early days bonding with their child." When fisherman Butch Smith pulled his last line up from the Neosho River in Kansas one day last month, he wasn't quite sure what he was looking at. As a 4-foot, nearly 40-pound fish thrashed around in his boat, Smith called up a buddy and said, "I've got something weird here." Smith sent him a photo, and the friend called back with an answer: That's an alligator gar. "I've seen gar, but I ain't never seen a gar with a head shaped like this," Smith said in an interview, explaining that he first thought his catch may have been a flathead catfish. That's because the alligator gar had never before been documented in the state. Smith got in touch with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the fisheries division confirmed it was an alligator gar, a type of fish whose fossil records it says trace back nearly 100 million years. It gets its name from its wide head and broad snouts that resemble an American alligator. Smith said that when he called the department, officials there were "just as shocked and surprised and stunned as I was." His rare catch has set off a scramble to understand the origins of the fish and how it wound up in this water system. Three gar species are native to Kansas, the longnose, shortnose and spotted gar. Before the alligator gar was confirmed, Smith posted a photo on a Facebook page for "whisker seekers," a catfishing group. "A lot of people thought it was a spotted gar, or a shortnose. Some said alligator, but then people said they ain't here," Smith said. "And I said, 'Well, there's one here because it's in the bottom of my boat.' " Doug Nygren, director of the fisheries division, said that in addition to its teeth - alligator gar have two rows of teeth - its size gave it away. While the longnose gar can get up to five feet or more, Nygren noted that "most of our native species are more slender." The 39.5 pound fish that Smith caught weighed eight pounds more than the state record for a longnose gar, which, according to the department's website, was caught in 1974. "My first reaction was: How did it get here?" Nygren said. The alligator gar is not native to Kansas and are instead found from southwestern Ohio and southeastern Missouri and Illinois south to the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Department. Nygren said there are three ways his team is trying to determine its origin. If the fish had been from a nearby state, perhaps one with a program meant to restore native alligator gar populations, it would have been tagged. But no such tag was identified, he said, "so that took that option off the table." The next step will be to send DNA samples and tissue from the fish to a genetic lab to "give us a clue as to what part of the country this fish may have come from." The results may also help determine whether the fish came from an existing population in another state, according to the department. The third option is to utilize microchemistry. Bones from the head of the fish can help give the fisheries team a clue about how long it has been in the Neosho River by comparing the concentration of elements in the bone to the concentration in the water. "It's going to be a while before we get all this information compiled," Nygren said. Sean Lynott, a regional fisheries supervisor with the department, said the lack of a tag suggests "this fish was moved by man." Nygren said the fish may have been introduced illegally into the river system, perhaps by someone who caught it in another state, or kept the fish as a pet and released it into the river when it got too big. According to the department, alligator gar can weigh more than 300 pounds and measure more than eight feet long. According to the department, it's illegal to transport and release fish or other species in public waters, whether they are native or nonnative. "It may seem simple enough, 'Oh, we're just moving this fish from one river to another,' " Lynott said. "But you don't know what you're bringing in. We're worried about disease that can be transported with the fish, we're worried about aquatic nuisance species like zebra mussels that could be in the water with the fish. It's just not a good idea to move fish around." Nygren said the department does not consider the alligator gar an invasive species at this point, "but in general it's not wise often to introduce non-native species because of the unknown of what the impact could be on native species." He said the department wants to learn as much as it can when a new species is recorded. "Sometimes it will help us craft a message on how to prevent it from happening again," he said. Smith, who said he is a lifelong fisherman, said he hopes to catch something even bigger someday. "You spend enough time in the water, anything can happen," he said. Audacy announced Friday that it would rebrand longtime alternative rock station Alt 105.3 KITS to something called Dave FM. The announcement came on 105.3's Twitter account: "Hi. Im Dave FM. I live in San Francisco, California. Totally Random Radio is what I do." It's not entirely clear what "totally random radio" implies, but according to a statement sent to Radio Insight, core artists include "Prince, Pat Benatar, The Cure, Journey, Nirvana, Huey Lewis and more." "The station will boast a vast music library of top hits from multiple genres and decades," the statement said. Audacy, which owns the station, did not immediately reply to SFGATE's request for comment, leaving us with more questions than answers. The first song the station played as Dave FM was Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle." The station has rebranded multiple times before in recent memory. The station began as KCBO in 1959, and changed letters and ownership multiple times through the 2000s. In 2017, the station said it would merge with Entercom, rebranding as "Alt 105.3." Earlier this year, Entercom rebranded are you sensing a theme here? as Audacy, which remains the owner. Dave FM is an opportunity for us to provide our audience a station that encompasses a wide array of music genres, full of recognizable hits across multiple decades, said Stacey Kauffman, regional vice president and market manager of Audacy San Francisco, in a statement. We trust this station will be able to offer listener favorites each and every day, no matter their taste. Kangaroo Store Isnt it crazy to think that all Giants First baseman/team captain, Brandon Belt, has to do to feel like a captain is to wake up and look in the mirror presumably while saying: isn't it incredible waking up as Brandon Belt? For those outside the loop, it started weeks ago when Belt declared himself team captain after a flight and demanded the rest of the team let him disembark the airplane first only for them to comply. Later, third baseman Evan Longoria taped a C to Belts jersey before a game. Then, when Belt was out with an injury, the rest of the Giants wore captains hats in his honor (or as a form of teasing, who can even tell). Sharon, PA (16146) Today Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High near 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 70%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 26F. Winds light and variable. SHELTON Ramon Peralta, Jr., hit what many would consider an employment rock bottom in 2008. The Shelton resident had been a creative director with Walker Innovation Inc. a firm that had launched numerous companies, including Priceline.com. But after getting laid off amidst the Great Recession, Peralta faced an uncertain future, with no job and few prospects. Undaunted, Peralta chose to gamble on his own creativity and started his own company in the basement of his home. From those humble beginnings, Peralta Design has continually expanded its client list, employee count and office space. The company now occupies 3,000 square feet of premium office space in Enterprise Corporate Towers. Peraltas courage and ingenuity were important ingredients to his ultimate success, but he is quick to point out the significant assistance he received from the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC). He now sits on the groups board. I always come back to my father. A small-business owner, he had his own auto repair business, Peralta said. He inspired me to be an entrepreneur. But he was financially illiterate, and he suffered, his business suffered because of that. When Peralta was laid off in 2008, he received six months' severance pay, which he turned into Peralta Design. He said he took pride in the fact he used that money to start his company, rather than going into debt. But still, money was tight. Because of his fathers struggles handling his own finances, Peralta decided he would bring in a CPA, who immediately told him about GNEMSDC. The help he received from the group was invaluable, he said. Working with them offered me the chance to learn about capital and how to access it, Peralta said. He learned that here were other forms of capital not considered debt. That there are business lines of credit. This history made Peralta, now a successful minority business owner with a diverse creative team, more than happy to host a celebration of the GNEMSDC receiving a five-year grant, worth $2 million, to launch a Connecticut satellite office of the Minority Business Development Agency, which is based in Boston. Among those at Tuesdays celebration was Senator Richard Blumenthal, who had backed the GNEMSDCs grant application. The center will provide clients free business development services with public and private sector buyers; expert assistance; and capacity- building services, including financial management, strategic planning, marketing, process improvement, assistance with mergers and acquisitions, and assistance with access to capital. Peralta said his involvement with the center is his way of paying it forward. Peralta Design, he said, is a creative agency that specializes in working with entrepreneurs, startup companies and existing companies that want to launch a new product or service. The goal, as his slogan We Launch Brands captures, is to help businesses large and small navigate complex branding, web and digital marketing challenges. The company also develops branding, marketing materials, annual reports and website design. And the success continued during the pandemic, as Peralta added staff and relocated to a larger space. The companys success during the pandemic is partly due to a shift in how business was done. We really grew in the digital marketing space during the pandemic because there was a greater need for digital marketing and advertising, Peralta said. We also were always big advocates for reopening safely and following all CDC guidelines, so it made sense to move into bigger space to create a safer place to work. brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com Convenient home delivery Unlimited website access 24/7 Unlimited e-Edition access 24/7 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more! Get the Ludington Daily News delivered straight to your door and receive unlimited access to our website and e-Edition when you purchase a Print + Digital Subscription. Venom: Let There Be Carnage review - Appears rushed from start to finish don't expect anything more than what you have seen in the trailers Source: SIFY By: IANS Critic's Rating: 2.5/5 Friday 15 October 2021 Movie Title Venom: Let There Be Carnage review - Appears rushed from start to finish Director Andy Serkis Star Cast Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, Woody Harrelson. In today's digital age, comic-book adaptations of action-packed films, though promising, seem to be running out of steam. Every mega battle occurs in an incoherent cloud of computer graphics where you would not care less what you are watching, or what the stakes are. The 2018 edition was an origin story of 'Venom'; this one takes off from where it left. It dives into the bromance between Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his alien symbiote Venom. It is at its best when traversing the thick and thin of the duo's relationship, arguing about morality, crime fighting, chickens, chocolate and decapitation. Even as Eddie and Venom struggle to compromise, Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), the serial killer, is about to meet his end via lethal injection. In a brief flashback, we are told Cletus was in love with a mutant named Frances Barrison (Naomie Harris), who was taken in by the government. Cletus has been pining for her ever since and now that he has learned she is still alive, he wants to reach out to her. To that end, he asks to see newsman Eddie, promising an exclusive interview. During one death row visit, a momentarily violent encounter results in Cletus biting Eddie, thereby ingesting some of his Venom-infused blood. This allows a new symbiont, Carnage, to develop inside Cletus. For Carnage to achieve autonomy, it must destroy its "father", so Cletus and Carnage reach an agreement: first, find Frances; second, kill Venom. How Venom and Carnage confront each other, and their journey to that fight, forms the crux of this convoluted narrative. Yes, if you are into some dim-witted mindless action drama, then there are faint chances that you might like this one too. To put it simply, the film is sloppily mounted with staid set-pieces and oft-seen visual effects that appear all over the place, and the humour seems forced. The film wanted to pit Venom and Carnage against each other, and it does not do anything except that. The script is sprinkled with a few light moments, thanks to Tom Hardy as Eddy and Venom, a mellower version of their previous joint appearance. Tom is a gifted actor and his quirky performance with Venom is what elevates this film. Woody Harrelson as Carnage does not share the same equation that Tom has with Venom. His Carnage is evil and is one of his worst performances. His get-up, including his wig, is disastrous. And the pivotal showdown between him and Venom feels more like an afterthought with no stakes, no tension, just a long wait until the bad guy is pulled down. The weakest link in the film is between Eddie and his love interest Anne (Michelle Williams). Her character was barely in the film, but then you were meant to feel the loss Eddie experiences after breaking up with her. Another issue with the film is its pacing. It appears rushed from start to finish and just feels like a longer film squeezed into a shorter runtime. Scenes and information slip by quicker than you can expect, making it difficult for you to process what is happening on the screen. Overall, don't expect anything more than what you have seen in the trailers. Addressing reporters in Washington Thursday, Department spokesman Ned Price also stressed that the US remains actively engaged in diplomacy with its allies to discuss ways to enhance their collective security, reports Yonhap News Agency. Washington/Seoul, Oct 15 (IANS) The US continues to be prepared to meet with North Korea without preconditions as it awaits the Pyongyang's response to its "specific proposals", a State Department spokesperson said. "We do stand prepared to meet with the DPRK without preconditions. We have made, in fact, specific proposals to the DPRK and we will await a response. We will await outreach from the DPRK." DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name. Price did not directly comment on whether the US proposals to the North included the reduction or removal of sanctions on the North when asked. North Korea has stayed away from denuclearization talks with the US since early 2019. It also remains unresponsive to US overtures made by President Joe Biden's administration since taking office in January. "We believe diplomacy, including direct diplomacy with the DPRK, is the most effective means to meet the policy objective that has emerged from a review of our DPRK policy that we completed some months ago, and that objective remains the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Price added. --IANS ksk/ To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Ive been reading a horror story that makes Game of Thrones look like Beatrix Potter. Its got demons, dragons, harpies, centaurs, rains of fire, lakes of boiling pitch and seething ordure, bodies mutilated in fiendishly ingenious ways, and Satan himself, presiding over a lake of ice. Yes, its Dantes Inferno, the first poem in his epic work, The Divine Comedy, and I wasnt prepared for something quite so hellish. Nor was Dante: Id always imagined him as a stern, impassive spectator to all the agony. But he is stricken with fear and disgust, and faints away with pity at the story of adulterous lovers Paolo and Francesca, murdered by her husband. Gustave Dores illustration of Dante and Virgil. Credit:Gustave Dore Despite the riveting horror, my reading is heavy going. My splendid edition is illustrated by Gustave Dore, a dab hand at towering cliffs and naked, muscular souls writhing in torment. But the translation, by the Reverend Henry Francis Cary, is a ponderous piece of poetry. And because Im not an expert on medieval Florentine politics, many of Dantes conversations with those talkative damned are hard to follow. Why read Dante? Hes up there with Shakespeare as one of the greatest influences in world art and literature, and this is his year. Its the 700th anniversary of both The Divine Comedy and his death, and around the world particularly in Italy his fans are having a party. There are concerts, exhibitions, readings and galas galore. Pope Francis has written a letter in his honour and a copy of The Divine Comedy is being launched into space. DEATH In the age of COVID-19, have you worried about the death of New York City? Not until very recently. During the height of COVID, when everyone was saying, New York is over, I thought it was ridiculous. The thing that Im worried about now, of course, is will COVID ever end? It will never end unless everyone gets vaccinated. Its not that I didnt know there were stupid people in the world; I just didnt know there were this many. Loading You turned 70 on your last birthday. Does death play on your mind more when you hit 70? Of course it does. But turning 70 during the height of COVID was a good and a bad thing. Because it was during COVID, it had less of an effect on me. But so many people sent me flowers that it looked like a funeral home in here. In an ideal world, how would you like to die? In my sleep. How would I least like to die? Knowing Im going to die. People have doctors who say, Youve got three months to live. Please dont tell me this. Your friendship with writer Toni Morrison was renowned. Youve said before that youve missed Toni every day since she died. What do you miss about her? Everything. Ive never missed anyone so much, and Ive known a lot of people who died, unfortunately. I talked to her on the phone several times a week. She was a significant part of my life. Theres nothing I dont miss about Toni. Actually, my missing of Toni is increasing by the day. Its supposed to subside. But 50,000 times a week, something happens when I think, I have to tell Toni. Partially just emotional habit, but partially as you might imagine she was an incredibly enriching person to know. Do you wish anyone was dead? Many people. Many, many people. One is not accurate. Many, many many people. Loading POLITICS Youve said of the Trump era that your level of rage always high was at fever pitch. Now youre in the Biden era, whats the dominant feeling? It is true that the second Biden was declared the winner, life improved instantly. First of all, in not hearing or reading about Trump all the time. That in itself was like a gift. But I never liked Joe Biden. I didnt have to be reminded of the Anita Hill hearings; I remembered it [Biden, who was the Senate Judiciary Chair when Hill brought allegations of sexual harassment against the then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991, was criticised for not allowing the supporting testimonies of other women; he has since expressed his regret]. But I was also very relieved when he became a candidate, because I knew he had a chance of winning. No other candidate had a chance of winning. I still dont love Joe Biden. He didnt suddenly turn into Abraham Lincoln. But hes so much better than Donald Trump. Science fiction has long been a realm of futuristic contemplation and there is a moment in Annie Deniels new documentary, Steampunk Connection, when todays collective unease is succinctly captured. Teacher and cosplayer Tisha Goshen suggests that, unlike a hundred years ago, when we look forward nowadays, theres more fear than hope. We think about the future a lot, she says, speaking for her fellow science fiction fans and also, perhaps, for humanity in general. But its dark. On the cusp of a potentially seismic social transformation, one that involves coming to grips with what technological innovation has done to the planet, we are right to feel uneasy. Tisha Goshen in Steampunk Connection: We think about the future a lot. But its dark. Part of the SciFi Film Festival currently streaming across Australia, Steampunk Connection takes us inside the flourishing subculture of steamers: fans who have embraced the retro-futuristic aesthetic known as steampunk to the point of making it central to their lives. As with other fandoms, this involves some serious dressing up: lots of top hats, corsets and pseudo-Victorian military uniforms, accessorised with bronze goggles, fob watches and other strange devices. Its all good fun, but along with celebrating the creativity of the steamers, the film poses questions about what really fuels their dreams. The nostalgia of steampunk is ambiguous in several respects, as Deniels highly articulate subjects are often the first to point out. Just hours after the Queen made it clear she was unamused by the number of world leaders yet to confirm their attendance at the Glasgow climate talks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced he would attend. But the identities of around 120 other leaders that the UK organisers of COP26 say will attend are still mostly unknown. Scott Morrison announced on Friday he would attend the COP26 summit, but many other world leaders are yet to announce whether they will go. Credit:James Brickwood US President Joe Biden has said he will be there, but it so far appears unlikely that his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will, as he has not left China since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Without the commitment of these two nations - respectively the largest historical greenhouse gas emitter and the current one - it is believed the talks cannot succeed in curbing warming. Australias most prominent alleged agent of Chinese influence, Huang Xiangmo, has been vetted by the Chinese government to sit on a powerful Hong Kong political committee as part of Beijings ongoing suppression of the territorys democracy movement. Mr Huangs election to the Hong Kong election committee last month is the strongest indication yet of his unwavering commitment to the Chinese Communist Party and its aims of asserting influence and control. Billionaire Huang Xiangmo at his Sydney mansion in 2018. Credit:James Brickwood It also gives a rare indication of the rewards Beijing is prepared to hand out to figures who have been labelled agents of influence and expelled by other nations. Mr Huang, who donated at least $2.7 million to the Labor and Coalition parties prior to the cancellation of his Australian visa in 2019, previously sought to dismiss claims he was a Chinese Communist Party agent of influence. In an interview with the Party newspaper Global Times, he called Australia a giant baby and said he had not violated its laws, adding he had been punished for groundless accusations. Vets hold grave concerns for the welfare of Go Bronco the greyhound, left for dead in sweltering heat in a stolen car on an inner-city Sydney street. The $10,000 white and fawn dog was found on Sunday close to death in the back of the car which was dumped in Boyce Street, Glebe. After running seventh in race five at Wentworth Park on Saturday night, Go Bronco's trainer had stopped to pick up some dinner at Glebe, leaving the dog in his car. During the few minutes the trainer was away, thieves took off with the Holden Commodore station wagon - and Go Bronco. A tip-off shortly before midday on Sunday led police to the car, in which the caged greyhound was found distressed and lying limp from heat exposure and dehydration. Running against a popular local MP with a whopping 20 per cent margin may seem like a slim bet, but businessman and Greater Shepparton deputy mayor Rob Priestly maintains hes in with a chance. Im sure you can feel it; there is a national mood for change, and that is absolutely alive and well in our seat, he said. Greater Shepparton deputy mayor Rob Priestly has put his hand up to run against Nicholls MP Damien Drum at the next federal election. Credit:Rob Priestly Cr Priestly is the latest in a line of independent candidates seeking to oust sitting government MPs at the next federal election; in this case, the Nationals Damian Drum. Mr Drum has held his seat of Nicholls (formerly Murray) since 2016, and served as a Victorian MP for 14 years before that. Stormy weather and social distancing didnt stop Sydneysiders from celebrating Friday night drinks for the first time since June following the easing of lockdown restrictions. Eyebrows plucked, bodies freshly tanned, biceps pumped and dating apps ready to swipe, Sydneys show ponies strutted into restaurants, pubs and bars determined to revive the traditional bonhomie of the end of the working week. The sun poked through Friday afternoon as diners packed into Ash Street and surrounds in the Sydney CBD. Credit:Rhett Wyman A trickle of pedestrians walked past mostly empty shops along George Street, but trendy Ash Street restaurants were bustling with outdoor diners, despite the lack of office workers in the CBD. Alex Orwin, head of operations at the Ivy precinct, said eateries such as Felix and Ash St Cellar were busy, while the Ivy pool club was booked out. NSW hit 78.8 full vaccination coverage on Friday, and 91.6 per cent first dose, with the NSW likely to reach the long-awaited 80 per cent vaccination milestone on Saturday. But in Hunter New England, few local government areas had a double-dose rate above 70 per cent: Cessnock and Muswellbrook have some of the lowest rates with about 58 per cent and 56 per cent of their residents fully vaccinated. Newcastles full vaccination rate was 66 per cent on Monday, Maitland at 63 per cent and in Lake Macquarie the rate was almost 69 per cent. Hunter New England Health public health physician Dr David Durrheim this week warned against relaxing unnecessary regional travel, with fully vaccinated rates lagging the state average and escalating case numbers. We dont want the virus travelling with people around our region... Its critically important we avoid congregating whenever we can. The virus, once it gets into a group of people who are close together, spreads like wildfire, said Dr Durrheim. In Northern NSW, where Murrumbidgee recorded eight new cases on Friday, double-dose vaccination rates are at about 57 per cent. About 47 per cent of Byron Bays residents are fully vaccinated. Amy Cooper, the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association chief executive, said at least 1500 employees had been stood down from about 600 hospitality and winery businesses after the area was plunged into lockdown on August 5. This has been a harder lockdown than last year. Three out of four businesses have decreased staffing by more than 50 per cent. There has been less government support for business and so much uncertainty about how operators can keep the staff on, said Ms Cooper. On Friday, Mr Perrottet said JobSaver would be extended, with regional businesses to receive 30 per cent of weekly payroll before tapering off to 15 per cent from November 1. In the Pokolbin area, Ms Brown said about 40 per cent of the weddings she plans involves couples from Sydney. She had weddings booked for the last week of October, all of which have now been postponed. We normally have a Melbourne Cup event which has a bunch of Sydney guests, but the uncertainty has meant sales have been tiny this year, she added. Wedding celebrant Jeff Hindmarsh, a committee member of the Hunter Weddings Expo which represents the industry in the area, said he has become less celebrant, more guidance councillor as businesses and couples navigate the changing restrictions. Wedding and Events Manager, Rachael Brown has had to cancel many events. Credit:Janie Barrett Ive got three emails in my inbox from couples for the next two weeks two of the three are, Jeff, I dont know what to do, my parents now cant come. Mr Hindmarsh said the region had been hanging on every word of the Premiers press conferences and interviews, trying to make sense of when regional travel might be allowed. Everything was banking on that 80 per cent lift, he said. People had the confidence to re-book and go ahead. And most people who get married in the Hunter Valley dont live in the Hunter Valley they travel from Sydney. Tess Borg, who own two cafes and a catering business in Newcastle, said at least 80 weddings planned for this year were bumped to 2022. Tess and James Borg on the first day of their cafe, Mockingbird Cafe, re-opening after lockdown. Credit:Janie Barrett Former cabinet minister Christian Porter will appeal against a Federal Court decision to stop his barrister from acting for him in his defamation case against the ABC, despite settling the case in question. Mr Porter and his then-barrister, Sue Chrysanthou, SC, were ordered in June to pay legal costs after losing a legal battle with Jo Dyer, a friend of a woman who accused Mr Porter of a 1988 rape before taking her own life last year. Christian Porter will pursue the appeal on a matter of principle. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Mr Porter strenuously denies the allegation, which was reported by the ABC in November last year, and had commenced defamation proceedings, led by Ms Chrysanthou, against the broadcaster. But in May, Ms Dyer successfully barred Ms Chrysanthou from acting for Mr Porter on the basis that the barrister had previously advised Ms Dyer over an article in The Australian. That article was published after Ms Dyer appeared in an episode of the ABCs Four Corners program about Mr Porter and other members of the government. Four days after that decision, Mr Porter settled with the ABC. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Hundreds of butterfly species flit across the islands of the Torres Strait, and Trevor Lambkin has made it his lifes work to find them all. For the past 38 years Dr Lambkin has been flying in and out of the Torres Strait, much like many of the butterflies he goes there to collect and catalogue. He worked for the Department of Primary Industries for years as an entomologist investigating pest insects, but butterflies were always his hobby and his passion. I saw a textbook when I was very young which showed you how to make an insect collector, he says. A male New Guinea birdwing butterfly photographed by Trevor Lambkin. I was fascinated to think you could collect these butterflies, and if you stored them the right way they could be there hundreds of years later. His childhood interest grew as he got older, and he realised the Torres Strait was one of the last frontiers of butterfly collecting in Australia. Advertisement The islands of the Torres Strait stretch from the tip of Cape York to the shadow of the Papua New Guinea coastline, and range from large inhabited islands such as the Prince of Wales Island (Muralag) and Thursday Island (Waiben) to tiny uninhabited mud islands and coral cays. The region is an interchange zone, with animals including butterflies flying into it both from the Australian mainland and from PNG, to join those that live there year-round. Dr Lambkin first flew to the island in 1983, when he was in his late 20s, accompanied by a fellow butterfly enthusiast who was to become his great comrade Ian Knight, whom he had met a few years earlier. Mr Knight had already amassed a sizeable collection of butterflies from his native South Africa and from his time in Australia. Dr Lambkin during a trip to Mer Island in 1994. They visited the Torres Strait several times throughout the 80s, but it was in the 1990s that Dr Lambkins passion for the region and its butterflies took off. A lot of [butterfly] collectors are good at recording what they find, but theyre not so good at recording what they dont collect, because thats not really useful to them, he says. Advertisement I realised with my background in entomology I was in a position to try to actually catalogue all these species, as well as collect them, and it just built from there. Over dozens of trips to the region in the past three decades Dr Lambkin catalogued 227 butterfly species, amassing thousands of specimens for his private collection. He has compiled all that data, along with existing data of Torres Strait butterfly species, into the comprehensive text, with printed copies running over 500 pages including over 900 prints of butterflies. A female Mangrove Flash photographed by Dr Lambkin. One of the highlights of the collection for him is a species he named himself the mangrove flash, which only lives in the mudflats of a handful of islands in the Strait. Dr Lambkin said he had a fondness for that species because he discovered it while on a trip with Mr Knight, but said it also represented the threat facing not just butterflies but everything in the Torres Strait climate change. Rising sea levels would affect islands in the region significantly, as the Strait itself is quite shallow, with the water depth just seven metres at some points. Advertisement The mangrove flash is one of 17 butterfly species identified by Dr Lambkin as living only in low-lying areas of islands and thus greatly at risk of any rise in sea levels. He says the discovery of the mangrove flash shows the value of his work, going back year after year to track the differences in the butterflies present. Dauar island in foreground with Waier in background, part of the southern stretch of the Torres Strait. He and Mr Knight found the mangrove flash in 2010, one of three species he discovered that year, which he recalls as a bumper year for butterflies following a protracted wet season. It just so happened they had an intense start to the wet season and then we came at the right time, the butterflies were so intense, there were so many on the island, he says. The three years that followed 2010 it was pretty disappointing because it was drier and there werent nearly as many butterflies. Dr Lambkin plans to formally present his current catalogue to several of the island communities over the next few months, with whom he says he has an excellent relationship. Advertisement Theyve always been incredibly welcoming to me, and its great to be able to show them this, to show them what Ive been doing all these years. Mr Knights final journey to the islands was in 2016 at the age of 86, after which he took a well-earned retirement in Tasmania, where he died in April this year. Dr Lambkin with Ian Knight (left) and some local children on Murray Island on Mr Knights last trip to the Torres Strait in 2016. Dr Lambkin said it was sad to lose his friend, but he took heart he would live on through his collection of butterfly specimens, which had been donated to the Queen Victoria Museum in Launceston, along with the bulk of Dr Lambkins own collection. The Lambkin-Knight collection contains tens of thousands of butterfly specimens from all over the east coast of Australia, and is the most comprehensive collection anywhere of the butterflies of the Torres Strait. Now in his 60s himself, Dr Lambkin still travels to the islands regularly. He does not go alone, his grandson Alexander accompanying him for the past few years. The teenager is interested in reptiles and amphibians, and has expressed an interest in trying to catalogue every one of those species in the Torres Strait. Advertisement One of Melbournes most significant street art laneways will be destroyed under a proposal for a 41-storey development near the Queen Victoria Market. Blender Lane was once the epicentre of Melbournes street art movement and international and local artists featured on the walls of the laneway included French street artist Blek le Rat, British artist Moose and Australian Rone. Artist Adrian Doyle in Blender Laneway which is slated to be destroyed under a development proposal. Credit:Scott McNaughton Adrian Doyle, artist and director of The Blender Studios, said the planned destruction of art in the laneway was typical of the disregard by developers for what made Melbourne special. The wall is significant, he said. Its part of the history of Melbourne that once lost will never be regained. These people are making their money and running but leaving us a shitter city and at what point do we say no? But unlike the doughnut day when they went back in term four 2020 when there were just 39 active COVID-19 cases in the state and zero new cases students will return to record numbers of infections, including almost 3000 active cases among under-10s. Schools will operate by a different set of rules and guidelines too. Doors and windows will be opened for airflow, heaters and air conditioners switched off, and recess and lunchtimes staggered. Face masks will be strongly recommended for prep to year 2 students and mandatory for students in years 3 to 6, who are not due back in classrooms for another week under the governments staged return. By Friday afternoon, schools were yet to receive advice from the Department of Education and Training on how to enforce the mask mandate. Staff will also face new requirements, such as eating lunch outdoors, and must have had at least one dose of a vaccine, or prove they have booking that week. The staged return means that prep students will have the run of their schools for the first three days of the week, before returning to remote learning to make way for year one and two students on Thursday. Among them will be Estelle Shipp, a year one student at Brunswick South Primary in Melbournes inner north. Year one student Estelle Shipp, seated with her parents Joseph and Michelle Shipp, would rather be in school than learning at home. Credit:Justin McManus Estelle says shed rather be learning at school than at home and is happy to wear a mask to make that happen. The older people in the other grade have to but I dont have to; I want to so Ill be more safe, she says. Her parents, Michelle and Joseph Shipp, say they are conscious that primary school children are not yet able to be vaccinated and more vulnerable to being infected, but also worry about how much classroom learning Estelle has already lost. At her age were lucky she hasnt known all that different. Shed only just begun school and then COVID hit, Ms Shipp says. Mr Shipp says they support the decision to send children back to school, given they have been deprived of social interaction with other children for so long. Were OK with it but obviously cautious and we really would prefer to have all vaccines available for the over-fives. As soon as thats available well get Estelle vaccinated straight away, he says. Parents should expect a rise in cases among children and more outbreaks at schools from Monday, Royal Childrens Hospital paediatrician and immunisation expert Margie Danchin says. But Associate Professor Danchin urged parents not to hold their unvaccinated children back from attending school for fear of them getting infected. Hospitalisations among the young have been very rare, she said. Any rise in cases among children will pose a risk to unvaccinated adults, Associate Professor Margie Danchin says. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui Even over the last two months with a lot more cases in the community with the Delta variant, illness in children is still overwhelmingly mild. At least half dont have symptoms and the rest have pretty mild respiratory symptoms. We have only seen four to five admissions per week over the last two months and those are brief admissions; one to two nights for a bit of fluid and oxygen. But the looming rise in cases among children does pose a risk to unvaccinated adults, who are more likely to be infected and become ill, Dr Danchin warns. If a parent has a kid going back to school on Monday and theyre [the parent] not vaccinated, thats a problem. High case numbers led several non-government schools across Melbourne to spurn the staged return to school last week, instead instructing their VCE students to stay home and stick with remote learning. Some gave students a choice to come to class or learn from home with full support from teachers. Its not a choice Victorias that 1553 state schools have the luxury of offering. The state system is such a big system; youve got hundreds of thousands of students, Australian Principals Federation acting president Tina King says. As we transition back to on-site [learning], we cant do a compromise model that has face-to-face and remote learning as well. Its unmanageable. By Friday afternoon there were 34 schools listed as closed by the Department of Education and Training. Loading New COVID-safe protocols for term four mean schools no longer have to close for 14 days, but can reopen within 24 hours after a medical clean. Some have been forced to continue remote learning this week anyway because too many staff are in isolation for the school to function on-site. Northcote High School, for example, has never been officially closed after a student tested positive last week, though year 12 students were told to stay home on Monday and are yet to receive the all-clear to return. Parent Karen Stephens says there is frustration and sadness in the school community that they were missing out on their final days together. Our current year 12s have been going through this for two years, she says. In Melbournes south-east, the job of returning almost 2600 students safely back to school this term has also become something of an administrative nightmare for Steve Mahoney. Steve Mahoney, assistant principal at Narre Warren P-12 College, where almost 5000 staff, students and their families have been vaccinated on-site. Credit:Justin McManus Mr Mahoney, who is assistant principal of Narre Warren South P-12 College, says the government school had done a power of work to prepare for students return. It has ordered boxes and boxes of masks, audited ventilation and vaccinated almost 5000 staff, students and their families on-site. Loading As COVID-19 cases grow in Melbournes southeast, Mr Mahoney is conscious of the risks but thrilled to go back. Like every school in Victoria, it is a concern, Mr Mahoney says. We had four kids who couldnt do the GAT because they were in isolation. But he says it is time to get the kids back to school, to reduce the amount of time they are spending online and for their socialisation. They may be small tokens, but gifts of personalised pens are having a profound impact on stressed-out frontline health workers by reminding them that their work is appreciated. Peter Lucas, who hand-crafts the pens in his shed, has in the past year sent over 150 of them to nurses and emergency workers, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is placing great strain on Victorias health system. Mr Lucas, 61, a retired public servant from Research in Melbournes north-east, has four relatives who are nurses, - two sisters, a daughter and a niece - and is familiar with the pressures. Nurses get spat on, they get kicked and verbally abused, he said. They try and give the best care possible to people. Sometimes its a thankless task. Virginia Walker was born in Sydney and was educated in Ascham School, Sydney, and New England Girls School, Armidale. After Virginia gained the Intermediate Certificate in 1955, grandmother Enid Walker took her to England by ship, and later to Europe for a grand tour. She was away for five or six months. Francos Spain had the greatest impact on her. Its poverty and oppression by both the dictator and the church affected her, as well as the history, politics and energy which she would find again later in her visits to Cuba. She became a member of the Australian Cuban Friendship Society in Sydney. She worked in clerical jobs in both Sydney and London, joined the NSW Public Service and worked for the Department of Housing, the Parole Board and the Department of Corrective Services. Virginia Walker had a lifelong passion for social justice and worked through many organisations to achieve it. She campaigned tirelessly over many years for abortion reform, penal reform and the environment movement. As an Australia Party candidate, she contested the House of Representatives seat of Phillip in 1972 and 1974 and for the NSW Legislative Assembly seat of Waverley in 1973. She joined the Australian Labor Party in 1976 and stood unsuccessfully for the Woollahra Council in 1980 and 1983. In May 2000, she was awarded the McKell Inaugural Award for services to the ALP. Australia Party candidate for the electorate of Philip, Miss Virginia Walker, pictured at her Paddington home. Credit:Fairfax She became a mature-age student at East Sydney Tech and the Universities of NSW and Sydney. She took a BA in 1980 and a Diploma of Criminology in 1983. At a time in life when most people slow down, Virginia embarked on perhaps her finest work. In 2003, a group comprising Virginia, Frances Milne, Barbara Murphy, Jim Petrowsky, Tom Kelly, John Valder, Marie Peterson and Natalie Gould formed Bridge for Asylum Seekers. Virginia was foundation president. Former colleague and friend Christine Kibble was secretary-treasurer for 12 years. In their first full year, 2004, the Bridge group raised $266,000. Since then, it has raised millions for refugees. The group operated on many fronts; most of the money was sent to families both in detention and in the community. Virginia would often head off to buy a school uniform for a nine-year-old girl, sneakers for a five-year-old starting school or nappies for a new baby. The volunteers of the Bridge organisation wrought miracles in fundraising and dispersion, all voluntary, and continue to do, though all the originals have moved on. Virginia was chair of the organisation for 14 years and ran it from her second bedroom. Of the millions she raised, less than 1 per cent was spent on administration. In recognition for her work, she received a human rights award and, in 2014, an Order of Australia Medal. As another private crusade, for many years Virginia spent one day a week at Villawood Detention Centre. She met refugees to offer advice, food, to liaise with legal advisers and boost morale. Through her contacts, she gained access to detainees who would otherwise have remained unknown to the outside world. Virginia Walker with Kim Beazley and Bob Carr. Her training with Corrective Services gave her insight into the works of a prison system. Over the years, she had many backers on these weekly expeditions but all support faded away, including from this writer. The emotional drain was great as government policy hardened and there was less and less good news. Virginia soldiered on. The detainees loved her fearlessness: After watching her confront a recalcitrant official in Villawood, one admiring Hazara Afghan was heard to say that he was more afraid of Virginias walking stick than he was of the Immigration Department. Virginia spent all she could afford on these detainees but a legacy from half-brother Rory gave her the means to travel. With Kibble, she saw parts of Europe, the Mediterranean, New Zealand and Australia. Virginia Walker received her Order of Australia Medal; with brother Alec Walker, his wife Juliette, and NSW governor Marie Bashir, 2014. In January 2018, with Debbi Perik, they circumnavigated Australia on a cruise ship, the trip Virginia enjoyed most though her mobility was steadily decreasing and the crew lifted her into and out of the Zodiacs. She celebrated her 80th birthday on this trip. In mid-2018 the trio went to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. I was a fabulous tour but too much for Virginia and her travelling days were over. With great symmetry, grand tours book-ended her working life. She broke a leg during a weekend away with a group of old friends known as The Witches. Recuperation was arduous but while her other activities slowed, she continued to read to local schoolchildren until she could move only with great difficulty. Her last years were spent, happily, in a nursing home though COVID-19 restricted visits by all but family. She died in St Vincents Hospital on July 25 after a prolonged period with a chest infection. Vaccinated Australian citizens, residents and their families now including overseas-based parents will be allowed to freely enter NSW from next month, but the federal government is not yet allowing business travellers, skilled migrants or international students. The NSW government on Friday announced hotel and home quarantine would no longer be required for fully vaccinated people entering NSW, including those coming from overseas, from November 1. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the Commonwealth makes the ultimate decisions about who can travel to Australia from overseas, not state premiers. Credit:James Brickwood NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the state was open for business for double-vaccinated people around the world. NSW will remove the cap on the number of vaccinated travellers allowed into the state. However, it will allow only 210 unvaccinated people to enter from overseas each week and they will have to complete 14 days hotel quarantine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ended weeks of speculation and confirmed he will attend the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow next month. Mr Morrison faced international calls to attend the high-profile talks, where global leaders including United States President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce their updated plans for climate action. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he is looking forward to attending the high-profile talks, where global leaders will announce their updated plans for climate action. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The federal government is under pressure to increase Australias commitments to cut greenhouse emissions and Mr Morrisons attendance was expected to hinge on securing agreement with the Nationals to commit Australia to a deadline of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Mr Morrison on Friday described net zero by 2050 as an important environmental goal and said the discussions he was having with his colleagues were about a policy to ensure that Australias regions were strong and regional jobs were protected. Travel into Victoria from red zones such as Sydney will be allowed from Wednesday for visitors who are fully vaccinated and receive negative tests within 72 hours of leaving home and arriving in Victoria. No requirements will apply to fully vaccinated travellers from orange zones, which cover most of regional NSW. Yet travel rules within Victoria have not shifted and the states reopening road map prohibits free travel within the state until the 80 per cent double dose milestone is met, expected by November 1 at the latest. Some forecasts now suggest it could be attained by October 31. Mr Foley on Friday defended the apparent inconsistencies as transitional anomalies that would resolve as Victoria opened up. These things will work themselves out as the transition from our current situation, through the road map, to the graduated soft reopening that is set out in the Victorian plan to deliver the national reopening plan, he said. Further pressed on the contradictions, Mr Foley said Victoria was still working through the details of NSWs international borders announcement, which was made 15 minutes before the Health Minister gave the daily COVID briefing. I think everyone just needs to take a chill pill, he said. Mobility data shows movement has surged in the outer southeast areas of Melbourne, which have emerged as a new COVID-19 hotspot. On Friday, for the first time in the outbreak, there were more new cases in the southeast (616) than reported in the north (585), the initial centre of the third wave. Loading The highest increases in movement have been observed along the Mornington Peninsula, with the assumption this is due to people illegally visiting their holiday homes at the weekends. The modelling group at the University of Melbournes transport, health and urban design research lab is now expecting cases to increase through October and into November. Were not at a stage in Victoria where were about to reduce interaction between people, were actually going to increase it. Thats fine, but it would be difficult to imagine a situation, I think, where doing that would lead to reduced numbers of cases, Dr Thompson said. Vaccinations will help us stop being sick. They may not dampen transmission as much as we hoped. The prediction raises more concerns about the impact on the hospital system, which is already under severe strain due to fast-growing numbers of COVID-19 patients, now at 677. One promising sign though is the rate of hospitalisation, which is significantly lower than it was last year due to the higher proportion of younger people getting infected. Around 3.5 per cent of active cases are hospitalised today, compared to around 7.5 per cent at the peak of the second wave. Southern Tasmania became the latest area ensnared by an outbreak on Friday, sent into a three-day lockdown after a traveller from Sydney escaped hotel quarantine and spent 18 hours in the community, including visiting a supermarket, before testing positive. Milduras lockdown was also extended into a second week after another 34 cases were recorded. Qantas brought forward the restart of international flights by two weeks to November 1 in response to NSWs quarantine announcement, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison also welcomed, albeit with a caveat. We are not opening up to everyone coming back to Australia at the moment. I want to be clear about that, Mr Morrison said. Credit:Matt Golding In the first instance, it will be for Australian residents and their families. We will see how that goes and then we will [move on] to other priorities set out as being skilled migration as well as students to Australia and then we will move on to the challenge of dealing with international visitors to Australia. The Victorian government has not confirmed when international flights will resume into Melbourne, although the Prime Minister has stated his intention to reopen borders into states once they hit 80 per cent double-dose coverage. Loading Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra said he expected demand to be high for businesses to ramp up travel between Melbourne and Sydney, despite the existing regulations around testing. [Intrastate] business travel will take time to get to pre-pandemic levels, but there is certainly an appetite from the business community to get going, he said. While the Victorian Chamber would have preferred to see the development sooner than 80 per cent, the fact that we are predicted to hit that target ahead of time means theres not too long to wait now. Senior Liberal MP David Davis said Victorias eased border with NSW was welcomed in principle, but was slightly unusual and slightly bizarre while Melbourne remained under restrictions. I think of people coming from overseas, being able to come to Victoria and see people all over the state and yet I cant see my father on the Peninsula, he said. I think that is a very strange piece of policy decision-making by this government. Bree Stewart has not seen her partner who is living in NSW for four months due to the border restrictions. Credit:Eddie Jim The eased border is good news for separated friends, family members and partners, such as long-distance couple Bree Stewart and Louise Mole, who havent been able to see each other for three months. Ms Stewart, a mental health clinician, moved from Sydney to Melbourne ahead of Ms Mole, when Victoria went into lockdown. More than 100 Fremantle Port workers employed by Qube will return to work at 3pm today after 12 weeks of industrial action. Resumption of full activities at WAs biggest non-bulk port will help ease concerns about deliveries from the international shipping industry already in turmoil from pandemic-related disruptions. Fremantle Port will return to full capacity after Qube workers end industrial action. That Qube will again have workers to load and unload ships at Fremantle is the only common message from the two sides about a dispute over when workers will be notified of their next shift. Workers wanted to know what shift, if any, they have by 2pm each day, while Qube wanted to leave the final decision to 4pm. Police were carrying out searches at two London addresses. They have also asked for permission to access Amess parliamentary case work to see if anything could be linked to the attack. Media reported the attacker is a British national possibly of Somali heritage. Amess, the slain father-of-five, is the second MP to be assassinated in Britain in five years. Labour rising star Jo Cox was stabbed and shot on her way to a similar constituency surgery during the final days of the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign. Labour MP Stephen Timms was also stabbed in 2010 but survived. Prime Minister Boris Johnson led tributes to Amess, who had served in Parliament for nearly four decades. All our hearts are full of shock and sadness today, Johnson said. The reason why people are so saddened is that he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics. Flags above Downing Street are lowered to half-mast to honour Amess. Credit:PA David was a man who believed passionately in this country and its future. Weve lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague. Flags were lowered to half-mast at 10 Downing Street. Johnsons predecessor, Theresa May, called it a tragic day for democracy, while the Speaker of the House of Commons foreshadowed a new debate over the level of protection given to MPs. The ramifications of the death echoed beyond Britain with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeting that an attack on elected officials is an attack on democracy. Stunned British MPs paid tribute to Amess as a decent and dedicated local representative with deep links to the community. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the incident was dark and shocking. Police officers and forensic examiners at the scene of the attack. Credit: The whole country will feel it acutely, perhaps more so because we have, heartbreakingly, been here before, he said. We will show once more that violence, intimidation and threats to our democracy will never prevail over the tireless commitment of public servants simply doing their jobs. Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered MP Jo Cox, said the attack on Amess brings everything back. The pain, the loss, but also how much love the public gave us following the loss of Jo. I hope we can do the same for David now, he said. In a book Amess wrote last year, the MP wrote about the impact of Coxs murder on British politics and the safety of politicians. She was a young woman with a family going about her duties as we all do, completely unaware of the threat she faced. While it is often said that good can come out of someones death, it is difficult to see what good can come from this senseless murder, the politician wrote. Amess continued that he had experienced nuisance from some members of the public at his own home. We regularly check our locks and many others have CCTV cameras installed but probably the most significant change has been with constituency surgeries, he wrote. The British tradition has always been that members of Parliament regularly make themselves available for constituents to meet them face-to-face at their surgeries. Now advice has been given to be more careful when accepting appointments. We are advised to never see people alone, we must be extra careful when opening post and we must ensure that our offices are properly safe and secure. In short, these increasing attacks have rather spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting their elected politicians. Conservative MP Sir David Amess, second from left, in his constituency. Credit: Home Secretary Priti Patel on Friday said questions were rightly being asked about the safety of MPs. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said the health of Britains democracy relied on elected representatives being able to live and work without fear of violence or intimidation. Australian businessman Jason Groves, who served on the board of a charity which Amess chaired, said the MP was one of most dedicated and nicest MPs Ive ever known. Why anyone would do something so utterly evil is beyond me. Flowers are laid near the Belfairs Methodist Church where British MP David Amess was killed. Credit: A staunch Brexit supporter, Amess was known for championing animal rights and maintained a long-running campaign to upgrade the town of Southend to city status. He had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable, passing laws to end cruelty to animals and doing a huge amount of work to reduce poverty up and down the country, Johnson said. Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said Amess never went into politics as a career. What we do is a vocation. If you want a career, go be a banker, Duncan Smith told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. In politics you might never make government, so if you think its a career youll be disappointed. But if you come in to debate, agitate, make change and look after your constituents youll find life very satisfying and David found political life very satisfying because he was always trying to look after his constituency. Loading Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale, who entered Parliament with Amess in 1983, held back tears as he paid tribute to his friend. This paves the way for many Australians to return home, but more detail is needed on how to facilitate unvaccinated passengers within the revised international arrival caps that will come into effect from 1 November 2021, he said. We look forward to receiving clarification from the Commonwealth and NSW governments on these key issues and remain committed to working closely with all levels of Government to operationalise the plans to support the safe and sustainable re-opening of Australias borders. More Australians will be touching down at Changi airport following Singapore Airlines decision to sell more than 32,000 tickets between Sydney and Singapore before Christmas. Credit:Bloomberg The outstanding issues include how aircrew are expected to verify a persons vaccination, how to treat children aged between 12 and 15 who are from countries where the vaccine is not available to teens and how to treat foreign nationals who are valid visa-holders. Qantas, which grounded its fleet during the pandemic and operated freight-only and taxpayer-subsidised repatriation flights, has brought forward its schedule from November 14. From November 1, it will operate five weekly flights between London and Sydney and four to Los Angeles, and said it could bring forward flights between Fiji, Singapore and Vancouver which are currently slated to restart December 18. Removing quarantine for the fully vaccinated is a sensible approach and brings New South Wales into line with many other global cities, CEO Alan Joyce said. Time to prioritise human rights and wellbeing While Premier Perrottets decision to reopen the state caught everyone by surprise, it is being backed by health experts. Professor Greg Dore, an infectious diseases expert with the Kirby Institute said the announcement was hardly novel given most European countries removed quarantine for returnees with much lower vaccine coverage. Loading This is fabulous news for stranded Australians and those here seeking to connect with family and partners overseas, Professor Dore said. Given low estimated positive rate among fully vaccinated returnees probably around 1 per thousand large number of local cases, and increasing vaccine coverage, the potential impact on transmission and disease burden is minimal. Stranded Australians have been the casualties of our zero COVID pursuit. Given that ship has sailed, its time to prioritise their human rights and wellbeing, he said. Phil Lynch, an Australian and director at the Geneva-based International Service for Human Rights, said families betrayed by Australia would finally be able to reunite after being separated for two years. It should never have come to this, but is nevertheless cause for celebration, Lynch said. Australias management of this pandemic has involved a massive betrayal of citizens and permanent residents abroad, as well as those in Australia with family and loved ones abroad, all of whose human and citizenship rights were sacrificed on the altar of zero COVID, he said. With NSW removing travel caps and quarantine requirements, those people will now be able to reconnect with families and loved ones; I look forward to Victoria and other states similarly restoring and respecting the human and citizenship rights of those living abroad or with family overseas, he said. Adam Schwab, founder of travel company Luxury Escapes, called on the other states to follow NSWs lead. Loading Its time that every state followed the lead of the Perrottet government in getting Australia out of the pandemic and reuniting families after two years of incredible difficulty, he said. Parents but not students or tourists welcome While Prime Minister Scott Morrison quickly kyboshed NSWs attempt to open up to a wider cohort of people, including tourists and international students, he did widen the definition of immediate family, who are allowed to enter from November 1, to include parents. US-born Emily Upton moved to Australia nine years ago. Her mother would visit regularly before the pandemic to spend time with her two grandchildren and was due to visit on March 27 last year, a week after the border closed. The mother-of-two said the heartache of nearly two years of not knowing when their family would ever reunite had taken a huge toll on the entire familys mental health. She said todays announcement meant that she could tell her children that their grandmother would be able to come home soon. US grandmother Lisa pictured with her Queensland grandchildren Rosie and Atty in March 2019. We are living in Queensland so we do still have some hurdles to overcome before we can be reunited but I have been crying happy tears ever since the Premiers announcement, she said. I feel a huge sense of relief, like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Not knowing when we would see each other again has been a constant stress since the border closure was announced, and Im glad to see that the government has decided to take this step toward family reunification. London: The Kenyan cabinet minister vying to become the next head of the Commonwealth says the 54-nation bloc needs an urgent reset. Monica Juma, Kenyas former foreign minister, current Defence Minister and new energy minister from next week, is seeking votes from the Commonwealths 54 member nations to oust Patricia Scotland from the London-based secretariat. Kenyan cabinet minister Monica Juma, photographed in London. Credit:Latika Bourke In her first major interview since nominating to run the Commonwealth Secretariat, Juma told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that the organisation had purpose but that its management needed revitalising. I think it could function better, she said. 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. News spotlight First shovels of dirt thrown at groundbreaking for Community Pathways' expansion aharman / By ANNIE GRANLUND annie.granlund@apgsomn.com The women of Community Pathways of Steele County, Lets Smile, Inc. and Steele County Transitional Housing turn over some of the first dirt for the Community Pathways facility expansion. The project, funded by the Community Pathways capital campaign, will allow the other two local nonprofits to permanently relocate to the site. Pictured from left to right are Nancy Ness, Communtiy Pathways Co-Executive Director; Holly Jorgensen, Lets Smile Executive Director; Julie Anderson, Transitional Housing Executive Director; and Maureen Schlobohm, Community Pathways Co-Executive Director. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com) aharman / By ANNIE GRANLUND annie.granlund@apgsomn.com Backers of the Community Pathways of Steele County capital campaign came together Thursday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the facility. The project will double the size of the current facility by expanding into the empty lot next door. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com) aharman / By ANNIE GRANLUND annie.granlund@apgsomn.com State Rep. John Petersburg (R-Waseca) makes an additional monetary donation to the Community Pathways capital campaign at Thursdays ceremony. Petersburg encouraged everyone to give what they can to ensure the nonprofits continued success. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com) aharman / By ANNIE GRANLUND annie.granlund@apgsomn.com Mark Rahrick, president of the Community Pathways of Steele County Board of Directors, acknowledged the directors and staff of the nonprofit during the groundbreaking ceremony. Rahrick said the beauty of the communitys investment in expansion project is that they will inevitably be helping people they will never meet. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com) aharman / By ANNIE GRANLUND annie.granlund@apgsomn.com Jeff and Marty Fetters speak about the importance of investing in Owatonna and Steele County to continue to make it a great place for people from all walks of life to live. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com) aharman / By ANNIE GRANLUND annie.granlund@apgsomn.com Nancy Ness and Maureen Schlobohm, co-executive directors of Community Pathways of Steele County, proudly pose with the first ceremonial shovels of the upcoming expansion project of the nonprofits facility. The two women will both be retiring from their positions at the end of the year. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com) Over the last 18 months, the women leading the local food shelf and clothesline have worked tirelessly to help ensure no one in Steele County goes hungry or without proper clothing. On Thursday morning, the hard work of Nancy Ness and Maureen Schlobohm along with their entire staff and army of volunteers paid off in the ceremonial groundbreaking of the expansion of the Community Pathways of Steele County facility on Oakdale Street in Owatonna. Embarking on a multimillion-dollar capital campaign in the midst of a global pandemic may be daunting for some, but the co-executive directors knew that it was now or never and never wasnt an option. While Ness and Schlobohm spent the bulk of the morning greeting people and thanking them for their generosity and altruism, it was abundantly clear that the crowd felt the two women were the ones deserving gratitude and thanks. You dont understand what these two ladies have gone through in last 18 months putting this together, said Steve Grubish, co-chair of the expansion project. They not only carry out their daily duties here at Community Pathways, serving our community and serving our customers, but they have also taken on the task of meeting with the city, architects, engineers none of this would be happening right now without the hard work of Maureen and Nancy. The capital campaign Building New Pathways has a goal of $2.6 million, which includes the $1.6 million construction cost to purchase the current building and the lot next to it in order to double the size of the facility. The remaining funds will help aid with the organizations annual operations costs. While the additional storage space will allow for more donations to be accepted, something they have had to continually turn away during the pandemic, the facility will also include space for two other local nonprofits: Lets Smile Inc. and Steele County Transitional Housing. By the end of the summer, the campaign had raised the entirety of the construction costs. Mark Rahrick, president of the Community Pathways Board of Directors, said the capital campaign has shown the true heart of those living in Steele County and their dedication in serving and helping others. Ive given it some thought as to what this building means and what the essence of our efforts boils down to and this is what I think were accomplishing today: 25 years from now, 50 years from now, this building and this organizations will still be here, Rahrick said. This new building will serve individuals and families that none of us here will ever know. What we do today will help men, women and children who are not even born. State Rep. John Petersburg (R-Waseca) said the campaign is a perfect example of how a community comes forward to provide for the needs of their neighbors. Humbled and impressed by the generosity of others, Petersburg made an additional, personal donation to the campaign during the ceremony. Its not a lot, but it doesnt take a lot if all of us chip in, Petersburg said. There will always be more need for funding. Jeff Fetters, chairman of Federated Insurance, and his wife Marty were among those in the crowd who dedicated time and money to the campaign to expand the services Community Pathways provides. The couple helped solicit funds for the campaign. This is a really exciting day for Community Pathways and all the clients they serve and Steele County, Marty Fetters said. This new facility will be a blessing to all who depend on their services and to all who work and volunteer here we live in a very generous, caring community and we care about our neighbors. What a blessing to be a part of Steele County who supports the good work of Community Pathways. Jeff Fetters also commented about what the day represents for Owatonna and all of Steele County. He extended his thanks to every person who has been involved in helping envision the project. I am so proud today and every day of Owatonna, Minnesota, Fetters said. Its the people of this town that have always, and will continue to always make this a very wonderful and special place to live, work and raise a family. Construction for the facility is anticipated to begin in the next couple of months once the proper permits are acquired. The Orionid meteor shower will peak on in the early morning of Wednesday, Oct. 20, but the moon will be full on the same night and will likely wash out the display. This year skywatchers in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres can expect to see rates of up to 20 meteors per hour, but only under the best conditions away from city lights. "The Orionids are going to, frankly, suck this year ... the moon will be up all night, from sunset to sunrise," NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke told Space.com. The meteors that streak across the sky are some of the fastest among meteor showers because the Earth is hitting a stream of particles almost head-on. The particles come from Comet 1P/Halley, better known as Halley's Comet. This famous comet swings by Earth every 75 to 76 years, and as the icy comet makes its way around the sun, it leaves behind a trail of comet crumbs. At certain times of the year, Earth's orbit around the sun crosses paths with the debris. Related: Orionid meteor shower: Leftovers of Halley's Comet More: The best meteor showers of 2021 Astrophotographer Jeff Berkes snapped this amazing photo of an Orionid meteor streaking above a lake in Elverson, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 22, 2011, during the peak of the annual Orionid meteor shower. (Image credit: Jeff Berkes) The Orionids are named after the direction from which they appear to radiate, which is near the constellation Orion, the hunter. In October, Orion is best visible around 2 a.m. local time. Cooke told Space.com that the best time to see the meteors is around that time on Oct. 20. If you miss the peak, the shower will remain active until late October, as long as the moon isn't washing the meteors out. Sometimes the Orionid meteor shower produces spectacular displays of up to 80 meteors an hour, but in recent years it has produced more modest displays of about 20 or 30 visible meteors per hour. How to view the show Orionid meteors are visible from anywhere on Earth and can be seen anywhere across the sky. If you find the shape of Orion, the hunter, the meteor shower's radiant (or point of origin) will be near Orion's sword, slightly north of his left shoulder (the star Betelgeuse). But don't stare straight at this spot, Cooke said, "because meteors close to the radiant have short trails and are harder to see so you want to look away from Orion." Skywatchers can start looking for Orion low in the eastern sky before dawn on any morning around the peak on Oct. 21. The setup is seen here from mid-northern latitudes. Even though the radiant, or point of origin of the meteors is in Orion, meteors can appear far from the constellation. As is the case with most nighttime skywatching events, light pollution can hinder your view of the Orionid meteor shower. If possible, get far away from city lights, which can hinder the show. Go out around 1:30 a.m. and let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 20 minutes. Bundle up against the cold if necessary. Lie back and use only your eyes to watch the sky. Binoculars and telescopes won't improve the view, because they are designed to see more stationary objects in the sky. Some Orionids will appear very fast and bright, since they can whiz by at up to 148,000 mph (238,000 km/h) in relative speed. That's just 6 km/h slower than the Leonids, the speediest show of the year, Cooke said. It's tempting to think that the brighter meteors represent fragments that would reach the ground, but Cooke said that isn't the case with the Orionids. These tiny comet fragments some as small as a grain of sand are called meteoroids. When they enter Earth's atmosphere, they become meteors. Friction from air resistance causes meteors to heat up, creating a bright, fiery trail commonly referred to as a shooting star. Most meteors disintegrate before making it to the ground. The few that do strike the Earth's surface are called meteorites. Related: How often do meteorites hit the Earth? An image of Halley's Comet taken in 1986. (Image credit: NASA) Cometary origins Astronomers have recorded Halley's Comet as far back as 240 B.C. but no one realized that the same comet was making multiple appearances. In 1705, then-University of Oxford professor and astronomer Edmund Halley published "Synopsis Astronomia Cometicae" ("A Synopsis of the Astronomy of Comets"), which showed the first evidence that the comet is reoccurring. By studying the historical records of a comet that appeared in 1456, 1531, 1607 and 1682, Halley calculated that it was in fact the same comet and predicted it would reappear in 1758. While Halley died before the comet's return, it did appear on schedule and was named after him. Reports of the Orionids, however, did not first appear until 1839 when an American in Connecticut spotted the shower, Cooke said. More observations of the shower were recorded during the Civil War between 1861 and 1865. Cooke told Space.com he wasn't sure why the meteor shower was discovered so late, given that records of Halley's Comet exist for millennia. The next perihelion (closet approach of Halley's Comet to the sun) is expected around July 2061. Editor's note: If you snap a great photo of an Orionid meteor or any other night sky sight you'd like to share with Space.com and our news partners for a story or image gallery, send images and comments in to: spacephotos@space.com. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Asteroids are rocky objects revolving around the sun that are too small to be called planets. They are also known as planetoids or minor planets. There are millions of asteroids, ranging in size from hundreds of miles to several feet across. In total, the mass of all the asteroids is less than that of Earth's moon. Despite their size, asteroids can be dangerous. Many have hit Earth in the past, and more will crash into our planet in the future. That's one reason scientists study asteroids and are eager to learn more about their numbers, orbits and physical characteristics. If an asteroid is headed our way, we want to know about it. Where are asteroids found? Scientists have identified more than 1 million asteroids to date, according to NASA. Asteroids lie primarily within three regions of the solar system. Most asteroids lie in a vast ring between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This main asteroid belt holds more than 200 asteroids larger than 60 miles (100 km) in diameter. Scientists estimate the asteroid belt also contains between 1.1 million and 1.9 million asteroids larger than 1 km (3,281 feet) in diameter and millions of smaller ones, according to NASA. Not everything in the main belt is an asteroid Ceres, once thought of only as an asteroid, is now also considered a dwarf planet. In the past decade, scientists have also identified a class of objects known as "main belt comets," small rocky objects with tails. While some of the tails form when objects crash into an asteroid, or by disintegrating asteroids, others may be comets in disguise. Related: Apophis: The asteroid we thought might hit us Many asteroids lie outside the main belt. For example, Trojan asteroids orbit the sun along the same path as a larger planet in two special places about 60 degrees ahead of and behind the planet. At these locations, known as Lagrange points, the gravitational pull of the sun and the planet are balanced. Jupiter has the most Trojans with more than 10,000 such objects, according to the International Astronomical Union's database. Other planets have a few Trojans: Neptune has 30, Mars has nine and Earth and Uranus each have one that scientists have identified to date. Scientists also suspect that many of the solar system's moons were once asteroids, until they were captured by a planet's gravity and became satellites. Likely candidates include Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos, and most of the outer moons of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Near-Earth asteroids Near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) circle the sun at about the same distance as Earth does. These objects are split into sub-categories based on how the asteroid's orbit compares to Earth's, according to NASA. For example, Amor asteroids have orbits that approach Earth's path but remain exclusively between Earth and Mars. Apollo asteroids have Earth-crossing orbits but spend most of their time outside the planet's path. Aten asteroids also cross Earth's orbit but spend most of their time inside Earth's orbit. Atira asteroids are near-Earth asteroids whose orbits are contained within Earth's orbit. Astronomers also classify certain near-Earth asteroids as "Potentially Hazardous Asteroids" or PHAs. These rocks come within about 4.65 million miles (7.48 million kilometers) of Earth's orbit and are larger than about 500 feet (140 meters) across, according to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). However, the classification does not imply that the asteroid poses a certain threat to Earth. As of October 2021, scientists have discovered more than 27,000 near-Earth asteroids, according to CNEOS. Of these, just under 10,000 have diameters larger than 500 feet. The majority of asteroids are located 92 million miles (150 million km) away from Earth (Image credit: Getty ) How are asteroids found? In 1801, while making a star map, Italian priest and astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi accidentally discovered the first and largest asteroid, Ceres, orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. Although Ceres is classified today as a dwarf planet, it accounts for a quarter of all the mass of all the known asteroids in or near the main asteroid belt. Since about 2000, NASA has spearheaded a campaign to identify and track near-Earth asteroids. Programs like the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona and the Pan-STARRS telescopes in Hawaii specialize in identifying these objects and have each discovered thousands of asteroids, according to CNEOS. How did asteroids form? Asteroids are leftovers from the formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. Early on, the birth of Jupiter prevented any planetary bodies from forming in the gap between Mars and Jupiter, causing the small objects that were there to collide with each other and fragment into the asteroids seen today. Understanding of how the solar system evolved is constantly expanding. Two fairly recent theories, the Nice model and the Grand Tack, suggest that the gas giants moved around before settling into their modern orbits. This movement could have sent asteroids from the main belt raining down on the terrestrial planets, emptying and refilling the original belt. What are asteroids like? Nearly all asteroids are irregularly shaped, although a few of the largest are nearly spherical, such as Ceres. They are often pitted or cratered for instance, Vesta has a giant crater some 285 miles (460 km) in diameter. The surfaces of most asteroids are thought to be covered in dust. As asteroids revolve around the sun in their elliptical orbits, they also rotate, sometimes tumbling quite erratically. More than 150 asteroids are also known to have a small companion moon, according to NASA, with some having two moons. Binary or double asteroids also exist, in which two asteroids of roughly equal size orbit each other, as do triple asteroid systems. Related: What can we do with a captured asteroid? The average temperature of the surface of a typical asteroid is minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 73 degrees Celsius). Asteroids have stayed mostly unchanged for billions of years as such, research into them could reveal a great deal about the early solar system. Asteroids come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are solid bodies, while others are smaller piles of rubble bound together by gravity. One, which orbits the sun between Neptune and Uranus, comes with its own set of rings. Another has not one but six tails. Many asteroids also sport moons. What types of asteroids are there? Most asteroids fall into one of three classes based on their composition: The C-type or carbonaceous asteroids are grayish in color and are the most common, including more than 75% of known asteroids. They probably consist of clay and stony silicate rocks, and inhabit the main belt's outer regions. The S-type or silicaceous asteroids are greenish to reddish in color, account for about 17% of known asteroids, and dominate the inner asteroid belt. They appear to be made of silicate materials and nickel-iron. The M-type or metallic asteroids are reddish in color, make up most of the rest of the asteroids, and dwell in the middle region of the main belt. They seem to be made up of nickel-iron. There are many other rare types based on composition as well for instance, V-type asteroids typified by Vesta have a basaltic, volcanic crust. Do asteroids hit Earth? Ever since Earth formed about 4.5 billion years ago, asteroids and comets have routinely slammed into the planet. The most dangerous of the asteroids that hit Earth are extremely rare, according to NASA. As asteroid capable of global disaster would have to be more than a quarter-mile wide. Researchers have estimated that such an impact would raise enough dust into the atmosphere to effectively create a "nuclear winter," severely disrupting agriculture around the world. Asteroids that large strike Earth only once every 1,000 centuries on average, NASA officials say. An asteroid is believed to have crashed into Earth 66 million years ago. (Image credit: Getty) Smaller asteroids that are believed to strike Earth every 1,000 to 10,000 years could destroy a city or cause devastating tsunamis. According to NASA, space rocks smaller than 82 feet (25 m) will most likely burn up as they enter Earth's atmosphere. On Feb. 15, 2013, an asteroid slammed into the atmosphere over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, creating a shock wave that injured 1,200 people. The space rock is thought to have measured about 65 feet (20 m) wide when it entered Earth's atmosphere. What is a meteorite? When an asteroid, or a part of it, crashes into Earth, it's called a meteorite. Here are typical compositions: Iron meteorites Iron: 91% 91% Nickel: 8.5% 8.5% Cobalt: 0.6% Stony meteorites Oxygen: 6% 6% Iron: 26% 26% Silicon: 18% 18% Magnesium: 14% 14% Aluminum: 1.5% 1.5% Nickel: 1.4% 1.4% Calcium: 1.3% Can we protect Earth from asteroids? Dozens of asteroids have been classified as "potentially hazardous" by the scientists who track them. Some of these, whose orbits come close enough to Earth, could potentially be perturbed in the distant future and sent on a collision course with our planet. Scientists point out that if an asteroid is found to be on a collision course with Earth 30 or 40 years down the road, there is time to react. Though the technology would have to be developed, possibilities include exploding the object or diverting it. Image gallery: Potentially dangerous asteroids For every known asteroid, however, there are many that have not been spotted, and shorter reaction times could prove more threatening. When asteroids do close flybys of Earth, one of the most effective ways to observe them is by using radar, such as the system at NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California. In September 2017, the near-Earth asteroid 3122 Florence cruised by Earth at 4.4 million miles (7 million km), or 18 times the distance to the moon. The flyby confirmed its size (2.8 miles or 4.5 km) and rotation period (2.4 hours). Radar also revealed new information such as its shape, the presence of at least one big crater, and two moons. In a NASA broadcast from earlier in 2017, Marina Brozovic, a physicist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said radar can reveal details such as its size, its shape, and whether the asteroid is actually two objects (a binary system, where a smaller object orbits a larger object.) "Radar is a little bit like a Swiss army knife," she said. "It reveals so much about asteroids all at once." Asteroid 2017 BQ6 passed Earth safely in February, 2017 (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/GSSR) In the unlikely event that the asteroid is deemed a threat, NASA has a Planetary Defense Coordination Office that has scenarios for defusing the situation. In the same broadcast, PDCO planetary defense officer Lindley Johnson said the agency has two technologies at the least that could be used: a kinetic impactor (meaning, a spacecraft that slams into the asteroid to move its orbit) or a gravity tractor (meaning, a spacecraft that remains near an asteroid for a long period of time, using its own gravity to gradually alter the asteroid's path.) NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, scheduled to launch in November 2021, will test the kinetic impactor approach on the small moon of a near Earth asteroid called Didymos. DART will slam into the moonlet as astronomers on Earth watch to see how much its orbital period around Didymos changes. If an asteroid did threaten Earth, PDCO would also consult with the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and likely international space agencies to determine what to do. However, there is no known asteroid (or comet) threat to Earth and NASA carefully tracks all known objects through a network of partner telescopes. Did asteroids bring Earth water? Ironically, the collisions that could mean death for humans may be the reason we are alive today. When Earth formed, it was dry and barren. Asteroid and comet collisions may have delivered the water-ice and other carbon-based molecules to the planet that allowed life to evolve. At the same time, the frequent collisions kept life from surviving until the solar system calmed down. Later collisions shaped which species evolved and which were wiped out. According to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), "It seems possible that the origin of life on the Earth's surface could have been first prevented by an enormous flux of impacting comets and asteroids, then a much less intense rain of comets may have deposited the very materials that allowed life to form some 3.5 - 3.8 billion years ago." There may be between 100 billion and 400 billion gallons (400 billion to 1,200 billion liters) of water spread among near-Earth asteroids. (Image credit: ESA/ATG medialab) How are asteroids named? Over the first half of the 19th century, several asteroids were discovered and classified as planets. William Herschel coined the phrase "asteroid" in 1802, but other scientists referred to the newfound objects as minor planets. By 1851, there were 15 new asteroids, and the naming process shifted to include numbers, with Ceres being designated as (1) Ceres. Today, Ceres shares dual designation as both an asteroid and a dwarf planet, while the rest remain asteroids. Since the International Astronomical Union is less strict on how asteroids are named when compared to other bodies, there are asteroids named after Mr. Spock of "Star Trek" and rock musician Frank Zappa, as well as more solemn tributes, such as the seven asteroids named for the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia killed in 2003. Naming asteroids after pets is no longer allowed. Asteroids are also given numbers for example, 99942 Apophis. Exploring asteroids The first spacecraft to take close-up images of asteroids was NASA's Galileo in 1991, which also discovered the first moon to orbit an asteroid in 1994. In 2001, after NASA's NEAR spacecraft intensely studied the near-earth asteroid Eros for more than a year from orbit, mission controllers decided to try and land the spacecraft. Although it wasn't designed for landing, NEAR successfully touched down, setting the record as the first to successfully land on an asteroid. In 2006, Japan's Hayabusa mission became the first spacecraft to land on and take off from an asteroid when it visited the near-Earth asteroid Itokawa. Although the spacecraft encountered a series of technical glitches, it returned a small amount of asteroid material to Earth in June 2010. NASA's Dawn mission launched in 2007 bound for the main asteroid belt and began exploring Vesta in 2011. After a year of work there, it left the asteroid for a trip to Ceres, arriving in 2015. Dawn was the first spacecraft to visit either Vesta and Ceres. The mission ended in 2018 when the spacecraft ran out of fuel, although it will continue orbiting Ceres for about 50 years. Japan built on its Hayabusa experience to build a second asteroid sample-return mission, dubbed Hayabusa2. The spacecraft visited a near-Earth asteroid called Ryugu and studied the body for about 18 months. That work included deploying small hopping rovers and blasting the asteroid with an artificial crater. In December 2020, like its predecessor, Hayabusa2 delivered pieces of Ryugu to Earth for scientists to study with more advanced technology than they can send on spacecraft. Nearly simultaneously, NASA also flew its own sample-return mission to a near-Earth asteroid. In September 2016, Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) launched to explore the asteroid Bennu and collect a sample. The spacecraft is now trekking back to Earth, with delivery scheduled for September 2023. In 2021, NASA will attempt to launch the first-ever mission to the Trojan asteroids out in Jupiter's orbit. The mission, called Lucy, will fly past one main-belt asteroid and seven Trojans. Scientists hope that by snapping photos of a broad range of Trojans, they can begin to understand why these objects are so diverse, and how their story intersects with that of the solar system at large. Lucy will make its first flyby in 2025, will make its first Trojan flyby in 2027 and is currently scheduled to operate until 2033. Also in 2021, NASA will launch its first-ever planetary defense mission to an asteroid. The DART spacecraft will slam into the small moon of the asteroid Didymos in order to test a technique scientists might be able to use on an asteroid threatening Earth. The impact will occur in late September 2022. In 2022, NASA will launch the Psyche mission to study an asteroid of the same name. Scientists believe that Psyche, which is located in the main asteroid belt, contains much higher amounts of metal than most asteroids do. The oddity may mean that Psyche is the bare core of a planet that lost its rocky shell. Scientists also wonder whether metal-rich worlds like these once hosted volcanoes that spilled molten iron across the asteroid's surface. The Psyche spacecraft will arrive at its target in 2026. Can we mine asteroids? NASA, other space agencies and private companies are all intrigued by the possibility of extracting resources from asteroids. Water, which can be processed into rocket propellant to save spacecraft from needing to launch the weight of their return fuel, is one commonly proposed resource some are interested in extracting from asteroids, as well as from the moon. Some people are also interested in mining metals from asteroids, arguing that there are huge amounts of money to be earned from the asteroid belt. Others say that this model is more difficult to make financially viable. Additional reporting by Elizabeth Howell and Nola Taylor Redd, Space.com Contributors. Senior writer Meghan Bartels updated this page on Oct. 15, 2021. Chris Hickey is planning to open a restaurant in Norwalk in about a month, but he has no idea how hes going to staff it. We see the battle ahead of us, he said. We already know from the loss of staff and trying to bring people back who have gone other avenues, we just know we have a hill to climb ahead of us. Hickey is co-owner of several area restaurants, The Spread in Norwalk, El Segundo in Norwalk and New Haven and, in a few weeks, a pizza place theyre calling the Magic Five Pie Company. In all of those restaurants, staff both in and out of the kitchen have been difficult to find since indoor dining reopened in Connecticut. Its not that I can blame them. If they finally had the time on their hands to pursue something that was a dream in their head before, then God bless them, Hickey said. I really hope that some of them found something they just didn't have the time to pursue beforehand. Hickey isnt alone. Restaurants across Connecticut are finding it nearly impossible to hire employees. Vincent Cappelletti called the situation absolutely disastrous. Cappelletti, who owns Lucas Local Oyster Bar and Mission Salad in Southbury, and Centrico in Bethel, said they had to shut down for about six weeks starting on March 16, 2020. After that, staff became hard to find. I think there were a lot of restaurant employees that just said, Maybe this is a good time to change my career, Cappelletti said. We lost a lot of people in the industry simply because of the pause. Restaurants, Cappelletti said, are not always easy places to work, though he said every kitchen is different. The pause gave people a chance to think about it, he said. Maybe I want to drive for Amazon. Maybe I want to work at the hardware store. Totally understandable. According to Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, staffing problems are industry-wide. He said its the No. 1 challenge facing our industry, and its not going away. Our average restaurant is between 65 and 70 percent of the staffing levels where theyd like to be, he said. Any restaurant you go into would hire a minimum of two to three people. Staffing issues have forced restaurant owners to shift business models. Cappelletti, for example, is also opening another restaurant in November a New Orleans-style place called The Quarter in Newtown though he said that expansion is deceiving. I decided I was going to renovate our old space, which gave us some more time to find some staff, he said. The restaurants are only open Wednesday through Sunday because we can't find enough staff to open for lunch Monday and Tuesday. Hickey has also had to cut back on the number of hours and days his restaurants are open. We don't even offer lunch anymore, he said. Weve cut it down so that were open late afternoon now. Thats an entire shift that we dont open, because we simply dont have the hands that we need to run a lunch shift. Cappelletti said its not just the obvious the hours and days theyre open but every aspect of the business that has changed. Staffing has become more difficult to find, as costs have risen precipitously. Hes looked at trimming the menu down, adjusting the way they take reservations, figured out how to make due with three servers instead of five. Going though this terrible time that we've all been through has made people rethink how we operate, he said. Every little thing. And much more resources, both time and money, are spent on finding staff. Hickey said their social media posts used to focus on the quality of the food, whereas now, weve had to add into the cycle of posts the need for employees. Im spending $1,500 to $2,000 a month just for ads to find people who are barely responding and not even showing up for interviews, Cappelletti said. If those employees never come back, Dolch said he tells restaurants theres no light switch, that it might take six months to a year of being understaffed. Neither Hickey nor Cappelletti were optimistic. Im not seeing any upticks, Cappelletti said. Where he used to leave hiring primarily to his lower-level managers, hes gotten much more directly involved. Ive been pretty much calling every kitchen applicant from my cellphone, he said. 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 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 An anti-abortion, faith-based pregnancy care center in New London is the first to challenge a new state law banning deceptive advertising practices by crisis pregnancy centers, arguing it violates its First Amendment rights. The Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian nonprofit, has brought the federal lawsuit on behalf of Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Southeastern Connecticut. At issue in the case is how Care Net and other pregnancy centers that do not perform or advise women about abortions may advertise. The law, adopted by the General Assembly this year and signed by Gov. Ned Lamont, aims to prevent clinics or pregnancy counseling centers from luring clients who are seeking a full range of options and services. The center is not able to operate as it wants because the attorney general has said some of the communications that Care Net has long used in its outreach are now illegal under law, Denise Harle, senior counsel for ADF, said in an interview. State Rep. Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford, who has sued the state over coronavirus rules, is the local attorney representing the plaintiff. He referred questions on the lawsuit Thursday to Harle. The law, and the federal lawsuit, bring the national battle over reproductive rights to the fore in Connecticut at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court might be poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that prevents states from outlawing abortions The group is seeking a court order to block the law and declare it unconstitutional, arguing it 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 drug. Violations carry civil penalties ranging from $50 to $500 and the state is entitled to reasonable attorneys fees, which Harle said certainly could be crippling and could cause them to shut their doors. A court can also order centers that violate the law to pay for and disseminate appropriate corrective advertising. The law is a clear example of opposing a certain viewpoint and the government trying to use it to silence certain voices it doesnt like, Harle said. Supporters of the law, including Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, who is named as the defendant in the complaint, have characterized it as truth-in-advertising legislation. In testimony in support of the bill earlier this year, Tong said some of these pregnancy centers have misled pregnant women into the false belief that they offer abortion services, emergency contraception, and unbiased counseling. Considering that the state provides funding for health care services for many women, Tong testified if women who choose to terminate a pregnancy are delayed by deceptive advertising, the cost of providing more invasive, more dangerous, and more expensive options may fall upon the State. Some centers openly acknowledge that they do not provide abortions or emergency contraception, and that they believe abortion is wrong, Tong said. While I disagree with that belief, I respect and will protect the First Amendment right to express it, he said. Deceptive or clear? Outside Care Nets small, off-white, stucco building in a residential neighborhood of New London, a sign advertises free and confidential pregnancy testing and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Another sign reads Care Net When Your Right to Choose Includes More Than One Option. Lisa Maloney, executive director of the center, who greeted a reporter Thursday afternoon in an empty waiting room, deferred comment to the centers lawyers. Maloney, in testimony opposing the law, which was proposed for several years in the General Assembly before passing this legislative session, said the center does not deceive clients. At Care Net we are up-front that we are a faith-based center and we do not provide abortions and each client must sign our request for services that states as such, she said. On its website, Care Net has a tab labeled abortion info and offers information on the abortion pill and surgical abortions. At the top of the page on surgical abortions, the website says: Come see us for a free abortion information consultation and pregnancy confirmation appointment. At the bottom of the page, it offers this disclaimer: We provide education on abortion and pregnancy options. We do not refer for or perform abortions or provide emergency contraceptives. Its unclear how many similar clinics or centers there are in Connecticut. Harle, the lawyer for the Alliance Defending Freedom, said the group has been contacted by a lot of centers in Connecticut that worry they dont have clarity on what constitutes deceptive advertising. Its indefensible to lie Liz Gustafson, state director at NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut, pushed back on the groups First Amendment argument. There is no First Amendment right to lie or deceive consumers about your services, and the State of Connecticut has the responsibility to protect its residents from deception, Gustafson said in a statement Thursday. This law does not regulate, limit, or have any impact on the advocacy or the day-to-day operations that these centers engage in it simply does not reach beyond false, deceptive, or misleading advertising. The lawsuit charges that the state already has the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act to regulate unfair and deceptive advertising proving that this new law is designed to discriminate against centers that do not offer abortion services. Tong, however, said in his testimony that the law fills possible gaps in the unfair trade practices act, known as CUTPA. Depending on what services it offers, a pregnancy center may fall outside of CUTPA regulation, he said, adding the Massachusetts Supreme Court declined to enforce that state's unfair and deceptive practices act against a limited services pregnancy center there. In a written statement Thursday, Tong said hes prepared to defend the law in court. Women need accurate and timely information about their reproductive health choices, he said. Its indefensible to lie to women at a vulnerable time. I testified in support of Connecticuts law and am fully prepared to defend it in court. The law applies to public statements made in advertisements, print publications and online among other forums by so-called limited services pregnancy centers that do not directly provide, or provide referrals for, abortions or emergency contraception. Harle, the lawyer, said, If simply not mentioning abortion is considered deceptive, thats a really unfair position. julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com Contributed Photo / Connecticut State Police NORTH CANAAN A downed plane sent a pilot to the hospital Thursday evening, according to state police. Connecticut State Police received a call around 5:22 p.m. for a small plane that was upside down in a pond in North Canaan. 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. Milton, PA (17847) Today Snow showers this morning. Becoming partly cloudy later. High 44F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low around 25F. Winds light and variable. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Ashtabula, OH (44004) Today Light snow this morning giving way to partly cloudy conditions this afternoon. High 41F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. Low near 30F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Index of turnover in industry 2021, September Published: 15 October 2021 Turnover in industry grew by 17.8 per cent in August According to Statistics Finland, working day adjusted turnover in industry (TOL BCD) increased in August by 17.8 per cent year-on-year. Turnover grew in nearly all main industries. The development was partly due to the exceptional situation caused by the coronavirus one year earlier. Of the main industries, turnover increased most in the chemical industry, by 27.9 per cent, and in the forest industry, by 27.0 per cent from one year earlier. Seasonally adjusted turnover in industry (TOL BCD) grew by 2.8 per cent in August compared to July. Annual change in working day adjusted turnover in manufacturing (BCD), % (TOL 2008) Working day adjusted turnover in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply grew by 25.2 per cent in August from one year back. In the metal industry, turnover was 16.6 per cent higher and in the electronic and electrical industry 15.9 per cent higher than one year previously. Turnover also increased in the industry of mining and quarrying, by 3.3 per cent, and in the food industry, by 2.9 per cent year-on-year. Turnover decreased only in the textile, clothing and leather industry, by 1.8 per cent from one year ago. Annual change in working day adjusted turnover in manufacturing by industry, August 2021, % (TOL 2008) Export turnover grew in August in nearly all main industries Export turnover increased in August most in the chemical industry, by 32.2 per cent from one year earlier. Export turnover in the forest industry grew by 27.0 per cent and export turnover in mining and quarrying by 19.3 per cent. In the electronic and electrical industry, the growth amounted to 19.0 per cent and in the metal industry to 17.6 per cent. In the food industry, export turnover grew by 1.9 per cent. Export turnover decreased only in the textile, clothing and leather industry, by 1.8 per cent from one year ago. Annual change in working day adjusted export turnover and domestic turnover in manufacturing by industry, August 2021, % (TOL 2008) Domestic turnover in the forest industry increased most among the main industries, by 27.2 per cent year-on-year. In the chemical industry, the growth amounted to 19.8 per cent and in the metal industry to 12.1 per cent. Domestic turnover in the electronic and electrical industry grew by 5.3 per cent and in the food industry by 3.1 per cent. Domestic turnover decreased in the textile, clothing and leather industry, by 1.9 per cent, and in mining and quarrying, by 1.7 per cent from the previous year. Trend series of turnover, export turnover and domestic turnover in manufacturing (BC), 1/2007 to 8/2021, % (TOL 2008) The index of turnover in industry describes enterprises whose main industry is manufacturing. The calculation of the indices is based on the Tax Administrations self-assessed tax data which are supplemented with data obtained with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The monthly turnovers of manufacturing enterprises can vary considerably, especially in the metal industries. The variation is mainly due to invoicing practices. The final invoice for major machinery deliveries and projects may be recorded in the sales of one month, even if the delivery had required the work of several months or years. The factors caused by the variation in the number of weekdays are taken into account in adjustment for working days. This means taking into consideration the lengths of months, different weekdays and holidays. In addition, seasonal variation is eliminated from seasonally adjusted series, on account of which it makes sense to compare observations of two successive months as well. The data for the latest month are preliminary and are released at a delay of around six weeks. The data may become significantly revised particularly on more detailed industry levels in coming months. Revisions to the data may be particularly significant on the more accurate industry levels of export turnover and domestic turnover. New tables for the index of turnover in industry Statistics Finland starts publishing data on revisions to the turnover data of industry 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: Index of turnover in industry 2021, August, Statistics Finland Inquiries: Jussi Haavisto 029 551 3341, Heli Suonio 029 551 2481, myynti.teollisuus@stat.fi Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja Publication in pdf-format (332.3 kB) Updated 15.10.2021 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Index of turnover in industry [e-publication]. ISSN=1798-596X. August 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 19.11.2021]. 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According to CNCAV, since the beginning of the anti-COVID vaccination campaign, on September 27, 2020, there have been 11,074,621 vaccine doses administered for 5,926,645 people, of which 5,635,246 received the full scheme and 492,263 received the third dose. In the last 24 hours there have been 37 adverse reactions recorded, 8 local types and 29 general types. In total, since the beginning of the vaccination campaign, there have been 17,724 adverse reactions recorded for anti-COVID vaccines, 1,900 local types and 15,824 general types. The National Liberal Party (PNL) is asking Prime Minister-designate Dacian Ciolos to negotiate with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) to mount the majority necessary for the government to be sworn in office, PNL national leader Florin Citu said on Friday. "The Executive Bureau has decided that PNL should ask Dacian Ciolos to first discuss with the two parties to mount a majority, PSD AUR, and find the 234 votes needed for the government to be sworn in office. If Dacian Ciolos fails to find the majority for the swear-in, PNL will start negotiations with all leaders of responsible parties, except for AUR, to find the best solutions for Romania," said Citu. He said that PNL has only one option to form a majority around PNL. AGERPRES (RO - author: Alina Novaceanu, editor, Agerpres informs. Head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), Secretary of State in the Ministry of the Interior Raed Arafat announced today that 20 doctors and nurses will come from the Republic of Moldova to help their colleagues at the Covid modular hospital in Letcani care for patients. "The Health Ministry and the Ministry of the Interior received via the Foreign Ministry the offer of the Republic of Moldova to send over medical staff. (...) The offer was accepted. 20 Moldovan medical staff will be deployed to the Letcani hospital to work at the side of the military and civilian personnel there," Arafat told a news conference. He added that discussions were also held with the representatives of the Romanian College of Physicians for temporary practice permits to be issued to the guest medical workers. "We discussed with the president of the College of Physicians, they will issue temporary practice permits for the guest doctors and nurses. There is a great need for medical workers and they are welcome to support patient care, to allow the increase of the number of beds in the Letcani facility," said the DSU head. A meeting between Prime Minister-designate Dacian Ciolos, and the leaders of the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) and national minority lawmakers has been cancelled, the Save Romania Union (USR) reported on Friday. The announcement comes after a decision taken by the PNL leadership not to support Dacian Ciolos being sworn in office. The PNL leadership decided to ask Ciolos to negotiate with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) to mount a majority needed for the government to be sworn in office, Agerpres informs. "The Executive Bureau has decided that PNL should ask Dacian Ciolos to first discuss with the two parties to mount a PSD-AUR majority and find the 234 votes needed for the government to be sworn in office. If Dacian Ciolos fails to find the majority for the swear-in, PNL will start negotiations with all leaders of responsible parties, except for AUR, to find the best solutions for Romania," said Citu Prime Minister-designate Dacian Ciolos told a TVR 1 broadcast on Thursday evening that it would be "utopical" to discuss another Prime Minister from the PNL (National Liberal Party) at this point, since there is already a Prime Minister-designate, while mentioning that the Liberals are asking USR (Save Romania Union) to apologize for the past, but they do not come up with solutions to the crisis. Ciolos said USR is ready to come up with the solution of a monocolor government, even if, symbolically speaking, this would be "a Kamikaze project," for he went through difficult moments before and he is ready to go through another one now. When asked about the fact that the PNL asked USR to take responsibility for the motion of censure against the Citu Cabinet, Dacian Ciolos said that "the past is in the past" and explained what were the positions at that time. He also said, when asked if he would give up his position as PM if PNL asked to rebuild the coalition with a Liberal PM that: We already have a Prime Minister-designate whose proposal is to rebuild the coalition, but if this is not possible then I will come up with an entirely USR government, this are the two options on the table right now." "What is utopical is to try to meet some objectives without having the means to do it. We have the means to reach this objective. Utopical, at this point, is to discuss about another PNL PM, when we already have a Prime Minister designated by President Iohannis, who we all know that is very close to the PNL. There is a clear message here: rebuild the coalition, you didn't propose a PM," said the USR leader. He also said that the PNL leader, the dismissed PM, Florin Citu, should come up with solutions on behalf of the PNL, instead of explaining what USR should do next. Prime Minister-designate also voiced hope that Friday's meeting with the potential partners PNL and UDMR will end with a conclusion. Dacian Ciolos also claimed that he has no intention to negotiate with either PSD (Social Liberal Party) or AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians) to help a monocolor government to pass through Parliament. The Liberal leader, interim PM Florin Citu, stated on Thursday that, at this point, the "viable solution" for Romania is to have the coalition rebuilt around PNL, while USR should "admit its mistake of voting for the motion of censure." President Klaus Iohannis this evening had a phone call with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, thanking him for the help provided with several critically ill Romanian Covid patients who have been transferred to Szeged and Debrecen. "President Klaus Iohannis thanked Prime Minister Viktor Orban for the help provided by the Hungarian authorities to Romanian patients, in a gesture of true European solidarity in these difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The President of Romania voiced particular appreciation for the rapid transfer to Hungarian hospitals of several critical COVID-19 patients, who were taken in by Szeged and Debrecen health facilities," the Presidential Administration informed. According to the cited source, the telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the Romanian side. Eight SARS-CoV-2 patients were transferred to clinics in Hungary on Thursday, and another 12 SARS-CoV-2 patients in serious condition were underway to Hungarian health facilities on Friday evening. Princess Sofia has participated, on Friday, in the Coronation Day, a series of events dedicated to the 99th anniversary of the crowning of King Ferdinand the Unifier and Queen Maria, in Alba Iulia. The manifestations, organized by the Alba County Council and the Alba Iulia City Hall mark the opening of the Coronation Centenary Year, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the coronation that took place on October 15, 1922 in Alba Iulia. Together with the prefect of Alba county, Nicolae Albu, President of the Alba County Council, Ion Dumitrel, and the Mayor of Alba Iulia City, Gabriel Plesa, Princess Sofia took part in a series of events, taking place in a restricted setting due to the context of the pandemic. Thus, after the reading, from the Esplanade of the Union Hall, of the Coronation Proclamation of King Ferdinand I, the guest of honor and the county and local officials assisted in inaugurating a photography exhibition, featuring images of King Mihai I and from the coronation on October 15, 1922. Princess Sofia chose the winning works of the competition themed after the coronation in Alba Iulia (painting and drawing), works done by the pupils at the Regina Maria Arts Highschool in Alba Iulia. After a Te Deum officiated in the Coronation Cathedral by Archbishop Irineu of Alba Iulia, the Union Hall hosted an extraordinary concert performed by the Alba County Chamber Orchestra and soloists Alexandru Pal, on the pan flute, and Dan-Liviu Cernat, on violin. On this occasion, the musical work titled "Coronation March" was presented, piece written initially for vocal interpretation and which has not been publicly performed for nearly 100 years. Princess Sofia also signed in the Honor Book of the Alba Iulia National Union Museum. The Union Hall also hosted on Friday the launch of the book "The bad queen," a volume inspired by the story of Queen Maria of Romania. Another moment of the Coronation Day was the unveiling of the bust of King Mihai I on the esplanade of the National Union Museum. Done with support from the Alba County Council by artist Ovidiu Protopopescu, the bust was unveiled by Princess Sofia, President Ion Dumitrel and Mayor Gabriel Plesa. For nearly a year, Alba Iulia will host activities relating to the coronation in 1922. The Coronation Centenary Year project is organized by the Alba County Council, through Augustin Bena Cultural Center and the Alba Iulia National Union Museum, in partnership with the Alba Iulia City Hall and under the patronage of the Royal House of Romania. In 2014, a protocol was signed, for a period of ten years, between the Royal House of Romania, the Alba County Council and the Alba Iulia City Hall, document which envisages the way of collaboration between the three partners, as well as a calendar of activities which will take place in October of each year in Alba Iulia. The event that took place on October 15, 1922, in Alba Iulia, was the first coronation of a Romanian monarch to take place after the union of all historical Romanian provinces. While King Ferdinand had been on the throne since the death of his predecessor, Carol I, in 1914, the coronation was postponed due to World War I, in which Romania participated starting with 1916, and the Romanian-Hungarian War (1918-1919). The Social Democratic Party (PSD) on Friday called on state institutions to launch an investigation into the "irresponsible negligence" of former Save Romania Union (USR) Health Minister Ioana Mihaila regarding the "failure" of the acquisition of COVID-19 tests worth 4.7 million euros, money approved and made available by the European Commission. The social democrats say many of the COVID-19 deaths in recent days could have been prevented if USR health ministers had purchased the drugs needed for treatment for those affected by the virus. "Romania has reached a huge COVID-19 mortality rate because hospitalized patients are not treated for the disease because doctors do not have the necessary medicines. This is a criminal consequence of the incompetence and indifference of USR ministers who did nothing to prepare the system. The two USR ministers who led the Health Ministry in 2021, Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihaila, must stop arrogantly accusing their predecessors of the last 30 years. The 4th wave of the pandemic should have been prepared this year, not in the previous 30 years! The two ministers must have the slightest decency to admit their guilt and to publicly apologize for the sanitary catastrophe in which they brought Romania," claims PSD, Agerpres informs. Head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) Raed Arafat said on Thursday that he did not believe that Bucharest City and Ilfov County will be locked down because of COVID-19, as proposed by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP). "If it comes to a lockdown, locking down Romania's capital city must be done at a much higher level of decision than just a proposal from INSP, because the impact is much more complex than just the health aspect. Clearly, there are measures that are necessary to be implemented, some of them are necessary to limit contact, travel, spread of the virus (...), but locking Bucharest down means that we would isolate Bucharest and Ilfov from the rest of Romania," Arafat told Antena 3 private broadcaster. He said the lockdown is not possible without a decision of the National Committee for Emergency Situations. At this time, as the memo is sent to me, the order could be issued in accordance with the law and validated by the National Committee for Emergency Situations within 48 hours. We are still within 48 hours. I have called on the technical and scientific group to convene tomorrow for a discussion on this topic, after which we will, however, ask the National Committee for Emergency Situations for a decision on whether or not such an order can be issued. As far as I am concerned, we will not get to locking Bucharest City and Ilfov County down under the current circumstances," said Arafat. In his view, additional measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus may be considered, but without implementing area code lockdowns. The head of DSU mentioned that the question is whether locking down Bucharest and Ilfov is feasible or not, given that the Ministry of Interior has to get involved, not the Ministry of Defence, because this is not a state of emergency. According to Arafat, the lockdown would involve isolating the area from the rest of the country, with the impact being "much more serious" than in the case of a small town. He is of the opinion that checking the existing control measures need to be strengthened and an analysis needs to be made of whether there are other measures that can be implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Spanish Embassy in Bucharest, with the support of Metrorex and Polirom Publishing House, launches the second campaign meant to promote literature in the Capital City's subway network, with illustrated literary texts to be display on the 1st and 2nd subway lines, starting on Friday. The selected fragments are extracted from the works of well-known contemporary Spanish writers and interpreted by three illustrators from Spain and Romania, informs the diplomatic mission. Through the "Attention, the books are opening!" campaign, implemented for the second consecutive year in Romania, the initiative to promote Spanish literature among the general public is being developed. The project offers travelers the opportunity to experience short moments of reading, arousing their curiosity for the selected works and creating the illusion of "a journey in a journey," says the same source. Bucharesters and visitors to the Capital City are thus invited to enjoy Spanish literature and these beautiful illustrations in a less usual space, following the model of a unique cultural project held annually in Madrid. The subway becomes thus a place where literature and visual arts meet to encourage reflection and curiosity for reading, says the Spanish Embassy. The campaign features excerpts from the works of three world-renowned Spanish writers such as Carlos Ruiz Zafon, one of the most widely read authors, who died in June 2020, Arturo Perez Reverte and Maria Duenas. The posters draw attention especially due to the illustrations that accompany the fragments, which are inspired from the respective works. For this edition, the illustrators selected were the Spaniards David de las Heras and Eva Vazquez and the Romanian Miruna Radovici. This project was born in Madrid in 1997, at the initiative of the Publishers' Association, with the support of Metro de Madrid, the state-owned company that manages the subway network in the Spanish Capital City, Agerpres informs. This is a F.O.R.D. (found on road driving) story, but unlike many of these, I didnt have to chase this one down because it was parked in the OReillys parking lot in Fairview Heights, Illinois. I spend a lot of time on Lincoln Trail because it is near home and I drive it to get to important places like St. Clair Square, Office Max and Lowes, not to mention, Krispy Kreme. One day a couple of weeks ago, I was passing the OReillys store and right out front near the road was the outstanding, second-generation 1967 Plymouth Barracuda seen on this page. Of course I had to make an illegal U-turn, going back to take a few pics. When I inquired about the car, I learned that the Cuda was owned by OReillys employee Randy Edwards of Caseyville, Illinois. Randy purchased the Barracuda when he was just a teenager, a student at Assumption High School in 1970, and has owned it ever since! NEW YORK Johnson & Johnson on Thursday put into bankruptcy tens of thousands of legal claims alleging its Baby Powder and other talc-based products caused cancer, offloading the potential liabilities into a newly created subsidiary hived off from the rest of the health care conglomerate. Johnson & Johnson put the talc claims into an entity called LTL Management LLC, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Thursday in North Carolina, according to the company and court records. The company faces legal actions from tens of thousands of plaintiffs alleging its Baby Powder and other talc products contained asbestos and caused cancer. The plaintiffs include women suffering from ovarian cancer and others battling mesothelioma. Johnson & Johnson said talc cases would be halted while LTL navigates bankruptcy proceedings. It added it would fund LTL's liabilities in an amount later determined by a bankruptcy judge, and establish a $2 billion trust for the same purpose. LTL has also received certain royalty revenue streams with a present value of more than $350 million to contribute to potential legal costs, Johnson & Johnson said. WASHINGTON Chief Justice John Roberts has rejected a Supreme Court stay request from Spire Inc., the St. Louis-based natural gas company, to allow it to keep operating a pipeline through Illinois and Missouri. Roberts did not comment Friday in refusing to temporarily pause a lower court order affecting the operation of the Spire STL Pipeline. The company could be forced to stop operating the pipeline on Dec. 13 unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission extends an emergency order granted in September. Scott Smith, president of Spire STL Pipeline, said in a statement that the company was disappointed in the decision. Shutting down the Pipeline could potentially lead to widespread, prolonged, and life-threatening natural-gas service disruptions for residents and businesses in the greater St. Louis region, Smith said. Spire STL Pipeline will continue to fully cooperate with the FERC and other stakeholders to keep this critical infrastructure in service to ensure continued access to reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses in the greater St. Louis region. Smith said Spire retains the ability to return to the Supreme Court for emergency relief if new developments further threaten its ability to serve its customers. CLAYTON St. Louis County can, for now, enforce a mask mandate after a judge on Thursday lifted a temporary restraining order against the measure. The ruling from Judge Ellen Nellie Ribaudo handed a temporary victory to County Executive Sam Pages administration against Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who has sued the county to stop it from issuing mask orders. Ribaudo on Thursday ruled that the countys current mask order, issued Sept. 27 by Page and Dr. Faisal Khan, the acting director of public health, effectively replaced one signed on July 26. That meant that an Aug. 3 restraining order she had placed on the earlier measure was no longer applicable. Page said in a statement Thursday that the court ruling means that @STLCountys mask order stays in force. Enforcement has never been our focus, Page said. Our focus has always been on protecting lives and livelihoods. Thats why a mask order was adopted in July and thats why one remains in effect now. Schmitt spokesman Chris Nuelle said the attorney general would seek a new restraining order, arguing the current mask mandate is illegal under a state law limiting a health order to 30 days within a 180-day period if they dont get legislative approval. ST. LOUIS Jenna and her boyfriend were a week away from starting their freshman year in college and moving into their dorms in Murray, Kentucky, when they learned her birth control had failed and she was pregnant. Jenna, who requested to be identified only by her first name, couldnt get an abortion appointment in Louisville near where they lived before the move. Before Jenna started classes, she found herself sick with COVID-19 and had to quarantine for 10 days. She fell behind in her studies. While trying hard to catch up, she had to desperately search for an abortion appointment. She wanted a medication abortion, which must be performed before 11 weeks gestation. It was $470 but still cheaper than a surgical abortion. She had one week. She tried her closest options in Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee still two to three hours away but could not get anything in time. Tennessee also requires two office visits at least 48 hours apart. Jenna and her boyfriend ended up getting an appointment three-and-a-half hours away at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Fairview Heights, Illinois. They left an afternoon class early to make the 5:50 p.m. appointment and drove back that night. It was upsetting and frustrating, she said. I didnt see myself having to go to Illinois when I decided to wait until I got down (to college) and moved in. Abortion providers serving southern Illinois expected to see an increase in patients from Texas after that states restrictive abortion law went into effect in early September. But doctors are also seeing patients coming from states between Illinois and Texas as wait times for appointments grow. They are telling us that wait times are sometimes weeks. One clinic told them they did not have an appointment until November, said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer for Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood. In the first month since the Texas law took effect on Sept. 1, officials with the Planned Parenthood facility, located about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, say they have seen a 47% increase in patients coming from outside its normal service areas including Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Kansas. That is really the impact in this immediate six weeks since the Texas decision, that we are starting to see more of those patients from those states in between who cant wait weeks for an abortion in their own state, McNicholas said. More than 55,000 abortions were performed last year in Texas, which has almost 7 million women aged 15-49, accounting for 1 in 10 U.S. women of reproductive age. At Hope Clinic for Women in Granite City, also about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, calls have been coming in nonstop from women confused about how to navigate the complex laws in Texas and surrounding states, said Dr. Erin King, the clinics director. But appointments there have only increased slightly. States across the South and Midwest already have myriad abortion restrictions and facility regulations in place that have shuttered clinics and greatly reduced access. It feels like there are patients reaching out, but then they are not able to get to us, King said. The fact that weve seen all these phone calls but not seeing patients is, I think, the most concerning thing. Are patients getting care? Are they feeling so desperate that they feel they cant leave and get care? What is happening with those patients? Where are they? Waiting in the wings Texas now bans abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is usually at six weeks and often before women even know they are pregnant. Other Republican-led states, including Missouri, have enacted similar bans, but those have been blocked by courts. The Texas law has proved durable because enforcement is not up to the state but is left to private citizens, who can collect at least $10,000 if they successfully sue abortion providers or those who help a woman obtain an abortion. Abortion rights groups had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the law from going into effect, but the justices voted 5-4 not to intervene. The Biden administration subsequently sued to block the law last month, arguing it is unconstitutional. A federal judge on Oct. 6 ordered Texas to suspend the law; the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Oct. 9 temporarily reinstated it and reaffirmed its ruling on Thursday. The Biden administration said Friday it will ask the Supreme Court to block the Texas law while the case winds its way through the courts. Court filings in the case, which the Supreme Court will ultimately decide, have already provided examples of how the near-total ban has played out. Texas abortion clinic officials described turning away hundreds of patients. Those in nearby states said care for their own residents is being delayed in order to accommodate Texans making long trips. Patients have included rape victims, as the Texas law makes no exceptions in such cases. According to an Oct. 7 PBS NewsHour report, at least 300 Texans have already sought care in Oklahoma, straining providers. Advocates for abortion rights say the impact from the Texas law gives a glimpse of what is to come should other states copy it or a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks, which is currently before the Supreme Court. A decision is expected in that case in June. The bottom line is, although Texas is at the core of what his happening right now, it isnt just about Texas, McNicholas said. There are many more places and states in the wings waiting to do the same thing. If the Supreme Court decides to gut abortion protections provided in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, 26 states are expected to ban the procedure, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. Missouri is one of those states. That means up to 35,000 more women each year will turn to Illinois for an abortion, including 14,000 heading to southern Illinois, according to estimates by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. And the system is already stretched. If more than one state goes down, that burden is going to be felt in an exponential degree, McNicholas said. It wont just be figuring out where to move Texas patients, it will be figuring out where to move patients that account for nearly a quarter to half of the United States. A post-Roe world The Metro East abortion providers say they have been preparing for the scenario. Just this year, states have enacted a record-breaking 97 abortion restrictions, surpassing the highest count from 2011, when 89 restrictions were passed, according to Guttmacher. In total, states have enacted 1,327 restrictions since Roe v. Wade was decided. The mounting restrictions in Missouri including two appointments 72 hours apart and a pelvic exam for medication abortions have all but made abortions nearly nonexistent in the state. The rules left the state with just one abortion provider in St. Louis, so many patients decide to drive the extra 15 minutes to avoid the requirements. We have long known and been helping patients navigate these intricate webs of restrictions, McNicholas said. Missourians face substantial difficulty navigating abortion access. We have a lot of experience in helping folks jumping through each of those hoops to access care. We are now just translating that to folks from different states. King said the calls Hope Clinic has been getting lately sound exactly the same as the calls they got from Missourians two years ago when the state health department tried unsuccessfully to close the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis by refusing to renew its license. The desperation in peoples voices, the confusion that we are hearing. This is not new, King said. Every barrier makes patients more and more scared and adds more stigma to their care, and more desperation and fear that they wont get the care that they need and they wont know where to go and who to see. The doctors say their staffs help women connect to abortion funds that help with travel logistics as well as the cost of the procedure, child care, travel expenses and hotel stays. Part of our job is going to be reassuring folks that they can still access abortion care. It may not be immediately in their community, but they can and we and others are here to help them figure that out, McNicholas said. Abortion funds have long been a mainstay in helping women who cant afford the costs of the procedure or travel. But those services often small nonprofits with few employees are also stretched thin. One abortion fund is the Midwest Access Coalition, which helps people traveling to and from the Midwest access abortion. Headquartered in Chicago, the nonprofit relies on a network of 200 volunteer hosts, drivers and others to help with travel, lodging, food, child care and emotional support. Executive Director Diana Parker wrote in an email that she was too busy to talk to a reporter about how the organization has been affected: Right now we arent doing phone interviews based on our capacity with many more clients traveling right now (its almost 24/7 work currently). McNicholas said providers in states such as Illinois are preparing for a post-Roe world by connecting with organizations across the country that work to help patients access abortion. So that if access goes down, they have a point person in southern Illinois that they can call and say we are really struggling, she said. The clinic is also considering adding employees and opening seven days a week instead of six. They are trying to build staff resiliency. Nearly every patient outside of Illinois calling for help is low-income and facing serious struggles at home, McNicholas said. That can be heavy for staff, she said. Jenna said while she plans to have a family some day, she cant right now. I just started college. Im fresh out of high school. Im doing my life the correct way graduating high school, going to college and getting my degree, she said. I accidentally got pregnant. Its kind of embarrassing. I havent told my family about it. Im not going to tell my family about it. Its a private thing. Im young. Im too young. The Associated Press contributed information to this report. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The McCartys asked the hospital how much it would cost to pay for Lylas treatment out-of-pocket. For two weeks in-patient, it would be around $67,000. Their friends, family and coworkers began donating to a GoFundMe site that aims to raise money for her treatment, and her mothers travel, lodging and lost wages. The condition is unpredictable. It could go into remission or it could spread and get worse. She might have it her entire life. Before she got sick, Lyla would set the table for dinner and leave little personalized notes for her parents and sister under the napkins. She would write, I love you the most, or Youre the best sissy ever. Now, she cant always make it through the meal. Sometimes Ill make a fort in my room and just lay in there, and sometimes I wont want to come down for dinner, she said. Her parents are still waiting for documents from United Healthcare to try to understand why a chance to ease their daughters suffering isnt medically necessary. 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 The state of Missouri has an Office of Cyber Security. Its really good at what it does, or used to be, anyway. So said the leaders of the Chief Security Officers Awards in 2017, which honored Missouri for a program by which it purposely examined government and business websites across the state looking for vulnerabilities and then reported to those organizations what it found. If you go to the state of Missouris website today, you can find a headline that is supposed to link to an explanation of the program, titled Using Public Data to Alert Organizations of Vulnerabilities. Just click on the Office of Administration site, navigate to the Office of Cyber Security, and on the right, under news, at the top, there is the Using Public Data headline. But theres a problem. The link is dead. I found that out this week after Gov. Mike Parson held a news conference accusing a colleague of mine, newsroom developer Josh Renaud, of breaking the law. The governor called him a hacker and a perpetrator and said he was referring him to authorities for possible criminal activity. ST. LOUIS A judge on Friday denied Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardners request for outside help to prosecute three death penalty cases. The orders from Circuit Judge Elizabeth Hogan come three weeks after a different judge rejected Gardners motion for special prosecutors in eight other felony cases including the shooting death of a former St. Louis police captain. Hogans order gave the same reason: The Circuit Attorneys motion did not set forth any factual basis for disqualification. Hogan said state law provides a means for Missouris governor to appoint the attorney generals office to help prosecutors and for prosecutors to request such assistance. There have been no new developments, Dace said. Fortunately, thereve been no new victims either. Dace said he doesnt have a sense that there is an uptick in the number of Black women being killed, and the homicide statistics compiled by the department back that up. According to police statistics Friday, 26 of the 150 homicide victims so far this year in St. Louis have been Black women. Thirty Black women were killed (of the 262 homicide victims) in all of 2020. In 2019, 31 of the 194 homicide victims were Black women. In 2018, 16 of the 187 homicide victims were Black women, and 25 of the 205 victims in 2017 were Black women. A lot of the incidents that I recall were either domestic- or vendetta-related, he said. A day after Abercrombie was shot to death, police issued a warning about sex workers being shot and shot at. Abercrombies killing was cited in that warning. Of the three people whose killings are connected, Dace said: I cannot say that all three of them were sex workers. Dace said investigators have found one thing Abercrombie, Marnay and Ross had in common: They were gunned down while being in a vulnerable place. A new system could give state officials real-time information for management of cash balances. It could improve security issues and allow other agencies to retire their old systems. Richey said the time to act is now. We cant say now that we dont have the money to fix the system, Richey told members of the House Subcommittee on Federal Stimulus Spending at a July hearing. He said Missouri residents should not encounter problems when they interact with the state. I want that Missourian to be able to access the State of Missouri and see very quickly and efficiently what is available to them, Richey said. At the hearing, Steelman said the COVID-19 pandemic helped officials realize that the state needs to improve the online experience for citizens. With offices closed and people scrambling for assistance, computer-based services became a lifeline for some. We caught a little glimpse of what it could look like, Steelman said. This is where other states are going. This is not about punishment, he said. This is about creating the safest possible environment for nearly 20,000 students and almost 5,000 teachers and staff. We need families to know when their children and loved ones are here, we are keeping them safe. The release notes the district already faces staffing challenges, and that schools are making plans to cover any potential shortfalls caused by loss of staff. It says the district is also boosting pay and training for substitutes. St. Louis County In St. Louis County, about three-fourths of full-time St. Louis County employees have complied with a new mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccination or regular testing, records showed Friday. The numbers do not include the St. Louis County Police Department, which said it had yet to collect data on a recent rule that is being challenged in court by one officer. Doug Moore, spokesman for County Executive Sam Page, said at least 2,054 of the countys other 2,778 full-time employees, or 74%, were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Wednesday, the latest date the countys vaccination numbers were available since an employee mandate went into effect Oct. 1. ST. LOUIS In an effort to reach more people who need help for opioid addiction, Missouri is doing something it hasnt done before, which is the point. What we have done hasnt produced the kind of results we want, Joe Yancey, a consultant for the Missouri Department of Mental Health, said of addressing the opioid epidemic. We have to try something else. Yancey recently told five grassroots organizations in some of north St. Louis scrappiest neighborhoods that they will get a cut of $700,000 in state funding to help make connections for treatment both for people in distress they already serve and others they could serve with more support. There is expertise in the community, Yancey said. Because of the other things they do, they may run into people who we want to get help. Typically, the state relies on existing partners. Its a new way of thinking, said Yancey, 69, who has worked in behavioral health a long time. We will see what happens. No guarantees. But we think it makes sense. Grant also was no fan of public appearances and cared little for the fine arts. Sacco related the story about Grants response to a reporter who asked him about the kind of music he liked, to which Grant replied: I only know two songs. Ones Yankee Doodle, and the other isnt. And when it comes to having an unassuming nature, consider that Grant never even bothered to defend his given name, which was Hiram Ulysses. As a kid growing up in Ohio, he was called Ulysses, never Hiram. So when his local congressmans office filled out his application for West Point, he mistakenly wrote down Ulysses as his first name, Sacco said. Then not having any information about a middle name, and needing to finish the filing, the office worker just wrote in S for Simpson, the maiden name of Grants mother, Sacco said. Grant discovered the error on his first day at West Point and just went with it. Then throughout his life, when someone would ask what the S stood for, Grant would simply say: Nothing. Because of the current trend for many Moslem nations to officially recognize or increase military and economic cooperation with Israel, the U.S. has reclassified Israel as part of CENTCOM (CENTRAL Command) rather than EUCOM (European Command) which includes nations in Europe, including Russia CENTCOM covers the Middle East, Southwest Asia, northwest Africa and the Persian Gulf. Israel was part of EUCOM from the beginning (1948) while CENTCOM was created in the 1980s because of where it was. Because of that Israel, which has always been more involved with nations in CENTCOM rather than EUCOM. Israel has always been the most powerful and cooperative ally of the United States in CENTCOM and has become the most advanced military, economic and scientific nation in the region. During that time Israel was, for all practical matters, part of CENTCOM and regularly traded, trained, and shared intel with CENTCOM and nations in CENTCOM as well as NATO nations in EUCON. Most EUCOM nations had diplomatic and trading relationships with the Moslem nations in CENTCOM. Since the 1990s the major military threat to Europe in CENTCOM was Iran and in the last decade Iran has declared most Arab nations in the regions as enemies and become a military threat to all of them, along with Israel and the United States. This put Israel in a unique position as it has long seen EUCOM nations as allies and was treated as a peer by European countries. Moslem nations long agreed with that but now see that as an advantage, not a threat. The result is Israel officially becoming part of CENTCOM. This has made it easier for Israel and the United States to coordinate military operations, including joint naval patrols in the Eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea. It is easier to plan joint operations against Iran and any other threats in CENTCOM. Currently the United States military has seven unified geographic combatant commands in which a four-star general or admiral controls all American military units in a geographic area. The origins of the geographic commands began with the two global military commands the U.S. created during World War II to provide a unified command for all American forces in the Pacific and Europe. After the war, these two commands became regional unified combatant commands known as EUCOM (for Europe, including the Soviet Union) and PACCOM for the Pacific region, including Korea and China. In 1963 SOUTHCOM was created for Latin America. In 1983 CENTCOM (Central Command) was created for the Middle East and was followed in 2002 by NORTHCOM for North America. In 2007 AFRICOM was created for African nations not already part of CENTCOM. In 2019 SPACECOM was added to handle orbital forces and the earth-based units that put satellites and other structures into orbit. For decades the four star-generals or admirals in charge of the regional commands were called CINCs (for Commander in Chief.) In 2002 that was changed because the president of the United States, who is, per the constitution, the "commander in chief of the armed forces" would be the only one referred to as CINC. The old CINCs would be referred to by new titles, like Commander, US Central Command. Despite that the commanders of the regional commands continued to be known, unofficially, as CINCs. Over the years that term was used less and less as a new generation got used to using the term commander for the senior officers running the regional commands. Storytelling-Backed Partnership Between World Literacy Foundation and NewTek Keeps Mission-Critical Awards Show Live and Engaging Across the Globe The World Literacy Foundation recently announced the winners of its World Literacy Awards honors given to those who proactively foster literacy skills among the 773 million people across the globe who, according to UNESCO research, still cannot read and San Antonio, Texas( ) The World Literacy Foundation recently announced the winners of its World Literacy Awards honors given to those who proactively foster literacy skills among the 773 million people across the globe who, according to UNESCO research, still cannot read and write. The Awards took place online as many locations around the world still struggle with the effects of the global pandemic. This required a creative and unique live stream that brought in participants across multiple time zones. Luckily, one of the World Literacy Foundations partners is Vizrt Group, the worlds leading provider of visual storytelling tools for media content creators seeking to provide more stories, better told. When we first partnered with World Literacy Foundation in 2020, just before the effects of the global pandemic set in, we saw a philosophical alignment where the Vizrt Group could harness its technology and expertise in order to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds access stories and learning resources, said Petter Ole Jakobsen, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at the Vizrt Group. Jakobsen continued: The fact that we have spent the past 18 months working on ways to keep content in production during the challenges of the pandemic meant we were able to offer an innovative solution for the WLF Awards, a key awareness raising event for the organization. We felt honored to be in the position where we could assist in making that happen. Creating and operating an awards show on a global scale is no small challenge, but was made possible through just two NewTek products. The ground-breaking TriCaster 2 Elite and Talkshow VS4000 devices were connected through NDI(R) on the home network of Liam Hayter, Senior Solutions Architect at NewTek. From his home, Hayter brought a total of six Skype TX channels in for the host and guest presenter judges. Through TriCaster 2 Elites Live Call Connect feature, Hayter brought 50 nominees for the awards into the production as virtual awards attendees. Through producers based in Luxembourg controlling Zoom, it was possible to spotlight the winners as they were brought on air. This kept the awards experience intact by offering the exciting element of surprise that is so often lacking with online ceremonies, Hayter said. As a single operator at home, the TriCaster was automated using a combination of our powerful Macro engine and LivePanel custom web GUI to sequentially run graphics, switching, and M/E layouts to run the show in a simple, repeatable manner for both rehearsals and the live event itself. It was a very exciting setup and a really thrilling outcome for all involved. The WLF Awards were live streamed to YouTube through the on-board streaming encoders available on every TriCaster. We were able to provide a professional and engaging broadcast to our global audience thanks to the Vizrt Group team, and we feel the charitable partnership has been made even stronger in the process, said Caroline Burkie, COO at The World Literacy Foundation. The event can be seen on-demand here. The focus of the 2021 Awards was on the need to bridge the digital literacy divide highlighted by the pandemic in the worlds poorest communities. Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with limited access to books, technology, and the internet, have been most seriously affected during this global education crisis. Thus, the World Literacy Foundation continues to ask for support as it addresses this new challenge. For more information on donating, visit https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/donate/ FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Treasury building is seen in Washington, September 29, 2008. REUTERS/Jim Bourg By Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Suspected ransomware payments totaling $590 million were made in the first six months of this year, more than the $416 million reported for the whole of 2020, U.S. authorities said on Friday, as Washington put the cryptocurrency industry on alert about its role in combating ransomware attacks. The U.S. Treasury Department said the average amount of reported ransomware transactions per month in 2021 was $102.3 million, with REvil/Sodinokibi, Conti, DarkSide, Avaddon, and Phobos the most prevalent ransomware strains reported. President Joe Biden has made the government's cybersecurity response a top priority for the most senior levels of his administration following a series of attacks this year that threatened to destabilize U.S. energy and food supplies. Seeking to stop the use of crypto currencies in the payment of ransomware demands, Treasury told members of the crypto community they are responsible for making sure they do not "directly or indirectly" help facilitate deals prohibited by U.S. sanctions. Its new guidance said the virtual currency industry plays an increasingly critical role in preventing those blacklisted from exploiting virtual currencies to evade sanctions. "Treasury is helping to stop ransomware attacks by making it difficult for criminals to profit from their crimes, but we need partners in the private sector to help prevent this illicit activity," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. The new guidance also advised virtual currency exchanges to use geolocation tools to block access from countries under U.S. sanctions. Hackers use ransomware to take down systems that control everything from hospital billing to manufacturing. They stop only after receiving hefty payments, typically in cryptocurrency. This year, gangs have hit numerous U.S. companies in large scale hacks. One such attack on pipeline operator Colonial Pipeline led to temporary fuel supply shortages on the U.S. East Coast. Hackers also targeted an Iowa-based agricultural company, sparking fears of disruptions to grain harvesting in the Midwest. The Biden administration last month unveiled sanctions against cryptocurrency exchange Suex OTC, S.R.O. over its alleged role in enabling illegal payments from ransomware attacks, officials said, in the Treasury's first such move against a virtual currency exchange over ransomware activity. (Reporting by Chris Sanders, Chris Bing and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Daniel Wallis) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2021) - Tudor Gold Corp. (TSXV: TUD) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, due to strong investor demand, it has agreed with Research Capital Corporation, as lead agent and sole bookrunner (the "Agent"), on behalf of a syndicate, including Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Red Cloud Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Agents"), in connection with the previously announced best efforts, private placement offering (the "Offering") to further increase the size of the Offering to $15,000,000. As a result of the significant demand and increased size of the Offering, the option previously granted to the Agent to increase the size of the Offering will no longer apply. The Offering will consist of a combination of: (i) common shares of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at a price of $2.10 per Common Share, and (ii) and Common Shares that will qualify as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act") (each, a "FT Common Share") at a price of $2.50 per FT Common Share. Eric Sprott has indicated his intention to subscribe in the Offering. The net proceeds from the sale of Common Shares will be used for the Company's ongoing exploration drilling program, working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Common Shares will be used to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" ("CEE") that are "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such term is defined in the Tax Act) related to exploration expenses on the Company's Treaty Creek flagship property, located in Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia, as permitted under the Tax Act. The Company will incur the CEE on or before December 31, 2022 and renounce such CEE to the purchasers of the FT Common Shares with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2021. The Common Shares and FT Common Shares to be issued under the Offering will be offered by way of private placement in each of the provinces of Canada, and such other jurisdictions as may be determined by the Company, in each case, pursuant to applicable exemptions from the prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about the week of November 1, 2021, or such other date as agreed upon between the Company and the Agents (the "Closing") and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals (including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange). The Common Shares and FT Common Shares to be issued under the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day from the Closing. In connection with the Offering, the Agents will receive an aggregate cash fee equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the Offering, including in respect of any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option. In addition, the Company will grant the Agents non-transferable compensation warrants (the "Compensation Warrants") entitling the Agents to purchase a number of Common Shares equal to 6.0% of the total number of Common Shares and FT Common Shares sold under the Offering (including in respect of any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option). Each Compensation Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $2.50 per Common Share for a period of 24 months following the Closing. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. About Tudor Gold Corp. Tudor Gold Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration and development company with properties in British Columbia's Golden Triangle (Canada), an area that hosts producing and past-producing mines and several large deposits that are approaching potential development. The 17,913 hectare Treaty Creek project (in which TUDOR GOLD has a 60% interest) borders Seabridge Gold Inc.'s KSM property to the southwest and borders Pretium Resources Inc.'s Brucejack property to the southeast. In April 2021 Tudor published their 43-101 technical report, "Technical Report and Initial Mineral Resource Estimate of the Treaty Creek Gold Property, Skeena Mining Division, British Columbia Canada" dated March 1, 2021 on the Company's Sedar profile. The Company also has a 100% interest in the Crown project and a 100% interest in the Eskay North project, all located in the Golden Triangle area. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TUDOR GOLD CORP. "Walter Storm" Walter Storm President and Chief Executive Officer For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.tudor-gold.com or contact: Chris Curran Head of Corporate Development and Communications Phone: (604) 559 8092 E-Mail: chris.curran@tudor-gold.com or Carsten Ringler Head of Investor Relations and Communications Phone: +49 151 55362000 E-Mail: carsten.ringler@tudor-gold.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the expectation that the Offering will close in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management and the expectation that Eric Sprott will participate in the Offering. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will complete Offering in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management and that Eric Sprott will participate in the Offering. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to the failure to complete the Offering in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management, that Eric Sprott will not participate in the Offering, market conditions and timeliness regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES 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/99746 A NASA employee checks plants in the Crop Food Production Research Area of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in 2018. U.S. Air Force Academy cadets are now pitching the idea to create a similar facility in Colorado to research food production for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial deployments. (Cory Huston/NASA) Some Air Force Academy cadets want the service to fund a facility to study farming techniques that could someday be used on the moon to feed U.S. troops deployed in space. The cadet club USAFA Green designed an agricultural testing facility for entry into the Air Forces annual Spark Tank innovation challenge. While it would be based in Colorado Springs, Colo., it would allow research for any environment, they say. The cadets envision a site to experiment with various farming methods that they say could support airmen and Space Force guardians deployed anywhere from the Middle East to Antarctica and far beyond. Our warfighters will need to feed themselves in any terrestrial or extraterrestrial environment, Cadet 2nd Class Caroline Harshbarger says in a 2-minute video submitted this week. The cadets proposal calls for a facility with three areas to test different growing methods, including a greenhouse focused on researching aeroponics and hydroponics, techniques that use air or water, respectively, as a growing medium instead of soil. Other areas would study mushroom cultivation and more traditional methods. The video cites a renewed U.S. focus on space, as evidenced by the launch of the Space Force in 2019 and the creation of NASAs Artemis program, which aims to take humans back to the moon for a long-term stay and eventually to Mars. As we get closer to having bases on the moon and further space exploration, it is vital we have dependable and viable solutions to grow food in space, Cadet 1st Class John Subick says in the video. From early on, astronaut program foods were based on military survival rations or developed with the services, according to the National Air and Space Museum website. In 1962, John Glenn was the first American to have a meal in space. It consisted of applesauce packed in an aluminum tube and sugar tablets with water. For later Gemini and Apollo missions, freeze-dried meals were developed and produced with the help of the U.S. Army Laboratory in Natick, Mass., the museum website says. These days, NASAs Food Systems Laboratory at Houstons Johnson Space Center and the Space Food Research Facility in College Station, Texas, develop and produce space flight foods similar to military meals ready to eat. Theyre meant to feed NASA astronauts on the International Space Station and the Orion spacecraft, which is designed to take crews to the moon and beyond. NASA has also been researching how to grow fresh food in space, conducting experiments at a desert test site in Arizona over a decade ago and aboard the International Space Station beginning in 2014. Astronauts first got to sample freshly grown food on the space station in 2015 after they grew red romaine lettuce from seeds contained in rooting pillows under LED lights, according to NASA. It might also be possible for a Mars colony to one day farm the red planet. After the release of the 2015 film The Martian, in which Matt Damon plays a stranded space botanist who grows potatoes to survive, NASA said the soil there does actually have the nutrients needed to support plant life. Harshbarger says in the Spark Tank presentation video that the USAFA Green cadets want their proposed facility to be a hub for industry and university partners to work on addressing food sustainability issues for the Air Force. Its not the only Spark Tank submission related to both astrological and gastrological issues. A master sergeant at the Phoenix-based 161st Air Refueling Wing proposed restarting low-gravity research using modular kits to convert KC-135 Stratotankers into something like the defunct NASA research KC-135A, which was dubbed the Vomit Comet. I call my innovation RALF, the Reduced-gravity Aircraft Laboratory Framework, the master sergeant says in his video submission. A criminal complaint says this screenshot from a Metropolitan Police Department bodycam video shows James Phillip Mault spraying a chemical agent at law enforcement officers. (Metropolitan Police Department) WASHINGTON A man who was arrested last week for allegedly spraying chemical agents at police during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was able to enlist in the Army months later, officials said, highlighting questions over the militarys efforts to weed out recruits with extremist ties and behavior. Spec. James Phillip Mault, 29, was taken into custody at Fort Bragg in North Carolina last week, said Col. Joe Buccino, a spokesman for the installation. Mault had enlisted in May, Buccino said, months after videos of his involvement in the riot were shared with the FBI, which interviewed Mault and his family. It was Maults second time joining the active-duty Army. Currently a combat engineer, he also served from 2012 to 2016, including a deployment to Kuwait, and then served in the Army National Guard before leaving last year, Army officials said. Maults charges include assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon or inflicting bodily injury, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and civil disorder, according to court documents. It is unclear if he has an attorney. Interviewed by the FBI in January, according to court papers, Mault admitted being outside when a violent mob breached the U.S. Capitol in an effort to overturn the election certification for President Joe Biden but denied entering the building. After Mault enlisted and passed various screening checks, he was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division. At some point, while undergoing further security checks, his alleged involvement in the riot was flagged by our investigators, said Lt. Col. Uriah Orland, a Pentagon spokesman. Orland said he did not yet have information about when the Defense Department became aware of that information. Mault is at least the sixth person arrested on federal charges in connection with the riot while serving in the military, though his circumstance of enlisting afterward is unusual. The others are an active-duty Marine Corps officer and two part-time soldiers in the Army Reserve and two in the National Guard. The riot prompted Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in April to implement changes to how the military screens for problematic behavior in recruits and disciplines them if they hid such actions and affiliations. Pentagon officials said at a news briefing Oct. 5 that it had implemented measures to continuously monitor personnel for security concerns, rather than screening only at specific intervals such as security clearance applications and renewals. Themonitoring is doneusing public records, criminal databases and financial records,and at some point will include screening social media posts, William Lietzau, the director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, said at the briefing. The efforts at finding extremist behaviors are very much related to continuous vetting, Lietzau said. That vetting, he said, uncovered someone under active investigation for potential terrorist activities in January. The process has been used for two years and reached full enrollment this month, Lietzau said, and is reserved for service members after they officially join the military. Recruits who are screened before enlistment undergo different vetting. In a statement, the Army said enlistees are subject to screening measures that include criminal background checks, sex offender databases and collection of fingerprints submitted to the FBI. The Army was unaware of any involvement Spc. Mault may have had in the incidents on January 6 or of any information disqualifying him at the time of his enlistment, said Lt. Col. Gabriel Ramirez, an Army spokesman. The Army will continue to work with the FBI and other entities with inputs into the pre-screening process to obtain relevant information to inform Army enlistment decisions. Don Christensen, a former Air Force chief prosecutor, said some aspects of screening involve gray areas. For example, recruits who are persons of interest to law enforcement but have not been charged with a crime may avoid detection. It highlights the difficulty of saying were not going to have extremists if there isnt a public record acting in that way, Christensen said. The system is more reactive than proactive. Maults alleged participation in the riot became known to the FBI after tipsters identified him in videos and photographs wearing a red hard hat with distinctive stickers for the Rochester, N.Y., ironworkers union, near where Mault lived at the time, court documents said. Imagery captured by police body cameras and phones show Mault spraying a chemical irritant like pepper spray in the direction of police officers at an eastern Capitol entrance, the documents said. It also allegedly shows him passing containers of spray to others in the crowd. On Jan. 18, Maults mother told FBI investigators that her husband had driven her son and others to Washington for the Jan. 6 rally outside the White House headlined by PresidentDonald Trump. Mault denied assaulting anyone and said he was forced by the crowd to move closer to the Capitol, an investigator wrote. Mault helped a man exposed to chemical agents by dousing his face with water, the report said, but denied knowing the person he assisted. The FBI, however, determined that he did know the other man, Cody Mattice, who was also arrested and charged, the documents state. US Revenue Cutter Bear in the Arctic. (U.S. Coast Guard) (Tribune News Service) Nearly 60 years after a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, which the U.S. Navy used in World War II to capture a German spy boat, disappeared off the coast of Nova Scotia, federal officials on Thursday said they located the ship. The Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in Boston on Thursday that they located the US Revenue Cutter Bear, which was built in 1874, about 90 miles south of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia. The U.S. utilized the Bear for several missions during World War I and World War II. However, it sank in 1963 when an entrepreneur from Pennsylvania purchased the ship with plans of making it a museum and restaurant near Philadelphia. The Bear was lost while being towed in 1963 about 90 miles South of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia. Nearly six decades later, officials located the vessel. The Bear was originally built in 1874 as a sealer in Scotland. For 10 years it worked as a commercial sealing boat off of Newfoundland until the U.S. government purchased it in 1884. The U.S. Navy added it to its rescue fleet in the Arctic. It reached notoriety when it rescued several survivors from a disaster expedition. In 1885, the Bear was transferred from the Treasury Department for service in the arctic as a Revenue Cutter, and remained in that role an unprecedented 41 years saving lives and dispensing justice, the Coast Guard said. The vessel remained in the arctic until 1917, when it was transferred back to the Navy during World War I, before returning to the arctic after the war. The U.S. decommissioned the vessel in 1929. However, the Bear went back into service during World War II and captured a German spy vessel. The Bear ended service as a commissioned vessel in 1944 and was sold in 1948 to a Canadian steamship company to be re-converted to its original purpose as a sealer. Poor market conditions caused the company to abandon the vessel on a beach in Nova Scotia before an entrepreneur from Pennsylvania purchased the boat. 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit masslive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Family members and other nonessential personnel are processed through an evacuation control center during a mandatory three-day exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 13, 2021. (Darien Wright/U.S. Marine Corps) MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan For the first time at this base near Hiroshima, family members and others in nonessential roles had to participate in a three-day drill that simulated an emergency evacuation. The drill, part of the larger Active Shield exercise, meant processing more than 3,000 people for a simulated evacuation at a control center set up Wednesday through Friday at the North Gym, the bases operations officer, Maj. Paul Cordes, told Stars and Stripe by phone Thursday. Active Shield is an annual test of the base defense plan. Past evacuation exercises were voluntary. Not so this time, Cordes said. In the event of a natural disaster or external military threat, one of the very first things we are going to do is evacuate our non-emergency essential personnel to a safe haven, he said. We owe it to those folks who are non-emergency essential personnel, as well as their sponsor families. We owe them an evacuation program that is thoughtfully developed and soundly executed, and this practice helps us to do exactly that. Buy Photo Family members and other nonessential personnel are processed through an evacuation control center during a mandatory three-day exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 13, 2021. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) The last mass evacuation of U.S. personnel in Japan took place following the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Japan. More than 9,000 Americans, many of them dependents of service members and government employees, left voluntarily over fears of radiation released from the severely damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. MCAS Iwakuni was not officially part of that evacuation. However, in a military scenario a clash with China, for example the base could be at risk, and moving noncombatants out of harms way could be a priority. Cordes said the exercise aims to provide active-duty service members and emergency essential personnel the peace of mind of knowing that the base is looking out for their families. Having that peace of mind will help them to effectively do their job, he said. We are preparing our personnel to become familiar with the program and the process with all the paperwork so they can flow right through the evacuation control center, Cordes said, and we are also getting all those duty standards, volunteers and essential workers at the evacuation control center the experience of processing those personnel on game day. If that would come, it would be a smooth process. To help prepare families for the exercise, the base held briefings at the base theater throughout September and October to answer questions and fill out paperwork. During the exercise, the evacuees didnt have to bring their pets with them, but they were expected to bring kennels, five-day supply of food and records to check-in with the veterinarian treatment facility, Cordes said. Blocks of 25 families are assigned an emergency evacuation warden whose job is accounting for those people and ensuring they participate in the drill, he said. Staff Sgt. Jessika Braden and her family husband, Michael, and their 3-year-old son showed up for Thursdays exercise. I think its a lengthy process but its a necessary process, she told Stars and Stripes at the control center. Making sure all the boxes are checked is important for my dependents comfortability when they go through this process. I think this is good to have, she added. You can never prepare too much when a disaster or an emergency happens. Buy Photo U.S. bases in Japan reported six new cases of COVID-19 during the past week, while those in South Korea announced 31 infections between Sept. 30 and Oct. 7, 2021. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) TOKYO Another U.S. military base in Japan lowered its health protection condition to the second-lowest level, Alpha, the second installation to do so as new coronavirus cases decline across the country. Misawa Air Base, 400 miles north of Tokyo, reverted to Alpha on Friday as the number of new cases in the surrounding community continues to fall, the pressure on local health-care facilities has eased and vaccination rates on and off the base have risen, base spokesman Maj. Cody Chiles said by phone Friday to Stars and Stripes. The vast majority of service members have been vaccinated in compliance with a Defense Department directive mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all service members, Chiles said. In addition to Air Force personnel, the Army, Navy and Japan Air Self-Defense Force have personnel stationed at Misawa. Chiles said the majority of civilian DOD employees and family members are also fully vaccinated. He declined to say how many or what percentage of the population is vaccinated. He said a few service members requested vaccination waivers on religious grounds and were referred to a review board. Misawa was very fortunate, he said. We had a very low number of COVID-19 cases over the past year. I would say that can be attributed to the remoteness of our location, in addition to a very thorough COVID-mitigation process that had been in place. Most new cases at the air base arrived with personnel from outside the area, he said. Yokota Air Base, the headquarters for U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo, moved to condition Alpha on Oct. 6. The lowest health protection condition is O, or routine, and indicates no community disease transmission. Condition Alpha represents a limited health alert, according to Defense Department definitions. In practical terms, it means Misawa residents may travel anywhere throughout Japan, Chiles said. The change also means fully vaccinated personnel may once again visit bars, clubs and karaoke establishments throughout Japan. Unvaccinated personnel are only authorized to visit those places in Misawa city. Everyone at Misawa, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask while off base. Elsewhere in Japan, U.S. bases reported six new cases of COVID-19, the coronavirus respiratory disease, during the past week. Kadena Air Base on Okinawa reported four people have tested positive since Oct. 9. The base has nine active cases, according to a weekly update on the base website. Yokosuka Naval Base, the homeport of 7th Fleet south of Tokyo, said one person has turned up positive for the virus since Tuesday, an immunized individual discovered during a medical screening, according to a base news release Friday. The naval base has seven COVID-19 patients. U.S. Army Japan, headquartered at Camp Zama 26 miles southwest of central Tokyo, has reported one new coronavirus case since Oct. 6, a new arrival to Japan, according to an Army news release. South Korea update The U.S. military command in South Korea reported 31 people tested positive for COVID-19 between Sept. 30 and Oct. 7, according to a news release Friday. Thirteen people developed symptoms of COVID-19: three service members and two Defense Department civilian employees at Camp Humphreys, three service members and a family member at Osan Air Base and three service members and a South Korean employee at Camp Casey, according to U.S. Forces Korea. Contact tracing discovered another nine individuals between Oct. 1 and Oct. 7: one service member, a family member, two civilian contractors and a South Korean employee at Humphreys; a service member at Osan; a service member at Daegu; and one service member and a South Korean employee at Camp Casey, USFK said. Surveillance testing discovered five cases between Oct. 3 and Oct. 7: three service members at Humphreys, one at Camp Casey and one at Camp Hovey. Medical evaluations turned up three at Camp Casey between Sept. 30 and Oct. 4: a family member at Humphreys and one service member and one South Korean employee at Camp Casey, according to USFK. Finally, one service member at Kunsan Air Base tested positive Oct. 5 prior to a flight off the peninsula. Cupping has grown in popularity in recent years, though evidence of its benefits is scarce. (iStock) Although it's a divisive massage treatment with some professing their love and others vowing to never get it again, cupping has gained popularity in recent years. The ancient massage treatment is known for leaving circular marks on the skin, but much of the actual practice remains a mystery to most. The treatment broke into the limelight and garnered national attention in 2016 after Michael Phelps was spotted with the signature marks at the Rio Olympics. Other celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, have been doing it for years. "Some people have incredibly strong feelings about it," said Jenaveve Biernat, owner and lead massage therapist at Meta Physica Wellness Center in Detroit. "And it's not a esoteric, up for debate, fake thing. I'm not going to tell you it's going to remove toxins from your body .. we're dealing with things that can be proven." Here are answers to some of your cupping questions: Origins Cupping has been traced to medicinal practices in several parts of the world, including China and the Middle East, dating all the way back to 1550 B.C, according to the National Institutes of Health. After more frequent athlete and celebrity sightings with the cupping marks, the practice grew in popularity and became a more common massage treatment. Still, the NIH says there has been very little research on cupping, and that evidence for it as a pain reliever isn't very strong. "There's not enough high-quality research to allow conclusions to be reached about whether cupping is helpful for other conditions," the NIH website reads. How it works Cupping works by creating suction on the skin. It's essentially the reverse of a more typical massage, Biernat said. "If you think about a massage, a massage applies pressure to the muscle, the fascia, and the tendons, right, we're putting our body weight into you," she said. "The cupping creates negative pressure, so instead of pushing down, we're pulling out, we're pulling up the muscle and the fascia and allowing space for blood to flow, for oxygen to increase." According to the NIH, there are two types of cupping, wet and dry. Wet cupping pierces the skin and blood flows into the cup, but dry cupping doesn't involve piercing the skin. The signature mark can last from hours to weeks, depending on an individual's skin sensitivity and the intensity of the cupping itself. Biernat said that, despite the marks it leaves, cupping doesn't actually hurt. "It should not hurt, but like a deep Issue massage, it'll be intense," she said. "But that all depends on how deeply your practitioner is cupping you." Benefits Potential benefits of cupping range from relaxation to easing pain and tension. That said, Biernat noted that the benefits and enjoyment of the practice vary from person to person based on personal preferences. She said a lot of her frequent customers are athletes and people who exercise frequently, as well as people who are always sitting down for their desk jobs. "I find that most clients benefit from cupping who are very tight and have very tight fascia," she said. "So we have tight muscles and we have tight fascia. And this can be from working out excessively, it can be from 40-plus hours a week on a computer, it can just be like overall stiffness from you know, whatever you got you have going on with your body." Should I get a cupping treatment? Some scientists doubt the effectiveness of cupping, but Biernat said it all comes down to personal preference and there isn't any harm in trying it out. Everyone has a different tolerance when it comes to massage and body work, she said. Biernat said anyone except those who are pregnant or who have broken skin can be cupped. However, she wouldn't advise people to get cupped the first time they ever get a professional massage. "You've got to get comfortable with your body and therapeutic touch, first," she said. If you do decide to get cupped, she said it's important to communicate with your practitioner what you want and what you're looking for. "I know it can be intimidating to be in a room with a stranger, usually a darkened room, then lay down on a table and take most of your clothes off, a lot of people don't feel empowered to say anything about what they want," Biernat said. If they don't communicate, she said, they're much more likely to have a negative experience. Even with a good practitioner and communication, she said the treatment isn't for everyone, but there's no harm in giving it a shot. "Some people are runners and they want their IT bands cupped from their knee to their hip," she said. "Other people, if you do that, they will jump off the table. It's total preference." Buy Photo Concertina and barbed wire top a fence near the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) The Russian government signaled its strong support of South Koreas campaign to declare a formal end to the Korean War, describing it as a trust-building measure, according to a South Korean diplomat. Ambassador Noh Kyu-duk, South Koreas special representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs, traveled to Moscow recently to discuss issues on North Korea with Igor Morgulov, the Russian deputy minister of foreign affairs. Following his meeting with Morgulov on Thursday, Noh told reporters the Russian diplomat reaffirmed the Russian governments commitment to play a constructive role for progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process and that it supported South Koreas position to officially declare an end to the Korean War, according to several South Korean media outlets. The United States and South Korea technically are at war with North Korea. The United Nations Command represented by the U.S. and South Korea along with China and North Korea signed an armistice agreement following the 1950-53 Korean War. South Korean President Moon Jae-ins outgoing administration in recent weeks renewed its calls to declare an end to the war. In a speech before the U.N. General Assembly last month, Moon urged the signatories to stand together and proclaim an end to the war if they want to make irreversible progress in denuclearization and usher in an era of complete peace. National Security Office director Suh Hoon recently held high-level talks with President Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, at which Suh relayed Seouls desires. Russias official stance on North Korea has been similar to that of Chinas, in that both express a desire for peace on the peninsula. However, the two allies - key trading partners for North Korea - have slow-walked U.N. sanctions against the communist regime and stymied U.S. efforts to penalize Pyongyang for developing its weapons program. Kim Tae Woo, the former president of the Korea Institute for National Unification, cautioned that Russias peace overtures are a strategic double-play, a political calculation that will endanger South Koreas democracy and weaken its ties to the U.S. When we look at the strategic map in Northeast Asia China, Russia and North Korea are strengthening their collaboration to confront the existing international law led by the U.S., Kim told Stars and Stripes by phone Friday. In this area, the continental power and marine powers are confronting each other. Kim said the two allies are supporting North Korea behind the curtain and characterized their international campaign as a new Cold War situation in this region. Some political analysts have been skeptical of Moons claims that declaring an end to the war would jump-start peace talks with North Korea. Experts have widely questioned Pyongyangs intent to return to the negotiation table and argued that an end to the war would delegitimize the presence of U.S. troops on the peninsula. North Koreas intentions have not changed, Kim said. They have a very offensive and infiltrating strategy towards South Korea a goal of a communized unification. Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report. choi.david@stripes.com Twitter: @choibboy Buy Photo Sailors check out the new anti-submarine warfare training simulator at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan Sailors will be able to hone their submarine tracking skills in a virtual setting with the debut of a new simulator at the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet. The Center for Surface Combat Systems Detachment Yokosuka cut the ribbon on its new anti-submarine warfare trainer at 10 a.m. Friday. The facility features a six-chair simulator that enables sailors to learn and improve their skills in tracking enemy vessels. The system also provides a more cost-efficient and expedited method of training, according to Lt. Cmdr. Michael Arnold, head of the Yokosuka detachment. Training sailors at Yokosuka saves weeks and thousands of dollars over flying them to another U.S. facility, he said. This brings advanced tactical training directly to the waterfront, he told Stars and Stripes on Friday. The only comparable training you can do is onboard your own ship. Training in the new area can take a variety of formats: interactive 3D models, simulated gaming courses, instructor-led exercises and the simulator itself. Officially called a Virtual Operator Trainer, the system offers realistic interfaces that emulate the actual process of tracking a submarine. Arnold said the trainer also can use data from actual encounters between deployed ships and submarines to mimic real-world scenarios for added immersion. We can bring those tapes in here and show the next ship thats going out that this is what to look for, he said. These are the frequencies and all this stuff for this particular submarine; this is what you should be looking for. Arnold said the six-seat setup is temporary and he hopes to have a full, 12-seat classroom completed by the end of the year. He declined to comment on the projects overall cost but said the hardware and software for the full 12-seat suite cost approximately $350,000. Buy Photo Capt. Steven DeMoss, commander of Naval Surface Group Western Pacific, cuts the ribbon on the new anti-submarine warfare trainer at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) The simulator will also eventually be used to mimic the Aegis Combat System carried aboard Navy destroyers. An advantage of the simulator is that it can mimic the operating systems of various versions of anti-submarine and Aegis systems. All these ships all have sonar systems, but theyre probably all different, Arnold said. There are different variants and versions of the software. Our trainer can train on those different variants, so thats an added benefit. Sailors training on virtual systems have been shown to retain knowledge longer, develop stronger skills and graduate faster, according to a 2018 report by Naval Sea Systems Command. The Yokosuka facility is the third to go operational out of seven planned across the globe, the first two being in Pearl Harbor and San Diego. Future sites include Naval Station Rota in Spain, and Naval Station Mayport in Florida. The remaining systems are expected to be installed by 2023, according to an April news release from the Center for Surface Combat Systems. wilson.alex@stripes.com Twitter: @AlexMNWilson Members of the International Organization for Migration wave to an Afghan family as they depart temporary housing at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on Sept. 22, 2021. Resettlement agencies provide vital assistance to refugees transitioning to their new homes. (Lance Cpl. Scott Jenkins) Immigrant assistance agencies that were gutted under President Donald Trump are rebuilding on the fly amid the whirlwind resettlement crush from tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees. Aid providers had been warning that the loss of almost a third of their local affiliates would hamper resettlement services should there be a crisis. Now that scenario has arrived. We expect to be resettling in one given week the number of refugees we would have resettled in a year, said Krish OMara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. That is a significant ramp-up after the program hit rock bottom and was decimated during the prior administration. More than 50,000 Afghans who fled their country need to be resettled. That is almost five times the number of refugees the U.S. admitted for resettlement during the last fiscal year. This comes after more than 100 resettlement offices closed or suspended federal refugee programs over the past four years. The Trump administration had told resettlement agencies that offices handling fewer than 100 refugees would no longer be authorized to resettle new arrivals, Reuters reported in 2018. The State Department said at the time that consolidation would reduce costs. There was a real downsizing of resettlement, and now theres a real surge to put sites back online, said Alicia Wrenn, senior director for resettlement and integration at HIAS, founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. Everybodys kind of scrambling a bit to try to meet the demand. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, or LIRS, lost more than 100 employees during the Trump administration in response to the decrease in the number of refugees, Vignarajah said. At the beginning of the evacuation, Vignarajah said she wondered whether resettlement organizations would have enough people to help refugee families with tasks such as picking them up from the airport and driving them to medical checkups. Immigrant aid organizations are hurriedly rehiring employees and renewing relationships with landlords and employers. An Afghan family boards a bus at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., on Sept. 28, 2021. A resettlement agency assists the evacuees with finding housing, searching for work and enrolling their children in schools. (Staff Sgt. Kenneth Boyton) Rebuilding those networks takes time, said Jennifer Quigley, senior director for government affairs at the advocacy group Human Rights First. And there are fewer places within the U.S. where those networks exist, where we can bring Afghans into the communities. The federal government assumes that resettlement agencies will contribute significant cash or in-kind resources to supplement U.S. government funding, according to the State Departments website. This is often done through partnerships with local charities. Nine private resettlement agencies team up with the State Department to assist refugees. These agencies work with local affiliates to greet refugees at the airport, provide initial housing, try to help them find jobs and enroll their children in school. The State Department provides the resettlement agencies a one-time payment of $1,225 per person to cover living expenses for refugees, such as rent. Agencies also receive $1,050 per person to pay for administrative costs. The funds are supposed to help refugees during their first 90 days, but the money has never been sufficient, Quigley said. The search for housing poses a particular hurdle for Afghans resettling in the U.S. now. A nationwide housing shortage is driving up rent rates, aid agency employees said. Refugees also lack rental or credit histories, and many face uncertain employment prospects. As a result, many landlords are hesitant to rent to them, with some currently asking for six months rent upfront, Vignarajah said. Advocates said theyve been encouraging people to go to areas with lower housing costs. Refugees also have access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, as well as additional financial support after the first 90 days that is provided on a case-by-case basis. So far, the public has been enthusiastic about helping Afghan refugees, many of whom worked with U.S. troops or government agencies, said Eskinder Negash, president of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. The organization has received so many donations for Afghan evacuees that it had to rent another warehouse, and employers seem to be more eager to help than usual, Negash said. Corporations such as Airbnb, Verizon, Walmart and Amazon have offered evacuees housing assistance, aid or jobs. The level of support, including employers, is overwhelming, Negash said. An Afghan evacuee makes a peace or victory sign as he makes his way to a waiting area in a passenger terminal at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, before traveling to the United States, Oct. 9, 2021. (Jacob Wongwai/U.S. Air Force) (Tribune News Service) Maine's refugee resettlement agency has begun to receive Afghans who were evacuated as U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan in August. Catholic Charities Maine welcomed one evacuee who arrived Thursday at Portland International Jetport from one of eight military bases in the United States where evacuees are awaiting resettlement. "We anticipate 11 more arrivals within the next week," said Hannah DeAngelis, director of refugee and immigration services at the faith-based agency. Among the 12 individuals are four families, all of whom have relatives living in Cumberland County, DeAngelis said. Three of the families will be living temporarily with relatives; one family is large enough to need temporary housing elsewhere, which has been secured, she said. The anticipated arrivals include school-age children who will be enrolled in local public schools within the next three months. "One of our responsibilities is assisting in the enrollment process within the resettlement period," DeAngelis said. Catholic Charities Maine is leading the resettlement effort as the state's designated administrator of the new Afghan Placement and Assistance Program, which was created by the federal government in the wake of the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan. Through that program, Catholic Charities has been approved to resettle 67 to 100 Afghans in Maine who technically lack refugee status but are considered immigration parolees, said Hannah DeAngelis, director of refugee and immigration services at the faith-based agency. They are among 57,000 immigration parolees who made it out of Afghanistan and have been on the military bases awaiting resettlement. They will arrive with limited funding from the federal government that is meant to last 90 days, DeAngelis said. Nearly 130,000 people were airlifted from Afghanistan in the final days of the evacuation, including about 70,000 who have "special immigrant visas" because they worked with U.S. forces. Some of them are also waiting on military bases and destined for Maine, and some Afghan Mainers are working to bring family members here as humanitarian parolees. The Afghans who will be in Catholic Charities' care could arrive in Maine anytime through March 30, 2022, DeAngelis said. It's the largest number of newcomers that the agency has resettled since it welcomed 323 refugees in the fiscal year that ended in September 2018. Afghans currently waiting on military bases are being processed through immigration programs, undergoing medical screenings and vaccinations and receiving other temporary assistance, according to U.S. State Department officials. Gov. Janet Mills' office announced in August that Maine was prepared to welcome Afghans fleeing their homeland, but it was more a statement of willingness than an assessment of the state's readiness. Greater Portland, Lewiston, Biddeford and Augusta are among the communities that are preparing to welcome Afghan families because they already have social services, schools with multilingual programs, job training, public transportation and other services in place to assist immigrants. Maine is home to about 500 Afghan Americans, clustered mostly around Portland. Each person arriving through the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program will be given $900 to cover housing, food and other basic needs for 90 days. A network of social service agencies, Afghan community members and volunteers has rallied to help the new arrivals get settled, apply for asylum, find work and learn about their new home. (c)2021 the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine) Visit the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine) at www.pressherald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Migrants cross back and forth between the United States and Mexico at the Rio Grande in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico. (Sergio Flores/For The Washington Post) The Biden administration is prepared to reimplement the Trump-era border policy known as the Migrant Protection Protocols in mid-November if the Mexican government agrees to accept the return of asylum seekers to its territory, the government told a federal court late Thursday in a midnight filing. Biden officials said they have signed contracts to re-open soft-sided "tent courts" at border crossings in Laredo and Brownsville, Texas, where asylum-seekers placed into MPP would appear for hearings via videoconference, as occurred under President Donald Trump. The decision to spend $14 million to rebuild the facilities was made because of "substantial progress" in talks with Mexico, senior border official Blas Nunez-Neto told the court in a declaration. In August, a U.S. District Court judge in Texas ordered the Biden administration to restart MPP, also known as "Remain in Mexico," faulting the White House for ending the program improperly. The Supreme Court upheld the decision, forcing Biden officials to restore a policy the president has deplored as inhumane. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement it is "taking necessary steps to comply with the court order, which requires us to reimplement MPP in good faith." MPP cannot resume without Mexico's consent, as the court acknowledged in its ruling, and administration officials said they are taking steps to address the concerns of the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador by setting up better access to legal counsel for asylum seekers, exemptions for vulnerable migrants and other safeguards. "Mexico is a sovereign nation that must make an independent decision to accept the return of individuals without status in Mexico as part of any reimplementation of MPP," DHS statement said. "Discussions with the Government of Mexico concerning when and how MPP will be reimplemented are ongoing." The Mexican government "has made clear that it expects to see substantial improvements in how MPP is reimplemented before it can make its decision," Nunez-Neto told the court. The Trump administration used MPP to return more than 60,000 asylum seekers across the border to Mexico, requiring them to wait outside U.S. territory as their claims were processed in U.S. courts. The policy was conceived by Trump officials as a way to prevent border-crossers from being released into the United States and avoiding deportation by making asylum claims. Mexican authorities want assurances MPP enrollees will have their cases completed within six months and receive "timely and accurate information about hearing dates and times and other information about their cases," said Nunez-Neto, a reference to issues that plagued the MPP program under Trump. Trump used the threat of tariffs to force Mexico to accept a major expansion of MPP in 2019 amid a surge of Central American families seeking protection. Border crossings fell sharply in the months that followed, but immigrant advocates denounced the policy, documenting hundreds of rapes, kidnappings and other abuses suffered by migrants marooned in dangerous Mexican border cities. President Joe Biden halted MPP soon after taking office, and when border crossings skyrocketed this spring, Biden was asked if he made a mistake by moving too quickly to end MPP and other Trump-era controls. "Rolling back the policies of 'Remain in Mexico,' sitting on the edge of the Rio Grande in a muddy circumstance with not enough to eat and I make no apologies for that," the president told reporters in March. "I make no apologies for ending programs that did not exist before Trump became President, that have an incredibly negative impact on the law, international law, as well as on human dignity." The GOP-run states of Texas and Missouri filed suit against the administration in the Northern District of Texas, saying the abrupt repeal of MPP led to a harmful surge of illegal immigration. The number of migrants taken into custody along the Mexico border this year is at the highest level in at least two decades. MPP fell out of use by the Trump administration in March 2020 as the coronavirus spread and officials began using an emergency provision of the public health code known as Title 42 to rapidly return border crossers without offering them a chance to request asylum. The Biden administration has continued to use Title 42, while exempting unaccompanied minors, expelling more than 700,000 since January, the latest data show. Biden officials told reporters Title 42 will remain the primary enforcement mechanism for illegal border crossings, regardless of whether Mexico allows for the reimplementation of MPP. "We will continue to use Title 42 for all of the people who are amenable to it and who we can expel to Mexico or to other countries," said one administration official who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by DHS. The officials said the administration is preparing a new memo to formally end MPP but would not be able to move forward until the court injunction is lifted. "Past experience has proven that this policy causes immeasurable harm to people seeking asylum every single day that it is in place," said Noah Gottschalk of the advocacy group Oxfam America, in a statement responding to the court filing. "With people's lives on the line, the Biden administration must move swiftly to lawfully end this policy before it can wreak even more havoc." Mexico's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday it will continue talks with the Biden administration on migration, offering no indication whether it has agreed to restart MPP. Voter registration materials seen at a volunteer registration table during the Arlington Independence Day Parade on Monday, July 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (Smiley N. Pool, Dallas Morning News/TNS) Lawmakers should nix an effort in pending legislation that would pave the way for online voting for military troops stationed in remote areas, dozens of elections security experts told senators in a letter this week. We believe that service members deserve the highest standard of safe and verifiable voting, reads the Oct. 13 letter sent to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee by democracy watchdog and voting rights organizations and more than two dozen individuals with backgrounds in elections and cyber security. For the foreseeable future, internet voting cannot meet that standard, and places military voters votes and the trustworthiness of elections themselves at risk. The authors labeled moves toward online voting recklessly premature. At issue is language in the House-passed version of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act the must-pass annual bill that sets Pentagon policy and spending priorities which would instruct the Defense Department to begin planning to provide end-to-end electronic voting services to troops deployed in locations with limited or immature postal service. End-to-end services would allow voters to check if their ballots had been received and counted. The House passed its version of the bill last month. The Senate has yet to vote on its version. In their letter, the signees warned that the House language lacks clarity about precisely who or what locations would qualify for such internet voting. More so, it warns that online votes could be vulnerable to hackers. Although such a system may aim to enfranchise service members, it can be subverted and used to undermine free and fair elections, they wrote. The authors which include the organizations Common Cause, Protect Democracy, Free Speech For People, Verified Voting and the U.S. Vote Foundation implored lawmakers to find other solutions to ensure service members overseas can vote. Among them, they suggested automatic voter registration for eligible service members, automatic mailing of ballots to registered troops, improved efforts to track overseas ballots, and extending the deadlines for military ballots to be received in all states. Last year, the Homeland Security Department and the FBI issued warnings about security problems with online voting after determining the U.S. government does not have the means to ensure the security of online voting. They recommended overseas Americans continue to vote via mailed paper ballots. Military voting for troops registered in states where they dont live or who have been stationed overseas has long been a problem. The Federal Voting Assistance Program estimates that thousands of service members routinely fail to receive absentee ballots, including about 90,000 in the 2020 general election. The experts letter comes almost one year after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, whose results have been challenged by former president Donald Trump. At a time of ongoing complaints about the U.S. elections system, this is not the time to pursue vulnerable online voting, the authors wrote. We strongly oppose policies that promote or expand the electronic return of voted ballots because of the serious and unsolved security vulnerabilities, the authors wrote. At a time when election security and public confidence of our elections are under attack, increased electronic return of voted ballots, known as internet voting, is not safe or secure, and will undermine confidence and trust in elections. Corey Dickstein Corey Dickstein covers the military in the U.S. southeast. He joined the Stars and Stripes staff in 2015 and covered the Pentagon for more than five years. He previously covered the military for the Savannah Morning News in Georgia. Dickstein holds a journalism degree from Georgia College & State University and has been recognized with several national and regional awards for his reporting and photography. He is based in Atlanta. Michael Hetle, left, was convicted in the 2020 slaying of Spc. Javon Prather, right. (Fairfax County Police/U.S. Army) A Fairfax County, Va., man was found guilty of first-degree murder Thursday for killing his next-door neighbor, who was a member of the Maryland Army National Guard. The slaying followed an escalating feud that began with mundane complaints over trash and noise and ended with a barrage of gunfire. Prosecutors said in court that Michael Hetle, 54, was so enraged that the homeowners association and police had not done more to act on his complaints about noise, drinking and other issues with 24-year-old Spc. Javon Prather that he took matters into his own hands. Hetle, then a NASA executive, fired blast after blast at Prather one afternoon in March 2020 as horrified residents of their Springfield block and the victim's wife looked on. The men had fought earlier in the day. A Fairfax County jury deliberated for nearly eight hours before finding Hetle guilty of the murder charge and a firearms violation. Hetle could face up to life in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 28. Prather's family members let out sighs of relief when the verdict was read but declined to comment afterward. Hetle argued in lengthy testimony during the trial that he acted in self-defense. He said that he thought Prather was armed at the time of the shooting and that his next-door neighbor had repeatedly threatened him in the months leading up to the slaying. Prather's wife felt the slaying was in part motivated by racial bias, and testimony at the trial revealed Hetle often referred to Prather by a racial epithet for Black people. Hetle's attorney denied that contention. Hetle is White and Prather was mixed race. The killing was captured by Ring video, which prosecutors played repeatedly for the jury during the course of the trial. At one point, a relative of Prather's began sobbing uncontrollably and collapsed to her knees as the harrowing clip ran, prompting a court recess. The video shows Hetle's front door swinging open on the afternoon of March 4, 2020, before he appears to fire a slug into Prather's stomach without any warning. On the video, Prather turns and runs. He stumbles and jumps down the front steps of Hetle's home as Hetle shoots six shots at him. Hetle fires a seventh and final shot into Prather's prone body after he collapses on Hetle's driveway. Hetle then turns, points his gun at Prather's wife and shouts: "You want it too?" Fairfax County prosecutor Lyle Burnham called the slaying an execution during his closing statement. "He didn't want Javon hurt," Burnham said. "He didn't want Javon to leave. He wanted Javon dead." 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. "It was this look of pure rage," Hetle said of Prather's face before he opened fire. "His eyes were wide and bloodshot." The path that led to the deadly confrontation began roughly three years earlier with the type of quotidian dispute common among neighbors. In 2017, Hetle said, Prather asked to use Hetle's hose to wash off his car. Hetle testified that he refused but later heard the water running and caught Prather using it. Hetle testified that other minor incidents followed the same year, but the interactions between the neighbors, whose townhouses shared a wall in the Daventry community, gradually grew more and more acrimonious. At one point, Janelle Prather, the victim's wife, was charged for allegedly hurling items at Hetle's house and car, and Hetle got a restraining order against her. The neighborhood association also took legal action against Janelle Prather over conditions at her home. Hetle also complained to police repeatedly about the Prathers, but Burnham said in his closing statement that Hetle's accusations were often trumped up. Javon Prather worked at a Giant grocery store. As a guardsman, he was an infantryman with Bravo company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, for almost four years and during that time was awarded the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon for a training mission in Germany, a spokesman for the Maryland National Guard told Stars and Stripes in 2020. Janelle Prather did not testify at the trial, but she said in a previous interview with The Washington Post that she and her husband would have avoided Hetle if they had known about his history. Hetle was a former Washington state police officer who was disciplined after an Ethiopian immigrant accused him of bias during a traffic stop years earlier. Hetle had also shot and killed two people in the line of duty. Both slayings were found to be justified. The morning of the shooting, Hetle sent an email to the neighborhood association warning that the the feud could "result in tragedy," Fairfax County prosecutor Joe Martin said. Martin called it a threat, but Hetle testified during the trial that he simply wanted to warn the homeowners association thathe felt the Prathers' activity was making their neighborhood less safe. Hetle testified that he grew concerned the afternoon of the shooting when Javon and Janelle Prather pulled up in their car and appeared to be drinking and listening to music at a loud volume, so he called police. Hetle later told Javon Prather that he had summoned authorities, before the neighbor went inside his home and began pounding the common wall between the properties, Hetle testified. The Ring video showed Javon Prather leave his home and walk next door to Hetle's residence. Hetle testified that he thought he saw something in Javon Prather's hand as he made his way there. He testified that Prather then banged so violently on his door that it was knocked ajar. Hetle testified that he feared Javon Prather was about to enter, so he trained his gun on the door. Hetle said he then opened the door and thought he saw his hand holding something in Prather's pocket, which he thought might be a handgun. Prosecutors said Prather was unarmed. Hetle opened fire. Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano said in a statement that he planned to seek a life sentence for Hetle. "Mr. Prather served in the Maryland National Guard and had a bright future ahead of him," Descano said. "He should be with his family and community today." Crime and courts A food drive at Antioch for Youth & Family in Fort Smith, Ark. Army veteran Jay Witt regularly volunteers three days a week, driving and picking up food for Antioch to distribute to schools, veterans and families experiencing food insecurity. (Facebook) FORT SMITH, Ark. (Tribune News Service) While volunteering with Antioch for Youth & Family, a food pantry and outreach center, Army veteran Jay Witt made a connection and witnessed the impact of the nonprofit organization on people's lives. Witt helped to distribute food at Nelson Hall Homes, a housing development for individuals with low incomes and disabilities. One resident did not answer, so the volunteers left the food outside his door. "We were turning the van around, and he came up at the door, and he can't walk," Witt said. "He's on his knees. I said, 'Let me out,' and I went over there and helped him take everything in the house." "He was starving," Witt said. "Before I got all the bags in the house, he done ate a loaf of bread and a drink. ... He can't physically go out and (get) groceries, so now I know when we go to that apartment to make sure we take it in for him." Witt, an eight-year Army veteran, attests to the importance of connection and the value of Antioch for Youth & Family in his own life and the lives of others. He has served at Antioch for about four months and continues to pass on the support he has received. "I haven't met one person here that hasn't appreciated the donation that they're getting," he said. Support and relationships After moving to Van Buren four years ago, Witt first heard of Antioch during a distribution at Martin Luther King Park in Fort Smith. In May, "COVID about killed me and my wife both, and we live on my social security, so we came [to Antioch] for a donation," he said. A few days later, when the organization hosted a distribution outside its building, Witt jumped in and started volunteering. He now regularly volunteers three days a week, driving and picking up food for Antioch to distribute to schools, veterans and families experiencing food insecurity. Due to multiple surgeries and limitations with arthritis, Witt divides his time into about three hours each day. "I'm 80% disabled from the Army, but I try to do what I can do ... because it is rewarding to yourself and other people you are donating to," he said. Through volunteering, Witt has formed relationships that have positively impacted his mental health. "I have depression and anxiety real bad, which I take medicine for, but it's helped me get out a little bit," he said. "... You meet people and then you'll see them again a week or two later and (that) just kind of helps with my anxiety and stuff like that. Just knowing that I'm helping somebody that needs help." Rewarding work Along with serving as a driver, Witt volunteers with the veteran's pantry when he is able. The monthly program is designed to support veterans and their families, "which is good because they get a little bit of everything," Witt said. The distribution serves 800 individuals in veteran households each month, Charolette Tidwell, founder and director of Antioch for Youth & Family, said. At 11 a.m. on the fourth Friday of every month, veterans drive their vehicles to the back of the Antioch building. The food is placed into the vehicle's trunk. Witt said the most rewarding time to serve at Antioch has been the Wednesday distributions when the nonprofit hosts a "Pop-Up at the Curb." During a typical weekly drive-through, the organization passes out food to around 2,000 people. "You see different people, all walks of life," Witt said. "You get to know them, even though you only talk to them for like five seconds, but you get the face-to-face." Continuing to serve Witt encourages other veterans to join Antioch's mission, calling the experience "a really good place to volunteer." "If any veteran's got time, they need something to do, come down here and volunteer," he said. "Antioch [would] really appreciate it, and it'd make them feel good about what they are doing." Catherine Nolte is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. She can be reached at cnolte@swtimes.com. (c)2021 Times Record (Fort Smith, Ark.) Visit Times Record (Fort Smith, Ark.) at www.swtimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Meet an Immigration Attorney Guest speaker: Mirella Ceja-Orozco, Co- Executive Director, Minnesota Freedom Fund Join the Immigration Law Society for lunch and have the opportunity to hear from a local immigration advocate, Mirella Ceja-Orozco. Ms. Ceja-Orozco will present on topics such as the current immigration courts and issues related to bail reform and policy. "Prior to her role as the Minnesota Freedom Fund's co-executive director, Mirella Ceja-Orozco served as a fierce and dedicated advocate of immigrants' rights. She has dedicated her legal career to helping people navigate the complicated world of immigration law after experiencing its complexities and witnessing its devastating impact on her own family. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mirella moved to the Twin Cities for law school and earned her law degree in 2012 from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. While in law school, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy, with U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. She has bachelor's degrees in political science and Native American studies from UC Davis, as well as paralegal certification from UC Berkeley. Prior to joining the Minnesota Freedom Fund, she was a staff attorney at the Ojala Barbour Law Firm in St. Paul. Currently, she is also an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School's Federal Immigration Litigation Clinic, where she helps students protect and expand immigrants' rights through lawsuits. Mirella is the 2021 Super Lawyer Rising Star recipient and 2020 Mitchell Hamline Alumni Award recipient. She is the vice chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Minnesota/Dakotas chapter. She was a Minnesota Freedom Fund board member from 2019-2021. Please contact Liz Eckholm, President of ILS, with any questions or concerns about the event. 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. Despite not coming from a particularly horsey family, Joanna Frendrup started riding at around five years old. Now the Matamata 12-year-old has found her niche in riding world and enjoys competing in distance riding. When I was seven, we found Kiri at Navajo Horse Riding Adventures, and then I got to try all sorts of riding, says Joanna. After trying showjumping, and not enjoying it because she didnt have the correct posture or confidence, Kiri suggested she tried Cowboy Challenge with Gypsy, a 22-year-old, quarter horse. We practiced and came second in a leading rein class, with Kiri leading me. In 2017, Joanna progressed to riding alone in the youth division and tried some Cowboy Challenges on another of Kiris horses, a 16-year-old red dunn, quarter horse cross, called Elsie. We didnt do very well, Elsie was very hesitant at the obstacles, and I didnt have the confidence to ride her through them. Joanna was introduced to distance riding in 2019 when she met seasoned distance rider, Natasha Guest, who regularly competes in the Distance Riding New Zealand circuit. She offered to accompany me on a 16km distance ride at Pukeatua, and Elsie and I loved it! Soon after we did 30km, which we won, and lets say, Elsie has a lot of gas in the tank! The pair clocked up their 250km badge together. Distance rider Natasha Guest, left, with Joanna Frendrup riding Elsie from Navajo Horse Riding Adventures. Photo: Kerry Rowe Photography. Riding distance Distance riding is a discipline where riders have a set amount of time to complete a distance, but must finish with their horses heart rate at or under 64 bpm. The winner is the combination with the lowest heart rates, lag times and time faults. The 2020 season was able to go ahead after the Covid-19 lockdown. Joanna says distance riding has really helped her gain a lot of confidence, but Elsie is a little bit too old. To match her aspirations for riding longer distances, she now rides Jade, a 10-year-old, red dunn, quarter horse. With Natasha as a mentor, plus Kiris training and kind sponsorship by letting her use Jade as her own dedicated horse, Joanna is going from strength to strength. We even tried some show jumping again, competing in 50, 70 and 80 centimetre classes. Joanna Frendrup, 12, with Jade whose jumping exceeds expectation. Photo: Catherine Fry. Jade is one in a million, and she exceeded what was required. She describes Jade as a bit cheeky, sometimes showing off like a prancing show pony. Shes got some attitude, and everyone says I have too, so were well-matched! Joanna aims to acquire her 250km badge with Jade, and has plans in 2022 to complete a 60km ride split into 20km a day over three days. Putting in the hours To prepare for these longer events, Joanna rides four evenings a week after school, and then either rides or competes at the weekends. As the horse does the main work in distance riding, we have to build their fitness up and get them used to distance. Kiri has an 800m training track, and Joanna rides Jade four times around each way, several times a week. We mainly walk and trot, but sometimes sneak in a canter. Joannas goal is to compete in a 120km distance ride in 2024. It takes three years to train a horse to complete a distance like that, so Jade and I are building up to it. There is no shortage of experienced, older riders happy to chaperone Joanna on distance rides. Joanna has been all over the region, enjoying riding on beaches, in the bush, and through scenery inaccessible by road. Distance riding is fast becoming a popular sport in New Zealand. A Tauranga-based software start-up has raised $1.3 million for future growth. GoGenerosity gives businesses a way for customers to donate to their favourite local charities at point of sale. The funding has been raised with an oversubscribed seed funding round led by local private investors, with support from Icehouse Ventures. The companys founder and CEO Rohan McCloskey was inspired to start the business after becoming concerned with the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on businesses. At the time Rohan was still a restaurant owner and trialled a pay-it-forward model at his three Bay of Plenty eateries during the first nationwide lockdown. After finding success he joined forces with local software marketer Aidan Lett, and GoGenerosity was officially born. The business has since grown to a team of 10 people, with more than 30 businesses enabling their customers to pay-it-forward with more than $40,000 of food, clothing and pampering paid forward to local people in need. The growth of GoGenerosity has piqued the interest of Z Energy in the Bay of Plenty, which this month became the startups newest customer. The partnership allows customers to pay forward their chosen amount so those in need can access free fuel. The invested funds are being used to expand the team and further develop the GoGenerosity software platform. Businesses pay GoGenerosity a monthly fee to use the software, coordinate the distribution of goods and services and provide the impact stories back to those who are generous. GoGenerosity plans to expand its reach nationally and into Australia in 2022, followed by the US in 2023 and Europe, Asia and India in the years to come. Over the last year, weve demonstrated that everyday Kiwis are willing to be generous in small amounts regularly, that we can attract high calibre talent and that investors truly believe in technology for good, says Rohan. Its blown us away to see people in our communities receive experiences that lift their self-esteem and give them a sense of dignity that makes them feel valued. Backed by our new team of investors, were able to hire more talented, purpose-driven people and build technology that will bring many small acts of generosity together to make a big difference around the globe. The Tauranga Womens Refuge has been one of the main beneficiaries of the generous customers at The Kids Store who use GoGenerosity. The refuge has received $900 of kids clothing via The Kids Store. When looking for a way to give back, GoGenerosity was the logical choice for us, says The Kids Store manager Sam Kidd. We love the fact that 100 per cent of what we pay forward goes to locals that need it and our customers get to be part of our generosity story. Tauranga Womens Refuge general manager Hazel Hape says the donations are a big help. The thing we love about GoGenerosity is that it allows people to pay-it-forward in many ways, she says. This helps Tauranga Womens Refuge get access to restaurant-quality meals and brand new clothing, which gives the women and children in our community a sense of dignity in such a tough season. A life that beats to music and sunshine in the frame David Giles: the concert promoter talks to SUR in English about how a Berkshire police officer ended up rubbing shoulders with celebrities in Miami David Giles and his wife Elaine have lived in Marbella for the last three years. / SUR Born in Reading, he grew up in a council house in Newbury and left school at the age of 16 to become a labourer at a local building site. Then, at 19, he joined Berkshire Constabulary as a police officer, a force which later became known as Thames Valley Police. "I loved my time in the police," he said. "I've had a full life and enjoyed it and I want to continue to do that. I'm looking forward to a few challenges and fun times ahead. That's me" "I became a Sergeant at 23 and was seconded to New Scotland Yard to become part of an undercover surveillance team. I had long hair and drove a GPO van with a busby on it; that was my undercover van and we used to follow people around London." But after moving back to Reading and getting divorced a few years later, David decided to leave the police at 29 so that he could start a business called Sun Coast Select Holidays - taking tourists to Florida. David, who celebrated his 71st birthday last Tuesday, explained: "I really enjoyed the police and the camaraderie. But to be perfectly honest, I had gone to Florida on holiday and had a great time and I didn't want to go back to wearing a uniform, and in those days, you had to go back to wearing a uniform in order to get promoted." But after his business failed in the early 1980s due to the collapse of sterling, he decided to move to Miami in 1984 to start all over again - something he described as a "life changing" moment. Over the next two years he "got lucky" after meeting Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood. The pair became friends and business partners, with David opening a nightclub called 'Woodys on the Beach', in South Beach. He explained: "When I first arrived in South Beach it was a lot different. It was full of pink-haired ladies with white poodles, but I thought it was unique because the beach was phenomenal and the weather was great. I saw an opportunity to develop this nightclub." The nightclub was a success and years later he sold it off for a good profit, which allowed him to buy other night clubs and restaurants in Miami. In total, David spent 30 years in Miami and watched the city grow "tremendously". And that's where he met his American wife, Elaine, 27 years ago, while at a friend's house party. But was it love at first sight? "Maybe for me, but definitely not for her," he laughed. Three years ago the pair decided to move permanently to Marbella, as Miami had "grown too big", according to David. But this wasn't their first time here on the south coast of Spain. Over recent years David had branched out into concert promoting, and has helped bring big names such as Seal, Simply Red, George Benson, Van Morrison and Avicii to the Costa del Sol. But frustratingly, the Covid pandemic has prevented him from organising any concerts for the best part of two years - although he expects to bounce back in 2022 with a number of events around Europe. Explaining his love for organising concerts, the dad of three and Southampton FC supporter added: "I like to do live events, from creating it to seeing the people jumping in front of the stage and having a great time. So it's been a pretty frustrating two years as I haven't been able to do that." And when asked about some of the celebrities he has met over the years, he confides that he has a few favourites. "I liked Seal, he is a really great guy, smart, intellectual. I love his talent and he is good company. Nile Rodgers and George Benson, I liked them a lot. I've also been to dinner with Bill Clinton at a function in Connecticut before. Bill was a lovely guy, I really liked him a lot. I'd like to have lunch with him again actually. And I also met the Queen while doing guard duty as a policeman in London." As for what the future holds living in Marbella, he said: "I'm 71 today and I'm thinking what a great life I've had, as I've been very fortunate. I'm very excited for the future. You always have a few regrets about things you could have dealt with in better ways, but I've had a full life and enjoyed it and I want to continue to do that. I'm looking forward to a few challenges and fun times ahead. That's me." A motorised robot and underwater cameras are helping sixteen police divers in their search for Malaga-born Army sergeant who went missing while on a military training exercise in Huesca. The alarm was raised at 3am on Tuesday, 12 October, after Mario Quiros Ruiz was declared missing in the El Grado reservoir. It is reported that the military were doing evening practices in pairs and during one of the dives, the sergeant was lost track of and did not surface again. The Guardia Civils GEAS underwater search team have been drafted in to help in the search for the young man, who would have turned 23 years old this Friday, 15 October. "We first made the visibility, depth and water temperature checks before starting our dives," explains Jesus Fernandez, who is the person in charge of the GEAS rescue mission in Huelva. Wide search area "But it is not easy," says the diving expert. The fact that the disappearance happened at night has meant that the divers do not have a specific reference point to work in and therefore the search area is very wide. Another drawback faced by the 16 GEAS divers is the depth of the reservoir, which reaches 72 metres in places, and very cold. The regular air bottles that the rescue teams use only allows divers to descend to 50-metres so as special supply has been called in from Madrid. But first we have to locate the exact point to carry out the rescue, explains Fernandez. Motorised underwater robot Meanwhile, a Guardia Civil robot and underwater cameras are scouring the area, directed by a team on surface aboard an inflatable boat. The GEAS head indicates that the work could last for weeks, since they do not have an exact area to track. "But a stroke of luck could bring everything to an end sooner," he says. The good visibility of the water in the reservoir and the lack of currents plays in the rescue groups favour and since Tuesday their efforts have not stopped as they work from sunrise to sunset to locate Sergeant Mario Quiros as soon as possible. Court rules 'no one to blame' after father and two children drowned in a Mijas swimming pool The investigating judge has decided that no criminal charges should be pressed in connection with the Christmas 2019 tragedy Investigators at the scene of the incident at the Club La Costa World resort in December 2019. / SUR A court in Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol, has shelved the criminal inquiry into the deaths of a man and two of his children, both minors, in a Mijas swimming pool at Christmas 2019. The judge ruled that it could not be "duly justified" that a crime had been committed and that, after the numerous tests carried out, "it is not appropriate to blame the fatal outcome on any person." The tragic incident happened on December 24, 2019, at the Club La Costa World resort, where London pastor Gabriel Diya, 52, was holidaying with his wife and three children - two girls, 9 and 14, and a 16-year-old boy. According to witnesses, the nine-year-old girl had difficulty getting out of the pool, so both the father and her brother jumped into the water with the intention of helping her. "Lack of swimming skills" All three drowned; according to the judge's report, they died of "suffocation due to submersion probably due to the lack of swimming skills coupled with the tension, nerves and panic they suffered trying to save their own lives and that of their family member." The court has shelved the case, with the approval of the Public Prosecutor's Office, after studying the evidence in two reports from the Guardia Civil, among others. A Mijas judicial police team report concluded that there was no "anomaly in the pool filter and cleaning system", and, in addition, that "no element of the pool presented usage deficiencies or an added danger to activities in the aquatic environment. Underwater search team The Guardia Civils underwater search team, GEAS, reached the same conclusion after examining the swimming pool installation. Throughout the court investigation, several expert reports issued both by technicians from the Junta del Andalucia, Mijas town council and others, at the request of the family of the deceased and insurance companies involved in the case, were also studied. Although some found that the pool showed certain anomalies, it had the corresponding municipal opening licence and complied with the required technical certifications, as reported by the Superior Court of Justice of Andalucia (TSJA). Appeal The court said, "It is a swimming pool that has been in normal operation since its opening without any evidence of any incident regarding possible accidents or drowning of people until the one that happened in December 2019." Any possible deficiencies, the judge considers, were not sufficient reason to attribute criminal responsibility to any person for the fatal outcome. However, the judge has left the door open for the parties to consider civil action, in addition to their right to appeal. Diana - trending topic THE BOTTOM LINE Maybe the refurbished iconic Byblos hotel, when it reopens in spring next year, could somehow reflect the visit by Diana The Costa del Sol is certainly grateful to tourism and its foreign guests. Over recent years, Torremolinos has commemorated famous personalities who helped boost the resort's fame. The huge portraits of Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner are depicted on some buildings in the town. Last week, Torremolinos said it is to name one of its central parks after Finland, to highlight the significance of Finns for local tourism. For 23 years the Costa del Sol has had a small park named after another foreign holidaymaker - Princess Diana. It was inaugurated on 28 August 1998 by the Mijas mayor almost the year after her tragic death. Mijas Costa (apparently along with Benahavis) is the place that Lady Di visited on the Costa del Sol. Officially, the Princess of Wales came quite close to the Costa del Sol at least twice. Both times were during her happiest and unhappiest moments in her relationship with Prince Charles. On 1 August 1981, twenty-year-old Diana flew with her husband prince and landed in Gibraltar to embark on the Royal Yacht Britannia and set sail for their honeymoon cruise. And in 1992, Diana and Charles visited the Andalusian capital for the Expo. In Seville Lady Di was already unhappy; it was that year when the couple's so-called "amicable separation" was announced. Besides those trips, Diana visited Spain quite often for holidays - as a couple with Charles and also alone. There are lots of photos of the young British royals with their children spending holidays in Mallorca. In August 1986, the Spanish king and queen, Juan Carlos and Sofia, invited Charles and Diana to their island residence, the Marivent Palace. Then they even returned in the summers of 1987, 1988 and 1990. Alone (without her spouse but it appears with two friends) Diana was on the Costa del Sol on holiday, in 1994. In that period Diana was what we would now call a "trending topic"- between separation and divorce. That visit was marked by intrusive Spanish paparazzi who, at the luxurious Byblos hotel in Mijas (where Diana was staying), installed a kind of bunker in two rooms to get the best shot. It is believed they managed to take quite intimate photos of Diana, however the material never saw the light. Millions of people, however, saw the new bio-musical about the dazzling and devastating life of Princess Diana last week. While the next episodes of The Crown were being filmed in Marbella (where they are recreating scenes in which Princess Diana enjoyed romantic moments with the businessman Dodi Al-Fayed), Netflix was preparing to show Diana: The Musical, prior to its stage debut. Her life journey from wide-eyed 19-year-old through her divorce from Prince Charles was depicted in music and lyrics. Now, in 2021, the year she would have been 60, Diana is in the spotlight again. This year saw the start of the rebirth of the aforementioned Byblos hotel in Mijas, after being closed for a decade. Maybe the refurbished iconic hotel, when it reopens in spring next year, could somehow reflect that visit by Diana; because the park with hens and rabbits in Riviera del Sol (Calahonda) named in her honour is too impersonal and dull for such an attractive personality as Lady Di. Do you already have a paid subscription to any of the SWNewsMedia newspapers? If so, you can Activate your Premium online account by clicking here. Activation will allow you to view unlimited online articles each month. To activate your Premium online account, the email address and phone number provided with your paid newspaper subscription needs to match the information you use in setting up your online user account. If you are having trouble or want to confirm what email address and phone number is listed on your subscription account, please call 952-345-6682 or email circulation@swpub.com and we'll be happy to assist. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. In context: It's been a rocky start for Microsoft's latest revamp, Windows 11, to say the least. The OS has been subject to several issues in the past few weeks. While some have been patched, another one joins the lineup of problems the operating system is causing. Brother, a Japanese firm that sells computer-related electronics, says that a substantial amount of its printers may not function correctly when used via a USB connection in Windows 11. A help article (via BleepingComputer) warns that users updating to Windows 11 could prevent their system from identifying a Brother printer when connected through USB. Microsoft's latest revamp may also prevent a computer from changing printer settings or connecting more than a single printer when using a USB connection. Brother says the issues affect a wide range of its products; in total, 92 printer models are experiencing problems with the operating system. In addition, any printer connected with USB might have trouble communicating with several printing utilities. Brother said it's investigating the matter to find a solution. Microsoft has yet to acknowledge the printing issues for Brother's devices, but it has updated its known issues page for Windows 11, where it lists a similar state of affairs. Specifically, installation of printers might fail when attempted over some network connections, though this mainly impacts enterprises and organizations. Custom printing properties might also not be correctly provided to print server clients, and finally, users may fail to install printers via Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Microsoft is currently investigating the printing complications, and a patch is due for a "future update." Printing difficulties aside, Microsoft recently released its first patch update for Windows 11. Although it fixes some compatibility issues, it made matters worse elsewhere by slowing down AMD CPUs more than the release build. Elsewhere, in a rare piece of positive news for Microsoft's operating system, the company has detailed how it's managed to reduce update sizes by exactly 40 percent for the OS. "With the fast pace of Windows security and quality fixes, distributing this large amount of updated content takes up substantial bandwidth," a Microsoft software engineer said. "Reducing this network transfer is critical for a great experience. Moreover, users on slower networks can struggle to keep their machines up to date with the latest security fixes if they cannot download the package." "For versioned data systems requiring forward and reverse delta pairs, "reverse update data generation" provides a way of efficiently distributing the forward delta to the machine and having the machine maintain a path back to its original state. Microsoft has successfully employed this approach in Windows 11, providing a 40% reduction in update size. This benefits our customer base who will need to download less to remain up-to-date and secure," Microsoft explained in a summary. Facepalm: Windows 11 hasnt exactly been lovingly embraced by the PC-owning public quite like Microsoft hoped, and now another element of the new OS has managed to annoy users: its emoji. The problem's not due to how different they are, but because they arent the drastic redesign seemingly promised by the Redmond company. Microsoft has made a big deal about Windows 11s new fluent design look. As MSPoweruser reports, many users expected that the revamp would carry over to the operating systems emoji, an expectation seemingly encouraged by the Windows UK Twitter account. As you can see from the social media account, the emoji teased by Microsoft look quite colorful and detailed compared to the standard fare, with a bit of a 3D effect. But the latest Insider build of Windows 11 left hopeful users disappointed with a set of emoji (below) that are barely any different to what weve seen before. Some people are annoyed at what appears to be a bait-and-switch move by Microsoft, even though we are just talking about emoji redesigns, as opposed to, say, support for Android apps. But Microsoft Program manager Brandon LeBlanc claims the Twitter account didnt pull a fast one on users and that it simply posted the wrong graphics in the tweet. No, they didn't scam you. You're exaggerating this a bit. They simply used the wrong graphics. Sorry about that. Will make sure they use the right ones going forward. Brandon LeBlanc (@brandonleblanc) October 15, 2021 Interestingly, LeBlanc did kind of hint that these emoji may arrive in Windows 11 at some point in the future, though he was a bit vague, possibly so Microsoft couldnt be called out for pulling the same trick twice. I wouldn't worry about this right now. But I've said all I can say about it too. Brandon LeBlanc (@brandonleblanc) October 14, 2021 Microsoft, of course, has plenty of other Windows 11-related problems to deal with right now, including the first Patch Tuesday release slowing down AMD processors even more than the release build, the OS inability to open apps with non-ASCII registry keys, and issues with Brother printers, to name a few. What just happened? Initially set to be delivered during the U.S. Army's fiscal year of 2021, Microsoft's augmented reality goggles rollout has been delayed by a full year, now expected to be delivered by September 2022. Despite the delay, the Army stated it's "fully committed" to the deal. In April, Microsoft signed a $21.88 billion deal with the U.S. Army to supply 120,000 Integrated Visual Augmentation Systems (IVAS), augmented reality glasses based on Microsoft's HoloLens technology, over the next ten years. The AR glasses were set to be delivered last month, but the U.S. Army has updated the expected deployment date of the project to FY22, which ends in September 2022, delaying the whole thing by a year. Microsoft began prototyping the system in 2018 after being awarded a $480 million contract, but the new deal involves creating finalized production versions for soldiers. The system combines high-resolution night, thermal, and soldier-borne sensors into a heads-up display. In the timeline published by the U.S. Army, an operational test is scheduled for May 2022, and the first units should be equipped with IVAS in September 2022. With the tests, the U.S. Army expects to gather enough data to improve the IVAS, allowing "Soldiers achieve overmatch in Multi Domain Operations." Last month, the U.S. Army ran an adversarial electronic warfare and cybersecurity test to test the equipment and plans to do more throughout FY22. The IVAS will consist of augmented reality glasses with multiple vision enhancement capabilities. Such features will improve the wearer's perception of the surroundings, helping it make better decisions that can be crucial in a fight scene. Moreover, the IVAS can also be used for practice, providing a "life-like mixed reality training environment," so the soldier can rehearse before engaging in a real-world fight. Images credit: Reuters Social media is one of the top features of the internet right now, and so are the people in it who regularly create content for other people to see. Before, businesses focused on developing their written content online, but it was limited to business and new websites that might not appeal to regular consumers who typically use social media platforms nowadays. The continuously changing online content and platform redirected online marketing to social media where people are gathered, using creative audio-visual content. The content creators who are interesting to many become the new set of brands that changed online marketing. They are called influencers, and the name is a fitting one, as they influence people to get to know a product and provide a grounded view on a product or service. Moreover, these influencers are known to be famous faces on social media, as they have become popular for their work or known personalities already. Influencer Marketing is a massive thing now, especially as people turn to these online personalities to represent a brand or other elements as solutions to a specific need. Moreover, businesses do not just look for these personalities but also use an Influencer Marketing Platform Software to select the right influencer for a business and maximize their reach and commerciality. Here are the five Best Influencer Marketing Platform Software you need to look into: #1 - Influence4You "Influence4You, one of the leading influence marketing platforms in Europe, will help you make the best decisions for your campaigns." The company has made their presence known in the European region as the tagline states, but that does not mean that they are not ready for a global scale influence to help those that need it in the other parts of the world. They bring a lot to the table, and those are not only the "influencer marketing" focus but also other aspects of the business. The needs of every business regarding marketing would be different and unique, which means that there would be specific cases that have special business situations that Influence4You would be happy to bridge. Each person is different, and preferences change, but that does not mean the service they would receive would be limited. The campaign would be done with the best means possible, customized according to one's business needs, goals, branding, and other specifics. Influence4You brings: Easily search great profiles: Access more than 160,000 subscribed influencers on the platform from every country. Detect fake followers via the integrated tool HypeAuditor (market reference). Access more than 160,000 subscribed influencers on the platform from every country. Detect fake followers via the integrated tool HypeAuditor (market reference). Create paid or unpaid campaigns: Choose to pay or not your chosen influencers to optimize your budget. Choose to pay or not your chosen influencers to optimize your budget. Launch campaigns on all social networks: More than 5,000 campaigns launched in all sectors with seven languages and 35 countries More than 5,000 campaigns launched in all sectors with seven languages and 35 countries Avail free support: Dedicated platform support via phone and email Dedicated platform support via phone and email Access real-time reports: Creation of automatic detailed reports presenting the campaign's performance in real-time with all the KPIs (Earned Media Value, Rate engagement, number of clicks, views, commentaries, etc.) The company's reach across several countries is massive, and this is one of the main reasons why the company is one of the highly attributed platforms with regard to providing services to those who need it. They focus on giving more to a business or person, especially those aiming to start and launch their project or those who want to focus on a larger scale or broader audience. It also means that the software which Influence4You is pushing for has a lot of features to offer, and those include a database of its partnered or contact influencers who are readily available to provide their service for all client needs. The company ensures that these influencers are not fake and that they do not use any cheating software to grow their follower count or reach by having a detection tool that would show potential clients any fraudulent tactics or shortcuts. Benefits While some online marketing services only want to sell products, several of them, such as Influence4You, remain honest and trustworthy and will surely help one's business reach its maximum potential for a specific campaign or project. Also, the company provides KPIs or Key Performance Indicators that would let a business know several statistics that are important to assess a specific campaign or the needs of the client. "It's all in the numbers," as they say, and everything will be provided based on the client's discretion, upholding the legitimacy of the performance of the said campaign or project. People choose credible online marketing software and services based on those who have already done thousands of campaigns with different business partners and have a growing portfolio to prove their software and platform effective. Sometimes, all a person needs for their business are experts who know what they are doing and do not necessarily charge a whopping price for the services rendered or provided. The relationship between client, business, and influencer would not have gotten more manageable than this, mainly as the software provides a one-stop-shop for all business needs, especially the support it demands. The service aims to assist a specific campaign in all possible means. #2 - Grin Grin is one of the top-rated Influencer Marketing Platform Software in the country and the world, primarily because of the service that it has given to a lot of clients, with a massive portfolio of projects. The company believes in making the influencer the focus, and everything else will fall into place. Moreover, it brings itself as the Creator Management platform, which clients are looking for in services like this. The company also offers an easy-to-use platform software that brings several features that would help in the campaign and in the relationships between clients and influencers and vice versa. Benefits Influencer Partnerships - Influencers are the main focus of Grin, and this is one of the main factors that sets it apart. Grin built itself to offer the best campaign to influencers because they believe that doing so will make a campaign more effective. With this, the company has maintained a great influencer marketing platform. - Influencers are the main focus of Grin, and this is one of the main factors that sets it apart. Grin built itself to offer the best campaign to influencers because they believe that doing so will make a campaign more effective. With this, the company has maintained a great influencer marketing platform. Relationship Management - While getting the influencer is Grin's key to success, relationship management is also one of its bread and butter. It helps in keeping a healthy line of communication, down to comments and requests. - While getting the influencer is Grin's key to success, relationship management is also one of its bread and butter. It helps in keeping a healthy line of communication, down to comments and requests. Reports and Analysis - Not only does Grin help in relations, but also in letting its client know the reports, progress, and results of their campaign, which would help massively with a specific goal set by the client and influencer. #3 - Upfluence An authentic partnership is the key to success, and Upfluence is one company that focuses on this, especially under its influencer marketing platform software. The service is available for all and is easily accessible by everyone. The company has partnered up with several of the top global brands that people are familiar with, including the e-commerce company Amazon, Asics, Asus, Universal, Verizon, Zappos.com, and more. Upfluence said that it has been their own experience to encounter hardships in looking for the right influencer and tools in helping a specific campaign. Thus, they are built to resolve such problems. The company aims to give a platform where clients, influencers, and campaigns can be managed easily, without the hassle of missing details. Benefits Influencer Profile Tool - Searching for Influencers is easier. It has several tools to help maximize the search, particularly to look for the right fit in one's campaign, business, or service. The platform also offers advanced search criteria, and it would help filter the results for a more efficient selection. - Searching for Influencers is easier. It has several tools to help maximize the search, particularly to look for the right fit in one's campaign, business, or service. The platform also offers advanced search criteria, and it would help filter the results for a more efficient selection. Data for Your Needs - Data and information is everything in the modern world, and Upfluence has designed their platform to meet these needs for the client. Not only that, it does this by providing an organized view of every campaign or project. - Data and information is everything in the modern world, and Upfluence has designed their platform to meet these needs for the client. Not only that, it does this by providing an organized view of every campaign or project. Measure Success and ROI - One of the unique offers of Upfluence is the chance to measure the success of the campaign or project and all of its factors. These factors include the reach, social media platform, influencer, and other factors that it entails. Also, it looks at the return of investment (ROI) of a specific campaign. #4 - #paid The "#paid" or "hashtag paid" influencer marketing platform is focused on changing the status quo and identity of the so-called social media influencers into "Creators." Yes, there is a difference between influencers and creators, but both are known personalities online. The platform of #paid focuses on "creator marketing," and it brings a different approach compared to the different companies that offer the service. Marketing Platform software of the modern days focuses more on making the brands known by partnering with the right influencer to represent them, but sometimes, a business needs a creator for a better reach and campaign Benefits Creator Marketing - The different approach to Influencer Marketing is a novel take on the platform, as many companies offer the service already. It might get repetitive already, and it would confuse clients; hence the "stand out" offer of #paid. The creator moves away from the traditional "influencer" by focusing on personalities that can do more for a client's brand. - The different approach to Influencer Marketing is a novel take on the platform, as many companies offer the service already. It might get repetitive already, and it would confuse clients; hence the "stand out" offer of #paid. The creator moves away from the traditional "influencer" by focusing on personalities that can do more for a client's brand. Handraise - Creators find you. The Handraise feature lets an influencer find a campaign that would suit them, instead of a client or campaign being assigned to them or finding them. It is effective on its own, especially as there would be a sense of volunteerism for a campaign, making sure that it gets the full attention and interest of the creator. - Creators find you. The Handraise feature lets an influencer find a campaign that would suit them, instead of a client or campaign being assigned to them or finding them. It is effective on its own, especially as there would be a sense of volunteerism for a campaign, making sure that it gets the full attention and interest of the creator. Creator Performance Data Tracker - Apart from the multiple tools of #paid, tracking the creator's performance can help look into the success of a campaign and how much it is affecting the everyday lives of the public. #5 - Creator.co Creator.co is a platform that also focuses on "creators" and moves away from the traditional term of "influencers" in the market. The platform offers a space for both brands and creators to come around and find each other for easier integration. The influencer marketing platform software of Creator.co focuses on an "empowered" approach to commerce, as it drives brand loyalty, trust, content, sales, and more. Benefits Collaborations - Influencer campaigns would either be assisted or a hands-on approach, and it would be the client's choice, especially when launching their campaigns via Creator.co. Having the option between the assistance of a Campaign Specialist or doing it alone is open here. - Influencer campaigns would either be assisted or a hands-on approach, and it would be the client's choice, especially when launching their campaigns via Creator.co. Having the option between the assistance of a Campaign Specialist or doing it alone is open here. Affiliate Programs - Sales can be opened up to more opportunities with Creator.co's affiliate program. Clients can connect their Shopify or WooCommerce pages, which influencers would then use in their campaigns. - Sales can be opened up to more opportunities with Creator.co's affiliate program. Clients can connect their Shopify or WooCommerce pages, which influencers would then use in their campaigns. Marketplace - Creator.co ensures that the "creators" or "influencers" they would be partnered with are also their customers that would drive sales and patronage of their product or service. - Creator.co ensures that the "creators" or "influencers" they would be partnered with are also their customers that would drive sales and patronage of their product or service. Managed Services - Creator.co offers the management of different campaigns, advertisements, engagements, and other digital services for the client. Before the rise of the internet, there was a focus like this: advertisements. Radio, television, print ads, and word of mouth were the channels or platforms. But now, as the media convergence and digitalization has boomed, social media has taken on advertisements, and it has also focused on reviews and honest opinions from the so-called Influencers or content creators. Now, it is an essential factor to have influencers write a review about a product, business, or service. Their opinions matter a lot, and social media users trust them. There is no better way than to give those with massive reach the chance to represent and show what the business is about and provide an honest and trustworthy review, which would generate feedback and brand awareness. Some businesses only sound like they want to sell their products and do not care about customers or consumers using their services; however, not all are like that. These companies with Influencer Marketing Platform Software services showcase a consumer-driven marketing style without the hassle and stress of undergoing a campaign. . This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new Facebook whistleblower claims that she has strong evidence against the social media giant. Recently, FB also faced some allegations, stating that the giant tech firm's alleged toxic platform affects its young users' mental health, especially young girls. This was testified by the recent Facebook insider named Frances Haugen, who said that she has internal documents that prove how toxic Facebook's platform really is. Now, the new FB whistleblower agrees to testify in the U.K. Parliament. Sophie Zhang said that the social media giant fired her because she pointed out its failure to prevent election interference in various countries, including Honduras. However, her claims were rejected by a Facebook spokesperson, saying that FB's team strongly disagrees with her characterizations. New Facebook Whistleblower To Testify According to CNBC's latest report, a parliamentary committee said on an Online Safety Bill statement that Zhang's upcoming testimony against the giant online platform would happen this coming Oct. 18. Also Read: Facebook and Google-Backed Tech Group Sets Up Panel for Misinformation Complaints As of the moment, the proposed legislation says that if Facebook is unable to solve or prove the allegations of illegal or harmful content, it would be forced to pay expensive fines. On the other hand, the U.K. lawmakers said that they would ask the new Facebook whistleblower about her work since she claimed that she is one of the former data scientists for the alleged Facebook Site Integrity fake engagement, which is believed to be handling bot accounts linked to various government agencies, including Russia. However, this would still remain speculation until Zhang proves that her accusations against FB are true on the upcoming U.K. Parliament trial. Facebook Updates Policies, Including on Online Bullying Although many critics are targeting Facebook, the giant social media platform is still enhancing its service to protect its users and offer them new advanced features to improve their experience. Now, Facebook Newsroom's official blog post confirmed that FB is enhancing its policies against online bullying and harassment. Both of these harmful activities have been pestering many consumers for the past few years. "We do not allow bullying and harassment on our platform, but when it does happen, we act," said the giant online platform. For more news updates about Facebook and other related topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Facebook to Remove Any Content That Targets and Harasses Public Features in Updated Policy This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Waymo has already launched in San Francisco, but there has been a strange happening on a dead-end street in Richmond District for its self-driving cars. Here, a Waymo ride-hailing vehicle always ends up on a specific dead-end street and always requires a driver to navigate through a turn, something which Elon Musk finds funny. The Alphabet-owned company has already pushed forth its robotaxi venture that would be pioneering in the county of San Fransisco, alongside another driverless venture named Cruise. San Fransisco, otherwise known as the "Bay Area," has been one of the first places to adopt self-driving technology to be fully autonomous for companies like Waymo. Elon Musk Finds Strange Happening on Waymo Launch in SF, Funny There are recent reports where the autonomous driving vehicles of Waymo that has launched in San Francisco to be looking at a strange happening, and it always ends up on the same spot. This spot is a dead-end street, and it is where Waymo completely stops, only to need human interference to get out of the situation. With this, Tesla CEO and one of the proprietors of the Full-Self Driving (FSD) has noticed the phenomenon and shared his reaction via Twitter. The only reaction is Elon Musk is laughing at what is happening, as the meme king of Tesla found the Waymo incident in San Francisco to be funny. Haha Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 14, 2021 Despite Waymo being one of the first street-approved autonomous driving vehicle features in the country, it still has several scrutinies it is facing, and this one has weirded people out. Read Also: Tesla Unveils its Plans to Incorporate Megachargers to Semi Electric Truck What is Happening Waymo? What is happening with Waymo may be a technical glitch or intended by the company, but it still is strange happening with the autonomous driving feature of its recently launched fleet. According to a report by the CBS SF BayArea, residents find the Waymo cars to be having a strange happening in a dead-end street in the city. Moreover, it has a guaranteed appearance "every five minutes or so," where cars without rides or passengers appear there and get stuck on the street. The car would then need human intervention so that it can make its three-point turn so that it can maneuver itself out of the dead-end street and back to its operations. Will This Stop? The confused residents also find the sound that these driverless cars make, which are weird and funny. The happening has affected some passengers because of the number of cars that pop up, as well as the sound that it makes when arriving. Waymo has said that it is still acclimating to the streets of San Francisco and would surely fix the issue in the coming days or weeks. Moreover, it would stop the "creepy" and "strange" happenings that have affected the residents of the area, especially those who are working from home. Related Article: Tesla Safety: Over-the-Air Updates To Continue Improvement of Its System, Data-Driven Approach This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA's Jet Propulsion scientists see human landings on Saturn's and Jupiter's moon before 2100 or before the end of the 21st century. NASA Scientists See Human Landing on Saturn's, Jupiter's Moons As per Futurism's latest report, NASA scientists in California suggest that human beings could likely be on multiple planets in the next century. The prediction of the said scientists further claimed that the upcoming human-crewed mission on Mars, which could likely be delayed by the Blue Origin lawsuit, will be followed by other human landings in the Asteroid Belt objects. After which, humans will start landing in the moons of both Saturn and Jupiter. It is to note that all of these are in the span of the 21st century, scientists further suggest. But the monumental space missions will not end in this century. They also see humans reaching the ends of the Solar System in the 23rd century. Meanwhile, another journey faces humans in the 24th century as they land to more star systems. Saturn's and Jupiter's Moons According to Forbes, way back in 1962, the late United States President John F. Kennedy said that: "We choose to go to the moons of Jupiter and Saturn and do the other things not because they are easy but because they are hard." However, the last time that humans landed on the moon of the Earth was in 1972, and NASA has yet to bring another crewed mission there. But some NASA scientists are now predicting that the crewed mission will reach other far-flung planets like the moons of both Saturn and Jupiter, including the Callisto, Europa, Titan, and Enceladus, at least within the 21st century. Read Also: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Worth $10 Billion Arrives at Launch Site-What's Next Another Home Beyond Earth? The paper of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Scientists predicting the future space exploration achievements of humankind beyond this century goes by the title "Avoiding the Great Filter: A Projected Timeframe for Human Expansion Off-World." Futurism said in the same report that other scientists noted that the "Great Filter" will force civilization here on Earth to find ways to avoid self-annihilation, which includes looking for another planet to live on. It is worth noting that people on Earth are currently facing numerous threats to their existence, such as the worsening climate change, the possibility of a nuclear war, viruses wiping off the population. Not just that, there are other factors to look into like the upcoming asteroid crashes, as well as the emergence of artificial intelligence. That said, billionaire Elon Musk, who is also the CEO and founder of space exploration firm, SpaceX, has been pushing for a multi-planetary life. Last July 14, Musk even revealed that he believes in the "population collapse," noting that SpaceX seeks to create a civilization on Mars to save us from that. Related Article: Australia Invests $50 Million For its First-Ever Lunar Mission With NASA | Moon Rover to Land on 2026 This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Teejay Boris 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google Chromebook brings an accessibility feature for people with Dyslexia, and it is the latest "Select-to-Speak" option that would speak out everything that is found on the webpage. It would also help those with poor eyesight and those who have a hard time reading texts, those who would rather listen to a computer, with "more human voices." Chromebook has been a popular lineup from different companies that have partnered with Google, and it brings the computer that has a massive performance and new feature with the Chrome OS. The new UI and OS that Chromebooks are pushing forward is only one of the reasons what makes the device a must for people. Chromebook Accessibility Feature: Select-to-Speak Google's Chromebook OS is bringing a new update for people, and this was announced by the internet company earlier today, bringing new features for people that need it. It is called "Select-to-Speak", and this is an accessibility feature of the Chrome OS that would help people highlight a specific part of the page or app, which would then read it out. Chromebook's new accessibility feature would let a person hear what is said on the screen, and it would help them understand it better, instead of having it jumbled or mixed up. Moreover, Select-to-Speak is also adding several better-sounding human voices with this update, so that it would feel more natural to the person that needs it. This means that the update would also add more voices, as well as better integration to the present feature that Google has debuted before. The update would bring better features for it, as well as catering more to the hardships of a person that has a hard time in reading or understanding the arrangements of these texts. Read Also: Valve Creating Possible AMD-Powered Gaming Chromebook? Steam Might Be Playable Natively in Chrome OS Soon Google Addresses Disabilities to Assist and Highlights Features The Select-to-Speak is only one of the features to assist with disabilities and highlight the need for these types of programs to help people and be of service. The focus of Google for this specific venture is for those that have a hard time reading, so it falls to those who have dyslexia, poor eyesight, are partially blind, have eye problems, and more. Google Chromebook Features There are several features more on the operating system, and it includes features like the "color-blind mode," blue light filter, and more. The move of Google is to assist those with disabilities and provide an experience for them with its Chromebooks. Moreover, other features are also coming to address more of others' disabilities or hindrances. Related Article: How do I remove Google Drive from my Chromebook? This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Image from Unsplash Website) Bank Robbers Used Deepfake Voice for $35 Million Heist | AI-Enhanced Voice Simulation Used Bank robbers appeared to have stolen a massive $35 million from a United Arab Emirates bank by using the help of AI-enhanced voice simulation. The robbers reportedly used deepfake to mimic a legitimate business transaction that was associated with the bank. Deepfake Vocals to Fool Bank Employees The Forbes reported that the deepfake vocals were used to fool bank employees into thinking that they were handing over money on behalf of a certain legitimate business transaction that is associated with the bank. The story is reportedly sourced from a recently uncovered court document which took place last January 2021 when the undisclosed bank's branch manager had received what seemed to be a normal phone call. The person that was on the line actually claimed to be the director of a large company with whom the manager had already previously spoken and sounded all alike, according to the court document claims. This was also paired with what looked like emails from the company and its lawyer which convinced the branch manager that the firm was actually in the midst of a large business deal that was worth $35 million. Dubai Investigators Reveal Deep Voice Tech Used According to Gizmodo, he subsequently followed the said caller's orders and started a number of large money transfers from the company into a new account. Quite unfortunately, everything then turned out to be a sophisticated scam. Dubai investigators have then revealed that the crooks actually made use of "deep voice" technology in order to simulate the voice of the director. Authorities now believe that the scheme involved up to 17 people and that the stolen money was actually funneled to a number of different bank accounts which scattered throughout the world. UAE Investigators Reaches Out to American Officials Two of those accounts were actually with the Centennial Bank in the US and got an amount of $400,000. This is why the case has currently spilled into the American judicial system. UAE investigators have also now reached out to American officials for help regarding the investigation. Despite the use of more modern technology, this is actually not the first time that something like this has happened. In 2019, a certain energy company in the UK actually suffered a very similar fate. Fraudsters were reportedly able to steal about $243,000 USD by simply impersonating the company's official CEO. Read Also: Warner Bros. 'Reminiscence' Deepfake Generator Allows Anyone to Be with Hugh Jackman-How to Use AI Market on Audio and Visual Deep Fakes According to the people that are monitoring the AI market, it is now very unlikely to be the last time as well. Jason Moore, a particular cybersecurity expert with ESET gave a statement to Forbes. AI voice generation has been used for the new Anthony Bourdain documentary but could this be the same as deepfake? Audio and visual deep fakes actually represent the whole fascinating development of 21st century technology. They are, however, potentially incredibly dangerous posing a large threat towards data, money, and even businesses. Scientists are also using AI to determine deepfake videos and one key is to look into their eyes. Related Article: Lucasfilm's 'The Mandalorian' | DeepFake: What Is It And How Does It Work? This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian B. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Missouri Governor Mike Parson has threatened legal action against a report and a newspaper that found a vulnerability in a state website. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter disclosed a website's security vulnerability that led to social security numbers of teachers and educational staff members easily accessible by anyone who knew how. Due to the vulnerability, anyone could have had access to the social security numbers by simply right-clicking and then choosing Inspect Element or View Source. Governor Parson, in return, called the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter a "hacker" whose actions were described as "decoding the HTML source code," according to a report. Missouri Governor Threatens Legal Action Against Report Missouri Governor Mike Parson has threatened legal action against the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and its reporter, who disclosed a security vulnerability in a state website. According to a report by The Verge, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch "notified the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that one of its tools was returning HTML pages that contained employee SSNs, potentially putting the information of over 100,000 employees at risk." "While the reporter followed standard protocols for disclosing and reporting on the vulnerability, the governor is treating him as if he attacked the site or was trying to access the teacher's private information for nefarious purposes," The Verge added. For his efforts, the reporter had been called a "hacker" by Governor Parson, who also said the county prosecutor and investigators would be involved. Governor Parson also said, per The Verge report, that the whole incident could cost the state and its taxpayers $50 million. The report, however, notes that it would have been more expensive for the government had a hacker actually accessed the social security numbers available due to the security vulnerability. Security Vulnerability in DESE Site Per the report of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that was cited by The Verge, the tool that contained the vulnerability "was designed to let the public see teachers' credentials." The vulnerability in the tool meant that the page also included the social security number of the person whose credentials are being viewed, which could be accessed by anyone who knows how to right-click and then choose Inspect Element or View Source. Governor Parson insisted that the DESE's website does not give users permission to access social security numbers of teachers and staff members, but The Verge report notes that "it was being freely provided." There have been multiple instances in the past wherein a security vulnerability could have or has actually led to private data being accessed by hackers. A recent example of which is the Microsoft Azure security vulnerability called OMIGOD. Related Article: Apple Pay's Security Vulnerability Could Allow Hackers to Make Transactions! How to Avoid ASAP Missouri DESE Comments on Incident The Verge has noted in its report that it has reached out to the Missouri DESE for comment. However, the Missouri DESE did not have much to say due to the ongoing investigation. The Missouri DESE only said that the data in question is now already protected. Also Read: Wisconsin's Voter Database Leaks to Cybercrime Website, RaidForums- Sensitive Information Sold for $25,000! This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isabella James 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TikTok school challenges 2021 are currently trending. However, some of them are not really suggested for kids to conduct. Related Article: [Viral Culture] Most Trending TikTok Songs in 2021 That Will Make You Dance Non-Stop Right now, various TikTok challenges are trending since they are quite fun to do. On the other hand, some of them are quite dangerous or could lead to negative outcomes. TikTok school changes started when the so-called Devious Lick challenge. This trend started is about taking some school items back to your house. The first viral video of Devious Lick is about stealing a wall-mounted hand sanitizer. The TikTok who posted the video quickly received more than 2 million likes, 11 million views, and 31,000 comments. After that, it was Devious Lick, followed by a more serious challenge called "Slap a Teacher." This is currently not recommended since you could be suspended, or worst, get kicked out. List of TikTok School Challenges 2021 According to Distractify's latest report, the current TikTok school challenges became viral since they are quite hard to do, which really attracts many bored students. On the other hand, some rumors claimed that there's a list currently circulating on the internet. Here are the following viral TikTok trends that students tend to do in each school month: Also Read: TikTok NFTs: TikTok Top Moments to Feature Lil Nas X, Grimes, Bella Poarch, and MORE January: Jab a breast February: Mess up school signs March: Make a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria April: "Grab Eggz" (a similar challenge to Devious Lick) May: Ditch day June: Flip off in the front office July: Spray a neighbor's fence October: Smack a staff member November: Kiss your friend's girlfriend at school December: Deck the halls and show your balls Because of these unusual or daring challenges, TikTok surpassed YouTube as the most-watched online platform. But, you still need to be careful since some TikTokers were already arrested after vandalizing government property. Should You Do These Viral TikTok School Challenges? Based on the activities involving the current trending TikTok school challenges, authorities warn students to avoid doing them. A backlash is already happening since it could hurt teachers or other individuals in schools and damage public properties. Fox News even reported that the viral "Slap a Teacher" challenge could even lead to criminal charges, as well as expulsion. For more news updates about TikTok and other trending challenges on the platform, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Xbox Series X Mini Fridge is now confirmed by Microsoft, making the recent meme a reality. Before this announcement, the giant tech developer decided to create a bigger version of the popular refrigerator with a popular console's external design. Additionally, for fans in Europe, the Xbox Mini Fridge will be available from GAME in the UK (89.99); and fans in France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Netherlands, and Poland can grab their own at Game Stop EU (99.00), Micromania (99.00) or Toynk (via Amazon) Idle Sloth (@IdleSloth84) October 15, 2021 "What started as a viral meme became a life-size reality when we created the world's first-ever, fastest, and most powerful Xbox Series X Fridge, a 6-foot, 400 pounds, 1:1 scale replica of our beloved console," said Microsoft via its official blog post. Any more news coming soon on the Xbox Series X mini fridge or my suggestion below? @Phasmatis8 @aarongreenberg pic.twitter.com/Y2ethbTURv Mario (@marioucche) October 7, 2021 But, the gadget creator said that it would not end there since they would soon release the mini version of the Xbox Series X fridge. Microsoft also said that the new Xbox Mini Fridge would arrive this coming holiday. Xbox Series X Mini Fridge's Details Xbox's official YouTube channel already confirmed the arrival of the Xbox Series X Mini Fridge. The teaser was posted last June 14, generating more than 4 million views. Also Read: Repairable Xbox Consoles To Arrive After Microsoft Confirms R2R's Arrival | Will Series X/S be Included? Now, Microsoft's official Xbox Wire post confirmed that the most-awaited console-based refrigerator could be pre-ordered this coming Oct. 19. The giant tech firm also thanked Ukonic, which is its main partner in the development of the miniature fridge. Thanks to their efforts, consumers would now have a whole new meaning for the popular "Xbox and Chill" phrase. If you are one of the interested buyers, here are the specific features you need to check. Xbox Series X Mini Fridge's Features The new Xbox-based mini fridge offers LEDs and surface features, which are really similar to the popular Series X gaming gadget. Consumers can put up to 12 cans of their favorite beverages inside the matte-black refrigerator tower when it comes to storage capacity. Aside from this, the new Xbox Series X Mini Fridge also has a USB port at its front, allowing you to charge your smartphone and other devices. Microsoft announced that this new product would be available at Target for $99.99. This offer would be provided to U.S. and Canadian consumers. Those who are residing in the United Kingdom can pre-order the new mini fridge via GAME. Meanwhile, Game Stop EU is expected to offer the new Xbox Series X Mini Fridge to fans in Italy, Ireland, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Poland. For more news updates about Xbox and other similar products, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Xbox Series X Teases 'Spongebob' Skin as Part of the 'Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl'-Restock? This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Wolverhampton COVID-19 test laboratory has been suspended because of its alleged false coronavirus results. This happened after NHS (National Health Service) Test and Trace conducted an investigation in the medical facility. Related Article: COVID Outbreak in Schools Forces Students to Move to Remote Learning The investigation was ordered by the U.K. Health Security Agency's head, asking why the incorrect results took a month before they were detected. On the other hand, health authorities are now asking those who got positive COVID-19 results to take another test. The issue first started between Sept. 8 and Oct. 12. During this period, the Wolverhampton test lab's patients received positive lateral flow results. However, when they had their follow-up PCR tests, the results became negative. Wolverhampton COVID-19 Test Lab Now Suspended According to BBC News' latest report, Wolverhampton test lab is currently suspended since the investigation is still ongoing. Also Read: United Airlines Layoffs 593 People for Violation of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate "We are doing a detailed investigation with them, working on the actual processes within the laboratory - but the important thing of course is that we have suspended all of their services," said the U.K. Health Security Chief Executive, Jenny Harries. She added that they would text or email those who still have positive COVID-19 results to get new tests. She added that these individuals are estimated to be a few thousand people. The private COVID-19 test lab is not the only one accused of offering false coronavirus results. In other news, an at-home rapid COVID-19 test kit manufacturer also suffered the same thing, forcing the company to pull out thousands of its products. Infected Patients Could Be Roaming Around? USA Today reported that around 43,000 patients in England might have received incorrect COVID-19 test results from the Wolverhampton test lab. Because of this, health authorities are now concerned that thousands of infected individuals might have been freed from isolation. If this is the case, they could now be roaming the streets and infecting other people. This is currently a major concern since various countries are still suffering from rising COVID-19 infections. For more news updates about COVID-19 and other health topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA's Lucy Mission is about to happen this Saturday, Oct. 16. Specifically, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration new space launch is expected to blast off exactly at 9:34 a.m. UTC or 5:34 a.m. ET. It would be conducted from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. On the other hand, NASA already delivered an Atlas V rocket, which carries the 1.5-ton spacecraft, to the launch pad on Oct. 14. Those who want to view the upcoming Lucy Mission can watch it through the official NASA TV. The space activity specifically costs $981 million. This massive budget is needed to enhance the space mission since it would fly an extremely complex trajectory. What makes this amazing is that NASA's Lucy Mission would do this for around 12 years. NASA Lucy Mission To Venture Trojan Asteroids According to Ars Technica's latest report, the new NASA Lucy Mission would venture into the Trojan asteroids. Astronomers expect that this activity's gathered information could help them know more about the solar system's building blocks. Also Read: NASA's Jet Propulsion Scientists See Human Landing on Saturn's, Jupiter's Moons Before 2100-Another Home for Us? On the other hand, various space scientists also claimed that the new mission would better understand how planets within the solar system formed. "When we look at nature, whether it's looking at deep space or at these small objects, each one of these tells us a chapter of the story that we're all a part of," said Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's science chief. Facts About NASA Lucy Mission You Might Not Know Gizmodo provided some of the facts that people might not know about the upcoming NASA Lucy Mission. These include the following: NASA Lucy is named after a fossil, which helped scientists know how humans evolved. NASA would not actually visit Jupiter. The area that Lucy would be venturing is only called "Jupiter Trojan asteroids" since they are located in front of the Gas Giant. NASA Lucy is expected to visit more areas of the solar system compared to the previous space launches. For space fans, you could expect HD photos from NASA Lucy since it is using LOng Range Reconnaissance Imager (L'LORRI). For more news updates about NASA and its upcoming space activities, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: NASA Hubble Spots Water Vapor in Jupiter's Europa, But One Detail is Weird for Researchers This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Cybercrimes are continually on the rise, bringing more threats to organizations in the pandemic than before. Statistics show that as early as March 2020, breaches in the USA ballooned by 300%. This is due to the greater security risk associated with remote working, prolonged cyber attack detection and response, and others. Because of this increasing volume of cyberattacks, you cant afford to take your security lightly. Tedious traditional defense methods and static, ineffective programs are not going to help either. To bolster your current cyber safety status and maintain it in 2021 and the following years, you need modern, robust, and long-term security programs. Check out these three powerful techniques for keeping your business safe from cyber attacks. 1. Assess your security posture. Your companys security posture refers to the collective cyber defense stance of your data assets, networks, information security resources, and capabilities to manage your safeguards and respond to status changes. Besides information and networks, these components and resources involve all your software, hardware, security policies, defense teams, vendors, and service providers. Evaluating these aspects shows you your companys current, overall security stance. It helps you plan your defense roadmap, including the next steps necessary to enhance or maintain it. Security posture assessments involve measurements and calculations of your resources, level of visibility into your attack surface and asset inventory, degree of automation in your defense program, and more. To begin assessing your security health, get an updated, accurate, and comprehensive inventory of all associated assets with these tasks: Classify assets by category, sub-type, purpose, location, and whether or not they are internet-facing Obtain detailed information, e.g., user accounts, status of open ports, services, and roles related to the asset Identify every assets business criticality Ensure all assets have up-to-date licenses and software and comply with security standards Select assets to be decommissioned due to being outdated or unused You should also ask yourself questions such as: What data does our company collect? How and where do we store this information? Is this storage secure? How do we safeguard and record the data? How long does our team store this data? Who can access the information internally and externally? Next, list your assets according to their level of vulnerability -- from the least to the most at-risk. This lets you determine what to prioritize in your next corrective steps. Finally, use security ratings to measure your defense posture. They are objective and quantitative, giving you a solid grasp of your cybersecurity health and actionable insights for your roadmap. 2. Implement continuous security validation. One of the most critical steps to maintaining cyber safety is investing in a continuous security validation platform. These platforms concentrate on testing whether or not your cyber defense controls are functioning properly. It also involves identifying security system components that need enhancement or replacement. Continuous security validation entails a practically ongoing process of defense control testing, as that phrase implies. However, it does not necessarily mean that the method runs unceasingly each second of the day. Rather, continuous signifies a contrast to one-time-only or cyclical defense testing routines. With continuous security validation, your tests do not end with only one or a few sets of trials and results. You keep repeating this process to track your safeguard controls status constantly and proactively -- instead of waiting for attacks to happen, infiltrate your systems, and reveal your weak defenses. Thats another reason continuous security validation is critical. It lets you uncover security loopholes before cybercriminals do and exploit them. It also empowers you to level up your defense position by assuming a persistent cyber attackers perspective. These crooks unceasingly try breaking into your systems, so continuous security validation will help offer a robust counteraction. One best practice to execute continuous security validation is following the MITRE ATT&CK model. Be guided by the MITRE ATT&CK framework. MITRE ATT&CK stands for MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques and Common Knowledge. This model is a curated knowledge bank and framework for cyber antagonist behavior. It diagrams the different phases in the attack lifecycle, the channels cyber adversaries frequently target, and popular threats and assaults implemented. It is also practical because it includes modern platforms, such as cloud-based systems (the model has a specific table for it). Knowing all these things provides concrete guidance on how to combat cyberattacks. It also quickens you and your team to remain vigilant and proactive about securing your systems at all times. 3. Establish a security culture with best practices. Set in place a stable security culture that permeates all levels of your organization, trickling from executives down to all subordinates -- whether theyre regular or contractual and part-time or full-time workers. Doing so is among the top ways to avoid security breaches. It allows you to maintain a healthy posture and protect your data assets from risks and their far-reaching repercussions. You can establish an effective security culture by consistently implementing best cyber defense practices -- which include both elementary and advanced techniques. Empower your IT security and risk management offices to spearhead this initiative (in partnership with your admin department) since they know best the intricacies involved in it. The executives can then support it and authorize any necessary actions and budget. Below are some best practices to incorporate into your security program for a company-wide cyber defense culture: Create and enforce security-related policies and protocols, including penalties and disciplinary actions for violating them. Provide practical cybersecurity training for your executives and staff. Teach them to recognize fraudulent attempts (e.g., phishing, whaling, etc.) and install efficient reporting systems for these incidents. Centralize your SaaS management, preferably to your IT department. All computer and Internet-based applications must be listed, including their usage details, present versions, etc. Having one management team for it allows you to contain any security risk, ensure they are up-to-date and safe, and others. Encrypt sensitive data and communications, including passwords and addresses or locations for top-level files. Limit peoples access to various files and information. Authorize only those holding directly relevant positions, and regularly monitor if these people are still with the organization or not. Perform regular code and data backups, and update your firewalls and anti-virus software. Manage and restrict, if needed, employees bring-your-own devices and personal internet-connected communications at work or within the office. Ensure maintaining your cybersecurity in 2021 and beyond. Continuously bolstering your security should be among your companys priorities if you want to remain operational and dependable in the years to come. After all, cyber adversaries are always on the lookout for vulnerable small and established businesses to exploit and steal from. With these measures, you can set up a long-lasting security strategy that protects your organization, reputation, and hard-earned customer trust and profits. Artist Annie Mitchell and photographer Jim Hurst drove to Paradox Valley to create and capture Mitchells one-night-only fiber optic light installation last weekend. (Photo courtesy of Jim Hurst) 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 Baton Rouge man accused of killing a bystander when he fired into a crowd of people watching a 2014 street brawl can receive a fair retrial from a judge who previously called him the "worst of the worst" type of person, one of the judge's colleagues ruled Friday. State District Judge Fred Crifasi denied a defense request to disqualify fellow 19th Judicial District Judge Beau Higginbotham from presiding over Brandon Boyd's retrial and possible resentencing. In Baton Rouge murder retrial, should judge's 'worst of the worst' remark force recusal? The judge who called a Baton Rouge man the "worst of the worst" when he sentenced him to life without parole in 2016 shouldn't be allowed to p The East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office had opposed the defense motion to recuse Higginbotham. Boyd's attorney said he will appeal Crifasi's decision to the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal. Boyd, who was 17 when he fatally shot Emanuelle Myles on La Margie Street, was found guilty of second-degree murder 2016 by a non-unanimous jury and sentenced to life in prison without parole by Higginbotham. His conviction and sentence were thrown out last year after the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed split-jury verdicts. When dealing with juvenile killers, the Supreme Court has said life without parole terms should be reserved for the worst cases and worst offenders. For juvenile killers found not to be beyond rehabilitation, Louisiana law allows them a chance at a parole hearing after they've spent 25 years in jail. Crifasi noted that Higginbotham was required by law to make a finding as to whether Boyd met the criteria for a life without parole sentence. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Crifasi said he found "no gratuitous use of any inflammatory or controversial statements" by Higginbotham at Boyd's 2016 sentencing hearing or elsewhere that would indicate the judge could not conduct a fair and impartial retrial. Accused Baton Rouge killer doesn't want judge who called him 'worst of the worst' to handle retrial Brandon Boyd was 17 when he fired into a crowd of people watching a street brawl on La Margie Avenue, killing a bystander in 2014, and two yea "In his statement, Judge Higginbotham describes the actions of the defendant shooting into a group of unsuspecting victims and killing one," Crifasi wrote. "As required, he found that this meets the standard of worst offenders and worst cases as he described the defendant as being the 'worst of the worst type of person.'" Boyd's attorney, Michael Fiser, said he respectfully disagrees with the ruling. "This is a unique legal issue, so we do intend to seek a writ in the court of appeal to review Judge Crifasi's denial," he said. Boyd, now 25, and Myles were among those who had gathered in a parking lot to watch four people fight, police have said. At some point during the fight, Boyd who knew two of the people involved in the fight pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots. Myles, 24, was killed and a 19-year-old man was shot in the arm. When the 1st Circuit initially affirmed Boyd's sentence in 2019, Judge Vanessa Whipple said the fact that he was a first-time offender "does little to mitigate the atrocity of the crime." Circuit Judge Mike McDonald called Boyd "a threat to society" who "earned this sentence." An Independence man was arrested Thursday evening on rape counts in Livingston Parish his second recent arrest stemming from a multi-parish child sex investigation. John Mack, 75, was booked into the Livingston Parish jail on first-degree rape and sexual battery, both felonies. This latest arrest came about three weeks after Louisiana State Police booked him in Jefferson Parish on a count of misdemeanor sexual battery, a less serious charge, amid what officials called an ongoing child sex abuse investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Livingston Parish deputies handled the Thursday arrest. Lori Steele, a spokeswoman for the sheriff, said Friday that deputies are continuing to investigate "the sexual abuse of a juvenile victim." She said the Thursday arrest resulted from new information that allowed deputies to secure a warrant in the case. The investigation is ongoing. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up A State Police spokesman said Friday their investigation is also still underway. Law enforcement officials have released few details about the accusations against Mack, citing the sensitive nature of the case. Livingston man, 75, arrested on sexual battery amid ongoing investigation involving juvenile victim A Livingston man was arrested Thursday amid what authorities called an ongoing child sex abuse investigation involving multiple law enforcemen Mack has been arrested at least three times on domestic violence allegations in Livingston. He was arrested in 2015 and accused of pointing a gun at a woman and kicking her in the leg. He was charged with aggravated assault and domestic abuse battery, but prosecutors later dropped the case, court records show. Mack was arrested again on the same counts in November 2020 after the victim accused him of taking her license to prevent her from leaving and then chasing her around with a bat. Prosecutors never formally charged him in that case. About a decade earlier, Mack had been charged with aggravated assault and obstructing a highway. That case also involved a female victim who said Mack followed her after an argument, parked his car in the middle of the highway to block hers and charged at her with a knife. The woman said she had four children in her car at the time, according to police reports. Mack was ultimately found not guilty. State education leaders have delayed action on new social studies standards a second time amid off and on complaints on how the benchmarks would present the nation's racial history. The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted Wednesday to extend the public comment period through Nov. 30. The portal at the state Department of Education www.louisianabelieves.com was supposed to be open for comments through Oct. 31, with a possible vote by BESE at its December meeting. The issue is now set for board review in January and may be delayed again. Hearings on the change were stopped for two months earlier this year after a gathering that featured charges the standards would inject critical race theory the view that racism played a dominant role in the nation's history that continues today into public schools. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said he would oppose any such effort. But race-related complaints and others resurfaced when the Louisiana House Education Committee took up the issue earlier this week. Katie Alexander, who lives in Baton Rouge, questioned some of the vendors used in crafting the new standards. "There is an agenda to promote critical race theory," Alexander said. "In some cases not subtly." Jennifer Carignan, who lives in Covington, said Western Civilization will suffer if the focus is world history and that Black figures like 1936 Olympian Jesse Owens deserve study. Christy Haik, of Baton Rouge, told the committee that students cannot learn racial harmony by teachers suggesting "that one race is superior to another or by suggesting that our country is fundamentally racist." A steering committee endorsed the changes 19-1 on Sept. 28. New social studies standards clear key state panel; final vote possible in December A state panel voted 19-1 to implement new social studies standards for public schools after a two-month delay sparked by complaints over how t However, concerns about the changes continue to circulate, including whether citizens have had enough time to make their views known. +3 Louisiana delays update on social studies standards; 'This is politically combustible' A seemingly routine update of Louisiana's social studies standards has been delayed for two months amid criticism from former House Education The September gathering when the benchmarks won approval was less contentious than the July meeting that lasted five hours. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Diane Moore, who lives in Slidell and has taught history in both public and private schools, told lawmakers the new standards "will make students ashamed of their country." Moore said it would be a mistake to begin a high school U.S. history course in 1898, and omit how American ideals unfolded. She also criticized one proposed standard for fifth graders to "analyze historical events from the perspective of marginalized or underrepresented groups." Laura Huber, director of the state branch of Concerned Women of America, said the standards should include a focus on the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and differences between a republic and a democracy. Huber, of Abita Springs, said "progressive education elites" are pushing for citizen activism over content knowledge. The steering committee included teachers, higher education officials, school district leaders and parents. Two groups one for K-5 students and one for grades 6-12 worked since March to come up with the revisions. Brumley, a former social studies teacher, has said the benchmarks need more rigor and that history should be taught in a more orderly fashion. Top official quits state Department of Education; says little respect from colleagues A top official of the state Department of Education has quit and said she felt marginalized during her time at the agency because of her race The superintendent has not taken a stance on the proposed new standards but is expected to do so before BESE votes. Aside from quickly agreeing to extend the public comment period board members have not discussed the recommended changes for social studies. The hearing Monday focused mostly on how the new standards came about, and even House members who have voiced concerns about the standards steered clear of any controversy. State education officials are supposed to collect the public comments, and will likely recommend changes to those recommended by the steering committee. The current benchmarks took effect in 2011 and are supposed to be updated every seven years. Why the delay occurred is unclear. The new guidelines are scheduled to be in place for the 2023-24 school year. Snow Country, Sebastian Faulks, Hutchinson, $32.99 Credit: The second part of a loose trilogy featuring the Schloss Seeblick, a sanatorium set among forbidding Austrian mountains, Snow Country takes up long after its predecessor Human Traces (2015) leaves off. That novel traced the institutions establishment by two pioneering psychiatrists in the 19th century. Here we begin in 1914 as catastrophe looms. Aspiring journalist Anton has fallen for an older Frenchwoman, Delphine a love affair warped, as everything else will be, by the outbreak of war. Meanwhile, the impoverished Lena follows her mothers footsteps to work at the sanatorium. When Anton visits years later, himself bearing scars from the war, the landscape of psychiatry has irrevocably changed. Twining historical romance and intellectual and medical history, Sebastian Faulks novel of ideas wrestles with existential questions in a more nuanced fashion than it imagines the weight of lived experience. The Riviera House, Natasha Lester, Hachette, $32.99 Credit: Its been quite some time since I last saw an airport, but airport fiction hasnt left us. Natasha Lester, author of the bestseller The Paris Secret, has produced a cookie-cutter historical romance that shifts between Nazi-occupied Paris and the present day. In 1939, Eliane Dufort is working at the Louvre, in love with a talented painter. After the Germans have occupied the city, her lover flees, and she begins to work for the French Resistance, cataloguing national treasures stolen by the occupiers. In the present day, Remy inherits a house on the French Riviera and stumbles across a catalogue of artworks stolen by the Nazis. Shes shocked to recognise one of them from her childhood home in Sydney. The two womens stories intersect in a plot as predictable as the authors gushing, sentimental style. Undemanding readers may find it a comfort; I found it badly written and unbelievably gooey. NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK Top Blokes, Lech Blaine, Quarterly Essay, $24.99 Credit: Australians love to imagine themselves as anti-authoritarian larrikins, but is this the affected image wed prefer to believe rather than face the possibility that we are a cautious, conservative people who overwhelmingly elect conservative governments? In this sharp, witty essay Lech Blaine examines a myth that may well be in its death-throes. For too long, he argues, we have been hijacked by a pack of fabricated larrikins and bullshit artists. He starts and ends by examining ScoMos blokey image and the way conservative politics has appropriated the myth, much like Anzacery. But larrikin appropriation also includes the Hawke era, the Bonds and Packers and all those white, Western males who see power in projecting themselves as ordinary top blokes. Timely, astute, with dare I say a larrikin streak. When He Came Home, Dianne Dempsey, Arcadia, $29.95 Credit: In WWI it was called shell shock, in WWII lack of moral fibre. Today we know it as PTSD, although the condition was officially recognised only in 1980. Dianne Dempseys study, which concentrates on the Vietnam War and the roles of wives and women in holding families together, takes us behind the front doors and into the rooms of ordinary suburban houses and graphically shows just what happens when Johnny comes marching home. There are numerous case studies, all united by themes such as depression, domestic violence, suicide and inter-generational trauma. In one study a vet sits, eyes vacant, cradling his rifle, in the loungeroom with his wife and son: the gun goes off, the wife sees her sons shattered skull. But it didnt happen; the bullet missed. It was what she expected to see. This is confronting, important reading. The Devils Work, Garry Linnell, Viking, $34.99 Credit: The mystery of Jack the Ripper and his identity still haunts us, and this latest study, written in the manner of a Victorian gothic melodrama, provides an intriguing twist to the story. Was the Ripper Frederick Deeming known also by a host of aliases hanged for murder in the Old Melbourne Gaol in 1892? Garry Linnell skilfully orchestrates a complex tale that takes in colonial Australia, Britain, South Africa and the United States and incorporates a gallery of genuine characters, many of whom could have stepped out of a penny dreadful. But the central figure is the syphilitic Deeming, a deranged but often charming killer who claimed to be haunted by his dead mother. While there are those today who think he was the Ripper, the mystery mill keeps on turning. Theres some terrific writing in this atmospheric, deeply researched and inventive anatomy of an enigma. Nellie Robert Wainwright, Allen & Unwin, $32.99 Credit: One thing can certainly be said of Nellie Melba she dared to eat a peach. But, as this entertaining new biography shows, Helen Porter Mitchell was nearly a non-starter. Her strict Scottish father did not want her on the stage, and she had to fight him the whole way in spite of early glowing reviews in Melbourne. When she auditioned for her future teacher in Paris in 1886, by which time she was in a violent, abusive marriage, it was her last chance. I have finally found a star, her teacher said, and together they rechristened her and the rest is history. Robert Wainwright not only covers her career but her loves, especially the London-born claimant to the French throne Philippe dOrleans. Its a rounded portrait and the Melba that emerges is not only a prodigious talent but a trailblazing, fiercely independent and determined woman. Tension escalates when Lyles moral blandness faces corruption and the Amendment, a law that enables voluntary euthanasia. Will his rationalisation that killing their old dog was for Alans sake also apply to his mother, Ivy? Ivy is the novels lynchpin, the subtle link between past and present, old country and new, and the two halves of the book. A passing mention of her cousin, Lilian, is the one clue to how Lyles story connects with Lilis and yet it contains misinformation the past becomes fiction, fiction becomes memory as you will learn, or already know if youve read that section first. Lili tells her story as the memory of a time in 1981 when she was 22 years old and living in the south of France. A brown-skinned Asian-Australian, she teaches languages in Montpellier and mixes with a cosmopolitan group of young people, but feels out of place, a disorientated double-migrant. History is ever-present in France, haunting daily life with the ghosts of totalitarian power and colonialism as well as beauty. Lili reads Simone de Beauvoirs LInvitee, aspiring to be a Bold, Sexy, Modern and Intelligent Woman. She reads Albert Camus, upset by the murder of the nameless Arab in LEtranger, but too self-absorbed to understand the hardship of her neighbours. For she is, by comparison, an educated middle-class woman who will leave at the end of summer for Oxford University. With her artist friend Minna, Lili travels to Sardinia to meet a woman known only as John Bergers mistress. This interlude of mishaps and unplanned meetings (not least with a dog called Gina Lollobrigida) is a gem. Berger, the art critic and author of Ways of Seeing, is another of the novels intellectual presences. Though not quoted, he wrote: The way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Composer Max Richters Sleep is a kind of mass enchantment. Performed at a handful of venues around the world since 2015, including the Sydney Opera House, Sleep entails audiences lying on stretcher beds, snuggling under blankets and drifting off to sleep amid luscious music. Richter, composer for shows such as The Crown, Black Mirror and The Leftovers, believes his eight-hour personal lullaby for a frenetic world interacts in new ways with consciousness, penetrating the slumber of his listeners while they are between being and non-being. Audience members at rest during Max Richters Sleep in Texas in 2018. Credit:Getty Images That liminal state might resonate with Melburnians enduring the worlds longest lockdown. As we wonder what has happened to our inner selves, it can seem as if a collective spell has been cast upon us, pushing us into strange, uncharted territory. Like the schoolgirls falling into an enigmatic sleep in the film of Joan Lindsays Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), the guests mysteriously unable to leave the room in Luis Bunuels The Exterminating Angel (1962), or the women scientists ensnared by Area X in Jeff VanderMeers uncanny book trilogy (filmed in 2018 as Annihilation), we in lockdown are beholden to an enveloping force. That force is not only the vagaries of a virus and the protective authority of government, but also a psychological one. Miranda (Anne Louise Lambert) falls into an enigmatic sleep in Picnic at Hanging Rock. Credit: Lockdown can seem like a weird dream-state (or an excruciating nightmare) in which we feel afflicted by disconnection, a muddled sense of time, and a dose of claustrophobic Groundhog Day syndrome. Yet the idea of an individual, group of people, or even an entire populace succumbing to an unnatural slumber or isolation is a persistent one across the arts and therein we might find some insights, or at least hints on how to get through it. Advertisement This clever device usually entails characters being affected by some inexplicable phenomenon, provoking dramatic events. An entire town is trapped beneath a transparent bubble in Stephen Kings Under the Dome; another is sequestered behind a fence-with-a-plot-twist in Blake Crouchs Wayward Pines. The entire world loses consciousness for two minutes and 17 seconds, causing utter mayhem in the book and subsequent TV series Flashforward; and 1 per cent of the population simply disappears in Tom Perrottas The Leftovers, leaving the rest feeling as if those people were just a dream. The trope can be traced back to Greek mythology, in which Hera persuades Hypnos, the god of sleep, to get her husband Zeus snoozing so that she can deceive him. From this and classic tales such as the Grimms 1812 version of Sleeping Beauty (titled Little Briar Rose) and Washington Irvings Rip Van Winkle (1819) to more contemporary work, the central metaphor seems to be about one of lifes deepest truths: we are at the mercy of the universe; we only think we have control; and, normality is just a comforting construct. Watching the cinematic version of Max Richters Sleep (directed by Natalie Johns, and filmed mainly at an open-air Los Angeles performance), University of Melbourne research fellow Dr Frederic Kiernan was intrigued with how it intersects with his own work examining the relationship between music, creativity, emotion and wellbeing. Participants in Max Richters Sleep become more open to connecting with one another, says University of Melbourne research fellow Dr Frederic Kiernan. Credit:Getty Images Sleep explores musics capacity to soothe deeply, he says, and through that soothing, participants are shown how to become vulnerable and open to connection with one another. This resonates with a paper Kiernan is now writing about the role of music in peoples lives during lockdown in Australia. For many participants, their experience of time during lockdown was very warped, he says. Its common to hear people in lockdown mention this and Kiernan connects it with the idea of rhythmic entrainment, an important component of music psychology research. Rhythmic entrainment looks at what happens when bodily and environmental rhythms our pulses, breathing and sleep-wake cycles, along with night/day, tides and seasons come together with musical rhythms. Kiernan says that when we sing together, hum a tune to ourselves while doing house chores or listen to music on Spotify, we are creating or encountering patterns of strong and weak pulses that werent there before. This can engender a new experience of time for the human body. Advertisement That sense of time warping when we are at the behest of a mysterious external force is a potent one in fiction. For the titular character in Virginia Woolfs 1928 novel Orlando, time passes weirdly when s/he enters slumbers that can last for days or years. Orlando, played by Tilda Swinton in Sally Potters 1992 adaptation, does not age, and even changes gender, at one point falling asleep while standing in the rain in the 19th century, awakening many years later (quite dry) to the sounds of world war. Curiously, Swinton later took part in a performance/installation at New Yorks Museum of Modern Art, spending periods seemingly asleep inside a glass vitrine. In the 1960 film Village of the Damned, the whole town of Midwich loses consciousness. Melbourne-based cinema writer Emma Westwood says the films no escape element draws marked parallels to an extended lockdown experience. [It] aptly describes how the energy levels [or lack thereof] of lockdown environments has a communicative effect, ironically similar to the disease itself from which were trying to protect ourselves, Westwood says. The spooky children from Village of the Damned. Credit: On awakening, all seems fine until the Midwich women find they are pregnant, later giving birth to queer-eyed, strange-haired kiddies. This plot progression speaks to the ramifications and paranoia of our lockdown experience, Westwood says. Were not confident where were going with all of this, and were not sure of the long-term effects and what it could mean moving forward. Just like the people of Village of the Damned who immediately resume a normal life, the actual implications of our lockdown may not reveal themselves for months or even years to come. Indeed: the spooky Midwich children turn out to be telepathic. Artists Veronica Kent and Sean Peoples work together as The Telepathy Project and have long explored alternative forms of communication, with a focus on dreaming and sleep. Their latest project, done during the first Melbourne lockdown, involved online workshops with Peoples year 11 students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, where he is head of art. Students engaged with dream and telepathy experiments, organised during group video conferences with Kent (living on remote Bruny Island). The Telepathy Project by Veronica Kent and Sean Peoples. Credit:Courtesy of the artists Kent says The Telepathy Projects many years of using dreams and telepathy to communicate across distance was suddenly no longer simply speculative it could be applied in the new real world. One project she set for the students involved describing a treasured but lost object to another student, who would then try to recreate it. Another entailed meeting up virtually with another student and trying to communicate telepathically. Advertisement I was impressed by how willing they were to do it, Kent says. We of course dont claim we are telepathic, and attempts usually fail, but the desire at the heart of it is to communicate across distance. And the demarcations of distance became so clear during lockdown so I was impressed by their imaginative engagement with these strange prompts. In another project, students family members put an object sealed in an envelope under their pillow, with the student later recounting the dreams that followed and then opening the envelope to see if there were resonances. As Kent says, it was rewarding to see how rich these experiences were for the students. That is the wonder of using dreams in any context, why so many writers and artists go to it: it is such a rich resource, letting yourself fall into that strange, vulnerable space. It created a special bond in this cold, clinical digital world. Loading All this might leave us wondering where the self is when we are not conscious a state explored by Kate Cole-Adams in her non-fiction work Anaesthesia (2017). Her investigation is not only about the physiological workings of lowering patients into anaesthesias unfathomable depths, but also the philosophical considerations. She writes of the unconscious: I wanted to track it down. I wanted to dig it out with a metal spoon. Her excavations, rendered with powerful self-awareness, cannot be easily summarised. The emotional textures of her writing, though, may put some of us in mind of the extraordinary work of American artist Bill Viola. In his installation The Sleepers (1992), visitors in a darkened room peer into seven large metal barrels filled with water. At the bottom of each tank, black-and-white video monitors show seven people sleeping. Likewise, Australian artist Petrina Hicks powerful Shewolf I (2016) begs the question about where, how and who we are when we are not conscious, not here. Petrina Hicks Shewolf I, from California Works, 2016. Credit:Image courtesy of Petrina Hicks and Michael Reid Sydney + Berlin That state between being and non-being in sleep and dreams is of great interest to Welsh-Australian artist Lee Hadwin, who makes art while he is asleep. He has been doing so since he was four years old, when he scribbled on walls or under staircases while sleeping. Advertisement The experience for me is normal, he says. I have no recollection of the act itself. I sometimes wake up with a migraine, which can last for four to five hours I know I have done something but am not sure until I can see it in a so-called conscious state of mind. During long lockdowns in London, Hadwin produced sleep-drawings featuring noughts and crosses, a game, as he points out, that you cannot play alone. Maybe I was reaching out to someone in my dreams and playing with that person? Or maybe it evoked a feeling of loneliness I believe the [lockdown] situation to some degree has made us a little lonelier and inward-thinking. Noughts and crosses games created by artist Lee Hadwin as he slept. Credit:Courtesy of the artist Hadwins lockdown has come to an end, as will Melbournes. Paris-based Australian photographer Elli Ioannou, who lived through both a 55-day lockdown in Paris and a strict 14-day quarantine in Brisbane while visiting family, was recently thrilled to cover Paris Fashion Week as correspondent for the Rome-based Design & Art Magazine (DAM). This season there is a greater sense of freedom and everyone seems happy to be back together and there is more sincerity in general, she says. Although many of the fashion houses are still showing their collections online, the physical runway shows are in big spaces or outside. But we are not afraid to be next to each other. Elli Ioannou on the Ponts des Arts with the Louvre in the distance. Credit:Copyright Elli Ioannou/Design and Art Magazine During the March-May 2020 Paris lockdown, Ioannou chose to focus on aspects of her life that she could control, and to think of the experience by its French term confinement rather than the harsher lockdown. I treated this gift of time as a creative retreat, she says. It helped to rebalance my priorities, my values. Advertisement Victorias state government has made its own plans, including $1.6 billion in investments in renewables to help kickstart a major program of private investment that now accounts for 30 per cent of the jobs in Australias renewables sector. Thats the biggest share among the states, according to Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily DAmbrosio. Victoria also has announced a hydrogen technology research hub for Swinburne University of Technology. But ambitious climate change and renewables policies are politically straightforward for the Labor states. The force of the NSW case is that it shows a Coalition government can do it, too. NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer What is green hydrogen, exactly? To make it, all you need to do is run electricity through water, using an electrolyser, says Forrest. When that electricity is from 100 per cent renewable electricity, the result is green hydrogen. There are zero carbon emissions. Forrest projects that the green hydrogen sector will generate revenue of about $US12 trillion globally by 2050, making it bigger than any existing industry. For scale, thatd be the same size as the combined annual national economic output of Japan, Germany and Britain today. Hes putting money not only into facilities to make renewable energy, but also into the equipment that the facilities will need. Starting with his announcement this week of $1 billion factory in the Queensland city of Gladstone to make the electrolysers that you need to make the green hydrogen. This will double the worlds electrolyser-making capacity, he says. Not in India, not in China, not in Europe but in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia. The starter gun has been fired on the journey of bringing manufacturing at home roaring back, particularly to regional Australia. Loading Kean expects the green hydrogen industry in NSW to eclipse the coal sector by 2050: This is about future-proofing the coal-exposed areas; hydrogen will develop in the Hunter and the Illawarra, so that the new renewables industries replace and eventually outstrip the fossil fuel sector. No politician can look the employees of the fossil fuel industry in the eye and say they will be able to stop changes occurring internationally, Kean says. Doing nothing is the worst possible outcome for everyone. The other states are moving in the same direction as NSW. Every state and territory government has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. But in the case of NSW, its striking that a Liberal government achieved this working in coalition with the Nationals. Without any public ructions. In a very coal-rich state. And it created a political advantage as a result. The contrast with the federal government could not be more stark, says Kean, who took over as NSW Treasurer when Perrottet ascended to the premiership two weeks ago. Loading Youve got a Liberal minister in a Coalition government embracing the future, Kean tells me. In NSW, the Coalition owns the climate and energy agenda its not Labor or the Greens doing the running. Its allowed the states Coalition government to exorcise the ghost of Tony Abbott, says Kean. There will be small l Liberal voters who couldnt vote for Tony Abbott who will enthusiastically support this government for its environmental and economically rational agenda. To be fair to Morrison, hes approached energy policy with the caution of a bomb disposal technician because it was instrumental in the demise of all five of his predecessors. He took over a traumatised federal coalition. And his deputy is Australias original climate denialist, Barnaby Joyce. Its proved to be one of the most delicate policy areas for an Australian prime minister. So, does Kean have any advice for Morrison as he heads into his last-gasp effort to produce a new national policy? The Prime Minister disdained his advice a couple of years ago, but now that NSW has achieved what he has not, perhaps its worth asking. Loading We made it all about the economy, says Kean. How to create jobs, drive investment, raise living standards and improve prosperity for every person in our state, regardless of whether they are in the cities or the bush. But the Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, also a minister for various things including regionalisation in the Morrison government, said this week that the promise of jobs in the renewables industry was just a mirage. She even quoted the example of a solar farm that employs only five people, most of whom just cut the grass under the solar panels. Bridget McKenzie should stop being so dishonest with Australians, says Kean. Her strategy of doing nothing will see whole industries and communities wiped out. We have to focus on building the new economy. To build a modern electricity grid is going to see tens of thousands of skilled workers employed in NSW and, once built, there will be ongoing jobs in running and maintaining it not to mention all the industries that will have lower electricity prices for their operations. His green hydrogen policy has a skills and retraining element to help create the workforce needed. Kean didnt set out to go it alone. He tried to work with the Morrison government but got sick of the delays and excuses and lost patience. We are always willing to work with the Commonwealth but our priorities are not aligned, he tells me. Less diplomatically, he tells colleagues that he was tired of being lectured by his federal counterpart, Angus Taylor. Loading In fact, Kean says NSW has moved so far ahead of the federal government that it probably doesnt matter what Morrison does now. Asked if the national policy were relevant to NSWs plans if Morrison delivers no change, Kean pauses to think for a moment and replies: Probably not. They are there to negotiate international agreements and treaties so it would be great if theyre aligned, but NSW could work around Canberra if necessary. We would push on and safeguard our economy and continue to work with other states and territories and governments around the world who are committed to protecting the planet and creating enormous economic opportunity. Is this realistic? For instance, what happens if Morrisons emissions targets remain unacceptably low to the European Union, and it acts on its proposal to impose a carbon tariff on Australian exports so that they dont free ride on Europes decarbonisation efforts? The chief executive of the Carbon Market Institute, John Connor, says: a lot of this will come down to the level of the individual company because youre not exporting as a government but as a company. And while federal certification of an exporters bona fides is being planned, states may even provide their own. So thats not insurmountable. And Kean points out that the big emitting sectors of electricity, transport and heavy industry are all in the domain of the states. Hes not for turning. He has some more advice pointed advice - for the Prime Minister. On policy: We didnt just lob up its not just slogans and politics. We really did work to develop policy. Its not just style, its substance. Finally, on leadership: The job of leaders is to manage risks and diversify economies to ensure theyre safeguarded in the face of huge global change. Other than that, Im sure he wishes the Prime Minister a pleasant journey to Glasgow. We understand some customers might get frustrated that things are taking longer than usual, but we do want people to know that we are working extremely hard to get parcels to our customers, she said. Our facility is operating around the clock and almost everyone, including our supervisors and managers, are working longer hours and extra shifts to keep parcels moving. The national postal service is struggling to keep up with demand, as locked-down Australians flock to online shopping to order items that they can no longer purchase in bricks and mortar stores. Until recently, more than 15 million Australians were living under lockdown across NSW, Victoria and the ACT, creating a logistical nightmare for those who transport, sort and deliver our mail. The latest Australia Post data shows a 76 per cent increase in online shopping purchases for the 12 months to September, compared with the same period in 2019. This surge has led to frustrating delays for consumers and retailers. The Australia Post website currently warns that it may take 13 days for non-express parcels to travel from NSW to Victoria. The companys acting chief executive, Rodney Boys, recently urged consumers to start thinking about their Christmas shopping now to ensure their presents arrive on time. National Retailers Association chief executive Dominique Lamb anticipates online shopping rates will remain high for years to come, despite Sydney and the ACT exiting lockdown this week and Melbourne set to significantly ease restrictions next week. People are still staying away from CBD locations and working from home, she said. If their local shopping centres dont have what they are used to buying in the CBD, then they are likely to buy online. She said older shoppers and teenagers had become a lot more comfortable with online shopping during the pandemic and would continue purchasing items online. Some consumers fed up with delays are taking out their grievances on customer service staff. Lana Coppel, the director of online clothes retailer Order of Style, said while most customers were understanding, others had taken out their frustrations on businesses. We had a lady show up at our office this week demanding to be let in, Ms Coppel said. She just couldnt be placated, she needed to speak to someone in person. She said there was only so much retailers could do and her company used a range of postal services to try to speed up delivery times. According to Ms Coppel, deliveries have blown out from two days to two weeks. We can monitor and be proactive, but we cant make it go faster. Once it has left the building it is in Gods hands until it turns up. Australia Post has opened more than 40 new or repurposed sites this year to help it process and deliver more parcels. This includes facilities in Tottenham and Thomastown in Victoria and Lane Cove and Mascot in New South Wales. In a bid to catch up on the backlog, the government-owned company suspended parcel collections from online retailers in NSW, Victoria and the ACT for three days in September. Earlier this month it halted parcel pick-ups from Melbourne businesses for five days. Australia Post workers havent had the luxury of working from home during the pandemic. This has created staffing challenges, with around 500 Australia Post workers furloughed on any given day because they are close contacts of COVID-19 cases or awaiting test results. The company has introduced strict COVID-19 protocols: staff must undertake a rapid antigen test before they start work every day, wear masks and sanitise regularly and workplaces are split into zones to minimise contact. The situation is also taking a toll on posties mental health, according to the Communication Workers Union, which represents Australia Post employees. The unions national secretary Greg Rayner said before the pandemic, posties delivered 70 to 100 small parcels a day. This has now increased to 150 to 170 parcels. He said posties often work from 6.30am until it becomes dark, when OHS rules state they must stop. Posties are also taking on weekend shifts, with the postal service expecting to deliver around half a million parcels every weekend between now and Christmas. You dont get a break from it, Mr Rayner said. They are working up to 11 hours a day and also have family responsibilities. We are paying close attention to the stress and the mental health side of the job at the moment. Loading He said many posties were reluctant to take a break because they knew their colleagues would have to pick up their work. They also took intense pride in their work and didnt want to let down the communities they served, he said. Australia Post has embarked on a recruitment drive to employ 4000 new workers ahead of Christmas, with half of these jobs already filled. The union is hopeful this will help ease posties intense workload and speed up delivery times. Id urge anyone who wants to work for Australia Post to get in touch with them, Mr Rayner said. There are jobs there if people want them. Prime Minister Scott Morrison then announced that those who had helped Australian troops would be evacuated and brought to Australia and that 3000 places from Australias annual refugee intake of 13,750 would be designated for Afghan refugees fleeing the resurgent Taliban. That number comes with a condition: dont come by boat. What it means is that the 3000 places are off-limits to those who had fled Afghanistan in earlier years and who are now on temporary or bridging visas or in detention. Narges Alizadeh in Nauru. We will not be allowing people to enter Australia illegally, even at this time, Morrison said in August. Our policy has not changed. That policy currently divides those seeking refuge or asylum into lawful or unlawful non-citizens, based on luck and privilege, with those who arrive by boat without a visa deemed unlawful and subject to mandatory detention. While the Gillard government had restarted offshore processing with the possibility of resettlement in Australia, from July 2013 onwards the Rudd government pushed for third-country resettlement, stating that refugees arriving by boat would never be resettled in Australia. Morrison, then the oppositions immigration spokesperson, attacked the move, claiming it would just mean more people sent to Australian detention centres while other countries failed to keep up. There is currently not the capacity for people to be transferred to Papua New Guinea in the numbers that are arriving, he told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald in July 2013. Loading Rudd signed a second resettlement agreement with the island nation of Nauru before his September 2013 election defeat. But despite criticising Labors policy around mandatory detention and resettlement, successive Coalition governments have yet to roll back the policy of not allowing those who arrive by boat without visas to resettle in Australia. For the Alizadeh family, this has meant first being detained in Nauru, then separated from each other for four years and then finally everyone bar Mohammed being detained in Sydney since 2018. Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has already stated that those on temporary and bridging visas wont be sent back to Afghanistan while the security situation is dire. As for those in detention, Australia does not return individuals to situations where they face persecution or a real risk of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, arbitrary deprivation of life or the application of the death penalty, a Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said. One option proposed for families such as the Alizadehs is resettlement in a third country. Having spent a decade as refugees in Iran and time in both Pakistan and Indonesia trying to get to Australia, they find the idea of trying to enter yet another country frustrating and terrifying. We dont want to go, Narges says. We are here now. Narges Alizadeh and her brother Daryush in a mouldy tent during their time in immigration detention on Nauru. The last option is an exemption from Hawke allowing the family to become Australian residents or citizens and to live, work and study in the community. The Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said that while the department could not comment on any individual case, the ministers public interest power under section 195A of the [1958 Migration] Act is non-compellable, meaning that the minister is under no obligation to exercise or to consider exercising this power. Further, what is in the public interest is a matter for the minister to determine. But there is hope and support for the family. Over 100 people have signed an open letter and petition to the Australian government asking for the family to be granted an exemption and that those on temporary visas be granted permanent protection and the guarantee that they wont be forced to return to Afghanistan. The petition was started by Saba Vasefi, human rights journalist and editor of Borderless, an anthology of transnational feminist poetry. Vasefis personal profits from the Borderless project were gifted to both Narges and Mahboubeh as the Borderless Scholarship to assist them in obtaining computer equipment so they can improve their English, Vasefi says: Establishing the Borderless Scholarship is a form of civil action resisting despotism, and my way of standing with women who exist in the margin, particularly the Alizadeh family, who are living in a state of displacement within Iran and Australia for almost two decades. Signatories to the open letter include author Melissa Lucashenko, Victorian Multicultural Commissoner Shankar Kasynathan, academic Alison Whittaker, Sydney Peace Foundation founder Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees, Dr Susan Carland, Australian Muslim Womens Centre for Human Rights CEO Diana Sayed and poet John Kinsella. Loading Australias offshore immigration detention system is a failed policy, financially, legally, ethically and even under its own logic of deterrence. It is causing immense human suffering and mental anguish, including keeping refugee families like the Alizadeh family permanently apart, says Dr Sara Dehm, a senior lecturer at the University of Technology Sydneys Faculty of Law and one of the petitions supporters. Right now, as people worry whether the Taliban will continue to allow refugees to leave via Kabuls airport, there is a risk of the same story repeating itself as many opt to try and reach Australia by any means. As for the Alizadeh family, their fate is in the hands of others. As Narges puts it: We are just waiting, waiting. Police raiding a drug boat in high seas off Newcastle found a growing fire on board that threatened to ignite a cache of fireworks and fuel cans packed alongside the largest ever cocaine haul seized in Australia. Officers who boarded the 16-metre Coralynne, 150 nautical miles off the coast, in August last year discovered a blaze below deck and had to temporarily evacuate the vessel. The dangerous raid is detailed in documents tendered in the Downing Centre District Court on Friday as two of the men arrested on the vessel, Jackson Giles-Adams and Christopher Preca, faced a sentencing hearing after they pleaded guilty to drug supply offences. Giles-Adams, 28, and Preca, 34, were transporting at least 1.5 tonnes of pure cocaine distributed through 77 hessian packages. They picked up the cargo from a mothership, a Chinese vessel, 190 nautical miles off the coast. Outdoor entertainment might be music to the ears of those in the centre of the city, but walk a few blocks outside it, and its a different story. The inner-city bars and restaurants moving to the pavements with the al fresco revolution are not allowed to host live music under relaxed rules like their CBD cousins, for fear residents enjoying Sydneys long COVID-19 slumber will complain. Stephan Gyory, owner of the Record Store, was told to turn it down on Saturday nights. Credit:Louise Kennerley Darlinghurst Business Partnership president Stephan Gyory, who is helping organise events for local businesses to keep people lingering in the inner-city area past 5pm, said a request to the City of Sydney to allow outdoor music was knocked back because of the villages surrounding inner-city high streets. We wanted to say to the local businesses, Lets have some outdoor entertainment with your dining, and we just got a point-blank no, he said. No ones talking about having a rock band on the back of a truck. The new arrangements mean all Australians, no matter where they live in the country, would be allowed to travel overseas once again from November 1. However, if they wanted to return to a state other than NSW, they would still be subject to the arrival caps and quarantine arrangements of those states. People who transit through Sydney would still be subject to domestic border rules and restrictions. Qantas announced it would bring forward its plan to restart international flights by two weeks, to November 1, in response to the NSW announcement. Australias borders have been closed since March last year and, since July last year, a system of caps imposed by the states have restricted the number of Australians allowed into the country, effectively locking out tens of thousands of citizens wanting to return home. There are now 40,000 Australians registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs as trying to get home. Australian woman Kelsey May has been operating a Facebook support group for thousands of Australians stranded overseas.Theres understandable scepticism for many people today, she said. By all means, the news from NSW is terrific and extremely relieving and exciting for many one of which is me, who hasnt seen my sister in over two years, and my partner in over 18 months but many are understandably waiting to see how it works. Mr Morrison said he did not think the NSW policy would affect the willingness of other state governments to open borders. I dont think theres any justification for that, particularly as we are only extending this to Australian residents, citizens and their immediate families, he said. Im sure all premiers and chief ministers want Australians to be able to come home. However, WA Premier Mark McGowan said that NSWs push to open borders to international arrivals could mean greater spread of the virus in NSW and that strict border arrangement would remain in place for as long as necessary. It is unfortunate but it is necessary to protect our state and keep us in the very good condition we are in, he said. Queensland Health Minister Yvette DAth said the opening of international borders should be an issue for the Commonwealth government and national cabinet. However, Mr Perrottet said the decision would see NSW reconnect with the rest of the globe as soon as possible, declaring quarantine a thing of the past from November 1. Were going to get tourists back as quickly as possible, he said, acknowledging the decision to open international borders lay with the federal government. From a NSW perspective, were not going to discriminate. We want people to come back in. Under the plan, people who have been double-vaccinated with an approved vaccine will be required to take a COVID-19 test before boarding a flight and show proof of full vaccination. There will be no caps on fully vaccinated people and no requirements to quarantine. Overseas arrivals who are not fully vaccinated will be capped at 210 a week, and will still need to undergo 14 days hotel quarantine. The NSW government first announced its home quarantine trial in September, saying participants would include residents, non-Australian residents and Qantas aircrew. It would run for four weeks with an option to scale up, if successful. Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres, who has been responsible for quarantine in NSW, on Friday said while Qantas crew members commenced the program two weeks ago, community participants had started only this week. NSW Health this week said it was selecting a broad range of participants who had previously submitted an application for exemption to hotel quarantine, along with international air crew and non-Australian citizens, to ensure the program could be tested under varying circumstances. They will be required to regularly sign onto an app that will geolocate their whereabouts and submit to a COVID test on day six and day 14, a spokesman said. Mr Ayres said results so far had been critical in convincing the government against rolling out a statewide program, with reluctance to devote state resources to operate a complex monitoring system within a highly vaccinated population. He said that, while the government will still complete the trial, it did not need to see the full results to know that it could not scale up as required. The Prime Minister on Friday said he would continue to support home quarantine trials under way in other states and territories. Under current international arrivals caps, which were lowered during the Delta outbreak, 750 people are allowed to return to NSW each week until the state hits its 80 per cent target. Loading From October 19, fully vaccinated NSW residents will be able to enter Victoria without undergoing a 14-day quarantine period. Under the new rules, vaccinated travellers who enter Victoria must return a negative test no more than 72 hours before entry and must get tested and isolate until they return a negative result. With NSW set to hit the 80 per cent double vaccination rate over the weekend, restrictions on visitors to homes, outdoor gatherings, rules for hospitality venues and caps for weddings and funerals will all be eased from Monday for fully vaccinated people. Those who are double-jabbed will be able to have 20 visitors to their homes from Monday, up from the current limit of 10, and the cap on outdoor gatherings will increase from 30 to 50. Caps on funerals and weddings will be removed and drinking while standing up will be allowed in hospitality venues. Loading However, allowing Sydney residents the ability to travel to the regions, originally permitted under the road map when NSW hit the 80 per cent mark, has been delayed until November 1 with vaccination rates in some parts of the state still too low. Mr Perrottet said discussions were now under way with the federal government about when cruises could start operating again. The state recorded 399 new local cases of COVID-19 and four deaths on Friday. There are now 677 coronavirus patients in NSW hospitals, with 145 in intensive care. Schools are bracing for unsettled behaviour from students as they readjust to social interaction and school routines after spending 16 weeks at home. Teachers and psychologists have warned that children may struggle with big emotions, have trouble self-regulating and suffer separation anxiety from Monday, when kindergarten and year 1 students return to class. Other years return a week later. Lew and Holly Usher and their children Claire, 9, Nathan, 11 and Rowan, 13 at their Dundas home. Credit:Louise Kennerley They say parents can help the adjustment by transitioning from lockdown routines to term-time ones, such as school night bedtimes and saving treats for the weekend, and can reduce their childs anxiety by modelling healthy ways to deal with their own worries. Principals will prioritise wellbeing when students return. Birchgrove Public School, in Sydneys inner west, will allow students two extra play sessions a week of 40 minutes each to re-establish social skills and friendships, while staff at Long Flat Public School near Port Macquarie will greet students on Monday with a red carpet to create a sense of excitement and safety. Severe storms with six-centimetre hail have lashed the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba, while a promised pummelling in greater Brisbane on Thursday evening and Friday morning did not happen. The Bureau of Meteorology expected conditions in Brisbane to clear throughout Friday and remain warm and sunny during the weekend, before the storms were forecast to return early next week. Dark clouds linger over Brisbane on Friday morning. Credit:Toby Crockford However, on Friday a prefrontal trough was forecast to hit over a large stretch of the east coast from Mackay to the Wide Bay region in the afternoon. Severe thunderstorms were predicted to bring damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding to the Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Fraser Island, Yeppoon and Mount Morgan regions. It was a stunning success that left many police staggered at the size and sophistication of organised crime. Ironside involved 12,000 encrypted phones connected to 300 criminal syndicates in 100 countries, including 1100 phones in Australia. Police used the An0m app to monitor criminals such as Hakan Ayik. Credit:Jo Gay In three years, police trapped 27 million messages from crooks but say the An0m app was only one of many and related to just 5 per cent of organised crime communications. You can order your drugs from the couch for contactless delivery. It can be delivered by courier services, Uber or Australia Post. Their systems are as effective as Bunnings and Harvey Norman. Soon they will have drone deliveries, as we have already seen in prisons, says Frewen. Increasingly we are working in a virtual world. You cant touch a Bitcoin. Ironside showed organised crime figures that have relocated overseas are still pulling the levers locally through encrypted communications. We need to get ahead of the curve. An0m shows the movie model of competing crime gangs fighting to control drug and vice markets is false. Rivals can be in conflict at one point then work together. They can leverage against each others strengths and weaknesses, Frewen says. When Tony Mokbel imported 550 kilos of ephedrine he didnt keep the lot but offered other drug dealers barrels of the stuff at the perfectly reasonable price of $500,000. Ethnically-based crime gangs will deal with gangs from different cultural backgrounds on the basis that money speaks all languages. A Muslim crew will work with an Italian Catholic gang moving drugs smuggled from the wharves by Australian-born dockworkers produced in a factory in Communist China. Not only do police need to change the way they enforce the law, governments need to review the statute book itself. The Victoria Crimes Act came into existence in 1958, designed to deal with offences committed within the state, where there is a crime scene and a local victim. Hill says there are two types of cyber crime - computer-enhanced methods to commit traditional crimes and a second class of new offences that have been created within the cyber world. Take the worst crime on the books: murder. The Ironside investigation intercepted encrypted messages from crime bosses living overseas ordering Melbourne hit teams to kill rivals. In several cases police grabbed the would-be killers before the attack. Ironside saved lives, says Hill. Police have 47 different proposals before the government to adapt and introduce laws for the new world. First there is the multibillion-dollar illegal industry of automated online scams that attempt to fool hundreds of thousands of people around the world every day to part with their banking details. Hill says Australian police receive 164 complaints of cyber crimes every day, or one every 10 minutes. And that will be under-reported. Many people dont call the police. Take money laundering. The typical model was to roll up at a place such as a racetrack or casino with a suitcase full of illicit cash and then wash it through a series of bets. Now it can be done without leaving your home. On the Dark Web criminals can purchase the identities of former foreign students who still have bank accounts in Australia. Using money mules, money can be deposited in ATMs then withdrawn anywhere in the world. The extent of money laundering is staggering, adds Hill. Police in Melbourne recently arrested four men and a woman in connection with a syndicate that allegedly moved $62 million using this method. He says the new strategy is to be flexible in both actions and thinking, with a new strategy division instructed to look for different problems. This includes trying to turn poachers into gamekeepers. We are thinking of running Hackathons, says Frewen, the aim being to hire the best hackers to defend systems against local and international cyber extortionists. Police want the legislative power and the expertise to take on cyber crooks in their own space by creating undercover profiles, taking over accounts and freezing funds. The old lesson at Detective Training School that every contact leaves a trace is more apt now than ever, but instead of a fingerprint on a doorknob it is likely to be a digital footprint on a computer. The flexibility includes the capacity to quickly set up single-purpose taskforces to target an urgent crime crisis, such as Operation Lipton, which involved 50 police investigating the disappearance and murder of Adelaide concreter Kerry Giakoumis, a young man who drove to Melbourne to help renovate the Thomastown Hells Angels clubhouse in Lipton Drive. Missing Adelaide man Kerry Giakoumis. Credit:Victoria Police He was last seen on June 10 last year. We believe we now know who did it, and now it is a matter of collecting admissible evidence to lay charges, says Hill. As crooks no longer work within borders - the Murray River doesnt exist, says Frewen - Victoria Police now work joint operations with Australian Federal Police and the Australian Crime Intelligence Commission. Loading Part of the review on how serious crime is investigated in Victoria resulted in establishing the Illicit Firearms Squad. This is about supply reduction. We work upstream of the crime to try and find where the firearm used in the crime originally came from, Hill says. Since the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre nearly 750,000 guns have been handed in during amnesties around Australia. In Victoria 800 have been handed in during the first three months of the latest amnesty and in the last year police have found 770 illicit firearms and hundreds of registered guns that have been seized as part of criminal investigations, including family violence. One newish law has been a game changer - Firearms Prohibition Orders - with more than 1000 issued on serious crooks. The powerful law allows police to search associates, safe houses, cars and bikie clubhouses looking for guns. Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill, Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham (middle) and Detective Inspector Mick Daly with a cache of seized firearms Credit:Simon Schluter The next step being seriously considered by the state government, following a review by a panel of former judges, is powerful criminal association rules that would include banning bikies from wearing outlaw colours in public. In 2015 Victoria introduced unlawful association laws, bragging: These new laws will ensure our state is well-prepared to deal with the forms of organised crime facing us. But there were so many exceptions - such as meeting for family, business, political, industrial and educational reasons - that not one such order has ever been issued. Crime investigators will continue to rely on science, with the Forensic Science Services Department now the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Recently, some knucklehead in Docklands let loose with a high-powered rifle, with a bullet discovered embedded in a building wall near police headquarters. Using the bullets entry point they were able to reverse the trajectory, finding the exact apartment from which the shot was allegedly fired. Loading Advances in DNA have allowed police to solve a series of cold case murders and sex crimes, with more detectives now assigned to the Sex Crimes Cold Case Unit to examine the Freezer Files - thousands of exhibits frozen from crimes in the 1980s that may provide DNA matches to offenders. The Crime Department, like every area of policing, has been stretched by COVID, with detectives who normally only form a line at a bar after lunch joining uniform and specialist police at ugly demonstrations. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will give the Nationals more time to make a crucial decision on climate change policy in a bid to secure a deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, in the hope he can commit to the target at a United Nations summit in Glasgow on November 1. Mr Morrison is willing to take more time next week to finalise the policy amid signs of a deadlock among the Nationals on Sunday when party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce asks his colleagues to decide whether to accept the target. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will give Barnaby Joyce the Nationals more time to make a crucial decision on climate change policy in a bid to secure a deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The Prime Minister ended weeks of doubts over his plans by revealing on Friday he would attend the Glasgow summit, just as Queen Elizabeth expressed frustration about leaders who were not going and US climate envoy John Kerry said the event might not make enough progress. With Labor and the Greens calling for a stronger Australian pledge at the summit, a new report from climate scientist Bill Hare shows the nation could upgrade its 2030 target to 38 per cent because state government policies were doing most of the work without federal action. The resulting laws reflect what the proponents have had to do to get them through parliaments; they certainly dont represent the publics overwhelming support for the principle of voluntary assisted dying. Nor do they placate those politicians who go against their constituents wishes and vote against the laws. What has eventuated in the other states, and what is proposed for NSW, is a compromise that leaves nobody happy. Australias VAD laws, now in force in every state except NSW, are among the worlds most restrictive. The patients illness must meet a high threshold for incurable symptoms and untreatable pain; there are strict requirements for the voluntariness of the request, which must be initiated by the patient and be in writing; doctors who opt out are protected; complicated structures are set up to prevent coercion; the supply and administration of the lethal substance is also tightly controlled; and the entire steeplechase needs heavy bureaucratic resourcing. He then devoted 54 paragraphs to the safeguards, qualifications and assurances contained in the bill, the long list of compromises that have been necessary in other states to get such a thing legislated. Again, the mover of the bills rigour overrode his personal feeling. In that delicate balance, the future of a voluntary assisted dying law can be foretold. Introducing the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill to the NSW Parliament on Thursday, the independent MP Alex Greenwich gave one paragraph to an emotive description of the agonised deaths of the people for whom this law is made. His compassion was as notable as his restraint. A first analysis of the workings of Victorias VAD law, published in the Medical Journal of Australia in June, shows a program so perforated by its compromises that it has overcompensated on the side of caution and not achieved what it was designed to do. Assisted dying became legal in mid-2019; Victorias law has 68 safeguards, the most of any in the world. The review found that those safeguards had been so restrictive that many patients were dying while waiting for access, were thwarted by unworkable logistics, and were discriminated against by the under-resourcing of the approvals process. The principal concerns of the 32 doctors surveyed were that the law prohibited them from initiating discussions on the subject with patients; that the paperwork to establish eligibility was beyond many patients at that stage of life; and that, particularly during COVID-19, the legal requirement for patients to have the discussions with their doctors only face-to-face meant that many people were dying in terrible pain even when the law said this was not necessary. The authors found that the process should be improved and participating doctors better supported. Having lost the vote in parliament, opponents of the law managed to achieve a kind of rearguard success through the devilish detail. Illustration: Simon Letch Credit:SMH In the 18 months after the passing of Victorias VAD law, an average of 12 people a month managed to use it. This puts into perspective the irrelevance of most of our personal stories about our loved ones deaths, however emotionally affecting they have been for us, to the VAD debate. In Victoria, an average of 3500 to 4000 deaths occur each month. Around one in 300 of those deaths involves VAD. The known rate of palliative care patients whose pain is unbearable is one in 25. Those whose symptoms are uncontrollable are one in 10 to one in five. This shows not only how rarely VAD is accessed, but also how many are being deprived of that access by the laws practical obstacles. These obstacles derive, as we will see in the coming week, from the stories told by politicians debating a poorly named conscience vote. Many of us would like to see more conscience votes, as they free the representatives from party discipline. But really they serve only the major parties own interests, for there are some issues, such as VAD, that would tear the parties limb from limb if debated internally. Best for them (but not necessarily for us) if the debate liberates the members to speak as individuals. The Premier, speaking to the Herald via phone after a frenetic week of announcements, says the criticism gave him pause for thought. Ultimately when Ive got an announcement, I will ask the ministers relevant to the announcement to attend the announcement, he says. I understand peoples analysis of it, I can see that. But most fair-minded people think, As long as hes focused on the job, thats what matters. Bloke-heavy: Premier Dominic Perrottet enjoys a beer on Monday with Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Treasurer Matt Kean at Watsons Pub in Moore Park. Credit:Kate Geraghty Asked if he believes there are enough women on his side of Parliament, the Premier answers firmly. No. I dont, he says. Its going to be a key focus for me, encouraging women in the Liberal Party to run for Parliament. Our pipeline is not great. It needs to be improved and there needs to be a greater focus on it. Perrottet plans a reshuffle over summer. I want to promote more women who are currently in the parliamentary ranks, but ultimately I want more women in the Liberal party to run for pre-selections. Its important because diversity of views and backgrounds lead to better cabinets and better decision-making and a better Parliament. It used to be the case, women were slightly more likely to vote Liberal and men more likely to vote Labor. Women are now more likely to vote for parties on the Left. Dr Sarah Cameron, University of Sydney School of Social and Political Sciences The Premier doesnt want quotas for female representation a fraught topic for the Liberal party but says voters can judge him on the outcome of his efforts. Perrottet, 39, is a family man, young and enthusiastic, focused on the future. He is also a strong Catholic, a representative of the Liberals conservative Right in a moderate state, who voted against decriminalising abortion, was opposed to same-sex marriage, and has rounded on what he calls the pronoun police. Loading His triumphant welcoming of Donald Trumps election in 2016 (a less-than-inspiring leader for young girls) recently did the rounds on social media. Will the Liberals be able to retain the stressed-out swinging voter mums under Perrottet? How can another bloke in a suit convince women he understands their concerns, especially in a political environment increasingly focused on equal gender representation? There was a concern at the last election about the young working mother vote, says Mary-Lou Jarvis, the vice-president of the NSW Liberal Party and president of the NSW Liberal Womens Council. And yet they came to us, come election day. State Liberal Party director Chris Stone says of the last NSW election: This phenomenon of working mums was something we picked up very early in the piece. This was a particularly disengaged demographic, he says. Perrottet points to his record as Treasurer in attempting to ease the pressures on working families and mothers. He funded preschools, Active Kids vouchers and Tresillian nurses. A lot of our policies have really been focused on bringing down the cost of living and understanding the challenges of combining work and family life, Perrottet says. The Premier is a father of six and grew up one of 12 siblings. As the third eldest, he has spoken about changing nappies and polishing shoes to help his hard-pressed parents. Perrottet with daughters Amelia, 10 and Charlotte, 12. Credit:Dean Sewell His father John has joked about the time he and his wife Anne drove off in their Nissan 15-seater family bus and realised they had left a kid somewhere. The baby seat was empty, so [Anne] screeched to a halt, the elder Perrottet told Good Weekend in 2019. In a big family personalities get sharpened up fast. The kids were always competing. Hes often got a kid on his hip, says Jarvis of Perrottet. Hes a hands-on father with lots of daughters and a very capable wife. That is appealing to any voter. A former NSW Liberal MP, who asked not to be named, is less enthusiastic. Gladys was a huge factor for plenty of young professional women who would otherwise vote Labor or even Greens, the MP says. I dont know how you make that up with a male leader representative of a different approach to family life and women. At present, the NSW cabinet only has five women among a group of 21, and only two of them are Liberals. The most senior female ministers Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, Bronnie Taylor are Nationals. This gender disparity pre-dates Perrottet, of course. Says the former Liberal MP: Gladys said she was supportive of women, but I think she was very factional. I think she paid lip service to it but didnt understand how important it was. But in a way gender representation didnt matter because she was the embodiment of it. If that is true, Perrottet doesnt have the same advantage. Ms Mitchell is a senior National with two young children, who lives in Gunnedah, five hours drive from Sydney. She is acutely aware of the barriers facing women entering politics. NSW Nationals leader Paul Toole alongside deputy leader Bronnie Taylor, right, and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer I think its important we have more women in cabinet, and its important we have more women in Parliament, she says. Natalie Ward, the Liberal Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans, is not factionally aligned with Perrottet and has many different views. Nonetheless, she likes him. I have found Dom to be very supportive of me and supportive of women if they work hard. Perrottets conservative views on abortion may be a turn-off for some female voters. Perrottet says he believes voters respect the views of others, even if they disagree with them. He also says that you cant be all things to all people. It was dealt with, with a conscience vote, he says of the abortion issue. There were many views and it was a respectful debate and we should be proud of that. Dr Sarah Cameron is a lecturer in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sydney. She has written on the trend of women taking their votes away from the Liberal Party at the federal level. The Australian Election Study (on voter behaviour at federal elections since 1987) showed that at the 2019 federal election, the Liberal-National Coalition attracted the lowest proportion of womens votes since 1987. Only 35 per cent of women gave their first preference vote to the Liberal Party, compared to 45 per cent of men. This is a reversal of the traditional gender voting gap, says Cameron. It used to be the case, women were slightly more likely to vote Liberal and men more likely to vote Labor. Women are now more likely to vote for parties on the Left. Former premier Gladys Berejiklian visits her electoral office in Northbridge last week. Credit:Louise Kennerley Separate research from the Australian National University suggests that Left-leaning women are more likely to vote for female candidates, regardless of the candidates political affiliation. So in that sense, losing Gladys Berejiklian has the potential to undermine that vote, Cameron says. Also, in the 1990s women were similarly under-represented in both parties. Over time Labor has significantly increased womens representation while progress has been a lot slower in the Liberal party. Jarvis insists the Liberals gender representation is improving. There was a 50 per cent increase in Liberal women in Parliament in 2019, on the previous election, she says. Across the board where you see newly elected MPs we have equal numbers of men and women. Asked about his views on Donald Trumps election in 2016, the Premier ventures that clearly that Presidency fell away. Loading What was I saying in 2016? The point I was making was a valid point for the circumstances we found ourselves in a shouting down and pigeon-holing of people sharing different views, he says. I think that has improved dramatically ... we should embrace diversity of views. Perrottet seems bemused and borderline-frustrated that his photo ops and prior writings are being raked over for analysis, but he accepts that voters are naturally curious. For most, it is the first time they have taken a proper look at him. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size By late 2019, Labor politician Adem Somyurek had built a huge political empire, declared war on his rivals, threatened the careers of other parliamentarians and silenced his enemies as he seized control of large sections of the Victorian party and became a factional powerbroker of unrivalled influence. But the picture that started emerging from an unprecedented inquiry before the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission this week was of a man who, behind the f--- the Premier and Ill be running the joint bravado captured on secret recordings last year, was growing paranoid, increasingly agitated and afraid things were already slipping through his fingers. According to evidence, Somyurek had begun recruiting inexperienced ministerial staff into an intense branch-stacking operation, hired people who would not turn up to work, and verbally abused those in his inner circle. The inquiry, a co-ordinated investigation between IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman, is into allegations of corrupt conduct involving Victorian public officers, including members of Parliament. It is looking into a range of matters including allegations of branch stacking an organised method of accumulating internal power in a party by recruiting, and usually paying the fees for, new members. Somyurek is at the centre of it. But witnesses before the commissions public hearings this week testified that, even at the height of his factional power, the kingdom he presided over was a house of cards held together by crazy glue and sticky tape. Its not just the dodgy but legal practice of branch stacking thats the subject of IBACs public hearings, which began on Monday and will continue for several more weeks. Something far more serious is being examined: what counsel assisting the inquiry, Chris Carr, SC, described as the premeditated systemic rorting of taxpayer resources. Ellen Schreiber, Adam Sullivan and Anthony Byrne testified at IBAC this week, exposing the inner workings of Adem Somyureks Moderate Labor faction. Credit: When corruption occurs in the public sector it hurts all of us, Carr said. We expect our public officials to behave responsibly and with integrity, and for public resources to be used for the intended purpose to benefit the Victorian community. Advertisement From the allegations raised in IBAC so far, Somyurek, once the most influential backroom player in the Victorian Labor Party, fell well short of those expectations. Somyurek disputes this account. In response to queries from The Age he attacked Byrne and others and claimed the evidence before IBAC had debunked a racist narrative that Byrne and the other Anglo Saxons were victims of the avarice of the other, that is me and my oriental hordes. Dysfunctional, incompetent, chaotic Somyurek was not the disease; he was a symptom of what Carr this week described as endemic branch stacking inside the Labor Party dating back two decades. But the evidence suggested that while a significant number of factional operatives and powerbrokers had bent the rules over the years, Somyurek industrialised the operation. He was a man in pursuit of power, even though it is not clear entirely what this power was intended to achieve. He was a minister, twice, but his policy ambitions were rarely spelled out. His influence was exercised almost exclusively within the cogs of the Labor machine to install himself and his allies in positions of power. His methods were brutal. His inner circle described him in the hearings this week as a megalomaniac and Mein Fuehrer. Evidence heard at IBAC suggested he hauled inexperienced young ministerial staffers into his branch-stacking factory, pressured federal and state MPs into hiring factional allies, paid for peoples ALP memberships, employed electorate officers who rarely turned up to work and forced other Labor MPs from his so-called Moderate right-wing faction to loan their taxpayer-funded staff members to do internal ALP jobs. Counsel assisting the commission, Chris Carr, SC, has been questioning witnesses. Credit:AAP Advertisement Rival factions watched aghast as the Moderates, or Mods, grew in size. They failed to grasp how the former local government and small business minister managed to bring in thousands of fake members, fill out hundreds of ballots and rake in thousands of dollars in cash to pay for peoples party membership fees. IBAC investigators uncovered evidence that Adam Sullivan, Somyureks former electorate officer, who was supposed to be attending to the needs of Somyureks electors in the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, would instead spend his afternoons, while being paid by the taxpayer, collecting internal ALP ballot forms, dropping off cash to Somyurek at Parliament House, and collecting thousands of dollars stuffed in envelopes for the kitty, which was used to pay for membership to control branches and secure positions in office. Staff in his ministerial office whose job was to help enact government policies were equally co-opted. Ellen Schreiber, Somyureks former ministerial office executive assistant, spoke of at times spending up to 80 per cent of her taxpayer-funded working day on factional tasks, and accessing the electoral roll unlawfully for branch-stacking purposes. Sullivan described an electorate office that was dysfunctional, decrepit, run down and filled with cobwebs, and staff who either did not turn up to work or spent their entire taxpayer-funded working days on factional activities. Loading The former Labor minister breathed down peoples necks, Sullivan testified, as he demanded an all-hands-on-deck operation to conceal the cracks and expand the empire. If you werent being used, Sullivan told IBAC, you were considered useless - someone to be cast aside and left out. Contrary to media reports of Moderate Labor bestriding the globe like a Colossus, it was actually a house of straw, Sullivan said on Wednesday. Advertisement When The Age and 60 Minutes exposed Somyureks branch-stacking operation last year, leading to his sacking, Labor members were astounded. This week they have been left speechless. They were familiar with the methods of stacking branches and readily admit they themselves have bent the rules, but said the dedication of resources to this operation was unprecedented. Internal ALP membership meetings that would usually take less than an hour were taking six hours under Somyureks reign, the commission heard, as Moderate Labor increasingly signed up new members and fought to oppose the applications of those from rival factions. On a count of reissued ballots a handy proxy measure for branch stacking Moderate branches absolutely overran their rivals. The Mods breached Newtons third law: the size of the forces on the first object equals the size of the force on the second object. No one was able or willing to use the same sized force because people didnt want to end up in prison or ruin their government, one Right Labor member said. IBAC uncovered a scheme grand in scale and volume, but poorly executed. One factional heavyweight described it in terms of war against a vastly more populous army: There were waves and waves coming at you. The Mods werent good but there were a lot of them. Take down your enemies In 1999, a relatively unknown Adem Kubilay Somyurek had his first taste of victory. He secured the votes of 200 people in the preselection battle for the safe, south-east suburban federal seat of Holt and flipped the result in favour of his friend Anthony Byrne. The young and talented Jill Hennessy had been pipped at the post, according to Byrnes testimony at IBAC this week. No one really questioned the method it was a familiar one and all that seemingly mattered was that the numbers had been secured. Advertisement By 2002 Byrne had returned the favour and, in his words, put [Somyurek] into Parliament. In 2010, Daniel Andrews elevated him to shadow cabinet, and upon Labors surprise election win in 2014, Somyurek was sworn in as minister for small business, innovation and trade. Just eight months later he was forced to resign for bullying his chief-of-staff, Dimity Paul. Somyurek was livid and humiliated. No one in Labor can point to the exact moment when the practised branch stacker became the megalomaniac he was depicted as this week, but several Labor insiders refer to the period between 2016 and 2018 as critical. He became ruthless. Those who attempted to call out Somyurek were targeted in the Herald Sun and by the Opposition. The young Jill Hennessy, future state Attorney-General, beaten out of the federal seat of Holt in 2002. Credit:Angela Wylie In June 2015 the Herald Sun reported that Dimity Paul had been accused of undermining her boss before lodging complaints against him, raised questions about the running of the office, which is led by Ms Paul, and claimed Somyurek was the victim of a factional stitch-up. In early 2018, then minister John Eren alleged to parliamentary authorities that Somyurek had threatened him with a butter knife during a heated dispute in Parliament. Somyurek denied the allegations and those close to him began briefing journalists. Eren had been alcohol-affected, the story went a claim Eren emphatically rejected. The next morning during question time, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy bowled the first question to Andrews: Premier, have you asked your Minister for Sport, a former boxer, how much and for how long had he been drinking before he assaulted Labor colleague Adem Somyurek, who is a teetotaller, in the parliamentary dining room last night? Despite all this, following the 2018 election, the Premier welcomed Somyurek back into the ministry. Advertisement Broadway is back and so are the insane schedules that performers (and crews) must deal with. Many productions have returned to eight-show weeks and announced grueling holiday schedules with 10 shows or more before a night off. Add in rehearsals and put-ins and you've got incredibly intense workweeks. Sacrificing rest and time spent with loved ones is a given, and maintaining these schedules is especially exhausting for more vocally and physically demanding roles. Hiring alternates may be a step in the right direction. Alternates have scheduled performances, usually one or two a week, but aside from a handful of shows over the years, the practice is still relatively uncommon. The roles of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera and Eva Peron in Evita have almost always had alternates because of their physical and vocal demands (these shows both have something in common). In recent weeks, both Hadestown and Jagged Little Pill have made strides in this direction. Lana Gordon will play Persephone in Hadestown twice a week so Amber Gray can spend more time with her young family, while Heidi Blickenstaff and Elizabeth Stanley will share the role of Mary Jane in Jagged once Stanley returns from maternity leave. Other vocally demanding roles, such as Wicked's Elphaba and the Queens in Six, often have standbys, but one could argue that giving those roles designated rest days from the outset feels healthier in the long term for everyone involved. Should we wait until a role proves too taxing to give the lead a break? Aside from giving performers a breather, alternate casts also offer more variety for theatergoers, especially repeat attenders. There are quite a few people, me included, who like to see a show with different leads, and as someone who has dropped everything to see a show when an understudy, standby, or swing was announced, the idea of a scheduled alternate lead performance is enticing. Alternate casting has been utilized in other markets with much success. South Korea has a robust musical-theater scene, and its frequent use of multiple casts is something I've longed to see replicated in the States, both for the sake of performers and for my own personal obsession with seeing different actors in certain roles. In South Korea, a schedule informs ticket buyers which cast of actors they will see. And this practice is the rule, not the exception. A current production of Hadestown operates with three actors for Orpheus and Hades, rotating opposite two Hermes, Eurydices, and Persephones. The latest production of Jekyll & Hyde features three actors for the roles of Jekyll/Hyde, Lucy, and Emma, and the regularly produced Dracula usually features at least three Draculas and three Minas. There are, of course, obstacles to making alternates a regular part of Broadway productions. Alternates are usually assigned lead roles; ensembles must still give it their all for an eight-show week, as do the backstage and front-of-house staff. There are also additional costs associated with alternates, especially when you have a Donna Murphy stepping in for a Bette Midler. And finally, the question of who gets an alternate would be a big topic of discussion. There is a lot to consider before we see an increased number of alternates on Broadway, but in the wake of the pandemic, many have realized that their previous pace of life was untenable. Yet Broadway is still going back to the old ways at a zero-to-60 pace that has been surprising even for the most seasoned theatrical veterans. A lot of people need a break already, and alternates for lead performers would be a step in the right direction. Download Full Size Small Preview Thumbnail University Teams prepare for the Indy Autonomous Challenge on October 23, 2021 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Photo: Business Wire) University Teams prepare for the Indy Autonomous Challenge on October 23, 2021 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Photo: Business Wire) Full Size Small Preview Thumbnail Full Size Small Preview Thumbnail INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Indy Autonomous Challenge Powered by Cisco (IAC), the first autonomous racecar competition at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is preparing for thousands of fans to attend. On October 23, 2021, 21 universities from 9 countries forming 9 teams will compete in this first-of-its kind competition. The teams will be competing for $1 million in prize money, which will be used to advance the education and research missions of the winning universities. Organized by Energy Systems Network and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the primary goal of the IAC is to advance technology that can speed the commercialization of fully autonomous vehicles and deployments of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These enhancements will lead to increased safety and performance in motorsports as well as all modes of commercial transportation. In addition, the competition is a platform for students to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and inspire the next generation of innovators. Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc., one of the worlds largest philanthropic foundations, provided a grant to help Energy Systems Network develop the IAC and to fund the $1 million IAC prize purse. The Endowment is committed to advancing STEM education and to efforts to strengthen Indiana, including helping to attract to the state outstanding talent in advanced disciplines such as artificial intelligence (AI). The IAC would not be possible without the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which have been committed partners since the beginning, said Paul Mitchell, president and CEO of Energy Systems Network, and co-organizer of the IAC. The prize money will go to the winning teams universities supporting their efforts to further autonomous technology research and development. We know that the work being done by our IAC university teams, alongside some of the best companies in the world, will certainly lead to acceleration of Indianas AI and automation industries well into the future. The IAC is also announcing that Boston Dynamics agile mobile robot, SPOT, will serve as the official flag waver for the competition. In addition, hundreds of high school STEM students, the next generation of innovators, representing more than 50 urban, rural and suburban school districts across Indiana, will be in attendance. Beyond networking with world-class innovators, high school students attending the event can receive assistance completing their FAFSA and can engage with Indianas CollegeChoice 529 plan. Autonomous Innovation Summit (invitation-only) 9:00 AM-12:30 PM (EDT) Hosted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and co-sponsored by Luminar, the Autonomous Innovation Summit will include sessions on the self-driving industry including accelerating commercialization, developing ideas and talent, and fostering innovation by bringing together top leaders from academia, industry and government. Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb, US Senator Todd Young and US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves are among the speakers and panelists at the Summit. Others include (in alphabetical order): Lee Baldwin, director, Core Autonomy, AutonomouStuff/Hexagon Brooke Beier, VP, Office of Technology Commercialization, Purdue Research Foundation Doug Boles, president, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Brad Chambers, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Sandra Chapman, president, Prince Media Group (Summit host) Karen Chupka, EVP-CES, Consumer Technology Association Bill Kohut, Sr. VP Commercial Sales, Cisco Ricardo Juncos, owner, Juncos Hollinger Racing Markus Lienkamp, professor, Technische Universitat Munchen (TUM) School of Engineering and Design Paul Mitchell, president and CEO, Energy Systems Network Andrea Pontremoli, CEO, Dallara Austin Russell, founder and CEO, Luminar Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association The invitation-only Summit will be filmed and available on the IAC website for public viewing at a later date. Technology Showcase and Demonstrations 10:00 AM-1:00 PM (open to the public) Location: Gasoline Alley Garages, IMS IAC university teams and industry leaders will demonstrate their autonomous technologies that have been at the center of the IAC competition. Industry participants include: Cisco, ADLINK, Autoware, Boston Dynamics, Aptiv, AutonomouStuff/Hexagon, Bridgestone, Clemson Universitys International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), Luminar, New Eagle, PWR, RTI, and Schaeffler. IAC Competition and University Teams 1:00 PM-4:30 PM (EDT) AI Racing Tech , University of Hawaii, University of California San Diego , University of Hawaii, University of California San Diego Autonomous Tiger Racing , Auburn University , Auburn University Black & Gold Autonomous Racing , Purdue University, United States Military Academy at West Point, with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (India), Universidad de San Buenaventura (Colombia) , Purdue University, United States Military Academy at West Point, with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (India), Universidad de San Buenaventura (Colombia) Cavalier Autonomous Racing , University of Virginia , University of Virginia EuroRacing , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy), University of Pisa (Italy), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland) , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy), University of Pisa (Italy), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland) KAIST, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (South Korea) Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (South Korea) MIT-PITT-RW , Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Waterloo (Canada) , Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Waterloo (Canada) PoliMOVE , Politecnico di Milano (Italy), University of Alabama , Politecnico di Milano (Italy), University of Alabama TUM Autonomous Motorsport, Technische Universitat Munchen (Germany) Notice to Media All accredited media is invited to attend the IAC at IMS. An IAC Press Conference, scheduled for 12:40 PM (EDT) on October 23, 2021, will be held in person for media and via Zoom. Contact Diane Murphy (diane@aquariusgroup.net) for advance registration, credentials to the IMS DEX Imaging Media Center, interview requests, and the Zoom link to attend the press conference. Photos and video are posted at the IAC website/media. COVID-19 Restrictions: All attendees of the DEX Imaging Media Center, Autonomous Innovation Summit, Gasoline Alley Suites, Legends Row Suites and personnel working inside the Gasoline Alley Garages, must show proof of vaccination or a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test. Important Links: IAC Events Schedule and Registration Media Resources: IAC Website/Media Join us on social media @IndyAChallenge; #IAC2021 Contacts Media Contacts: National/International: Diane Murphy, (diane@aquariusgroup.net) +1.310.658.8756 Indiana: Raquel Bahamonde, (rbahamonde@cicpindiana.com) +1.317.319.6875 Jay Leno Honoured with Doctorate of Humane Letters from Academy of Art University SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14, 2021 -- Academy of Art University, one of the largest private, accredited art and design schools in the nation, announced it has honoured classic car enthusiast and TV icon Jay Leno with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Presented by University President Dr. Elisa Stephens during the 2021 Audrain Motor Week's Concours Gala which took place in Newport, Rhode Island, the honour was given to recognize Mr. Leno's remarkable contribution to the world of automotive art and design. "We are thrilled to have presented Jay Leno with this Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters," said Dr. Elisa Stephens, President, Academy of Art University. "His contributions and work with vintage and classical cars have been truly exceptional and his passion continues to inspire many. As a school passionate about automotive history - and the only school to offer both auto-design and classic car restoration degrees in the United States - the Academy of Art University is proud to name Mr. Leno as the patron saint of our humble Automotive Design School." The celebrated Audrain Motor Week event saw car enthusiasts from all over the country come together to marvel at a world-class collection of over a billion dollars worth of rare and vintage cars. A notable collection of judges including Donal Osbourme awarded the Best in Show trophy which pays homage to Willie K. Vanderbilt, his 1900 Daimler Phoenix, and the origins of Newport's profound automotive history. Award-winning artists and other distinguished acts performed throughout the week while Academy of Art Alumni and 'The Market by Bonhams' General Manager, Caroline Cassini, led Bonham's inaugural Audrain Concours auction which drew bidders from around the world. The boutique collector car auction featured 41 cars and included the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe from the Academy of Art University's Classic Automobile Museum. Is China Running Out Of Human Drivers? Pony.ai to Start Driverless Tests on Public Roads in Beijing BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Silicon Valley-based leading autonomous driving company Pony.ai, today announced that it has been authorized to conduct driverless tests on public roads in Chinas capital city, Beijing. The company is one of the two autonomous software companies to receive this important Beijing permit. Prior to receiving this driverless test permit in Beijing, Pony.ai received a permit to conduct tests on certain sections of Beijing highways in July 2021. The company was among the first group to obtain this permit. In Beijing, Pony.ai is now authorized to conduct driverless testing in an area of around 20 square kilometers in a pilot zone for autonomous driving vehicles. The area covers major subway stations, residential areas, and tech parks, which allows Pony.ai to test its autonomous technology in the most challenging road conditions. Pony.ai is well on track to build a safe and reliable Virtual Driver, which paves the way for future mass deployment, says Ning Zhang, VP, and Head of Pony.ais Beijing R&D Center. Obtaining driverless test permits is a solid proof of Pony.ais leading position in the autonomous driving industry. With this, Pony.ai achieves another critical milestone on its path to commercialization and mass deployment. The company was authorized in June to conduct driverless tests in California and Guangzhou, China. Pony.ai was the first company to put fully driverless vehicles on public roads in two of the world's most dynamic mobility markets, and today Pony enters its third global driverless city. About Pony.ai Pony.ai, Inc. (Pony.ai) is pursuing an ambitious vision for autonomous mobility. We aim to bring safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility to the entire world. We believe that autonomous technology can make our roads exponentially safer for travelers. Founded in late 2016, Pony.ai has been a pioneer in autonomous mobility technologies and services across the U.S. and China, spearheading public-facing Robotaxi pilots in both markets. The company is currently valued at $5.3B and some of its major investors include Toyota Motor Corporation, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Sequoia Capital China, and IDG Capital. Pony.ai has formed partnerships with leading OEMs including Toyota, Hyundai, GAC Group, FAW Group, etc. 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. Staff Reporter 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. An Iowa Department of Transportation digital sign displays a message over a highway in response to the spread of COVID-19, Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa. Up for debate: Live legislation tracker Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics. RealClear Media Fellow Kalev Leetaru is a senior fellow at the George Washington University Center for Cyber & Homeland Security. His past roles include fellow in residence at Georgetown Universitys Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and member of the World Economic Forums Global Agenda Council on the Future of Government. In this photo made Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, Linda Cook, of Cranston, R.I. examines job listings at a state managed employment center, in Providence, R.I. In this Friday, March 19, 2021, photo released by the U.S. Navy, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, U.S. guided-missile cruiser Port Royal and the U.S. amphibious assault ship Makin Island, Belgian frigate Leopold the 1st, the Japanese destroyer Ariake, and the French frigate Provence, take part in the Group Arabian Sea Warfare Exercise in Arabian Sea. Instant unlimited access to all of our E-Editions and content on thechronicleonline.com. The Chronicle E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) News Pa. Economy League explains timeline if voters OK DuBois-Sandy Twp. consolidation DuBOIS If the majority of voters in both the City of DuBois and Sandy Township approve a consolidation between the two entities in the Nov. 2 general election, the Pennsylvania Economy League, at this weeks public meeting, explained the various steps that are required in the joining of the two governments into one. Consolidation after the vote, assuming its a successful vote, does take time, said PEL Chief Executive Officer LeeAnne Clayberger. Its a very deliberate process. It is planned. It is nothing is just automatic. Theyre steps that the two governing bodies must take in order to provide for a smooth transition into the consolidated government. The law does provide those steps and those guide rails, if you will, but the decisions remain those in the community as decided by the governing bodies of the two communities that are consolidating. In the case of a positive vote, PEL Senior Research Fellow Gerry Cross said state law puts the responsibility for what is called the consolidation agreement, or the actual framework for the new municipality, in the hands of the current governing bodies in both the city and the township. Within one year after the certification of the election, there will have to be an agreement developed between the two municipalities to outline and to specify, and define the condition of the municipality, said Cross, citing PA Boundary Change Law Section 741. Im sure therell be negotiations in the event of the positive vote between the two municipalities of solicitors, and all that have a process and a framework put together, to decide these things, but it will be decided among the two governing bodies, said Cross. Number one in the law, it says, It has to have financial arrangements, he said. You have to know when a new municipality is created, what will be disposition of the assets, therefore, the joint agreement or the consolidation agreement will use either consolidation or joint changes here, said Cross. Youll know what happens to the assets. There will be a liquidation of existing indebtedness of constituent municipalities, if necessary. If this is advantageous for the consolidated municipality to eliminate some of the debts, given the combined financial situation, youll have combined fund balances and things, that will be spelled out in advance. Cross said there also has to be an assumption of existing liabilities. Those liabilities can be considered from pensions, from healthcare for retirees, for other post-employment benefits, said Cross. Those things that are existing liabilities, including indebtedness, would be spelled out in the agreement and what would happen to those. Often times, debt thats owed is simply transferred as part of the debt documents, the assignment to the success organization is pretty straightforward, but you may decide to refinance some, and if there are favorable interest rates and the joint agreement would spell that out. Essentially, you wouldnt have a lot less to imagination that the two elected bodies would have agreed to beforehand on the consolidation. Cross said there has to be a transition plan for the new elected officials of the consolidated municipality. Albeit, the question implies a continuation of the current form of DuBois, said Cross. There will be new municipal elections, not necessarily new elected officials. Current officials can run for those positions, but the structure will be different because its now a much larger area. Cross said the transition plan will spell out how the consolidated municipal election will take place. Will it occur on the year following the election in 2023? Will it occur the year following the municipal election of 2025? The transition plan, the law requires this new government to start the Jan. 1st following municipal elections, said Cross. Municipal elections are odd-numbered years. The transition agreement will have the consideration of what seats are up and how can we roll things into the existing government, so that the new government starts with a fresh slate of elected officials. Cross said ordinances for the two municipalities will have to be reviewed. The joint agreement will define those areas of common control by ordinances, and those areas that are in the new municipality that were formally covered ordinances pertaining to Sandy, or ordinances specific to the urban area of DuBois. At some point, you will have an adoption of a new codification, said Cross. Youll probably hire a firm that specializes in codifications of ordinances, and that would have to occur within two years after the new municipality is started. So within two years, theres a clarity on all organizations. Theres a clarity on what is allowed, but more importantly, the joint agreement is going to spell out under the control of the existing elected officials, how this new municipality is going to be governed. Lastly, Cross said theres going to be a uniform tax system. The Pennsylvania Economy League DuBois-Sandy Township consolidation study estimates about a 17.1 mill tax rate. Thats really an estimate. The joint agreement committee, the consolidation agreement drafters will have current budgets, said Cross. Theyll know what the savings are from any attrition, retirees, any changes in financial condition. Theyll set a uniform tax rate for the entire municipality because in Pennsylvania, property taxes and other classes of taxes must be uniform against the same subjects. Theres not a higher income tax rate for a certain levels. Theres not a lower property tax for certain kinds of homes. That uniform rate will come out of that consolidation agreement. Very importantly, Cross said the agreement will set the timetable, but the law says the consolidation plan must be adopted within four years. January of 2024 would be the earliest that new municipal officials could take office, said Clayberger. These things are dependent upon the negotiated agreement between the two consolidating communities. So these are subject to change, but these provide some potential milestones as youre thinking about what this process might look like. And then November 2025, (is when) the full implementation of the consolidation plan must take place within four years of the certification of the election. So there is flexibility and again, time for that deliberate process to occur within the two communities. If for some reason there is some kind of glitch in the transitional plan and the process to adopt the consolidation plan within four years doesnt get done, any resident of the municipality can go to the Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas and require the court to enforce an action to have this work done. If it is a positive vote, both those schedules are in the law and residents will retain the ability to require the two municipalities to effectuate the will of the voters for the consolidation, said Cross. The full PEL consolidation study can be viewed online at: https://pro.sandytownship.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Final-Report-Sandy-Dubois-03.31.21-1.pdf Unlimited website access 24/7 Unlimited e-Edition access 24/7 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more! With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max In 1995, Brittany Murphy was a young Hollywood starlet whod just found her breakthrough role in Clueless, where she played a hapless, cheery new girl who gets taken in by the popular crowd. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, her star continued to rise: She showed up in 8 Mile alongside Eminem and in Just Married with Ashton Kutcher, both of whom she also dated. Then, at the age of 32, she collapsed on her bathroom floor, dying of what a medical examiner would ultimately deem pneumonia. The cause of death only added further confusion to what was shaping up to be a dark mystery. What 32-year-old dies of pneumonia? To make things even stranger, her husband, a British screenwriter named Simon Monjack, died of similarly mysterious causes five months later. Over the past decade, there has been more hearsay than fact about what happened. Some, including her father, say she was poisoned. Others claim she died from black mold, while fans have cooked up elaborate conspiracies involving cover-ups. According to What Happened, Brittany Murphy?, a new two-part HBO documentary, many of the questions surrounding her death lead to her husband. The documentary presents him as a pathological liar who preyed on Murphy and her mother, isolating them and draining their money while also encouraging Murphys use of prescription pills and dangerous weight loss. The reality, according to her medical examiner, is that her body essentially collapsed: starved of nutrition, addled by drugs, and in desperate need of medical attention for an illness that started as a mild flu. And yet Monjack and her mother, who were in the house while she was sick, maintained in interviews that she was perfectly healthy until the day she died. Much like the many recent reconsiderations of Britney Spears, the documentary revisits the public scrutiny that drove Murphy to a place where she could be victimized by someone like Monjack. Yet the film has been criticized for its fixation on her death, which some critics found exploitative, especially given that it doesnt seem to reveal much new information about Murphy or how she died. Instead, it focuses largely on her husband. Here are the biggest takeaways. The industry and the press fueled Murphys disordered eating In 1999, Murphy, already a rising star, started visibly losing weight and dyeing her hair blonde. Kathy Najimy, her King of the Hill co-star, recalls Murphy saying, Thats what Ive been told: If I want to be considered a leading lady, I have to lose a lot of weight. Murphy was somewhat open about her transformation, though she adamantly denied having an eating disorder. In 2000, she told Interview, A very important person in Hollywood said I was huggable, but not fuckable. So I got these extensions put in my hair and that made a big difference. And she did book more parts, including her role alongside Ashton Kutcher in Just Married. HBOs documentary includes a recording from The Howard Stern Show from shortly after the co-stars began dating in which Stern can be heard telling Kutcher, Can you believe she was the ugly chick in Clueless? She was a fat ugly chick. She transformed herself. He proceeded to tell Kutcher that Murphy looked like shed been around the block a few times and that he better wear a condom if shes been with Eminem. Of course, the praise for Murphys extreme weight loss soon turned to talk of an eating disorder, without much regard for her actual health. Bruce Bibby, a journalist who wrote for E! under the pseudonym Ted Casablanca, says in the documentary that she was going around with a scarlet A on her body for anorexia everyone knew it. Everyone talked about it. Her husband isolated her and took control of her life According to Najimys account, Murphy was at a low point when Monjack entered her life in 2007, two years before she died. Its not clear if she was yet abusing prescription pills, but the rumors had started, and the press had become fixated on her weight loss. She was muddled and desperate, Najimy says, and became prey to things that she thought would help her. She fired her entire team when they expressed concern about Monjack, instating him as her agent, manager, lawyer, and, eventually, even makeup artist. He took over her financial decisions and drove her everywhere. Friends say she changed her phone numbers, making it impossible for anyone to reach her without going through her husband. Monjack also appears to have had serious drug abuse problems, and according to directors, both of them would show up to movie sets clearly high. Soon enough, Murphys offers dried up, as both of them developed a reputation for being difficult to work with. The last set she worked on, for a horror movie called The Caller, fired her two days into shooting after Monjack reportedly got into an altercation with someone on set. Monjack had a history of lying and manipulation To many people outside the relationship, Monjack seemed like a textbook scammer. Those who knew him recall the outlandish lies he would tell people, like that he was the worlds largest collector of Vermeer paintings and had dated Elle McPherson and Madonna. He apparently frequently lied about having had terminal brain cancer and being saved by an experimental shark-fin treatment. He was also hiding two children in Europe: a teenager, whom he had been putting through private school with Murphys money, and a younger child in France. The childs mother says she had a disturbing relationship with Monjack: She claims he loved anorexic women and would frequently comment on her weight and appearance. She suggested the sex between them was not always consensual: He got what he wanted, she said about their sex life. He was very rough it wasnt always when I wanted to. Murphy would probably have lived had she gotten medical attention Murphy spent the last few months of her life holed up in her Beverly Hills mansion with Monjack and her mother. The coroner who investigated her death said he got reports that she and Monjack would stay up all night, watching TV and ordering food. According to friends, Monjack would do photo shoots with Murphy dressed up like a doll and encouraged her to get plastic surgery. A search of the home found more than 90 prescription bottles on Monjacks side of the dresser bearing both of their names as well as other aliases. After they left the set of The Caller, which was filming in Puerto Rico, Murphy, her mother, and Monjack all came down with what they called flulike symptoms. According to the coroner, they treated themselves with over-the-counter medications, and when Murphys condition didnt improve, no one took her to get medical attention. Shortly before she died, she spoke with Monjacks mother on the phone, telling her, Im having trouble breathing. I cant breathe when I go to the top of the stairs. She asked, Do you think Im dying? The medical examiner who did her autopsy found that Murphy was already extremely anemic, a result of not getting enough nutrients, which lowered her resistance to illness. If any doctor had seen her hemoglobin levels a week or two before she died, according to the ME, she would have been hospitalized. At some point, she developed pneumonia, which could have been easily detected by a chest X-ray and treated at a hospital. According to the coroner, Had they taken her to the doctor a few days before [she died], shed still be alive. Monjacks bizarre behavior continued after Murphys death After Murphys death, Monjack and her mother developed a deeply weird relationship. They told reporters they would sometimes sleep in the same bed, holding each other, and one particularly creepy photo shoot saw them gazing lovingly into each others eyes as if they were a couple themselves. In an interview they both sat for with Larry King shortly after Murphys death, her mother appeared to be completely disoriented and slurred her words, with Monjack correcting her timeline at one point and saying, No, no, baby, youve forgotten time. When King brought up the fact that Monjack didnt want an autopsy done, which fueled suspicions about Murphys cause of death, Monjack responded, This pristine body that was curvy in all the right places and her skin like silk how can I say, in front of her mother, Cut it up? Monjack died five months after Murphy from acute bronchopneumonia, a lung inflammation usually caused by bacterial infection. At this point, the rumors surrounding Murphys death really took off: black mold was found in their house, which many suspected to have been the cause of both of their deaths, though Murphys ME says she didnt see any evidence of mold in her organs. Murphys father, who was absent for most of her life, claimed she had been poisoned, having sent her hair samples to a private lab. But the metals found in her hair, which can sometimes be indicative of pest poison, turned out to be from hair dyes, not toxic substances in her bloodstream. The ME, who listed pneumonia as her main cause of death, says it was really a combination of anemia and drugs in conjunction with the pneumonia that killed her. Why neither her mother nor Monjack brought her to see a doctor remains a mystery. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 40F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 29F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Once Halloween is over, game on! Lets sit down for a nice Thanksgiving meal first. Ill get some decorations up just in time for Santas arrival. Bah hum-bug! Vote View Results Oneonta, NY (13820) Today Cloudy this morning with periods of light rain and snow this afternoon. High 39F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precip 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low near 25F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. News Burchett speaks on labor, voting, COVID at Blount Partnership legislative update Andrew Jones | The Daily Times U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett addresses members of the Blount Partnership during a legislative update Thursday. When I was (Knox) County Mayor, there was nobody I was really closer to than Ed Mitchell, Burchett said. Nikki Boertman | The Associated Press The Memphis Queen riverboat approaches the I-40 bridge spanning the Mississippi River on July 13, 2012 in Memphis. The bridge was closed from May to August 2021 because of a crack that had formed on the bottom of one of the trusses. The U.S. Senate-passed $1 trillion infrastructure bill contains billions to help states repair crumbling roads and bridges. Andrew Jones | The Daily Times Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell introduces U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett at Thursdays Blount Partnership legislative update. Tim is truly a good-hearted man who cares about not just his constituents and his congressional district, he cares about the state of Tennessee, he cares about America, Mitchell said. A Blount Partnership event Thursday saw U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett discuss a variety of legislative and local topics, from bills moving through Congress to COVID-19 vaccine mandates to opportunity zones. Burchetts talk followed an introduction from Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell who praised the congressman for his service to the region and the nation. Tim is truly a good-hearted man who cares about not just his constituents and his congressional district, he cares about the state of Tennessee, he cares about America, Mitchell said. Thank you for everything you do and the battles you fight for us in Washington D.C. Burchett, reciprocating Mitchells praise, said he was very close to Blounts mayor during his own tenure as Knox County mayor. The feeling is mutual, he said. He quickly turned to more general praise of county leadership for recruiting gunmaker Smith & Wesson. When I heard it was between Knox County and Blount County I just said, I congratulate Blount County, he said to chuckles from gathered business and government leaders. You can pass this on, I dont care ... (They) make a wonderful weapon. I have several of them. Interspersed with reflections on his family life and values growing up, Burchett spoke on debates surrounding federal debt and the infrastructure bill, currently stalled but potentially moving toward a final vote by the end of October. No one wants to talk about debt, Burchett said, adding, I railed on it under Trump. And he railed on it Thursday, At the Burchett household, when you run out of money, you dont run to the basement and print a bunch of money but localized it, too. He said only a portion of the packages proposed $1.2 trillion would go toward traditional infrastructure. It gives the federal government too much control over local infrastructure projects, he said. It ought to be the folks in this room that help decide what happens in Blount County not some bureaucrat in Washington D.C. that demands that you have to have so many bike paths, and they have to be paved to the point where you could land a 747 on them. Later he also raised other infrastructure-related concerns, including some regarding the coming electric car trend and how it may be preceded by government-involved installation of charging stations. Proving this trend is coming to Blount, Alcoa City Commission Tuesday voted to approved a Tennessee Valley Authority charging rate schedule, allowing Alcoas electric department to charge a flat rate when charging stations are installed in the county, the first of which will likely be at Amazons Project Pearl warehouse. Following statements on a variety of topics COVID-19, China, the swinging pendulum of national politics and the importance of voting Burchett also fielded questions from Blount employers about vaccine mandates for businesses with more than 100 employees. Its your body, its your decision, he said after noting the Biden administration had waffled on whether or not vaccine mandates were American. Vaccines werent the only topic he discussed in regards to evolving workplace regulations. One audience member asked the congressman for his take on the Protecting the Right to Organize or PRO Act, a proposed piece of federal legislation that expands various labor protections related to employees rights to organize and collectively bargain in the workplace, according to the bills summary. Boy, you talk about an overreach, Burchett said of the bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March. Ive enjoyed the support of working folks my entire political career. But, he advised attendees to read the bill themselves. It changes worker-employee relationships and it is incredible overreach, Burchett said. And theyre going to name all the glowing points of it, but it basically forces you into a union. Information from the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations says the bill restores the right of workers to freely and fairly form a union and bargain together for changes in the workplace. At least one member of the Blount Chamber recently attended a legal seminar early this year titled Stop the PRO Act, with chamber advertisements for the event calling changes the bill would bring about draconian and anti-employer. Finally, in an interview after Burchetts address and Q&A session, he spoke in an interview about a piece of Trump-era legislation he and others are trying to extend. Burchett and Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) recently introduced the Opportunity Zone Extension Act of 202. The bipartisan legislation would extend a 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act program engineered to boost economically distressed areas by giving tax breaks to people who want to invest in local development. There are currently four opportunity zones in Blount, contiguous and stretching from Alcoa through most of Louisville. The plan Burchett supports would extend the ability to use the benefits of these zones through 2028 and potentially create more of them. We need to go back to the table and talk to all the people that are involved in these things the business and community leaders, Burchett said, adding the window to use the program during the previous administration was narrow and there wasnt much rhyme or reason to how it was implemented. He said there are some places in his district he specifically mentioned Knoxville College that would benefit from being inside opportunities zones. Burchett added he was interested in transparency if the legislation is extended and expanded: its not just for a bunch of good old boys (buying) property to get the tax credits, he said. The congressman left the Partnership event to attend other Blount-based events Thursday, including the Maryville Home Builders Association monthly meeting. Click the image to the left and log in to get your exclusive reader perks. After a suicide bomb attack, Afghan men inspect the damage inside a Shiite mosque in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Oct. 15, 2021. (Javed Tanveer/AFP via Getty Images) 33 Killed, 73 Wounded as Another Blast Hits Afghan Shiites Mosque A large explosion rocked a Shiites mosque in southern Afghanistan on Oct. 15, killing at least 33 people and wounding 73 others, the Taliban terrorist group said. We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in a mosque of the Shiite Brotherhood in the first district of Kandahar city in which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded, Taliban spokesman Sayed Khosti said on Twitter. Information from eyewitnesses in Kandahar that was obtained by Reuters described the attackers as three suicide bombers, one of whom blew himself up at the entrance to the mosque with the two others detonating their devices inside the building. An Afghan health official gave figures of 33 dead and 73 wounded, but the official also noted that the final death and injury count could be higher. We are overwhelmed, a doctor at the citys central Mirwais hospital told news agency AFP. There are too many dead bodies and wounded people brought to our hospital. We are expecting more to come. We are in urgent need of blood. We have asked all the local media in Kandahar to ask people to come and donate blood. Khosti said that Taliban special forces have moved to the area and are investigating the nature of the incident and pledged that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Photographs and mobile phone footage posted by journalists on social media showed many people apparently dead or seriously wounded on the bloody floor of the Imam Bargah mosque. Unlike the Oct. 8 attack, which was claimed by Islamic State in Khorasan Province, ISKP (ISIS-K), there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Oct. 15 bomb attack. Afghans inspect the inside of a mosque following a bombing in Kunduz province northern Afghanistan, on Oct. 8, 2021. (Abdullah Sahil/AP Photo) Afghan men stand next to an ambulance after a bomb attack at a mosque in Kunduz on October 8, 2021. (AFP via Getty Images) ISIS has declared war on Afghanistans minority Shiites and has taken responsibility for some of the worst attacks targeting the community, including attacks on their mosques in Kabul and the western province of Herat. The attack was the second mass casualty incident targeting worshippers in one week. It came seven days after another large explosion at a mosque in the city of Kunduz on Oct. 8 killed dozens of people and wounded at least 100 during prayers. The death toll from that attack has been estimated as high as 80, though no official number has been released yet. Reuters contributed to this report. From NTD News People walk past a 7-Eleven convenience store in Sydney's central business district following allegations that franchises systematically underpaid workers. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) 7-Eleven Secretly Scanning Customer Faces Without Consent: Australian Data Authority Convenience store group 7-Eleven has been found collecting facial recognition data from customers without their consent, according to Australias data protection authority. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) said facial images of customers were collected while they completed surveys on their in-store experience. Over 1.6 million surveys were completed in 10 months across 700 stores, starting from June 2020. The investigation by the OAIC found that customers facial images were collected to generate algorithmic representations, or faceprints, that were then compared to other faceprints to filter out responses that were not genuine. Angelene Falk, the Australian information and privacy commissioner, said faceprints were protected under the Privacy Act 1988, and that customers did not give express or implied consent to the collection of that data. Nor did 7-Eleven take reasonable steps to notify individuals that their personal information was being collected. Entities must carefully consider whether they need to collect this sensitive personal information, and whether the privacy impacts are proportional to achieving the entitys legitimate functions or activities, Falk said in a statement on Oct. 14. Falk said collecting faceprints was not a necessary part of 7-Elevens customer feedback system. While I accept that implementing systems to understand and improve customers experience is a legitimate function for 7-Elevens business, any benefits to the business in collecting this biometric information were not proportional to the impact on privacy, he said. In response to the investigation, 7-Eleven has stopped collecting facial images and has destroyed all data collected. Collection of facial images has gained headlines in recent months following the growing use of such technology in smartphone apps to monitor compliance with COVID-19 health restrictions. Currently, South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria are trialling home quarantine with such apps, while Western Australias G2G pass has been in use the longest registering over 97,000 residents. South Australias home quarantine app, Quarantine SA, is set to become the national model once trials are deemed successful. Residents entering home quarantine are required to download the app and will need to check-in with the app at random intervals during their quarantine period of two weeks. Users have just 15 minutes to respond to a random check-in notification (in Western Australia, this is just five minutes) by scanning their faces. If they miss a scan, they will receive a follow-up phone call from the Home Quarantine SA team to discuss the reason why. If the individual misses the phone call, a compliance officer may be sent to the approved address to check on their situation. Use of facial recognition technology in this way has raised concerns it could normalise surveillance. Further, unclear protections around the data could leave it open to being exploited. People being evacuated from Afghanistan onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 24, 2021. (Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen/U.S. Air Force via AP) Air Force Says Commercial Evacuation Flight From Kabul Was Nearly Hijacked The United States Air Force (USAF) on Tuesday said that a commercial flight from Kabuls international airport was nearly hijacked during evacuation efforts that followed the Taliban takeover. Lt. Col. Kristen Duncan, a public affairs officer for the 23rd Wing, wrote in a statement on the Air Forces website that several people aboard a commercial flight leaving Hamid Karzai International airport intended on hijacking the aircraft. The statement said officials received an intelligence tip that five individuals intended to hijack the aircraft during evacuation efforts late August. 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, she wrote, quoting Lt. Col. Brian Desautels, 71st Rescue Squadron and Personnel Recovery Task Force commander. The USAF statement didnt elaborate on when the alleged incident took place, on how the situation was dealt with, or on what happened to the five individuals. The Epoch Times has contacted USAF for additional comment. Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command, which led evacuation efforts from Afghanistan, pushed back against the statement from the Air Force. Central Command spokeswoman Lt. Josie Lynne Lenny told CNN on Thursday that they are unaware of an attempted hijacking. I am unaware of any attempt to hijack a plane at Hamid Karzai International airport, said Lenny. Lenny told the news outlet that during the Afghanistan evacuation mission, an intel tip indicated the possibility of a plot to highjack a particular flight that was preparing to depart the airfield. Ground traffic controllers diverted the plane to a safe location on the airfield where security forces boarded the plane and determined that there was no active attempt to hijack the aircraft, the spokeswoman added. Evacuation efforts followed the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban terrorist group on Aug. 15, with U.S. troops withdrawing from Afghanistan by President Joe Bidens self-imposed Aug. 31 deadline. The withdrawal concluded two decades of U.S. involvement in the country following the Sept. 11 terror attacks which killed nearly 3,000 people and wounded thousands more. Despite a ramped up evacuation mission, as many as 200 Americans were left behind by that date, according to the administration. A senior State Department official said on Sept. 27 that some 100 American citizens and legal permanent residents who wish to evacuate Afghanistan still remain in the country. A pro-life campaigner displays a plastic doll representing a 12-week-old fetus as she stands outside the Marie Stopes Clinic in Belfast, Northern Ireland on April 7, 2016. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Federal Appeals Court Keeps Texas Abortion Ban in Place Amid Ongoing Litigation An appeals court ruled on Thursday that a Texas abortion ban will remain in effect as legal challenges against it play out. The Texas Heartbeat Act, also known as Senate Bill 8, was signed into law by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May. It bans abortions after a heartbeat is detected, which is usually around six weeks, unless a medical emergency exists. The Justice Department had challenged Texass abortion ban in federal court on Sept. 9, about a week after the law went into effect, seeking a temporary injunction against the law. On Oct. 6, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, an Obama appointee, granted the Biden administrations petition. Texas immediately appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. The 5th Circuit put a temporary administrative hold on Pitmans ruling on Oct. 8. Its latest ruling on Thursday means that the Texas Heartbeat Act remains in effect while litigation proceeds. The two votes in support of leaving the ban in place were cast by Judge James C. Ho, a Trump appointee, and Judge Catharina Haynes, a nominee of former President George W. Bush. Judge Carl E. Stewart, a nominee of former President Clinton, dissented. The Justice Department is expected to appeal the 5th Circuits decision in the Supreme Court. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton earlier on Thursday urged (pdf) the three-panel appellate court to let the Texas Heartbeat Act remain in effect. On Twitter after the ruling, he praised the decision. Pro-life group Texas Right to Life applauded the decision. We are excited to continue saving hundreds of lives through the Texas Heartbeat Act, the groups director of media and communication Kimberlyn Schwartz said in a statement. However, the battle is not finished, she added. We expect the Biden administration to appeal to the Supreme Court of the U.S., and we are confident Texas will ultimately defeat these attacks on our life-saving efforts. The Texas state government is not able to enforce The Texas Heartbeat Act. Instead, the legislation provides for private citizensexcept for the individual who impregnated the woman through rape or incestto file lawsuits against abortion providers. If successful, private citizens are entitled to collect at least $10,000 in damages for each abortion. The law also provides for retroactive lawsuits if the law is set aside by one court, but later restored by another. Prior to Pitmans injunction, both the Supreme Court and the 5th Circuit Appeals Court declined to stop the law in September. People wearing face masks are pictured at an Apple Store on the day the new Apple iPhone 13 series goes on sale, in Beijing, China, on Sept. 24, 2021. (Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters) Apples Chinese Suppliers in Dilemma as Apple Curbs Reliance on China News Analysis The net profit of one of the leading Apple suppliers has fallen sharply compared to last year. AAC Acoustic Technologies Holdings Inc. (AAC), a top Apple supplier in China, released its third-quarter (Q3) profit forecast for 2021, showing its Q3 consolidated net profit is expected to fall by 51 to 61 percent. AAC was once one of the most profitable companies in Apples supply chain with profit margins second only to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the worlds largest chip foundry. AAC Technologies manufactures a broad range of miniaturized acoustic components for Apples iPhones and is often regarded as a supply chain leader due to its high profitability. However, according to Hou Anyang, the chairman of Frontsea Asset Management, a Beijing investment firm, investors consider the recent fall in AACs profitability distressingly bad. In addition to AAC Technologies, many Apple suppliers also showed a reduced year-on-year profit growth. For example, Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd., a China-based electronic component manufacturing company, showed a net profit growth of 21.73 percent year-on-year in its 2021 semi-annual report, compared with last years 69.01 percent. Luxshare Precisions net profit growth rate has slowed down significantly and has put pressure on the company as a member of the Apple supply chain. The companys semi-annual report of 2021 described its risks and countermeasures. One of the risks indicated was lack of diverse customers, referring to its revenue being heavily dependent on Apple, one of its biggest customers. Apple launched iPhone 13 on Sept. 15. The same month, CCTV, a Chinese state-controlled media, called on Chinese companies to get rid of their dependence on Apple, in its finance program called Apple Supply Chain Observation. The program also mentioned that OFILM Group Co. Ltd., a China-based camera modules maker, suffered significant profit loss after being terminated by Apple this March. The companys operating income for the first half of 2021 saw a year-on-year decline of 49.96 percent and a year-on-year decline of 93.25 percent on its net profit. Orders from Apple accounted for 30 percent of OFILMs revenue, but Apples termination with OFILM appeared to cost the company more than just Apples business. OFILM cited two reasons for the sharp decline in its revenue and profit. First, the companys product shipments related to specific customers have declined year on year due to the termination of the purchase relationship by specific overseas customers, referring to Apple. Second, significant changes in the international trade environment such as limited chip supply. Why Was OFILM Dropped by Apple? Apple terminated OFILM from its supply chain due to the sanctions by the United States in 2020 over Chinas human rights issues in Xinjiang. According to a report issued on Mar. 1, 2020, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), Apple CEO Tim Cooks visited OFILMs factory in Guangzhou in December 2017 and posted on a Chinese social media platform, Weibo, praising OFILMs remarkable [and] precision work in the production of the selfie camera of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. However, between Apr. 28 and May 1, 2017, the Chinese authorities reportedly transferred 700 Uyghurs from Luopu County in Xinjiangs Hotan region to work at an OFILM factory in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. ASPI reported that according to a local Xinjiang newspaper, the Uyghur workers were expected to gradually alter their ideology and turn into modern, capable youth who understand the Partys blessing, feel gratitude toward the Party, and contribute to stability. On Feb. 1, Xinjiang officials held their third press conference on Xinjiang-related issues. At the conference, an Associated Press reporter suggested that the OFILM factory in Nanchang did not allow Uyghur workers to pray or leave the factory during his visit in 2019, citing the International Labor Organizations regulations on severe violation of labor rights and the manifestation of forced labor. In response, the Chinese Communist Party and OFILM have repeatedly denied the allegation of the U.S. Department of Commerce on its coercive use of Uygurs as labor. But Apple still cut off its partnership with OFILM. According to an announcement issued by OFILM on Mar. 24, it has sold its camera-producing assets related to specific overseas customers, suggesting an end in the partnership with Apple. An arson in Changzheng Village, Hubei Province caused three deaths and 20 serious burn injuries, including a 4-year-old girl, on Oct. 1, 2021. (Interviewee/The Epoch Times) Arson at Villagers Birthday Party Kills 3 and Injures Over 20 in Central China A former Chinese Communist Party (CCP) chief in a central Chinese village set the room on fire during a large birthday celebration, causing three deaths and over 20 injuries. The state-controlled media didnt report the incident for over 10 days. On Oct. 1, about 80 guests attended an indoor birthday party for senior citizen Chen Dayan in Chengzheng Village of central Chinas Hubei Province. However, Chens fellow villager and rival, Chen Yunlin, a former local Party boss, showed up with two containers of gasoline in his hands. The latter poured the gasoline on the floor and ignited it with a lighterinstantly engulfing the gathering in flames. Two villagers told the Chinese edition of Epoch Times that Chinese authorities covered up the felony; so it was unknown to the public for more than 10 days. As the event spread on social media, state media outlets began to cover the story, but didnt provide specific details about the arson. The state-run media distributed misleading details, the interviewees said. State media outlets claimed that both the targeted man and the arsonist were former Party chiefs in the village, and that their feud originated over financial disputes. Chen Dayan has never been a Party chief, villager Li Mei (alias) said, rebutting the state media narrative in an interview with the Chinese edition of Epoch Times on Oct. 12. Hes a rank-and-file farmer. As to Chen Yunlin, the interviewee described him as a bully, 59, with connections to local authoritiesspecifically a former corrupt Party leader. Additionally, Li disclosed that one of her fellow villagers exposed the arson on Chinas Twitter-like Weibo, but had to delete the post under police pressure. She also said local authorities had suppressed the tragic news from the public until Oct. 12, when they found they couldnt hold it any longer. Fued, Arson Another villager surnamed Chen, a relative of Chen Dayan, gave the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times more details about the case. Someone on the scene spotted him coming and tried to block him from entering, the interviewee said. But it was too late, the flames went horribly wild in just a few seconds. He said three people were killed and 20 sustained serious burns. Those with burns are currently in ICU, not approachable, with most of them with burns to 60 to 80 percent of their bodies. Six other people were in general wards. All the killed and injured were relatives, friends, and neighbors, said the interviewee. Li confirmed the three deaths: an elderly person who was over 70, an 8-year-old girl who was a neighbor, and a 34-year-old person, also surnamed Chen, a traffic officer, whose 4-year-old daughter suffered severe burns. She added that Chen Dayans entire family was stricken with grief for the loss and suffering of friends and family. Police captured Chen Yunlin at around 5 p.m. on the same day, . The interviewee surnamed Chen attributed the arsonists motive to revenge. Chen Dayan reported that the former village chief failed to compensate villagers over land use during his leadership. Li said both Chen Yunlins son and his brother were involved in the case. The exact number of co-conspirators is yet to be ascertained, but she said the case likely involves other people. On Oct. 13, The Epoch Times reached out to town officials and police officers to verify details but received no response from either . Gu Xiaohua and Gu Qinger contributed to this report. Australian State Forges Ahead with Reopening Despite Spike in COVID-19 Cases CCP virus numbers in Victoria remain at near-record highs with the state posting an average of 2,000 new daily infections in recent days. Dr. Mukesh Haikerwal, former president of the Victorian branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), told Nine News, Were expecting the peak [in COVID-19 cases] to be in a week or so, and thats when well see the benefits of the vaccination. On Friday, there were 2,179 new cases with a further six deaths from the virus and a total of 21,324 active cases in the state. Despite the high numbers, federal Labor deputy leader Richard Marles said the states premier, Daniel Andrews, was making the right decision to follow through with the states reopening plan. I think the logic of what we are doing here is to make our way forward and learn to live with the virus, and thats whats happening in New South Wales (NSW) as well, Marles told the Nine Network. Its important that we keep going down a path of opening up. Martin Foley, Victorian Minister for Health, announced that from Oct. 19, fully vaccinated individuals from red zones in NSW will be able to enter Victoria without facing 14-day quarantine arrangements, including Victorian residents. However, testing within 72 hours will still apply both, prior to, and after entry into the states borders. These changes were made as projected first-dose and second-dose vaccination rates reach 88 and 63 percent on Thursday. NSW is also expected to ease restrictions as double-vaccinated rates are expected to reach 80 percent by Saturday. Premier of New South Wales Dominic Perrottet announced Thursday that from Monday, home gatherings will increase from 10 to 20, outdoor gatherings are also scheduled to increase to 50, pubs will be open for business with no limitations on numbers for weddings and funerals. He also said that from the start of November all returning Australians; tourists who want to come backwho want to visit Australia, who want to come into Sydneyhotel quarantine will be a thing of the past. For double-vaxxed people right around the world, Sydney, New South Wales, is open for business. Perrottet added that the NSW authorities will be working closely with the Commonwealth government to keep people safe. Home COVID-19 Testing Kits Available From November COVID-19 self-testing kits are expected to hit shelves at pharmacies on Nov. 1, for around $15 (US$11). The drug regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration approved three China-made, COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests on Wednesday. Two of the tests work by assessing oral fluid, while the other uses nasal swabs. All three tests are sponsored by AM Diagnostics and manufactured by the same company; Hangzhou Alltest Biotech Co Ltd. The oral fluid self-antigen test reports an overall accuracy of 97 percent and the nasal swab reports a total accuracy of 98 percent. The test is not to be used as a replacement for the laboratory PCR test. Instructions state that if a positive result is found it must be confirmed by a laboratory COVID-19 test. Australia has fully vaccinated 65.4 percent of its over 16 age group, while 83.6 percent have received their first dose of the vaccine. Border Patrol agents apprehend illegal aliens from Mexico who had hidden in a grain hopper on a freight train heading to San Antonio, near Uvalde, Texas, on June 21, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Biden Administration Says Its Prepared to Restore Remain in Mexico Program Next Month Top immigration enforcement officials in President Joe Bidens administration said late Thursday theyre prepared to restart the Trump era Remain in Mexico program in November, provided Mexico agrees to cooperate. The Biden administration has made substantial progress towards the re-implementation of the program, formally known as the Migration Protection Protocols (MPP), government lawyers told a U.S. judge in Texas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been holding talks with Mexico, finalizing operational plans required to re-implement MPP, prepared immigration courts, and issued contacts required to build hearing facilities near the border, they said. DHS anticipates being in a position to re-implement MPP by mid-Novemberdependent on decisions made by Mexico, the filing stated. The program hinges on Mexicos cooperation because it forces asylum seekers from some countries to wait in Mexico until their claims are heard by U.S. judges. Mexico said in a statement Thursday that it has been in communication with the U.S. government over immigration but did not specifically mention MPP. The DHS under former President Donald Trump found the program greatly reduced illegal immigration, a problem that has worsened considerably under Biden after he halted the program and other border enforcement efforts. Texas and Missouri brought a lawsuit against the Biden administration earlier this year, alleging the way the program was stopped violated federal law. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, agreed, ordering the administration in August to restart the policy. In the most recent filing in the case, administration officials blamed Mexico for its delay in rebooting MPP. Late last month, officials said they would actually end the program. They planned to issue a new memorandum but only if a court order lifted Kacsmaryks decision, which was upheld for now by the Supreme Court but appealed. In two filings Thursday, government lawyers said they were complying with Kacsmaryks order because they were moving in good faith to restore MPP, as he directed them. They made no mention of the September announcement, which was made about a week after Texas and Missouri asked the judge to impose a new order on the administration, alleging they were refusing to abide by his previous one. The government is implementing the injunction in good faith and is entitled to a presumption of good faith in its actions, lawyers said. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for a lower level of immigration, was among the skeptics of the governments position. The point of the filing is, Please, your honor, dont hold us in contempt,' he told The Epoch Times. I believe that their real goal is to tread water until another judge gives them the decision that they prefer and/or Mexico simply refuses to cooperate. Illegal immigration has shot up under Biden, topping 200,000 apprehensions at the southern border in both July and August. Numbers for September still havent been released. If MPP were re-implemented, its impact would depend on how broad the rebooted program was, Krikorian said. He could make a significant difference in reducing the number of illegal immigrants coming to the border, he said. Because their goal is to be released into the United States. If they dont get that, then its just not as appealing to try. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on efforts to address global supply chain bottlenecks during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on Oct. 13, 2021. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) Biden Calls on Parents to Get Children Vaccinated When Eligible President Joe Biden on Oct. 14 called for children as young as 5 to get the COVID vaccine, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA may soon authorize vaccinations for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, which causes the illness known as COVID-19, for children between the ages 5 and 11. Pfizer submitted an application to the administration for emergency-use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in children and an FDA advisory committee is meeting to discuss the application on Oct. 26. Approval would make roughly 28 million more children eligible to get the shot. Im calling on more parents to get their children vaccinated when they are eligible, said Biden in an address Oct. 14. He took no questions from the media after the brief speech. The White House coronavirus task force says it has urged governors to be ready to begin rolling out vaccination efforts for their states children as early as the start of November. Weve asked governors to take steps to enroll providers such as pediatricianswell rely heavily on pediatricians and family doctors in the vaccination programso they can begin vaccinations right away, pandemic response coordinator Jeff Zients said Oct. 13. Zients says the federal government is prepared with an already purchased supply of different doses for children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director (CDC) director Rochelle Walensky says guidance is forthcoming on a new test-to-stay policy that would allow children to come back to school to test for COVID, rather than stay home and quarantine if they catch the virus. Biden said his administrations COVID response is working. In his Oct. 14 speech, he pointed to recent data that indicates a reduced spread of the virus nationwide as evidence of the effectiveness of his policies. The plan I laid out in September is working, said Biden. Were heading in the right direction, but we have critical work to do. We cant let up now. Daily cases of the virus are down 47 percentand hospitalizations are down 38 percentover the past six weeks. Most states have seen decreasing numbers except for few upticks in the northern U.S. Nows not the time to let up. We have a lot more to do, Biden said. Were in a very critical period as we work to turn the corner on COVID-19. The president is looking ahead to the roll-out of his vaccine mandate for hundreds of thousands of private-sector workers. That measure is expected to be implemented in the coming weeks through an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Biden continues to promote mandates, rolled out by private businesses ahead of the federal rule, as working to increase vaccination rates. In his speech he did not address the thousands of workers who have lost their jobs as a result of mandates. Vaccination requirements should not be another issue that divides us, Biden said. Thats why we continue to battle the misinformation thats out there. Officials say the number of eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated has dropped to about 66 million from 100 million in July. The FDA and CDC are considering the approval of booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Federal regulators authorized booster shots for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine less than a month ago. Officials say one out of three older adults have received boosters. President Joe Biden speaks in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus in Washington on Oct. 14, 2021. (Angerer/Getty Images) Biden Supreme Court Commission Divided on Adding Justices to Supreme Court President Joe Bidens commission on the Supreme Court issued draft documents Thursday showing members are divided on the question of whether to add seats to the nations top court. While some commissioners agree, at least in part, with critics who want the court expanded, others conclude that Court expansion is likely to undermine, rather than enhance, the Supreme Courts legitimacy and its role in the constitutional system, and there are significant reasons to be skeptical that expansion would serve democratic values, the commission said. Some Democrats have pushed to add seats to the nine-judge court, infuriated by Senate Republicans refusing to hold a vote in 2016 on then-President Barack Obamas nominee Merrick Garland. Theyve also accused the court, which currently has six justices appointed by Republicans, of ruling incorrectly on a number of matters. The calls have been fueled by Democrats concerns that an increasingly conservative court presents a threat to the progressive conception of the Constitution across a range of issues, including firearms, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, voting rights, health care, climate change, and affirmative action, the commissioners said. The arguments have received pushback. Supporters of the courts current size note then-Sen. Biden said in 1992 that the president at the time, President George H.W. Bush, should not name a nominee if a seat became vacant because it was an election year. He also said the Senate should not hold a vote if Bush did nominate a justice. Additionally, they say, the courts composition is a result of Republican presidents and senators winning electionsand the timing of vacanciesand the rulings reflect the conservative judges leaning toward trying to interpret the Constitution as it was fixed at the time of its inception, versus some judges tendency toward a living interpretation. Republicans choice not to take up Garlands nominationand to take up then-President Donald Trumps nomination of Justice Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, another election yearwas within congressional rules, the commission acknowledged. Congress does legally have the power to expand or contract justices, both sides agree. But theres widespread disagreement on expanding the court, as the commission detailed. The risks of court expansion are considerable, including that it could undermine the very goal of some of its proponents of restoring the courts legitimacy. Recent polls suggest that a majority of the public does not support court expansion. And as even some supporters of Court expansion acknowledged during the commissions public hearings, the reformat least if it were done in the near term and all at oncewould be perceived by many as a partisan maneuver, commissioners said. On the other hand, expansion might benefit the Supreme Courts public reputation in part because it would let a president select individuals who reflect the rich diversity of the nation, that is, the wide range of characteristics and backgrounds that can enrich discussion and decision makinggender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, educational and professional background, and geographic origin, they said. Decisions by a more diverse judiciary might be more informed; for example, the Courts deliberations in criminal cases could be enhanced by the perspective of a Justice with a background in criminal defense, they wrote. While an unspecified number of commissioners oppose expanding the court, an unspecified number believe that the nation has reached (or is on the verge of) the end of American democracy, they added later. Commissioners appeared more favorable to arguments for setting term limits for justices or rotating judges between the Supreme Court and lower courts. A number of scholars have endorsed tenure limits and a look at published works on the subject discovered few works arguing against term limits, the commission said, adding that the United States is the only major constitutional democracy in the world that has neither a retirement age nor a fixed term of years for its high court Justices. The commission is set to issue a final report on Friday. Biden established the panel in April. His executive order says it was meant to put forth a history of the role of the Supreme Court, including an account of contemporary commentary and debate about that role, and an analysis of the leading arguments for and against adding seats. Commissioners include Michelle Adams, a law professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Bob Bauer, a professor at the New York University School of Law; Andrew Manuel Crespo, a law professor at Harvard University; and Caroline Fredrickson, a senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice. CCP Poses Insider Threat to American Companies: Former Pentagon Official A former Pentagon official has warned that the Chinese Communist Party is sending people to infiltrate American businesses. In addition, the Department of Defense needs to do a better job of working with the tech industry to prevent China from achieving dominance in the field of artificial intelligence, the former official said. The fact is, the Chinese Communist Party is really sending a lot of people to our universities and to our most innovative companies, said Nicolas Chaillan, the former chief software officer for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. And there is a very big risk of exfiltration of data from within. Insider threat is probably the most underestimated threat of all these top organizations on the commercial side, he added. We're losing this battle. The US is losing the #China #AI battle & soon it'll pass the point of no return, says former Pentagon software chief @NicolasChaillan. Tonight, he breaks down what went wrong & how the US can still turn the tide. WATCH: https://t.co/ag4p6VwOUu pic.twitter.com/y5AnmKnC3W Jan Jekielek (@JanJekielek) October 16, 2021 The comments were made during an appearance on EpochTVs American Thought Leaders program, following Chaillans highly publicized resignation as the Pentagons first chief software officer. Chaillan said that a key issue in mitigating insider threat in the future would be striking a balance between an appropriate amount of caution regarding those with ties to the Chinese regime, while still maintaining Americas democratic values. Its a real issue, and theres not many solutions, Chaillan said. You dont want to start saying were not going to allow these people to contribute to society. We need those talents. To that end, Chaillan said that a key factor in securing American industry would be working to effectively sever U.S.-based workers dependency on and ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Current U.S. policy prohibits the immigration of CCP members to the United States. If theyre willing to come and make a difference, they can actually be great assets to by providing more insights about their countries, Chaillan said. So, I think the solution would have to deal with how do we help them bring their families and try to remove these dependencies or these kind of side effects and risks that could be spreading rapidly. You have to be proactive. At some point its a gamble, but there is more risk not doing it sometimes than doing it. Were Losing This Battle Chaillan also said that the CCPs ability to control China-based companies and leverage their technologies was a key factor in his decision to resign from the DoD. China is taking off, leading the pace, by mandating their companies to partner with them, Chaillan said. Thats been a tremendous challenge and, at some point, I had no choice but to raise the alarm because we are seeing that were losing this battle. China is leading right now, theyre already leading in many of those fields because of the adoption of the technology from their companies. Thats the difference. Chaillan explained that a lack of transparency between the Pentagon and the private technology sector was driving down the industrys desire to work with government, and that an inability to leverage private sector tech was hamstringing U.S. efforts to compete with China. At the end of the day, the U.S. companies are all leading against China, but we [the DoD] do not have access to that technology, Chaillan said. So that puts us behind because, effectively, were left not being able to partner and competing at the same time with a massive country with 1.5 billion people that are not waiting for us to wake up. US Tech Collaboration With China That lack of communication and the at times hostile culture towards the military in big tech firms have become something of a problem in recent years. Perhaps the most notable example of such was when Google opted not to continue a government contract that would have improved the accuracy of drones by leveraging AI and big data, but continued to develop AI resources that were known to benefit the CCP. The move, and others like it, were roundly criticized as an effective collaboration between the CCP and its military wing, the Peoples Liberation Army. Numerous companies including Apple, Google, IBM, and Microsoft all still maintain AI research laboratories in mainland China, where the CCP can leverage national security laws to compel those companies to hand over trade secrets at any time. Security experts have since called for a ban on AI transfers to China to help mitigate the risk posed to the United States by such policies, but Chaillan said that what is really needed is a more serious vetting of who is working in tech, and a renewed dedication to developing results-driven platforms in the military. We have to pay attention to who is working for some of these companies, Chaillan said. But whats very important is we have to stop funding reports. We have to ask Congress to stop continuously going back to DoD and asking the department to invest more money writing reports. We need actions. We need outcomes. We need tangible value to the warfighter. To that end, Chaillans time at the Pentagon included developing and deploying a working model for the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), an inter-service network that would combine sensors from across the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and Space Force. The unexpected cancellation of funding for JADC2, which was described as best of breed by Air Force officials just months ago, was a key factor in Chaillans departure from the DoD. Seizing the Opportunity Still, though Chaillan believes that the window of opportunity is quickly closing for the United States to avoid losing the AI war with China, he maintained that not all hope was lost. I dont believe that we have lost, Chaillan said. What I said is that if we dont act now, and dont wake up right away, and not in five to 10 years from now like some of the Pentagon reports are saying, but if we dont take a stand now and take action, we have no fighting chance in succeeding 10 to 15 years from now. The velocity of adoption of AI compounds over time so, effectively, youre going to be at a situation at some point where you pass the point of no return. You will not be able to catch up. Accordingly, Chaillan said that the DoD must do more to encourage innovative thinking and risk-taking among its ranks, as well as to increase transparency with its private-sector contractors. Well, you know, I think that the issue is there is no reward for taking risks, Chaillan said. On the commercial side, if you do good you get bonuses, you get credit, right? In the government, its actually safer not to take [risks], because you have more chance of rising up if you dont make noise, even if you end up having a large program that fails. Theres no one held accountable when something goes wrong, Chaillan added. Effectively, when something is going to go wrong, its going to be most likely classified, and we cant talk about it. When asked to comment on Chaillans remarks, the DoD referred The Epoch Times to comments made by press secretary John Kirby during a press conference on Oct. 12. [Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin] was very clear about our concerns about Chinas desires to advance in this field and hes focused and we still remain focused on advancing AI capabilities in a responsible way, in close partnership with industry and academia and building a digitally talented and capable workforce here for the Department, Kirby said. What I can tell you is that we recognize the importance of AI as a technology and as a capability and the Secretary has spoken about this and we have invested quite a bit of effort and energy into making sure that we can advance AI technology in a responsible way. Andrew Thornebrooke Reporter Follow Andrew Thornebrooke is a reporter for The Epoch Times covering China-related issues with a focus on defense, military affairs, and national security. He holds a master's in military history from Norwich University. A Chinese employee wearing a mask and protective suit works on a smart chip production line in Sihong county in China's eastern Jiangsu Province on Feb. 16, 2020. (STR/AFP) China Could Seize Taiwan to Fulfill Semiconductor Needs, US Researchers Warn Thirst for the worlds lead-edging microchips could be a driving force for Beijing wanting to take over self-ruled Taiwan, U.S. researchers warned. Taiwan is the home to some of the worlds largest and most advanced semiconductor plants, including the worlds largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC). Currently, there is no more important base of IC [Integrated Circuit] capacity and production than Taiwan, stated U.S.-based research company IC Insights in a statement (pdf). China has a huge problem with its inability to produce leading-edge IC devices for its future electronic system needsa problem that it believes can be solved through reunification with Taiwan by whatever means necessary. Earlier this month, Chinese leader Xi Jinping vowed to achieve reunification with the democratic island, for the sake of preserving its sovereignty, despite never ruling the country. Researchers said Beijing has been yearned for the islands capacity to make the worlds top-level computer chips. China, being the worlds largest chip importer, sits at the lower end of the semiconductor value chain. Last year, the United States placed restrictions on exports to Chinas telecom giant Huawei and largest indigenous IC foundry SMIC, and caused China to question how it will be able to compete in the future IC and electronics industries, said IC Insights. Combined, China and Taiwan would hold about 37 percent of global IC capacity, almost three times that of North America, according to its findings. Be it washing machines, electronic devices, or fighter jets, millions of products nowadays depend on computer microchips, also known as semiconductors, to power electronics. Smaller chips come with better performance yet require more advanced technologies and equipment to make. Research by IC Insights finds Taiwan and Korea are the only two countries able to produce chips below 10 nm, or one-hundredth of a micrometer. Led by TSMC, Taiwan by far holds the largest (63 percent) share of the leading-edge technology in the world, as South Korea-based Samsung holds the remaining 37 percent, data show. The prolonged pandemic-induced global chip shortage has spotlighted the economic and strategic importance of Taiwan in chipmaking. Workers produce LED chips at a factory in Huaian city in Chinas eastern Jiangsu Province on June 16, 2020. (STR/AFP) The islands dedicated independent semiconductor foundries are forecast to represent almost 80 percent of the total worldwide pure-play foundry market in 2021, according to IC Insights reports. Meanwhile, Taiwanese companies hold almost 90 percent of Taiwans total IC capacity, researchers found. Taiwan also held the largest share of the capacity of any country or region in the world as of December 2020. While the Taiwanese economy would crater if China attempted a military takeover of the island nation, Chinas economy would also suffer greatly, IC Insights said. The question is whether China is willing to accept relatively short-term economic pain for the long-term benefit of having the largest amount of the worlds leading-edge IC production capacity under its control for many years to come. TSMC recently announced plans on Oct. 14 to open a new factory in Japan in 2024 to meet the long-term appetite for chips. A logo of TSMC at its headquarters in Hsinchu city, Taiwan on Aug. 31, 2018. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) The director-general of the European Commissions trade section said on the same day during a virtual forum that the European Union and Taiwan are natural partners with shared values when it comes to semiconductors. The Taiwanese chip giant also said in 2020 that it will build a $12 billion factory in Arizona, to help the United States to reduce dependence on foreign-based supply chains of key technologies. TSMC said in June that the construction has started. Shares of TSMC rose over 3 percent on Friday after the firm posted a higher-than-expected profit in the third quarter, compared with a 1.3 percent increase in the broader market. A general view of Crown Sydney is seen at Barangaroo on November 19, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) Crowns Victorian Licencing Fate Rides on Royal Commission Report An Australian Royal Commissions report into whether Crown Casino should keep its license in the state of Victoria has been handed to that states government, but the details will only be made public at the end of October. Former Federal Court judge Ray Finkelstein has spent five months examining whether the casino is fit to operate after the New South Wales Bergin Inquiry found Crown unsuitable to run its newly built casino at Barangaroo in Sydney. The inquiry found that Crown had facilitated money laundering; an illegal process of legitimising money obtained through crimes. The casino partnered with junket operators that had links with criminal groups even after being made aware of this, thereby exposing its staff to risks of detention in China. Tim Costello, chief advocate for Alliance for Gambling Reform, told Sky News that regulatory capture by Crown Casino could be why there has yet to be proper regulation of gambling and casinos. Regulatory capture is a form of corruption that results due to the regulators becoming overly sympathetic of firms. What really upsets me for the Victorian public is the money laundering which really is a code for enabling crime, he said. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he was prepared to rip up Crowns licence to run its Melbourne casino if recommended by the Royal Commission. The Royal Commissioner handed the report to Victorian Governor Linda Dessau on Friday. However, the Victorian Gaming Minister Melissa Horne said that the state government will take until the end of October to consider the findings. Well consider the findings and recommendations from the Royal Commission in detail and take whatever action is necessary to strengthen casino oversight in Victoria and ensure this never happens again, she said in a statement. But Deputy Nationals leader and Shadow Gaming Minister Steph Ryan has called for the immediate release of the Royal Commissioners findings. This really is a Royal Commission that Daniel Andrews never wanted to have and theyre now seeking to kick the can down the road, Ryan told reporters on Friday. They should just face the music, release the report and let Victorians actually see what the findings of the Royal Commission are and what recommendations its making. Resignations of Crowns upper management have already rolled out following the inquiry. Melbourne chief executive Xavier Walsh stepped down in August and will leave the company in December, and former Howard government minister Helen Coonan left her position as Crown Resorts interim chair. A new Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission was announced in August to replace the gambling sector of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR). VGCCCs focus is solely on regulating casinos and gambling operators. The Victorian Government also stated that there will be specialised group within this body that will be solely dedicated to casinos. Intake towers for water to enter to generate electricity and provide hydroelectric power stand during low water levels due the western drought on July 19, 2021 at the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River at the Nevada and Arizona state border. The Lake Mead reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the NevadaArizona border provides water to the Southwest, including nearby Las Vegas as well as Arizona and California, but has remained below full capacity since 1983 due to increased water demand and drought, conditions that are expected to continue. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) Debate Over Water in Southwest Ignores Immigration News Analysis The Biden administrations move to revisit a 2019 Bureau of Reclamation biological opinion that had relaxed restrictions on water access in California has drawn the ire of state and national Republicans, who have issued a statement claiming that California Democrats and the Biden administration now want to deprive [Californians] of water supplies. Yet, as Republican and Democratic lawmakers do battle over environmental restrictions on water in the American west, the effect on water availability caused by one particular factormass immigrationhas remained obscure. Even with improvements in water use, the water supply is going down, Jeremy Beck, of NumbersUSA, a nonprofit that aims to lower immigration levels, told The Epoch Times. That doesnt mean the Southwest is going to run out of water. It means theyre going to have to make some tough choices. Those choices could include increased investments in seawater desalination plants and pipelines to pump the desalinated water across hundreds of miles of desert. Those plants are expensive, with one proposed facility in Pima County, Arizona, projected to cost $4.1 billion. They can also take decades to build. In a 2020 report on development in Arizona, NumbersUSA estimated that 44 percent of Arizonas population growth between 2000 and 2015 was due to international migration. Internal migration within the United States has been another factor, accounting for 56 percent of the states growth during that period. NumbersUSA also projected that Arizonas population will increase by another 3 million people by 2050, joining Phoenix and Tucson together into a single mega-city. That growth is expected to place additional stress on groundwater and the Colorado River. In August, the federal-level Bureau of Reclamation declared a water shortage at Lake Mead along the Colorado River for the first time ever. While population growth can stem from a natural increase, future population growth in the United States is likely to be fueled by immigration, both legal and illegal. Beck cited projections from Pew Research, which suggest that 88 percent of U.S. population growth from 2015 through 2065 will result from new immigrants and their descendants. Many of the counties with the highest share of immigrant adultslegal and illegalare in the southwest on or near the southern border, according to maps from the Center for Immigration Studies. Pew Research has shown a similar pattern for illegal aliens in a 2016 analysis, with 2.2 million illegal aliens living in California alone. Of course, as NumbersUSAs analysis of Arizona shows, internal migration within the United States has been another source of pressure on the Southwests resources. In recent years, many parts of the Southwest, particularly Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, have experienced net in-migration. Yet, internal migration in the country has declined in recent decades, reaching a 73-year low prior to the pandemic. The United Van Lines 2020 Mover Study identified just one Southwestern state, Arizona, among the top 10 states for net inbound migration in 2020, at No. 5 in the United States. Other Southwestern states, such as Utah (No. 17), Nevada (No. 22), and New Mexico (No. 20) were in the middle of the pack, while California (No. 44) ranked among the top 10 states for net outbound migration. There are also some indications that immigration, and particularly illegal immigration, is picking up under the Biden administration. During the past fiscal year, encounters between U.S. Border Patrol and illegal immigrants at the southern border have surged, reaching a 21-year monthly high in July 2021. Senate Democrats sought to provide mass amnesty for 8 million illegal immigrants as part of the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package, though the provision was blocked by Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough. Theres no question that the added demand of population will put increased stress on the water system, Beck said. These decisions will not get any easier with another 3 million people in Arizona and another 30 million in the American Southwest. The Epoch Times reached out to multiple academic researchers who hold differing views on immigration and the natural environment, including Bennington College professor John Hultgren, who has criticized Tucker Carlson for what he has described as absurd statements about needing to close up the border to prevent desert ecosystems from being trashed. Hultgren didnt respond to requests for comment by press time. On the ground, farmers are among those worst affected by water shortages. Nancy Caywood told The Epoch Times that her family has owned their cotton farm in Pinal County, Arizona, since 1930. They rely on water from San Carlos Lake. Known for its fluctuating water levels, the lake dried up extremely early in 2021, leading the San Carlos Irrigation District to cut off the Caywood family farms water in April (their water service has since been restored). We didnt put any cotton in the ground, because we didnt have any water, she said. According to Caywood, she has to pay for water as part of her county tax bill whether or not her farm gets any. A spokesperson for the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District confirmed this. If we dont make the payment, we could lose our farm, Caywood said. For her part, she doesnt tie the drought to population growth. Yet, as development booms near her farm, she still worries that her new neighbors, who she said are moving in from other states, want to push out farmers such as her. Theyre building houses like crazy, she said, stating that homes near her have been the subject of bidding wars. They want to put a waterpark in! They dont even give it a second thought that were running dry. Its very, very disheartening to know that were in such a serious drought, and yet, theres this continued building and building and building. In Californias Central Valley, things arent much better. Melon farmer Joe Del Bosque told The Epoch Times he has seen that a lot of changes in water access since his family arrived in the area during the 1950s. During the 1990s, environmental regulations slashed water allocation to his farm. We adapted to that by using more efficient irrigation systems and changing crops, Del Bosque said. But a 2009 biological opinion on smelt and salmon from NOAA Fisheries pushed Del Bosque closer to the brink There were several years when we had no water, he said, stating that he survived by purchasing water from farmers in other water districts. He said the combination of drought conditions and environmental regulations has created uncertainty for him and other farmers. Cities, he noted, also vie for water resources. Another California farmer, Don Cameron, agreed that population growth, alongside other factors, has strained the states capacity to store and utilize water. We know that the water system in California was built a long time ago, when there were under 20 million people in the state, he told The Epoch Times. Now youve got 40 million, and youre stressing the system. While California stopped growing or possibly even shrank during 2020 as many long-time residents started to flee the state, it did add millions of new residents between 2010 and 2020, thanks in large part to international immigration and a natural increase from the descendants of recent immigrants. Although immigration, as well as immigration-driven population growth, have become increasingly partisan issues, there was greater bipartisan consensus against unrestricted and high levels of immigration in the recent past. Former Democratic Rep. Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman elected to the House of Representatives from the south, chaired the bipartisan, nine-member U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform in 1995. The Jordan Commission recommended a reduction in legal immigrants from roughly 830,000 per year to 550,000 per year. It also sought to limit the chain migration of family members by prioritizing spouses and children younger than 21 and doing away with family-based admission of adult children and siblings. Today, however, aggressively pro-immigration rhetoric has become increasingly mainstream, including among liberal and left-wing commentators who simultaneously advocate strong action on environmental issues. Vox co-founder Matthew Yglesias, who recently described climate change as a really big problem, has argued that the United States should loosen its restrictions on immigration in order to triple its population to 1 billion people. Beck, of NumbersUSA, thinks this seeming disconnect may be an example of magical thinking. I would suspect that its a reflection of our increased polarization and partisan divide, Beck said. It makes it very difficult to have a robust and honest discussion. Delta Air Lines Reaches 90 Percent Vaccination Rate Without Enforcing Bidens Divisive Mandate More than 90 percent of Delta Air Lines workforce have been vaccinated against COVID-19 without enforcing President Joe Bidens divisive vaccine mandate, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said on Oct. 15. Delta Air Lines remains a major U.S. carrier that has chosen not to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for all its employees, although it does require all new U.S. employees to be vaccinated, and that all unvaccinated Delta staff enrolled in its health care plan pay a $200 monthly surcharge. In an interview with Fox Business, Bastian said he wanted to avoid a mandate that would push unvaccinated employees of the roughly 80,000 workforce out of the company. The Atlanta-based airlines CEO said over 90 percent of employees have been vaccinated so far and that he expects 95 percent will have reached vaccination status by early November. The reason the mandate was put in by the president, I believe, was because they wanted to make sure companies had a plan to get their employees vaccinated, he said. A month before the president came out with the mandate, we had already announced our plan to get all of our people vaccinated. And the good news is the plan is working. Bastian noted that religious and medical accommodations will need to be made for employees who wish to remain unvaccinated without employees having to risk losing their jobs. By the time were done, well be pretty close to fully vaccinated as a company without going through all the divisiveness of a mandate, he said. Were proving that you can work collaboratively with your people, trusting your people to make the right decisions, respecting their decisions and not forcing them over the loss of their jobs. Bastian also praised the company for recording 116 perfect days with no cancellations this year across Deltas mainline and regional operations, putting the airline on par with pre-pandemic levels. Deltas done a great job all year long with making certain that were managing supply and demand in equilibrium, he said. I cant give enough thanks to the Delta team, providing a great product for our customers and its one of the reasons we were profitable this quarter. Multiple airlines have mandated vaccines for employees, with United Airlines being the first U.S. carrier to do so, announcing the mandate in August. United Airlines confirmed on Sept. 29 that it was going to terminate 593 of its employees who have chosen not to comply with the companys vaccine mandate. Workers at multiple airlines across the United States last week protested against COVID-19 vaccination mandates after numerous carriers announced employees must get vaccinated or risk losing their jobs. American Airlines told workers in an email on Oct. 6 that they have to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 24 or face termination. Hundreds of American Airlines workersincluding pilots and flight attendants in uniformstook to the streets outside the companys Fort Worth, Texas headquarters on Thursday to protest against the new measures, The Dallas Morning News reported. A group of Southwest Airlines aircraft sit on the tarmac at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. (Ralph Freso/Getty Images) Teachers and others protesting against vaccination mandates in front of the Department of Education building in Brooklyn, New York City, on Oct. 4, 2021. (Petr Svab/The Epoch Times) Southwest Airlines (SWA) also announced it will require all of its 56,000 U.S. employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), a union, announced on Oct. 5 that it would be filing a temporary restraining order against SWA to stop the company from carrying forward its mandate. The order forms part of a lawsuit that SWAPA filed on Aug. 30 challenging forced time off and other changes to working conditions imposed by the airline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of them brandished signs reading Mandates wont fly and Dont fire my Dad in response to the new rules, while some protesters said they were skeptical of the effectiveness of the vaccine and concerned about side effects. On Monday, Boeing told employees they must be vaccinated against COVID-19, a spokesperson confirmed. Employees must be vaccinated by Dec. 8 in line with the deadline set by Biden requiring federal employees as well as companies that are contractors and subcontractors of the government to receive the shots. The policy will apply to roughly 125,000 employees in the United States, of which about 57,000 are in Washington state, The Seattle Times reported. Epoch Booklist: Noteworthy Reads History Exposing the Plan to Divide America Debunking the 1619 Project By Mary Grabar The 1619 Project was key in introducing critical race theory into schools. Mary Grabars in-depth research debunks its claims about slavery and exposes the tricks used to misrepresent figures such as Abraham Lincoln. An essential read. Regnery History, 2021, 320 pages Lafayette in the Age of Revolution Hero of Two Worlds By Mike Duncan An insightful book about French nobleman and military officer Marquis de Lafayettes roles in the French and American Revolutions. Duncan details his arrival as a 19-year-old, disobeying the French monarch to do soand making him a fugitive), his bravery in battle (chock-full of brilliant maneuvers), and his relationship with George Washington. Lafayette finally gets his due in this extensively researched, enjoyable read; a fine addition to the massive collection of American Revolution scholarship. PublicAffairs, 2021, 512 pages Nonfiction Howling With the Wolves Our Wild Calling By Richard Louv Take a deep dive into the natural world around us and see how connecting with animals, both domestic and wild, can enrich our lives and potentially save theirs. Through shared stories, studies and reportage, and cutting-edge science, Richard Louv presents the case for protecting and promoting a caring habitat for humananimal coexistence, a habitat of the heart. Strengthening our bonds with living creatures can transform us on many levels. In this digital age, real connection is possible. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2019, 273 pages Confronting the Chinese Communist Party The World Turned Upside Down By Clyde Prestowitz This treatment of the entire U.S.China relationship, from the beginning up to now, is eminently simple and readable, and detailed at the same time. In China, the buck stops with the Chinese Communist Party. The CCP reigns supreme, and every person, every corporation is subject to it. As such, it is able to shape behavior on a very fundamental level. A fascinating read. Yale University Press, 2021, 344 pages Fiction Human Bonds, Heart, and Healing Hamnet By Maggie OFarrell In England in 1580, the Black Death plagues the land. William Shakespeare, then a penniless Latin tutor, is smitten by an extraordinary woman. They marry. Agnes becomes the electrifying force in their lives as they grieve the death of their 11-year-old son. Their brokenness is brilliantly conveyed and weaves an agonizing and moving backdrop. It sets the stage as the playwrights career skyrockets. What happens is breathtakingly redemptive. Vintage Books, 2021, 305 pages Classics Love and Sacrifice A Tale of Two Cities By Charles Dickens It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. So begins A Tale of Two Cities, a classic tale about the French Revolution. In a time of mobs and executions, we marvel at a daughters care for her broken father and cheer for the dissolute but brave Sydney Carton who goes to the guillotine speaking the books last line: It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known. One of Charles Dickenss most popular works, and with good reason. Penguin Classics, 2019, 234 pages For Kids Adventures With Grandpa The Old Man and the Boy By Robert Ruark Robert Ruarks account of boyhood days spent hunting and fishing with his grandfather begins, The Old Man knows pretty near close to everything. We can all learn from this mans wisdom. A classic, especially for teen boys. Holt Paperbacks, 1993 reprint, 256 pages Prose That Glitters I Capture the Castle By Dodie Smith I write this sitting in the kitchen sink. So begins witty narrator 17-year-old Cassandra as she hones her writing skills, helps her poor family, and falls in love. In the end, she captures the castle and readers as well. Wednesday Books, 2017 reprint, 400 pages Joshua Philipp Follow Joshua Philipp is an award-winning investigative reporter with The Epoch Times and host of EpochTV's "Crossroads" program. He is a recognized expert on unrestricted warfare, asymmetrical hybrid warfare, subversion, and historical perspectives on todays issues. His 10-plus years of research and investigations on the Chinese Communist Party, subversion, and related topics give him unique insight into the global threat and political landscape. Dustin Bass Follow Dustin Bass is the co-host of The Sons of History podcast and an author. Anita L. Sherman Follow Anita L. Sherman is an award-winning journalist who has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and editor for local papers and regional publications in Virginia. She now works as a freelance writer and is working on her first novel. She is the mother of three grown children and grandmother to four, and she resides in Warrenton, Va. Anita can be reached at anitajustwrite@gmail.com Jan Jekielek Senior Editor Follow Jan Jekielek is a senior editor with The Epoch Times and host of the show, "American Thought Leaders." Jans career has spanned academia, media, and international human rights work. In 2009 he joined The Epoch Times full time and has served in a variety of roles, including as website chief editor. He is the producer of the award-winning Holocaust documentary film "Finding Manny." Epoch Times Journalists Praised for Coverage of Nigerias Genocide Ask Americans what they think about Nigeria, and most will have no idea that Nigeria is wracked by an internal genocide that has killed hundreds of thousands of Christian villagers. Even fewer will know the root cause of the murders. Which is why Lara Logan, a host of the Fox Nation program Lara Logan Has No Agenda, has produced a 38-minute documentary on the Nigerian catastrophe called 21st Century Terrorism Revealed. Though working from a distance of 5,000 miles, Logan deployed the voices of Nigerian citizen-journalists who risked their lives to obtain video and testimonies from villagers escaping the genocide. Lawrence Zongo, a high-school history teacher, teamed up with Masara Kim, a respected conflict reporter in Jos, Luka Binniyat in Kaduna, and Tom Garba in Adamawa, as well as many others, to work in a group that Zongo created called Rural Watch. In the film, Logan asks Lawrence Zongo: Are you not worried that youll be killed? Zongo replies: I know I will be killed. Ive sacrificed already. After viewing the documentary, Nina Shea, senior scholar of the Hudson Institute and director of its Center for Religious Freedom in Washington, DC, told The Epoch Times: Rural Watch journalist Lawrence Zongos interview is one of the poignant moments of this moving documentary. It is amply clear that he is putting his life on the line to tell the story of the Fulanis Christian victims. Neither Western nor Nigerian urban journalists dare go into the killing fields of the rural north to get the story. He willingly lives among the victims, knowing that he could be next to go to the slaughter. His fearless witness to what appears to be the warning signs of ethno-religious genocide is worthy of journalisms highest prize and deserves our awe. The reporters of Rural Watch reached an audience in the United States through the mentoring of a former U.S. State Department official and Epoch Times reporter, Douglas Burton. He worked with Stephen Gregory, the publisher of the U.S. editions of The Epoch Times, to help Zongo and Kim get their bylines into the newspaper. Gregory said, The world needs to pay attention to what is happening in Nigeria, and we have been very proud to publish this powerful, original journalism about the ongoing genocide. At the core of Epoch Times mission has been reporting on human rights abuses. Logan acknowledged The Epoch Times for their essential contribution to her project: We could not have done anything of significance without Doug Burton and the extraordinary Nigerian journalists contributing to the Epoch Times, who live in these isolated, rural killing fields that are so dangerous it is impossible for us to go there. Without them, we would never see any of it or know the truth. I have such deep respect for them and for Doug. They represent the pure spirit of what journalism is meant to be at its finest. I am so grateful to all of them. They reminded me why its so important to fight for our media the way The Epoch Times has been fighting from the start. Once an award-winning war correspondent for CBS News, Logan brings the audience with her as she reveals the multiple horrors of Nigerias conflict zones, then lets eyewitnesses tell why the carnage is happening. The film drills down into atrocities that are unknown even to many Nigerians. On the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, Logan recounts that on that very day Fulani Muslim tribesmen erased the Christian community of Rankum in Plateau State, murdering 200 Christians. No Christians are allowed to live there, Logan narrates. The conquerors gave the strategically located hill town the name Mahanga, which means watchtower. It was Nigerias 9/11. The terrorist takeover was not opposed by federal or local authorities. To a government in denial, these terrorists who have killed at least 70,000 Christians are bandits. Journalists like [Masara] Kim: a threat, Logan tells her Fox Nation viewers. Journalist Masara Kim pictured in a screenshot from Fox Nations documentary 21st Century Terrorism Revealed by Lara Logan. (Screenshot 21st Century Terrorism Revealed/The Epoch Times) Hudsons Shea said Logans film depicts a nation heading toward catastrophe and with ominous implications for the United States: Moreover, not simply a human rights and humanitarian crisis of genocidal proportions, it is also an American security concern. Today Mahanga is a terrorist base camp; tomorrow, half of Nigeria, Africas most populous and economically prosperous country, could be one. The U.S. government must recognize the gains being made by Islamist extremists in this region under the approving eye of its [Nigerias] presidentan apologist president who continues to generously aid their efforts. Nigeria is rapidly becoming a global catastrophe. The Islamic terror group Boko Haram was, for a time, a major player in Nigeria until its leader, Abubakar Shekau, blew himself up in May 2021. The group targeted school children, kidnapping girls to become sex slaves and converting them to Islam by force. The girls were also deployed as suicide bombers, killing thousands of civilians in the process. After Boko Harams mass kidnapping of the Chibok school girls in 2014, First Lady Michelle Obama popularized the chant Bring back our girls! Yet, as Logan shows, those words were nothing more than a PR stunt that ended in betrayal. U.S. intelligence at the time quickly tracked the girls to a warehouse, and Americas first Black president, who could have saved them within days, did nothing, she said. President Obama was not a friend to the Christians of Nigeria, according to Logan. Working with Secretary of State John Kerry and Democratic campaign operative David Axelrod, Obama removed his support from Nigerias Christian president, Goodluck Jonathan, after Jonathan passed a law banning gay marriage. Instead, Obama worked to elect the Fulani Muslim Muhammadu Buhari. Even so, newly elected President Buhari affirmed Jonathans ban on gay marriage. When Secretary of State Kerry visited Nigeria, he went first to the northern city of Sokoto, the center of the Fulani tribes former Islamic empire. It is still the spiritual home of Fulani Muslims who are determined to restore their Caliphate. The Fox Nation film, which has been excerpted on You Tube channels such as ICON PSJ Media, will be welcomed by those critics of the Department of State who argue that the United States for years has coddled a government that is complicit in the murder of its own citizens. As Shea said, Bad American policy bears a significant degree of responsibility for the horrors happening under Buharis leadership to innocent northern civilians, especially the Christians. On many levelseven for those of us informed about the Fulani and Boko Haram atrocitiesthis film should be an eye opener. Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch This Week Copshop (2021) Shady swindler and con man Teddy Murretto (Frank Grillo) is being hunted by even shadier assassins who are out to get him. Desperate, Teddy purposely lands in a small-town jail cell for shelter from his pursuers. Unfortunately, Teddys plan goes south when he sees that the man across from him is none other than apex hitman Bob Viddick (Gerard Butler), who wants him deader than dead. Added to the mix is a young rookie cop, Valerie Young (Alexis Louder), who is trying to figure out just whats going on as the chaotic criminal hijinks ensue. Buckle up for this taut ode to 70s grindhouse cinema. Action | Crime | Thriller Release Date: Sept. 17, 2021 Director: Joe Carnahan Starring: Frank Grillo, Gerard Butler, Alexis Louder Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: In theaters The Auschwitz Report (2021) The Auschwitz Report (2021) There have been many films that revealed the horrors that transpired at the AuschwitzBirkenau concentration camp operated by the Nazi German regime. However, The Auschwitz Report illuminates an oft-overlooked angle, as it shows the real-life escape of Rudolf Vrba (Noel Czuczor) and Alfred Wetzler (Peter Ondrejicka), two Slovak Jews who would later write the VrbaWetzler Reporta detailed account of what was really going on there. While distressing to watch, its a worthwhile endeavor to follow the men in their desperate attempt to get their crucial message out to a world still largely ignorant of what was happening in the camps. Drama | History | War Release Date: May 7, 2021 Director: Peter Bebjak Starring: Noel Czuczor, Peter Ondrejicka, John Hannah Runtime: 1 hour, 34 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Where to Watch: DirectTV, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Google Play East of the Mountains (2021) East of the Mountains (2021) Ben Givens (Tom Skerritt) is a retired doctor who is still mourning the death of his wife. He tells his only daughter, Renee (Mira Sorvino), that hes going on a hunting trip, but what he doesnt disclose is that he has terminal cancer. The films understated and scarce dialogue lets the actors brutally raw performances shine. Theres plenty to marvel at if one has the patience. A perennial (and reliably great) supporting actor, this time Skerritt takes the lead role, in this beautifully composed film. Action | Drama Release Date: Sept. 24, 2021 Director: S.J. Chiro Starring: Tom Skerritt, Mira Sorvino, Annie Gonzales Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, DirectTV, Google Play, Apple TV Pale Rider (1985) Pale Rider (1985) A small band of homesteaders finds their village terrorized by a powerful mining syndicate and their menacing leader, who begins using violence to run them off. A mysterious man, known only as Preacher (Clint Eastwood), rides into the lives of the humble villagers and attempts to pull them together in order to defy LaHood and his insidious mining company. Drama | Western Release Date: June 26, 1985 Director: Clint Eastwood Starring: Clint Eastwood, Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress Runtime: 1 hour, 55 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Apple TV, DirectTV Call Northside 777 (1948) Call Northside 777 (1948) During the early 30s in Chicago, a policeman is gunned down in an illegal speakeasy during Prohibition. Frank Wiecek (Richard Conte) and his friend Tomek are arrested and sentenced to serve many years in the state penitentiary. Years later, ace reporter P.J. McNeal (James Stewart) begins to dig into the case, sensing that something isnt quite right. Drama | Film Noir Release Date: Feb. 1, 1948 Director: Henry Hathaway Starring: James Stewart, Richard Conte, Lee J. Cobb Runtime: 1 hour, 52 minutes MPAA Rating: Approved Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu, Direct TV, Apple TV North by Northwest (1959) North by Northwest (1959) Dashing and debonair ad exec Richard Thornhill (Cary Grant) lives a charmed life. But one day while out meeting some clients, Thornhill is subjected to the worst case of mistaken identity imaginable. As a group of dastardly spies begins to close in on him, Grants charm and humor will have you rooting for him through his various trials and tribulations. Adventure | Mystery | Thriller Release Date: July 1, 1959 Director: Alfred Hitchcock Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason Runtime: 2 hours, 16 minutes MPAA Rating: Approved Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu, Direct TV, Apple TV The Evergrande name and logo outside the construction site of a housing complex in Beijing on Sept. 13, 2021. (Greg Baker/AFP) Evergrande Risks Are Controllable, Chinas Central Bank Says Amid Growing Fears The debt crisis plaguing China Evergrande Group is controllable and unlikely to spill over, the countrys central bank said on Oct. 15 amid growing fears that its potential collapse could trigger a global domino effect. With over $300 billion worth of liabilities, Evergrande is the worlds most indebted real estate developer. The company has missed three bond payments in three weeks, intensifying fears of a contagion effect in Chinas property market. In Beijings first public remarks on the issue, Zou Lan, head of financial markets at the Peoples Bank of China, sought to allay investors fears, saying that Evergrandes troubles are an isolated phenomenon. The Evergrande Group has poorly managed in recent years and failed to exercise prudence according to changing market conditions. Instead, it has blindly diversified and expanded its business, Zou told reporters in a press briefing on Friday. About $89 billion of Evergrandes liabilities is in loans and bonds, making up just under a third of the total. As Evergrandes creditors are scattered, theres no major risk to any particular financial institutions, Zou said. He said that land and housing prices are forecast to continue a steady growth, and that most real estate enterprises have been operating stably with good financial indicators, meaning the real estate industry is overall healthy. Relevant departments and local officials are urging Evergrande to redouble its efforts in disposing of assets and restart construction projects to safeguard consumer interests, the central bank official said, adding that the financial authorities will provide the necessary funding to support project resumption. Chinese authorities had previously kept silent on the Evergrande crisis in public since the company began having trouble repaying its debts last month. In late September, Evergrande raised $1.5 billion by selling its stake in a Chinese bank to a state-owned enterprise. Shares of Chinese real estate firms have plunged in September, which has traditionally been a strong month. Evergrande has halted trading of its shares in Hong Kong along with those of its property management unit pending the announcement of a major transaction. It has also punished six executives who redeemed the companys wealth investment products, the company said this week. The firm has since recovered those funds from the executives, it added. An aerial view shows the Evergrande Changqing community in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on Sept. 26, 2021. (Getty Images) More Chinese developers are facing challenges as the worries of contagion continue to mount. A small Evergrande rival Fantasia last week missed payment on $206 million worth of liabilities. On Thursday, the Fitch rating agency downgraded property developer Modern Land from B to C, after the company requested a three-month extension on a $250 million bond due on Oct. 25. Another real estate developer, Xinyuan, avoided default on Friday by persuading its bondholders to accept new bonds and cashworth $205.4 million and $19.1 million respectivelyin exchange. The International Monetary Fund has warned that Evergrandes woes could ripple through the global economy. While the authorities have the tools to step in if the situation were to escalate, there is a risk that broader financial stress may emerge, with implications for both the Chinese economy and financial sector as well as global capital markets at the extreme, the IMF said in its Global Financial Stability Report this month, adding that there are challenging trade-offs in terms of the extent of support to affected financial entities and sectors and the timing of the intervention. Evergrande has not spoken about the missed payments, but said in a filing to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange that it would pay interest due on Oct. 19 on a five-year, $326-million bond it issued last year. 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) What the Evergrande debacle has revealed is the problems of Chinas housing sector, which has been on the decline after two decades of over-expansion, according to Edward Huang, a Taiwanese commentator specialized in the Chinese economy. With a value of $5 trillion, the Chinese housing sector accounts for around a quarter of the Chinese economy by some metrics. A drop in housing prices could deal a fatal blow to the countrys economic growth, Huang said. China has been trying to prevent the real estate from going into trouble. But the U.S. sanctions and a slowdown in the Chinese economy have put strains on the industry; if theres a sharp drop in housing prices, it will, in turn, add pressure on the economy, he told The Epoch Times. Its a structural problemone that is very hard to change. The future outlook of Chinas real estate would depend on how long it takes for the housing bubble to burst, Huang said. If they slowly squeeze the bubble out, the resulting economic damage may be relatively small, but it would drag on Chinas economic growth in the long term, according to Huang. Conversely, a rapid bubble bursting would be tragic for China, he said. Regardless of the scenarios, because real estate is a main driver for the economy, this is the end of Chinas breathtaking economic boom, he said. Luo Ya contributed to this report. A logo of China's CanSino Biologics Inc is pictured on the company's headquarters in Tianjin, China, on August 17, 2020. (Reuters/Thomas Peter) Failed Vaccine Deal With China Cost Millions, Delayed Canada-Made Vaccines: Report The federal governments insistence on partnering with a Chinese vaccine company in the early stages of the pandemic led to a nearly two-year delay in producing a Canada-made vaccine, according to a new report. The Canadian government waited months for a COVID-19 vaccine sample to arrive from China that never materialized, and wasted millions upgrading a facility that has never produced any vaccines, according to government documents obtained by CBCs The Fifth Estate. The documents show that in May 2020, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) signed a collaboration agreement with the Chinese company CanSino Biologics to fast-track a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in Canada. CanSino, which is affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its military, was to ship the vaccines to Canada for further clinical trials that month. The NRC had been preparing to manufacture the vaccines and committed $44 million to upgrade a temporary production facility in Montreal, even before the contract was signed, according to the documents. But the CanSino vaccine would never arrive in Canada, as they were held up by Chinas customs under suspicious circumstances. A federal government memo reveals that days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made public the deal with CanSino on May 16, 2020, the Canadian Embassy in Beijing was still working with the Chinese customs to get the vaccines through, CBC reported. CanSino vaccines are still with customs in China, the memo stated. Embassy has a [meeting] tomorrow. Assuming they get through customs [tomorrow], they can be put on a flight on the 27th. But the vaccine samples never got through on May 27, which experts say was the result of political discord between Canada and China. On that same day, Meng Wanzhouthe high-profile senior executive of Chinas telecom giant Huaweilost an appeal in the British Columbia Supreme Court fighting against her extradition to the United States. Meng was arrested in Dec. 2018 in Vancouver on a U.S. warrant to have her extradited on charges of bank fraud. As of July 2020, the CanSino vaccine remained the single candidate approved by Health Canada for clinical trials in the country. By Aug. 2020, the NRC had abandoned the CanSino project seeing that China wouldnt allow the vaccines to come to Canada. The Conservatives have criticized the Liberal government for partnering with the Chinese company in vaccine development, raising questions about security concerns and Canadas slow vaccine rollout compared to other countries. CSIS [Canadian Security Intelligence Service] had been flagging CanSino as a national security threat for years, but the Liberals turned a blind eye to our Canadian experts, Conservative Leader Erin OToole wrote in a Dec. 2020 commentary in the National Post. After undoubtedly extracting useful Canadian vaccine research, China broke off relations and refused to ship samples, OToole wrote. The Liberals have defended their vaccine policy, saying that they had signed deals with other manufacturers before the CanSino partnership collapsed. We put all our eggs in as many different baskets as possible, and that is how we have the most diverse portfolio of vaccines and more doses potentially per capita than any other country in the world. We have been there for Canadians, Trudeau said in the House of Commons on Dec. 2, 2020. Despite the stalled partnership, Trudeau announced in a press conference on Aug. 31 last year that the Montreal lab had been upgraded to produce the CanSino vaccines. The Prime Ministers Office also said the facility would enable the preliminary production of 250,000 doses of vaccine per month starting in November 2020, which never came to fruition. To date, the NRC facility has not produced any vaccines for Canada, CBC reported. Family of Girl Allegedly Raped in School Bathroom to Sue Loudoun County School District The family of a Loudoun County, Virginia girl who was allegedly raped by a male student at school earlier this year, is pursuing a legal challenge against the school district. Attorneys for the family of the Stone Bridge High School student who was sexually assaulted in the girls restroom on May 28 by a boy claiming to be gender fluid today announced they will pursue legal actions against Loudoun County under the provisions of Title IX, the Stanley Law Group in Virginia said in a press release. News of the forthcoming lawsuit comes shortly after an incident involving the girls father, Scott Smith, was included in a controversial letter that compared some parents to domestic terrorists due to his outburst at a school board meeting about the May 28 incident. Smiths daughter, 15, is a freshman at Stone Bridge High School in Loudoun County. Smith claims a boy raped her in a bathroom at the school. He and the familys lawyer say a rape kit and other tests showed a sexual assault had occurred. A spokeswoman for the sheriffs office told The Epoch Times via email earlier this week that she could confirm that an incident on May 28 is still being investigated. The spokeswoman declined to provide documents, citing a pending case. The same boy allegedly, after transferring to another school, was charged with sexual battery after being accused of inappropriately touching a 15-year-old in Ashburn. The sheriffs office declined to confirm whether its the same male. The sexual assault our daughter endured should never happen to any young girl, or any child, attending a public school, the teenagers parents are quoted in the release as saying about their plans to sue the school district. The family lawyer, Bill Stanley, described the alleged assault against the 15-year-old as abhorrent. What happened to Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their daughter in Loudoun County is absolutely abhorrent and unacceptable. 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, Stanley said in the news release. The Stanley Law Group said it will also represent the girls father against wrongful and unconstitutional charges filed against him in Circuit Court. Smith was arrested at a school board meeting on June 22 that he attended his wife, and was found guilty of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in August. His arrest was widely reported and was cited by the National School Boards Association in its recent letter to President Joe Biden urging him to take action to combat incidents the board likened to domestic terrorism. We will protect the interests of their daughter at every turn of the legal process. And, we will pursue federal Title IX actions against the local government and all officials who are responsible for allowing this harm to come to the Smiths daughter, Stanley added. The Epoch Times contacted Loudoun County Public Schools for comment. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Federal Labor Leader Backs Victorian MP Who Admitted to Branch Stacking Australias national Labor Party Leader Anthony Albanese has expressed his support for federal Labor MP Anthony Byrne remaining in federal parliament despite ongoing corruption investigations. Byrne announced his resignation as the deputy chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security after admitting to involvement in branch stacking and misusing Commonwealth-funded staff, which Albanese accepted. However, Byrne, who is the member for Holt in Victoria, will remain in parliament as he waits for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commissions (IBAC) processes to conclude before making any further career decisions. What he has said is that hell wait for the IBAC processes to be concluded before he determines his political future, Albanese told the ABC. It is important that these independent processes are allowed to take their course. The Labor party took immediate action to expel former Victorian state Labor minister Adem Somyurek after 60 Minutes reported on his alleged involvement in branch stacking in 2020. However, Albanese expressed firm backing for Byrne, claiming the allegations against Byrne were of a very different nature. From time to time, there are breaches of party rules and the processes kick in to deal with that, Albanese said. But while IBAC is undertaking these investigations, its important that they be allowed to take their course. Albanese said he did not endorse the branch stacking behaviour that Byrne admitted to, but noted that the IBAC head commissioner thanked Byrne for his honesty. The party was completely out of control. I saw things and heard things that I didnt think Id ever see in a modern Labor party, Byrne told the IBAC hearing. Im referring to branch stacking; Im referring to the coercion of staff being made to do things they didnt want to do. I was referring to party being taken over by one person whose sole objective was power and power alone. Meanwhile, Somyurek has criticised the Labor partys difference in attitude towards himself and Byrne. Byrne was the founder of MLG and my boss and mentor, he was not cowered or intimidated by me, Somyurek wrote on Twitter. I may have been the face of MLG but he stood large behind the scenes. The irony is I have never stacked branches I was tossed out on allegations. Byrne said he would fully cooperate with the IBAC inquiry but would not make any further comments while proceedings are underway. Fellow Republicans Reject NH Governors Bid to Promote COVID-19 Vaccine New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) failed to garner a single supporting vote from the four Republicans who make up the states five-member Executive Council in his bid for $27 million in funding to promote the CCP virus vaccine in the Granite State. The only supporting vote came from the sole Democrat who serves on the council. Republican Councilor Dave Wheeler, who has been a supporter of Sununu on other issues, raised the question of acquired natural immunity in his dissent to the funding bill to promote the COVID-19 shot. We talk about science all the time, but we ignore the fact that people have natural immunity from already having COVID, Wheeler said. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Sununu was quick to respond. The vote showed a reckless disregard for the lives we are losing while they turn away the tools our state needs to fight and win this battle against COVID, the governor said. Sununu charged that the concerns voiced by opponents to the funding initiative were based on fantasy. Sununu was also taken to task by executive councilors for not following suit with other Republican governors who have outlawed the use of vaccine mandates to deny employment. Will you stand up like the governor of Texas and tell private [businesses] they cant fire people? Wheeler asked Sununu. You want the government to tell private businesses who to hire and fire?Sununu responded. That isnt even socialist. That is completely un-American, sir. In 2018, Sununu signed a state law banning discrimination based on gender identity including in the workplace. Sununu remarked at the time that Discriminationin any formis unacceptable and runs contrary to New Hampshires Live Free or Die Spirit. During the meeting, nine people in the audience were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct including a mother holding a young child, her husband, and a 70-year old woman from Nashua who was charged with resisting arrest. A video of the arrest posted on Facebook shows she was sitting when state police approached her and forcibly led her away. People in the background can be heard yelling fascists at the NH troopers while others around the room can be heard shouting they werent doing anything wrong. Terese Grinnell, a registered nurse and also among those arrested at Wednesdays meeting, believes Sununu is trying to backdoor his way into creating a means to trace residents who are not vaccinated. The governors proposal includes $10 million for a digital database of each COVID-19 vaccination administered in the state. Goliath fell with a stone, said Grinnell, we have to keep just doing whats right, keep showing up and coming together and deciding what we the people we want for our children and being tenacious about that. Bussiere has been a lead organizer against COVID-19 mandates in New Hampshire. The NH Executive Council was slated to take a vote on Sununus $27 million proposal earlier in the month. However, a well-attended protest Bussiere and others organized in opposition to the funding along with mask mandates prompted the council to cancel the meeting last minute. The meeting held on Wednesday was held at the NH police training facility. Normally, NH Executive Council meetings are held at the statehouse in Concord. A month earlier in September, a large crowd bearing signs like Stop The Tyranny gathered outside the statehouse in protest of COVID mandates. They voiced their criticism of Gov. Sununu for not taking a more aggressive position against Bidens COVID vaccine mandate like Republican cohorts Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbot have done. Morning sunrise on the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 6, 2020. (Mike Blake/Reuters) Film and Television Workers Union to Begin Strike Monday Unless Negotiations Avert Deadline The union representing more than 60,000 film and television crew members plans to begin a strike if a last-minute deal does not meet their requirements for safe working conditions. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees International (IATSE) President Matthew Loeb said Wednesday the strike would start on Oct. 18 unless negotiations are successful before the deadline. However, the pace of bargaining doesnt reflect any sense of urgency, Loeb said in a statement (pdf). Without an end date, we could keep talking forever. Our members deserve to have their basic needs addressed now. The statement noted the agreement addresses core issues, such as reasonable rest periods, meal breaks, and a living wage for those on the bottom of the wage scale. More than 98 percent of voting union members supported the strike. Voter turnout included 90 percent of the unions members. BREAKING: Unless an Agreement is Reached, IATSE film & tv workers will begin a nationwide strike on Oct. 18 at 12:01 a.m. (PDT)https://t.co/nFEw6ZIyKy IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 13, 2021 The IATSE reported the pending strike has led to some studios scheduling unplanned additional work this week prior to the deadline. In response to our strike deadline announcement this week, we are getting reports some studios are scheduling unplanned sixth and seventh days and additional overtime, the union said on Twitter Thursday. It is SHAMEFUL 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 IATSE added in another post. It highlights the urgency of our issues. The union encouraged those who felt unsafe to report the issue to the appropriate safety hotline. Actor and producer Octavia Spencer voiced support for the IATSEs demands on Monday. I hope #AMPTP does the right thing and sits down again, Spencer wrote on Twitter. Theyre not asking for anything unreasonable. Some Democrat lawmakers have also expressed support of the unions strike. #Striketober coming in hot, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said in a tweet supporting the union and other strikes on Thursday. After years of being underserved and taken for granted & doubly so during the pandemic workers are starting to authorize strikes across the country: from @IATSE production workers to @UAW John Deere & @BCTGM Kellogg workers,& many more. Good, she added. In addition to IATSE, corporations like Kellogg, John Deere, and Nabisco have started strikes in October. In total, the companies represent more than 100,000 American workers petitioning for better working conditions across various unions. People watch as floodwaters are released from the Yellow River, China, on July 23, 2013. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) Flooding in West China Destroys Agricultural Production Continuous rainfall for more than ten days has caused the lower reaches of the Luo River in Chinas west to spill their banks. Large volumes of floodwater released from upstream have destroyed two dams in one county, and villages are flooded. Local jujube growers and those in animal husbandry have suffered serious losses. The autumn harvest is at a severe loss in Dali County of Weinan city, Shaanxi Province, where 108 villages have been affected by floods. According to local media reports, Dali County has experienced heavy rains this fall. Water levels in the Wei River and Luo River running across the province have exceeded their warning levels, with some areas experiencing serious floods. In Dalis Zhaodu town, about 29,000 acres of farmland were flooded, and 25,126 people had to be urgently evacuated. As to the reason for the flooding, some locals have voiced suspicion that its caused by the local authorities intentional release of floodwaters to protect other areas. Xin Ming (alias), a villager in Xinsi village, Zhaodu town, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that he believes that in order to protect Gansu Province and Henan Province, the authorities quickly released a large volume of water into the Dali area, bursting local river banks. The village was completely submerged, about two meters (6.6 feet) deep, and the houses and furniture were all immersed in the water, he said. Posts on social media by other local villagers in the disaster-stricken areas, across Zhaodu and Dali County, also said, In order to protect Gansu Province in the upper stream, and Henan Province in the lower stream, [authorities in] Shaanxi Province opened their own gates for two flood releases. The flood passed through Dali, and the dam broke. The Epoch Times could not verify this information. After contacting the Flood Control Command of Dali County, a staff member said that they did not release floodwaters at this time. At 6 a.m. on Oct. 9, villagers suddenly received a notice from township officials ordering them to evacuate immediately. Xue Fei (alias), an animal husbandry farmer in Zhaodu, told The Epoch Times, The water is rising rapidly, and the time for people to evacuate was very short, in a rush. Cows and pigs were killed by the flood, and the farmers have suffered particularly great losses. Dali County is known for its jujube plantations. It has been recognized by the central authorities for its high-quality agricultural products, like the famous Dali Jujube. Most local villagers grow jujube to support their livelihoods. Its harvest season now, but the floods have ruined this years crop. Dali Countys winter jujube is the most delicious in the country and has the most output, Xin said. The winter jujube in the field is almost completely submerged, and the greenhouses are also completely submerged. Xins 5-acre plantation of jujube trees was all destroyed after being soaked in floodwater. The Epoch Times has obtained a video showing the flooding in Dali County. After the flooding disaster, non-government relief materials were sent to the area in batches. But after the local government took over control of the distribution of aid, no aid has been reaching villagers outside the big towns. The weather has been getting cold, Xin said. We are short of quilts, cotton-padded clothes, and daily necessities, and the villagers do not even have enough shirts and pants. Hong Ning contributed to the report. Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz looks on before pleading guilty on all four criminal counts stemming from his alleged attack on a Broward County jail guard in Nov. 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Oct. 15, 2021. (Amy Beth Bennett/Pool via Reuters) Florida School Gunman Cruz to Plead Guilty to Murder, Lawyer Says Nikolas Cruz will plead guilty to murder in the 2018 mass shooting that killed 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, his lawyer told a judge on Friday. Cruzs attorney told a judge his client will plead guilty next week to all charges in what was the deadliest U.S. high school shooting. He faced 17 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of attempted murder. Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer noted Cruz, now 23, could change his mind before his plea hearing, which she agreed to set for 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Cruz was 19 and an expelled student at the time of the Feb. 14, 2018 mass murder. Prosecutors at the Broward States Attorney Office have said they will seek the death penalty for Cruz, noting in court documents that the shooting involving an AR-15 rifle was cold, calculated and premeditated. Even if Cruz pleads guilty to the charges and avoids a criminal trial, he would face a penalty phase in which a jury would decide whether he should be sentenced to life in prison or death, said Paula McMahon, a spokeswoman for the prosecutors office. In Florida, juries determine whether to impose a death sentence. So if prosecutors are not willing to drop the death penalty as part of any plea deal that may be struck with Cruz, then a jury would decide. There have been no plea negotiations with the prosecution. If he pleads guilty, there would still be a penalty phase, McMahon told Reuters in an email. In a separate criminal case heard by the judge on Friday, Cruz pleaded guilty to all four charges of assault and battery on a law enforcement officer stemming from a jail attack on Broward County Sheriffs Sergeant Raymond Beltran in November 2018. Before accepting his plea, she asked him if he understood the impact the assault case could have on the murder case. Sir, I need to advise you that the state is going to be using this conviction in this case as evidence of an aggravating factor for purposes of arguing in favor of the death penalty. Do you understand that? Judge Scherer asked Cruz. Yes, Maam, answered Cruz, who stood next to his lawyer after officers brought him to the courtroom from a holding area. Cruz, who wore a blue face mask, a navy blue sweater, white collared shirt, and ivory pants, spoke in a strong, clear voice. The judge deferred sentencing in the assault case, in which Cruz was accused of kicking, hitting, and punching the officer as well as attempting to remove his Taser to hit him in the head. Some of the families of the 14 students and three staff killed and 17 others injured when the troubled former student opened fire have rallied to call for gun control. Yet a report by a state-appointed commission on the shooting recommended arming teachers, spending more on school security and mental health, and training police to be more aggressive when responding to school shootings. By Barbara Goldberg A ground worker approaches a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 Max aircraft after it arrived at Vancouver International Airport on Jan. 21, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck) Former Boeing 737 Max Test Pilot Indicted for Fraud After Withholding Critical Information From FAA A former Boeing 737 Max test pilot was indicted for fraud on Thursday for deceiving and withholding critical information from the Federal Aviation Administrations Aircraft Evaluation Group (FAA AEG) the Department of Justice (DOJ) said. A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Texas indicted Mark A. Forkner, 49, who previously served as Chief Technical Pilot for Boeing, after he deceived federal safety regulators about the 737 Max jetliner in an attempt to save tens of millions of dollars for the airplane manufacturer. According to court documents, Boeing began developing and marketing the 737 MAX in and around June 2011. In a press release from the DOJ, prosecutors accuse Forkner of providing the FAA 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). MCAS provides consistent airplane handling characteristics in a very specific set of unusual flight conditions, such as when the pilot is flying the airplane manually, when the airplane nose approaches a higher-than-usual angle or when the planes wing flaps are up, according to Boeing, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require that all commercial jetliners have smooth handling characteristics in all flight conditions. In and around November 2016, Forkner discovered information about an important change to MCAS but did not share this information with the FAA AEG. Due to the false and inaccurate material Forkner provided, a key document published by the FAA AEG called the 737 MAX Flight Standardization Board Report (FSB Report) lacked any reference to MCAS, which resulted in airplane manuals and pilot-training materials for U.S.-based airlines also lacking any reference to the flight control law. Subsequently, Boeings U.S.-based airline customers were deprived of important information when making and finalizing their decisions to pay Boeing tens of millions of dollars for 737 MAX airplanes. Relatives weep as they pray for victims of the Lion Air jet that crashed into the Java Sea during a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. Distraught and angry relatives of those killed when a Lion Air jet crashed last week have confronted the airlines executives during a meeting arranged by Indonesian officials. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Indonesian soldiers and police examine a Merpati airline 737 plane after it skidded off the runway on landing in Indonesias West Papua city of Manokwari on April 13, 2010. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) Forkner allegedly abused his position of trust by intentionally withholding critical information about MCAS during the FAA evaluation and certification of the 737 MAX and from Boeings U.S.based airline customers, said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite Jr. of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. In an attempt to save Boeing money, Forkner allegedly withheld critical information from regulators, said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham for the Northern District of Texas. His callous choice to mislead the FAA hampered the agencys ability to protect the flying public and left pilots in the lurch, lacking information about certain 737 MAX flight controls. The Department of Justice will not tolerate fraudespecially in industries where the stakes are so high. The FAA AEG began reviewing and evaluating MCAS after a Boeing 737 operated by Indonesian airline Lion Air crashed 13 minutes after departure in 2018. All 189 people aboard the plane were killed. The FAA learned that MCAS was operating on the flight in the moments before the crash and discovered that important information about the augmentation system had been withheld. In 2019, 157 people died when a 737 operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff. FAA also learned that MCAS was operating in the moments before the crash. Shortly after that crash, all 737 MAX airplanes were grounded in the United States. Forkner is charged with two counts of fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate commerce and four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of wire fraud and 10 years in prison on each count of fraud involving aircraft parts in interstate commerce. He is expected to appear in court on Friday in Fort Worth, Texas, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. In January, Boeing agreed to pay the DOJ $2.5 billion and admitted that employees misled regulators about the safety of its 737 MAX aircraft. The government and the company said that the settlement includes money for the crash victims families, airline customers, and a fine. Andrew Forrest, Chairman, Minderoo Foundation speaks at The 2017 Concordia Annual Summit at Grand Hyatt New York on September 19, 2017 in New York City. (Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit) Forrest Calls For Australia To Rekindle China Friendship 'In the end we will sort this out because the alternative is unthinkable' Mining magnate Andrew Forrest has once again come under scrutiny for his favouritism towards China after calling for Australia and the Asian nation to diffuse tensions for the mutual economic benefit at a National Press Culb address. Forrest, whose mining company Fortescue has long-held ties with China and the Chinese regime, has openly expressed praise for the economic benefits brought by Australian exports to Chinaincluding at an event celebrating the CCPs founding earlier this month. I think both countries need to realise they need each other, Forrest said at the National Press Club event on Oct. 14. Theyve been good mates for a long time. The comments from the mining magnate come after Forrest came under scrutiny last year after a diplomatic blunder when he unexpectedly turned up to a government press event with a CCP diplomatic official. Forrest also suggested in his speech that Australia and China should work to make amends to an otherwise wavering relationship, citing his own experience of visiting and making deals with the communist nation. What Ive always found with China is that you sort things out behind closed doors, you go and see them, they come and see you, he said. Fortescue Metals Group CEO Andrew Forrest with Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a tour of Fortescue Metals Groups Christmas Creek mining operations in Karratha, Western Australia, on Apr. 15, 2021. (Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian via Getty Images) Forrest also recommended this to be done independent of public purview and without media publicity but cautioned of possible tense negotiations. The Chinese do the same thing; they get really hysterical, like our own people can as well. Id say, take it all behind closed doorslets all sort it out as adults and lets remove the seemingly unproductive issues between us, Forrest said. Forrest went on to warn that the two nations would be forced to settle their difference because the alternative is unthinkable. The tensions between China and Australia, a result of Australias call for an inquiry into the origins of the CCP virus, prompting Beijing to ban or slap heavy tariffs on Australian coal, wine, barley, beef, lobster, timber, timber and cotton. Furthermore, Australian human rights advocates have raised concerns regarding the continued support for the CCP given its record of human rights abuses. An open letter signed by human rights advocacy groups that have been persecuted by the communist regimeincluding Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Hong Kong activistscalled out the attendance of WA Premier McGowan, whom Forrest accompanied, in an event celebrating the founding of CCP on Oct. 1. We, as pro-democracy groups and individuals, must remind you of the brutal history of this Chinese communist regime, the suffering of people under its control, and the anti-humanitarian atrocity it has committed, the letter states. We hope you can see that: when dealing with China, it not only means opportunity and profits. Doing it improperly can also mean risks to national security and failure of our governments basic responsibility to stand up against human rights abuses. Workers cover ground floor windows with plywood at the state Capitol building on January 15, 2021 in Salem, Oregon. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) GOP Analyst: Oregon Redistricting Gives Democrats Advantage in 5 of 6 U.S. House Districts A Republican analyst says Democrats would have the advantage in five of six of Oregons congressional districts under a newly drawn redistricting plan which is already the subject of a lawsuit by the states Republicans. But when the process began last summer, analysts had projected that redistricting would give the advantage to Democrats in four of the districts and Republicans in two. That handicap was based on voter distribution in the state and the results of previous statewide elections, said political strategist Reagan Knopp. Republicans routinely receive more than 40 percent of the vote in Oregon and its past three Democrat governors have garnered less than 52 percent, he said. President Joe Biden received 56 percent support in the 2020 presidential elections. But under the current map, Congressional representation could be 83 percent Democrat. Oregon Republicans filed suit in state court to block the newly drawn Congressional boundaries, which they allege are clear, egregious, partisan gerrymandering and violate the states Constitution. The outcome of the Oct. 11 suit could have implications for control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022. Filed by former Oregon secretary of state Bev Clarno and three fellow plaintiffs, the suit argues the borders were drawn to provide a more favorable Oregon congressional map for Democrats. For the first time in 40 years, Oregon gained a new seat in the House following the 2020 U.S. Census. State legislators began a contentious processrife with walkouts and broken bargainsto create a new district that splits the state into six parts instead of its current five. The majority-party Democrats began the process by creating a co-equal House Redistricting Committee that included three Democrat and three Republican members. This structure aimed to overcome the tendency for politicians to favor their own party when drawing redistricting maps. Yet, under heavy pressure from national Democrats and Democrat party-aligned special interest groups, Oregons Democrat leaders broke their bipartisanship promise, the lawsuit contends. The plaintiffs say the Democrat party failed to negotiate its proposed congressional maps with their Republican counterparts, but instead formed a second redistricting committee comprising two Democrats and one Republican to ensure the Democrats gerrymandered congressional map was voted out of committee. It then passed in the House along party lines. That map incorporated portions of the reliably Democrat city of Portland in four of the six districts, essentially diluting the influence of more Republican-leaning rural voters. One of the districts crosses the Cascade Mountains to integrate voters from Portlands left-leaning west side with those of the City of Benda rapidly growing liberal stronghold in the center of the state. The result of this highly partisan process is a clear, egregious partisan gerrymander, as has been widely acknowledged both in Oregon and across the country, the lawsuit states. If the maps are allowed to stand, Oregons constitutional and statutory prohibitions against partisan gerrymandering are effectively meaningless. Under an Oregon law passed in 2013, the case will be heard by a panel of five retired judgesone from each of the states current five congressional districts. The panel will decide what evidence is admitted and who will testify. It has until Nov. 24 to rule. Oregon Democrats broke their word to their fellow legislators and then broke the law, said Clarno. My hope is that the judges reviewing this case will uphold the law, say no to gerrymandering, and say yes to the fair representation Oregonians deserve. But the process to adjudicate the map is untried. Because weve never seen this new process play out before, we dont know what to expect, said Knopp. The courts dont have a history of drawing new maps, but they have adjusted maps before. Its a lot of new territory. Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, a Democrat who succeeded Clarno on Jan. 4, is the named defendant in her role as Oregons chief elections officer. She could not be reached for comment. If either party appeals, the Oregon Supreme Court would have until Jan. 3, 2022, to affirm the existing map, or Feb. 7 to draw new boundaries. A customer is helped at an American Airlines check-in counter at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, on Aug. 5, 2021. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Holiday Bookings Rise as Airlines Scramble to Meet Demand With the holiday season approaching, more travelers are packing their bags. In contrast to the homebound themes of 2020, searches related to flights, hotels, and rentals have greatly increased this year. Were seeing search volume that is close to 2019 levels, Willis Orlando, member operations specialist at Scotts Cheap Flights, told The Epoch Times. The number of people traveling in 2021 has more than doubled compared to a year ago, data from the Transportation Security Administration show. Among the Gen Z demographic, 42 percent plan to travel more this holiday season, according to an October poll by Branded Research for The Epoch Times. For millennials, 32 percent said they intended to travel more during the 2021 holiday season; among Gen X, 26 percent expressed interest to increase travel, along with 23 percent of baby boomers, according to Branded Research data. In some instances, travelers are revisiting postponed plans from 2020. As a result, certain places that dont typically draw crowds during festive times are seeing an uptick in bookings. Thanksgiving has never been a busy travel season to South America, Damon Corkin, founder and travel director for Weston, Massachusetts-based Andean Discovery, told The Epoch Times. The company offers personalized adventures to South America. Due to rebookings from last year, when guests changed their travel dates to the fall of 2021, along with last-minute bookings, the travel company is gearing up for a busy time. The number of groups we have traveling in November 2021 is double the number of groups who traveled with us in November 2020, Corkin said. Rural settings continue to hold their appeal for those looking to use vacation time in the coming months. Villas and cottages are experiencing overbooking as people appreciate their space and ability to provide all in-house amenities, Jeremy Scott, founder and CEO of TravelFreak, told The Epoch Times. Travelers are opting to travel alone with their significant other to far-flung destinations. This has led to increased travel to forests, deserts, mountain tops, and other isolated regions. For domestic travel, leisure-focused destinations such as Miami, Las Vegas, and Hawaii are dominating the flight booking scene, Orlando said. Not all domestic destinations are seeing an increase; visits to business centers such as Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City lag tourist-driven places. Thats reflected in hotel prices, with San Francisco and New York City down about 35 percent from pre-pandemic bookings, while Miami is up 20 percent, Orlando said. The fluctuations have led airlines to add more flights to domestic destinations that have ranked higher in searches. If those searches lead to an increase in bookings, airlines drop the ticket price for flights to help fill the planes. By tracking prices during this fluid time, consumers could grab deals to destinations they may have initially overlooked for the holidays. If youve always wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge or tour New York City, this season might be the time, Orlando said. With reduced travel, these main hubs are likely to be less crowded. On the international scene, a reopening travel trend that began in 2020 is continuing into the 2021 holiday season. Whenever a country opens its borders, searches skyrocket and airlines scramble to add in planes to meet the demand, Orlando said. But then people often do not book as aggressively as they search, so prices go down. Weve seen phenomenal deals when this happens. The uptick in flights and low prices, such as below $400 to fly from a major American city to Europe, usually only last a short time after a country opens its borders to international travelers. We typically advise that if you fly domestically, book at least one month prior to traveling and book at least two months ahead for international travel, Orlando said. With all of the shuffling to meet demand, however, this year consumers may be able to find a good deal in a shorter window of time. As airlines are adding seats back, theyre having to put out last-minute deals, Orlando said. Were seeing low prices on certain flights now that we never saw in the past. Consumer confidence levels regarding travel have changed since the onset of the pandemic. While there are some travelers who feel they are not ready to travel due to the Delta variant, there are countless others who see the pandemic as a long-term chronic issue that will not prevent them from traveling, Corkin said. Many people are comfortable mitigating the risks of getting COVID, and traveler confidence has been steadily increasing. As more countries open again to tourists, a growing number of travelers are moving forward with plans to explore. The Delta variant has proved to be a big obstacle, but we see international travel holding steady and busy when its in small group settings or a private tour format, Corkin said. Travel done in a responsible manner with safety protocols in place is still imperative. The China Evergrande Center building sign is seen in Hong Kong on Sept. 23, 2021. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) Hong Kong Audit Watchdog Investigating Evergrande and PwC HONG KONGHong Kongs audit regulator said on Friday it was investigating China Evergrande Groups 2020 accounts and their audit by PwC because it had concerns about the adequacy of reporting on whether it could continue operating as a going concern. Cash-strapped Evergrande has been scrambling to divest some assets to repay creditors knocking on its doors. With more than $300 billion in liabilities, it has already missed three rounds of interest payments on its international bonds. The Financial Reporting Council said it had launched an inquiry into Evergrandes accounts for the full year of 2020 and the first half of 2021, and an investigation of PwCs audit of Evergrandes 2020 accounts. The FRC said Evergrande as of end 2020 reported cash and cash equivalents of 159 billion yuan ($24.73 billion), which did not cover its current liabilities of 1.5 trillion yuan, and had further borrowings of 167 billion yuan maturing in 2022. However, the accounts made no explicit statement about whether material going concern uncertainties existed before or after the effects of implementing plans Evergrande said it had in order to mitigate potential impacts on cash flow, it said. PwC expressed an unmodified audit opinion in its auditors report on the 2020 annual accounts, but made no reference to material uncertainties regarding whether Evergrande was a going concern, the FRC said. Evergrande and PwC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. By Alun John Supporters hold up placards outside of the Apple Daily newspaper offices in Hong Kong on June 24, 2021. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images) Hong Kongs Press Freedom Is Under Siege: Former Apple Daily Director Mark Clifford, one of the former independent non-executive directors at Next Digital, told a congressional hearing on Oct. 14 how press freedom is under attack in Hong Kong, as evident by how the Chinese regime has driven Apple Daily to its deathbed. Apple Daily, which is published by Next Digital, is a Hong Kong newspaper known for publishing voices critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and voices supportive of the Hong Kong protesters. The paper printed its last edition on June 24, after printing its first edition in 1995. Clifford said Beijing has broken its promises written in Hong Kongs mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, and the papers founder Jimmy Lai has been in prison for exercising the freedoms that are promised in that document. This has the seal of the Peoples Republic of China on it, and yet, its not even really worth the paper thats printed on, Clifford said while holding a copy of the Basic Law in his hand. The hearing, which focused on the current state of civil and political rights in Hong Kong, was co-hosted by Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and James McGovern (D-Mass.). The Basic Law protects Hongkongers rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of the press, neither of which is available to Chinese people in mainland China. The rights are guaranteed for at least 50 years under a governance framework called one country, two systems, which Beijing agreed to implement when it signed the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, a legally binding international treaty. What weve seen is that these promises that the Chinese government solemnly made cannot be trusted, Clifford added. Clifford is currently the president of the advocacy group Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong. He and three other directors resigned (pdf) from their Next Digital positions in early September, citing a climate of fear caused by Hong Kongs draconian national security law. Hong Kongs autonomy and freedoms have been drastically eroded after Beijing imposed the national security law on the city in late June last year. The law criminalizes vaguely defined crimes such as subversion and collusion with foreign forces with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Less than two months later, on Aug. 10, 2020, Lai was arrested and the Apple Daily newsroom was raided by about 200 police officers, drawing international condemnation. The newsroom was raided again on June 17, when about 500 police officers stormed the papers headquarters. On the same day, five executives of the paper, including editor-in-chief Ryan Law and chief executive officer Cheung Kim-hung, were arrested. At that time, Lai was already in prison for taking part in unauthorized assemblies in 2019. Police officers conduct a raid at the Apple Daily office in Hong Kong on June 17, 2021. (Apple Daily via Getty Images) Continued Attack Clifford told the two congressmen what the Hong Kong police did inside the newsroom during the second raid. They ended up pretty much stripping the shelves bare. They questioned journalists about more than 100 different articles that have been writtenwho wrote it, who edited it, who [was] involved, he said. As of now, Clifford said there are seven Next Digital employees in jail, awaiting trial on national security charges. Among them is Lai, who is accused of colluding with foreign forces. These trials are in some cases a year or two off; theyre just presumed guilty, he added. Though Apple Daily is not printing papers anymore and its website is down, the Hong Kong government is still investigating the company and its senior staff, according to Clifford. We now have four different investigations going against the company and against directors, Clifford said, trying to blame us for the fact that the company is out of business, when they [Hong Kong government] put us out of business by freezing assets and essentially throwing the senior leadership in jail. One of the investigations is being carried out by a special inspector appointed by Hong Kongs Financial Secretary. According to Hong Kong media, the inspector raided Next Digitals office on Sept. 28, in an effort to obtain the companys financial records. Clifford said the Hong Kong authorities went to the banks to freeze Lais assets and his bank accounts. The Hong Kong government told the bankers, including bankers at Citibank, that if anybody touched those accounts, the bankers and anybody did the touching would be subject to seven years in prison. This is pretty heavy-duty stuff. The sanctions the U.S. government has placed on Hong Kong and Chinese officials for suppressing the citys democracy have certainly gotten peoples attention, Clifford said, but the U.S. government could cut deeper. Clifford explained the United States could further stand up for Hong Kong by targeting business interactions, since some work for private companies under the veneer for the Hong Kong government. One example named by Clifford was the special inspector investigating Next Digital. The inspector, Clement Chan Kam-wing, is the managing director for assurance of the accounting firm BDO, one of the biggest accounting firms in the world. Do we want to look back, do any of us want to look back later on in our lives and say that we didnt do what we could to stop this, we just let companies pursue short term profit when we could have stopped it as a government, Clifford said. New research shows that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)are not only contaminating water and food, but also the air you breathe. (Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock) How Hazardous Is Your Homes Air? Research reveals we are inhaling chemicals that put children at particular risk Mounting research reveals the danger posed by a group of man-made chemicals developed in the 1930s that are resistant to water, heat, and oil. Theyre used in paint, upholstery, cookware, carpeting, packaging, clothing, cosmetics, and more to make products nonstick, stain repellant, and waterproof. Among the health effects these products are linked to is the startling and little-discussed decline in human fertility. New research shows that these chemicalsper- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)arent only contaminating water and food, but also the air you breathe. There are more than 4,700 synthetic chemicals in the group with different properties and applications. In 1967, there was a deadly fire on the Navy aircraft carrier USS Forrestal, killing more than 130 sailors. Not long afterward, manufacturers developed a PFAS firefighting foam mixture that continues to be used to this day in the military and some fire departments. PFOA and PFOS are the most extensively studied classes of PFAS. Experts estimate that 98 percent of the population has detectable levels of PFOA in their bloodstream. The presence of the chemical has been linked with higher levels of cholesterol and uric acid, which may lead to kidney stones and gout. Since they are nearly indestructible and dont break down easily, PFAS chemicals have earned the name forever chemicals. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), characterizes the damage this way: Today, nearly all Americans, including newborn babies, have PFAS in their blood, and up to 110 million people may be drinking PFAS-tainted water. What began as a miracle of modern chemistry is now a national crisis. PFAS in the Air Correlates With Blood Serum Measurements According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when humans or animals eat food or drink water contaminated with PFAS, it can be absorbed and build up in the body. Because the chemical doesnt break down easily, it can also be stored in the body for long periods of time. The EPA says that people are exposed to PFAS through food packaging that contains the chemicals, equipment used during food processing, as well as contaminated soil and water used to grow the food. However, current research also finds that PFAS may be absorbed from the air you breathe as particles break off from carpeting, clothing, and other products and float in the air with other dust. The new study, published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters, sought to quantify the amount of PFAS that humans are exposed to, since most people typically spend 90 percent of their time indoors. The research team from the University of Rhode Island and Green Science Policy Institute tested 20 sites in 17 different locations, including several kindergarten classrooms, an outdoor clothing store, and offices. Tom Bruton, a senior scientist at Green Science and on the research team, said that indoor air pollution is an underestimated and potentially important source of exposure to PFAS. Air Exposure May Be More Dangerous for Children In the current study, the researchers found that volatile chemicals, specifically fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH) were widespread. Measurements in a California kindergarten classroom revealed 6:2 FTOH in concentrations from 9 to 600 ng m-3 (nanograms per cubic meter). Interestingly, the concentrations in the air, carpet, and dust were closely related. This indicated to the researchers that PFAS originating in carpet and dust are the major sources of FTOH in the air. They determined that breathing air contaminated with FTOH was the largest exposure risk in young children. Research has found a correlation between high levels of PFAS measured in the air in carpeted homes treated with Scotchgard and amounts found in human blood serum. The current researchers theorized that kindergarteners may be exposed to more PFAS chemicals in indoor air pollution than in the food and drink they consume. In April 2020, the Environmental Defense Fund reported on two publications by Food and Drug Administration scientists, in which the scientists confirmed findings that 6:2 FTOH bioaccumulates and the bioaccumulation is greater with lower exposure. The FDA scientists also found that the toxicity and risk have been significantly underestimated. Initially, short-chain PFAS chemicals were claimed by the industry as safer alternatives, including 6:2 FTOH. However, as the studies from the FDA showed, 6:2 FTOH is more toxic, in large part because of breakdown products that also bioaccumulate. The EWG also reports that 6:2 FTOH on its own has demonstrated the ability to harm the immune system, thyroid, and mammary glands as well as has a potential carcinogenic effect in animals. Chemical Giants Knew of the Dangers in 2009 The most prevalent PFAS found in the current study was 6:2 FTOH, which is found frequently in stain guards, floor waxes, and food packaging. On May 12, The Guardian published an investigative piece that revealed DuPont and Daikin, both chemical giants and producers of PFAS chemicals, knew of the dangers to human health as early as 2009. However, they hid company studies from the FDA and from the public. The Guardian saw the studies after the Environmental Defense Fund and independent researcher Maricel Maffini obtained them from the companies and the FDA through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. They discovered that Daikin had withheld a study finalized in 2009 that showed 6:2 FTOH was toxic to lab animals livers and kidneys. DuPonts company studies were finalized in 2012 but werent shared with the FDA or the public. It revealed the chemicals stayed in lab animals much longer than was originally anticipated. Maffini spoke with a reporter from The Guardian, indicating that if the FDA had been aware of the data, it was unlikely the agency would have approved 6:2 FTOH. But it took the FDA until 2020 to work with manufacturers to voluntarily withdraw 6:2 FTOH from food packaging, also giving manufacturers five years to accomplish the goal. Documents acquired through the FOIA show that the FDA had been aware of DuPonts hidden study in 2015. Independent researcher Erika Schreder, science director for Toxic-Free Future, has called for PFAS to be regulated as a class. It wasnt just the manufacturers who had information about 6:2 FTOH. In 2008, DuPont submitted studies that demonstrated lab animals suffered from liver damage, mottled teeth, and kidney failure. Yet, the FDA determined that exposure to humans would be lower. Without any supporting evidence, they decided the short-chain PFASs wouldnt bioaccumulate. Tom Neltner, the chemicals policy director with the Environmental Defense Fund, believes that some of the deficiencies inside the FDAs chemical approval process include an insufficient amount of safety data upfront and no systematic reassessment after the chemicals are on the market. Although the FDA defended their process, Neltner said the issues with 6:2 FTOH suggest the process is not sufficient. As the FDA has done in the past and continues to do in the current climate, Neltner said, Theyre making grossly inaccurate assumptions that are not defensible. Will Sperm Count Reach Zero in 2045? One of the major concerns with PFAS is its ability to disrupt human hormone function. If Shanna Swans estimates are correct, we may be headed for an unpopulated Earth, and chemicals such as PFAS are the reason; Swan is an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. In her book Count Down, she describes the devastation to fertility that has been the result of hormone-disrupting chemicals such as PFAS. Swan is on a team of researchers who did a systematic review and meta-analysis of sperm counts from 1973 to 2011. They discovered there has been a 60 percent sperm count reduction in men living in North America, Australia, Europe, and New Zealand. Using projections from this data, she believes that sperm counts in men across the world will reach zero in or about 2045. In the book, Swan and co-writer Stacey Colino point to chemical exposures that are threatening human fertility. Swan isnt the first to find that PFAS chemicals have a significant effect on human reproductive health. One study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2019 found that increasing levels were positively correlated with a reduction of semen quality, testicular volume, penile length, and anogenital distance. The scientists concluded that the chemicals have a substantial impact and interfere with hormones, potentially leading to male infertility. Falling sperm count is mirrored in the global fertility rate, which fell to 2.4 in 2019 from 5.05 in 1964. We Drink, Eat, and Breathe Ubiquitous Forever Chemicals On July 31, 2020, the FDA announced three companies would voluntarily phase out specific short-chain PFAS chemicals used in food packaging. These are found in fast-food wrappers, pizza boxes, and to-go boxes. The announcement followed the FDA literature review that noted 6:2 FTOH persists much longer than had been anticipated. However, the phase-out might take several years. Once the company stops manufacturing, it can take an additional 18 months to sell out the products that have already been produced. In other words, the manufacturer can take up to 4.5 years to phase the chemicals out of production. Tap water and bottled water are other sources of PFAS exposure. According to the EWG, while most drinking water gets a passing grade from regulatory agencies, the EPA hasnt added a new contaminant for regulation in more than 20 years. In July 2019, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued an advisory for bottled water from Spring Hill Farm Dairy, which tested positive for PFAS. In May 2015, 205 scientists from 38 countries signed a consensus statement called the Madrid Statement. Their focus was on PFAS, warning about its potential harmful effects including liver toxicity, adverse neurobehavioral effects, hypothyroidism, and obesity. Scientists recommend avoiding all products containing PFAS. You may find helpful tips in the EWGs Guide to Avoiding PFCS. In the past, I have also recommended avoiding: Pretreated or stain-repellent treatments on clothing, furniture, and carpeting Products treated with flame-retardant chemicals, including furniture, carpets, mattresses, and baby items Fast food, microwave popcorn, unfiltered tap water and carry out foods Nonstick cookware and treated kitchen utensils Personal care products containing PTFE or fluoro or perfluoro ingredients such as Oral-B Glide floss Huge Humpback Whale Suddenly Bursts Into the Air Beside Boat, Leaves Sailors Shocked Taken by photographer Douglas Croft, 60, and whale watcher Kate Cummings, a stunning photo shoot shows a humpback whale breaching through the surface right next to a boat, catching an unsuspecting fisherman in shock, before crashing down beneath the waves. The sequence was captured in Monterey Bay in California. It was quite exciting! Salmon season coincides with the time when humpbacks are returning to Monterey Bay to feed for the summer and there were hundreds of boats on the bay fishing, Douglas said. Douglas Crofts captured images of a whale breaching. (Courtesy of Douglas Croft/Caters News) This whale had breached a couple of times before this and many times theyll just keep doing it. I went below deck to shoot from a porthole close to the water line. Thats what gives this amazing perspective of looking up at the whale. That the breach was directly behind the fishing boat really shows the size. Since the boat is closer, it should look bigger, but the whale is huge! If Id been the fisherman, Id probably need some new underwear. A whale breaching very close to a fishermans boat off Monterey Bay, California. (Courtesy of Douglas Croft/Caters News) Kate, who took the video, said, It was fun capturing this video. The whale had already breached multiple times much further away from the fisherman. But sometimes when whales breach multiple times, theyre also heading a specific direction when theyre underwater building momentum for the next breach. I figured the next breach would be around the fisherman because the whale was heading that way and sure enough! Though I didnt expect the whale and the boat to line up so perfectly. (Courtesy of Douglas Croft/Caters News) (Courtesy of Douglas Croft/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 Hundreds of Unvaccinated Los Angeles Firefighters Plan to Keep Showing Up for Work Hundreds of unvaccinated firefighters in Los Angeles say they plan to show up for work on Oct. 20, despite a city mandate stating that they must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by that date or face losing their jobs. The city is stating that as of the 20th, were going to be terminated. Were not supposed to show up to work if were not vaccinated or if we dont have an exemption file at that time, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighter/paramedic and Firefighters4Freedom spokesperson John Knox told The Epoch Times. Attorney Kevin McBride recently filed a notice of intent to sue on behalf of the group of 871 firefighters, who are seeking $2.5 million each in damages. The citys goal is to have a vaccinated workforce. As such, employees will not have the option to opt out of getting vaccinated and become subject to weekly testing, the city ordinance (pdf) reads. In a recent public order (pdf), Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti wrote that the best way to reduce the current level of community transmission and to prevent future surges is for everyone who is eligible, including those who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection, to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. Unlike other city and county employees, teachers, nurses, and other health care workers who have been countering the vaccine mandate through applying for medical or religious exemptions, the group Firefighters4Freedom has taken a different stance. They say that as U.S. citizens, they have the right to choose the course of their lives free from government overreach. On the Firefighters4Freedom website, the group states: As Stakeholders for the LAFD, (Los Angeles City Fire Department), our mission is to maintain human rights, constitutional rights, civil rights, and civil liberties as sovereign natural free human beings, and American citizens. We believe in the right to work, free will, personal choice, medical freedoms, and consent without coercion, retaliation, threats, disciplinary action, or termination. This is not a vaccine versus non-vaccine issue, this is not a left versus right political issue. This is a human rights issue. While more than 450 LAFD employees have filed for exemptions, members of Firefighters4Freedom say they believe filing for exemption gives the government too much power and is an admission by employees that the city has ultimate control of the outcome. They say the city can claim the exemptions are a hardship and that its unable to make accommodations, thereby providing an excuse to let the employee go if they choose to not get vaccinated. The current mandate is a direct order for firefighters and police officers, and those who dont comply could be disciplined or fired based on insubordination. Even though they basically said that if the exemption process is a burden to the city, they have the ability to send us home with no pay or terminate us. We still have 450 members that have applied for exemptions, Knox said. The city has to have a place to put us in order to do that, but then you also have 27 other (city) departments with people filing for exemptions as well. LAPD has 2,600 exemptions that have been filed. You tell me where theyre going to put all those people? There is no way there are 2,600 open jobs in the city. The California Fair Employment & Housing Act (FEHA) is the primary state law addressing protections for employees from discrimination, retaliation, and harassment. The employment provisions of the FEHA anti-discrimination provisions apply to all employers with five or more full-time or part-time employees. Under the law, in mandating vaccinations, the city must provide reasonable accommodation based on disability or a sincerely held religious belief or practice, cant discriminate against or harass employees or job applicants on the basis of their disability or religion, and cant retaliate against anyone for engaging in a protected activity, such as requesting a reasonable accommodation. Our point is that if I say Im going to file an exemption, then Im agreeing that you have the right to tell me what to do with my body, Knox said. Lets say they grant it, they allow me to work in the field this one time, then all of the sudden, the zebra variant comes along, and its so much deadlier and now we have to pull your exemption status. Now I dont have a leg to stand on because Ive given them control over me in the first place. I took an oath to the state constitution and the federal constitution to protect and serve when I was hired 21 years ago. I want my job. I want my career. So, on the 20th, Im going to show up for work, just like Im supposed to, and theyre going to have to take me out of there, along with everyone else, because were not agreeing to this. We have a right to work in this state. We have a memorandum of understanding (MOU). We have a contract, and they cant come in in the middle of that contract and change the rules and the laws without [a] meet and confer or creating a new MOU and letters of agreement. Its a clear violation of labor laws. Stress Takes a Toll Knox said the mounting stress and anxiety of not knowing what the future holds is taking a toll on the department and that because union representatives are in a meet and confer status, neither the city nor their union is giving any information as to what lies ahead. Were literally in limbo, they [are] keeping us in the dark, Knox said. One of the reasons that the lawsuit was filed for monetary value is the amount of stress and resulting low morale that is being placed on our department. Were already understaffed. We cannot hire to fill all the spots, so they close companies down. They move bodies around to try and create enough coverage in the city. Knox also told The Epoch Times that the issue is breaking firefighter families apart at a time when they need to hold together as their communities recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 shutdowns. The amount of stress we have right now in the department is no joke, he said. We have members that are ready to take their own life. Its that serious. Knox said Firefighters4Freedom has been reaching out to help those who are feeling the strain. We are letting members know that we are here for them, that we can get them whatever help is necessary, he said. Some say they feel like they are on an island with nowhere to turn. Their job is already so stressful, then add to that COVID-related and life and home issues and then not knowing if they are going to have a job after the 20th, its just too much for some of them. Knox said the citys infrastructure has 106 fire stations with approximately 3,400 employees, including 1,100 to 1,200 personnel per shift on any given day. Of those, 1,600 are unvaccinated and another 600 have declined to state their vaccination status. The Constitution states We the People in big letters, and allows the government to govern us, not rule us. We elect them to govern, to create things that allow us to have our freedoms, and here theyve changed that, he said. If we allow this, there will be no more legislative process, because theyll know that no ones stood up against it. Theyll see it is way too easy to become our rulers. (L) Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army's Honor Guard Battalion march outside the Forbidden City, near Tiananmen Square, in Beijing, China, on May 20, 2020. (R) The U.S. Capitol building is seen on a cold and sunny winter day in Washington on Dec. 29, 2020. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images/Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images) In This New Cold War, Is the US Destined to Lose? Commentary Contrary to popular belief, the United States and China are very much engaged in a new cold war. More worryingly, China appears to be winning. What can be done to address the growing threat from China? Is an all-out war inevitable? In a recent interview with The Associated Press, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on China and the United States to repair their completely dysfunctional relationship. A new cold war, he warned, must be avoided at all costs. In his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly, President Joe Biden, obviously aware of Guterres comments, declared that the United States was shifting from relentless war to relentless diplomacy. The United States, he stressed, was not seeking a new cold war. Although Biden doesnt want a new cold war, the Chinese regime certainly does. After all, a cold war is a state of political hostility between countries typically characterized by threats, propaganda, and other measures short of open warfare. Whether Biden likes it or not, the two countries are already in a new cold war and China appears to be winning. Lets start with threats. In July, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) explicitly denied paying criminal groups to carry out cyberhacks around the world. Although the evidence clearly suggested otherwise, the CCP called the claims ridiculous. According to a Reuters report, a number of prestigious companies, universities, and government agencies in the United States and abroad were targeted. The Biden administration issued a statement accusing Beijing of initiating the attacks. The Global Times, the CCPs mouthpiece of choice, was quick to respond, warning that the slander against China had become excessive. And if it continued, then China would be left with little option but to retaliate. Less than a month after this explicit threat, the Biden administration announced its plans to sell weapons to Taiwan. The CCP, clearly unimpressed, called the move a vicious provocation. Not finished there, Beijing vowed retaliation. Besides threatening the United States on a regular basis, the CCP also goes to great lengths to spread propaganda. Although Beijing has rejected a WHO plan for further investigations into the origins of COVID-19, only the most foolish of individuals would dismiss the idea that the virus originated in China. The Wuhan lab leak theory, once ridiculed by the MSM, has never seemed more plausible. In Hebei Province, the purchase of PCR tests surged months before the first official reports of a novel coronavirus casethe CCP clearly has something to hide. This explains its desire to spread disinformation regarding the origins of the virus. In recent months, thanks to the masters of spin in Beijing, a disinformation campaign claiming that the virus originated in the United States has gained some traction. If the CCP is to be believedwhich its notthen the virus escaped from Fort Detrick, a military base in Maryland. Interestingly, the Fort Detrick lab leak gained popularity in China just before U.S. intelligence published its report on the origins of the virus. Coincidence? I think not. Somewhat ridiculously, because of the CCPs lies, over 5 million Chinese netizens signed an open letter to the World Health Organization, demanding that it investigate the Fort Detrick lab. As Mark Twain noted, a lie can travel around the world and back again while the truth is lacing up its boots. The CCP has gone to great lengths to smear the United States and distract the world from the truth. For years, the CCP has made a concerted effort to report the news from a Chinese perspective. As Chinese leader Xi Jinping has noted repeatedly, telling stories is the best form of international dissemination. By telling stories, of course, he means disseminating propaganda. Many of these stories, not surprisingly, focus on the United States. Military personnel stand guard outside the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Md., on Sept. 26, 2002. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) Remember a cold war consists of threats, propaganda, and other acts short of open warfare. When we think of open warfare, we think of guns, missiles, fighter jets, and torpedo launchers. However, modern warfare is changing at breakneck speeds. The aforementioned hacking spree, for example, was a full-scale assault on more than 250,000 organizations worldwide. The group behind the attack, Hafnium, a cyber espionage group with close ties to Beijing, made off with hundreds of thousands of personal emails and stole valuable data in the process. Although the Chinese regime is unlikely to wage an all-out war against the United States, its already carrying out low-level attacks. As I have noted elsewhere, the likes of WeChat and TikTok, two of the most popular Chinese apps in the world, are known for siphoning off enormous amounts of data. Last year, as the German news site DW reported, such forms of data collection have absolutely nothing to do with the actual function of the apps. The developers deliberately built back doors and spy functions, going to great lengths to ensure that no one would notice. TikTok, with more than 80 million users in the United States alone, now collects the biometric data of all its American users. Interestingly, TikTok does not gather the biometric data of users in any other country. Why is the United States the only country being targeted for biometric information? Ill let you answer that. Whether or not Biden realizes it, the United States and China are already engaged in a form of warfare. For all the empty talk of a Taiwan agreement, the president should be savvy enough to take Xis promises with a generous helping of salt. Xi wont be content until reunification is achieved. In the original Cold War, the United States firmly defeated the Soviet Union. In the new cold war, however, China appears to have the upper hand, largely because Biden, under immense pressure, refuses to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. Although an all-out war is far from inevitable, and perhaps even unlikely, the Chinese regime has already caused significant harm to the United States. In todays world, its possible to inflict unimaginable levels of carnage without reaching for a gun. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. People gather during a protest against the so-called Green Pass on October 15, 2021 at Circo Massimo in Rome, as new coronavirus restrictions for workers come into effect. - Italy braced for nationwide protests, blockades and potential disruption on October 15, 2021 as all workers must show a so-called Green Pass, offering proof of vaccination, recent recovery from Covid-19 or a negative test, or face being declared absent without pay. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images) Italy Mandates All Workers to Show COVID-19 Green Pass, Prompting Protests The Italian government imposed one of the worlds strictest COVID-19 measures on Friday, requiring all workers in Italy to show a COVID-19 Green Pass prior to entering their place of employment. Starting on Oct. 15, the new rule will make it obligatory for employees to show that they have been vaccinated against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19, before returning to their workplaces. A recent negative test or having recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months is also allowed. Workers who are not in possession of the so-called Green Pass will be suspended without pay and face a fine of between 600 and 1,500 euros ($695 to $1,730) if they try and continue to work. However, according to provisions of the measure, the mandate stipulates that employees cannot be terminated from their job. The new rule will be effective until the end of the year. Italy already required people to show such a vaccination passport to gain access to all sorts of indoor environments, including restaurants, museums, theaters, and long-distance trains, prompting demonstrations against the government-imposed restrictions in the country. Thousands of Italians in opposition to the government mandates took to the streets on Friday, with protesters shouting Liberta (Freedom) and calling the move a political, rather than health, regulation. The Green Pass is a bad thing, it is discrimination under the law. Nothing more. Its not a health regulation, its just a political move to create division among people, said Fabio Bocin, a 59-year old worker from Trieste. The largest demonstrations were at the major northeastern port of Trieste, where labor groups had threatened to block operations, and around 6,000 protesters, some chanting and carrying flares, gathered outside the gates. Port workers gather outside the entrance of the major port of Trieste to protest against the implementation of the COVID-19 health pass, the Green Pass, in the workplace, in Trieste, Italy, on Oct. 15, 2021. (Borut Zivulovic/Reuters) People gather and stage a No Green Pass protest in Turin, Italy, on Oct. 15, 2021. (Marco Alpozzi/LaPresse via AP) In Rome, police in riot gear stood by during a rally where people shouted, No Green Pass. Other demonstrations also took place in Turin, Genoa, and Bologna. The head of the USB Autonomous Union in Genoa said that in general, workers are not against the Green Pass 0r vaccination itself, but want companies to pay for testing all port workers. Katya Steinhaus, a 28-year-old unvaccinated beautician, said the governments latest move leaves her with no choice. She explained that having to undergo a swab test every two days convinced her to book and get a COVID-19 vaccine. Work is the first important thing in life, Steinhaus said, the Anand Market reported. I cant do anything anymore. While some European Union states have ordered their health workers to get vaccines, none have made the vaccine passports mandatory for all employees, making Italy the first to do so on the continent. About 15 percent of private and 8 percent of public sector workers in Italy have no Green Pass, an internal government document seen by Reuters estimates. Italya CCP virus epicenter early in the pandemichas among the highest vaccination rates in Europe. Reuters contributed to this report. From NTD News A worker walks between shipping containers at a port in Tokyo, Japan, on March 22, 2017. (Issei Kato/Reuters) Japans Core Prices to See First Rise in 18 Months, Export Growth to Slow: Reuters Poll TOKYOJapans exports likely grew at the slowest pace in seven months in September while core consumer prices turned positive for the first time since early last year, a Reuters poll showed, in a sign of the evolving economic impact of the COVID-19 health crisis. The mixed batch of data will likely highlight pressures Japans export-reliant economy faces from a surge in global raw material prices as well as coronavirus-linked output and supply chain disruptions, which are clouding the overseas demand outlook. Exports likely maintained double-digit growth, jumping 11.0 percent in September from a year earlier, according to analysts polled by Reuters, but that would mark the slowest pace of year-on-year growth since February. Export growth is slowing down due to cuts in automobile production stemming from supply constraints, economists at Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute said. Imports likely surged 34.4 percent in September from a year earlier, largely thanks to rising energy and raw material costs, the poll showed. Mainly reflecting higher energy and fuel costs, Japans core consumer prices likely rose 0.1 percent year-on-year in September, their first rise since the country was in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, according to the poll. As for the outlook, prices compared to the previous year are likely to keep increasing due to the rise in energy prices and taxes on tobacco, though cellphone fee cuts are likely to have a major impact, said Junpei Fujita, an economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting. The government will release the trade data at 8:50 a.m. on Oct. 20. The consumer price data is due out 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 22. By Daniel Leussink Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller (C) and his parents in a file photograph. (Courtesy of Stuart Scheller) Judge Docks Lt. Col Scheller $5,000 in Pay, Criticizes Governments Conduct U.S. Marine Corps Judge Glen Hines has docked Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller $5,000 in pay and ordered a letter of reprimand against the combat veteran for his criticisms about how senior military officials handled the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Hines handed down his sentence Oct. 15, concluding the legal matter. The Secretary of the Navy will decide whether Scheller receives an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. Defense attorney Timothy Parlatore said he thinks the sentence was fair. We were happy with the sentence. I think the judge carefully considered all of the facts and circumstances of this case, and the sentence was an appropriate reflection of what Lt. Col. Scheller did, he said. After hearing what government said and going back and viewing videos, [the judge] found a lot more context to them than the cherry-picked statements the government presented, Parlatore said. According to Parlatore, Judge Hines criticized the governments conduct, including for leaking case documents about Scheller. The judge said its not the courts role to investigate the leak, but that there should be a probe into the matter. He commented on the severity of pretrial confinement for a case of this nature, Parlatore added. He saw a Marine in pain and in emotional anguish, which is pretty much what we argued. Parlatore said Scheller wont comment on the matter until his discharge is processed. Neither the prosecution nor a Marine Corps spokesperson have responded to queries from The Epoch Times. Scheller was charged for making statements such as, 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. At his Oct. 14 trial, the Marine apologized for being disrespectful, but renewed his calls for accountability. 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. Some government officials, for their part, accused Scheller of fanning the flames of insurrection. Task and Purpose reported on case documents that purportedly show how Marine Corps officials believe Schellers comments about topics such as revolution violated Defense Department policy. Schellers case captured the national spotlight, with numerous Republican lawmakers criticizing the prosecution as politically motivated. Reps Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) testified on Schellers behalf at the Oct. 14 hearing. It takes great courage to speak out against leaders who lead those under them to failure & to death, Greene said yesterday after testifying. It takes even more courage to plead guilty in the face of unknown consequences. Why is Scheller the one on trial? Greene said on Steve Bannons War Room that she would either hire Scheller or help find him a job. Members of the Supreme Court pose for a group photo at the Supreme Court in Washington on April 23, 2021. Seated from left: Associate Justice Samuel Alito, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John Roberts, Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, and Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Standing from left: Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Associate Justice Elena Kagan, Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, and Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett. (Erin Schaff/Pool/Getty Images) Justice Department to Ask Supreme Court to Block Texas Anti-Abortion Law: Spokesman A Department of Justice spokesman confirmed on Friday that the agency will ask the Supreme Court to issue a temporary injunction against Texas anti-abortion law. The Justice Department will specifically ask the high court to reverse the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision on Thursday night that lifted a lower courts decision to block the Texas law, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. About a week ago, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, an Obama appointee, granted an emergency request from the Justice Department and blocked enforcement of the law, known as Senate Bill 8 (SB8), which essentially bans all abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy. The Justice Department intends to ask the Supreme Court to vacate the Fifth Circuits stay of the preliminary injunction against Texas Senate Bill 8, spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement to news outlets on Friday. In September, the agency filed its lawsuit against the law and argued that it violates the Constitution, including the Supremacy Clause as well as the equal protection afforded under the 14th Amendment. Before the law went into effect on Sept. 1, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling in late August declined to stop it from going into effect. Chief Justice John Roberts joined associate Justices Elena Kagan, Stephen Breyer, and Sonya Sotomayor in dissenting, while Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett were in the majority. Some critics of the measure have said SB8 has an unusual enforcement mechanism, where state officials are barred from enforcing the law. However, Texas residents can sue anyone, including doctors and medical staff, who helps a woman obtain an abortion. Texas does not even attempt to defend SB8s constitutionality in this Court, Justice Department lawyers argued in a filing (pdf) to the Fifth Circuit earlier this week. Recognizing that SB8 contravenes controlling Supreme Court precedent, Texas instead crafted the law to hinder judicial review, by disclaiming enforcement powers and by attempting to render any post-enforcement review ineffective. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, when he filed an appeal against Pitmans order earlier this month, argued that the state disagrees because the sanctity of human life is, and will always be, a top priority for me. Pro-life groups, including the Texas Right to Life, applauded the 5th Circuits decision on Thursday. We are excited to continue saving hundreds of lives through the Texas Heartbeat Act, the groups director of media and communication Kimberlyn Schwartz said in a statement. However, the battle is not finished, she added. We expect the Biden administration to appeal to the Supreme Court of the U.S., and we are confident Texas will ultimately defeat these attacks on our life-saving efforts. LA Councilor Indicted on Federal Bribery, Fraud Charges Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, along with a former University of Southern California (USC) dean, were indicted on 20 counts of bribery and fraud on Oct. 13. In 2018, Ridley-Thomas, 66, who then served on the LA County Board of Supervisors, allegedly conspired with Marilyn Flynn, 83, former dean of the USC School of Social Work, to provide Ridley-Thomas son, Sebastian, 34, 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, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California. In exchange for his sons admission, Ridley-Thomas, in his role as a county supervisor, allegedly steered new contracts that would generate millions in new revenue for the school, according to the U.S. Attorney statement. Ridley-Thomas joined the city council for the second time in November 2020 after serving on the council previously from 1991 to 2002. Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, who served in the California Assembly representing Los Angeles for four years, abruptly resigned at the end of 2017 citing health problems. Later, the state Assembly Rules Committee began an investigation into whether the younger Ridley-Thomas sexually harassed at least two legislative staff members while he was in office. [Mark] 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 [younger Ridley-Thomass] sudden resignation from office, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement. 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. Ridley-Thomas contacted Flynn in May 2017, according to the U.S. Attorneys statement, about admission and scholarship for his son in exchange for his support of lucrative contracts for the school. Later in 2017, the elder Ridley-Thomas also asked Flynn for a paid professorship for his son, while concealing that his son was the subject of a sexual harassment investigation, according to the statement. The indictment alleges Ridley-Thomas and Flynn took steps to disguise and conceal their agreement. This indictment charges a seasoned lawmaker who allegedly abused the publics trust by taking official actions to benefit his family member and himself, U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison said in the statement. 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. A USC spokesperson said in a statement that the school disclosed the issue to the U.S. Attorneys office in 2018 when it learned that $100,000 in campaign funds had been funneled from Ridley-Thomass campaign through the school and then passed on to his sons nonprofit, and that they have been fully cooperating since then. Ridley-Thomass attorney Michael J. Proctor said in a statement that the councilman was shocked by the federal allegations leveled against him, and with good reason. They are wrong, and we look forward to disproving them. Proctor said that at no point in Ridley-Thomass political career has he abused his position for personal gain. Mark Ridley-Thomas has been in public service for 30 years, and his actions have been open to public scrutiny for a full three decades, Proctor said. Over those 30 years, he has demonstrated the quality of his character. We ask you to allow due process to take its course. In response to the indictment, fellow councilman and Los Angeles mayoral candidate Joe Buscaino urged Ridley-Thomas to resign. I am shocked, saddened, and disgusted by the Federal bribery charges against Mark Ridley-Thomas. These charges tarnish the reputation of the entire LA City Council, and because of that, Ridley-Thomas should immediately step down from his position, Buscaino said in a tweet. LA City Council President Nury Martinez said in a statement that the allegations were serious and the council would need to take appropriate action, although the alleged crimes occurred when Ridley-Thomas served on the LA County Board of Supervisors. LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva also took to Twitter pointing to the incident as a reason why a public corruption unit must exist outside of the influence of the [Board of Supervisors]. In February, Villanueva pitched creating a joint task force that would fight public corruption to LA District Attorney George Gascon, which Gascon rejected. Ridley-Thomas, who chairs the councils Homelessness and Poverty Committee, canceled the meeting Oct. 14. He didnt respond to a request for comment by press time. A health care worker administers a PCR test on a woman in the intensive care unit of the Rafic Hariri University Hospital in the Lebanese capital Beirut, on Jan. 5, 2021. (Joseph Eid/AFP via Getty Images) Laboratory Suspended After Producing Tens of Thousands of Incorrect COVID-19 Test Results: UK UK health officials on Friday said that an estimated 43,000 people may have been incorrectly told they do not have COVID-19 due to problems with testing at a private laboratory. The Immensa Health Clinic Lab in Wolverhampton, England, was suspended from processing test swaps after reports surfaced of false negatives. The faulty test results were among tests that were processed a the facility between sometime in early September and this week, officials with the UK Health Security Agency said. Around 400,000 samples have been processed through the lab, the vast majority of which will have been negative results, but an estimated 43,000 people may have been given incorrect negative PCR test results located primarily in southwest England, according to the agency. The UK Health Security Agency appeared to downplay speculation that the issue is widespread, saying the faulty results are an isolated incident attributed to one laboratory. Individuals who were affected would be contacted and told to get another test, the agency continued. The number of tests carried out at the Immensa laboratory are small in the context of the wider network and testing availability is unaffected around the country, it said, adding that samples that were sent to the facility have been redirected to other labs. One local authority in England, West Berkshire Council, has told people who were tested at the government-run Newbury Showground site between Oct. 3 and Oct. 12 and were told they were negative to get tested again. Immensa Health Clinic was founded in May 2020several months after the start of the pandemicand has reportedly been awarded contracts worth $234 million to process PCR test results. Andrea Riposati, the companys chief executive, issued a statement in the UK governments news release and said it is fully collaborating with an investigation and didnt wish this matter or anything else to tarnish the amazing work done by the UK in this pandemic. Other than the Immensa Health Clinic, Riposati also runs Dante Labs, which is being investigated in a separate matter by the UK Competition and Markets Authority over claims the firm failed to deliver PCR test results, reported the Reuters news agency. Some scientists issued warnings that the false negatives may have allowed for the spread of COVID-19. We now know 43,000 people are believed to have been given false negatives, but this doesnt even come near to the cost of the mistake, Kit Yates, who works with the University of Baths Department of Mathematical Sciences, told the news agency. Many of these people will have been forced into school or work potentially infecting others. This could be part of the reason behind some of the recent rises weve seen. Britain conducts about 1 million CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus tests a day and reported almost 40,000 new infections a day over the past week. The CCP virus, also known as the coronavirus, causes COVID-19. The Epoch Times has contacted Immensa Health Clinic for additional comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Republicans are asking President Joe Biden to reverse energy policies they refer to as anti-American, as the nation faces rising prices for oil, and amid concerns of rising shipping costs and heating costs during the coming winter. And in other news, some Americans may be able to get a fourth vaccine shot for COVID-19. In this live Q&A with Crossroads host Joshua Philipp, we discuss these stories and others, and answer questions from the audience. Were being heavily censored by Big Tech. Our solution? Create our own independent platform free of censorship. Join us today on EpochTV. Weve got a country to save: http://epochtv.com/Crossroads Follow EpochTV on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV Parler: https://parler.com/#/user/EpochTV Moms of Babies Switched at Birth Raise Daughters Under Same Roof: Love Is Fundamental 'It is important to communicate love for the family.' Two mothers who gave birth on the same day, at the same hospital, made an unconventional decision when they found out their daughters had been accidentally switched at birth. They merged families, raising their girls under the same roof, and today they are inseparable. Marinella Alagna and Gisella Fodera, from the Sicilian town of Mazara del Vallo, Italy, gave birth to daughters Caterina and Melissa 10 minutes apart on Jan. 1, 1998, in the citys public Abele Ajello Hospital. However, the newborns were somehow swapped by the staff while dressing them. They confused the girls because they didnt have bracelets, and, consequently, they made a mistake in dressing them by changing their onesies, Marinella, 50, told The Epoch Times. Yet, nobody knew that the babies were swapped, and the families returned home and raised their daughters as their own for three years. But everything changed one day at kindergarten. Melissa (L) and Caterina. (Courtesy of Caterina Alagna) Caterina (L) with her biological mother, Marinella; and Melissa (R) with her biological mother, Gisella. (Courtesy of Caterina Alagna) At the nursery school, Marinella was specially drawn toward a little girl named Caterina, who looked very similar to her other two biological daughters. Moments later, when Marinella recognized the girls mother, Gisella, she recalled the onesies episode and sharing the maternity ward with her. Immediately my doubt became certainty, she said. A DNA test conducted two weeks later confirmed the girls true parentage, and the grave mistake was brought to light. Marinella described the news as terrible. We didnt live anymore, and we always cried, she recalled. It did not seem possible that such an event could happen. Marinella and her husband with Gisellas biological daughter, Melissa. (Courtesy of Caterina Alagna) Gisella and her husband with Marinellas biological daughter, Caterina. (Courtesy of Caterina Alagna) After the two families were reunified, they embarked on a three-month trial separation, speaking every day on the phone. But the pain was too much to bear. It was impossible to separate with the other child; it was a pain as strong as a death in the family, Marinella recalled. Instead, the two mothers put their heads together and came up with a groundbreaking solution: both families would live together, allowing them to be with both the children they had raised and their biological children. Caterina and Melissa. (Courtesy of Caterina Alagna) Caterina and Melissas loving families grew to include eight grandparents, two fathers, and two mothers. I knew my story right from the start because our parents never hid anything from us, Caterina, now 23, told The Epoch Times. They told us something had happened, but like a fairytale: The stork made a mistake in bringing the girls to their families.' Too young to understand, neither Caterina nor Melissa was upset. We even thought we were cousins, Caterina recalled. At the age of 6, however, we began to perceive more. Yet knowledge of their unique situation only strengthened Caterina and Melissas bond. They celebrated every birthday together and attended the same schools, even living in the same house while studying for their degrees in Chieti, Abruzzo. Caterina (L) and Melissa with Melissas dad. (Courtesy of Caterina Alagna) Together with Caterinas two older biological sisters, and Melissas younger sister, the pair love to travel. They always introduce themselves as friends before divulging that truly, they feel more like sisters. We are completely different girls, Caterina said. We know that it could happen that someone is left behind, or takes another path, but with the awareness that we will always be there for each other. It is important to communicate love for the family; sometimes, you never appreciate what you have, and saying I love you is essential. Caterina (L) with Gisella and Melissa. (Courtesy of Caterina Alagna) Marinella with her daughter, Caterina. (Courtesy of Caterina Alagna) After graduating with a degree in Educational Sciences in March, Caterina now works with children. Melissa will graduate in November. The Alagna and Fodera families continue to share their story as an example to other families to lead with love. These things should never happen, Marinella told The Epoch Times. Loving and giving love is fundamental, very important. We have suffered so much, too much. Now I see my daughters smiling, and we do too, but what we have inside remains forever. According to Italy 24 News, their amazing story has been turned into a book by Mauro Caporiccio, Sisters Forever, and adapted into a film with collaboration from the author. 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 Quebec Premier Francois Legault speaks at a news conference at the legislature in Quebec City on Sept. 23, 2021. The province has postponed mandatory vaccination for health-care workers until Nov. 15 due to the impact it will have on services. Meanwhile, Quebecs college of physicians says all doctors must be vaccinated or have their licences suspended. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot) Most Disturbing: Doctors in Quebec Forced to Vaccinate to Keep Practising Free consent not afforded to those ethically bound to respect it Quebec doctors who are not vaccinated for COVID-19 will be prohibited from practising, the provinces college of physicians has announced, leading some physicians to decry the move as going too far. On Sept. 29, the day prior to the announcement, College des medecins du Quebec (CMQ) published an important notice on its website to remind its members that no examination, treatment, or medical intervention, required or not by the health status of the individual, can be accomplished without the free and informed consent of that individual. The next day, however, the CMQ decreed that COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for physicians. For the College des medecins, vaccination is an ethical duty and a social obligation, it said. Its the scientifically tested method to protect the entire population. The decree said doctors who havent complied by Oct. 15 will see their licences suspended and wont be allowed to perform consultations, including remote consultations, or follow up on exam or lab results. According to the CMQ, 97 percent of Quebec physicians are vaccinated. On Oct. 13, the Quebec government extended its initial Oct. 15 deadline to Nov. 15 to require all health-care workers to be vaccinated, due to the risk of an already overstretched health system being unable to withstand losing an estimated 22,000 workers who are either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Dr. Paul Saba, a Quebec family physician who says hes a strong proponent of vaccination, believes that some form of accommodation is needed for those who dont wish to be vaccinated. This is in order to avoid the health systems collapse, which could lead to preventable deaths, he said. Theres even talk of some hospitals being shut downthis is very distressing, Saba told The Epoch Times, noting that hes been writing articles to sound the alarm about the situation. Ive heard comments from different people that these people [unvaccinated health-care workers] are the cause of all our problems. Theyre not the cause of our problemstheyre heroes whove been working in the health-care system, often without even personal protective equipment. Saba says it doesnt make any sense for doctors not to even be able to do remote consultations. Another accommodation he suggests is for the unvaccinated working in health-care facilities to be regularly tested. The Epoch Times contacted the CMQ with a number of questions related to ethical issues raised by critics, but it received no response. Pushback Patrick Phillips, a doctor in Ontario, took to Twitter to criticize the CMQs decree, saying it is violating the most basic principles of patient safety and autonomy they were created to protect: Free, uncoerced, fully informed consent. Phillips then added a thread where he posted a notice of liability issued to the CMQ by Dr. Roland Leger, who practises in Ottawa but is also licensed in Quebec. The Epoch Times has confirmed the authenticity of the notice. Leger writes that he has practised in general medicine and family medicine for almost 40 years but now feels he has been plunged into a global Institutional Betrayal of monstrous proportions. He notes that the global recovery rate from the virus SARS-CoV2 is over 99 percent and that he and his wife, also a doctor, have a fundamental human right to refuse the vaccine, pointing to the Canadian Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Our experience and conscience is telling both me and my wife that we should definitively not take this vaccine, he writes. He asked whether someone at the CMQwhom he doesnt identifyis willing personally, without affiliation to the College, to sign and take full legal responsibility should he or his wife experience side effects after receiving the COVID vaccine. Phillips, who tweeted Legers notice at the latters request, told The Epoch Times that Quebecs mandate is one of the most stringent among all the provinces. [The CMQ] goes far beyond Ontario, where a lot of individual hospitals or long-term care homes are mandating the vaccine but you can still practise in the province, youre not losing your licence, he said. Whats most disturbing about this is that medical colleges are created for patient safety. Theyre created to protect individual patients from exactly what theyre doing right now. To force somebody into a medical treatmentespecially a novel one with no long-term safety studiesis kind of unthinkable, he said. Leger said hes heard from his contacts in Quebec that, as things stand, as many as 600 doctors may lose their licences. Saba points out that by going with the approach of reasonable accommodation, well do more benefit to our health-care system than harm. We have vaccinations, and in Quebec we have herd immunity of our health-care professionals, he said. So to get the roughly 5 percent of people who are not vaccinatedyoure throwing out the baby with the bathwater. With reporting by Andrew Chen Murdaugh Charged With Taking Insurance Money in Maids Death 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. Alex Murdaugh is seen in a mugshot taken on Sept. 16, 2021. (Hampton County Detention Center) 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. Alex Murdaugh walks into court for his bond hearing, in Varnville, S.C., on Sept. 16, 2021. (Mic Smith/AP Photo, File) 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 percent 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. By Jeffery Collins Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during the E3 gaming convention in Los Angeles, Calif., on June 13, 2019. (Mike Blake/Reuters) Musk Tweets He Is in Talks With Airlines to Install Starlink Broadband Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk said in a tweet on Thursday he was in talks with airlines about installing Starlink, a satellite-based broadband service owned by his rocket company SpaceX. Musk, who is known for his Twitter banter, announcements, and lively interactions with followers, did not provide any details about the talks in his tweet. It was not immediately clear which airlines were approached or when installation would occur. Shares of in-flight internet provider Gogo Inc fell to an intraday low of 5.7 percent before recouping some of the losses in afternoon trading. Starlink, the satellite internet unit of SpaceX, plans to deploy 12,000 satellites. SpaceX has said the Starlink constellation will cost it roughly $10 billion. It is one of a growing number of companies making small satellites that also includes Amazon.coms Kuiper, Britains OneWeb, venture capital-backed Planet, and Raytheon Technologies Corps Blue Canyon Technologies. Musk currently helms companies including electric-car maker Tesla Inc, rocket startup SpaceX and Neuralink, a startup that is developing ultra-high bandwidth brain-machine interfaces to connect the human brain to computers. By Chavi Mehta and Subrat Patnaik Nurses Sue Illinois Hospital for Alleged Denial of Religious COVID-19 Vaccine Exemptions Nurses who face termination from their jobs at an Illinois hospital have filed a lawsuit against the facility for allegedly refusing to grant them religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, arguing that the move is illegal under state law. Six nurses who work at Riverside Healthcare in Kankakee, Illinois, filed a lawsuit (pdf) in the Circuit Court for the Twenty-First Circuit in Kankakee County. The nurses, who are being represented by the Liberty Justice Center, said they were told by the facility they would be fired for refusing the vaccine and were denied religious exemptions, according to a news release. These nurses worked throughout the pandemic, putting their lives and their families lives on the line, Daniel Suhr, managing attorney at the Liberty Justice Center, said in a news release, adding that Riverside is terminating their employment now unless they violate their religious beliefs and their conscience regarding vaccines. Describing the hospitals rule as ruthless overreach, Suhu said the plaintiff nurses know the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19, better than anyone and are making a deeply personal, individual choice that should be respected, according to the release. Not only is that the right thing to do, but its Illinois law. Specifically, the lawyers say that Riversides mandate violates the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act, arguing that the law prohibits discrimination against a worker who wont accept the administration of healthcare services. COVID-19 vaccines, the attorneys said, fall under this provision. The Health Care Right of Conscience Act, their lawyers added, describes conscience as a sincerely held set of moral convictions arising from belief in and relation to God, or which, though not so derived, arises from a place in the life of its possessor parallel to that filled by God among adherents to religious faiths. One of the plaintiffs, nurse practitioner Neelie Panozzo, issued a statement via the Justice Center, explaining that her profession allows her to live out her faith by serving my patients. I believe I am called to love and serve my patients, especially those who are frail and vulnerable. I am also following my faiths teachings when I say I cannot accept this vaccine, her statement said. I am ashamed that Riverside will not respect my sincere beliefs and instead insists on firing all of its employees who sought conscience protections. The Epoch Times has contacted Riverside Healthcare for comment on the lawsuit. Previously, Riverside Healthcare told an unvaccinated employee in September that regarding religious exemption requests, the organization takes them very seriously and respect the time you invested to submit it. However, the letter from Riverside said the organization cannot risk having unvaccinated staff caring for patients, according to the Daily Journal. Based on our review of your declination request and our COVID Vaccination Program Policy, your request has been denied. Although your religious or strongly held belief may otherwise qualify for an exemption, Riverside has decided to deny your request because you are in a patient-facing position, the healthcare system said in the letter. The lawsuit comes as the office of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, said it wants to bar individuals from citing the Health Care Right of Conscience Act for religious-based vaccine exemptions. The Health Care Right of Conscience Act was never intended to allow people to avoid public health guidance during a global pandemic. The administration supports efforts to clarify the law, so it cannot be misinterpreted by fringe elements, his office said this week. Ohio State Education Board Repeals Racial Equity Resolution, Condemns Collective Guilt Training The Ohio State Board of Education has rescinded a racial equity resolution it adopted last summer, citing a troubling focus on students skin color rather than their character. The resolution in question, approved in July 2020 amid the nationwide unrest sparked by George Floyds death, highlighted significant gaps in academic performance between black students and their white peers, acknowledging that profound disparities between white and non-white students exist in all parts of the Ohio education system. To address the said racial inequity, the resolution directed the Ohio Department of Education (DOE) to require training for all employees and contractors to identify their own implicit bias, and recommended that all Ohio school districts reflect on potential bias in their curricula and policies for hiring, staff development, and student discipline. Following a four-hour debate on Wednesday night, the education board voted to repeal the 2020 resolution by a margin of 10-7, with two members absent, reported Advance Ohio. In a new resolution put forward as a replacement, the board said it has observed since last July not only a growing national divide but a troubling focus on the color of ones skin rather than on the content of ones character. The Board seeks excellence in education for all children and families, without prejudice or respect to race, ethnicity, or creed, the resolution reads, adding that it not only acknowledges the disparities between students of different races, but also those among additional diverse groups, such as economically-disadvantaged students. The new resolution no longer asks that the Ohio DOE employees or contractors undergo implicit bias training, citing a legal analysis of the original resolution by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. In his opinion released last month, Yost said the board does not have authority to require private contractors to take such training. While the Wednesday resolution doesnt specifically mention critical race theory (CRT), it condemns any attempt to teach the idea that people of a certain race are inherently racist and should feel guilty for historical injustice and oppression committed by those of that raceone of the key premises held by CRT proponents. The Board affirms its condemnation of racism, hate speech, hate crimes and violence in the service of hatred, it reads. The Board condemns any standards, curriculum, or training programs for students, teachers, or staff that seek to divide or to ascribe circumstances or qualities, such as collective guilt, moral deficiency, or racial bias, to a whole race or group of people. Board member John Hagan, who voted in favor of the new resolution, said the original one excessively focused on race. I think the initial resolution was very pointed, Hagan said, according to Advance Ohio. It kind of said the boogeyman in the problem with these gaps is based on race. I dont think anyone questions whether race might be a factor in this. But there are a lot of factors. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-Okla.) speaks during a roundtable at the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, on June 18, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Oklahoma Governor, AG Vow to Fight Bidens Employee Vaccine Mandate Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnor has urged private employers to disregard the Biden Administrations plans to impose a federal vaccine mandate requiring businesses with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated. President Joe Biden in September announced plans to impose COVID-19 mandates on private employers with more than 100 workers, requiring them to be vaccinated or get a negative test result on a weekly basis before coming to work. Around 80 million Americans in private sector businesses with over 100 employees would be affected if the mandate ever goes into force. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agency under the Department of Labor, on Oct. 12 submitted the initial text of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private employers to the Office of Management and Budget for reviewthe first concrete step the administration has taken since Bidens announcement in September. But in a statement issued on Thursday, OConnor said employers are facing mounting pressure from the Biden administration to act on vaccine mandates and urged them not to do so. The Oklahoma attorney general said hes ready to take Biden to court the second the rules are made public. There are currently no rules that require employers to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for employees, OConnor wrote. I urge Oklahoma employers to disregard the Biden administrations wishes to the contrary. In the event federal emergency rules are issued that place such an unlawful demand upon employers, our office will be joined by other state Attorneys General across the country to quickly sue and seek an injunction against any implementation or enforcement. He continued, Oklahomans should have the right to make their own personal health decisions for themselves and their families. Employers that are mandating vaccines are unfortunately doing so upon their own initiative. Religious, medical, and personal exemptions should be uniformly approved by those employers at the very least. A man gets a COVID-19 vaccine in Buffalo, W.Va., on March 26, 2021. (Stephen Zenner/Getty Images) Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stittwho has been vaccinatedalso took aim at Bidens mandate on Thursday, saying he does not believe its the governments job to dictate policies to private companies. This action is not just federal overreach; its unconstitutional, Stitt, a Republican, said in a video statement. President Bidens administration has no respect for individual freedoms. I cannot believe we have a president who wants to force Americans to choose between a vaccine and their job. The people this is affecting arent just statistics. Theyre real Oklahomans with real concerns. Theyre brave nurses and caretakers. Theyre expecting mothers and fathers. Theyre first responders and brave law enforcement. He added that getting vaccinated is a personal choice and noted that he himself had chosen to be vaccinated after speaking with his doctor and doing whats best for me. Stitt said that over 71 percent of Oklahomans aged 18 and over have chosen to get the vaccine, while 93 percent of Oklahomans 65 and older have also been vaccinated. We know the COVID vaccine is our best defense against severe illness. But static, one-size-fits all mandates simply do not fit the reality we are in today, he added. At a press conference on Thursday, Biden championed employee vaccine mandates for helping lower the number of COVID-19 cases. Every day, we see more businesses implement vaccination requirements and the mounting data shows that they work, Biden said. Businesses and organizations are implementing requirements are seeing their vaccination rates rise by an average of 20 percent or more to well over 90 percent the number of employees vaccinated. However, the mandate has drawn significant pushback, with state-level officials in over half the states promising to fight it, while others have expressed concerns it could lead to a shortage of workers across all industries as employees either quit or lose their jobs for failing to get vaccinated. Separately, the Biden administration in September mandated that all federal executive branch workers must be vaccinated, including employees of contractors that do business with the federal government. There is no option for weekly PCR tests and a deadline of Dec. 8 was set for employees to be vaccinated. People hold up signs during a rally against Critical Race Theory (CRT) being taught in schools at the Loudoun County Government center in Leesburg, Va., on June 12, 2021. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Parent Challenges North Carolina School Board to Investigate Sexually Explicit Material Found in School Library A North Carolina parent cited state law in pointing the Wake County School Board to possible felonious, sexually explicit material found in one of its libraries. Chad Slotta told the board in its Oct. 5 meeting that one of his children found the book, Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison in the schools library. The book, Slotta said, describes illicit sex between minors, a 10-year-old who engages in a sex act during a church youth group behind a church parsonage, sexually explicit language, and allusions to bestiality. Now I feel grieved and embarrassed to even discuss this issue in a public forum, but in the defense of innocence and decency of not only my child but the classmates, I cant remain silent, Slotta told the board during public comment. Its unacceptable that an adult trusted to educate children, either knowingly or through ignorance, would permit the dissemination of objectively obscene material to children, Slotta said. Slotta later read from NC General Statute 14-190.1, which states that its a class-one felony for a person, firm, or corporation to intentionally disseminate obscenity that depicts or describes in a patently offensive way sexual conduct that could be directed at children as a potential audience. At Best, Broken; At Worst, Corrupt Slotta asked the board to initiate a thorough and transparent review of the books currently available and the process by which they are chosen. The process by which books and material are added to our school libraries is at best broken, and at worst, corrupt, Slotta said. Its broken if an elected or unelected person or committee failed to properly vet this book and others like it from coming into the school. The process is corrupt if an elected or unelected official or committee vetted the book and others like it and thought, Hey, this would add value to our children, then sourced them intentionally in our schools. Slotta later told The Epoch Times that as hes watched the brewing controversy of sexualized material being found in K-12 school systems across the country, hes identified several other titles in his childs online school library. I didnt want to transfer a national narrative on our local situation unless those things were actually happening here, Slotta said. Unfortunately, we discovered that in fact books we saw being reported on and others, which in our opinion are more obscene and more graphic, were in the library where our child attends school. Other books he named were Out of Darkness, by Ashley Hope Perez, in which he said there are multiple sexual descriptions, one of which being a group of boys fantasizing about group sex; and All Boys Arent Blue, by George M. Johnson, in which he said there are vivid details about sexual acts. Slotta didnt name the specific school his child attends because, he said, his goal is not to get anyone fired, but to effect change by initiating the review that would question the legality of the material within the context of a K-12 scholastic setting. In response to Slottas concerns, a Wake County board member forwarded Slotta a written policy by which parents can request a review and removal of certain material. What the board member didnt get back to me on was the process by which these are added to the media center, he said. I suspect thats going to be more of a challenge for them to respond to just given the nature of those materials, but that will be a major emphasis of our inquiry going forward. Appropriate Discernment Within the school setting, Slotta said sexuality and biology should be discerned. We send our kids to school to be taught science and mathematics, and a part of that discipline of science includes anatomy and biology, but when it comes to human sexuality, which to me is a very different discipline, I think that belongs at home with the parents, not in the schools with the teachers, Slotta said. When reached for comment, the Wake County Public School Systems (WCPS) communication director sent The Epoch Times the WCPS policy on the parents right to inspect materials and submit an objection. If the committee determines that any material violates constitutional or other legal rights of the parent or student, the principal or the committee shall either remove the material from instructional use or accommodate the student or parent, the policy states. F.A.C.T.S. Task Force Earlier this year, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican, had enacted the F.A.C.T.S. (Fairness and Accountability in the Classroom for Teachers and Students) task force to provide an online portal through which teachers and students can submit examples of critical race theory (CRT) in the North Carolina school systems. CRT is based on the Marxist philosophy that describes society as a class struggle between oppressors and the oppressed; it labels white people as the oppressors and all other races as the oppressed. In the report, themes of race shaming, sexualization of children, allusions to surgical castration in childrens literature, and accusations of xenophobia against political figures surfaced. Democrats, including Gov. Roy Cooper, have said that the allegations of CRT being taught in schools is conspiracy-laden politics. Cooper later vetoed a bill that would have prohibited teachings that promote concepts that are contrary to equality and rights of all persons. This week, Robinson faced criticism over comments he made in a church while being filmed. The video was posted on Twitter by a group called Right Wing Watch. In referring to homosexuality and transgenderism, Robinson said these issues have no place in school. Theres no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling a child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth, and yes I called it filth, Robinson said. The White House and North Carolina politicians, including Gov. Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein, condemned Robinson, and various LGBT groups called for his resignation, to which Robinson later said he wouldnt back down. In a press conference on Oct. 12, Robinson said that by filth, he was referring to the material, not the LGBT community. The narrative thats been driven that I have something against the LGBT community is absolutely false, Robinson said. American is not a theocracy, he added. I dont have the right to tell anyone how they live their personal lives, Robinson said. Though he may disagree with ones lifestyle on a personal and spiritual level, he said its his job to protect peoples rights. Robinson then said the question around the material being found in schools is a legal issue. You can look at this and clearly see that this is quite possibly, probably is child pornography being presented to our children, he said, referencing images he had displayed beside him from the book Gender Queer: A Memoir, by Maia Kobabe, which depicted explicit sexual acts. Both Gender Queer and Lawn Boy were pulled from The Fairfax Public School system in Virginia after a parent spoke out against the books at a school board meeting. When asked in what school systems the book was found, Robinsons director of communication said it came to our offices attention from Cedar Ridge High School in Hillsborough, North Carolina. However, we know that it is in at least six counties: Buncombe, Durham, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Orange, and Wake. Pennsylvania School Boards Association Quits National School Boards Association A controversial letter sent to President Joe Biden, in which the National School Boards Association (NSBA) asked that some parents attending school board meetings be considered domestic terrorists, was the final straw for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA). The letter (pdf) prompted the Department of Justice to announce that the FBI and U.S. attorneys would discuss ways to address threats against school employees and board members, a task traditionally left to local law enforcement. After what it describes as significant deliberations, the PSBA voted unanimously to withdraw from the National organization and sent a statement (pdf) to its Pennsylvania members Thursday, explaining the decision. The value of the NSBA federation membership has been questioned numerous times over the past several years both within Pennsylvania and amongst many other state school boards associations, the statement to members says. This misguided approach has made our work and that of many school boards more difficult. It has fomented more disputes and cast partisanship on our work on behalf of school directors, when we seek to find common ground and support all school directors in their work, no matter their politics. Now is not the time for more politics and posturing, it is the time for solutions to the many challenges facing education. PSBA serves 500 school districts and 4,500 elected school board directors. It said a school board meeting should be the model of democracy in action. Civility is the bedrock of this approach to local governance, the statement said. Board members, the public, and parents need to be held to a high standard of responsible participation in this process. No school board member or administrator should ever be the subject of threats or violenceit is shocking that someone would ever use violence to solve a difference of opinion over educational policies. However, attempting to solve the problems with a call for federal intervention is not the place to begin, nor a model for promoting greater civility and respect for the democratic process. PSBA has been unhappy with NSBA for quite a while. It has been a struggle for the board and leadership of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association to identify a reason to continue to be a part of a federation that is not focused on bipartisanship, civility, and seeking solutions to the internal problems, the statement said. PSBA is not alone in its displeasure with NSBA. Florida School Boards Association sent an Oct. 11 letter (pdf) to NSBA encouraging a review of NSBAs leadership and urged a public acknowledgment of the federal overreach expressed in its letter to the president. As you are aware, we did not submit payment for 20202021 dues, which were due July 1, 2021, the Florida association wrote. We have been clear about reassessing the value of our affiliation with NSBA due to concerns surrounding NSBAs governance, leadership, transparency, and failure to embrace non-partisanship. The Montana School Boards Association issued an Oct. 5 statement (pdf) saying NSBA did not consult the Montana organization before it issued its request. We have full trust and confidence in the civility of constituents, the sincerity and good intentions of those providing input and trusted local law enforcement to address any isolated criminal issues that may arise, the Montana statement said. In an Oct. 6 statement, Denotris Jackson, executive director of the Mississippi School Boards Association called the NSBA letter inflammatory. It has created great dissension, much unproductive discussion, and a rise of distrust in public school board members and educators, Denotris wrote. Hearing from passionate stakeholders can be a sign of healthy community engagement. NSBAs action is counter-productive to board efforts to engage parents and other stakeholders in the activities of the district and to our efforts to solicit stakeholder input and support. Parents Defending Education, an advocacy group, contacted state school board associations for comment on the NSBAs letter to Biden. According to its website, 16 states have distanced themselves from the NSBAs letter as of Oct. 14, including Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming. NSBA did not respond to The Epoch Times request for comment. Jackie Unahah of the City of Iqaluit fills bottles for Elisapee Johnston and others lining up to collect Sylvia Grinnell River water from a tanker truck, after authorities ordered the 7,000 residents of the capital of Canada's northernmost territory Nunavut not to drink the city's water due to suspected fuel contamination, in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, on Oct. 14, 2021. (Casey Lessard/Reuters) Residents of Canadian Arctic Capital Told City Water Is Unsafe to Drink The capital of Canadas Arctic territory has ordered its 7,000 residents not to drink the citys water due to suspected fuel contamination. Iqaluit, the capital of Canadas northernmost territory Nunavut, which borders Greenland, declared a state of emergency on Tuesday night, telling residents to stop using city water for drinking and cooking. Residents reported fuel odors in the water over the weekend, but the source was not clear. The water would not be safe even after boiling, the city said. Investigators found potential hydrocarbon contamination at a water treatment plant. Analysis of samples sent out of the territory were due back in five business days. Some people in Iqaluit normally receive piped water and others get truck delivery. During the water emergency, the city is sending treated water by truck, but that water should still be boiled for at least one minute, the city said. Other residents could get water in jugs at a pickup point in Iqaluit. Although Canada has 20 percent of the worlds fresh water within its borders, 45 indigenous communities across the country currently have boil-water advisories. Nunavuts population is 86 percent indigenous. Water is a contentious issue for Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was first elected in 2015 with a promise to end all boil-water advisories within five years. Groceriesincluding bottled waterare extremely expensive in Canadas North, due in part to high shipping costs. Iqaluit has had two different boil-water advisories since August due to repairs to water infrastructure. Robert Durst in his wheelchair as he appears in an Inglewood courtroom with his attorneys for closing arguments presented by the prosecution in the murder trial in Inglewood, Calif., on Sept. 8, 2021. (Al Seib - Pool/Getty Images) Robert Durst Sentenced to Life for Murder of Best Friend in California Robert Durst, a New York real estate heir and multimillionaire, was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison without chance of parole for the murder of his best friend in California more than two decades ago. The 78-year-old Durst was convicted last month in Los Angeles Superior Court of first degree murder in the death of Susan Berman. Berman, the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster, was Dursts longtime confidante. The Los Angeles jury found he was guilty of having shot Berman, 55, in the back of the head at her Beverly Hills home in December 2000. The jury had also found Durst guilty of the special circumstances of lying in wait and killing a witness, which carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors said that Durst had sought to prevent Berman from incriminating him in the reopened investigation of the disappearance of his wife Kathleen McCormack, who went missing in New York in 1982 and remains missing. Prosecutors alleged Berman had provided a false alibi for Durst when Kathleen went missing, and that Berman, before her death, was prepared to tell police how she helped cover up Kathleens killing. Durst was never charged in his wifes disappearance. Durst, who has numerous medical issues, on Thursday was rolled into the courtroom in a wheelchair. The trial began in March 2020 and was adjourned for 14 months amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed in May with the jury that reached its verdict on Sept. 17. Superior Court Judge Mark Windham, who pronounced the sentence Thursday, denied a request from the defense for a new trial. He said that there was overwhelming evidence of guilt proven many times over. Dursts lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, said they plan to appeal. Durst is the grandson of Joseph Durst, who founded the Durst Organization, one of New York Citys largest real estate companies. His father, Seymour, took charge of the company and later handed control of it to Dursts younger brother, Douglas. Robert Durst settled his share of the family fortune and was estimated by prosecutors to have $100 million. Prosecutors had also argued that Durst, in addition to having killed his wife and Berman, also killed a neighbor in Galveston, Texas, in 2001. The neighbor, Morris Black, had discovered Dursts identity when Durst was hiding from law enforcement, prosecutors said. Durst was acquitted of the Texas mans murder after he testified that he had shot Black in self-defense, despite admitting to having dismembered the mans body afterward. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Sen. Warren Urges Amazon Breakup, India Retailers Want Probe NEW DELHISen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) 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 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. Wednesdays report showed that, at least in India, manipulating search results to favor Amazons products, as well as copying other sellers goods, were part of a formal strategy at Amazonand 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 and Facebook, Warren, a long-time critic of Amazon, said these documents show what we feared about Amazons monopoly powerthat 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, These documents prove Amazon engages in anticompetitive practices such as rigging search results and self-preferencing their own products over competitors. A man inspects trucks before they enter an Amazon storage facility on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, on Oct. 1, 2021. (Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters) More concerning, it contradicts what Jeff Bezos 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 Wednesdays 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. 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 favor them. The Amazon documents reviewed by Reuters showed how the companys 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 Indias 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. Indian retailers say foreign e-commerce businesses like Amazon and Walmarts 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, the group urged the Indian government to take action against Amazons predatory playbook of copying, rigging, and killing Indian brands. Southwest Airlines Is Giving Out Vouchers for Passengers Caught in Cancellation Chaos If Southwest canceled your flight recently, you might qualify Youre reading Entrepreneur United States, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The past weekend was a disaster of sorts for Southwest Airlines. The Dallas-based airline has canceled more than 2,000 flights since Saturday, disrupting travel plans for thousands of customers. Now, the airline is addressing customer complaints by handing out vouchers to disgruntled customerson top of the required refunds. The exact range of voucher amounts isnt clear, but USA Today reports travelers have seen vouchers from $100 to $250. The company started emailing customers vouchers on Wednesday, but Southwest Airlines spokesperson Brandy King says getting a voucher might take longer than usual due to the number of passengers affected. Related: Disgruntled Customers Sound Off on Southwest Airlines Amid Cancellations, Claim No Refunds or Answers: This Is Entirely Self-Inflicted For those still waiting for a voucher email, airline representatives seem quick to respond to customers tweets. Were truly sorry that your recent travel experience was a disappointing one, Erika. Please DM your confirmation number so we can discuss your situation in more detail. -Jhericca Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 13, 2021 Hi, Valerie. Please send us your confirmation number in a DM, so we can take a closer look at your flight details. -Grayson Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 14, 2021 We review each situation individually to determine the compensation based on level of inconvenience, King said in an email. The level of inconvenience is a mix of length of delay, quality of reaccommodation options and flight cancellations. The airline initially blamed air traffic control issues and disruptive weather for the cancellations. However, Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said that was not the case in a Tuesday interview with Good Morning America. ATC issues and disruptive weather have resulted in a high volume of cancellations throughout the weekend while we work to recover our operation. We appreciate your patience as we accommodate affected Customers, and Customer Service wait times are longer than usual. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/o1scQJ5lLb Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 9, 2021 Kelly said although there were no air traffic control issues over the weekend, the problems were due to a number of Federal Aviation Administration delay programs in Florida on Friday. After a hectic few days for the airline, he says operations are now back to normal. I want to apologize to all of our customers, this is not what we want, Kelly said in the interview. Unfortunately, it just takes a couple of days to get things back on track. Related: Southwest Airlines CEO Speaks Out on Cancellation Chaos and Vaccine Mandate: Were Not Going to Fire Any Employees Over This Supply Chain Backlog to Last Until Summer of Next Year, Despite 24/7 Operating Hours: Officials Despite President Bidens announcement Oct. 13 that the severely backlogged Port of Los Angeles would expand into 24/7 operating hourssimilar to the Port of Long Beachport officials are saying the backlog will continue until the summer of 2022. Noel Hacegaba, deputy executive director of the Port of Long Beach, said expanding the ports operating hours wont impact the supply chain disruptions given the continued shortage of truck drivers, chassis equipment, and warehouse operations and space. We think itll be summer of 2022 before we clear all 60 ships, Hacegaba told The Epoch Times on Oct. 14. Of course, if we take some measures now, and everyone in the supply chain starts expanding their hours of operation were going to get there sooner. Hacegaba showed optimism that expanding port hours of operation will encourage the rest of the supply chain to step up its efforts. If we had the warehouse capacity, if we had enough truck drivers, enough trucks, enough chassis, to pull those containers, we wouldnt have the 60 ships which are effectively serving as warehouses on the water. I mean, thats what theyre doing. Theyre storing these containers, Hacegaba said. Other experts are more pessimistic about the impact of Bidens announcement, saying it will require a lot more than just the ports to solve the backlog. 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. Mercogliano said addressing one end of the supply chain doesnt solve the problem. Everything must be done simultaneously, including not only addressing the current shortage of truck drivers, but increasing operations of receiving retailers as well, he said. In a virtual briefing on Oct. 14, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said he was happy to be working with the Biden Administration on addressing the backlog, but was unsure about when 24/7 operations would commence and if all seven terminals at the port would follow suit. The anticipation is that everybody will be 24/7, [but] those discussions are ongoing. Its matching up commitments with how we need to service these folks. The dwell times have been super high, weve got to push this cargo out as quickly as we can [and] take advantage of that latent capacity when were not using our gates and matching that up with truck power, chassis, and corresponding exports and imports, Seroka said. When Seroka was asked when the first terminal would begin operating 24/7, he said more discussions will need to take place. The two ports, which are responsible for about 40 percent of all imports into the United States, are on track to get more than 20 million container units this year, Hacegaba said, which is significantly more than the 17.5 million units in 2020. The Tesla logo is seen outside a dealership in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on April 26, 2021. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters) Tesla Directors Get Softer Support, Shareholder Proposal Gains Traction Electric carmaker Tesla 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 companys use of mandatory arbitration after a court decision in favor of a temporary employee who accused Tesla of racial discrimination. The votes indicated growing shareholder dissatisfaction at the company. In a securities filing Tesla said support for a shareholder resolution on how it handles arbitration matters rose to 46 percent of votes cast at its annual meeting last week, from 27 percent 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 Teslas 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 companies 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 banks 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 percent of Teslas 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 percent 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. Wednesdays filing showed among the two company directors up for re-election last week, James Murdoch received support from 70 percent of votes cast, and Kimbal Musk, Elon Musks brother, received support from 80 percent of votes cast. Directors at large U.S. companies typically receive 90 percent 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. By Ross Kerber and Hyunjoo Jin Texas Supreme Court Puts Vaccine Mandate on Hold in San Antonio School District The Texas Supreme Court on Thursday put a temporary hold on San Antonio School Districts COVID-19 vaccine mandate hours before it was set to take effect. The San Antonio Independent School District mandated that all its employees be vaccinated for COVID-19 by Oct. 15. The mandate, issued on Aug. 16 by then-Superintendent Pedro Martinez, directly challenged Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order initially issued in April that bans COVID-19 vaccine mandates by state-funded entities. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the school district over the order on Aug. 19. The Supreme Court said in an opinion (pdf) on Thursday it is putting a hold on the enforcement of the vaccine mandate while the legal battle over the matter continues. The Texas Supreme Court maintained in its opinion that it has not ruled on the legality of the school districts vaccine mandate or the governors vaccine mandate ban. This case, like those regarding local governmental entities authority to mandate the wearing of masks, challenges the legality of the Governors orders under the Texas Disaster Act. We have not yet had the opportunity to consider the merits of these challenges, said the court in this decision. The San Antonio Independent School District had clarified on Aug. 20 that it would only mandate vaccines that receive full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA granted such approval to Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine on Aug. 23, after which the state nonsuited its claims against the school district. Two days later, Abbott issued a separate order that barred government entities from mandating COVID-19 vaccines regardless of the vaccines approval status with the FDA. Paxton sued the school district for a second time on Sept. 9 (pdf), seeking to secure a temporary injunction against the vaccine mandate. But a district judge from Bexar County, Mary Lou Alvarez, denied the motion on Oct. 1. The state appealed the ruling to the Texas 4th Court of Appeals. The appeals court denied Paxtons request to temporarily block the vaccine mandate, after which Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to step in. Paxton last week also filed a writ of mandamus asking the Texas Supreme Court to strike down 4th Court of Appeals ruling. The Texas Supreme Court said in its ruling on Thursday, We grant this relief on our own authority while we consider the states petition for writ of mandamus. We express no view on the merits of the states claims. It added that the decision to halt the vaccine mandate, for now, is not a comment on the decision of the district court to deny the States request for a temporary injunction. We are confident that the court of appeals will expeditiously consider the States appeal, the court also said. The petition for writ of mandamus remains pending before the Court. Alvarez had scheduled a trial date of Jan. 19, 2022, over the lawsuit. The school districts COVID-19 mandate is not enforceable at least until then. Paxton celebrated the courts decision, saying in a statement Thursday, I am glad to see that the Supreme Court of Texas has again confirmed that the Governors decisions control at both the state and local levels. He added, This decision should serve as a reminder to all Texas school districts that they should be using their limited funds on educating children and equipping teachers, not defending unlawful vaccine mandates. Separately, Abbott on Oct. 11 issued a wider ban that prohibits any entity, including private employers, from issuing COVID-19 mandates in the state. He also added the issue as an agenda a legislative session in the state to give lawmakers the opportunity to pass a law to similar effect. Students holding placards as they march in the 'Global Strike 4 Climate' action day in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 20, 2019. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images) The Australian Federal Governments Net-Zero Betrayal Commentary With the Liberal-National Coalition government about to officially sign onto a 2050 net-zero emissions target, many Australians are wondering what the point of the 2019 election was. At the so-called climate election, the Coalition proposed maintaining their existing policy of a 26 percent reduction on 2005 levels by 2030. Labor proposed more significant reductions in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The Coalition won an unlikely third term after it told mainstream Australians it would prioritise their jobs and livelihoods ahead of any further emissions reduction efforts. But now, the Coalition is on the cusp of adopting Labors policy, one that Prime Minister Scott Morrison described before the election as reckless. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 20, 2021. (Rohan Thomson/Getty Images) This is further evidence that debate in Australias democracy is taking place within what seems to be an ever-receding set of boundaries that are vigorously policed by the elites and the political class. On all the big issues facing Australias future, from climate policy and housing affordability to mass migration, many mainstream Australians feel like they are being denied the opportunity to fully participate in debate and have their say. And our system of compulsory and preferential voting means that there is little electoral incentive for the major political parties to reach out to voters who feel alienated and voiceless. That is why faith in our democracy has been crumbling. The Australian National Universitys Australian Election Study shows that 59 percent of voters were satisfied with democracy in 2019, down from 86 percent in 2007. This figure will, in all likelihood, continue to decline. Too often, the concerns of ordinary Australians are overlooked by a class of would-be philosopher kings who think they know whats best for the country. But this is causing serious cultural and political disillusionment. When he announced his retirement from Australian politics earlier this year, National Party MP George Christensen said that he didnt think many of the issues important to mainstream Australians can be properly fixed by legislation and via the ballot box. The mainstream media, and other cultural institutions in this nation, sadly have the dominant influence over our politics And these institutions are just so disconnected from the views of everyday Australians, Christensen said. Nationals Member for Dawson George Christensen makes a 90-second statement before Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 23, 2021. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image) And he is right. It was concerning, for example, that it was not a robust public debate, much less a vote, that cleared the way for Scott Morrison to adopt a net-zero target. Instead, it was a 16-page Mission Zero explainer on the target contained in the capital-city tabloids published by News Corp. When News Corp joined the fold, the Morrison government had the blessing of all the major big businesses and their lobby groups, every mainstream media outlet, the taxpayer-funded public broadcaster, and most of the political class to adopt a net-zero policy. Everyone, that is, except the Australian people. Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) research has identified that up to 653,600 jobs could be put at direct risk by a net-zero emissions target. Its hard to imagine these Australians and their families and communities would vote for the economic self-harm of a net-zero emissions target if given a choice. But we dont have to imagine, because this is exactly what they voted against at the last federal election. As the IPA has highlighted, the average seat represented by the National Party stands to lose three times as many jobs as the average seat represented by the Liberal Party under a net-zero target. The most at-risk seats swung heavily towards the Coalition at the 2019 election. Referring to those who delivered a third-term Coalition government as quiet Australians is fitting, not because these voters werent vocal at the electionthey were among the most vocal of the Coalitions basebut because they have been deprived of their voice in the time since. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Protesters march across Victoria Bridge during a rally against a mandatory Covid-19 vaccine in Brisbane, Australia, on Oct. 1, 2021. (Dan Peled/Getty Images) Australia Does Not Have a Bill of Rights: Judge Rules Vaccine Mandates Legal Case watched over 1.4 million times Public health orders requiring teachers, health professionals, and construction workers to be vaccinated or face restrictions on their freedom of movement are valid, according to a court ruling in Australias most populous state, New South Wales (NSW), on Oct. 15. Al-Munir Kassam, a Sydney-based construction worker; Natasha Henry, a Byron Bay-based aged care worker; and eight other plaintiffs, launched legal action in September against the states vaccine mandatewhich many argued would force them to receive the vaccine otherwise risk losing their job. During the height of the recent Delta outbreak in Sydney, the NSW government mandated those living within a hotspot needed to receive one dose of the vaccine before they could leave their local government area (LGA) to work. These restrictions have since been removed. Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant, and the state and federal government were the subjects of the lawsuit. Justice Robert Beech-Jones of the NSW Supreme Court said the courts function was to determine whether health restrictions were legally valid and whether a minister acting reasonably would implement similar measures to deal with a public health crisis. The outside of the Supreme Court of New South Wales building is seen in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 9, 2013. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) He considered the following arguments from the plaintiffs, including whether the public health orders impugned on the right to freedom of movement, the right to bodily integrity, and whether they were arbitrary or unreasonable because they were discriminating on the basis of vaccine status. Beech-Jones argued the state health minister had the power to abrogate rights, saying public health orders were doing the very thing which the legislation sets out to achieve. So far as the right to bodily integrity is concerned, it is not violated as the impugned orders do not authorise the involuntary vaccination of anyone, he said in his judgement. In fact, vaccine mandates in their legal construction allow residents to opt-out of receiving the jab, however, at the risk of not being employed or being granted entry into certain venues. So far as the impairment of freedom of movement is concerned, the degree of impairment differs depending on whether a person is vaccinated or unvaccinated, Beech-Jones added. Curtailing the free movement of persons including their movement to and at work are the very type of restrictions that the Public Health Act clearly authorises. He noted within his reasoning that this country does not have a bill of rights in response to the plaintiffs argument that the Public Health Act did not authorise interference with a persons rights or freedoms. Protesters march across Victoria Bridge during a rally against Covid-19 vaccine mandates in Brisbane, Australia. #ReclaimTheLine rallies across Australia on Oct. 1, 2021. (Dan Peled/Getty Images) Lastly, Beech-Jones, said the public health orders were not construed as unreasonable, noting that only when individuals were differentiated on the basis of race, gender, or the mere holding of a political opinion would they be at severe risk of being invalid as unreasonable. However, the differential treatment of people according to their vaccination status is not arbitrary, he said. The judge dismissed all claims with costs to be agreed to. The judgement is the first in a series across Australia challenging restrictions on unvaccinated individuals. It also comes before an impending action launched by a paramedic and regional deputy mayor John Larter. Larter is challenging a public health order mandating that health workers in the state receive the first dose of the vaccine by Sept. 30 and the second dose by Nov. 30. He launched an online fundraiser to cover his legal costs, which has raised $159,190 as of Oct. 15. Meanwhile, the current proceedings were viewed 1,412,278 times, including nearly 390,000 times on day one of the hearing proper on Sept. 30indicating significant interest in the case. According to court data, the audience peaked at 58,484 individuals during the initial directions hearing after the YouTube link was shared across the social media platform Telegram. Migrants, mostly Haitians, wait for asylum processing by Mexico's Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) outside a soccer stadium, in Tapachula, Mexico, on Oct. 13, 2021. (Jose Torres/Reuters) US Gives Central America, Mexico Another $20 Million in Humanitarian Aid WASHINGTONThe United States is providing more than $20 million in additional humanitarian aid for nearly 700,000 asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in Central America and Mexico, the State Department said on Friday. In total, the United States has provided more than $331 million in such aid in fiscal year 2021, the department said in a statement. By Chris Gallagher UK Conservative Lawmaker Dies After Being Stabbed Multiple Times A British Conservative MP has died after being stabbed multiple times on Friday when meeting members of the public in his constituency. Sir David Amess, 69, who represented Southend West in Essex, was fatally attacked at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea. Conservative lawmaker David Amess outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, England on Sept. 17, 2003. (John Stillwell/PA via AP) The father-of-five is the second sitting MP to be killed in such circumstances in five years, following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 as she attended a constituency surgery. According to Sky News, a man walked into the meeting place and stabbed him multiple times. In a statement, Essex Police said: We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05 p.m. [Friday]. We attended and found a man injured. He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene. Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has reportedly been stabbed several times at a constituency surgery, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England on Oct. 15, 2021. (Nick Ansell/PA via AP) Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has reportedly been stabbed several times at a constituency surgery, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England on Oct. 15, 2021. (Nick Ansell/PA via AP) The force said a 25-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered. He is currently in custody, the police said. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. The police did not identify the person arrested, as is standard practice in the UK. Suspects of crimes are usually named after they are charged. Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Amess, calling him one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics. David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future, he said. And weve lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague, and our thoughts are very much today with his wife, his children, and his family. Labour leader Keir Starmer called it horrific and deeply shocking news. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said on Twitter that it was a truly terrible day for British politics, adding that our prayers are with all the people who loved David. According to the BBC, Amess was known as a social conservative and a prominent campaigner against abortion. Following his death, flags have been lowered to half-mast outside Parliament. PA contributed to this report. Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London on Sept. 27, 2021. (Steve Parsons/PA) UK Police Vow to Tackle Protesters Swiftly During UN Climate Meeting Protesters who attempt to block roads during the UN climate conference in Glasgow will be dealt with swiftly and robustly, a senior Scottish police officer has warned. This years UN climate conference, also known as COP26, is due to take place in the Scottish city of Glasgow from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12 and is expected to attract climate activists from around the world. Will Kerr, deputy chief constable of Police Scotland, said the force is ready and well prepared to deliver the security operation around the event, which he said will involve one of the biggest mobilisation of police assets the UK has ever seen. Kerr said Police Scotland will provide a proportionate policing response to any protests, and has been engaging with known protest groups for some time. Those wishing to protest have a responsibility to do so within the law and I would remind the small minority of people who may be intent on violent disorder or causing damage that we will deal with them swiftly and robustly, he warned. If someone is causing significant disruption by wilfully obstructing a main traffic route, then officers may move through the various stages of our graduated response more quickly than they would during instances which are causing minimum disruption, he said. Insulate Britain, a climate campaign group that has been demanding that the government insulate all homes across the UK to cut carbon emissions, has repeatedly shut down motorways and other key transport links. Over the past five weeks, activists from the group have blocked roads in England on 14 days, with activists often gluing their hands to the carriageway to increase the length of time it takes for police to remove them. The group said on Thursday that it was suspending their protests until Oct. 25, a week before COP26 is due to begin, but will resume their actions if Prime Minister Boris Johnson fails to issue a trustworthy statement about what actions he would take. To ensure security, about 10,000 officers will be deployed each day during the meeting, and Police Scotland will be supported by a substantial number of police officers from other UK police services. Police Scotland said officers from other parts of the UK will receive detailed briefings on the style and tone of policing ahead of being deployed. Kerr said contingencies are in place to deal with additional pressures on services during COP26 and said he could reassure the public that if they need an emergency response from us they will get it. PA contributed to this report. UK to Remove Restrictions on Foreign HGV Drivers for 6 Months Amid Christmas Panic Foreign Hauliers will be allowed to make more trips when they are in the UK this Christmas, the British government said on Thursday. The measure is a stopgap to address the shortage of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers so Christmas imports can move out of the ports in time. The temporary change to the so-called cabotage rule means EU lorry drivers delivering goods between the UK and the EU can stay in the UK for 14 days each trip, and pick up and drop off goods within the UK as many times as they want. Currently, hauliers from the EU can only make up to two cabotage trips within seven days. The proposal is subject to a one-week consultation, which the government launched on Thursday. If agreed, the measure will come into effect towards the end of this year for up to 6 months. The government said it expects the measure will be particularly beneficial to food supply chains and goods that come via ports. Announcing the rule change, 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. He added that recent new rules on the testing process of new drivers have helped increase applications for HGV driving licences by up to three times. However, Rod McKenzie, managing director of policy and public affairs of the Road Haulage Association, said to British operators and drivers, the new rule looks exactly like the uncontrolled immigration that the government said it didnt want. I spoke to some of our members last night and they were appalled, McKenzie told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Ridiculous, pathetic, gobsmacked were some of their more broadcastable comments. The government has been talking about a high-wage, high-skill economy and not pulling the lever marked uncontrolled immigration, and to them, this is exactly what it looks like, he said. McKenzie said the relaxation of the rules on low-cost foreign drivers will undercut UK hauliers. Thousands of shipping containers at the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk, England, on Oct. 13, 2021. (Joe Giddens/PA) 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. Weve got to be careful not to sort of report ourselves into a crisis when it comes to things like our ports, Shapps said on Friday. He said he saw stories from Thursday saying Felixstowe was going to be terrible for Christmas, while the port management told the transport secretary that Felixstowe doesnt feature in the worlds busiest in terms of congestion ports at all. Shapps told ITVs Good Morning Britain programme that he cannot guarantee that every line of every product will be available this Christmas, but people will be able to be together, buy things, and there will be food on the table. Tim Morris, head of the Major Ports Group, which represents operators, doesnt have an optimistic outlook of the situation. This week has seen improvements in what we call stack levels, so the amount of containers, for example, sat on the ground. But lets not fool ourselves, Morris told Sky News. It has been an extraordinarily busy 12 months now. And what weve seen over the last week, fortnight, have been some of the UK supply chain congestion issues sort of matching up and catching ports between surging global demand and shipping and very congested inland here in the UK, he said. Last month, panicked motorists dashed to petrol stations after it was leaked to the media that BP was expecting a few really, really difficult weeks and had to prioritise deliveries to key locations due to HGV driver shortages, exacerbating the crisis. Artists paint a mural on a a wall next to the Clydeside Expressway near Scottish Events Centre (SEC) which will be hosting the COP26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, on Oct. 13, 2021. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) UN Climate Change Funding to Feed Corruption Gravy Train of Developing World Commentary The U.N. climate change conference in Glasgow (COP26) is great news for corrupt governments in the developing world because it looks set to transfer huge sums of money into their hands. Dambisa Moyo, a Zambian-born economist, has long warned the West against sending aid to Africa because of the corruption it creates. Moyos book Dead Aid explained how foreign aid produces terrible outcomes in the developing world, such as economic laziness, cultures of dependence, and rampant corruption. She argued aid was killing Africa. Warnings by Moyo, and others, have helped reduce the flows of foreign aid to third world governments know to be kleptocracies. But that has simply meant corrupt governments have had to work harder to get the West to send them money. How have they done this? The method that has been widely used is playing the guilt card or the victim card. The guilt card tells Westerners they should feel guilty because European empires and colonialism allegedly exploited the third world. But, unfortunately, the Left has so widely propagated this anticolonial mythology that it is becoming almost impossible to have a sensible discussion about the age of imperialism. The victim card tells Westerners that the developing world is full of poor and starving people because villainous Western capitalists exploit them. Unfortunately, this socialist myth has been sold to many well-meaning but naive, liberals through journalists and celebrities, or by screening heart-wrenching and sensationalist television images. Since well-meaning liberals lack personal experience of the third world, they have no reality against which to measure the myths fed to them by left-leaning media and educators. Playing the guilt and victims cards have also been routinely used by leaders of multilateral organizations like the U.N. and WHO. More recently, we have also witnessed third world leaders increasingly using Chinas Belt and Road initiative to turn the foreign aid tap back on. Todays version of great power competition has seen Western countries handing out aid to try and stop developing countries from aligning with China. Chinese leader Xi Jinping (R) with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) attend the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa CooperationRound Table Conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Sept. 4, 2018. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) Sadly, this sort of aid is especially likely to lead to corruptionjust as it did during the Cold War. But now we are facing a new explosion of third world corruption, caused this time by the way Greens have successfully mobilized the politics of climate change. If governments in Africa and Asia get their way, the Glasgow conference on climate change will transfer huge amounts of money into their hands. With the Glasgow summit in mind, the South African government (known for its corruption) has promised to go beyond its Paris greenhouse gas targets. But there is a catchalong with other third world elites, South Africa expects taxpayers in the West to pay them to implement their targets. So we see the South African government, a well-known kleptocrat regime, brazenly asking the developed world to hand over to them $269 billion to pay for proposed decarbonization projects. The South African document lodged with the U.N. said substantial multilateral support would be required for measures such as a very ambitious power sector investment plan. So Glasgow funds will be used to fix South Africas broken Eskom electricity supply system, plus fix the countrys catastrophic debt-repayment problem created by Eskoms corruption and maladministration. Eskom has been unable to supply the country with enough electricity since 2007. Further, ending the countrys energy crisis by building giant new power plants at Medupi and Kusile failed because of corruption, looting, and planning incompetence. Glasgow funds could fix all these problems, but it would also provide new corruption opportunities. Effectively, the developing world is putting forward yet another neo-socialist wealth transfer scheme, but this one is dressed up in the language of saving the planet from climate change. A woman holds a sign saying climate change = mass murder while people protest with a group called Extinction Rebellion in New York City on April 17, 2019. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Western governments are being asked to transfer billions (if not trillions) of dollars from Western taxpayers to developing world elites so they can meet over-blown targets. There are two problems with this. Firstly, the developing world has a record of poor governance, meaning these governments can seldom deliver on promises or targets. Even worse, developing world elites generally spend the foreign aid monies they receive to enrich themselves rather than to actually build the intended projects. So the reality is, the U.N. climate change conference in Glasgow looks set to become just another mechanism to feed the corrupt gravy train that third world elites have been running for decades. Far from paying for green decarbonization projects, any wealth transfers flowing from Glasgow are more likely to end up buying four-wheel drives for the children of the third world elites. To understand what is likely to happen to the $269 billion for climate change projects asked for by the South Africans, one only needs to look at what happened to their $4.3 billion COVID-19 relief funding from the IMF. One corrupt government Minister alone was involved in COVID-19 fraud valued at $10 million, while other politicians and African National Congress-aligned cronies looted another $700 million out of PPE funds. If South Africas elite were even prepared to steal from funds geared to saving lives by fixing a health system shattered by COVID-19, imagine what they would do with climate change aid (where no lives are at stake). By bringing together third world elites carrying begging bowls with Western greens which are willing to be taken advantage of, the U.N. climate change summit seems almost certain to deliver a bonanza for all those corrupt elites with a legacy of running gravy trains. But this still begs the question; will Western governments ever learn? Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A United Airlines Boeing 737 at the gate at Washington's Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Va., on March 2, 2021. (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images) United Airlines Will Fire 232 Unvaccinated Employees: CEO United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said on Wednesday that the air carrier will fire 232 of its employees for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. United in early August became the first U.S. carrier to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all 67,000 of its domestic employees. It had asked workers to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus by Sept. 27, or face termination. The carrier noted at the time that roughly 90 percent of pilots and 80 percent of flight attendants had already been vaccinated. Kirby told CBS News that 232 of its 67,000 U.S.-based employees failed to meet the September deadline and are being fired. That figure is down from 600 employees the airline originally said hadnt complied with the policy. I wish we would have gotten to 100 percent but out of our 67,000 US employees, there are 232 who havent been vaccinated and they are going through the termination process now, Kirby confirmed. Kirby said he decided to take action after learning that a pilot with the Chicago-based airline died after contracting COVID-19 in July. The second time I got notified of an employeeit was a 57-year-old pilot that had passed awayI walked around for half an hour and finally called our team and said, Enough is enough, he told CBS News. We can do something about this, we believe in safety. And weeks later, we got 99.7 percent of our employees vaccinated, Kirby added. Kirby said that he believes the high vaccination rate among United employees in less than eight weeks proves that you can make a vaccine mandate work as long as youre open, honest, and transparent with people about why youre doing it. I tried not to argue with them [employees] about it, he told CBS. Were not going to win the arguments on this with people. And 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. Company executives said on Sept. 29 that at least 2,000 employees with United were seeking exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for religious or medical reasons. U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman on Tuesday issued a temporary ruling to prevent the carrier from placing workers seeking an exemption on unpaid leave until he could hear arguments in the case. The temporary restraining order is effective through Oct. 31. US Capitol Police Officer Charged With Obstructing Jan. 6 Probe A U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officer was charged this week with obstruction of justice for allegedly interfering with the investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, according to court documents released Friday. Michael Riley, a USCP officer for more than 25 years, is accused of telling an unnamed person who was at the Capitol on Jan. 6 to remove photographs from their Facebook page. Riley and the person became friends on the social media platform over their shared interests in fishing and Riley sent the person a direct message on Jan. 7, according to prosecutors. Hey [Person 1], im a [sic] capitol police officer who agrees with your political stance. Take down the part about being in the building they are currently investigating and everyone who was in the building is going to charged. Just looking out! he allegedly wrote. Riley and the person exchanged dozens more messages on Facebook, including the person sharing three videos that showed them outside and inside the Capitol on Jan. 6. Riley responded that what happened on that day was a total [expletive] and that he was glad the person got out of there unscathed, adding, We had over 50 officers hurt, some pretty bad. The only thing I can see is if you went in the building and they have proof you will be charged. You could always articulate that you had no where to go, but thats [sic] for court, Riley is accused of writing. He was also said to have offered the person a place to stay if they went to Washington and that he would give the person and their daughter a tour of the Capitol. The person was arrested on Jan. 16 by the FBI. Riley deleted all of his messages on Jan. 20. The grand jury indictment is for two counts of obstruction. Obstruction of Justice is a very serious allegation. The department was notified about this investigation several weeks ago. Upon his arrest, the officer was placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the case. The USCPs Office of Professional Responsibility will then open an administrative investigation, USCP Chief Tom Manger told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. It wasnt clear whether Riley had retained a lawyer. A general view shows an almost empty Mexico-U.S. San Ysidro border crossing after the United States and Mexico have agreed to restrict non-essential travel over their shared border to limit the spread of the CCP virus, in Tijuana, Mexico, on March 21, 2020. (Jorge Duenes/Reuters) US-Mexico Land Border Scheduled to Reopen in Early November: Mexican Foreign Minister The U.S.-Mexico border will reopen to land traffic for non-essential travelers in early November, Mexicos Foreign Minister Marcel Ebrard said Friday, following more than a year of closure due to COVID-19 restrictions. Last night, Secretary Mayorkas confirmed to me that normal activities will resume in the first days of November, Ebrard said in a statement Friday. Land and air travel to the United States will be allowed for vaccinated individuals, he added. The ability to travel across the U.S.-Mexico border will depend on vaccination, which is why in addition, of course, to saving the lives of Mexicans, the President has emphasized accelerating the vaccination process, Ebrard said. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas also announced on Tuesday the upcoming reopenings of both the Canadian and Mexican borders in November for travelers fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with appropriate documentation. In alignment with the new international air travel system that will be implemented in November, we will begin allowing travelers from Mexico and Canada who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States for non-essential purposes, including to visit friends and family or for tourism, via land and ferry border crossings, Mayorkas said in a statement. Cross-border travel creates significant economic activity in our border communities and benefits our broader economy. We are pleased to be taking steps to resume regular travel in a safe and sustainable manner, he added. The border reopening is scheduled to take place in two phases. In November, CBP will begin allowing fully vaccinated travelers from Mexico or Canada to enter the United States with appropriate travel paperwork. In January 2022, all inbound foreign travelers, including those from outside of Mexico and Canada, will be included, according to the statement by Mayorkas. The phased reopening is designed to offer time for essential workers, including truck drivers, students, healthcare workers, and other travelers to complete full vaccination status. The reopening should be an economic advantage to some American border cities. Some locations have experienced a decline in business during the pandemic closures, as workers and tourists from Mexico were a major part of local businesses. The news also comes as COVID-19 positive cases have declined among many of Americas border communities. The weekly San Diego COVID-19 watch report last week (pdf) noted average daily cases have dropped from 524 to 432 cases. In addition, COVID-19 vaccination rates have continued to increase nationwide. In San Diego County, those 12 years old or older who have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine surpassed 80 percent (pdf). A U.S.-made S70C helicopter is guided by a navy soldier during take off from a frigate at the sea near the Suao navy harbour in Yilan, eastern Taiwan on April 13, 2018. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images) US Military Support for Taiwan Angers Beijing News Analysis If the United States and China go to war, Taiwan could likely be the trigger. A recent report alleged that roughly 24 members of U.S. special operations and support troops have been conducting training for the Taiwanese military over the past year. President Joe Biden claims that he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke about the Taiwan situation, and have both agreed to abide by the agreement. While it is unclear which agreement Biden was referring to, it is presumed that he meant the one-China policy. Under this policy, the United States recognizes Taiwan and China as a single entity, but has no official opinion on Taiwans sovereignty or who rules whom. Under a separate agreement, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the United States promised to provide Taiwan the means to defend itself. There is an understanding between the two countries, however, that Taiwan cannot declare independence unilaterally without notifying the United States. Additionally, the United States is not obligated to fight if Taiwan declares independence unilaterally. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has called for the United States to cut off military ties with Taiwan. CCP officials said that the Washington should recognize the sensitivity of the issue and that Beijing would take every action to protect Chinas borders. As the CCP claims ownership of Taiwan, it interprets any support for the independence of Taiwan as an infringement on Chinas sovereignty. By extrapolation, the CCP believes that if China owns Taiwan, it would also control the sea and airspace around the island nation. Over the past year, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has flown 800 sorties into Taiwanese airspace. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen warned that tensions had recently escalated. Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that cross-strait tensions were the worst in 40 years. Recently, the PLA Air Force flew almost 150 warplanes into Taiwans air defense identification zone (ADIZ), the largest single violation of Taiwanese airspace to date. Chinas ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Deng Xijun, tweeted that by dispatching so many warplanes near Taiwan, the CCP sent [a] strong warning to the Taiwan secessionists and their foreign supporters. The Biden administration responded by confirming that the U.S. commitment to Taiwan remained rock solid. So far, the current administration has not only maintained Trump-era policies and U.S. engagement with Taiwan, but even sent an unofficial delegation to Taipei, comprised of a former senator and two former U.S. deputy secretaries of state. In a move that many believe is a prelude to a Taiwan invasion, the CCP has been expanding Chinas military at a rapid pace. According to a 2020 defense report by the the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, and U.S. Coast Guard, China had more than tripled the size of its navy over the past 20 years and that it now has more ships, but not necessarily more firepower than the United States. Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng predicted that by 2025, the PLA would be strong enough to invade Taiwan. Even while suffering an economic slowdown caused by the pandemic response, China increased its defense spending by 6.8 percent, raising their 2020 defense budget to $210 billion. The PLA already maintains 3 million troops, while it is pouring more money into aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, and stealth fighters. Premier Li Keqiang, addressing a meeting of the National Peoples Congress (Chinas rubber-stamp legislature), said that the CCP would thoroughly implement Xi Jinpings thinking on strengthening the armed forces and the military strategy boost military training and preparedness enhance the militarys strategic capacity to protect the sovereignty, security, and development interests of our country. In the face of an increasing threat from the CCP, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations Christopher Maier told the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing that the United States should consider sending troops to Taiwan to train their defense forces. Matt Pottinger, former deputy national security adviser under the Trump administration and a current visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, suggested that Taiwan should invest in the most lethal but least expensive weapons that could complicate an invasion by the PLA. These include anti-ship missiles, smart sea mines, and well-trained reserve and auxiliary forces. The U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific was declassified by the Trump administration. A section on Taiwan warns that the Chinese regime would become more aggressive as it pushes harder for annexation of Taiwan. The document recommends the United States to help Taiwan improve defense strategy and capabilities, including stationing a combat-credible U.S. military force in Taiwan to prevent Chinese domination. Part of the U.S. commitment is to provide Taiwan with the means to defend its borders. In 2020 alone, the United States sold $5 billion worth of weapons to the island nation. Beijing opposes U.S. troops training the Taiwanese military and has also lodged complaints each time Washington sold weapons to Taiwan. Additionally, the CCP has condemned the existences of both the Quad partnership and the new AUKUS pactU.S.-led multilateral strategies to contain China in the Indo-Pacific. More recently, Beijing criticized Australias purchase of U.S. nuclear submarines. It seems the Chinese regime sees itself as the only power in the region that should be allowed to improve its military capabilities. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A man stands next to the logo of Verizon at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 26, 2019. (Sergio Perez/REUTERS) Verizon Says 30,000 US Employees Must Meet Vaccination Deadline WASHINGTONVerizon Communications In said on Thursday that about 30,000 non-union U.S. employees must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by Dec. 8 under President Joe Bidens federal contractor executive order. Verizon, a federal contractor, said it was in discussions with its unions about vaccination requirements. Verizon said retail employees and some other employees must be vaccinated by Feb. 1. Contractors, vendors, visitors, and new hires who enter Verizon U.S. facilities must be fully vaccinated by Jan. 1. Verizon said some home-based Verizon Consumer Group are excluded. At the moment, this does not apply to our union-represented employees as we are in discussion with the unions, Verizon said. While we respect that within our workforce there are people with different beliefs and perspectives related to COVID-19 and the vaccine, we must comply with the governments requirements, including those for federal contractors. A growing number of federal contractors are complying with the Dec. 8 deadline. Union Pacific Corp, the top U.S. railroad operator, said on Wednesday it will require its 31,000 U.S. employees to be vaccinated. Last month, U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak said it will require nearly all of its 18,000 employees be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22. Boeing Co, another federal contractor, said on Tuesday it will require its 125,000 U.S. employees to be vaccinated. Major U.S. airlines have said they will also meet the deadline imposed on federal contractors, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines Co, JetBlue Airways Corp, and Alaska Airlines, as has aircraft parts manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems. The White House announced the Dec. 8 deadline for employees of federal contractors last month after Reuters reported it and the requirements are expected to cover millions of employees. International Business Machines Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp have also said they will require all U.S. employees to be vaccinated. By David Shepardson Walgreens Responds After Family Says Children Received COVID-19 Vaccine Instead of Flu Shot Walgreens issued a statement saying vaccine mix-ups are rare after an Indiana family said their two young children got two full adult doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine instead of influenza shots. Speaking to 14News, Alexandra and Joshua Price said a Walgreens in Evansville, Indiana, administered the COVID-19 vaccines to their two young children, aged 4 and 5, on Oct. 5. The Pfizer vaccine isnt approved by the Food and Drug Administration for children under the age of 12. Walgreens called me to say there was a mix-up, we did not receive the flu shot, Alexandra Price told the local news outlet. And Im 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?' A lawyer for the family, Daniel Tuley, told the outlet that both children were taken to a pediatric cardiologist. The family was told that both kids were showing signs of heart trouble. The children have experienced a number of adverse effects since receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Fever, body aches, cough, headaches, and nausea are among the symptoms the children are experiencing, Tuley said in a statement to news outlets. The 4- and 5-year-old are also under treatment of a pediatric cardiologist for tachycardia and elevated blood pressure, respectively. The family said the younger child became sick with a fever and a cough and the older child developed a fever. Lukas started feeling sick before we even got home from Walgreens, Price said, referring to her son, CNN reported. On Tuesday after a follow-up appointment, Alexandra said her sons condition had improved but her daughters condition is worsening. Her blood pressure is in the 98th percentile and she continues to have no energy, Price said, referring to her daughter Sophia. Walgreens issued statements to several news outlets about the incident, describing such mix-ups as uncommon. Generally speaking, such instances are rare, and Walgreens takes these matters very seriously, Walgreens said in a statement. In the event of any error, our first concern is always our patients well-being. The pharmacy chain also said, 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. Walgreens did not elaborate on how the mix-up could have occurred. The Epoch Times has contacted both Walgreens and Pfizer for comment. In September, a Walgreens in Fresno, California, also mistakenly injected a COVID-19 vaccine instead of a flu shot. Aeryal Thomsen of Lake Stevens, Wash. receives her COVID-19 vaccination from Kristine Gill, with the Seattle Fire Departments Mobile Vaccination Teams, before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Baltimore Orioles at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Wash. on May 5, 2021. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images) Washington State to Require Full COVID-19 Vaccination or Test for Large Events Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced new vaccine requirements on Oct. 14 for individuals who want to attend large events. Speaking at a press conference, Inslee said that Washington state had seen a huge jump in the number of people getting vaccinated but said more still needs to be done to combat the spread of COVID-19. We cannot and we will not surrender to this disease. We cannot and we will not think that the status quo is good enough, Inslee said. We have got to get on top of this disease and knock these numbers down. Effective Nov. 15, large events in Washington state will be required to verify that all attendees 12 and older are either fully vaccinated or received a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours. The new requirement will apply to indoor events with 1,000 or more attendees, and outdoor events when there are more than 10,000 attendees. The mandate only applies to ticketed or registered events like concerts, conventions, and sporting events. It does not apply to religious services or school-based events. Inslee also clarified that the requirement will not apply to venues like shopping malls, museums, or grocery stores that are open to the public as part of their operations. Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee speaks to the press in Seattle, Wash., on March 28, 2020. (Karen Ducey/Getty Images) Elsewhere during Thursdays press conference, Inslee noted that Washington state has been remarkably successful in increasing the vaccination rate for state workers. The governor said that over 90 percent of state workers were now vaccinated, adding that it was 49.1 percent on Sept. 6. That number has actually gone up since then and continues to go up every day, this is extremely gratifying, Inslee said. It is gratifying because we now know there will not be a mass exodus of state employees and we will be able to continue essential state services for the people of the state of Washington, he added. Inslees announcement comes just days before his Oct. 18 deadline for state employees, health care, and long-term care workers as well as those working in schools and other educational settings to prove theyre vaccinated or risk losing their jobs. The employee vaccine mandate has been heavily criticized by opponents, including a group of nearly 90 Washington state troopers, firefighters, and other employees who last month filed a lawsuit against Inslee, claiming that his mandate exceeded the authority of his office and violated the rights of state workers guaranteed by the states constitution. Other states and local governments have allowed employees to choose to have weekly COVID-19 testing as an alternative to getting vaccinated. Inslee said Mondays deadline will not be extended People have had ten weeks to get vaccinated, weve had plenty of opportunity and access to the vaccinations and people now need to make a choice, he said. Some individuals who chose to walk away from their state employment, we want them to know we appreciate their state service today and wish them well, the governor added. According to the Washington State Department of Health, 77.6 percent of Washingtonians 12 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of Oct. 11, while 71.4 percent of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated. Washington states latest vaccine mandate comes shortly after Los Angeles approved one of the strictest COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the country. Los Angeles, on Oct. 6, approved its new vaccine mandate requiring anyone aged 12 or above to provide proof of vaccination to enter indoor venues such as indoor restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, salons, indoor government facilities, shopping centers, and more. The mandate will become effective as of Nov. 4, but does not apply to pharmacies and grocery stores. Exceptions will also be made for individuals with valid medical exemptions and for those with a sincerely held religious belief, which will be reviewed by the location the person wishes to enter. For people with religious or medical exemptions, negative COVID-19 tests within 72 hours of entry will be required, according to the ordinance. What Is American Citizenship? Commentary These days, the idea of citizenship immediately calls to mind the idea of rights: we have rights because we are citizens of a rights-protecting nation. Behind this idea is the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. Yet the Constitution begins differently, by announcing a decision: We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, do ordain and establish this particular constitution. One document announces a proposition, as Lincoln called itthat all have equal rights. The other document establishes a fact: We the people will be governed in this particular way, and in no other. All citizens, therefore, share in this responsibility, which makes of citizenship not simply a guarantee of rights, but an office, with a set of duties to perform. Citizenship as an office, or as a duty, is a discordant note in an age of rights talk. Yet we can exercise our rights only because we live under a government that rests on the consent of the governed. We give our consent in many different ways. We pay taxes, of course, and we obey the laws. But the same might be said of the citizens of Canada, or France, or many other free nations. What makes American citizenship different? The first difference is federalism. We are citizens of the United States, but we are also citizens of the state in which we live. Every American citizen obeys three sets of laws and elects three sets of governors. Federal law, state law, and municipal law all are obligatory, each in its own sphere, and it will often be the case that state and municipal law will have more immediate importance to the citizen than federal law. Depending on where you live, your state and/or town can take away your house (if its falling down); your child (if you are an abusive parent); your car (if you have repeated drunk-driving convictions); and even your dog (if it has become violent and uncontrollable). The federal government cant do any of these things. Citizenship is often most robust at the local level, another feature that makes American citizenship unique. Throughout the country, people serve on juries, and depending on where they live, they may also serve as town meeting members, or serve on local planning boards, finance committees, school and library committees, and many others. In these venues, citizens have a chance to learn, up close, what governing means. They learn, first of all, how hard it is. When it comes to finding a new location for the town dump, for example, there are no easy choices. Nor is it easy to determine teacher salaries, how many additional firefighters to hire, or whether the town needs a new library more than it needs a new school building. This kind of learning exposes the citizen to the kinds of choices that must be made by their elected representatives and executives. What members of the House and Senate must doindeed, what the president must dodiffers in magnitude but not in kind from the demands placed on local citizens. We point this out in order to reinforce an important truth: American citizens have much work to do, but local citizenship strengthens our civic muscles, which then get put to work in the choice of representatives and executives. Citizens of most other democratic countries have a simpler task. Their governments are primarily national rather than federal, and even where local governments have important duties, they are carefully limited and supervised by the national government. In France, to use one example, educational policy for the entire country is made by the national governmentas is also the case in Japan. In England, the state schools (what Americans would call public schools) are likewise run from the Department for Education in London. In the last few decades, there has been some movement in the direction of decentralizationmoving democratic decision-making closer to home. Brexit is the most important example of that movement, but there are others: Scots and Catalans agitate for more self-government or even national independence. But these are exceptions to the general rule in modern states, which equate democracy with rule by a central government chosen by a national majority. Americas complex set of citizenship responsibilities exists precisely because the Constitutional Convention rejected rule by the center in favor of the division of powers. Federalism meant that American citizens would have not only political duties to perform; they would also continue to have conflicting loyalties. Those conflicting loyalties came close to destroying the Union, but the Civil War was only the most extreme example of something that is a perpetual feature of the constitutional design. We are both a nation (America) and a union (the United States of America). In addition, we live in particular places: cities or towns that have their own elected governments. Part of the complexity of being an American citizen is the task of sorting out the different obligations that flow from these different loyalties. American citizenship requires the art of discernment. The second difference is that the Constitution creates a political order that is not, in the strictest sense, democratic. The president is not elected by a national majority but by majorities in the statesand as we have now experienced twice since 2000, this means that the president might be elected by a minority of the votes cast nationwide. In the Senate, Alaska and California are represented equally despite the latters vastly larger population. The Supreme Court, whose members have lifetime appointments, can veto laws passed by majorities in both houses of Congress on grounds that they violate the Constitution. On certain questionsappointments, treaties, constitutional amendments, and overrides of presidential vetoesthe Constitution requires super-majorities in the legislature. And, finally, the legislature itself has adopted rules that constrain majority rule: most notably, the super-majority required to end debate (the Senate filibuster). And lest we forget in this age of referenda, it is not possible to have a national referendum in the United States, on any question, no matter how important. It has often been pointed out that the United States is a republic rather than a democracy. What this old distinction means is that, beyond the service opportunities presented by local governments, the basic task of citizens is to choose who will govern them. This choice requires something more than voting for candidates who promise to satisfy our immediate demands; it means selecting candidates who will govern us within the limits established by the Constitution. The Constitution creates a limited government; the demands that citizens make must likewise be limited. In other words, citizens need to think constitutionally. For example, they need to avoid the habit of believing that the president can do everything, or that states must all adopt the same policies, or that the federal government can solve every imaginable problem. This view runs counter to what has become a norm in modern discussions of citizenship: the notion that the citizens chief task is to become a more effective demander. The citizen as demander is the hero in much of the modern literature on citizenship, in which political participation is simply a synonym for making demands. It follows from this perspective that becoming a more effective citizen simply requires honing the arts of demanding (protests, petitions, and so on). The Constitution, of course, protects the expression of grievances: the rights to assemble, to speak, and to petition are essential to the American understanding of liberty. Citizenship does involve acting. Yet thought should precede action; one obligation of citizenship, therefore, is to think clearly, and carefully, about the consequences of what one is demanding. Put simply, the citizen needs to be prudent. The third difference involves a contested idea: nationalism, which is blamed for the catastrophic wars of the 20th century. How can nationalism be a good thing? Ever since those wars, we have seen a steady movement away from nationalism and toward a cosmopolitan internationalism. Sometimes this movement takes institutional formsthe most obvious of which is the gradual emergence of the European Unionand sometimes more subtle ones, as in the reluctance to use the word foreigner or alien to describe someone from another country. The hard truth, however, is that democracy is not possible outside the context of the nation. Small city-states get gobbled up by larger states, and the dream of a European demos looks increasingly unlikely to be realized. Poles do not want to be governed by non-Poles. The French do not want to be governed by those who do not share their unique national experience. Loyalty snaps when it is stretched too far, and this is why the European Union has come a cropper. For people to trust one another, it is necessary for them to share something more particular than a common humanity. This is why the nation is the necessary home of democracy. Post-national democracy is a contradiction in terms. Because America is a nation, as well as a constitutional order, it must inevitably have national interests. That is, there must be things that are good for it and things that are bad for it. To avoid the latter, and promote the former, is the simplest meaning of what it means to act patriotically. This is the prudential quality of citizenship: whats good for the country is ultimately good for me. But American patriotism is not just prudential; it is also creedal. As G.K. Chesterton pointed out, America is the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed. That creed is found, he pointed out, in the Declaration of Independence, which asserts that all men are created equal and entitled to natural rights. This makes America different from other nations, most of which are based on blood and a common history rather than on a creed. What makes a person a Spaniard, or a Pole, or a German is not, for the most part, a set of ideas, but a language, a history, and a certain culture. When a Pole says, I love Poland, he means something other than what an American means when he says, I love America. The Americans expression mixes love of place with love of principle: liberty and justice for all, as the Pledge of Allegiance has it. This mixture of love of place and loyalty to an idea is what constitutes American patriotism. The reader might well wonder what all this has to do with the moment we are living in, which is fraught with a number of anti-constitutional enthusiasms: pack the Supreme Court, abolish the Electoral College, weaken federalism, abolish the filibuster, nationalize election rules. Not for the first time, many Americans are impatient with the constraints that the Constitution imposes on majority rule. This is an old complaint about the Constitution, and it erupts periodicallyas it did during the Progressive Era, during the Great Depression, and again in the 1960s. Such times call for an unusual degree of discernment. The nation faces many serious problems, and many voices urge immediate and radical solutions. The job of the citizen is to temper such impulses, in favor of the sober deliberation that the constitutional order is designed to encourage. That deliberation requires more than simple majority rule or rule by plebiscites. The authors of the Constitution understood that in order to achieve anything lasting, it would be necessary to construct something more than a bare majority. But this rule is only a hurdle; it is not a barrier. Over time, with patience, super-majorities are durable, and their accomplishments are long-lasting. Bare majorities, by contrast, are easily overturned, and their accomplishments may last only until the next election. Patience, therefore, like discernment, is an essential aspect of the office of the American citizen. A final observation: the Constitution imposes on the citizenry a certain mode of arguing. Whereas in most countries, political argument turns on what citizens demand, in the United States citizens demands must be filtered through the sieve of the Constitution. It is not enough to want something; it is necessary to show why that something is also constitutionally proper. Americans end up soundingor used to soundmore like lawyers than is typical in most free countries. While this is not an unmixed blessing, it has the advantage of forcing on even the most demanding of citizens some recognition that there are limits to what an American government may do, and therefore limits on what an American citizen may demand. The loss of that recognition is perhaps the most serious danger that the nation now faces. From RealClearWire Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Dennis Hale Follow Dennis Hale is a professor of political science at Boston College and the author of "The Jury in America: Triumph and Decline." White House: Fully Vaccinated Foreign Visitors Can Enter US on Nov. 8 Only foreign visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to travel to the United States starting on Nov. 8, according to the White House. The [United States] new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8, Kevin Munoz, White House assistant press secretary, wrote on Twitter Friday. This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent. Munoz did not elaborate on travel restrictions for children who are not eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Curbs on non-essential travelers at land borders have been in place since March 2020 to address the pandemic and were first imposed on air travelers in Chinawhere the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19, is believed to have originatedin early 2020 and has since been extended to more than 30 other countries. On Tuesday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said that his agency, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration, would lift restrictions on land travel and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated individuals, starting in early November. Unvaccinated visitors will still be barred from entering the United States from Canada or Mexico at land or sea borders. Mayorkas, whose agency has received widespread criticism amid an unprecedented surge of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, said travelers from those two countries will be mandated to show appropriate paperwork providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Two months ago, the Canadian government started allowing fully vaccinated American visitors to enter for non-essential travel. Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland stated Thursday that Canadians returning from the United States still have to show a PCR test. She didnt say whether the government is considering lifting that requirement anytime in the near future. Our government has been throughout the pandemic thoughtful about working with our public health authorities, working with scientists, working with doctors and our measures have been flexible and have adapted to changing circumstances, Freeland told reporters in Washington, D.C. That, of course, will continue to be the case. Then, on Sept. 20, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zeints said that the U.S. would lift restrictions on air travelers who are fully vaccinated from 33 countries, including Brazil, China, India, and many European countries. Previous U.S. restrictions had barred non-U.S. citizens who were in those countries within the past 14 days. The Trump administration first implemented travel restrictions on China, most European countries, and other nations in early 2020, coming several days after the first COVID-19 cases were officially confirmed in the United States. The International Rainbow Bridge connecting Niagara Falls, Ont. and Niagara Falls, N.Y. is shown on October 13, 2021. The United States border will reopen to non-essential travel in November to fully vaccinated Canadians after a record long closure due to concerns over COVID-19. (The Canadian Press/Aaron Lynett) White House Says U.S. Land Borders to Reopen to Vaccinated Travellers Nov. 8 WASHINGTONA White House official says the U.S. will announce today that it will reopen its land borders to vaccinated nonessential visitors on Nov. 8. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a policy not yet made public, says travellers will need to show proof of vaccination to Customs and Border Protection officials upon request. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently working on the operational details, such as what will constitute acceptable proof and which very limited exceptions might be allowed. Vaccines approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization will be accepted for international air travel, and officials expect the same will be the case at land borders. Whats still not clear is whether people who received doses of two different vaccines, a condition that impacts roughly four million Canadians, will be considered to be fully vaccinated. New York congressman Brian Higgins has written to the CDC to urge the agency to promptly clarify its stance on mixeddose vaccines. Colorado State University has told unvaccinated students they face being trespassed from its campus if they do not get innoculated, or claim an exemption. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images) Who Are These COVID-19 Vaccine Skeptics and What Do They Believe? Commentary Vaccine skeptics, vaccine refusers, vaccine deniersthese anti-vaxxers are scourges whose ignorance and misinformation are responsible for countless COVID-19 deaths, our public health authorities attest. Stamping their message out is so important that those with the biggest megaphones are being outed, threatened, and fired from their academic and medical posts, and wherever else they might be found. So, who are these health heretics whose dangerous rhetoric is questioning prestigious public bodies such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, blue-chip pharma companies such as Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, and the great majority of governments? Dr. Peter McCullough, the author of more than 1,000 publications with over 500 citations in the National Library of Medicine, is one of the most outspoken critics of government COVID policies. He testified to the Texas Senate HHS Committee that his treatment protocol, including hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, led to an 85 percent reduction in mortality. He also has been critical of mass COVID-19 vaccination, in part given safety concerns about the vaccines. Today, we have 800 cases of young people developing myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, McCullough, a cardiologist and internal medicine physician, said in a webinar in June. Im going to opine that because there is no clinical benefit whatsoever in young people to get the vaccine that even one case is too many. McCulloughs past positions include membership on President Bill Clintons advisory panel to health care and chair of more than 24 data safety monitoring boards for the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. Following his criticisms of COVID policies, McCullough lost his positions (pdf) as vice chief of internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center and chief of cardiovascular research at the Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute. He has been removed from his editorship of Cardiorenal Medicine, and he expects to be stripped of all eight of his professional accreditations. Dr. Byram W. Bridle, an award-winning associate professor of viral immunology at the University of Guelphs Department of Pathobiology, headed an advanced lab whose vaccine platform was funded by the Ontario government to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. An expert in vaccinology, he states (pdf), There is a plethora of scientific literature demonstrating that naturally acquired immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is likely superior to that conferred by vaccination only. He adds that research from three independent groups has now demonstrated that those with naturally acquired immunity experience more severe side-effects from COVID-19 vaccines than those who were immunologically naive prior to vaccination. In other words, for those with natural immunity, vaccination is not only unnecessary, but it would put them at enhanced risk of harm. Knowing this, nobody should ever mandate COVID-19 vaccination. Bridle, who has natural immunity but is now banned from the university campus for not complying with the universitys vaccine mandate (pdf), believes that his workplace became a poisoned environment where the bullying, harassment, and hatred against me have been incessant, and states his life has been destroyed. Dr. Robert Malone, the inventor of mRNA vaccines while at the Salk Institute in 1988, is also an inventor of DNA vaccines. He has some 100 peer-reviewed publications and published abstracts and 11,477 citations of his peer-reviewed publications. Malone believes that for high-risk populations, the risk/benefit ratio for the USA vaccines seem to make sense, but that its demonstrably false to claim that these genetic vaccines are the only path available to herd immunity or are perfectly safe. Malone, who is now allegedly subject to death threats, has become one of the most vilified scientists on earth, his accomplishments denigrated in magazines such as The Atlantic and throughout the mainstream and social media. Others who have been vilified in the mainstream and social media include Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, professor at Stanford University Medical School, who stated that COVID-19 vaccination should be a matter of personal health and that theres no public health reason for a mandate; Dr. Sunetra Gupta, infectious disease epidemiologist and professor of theoretical epidemiology at the University of Oxford, who stated that it is really not logical to use vaccines to protect other people. The bottom line is that these vaccines do not prevent transmission; and Dr. Martin Kulldorff, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, who stated that thinking that everyone must be vaccinated is as scientifically flawed as thinking nobody should. COVID vaccines are important for older high-risk people, and their care-takers. Those with prior natural infection do not need it. Nor children. Many more eminent COVID-19 vaccine skeptics have remained silent, for fear of being punished. In the United States, the Federation of State Medical Boards warned that physicians who generate and spread COVID-19 vaccine misinformation or disinformation are risking disciplinary action by state medical boards, including the suspension or revocation of their medical license, a warning repeated in Canada by provincial licensing bodies such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. The ranks of the so-called vaccine skeptics include a Whos Who of the worlds leading scientists. Few in the public know of them because theyve been silenced, censored, and sidelined. Public health authorities may brand them as unscientific COVID kooks, but McCullough, Bridle, Malone, et al. havent been the ones acting as snake oil salesmen, offering instant cures to anyone in the crowd willing to chance their medicine. The hard sell and sweeping claims have been coming from the public health officials, most of whom have far fewer scientific accomplishments, and are far less knowledgeable, than the vaccine skeptics they cavalierly dismiss. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Patricia Adams Follow Patricia Adams is an economist and the President of the Energy Probe Research Foundation and Probe International, an independent think tank in Canada and around the world. She is the publisher of internet news services Three Gorges Probe and Odious Debts Online and the author or editor of numerous books. Her books and articles have been translated into Chinese, Spanish, Bengali, Japanese, and Bahasa Indonesia. She can be reached at patriciaadams@probeinternational.org. 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) Win for Virginia Parents After Loudon County School Board Member Announces Resignation Embattled Loudoun County, Virginia, School Board member Beth Barts, who was the subject of a recall petition, announced Friday that she will resign from her position in November. This was not an easy decision or a decision made in haste. After much thought and careful consideration, it is the right decision for me and my family, Barts said in a statement on Facebook. Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from the Loudoun County School Board effective November 2, 2021. The Epoch Times has contacted the Loudoun County School Board for comment. The Loudon County Public School system also confirmed her resignation on Friday, saying it will start the process of filling the Leesburg District seat. I want to thank Board Member Barts for her service to the Leesburg District, School Board Chair Brenda L. Sheridan said in a statement. The School Board will announce its process for filling the Leesburg seat at its October 26 meeting and anticipates filling this position at its December 14 meeting. Last week, a Virginia judge denied Barts motion to dismiss a Loudon County parents organizations petition to recall her before also removing Loudoun County Commonwealths Attorney Buta Biberaj from the case. The decision represented a victory for opponents of critical race theory, a quasi-Marxist ideology that is the center of a culture war thats going on across the United States. The group Fight For Schools and other organizations alleged that Barts was involved in a private Facebook group that violated the School Boards Code of Conduct and local laws after the pages members allegedly tried to attempt to reveal private information aboutor doxxparents as well as opponents of critical race theory and similar ideologies. Asra Nomani, vice president of strategy and investigation for Parents Defending Education and a key opponent against critical race theory being taught in schools, hailed the announcement that Barts will be resigning. The first domino falls, Nomani wrote to her 66,000 Twitter followers. This will not save her from investigations into her corruption, she added. School Board Vice Chairwoman Atoosa Reaser said in March that Barts repeatedly violated the school boards code of conduct. Responding to allegations that she was part of a Facebook group that tried to doxx parents, Barts said earlier this year that its not my job to be liked. Its my job to ask hard questions, work to provide the best education for our kids, make sure our teachers are paid what they really deserve, and represent the people of Leesburg. Barts resignation comes just days after the Department of Justice announced it was tasking FBI agents and U.S. attorneys to discuss strategies to address alleged threats against school administrators, teachers, and board members. The move has drawn significant condemnation from Republican lawmakers and officials, who alleged the agency is now treating concerned parents as political enemies. Barts resignation announcement also came after the father of a 15-year-old girl who attends a Loudon County high school told The Daily Wire he was called that his daughter was sexually assaulted by an unnamed boy in the bathroom. Scott Smith, the father, suggested that the boy allegedly exploited left-wing school bathroom policies around gender. Smith announced plans to sue the school district this week. WESTPORT Two Bridgeport men were arrested Wednesday in connection with a break-in that took place in July 2020. According to police reports, officers responded to the Merritt Country Store on Main Street for a burglar alarm activation about 3:25 a.m. on July 11, 2020. Police said the first arriving officers found the front door had been forced open and the business had been burglarized. The stores owner stated nothing appeared to be missing, but there was $2,000 worth of damage from the forced entry, police said. The officers were able to view surveillance footage, which they said showed two men enter the store and leave about a minute later. About 5 a.m. that morning, a police officer in a neighboring community interrupted a burglary in progress and police said the suspects fled in a small pickup truck. The vehicle, which was occupied by two men, was pursued by Norwalk and Westport officers, but police said the chase was stopped for safety reasons. During the pursuit, police said one of the occupants tried to throw items from the truck at the officers in an attempt to slow them down. Police said the detective assigned to the Westport case worked with neighboring communities who also experienced commercial burglaries that morning and was able to develop Terell Hendrick, 27, and Carlos Ortiz, 32, as suspects. Based upon the investigation, warrants for the arrests of Hendrick and Ortiz were completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge and both men were arrested by Westport police on Wednesday. Hendrick was charged with third-degree burglary, sixth-degree conspiracy to commit larceny, first-degree criminal mischief, disobeying the signal of an officer, and throwing objects at a motor vehicle. He was held on a $100,000 bond and was arraigned Wednesday at Stamford Superior Court. His case was continued to Dec. 1. Ortiz was charged with third-degree burglary, sixth-degree conspiracy to commit larceny and first-degree criminal mischief. He was held on a $10,000 bond and was arraigned Wednesday at Stamford Superior Court, where his case was continued to Jan. 12. A strong case can be made that Franklin D. Roosevelt felt so strongly the fate of Christianity and democracy were in peril, that he purposely goaded Japan into attacking America. FDR greatly sympathized with Britains plight, but he was stymied by strong antiwar sentiment that did not want our nation entangled in another senseless European war. World War I was touted as the war to end all wars, but 21 years later our cousins across the pond were at it again. Roosevelt was aided by Hollywood which churned out film after film depicting Hitler as the devil and the heroic Brits as trying to save humanity. The Mortal Storm with James Stewart and Mrs. Miniver would be prime examples. Roosevelt knew that Hitler had ordered his U-boats not to commit another Lusitania folly. America and its press were so Eurocentric they paid little attention to our bone to pick with Japan. Roosevelt slowly prepared the way for a coming war with the nations first peacetime draft, a huge military buildup, and measures to keep Britain afloat until we could get there. FDR secured passage of a destroyers for bases deal and Lend-Lease, knowing full well that the Allies would never pay us back. Then he began to apply pressure on Japan to force them out of China. It started with embargoes on oil, scrap iron, lumber, aluminum, copper, rubber, magnesium, zinc, tin, nickel, lead, wolfram, brass, and airplane parts. It became quite painful for them when he froze all of Japans financial assets in the U.S. Now what strategic interest did we have in China? None just a sentimental attachment and missionary zeal engendered by Pearl Buck novels and church leaders. The Philippines? No, we had already promised them full independence. Now this may sound like a looney conspiracy theory, but so far all I have given you is facts. By November of 1941 our military experts were convinced Japan was going to launch an attack somewhere Hong Kong, Singapore, East Indies, Panama Canal, Pearl Harbor, or Siberia. Those were just about the only possible targets. Roosevelt knew his history and that Lincoln had been declared a hero for goading the South into firing the first shot at Fort Sumter in 1861. Roosevelt secretly aggressed Japan by forming the Flying Tigers, stationing them in China, and ordering them to shoot down Japanese planes at a time when we were not at war. In July of 41 U.S. forces occupied Iceland. Roosevelt was using Iceland as a base to spot German subs and then warn British shipping. In Sept. of 41 he issued shoot on sight orders to naval commanders thus engaging us in the Battle of the Atlantic. FDR was leading us into an undeclared war long before Pearl Harbor. In a so-called unwise move, Roosevelt ordered all capital ships at California (and safely out of harms way) transferred to vulnerable Pearl. Henry Stimson wrote in his diary on Nov. 28, 1941, that he and Roosevelt discussed various ways Japan might be goaded into firing the first shot without causing our military too much damage. Was it a mere coincidence that when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, it just so happened that the two most important ships carriers Lexington and Enterprise had been sent to safety at Wake and Midway? We couldnt have succeeded at Coral Sea and Midway without them. More than a week before Dec. 7, we knew the Japanese fleet had left port and was about to strike somewhere. Since Pearl and the Panama Canal were two of the possibilities, how hard would it have been to place these two facilities on high alert? And since the Canal was almost indefensible from a 30-ship attack, make sure with intelligence that commanders Kimmel and Short at Pearl werent so lax they would need to be court martialed. In the late 1930s, two different war-gamed surprise attacks by Japan on Pearl were successful. Didnt that tell us Pearl was vulnerable? On Dec. 3 the War Department sent out a war is imminent message that said all Asian consulates had been ordered to burn important and sensitive documents. On Nov. 27 a war warning was sent to Hawaii. On Dec 4 Roosevelt was warned by naval intelligence that Tokyos military and spy network was focused on Hawaii. He did nothing. On Dec. 6 a Japanese message asking about berthing positions of the battleships was intercepted. Roosevelts wish finally came true. Sadly, not enough people were held responsible for the Dec. 7 debacle, including President Roosevelt. Bill Nuness two new books on Southern Illinois and the St. Louis Cardinals will be at the Hallmark store by November 1. You can find your client key on your subscription renewal statement or call us at the Mountain Mail at 719-539-6691. Elizabethtown, KY (42701) Today Mostly sunny. High 44F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 28F. Winds light and variable. Instant unlimited access to all of our content on thenewsguard.com. The News Guard E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) This map, created by IUP faculty instructor Charles Gartside, details all grant awards given by Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency since 2012. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low -3C. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Things to do in the Attleboro area and beyond Every city council or school board has issues large and small that impact the lives of the people it serves. Should residents be allowed to have chickens within city limits? Should the city-owned hospital be sold? What programs should the school district cut to have a balanced budget? How should students be allowed to dress in school? Even matters that may seem trivial are important to someone. It is the duty of public officials on public bodies to give every matter serious consideration. And it is the duty of citizens to whom those matters are important to provide input. Those duties are most effectively carried out in person, during in-person interactions. Meetings of city councils, school boards and other public bodies are opportunities for community residents to voice their opinions, and for public officials to hear them. Those meetings, many times held in a room full of people with passionate and sometimes opposing viewpoints, are fundamental and vital processes that play out in all Illinois communities. The impact of those vital interactions has been diminished since the pandemic forced many public meetings to held virtually. Now, there is a bill in the Illinois Senate that would give government entities the power to conduct any meeting electronically, not in person, for any reason. The bill is a threat to our democracy, and must not become law. Senate Bill 482 was introduced in February by Sen. Christina Castro, D-Elgin. It did not make it out of committee during the regular session, but it could be considered when the Legislature begins its fall veto session Oct. 19. The legislation is a top agenda item for the Illinois Municipal League. The bill would amend the Open Meetings Act by modifying requirements by which an open or closed meeting may be conducted by audio or video conference without the physical presence of a quorum of the members. The bills proponents believe virtual meetings are more efficient and transparent than those held in person. Nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone who has attended a virtual meeting or family gathering during the past 18 months who hasnt?! knows that discussions are shorter and ultimately less effective when they are not held in person, face to face. Dialogue simply isnt as meaningful when were all in different rooms. In public meetings, people are more reluctant to provide input if they are forced to do it remotely. Theres just something about being able to look a board member in the eye, and gauge their reactions, in person. Often, that board member will look back at you. And theres much to be said about the access a resident or reporter has to a public official once the meeting has concluded. Theyre in the room. In a virtual meeting, the leave button is an escape hatch for any public official who wishes to have no further conversation. Certainly, the pandemic was a valid reason for taking proceedings from council chambers to a Zoom room. But it was simply an exception to the rule, a need that now longer exists as we all return to a safer normal. The public has a right to interact with their elected officials, face to face and not on a screen. Lets not create an environment that further removes governing from the publics eye. Lets find ways to create more opportunities for personal interactions with our elected officials. As society returns to normal, so, too, should public meetings. The rule must be for in-person proceedings. Virtual meetings should be an exception, only when participants health and safety is at risk. Senate Bill 482 must be rejected. Donald Craven is the president/CEO of the Illinois Press Association. ALTON The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced intermittent lane restrictions on Illinois 3 between Bloomer Drive and Broadway between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. This stage of construction is needed to continue to do pavement repairs and is expected to be completed by late-October. EDWARDSVILLE The fate of George Lacey, accused of killing a Collinsville man in 2020, was still being debated by a Madison County jury Friday morning. The case went to the jury Thursday afternoon after a two-day trial. As of 9 a.m. Friday no verdict had been announced. Scranton, PA (18503) Today Light snow this morning will give way to some clearing this afternoon. High 44F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 28F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Jack C. Taylor, 86, formerly of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Jack will always be known as a hardworking and caring family man. He was an exceptional athlete, receiving 1954, high school All-State Honors in both football and basketball by the Courier-J London's blue-chip stock market index reached a pandemic-era high today after a strong performance by energy and mining shares. The FTSE 100 reached a peak of 7,242 this afternoon, around 10 per cent higher than it where was at the start of the year and higher than at any point since shares crashed during the big Covid sell-off of spring last year. The index closed the day at 7,234. The top three risers on the index were delivery firm Just Eat Takeaway, British Airways owner International Airlines Group, and mining business Evraz. Coming back: The FTSE 100 reached a peak of 7,472.73 this morning to be around 10 per cent higher than it was at the start of the year and just below its level in February 2020 Mining companies dominated much of the index leaderboard despite Rio Tinto's shares declining following its announcement that it had cut iron ore production forecasts for the year. Both Anglo American and Antofagasta were the top ten. Financial service giants Barclays, HSBC and NatWest Group also performed well as they reacted positively to robust results published in the United States this week by Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. At the same time, petroleum supergiants BP and Royal Dutch Shell were strong today following the continued rise in oil prices and the rollout of Covid-19 vaccination programmes allow economies across the world to reopen. Both firms reported huge losses last year and at the start of 2021 after oil prices plummeted in value due to travel restrictions. Industries that are deeply reliant on oil, such as airlines and car manufacturers, experienced a considerable slowdown in trade, though they are increasingly displaying signs of a rebound. Joshua Mahony noted that airline companies like IAG and FTSE-250 firms Easyjet and Wizz Air have been boosted by the UK Government's simplification of travel rules and the reduced price of coronavirus tests. Taking off: Airline shares have been boosted by the UK Government's simplification of travel rules and the significantly reduced price of coronavirus tests He said: Airlines are outperforming today, as investors finally start to see signs that the worst could be over after an incredibly turbulent two years. 'The decision to shift away from the unnecessarily expensive PCR tests in favour of more affordable lateral flow devices for travel reduces the hurdles to prospective travellers. 'The traffic light system and prohibitively expensive PCR test requirements added hundreds of pounds to the cost of travel that would understandably reduce demand for international travel. 'However, with just seven countries left with travel restrictions, and testing expenses set to tumble, airlines will feel understandably optimistic about the future.' Lagging: In the last five years, the FTSE 100 has only increased by about 3 per cent while the S&P 500, whose portfolio includes Amazon, Microsoft and Apple, has more than doubled Yet despite the recovery in sectors like air travel, the FTSE has underperformed throughout the pandemic compared to other indices. This has been variously attributed to uncertainty caused by Brexit and the index's lack of technology businesses, many of which have boomed as people worked and stayed at home more often. When also measured against the last five years, the FTSE 100 has only increased by 3 per cent while the S&P 500, whose portfolio includes Amazon, Microsoft and Apple, has more than doubled. And although supply chain issues are creating challenges for companies across the world, British firms are having to deal with the extra trade barriers thrown up by the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. But the relatively cheaper value of UK firms has made it more attractive for takeovers by foreign companies. Motor recovery group AA, inhaler maker Vectura and G4S are among the former London-listed businesses to have changed hands. Instant unlimited access to all of our content on tillamookheadlightherald.com. The Headlight Herald E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) Carolyn Sue Bryant Ellis, 78, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Somerby of Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Born March 15, 1943, at Dr. Daniel's Hospital in Pavo, Georgia, Carolyn was the youngest of nine children born to Franklin and Marie (Dailey) Bryant, of Route 2 Craig Cottongim is the minister at the New Song Church in Kingsport. You can reach him at craigcottongim@gmail.com. Kenny Fannon was the creator and longtime organizer of Duffields largest event, Duffield Daze, which he started in 1981 as a way to give back to the community through a family-friendly event. On May 1, 1979, Jimmy Carter was president, a gallon of milk was $1.03, and the Big Tomato opened on Main Street in Poughkeepsie. Owner John Puglisi had only been in the country for four years, immigrating from Sicily, when he and his wife at the time opened the luncheonette. The menu was a departure from the Italian fare Puglisi was accustomed to. He points at a map of Italy hanging on wall, which has the city of Modica, where hes from, circled in red marker. In his first few years here, he worked at an Italian restaurant. But My wife and I wanted to do something for ourselves, said Puglisi on why he decided to open the Big Tomato. Today, after 42 years, the diner still often sees a full house, serving a combination of regulars and out-of-towners. Its a neighborhood icon and hidden gem at the same time. One regular, Rich, calls the Big Tomato the best kept secret. Theres people who drive by for years, or walk by, and then suddenly they stop in, and they realize, said server Amanda Dalbo. Entering through the doors on the corner of Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue is a walk back in time. The diners walls are adorned with tomato-themed wallpaper, and retro metal bar stools line the counter. There, a rotating clientele sip coffee and enjoy breakfast while reading a newspaper or catching up with one of the waitresses behind the counter, where the Big Tomatos first $10 earned back in 1979 is taped to the wall above postcards from Paris to Seattle. Cloey Callahan Dalbo has been a waitress at the luncheonette for 32 years and has seen it go through ups and downs including surviving a global pandemic and a rise in prices. Customers range from Vassar College students who line up outside on weekends for brunch, to older generations who have been coming for years. Everyone becomes friends, said Dalbo. Customers walk in, they all know each other and greet each other by names. This one buys this one breakfast and another one buys someone else breakfast. Especially the ones coming in for 30 years they all know each other. The Big Tomato has around 10 stools and five tables. Before it was a diner, it was a hardware store and a soda fountain joint. The grill is between 80 to 100 years old, coming from Hoebowl Bowling Center. Because its only so big, Puglisi can only cook so much up at one time. When Puglisi first opened the diner, he said he listened to what the customers wanted to see on the menu and then added it. As a result, the customers became not only paying patrons, but also helped shape the Big Tomato into what it is today. I didnt know too much about breakfast, said Puglisi. A lot of customers told me to do it this way or that way I was on my own. A lot of ideas were just put together. Cloey Callahan Dalbo helped him expand it even further, suggesting adding blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, onion rings and steak sandwiches to reflect changing community appetites. However, the customer favorite has always remained the same: the $4.60 bacon, egg and cheese on a roll that comes with coffee or hot tea. The diner recently had to raise the price by 60 cents even announcing the pricing change on Facebook in August due to an increase in the price of bacon. Dalbo holds to the belief that you cant have a good bacon, egg and cheese without a fresh roll, which they get delivered daily from New York City. One customer, Joe Avello, a 30-year local who splits his time between New York and Florida, said as he sipped his coffee that he meets with his friends there to talk politics and solve the worlds issues. Every city in America has a place like this, Rich said of the neighborhood destination. Its a place where regular people go to have a decent breakfast or lunch at an honest price, said Avello. If I dont know your name, I know your order, said Dalbo, who travels to work in Poughkeepsie from Highland. Cloey Callahan End of an era? Downtime is the best time Make the most of your Hudson Valley weekend, every week with our newsletter. One of the challenges of a historic joint like the Big Tomato is that, at some point, the years start catching up with you. And the years of physical work do, too. Puglisi is 74 years old, and the restaurant industry is hard work for everyone behind the counter physically, mentally, and financially. John has a lot of problems with his legs, said Dalbo. Hes standing all day, and my feet got my toll. Its a hard business. Another server, Angie, recently retired after 33 years at the restaurant, needing a double knee replacement. The Big Tomato is open every day from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., a slight 3-hour reduction in hours of operation due to the pandemic. While the shorter hours mean fewer customers, it does allow Puglisi and the others to spend more time with their families. Puglisi, sitting on one of the barstools, said the demands of the diner means he doesnt always have time for himself. He has only one day off a week (Tuesdays), but even then, he still comes in in the afternoon to prepare for the next day. Its a simple thing, but Ive been missing so many different things all to go to work, said Puglisi. Im 74, how far can I go? I need some time for myself. In addition to everything else, some mornings have been less busy since a Mexican food truck set up shop a few doors down. They open at 5 a.m., an hour earlier than the Big Tomato, which means some early workers looking for grub have shifted their breakfast spot. Despite the longevity of the restaurant, Puglisi is looking to sell soon, mostly so he can retire and spend time with his family. Will Dalbo stay? She said she is also ready to close this chapter and move to the country with her horse. Although theyre nearing the end of the era, it wont be easy. Its a very familiar place, said Puglisi. Its like a family. I know people from day one. HUDSON Apartments that could house hundreds of people got the go-ahead from the Hudson Planning Board on Thursday night as the city struggles with an affordable housing crisis. The buildings, which feature commercial spaces on their ground floors, will include 54 apartments considered either affordable or middle income, with rents set according to percentages of the county's median income. Initial rents for these apartments are expected to range from $580 for a one-bedroom to $1,375. The project would fulfill a major goal of first-term Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson, who has pushed for solutions to displacement in the city. The project was also championed by Alderwoman Tiffany Garriga and the recently formed Hudson-Catskill Housing Coalition. The apartment blocks will be built and managed by the Galvan Foundation, a nonprofit developer and the largest property owner in the city. Johnson said it was "a win" for Hudson. "I think that, right now, we're in a tough situation, housing-wise, in the city of Hudson, where the more popular Hudson gets, the more the cost of living increases." he said. "(The project) gives us a chance a little bit of breathing room to get the many families who are living two-to-three families to a small apartment out of those situations and into their own apartment." Even before the pandemic pushed downstate residents to relocate to the Hudson Valley, Hudson's rents were rising rapidly. The number of New York City residents who relocated to Columbia County, where Hudson is the county seat, tripled in 2020, sending housing prices up 40 percent in one year, with rents following. The project could have a significant impact on Hudsons housing market simply because the city is so small. The project could hypothetically house more than 300 people in the city of 5,900. The proposal can go forward after Hudson's Planning Board approved the project's site plan this week. This comes a month after they gave the project a "negative declaration," stating it would not have significant harm on its surroundings, a decision that releases the nonprofit from having to go through a lengthier review. The Planning Board requested some changes to the project during their process, including the widening of Seventh Street, which abuts the proposed buildings, so a dozen on-street parking spaces can be added. Galvan incorporated the suggestions into the project design. Downtime is the best time Make the most of your Hudson Valley weekend, every week with our newsletter. The project received tax breaks through the city's Industrial Development Agency, allowing Galvan to avoid $6.6 million in property taxes over 30 years, as well as getting breaks on sales and mortgage recording taxes. The IDA voted 4-2 in favor of the tax breaks after Galvan offered to shorten the breaks on one of the buildings from 25 years to 20, and after adjusting their definition of an affordable apartment to make the units less expensive. Galvan plans to hire an outside construction firm to develop the apartment blocks. Galvan Vice President Dan Kent, who has ferried the proposal through the approval process, did not return requests for comment by press time. Johnson said he wanted to continue working to provide affordable housing for city residents, including developing home-ownership initiatives. "The work doesn't stop here," he said. A new bus service connecting New York City to Albany and key points in the Hudson Valley, including New Paltz and Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, launched late last month. OurBus, a digital intercity travel company, doesnt actually own its fleet of buses it acts as a technology platform that creates a network of service by sourcing available independent charter buses that are often used by schools or churches. We have networked together all the small bus companies in the country to create a bus company thats bigger than legacy bus companies, said Numaan Akram, CEO of OurBus, which launched in 2016 with a route in New Jersey. They love us for it, because we have unlocked the value of their underutilized asset. Akram compared the approach to people making money off of their spare bedroom or properties when they list them on short-term rental sites like Airbnb or Vrbo. Its unlocking that value, he said. OurBus is competing with Greyhound and Trailways for a slice of the bus ridership business in the Hudson Valley. Trailways of New York, a privately held transportation company, has serviced the region for more than 90 years, with routes between the city and western Hudson Valley towns, including New Paltz, Kingston and Phoenicia, and between NYC and Albany. Pre-pandemic, Trailways served one million passengers annually across its system. Were really well known by our customers, said Anne Noonan, vice president of marketing and traffic at Trailways. For another competitor, whoever it is, to try and come into the market weve served so well for so long, they just dont really have an opportunity to get a foothold in the market. Tony Adamis On the eastern side of the Hudson River, Amtrak also services Albany and New York the cities are among Amtraks top city pairs by ridership, and in 2019, the Albany-Rensselaer station saw 806,960 boardings and disembarks. Metro-North Railroad, meanwhile, is currently averaging around 120,000 weekday riders a healthy volume, although lower than pre-pandemic levels, with fewer people commuting. Metro-North only takes passengers as far north as Poughkeepsie. Train service tends to be more expensive than buses. OurBus fares start at $19 for one way service between Albany and New York City, compared to $24 for Trailways, depending on how far in advance you book. Greyhound bus rides between New York City and Albany were listed as $30 one-way Tuesday through Sunday this week. Were able to be more efficient, more customer responsive, and often cheaper, said Akram. We think we can provide a better service than whats there right now. Noonan said the company continues to monitor competitors pricing, and points to other variables that distinguish service. We offer a lot of amenities and we offer terminals, said Noonan. In this part of the state, standing out in the rain and the snow in the winter isnt preferred. Downtime is the best time Make the most of your Hudson Valley weekend, every week with our newsletter. Trailways, with a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, operates out of bus terminals in New Paltz, Kingston, and Albany. In New York City, it pulls into the Port Authority bus terminal. OurBus said that it will add a stop at the Albany-Rensselear train station soon. In New York City, stops include West 53rd Street and 6th Avenue, West 51st Street and Broadway, and the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal (Fort Washington and Broadway between 178th and 179th Streets). Akram said OurBus is currently working with two charter bus companies who he said have in place safety protocols if a bus breaks down, such as sending a maintenance team or a new bus, having an existing trip pick up passengers;, or arranging alternate travel modes to complete the trip. OurBus runs one to three buses daily between Thursday and Monday, with the greatest number of departures and returns on Friday and Sunday. Stops in Albany include University at Albany (at Collins Circle) and Crossgates Mall. Other stops along the route include Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Orange County and New Paltz (at New York State Thruway Park and Ride Exit 18). The Trailways system runs seven days a week, with around 10 runs a day, aligned to commuters during the week and more frequently on the weekends for those going to the city or Hudson Valley for recreation purposes. Its less than half of what we were operating pre-pandemic, but slowly, slowly, slowly as demand to and from New York City increases, we keep adding more service here and there, said Noonan. ALBANY In the aftermath of a deadly shooting at a private club, the city is defending its oversight of problem properties on their watchlist. The Lounge @ 117 was presented with a list of violations as early as June 2020 and barred from operating at the location until those issues were addressed, officials said. But a lack of visible activity led officials to believe the building was not being used. Theres been little to no activity from a police standpoint at that location, said Police Chief Eric Hawkins. Richard LaJoy, director of the citys department of buildings and regulatory compliance, traced the perceived inactivity back to April. At one point, there was a for sale sign and so we assumed they had backed off and were staying closed, LaJoy said. When our inspectors went by that building, it did not appear there was any activity in that building. Yet the club was active, and a feud between rival biker gang associates apparently triggered a brazen shootout at the underground private lounge over the weekend that left Alexander Bolton, a 29-year-old veteran, dead and six others wounded, exposing potential gaps in the citys oversight of problematic venues on their radar. Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Hawkins in a Thursday press conference implored residents to report underground clubs and events to the authorities. It may sound like an interesting thing to be involved in, but youre placing yourself in a dangerous situation, Sheehan said. Sheehan submitted a request to the state Liquor Authority to revoke the venues liquor license, and questioned if the permit should have been initially issued because the location is 200 feet from a school. There are certainly other problematic locations that have the citys attention, the mayor said. I dont have a list of those, Sheehan said, adding codes officers are equipped with the tools they need to enforce regulations - but also need public support. The business at 117 N. Lake Ave. was operating as an unpermitted social club at the time of the shooting, officials said. The Lounge did not have a certificate of occupancy and had not done what a permitted club needs to - including adopting bylaws and a certificate of incorporation. As a result, it should have been vacant, city officials said. A cease and desist order had previously been issued. Hawkins outlined portions of the events leading up to the shootout late Saturday, confirming that gunfire erupted after one group of people walked from Central Avenue to The Lounge Bolton among them and confronted another group upon their arrival. After a verbal altercation, gunfire erupted. At least one member in each group had a firearm, Hawkins said. Our preliminary investigation indicates simultaneously there were two groups firing at each other, one was inside and the other was outside, Hawkins said. The slaying remains under investigation. Hawkins confirmed the Times Unions reporting on the magnitude of gunfire, confirming that 60 to 70 shell casings were retrieved. Ten people, ranging in age from 29 to 54 who were inside the club, all were arrested on felony weapons charges based on the two handguns seized. We suspect there are some weapons out there and we dont have all the weapons that were involved, Hawkins said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The lounge is apparently a hangout for members of Suicide Squad, a local biker club. Police who executed a search warrant at the club noted in arrest reports that the location is a "Suicide Squad Club House." Law enforcement sources said their investigation is focusing on whether individuals with ties to the Pagans Motorcycle Club allegedly went to the location because of an earlier incident in which they believed someone associated with another gang had insulted them by screeching a tire in their direction. There also was information that the club's patrons had organized a social event there that same evening. Hawkins stopped short of confirming or denying if the fatal dispute was a conflict between rival biker gangs or if Bolton was a member. We have heard for a while there was the possibility that we have organized groups in our city, whether they be biker gangs or other types of gangs or groups, Hawkins said. Its been on our radar for a while. Now with this incident here, we dont have enough information at this point to confirm or deny that we have biker gangs that are involved in this particular incident. Sheehan said the city was using every tool to quash gun violence, including boosting funds for gun violence interrupters and launching a new office of SNUG, a violence reduction initiative. Yet the mayor said the gun violence plaguing Albany is part of broader trends unfolding across the U.S. and is compounded by officer staffing shortages and a court system still whirring back to life after pandemic-related shutdowns. Funding for police is not an issue that has compromised the citys ability to combat gun violence, the mayor said. There has not been money taken away from the police budget, Sheehan said. CLIFTON PARK Dozens of people came to Shenendehowa High School Thursday to try out a school bus and then consider becoming a bus driver. Some were retired. Some were bored. One was a disabled Army veteran seeking a way to help again. I drove two-and-a-half ton troop-carrying trucks, said Thad Slocum, who retired after 10 years in the Army, which included tours in Iraq. He sat down confidently and smoothly drove the bus through the Shenendehowa school campus, not struggling with the air brake like other prospective drivers. Ive been searching for something that can bring some further fulfillment to my life, he said after his drive. He said he would not have considered school bus driving if it werent for the desperate need from local schools - part of a nationwide bus driver shortage and workers not returning to their pre-pandemic jobs. Many bus drivers retired or quit during the pandemic, and now theres not enough to get everyone to school. The entire Ballston Spa Central School District had to go to remote instruction Friday because it did not have enough bus drivers. And this past Monday, Scotia-Glenville Central School District announced that it couldnt pick up 114 students Tuesday because one bus driver would be out. Because of the continuing bus driver shortage, there are no spare drivers who can pick up the route, Scotia-Glenville said. Slocum became disabled because of his Army work, but he can drive. He has two sons, ages 10 and 12, and he was shocked to learn that school bus drivers were in short supply this year. For him, it was an opportunity to be useful to the country again. I want to help when there is a crisis, he said. "It's nice to be needed." Hiring new drivers is a start, but its not quick. It usually takes people four to six weeks of practice before they can pass the DMV driving test, said Shenendehowa bus driving instructor Vitalie Ciobano. But those who are ready, like Slocum, can schedule the test sooner. The trouble is that the DMV is also understaffed. Its taking a month or more to get drivers tested, Ciobano said. The last driver he trained, this summer, waited a month for his test and finally got licensed two weeks ago. Gov. Kathy Hochul last month announced the DMV would be expediting the process for CDL completion by removing the 14-day waiting period between the permit test and the road tests, and will work with county DMVs to increase capacity to administer written exams and road tests. In the meantime, Ciobano said, theres a lot to learn beyond the basics of operating a bus. Drivers must teach students how to behave safely on the bus, and get them back under control when they jump around, he said. They also have to drive as if they were passing a road test every day. The first thing we do is try to break your habits of driving a car, he said. Racing the light, not stopping fully, going too fast. Some drivers had second thoughts after their test drive. I felt a little bit comfortable, said Bill, a retired RPI engineering professor who is also a licensed pilot. He had expected it to be harder than flying a plane, and it was, he said. But he was on a hunt for something to do as the pandemic drags on. He retired, intending to travel, and now hes been at home for far too long. This is so boring, retirement, he said. But driving a bus? Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. I might apply, he said after his drive. Brian Unger of Clifton Park was a definite after his drive. It didnt scare me at all, he said. But like many others, he sees the job as a temporary position. Unger is a software engineer who worked 10 to 12 hours a day, staring at a laptop, from home. He went on leave this summer, and when that ends Friday, he plans to quit. Im not going back, he said. Im burnt out on the corporate world. Bus driving would give him time to consider his options, he said. The good thing is, its not a full-time gig, he said. I can see how that would be a problem for most people, but I want to spend more time with my family. For those who want full-time work, school districts can make that happen, said Shenendehowa schools Superintendent L. Oliver Robinson. Districts are willing to do almost anything to get drivers. Those who can only work in the morning, or in the afternoon, can get that desired schedule, he said. He also called for state laws to be changed to get more drivers. Possibilities range from letting state retirees earn more money before impacting their pensions, to allowing those with other types of commercial driving licenses to drive buses without a full 21-day bus course. We cannot have our childrens education sacrificed because we cant get our children to school, Robinson said. Its an opportunity for the community to get together to support our children. More than 400 refugees will settle in Albany this year, but what happens after they arrive? On this episode of "The Eagle," reporter Massarah Mikati shares how the lack of quality affordable housing in the region is burdening local refugee support organizations trying to help people settle in the U.S. who have fled violence and oppression in their home countries. Also on this episode, subpoenaed records indicate accuser Brittany Commisso visited the governor's mansion on a day she said former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo groped her. Managing Editor Brendan J. Lyons explains what that means for the ongoing investigations into Cuomo's alleged sexual misconduct. Jacom Stephens / Getty Image ALBANY - Five schools were forced into a 90-minute lockout Thursday morning after the city district received a bomb threat against three South End schools. Authorities did not identify any specific schools as targets and enacted the lockout around 8:45 a.m. while they investigated the threat. The schools that went into lockout mode included Albany School of Humanities, Delaware Community School, Giffen Memorial Elementary School, William S. Hackett Middle School and Thomas OBrien Academy of Science and Technology. ALBANY A Mafia-connected figure from New Jersey and his alleged septuagenarian accomplice are charged with conspiring to traffic an estimated $350,000 worth of cocaine through the Capital Region. Richard Sinde, 56, a reputed Bonanno crime family associate from Fort Lee, N.J., and Robert Ingrao, 74, a convicted drug dealer from Lodi, N.J., are named in a two-count indictment handed up in U.S. District Court in Albany. Sinde was arraigned Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Stewart. Ingrao is expected to be arraigned at a later date. The indictment accused both Sinde, known as Richie, and Ingrao, known as Bobby, with conspiring and possessing cocaine with intent to sell between March 29 and April 2. Both men have prior criminal histories. Ingrao has a federal drug conviction for which he spent time in federal prison. In 2017, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance announced that Sinde pleaded guilty for his part in a Bonanno crime family crews illegal gambling operation and illicit sale of the prescription erectile dysfunction drugs Cialis and Viagra. A judge sentenced Sinde to 2 to 6 years in prison and ordered he forfeit nearly $30,000. In 2016, Vance, New York City police and the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor identified Sinde as one of two ringleaders in a Mafia-linked scheme to ship hundreds of pounds of marijuana from California to New York for illegal sale. While appearances of "Goodfellas"-type mobsters are rare in Capital Region courtrooms, the area is hardly immune to them or associates of Russian, Albanian and Chinese organized crime syndicates, among others. Albany is a short trip for members and associates of New York's five families and Cosa Nostra clans in New Jersey, Philadelphia, New England, Buffalo and Montreal. New York's Genovese crime family, while traditionally more associated with its operations in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, the Bronx's Arthur Avenue strip and parts of New Jersey, among other areas, has long maintained a large crew in Springfield, Mass., that at times has operated in the Albany area. Starting in 1983, Springfield mobster Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno orchestrated the violent "takeover" of the Capital Region's gambling rackets, visited Albany-area bookmakers and organized them "sometimes by threat," FBI documents previously obtained by the Times Union show. The late Genovese gangster was shot to death in a Springfield hit in 2003. Mob connections notwithstanding, the case against Sinde and Ingrao reads like many drug cases prosecuted in federal court. On April 2, Ingrao was driving north on the Thruway in Greene County when a state trooper stopped Ingrao's 2018 Jeep Cherokee about 11:45 a.m., according to an affidavit filed by a Saratoga Springs officer on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force. "Ingrao stated that he had been traveling from a muffler shop in New Jersey, and was driving the car to Schenectady, New York, to provide it to his friend, whom he identified as 'Louie,'" the affidavit stated. "The trooper quickly determined that Ingrao had no valid drivers license in New Jersey, where he claimed to reside, and a suspended drivers license in New York." The affidavit said the trooper, who planned to arrest Ingrao for driving without a license, conducted a roadside inventory of the Jeep. On the backseat, the trooper allegedly found rolled-up $20 bills with white powder residue in a jacket. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "At that point, Ingrao spontaneously stated, in sum and substance, that he was worried about 'the drugs,'" the affidavit said. The trooper put Ingrao in his patrol car and further checked Ingrao's Jeep. "When the trooper opened the Jeeps trunk, Ingrao got out of the patrol car and approached the trooper, asking for a cigarette and saying he needed to use the bathroom," the affidavit said. The trooper placed Ingrao back in the patrol car. The trooper called for a drug-detecting police dog who signaled the alerted troopers to the vehicle's trunk. There, in a trap compartment, police found nine plastic bags of white powder later revealed to be cocaine, the affidavit said. An attorney for Sinde could not be immediately reached. Ingrao is being represented by Albany lawyer Lee Kindlon. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett. ALBANY An investigation into how a state-run vaccination scheduling website became public prematurely in January found myriad unintentional factors were to blame for the early access that led to the cancellation of over 28,000 appointments, the state Inspector Generals Office said Thursday. The office began investigating the incident after receiving an allegation Jan. 14 that the states new COVID-19 vaccine scheduling website had been accessed prematurely. This resulted in nearly 20,000 appointments being scheduled at SUNY Stony Brook University more than 24 hours before the website was set to become public. Thousands more appointments were prematurely scheduled at state-operated vaccine sites in Binghamton, Buffalo, Plattsburgh, Potsdam and Utica. The appointments were ultimately canceled as a result of the premature access and uncertainty over whether those filling the slots were actually eligible to receive a vaccine at the time. The IGs office said Thursday that its investigation revealed unintentional factors were to blame for the early access, and said the issues have since been fixed. It found no evidence that the system had been compromised by cyber criminals or that state employees or contractors had leaked the site early, it said. State employees worked tirelessly to get the vaccination registration program off the ground in record time and with outstanding results, said acting Inspector General Robyn Adair. However, several factors left open the possibility for members of the public to prematurely and unknowingly jump the line. According to the IG's investigation report, those factors included: A misunderstanding about a function of the program that caused immediate and unintentional public access to the site once a vaccination event was created in the system. The sequential numbering of links to scheduling sites created vulnerability. By altering the scheduling identification numbers in a known website address, a person could discover another vaccination scheduling site that had not yet been published. Those who accessed an eligibility screening tool before registering for an appointment were able to view the address of a scheduling site in their browser and simply copy and paste it into the address bar bypassing the screening tool. Websites created for training purposes only were accessed and used by the public to sign up for appointments that did not actually exist. Once a link to a scheduling site had been discovered, the user could then widely disseminate the link to be used by others. The IGs office said these links were ultimately forwarded to and distributed by counties, school districts, union leaders and religious communities via mass email distribution lists. Many members of the public were unaware they were using the links prematurely, the office said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The investigation also revealed that pre-launch testing of the system was insufficient, resulting in glitches and other issues once it was met by high public demand. The system was developed by the state Department of Health, the Office of Information Technology Services, and Health Research, Inc. The state contracted with Deloitte to create the eligibility screening tool. While DOH, ITS, HRI and others were able to curtail the vulnerabilities, our investigation identified ways to ensure that the states vaccination registration system is able to withstand ongoing efforts to fairly and efficiently get shots in the arms of all New Yorkers, Adair said. Among other things, the IGs office recommended the state conduct routine testing of the scheduling system and eligibility screening tool, and distribute written guidance regarding the confidentiality of scheduling links. The findings are timely now, the office said, as the state prepares to vaccinate children under 12 later this fall and administer booster shots to additional eligible populations. Two Cohoes men charged in the 2019 homicide of an infant boy were halfway across the country in mid-August instead of at the Albany County Court as scheduled, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, which is searching for the married couple. Anthony Ojeda, 40, and Neil Garzon, 32, were spotted in Kansas during the summer -- more than 1,356 miles away -- rather than appearing at hearings on their alleged roles in the death of Ojedas 6-week-old son, Eli Harmon Ojeda, on Dec. 3, 2019, in the couples Van Vechten Street apartment, the marshals said. Investigators believe both men are together. They were last seen on Aug. 19 at the Fuel Express located at 2754 U.S. Highway 75 in Lebo, Kansas. They were in a black Nissan Sentra four-door sedan bearing Indiana license plate, FL905AAR, the marshals service said in a statement Wednesday. Ojeda and Garzon were indicted by a county grand jury after Ojeda withdrew his original guilty plea to second-degree manslaughter, claiming that Garzon was responsible for the infants death. The boy died shortly after arriving at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He had injuries to his ribs and head and appeared to have overdosed from ingesting methamphetamine, according to authorities. Ojeda had been ordered by a judge to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet to ensure he would not flee the Capital Region. Ojeda, also known as Erik Donis, was ordered to wear the ankle bracelet for 60 days and to observe a curfew of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. while the Albany County Probation Department monitored him. The ankle unit was ordered on June 2 and removed Aug. 2 because the order had not been extended, Mary Rozak, a spokeswoman for Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, said Friday after probation department records were reviewed. The probation department was following the courts orders, Rozak said. Without the monitoring device on Ojedas ankle, authorities no longer could track the two men. It appears that Ojeda, a native of Mexico, and Garzon, an Ecuador native, took off. Ojeda failed to show up for his Aug. 24 court date for his case which includes his indictment on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child. A warrant for his arrest was issued two days later. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Garzon, who was indicted for endangering the welfare of a child, didnt appear Aug. 20 for his court date. A warrant for his arrest was issued Aug. 30. The marshals service is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Ojeda. The marshals described Ojeda as about 5-foot-5, weighing 145 pounds, and Garzon as about 5-foot-5 and 175 pounds. Ojeda was to receive a sentence of 3 to 9 years in prison as part of a plea deal for his guilty plea in December 2020. A state Supreme Court justice vacated the guilty plea after Ojeda said in April that Garzon had admitted to intentionally poisoning Eli. Ojeda told investigators that Garzon was alone with Eli in their apartment. Ojeda was later indicted by the grand jury and faces a prison sentence of 25 years to life if convicted of the second-degree murder count. Garzon faces up to a year in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor count he faces. Elizabeth Losos reached into the darkness of our unknowable but scary-looking future to retrieve a "glimmer of hope" for us ("Tipping point for survival," Oct. 10). The glimmer, she claims, comes from the growing number of governments, businesses and institutions that have committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. But action is needed. Losos could have mentioned that New York state was among the first to join this trend. The 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates a similar commitment with interim commitments, such as obtaining 70 percent of our energy from renewables by 2030. Since we have the third-largest economy in the nation, our decision to take this path is significant and our responsibility to follow it all the way is weighty. ALBANY The state has received $21 billion in federal pandemic relief money and has spent $6.1 billion since the end of September, according to a new online tracker released by the state comptroller's office. Despite less than a third of the money being spent to date, much of the federal cash has a general spending plan ascribed to it. The state has received just over half of its expected federal aid, which is to total $39.8 billion, according to the tracker. "Thankfully New York is getting billions of dollars of federal funding that really has been a lifeline," state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli told the Times Union. "When you're seeing an infusion of funding at that magnitude, it is important to follow the money and make sure it is spent as intended." An additional $3 billion of state money has been geared toward the excluded worker fund and small business recovery. The comptroller's office found that $1.2 billion has been spent since the end of September. The office plans to update the data monthly and may add additional levels of detail on its tracker. "A big chunk of this money has yet to be dispersed and hopefully (the public's) curiosity will be piqued as they check on a monthly basis," DiNapoli said. Here is a breakdown, based on the tracker, of the initial takeaways from the office's data. The elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund has spent $937 million, received $925 million and is to receive $14.7 billion. It is intended for pandemic preparedness, staff training, technology and addressing learning losses related to the pandemic. About $3.9 billion is to be spent in the current fiscal year and the remaining money spent through 2025. The state and local fiscal recovery fund has spent $387 million, received $13.1 billion and is to receive $13.5 billion. The plan is to spend the money over the next four years, including $4.5 billion in the current fiscal year. The coronavirus relief fund has spent $3.9 billion, received $5.1 billion and is to receive $5.1 billion. The money is for health and public safety payroll costs and other related pandemic costs. Most of the money has been spent on state agency operating costs. The remaining $1.2 billion in the fund is expected to be spent in this fiscal year. The child care services fund has spent $152 million, received $143 million and is to receive $2.5 billion. The money is to expand access to child care, lower costs to families and provide more stability to child care providers. The money is to be spent over five years, including $164 million in this past fiscal year and $1.35 billion in the current fiscal year. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The emergency rental assistance fund has spent $696 million, received $1.7 billion and is to receive $2.85 billion. The money is for low and moderate-income tenants and landlords. The money is expected to be spent this year. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance data tracker shows, through Oct. 12, that $849 million has been spent, $1.8 billion has been promised. The homeowners assistance fund has spent $50 million, received $54 million and is to receive $540 million. The money is to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities and displacement. A federal government program is to release additional dollars. The excluded workers fund has spent $969 million, received $2.1 billion and is to receive $2.1 billion. The money is strictly state funds and is to go to people who are ineligible for unemployment insurance or other relief programs and made less than $26,208 during the first year of COVID-19. The fund is expected to be spent in its entirety this year, according to the governor's office. The small business recovery fund is a mix of state and federal money, with $865 million from the state and $600 million from the federal government. Out of the state money, $208 million has been spent while none of the federal money has been spent or received to date. The federal money is for the small business credit incentive program, while $800 million of state funds is for small business grants, $25 million for the restaurant resiliency grant program, $40 million for the arts and cultural organization recovery grant program, and $135 million in pandemic recovery and restart program tax credits. ALBANY In a meeting last week with leaders of good-government groups, Gov. Kathy Hochul was said to be particularly blunt concerning one area of government she'd like to reform. I want to blow up JCOPE, Hochul said at the meeting in her New York City office, according to John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany. Asked whether Hochul had made the comment about "blowing up" New York's ethics oversight body, a spokeswoman said only that, "Gov. Hochul is committed to instituting real ethics reforms and restoring trust in government, and we will continue to work with legislators, good government groups, and the public to reform JCOPE and improve ethics oversight to better serve New Yorkers." In her remarks last week to good-government groups, according to Kaehny, Hochul did not offer specifics about her plan to blow up the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, which was created by a 2011 law pushed by her predecessor, Andrew M. Cuomo. But as Hochul likely faces a competitive Democratic primary for governor in June 2022, she seems to want to tackle the issue quickly. Hochul has no way to get rid of JCOPE on her own, and the good-government groups encouraged Hochul and her staff to reach out to leaders in the state Legislature. Indeed, after the meeting, a Hochul staffer did reach out to Manhattan state Sen. Liz Krueger, a Democrat who has been pushing for a constitutional amendment doing away with JCOPE, and replacing it with a body where the majority of members would be appointed by the state judiciary, not state lawmakers. But passing a constitutional amendment takes years, and Krueger told the Times Union that Hochul is interested in making changes next legislative session, including potentially getting rid of JCOPE and replacing it. The governor wants to move things at a quicker pace than a constitutional amendment could be done, and even talked about it going into the budget next year, with the support of the Senate and Assembly, Krueger said. They asked me whether I would think about how we could get this done in a more rapid way." One reason Krueger had been pushing for a constitutional amendment: It would only have needed to be passed by both houses of the Legislature, twice, before going to a public referendum, therefore bypassing Cuomo, who showed little appetite for scrapping JCOPE. With a new governor, the situation seems to have changed. None of this was real under Gov. Cuomo in terms of fixing it or starting again, Krueger said, adding that with Hochul we have a governor who is willing to fix the problem, or is even willing to scrap JCOPE. Krueger said even if Hochul does create a new ethics body through a state law, Krueger would still be interested in enshrining changes in a constitutional amendment. An amendment would be more difficult for future lawmakers to alter than a law, and could ensure that a new ethics body continually got adequate funding. According to good-government groups, the principal problem with JCOPE is the way appointments are made: Currently, six are made by the governor, and eight by legislative leaders of both parties, which means that top lawmakers appoint the people charged with regulating those same lawmakers. Krueger said nothing was settled so far on the appointment question. She did not think appointments necessarily needed to be made by the judiciary as was proposed in her amendment and said her conversation was more focused on getting people with sterling credentials to serve on a replacement body. Krueger said there would likely be far fewer commissioners than the current 14. Another possible idea: Officials appointed by the governor would have to go through a confirmation process with the Legislature. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Krueger would also like a new ethics commission to have broader jurisdiction. Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, also was at the meeting with Hochul. He said whoever is making appointments to a new ethics body needed to be "someone not subject to the regulation of the new entity." He said determining the appropriate appointing authorities would be lawmakers' thorniest question, and likely the last one decided. "I could not tell what (Hochul) thought about that, other than she thought it should be independent," Horner said. Hochul has said in the past she wants to challenge the premise that an entity created by elected officials with their own appointees should be charged with investigating those individuals and she wants to make sure that we are not stacking these bodies with our friends and with our allies. After last weeks meeting, in a Zoom call between Hochul assistant counsels and good-government groups, Kruegers amendment was discussed along with a package of measures sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, seeking several significant shorter-term fixes to JCOPE. Biaggis package passed the Senate during the 2021 legislative session but not the Assembly. Speaker Carl E. Heastie, who would have to sign off on any measures pushed by Hochul next year, has remained largely mum about the prospects of JCOPE reform. One aspect of Biaggis bill package gets rid of JCOPEs special voting rules, which allow a small number of commissioners to veto an investigation. Any replacement commission, according to Krueger, would be very unlikely to have such special voting rules. Krueger said she believed Hochul wanted to go significantly farther than even the substantial reforms proposed by Biaggi. In her comments last week to good-government groups, Hochul also touched on government transparency, the Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings laws. The meeting was first reported by City & State. ALBANY Albany County District Attorney David Soares called for cashless bail but also increased discretion for courts to weigh a persons perceived dangerousness before releasing them during an Assembly committee hearing on gun violence Thursday. The debate, on a day that was intended to be a hearing about a long unfulfilled data collection initiative that stalled under the administration of former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, marked the latest iteration of the controversy around bail initiatives that are bound to be a central piece of the upcoming election season. "If we do nothing, then this insufferable condition will be the new norm," Soares, a Democrat, said at the hearing Thursday. His comments later faced substantial pushback. Bail reform measures passed by the Legislature in 2019 and implemented in 2020 have become a political lightning rod in debates around the rise in violent crime in recent years. Opponents of bail reform, including some in law enforcement, say the changes have allowed for the release of offenders who then commit other crimes. New York City data shows that rates of violent crimes committed by people released and awaiting trial, which is about 1 percent of the population, did not change from 2019 to 2020, according to a review by the advocacy group, Vital NYC. Statewide data released in July by two state agencies and reviewed by the Times Union does not list charges filed against people who were released and then arrested again because the state does not collect that data. The data collection also only began once bail reforms were enacted, providing no prior data set to compare. About 15 percent of people arrested and released are rearrested while their cases remain open. About a third of those rearrested face felony charges. Soares highlighted a recent incident to illustrate his concerns with bail reform: By the time of the arraignment of the fifth person of the 10 arrested after a shooting at an Albany social club last weekend, the second person arrested had already been released. The criminal justice system is "adjusting to new, mostly good, certainly well-meaning reforms that police and prosecutors are finding out are now making it harder to fight this wave of violence." Soares called for giving judges discretion in determining whether a person is too dangerous to be released. Advocates worry this will reinforce systemic injustices that they are trying to root out with their reforms. "Doesn't that tool exist already?," Brooklyn Democrat Latrice Walker asked Soares at the hearing. "Haven't those tools been used in the state of New York?" "It's certainly not a tool that's used by our judges, defense practitioners or prosecutors in upstate New York," Soares replied. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The back-and-forth reflected different understandings of the situation, with both sides claiming to know the situation more authentically. At one point during the hearing, New York Police Department Commissioner Dermot Shea suggested he is no longer believed by lawmakers, because of a "breakdown of trust." Soares said he believes that community dynamics have changed because people feel threatened by people being released before their trial, a sentiment he has communicated recently. "I'm saying our community is changing and I want to get to the table and find some solution to what I see," Soares said. Walker rejected the idea that lawmakers need to walk back the bail reforms. "We have to weigh that against the injustices that get created based on an inherent institutional and systematic criminal justice system, which has been biased since the beginning of time," Walker said. "I think that's the goal that we all are trying to do, so that we can have public safety, but we can also ensure that our rights are not being violated." Pictured are items that can be won during the silent auction at Saturdays Cash Bash to benefit Titusville Police Departments K-9 fund. 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! October 15, 2021 The overall social, economic, and political backgrounds of developed and developing nation groups differ dramatically, and developing countries are in desperate need of innovative healthcare solutions. Take, for instance, two children born at the same time, one in a developed country, one in a developing country well use Sweeden and Mozambique for this example. In Sweeden, life expectancy reached 82.98 years, whereas, in Mozambique, it sits at 52.94 years, which means the child is already born with lower hopes of reaching the age of retirement. Whats more, in Sweeden, there are 328 doctors available for every 100,000 people, whereas, in Mozambique, only 3 doctors are available for the same number of patients. The population of developing countries facing worse health issues and a low health expectancy has to do with the significant differences in general social, economic, or political backgrounds among developed and developing country groups. Fortunately, there is hope for these countries thanks to one great ally technology. Here are some of the most cutting-edge health innovations that might save millions of lives throughout the world. Long-distance patient monitoring As we mentioned, developing countries face a massive shortage of doctors and medical personnel. To address the low patient-to-doctor ratio in some regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and avoid patients having to travel long distances for treatment, Himore Medical in Cameroon developed CardioPad, a wireless solution that allows for efficient monitoring of cardiovascular diseases from afar using Bluetooth and a mobile network. This way, doctors can monitor the patients evolution and the effectiveness of medications, only calling for an in-person meeting when necessary. Big data analytics improves disaster response During disasters, massive volumes of data are generated, including personal and medical information, route geolocation, survivor tracking, and more. Managing this data poses challenges, but when done well, it provides critical information on which to act, prioritizes and optimizes response efforts, and improves situational awareness through crowdsourcing. The American Red Cross built an app called RC View, which provides invaluable data about water levels, shelter mapping and availability, road closures, and so on. By using this technology, US Red Cross divisions, such as redcross-cmd.org, were able to respond to more disasters in two months than the last four years combined. Tackling female health While male health issues are also common in developing countries, there is an even bigger issue when it comes to female health. Lack of sanitary pads is causing significant school drop-out rates in India (23% of adolescent girls) and research shows that only 12% of women in the country use sanitary pads instead of makeshift materials. To help tackle this issue, a company in India is developing fully biodegradable sanitary pads using banana tree fiber. Local farmers benefit from such a ground-breaking innovation because their labor is required for the manufacturing of pads, and the biodegradable waste does not affect the environment. With the widespread use of biodegradable pads across India, it is now possible to recycle 108,000 tons of such garbage each year. [October 15, 2021] CHSE Event Protocol Story (CERPEN): Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Socializes New Protocols to Revive Event Business in Medan MEDAN, Indonesia, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has held the Cleanliness, Health, Safety, Environment Sustainability (CHSE) Event Protocol Story (CERPEN) campaign for public and local media in Medan, North Sumatra, on October 13, 2021. Medan became the first city among the 6 top priorities of the ministry to socialize the CHSE protocol through CERPEN, that is designed to encourage tourism and creative industry while raising new optimism for organizing events by adopting the new normal protocol mid the COVID-19 pandemic. "We need to rebuild people's confidence to revive event business, creative workers, and other related ecosystems that had been impacted by the pandemic through relevant content. This is why the role of local media is significant to help us disseminate information on CHSE events," said Eddy Wardoyo, deputy secretary of Tourism and Event Products of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industry. Wardoyo added that the ministry will continue to encourage and support the event business to boost the local economy by issuing the CHSE guidance to ensure all performances are held in safety to get rid of people's wariness. "The target is to encourage the local creative industry to keep innovating to organize art and cultural events," Wardoyo said. CHSE to Help Organizing Events Amidst the Pandemic The CHSE event socialization initiative aims to attract creative workers to socialize CHSE guidance into regional content and culture so that it is easily understood by the local community. Not only focusing on preparing event destinations and organizers in understanding health protocols and licensing activities, CHSE socialization also targets the local creative industry to continue innovating in organizing arts and cultural events that comply with health protocols. Held in a media gathering event, the CHSE socialization also invited Medan-based experts who work on creative industries to be speakers such as Irwansyah Harahap, Director of Toba Caldera World Music Festival, and Glenn Biondi Hutajulu, Co-Founder of Samosir Music International, to share their views and experiences in organizing events and adapting the new normal. Hutajulu said he used to be able to bring more than 20 thousand concertgoers per music event, however, social and economic restriction amid the pandemic has forced him to vacuum. That is why he is keen to start organizing events again by adhering to the CHSE guidance. "The potential of North Sumatra is great, which is why we, along with other event organizers, are preparing to hold events in North Sumatra that comply to the CHSE Events document," added Hutajulu. Following Medan, the Ministry will also hold CERPEN events in Yogyakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar, and Lombok, to socialize the CHSE protocol that was organized in three phases, from August to November 2021. For more information on the CHSE campaign, please visit chse.kemenparekraf.go.id . About the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Driven by a vision to make Indonesia a world-class tourism destination, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy innovates various breakthroughs to continually grow the creative industry in Indonesia. "Kharisma Event Nusantara 2021" is one of the government's efforts to encourage the rise of the creative economy in Indonesia. This program is expected to help positively move the national economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic and provide direction for event participants on the implementation of the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) protocol. SOURCE Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Cogeco Takes Tangible Action for the Climate and Announces its Goal of Achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 MONTREAL, Oct. 15, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - To mark Climate Action Day, organized by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in early November, Cogeco is proud to reiterate its commitment to this issue by announcing its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Cogeco is the first telecommunications company in Canada to have its targets approved by the SBTi. These targets, which include a 65% reduction in emissions from its operations by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels), illustrate Cogeco's leadership and its commitment to the environment. These actions complement the decisions Cogeco has made in recent years in the fight against climate change. They include the voluntary disclosure of our climate impact and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the global disclosure system run by the internationally recognized organization CDP, s well as the implementation of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, which encompasses a number of initiatives aimed at optimally managing our environmental footprint. Actions undertaken include ''greening'' our vehicle fleet, increasing our use of renewable energy, and optimizing our energy consumption. The company also supports global climate actions to protect and preserve forests. To this end, Cogeco recently held its first 1Cogeco Community Involvement Day , during which tree-planting events were organized in more than 46 communities in Canada and the United States. "Our telecommunications industry plays a key role in achieving a net-zero economy because the digital sector is an important contributor to a low-carbon world," said Philippe Jette, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogeco. He added: "On this Climate Action Day and in the run-up to COP26, we call on all players in our industry to show strong and inspiring leadership and to take concrete action for the climate. Together, with a sustained collective effort, we can build a prosperous and sustainable economy." He concluded: "At Cogeco, we will continue to act with this goal in mind, always taking into account what is best for the communities in which we serve and live, our customers, our employees and our planet." Cogeco's commitment to environmental, social and corporate governance In recent months, Cogeco's commitment to environmental, social and corporate governance has been recognized and endorsed by a number of leading organizations. As part of its global climate ambitions, Cogeco has joined corporate leaders representing more than $3.6 trillion in market capitalization in signing the "Business Ambition for 1.5C" commitment. Cogeco received a 2020 Climate Change score of A- from CDP, placing it among the leaders for implementing current best practices in measuring, understanding and addressing corporate climate impacts. The company supports more than 700 grassroots organizations in Canada and the United States each year and is listed in numerous rankings, including "Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens" and the "Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations," both by Corporate Knights. The company's leadership in community investment has also earned it Imagine Canada's "Caring Company" certification. To learn more about the importance Cogeco places on CSR and social engagement, visit our website . ABOUT COGECO INC. Cogeco Inc. is a holding corporation which operates in the communications and media sectors. Its Cogeco Communications Inc. subsidiary provides residential and business customers with Internet, video and telephony services through its two-way broadband fibre networks, operating in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, under the Cogeco Connexion name, and in the United States under the Atlantic Broadband brand in 12 states. Its Cogeco Media subsidiary owns and operates 23 radio stations with complementary radio formats and extensive coverage serving a wide range of audiences mainly across the province of Quebec, as well as Cogeco News, a news agency. Cogeco's subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGO). The subordinate voting shares of Cogeco Communications Inc. are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA). SOURCE Cogeco Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Connie Health Offers Free Medicare Advisory Service to Texas Seniors During Fall Annual Enrollment Period, Opening Oct. 15 Connie Health is helping Texas seniors navigate 289 Medicare Advantage plans available during the fall Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), opening today and lasting through Dec. 7. Nearly 60 plans have been added from last year, giving Texans more options for coverage that meets their specific needs. The free Medicare advisory service provides unbiased recommendations from local experts-to help seniors save money and get better coverage and benefits. Co-founded by Oded Eran, David Luna and Michael Scopa in 2019, Connie Health empowers Americans to make informed decisions about Medicare. The company first served Arizona and has rapidly expanded to Illinois and Texas. "While David, Michael and I were working for a leading primary care provider, we saw how overwhelmed and frustrated older Americans were about healthcare and that they didn't know who to trust," Eran said. "My co-founders and I knew there was a better way. At Connie Health, we've combined local experts with cutting-edge technology that takes the stress out of selecting the right Medicare plan. We want our clients to enjoy healthy and happy lives - with Medicare being the least of their worries." Fueled by proprietary technology, Connie Health simplifies the Medicare selection process with unbiased plan advice. Connie Health agentshelp Texans select Medicare coverage based on their individual needs, like budget, doctors, medications and other benefits such as dental and hearing aids. They work with, not for, all major insurance plans to give seniors access to more options. Combined, the local agent expertise and advanced technology recommend the best plan, within budget. "There are 289 Medicare Advantage plans currently available to Texas seniors, including 60 more options added in the past year. Our licensed, local agents want to help you select a plan that supports your health needs and fits your budget," Eran said. Enrolling in and switching Medicare plans through Connie Health is free. Unbiased advice is assured as local agents receive the same commission regardless of the insurance company or plan selected. Connie Health agents recommend plans solely on individual needs and not financial incentives. Agents provide ongoing support whenever and however it's needed - in person, via phone or over video call - allowing enrollees to not only understand their plan but maximize its value. Medicare's fall Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. Texans looking to evaluate their current Medicare plans can contact Connie Health throughout Texas by calling (469) 484-4077 (Dallas); (832) 476-3119 (Houston); (737) 249-6447 (Austin); (210) 866-6339 (San Antonio). More information about Medicare plans in Texas is available at conniehealth.com/medicare-texas. About Connie Health Connie Health empowers older Americans to make confident, worry-free healthcare decisions. Established in 2019 and operating in Arizona, Illinois, and Texas, their Medicare consumer platform combines a tech-driven recommendation engine with local agents for personalized plans and healthcare navigation. The technology and concierge-level service helps consumers find the Medicare plan that meets their health and economic needs, take advantage of the benefits covered by that plan, and find the best providers in network. For more information, please visit https://www.conniehealth.com/about-us/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005403/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Dover Announces Acquisition Of LIQAL B.V., A Leading Provider Of LNG And Hydrogen Fueling Solutions DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dover (NYSE: DOV) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of LIQAL B.V. ("LIQAL"), a turnkey supplier of liquefied natural gas ("LNG") and hydrogen refueling equipment and solutions, and micro liquefaction solutions. LIQAL is now part of the Dover Fueling Solutions ("DFS") operating unit within Dover's Fueling Solutions segment. Founded in 2014 and based in the Netherlands, LIQAL provides customers with safe, efficient, and innovative alternative fuel solutions that are currently experiencing robust adoption, particularly in Europe. LIQAL's mission has been focused on accelerating the decarbonization of fuels used in transportation. Its intelligent, integrated solutions offer high-quality standards, operating flexibility, and a low total cost of ownership throughout the life span of asset operation. "DFS is a global leader in solutions for retail fueling and a recognized technology pioneer. LIQAL brings a portfolio of LNG and hydrogen products and solutions, as well as significant innovation capabilities and proprietary technologies that will position DFS to support its customers who are actively investing in lower-carbon fuels," said DFS President, David Crouse. "With the acquisition of LIQAL, and our strategic partnerships with EV charging providers, DFS is well-positioned to help our customers adopt these prevailing alternative fuel options, which enhances our position as a preferred partner offering simple, safe, and efficient end-to-end site experiences for consumers, as well as the convenience retail and fleet industries." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Dover: Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of approximately $7 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Fueling Solutions, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Refrigeration & Food Equipment. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at www.dovercorporation.com. Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements regarding the anticipated effects of the transaction. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are statements that are, or could be deemed, "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, the impacts of COVID-19, or other future pandemics, on the global economy and on our customers, suppliers, employees, business and cash flows, other general economic conditions and conditions in the particular markets in which we operate, changes in customer demand and capital spending, competitive factors and pricing pressures, our ability to develop and launch new products in a cost-effective manner, and our ability to realize synergies from newly acquired businesses. For details on the risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that may be contained herein, we refer you to the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These documents are available from the SEC, and on our website, www.dovercorporation.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor Contact: Media Contact: Andrey Galiuk Adrian Sakowicz Vice President Corporate Development Vice President Communications and Investor Relations (630) 743-5039 (630) 743-5131 asakowicz@dovercorp.com agaliuk@dovercorp.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dover-announces-acquisition-of-liqal-bv-a-leading-provider-of-lng-and-hydrogen-fueling-solutions-301401159.html SOURCE Dover [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 14, 2021] FRMO Corp. Appoints Three New Directors FRMO Corp. (the "Company" or "FRMO") (OTC Pink: FRMO) today announced that it has expanded the size of the Board of Directors and has appointed Alice C. Brennan, Herbert M. Chain, and Dov Glickman to the Board. With the appointment of Ms. Brennan, Mr. Chain, and Mr. Glickman, FRMO Corp. has nine directors on its Board of Directors, of which six are independent. "We are very pleased to welcome Alice Brennan, Herb Chain, and Dov Glickman to the Board. We've already been beneficiaries of their intellectual capital-which we've always intended to be the core FRMO asset-and look forward to their continued contributions," stated Murray Stahl, FRMO Corp.'s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "As we continue to focus our attention on expanding and integrating a number of our strategic investments that are now approaching critical mass, FRMO Corp. will benefit tremendously from our new Board members' unique perspectives and extensive experience." Alice Brennan has 30 years of experience in M&A, risk management, and corporate governance. She served as the first Chief Compliance Officer at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and then as the architect of the award-winning enterprise risk management program at Verizon Wireless (News - Alert) . She co-led over 25 acquisitions, from due diligence through integration in the U.S., Europe, and Asia for private and public companies. Ms. Brennan is a member of the RENN Fund Board of Directors. She has achieved the National Association of Corporate Directors' NACD Directorship Certification. She is also certified as an "Advanced Professional Director" by the American College of Corporate Directors, and is a long-time active member of the Society for Corporate Governance. Ms. Brennan holds a Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College and a Master of Arts in microbiology from Columbia University. She earned her JD at Hofstra Law School. Herbert M. Chain has four decades of accounting, auditing, financial, business, and risk management experience. A former Senior Audit Partner at Deloitte (News - Alert) , Mr. Chain served complex global public and private commercial and financial institutions including investment advisers, ETFs, REITs, physical commodity traders, commodity pools, mutual funds, and investent partnerships. In addition to the FRMO Corp. Board of Directors, he serves on two public fund boards (The RENN Fund and Infusive US Trust) as audit committee chair. He also serves on two not-for-profit boards (Qlarant as director and audit and compliance committee chair, and The Kew-Forest School as treasurer). He was formerly the president and then chair of the Queens Symphony Orchestra. He has achieved the National Association of Corporate Directors' NACD Directorship Certification and holds the "Private Company Governance" certificate issued by the Private Directors Association. He is also certified as an "Advanced Professional Director" by the American College of Corporate Directors. Mr. Chain holds a Bachelor of Science from Duke University, an MBA in Finance & Accounting from the University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School of Business, an MS from New York University in International Relations, and is in the process of writing his dissertation to attain a DBA from the International School of Management (Paris, France). Dov Glickman has over twenty years of investment experience that began at Goldman Sachs & Co. He is currently head of risk and trading at Anqa Management, which manages Litespeed Master Fund, Ltd, a value oriented global event driven, special situations, and distressed credit hedge fund founded in 2000. He is a CFA charterholder and graduated with honors from Harvard College. Mr. Glickman is deeply familiar with FRMO Corp. and has been a long-time investor. His understanding of the analytical and strategic approaches employed by FRMO Corp.'s management, combined with his own investing acumen, adds a valuable dimension to the company's Board of Directors. About FRMO Corp. FRMO Corp. invests in and receives revenues based upon consulting and advisory fee interests in the asset management sector. FRMO had 44,012,781 shares of common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2021. For more information, visit our website at www.frmocorp.com. Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 - With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words like "believe," "expect" and "anticipate" mean that these are our best estimates as of this writing, but that there can be no assurances that expected or anticipated results or events will actually take place, so our actual future results could differ significantly from those statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: our ability to maintain our competitive advantages, the general economics of the financial industry, our ability to finance growth, our ability to identify and close acquisitions on terms favorable to the Company, and a sustainable market. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our quarterly and annual reports as filed on our website www.frmocorp.com and on www.otcmarkets.com/stock/FRMO/filings. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006155/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Generational Equity Advises Diversified Systems In Its Sale to Newlook Capital Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client, Diversified Systems, Inc. to Integrated Fire & Security Solutions and the existing management of the company. The acquisition closed September 30, 2021. Founded in 1990, Diversified Systems, Inc. (Diversified) is a North Carolina based security systems integrator, specializing in design, consultation, installation, and service of access control systems, closed circuit television/digital video recording, fire and life safety systems, vehicle control, and high security locks. Turnkey security services including assessment and design, engineering, installation, maintenance, and support. Diversified is located in Knightdale, North Carolina. Integrated Fire & Security Solutions (IFSS), headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, provides fire protection and access control / high security systems throughout Florida from their five locations. IFSS' services range from comprehensive building fire and security systems to specialized integrated fire and security solutions for K-12 & higher education, airports & seaports, government & municipalities, and additional commercial verticals. These systems can include the full array of electronic fire protection systems, card readers, biometric devices, door hardening & electronics, paging & intercom systems, duress & intrusion detection, vehicle or man gates, wireless interface, video badging stations, and video surveillance systems. "Diversified is an excellent opportunity for IFSS to expand its services in the Carolinas and Virginia and to team up with very experienced management to continue to grow and expand the business," said Justin Peterson, president of IFSS. He added: "I am extremely happy to welcome John Sartori and his team at Diversified to the IFSS family. We are pleased to be partnering with John in continuing to grow and develop Diversified's business footprint and products and services offering." The acquisition of Diversified by IFSS and Sartori was structured by Newlook Capital (Newlook), located in Burlington, Ontario. Newlook specializes in making equity investments and providing growth capital to industrial servicescompanies in the US and Canada and made a significant investment in IFSS in 2019. Newlook is actively involved in all its investments. Through operating their own business ventures, Newlook partners have gained years of experience and expertise that it translates into strong transactional and operational proficiency. Newlook also believes that a recurring revenue model and a strong client base are characteristics that lead to quality, value-added acquisitions. The acquisition of Diversified is the sixth Generational Equity client that Newlook has invested in. Generational Equity Executive Managing Director, M&A-Technology Practice Leader, David Fergusson, and his team led by Managing Director, Mergers and Acquisitions, Jack Sluiter, with the support of Vice President, M&A, Tristan Keeffe, successfully closed the deal. Senior Managing Director Brian Hendershot established the initial relationship with Diversified. "The deal really could not have gone better. The IFSS and Newlook Capital team were very professional and transparent throughout the process, which gave our clients at Diversified a much-needed level of comfort," said Sluiter. "Diversified is a great addition to IFSS and Newlook's portfolio of industrial service companies." About Generational Equity Generational Equity, Generational Capital Markets (member FINRA/SIPC), Generational Wealth Advisors, Generational Consulting Group, and DealForce are part of the Generational Group, which is headquartered in Dallas and is one of the leading M&A advisory firms in North America. With over 250 professionals located throughout North America, the companies help business owners release the wealth of their business by providing growth consulting, merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. Their six-step approach features strategic and tactical growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A transactional services, and wealth management. The M&A Advisor named the company the 2017 and 2018 Investment Banking Firm of the Year and 2020 Valuation Firm of the Year. For more information, visit https://www.genequityco.com/ or the Generational Equity press room. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005095/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Jonathan Wolf, Esquire, to Receive the 2021 American Inns of Court Sandra Day O'Connor Award for Professional Service Jonathan Wolf has been selected to receive the prestigious 2021 American Inns of Court Sandra Day O'Connor Award for Professional Service, which honors an American Inn of Court member in practice 10 years or fewer for their excellence in public interest or pro bono activities. Wolf will receive the award at the annual Celebration of Excellence held at the Supreme Court of the United States on April 2, 2022, which has been postponed due to the pandemic. A civil litigator at the St. Cloud, Minnesota, law firm Rinke Noonan since 2014, Wolf i deeply committed to pro bono work, says his mentor Nicholas R. Delaney, Esquire, who nominated Wolf for the award. "Pro bono work in private practice can be a thankless task," says Delaney. "Even so, despite not getting anything out of it beyond a feeling of having done the right thing, I have consistently seen Mr. Wolf throw himself into his many pro bono cases as a definitive exemplar of the term 'zealous advocate.'" While his pro bono work has often focused on vulnerable individuals facing crises, Wolf has increasingly taken on leadership positions in pro bono organizations. In addition to being a volunteer attorney for Central Minnesota Legal Services, Wolf also serves as vice president of the organization. He is also a volunteer attorney for Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. Wolf also encourages his peers in the legal community to take on pro bono work. He helped launch a new campaign called Lawyers Step Up for Minnesota to encourage lawyers to help low-income Minnesotans in the wake of the pandemic. A prolific writer, he often writes on service-oriented topics. Wolf also volunteers outside the legal realm. He has volunteered at tree-planting and buckthorn-eradication events with a Minnesota nonprofit called the Great River Greening. Minnesota's governor also appointed him to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. He has also served as a chapter officer for the Central Stearns chapter of Ducks Unlimited, a nonprofit devoted to preserving waterfowl habitats. Wolf is a member of the John E. Simonett American Inn of Court in Waite Park and St. Cloud, Minnesota. He earned a manga cum laude law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2011 and a summa cum laude undergraduate degree in justice systems from Truman State University in 2007. The American Inns of Court, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, inspires the legal community to advance the rule of law by achieving the highest level of professionalism through example, education, and mentoring. The organization's membership includes nearly 30,000 federal, state, and local judges; lawyers; law professors; and law students in nearly 370 chapters nationwide. More information is available at www.innsofcourt.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005008/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Judge David Campbell to Receive the 2021 American Inns of Court Lewis F. Powell Jr. Award for Professionalism and Ethics Judge David Campbell has been selected to receive the prestigious 2021 American Inns of Court Lewis F. Powell Jr. Award for Professionalism and Ethics, which recognizes attorneys, judges, government officials, journalists, or others who have rendered exemplary service in the areas of professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence. Campbell will receive the award at the annual Celebration of Excellence held at the Supreme Court of the United States on April 2, 2022, which has been postponed due to the pandemic. Nominated by President George W. Bush in 2003, Campbell is a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and assumed senior status in 2018. "He has earned a reputation as an indefatigable trial judge, running a doggedly organized and efficient courtroom," says Jeffrey P. Minear, Esquire, counselor to Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who wrote in support of Campell's nomination. "And he is an invaluable contributor to judicial administration" When COVID-19 struck, Campbell was tasked with drafting and shepherding crucial measures through the legislative process, allowing the federal courts to continue essential operations despite the pandemic. From 2015-2019, Campbell chaired the Judicial Conference of the United States Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, which oversees the work of five advisory committees focused on civil, criminal, bankruptcy, appellate, and evidence rules at the federal level. From 2011-2015, he chaired the Judicial Conference of the United States Advisory Committee on Civil Rules, which drafted significant changes to rules that affect both federal courts and many state courts. Serving as an ambassador of the American judicial system, Campbell has provided guidance to judiciaries in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. More recently, he has consulted with the judiciaries of Sri Lanka and Turkey on judicial procedures and case management. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. recently appointed Campbell to the Judicial Conference Committee on International Judicial Relations. Campbell has also served as president of the Sandra Day O'Connor American Inn of Court in Arizona. Previously, Campbell was a law clerk to Justice William H. Rehnquist of the Supreme Court of the United States and to Judge J. Clifford Wallace of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He also served in private practice. Campbell earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah in 1976 and his law degree from the University of Utah College of Law-now the S.J. Quinney College of Law-in 1979. The American Inns of Court, in Alexandria, Virginia, inspires the legal community to advance the rule of law by achieving the highest level of professionalism through example, education, and mentoring. The organization's membership includes nearly 30,000 federal, state, and local judges; lawyers; law professors; and law students in nearly 370 chapters nationwide. More information is available at www.innsofcourt.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005006/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] MetLife Investment Management Provides $197.8 Million in Public-Private Financing to Flood Diversion Project MetLife Investment Management (MIM), the institutional asset management business of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), today announced that it was the sole lender for $197.8 million in financing to support the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) portion of the FM Area Diversion project, the first PPP flood management project in North America. MIM's Private Capital team led the innovative private placement program on behalf of MetLife's general account and MIM's institutional clients as part of a broader financing package structured by the Red River Valley Alliance, a consortium including Acciona Concesiones, Shikun & Binui, and North American Construction Group. The Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA) of the Fargo-Moorhead area selected the consortium for the design, construction, financing, operations, and maintenance of the project. The cities of Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, and surrounding areas have historically been prone to frequent and severe flooding from the Red River that cannot be mitigated solely by levees and floodwalls. The diversion project involves the construction of a 30-mile channel and associated infrastructure that will direct water around the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area during times of flooding, protecting businesses, property and over 235,000 local residents. John Tanyeri, head of Infrastructure and Project Finance at MetLife Investment Management, said, "We're proud to provide value through a creative private placement financing that will benefit the residents of the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. We're committed to investing in green infrastructure that aligns with the climate adaptation and mitigation goals of our communities, and it's promising to see a sophisticated funding model that combines public and private investment to achieve a more sustainable future." The PPP funding reinforces MIM's long-term commitment to green investments that drive environmental sustinability. The financing framework for the private placement aligns with the four core components of the Green Loan Principles 2021 and directly advances goal 11 and goal 13 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. MIM's Private Capital group comprises private placements, infrastructure and structured credit investment management, and is active across a wide range of industry sectors, including general industrial, healthcare, professional services, retail, utilities, electric transmission, renewable power and social housing, among others. As of June 30, 2021, MIM had $131.9 billion in private capital assets under management1 and $666.7 billion in total assets under management.2 About MetLife Investment Management MetLife Investment Management, the institutional asset management business of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), is a global public fixed income, private capital and real estate investment manager providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors worldwide. MetLife Investment Management provides public and private pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, funds and other institutional clients with a range of bespoke investment and financing solutions that seek to meet a range of long-term investment objectives and risk-adjusted returns over time. MetLife Investment Management has over 150 years of investment experience and as of June 30, 2021 had $666.7 billion in total assets under management.2 About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (MetLife), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. 1 At estimated fair value. Private capital assets under management is comprised of private corporates, private infrastructure, residential mortgage loans, alternatives, middle market private capital and private structured credit. 2 Total assets under management is comprised of all MetLife general account and separate account assets and unaffiliated/third party assets, at estimated fair value, managed by MIM. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005133/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] The Pension Plan Token: Your Answer To Retirement Cape Coral, Florida, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The pension plan token is an undertaking that caters to the retirement plan of the investors by furnishing a very economical and highly advantageous pension. The goal of the Pension Plan team is to affirm their investors that their retirement funds are warranted and innocuous. The team has a long-term aspiration to render the authoritative pension plan for retirees globally. The community and team cognize the intrinsic value of the token and project as a whole due to the need for a transformation to the pension and retirement plan worldwide. Many people are larboard to retire into a financially unstable environment where they have not contrived correctly or simply allocated their pension funding to the wrong organization, who are not transparent and efficient on their tactics. With all of this in mind, the Pension Plan team has found an executable resolution to the momentous difficulty of retirement through their crypto-currency, making this utility one that has a priceless domino effect on every investors' future - including yours. The Pension Plan token. The token itself is an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network which offers 7% reflections to holders directly in ETH. The team has coagulated the long-term aspirations of the project which is one of the many explanations of why this highly touted team has decided to launch on the Ethereum network. Ethereum has a much higher trading volume than other networks and also the very nature of the network encourages investors to hold long-term, which is essentially what the Pension Plan is all about by ensuring the safety of investors through the nature of the network. Redistribution of 12% occurs when Eth is collected throughtransactions. These redistributions consist of 7% reflection to holders in Eth, 2% to marketing, 1% to devs, 1% to cancer research, 0.5% to burn, and 0.5% to Hachiko Inu. The project and team with Pension Plan are resolute to donate funds to all causes they feel are of benefit to society - ranging from cancer research to servicing a better way of life for others. The Pension Plan team: The team is composed of doxxed individuals who understand the true potential of the project as they want to create a long-term sustainable pension for the Pension Plan holders. This is a project and team which you can rely on and also depend on that your money is safe and your profits will accumulate through holding. The system and structure in place are to try and provide financial freedom and security to people who want assurances that they can retire into a financially stable environment. Many businesses and people worldwide have thrived from unfortunate proceedings with the dealing of peoples pension funding, it is for one of these many reasons as to why the team has felt the need to make improvements and fill the necessary void. Part of the Hachiko Inu ecosystem: The Pension Plan token will always have a direct link to the Hachiko Inu token, as the team has an association with the project and has felt the need to implement a token that adds extra sustainability to the ecosystem. The Hachiko Inu token has proven to be a very successful ran project from start until now and the Pension Plan team has the necessary arrangement and commitment to this project to proceed in the footsteps of Hachiko Inu. The Pension Plan team is doing this by providing a safe haven to their investors in the short, medium, and long term. The ecosystem itself consists of USA NFTs with a very unique third-tier banking system. The team has already locked liquidity and doxxed themselves so if investors want to feel reassured that their money is safe for their retirement plan then the Pension Plan Token is the pioneer and standard in crypto. Pension Plan is endeavoring to raise at least $100,000 US Dollars by the beginning of 2022 and then to perpetually increase the amount with the aim to support various clinical research projects around the world via a trusted foundation. All these funds will be used straightaway for clinical research of cancer and other serious illnesses. Areas of clinical research faced the lowest investment period in this century as COVID-19, unfortunately, reduced the ability to fund cancer research by 50% in 2021. Targeted research organizations will carefully be selected by the senior members of the foundation board of the Pension Plan to secure maximum efficiency and transparency of the provided funds as clinical research belongs to the most differentiated fields. The Pension Plan community's contributions will help re-establish crucial research funding for new discoveries and better treatments to improve life for each of us and help significantly fight known serious illnesses in the future. Website (Pension Plan) : https://pensionplan.finance Website (ecosystem) : www.hachikoinu.eu Telegram : https://t.me/pension_plan Twitter: http://twitter.com/pensionplanfin Media Contact: Dave Ruiz Dave@CryptoKidFinance.com Source Link [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] PopCom expands enterprise customer portfolio to the Middle East to supply Qatar-based telecom giant Ooredoo with autonomous retail technology COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Solutions Vending International ("PopCom" or the "Company") is pleased to announce today that it has entered an agreement with Qatar-based telecom giant Ooredoo (ORDS.QA) to supply PopCom autonomous retail technology within Ooredoo stores, starting in Qatar. Ooredoo is one of the world's largest mobile telecommunications companies serving 121 million people across 10 markets worldwide. "This is a win-win for Ooredoo's customers and Ooredoo's commitment to innovation," said Dawn Dickson , PopCom founder. Ooredoo's new PopShop autonomous retail machines are imminently shipping and could launch in Ooredoo stores as soon as December 2021. PopCom's products will be among a host of other indstry-leading and cutting-edge retail solutions in the next generation of Ooredoo's self-service focused stores, giving their shoppers a frictionless and unique experience powered by automation. "We're delighted to be working with PopCom on this initiative, which aligns perfectly with our strategic aim of digitalization. We invest heavily in innovation in our pursuit of complete customer satisfaction, actively seeking partnerships such as this one through which we can expand and enhance our offering, and we look forward to rolling out PopCom's autonomous retail technology across our shops for the benefit of our customers," said Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Director PR at Ooredoo. PopCom considers this a monumental achievement in growing the company's international enterprise portfolio and is looking forward to working together with Ooredoo to drive innovation in Qatar and beyond. "PopCom's autonomous retail technology is simply best-in-class and we are excited to be bringing our technology to the Ooredoo shopping experience," said Dawn Dickson, PopCom founder & CEO. "We believe this is a win-win for Ooredoo's customers and Ooredoo's commitment to innovation." ABOUT POPCOM: PopCom is an automated retail technology company that builds software to revolutionize automated retail. PopCom is at the forefront of the evolving retail industry with an autonomous retail technology platform that allows retailers to engage and understand customers, sell more products, and learn from big data. ABOUT OOREDOO: Ooredoo is a Qatari multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Doha, Qatar. Ooredoo provides mobile, wireless, wireline, and content services with market share in domestic and international telecommunication markets, and in business (corporations and individuals) and residential markets. It was the first operator globally to launch commercial 5G services in Qatar and is one of the world's largest mobile telecommunications companies, with over 164 million customers worldwide. Contact: Sade Miller, sade@thepurpleagency.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/popcom-expands-enterprise-customer-portfolio-to-the-middle-east-to-supply-qatar-based-telecom-giant-ooredoo-with-autonomous-retail-technology-301401115.html SOURCE PopCom [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Raise Opens New Commercial Real Estate Office in Denver and Expands Brokerage Team Raise Commercial Real Estate, the technology-powered brokerage that reimagines real estate from ideation to execution for forward-thinking companies, today announced the launch of its new Denver office as part of its national expansion strategy. The founding team in Denver includes real estate veterans Alex Hammerstein, Matt Harbert, Mike Deatly, Leah Weaver and Alanna Deatly. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005410/en/ Alex Hammerstein, Raise's newest Managing Director based in Denver, has 27 years of experience leading the most innovative companies with their real estate strategy. (Photo: Business Wire) In a world in which companies can choose anywhere to call home, Denver is at the top of the list. The breadth of talent, the home-grown tech ecosystem, and access to top universities are creating network effects to make Denver one of the strongest and lasting markets in the country. Raise believes strongly in both the current and future growth of the Denver market, along with the incredible opportunity that Denver affords as organizations continue to plant roots in the market. "We are thrilled to open our new Denver office with an all-star team of market experts who already embrace Raise's values," said Justin Bedecarre, Raise Co-Founder and CEO. "Our Denver team i forward thinking and incredible in their craft of delivering best in class service to their clients. It will be inspiring to see what they can do with the industry's most powerful technology platform at their fingertips. We could not have imagined a more perfect team to continue our mission of leading the best companies in the world in their efforts to find, build and manage workplaces they love." Alex Hammerstein, Raise's newest Managing Director, has 27 years of experience leading the most innovative companies with their real estate strategy. Most recently he served as Senior Vice President of CBRE's Technology & Media Practice Group. Ever-present in the tech and venture ecosystem, Alex, along with Matt Harbert and Leah Weaver, who are also joining from CBRE, are recognized as the leading brokers representing Colorado's high growth companies. They are joined by Mike Deatly, who brings 15 years of experience in commercial real estate and recently was a Managing Director at Savills' Denver office after spending 10 years at JLL, and Alanna Deatly who joins from JLL to lead Market Analytics for the Denver market. "Our clients understand that the future of work is evolving at a rapid pace and the need for an effective workplace strategy is critical in the war for talent. Raise's workplace driven brokerage, powered by our industry leading technology platform is the superpower our clients have been asking for," said Hammerstein. Raise is currently assisting clients as they prepare to return to the workplace in new and improved ways after being remote for almost two years. By empowering experts across brokerage, project management and workplace strategy, with innovative technology, Raise delivers superior solutions that enable clients to reimagine the workplace to meet their business needs. Raise has raised $27 million to date from leading investors including Point72 Ventures, Founders Fund, Initialized Capital and many others to build its technology platform and expand its services to serve client workplaces from ideation to execution. Having doubled its workforce over the last year, the company continues to enter new geographies across the country. "Raise is building incredible momentum in the commercial real estate industry through its world-class team and technology platform," said Sri Chandrasekar, Partner at Point72 Ventures, which led the company's $20 million Series A round of financing in 2020. "The opening of the Denver office is another example of how Raise is expanding their product offering and geographic footprint to the most important markets in the country. We believe companies are best served by the kind of technology-driven commercial real estate that Raise brings to the table." About Raise Founded in 2016 in San Francisco, Raise is a technology-enabled brokerage pairing expert brokers and workplace leaders with powerful technology to provide companies the best service in finding, building and managing their workplace. In just a few years, Raise has served thousands of leading companies, including Palantir, Envoy, Faire, Notion, Brex, Afterpay, and many more. For more information, visit raise.work. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005410/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Wolters Kluwer regulatory compliance leaders to offer insights on digital lending benefits at Mortgage Banking Association annual convention Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Meirink and Tom Hurst, Head of Sales for Wolters Kluwer eOriginal, will offer insights on the accelerating pace and benefits of digital technology that lenders are incorporating into their everyday practices at the 2021 Mortgage Bankers Association Annual Convention. The event takes place between Oct. 17th and 20th at the San Diego Convention Center. "The increasing adoption of technologies to facilitate secure, streamlined and contactless online mortgage transactions we've seen over the past several years has accelerated exponentially during the Covid pandemic, and this meteoric trajectory promises to continue as mortgage lending institutions experience the benefits that greater transaction speed, accuracy and transparency of financial technologies are bringing to their businesses, much to the delight of their customers," said Meirink. Meirink also noted that digital mortgage transactions managed by Wolters Kluwer technology have grown significantly in the past year, jumping 141 percent compared to the previous 12 months (for period ending July 30, 2021). "We've seen the growing demand for secure, streamlined and contactless mortgage closings not only as a response to social distancing requirements but to lenders' increasing realization of the cost savings benefits driven by eClosing technology," Meirink added. "Our proprietary research shows that eClosing technology can save independent mortgage originators up to 90 percent of the interest costs for warehouse capital, just one of many benefits in digitizing mortgage closings." Another technology experiencing rapid uptake, Remote Online Notarization (RON), is further facilitating lender adoption of mortgage e-closing transactions. "RON technology has moved from a 'nice to have' to an essential component for lenders, as it assures a truly remote online experience for completing online mortgage transactions," noted Hurst. "However, as no singl RON tool covers all mortgage closing scenarios, we offer a technology platform that lets lenders select and activate the best-fit RON solutions to complement their mortgage product portfolio." The MBA conference marks the first major event in which eOriginal and Wolters Kluwer have co-presented their combined capabilities since Wolters Kluwer acquired eOriginal in late 2020. "Wolters Kluwer and eOriginal have come together to create the industry's most trusted end-to-end digital mortgage technology to simplify and accelerate digital mortgage lending," said Meirink, explaining that the combined entities' digitization strategy is built on open technologies and an ecosystem of trusted partners, providing institutions and borrowers with maximum choice. For example, the RON Hub built into the eOriginal ClosingCenter enables mortgage lenders and settlement agents to select the best-in-class remote online notarization (RON) partner solution that meets their unique needs. Wolters Kluwer eOriginal technology has helped advance other capabilities in the lending space, including its work with Ginnie Mae in late 2020 to enable the securitization of mortgage-backed securities for the first time using eNotes, rather than paper notes, as acceptable collateral. The increasing adoption of eNotes opens the doors for broader digital mortgage adoption by an array of mortgage lending institutions that issue loan products that are insured by Ginnie Mae and others. Steve Meirink, Tom Hurst and other Wolters Kluwer experts will be available to speak with MBA attendees during portions of the conference in conjunction with the Wolters Kluwer exhibit booth #507. Learn more. Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions is a market leader and trusted provider of risk management and regulatory compliance solutions and services to U.S. insurers, banks and credit unions, and securities firms. The business, which sits within Wolters Kluwer's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) division, helps these financial institutions efficiently manage risk and regulatory compliance obligations, and gain the insights needed to focus on better serving their customers and growing their business. Wolters Kluwer's GRC division provides an array of expert solutions to help financial institutions manage regulatory and risk obligations. Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions' eOriginal suite of purpose-built, digital lending solutions, for example, helps lenders digitize their transactions and features electronic signatures, collateral authentication and an electronic vault. Compliance Solutions' OneSumX for Regulatory Change Management tracks regulatory changes and organizes them to create structured, value-added content through a single data feed that is paired with an easy-to-use software solution. Wolters Kluwer Finance, Risk & Regulatory Reporting (FRR), meanwhile, is a global market leader in the provision of integrated regulatory compliance and reporting solutions. The division's legal solutions business are Wolters Kluwer CT Corporation and Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions. About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk & Compliance Governance, Risk & Compliance is a division of Wolters Kluwer, which provides legal and banking professionals with solutions to help ensure compliance with ever-changing regulatory and legal obligations, manage risk, increase efficiency, and produce better business outcomes. GRC offers a portfolio of technology-enabled expert services and solutions focused on legal entity compliance, legal operations management, banking product compliance, and banking regulatory compliance. Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. Wolters Kluwer reported 2020 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,200 people worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005053/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 14, 2021] Elastic And Optimyze Join Forces to Deliver Continuous Profiling of Infrastructure, Applications and Services Elastic (NYSE: ESTC) ("Elastic"), the company behind Elasticsearch and the Elastic Stack, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Optimyze, an "always on" continuous profiling platform for infrastructure, applications and services, to accelerate the company's vision for unified, actionable observability and enhance the ability for customers to detect and find root cause faster in complex distributed environments. With deep expertise in large-scale distributed systems, Optimyze provides a simpler way to get insights into the entire IT ecosystem and eliminate blind spots with Prodfiler. Leveraging eBPF technology, Optimyze delivers innovative, whole-system continuous profiling of systems and code with low performance overhead. Together with the recent acquisitions of Cmd and build.security, Optimyze will expand Elastic's vision to enable customers to both observe and protect their data on one unified platform, the Elastic Searc Platform. Elastic intends to integrate the Optimyze and Cmd innovations as well as the Open Policy Agent (OPA) capabilities from build.security into the Elastic Agent to deliver a simple deployment process and a unified approach to data collection for observability and security. Optimyze provides frictionless continuous profiling, while the Elastic Search Platform delivers analytics and machine learning capabilities with the ability to correlate and contextualize profiling data with metrics, logs, and traces. The ability to unify the three pillars of observability-metrics, logs and traces-with emerging continuous profiling capabilities delivers actionable insights to customers, leading to improvements in service quality and performance while reducing MTTD (mean-time-to-detect) and MTTR (mean-time-to-resolution). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. For more information, read the blog. Supporting Quotes: "We are excited to join forces with Elastic," said Thomas Dullien, CEO and co-founder, Optimyze . "Continuous profiling across systems, applications, and services with zero instrumentation, no code changes, and little performance overhead is by itself a game changer. The value increases exponentially when this data can be easily combined and cross-referenced with metrics, traces, logs, and other operational data. We look forward to being part of the Elastic team and making this vision a reality." . "Continuous profiling across systems, applications, and services with zero instrumentation, no code changes, and little performance overhead is by itself a game changer. The value increases exponentially when this data can be easily combined and cross-referenced with metrics, traces, logs, and other operational data. We look forward to being part of the Elastic team and making this vision a reality." "Elastic continues to make major advances in our cloud-native observability capabilities by investing in innovative teams that have built differentiated capabilities leveraging open technologies like eBPF," said Shay Banon, founder and CEO, Elastic. "With deep expertise in large-scale distributed systems, Optimyze overcomes the limitations of traditional profiling techniques to provide whole-system continuous profiling of systems and code, improving developer productivity, accelerating innovation, and delivering rich customer experiences. We look forward to joining forces with Optimyze to accelerate our vision for unified, actionable observability." Timing and Approvals: The acquisition is expected to close during Elastic's fiscal second quarter, subject to customary closing conditions. About Optimyze: Optimyze was founded on the thesis that software efficiency is making a big comeback: With the slowing of Moore's Law and the shift to SaaS (News - Alert) and the Cloud, computational efficiency becomes highly relevant for gross margins; with the increased attention on CO2 and energy efficiency, Optimyze's goal is to help companies deliver better services more cheaply and efficiently. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Optimyze's software allows unprecedented visibility into "which line of code is consuming how much CPU" across fleets of thousands of machines. Learn more at https://optimyze.cloud About Elastic: Elastic is a search company built on a free and open heritage. Anyone can use Elastic products and solutions to get started quickly and frictionlessly. Elastic offers three solutions for enterprise search, observability, and security, built on one technology stack that can be deployed anywhere. From finding documents to monitoring infrastructure to hunting for threats, Elastic makes data usable in real time and at scale. Thousands of organizations worldwide, including Cisco (News - Alert) , eBay, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, The Mayo Clinic, NASA, The New York Times, Wikipedia, and Verizon, use Elastic to power mission-critical systems. Founded in 2012, Elastic is a distributed company with Elasticians around the globe and is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol ESTC. Learn more at elastic.co. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements which include but are not limited to statements about future features and functionality. The release and timing of any features or functionality described in this document remain at Elastic's sole discretion. Any features or functionality not currently available may not be delivered on time or at all. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006081/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 14, 2021] Congratulations to this Year's Achievers and Entrepreneurs: Tech Innovation Global Inc. WOSB Alicia Carroll. Watch documentary of companies, countries and Mr. Vishal Kalra, October 2021 VASANT KUNJ, India, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Watch the upcoming launch of young achievers' and entrepreneurs in industry within three days. The Top Talk will feature WOSB Alicia Carroll, global workforce solutions, travel to health in a documentary video. The documentary also includes Tech Innovation Global Incorporated's book and multi-million fund raise goal in association with countries and VueNow in collaboration with the BBB for several technology initiatives during 2021 to 2031 (10 years) and co-powered by UW and organizations. Congratulations to Vishal Kalara and countries during the pandemic on the upcoming global launching of *The Top Talk* international company. Thank you for encouraging achievers and entrepreneurs by recognizing phenomenal businesses and work in industry! The activities will proudly reflect businesses, communities and achievers where the values are trust, excellence, accountability, collaboration and service. Tech Innovation Global Incorporated congratulates young achievers' and entrepreneurs in industry! Original interview in the Top Talk Magazine, August 2021 for more information. Copyright 2020 2021 All Rights Reserved. Contact: WOSB Alicia Carroll, PMBA, PM, Engineering USFCR 1-888-214-1033 Website: https://www.techinnovationglobalinc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-carroll-5002911a0/ www.thetoptalk.in NAICS: 541330, 541611,541618, 541810, 541820, 541830, 541840, 541850, 541860, 541870, 541890, 611710 Pre-Order Books Today: https://techinnovationglobalinc.com/product-category/books/ Technology ISBN-13: 978-1- 7344654-2-6 by Tech Innovation Global Inc. Development & Illustrations for Kids ISBN 978-1-7344654-4-0 Daily Life Business & Careers by Tech Daily Life ISBN 978-1-7344654-1-9 Barnes & Noble and more View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/congratulations-to-this-years-achievers-and-entrepreneurs-tech-innovation-global-inc-wosb-alicia-carroll-watch-documentary-of-companies-countries-and-mr-vishal-kalra-october-2021-301400949.html SOURCE Tech Innovation Global Incorporated [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 14, 2021] Digital Realty Makes Strategic Investment In AtlasEdge, A Leading Provider Of Next-Generation Edge Infrastructure In Europe AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, announced today it has reached an agreement to make a strategic investment in AtlasEdge Data Centres, a European edge data center provider. In conjunction with the investment, Giuliano Di Vitantonio, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Business Segments at Digital Realty, will join AtlasEdge as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2022. AtlasEdge delivers seamless, localized and ultra-low latency digital infrastructure through an extensive network of more than 100 facilities across Europe located close to consumer and enterprise end users, at the edge of the last-mile network. The company aims to serve the growing demand from cloud providers, streaming services and enterprises for high-performance, scalable and secure facilities through which they can distribute low-latency applications and services such as 5G, gaming and IoT. AtlasEdge is an ideal partner for Digital Realty's edge strategy, given the unique last-mile network reach of AtlasEdge's assets in addition to their highly distributed reach across Europe. As interconnection and other data center solutions move towards the edge, Digital Realty's expertise in designing and operating solutions at scale enhances the value of partnerships for both parties. "AtlasEdge is quickly becoming a key partner to businesses across Europe, and we are pleased to partner with them to meet the needs of this important region, and to advance our edge strategy as the market develops," said Digital Realty Chief Technology Officer Chris Sharp. "Our global edge strategy includes partnering with key players around the world, and we are excited for AtlasEdge to accompany us on the journey with their unique assets and strong market position. We are also pleased that Giuliano, who has been a key contributor to our global strategy, will lead AtlasEdge's promising growth trajectory going forward." Mr. Di Vitantonio added, "It has been a privilege to help develop and strengthen Digital Realty's customer relationships and industry-leading inovation, and I'm excited to continue working alongside the company, leveraging its unparalleled data center expertise to fuel AtlasEdge's growth." The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of the year. About Digital Realty Digital Realty supports the world's leading enterprises and service providers by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers a trusted foundation and proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for scaling digital business and efficiently managing data gravity challenges. Digital Realty's global data center footprint gives customers access to the connected communities that matter to them with more than 290 facilities in 49 metros across 24 countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About AtlasEdge AtlasEdge is a European edge data centre business with a mission to create Europe's leading edge platform, delivering seamless, localised and ultra-low latency digital infrastructure to customers. Formed through a joint investment by Liberty Global, one of the world's leading converged video, broadband and communications companies and DigitalBridge, a leading global investment firm dedicated to digital infrastructure, AtlasEdge already has an expanding portfolio of more than 100 sites across the continent, providing proximity to the core network that is critical for the technology of tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.atlasedge.com. Investor Relations John Stewart / Jim Huseby Digital Realty +1 (415) 738-6500 InvestorRelations@digitalrealty.com Media & Industry Analyst Relations Helen Bleasdale Digital Realty +44 7500 044027 hcbleasdale@digitalrealty.com Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to Digital Realty's investment in AtlasEdge, including timing to close and expected benefits, the expected departure of Digital Realty's EVP, Strategy & Business Segments and Digital Realty's edge strategy. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-realty-makes-strategic-investment-in-atlasedge-a-leading-provider-of-next-generation-edge-infrastructure-in-europe-301400948.html SOURCE Digital Realty [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 14, 2021] Cansoft Technologies is expanding their Digital Marketing Services to the Canadian East Coast TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2021 /CNW/ - Situated mainly in the western provinces of Canada, Cansoft Technologies has provided digital marketing, website building and app development services for Canadian businesses. Starting their journey in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan, Cansoft has since expanded to open a new office in Vancouver, B.C. in 2019. Following this expansion strategy, Cansoft Technologies will open new offices in Toronto in January 2022. The opening of the Toronto office will allow Cansoft Technologies to enter the east coast market. Who is Cansoft Technologies? Cansoft Technologies was founded by its CEO Kazi Mamun in 2013 in Regina Saskatchewan. Mamun was asked to describe Cansoft Technologies and he said: ''Cansoft Technologies is a digital marketing company with more than 15 years of experience in tech. We are leading a team of programmers and marketing experts that are here to help Canadian businesses to grow to their full potential. We are setting growth-oriented business strategies for our business partners using new technology tools and digital marketing effectively. We are the best Canadian Company for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), website design, digital marketing (SMM, SEM), PPC, branding, advertising and software development.'' Expansion Plan After the creation of Cansoft Technologies, the plan was to expand to all of Canada but this is easier said than done. Mamun explained that the expansion plans kept being pushed further and further in the future because Cansoft Technologies was not ready yet. They wanted everything to be perfect before launching into other cities. In 2019, the second office was open in Vancouver's downtown area. This gave Cansoft Technologies access to a whole new market and many strategic partnerships were formed. Vancouver was and still is a great market for advertising, marketing and SEO. Once the Vancouver offices were fully operational and growing, CEO Kazi Mamun decided to fly East to visit Toronto for another possible expansion. Cansoft Technologies is now proud to announce the creation of the Cansoft Technologies Toronto Branch. Mamun says "The same quality of services are going to be offered and the same result oriented strategies are going to be put in place. Toronto is a competitive market and the Cansoft team is excited to take over." Services The new Cansoft Technologies Toronto office will offer the same services that are being offered in Regina & Vancouver. Those services include but are not limited to: Search Engine Optimization (SEO): On-page and off-page optimization of your website to get better ranking on Google and other search engines. They provide a full SEO strategy to increase your online visibility. On-page and off-page optimization of your website to get better ranking on Google and other search engines. They provide a full SEO strategy to increase your online visibility. Google My Business Optimization (GMB): Optimization of your business listing to reach new potential customers based on your services and location. Optimization of your business listing to reach new potential customers based on your services and location. Website Design: We design beautiful websites that are SEO and user friendly. No matter which platform you use, Cansoft Technologies can help. We design beautiful websites that are SEO and user friendly. No matter which platform you use, Cansoft Technologies can help. Search Engine Marketing (SEM): They are using Google to drive traffic to your website and create new opportunities. They are using Google to drive traffic to your website and create new opportunities. Social Media Marketing (SMM): They can manage your social media campaigns to make your brand more accessible and more appealing to new clients. They can manage your social media campaigns to make your brand more accessible and more appealing to new clients. Custom Software Build: Creation of custom software to increase your company's efficiency or to improve communication between your company and your clients. Creation of custom software to increase your company's efficiency or to improve communication between your company and your clients. IT Consultancy: Improve the way employees work and help the business to grow via technology and integration of different systems. Improve the way employees work and help the business to grow via technology and integration of different systems. Business Consultancy: Helping develop a business & making it thrive by reviewing how it functions and where it lacks efficiency. They can also help to plan the growth of your company. Helping develop a business & making it thrive by reviewing how it functions and where it lacks efficiency. They can also help to plan the growth of your company. Mobile Application Design: They help you to launch your app from the idea phase to the official launch. They have extensive experience with iOS, Android as well as desktop apps. They help you to launch your app from the idea phase to the official launch. They have extensive experience with iOS, Android as well as desktop apps. PPC/AdWords Optimization: Reach new clientele and accelerate the expansion of your company by learning how to target your audience and how to reach them with PPC/AdWords. Cansoft Technologies There is a lot of work behind the expansion to a new city but Cansoft Technologies is ready to face this new challenge. With a solid team of programmers and marketing experts, they will enter the eastern market in January 2022. If you are interested to learn more about Cansoft Technologies or if you are interested in their services in Toronto, Regina or Vancouver, contact them today. SOURCE Cansoft [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Ganymed Robotics awarded a 2.5M grant from the European Commission through the EIC Accelerator Program Ganymed Robotics, a developer of advanced software and robotics technologies for orthopedic surgeons, today announces it has secured a 2,5 M grant through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. EIC funding will help Ganymed bring its innovation to the millions of patients suffering from arthritis. EIC Accelerator, designed to develop and scale up ground-breaking innovations, is the most competitive public funding scheme for deeptech startups in the world, with this year over 2000 companies applying and only 65 winners. Sophie Cahen, CEO of Ganymed Robotics, indicates: "We are thrilled by EIC Accelerator's support which validates the high potential of Ganymed's technology and comes as a strong recognition of the major milestones Ganymed has achieved so far. We are now in a solid position to accelerate the development of our unique, patented technology platform to bring more intelligence and efficiency into the operating room and become the new standard of care for joint replacement." Ganymed Robotics is developing a radically new approach to surgical robotics by combining computer vision, a branch of artificial intelligence, and mechatronics. Ganymed's first application is a robotic surgical assistant for total knee arthroplasties (TKA). Driven by a growing and aging population, demand for orthopedic surgery is rapidly increasing and the market for TKA is expected to rise from 2.4 million procedures in 2021 to 5.7 million in 2030 in the OECD alone. Orthopedic surgeries are complex, yet 95% are performed without technological assistance, leading to sub-optimal outcomes; patient dissatisfaction rate is above 20%. Ganyed's device is the first compact, ergonomic, and intuitive robot, simplifying, accelerating, and increasing the accuracy of orthopedics. EIC Accelerator's support comes at a pivotal time for Ganymed, following major successful milestones in R&D, intellectual property, product design and human resources. The company launched a clinical trial in September 2021 to validate the company's proprietary algorithms and collect unique in vivo data, enabling new opportunities for AI-assisted surgery. 50 patients already enrolled, with 36 more to come. Ganymed secured strategic partnerships with manufacturers to initiate the industrialization of its device. On the intellectual property front, the company obtained a patent in the United States and has 5 more pending patents, with more filings to come. Attesting of the medical community's endorsement, two top international orthopedic surgeons personally invested in the company. Furthermore, Ganymed reinforced its management team through the recruitment of former Global R&D Director at ZimmerBiomet Michel Vernizeau, as Vice President of R&D. The company will use the EIC funding to accelerate product development and further strengthen an already world-class team, to become global category leader in surgical orthopedics robotics by the end of the decade. About Ganymed Robotics Ganymed Robotics is a medical device company founded in 2018, developing the next generation of robotic assistance technologies for orthopaedic surgery. The company's mission is to improve patient outcome, surgeon experience, and overall efficiency of care delivery for its target indications. Based in Paris, Ganymed Robotics currently employs 20 people who develop a proprietary technology platform combining computer vision, a branch of artificial intelligence, and mechatronics, in close collaboration with world-class clinicians and advisors. The first application is a robotic surgical assistant for knee arthroplasties, a common and fast-growing intervention associated with high dissatisfaction rates of above 20%. Ganymed Robotics intends to progressively deploy its technology to address several other orthopaedics indications. Ganymed Robotics won national and international innovation awards, such as I-Lab, French Tech Emergence, Deep Tech Pioneer, EIT Health, Wilco, EIC Accelerator. For additional information: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ganymed-robotics/?originalSubdomain=fr View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006089/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] CloudMile opens new Singapore facilities to house growing ML talent, establish regional AI hub SINGAPORE, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CloudMile, Asia's leading cloud and AI company, announced today the opening of its expanded facilities in Singapore. The new office - located at 7 Temesek Boulevard - is designed to accommodate CloudMile's continuously growing ML (machine learning) team as it works to develop Singapore into a hub for its AI technology in the region. The setup of the office is supported by Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), a joint office of the Economic Development Board (EDB), Infocomm & Media Development Authority (IMDA), and Enterprise Singapore (ESG). The opening ceremony - a hybrid in-person and online event - was attended by a representative from DISG, Taiwan's local Representative Office and Google Cloud to highlight their cooperation with the Taiwan-based startup, with over 50 customers and Google partners participating online. Spencer Liu, founder and CEO of CloudMile, says: "With its government-backed initiatives to harness the power of the cloud and AI, Singapore is not only our global base but one of CloudMile's most strategically critical markets. Our expanded investment in the city-state represents another significant step forward in our goal to build a cross-region hub for our groundbreaking machine learning solutions." Taiwan's Representative in Singapore, Kuo-Hsin Liang said: "We are excited to witness CloudMile's success in assisting Singapore's public and private sectors to achieve digital transformation. Our office will continue to lend our support to CloudMile Singapore to help it drive local innovation via its AI technology." "We welcome Cloudmile's expansion in Singapore and are excited about the new AI innovations that the company will bring to boost Singapore's tech ecosystem. Cloudmile's decision to invest in Singapore amid the uncertain environment also speaks to our strong fundamentals and we look forward to the many new opportunities the company will bring to Singapore and Singaporeans," said Ang Chin Tah, Senior Vice President, Digital Industry Singapore. CloudMile also shared about its close cooperation with Singapore Management University to strengthen the startup's capabilities in the transportation industry via the adoption of the Drivers Guidance System (DGS). Created by the researchers at SMU, the DGS is designed to anticipate demand and perform coordination at scale to help taxi drivers improve their efficiencies. Director, Partnerships and Alliances, Google Cloud, Southeast Asia Allan Toner also gave credits on CloudMile's outstanding job of helping the Singapore government drive digital innovation via AI. As the winner of Google Cloud Partner of the Year, Public Sector, he is excited to see how CloudMile Singapore can continue to support and enrich the Google Cloud ecosystem in the city-state. CloudMile has also been a key partner of the Singapore government in its pandemic control efforts, providing support to create digital apps that leverage cloud data and machine learning for contract tracing, mass vaccination, and travel safety. Additionally, the company has recently added online food ordering platform Oddle and Our Better World, the digital storytelling initiative of the Singapore International Foundation, to its list of local clientele. Founded in 2017, CloudMile's capabilities include a full suite of cloud and AI consulting and transformation services. The company was recently awarded Managed Services Provider (MSP) status in Singapore from Google Cloud, meaning it may now extend a full swing cloud service in the city-state including 24/7 monitoring, multi-account management, system performance tuning and monthly reporting. CloudMile's leading role in digital transformation has also been affirmed by its winning of the 2020 Google Cloud Public Sector Partner of the Year - APAC award. SOURCE CloudMile [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Pony.ai to Start Driverless Tests on Public Roads in Beijing Silicon Valley-based leading autonomous driving company Pony.ai, today announced that it has been authorized to conduct driverless tests on public roads in China's capital city, Beijing. The company is one of the two autonomous software companies to receive this important Beijing permit. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005137/en/ Driverless tests on public roads in Beijing (Photo: Business Wire) Prior to receiving this driverless test permit in Beijing, Pony.ai received a permit to conduct tests on certain sections of Beijing highways in July 2021. The company was among the firs group to obtain this permit. In Beijing, Pony.ai is now authorized to conduct driverless testing in an area of around 20 square kilometers in a pilot zone for autonomous driving vehicles. The area covers major subway stations, residential areas, and tech parks, which allows Pony.ai to test its autonomous technology in the most challenging road conditions. "Pony.ai is well on track to build a safe and reliable 'Virtual Driver,' which paves the way for future mass deployment," says Ning Zhang, VP, and Head of Pony.ai's Beijing R&D Center. "Obtaining driverless test permits is a solid proof of Pony.ai's leading position in the autonomous driving industry." With this, Pony.ai achieves another critical milestone on its path to commercialization and mass deployment. The company was authorized in June to conduct driverless tests in California and Guangzhou, China. Pony.ai was the first company to put fully driverless vehicles on public roads in two of the world's most dynamic mobility markets, and today Pony enters its third global driverless city. About Pony.ai Pony.ai, Inc. ("Pony.ai") is pursuing an ambitious vision for autonomous mobility. We aim to bring safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility to the entire world. We believe that autonomous technology can make our roads exponentially safer for travelers. Founded in late 2016, Pony.ai has been a pioneer in autonomous mobility technologies and services across the U.S. and China, spearheading public-facing Robotaxi pilots in both markets. The company is currently valued at $5.3B and some of its major investors include Toyota Motor Corporation, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Sequoia Capital (News - Alert) China, and IDG Capital. Pony.ai has formed partnerships with leading OEMs including Toyota, Hyundai, GAC Group, FAW Group, etc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005137/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. Announces New Contracts with Three Physician Practices in Puerto Rico, Adding over 3,600 New Patients HAMILTON, Ontario, Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSXV:RHT or OTC:RQHTF or WKN:A2AJTB) (Reliq or the Company), a rapidly growing global telemedicine company that develops innovative Virtual Care solutions for the multi-billion dollar Healthcare market, today announced that through its collaboration with digiiMed it has signed contracts with three new primary care physician practices in Puerto Rico to provide its iUGO Care platform to their chronic disease patients. Puerto Rico is a rapidly growing geography for Reliq thanks to our partnership with digiiMed, said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. We are pleased to be adding these three new physician practices on the island to our platform. Chronic disease is a major concern for the healthcare system in Puerto Rico as over 50% of the population over age 50 have hypertension, over 30% have diabetes and over 42% have high cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for the development of other serious chronic diseases including congestive heart failure, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Patients living with chronic conditions also report higher levels of depression and anxiety than the general population. Using our iUGO Care Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), Chronic Care Management (CCM) and Behavioural Health Integration (BHI) modules, clinicians can comprehensively address their patients physical and mental health needs. We expect to onboard over 3,600 patients with these clients at an average revenue of $40 USD per patient per month for Reliq. Onboarding will begin this month and is expected to be completed in early 2022. About digiiMED digiiMED is a digital medicine services company devoted to connecting patients with healthcare providers anytime, anywhere. digiiMED works with clinical providers and patients throughout Puerto Rico and Latin Aerica. Learn more at http://www.digiimed.com. Reliq Health Reliq Health Technologies is a rapidly growing global telemedicine company that specializes in developing innovative Virtual Care solutions for the multi-billion dollar Healthcare market. Reliqs powerful iUGO Care platform supports care coordination and community-based virtual healthcare. iUGO Care allows complex patients to receive high quality care at home, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life for patients and families and reducing the cost of care delivery. iUGO Care provides real-time access to remote patient monitoring data, allowing for timely interventions by the care team to prevent costly hospital readmissions and ER visits. Reliq Health Technologies trades on the TSX Venture under the symbol RHT, on the OTC as RQHTF and on the WKN as A2AJTB. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Dr. Lisa Crossley CEO and Director For further information please contact: Company Contact Investor Relations at ir@reliqhealth.com US Investor Relations Contact Investor Relations Lytham Partners, LLC Ben Shamsian New York | Phoenix 646-829-9701 shamsian@lythampartners.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, 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, are "forward-looking statements". We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Reliq Health Technologies Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] SKYWORTH Transformable OLED TV W82 wins Best of the Best Award of Canton Fair 2021 for its industry-leading design GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SKYWORTH, a leading global television brand, has won the "Best of the Best" award of the 130th China Import & Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, for its transformable OLED TV, 65" W82. The "Best of the Best" Award is the top honor of Canton Fair Design Award, aiming to select the best design products which perfectly combine market and design value, presenting the charm of Created-In-China to the world. SKYWORTH W82's win demonstrates its capability of industry-leading design and advanced technology. Transformable OLED TV for a Superior 2-in-1 Gaming and TV Viewing Experience The SKYWORTH W82 is the world's first mass-produced transformable OLED TV, equipped with a flexible 4K 120 Hz OLED screen that allows users to adjust the screen curvature up to 1000R. Enabled by SKYWORTH OBM Transform Tchnology, it gracefully moves from a flatscreen TV and flexes into a curved screen with the click of a remote control, meeting users' multiple viewing needs. Extraordinary Audio-visual Experience Like Never Before Featuring Dolby Vision, HDR10, SKYWORTH AI PICTURE QUALITY ENGINE 4K Version, the software optimizing picture quality in real time by searching, identifying and re-structuring pictures with AI technology, and SKYWORTH AUDIO DRUM producing stunning low pitches, the SKYWORTH W82 delivers a superior and immersive audio-visual experience. Next-generation AI Voice Assistant and Intelligent Connectivity The SKYWROTH W82 is equipped with TrensAI VOICE, enabling 7/24 smart home assistant and real-time intelligent response. Thanks to the built-in microphones running on an independent DSP chip, the users can enjoy the entire system smoothly. SKYWORTH will also showcase 3 latest flagship products on the Canton Fair 2021: The SKYWORTH S82, a 4K OLED TV featuring an exceptional display with superior color accuracy. OLED TV featuring an exceptional display with superior color accuracy. The SKYWORTH Q72, an industry-leading 4K SmartMiniLED TV delivering advanced LED dimming technologies. SmartMiniLED TV delivering advanced LED dimming technologies. The SKYWORTH W92, an 88-inch 8K 120Hz OLED TV equipped with SKYWORTH AUDIO GLASS SOUND delivering exquisite audio-visual experience. The Canon Fair 2021 will be held online and offline in Guangzhou from Oct 15 to Nov 3. SKYWORTH's offline booth is at A08-21, Hall 5.2. For online exhibition, please visit here. About SKYWORTH TV SKYWORTH TV is a leading global television manufacturer and a pioneer in big-screen Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT). Founded in 1988, SKYWORTH TV has more than 30 years of experience providing advanced home entertainment solutions and is one of the top three global providers of Android TVs. Under its brand proposition "Lead the future", SKYWORTH TV continues to invest heavily in R&D and innovative technology solutions and is dedicated to leading the transformation of the TV industry to revolutionize smart home experiences. For more information, please visit: https://www.skyworth.net/global SOURCE SKYWORTH [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] China Telecom Voted as "Most Honored Companies in Asia" in Institutional Investor Poll for 11 Straight Years HONG KONG, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- China Telecom Corporation Limited ("China Telecom" or "the Company"; HKEx: 00728; SSE: 601728) was delighted to be voted as "Most Honored Companies in Asia" in the All-Asia-Executive Team Poll 2021 by Institutional Investor, a leading financial magazine. The Company obtained this accolade every single year in the poll's 11-year history. The All-Asia-Executive Team Poll 2021 received votes from a total of over 3,500 portfolio managers and buy-side analysts and nearly 600 sell-side analysts to vote for distinguished companies and executives in the region on several core areas, including financial disclosure, services and communication, COVID-19 responses, CEO, CFO, IR professional and ESG. China Telecom was honored as "Most Honored Companies in Asia" out of over 1,400 companies that received votes, while the Company and its key executives also ranked 2nd in multiple categories in the "Telecommunications" sector, including: Best CEO Mr. KE Ruiwen Best CFO Mr. ZHU Min Best IR Team Best IR Program Best Overall ESG China Telecom would like to express sincere gratitude to Institutional Investor, the capital market and investors for their consistently strong support and trust all these years and will continue to enhance professionalism and excellence. SOURCE China Telecom Corporation Limited [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] StashAway Introduces Thematic Portfolios HONG KONG, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- StashAway has launched Thematic Portfolios. StashAway's Thematic Portfolios include three themes: Technology Enablers, The Future of Consumer Tech, and Healthcare Innovation. The portfolios feature ETFs from some of the world's top fund managers, including ARK Invest, iShares, Global X, and VanEck. Since 2018, the amount of assets in thematic funds globally have grown at an annual rate of 37%. In 2020 alone, assets in thematic funds grew by 77%. And not only are thematic investments growing in popularity, but they're also eclipsing traditional equity sectors: thematic portfolios have accounted for nearly 40% of all equity fund net sales since 2017.* What makes StashAway's Thematic Portfolios different from any other thematic offering available to both retail and institutional investors is its risk management feature: Investors select the downside they're willing to accept in a given year, and then the StashAway platform maximises the thematic exposure as much as possible within those risk constraints. "This gives investors the access to thematic investing without the risk inherent with thematic investing," says StashAway Co-founder and CIO, Freddy Lim. The remaining non-thematic assets in a portfolio are there to manage risk. "We call these non-thematic assets 'baancing assets', and their role in our Thematic Portfolios is just as important as the thematic assets." "StashAway's Thematic Portfolios expose our clients to exciting investment opportunities in promising innovations. These innovations that aim to shape the future take time to grow and gain mass adoption. So, it's important for investors to have a long-term mindset when investing in these themes," shares Stephanie Leung, Head of StashAway Hong Kong and Group Deputy CIO. About the themes Technology Enablers includes subthemes such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, robotics, and semiconductors - it's technology that consumers don't see but that enables new technologies to transform the world. The Future of Consumer Technology invests in technology that everyday consumers use: e-commerce, fintech, gaming, Internet, mobility, and social media. Healthcare Innovation is about investing in the technologies that can not only improve but even change the way people stay healthy, get treatment, and recover. This portfolio gives investors exposure to biotech, genomics, and pharmaceuticals, such as smart beds and software used for genome sequencing. About StashAway StashAway is a digital wealth manager that offers investment portfolios and wealth management solutions for both retail and professional investors and operates in Singapore, Malaysia, the Middle East and North Africa, Hong Kong, and Thailand. StashAway HK is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong for Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. As of January 2021, the company surpassed $1 billion USD in assets under management. It achieved this milestone faster than it took the world's largest digital wealth managers, Betterment and Wealthfront, to reach the same milestone. In 2020, StashAway was recognised as a Technology Pioneer by The World Economic Forum and a Top 10 LinkedIn Startup. *https://www.ftadviser.com/investments/2021/07/30/thematic-investing-grows-by-77-per-cent-in-2020/ SOURCE StashAway [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] CCTV+: Broadcasters' Joint Initiative on Protection of Biodiversity Launched BEIJING, Oct. 15, 2021 /CNW/ -- As the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) is being held in Kunming from October 11 to 15, the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, Arab States Broadcasting Union, African Union of Broadcasting and European Broadcasting Union jointly announced the launch of Joint Initiative on Protection of Biodiversity on October 15. The Joint Initiative calls on global broadcasters and electronic media professionals to fulfill their commitment to biodiversity protection and strengthen international cooperation in news reporting, program production and mutual exchanges to make positive contribution to advancing ecological civilization and building a shared future for all life on earth. Meng Dong, Vice Minister of NRTA and Li Malin, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province attended and addressed the launch of the Initiative. Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications and heads of ABU, ASBU and EBU delivered video remarks to the event. The key points of the Initiative are as follows: All Parties: Fully note that global biodiversity is under unprecedented crisis; Agree unanimously that mankind and nature constitute a community with a shared future; Highly recognize that electronic media assumes irreplaceable social responsibilities in advancing ecological civilization and biodiversity protection. Upholding the Kunming Declaration spirit, all parties would like to call for joint actions as follows: 1. Publicize UN documents and report on biodiversity-related UN activities. 2. Produce and broadcast more audio-visual products featuring biodiversity and ecological protection to enhance public understanding. 3. Strengthen international cooperation on co-production, joint interviews, exchange of content and mutual visits. 4. Consider cooperation with relevant public and private stakeholders to carry out biodiversity-related projects. 5. Strengthen the knowledge and organize training and seminars on biodiversity for electronic media professionals. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cctv-broadcasters-joint-initiative-on-protection-of-biodiversity-launched-301401133.html SOURCE CCTV+ Gurucul Experts Present on Thwarting Insider Threats at 2021 Counter-Insider Threat Symposium, AFCEA TechNet Cyber 2021 Gurucul, in Unified Security and Risk Analytics technology for on-premises and the cloud, today announced that Gurucul will be presenting and demonstrating the company's Insider Threat Solution and conducting briefings at the following federal events: 2021 Counter-Insider Threat Symposium https://insiderthreat.dsigroup.org/ October 20-21, 2021 National Harbor, MD AFCEA TechNet Cyber 2021 https://events.afcea.org/afceacyber21/Public/enter.aspx October 27-28, 2021 Baltimore Convention Center Gurucul Booth: 2236 "The Insider Threat is a major cyber security challenge for many organizations. The increasing risk of insider threats is worsened with more employees working from home than ever before, using new applications and tools, and relying on cloud applications," said Saryu Nayyar, CEO, Gurucul. "Insiders are already within the perimeter, past the firewalls and remote access controls, which makes them much harder to detect and prevent. Worse, a malicious insider already knows exactly where to find the most valuable information, so they can access the organization's most sensitive data with little risk of being stopped or caught." Gurucul Unified Security and Risk Analytics ingests and analyzes massive amounts of data from virtually any source, including network, IT systems, cloud platforms, applications, IoT, identity management solutions, and more. With the industry's largest advanced machine learning model library, patented anomaly detection and predictive risk-scoring algorithms, Gurucul zeros in on abnormal behaviors and activities that are indicative of sabotage, data theft, and privilege abuse. Through real-time contextual, risk-prioritized alerts, Gurucul provides automated detection and mitigation. According to the 2021 Insider Threat Report conducted by Cybersecurity Insiders, 98 percent of organizations reported they are vulnerable to insider threats. In the last month alone, several high profile insider threat events made headlines, including: li> A former lead scientist of glass manufacturer Corning (News - Alert) was indicted for stealing trade secrets relating to a DARPA collaboration. The rogue employee exfiltrated critical business data and shared it with international competitors. Three former operators of financial services firm Biscayne Capital conspired to defraud investors and financial institutions in an international fraud scheme that caused more than $155 million in investor losses. The Department of Justice announced criminal charges against 138 defendants, including 42 doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, in 31 federal districts across the United States for their alleged participation in healthcare fraud schemes. Approximately $1.1 billion in telemedicine fraud was committed, $29 million in COVID-19 health care fraud, $133 million in substance abuse treatment facilities fraud, and $160 million in other health care fraud and illegal opioid distribution schemes. A threat actor bribed AT&T employees to install malware on the company's internal network and has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after he illegally unlocked more than 1.9 million phones, causing the US telco losses in excess of $201 million. AT&T (News - Alert) determined that the loss it suffered was because customers whose phones were unlocked failed to complete cellular phone payments. A doctor is admitted to defrauding his former employer, a medical practice in southern New Jersey and stole more than $500,000 from the practice. About Gurucul Gurucul is a global cyber security company that is changing the way organizations protect their most valuable assets, data and information from insider and external threats both on-premises and in the cloud. Gurucul's real-time Unified Security and Risk Analytics Platform provides Analytics-Driven SIEM, UEBA, XDR, Risk-Driven SOAR, Identity Analytics, and Fraud Analytics. It combines machine learning behavior profiling with predictive risk-scoring algorithms to predict, prevent and detect breaches. Gurucul technology is used by Global 1000 companies and government agencies to fight cybercrimes, IP theft, insider threat and account compromise with high efficacy detections as well as for log aggregation, compliance and risk based security orchestration and automation for real-time extended detection and response. The company is based in Los Angeles. To learn more, visit https://gurucul.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005109/en/ [October 15, 2021] Howmet Aerospace to Host Webcast and Announce Third Quarter 2021 Results Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) will announce its third quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, November 4, 2021. The press release and presentation materials will be available at approximately 7:00 AM ET on November 4, 2021, via the "Investors" section of the Howmet Aerospace website. A link to the press release will also be available via the Howmet Aerospace Twitter (News - Alert) handle @HowmetAerospace at https://twitter.com/HowmetAerospace. The conference call and webcast will begin at 10:00 AM ET. Details of both follow. Conference Call Information: Day: November 4, 2021 Time: 10:00 AM ET Hosts: John Plant, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ken Giacobbe, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Call: (833) 519-1352 +1 (918) 922-6504 (International) Conference ID: 1152049 To avoid a delay in start time, please dial in beginning at 9:45 AM ET Webcast: Available on the "Investors/Events and Presentations" section of www.howmet.com (audio and slides). Replay Information A replay of the call will be available on the "Investors/Events and Presentations" section of www.howmet.com from November 4, 2021 at 1:10 PM ET until November 18, 2021 at 10:59 PM ET. Details follow. Replay: (855) 859-2056 + 1 (404) 537-3406 (International) Conference ID: 1152049 Or access via the "Investors/Events and Presentations" section of www.howmet.com About Howmet Aerospace Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to operate with a lower carbon footprint. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Dissemination of Company Information Howmet Aerospace intends to make future announcements regarding Company developments and financial performance through its website at www.howmet.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005318/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Deepbrain AI to supply AI Human Technology to Two Major Media Companies, including BRTV SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Deepbrain AI, a company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and a member of Born2Global Centre, has successfully entered the global broadcasting industry with its AI Human technology (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMQbzPeYYX8). The company recently signed a contract to supply its AI Announcer Technology to the major Chinese broadcasting companies Beijing Radio & Television Station (BRTV) and Qinghai Television. Beijing Radio & Television Station is a major network in charge of government-run broadcasting services for external audiences, and Qinghai Television represents Qinghai Province, the largest province following China's autonomous regions. The newly signed contract for the supply of AI Human technology to major broadcasting companies in China is expected to provide Deepbrain AI with a wider, global stage for showcasing its AI expertise. Securing a contract with Qinghai Television is particularly significant for Deepbrain AI given that it beat out Sogou, a subsidiary of China's largest IT company Tencent, during the contract bidding period. As part of its one-year contract with BRTV, Deepbrain AI will develop an AI Announcer specifically designed for BRTV's TV news program. The technology will also be utilized for Beijing Time, BRTV's service app. As part of its three-year contract with Qinghai Television, Deepbrain AI will provide an AI Announcer solution, with the goal of developing two A Announcers (one male and one female) and introducing the announcers to Qinghai Television's news and lifestyle information programs. AI Announcers are artificial humans that are created based on AI Human technology, which is a type of deep-learning AI technology. The announcers study and learn by analyzing videos and speeches by real, human announcers and are able to read new texts with the same accents, intonations, and gestures, among other things, as the human newscasters. Deepbrain AI has demonstrated its technological prowess not only by applying this technology to AI Announcers but also AI Bank Tellers, AI Tutors, AI Showhosts, AI Kiosks, and AI Commerce services. Following its contract with BRTV and Qinghai Television, Deepbrain AI is now negotiating with another Chinese media company, Great Wall New Media, for the supply of its AI Announcer and AI Studios, an AI video composition service. "We have steadily and aggressively been engaged in sales activities in China so that we can lay the groundwork for establishing a business there, and as a result, we have managed to win contracts with China's greatest broadcasting companies. This is only the beginningwe will continue to seek more opportunities with different companies in the international market to expand as a global corporation," said Deepbrain AI CEO Eric Jang. Deepbrain AI is intensively expanding its local sales base in China by installing branch offices in Beijing and Shenzhen, while maintaining its Chinese headquarters in Shanghai. The company is also amid talks to supply its AI Bank Teller technologies to major entities in the financial sectorincluding China Minsheng Bank; Bank of China; Postal Savings Bank of China; Agricultural Bank of China Jiangxi Branchand its AI Tax Consultant to the Shanxi Tax Office. In addition to its recent contracts, Deepbrain AI will also be introduced as one of Korea's leading new media companies at a national broadcasting conference hosted by BRTV in October 2021. For more detailed information on Deepbrain AI, visit https://www.deepbrainai.io/en/. About Deepbrain AI? Deepbrain AI ( www.deepbrainai.io ) provides real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) and?video synthesis solutions that utilize AI to quickly create realistic human-like AI models for use in customer service in industries including media, finance, commerce and education. Based on proprietary, patent-led technology, the company's solutions drastically reduce the cost and time of video production while bringing an unmatched and realistic human touch to all content.? Headquartered in Korea, with offices in the U.S., the company is backed by leading investors in Korea and China and is privately held.? About Born2Global Centre Born2Global Centre ( www.born2global.com ) is a full-cycle service platform for global expansion. Since its inception in 2013, Born2Global has been setting the standard for successful startup ecosystem as the main Korean government agency under the Ministry of Science and ICT. Born2Global has expanded and transformed startups to be engaged, equipped and connected with the global market. Media contact Deepbrain AI: john@deepbrainai.io Born2Global Centre: jlee@born2global.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deepbrain-ai-to-supply-ai-human-technology-to-two-major-media-companies-including-brtv-301398749.html SOURCE Born2Global Centre [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Barclays Bank PLC Announces Results of Cash Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation Barclays Bank PLC (the "Issuer") announced today the results of its previously announced cash tender offer (the "Offer") to purchase any and all of its iPath Bloomberg (News - Alert) Natural Gas Subindex Total ReturnSM ETNs due October 22, 2037 (Ticker: GAZZF / CUSIP: 06739H644 /ISIN: US06739H6449) (the "Notes" or "ETNs") and solicitation of consents (the "Consent Solicitation") from holders of the Notes (the "Noteholders") to amend certain provisions of the Notes (the "Proposed Amendment"), subject to applicable offer and distribution restrictions set out in the Amended and Restated Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement dated September 30, 2021 (the "Statement"). The Offer and Consent Solicitation expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 14, 2021 (the "Expiration Deadline"). The Issuer has received and accepted 3,764,993 Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Deadline, representing 52.37% of the outstanding Notes as of the Expiration Deadline. All conditions to the Offer were deemed satisfied or waived by the Issuer as of the Expiration Deadline. The aggregate purchase price of the Notes accepted by the Issuer is $564,748.95, reflecting the previously announced purchase price of $0.15 per Note (the "Purchase Price"). On October 18, 2021 (the "Settlement Date"), Noteholders whose Notes have been accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will receive the previously announced Purchase Price. Pursuant to the Consent Solicitation, the Issuer has obtained the requisite consents to the Proposed Amendment. The indenture and the global certificate with respect to the Notes will be amended on the Settlement Date to provide the Issuer with the right to redeem, in its sole discretion, all, but not less than all, of the outstanding Notes on the Redemption Date for a cash payment per Note equal to the Closing Indicative Note Value on the valuation date (the "Valuation Date") specified by the Issuer in the redemption notice. The "Redemption Date" will be the fifth Business Day after the Valuation Date. Notes purchased by the Issuer pursuant to the Offer will be cancelled on the Settlement Date. The Issuer currently intends to effectuate the Proposed Amendment and redeem all outstanding Notes immediately after the Proposed Amendment becomes effective. The payment upon redemption to Noteholders may be greater than or less than the Purchase Price pursuant to the Offer but will not include any amount in excess of the Closing Indicative Note Value on the Valuation Date. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this announcement have the meanings given in the Statement. For Further Information A complete description of the terms and conditions of the Offer is set out in the Statement. The prospectus for the ETNs can be accessed at www.ipathetn.com/GAZZFprospectus. Further details about the transaction can be obtained from: The Dealer Manager Barclays Capital Inc. 745 Seventh Avenue New York, New York 10019 United States Attention: ETN Desk Telephone: 1-212-528-7990 Email: etndesk@barclays.com Information Agent D.F. King & Co., Inc. 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor New York, NY 10005 Attention: Andrew Beck Telephone: 1-866-796-1291 Fax: 212-709-3328 Email: barclays@dfking.com Tender Agent The Bank of New York Mellon One Canada Square, 40th Floor London E14 5AL United Kingdom Attention: Debt Restructuring Services Telecopy no. +44 20 7964 2536 Email: debtrestructuring@bnyellon.com DISCLAIMER This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Statement. No offer or invitation to acquire or exchange any securities is being made pursuant to this announcement. This announcement and the Statement contain important information, which must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offer and Consent Solicitation. If any Noteholder is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own legal, tax and financial advice, including as to any tax consequences, from its stockbroker, bank manager, lawyer, accountant or other independent financial adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Offer and Consent Solicitation. None of the Issuer, the Dealer Manager, the Tender Agent or the Information Agent (or any person who controls, or is a director, officer, employee or agent of such persons, or any affiliate of such persons) makes any recommendation as to whether Noteholders should participate in the Offer and Consent Solicitation. General Neither this announcement, the Statement nor the electronic transmission thereof constitutes an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Notes (and tenders of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer will not be accepted from Noteholders) in any circumstances in which the Offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the Notes, blue sky or other laws require the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and the Dealer Manager or any of its affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, the Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or such affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Issuer in such jurisdiction. None of the Issuer, the Dealer Manager, the Tender Agent or the Information Agent (or any director, officer, employee, agent or affiliate of, any such person) makes any recommendation as to whether Noteholders should tender Notes in the Offer. In addition, each Noteholder participating in the Offer will be deemed to give certain representations in respect of the other jurisdictions referred to below and generally as set out in the Statement under the section entitled "Procedures for Participating in the Offer." Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer from a Noteholder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. About Barclays: Barclays is a British universal bank. We are diversified by business, by different types of customers and clients, and by geography. Our businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a full-service corporate and investment bank. Selected Risk Considerations: An investment in the iPath ETNs described herein involves risks. Selected risks are summarized here, but we urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks described under "Risk Factors" in the applicable prospectus supplement and pricing supplement. You May Lose Some or All of Your Principal: The ETNs are exposed to any decrease in the level of the underlying index between the inception date and the applicable valuation date. Additionally, if the level of the underlying index is insufficient to offset the negative effect of the investor fee and other applicable costs, you will lose some or all of your investment at maturity or upon redemption, even if the value of such index level has increased or decreased, as the case may be. Because the ETNs are subject to an investor fee and other applicable costs, the return on the ETNs will always be lower than the total return on a direct investment in the index components. The ETNs are riskier than ordinary unsecured debt securities and have no principal protection. Credit of Barclays Bank PLC: The ETNs are unsecured debt obligations of the issuer, Barclays Bank PLC, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of or guaranteed by any third party. Any payment to be made on the ETNs, including any payment at maturity or upon redemption, depends on the ability of Barclays Bank PLC to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of Barclays Bank PLC will affect the market value, if any, of the ETNs prior to maturity or redemption. In addition, in the event Barclays Bank PLC were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of the ETNs. Market and Volatility Risk: The market value of the ETNs may be influenced by many unpredictable factors and may fluctuate between the date you purchase them and the maturity date or redemption date. You may also sustain a significant loss if you sell your ETNs in the secondary market. Factors that may influence the market value of the ETNs include prevailing market prices of the U.S. stock markets, the index components included in the underlying index, and prevailing market prices of options on such index or any other financial instruments related to such index; and supply and demand for the ETNs, including economic, financial, political, regulatory, geographical or judicial events that affect the level of such index or other financial instruments related to such index. Concentration Risk: Because the ETNs are linked to an index composed of futures contracts on a single commodity or in only one commodity sector, the ETNs are less diversified than other investments. The ETNs can therefore experience greater volatility than other investments. A Trading Market for the ETNs May Not Develop: A trading market for the ETNs may not develop and the liquidity of the ETNs may be limited, as we are not required to maintain any listing of the ETNs. No Interest Payments from the ETNs: You may not receive any interest payments on the ETNs. Restrictions on the Minimum Number of ETNs and Date Restrictions for Redemptions: You must redeem at least 50,000 ETNs of the same series at one time in order to exercise your right to redeem your ETNs on any redemption date. You may only redeem your ETNs on a redemption date if we receive a notice of redemption from you by certain dates and times as set forth in the product prospectus. Uncertain Tax Treatment: Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the ETNs are uncertain. You should consult your own tax advisor about your own tax situation. The ETNs may be sold throughout the day on the exchange through any brokerage account. Commissions may apply and there are tax consequences in the event of sale, redemption or maturity of ETNs. The ETNs may be sold throughout the day through certain brokerage accounts. There are restrictions on the minimum number of ETNs you may redeem directly with the issuer as specified in the applicable prospectus. Commissions may apply and there are tax consequences in the event of sale, redemption or maturity of ETNs. Sales in the secondary market may result in significant losses. "Bloomberg Natural Gas Subindex Total ReturnSM" is a service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, "Bloomberg") and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Barclays Bank PLC. Any ETNs based on the Bloomberg Commodity Indices are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Bloomberg, UBS Securities LLC ("UBS"), or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. None of Bloomberg, UBS Securities or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of or counterparties to the ETNs or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities or commodities generally or in the ETNs particularly. 2021 Barclays Bank PLC. All rights reserved. iPath, iPath ETNs and the iPath logo are registered trademarks of Barclays Bank PLC. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property, and used with the permission, of their respective owners. NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005130/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Buyers Edge Platform Honored by Goldman Sachs for Entrepreneurship WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldman Sachs is recognizing John Davie, CEO of Buyers Edge Platform, as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2021 at its Builders + Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California. Goldman Sachs selected John Davie as one of 100 entrepreneurs from multiple industries to be honored at the two-day event. John Davie is the entrepreneurial force behind Buyers Edge Platform the leading Software and Analytics company providing data-driven insights and technology to the foodservice industry. Buyers Edge Platform is the fastest growing data and technology company in the foodservice landscape processing over $15 Billion in annual volume. John Davie founded Buyers Edge Platform in 1998 and led the growth of the company to become the nation's largest data and technology partner for the restaurant industry. The Buyers Edge Platform now delivers cutting-edge data and analytics, supply chain management consulting and technology to companies throughout the foodservice supply chain, including operators, distributors, manufacturers, and other restaurant partners. Marquee clients include Qdoba, MGM, Red Robin, Ruth's Chris, Einstein Bagel, Famous Dave's, and thousands of others. As a leader, Davie is never satisfied with the status quo: he is committed to growth, disruption, and discovery. As a visionary, John focuses on the ways in which he can lead his brands and partners to solve problems and develop new efficiencies. Davie's key to sucess is his eagerness to partner with foodservice's biggest brands in a quest to bring transparency and technology to the industry. "It is humbling to be honored by such a prestigious company like Goldman Sachs," Davie said. "I couldn't be more excited about 2022 and continuing to innovate and disrupt the foodservice space. It's incredibly exciting to be included on this list of 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs. For me, entrepreneurship is all about finding new ways to create value for stakeholders, being willing to invest in innovative ideas, and surrounding myself with an absolutely brilliant team of experts. I've never let go of those core ideals throughout my time leading Buyers Edge Platform, and I'm honored to be recognized for taking that approach to running the business." "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 John Davie 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 Buyers Edge Platform Buyers Edge Platform is the leading Software and Analytics company providing data-driven insights and technology to the foodservice industry. Buyers Edge Platform connects entities throughout foodservice and empowers them to run their businesses more efficiently by leveraging data and analytics. Buyers Edge Platform's mission is to drive the foodservice industry from manual to automated with programs that benefit all stakeholders across the supply chain. Press Related Questions, please contact: Patrick Scanlan for Goldman Sachs at 321444@email4pr.com Ryan Gerding for Buyers Edge Platform at 321444@email4pr.com 913-602-8531 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/buyers-edge-platform-honored-by-goldman-sachs-for-entrepreneurship-301400996.html SOURCE Buyers Edge Platform [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Light DeFi (LIGHT) launches a campaign in New York and Sao Paulo. SAO PAULO, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Light DeFi (LIGHT) is conquering users worldwide and launching a campaign for the internationalization of Grupo Light's businesses. Thinking about diversity and inclusion, the new advertising campaign shows that anyone can become a holder of the LIGHT token. On October 14, 2021, the advertising campaign will be launched in Times Square in New York, USA. Light DeFi will be present at the most famous tourist spot in the financial capital of the world. At the same time s the event in New York, Light DeFi will have an advertising campaign on Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo - SP. Headquartered in Uruguay, Grupo Light is expanding its activities around the world. With nearly 20,000 users on the market, Light DeFi launched just two months ago on the market, on August 8, 2021. The token represents a sustainable ecosystem with 10 billion units in total and a renewable energy production project. "Light DeFi's campaign is an opportunity to leave the networks and embrace the streets. LIGHT users are spread across the world and represent a diverse group of holders. With the events, our token shows that it wants to dominate and be present in the main financial centers of the world, such as New York and Sao Paulo", says Bruno Zorzetti, CMO of Light DeFi's Marketing agency View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/light-defi-light-launches-a-campaign-in-new-york-and-sao-paulo-301401225.html SOURCE Light DeFi [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Insurity Sponsors Riverfront Recapture's Annual Fundraiser to Revitalize Hartford's Riverfront Insurity, a leading provider of cloud-based software for property and casualty (P&C) carriers, brokers, and MGAs today announced that it will be a Sweet Sponsor for the 21st annual Big Mo' Jazz Brunch in Hartford, Connecticut on October 17, 2021. The Big Mo' Jazz Brunch is the annual fundraising event for Riverfront Recapture, a nonprofit organization founded in 1981 dedicated to restoring and revitalizing the Connecticut Riverfront in the downtown Hartford area. With headquarters located next to the Connecticut riverfront, Insurity has been a long-time supporter of the Big Mo' fundraising event and the Riverfront Recapture organization. Ken Safft, Chief Human Resources Officer at Insurity, served on Riverfront Recapture's Board of Directors from 2014 to 2016 and Insurity employees have regularly volunteered to help paint, clean, and restore the riverfront's parks. The Big Mo' fundraiser showcases the accelerated growth of the region by choosing venue locations that are under construction, recently renovated, or just completed. This year, the Big Mo' Jazz Brunch will feature two tours, including a river cruise and a stroll through the parks, a musical performance, food and beverages provided by local restaurants, and more. With expansive public parks and art fixtures open year-round, the riverfront offers events and programs designed to bring together the whole community. In line with Insurity's vision of empowering insurance organizations to capitalize on new opportunities, the Riverfront Recapture aims to empower individuals to take advantage of the natural beauty in their community. "Continued support from local businesses is instrumental in allowing us to restore and maintain nearly 150 acres of our urban park system for Hartford's residents and visitors," said Deborah Baker, Director of Development for Riverfront Recapture. "Our parks have had such a positive impact on te community, especially in the past year and a half when safety measures to combat COVID-19 have created an even greater need for outdoor spaces. In a typical year, we see more than 800,000 visitors to the parks on average. The proceeds of the Big Mo' will allow us to continue to provide people with a safe, clean park system to enjoy." "Insurity is delighted to continue our support for Riverfront Recapture and be a 'Sweet Sponsor' for the Big Mo' Jazz Brunch," said Safft. "The mission of Riverfront Recapture holds special meaning to Insurity, as our headquarters are located close to the Hartford's riverfront. Our sponsorship reaffirms our commitment to supporting our local community and preserving our natural parks and rivers." For more information on Insurity's philanthropic efforts, please reach out to 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 Riverfront Recapture Riverfront Recapture is a nonprofit (501c3) organization that manages, operates, maintains and activates four connected parks covering 148 acres along 3.5 miles of the Connecticut River. Riverfront Recapture has been fulfilling its mission to connect people with the Connecticut River for 40 years. Since 1981, Riverfront Recapture has led the effort to reconnect with the river in ways that enhance quality of life and make the region a better place to work, live and play. The creation of Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Hartford, Charter Oak Landing in South Hartford and Great River Park in East Hartford, and restoration of Riverside Park in North Hartford has given millions of people access to Connecticut's most beautiful natural resource. Riverfront Recapture offers year-round access to vibrant riverfront parks and a seasonal calendar of events, programming and outdoor activities. Riverfront Recapture's dedication to the bold vision of a beautiful riverfront park system resulted in the recent acquisition of 60-acres of riverfront land to build a new community park. Riverfront Recapture's work has earned national recognition, including the Waterfront Center's Excellence on the Waterfront Top Honor and Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award. Learn more at Riverfront Recapture's work at riverfront.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005412/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] SprintRay Announces Multi-Year Partnership with World's Fastest Man and Eight-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Usain Bolt LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SprintRay Inc., a global MedTech pioneer and industry leader in digital dentistry and 3D printing solutions, today announced a five-year partnership with eight-time Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt. Bolt and SprintRay are also collaborating with the Jamaican Dental Association to invest in the launch of "Bolt Labs, powered by SprintRay" an initiative with a mission to make world-class digital dental care accessible to Jamaica. The SprintRay Foundation, in partnership with Bolt Foundation, will establish dental clinics, including 3D dental labs and a mobile unit, which will further address the critical dental needs of both adults and children, as well as those located in more remote areas of Jamaica. "SprintRay is excited to partner with Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man and widely considered to be the greatest Sprinter of all time, to represent our Company and help us expand access to high-quality, digital dental care on a global scale," said SprintRay CEO and Co-Founder Amir Mansouri, Ph.D. "This initiative marks a pivotal step, as SprintRay continues to act on our mission to improve dental care quality and delivery times through technological innovaion. Using our ecosystem of dental 3D printing products, dental work can now be completed in a fraction of the time and cost, and without multiple offices visits." "SprintRay's biggest value proposition is the benefits of time compression afforded to every stakeholder, and there is no one else on this planet like Usain Bolt to inspire us to amplify the impact of speed and time," said Erich Kreidler, SprintRay's President. "I am proud to represent and partner with SprintRay and fellow 'Sprinters,' as we call ourselves. This is a company that is poised to transform the digital dental industry on a global scale," said Usain Bolt. "This initiative is intended to accelerate a very critical and unmet need for improvements in dental care access across the world, starting with Jamaica, where there is less than one dentist for every 100,000 residents. I look forward to working with SprintRay to give confidence and the best possible smile to every citizen of this planet." Usain Bolt will be present in-person with industry leaders and doctors at SprintRay's inaugural 3D Next Summit in Miami, Florida from October 21-24, 2021, as a keynote speaker. About SprintRay SprintRay is a dental technology company that builds end-to-end 3D printing ecosystems for dental professionals. SprintRay designs and manufactures user-friendly and cutting-edge manufacturing solutions including dental 3D printers, 3D printing software, curing technology, washing systems, and innovative materials. Dental care providers can deliver best-in-class care by leveraging SprintRay's highly-specialized, affordable technologies. For more information, visit www.sprintray.com . MEDIA CONTACTS: Media: Melanie Lilly-Buster, SprintRay@edelman.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sprintray-announces-multi-year-partnership-with-worlds-fastest-man-and-eight-time-olympic-gold-medalist-usain-bolt-301401203.html SOURCE SprintRay Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] WeRide unveils China's first Level 4 self-driving cargo van, WeRide Robovan in cooperation with Jiangling Motors and ZTO Express for smart urban logistics GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WeRide, a world-leading autonomous driving company, forayed into urban logistics industry with the unveiling of WeRide Robovan, the very first L4 self-driving cargo van in China. The company will work with Jiangling Motors (JMC), a major Chinese automobile manufacturer, and ZTO Express, a leading express delivery company in China, in a strategic cooperation, promoting mass production and the commercialization of WeRide Robovan. WeRide orchestrates this trilateral cooperation and creates an autonomous driving (AD) ecosystem for China's urban logistics. WeRide now is not only dedicated to L4 autonomous driving mobility, but also smart urban logistics. Today, Tony Han, the Founder and CEO of WeRide, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Wenhui Jin, Executive Vice President of JMC and Renqun Jin, Vice President of ZTO Express during WeRide's latest web live Press Conference "The Next". Combining the three companies' expertise in technology, product innovation and commercialization, they will jointly undertake Robovan's commercial pilot operations and explore the know-how of upgrading urban logistics. Moving forward, WeRide and JMC will work closely together to design purpose-built models for mass production on JMC's customized assembly lines, while ZTO Express will acquire Robovans in their urban logistics usage. Robovan is the third innovative AD product in the WeRide product family, in addition to Robotaxi and Mini Robobus. Robovan's design is based on JMC's battery electric vehicle (BEV) model with a fully-redundant vehicle platform and WeRide's full-stack software and hardware AD solutions. It will offer all-weather, round-the-clock service on urban roads with leading L4 AD capabilities. Being light-weight and nimble, Robovan naturally possesses substantial advantages in urban transport. After running a publicly accessible Robotaxi service for almost two years and the mass production of Robobuses on OEM assembly lines, WeRide has gained valuable experiences on product development and self-driving fleet operations. WeRide is confident that Robovan will be able to operate in a stable, safe and efficient manner under different circumstances, including various urban traffic scenarios in CBD, urban villages, tunnels and highways. In the future, the fully driverless Robovans will free up labor and provide uninterrupted logistics services. Complementary with digital and automatic AD fleet management platform, Robovan services will excel in the traditional logistics model. The birth of Robovan ill revolutionize the existing urban logistics system, enabling faster and even more convenient delivery services. The commercialization of WeRide Robovan will change the landscape of urban logistics in an innovative way. "WeRide has always emphasized that AD technologies should be used effectively in reality to serve the society. With the introduction of Robovan, the very first L4 self-driving cargo van in China, we have heralded a new era of autonomous driving for urban logistics in the country. By teaming up with two key players in the sector, Jiangling Motors and ZTO Express, we continue to uphold the "triangle model" of collaborating, an approach which WeRide has adopted since we developed passenger vehicles. We are aiming to deliver both smart mobility and smart logistics for cities in the future," said Tony Han. "This partnership will bring forth synergy which allows all parties to leverage on each other's strengths. WeRide Robovan, one of the many achievements of this special trilateral partnership, will redefine urban logistics and inject new impetus into the industry," according to Wenhui Jin, the Executive Vice President of JMC. Renqun Jin, the Vice President of ZTO Express, said: "ZTO Express has been following the application of self-driving technology in urban logistics. By drawing on our strengths in hardware and software through this cooperation, we will jointly explore a new model for smart logistics and develop an integrated AD solutions for urban logistics." Jianfa Lai, the Executive Vice President of ZTO Express, also made remarks on the cooperation: "As a forerunner in our industry, ZTO Express will introduce and accelerate the use of autonomous driving in urban logistics through this partnership." Currently, WeRide offers an all-rounded product mix of Robotaxi, Robovan and Mini Robobus and will continue to accelerate its technology. The company is dedicated to pursuing L4 autonomous driving on both mobility and logistics services. About WeRide WeRide aims to develop the most advanced autonomous driving technology, which will make our trips safer and more efficient. It has received strategic investment from top-tier global automakers, including Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, and Yutong Group. WeRide is the first startup in the world to hold driverless test permits in both China and the US. Established in 2017, WeRide is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, and maintains R&D and operation centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Shenzhen and Anqing, as well as San Jose in the US. It employs a highly skilled team and has extensive domestic and international experience in R&D, business models and business operations. WeRide launched the first Robotaxi service, completely open to the public, in November 2019 in Guangzhou, covering an area of 144 square kilometers. A total of 147,128 trips were completed with more than 60,000 passengers during the first year of WeRide Robotaxi services. For more information, please visit the website: www.weride.ai; Medium: https://werideai.medium.com/; twitter/LinkedIn: WeRide.ai; YouTube: WeRide Autonomous Driving. About JMC Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd. (JMC) is a powerful force in China's automobile industry. JMC has built its core competitiveness in commercial vehicle and gradually stepped into SUV and MPV markets. JMC has been holding dual brand strategy with JMC brand and Ford brand developing simultaneously. Ford brand includes Transit products, Ford MPV Tourneo, Ford SUV Everest and Ford Territory, Ford Territory S, a mid-sized SUV jointly developed by Ford and JMC, a new SUV Ford Equator was launched in 2021. JMC brand includes light truck (Carrying series, Kaiyun series and Shunda series), Pickup (New Baodian, Yuhu7 and Yuhu9), light bus Teshun, and Yusheng SUV, etc. About ZTO Express Founded on May 8, 2002, ZTO Express ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service and other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network in China. As of June 30 2021, its network covers over 99% of China's cities and counties. ZTO is both a key enabler and a direct beneficiary of China's fast-growing e-commerce market, and has established itself as the trusted express delivery partner for millions of commerce customers, including online merchants and consumers selling and buying products on Chinese leading e-commerce sites, such as Alibaba, PDD, JD.com. Building on the core express delivery business, ZTO strives to become an integrated logistics service provider. The company is expanding the service offerings with a goal to build an ecosystem featuring express delivery, less-than-truckload, cross-border, warehousing, aviation, commerce and more. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/weride-unveils-chinas-first-level-4-self-driving-cargo-van-weride-robovan-in-cooperation-with-jiangling-motors-and-zto-express-for-smart-urban-logistics-301401338.html SOURCE WeRide [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Walmart Selects Transcarent To Provide Go-to-Market Solution for Self-Insured Employers Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and Transcarent today announced they would be working together as go-to-market partners for self-insured employers across the country. The agreement allows Transcarent, which offers employees and their dependents a new, different and better health and care experience, to share Walmart's everyday low cost on pharmaceuticals and other services with self-insured employers and their employees for the first time. The collaboration makes it easier for millions of employees and the families of self-insured employers to access high-value care - no matter where they live - at affordable prices. This new offering will allow employers of all sizes to leverage Walmart's health care size and scale to more easily provide their employees convenient care and cost-effective health and wellness options. Today, half of all Americans are covered by employer-sponsored health insurance. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2020, the average annual premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance were $7,470 for single coverage and $21,342 for family coverage. What's more, employers have seen costs escalate year after year without corresponding improvements in the quality of care. And while many employers have tackled this challenge head on by offering access to many new and innovative health care benefits, employees and their families are often left overwhelmed and confused by a growing list of options that have yet to demonstrate an impact on health outcomes or cost. "We are committed to providing care to customers and the communities we serve through an integrated, omnichannel approach that improves engagement, health equity and outcomes," said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president of Health & Wellness at Walmart. "Most of America lives within 10 miles of a Walmart, which makes us uniquely positioned to deliver the right care at the right time in the right way. We are proud to bring our size and scale to make it simple to live healthier and leverage our collaboration with Transcarent to reach even more people where they live and work." Walmart's omnichannel offerings include Pharmacy services - retail and specialty, Optical services, national telehealth services that include a focus on behavioral health, OTC, Walmart health centers and low-cost fresh food. Through this range of services, the company focuses on Social Determinants of Health, personal behavors and clinical care seven days a week. Walmart provides prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, a variety of immunizations and COVID-19 drive-thru testing in select locations. For those who receive their COVID-19 vaccination at Walmart and Sam's Club, a Digital Vaccine Record is available for easy access of their vaccination record that can be saved, downloaded or shared with third-party verification apps. Walmart customers with a Walmart+ membership can also get free shipping on store purchases and medicines offered as part of the membership. The company's recent launch of ReliOn (News - Alert) NovoLog vials and FlexPens, which will save customers 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded insulin products, demonstrates Walmart's commitment to improving affordability for chronic disease management. To learn more about wellness resources available at your neighborhood Walmart, visit walmart.com/wellnesshub. In addition to the high-value Walmart prescription benefits that will be available to employers, employees and their families, Transcarent's health and care experience will serve as the on-ramp for self-insured employers and their employees to a 24/7 personalized health and care experience for virtually all of the most common and most challenging needs. Employees and their families will be able to easily engage Transcarent's Health Guides and extended clinical team for unbiased information, trusted guidance to better understand care options and associated costs, and easy access to high-value virtual and in-person care - either through Transcarent digital offerings, Transcarent's Centers of Excellence or Walmart's in-community clinics. Employers have no up-front or per-employee-per-month (PEPM) fees, as Transcarent offers a fully at-risk model. Transcarent also pays health systems up front for surgeries, yet another difference in the model that health care providers love. "Together, Walmart and Transcarent have the scale and innovation required to transform the way health and care are delivered and paid for across the nation, regardless of a person's economic or geographic situation," said Glen Tullman, chief executive officer of Transcarent. "Transcarent is putting employers and employees back in charge of their health and care. Employees can trust that Transcarent will focus on value and quality first, provide clear and unbiased information, offer a full range of choices and share the rewards with employees that their better health decisions generate." About Walmart Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook (News - Alert) at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter (News - Alert) at twitter.com/walmart. About Transcarent Transcarent is a new and different health and care experience company putting people back in charge of their health and care experiences. Using a combination of software, technology, Health Guides and data science, Transcarent empowers consumers with the kind of unbiased information, trusted guidance and access to high-value care that leads to better care, better outcomes, and more cost-effective decisions and allows Members to share in the benefits of their decisions. Transcarent believes that having the right information, tools, and incentives in the decision-making process can positively transform the way we all experience our health and care. For more Information, visit us at Transcarent.ai and follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005458/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Spot AI Launches AI-Powered Camera System to Change How Businesses Use Video Spot AI officially launched today with a goal to provide every person in any business access to video intelligence, a tool that enables better decisions around security, workforce safety, and process efficiency. The company also announced it has closed a Series A round of financing led by Redpoint Ventures with participation from Bessemer Venture Partners earlier this year, bringing its total funding to $22 million. The funding comes off the heels of explosive growth for Spot AI, which after a year in market, has hundreds of customers and thousands of users, tripling bookings quarter-over-quarter. Today, tens of millions of cameras are installed in businesses across the US, recording billions of gigabytes of video data. These cameras look at rich visual context of what's going on at work, and a flood of users - from security, to safety and operations teams - struggle to use these systems to know what's happening around them. Accessing this video is hard and these systems weren't designed for daily use and collaboration. Searching for footage can take hours, and sharing it often involves outdated methods like USB sticks. Spot AI has built an easy-to-use AI camera system to help businesses operate based on visual context instead of hear-say. With video intelligence, operations is able to figure out exactly why the conveyor belt suddenly stopped, safety is able to root cause the slip-and-fall of the new hire, and security is able to quickly discover how all the copper was stolen off the roof the night before. When everyone inside the business has easy access to video, it's no longer just a security tool, it becomes a platform to improve company-wide operations. "At Spot AI we are on a mission to transform peole's relationship with their cameras from this old, hardware-centric category of surveillance to this new, software-centric era of video intelligence that changes how people think about and use video on the factory floor, the assembly line, and in any workplace," said Tanuj Thapliyal, Co-Founder & CEO of Spot AI. "Key to this new category of video intelligence is making it easy for everyone inside the business to access video so that it becomes a tool for driving useful insights, enhancing collaboration, and maximizing individual and team potential. We looked at the entire customer journey - from purchasing, through product, and through support - and we worked to design the most simple experience possible for the customer." Businesses can choose to use cameras they already have, or get them for free from Spot AI. Leveraging cutting-edge AI chip technology built into the platform, users can easily access, identify and mark important regions to become easily searchable (i.e. loading docks in a warehouse) from their phone, tablet or desktop. The cameras capture physical operations of the business, while Spot AI's software enables users to interact, collaborate, and extract business insights from the video, resulting in directly improving operating procedures. Video streaming, networking, cloud, and AI technology are bundled into a simple experience that anyone can install and use in minutes. "There is a flood of new users and companies driving daily decisions using their cameras. In an industry crowded with legacy vendors, Spot AI's software-focused model is by far the simplest choice for customers," said Tomasz Tunguz, Managing Director at Redpoint Ventures. "Today, only the world's biggest businesses have access to proprietary AI camera systems, while most small and midsize businesses are left behind," said Byron Deeter, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners. "Spot AI's easy-to-use technology is accelerating the consumption of video data across all businesses, big and small." To learn more, visit www.spot.ai. About Spot AI Spot AI was formed by engineers from Stanford, Cisco (News - Alert) Meraki, and Samsara, with the mission of visually indexing the physical world and making that data useful to everyone at work. With an easy-to-use AI camera system, Spot AI unlocks the power of video data to help companies improve their security, safety and efficiency. The company's headquarters are in Burlingame, CA (News - Alert) . For more information, visit www.spot.ai. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005475/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] StorageMart Opens New Location in Fishers, Indiana FISHERS, Ind., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- StorageMart welcomes its third Indiana location to its growing portfolio in Indianapolis after a recent acquisition of a CubeSmart Self Storage facility. StorageMart welcomes third Indiana location to growing portfolio in Indianapolis after recent acquisition. This property will be upgraded with new lighting, as well as an Open Tech Gate, offering renters contactless entry onto the property through the "StorageMart Unlocked" app. The existing security system will also be upgraded to better ensure each unit can deliver upon the company's long-standing brand promises of easy, clean storage and friendly customer service in the Fishers, IN., community. "Every property we evaluate has to have the potential to be excellent. This addition is a smart expansion of the StorageMart brand in the region, and we're excited to keep growing." Alex Burnam, Director of Acquisitions. About StorageMart: Dedicated to providing clean, well-lit storage units, and friendly customer service, StorageMart is the largest family operated self storage company in the world, and has been led by the Burnam family for four generations. Through the "Store it Forward'' charitable giving program, StorageMart gives back to the many communities it calls home. Find out more at https://www.storage-mart.com. Contact: Sarah Little 573.449.0091 Sarah.Little@storage-mart.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/storagemart-opens-new-location-in-fishers-indiana-301401387.html SOURCE StorageMart [October 15, 2021] TripleBlind to Highlight Benefits of Enhanced Data Sharing and Collaboration in Healthcare and Fintech at Upcoming Industry Events KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thought leaders from TripleBlind , the solution that enables entities to collaborate without the need to share raw data and without that data ever leaving the companys firewall, will present at several upcoming industry events. At events focused on healthcare and fintech, TripleBlind will speak on compliance when sharing data across international borders and throughout all industries and data platform enablement. TripleBlind will participate in these upcoming events: HLTH 2021, Oct. 17-20, held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston. TripleBlind co-founder and CEO Riddhiman Das will present on the topic, Data platform enablement in the age of privacy, on Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 4:45-4:55 p.m. ET. Das session will give insight into how advanced privacy-enabled data-sharing technologies, such as TripleBlinds solution, can greatly enhance scientific collaboration between groups and allow for more rapid development and scalable implementation of AI-driven tools to advance healthcare. TripleBlind will exhibit at booth #627. To schedule a meeting with TripleBlind during HLTH, reach out to mitchell@tripleblind.ai . Click her to register today, and use code 21HLTH_tripleblind150 to save $150. Money 20/20 U.S., Oct. 24-27, held at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Das will present Five Data Privacy Predictions for 2022 and Beyond alongside Liz Harding, privacy expert and Shareholder at Polsinelli, and Sanjib Kalita, CEO of Guppy, will act as moderator. The session will take place Monday, Oct. 25, from 9:55-10:25 a.m. PT at Serendipity Stage, Expo Hall, Level 2. The rapid increase in the global market for big data and business analytics, projected to reach more than $500 billion by 2026, has created complex privacy and security issues in the fintech space. In this discussion, Das, Harding and Kalita will give insight into data privacy predictions to expect in the next year and how they will affect the financial industry, including the benefits of sharing data and not keeping it locked in a silo. Click here to register. About TripleBlind The TripleBlind Private Data Sharing Solution unlocks the estimated 43ZB of data stored by enterprises today that are inaccessible and not commercialized due to privacy concerns, operational complexity and regulations. The companys patented breakthroughs in advanced mathematics enable organizations to secure larger and more diverse data sets for innovating enhanced algorithms for medical diagnoses and improved anti-fraud initiatives in financial services. It is the only technology that enables enterprises to rapidly commercialize data while maintaining compute performance; enabling analysis of all data types, such as PII, PHI, genomic data, images, and confidential financial records; and enforcing all international and regional data privacy standards, including HIPAA, GDPR, PDPR and CCPA. TripleBlind is superior to existing solutions such as homomorphic encryption (slows compute performance), secure enclaves (siloes data), tokenization/masking/hashing and differential privacy (reduces accuracy), synthetic data (not real data), federated learning (no protections against data reconstruction) and blockchain (does not enable data sharing). Innovators including Accenture, Mayo Clinic, and Snowflake trust TripleBlind to protect sensitive data. For an overview, a live demo or a one-hour hands on workshop, contact@tripleblind.ai . Contact Victoria Guimarin UPRAISE Marketing + Public Relations for TripleBlind tripleblind@upraisepr.com 415.397.7600 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Jacobi Asset Management Receives Approval to Launch the World's First Tier One Bitcoin ETF LONDON, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobi Asset Management has received approval to launch the world's first tier one Bitcoin ETF. The Jacobi Bitcoin ETF is a centrally cleared crypto-backed financial instrument, authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC) and with custody provided by Fidelity Digital AssetsSM. It is Jacobi's intention to list the Jacobi Bitcoin ETF on Cboe Europe, one of the largest pan-European equity exchanges, subject to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) listing approval. Launched in May 2021 to shape the future of digital asset management, Jacobi brings together decades of expertise from Banking, Regulation, and Fintech to shape the future of digital asset management by designing, issuing and managing institutional crypto products and funds connected to digital assets. Jacobi is spearheaded by CEO Jamie Khurshid, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker and pioneer of regulatory transparency in financial markets. Jamie was named by Financial News as one of the top 40 under 40 in European trading and technology and ranked in the 'Exchange invest' Top 1000 most influential people in global financial markets. He has appointed a team with extensive financial services, regulatory and crypto asset expertise. CEO Jamie Khurshid said: "We are excited to be launching a new secure, transparent and accessible product to track the performance of Bitcoin. We are de-risking investments in crypto by removing the technology risk associated with the physical asset and the counterparty risk associated with traditional funds or tracker products that are unregulated leveraged debt instruments. We are proud to collaborate with Europe's leading reglated firms for a truly tier 1 offering to service market demand, subject to the necessary regulated approval. This is an exciting moment for Europe as regulatory approval comes ahead of those waiting for a decision from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission." "The Jacobi Bitcoin ETF will finally bring digital assets wholly into the mainstream investment infrastructure with the support of the leading firms we are working with. It will provide investors with the opportunity to participate directly in physically-settled Bitcoin. This new ETF provides simple, secure, accessible investing into one of the world's most exciting asset classes via some of the world's leading regulated entities," commented Roy McGregor, Chairman of Jacobi Asset Management and former CEO of Credit Suisse Channel Islands. Jacobi Bitcoin ETF investors will benefit from the security of Fidelity Digital Assets' enterprise-grade custody and execution services, designed to enable institutional investors to safely secure, trade and support investments in digital assets. Chris Tyrer, Head of Fidelity Digital AssetsSM in Europe, commented: "Greater diversity of investor interest has created significant demand for additional vehicles for exposure to help provide broader access to digital asset markets. While safekeeping of assets is a top priority for investors and asset managers in all asset classes, the highly technical nature of digital assets places even more emphasis on this and underscores the need for institutional-grade custody solutions like ours." The Jacobi Bitcoin ETF was developed to meet regulatory standards by Christopher Jehan, Head of Fund Architecture and former Chair of the Guernsey Investment & Funds Association (GIFA). Christopher led the team at Midshore Consulting in designing the Fund with legal work performed by Collas Crill led by Partner Wayne Atkinson and Senior Associate Gareth Morgan. Prior to FCA listing approval, Jacobi Bitcoin ETF investments will be facilitated through Sigma Asset Management (Guernsey) Limited ("Sigma"), the fund manager providing management and administration. Fund consultancy support will continue through Midshore Consulting. For further information visit Jacobiam.com For enquiries about Jacobi Asset Management, please contact: Geneva Loader Jacobi Asset Management Tel: +44 (0)3330 165 232 Email: Geneva@jacobiam.com For media enquiries, please contact: Vanessa Green The Realization Group Tel: +44 (0) 771 333 2303 Email: vanessa.green@therealizationgroup.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jacobi-asset-management-receives-approval-to-launch-the-worlds-first-tier-one-bitcoin-etf-301401408.html SOURCE Jacobi Asset Management [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Kirby McInerney's Randall Fox Named "Whistleblower Lawyer of the Year" The law firm of Kirby McInerney LLP is pleased to announce that partner Randall Fox has been named the 2021 "Lawyer of the Year" by the Taxpayers Against Fraud Education Fund ("TAFEF"), which is the leading public advocacy group for whistleblowers. TAFEF presented Mr. Fox with the prestigious award, citing his successes for whistleblowers and his commitment to expanding opportunities to harness the power of whistleblowers to fight frauds committed against government dollars. The award was presented at TAFEF's annual conference on October 14. TAFEF is a public interest non-profit dedicated to fighting fraud against the government by incentivizing integrity. Through public-private partnerships, TAFEF advances the effectiveness of the federal and state False Claims Acts and other whistleblower programs to promote and protect the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. In bestowing the award, TAFEF recognized Mr. Fox's accomplishments as the founding Bureau Chief of the New York Attorney General's Taxpayer Protection Bureau, which handles many of the whistleblower cases for New York State and aspires to encourage and aggressively pursue strong whistleblower cases. TAFEF also recognized Mr. Fox's accomplishments sinc joining Kirby McInerney and representing whistleblowers in tax, healthcare, procurement and other whistleblower matters, including his most recent success of settling for $105 million a tax qui tam case against hedge fund manager Thomas Sandell. Finally, TAFEF recognized Mr. Fox for his strong advocacy for whistleblower laws that help fight against fraud. "It is a great honor to be named Whistleblower Lawyer of the Year by an organization that is so deeply committed to integrity and fairness," said Mr. Fox. Kirby McInerney LLP is a New York-based plaintiffs' law firm concentrating in securities, antitrust, whistleblower, and consumer litigation. The firm's efforts on behalf of investors, consumers and the government have resulted in recoveries totaling billions of dollars. Additional information about the firm can be found at Kirby McInerney LLP's general website at http://www.kmllp.com, and its whistleblower website at https://whistleblower.kmllp.com/. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005576/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Teledyne Announces Third Quarter 2021 Earnings Webcast Details Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2021 results on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific. A press release with the third quarter financial results will be issued before the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. To access the call, go to www.teledyne.com/investors/events-and-presentations approximately ten minutes before the scheduled start time. A replay will be available at this website for approximately one month starting at 9:00 a.m. Pacific on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at www.teledyne.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005589/en/ [October 15, 2021] CJ Rosenbaum Wins Battle for a Company Selling Products on Amazon that Was Wrongfully Sued in New York and Continues to Fight Against Legal Extortion LONG BEACH, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosenbaum Famularo & Segall, announces a huge win for a small company selling products on Amazon. When a law firm secretly filed a lawsuit and demanded money from a small company selling products on Amazon, CJ Rosenbaum and his team at AmazonSellersLawyer.com refused to allow their client to be extorted, used aggressive tactics and, ultimately, Tangle, Inc., dismissed its baseless claims against Rosenbaum's client. Rosenbaum, Famularo & Segall, P.C. was retained by a company that sells products on Amazon when its assets were frozen by a court order obtained by Tangle, Inc. and Thoit Law, Los Altos, CA. The case is Tangle, Inc., SDNY, Case No. 1:21-cv-07024. Two videos about the case can be viewed at: Brand Sued Sellers with ZERO Jurisdiction Don't Mess with CJ's Sellers. New York consumers and obtained a court order freezing Rosenbaum's client's assets. Tangle's lawyer was specifically informed that: CJ Rosenbaum's client never sold any Tangle products; CJ Rosenbaum's client never sold anything in New York , and; , and; All of the claims against Rosenbaum's client were baseless. Despite zero proof of any sales, Tangle's lawyer demanded $32,000.00 from Rosenbaum's client's money from Amazon sales of unrelated products. CJ said, "it felt like Tangle, Inc., was engaging in legalized extortion." Instead of bowing to the demand for money, Rosenbaum asked the court for emergency relief. In response, Tangle's lawyer asked for $5,000.00which was refused. CJ said "I was stunned that Thoit Law continued to try and get money from our client for baseless claims." When CJ again refused, Tangle dismissed its own claims against Rosenbaum's client but Rosenbaum refuses to let Tangle or Thoit Law off the hook. "Don't mess with our Sellers" is Rosenbaum's mantra. "Solely because Tangle and Thoits continued to seek money after receiving information that their claims were baseless, we are now doing two things: We asked the Court to allow us to help the other Amazon Sellers that Tangle sued, and; We will ask the Court to force Tangle to pay our client's attorneys' fees and damages. "This is not over, don't mess with our Amazon Sellers," said CJ. About Rosenbaum, Famularo & Segall, P.C. Rosenbaum, Famularo & Segall, P.C., is a law firm based in Long Beach, New York, that focuses on helping "Amazon Sellers" - people and companies that sell products on Amazon. Contact CJ Rosenbaum CJ@AmazonSellersLawyer.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cj-rosenbaum-wins-battle-for-a-company-selling-products-on-amazon-that-was-wrongfully-sued-in-new-york-and-continues-to-fight-against-legal-extortion-301401499.html SOURCE Rosenbaum Famularo & Segall, PC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] Sun West Mortgage Partners with TACA in Their Mission to Support Families Living with Autism Sun West Mortgage Company has joined The Autism Community in Action (TACA) to provide funding for educational and support services to over 75,000 families affected by autism. For newly diagnosed families, finding resources can be overwhelming. With its philanthropy outreach, Sun West aims to fund necessary social and educational services, ensuring every family is able to best support their child. As part of Sun West's philanthropy outreach, it has funded programs at UCLA, orphanages in Puerto Rico, and donated over 32,000 face shields to first responders across the United States. Sun West is proud to be a key sponsor for the National TACA Autism Conference being held virtually on October 15-17. This forum provides parents to meet and interact with experts and learn new advances in the field of autism. "As parents we all strive to ensure our children a brighter future. TACA provides this to families living with autism all across the country and we are proud to support them in their mission," said Pavan Agrwal, CEO of Sun West Mortgage Company Inc. "Sun West Mortgage is an Autism Hero for TACA families! This Autism Hero gift will help TACA reach more families living with autism. On average over 600 new families seek TACA's help every month. We are grateful for this support that will help us address their urgent needs. The Autism Hero Sun West gift will provide crucial resources to over 50,000 families," said Lisa Ackerman, TACA Executive Director. About Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is a privately owned, full service, mortgage banker established in 1980. Sun West is licensed to lend in 48 states, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands. For more information visit www.swmc.com. About The Autism Community In Action (TACA) The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 2000, with the mission to provide education, support and hope to families living with autism. For more information visit www.tacanow.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005612/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 15, 2021] 5G LLC - Where Real Estate and Technology Converge We are proud to announce that 5G LLC has become the largest Aggregator of Class A and B, Institutional Real Estate in the nation for rooftop wireless adoption. With over 26,000 Commercial Real Estate properties under multi-year exclusive arrangement and an additional 65,000 properties recently added to pipeline, 5G LLC has developed a technology marketplace that serves real estate owners, tenants, and the wireless carriers. CRE owners have embraced partnering with 5G LLC as next generation wireless deployments are positioned to be one of the largest allocators of incremental rent roll in the US over the next 5 years. 5G LLC, based out of Rockwall, TX, is a communications infrastructure company facilitating the integration of commercial real estate into wireless carrier networks. Rooftops represent a cost-effective solution for rapid and capital efficient 5G deployment as Carriers can utilize existing commercial real estate located in heavily trafficked areas. Our Portfolio Approach to site analysis shortens network deployment time while helping Carriers improve network quality and resource planning. As the prime aggregator of strategic rooftops, 5G LLC is focusing on locations of traffic and size to address the needs of technology deployments in the complex 5G environment. 5G LLC has significant majority in the marketspace for: multifamily, retail, office, and industrial segments across the US, with the momentum o attract a significant remainder of the market to a proven mutually beneficial solution. Through exclusive portfolio wide agreements 5G LLC represents the Institutional Real Estate space with: Residential - 3 of the Top 5 and 50% of the Top 20 owners Commercial/Office - 3 of the Top 5 Retail - 5G LLC is the Single largest Retail Rooftop provider in the US Healthcare - 2 of the Top 5 healthcare owners and the largest hospitals in the nation The largest portfolio of iconic and institutional buildings in NYC and surrounding areas Significant assets and distribution in the top 30 cities nationwide Since launching our business in 2020, our approach has been validated by some of the most prestigious commercial real estate owners and operators in the US, as well as the incumbent and next generation wireless carriers. 5G LLC produces a win for both building owners and the carriers with a proven ability to achieve competitive rents for both. Our team is built with the knowledge of both CRE and the carrier business, the experience of building out cell networks and the trust and credibility with both parties to execute this plan. 5G LLC handles everything from start to finish, including the maintenance and upgrade cycles with trained telecom expertise. By using 5G LLC, real estate owners are now armed with the experts to grow and protect the real estate assets while creating meaningful long-term value. 5G LLC's real estate "rooftops" allow carriers to quickly deploy the thousands of new 5g cell sites needed to densify their networks. Given the reduced antenna heights associated with 5g technology, building rooftops provide an ideal solution. Historically these site leases went to the benefit of tower operators, but now major institutional commercial real estate owners working with 5G LLC are better positioned for Carriers to achieve a faster, more efficient solution for their wireless real estate requirements. 5G LLC is the premier aggregator of wireless-friendly landlords wanting and willing to transact. 5G LLC is the largest US based pure play in the rooftop cell site leasing business at scale. In 2021, we have increased in size of real estate by 5x and increased personnel by 7x. We will be transitioning to our new HQ location due to our rapid expansion November 1st in Rockwall, TX. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211015005644/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] We'll make this quick because it's not important . . . CiCi is a very nice person but she might also be a human tornado when it comes to management. Local insiders know the HORRIFIC DEVASTATION she hath wrought at the Central Exchange . . . The place almost shut down after her tenure. And then . . . She was the prime mover in the Guadalupe Center coup against local Latino legend Cris Medina as he fought for his life against the recent pandemic. To her credit, going after somebody in their sick bed is a move right out of The Godfather and her viciousness should be commended in the context of local politics. Brooding about her "power play" is also why we decided to stop giving her a break. A bit more context . . . Whilst our progressive d-bag friends only like to dip their toe in the sketchy world of barrio politics . . . They overlooked Ms. Rojas' politics and her strong Republican and conservative connections. And so our public radio betters were more concerned with rumors rather than their part in handing over a 100 year old community organization to a GOP operative. Nice work!!! TKC attempts to be agnostic about most things but partisan players and Democratic Party enthusiasts throughout the Westside, Westport and Northeast aren't as charitable. Thankfully, Beto Lopez is going to pretend to be in charge for a few more years until somebody figures out that half of the old white dudes who read this blog know more about Spanish-speaking neighborhoods in the KCMO metro than he does. We note all of this BECAUSE for the first time in about 100 years Guadalupe Center has very little street cred or community connection other than taking a few handouts from Mayor Q. In the final analysis, a bunch of suits from the suburbs won't be able to "hold it down" for very long . . . Bigger and older organizations have crumbled from lack of support and we know their political alliances are quickly fading and will have completely vanished if Mayor Q is ousted. Heck there's even talk of a surprising comeback . . . But that conversation is for another day. For right now . . . We merely want to take a moment to congratulate Cici on her latest achievement that MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT speak to a great many Kansas City Latino community concerns . . . She's gonna help ruin run the ballet. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . . The aftermath of this story faded quickly given that locals will have to wait to see if there's any legal response to federal outcry. Just a quick review of background . . . "CNN reported on its website Thursday that federal grand jurors are looking into the past of of Roger Golubski.In its report, CNN said its learned that the criminal investigation is the result of reports that Golubski exploited and terrorized Black residents in Kansas City, Kansas.Golubski, who retired in 2010, has been the focus of several long-standing accusations, but has not faced charges in any of the instances." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . . Former KCKPD detective target of federal investigation, department says KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A former detective in the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department is part of a federal investigation. In a statement Thursday afternoon, a KCKPD spokesperson admitted that the department has responded to FBI inquiries over the last two years regarding allegations made against Roger Golubski. Former detective with KCKPD under investigation by FBI since 2019, department says KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is responding to a recent CNN report stating federal prosecutors have been conducting an ongoing criminal grand jury investigation of retired detective Roger Golubski. Golubski is accused of framing an innocent Black man for a homicide he didn't commit. A federal investigation begins for former KCK detective Roger Golubski, accused of exploiting women A criminal grand jury investigation has been opened by federal prosecutors into Roger Golubski, a former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective. According to CNN, The detective is accused of using his badge to terrorize Black women. He also allegedly coerced some of them into fabricating testimony to clear cases he investigated. Victim's group says they were never contacted on investigation into former KCK detective KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Kansas City, Kansas community members have been clamoring for an investigation into former KCKPD Detective Roger Golubski for some time. So it certainly came as a shock Thursday to find out a federal investigation had been going on since 2019 and the police department and mayor would never confirm it. Developing . . . A local advocacy group has been at the forefront of complaints against this former law enforcement officer . . . And so their perspective is worth consideration . . . Check-it . . . More2 statement on Golubki and KCKPD Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, Inc., "more-squared," was elated to learn that a federal grand jury criminal investigation has been launched in the case of Roger Golubski, retired KCK Detective who was allowed to terrorize members of the Black community for decades. Federal grand jury investigating retired Kansas City cop accused of terrorizing Black residents Back in May of 2018, MORE2 was the first to publicly call for an investigation of both Golubski and the Kansas City, KS Police Department, which allowed this systemic abuse to occur unchecked for decades. In June, the organization expressly publicly called for the Department of Justice to launch an investigation into the department. MORE2 has been in communication with multiple victims of Golbuski for over four years now. One such victim, who we refer to as "Survivor X," to protect her, was repeatedly raped by a uniformed Golubski for years, following his role in the incarceration of her young sons. We called "Survivor X" for a comment. She said, "Hurray, they're finally doing something about this?! That makes me so happy if they are finally doing something about all this 'BS' they've been covering up for years." Many more victims remain. The impact on the community continues to run deep. We continue to call on the United States Department of Justice to investigate the Kansas City Kansas Police Department because an entire government system failed a people, allowing itself to violently rape and torment people and, to date, nothing significant has occurred to remedy this injustice or overhaul this system. In fact, it has gone largely unexamined except for by a few attorneys and advocates like us. Violet Martin, whose two family members are wrongfully incarcerated in Kansas, offered this, "That is wonderful. Thank God, the wildfire is rolling and they can't stop it. We will be there in the march for justice and this is one positive step in the process of bringing my brother and cousin home." ################## Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . . Grand jury investigates alleged abuse by Kansas City, Kansas, detective Federal prosecutors have convened a grand jury investigation into Roger Golubski. He's a former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective, who was allegedly involved in corruption and the abuse of Black residents for years. KCUR's Peggy Lowe has reported on the case, and shares what she knows about the most recent developments. Community members react to report that retired detective Roger Golubski is target of criminal grand jury investigation KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -- CNN is reporting retired KCK police detective Roger Golubski is the target of a criminal grand jury investigation. KCTV5 News has not independently confirmed the federal investigation because grand juries are supposed to be secret. Local officials confirmed Thursday they have been cooperating with federal investigators. Developing . . . Let's not forget that TKC was FIRST to break news about redistricting progress. We've followed the drama a bit and the rumors were fun . . . But once the boring maps were revealed fewer and fewer people took interest. However . . . THERE'S RISING ANGER OVER NORTHLAND EXCLUSION IN THIS PROCESS AND A DEARTH OF REPRESENTATION FOR THE NICE SIDE OF THE BRIDGE!!! Here's a fiery statement sent our way that deserves a peek . . . "This is a corrupt, race based process, NOT based on population AT ALL, but racists and leftists trying to keep power, even when the numbers don't support it. "With a majority of the population in the Northland, how is it that no proposal calls for half the representation to be in the Northland? Pretty logical that the growing half of the population should get at least half the representation, but instead they intend to keep the majority of the 4th a Southland district and deny the Northland additional representation." To be fair, it seems like this commenter doesn't understand THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 which all but guarantees that racial representation and accommodation is, in fact, a prime consideration of drawing new maps. As we noted previously, Kansas City attorney Clinton Adams is dominating this process and his experience drawing maps to protect his beloved 3rd District far outmatches ANYONE in this cowtown. Of equal importance, it's worth consideration that in many local elections the Northland doesn't come out to vote and so their political influence is far less than their population numbers . . . And yes, this trend was mostly unchanged during the Prez Trump right wing renaissance. Now . . . A citywide "recall them all" effort launched by the Northland hasn't garnered much traction and de-annexation (succession) talk is also fun but is admittedly a long shot. On the bright side, Northland leader Council Lady Teresa Loar has done an EXCELLENT job raising thoughtful objections to the city hall status quo and Council lady Heather Hall seems to be one of the very few elected officials honestly concerned about trash pickup and police staffing. Meanwhile . . . Our retired & housewife petition gathering friends haven't learned that building a political base for a community is tougher than social media trolling and earning a bit of TV coverage. Developing . . . Fighting with the media is fun and earns a great deal of support but it's always a losing battle. Accordingly, the Guv's latest hot mess doesn't seem to accomplish much but earn him more opposition in larger metropolitan areas. Best mainstream summary we read today . . . After alerting the state, the story published by the paper says The newspaper delayed publishing this story to give the department time to protect teachers' private information,. Governor Mike Parson disagrees. They had no authorization to convert or decode. So, this was, clearly, a hack, Parson said. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . . Paper publishes story exposing MO education website vulnerabilities, Gov. Parson calls it a hack The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported a story on how they found a way into a secure part of the state education's department web site. The paper was able to get to the social security numbers of three educators.After alerting the state, the story published by the paper says "The newspaper delayed publishing this story to give the department time to protect teachers' private information,".Governor Mike Parson disagrees."They had no authorization to convert or decode. Missouri's governor vows to prosecute a reporter who told the state about a data security risk Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday launched a criminal investigation of a St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter who exposed flaws on a state website that left more than 100,000 social security numbers of teachers, administrators and counselors vulnerable. A Missouri newspaper told the state about a security risk. Now it faces prosecution Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is vowing to prosecute the staff of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after the newspaper says it uncovered security vulnerabilities on a state agency website. The governor is characterizing the incident as a hacking, and said Thursday that the state will investigate it at what could be a $50 million cost to taxpayers. Developing . . . A new resource for parents for parents to compare and contrast school performance has just been developed. And, yes, Kansas City, Missouri is at the bottom of the list. Here's the word . . . New Website Ranking All Missouri Public Schools Goes Live Site Provides Detailed Information Not Easily Available Anywhere Else ST. LOUIS, MO Missourians can now easily see how their childrens schools are performing with a new school ranking website, MoSchoolRankings.org, launched today by the Show-Me Institute. MoSchoolRankings.org. provides parents, policymakers, educators, and taxpayers with access to easy-to-understand information about student performance at every Missouri school, including information that the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) does not make easily available. Whether they are hiding information or simply not sharing it, the need for this school ranking initiative stemmed from the failures of DESE, said Brenda Talent, CEO of the Show-Me Institute. DESE has not offered the level of transparency regarding student performance that is necessary to improve Missouris failing education system. Accountability is vital to standards-based education, and right now there is little accountability, said Dr. Susan Pendergrass, Director of Research and Education Policy at the Show-Me Institute. Publicly grading and ranking schools is an important first step in accountability. We hope the information motivates educators and policymakers to focus on improving student performance and overall outcomes. The Institute has developed its own method of grading schools and districts that uses DESE-supplied data. The grades are based on data from the 201819 school year and are calculated across several performance metrics. In addition to letter grades for each student performance metric, schools and districts are ranked based on how their performance compares to all others in the state. The grades are combined to produce a grade point average, or GPA, for each school and district, which are then ranked based on their GPA. The site will be updated as new data become available. ################## Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . . https://moschoolrankings.org/ Mark Bennett has reported and analyzed news from the Wabash Valley and beyond since Larry Bird wore Sycamore blue. That role with the Tribune-Star has taken him from Rome to Alaska and many points in between, but Terre Haute suits him best. Follow Mark Bennett 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 Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Sponsored By: Dorsett Automotive Instant unlimited access to all of our content on triplicate.com. The Triplicate's E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) 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. Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom reduced natural gas transit through the Ukrainian gas transmission system three times this year, according to Sergiy Makogon, CEO of the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU). "Gazprom reduced transit via Ukraine three times in 2021. On January 1, 2021, it was reduced from 186 million cubic meters per day to 124 million cubic meters. From September 1, it was reduced to 109 million cubic meters. On October 1, after the launch of gas supplies to Hungary through Turkish and Bulgarian pipelines, it was reduced to 86 million cubic meters, although Gazprom pays for 109 million cubic meters. The graph shows that Gazprom often does not use transit capacity that has already been paid, and not only in Ukraine but also in other countries, for example, in Slovakia," Makogon wrote on Facebook. He stressed that statements by the Russian leadership on increasing transit through Ukraine in 2021 are manipulative. "It should be noted that the current contract does not provide for the annual transportation of 40 billion cubic meters, but the daily transportation of 109 million cubic meters. Much less is physically transported now," Makogon said. He stressed that given the significant shortage of gas in European gas storage facilities and maximum prices for natural gas, such behavior by Gazprom deserves special attention from Europe. He recalled that Ukraine was ready to transport additional volumes of gas that exceed the capacity of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. In September 2021, Gazprom booked only 4% of the additional guaranteed transit capacity, which led to a reduction in Russian gas transit through Ukraine. In total, in September 2021, the transit of natural gas through the Ukrainian gas transmission system to European countries amounted to 3.257 billion cubic meters. Natural gas transit via Ukraine in the direction of Hungary was halted on October 1, 2021. op A Ukrainian delegation headed by President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit the United Kingdom in late October. According to Ukrinform, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Vadym Prystaiko said this in an interview with the Dom television channel. "We expect a high-level delegation led by the president of Ukraine to visit the United Kingdom at the end of October," he said. A strategic dialogue meeting is also planned as part of the implementation of annual agreements. "I hope that the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Britain will be able to see in a month what has been done in a year and focus on the future," Prystaiko added. He also noted that such visits take place constantly. "Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration [Oleksii Reznikov] has recently [visited Britain] as he is interested in the experience of the United Kingdom on how to reintegrate the territories. We are especially interested in what was happening in Northern Ireland, how hatred and terrorism turned into a political process and now everything has settled down more or less," he said. Prystaiko also said that half of the funds from a GBP 2.5 billion loan, which the United Kingdom provides to Ukraine, will be used to strengthen the Ukrainian fleet. op Ukraine condemns the holding by Russia of an all-Russian census in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has said in a statement. "Such actions by the Russian Federation are directed against the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and are a continuation of efforts to legitimize the attempted annexation of the temporarily occupied Crimea, to extend the effect of Russian legislation to its territory. Conducting a census in the temporarily occupied territory is an unfriendly act against our state, and we reserve the right to use retaliation," the statement said. It notes that in accordance with the provisions of UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262, a "referendum" in Crimea held by the Russian occupation administration on March 16, 2014 has no legal force and cannot serve as a basis for any change in the status of the Crimean peninsula. In particular, the "referendum" cannot serve as a basis for reflecting the results of the census in the occupied Crimea as part of the all-Russian census. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry recalled that Crimean Platform participants in their joint declaration reaffirmed the non-recognition of any change in the status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which are an integral part of Ukraine's territory. The participants of the Crimea Platform will resolutely oppose any unilateral attempts to change the international order based on the rule of law. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the basis for assessing the situation in Crimea can only be impartial and objective monitoring by international organizations with a respective mandate, carried out in accordance with Ukrainian law and international law, as well as human rights NGOs. "Ukraine calls on the international community to condemn Russia's conduct of an all-Russian census in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, not to recognize or use its results," the statement reads. op The European Union condemns Russia's decision to conduct a population census in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, according to a statement made by EU Spokesperson Peter Stano. "The EU condemns the decision of the Russian Federation to conduct a population census in the illegally annexed Ukrainian territory of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol from 15 October until 14 November, and the launching of yet another conscription campaign on 1 October," the statement reads. Read also: Ukraine condemns census in Crimea The EU stressed that Russia's actions were an attempt "to legitimize the illegal annexation of Crimea and further undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders." The EU called on Russia to stop violating international law and international humanitarian law in Crimea. "The European Union will continue to work for a peaceful end of Russia's illegal annexation of the peninsula, as reiterated at the first summit of the International Crimea Platform on 23 August. The European Union will continue and to enforce its non-recognition policy," the statement reads. op facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published Oct. 13, 2021 Want to go? WHAT: Opening of The Warhawk Wardrobe, A Professional Career Closet for ULM students WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19. WHERE: ULM Library, room 201E INFO: Hope Young, 318-342-5445, hyoung@ulm.edu The University of Louisiana Monroe First Lady Christine Berry, Ph.D., knows making a good impression is essential at a job interview. When a job candidate feels good about their appearance and attire, it comes through as confidence which is vital in an interview. "Having access to a professional wardrobe will help to remove a significant barrier to ULM students when interviewing for an internship or a full-time position," Berry said. The Warhawk Wardrobe grew from a conversation into a clothes closet filled with quality apparel for students. Berry thanked those who made the project a priority. "The generous donations of our faculty, staff, and community will not only ease the financial burden on our students, but it will also provide students with high-quality, professional attire. Thanks to ULM's Career Center Director Kristin Chandler, for making this dream of mine a reality," she said. Berry enlisted the assistance of Valerie Fields, Ed.D., Vice President for Student Affairs, and Chandler to create a space where people can donate appropriate, gently used business attire for students to choose and keep for job and internship interviews and professional events. The unveiling of The Warhawk Wardrobe, located in the ULM Library, room 201E, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19. Fields said having appropriate clothing for students as they progress into their careers is a potential "a game-changer." "As we continue to magnify Warhawk Student Life, it is a delight to champion First Lady Berry's vision with the Career Center. Providing access to business attire for our students right on our campus can be a game-changer," Fields said. "We have found that students have the knowledge and the skill sets that employers are seeking. Attire is a huge component of setting the tone for the interview, and our students will be ready. Thanks to all who participated in naming and selecting the logo." President Ron Berry and Dr. Berry donated furniture for The Warhawk Wardrobe, and Fields donated a clothes rack and hangers. For a list of recent donors supporting the professional career closet, visit ulm.edu/careercenter/warhawkwardrobe.html. Vavette Owens, a graduate student in history and an educator in Killeen, Texas, won The Warhawk Wardrobe logo contest. Srdjan Marjanovic, Creative Director for the Office of Marketing and Communications, created the final logo design based on Owens submission. Chandler said The Warhawk Wardrobe embodies the ultimate goal of the Career Center student success. "The Career Center focuses on a holistic approach to career development, assisting students with becoming career-ready with a well-organized resume, interview skills, job search strategies, and understanding the importance of personal branding and dressing professionally," Chandler said. "All of these entities must work together for our students to successfully enter a competitive job market. The Warhawk Wardrobe is a tremendous asset for the Career Center in providing top-notch services to our students and fully preparing them to seek their desired opportunities." Donations are welcome from ULM employees, alumni, and community professionals. Donations Donations should be cleaned or dry cleaned. Donated items should be in good-to-excellent condition and current with fashion. Black, gray, navy, beige/khaki, white, or other neutral colors are preferred for business suits. New or gently used clothing in the business casual to business professional range for men and women, all sizes (unable to accept jeans and t-shirts) Men's and women's suits Blouses, shirts, and dresses Men and women's dress pants Belts, ties, accessories Gently worn shoes Men and women's undershirts and dress socks (new) Where to donate Donations can be delivered to the Career Center, Sandel Hall 139, during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7:30-11:30 a.m. Friday. Tax-deductible donation forms are available at the Career Center. A valuation guide to help estimate the value of the donation will be provided. If donated attire is not utilized after a reasonable amount of time, or if the clothing is not professional, it will be donated to a consignment/thrift store. Monetary donations Monetary donations are accepted for The Warhawk Wardrobe to purchase clothing and for maintenance. For information, contact the Career Center at 318-342-5338 or careercenter@ulm.edu, or the ULM Foundation at 318-342-3636 or foundation@ulm.edu. Donations by check should be payable to ULM Foundation, memo line: Warhawk Wardrobe Account and mailed to the ULM Foundation, 700 University Ave., Monroe, LA 71209. Students ready to shop The Warhawk Wardrobe hours are 8:30-10:30 a.m., and 12:30-2:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Students unable to visit during regular hours can make an appointment with a wardrobe specialist in the Career Center in Sandel Hall 139 or by calling 318-342-5338. Facemasks must be worn at all times inside The Warhawk Wardrobe. Clothing is free to all ULM students. Depending upon inventory, students may typically choose one complete outfit per semester. Sizes and availability cannot be guaranteed. ULM alumni may also utilize The Warhawk Wardrobe up to six months after graduation. | By Vanessa McMains A growing number of people suffer from hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises from heavy machinery, concerts, or explosions. As a result, scientists have been working to understand the mechanism behind how this damage to hearing actually occurs. Ronna Hertzano, MD, PhD Now, a team led by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) has published an online interactive atlas representing the changes in the levels of RNA made in the different cell types in ears of mice, after damage due to loud noise. These changes in RNA levels are known as changes in gene expression. Once they determined the larger trends in gene expression following the damage, the UMSOM scientists searched a database of FDA-approved drugs to find those that are known to produce opposite patterns of those caused by the noise. From this analysis, the research teams identified a handful of drug candidates that may be able to prevent or treat the damage, and ultimately preserve hearing. Their analysis was published in Cell Reports on Sept. 28. As an otolaryngologist surgeon-scientist, I see patients with hearing loss due to age or noise damage, and I want to be able to help prevent or even reverse the damage to their hearing, said study leader Ronna Hertzano, MD, PhD, professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Anatomy and Neurobiology at UMSOM and affiliate member of UMSOMs Institute for Genome Sciences. Our extended analysis gives us very specific avenues to follow up on in future studies, as well as provides an encyclopedia that other researchers can use as a resource to study hearing loss. The team added its newest data on noise-induced hearing loss to gEAR Gene Expression Analysis Resource a tool developed by Hertzanos laboratory that allows researchers not trained in informatics to browse gene expression data (published earlier this summer). Hertzano explained that the inner ear resembles the shell of a snail, with separate fluid compartments and sensory cells along its entire length. The ear functions like a battery with a gradient of ions between the fluid compartments that is generated by the side wall of the shell by adding in potassium. The sensory cells detect sound and then communicate with the neurons that interact with the brain to interpret the signal. The sensory cells are surrounded by support cells. The inner ear also has resident immune cells to protect it from infection. Research supervisor Beatrice Milon, PhD, in Hertzanos laboratory initially did an analysis on the sensory cells and the support cells of the ear in mice. She collected data on the changes in gene expression from before and after noise damage. After making their study known to other researchers in their field, the team heard from scientists at Decibel Therapeutics (led by Joe Burns, PhD) and the Karolinska Institute (led by Barbara Canlon, PhD), who had the gene expression data from the inner ears neurons, side wall, and immune cells from before and after noise damage. The teams then combined the datasets and performed their analysis. The bioinformatic analyses were led by Eldad Shulman, MA, MS, from the lab of Ran Elkon, PhD, Tel Aviv University, a bioinformatics expert who has been working collaboratively with Hertzano for over two decades. Together, they leverage advanced computational techniques and combine them with biological insights to analyze and interpret data, providing impactful insights to the hearing research field. Hertzano says it was so important that they looked at a cell-specific level, rather than looking at the entire ear, because they found that most of the gene expression changes were specific to only one or two cell types. We expected the subset of neurons typically sensitive to noise and aging, to have bad changes in genes, so that we could counter them with drugs, but there was no such thing, Hertzano said. On the contrary, we found that the subset of neurons that are resistant to noise trauma turn on a program that protects them while the very sensitive neurons had little change in gene expression. We are currently looking into approaches to induce the protective changes in the noise-sensitive neurons to prevent their loss from noise and aging. In another example, the researchers found that only one out of the four types of immune cells detected showed major differences in gene expression. Additionally, immune-related genes were turned up in all cell types of the inner ear after noise damage with many of them controlled by two key regulators. The research team took the overall gene expression trends and plugged them into DrugCentral, a database of known molecular responses to FDA-approved drugs, specifically searching for changes that would be opposite of those happening in the noise-damaged cells. They identified the diabetes drug metformin as a potential candidate, as well as some inhaled anesthetic medications used in surgeries and other medications. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are used to alleviate hearing loss, however, there are no therapies available to prevent or treat hearing loss, said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, executive vice president for medical affairs, Univeristy of Maryland, Baltimore, and John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and dean, UMSOM. The studies that follow up on these findings may eventually lead to medications to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss, for example in factory workers, and to changes in standardizing anesthesia protocols for ear surgery, particularly in hearing preservation procedures. This work was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (R01DC013817, R01DC03544), the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (MR130240, RH200052), the Carolyn Frenkil Foundation, the Hearing Restoration Project of the Hearing Health Foundation, the Swedish Medical Research Council and Horselforskningsfonden, the Karolinska Institute, Tysta Skolan and Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs through the Neurosensory and Rehabilitation (W81XWH-16-1-0032), the European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (722046, 848261), the United States - Israel Binational Science Foundation (2017218), the Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics at Tel Aviv University, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, and the Israeli National Forum for BioInnovators. Internally displaced people line up outside a UNHCR facility near Kabul to receive aid. UNHCR/Tony Aseh At a facility operated by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, about 15 kilometres outside Kabul, a large group of men, women and children are queueing in the autumn sun. With relief coupons in their hands, they are waiting to enter the compound through a gate guarded by a Taliban soldier. Inside, UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies are distributing aid to more than 1,000 Afghans displaced from around the country who are now living in Kabul. They receive blankets, plastic sheets, cooking stoves, buckets, water jerry cans, soap, hygiene kits and cooking utensils. The most vulnerable also receive some cash assistance. Most have been sleeping in the open or under makeshift shelters in one of two public parks while those who can afford it are renting apartments across the city. With winter fast approaching, temperatures in the capital are already reaching close to 0C at night and may dip to as low as 25C in mid-winter, putting those sleeping outside at risk of hypothermia. As people collect their relief items an elderly woman sitting alone on a bench starts shivering uncontrollably. UNHCR staff rush to help her and learn that she has not eaten for days and is about to collapse from hunger. "We go for days without food." She is not the only one in desperate need. A mother pleads for an additional packet of cereal so she can feed her children. And a 65-year-old grandfather explains that he has been trying to care for 26 family members since they returned to their home area from Pakistan in July only to find that their home had gone. They moved to Kabul where they have been living in the open since August. We go for days without food, he said, adding that one pack of relief items meant for a family of seven would not go far. But right now, anything is something. Afghanistan is facing a worsening humanitarian emergency with the economy near collapse and about half the population now reliant on aid. There are more than 3.5 million people displaced by conflict inside the country, including some 700,000 forced to flee this year alone. I used to plaster buildings before fleeing our village, said Safi Ullah, 25, who fled from Nangarhar Province in July. Rockets kept falling near our homes. We were forced to move to Kabul with only the clothes on our backs when our house caught fire after being hit. Insecurity is not the only factor forcing people to abandon their homes. Afghanistan is currently experiencing its second severe drought in four years and food production has been hit hard. In our own province, we faced drought and economic problems as our farms did not make enough harvest and we did not have any other source of income, said Ullah as he received his share of aid. Kotal Khairkhana is one of two parks in Kabul where displaced people are living in the open or under makeshift tents. UNHCR/Tony Aseh A family displaced to Kabul receive cash to help them return to their province. UNHCR/Tony Aseh Mohammad Nassir, 67, fled to Kabul from Laghman Province. He is disabled and in need of additional assistance. UNHCR/Tony Aseh Hunger was widespread even before the Taliban took control of the government two months ago, but it has worsened significantly according to the latest update from the World Food Programme. By mid-September, only 5 per cent of Afghans had enough to eat and one in three were facing crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Over the last two weeks, UNHCR has assisted some 100,000 people throughout Afghanistan with emergency shelters, blankets, solar panels, and cash for the most vulnerable. In total, it has reached more than half a million displaced people with assistance so far this year. The agency has established a logistics hub in Termez, in neighbouring Uzbekistan, to pre-position and rapidly deliver aid into Afghanistan and is scaling up its response to reach more displaced people before harsh winter weather sets in, but it needs more resources. Only 35 per cent of the funds needed to support operations over the next two months have been received. Ahmad Seraaj, 14, and his family fled Maidan Wardak Province in central Afghanistan to seek safety in the capital. We are a 13-member family and we moved to Kabul after our house was hit by mortar shells, he said, while queueing for aid with his father. We only brought a few belongings with us and have been facing economic problems as we cannot find work here. We are in dire need of help. Although the fighting has stopped, insecurity persists in their home area and the family is too fearful to return. "I can't go back." Some 156,000 displaced people have chosen to return home since fighting subsided, according to UN figures. Over the past week, UNHCR has supported 660 families to return home to northern regions of the country. Returnees receive US$200 per household to pay for transportation and another $400 to help them reintegrate. Another 280 families will receive help to return to the central highlands before the end of October. But many of those displaced to Kabul worry there is little left for them to return to, their homes and livelihoods having been destroyed by the fighting. I cant go back, said Mehraboudin, 28, who fled clashes in his home town in Parwan Province in July. What will I do there? I have no house and there are no jobs. Refugee and host community farmers sort through maize at Makpandu refugee camp in South Sudan, January 2021. UNHCR/Andreea Campeanu Geneva Scaled-up investments in local food systems are critical to ensure sustainable food security and nutrition for forcibly displaced people and host communities, three UN agencies say, ahead of World Food Day on 16 October. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the World Food Programme (WFP), warn that the most vulnerable, especially refugees, are hardest hit by food insecurity, which continues to be driven globally by conflict, displacement, economic shocks, climate crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. Conflict and climate stresses are destroying lives, crops and livelihoods, and undermining peoples ability to feed themselves, says Annalisa Conte, WFP Director of Geneva Global Office. Tragically, the climate crisis is set to be a catalyst for further conflict over competition for resources. What we see now is only the beginning. More than 11 million refugees are currently receiving humanitarian assistance to meet their food and nutrition needs. However, amid global funding shortfalls, assistance is not enough in many places, fuelling malnutrition and protection risks. Food security and nutrition in forcibly displaced populations, particularly refugees, is of urgent concern, says Sajjad Malik, UNHCRs Director of the Division of Resilience and Solutions. We need to collectively ensure humanitarian needs are met while supporting local government to build inclusive, healthy food systems. At a panel discussion organised to celebrate World Food Day, the three agencies highlighted how the inclusion of forcibly displaced people into local food systems can contribute to greater food security and communities socio-economic prosperity. In contexts where the impacts of conflict and forced displacement are strongly felt, its incredibly important that efforts to strengthen local food systems are inclusive of the most vulnerable, including refugees, internally displaced persons and returnees, says H.E. Felix Bauman, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. The United States remains committed to strengthening the capacity and resilience of all participants in food and agricultural systems and supply chains, particularly addressing vulnerable and underserved communities, says Ben Moeling, Charge dAffaires, a.i, U.S. Mission to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. The event spotlighted ongoing efforts undertaken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, South Sudan and Uganda. Speaking via video from a refugee camp in western South Sudan, Tubi Anibati Felicitee, a refugee from DRC highlighted how she is growing food crops for consumption and sale as part of a joint initiative that is implemented by WFP, FAO, UNHCR, a private sector company, NGOs and the Government of South Sudan. As part of these collaborative efforts, refugees such as Felicitee, receive support to increase production, reduce food waste, and access viable markets. Resilient, efficient and sustainable food systems are only truly possible in forced displacement settings, when populations, in particular women, girls and youth are actively engaged, says FAO Director of the Office for Emergencies and Resilience, Rein Paulsen. When we create inclusive food systems, together, we can open the door for durable solutions, where everybody wins. We need collective action now to scale up these efforts. As part of this years World Food Day celebrations, the UN is supporting the distribution of 300 lunch boxes to vulnerable people in Geneva, including refugees. The lunch boxes are prepared by CuisineLab, a social enterprise run by refugee chefs in the city, and distributed by Mater Fondazione. In addition, FAO is organizing a series of activities on 15 and 16 October in Geneva, including a World Food Day exhibition in Genevas Cornavin train station, which is organized in partnership with the Federal Office for Agriculture of Switzerland (FOAG), Partage Foundation, Genevas food bank and Ville de Geneve. The symbol of Geneva, the Jet dEau, at lake Leman will be illuminated in blue on the evening of Saturday, 16 October to mark the day. World Food Day marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' (FAO) which was first established on the 16th of October 1945 in Quebec, Canada. The day has been celebrated by millions of people in almost every single country around the world since its inception in 1979. The United Nations World Food Programme is the worlds largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We work in over 130 countries, protecting millions of people by responding with life-saving support, safeguarding fundamental human rights and helping them build a better future. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. The goal of FAO is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media, @FAOGeneva, @RefugeesMedia For more information please contact: High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi speaks with Syrian refugees Hind al-Hamad, 41, and Majida Shehada Ibrahim, 36, in Lebanon. UNHCR/Haidar Darwish BEIRUT, Lebanon At the end of a two-day visit to Lebanon, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi urged the international community to scale up its support to the Lebanese people and the refugees they host. I am visiting Lebanon during a very difficult moment, Grandi said. The Lebanese people and refugees are suffering as the political, economic and financial crisis is taking a toll on everyone. The High Commissioner met with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and other Ministers and officials to discuss how to better support the Lebanese people and Syrians in the country. I am making an urgent appeal to the international community to do more for refugees and Lebanese host communities. The support being provided to this dramatic situation is not enough. Lebanon continues to host the largest number of refugees per capita in the world. Nine out of ten Syrian refugees in the country are living in extreme poverty, and nearly half of Lebanese fall under the poverty line. Grandi also visited Syrian refugees in the Bekaa Valley who spoke of horrific struggles to be able to provide their families with basic needs. Families are desperate. Refugees told me that boys as young as 12 years old are not going to school because they have to work to support their families. Mothers told me that when their children are sick, they have to choose which one gets medicine and which does not. That is a choice no parent should have to face and yet many refugee and Lebanese families are now in the same situation, Grandi added. In light of the worsening economy and the impact of COVID-19, UNHCR increased its support to refugee and hosting communities, providing both direct assistance to families and infrastructure support. As part of its COVID-19 response, UNHCR provided 13 hospitals with ventilators, monitors and hospital beds. UNHCR has also been supporting hospitals with fuel. In the coming months, assistance will be provided to the most vulnerable refugee and Lebanese families to help them stay warm this winter. During his visit, Grandi also discussed UNHCRs efforts to find solutions to displacement, including resettlement, and safe and voluntary returns to Syria. While the majority of refugees say their wish is to return home eventually, most have not done so yet. It is important that we continue working with all stakeholders the government of Syria, the host countries, and the donor community to address obstacles to return and help create an environment that would enable safe and voluntary returns to Syria. This includes expanding the scope of humanitarian assistance inside Syria to help make any voluntary returns sustainable. Grandi left Lebanon for Syria, where he will meet Syrian officials and review the humanitarian situation and response. For more information please contact: Colombian refugees in Tortuga community, Darien border province, Panama, in a June 2012 file photo. UNHCR/Christian Laverde UN Agencies deeply regret the shipwreck in Acandi, Colombia, on October 11 of a vessel carrying around 30 people headed to Panama. Colombian authorities reported that three people lost their lives in the tragedy and another six, including three children, are missing. Yet again, the incident shows the despair to which families with children have been driven, as well as the risks to which people on the move are exposed during their journey, seeking safety, protection of their rights, and looking for a better life, while crossing borders often on irregular routes given the lack of routes for regular migration. Although population movements across the Darien region are not new, their magnitude, risk levels, and precariousness have increased in the last months. Similarly, the profile of people following this route and the variety of nationalities have broadened, mainly including people from the Caribbean and South America, and people from other continents. According to Panamas National Migration Service, between January and September this year, 91,300 people crossed the Darien Gap. UNICEF has reported that, out of those people, 19,000 were boys and girls, half of them less than five years old. As of September, more than 50 people had been found dead on the Panamanian side of the Darien route. This situation demands that the countries and civil society stakeholders involved collaborate in taking actions to ensure that the people missing during these journeys are searched and identified. Along the route, many people (particularly, women, girls, and boys) are exposed to risks and human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence, robbery, people trafficking, discrimination, extortion and kidnapping, among others. Most of these are committed by organized crime. Girls and women are particularly affected by the situation. Therefore, a response from a gender perspective is needed. UN Agencies highlight the need to strengthen safe, regular, or organized migration routes to reduce the risk of death. Additionally, they call to strengthen the investigations against national and transnational groups and networks involved in trafficking, smuggling and related illegal activities. Furthermore, UN Agencies urge States to protect the rights of all persons on the move (particularly women, girls, boys, and others with specific protection needs), including the right to seek and be granted asylum. Similarly, they encourage States to ensure effective access to basic services, regardless of someones migration status, the reasons why a person on the move left their country of origin, their income level, or their travel conditions or circumstances. Healthy economies and societies depend on well-managed human mobility to foster economic growth, reduce inequalities, connect diverse societies, and stimulate post-COVID-19 recovery. The collaboration between the authorities of the countries through which these mixed movements of population transit is necessary for an effective and comprehensive response that ensures safety and dignity for people on the move on a regional level. UN agencies stand ready to accompany this process. Joint statement by the regional offices of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Women, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). For more information, contact: Earlier this year, the AAMC projected an unmet need for up to 55,200 primary care physicians and 86,700 specialists by 2033, amid the rapid growth of the elderly population. (Dreamstime/TNS) Hunter Smith shared information about the airport with two Regional Directors on the staff of Alabama's U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville during their visit to Union Springs on October 6, 2021. Left to right: John Ferguson, Regional Director and Hunter Smith. (Photo by Faye Gaston) Each year, UNO celebrates excellence and faculty achievement by selecting a small group from among the hundreds of scholars, educators, mentors, and leaders across campus to be recognized for their key contributions to the institution and the academy. On Thursday, Oct. 14, UNO's 2021 Faculty Honors Convocation recognized a select group of facilty names as campus and college award recipients for excellence in research and creativity; mentorship; service learning; and more, as well as identifying newly-named professorships and chairs. Information on the awards, and faculty recipients, is also included below: Campus-Wide Faculty Awards Award for Distinguished Research or Creative Activity The Award for Distinguished Research or Creative Activity recognizes faculty who have contributed to their field in new and exciting ways through the work they have produced. The 2021 recipients of this award are: Guoqing Lu, Ph.D. Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences Lu earned his Ph.D. in biology and his two MS degrees respectively in computer science and biology. He studies a broad spectrum of biological problems from virus evolution to ecosystem function using interdisciplinary approaches. He has made highly significant and original research contributions in bioinformatics and genomics recognized nationally and internationally. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research articles and received external funding from NIH, NSF, USDA, USFWS. He serves as an associate editor or editorial board member of several international journals. He develops and maintains several web resources serving research communities. Paul H. Davis, Ph.D. Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences Davis is an infectious disease scientist who uses a combination of molecular biology and bioinformatics to identify promising new antimicrobial compounds for future clinical use. Most of his focus is on global health, where he seeks to address needs in underdeveloped areas of the world. He has co-authored several scientific publications and patent applications, supported by the mentees in his translational biomedical research laboratory. Moreover, Davis helps lead multiple federally funded internships at UNO including INBRE, ADEPT, UHOP, and AHEC scholars programs, which help prepare students for careers in biomedical research and clinical care. He serves as founding director of the UNO Health Careers Resource Center, an advising center for UNOs pre-health students. Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award The Outstanding Gradudate Mentor Award recognizes that unique relationship between a faculty member and their graduate students. The 2021 recipient is: Julie Blaskewicz Boron, Ph.D. Department of Gerontology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service Julie Blaskewicz Boron is a professor of gerontology and the Leo Missinne Professor of Gerontology. She serves as the Graduate and Doctoral Program Chair. As director of the CAPACITY Lab, her research aims to help aging adults achieve and maintain their cognitive and physical capacity so that they can experience a high quality of life and independent lifestyles. She is also the Gerontology Pillar PI for the UNO Big Idea Transforming Wellness and Aging through Business, Informatics, and Gerontology, which is a collaboration with colleagues in gerontology, informatics, and business. She has been recognized as a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. She serves on the American Psychological Association Division 20 Executive Committee, the Editorial Board for Innovation in Aging, Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, and is an associate editor for Current Psychology. Outstanding Faculty Service Learning Award The Outstanding Faculty Service Learning Award recognizes a UNO faculty member who provides experiential learning experiences by linking coursework to community impact. The 2021 recipient is: Jodi Benenson, Ph.D. School of Public Administration, College of Public Affairs and Community Service Jodi Benensons teaching and research interests include civic engagement, nonprofit organizations, social policy, and social equity. As an assistant professor in the School of Public Administration, she incorporates service-learning and other civically engaged pedagogies into her teaching, and serves on dissertation and thesis committees throughout the university. She also serves as the Academic Director for the U.S. Department of States Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Institute on Civic Engagement, and has published community-engaged teaching and research in venues such as the Journal of Public Affairs Education, the Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education, and the Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership. Excellence in Teaching Award The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes superior efforts, dedication, and exemplary conduct in the performance of the universitys first task: the education of its students. The 2021 recipient is: Kelly Gomez Johnson, Ed.D. Department of Teacher Education, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Kelly Gomez Johnson is an assistant professor of STEM Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her teaching and research focus on effective and equitable K-16 STEM teaching, learning and leadership practices, particularly in mathematics. Her collaborative work and leadership on internal and external projects have attracted nearly $4 million dollars in funding since 2016. These student-centered projects investigate active teaching and learning communities in college mathematics, multi-layered support mechanisms for underrepresented students in STEM, and scholarship programs to recruitment, develop and retain and retention of highly qualified STEM teachers. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in Teacher Education, provides mentorship to students across campus, and collaborates with community organizations to provide access and support to students, staff, and faculty. Her philosophy as an educator is to serve and empower others in relevant learning experiences and opportunities that enrich their lives. Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award The Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in either global or community engagement. The 2021 recipient is: Lana Obradovic, Ph.D. Department of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences Lana Obradovic, Ph.D. is an associate professor of political science, the director of the Intelligence Community Center of Excellence and the Holocaust and Genocide Studies Minor. She serves as the Academic Director of USSTRATCOMs Strategic Leadership Fellows Program at UNO and co-chairs the international USSTRATCOM Academic Alliance Conference. She is an active board member of the International Studies program and European Studies Conference, and a founding member of The Goldstein Human Rights Center. She has brought UN Association-US charter and large refugee awareness events to our campus. Her research and engagement have attracted grant funding, including the Big Idea for Security Studies, the NU Collaboration Initiative, and the State Departments BOLD Youth Civic Leadership Institute in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she is currently on sabbatical. Her many publications include the award-winning book, Gender Integration in NATO Military Forces and research projects for NCITE. College-Level Faculty Awards Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award Sacha Kopp, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, presented the 2021 UNO Alumni Association Alumni Outstanding Teaching Awards. These awards recognize faculty for their teaching and commitment to student success. The awards were established in 1997 and, since then, have been awarded to more than 200 faculty. Each year, nine faculty are recognized for their teaching and commitment to student success. Recipients are selected through a competitive process by a committee of their peers in each college. This year's recipients are: College of Arts and Sciences Sam Ammons, Ph.D., Department of Sociology Robert Darcy, Ph.D., Department of English Paul H. Davis, Ph.D., Department of Biology College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Abby Bjornsen-Ramig, Ph.D., Department of Counseling College of Business Administration Jamie Wagner, Ph.D., Department of Economics College of Public Affairs and Community Service Jodi Benenson, Ph.D., Department of Public Administration College of Information Science & Technology Briana B. Morrisson, Ph.D., Department of Computer Science College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media Hugh Reilly, M.A., School of Communication UNL College of Engineering Seunghee Kim, Ph.D., P.E., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Named Chairs and Professorships Peter Kiewit Distinguished Professor Philip Nordness, Ph.D. Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Hollis and Helen Baright Foundation Professor of Real Estate Studies David Beberwyk, M.S. Department of Finance, Banking and Real Estate, College of Business Administration Robert T. Reilly Professor of Communication Chin-Chung Chao, Ph.D. School of Communication, College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media Heather Hundley, Ph.D. School of Communication, College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media Elizabeth H. Reynolds and Beverly B. Reynolds Professor of Public Affairs and Community Service Samantha Clinkinbeard, Ph.D. School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, College of Public Affairs and Community Service Margaret Killian Diamond Professor Danae Dinkel, Ph.D. School of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Charles W. and Mary C. Martin Professor of History Charles W. King, Ph.D. Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences Paul Kennedy Diamond Professor Beth Leader-Janssen, Ph.D. Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences John Lucas Diamond Professor Steve Schulz, Ph.D. Department of Management, College of Business Administration Charles W. and Mary C. Martin Professor of Western American History Mark Scherer, Ph.D. Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences Harlan and Nancy Noddle Professor of Business Administration Ben O. Smith, Ph.D. Department of Economics, College of Business Administration William C. Hockett Diamond Professor Roopa Venkatesh, Ph.D., CMA School of Accounting, College of Business Administration University-Wide Awards University-Wide Departmental Teaching Award Department of Management The UDTA honors a department that has outstanding pride and loyalty in its dedication to the education and to the mission of its students, at the undergraduate and at the graduate level. These departments within the University of Nebraska have made a unique and highly significant contribution to the teaching effort of the university. At the University of Nebraska, everything we do is about our students. The faculty and staff of the UNO Department of Management bring that commitment to life every day, University of Nebraska Ted Carter said when the award was announced this past March. The department is a model of excellence and collaboration in preparing the future leaders of Nebraska. These colleagues bring great benefit to our university, our communities and the entire state, and I am honored to recognize their extraordinary achievements." The Department of Management, in the College of Business Administration, is led by Dean Michelle Trawick, Ph.D., and Chair John Erickson, Ph.D. Innovation, Development and Engagement Award (IDEA) Christine Cutucache, Ph.D. The Innovation, Development, and Engagement Award (IDEA) honors members of the University of Nebraska faculty who have extended their academic expertise beyond the boundaries of the University in ways that have enriched the broader community. Cutucache is the Haddix Community Chair of Science and associate professor of biology at UNO, as well as director of UNO's STEM TRAIL Center. A tumor immunologist-turned-science educator, Cutucache has secured nearly $11 million in extramural funding, published 34 peer-reviewed articles on her research, and been selected as a Fulbright Scholar. "This is truly an award for Nebraska -- and I get to simply accept the award on the community's behalf," Cutucache said. "To me, this award signifies and emphasizes the spirit of, and commitment to, innovation that NU offers and engenders. It showcases how NU continuously champions diverse ways of thinking and problem solving, and empowers our team to discover, collaborate, and invent, all in service of our amazing state and community." Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award (ORCA) Nikolaos Stergiou, Ph.D. The Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award (ORCA) honors members of the University of Nebraska faculty who have conducted outstanding research or creative activity of national/international significance. Stergiou is assistant dean and director of the Division of Biomechanics and Research at UNO as well as the Distinguished Community Research Professor and founding chair of the Department of Biomechanics, and director of the Center for Research in Human Movement Variability at UNO. "To be honored not only by the university, but the entire NU system, means so much to me," Stergiou said. "This particular award, recognizing outstanding research and creativity, is an acknowledgment of why I entered academiato perform high-quality research. I look at this award as a recognition of all the people who have supported me as well as the students and researchers of UNO Biomechanics: our donors, the Scotts, Dean Edick, and the many people who believe in our work." Stergiou also received the University of Nebraska Innovation, Development and Engagement Award (IDEA) award in 2018. Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award Ramazan Klnc, Ph.D. The Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award (OTICA) honors members of the University of Nebraska faculty who have developed meritorious and sustained records of excellence in teaching and creativity related to teaching. Klnc, is a professor of political science and director of the Islamic Studies Program at UNO. He teaches courses on comparative politics and international relations of the Middle East. He is a graduate of Bilkent University in Turkey and Arizona State University, and previously taught at Michigan State University. Klncs most recent articles appeared in Comparative Politics, Political Science Quarterly, Politics and Religion, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, and Turkish Studies. He is a past winner of UNOs Excellence in Teaching Award, the UNO Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award, and the American Political Science Associations Weber Paper Award and Sage Paper Award. "When one works with so many great colleagues who extend themselves above and beyond the expectations of their jobs, it is not easy to consider anything that one does as outstanding. However, it is a privilege to be counted among so many accomplished educators," Klnc said. Today (15th October 2021), Gold Rates in Pakistan is 98,900 per 10 grams, and the rate of Gold is 115,300 per tola. See prices of 22k, 24k, 21k and 18 karat Gold Prices of all cities here. Gold Rate in Pakistan today on 15th October 2021 - Per Tola Gold Rate in Pakistan today is 115,300 for 24-Karat, 105,734 for 22-Karat. Per 10 gram Gold Rate in Pakistan today is 98,900 for 24-Karat, 90,658 for 22-Karat. UrduPoint brings you the latest prices for gold rates, silver rates on a daily basis and updates the rates every hour. Gold Rate in Pakistan Today Karachi is the center of the gold market in Pakistan because Gold prices are set by the Karachi Sarafa Market. All other cities set the gold price according to the Karachi Sarafa Bazar Association for Gold Price. According to the below table, the gold rates in different cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan and Peshawar are the same. Location 24k 10g 24k per tola 22k 10g Pakistan Rs 98,900 Rs 115,300 Rs 90,658 Karachi Rs 98,900 Rs 115,300 Rs 90,658 Lahore Rs 98,900 Rs 115,300 Rs 90,658 Islamabad Rs 98,900 Rs 115,300 Rs 90,658 Rawalpindi Rs 98,900 Rs 115,300 Rs 90,658 Peshawar Rs 98,900 Rs 115,300 Rs 90,658 Quetta Rs 98,900 Rs 115,300 Rs 90,658 Sialkot Rs 98,900 Rs 115,300 Rs 90,658 The World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKA), an advocacy group, has called on world powers to take steps to end India's occupation of Kashmir where, it said, the people's demand for self-determination keeps growing stronger, despite brutal suppression WASHINGTON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Oct, 2021 ) :The World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKA), an advocacy group, has called on world powers to take steps to end India's occupation of Kashmir where, it said, the people's demand for self-determination keeps growing stronger, despite brutal suppression. In a statement released ahead of the 75th anniversary -- on Oct 27-- of India's massive invasion and occupation of Kashmir, known as "Black Day," the forum said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been enduring relentless violations of privacy and human rights at the hands of Indian occupation forces. "As Indian armed forces continue to imprison Kashmir's political leaders, journalists, and human rights activists, Kashmiris' demand for self-determination keeps growing stronger.," the forum added. "We denounce India's occupation of Kashmir and the various other violations it has inflicted upon Kashmiris, including illegal surveillance, imprisonment, online harassment, and permanent revocation of democratic and legal rights since August 5, 2019. " "On this monumental day", it said, "Kashmir and its supporters reflect on the crisis that has defined hundreds of thousands of lives. "We call on India to put an immediate end to the undemocratic surveillance, human rights abuses, and occupation," the forum said. "We demand an immediate end to the accelerated targeted killings and imprisonment of over a thousand of innocent civilians in the last few days. "It is imperative that the world powers stop the Indian forces from continuing to occupy Kashmir, and we ask for the international community to demand accountability and justice," the forum added. WASHINGTON, DC, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Oct, 2021) H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has met with members of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), as part of his visit to the United States capital, Washington DC. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the strategic relations between the UAE and the US, and their efforts to solidify foundations of security, stability and peace in the region. The meeting also touched on the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement by the UAE and Israel, and its role in achieving peace and stability in the middle East, meeting the aspirations of its peoples for development, and its role in boosting prospects of cooperation between the two countries across many vital fields. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the AJC members and praised their role in promoting mutual understanding and spreading the values of coexistence and tolerance among peoples. He also referred to the importance of the Abraham Accord - considering it a constructive ground - for reaching peace and consolidating the pillars of security and stability in the Middle East region. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Dr. Sania Nishtar Friday said that more than three-quarters of the entire Ehsaas' benefits go to most rural women and girls under the "Ehsaas 50%+ benefits policy for women and girls". ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Oct, 2021 ) :Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Dr. Sania Nishtar Friday said that more than three-quarters of the entire Ehsaas' benefits go to most rural women and girls under the "Ehsaas 50%+ benefits policy for women and girls". In a message on the occasion of International Day of Rural Women, Dr. Sania paid tributes to all rural women in the country for their contributions towards reducing rural poverty. She said that "Mazdoor Ka Ehsaas Report" released on May 1, 2021 strongly recognizes the work of rural women and home-based workers all over the country. National Poverty Graduation Initiative of Ehsaas aims to graduate poorest households, particularly rural women out of poverty and set them on a course of economic and social prosperity. Launched in July 2019, Ehsaas interest free loans for poverty graduation aims to impact 14.7 million vulnerable people in four years with half of them women, she said . Out of 1.4 million interest free small business loans disbursed so far, 46% went to rural women across 110 districts. Dr. Sania said that the programme is steering the socio-economic transformation of women in remote areas, supporting them financially to establish small scale enterprises around petty trade, livestock, poultry and fish farming, agriculture, tailoring, embroidery and beauty parlors to improve their economic conditions. Ehsaas policy framework and strategy explicitly recognizes the work of rural women involved in agriculture. Enabling 1.4 million individuals to come out of the shackles of poverty, 60% of small livelihood assets have been allocated for rural women under the 4-year Ehsaas Amdan programme. The Rs 15 billion programme is operational in 388 rural union councils of 23 poorest districts across the four provinces. Ehsaas Amdan assets include livestock (goats, cows, buffaloes, and poultry), agricultural inputs, body of auto rickshaws, agriculture tools, cotton ginning machines and inputs for small retail outlets and enterprises. All the eight million beneficiaries of the Ehsaas Kafaalat cash transfer programme and the Ehsaas Savings Wallets (One Women One Account financial inclusion initiative) are women, Dr. Sania said. In 2020, during COVID-19 pandemic, Ehsaas delivered 54% emergency cash to women including those from rural areas. This year 12 million women from underprivileged families are being paid Ehsaas cash. In addition to the Ehsaas education Stipends, Ehsaas Nashonuma, which provides specialised nutritional food and cash transfers to mothers and their children under two to prevent stunting in 15 most stunted districts, also has a higher stipend policy for the girl child, she said. Under Ehsaas' Undergraduate Scholarships, over 142,000 need and merit-based scholarships have been given to students in all districts of Pakistan, with strictly half of all scholarships reserved for girls. Part of Ehsaas framework, gender data disaggregation and its use for accountability is central to programme review, monitoring and reporting. Through the Ehsaas Delivery Unit, the progress on the 50%+ benefits for women and girls' metrics are stringently being monitored. "We must reimagine the role of rural women in the future workforce, which is being transformed by technology, digitization and burgeoning innovations", she added.. Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday chaired a review meeting on sale price and hoarding of sugar wherein he directed the authorities concerned to make strict legislation against sugar hoarders and profiteers ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Oct, 2021 ) :Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday chaired a review meeting on sale price and hoarding of sugar wherein he directed the authorities concerned to make strict legislation against sugar hoarders and profiteers. The prime minister also called for ensuring implementation of track and trace system of sugar mills to ascertain the production volume of the commodity. The state would take strict action against the profiteers who were the enemies of the poor masses, he remarked. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, PM's Advisor on Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar, Special Assistant to PM Dr Shahbaz Gill and senior officers attended the event. Punjab Industries Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal and Punjab Chief Secretary joined through video link. The Punjab chief secretary told the meeting that all district administration had been directed to monitor the implementation of fixed sugar sale price. Moreover, the process of legislation against the hoarders and profiteers was also in progress, he said. Moreover, the CCTV cameras had also been installed at the sugar mills to examine the quantity of sugarcane and sugar production. Besides, the data would also be obtained from sugar mills on daily basis during the crushing season. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday describing the overseas Pakistanis as country's precious asset said the provision of international standard's skill training to youth included in the government's foremost priorities ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Oct, 2021 ) :Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday describing the overseas Pakistanis as country's precious asset said the provision of international standard's skill training to youth included in the government's foremost priorities. Pakistan Embassies abroad have been directed to ensure the export of skilled manpower in cooperation with the Ministry of Federal education and Professional Training as well as the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, he added. The prime minister was presiding over a review meeting regarding priority sectors. He said with a comprehensive policy formulated for the first time, all institutions were making plans through mutual cooperation and by keeping in view the international requirements of manpower. The prime minister said the government was committed to provide all possible facilitation to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He also directed to take care of the stipulated timeframe on measures for priority sectors. The meeting was apprised of making easy the administrative process for export of manpower and progress on memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed during the Prime Minister's visits abroad. It was further informed that Overseas Employment Portal had also been launched to enhance manpower exports. The meeting was told that the portal was serving as a link between the overseas employment opportunities and the candidates. It was further informed that the portal, which was also identifying skill set required at international level, was helping the capable candidates in finding overseas employment in a transparent manner. The meeting was told that with a government strategy already finalized to assist the local skilled people in getting employment abroad, priority sectors and countries had been identified in the first phase. Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training would provide skill training in the identified priority sectors, it was told. The meeting was told that 50,000 people trained by the ministry had so far remitted US$ 2.6 billion from abroad through their services in various sectors. It was further told that National Accreditation Council by getting certification from five international institutions so far was holding dialogue with other institutions. The prime minister directed for early completion of the measures to increase the export of manpower. The meeting was told the implementation of MoUs signed during the prime minister's visits abroad was in progress. The projects facing any hurdles would also be implemented soon by addressing the issues. \more At least seven people were killed at 13 others injured in the suicide blast near a Shia mosque in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, according to preliminary information, an eyewitness told Sputnik on Friday KABUL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2021) At least seven people were killed at 13 others injured in the suicide blast near a Shia mosque in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, according to preliminary information, an eyewitness told Sputnik on Friday. Meanwhile, another local resident told Sputnik that 20 people were hospitalized with injuries. The Russian mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) has significantly assisted the country's Customs Administration by strengthening its technical capabilities, the CAR government's secretary general Maxime Balalou said in an interview with Sputnik MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2021) The Russian mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) has significantly assisted the country's Customs Administration by strengthening its technical capabilities, the car government's secretary general Maxime Balalou said in an interview with Sputnik. "We are grateful for the work done by the Russian economic mission. Great job that allowed our customs officers to be more efficient," Balalou said when asked to evaluate the work of the mission following its cessation. On October 10, Russian experts halted technical support at customs posts throughout CAR after the government decided to reconsider cooperation with Russia on the matter. Balalou noted that Russia's support allowed CAR mobilize domestic resources to build and improve its technical capabilities. Additionally, the mission helped the country's customs services restore their coats of arms and train personnel "to do their jobs well by themselves," Balalou added. The official also said that the government was planning to continue cooperation in other areas, such as road infrastructure and fight against tax evasion. Experts attending a counter-terrorism and de-radicalization symposium in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou have called for international cooperation on counter-terrorism and joint efforts to tackle risks and challenge BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Oct, 2021 ) :Experts attending a counter-terrorism and de-radicalization symposium in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou have called for international cooperation on counter-terrorism and joint efforts to tackle risks and challenges. Held both online and offline, the fourth global symposium on counter-terrorism, de-radicalization and human right protection attracted officials, experts, scholars and representatives from non-governmental organizations from countries including China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, Italy and Pakistan. Jiang Jianguo, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said during the event that the global challenge posed by terrorism has reached an unprecedented level over the past two decades. Counter-terrorism has become a consensus of the international community and significant progress has been made in the global fight against terrorism. Double standards must be abandoned on the issue of counter-terrorism, and no one should politicize or instrumentalise counter-terrorism, or interfere in other countries' internal affairs and infringe on their sovereignty under the pretext of counter-terrorism, added Jiang. Speaking by video link, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Pakistan Senate Defence Committee, said that the issue of human rights has been politicized and used as a political weapon by certain countries to exert pressure on others that do not serve their interests. The attacks on China by some Western countries using issues related to China's Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet are also politically motivated, which reflect the double standards pursued by Western countries, he said. Liang Yuchun, an expert at Xinjiang Normal University, said that China's counter-terrorism approach was not only consistent with the common practice of the international community, but also features Chinese characteristics. "This has effectively curbed the frequent occurrence of terrorist incidents and protected to the greatest extent the basic rights of people of all ethnic groups, including their right to subsistence and development," said Liang. To date, no terrorist incident had been recorded in Xinjiang for more than four consecutive years, the expert pointed out. Alfred De Zayas, former senior human rights expert at the United Nations, said via video link, "While the United Nations recognizes that terrorism is a scourge of our times that must be combated, we also know that we cannot defeat terrorism merely by brute force. It is necessary to look for the root causes and to try to correct the injustices and imbalances that lead some people to commit terrorist actions." The expert also pointed out that one of the feasible means of combating terrorism is to achieve sustainable development goals, including the eradication of poverty worldwide. The seminar was co-sponsored by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the information office of the Guangdong provincial government, and hosted by Jinan University. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday described as inaccurate, the premises of the EU-Ukraine summit's statement alleging Russian "aggression" and status as a party to the Minsk Agreements, saying they contradict the situation on the ground. The 23d summit between the European Union and Ukraine took place in Kiev on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen signed a joint statement in which they condemned alleged "acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces" against Ukraine and urged Moscow to fully implement the Minsk Agreements. "Russia was directly called an aggressor and in very blunt, unquestioning tones we were required to implement the Minsk agreements, because, as stated there, we are a party to that document. This seriously contradicts the truth and contradicts even such ambiguous statements made to us by German and French experts in response to our direct question about who are parties to the Minsk agreements," Lavrov told reporters. The conflict in Donbas between Ukraine's government and the breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk republics has been going on since 2014. The Minsk Agreements, designed to find a political settlement to the conflict, were negotiated by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine comprising the Normandy group in February 2015. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has repeatedly stated that the Minsk Agreements do not mention Russia as a side to the conflict. BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2021) The European Union plans to adopt a new package of sanctions against Belarus in November, an EU source told reporters on Friday. The source said that the bloc is working on the new package of sanctions and expects it to be approved next month. Russia on Friday launched a population census delayed several times by the coronavirus pandemic that has exacerbated the country's worsening demographic crisis Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Oct, 2021 ) :Russia on Friday launched a population census delayed several times by the coronavirus pandemic that has exacerbated the country's worsening demographic crisis. The census started as Russia set pandemic highs for both new coronavirus infections and deaths over 24 hours for the second day running, as its jab drive stalls and a lack of strict restrictions allow the virus to spread unchecked. Officials registered 32,196 new cases and 999 deaths from Covid-19, raising Russia's official toll from the virus to 221,313 -- the highest in Europe. Russia's population has been in near constant decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, due to a low birth rate, an under-resourced healthcare system and emigration. The coronavirus pandemic, which has killed at least 400,000 people in Russia according to the national statistic agency Rosstat, has seriously aggravated the problem. Rosstat uses a broader definition of deaths linked to the virus, while Russia's official toll only takes into account fatalities where Covid-19 was established as the Primary cause of death after an autopsy. In 2020, Russia's population shrank by 510,000 people -- the sharpest decline in 15 years, Rosstat calculated. It found that the population, which numbered 146.2 million as of January 1, declined by another 595,000 people by the end of August. Russia has also seen its birth rate stagnate as the mortality rate spikes, Rosstat data shows. The country is seeing falling birth rates because the generation becoming parents now were born in the 1990s, when the birth rate fell drastically due to economic uncertainties. President Vladimir Putin, who has pointed to poverty as a key factor in limiting family size, has over the years announced a litany of financial incentives to encourage Russians to have more children to boost the population. To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, much of the census will be conducted online, while workers will be regularly tested for the virus, Rosstat said. Russia has conducted two previous census counts since the fall of the Soviet Union, in 2010 and 2002. One of the only times Russia's population has grown in the years since the Soviet collapse was in 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine, adding more than 2.5 million people. The census will run until November 14 and preliminary population figures are expected in April. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, discussed the situation in Syria in a telephone conversation with the head of the Syrian opposition Peace and Freedom Front, Ahmad Jarba, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2021) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Presidential Special Envoy for the middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, discussed the situation in Syria in a telephone conversation with the head of the Syrian opposition Peace and Freedom Front, Ahmad Jarba, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday. "During the exchange of views on the development of the situation in and around Syria, special attention was paid to the issue of political settlement in the Syrian Arab Republic on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a press release. The Russian side reaffirmed its fundamental support for the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria, the ministry said. In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, in Moscow, during which he criticized the presence of Turkish and US forces in northern Syria as a violation of international law. The war in Syria has been ongoing since 2011, with various insurgent groups, including terrorist organizations, fighting the Syrian military in order to topple the government of Assad. UN Security Council Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, reaffirms the UN's commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Turkey has played a considerable role in the conflict by supporting various opposition groups fighting the Syrian government, attacking the Kurdish forces located in Syria, while hundreds of US troops are stationed in eastern Syria helping Kurdish-led fighters in a fight against the Islamic State terrorist group (banned in Russia). Serbia will protect its brethren in Kosovo in case of aggression from Albanians but hopes that there will be no such need, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th October, 2021) Serbia will protect its brethren in Kosovo in case of aggression from Albanians but hopes that there will be no such need, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday. On Wednesday, clashes between local Serbian population and police in the Kosovar city of Mitrovica resulted in several people sustaining injured. One of the protesting Serbs was shot and had to undergo urgent surgery. "When will you understand that you are cornered, as a country, left with no other choice but to either give up or fight. Giving up is not an option, and let others think if the savagery of Albanians will be justified in the north (of Kosovo). I know what we ought to do we will protect our people. Period. I hope you will never get to see how (we do it)," Vucic said in a televised statement. Serbs in northern Kosovo started protests after the police launched anti-smuggling raids on pharmacies and stores. Following aggressive clashes, the Kosovar authorities deployed special police units to the region. A total of 10 Serbian protesters sustained injuries, and two of them were hospitalized. On Wednesday, Vucic had a meeting with Kosovar Serbs in the city of Raska. The Serbian leader urged the NATO-led Kosovo Force mission to fulfill its commitments and defend Serbs living in the self-proclaimed republic. Concord, NH The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force is happy to announce the arrest of Belknap County fugitive, Logan McCallister Graham in Lebanon, New Hampshire by the U.S. Marshals NH Joint Fugitive Task Force. Graham had just been featured yesterday as this weeks Fugitive of the Week. As part of this search for Graham, he was featured as the Fugitive of the Week on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. This feature was aired on WTPL-FM, WNTK-FM, WTSN-FM, WEMJ-FM, The Union Leader, The Nashua Telegraph, The Patch, Manchester Information, the Manchester Ink Link, The Rochester & Lebanon Voice and prominently featured on the internet. The Fugitive of the Week continues to be a very successful tool that has resulted in the location and arrest of over 500 fugitives since its implementation in 2007. Additionally, the Fugitive of the Week was also to be distributed statewide to all law enforcement officers in New Hampshire. Graham, 26 years-of-age, was last known to live in Laconia, NH when he failed to appear in the Belknap County Superior Court on a charge of 2nd degree assault on a child under the age of thirteen. The arrest warrant for Mr. Graham was issued on August 4th, which was just recently turned over to the task force to locate and arrest him. After being featured yesterday as the Fugitive of the Week, a lot of information was developed pointing to an apartment in Lebanon, NH. Late this morning, members of the NH Joint Fugitive Task Force were able to locate and arrest Graham at a residence on Spencer Street in Lebanon. Although Graham initially attempted to close the door on the task force and indicated he would not be arrested, he was quickly subdued and taken into custody. After Mr. Grahams arrest, he was transported directly to the Belknap County Jail, where he was held pending his initial court appearance on this serious charge. U.S. Marshal Nick Willard said, The task force continues to help our state, county and local task force partners throughout New Hampshire by seeking out and arresting fugitives that think they can avoid arrest by moving across the state or across the country. Willard continued, Mr. Graham did not think anyone would find him in Lebanon, NH, but the task force proved him wrong today. Additionally, this afternoon the U.S. Marshals - NH Joint Fugitive Task Force arrested Joseph Gordan, 61, whose last known address was in Fort Myers, Florida. Gordan was wanted a warrant issued out of Lee County, Florida alleging lewd or lascivious molestation of a child between the ages of 12 and 16. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Florida requested the assistance of the NH Joint Fugitive Task Force to locate and arrest Gordan. Information was developed in New Hampshire indicating that Gordan was possibly in the Milford, New Hampshire area today. After a short period of surveillance, Gordan was observed in Milford Square, where he was arrested without incident by the task force. Mr. Gordan was transported to the Milford (NH) Police Department, where he was charged as fugitive from justice based on the outstanding Florida warrant. Gordan will be held at the Hillsborough County Jail pending his arraignment and eventual return to Florida to face these allegations. These extensive investigations were conducted with the assistance of several partner agencies of the U.S. Marshals NH Joint Fugitive Task Force including, the Belknap, Rockingham and Strafford County Sheriffs Office, the Lebanon, Milford and Greenfield Police Departments, along with deputy U.S. Marshals. Since the inception of the U.S. Marshals - New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 8,218 arrests (Updated as of 12/16/2020). These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 8 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries. Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov. #### Americas First Federal Law Enforcement Agency Submitted PhotoMargaret Mullins, national security advisor for Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnocks office along with Dr. Lucy Green, Moody Air Force Base advocate, recently visited the Valdosta campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to learn more about the military and veteran services at the school. Metropolitan Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea Fuanya says he is dismayed by the worlds indifference towards the conflict in the English speaking territories of Cameroon. Vatican News English Africa Service. In many other parts of the world where there is an ongoing conflict, if someone dies or there are attacks, the press all over the planet talk about it. In Cameroon, clashes, killings, massacres or kidnappings have taken place every day for years, but nobody talks about it. Obviously, they are of no interest to anyone, and this increases our suffering, observed Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya. He spoke to the Agenzia Fides. What is the Anglophone Conflict? The Anglophone Crisis sometimes referred to as the Ambazonia War or the Cameroonian Civil War, is an armed conflict in the English speaking territories of Cameroon. The Anglophone regions of Cameroon are the South-West and North-West regions. They make up about twenty per cent of Cameroons population. The current conflict spiralled out of control following the 201617 Cameroonian protests about marginalisation. The protests were forcefully suppressed by Cameroonian authorities. What resulted was a low-scale insurgency that has since intestified and spread to most parts of the English speaking areas. Political observers say that the violence has recently worsened. The insurgents known as Amba Boys fighting the security forces seek to form a separate state called Ambazonia. Worlds indifference is troubling Archbishop Nkea is saddened by the general silence from the international community towards the conflict in Cameroon. In the last five years, the conflict has caused thousands of deaths and created families that are internally displaced. Over one million persons have fled and become refugees in Nigeria. People just want a normal life The political situation is still very difficult, and the crisis continues. There is no way out. Violence increases, and more and more weapons circulate among the separatists. The population is exhausted. They no longer want war. They just want a normal life. The Church and other religious communities in the area say they are committed to promoting dialogue and national reconciliation. No alternative to dialogue There is a platform of religious leaders which is now a point of reference for all dialogue. We speak directly to the government and then to the Amba Boys. We meet them secretly, and we are in constant contact. In the meantime, we are also trying to talk to the (Ambazonia) independence leaders in the diaspora. Thwy are important because they are very influential people. Although carried out with great difficulty, the dialogue is bearing some fruit, such as the reopening of schools. Now sixty per cent of young people attend school regularly, said Archbishop Nkea. The Archbishop of Bamenda added, This conflict can never be resolved with arms. There is no alternative to dialogue," he emphasised. (Agenzia Fides) The Commission of the Bishops Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) is asking the EU to intensify its fight against poverty in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. By Lisa Zengarini European bishops are calling on the European Union to listen to the cry of the poor and to leave no one behind in the recovery process following the Covid-19 pandemic. The call was made on Thursday in a statement released by the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), which proposes several good practices and recommendations on how to enhance the fight against poverty in Europe. The Statement Listen to the cry of the Poor in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its recovery has been prepared by the COMECE Social Affairs Commission and aims to take stock of the existing EU strategies to tackle poverty, report some actions of the Church to support people in poverty during the pandemic, and bring its recommendations to the attention of the EU institutions and leaders. 10% of European workers at risk of poverty The 11-page Paper notes that although poverty and social exclusion have declined in the EU in the last decade, the ambitious social target of Europe 2020 of a reduction of 20 million people at risk of poverty or social exclusion was not met. In 2019, around 91 million people were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU. This represents about one in five persons living in the EU. Further data shows that in 2020, around 10% of European workers were at risk of poverty, the Commission writes, remarking that the COVID-19 crisis has hindered any possibility to overcome a situation of poverty. Multiplication of fragility situations While the pandemic has not created an explosion of poverty, there has been a multiplication of fragility situations affecting the life of persons, families and communities across the Union, the Statement points out, calling attention to the increase of in-work poverty and the worrying situation of many workers who do not benefit from dignified working conditions or do not have their work valued. Need for a multi-dimensional approach Although fighting poverty is one of the main social priorities of the EU, according to European bishops more should be done to measure and tackle new forms of poverty that have emerged clearly during the pandemic. The EU and its Member States need to better acknowledge the multi-dimensional approach of poverty in order to leave no one behind. Good practices and recommendations The Paper goes on to offer examples of "good practices" put into action by a number of institutions, and with the support of different Church organizations, to help meet the most pressing needs of people in poverty. It concludes with eleven recommendations, including strengthening material and food assistance under EU funding; finding better ways of measuring poverty that match the present reality; facilitating access to affordable and decent housing; working to prevent over-indebtedness; and promoting decent work, quality education, and solidarity. Following the Pope's visit to the Roma community in Slovakia, a Salesian priest who works in the area describes the effect the Holy Father's visit had on those living in the neighbourhood. By Vatican News staff writer At the conclusion of the Popes 34th Apostolic visit abroad, the day after the Pope met with members of Slovakias Roma community, Fr Maros Peciar, a Salesian priest who works with local authorities in the Lunik IX, where the Pope visited the Roma community, spoke to Lydia OKane about his experience following the visit. Visit to the Roma community Fr Peciar describes what he saw after the event had finished. While cleaning the areas where the pilgrims had been, he describes the unusual silence that surrounded them. Usually music and voices go on until midnight, he notes, "or even much later. Instead, Fr Peciar says that the local inhabitants were unusually quiet. We saw that the people felt they were loved, said Fr Peciar, they were very very happy. Such a small thing he said, really made a difference. The Pope in Slovakia Speaking more generically of the Popes trip to Slovakia, Fr Peciar says he believes the Pope visited just to make us stronger in light of our faith, because we see that a lot of different ideas are present in the life of the Church. Maybe we are not all courageous like pope Francis asks us to be, he says. The Pope underlined this in his final homily says Fr Peciar: inviting us to walk on the street of life.. to be prophets of our time.. and to be rich in compassion, and these three points, Fr Peciar stresses, are how we can be stronger with our faith. Following his audience with Pope Francis, Armenian president Armen Sarkissian speaks with Vatican Media about relations with the Holy See, and his memories of the Popes. By Christopher Wells I think its easy to describe relations between the Vatican and the Republic of Armenia, said President Armen Sarkissian. I think I can even describe that in two words: very good. He added, Im not saying excellent, because I hope that we can do even better. President Sarkissian was speaking with Vatican Media in the Armenian Embassys new location close to the Vatican, following his visit on Monday with Pope Francis. Sarkissians involvement in Armenian-Vatican relations goes back to the first days of independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, when he served as the first Ambassador to numerous western countries, including the Holy See. Back then I was a young scientist who had just become a diplomat, I was guided by a very wise, experienced patriarch [Catholicos Vazgen I] on how we could develop relations with the Vatican. Gratitude for Vatican support He expressed his appreciation of the tremendous support the Vatican has shown for Armenia, noting, in particular, the visit of Pope St John Paul II to the country in 2001. And every Armenian worldwide, and every friend of Armenia, will never forget that in 2015, there was a special Mass at the Vatican, devoted to the 100 years commemoration of the Armenian genocide. Impact of the papal visits Asked about the impact of the visits of the popes to Armenia, President Sarkissian noted the extraordinary personality of John Paul II, an historic figure known to all. Dont forget, we are the first Christian state in the world; and that first Christianity is in the DNA of every Armenian, he said. So I think the visit of the Pope to Armenia was a huge event. The same was true for the visit of Pope Francis, he said, for many reasons, but especially for what he stands for. Pope Francis, he said, speaks very openly of principles and values. The human values Pope Francis stands for, he said, are very important values in this very complex quantum world, where a lot of things are unpredictable and there are no stable ideologies or pillars of human behaviour, and there is so much uncertainty, and if you're weak with your soul the uncertainty takes you into nowhere. He said, Having a single leader that has a clear mind, [who] puts clearly human values, values that are common for everyone gives hope to people. He added that for Armenians, during the recent war with Azerbaijan, hearing the voice of the Holy Father and the Vatican was quite an encouragement. The continued support of the Vatican, he said, highlighted the value of the relationship with Armenia. You know who is your friend in need and in difficulty, and in the support you have, Sarkissian said. And this continues We highly appreciate the support of the Holy Father and the government of the Vatican during the difficult days that we were facing last year. Pope Francis and President Sarkissian exchange gifts during their meeting on Monday Building relations The President emphasized the importance of enlarging and improving relations between Armenia and the Holy See in the areas of education, science, and culture. Pointing to a memorandum of understanding signed earlier that day by the Vatican and Armenias ministry of cultural education, he noted that, while the use of natural resources changes, human values of intelligence, knowledge, science, and culture remain. This, he said, is where we have to build up our relations between the Vatican and Armenia, between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church, and between Catholics all over the world and Armenians all over the world. Memories President Sarkissian also recalled the warm memories of his personal relationship with John Paul II, noting the Polish pontiffs kindness and attention to his family, even inviting him as ambassador to bring his children on his visits to the Vatican. That kindness has continued with Pope Francis, the president said. Today was great, because when we visited the Holy Father [Francis], I took both of my sons. He explained that, after having met John Paul II many years ago as small children, it was a wonderful experience them to meet once again meet a Pope now that they were grown men with families of their own. A man of prayer And its something very important for me, the president said, that despite all of the difficulties that I personally went through cancer, illness, through other difficulties in my life that the faith, faith in God, has helped me to be strong, and here I am, after many years, back again, now as the president meeting the Holy Father. President Sarkissian spoke about his own faith: I'm one of those people that came to believe in God through life experience and science, he said, rather than simply being born into the faith. It was in the former Soviet Union, where his mother practiced the faith in secret, that he came to his own faith in God, through philosophy, science, astrophysics, physics, and quantum cosmology a journey to a firm faith that he said took some time. Valuing what is good Im one of those that pray before going to bed, said President Sarkissian, and I'm happy to say that my three grandchildren, they also pray. And that's wonderful because they go to bed and they thank God for wonderful things that happened to them during the day. That, he said, is valuing what is good in your life, and praying for those who are important for you. And, he revealed, the same thing happens to me. So, I pray every night, and I pray for Pope Francis too. Every night. As the world prepares to mark World Food Day, WFP's Martin Penner highlights the harsh reality regarding global food insecurity as well as the negative impact covid 19 has had on already suffering nations By Francesca Merlo Pope Francis recently described hunger as a crime that violates basic human rights, and according to Martin Penner, spokesperson for the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), this is a message that cannot be ignored. World Food Day As the world prepares to mark World Food Day, Penner notes that it is sobering to know that after years of decline, world hunger is rising unabated. At the moment, he says, there are up to 811 million hungry people in the world. If you look at a graph the numbers very clearly go down.. until about 2017 when they gradually start going up. But recently, Martin Penner warns, the rise has been quite significant. Aerial photo of a food aid drop zone near a village in South Sudan where the WFP carried out a food drop of grain. The recent figures The most recent report on World Hunger was released in July and it shows that up to 161 million more men, women and children fall into hunger as conflict, climate extremes and economic slowdowns take their toll. Unfortunately, it is the usual suspects that are suffering the most: Yemen, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, Congo these are the places, says Penner, that unfortunately have been struggling for several years. People affected by an earthquake in August wait for food, Haiti The impact of Covid-19 All of this, Penner says, has been worsened by the Covid19 pandemic, which he describes as a misery multiplier. He explains that it comes as another layer on top of challenges that the poor are already facing and asks that we imagine the impact this pandemic must have had on families in situations in which there are already conflict, economic turmoil, and climate emergencies. In this regard, Martin Penner notes that economic slowdowns in many countries have been exacerbated, or even caused, by the Covid-19 pandemic. He explains that this refers mainly to job losses, in which people who were already living on the edge, hand to mouth, lose their work as the economy contracts and subsequently cant buy food. So they sell their assets, they sell the things they own, and the situation only gets worse. That, unfortunately, is the downwards spiral that is sometimes being seen. Listen to our interview with Martin Penner, for the World Food Programme COP26 Climate change is actually one of the main factors causing hunger in the world, Penner warns and its actually getting worse. Luckily, he adds that with COP26 being just around the corner, people are becoming aware of this. Around 200 world leaders will be meeting in Glasgow in November for COP26, the global United Nations summit on Climate Change, where countries will be asked to reveal how they are planning to tackle it and undersign new commitments. The Holy See will be represented at COP26, and Penner believes that Pope Francis voice is crucial. The attention that the Holy Father gives to the worlds hungry and vulnerable is very important, he says. It helps ensure that these issues stay firmly on the agenda for world leaders. We sincerely hope that leaders attending COP26 remember that climate and food are very closely linked, in other words: a climate crisis is a hunger crisis. Climate Climate impacts have, in fact, joined conflict as a root cause of hunger, and even famine, says Penner. He uses Madagascar as an example. Struck by life-threatening droughts, 1.1 million people in the country are suffering from hunger, and of these 14,000 are in famine-like conditions. Unfortunately, he warns that this figure is expected to double by the end of the year. A water tank is seen in the village of Ankilidoga. It was built to collect rainwater, but the inhabitants cannot remember when this tank was last filled. Madagascar. In quoting a recent analysis made by the World Food Programme, Penner highlights the frightening fact that a mere 2C rise in average global temperature will see 189 million people more going hungry in the world. A news release from the agency on Thursday warned that in this case, vulnerable communities, a vast majority of whom rely on agriculture, fishing, and livestock and, who contribute the least to the climate crisis, will continue to bear the brunt of the impacts with limited means to cushion the blow. Climate and conflict With regards to extreme climate events in conflict-affected areas. Resources are already scarce due to conflict, and climate events destroy what little there is and hamper humanitarian efforts reaching communities. An example of this is Afghanistan, where a third of the population is left reeling with hunger. Women are seen lined up outside of a bakery shop in Kabul Action At the World Food Programme, like at its sister agencies, there are projects in place aiming to deal with this. Penner says they could be put into three categories The first is in trying to anticipate climate hazards, and so, getting there before they turn into disasters. We use early warning systems to trigger financial support .. early rather than late.., he says. Another way is to restore natural ecosystems because, he explains, they are our natural shields against climate hazards. And then, of course, he concludes we need to protect the most vulnerable with safety nets and insurance against climate extremes. We must not forget that climate and hunger are very closely linked. Farmers walk on their failed crops in Northwestern Afghanistan World Food Day is marked annually on October 16th. This year, with October 16th being a Saturday, the World Food Programme, along with other Rome-based organisations are celebrating on Friday 15th. Celeste Silling is the Education and Outreach Manager at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. The GCBO is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the birds and their habitats along the entire Gulf Coast and beyond into their Central and South America wintering grounds. An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2021 will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Vietnam.... Auditing suppliers in Vietnam is imperative for businesses to prevent any supply chain issues, particularly during a pandemic. While Vietnam is an ideal location as a China plus one destination, supply chain shifts can bring new challenges such as poor labor and factory conditions as well as product quality issues. Factory audits can help mitigate supply chain issues, though investors should conduct regular audits on their suppliers to help limit any potential issues and improve productivity. Many foreign investors diversifying their supply chains are choosing Vietnam to manufacture and export their products. However, these supply chain shifts can bring new challenges to a business, including labor problems, poor factory conditions, or product quality issues. This is especially true for brands that manufacture in Vietnam and export their products using unreliable suppliers or factories. It is imperative for businesses to evaluate suppliers to prevent any supply chain issues that may affect business as normal. With a significant amount of manufacturing and supply chains shifting to Vietnam, it is easy to get caught in an oversight that results in significant losses. This is particularly true for countries like Vietnam, where laws are still catching up with mature supply chains of the US or Europe. Many auditors do not have a physical presence in Vietnam and hire third parties who sub-contract audits, particularly as Vietnam reels from the fourth outbreak of COVID-19. This can impact the quality of the audit, particularly when local auditors are not familiar with best international practices or when foreign companies are not familiar with common local business practices. Two manufacturers let down by auditors Between 2001 and 2010, Nike contracted with Korean factory operator Hansae Co Ltd, which operated several factories in Vietnam. The Korean firm sent 93 percent of its goods to the US from its factories in China, Guatemala, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Saipan and Vietnam. The Fair Labor Association (FLA) was granted access to Hansaes factory making Nike goods in June 2016. The FLA and the Workers Right Consortium were allowed a second access in October 2016, following pressure from US consumers on allegations of poor factory conditions such as labor abuse as well as health and safety violations in Vietnam. The audits discovered several issues, including unsafe working conditions, forced overtime, verbal abuse as well as health and safety issues. This is despite Nike conducting audits at Hansaes factory premises. The reason Nike failed the audits was because they had used third-party auditors for their internal factory audits without thoroughly checking if reports were factual or inaccurate. In July 2019, a French court charged Samsung with false claims on respecting worker rights at its Asian factories including Vietnam. Samsung has been accused of exposing workers to chemicals and forcing workers to work overtime. This is despite audits by third parties as well as the countrys labor ministry. Factory audits help mitigate supply chain issues Foreign investors looking to manufacture in Vietnam should carry out a thorough audit of their suppliers to ensure their network is protected from risks and quality issues. A factory audit typically takes place after a group of potential suppliers have been screened to make way for the final few candidates. This audit is usually the last step in a sourcing process and is used to verify where goods are actually made as well as factory production capacity and capability. Factory audits are onsite inspections that can be done by the potential investor or a third party at a factory. Beyond this, however, there is significant variance in what a factory audit covers and how businesses can approach the process. The most common types of audits are social compliance audits, quality system audits, goods manufacturing audits, as well as an environmental audit. In addition to these, there are several sub-audits, such as the SA8000 and the SMETA audits, which are a form of social compliance audits. Investors can use several other types of factory audits such as quality control audits, security audits, and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) audit to verify their suppliers depending on their requirements. Some security audits such as C-TPAT, the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), and ISO 28000 are even required by some brands for import to countries like the US and UK. While a factory audit is a good practice before selecting a supplier, businesses should conduct regular audits on their suppliers to help limit the potential for supply chain problems and improve productivity. This will also help ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. The sourcing process can be a long one, however, due diligence on sourcing partners will ensure investors are able to improve their planning and limit the potential for risk. Businesses should seek to identify independent advisors with an in-country presence to audit suppliers in Vietnam. Note: This article was first published in August 2019, and has been updated to include the latest developments. On Oct. 11, Liaoning province in China issued a level two alert for power shortage. Liaoning is part of Chinas rust-belt industrial region. It is the largest power consumer among the three provinces that make up the area. This was the fifth time in the past two weeks that the province had issued the alert, warning that power shortfall could reach as much as 5 gigawatts (GW). A level two alert would mean that existing power is short by up to 20 percent of the total power demand. The region has been facing power cuts since mid-September. A notice issued by the government department for the industry in Liaoning asked businesses to cut down power use at 6 a.m. Beijing is urging top coal mining areas like Shanxi and Inner Mongolia to ramp up production. However, rains and floods in Shanxi have proved to be a roadblock to such efforts. Sixty coal mines in the province have been shut down due to flooding; several railway lines have been disrupted. Coal mines with a combined capacity of 4.8 million tons are currently not operational. In Inner Mongolia, roughly 200 coal mines have been asked to boost production. The Chinese regime is also trying to import as much coal as possible to make up for the domestic shortage. September coal imports surged by 76 percent to 32.88 million tons, the highest level for the year and the fifth-highest monthly tally on record. Power plants have been allowed to charge market prices to commercial customers, which is expected to hit power-hungry industries like chemicals, cement, and steel. This may eventually affect the countrys exports. Although power rationing doesnt appear to have derailed the export sector so far, there is still a risk that it could do so in the coming weeks And while officials have made clear that the focus of power rationing will be energy-intensive sectors such as metals and chemicals, the hit to output in these industries could filter through supply chains and hurt downstream exporters, Julian Evans-Pritchard, Senior China Economist at Capital Economics, said in a note. Chinas September producer price index (PPI), which is a measure of prices that factories charge wholesalers, rose by 10.7 percent compared to a year ago. This is the highest PPI YoY increase since data began to be collected by the National Bureau of Statistics in Oct. 1996. Dong Lijuan, a senior statistician with the NBS, admitted in an interview with China-backed CGTN that the price of industrial products had increased due to rising coal prices. Many foreign businesses have raised concerns about the coal shortage and the consequent power crisis. European Union Chamber of Commerce representatives recently reported that some businesses just received a notice giving only one hour to reschedule shifts on plants having as many as 1,000 employees. The chamber has called for a scientific, transparent approach in such matters and improved communication of decisions. We need far better communication from the government to help our companies to cope We dont ask for privileges. We just ask for clarity, Joerg Wuttke, the organizations head, told South China Morning Post. At the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange, coal futures hit a new intraday record on Oct. 13 with a price of 1,640 yuan ($254.30) a ton. According to Bloomberg Intelligence Analyst Michelle Leung, communist Chinas coal shortage might ease this month. However, demand can spike up in December and January when the weather is usually colder. The Polish government is at loggerheads with the European Union over jurisdictional rights leading to a looming walkout of Warsaw and possibly financial sanctions imposed by the supra-national governing body. Tension reached a tentative climax after the Polish Constitutional Tribunal ruled that the process of legal integration as encoded in EU treaty law had reached a new stage and was irreconcilable with Polish National Law. The bodies of the European Union act outside the powers conferred on them by the Republic of Poland, said the ruling and continued that in case it is allowed to stand, Poland cannot function as a sovereign and democratic state. As soon as the news broke, many European Rule abiding proponents of the Union like France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands denounced the act of Polish nationalist boldness and called for heavy financial punishment of renegade Warsaw, in case it would not live up to its agreements, or even to leave the union, causing a Polexit. While speaking to a gathering of pro-EU demonstrators in Warsaw on Sunday, Oct. 10, Donald Tusk, former head of the European Council and now leader of Civic Platform, said that a pseudo court, a group of people dressed in judges gowns and on the order of the partys leader, in violation of the Polish constitution, decided to lead our homeland out of the EU. After all, we know very well why they want to leave the European Union, Tusk added. In fact in order to violate citizens rights with impunity, to violate democratic principles and to steal without restraint, Tusk said, as per AP. Meanwhile, the Polish government vehemently denied the country is considering to opt-out of the Union, but, at the same time, demarcates the boundaries of its own judicial territory. All obligations arising from both primary and secondary European Union law remain in force and thus, will be continue to be fully respected by Poland, it said in a statement. The provisions of the Treaty of the European Union indicated in the judgment remain in force. What cannot be accepted are only the forms of their interpretation or application that violate the constitution. Even more so, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki dismissed the spreading of rumors that the Poles are planning to desert the bloc as hearsay, and fake news. Our dear opposition are trying to insinuate that we want to weaken the union by leaving the EU, Morawiecki said during a summit of the four central European Visegrad nations in the Hungarian capital Budapest on Tuesday. This is obviously not just fake news, it is something worse it is a lie that aims to weaken the Union. Relations between Poland and the EU started to show cracks when, in 2015, Morawiecki and his conservative, patriotic Law and Justice Party, or PiS, won the presidential and parliamentary elections. Soon after his installation, the new President Andrzej Duda started assigning several constitutional judges that would rule more in line with the partys principles, much to the outrage of several EU hardliners and the European Court of Human Rights, that deemed it a breach of Polish legal codes. According the BBC, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that our utmost priority is to ensure the rights of Polish citizens are protected and that Polish citizens enjoy the benefits granted by the membership of the European Union. But PiS justified the decision, claiming it would contribute to the judges accountability; meanwhile the appointments were a means of purging corrupted incumbent elements from the communist era (19451989). Looming financial penalties ordained by Brussels will hit exactly the Achilles heel of the Poles as the countrys economy leans heavily on tens of billions of dollars in European grants, and subsidies it receives annually. Meanwhile, Morawiecki has new problems rising at the eastern horizon, where he faces an enormous influx of immigrants coming from neighboring Belarus. An incident on Sept. 2 caused the government to proclaim a state of emergency along its along its 260-mile (418-kilometer) border region. Mass immigration has been a structural problem for some years now for Morawiecki and his Party, who accuses Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus of destabilizing eastern European borders and Polish society by swaying the immigration flood gates fully open in an attempt to push back on European sanctions imposed on Minsk. Property firms in China are going through one of the most difficult times in recent memories, with real estate giant Evergrande and a host of other companies unable to pay loans and suffering from a credit crunch. The property firms have been hit with a spate of downgrades given the chaotic situation of the sector and the potential for a severe market weakening. S&P Global has downgraded Greenland holdings and E-house, two renowned names in the Chinese property sector. Ratings could be downgraded even further, the agency said. We see a risk that a disorderly correction in the property market could cause sharp price declines, hitting the personal wealth of homeowners Such an event could also contribute to large-scale losses by investors in wealth management products, and the contractors and service firms that support the developers, Kim Eng Tan, a credit analyst at S&P Ratings, said in a report. Fitch ratings recently issued its largest downgrade, pushing back Moderna Land Co. to a C rating. The downgrade followed the companys announcement that it was seeking investor consent to extend a bonds maturity date by three months. With more real estate firms missing their bond repayment dates, trust in these companies are also falling as evidenced by the share market. Property shares have declined by almost 20 percent in 2021. According to analysts at JP Morgan, the property share market will continue to be volatile for the short term. Customers are also getting apprehensive about buying homes. In August, the countrys home sales by value fell by 20 percent, which is the biggest drop since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a crisis at Evergrande is now slowly revealing itself as affecting the entire property sector of China. Based on data compiled by Bloomberg, missed payments by real estate developers accounted for 36 percent of the 175 billion yuan (US$27.1 billion) in onshore corporate bond defaults seen this year. Property companies are due to pay $555.88 million worth of dollar coupon bonds this month. Before the year ends, $1.6 billion in payments are due. In 2022, at least $93.2 billion bonds are scheduled to mature. Meanwhile, Evergrande missed out on paying the third round of interest payments on international bonds recently. Back in September, the company had failed to meet two payments. And on Oct. 11, $150 million in payments due on three bonds were also not paid. The real estate developer, which has 1,300 projects spread over 280 cities, has racked up over $300 billion in liabilities. The Evergrande situation is so critical that Zou Lan, an official from the Peoples Bank of China, openly blamed the company for creating the crisis. In recent years, the company failed to manage its business well and to operate prudently amid changing market conditions Instead, it blindly expanded and diversified, Zou said. However, he insisted that the risk of spillover to the financial industry is controllable. The government is accelerating asset disposal and ensuring that Evergrande has access to funds to restart construction. To cool off the property market, Beijing is insisting that properties not be used as a short-term stimulus for the economy. The rapid rise in real estate prices has triggered mortgage restrictions in some cities. There is also a large decline in the growth of property sector loans. During Taiwans National Day Celebrations on Oct. 10, President Tsai Ing-wen promised the people that she would fight communist Chinas escalating pressure to annex the island nation. Her statements come after the communist regime has sent more planes recently intruding into Taiwans Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in a show of intimidation. The celebrations featured a parade showing Taiwans defense capabilities. We will do our utmost to prevent the status quo from being unilaterally altered We will continue to bolster our national defense and demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves in order to ensure that nobody can force Taiwan to take the path China has laid out for us, Tsai said in her speech. The path offered by communist China is neither a free and democratic way of life for Taiwan, nor sovereignty for our 23 million people. The Taiwanese President is overseeing the modernization of the island nations military prowess. That initiative includes building indigenous submarines and developing long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Chinese territory, for example. During her speech, Tsai said that though her government would not act rashly, there shouldnt be any illusions that the Taiwanese people will bow to pressure. The annual parade displayed a wide range of weaponry, armored vehicles, and missile launchers. Fighter jets and helicopters flew overhead the crowds. This was followed by a squad of CM32 tanks and trucks loaded with state-of-the-art missile systems. Apart from the military display, the parade also featured Taiwanese Olympic medal winners from the Tokyo summer games and public health officials. Al Jazeeras Rob McBride, reporting from Hong Kong, called President Tsais speech defiant. He said that the speech reflected the prevailing view in Taiwan at the moment, where the majority of the people are equally resistant to the increase in pressure from mainland China. Communist China quickly responded to the Taiwanese Presidents comments, accusing her of distorting facts and inciting confrontation. Chinas Taiwan Affairs office mentioned that any pursuit of independence closes the door to dialogue. Communist China is also upset by reports that U.S. military forces have been stationed in Taiwan to boost the island nations defenses. The deployment has existed for over a year. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian asked the U.S. states to recognize the high sensitivity of the issue and halt military contact with Taiwan. He warned that Beijing will take all necessary measures to protect what it perceives to be Chinese territory. The CCP believes that Taiwan is simply a breakaway province that should be reunified with the mainland even by the use of force. U.S. lawmakers have applauded the deployment. I think its a good thing for us to show support for the folks of Taiwan and to show China that we mean business and hands off Taiwan, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst told the Washington Examiner. Ernst is the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Special Operations Command. Republican Senator Rick Scott also supported the deployment, warning that Chinese President Xi Jinping is into world domination. In a recent article at Foreign Affairs, Tsai had called on the international community to support Taiwan, recognizing its value as a democratic nation in contrast to the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. She warned that if Taiwan were to fall into communist Chinas hands, it would be catastrophic for the idea of democracy since it would mean that authoritarianism has an upper hand. Southeast Asian foreign ministers began a special meeting Friday to try to address a political crisis in Myanmar, with some countries set to push for a tougher response to the ruling military's reluctance to follow an agreed peace roadmap. The junta's failure to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian access and start dialogue with all parties in the five months since the roadmap was announced has tested the credibility of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is leading the international diplomatic effort. The online meeting began Friday evening, according to sources from two ASEAN governments. Myanmar's military seized power in a February 1 coup led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, which ended a decade of tentative democracy and triggered a backlash that has plunged the country into chaos. But the lack of progress so far has exasperated several ASEAN members, including the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, which have indicated they could back excluding Min Aung Hlaing from an ASEAN leaders' summit later this month. Malaysia's Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah earlier Friday said the meeting would discuss ASEAN special envoy Erywan Yusof's hopes to visit Myanmar next week, and gauge its willingness to commit to what it agreed upon. "If there is no real progress then Malaysia's stand would remain that we do not want the general to be attending the summit. No compromise on that." Myanmar has been one of ASEAN's most divisive issues since it joined the bloc in 1997 as a military dictatorship lambasted by the West for its iron-fisted rule, testing ASEAN's unity and denting its international image. Shutting out Min Aung Hlaing, though not formally recognized as an ASEAN leader, would be a big step for the bloc, which has a policy of non-interference in each other's affairs and has long favored engagement over punitive measures. The junta boss in April agreed to ASEAN's five-point plan as a way out of the turmoil since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi, alleging fraud in an election her party won in a landslide. NO PROTOCOL Saifuddin, Malaysia's top diplomat, said that without a consensus, there was no protocol for excluding an ASEAN member. However, he said there would be a solution. "We do not have a system where you downgrade a particular member's representation to the summit. So, there are probably other ways of doing this," he said. Zaw Min Tun, the Myanmar junta spokesman, this week said ASEAN envoy Erywan would not be allowed to meet Suu Kyi because she is charged with crimes. Myanmar's foreign ministry late Thursday said it was committed to the ASEAN plan and receiving the envoy. It suggested that Erywan should prioritize ways to "build trust and confidence" on his first trip. Thailand's foreign ministry took a conciliatory tone and saw Erywan's visit as "an important first step in the process of confidence-building with a goal of encouraging dialog." "We also believe in the collective wisdom of all ASEAN member states, including Myanmar, to overcome all challenges together, in the spirit of the ASEAN family," it said. U.S. President Joe Biden travels Friday to the northeastern U.S. state of Connecticut Friday to promote his proposals to provide economic relief to working families and to dedicate a human rights center. In the state capital of Hartford, the president will deliver remarks about his Build Back Better plan to provide relief for working families by creating jobs, expanding childcare, and cutting costs by raising taxes on corporations, the White House said in a statement. Bidens proposals, which also address climate change, will be included in a multitrillion dollar reconciliation bill that is being negotiated in Congress. Biden will later visit the University of Connecticut in the town of Storrs, where he will speak at the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights, which focuses on community-based human rights programs. The center is named after former U.S. senators Thomas and Christopher Dodd. The late Thomas Dodd also was a lead prosecutor for the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, after World War II. Christopher is Thomas Dodds son, who earned a reputation as a human rights advocate for his efforts to end abuses in Central America while serving in the senate from 1981 to 2011. Some information for this report came from the Associated Press. Kenya is a major African player on the world geopolitical stage as evidenced by U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to meet with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday, Biden's first in-person talks with an African leader since becoming president. "The U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership is essential," Biden said, as the two leaders sat down in the Oval Office. "We both, I think, believe it is essential to addressing key regional and global challenges," he said. After the meeting, the White House said the pair discussed their shared commitment to defending democracy and human rights, advancing regional peace and security, and accelerating economic prosperity through climate-smart solutions and the use of renewable energy resources. The White House also said, in that statement, that the two underscored the need to bring additional transparency and accountability to domestic and international financial systems and to advance peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Somalia and Ethiopia. In Kenya's next-door neighbor, Ethiopia, war has raged in the northern Tigray region for nearly a year. The conflict has killed untold numbers of people the death toll itself is a subject of contention. The United Nations estimates the war has plunged 5.2 million people into a humanitarian crisis and sent more than 63,000 fleeing into neighboring Sudan. "Today, we're going to discuss what more Kenya and the United States can do together on the Horn of Africa to advance peace and security," Biden said during the public opportunity before the closed-door meeting. Neither leader mentioned Ethiopia by name. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, however, said the two leaders had discussed the landlocked nation and described the conflict in stark terms. Biden last month signed an executive order threatening to impose sanctions on "those responsible for, or complicit in, prolonging the conflict in Ethiopia, obstructing humanitarian access, or preventing a ceasefire." The sanctions, which have not yet been imposed, would affect the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the federal governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Amhara regional government, and other parties in the conflict. "Obviously, what's happening in Ethiopia, it's an atrocity," Psaki said, responding to a question about when the United States would initiate sanctions. "It's horrific. It's something that, frankly, I'm happy you're asking about because there hasn't been probably enough attention here in the United States to what's happening." African solutions to African problems? The lack of international oversight over the conflict, both in Tigray and in Addis Ababa, is a concern. In September, Ethiopia expelled seven senior United Nations officials, indicating that the Horn of Africa power is not easily influenced by outside forces. As Ethiopian leaders and ordinary citizens are inclined to note, Ethiopia is the only African nation that has never been colonized. That historic mistrust, said Fergus Kell, an analyst with British research organization Chatham House, makes a fellow African state like Kenya a smart choice to exert influence. "Regionally, Kenya has been a long-standing partner of the U.S. in terms of counterterrorism, particularly with respect to Somalia," said Kell, speaking from Kano, Nigeria. "But increasingly, this is also about the situation in Ethiopia. As the Biden administration weighs up stronger punitive measures, Kenya has been one of the most vocal African countries on the crisis." This week, Kenyatta told reporters at the United Nations that the warring sides in Ethiopia must reach "a political resolution, because we do not believe that there is any military solution." 'I want to talk to you about that' The White House also said the leaders discussed democracy and human rights issues as well security, economic growth, climate change and "the need to bring transparency and accountability to domestic and international financial systems." The last subject is likely to touch on revelations about Kenyatta and his family's offshore holdings. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists said in its recent Pandora Papers reports that Kenyatta's family had stowed away about $30 million in offshore wealth. There is no evidence that the Kenyatta family stole any state assets. When asked by VOA on Wednesday about the push for transparency and the Pandora Papers revelations, 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," she 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." Biden said Thursday he planned to discuss the issue with his Kenyan counterpart in private. "We're also going to talk about strengthening financial transparency and accelerating economic growth," Biden said, as the two smiled and reclined in armchairs near artwork depicting American civil rights champions Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. "You've spoken to that, Mr. President; I want to talk to you about that," Biden added. VOA's Chris Hannas contributed to this report. U.S. President Joe Biden touted his proposal for more government investment in child care during a visit to Connecticut on Friday, part of his push for a broader social spending bill that has been stalled in Congress. "How can we compete in the world if millions of American parents, especially moms, can't be part of the workforce because they can't afford the cost of child care or elder care?" he asked at a child development center in the state capital of Hartford. Biden said his plan would allow lower-income families to receive free child care and would limit child care expenses for many more Americans to less than 7% of their salaries. The president spoke about his own difficulties with child care when he was a young congressman after his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. He said he "could not afford child care" for his two sons and commuted to Washington every day from his home state of Delaware so his relatives could help with child care. Biden's child care proposals are part of a $3.5 trillion spending package that also addresses climate change; funds a host of social programs, including prekindergarten and paid leave; and raises taxes on corporations. The plan, called Build Back Better by the Biden administration, has been stalled in Congress over objections to the price tag by centrist Democrats and lockstep opposition by Republicans. The dispute over the legislation has also been holding up another bill, a $1 trillion infrastructure package. That legislation passed the Senate this summer with bipartisan support. However, House progressives say they won't vote for the infrastructure bill unless there is progress on the social spending bill, while Democratic moderates do not want to vote on the larger spending bill until the infrastructure bill passes. During his trip to Connecticut, Biden is also attending the dedication of the Dodd Center for Human Rights at the University of Connecticut, which is being renamed to honor Biden's longtime friend, former Senator Christopher Dodd, as well as Dodd's father, former Senator Thomas Dodd. In additional to being a senator, the late Thomas Dodd was also a lead prosecutor for the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, after World War II. His son, Christopher Dodd, earned a reputation as a human rights advocate for his efforts to end abuses in Central America while serving in the Senate from 1981 to 2011. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Ecuador and Colombia next week to meet with leaders there. He will be in Quito, Ecuador, Oct. 19 to meet with President Guillermo Lasso and Foreign Minister Mauricio Montalvo. They will discuss democratic governance, counternarcotics cooperation, and opportunities for trade and investment, among other topics, according to a State Department press release. On Oct. 20, Blinken will give a speech on the challenges facing democracies in the region. He will then go on to Bogota, Colombia, where he will meet with President Ivan Duque Marquez and Vice President-Foreign Minister Marta Lucia Ramirez to discuss advocating for strong democratic governments in the region, sustainable peace and reconciliation, irregular migration, combating drug trafficking and other issues. Blinken will co-lead a meeting to address supporting safe, orderly, and humane migration policies. The trip will be Blinkens third to the region. A former Taliban commander previously accused of kidnapping an American journalist pleaded not guilty on Friday to murdering three U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan in 2008, telling a federal judge that the "accusations are incorrect." Haji Najibullah, 45, appeared in federal court in Manhattan to enter the plea after prosecutors last week unveiled new charges against the accused former Taliban commander in Afghanistan's Wardak Province, adjacent to Kabul. The indictment alleged that Taliban fighters under Najibullah's command attacked a U.S. military convoy, killing U.S. Army Sergeants First Class Matthew Hilton and Joseph McKay, Sergeant Mark Palmateer and their unnamed Afghan interpreter. If convicted, Najibullah could face life in prison. Najibullah is charged with 13 counts, including providing material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, murdering U.S. nationals, kidnapping and hostage-taking. "These accusations are incorrect," Najibullah said through a Pashto language interpreter. "None of these belong to me. There are many other stories behind this." The Taliban in August retook power in Afghanistan, almost 20 years after being ousted in a U.S.-led invasion. Washington is pressing the Taliban to release a kidnapped American and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed for extremist groups. Senior U.S. and Taliban officials held their first face-to-face meeting in Doha, Qatar, over the weekend. The latest indictment comes a year after prosecutors accused Najibullah of kidnapping an American journalist in 2008. Though prosecutors did not identify the journalist, a law enforcement official familiar with the matter told Reuters last year that the case involved David Rohde. Rohde, a Pulitzer Prize winner who is now at The New Yorker magazine and previously worked for Reuters and the New York Times, escaped in 2009. An explosion ripped through a Shiite mosque Friday in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, killing at least 47 people and wounding more than 70, according to a Taliban official. The blast went off during Friday prayers, usually attended by large crowds. Pictures and videos shared on social media showed a bloody scene inside the mosque, with bodies and body parts strewn about and worshippers trying to rescue the wounded. Hafiz Sayeed, the Taliban's chief for Kandahar's department of culture and information, later told The Associated Press at least 47 people were killed and at least 70 wounded. Islamic State Khorasan Province claimed responsibility for the attack, saying on its Telegram channels that it was carried out by two suicide bombers in different parts of the mosque. The explosion came a week after a Friday-prayer attack in another Afghan city, Kunduz, left more than 50 dead. That attack was claimed by Islamic State Khorasan Province, the local branch of the Islamic State group. IS Khorasan had claimed a Uyghur carried out the Kunduz attack. In an interview with VOA earlier this week, Taliban Deputy Information Minister Zabihulah Mujahid denied that ISKP was a serious threat, despite multiple attacks, including one on a gathering for the last rituals of Mujahids own mother in Kabul. He said the only reason IS Khorasan had managed to carry out attacks in recent weeks was that the Taliban broke open many jails when it took over the country, allowing IS Khorasan facilitators to escape. Our forces are trying to find its 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, Mujahid said. IS Khorasan claimed a Uyghur had carried out the Kunduz attack, but Mujahid said China had not discussed the issue with the Taliban. Friday's bombing was the fourth high-profile bombing claimed by IS Khorasan since August 15, the day the Taliban took control of Kabul. The group also claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Kabul airport while thousands of Afghans who were fleeing from the Taliban were being evacuated. That attack killed nearly 100 Afghans and 13 American service personnel. VOA's Ayaz Gul, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report. Facebook was used to spread disinformation about the Rohingya, the Muslim ethnic minority in Myanmar, and in 2018 the company began to delete posts, accounts and other content it determined were part of a campaign to incite violence. That deleted but stored data is at issue in a case in the United States over whether Facebook should release the information as part of a claim in international court. Facebook this week objected to part of a U.S. magistrate judges order that could have an impact on how much data internet companies must turn over to investigators examining the role social media played in a variety of international incidents, from the 2017 Rohingya genocide in Myanmar to the 2021 Capitol riot in Washington. The judge ruled last month that Facebook had to give information about these deleted accounts to Gambia, the West African nation, which is pursuing a case in the International Court of Justice against Myanmar, seeking to hold the Asian nation responsible for the crime of genocide against the Rohingya. But in its filing Wednesday, Facebook said the judges order creates grave human rights concerns of its own, leaving internet users private content unprotected and thereby susceptible to disclosure at a providers whim to private litigants, foreign governments, law enforcement, or anyone else. The company said it was not challenging the order when it comes to public information from the accounts, groups and pages it has preserved. It objects to providing non-public information. If the order is allowed to stand, it would impair critical privacy and freedom of expression rights for internet users not just Facebook users worldwide, including Americans, the company said. Facebook has argued that providing the deleted posts is in violation of U.S. privacy, citing the Stored Communications Act, the 35-year-old law that established privacy protections in electronic communication. Deleted content protected? In his September decision, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui said that once content is deleted from an online service, it is no longer protected. Paul Reichler, a lawyer for Gambia, told VOA that Facebooks concern about privacy is misplaced. Would Hitler have privacy rights that should be protected? Reichler said in an interview with VOA. The generals in Myanmar ordered the destruction of a race of people. Should Facebook's business interests in holding itself out as protecting the privacy rights of these Hitlers prevail over the pursuit of justice? But Orin Kerr, a law professor at the University of California at Berkeley, said on Twitter that the judges ruling erred and that the implication of the ruling is that if a provider moderates contents, all private messages and emails deleted can be freely disclosed and are no longer private. The 2017 military crackdown on the Rohingya resulted in more than 700,000 people fleeing their homes to escape mass killings and rapes, a crisis that the United States has called ethnic cleansing. Coordinated inauthentic behavior Human rights advocates say Facebook had been used for years by Myanmar officials to set the stage for the crimes against the Rohingya. Frances Haugen, the former Facebook employee who testified about the company in Congress last week, said Facebooks focus on keeping users engaged on its site contributed to literally fanning ethnic violence in countries. In 2018, Facebook deleted and banned accounts of key individuals, including the commander in chief of Myanmars armed forces and the militarys television network, as well as 438 pages, 17 groups and 160 Facebook and Instagram accounts what the company called coordinated inauthentic behavior. The company estimated 12 million people in Myanmar, a nation of 54 million, followed these accounts. Facebook commissioned an independent human rights study of its role that concluded that prior to 2018, it indeed failed to prevent its service from being used to foment division and incite offline violence. Facebook kept the data on what it deleted for its own forensic analysis, the company told the court. The case comes at a time when law enforcement and governments worldwide increasingly seek information from technology companies about the vast amount of data they collect on users. Companies have long cited privacy concerns to protect themselves, said Ari Waldman, a professor of law and computer science at Northeastern University. Whats new is the vast quantity of data that companies now collect, a treasure trove for investigators, law enforcement and government. Private companies have untold amounts of data based on the commodification of what we do, Waldman said. Privacy rights should always be balanced with other laws and concerns, such as the pursuit of justice, he added. Facebook working with the IIMM In August 2020, Facebook confirmed that it was working with the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), a United Nations-backed group that is investigating Myanmar. The U.N. Human Rights Council established the IIMM, or "Myanmar Mechanism," in September 2018 to collect evidence of the country's most serious international crimes. Recently, IIMM told VOA it has been meeting regularly with Facebook employees to gain access to information on the social media network related to its ongoing investigations in the country. A spokesperson for IIMM told VOA's Burmese Service that Facebook "has agreed to voluntarily provide some, but not all, of the material the Mechanism has requested." IIMM head Nicholas Koumjian wrote to VOA that the group is seeking material from Facebook "that we believe is relevant to proving criminal responsibility for serious international crimes committed in Myanmar that fall within our mandate." Facebook told VOA in an email it is cooperating with the U.N. Myanmar investigators. Weve committed to disclose relevant information to authorities, and over the past year weve made voluntary, lawful disclosures to the IIMM and will continue to do so as the case against Myanmar proceeds, the spokesperson wrote. The company has made what it calls 12 lawful data disclosures to the IIMM but didnt provide details. Human rights activists are frustrated that Facebook is not doing more to crack down on bad actors who are spreading hate and disinformation on the site. "Look, I think there are many people at Facebook who want to do the right thing here, and they are working pretty hard," said Phil Robertson, who covers Asia for Human Rights Watch. "But the reality is, they still need to escalate their efforts. I think that Facebook is more aware of the problems, but it's also in part because so many people are telling them that they need to do better." Matthew Smith of the human rights organization Fortify Rights, which closely tracked the ethnic cleansing campaign in Myanmar, said the companys business success indicates it could do a better job of identifying harmful content. "Given the company's own business model of having this massive capacity to deal with massive amounts of data in a coherent and productive way, it stands to reason that the company would absolutely be able to understand and sift through the data points that could be actionable," Smith said. Gambia has until later this month to respond to Facebooks objections. VOA's Burmese Service contributed to this report. The tiniest hole in the dam can make the whole thing explode, and that's what happens with trauma, says British-Iranian journalist Sahar Zand. With a childhood that included being smuggled across borders as her family tried to escape political persecution, Zand thought she had developed all the coping mechanisms she would need in her career. The award-winning journalist has worked on stories in some of the most dangerous countries in the world, including Afghanistan where, on assignment in 2015, she witnessed a suicide attack. Despite feeling fear initially, Zand says she didnt think she would be affected in the long-term. It wasn't until I came back and we were toward the end of post-production that suddenly I couldn't sleep. I couldn't wake up. I couldn't concentrate. I kept having fights. I never fight, Zand told VOA. When an editor at the BBC asked if she was okay, she burst into tears. As a freelancer Zand had limited options for help, and in a profession that values strength and fearlessness, she said that it can be challenging to express vulnerability. As a freelancer, you have to constantly be selling yourself, constantly be marketing yourself, she said. But, if the product you're selling is this fearless person that just goes and gets the work out, and goes and tells stories the best way possible, no matter where, no matter how, when you have to acknowledge its weaknesses, suddenly you can't sell it as well. The Rory Peck Trust, though, is working to address this issue. The London-based freelance support network is offering a resilience program and fund to ensure that journalists like Zand have access to the help they need. With grant money donated by the Facebook Journalism Project, the Rory Peck Trust has partnered with Dart Centre Europe to provide workshops on trauma and resiliency. The virtual workshops offered in five languages are taught by journalists and clinicians trained through Dart Centre Europe, a regional extension of the Columbia Journalism Schools Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma in New York City. The centers mission is to educate journalists about trauma and how to report on those affected by violence with sensitivity, dignity, and respect. The sessions will include a basic understanding of trauma including its physical effects and how it can affect storytelling, as well as guidance on interviewing those in vulnerable situations, and strategies that freelancers can use to build resiliency by caring for themselves and each other. A separate Trauma Therapy Fund will provide financial assistance to freelance journalists seeking therapy. Clothilde Redfern, director of the Rory Peck Trust, told VOA the organization has seen an increase in requests for help in this area. While the pandemic has led to more open conversations about emotional health and well-being, Redfern said journalists have been at an increased risk for exposure to trauma for years. Due to an increased hostility toward journalists, the front line, as it were, is no longer only the physical war zone of a conflict, Redfern said. That has made it an increasingly dangerous and possibly traumatic occupation. Freelancers are particularly vulnerable because they often lack institutional support, such as access to therapy, lawyers, security advisers, and regular editors and managers to oversee their work, and ensure they arent taking on too much or taking unnecessary risks, says Redfern. Zand said that staff journalists have a different experience. When you're not a freelancer, there is a boss, there is someone who knows your history, who cares about you, who has a bond with you as a person, not just as a product, Zand told VOA. Whereas, as a freelancer you don't have that. You are selling a product, that product is you. Without regular colleagues who can notice changes and signs of distress, health concerns can go unchecked. Teaching freelance journalists to recognize the signals is one of the main goals of the resilience program. Exposure to immediate trauma or stress, listening to stories, as well as a sudden atrocity, it seeps into us like a smoker, says Angelina Fusco, chair of Dart Centre Europe. It can go in and stay in your memory, the smell can stay in your nose, and the mental distress can also move across into your own body. It's important for journalists to recognize that. All the other emergency services recognize it and have procedures and processes to deal with it, but journalists don't. Fusco, who is from Belfast, lived through and reported for the BBC on the Troubles a decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland that killed and injured thousands. But she says she didnt hear the words trauma and journalism used in the same sentence until the early 2000s. After seeing a colleague transformed by trauma awareness training, Fusco applied for and was awarded an Ochberg Fellowship in 2012 through the Dart Centre Europe. She now leads training sessions for the organization. For Zand, access to private therapy funded in part by the Rory Peck Trust was life changing for her and her work. Our work is about giving a platform to the voices that wouldnt otherwise be heard. We have to be emotionally intelligent. We have to have good human relations. If we are unaware, and we dont have the tools to deal with and identify our own issues, how can we do that with others? How can we really understand them as humans? she asked. The resilience program hopes to fill in some of the gaps in understanding and knowledge of trauma that freelancers and other journalists face. I genuinely believe that awareness of this topic journalism and trauma and resilience really improves storytelling and it improves the craft, Fusco told VOA. It keeps you grounded, it helps you to be impartial, and it helps you to write better stories. The World Food Program warns it will be forced to cut food rations for half-a-million people suffering from acute hunger in northeast Nigeria unless it receives urgently needed funding. Millions of people in Nigerias crisis-ridden Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states are suffering from years of conflict and insecurity and the socio-economic fallout from COVID-19. The WFP says 4.4 million people are facing acute hunger. It warns it will have to start cutting food rations for half-a-million men, women, and children in a matter of weeks unless it gets an immediate infusion of $55 million. WFP spokesman Tomson Phiri says hunger is peaking now as the country emerges from the so-called lean season. That is the period between June and August when food stocks are at their lowest. He says attacks by armed groups are heightening insecurity in the region and discouraging people from working their land. The states in the north are largely agrarian in nature. They rely on agriculture to survive and when you have insecurity, they are unable to farm. They are unable to rear livestock. And this is sort of fueling the food insecurity situation, he said. Phiri siaid the WFP is providing food assistance to 1.9 million Nigerians. He said 800,000 of them are facing food emergency levels that are just one step from famine. Although famine has not been confirmed, the suffering of the people is quite immense. We are concerned as the World Food Program as over one million children are malnourished in the northeast anda lot of people have been displaced. These are people who have been displaced multiple times. So, people are really, really knocking on the door of starvation, Phiri said. To sustain its humanitarian lifesaving operations in northeast Nigeria until March, the WFP urgently requires $197 million. As of now, WFP officials say they only have received $6 million. The Israeli military on Thursday said that troops shot and killed a Palestinian who was throwing firebombs at cars on a main highway in the occupied West Bank. A military statement said that soldiers opened fire at two suspects spotted throwing firebombs near Beit Jala, a Palestinian town south of Jerusalem. It said one of the suspects was hit and died of his wounds, while the second was detained. The incident occurred along a main highway used by Israeli residents of nearby West Bank settlements. There were no immediate details from Palestinian officials on the incident. Earlier Thursday, Israeli police said a Palestinian driver struck and moderately wounded a member of Israel's paramilitary Border Police at a major checkpoint north of Jerusalem. They said officers fired on the vehicle, causing it to crash into a wall, and arrested the suspect, a 22-year-old from the town of Qalqilya in the occupied West Bank. The police said it was a car-ramming attack. Palestinians have carried out dozens of stabbing, shooting and vehicular attacks in recent years, but Palestinians and rights groups say some of the alleged car-rammings were accidents and accuse Israel of using excessive force. In a separate incident, a Jewish settler attacked an Israeli military officer and a soldier with pepper spray near a settlement outpost, the latest in a series of recent attacks by settlers on Israeli security forces and Palestinians in the West Bank. The military said the two soldiers received medical treatment at the scene, without elaborating. It declined to say whether anyone was arrested, referring questions to police, who did not respond to a request for comment. Hard-line settlers have clashed with Israeli troops and vandalized Palestinian property in recent days in what are known as price-tag attacks in response to perceived efforts by Israeli authorities to restrict settlement expansion. Most of the nearly 500,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank live in authorized settlements that resemble small towns and suburbs, but more radical settlers have set up dozens of outposts that are illegal even under Israeli law. The Palestinians and most of the international community view all settlements as illegal and an obstacle to a two-state solution to the conflict. The more than 2.5 million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank live under Israeli military rule, with the Palestinian Authority having limited autonomy in cities and towns. The settlers have Israeli citizenship and are subject to Israel's civilian justice system. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. The World Health Organization's endorsement of the world's first malaria vaccine marks a major advance against the mosquito-borne illness, which kills some 265,000 children in Africa annually. Timothy Obiezu reports from Nigeria, a country afflicted by malaria. Camera: Emeka Gibson Nigeria's military claimed Thursday that Abu Musab al-Barnawi, the leader of an Islamic State-linked extremist group blamed for killing hundreds in the northeast, had died. There was no immediate confirmation from the militants. At a news conference, Nigeria's chief of defense staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, told reporters: "I can authoritatively confirm to you that Abu Musab is dead." He gave no further information, and it was not possible to independently corroborate the claim. The announcement came only five months after al-Barnawi and his forces claimed responsibility for killing rival extremist leader Abubakar Shekau. Some reports said al-Barnawi had been fatally wounded during clashes with yet another rival extremist faction, but the military gave no details about how it had confirmed his death. Al-Barnawi was a teenager when his father, Mohammed Yusuf, was killed by Nigerian security forces in 2009. The death of the founding Boko Haram leader has fueled a more than decade-long insurgency against the Nigerian government, ultimately expanding to neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Shekau took command of the group after Yusuf's death but clashed frequently over the years with al-Barnawi, who reportedly at one point was picked instead by the Islamic State organization to lead Boko Haram. Instead, a breakaway faction was formed in 2016 that became known as the Islamic State in West Africa Province, or ISWAP. Unlike Shekau's group, which often violently targeted civilian populations, ISWAP under al-Barnawi targeted the Nigerian military and those who aided the soldiers. But it drew heightened global concern when it began targeting civilians working for international aid organizations in the northeast in a series of kidnappings and killings. The faction still led by Shekau, meanwhile, weakened in recent years and his death was announced in May. ISWAP then sought to expand its reach, but al-Barnawi failed to win over thousands of Shekau's followers and many surrendered to the Nigerian military instead. The conflict in northeast Nigeria has directly caused the death of 36,000 people, according to U.N. officials, with more than 2.3 million people displaced. Seremiah Oloo is someone who has relied on Kenya's Lake Naivasha for his livelihood as a fisherman for three decades. But since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, his catch has been dropping continually. Oloo is convinced that is because of an increasing number of illegal fishing boats on the lake. He says back then he could catch at least 1,000 tilapia fish a day, but now catching just 100 tilapia is very difficult. He says as the fishing community sees the number of boats increasing, there is also an increase in nets and crime. Kenyan authorities say the economic losses caused by COVID-19 are driving more people to fish illegally. Poaching has tripled since last year and caused the daily catch to drop from an estimated 600 tons to 200 tons, according to Kenya's Maritime Fisheries Research Institute. COVID-19 has disrupted many livelihoods, with more than 1.7 million people losing their jobs since the pandemic began, according to Kenya's national statistics. Officials with Kenya's Marine and Fisheries Research Institute say they believe people affected by the pandemic have turned to fishing to help them survive. The institutes coordinator Edna Waithera told VOA that poachers are having a negative impact on breeding areas. ''Illegal fishing is normally undertaken around the breeding areas, which are the shallow areas of the lake. So, this destroys the breeding areas of the lake, which are critical habitats for breeding of the fish and taking care of the young fish,'' Waithera expressed. To protect the young fish populations, the coast guard has been dispatched to the lakes to stop illegal fishing. ''We even have fisheries officers from Kenya fisheries service seconded to coast guards," Daniel Mungai director general at Kenya's state Department of Fisheries Services pointed out. Adding "so, that when it comes to issues to do with fishing enforcement, because we even have areas that are protected for breeding, we got the bit of preventing people who go and use illegal fishing gear." With the deployment of monitors on Kenyan lakes, licensed fishermen like Oloo hope that fish populations and their livelihoods will bounce back soon. Russia is attempting to expand its influence in Southeast Asia through meetings and plans with Association of Southeast Asian Nations members, say analysts, but appears not to have the military or financial power to become a larger player in the region. The effort includes Russian adoption of a five-year roadmap focused on trade and investment cooperation, the digital economy and sustainable development with the 10 ASEAN members. Meanwhile, at the Sixth Eastern Economic Forum held last month in Vladivostok, Vietnam offered itself as a bridge to connect ASEAN to Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union an economic grouping including Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan -- with analysts forecasting Moscow would seek to shore up regional political ties in response to diplomatic shifts in the Indo-Pacific region. Russia wants to be seen as a global power for its own domestic audience, said Bradley Murg, of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace. It wants to be seen as not just as a regional entity, and Southeast Asia is a relatively easy way to enter, he said, adding that access to the Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine and the opening of trade corridors through Chinas Belt and Road Initiative were providing additional incentives for Southeast Asian countries to improve ties with Russia. With the expansion of infrastructure, the expansion of Belt and Road and the connections to Southeast Asia to Central Asia to Europe through the Silk Road initiative, and as thats connected to the economic corridors in Southeast Asia, there are arguments for increased trade, Murg said. Likes and dislikes Another analyst said Russia was privately outraged by the AUKUS naval alliance forged by Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States and the rise of the Quad, which comprises Australia, India, Japan and the United States. Both were designed to counter Chinese influence. One of the most fashionable trends today is the so-called Indo-Pacific strategies that are invented by the United States, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the recent 29th Assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, a Moscow-based organization of high-level officials, executives and academics. All of this follows the line of eroding the universal formats in the Asia-Pacific region which existed for the past decades under the auspices of ASEAN, he said. His criticisms were delivered as the Russian government news agency Tass reported a detachment of ships and submarines had sailed into the Indian Ocean en route to a permanent deployment as part of Russias Pacific Fleet. Lavrov also found support in Malaysia, where Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told parliament that AUKUS could also provoke other powers to act more aggressively in this region, particularly the South China Sea. Hussein said the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting scheduled for Brunei next month was expected to strengthen regional defense cooperation in light of AUKUS, but analysts were unconvinced Russia has the firepower, money or trade deals to give it any influence in the region outside of Myanmar and Vietnam. Russia sees itself as a great power, said Ian Storey, with the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. He said Russia dominates the Eurasian Economic Union and has strong influence and significant vested interests in multi-national groups like the Arctic Council, a Norway-based intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting Arctic cooperation; BRICS the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa; and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a multilateral security and development organization including China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It wants a seat at the table, it sees that as its birthright, its a sense of entitlement but it doesnt like multilateral institutions unless it has an overwhelming influence in them, Storey said, adding Moscow did not have that kind of strong influence in ASEAN or the East Asia Summit. Hype versus reality Russias traditional influence in ASEAN is limited to weapons sales to Myanmar and Vietnam and, as Murg said, Vietnam has made clear it cooperates with Russia in a way it does not with any other state a legacy of their close ties during the Cold War. Those sentiments were echoed by Storey, who noted Russia was a very transactional player, and that other countries, such as Britain, have much greater interests in Southeast Asia than does Russia. For example, bilateral trade between Russia and ASEAN before the COVID pandemic was about $20 billion a year, while the blocs 2019 trade with Britain was $52 billion and it was $93 billion with Australia, $362 billion with the United States, and $644 billion with China. Its a player in the region but its not a major player, Storey said. Their military presence is paper thin. You know their closest partner is Vietnam and they havent actually conducted a military exercise with Vietnam, or maybe one, and thats extraordinary for two countries that have had defense ties for decades, he said. That maybe one exercise was a reference to a 2019 joint training drill involving a single vessel designed to rescue distressed submarines. However, Russia has held joint military exercises with Laos in its far east Primorsky territory. Murg also said that Russia remains too close to China to be considered an independent player in Southeast Asia, but on the economic front Singapore and Vietnam free trade agreements with the Eurasian Economic Union could provide prospects for future economic growth. But Russian investors have been relatively cautious, Murg said. With Russia its yet again wonderful photo-ops, more meetings, more declarations of pathways to the future and thats about it, he said. Political activists in South Sudan say mobile phone carrier Zain South Sudan illegally disrupted their telephone service, crippling their communications ahead of a planned anti-government protest. Peoples Coalition on Civil Action Coalition member Rajab Muhandis said that when activists tried to access their WhatsApp messages on August 29 the eve of the planned protest in Juba they received messages saying their numbers were registered to other phones. Zain South Sudan denies the accusation of duplicating sim cards. But activists say the move made it impossible for them to communicate with one another. Zain duplicated the sim cards of members of the coalition and those numbers were then activated on telephones and they were used," Muhandis told VOA's South Sudan in Focus. "Since then, those numbers are active and if you communicate to these lines, the messages go through, indicating they are being used in telephones and there is no other company that could duplicate these numbers except Zain, Muhandis said. The protest fizzled amid what activists say was an intentional internet outage and warnings from security officials of serious consequences against organizers if the demonstration happened. Activists say the phone company was part of a government-led effort to crack down on them and to deter the planned protests. Coalition member Joseph Akol Makeer said he realized his sim card was compromised when he received a text saying his phone had been registered to a different device. What Zain company has done is unethical, unprofessional, criminal and endangers peoples lives," he said. "Those who were in that contact were compromised and already the state has contacted some of them because they were sending me messages which were going to the state." When Makeer tried calling his own number from a different phone, he said the call went through but not to his phone. The activists said they are planning legal action against Zain South Sudan. Wilson Ladu, technical director for Zain South Sudan, said the company does not tap users communications. Our subscribers, their lines are protected, in fact we at Zain, we dont tap," Ladu told South Sudan in Focus. "We dont have that right to tap and technically you cannot have the same number duplicated because it has the address. You cannot have two addresses. The company has not received a complaint from activists, Ladu said. Juba residents told Reuters that the night before the planned protests that mobile data was unavailable on the network of South African mobile operator MTN Group, and the following day it was also halted on the Zain Group. Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks, a London-based group that monitors internet disruptions, said it detected "significant disruption to internet service in South Sudan beginning Sunday evening, including to leading cellular networks." It wasnt the deal they were hoping to be offered. Instead of agreeing on a timetable for aspiring Balkan countries to join the European Union, the blocs 27 member states offered warm words at a summit in Slovenia last week, some pandemic recovery cash and a commitment to cut mobile-phone roaming charges for Balkan nationals when traveling in any part of the EU bloc. The refusal of the EU member states earlier this month to outline a membership schedule is reverberating across the Balkans and stands in contrast to the intense courtship of countries in the region by the United States. Midweek, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed an amended defense cooperation agreement with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias. Dendias said the amended agreement not only will safeguard Greek security interests but will enable deeper collaboration beyond defense issues. It also creates a shell [framework] that allows the United States to invest in Greece, not only for the improvement of our countrys defense facilities, but to do so in a broader framework of cooperation that is being established and improved, he said. Warming relations between the U.S. and Greece are seen in Washington as a crucial part of a broader courtship strategy in the Balkans, one that has been pursued with mounting intensity in recent years by a succession of U.S. administrations, aimed at stemming and reversing the growing influence in the region of China and Russia. In an interview with RFE/RL last month, and ahead of the Slovenia summit, Gabriel Escobar, deputy assistant secretary of state, said Washington would make a renewed push to help the countries of the region achieve EU integration. He urged the bloc to begin accession talks this year with at least Albania and North Macedonia. Both had hoped two years ago to begin concrete negotiations that would see them join the European bloc. France and The Netherlands blocked the membership schedule for Albania and North Macedonia last year in what advocates of EU enlargement, including Jean-Claude Juncker, then president of the European Commission, called an historic error. French President Emmanuel Macron said the EU wasnt in any shape to admit new members, let alone states from the Balkans, which, he noted, are still struggling with crime and corruption and had not yet overcome the ethnic divisions that led to wars in the 1990s. North Macedonia, Albania and four other Balkan countries Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia have been trying to join the worlds biggest trading bloc since 2004. But they keep encountering setbacks. And frustration is rising in the Balkans at the obstacles being thrown up and at the lack of progress. At the summit in Slovenia on October 6, featuring all 27 EU leaders and their six Balkan counterparts, the bloc declined to agree on a timetable for membership. EU leaders reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to an enlargement process for the six Western Balkans states and acknowledged their future lies as members of the bloc. In a joint declaration, the EU leaders said the bloc reaffirms its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. But the lack of a concrete schedule is prompting fears the delay will only serve to further the influence of Russia and China, especially in Serbia, and wont help to stabilize a region that has still to lay to rest the ghosts of the ethnic wars of the 1990s. If the EU doesn't expand, others will expand, Slovenias Prime Minister, Janez Jansa, told German broadcaster ARD, referring to Russia and China. Germanys Angela Merkel, currently acting as her countrys caretaker chancellor, has also expressed concern. There is an absolute geo-strategic interest for us to really accept these countries into the European Union, she said in Slovenia. But geo-strategic interests have failed to overcome objections, large and small, to enlargement from most of the EU member states. Bulgaria wants North Macedonia to acknowledge its language has Bulgarian roots, and until it does Sofia plans to continue to veto enlargement. Other EU governments are worried about a migration surge from the Balkans, if the candidate countries are admitted. Western Balkans citizens are increasingly losing faith in seeing their countries ever joining the EU, notes Engjellushe Morina, a Balkans expert at the European Council for Foreign Relations (ECFR), a pan-European think tank. And there are risks of democratic back-sliding as a consequence of the delay, she fears. Progress toward EU membership has been slow for these countries, which is arguably part of the reason for the regions recent democratic backsliding, Morina notes in an ECFR commentary. Populist nationalism is now a powerful force, which combined with an absence of functioning checks and balances, has created new political and security risks for the region. She adds: The risks for the EU are considerable. Any greater flourishing of the nationalist and illiberal leadership in the region could at some point cause a slide into ethnic violence. The prospects of EU membership have been a major driver of political and judicial reforms in the Balkans since the former Yugoslavia disintegrated in the early 1990s into warring parts. Candidate countries are required to meet certain democratic standards, implement socio-economic reforms and show due respect for the rule of law. And the chance to join the EU also has helped to drive some progress toward a normalization of relations between the states of the Western Balkans, according to European diplomats and analysts. With membership prospects dashed, or forever stalled, they fear the determination to reform and to overcome a past of ethnic grievance will be lost, too. Sudan's Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok on Friday unveiled a road map to end what he described as the country's "worst and most dangerous" political crisis in its two-year transition. Since a coup attempt in late September, Sudan's military and civilian power-sharing partners have been locked in a war of words, with military leaders demanding the reform of the Cabinet and ruling coalition. Civilian politicians accused the military of aiming for a power grab. "The coup attempt opened the door for discord, and for all the hidden disputes and accusations from all sides, and in this way we are throwing the future of our country and people and revolution to the wind," Hamdok said in a speech. Sudan's military and a coalition of civilian political parties have ruled under a power-sharing agreement since the removal of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Bashir loyalists are accused of executing the failed coup attempt. Hamdok described the current conflict as not between the military and civilians but between those who believe in a transition toward democracy and civilian leadership and those who do not. "I am not neutral or a mediator in this conflict. My clear and firm position is complete alignment to the civilian democratic transition," he said. Nevertheless, he said he had spoken to both sides and presented them with a road map that called for the end of escalation and one-sided decision-making and a return to a functioning government. He emphasized the importance of the formation of a transitional legislature, reform of the military, and the expansion of the base for political participation. Referring to an ongoing blockade of the country's main port in the east of the country by protesting tribesmen, Hamdok described their grievances as legitimate while asking that they reopen the flow of trade. He also said an international donors' conference to benefit the region was being organized. Civilian politicians have accused the military of being behind the blockade, which it denies. Political groups aligned with the military have called for protests in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on Saturday. Groups advocating for civilian rule have called for protests on October 21. Eighteen journalists, nearly all of whom work for Kurdish media outlets, stood trial at hearings across Turkey this week. Lawyers and media rights groups say the trials show how Turkeys laws on terrorism and protests can be used to detain or harass journalists. Nearly all those in court this week face accusations of belonging to or creating propaganda for a terrorist organizationoften a reference to the militant group, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Others face charges of defying Law 2911, which regulates public meetings and demonstrations, according to the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), a Turkey-based group that offers legal support to journalists. Media who cover protests can sometimes be accused of organizing an illegal gathering. And in April, Turkeys Interior Ministry issued an order requiring journalists to have permits for covering approved protests. Some rights lawyers have said the ruling appears designed to silence journalists. The order is problematic because it only recognizes journalists who are given permits by the government to cover protests, said Erselan Aktan, an Istanbul-based lawyer who has represented dozens of journalists in recent years. It doesnt consider freelance journalists and those who work for opposition media outlets as journalists and this is against the core of the freedom of expression, he told VOA. One of those in court this week on charges of defying the law on protests was freelance journalist Rusen Takva. The journalist, who contributes to the pro-opposition Arti TV, was charged in connection with his coverage of a protest calling for Kurdish rights, in the eastern Turkish city of Van in January. A prosecutor had recommended that Takva be sentenced to 18 years in prison. But at a hearing on Tuesday, a new prosecutor dropped the charges, citing a lack of evidence. It was clear from the beginning that this case was not holding, Takva said. I was merely doing my job as a journalist. When the original prosecutor was replaced, the new prosecutor concluded that there was no evidence to support the charges against me. Others on trial have cases going back more than four years, like journalist Hayri Demir, who worked for outlets including the pro-Kurdish Dicle News Agency. In 2017, authorities charged Demir with belonging to and creating propaganda for the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organization by Ankara and Washington. The journalists case has received media attention because evidence presented in the indictment included photographs from a memory stick that was stolen from Demirs home in Ankara. The images were taken by Demir while he was on assignment in northeast Syria in 2015. Six months after that robbery, the pictures on that card came out in the court as evidence in my case file for my conviction, Demir told VOA. My previous telephone conversations with Selahattin Demirtas were also included in my court file as a crime. Demirtas, a former co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), has been in prison since 2016 on terror charges. The journalist had his ninth hearing Tuesday, but the case remains open with the hearing adjourned. If Demir is convicted, he could face up to 22 years in prison. Turkeys Interior Ministry and Ankaras High Criminal Court didnt respond to VOA requests for comment. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last month that Turkish media is incomparably free, and that he does not accept the findings of media rights groups that show mass arrests. We don't have any problems of that nature in terms of freedoms, Erdogan told U.S. broadcaster CBS. But media lawyer Aktan said that arrests and trials are common. In September alone, 65 journalists had hearings across Turkey, mostly on terror-related charges, defying the protest law or insulting the head of state, Aktan said. The countrys media came under pressure following a failed attempted coup in 2016, after which Ankara arrested dozens of journalists it accused of supporting or being sympathetic to the coup. As of August, data by the Stockholm Center for Freedom, an advocacy groups that documents human rights abuses with a special focus on Turkey, showed 174 journalists either detained pending trial or serving sentences and a further 167 accused of a crime but who are in exile or at large. Turkey also ranks poorly on the World Press Freedom Index, coming in at 153 out of 180 countries, where 1 is the freest, according to media watchdog Reporters Without Borders. This story originated in VOAs Kurdish Service. Correction: Paragraph 22 has been updated to correctly reflect Aktan's role. The U.N. refugee agency is calling on countries to ease bureaucratic requirements and speed up Afghan family reunification procedures. More than 3.5 million Afghans are displaced inside Afghanistan and many more are displaced across the region in neighboring countries as refugees. U.N. refugee agency spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said it is difficult to collect data under the current turbulent conditions. Therefore, it is hard to know how many people would qualify for family reunification. However, based on a 10-year study done before the current situation, she said the number is likely to be significant. "So, from 2010 to 2019, I believe ... a bit over 286,000 Afghans were granted family permits in OECD countries and Brazil. I do not know if that is indicative, but it does give a bit of a picture," Mantoo said. She said many separated families abroad approach UNHCR offices, desperately concerned about the safety and welfare of their relatives, who remain in Afghanistan. She described conditions inside Afghanistan as exceptionally challenging. She said the UNHCR is urging countries to simplify family reunification admission procedures to help protect lives. "While many countries have specific legal frameworks that provide for refugee family reunification and offer specific safeguards and waivers, UNHCR is worried that many Afghan refugees could face considerable administrative barriers in realizing this legal right," she said. "Some of these barriers include prohibitive costs, lengthy waiting times and inflexible documentation requirements." Mantoo suggested that countries could fast-track family reunification by adopting humanitarian visa programs, prioritizing procedures for Afghan families, and applying liberal and humane criteria in identifying family members who qualify. She said many people likely will have to wait a long time before they can join their families in a third country. Given their precarious situation, she said they would qualify as refugees, making them eligible for all refugee protection safeguards. Editor's note: Here is a fast take on what the international community has been up to this past week, as seen from the United Nations perch. * U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lays out $3.12 billion regular budget for 2022 for world body * U.N.: 400,000 Yemeni children at imminent risk from malnutrition New military offensive in Ethiopia The situation in northern Ethiopia remains at the top of the U.N. agenda, as Tigrayan fighters accuse the federal government of launching a new military offensive using airstrikes, drones and heavy artillery against them. Kenya is presiding over the U.N. Security Council this month, where the situation was last discussed on October 6. On Tuesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta chaired a debate about peacebuilding and was asked about Tigray at a press encounter. See his response here: US to return to U.N. Human Rights Council After a decades-long on/off relationship with the controversial Geneva-based council, the Biden administration decided to run for a seat, after the Trump administration withdrew in June 2018. Read about the results of Thursday's election and what impact the U.S. presence might have: UN chief urges countries not to let Afghanistan's economy collapse U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said this week that Afghanistan faces a "make-or-break moment" and that without international support its economy could collapse. Speaking ahead of the G-20 special summit on Afghanistan, he appealed for an urgent injection of cash into the economy: Meanwhile, humanitarians race against time to get enough supplies in place for millions of vulnerable Afghans before winter sets in: News in brief U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres laid out the U.N.'s 2022 annual budget: $3.12 billion, a net reduction of 2.8% over the 2021 budget. That figure doesn't include peacekeeping missions, which will run around $6.4 billion for 2021-22. Each country's annual dues are calculated based on their national income and population size. ... U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, David Gressly, said 20 million people, or two-thirds of Yemen's population, need humanitarian assistance. Five million people are just a step away from famine and about 400,000 children are at imminent risk of death from malnutrition. Some good news The World Health Organization said Wednesday that the global number of weekly COVID-19 cases and deaths has been on the decline since late August. "Over 2.8 million new cases and over 46,000 new deaths were reported during the week of 4 to 10 October 2021, representing a 7% and 10% decrease respectively, as compared to the previous week," WHO said. Quote of note "Kabul looked like a graveyard of people who were alive. People who were hopeless, disappointed, powerless." Fawzia Koofi, first woman deputy speaker of Afghanistan's parliament, to the U.N. Security Council of the days after the Taliban's August 15 takeover What we are watching next week Dictators on notice: Human rights in Belarus, DPRK, Iran, Myanmar and Syria come under the microscope in the U.N. General Assembly's third committee. Did you know? U.N. headquarters spans several blocks in New York City's Turtle Bay neighborhood. The area, once settled by Dutch farmers, got its name from a small cove on the East River, which the world body looks out on. The United States on Friday announced an additional $20 million package of humanitarian aid for Mexico and Central America. The aid will "help meet urgent humanitarian needs for the nearly 700,000 asylum-seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in Central America and Mexico," the State Department said in a press release. Specifically, the money will go toward shelter, health care, legal assistance and mental health services, the State Department said. The U.S. has provided more than $331 million in aid to Central America and Mexico in Fiscal Year 2021, making it the "largest single donor of humanitarian aid in Central America and Mexico and to asylum-seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in the region." The move comes as the Biden administration announced it will comply with a court order and resume, in mid-November, an immigration program commonly referred to as "Remain in Mexico," which was started by former President Donald Trump. That program requires asylum-seekers to stay in Mexico until they have a U.S. court hearing. In June, Biden ended the program, formally called Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), but a federal court in August overruled the administration. Biden is reportedly looking to make another effort to rescind the program. Some information in this report comes from Reuters. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin heads to Europe next week for talks with allies concerned about Russia and what the NATO military alliance will focus on now that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is complete. VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb reports. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is heading to Europe this weekend to meet with leaders in Georgia, Ukraine and Romania and to participate in a NATO defense ministers meeting in Belgium. The Department of Defense steadfastly supports its European Allies and partners in the face of Russias destabilizing actions in the critical Black Sea region, and the Secretary looks forward to meeting with his counterparts and other senior officials to reinforce the United States commitment to a safe, stable, and prosperous Europe, the Pentagon said in a statement. In Georgia, Austin will meet with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Minister of Defense Juansher Burchuladze to discuss bilateral relations and regional security. In Ukraine, the secretary will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Minister of Defense Andriy Taran to discuss Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the countrys defense industry reforms. In Romania, Austin will meet President Klaus Iohannis and Minister of National Defense Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca to discuss bilateral relations. He also will visit U.S. forces at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. In Belgium, Austin will attend a meeting of his NATO counterparts and Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to ensure the alliance is prepared for the challenges of the future. The United States announced Friday an additional 9.6 million doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine are being shipped to Pakistan through the global vaccine-sharing COVAX initiative. The shipment brings to more than 25 million the total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses donated by Washington to the Pakistani people, said the American Embassy in Islamabad. The United States is proud to partner with Pakistan to get effective, life-saving Pfizer vaccinations into the arms of Pakistanis, and Pakistan has done a great job of distributing our donated vaccines, U.S. Charge daffaires Angela Aggeler was quoted as saying. This donation comes just in time for young Pakistanis over age 12 to get their first jabs. COVID-19 infections are decreasing in Pakistan, with fewer than 1,000 new daily cases reported on average. The government last week eased restrictions on almost all public movement, education activities and businesses across the country of roughly 220 million people. The latest government data show there have been 1,262,771 confirmed cases of infections, 39,953 of them active, and 28,228 COVID-19-related deaths since the pandemic hit Pakistan. Officials reported Friday that more than 95 million doses have been administered to Pakistanis, including roughly 1 million in last 24 hours alone, since the national vaccination drive was rolled out in February. The vaccination campaign has largely relied on Chinese vaccine, but the U.S. donations are helping officials overcome critical shortages of Western-developed anti-coronavirus shots. These Pfizer vaccines are part of the 500 million Pfizer doses the United States purchased this summer to deliver to 92 countries worldwide, including Pakistan, to fulfill President [Joe] Bidens commitment to provide safe and effective vaccines around the world and supercharge the global fight against the pandemic, the U.S. Embassy noted in its statement. Washington has also delivered $63 million in COVID-19 assistance to Islamabad. The COVAX program is co-led by Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), the WHO (World Health Organization) and CEPI (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness). The United States is the single largest contributor supporting the initiative toward global COVID-19 vaccine access. The United States and Greece upgraded an existing Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement on Thursday, a move seen as elevating bilateral ties in defense and overall relations. The amendment to the MDCA was signed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and visiting Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Washington as part of the third round of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue. The talks were launched in 2018 by then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Greek counterpart. Blinken described the dialogue as a signal of our shared commitment to deepen our partnership through which the two countries will become an even more powerful force for peace, prosperity and human dignity. The amendment will enable U.S. forces in Greece to train and operate from additional locations, Blinken told a Thursday news conference. Dendias described the amendment as one that safeguards Greek interests and enables collaboration beyond defense issues. It also creates a shell [framework] that allows the United States to invest in Greece, not only for the improvement of our countrys defense facilities, but to do so in a broader framework of cooperation that is being established and improved, he said. The agreement comes as tension appears to be rising in the eastern Mediterranean, where Greece and its neighbor Turkey have recently accused each other of aggressive actions that threaten an escalation of territorial disputes. Reliable ally Congressman Ted Deutch, a senior member of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, also met with Dendias this week. In written response to VOAs request for comment, Deutch, chairman of the Middle East, North Africa, and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee, said Greece is a reliable ally in the eastern Mediterranean region. The U.S.-Greece relationship is vital to U.S. national interests and to the security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean region. Greece has consistently proven itself to be a reliable ally in the region, and the United States must continue to support its efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen our nations strategic partnership, Deutch said. Deutch said the importance of this partnership is behind his decision to sponsor, with Representative Gus Bilirakis, the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021. The bill, he said, is designed to foster interparliamentary engagement among Greece, Cyprus and Israel, known as the 3+1 process, in addition to supporting Greeces military modernization. Encouraging continued security cooperation among our allies and partners, including Greece, will help us ensure stability throughout the region and bolster global security, Deutch told VOA in a written statement. Stephen J. Blank, a senior fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told VOA in a phone interview that while the strengthening of defense ties with Athens sends a signal that the U.S. will support Greece, Washingtons overriding concern is ensuring that the two NATO allies that have a long history of mutual enmity dating back to Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, dont start a war. China Chinas influence in Greece, particularly its purchase of a majority stake in the largest and strategically located port in Greece, the Port of Piraeus, is another factor in the background of talks between Washington and Athens. China Ocean Shipping Company purchased a 51% stake in the Piraeus Port Authority in 2016 and signed a deal to obtain an additional 16% stake last month, despite having delivered only a third of agreed-to investments under the initial agreement. Eric Brown, who studies Chinas strategic designs at the Hudson Institute in Washington, told VOA that the Port of Piraeus has featured prominently in the [Peoples Republic of Chinas] imagining of the new world system that it is striving to build, as a key component to Chinas maritime Silk Road Initiative. Even though Beijings control of a key Greek and European strategic asset may put a question mark in the minds of policymakers in Washington and Brussels, the fact that China is situated in a different part of the world limits its potential as a guarantor of security for countries like Greece, Brown said. Geography matters, he said. Chinese ownership of a key port at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa nonetheless poses significant security concerns, U.S. analysts say. They own it now, they can use for economic, military, intelligence purposes, whatever they want, Blank said. David Stilwell, a former Pentagon and State Department official who served as U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific, said deals Beijing has managed to strike may not always last, pointing to recent reports that the 99-year lease between a Chinese state-backed entity and the Australian Port of Darwin may either be scrapped or subjected to additional scrutiny on security grounds. In Stilwells view, the more distance democratic countries put between themselves and Beijing, the better. He considers Lithuanias recent decision to withdraw from a multilateral forum designed to increase collaboration between China and Central and Eastern European countries as a model that other countries can learn from. President Joe Biden's administration is taking steps to restart by mid-November a program begun under his predecessor, Donald Trump, that forced asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for U.S. court hearings after a federal court deemed the termination of the program unjustified, U.S. officials said Thursday. The administration, however, is planning to make another attempt to rescind the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly called the "Remain in Mexico" policy, even as it takes steps to comply with the August ruling by Texas-based U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, the officials said. The possible reinstatement of MPP even on a short-term basis would add to a confusing mix of U.S. policies in place at the Mexican border, where crossings into the United States have reached 20-year highs in recent months. The administration said it can only move forward if Mexico agrees. Officials from both countries said they are discussing the matter. Mexico's foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday that it has expressed a "number of concerns" over MPP to U.S. officials, particularly around due process, legal certainty, access to legal aid and the safety of migrants. A senior Mexican official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said "there is no decision at this point" about the program's restart. The Trump administration, known for hardline immigration policies, created the MPP policy in 2019, arguing that many asylum claims were fraudulent and applicants allowed into the United States might end up staying illegally if they skipped court hearings. Biden ended the policy soon after taking office in January as part of his pledge to take a more humane approach to border issues. Immigration advocates have said the program exposed migrants to violence and kidnappings in dangerous border cities where people camped out for months or years in shelters or on the street waiting for U.S. asylum hearings. Biden in March said that "I make no apology" for ending MPP, a policy he described as sending people to the "edge of the Rio Grande in a muddy circumstance with not enough to eat." After the Republican-led states of Texas and Missouri sued Biden over his decision to end the program, Kacsmaryk ruled in August that it must be reinstated. The U.S. Supreme Court, whose 6-3 conservative majority includes three justices appointed by Trump, subsequently let Kacsmaryk's ruling stand, rejecting a bid by Biden's administration to block it. The administration has said it will comply with Kacsmaryk's ruling "in good faith" while continuing its appeal in the case. The administration also plans to issue a fresh memo to terminate the program in the hope it will resolve any legal concerns surrounding the previous one, officials said. "Re-implementation is not something that the administration has wanted to do," a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in a call with reporters. "But in the interim we are under this obligation of the court." In a statement, the American Immigration Council called reimplementing MPP a "betrayal" of Biden's campaign promises, adding there "is no humane way" to carry out the protocols. In a court filing late on Thursday the administration said that "although MPP is not yet operational," they are taking all the steps necessary to re-implement it by next month. Those steps include preparing courts, some housed in tents, near the border where asylum hearings could be held. The administration said in the filing that these facilities will take about 30 days to build, costing approximately $14.1 million to erect and $10.5 million per month to operate. The filing said the aim is for MPP to span the entire Southwestern border, which the government deemed preferable to it operating only in certain areas. At the same time, Biden has left in place another policy that Trump implemented in March 2020 early in the COVID-19 pandemic that allows for most migrants caught crossing the border to be rapidly expelled for public health reasons, with no type of asylum screening. One DHS official said that policy will continue. Mexico has also expressed its concern over this policy, known as Title 42, which the foreign ministry said incentivizes repeat crossings and puts migrants at risk. In a win for Mexico on a separate front, the United States said this week it will lift restrictions at its legal ports of entry for fully vaccinated foreign nationals in early November, ending curbs on nonessential travelers during the pandemic. Suspected ransomware payments totaling $590 million were made in the first six months of this year, more than the $416 million reported for all of 2020, U.S. authorities said on Friday, as Washington put the cryptocurrency industry on alert about its role in combating ransomware attacks. The U.S. Treasury Department said the average amount of reported ransomware transactions per month in 2021 was $102.3 million, with REvil/Sodinokibi, Conti, DarkSide, Avaddon, and Phobos the most prevalent ransomware strains reported. President Joe Biden has made the government's cybersecurity response a top priority for the most senior levels of his administration following a series of attacks this year that threatened to destabilize U.S. energy and food supplies. Avoiding U.S. sanctions Seeking to stop the use of cryptocurrencies in the payment of ransomware demands, Treasury told members of the crypto community they are responsible for making sure they do not directly or indirectly help facilitate deals prohibited by U.S. sanctions. Its new guidance said the industry plays an increasingly critical role in preventing those blacklisted from exploiting cryptocurrencies to evade sanctions. "Treasury is helping to stop ransomware attacks by making it difficult for criminals to profit from their crimes, but we need partners in the private sector to help prevent this illicit activity," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. The new guidance also advised cryptocurrency exchanges to use geolocation tools to block access from countries under U.S. sanctions. Hackers use ransomware to take down systems that control everything from hospital billing to manufacturing. They stop only after receiving hefty payments, typically in cryptocurrency. Large scale hacks This year, gangs have hit numerous U.S. companies in large scale hacks. One such attack on pipeline operator Colonial Pipeline led to temporary fuel supply shortages on the U.S. East Coast. Hackers also targeted an Iowa-based agricultural company, sparking fears of disruptions to grain harvesting in the Midwest. The Biden administration last month unveiled sanctions against cryptocurrency exchange Suex OTC, S.R.O. over its alleged role in enabling illegal payments from ransomware attacks, officials said, in the Treasury's first such move against a cyptocurrency exchange over ransomware activity. Thousands of students and schoolchildren are expected to attend dozens of rallies in Australia on Friday demanding urgent action on climate change. SchoolStrike4Climate activists in Australia say the global warming crisis is a time-bomb, and about 40 protests have been organized across the country. They are being joined by Indigenous communities, trade unions and many parents. In the states of New South Wales and Victoria, events are being held online because of COVID-19 restrictions. Campaigners are demanding Australia abandon new coal, oil and gas projects. The SchoolStrike4Climate group was set up in 2018. One of its organizers, 17-year-old Natasha Abhayawickrama, says urgent action is needed. Students and young people have had enough and we need net zero by 2035, and we need to have, like, a just transition towards renewable energy, she said. We need to stop funding fossil fuels. That is the main message and what we are demanding is essentially the bare minimum. This isnt a luxury. A safe future and a safe climate is not a luxury. It is the bare minimum that we as young people deserve. This week, Australias center-right government is meeting to discuss a net zero-emissions policy. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has yet to commit to a deadline to achieve carbon-neutrality. He has said he wants to achieve it "as soon as possible," but he has not outlined any measures to do so. There are deep divisions within his coalition government. Some lawmakers are staunch supporters of the fossil fuel industry. Australia is one of the worlds major exporters of coal, which generates about 70% of domestic electricity supplies. Conservationists argue, however, that Australia has the capacity to be a green energy superpower. Every day, 1,000 rooftop solar systems are installed across the suburbs of its towns and cities. Nowhere else in the world is the uptake so high. On a far grander scale, the worlds biggest solar farm, in Australia's Northern Territory, is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in revenue. There will be electricity to export it plans to supply 15% of Singapores power needs starting in 2027. 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. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale Contribute: Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it. Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! Translate Batur (13.7 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Strong jolting lasting maybe 20 seconds. Nothing fell, no known damage yet. Small aftershock within minutes. | 3 users found this interesting. Munduk, Bali (37 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Lasted maybe 7 seconds and at it's peak it was quite dramatic and shaking the land like large waves or ripples. | 2 users found this interesting. Seminyak (49.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I got woken up by the noise of a wall decoration rattling and the sound of something similar to an aeroplane landing nearby. The whole villa was shaking but it woke me up | 2 users found this interesting. Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (26.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : I was sitting on a table in my house outside of room as I noticed that the table starts shaking and the hanging object around me swinging and/or shaking as I remember it. | 2 users found this interesting. Amed , Karangasem Bali (17.5 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : The house was shaking very strong. The shake made waves in the pool. one smaller Aftershock. | 4 users found this interesting. Can this be a warning of an activity in Gunung Agung. Similar happened when Agung erupted..5,2 M quake came some time before the eruption.lets see / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Ubud (27.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging : Woke us up. Quite strong shaking similar to Mount Agung earthquakes in 2017. Scary | 2 users found this interesting. Canggu Bali (50.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : I was asleep and got woken to shaking | 2 users found this interesting. Unud (27.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Woke both my husband and me. Strong sideways shaking. Nothing broken. | 2 users found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Woke me up from sleep. The house shook from side to side. Windows and doors loud rattling. Dog ran out crying. Loud vibrations | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : I feel something like Light shaking. I woke up a minute "before". Everything started shaking, there was a hum and I seemed to be unstable on a boat... | One user found this interesting. Gianar, Bali. / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging : I was sleeping in bed and the bed was shaking back and forth with short movements fairly strongly. It lasted long enough for me to wake up and begin to run for the door. | One user found this interesting. Padang Bai, Karangasem (17 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : It was very extreme shaking! The solar hot water panel and the very heavy tank, feel from three stories up on two motor bikes and badly damaged them! Now no hot water or motorbikes! I feel its a wake up call for the people to stop polluting this Island Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : My hotel building was shaking. And I got waken up from my sleep. The shaking was really strong. | 2 users found this interesting. Bedugel / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Woke up family with beds shaking and furniture rattling. | 2 users found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short Goyangan kecil | 2 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / very short near Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (19.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : I woke up and hopped off from the bed | One user found this interesting. near Karangasem, Bali (19.4 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s It awoke me up, it freaked me out | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s Ubud (28.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : I thought someone was trying to break into my villa as all the glass doors and roof were shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud Bali (24.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s : Afraid | One user found this interesting. Bali (23.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : Wake up in the night and felt everything shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (27.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : sleeping.. woke up by rattling window, shaking bed | One user found this interesting. Ubud (28.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s : Light shaking. Woke me up. | One user found this interesting. Ubid (27.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Swinging bed, moving walls in a wooden house | One user found this interesting. near Banjar Wangsian, Bali (2.2 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : Long | One user found this interesting. Sleep (1.7 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Nithing | One user found this interesting. Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (27.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s : Sting shaking | One user found this interesting. Tengkulak (29.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Moderate shaking, creaking and vibrating. Animals alarmed. | One user found this interesting. Ubud, Bali (26.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : Woke me up. Sliding doors rattling and bed shaking pretty intensely. | One user found this interesting. 53.9 km SW of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Slight slow sideways shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud (28.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 15-20 s : Awakened was sleeping. Felt like 6 intensity, than a second tremor at 4:26 | One user found this interesting. Canggu (48.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : My bed was shaking and I could hear the windows vibrating | One user found this interesting. Ubud Bali Indonesia (26.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 minutes : Awakes from sleep House was shaking | One user found this interesting. Bali (41.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : In the bed | One user found this interesting. Kota Denpasar (47.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Just got up was going for toilet | One user found this interesting. Denpasar, Bali (37.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s We woke up from the shaking. Went outside. Saw the water in the pool moving. | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Ubud Bali (32.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Woke me up | One user found this interesting. Badung (36.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : In bed wood frame house shake, door on cupboard swing open | One user found this interesting. Bali (49.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I woke up from the bed shaking | One user found this interesting. Banjar Wangsian, Bali (21.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Woke me up in my sleep | One user found this interesting. 61.6 km SSW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) | One user found this interesting. Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (28 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Scary | One user found this interesting. Denpasar seminyak (49 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : . | One user found this interesting. was seated having a cigarette, I jumped out of my chair, thought someone was behind me, then windows shaking plants swaying / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Canggu (49.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s : Slight shaking and trembling | One user found this interesting. Ped, Nusa Penida (37 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Thought it was my partner tossing and turning in bed! I wear earplugs so didnt hear anything. | One user found this interesting. Uluwatu / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : We went out immediately | One user found this interesting. Bali / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : I was alone I was feeling very afraid. | One user found this interesting. Ubud (27.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : My partner and I were disturbed from our sleep around 4am, the whole room was shaking side to side. Kind strong for a few seconds gradually slowing at around 10 seconds | One user found this interesting. Ubud (20.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : Woke up cause my glass wall between bathroom and bedroom started shaking and I was sure that someone is in my bathroom | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Sideways strong shaking | One user found this interesting. Amed / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s : The house shook violently for maybe 20 or 30 seconds and there was an aftershock maybe 10 minutes later. | One user found this interesting. Seminyak (49.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : I woke up because of the sound of everything shaking, then I felt the bed shake sideways for about 5 seconds. My girlfriend woke up because of the shaking. | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Bed shaking. Windows and doors rattling loudly | One user found this interesting. Bali (49.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : Sleep and wake up and feel | One user found this interesting. Batur (14.2 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Woke up everyone in the neighborhood with strong shaking and very loud rumbling. No known damage at my location. | One user found this interesting. Gerokgak, Bali / not felt : We were awoken by a very large cracking noise, which we believe was a large glass door shaking, fortunately there was no damage. None of the rest of our party felt anything or work up | One user found this interesting. gianyar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s : nice | One user found this interesting. Bali (50.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Im sleeping and glasses vibrated and my bed also. | One user found this interesting. Sanur (45.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : The shake woke me up during the night however in my area it was very weak and didnt last more than a few seconds. No damage was done in my surroundings. | One user found this interesting. Ubud bali (29.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Woke to shaking of doors. | One user found this interesting. Uluwatu / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : We went out immediately | One user found this interesting. Kintamani (14 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Woke us up in the night. Was pretty short and not the strongest but caused multiple landslides near here. | One user found this interesting. Bunutan-Kedewatan, Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 10-15 s : Light to moderate shaking which caused me and my three grown sons to be immediately wakened. Our village kulkil drum was sounded and most of our village was also wakened. We are located next to the Royal Pita Maha luxury resort along the Ayung River. Afte | One user found this interesting. kemenuh / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : you could realy feel it | One user found this interesting. Ishaka-Uganda-Africa / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) : It started like the throbbing of engine. Then a strong rumbling that shook me strongly for about 40-58 seconds. I felt like in a ship heavily sailing against tempestuous and ravenous current and waves. After four minutes again another one passed by but th | One user found this interesting. Ubud, Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe : I was awakened from sleep, my bed was shaking. The movement felt a bit violent and made me feel a little nauseous. | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s : Moderate . In bed and while walking lots of shaking but can still move around | One user found this interesting. Lotundtuh, Ubud (30.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Moderate shaking. Im quite a deep sleeper, woke me up and walls were visibly moving. Felt waves moving beneath me. Was surprised it was only a 4.8 as have experienced a 6.2 before and the build up was similar. Yet the epic center of the 6.2 was far awa | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Woke me up from my my sleep | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 20-30 s : Light shaking. | One user found this interesting. Ubud Bali (32.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Woke me up | One user found this interesting. Berawa / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Shaking but it woke me Up | One user found this interesting. Kerobokan, Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : 3 distinct shakes growing in intensity | One user found this interesting. Klungkung (22.2 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s : I was sleeping until all of a sudden everything started to shake, definitely scared me wide awake | One user found this interesting. Sanur (45.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : I was woken up to the sound of cupboard doors banging and the bed swaying. | One user found this interesting. Taro (12.1 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : It was quite a intense shake. | One user found this interesting. Dangle tan, Penebel Tabanan. / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : It was quite strong ,just not very long. Moderate at least | One user found this interesting. Amed / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : It woke us up but not our 5 year old child. Not scary. We felt a light aftershock a few minutes later | One user found this interesting. Kerobokan, Denpasar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : The bed on the first floor began to shake and then the windows rattled. | One user found this interesting. Sekotong, lombok (65.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating : Unsure, woken by slight rattling. | One user found this interesting. Pemogan Denpasar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : The whole house shook with moderate shacking | One user found this interesting. Sanur, Denpasar (39.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Woken by the movement. | One user found this interesting. Sanur / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Small shaking | One user found this interesting. Kuta / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / very short : Felt as if my partner had been rolling back and forth on the bed | One user found this interesting. Maya Ubud / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 10-15 s : quite scary.. first time I experience earth quake | One user found this interesting. Amed / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : The shaking woke me up | One user found this interesting. Kerobokan Kelod, Badung Regency / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Awoken by light lateral shaking. | One user found this interesting. Sleeping / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Biggest earthquake I felt in Bali since being her | One user found this interesting. Ubud, Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / very short : Woke up in my bed in a shaking room. Immediately went back to sleep. Thought it was a dream. | One user found this interesting. Amed / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Woke me up, instinctually ran outside. First time I hear an earthquake actually make a sound, like a deep hum. Was saying yesterday that Agung has been so quiet lately.. | One user found this interesting. Sanur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : surprise..it woke me up..felt mostly near the end of the bed | One user found this interesting. Umalas (48 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Moderate shaking | One user found this interesting. canggu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Scared | One user found this interesting. In bed / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s : I felt quite scared and thought it would get worse. | One user found this interesting. In bed / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : A string shaking , all house was shaking | One user found this interesting. Kuta / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Bed shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s : Hi guys , it' was just 5 to second 25 seconds , was shaking like your phone vibrates on table , exactly like that , it was surprising were I stay almost 9 dogs are there, includes mine . Usually I heard animals sense natural disaster early, in today's cas | One user found this interesting. Umalas (48 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Moderate shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Light shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud (29 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Light shaing | One user found this interesting. Besakih / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Rumah saya roboh | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Ubud / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : I felt strong shaking and vibrating, my cat was in panic, she is jumped to me, and after that disappeared. Everything was moved with noise. I felt moving of the rooftop and walls because Im slept on the second floor of my house | One user found this interesting. Karangasem (19 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Everyone in the house (4 of us) felt the quake and we we outside to the open area. | One user found this interesting. Kembali villa (50.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating : Light shake cubbord rattle open | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : The shaking woke me up | One user found this interesting. Jl. Raya Bunutan Gianyar Bali 80571 Indonesia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating : Awakening from sleep. House was shaking | One user found this interesting. F7WP+38 Pejeng Kawan, Gianyar, Bali (25.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s : First time feeling an earthquake, that was awesome. | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Myvilla was shaking violently | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s : Whole hotel room shaked for 1 minute | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : It was quite strong shaking for 10 sec or a bit more. Felt it on ground floor. | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Light horizontal shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud, Bali (28.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Loud roof shaking and rocking. | One user found this interesting. Canggu / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : All the room shaked a lot | One user found this interesting. KETEWEL, Kb. Gianyar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s A strong vertical bump and several horizontal movements in different directions. Windows are scattering. Also a light after shock around 15-20 min later with a light tremors. At present no damages obvious. | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s Lombok, senggigi / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : It woke me up early in the morning. | One user found this interesting. koa hotel berawa / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : the frigde shaking and all buiding | One user found this interesting. Seminyak / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : It wakes me up | One user found this interesting. Legian / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 5-10 s : I was at the second floor of a hotel and was awaken by the moderate shake. | One user found this interesting. Bunutan, Amed Bali / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Bed moved, doors rattled, whole house shook | One user found this interesting. Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Woken by window shaking and room/floor moving seemingly side to side | One user found this interesting. Amed, Bunutan, Bali / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Awoken by bed shaking, doors rattling | One user found this interesting. ubud Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : woke us up, stoped by the time we sought shelter under a table | One user found this interesting. BAli / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : . | One user found this interesting. Denpasar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 20-30 s : Horizontal shaking | One user found this interesting. Ubud Bali (30.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Nice shake | One user found this interesting. Bali, Indonesia / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Building shaking, lightly to moderate shaking. | One user found this interesting. Ayu sweet house (30.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : The earthquake waking me up from my sleep, feels quiet big and worrying. | One user found this interesting. Ubid (27.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Swinging bed, moving walls in a wooden house | One user found this interesting. Sanur Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : Light shaking | One user found this interesting. Seminyak / Light shaking (MMI IV) : I woke up to my bed shaking | One user found this interesting. Kerobokan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Woke up cause the windows were rattling | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Ubud, Bali / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Felt shaking ng, thought it was anout 4.8 - 5. | One user found this interesting. Canggu bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) : It woke me up | One user found this interesting. Tabanan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 20-30 s : I awake with a pillow on my hands | One user found this interesting. Tejakulawake / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s Wake Up from shaking | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s : Powerful but shortly | One user found this interesting. Kintamani, Bali / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) Continues shaking with rumbling sound | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Light shaking | One user found this interesting. Sanur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s it woke me up. | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s Mataram / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : Light shaking | One user found this interesting. near Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (19.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : I woke up and hopped off from the bed Ubud bali (29.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Woke to shaking of doors. Kembali villa (50.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 minutes : Light shake cubbord rattle open Ubud (28.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : I thought someone was trying to break into my villa as all the glass doors and roof were shaking Ubud Bali (28 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s near Banjar Wangsian, Bali (2.2 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Sanur (44.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s near Amlapura, Bali (18.5 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s near Banjar Wangsian, Bali (2.2 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (22.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s near Amlapura, Bali (18 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Denpasar, Bali (33.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s near Munduk, Bali (32.4 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s near Karangasem, Bali (25.6 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) Ubud (27.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s Legian, Bali (49.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali (49.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s Munduk, Bali (34.3 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (28.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s Legian, Bali (49.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Sanur (44.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s Denpasar, Bali (46.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s 26.2 km SW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 20-30 s Ubud (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s near Praya, ID.17.Lombok (undefined), West Nusa Tenggara (91.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Jimbaran, Kabupaten Badung, Bali (61.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (28.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Kerobokan (47.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s Ubud (26.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Bali (46.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Ubud (25.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) Bali (49.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali (28.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s Tabanan, Bali (48.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Katiklantang, Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Light, but clearly noticeable schaking for some time. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : The shaking woke me up Pecatu / not felt Canggu / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Batur (14.2 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Woke up everyone in the neighborhood with strong shaking and very loud rumbling. No known damage at my location. Brawa Canggu / not felt Pererenan (49.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I woke up from the earthquake & my bed was shaking just a little bit. I realized it is an earthquake but it was really weak in pererenan. some friends of mine next to my place didnt even woke up. Ubud, Bali, indonesia / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Not the usual horizontal moving This one was like staying in place but shaking, vibrating, extremly noisy (woden house), quite spectaluar, but i would say moderate cause not many things felt Everybody had to go out in middle of the night Sleeping / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Biggest earthquake I felt in Bali since being her Sanur / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Small shaking badung / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Kutat lestari sanur / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 10-15 s : My bed was light shaking couple of times Mount Batur / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s Denpasar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s canggu / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Ubud / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s seminyak (50.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Denpasar, Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Ubud, bali / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s Batu bolong (48.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s Kerobokan (49.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Canggu (48.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating Bunutan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating Canggu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Ubud / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s Amed / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Nusa Penida (37.7 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s Canggu / not felt Pejeng / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s Ubud, Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 20-30 s Denpasar Barat / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s Seminyak / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short Ubud / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s Sanggingan, Ubud, Gianyar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : Glass rattling, walls creaking. No rolling, just rapid sideways shaking. Nothing fell. Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) Sayan, Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Canggu Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Karangasem / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 1-2 s Canggu / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Tabola Sidemen / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s Ubud. Sleeping / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s Ubud. bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging Batu belig beach (49.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Ubud Bali (28 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s Seraya Barat, Karangasem, Bali (22.8 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Ubud (27.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Pererenan, Badung, Bali (48.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Kuta, Lombok / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s KOTA DENPASAR / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short Sanur (45 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s Singaraja (50.8 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 15-20 s Umalas / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Kuta / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s Ubud, bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating Sanur (44.2 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Uluwatu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s denpasar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Canggu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Ubud (25.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s daksina gang seminyak (49.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Ubud / not felt / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s Ubud (27.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 20-30 s Uluwatu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Amed / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s Canggu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Denpasar selatan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s Canggu / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Seminyak (49.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s Canggu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s Sleeping / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Siyut / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Bangli (16.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging Sideman (12.5 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s Ubud / not felt Kintamani / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Denpasar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Kuta / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s KEROBOKAN, KUTA UTARA / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Canggu / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 30-60 s Ungasan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Setangi beach / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s Rs bali mandara / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Amed Beach / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Denpasar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Denpasar renon / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating Canggu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s kuta / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) Bedroom / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Canggu / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s Andong / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s Amlapura Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Amlapura / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Amed / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Canggu Bali / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s Sanur / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s canggu / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Ubud / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Denpasar-Sidakarya / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) Kesiman denpasar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake Bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s denpasar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s Kuta / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) Bedugal / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s With the leaves changing and temperatures dropping, now is the time to think about how to save energy, money and the planet during the heating season, and the Hyde Park Energy Committee and Lamoille County Planning Commission is here to help. Early deadlines are in effect for advertising and editorial submissions; final materials are due by Friday, Nov. 19, at noon. Please call for more details. Our offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25-26. Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images Bill Cosbys 2018 felony-sexual-assault conviction was overturned earlier this year, but the 84-year-old comedian is now facing a civil suit in New Jersey federal court. Lili Bernard, an actress who appeared on the hit television series The Cosby Show, claims Cosby drugged and raped her in August 1990 at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. Cosby took such a liking to the young actress and they became so close, Bernard claims, that Cosby even encouraged her to call him Daddy. But when she began to feel symptoms of dizziness, an urge to vomit, and weakness after Cosby allegedly provided her with a nonalcoholic beverage in his hotel suite, Bernard said, she drifted in and out of consciousness. When she awoke, she said, Cosby was naked on top of her while she told him no. By the next morning, the actress alleges, Cosby gave her money and provided transportation from the hotel back to New York, where she was living. Mr. Cosby sexually assaulted, battered and drugged Ms. Bernard on additional occasions, the lawsuit claims. I have waited a long time to be able to pursue my case in court, Bernard said in a statement, and I look forward to being heard and to hold Cosby accountable for what he did to me. Although it occurred long ago, I still live with the fear, pain and shame every day of my life. Along with other accusers, Bernard attended both of Cosbys criminal trials outside of Philadelphia when he faced charges of drugging and raping Andrea Constand at his home in 2004. Although the first trial ended in a hung jury in 2017, a second jury found Cosby guilty on all three counts of felony sexual assault one year later. He was jailed and registered as a sex offender and ended up serving more than two of his three-to-ten-year sentence before his conviction was overturned in June due to technicalities. Not only was Cosby freed, Pennsylvanias highest court ruled that he could no longer be tried again for the same crimes in criminal court. In New Jersey, however, the state allows a two-year window for sexual-abuse survivors to bring civil claims regardless of when an assault is alleged to have occurred. As such, Bernard is seeking an amount no less than $25 million in damages, saying she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder with symptoms including anxiety, nightmares, depression, and severe physical pain. Constand, who became the focus of the criminal trials, published a book this year, The Moment: Standing Up to Bill Cosby, Speaking Up for Women, in which she recounts her experiences and how she reacted after learning Cosby would walk out of prison a free man. I had a lump in my throat, Constand told the New York Times. I really felt they were setting a predator loose, and that made me sick. To date, more than 60 women have come forward claiming Cosby drugged and/or sexually assaulted them during the past five decades. The actor has always maintained his innocence. His spokesperson Andrew Wyatt said Cosby is willing and able to take this fight to the highest court in these United States, calling Bernards lawsuit just another attempt to abuse the legal process. Greys Anatomy Hotter Than Hell Season 18 Episode 3 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Previous Next Photo: Eric McCandless/ABC Is it hot in here, or is it just Dr. Addison Montgomery making her highly anticipated return to Greys Anatomy? Guys, its both. Theres a heat wave in Seattle and Addison is back. Addison! Addison Montgomery, we met her in the summer she you know her. And just to make sure you know this is a celebration for longtime Greys fans, her first line of the episode Im Dr. Addison Montgomery and you must be the group thats screwing up the program is a fun little nod to her first line in the series Im Addison Shepherd and you must be the woman whos been screwing my husband. A truly iconic moment in Greys history that introduced us all to one of the best characters in this entire series. I mean, shes easily top five, right? Like, if you were to ever, say, start a note on your phone with your Greys Anatomy character rankings that you periodically update just for fun, she would be in your top five, Im guessing. Anyway, having Addison Forbes Montgomery back in the halls of Grey Sloan feels right. She doesnt get the most cohesive or emotionally moving episode as her triumphant return, but it does feel like its building up to something. So, bad news: Everything not Addison-related in this episode is pretty half-baked. Good news: Addisons not done yet. Why is Addison back in Seattle after all this time? Oh, you know, just changing the face of medicine with a clinical trial on UTERINE TRANSPLANTS. Her last patient for the trial is a woman named Tovah, whose family is based in Seattle. Tovah had a hysterectomy after suffering a placental abruption and losing her last pregnancy after years of miscarriages. Then her husband got cancer and froze his sperm before he died and now she wants to have a uterine transplant so that she can have his baby. It looks like the devastating trauma epidemic is less of a Grey Sloan type of thing and more of a general Seattle citizen type of thing. I mean, could they give this woman a sadder story? No worry, Addison is going to give her a uterine transplant, help her get pregnant, and then deliver her baby. Addison Montgomery is a superhero? Not only is she back and doing something revolutionary (shes already positive shell be winning the Catherine Fox Award this year, no biggie), but Bailey and Webber have enlisted her as a guest to their revamped residency program. Shes leading grand rounds for the residents today in hopes of continuing to whip them into shape. In fact, one of them will eventually be listed when she gets published for this clinical trial. Thats a big deal! Much to Jos chagrin, Schmitt is in the lead for this honor thus far since hes the one who gets to scrub in on the transplant. Sorry to you, Pink Scrubs, that you have to perform the job that you decided was your one true joy? Jo is very confusing and it seems like the show doesnt exactly know what to do with her now that theyve separated her from the rest of the group. The residents all know bits and pieces of Addison Montgomery lore, and its nice to hear some shout-outs to moments from Greys past, including the plane crash, because honestly its wild that people arent talking about the fact that it happened more. Or the shooting. Or, like, every once and a while Webber should be like, Hey, remember when I got electrocuted? That was crazy! I dont know, just some things to think about. The real show here, however, is the surgery. Addison is doing her thing and making history, etcetera, when the entire HVAC system goes out after overheating. Seattle was not made to withstand this kind of heat, people! The most pressing problem this causes, aside from attractive people in scrubs sweating, is that the HVAC system also controls the air filtration system. Anyone who is open on an OR table right now runs a very high risk of infection. Regardless of what Webber says, Addison will not close up. Shes halfway through Tovahs transplant and she is seeing this through. If shes going to move any faster, which is really the only option right now, she needs someone who understands the intricacies of what shes working on. Perhaps someone who completed a successful abdominal wall transplant? Addison needs Meredith Grey. And so these two very successful surgeons with a rocky past work together in the OR to make this transplant happen. What a thing to see! There are some complications, but Addison and Meredith know what theyre doing. The transplant is a success. Thats great and all, but the highlight of the entire episode is the AddisonMeredith elevator scene. Thats right friends, a tried-and-true Greys Anatomy elevator scene. We are not worthy. Meredith and Addison have shared so many awkward elevator scenes over the years, all, of course, having to do with the McDreamy in the room. Even after all these years, even with Derek gone, he is still very much in this elevator with Addison and Meredith. Within a few seconds of the doors closing, leaving the two women alone after such an adrenaline rush, Addison breaks down into tears. Meredith stops the elevator. Its yet another callback, this time to season twos Into You Like a Train (an emotionally devastating hour), when Derek breaks down and Bailey stops the elevator so he can have a moment. Ah, bask in the history of it all! Anyway, Addison tells Meredith that she thought that being back here would mean shed feel Derek again. But hes not here. Hes really gone. Shes never had to face his death like this; being in this place without him makes it all real. But Meredith, holding back tears, tells her that Derek is still there. And hes in his children, and they are very real, she tells Addison. She wants her to meet them. Addison, of course, says yes. She also tells Meredith, who has hinted at being worried about what people like Webber and Bailey will think when she tells them about the Minnesota gig, that if she believes in the work, she needs to fight for it (she ends up breaking the news to Webber not long after). They hold each other for a brief moment before the elevator doors open again. We are all truly living now. Addison gets a reunion with her L.A. buddy Amelia, too. Then, we watch as she meets Zola and Bailey Grey Shepherd for the first time. They ask if she was friends with their dad, and she tells them he called her Addie, and then Zola calls her Addie. Its all very nice, watching Addison, Meredith, and Amelia, three women tied together by Derek, smiling and happy to be in the same room. I would like more of it. The OR Board Winston gets a kidney for Rashida, and he gets Owen to agree to do the transplant he doesnt want to ask Bailey because then hed have to explain how he maneuvered things to get Rashida on the transplant list in the first place. But the surgery is almost thwarted when the HVAC goes and they cant perform the transplant in the OR. Owen decides to call in Ben Warren and his physician response ambo thats set up to be an in-the-field surgical unit. They perform the surgery in the rig, and its very successful. Owens story line from last week also gets an update: Hes still trying to get in contact with Noah to help him with his pulmonary fibrosis plus, hes looking into burn pits and what the VA is doing (or, more to the point, not doing) about soldiers who suffer ailments because of them. It takes Owen knocking on Noahs door and giving him an impassioned speech about fighting for not just himself but his fellow soldiers to get any traction. So Link is smashing HVAC machinery because he is still in love with Amelia but cant fix whats broken, while she is getting super flirty with Dr. Kai Bartley from Minnesota over Zoom. What will Link smash when he finds out that Amelia has moved on because, yeah, she and Kai are definitely going to hook up soon. Cormac gives a big speech to a teenager about how yes, its hard being a teenager, but its also hard being the parent of a teenager, and the world is scary. This speech is not as effective as he maybe thinks it is? Read the room, dude. Regardless, Cormac and Baileys budding friendship remains a very nice thing. It surprises me every time that Greys Anatomy still thinks we want Helm obsessing over Meredith constantly. No one ordered this, Greys. Now that Teddy isnt having a mental breakdown, shes been made leader of the fun brigade at Grey Sloan (Owens incredulity upon hearing this made me laugh so hard). Her first idea to boost morale is wacky hats. Her second is snow cones in the morgue. Maybe she is still having a mental breakdown? Okay, but shouldnt Addison be sad that Mark isnt there either? Poor Mark Sloan, getting the shaft from Addison even in death. The revelations from the Pandora Papers have rocked the world. They showed that wealthy celebrities, political figures, billionaires and heads of state around the globe are sheltering assets in offshore tax havens, including here in the United States. As with the Panama Papers that were released five years ago, not too many Americans were caught up in the Pandora Papers. The leaks came from 14 offshore wealth service providers in countries where wealthy Americans typically don't seek services, like Cyprus and Seychelles. But rest assured, ultra-rich Americans are deploying the same tools described in the leaks to avoid paying taxes: shell companies, complex trusts and bank accounts in tax havens. They just don't have to go offshore. Our country's wealth defense industry the armada of tax attorneys, accountants and wealth managers that aid the super-wealthy has doubled down on moving billions to dynasty trusts, which are engineered to accumulate wealth for centuries free from the wealth transfer tax, and deploying special trusts like Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), where appreciation flows to their heirs free from the gift tax. A recent ProPublica expose documented that more than half of the richest 100 Americans use GRATs to avoid their estate tax obligations. The mechanisms are complicated. But most Americans understand that billionaire tax avoidance is harming ordinary US taxpayers by shifting obligations onto everyone else. When wealthy people pay lower effective rates, the cost of public services education, infrastructure, defense and environmental protection, for instance falls on the non-wealthy. A Pew Research Center survey shows that roughly 80% of Americans are bothered that the rich and some corporations are not paying "their fair share." In the immediate term, failing to shut down the hidden wealth system will undermine President Biden's Build Back Better program of infrastructure and other public investments. Democrats want to pay for the plan, in part, by raising taxes on the wealthy. But when the wealthy are hiding much of their income and assets in trusts and shell companies, those progressive taxes won't raise as much revenue. That's why Biden's plan to invest in rebuilding the IRS's capacity to oversee the tax hide-and-seek games of the wealthy is so important. Over the longer term, the creeping cancer of the hidden wealth system has fueled extreme wealth inequality in the US and worsened the racial economic divide. Since the Panama Papers were released in 2016, total US billionaire wealth has doubled, from $2.4 trillion, according to Forbes, to almost $5 trillion today. Even during the pandemic economy, the wealthy have realized tremendous financial gains. America's billionaires have seen their wealth grow by nearly $2 trillion since March 2020, even as the rest of the country suffered mass casualties and unemployment. Meanwhile, the percentage of households with zero financial reserves has increased, especially along racial lines. An estimated 28% of Black households and 26% of Latinx households have zero or negative financial wealth, compared to 14% for White households. The first step in fixing this is for the US to clean up its own internal tax havens. Several members of Congress have proposed the ENABLERS Act, which would establish due diligence reporting laws for "middlemen" entities involved in the flow of wealth such as attorneys, art dealers and wealth managers. Like bankers, they would be required to report suspicious activities under an amended Bank Secrecy Act. Federal laws should also override state trust laws that create forever dynasty trusts by imposing limited lifespans on trusts say, 80 years at which point the trust terminates and assets are subject to taxation. Lawmakers should outlaw certain forms of trusts and loopholes like GRATs that serve no business purpose other than tax dodging. And Congress should fund President Biden's plan to help the IRS police the tax shenanigans of the super-wealthy, ensuring they pay their fair share. The fact that the US is recognized as a global haven undermines American credibility in the fight to uproot global corruption. But the real harms at home are the unbuilt hospitals, the unfilled potholes, the uncared-for veterans and children, and the persistent racial wealth divide in homeownership and economic opportunity. A fairer tax system and a fairer society begins with bringing this hidden wealth into the sunlight. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. It's been almost four months to the day since an employee opened fire inside the Mueller Water Products plant in Albertville. The shooter severely injured two employees and fatally wounded two others, before taking his own life. Now, a national nonprofit is working with the close-knit community of Albertville to help the people impacted by this tragedy, both mentally and physically. "We opened a fund in Albertville within a week of when the shooting happened," says Jeffrey Dion, the executive director for the National Compassion Fund. He says the National Compassion Fund is "a nonprofit that collects and distributes charitable contributions in the aftermath of mass casualty crimes." Dion is working alongside eight other community leaders to come up with guidelines for how to distribute money from the Albertville Survivors Fund. "We work with a local steering committee, and that's important because it's got to be people in the local community that make the decisions about eligibility and distribution," says Dion. The Albertville Survivors Fund has already raised more than $260,000 for those impacted by the Mueller plant shooting. Dion says, "100% of the money that's been donated is going to go to the people directly impacted by this event." David Horton and Lee Dobbins were both fatally wounded during the workplace shooting. Isaac Byrd and Casey Sampson were seriously injured, and according to the draft protocol for the fund, they're still receiving treatment for their injuries. The fund will not only help families of those wounded, it will also support employees suffering from psychological trauma. "We want to make sure that no one is left out and that we honor the intention of the donors who wanted to help the people impacted by this horrible crime," says Dion. There will be a town hall Tuesday, October 19th at Snead State Community College to get public input on the draft protocol for distributing funds, so they can finalize it by the end of the month. Applications for the funds open in November, and all recipients should receive their donations by the end of the year. The City of Athens plans to celebrate Halloween on Oct. 31 this year, even if it is a Sunday. Halloween is going to be on Halloween, Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said during a City Council meeting this week. He said the city will be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat on The Square that day, giving trick-or-treaters a great opportunity to get candy without having to go door to door. The event will be 46 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, in downtown Athens. Athens Fire & Rescue, Athens Police Department and Limestone County Sheriffs Office are among those who will be set up with candy for participants, Marks said. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) The lawyers for accused Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz say he plans to plead guilty to the 2018 massacre at a Parkland high school. The guilty plea would set up a penalty phase where the 23-year-old Cruz would be fighting against the death penalty and hoping for life without parole. The lawyers on Friday said the guilty pleas will be entered next week. A jury will decide whether Cruz will get the death penalty. The judge hopes that trial will start in January. The news brings some closure to a South Florida community more than three years after an attack that sparked a nationwide movement for gun control. UPDATE: The suspect was arrested in Clark County, Indiana, early Monday, Oct. 18. Giles County (Tennessee) Sheriff's Office said he is awaiting extradition to Giles County. ORIGINAL: A Mississippi man accused of fleeing police and stealing vehicles out of Alabama and Tennessee could still be in the area and is likely armed, according to police. Giles County (Tennessee) Sherriffs Office said 46-year-old David Drew Williams of Jones County, Mississippi, is the man they suspect of fleeing officers in Minor Hill around 8 p.m. Wednesday. According to the sheriffs office, Minor Hill Police Department attempted a traffic stop on Tennessee 11, but the driver fled down McRee Lane. GCSO said two males fled on foot, and the passenger, a juvenile, was caught a few hours later. The truck was stolen out of Cullman, Alabama, GCSO said. In the vehicle, deputies found stolen property, guns and narcotics. GCSO said Williams remains at large and may possibly still be in the area. Williams is wanted in multiple states and across the Southeast, police said. This subject has been violent in the past and is likely to be armed. According to police, several vehicles along McRee Road were found to be burglarized around that time, and a dark gray 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck with repaired damage on the tailgate and a Navy sticker on the rear window was reported stolen 8 a.m. Thursday. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Williams or the truck is asked to call the Giles County Sheriffs Office at 931-363-3505. If you see Williams, do not approach. Call 911. A Huntsville store owner admitted to underreporting sales so they could avoid paying state sales tax, leading to thousands owed to the government and possible jail time, according to the state attorney generals office. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction of 44-year-old Mehryar Nasseri of New Market on Thursday. Marshall said over the course of three years, Nasseri routinely underreported gross sales in order to reduce their tax bill for the Sunoco that Nasseri owned and operated on Winchester Road. An investigation by the Alabama Department of Revenue revealed Nasseri had underpaid business sales tax by $73,449.82, Marshall said. After admitting and being convicted of the crime, Nasseri was sentenced to three years of probation followed by two years of imprisonment, though the latter could be suspended upon completion of the former, according to Marshall. Nasseri will also have to pay back the full amount he failed to pay plus $48,815.10, Marshall said. Another business owner, 45-year-old Simon Njuku or Irondale, was also convicted of the same. In that case, Njuku failed to pay the correct amount of taxes for the Betty Foodmart he managed in Childersburg and will have to pay $20,454.58 in restitution plus $13,765.05. A line of strong to severe storms is expected to cross over into northwest Alabama later this evening. The better ingredients for severe weather remain to our northwest in Tennessee and Kentucky. However, isolated strong to severe storms still remain possible in our areas mainly west of I-65. Here's the latest timing for tonight's storms Shoals: 8 PM - 11 PM I-65: 10 PM - 1 AM Sand Mountain: 12 AM - 3 AM It will still be a close call for Big Game Friday Night in northwest Alabama. If this timing holds, lightning delays are very possible for games in the Shoals. The threat for lightning delays is less for games along and east of I-65 as most games should be over by the time storms arrive. Obviously, this could change depending on how fast or slow the front moves in. Bottom line, stay weather aware if you're heading to any games or have any other plans this evening! The front moves through the entire region late tonight, ending our rain chances and ushering in crisp Fall air for the weekend. Despite tons of sunshine, highs only reach the upper 60s Saturday! A persistent northwest breeze will add another chill to the air too. Overnight lows will be in the low to mid 40s Sunday morning. Some higher ridge tops could even touch the upper 30s for the first time this season! Sunshine sticks around through the middle of next week with temperatures climbing back to the mid 70s. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). Take a day-return train trip from Rome around an historically-rich area framed by the Alban Hills, the Sabine Heights and the Apennines. By Martin Bennett "To stray in spirit better through the land/ This morn of Rome and May," recommends Robert Brownings poem Two in Campagna. Or for 5, in whatever month, one can take a train, a day-return from Guidonia to Tiburtina. First stop for Romeward journey is Bagni di Tivoli, bringing home how this often-neglected hinterland was part-and-parcel with Rome's urban centre. Those variously-sized segments of smoothly-cut travertine visible from the carriage window are the same material that Emperor Vespasian had elephanted in for his Flavian amphitheatre/ Colosseum. Another instance of how all roads lead to Rome. Down the line is Ponte di Nona, named after Romes ninth mile from the Forum. The river Anienes tributary below has vanished into twinkling air. Yet the ancient bridge still stands, its central section from the first century BC. Where commuters now drive to work, picture foot-slogging legionnaires along Via Prenestinas ex-consular road. "Romes ghost since Romes decease," Browning, looking across the ruin-strewn landscape, compacts milennia into a phrase. Ruins of Villa di Massenzio. Photo Zoran Karapancev - Shutterstock. The Campagna is also studded with villas. A tribute to the ancients mastery of hydrology, some come with bath-complexes. Take Villa Quintili out along Via Appia Antica. Its baths contain, via so-called tubulae, a built-in heating system. Value added indeed. Until the property attracted the attentions of avaricious Emperor Comodus. On trumped-up treason charges, the eminent and upright Quintili brothers, ex-consuls and governors both, were done away with, their villa passing into imperial hands.More fortunate, Latin poet Horace occupied a villa gifted him by his patron Maecenas. north of Tivoli, it has not only baths attached but a fish-farm/ vivarium. Back along Appia Antica, Maxentiuss villa boasts a 400m-long circus to seat 10,000 (private) spectators. The shape, amidst "an everlasting wash of air" (Brownings phrase), remains discernable. Its masonry, though, has been carted away, likewise the central obelisk which, as per Pope Innocent Xs orders (1651), now embellishes Piazza Navona. Other villas sprouted along river banks, for Roman historian Cato the Elder the ideal venue. By the Aniene several have been unearthed, the river both scenic and a ready means of transport, as example Villa Ripa Mammea and Villa Cervara. Nearby towers the remains of a quarry once supplying ancient Romes upmarket building boom. All well and good, idyllic otium, the Romans' 'R&R'guaranteed. However with Barbarians at the gates, soon la Campagna would never be the same. True, as the empire shrunk and foodstuffs became scarce, Campagna/ Ager Romanus, previously used for pasture, enjoyed a brief lease of agricultural life, its crops making up the shortfall of Romes lost provinces. This nothwithstanding the fact that with Constantines move to the east (together with a mass of patricians and artisans), many villas had passed to the now official Church which now officially established became a big-time landowner. Sacred pagan groves The most infamous blow came in 537. Vertiges, the Visigoth king, blocked the aqueducts in the Campo Barbaro (present-day Parco dellAppia Antica), using two of them, filled with extra mud and stones (c.f. Latin historian Propinius), to form a trapezoid-shaped fortress. Hydrology kaput, Romes idyllic outskirts/newfound breadbasket turned swamp. Blame has been heaped, longer term, on the new religion for the felling of Campagnas sacred pagan groves, with adverse ecological effects stretching millennia. Goths then Lombards came and left. To the new Church landlords more important than seasonal profit from agriculture was the fact of permanent ownership. "A diseased sterile wetland," notes one Grand Tourist, er deserto as it was nicknamed by hard-pressed locals. One 18th-century author even claims that popes gloried in Campagnas desolation, its serving to redirect pilgrims or tourists to the better-maintained wonders of the Eternal City. Actually the eighth-century Pope Adrian undertook aqueduct reconstruction, then in 1585 Sixtus V, redirecting Aqua Alessandria, built the Aqua Felice. Mediaeval times saw a spate of castle-building by papal vassals. First along the coast to stop the Saracens (such as the 10th-century Tor Vaianica) then Normans, and next inland, to defend feuding land-owning families from each other (11th-century Tor Sapienza, now naming also a train station en route.) Wreaking as much damage as any horde (and one of multiple factors behind the empires fall), is malaria, formerly known as tertian or quartan fever. The symptoms, if not the cause, were recognised by Hippocrates (c4th BC), and later described, under Tiberiuss reign, by Latin writer Celsus. Pliny the Elder links the health of the farmworkers at his different villas to seasonal flooding. Only in the 1890s would it be possible to claim "Romes history has largely been written by the mosquito", to quote a writer at the time. The seeming exaggeration received more credence in the late 1990s when American archaeologist Davis Soren came upon a childrens graveyard on Lugnano, 95 km from the capital. Dating to 450 AD, 40 skeletons were found, many still- or newly-born, then as now, a particularly vulnerable group where malaria is concerned. More sinister still were fragments of beheaded and dismembered puppies at the same site. Along with traces of honeysuckle, an old tertian remedy. The puppies suggested the parents having resorted to pagan sacrifice in propitiation. Indeed, the Romans characterised malaria/ tertian as an evil spirit. No surprise that the skeletons had been blocked off by strategically-placed slabs. Nor that Quintus Serenus under Caracallas reign reports abacadabra as a spell, worn round the neck as talisman/antidote. Concurrently to Sorens findings Professor Coluzzi, former hygiene professor at La Sapienza, was gathering evidence for his theory that malaria reached Campagna via Romes north African colonies, Sardinia a mid-way point, the plasdomium / malaria parasite being present in ships water-barrels. As in a crime series, proof hardened after DNA tests; British science historian Davis Sallares managed to extract malarial traces from a three-year-old girls thighbone, (Skeleton 36 of those previously excavated by Sorene.) Malaria as an element in Romes decline passed from wild speculation to solid fact. The search is now on for an equivalent graveyard for adult victims. Another scourge, over time, were brigands. On Via Giulia, SS. Maria dellOrazione e la Mortes facade includes, with winged skulls, a plaque dated 1694: "Offerings for the poor dead collected from the Campagna." Thus the churchs eponymous order was devoted to retrieving bodies of brigandages abandoned victims. Countryside as deathtrap. Yet from an artistic viewpoint it was a cradle. The Flight into Egypt by Annibale Carracci. Artists Alban Hills to the south, northward the Sabine Heights with its scenic temples, eastward the Apennines, the area can claim to be the worlds most painted terrain ever. In the 1500s Dutch landscape pioneer Paul Brill was already at work, transferring open air to easel. A century later Annibale Carracci would use Campagna as backdrop to his Flight to Egypt, now in Galleria Doria Pamphilij.A painting by Baroque master Pietro da Cortona in the Capitoline museum depicts a view for its own sake. Residents of Frances Villa Medici in Rome, Poussin and Claude Lorrain depicted rural stretches bathed in a sumptuous golden light later admired by Turner who, approaching Rome, would jot in his diary, "my first bit of Claude." Throughout, stock mythological figures shrink in size as the natural background dominates traditionally classical narrative. Gods and goddesses upstaged by foliage and light-effects, another kind of flora, might be a summary. With Hackert then Corot (cf. his depiction of the Claudian acqueduct) human figures disappear entirely. Aided by viridian/ chromium oxide, a state-of-the-art very expensive colour, painting al vero prefigures photography. The artist in the same Grand Tour period is redeployed as supplier of souvenirs. Welshman and Father of British Landscape Painting, Richard Wilson describes his Campagna views as good breeders, such was their demand. Most upmarket selfie of all is surely Tischbeins portrait of Goethe. Millennia in his ken, the writer reclines on a bench/ plinth? Alongside is a frieze of Iphigenia in Tauris, matching Goethes then work-in-progress, while at his shoulder is Cecilia Metellas tomb. Grand tourist par excellence. No matter changes in taste or style, Campagna had enough to keep painters busy for years. The early 1900s brought the XXV group of painters, referring to the number of its members. Sundays, with ritual stop-off at local trattoria, they would make their excursion. Unlike Claude and Poussin, their work was deliberately realistic, with a social agenda documenting the inhabitants poor health and indirectly inspiring Mussolini's 1920s-30s bonifica / draining projects. Thanks also to the discovery of quinine, by the 1940s Campagna had become fully-habitable; towns such as Guidonia (named after the air-ace Alessandro Guidoni) sprang up over mouldered estates and castles. Back on our day-return, train-window, then, as alternative art-gallery. To watch-towers, aqueducts and age-old cypresses, add the odd pylon and mechanically-produced rolls of hay. Gaze left at the siding at Bagni di Tivoli: rust-streaked yellow repair engine is overrun by clumps of in-blown vegetation. A reminder that Campagnas ever-ready to reassert itself. "Such letting nature have her way/ While heaven looks down from her towers," says Browning. Or from Horaces Epistle (10,1) about his Sabine farm: "Drive Nature off with a pitchfork, shell press back." On the Guidonia return, the carriage-window frames some archaeologists crouching in an open field as they try, in their small way, to reverse the process. This article was published in the October 2021 online edition of Wanted in Rome. New name and new look for Italy's new national airline. Italy's new airline is to be called ITA Airways, despite paying 90 million for the brand and naming rights of its predecessor Alitalia which ceased operating on Thursday after 74 years. The news was announced by CEO Fabio Lazzerini during the press conference for the launch of the airline on Friday morning, hours after its first flight landed in the southern city of Bari. Unveiling the name for the state-backed carrier - which until now had been called ITA (Italia Trasporto Aereo) - Lazzerini described ITA Airways as "a name that looks forward, looks to the future." The airline will operate all-blue planes, with the ITA Airways logo in white gold, with white wings and Italian tricolour on the tail, in a break from the green, white and red livery of Alitalia. In addition to dropping the Alitalia name and livery, ITA announced a new website - www.itaairways.com. Justifying the purchase of Alitalia's brand and naming rights, currently not used, Lazzerini said "it was a heritage that had to be preserved," adding that ITA wanted to "manage the process" of how the brand is used. ITA chairman Alfredo Altavilla told reporters that the company is seeking a deal with a larger airline by the end of 2022 as it is too small to compete on its own. The new slimmed-down airline has employed only around 2,800 of the almost 11,000 Alitalia staff, although its workforce may increase to 5,750 in 2025. Initially it will serve 44 destinations, rising to 74 by 2025, and it will serve more than a dozen Italian cities alongside key airports such as London-Heathrow and Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Tickets are on sale for US destinations, which ITA Airways will launch over the coming months, to destinations including New York JFK, Miami, Boston and Los Angeles, with more long-haul flights expected next spring, including Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo. ITA Airways takes off at a difficult time amid competition from low-cost rivals and with the aviation sector still reeling from the covid-19 pandemic. A new dawn begins for air travel in Italy. Italy's new national airline ITA takes to the skies on Friday 15 October after Alitalia made its final voyage last night, with a flight from Rome to Cagliari. ITA, whose full name is Italia Trasporto Aereo, replaces Alitalia which ceased operating yesterday after 74 years. On the eve of its launch, however, ITA bought the Alitalia brand and naming rights for 90 million, down from the original 290 million asking price. This means that the state-backed ITA will be allowed to use its predecessor's identity, including website domain, brand, livery and uniforms, and the permanent right to use the Alitalia name. ITA's maiden voyage will be from Milan Linate to Bari airport on Friday morning. The launch of the airline was preceded by intensive talks between Italy and the European Commission over how to carve out a role for the new carrier and make it independent from the loss-making Alitalia. The move to keep ITA separate from its predecessor is to ensure it would not be liable for paying back billions of euro the old carrier had received in state aid. ITA, which is fully owned by the government of Italy, starts off with a fleet of 52 planes, set to rise to 105 by the end of 2025. However the new slimmed-down airline will employ only around 2,800 of the 11,000 Alitalia staff, although its workforce may increase to 5,750 in 2025. The carrier will initially serve 44 destinations, with this number set to rise to 74 by 2025. In addition to key airports such as London-Heathrow and Paris-Charles de Gaulle, ITA will serve more than a dozen Italian cities. The company has begun selling tickets for transatlantic destinations in the US, to launch over the coming months, including flights between Rome Fiumicino and New York JFK, Miami, Boston and Los Angeles, as well as between Milan Malpensa and New York JFK. More long-haul flights are expected in the spring of 2022, reportedly including Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo. The new airline takes off at a difficult time amid competition from low-cost rivals and with the aviation industry still reeling from the covid-19 pandemic. Tension as Italy brings in new Green Pass rules for 23 million workers. Italy is braced for protests and strikes as Mario Draghi's government introduces sweeping anti-covid legislation, among the toughest in the world, requiring all workers to have a Green Pass from Friday 15 October. The Green Pass - a certificate showing that people have been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative for covid-19 within the previous 48 hours - is now compulsory for all public and private sector workers in Italy. High security Police are stepping up security at locations such as ministries and state insitutions, as well as airports, ports, railway stations and motorways, amid concerns of unrest and blockades. There is opposition to the Green Pass, which affects some 23 million workers, with risks of disruption to the supply chain across Italy as dockers and hauliers threaten to strike. Italy also faces the potential of staff shortages, with media reports of some pharmacies booked solid for covid tests until the end of the year. Under the government's Green Pass system, unvaccinated workers can go to work but only if they undergo a 15 covid test every 48 hours, at their own expense. Workers caught violating the new rules can be suspended without pay, however nobody can be fired for not having the health certificate. Those who go to work without the Green Pass risk fines of up to 1,500, while businesses who fail to carry out checks can be fined up to 1,000. Rome In the capital, security has been increased amid concerns of a repeat of last weekend's violence, fuelled by extreme right activists, ahead of a protest due to take place at the Circus Maximus at 16.00. There will reportedly be 1,000 police officers on duty at the 'No Green Pass' demonstration which is likely to result in the area being closed to traffic in the afternoon, with parts of the Palatine Hill closing to visitors early. Around 2,000 people are expected at the Circo Massimo protest, perhaps more, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. Security chiefs have already moved the venue of the protest twice, first from the central Piazza SS. Apostoli - over concerns it was too near parliament - then to Piazza Bocca della Verita which was subsequently deemed too small to cope with the crowd expected. The Green Pass demo in Rome takes place against the backdrop of a mayoral run-off and a major anti-fascist rally organised in response to the storming of the CGIL trade union headquarters on Saturday. Trieste Around 1,000 dockers and several thousand othere in the north-eastern port of Trieste are protesting over the Green Pass this morning, reports news agency ANSA, however it was business as usual at the port of Venice. Protests have also been called outside the factory gates of Fiat Avio near Turin, Pirelli at Settimo Torinese, Iveco in Torino and Gallina at La Loggia, according to ANSA. The Trieste dockers have threatened that if the Green Pass obligation in the workplace is not withdrawn, activity will come to a halt in the port where 40 per cent of the workers are allegedly unvaccinated. Italy's vaccine campaign Almost 81 per cent of Italy's population over the age of 12 has been fully vaccinated, with the Green Pass designed to accelerate vaccinations and stamp out covid infections. A recent survey conducted by EngageMinds HUB found that 56 per cent of Italians believe the Green Pass is effective and useful in Italy's battle against covid-19. The obligation to have the Green Pass in the workplace is supported by trade unions and business groups however it continues to cause division among workers in Italy. What is Italy's Green Pass? Italy's Green Pass, or certificazione verde, was first introduced in the summer for travel within the EU and to facilitate access to large events such as weddings or to visit nursing homes. However the scope of the Green Pass - which does not apply to children under 12 - has since been expanded progressively. The Green Pass is required for indoor dining in restaurants and long-distance domestic travel as well as a host of cultural, leisure and social activities, such as museums, swimming pools and nightclubs. 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: Today It would affect multinationals that make more than 20 billion euros a year in revenue and have a profit margin above 10%, exempting companies in financial services and extractive industries such as mining. They wont necessarily pay more tax; rather, the taxes they pay would be divided among more places. This change will target about 100 of the worlds largest and most successful multinationals, including companies such as Amazon, Facebook and Google that can sell their digital products into countries without establishing the physical presence that creates the basis for corporate income tax. Under the new system, countries where those companies have consumers or users would get the right to tax 25% of profits exceeding a 10% margin -- and companies would be compensated for the tax theyre paying in additional locations by the countries where theyre currently paying it. Critically, countries also agreed to immediately halt all new digital tax measures. The freeze will last until the end of 2023, or whenever a convention implementing the reallocation goes into effect. Countries will also have to give up existing digital taxes. I dont know. I dont associate a needle jab with Orwell. The vaccine is a shot that protects me and my family and allows everybody to get back to work and socialize. If people cant be gently persuaded to look after their own health and the well-being of those around them, then mandates are needed. None of this is remotely theoretical, either. If Catanzaras predictions pan out, Chicago may offer a front-row seat this weekend to the consequences of know-nothing protests in the Covid-19 era. The fragmented vote in the September election, with the SPD winning the most seats and the conservative bloc dropping to second, is forcing disparate parties together. Scholz, who has served as Merkels vice chancellor and finance minister since 2018, is negotiating with the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats, or FDP, to achieve a majority. Since the last election in 2017 -- when it took Merkel about six months to form a coalition -- the SPD, Greens and FDP have gained ground while the conservative bloc is in disarray after slumping to its worst-ever result, leaving it likely to be excluded from power for the first time since 2005. While Scholzs discussions have started well, Christian Democratic leader Armin Laschet has said that, should they falter, conservatives are still open for their own coalition talks, even as he has signaled hes prepared to step aside as head of his party. Even now that most kids are back at school, texting, social media and online video consumption is the way kids stay connected and socialize, at least in wealthy countries. How that might be a bad thing (and a good thing) is fertile ground for researchers trying to catch up with the rapid adoption of new devices and platforms by younger and younger kids. On phones, tablets, consoles and laptops, kids are gaming, chatting on Discord, commenting on live streams on Twitch -- even as they deal with the traditional adolescent stew of school, peer pressure and hormones. Theyre figuring it out in front of an audience of hundreds if not thousands of friends commenting in real time on what they do, and -- via Snapchat and Instagram -- how they look. Traditionally jealous of its turf, the police are happy for Shin Bet to supply some help with combatting gang violence, so long as the police remain in control. It is doubtful the Shin Bet will accept that. It is also possible that such an arrangement would be illegal. When Bennett first floated the idea, he was advised by Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit the man responsible for putting former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on trial for corruption that using the Shin Bet to fight civilian crime would be taking it out of its lane. AH: Equity is a challenge in every sphere of education. The gap might be even wider in computer science, but in some ways its also easier to close with concentrated effort. The first thing we did was to provide to every school access to high-speed broadband. But theres still a gap because when the students go to their homes in a rural area, they dont have the same network capability. This was magnified as a problem during Covid when we depended, in some instances, on virtual education. Were investing hundreds of millions of dollars right now to expand broadband into homes in rural communities. Its also harder to recruit teachers in the rural areas, and so weve had to devote special funds for our rural areas to make sure they have what they need to recruit and retain the teachers.What Covid taught everybody was that you literally can run the world from your hometown in rural Arkansas if you have access to high-speed broadband and you know coding. Because people have been working remotely, they can visualize themselves working for a company in Houston or San Jose or Charlotte, or globally, while still living in a rural area. The pandemic showed the scale of the challenge but gave us some tools to overcome it as well. This formulation is a classic Washington euphemism for the prospect of military action. Former President Barack Obama would use a version all options are on the table during his administrations negotiations with Iran. Its meant to placate allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia, who worry the U.S. is unwilling to back up its economic war on Tehran with cruise missiles and cyberattacks if Iran gets close to becoming a nuclear threshold power. And its meant to remind Irans regime that the U.S. is willing to use its military might to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons. Todays Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. Email address By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Boccis TwiLight pictures were made at dusk on the grounds of the Medici Fortress in Siena, Italy, the city where the photographer was born. Runners and strollers loop the grounds as the sky shifts from blue to pink and gold, and their circuits are captured by eight to 40 individual shots that are then combined. Sometimes, what appear to be multiple people in panoramas are actually the same ones at different points in their travels. The effect is visually striking, and also metaphorical: Human life circles onward as day cycles into night. I frequently spotted these bilingual street signs in small hill towns such as Groznjan and in Pula, Istria Countys largest city. The road signs along major highways were also in both languages. One of the most interesting examples of this heritage was in the center of Pula, an important outpost of the Roman Empire known for an amphitheater built during the same time frame as the Colosseum in Rome. Forum Square, which has served as the towns main square since the reign of the Roman Empire, features the crumbling Temple of Augustus, built during the rule of Augustus Caesar. The temple stands beside the medieval town hall that flies the flags of Istria, Croatia, the European Union and Italy a visual representation of Istrias identity. I wasnt quite ready to return to the real world and the stifling 100-degree heat. Before 2020, visitors would get to see the canyon in reverse by going back the way they had come, squeezing past the people in the tour group after them, but pandemic regulations now require people to walk around the canyon, up several flights of metal stairs. As we huffed uphill, though, I realized the hike allowed for more time to get to know Begay, who spoke some Navajo for us. One visitor asked her whether other spectacular slot canyons like Upper Antelope exist. A few, Begay said, and shes visited them, but theres nothing like this. Loudoun 4 All is dismayed to see any of our school board members or other elected officials bullied into resigning while our community is being torn apart by groups who are not interested in facts or open discourse, but prefer to cause chaos and forced resignations or recalls to advance their far right agenda, the group said. Ziegler and a spokesman for the school system, Wayde Byard, sought to respond to these charges point by point this week. Broadly, they said, Loudoun was hampered in handling the alleged assaults by its need to comply with law enforcement and Title IX procedures. Loudoun had to wait until the sheriffs office concluded its criminal investigation before it could discipline the student, Byard said. He said law enforcement requested that Loudoun not interview students during the criminal investigation. He also noted that Title IX prohibits Loudoun from disciplining a student without following the laws grievance process, which requires a full investigation of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Citing Trumps repeated personal attacks on McCabe, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton, a George W. Bush appointee, said at the time: I just think its a banana republic when we go down that road and we have those type of statements being made that are conceivably, even if not, influencing the ultimate decision. I think there are a lot of people on the outside who perceive that there is undue inappropriate pressure being brought to bear. Issues of salary and retention came up for the police department, but that wasnt the issue for the community, said Oriadha, who co-founded the advocacy group PG Change Makers. The community was talking about the devaluing of people of color and their lives and their bodies, so to me, saying youre investing in police rather than in the communities and in the root causes of crime. . . . Thats a slap in the face to exactly what those work groups and commissions were put together for. Dr. Raboteau found a paternal figure in his stepfather, a former Catholic priest who left the order because of the bigotry that he encountered in the church. Dr. Raboteau, too, knew it from an early age. He recalled kneeling at the altar as a 7-year-old boy, just two months after he received his first Communion, and waiting for the priest to distribute the Eucharist to the White parishioners before finally acknowledging him. But at age 13, he saw the bright lights of the local library and went inside to warm up. He left with his first library card, a liberating gift from a librarian who encouraged him to read and soon handed him a freshly sharpened pencil, telling him to write down his mind pictures. It was as though I had been dying of thirst and the librarian had handed me a five-gallon bucket of water, he later said. I drank and drank. As my colleague Dana Hedgpeth reported after talking to experts this week, these zebras are going to be okay in the wilds of Maryland if humans leave them alone. No lions, no drought. The only hunters looking for them besides the owners are picture-takers armed with iPhones. They can go for miles before they get to any commercial spaces or main roads. The county which denied that religion was ever a motivation then reduced the setback restriction to 656 feet and later rescinded the ordinance while arguing that the site still did not have the consent it needed from surrounding neighbors. At least 70 people have been killed so far this year inside al-Hol, the sprawling camp that has come to symbolize the deadlock over the fighters and family members, hailing from across Europe, the Middle East and beyond, who now personify the unaddressed aftermath of the five-year battle against the Islamic State. In a statement, the Army said enlistees are subject to screening measures that include criminal background checks, sex offender databases and collection of fingerprints submitted to the FBI. The Army was unaware of any involvement Spc. Mault may have had in the incidents on January 6 or of any information disqualifying him at the time of his enlistment, said Lt. Col. Gabriel J. Ramirez, an Army spokesman. The Army will continue to work with the FBI and other entities with inputs into the pre-screening process to obtain relevant information to inform Army enlistment decisions. Rolling back the policies of Remain in Mexico, sitting on the edge of the Rio Grande in a muddy circumstance with not enough to eat and I make no apologies for that, the president told reporters in March. I make no apologies for ending programs that did not exist before Trump became President, that have an incredibly negative impact on the law, international law, as well as on human dignity. Although Moms for Liberty recently leased its three-room office, Descovich said she is still waiting for someone to donate a microwave or minifridge. If someone wants to give us a million dollars, we would take it, but its just not happening, Descovich later said, adding that the group is being funded by individual $50 memberships from members and proceeds from the sale of their Moms for Liberty T-shirts. Have our policymakers learned nothing from our disastrous adventures in Cuba, Vietnam and Afghanistan? Ms. Luria, who retired after two decades in the Navy, including service as a nuclear-trained surface warfare officer, and is currently vice chair of the House Armed Services Committee, should know better. She argued that the president has no legal authority to react in the time necessary to repel a Chinese invasion of Taiwan and deter an all-out war. Thank goodness for that. This presents a conundrum and exposes a weakness in those vaunted guardrails. On the one hand, the multiparty system is part of the constitution, and Germany is obligated to finance whatever crazy views a sufficient share of voters believe. On the other hand, the constitution forbids political extremism considered a threat to the democratic order. Deciding whos an extremist posing that degree of threat is tricky, however. Right now all eyes are on Germanys domestic intelligence agency, which has a kind of rapid alert system. You dont need to be violent to be subject to the agencys surveillance for extremism, but ultimately a court has to decide who is too threatening. The AfD has been subject to surveillance; DES so far has not. This leaves the AfD with a dangerous tool. Its representatives know what other foundations representatives have long known: Political education has a deeper and stronger impact on public opinion than any election campaign. That 1 out of 10 German voters supported the AfD in this years elections is a result of right-wing ideas becoming mainstream in Germany. I used to be one of the incarcerated people whom California employs to fight wildfires, and I was fortunate. During my nine years in prison for drug-related burglaries, ending in 2012, I never met a fellow prisoner who didnt want to be in fire camp, as the program is known. Some dreamed of going but knew they would never be allowed to live in such a low-security facility. Others, like me, did everything in their capacity to ensure that they got there as soon as humanly possible. For the most part, this meant being savvy and lucky enough to stay out of trouble during the first few years of my incarceration. When the Fifth Circuit panel stayed the preliminary injunction last weekend, more than 20 patients at Planned Parenthood health centers had urgent care ripped away from them even though they had access less than 24 hours before, Helene Krasnoff, vice president for public policy law and litigation at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement. And thousands of Texans continue to be deprived of their rights by S.B. 8, which is blatantly unconstitutional and violates fifty years of precedent. The order follows a temporary decision last week by the same panel of judges to reinstate the ban, less than 48 hours after it was suspended by the lower-court judge. The decision was based on previous rulings in a separate challenge, which said that because the ban is enforced by private individuals, and not government officials, it is not clear when and how the law can be challenged in federal court. Texas is consistently finding ways to abuse the process as it relates to people of color, and this appear to be the latest effort to do that, Green said. The evidence speaks for itself: two people of African ancestry are running out of the same district now? You can only conclude that if they didnt have to do it and they have done it, there is some intentionality. 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. The kitchen is the hub of the home these days, and Cook has made the kitchen the centerpiece of this house. Mid-century modern houses rarely have the space for such a large kitchen. But Cook was able to increase its size while adhering to Goodmans design. The size of the windows over the built-in banquette in the dining area mimics the size of the living room windows. The board-and-batten siding on the exterior of the addition echoes the original siding. So many Australians have passed through hotel quarantine that Facebook groups devoted to the experience have tens of thousands of members. Normally filled with complaints over food or tips on how to stay sane, the groups lit up on Friday with news of the announcement. Many in the groups hoped other states would join New South Wales in scrapping hotel quarantine for the vaccinated. A Chinese fisherman based in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian, who gave only his surname, Chen, out of concern for legal consequences, said that this year at the peak of the squid season, which usually runs from June to August, fishermen could bring back as much as 400 pounds of squid a night. The squid can sell for up to nearly $5 a pound. The green lights set in the water were effective at luring squid and had become more popular, he said, adding that he uses a 30-watt LED bulb but that larger operations used more powerful lights. Former president Barack Obama also plans to go, his office said Friday. Obama was president when the United States signed on to the Paris agreement and committed to reducing emissions that contribute to climate change. In Glasgow, he will meet with young activists and deliver remarks on the important progress made in the five years since the Paris Agreement took effect and the need for more robust action going forward by all of us, spokesperson Hannah Hankins said. Historians note that there was another era when the Catholic Church conducted justice on a far broader scale in the open, and often brutally. During the centuries when the pope ruled territory across what is now Italy, one common punishment was a form of torture in which criminals were suspended by rope at their wrists, sometimes with weights attached. Some convicts were exiled to row aboard papal ships. Accused offenders from the nobility would be kept at Castel SantAngelo, but the benefits of their aristocratic status had limits; they could be tortured and executed on-site. Fellow politicians decried the killing of Amess as horrific. Amess is the second British lawmaker since 2016 to be killed while out meeting constituents, raising calls that members of Parliament might need more security. On social media, many wondered whether a more partisan England is more prone to this kind of violence. Other lawmakers have been physically attacked, and many have been screamed at and harassed while entering or exiting Westminster Palace. June Mattingly, 73, passed away at her home surrounded by her family Nov. 10, 2021. She was born Sept. 23, 1948, in Washington, Indiana, to Elmo and Maxine (Thomas) Ledgerwood. On May 24, 1969, she married Gary Mattingly. A 1967 graduate of Washington High School, June was a homemaker who pr Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on. 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. The backstories Aside from the shows writing staff, the shows long-arc story plotting uses a handful of media experts who lend the show their insider knowledge of the business and the families that rule it, Armstrong reveals. They are Wall Street Journal writer Merissa Marr, business writer William Cohan and media executive Jon Klein. We have the landscape in our heads, but we couldnt write it without the knowledge of the media and business landscape, Armstrong says. For many of the shows twists and turns, as the family battle for control of Waystar RoyCo, you can get these rather byzantine processes, Armstrong says. They help us get all that detail right. And knowing that we have them gives us the confidence the business stuff that we portray [is accurate]. The set and locations Unlike many hour-long scripted American dramas, Succession has very few standing sets, Armstrong says. Most of the scenes, including those on the familys multi-million-dollar yachts, penthouses and offices, are filmed at various locations under the guidance of director Mark Mylod and production designer Stephen Carter. We have a lot of discussions about this, and the filming style is documentary derived, so the writing seeks to sort of give you the feeling of having a peek behind the curtain, Armstrong says. And thats our creative touchstone, when we talk about the sets, what is it really like? And what it is really like is, sometimes, rather more anodyne and international hotel-ish. If you have seven homes, every room is not a beautifully curated expression of your personality. The filming locations need to be real, Armstrong says, which means there is a lot of money. All portrayal can have a sort of element of glamourisation, and we dont want to glamourise or de-glamourise it. It just should be what it is, which is the spaces you end up in with a lot of money, and their private jets, and their homes that feel quite a lot like international hotels. Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin) in Succession. Credit:HBO The score One of the most surprising things about Succession is that the shows composer, Nicholas Britell, is the guy who also did the scores for Moonlight, The Underground Railroad and the Disney reboot Cruella. Signing him, Armstrong says, was an unexpected boon of having Adam McKay direct the Succession pilot. Hed worked with Nick on The Big Short and so when we were talking about the score, he was like, Nicks the best. Nick used to talk about this waltz that was an unsteady three-beat, like the three central kids [of the Roy family], never in time with each other, Armstrong says. So it became this kind of wonky, percussive, New York sound that I just immediately responded to and loved. Even in the edit, I usually watch the credit sequence for the episode and I still enjoy it. Its a tonal reminder of what the show is, right? Shakespeare or soap opera? The question is a simple one: is Succession a reboot of Dallas or King Lear? The answer is probably a little bit of both, though Armstrong confesses to be more familiar with the tonal notes of Shakespeare than with the history of 1980s-era American soaps. The key, Armstrong says, is to focus on the most dramatic moments in these characters lives. The challenge is to clearly commit to one or the other. Shiv (Sarah Snook) and Roman (Kieran Culkin) in a scene from Succession. Credit:HBO The things that happen to these corporations are dramatic, and the things that happen to the people in their lives are dramatic, so I think, in a way, the challenge is to keep on incorporating how incredibly fast the media world, especially as tech collides with it, is changing, and the impact on the people in it, Armstrong says. As long as we follow the stories that weve set up and have the courage of our convictions, it feels like we dont have that [uncertain] tension. Australias Chief of Navy has opened the door to the nations ageing fleet of conventional submarines remaining in operation into the 2050s if the federal governments proposed nuclear-powered fleet cannot be built in time. Vice Admiral Mike Noonan said the six Collins-class submarines, which were built in the 1980s and early 1990s, might need to undergo two complete rebuilds over the coming decades. Vice Admiral Mike Noonan rebutted suggestions Australia would face a capability gap in the 2040s, telling a Senate hearing on Friday the Collins-class submarines could undergo a second extension. Credit:Defence Department The development means Australia could be operating 50-year-old submarines at a time when tensions in the Indo-Pacific region are predicted to heat up in the face of escalating Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Peter Dutton have previously confirmed all six Collins-class boats would undergo a life-of-type extension, which gives the boat an extra 10 years of service. It has not previously been revealed that Australias military planners were contemplating a second rebuild in the 2030s and 2040s. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size High on a hill in suburban Brisbane, surrounded by framed memories of his epoch as a Coalition guiding star, Campbell Newman talks of lockdowns and liberty, the trigger points, he says, for a political resurrection. The former Queensland premier argues the virtues of self-reliance and free enterprise, honed from raw ideology in the past seven years of profitable yet powerless private business. And he explains, without prompting, that his 2015 electoral demise while leading the greatest majority in the states history was not as calamitous as they, his enemies in politics and media, have written into the popular narrative. Campbell Newman, with wife Lisa, announces his Senate run with the Liberal Democrats. Credit:Matt Dennien But in his home office on this day, as his former party tears itself in two from Canberra, the Coalitions turn towards a policy package of net zero emissions by 2050 has the new Queensland Liberal Democrats Senate candidate most animated. This state wouldnt be able to pay for police, and firefighters, and nurses and doctors in our public hospitals if it wasnt for coal, says Newman, who says he rebuffed overtures from Pauline Hanson and Clive Palmer after quitting the LNP this year. Never mind civil libertarians have likened his one-term premiership to authoritarian rule Newman, the son of two former federal ministers, is casting himself as the true libertarian and anti-establishment crusader. Advertisement His redemption with ordinary Queenslanders is prefaced on cutting through pandemic politics. The accompanying radio jingle an appeal to the heartland in the style of John Williamson and Mojo adman Allan Johnston evokes the Diggers and a Trumpian nostalgia for an Australian way lost, apparently, somewhere in COVID-19, wokeism and Big Government. In his essay published in the centre-right anthology Australia Tomorrow last month, he writes of his former partys abandonment of Robert Menzies Forgotten People. He suggests the alternative epithet, the Disregarded Toilers. Among them, the coal communities of regional Queensland and their comrades in extractive, heavy and blue-collar trades who are frightened, angry or both of the well-to-do of inner suburbia coming for their jobs. I can tell you now: great, Newman says, rubbing his hands at the coming fight against those candidates of his former party pushing climate action in the conservative heartland of regional Queensland. Im going to campaign on it really, really hard. And if I win, it will be one of the key things that people get behind me on. Advertisement Newman compares the LNPs landslide victory over Anna Blighs Labor government in 2012 to a rubber band straining under the pressure of a fully drawn pendulum. When it snapped, the political needle was cast in the other direction with such velocity the former Brisbane lord mayor wildly popular in his city not only won his seat and government from outside parliament, but left the nascent Annastacia Palaszczuk with only seven Labor members to command. Among a raft of reforms in this tumultuous can do Campbell era, the LNP weakened the status of same-sex civil unions and sacked more than 10,000 public servants. Campbell Newman and his vanquisher Annastacia Palaszczuk at 2015 leaders debate. Credit:Renee Melides Anti-association laws targeting bikies, but with broader ramifications for democratic notions of the right to assembly, were lashed by LDP party colleagues he would later join. Contrary to some of the stuff thats out there, Im very libertarian, says Newman. Advertisement He adds: I supported gay marriage before Penny Wong would even do so - 10 years ago. Socially, my position is, I dont want you to tell me how to live my life. In the lead-up to the 2015 state election, Newman was attacked by conservative radio host Alan Jones for, among other things, being best friends with mining giants who are plundering the broadcasters home state. One of those giants, Palmer, came at him (Goodbye, Campbell) for refusing a rail link from the Galilee Basin to the coast. Then-premier Newman Campbell with future LNP leader Deb Frecklington in 2014. Credit:Chris Hyde Police union president Ian Leavers called Newman a liar in a stoush over funding for late-night, anti-violence strategies. In Newmans version of history, these fights, along with his good friend Tony Abbotts decision days before the Queensland election to grant Prince Philip a knighthood, roundly attacked for being out of touch, sealed his conservative partys fate. If any of those factors had been removed, we would have just ticked across the line, he claims. Advertisement When the pendulum swung back, the LNP was left with just 42 of the states 89 seats and Newman, abandoned by those who helped bring him to power, was finished in state politics. Labor still uses his name to warn Queenslanders of what happens when votes are cast to the other side. On Newmans office wall hangs a framed certificate from the LNP recognising Outstanding Parliamentary Service. Thats what I got, he says wryly of his decade-and-a-half as one of the partys most important figures. Thats great. The former premier quit the LNP in July, but it was a long time coming. He brings up the 2015 election results on his 60-inch wall monitor and points to the 41.3 per cent share of the primary vote. He moves to 2017 and 2020, 33.7 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively. Advertisement William Sigler, seventh-grade social studies teacher at Krueger Middle School, looks away as he gets his COVID-19 vaccination Friday, March 12, 2021 at Michigan City High School, thanks to a pop-up clinic hosted by HealthLinc. (Kelley Smith/The News Dispatch via AP) Reporter I cover a range of stories for WDRB, but really enjoy tracking what's going on at our State Capitol. I grew up on military bases all over the world, but am a Kentuckian at heart. I'm an EKU alum, and have lived in Louisville for 30 years. During the second week of September, a jack-o-lantern pumpkin (called a Howden pumpkin) cost $5.17, which was up 7% from the same time last year, when the same type of pumpkin cost $4.83, the USDA reported. (iStock) 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. Ally Financial Supports Weber States Initiative as Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution October 14, 2021 OGDEN, Utah A new $500,000 grant from Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) will help Weber State University in its commitment to become an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (EHSI). The announcement marks the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. In its 2021 strategic plan, Weber State Amplified, a 5-year plan for growth, the university committed to increasing the percentage of students who identify as Hispanic or Latinx descent to 15% by 2025. For Utah to maintain its status as a leader in economic growth and vibrancy, demographic trends suggest that gaps in educational access, completion and workforce preparedness between students of color and white students must be eliminated, said University President Brad Mortensen. We appreciate Allys investment to help Weber State meet future workforce demands through educating all of Utahs residents in greater numbers, particularly those who are underserved presently. Reaching EHSI status is a step to becoming designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as defined by the U.S. Department of Education, which requires a 25% Hispanic/Latinx enrollment. The HSI designation shows that WSU is a welcoming place for all students of color. Additionally, Latinx students would be eligible to apply for scholarships, paid internships and leadership development opportunities. The designation also would allow WSU to apply for additional grants and funding from the federal government Through Allys sponsorship, WSU will accelerate its efforts to improve access, retention and completion and achieve the EHSI enrollment target. Allys support of Weber State is a part of our organizations deep commitment to creating pathways to economic mobility in diverse communities, said Jan Bergeson, Ally executive director and Community Reinvestment Act Officer. Making higher education more accessible is key to helping students in underserved and underrepresented communities improve their career opportunities and financial trajectory. Weber State will use the grant money to establish an HSI Initiatives Office that will report to the Office of the President and will have an executive director to evaluate existing university efforts, identify gaps and coordinate resources for underserved students. The effort will include increasing diversity of faculty and staff and broadening curriculum to be more inclusive and aligned with Hispanic/Latinx culture and history. The university will expand its outreach to students and families in public schools to reinforce the culture and importance of postsecondary education. Weber State will also work to eliminate barriers in policies and processes that inhibit attendance. In Fall 2021, approximately 11% of WSUs enrollment identified as Hispanic/Latinx and enrollments have hovered in that range for the last five years with a slight upward trend. Data from the 2020 Census show that about 52% of Utah's population growth between 2010 and 2020 was driven by minority populations. The Hispanic/Latinx population accounted for 26.5% of statewide population growth. Among counties in Utah, Weber County at 18.6% trails only Salt Lake County at 19.6% in the share of population that identifies as Hispanic/Latinx. Ogden School District is one of two majority-minority school districts in Utah and the only one driven by the large Hispanic/Latinx community. The other district, San Juan, is majority-minority because of its Native American population. In 2019, a total 29.7% of Ogden School District graduates went on to enroll in postsecondary education. This compares to a state average of 46.5%. This shows potential to improve college-participation rates among the large Hispanic/Latinx community in Ogden School District. WSU has several programs and initiatives that support outreach, advising, retention, financial aid and degree completion for Hispanic/Latinx populations. Programs, advising, financial aid and scholarships, clubs, services and other support offered by the Office of Access & Diversity and Center for Multicultural Excellence seek to increase higher education access, persistence and graduation rates for underrepresented students. Many programs in these areas are targeted to address specific needs within Hispanic/Latinx communities. For example, in 2018, WSU opened the Community Education Center on the corner of 26th and Monroe in central Ogden with the mission to help underserved members of the community access postsecondary education. As a dual-mission, regional university, WSU provides open-enrollment access to two-year degree programs like a traditional community college, coupled with a breadth of bachelors degrees and select graduate programs to meet regional needs, Mortensen explained. Thus, the Emerging HSI target in the strategic plan aligns with, and some might say, is required by the open-access mission of WSU, considering regional demographics. In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, at its Oct. 12 council meeting (pictured above), Ogden City recognized Weber State and the director of Access & Diversity, Enrique Romo, for efforts to embrace Hispanic-Latino cultures and improve immigrant integration. About Weber State University As an open-admission university, Weber State provides an accessible, impactful education that transforms lives by meeting students where they are, challenging and guiding them to achieve their goals academically and in life. More than 29,000 students attend from some of Utahs most ethnically and economically diverse cities. In 2021, Weber State ranked at #19 on the list of Most Affordable with Best Return colleges in the country. Weber State cultivates remarkably personalized teaching, mentoring and engaged learning with seven colleges, 225 undergraduate certificate and degree programs and 17 graduate degrees. Outside the classroom, students participate in 175 clubs, cheer on 16 NCAA teams and enjoy a wide array of cultural events. About Ally Financial Inc. Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a digital financial services company committed to its promise to "Do It Right" for its consumer, commercial and corporate customers. Ally is composed of an industry-leading independent auto finance and insurance operation, an award-winning digital direct bank (Ally Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender, which offers mortgage lending, point-of-sale personal lending, and a variety of deposit and other banking products), a corporate finance business for equity sponsors and middle-market companies, and securities brokerage and investment advisory services. A relentless ally for all things money, Ally helps people save well and earn well, so they can spend for what matters. For more information, please visit www.ally.com and follow @allyfinancial. For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures. For further images and news on Ally, visit http://media.ally.com. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. remaining of Thank you for Reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. If you want to conduct an experiment in the sociology of pandemic behavior, try a quick jaunt to Las Vegas. Always a petri dish for freaks, Sin City has gotten stranger in these strange times since it continues to have a mask mandate for everyone, vaccinated or not, gathered indoors. The International Center in Owensboro says two male Afghanistan Refugees will arrive in Owensboro as early as tomorrow. Site Director Anna Allen says, although they were aware Refugees would be coming in, they can not prepare until they get the travel notice. "After we get the travel notice, usually there's about a 10-day heads up. From there, we have to find an apartment, get first-months rent paid, find volunteers to help move furniture, so all they have to do is walk in the apartment" Each arrival will be assigned a case worker, who will act as their guide for the first 90 days. The case worker will assist with housing, social services, and enrolling children in school, and parents in language courses. Officials say after the 90 days are up, programs are still available for the first 5 years. The center will also help with resettlement, but enrolling everyone in 15 cultural orientation classes, along with a health and wellness program. The center has been accepting donations since September, and say they will continue to do that until May 2022. Right now, they are also in search of American families to act as a mentor to some of the arrivals. Click Here to Volunteer/Mentor State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in seven men, and one in four women have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner. Last year, 109 Pennsylvanians lost their lives to domestic violence, including one Lehigh County resident; 56 of those deaths were at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. There is much work to be done to ensure that we can one day have a society where everyone can thrive without fear or abuse a society free of domestic violence. Domestic violence can be characterized by many types of abuse, including: Emotional Abuse. Physical Violence. Stalking. Sexual Violence. Financial Abuse. Verbal Abuse. As reported by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 70 of the 2020 victims were shot, 22 stabbed, six beaten, six strangled, four died of other causes, and one victim was poisoned. The data is contained in the organizations annual Fatality Report, compiled by collecting information from news accounts, police departments, and information provided by the 59 local domestic violence programs in service to Pennsylvanias 67 counties. While these numbers are shocking, they still dont provide an accurate accounting of all incidents. Current law mandates hospitals to report incidents of domestic abuse to law enforcement. However, many of those cases arent followed or tracked, nor reported or shared, with any local or state agency. Further, many incidents of domestic violence go unreported. That fact, in combination with the gap/lack in the uniformity with available data, makes it difficult to be effective in not only supporting current survivors, but also preventing others from becoming victims. The inability to be effective is simply unacceptable, a problem in need of solving. As a legislator, part of my responsibility is seeking solutions to problems. As such, Im co-sponsoring H.B. 686 in an attempt to correct how Pennsylvania handles data involving domestic violence. Introduced by Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., this legislation would require hospitals to report their findings to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the PCADV. No personally identifying information would be included and they would create a new resource for state and local entities looking to help domestic violence survivors. This bill is modeled after legislation in Tennessee, the only state to require such tracking. In 2020, some 2,574 residents of Pennsylvania were identified as victims of violence and received services in just one day. Its time to take a serious stand and recommit the commonwealth to addressing issues like domestic violence. This month lets truly do something of value on behalf of domestic violence victims, survivors, and those who work tirelessly advocating and supporting efforts to end the abuse cycle. I encourage my colleagues on the Health Committee to vote on H.B. 686 so that it may move to the full House of Representatives, where it should pass unanimously. I can remember countless times as a child witnessing domestic violence in my home, and wishing somehow, someway, for somebody to do something. As adults, we cant just wish something away, or pretend a problem or issue is too challenging to overcome. Instead, we must act on behalf of those who cant, give voice to those who are voiceless, be leaders in conversation even when the topic is uncomfortable. That time to do something, to answer the silent wishes of todays trapped children, and their battered parents is long-past due. The time to do something is now. Its time we work together to end domestic violence. State Rep. Jeanne McNeill was first elected to represent the 133rd state House district in Lehigh County in 2017. She is the vice-chairwoman of the Northeast Democratic Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Today Partly sunny and much colder; blustery with 30-35mph wind gusts adding a chill. Tonight Mostly clear and cold. Tomorrow Still chilly with sunshine followed by increasing clouds. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Butterball issued a recall on more than 14,100 pounds of ground turkey products on October 13 after consumers told food safety regulators that they found pieces of blue plastic embedded in their raw ground turkey. NEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) - An "emergency summit" of students, staff and administrators was convened in New Britain over TikTok challenges. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong organized the summit for 11 a.m. on Thursday. They talked about TikToks lack of policing of its platform is causing damage to both schools and students, including disrupting the learning process. New Britain school officials were forced to take action last month following an initial challenge that involved students vandalizing the high school. Teachers were later warned of another potential challenge that involved them being slapped. School officials said they have since come up with a plan to single out the students responsible, sit down with them to discuss attendance and grades, and determine if expulsion, suspension or detention is necessary. Tong also called upon the CEO of TikTok to make changes and visit Connecticut for a meeting. A spokesperson for TikTok said We do not allow content that promotes or enables criminal activities. We are removing this content and redirecting hashtags and search results to our Community Guidelines to discourage such behavior." Tong is part of a 48-state bipartisan coalition that is suing Facebook. The messages you receive, particularly about social behavior, body image, that can lead to bad thoughts about yourself, Tong said. Senator Blumenthal has already called on Facebook to come before Congress to respond to criticism. He would like social media giants Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to set rules and police themselves. For so popular a play, Macbeth is surprisingly difficult to get right on stage. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of productions I have admired, and probably on three fingers those I have loved. This, starring James McArdle and Saoirse Ronan, making her British stage debut, is one of those. It is sensational. There are traditionally two major problems with staging the play. One is what you do with the supernatural elements, with the weird sisters who doom Macbeth from the start, setting him on the path to murder and his own destruction. The second is that although he and Lady Macbeth begin as partners in crime and ambition, she all but vanishes from the action, leaving him centre stage and alone. Director Yael Farber has taken bold decisions and been brilliantly brave in solving both challenges. Her liberties with the text may not please purists, but she has made Macbeth into an utterly engrossing and convincing piece of theatre, one which showcases the talents of her Rolls Royce cast, allowing Ronan to use her almost-literally iridescent charisma and McArdle to create a career-defining Shakespearean performance. She keeps both on stage more or less throughout, letting him address his monologues to her, as part of the conversations that they continue to have, and lending Lady M lines from other characters. It sounds gimmicky, but it works perfectly. It begins glacially slowly, with the cast assembling on stage around the three witches Diane Fletcher, Maureen Hibbert and Valerie Lilley, all with light cropped hair and smart black business suits. These are representatives of the fates; they watch the action throughout, setting each scene. Their curse of sleeplessness, represented by the sheets they cast over the marital bed, echoes through the play. So does Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" which plays very quietly here; later it accompanies a glamorous dance for the Macbeths when they become King and Queen. Through murky light and smoke the outline of Soutra Gilmour's sparse set is clear: a clock, a ladder, a wheelchair, reflective sheets of Perspex that become room dividers and glittering mirrors. A tap drips; later it will run, flooding the action, emphasising the theme of hands that can never be clean. There's a cellist (Aoife Burke) who plays throughout, becoming a participant in the action, providing its musical backdrop (composed by Tom Lane, combining with sound by Peter Rice). The costumes (Joanna Scotcher) are at once modern and Scottish, timeless and universal; the accents are Celtic. Everything in the production combines to create a sense of claustrophobic intimacy, an arena where the evil in men's hearts is revealed through the actions of a couple who love each other but are too ambitious for their own good. Tim Lutkin's magnificent lighting often sculpts them in white light, highlighting their beauty in contrast to the horror they are unleashing around them. Farber and her movement director Emily Terndruf create tableaux that pinpoint their psychology. Maureen Hibbert, Diane Fletcher, Valerie Lilley Marc Brenner Duncan (wonderful and frail William Gaunt) is in a wheelchair; when he arrives at the castle, Ronan kneels before him like a loving daughter. The banquet scene is full of children the childlessness of the Macbeths, the fact that they murder to put other people's children on the throne, is keenly felt. It is the murder of Lady Macduff and her children which she witnesses that precipitates Lady M's descent into madness. It's a hugely intelligent reading. This is a Macbeth where you feel every moment of the action has been analysed and felt. The entire cast is superb, with Akiya Henry's Lady Macduff unusually prominent and moving, and her husband, in Emun Elliott's performance, more contemplative than usual. But obviously, the heavy lifting falls on the leads. Ronan makes Lady Macbeth conversational, a woman totally obsessed with her husband, registering her changes of mode by tiny gestures or the flick of an eye. When she is left exposed as Banquo's ghost disrupts dinner, she is fierce in her attempts to keep her husband in line; afterwards, she crumples into a restless sleep from which he wakes her to confide "we are but young in deed." Saoirse Ronan Marc Brenner McArdle's performance is more assertive but just as subtle. He convinces you that this Macbeth might not commit murder; once he has done so, he never becomes hardened to the brutality of what he has become. It tears him apart so that his final soliloquy "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow", spoken softly sitting on the ground alongside Lady M's body, is simply a recognition of the emptiness he always knew was coming. He lives inside the language, making every word seem full of heft and meaning. It's an astonishing performance inside an exceptional production. It is, inevitably, sold-out, but fortunately everyone has a chance to see it when it is live streamed for five performances from 27 to 30 October. You won't want to miss it. Thank you for reading the Herald-Whig You have reached our free-content limit. If you are a current subscriber, please log in to continue viewing content or purchase a subscription by clicking the Subscribe button below. Thank you for supporting independent Journalism. Internship - Human Resources Section (Contracts Management), The Hague Organization: International Criminal Court (ICC) Country: Netherlands City: The Hague, Netherlands Office: ICC The Hague Closing date: Friday, 31 December 2021 20264 | Registry Organisational Unit: Human Resources Section, Registry Duty Station: The Hague - NL Contract Duration: 6 months Deadline for Applications: 31 December 2021 Required Documents for this Application Please note that you will need to have the following information ready in order to complete your application: A completed "Duties and Responsibilities Form" (refer to step 1 on your eRecruitment Profile page). Motivation letter (maximum of 400 words in French or English). Two reference letters (one academic). Scanned copies of university degrees and/or diplomas. Scanned copies of official academic transcripts that state your courses, subject, results and completion date. Important message: To participate in containing the COVID-19 spread and in line with the measures adopted by the Host State, the ICC staff members, interns and visiting professional based in The Hague are currently working remotely. Accordingly, the candidates selected for this position are expected to work remotely from within the duty station (The Hague) until the re-opening of the ICCs premises. They are also expected to work with their own computer and internet connection. Contract Duration Interns are required to work full time for a period of six months (to be agreed to prior to commencement). Internship placements shall not be extended beyond six months. Organisational Context The Human Resources Section provides a unified and coordinated approach to HR matters across the Court and carries out all human resources activities in an efficient and timely manner whilst serving as HR advisor to management within the Court. The Section is one of five sections located in the Division of Management Services. The other four are the Budget Section, the Finance Section, the Safety and Security Section and the General Services Section. The Division also includes an Occupational Health Unit and an Enterprise Resource Planning System (SAP) Team. Human resources management is a shared responsibility with line managers and the HR Sections aim is to be a trusted provider of a variety of centralized policy, advisory and administrative services for the Court, its managers and staff. These services include strategic workforce planning and organizational design, job designs and advertisement, recruitment and on-boarding, administration of salaries (payroll), entitlements and benefits (including health insurance and pension contributions), career development and succession planning, performance management, learning and development and HR policy matters and staff issues or conflicts. The Section consists of two units: the HR Operations Unit and the HR Organizational Development Unit. The HR Operations Units programme of work is all operational aspects of the Section, from recruitment and on-boarding to the administration of salaries, benefits and entitlements for staff members and non-staff (including judges, interns and SSA consultants and contractors). The Unit is responsible for the day-to-day operations and activities related to job design, classification and advertisement of vacancies, recruitment, placement, on-boarding, post management, entitlements and benefits, staff loans and transfers, compensation administration and payroll. The Unit plans, organizes and administers staff services such as health insurance, pension schemes and other social security. The Unit supports the administration and settlement of (HR-related) staff complaints and grievances. The Unit is responsible for the maintenance of related staff data in the Courts Enterprise Resource Planning system, including staff master data. The HRS Organizational Development Unit is in charge of devising strategies, programmes and policies to ensure that the Court hires and develops the right staff and thus maximizes the return on investment in human resources. Particularly, this includes an organization-wide role in relation to strategic workforce planning, talent management, organizational design, staff training and learning and development programmes and activities, performance management and managerial development. Duties and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of a Human Resources Officer, the intern will perform the following duties: Assist with drafting memoranda and letters to staff members related to contract management and payroll issues; Assist with preparation of reports for payroll and after payroll related activities; cXT3O0l Dh7qKS Distribute letters and medical insurance cards to staff; Assist with drafting of employment statement letters; Assist with Pension documents; Respond to standard emails queries; Focal point for emails related to the medical insurance; Create report to track the dependency review for 2017 and update the respective HR focal point; Assists with filling and sending Personnel Actions Essential Qualifications Education: All Candidates must have a degree or be in the final stages of a relevant study at a recognised university. Candidates are expected to have a very good record of academic performance. Candidates with Law, Human Resources, and Business Administration degrees are strongly encouraged to apply. Other academic qualifications are welcome. Experience: Internship placements focus on candidates in the early stages of their professional careers therefore; practical experience is not an essential prerequisite for selection. However, practical experience that is relevant to the work of the Court may be considered an asset. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Able to adapt to multicultural and multilingual working environments. Possesses strong teamwork skills (listens, consults and communicates proactively). Has acquired a good standard of computer skills (including Microsoft Office applications). Knowledge of Languages: Proficiency in one of the working languages of the Court, French or English, is required. Working knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official language of the Court (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset. Other criteria: In line with the ICCs efforts to improve geographical representation among staff, nationals of the countries listed below are strongly encouraged to apply. Non-represented or under-represented countries at the ICC as of 30 September 2020: Afghanistan, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Gabon, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Kiribati, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Namibia, Nauru, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Slovakia, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia. Remuneration Please note that internship and visiting professional placements at the ICC are unfunded. The ICC is not able to provide participants in the Internship and Visiting Professional Programme with any remuneration, nor is it possible to provide reimbursement for expenses incurred prior, during or after the internship or visiting professional placement. Applicants must therefore be able to support themselves for the entire duration of their internship or visiting professional placement. Limited funding may, however, be available through the ICCs Trust Fund for the Development of Interns and Visiting Professionals, which receives donations from States Parties and other donors. If funding is available, the Human Resources Section will advertise a funded vacancy announcement in accordance with the terms of reference of the Trust Fund as agreed by the donors. In order to be eligible for a funded placement, if advertised, the applicant must, among other criteria, be a national from a country that is a State Party to the Rome Statue and appears on the United Nations Statistics Divisions list of developing regions. Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1611771566989 Willmar, MN (56201) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 43F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 28F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Winchester, VA (22601) Today Windy with snow showers this morning. Winds diminishing with bright sunshine later. High 42F. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 23F. Winds light and variable. WASHINGTON - It's the news nearly four million Canadians have been waiting to hear: people who received doses of two different COVID-19 vaccines will qualify as fully vaccinated when the U.S. reopens its land borders to non-essential travel next month. The International Rainbow Bridge connecting Niagara Falls, Ont. and Niagara Falls, N.Y. is shown on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. The United States border will reopen to non-essential travel in November to fully vaccinated Canadians after a record long closure due to concerns over COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett WASHINGTON - It's the news nearly four million Canadians have been waiting to hear: people who received doses of two different COVID-19 vaccines will qualify as fully vaccinated when the U.S. reopens its land borders to non-essential travel next month. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made the announcement late Friday, capping a whirlwind week of developments signalling the imminent end of 19 months of pandemic-induced North American travel restrictions. People with "any combination" of two doses of a vaccine approved by either the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization "are considered fully vaccinated," the agency said in a statement. "While CDC has not recommended mixing types of vaccine in a primary series, we recognize that this is increasingly common in other countries so should be accepted for the interpretation of vaccine records." The news also confirms what the White House acknowledged earlier Friday would be a likely development: that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, approved by the WHO but not the FDA, would be deemed acceptable. The CDC had already given the green light to overseas travellers who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, but until Friday had not expressly confirmed the same policy for those crossing into the U.S. by land. Earlier in the day, White House officials said the new rules would go into effect Nov. 8, both at the land borders and for people arriving from a number of overseas countries where travel to the U.S. has been banned since March 2020. The U.S. won't ask its forthcoming visitors to submit to a COVID-19 test prior to departure, unlike Canada, which requires travellers to show proof of a recent negative test a costly condition of entry that runs about $200 a pop. New York congressman Brian Higgins, who has been relentlessly campaigning against the travel restrictions for months, is urging the federal government in Ottawa to reconsider that rule. "I think that the U.S. decision to allow Canadians coming into the United States without a test again underscores the potency of the vaccine," Higgins said in an interview Friday. "I would like to see that reciprocated by our Canadian neighbours." The Nov. 8 start date comes a full three months after Canada initially began allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents back across the border in August. "It will be what we make of it, and I'm happy that people can now be reunited with loved ones and all those other issues," Higgins said. "But the fact of the matter is, the U.S. border to our Canadian neighbours should have been opened months ago." The U.S. Travel Association has estimated the Mexican and Canadian border closures have been costing American businesses $1.5 billion in travel exports domestic spending by foreign visitors every month. As for the test requirement, public health officials in Canada made it clear Friday it's not going away any time soon. "We're in a situation in Canada where our health systems are still very fragile," said Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer. "We need to still be very vigilant and careful at this point, but we will have ongoing discussions with the CDC and the United States to see what is reasonable in the trajectory going forward." The White House has never explained publicly why it waited three months after Canada began relaxing its restrictions. Speculation focused on a desire to open both land borders at the same time, something a burgeoning immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border made politically difficult. "Canada shouldn't have had to wait for Mexico," said Maryscott Greenwood, CEO of the D.C.-based Canadian American Business Council. "The science, the politics, the policy, the reality none of that would lead you to say, 'Let's do these things in tandem.' What would be better to do in tandem is Canada and the U.S. work in tandem across our common border, and Mexico and the U.S. work in tandem across that border. That makes some sense." Higgins agreed, noting that the U.S. is letting vaccinated travellers in Mexico enter the country even though only 38.5 per cent of that country's population is fully vaccinated. "This whole argument that, 'We have to wait until we achieve a higher rate of vaccination,' is thrown out the window," he said. "The U.S. federal government proved my point on that they're saying, 'Hey, look, we'd like to have more Mexicans as a percentage of the adult population vaccinated, but if they're vaccinated, they're safe." Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland demurred Thursday when asked whether, in the future, Canada would press its case for the U.S. to use separate and distinct policy approaches to its northern and southern borders. "I think that we need to be respectful of every other country's sovereign decisions around its borders, and of every other country's sovereign right to manage its borders as it sees fit," Freeland said. "Having said that, I think it's also worth pointing out that Canada has a very effective, very close partnership with the United States, as we should." Since the dawn of the NAFTA age 25 years ago, the U.S. has tended to see its two frontiers through an economic lens and in that context, they are more similar than most Canadians realize, said Bill Anderson, director of the Cross-Border Institute at the University of Windsor. "People have the idea that in Mexico, what you've got is a whole bunch of people trying to get across the border illegally, and maybe you have some imports and exports of tomatoes and tequila. That's not it," Anderson said. "It's very similar (to Canada) in terms of the ports of entry. A lot of business people are crossing on a regular basis too, and of course, there's a lot of crossing for tourism, there's a lot of family crossings the volume of people crossing legally is huge there as well." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2021. REGINA - Saskatchewan is exploring the possibility of sending COVID-19 patients to Manitoba, a day after it announced plans to send those sick with the virus to Ontario. Minister of Health Paul Merriman speaks on Budget Day at the Legislative Building in Regina on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Merriman says the province's low COVID-19 vaccination rate is an underestimation, despite data from the Public Health Agency of Canada showing otherwise. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell REGINA - Saskatchewan is exploring the possibility of sending COVID-19 patients to Manitoba, a day after it announced plans to send those sick with the virus to Ontario. Health Minister Paul Merriman said Thursday that Saskatchewan officials have reached out to its neighbouring province to start a discussion. The province has been running out of intensive care unit space and staff as mostly unvaccinated COVID-19 patients overwhelm the health-care system. Saskatchewan has had the highest daily rate of COVID-19 infections of any province for several weeks. On Wednesday, Saskatchewan said it was preparing air ambulance flights to Ontario and that they could happen this week. The head of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Scott Livingstone, said it is easier to send patients out of province than to bring in staff from the military, Canadian Red Cross or other provinces. "From a true overall critical care capacity, the number of staff that's required to staff a bed it doesn't make sense to bring in those teams to the province. It makes a lot more sense to send (patients) out as a very last resort," Livingstone said. However, the health authority's executive director,John Ash, told a town-hall meeting of physicians last week that sending COVID-19 patients out of province could result in deaths. The comment was repeated Thursday by Dr. Hassan Masri, a Saskatoon-based intensive care physician. "This is a very delicate process and extremely difficult. Many people may even pass away in the process, as has happened in other provinces," Masri said. "It is not a situation that is as easy as putting someone on a plane and sending them to a different province. And it will take a lot of planning and may even have casualty in the process. "Resources on an airplane both human and equipment recourses are not the same that are available in the hospital." Merriman and Livingstone said moving patients remains the easiest option. "We do have a team of physicians who are responsible for making these decisions, a small group that will triage patients that will be appropriate for transport," Livingstone said. Masri said the province also has other options, including implementing more public health restrictions, especially with gatherings. Merriman said the Saskatchewan Party government will not bring in more restrictions at this time, calling them a "stopgap" measure. Currently, Saskatchewan has a provincewide mask mandate and vaccine passport system. Saskatchewan also has among the lowest vaccination rates in Canada. Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada shows that Saskatchewan and Alberta each have a vaccination rate of 73 per cent among their eligible populations. Merriman said he wouldn't call Saskatchewan's rate the lowest. He suggested it's an underestimation, because people have moved out of province and are getting their shots elsewhere, but their health records remain in Saskatchewan. He said that is resulting in skewed numbers although he did not say by how much. Merriman said the health authority is looking into cleaning up the data. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2021. EDMONTON - A human rights commission has ordered the Alberta Pipe Trade College to pay $35,000 to a former instructor who was fired because she was pregnant. EDMONTON - A human rights commission has ordered the Alberta Pipe Trade College to pay $35,000 to a former instructor who was fired because she was pregnant. The decision from the Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta said the technical college in Edmonton did not try to accommodate Branka Turnbulls pregnancy in the male-dominated workplace and instead immediately terminated her. The Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta has ordered the Alberta Pipe Trade College to pay $35,000 to Branka Turnbull, shown in this undated handout image, after she was fired as an instructor of the technical college in Edmonton in 2013 because of a pregnancy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO "I got tears in my eyes. I cried," Turnbull said in an interview Friday. "I was just overjoyed and I couldnt believe that I could turn a chapter on this journey. ...There was vindication." Turnbull had been an instructor at the college for two years when she became pregnant in 2013. She said she was passionate about teaching in the trades and was proud of her position. The tribunal's decision, released earlier this month, said Turnbull's pregnancy was high-risk and her doctor advised that she'd need some changes at work, including a change in hours because of severe morning sickness. The doctor also advised she should avoid too much heavy lifting. A colleague at the college told Turnbull to speak with the department head Jack Johnston, who had the authority to make those types of decisions. At a meeting later that day, Turnbull told Johnston she had a medical issue and would need the accommodations directed by her doctor. After a brief discussion, Turnbull and Johnston agreed to meet again the next morning to continue the conversation. However, the decision said, the next day when Turnbull showed up for the meeting she was instead informed that her employment was terminated. "My happiest moment in my life was taken away from me in their decision to dismiss me so callously," Turnbull said. Kathryn Oviatt, the tribunal chair, wrote in her decision that the dismissal happened in the context of "a poor working relationship" between Johnston and the Turnbull because she had previously alleged sexual harassment against another colleague. "The complainant worked in a male-dominated workplace where she felt unsupported," Oviatt said. "And her direct report to whom she requested accommodation was the same person who did not address to her satisfaction previous sexual harassment allegations." The tribunal did not make findings on the allegations of sexual harassment. Chris Waples, the current director of education at the Alberta Pipe Trade College, said he would not comment on the decision. He said the matter is now with the college's legal counsel. The college argued Turnbull was fired because the requests were an unreasonable burden and would cause undue hardship. Johnston told the human rights tribunal that Turnbull had not said her medical issue was a pregnancy, which she disputes. But, Johnston conceded, he didn't inquire further what the condition was or get more details about the accommodations Turnbull would need. Oviatt said a "medical condition" could relate to several protected grounds, including physical disability, mental disability and, as in Turnbull's case, gender. "The fact that the respondent did not know exactly what protected ground the medical condition related to does not insulate it from liability for discrimination when it knew that a protected ground was involved and decided to terminate her because she asked for accommodation," Oviatt said. The impacts on Turnbull were severe, the decision said. Right after she was fired, she was so distressed she couldn't breathe and had to seek medical treatment. Oviatt wrote in her decision that the discrimination deeply affected Turnbulls self-respect, dignity, self-esteem and confidence. "The trauma and distress that the complainant experienced was palpable in the hearing, even many years after the events." Turnbull said the last eight years have been extremely difficult and she no longer teaches in the trades. She credits her husband and family for providing her support. Turnbull said she was motivated to continue with the human rights complaint over many years to ensure other women in the trades, especially her former students, wouldn't have to deal with the same situation. She also wanted to ensure the male-dominated industry knows that it's important to respect people's rights. Turnbull said now that she's been vindicated, she wants to enjoy life and be happy with what she has. "To not focus on what I lost and focus on the future and hopefully that Ive made a difference, not just women but other people." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2021. By Kelly Geraldine Malone in Winnipeg CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Sydney will end hotel quarantine for vaccinated passengers when scheduled international flights restart in Australia within two weeks, officials said on Friday, while maintaining some restrictions on foreigners entering the country. New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. Perrottet says the most populous state would end hotel quarantine for vaccinated international travelers as the government accelerates the wind back of pandemic restrictions. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Sydney will end hotel quarantine for vaccinated passengers when scheduled international flights restart in Australia within two weeks, officials said on Friday, while maintaining some restrictions on foreigners entering the country. Vaccinated travelers who test negative for COVID-19 before flying to Australia's largest city would be spared 14 days in hotel quarantine from Nov. 1, New South Wales state Premier Dominic Perrottet said. The major relaxation of the states pandemic restrictions, which makes entering Australia easier for some travelers, was announced four days after Sydney came out of a 106-day lockdown. We cant live here in a hermit kingdom. Weve got to open up and this decision today is a big one, but it is the right one to get New South Wales connected globally, Perrottet said. A traveler points to his luggage as he arrives at a quarantine hotel in Sydney, Australia, on May 20, 2021. New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, has announced it will end hotel quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated international travelers from Nov. 1, 2021 in a major relaxation in pandemic restrictions. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) Its going to be great for our tourism industry, its going to be great for tourist operators, he added. Sydneys is the first Australian international airport to reopen because News South Wales has the highest vaccination rate of any state. Prime Minister Scott Morrison approved the Nov. 1 travel resumption, but has yet to say when foreign tourists will be welcomed back in Australia. He has ruled out this year. Australian permanent residents and citizens will be free to travel next month for the first time since the nation's border was closed in March last year by some of the toughest travel restrictions in the democratic world. Skilled migrants and students would be given priority in coming to Australia over international tourists. Morrison said on Friday that parents of Australians would be reclassified as immediate family, enabling foreign nationals to visit grandchildren born in Australia during the pandemic. An Australian military person carries luggage for international travelers on their arrival at a quarantine hotel in Sydney, Australia on May 20, 2021. New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, has announced it will end hotel quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated international travelers from Nov. 1, 2021 in a major relaxation in pandemic restrictions. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) Grandparents previously had to wait until tourists were allowed back to reunite with families. But restrictions on foreigners entering Australia would otherwise not change, Morrison said. Qantas Airways responded to the news by bringing forward scheduled international flights by two weeks to Nov. 1. The first flights will operate between Sydney and Los Angeles and Sydney and London. Limits on hotel rooms available for quarantine have been a major barrier for Australians who want to come home. It is unclear whether returning Australians will be able to avoid hotel quarantine in other states by landing in Sydney then catching domestic flights across state lines. The government of Victoria state, which has overtaken neighboring New South Wales as Australias COVID-19 hotspot, is keen to see details of the quarantine changes. Peppered by journalists' questions about the two states' conflicting quarantine policies, Victoria Health Minister Martin Foley replied: Everyone just needs to take a chill pill. We are not aware of the full details of a media release hot off the printer from the New South Wales government, Foley said. Queensland state, which has remained virtually free of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic through tight state border controls, has hinted it would open to vaccinated interstate travelers by Christmas. There's just been an enormous change this morning that I haven't been able to get my head around so I need to work out what that change means, Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said. Health professionals have accused Perrottet of putting economic priorities ahead of health since he replaced his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian last week. But Australian Tourism Export Council, which represents the nations tourism export sector, welcomed the end of hotel quarantine. Australias tourism industry has borne the brunt of international border closures with many businesses suffering with no income since March 2020, the councils managing director Peter Shelley said. This announcement not only gives tourism businesses their income back, but also lets the world know they are welcome back in Australia, he added. Amazon's audiobook service Audible and phone apps for reading the holy books of Islam and Christianity have disappeared from the Apple store in mainland China, the latest examples of the impact of the country's tightened rules for internet firms. FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2021 file photo, people wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus try out the latest iPhone 13 handsets at an Apple Store in Beijing. Amazons audiobook service Audible and phone apps for reading the holy books of Islam and Christianity have disappeared from the Apple store in mainland China, in the latest examples of the countrys tightening rules for internet firms. Audible said in a statement Friday, Oct. 15, that it removed its app from the Apple store in mainland China last month due to permit requirements. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Amazon's audiobook service Audible and phone apps for reading the holy books of Islam and Christianity have disappeared from the Apple store in mainland China, the latest examples of the impact of the country's tightened rules for internet firms. Audible said Friday that it removed its app from the Apple store in mainland China last month due to permit requirements." The makers of apps for reading and listening to the Quran and Bible say their apps have also been removed from Apple's China-based store at the government's request. Apple didnt return requests for comment Friday. A spokesperson for China's embassy in the U.S. declined to speak about specific app removals but said the Chinese government has always encouraged and supported the development of the Internet." At the same time, the development of the Internet in China must also comply with Chinese laws and regulations," said an emailed statement from Liu Pengyu. China's government has long sought to control the flow of information online, but is increasingly stepping up its enforcement of the internet sector in other ways, making it hard to determine the causes for a particular app's removal. Chinese regulators this year have sought to strengthen data privacy restrictions and limit how much time children can play video games. They are also exerting greater control over the algorithms used by tech firms to personalize and recommend content. The popular U.S. language-learning app Duolingo disappeared from Apple's China store over the summer, as have many video game apps. What appears to link Audible with the religious apps is that all were recently notified of permit requirements for published content. Pakistan Data Management Services, which makes the Quran Majeed app, said it is awaiting more information from China's internet authority about how it can be restored. The app has nearly 1 million users in China and about 40 million worldwide, said the Karachi-based company. Those who had already downloaded the app can still use it, said Hasan Shafiq Ahmed, the company's head of growth and relationships. We are looking to figure out what documentation is needed to get approval from Chinese authorities so the app can be restored," he said in an email. The maker of a Bible app said it removed it from the Apple store in China after learning from Apple's App Store review process that it needed special permission to distribute an app with book or magazine content." Olive Tree Bible Software, based in Spokane, Washington, said it's now reviewing the requirements to obtain the necessary permit with the hope that we can restore our app to Chinas App Store and continue to distribute the Bible worldwide." The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Apple's actions, saying the company was enabling China's religious persecution of Muslims and others. This decision must be reversed," said a statement from CAIR's national deputy director, Edward Ahmed Mitchell. If American corporations dont grow a spine and stand up to China right now, they risk spending the next century subservient to the whims of a fascist superpower. The removals were first detected this week by watchdog website AppleCensorship, which monitors Apple's app store to detect when apps have been blocked, especially in China and other countries with authoritarian governments. This week, Microsoft said that it would shut down its main LinkedIn service in China later this year, citing a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China. Unlike LinkedIn, which has been offering a specialized Chinese service since 2014, Amazon-owned Audible said it does not have a dedicated service for customers in China. BEIJING (AP) China on Saturday launched a three-person crew for a six-month mission aboard its space station that is planned at setting a new record for the length of time spent in space by Chinese astronauts as the country moves toward completing the orbiting structure. In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the crewed spaceship Shenzhou-13, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, is launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert, Oct. 16, 2021. (Li Gang/Xinhua via AP) BEIJING (AP) China on Saturday launched a three-person crew for a six-month mission aboard its space station that is planned at setting a new record for the length of time spent in space by Chinese astronauts as the country moves toward completing the orbiting structure. The Shenzhou-13 spaceship carrying the three astronauts was launched by a Long March-2F rocket at 12:25 a.m. Saturday (4225 GMT Friday). It is expected to complete docking with the Tianhe module within the next six hours, beginning the mission that will continue the work of the first three-person crew that spent 90 days aboard. Those crew members conducted two spacewalks and deployed a 10-meter (33-foot) mechanical arm before returning to Earth in mid-September. The new crew includes two veterans of space travel. Pilot Zhai Zhigang, 55, and Wang Yaping, 41, the only woman on the mission, and Ye Guangfu, 41, who is making his first trip to space. From left, Chinese astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu, wave before leaving for the Shenzhou-13 crewed space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Oct. 15, 2021. Shortly ahead of sending a new three-person crew to its space station, China on Friday renewed its commitment to international cooperation in the peaceful use of space. (Chinatopix Via AP) CHINA OUT The crew was seen off by a military band and supporters singing Ode to the Motherland, underscoring the weight of national pride invested in the Chinas space program that has advanced rapidly in recent years. The crews scheduled activities include up to three spacewalks to install equipment in preparation for expanding the station, assessing living conditions in the module and conducting experiments in space medicine and other fields. Chinas military-run space program plans to send multiple crews to the station over the next two years to make it fully functional. Shenzhou-13 is the fifth mission to the structure, 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. The two additional Chinese modules are due to be launched before the end of next year during the stay of the yet-to-be-named Shenzhou-14 crew. China's Foreign Ministry on Friday renewed its commitment to cooperation with other nations in the peaceful use of space. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said sending humans into space was a common cause of mankind, and China would continue to extend the depth and breadth of international cooperation and exchanges in crewed spaceflight and make positive contributions to the exploration of the mysteries of the universe. China was excluded from the International Space Station largely due to U.S. objections over the Chinese programs secretive nature and close military ties, prompting it to launch 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. Chinese officials have said they look forward to hosting astronauts from other countries aboard the space station once it becomes fully functional. 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 Chinese space 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. TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,928.10, up 108.16 points.) Trevali Mining Corp. (TSX:TV). Materials. Up 0.7 of a cent, or 3.41 per cent, to 22.8 cents on 12.4 million shares. Athabasca Oil Corp. (TSX:ATH). Energy. Up eight cents, or eight per cent, to $1.08 on 8.8 million shares. Hut 8 Mining Corp. (TSX:HUT). Technology. Up $2.01, or 15.4 per cent, to $15.06 on eight million shares. Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE). Energy. Up one cent, or 0.26 per cent, to $3.82 on 7.9 million shares. TC Energy Corp. (TSX:TRP). Energy. Up $1.39, or 2.14 per cent, to $66.39 on 6.7 million shares. The Toronto-Dominion Bank. (TSX:TD). Financials. Up $1.50, or 1.75 per cent, to $87.01 on 6.6 million shares. Companies in the news: Toronto-Dominion Bank Canada's Big Six banks together announced Friday that they will join the global Net-Zero Banking Alliance championed by former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. The commitment by the banks, which include Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Nova Scotia and TD Bank, comes ahead of the UN climate summit set to start in Glasgow at the end of the month and where a major focus will be on finding the finances to fund the climate promises. The industry-led alliance commits signatory banks to aligning their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as to setting intermediate reduction targets for 2030 or sooner. The alliance, part of the wider Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net-Zero that is chaired by Carney, also requires members to publish emissions data and take a "robust approach" to carbon offsets. Carney said in a statement that the financial systems need to transform to ensure a "prosperous and just transition to net-zero" and that by joining the alliance, Canadian banks are "bringing their deep expertise and strong balance sheets to drive solutions for the sustainable economy." The alliance has, however, come under criticism for not going far enough, including ads published last week by more than 90 environmental groups that urged Carney to be more ambitious with membership requirements. Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX:WEED). Down 45 cents or 2.7 per cent to $16.52. Drake has invested in a Toronto cannabis company months after his partnership ended with Canopy Growth Corp. Bullrider announced the rapper's involvement in the pot company today, but did not share the size of his investment. Bullrider says Drake will also take on a partner and strategic adviser role and help develop the company's strategy for the North American market. Drake had been dabbling in the Canadian cannabis market with his More Life Growth Company, which partnered with pot giant Canopy Growth in 2019, before the two parted ways in June. Drake collaborator and producer Noah "40" Shebib co-owns Bullrider, whose products he credits with helping him manage multiple sclerosis. The company is working on opening a farmgate cannabis store in Brampton, Ont., this month. Olymel The chief executive of Quebec-based meat processor Olymel has died from cancer at the age of 71. Rejean Nadeau had a long career in the sector, joining La Coop federee (now Sollio Groupe cooperatif) in 1976 and having managed OIymel since 1996. He was responsible for an expansion that allowed Olymel to be active in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The company says Nadeau died of sudden and virulent cancer. He is survived by his wife, two children and grandchildren. He informed the Olymel team of his inability to continue his duties due to the illness on Oct. 7. Yanick Gervais, senior vice-president of operations, has been appointed interim president and CEO. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2021. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A New Mexico judge on Friday denied a request by dozens of scientists and others at Los Alamos National Laboratory to block a vaccine mandate, meaning workers risk being fired if they don't comply with the lab's afternoon deadline. FILE - This undated file photo shows the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, N.M. Scientists and other workers at the the lab have a deadline of Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 to be vaccinated or prepare to be fired. Dozens of workers at Los Alamos are suing over the mandate, saying exemptions have been unduly denied and that their constitutional rights are being violated by Triad National Security LLC, the contractor that runs the lab for the U.S. Department of Energy. A hearing was under way, Thursday, where a state district judge will decide whether to grant an injunction to prevent employees from being fired while the merits of the case are decided. (The Albuquerque Journal via AP, File) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A New Mexico judge on Friday denied a request by dozens of scientists and others at Los Alamos National Laboratory to block a vaccine mandate, meaning workers risk being fired if they don't comply with the lab's afternoon deadline. The case comes as New Mexico extends a mask mandate for indoor spaces across the state, citing persistently high levels of community spread. While the vaccination rate among adults in New Mexico continues to hover below 72%, the lab confirmed Friday that 96% of employees are fully vaccinated. Its not known how many workers have requested exemptions or how many could end up being fired for declining the shots. The legal challenge was backed by 114 scientists, nuclear engineers, research technicians, designers, project managers and other workers at the lab. Some are specialists and have high security clearance for the work they do, which ranges from national defense to infrastructure improvements and COVID-19 research. The workers claim the mandate is a violation of their constitutional rights and that lab management has created a hostile work environment. FILE In this July 17, 2018 file photo incoming Los Alamos National Laboratory director Thomas Mason speak on a panel on how the University of California System, Battelle Memorial Institute and Texas A&M secured the $2.5 billion annual contract to manage Los Alamos National Laboratory in Austin, Texas. Scientists and other workers at the the lab have a deadline of Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 to be vaccinated or prepare to be fired. Dozens of workers at Los Alamos are suing over the mandate, saying exemptions have been unduly denied and that their constitutional rights are being violated by Triad National Security LLC, the contractor that runs the lab for the U.S. Department of Energy. A hearing was under way, Thursday, where a state district judge will decide whether to grant an injunction to prevent employees from being fired while the merits of the case are decided. Mason has said the pandemic has had a serious impact on the lab, citing higher numbers of COVID-19 cased in unvaccinated employees. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP, File) Attorneys for the lab argued in court Thursday that being vaccinated was a condition of working at Los Alamos. Lab management had announced the vaccine requirement in August. State District Judge Jason Lidyard agreed, saying unvaccinated employees will have to find work elsewhere. Lab spokeswoman Jennifer Talhelm said in a statement Friday that the decision to mandate the vaccine was made only after considerable thought. The safety and health of our employees remains our top priority as we fulfill our national security mission, and as a result our vaccine mandate remains in effect," she said. For those granted religious exemptions, they will be placed on leave without pay or have to use vacation time. Those who have yet to receive their second dose will be placed on unpaid leave or have to use up vacation time until fully vaccinated. With such a high percentage of vaccinated workers, critics have argued that forcing the remaining holdouts to get shots would make no epidemiological difference. Jonathan Diener, an attorney representing the workers, said the plaintiffs are considering an appeal. Arbitration also is possible pending court proceeding on the merits of the case. The workers have requested a jury trial. The main thing is we wanted to stop people from being thrown out of work, said Diener, expressing disappointment with the judge's decision. The workers backing the lawsuit have argued that the high degree of scrutiny required of them when working with nuclear weapons or other high-level projects has not been applied on the vaccine front, despite the labs extensive modeling work for the state on spread and other COVID-19 related trends. The lawsuit cited statements made over the last year by top officials in the U.S. and with the World Health Organization in which they noted that there is more to be learned about how the vaccines reduce infection and how effective they are when it comes to preventing infected people from passing it on. Los Alamos lab on its website touts the breadth of its scientific capabilities, saying it has been helping to answer questions about the pandemic. That includes tracking the virus evolution, predicting spread through modeling, developing reopening strategies for schools and future vaccine development. In extending the mask mandate, state health officials said Friday that the goal was to reduce pressure on the health care system. It is not time to abandon basic precautions, said Dr. David Scrase, head of the state Health and Human Services departments. Our hospital and health care partners remain incredibly, incredibly concerned about the serious illnesses they are dealing with." A separate public health order requiring health care workers to be vaccinated remains in place. School workers also are required to be vaccinated or undergo regular testing. SAINT-HYACINTHE, Que. - The chief executive of Quebec-based meat processor Olymel has died from cancer at the age of 71. Olymel President Rejean Nadeau speaks to reporters at a news conference in Montreal Wednesday Feb. 14, 2007. Nadeau died Thursday at the age of 71, the company announced Friday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz SAINT-HYACINTHE, Que. - The chief executive of Quebec-based meat processor Olymel has died from cancer at the age of 71. Rejean Nadeau had a long career in the sector, joining La Coop federee (now Sollio Groupe cooperatif) in 1976 and had managed OIymel since 1996. He was responsible for an expansion that allowed Olymel to be active in Quebec, in Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The company says Nadeau died of sudden and virulent cancer. He is survived by his wife, two children and grandchildren. He informed the Olymel team of his inability to continue his duties due to the illness on Oct. 7. Yanick Gervais, senior vice-president, operations, has been appointed interim president and CEO. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2021. Patrons will soon be able to purchase Ontario beer at local farmers markets. Patrons will soon be able to purchase Ontario beer at local farmers markets. The government announced Friday that it will start allowing eligible brewers to sell their beer at the more than 180 farmers markets in the province. Brewers whose full brewing process takes place in Ontario can apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to start selling their products at farmers' markets. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy says the move will support businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, while offering more choice and convenience for consumers. Premier Doug Ford's Tory government has loosened a number of alcohol regulations since taking power in 2018, including by allowing cities to permit drinking in parks, expanding hours alcohol can be served and giving restaurants and bars the green light to sell alcohol with takeout and delivery orders. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2021. This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship. MOSCOW (AP) Russia's daily tolls of coronavirus infections and deaths surged to another record on Friday, a quickly mounting figure that has put a severe strain on the country'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's daily tolls of coronavirus infections and deaths surged to another record on Friday, a quickly mounting figure that has put a severe strain on the country's health care system. The governments coronavirus task force reported 32,196 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 999 deaths in the past 24 hours. The record for daily COVID-19 deaths in Russia has been broken repeatedly over the past few weeks, as fatalities steadily approach 1,000 in a single day. It comes amid increasing infections and a reluctance by authorities to toughen restrictions that would further cripple the economy. The government said this week that about 43 million Russians, or just about 29% of the countrys nearly 146 million people, are fully vaccinated. Authorities have tried to speed up the pace of vaccination with lotteries, bonuses and other incentives, but widespread vaccine skepticism and conflicting signals from officials stymied the efforts. Despite the mounting toll, the Kremlin has also ruled out a new nationwide lockdown like the one early on in the pandemic that badly hurt the economy, eroding President Vladimir Putins popularity. Instead, it has delegated the power to enforce coronavirus restrictions to regional authorities. 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) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that local officials could toughen restrictions if a region's health care system gets close to being overwhelmed with patients. Some of Russia's 85 regions already have restricted attendance at large public events and limited access to theaters, restaurants and other places. However, life remains largely normal in Moscow, St. Petersburg and many other Russian cities, with businesses operating as usual and mask mandates loosely enforced. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko acknowledged Thursday that Russia's medical facilities have come under growing strain and said that authorities have offered retired medics who were vaccinated to return to work. 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) Overall, Russias coronavirus task force has registered over 7.9 million confirmed cases and 221,313 deaths Europe's highest death toll. 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, ahead of Mexico. ___ Follow APs coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic At the end of a raucous fall sitting of the legislature, one thing every MLA could agree on was proclaiming Aug. 1 Emancipation Day in Manitoba. At the end of a raucous fall sitting of the legislature, one thing every MLA could agree on was proclaiming Aug. 1 Emancipation Day in Manitoba. Bill 232 (the Emancipation Day Act) passed unanimously Thursday. It marks the day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act took effect in the British Empire, which included much of what is now Canada. Carol Sanders / Winnipeg Free Press NDP MLA Jamie Moses holds the Emancipation Day Act, which received unanimous support from the legislature Thursday. He is joined by Nadia Thompson, chair of Black History Month Manitoba and Nigerian-born educator Segun Olunde. It's historically significant for another reason: it's the first bill passed in Manitoba that was introduced by a Black man. The private member's bill was introduced by St. Vital NDP MLA Jamie Moses, who alongside NDP health critic Uzoma Asagwara and Progressive Conservative health minister Audrey Gordon, was one of the first three Black MLAs elected to the Manitoba legislature in 2019. On Friday, Moses was joined at the legislature by Nadia Thompson, chair of Black History Month Manitoba and Nigerian-born educator Segun Olunde to celebrate the proclamation of the Emancipation Day Act. "To recognize what our past is and how we are going forward in the future, education is key," said Thompson. Just as the trauma caused by Indian Residential Schools has affected generations of Indigenous Canadians, the negative effects of slavery are still being felt, said Olunde. "To get to healing, we have to get together all of us in one place," Olunde said. "It's so beautiful that we can set aside one day to do this," he said of Emancipation Day. "It's going to be about hope. It's going to be about education, enhancing multiculturalism and creating a broader path to reconciliation for all of us in Manitoba." Moses said it will be a day to celebrate and recognize the heritage and contributions of Black Manitobans, while recognizing that more work needs to be done. The Slavery Abolition Act laid a pathway to freedom for more than 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in the Caribbean, Africa, South America as well as Canada, which recognizes Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day. The act abolishing slavery confirmed Canada as a free territory for enslaved African Americans, thousands of whom arrived on Canadian soil between 1834 and the early 1860s. Emancipation Day is observed in many former European colonies in the Caribbean and areas of the United States on various dates to commemorate the emancipation of those of African descent who were enslaved. On Aug. 1, 1985, Trinidad and Tobago became the first country to declare a national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca One moment, a woman is leaning into the open window of a bright red taxi, feet firmly planted on the ground. The next, she's clinging to the vehicle's door as it speeds down a street. One moment, a woman is leaning into the open window of a bright red taxi, feet firmly planted on the ground. The next, she's clinging to the vehicle's door as it speeds down a street. The video is only 38 seconds long. Gerry McAusland posted it Wednesday morning to Facebook; within 31 hours, it had garnered more than 41,000 views and hundreds of reactions. On Wednesday night, Winnipeg police arrested a 51-year-old man. He's been released on an undertaking but faces several charges, including extortion, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and careless driving. In the online post, McAusland said his friend left her cellphone in the Duffy's Taxi cab and was asking for it back. The vehicle then drove away, taking the woman with it. Neither McAusland nor Duffy's Taxi responded to multiple requests for comment Thursday by deadline. A Winnipeg Police Service news release says on Wednesday, around 10 a.m., officers attended the St. John's neighbourhood to investigate a reported assault. According to police, a 23-year-old woman said she'd left her cellphone in a taxi and asked the driver to return it. He requested money, she told officers. When she tried to grab her device, the driver accelerated, dragging her with the vehicle, the release said. The woman suffered minor injuries. Police can't confirm if the video circulating online matches the incident Wednesday morning, Const. Jay Murray said. "I felt so angry... but not at all surprised," Christine Brouzes, co-director of Ikwe Safe Rides, said about viewing the footage. Ikwe Safe Rides brands itself as a safe alternative to taxis for women. It has co-ordinated more than 100,000 trips since its 2016 inception, Brouzes said. "Women we give rides to... we hear stories all the time" of issues with for-hire drivers, she said. Ikwe drivers are volunteers, however, there are only a few now, Brouzes said. For a majority of the COVID-19 pandemic, the non-profit had stopped operations, which are now restarting. "Organizations constantly reach out to me and ask if they can cancel their contracts with a taxi company and have us provide their transportation instead," she said. "We can't meet that need." Last week, a 44-year-old Winnipeg taxi driver was charged with assault and forcible confinement. Days earlier, Serenity Morrisseau of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation held a news conference, with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, about the alleged assault. The 19-year-old said she was taking a cab Sept. 26 from The Forks to Arlington Street when the driver punched her in the face and head, and locked her in the vehicle. She said got partially out but was dragged for nearly a block. "Think of your mother, your sister, your adult daughter, your woman neighbour being the one that's going to happen to," Brouzes said Thursday. While not all cab drivers act inappropriately, she said, "The managers of the taxi companies need to be angry and correct the behaviour of their inappropriate staff." gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com A new proposal aims to secure federal cash to ensure a healthy canopy on Broadway. A new proposal aims to secure federal cash to ensure a healthy canopy on Broadway. The citys public service wants cash from the federal Natural Infrastructure Fund to support a Trees on Broadway project, pending council approval. Some of the iconic American elms planted along Broadway in the early 1900s have died from environmental stress and disease, which led to replanting in conditions that dont support healthy long-term growth, a city report notes. Any further losses would be significant, it adds. "Due to the areas age, historic significance and prominent location, the elms along Broadway hold special significance for Winnipeg residents and visitors," the report states. If approved, the project would replace some concrete with a modular suspended pavement system, which is expected to cost from $3 million to $6 million. The suspended pavement would still support weight but also offer underground space for soil to assist tree growth and help store rainwater. If the application is granted, Ottawa could cover up to 60 per cent of the cost. Emma Durand-Wood, a volunteer advocate with Trees Please Winnipeg, said the proposal "thrilled" her group, since it could create a model to add trees throughout the city centre. "You picture the trees when you think of Broadway but, (in) the rest of the downtown, theres so much concrete and so little green space this could be great if theyre going to start to revitalize the canopy in this area," said Durand-Wood. Its difficult to grow trees downtown due to a lack of quality soil and moisture control, the city says. Trees lack room to grow or can be damaged by construction projects and winter deicing chemicals. They become more vulnerable to insects and disease. Councils public works chairperson said the proposal would help to ensure future tree planting offers the best chance for the new trees to thrive, despite those challenges. "This soil technology is more expensive but it also means healthy trees that will survive our snow management program (and deicing salts). I think this is a great opportunity," said Coun. Matt Allard. The city hopes to save money by timing the work to coincide with Broadway street renewal planned for 2023. The report notes doing so would extend that one-year construction project to two years, which would require provincial approval. (That permission is needed because the province has set a deadline of Oct. 30, 2023, for its portion of the road renewal funding.) However, the timing proposed to add the new suspended pavement is the most cost-effective option, said Allard. "(These) technologies require you to do substantial modifications to the street, so the best time to do that is when youre actually doing a renewal of the streets It opens the opportunity to plant more trees as part of road renewals because it reduces the cost," he said. To qualify for federal funding, the city must apply by Oct. 30. joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga Tabitha Andrusko and Nathaniel Rauch are spending a chilly afternoon suffering through fentanyl withdrawal. Theyre holding on through the hellish symptoms that stopping opioid use cold turkey brings nausea, convulsions, hallucinations because if theyre sober long enough, about 48 hours, they can access suboxone or methadone, both synthetic opioids that block the brain receptors affected by opioids that are used to help people taper off of their addictions, through one of Winnipegs two Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine, or RAAM, walk-in clinics. Andrusko and Rauch, both 28, were ready to get help last week, too. They spent the Thanksgiving long weekend struggling to stay off fentanyl with the promise that on Tuesday, theyd be able to access RAAM clinic services, get put on methadone or suboxone, and begin the process of getting clean for good. They got a ride to one of the clinics before the doors opened Tuesday from St. Boniface Street Links, a local non-profit agency. But the pair, along with the majority of the approximately 20 people in line, were turned away. Andrusko and Rauch figure only a handful people who asked for help actually got it that day. Nathaniel Rauch is waiting to access the RAAM clinics for addiction treatment. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) "We were hopeful because we had a ride and everything planned, and we thought it was going to be a sure thing, so just hang on, you know? We were both really sick," says Rauch, who began using opiates at 18 after a car accident and the loss of his best friend. He has been without a place to live on and off for the past two years. "We got turned away and that was it," he says. "We ended up using that day again." The two Winnipeg clinics at 817 Bannatyne Ave., and 146 Magnus Ave. are among six in the province. The Bannatyne location is open to patients looking for new appointments three days a week for two hours a day, and Magnus is two days a week, two hours a day. Both RAAM clinics are open weekdays for patients already accepted. The window to get help is so small and the facilities are so understaffed that the vast majority of people in Winnipeg who want help arent getting it, St. Boniface Street Links founder Marion Willis says, adding those who arent able to get the help inevitably go back to using dangerous street drugs. Marion Willis, executive director of the St. Boniface Street Links, says there are insufficient addictions supports in the province. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) "The very system that is supposed to be assisting drug-addicted people is actually forcing them back into use," she says. The agency provides a wide range of services, including driving clients to and from RAAM clinics. It's quite common for people to be turned away because of the short hours and limited capacity, says lived experience board member Robert Lidstone. "It needs to be an emergency service, it cant be something thats just two hours here and two hours there, addiction doesnt follow that kind of timeline," says Lidstone, who is in recovery. He began using drugs while studying to get his PhD at York University in Toronto. He has personal experience accessing withdrawal management services in Toronto and remembers being able to call for help at any time of night and be referred to a detox centre attached to a hospital. He and Willis agree that a similar system is required here providing access to life-saving opioid alternatives when people are ready to commit to them. It is common for people to be turned away because of the short hours and limited capacity, says board member Robert Lidstone. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) "Its inadequate resources, inadequate investment in the service, its not treated as an emergency service," he says. Seven people using St. Boniface Street Links services died of overdoses betweeen June and September, Willis says. "Were almost to the point here where we could create a wall of names of the people that are dying," she says. The province announced nearly $820,000 in funding to increase the capacity of Winnipegs RAAM clinics in May after the number of deaths related to substance abuse in Manitoba in 2020 nearly doubled from 191 in 2019 to 372 in 2020. That spike has been attributed, in part, to the way COVID-19 has changed lives. Disruptions in the drug supply are putting less-reliable, more dangerous substances on the street, and the people using them are more likely to be alone, with no one around to get help in case of an overdose. A spokesperson for Manitoba Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery says the province is in the process of expanding capacity at RAAM clinics. "RAAM services are being evaluated by an external evaluator that is looking at effectiveness and value for money," the spokesperson wrote in an email. "By increasing access to addictions-treatment services, including addictions medication, it is expected that RAAM clinics will result in significant cost savings to the health system over the longer term." "I find that this government looks at people who are using drugs as morally failing." MLA Bernadette Smith During question period at the Manitoba legislature this week, NDP MLA Bernadette Smith was criticized by Health Minister Audrey Gordon for pushing a system "based on emotion" when she spoke about the difficulties people with addiction face when attempting to get help at RAAM clinics and called for investment into safe-consumption sites. "I find that this government looks at people who are using drugs as morally failing," Smith said. "And that's not true." The province needs to use its funding to invest not just in more capacity at RAAM clinics, but in other harm-reduction fields, she said. "We know that when someone gets into treatment, it kind of has to be there, and now, or else theyre just going to go back to that hopelessness: Im never going to get in, Im never going to get help, and possibly leave there and lose their life." The fact that people continue to be turned away despite the province's large investment is proof money, alone, isnt the answer, Willis says, adding funding should flow into channels directed by the boots-on-the-ground organizations doing the work, not the other way around. "There doesnt seem to be the political will, and this governments approach is extremely paternalistic they think they know best (but) they dont know best," she says. "We need to have 24-hour, seven-days-a-week addiction services; we need a 24-hour point of access." Now, a day after being turned away, Andrusko and Rauch prepare to try again. The two 28-year-olds are visibly ill from withdrawal symptoms; Rauch is covered in a sheen of perspiration and occasionally closes his eyes while speaking. Andrusko, who has been on the streets off and on after aging out of Child and Family Services at 18 and has been using drugs since she was 14, blows her nose and struggles to sit upright. Tabitha Andrusko is waiting to access the RAAM clinics for addiction treatment. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) The inability to get help has killed people they know and come close, in Rauch's case. "Ive died but was revived twice so far, and both times I was trying to get into treatment at the RAAM clinic," he says. Both find themselves living in the moment, or in the most short-term version of the future possible, either feeding their addictions or seeking assistance to get out from under them. They have long-term goals, though, and talk about them honestly and thoughtfully. "I think about my mom and my grandparents who havent given up on me," Rauch says. "I have no relationship with them when Im using, and then the times when Im able to get clean for a bit, theyre fully supportive "Its never too late, I just like to keep that in mind." Andrusko has four children between the ages of three and 10. Theyre living in different places right now, but she says she dreams about having them in her care again. "Ive been sober, Ive had my kids in my care, everything. I know I can do it," she says. "But its hard, because I always get turned away." malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ Manitoba nurses have ratified a seven-year contract after being without a collective agreement since 2017. Manitoba nurses have ratified a seven-year contract after being without a collective agreement since 2017. The union that represents 12,000 nurses announced Thursday its members had accepted the long-term collective agreement after a week-long vote concluded at noon. "It truly was a long four and a half years without a collective agreement there is still work to be done to address the significant weaknesses in our health-care system, but the improvements in this contract are a necessary and positive first step in addressing nurses serious concerns," said union president Darlene Jackson. The union didn't release details about the percentage of its membership who voted in favour or against the contract. The agreement includes wage increases of 1.25 per cent for 2017 and 2018, followed by 1.4 per cent, 0.5 per cent, and 1.2 per cent increases for 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Wages would go up by two per cent each year for the next two years until the contract expires in 2024. The previous four-year contract offered annual wage increases of two per cent in 2013, 3.1 per cent in 2014, two per cent in 2015, and three per cent in 2016. The union said the deal addresses many issues, including improvements to shift premiums, overtime compensation, meal allowance, isolation allowance and academic allowance entitlement. The union also said there are protections against inordinately long consecutive hours of work and durations of standby. There is also an investment in recruitment and retention initiatives through a joint committee with a fund of $4 million a year. The provincial government released a statement attributed to Premier Kelvin Goertzen and Health Minister Audrey Gordon following the union's announcement. "Our dedicated nurses fully deserve the comfort and security this seven-year agreement provides, along with the wide-ranging collaborative improvements it delivers," the statement said. They went on to "salute" nurses for their work during the pandemic, which has greatly contributed to burnout among health-care staff. The agreement is the result of nearly two months of bargaining with the help of a mediator. fpcity@freepress.mb.ca A northern Manitoba First Nation has learned dozens more children died at a former residential school in the community, after previous records had described 30 known deaths. A northern Manitoba First Nation has learned dozens more children died at a former residential school in the community, after previous records had described 30 known deaths. Pimicikamak Chief David Monias says the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas shared records revealing 84 students died at the Cross Lake Residential School between 1912 and 1967. "It makes you angry," Monias said, though he said he is appreciative of the diocese for sharing the documents. To read more of this story first reported by CBC News, click here. This content is made available to Free Press readers as part of an agreement with CBC that sees our two trusted news brands collaborate to better cover Manitoba. Questions about CBC content can be directed to talkback@cbc.ca. WHAT began as a few cases of COVID-19 among school kids in Norway House has quickly swelled into a significant outbreak involving more than 170 people, driven by crowded classrooms and inadequate housing on the northern First Nation. WHAT began as a few cases of COVID-19 among school kids in Norway House has quickly swelled into a significant outbreak involving more than 170 people, driven by crowded classrooms and inadequate housing on the northern First Nation. Chief Larson Anderson said the number of infections in the community 800 kilometres north of Winnipeg had been slowly escalating since September when children returned to school. Its suspected the virus was introduced from outside the First Nation at about the same time students returned to class, Anderson said. "With all these classrooms being overcrowded and then having these kids go there, one or two of them got it, and it became a battleground there to try to contain," he said. "It was certainly disappointing to have it at the school level." Not long afterward, Anderson said parents and adults began to come down with symptoms. In the past week, 10 to 25 people were testing positive each day, and the positivity rate was "through the roof." "We were finding that we had to lock down households because theyre so close together and most places only have one washroom. So its really been a struggle to keep individuals safe," Anderson said. Schools in Norway House have been closed for two weeks. For the past week, residents have had to abide by a curfew while recreation centres remain closed, visits between households are restricted, and shopping is limited to one person per household. Testing and contact tracing continues but local resources are limited, Anderson said. Additional support from the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch and other stakeholders has been requested as "there are some things beyond our control that they must assist with," he said. "In this type of a battle every hour matters. We started getting hit late last week, and into the weekend, and people tried to do what they could, but honestly I think it could have been better support," he said. However, the local health team is urgently working day and night to get the outbreak under control, he said. "It was really daunting. But now, we finally got a decent number (Wednesday), so the lockdown is starting to take effect," he said. On Thursday, Norway House reported 84 active cases, 87 recoveries and the death of a female community member. Children and adults in their 20s and 40s make up a high number of cases. Anderson said a good proportion of cases involves people who were fully immunized. At last count, about 76 per cent of eligible people in Norway House were fully vaccinated, Anderson said. The community has a population of about 6,500. Anderson called on the federal government to address the housing shortage in his community, and other First Nations across the country, which escalates the risk of the novel coronavirus on reserves. "That would address any ongoing problems far beyond anything else government could ever do," he said. Seventeen First Nations in Manitoba had active COVID-19 cases as of Thursday, said the First Nations Pandemic Response Co-ordination Team. Last week, the group warned its ability to deploy outbreak support would not be the same as in earlier waves of COVID-19 because health-care staff have largely returned to their regular roles. "We continue to see more spread related to gatherings, particularly indoor gatherings, where we hear afterwards that people arent masking or there was lots of people there," said Dr. Marcia Anderson, public health lead of the response team. "That provides conditions for this virus to spread very quickly." Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Chief Lorna Bighetty said household visits likely led to a recent outbreak in her community, 700 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. As of Thursday, there were 50 active cases in the community, also known as Pukatawagan, and 154 recoveries. Ninety people were still in self-isolation, Bighetty said. Provincial data shows 51.1 per cent of eligible residents in the Mathias Colomb district were fully vaccinated. Last week, the community of more than 2,200 was moved to code red on the pandemic response system with public gatherings prohibited and residents required to stay home or wear a mask when outside. "We find that numbers are going down really fast because we know what to do, we know how to take care of it," Bighetty said. Unlike Norway House, Pukatawagan had been hit with a significant outbreak in March and the military was called in to assist. Local care providers have so far been able to keep up with demand for testing and contact tracing, she added. She also noted a number of infections have been among people who were immunized. "At the moment were OK. Were doing good," she said. But Pukatawagan has also been dealing with recurring power outages at least four in the past four weeks which have hurt the communitys ability to provide care, Bighetty said. The outages have been due to weather and downed trees, Manitoba Hydro said. However, efforts of Pukatawagan residents to stay home and mask up have helped to keep the outbreak from escalating, Bighetty said. "People are very co-operative and theyre very concerned because of their kids. They dont want their kids to get sick," she said. "They say You dont have to tell me twice. We know how COVID is in our community. Were staying home." danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca A former Winnipeg paramedic being sued for defamation by a city firefighter he accused of racist conduct on the job has countered with a lawsuit of his own. A former Winnipeg paramedic being sued for defamation by a city firefighter he accused of racist conduct on the job has countered with a lawsuit of his own. In a statement of defence filed Monday, Nishanth Jayaranjan denies defaming firefighter Kelcey French, and claims French submitted a false report to the College of Paramedics of Manitoba and made false statements under a social media pseudonym, costing him employment and causing emotional distress. Jayaranjan is asking for an unspecified amount in special and aggravated damages, and orders directing French to apologize in writing and barring French from "making, publishing or disseminating defamatory statements." The long-standing Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service conflict landed in court Aug. 11, when French filed a statement of claim asking $600,000 in damages over allegations Jayaranjan targeted him with a "defamatory campaign." The pair were among the first responders at a medical call Oct. 7, 2020, in which a 23-year-old Indigenous woman had stabbed herself in the throat with a broken bottle. In his statement of defence, Jayaranjan says he was the first emergency crew on scene (aside from police) and was in charge of delivering medical instructions to other responders. He alleges French refused repeated requests to help the patient or to accompany them in an ambulance until instructed to by an on-scene WFPS lieutenant. In the ambulance, Jayaranjan claims the firefighter refused to provide medical support, leaving the patient to stop the bleeding from her neck with her own hands a development later stated in the patient care report. In his statement of claim, French alleges Jayaranjan was "hostile and aggressive" during the ambulance ride. While Jayaranjan denies the allegations, he admits to calling French expletives and "keyboard warrior" out of "frustration and exhaustion" once the ambulance arrived at Health Sciences Centre, documents show. Details of the incident were reported in an Oct. 8 email to then-WFPS chief John Lane, along with 10 other city and union representatives. That email was shared with a Free Press reporter, and an article published without naming either WFPS member the following week. The email was "part of an ongoing complaint" of racism in the service with respect to social media posts from June 2020, according to the statement of defence. A third-party investigation into the incident, which concluded in February, found French and another firefighter had ignored requests to help the patient due to "racial animus" and "implicit racial bias" towards both the patient and Jayaranjan. In the 78-page report, Laurelle Harris of Equitable Solutions Consulting found the firefighters conduct delayed the patients transport to the hospital, and ruled it was "more likely than not" French had refused to help due to "personal animus" arising from knowledge Jayaranjan had previously complained to superiors about racism from firefighters. French was a union executive with the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg at the time and would have been privy to information about the nature of Jayranajans complaints, the documents state. In his statement of claim, French alleges Jayaranjan deliberately disseminated "false" claims French racially discriminated against both Jayaranjan and the patient by falsifying patient care reports, sharing an internal complaint with members of the media, making anonymous claims of harassment on social media, and filing a police report claiming French had attended both Jayaranjan's home and Jayaranjan's parents' house. Jayaranjan, in the court documents, denies all those allegations. The statement of defence alleges French showed up at Jayaranjan's home weeks after the incident and caused a disturbance that prompted "someone else" to call police. Jayaranjan alleges French retaliated to the Harris report "with malicious intent" by filing a "false and defamatory complaint" with the paramedics college on the Oct. 7, 2020, incident. The complaint was an attempt to "destroy (his) good standing and reputation" and "jeopardize his licence," documents say. Jayaranjan further alleges the complaint was detailed in social media posts in an effort to further discredit him as "a troublemaker who accuses others of racism without legitimate reason." "As a result of the defamation, (Jayaranjan) has been unable to return to work at the City of Winnipeg, and has suffered considerable damage to his reputation in the community and with current and future employers," the countersuit claims. None of the allegations made in the documents have been proven in court. julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @jsrutgers More physicians could leave the province if the government doesnt do a better job listening to them, according to Doctors Manitoba. More physicians could leave the province if the government doesnt do a better job listening to them, according to Doctors Manitoba. "I really do feel for those who have left and who are going to leave," association head Dr. Kristjan Thompson said Thursday. He was reacting to news of yet another medical specialist stepping out a Manitoba hospital due to frustration with disjointed health-care reforms. This week, Dr. Sandor Demeter announced his resignation from Health Sciences Centres nuclear medicine department, arguing its really Shared Health leaders who should be the ones leaving their jobs. He said years of issues have culminated into "a dysfunctional bureaucratic quagmire" where patients wait too long for procedures because the system cant address issues staff have flagged years in advance. "I really do feel for those who have left and who are going to leave." Dr. Kristjan Thompson of Doctors Manitoba The doctor decried a years-long delay in replacing a specialized machine that scans early cancer patients, resulting in them missing the timeline to assess whether initial treatments are sufficient. Demeters exit came just weeks after both a neurosurgeon and a neurologist opted to leave Manitoba over similar grievances. He assailed the provinces management of health-care services in a lengthy online post, which the Manitoba Liberals raised in the legislature Wednesday. On Thursday, Shared Health responded, saying its trying to deal with issues that have persisted in Manitoba for decades. "While we acknowledge that the road toward a better health system has not always been smooth, we also note that many of the concerns expressed by Dr. Demeter are long-standing issues that existed prior to the creation of Shared Health, and have been exacerbated by a nearly two-year long (COVID-19) pandemic," wrote Shared Health spokesman Jason Permanand. He explained the province is on track to upgrade its nuclear medicine services at HSC next year "Work has been delayed, which is disappointing. However the plans continue," Permanand wrote. "Shared Health remains committed to working toward an improved, accessible health-care system that offers all Manitobans reliable and timely care." Yet, Thompson said this wont be possible unless the province listens to doctors. "What we're seeing here is a symptom of a greater problem," he said Thursday. "Physicians who are leaving are physicians who are fed up They don't feel that they're being listened to; they feel they can't provide the care to their patients to the best of their ability. "Outreach efforts are starting to happen, but physicians really aren't feeling that in a meaningful way." On Thursday, Health Minister Audrey Gordon thanked Demeter for his work, and insisted the province is listening. "Our focus is to continue to talk to health-care professionals, doctors and specialists, and hear from them and address their concerns, and that's what we intend to do," Gordon told reporters. She claimed to not know Demeters reasons for leaving his job despite him outlining them in a 1,450-word online post and subsequent Free Press article and said it's a human resources matter for Shared Health. Dr. Anand Kumar, a respected intensive-care physician at HSC, wasnt familiar with Demeters work, but said his hospital has always been loosely managed. "The place has never been particularly tightly run," he said, comparing it to American hospitals where a profit motive dictates almost everything. "Things seem rather disjointed in Manitoba, but I can't say that's tremendously different from five years ago or 10 years ago. It's just never been as sharp compared to other places I've worked." Both Progressive Conservative party candidates for premier were too busy to give an interview Thursday. Statements from Shelly Glover's and Heather Stefanson's respective camps said they would try to avoid doctors fleeing the province without specifying how, aside from listening to experts. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca CANADAS news publishers, which employ 3,000 journalists from coast to coast to coast, believe that free speech, journalistic freedom and a strong, healthy, commercially viable and fiercely independent media ecosystem are all vital to our democracy. Opinion CANADAS news publishers, which employ 3,000 journalists from coast to coast to coast, believe that free speech, journalistic freedom and a strong, healthy, commercially viable and fiercely independent media ecosystem are all vital to our democracy. Canadians rely on their newspapers and news media to be their trusted sources of information, helping them make informed choices and holding people and institutions, including governments and corporations, accountable. We hope parliamentarians will come together and take meaningful action to combat hate speech and other kinds of harmful content online, while ensuring that freedom of expression and free debate are recognized, preserved and protected. We are among the countrys leading defenders of freedom of speech. At the same time, as employers, we strive to provide a safe, healthy and inclusive work environment for our journalists. As businesses that supply news and analysis, we also strive to protect our customers: the public that reads our news and engages with us and their fellow readers. As a business, the news publishing industry remains under threat from unregulated and unchecked social media and online communication service providers. At the same, our journalists and readers face online harm constantly. Ask any journalist, and theyll tell you criticism comes with the job. And rightly so. But hate, harassment and online and physical harm shouldnt. It comes from the right, the left and everywhere in between, and its victims are all too often women and racialized journalists. We are united in supporting our journalists and newsrooms against those who seek to silence them and threaten their safety. Together, we will continue to advocate for industry-wide responses to end this behaviour. Across the globe, journalists face physical, judicial and online harm. In addition to harassment from individuals, journalists face sophisticated defamation campaigns to discredit them. These threats, and their potential impact on journalistic freedom of expression, have detrimental implications for society at large. The findings of a survey conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the International Center for Journalists about online violence against women journalists are alarming: 73 per cent of women respondents said they had experienced online violence; 20 per cent said they had been attacked or abused offline in incidents seeded online; and 41 per cent said they had been the targets of online attacks that appeared to be linked to orchestrated disinformation campaigns. The impact of this violence on mental health is sobering: 38 per cent missed work; 11 per cent quit their jobs; and two per cent abandoned journalism altogether. Like news publishers, online platforms curate content. They reap all the benefits of being a publisher, albeit on much more commercially favourable terms. At present, however, they do not have the same responsibilities and are not held accountable in the many ways news publishers are in Canada. Indeed, they have allowed "fake news" and disinformation to proliferate around the globe, and they have profited from it handsomely. Big Tech has a societal obligation to moderate these activities, just as any news publisher does. In the United States, section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act exempts them from liability over hosting user-generated content and from liability when they choose to remove that content. However, global companies operating in Canada are subject to Canadian law and should conduct themselves accordingly. As a matter of principle, our journalists should be afforded the same protections in the online world as they are in the offline world. Accordingly, we recommend that the government of Canada explicitly recognize online threats to journalists directly in legislation. At the same time, online platforms should act responsibly. First, they should act upon reports of harassment from news publishers and journalists within 24 hours. Second, they should invest in technology to detect online hate against journalists. Third, they should detail online harm against journalists in their transparency reports. Fourth, they should be held accountable through Canadas libel, defamation and hate laws, just as Canadas news publishers are. Fifth, they should face economic penalties when they fail to comply with Canadian laws. Finally, they should make it hard for internet trolls to "profit" from the monetization of content that harms journalists. As a society, we need to do everything we can to protect democratic expression, but that doesnt mean we cant protect journalists. All publishers, including internet intermediaries, should be held accountable for harmful content. Canadas publishers stand with our journalists, who wont be silenced, and readers, who want to be informed. Jamie Irving is chair and Paul Deegan is president and CEO of News Media Canada. PEOPLES Party of Canada (PPC) leader Maxime Bernier, recently interviewed by CBC journalist Travis Dhanraj, was asked whether the PPC could survive without the pandemic to buoy its support. The question is a crucial one since, God willing, COVID-19 and the pandemic will be largely behind us by the time the next federal election rolls around. Opinion PEOPLES Party of Canada (PPC) leader Maxime Bernier, recently interviewed by CBC journalist Travis Dhanraj, was asked whether the PPC could survive without the pandemic to buoy its support. The question is a crucial one since, God willing, COVID-19 and the pandemic will be largely behind us by the time the next federal election rolls around. Berniers response, naturally, was that his party will continue to grow, pandemic or not. Is he correct? Maybe. But what we know for sure is that in the 2021 election, Berniers was the only party making a direct appeal to the segment of voters who are skeptical of vaccines and government restrictions particularly vaccine passports intended to stop the spread of the virus. Bernier himself focused on these themes explicitly to maximize motivation and turnout from Canadians who agreed. More than once during the campaign, I talked with journalists who were stunned by the turnout at PPC rallies. Berniers arrest in St. Pierre-Jolys for flouting public-health orders helped to emphasize both the alleged heavy-handedness of these orders and Berniers own commitment to fighting them. A Forum Research poll conducted in the middle of the recent election campaign found Bernier was cornering the market when it came to this segment of Canadians. The poll revealed that no fewer than 84 per cent of PPC voters were opposed to vaccine mandates. By comparison, only 42 per cent of Conservative voters, 11 per cent of NDP voters and five per cent of Liberal voters agreed. In the same vein, 62 per cent of PPC voters had not been partially or fully vaccinated, much higher than the national number. Its clear the PPC received a boost in votes owing to its opposition to government restrictions. The result was the party finished with slightly less than five per cent of the vote, far ahead of its 2019 result of 1.62 per cent. Bernier also received more than twice as many votes as the Green Party, despite widespread mainstream acceptance of the Greens, as well as the fact former Green leader Annamie Paul (unlike Bernier) was permitted to participate in the leaders debates. But despite the boost in votes, the PPC failed to win enough votes in any individual riding to elect a candidate, and so ended the night with no seats. Can the PPC survive and continue to grow without the pandemic? My answer is a cautious, uncertain "yes." While the pandemic will soon be in the rear-view mirror, politicians such as Bernier in other democracies have shown a remarkable ability to adapt to the times. Leaders of libertarian and small-"L" liberal parties can always find a market for their brand of get-off-my-back politics, and the growth of the state in developed democracies such as Canada means there will always be some form of government intrusion in the lives of individuals for these parties to protest. There is every indication Bernier, an undoubtedly talented populist politician, can adapt his appeal, although he might never again find as profitable an issue as pandemic restrictions. The fact the PPC might be here to stay means mainstream political parties and other institutions such as the media must find a way to engage with Bernier and challenge bad ideas. Dhanrajs interview with Bernier was a good example of this. The PPC leader deserves to be asked tough questions and, as emotions over the pandemic die down, more and more PPC voters will likely notice the answers the smooth-talking Bernier provides are not always particularly convincing. But not everyone agrees with this approach. Former Liberal cabinet minister Catherine McKenna, for example, demanded to know why the CBC was "giving Maxime Bernier a platform" by interviewing him. Instead, she wrote, "He should be interviewed by the police." The idea here is that ignoring, marginalizing or censoring Bernier is the best way to cope with him and his politics. But McKenna is wrong, in much the same way people think PPC supporters can be insulted and dismissed into irrelevance. They cant. And further, we shouldnt wish to do so. What we should want is to draw fellow Canadians into constructive mainstream democratic politics, not marginalize them into potential radicalism. Ask yourself: would you rather have people passing out pamphlets for the local PPC candidate, or blocking entrances to hospitals? Or worse? When Forum asked PPC voters about their finances, 37 per cent reported either a "bad" or "very bad" personal economic situation. This contrasts with the national average of only 21 per cent of Canadians reporting financial dire straights. Is it any surprise that Canadians who are struggling, or who think their families have been left behind, feel betrayed by Canadas political class, and thus are particularly susceptible to populist appeals such as Berniers? Bernier is a challenge to Canadas political class. Whether the PPC thrives or passes into the history books will largely be a result of whether and how that challenge is met. Royce Koop is a professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba and academic director of the Centre for Social Science Research and Policy. The Manitoba Court of Appeal decision upholding the provinces wage freeze legislation for public-sector workers was an important reminder collective bargaining rights are not unlimited. The Manitoba Court of Appeal decision upholding the provinces wage freeze legislation for public-sector workers was an important reminder collective bargaining rights are not unlimited. Manitoba Tories score win in legal battle over wage freeze Click to Expand THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/John Woods The Manitoba PC government has won its appeal of a lower court ruling that found its controversial public-sector wage freeze was unconstitutional. Posted: 3:26 PM Oct. 13, 2021 The Manitoba PC government has won its appeal of a lower court ruling that found its controversial public-sector wage freeze was unconstitutional. Wednesday's decision was a blow for labour groups that represent some 120,000 civil servants. Read Full Story The Supreme Court of Canada has made that clear on more than one occasion. Unions dont like it. They rail against interference of any kind by government when it comes to collective bargaining as they did when Manitobas Progressive Conservative government introduced Bill 28 (Public Services Sustainability Act) in 2017. Labour leaders called it "unconstitutional" and an "attack on workers." However, as the Court of Appeal ruled this week when it overturned a lower court decision on Bill 28, collective bargaining rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are not absolute. Court of Queens Bench Justice Joan McKelvey ruled last year the provinces wage freeze legislation was "draconian" and violated workers' charter rights. While the decision provided unions and the Opposition NDP with fresh ammunition against Tory rivals, Manitobas top court found McKelveys ruling was fraught with legal errors and improper conclusions. Chief Justice Richard Chartier, writing for a panel of three justices, ruled (Justice Joan) McKelveys findings were "diametrically opposed" to the jurisprudence at the Supreme Court level. Chief Justice Richard Chartier, writing for a panel of three justices, ruled McKelveys findings were "diametrically opposed" to the jurisprudence at the Supreme Court level. "I am of the view that the trial judge erred in her constitutional analysis," wrote Chartier. The constitutional debate about how much government can interfere in collective bargaining revolves primarily around two landmark Supreme Court decisions one of which was a case that ruled on the constitutionality of the federal governments 2009 wage restraint legislation. Canadas top court has established section 2(d) of the charter (freedom of association) provides workers with the right to "associate in a process of collective action," in order to "engage in a meaningful process of collective bargaining." However, the top court has described it as a "limited right" that is restricted in several ways. It guarantees the right to a process, not an outcome, and does not protect all aspects of collective bargaining. There has to be "substantial interference" in the collective bargaining process to breach section 2(d) of the charter. "The term substantial interference was not chosen without purpose," Chartier wrote. "It was judiciously selected by the Supreme Court of Canada in order to allow legislatures some freedom to move within permissible constitutional limits." "The term substantial interference was not chosen without purpose. It was judiciously selected by the Supreme Court of Canada in order to allow legislatures some freedom to move within permissible constitutional limits." Chief Justice Richard Chartier McKelvey made several errors in her written decision, released in June 2020, the appeals court said. Her argument the Supreme Courts ruling on federal wage restraint didnt apply to the Manitoba case, in part because the decision dealt with the RCMP (which wasnt unionized at the time), was an improper conclusion, Chartier wrote. "All employees, unionized and non-unionized, have identical section 2(d) rights." McKelvey wrongly concluded the province should have tried to negotiate contracts prior to introducing its wage freeze bill; and she erred when she ruled removing monetary issues from the process, such as wages, substantially interfered in the collective bargaining process, Manitobas top court held. Canada's top court has already ruled on that, and it's binding. McKelvey also argued because the federal wage restraint legislation contained some increases, it wasnt applicable to Manitobas Bill 28, which included wage freezes for two years. The Court of Appeal ruled that improper, too. McKelveys decision collapsed because she strayed too far into public policy and away from law. It was more judicial activism than sound legal analysis. McKelveys decision collapsed because she strayed too far into public policy and away from law. It was more judicial activism than sound legal analysis. She suggested, for example, government could have refrained from cutting the provincial sales tax or indexing income tax brackets (instead of freezing wages) if it wanted to balance the books. Thats not up to judges to decide, Chartier ruled. "Unless constrained by the Constitution, Parliament and the provincial legislatures are supreme," he wrote. Thats a good reminder for everyone. tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) The gunman who killed 14 students and three staff members at a Parkland, Florida, high school will plead guilty to their murders, his attorneys said Friday, bringing some closure to a South Florida community more than three years after an attack that sparked a nationwide movement for gun control. FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2019, file photo, Parkland school shooting defendant Nikolas Cruz appears at a hearing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A court hearing is set Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 in Florida for Nikolas Cruz, the man police said has confessed to the 2018 massacre of 17 people at a high school. The hearing in Broward County Circuit Court was scheduled abruptly Thursday and does not describe the purpose.(Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool, File) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) The gunman who killed 14 students and three staff members at a Parkland, Florida, high school will plead guilty to their murders, his attorneys said Friday, bringing some closure to a South Florida community more than three years after an attack that sparked a nationwide movement for gun control. The guilty plea would set up a penalty phase where Nikolas Cruz, 23, would be fighting against the death penalty and hoping for life without parole. Cruz attorney David Wheeler told Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer that he will plead guilty Wednesday to 17 counts of first-degree murder in the February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The pleas will come with no conditions and prosecutors still plan to seek the death penalty. That will be decided by a jury, with the judge hoping to start the trial in January after choosing a jury from thousands of prospects starting in November. FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, file photo, Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz looks up after crying during day two of jury selection in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale Fla., on four criminal counts stemming from his alleged attack on a Broward jail guard in November 2018. The lawyers for Cruz said Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, that he plans to plead guilty to the 2018 massacre at a Parkland high school. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool, File) Cruz will also plead guilty to 17 counts of attempted first-degree murder. He was not initially present during the hearing, but later entered the Broward County courtroom to plead guilty to attacking a jail guard nine months after the shooting. Cruz said he understood that prosecutors can use the conviction as an aggravating factor when they later argue for his execution. The trial has been delayed by the pandemic and arguments over what evidence could be presented to the jury, frustrating some victims' families and the wounded. Samantha Grady, who was injured in the massacre and lost her best friend, 17-year-old Helena Ramsay, said she is glad Cruz is finally acknowledging the damage he caused. FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, file photo, Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz cries during day two of jury selection in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale Fla., on four criminal counts stemming from his alleged attack on a Broward jail guard in November 2018. The lawyers for Cruz said Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, that he plans to plead guilty to the 2018 massacre at a Parkland high school. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool, File) I hope we can start the process of truly moving on, she said. His punishment should be equal to the lives he has taken, the stress and horrors he has caused in a whole community, a whole state. Mitch and Annika Dworet, the only victims' parents to attend the hearing, said they are relieved the case is finally moving toward closure. Their 17-year-old son Nick died in the shooting while his younger brother Alex was wounded. Mitch Dworet said he tries hard not to think about the case, saying he wants to focus on their sons. But his wife interjected, We want justice it's time. For them, that means Cruz's execution. We would like to see him suffer, he said. Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz walks to the podium to enter his guilty plea, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on all four criminal counts stemming from his attack on a Broward County jail guard in November 2018, Cruz's lawyers said Friday that he plans to plead guilty to the 2018 massacre at a Parkland high school. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool) Andrew Pollack, whose 18-year-old daughter Meadow was killed, said in a phone interview he also wants Cruz executed. Death by lethal injection seems too peaceful to me. Id rather see a hanging in a public square. In the aftermath of the shooting, Parkland student activists formed March for Our Lives, a group that rallied hundreds of thousands around the country for tighter gun laws, including a nationally televised march in Washington, D.C. The decision by Cruz to plead guilty came unexpectedly. He had been set to go on trial next week for the attack on the Broward County jail guard. Cruz and his lawyers had long offered to plead guilty to the shooting in exchange for a life sentence, but prosecutors had rejected that deal. Broward County State Attorney Mike Satz, center, walks to the courtroom where Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on all four criminal counts stemming from his attack on a Broward County jail guard in November 2018, Cruz's lawyers said Friday that he plans to plead guilty to the 2018 massacre at a Parkland high school. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool) Attorney David Weinstein, a former Florida prosecutor who is not involved in the case, said by pleading guilty to the murder charges, Cruz's lawyers will be able to tell the jury in the penalty hearing that he has accepted responsibility, has shown remorse and saved the victims families the additional trauma of a guilt phase trial. The jurors also wont repeatedly see the security videos that reportedly captured the shooting in graphic detail. Their goal will be to persuade one juror to vote for a life sentence unanimity will be required to sentence Cruz to death. Cruzs rampage crushed the veneer of safety in Parkland, an upper-middle-class community outside Fort Lauderdale with little crime. Cruz was a longtime, but troubled resident. Broward sheriffs deputies were frequently called to the home in an upscale neighborhood he shared with his widowed mother and younger brother for disturbances, but they said nothing was ever reported that could have led to his arrest. Annika Dworet and her husband, Mitch Dworet, the parents of slain student Nicholas Dworet, sit in the gallery as Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz pleads guilty, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on all four criminal counts stemming from his attack on a Broward County jail guard in November 2018, Cruz's lawyers said Friday that he plans to plead guilty to the 2018 massacre at a Parkland high school. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool) Cruz alternated between traditional schools and those for troubled students. He attended Stoneman Douglas starting in 10th grade, but his troubles remained at one point, he was prohibited from carrying a backpack to make sure he didnt carry a weapon. Still, he was allowed to participate on the schools rifle team. He was expelled about a year before the attack after numerous incidents of unusual behavior and at least one fight. He then began posting videos online in which he threatened to commit violence, including at the school. When Cruzs mother died of pneumonia four months before the shooting, he began staying with friends, taking his 10 guns with him. Someone worried about his emotional state called the FBI a month before the shooting to warn agents he might kill people. The information was never forwarded to the agencys South Florida office. Another acquaintance called the Broward Sheriffs Office with a similar warning, but when the deputy learned Cruz was then living with a family friend in neighboring Palm Beach County he told the caller to contact that sheriffs office. In the weeks before the shooting, Cruz began making videos proclaiming he was going to be the next school shooter of 2018. The shooting happened on Valentines Day. Students had exchanged gifts and many were dressed in red. Cruz, then 19, arrived at the campus that afternoon in an Uber, assembled his rifle in a stairwell and then opened fire in the three-story classroom building. Cruz eventually dropped his rifle and fled, blending in with his victims as police stormed the building. He was captured about an hour later walking through a residential neighborhood. The shooting led to a state law that requires all Florida public schools to have an armed guard on campus during class hours. ___ Associated Press reporters Freida Frisaro in Fort Lauderdale, Adriana Gomez Licon in Miami and Curt Anderson in St. Petersburg, Florida, contributed to this story. LEIGH-ON-SEA, England (AP) A long-serving member of Parliament was stabbed to death Friday during a meeting with constituents at a church in England, in what police said was a terrorist incident. A 25-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack, which united Britain's fractious politicians in shock and sorrow. This is an undated photo issued by UK Parliament of Conservative Member of Parliament, David Amess. Police have been called to an incident in eastern England amid reports a lawmaker has been stabbed during a meeting with constituents. Sky News says Conservative lawmaker David Amess was attacked in the town of Leigh-on-Sea on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. Amess London office confirmed police and ambulance had been called but had no other details. Amess has been a member of Parliament since 1997. (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament via AP) LEIGH-ON-SEA, England (AP) A long-serving member of Parliament was stabbed to death Friday during a meeting with constituents at a church in England, in what police said was a terrorist incident. A 25-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack, which united Britain's fractious politicians in shock and sorrow. Counterterrorism officers were leading the investigation into the slaying of Conservative lawmaker David Amess. In a statement early Saturday, the Metropolitan Police described the attack as terrorism and said the early investigation "has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism." Amess, 69, was attacked around midday Friday at a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea, a town about 40 miles (62 kilometers) east of London. Paramedics tried without success to save him. Police arrested the suspect and recovered a knife. They did not identify the suspect, who was held on suspicion of murder. Police said they believed the suspect acted alone, and were not seeking anyone else in connection with the killing, though investigations continue. The slaying came five years after another MP, Jo Cox, was murdered by a far-right extremist in her small-town constituency, and it renewed concern about the risks politicians run as they go about their work representing voters. British politicians generally are not given police protection when they meet with their constituents. Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has reportedly been stabbed several times at a constituency surgery, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. British police say a man has been arrested after a reported stabbing in eastern England. News outlets say the victim is Conservative lawmaker David Amess. The Essex Police force said officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Leigh-on-Sea just after noon Friday. It said a man was arrested shortly after & were not looking for anyone else. (Nick Ansell/PA via AP) Tributes poured in for Amess from across the political spectrum, as well as from the community he had served for decades. Residents paid tribute to him at a vigil at a church in Leigh-on-Sea. "He carried that great East London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level theyre at," the Rev. Jeffrey Woolnaugh said at the vigil, attended by about 80 people. "Not all politicians, I would say, are good at that." Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he and his Cabinet were "deeply shocked and heart-stricken." Conservative lawmaker David Amess attends the Paddy Power Political Book Awards at the BFI IMAX, Southbank, London, on Jan. 28, 2015. British police say a man has been arrested after a reported stabbing in eastern England. News outlets say the victim is Conservative lawmaker David Amess. The Essex Police force said officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Leigh-on-Sea just after noon Friday. It said a man was arrested shortly after & were not looking for anyone else. (Ian West/PA via AP) "David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future, and weve lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague," Johnson said. The prime minister would not say whether the attack meant politicians needed tighter security, saying, "We must really leave the police to get on with their investigation." Amess had been a member of Parliament for Southend West, which includes Leigh-on-Sea, since 1997, and had been a lawmaker since 1983, making him one of the longest-serving politicians in the House of Commons. Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has reportedly been stabbed several times at a constituency surgery, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. British police say a man has been arrested after a reported stabbing in eastern England. News outlets say the victim is Conservative lawmaker David Amess. The Essex Police force said officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Leigh-on-Sea just after noon Friday. It said a man was arrested shortly after & were not looking for anyone else. (Nick Ansell/PA via AP) A social conservative on the right of his party, he was a well-liked figure with a reputation for working hard for his constituents and campaigning ceaselessly to have Southend declared a city. Amess, who leaves a wife and five children, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 for his service, becoming Sir David. Flags at Parliament were lowered to half-staff amid a profusion of questions about lawmakers' security. Conservative lawmaker David Amess outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London on Sept. 17, 2003. British police say a man has been arrested after a reported stabbing in eastern England. News outlets say the victim is Conservative lawmaker David Amess. The Essex Police force said officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Leigh-on-Sea just after noon Friday. It said a man was arrested shortly after & were not looking for anyone else. (John Stillwell/PA via AP) "This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country," House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said. "In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs security and any measures to be taken, but for now, our thoughts and prayers are with Davids family, friends and colleagues." Violence against British politicians is rare, but concerns have grown about the increasingly bitter polarization of the country's politics. In 2016, a week before the countrys divisive Brexit referendum, Cox, a Labour Party lawmaker, was fatally stabbed and shot in northern England. Also, several people have been jailed in recent years for threatening lawmakers. People leave the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has reportedly been stabbed several times at a constituency surgery, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. British police say a man has been arrested after a reported stabbing in eastern England. News outlets say the victim is Conservative lawmaker David Amess. The Essex Police force said officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Leigh-on-Sea just after noon Friday. It said a man was arrested shortly after & were not looking for anyone else. (Nick Ansell/PA via AP) British lawmakers are protected by armed police when they are inside Parliament, and security there was tightened after an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group fatally stabbed a police officer at the gates in 2017. But politicians have no such protection in their constituencies. Amess published the times and locations of his open meetings with constituents on his website. Two other British lawmakers have been attacked over the past two decades during their "surgeries," regular meetings where constituents can present concerns and complaints. Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has reportedly been stabbed several times at a constituency surgery, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. British police and media reports said that Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed during a meeting with constituents in eastern England on Friday. A man has been arrested. (Nick Ansell/PA via AP) Labour legislator Stephen Timms was stabbed in the stomach in 2010 by a student radicalized by online sermons from an al-Qaida-linked preacher. In 2000, Liberal Democrat Nigel Jones and his aide Andrew Pennington were attacked by a man wielding a sword during such a meeting. Pennington was killed and Jones wounded in the attack in Cheltenham, England. Former Prime Minister Theresa May, a Conservative, tweeted that Amess' killing was a "tragic day for our democracy," and former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was "shocked and horrified." Forensic police officers at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has reportedly been stabbed several times at a constituency surgery, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. British police and media reports said that Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed during a meeting with constituents in eastern England on Friday. A man has been arrested. (Yui Mok/PA via AP) Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of the Scottish National Party said on Twitter: "In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents." Kim Leadbeater, Jo Coxs sister and now a member of Parliament herself, said it was "horrific" that Amess family was experiencing what hers had gone through. "They will think about this every single day for the rest of their lives," she said. "I find myself now working as a politician and trying to do good things for people, and its really important you get good people in public life, but this is the risk we are all taking, and so many MPs will be scared by this." ___ Lawless reported from London. Pan Pylas also contributed to this report. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota has confirmed a Plan of Reorganization jointly submitted by the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and the Committee of Unsecured Creditors, who represent the survivors of sexual abuse. The plan, confirmed Thursday, includes a trust to compensate survivors of sexual abuse within the Diocese. The trust will be funded with up to $22,056,000 (less certain bankruptcy expenses) of Diocesan assets, which include the disposition of specific Diocesan assets, and insurance coverage settlements of $6,500,000. The plan also includes the implementation of enhanced non-monetary protocols for the protection of children which were first implemented by the Diocese in 2002. I welcome todays announcement. I want to express my sincere apology to all those who have been affected by sexual abuse in our Diocese, Bishop John M. Quinn said. My prayers go out to all survivors of abuse and I pledge my continuing commitment to ensure that this terrible chapter in the history of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester never happens again. The Diocese of Winona-Rochester filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on Nov. 30, 2018. Since then, the Diocese has worked toward an agreement with abuse survivors for a resolution of all sexual abuse claims against the Diocese and non-diocesan Catholic entities within the Diocese. The order confirming the Dioceses Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization is available on the Diocesan website at https://www.dowr.org/reorganization/index.html. This webpage includes other reorganization-related information, such as public statements, legal documents, a list of clergy credibly accused of abuse of minors, frequently asked questions, how to report abuse, and safe environment resources. This Plan of Reorganization represents the culmination of several years of respectful negotiations among all the parties involved, Bishop Quinn added. It is our responsibility to assist survivors of sexual abuse with this financial settlement. In addition, we remain committed to the ongoing process of restorative justice. Jesus Christ started his ministry by healing others, and the Church is called to continue that ministry. Questions regarding the above information or the Plan of Reorganization for the Diocese of WinonaRochester can be forwarded to Peter Martin, director of Communications at pmartin@dowr.org or 507-858-1273. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Winona, MN (55987) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 40F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly cloudy. Low 33F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. A Chicago man was charged with felony arson Wednesday after being caught on security footage obtaining gasoline to set a former girlfriends car on fire in Wisconsin Dells. Nathaniel V. Griffin, 47, faces a maximum prison sentence of three years and six months as well as a fine up to $10,000 for a count of felony arson of property other than a building. According to the criminal complaint, police were called around 2:45 a.m. June 7 to the Delton Marriott Suites, where they found a car fully engulfed in flames in the parking lot. They were able to identify the license plate and tracked down the owner, who said she had rented the vehicle in Illinois and had just arrived that day and that no one knew she was there because the trip was organized only two days before then. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Police reviewed security footage of the parking lot. The video showed a person walking up to the hood of the car, starting a small fire and then returning to pour an accelerant on the flames. The fire quickly grew and video showed the person running away with small fires lit on them. According to the complaint, the camera was too far away to discern much of a description of the person. Overall enrollment in the Baraboo School District dipped again this year despite fewer residents opting to homeschool or enroll their students elsewhere. The district is still losing more students than its gaining through open enrollment, but that gap narrowed slightly in the 2021-22 school year, according to Business Services Director Yvette Updike. She gave a report to the school board Monday on the annual September student count. The report showed the number of students coming to Baraboo from other districts increased by just three this September (103) compared to last year. However, the number of resident students enrolling out of the district dropped from a high of 206 in 2020 to 191, close to what the district saw before the coronavirus pandemic. The number open enrolling out was 195 in 2019 and 170 in 2018. Were a little low on this, which ... actually is a good thing for the district, Updike said. She said enrollment numbers will continue to fluctuate throughout the school year. Total enrollment as of September was 2,881, down by 16 from the same time last year and 142 from the year before. Enrollment has dropped by more than 5% since 2018. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Since this is an opinion page, I thought Id write about opinions: how we form them; when they can be dangerous; and the tools we can use to base them on facts and reality. Our first opinions often come from our parents, other caregivers and friends. As we mature, we experience other people and things that influence our opinions: teachers, travel, education, the media and research. Every time I traveled, I learned new things that influenced how I thought about certain issues. As I mentioned before, traveling through Georgia in the early 60s showed me the cruel reality of racism and segregation. Living in the mountains of North Carolina in the late 1970s, when our children were bullied on the school bus for being Yankees, showed me the results of the Civil War were still being felt there. COVID-19 has caused the cancellation of a weekly Bible study group, although a prayer group has recently arisen to focus on the joys and concerns of parish members and the world around them. Parish members social distance if they have not had the vaccine. Those who have been vaccinated or have had COVID still follow social distancing guidelines and sanitize their hands to protect others. Like all churches, COVID has impacted numbers of attendees. Dymond is looking forward to seeing more people in the future, and in continuing to welcome new members to all three of her churches. Recruiting members is not the top priority, however. If we could increase our numbers that would be great, she said. But the first priority is increasing the spirit of those who are here. I encourage them to share their faith with others. After all, its a crazy world out there, and people need something to offer them hope. If we can have a bunch of little evangelists around sharing Gods love, that has got to help. Were here to offer that love of God that many people may not have experienced before. The parish invites all to continue its anniversary celebration through its Sunday services, Sunday school, fellowship and community activities. Sunday services are held in Horicon at 8:30 a.m., in Juneau at 9:30 a.m. and in Lowell at 10:45 a.m. For more information visit the church website at scmofwi.org, call Dymond at 920 296-8436 or email renaethepastor@gmail.com. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A man whose car smashed into another on Oct. 2, killing three teenagers in the town of Middleton, was driving with three times the legal limit of alcohol in his blood, a breath test found, according to a search warrant filed Thursday. The Dane County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday it recommended the Dane County District Attorneys office file three counts of homicide by drunken driving, among several other felonies, against Eric N. Mehring, 30, of Madison. Mehrings 2016 Jaguar is believed to have been traveling at high speed when it slammed into the back of a 2013 Chevy Cruze, sending that vehicle into a farm field where it became engulfed in flames and its three occupants died. Mehring told investigators he was driving about 75 mph in the 45 mph zone before the crash, the search warrant states. The crash happened on West Mineral Point Road at Karls Court in the town of Middleton. It killed Madison West senior Simon Bilessi and Middleton seniors Evan Kratochwill and Jack Miller. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Terry Bardell was the first of seven speakers at the public hearing. He stated public comment is an important part of democracy. He said he had planned to read a section of Wisconsin AG Josh Kauls Open Meeting Laws Compliance Guide but was referred to earlier in the evening by Alderperson Alan Radant. If a member of the public raises a subject that does not appear on the meeting notice, however, it is advisable to limit the discussion of that subject and to defer any extensive deliberation to a later meeting for which more specific notice can be given. In addition, the body may not take formal action on a subject raised in the public comment period, unless that subject is also identified in the meeting notice, Radant read. Radant said at a special meeting before the public hearing that after reading that the citizen participation section of Kauls guide he was convinced to go forward with holding public comment. Each speaker was allowed to speak on the topic of public comment for three minutes in front of the common council. Dodd also asked them to state if they were for or against adding public comment to the standing council agenda. All seven of the people who spoke at the public hearing stated they were in favor of public comment on council agendas Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} 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. 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 The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. UTICA, N.Y. -- A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a victim was found dead in a car behind a barn in Whitestown last year has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Jalil Pacheco, 21, and Isaiah A. Moore, 21, were both indicted for second-degree murder in the death of 20-year-old Quaheim Holland in December of 2020, nearly a year after the homicide. Earl Davis // WKTV Earl Davis // WKTV Holland was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head in January of 2020. Oneida County sheriffs deputies found him in a car behind a barn off of Westmoreland Road while responding to a 911 call about a crash. Pacheco pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter this past September. After his sentence is served, Pacheco will be under five years of post-release supervision. Moore has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. His trial is scheduled to begin in late November. TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) Enrollment is down this year at Lafayette and West Lafayette schools. That comes as Tippecanoe County schools welcomed a record number of students. But officials say TSC's continued growth during the pandemic is the exception, not the mean. Enrollment at public schools statewide is trending down and Lafayette and West Lafayette schools aren't immune. "We think we'll bounce back," says Lafayette School Corp. Supt. Les Huddle. "Obviously the pandemic has caused us to take a hit and, again, hopefully when that slows down we'll be back on track." TSC's enrollment grew 130 students, or about 0.9%, to 13,950. Lafayette School Corp.'s enrollment fell by 75 students, or about 1%, to 7,506, while West Lafayette Community School Corp.'s enrollment fell by 8 students, or about 0.4%, to 2,253. That's based on statewide school counts last month. "Our hope is that it's not something particular to the Lafayette School Corporation or to our community," Huddle says. It's not. Enrollment is down at public schools across the state, according to numbers provided by the Indiana Department of Education. What's at stake? The state pays schools thousands of dollars per student. "Money is obviously a concern," Huddle says. "We're also concerned, are the students who aren't enrolled in our public schools or private schools, are they getting a quality education?" As News 18 previously reported, many parents threatened to withdraw their children over contentious mask mandates. Did that pan out? "Our sense is that it impacted our enrollment but not significantly," Huddle says. Schools receive a fraction of money for students who were quarantined or learning virtually during count day. In Tippecanoe County, that amounts to roughly 70 students based on a complicated state formula. It's a problem state legislators will fix during the upcoming session. "So last year we had legislation that held the schools harmless ... if they're in person the majority of the time, they will be in-person students," says State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-District 26). But what about several students who took a virtual option this year due to medical conditions? Huddle hopes the corporation is fully reimbursed. "It's unfortunate that we're getting punished a little financially for providing academically for some of our students," he says. A second statewide count day happens in February. State officials use numbers from both count days to adjust school funding. City Manager Andrew Trivette selected for W&Ms 2021 Prentis Award Prentis Award: William & Mary has selected Williamsburg City Manager Andrew Trivette to receive the 2021 Prentis Award for his service to the community and support of the university. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption Leading his part of the pandemic response in Williamsburg was just part of the job, according to City Manager Andrew Trivette. Describing himself as just a guy who works for the city, Trivette detailed how he and city employees joined forces with William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg to mount a unified response to a massive challenge. For those efforts and his role in building relationships between W&M and the city, Trivette will receive the 2021 Prentis Award on Oct. 29 in the Wren Building. The university has presented the award since 1980 recognizing those in the Williamsburg community who perform extraordinary service to the community and have a connection to W&M. Andrew is an invaluable partner and champion for William & Mary, and an extraordinary servant leader for the City of Williamsburg. He recognizes that our history and future are deeply intertwined. In the long run, success for one benefits all, said W&M President Katherine A. Rowe. When faced with the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, the strong relationships that he helped forge between town and gown proved crucial to our success. "We relied upon one another and on Colonial Williamsburg as partners in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all of Williamsburgs citizens. We knew the campus community and our neighbors were all in it together. And we knew we could count on each other. William & Mary is thrilled to be able to honor our city manager and through him, the whole of the citys organization that has been such staunch partners for this university. In his five years working in Williamsburg, Trivette went from assistant city manager to interim status before becoming city manager in 2018. He was soon called on to manage the citys pandemic response when COVID-19 arrived in the U.S. in early 2020. Andrew reached out early on to see how the city could help W&M get access to vaccines, said W&M Chief Operating Officer and COVID-19 Director Amy Sebring. At a time when the nation was struggling to get such access, Andrew leveraged his teams expertise to provide us with vaccination appointments, expecting nothing in return from W&M other than improved public health in the region. He worked nights, weekends and holidays to make sure we all had the opportunity to benefit. I am beyond grateful and could not imagine a better recipient for this award. When Trivette found out he was receiving the Prentis Award, he said he was quite surprised. When asked what he does, his answer is always that he works for the city. I never lead with my rank in the organization because I really just think of myself as yet another city employee, Trivette said. I consider all of us to be colleagues. And so to be singled out to receive an award based on leadership activities is not something Im accustomed to. And so my initial reaction was to tell President Rowe, Youre sure? And she said: Yes, and heres why. And I said, Well, I was just doing my job. Because I really think that is the job. My job is to protect and lead this community as best I can, along with 217 colleagues. Path to Williamsburg Trivette benefits today from training that started when he was an intern in Albemarle Countys planning department while a student at the University of Virginia. He planned to work in his major environmental science but interning as a geographic information systems technician allowed him to work with a lot of different county departments. The thing that I was struck by almost immediately was how varied the responsibilities of local government are, Trivette said. So that really appealed to me because one of the things I tell every employer that I have is I dont like to get bored. And so that appealed to me because it seemed really difficult; you would have to work really hard to get bored in local government because theres always some new challenge, some new thing to focus on, an opportunity to move into a new position that can keep you excited about what you do. And of course theres the overarching mission of public service and improving the community you live in. Trivette worked his way up in local governments in Monroe County, Florida, and Bristol, Virginia, before coming to Williamsburg. One of his focuses is on organizational culture and making the workplace as good as it can be, he said. Keeping city services at the level theyve been built to and improving on that has also been at the forefront. Jack Tuttle, former city manager and previous winner of the Prentis Award, set a standard of excellence that others coming behind have a responsibility to honor and maintain, Trivette said. When I got the chance to be the city manager, that continued to be my mantra: We need to continue on the path that the former city managers have set us on building on a culture of innovation and striving for the next level of public service in government, Trivette said. Seeing that big-picture planning hadnt been done in decades, Trivette guided City Council into a strategic planning process to define a new vision and goal set. That became the plan for Williamsburg in 2040, he said. I came to Williamsburg because of what Williamsburg has been, and Im staying in Williamsburg because of what Williamsburg is going to be, Trivette said. And for me thats a really exciting and proud moment. An essential relationship Williamsburgs small size makes the relationship between city government, William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg essential, Trivette said. Rowe, himself and CW President Cliff Fleet 91, M.A. '93, J.D. '95, MBA '95 realize they are all leading collectively. Their unity was evident last year as the three entities mobilized quickly to address the pandemic as it became clear that COVID-19 would affect the entire world. Trivette said a phone call with Rowe before the virus had reached Virginia prompted officials to begin meeting on a regional level to plan for possible scenarios. It was those early meetings that really inspired us to start thinking and being prepared so that when fast action was required, we were ready, Trivette said. I think conversations like that with President Rowe and President Fleet helped mature our working relationship in a way that without COVID maybe we wouldnt have. He recalled that the three leaders being able to talk about how their organizations would meet their missions even under those circumstances highlighted their special and unique closeness. Relatively new to each of their positions, they were starting with a clean slate. I think that that level of partnership is really what brought Williamsburg through the pandemic with the success that we were able to, Trivette said. Trivette is also working to increase opportunities for W&Ms intellectual community to benefit the city. Currently student interns work for the city during the summer, and this past summer another student made a report on designing the planned African-American heritage trail that will be used to springboard the citys internal design process. Another group of people Trivette values are W&M employees who live in the city. His wife, Ali, works as events and conferences coordinator at W&M Law School. William & Mary has been very rewarding for her, so Ive become part of the William & Mary family through her, he said. I have an appreciation for all of the city residents who work at William & Mary. We have an improved community because of their service to William & Mary. Trivettes own place in the community serves as his guide. Im a guy who enjoys working for the city toward that common purpose, which is what we, the community, want Williamsburg to be, he said. ANKARA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) Chinese Silk Embroidery and Sculpture Exhibition was opened on Thursday at the Yenimahalle Municipality Nazim Hikmet Assembly and Art Center in Ankara, capital of Turkey. As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Turkey, the event will display hundreds of pieces of Suzhou Silk Embroidery and Chinese sculptures. Cheng Weihua, charge d'affaires of Chinese Embassy in Turkey, Shi Ruilin, cultural counselor of the Chinese embassy, Yuksel Mansur Kilinc, a member of the Turkish parliament, and other Chinese diplomats and Turkish representatives from various fields attended the opening ceremony. China and Turkey, with common interests and great development potential, are willing to make an effort in promoting their ties in the future, said Cheng. Zeynep Dila Yavuz, a 19-year-old university student from Turkey, sang a Chinese song Tomorrow Will Be Better with her peers. They also performed a stage show in cheongsam and Tang suit, both traditional Chinese clothing. Expressing her strong interest in the Chinese language, cuisine and culture, Yavuz said she is now learning Chinese and hoped that she could visit China in the future. "The exhibition is a great opportunity for me to talk to the Chinese people and make Chinese culture accessible to more Turks," she added. Dong Yingchun, the Chinese teacher of Zeynep, said she chose the song Tomorrow Will Be Better to encourage everyone to stay positive and hopeful in the shadow of the pandemic, as well as to send good wishes to the future of China-Turkey ties. Co-organized by Chinese Embassy in Turkey, the Turkish Chinese Friendship Foundation and the Yenimahalle district Municipality of Ankara, the exhibition will last from Thursday to Saturday. (Source: Xinhua) 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. 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/Wang Ye] 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. Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan also attended the conference. [Xinhua/Li Xiang] Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, delivers the concluding remarks at a central conference on work related to people's congresses in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2021. [Xinhua/Wang Ye] (Source: Xinhua) 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. (Source: Xinhua) President Joe Biden will speak with former President Bill Clinton on Friday after Clinton was hospitalized for an infection. Clinton is shown here on September 26, 2019 in New York City. Pope County accepting bids for new ambulance service in light of funding dispute with Pope County Ambulance Service First of its kind heart car van to offer mobile cardiology support in Wrexham and across North Wales A pioneering first of its kind heart car van has hit the roads of north Wales delivering care closer to home. The purpose-built van has been kitted out with diagnostics equipment and will be used to assess patients who have suspected heart failure closer to their homes. The aim of the brand-new van the first of its kind anywhere anywhere in the United Kingdom has been funded by the North Wales NHS charity, Awyr Las. It will offer a community-based service to facilitate the care of patients, with the aim of preventing them from having to go into hospital. The idea came to me during the Covid pandemic said Liana Shirley, Advanced Imaging Specialist with the Heart Failure Community Clinics. During the Covid crisis we had nowhere to hold clinics, as the beds had been reassigned for Covid patients. Myself and my colleague Hannah had to start doing home visits, where we would have to drag a scanner in full PPE into peoples homes. It was hard, but necessary. My husband suggested that our jobs would be made much easier if we had a van that could hold all the necessary equipment that we needed to assess the patient. After successfully proposing a business plan to the Health Board (BCUHB), with the full support of GP Dr Graham Thomas, the clinical supervisor in Cardiology, funding was secured thanks to generous donations from the community. With the cardio van is now up and running it will be visiting community hospitals from Anglesey to areas around Wrexham area, then to Dolgellau in the south and east the Llangollen area. This vehicle will make such a difference, as from now on we will always have somewhere to see patients, even if we dont have the space in our normal clinics. We can see patients inside their home, or much closer to home, because it is very versatile. Without a doubt, this in conjunction with community bases clinics is the way forward. This will allow us to keep as many services as possible in the community and to have the flexibility in any environment, added Liana. Following an appeal to the public for donations toward the project, Awyr Las received generous contributions, including a sum of 1,000 from the charity Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) which are a part of the North Wales Freemasons Charity. Bryan George, Chair of TLC said: This is a case of the nurses being able to take the mountain to Mohammad. We know that people are concerned about having to wait for hospital appointments. We were more than happy to contribute to something that will alleviate peoples fears and highlight potential problems before they escalate. Chief Executive Officer of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Jo Whitehead, said: We are grateful to Liana and her team for putting patients first during what has been an unprecedented time in our lives. This is a great example of care being provided closer to home. This vehicle will not only allow us to serve patients quickly but also shows how using a different approach to providing services enriches the experience to the patient and gives flexibility to staff in a post-pandemic world. Our thanks to everybody who donated to Awyr Las to help make Liana and her teams dream of having this vehicle a reality. Your contributions really do make a difference. Wales Air Ambulance charity benefits from caravanning event Wales Air Ambulance has financially benefited thanks to the caravanning weekend held at Rhug Estate during the August Bank Holiday weekend. The event was organised by this years Royal Welsh Feature County, Clwyd. A cheque for over 1,000 was recently presented to the Wales Air Ambulance by Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, who loaned the field for the event with no charge. The Estate regularly raises funds for the Air Ambulance in Wales with events including a Christmas Carol Service. On presenting the cheque, Lord Newborough said, On behalf of Rhug Estate and the RWAS feature county, Clwyd, I am privileged to be able to present this cheque to a very worthwhile cause. With a widely scattered population and diverse landscape, many in Wales live in isolated locations, far from a major or specialist hospital. For these reasons, there is a recognised need for the services of the Wales Air Ambulances. This is a truly wonderful organisation which has saved many lives in the area. To bring it close to home, one of our staff members was whisked off to hospital recently after a serious accident to receive urgent attention. The minutes and seconds saved by the use of this service can mean the difference between life and death. Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise 8 million every year to operate the service with the charity relying totally on public donations to raise all the funds for day to day running of missions. Wales Air Ambulance covers the whole of Wales every single day. Each year their helicopters attend around 2,500 missions, covering rural countryside, towns and cities. This includes the length of the Welsh coastline and across the vast mountain ranges. The four airbase operations in Caernarfon, Llanelli, Welshpool and Cardiff are ready to save lives wherever needed. The site where the Wales Air Ambulance service is based at Llandwrog airfield, near Caernarfon, is owned by Lord Newborough. Capt. James Grenfell, Regional Managing Pilot for the Wales Air Ambulance said, On behalf of our pilots, medical team and staff at Wales Air Ambulance, I would like to thank you for your donation of 1,006.58. Thank you for offering use of the estate for the RWAS Clwyd 2020 weekend and supporting us. Your support means we are now able to provide life-saving emergency care in Wales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Top pic: Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, handing over the 1,006.58 cheque to Wales Air Ambulances Community fundraiser, Debra Sima. Vaccine advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration are meeting Thursday morning to discuss whether to authorize boosters of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for some adults. Fully vaccinated foreign visitors will be able to travel to the United States starting on November 8, the White House said Friday. President Joe Biden delivered sweeping remarks Friday about human rights, zeroing in on ongoing human rights abuses around the world and underscoring the importance of truth in a time of disinformation. 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 Baltimore to register today. *** James Summers IV, a father of 10 children from Baltimore, Maryland died from COVID-19 on October 3. Summers caught the virus after his son, a student in Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), was exposed to COVID-19 at school and brought it home. The outbreak at Cherry Hill Elementary Middle School, which included at least 14 positive cases at the school in a 10-day period, also led to the hospitalization of a 12-year-old student in an intensive care unit (ICU). According to local news reports, the 12-year-old student, whose name is Janiya, has suffered acute kidney failure among other medical issues. She ended up getting sick and the symptoms just got worse, her mother, Jacorey Barney, told WBFF. I honestly did not know that she was exposed until it was too late. We were already here at Johns Hopkins. Family members have set up a GoFundMe page. Janiya in the hospital with COVID-19. (Photo: Jennifer Young) Another Cherry Hill parent, Tina Washington, reported to WBFF that three of her children, including a baby boy, have COVID-19 symptoms. One of the teachers that my daughter said wasnt coming to school was her homeroom teacher. And that probably was the teacher that had it... Theyre waiting to the last minute to notify parents, said Washington. Summers wrote in a Facebook post two days before his death, My son is a 7th grade student who caught covid in the class for the lack of testing. He came home sick and affected my other nine kids. Now I am in the ICU unable to breathe for 3 weeks on my own and I am pissed. The school should be shut down. Concerned Cherry Hill parents have repeated the demand for the shutdown of the school in the wake of the outbreak. In response, city schools spokesman Austin Riley rejected closures, telling WBFF, So, what were doing right now is we are keeping our buildings open, but we will shut down grade levels, we will shut down classrooms. Riley declared the citys completely inadequate once weekly, voluntary testing and quarantine protocols as sufficient. We have rolling groups of students that are going on and off quarantine. So, again, as we provide our weekly screenings to determine where the presence of COVID-19 may be in different classrooms, as we identify students that test positive or close contacts, theyre going on quarantine. Summers sister Jeane explained on a GoFundMe page that Summers was a fun-loving kid at heart, who was comical and protective, and who would go to the ends of the earth to protect his wife and kids. Our brother was a devoted father and husband who took on many jobs to provide for his family. Jeane added that Summers whole family came down with COVID-19 from the school outbreak. James Summers (Photo: GoFundMe) Since August 23, a total of 927 BCPS students and staff have officially tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to the Cherry Hill outbreak, significant outbreaks have occurred at Calvin M. Rodwell Elementary Middle School (12 cases reported September 27), at KIPP Harmony Academy (10 cases reported October 4), and Pimlico Elementary Middle School (14 cases reported October 5 and 23 total in the 10 days ending October 13). Responding to Summers death, a Baltimore teacher told the World Socialist Web Site, This story is incredibly sad and is unfortunately what I was most afraid of in sending kids back into unsafe school buildings. Schools continue to push forward with an agenda that clearly puts the health of students, families and teachers last. This will unfortunately continue to be the trend. The teacher stated that the school systems COVID-19 dashboard is unreliable and likely vastly undercounting the true number of cases. Its up to principals to report cases to the district. Its all self-reporting, the teacher explained. Teachers are concerned its not reflecting the true numbers of cases. Parents arent always telling schools if kids are out for COVID. Outside of weekly pool testing, we rely on families to tell us. Summers death is far from an isolated incident. Almost 140,000 children in the United States have lost a caregiver to the pandemic. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 542 US children have died from COVID-19 since March 2020. This tragedy is yet another demonstration of the murderous character of the back-to-school campaign led by the Biden administration and enforced by the teachers unions. The unions, school boards and universities across the country know that reopenings are fueling the pandemic. They have responded with an eerie silence, obfuscation and the manipulating of COVID-19 figures in a desperate effort at doubling-down on the policy of keeping schools open and to minimize opposition from educators, students and parents. Exhibiting the utter indifference to the lives of the working class, Baltimore Schools CEO Sonja Santelises did not publicly respond to the death of Summers or to the hospitalization of 12-year-old Janiya. The superintendent has not made any public statement about any of the major outbreaks in the schools. Seeking to chloroform the public, on October 5 she posted on Twitter, Out this morning welcoming back students and families to Cherry Hill EMS. Many thanks to the on the ground community leaders. We are all working with @BMore_Healthy team to increase vaccination rates and accessibility for Cherry Hill families. Likewise, the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU), affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has not commented on the death of Summers. On October 5, the union released its 9 Demands for Community Safety which says nothing about closing schools in the event of an outbreak, let alone demanding that the whole school system shut down until the pandemic is stamped out. The BTU fully accepts that schools will be open and that so-called mitigation measures are sufficient. It merely demands numerous measures that the city schools are already carrying out, such as weekly testing. The union is nowhere to be found, a BCPS teacher told the WSWS. When asked if the BTU had called for any efforts to stop in-person classes to save lives, the teacher said, I dont hear about any teachers strikes happening. Theres none. Theres nothing. The recent AFT forum at which President Randi Weingarten invited representatives from the far-right parent group Open Schools USA confirmed that the unions fully endorse the ruling class policy of reopening the schools and keeping them open no matter how destructive the pandemic is to the lives of the working class. Tellingly, Weingarten allowed these far-right scoundrels a platform for their foul policy of herd immunity and opposition to masks and vaccines, while completely excluding rank-and-file teachers and parents who strongly oppose the back-to-school initiative. The working class, however, is beginning to formulate its own independent response to the pandemic, in complete opposition to the trade unions and all capitalist parties. The international parent strike held on October 1, organized by British parent Lisa Diaz of the parent group SafeEdForAll, showed there is widespread opposition to the reopening of schools across the world. Another parent strike being held today is but one expression of the growing strike wave in the United States and around the world in opposition to the policies pursued by the ruling class throughout the pandemic. Parents, teachers and workers who want to take up the fight to stop the pandemic and save lives are urged to attend the October 24 webinar, How to End the Pandemic: The Case for Eradication. The World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) has received further messages of support from parents, educators and students for todays global school strike against the spread of COVID-19 among children. The action was called by UK parent Lisa Diaz. James, a teacher in England, wrote, I fully support the action being called for Friday. As a teacher and parent, I have seen that cases have risen significantly. Many children and teachers in my schools have been infected and have been absent. Classes are being decimated with pupil absence, and this is continuing to spread. One in 14 pupils now have the virus and it just shows the criminal policy of the government at play. I have been off work with COVID which I caught quite clearly from school. This was when there were no mitigations in place and despite making a choice to wear a mask I was not working in a safe environment. As a result, my entire family caught the virus despite trying to stop it spreading. Thankfully the effect has not been too bad, but some have not been as lucky. The government is just allowing the virus to rip through schools and it is only a matter of time before more children and educators die. Bringing back mitigations is not enough, it will not halt unnecessary deaths, only eradication can do that, so I fully support Lisas call. Emmy Kelly is the founder of Twitter group Fighting 4 Vulnerable Lives. The group was founded in response to the end of shielding and the removal of Clinically Vulnerable (CV) and Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) status. Emmy Kelly Emmy said she supported the school strike as Our CEV/CV school staff are in an impossible position. We have supported school staff and teachers in mental health crises, pregnant teachers terrified for their lives and their unborn babies. How can this government continue to be allowed to normalise the very real reality of causing illness and disability in previously perfectly healthy children, of endangering our CEV/CV to further medical complications, further loss of ability or shortening already short lives? Our CEV/CV are treated as the minority in this pandemic but given we account for over 60 percent of deaths to COVID, we are the majority. We are living in exceptional times. Normal rules cannot apply. We are far from the end of this pandemic, and we cannot allow this dangerous normalisation of infecting children in the name of unachievable herd immunity. The very fact that grassroots, parent led groups and organisations are organising and calling for a school strike clearly shows our education system is in crisis Action is needed now, we cannot have continued persecution of CEV/CV families, teachers and school staff. We cannot continue to knowingly expose and infect our children and school communities with this novel virus. Amy, a parent in England, said, We do not consent for the government to use our children as lab rats! Every day our children are forced into unsafe schools, they are #SittingDucks waiting for their turn to be infected and made to bear the psychological burden of passing it to family and friends. We cant consent for our children to be deliberately infected with a novel virus we still dont know enough about. Even those with mild cases can develop #LongCovid who suffer long-term symptoms and disability, and it is a scandal that there have been 95 child deaths so far in the UK. The vigil organised [on Thursday October 14] by @hivetosurvive, a collaborative network which includes @SafeEdForAll_UK, @ShieldUs1 & @hazardscampaign, is to remember their loss, and to remind us that we must do everything in our power to prevent more deaths & long-term illness. Amy continued, The popularity and international reach of the first #SchoolStrike2021 on 1st October 2021 is a measure of the state of despair we are all in. We will continue to strike until a clear strategy of mitigations is implemented in schools, every Friday until we can effect change. We urge everyone to join the strike on 15th October in any way you can. We have tried all other channels of communication with the government, school leaders, and Local Authorities, but no action has been taken to safeguard children, families, and communities. It is time to strike, #WeDeserveBetter! Parent and former teacher Sascha Woods told us, I support the call for the October 15 school strike. My whole family recently caught COVID for a second time, as my husband is a teacher and had COVID-positive children in his tutor group which he then unknowingly bought home to us. COVID is spreading around my childrens school at an ever-increasing speed. No measures are in place to stop the spread in primary schools, and little is being done to protect staff and their families from a potentially deadly virus. The government have knowingly placed our children into a dangerous environment where the most basic need of learning in a safe environment is not being met. Decades of criminal underfunding and austerity have left schools without the correct tools to deal with such a pandemic, and class sizes of 30-plus only continue to further agitate the situation. As an ex-teacher myself, I can say with authority that the needs of children have not been met for a long time. The current COVID crisis in schools exacerbates an already explosive situation for school leaders. I call on all parents, teachers and school leaders to join the parent strike on October 15 and to support Lisa Diazs call for SafeEdforAll. WSWS reader Jude Jackson posted a video noting that Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said recently at a head teachers union conference that a key priority for me will be getting to the root of what is causing children to be persistently absent and then tacking it head on. Jude continued, This comment comes after the number of pupils in England absent for COVID related illnesses rose by two third in a fortnight. Jude Jackson speaking in her video in support of the October 15 school strike Far from listening to what Lisa and concerned parents are demanding, that their children must not be threatened with serious ill-health or worse from COVID by going to school, Nadhim Zahawi responds on a war footing. Parents and educators must unite in their common interests to defend their own and their childrens lives Lets build a movement to eradicate COVID all over the world. Brian, a former teacher from Merseyside, wrote, I would like to give my support to the school strike proposed for this Friday. Since just last week, we have seen cases of COVID-19 increase and daily deaths have once again topped 100 per day. Our children have been put into unsafe schools, purely so parents can continue working and this action is having a devastating impact. 94 children have died during the pandemic, with 10 of these avoidable deaths coming during September, when schools reopened in England. 40 school-aged children are admitted to hospital each day which can only lead to an increase in the amount of child deaths. There has been no coverage of this tragedy in the media, with parents persistently fed the lies that children dont suffer serious consequences from infection with COVID-19 as well as being told there is no alternative to the policy of learning to live with the virus. The action taken by Lisa Diaz and highlighted by the WSWS will serve to shine a light on the criminal, homicidal actions of the UK government. It is important to support the school strike and show solidarity with parents, workers and children internationally. Sharon, a parent from Christchurch in England, said, I am writing in support for Lisa Diazs global school strike. I watched the news of the pandemic unfolding in China and remember the news of the passengers on the cruise ships who were quarantined, of whom some sadly died. I couldnt understand the lack of government urgency in closing boarders and locking down and I removed my children from school before the government closed the schools in the first lockdown. My daughters returned to school until safety mitigations were removed and the school took part in a trial of not isolating close contacts. I wrote many times to the headmistress about the high risk of spread of the virus amongst the children, teachers and wider community, but she [the headmistress] was so pleased that children could attend school without any unnecessary disruption with absolutely no regard to the enhanced spread into the community. I did not return my Year 9 daughter to school again and after being threatened of a fine I deregistered her and signed up to an online school. I agreed that my Year 13 daughter would attend lessons and exams in a mask and she would leave the premises as soon as her lesson was finished to keep her risk as low as possible. Sharon My other daughters college was initially extremely good and all children was expected to wear masks at all times with a lot of their work completed at home. Unfortunately, they now have a new college head and they have also removed all safety measures, although my daughter can leave the premises when not in lesson and is wearing a mask and sitting next to an open window. She is only in three days per week with remote learning which does keep her risk slightly lower, although yesterday she was informed of a positive LFT test in her class. She has taken a PCR test which is thankfully negative. Unbelievably, nothing was done over the summer to install CO2 monitors and all other safety measures have been removed. I have been reading of warnings from other countries for months of COVID causing increased hospitalisation and deaths of children, yet the UK government have done nothing to protect children and seem to have actively encouraged the infection of COVID, completely ignoring the risks of Long COVID and deaths. The government misinformation and media blackout have enabled the governments herd immunity policy, which has been proven to be impossible [to achieve] due to reinfections and new variants. Many parents are completely ignorant of the risks to their children. The government are putting economy before health and I am so glad that parents and teachers are striking to get their voices heard. Nobody yet knows the full extent of the virus on the body and with all major organs affected I believe children should be protected as much as possible against contracting this virus and living their whole lives in ill health. A student at Mersin University in Turkey told us, As schools are reopening as part of the herd immunity and death policy of the ruling class that put profits before lives, some universities in Turkey announced a hybrid system that combines remote education and face-to-face education. But the hypocritical character of this system has emerged. In this system, some courses are given remotely, while others are given face-to-face. As for which courses will be given through remote education and which will be given through face-to-face education, it is not based on the suitability of the courses for remote education, but according to the workload of the department. While a student attends one of the theoretical courses face-to-face, he/she attends another remotely. In other words, among courses that are planned to be given through face-to-face education, there are courses also suitable for remote education. On the other hand, in practice, there is no remote education. Students must come to campus for all classes. Because at my university, there are 10-minute intervals between face-to-face and remote classes. Students can neither go from home to school nor return home from school in these very short intervals. Thus, they have to attend remote education courses from within the campus or very close proximity of the campus. There is no vaccine mandate to enter classrooms. In the event of a positive case, the measures to be taken are not clear. Course exams, whether given remote or face-to-face, will be held in the faculty building, and it is accepted that students will stay in a closed environment for a prolonged time with very crowded numbers. Despite the increasing number of cases, there is no tangible practice that prevents individuals from being in public environments. The only realistic way to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus in schools and save lives is; the transition of education to a completely remote education, allocating financial resources for the continuation of remote education, improving the infrastructure of remote education, providing all the tools and equipment they need to university staff and students. The ruling class, which sees profits above lives, is imposing a policy of herd immunity and death. The eradication of the pandemic and the saving of lives can only be achieved through the international intervention of the working class. For this, as all teachers, parents and students, we must strongly support the global school strike on October 15. 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. Locked out in lockdown, a report published by Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) last month indicated a dramatic increase in social and financial distress for working-class households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the participants in the ACOSS survey of people trying to survive on government income support payments, almost everyone (96 percent) said they were struggling with basic living costs such as rent, food, utilities and health care. People filter into the city after lockdown in Sydney, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Approximately 41.5 percent of respondents indicated that they were at risk of becoming homeless, above all because of the stratospheric housing costs. All the respondents said their rent payments took most of their income. Some even indicated that their rent exceeded their total income support payments. Many reported that they had been homeless during pandemic stay-at-home restrictions and were forced to couch-surf with friends or move back to their parents homes, despite some being parents themselves. This was before the Liberal-National Coalition government began to cut the already inadequate support payments in order to force workers into low-paid insecure work and unsafe conditions, with workplace infections still rampant. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg last month announced that the government would end COVID Disaster Payments for people who lost paid work during lockdowns. The payments were always measly, at $750 a week for those who had lost more than 20 hours of work a week, $450 for people whose shifts were cut by 8-20 hours, and $200 for anyone who lost more than 8 hours but received other federal income support. This cut-off will deepen the impoverishment of broad sections of the working class. Many unemployed people who receive income support payments like JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and Parenting Payments have already been excluded for months from the COVID Disaster Payments. The ACOSS report documented the experiences of 213 people between August 3 and September 14 in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which have experienced the longest partial lockdowns since June. There were almost one million people still locked down receiving unemployment and other income support payments. The most common payment, JobSeeker, is just $44 a day. Despite a $25 increase in weekly payments in April, the benefit is still $160 below the poverty line per week. As of September 12, just 152,000 people receiving income support payments had been granted the $200 per week COVID Disaster top-up. That was only 16 percent of people receiving the support payments in locked-down areas. In other words, around 800,000 people on the lowest incomes did not qualify for any disaster support at all. One man from NSW told ACOSS: Rent takes up about 50 percent of my payment including rent assistance. I am eating once a day because thats all I can afford. I always run out of money before the fortnight is up so I cant save even a single cent. JobSeeker is far too low to live on and although they say it isnt meant to be lived on long term, the reality is that for many of us it is a long-term thing. Significantly, four in ten respondents said they felt unsafe during lockdowns, saying they were at risk of catching COVID from living in boarding houses or shared accommodation. One reported being broke, I live with housemates, explaining: They both work in high-risk environments, one as a support worker and the other at a supermarket. The support worker was recently at a close contact site and has had to get tested and isolate. The supermarket worker has also been near a close contact, and also has had to get tested and isolate. Im terrified of getting COVID despite mostly staying at home, even before the lockdown. According to the Tenants Union of NSW 2021 rent tracker, the median rent for a unit in Greater Sydney is $495 per week. Even with the maximum rate of Rent Assistance ($70 per week), the income of a single person on JobSeeker is $385 per week. Those who are studying and subsist on Youth Allowance and Austudy payments are in an even worse position. Jade, a hospitality worker who lost her job when lockdowns began, told ACOSS: After $280 rent I have about $40 a week to survive. This barely covers the cost of groceries. On top of that I have medical bills, phone bills, utility bills, car payments and so on. I also resume uni classes soon and will need textbooks, stationery supplies etc., and the costs of transport/parking. This is simply impossible on Youth Allowance alone. A recent report by Deakin University researcher Fiona McKay found food relief centres in Geelong and the Surf Coast, west of Melbourne, received fewer food donations, yet demand had increased by at least 50 percent. Chief executive Collin Peebles of Geelong Food Relief said his service had to help feed more than 23,000 families this financial year. A previous ACOSS report released in July showed that online searches in NSW for emergency relief services increased by over 800 percent from June 26 to July 14. Foodbank, a food relief charity, had a backlog of over 10,000 food relief requests as of July 19 in NSW and the ACT. Like their counterparts around the world, the Australian federal and state governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike, are abandoning all measures to stop the spread of the pandemic, acting in line with corporate interests. This will guarantee further infections, serious illness and deaths. The plans to fully reopen the economy fly in the face of the scientific advice of epidemiologists to take the measures necessary to eradicate the pandemic. These measures must include full income payments for all those unable to work during lockdowns and financial support for affected small businesses, funded from the wealth accumulated by the corporate elite. The January 6 putsch by former President Donald Trump and his allies in the Republican Party, the national security apparatus and the military to overthrow constitutional rule in the United States marks a turning point in the legal and constitutional history of the United States. The putsch, which has been comprehensively reported and analyzed by the WSWS, was the culmination of a two-decade assault on democratic rights and constitutional rule by successive Republican and Democratic administrations. In this Jan. 6, 2021 photo, insurrections loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the US Capitol in Washington [Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File] The involvement of the military indicates that bourgeois democracy in the United States is in a state of near collapse, and that the threat of dictatorship is a real danger, unless the working class intervenes to take state power and establish a socialist government. These events have destroyed once and for all any pretensions of American exceptionalism. Bourgeois democracy in the US, resting upon constitutionality, including the upholding of established norms and conventions of governance, is not exempt from the laws of capitalist historical development. This article reviews the degeneration of bourgeois democracy in the sphere of law and constitutionalism over the last twenty years, culminating in these extraordinary developments. 20 years of attacks on democratic rights and constitutionalism The putsch has its roots in the decline of American capitalism; the hollowing-out of the productive economy, the pressure of international rivalry, the staggering and brutal levels of social inequality, and the resultant bipartisan attack on constitutional government in the interests of big business and finance capital. As US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said: We can have democracy in this country or we can have vast concentrations of wealth in the hands of a few,but we cannot have both. Over the last 20 years, in a process that has been analyzed throughout the period by the WSWS, the American ruling class and its political allies and privileged supporters have prosecuted and enabled a counter-revolution against the democratic and constitutional achievements of the American people established over centuries. The attack on democratic rights and constitutional rule, under whatever pretext it was pursued, whether it be The War on Crime, or The War on Terror, was in fact pursued in order to establish a mode of rule to contain the social upheavals which would necessarily arise from economic policies which concentrated gargantuan levels of wealth in the hands of a tiny minority of the population. Not since the time of the Roman emperors or the absolute monarchies has mankind experienced such levels of social inequality as now exist in the United States of America. Over the last 20 years Republican and Democratic administrations deliberately and consciously set out to break down the constitutional-legal framework to accommodate this social and economic reality. Donald Trump and Trumpism emerged in this political-constitutional context, and found its ultimate expression in the putsch of January 2021. An illegal foreign policy emerges In an attempt to establish global hegemony following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States ruling class embarked upon a program of militarism and conquest. In 1992 the US Defence Department released a Defence Planning Guidance document, which stated: Our first objective is to prevent the re-emergence of a new rival. This requires that we endeavor to prevent any hostile power from dominating a region whose resources would, under consolidated control, be sufficient to generate global power. These regions include Western Europe, East Asia, the territory of the former Soviet Union and South West Asia. This doctrine of global domination was supplemented a decade later in the National Security Strategy of the United States of 2002, which declared that America had a fundamental right to denounce and invade other nations in breach of their internationally recognized legal rights of sovereignty. It amounted to a pronouncement of unabashed illegality as official US foreign policy. The legal doctrines advanced thereunder, including preventive war, pre-emptive self-defence and humanitarian intervention, were all criminal under the Nuremberg principles. The ban on international aggression was rejected in favour of a new code of legalized conquest. It is not possible to overestimate the impact on the vitality of constitutionalism from the ruling classs militaristic foreign policy: Inter arma silent leges In times of war the law falls mute. In 2001 and 2003 the United States illegally invaded Afghanistan and Iraq in pursuit of its geo-strategic objectives and in particular the domination of the Caspian Basin and the Eurasian landmass. Under the pretexts of the War on Terror and the existence of weapons of mass destruction, the United States set out to conquer and colonize countries with a combined population of 80 million people. It is inconceivable that a ruling class capable of such criminal, bloody and inhumane policies and conduct abroad could have any interest in defending constitutional rule and democratic rights at home. The bipartisan destruction of democratic rights Americas drive for global hegemony ushered in a two-decade attack by the ruling class and its enablers on constitutional rule, legality and democratic rights. The Republican Party and the Democratic Party, both parties of big business, finance and the military, have been equally complicit in the destruction of democratic norms and legality, in a process which created a legal-constitutional climate for Trumps putsch as part of a final assault on constitutional rule. In the true narrative of recent constitutional history, the stolen election of 2000, ultimately sanctioned by the US Supreme Court, leads through a history of increasing illegality in the life of the political establishment. There are two main socio-political components driving the assault on constitutionalism. On the one hand, the increasing far right, nationalistic and fascistic trajectory of the bulk of Republican Party. On the other, and equally importantly, the role played by the reactionary Wall Street- and CIA-backed, identity politics-ridden Democratic Party. The role of the Democratic Party is primarily the product of the class character of a privileged, wealthy upper middle class who, increasingly enriched by bulging stock portfolios and huge salaries, has been central and instrumental in the destruction of democratic rights, constitutionalism and the creation of an authoritarian state. The theft of the US election by the Republican Party in Florida in 2000 disclosed the growing fascistic character of the GOP. Far-right elements within the Republican Party had been exercising growing influence over it in the course of the 1980s and the 1990s. Increasingly, its most influential and aggressive representatives were being drawn from the South. Greatly concerned about its prospects in elections, given changing demographics and class relations in the United States, the Republican Party was prepared to resort to criminal methods to destroy the right of the working class to vote. At the same time, the Democratic Party showed that it was not prepared to fight on a principled basis to defend the democratic rights of the American people, for fear of unleashing a social upheaval which it could not control. The stolen election of 2000 set the pattern for the next two decades. Equally important in the destruction of constitutional rule was the increasingly rightward trajectory of the Supreme Court, indicating that it too was bound up with the general degeneration of bourgeois democracy. Decision after decision of the Supreme Court revealed that it was a staunch defender of the State and corporate interests against the democratic rights of the people. The War on Terror and the attack on habeas corpus The war on terror became the pretext and foundational pillar for the twin projects of military conquest abroad and the destruction of constitutional rule at home. Within days of September 11, 2001, 762 immigrants were arrested by the FBI under orders of John Ashcroft, G.W. Bushs far-right Attorney General. They were detained incommunicado, refused access to lawyers, interrogated in frightening conditions, and held for weeks and months. None was ever charged. The never-to-end onslaught on civil liberties had commenced. The attack on habeascorpus was, following the attack on the right to vote in 2000, a major focal point in the destruction of constitutionalism. This right against arbitrary detention marks off a fundamental legal distinction between medievalism and bourgeois democracy or between bourgeois democracy and authoritarian dictatorship. On November 13, 2001, Ashcroft proposed an executive order to set up military tribunals for US citizens in areas within the United States where civilian courts were in normal operation and to suspend the writ of habeas corpus entirely. Had the order been implemented, arbitrary detention would have been established within the United States itself. The arbitrary detention of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and the denial of due process marked an historical assault on bourgeois-democratic norms of rule. Not since Magna Carta had the government of an English-speaking nation so openly and on such a comprehensive scale assailed the right of Habeas Corpus and the rule of law. The WSWS recognised the momentous historic significance of what was taking place. In January 2004 we wrote: The trajectory of the Bush administration is clear. It wishes to institute a repressive authoritarian apparatus of rule in the United States. In that process it is abandoning even notional adherence to legal and constitutional norms. Indeed, there is a kind of glee detectable in numerous members of the Bush administration in their reckless assault on democratic principles and practices. The US regime looks increasingly like a junta ruling through extra-constitutional and emergency powers. But whilst the administration and its allies in the press promote the propaganda campaign about the war on terror, the real reason for the establishment of authoritarian rule becomes clearer each day. The vast inequality that has become the central feature of social and political life in the US is the real driving force propelling the most rapacious and aggressive elements within the ruling class to establish forms of rule to deal with the social revolt that they sense approaching. Creating a police state Along with indefinite arbitrary detention, torture became official government policy. Fascistic lawyers in the Justice Department under the direction of White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales, including John Woo (now a law professor at Berkeley) and Jay Bybee (now a senior judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals) developed legal doctrines drawn directly from the authoritarian jurisprudence of Nazi Germany. The now well documented brutal and sadistic detention and torture of detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay displayed the same contempt for legality and humanity which German forces displayed in their occupation of conquered territories in WWII. On January 25, 2002, Gonzales provided a memo to G.W. Bush urging him to disregard the obsolete and quaint provisions of the Geneva Conventions. The PATRIOT Act, enacted by Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, destroyed civil liberties and the right to privacy and created the legal foundation for a police and surveillance state which continues to this day. As was consciously intended by its architects, it was not directed primarily at terrorism, but rather at taking the handcuffs off the police, and destroying the democratic rights protected by the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable searches and seizures and protecting privacy. The legislation was drafted by a team of lawyers at the Justice Department, led by Ashcroft, through a process of pulling out old far-right wish lists for a new authoritarian state, and assembled in an omnibus legislative request. In a memorandum written by Ashcroft to Justice Department officials and the FBI in March 2002, he expressly informed them that the surveillance powers under the act could be primarily used for a law enforcement purpose not directly connected to terrorism. Various sections of the PATRIOT Act were clearly drafted to circumvent the regular Fourth Amendment application to standard criminal law enforcement. There was no attempt by the administration to conceal this vast abridgment of democratic rights. In late 2003, following media reports on the use of the PATRIOT Act in normal policing, a spokesman for the Justice Department working under Ashcroft said loud and clear, There are many provisions in the PATRIOT Act that can be used in the general criminal law. The far-right dream of freeing the police from the Bill of Rights had become reality. This was 12 years before Trump arrived on the political scene as a candidate for the Republican nomination for president. The PATRIOT Act and related legislation, including the Homeland Security Act, were one step short of open rule by the police commissioners and the generals. These political and legal enactments of the ruling class: (i) Authorised arbitrary search, seizure, arrest and detention. (ii) Permitted vast surveillance of the populations phone, internet, library usage and financial transactions. (iii) Gave sweeping powers to the police and security agencies (iv) Endeavored to as far as possible exclude legal representation to people arrested and detained. These authoritarian enactments created the framework for a national security state completely detached from the democratic rule-of-law traditions of American constitutionalism. Almost all legal efforts to overturn the legislation on constitutional grounds were rebuffed by the courts or, in instances of judicial findings of unconstitutionality, the Congress passed supplemental legislation in order to maintain the essential oppressive framework. The PATRIOT Act was upheld by the Obama administration with minor amendments which did not alter its police-state character, and in 2015 the administration renamed this vast abridgment of rights the USA Freedom Act. The Act was extended again in May 2020. National Security liberalism under Obama The onslaught against constitutionalism and legality initiated by George W. Bush was continued and deepened by his Democratic successor. Obama upheld the primacy of national security, and broadened and deepened the drive to authoritarian rule. Significant developments in this regard during the 2009-2017 administration included: (i) The continuation of the war in Afghanistan and the detention of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay (the limited due process which the administration was prepared to afford prisoners at Guantanamo was so abridged that even many military lawyers refused to take part in the drumhead procedures which were enacted). (ii) The administration did not pursue any serious criminal investigations of the illegal detention and torture which occurred under the Bush administration. The national security establishment was highly protected. No action was taken against Director of National Intelligence James Clapper for lying under oath to Congress about the NSA metadata program. (iii) Without congressional authorization under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, and in violation of international law, the administration undertook the bombing of Libya and the overthrow of its government. In Obamas legal view the president could launch a little war. (He declared that a thousand missile strikes and assistance to anti-government forces were not acts of war) (iv) Obama escalated the attack on immigrants, deporting more than 2.5 million people, a record for any American administration and more than the sum of all other Presidents of the 20th century combined. (v) The Democratic Party deepened its connections and relations with the national security and military establishments. Ever larger numbers of its electoral candidates were drawn from national security agencies, the CIA and the military. Nobody could rationally suggest that these institutions are great incubators for democratic and enlightened policy. (vi) The Democratic administration continued and extended Bushs effort to establish more executive-style rule. This political-legal culture, a form of right-wing national security liberalism, was supported and applauded by the upper middle class and elites behind the Democratic Party. Even within supposedly left elements in and around the Democratic party, there was not a single voice in opposition to these authoritarian developments. The politics of the pseudo-left in the orbit of the Democratic Party clearly represented no obstacle to the militarist and authoritarian trajectory of the administration. In his Nobel Peace Prize speech in Oslo in 2009, Obama trumpeted the Pentagons new doctrines of aggressive war, rejected the ideas of Nuremberg and applauded the abandonment of legality in international relations. Obamas Attorney General Eric Holder embraced legal doctrines derived from the Staats Recht conceptions of executive rule developed by authoritarian rulers in Germany, particularly the Nazis. After Obama ordered the drone killing of Anwar al-Awlaki, a US citizen and alleged Al Qaeda operative, Holder defended the killing on the extraordinary and unprecedented ground that due process and judicial process were not the same. He argued the US president did not need authority from a federal court to kill an American citizen who was allegedbut not proven in any legal processto be working with Al Qaeda. This legal perspective echoed that of Carl Schmitt, the chief jurist of the Third Reich, who in defence of extra-judicial killings ordered by Hitler propounded essentially the same view as Holder, that in times of emergency and crisis the judicial and executive power are one and the same. Schmitt declared: The Fuhrer protects the Law from the worst abuse if he, at the moment of danger, by virtue of his leadership as the Supreme Judge, immediately creates justice. The real leader is always Judge too. Those who seek to separate judgeship and leadership seek to unravel the State with the help of the judiciary (published in Deutscher Juristische Zeitung August 1934). The proposition that the government can kill US citizens anywhere in the world on the basis of legal standards and evidence never submitted to a court could not prove more clearly that liberalism was morphing into fascism. The Obama administrations attack on freedom of speech The Obama administration launched a frontal assault on freedom of speech, protected by the First Amendment. The administration aggressively attacked leakers and whistleblowers, utilising the Espionage Act of 1917 for that purpose in eight prosecutions, more than all previous administrations combined. Chelsea Manning was prosecuted and sent to prison for leaking information regarding US war crimes. Edward Snowden was indicted under the Espionage Act for exposing the illegal surveillance of the population in the National Security Agencys metadata collection programme. There was the original indictment on one criminal charge against Julian Assange, which the administration did not proceed with. A former CIA officer, John Kiriakou, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for blowing the whistle on the CIAs torture programme, including waterboarding, under G.W. Bush. Kiriakou accurately summarised the authoritarian nature of the Obama administrations attacks in the following way: President Obama has been unprecedented in his use of the Espionage Act to prosecute those whose whistleblowing he wants to curtail. The purpose of an Espionage Act prosecution, however, is not to punish a person for spying for the enemy, selling secrets for personal gain, or trying to undermine our way of life. It is to ruin the whistleblower personally, professionally and financially. It is meant to send a message to anybody else considering speaking truth to power: challenge us and we will destroy you. As previously noted, the actual torturers went unpunished by the administration. In May 2013 the Administrations Justice Department seized the phone records of 20 Associated Press journalists, in a crackdown on leakers. The Administrations contempt for due process and legality was extraordinary, sending chills through the journalism profession. No Notices of Subpoena were served in order to afford the opportunity of judicial review. Fifty news organisations and the Committee for Freedom of the Press submitted a letter of protest to Attorney General Holder in the following terms: None of us can remember an instance where such an overreaching dragnet for newsgathering materials was deployed by the Department of Justice, particularly without notice to the affected reporters, or an opportunity to seek judicial review. The scope of this action calls into question the very integrity of the Department of Justice policies toward the press and its ability to balance, on its own, its police powers against the First Amendment rights of the news media and the publics interest in reporting on all manner of conduct, including matters touching on national security which lie at the heart of this case. Holder and Obama were not moved. Their view on free speech was at one with their jurisprudence on executive power and due process, and with the same objective: the creation of a national security state which would brook no opposition and accept no legal constraints. The administration escalated its attacks on whistleblowers and the First Amendment. During the last phase of the administrations time in office, lawyers in the Justice Department were already working on developing legal theories to deploy the Espionage Act against journalists as well as whistleblowers and to thereby criminalize the publication of the truth. There is no evidence that Joe Biden, as vice president in Obamas administration, raised any objection to the administrations aggressive assault on free speech. In conformity with its jealous protection of the national security apparatus, while lower-level government whistleblowers and leakers were aggressively pursued, prosecuted and harshly punished under the Espionage Act, high-ranking officers were not. General David Petraeus, the former head of the CIA and a celebrated general who led the surge in Iraq, did not receive a jail sentence for leaking military and intelligence information to his mistress and biographer. Former CIA director Leon Panetta also disclosed classified top secret information about the killing of Osama bin Laden to Hollywood without repercussion. The authoritarian, arbitrary and cynical character of the administrations attack on whistleblowers revealed in the starkest terms the administrations contempt for legality and the principled exercise of governmental power. Over the last several decades large sections of the privileged upper middle class, which form a major social prop of the Democratic party, have abandoned any adherence to liberal democratic principles. On the contrary, they have become deeply steeped in a reactionary conception of the State, the rule of law and the role of government. They have no abiding commitment to democratic rights, constitutionalism and the ideals of the liberal Enlightenment which enlivened and motivated the countrys founders. Far from opposing the trajectory of the political establishment further and further to the right, they have either actively engaged in it, supported it, or enabled it with complacency and cynicism. Identity politics, one of the chief mechanisms through which the Democratic party musters a privileged base of support, has been one of the primary enablers of the destruction of democratic rights and the creation of social and political conditions which have facilitated the emergence of fascism in America. The #MeToo movement has been at the forefront of efforts to destroy due process and the presumption of innocence, goals it has in common with the far rights effort to destroy the Bill of Rights to further the creation of an authoritarian police state. The only way to combat the rise of authoritarianism is through the class struggle to defend democratic rights. But the privileged layers who promote identity politics reject class and subject the working class to derision and hostility. Trumps attack on the normative framework of presidential power Trumps ascent, and his ferocious attack on legality, which began immediately and did not cease throughout his term, represented an accelerated continuation of the assault on constitutional rule. Trump did not arrive in a flourishing and healthy democracy, but one already barely alive from two decades of counter-revolutionary blows and bloody wars. Americas ruling class was already well advanced in the establishment of authoritarian rule and the destruction of democratic rights. The previous four administrations since 2000 had already done most of the heavy lifting in the disassembling of the Constitutional framework of government. The personalist dictatorial element which Trump brought was distinct, seeking to exert his will over the entire parliamentary process, but it was largely accommodated. The Republican party was solidly behind him and the Democratic Partys opposition was half-baked, cynical and tactical. Immediately seeking to drive forward the nationalist anti-immigration agenda of the new administration, one of Trumps very first illegal acts was to seek to punish state and local governments, known as sanctuary cities, which refused to assist the federal government in enforcing its brutal immigration laws. The administration withdrew federal grants and also sought to claw back grants already paid. These orders were unconstitutional. In Printz v United States (1997) The Supreme Court had declared that the Federal Government could not commandeer state governments to enforce federal laws, finding this would violate the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution. The Printz case was in some respects a reactionary decision, blocking the attempt of the federal government to enforce gun controls. However, contradictorily, the decision, and the Tenth Amendment, also operate to restrain the federal government from commandeering state governments to enforce reactionary and oppressive executive actions, such as Trumps immigration round-up orders. These early efforts to illegally enforce executive power by orders and decrees to advance personalist-authoritarian rule became the pattern for the duration of the administration. In order to understand the specific character of the Trump attack on constitutionalism it is necessary to consider the role of norms in the framework of constitutional rule. When it is said that Trump pursued a personalist presidency, what is actually referred to is Trumps rejection of the conventions and norms which historically restrain the exercise of arbitrary presidential power, alongside the written constitutional provisions concerning presidential power (Article II of the Constitution) and judicial decisions of the courts. These norms are sometimes described as the soft guardrails of constitutional government. Great Britain does not have a unified written constitution, and relies on longstanding norms, conventions, customs and traditions in its system of bourgeois democracy. These are sometimes referred to in the British system as constitutional conventions. The character of the presidency in the liberal tradition of US constitutional rule is fundamentally conditioned by norms and conventions, and they form the normative framework of the exercise of Presidential power as an institutional (as opposed to arbitrary personal) element in the American system of democratic governance. Respect for the norms and conventions of the Office of the President is fundamental to constitutional rule. Trump had absolutely no respect for the constraining norms of the Office of President. Fascistic and authoritarian in his personality, Trump simply ignored these democratic restraints on his power. In this particular Rule of Law aspect, Trump manifestly and significantly deepened the attack on constitutional rule and legality in the US. When one speaks of the abnormality of the Trump presidency, one refers to the lack of norm-based institutional rule. The list of Trumps attacks on the normative exercise of power is very extensive: his presidency was a veritable norm-wrecking operation. In the historical context of the ongoing degeneration of constitutional rule and democratic rights in the US over the last twenty years, some of the most significant of those attacks include the following: (i) Politicizing the military Constitutional convention proscribes involving the military in politics. The norm originates in the Founding Fathers democratic concern to ensure the constitutional order was not threatened by the presence of a standing army. From the beginning, Trump sought to bring the military into his presidency and political life generally. On his inauguration, without precedent, Trump initially arrayed military officers behind him whilst he made his ultranationalist speech. Presidential events and ceremonies frequently had the military present. The illegal executive order barring entry to citizens from seven Muslim countries was signed in the Pentagon room dedicated to war heroes. When Trump was visiting troops in Iraq, his campaign soundtrack was played over loudspeakers. Just prior to the 2018 midterm elections, Trump, without reference to Congress and based on claims of national emergency, deployed troops to the southern border. Trump deliberately sought to project an image of military-political rulership. He brought ex-generals into his cabinet. The involvement of the military in Trumps coup attempts will be considered later in this essay. Trumps deploying of the military in political life is of major significance in the destruction of the normative frameworkmarking a major milestone in the degeneration of bourgeois democracy. (ii) Attacking the independence of the judiciary Constitutional-democratic theory treats the Office of the President and the judiciary as co-equal elements in the system of government. Constitutional norms and conventions dictate mutual respect and independence between these two separate Powers. Trump attacked and berated judges frequently throughout his term, often with insults and invective, challenging their independence and ability. The attacks were historically unprecedented. In a speech in 2019, US District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman, commenting on Trumps attacks on the judiciary, said: We are witnessing a chief executive who criticizes virtually every judicial decision that doesnt go his way and denigrates judges who rule against him, sometimes in very personal terms. He seems to view the courts and the justice system as obstacles to be attacked and undermined, not as a co-equal branch to be respected. This is not normal. The doctrine of the Separation of Powers, and the independence of the judiciary which is fundamental to it, lie at the core of liberal-bourgeois democratic government. Trumps attack on the judiciary represented a deepening of the authoritarian drive against Constitutional rule in the US. One of the hallmarks of the Nazi regime was its vicious attacks on judges who would not submit to the will of the Fuhrer, which was often described as the will of the people. (iii) Abuse of the power of appointment The Constitutions Appointments clause gives the president power to appoint federal officers, with the Senates consent. There are often delays in the confirmation process, and accordingly Congress enacted the Federal Vacancies Reform Act (FVRA) to permit the president to appoint acting officers, who are officials already holding certain positions within the government, to serve in an office for a maximum of 210 days after it becomes vacant. To keep an officer in an acting position past the statutory limit violates the Appointments clause. Furthering his efforts to establish a personalist authoritarian presidency, Trump flouted the constitutional appointments process to install loyalists as acting heads of departments who had not received Senate confirmation. For much of his term he had nearly as many acting cabinet secretaries as confirmed ones. In August 2020 the Government Accountability Office found that the acting secretary and acting deputy secretary in the Department of Homeland Security, Chad Wolf and Ken Cuccinelli, were in their positions unlawfully. In September 2020 US District Judge Brian Morris ordered the removal of William Perry Pendley, who had been unlawfully serving as acting head of the Bureau of Land Management. In efforts to avoid the illegality of acting appointments Trump would make up new job titles to keep loyalists in the Cabinet and avoid Senate scrutiny. In his scathing judgment Morris wrote: The President cannot shelter unconstitutional temporary appointments for the duration of his presidency through a matryoshka doll of delegated authorities. (iv) Dismantling oversight protections One of the legal enactments following Watergate was the creation in 1978 of the offices of inspectors general across government to protect against fraud and abuses of power. Trump fired five inspectors general whose official function was watchdog in the Intelligence Service, and the departments of Defence, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and State. In some instances, the sacking was retaliatory for steps taken that displeased Trump or his allies. Perhaps the most significant was the dismissal of Christi Grimm, the Acting Inspector General for Health and Human Services, following her report regarding severe shortages of coronavirus testing kits and protective equipment, including masks. (v) Interfering in Department of Justice investigations A well-established norm governing the presidency is the norm of not seeking to influence traditional law enforcement functions in favour of associates, friends or political cronies, or against political or personal enemies. Trump departed completely from this norm. Putting aside issues regarding the possible partisan motivation of any Department of Justice investigation, Trump openly attacked prosecutors cases against him or his allies, and pressured officials to drop or pursue investigations in his political and personal interest. This approach to Department of Justice Investigations again revealed Trumps utterly personalist and authoritarian conception of his power as president. (vi) Abuse of the power to issue pardons The Presidential power to pardon under Article II Section 2 of the Constitution is intended to be exercised prudently and judiciously. Normally requests for executive clemency are dealt with by the Office of the Pardon Attorney of the Justice Department. The power has frequently been abused by presidents. George H.W. Bush pardoned Iran-Contra criminals who had committed their crimes in the administration in which he had been vice president. Consistent with other norm-breaking conduct, Trump abused the power exponentially, issuing 237 pardons and commutations during his term, the vast majority on the basis of personal, political and self-serving reasons and objectives. Thousands of genuine pleas for clemency were treated with contempt in the process. Trump granted less clemency than any modern president. So personalist was Trumps view of his powers that he considered, in public musings, pardoning himself. Trump pardons or commutations included former sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona, a hard-line anti-immigrant Trump supporter; far-right commentator Dinesh DSouza, convicted of illegal donations to Republican Senate candidate for New York in 2012, Wendy Long; former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich; junk-bond king Michael Milken; disgraced New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik; and former media mogul Conrad Black, who wrote a book effusively praising Trump. Trump was the first president in modern times to pardon people convicted of murder, in the cases of two soldiers sentenced for war crimes. The pardon of the soldiers was against the advice of top Military and Defense Department officials and US Military lawyers. Trump commuted the sentence of friend and political ally Roger Stone, who was convicted of lying about hacked Democratic emails during the 2016 campaign. In relation to Stones pardon Republican Mitt Romney stated: Unprecedented, historic corruption: an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president. Apart from Stone, Trump granted clemency to four other former campaign staff members and political advisers: Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, Stephen Bannon and George Papadopolous. He granted pardons to seven Republican congressmen convicted of serious crimes, mostly financial corruption. Many wealthy individuals paid large sums to former Trump advisers to lobby for pardons, circumventing the normal review process undertaken by the Office of the Pardon Attorney. (vii) The illegal bombing of Syria and the murder of General Qassem Soleimani Following President Obamas new Libyan doctrine of the Executives power to wage a little war without congressional approval, Trump also trampled on the separation of powers doctrine and ordered air strikes against Syria without congressional approval. The illegal acts (under the Constitution and international law) were carried out in 2017 and 2018. The Executives extra-legal power to kill, which the Obama administration had promoted with fascistic legal doctrines, was taken into new territory by Trump. Capitalizing on the targeted-killing machinery which the three previous administrations had perfected, Trump ordered the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. This was the first time an American president ordered the assassination of a high-ranking government official of a country with which the US was not at war. Trump appears not to have considered, as any head of state in the world would, that assassinating a top official of another country with a drone missile would be regarded in international law as a declaration of war. Alternatively, and quite possibly, he did not care. The foregoing list of Trumps reckless assault on the normative framework of constitutional rule is far from exhaustive, but it is considered by the author to include the most significant acts in the context of the ongoing degeneration of bourgeois democracy in the field of law and constitutionalism. Other egregious norm-breaching actions included profiting from Office; failure to disclose tax returns; publicizing the list of potential picks for the Supreme Court; lying to the public; abusing, insulting and defaming political opponents; making racist appeals and attacks; and disparaging, ridiculing and rejecting scientific and medical expert opinion, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands in a pandemic. Unquestionably, all of these unlawful actions contribute very profoundly to the destruction of the legal-constitutional culture and ethos of the Republic. The prosecution of Julian Assange: Deepening the attack on free speech The Trump administration advanced the onslaught on the First Amendments protection of free speech. The Justice Department took the use of the Espionage Act a step further, seeking to destroy the constitutional right to publish national security information. Julian Assange was indicted under the Espionage Act for publishing information regarding the commission of war crimes by US forces in Iraq, as well as other illegal government conduct. The national security juridical perspective underlying the prosecution was succinctly set out in paragraph 29 of the indictment, which pleaded that Assange, Manning and others shared the objective of furthering the mission of WikiLeaks as an intelligence agency of the people subverting lawful measures imposed by the United States government to safeguard and secure classified information in order to disclose that information to the public. The Department of Justice legal pleading echoed the statements of Mike Pompeo who, as CIA chief in 2017, denounced WikiLeaks as a non-state hostile intelligence service. These perspectives crystallised into the counter-revolutionary conception that the public has no right to be made aware of the activities of the government. Trumps coup attempts for dictatorial rule Trumps first coup attempt occurred in June 2020 when he sought to invoke the Insurrection Act against nationwide protests against the murder of George Floyd. Trump wanted to crush the protesters with the Army and establish a personalist dictatorship resting on the military. The charge that the protests were directed at the overthrow of the government was a complete provocation. At that time General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was not prepared to send in the troops. Milleys opposition was based on tactical considerations; he was concerned that it could deepen the crisis and potentially endanger the state. Milley had studied politics at Princeton University and his graduation Thesis in 1980 was titled; A Critical Analysis of Revolutionary Guerrilla Organisation in Theory and Practice. Notwithstanding that both Milley and Defense Secretary Esper declared that they were not prepared to use military force, both offered advice regarding controlling the unrest. Milley advised that law enforcement forces should dominate the battle space. It was clear that although the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was not prepared to act on that occasion, he had no objection in principle to the use of military force when necessary to protect the capitalist state. During the protests, Trump marched with his entourage, trailed by Milley and Esper, to Lafayette Square. Following the loss of the 2020 election to Biden, Trump began to plot the overthrow of the result and attempt a putsch to overthrow the newly-elected government. Trump had the backing of a substantial network of co-conspirators in the Republican Party and law enforcement agencies. At the centre of the plot Trump invoked the Big Lie technique with declarations the Democratic Party had committed massive electoral fraud. This Big Lie technique was a method Hitler and the far right had employed in Germany to mobilise a fascistic base. Hitler and the far right promoted the Big Lie of the Stab in The Back against the Social Democrats and Communists in Weimar Germany, claiming they had betrayed the war effort, leading to Germanys defeat in World War I. Trumps efforts included numerous phony legal cases alleging election fraud, which were a vehicle for galvanizing and mobilising supporters to make a violent attack on the Capitol. It is now well established that elements in the military were involved in the Trump putsch. What is also clear is that there will not be a thoroughgoing investigation into the role played by the civilian and military leadership of the Defense Department and the Army National Guard. There can be no doubt from the evidence that has become available, however, that high-ranking officials and generals within the Defense Department and the Army supported the putsch. Acting Defence Secretary Christopher Miller, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, General Walter Piatt, General Charles Flynn (brother of Michael Flynn) and General Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, were involved in the decisions not to deploy soldiers of the Guard in a timely manner to defeat the putsch. In all the circumstances, and the fact that what was being planned was well known, there cannot be any innocent explanation for the military leaderships inaction. Troops were finally deployed when it was clear that the putsch had failed in its objectives and the attackers had commenced to disperse, the operation having failed primarily due to the lack of discipline on the ground in carrying out the coup. A particularly revealing piece of evidence implicating the military was a conversation which took place on January 3 at the White House, at which time Trump asked Acting Defence Secretary Miller; Youve got enough guys and youre all set for the 6th of January? to which Miller responded; Oh yes Mr. President. Weve got a plan. The events that took place on January 6 and the critical decision not to deploy forces to the Capitol overwhelmingly support the inference that the plan that Miller was referring to was an effort to facilitate or at least permit the coup, and suggest an even deeper collaboration between the military and the fascist rioters. Conclusion In the epoch of imperialism, the dynamics of class society give rise to similar general political phenomena in all advanced capitalist countries. The United States is no exception. Under the mounting pressures and contradictions of capitalist production in a global economy, United States bourgeois democracy has turned into its opposite. Confronting global competition, economic crises and unprecedented social inequality, the ruling elites, as in Germany, France and Italy in the 1920s and 1930s, are turning to authoritarian and fascist rule in an effort to resolve their crisis and defend the capitalist order. When one looks across the current legal-constitutional landscape of the United States, one sees, figuratively speaking, debris, smoking ruins, rubble, flames and bombed-out structures, buildings and vehiclesall these depicting laws, statutes, norms, conventions, constitutions, rights, legal ideas and doctrinesrepresenting the remnants of the framework of bourgeois democratic rule. This is not an exaggeration. There has been a blitzkrieg on constitutionalism for over 20 years. The American working class must draw the lessons and take warning from these momentous political events. For two decades the ruling class and its political agents and enablers in the Republican and Democratic Parties have undertaken a veritable counter-revolution to overthrow their rights and destroy constitutional rule. The legal framework of bourgeois democracy is in a state of advanced degeneration and collapse. This has culminated in efforts by a fascist president to establish a personalist dictatorship. In this endeavor he had the support of a large section of the Republican Party, which has itself become fascistic. Elements of the military supported the attempt to destroy constitutional rule, and took decisive steps to carry out the fascist plot. The American ruling class has crossed the Rubicon. The Democratic Party is supine and cowardly. As a principal defender of capitalist property relations, it will not, and cannot defend the rights of the working class. It will not fight to defend constitutional rule against fascist attacks. It prefers dictatorship to revolution. The American working class is in great peril. Bourgeois democracy is in its death agony and dictatorial rule is an increasing danger. It is urgent that the working class develop a political strategy and build a revolutionary party with a plan of action to defend its democratic rights and overthrow the bankrupt, violent system of capitalist oppression, and to create a socialist society based on humanity, cooperation, economic rights and progress. In August, the Liberal-National Coalition government and the Labor opposition joined hands to ram through anti-democratic electoral laws, which are aimed at deregistering so-called minor partiesthose without parliamentary representation. By tripling the membership requirement for parties to be registered, from 500 to 1,500, in the midst of a pandemic, Labor and the Coalition are seeking to clear the ballot in the lead-up to a federal election. The consequence, if the laws are not defeated, will be an even-greater narrowing of political discussion because both major parties agree on all the fundamental issues, from supporting US-led wars and military preparations, attacking the jobs and social rights of workers while providing massive handouts to the banks, placing profits before health and safety in the pandemic and assaulting democratic rights. With the electoral laws, they are seeking to ensure that all these issues, and every other affecting the lives and interests of working people, are buried. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange greets supporters from a balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) The same is the case when it comes to WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange. Labor, the Coalition and the entire political establishment support the persecution of Assange, either openly or tacitly. They have abandoned an Australian citizen and journalist who is being persecuted for exposing US-led war crimes, mass spying operations and global diplomatic conspiracies. Assange is imprisoned in Britains maximum-security Belmarsh Prison and faces extradition to the US, where he would be imprisoned for life or worse for publishing the truth about the criminal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, bringing to light US coup-plotting and support for corrupt dictators the world over, and revealing the torture of innocent people in Guantanamo Bay. The US pursuit of Assange has already been exposed as a lawless and vindictive campaign, most recently with the revelation that in 2017, the American Central Intelligence Agency and the Trump administration discussed illegally kidnapping Assange or even assassinating him. An SEP rally in Melbourne demanding Assange's freedom Labor and the Coalition, having supported the US campaign against WikiLeaks, have done nothing to defend Assange through all of the unprecedented attacks against his legal, democratic and human rights. One function of their electoral laws is to ensure that Assanges plight, and the broader assault on civil liberties, of which it is a key component, is passed over in silence at the next federal election and every election after it. This is not a hypothetical question. The last federal election, in 2019, was held just months after Assange was dragged out of Ecuadors London embassy, where he was an internationally-recognised political refugee, illegally arrested by the British police and then charged by the US government for his publishing activities. By all rights, this onslaught against an Australian publisher and journalist, the countrys most famous political prisoner, should have been front and centre of discussion during the 2019 election. But the parliamentary parties worked together to ensure that this was not the case. The wall of silence extended from Labor and the Coalition, to right-wing populist parties and the Greens. Individual Greens MPs have occasionally shed crocodile tears over Assanges plight, but the party has opposed calls, including from within its own ranks, for a public, party campaign demanding his freedom. Instead, in 2019, as they will at the next election, the Greens focused on appeals for a coalition with Labor and even the Liberals, reflecting their character as a pro-business party of the affluent and complacent upper-middle class. It is a matter of record that the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) was the only party in the 2019 election that fought to make central the defence of Assange in its campaign. The SEP did this, not only because the defence of political prisoners is an elementary component of socialist and democratic politics, but because Assanges plight is so closely connected to the social and democratic rights of the working class as a whole. With their persecution of Assange, the US government, and all those supporting it, are seeking to establish a precedent for frame-ups, victimisations and even political assassinations, directed against the growing social and political opposition from the working class. That point, stressed by the SEP in the 2019 election, has only become clearer since. The worlds population is passing through an unprecedented pandemic, during which capitalist governments everywhere, including in Australia, have adopted homicidal policies allowing the virus to spread, so that maximum corporate profit-making activities can resume, whatever the toll in death and illness. The pandemic, moreover, has accelerated all of the underlying tendencies of the capitalist system, in its period of decay and crisis. Governments are ramping up a militarist agenda, spearheaded by the US preparations for a catastrophic conflict against China, which is fully supported by the Australian ruling elite and all of its political parties. And the drive to war abroad is being accompanied by a war against the democratic and social rights of the working class at home, as jobs, wages and conditions are all being torn up by governments, big business and the corporatised trade unions. This is a program that cannot be implemented democratically. That is why governments around the world are resorting to ever more authoritarian forms of rule, and are doing everything they can to suppress information and keep the public in the dark. In Australia, virtually every week, the Coalition and Labor join hands to pass new legislation directed against civil liberties, whether by expanding the surveillance powers of the police and the intelligence agencies, undermining online freedom and privacy or stripping even more rights from immigrants and refugees. This, on top of the more than 100 bills and amendments restricting democratic rights, pushed through during the past twenty years, on the bogus pretext of the war on terror. It is within this political context that Australia's parliamentary parties support the persecution of Assange, and seek to suppress any political alternative to their program of war, austerity and dictatorship. The motivation behind the assault on Assange, and the anti-democratic electoral laws is the same. To silence dissident voices, intimidate popular opposition and shore-up the position of a bankrupt corporate and political elite that is widely-despised by millions of working people and that feels itself besieged from all sides. And both the Assange case and the electoral laws are providing an object lesson in how democratic rights can be defended, and to which social force supporters of civil liberties must turn. All of those parties that base themselves on the parliamentary set-up, and defend the existing capitalist social order, refuse to defend Assange, mobilise opposition to the electoral laws, or fight for anything. The SEP has taken a lead on both issues, because it is independent of the political establishment, opposes the domination of society by the corporate and financial oligarchy, a state of affairs incompatible with democratic rights, and is oriented to the working class. It is the working class that is the ultimate target of all onslaughts on democratic rights, and the social force which can defeat them. All over the world, workers are entering into struggle to defend their basic rights, on the question of living standards, jobs, a pandemic policy based on public health and science, and opposition to war. The freedom of Assange and the defence of civil rights must be emblazoned on the banner of all these struggles and connected to the fight for a genuinely democratic society in which wealth and political power are in the hands of the working class. This is the perspective of the SEP. Join its campaign against the electoral laws here. After Trump adviser Steve Bannon defied subpoena requests from the House Select Committee charged with investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol, Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) released a statement announcing the committee will seek to charge hm with criminal contempt. 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. We reject his position entirely, wrote Thompson. The Select Committee will not tolerate defiance of our subpoenas, so we must move forward with proceeding to refer Mr. Bannon for criminal contempt. Ive notified the Select Committee that we will convene for a business meeting Tuesday evening to vote on adopting a contempt report, Thompson continued. President Donald Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon leaves federal court, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, after pleading not guilty to charges that he ripped off donors to an online fundraising scheme to build a southern border wall. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle) 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, added Thompson. Thompson confirmed that the panel will meet Tuesday to vote on the measure. It will then be sent to the House of Representatives for a full vote, which in the Democratic-controlled House, is expected to pass. At this point, the charges would be referred to the Department of Justice. Assuming Attorney General Merrick Garland acts on the subpoenaby no means a certaintyBannon could be arrested by federal agents and face trial. If found guilty of contempt, a misdemeanor, he could face up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Leading Democrats have indicated they expect Garland to act on the criminal contempt citation should it be referred to the DOJ. We expect the Justice Department to adhere to the principle that no one is above the law, Representative Adam Schiff (D-California), a member of the select committee, said earlier this week. The threat to Bannon is not immediate. There will undoubtedly be appeals filed against any Justice Department intervention, and Bannons strategy is to delay any appearance before the committee for at least a year, until after the 2022 elections. He believes the Republican Party will win control of the House, at which point both the investigating committee and its subpoenas would be scrapped. That Bannon would not be complying with the committees request was made clear last week after Bannons lawyer, Robert Costello, sent a letter to the committee informing them that Trump had claimed executive privilege in regard to all communications with his former advisers. Executive privileges belong to President Trump and we must accept his direction and honor his invocation of executive privilege, wrote Costello. Costello added that Bannon would not comply with the committees request until such time as you reach an agreement with President Trump on claims of executive privilege or receive a court ruling. Costello sent the letter after a lawyer for Trump told subpoena targets, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, former deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and chief of staff of former acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, Kashyap Kash Patel, not to comply with the committees request as any testimony or documents provided could be considered privileged material. Executive privilege, according to current legal standards, applies only to officials close to the current president, while engaged in official duties at his direction. No former president has successfully asserted executive privilege over his past communications while in the White House; instead, they have been forced to rely on an agreement with the sitting president. But the Biden White House has declined to support Trumps claims in relation to January 6. In the case of Bannon, since he left the White House in 2017 and was not working as a government official when he helped organize the storming of the Capitol on January 6, the claim of executive privilege is particularly tenuous. Bannon played an integral role in the coup plot, serving as an intermediary between the White House, Republican politicians, organizers of the Stop the Steal rallies and the fascist paramilitaries, such as the Oath Keepers, that stormed the Capitol in an attempt to delay the certification of Joe Bidens Electoral College victory. Bannon promoted the Stop the Steal rallies on his War Room podcast and featured guests have included Trump-aligned lawmakers, such as Texas Republican Louie Gohmert, who would go on to vote against certifying the election, even after the attack on the Capitol. Of the 19 people subpoenaed so far by the select committee, Bannon is the only one so far against whom the committee is seeking criminal contempt charges, despite the fact that none of the targets of the committee, including Meadows, Patel and Scavino, appeared before the committee by the prescribed deadline. The Washington Post and the New York Times, citing anonymous congressional aides, claimed that Meadows and Patel have been provided an extension or continuance to appear before the committee at a later date. Meanwhile, Scavino, who was served his subpoena only last week, has also postponed his deposition to an as of yet unspecified date. The decision by the Committee to seek criminal contempt charges against Bannon reflects an escalation in the internecine warfare within the ruling class following Trumps fascist coup attempt more than nine months ago. Despite President Joe Bidens endless pleas for class unity within the bourgeoisie following the insurrection, there remain deep divisions within the ruling class. While the Republicans unite around the would-be Fuhrer, promoting his bogus election conspiracy theories while he cultivates a fascistic base of support, the Democrats, beholden to the same financial oligarchy as the Republicans, are unable to appeal to the working class in defense of democratic rights. Instead, they seek to provide a veneer of accountability in accordance with the limitations set by Wall Street and Central Intelligence Agency. Reflecting the overriding concern to limit the fallout from Trumps coup attempt, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki refused Thursday to say if Biden would support federal prosecution against those who defy the Select Committees subpoenas, telling reporters that it is exclusively up to the Justice Department to decide. The select committee has continued to issue subpoenas to Trump accomplices. On Wednesday, the committee subpoenaed former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark. In a Senate Judiciary Committee report issued last week, Clarks ongoing efforts to overturn the election were revealed, including pressuring acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen to hold a news conference announcing that the DOJ was investigating allegations of voter fraud. The report also confirmed Clarks efforts, in coordination with Trump, to oust Rosen so that he could take over the DOJ and force lawmakers in battleground states, such as Georgia, to overturn the election results. Last week, the committee also issued subpoenas to two organizers of the Stop the Steal rallies, Ali Abdul Akbar, also known as Ali Alexander, and Nathan Martin. In a statement announcing the subpoenas against Alexander, Thompson noted that Alexander, spoke at a rally on January 5th, held by the Eighty Percent coalition at Freedom Plaza in in Washington D.C. Alexander led the crowd in a chant of victory or death. Parents across the United Kingdom are striking today, keeping their children away from unsafe schools to protest the herd immunity policies of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This powerful initiative has galvanized support across the world. The World Socialist Web Site has joined with Lisa Diaz, British mother of two school age children, to spearhead a global online picket line. We urge you to join us and send your message of solidarity on Twitter using the hashtag #SchoolStrike2021 and tagging @WSWS_Updates. Linda Lambert under the tree planted by her brother, a victim of COVID-19 Linda Lambert, a retired city public school teacher from Connecticut, spoke with the WSWS about why she supports the protest begun in England and stretching across the globe, stating, I support the British parents strike 100 percent for sure. Our children are our most precious commodity! Linda asked, Why are governments insisting children go back to the classrooms? So their parents can go back to work. Its just like in the Kentucky coal mines, our lives are worthless to the elite. It is all about money. It is the elite that run the country. Just like in the Hunger Games, the people in this country and others are completely expendable. Linda taught kindergarten for two years, then first grade for 16, then Special Education at the high school level. I loved these children, she said, adding, I was happy until COVID. Last school year, Linda became acutely conscious of the intransigence of the politicians that schools must fully open, and the failure of the unions to protect educators during the pandemic. She commented, The unions are just an arm of the administration. They dont care. After the district went back face-to-face I began waking up with nightmares of being on a ventilator. I called in sick for a month. I had to reach out to my union rep. My boss knew what was happening and my union rep did not care. They dont do anything for the teachers themselves. My union rep had no idea what was going on, or who to call if I needed anything. Instead, it was, Go figure it out yourself. Yet, I was forced to pay union dues for nothing. My dues went into the void, their pockets! As a single mother raising two children and having a hard time even affording food, these extra dollars would have gone a long way! The first death at my school was a sweet bus driver I knew. She brought it home and she and her husband passed. I also found out that it was up to the Special Ed faculty to check the incoming students for COVID and make sure their paperwork was in order, that they had no fever that day. But I had students who would come in and say, I threw up this morning. The fact they had Special Ed teachers who were face-to-face with every student coming in shows to me how expendable we were. Two of my students died from COVID. One was during the school year, only 21 years old, in Special Ed, a very sweet child. The second one, a girl, had recently graduated and worked in a bowling alley. Every single school in my district has had COVID among students and teachers bringing it home to their families. Teachers were assigned to watch kids at home on their computers but still had to come in so the administrators could watch them. I always caught everything from my students when I taught, I even had pneumonia and lice. I couldnt see dying of COVID. I called in sick until I retired, hoping to stay with the school system through zoom classroom or a leave of absence which they would not give me. My brother and my sister-in-law, who is a nurse, both knew all the protocols and still caught COVID. Afterwards, my brother had to carry an inhaler, even though he never had asthma before. My brother got it when Trump was lying that COVID was just like any other virus. He was hospitalized for a short bit, but never really recovered, despite being released. He died on November 29,, 2020. My cousin, 49, also got COVID and recovered but didnt. He was a long-hauler who wont be counted. He developed heart problems, a blood clot, and died in his partners arms in July. After three months of recovering, he was never the same and his heart just stopped. As you know, there was no chance for goodbyes. We had been there for each other through the loss of my parents and after my ex-husband left for me to raise my two children by myself. This is a killing pandemic that has taken millions of lives. We are educated, smart people that believe in science. Vaccines have been a part of schools since smallpox, they need to be a part of them. It should not be about political correctness or someones feelingsno one should be allowed into the classrooms until it is safe! Under conditions of rising COVID-19 cases and deaths in Victoria, a barely reported investigation into hospital-acquired infections has exposed something of the parlous condition of the states hospitals. Published in June, the report, titled Covid-19 Hospital-Acquired Infections Among Patients in Victorian Health Services, 25 January 202015 November 2020, revealed that poor infrastructure in public hospitals and a lack of infection-control programs led to the virus spreading to 30 hospitals, resulting in at least 277 cases and 84 deaths. The report falsely declared, however, that valuable lessons have been learnt from the COVID-19 experience. Coronavirus screening clinic at Royal Melbourne Hospital in 2020 [WSWS Media] Subsequent outbreaks of the highly-infectious Delta variant in New South Wales and Victoria and the rapid increase of COVID-19 hospital-acquired infections this year demonstrate this claim to be false. In fact, virtually nothing has been done by governments, Labor or Liberal-National, to bolster the healthcare system and prevent the spread of COVID in hospitals. In August, a cluster of four patients and six staff tested positive from hospital acquired infections (HAIs) with 450 staff put into quarantine at Royal Melbourne Hospital. This occurred after a patient was confirmed positive, having commenced treatment before the result of a COVID test was known. In September, 24 patients and five staff members tested positive for COVID-19 in an outbreak at Liverpool Hospital in Sydneys south-west. A South Western Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said the cases were spread across four wards, including orthopaedic, renal, neurology and geriatric. Another coronavirus cluster has emerged at North Sydneys Mater Hospital, after 14 patients and staff tested positive. These and other outbreaks are occurring under conditions where state and federal governments are pushing ahead with plans to end lockdown measures and lift safety restrictions, despite daily mass infections, growing numbers of deaths and urgent warnings from health workers that hospitals are already in an unprecedented crisis. According to the Victorian report, the rate of HAIs from January to November 2020 equated to one out of every nine patients hospitalised with COVID-19. The likelihood in the Melbourne outbreak of acquiring COVID-19 whilst in hospital for an unrelated condition was 11 percent, comparable to the UK (12.5 percent likelihood), which had far greater case numbers. Particularly vulnerable were older public hospitals in working-class areas concentrated in the north and west metropolitan Melbourne, the regions worst affected by the pandemic last year, and where 90 percent of HAIs occurred. The findings describe a total lack of preparedness of health services early in the COVID outbreak. According to one respondent, health services were operating in an evidence-free environment, hospital IPC (integrated personal commissioning) teams often had to develop their own protocols. While the COVID crisis posed huge challenges, the threat of a coronavirus-style pandemic had been predicted by scientists for years. Decades of cuts and the privatisation of health care by Labor and Coalition governments alike, with the collaboration of the health unions, left the health system woefully unprepared. Inadequate infrastructure of older, existing hospitals in Melbourne was identified as a significant contributor to C19-HAIs. Key contributors noted difficulties effectively isolating many suspected or confirmed cases and managing patient and staff flow, and the suspected issues around ventilation . A major factor in the difficulty of containing virus outbreaks in hospitals was the layout of wards. The public hospitals that had the most infections were built decades ago, using outdated multi-bed wards that allow contagious diseases to spread quickly. Poor ventilation systems in the older hospitals which had the most COVID-19 HAIs allowed virus particles to build up to dangerous levels. Moreover, chronic shortages of trained staff to care for people in single-room wards allowed more frequent transmission of the virus from staff to patient. The burden on these older public hospitals in poorer areas was exacerbated because they also took in more patients hospitalised with community-transmitted COVID-19 and accepted more patient transfers from residential aged care facilities (RACF). During the second wave of the virus, the explosion in aged care cases threatened the hospital system with collapse. An influx of aged care residents would have rendered the system unworkable. A virtual ban by the Department of Health and Human Services for a period saw many aged residents denied timely and guaranteed hospital treatment, and left in their facilities to die with little or no hospital treatment. The COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne during 2020 killed 655 aged care residents in a disastrous breakdown of the RACFs that revealed the ongoing chronically under-resourced state of the private aged care system. The profit-driven private-sector business model of casualised employment, low wages and cost-cutting, with nurses and carers forced to work across multiple settings, led to high rates of COVID transmission between aged care facilities. The report was presented to four health services covering the majority of Victorian hospitals where the HAIs occurred. These services have proposed a series of extremely limited improvements in state government responses, including requesting that outbreaks be declared on a single case, rather than two cases, vague recommendations that future infrastructure should be better designed and that there be better liaison with the Department of Health. Highlighting the absence of proper safety measures for staff, the report requests stringent PPE protocols, N95 masks early, and designated COVID-19 wards, utilising the best available infrastructure most amenable to stringent IPC needs, including adequate ventilation. Even these timid and wholly inadequate requests were not addressed by either the Victorian state Labor government or the Liberal-National federal government, which have not announced any concrete measures to address the issues highlighted in the report. Contradicting its own findings, and revealing itself as a whitewash, the report concluded, Overall, effective infection prevention and control practices are in place across Victorian health services. The true state of preparedness, and the total contempt of all the capitalist parties for the safety needs of workers, is demonstrated in the resurgence of hospital infections during the present COVID Delta outbreak in NSW and Victoria. In the current wave, most of the major public hospitals of Western Sydney have had outbreaks, with an appalling one-fifth of all COVID deaths in NSW being caused by hospital acquired infections. Last month a significant outbreak of hospital infections disrupted services at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, one of the most important centres for healthcare in Victoria. Further, aerosolised transmission (small particles produced by infected patients when they cough) was identified as a key factor in the large number of hospital infections. This danger has been deliberately downplayed by Australian governments and some of their health experts because it would reveal the total inadequacy of ventilation and PPE both in hospitals and the hotel quarantine program. The challenge of building proper quarantine facilities, and resourcing single-bed patient rooms with the adequate ventilation and filtration that is required, would mean a massive increase in infrastructure spending, and likely new hospitals with increased staffing levels. However, in its 2021-22 budget the Andrews government announced it was spending a mere $1.2 billion on its coronavirus response for the hospitals, and claimed to be allocating $3.7 billion overall on the health system. This amount is completely inadequate, and a mere fraction of the hundreds of billions handed out by state and federal governments through the JobKeeper scheme and tax breaks in the past 18 months to prop up major Australian corporations, most of which have raked in superprofits. In 2020, while Melbourne public hospitals were overwhelmed, Australian billionaires increased their collective wealth by $82 billion, roughly the same amount of money spent on the healthcare needs for the entire country, with a population of 25 million people. Public hospitals, which treat largely working-class patients, were at breaking point already with existing demands on the healthcare system. The coronavirus pandemic has revealed and exacerbated an already inadequate system. The hospitals require a huge increase in funding to meet the needs of patients, and the paltry amounts proposed go no way to addressing the need, even if provided. However, like the capitalist class the world over, the Australian ruling elite is ruthlessly determined to open the economy and deepen the exploitation of workers, regardless of the cost to human lives. Any expenditure on public health is regarded as an intolerable diversion from its program of profits over lives. Parents and teachers from Australia continue to submit statements of support for the global school strike being held on October 15. The strike was called by Lisa Diaz, mother of two from the United Kingdom, and a member of the SafeEdforAll (Safe Education for All) campaign group. The call followed the first successful school strike on October 1, which was supported by the WSWS and won international support. In Australia, parents and teachers are deeply concerned about the accelerated drive to reopen the schools by both state Labor and Liberal governments, under conditions of the highest recorded cases of COVID-19 in Australia since the beginning of the pandemic. **** Frank, a former educator, said, As a retired teacher I completely support Lisa Diazs call for a school strike on 15 October. This is the only way to halt the murderous program of school reopening worldwide. International experience shows that school reopening fuels the pandemic. Students can get COVID-19, get sick and die, they can also pass it on to their teachers and loved ones at home. Lisas call will resonate with teachers, parents, and students because it is independent of the unions and international in scope. Frank Meaghan, mother of three from Newcastle in New South Wales (NSW), said, I support the campaign. Lisa says correctly the schools pose a very serious risk. Children are unvaccinated. The governments position is not coming from a scientific viewpoint. We need to take what is happening elsewhere and learn from it. The virus is global. The virus is not going away by itself. I am worried by the variants of the virus that could come from not protecting people from this virus. Referring to the reopening of schools Meaghan said, The government is sending children back to increase workforce participation at the expense of child safety. It seems crazy. My fundamental frustration is why dont kids lives matter? There is a real lack of awareness of COVID, an attitude that double vaccination is bulletproof. This is a product of the government messaging. Many seem not to understand the highly contagious nature of this virus. They think its like the flu for kids. Some Ive spoken to say that if it wasnt safe the government wouldnt be sending kids back to school. I still dont know if I am going to send my children to school. I have a son with an autoimmune disease, but I have equal concern for all my three children. With my son who is completely immunocompromised I am horrified at the thought of him getting this virus. The school are doing very basic preparation, encouraging mask wearing and separating the children in different groups to supposedly minimise contact. The safety standards are not enough. I think they want all the kids to catch it and there is an expectation that they will catch it, even children are saying this. Its very difficult to help your children navigate this when this is the perception. I feel for the teachers who are in the middle of all this. There is little information, its hard to make a risk assessment. I feel people have been worn down by the lockdown and the government message is that COVID-19 is not a threat is causing people to let their guard down. Cristina, a casual worker in aged- and child-care said, I absolutely support and agree with the school strikes. I feel for the workers, and its a tough call for the parents sending their kids to school and day care centres. Describing the unsafe conditions for under six -year-old children and staff where she works, she added, Some of the children attend more than one centre and, as a casual, I get sent to multiple venues. Theres no procedure for temperature testing and no social distancing. There are unmasked maintenance people coming into the foyer, as well as cleaners and deliveries of nappies, while the parents, when dropping off and picking up the kids, have to wait outside the property fence. John, a father of three, said, The reopening of the schools in NSW during a significant peak of the COVID-19 pandemic is of considerable concern and evidence that the government has no concern for public health. Their real concern is economic growth and for profits. Australia had a successful eradication of COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic. With the return of the virus, it is now clear that the government has fallen into line with whats happening in other countries, in particular, whats happening in the US and Europe which have adopted a policy of living with the virus. John You cannot live with this virus, the strategy by governments is madness and it needs to be fought. Some oppositional voices of experts in the press are getting through but I am hearing less and less dissenting voices as things are opened up. This policy is going to cause mass death and a collapse of the healthcare system. This is the concern among health workers. Today I heard the new NSW premier, who has been installed to enforce these measures, wants to light up the Sydney Opera House to honour frontline workers. This is an insult to these people who are working in profoundly difficult conditions with the constant stress of exposure to themselves and among their patients. Follow Lisa Diaz on Twitter: @Sandyboots2020. Send messages of support for Fridays strike to the WSWS here. Message of solidarity on Twitter should be sent using the hashtag #SchoolStrike2021 and should tag the World Socialist Web Site (@WSWS_Updates). The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee supports and stands in solidarity with the growing strike wave in the United States and around the world. We support the parents striking this Friday, October 15, against the deadly return to in-person learning and encourage the greatest attendance in the World Socialist Web Site online forum, How to end the pandemic: The case for eradication, which will be held Sunday, October 24. Throughout the world, governments and the corporate media are perpetuating and promoting the lie that the pandemic is over. Everywhere they have removed almost all measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including the reopening of schools to in-person learning and all nonessential services. Elementary school students that have returned for in-person learning [Credit: AP Photo/LM Otero] These policies have had a devastating effect. During the first week of October, the number of new cases worldwide grew by more than 2.8 million and nearly 48,000 human beings were added to the global death toll. In the US, at least another 620,000 people were infected, and another 10,000 people died from COVID-19. Our committee, comprising educators from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Maryland, has witnessed firsthand the following catastrophes: In Pennsylvania, new cases are climbing by over 5,000 per day, a rate not seen since this past winter. This week, we surpassed the grim figure of more than 30,000 deaths from COVID-19, a number that continues to grow each day. In Ohio, new cases are climbing by over 5,000 per day, a level not seen since January. At least 23,000 people have died from the virus in our state. In Maryland, new cases are climbing by over 1,000 a day, and more than 10,000 people have died so far. On October 3, James Summers, a Baltimore father of 10, died from COVID-19. Two days before his death he called on social media for his sons school to be shut down, writing, My son is a 7th grade student who caught COVID in the class for the lack of testing. He came home sick and affected my other 9 kids. Now I am in the ICU unable to breathe for 3 weeks on my own and I am pissed. The school should be shut down. At least 14 other students tested positive, and one student is in the ICU from Summerss sons school, yet authorities refused to shut the school and take the necessary steps to protect families. How many times have educators been told, Students dont get COVID in schools, children dont get sick from COVID, or its no worse than the flu? Yet this tragedy has been repeated throughout the country, with at least 140,000 children suffering the loss of a parent or primary caregiver from COVID-19. Daily new COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania are now as high as they were on April 17, despite the fact that nearly 60 percent of the population are fully vaccinated compared to only 25 percent on April 17. How is this possible? Two major factors have fueled the surge of COVID-19 since the July low. First, the more-infectious Delta variant began to circulate throughout the state. Second, and even more fundamental, virtually all public health measures were lifted, including the full reopening of schools and nonessential businesses. There is growing opposition to these pandemic policies and the politicians complete disregard for the health and lives of the working class. On October 1, thousands of parents, students and educators from throughout the world followed and participated in a global online picket line. Based on the work of leading scientists and epidemiologists, participants demanded that the steps necessary for the elimination and eradication of COVID-19 be implemented globally, including the shutdown of schools and nonessential production, combined with mass vaccination, universal testing and contact tracing, and the provision of full income to all workers and small-business people affected by temporary lockdowns. This action was initiated by British parent Lisa Diaz and promoted by the network of Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees throughout the world, articulating the strivings of the working class for a policy to fight the pandemic based on saving lives, not profits. The international appeal of this event shows that the working class in every country shares common interests and are all fighting a common enemy. The October 1 school strike could only be organized independently of the official unions, which in no way represent the interests of the workers. In the US, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Educational Association pushed for the reopening of schools despite its deadly consequences. AFT President Randi Weingarten, whose annual salary surpasses $500,000, fully backs the Biden administrations school reopening policies and has committed the union's resources to this end. She falsely claims that the eradication of COVID-19 would be too costly and that with limited mitigation measures the virus can be brought under control. However, teachers know that even the meager mitigation measures of the previous school year have been almost entirely dropped. Students are being crammed into aging classrooms with 20, 30 or more per class. Windows do not open, and proper ventilation is almost non-existent. Hallways, bathrooms and cafeterias have become no-mask zones. Shortages of teachers, staff and bus drivers only increase the already overcrowded conditions. Testing and contact tracing largely do not take place as administrators argue the absurd statement that if a child is masked then they didnt come in contact with anyone. The October 1 action, which began in the UK, attracted the support of workers throughout the world, as statements, photos, and videos poured in from scores of countries. The holding of a second online picket line this Friday, October 15, will again bring parents, educators and students together from throughout the world and is part of a growing movement of the working class. At midnight on Wednesday, more than 10,000 workers launched a powerful strike against agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere at plants throughout the Midwest. The rebellion of Deere workers is a major escalation of the strike movement that is sweeping across the United States, which includes 500 distillery workers in Kentucky who went on strike on September 11; 2,000 hospital workers in Buffalo, New York, who have been on strike since October 1; 1,400 Kelloggs cereal workers in Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Tennessee who walked out on October 5; 2,000 Frontier telecom workers in California who struck on October 6; and more than 1,000 Warrior Met coal miners in Northern Alabama who have been on strike since April. This is part of an international movement of the working class. In South Africa, 150,000 steelworkers are on strike. In Sri Lanka, 92,000 nurses and health care workers are on strike. In Germany, strikes have spread through auto, metal and other basic industries. The October 24 forum hosted by the WSWS will bring together leading scientists and epidemiologists who will explain why only a policy of global eradication, which brings together vaccines with a full public health campaign, can stop the pandemic. Only an immediate global eradication policy everywhere allows elimination anywhere. Our committee is fighting for a policy for eradicating the COVID-19 globally. Nothing short of ending this pandemic is acceptable. We cannot live with our kids, community and colleagues dying. To find out more and join our committee, contact us today . Some 16,000 workers in a smaller union have joined the 155,000 members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), who walked out October 5 over demands for wage increases and other improvements. Members of the Metal and Electrical Workers Union of South Africa (MEWUSA) announced that its members in the industry had come out on the picket lines. A third union, UASA, said it was in dispute with the employers but had not yet approved a walkout. The strike has begun to have an impact on the South African auto industry, which is entirely dependent on steel and auto parts that come from the factories where NUMSA members have walked out. The German-based carmaker BMW was the first automaker to announce the disruption of production, saying that its main assembly plant was affected on Monday, losing 700 vehicles. Striking members of NUMSA (Source: Twitter/Unati Msuthu) The executive director of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) said in a statement, We expect more OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] assembly lines to be impacted if the strike continues into next week, due to lack of production in parts of the supply chain. The auto industry accounts for 5 percent of South Africas GDP, on top of the 8 percent of GDP represented by the output of the steel and metal industries themselves. The strikers continue to encounter widespread violence from police and security guards. At least six workers were injured Monday when police fired rubber bullets at a picket line outside the Wireforce plant in Germiston. Edward Matube, the union secretary in Germiston, said police told the workers they were to keep at least 150 meters from the Wireforce premise. Matube said one of the police began counting down from 10 for them to disperse. We were leaving when they started shooting, so they shot at our backs, he told the press. Another union officer, Nelson Kiyane, released photos the next day showing bullet wounds on his thighs and on other workers backs and legs, confirming that they were shot as they were moving away from the factory, not toward it. The expansion of the strike coincides with an official statement from NUMSA rejecting the latest contract offered by the major employers federation, as well as attacking two smaller employers groups which have failed to make any new offer at all. NUMSA announced Wednesday it was rejecting the offer by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA), which raised the proposed first-year wage increase from 4.4 percent to 6 percent but still well below the 8 percent demanded by the union and limited only to the lowest paid workers. Metalworkers received no wage increase at all in 2020 because the union agreed to freeze all bargaining during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a press conference Thursday, NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim put on a demagogic show of intransigence, while at the same time holding out an olive branch to SEIFSA. He used as props for this cynical performance the refusal of two smaller employer groups, the National Employers Association of South Africa (NEASA) and the South African Engineers and Founders Association (SAEFA), to match the offer made by SEIFSA. Jim said that SEIFSA had limited its offer to workers currently making the minimum pay at each company, while the union wanted any increase to apply to all workers at all pay grades. But NEASA and SAEFA, whose member companies tend to be smaller, less well financed and based in the regions rather than the central industrial area around Johannesburg, have refused to make a new offer to the union. The union leader called the 4.28 percent raise proposed by NEASA a non-offer. While SEIFSA had reached out to NUMSA after the beginning of the strike, the other two associations were sabotaging the structure of collective bargaining and seeking to advance down variation of wages in industrial sectors. Our message to SAEFA, NEASA and their CEOs is that they must stop their shenanigans of working to break down the collective bargaining power of workers and come to the negotiation table, he concluded. The effect of these statements was to present SEIFSA as the good employers group and the other two as bad federations, although SEIFSA includes the largest and wealthiest of the corporations, including those linked most closely to globally mobile capital. The result could well be a settlement with SEIFSA only that leaves workers at the two smaller groups in the lurch. It is extremely significant that the NUMSA leader declared his support for a deal at the 6 percent level, provided that this was extended to all pay rates and not just the minimums, effectively abandoning the 8 percent demand for which the workers went on strike. Irvin Jim said that for the past decade metalworkers had received unilaterally imposed crumbs or no increase at all, although his own organization is by far the largest in the industry and has done nothing to fight back, including the betrayal of the last major strike in 2014. He went on to criticize the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling African National Congress. The working class across all sectors, particularly the industrial proletariat with hard skills, have been victims of an ANC government that failed to impose a meaningful national minimum wage that breaks the back of the apartheid wage gap, Jim said. This government, however, depends for its existence on the support from the trade unions. The biggest labor federation, COSATU, is actually part of the government, and Ramaphosa himself, before he became a billionaire capitalist boss, was the leader of the National Union of Mineworkers. NUMSA broke away from COSATU, but it never broke with the fundamental political perspective of the ANC, the Stalinist South African Communist Party, and COSATU, which is the development of black capitalism in South Africa to replace the apartheid monstrosity, rather than the mobilization of the vast power of the South African working class on the basis of revolutionary socialist politics. In the current strike, the ANC government will inevitably play a reactionary anti-working-class role. Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has limited his statements so far to calling for calm. It is common cause that the country is now going through one of the most difficult periods occasioned by the pandemic on one hand and the inclement economic conditions that prevailed even before COVID-19 on the other, he said. It is against this background that we appeal to all the playersworkers and employers, unions, federations and employer bodiesto handle the sensitive talks with the necessary caution, he said, adding, Cool heads should prevail and the good of the country and our economy should always be at the top of mind. What terrifies the ANC government and the capitalist class which it serves is that the trade union organizations, which act to defend the ruling elite and suppress the working class, are increasingly discredited, and the working class is now coming forward into revolutionary action. Sri Lankan educators and students have spoken out in support of the October 15 global school strike. Called by Lisa Diaz, a UK parent and member of the SafeEdforAll (Safe Education for All) campaign group, todays action follows the first school strike on October 1, which was backed by parents, educators and workers across the globe. Diaz called for the second strike on Twitter on October 9, as the pandemic continued to infect and kill children as a result of governments internationally reopening schools. The Rajapakse government plans to reopen Sri Lankan schools on October 21 amid unsafe conditions and with around 800 coronavirus infections and 30 deaths being reported daily. Sri Lankan testing rates are very low which means that these figures are a dangerous underestimation of the real situation. The Teacher-Student-Parent Safety Committee, established under the political guidance of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka, is fighting to unite teachers, students, parents and the working class to fight the governments premature school reopenings. About 250,000 Sri Lankan government schoolteachers are maintaining an online teaching strike, after walking out three months ago to demand decent salaries. The comments below by teachers, education professionals and students are in support of todays global action. Lakmal, a technology teacher in Colombo: There is an attempt to cover up the truth about the reality of the pandemic around the world and to normalise it. I fully oppose this. Its a murderous experiment using peoples lives. Lakmal Lisa Diaz is fighting to rally opposition to this criminal policy of capitalist governments around the world. I fully support it. We have already seen the dangerous results when schools were reopened in Sri Lanka from time to time and we are going to face it again from October 21. I see the necessity for gathering international solidarity to fight this, as UK parents are doing now. Sakuntha Hirimuthugoda, a University of Sri Jayawardenepura student and International Youth and Student for Social Equality member, said: As a university student, I strongly support the call by Liza Diaz for a second school strike against the unsafe and murderous school reopenings in the UK and globally. The ruling class in Sri Lanka is implementing the same criminal policy of living with COVID-19 in order to secure the profit interests of big business. Sakuntha Thousands have already lost their lives from the pandemic as a result of this policy and many more people are suffering from long-COVID symptoms. School reopenings will fuel this situation like the people in the US and UK are now experiencing. We should take immediate action to stop this social murder. No more lives should be sacrificed for the profits of the capitalists. The majority of people around the world, across national boundaries, confront the same issues. How can we face this? The strike action called by Diaz is a great example of what to do. It is not only their struggle but our fight too and should be a worldwide struggle. As the WSWS has explained, the eradication of the pandemic is the only way to stop the destruction, so I urge everyone to support this struggle. Danidu Thisal, a grade 11 student from Kandy said: Id like to go to school with my friends but Ill never sacrifice the lives of myself and my friends to this deadly virus. In my view all the necessary measures to eradicate COVID-19 should be taken before governments can tell us to go back to school. The reopening of schools in various parts of the world has affected a large number of children and a significant number of them have already died. Governments around the world say schools should be opened so that the education of children is not disrupted. But Ive learned from reading the WSWS that this is a lie. They want to send children to school in order to send their parents back to work for the profits of big business. Im shocked by this policy. Are our lives so worthless? I insist that schools should not be reopened in Sri Lanka or any other country until the pandemic is eradicated from the earth. If they do so regardless of our lives, we must all oppose it. I fully support Lisa Diazs campaign and it needs backing from all over the world. Dr Lakshman Nugapitiya Dr. Lakshman Nugapitiya, a Sinhala Department lecturer at the University of Peradeniya, said that the reopening of schools was a step towards the complete reopening of the economy and was to benefit the capitalists. They have already made huge profits, now they want to sacrifice more lives for more profits, he said. UK parent Lisa Diaz has come forward against this criminality. I express my support for that. I see the mobilisation of international support around it as a revolutionary initiative. I appreciate the SEP and the WSWS for their political support in this vital struggle, he said. Anupama, a mother of two, said: When we think about the congestion in public transport in Sri Lanka and in the schools, we are fearful of the situation that will be created after the schools have been reopened. Parents fears are justifiable and understandable. When the schools were previously reopened in Sri Lanka amid the pandemic, the sanitation provided by the government was inadequate. This showed that the government didnt care about the lives of our children. Finally, we, as parents, had to collect the money by ourselves to buy necessary sanitation materials. UK parents opposing sending their children to school is the correct way to answer the government. Why shouldnt they fight to save the lives of their children? I fully support the October 15 strike and I hope we parents in Sri Lanka will be able to initiate the same fight here. At 3:00 p.m. CDT this Sunday, October 17, the Tennessee and Texas Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees are co-hosting a meeting to discuss a strategy to eradicate COVID-19 and put an end to the pandemic. Educators, school workers, parents and students throughout the South are encouraged to register to attend, and invite your coworkers, friends and family. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge J. Ronnie Greer ordered Knox County Schools (KCS) in Tennessee to continue enforcing a mask mandate he had ordered in September, while allowing exemptions with medical documentation and proof that the exemption was in place the previous school year. Following the initial ruling, which had only allowed two exemptionsautism and tracheotomiesthe Knox County School Board had requested 60 additional medical exemptions in a list that was so extensive it would have essentially voided Judge Greers initial ruling if it had been accepted. In his latest ruling, the judge admonished the Knox County School Board for its lack of foresight at the previous hearing when it had an opportunity to weigh in on what a mask mandate should look like in the district. He noted that the boards cry of manifest injustice is therefore at best meritless and at worst disingenuous, as the district had chosen not to offer a solution to meet reasonable accommodations guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) when invited to by the court. Judge Greers September 24 order that masks must be worn in county public schools came as COVID-19 cases surged to unprecedented levels in East Tennessee as a result of the removal or curtailment of all mitigation measures. For example, KCS had removed all mitigation protocols in schools at the beginning of the school year. Moreover, on August 16, Tennessees Republican Governor Bill Lee had passed an executive order allowing parents to opt out of district mask mandates. Anti-mask protesters in Santa Fe, N.M. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio, File) The immediate occasion for Greers order was a filing of lawsuits by four families of children with special needs. The federal judge cited Section 504 of ADA, which protects children with disabilities from exclusion and unequal treatment in schools, saying that a mask mandate is a reasonable accommodation that allows students with disabilities to participate in the benefits of KCSs services, programs or activities. In his ruling, the judge condemned the school boards oversight of safety in schools, saying, the accommodations currently in place against COVID-19 in Knox County Schools are too hazardously ineffective. This is a huge understatement. According to testimony from the medical community, cases skyrocketed 600 percent within weeks of schools reopening, more than at any time during the pandemic. Judge Greer cast doubt on the veracity of KCSs COVID-19 data tracking, stating, from almost every angle, the record indicates that infections among school-age children in Knox County are charting an upward trajectory. Yet by the Knox County Board of Educations own tally, the rate of infections is infinitesimal. Judge Greers finding that KCS was cherry-picking or otherwise obfuscating the count of COVID-19 cases in schools is consistent with what has happened in districts throughout the country as school leaders and unions have forced the reopening of public schools amid a deadly global pandemic that is killing upwards of 1,700 Americans every day. As soon as the September 24 ruling was handed down, local Republican politicians such as Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and State Representative Jason Zachary encouraged anti-mask parent groups to violate the judges order, with Jacobs calling the ruling another example of federal overreach, and Zachary taking to Twitter to encourage parents to defy the court order, writing, Whats the next step? You send your child to school Monday without a mask. You dont put a mask on your child. With the support of such prominent state Republicans, groups led by individuals who participated in the January 6 fascist coup attempt in Washington D.C., organized a rally on September 26 which was attended by an estimated 130 parents and community members. A widely circulated video shows a member of Tennessee Stands, a fascistic group with ties to January 6, calling on the audience to bring Knox County Schools to a screeching halt. That night, parents took to Facebook to give instructions to their children on what to do and say when told to put a mask on by their teachers the next day. One parent proposed a Trojan Horse strategy by which her children would enter class, take off their masks and then refuse to leave, like a sit-in. Another parent posted that he gave his elementary school child full permission to get in trouble. Knox County closed schools on Monday, September 27, ostensibly to prepare staff and administration to comply with Judge Greers federal order. Teachers in the district said that school administrators instructed them to not fight the mask battle as long as students were wearing a mask anywhere on their face. The directive to not comply with a federal judges order had been communicated to school administrators by the district leadership at a principals meeting. The defiance of the judges order by district leaders is both negligent and illegal. Moreover, it has exacerbated tensions in schools and given students mixed messages about expectations, undermining the routines and order which are foundational to classroom management and a respectful and safe learning environment. On September 28, teachers and students arrived at school to protesters shouting, Sheep and waving signs reading, Good little sheep wear their masks. A teacher at a middle school where the protests were concentrated said it was intimidating as she drove into work because the protesters were on school grounds despite police presence. This is a violation of district policy C-180.6, which bans political protests on district property that are likely to cause substantial disruption to the school and its activities or likely to materially interfere with the proper and orderly operation of the school and its activities. Evidence of substantial disruption was reported by a teacher, who said that once inside classrooms, students began taking their masks off. Rooms for students without masks became so full that teachers were asked to give up their planning periods to monitor unmasked students. The crisis in Knox County Schools is one example of the anti-democratic lawlessness promoted by fascistic groups who are taking over school boards throughout the country. Tennessee Stands and Open Schools USA (OSUSA), with which American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten held a recent town hall, are part of the free choice movement that viciously oppose public schools. These groups websites provide tutorials and resources for disrupting school operations through school boards and other pressure tactics. OSUSAs members-only website provides tutorials on how to open micro-schools and school co-ops in order to withdraw their students from public schools in order to defund them. Weingartens choice to join together with an aggressive school choice group like OSUSA propagates the liberal myth that these fascistic organizations have more influence and power than they actually do in the working class. According to court documents, 700 of the 60,000 KCS students refused to wear masks on September 28, the first day of the anti-mask protests in the district. The next day that number dropped to 530 maskless students. That the daily protests organized in Knox County are concentrated at schools in the most affluent zone in the district reveals these groups to be a minority of disaffected petty-bourgeois elements. These groups mirror the class makeup of the January 6 insurrectionists in Washington D.C., some of whom are the small business owners and pastors responsible for organizing the school protests in Knox County. The petty-bourgeois disruption of school operations has put a strain on already overtaxed school resources. Students are refusing to complete their assigned work and are non-compliant to staff requests as parents become increasingly angry that their students grades are falling. One teacher lamented on social media, Teachers are being talked to like dogs! While such fascistic groups and individuals are given a hearing at the highest levels of the state government and national union apparatus, they do not speak for the working-class population of Tennessee. There was widespread opposition to Governor Lees mask opt-out order in August. A substitute teacher, who was recently fired for criticizing the school boards decision to forego all mitigation measures in schools, wrote on Facebook, Cynically framing an obvious agenda of willful ignorance and selfishness as a righteous crusade for liberty and civil rights and compelling children to act as pawns to advance it, is beneath contempt. This sentimentshared by millions of people both within Tennessee, throughout the US and around the worldmust be developed around a political program aimed at fighting to provide for human needs instead of private profits. This requires, first of all, a global fight to eradicate COVID-19. The mitigation and vaccination push by liberals and union officials will not end the pandemic. New Zealand, Australia and China are proof that only the temporary closure of schools and nonessential businesses, combined with the deployment of all public health measures, can stop the spread of the virus. The working class must unite across the globe to demand eradication measures to end this catastrophe once and for all. The Tennessee and Texas Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees are co-hosting a meeting on Sunday, October 17, 3:00 p.m. CDT to develop this strategy. Educators, school workers, parents and students throughout the South are encouraged to register to attend, and invite your coworkers, friends and family! The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill canceled classes on Tuesday after a suicide and an attempted suicide over the weekend. One student was found dead in a residence hall Saturday morning while campus police received a phone call about an attempted suicide on Sunday. Students wear masks on campus at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) These two events follow another suicide on September 4 and attempted suicide on September 22. Since the beginning of the semester, university police have classified three suicides, six wellness checks and one emergency commitment. University Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz canceled classes and declared Tuesday a wellness day after undergraduate, graduate and professional school student governments called for a pause in instruction on Monday and Tuesday. We are in the middle of a mental health crisis, both on our campus and across our nation, and we are aware that college-aged students carry an increased risk of suicide, Guskiewicz said in a message to students. This crisis has directly impacted members of our communityespecially with the passing of two students on campus in the past month. As chancellor, a professor and a parent, my heart breaks for all those whose suffering goes unnoticed. Guskiewiczs words were not enough for some students, however. Kendra Randle, a junior, expressed her disappointment that classes were not canceled on the Monday following the suicides. To tell students to go to class on Monday, and then the next day they can mourn is just absolutely disgusting to me, said Randle, according to Inside Higher Ed. Tuesday is University Day, so a number of classes were already canceled beforehand. They chose the easiest solution. What message are you sending to students by refusing to cancel class on Monday? Inside Higher Ed also quoted senior Savannah Shoemaker, who described a stress culture where students are encouraged by the university to push themselves to the point of having a breakdown. It is fairly common to see students crying around campus, in the libraries, on the way to class, in the dining hall, Shoemaker said. Theres a prominent sense of grief right now. ... [i]ts become evident to me that a majority of my peers are struggling right now. Student government leaders voiced their frustration as well. We are not machines with on-and-off switches, tweeted Lamar Richards, president of the UNC Chapel Hill Undergraduate Student Government, on Sunday. I dont care what youre not allowed to do. We are students, and we need a break. On behalf of my 30,000 peers, consider us all excused. A petition circulated by students calling for a greater commitment to mental health care by the university has received 2,100 signatures. Savannah Worrell, the student who created the petition, encapsulated the harsh conditions young people have faced during the pandemic when she wrote, Last year during the height of the pandemic we were given mental health daysbut, shocker, mental health struggles do not simply disappear. Not only this but the pandemic is still actively booming and that isolation and fear of contracting or spreading the virus is at an all-time high. Action needs to be taken, and the administration needs to start prioritizing the mental health of students, viewing us as people instead of a source of revenue. The events at Chapel Hill are indicative of a broader mental health crisis sweeping across the world. The pandemic and the murderous policies of the ruling class have caused what Clare Landis, a responder for the student support group Peer2Peer, called a second pandemic with mental health and suicide. She told WRAL-TV that she has seen a significant increase in calls over the past two weeks as midterms approached for millions of students. According to the United Nations, one in 100 deaths worldwide is by suicide, and it is the fourth leading cause of death for people aged 15-29 years old. Reporting from the World Health Organization shows that suicide kills more people annually than HIV, malaria, breast cancer, homicide or even war. Suicides declined by around 6 percent during the first months of the pandemic, the largest drop in 40 years. However, there are concerning signs that the suicide rate could rapidly rebound. Research from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) shows that suicide rates tend to decline at the beginning of pandemics but may increase over time. The SPRC further noted that available services for mental health care that were increased in the early months of the pandemic are now being reduced or withdrawn. In Japan, suicides among young people have been at a record high during the pandemic. An astonishing 415 school-age children took their own lives during the 2020 school year, 100 more than the previous year and the highest number since 1974. In the United States, suicide attempts by young girls aged 12 to 17 jumped by 26 percent in the summer of 2020 and by 50 percent during the winter of 2021, compared to the year prior. Deaths by overdose have also doubled during the pandemic in the US, with many potential suicides unclassified or reported. New research has also pointed to the role that contracting COVID-19 can play in aggravating mental health situations. A study published in The Lancet medical journal found that 18 percent of people who contracted COVID-19 were diagnosed with a mental health illness within 90 days, double the number of people who were not infected. Further research from the University of Oxford found that nearly 6 percent of adults developed some form of psychiatric disorder for the first time ever within three months of becoming infected with COVID-19. Such figures explode the myth that young people are not affected by the virus and that schools are safe to reopen. Not only do schools act as vectors for transmission for the viruswhich is killing dozens of children every weekbut research is showing that young people are twice as likely to develop a mental illness for the first time if they are infected. The surge in suicides and mental illness around the world underscores the need to oppose the deadly policies of herd immunity and learning to live with the virus. The WSWS encourages all students to attend the October 24 webinar with leading scientists from around the world, which will outline the necessity of eradicating the virus and the need for an international strategy to end the pandemic. There is barely a mention of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States any more, other than the assertions by the mainstream press that the worst is now behind us or announcements of new approvals of vaccinations. The recent declines have been celebrated even though the daily infection rates remain above most of the previous peaks, and new wavesand variantscould well arise. The pandemic has had and continues to have a massive impact on the population regardless of the medias silence on the matter. There have been more than 45.4 million reported COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. The reported number of COVID-related deaths is approaching 740,000. Over the last three months, 10 million infections were registered with 114,000 deaths, demonstrating the virulence of the Delta variant despite more than half the population being fully vaccinated. However, even these figures are a significant underreporting of the true calamity. According to data provided by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluations model of excess COVID-19 deaths, the death toll stands at a horrific 1.33 million lives lost over the span of 18 months. Nearly 300,000 of these deaths occurred during the last wave of infections. The discrepancy between the reported COVID deaths and the excess deaths estimated on the basis of COVID-19 models is staggering, and yet there is not a mention of it in the bourgeoisie press and by the political establishment. And despite these horrific developments, instead of employing any significant public health measures to save lives and livelihoods, the message has evolved into mitigate through vaccinations only. Dr. Anthony Fauci, speaking on ABCs This Week, provided what passes for caution in the official discourse. He told anchor Jonathan Karl, We certainly are turning the corner on this particular surge, Jon. But we have experienced over now close to 20 months of surges that go up and then come down, and then go back up again. The way to keep it down, to make that turnaround continue to go down, is to do what we mentioned: get people vaccinated. Critical modeling of the dynamics of community spread employing various strategies for dealing with the pandemic has shown that vaccinations alone will not stem the tide of infections. The vaccination campaigns have all but stalled, making any stated vaccination goal difficult to achieve. Currently, only 56.6 percent of the population is fully vaccinated, below what would be required even to slow the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant. As for eradicating the virus and freeing humanity from this deadly threat, neither of the two camps in bourgeois politics hold out any such prospect. Placing the discussion into context, even before the last surge in the US this summer, scientists had estimated that combined with infections and vaccines, approximately 83.3 percent of the population had some level of immunity. And yet, the last wave was only second in its destructive force to the winter surge. Without measures in place to curtail the spread of infection, the virus will continue to spark new fires across the country, including a likely new surge accompanying the colder weather that is imminent in the Northern US states. Presently, the pandemic is rippling through dispersed populations of rural regions for whom the lack of infrastructure and access to health care are playing havoc. A new study from the University of Iowa College of Public Health found COVID-19 death rates in rural regions were double those reported in urban areas. On Wednesday, Alaska saw 18 more people hospitalized for COVID-19, bringing the total to 204. Cases also doubled overnight with 1,220 new infections. The state continues to lead in infection rates. Earlier in the month the state health officials activated a crisis standard of care policy across 20 hospitals, which means critical life-sustaining care is being rationed to those deemed best fit to survive. For instance, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, treatment for a 70-year-old woman on a ventilator and dialysis machine was terminated to free up the machine for a 48-year-old man, according to CNBC . Both patients, however, passed away. The current surge in hospitalizations in Montana has persisted. This week the state broke the 2,000 mark for the first time during the pandemic as the figure rose to 2,227 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, breaking the previous record of 1,456 on October 4, 2020. Wyoming and West Virginia are experiencing similar surges of cases. But more densely populated states are also suffering anew. Michigan has witnessed a resurgence of the infection. The states health department reported on Wednesday that there were 8,671 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and 110 deaths over the span of just two days. Hospital emergency rooms are filled with patients lying on stretchers in the crowded hallways left unattended from staffing shortages. However, many are also there not because of COVID-19 but other ailments that have been long neglected, but which are now forcing people to overcome their understandable reluctance to seek hospital treatment. Dr. Brad Uren, an emergency medicine professor at the University of Michigan College of Emergency Physicians, told the Detroit Free Press, Were back to pre-COVID volumes, but also have the added burden of the COVID patients and the sort of backlog of patients that have been deferring some of their care over the last year. Wisconsin has seen cases peak across the state, with the seven-day average having reached over 2,600 cases. As schools there ended even mitigation policies, the number of infections among children has soared, contributing to the present dire situation. Deaths have begun to track upwards again. According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, more than 1,170 people are admitted to the hospitals in the state with 310 in intensive care units. Though the number of new cases nationally has been declining, with the seven-day average now a little over 91,000 per day, the death toll remains high, with more than 1,900 people dying each day. There are also indications that the decline in national COVID-19 cases is slowing, which has ominous implications as the country is heading into winter with the added burden of the flu season. Though full vaccination status for the elderly has reached 80 percent, they were also the first to be vaccinated, meaning their immunity to the coronavirus is most likely to have weakened. The continuing drive to return to pre-pandemic norms means that this age group faces renewed dangers of the full implementation of the learning to live with the virus policy. Though one in 450 people has died from COVID-19 in the United States, COVID-19 deaths among the elderly are now at one in 100, highlighting the dangers for this age group. Thus far, more than a half million people aged 65 or older have died from coronavirus in America. Despite these grim statistics, the Biden administration is pushing ahead with a policy focused almost exclusively on vaccinations, while other public health measures go by the boards. Biden signed an executive order implementing emergency temporary standards (ETS) that would force companies with more than 100 employees to mandate vaccination or regular testing. Once it goes into effect, the ETS would impact around 80 million workers, half the US workforce. Yesterday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) submitted the text of the new vaccine rule for large employers to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Texas Governor Greg Abbott, June 2021 (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken the offensive against the vaccine mandate push by signing an executive order on Monday that would prohibit companies and organizations from enforcing a COVID-19 mandate on workers . The order states, No entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine by any individual, including any employee or a consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, including prior recovery from COVID-19. However, as many of these corporate entities operate across multiple states, it will only further exacerbate the global supply chain issues and the chaotic economic situation as companies have to determine which rules they will abide by. The vaccinated governor presides over a state with one of the highest COVID-19 death tolls. Close to 69,000 people have died thus far, and more than 200 are still dying each day. Assuredly, these decisions are driven by personal political ambitions and not based on any moral stance or consideration based on sound scientific advice. In this regard, both the Democrats and Republicans are complicit in the massive number of deaths caused by their policies. As Biden remarked last month during a White House speech urging large companies to enforce vaccination mandates on their labor force, While America is in much better shape than it was seven months ago when I took office, I need to tell you a second fact: were in a tough stretch and it could last a while. The president said more than he had probably intended. Former President Donald Trump's effort to block Congress from investigating the January 6 insurrection has entered a new phase of obstruction. Follow this logic: Trump adviser Steve Bannon is a private citizen who was not employed by Trump or the White House. He's claiming a very official protection, executive privilege, absolves him from complying with a legal subpoena. Can a former president claim the protection for an informal aide? The law may not be on their side. Time probably is. January 6 investigators have promised to seek criminal charges against Bannon when he blows past a deadline to comply with a congressional subpoena. Several other former advisers, including Dan Scavino and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, have also been the subject of subpoenas for information related to the insurrection. Read the full story on Bannon and Trump's effort to ignore Congress. What is executive privilege? Presidents have been fighting with Congress for all of US history about the concept of executive privilege. The executive in question is the president and the privilege is his or her right to get honest advice in private and protect it from Congress and the courts. The term "executive privilege" dates back to the Eisenhower administration, but fights over the separation of powers have been going on for centuries in the US. The idea is that presidents can shield their aides from having to share internal communications with Congress when it is conducting oversight, as the Constitution suggests it must. Note: While the Constitution does not use that word, "oversight," it does require Congress to make laws, which necessarily requires lawmakers to understand how the president is executing them. RELATED: January 6 investigators are talking about criminal contempt charges for ignored subpoenas. Here's what that means. There's a natural tension there -- the official duties of one branch of government conflicting with the official duties of another. "You want advisers to feel free to explore a range of options, including options that might be unpopular, and to have a free flow of conversation with the president in order to develop the best possible options," former White House Counsel Neil Eggleston, who worked in the Obama administration, told Harvard Law Today. The danger, of course, is that this honest protection could be used to hide illegal or improper behavior. Post-presidential privilege? Trump wants to carry that protection with him out of office and stretch it to cover people like Bannon, who had no official capacity. It's an odd twist in a debate that's touched every single president, including Republicans and Democrats. Barack Obama invoked executive privilege to shield his Department of Justice from accountability for the Operation Fast and Furious gun tracking scandal. Fast and Furious gun tracking scandal. George W. Bush invoked executive privilege to shield his aides from accountability for the mass firing of US attorneys. The ultimate test of privilege came when the Supreme Court rejected Richard Nixon's argument that he could keep recordings of his Oval Office conversations from a special prosecutor. When questions of executive privilege are taken up in the courts, they take forever. Cases involving both Obama and Bush were not resolved until they were out of office. RELATED: Here's what happens if a congressional subpoena is ignored (and what it means for the January 6 committee) Eggleston cites Supreme Court cases from the Nixon era to argue it's actually President Joe Biden who should decide if Trump gets privilege now that he's out of office. "Under our system, the authority attaches to the office, not the human," Eggleston told Harvard Law Today. Trump's White House had an expansive but inconsistent view of privilege Trump initially used executive privilege to hide special counsel Robert Mueller's report on the Russia investigation from Congress and the public. He used it to hide documents related to the Census from Congress. Neither of those ultimately worked, but they were part of an attempted expansion of executive privilege. RELATED: Donald Trump is doing everything he can to hurt Republican chances in 2022 Trump simply released the damning transcript of his infamous phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, part of a nothing-to-see-here strategy to downplay the fact that he exerted political pressure on Ukraine to damage Biden. But then, as impeachment approached, many White House aides refused to cooperate with House investigators. They simply ignored subpoenas and refused to testify or turn over documents. This lack of cooperation became the basis for one of the articles of impeachment, but Democrats, who were in a hurry at the time, didn't pursue the subpoenas in court. Other witnesses -- the ones you saw testify against Trump -- ignored Trump and cooperated with investigators. He was impeached in the House, but Republicans in the Senate voted against convicting him. Not satisfied simply with privilege, Trump's lawyers later argued he was also entitled to "total immunity." The Supreme Court disagreed, deciding he could not hide his financial records from lawmakers and state authorities. A history of privilege Questions of privilege for presidents date back to George Washington, who didn't want to tell Congress exactly how the Jay Treaty with Britain was negotiated. Thomas Jefferson did it too, as I first learned when writing about Trump's claims of privilege back in 2019: When President Thomas Jefferson argued in 1807 that he didn't have to fully comply with a subpoena for documents, he was having his former vice president tried for treason for attempting to incite a revolution out West. The former-vice-president-turned-frontier-revolutionary on trial was Aaron Burr, of 'Hamilton' dueling fame. The Supreme Court, in the voice of Jefferson's foil Chief Justice John Marshall, disagreed with the President's argument, Jefferson ultimately coughed up the documents Burr wanted for his defense and Burr ultimately walked free. Richard Nixon worried he weakened executive privilege with his repeated attempts to invoke it. But Trump supercharged the concept of privilege with wild and blanket assertions that continue even after he's left office and to cover people like Bannon with no official capacity. Biden rejects Trump's privilege claim Presidents usually try to help each other out on executive privilege and defend each other's claims after they've left office. In a break with that tradition, Biden's administration told the National Archives to release documents relating to January 6 to congressional investigators. Trump could go to court to keep the documents sealed. These cases often take years and Trump probably won't have to wait that long. If Republicans take control of the House or Senate after the 2022 midterms -- and history suggests they will -- all of the January 6 inquiries will almost surely go away. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. WABASH VALLEY, Ill. (WTHI) - The Illinois Department of Health released COVID-19 guidance for Halloween. Health officials recommended hosting outdoor parties and wearing masks while indoors. They said traditional trick or treating is safe, especially in small groups. Health officials said you should stay home if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or show symptoms. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI)- The Terre Haute Fire Department number 5 installed a baby box to help mothers have a safe resource to leave their baby in times of desperation. This was made possible by the Safe Haven Baby Box Organization. The first baby box was installed in 2016 and since then 85 boxes are across the U.S. There are currently 68 boxes in Indiana. The increase of infant abandonment and death from abandonment has proven the need for these life-saving boxes. The founder of the "He Knows Your Name" ministry, Linda Znachko, shares why she is so passionate about providing baby boxes for mothers. "In 2009 there was a baby found in a dumpster in Indianapolis and that is what started "He Knows Your Name Ministry" Because finding a baby that was deceased you know just prompted me to ask some questions like what happens to babies like this?" says Znachko. Under the Safe Haven law, a person can give up an unwanted baby without fear of arrest or prosecution. This encourages more mothers to surrender their babies without having the fear of being reprimanded. "We're protecting the lives of children and we're also helping at-risk moms have other options and know that they can be resourced and they can be helped and make decisions in their desperate time of need," says Znachko. Fire Chief, Bill Berry, says although he hopes the box never has to be used, he is glad it is at his station just in case a mother feels she has no other option. "They've got a safe place. If they do not want a baby. If it's an unwanted baby in one place it's not gonna be an unwanted baby somewhere else" says Berry. The Safe Haven baby box staff also offers a 24-hour hotline for women to talk to a professional about surrendering their child. Click here for the Safe Haven Website. AMORY, Miss. (WTVA) - The Amory Lock on the Tennessee-Tombigbee (Tenn-Tom) Waterway has been renamed the Thad Cochran Lock & Dam. A ceremony was held at the lock on Friday, Oct. 15. Thad Cochran Lock & Dam in Amory, Mississippi. Photo Date: Oct. 15, 2021. U.S. Senator Thad Cochran was a Republican from Mississippi. Photo Date: Oct. 15, 2021. U.S. Senator Thad Cochran was a Republican from Mississippi. Photo Date: Oct. 15, 2021. Thad Cochran's widow Kay Webber Cochran talking with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (dark jacket) and others in Amory, Mississippi. Photo Date: Oct. 15, 2021. Thad Cochran's widow Kay Webber Cochran talking with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (dark jacket) and others in Amory, Mississippi. Photo Date: Oct. 15, 2021. Thad Cochran Lock & Dam in Amory, Mississippi. Photo Date: Oct. 15, 2021. The U.S. senator died in May 2019 at the age of 81. Senator Thad Cochran was a true public servant, and his contributions to Mississippi can be felt throughout our state, said Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves. An outstanding legislator and leader, renaming Amory Lock after Senator Cochran fittingly honors his life of service and legacy. Cochran, a Republican, served as representative for Mississippis 4th District in 1972. He was re-elected twice. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978. He retired from the Senate in 2018 due to declining health. At the time of his retirement, Cochran served alongside current U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, also a Republican. Following his retirement, then-Governor Phil Bryant appointed Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith to fill the vacant seat, which still holds today. Thad Cochran served the people of Mississippi with distinction in Congress for over 45 years," Wicker said. "I am proud to have worked with him to make the Tenn-Tom a reality and an instrument for job creation in our state and region." The Waterway opened to commerce in 1985. HOUSTON, Miss (WTVA) - Owner of Englert Farms, Caleb Englert has been growing sweet potatoes since he can remember. Englert said his harvest wouldn't be possible without the men who work hard in his fields. "A lot of hard work has been put into every potato that ends up on someone else's plate, he said. "If we didn't have them, it would be really difficult to do what we do" Englert and his employees got ready for sweet potato season in April. Even though the heavy rain during the summer ruined many of his potatoes, he's grateful to have hundreds left to ship around the country. "The potatoes we have now are fair and I'm very pleased," he said. Because of growers like Englert, Mississippi consistently ranks third in production. Englert said local potato farms not only help bring food to your table, they bring in a lot of money to the state as well. "This kind of been the heart and soul to this area. You know, when the sweet potato crop does good, all the other business do good," he said." Englert is also urging everyone to come out and support local farmers at the Sweet Potato Festival in November. MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) - After kicking off their Restoration Initiative a few months ago, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office finally has the funds they need to start. They were awarded $20,000 through the Walmart Strategic Initiative Fund. Sheriff Kevin Crook said this will help them with several needs. "They're a lot of classes--mental health, hopefully, that's going to help us with, anger management classes and parenting classes and things that we can get started back herewith." This program is particularly for inmates or those recovering from addiction to start a new life. Crook said with the right attitude, they can hopefully find a job in this area. "For those that want to change and wanna get their life going in a different direction, will have the tools and resources in place for them to do that." The office seeks partnerships with several churches and businesses in the county to help the inmates get back on their feet. Crook said there are several people already showing interest in the program for job placement. "I believe there's going to be some good that comes out of it." If you're interested in being in partnership, contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - The YWCA opened the REACH Service and Resource Center to provide multiple services for unsheltered population in one place on Thursday. The center is across the street from the YMCA and YWCA in La Crosse at 212 11th St South. Mayo Clinic Health System used to operate out of the building. Though the YWCA secured $1.4 million in grant funding for the new facility, it is a collaborative effort with Catholic Charities, Couleecap, Independent Living Resources and the Salvation Army. YWCA La Crosse Executive Director Lauren Journot said their mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote social justice for all in the the Coulee Region. The Reach Center is a hub for those struggling to keep or find housing. With dozens of people taking up residence in Houska Park, people will need to move indoors when the weather gets cold. Journot said there is a lot of confusion as to whether Couleecap or the Salvation Army is the right place for people to go. If all resources are in one building, it's easier to connect folks. "Or in some cases for our families and individuals in the community who are currently housed it can cause them to lose their housing because the process of going to different places takes so long," she said. "So this is a real attempt at keeping folks in their housing situations and getting folks into housing quicker." Journot said since day one, the REACH Services Center has already helped connect people to long term housing. It's services are available for people in La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon and Houston County. For more information email info@ywcalas.org/ or call 608-781-2783 Nicholas Braun plays Gregory Hirsch on HBO's "Succession." Peter Kramer/HBO Nicholas Braun spoke about how his role as Greg Hirsch on "Succession" has influenced his real life. The actor, 33, said filming a series about billionaires has made him "a bit desensitized to luxury." "It's not quite the same," Braun said during a panel at PaleyFest NY. HBO's "Succession," a show about a Murdoch-esque family of multi-billionaires, has impacted the way actor Nicholas Braun views extreme wealth and opulence. On the Jesse Armstrong-created series, the 33-year-old actor plays Gregory Hirsch, a character commonly referred to as "Cousin Greg" or "Greg the Egg." His grandfather is media tycoon Logan Roy's brother, giving Greg an opportunity to enter the ultra-wealthy Roy family's orbit. Suddenly, he's flying private, eating "kind of illegal" ortolan, and sipping rose on a recently refitted yacht. Braun is playing a role, of course, but that hasn't stopped him from taking in all of the wide-eyed newcomer's experiences. "I feel maybe a bit desensitized to luxury," he said during a panel at PaleyFest NY 2021, adding, "It's not quite the same." Alan Ruck and Nicholas Braun on "Succession." Zach Dilgard/HBO "Succession" filming has taken Braun to New York's finest hotels, East Hampton's colossal mansions, the UK's grand castles, Croatia's coastal towns, Italy's sprawling countryside, and beyond. And in season two, Greg gets the keys to a $6.4 million Tribeca apartment, given to him by his cousin Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) after he buys all five of the Shigeru Ban-designed building's units. "I'll pass a location we shot at in New York. While we were there, I was up in Greg's apartment and could pop right in and it was my place. Then, I walk by that building and I can't get in there now. I can't afford that place myself," Braun said. He added, "So it's a little bit of this, a little bit of that, but maybe a bit desensitized to it all." Story continues Nicholas Braun and Jeremy Strong on HBO's "Succession." HBO Braun is set to reprise his role as Greg on the show's forthcoming third season, which premieres on October 17. And, much to viewers' delight, there's a lot in store for the Roys' socially awkward relative. By the end of season two, he's wedged himself in the middle of a burgeoning civil war between Logan and Kendall by providing the latter with documents that could incriminate the former. Greg's next move is unclear. Will he stick by Kendall's side or go back to supporting Logan? Either way, some "Succession" fans are already rooting for the underdog to surpass the Roy siblings in the running for the company's next CEO. As for Braun, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of a Greg-led corporation. "I wouldn't want to destroy the fun of considering all the candidates," he told The New York Times. He went on, "Greg's got a long way to go. He often gets what he wants, through a mixture of guile and guilelessness. I leave it up to other people to judge whether he's a real succession candidate or not." Read the original article on Insider European pay-TV platform Sky will unveil an Italian adaptation of French hit series Call My Agent, and thriller series Europa, directed by German filmmaker Oliver Hirschbiegel, who helmed the Oscar-nominated Downfall, at an event Friday at the Rome MIA Market. The Italian Call My Agent remake is being produced by Palomar, the Rome-based company controlled by Frances Mediawan, which originated the hit show set at a Parisian talent agency (pictured). More from Variety Whereas Call My Agent is quintessentially Parisian, this will be quintessentially the [Rome-based] world of Italian cinema, Nils Hartmann, senior director of Sky Italia original productions, told Variety. Its a great homage to Italian cinema and the countrys star system, he added. Lisa Nur Sultan, who penned the successful Italian version of Liar, is the head writer, while Luca Ribuoli (The Mafia Only Kills in Summer) will direct, with plans to start shooting in 2022, and a planned playdate also next year. Elsewhere, in the Sky Original series Europa, a boat full of immigrants intersects in open sea with a luxury cruise ship and the topical theme of immigration takes a thriller twist. Europa is based on a book titled Bilal by Italian investigative journalist Fabrizio Gatti. The eight-episode series draws inspiration from events experienced and narrated by Gatti, who went undercover, infiltrated the ruthless, cruel underworld of economic immigration to Europe, and recounted his hellish journey amid the illegal trafficking of 28 African migrants. After rights to the book were taken by Germanys Pantaleon Films, ace Italian writer Stefano Bises (Gomorrah, Zero, Zero, Zero) came on board and germinated the idea of having a luxury cruise ship intercept and rescue a boat of immigrants that had caught on fire as a narrative device, so that the theme of immigration can be depicted in a way that has a genre element, Hartmann said. Story continues The immigrants discover that the cruise ship is traveling toward Tunisia and Libya and this is where the story becomes a thriller, he added. The Europa story takes place on the cruise ship full of Western tourists. After having intercepted and rescued the illegal immigrants, the stories of the crew and guests of the luxury liner are intertwined with those of the migrants when the latter having discovered that the ship is moving toward Africa, from which they departed decide to occupy the boat and take all its crew hostage. The show will tell the stories of its protagonists through two timelines. One in the present that sees them on the cruise ship and one in the past, which tells the story of each of them through flashbacks. The plan is to start in November on what is expected to be a 20-week shoot. The cast is being kept under wraps. Sky is aiming for a 2023 playdate for the show, which is set to play across its pay-TV services in Italy, the U.K. and Germany. Europa is being produced by Sky Studios with Pantaleon Films and Italys Indiana Productions. NBCUniversal will distribute it in the rest of the world. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In August, QAnon conspiracy theorist Ron Watkins shared a video he claimed showed ballot machines from Dominion Voting Systems could be remotely accessed to tamper with the results of a vote. At the time, he said the information came to him from a whistleblower. This week, a Colorado judge barred Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters from overseeing the countys upcoming November election in relation to a leak of voting machine BIOS passwords. Peters, who tweeted in support of former President Donald Trumps election conspiracy theories, invited a man named Gerald Wood to a meeting involving a trusted build software update that was meant to ensure the security of the countys voting machines. Peters claimed Wood was an administrative assistant transitioning to her office, but then later described him as a consultant she hired to copy information from the computers. Ahead of the meeting, Belinda Knisley, Peters deputy, sent an email to staff asking that they turn off the security cameras in the Election Department and not turn them back on until after August 1st. Knisley didnt explain the reason for her request, but it was carried out either way. On the day of the meeting, Wood photographed a spreadsheet that contained the passwords to the machines and copied over their hard drives. Following the meeting, the passwords were publicly posted to an online social media site. Peters directed the creation of the images of the hard drive, which was not authorized by law and which directly led to the decommissioning of Mesa Countys voting systems, facilitating the leak of sensitive data and exposed the countys voting system to compromise, Judge Valerie Robinson wrote in a decision spotted by Ars Technica. In a statement, Peters said she plans to appeal the decision to remove a duly elected clerk and recorded from her election duties. She went on to described herself as a whistleblower and called the case against her a power grab by Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold. Clerk Peters seriously compromised the security of Mesa Countys voting system, Griswold said in a statement. 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. The FBI and Mesa County district attorney are investigating Peters, but no criminal charges have been filed yet. Sobee, the service dog of the year Savannah Young / American Humane Communications Sitting in an overcrowded shelter in Georgia, abandoned by all the humans she had known and with less than 48 hours until her scheduled euthanasia date, boxer and pit bull mix Sobee needed a miracle. Half a country away, in Holts Summit, MO, U.S. Navy veteran Jason Howe was struggling with his return home from two combat deployments. PTSD left him fighting with depression and anxiety, especially in public spaces. To cope, he turned to alcohol and drugs, which only led him down deeper, darker paths. It was there, at the apex of these two stories, that Sobee and Howe found one another. RELATED: After Being Pulled from Tornado Rubble, Pit Bull Named Little Man Now Saves Others as Search and Rescue Dog Sobee was pulled back from the brink by K9s on the Front Line, a Maine-based nonprofit that is dedicated to providing trained, certified service dogs to veterans in need. In 2016, the nonprofit paired Sobee with Howe, who had heard about the program from a high school friend. The bond formed between dog and veteran was powerful and immediate. "Sobee helps me wake up with a sense of purpose," Howe tells Daily Paws. "Whenever I'm starting to have an anxiety attack, she's right there, putting her face up to mine, saying 'Hey. I've got you.'" Sobee's training, catered to Howe's needs, focuses on his anxiety. At home, she's a steady, calming presence who is trained to detect signs of an attack and mitigate them. In public, she's an alert partner, giving Howe a companion and quite literally watching his back. "I really don't like it when people approach me from behind," Howe explains. "So when someone walks up behind me, she won't bark, but she'll kind of back up against me and get between us." RELATED: Meet Cole the Deaf Dog: a Superdog Helping Students and Veterans Through Therapy Visits Sobee has made Howe such a believer in K9s on the Front Lines' mission that he's joined the ranks, becoming the nonprofit's point person in the Midwest. And Howe is not the kind of person who does things half-heartedly. In the three years since he's been training dogs, Howe's branch has paired 100 veterans with service dogs and was named Best Non-Profit Organization in both 2020 and 2021 by MissouriMagazines.com, among other prestigious community awards. Now, Sobee and Howe are finalists in American Humane's annual Hero Dog Awards, a program designed to spotlight the powerful, lasting impact these animals have on the humans and world around them. And when it comes to Sobee's impact, Howe has zero reservations. "If it weren't for Sobee, we wouldn't be talking right now," he says. "She might have been two days away from death, but she's the one who saved me." The United Kingdom is eliminating the requirement to get a COVID-19 PCR test for most vaccinated travelers later this month, a British official confirmed Thursday. Starting Oct. 24, fully vaccinated travelers will be able to opt instead for the cheaper and faster lateral flow test, Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps tweeted, adding it would "make traveling easier and simpler for everyone." The new rule will apply to any vaccinated traveler coming from countries that are not on the UK's red list, according to the government. This also applies to eligible travelers under 18. Earlier this month, the UK eliminated the need for vaccinated travelers from most destinations to get tested before departure, including from the United States. Travelers, however, must book a test to take on or before the second day of their trip. "Taking away expensive mandatory PCR testing will boost the travel industry and is a major step forward in normalizing international travel and encouraging people to book holidays with confidence," Shapps said in a statement. Travelers will have to book a lateral flow test with an approved private provider on the government's website, which they can do starting on Oct. 22. The government said travelers will have to take a photo of their lateral flow test and booking reference. Passengers arrive with lugagge at the Terminal 5 international arrivals hall at London Heathrow Airport Justin Tallis/Getty Images Travelers may also be able to book a test to take upon arrival at testing centers in some airports. "We want to make going abroad easier and cheaper, whether you're traveling for work or visiting friends and family," Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said in the statement. "This change to testing is only possible thanks to the incredible progress of our vaccination programme, which means we can safely open up travel as we learn to live with the virus." The decision to simplify travel to the UK comes as the U.S. prepares to open its border to vaccinated international travelers on Nov. 8, according to Reuters. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram. The United States is set to overhaul its travel restrictions Nov. 8, ushering in a new system that makes U.S. tourism possible for millions of fully vaccinated foreign nationals. "The US new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8," Kevin Munoz, White House assistant press secretary said in a tweet Friday. "This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent." The new travel system essentially drops the travel ban that has prevented most inbound travel from dozens of countries including most European Union member states, the United Kingdom and China since early 2020. Meanwhile, travelers from countries that were not part of the ban will face more stringent entry requirements with a new vaccine mandate. 'You feel lonely and left out': These fully vaccinated travelers want to visit the US. They may not be allowed in. Reuniting in the US: Travelers in Mexico and Canada plan their next US visit after new land border policy announced Entry requirements for foreign tourists Foreign national air travelers will need to provide proof of vaccination status to fly to the U.S. They will also need to show a pre-departure negative COVID test taken no more than three days ahead of boarding, according to a White House official not authorized to speak on the record. International visitors who cross land borders with Canada and Mexico or by passenger ferry for non-essential reasons will also be required to be vaccinated and show vaccination proof, the White House official continued. By January, foreign national travelers crossing land borders for both essential and non-essential reasons will need to be fully vaccinated. Travel to US: Foreign travelers with COVID-19 vaccines approved by FDA, WHO can enter the US in November The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization will be accepted for air travel. The White House official said the same will likely be true for land travel. Story continues As of Friday, vaccines approved for emergency use by the WHO include: Moderna Johnson & Johnson Pfizer-BioNTech Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield Sinopharm Sinovac The CDC confirmed Friday that it would accept a mix-and-match approach to vaccinations. Travelers who have any combination of FDA- or WHO-approved vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated. The new travel system also adds more stringent testing requirements for unvaccinated U.S. travelers. Vaccinated Americans will still need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than three days before departure. If unvaccinated, they will need to take a test one day before departure and test again upon arrival. Americans won't have to show proof of vaccination to board international flights to the U.S. A 'critically important' date Friday's announcement sheds more light on the upcoming travel policy changes, which were first announced Sept. 20. The government had initially said the new policy would go into place in "early November," leaving foreign nationals questioning when to make or adjust travel plans. Additional guidance from the CDC and other federal agencies is expected ahead of Nov. 8. Come explore with us: Sign up for our Travel newsletter Trade groups and tourists alike welcomed the news on Friday. The date is critically important for planning for airlines, for travel-supported businesses, and for millions of travelers worldwide who will now advance plans to visit the United States once again," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said in a statement Friday. "Reopening to international visitors will provide a jolt to the economy and accelerate the return of travel-related jobs that were lost due to travel restrictions." Nicholas Calio, president and CEO of airline industry trade group Airlines for America, said international travel has already seen an increase in ticket sales over the past weeks. "(We) are eager to begin safely reuniting the countless families, friends and colleagues who have not seen each other in nearly two years, if not longer," Calio said in a Friday statement. International travelers, many of whom have been separated from friends and family in the U.S. for nearly two years, took to social media once the news hit. 12 days before my due date! THANK YOU finally! #LoveIsNotTourism I'll be hugging my mam and dad next month for the first time in almost 2 years, and they will get to hug their first grandchild. https://t.co/q6pRECGMZi Christa Victoria Furr (@Christaaa1990) October 15, 2021 Crying in the library lmaoo it's officially happening. Travel ban is lifted after 570 days #LoveIsNotTourism maria (@SPunksoul) October 15, 2021 I was this close to rebooking my flights today to a later date! So glad I didnt!! #WEDIDIT #LOVEWINS #LoveIsNotTourism #lifthetravelban Annie (@QueenOfHartz4) October 15, 2021 Im not sure how to articulate what the end of the travel ban means to us. Im not even happy about it. Just relieved and exhausted. I dont blame anyone, it was a tough issue, but it feels like a weight has lifted. #LoveIsNotTourism Lorna McLean-Thomas (@LornaMcLeanTho1) October 15, 2021 Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US to allow vaccinated international tourists to enter country Nov. 8 Dean Smith has backed Emiliano Buendia to prove why Aston Villa made him their record buy. The 38million signing has not started any of Villas last four Premier League games ahead of Saturdays visit of Wolves. Buendia, who joined from Norwich in the summer, scored on his last start against Brentford in August but has been restricted to just 33 minutes since. Bills boss Smith said: We signed him because of the quality he gives us and we know what he can give us. He shows that every day in training and it wont be long before hes in the team. We have never put any pressure on trying to handle any price tag or numbers because the players arent in control of that. That is what someone is willing to pay for them. Their job is to go out and work hard every day and be ready to perform in the arena on a match day. I have seen a player there who is able to do that. Hes getting to where we want him to be. He got injured during pre-season so he was lacking the fitness in the first couple of games. He was getting up to speed, scored his first goal against Brentford, and then had to go off with Argentina. We played very well at Chelsea and decided to go with the same system and unfortunately he didnt get the nod in the Everton game. He has a lot of qualities but the one I have seen over the last three or four weeks is a drive and desire to succeed. I think all players need that and he has that in abundance. Douglas Luiz and Emiliano Martinez will only return from international duty with Brazil and Argentina on Friday and Smith expects to have them available for the derby. Leon Bailey remains out with a hamstring injury but he could be in contention for next Fridays trip to Arsenal while Bertrand Traore (thigh) is being assessed and Keinan Davis and Morgan Sanson are back in training. We will assess whether theyre going to be available to play or not, added Smith, on Martinez and Luiz. Emi played last night for Argentina, Douglas got the last 20 minutes for Brazil and weve also had players playing for Scotland, England, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe so weve had players all over the world. We want them back and we expect them to come back, then well assess whether theyre ready to play or not. Martinez and Luiz are obviously the latest ones to come back but theyll be in the squad. Oct. 15Chicago could become the central hub of a high-speed rail network for the Midwest, the starting point for four major passenger rail corridors, or "pillars," with trains rolling out at over 125 miles per hour to St. Paul, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Detroit. Chief among those pillars would be the Twin Cities, which would connect to the Windy City through some 24 high-speed trains per day. Another 16 trains, at still-elevated but slower speeds, could roll out to smaller markets such as Duluth, Fargo, Sioux Falls and Rochester. Given the recent history of passenger rail in the U.S., the Federal Railroad Administration's new "Midwest Regional Rail Plan" is nothing if not ambitious, and even proponents say if it rolls to fruition, completion would be decades away. The 40-year plan envisions a largely complete network by the year 2055. Nevertheless, the 198-page report released Wednesday by the FRA offers high-speed rail proponents hope. The concept of a coordinated rail network rather than just a single high-speed corridor presents "a milestone achievement that should be celebrated and heeded" on multiple fronts, said advocates with the High Speed Rail Alliance in a blog post Tuesday. "Their power lies in the way they would make connections much faster and easier between hundreds of cities throughout the Midwest." Rick Harnish, executive director of the Chicago-based Alliance, said multi-trillion dollar federal legislation around infrastructure makes regional planning even more likely, and could help states think beyond single city-to-city rail projects. Routes that don't have the ridership to justify high-speed rail lines on their own such as Minneapolis to Indianapolis, and Indianapolis to Louisville and Nashville could meet the threshold if they're all linked to a series of connecting corridors in a regional network. "The infrastructure bill is the foundation for getting things like this, instead of one-off projects," said Hornish, in an interview Thursday. "It allows us as a region to finally think about the long-term." Story continues That said, "I wouldn't call it a plan yet," he added. "It's more of a framework for getting the states engaged in doing the planning. But what it demonstrates, there is a market for high-speed rail between St. Paul and Chicago. This is an opportunity for Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois to get engaged in designing and constructing high speed rail between those cities, and the states need to step up and make it happen." Currently, a single train the Empire Builder makes an eastbound and westbound stop at the St. Paul Union Depot as it travels between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest at speeds no faster than a typical car and often slower, given delays caused by competing freight traffic. Ramsey County officials received $31.8 million in federal funding last year for a second Chicago-bound train, the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago Second Train, which could roll out in 2024. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Amtrak have also contributed toward the $53.3 million capital portion of the project. Brian Isaacson, Ramsey County's Deputy Director for Public Works Multi-Modal Planning, said the Federal Railroad Administration's new 40-year planning vision "did a good job of assessing the market outside of Chicago. ... This dovetails nicely with the work that the county has been doing to see the second train happen and to see the Union Depot as a strategic hub for the region, and for Minnesota. That's how we envisioned it for quite a while." The second train is expected to carry about 124,000 passengers between St. Paul and Chicago annually and would make the 411-mile trip in seven and a half hours. It would travel at a top speed of 79 mph. "Madrid to Barcelona is the same distance, roughly, and the express trains are doing it in 2 1/2 hours," Hornish said. "The frustrating thing is Egypt is building high-speed rail. Morocco has high-speed rail. Saudi Arabia has high-speed rail. And we don't. It doesn't seem that ambitious to me. It's a change of priorities, absolutely." The Power of the Dog KIRSTY GRIFFIN/NETFLIX Kodi Smit-McPhee in 'The Power of the Dog' "I've had this reoccurring thing [of] directors asking more from me, because I always am very subtle. That's just a rule of thumb for me," admits Kodi Smit-McPhee, 25. "I'd rather be told to bring more energy than turn it down a bit." He didn't have to worry about that with director Jane Campion on the Western The Power of the Dog, the celebrated filmmaker's first feature in a dozen years, which earned raves when it screened at Venice, Telluride, and Toronto. Smit-McPhee, who first gained notice in 2009's The Road, was well served by his instinct to underplay Peter a shy teenager who becomes an object of spite for a toxic cowboy (Benedict Cumberbatch) running a ranch in rural Montana in the 1920s. "I feel as if the audience will kind of underestimate Peter. He surprised me," Smit-McPhee says of what drew him to the character. "I love the idea that [you're] always wondering what Peter's thinking, or where he came from to become the person he is." While well suited to the actor, the enigmatic role also stretched Smit-McPhee: "Jane really challenged me," he says. "I just kind of let my gates down and took on every new technique that she threw my way. I trusted her and I trusted the people that I was working with, and I feel like I just learnt so much." Opening himself up to Campion's direction challenged the actor's own creative approach, but "what surprised me is the process of surrender," he says. "It taught me to have a lot more courage and belief in myself. You've got to go for it and try new, crazy, weird things. I think that's what made Peter really special, and I think it's what's going to make any character I play after this really special." Now, after more than a decade as a young star to watch, the Aussie is finally poised to break through to a new level with the understated and unmissable performance. "It feels a bit like it's paying off, everything that I've worked really hard for," he says. "This feels, in a strange way, like a new beginning." Story continues The Power of the Dog arrives in theaters Nov. 17 and hits Netflix Dec. 1. To read more from our Fall Movie Preview, order the November issue of Entertainment Weekly or find it on newsstands now. Don't forget to subscribe for more exclusive interviews and photos, only in EW. Related content: The Lehman Trilogy Julieta Cervantes Looking out from the burnt husk of 2021, the 2008 financial crisis seems almost quaint. Did we ever have so much faith in institutions and the infallibility of men in C-suite suits? One day Lehman Brothers was there, one of world's largest, sturdiest investment banks; the next it was gone, liquidated under a cloud of bankruptcy and recrimination. The Lehman Trilogy is about that, but not really: Stefano Massini's electric drama, which opens on Broadway tonight at the Nederlander Theater, is both an immigrant tale and an intimate history, a sprawling family saga and a comic tragedy. (Or is it tragic comedy?) It's also a quintessentially American story, though Massini wrote the original script in Italian and his words have been translated here for the stage by one Brit, Ben Power, and directed by another, Oscar winner Sam Mendes. The three actors in it, too, are all English, and each one a powerhouse: Simon Russell Beale (Candide, Jumpers, Uncle Vanya) plays the paterfamilias and original Lehman, Henry "the son of a cattle merchant, a circumcised Jew" who arrives from his native Germany in 1844, one of hopeful millions in search of life and liberty. Landing first in New York then Montgomery, Ala., he's soon joined by younger brothers Emanuel (former Hustle star Adrian Lester) and Mayer (The Great's Adam Godley), though they're equally known by the nicknames accorded to their place and relative value in the sibling order: Henry is the head, Emanuel the arm, and 19-year-old Mayer, the potato. (He's as smooth-cheeked as a tuber, and about as listened to). They're quickly conscripted into Henry's startup business selling fabric and clothing to the working poor of Montgomery, though none of it turns much of a profit until the potato he's got ideas, that little spud comes up with an expansion plan that involves moving raw cotton between the plantations and the factories, essentially inventing the concept of the middle man. Business leads the brothers to Manhattan, and the industrial boom there; soon they're not just brokers, they're a whole bank. And as the company grows, so does the family tree: new generations of Lehmans sprouting like so many saplings in the fertile ground of American capitalism. Story continues All of those roles, and dozens beyond them from drawling plantation owners to demure housemaids, toddlers to tightrope walkers are played by the core trio onstage, each one continuously conducting their own kind of speed-round master class in characterization. (The biggest laughs often come, not surprisingly, from the incongruity of watching grown men transform through sheer will and skill into coquettish women or small children.) Scenic designer Es Devlin who has conceived large-scale stage sculptures for operas and the Olympics, as well as pop stars like Billie Eilish, Beyonce, and the Weeknd contains all of it in an ingeniously designed glass office-space cube that spins on a lazy-Susan axle, with film projections behind it to indicate shifts in place and time: a cityscape, a cotton field, a world on fire. Mendes, whose resume stretches from American Beauty to two Bond films (he also won a Tony Award in 2019 for The Ferryman), has already brought lauded runs of Lehman to the Park Avenue Armory and London's West End, adapting it from its original five-hour runtime. The current version clocks in at a still-healthy three hours and 15 minutes with two intermissions and though it would be a stretch perhaps to say that that time flies, it does sing. The writing, with its poetic loops and repetitions and fourth-wall winks, is so ratatat clever and well-constructed that it feels both mechanically fit and virtuosic, and the acting is so consistently, exhaustively excellent that you want to give a medal and a cold compress to them all. As deeply flawed as its many characters can be ornery and petty and blind to their own faults the story rarely deigns to judge them. Instead, it lets them simply exist in the context of the dreams they're chasing and the crashing convergence of events that marked the century and a half their narratives move through: Civil Wars, stock-market crashes, all the ordinary loves and losses that make up a life. "Money is a ghost. Money is numbers. Money is air," one character declares ruefully, somewhere late in the third act. Whatever billions were lost on paper and how ever many essential truths about the Lehmans have been lost to history this Trilogy finds the thrill in letting them live again on stage: the heart, the hand, and the potato, spinning myth (and cotton) into gold. Grade: A Related content: Mom Loses Son, 19, to Suicide and Warns Others of High-Potency Marijuana Addiction: 'I'm So Angry' On the night Johnny Stack decided to take his life in November 2019, he drove his car to the top floor a six-story parking garage near his home in Lone Tree, Colo., turned off the engine and sat there staring at the numbers on his odometer. The 19-year-old college student and math whiz snapped a photo of the mileage reading and posted it, along with a cryptic message, on Snapchat. Then 40 minutes later Stack walked to the ledge and jumped to his death. "There was a video camera in the garage," says Johnny's mom, Laura, 52, trying to choke back tears while recounting her son's final moments in an interview in this week's issue of PEOPLE. "But I can't watch it. They say he stood there with his arms spread out like he thought he was going to fly off the building. And now he's gone and there's nothing we can do about it." RELATED: Mom Calls for Clearer Marijuana Edibles Packaging After 6-Year-Old Accidentally Eats THC Gummy While she can't bring back her son, Laura has worked tirelessly since his tragic death to try and prevent what happened to Johnny from happening to others. Before he died, he had spent five years battling an addiction to high-potency marijuana that left him convinced that mobsters were trying to kill him. "What happened to him is 100 percent preventable," she says. "I know that with all my heart." johnny stack Courtesy Stack Family Johnny's death is part of a frightening trend in Colorado, the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use for those over 21 in 2012. Between 2017 and 2019, the number of teens smoking or dabbing (when the drug is inhaled after being vaporized with a butane torch) high-potency concentrates known as shatter, wax and budder, rose from 20.3 percent to 52 percent, according to a recent study. "This isn't the same marijuana that people were using at Woodstock or in the early 1980s that had about 4 percent THC," says Dr. Chris Rogers, a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has seen increasing numbers of teen users with depression and suicidal thoughts admitted to his clinic in Aurora, Colo. Story continues Even more alarming, in the last five years THC (the chemical that gives pot its "high") is the number one drug found in the blood of teen suicide victims. RELATED: Bachelorette Katie Thurston Responds to Backlash Over Eating Edible: 'I'm Consuming a Legal Drug' High-potency products can contain up to 90 percent THC. These concentrates can also have devastating effects on users' mental health, leading to depression, suicidal ideation, psychosis, and schizophrenia. laura stack Matt Pangman Laura Stack "We learned that he'd been sober for weeks," recalls Laura, whose son who had a 4.0 GPA in high school and racked up a perfect score on his SAT test in mathematics had been diagnosed with cannabis-induced schizoaffective disorder and put on an anti-psychotic medication. "But he'd stopped taking his anti-psychotic medications that doctors had prescribed him and his psychosis came roaring back." Months after Johnny's death, Laura teamed up with Dawn Reinfeld, executive director of Blue Rising Together and mother of two teenagers, to use the story of her nightmare to push for a new state law that would restrict teens' access to these highly potent cannabis products. dawn and laura Matt Pangman Dawn Reinfeld (left) of Blue Rising Together and Laura Stack in front of the Colorado State House. In June, their efforts paid off when their bill was signed into law by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. The new regulations will limit the amount of concentrate products that 18- to 20-year-olds can buy in a single day, upgrade a statewide tracking system to prevent them from sidestepping the regulations by purchasing from different dispensaries, create stricter regulations on medical cards, and fund further research into how concentrates affect developing teen brains, among other things. But the pair's legislative victory is bittersweet for Laura, who knows the new regulations can't bring her boy back. stack family Courtesy Stack Family Last year she wrote a book The Dangerous Truth About Today's Marijuana about her family's ordeal and launched a foundation called Johnny's Ambassadors. "Marijuana took my boy's life and I'm so angry," say Laura, who now spends 80 hours a week talking to teens and parents via webinars and conferences about the dangers of concentrates. "This is my mission now because I missed everything and I didn't know anything." Prince William Erica Wilson Studio Silverback Prince William "This is where the magic happens," a proud Sam Teicher says as he takes a quick FaceTime video tour of the tanks where he and colleague Gator Halpern grow coral. Their farm in the Bahamas is at the forefront of efforts to restore blighted coral reefs both in the Caribbean and ultimately, they hope, around the world. The friends met in grad school where they bonded over a love for the oceans and sea. Now, years later, they've been recognized by Prince William's Earthshot Prize, which hopes to supercharge environmental innovation over the next decade by finding, rewarding and helping to scale up solutions to the climate crisis. Teicher and Halpern's company, Coral Vita, is one of 15 finalists awaiting Sunday's inaugural Earthshot Prize ceremony, when five winners will each receive $1.3 million advance their work. Halpern praises William who was inspired by U.S. President John F. Kennedy's wildly ambitious Moonshot initiative from the 1960s for making a bold, urgent commitment to repair the planet. "It's really inspiring to have a world leader of his stature put his energy and passion and focus to a movement that I think resonates so deeply with the younger generation," he tells PEOPLE. "Sam and I have known since we were teenagers that we wanted to devote our lives to the environmental movement," he says. "And this award is an incredible way to really elevate the conversation around climate destabilization and use the influence that Prince William and really the rest of the prize council has to show how important issue this is." Earthshot Coral Finalists In keeping with the ethos of the prize, Teicher and Halpern's brainwave started small when they were students pondering how they could make a difference. "It kind of started on our back porch, drinking beers and talking about how we can try to make coral farms," Halpern explains. Story continues When he was growing up in San Diego, California, Halpern spent "as much time as I could growing up on the beach and in the waves." He says he had been working in research projects but felt he "more, like, writing the obituary of these ecosystems" than helping them survive and thrive. So he decided along with Washington, D.C., native Teicher, whose love of the sea was born when he was taken scuba diving by his parents to take the plunge and try "something more entrepreneurial to try to address these issues more directly, that we really don't have much time to address." The statistics are scary. The pair say that half of the world's reefs are already dead, and scientists project that more than 95% of the world's reefs will be gone by 2050. But after working with leading research institutes to build what they say is one of the most high-tech coral farms, they believe the solution will be to restore the reefs by growing corals in ways that also make them more resilient. They are also able to do so at much faster rates than they would grow back in the wild. Notes Teicher, "We have seen some good success on initial test out plants where you're already seeing marine life returning some of these areas." Coral Vita harry lee/coral vita Winning the Earthshot Prize (they're in the Revive Oceans category) would enable them to scale up and increase the impact they can have. "We obviously would love to win the prize, but we certainly count ourselves as winners regardless," Teicher tells PEOPLE. "This is an absolutely incredible community. The other finalists are so inspiring. We're already thinking about the synergies that exist between us all and the different partners within the Earthshot community." He notes that Earthshot is already having an impact in its first year of the decade William has committed to the project. "There are a lot of people talking about Earthshot and these solutions and the other solutions out there," says Teicher. "We hope this is a way to put a spotlight on coral reefs as well as the hard work of so many scientists and local community leaders working to protect reefs around the world. There are millions of eyes on the television show, there's more to come once the prize is announced and it's 10 years into the future that they're keeping to this. The little I know from sitting here in Grand Bahama there's already good progress being made because of Prince William." Coral Vita harry lee/coral vita But, as the pair say, the best thing for the reefs would be to stop killing them off in the first place with pollution and climate change. "Restoration isn't a silver bullet," Teicher insists. "We still need to solve climate change too." Do you recognize Parker Doe? Those who may recognize Parker Doe or have information about what happened to her are asked to contact the Yakima County Coroners Office at 509-574-1610 or the Yakima County Sheriffs Office at 509-574-2500. Protecting and Promoting Local Journalism This story is part of the Protecting and Promoting Local Journalism Initiative, a project supported by the Yakima Valley Community Foundation with financial, training and technological assistance from Microsoft Corp. In Yakima County, the initiative is a collaboration between the Yakima Herald-Republic, El Sol de Yakima and Radio KDNA, whose journalists maintain independent editorial control of the project. To make a charitable contribution to the Yakima Valley Community Foundation's Community Journalism Fund, visit the foundation's website and click the Give Today button and select Community Journalism Fund. Yankton, SD (57078) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 51F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 31F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. If you watch enough old movies, you know that there are two types of bank robberies. The fir Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. 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 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 .... New Delhi: The auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami or Dussehra is marked today this year. Sharad Navratri started on October 7, coinciding with Durga Puja on 11th and finally culminates with Vijayadashami or Dussehra on the 15th respectively. Dussehra is celebrated as the victory of good over evil and how Ravana was killed by the virtuous Lord Rama. Vijayadashami Muhurat Timings: 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. DUSSEHRA CELEBRATIONS: 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. Happy Vijayadashami and Dussehra to all! New Delhi: In our country, varied cultures and traditions co-exist peacefully - and this is the beauty of India. There are various mythologies of our rich heritage and culture with many festivals celebrating humanity and solidarity. On Dussehra or Vijayadashami, we thought of sharing an unusual and less heard place where Ravana is hailed as the tragic hero and Lord Rama is not worshipped. WHY RAVANA IS HAILED IN GREATER NOIDA VILLAGE? We all know by heart that Dussehra is celebrated as the victory of good over evil and how Ravana was killed by the virtuous Rama. But in a village named Bisrakh in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh Ravana is the hero and not Lord Rama. It is believed that Ravana was born here and later he went on rule the golden citySri Lanka. The people of Bisrakh idolise Ravana and mourn our country's two biggest festivalsDussehra and Diwali as a mark to pay respects to the Maha BrahminRavana. They mourn Ravana's death on these two festivals while the rest of India burns the ten-headed Brahmin's effigy along with Meghnath (his son) and Kumbhkaran (his younger brother). According to local legend, Ravana was born to Vishrava and Kaikesi. He was the grandson of Pulastya. It is believed that Bisrakh derived its name from Vishravas, Ravana's father, who worshipped Lord Shiva. He even spent his childhood in the village. The legend has it that Vishravas once found a linga in the forest and established the Bisrakh Dhaam, also known as an abode of God. Vishravas, a Brahmin was married to Kaikesi a rakshasa princess. Vishravas's elder son by the first wife was Kubera, better known as the god of wealth, who ruled Lanka until Ravana became the king. Interestingly, as per local belief, fire sacrifices or call it yajnas as you may please, are held during the festival of Navratri, praying to Lord Shiva's linga form as a homage to Ravana. Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Dussehra and Vijayadashami! New Delhi: Shirdi Sai Baba is revered across the globe. His teachings and learnings by Baba have travelled through many years and devotees irrespective of their religion have shown utmost faith in the Satguru. SHIRDI SAI BABA: Not much is known as to when this Fakir of Shirdi was born but the name Sai was given to him by Mhalsapati upon his arrival at Shirdi. According to Sai Satcharita, Baba came to Shirdi when he was only 16-year-old. It is believed that he came along with a man who was coming for a wedding to the place. Many believe that Baba's date of birth happens to be September 28, 1835. Baba decided to stay put in Shirdi, so he found a perfect place. He sat under a Neem tree and meditated in yoga asana. After that curiosity grew among people as to who is this man who can sit motionless for hours. Some were intimidated by him while others rebelled against him. Gradually, the saint left the village and returned to the place after one year around 1858 to stay there permanently. DWARIKA MAI IN SHIRDI: Sai Baba turned a mosque into his temple, now better known as Dwarika Mai. The miracles of Baba are known to all and his teachings propagated spreading humanity and belief in the supreme entity. It is believed that Shirdi Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi on the day of Dussehra or Vijayadashami. So, during the Chaitra Navratri which falls in March-April, the Ram Navami day is celebrated as Baba's birthday and Sharad Navratri culminating on Dussehra is the day when Baba went Antardhyan. Both the days are observed in a huge manner at Shirdi Sai Baba's temple and Sai Baba Temple at Lodhi Road in New Delhi where devotees make a long queue just to get a glimpse and blessings of the lord. In fact, most Baba temples observe this day and seek blessings from the saint of Shirdi. Check a few pictures shared by ANI on Twitter. Delhi | People offer prayers at Sai Temple, Lodhi Road on the occasion of #Vijayadasami pic.twitter.com/9SExkfONsv ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 However, this time celebrations took place under strict COVID-19 protocol. Here's wishing everyone a Happy Dussehra and Vijayadashami. Om Sai Ram! New Delhi: After making a complete mockery of the publics trust and ransacking the entire state, the BJP has now stooped down to the extent of defrauding the employees of the MCD, which it rules over. AAP Chief Spokesperson and MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj on Thursday informed how the BJP has robbed of the employees of the MCD of the GPF payouts that they deserve. He said that instead of Rs. 1,232 crores, only Rs. 28 crores present in North MCDs GPF accounts. He said that the BJP leaders must answer where Rs 1200 crore went. Shri Bhardwaj further informed that not a single penny has been deposited into GPF accounts since 2014 by the BJP-ruled MCD and it hasnt paid GPF payouts to several retired employees till date. He further stated that Delhi BJPs Adesh Gupta must tell how the 1200 crore rupees vanished into thin air and how it will come back to MCD. The AAP Chief Spokesperson said that everyone knows BJP is packing their bags because they will be kicked out of MCD, but they should have the decency to tell the next party that will come in power how that money will be brought back. AAP Chief Spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj talked about how the BJP-ruled MCD is defrauding its own employees and said, We are all well aware of the fact that every company, private or government, has to implement a GPF deduction in the employees salary. Both the employee and the employer deposit equal proportions of money towards it and the money gets deposited into their GPF account. GPF money holds huge importance for an employee, especially in the case of those employees who are nearing retirement. GPF payouts are sought by them to fulfil their lifelong dreams of their childs marriage or building their dream homes. This money only gets collected after years of hard work and means a great deal to the employees. 'MCDs GPF accounts to have Rs 1232.45 cr but only have Rs 28cr kept aside' He added, When we sought answers to our queries from the MCD, we were apprised of the fact that there should be Rs 1,232.45 crore reserved for this exercise. This money belongs to two kinds of people, one, those who have retired and are waiting to be paid and the second, those who are still working and contributing to the funds. We learned that there are several such employees who have retired but have not been given their payouts. Their dues amount to rupees 38 crores 24 lacs. Whats even more shocking is that instead of the 1,232.45 crore rupees that should be with the North MCD for this purpose, only 28 crore rupees have been kept aside. Where did 1200 crore rupees go? How did such a large sum vanish into thin air? Even for the existing dues of 38 crore rupees, you only have 28 crores. 'Not a single penny deposited by MCD towards GPF payouts since 2014' This story doesnt end here. They havent deposited a single penny towards GPF since 2014. It is a matter of shame for all of us that the MCD is making deductions from the employees salaries, but theres no record of where it is going. Let us not forget that it is a criminal offence to not contribute towards the GPF payouts for employers. It goes for both private and government employees, Bhardwaj said. 'Adesh Gupta must answer where such a large sum of money go' Taking a dig at the BJP, Saurabh Bhardwaj said, The leaders of the BJP who havent got the GPF deductions deposited for 7 years now should have some shame at least? They looted the people of Delhi whenever and however they could. They extorted money when Delhiites were putting up linters; they robbed them in the name of cleaning garbage and now they are looting their own employees? We want to know where did the 1,200 crore rupees go?" "We want to ask Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta youre a councillor in the North MCD, youve been a Mayor, you know everything about the MCDs works. Please tell us where did these 1,200 crore rupees go and how will you bring this money back into the MCD? MCD runs on taxpayers money. The money you are defrauding your own employees of has come from the honest taxpayers income. Everyone knows you are preparing to pack your bags because youll be kicked out of the MCD, but at least the next party that will come into power, where such a large sum went so they can bring it back if you cant, AAP leader added. New Delhi: The government has given approval to 31 companies comprising 16 MSMEs and 15 Non-MSMEs (8 Domestic and 7 Global companies) under the Telecom PLI Scheme. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Promoting Telecom and Networking Products Manufacturing in India has been launched to realize the Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. As per Scheme and Scheme Guidelines, a total of 31 companies, comprising of 16 MSMEs and 15 Non-MSMEs (8 Domestic and 7 Global companies) have been found eligible and are being given approval under Production linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme of Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications. As per commitments given by applicants, these 31 applicants are expected to invest Rs 3345 crore in the next 4 years and generate incremental employment of more than 40,000 people with expected an incremental production of around Rs 1.82 Lakh Crore over the scheme period. The scheme is expected to boost domestic Research & Development of new products on which 15% of the committed investment could be invested. The PLI Scheme is being launched by DoT with the objective to boost domestic manufacturing in the telecom and networking products by incentivising incremental investments and turnover with total outlay of Rs 12,195 crore. The scheme is effective from 1st April, 2021. Investment made by successful applicants in India from 1st April, 2021 onwards and up to FY 2024-25 shall be eligible, subject to qualifying incremental annual thresholds. The support under the Scheme shall be provided for a period of five (5) years, i.e. from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, said an official statement. Live TV #mute New Delhi: One person was killed and 16 others were injured when an SUV ran into a religious procession at Pathalgaon in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh on Friday (October 15, 2021) afternoon, police said. The incident took place when residents of Bazarpara locality had taken out procession for the immersion of Goddess Durga idols, an official said. The deceased man was identified as Gaurav Agrawal (21). Two occupants of the vehicle, Bablu Vishwakarma (21) and Shishupal Sahu (26), natives of Singrauli in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, were later arrested from the outskirts of the town while the vehicle itself was found burning, he said. Locals claimed that the two were smuggling ganja and set the SUV on fire themselves to destroy evidence as they were being chased. Tension prevailed in the town and a large number of people gathered outside the Pathalgaon police station. , 50 pic.twitter.com/wzzHCF06lh Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) October 15, 2021 Terming the incident as "sad and heart-wrenching", Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the accused were immediately arrested and action has also been taken against some police officers who were prima facie found at fault. "An inquiry has been ordered. No one will be spared. Justice will be done to all. May the departed soul rest in peace. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured, Baghel tweeted in Hindi. Senior BJP leader and former chief minister Raman Singh demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the kin of the deceased. Singh tweeted a video of the incident and wrote, This video is very painful. In Chhattisgarh, the drug mafias have no fear of anyone. Will those taking out religious processions be crushed like this now. "Jashpur SP (Superintendent of Police) should be removed immediately. The kin of the deceased should be given Rs 50 lakh compensation and immediate arrangements should be made for the treatment of the injured, he demanded. Live TV New Delhi: There are many Ravanas are roaming amongst us who are neither afraid of the police nor laws. This was evident from the incident that occurred at the farmers' protest site on the Singhu border. Shocking visuals of a man's body with his left wrist severed was witnessed this morning. The body was found tied to an overturned police barricade lying in a pool of blood on the ground. It seems that the farmers movement has now been hijacked by Taliban-like elements. Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Friday (October 15) discussed the brutal killing of a Dalit man on the Singhu border. Hours after the incident, it came to light that some Nihang Sikhs were behind the heinous act over sacrilege. It was alleged that this person had insulted the Guru Granth Sahib. His arms and legs were chopped off and then was hanged and left to die. The deceased was identified as Lakhbir Singh who was a resident of Tarn Taran in Punjab. He was a Dalit. Usually, there is a lot of politics in our country in the name of Dalits. The opposition leaders of our country do not miss a single opportunity to play politics on the pretext of violence against Dalits. But today, everyone is silent on Lakhbir Singh's murder. The Nihang Sikh who can be seen in a video was repeatedly saying that those who insult their Guru will be punished like this. But the question is that even if this person had committed sacrilege, wouldnt it have been appropriate to hand him over to the police. But in this case, the man was lynched on the spot. The post mortem report revealed that Lakhbir Singh had more than 10 injury marks on his body and he died due to excessive bleeding. After the incident, the dead body with severed hands and legs was left hanging in a public place. Was this an attempt to scare the common people? Such acts have often been witnessed in Afghanistan as the Taliban use similar tactics to instill fear among the people. Haryana police have registered an FIR against some unknown people in this case and later a Nihang Sikh named Sarvjeet Singh was taken into custody. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has distanced itself from the incident. They said that they have nothing to do with the killers and the victim. What happened on the Singhu border shows that now this farmers movement has been hijacked by violent people. It has been captured by people who consider a terrorist like Bhindranwale as their role model. So now the time has come to end this movement. Farmers should think about calling it off and the government should also take strict steps to put an end to this movement. Live TV New Delhi: The Director of Education Bhushan Savaikar in a circular on Thursday (October 14, 2021) revealed that the state government has permitted the schools in Goa to reopen for physical classes for Classes 9 to 12 from October 18 with COVID-19 guidelines and standard operating procedures in place. An official on Friday said that in the circular the state Director of Education said that the Goa government decided to reopen schools for physical classes after consultation with an expert committee. The circular further stated that the department has asked managements and heads of educational institutions to take a decision, by considering the available infrastructure and local conditions, it was stated. Schools may, if required, initially follow a hybrid mode of teaching, that is, online as well as offline classes, the circular stated. The physical classes will be resumed with COVID-19 guidelines and SOP in places like mandatory wearing of face masks, regular temperature checks and sanitisation at the entry gates of institutions, and even the staff should be checked before entry. According to the circular, school functions and assemblies should not be conducted, till further orders from the state government. Meanwhile, Goa on Thursday recorded 68 cases of COVID-19 and two casualties that took the tally of infections to 1,77,356, including 3,335 deaths. The coastal state currently has 679 active cases. Live TV New Delhi: In a tragic incident, at least one person died and 14 were wounded in a collision between a Punjab roadways bus and a truck in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district on Thursday (October 14). Mandi Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri as cited by PTI said that the bus was on its way to Manali and the truck was returning from Manali side when they collided inside Aut tunnel. Himachal Pradesh | One person died, 14 injured in a collision between a bus and a truck inside the Aut tunnel in Mandi district today: Shalini Agnihotri, SP Mandi District pic.twitter.com/ShGT2sZCDV ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2021 While one of the persons died on the spot, 14 others suffered injuries and have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, she informed. The deceased was the truck driver named Ganesh Kushwaha (30) resident of Uttar Pradesh, Times of India reported. Moreover, the police started a probe after registering a case in this regard, the SP added. According to TOI report, there was a long traffic jam on the NH-3 after the accident which was cleared once the bus and truck were removed from the site. The 2.7 km-long Aut tunnel has previously witnessed accidents as well due to vehicles overspeeding and dangerous driving, the report said. (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: India on Thursday (October 14) termed the reports of violence in Bangladesh during Durga Puja "disturbing" and said the Indian High Commission along with the consulates are in close contact with the government and local authorities. Speaking at a weekly media briefing here, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said New Delhi has noted the prompt action of the Bangladesh government to ensure the control of the situation. Communal violence broke out in several places in Bangladesh on Wednesday after news broke on social media about the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran at a Durga Puja venue on the bank of Nanuar Dighi. Several incidents of vandalism at Durga Puja pandals were reported. "We have seen disturbing reports of untoward incidents, involving attacks on a religious gathering in Bangladesh. We note the government of Bangladesh has reacted promptly to ensure the control of the situation including deployment of law enforcement machinery," Bagchi said, when asked about India`s reaction to the incident. "We also understand the ongoing festive celebration of Durga puja continues with the support of the government of Bangladesh agencies and a large section of the public. Our high commission and our consulates are in close contact with government and other authorities and at the local level," he added. 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 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 the Nanua Dighirpar area over reports of "demeaning the Holy Quran" at a Puja Mandap, reported Daily Star. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a tough warning, saying anyone involved in the attacks on Hindu temples and Durga Puja venues in Cumilla will not be spared. "The incidents in Cumilla are being investigated. Nobody will be spared. It doesn`t matter which religion they belong to," she said while exchanging greetings with people of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja on Thursday. Live TV New Delhi: A day after India slipped to the 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th, the Ministry of Women and Child Development on Friday (October 15, 2021) issued a rebuttal to the publishers of the index. The Centre alleged that the report by the publishing agencies is devoid of ground reality". It also said that Concern Worldwide and Welt Hunger Hilfe have not done their due diligence before releasing the report. The ministry in a statement today said, It is shocking to find that the Global Hunger Report 20201 has lowered the rank of India on the basis of FAO estimate on proportion of undernourished population, which is found to be devoid of ground reality and facts and suffers from serious methodological issues. The publishing agencies of the Global Hunger Report, Concern Worldwide and Welt Hunger Hilfe, have not done their due diligence before releasing the report. The release by the Ministry of Women and Child Development went on to label the methodology used by FAO as unscientific. It also claimed there was no methodology to measure undernourishment. The methodology used by FAO is unscientific. They have based their assessment on the results of a four question opinion poll, which was conducted telephonically by Gallup. There is no scientific methodology to measure undernourishment like the availability of food grains per capita during the period. The scientific measurement of undernourishment would require measurement of weight and Height, whereas the methodology involved here is based on Gallup poll based on pure telephonic estimate of the population, the ministry added in the release. The release also stated that there were several issues with the methodology and said that the respondents were not asked anything about food support received from the government or other sources. The report completely disregards the Governments massive effort to ensure food security of the entire population during the covid period, verifiable data on which are available, it added. Live TV United Nations: India was re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term on Thursday with an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly, with New Delhi's envoy here describing the election as a "robust endorsement" of the country's strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. The 76th UN General Assembly held elections on Thursday for 18 new members of the UN Human Rights Council who will serve for a period of three years, starting in January 2022. India got 184 votes in the 193-member assembly, while the required majority was 97. "I am truly delighted at this overwhelming support for India in elections to Human Rights Council. It's a robust endorsement of our strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. We thank all UN Member States for giving us a strong mandate," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti told PTI. India's Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted, "India gets re-elected to the @UN_HRC (2022-24) for a 6th term with overwhelming majority. Heartfelt gratitude to the @UN membership for reposing its faith in India." "We will continue to work for promotion and protection of Human Rights through #Samman #Samvad #Sahyog #Samman #Samvad #Sahyog," India's Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted. Proud day for India India gets elected to UN #HumanRightsCouncil by a overwhelming majority As a democratic & pluralistic country adhering to fundamental rights, will continue to further #HumanRights issues Thank you colleagues of all UN Member States for your support pic.twitter.com/1UlvVmPC4e PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) October 14, 2021 India's current term was set to end on December 31 2021. For election for the term 2022-2024, there were five vacant seats in the Asia-Pacific States category - India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. The 193-member General Assembly elected by secret ballot Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, UAE and the USA for the 2022-2024 term on the Council. India's mission congratulated other UN Member States for their election to the Human Rights Council, which consists of 47 Member States elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly. The members of the Council shall serve for a period of three years and shall not be eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms. The membership is based on equitable geographical distribution, and seats are distributed among regional groups Group of African States (13), Group of Asia-Pacific States (13), Group of Eastern European States (6), Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (8) and Group of Western European and other States (7). As of January 2021, 119 of the 193 UN member States will have served as a member of the HRC. "This broad membership not only reflects the UN's diversity, but it gives the Council legitimacy when speaking out on human rights violations in all countries," the UN said. In 2018, the US under the Donald Trump administration had withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council. US Ambassador at UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Washington's election to the Council has "fulfilled President Biden's campaign pledge to rejoin the Human Rights Council" and the US will "work to ensure this body lives up to these principles." "Our initial efforts as full members in the Council will focus on what we can accomplish in situations of dire need, such as in Afghanistan, Burma, China, Ethiopia, Syria, and Yemen. More broadly, we will promote respect for fundamental freedoms and women's rights, and oppose religious intolerance, racial and ethnic injustices, and violence and discrimination against members of minority groups, including LGBTQI+ persons and persons with disabilities," Thomas-Greenfield said. "We will oppose the Council's disproportionate attention on Israel, which includes the Council's only standing agenda item targeting a single country," she said. She said the US, as a member of the Human Rights Council, will press against the election of countries with egregious human rights records and encourage those committed to promoting and protecting human rights both in their own countries and abroad to seek membership. "We hold others to our own standard: while we may sometimes fall short of our own ideals, we must constantly strive to be as inclusive, rights respecting, and free as possible." She added that in its new role as member, the US "can fully participate in the Council's work of protecting and promoting human rights. We will use every tool at our disposal, from introducing resolutions and amendments to wielding our vote when needed. Our goals are clear: stand with human rights defenders and speak out against violations and abuses of human rights. New Delhi: The aspiration for the principal's post in Bihars Motihari led to a violent brawl that was caught on camera. The video of two men fighting at a state education department office in Motihari soon hit social media and went viral. According to NDTV, one of the men who is seen pinned to the ground is a teacher named Shivshankar Giri, while the man who tackled him is the husband of Giris rival Rinki Kumari. The two teachers are pitched against each other for the post of principal at a primary school in Adapur. In the dispute over who will sit on the principal's chair, two teachers are fighting in Adapur of #Champaran district in Bihar. pic.twitter.com/JkJd3avhdQ Anirban Bhattacharya (@aanirbanbh) October 14, 2021 Giri and Kumari also got engaged in a heated argument over seniority and qualification for the job. The staff at the education office said this fighting has been going on for three months now. The tension turned into a physical brawl between Rinki Kumaris husband and Shivshankar Giri after the district education department asked the teachers to submit documents of their education and qualifications within three days. The video shows those present around trying to break the fight between the two men, however, seem amused by the ongoing scuffle. Block Education Officer Hariom Singh could not confirm the reason for the altercation but told NDTV, "We are investigating what happened. Live TV New Delhi: Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has withdrawn his resignation from the Punjab Congress chief post after his meeting with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday (October 15, 2021). After the meeting at Rahul Gandhis residence, Sidhu said, "I shared all my concerns with Rahul Gandhi. Everything has been sorted out. All India Congress Committee's in-charge for Punjab, Harish Rawat was also spotted there and told the media, He (Sidhu) shared his concerns with Rahul Gandhi. We have told him that his concerns will be taken care of here. He assured Rahul Gandhi that he has withdrawn his resignation and he will resume his duties as the PCC president. I shared all my concerns with Rahul Gandhi. Everything has been sorted out: Navjot Singh Sidhu after meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi pic.twitter.com/cdd6g6de4W ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 The development comes a day after an hour-long meeting with AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal and party general secretary incharge of Punjab affairs Harish Rawat at the AICC headquarters. After the AICC meeting, Sidhu had said that he has full faith in the leadership of party chief Sonia Gandhi and any decision taken by her will be acceptable. Sidhu had resigned as Punjab Congress chief on September 28 after he posted his resignation letter on Twitter. No decision on his resignation has been taken yet by the party leadership. During the meeting with Venugopal and Rawat, the Punjab Congress leader raised his concerns over the 18-point agenda taken by the leadership on which actions are pending. These include action against those involved in the sacrilege issue and the drugs mafia. Sidhu had recently raised objections over the appointment of the new Punjab Police chief and the advocate general. (With PTI inputs) Live TV New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday (October 15) said the countrys societal consciousness is still skewed with caste-based sentiments during his annual Vijaya Dashami address in Maharashtra's Nagpur. Calling Partition a sad history, the RSS chief said the truth of this history should be faced to bring back the lost integrity and unity. Partition of the country is a sad history, the truth of this history should be faced, to bring back the lost integrity and unity, the new generation should know that history, ANI quoted Bhagwat as saying. Our journey from 'Swadheehnta to Swatantrata' is as yet far from complete. There're elements in the world for whom Indias progress and its rise to a respected position are detrimental to their vested interests, he said. He alleged that efforts are underway to condemn India's traditions, religion and present history. If the religion that envisions a world based on the Sanatan value-system prevails in India then the foul play of those "selfish forces" will automatically be neutralised, he added. The RSS chief said, "When comparing and contrasting the present scenario with this ideal of independent Bharat one realises, our journey from Swadheehnta (independence/ Self-rule) to Swatantrata (self-model of governance) is as yet far from complete. There are elements in the world for whom Bharat`s progress and its rise to a respected position are detrimental to their vested interests." Speaking on the overpopulation issue, the RSS chief asserted the need for a population control policy. Population policy should be considered once again, the policy should be made for the next 50 years, and it should be implemented equally, population imbalance has become a problem, he added. Condemning the recent killings in Jammu and Kashmir on minority communities, Bhagwat said, Terrorists resorting to targeted violence in Jammu and Kashmir to instil fear. The Vijaya Dashami address of the RSS chief is considered the most important event as he underlines the future plans and vision of the organization. #RSSVijayaDashami event is being attended by Kobbi Shoshani, Consulate General of Israel, Mumbai pic.twitter.com/JJQMsK7WzJ ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 Ahead of his Vijaya Dashami address, Mohan Bhagwat also performed 'Shastra Pooja' at RSS headquarters and paid floral tribute to Poojaneeya Dr Hedgewar and Poojaneeya Guruji Golwalkar. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat performs 'Shastra Pooja' on the occasion of #VijayaDashami2021, in Nagpur, Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/O8ifCiFvRY ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 Israeli diplomat Kobbi Shoshani also attended the RSS Vijaya Dashami event as a guest. (With agency inputs) Live TV Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that anyone involved in the attacks on Hindu temples and Durga Puja venues in Cumilla will not be spared irrespective of which religion they belong to. She said they will be hunted down and given "appropriate punishments" in order to stop the recurrence of such communal acts, said a Dhaka Tribune report. "The incidents in Cumilla are being thoroughly investigated. Nobody will be spared. It doesn`t matter which religion they belong to. They will be hunted down and punished," she said on Thursday. Sheikh Hasina made the remarks while exchanging greetings with people of the Hindu community during an event at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja. Joining the program from Ganabhaban through a video conference, she termed the incident of vandalizing temples in Cumilla "very unfortunate." "We are getting a large amount of information. We will definitely trace those who carried out the attacks... This is the age of technology," she said, adding "They must be found. We did so in the past and will do it in the future, too. They must face due punishment. Exemplary punishment will be given so that none can dare to engage in this type of incident in future." According to Dhaka Tribune, the prime minister called upon all to work in unison and remain vigilant to stop the recurrence of such heinous acts, adding "Religion is for individuals and festival is for all and we enjoy every festival together." Hasina reportedly said that the Cumilla incident occurred at a time when the country was progressing towards development at full speed and it was aimed at hampering the journey of the nation`s uplift and creating a problem in the country. On Wednesday, tensions erupted among a faction of locals in Cumilla after news broke on social media about the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran at a Durga Puja venue on the bank of Nanuar Dighi. At one point, the situation began getting out of hand and riots started spreading to a number of Puja venues in the adjacent areas, said the Dhaka Tribune report. It further said that the local administration and police came under attack while trying to establish order. Similar incidents also occurred in different districts across the country on Wednesday night and Thursday, leading the government to deploy Border Guard Bangladesh troopers in 22 districts alongside additional law enforcement officials. There have been reports of several people getting killed during clashes in Chandpur, while dozens of people have been either injured in clashes or arrested by law enforcers in multiple districts until now. Prime Minister Hasina called upon the leaders of the Hindu community, particularly the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Committee, to formulate a policy to determine how many Puja mandaps will be set up across the country to celebrate the Durga Puja -- keeping in mind the constraint of security personnel to ensure safety and security of the mandaps. She reportedly urged the Hindu community not to consider them as a minority and perform their religious rituals with the same rights enjoyed by followers of other religions as they have born and brought up in the country and fought shoulder to shoulder to liberate the country during the 1971 Liberation War. Notably, 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 on Wednesday. Earlier in Cumilla, at least 50 people were reportedly injured as a group of religious extremists clashed with law enforcers in the Nanua Dighirpar area over reports of "demeaning the Holy Quran" at a Puja Mandap. Violence in Bangladesh during Durga Puja "disturbing": India Meanwhile, India has termed the reports of violence in Bangladesh during Durga Puja "disturbing" and said that the Indian High Commission along with the consulates are in close contact with the government and local authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said that New Delhi has noted the prompt action of the Bangladesh government to ensure the control of the situation. When asked about India`s reaction to the incident, Bagchi said, "We have seen disturbing reports of untoward incidents, involving attacks on a religious gathering in Bangladesh. We note the government of Bangladesh has reacted promptly to ensure the control of the situation including deployment of law enforcement machinery." He further said, "We also understand the ongoing festive celebration of Durga puja continues with the support of the government of Bangladesh agencies and a large section of the public. Our high commission and our consulates are in close contact with government and other authorities and at the local level." (With Agency Inputs) Live TV Udhampur: Reaching out to the Army's Northern Command troops looking after the operational area of Jammu and Kashmir, President Ram Nath Kovind broke away from tradition and had "bada Khana" with the soldiers and their families here on the occasion of Mahanavami, the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri, on Thursday. The president began his visit to the region on Thursday from the Union Territory of Ladakh, where he performed the Sindhu Darshan puja at the Sindhu Ghat in Leh, officials said. The Sindhu riverbank, known for its beautiful and scenic landscape, is situated near Shey village in Leh and is hosting a multitude of cultural programmes, including the Sindhu Darshan festival. The president was received by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, at the Leh airfield and was accorded a guard of honour. Late in the evening, Kovind arrived at the main ground of the Army's Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur. He was received by top officials, led by Kargil war hero and Northern Command chief Lieutenant General Y K Joshi, the officials said. The president interacted with the troops and their families amid "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" slogans raised by the soldiers. He enquired about the welfare of the troops and gave a chocolate to the child of a jawan. On the occasion of Mahanavami, the president had "bada khana" with the troops and their families, the officials said. Patriotic songs were sung by boys and girls at the venue and the troops of the Army's Sikh regiment showcased their martial arts skills before the president. Kovind will celebrate Dussehra with the soldiers of the Indian Army in Ladakh's Drass area, one of the coldest places in the world. He will be breaking away from tradition to celebrate Dussehra in Drass. The president usually participates in the Dussehra celebrations in Delhi every year. Kovind will fly to Drass from Udhampur along with the Army commander, where he will first pay tributes to the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War at the Kargil War Memorial. Live TV New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (October 15, 2021) said that the private and the public sector are working closely for defence preparedness of the country. The Defence Minister made this statement while addressing the launch event of seven new defence companies. "After liberalization, market reforms, the private sector is working closely with the public sector for the defence preparedness of the country. Today, defence manufacturing is seen as coordination of the private and public sectors," Rajnath Singh said at the event. The Defence Minister further said, "The functioning of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was studied by various high-level committees over the past two decades. Its objective was to promote self-reliance to improve the functioning, and defence preparedness of the Armed Forces by these factories." The Defence Minister also emphasised on the fact that in recent years, the defence industry had not only moved towards self-reliance but has gone beyond with exports to scale heights that were never possible till now. ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi launches 7 new defence firms, says 'more transparency in defence sector than ever before' "Today our country with its full capability and potential is all set to emerge as the defence manufacturing hub of the world," he said. At the event, Rajnath Singh also stated that since 2014, the union government has brought several reforms in the defence sector to create a conducive ecosystem for exports and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to encourage demand for indigenous products. Singh further said that the restructuring of OFB and converting it into seven corporate entities will give autonomy to these companies as well as help in improving accountability and efficiency in the functioning of 41 factories under the new companies. As part of the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factories, the Central government had launched seven new companies. The government is converting Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into corporate entities.These seven new defence companies will have 66 firm contracts worth Rs 65,000 crore from the three services and paramilitary forces. The new companies are - Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Troop Comforts Ltd, Avani Armoured Vehicles, Munitions India Limited, India Optel Limited, Gliders India Limited, Yantra India Limited. (With ANI inputs) Live TV New Delhi: The Ram temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya will open for devotees by the end of December 2023, Shriram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai told ANI on Thursday (October 14). Rai apprised that the construction work of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on at a fast pace and they aim to install the idol of Lord Ram in the sanctum sanctorum by 2023. "The construction work of Ram temple in Ayodhya is going on a fast pace and is satisfactory. By the end of December 2023, the doors of the temple will be opened for devotees," the general secretary said. He added that the second phase of foundation work will be completed by November 15, while the first phase of foundation laying was done in September. "Then we will start the work of temple`s pilanth (temple floor)," he noted. Further, Rai said the construction work is being carried at only during nights due to concreting work. The concreting should be ideally done at a temperature between 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Days are hotter these days, and but fortunately, the temperature of the night remains around 25 and 26 degrees Celsius. If the temperature rises, then the ice has to be added to the concrete," the news agency quoted him as saying. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Ram temple in August 2020 and called it a golden historic moment. (With agency inputs) Live TV Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday (October 15) asserted the need for a population control policy as population imbalance has become a problem. In his annual Vijaya Dashami address, Bhagwat said, Population policy should be considered once again, the policy should be made for the next 50 years, and it should be implemented equally, population imbalance has become a problem. The RSS chief said, "While reimagining the country`s development, one predicament comes to the fore which appears to concern many. The rapid growth of the country`s population may give rise to many problems in the near future," adding that "this challenge must be duly considered. A resolution was passed on this issue during the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (All India Executive Committee) meeting of Sangh held at Ranchi in the year 2015." "In the present circumstances, news of persecution of native Hindus, growing criminalisation and mounting pressure on them to escape their areas where imbalanced population growth has surfaced. The violence that broke out following the elections of West Bengal and the pitiable condition of the Hindu people there can also be attributed to the appeasement of barbarous elements by the government and population imbalance. Therefore, a policy that is applicable to all groups in the same fashion is imperative," the RSS chief said. "All of us need to inculcate the habit of considering the collective national interest above everything while coming out of attractive cobweb of milking the parochial group interests," he added. Bhagwat raises concern over Taliban, collusion of China-Pak The RSS chief showed concern over the geo-political changes in Afghanistan and questioned the intention of the Taliban, Pakistan and China while adding that our military preparedness on the borders needs to be strengthened. Bhagwat said, "We know the Taliban`s history. China and Pakistan support it to this day. Even if the Taliban changed, Pakistan didn`t. Has China`s intentions towards India changed? While dialogues should happen but we need to be aware, alert and prepared." The RSS chief said, "Their predisposition - passionate fanaticism, tyranny and terrorism in the name of Islam - is sufficient to make everyone apprehensive of the Taliban. But now China, Pakistan and Turkey have coalesced in an unholy coalition with the Taliban. Since Abdali, our north-western borders are once again a matter of serious concern." He further said that border security needs to be strengthened not just along the land border but also along the coastline where silent attacks take place, adding that the illegal infiltration from across the border should be completely curbed while adding that these infiltrators should be deprived of citizenship rights by creating a national citizen magazine. Bhagwat, who recently went to Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370, while praising the administration urged the government to take necessary measures to stop targeted killings in the valley. "Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have restarted the spate of targeted killings of nationalists especially Hindus. This is being done to destroy their morale and to re-establish the reign of terror in the valley. The government should fast track its efforts to curb and neutralise the terrorist activities," he added. Bhagwat further said, "Our ideals are our common ancestors. It is the grasp of this very fact that the country saw martyrs like Hasankhan Mewati, Hakimkhan Suri, Khudabaksh and Gaus Khan and a revolutionary like Ashfaqullah Khan. They are admirable role models for all." Pain of partition still hurts, says Mohan Bhagwat The RSS chief came out in support of the Centre`s decision to remember the pains of partition so that "repetition of that painful history will not happen" while recalling the sacrifices made by many freedom fighters when the country got its independence. "We still feel the pain of partition. We should know the truth of the history of partition. To reclaim the integrity and unity of the country, the new generation should learn about this history," said Bhagwat, adding that the animosity because of which partition happened should not be repeated and for this, it is vital to learn about partition. He said, "We should avoid repetition of animosity to remain united. The new generation needs to be conscious about self for an unbiased society which is a pre-condition for a united country. We need to welcome those who got separated from us." Mentioning Savarkar and Yogi Arvind to draw home the definition of the united self and country, Bhagwat said, "Savarkar has said that united Hindu society when it rises will speak about Gita and Vasudhev Kutumbkam, the world is one family and if we follow it, India will solve every dispute of the world." He, however, cautioned society against those who do not want a war-free peaceful society, and said, "There`re elements in the world for whom India`s progress and its rise to a respected position are detrimental to their vested interests. Efforts are underway to condemn India`s traditions, religion, present history. The attack on us is also micro and cultural. And such people have formed a coalition." 'Rights of Hindu temples must be handed over to Hindu devotees' Expressing concern over the state of affairs of some temples in the country, Mohan Bhagwat said the operating rights of such entities must be handed over to Hindus and its wealth be utilised for the welfare of the Hindu community only. According to him, temples of south India are fully controlled by the state governments, while in the rest of the country some are managed by the government, some others by devotees. Citing the examples of government-run temples like the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, he said it is being run very efficiently. Similarly, the Gajanan Maharaj temple at Shegaon in Buldhana district of Maharashtra, the Jhandewala temple in Delhi, which are operated by devotees, is also being run very efficiently. He, however, said, that "there is a loot where temples are not being run efficiently," adding that few temples completely lack any system of governance, as instances of misappropriation of movable and immovable assets of temples have come to light. Bhagwat said, "The wealth of Hindu temples is used for non-Hindus - who have no faith in Hindu Gods. Even Hindus need it, but it is not used for them," adding "It (the Supreme Court) has said that no one else can be the owner of the temple but God. The priests are only the managers. It has also been said that the government can take control of it for management purposes, but only for some time. But then it has to return the ownership. So a decision on this needs to be taken properly. And a decision also needs to be taken on how the Hindu society should maintain these temples." Bhagwat laments lack of control over content shown on OTT platforms The RSS chief expressed concern over the lack of control over the content shown on the OTT platforms, adding that now even children have access to phones due to classes being held virtually during the pandemic. "At present unregulated broadcasts of varied material on OTT platforms are open for everyone`s indiscriminate consumption," he said, adding "In the backdrop of the pandemic online education was to be introduced. School-going children are hooked to mobile phones as a rule. In the absence of prudence and a regulatory framework, it will become difficult to predict in which way and to what extent will this emerging phenomenon of contact with fair and unfair means sweep our society." "It is well-known to what extent anti-national forces wish to use these means. Therefore, the government must make efforts to regulate these affairs soon," he added. Notably, the Vijaya Dashami address of the RSS chief is considered the most important event for the organisation as it is during this address, future plans and vision are put forth for all to follow. It is from this stage that RSS stand on many issues of national importance is known. (With Agency Inputs) Live TV New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (October 15) paid homage to Vinayak Savarkar and hailed his contribution to Indias freedom struggle. After visiting the prison in Andaman and Nicobar Islands where Savarkar was kept while he served his sentence by the British government, Shah said that the freedom fighter turned the Cellular Jail into 'teerthsthan'. Savarkar turned Cellular Jail into a 'teerthsthan' (shrine). He gave a message to the world that you may mete out as much torture as you want but can't block his rights - 'making my country independent is my birthright'. Savarkar accomplished this here, said Shah. He also praised revolutionary Sachin Sanyal who was sent to Kala Pani twice. Today, I visited the cell of Sachin Sanyal and garlanded his portrait. It was an emotional moment for a person like me. Perhaps he was the only one among all these freedom fighters who was sent twice to 'Kala Paani', Shah said. The home minister further noted the contributions of West Bengal and Punjab in the freedom movement. West Bengal has made great contributions to our freedom struggle. When I came here, I respectfully read the list of the names of all the freedom fighters that were kept here until 1938. Bengal and Punjab have the pride of having the highest number of freedom fighters, he said. Shah is on a three-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands where he will be taking stock of various development initiatives. He arrived at Port Blair at around 3.45 pm today. He was received at Veer Savarkar International Airport by Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi and MP Kuldeep Rai Sharma, along with officers of the local administration, an official said. Shah, shortly after his arrival, visited the National Memorial Cellular Jail and laid a wreath at the Martyrs' Column. Live TV New Delhi: The Haryana police have registered a murder case under IPC 302 and 34 in connection with the gruesome killing of a man at the Singhu border on Friday (October 15). ADGP Rohtak Sandeep Khirwar said that the forensic team has examined the crime scene and collected vital clues. We have registered a case under IPC 302/34. The forensic team has examined the scene of crime. Postmortem is underway. We have some suspect names, will make headway soon, said Khirwar. We've registered a case under 302/34 IPC. Forensic team has examined the scene of crime. Postmortem is underway. We've some suspect names, will make headway soon: Sandeep Khirwar, ADGP Rohtak on death of Lakhbir Singh whose mutilated body was found this morning in Kundli, Sonipat pic.twitter.com/76QKnrtEwa ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 The mutilated body of the victim, Lakhbir Singh, was found tied to a police barricade with his hands chopped off. At about 5 this morning, a man's body was found tied to a barricade in a mutilated condition. We have collected vital clues from the crime scene, arrests are expected soon. The probe is on, said JS Randhawa, SP Sonipat. Copy of the FIR that has been lodged against an unknown person, in connection with the death of a man whose mutilated body was found hanging at the spot (Kundli, Sonipat), where farmers' protest is underway. pic.twitter.com/8uGwn8TrTz ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 Meanwhile, a Nihang group at the protest site on Singhu border had claimed responsibility for the brutal murder over sacrilege to the Sarbaloh Granth. The Nihangs said that the incident took place because Lakhbir attempted to commit sacrilege to the Sarbaloh Granth. It is been reported that this deceased had been staying with the same group of Nihangs for some time, said Samyukt Kisan Morcha in a statement. Condemning the incident, the SKM distanced itself from the Nihangs saying both the parties to this incident, the Nihang group and the deceased, have no relation with SKM. Live TV New Delhi: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, umbrella body of the protesting farmers, on Friday stated that a Nihang group at the protest site in Singhu border had claimed responsibility for the brutal murder of a man earlier in the day. The Nihangs said that the incident took place because Lakhbir attempted to commit sacrilege to the Sarbaloh Granth. It is been reported that this deceased had been staying with the same group of Nihangs for some time, a statement by the SKM read. Further, SKM condemned the killing and said that neither the deceased nor the Nihang group had any relation with Samyukt Kisan Morcha. SKM is against sacrilege of any religious text or symbol, but that does not give anyone the right to take the law in their hands. We demand that the culprits be punished according to law, SKM said. "We demand that after investigating the charge of conspiracy of murder and sacrilege, the guilty should be punished as per law. The United Kisan Morcha will cooperate with the police and administration in any lawful action," the farmers' union said. The mutilated body of the victim, Lakhbir Singh, was found tied to a barricade on Friday. A resident of Punjab' Tarn Taran, Singh, 36, used to move with the group. As per the FIR, the ASI was informed that Nihangs cut off the hands of the deceased and hung him on the iron barricade where he succumbed to his injuries. It is alleged that the man was caught while desecrating the Sikh religious holy book, however, there is no an official confirmation on the same. A case has been registered under section 302, 34 of the IPC, case filed against unknown people. The protest site at Singhu has been mired in controversies. Earlier, SHO Ashish Dubey of Samaypur Badli police station was attacked by protesters. In another incident, SHO Paliwal of Alipore police station was attacked by protesters with a sword. Some policemen of the Special branch were attacked by the protesters at one point. Live TV New Delhi: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha on Friday (October 15) issued a statement condemning the gruesome killing of Lakhbir Singh at Kundli. The group distanced itself from the Nihangs who have claimed the responsibility for the heinous act. We want to make it clear that both the parties to this incident, the Nihang group and the deceased, have no relation with SKM. The Morcha is against sacrilege of any religious text or symbol, but that does not give anyone the right to take the law into their own hands, said SKM in a statement. This peaceful and democratic movement is opposed to violence in any form, the statement added. SKM leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal alleged that there could be a conspiracy to give a religious colour to the farmers movement. (An) attempt is being made to make morcha into a religious issue, seemingly a conspiracy. It should be probed, Dallewal was quoted as saying by ANI. The deceased has been identified as Lakhbir Singh from Cheema Kala village of Punjab. The body was found near the staging area of the anti-farm law protest site where the farmers have been demonstrating against the three farm laws for the past 10 months. The police have registered an FIR against unknown persons. Copy of the FIR that has been lodged against an unknown person, in connection with the death of a man whose mutilated body was found hanging at the spot (Kundli, Sonipat), where farmers' protest is underway. pic.twitter.com/8uGwn8TrTz ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 Meanwhile, one Baba Balwan Singh has claimed responsibility for the act. He shared a Facebook live post in relation to the incident which was later removed. According to sources in Haryana police, some of the culprits have been identified based on the video and efforts are on to catch the absconders. Live TV Srinagar: A terrorist who was involved in a recent civilian killing in Srinagar was neutralised by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama encounter on Friday (October 15). The encounter broke in Wahibugh area of Pulwama district in the evening when security forces got the input that some terrorists are hiding there. The slain terrorist was identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh of Srinagar. Killed #terrorist has been identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh of #Srinagar. He was involved in recent #killing of #civilian (Mohd Safi Dar, PDD Deptts staff) on 2/10/21. AK 47 rifle was used in his killing. One AK rifle along with Mag/Amn recovered: IGP Kashmir, Kashmir Zone Police tweeted. Killed #terrorist has been identified as Shahid Basir Sheikh of #Srinagar. He was involved in recent #killing of #civilian (Mohd Safi Dar, PDD Deptts staff) on 2/10/21. AK 47 rifle was used in his killing. One AK rifle along with Mag/Amn recovered: IGP Kashmir@JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/raujwPoODT Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) October 15, 2021 A joint cordon and searches were launched by police army and CRPF. An officer said that as the suspected spot was cordoned the hiding militants fired on searching party which was retaliated and a encounter started. Live TV 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. Live TV New Delhi: Two Army jawans who were critically injured in an ongoing anti-terror operation that started on Thursday (October 14) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch died. Rifleman Vikram Singh Negi aged 26 years and Rifleman Yogambar Singh aged 27 years, both hailing from Uttarakhand, made the supreme sacrifice while fighting terrorists in Nar Khas Forest area in Mendhar. A counter-terrorist operation by the Army is in progress in the area of Nar Khas Forest in Mendhar, District Poonch since the evening of 14 October 2021. During the operation, there was heavy exchange of fire and in the ensuing gunfight Rifleman Vikram Singh Negi and Rifleman Yogambar Singh were critically injured and later succumbed to their injuries, said the Army in a statement. Rifleman Vikram Singh Negi and Rifleman Yogambar Singh displayed exemplary courage, devotion and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The nation will always remain indebted to these bravehearts for their supreme sacrifice for the nation, it added. Rifleman Vikram Singh Negi was a resident of village Viman Gaon in the Tehri Garhwal district, while Rifleman Yogambar Singh was a resident of village Sankari in the Chamoli district. The operation was still underway when the last report came in. Live TV Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday (October 15, 2021) launched a scathing attack on his former ally BJP, saying `Hindutva' was facing threat from those who used it to get power and the hunger for power was like "drug addiction". In a no-holds-barred attack, Thackeray, who is also the Shiv Sena president, virtually sounded the bugle for the civic polls in Mumbai and elsewhere in Maharashtra early next year. Hindutva faced threat not from outsiders but from "neo Hindus" and "those who climbed the ladder of power" using the ideology, he said, adding they will now "adopt the British policy of divide and rule". "Shiv Sena needs to guard against such designs and work for the unity of Marathi people and Hindus," he said, addressing the annual dussehra rally of the party at the Shanmukhanand Hall here. Maharashtra and the Sena were being targeted because his party broke off its ties with the BJP, he said. Accusing the BJP of maligning Maharashtra, he said, "They call Mumbai police mafia, what will you call the UP police then?" Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent statement that ancestors of all Indians were same, Thackeray asked, "Did the ancestors of opposition parties and farmers come from a different planet? Struggle for power is not good. Addiction to power is like drug addiction. In drug addiction, you destroy yourself and your family. But hunger for power destroys families of others," he said. Notably, Thackeray, who heads the Shiv Sena, said its and RSS's ideology was same, but paths were different. The BJP was now targeting the Sena and accusing it of being corrupt after the two parties parted ways, he said. "We were good when we followed you....Don't use the ED (Enforcement Directorate). Attack from the front. Our government will complete two years next month despite several attempts to topple it. I dare you to topple it," the chief minister said. Sena workers and people of Maharashtra should emulate the example of Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal which stood up to the BJP, he added. The BJP (its predecessors) made no contribution to the freedom struggle, Thackeray alleged. "You have not understood Savarkar or Gandhi....When you have no contribution (to freedom struggle), what right you have to speak about Gandhi or Savarkar," he asked. Thackeray's comments came days after Defense Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that Gandhi had advised Vinayak Damodar Savarkar to file mercy petition to the British when the future Hindutva ideologue was incarcerated in Andaman's Cellular Jail. The Maharashtra chief minister also demanded an open debate on Centre-state relationship and federal structure as well as atrocities against women as the country celebrates 75 years of Independence. "Centre's interference in powers of states should be discussed," he said. "I am Hindutva proponent and I am not ashamed of it. But as chief minister I treat all equally. Our Hindutva teaches us equality," he said. Thackeray also mocked the BJP for fielding a former Sena MLA, Subhash Sabane, in coming Deglur assembly by-election in the state. "The world's largest political party" has to import candidates even for assembly bypoll, he said. The chief minister also referred to the BJP questioning his government after recent incidents of drug seizure in Mumbai including one in which actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan was arrested. He asked if drug menace existed only in Maharashtra. "Drugs worth Rs 150 crore have been seized by state police recently while the focus is only on arrests of celebrities....Where is Mundra port where drugs worth crores of rupees were seized," Thackeray asked. Live TV Chennai: The elusive wild tiger MDT-23 was tranquilised and caged in the Masinagudi area of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu at around 2:30 pm on Friday (October 15). State Forest Minister Ramachandran said the successful capture operation was significant, given how the three prior attempts in the same region had led to the killing of the tiger. The captured predator is being taken to the Mysore Zoo in Karnataka for further treatment and care, following which a decision to rehabilitate it will be taken. This brings to an end a three-week-long operation to capture the tiger, which is said to have caused the deaths of livestock and two persons, thus causing fear among the local populace. The minister added that the 13 year old tiger, a full-grown male, had sustained multiple injuries during territorial fights with younger tigers. Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr Shekhar Kumar Niraj said that the tiger had been darted only once with a tranquiliser and that the attempts to do so on Thursday night were unsuccessful. Earlier in the day, pictures and videos emerging from the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) indicated that a wild tiger has been tranquilised and caged. Back then, there had been no official confirmation of it being MDT-23. A video showed the caged tiger being taken away in a truck. In another video, where forest staff are seen, background voices are heard saying that the net has to be removed, the tigers legs had to be tied and a pole had to be readied (ostensibly to help carry the animal). According to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, MDT-23 had been preying on livestock in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and adjoining areas since July this year. This predator is also said to have killed an individual on September 24, following which efforts were underway to track, tranquilise and capture it. Earlier this month, the Chief Wildlife Warden of Tamil Nadu had issued a Hunting Order in adherence to Section 11(1)(a) of Indias Wildlife Protection Act 1972. When queried about this hunting order, Chief Wildlife Warden Dr Shekhar Kumar Niraj had told Zee Media, This is not a man-eater tiger. The unfortunate instances of people getting killed were because they ignored the warnings and ventured into the forests where the tiger was roaming. What has been issued is not a shooting order, our first priority is to trap and capture the tiger. Shooting (if at all) will be the last resort. Queried on the course of action after capture, he replied that the tiger would be have to undergo medical examination by expert vets, following which a decision on moving it to a zoo or similar options can be considered. It is pertinent to note that adult male tigers hunting livestock and other captive prey are very rare, given that they have adequate wild prey in the vast expanse of the ecologically-rich Nilgiri Biosphere reserve where MTR is situated. Officials are also looking forward to finding out the reason behind this behavior. However, initial suspicion points towards multiple injuries that the tiger has sustained, thus making it weak and less capable of hunting wild prey. Live TV New Delhi: One Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and a soldier were killed in a counter-terrorist operation at Nar Khas forest area of Mendhar sub-division in Jammu and Kashmir`s Poonch district on Friday. According to a defence spokesperson, the Army officer and the jawan were critically injured on Thursday evening. Both of them succumbed to their injuries subsequently. 1 JCO, 1 soldier died in a counter-terrorist operation in Mendhar sub-division of the Poonch district, Jammu & Kashmir. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/LJ1l6Xyt40 ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2021 The counter-terrorist operation which is still underway. The terrorists are hiding in the dense forests of Rajouri and Poonch at a high altitude, due to which the Army had to face big casuality while trying to find them. The Indian Army troops along with CRPF, Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a search operation in the dense forest. According to police, vehicular traffic has been suspended on the highway between Bhimber Gali and Surankote. In the past five days since operation began, as many as seven army personnel including two JCOs have been killed in Dera Ki Gali forests. Live TV New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Medical Services Recruitment Board (TN MRB) has invited applications for Food Safety Officer posts. TN MRB is going to fill 119 vacancies of the Food Safety Officer on temporary basis in the organisation through this recruitment drive. It may be noted that the application process began on October 13. The interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of MRB- www.mrb.tn.gov.in. The candidates must note that the last date to apply is October 28. Tamil Naidu MRB recruitment: Vacancy details This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 119 vacancies of the Food Safety Officer on temporary basis in Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department. Tamil Naidu MRB recruitment: Application fee Candidates belonging to unreserved category will have to pay the application fee of Rs 700. Candidates from the SC/SCA/ST/DAP(PH) category have to pay Rs 350 as application fee. Tamil Naidu MRB recruitment: Selection process The candidates will be selected on the basis of the marks obtained in the written examination / CBT, duly following the rules of reservation and communal rotation of the Government of Tamil Nadu and other conditions prescribed in the notification. Tamil Naidu MRB recruitment: How to apply Step 1. Visit the official website of Tamil Naidu MRB- www.mrb.tn.gov.in Step 2. On the homepage click on online registration link Step 3. Register yourself Step 4, Fill the application form with required details Step 5. Upload all the documents required yo complete registration Step 6, Pay the application fee Step 7. Take a prinout for future reference Live TV New Delhi: Author Aditya Shukla's Tales of Zygorra has been released. The story of his latest novel revolves around a group of 10 teenagers from New York City who are mysteriously transported from their summer camp to the alternate dimension of Zygorra. Can this eclectic mix of characters and personalities work together to achieve a common goal - finding their way home? Well, this can be known only after reading the book, right! Aditya Shukla graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cornell University in May 2019. He currently works in the financial sector in New York City. Aditya was born in Adelaide, Australia, and spent his early childhood in Mumbai, India, before moving to New York, where he went to the United Nations International School and subsequently Cornell University. An avid reader of the fantasy genre since his childhood days, Aditya captures the thrill of his reading experience in his book, Tales of Zygora. Tales of Zygora - a fiction novel was released on September 6, 2021, with worldwide availability. New Delhi: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan will stay in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail at least for six more days as the court, after hearing arguments, posted the matter for orders on October 20, 2021. Along with Aryan, two other accused - Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha, have sought bail from the court of V V Patil, special judge for cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. After his COVID-19 reports came negative, Aryan Khan was shifted to the general barracks of Jail and is now undertrial N956. The NCB has arrested 20 people in connection with the cruise party drugs case so far including 18 males and 2 females - all lodged in separate jail barracks. It has been learnt that because Aryan is an undertrial, he will be allowed to wear his own clothes. He has three pairs with him, as of now. ARYAN KHAN - N956 UNDERTRIAL Aryan Khan has received a money order of Rs 4,500, three days back from his mother Gauri Khan. He can buy anything from the Jail Canteen with this money. According to the jail rules, every prisoner can spend only Rs 4500 a month, and that money is sent to the jail by money order. Jail Canteen has the following items: Bread, Namkeen, Bhel, Pandyachi Batli, Vada Pav, Bhajia Pav, Samosa, Chicken Thali, Egg Thali, Mineral Water, Juice Appearing for the NCB, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh claimed that there was evidence to show that Aryan Khan was a regular consumer of drugs for the last few years. He also reiterated the charge of conspiracy against Aryan, based on his WhatsApp chats. Since his arrest, the NCB has maintained that though nothing was recovered from him personally, Aryan's WhatsApp chats revealed his links with drug peddlers. Based on a tip-off that a rave party was scheduled on a cruise ship, an NCB team raided the Goa-bound Cordelia cruise on October 2 evening and allegedly seized drugs. Several persons including Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha were arrested. (With PTI inputs) NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday (October 15) questioned actor and dancer Nora Fatehi in connection with Rs 200 crore money laundering case lodged against conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. According to reports, Nora was confronted by the probe agency sleuths with Sukesh. Reports claimed that Nora had met Sukesh and his wife Leena Maria Paul and had received expensive gifts during an event. Nora deposed before the investigators in response to the ED summons issued against her earlier asking her to join the probe on Thursday. It was the second time when the ED summoned the Moroccan actress-dancer for questioning in connection with the case. The agency had examined Fatehi last month too. Nora Fatehi grilled for over 8 hours in money laundering case According to ANI, the actor reached the ED office at around 11.30 am and was quizzed for almost 8-9 hours yesterday. Agency sources say Nora was called to ascertain connections to the accused. The ED has also summoned Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez to appear before investigators on Friday for questioning in the case. However, Jacqueline failed to appear before the ED for the second consecutive term after which the probe agency issued a third summon to the actress on Friday. The ED case is based on an FIR filed by Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who is accused of cheating and extorting Aditi Singh, wife of the former promoter of Religare Enterprises Shivinder Mohan Singh, who was arrested in October 2019 in a case related to alleged misappropriation of funds at Religare Finvest Ltd. ED found a fleet of 16 luxury cars at conman Chandrashekhar's sea-facing bungalow Both Chandrasekhar and his actor wife Leena Maria Paul were arrested by the Delhi Police last month for their alleged role in the duping case. Both Chandrasekhar and his actor wife Leena Maria Paul were arrested by the Delhi Police last month for their alleged role in the duping case. The ED suspects that Chandrasekhar had extorted money from several people while he was in jail. The ED officials had recently conducted raids at Chandrashekhar`s sea-facing bungalow in Chennai and had found a fleet of 16 luxury cars worth crores of rupees. At the time of the incident, Chandrashekhar, accused in 21 cases, was lodged in Delhi's Rohini jail and was running an extortion racket from behind the bars. A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the ED remand of Chandrasekhar for a further period of 11 days, and that of Leena Paul by 16 days. On October 9, both were sent to three-day ED remand. Earlier this month, the ED had arrested two aides of jailed conman against whom the Delhi Police recently invoked stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Chandrashekhar was allegedly running the cheating and extortion racket in connivance with jail officials and some associates outside. NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a third summon to Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez as she skipped the questioning on Friday in connection with its ongoing probe in Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked to conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. As per official sources, Jacqueline has now been asked to be present at the ED office by 11 am on Saturday as her questioning is significant in the case as a witness in the alleged multi-crore extortion racket operated by Chandrasekhar. This is the second time when the actress did not turn up to ED summons. Jacqueline was summoned to appear last month too but she did not join the investigation that time due to some reason. She was again summoned earlier this month with direction to appear before the investigators today (October 15). Earlier, the ED questioned the actress here in August. The federal agency recorded Fernandez`s statement in its more than six-hour questioning here in August end.Another actress Nora Fatehi was also questioned by the ED here in connection with the same case for the second time on Thursday. ED is looking into various people who are directly or indirectly connected to this case.Reports suggest that the ED is looking into the possibility that money was invested abroad and it was led by Chandrasekhar, who is accused in 21 cases. This ED case is based on an FIR filed by Delhi Police`s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Sukesh Chandrasekhar who is accused of cheating and extorting Aditi Singh, wife of the former promoter of Religare Enterprises Shivinder Mohan Singh, who was arrested in October 2019 in a case related to alleged misappropriation of funds at Religare Finvest Ltd. Chandrasekhar and his associates reportedly took money from Aditi after posing as government officials and promising to get bail for her husband. Chandrasekhar reportedly persuaded Aditi to transfer money by impersonating a central government official over a spoof call while he was lodged in Rohini jail and promised to manage bail for her husband. Both Chandrasekhar and his actor wife Leena Maria Paul were arrested by the Delhi Police last month for their alleged role in the duping case. The Delhi Police has so far arrested 13 people in connection with the case.The ED suspects that Chandrasekhar had extorted money from several people while he was in jail. ED officials had recently conducted raids at Chandrashekhar's sea-facing bungalow in Chennai and had found a fleet of 16 luxury cars worth crores of rupees.At the time of the incident, Chandrashekhar was lodged in Delhi`s Rohini jail and was running an extortion racket from behind the bars. A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the ED remand of Chandrasekhar for a further period of 11 days, and that of Leena Paul by 16 days. On October 9, both were sent to three-day ED remand. Earlier this month, the ED had arrested two aides of jailed conmen against whom the Delhi Police recently invoked stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Chandrasekhar was allegedly running the cheating and extortion racket in connivance with jail officials and some associates outside. NEW DELHI: Bollywood actress-dancer Nora Fatehi was on Thursday summoned and interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with Rs 200 crore money extortion case. The actress' spokesperson has now issued a fresh statement on the matter. Asserting her cooperation in the ongoing probe with ED officials, the statement read, "To whomsoever it may concern. On behalf of Nora Fatehi, we would like to clarify the various conjectures floating around amongst the media. Nora Fatehi has been the victim around the case and being a witness, she is co-operating and helping the officers in the investigation. We would like to make it very clear that she has not been a part of any money laundering activity, she does not know or have any personal connection with the accused and has been called by ED to strictly help with the investigation. We would like to request our fellow friends in the media to refrain from slandering her name and making any statements before any official information is released." Along with Nora, it was also actress Jacqueline Fernandez who was summoned in the same case. However, the 'Race 3' actress skipped the ED questioning after which the probe agency issued a third time summon to the actress on Friday. Jacqueline was summoned to appear last month too but she did not join the investigation that time due to some reason. She was again summoned earlier this month with direction to appear before the investigators today (October 15). According to ANI reports, the ED is looking into the possibility that money was invested abroad and it was led by Chandrasekhar, who is accused in 21 cases. This ED case is based on an FIR filed by Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Sukesh Chandrasekhar who is accused of cheating and extorting Aditi Singh, wife of the former promoter of Religare Enterprises Shivinder Mohan Singh, who was arrested in October 2019 in a case related to alleged misappropriation of funds at Religare Finvest Ltd.Chandrasekhar and his associates reportedly took money from Aditi after posing as government officials and promising to get bail for her husband. Chandrasekhar reportedly persuaded Aditi to transfer money by impersonating a central government official over a spoof call while he was lodged in Rohini jail and promised to manage bail for her husband. Both Chandrasekhar and his actor wife Leena Maria Paul were arrested by the Delhi Police last month for their alleged role in the duping case. The Delhi Police has so far arrested 13 people in connection with the case. The ED suspects that Chandrasekhar had extorted money from several people while he was in jail. ED officials had recently conducted raids at Chandrashekhar's sea-facing bungalow in Chennai and had found a fleet of 16 luxury cars worth crores of rupees. At the time of the incident, Chandrashekhar was lodged in Delhi's Rohini jail and was running an extortion racket from behind the bars. New Delhi: Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has recently advised that the PF subscribers should file their e-Nomination so as to assure social security to the family of the account holder. Once a PF Subscriber has done hie/her e-Nominaton, no further physical document will be required. EPFO has started the facility of e-nomination for its PF subscribers. After this information like name of the nominee, date of birth will be updated online. EPFO had tweeted this important update for all salaried classes. (Also read --How to change name in PF account after marriage Step by step process explained here) You can follow these easy steps to file EPF/EPS nomination digitally. - Visit EPFO website - Go to Services - For Employees - Click Member UAN/Online Service - Now, log in with your UAN and Password - Select E-Nomination under "Manage Tab" - Click "Yes" to update family declaration - Click "Add Family Details". You can add more than one nominee also. - Click "Nomination Details" to declare total amount of share - Click "Save EPF Nomination" - Click esign to generate OTP - Submit OTP sent to your registered mobile number linked with Aadhdaar - Your e-Nomination will thus be registered with EPFO Live TV #mute New Delhi: Collectors around India are earning lakhs of rupees by selling their old and rare collectable coins and notes. If you also own such notes or coins, you can also rake in real cash real quick. In one such case, an old Rs 1 note is selling for lakhs of rupees on online classifieds platforms such as Olx, Quikr and IndiaMart. Old notes and coins are indeed in great demand. So, if wish you to earn quick money, then you should sell Rs 1 note online. Heres how When things such as coins and notes get old, they fall into the antique category, which is currently in great demand in the international market. So, in exchange for such coins, numismatics or collectors of old coins and medals as well as notaphilists, who collect old notes, can you decent amounts. Whats so special about Rs 1 note that were talking about? The Rs 1 note in the question is the first note of 1 rupee that was printed on 30 November 1917. The note has a picture of King George 5th. The printing of the note was stopped in 1926 but soon started again in 1940. Such notes are now rare and highly collectable. How to sell old coins and notes? Step 1: For selling your old currency notes and coins, you first need to register on an online classifieds platform such as OLX. Step 2: Create your login ID and password. Step 3: Create an online listing for your online note. In this step, you need to upload the pictures of old coins and notes that you wish to sell. Youll also have to enter details such as how old is the currency and what makes it worthy enough. Step 4: After creating the listing, interested buyers will contact you. Kindly negotiate them before selling your valuable old coins and notes. Customers can sell their old and collectable notes via other classifieds websites such as Indiamart.com CoinBazzar and Quikr, where thousands of buyers are looking to buy valuable currencies. Also Read: KTM RC 125, RC 200 unveiled in India, prices start at Rs 1.82 lakh Apart from this, on another website indiamart.com, you can auction the note by creating your ID. You will need to share a photo of your note for the auction. Along with this, you can also sell your notes on sites like CoinBazzar and Quikr. Also Read: India 6th most affected country by ransomware in list of 140 countries: Google New Delhi: An employee of the Military Engineer Service (MES) working in the chief engineer office at Rajasthan's Jodhpur was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, the police said on Thursday. Gajendra Singh, 35, resident of Delwara village in Sirohi district was passing on information of strategic importance to a Pakistani woman he was communicating with via WhatsApp. Singh a Class IV employee used to move files and letters and operate a photostat machine in the chief engineer office of the Military Engineer Service. A senior official with the police Umesh Mishra said that Singh would click photos of important files on his mobile phone and share them with the Pakistani woman. "Based on intelligence inputs about him, 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 Singh's mobile phone was examined in Jaipur and they found evidence of information of strategic importance exchanging hands alongwith obscene chats following this he was placed under arrest. The accused was in contact with the handler for the last two months and she trapped him under the guise of meeting and marrying him. New Delhi: Apple has taken down one of the world`s most popular Quran apps in China after a request from Chinese officials, the BBC reported. Quran Majeed is available across the world on the App Store, and has nearly 150,000 reviews. However, Apple removed the app at the request of Chinese officials, allegedly for hosting illegal religious texts, the company said. The Chinese government has not responded to a request for comment. The deletion of the app was first noticed by Apple Censorship - a website that monitors apps on Apple`s App Store globally, the report said. The Chinese Communist Party officially recognises Islam as a religion in the country. However, China has been accused of human rights violation, and even genocide, against the mostly Muslim Uyghur ethnic group in Xinjiang. It is not clear what rules the app has broken in China. Quran Majeed says it is "trusted by over 35 million Muslims globally", the report added. Last month, both Apple and Google had removed a tactical voting app devised by jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Russian authorities had threatened to fine the two companies if they refused to drop the app, which told users who could unseat ruling party candidates. China is one of Apple`s biggest markets, and the company`s supply chain is heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing. Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Central employees to get bumper gifts before Diwali, could get bonuses from 3 places Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has been accused of hypocrisy by politicians in the US for speaking out about American politics, but staying quiet about China. Also Read: THIS old Rs 1 note can fetch you lakhs of rupees, check how to sell online New Delhi: Since the onset of the pandemic, the demand for IT services has grown manifold, leading to a surge in the hirings of fresh graduates. Top Indian IT firms such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro and HCL Technologies are on a hiring spree, planning to hire more than one lakh fresh college graduates. Some of the firms have reported their massive hiring plans in their recent earnings calls. Other companies such as Wipro and Tech Mahindra, along with global IT giants such as Capgemini are also planning to hire thousands of tech graduates in the coming months. However, the increasing attrition rates are going to play a key factor in how the hirings go for the tech giant. TCS on a hiring spree In its latest earnings call, Indias largest IT company TCS announced fresh hiring plans. The company said that it is planning to hire more than 35,000 graduates in the coming months in the ongoing financial year. If TCS plans to achieve its target, then the tech giant would have hired more than 78,000 fresh graduates for the full financial year. In the first half of the ongoing financial year, the tech giant hired more than 43,000 graduates. Infosys bumper hiring The rising attrition rate is also daunting Infosys. The company has already announced that it plans to hire 45,000 fresh college graduates in the ongoing financial year. The company was previously targeting to hire 35,000. So far, in the second half of the ongoing financial year, the tech giant has already hired more than 8,100 fresh graduates. Wipro CEO and MD Thierry Delaporte said, "We will continue to aggressively build on this. We are well-positioned to hire 25,000 freshers in the next financial year." Also Read: Ampere Magnus EX electric scooter launched in India, runs 121 Kms in single charge --Check price and other details HCL Tech hiring Just like other tech companies in the space, HCL Tech is also ramping up its hiring game. The company plans to hire 20,000-22,000 college freshers to meet the burgeoning demand for IT services. Also Read: Flipkart Big Diwali Sale 2021 to start from October 17: Top deals on smartphones New Delhi: Competition inside Bigg Boss 15 seems to be going on a great note. Vishal Kotian, Karan Kundrra, Pratik Sehajpal, Shamita Shetty and Tejasswi Prakash have emerged as strong contenders in the house. On Friday's episode, housemates continue the 'Zehar Ka Kehar' task, with Shamita Shetty being the 'sanchalak'. The Deer Team members - Afsana Khan, Donal Bisht and Ieshaan Sehgal asks Bigg Boss to change their machine as they were not able to perform in the task because of it. Bigg Boss asks the housemates if they want to continue performing the task or should he announce the decision. The majority of the housemates chose to continue the task. The task commences and Shamita announces Deer Team as the winner in the fourth round. Donal eliminates Karan Kundrra for elimination. After the four-round ends, Miesha goes to Ieshaan and hugs him, however, he snubs her saying she didn't check on him even once when he was bleeding. He accuses her of showing an attitude towards him during the task. Soon after, they hugs and make peace. Akasa's reaction to Ieshaan ignoring Miesha was to be noted here. In the fifth round, Shamita announces Deer Team as the winner. Afsana sarcastically takes a dig at Shamita for being unfair. Karan is seen discussing with Afsana that they made a huge mistake by choosing Shamita as the caption of the house. Afsana asks him if she is wrong in picking fights with Shamita as she goes on to claim that the latter has been ignoring her completely in the house. Karan supports her while asking her against getting weak. Bigg Boss announces that Jay, Tejasswi, Akasa and Vishal can enter the main house. The winning team is also rewarded with luxury baskets each. Shamita and Pratik ask Jay and Vishal about the map. However, they say that they do not have it with them as the junglevaasis changed the location of the house. Next morning, housemates wake up to 'Kajrare' song. Nishant tells Karan that he can't trust Vishal and Jay. Karan says Junglewaasis are happy that Vishal and Jay have moved out of the jungle area to the main house. Karan tells Vidhi not to share details about the map to Simmba, Donal and Afsana. The buzzer is heard and Karan, Ieshaan and Vidhi collect the pieces of pathway from the cave. Akasa runs to snatch the pieces from the junglevaasis, however, her top gets unbuttoned after Afsana tries stopping her. Meanwhile, a fight ensues between junglevaasis and Mukhya Gharwale, and everyone is seen pouncing upon each other. Shamita asks Afsana not to pull Akasa's top again, however, the latter retorts calling her 'Battameez'. Jay shouts at Afsana for kicking Akasa while securing the map. Meanwhile, Mukhya Gharwale manages to get a part of the house. Afsana comes to the bathroom area to clarify her stand and says Akasa keeps her shirt unbuttoned everyday and I pulled her top what was wrong. Shamita and Afsana get into a heated argument about this when the latter calls her 'Buddhi aurat'. She went on to call Tejasswi 'naukrani'. Housemates were surprised to see Afsana using cuss words against others. Afsana goes to main house to clear up things with Akasa and twists her words. Karan discusses with Vidhi about Afsana's aggressive nature. Afsana tells junglewaasis that she would bring out personal things about Tejasswi. Karan and others warn her against doing so. Later, Bigg Boss slams the contestants for their physical aggression and warns them not to do so. Pratik and others apologies to everyone. Beijing: China has agreed to support and participate in the World Health Organisation`s (WHO) fresh probe to trace the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic that has globally infected 21.9 crore people while claiming 45.5 lakh lives. The WHO, this week, launched a new task force -- Scientific Advisory Group on the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) -- of 26 global experts, and called it "the last chance" to find the COVID-19 origins. It is nearly two years since the virus was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, yet the question of how it first emerged remains unclear. Several studies/probes into the origins from scientists, governments, and independent groups have not yet solved whether the virus jumped from animals to humans in Wuhan markets or leaked in a lab accident. While China, since the beginning has strongly refuted the lab leak theory, its Foreign Ministry said the country will "continue to support and participate in" (the probe), the South China Morning Post quoted it as saying. At the same time, Beijing has also called on the global health body to uphold an "objective, scientific" approach, stating that it will aoppose any political manipulation`, the report said. "China will continue to support and participate in the global scientific origins tracing, and resolutely oppose any form of political manipulation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian was quoted as saying on Thursday (October 14). Zhao also appeared to leave the door open to future field missions in the country, the report said. A joint WHO-China inquiry, whose findings were released in March this year, had dismissed the possibility that the virus had emerged accidentally from a laboratory as "extremely unlikely". Undermining its own report, Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in July, proposed a second phase of studies in Wuhan, which includes audits of laboratories and markets in the city, citing that the investigation had been hampered by a lack of data and transparency from China. On Thursday, Zhao said that the first probe should be the foundation for future work and "adhere to a global perspective", the SCMP reported. China had, initially, rejected the second probe accusing the WHO of "arrogance" and a "disrespect for common sense". The proposed members of the SAGO group include six experts who visited China as part of the previous team. Besides Covid, SAGO will also look into the origins of other high-risk pathogens, the BBC reported. SAGO`s work may be the "last chance to understand the origins of this virus", Michael Ryan, the WHO`s emergencies director, was quoted as saying. Live TV New York: A former Taliban commander previously accused of kidnapping an American journalist is expected to plead not guilty on Friday (October 15) to murdering three US troops in Afghanistan in 2008. US prosecutors in Manhattan last week unsealed new charges against Haji Najibullah, who prosecutors say was a Taliban commander in Afghanistan`s Wardak Province, which borders Kabul. Taliban fighters under Najibullah`s command attacked a US military convoy, killing US Army Sergeants First Class Matthew Hilton and Joseph McKay, Sergeant Mark Palmateer and their unnamed Afghan interpreter, according to an indictment unsealed on Oct. 7, 2021. Andrew Dalack, an attorney for Najibullah, said his client would plead not guilty to the charges, which include providing material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, murdering US nationals, kidnapping and hostage-taking. The Taliban in August retook power in Afghanistan, almost 20 years after being ousted in a US-led invasion. Washington is pressing the Taliban to release a kidnapped American and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed for extremist groups. Senior US and Taliban officials held their first face-to-face meeting in Doha, Qatar, over the weekend. The latest indictment comes a year after prosecutors accused Najibullah of kidnapping an American journalist in 2008. Though prosecutors did not identify the journalist, a law enforcement official familiar with the matter told Reuters last year that the case involved David Rohde. Rohde, a Pulitzer Prize winner who is now at The New Yorker and previously worked for Reuters and the New York Times, escaped in 2009. Najibullah, who pleaded not guilty to the kidnapping charges, is expected to appear on Friday (October 15) before US District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. He faces life in prison if convicted. Live TV In a video that has gone viral, North Korean soldiers were seen smashing bricks with their heads, lying on glass and other extreme forms of combat display as Kim Jong-un watched them with a wide smile on his face. The video was aired by the country's state-run television station KRT and has since gone viral on social media. The soldiers were seen performing multiple shows of strength smashing items, breaking free from chains, laying on glass and throwing knives. Kim Jong Un was seen looking at the extreme martial arts demonstration at a defence exhibition in Pyongyang on October 11. The event was organised to mark the 76th founding anniversary of North Korea's ruling party. The supreme leader watched the show from the stands while sitting next to his sister Kim Yo Jong and senior North Korean military officials. Pakistan's national flag carrier on Thursday suspended flight operations to Afghanistan due to what it called "security concerns", hours after the Taliban government threatened to ban the airline unless it reduced the fare on the Kabul-Islamabad route to previous levels. A spokesperson for the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) confirmed the development, saying Kabul operations of the airline will remain suspended until further notice, Dawn newspaper reported. There are currently two airline carriers--PIA and Afghanistan's privately-owned Kam Air--which operate chartered flights to Kabul with high fares. On Thursday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid asked the PIA and Afghan Kam Air to reduce fares on the Kabul-Islamabad route to previous levels or face a halt to their flight operations. A letter from Afghanistan's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation asked the PIA and Kam Air to bring down the airfare for Kabul-Islamabad flights to the level that existed before the Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. PIA has been the only foreign carrier operating regular flights out of Kabul. Tickets to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, had been selling for up to 10 times the August rate, the BBC Urdu reported. A massive shortage of seats has resulted in one way tickets from Kabul to Islamabad selling for as much as USD 2,500, it said. The letter in Pashto and Dari languages was issued by Mujahid and was also posted on the official Facebook page of the Afghan Aviation Ministry. "Information has been conveyed to PIA and Kam Air private company to bring down 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 letter said. It asked passengers to contact the ministry in case the prices of the tickets were not changed. Abdullah Khan, the PIA spokesperson, said that the airline had kept flying in and out of Kabul under "difficult circumstances" when others had ceased their operations. "The PIA evacuated around 3,000 people after the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan," he said, 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 airline's captains and staff endangered their lives but still kept the evacuation process going. Earlier, PIA sources had accused the airport operators in Kabul of treating PIA staff in a highly unprofessional manner and deliberately wasting PIA flights, costing the airline millions of dollars in insurance, BBC Urdu reported. Live TV New Delhi: Plans are underway for the formation of an Afghan government in exile. This government is expected to include Afghan leaders like Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, Amrullah Saleh, Ahmad Masood, Salahuddin Rabbani, Abdul Rashid Dostum, Muhammad Mohaqiq, Mohammad Hanif Atmar. The group, which was to meet in Tajikistan earlier could not meet but is expected to meet soon. Tajikistan in the region has been the most public critic of the Taliban regime. It is learnt that both Amrullah Saleh, Ahmad Massoud who led the resistance from Panjshir against the Taliban have been in Tajikistan in the past few weeks. Massoud, the son anti-Soviet military leader Ahmad Shah Massoud has been a thorn for the Taliban even as the group had been keen to patch with him, something that did not work. Interestingly, Afghan missions globally still continue to work as they were under the Afghan republic under President Ghani. Even in countries like Pakistan, the Taliban hasn't taken over the Afghan mission. The missions continue to work, facilitating the transfer of Afghans back to Afghanistan, The development comes even as Friday marked two months since Kabul's fall to the Taliban. Kabul fell to the Taliban on 15th August, and since then no country has recognized the government that was announced. The Taliban govt is seen non-inclusive with no representation of women and minorities like Hazaras. Of the over 30 members of the cabinet, 17 are listed on the UN terror list. International community seems to be in wait and watch mode as Taiban is seen breaking its commitments, but patience is running out thin. Turkey is currently playing a key role in terms of mediation with Taliban. Taliban's foreign minister Maulvi Amir Khan Mottaki was in Turkey and met the Turkish Foreign minister Cavusoglu. In Ankara, Mottaki was keen for legitimacy by the international community. Taliban is keen to get more humanitarian aid, and launch direct flights between the 2 countries. But the engagement hasn't prevented the host Turkey from-- not placing Taliban flag alongside talks with the visiting delegation, something that did not go unnoticed. Earlier, Muttaqi was in Qatar and held talks with representatives of the US Department of State, the first since the fall of the Afghan Republic. Next on agenda will be Moscow hosted talks on 20th of this month. India, Pakistan, China will be present at the talks. In response to a Zee Media question at the weekly presser on Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We have received an invitation for the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan on October 20th. We will be participating in it. I don't have a final confirmation who will be attending but it's likely that we will have it at the Joint Secretary level." The biggest worry the country faces immediately is the onset of winters and dire need of humanitarian assistance. While pledges have been made, more assistance needs to be delivered on the ground as no buffer stocks of food have been put in place under the Taliban regime so far. At the G20 virtual meet on Afghanistan hosted by Italy, the biggest worry was humanitarian assistance. During the G20 meet PM Modi emphasized the need for the international community to ensure that Afghanistan gets immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. Live TV